The worst of this is that it keeps me from recitations for a few days.

If it weren't for that, I'd enjoy lying here at my ease, with no need to bother about reveille or taps." Greg's manner was light-hearted and easy.

He had come to cheer up his chum, but found there was no need for it.
Then the superintendent's adjutant dropped in on his way home from the day in the office at headquarters.

Having talked with Captain Goodwin, the adjutant agreed that there was no need, for a few days, to notify Prescott's parents and cause them uneasiness.
"We'll hope, Mr.Prescott," smiled the adjutant, "that you'll be well able to sit up and send them the first word of the affair in your own hand, coupled with the information that you're out of all danger." Had it not been for his natural courage, Cadet Prescott would have been a very restless and "blue" young man.

He knew, as well as did anyone else, that the chances of his complete recovery to sound enough condition for future Army service were wholly in the balance.