“I think I shall as soon as I find time. Almost any boy may become a wonderful athlete if he knows how to go about it, and where is the boy who does not long to have a splendid, handsome body—who does not desire to be admired and recognized as a leader among his fellows. If the ordinary boy knew just how to go about it, he could accomplish this. If I ever write that book, I’m going to tell the boys just how to do it.” “Such a book would have been worth millions to me in my younger days,” earnestly declared the invalid. “Had I possessed it I’d not be here now, a broken-down man.” It was a sad thing to hear him utter those words, and Frank realized their absolute truthfulness. Bernard Burrage had given out long before there was a necessity for such a thing, and now, even if he were to live some years, he must drag along in suffering and pain, punishment for the neglected opportunities of his youth. Had he built himself up properly years before he might have remained robust and healthy to the end of his days, vigorous in his declining years. The conversation now turned to other matters, and when Merry left it was with the promise that he would be on hand when they were ready to start for Fardale. So Starbright returned alone to Yale. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXII THE YOUNG SOLDIER. “Inza Burrage—is it possible?” Inza started and looked up. The speaker, a straight, finely formed youth, had paused by her seat on the train. As there was no Pullman car on the train that ran to Fardale, Mr. Burrage had been made as comfortable as possible with cushions and was sitting opposite Inza, who was riding backward. The one who uttered the words recorded wore a uniform of the regular army, but he was scarcely more than a boy in years, though he had a light-brown mustache. His face was bronzed by exposure to all sorts of weather. “I can’t be mistaken,” he said, looking down at her. “This must be Miss Burrage?” There was something faintly familiar about him, and yet she did not know him. “I am Miss Burrage,” she acknowledged; “but you have the advantage, sir.” He laughed. “Is it possible I have changed so much?” he said, offering his hand in a manner that betokened the utmost confidence. “Look at me closely, Miss Burrage.” She permitted him to take her hand, but still she failed to recognize him. This seemed to amuse him still more. In truth, she was somewhat agitated by the sight of the uniform he wore, for Walter was on that train, having gone forward to the smoker, Merry accompanying him. “You knew me in Fardale,” he asserted. “I’ve been wondering if I’d meet any old friends there.” Then he looked closely at the invalid, and again lifted his hat, saying: “Mr. Burrage, I think?”