He was tired of battle and the sight of wounds and death.
The noises of the camp were painful to his ear, and in the forest he found peace.
He was absolutely alone in his world, and glad of it.

The woods were in all the depth and richness of a Southern spring.

Vast masses of green foliage billowed away to right and left.

Great festoons of moss hung from the oaks, and trailing vines wrapped many of the trees almost to their tops.

Wild flowers, pink, yellow and blue, unknown by name to Dick, bloomed in the open spaces.
The air of early morning was crisp with the breath of life.