I
can't say anything now, but I'll tell you as soon as I can--tell
everybody, in fact Just now it isn't in shape to talk about."
"Oh, that's all right, Tom," and Ned tried to make his
voice sound natural. "I was just wondering, that's all. I
wanted to go to the front the worst way, but they wouldn't
let me. I was sort of hoping you could, and come back to
tell me about it."
"I may yet, Ned."
"You may? Why, I thought--"
"Oh, I'm only exempted for a time. I've got certain things
to do, and I couldn't do 'em if I enlisted or was drafted.
So I've been excused for a time. Now I've got a pile of work
to do. What are you up to Ned? Same old story?"
"Liberty Bonds--yes. Your father just took some more."
"And so will I, Ned. I can do that, anyhow, even if I
don't enlist. Put me down for another two thousand dollars'
worth."
"Say, Tom, that's fine! That will make my share bigger
than I counted on. Shopton will beat the record."
"That's good. We ought to pull strong and hearty for our
home town. How's everything else?"
"Oh, so-so. I see Koku and Eradicate trying to outdo one
another in guarding that part of your plant," and Ned nodded
toward the big new building.
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