I'm quite prepared to turn to and straighten out any tangle that may have arisen since I left." "I'm sure you'd do your best, J.J."-- the Major dropped naturally into his old way of addressing his friend by his initials--"but I don't think you can help us this time." Major Kent sighed heavily and struck a match.

His pipe had gone out.
"I certainly can't," said Meldon, "if you won't tell me what it is that troubles you." "It's that damned Simpkins," said the Major.
"Simpkins may or may not be damned hereafter," said Meldon.

"I offer no opinion on that point until I hear who he is and what he's done.

He can't be damned yet, assuming him to be still alive.

That's an elementary theological truth which you ought to know; and, in fact, must know.