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Updated: June 16, 2025
He had come to Brunford some three years before to learn the cotton trade, and during the last few months he and Tom had been very friendly. Tom was rather proud of this, because young Harry Waterman was his superior, both socially and from an educational standpoint.
"Yes, sir," replied Tom. "Tell us where." Whereupon Tom told of Waterman's association with him in Brunford, and of the conversations he had had with the prisoner. "I didn't quite understand at the time," said Tom, "why he seemed so sure of the Germans getting the best of it. He seemed to be glad when he told me of the tremendous strength of the German army, and the preparations they had made.
His unit was located at a large Lancashire town some thirty miles from Brunford. Here he was initiated into the secrets of a soldier's life. At first everything was a drudgery to him; he could not see the meaning of what he was doing, could not understand how "forming fours" and other parts of his drill could help him to be a soldier.
I feel as though I have nothing to offer you. I am only a poor Tommy with a bob a day, but will you wait for me, Alice, till the war is over? and then if God spares my life I will work for you night and day, and I will give you as good a home as there is in Brunford." "I can't help waiting for you," sobbed Alice. "Can't help! Why?" asked Tom. "Because because oh, you know."
As a lad he had been a football player and had made good muscle; he had played half-back for the Brunford football club for several seasons, and although he was by no means a giant, he was well built and strong.
He imagined meeting people whom he knew, in the Brunford streets, and the greeting they would give him. He knew it would be a great home-coming, and yet he had a heavy heart. It was several months now since he had left Brunford, and he could not help reflecting on the change that had taken place in him. He still wore a private's uniform, and carried the mud of the trenches on his clothes.
This was considered a bad sign in Brunford, where the great bulk of the respectable young men attend one of the many Sunday Schools in the town. As Tom neared the Town Hall his face changed somewhat, and a look of eager expectancy came into his eyes. He noted with satisfaction that the yard outside a big building was empty. "I'm in time after all," he reflected. "They've just sung the last hymn."
"Ay, and she's the finest lass i' Brunford, is Alice Lister," said Ezekiel contentedly; "and is she willing to wait for thee, Tom?" Tom laughed joyfully. "Maybe they will make an officer of thee," said Mrs. Pollard. "No," said Tom, "I shall never be an officer, I don't belong to that class; perhaps I will be a sergeant, or something like that, but that's as may be; anyhow, I'll do my bit."
Ever since Waterman's death he had felt as though a burden had been lifted from him. He felt sure now that his plans would not be frustrated. "We are the best judges of that, my lad," he said. "You can tell your father and mother that, as a Lancashire man, I'm proud of you." It was on a Saturday in December when Tom arrived in Brunford on leave of absence.
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