New Britain herald., 1927-06-11

the moment Rod looked at his fac } he knew that something modsnt ) had happened to his frisnd. Naturally. his first thought was 0 Natlee, and he asked. Have yo, } seen Nat since you snlisted!"
 "No."
 '1s your mother going to give hel
 consent to your going?" "Of course she iA''
 "Well, then. what's the matter
 Are you sorry you signed up:"
 Certainly not Do you think
 can change my mind as quickly and
 easily a . woman?
 If had not enlisted yesterday
 would do % today. You and l. Rod. should be thankful that ws live at q time that will give us the greatest th-ill that has ever come to men in any age. Nsn must fight to prove ] themselves men,"
 But what of the women they leave behind?" asked Rodney. still thinking Of the grief-drawn face of Natlee as he had seen it last. "Oh. women" answered Phillip. as if they were not worth considering. T fancy there will always he enough males who call themselves men who will stay at home merely to con- sole them."
 Do you think that any other man will be able to console your mother. Wynne?" asked Rodney.
 Phillips tense face broke up, its hard lines became soft and boyish. tear rolled down his cheek.
 "Mothers are different. Rod" fe said. When a woman has baby she Is no longer woman = she is just mother.'
 Something has happened be- tween that Hilliard woman and Phil" thought Rodney. but being a man before he was . friend, he ask ed no questions.
 After a moment Phil said. laying his arm about Rods shoulders. T cannot tell you. old man. what comfort 1t will be for me to know that you and will be together. After all. Rod. there must be some thing in friendship that is greater than all this mushy love between man and woman that so many peo- pie talk about as being the only thing in the world.
 "lf man is sensible and uses his bean a little 1t will not be hard for him to get the right idea of and the proper place to put woman. One man friend-a real friend like you. Rod. is worth dozen sweethearts.
 Let them come if they want to and speed their going after you tire of their silly waya That's the con- clusion that every man must come to who Is in the least experienced in the sex"
 Although Rod was very sad he smiled inside of himself. for even though 1t had never happened to him he knew that Wynne's self-es- teem had been sat upon until 1t was like flat tire which was making him bump along most uncomfort- ably.
 "My guardian was here this morn- Ing and I sketched out a plan for my will" he said.
 .Good Lord. Rod. you do not ex- pect to die at this war do your?
 Well, thus far, Wynne. about two million men, more or less. have | died"
 "You're not afraid. are you. Rod"
 "I don't know yet
 "Well, you'd better snap out or lt i, you are. Don't you know that what you look forward to you get: Hold the thought of coming back. Rod. for riding up Fifth avenue will be hell to me if you arc not 1 there to see the fireworks when we return"
 Both boys were silent for a mos ment and then Phillip question. T wonder If ] ought to make . will::"
 'I think so," answered Rodney, soberly. You can come with me. My guardian will tell you all about it."
 "Yes, that will be all o. K. wouldn't want to hurt mother when she's been such a sport to let me go. l don't want her to think that there is the slightest danger of my not coming back"
 The two boys went out together. for the moment depressed by the first great reality that had come into their carefree lives.
 Notwithstanding Phillips brave talk, death that untoward event which is never in the thoughts of the young. now stared him in the face.
 Shortly. however. among the hub- bub and excitement of getting ready 10 leave. everything else was for- gotten.
 (To Be Continued)
 Phil and Rod are excited at their prospects. More about how their feel about 1t will be re. lated In the next inStal1mcnt. A0 |