The Professor has told me a great deal more than he has actually said. I know now why he cares so much for Tom; and I should like to see Tom’s mother. I wonder if a woman will ever change my life; and I wonder if I shall ever care for any woman as much as I do for Tom. The Professor says that Tom must go; that he is fretting himself sick now, and that it will develop his manliness of character. He thinks I am right in not interfering, however, and says that he is going to try what he can do. Dear old fellow! His face flushed, and he gave a curious sort of gulp, as he said:―― “She always respected me; and I think she would let Tom go, if I advised her to do so.” “Then shall you write to her?” I asked. “No, Ned,” he said; “I shall go and visit her, and start to-morrow. The first time in twenty years,――dear me, the first time in twenty years! How old I am getting to be!” I knew what he meant; and I honored his pluck. I should sort of like to be in love myself; but I am half afraid to think about it. Oh, well! there will be plenty of time when the war is over. The Professor is to start to-morrow; and Tom is not to know about it. * * * * * My first lieutenant is a treasure. His name is Murphy; and he is a retired rough, by profession, but he has splendid stuff in him. Our acquaintance had a peculiar beginning. I was drilling a squad of men, and not succeeding very well in what I was about, when this giant loafed in, and began to make a disturbance. I looked at him, and saw that remonstrance would be in vain; so I knocked him down, seeing my opportunity to do so effectively. My men laughed. The giant raised himself in astonishment. “You can’t do that again,” said he. Another laugh from the chorus. “I know it,” said I. Still another laugh. “I could just walk through you in two minutes,” he growled, with an oath. “I believe you,” said I; “and I shall give you a chance to, if you don’t keep quiet.” He kept quiet for a time. Then, while I was trying some manœuvre, he came up and said, quite politely:―― “Perhaps I can help you.”