human
Oh yes. That's it, he said, in answer to her dumb looks of inquiry.
gpt
It couldn't go on, you see. You must have known it--in spite of what you told me last night. You've been an out-and-out good pal. You've cheered me up more than a bit all the time I've been here. If it hadn't been for you--Oh yes, I'm hit; but not hit so hard that I can't still go on fighting--
human
Not in the Carral country, I hope.
gpt
N-no. On second thoughts that would be only running away. I'm not going to run away. Wounds as bad as mine have healed with a bit of nursing, and--Well, good-by. Say good-by to your father and mother for me, will you?--especially to your governor. Rum old chap, but sound--sound as--as Shakespeare and the Bible. Good-by once more. Meet again some time.
human
By the way, when are you coming home?
gpt
Oh, I don't know. Not for ages and ages. Perhaps not at all. I may stay permanently over here. I don't know.
human
Oh, I say--
gpt
In any case I'm here for the winter.
human
Oh, but I say, by Jove! That's forever. You'll be back before spring?
gpt
I couldn't possibly leave till after Christmas.
human
Christmas! It's the end of November now. Well, that's not so bad. Expect to be in Southsea some time early in the new year. See you then.
gpt
It's awfully queer, but I feel as if--you'll laugh, I know--but I feel as if I'd been kept from the commission of a crime. Funny, isn't it? Well, I'll be off. See you in Southsea not later than the middle of January. Good-by again; and don't forget my message to your governor.