"Whenever I am homesick to return to my own country, Countess Charlotta, I simply stare across at the flag on that old German fortress and think what it represents," Major Hersey declared. "Then I am content to remain in Germany for as long as I am needed. A little thing, isn't it, to give a few months, or a few years, or whatever length of time may be necessary to teach Germany her lesson, when so many other men have given their lives that our flag be the flag of victory and a just peace!" The young girl's face softened. "I think you are a good soldier, Major Hersey. There is something I want to confide to you. I did write my father as you suggested and told him I would come home if he wished, only he must allow me to keep my freedom. His answer was what I expected. He does not desire to see me at present and says I am free to travel in the United States if I like. Only he adds that when I have seen more of the world perhaps I shall be more content to do my duty to my father. Not very clear, but I think I understand. My father really wishes to become reconciled with me, only not to seem to give in too readily. So I shall return home in a few months perhaps. Then if you are still in Coblenz and I write you, won't you come to Luxemburg? We have been such good friends and I hate saying goodby forever to people I like." Major Jimmie Hersey shook his head, his brown eyes were steady and although the old boyish color had diffused his face, there was the firm line about his mouth and chin which his soldiers knew and respected. "No, Countess Charlotta, I shall not come to see you in Luxemburg or elsewhere and this must be our goodby. I have no idea of leaving the United States army so long as I am allowed to remain in it. This means I will have nothing to offer you in the future, save what I have now, I believe you understand." The Countess Charlotta nodded. "Yes, I understand. Goodby, yet nevertheless I shall look forward to our meeting again." * * * * * Transcriber's note: Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. Page 35, "amunition" changed to "ammunition" (long road ammunition) Page 76, "occured" changed to "occurred" (must have occurred) Page 88, "Sherin" changed to "Scherin" (Scherin dropped back) Page 138, "that" changed to "than" (older than she was) Page 143, "windoes" changed to "windows" (windows one could) Page 151, "refuse" changed to "refused" (parents refused to pay) Page 153, "her's" changed to "hers" (hand in hers) Page 153, "Hacket" changed to "Hackett" (Donald Hackett went over) Page 166, "goodbye" changed to "goodby" to match rest of usage (when we said goodby) Page 167, "embarassing" changed to "embarrassaing" (asked no embarrassing) Page 173, "noticably" changed to "noticeably" (noticeably pink) Page 174, "Faulein" changed to "Fraulein" (to bring Fraulein Jamison) Page 179, "aggreeable" changed to "agreeable" (could not be agreeable)