I think you had better come up.
The fight was on again the next night--that is, night before last, but I've held fast so far and expect to.

Only I wish you'd come.
"It is no reproach to you if I say that, had you been here, I might have made a better fight.

You couldn't be here; the shame of defeat is all my own.
"Duane, it was not a disastrous defeat in one way.

I held out for four days, and thought I had won out.

I was stupefied by loss of sleep, I think; this is not in excuse, only the facts which I lay bare for your consideration.
"The defeat was in a way a concession--a half-dazed compromise--merely a parody on a real victory for the enemy; because it roused in me a horror that left the enemy almost no consolation, no comfort, even no physical relief.