This proved a signal for mutual introductions,
and the girls learned that their new friend was a college professor,
Arnold Dempsey by name. They also learned that he had taken up
woodcraft in the hope of recovering his health.
And while they contentedly munched sandwiches and sipped steaming
coffee the girls learned a good deal more about Arnold Dempsey, and
the more they learned of him the more they felt drawn to him.
And when he started to tell them of his two sons who had fought so
nobly in the army of democracy, their eyes began to shine and they
leaned toward him with an interest that was intensely real.
"Oh, it must be wonderful to have two big soldier sons," cried Amy,
forgetting her shyness in her enthusiasm. "Aren't you dreadfully
proud?"
A gleam came into Professor Dempsey's eyes and his thin shoulders
straightened.
"Yes, yes," he said. "Of course I'm proud of my boys-- very proud. And
I hope," a look of absolute happiness came into his eyes and he smiled
contentedly, "that before very long I shall see them."
"Oh, I'm sure you will!" cried Betty eagerly.
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