“Adam, get them out,” Gene told him.  “You’re their only hope now.”  He tugged at Adam’s shirt, trying so hard to hang onto the life that was slipping away from him.  “You’ve been a good friend, Adam, for only knowing you a short time, and a good soldier for being a small town doctor,” Gene smiled up at him.  But the smile lasted only a moment longer.  “There’s no pain now.”

     Adam hugged Gene close to him as the Lieutenant took his last breath.  Adam still held him, as his body relaxed in death, and the young soldier began to sob.

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