"I began to hope I was rid of him.

What does he want now ?" He opened the letter and read-- "Dear Comrade,--You have not answered my last three letters, and I feel quite anxious to know of your welfare.

You will be pleased to hear that I have arranged to take my leave home during the coming autumn--" The Captain put the letter down with an exclamation which startled the sparrows on the window-ledge, and set the breakfast cup shaking in its saucer.
"Coming home!" he gasped.

Then he read on.
"I look forward to inquiring personally after your health and prospects, in which, as you know, my dear fellow, I am much interested.

It would be very nice of you, as the only friend I have in England, to ask your old comrade on a visit to you in your comfortable quarters.