Finally! A brief word from Dart. He offers no explanation for several days without writing, but he sure was happy to receive four letters from Dot over the past two days.

He’s heard from Fred who’s in Hawaii but unattached to a permanent unit.

Dart went out on a disappointing liberty last night with the guys from his class. He sounds rather sour about it, saying it wasn’t worth the 10 cent car fare or the 70 cents for a lousy spaghetti dinner. He’s decided he’d have more fun alone, seeking out a railroad and better places to eat.

He was hoping to write a longer letter tonight, but after dinner, his group learned they had to wash their hammocks before inspection tomorrow morning, so his time was spent scrubbing it clean.

Because his sore throat persists, he has been ordered to see the doctor and is forbidden to swim for at least 10 days, just as he felt like he was getting the hang of it.

He has to write home to his folks, so he signs off.

Here’s an even briefer letter from Dot, referencing a postcard she recently received from Dart. She says she’d rather have a card than nothing at all.

Mrs. Miller has offered her a job for the fall and winter. It would require that she live at the Miller’s home and be available to help fix dinner and watch the kids when the parents are out. Her dad advises against it because he thinks she’d feel too tied down. Dot is leaning toward accepting it because she needs the money.

Her mother has written that the canoe at the cottage is in good repair and offers great entertainment and exercise. Dot plans to make good use of it during her Labor Day visit, but wishes Dart could be with her so she could teach him how to operate a canoe.

She winds up the letter by saying “Though this letter ends on page one, my love for you will never end.”