MMMMSONMNBai WijKMffrMrMi-jTMrMn FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, THE FAEM AND THE CAMP. BY HORATIO ALGER, Jr., AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK SERIES," "LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES." PHILADELPHIA PORTER & COATES. FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. Illustrated, Cloth, Extra, Blade and Gold. RAGGED DTCK SERIES. Complete in six vols. Price per toI.j $1 25. Ragged Dick ; or, Street Life in New York. Fame aud Fortune ; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter. Mark the Match Boy. Rough and Ready ; or, Life among the New York Newsboys. Ben the Luggage-Boy ; or, Among the Wharves. Rufus and Rose; or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready. TATTERED TOM SERIES. A Continuation of the Ragged Dick Series. Price per vol., SI 25. First Series. Complete in four vols. Tattered Tom ; or, The Story of a Street Arab. Paul the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a Young Street Merchant. Phil the Fiddler; or, The Young Street Musician. Slow and Sure ; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop. Second Series. Complete in Jour vols. Julius; or, The Street Boy out West. The Young Outlaw ; or, Adrift in the World. Sam's Chance, and How he Improved It. The District Telegraph Boy. CAMPAIGN SERIES. Complete in three vols. Price per vol., SI 25. Frank's Campaign. Paul Prescott's Charge. Charlie Codman's Cruise. LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. Price per vol., $1 50. First Series. Complete in four vols. Luck and Pluck ; or, John Oakley's Inheritance. Sink or Swim ; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve. Strong and Steady ; or, Paddle your Own Canoe. Strive and Succeed ; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad. Second Series. Complete in four vols. Try and Trust; or, The Story of a Bound Boy. Bound to Rise; or, How Harry Walton Rose in the World. Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success. Herbert Carter's Legacy ; or, The Inventor's Son. BR ATE AND BOLD SERIES. Complete in four vols. Price per vol., II 50. Brave and Bold ; or, The Story of a Factory Boy. Jack's Ward ; or, The Boy Guardian. Shifting for Himself; or, Qilhert Greyson's Fortunes. Wait aud Hope ; or, Ben Bradford's Motto. PACIFIC SERIES. Complete in four vols. Price per vol., U 25. The Young Adventurer ; or, Tom's Trip across the Plains. The Young Miner; or, Tom Nelson in California. The Young Explorers ; or, Among the Sierras. (Fourth volume in preparation.) Copyright by A. K. Loking, 1864. Co CHARLES EDWARD PAINE, IN MEMORY OF PLEASANT HOURS PASSED TOGETHE AT NAPLES AND SORRENTO, ©&is Uolumt is EnscrfibtU, BY HIS SINCERE FRIEND THE AUTHOB. 696715 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://w.ww.archive.org/details/frankscampaignorOalge PREFACE. w Frank's Campaign " is the record of a boy's experiences, by whom the cares and responsibili- ties of manhood are voluntarily assumed, and nobly and successfully borne. He supplies his father's place while the latter is absent in his country's service, and is enabled, by a fortunate circumstance, to pay off a mortgage resting on the home form. Nothing is claimed for the young hero which may not be achieved by an energetic and manly boy of the same age. It is hoped that the record VI PREFACE. of Frank's struggles and final success may stimu- late the boys who may read it to manly endeavor, and to a faithful and conscientious discharge of whatever duties may devolve upon them. CONTENTS. PAGE I. The "War Meeting 9 II. The Prize 19 III. Frank at Home 28 IV. Frank makes a Proposition 34 V. Mr. Rath burn makes a Speech 40 VI. Mr. Frost makes up his Mind 48 VII. Like Father, like Son 55 VIII. Discouraged and Encouraged 60 IX. The Last Evening at Home 68 X. Little Pomp 76 XI. Punishing a Bully 84 XII. A Letter from the Camp 94 XIII. Mischief on foot 103 XIV. A Paid upon the Pig-Pen 109 XV. Pomp behaves badly 118 XVI. Frank makes a Friend 129 XVII. A Shade of Mystery -137 XVIII. Thanksgiving at the Farm 145 Vlll CONTENTS. PAGH XIX. The "Wonderful Transformation 151 XX. Pomp's Education commences 163 XXI. The Battle of Frederic'sluro , 172 XXII. Frank broaches a New Plan 184 XXIII. Pomp takes Mrs. Payson Prisoner 198 XXIV. A Chapter from Hardee 205 XXV. Election of Officers 213 XXVI. The Rebel Trap 226 XXVII. Pomp's Tight Infantry Tactics 235 XXVIII. John Haynes has a Narrow Escape , . 247 XXIX. Mr. Morton's Story 256 XXX. Frank calls on Squire Haynes 265 XXXI. Squire Haynes springs his Trap .273 XXXII. Turning the Tables .282 XXXIII. Conclusion «8B FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; THE FARM AND THE CAMP. I. THE WAR MEETING. The Town Hall in Rossville stands on a moder- ate elevation overlooking the principal street. It is generally open only when a meeting has been called by the Selectmen to transact town business, or oc- casionally in the evening when a lecture on Temper- ance or a political address is to be delivered. Koss- ville is not large enough to sustain a course of lyceum lectures, and the towns-people are obliged to depend for intellectual nutriment upon such chance occasions as these. The majority of the inhabitants being engaged in agricultural pursuits, the popula- tion is somewhat scattered, and the houses, with the exception of a few grouped around the stores, stand 10 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, at respectable distances, each encamped on a farm of its own. One Wednesday afternoon, towards the close of September, 1862, a group of men and boys might have been seen standing on the steps and in the entry of the Town House. Why they had met will best appear from a large placard, which had been posted up on barns and fences and inside the village store and post-office. It ran as follows : — WAR meeting! The citizens of Rossville are invited to meet at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, September 2*1, at 3 p. m. to decide what measures shall be taken towards raising the town's quota of twenty-five men, under the recent call of the President of the United States. All patriotic citizens, who are in favor of sus- taining the free institutions transmitted to us by our fathers, are urgently invited to be present. The Hon. Solomon Stoddard is expected to address the meet- ing. Come one, come all. At the appointed hour about one hundred and fifty men had assembled in the hall. They stood in groups, discussing the recent call and the general management of the war with that spirit of indepen- dent criticism which so eminently characterizes the little democracies" which make up our New England States. " The whole thing has been mismanaged from the THE FAKM AND THE CAMP. 11 first," remarked a sapient-looking man with a gaunt, cadaverous face, addressing two listeners. " The Administration is corrupt ; our generals are either incompetent or purposely inefficient. We haven't got an officer that can hold a candle to General Lee. Abram Lincoln has called for six hundred thousand men. What '11 he do with 'em when he gets 'em? Just nothing at all. They '11 melt away like snow, and then he '11 call for more men. Give me a third of six hundred thousand and I '11 walk into Bichmond in less'n thirty days." A quiet smile played over the face of one of the listeners. With a slight shade of irony in his voice he said, " If such are your- convictions, Mr. Holman, I think it a great pity that you are not in the service. We need those who have clear views of what is required in the present emergency. Don't you intend to volunteer ? " "II" exclaimed the other with lofty scorn. " No sir ; I wash my hands of the whole matter. I ain't clear about the justice of warring upon our erring brethren at all. I have no doubt they would be inclined to accept overtures of peace if accompanied with suitable concessions. Still, if war must be waged, I believe I could manage matters infinitely better than Lincoln and his cabinet have done." " Wouldn't it be well to give them the benefit of your ideas on the subject?" suggested the other quietly. 12 fkank's campaign ; or, "Ahem !" said Mr. Holman, a little suspiciously. " What do you mean, Mr. Frost?" "Only this, that if, like you, I had a definite scheme, which I thought likely to terminate the war, I should feel it my duty to communicate it to the proper authorities, that they might take it into con- sideration." "It wouldn't do any good," returned Holman, still a little suspicious that he was quietly laughed at. "They're too set in their own ways to be changed." At this moment there was a sharp rap on the table, and a voice was heard, saying, " The meet- ing will please come to order." The buzz of voices died away, and all eyes were turned towards the speaker's stand. " It will be necessary to select a chairman to pre- side over your deliberations," was next heard. "Will any one nominate ? " " I nominate Dr. Plunkett," came from a man in the corner. The motion was seconded, and a show of hands resulted in favor of the nominee. A gentlemanly looking man with a pleasant face advanced to the speaker's stand, and with a bow made a few remarks to this effect : — " Fellow-citizens : this is new business to me, as you are doubtless aware. My professional engage- ments have not often allowed me to take part in the THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 13 meetings which from time to time you have held in this hall. On the present occasion, however, I have felt it to be my duty, and the duty of every loyal citi- zen, to show by his presence how heartily he approves the object which has called us together. The same consideration will not suffer me to decline the unex- pected responsibility which you have devolved upon me. Before proceeding further, I would suggest that a clerk will be needed to complete the organiza- tion." A young man was nominated and elected without opposition. Dr. Plunkett again addressed the meeting : "It is hardly necessary," he said, "to remind you of the object which has brought us together. Our forces in the field need replenishing. The Rebellion has as- sumed moi'e formidable proportions than we antici- pated. It is quite clear that we cannot put it down with one hand. We shall need both. Impressed with this conviction, President Lincoln has made an extraordinary levy upon the country. He feels that it is desirable to put down the Rebellion as' speedily as possible, and not suffer it to drag though a series of years. But he cannot work single-handed. The loyal States must give their hearty cooperation. Our State, though inferior in extent and population to some others, has not fallen behind in loyal devo- tion. Nor, I believe, will llossville be found want- ing in this emergency. Twenty-five men have been 14 Frank's campaign; or, called for. How shall we get them? This is the question which we are called upon to consider. I had hoped the Hon. Solomon Stoddard would be here to address you ; but I regret to learn that a temporary illness will prevent his doing so. I trust that those present will not be backward in express- ing their opinions." Mr. Holman was already on his feet. His speech consisted of disconnected remarks on the general conduct of the war, mingled with severe denuncia- tion of the Administration. He had spoken for ^fifteen minutes in this strain, when the chairman interfered, — " Your remarks are out of order, Mr. Holman. They are entirely irrelevant to the question." Holman wiped his cadaverous features with a red silk pocket handkerchief, and inquired, sarcastically, "Am I to understand that freedom of speech is in- terdicted in this hall?" "Freedom of speech is in order," said the chair- man, calmly, " provided the speaker confines him- self to the question under discussion. You have spoken fifteen minutes without once touching it." " I suppose you want me to praise the Adminis- tration," said Holman, evidently thinking that he' had demolished the chairman. He looked around to observe what effect his shot had produced. " That would be equally out of order," ruled the presiding officer. " We have not assembled to THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 15 praise or to censure the Administration, but to con- sider in what manner we shall go to work to raise our quota." Holman sat down with the air of a martyr. Mr. Frost rose next. It is unnecessary to report his speech. It was plain, practical, and to the point. He recommended that the town appropriate a certain sum as bounty money to volunteers. Other towns had done so, and he thought with good reason. It would undoubtedly draw in recruits more rapidly. A short, stout, red-faced man, wearing gold spec- tacles, rose hastily. " Mr. Chairman," he commenced, " I oppose that suggestion. I think it calculated to work serious mischief. Do our young men need to be hired to fight for their country ? I suppose that is what you call patriotism. For my part, I trust the town will have too much good sense to agree to any such proposition. The consequence of it would be to plunge us intordebt, and increase our taxes to a formidable amount." It may be remarked that Squire Haynes, the speaker, was the wealthiest man in town, and of course would be considerably affected by increased taxation. Even now he never paid his annual tax- bill without an inward groan, feeling that it was so much deducted from the sum total of his property. Mr. Frost remained standing while Squire Haynes was speaking, and at the close continued his speech : 16 Frank's campaign; ok, " Squire Haynes objects that my proposition, if adopted, will make our taxes heavier. I grant it ; but how can we expect to carry on this gigantic war without personal sacrifices? If they only come in the form of money, we may count ourselves fortu- nate. I take it for granted that there is not a man here present who does not approve the present war, — who does not feel that we are waging it for good and sufficient reasons." Here Mr. Holman moved uneasily in his seat, and seemed on the point of interrupting the speaker, but for some reason forebore. " Such being the case, we cannot but feel that the burden ought to fall upon the entire community, and not wholly upon any particular portion. The heavi- est sacrifices must undoubtedly be made by those who leave their homes and peril life and limb on the bat- tle-field. When I propose that you should lighten that sacrifice so far as it lies in your power, by vot- ing them a bounty, it is not because I consider that money will compensate them for the privations they must encounter and the perils they will incur. For that, they must look to the satisfaction that will arise from the feeling that they have responded to their country's call, and done something to save from ruin the institutions which our fathers transmitted as a sacred trust to their descendants. Money cannot pay for loss of life or limb. But some of them leave families behind. It is not rioht that these families THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 17 should suffer because the fathers have devoted them- selves to the sacred cause of liberty. When our sol- diers go forth, enable them to feel that their wives and children shall not lack for the necessaries of life. The least that those who are privileged to stay at home can do is to tax their purses for this end." "Mr. Chairman," said Squire Haynes, sarcastically, " I infer that the last speaker is intending to enlist." Mr. Frost's face flushed at this insinuation. " Squire Haynes chooses to impute to me inter- ested motives. I need enter into no defence before an audience to whom I am well known. I will only inquire whether interested motives have nothing to do with his opposition to voting bounties to our sol- diers?" This was such a palpable hit that Squire Haynes winced under it, and his red face turned redder as he saw the smiles of those about him. "Impudent puppy!" he muttered to himself; "he seems to forget that I have a mortgage of eight hundred dollars on his farm. When the time comes to foreclose it, I will show him no mercy. I '11 sell him up, root and branch ! " Mr. Frost could not read the thoughts that were passing through the mind of his creditor. They might have given him a feeling of uneasiness, but would not in the least have influenced his action. He was a man loyal to his own convictions of duty, and no apprehension of personal loss would have a* 18 Frank's campaign. prevented his speaking in accordance with what he felt to be right. The considerations which had been urged were so reasonable, that the voters present, with very little opposition, voted to pay one hundred and fifty dol- lars to each one who was willing to enlist as one of the town's quota. A list was at once opened, and after the close of the meeting four young men came forward and put down their names, amid the applause of the assembly. " I wanted to do it before," said John Drake, one of the number, to Mr. Frost, "but I've got a wife and two little children dependent upon me for support. I could n't possibly support them out of my thirteen dollars a month, even with the State aid. But your motion has decided me. I could do better by stay- ing at home, even with that ; but that is n't the ques- tion. I want to help my country in this hour of her need ; and now that my mind is at ease about my family, I shall cheerfully enter the service." ' ' And I know of no one who will make a better soldier ! " said Mr. Frost, heartily. n. THE PRIZE. A FEW rods distant from the Town Hall, but on the opposite side of the street, stood the Rossville Academy. It had been for some years under the charge of James Rathburn, A. M., a thorough scholar and a skilful teacher. A large part of his success was due to his ability in making the ordinary lessons of the schoolroom interesting to his scholars. Some forty students attended the Academy, mostly from the town of Rossville. Mr. Rathburn, how- ever, received a few boarders into his family. There were three classes in the Latin language ; but the majority of those who had taken it up stop- ped short before they had gone beyond the Latin Reader. One class, however, had commenced read- ing the iEneid of Virgil, and was intending to pur- sue the full course of preparation for college ; though in regard to one member of the class there was some doubt whether he would be able to enter college. As this boy is to be our hero we will take a closer look at him. Frank Frost is at this time in his sixteenth year. He is about the medium size, compactly made, and 20 Frank's campaign; or, the healthful color in his cheeks is good evidence that he is not pursuing his studies at the expense of his health. lie has dark chestnut hair, with a slight wave, and is altogether a fine-looking boy. At a desk behind him sits John Haynes, the son of Squire Haynes, introduced in our last chapter. lie is nearly two years older than Frank, and about as opposite to him in personal appearance as can well be imagined. He has a thin face, very black hair, is tall of his age, and already beginning to feci him- self a young man. His manner is full of pretension. He never forgets that his father is the richest man in town, and can afford to give him advantages superior to those possessed by his school-fellows. He has a moderate share of ability, but is disinclined to work hard. His affectation of superiority makes him as unpopular among his school-fellows as Frank is popular. These two boys, together with Henry Tufts, con- stitute the preparatory class of liossville Academy. Henry is mild in his manners, and a respectable stu- dent, but possesses no positive character. He comes from a town ten miles distant, and boards with the Principal. Frank, though the youngest of the three, excels the other two in scholarship. But there is some doubt whether he will be able to go to college. His father is in moderate circumstances, deriving a comfortable subsistence from a small farm, but is able to lay by a very small surplus every year, and THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 21 this he feels it necessary to hold in reserve for the liquidation of the mortgage held by Squire Haynes. Frank's chance of attaining what he covets — a col- lege education — seems small ; but he is resolved at least to prepare for college, feeling that even this will constitute a very respectable education. The reader is introduced to the main schoolroom of the Rossville Academy on the morning of the day on which the war meeting takes place. At nine o'clock the bell rang, and the scholars took their seats. After the preliminary devotional exercise, Mr. Rathburn, instead of calling up the first class at once, paused a moment, and spoke as follows : — " Scholars, I need not remind you that on the first day of the term, with the design of encouraging you to aim at improvement in English composition, I offered two prizes, — one for the best essay written by a boy over fourteen years of age ; the other for the best composition by any one under that age. It gives me pleasure to state that in most of those sub- mitted to me I recognize merit, and I should be glad if it were in my power to give three times as many prizes. Those of you, however, who are unsuccess- ful will feel repaid by the benefit you have your- selves derived from the efforts you have made for another end." During this address, John Haynes looked about him with an air of complacency and importance. 22 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, He felt little doubt that his own essay on the "Military Genius of Napoleon" would win the prize. He did not so much care for this, except for the credit it would give him. But his father, who was ambitious for him, had promised him twen- ty-five dollars if he succeeded, and he had already appropriated this sum in imagination. He had de- termined to invest it in a handsome boat which he had seen for sale in Boston on his last visit to that city. '< After careful consideration," continued the teacher, " I have decided that the piize should be adjudged to an essay entitled, ' The Duties of Boys in the present National Crisis,' written by Frank Frost." There was a general clapping of hands at this announcement. Frank was a general favorite, and even his disappointed rivals ' felt a degree of satis- faction in feeling that he had obtained the prize. There was one exception, however. John Haynes turned pale, and then red, with anger and vexation. He scowled darkly while the rest of the boys were applauding, and persuaded himself that he was the victim of a great piece of injustice. Frank's face flushed with pleasure, and his eyes danced with delight. He had made a srreat effort to succeed, and he knew that at home they would be very happy to hear that the prize had been awarded to him. THE FAK"YI AND THE CAMP. 23 " Frank Frost will come forward," said Mr. Rathburn. Frank left his seat, and advanced modestly. Mr. Rathburn placed in his hand a neat edition of Whit- tier's Poems in blue and gold. ' ' Let this serve as an incentive to renewed effort," he said. The second prize was awarded to one of the girls. As she has no part in our story, we need say nothing more on this point. At recess, Frank's desk was surrounded by his schoolmates, who were desirous of examining the prize volumes. All expressed hearty good will, congratulating him on his success, with the exception of John Haynes. " You seem mighty proud of your books, Frank Frost," said he with a sneer. " We all know that you're old Rathburn's favorite. It didn't make much difference what you wrote, as long as you were sure of the prize." "For shame, John Haynes!" exclaimed little Harvey Grover, impetuously. "You only say that because you wanted the prize yourself, and you're disappointed." " Disappointed ! " retorted John, scornfully. " I don't want any of old Rathburn's sixpenny books. I can buy as many as I please. If he 'd given 'em to me, I should have asked him to keep' em for those who needed 'em more." 24 FRANK'S campaign; or, Frank was justly indignant at the unfriendly course which John chose to pursue, but feeling that it pro- ceeded from disappointed rivalry, he wisely said noth- ing to increase his exasperation. He put the two books carefully away in his desk, and settled himself quietly to his day's lessons. It was not until evening that John and his father met. Both had been chafed, — the first by his dis- appointment, the second by the failure of his effort to prevent the town's voting bounties to volunteers. In particular he was incensed with Mr. Frost, for his imputation of interested motives, although it was only in return for a similar imputation brought against himself. " Well, father, I didn't get the prize," commenced John, in a discontented voice. " So much the worse for you," said his father, coldly. "You might have gained it if you had made an effort." " No, I couldn't. Iiathburn was sure to give it to his favorite." ' ' And who is his favorite ? " questioned Squire Haynes, not yet siding with his son. " Frank Frost, to be sure." "Frank Frost!" repeated the Squire, rapidly wheeling round to his son's view of the matter. His dislike of the father was so great that it readily in- cluded the son. " What makes you think he is the teacher's favorite ? " THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 25 " O, Itathburn is always praising him for some- thing or other. All the boys know Frank Frost is his pet. You wont catch him praising me, if I work ever so hard." John did not choose to mention that he had not yet tried this method of securing the teacher's ap- proval. "Teachers should never have favorites," said the Squire, dogmatically. "It is highly detrimental to a teacher's influence, and subversive of the principles of justice. Have you got your essay with you, John ? " "Yes, sir." " You may sit down and read it to me, and if I think it deserving, I will take care that you shan't lose by the teacher's injustice." John readily obeyed. He hurried up to his cham- ber, and opening his writing-desk took out a sheet of foolscap, three sides of which were written over. This he brought down stairs with him. He beiran to hope that he might get the boat after all. The Squire, in dressing-gown and slippers, sat in a comfortable arm-chair, while John in a consequen- tial manner read his rejected essay. It was super- ficial and commonplace, and abundantly marked with pretension, but to the Squire's warped judgment it seemed to have remarkable merit. " It does you great credit, John," said he emphat- ically. " I don't know what sort of an essay young 3 26 Frank's campaign ; oe, Frost wrote, but I venture to say it was not as good. If he's anything like his father, he is an impertinent jackanapes." John pricked up his ears, and listened attentively. ' ' He grossly insulted me at the tOAvn-meeting to- day, and I shan't soon forget it. It isn't for hia interest to insult a man who has the power to annoy him that I possess." " Haven't you got a mortgage on his farm?" " Yes, and at a proper time I shall remind him of it. But to come back to your own affairs. What was the prize given to young Frost ? " " A blue and gold copy of Whittier's Poems, in two volumes." " Plain binding, I suppose." " Yes, sir." it Very well. The next time I go to Boston, I will buy you the same thing bound in calf. 1 don't intend that you shall suffer by your teacher's injustice." " It wasn't so much the prize that I cared for," said John, who felt like making the most of his father's favorable mood, " but you know you prom- ised me twenty-five dollars if I gained it." "And as you have been defrauded of it, I will give you thirty instead," said the Squire, promptly. John's eyes sparkled with delight. " O, thank you, sir ! " he said. " I wouldn't change places with Frank Frost now for all his prize." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 27 " I should think not, indeed," said the Squire, pompously. "Your position as the son of a poor farmer would n't be quite so high as it is now." As he spoke he glanced complacently at the hand- some furniture which suiicunded him, the choice engravings which hung on the walls, and the full- length mirror in which his figure was reflected. ' ' Ten years from now Frank Frost will be only a common laborer on his father's farm, — that is," he added sig- nificantly, " if his father manages to keep it; while you, I hope, will be winning distinction at the bar." Father and son were in a congenial mood that evening, and a common hatred drew them more closely together than mutual affection had ever done. They were very much alike, — both cold, calculating, and selfish. The Squire was indeed ambitious for his son, but could hardly be said to love him, since he was incapable of feeling a hearty love for any one except himself. As for John, it is to be feared that he regarded his father chiefly as one from whom he might expect future favors. His mother had been a good, though not a strong-minded woman, and her influence might have been of advantage to her son : but unhappily she had died when John was in his tenth year, and since then he had become too much like shis father. III. FRANK AT HOME. Mr. Frost's farm was situated about three quar- ter's of a mile from the village. It comprised fifty acres, of which twenty were suitable for tillage, the remainder being about equally divided between wood- land and pasture. Mr. Frost had for some years before his marriage been a painter, and had managed to save up from his earnings not far from a thousand dollars. Think- ing, however, that farming would be more favorable to health, he purchased his fifty acre farm for twenty- eight hundred dollars, payable one thousand down, and the rest remaining on mortgage. At the date of our story he had succeeded in paying up the entire amount within eight hundred dollars, a mortgage for that amount being held by Squire Haynes. Pie had not been able to accomplish this without strict econ- omy, in which his wife had cheerfully aided him. But his family had grown larger and more expen- sive. Besides Frank, who was the oldest, there were now three younger children, — Alice, twelve years of age ; Maggie, ten ; and Charlie, seven. The farmhouse was small but comfortable, and THE FARM AND THE CAMP 29 the family had never been tempted to sigh for a more costly or luxurious home. They were happy and contented, and this made their home attractive. . On the evening succeeding that of the war meet- ing, Frank was seated in the common sitting-room with his father and mother. There was a well-worn carpet on the floor, a few plain chairs were scattered about the room, and in the corner ticked one of the old-fashioned clocks such as used to be the pride of our New England households. In the centre of the room stood a round table, on which had been set a large kerosene lamp, which diffused a cheerful light about the apartment. On a little table, over which hung a small mirror, were several papers and magazines. Economical in most things, Mr. Frost was considered by many of his neighbors extravagant in this. lie subscribed regularly for Harper's Magazine and Weekly, a weekly agricultural paper, a daily paper, and a child's mag- azine. " I don't see how you can afford to buy so much reading matter," said a neighbor, one day. " It must cost you a sight of money. As for me, I only take a weekly paper, and I think I shall have to give that up soon." " All my papers and magazines cost me in a year, including postage, is less than twenty dollars," said Mr. Frost, quietly. " A very slight additional econ- omy in dress, — say three dollars a year to each of 3* 30 FRANK'S campaign; or, us, — will pay that. I think my wife would rather make her bonnet wear doubly as long than give up a single one of our papers. When you think of the comparative amount of pleasure given by a paper that comes to you fifty-two times in a year, and a little extra extravagance in dress, I think you will decide in favor of the paper." • " But when you've read it, you haven't anything to show for your money." " And when clothes are worn out you may say the same of them. But we value both for the good they have done, and the pleasure they have afforded. I have always observed that a family where papers and magazines are taken is much more intelligent and well-informed than where their bodies are clothed at the expense of their minds. Our daily paper is the heaviest item ; but I like to know what is pass- ing in the world, and, besides, I think I more than defray the expense by the knowledge I obtain of the markets. At what price did you sell your apples last year ? " " At one dollar and seventy-five cents per barrel." " And I sold forty barrels at two dollars per bar- rel. I found from my paper that there was reason to expect an increase in the price, and held on. By so doing I gained ten dollars, which more than paid the expense of my paper for the year. So even in a money way I was paid for my subscription. No, neighbor, though I have good reason to economize, THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 31 I don't care to economize in that direction. I want my children to grow up intelligent citizens. Let me advise you, instead of stopping your only paper, to subscribe for two or three more." " I don't know," was the irresolute reply. "It was pretty lucky about the apples ; but it seems a good deal to pay. As for my children, they don't get much time to read. They've got to earn their livin', and that ain't done by settin' down and readin'." "I am not so sure of that," said Mr. Frost. " Education often enables a man to make money." The reader may have been surprised at the ease with which Mr. Frost expressed himself in his speech at the war meeting. No other explanation is re- quired than that he was in the habit of reading, every day, well-selected newspapers. "A man is known by the company he keeps." " So you gained the prize, Frank?" said his father, approvingly. " I am very glad to hear it. It does you great credit. I hope none were envious of your success." " Most of the boys seemed glad of it," was the reply; "but John Haynes was angry because he did n't get it himself. He declared that I succeeded only because I was a favorite with Mr. Rathburn." " I am afraid he has not an amiable disposition. However, we must remember that his home influ- ences haven't been the best. His mother's death was unfortunate for him." 32 prank's campaign; or, " I heard at the store that you and Squire Hayncs had a discussion at the war meeting," said Frank, inquiringly. "How was it, father?" " It was on the question of voting a bounty to our volunteers. I felt that such a course would be only just. The Squire objected on the ground that our taxes would be considerably increased." " And how did the town vote? " "They sustained my proposition, much to the Squire's indignation. He doesn't seem to feel that any sacrifices ought to be expected of him." " What is the prospect of obtaining the men, father?" " Four have already enlisted, but twenty-one are still required. I fear there will be some difficulty in obtaining the full number. In a farming; town like ours the young men are apt to go off to other places as soon as they are old enough ; so that the lot must fall upon some who have families." Frank sat for some minutes gazing thoughtfully into the wood fire that crackled in the fireplace. " I wish I was old enough to go, father," he said, at length. " I wish you were," said his father, earnestly. " Not that it would n't be hard to send you out into the midst of perils ; but our duty to our country ought to be paramount to our personal preferences." " There's another reason," he said, after a while, * ' why I wish you were older. You could take my place on the farm, and leave me free to enlist. I THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 33 should have no hesitation in going. I have not for- gotten that my grandfather fought at Bunker Hill." "I know, father," said Frank, nodding; "and that 's his musket that hangs up in your room, is n't it?" ' ' Yes ; it was his faithful companion for three years. I often think with pride of his services. I have been trying to think all day whether I could n't make some arrangement to have the farm carried on in my absence ; but it is very hard to obtain a per- son in whom I could confide." " If I were as good a manager as some," said Mrs. Frost, with a smile, " I would offer to be your farmer ; but I am afraid that; though my intentions would be of the best, things would go on badly un- der my administration." " You have enough to do in the house, Mary," said her husband. I should not wish you to under- take the additional responsibility, even if you were thoroughly competent. I am afraid I shall have to give up the idea of going." Mr. Frost took up the evening paper. Frank continued to look thoughtfully into the fire, as if revolving something in his mind. Finally he rose, and lighting a candle went up to bed. But he did not go to sleep for some time. A plan had occurred to him, and he was considering its feasibility. " I think I could do it," he said, at last, turning over and composing himself to sleep. "I'll speak to father the first thing to-morrow morning:." IV. FRANK MAKES A PROPOSITION. When Frank woke the next morning the sun was shining into his window. He rubbed his eyes and tried to think what it was that had occupied his mind the night before. It came to him in a moment, and jumping out of bed he dressed himself with unusual expedition. Hurrying down stairs, he found his mother in the kitchen, busily engaged in getting breakfast. " Where 's father ? " he asked. " He hasn't come in from the barn yet, Frank," his mother answered. " You can have your break- fast now, if you are in a hurry to get to studying.' 7 " Nevermind, just now, mother," returned Frank. " I want to speak to father about something." Taking his cap from the nail in the entry where it usually hung, Frank went out to the barn. He found that his father was nearly through milking. "Is breakfast ready?" asked Mr. Frost, looking up. "Tell your mother she need n't wait forme." " It isn't ready yet," said Frank. " I came out because I want to speak to you about something very particular." " Verv well, Frank. Go on." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 35 " But if you don't think it a good plan, or think that I am foolish in speaking of it, don't say anything to anybody." Mr. Frost looked at Frank in some little curiosity. " Perhaps," he said, smiling, "like our neighbor Holman, you have formed a plan for bringing the war to a close." Frank laughed. "I am not quite so presump- tuous," he said. "You remember saying last night, that if I were old enough to take charge of the farm, you would have no hesitation in volunteering?" "Yes." " Don't you think lam old enough ? " asked Frank, eagerly. " Why you are only fifteen, Frank," returned his father, in surprise. '• I know it, but I am strong enough to do consid- erable work." " It isn't so much that which is required. A man could easily be found to do the hardest of the work. But somebody is needed who understands farming, and is qualified to give directions. How much do you know of that ? " "Not much at present," answered Frank, mod- estly, " but I think I could learn easily. Besides, there's Mr. Maynard, who is a good farmer, could advise me whenever I was in doubt, and you could write home directions in your letters." "That is true," said Mr. Frost, thoughtfullj. 36 Frank's campaign; ok, "I will promise to give it careful consideration. But have you thought that you will be obliged to give up attending school." " Yes, father." "And of course that will put you back ; your class- mates will get in advance of you." " I have thought of that, father, and I shall be very sorry for it. But I think that is one reason why I desire the plan." " I don't understand you, Frank," said his father, a little puzzled. "You see, father, it would require a sacrifice on my part, and I should feel glad to think I had an opportunity of making a sacrifice for the sake of my country." "That's the right spirit, Frank," said his father,, approvingly. " That's the way my grandfather felt and acted, and it 's the way I like to see my son feel. So it would be a great sacrifice to me to leave you all." " And to us to be parted from you, father," said Frank. " I have no doubt of it, my dear boy," said his father, kindly. " We have always been a happy and united family, and, please God, we always shall be. But this plan of yours requires consideration. I will talk it over with your mother and Mr. Maynard, and will then come to a decision." " I was afraid you would laugh at me," said Frank. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 37 " No," said his father, " it was a noble thought, and does you credit. I shall feel that, whatever course I may think it wisest to adopt." The sound of a bell from the house reached them. This meant breakfast. Mr. Frost had finished milk- ing, and with a well-filled pail in either hand, went towards the house. " Move the milking-stool, Frank," he said, looking 'behind him, " or the cow will kick it over." Five minutes later they were at breakfast. "I have some news for you, Mary," said Mr. Frost, as he helped his wife to a sausage. " Indeed?" said she, looking up, inquiringly. ' ' Some one has offered to take charge of the farm for me, in case I wish to go out as a soldier." " Who is it?" asked Mrs. Frost, with strong in- terest. ' ' A gentleman with whom you are well — 1 may say intimately acquainted," was the smiling response. "It is n't Mr. Maynard ? " " No. It is some one that lives nearer than he." " How can that be? He is our nearest neighbor." " Then you can't guess?" " No. I am quite mystified." ' ' Suppose I should say that it is your oldest son ? " "What, Frank?" exclaimed Mrs. Frost, turning from her husband to her son, whose flushed face indi- cated how anxious he was about his mother's favor- able opinion. 4 38 Frank's campaign; or, "You have hit it." "You were not in earnest, Frank?" said Mrs. Frost, inquiringly. "Ask father." "I think he was. He certainly appeared to be." " But what does Frank know about farming?" " I asked him that question, myself. He admitted that he didn't know much at present, but thought that, with Mr. Maynard's advice, he might get along." Mrs. Frost was silent a moment. " It will be a great undertaking," she said, at last ; "but if you think you can trust Frank, I will do all I can to help him. I can't bear to think of having you go, yet I am conscious that this is a feeling which I have no right to indulge at the expense of my country." " Yes," said her husband, seriously. " I feel that I owe my country a service which I have no right to delegate to another, as long as I am able to discharge it myself. I shall reflect seriously upon Frank's proposition." There was no more said at this time. Both Frank and his parents felt that it was a serious matter, and not to be hastily decided. After breakfast Frank went up stairs, and before studying his latin lesson, read over thoughtfully the following passage in his prize essay on " The Duties of American Boys at the Present Crisis." " Now that so lanre a number of our citizens have THE FAEM AND THE CAMP. 39 been withdrawn from their families and their ordinary business to engage in putting down this wicked Re- bellion, it becomes the duty of the boys to take their places as far as they are able to do so.' A boy can- not wholly supply the place of a man, but he can do so in part. And where he is not called on to do this, he can so conduct himself that his friends who are absent may feel at ease about him. He ought to feel willing to give up some pleasures, if by so doing he can help to supply the places of those who are gone. If he does this voluntarily, and in the right spirit, he is just as patriotic as if he were a soldier in the field." " I did n't think," thought Frank, "when I wrote this, how soon my words would come back to me. It is n't much to write the words. The thing is to stand by them. If father should decide to go, I will do my best, and then, when the Rebellion is over, I shall feel that I did something, even if it was n't much, towards putting it down." Frank put his essay carefully away in a bureau- drawer in which he kept his clothes, and, spreading open his Latin lexicon, proceeded to prepare his lesson in the thud book of Virgil's iEneid. V. MR. EATnBUEN MAKES A SPEECH. Frank's seat in the schoolroom was directly in front of that occupied by John Haynes. Until the announcement of the prize John and he had been on friendly terms. They belonged to the same class in Latin, and Frank had often helped his classmate through a difficult passage which he had not the patience to construe for himself. Now, however, a coolness grew up between them, originating with John. He felt envious of Frank's success; and this feeling brought with it a certain bitterness which found gratification in anything which he had reason to suppose would annoy Frank. On the morning succeeding the distribution of the prizes, Frank arrived at the schoolhouse a few minutes before the bell rang. John, with half a dozen other boys, stood near the door. John took off his hat with mock deference. " Make way for the great prize essayist, gentle- men ! " he said. "The modern Macaulay is ap- proaching." Frank colored with annoyance. John did not fail to notice this with pleasure. He was sorry, THE FARM AND THE CAMP.^ 41 however, that none of the other boys seemed in- clined to join in the demonstration. In fact, they liked Frank much the better of the two. "That isn't quite fair, John," said Frank, in a low voice. " I am always glad to pay my homage to distin- guished talent," John proceeded, in the same tone. "I feel how presumptuous I was in venturing to compete with a gentleman of such genius ! " "Do you mean to insult me?" asked Frank, growing angry. "O dear, no! I am only expressing my high opinion of your talents ! " " Let him alone, John ! " said Dick Jones. " It is n't his fault that the teacher awarded the prize to him instead of you." ' ' I hope you don't think I care for that ! " said John, snapping his fingers. "He's welcome to his rubbishing books ; they don't amount to much, any way. I don't believe they cost more than two dol- lars at the most. If you 'd like to see what I got for my essay, I '11 show you." John pulled out his port-monnaie, and unrolled three new and crisp bank-notes of ten dollars each. " I think that's pretty good pay," he said, look- ing about him triumphantly. " I don't care how many prizes Rathburn chooses to give his favorite. I rather think I can get along without them." John's face was turned towards the door, other- 4* 42 FRANK'S campaign; or, wise he would have observed the approach of the teacher, and spoken with more caution. But it was too late. The words had been spoken above his ordinary voice, and were distinctly heard by the teacher. Pie looked sharply at John Haynes, whose glance fell before his, but without a word passed into the schoolroom. " See if you don't get a blowing-up, John?" said Dick Jones. " What do I care ! " said John, but in a tone too subdued to be heard by any one else. " It won't do Rath burn any harm to hear the truth for once in his life." " Well, I'm glad I'm not in your place, that's all ! " replied Dick. " You 're easily frightened ! " rejoined John, with a sneer. Nevertheless, as he entered the schoolroom, and walked with assumed bravado to his seat in the back part of the room, he did not feel quite so comfort- able as he strove to appear. As he glanced stealth- ily at the face of the teacher, who looked unusually stern and grave, he could not help thinking, " I wonder whether he will say anything about it." Mr. Rathburn commenced in the usual manner ; but after the devotional exercises were over, he paused, and, after a brief silence, during which those who had heard John's words listened with earnest attention, spoke as follows : — THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 43 - ' ' As I approached the schoolroom this morning I chanced to catch some words which I presume were not intended for my ear. If I remember rightly they were, ' I don't care how many prizes Rathburn gives his favorite ! ' There were several that heard them, so that I can be easily corrected if I have made any mistake. Now I will not affect to misunderstand the charge conveyed by these words. I am accused of assigning the prizes, or at least one of them, yesterday, not with strict regard to the merit of the essays presented, but under the influ- ence of partiality. If this is the real feeling of the speaker, I can only say that I am sorry he should have so low an opinion of me. I do not believe the scholars generally entertain any such suspicion. Though I may err in judgment, I think that most of you will not charge me with anything more seri- ous. If you ask me whether a teacher has favorites, I say that he cannot help having them. He cannot help making a difference between the studious on the one hand, and the indolent and neglectful on the other. But in a matter like this I ask you to believe me when I say that no consideration except that of merit is permitted to weigh. The boy who made this charge is one of my most advanced scholars, and has no reason to believe that he would be treated with unfairness. I do not choose to say any more on this subject, except that I have decided to offer two similar prizes for the two best compositions sub- 44 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, mitted within the next four weeks. I shall assign them to the best of my judgment, without regard to the scholarship of the writer." Mr. Rathburn spoke in a quiet, dignified manner, which convinced all who heard him of his fairness. I say all, because even John Haynes was persuaded against his own will, though he did not choose to acknowledge it. He had a dogged obstinacy which would not allow him to retract what he had once said. There was an unpleasant sneer on his face while the teacher was speaking, which he did not attempt to conceal. " The class in Virgil," called Mr. Rathburn. This class consisted of Frank Frost, John Haynes, and Henry Tufts. John rose slowly from his seat, and advanced to the usual place, taking care to stand as far from Frank as possible. " You may commence, John," said the teacher. It was unfortunate for John that he had been occupied, first, by thoughts of his rejected essay, and afterwards ' by thoughts of the boat which he proposed to buy with the thirty dollars of which he had become possessed, so that he had found very lit- tle time to devote to his Latin. Had he been on good terms with Frank, he would have asked him to read over the lesson, which, as he was naturally quick, would have enabled him to get off passably. But, of course, under the circumstances, this was not to be thought of. So he stumbled through two THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 45 or three sentences, in an embarrassed manner. Mr. llathburn at first helped him along. Finding, how- ever, that he knew little or nothing of the lesson, he quietly requested Frank to read, saying, "You don't seem so well prepared as usual, John." Frank translated fluently and well, his recitation forming a very favorable contrast to the slipshod at- tempt of John. This John, in a spirit of unreason- ableness, magnified into a grave offence, and a desire to " show off" at his expense. "Trying to shine at my expense," he muttered. Well, let him ! Two or three years hence, when I am in college, perhaps things may be a little differ- ent." Frank noticed his repellant look, and it made him feel uncomfortable. He was a warmhearted boy, and wanted to be on good terms with everybody. Still, he could not help feeling that in the present in- stance he had nothing to reproach himself with. John went back to his seat feeling an increased irritation against Frank. He could not help seeing that he was more popular with his schoolmates than himself, and of course this too he considered a just cause of offence against him. While he was considering in what way he could slight Frank, the thought of the boat he was about to purchase entered his mind. He brightened up at once, for this suggested something. He knew how much boys like going out upon the water. At pres- 46 Frank's campaign; or, ent there was no boat on the pond. His would hold six or eight boys readily. He would invite some of the oldest boys to accompany him on his first trip, carefully omitting Frank Frost. The slight would be still more pointed because Frank was his class- mate. When the bell rang for recess he lost no time in carrying out the scheme he had thought of. "Dick," he called out to Dick Jones, " I am expecting my boat up from Boston next Tuesday, and I mean to go out in her Wednesday afternoon. Would n't you like to go with me ? " " With all the pleasure in life," said Dick, " and thank you for the invitation." * ' How many will she hold ? " ' ' Eight or ten, I expect. Bob Ingalls, would you like to go too ! " The invitation was eagerly accepted. John next approached Henry Tufts, who was speaking with Frank Frost. Without even looking at the latter, he asked Henry if he would like to go. " Very much," was the reply. " Then I will expect you, " he said. He turned on his heel and walked off without taking any notice of Frank. Frank blushed, in spite of himself. " Don't he mean to invite you? " asked Henry, in surprise. THE FARM AND THE, CAMP. 47 " It appears not," said Frank. " It's mean in him, then," exclaimed Henry ; " 7 declare, I've a great mind not to go." " I hope you will go," said Frank, hastily. "You will enjoy it. Promise me you will go." " Would you really prefer to have me?" " I should be very sorry if you didn't." " Then I '11 go ; but I think he 's jnean in not ask- ing you, for all that." VI. ME. FKOST MAKES UP HIS MIND. " Well, Frank," said his father at supper-time, "I've been speaking to Mr. Maynard this afternoon about your plan." " What did he say?" asked Frank, dropping his knife and fork in his eagerness. " After he had thought a little, he spoke of it favorably. He said that, being too old to go himself, he should be glad to do anything in his power to facilitate my going, if I thought it my duty to do so." ' ' Did n't he think Frank rather young for such an undertaking?" asked Mrs. Frost, doubtfully. " Yes, he did; but still, he thought with proper advice and competent assistance he might get along. For the first, he can depend upon Mr. Maynard and myself ; as for the second, Mr. Maynard suggested a good man, who is seeking a situation as farm laborer." " Is it anybody in this town? " asked Frank. " No, it is a man from Brandon, named Jacob Carter. Mr. Maynard says he is honest, industri- ous, and used to working on a farm. I shall write to him this evening." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 49 " Then you have decided to go ! " exclaimed Frank And his mother in concert. % " It will depend in part upon the answer I receive from this man, Carter. I shall feel, if he agrees to t «ome, that I can go with less anxiety." "How we shall miss you !" said his wife, in a subdued tone. " And I shall miss you quite as much. It will be a considerable sacrifice for all of us. But when my country has need of me, you will feel that I cannot honorably stay at home. As for • Frank, he may regard me as his substitute." " My substitute ! " repeated Frank, in a question- ing tone. "Yes, since but for you, taking charge of the farm, in my absence, I should not feel that I could go." Frank looked pleased. It made him feel that he was really of some importance. Boys, unless they are incorrigibly idle, are glad to be placed in posts of responsibility. Frank, though very modest, felt within himself unused powers and undeveloped capa- cities, which he knew must be called out by the unusual circumstances in which he would be placed. The thought too that he would be serving his country, even at home, filled him with satisfaction. After a pause, Mr. Frost said: "There is one point on which I still have some doubts. As you are all equally interested with myself, I think it 50 Frank's campaign; or, proper to ask your opinion, and shall abide by your decision." Frank and his mother listened with earnest atten- tion. ' ' You are aware that the town has decided to give a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars to such as may volunteer towards filling the quota. You may remember, also, that although the town passed the vote almost unanimously, it was my proposition, and supported by a speech of mine." " Squire Haynes opposed it, I think you said, father." " Yes, and intimated that I urged the matter from interested motives. He said he presumed I intended to enlist." " As if that sum would pay a man for leaving his home, and incurring the terrible risks of war ! " ex- claimed Mrs. Frost, looking indignant. " Very likely he did not believe it himself; but he was irritated with me, and it is his habit to impute unworthy motives to those with whoni he differs. Aside from this, however, I shall feel some delicacy in availing myself of a bounty which I was instru- mental in persuading the town to vote. Though I feel that I should be perfectly justified in so doing, I confess that I am anxious not to put myself in such a position as to hazard any loss of good opinion on the part of my friends in town." " Then don't take it," said Mrs. Frost, promptly. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 51 " That 's what I say too, father," chimed in Frank. " Don't decide too hastily," said Mr. Frost. "Remember that in our circumstances this amount of money would be very useful. Although Frank will do as well as any boy of his age, I do not expect him to make the farm as profitable as I should do, partly on account of my experience being greater, and partly because I should be able to accomplish more work than he. One hundred and fifty dollars would procure many little comforts which otherwise you may have to do without." " I know that," said Mrs. Frost, quickly. " But do you think I should enjoy them, if there were re- ports circulated, however unjustly, to your prejudice? Besides, I shall know that the comforts at the camp must be fewer than you would enjoy at home. We shall not wish to fare so much better than you." " Do you think with your mother, Frank?" asked Mr. Frost. "I think mother is right," said Frank, proud of having his opinion asked. He was secretly deter- mined, in spite of what his father had said, to see if he could not make the farm as profitable as it would be under his father's management. Mr. Frost seemed relieved by his wife's expression of opinion. " Then," said he, " I will accept your decision as final. I felt that it should be you, and not myself, who should decide it. Now my mind will be at ease, so far as that goes." 52 Frank's campaign ; or, "You will not enlist at once, father?" asked Frank. "Not for three or four weeks. I shall wish to give you some special instructions before I go, so that your task may be easier." * ' Had n't I better leave school at once ? " ' " You may finish this week out. However, I may as well begin my instructions without delay. I believe you have never learned to milk." "No sir." " Probably Carter will undertake that. Still, it will be desirable that you should know how, in case he gets sick. You may come out with me after supper and take your first lesson." Frank ran for his hat with alacrity. This seemed like beginning in earnest. He accompanied his father to the barn, and looked with new interest at the four cows constituting his father's stock. " I think we will begin with this one," said his father, pointing to a red and white heifer. " She is better-natured than the others, and, as I dare say your fingers will bungle a little at first, that is a point to be considered." If any of my boy-readers has ever undertaken the task of milking for the first time, he will appreciate Frank's difficulties. "When he had seen his father milking, it seemed to him extremely easy. The milk poured out in rich streams, almost without an effort. But under his inexperienced fingers none THE FARM AND THE CAMP. . 53 came. He tugged away manfully, but with no re- sult. " I guess the cow's dry," said he at last, looking up in his father's face. Mr. Frost in reply drew out a copious stream. "I did the same as you," said Frank, mystified, " and none came." "You didn't take hold right," said his father, " and you pressed at the wrong time. Let me show you." Before the first lesson was over Frank had advanc- ed a little in the art of milking, and it may as well be said here that in the course of a week or so he became a fair proficient, so that his father even allowed him to try Vixen, a cow who had received this name from the uncertainty of her temper. She had more than once upset the pail with a spiteful kick when it was nearly over. One morning she upset not only the pail but Frank, who looked foolish enough as he got up covered with milk. Frank also commenced reading the " Ploughman," a weekly agricultural paper which his father had taken for years. Until now he had confined his readings in it to the selected story on the fourth page. Now, with an object in view, he read carefully other parts of the paper. He did this not merely in the first flush of enthusiasm, but with the steady purpose of qualifying himself to take his father's place. " Frank is an uncommon boy," said Mr. Frost to 5* 54. Frank's campaign. his wife, not without feelings of pride, one night when our hero had retired to bed. " I would trust him with the farm sooner than many who are half a dozen years older." VIL LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. "Well, father, I've got some news for you," eaid John Haynes, as he entered his father's presence, two or three days later. " What is it, John?" inquired the Squire, laying down a copy of the New York Herald, which he had been reading. ' ' Who do you think has enlisted ? " " I do not choose to guess," said his father, coldly. " If you feel disposed to tell me, you may do so." John looked somewhat offended at his father's tone, but he was anxious to tell the news. " Frost's going toenlist," he said, shortly. " Indeed ! " said the Squire, with interest. "How did you hear ? " " I heard him say so himself, just now, in the store." " I expected it," said Squire Haynes with a sneer. " I understood his motives perfectly in urging the town to pay an enormous bounty to volunteers. He meant to line his own pockets at the public ex- pense." " He says that he doesn't mean to accept the 56 FRANK'S campaign; or, bounty," continued John, in a tone which indicated a doubt whether Mr. Frost was in earnest. ' ' Did you hear him say that ? " asked Squire Haynes, abruptly. " Yes. I heard him say so to Mr. Morse." "Perhaps he means it, and perhaps he doesn't. If he don't take it, it is because he is afraid of public opinion. What's he going to do about the farm, while he is gone ? " " That is the strangest part of it," saiu John. " I don't believe you could guess who is to be left in charge of it." "I don't choose to guess. If you know, speak out." John bit his lip resentfully. "It's that conceited jackanapes of his, — Frank Frost." • ' ' Do you mean that he is going to leave that boy to carry on the farm ? " demanded Squire Haynes, in surprise. "Yes." " Well, all I can say is, that he's more of a fool than I took him to be." " O, he thinks, everything of Frank," said John, bitterly. ' ' He '11 be nominating him for Represen- tative, next." The Squire winced a little. He had been ambi- tious to represent the town in the Legislature, and after considerable wire-pulling, had succeeded in THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 57 obtaining the nomination the year previous. But it is one thing to be nominated and another to be elected. So the Squire had found, to his cost. He had barely obtained fifty votes, while his opponent had been elected by a vote of a hundred and fifty. All allusions, therefore, recalling his mortifying de- feat, were disagreeable to him. " On the whole, I don't know but I am satisfied," he said, recurring to the intelligence John had brought. " So far as I am concerned, I am glad he has made choice of this boy." " You don't think he is competent? " asked John, in surprise. "For that very reason I am glad he has been selected," said the Squire, emphatically. " I take it for granted that the farm will be mismanaged, and become a bill of expense instead of a source of rev- enue. It's pretty certain that Frost won't be able to pay the mortgage when it comes due. I can bid off the farm for a small sum additional , and make a cap- ital bargain. It will make a very good place for you to settle down upon, John." " Me ! " said John, disdainfully. " You don't ex- pect me to become a plodding farmer, I trust. I've got talent for something better than that, I should hope." " No," said the Squire, "I have other ' views for you. Still , you could hire a farmer to carry it on for you, and live out there in the summer." 58 Frank's campaign; or, " "Well, perhaps that would do," said John, think- ing that it would sound well for him, even if he lived in the city, to have a place in the country. " When does the mortgage come due, father?" " I don't remember the exact date. I '11 look and see." The Squire drew from a closet a box hooped with iron, and evidently made for security. This was his strong box, and in this he kept his bonds, mortgages, and other securities. He selected a document tied with red ribbon, and examined it briefly. ' ' I shall have the right to foreclose the mortgage on the first of next July," he said. " I hope you will do it then. I should like to see them Frosts humbled." v " Them Frosts ! Don't you know anything more about English grammar, John ? " " Those Frosts, then. Of course I know; but a feller can't always be watching his words." ' ' I desire you never again to use the low word * feller,' " said the Squire, who, as the reader will see, was more particular about grammatical accuracy than about some other things which might be nat- urally supposed to be of higher importance. " Well," said John, sulkily, " anything you choose." " As to the mortgage," proceeded Squire Haynes, " I have no idea they will be able to lift it. I feel THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 59 certain that Frost wont himself have the money at command ; and I shan't give him any grace, or con- sent to a renewal. He may be pretty sure of that." ' ' Perhaps he '11 find somebody to lend him the money." "I think not. There are those who would be willing ; but I question whether there is any such who could raise the money at a moment's warning. By the way, you need not mention my purpose in this matter to any one. If it should leak out, Mr. Frost might hear of it, and prepare for it." " You may trust me for that, father," said John, very decidedly ; " I want to see Frank Frost's proud spirit humbled. Perhaps he '11 feel like putting on airs after that." From the conversation which has just been chron- icled, it will be perceived that John was a worthy son of his father ; and, though wanting in affection and cordial good feeling, that both were prepared to join hands in devising mischief to poor Frank and his family. Let us hope that the intentions of the wicked may be frustrated. . vm. DISCOURAGED AND ENCOURAGED. In a small village like Rossville news flies fast. Even the distinctions of social life do not hinder an interest bein^ felt in the affairs of each individual. Hence it was that Mr. Frost's determination to enlist became speedily known ; and various were the com- ments made upon his plan of leaving Frank in charge of the farm. That they were not all favor- able may be readily believed. Country people are apt to criticise the proceedings of their neighbors with a greater degree of freedom than is common elsewhere. As Frank was on his way to school on Saturday morning, his name was called by Mrs Roxana Ma- son, who stood in the doorway of a small yellow house fronting on the main street. " Good morning, Mrs. Mason," said Frank, po- litely, advancing to the gate in answer to her call. " Is it true what I've heard about your father's going to the war, Frank Frost?" she commenced. " Yes, Mrs. Mason ; he feels it his duty to go." ' ' And what 's to become of the farm ? anybody hired it?" THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 61 "lam going to take charge of it," said Frank, modestly. "You!" exclaimed Mrs. Roxana, lifting both hands in amazement; "why, you're nothing but a baby I " "I'm a baby of fifteen," said Frank, good hu- moredly, though his courage was a little damped by her tone. ' ' What do you know about farming ? " inquired the lad,y, in a contemptuous manner. " Your father must be crazy ! " " I shall do my best, Mrs. Mason," said Frank, quietly, but with heightened color. "My father is willing to trust me ; and as I shall have Mr. May- nard to look to for advice, I think I can get along." ' ' The idea of putting a boy like you over a farm ! " returned Mrs. Roxana, in an uncompro- mising tone. " I did think your father had more sense. It 's the most shiftless thing I ever knew him to do. How does your poor mother feel about it?" ' ' She does n't seem as much disturbed about it as you do, Mrs. Mason," said Frank, rather impatiently ; for he felt that Mrs. Mason had no right to interfere in his father's arrangements. "Well, well, we'll see!" said Mrs. Roxana, shaking her head significantly. " If you '11 look in your Bible, you '11 read about ' the haughty spirit that goes before a fall.' I 'm sure I wish you well 6 62 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, enough. I hope that things '11 turn out better 'n they're like to. Tell your mother I'll come over before long and talk with her about it." Frank inwardly hoped that Mrs. Roxana would n't put herself to any trouble to call ; but politeness taught him to be silent. Leaving Mrs. Mason's gate he kept on his way to school, but had hardly gone half a dozen rods before he met an old lady, whose benevolent face indicated a very different disposition from that of the lady he had just parted with. " Good morning, Mrs. Chester," said Frank, cor- dially, recognizing one of his mother's oldest friends. " Good morning, my dear boy," was the reply. " I hear your father is going to the war." " Yes," said Frank, a little nervously, not know- ing but Mrs. Chester would view the matter in the same way with Mrs. Mason, though he felt sure she would express herself less disagreeably. ' ' And I hear that you are going to try to make his place good at home." " I don't expect to make his place good, Mrs. Chester," said Frank, modestly ; " but I shall do as well as I can." " I have no doubt of it, my dear boy," said the old lady, kindly. "You can do a great deal, tou« You can help your mother by looking out for your brothers and sisters, as well as supplying your father's place on the farm." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 63 "lam glad you think I can make myself useful," said Frank, feeling relieved. " Mrs. Mason has just been telling me that I am not fit for the charge, and that discouraged me a little." "It's a great responsibility, no doubt, to come on one so young," said the old lady; " but it's of God's appointing. He will strengthen your hands, if you only ask Him. If you humbly seek his guid- ance and assistance, you need not fear to fail." "Yes," said Frank, soberly; "that's what I mean to do." " Then you will feel that you are in the path of duty. You '11 be serving your country just as much as if you went yourself." "That's just the way I feel, Mrs. Chester," exclaimed Frank, eagerly. "I want to do some- thing for my country." " You remind me of my oldest brother," said the old lady, thoughtfully. "He was left pretty much as you are. It was about the middle of the Revolu- tionary war, and the army needed recruits. My father hesitated, for he had a small family depending on him for support. I was only two years old at the time, and there were three others of us. Finally my brother James, who was just about your age, told my father that he would do all he could to support the family, and father concluded to go. We did n't have a farm, for father was a carpenter. My brother worked for neighboring farmers, receiving his pay in 64 Frank's campaign; or, corn and vegetables, and picked up what odd jobs he could. Then mother was able to do something ; so we managed after a fashion. There were times when we were brought pretty close to the wall ; but God carried us through. And by-and-by father came safely home, and I don't think he ever regretted hav- ing left us. After a while the good news of peace came, and he felt that he had been abundantly repaid .for all the sacrifices he had made in the good cause." Frank listened to this narrative with o-reat interest. It yielded him no little encouragement to know that another boy, placed in similar circumstances, had succeeded, and he justly felt that he would have very much less to contend against than the brother of whom Mrs. Chester spoke. ' ' Thank you for telling me about your brother, Mrs. Chester," he said. "It makes me feel more as if things would turn out well. Won't you come over soon and see us? Mother is always glad to see you." "Thank you, Frank; I shall certainly do so. I hope I shall not make you late to school." " O no ; I started half an hour early this morn- ing. Frank had hardly left Mrs. Chester when he heard a quick step behind him. Turning round he per- ceived that it was Mr. Rathburn, his teacher. " I hurried to come up with you, Frank," he said, smiling. " I understand that I am to lose you from school." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 65 " Yes, sir," answered Frank. "I am very sorry to leav prose- THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 261 cuting inquiries respecting the missing clerk. Just before I came to Rossville, I obtained a clew which I have since industriously followed up. " Last night I received a letter from my agent, stating that he had found the man, — that he was in a sad state of destitution, and that he was ready to give his evidence." " Is the lawyer still living?" inquired Frank, eagerly. "He is." " What a villain he must be." " I am afraid he is, Frank." " Does he still live in Boston?" " No. After he had made sure of his ill-gotten gains, he removed into the country, where he built him a fine house. He has been able to live a life of leisure ; but I doubt if he has been as happy as he would have been had he never deviated from the path of rectitude." " Have you seen him lately?" asked Frank. ' ' I have seen him many times within the last few months," said the young man, in a significant tone. Frank jumped to his feet in surprise. "You don't mean — " he said, as a sudden suspicion of the truth dawned upon his mind. "Yes," said Mr. Morton, deliberately, "I do mean that the lawyer who defrauded my father lives in this village. You know him well as Squire Haynes." 262 FRANK'S campaign; or, "I can hardly believe it," said Frank, unable to conceal his astonishment. " Do you think he knows who you are?" "I think he has noticed my resemblance to my father. If I had not assumed a different name he would have been sure to detect me. This would have interfered with my plans, as he undoubtedly knew the whereabouts of his old clerk, and would have arranged to remove him, so as to delay his discovery, perhaps indefinitely. Here is the letter I received last night. I will read it to you." The letter ran as follows : — " I have at length discovered the man of whom I have so long been in search. I found him in De- troit. He had recently removed thither from St. Louis. He is very poor, and when I found him was laid up with typhoid fever in a mean lodging-house. I removed him to more comfortable quarters, sup- plied him with relishing food and good medical as- sistance. Otherwise I think he would have died. The result is, that he feels deeply grateful to me for having probably saved his life. When I first broached the idea of his giving evidence against his old employer, I found him reluctant to do so, — not from any attachment he bore him, but from a fear that he would be held on a criminal charge for con- cealing a felony. I have undertaken to assure him, on your behalf, that he shall not be punished if he will come forward and give his evidence unhesitat- THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 263 ingly. I have finally obtained his promise to do so. " We shall leave Detroit day after to-morrow, and proceed to New England by way of New York. Can you meet me in New York on the 18th inst. ? You can, in that case, have an interview with this man, Travers ; and it will be well to obtain his con- fession, legally certified, to guard against any vacil- lation of purpose on his part. I have no apprehen- sion of it, but it is as well to be certain." This letter was signed by Mr. Morton's agent. " I was very glad to get that letter, Frank," said his companion. " I don't think I care so much for the money, though that is not to be despised, since it will enable me to do more good than at present I have it in my power to do. But there is one thing I care for still more, and that is, to redeem my father's memory from reproach. In the last letter he ever wrote he made a specific statement, which this lawyer declares to be false. The evidence of his clerk will hurl back the falsehood wpon himself." " How strange it is, Mr. Morton," exclaimed Frank, " that you should have saved the life of a son of the man who has done so much to injure you ! " " Yes, that gives me great satisfaction. I do not wish Squire Haynes any harm, but I am determined that justice shall be done. Otherwise than that, if I can be of any service to him, I shall not refuse." 2G4 Frank's campaign. " I remember now," said Frank, after a moment's pause, " that on the first Sunday you appeared at church, Squire Haynes stopped me to inquire who you were." "I am thought to look much as my father did. He undoubtedly saw the resemblance. I have often caught his eyes fixed upon me in perplexity when he did not know that I noticed him. It is fourteen years since my father died. Retribution has been slow, but it has come at last." ' ' When do you go on to New York ? " asked Frank, recalling the agent's request. "I shall start to-morrow morning. For the present I will ask you to keep what I have said a secret even from your good mother. It is as well not to disturb Squire Haynes in his fancied security until we are ready to overwhelm him with our evi- dence." "How long shall you be absent, Mr. Morton?" " Probably less than a week. I shall merely say that I have gone on business. I trust to your dis- cretion to say nothing more." " I certainly will not," said Frank. " I am very much obliged to you for having told me first." The two rose from their grassy seats, and walked slowly back to the farm-house. XXX, FRANK CALLS ON SQUIRE HAYNES. The next morning Mr. Morton was a passenger by the early stage for Webbington, where he took the train for Boston. Thence he was to proceed to New York by the steamboat train. " Good by, Mr. Morton," said Frank, waving his cap as the stage started. ' ' I hope you'll soon be back." " I hope so too ; good by." Crack went the whip, round went the -wheels. The horses started, and the stage rumbled off, sway- ing this way and that, as if top-heavy. Frank went slowly back to the house, feeling quite lonely. He had become so accustomed to Mr. Mor- ton's companionship that his departure left a void which he hardly knew how to fill. As he reflected upon Mr. Morton's story he began to feel an increased uneasiness at the mortgage held by Squire Haynes upon his father's farm. The time was very near at hand — only ten days off — when the mortgage might be foreclosed, and but half the money was in readiness. Perhaps, however, Squire Haynes had no intention of foreclosing. If so, there was no occasion for 23 266 Frank's campaign; or, apprehension. But about this he felt by no means certain. He finally determined, without consulting his mother, to make the Squire a visit and inquire frank- ly what he intended to dj. The Squire's answer would regulate his future proceedings. It was Frank's rule — and a very good one too — to do at once whatever needed to be done. He re- solved to lose no time in making his call. " Frank," said his mother, as he entered the house, " I want you to go down to the store some time this forenoon, and get me half a dozen pounds of sugar." " Very well, mother, I'll go now. I suppose it won't make any difference if I don't come back for an hour or two." " No, that will be in time." Mrs. Frost did not ask Frank where he was £©insc. She had perfect faith in him, and felt sure that he would never become involved in anything discred- itable. Frank passed through the village without stopping at the store. He deferred his mother's errand until his return. Passing up the village street, he stopped before the fine house of Squire Haynes. Opening the gate he walked up the gravelled path and rang the bell. A servant-girl -came to the door. ' ' Is Squire Haynes at home ? " inquired Frank. " Yes, but he's eating breakfast." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 267 " Will lie be through soon?" " Shure and I think so." " Then I will step in and wait for him." " Who shall I say it is?" " Frank Frost." Squire Haynes had just passed his cup for coffee when Bridget entered and reported that Frank Frost was in the drawing-room and would like to see him when he had finished his breakfast. " Frank Frost ! " repeated the Squire, arching his eyebrows. " What does he want, I wonder?" " Shure he didn't say," said Bridget. "Very well." " He is Captain of the boys' company, John, isn't he?" asked the Squire. " Yes," said John, sulkily. " I wish him joy of his office. I wouldn't have anything to do with such a crowd of ragamuffins." Of course the reader understands that this was " sour grapes" on John's part. Finishing his breakfast leisurely, Squire Haynes went into the room where Frank was sitting patiently awaiting him. Frank rose as he entered. " Good morning, Squire Haynes," he said, politely rising as he spoke. " Good morning," said the Squire, coldly. "You are an early visitor." If this was intended for a rebuff, Frank did not choose to take any notice of it. 268 Frank's campaign; ok, "I call on a little matter of business, Squire Haynes," continued Frank. " Very well," said the Squire, seating himself in a luxurious arm-chair, " I am ready to attend to you." " I believe you hold a mortgage on our farm." Squire Haynes started. The thought of Frank's real business had not occurred to him. He had hoped that nothing would have been said in relation to the mortgage until he was at liberty to foreclose, as he wished to take the Frosts unprepared. He now re- solved, if possible, to keep Frank in ignorance of his real purpose, that he might not think it necessary to prepare for his attack. "Yes," said he, indifferently; "I hold quite a number of mortgages, and one upon your father's farm among them." " Isn't the time nearly run out?" asked Frank, anxiously. " I can look if you desire it," said the Squire, in the same indifferent tone. " I should be glad if you would." " May I ask why you are desirous of ascertaining /he precise date?" asked the Squire. "Are you intending to pay off the mortgage ? " " No sir," said Frank. " We are not prepared to do so at present." Squire Haynes felt relieved. He feared for a moment that Mr. Frost had secured the necessary THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 269 sum, and that he would be defeated in his wicked purpose. He drew out a large number of papers, which he rather ostentatiously scattered about the table, and finally came to the mortgage. " The mortgage comes due on the first of July," he said. " Will it be convenient for you to renew it, Squire Haynes?" asked Frank, anxiously. " Father being absent, it would be inconvenient for us to obtain the amount necessary to cancel it. Of course I shall be ready to pay the interest promptly." "Unless I should have sudden occasion for the money," said the Squire, "I will let it remain. I don't think you need feel any anxiety on the subject." With the intention of putting Frank off his guard, Squire Haynes assumed a comparatively gracious tone. This, in' the case of any other man, would have completely reassured Frank. But he had a strong distrust of the Squire, since the revelation of his character made by his friend Mr. Morton. "Could you tell me positively?" he asked, still uneasy. "It is only ten days now to the first of July, and that is little enough to raise the money in." "Don't trouble yourself," said the Squire. "I said unless I had sudden occasion for the money, be- cause unforeseen circumstances might arise. But as I have a considerable sum lying at the bank, I don't anticipate anything of the kind." 270 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.; OK, "I suppose you will give me immediate notice, should it be necessary. We can pay four hun- dred dollars now. So, if you please, the new mortgage can be made out for half the present amount." " Very well," said the Squire, carelessly. " Just as you please as to that. Still, as you have always paid me interest regularly, I consider the investment a good one, and have no objection to the whole re- maining." " Thank you, sir," said Frank, rising to go. Frank took his hat, and bowing to the Squire, sought the front door. His face wore a perplexed expression. He hardly knew what to think about the interview he had just had. " Squire Haynes talks fair enough," he solilo- quized ; " and perhaps he means what he says. If it hadn't been for what Mr. Morton told me, I should have confidence in him. But a man who will betray a trust is capable of breaking his word to me. I think I'll look round a little, and see if I can't provide for the worst in case it comes." Just after Frank left the house, John entered his father's presence. " What did Frank Frost want of you, father?" he asked. " He came about the mortgage." ' ' Did he want to pay it ? " " No, he wants me to renew it." THE FAEM AND THE CAMP. 271 " Of course you refused." " Of course I did do suoi thing. Do you think I am a fool ? " " You don't mean to say that you agreed to renew it?" demanded John, in angry amazement. Squire Haynes rather enjoyed John's mystification. " Come," said he, " I 'm afraid you'll never make a lawyer if you 're not sharper than that comes to. Never reveal your plans to your adversary. That 's an important principle. If I had refused, he would have gone to work, and in the ten days between now and the first of July, he'd have managed in some way to scrape together the eight hundred dollars. He 's got half of it now." " What did you tell him, then?" " I put him off by telling him not to trouble him- self, — that I would not foreclose the mortgage unless I had unexpected occasion for the money." " Yes, I see," said John, his face brightening at the anticipated disaster to the Frosts. " You'll take care that there shall be some sudden occasion." "Yes," said the Squire, complacently. "I'll have a note come due, which I had not thought about, or something of the kind." "O, that'll be bully." " Don't use such low words, John. I have repeat- edly requested you to be more careful about your language. By the way, your teacher told me yester- day that you are not doing as well now as for- merly." 272 Frank's campaign. " O, he'e an old muff. Besides, he's got a spite against me. I should do a good deal better at another school." " We '11 see about that. But I suspect he 's partly right." " Well, how can a feller study when he knows the teacher is determined to be down upon him ? " ' ' ' Feller ! ' I am shocked at hearing you use that word. ' Down upon him,' too ! " ' ' Very well ; let me go where I won't hear such language spoken." It would have been well if Squire Haynes had been as much shocked by bad actions as by low language. This little disagreement over, they began again to anticipate with pleasure the effect of the Squire's premeditated blow upon the Frosts. " We'll come up with 'em? " said John, with in- ward exultation. Meanwhile, though the Squire was entirely un- conscious of it, there was a sword hanging over his own head. XXXI. SQUIRE HAINES SPRINGS HIS TRAP. As intimated in the last chapter, Frank determined to see if he could not raise the money necessary to pay off the mortgage in case it should be necessary to do so. Farmer Maynard was a man in very good circum- stances. He owned an excellent farm, which yielded more than enough to support his family. Probably he had one or two thousand dollars laid aside. " I think he will help me," Frank said to himself, "I'll go to him." He went to the house, and was directed to the barn. There he found the farmer engaged in mend- ing a hoe-handle, which had been broken, by splic- ing it. He unfolded his business. The farmer listened attentively to his statement. ' ' You say the Squire as much as told you that he would renew the mortgage ? " "Yes." "Well, I would n't trouble myself then; I've no doubt he '11 do it." 274 fkank's campaign; ok, " He said, unless he should have some sudden oc- casion for the money." " All right. He is a prudent man, and don't want to bind himself. That is all. You know the most unlikely things may happen ; but I don't believe the Squire '11 want the money. He 's got plenty in the bank." "But if he should?" " Then he'll wait, or take part. I suppose you can pay part." "Yes, half." ' ' Then I guess there won't be any chance of any- thing going wrong." " If there should," persisted Frank, " could you lend us four hundred dollars to make up the amount ? " " I 'd do it in a minute, Frank, but I haint got the money by me. What money I have got besides the farm is lent out in notes. Only last week I let my brother-in-law have five hundred dollars, and that leaves me pretty short." " Perhaps somebody else will advance the money," said Frank, feeling a little discouraged at the result of his first application. " Yes, most likely. But I guess you won't need any assistance. I look upon it as certain that the mortgage will be renewed. Next fall I shall have the money, and if the Squire wants to dispose of the mortgage, I shall be ready to take it off his hands." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 275 Frank tried to feel that he was foolish in appre - hending trouble from Squire Haynes, but he found it impossible to rid himself of a vague feeling of un- easiness. He made application to another farmer — an inti- mate friend of his father's — but he had just pur- chased and paid for a five-acre lot adjoining his farm, and that had stripped him of money. He too bade Frank lay aside all anxiety, and assured him that his fears were groundless. With this Frank had to be content. " Perhaps I am foolish," he said to himself. •' I '11 try to think no more about it." He accordingly returned to his usual work, and not wishing to trouble his mother to no purpose, re- solved not to impart his fears to her. Another ground of relief suggested itself to him. Mr. Morton would probably be back on the 27th of June. Such at least was his anticipation when he went away. There was reason to believe that he would be both ready and willing to take up the mortgage, if needful. This thought brought back Frank's cheerfulness. It was somewhat dashed by the following letter which he received a day or two later from his absent friend. It was dated New York, June 25, 1863. As will appear from its tenor, it prepared Frank for a further delay in Mr. Morton's arrival. 276 feank's campaign; or, Dear Frank : — I shall not be able to be with you quite as soon as T intended. I hope, however, to return a day or two afterwards at latest. My business is going on well, and I am assured of final success. Will you ask your mother if she can accommodate an acquaint- ance of mine for a day or two? I shall bring him with me from New York, and shall feel indebted foi the accommodation. Your true friend, Henry Morton. Frank understood at once that the acquaintance referred to must be the clerk, whose evidence was so important to Mr. Morton's case. Being enjoined to secrecy, however, he of course felt that he was not at liberty to mention this. One day succeeded another until at length the morning of the thirtieth of June dawned. Mr. Mor- ton had not yet arrived ; but,, on the other hand, nothing had been heard from Squire Haynes. Frank began to breathe more freely. He per- suaded himself that he had been foolishly apprehen- sive. " The Squire means to renew the mortgage," he said to himself, hopefully. He had a talk with his mother, and she agreed that it would be well to pay the four hundred dollars they could spare, and have a new mortgage made out for the balance. Frank accordingly rode over THE FARM AND THE CAB1P. 277 to Brandon in the forenoon, and withdrew from the bank the entire sum there deposited to his father's credit. This, with money which had been received from Mr. Morton in payment of his board, made up the requisite amount. About four o'clock in the afternoon, as Mrs. Frost was sewing at a front window, she exclaimed to Frank, who was making a kite for his little brother Charlie, " Frank, there's Squire Haynes coming up the road." Frank's heart gave an anxious bound. "Is he coming here?" he asked, with anxiety. " Yes," said Mrs. Frost, after a moment's pause. Frank turned pale with apprehension. A moment afterwards the huge knocker was heard to sound, and Mrs. Frost, putting down her work, smoothed her apron and went to the door. " Good afternoon, Mrs. Frost," said the Squire, lifting his hat. " Good afternoon, Squire Haynes. Won't you walk in?" " Thank you ; I will intrude for a few minutes. How do you do?" he said, nodding to Frank as he mtered. " Pretty well, thank you, sir," said Frank, ner- vously. T^ie Squire, knowing the odium which would at- tach to the course he had settled upon, resolved to show the utmost politeness to the family he was 24 278 Frank's campaign; or, about to injure, and justify bis action by the plea of necessity. " Take a seat, Squire Haynes," said Mrs. Frost, " You'll find this rocking-chair more comfortable." "I am very well seated, thank you. I cannot stop long. I have merely called on a matter of business." " About* the mortgage?" interrupted Frank, who could keep silence no longer. " Precisely so. I regret to say that I have urgent occasion for the money, and shall be unable to renew it." " We have got four hundred dollars," said Mrs. Frost, " which we are intending to pay." ' ' I am sorry to say that this will not answer my purpose." "Why did you not let us know before?" asked Frank, abruptly. " Frank ! " said his mother, reprovingly. "It was only this morning that the necessity arose. I have a note due which must be paid." " We are not provided with the money, Squire Haynes," said Mrs. Frost. " If, however, you will wait a few days, we can probably raise it among our friends." "I regret to say that this will not do," said the Squire. " I would gladly postpone the matter. The investment has been satisfactory to me, but necessity f* knows no law." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 279 Frank was about to burst out with some indignant exclamation, but his mother, checking him, said : ' ' I think there is little chance of our being able to pay you to-morrow. May I inquire what course you propose to take ? " ' ' It will be my painful duty to foreclose the mort- gage." " Squire Haynes," said Frank, boldly, " haven't you intended to foreclose the mortgage all along? Had n't you decided about it when I called upon you ten days ago ? " " What do you mean by your impertinence, sir? " demanded the Squire, giving vent to his anger. " Just what I say. I believe you bear a grudge against my father, and only put me off the other day in order to prevent my being able to meet your demands to-morrow. What do you suppose we can do in less than twenty-four hours ? " "Madam!" said the Squire, purple with rage, " do you permit your son to insult me in this man- ner?" " I leave it to your own conscience, Squire Haynes, whether his charges are not deserved. I do not like to think ill of any man, but your course is very suspicious." " Madam," said Squire Haynes, now thoroughly enraged, ".you are a woman, and can say what you please ; but as for this young rascal, I '11 beat him within an inch of his life if ever I catch him out of your presence." 280 Frank's campaign; oe, "He is under the protection of the laws," said Mrs. Frost, composedly, " which you, being a lawyer, ought to understand." "I'll have no mercy on you. I'll sell you up root and branch," said Squire Haynes, trembling with passion, and smiting the floor with his cane. " At all events the house is ours to-day," returned Mrs. Frost, with dignity, " and I must request you to leave us in quiet possession of it." The Squire left the house in undignified haste, muttering threats as he went. "Good, mother!" exclaimed Frank, admiringly. "You turned him out capitally. But," he added, an expression of dismay stealing over his face, " what shall we do ? " " We must try to obtain a loan," said Mrs. Frost, " I will go and see Mr. Sanger, while you go to Mr. Perry. Possibly they may help us. There is no time to be lost." An hour afterwards Frank and his mother returned, both disappointed. Mr. Sanger and Mr. Perry both had the will to help but not the ability. There seemed no hope left save in Mr. Morton. At six o'clock the stage rumbled up to the gate. "Thank heaven! Mr. Morton has come!" ex- claimed Frank, eagerly. Mr. Morton got out of the stage, and with him a feeble old man, or such he seemed, whom the young man assisted to alight. They came up the gravel walk together. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 281 " How do you do, Frank? " he said, with a cheer- ful smile. " We are in trouble," said Frank. " Squire Haynes is going to foreclose the mortgage to- morrow." " Never mind ! " said Mr. Morton. " We will be ready for him. He can't do either of us any more mischief, Frank. His race is about run." A heavy weight seemed lifted from Frank's heart. For the rest of the day he was in wild spirits. He asked no questions of Mr. Morton. He felt a firm confidence that all would turn out for the best. 24* XXXII. TURNING THE TABLES. The next morning Mr. Morton made inquiries of Frank respecting the mortgage. Frank explained that a loan of four hundred dollars would enable him to cancel it. " That is very easily arranged then," said Henry Morton. He opened his pocket-book and drew out four crisp new United States notes, of one hundred dollars each. " There, Frank," said he ; " that will loosen the hold Squire Haynes has upon you. I fancy he will find it a little more difficult to extricate himself from my grasp." " How can I ever thank you, Mr. Morton?" said Frank with emotion. ' ' It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to be of service to you, Frank," said his friend kindly. " We will have a mortgage made out to you," continued Frank. "Not without my consent, I hope," said Mr. Morton, smiling. THE FAEM AND THE CAMP. 283 Frank looked puzzled. "No, Frank," resumed Mr. Morton, "I don't care for any security. You may give me a simple acknowledgment of indebtedness, and then pay me at your leisure." Frank felt with justice that Mr. Morton was acting very generously, and he was more than ever drawn to him. So passed the earlier hours of the forenoon. About eleven o'clock Squire Haynes was observed approaching the house. His step was firm and elas- tic, as if he rejoiced in the errand he was upon. Again he lifted the knocker, and sounded a noisy summons. It was in reality a summons to surrender. The door was opened again by Mrs. Frost, who invited the Squire to enter. He did so, wondering at her apparent composure. " They can't have raised the money," thought he, apprehensively. " No, I am sure the notice was too short." Frank was in the room, but Squire Haynes did not deign to notice him, nor did Frank choose to make advances. Mrs. Frost spoke upon indifferent subjects, being determined to force Squire Haynes to broach himself the business that had brought him to the farm. Finally, clearing his throat, he said: "Well, madam, are you prepared to cancel the mortgage which I hold upon your husband's farm ? " 284 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN ; OR, "I hope," said Mrs. Frost, "you will give ua time. It is hardly possible to obtain so large a sura in twenty-four hours." " They have n't got it," thought the Squire, exult- ingly. " As to that," he said aloud, " you've had several years to get ready in." "Have you no consideration? Remember my husband's absence, and that I am unacquainted with business." "I have already told you," said the Squire, hastily, " that I require the money. I have a note to pay, and — " " Can you give us a week?" " No, I must have the money at once." ' ' And if we cannot pay ? " " I must foreclose." "Will that give you the money any sooner? I suppose you would have to advertise the farm for sale before you could realize anything, and I hardly think that can be accomplished sooner than a week hence." " The delay is only a subterfuge on your part," said the Squire, hotly. " You would be no better prepared at the end of a week than you are now." " No, perhaps not ; " said Mrs. Frost, quietly. " And yet you ask me to wait," said the Squire, indignantly. " Once for all, let me tell you that all entreaties are vain. My mind is made up to fore- close, and foreclose I will." THE FAKM AND THE CAMP. 285 *' Don't be too sure of that," interrupted Frank, with a triumphant smile. " Ha, young impudence ! " exclaimed the Squire, wheeling round. " Who's to prevent me, Tshould like to know ? " " I am," said Frank, boldly. The Squire fingered his cane nervously. He was very strongly tempted to lay it on our hero's back. But he reflected that the power was in his hands, and that he was sure of his revenge. " You won't gain anything by your impertinence," he said, loftily. " I might have got you a place, out of pity to your mother, if you had behaved differently. I need a boy to do odd jobs about the house, and I might have offered the place to you." "Thank you for your kind intentions," said Frank, "but I fear the care of this farm will prevent my accepting your tempting offer." "The care of the farm!" repeated the Squire, angrily. " Do you think I will delegate it to you?" " I don't see what you have to do about it," said Frank. " Then you'll find out," roared the Squire. " I shall take immediate possession, and require you to leave at once." " Then I suppose we had better pay the mortgage, mother," said Frank. " Pay the mortgage ! You can't do it," said the Squire, esultingly. 286 Frank's campaign; or, "Have you the document with you?" inquired Mrs. Frost. " Yes, madam." " Name the amount due on it." " With interest eight hundred and twenty -four dollars." "Frank, you may call in Mr. Morton as a witness." Mr. Morton entered. " Now Frank, you may count out the money." " What ! " stammered the Squire, in dismay, " can you pay it ? " "We can." < ' Why did n't you tell me so in the first place ? " demanded Squire Haynes, his wrath excited by his bitter disappointment. \ ' I wished to ascertain whether your course was dictated by necessity or a desire to annoy and injure us. I can have no further doubt about it." There was no help for it. Squire Haynes was com- pelled to release his hold upon the Frost Farm, and pocket his money. He had never been so sorry to receive money before. This business over, he was about to beat a hurried retreat, when he was suddenly arrested by a question from Henry Morton. ' ' Can you spare me a few minutes, Squire Haynes ? " " I am in haste, sir." " My business is important, and has already been too long delayed." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 287 " Too long delayed?" " Yes, it has waited twelve years." " I don't understand you, sir," said the Squire. " Perhaps I can assist you. You know me as Henry Morton. That is not my real name." " An alias ! " sneered the Squire in a significant tone. " Yes, I had my reasons," returned the young man, unmoved. " I have no doubt of it." Henry Morton smiled, but did not otherwise notice the unpleasant imputation. "My real name is Richard Waring." Squire Haynes started violently, and scrutinized the young man closely through his spectacles. His vague suspicions were confirmed. ' ' Do you wish to know my business with you ? " The Squire muttered something inaudible. " I demand the restitution of the large sum of money intrusted to you by my father, just before his departure to the West Indies, — a sum of which you have been the wrongful possessor for twelve years." " Do you mean to insult me?" exclaimed the Squire, bold in the assurance that the sole evidence of his fraud was undiscovered. " Unless you comply with my demand I shall pro- ceed against you legally, and you are enough of a lawyer to understand the punishment meted out to that description of felony." 288 Frank's campaign; or, "Pooh, pooh! Your threats won't avail you," said the Squire, contemptuously. " Your plan is a very clumsy one. Let me suggest to you, young man, that threats for the purpose of extorting money are actionable." " Do you doubt my identity?" " You may very probably be the person you claim to be, but that won't save you." " Very well. You have conceded one point." He walked quietly to the door of the adjoining room, opened it, and in a distinct voice called " James Travers." At the sound of this name, Squire Haynes sank into a chair, ashy pale. A man, not over forty, but with seamed face, hair nearly white, and a form evidently broken with ill health, slowly entered. Squire Haynes beheld him with dismay. " You see before you, Squire Haynes, a man whose silence has been your safeguard for the last twelve years. His lips are now unsealed. James Travers, tell us what you know of the trust reposed in this man, by my father." " No, no," said the Squire, hurriedly. " It — it is enough. I will make restitution." "You have done Avisely," said Richard Waring. (We must give him his true name.) " When will you be ready to meet me upon this business ? " "To-morrow," muttered the Squire. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 289 He left the house with the air of one who has been crushed by a sudden blow. The pride of the haughty had been laid low, and retribution, long deferred, had come at last. Numerous and hearty were the congratulations which Mr. Morton (I mean Mr. Waring) received upon his new accession of property. " I do not care so much for that," he said ; " but my father's word has been vindicated. My mind is now at peace." There was more than one happy heart at the farm, that night. Mr. "Waring had accomplished the great object of his life ; and as for Frank and his mother, they felt that the black cloud which had menaced their happiness had been removed, and henceforth there seemed prosperous days in store. To cap the climax of their happiness, the afternoon mail brought a letter from Mr. Frost, in which he imparted the intelligence that he had been promoted to a second lieutenancy. " Mother," said Frank, "you must be very dig- ( jified now. You are an officer's wife." 25 XXXIII. CONCLUSION. The restitution which Squire Haynes was com- pelled to make, stripped him of more than half his property. His mortification and chagrin were so great that he determined to remove from Rossville. He gave no intimation where he was going ; but it is understood that he is now living in the vicinity of Philadelphia, in a much more modest way than at Rossville. To anticipate matters a little, it may be said that John was recently examined for college, but failed so signally that he will not again make the attempt. He has shown a disposition to be extravagant, which, unless curbed, will help him run through his father's diminished property at a rapid rate whenever it shall come into his possession. The Squire's handsome house in Rossville was purchased by Henry Morton (I must still be allowed to call him thus, though not his real name). He has not yet taken up his residence there, but there is reason to believe that erelong there will be a Mrs. Morton, to keep him company therein. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 291 Not long since, as he and Frank lay stretched out beneath a thick branching oak in the front-yard at the farm, Mr. Morton turned to our hero and said, ' ' Are you meaning to go to college when your father comes home, Frank?" Frank hesitated. "I have always looked forward to it," he said, ' ' but lately I have been thinking that I shall have to give up the idea." "Why so?" " Because it is so expensive that my father cannot, in justice to his other children, support me through a four years' course. Besides you know, Mr. Morton, we are four hundred dollars in your debt." " Should you like very much to go to college, Frank?" " Better than anything else in the world." " Then you shall go." Frank looked up in surprise. "Don't you understand me?" said Mr. Morton. 1 ' I mean that I will defray your expenses through college." Frank could hardly believe his ears. " You would spend so much money on me ! " he exclaimed, incredulously. "Why it will cost a thousand dollars." " Very well, I can afford it," said Mr. Morton. " But perhaps you object to the plan." " How good you are to me," said Frank, impul- 292 Frank's campaign; or, sively seizing his friend's hand. "What have I done to deserve so much kindness ? " "You have done your duty, Frank, at the sacri- fice of your inclinations. I think you ought to be rewarded. God has bestowed upon me more than I need. I think he intends that I shall become his almoner. If you desire to express your gratitude, you can best do it by improving the advantages which will be opened to you." Frank hastened to his mother to communicate his brilliant prospects. Her joy was scarcely less than his. "Do not forget, Frank," she said, "who it is that has raised up this friend for you. Give Him the thanks." There was another whose heart was gladdened when this welcome news reached him in his tent beside the Rappahannock. He felt that while he was doing his duty in the field, God was taking better care of his family than be could have done if he had remained at home. Before closing this chronicle, I must satisfy the curiosity of my readers upon a few points in which they may feel interested. The Rossville Guards are still in existence, and Frank is still their Captain. They have already done escort duty on several occasions, and once they THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 293 visited Boston, and marched up State Street with a precision of step which would have done no discredit to veteran soldiers. Dick Bumstead's reformation proved to be a per- manent one. He is Frank's most intimate friend, and with his assistance is laboring to remedy the defects of his early education. He has plenty of ability, and now that he has turned over a new leaf, I have no hesitation in predicting for him a useful and honorable career. Old Mrs. Pay son has left Rossville, much to the delight of her grandson Sam, who never could get along with his grandmother. She still wears for best the " bunnit " presented her by Cynthy Ann, which, notwithstanding its mishap, seems likely to last her to the end of her natural life. She still has a weakness for hot gingerbread and mince pie, and though she is turned of seventy would walk a mile any afternoon, with such an inducement. Should any of my readers at any time visit the small town of Sparta, and encounter in the street a little old lady dressed in a brown cloak and hood, and firmly grasping in her right hand a faded blue cotton umbrella, they may feel quite certain that they are in the presence of Mrs. Mehitabel Pay son, relict of Jeremiah Pay son, deceased. Little Pomp has improved very much both in his studies and his behavior. He now attends school regularly, and is quite as far advanced as most boys 25* 294 fkank's campaign; or, of his age. Though he is not entirely cured of hia mischievous propensities, he behaves " pretty well, considering," and is a great deal of company to old Chloe, to whom he reads stories in books lent him by Frank and others. Chloe is amazingly proud of Pomp, whom she regards as a perfect prodigy of talent. "Lor' bress you, missus," she remarked to Mrs. Frost one day, " he reads jest as fast as 1 can talk. He's an awful smart boy, dat Pomp." " Why don't you let him teach you to read, Chloe?" " O lor, missus, I couldn't learn nohow. I ain't got no gumption. I don't know noffin'." " Why could n't you learn as well as Pomp?" *.' Dat ar boy's a genus, missus. His fader was a mighty smart nigger, and Pomp's took arter him." Chloe's conviction of her own inferiority, and Pomp's superior ability seemed so rooted that Mrs. Frost finally gave up her persuasions. Meanwhile, as Chloe is in good health and has abundance of work, she has no difficulty in earning a comfortable subsistence for herself and Pomp. As soon as Pomp is old enough, Frank will employ him upon the farm. While I am writing these lines intelligence has just been received from Frank's substitute at the seat of war. He has just been promoted to a captaincy. In communicating this he adds : ' ' You may tell THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 295. Frank that I am now his equal in rank, though his commission bears an earlier date. I suppose therefore I must content myself with being Captain Frost, Jr. I shall be very glad when the necessities of the country will permit me to lay aside the insignia of rank, and returning to Rossville, subside into plain Henry Frost again. If you ask me when this is to be, I can only say that it depends on the length of our strusrsde. I AM enlisted for the war, and I mean TO see it through ! Till that time Frank must content himself with acting as my substitute at home. I am so well pleased with his management of the farm, that I am convinced it is doing as well as if I were at home to superintend it in person. Express to Mr. Waring my gratitude for the gener- ous proposal he has made to Frank. I feel that words are inadequate to express the extent of our obligations to him." Some years have passed since the above letter was written. The war is happily over, and Cap- tain Frost has returned home with an honorable record of service. Released from duty ^t home, Frank has exchanged the farm for the college hall ; and he is now approaching graduation } oiip of the foremost scholars in his class. He bids 296 thank's campaign. fair to carry out the promise of his boyhood, and in the more varied and prolonged Campaign which manhood opens before him we have reason to believe that he will display equal fidelity and gain an equal success. •%'