So it came that I struggled to my crutches and broke rudely in on Perry
Thomas's peroration. I had gathered all my strength for a protest
against the future. The people of the valley were to know that their
kindness had cheered me, but of their pity I wanted none. I had played
a small part in a great game and in the playing was the reward. I had
come forth a bit bruised and battered, but there were other battles to
be fought in this world, where one could have the same fierce joy of
the conflict; and he was a poor soldier who lived only to be toted out
on Decoration days. I was glad to be home, but gladder still that I
had gone. That was what I told them. I looked right at the girl when
I said it, and she lifted her head and smiled. They heard how in the
early spring in the meadow by the mill-dam Tim and I had stopped our
ploughs to draw lots and he had lost. He had to stay at home, while I
went out and saw the world at its best, when it was awake to war and
strife, and the mask that hid its emotion was lifted.
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