Dart declares that all he feels he can write is one long gripe about life aboard this ship. He wants to write a newsy letter to his folks and a long, longing one to Dot, but “It just doesn’t seem to come. There’s no place on this condemned, shaking pig-iron excuse of a ship for a decent way of life.”
“To think that I have two more months of this is almost too much to bear! I cuss so much anyway, that my fervent profanity now falls ineffectively on the ears of 300 other cussers.”
He briefly describes some maneuvers this morning during which the Orleck was firing perfectly placed five-inch projectiles directly at the Craig. Each one hit just inches off the stern, creating some spectacular splashes.
The official word now is that they will be pulling into San Diego at 0800 on February 1, staying 4 to 6 days before departing for Pearl Harbor where they will join the Seventh Fleet.
How he wishes he could write more, but he can’t even think with all the distractions around him.
# # #
Dot begins her response to Dart’s letters about his time in Panama. “Although I may not make a physical appearance with you as you travel all over the Atlantic and Pacific, believe me, I’m there. Not only mentally and spiritually, but it seems almost as though I have actually visited the various places you describe so magnificently. The descriptions are so vivid it makes it easy for me to see everything through your eyes and your pen.”
She writes that he described his sunburn so well that her back sizzles at the thought of it. She hopes he enjoys his new quarters as much as she and Ellie are enjoying their re-arranged room. She says it feels a bit like going to the country after being cooped up in a crowded, noisy city apartment.
She’s thankful, but not surprised, that he was able to resist the temptations offeews by Colon. “Resisting temptation, is probably one of the hardest things a man has to do. That, in my opinion, is the most accurate way of measuring a man’s strength. …The prize for being the kind of champion you are may not be a silver cup, but something far more valuable. A man’s self respect and decency toward others of the human race are the most sought after prizes of them all. Most participants striving for those prizes drop out before the game has ended, proving they are the weak who lack self-discipline. Men like you are admired, Dart, not only by those whose standards and ideals correspond with yours, but also by those who couldn’t make the grade. Is there any wonder that I love you and shall continue to love you forever?”
How she’d love to go through the Panama Canal someday!
It’s already time for mid-year exams and her biology exam is tomorrow. Time has flown, but she’s fine with that because it brings her that much closer to the day he’ll be home for good.
This week the University Players are producing the play “The Enchanted Cottage.” All the students have tickets, and Dot really wants to see it, but she doubts she will. She has a 1,000 word theme due on Friday, and unless she makes great progress soon, she’ll have to miss the play.
Tonight feels like spring outside, which makes her miss Dart even more. That’s the only season she’s not seen him in, and it’s the season that makes her want to take his hand and go for a long walk. She reminds herself that it isn’t actually spring yet, and by the time it is, he may be home to fulfill her wish.