. can you ... uh ... like promise me that ... uh ... you'll like ... keep it a secret?" Of course I'd keep it a secret. Who would I tell anyway?" And ..... like ... uh ... promise that you won't be weirded-out? I... 'cause I know it's gonna seem kinda strange..."He gently squeezed her arm. His heart was pounding, however, as he tried to control his voice. "It would take a lot to weird me out, Ruthie."She swallowed. "I have to trust you, Mike. You have to promise me you won't tell." I won't tell.". Each mounted soldier had a string of three horses that would allow them to ride full time and be ready for battle at a moment's notice. While each soldier and carter had to care for his own horses, veterinarians and horse handlers were required to assure the continued health of the animals. Each horse needed to have its diet supplemented by grain, thereby adding to the logistics problem.With an army spread over a front that was nearly two hundred miles across, communications was a major. Danny had to eventually kick his sister out of his room. He was afraid they'd both fall asleep from exhaustion only to be waken up by their mother. They couldn't have that. He was still concerned about their lack of protection but Heather absolutely refused to let him put on a condom. That worried Danny also but he hoped Heather would get on the Pill before anything unintended happened.Lani was glad Danny had stopped with his demands. It had only been for a few days and she knew it was likely. " I hate my school. I hate teaching. And I hate living here in your basement." Is it all that bad?" I have no friends. I have no boyfriend. No one at school is my age. Everyone there ignores me." Give it some time. You've only been home for four weeks and at school for three days. Seek friends elsewhere. You know this town." Yea. OK Daddy. I'll miss you when I move out of here."She kissed him on the cheek."Well, it shouldn't be too soon. You should save your money and get a car.