And for once Lane saw the thin white face softening and glowing.

Maynard's big brown eyes were full of tears.
"Guess I left my nerve as well as my leg over there," he said.
"Blair, it's so good to get back that we're off color," returned Lane.
"On the level, I could scream like a madman." "I'd like to weep," replied the other, with a half laugh.
"Where's Red?
He oughtn't miss this." "Poor devil! He sneaked off from me somewhere," rejoined Maynard.
"Red's in pretty bad shape again.

The voyage has been hard on him.

I hope he'll be well enough to get his discharge when we land.

I'll take him home to Middleville." "Middleville!" echoed Lane, musingly.