"A new one here. I don't know her name. She came last week. I saw
her when she got here. I was on duty at the K.O.'s office when
she reported. She had a letter from some one on the surgeon-
general's staff. But why Bruce should have gone for her to-day--
or for any woman--is more than I can see. She was scared half to
death. It's lucky she heard the surgeon order him shot. She'll
suppose he's dead, by now. And that'll cure her scare. We must
try to keep Bruce away from this end of the street till he goes
back to headquarters to-morrow."

As a result Bruce was coaxed to Mahan's company-shed and by dint
of food-gifts and petting was induced to spend most of the day
there.

At sunset Bruce tired of his dull surroundings. Mahan had gone on
duty; so had Vivier; so had others of his friends. The dog was
bored and lonely. Also he had eaten much. And a walk is good, not
only for loneliness, but for settling an overfull stomach. Bruce
decided to go for a walk.

Through the irregular street of the village he picked his way,
and on toward the open country beyond. A sentry or two snapped
fingers of greeting to him as he strolled past them. The folk of
the village eyed his bulk and graceful dignity with something
like awe.

Beyond the hamlet the ridge of hilltop ran on for perhaps a
quarter-mile before dipping into the plain below. At one end of
this little plateau a company of infantry was drilling. Bruce
recognized Mahan among the marching lines, but he saw his friend