"They call me 'Brick' Hamlin--a subtle reference to this crown of
glory."

"But it is n't red," she insisted swiftly. "Only it shows a little
bright with the sun on it, and I am not going to call you that. I
don't like nicknames. What did they call you before you went into the
army? When--when you did know good women?"

The Sergeant bent his head, and then lifted his gray eyes to the girl's
face.

"I had almost forgotten," he confessed, "but I'll tell you--David
Carter Hamlin; there, you have all of it--my mother called me
Dave--could you, once?"

"Could I?" laughingly. "Why, of course; now, Dave, we will have
breakfast."

"And I am quite ready for it--Molly."

The girl's cheeks reddened, but their eyes met, and both laughed.




CHAPTER XI

A REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST