Rotten luck , I call it . '' `` I do n't see why we should fight England 's battles , '' cried Rilla . `` She 's quite able to fight them herself . '' `` That is n't the point . We are part of the British Empire . It 's a family affair . We 've got to stand by each other . The worst of it is , it will be over before I can be of any use . '' `` Do you mean that you would really volunteer to go if it was n't for your ankle ? asked Rilla incredulously . `` Sure I would . You see they 'll go by thousands . Jem 'll be off , I 'll bet a cent -- Walter wo n't be strong enough yet , I suppose . And Jerry Meredith -- he 'll go ! And I was worrying about being out of football this year ! '' Rilla was too startled to say anything . Jem -- and Jerry ! Nonsense ! Why father and Mr. Meredith would n't allow it . They were n't through college .
Oh , why had n't Jack Elliott kept his horrid news XXXXX himself ?
British Jem Jerry Meredith Walter by of that through to