did." Skinny is some sport.

Some of our training officers has seen active service in the front
line trenches. Yesterday was visiting day in camp; after drill, as
pretty a "Jane" as I have seen in this neck of woods asks one of 'em
did he croak a Fritz, while on the other side? "I sure did," sed he
"with this mighty rite hand." Whereupon, this "bunch of peeches" grabs
his hand and kisses it. Skinny 'lowed as how _he_ would have told her
he bit him to deth. That's Skinny, he's strong for the "Janes." Don't
peeve up Julie, a lot of 'em down here fall for me, but I let 'em
lay; exceptin for a few I've saw, you have 'em all lashed to the mast
howlin fur mercy.

Seems to me like we don't do anything down here but walk. It's a
wonder to me that all of us don't walk in our sleep. I was telling
Skinny we should have joined the cavillry, but Skinny said no; He
'lowed as how if he ever had to retreat he didn't want to be bothered
with no horse.

Yours truly and affectionately,

BARNEY.

[Illustration: "I'll bet 5 bucks I go higher than you."]




Dere Julie: