ALONE But there was one there who smiled almost fearfully, as if doubting his privilege of mirth in that gay, strange company.

He smiled, not as one of them, but in silent awe, and did not dare to laugh aloud.

He hoped that they would not notice him and tell him to go home.

He had dreamed of some day seeing such wondrous boys as these, and here they were before him, all about him, in their natty khaki, self-possessed, unabashed, merry, free.

Was not that enough for Peter Piper of Piper's Crossroads?
Yes, that was enough, more than he had ever expected.