The old boyish expression had vanished, there were firm lines round the mouth and a resolute look in the eyes, which had not been there before.

A few months in the trenches, and a baptism of fire, had transformed the careless, happy-go-lucky lad into a man.

Tears glistened in Winona's eyes as she bent down to kiss him.

It was hard to see her active brother lying helpless and suffering.
[Illustration: "THE BARRIER WAS DOWN AT LAST"] "Oh, I'm better now," he replied in answer to her inquiries.

"I don't have pain all the time.