» « t « «'* ( il i I « r it i: w i ^E '.*.%" .% s? KT^rr THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA LIBRARY THE WILMER COLLECTION OF CI\'IL WAR NOVELS PRESENTED BY RICHARD H. WILMER, JR. ^/r^^,::ip^>ii FRANK'S CAMPAIGI^; MJal §0Bs tm h on % Jfarm for i\t Camp. HORATIO ALGER, Jr. LORITSTG-, Publisher. 319 Washington Street, BOSTON. 1864. Entererl according to Act of Congress, in the rear 1864, by A. K. LORING, In the Clerk's OflBce of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Stereotyped and Printed by J. E. Farwell and Compast, 37 CongresB Street Boston. CHARLES EDWARD PAINE, IN MEMORY OF PLEASANT HOURS PASSED TOGETHER AT NAPLES AND SORRENTO, EF){s Uolumc is Enscribrti, BY HIS SINCERE FRIEND THE AUTHOR. 602678 PREFACE The o^reat strusrsfle In which we are now en^jas^ed for the integrity of the Eepublic has imposed new duties and new responsibilities upon all classes of the people. This little volume is intended to show how boys can be of most effectual service in assisting to put down the Eebellion. Care has been taken to make the pictures given of camp-life accurate and .authentic. The description of the Battle of Fred- ericsburg is derived mainly from the graphic account given by Capt. Noyes, in his valuable work, '* The Bivouac and the Battlefield." I trust that those of my young friends who may find themselves unexpectedly figuring in this story, , will pardon the liberty w^hich I have taken with their names. I should have been glad to make them all officers of the Kossville Guards, but it unfortunately happens that in every military organization the pri- VI PREFACE. vates must greatly outnumber the officers. I am aware that Artemas Ward, the illustrious showman, raised a company composed entirely of brigadier- generals. I doubt, however, whether this arrange- ment would work well in the Army, though it is quite possible that we have some brigadier-generals who might profitably be promoted to privates. Should ' « Frank's Ca^ipatgn " have the good for- tune to find favor among the class for whom it is written, it will be followed by other volumes devoted to boy-life. Cambridge, July, 1864. CONTENTS, PAOB I. The War Meeting U. The Prize 28 III. Frank at Home IV. Frank makes a Proposition ^* 40 V. Mr. Kathburn makes a Speech VI. Mr. Frost makes up his Mind ^^ 55 VII. Like Father, like Son VIII. Discouraged and Encouraged ^ IX. The Last Evening at Home ^ X. Little Pomp ' XI. Punishing ^Bully ^ Xn. A Letter from the Camp — ^ .103 XIII. Mischief on foot XIV. A Raid upon the Pig-Pen ^^ 118 XV. Pomp behaves badly 199 XVI. Frank makes a Friend • 137 XVII. A Shade of Mystery 145 XVIII. Thanksgiving at the Farm V Vlli CONTENTS. PACK XIX. The Wonderful Transformation 151 XX. Pomp's Education commences 163 XXI. The Battle of Fredericsburg 172 XXII. Fr.vnk broaches a New Plan 184 SXIII. Pomp takes Mrs. Payson Prisoner 196 XXIV. A Chapter from Hardee 205 XXV. Election of Officers 213 XXVI. The Rebel Trap 226 XX^^II. Pomp's Light Infantry Tactics 235 XXVIII. John Haynes has a Narrow Escape 247 XXIX. Mr. Morton's Story 256 XXX. Frank calls on Squire Haynes 2G5 XXXI. Squire Haynes springs his Trap 273 XXXII. Turning the Tables 282 XXXm. Conclusion 289 FRANKS CAMPAIGN; THE FARM AND THE CAMP I. THE WAR MEETING. The Town Hall in Eossville 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. Ross- 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 beino- eniraged in agricultural pursuits, the popula- tion is somewhat scattered, and the houses, with the exception of a few grouped around the stores, stand J 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 bams and fences and inside the village store and post-office. It ran as follows : — WAR MEETIS'G! The cirizens of Rossville are invited to meet at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, September 24, 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 eminent^ characterizes the little democracies which make up our New England States. '' The whole thing has been mismanaged from the I m * Mi THE FARM AND THE C.\3IP. 11 first," remarked a sapient-looking man with a gaunt, cadaverous face, addressing two listeners. *'Tlie Administration is corrupt ; our generals are either incompetent or purposely inefficient. We have n'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 Richmond in less 'n thirty days." A quiet smile played over the face of one of the listeners. With a sh'ght shade of irony in his voice he said, '* If such are your .convictions, Mr. Holman, I think it a great pitjithat 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?" ** I ! " exclaimed the other with lofty scorn. " Xo 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 1 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 FRANK'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 o\^'n 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 voic^ 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 comer. 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 speak^'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 meeting's which from time to time you have held in this hull. 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 devolyed 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 Kebellion has as- sumed more 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 vears. 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. Kor, I believe, will Rossville be found want- ing in this emergency. Twenty -five men have been 14 FKANK 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 temporally illness will prevent his doing so. I tinist 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 obser^-e what eflTect his shot had produced. " That would be equally out of order," ruled the presiding officer. *' Vre have not assembled to THE FARIVI 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." Plolman 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 sus^srestion. I think it calculated to w^ork 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 agr'ee to any such proposition. The consequence of it would be to plunge us into debt, and increase our taxes to a formidable amount." It may be remarked that Squire Haynes, the speaker, was the wealthiest man in tOT^^l, 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 ^tal of his property. Mr. Frost remained standing while Squire Haynes was speaking, and at the close continued his speech : 16 fkaxk's campaign; or, ** Squire Haynes objects that my proposition, if adopted, will make our taxes heavier. I grant it ; but how can we exj^ect 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 w^e 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 feehng 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 ti-ust to their , descendants. Money cannot pay for loss of life or limb. But some of them leave families behind. It is not right that these families THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 17 shoulcl suffer because the fathers have devoted . them- selves to the sacred cause of liberty. When our sol- diers go fo^th, 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." * * ^h\ Chairman," said Squire Haynes, sarcastically, '* 1 infer that the last speaker is intending to enhst." Mr. Frost's td^e 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 palpably 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 eio'ht hundred dollars on his farm. When the time comes to foreclose it, I will show him no mercy. I'll 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 2*. 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 thiiteen 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 RossviUe Academy. It had been for some years under the charge of James Rathburn, A. M., a thorough scholar and a skilful teacher. A lar^e 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 Rossvllle. 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 ^neid 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 lu his cheeks is good evidence that he is not pursuing his studies at the expense of his health. He 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. He 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 feel 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 aiFord 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 Kossville 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 AXI) 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, pajLised 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 prize 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 great 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 FARM AND THE CAMP. 23 <* Frank Frost will come forward," said Mr. Eathburn. Frank left his seat, and advanced modestly. Mr. Eathburn placed in his hand a neat edition of Whit- tier's Poems in blue and gold. " Let this servp 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 Eathburn'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 Eathburn'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 qjiietly 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 similai' 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 could n't. Rathburn was sure to give it to his favorite." * * And who is his favorite ? " questioned Squire Haynes, not yet siding with his eon. ** 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, Eatliburn 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 tlie 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 ^y^iting-desk took out a sheet of foolscap, three sides of w^hich w^ere written over. This he brought down stairs with him. He began 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 dofi't know what sort of an essay young 3 26 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN ; OR, 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 town-meeting to- day, and I shan't soon forget it. It isn't for his interest to insult a man who has the power to annoy him that I possess." * * Have n'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." "Very well. The next time I go to Boston, I will buy you the same thing bound in calf. I 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 wiU give you thirty instead," said the Squire, promptly. John's eyes sparkled with delight. " O, thank you, sir ! " he said. " I would n't change places with Frank Frost now for all his prize." THE FARM AND THE CA3IP. 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 surrounded him, the choice engravings which hung on the walls, and the fidl- iength 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 his 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 eisfht hundred dollars, a morts^ao-e for that amount being held by Squire Haynes. He 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 FARai 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: succeedino: 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 tlie 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 nelo'hbors extravas^ant in this. He subscribed regularly for Harpers Magazine and WeeMy^ 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 ma^^azines are taken is much more intelllo^ent 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 ^Ir. Frost expressed himself in his speech at the war meeting. Ko 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 HajTies 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 FEAJvK'S CA3IPAIGN ; OR, «* I heard at the store that you and Squire Haynes had a discussion at the war meeting," said Frank, inqulrlngry. ** 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 obtaininof the full number. In a farmino^ 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 wouldn'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 CA3IP. 33 sliould have no hesit.'ition in going. I have not for- gotten that my grandfothcr fought at Bunker IIIU." *'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 arransjement 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 administri^tion." ''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 thinsj to-morrow moruinof." IV. FRANK MAKES A PROPOSITION. When Frank woke the next morning the sun was shming 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 lie 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 bam yet, Frank,'* his mother answered. *' You can have your break- fast now, if you are in a huriy to get to studying." " Xever mind, 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." *' Very well, Frank. Go on." THE FAKM 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 Holnian, 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 cliarge of the farm, you would have no hesitation in volunteermg?" **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 strono^ enough to do consid- erable work." *' It is n'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, **butl 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, thoughtfully. 36 Frank's campaign; or, *'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 oflfered 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 — I may say intimately acquainted," was the smiling response. " It is n't Mr. Maynard ? " *' Xo. 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 al^out 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 large a number of our citizens have THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 39 been wIthdra^yn from their families and their ordinary business to engage in putting down this wicked Re~ belHon, 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 third book of Vlroirs ^Eneld. MR. KATIIBURN 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 feelinor brousrht 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 w^ith pleasure. He was sorry, THE FAKM AND THE CAMP. 41 however, tliat none of the other boys seemed in- clined to join in the demonstration. In fact, they hked 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 book-s ; 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 Eathburn 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 spokea with more caution. But it was too Late. The words had bpcn spoken above his ordinary voice, and were distinctly heard by the teacher. He looked sharply at John Ilaynes, 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 Rathburn 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 schooh'oom 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 bef 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 fkank'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 retrafct 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 oflf passably. But, of course, under the circumstances, this was not to be thoudit of. So he stumbled through two THE FARM AXD TIIITlb^MP. 45 or three sentences, In an embarrassed manner. ]Mr. Rathburn at first helped him along. Finding, ho^^^ 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. "VYell, 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 witli. 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 com'se this too he considered a just cause of offence against him. Wliile 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 ujDon 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, w^ould 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 snid. 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 FAR^r AND THE CAMP. 47 " It appears not," said Frank. <' It's mean in him, then," exclaimed Henry ; ** I dechirc, 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 mean in not ask- ing you, for all that." VI. SIR. FROST MAKES UP HIS MIXD. <* TVell, Frank," said his father at supper-tirae, *« 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 apoke 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. **Xo, 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 CA^H?. 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 come, 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. **Ye3, 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 6 50 fr.^'k'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 whom he differs. Aside' from this, however, I shall feel some deRcacy in avaihng 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," cliimed 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 win do as well as any boy of his age, I do not expect hhn to make the farm as profitable as I should do, partly on account of my experience being greater, and p-u'tly 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 wnll be at ease, so far as that goes." 52 FRANK'S cajMpaign; 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 vnth. 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. ^3 came. He tugged away manfuUy, but with no re- '"*' I gueas the cow's dry," said he at last, looking up in his father's face. Ur Frost in reply drew out a copious stream. <' I did the same as you," said Frank, mystified, " and none came." «you didnt take hold right," said his father, « and you pressed at the wro.-g time. Let me show ^°Eefore 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 bhe 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 foohsh enough as he ijot up covered with milk. Fra'nk 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 fou.-di page. Now, tvith an object in view, he read carefully other parts of the paper. He did this not merely m the first flush of enthusiasm, but with the steady purpose of qualifying himself to take his father's place^ ..Frank I an uncommon boy," said Mr. Frost to 6» 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." vn. LIKE FATHEK, LIKE SON. << Well, father, I've got some news for you," said John Haynes, as he entered his father's ]fresence, 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 to enlist," 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 CA]iIPAIGN ; Ofi, 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," said 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 Squu'e 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 aml:)i- tious to represent the town in the Legislature, and after considerable wire-pulling, had succeeded in THE FARM AND THE CASIP. 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 bad 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, L 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; oe, «* 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 rio^ht to foreclose the morto^asje on the first of next July," he said. *' I hope you will do it then. I should like to see them Frosts humbled." '* Tliem 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 FAR^I AND THE CAMP. 59 certain ^liat 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'll 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 pui;pose 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. vni. DISCOURAGED AND ENCOURAGED. In a small village like Rossville news flies fast. Even the distinctions of social life do not hinder an interest being 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 liis plan of leaving Frank in charge of the farm. That tlfej 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?" TIIE FARM AND THE CAMP. 61 *« I am going to take charge of it," said Frank, modestly. '* You ! " exclaimed Mrs. Eoxana, lifting both hands in amazement; ** why, you're nothing but a baby ! " **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 lady, 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 Avilling 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 doesn'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. Koxana, 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 fkaxk's c.oipaign ; or, enougli. 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 tauglit 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 moi-ning, 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 fother is going to the war." *' Yes," said Frank, a little nervously, not know- ins: but Mrs. Chester would view the matter in tlie 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, too. 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. (}3 *' I am 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 FR.iXK'S CA3IPAIGN; 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 o;ood cause.'* Frank listened to this narrative with great interest. It yielded him n6 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 ao^ainst than the brother of o w^hom 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 mom- Ing." Frank had hardly left Mrs. Chester when he heard a quick step behind him. Turning round he per- ceived that it was Mr. Eathburn, 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 aV3IP. 65 • *' Yes, sir," answered Frank. **I am very sorry to leave, for i am very much interested in my studies ; but 1 suppose, sir, you have/ heard what calls me away.'' <* Yaur father has made up his mind to enlist." «*Yes, sir." " And you are to superintend the farm in his absence ? " ** Yes, sir. I hope you do not think me presumpt- uous in undertaking such a responsibility ? " He looked up eagerly into Mr. Rathbum's face, for he had a great respect for his judgment. But he saw nothing to discourage him. On the contrary he read cordial sympathy and approval. *< Far from it," answered the teacher, with em- phasis. *' I think you deserving of great commenda- tion, especially if, as I have heard, the plan originated with you, and was by you suggested to your father." *' Yes, sir." The teacher held out his hand kindly. ** It was only what I should have expected of you," he said. " I have not forgotten your essay. I am glad to see that you not only have right ideas of duty, but have, what is rarer, the courage and self-denial to put them in practice." These words gave Frank much pleasure, and his face lighted up. "Shall you feel obliged to give up your studies entirely ? '" asked his teacher. C* 6Q Frank's campaign ; or, I think I shall be able to study some in the ev^ ing." * *' If I can be of any assistance to you in any way, don't hesitate to apply. If you should find any stumbling-blocks in your lessons, I may be able to help you over them." By this time they had come within sight of the schoolhouse. ** There comes the young fanner," said John Haynes, in a tone which was only subdued lest the teacher should hear him, for he had no disposition to incur another public rebuke. A few minutes later, when Frank was quietly seated at his desk, a paper was thrown from behind lighting upon his Virgil, which lay open before him. There appeared to be writing upon it, and with some curiosity he opened and read the following ! ** What 's the price of turnips ? " It was quite unnecessary to inquire into the au- thorship. He felt confident that it was written by John Haynes. The latter of course intended it as an insult, but Frank did not feel much disturbed. As long as his conduct was approved by such persons as his teacher and Mrs. Chester, he felt that he could safely disregard the taunts and criticisms of others. He therefore quietly let the paper drop to the floor, and kept on with his lesson. John Haynes perceived that he had failed in his benevolent purpose of disturbing Frank's tranquillity, THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 67 a#d this, I^ra sorry to say, only increased the dis- like which he felt for him. Nothing is so unreason- able'^s anger, nothing so hard to appease. John even felt disposed to regard as an insult the disposi- tion which Frank had made of his insulting query. ' ' The young clodhopper's on his dignity," he mut- tered to himself. '' Well, wait a few months, and see if he won't sing a different tune." Just then John's class was called up, arid his dis- like to Frank was not diminished by the superiority of his recitation. The latter, undisturbed by John's feelings, did not give a thought to him, but reflected with a touch of pain that this must be liis last Latin recitation in school for a long time to come. ^ IX. THE LAST EVEXIXG AT HOME. Three weeks passed quickly. October had al- ready reached its middle point. The glory of the Indian summer was close at hand. Too quickly the days fled for the little family at the farm, for they knew that each brought nearer the parting of which the}^ could not bear to think. Jacob Carter, who had been sent for to do the heavy work on the farm, had arrived. He was a man of forty, stout and able to work, but had enjoyed few opportunities of cultivating his mind. Though a faithful laborer, he was destitute of the energy and ambition which might ere this have placed him in chars^e of a farm of his own. In New En 2:- land few arrive at his age without achieving some position more desirable and independent than that of farm laborer. However, he looked pleasant and good natured, and Mr. Frost accounted himself for- tunate in securing his services. The harvest had been got in, and during the win- ter months there would not be so much to do as be- THE FARM AND THE CAIMP. 69 fore. Jacob, therefore, "hired out "for a smaller compensation, to be increased ^Yhen the spring work came in. Frank had not been idle. He liad accompanied his fiither about the farm, and received as much prac- tical instruction in the art of farming as the time would admit. He was naturally a quick learner, and now felt impelled by a double motive to prepare himself as well as possible to assume his new re- sponsibihties. His first motive was of course to make up his father's loss to the family, as far as it was possible for him to do so, but he was also desirous of showing Mrs. Roxana Mason, and other ill-boding prophets, that they had underrated his abilities. The time came when Mr. Frost felt that he must leave his family. He had enlisted from preference in an old regiment, already in Virginia, some mem- bers of which had gone from Eossville. A number of recruits were to be forwarded to the camp on a certain day, and that day was now close at hand. Let me introduce the reader to the farmhouse on. the last evening for many months when they would be able to be together. They were all assembled about the fireplace. Mr. Frost sat in an arm-chair, holding Charlie in his lap, — the privileged place of the youngest. Alice, with the air of a young wo- man sat demurely by her father's side on a cricket, while ^Ia"^i>ie stood beside him with one hand resting 70 FRANK'S campaign; or, on his knee. Frank sat quietly beside his mother, as if ah'eady occupying the place which he was in future to hold as her counsellor and protector. Frank and his mother looked sober. They had not realized fully until this evening what it would be to part with the husband and father, — how con- ^antly they would miss him at the family meal and in the evening circle. Then there was the dreadful uncertainty of war. He might never return, or, if spared for that, it might be with a broken constitu- tion or the loss of a limb. ** If it hadn't been for me," Frank could not help thinking, *' father would not now be going away. He would have stayed at home, and I could still go to school. It would have made a great difference to us, and the loss of one man could not affect the general result." A moment after his conscience rebuked him for harborinc^ so selfish a thou2;ht. *« The country needs him more even than we do," he said to himself. * ' It will be a hard trial to have him go, but it is our duty." *' Will my little Charlie miss me when I am gone ? " asked Mr. Frost of the chubby-faced boy who sat with great round eyes peering into the fire, as if he were deeply engaged in thought. ** Won't you take me with you, papa?" asked Charlie. '* What could you do, if you were out there, my little boy?" asked the father, smiling. THE FARM AXD THE CAxAIP. 71 **I'd shoot great big rebel with my gun," said Charlie, waxing valiant. *' Your gun's only a wooden one," said Maggie, with an air of superior knowledge. ** You could n't kill a rebel with that." *' I 'd kill 'em some" persisted Charlie, earnestly, — evidently believing that a wooden gun differed from others not in kind but in degree. " But suppose the rebels should fire at you," said Frank, amused. ** What would you do then, Charlie?" Charlie looked into the fire thoughtfully for a mo- ment, as if this contingency had not presented itself to his mind until now. Suddenly his face brightened up, and he answered, ** I'd run away just as fast as I could." All laughed at this, and Frank said, **but that wouldn't be acting like a brave soldier, Charlie. You ought to stay, and make the enemy run." **I wouldn't want to stay and be shooted" said Charlie, ingenuously. " There are many older than Charlie," said Mr. Frost, smiling, *' who would doubtless sympathize entirely with him in his objection to "being shooted, though they might not be quite so ready to make confession as he has shown himself. I suppose you have heard the couplet, — ' He who fights and runs away, May live to fight another day.' 72 thank's campaign ; ok, '« Pray don't speak about shooting," said ]\[rs. Frost with a shudder. «' It makes me feel nervous." **And to-night we should only admit pleasant thoughts," said her husband. " AVho is going to write me letters when I am gone ? " '* I '11 write to you father," said Alice. *' And so willl," said Maggie. ** I too," chimed in Charlie. ** Then if you have so many correspondents al- ready engaged, you will hardly want to hear from Frank and myself," said his wife, smiling. *;d the camp. 85 about his private studies. They would think he was falling far behind, and at some future time- he would surprise them. Still, there were times when he felt the need of a teacher. He would occaslonallj encounter difficul- ties which he found himself unable to surmount without assistance. At such times he thought of ]\Ir. Eathburn's kind offer. But his old teacher lived nearly a mile distant, and he felt averse to troubling him, knowing that his duties in school were arduous. Occasionally he met some of his schoolmates. .As nearly all of them were friendly and well dis- posed to him, this gave hlm~ pleasure, and brought back sometimes the wish that he was as free as they. But this wish was almost instantly checked by the thought that he had made a sacrifice for his country's sake. ^ A few days after the Incident narrated in the last chapter, Frank was out in the woods not far from Chloe's cottage, collecting brushwood, to be after- wards carried home, when his attention was called to an altercation, one of the parties in which he readily recognized as little Pomp. To explain how it came about, we shall have to go back a little. Pomp was returning from Mrs. Frost's, swlno-lno- a tm-kettle contammg provisions for his mother and himself, when all at once he met John Haynes, who was coming from the opposite direction. 8 86 Frank's avMPAiGx ; or, Now, John was something of a bully, and liked to exercise authority over boys who were small enough to render the attempt a safe one. On the present occasion he felt in a hectoring mood. - ** I'll have some fun out of the little nigger," he said to himself, as he espied Pomp. Pomp approached, swinging his pail as before, and whistling a plantation melody. *' What have you got there, Pomp?" asked John. **I'se got a pail," said Pomp, independently. * ' Don't yer know a pail when you see him ? " < ' I know an impudent little nigger when I see him," retorted John, not over pleased with the an- swer. '' Come here directly, and let me see what you 've got in your pail." ** I ain't got noffin for you," said Pomp, defiantly. *« We'll see about that," said John. ''Nowdo you mean to come here or not ? I 'm going to count three, and I '11 give you till that time to decide. One — two — three ! " * Pomp apparently had no intention of complying with John's request. He had halted about three' rods from him, and stood swinging his pail, mean- while watching John warily. **I see you want me to come after you," said John, angrily. He ran towards Pomp, but the little contraband dodged him adroitly, and got on the other side of a tree. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 87 Opposition only stimulated John to new efforts. He had become excited in the pursuit, and had made up his mind to capture Pomp. He dodged in and out among the trees with such quickness and dexter- ity that John was foiled for a considerable time. The ardor of his pursuit and its unexpected difficulty excited his anger. He lost sight of the fact that Pomp was under no obligation to comply with his demand. But this is generally the way with tyrants, who are seldom careful to keep within the bounds of justice and reason. ** Just let me catch you, you little rascal, and I will give you the worst licking you ever had," John exclaimed, with passion. "Wait till you catch me," returned Pomp, slip- ping eel-like from his grasp. •But Pomp, in dodging, had now come to an open space, where he was at disadvantage. John was close upon him, when suddenly he stood stock still, bendins: his back so as to obtain a firm footino^. The consequence was, that his too ardent pursuer tumbled over him, and stretched his length upon the ground. Unfortunately for Pomp, John grasped his leg in falling, and held it by so firm a grip that he was unable to o:et free. In the moment of his downfall John attained his object. '* Xow I've got you," he said, white with passion, '* and I'm going to teach you a lesson." Cimging to Pomp with one hand, he drew a stout 88 Frank's campaign; or, string from his pocket with the other, and secured the hands of the little contraband, notwithstanding his efforts to escape. '* Le' me go, you debble," he said, using a word which had grown familiar to him on the plantation. There was a cruel light in John's eyes which au- gured little good to poor Pomp. Suddenly, as if a new idea had struck him, he loosened the cord, and taking the boy carried him in spite of his kicking and screaming to a small tree, around which he clasped his hands which he again confined with cords. He then sought out a stout stick, and divest-ed it of twigs. Pomp watched his preparations with terror. Too well he knew what they meant. More than once he had seen those of his own color whipped on the plan- tation. Unconsciously he glided into the language which he would have used there. " Don't whip me, massa John," he whimpered in terror. " For the lub of heaven lef me be. I ain't done noffin to you." '' You'd better have thought of that before," said John, his eyes blazing anew with vengeful light. *' If I whip you, you little black rascal, it 's only because you richly deserve it." ** I'll nebber do so again," pleaded Pomp, rolling his eyes in terror. Though what it was he promised not to do the poor little fellow would have found it hard to tell. THE FARM AND THE CA^^IP. 89 It would have been as easy to soften the heart of a nether millstone as that of John Haynes. By the time he had completed his preparations, and whirled his stick in the air preparatory to bring- ing it down with full force on Pomp's back, rapid steps were heard, and a quick voice asked, '* what are you doing there, John Haynes?" John looked round, and saw standing near him Frank Frost, whose attention bad been excited by what he had heard of Pomp's cries. ** Save me, save me. Mass Frank," pleaded poor little Pomp. ** What has he tied you up there for. Pomp?" *' It's none of your business, Frank Frost," said John, passionately. *' I think it's some of my business," said Frank, coolly, '* when I find you playing the part of a Southern overseer. You are not in Richmond, John Haynes, and you'll get into trouble if you undertake to act as if you were." *'If you say much more, 111 flog you tool" screamed John, beside himself with excitement and ra better than when you are older." At this moment a voice w^as heard from the house, calling "Frank!" "I cafne out for some herbs," said Frank, hur- riedly. "Jacob isn't very well, and mother is going to make him some herb tea. I won't mention that I have seen you." " AU right. Thank you, Frank." "A minute later Frank went into the house, leaving Dick by himself. THE FARM AND THE CA^IP. 115 ** Now," tlioiight Dick, '*! must try to remedy the mischief I have done. I'm afraid I've got a job before me." He went round to the gap in the wall, and began to lay it again ,as well as he could. In lifting the , heavy stones he began to realize how much easier it is to make mischief than to repair damages after- ^ wards. He pulled and tugged, but it took him a good half hour, and by that time he felt very tired. «* My clothes must be precious dirty," he said to himself. "At any rate my hands are. I wonder where the pump is. But then it won't do to pump ; it '11 make too much noise. O, here 's some water in the trough." Dick succeeded in getting some of the dirt off his hands, which he dried on his handkerchief. Then with a feehng of relief he took the road towards home. Although he may be said to have failed most sig- nally in his design, he felt considerably better than if he had succeeded. "Frank's a good fellow," he said to himself. «« Some boys would have been mad, and made a great fuss. But he did n't seem angry at all, not even with John Haynes, and did all he could to screen me. Well, I 'm glad I did n't succeed." Dick reached home without any further mischance, and succeeded in crawling in at the window without making any sound loud enough to wake up his parents. 116 Frank's ca3ipaign; or. The next day John, who had been informed of his intention to make the attempt the evening previous, contrived to meet him. "Well, Dick," he said, eagerly, "what success last night?" '* JSTone at all," answered Dick. "Did n't you try?" "Yes." " Wliat prevented your succeeding, then?" ' ' Frank came out to get some herbs to make tea for the hired man, and so caught me." " You didnl tell him who put you up to it?" said John, apprehensively. " ]S"o," said Dick, coolly ; " I don't do such things." " That's good," said John, relieved. " Was he mad?" "N^o, he didn't make any fuss. He asked what made me do it, and I told him somebody else put it into my head." ♦ ' You did ! I thought you said you did n't." " I didn't tell who that somebody was, but Frank **sald he could guess." " He can't prove it," said John, hastily. ^ " I don't think he 'U try," said Dick. " The fact is, John, Frank's a good fellow, and if you want to get anybody to do him any mischief hereafter you 'd better not apply to me." "I don't know as he's any better than other boys," said John, sneering. He did not enjoy hear- ing Frank's praises. THE FAR3I iVND THE CAMP. 117 <* He 's better than either of us, I 'm sure of that," said Dick, decidedly. «' Speak for yourself, Dick Bumstead," said John, haughtily. *'I wouldn't lower myself by a com- parison with him. He's only a laborer^ and will grow up a clodhopper." <«He's my friend, John Haynes," said Dick, stoutly, ''and if you've got anything else to say against him you'll oblige me by going farther off." John left in high dudgeon. That day to his father's surprise Dick worked with steady industry, and did not make a single attempt to shirk. XV. POMP BEHAVES BADLY. The village of Eossville was distant about five miles from the long line of railway which binds together with iron bands the cities of New York and Boston. Only when the wind was strongly that way, could the monotonous noise of the railway train be heard, as the iron monster, with its heavy burden, sped swiftly on its way. Lately a covered wagon had commenced running twice a day, between Kossville and the railway -sta- tion at Wellington. It started at seven in the morn- ing, in time to meet the early trains, and again at four, in order to receive any passengers who might have left the city in the afternoon. Occupying a central position in the village stood the tavern, — a two-story building, with a long piazza running along the front. Here an extended seat was provided, on which, when the weather was not too inclement, the floating population of the vil- lage who had plenty of leisure, and others when their work was over for the day, liked to congregate, THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 119 and in neighborly chat discuss the affairs of the vil- lage, or the nation, speculating perchance upon the varying phases of the great civil contest, which, though raging hundreds of miles away, came home to the hearts and hearths of quiet Rossville and every other village and hamlet in the land. The driver of the carriage which made its daily journeys to and from the station had received from his parents the rather uncommon name of Ajax, not probably from any supposed resemblance to the ancient Grecian hero, of whom it is doubtful whether his worthy progenitor had ever heard. He had been at one time a driver on a horse-car in New York, but had managed to find his way from the busy hum of the city to quiet Rossville, where he was just in time for an employment similar to the one he had given up. One day, early in November, a young man of slight figure, apparently not far from twenty-five years of age, descended from the cars at the Welling- ton station, and crossing the track passed through the small station-house to the rear platform. " Can you tel> me," he inquired of a bystander, * * whether there is any conveyance between this place and RossviUe ? " *' Yes, sir," was the reply. *< That's the regular carriage, and here 's the driver. Ajax, here 's a pas- senger for you." I have a trunk on the other,slde," said the young 120 Frank's campaign; or, man, addressing the driver. '* If you will go round with me, we will bring it here." **A11 right, sir,*" said Ajax, In a business like way. The trunk was brought round, and plficed on the rack behind the wagon. It was a large black trunk, securely bound with brass bands, and showed marks of service as If It had been considerably used. Two small strips of paper pasted on the side, bore, the custom-house marks of Havre and Liverpool. On one end was a large card, on which, written In large bold letters, was the name of the proprietor, Henry Morton. In five minutes the < * express " got under way. The road wound partly through the woods. In some places the boughs, bending over from opposite sides, nearly met. At present the brandies were nearly destitute of leaves, and the landscape looked bleak. But In the summer nothing could be more charming. From his seat beside Ajax, Henry IMorton regarded attentively the prominent features of the landscape. His survey was Interrupted by a* question from the driver. '* Are you calc'latln' to make a long stay in our village? " Inquired Ajax, with Yankee freedom, • *« I am not quite certain. It Is possible that I may." " There isn't much goln' on In winter." THE FAPJ^I AND TIIE CAMr. 121 ** No, I suppose not." After a few minutes pause he inquired, *^ Can you tell me if there is a gentleman living in the village named Haynes?" *< I expect you mean Squire Haynes," said Ajax. *' Very probably he goes by that name. He was formerly a lawyer." ** Yes, that 's the man. Do you know him? " ** I have heard of him," said the young man, non- committally. '< Then you ain't going to stop there?" An expression of repugnance swept over the young man^s face, as he hastily answered in the negative. By this time they had come to a turn in the road. This brought them in view of Chloe's cottage. Little Pomp was on all fours, hunting for nuts among the fallen leaves under a shagbark-tree. Under the influence of some freakish impulse Pomp suddenly jumped to his feet and whirling his arms aloft uttered a wild whoop. Startled by the unex- pected apparition, the horses gave a sudden start, and nearly succeeded in overturning the wagon. * ' Massy on us ! " exclaimed an old lady on the back seat, suddenly flinging her arms round young Morton's neck, in the height of her consternation. ** All right, marm," said Ajax, reassuringly, after a brief but successful conflict with the horses. *' We shan't go over this time. I should like to give that little black imp a' good shaking." 11 122 Frank's campaign ; or, *' O, I 've lost my ban' box, with my bestbunnet," hastily exclaimed the old lady. *« Le' me get out and find it. It was a present from my darter, Cynthj Ann, and I wouldn't lose it for a kingdom." In truth, when prompted by her apprehensions to cling to the young man in front for protection, Mrs. Payson had inadvertently dropped the bandbox out of the window, where it met with an unhappy disas- ter. The horse, quite unconscious of the damage he was doin"^, had backed the was^on in such a manner that one of the wheels passed directly over it. When Ajax picked up the mutilated casket, which, with the jewel it contained, had suffered such irreparable injury, and restored it to its owner, great was the lamentation. Rachel weeping for her children could hardly have exhibited more poignant sorrow. * * O it 's sp'ilt ! " groaned the old lady, **I can never wear it arter this. And it cost four dollars and sixty-two cents and a half without the ribbon. ' O, deary me ! " Then suddenly waxing indignant with the author of the mischief, she put her head out of the window, and espying Pomp on the other side of the stone wall, looking half repentant and half struck with the fun of the thing, she shook her fist at him, exclaiming, *' O, you little sarpent, ef I only had you here, I'd w'ip you till you could n't stan'." Pomp was so far from being terrified by this THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 123 menace that he burst into a loud guiFaw This, of course, added fuel to the flame of the old lady s wrath, and filled her with thoughts of immediate vengeance. Her sympathy with the oppressed black race was at that moment very small. - Jest lend me your w'ip, driver," said she, ' an I'll I'arn that sassy imp to make fun of his elders Aiax, whose sense of humor was tickled by the old lady 's peculiarities, quietly took her at her word and coming round to the side opened the door of the carriage. , . "There, ma'am," said he, extending the whip. " Don't spare him. He deserves a flogging." Mrs. Payson, her eyes flashing from beneath her classes with a vengeful light, seized the proffered whip with alacrity, and jumped out of the wagon with a lightness which could hardly have been anti- cipated of one at her age. _ "Now, look out," she said, brandishing, the whip in a menacing way. "I'll git pay for that bunnit in one way, ef I don't in another." Pomp maintained his position Qn the other side of the wall. He waited till the old lady was fairly over, and then commenced running. The old lady ^pursued with vindictive animosity, cracking the whip in a suggestive manner. Pomp doubled and turned in a most provoking way. Finally he had recourse to a piece of strategy. He flung himself, doubled up in a ball, at the old lady's feet, and she, unable 124 Frank's cajVipaign; or, to check her speed, fell- over him, clutching at the ground with her outstretched hands, from which the whip had fallen. " Hi, hi ! " shrieked Pomp, with a yell of incon- ceivable delight, as he watched the signal downfall of his adversary. Springing quickly to his feet, he ran swiftly away. «* Good for you, you old debble ! " he cried from a safe distance. Henry Morton, though he found It difficult to restrain his laughter, turned to Ajax and said, *'I think it 's time we interfered. If you '11 overtake the little black boy and give him a shaking up, just to keep him out of mischief hereafter, I '11 go and help the old lady." Ajax started on his errand. Pomp, bow really alarmed, strove to escape from this more formidable adversary, but in vain. He was destined to receive a summary castigation. Meanwhile the young man approached Mrs. Pay- son. *' I hope you're not much hurt, madam," said he, respectfully. ' ' I expect about eveiy bone m my body 's broke," she groaned. Raising her to her feet, it became manifest that the damage was limited to a pair of hands begrimmed by contact with the earth. Xevertheless, the old lady persisted that *V something or 'nother was broke. She did n't feel quite right inside." THE FARM AND THE CAjVIP. 125 *' I shouldn't keer so much," she added, «* ef I'd cauoht that aggravatin' boy. I'd go fifty miles to see^Im hung. He'll die on the gallows, jest as sure 's I Stan' here." At this moment a shrill cry was heard, which could proceed from no one but Pomp. '* Golly, Mass' Jack, don't hit so hard. Couldn't help it, sure.'* <« You'll have to help it the next time, you little rascal ! " responded Ajax. ** Le' me go. I hope to be killed if 1 ever do it ag'in," pleaded Pomp, dancing about in pain. "^^^ I hope you gin it to him," said the old lady, as the driver reappeared. Ajax smHed grimly. ** I touched him up a little," he said. *«0 my poor bunnit ! " groaned Mrs. Pay son, once more, as her eyes fell upon the crushed article. •' What will Cynthy Ann say ? " «' Perhaps a milliner can restore it for you," sug- gested Henry Morton, with an attempt at consolation. The old lady" shook her head disconsolately. ** It's all jammed out of shape," she said, dismaUy, <« an' the flowers is all mashed up. Looks as ef an elephant had trodden on to it." *< As you are the only one of us that has suf- fered," said the young man, politely, '* I think it only fair that your loss should be lightened. WiU you accept this towards making it good? " 11* 126 Frank's ca^ipaign; or, He drew from his porte-monnaie a five-dollar greenback, as he spoke, and oflfered it to j\Irs. Pay son. *'Are you in airnest?" inquu:ed the old lady, dubiously. " Quite so." ' ' You ain't robbin' yourself, be you ? " asked ]Mrs. Payson, with a look of subdued eagerness lighting up her \vrinkled face. *' O no ; I can spare it perfectly well." *' Then I'll take it," she responded, in evident gratification, ''an' I'm sure I'm much obleeged to you. I 'm free to confess that you 're a gentleman sech as I don't often meet with. I would n't take it on no account, only the loss is considerable for me, and Cynthy Ann, she would have been disapp'inted if so be as I had n't worn the bunnit. I 'd like to know who it is that I 'm so much obligated to." Henry ]\Iorton drew a card from his card-case and handed it with a bow to Mrs. Payson. " What's that?" asked the old lady <' My card." «'Le's see, where 's my specs?" said Mrs Pay- son, fumbling in her pocket. " O I've got 'em on. So your name 's Herod. "VYhat made 'em call you that?" " Henry, madam, — Henry Morton." *' Well so 'tis, I declare. You ain't related to Nahum Morton, of Gilead, be you ; he that was put THE FARM AND THE CAMP. TSfT into the State's Prison for breakin' open the Gilead Bank?" An amused smile overspread the young man's face. *' I never had any relatives sent to the State's Prison," he answered ; ** though I think it quite pos- sible that some of them may have deserved it." "Jest so," assented the old lady. '^ There's a good deal of iniquity that never comes to light. I once know'd a woman that killed her husband with the tongs, and nobody ever surmised it; though everybody thought it strange that he should disap- pear so suddint. Well, this woman on her death-bed owned up to the tongs in a crazy fit that she had. But the most cur'us part of it," the old lady added rather illogically, ** was, that the man was livin' all the while, and it was all his wife's fancy that she 'd struck him with the tonojs." By this time the ' ' express " had rumbled into the main street of Rossville, and the old lady had hardly completed her striking illustration of the truth, that murder will out, before they had drawn up in front of the tavern. . ' ' Ain't you a goin' to carry me to my darter's house?" she inquired with solicitude. ""I can't walk noway." '« Yes ma'am," answered Ajax ; ** directly, just as soon as this gentleman 's got out, and they 've taken the mail." 128 FRANK'S CA^IPAIGN. He tossed the mail-bag to a small boy who stood on the piazza in waiting to receive it, and then, whipping up his horses, speedily conveyed Mrs. Payson to her destination. "He's a very nice obleegiilg young man," said the old lady, referring to Henry Morton. ** I won- der ef his. mother was a Bent. There 's old Micajah Bent's third daughter, Roxana Jane, married a j\Ior- ton, or it might have been a Moulton. Ever see him afore ? " ** No ma'am. Here you are." '* So I be ; and there 's Reuben at the gate. How are ye all? Jest take this carpet-bag, will ye, and I '11 give you a cent some time or 'nother," Reuben did not appear much elated by this prom- ise. It had been made too many times without fulfilment. The old lady having reached her destination, we take leave of her for the present, promising to resume her acquaintance in subsequent chapters. XVI. FRANK MAKES A FRIEND. Henry Morton rose with the sun. This was not so early as may be supposed, for already November had touched its middle point, and the tardy sun did not make its appearance till nearly seven o'clock. As he passed through the hall he noticed that break- fast was not quite ready. '*A little walk will sharpen my appetite," he thought. He put on his hat, and passing through the stable- yard at the rear, climbed over a fence and-ascended a hill which he had observed from his chamber-window. The sloping sides, which had not yet wholly lost their appearance of verdure, were dotted with trees, most- ly apple-trees. . '< It must be delightful in summer," said the young man, as he looked thoughtfully about him. The hill vnas by no means high, and five minutes walk brought him to the summit. From this spot he had a fine view of the village which lay at his feet embowered in trees. A narrow river wound like a silver thread through the landscape. Groups of trees on either bank bent over as if to see themselves 130 Frank's campaign; or, reflected in the rapid stream. At one point a dam had been built across from bank to bank, above which the river widened and deepened, affording an excel- lent skating-ground for the boys in the cold days of December and .January. A whirring noise was heard. The grist-mill had just commenced its work for the day. Down below the dam the shallow water eddied and whirled, breaking in fleecy foam over protuberant rocks which lay in the river-bed. The old village church with its modest proportions occupied a knoll between the hill and the river. It was girdled about with firs intermingled with elms. Near by was a small triangular common, thickly plant- ed with trees, each facing a separate street. Houses clustered here and there. Comfortable buildings they were, but built evidently rather for use than show. The architect had not yet come to the assist- ance of the village carpenter. Seen in the cheering light of the rising sun, Henry Morton could not help feeling that a beautiful picture was spread out before him. *« After all," he said, thoughtfully, ** we needn't go abroad for beauty, when we can find so much of it at our ovm doors. Yet, perhaps the more we see of the beautiful, the better we are fitted to appreciate it in the wonderful variety of its numberless forms." He slowly descended the hill, but in a different di- rection. This brought him to the road that connect- ed the villaofe with North Rossville, two miles distant. THE FAKM AND THE CAMP. 131 Cof-Qing from a different direction, a boy reached the stile about the same time with himself, and both clambered over togetlier. '* It is a beautiful morning," said the young man, courteously. «*Yes, sir," was the respectful answer. «« Have you been up looking at the view ? " <- uo-ly debble!" muttered Pomp, watcliing the blood ooze from his finger. " What 's the matter, Pomp?" *' Old cat scratched me." ' ''And what did you do to her, Pomp? I am afraid you deserved your scratch." ''Didn't do noffin', Mass' Frank," said Pomp, virtuously. ^^ " I don't think you always tell the truth, Pomp. " Can't help it, Mass' Frank, 'Spec' I've got a little debble inside of me." "What do you mean, Pomp! What put that idea in your head ? " "Dat's what mammy, says. Dat 's what she al'ays tells me." " Then," said Frank, *' I think it will be best to- whip it out of you. Where 's my stick ? " " O no, Mass' Frank," said Pomp, in alarm; "I'll be good, for sure." " Then sit down and get your lesson." Again Pomp assumed his cricket. Before he had time to devise any new mischief, Mrs. Frost came to the head of the stairs and called Frank. Frank laid aside his books, and presented himself at the foot of the stairs. "I should like your help a few minutes. Can you leave your studies?" " Certainly, mother." Before going up, he cautioned Pomp to study 168 Frank's cajupaign; or, quietly, and not get into unj mischief, while .he was gone. Pomp promised very readily. Frank had hardly got up stairs before his pupil rose from the cricket, and began to look attentively about him. His first proceeding was to hide his primer carefully in Mrs. Frost's w^ork-basket, which lay on the table. Then, looking curiously about him, his attention was drawn to the old-fashioned clock that stood in the corner. Now, Pomp's curiosity had been strongly excited by this clock. It was not quite clear to him how the striking part was effected. Here seemed to be a favorable opportunity^ for instituting an investigation. Pomp drew his cricket to the clock, and opening it tried to reach up to the face. But he was not yet high enough. He tried a chair, and still required a greater elevation. Espying Frank's Latin dictionary, he pressed that into the service. By and by Frank and his mother heard the clock striking an unusual number of times. **AVhatis the matter with the clock?" inquired Mrs. Frost. /'I don't know," said Frank, unsuspiciously. '^ It has struck ten times, and it is only four^ o'clock." «' I wonder if Pomp can have got at it," said Frank, with a sudden thought. He ran down stairs hastily. Pomp heard him coming, and in his anxiety to THE FARM AND THE CAIMP. 1G9 escape detection, contrived to lose his balance and thll to the floor. As he fell, he struck the table, on which a pan of sour milk had been placed, and it was overturned, deluging poor Pomp with the un-. savory fluid. Pomp shrieked and kicked most energetically. His appearance, as he picked himself up, was ludi- crous in the extreme. His sable face was plentifully besprinkled with clotted milk, giving him the ap- pearance of a negro who is coming out white in spots. The floor was swimming in milk. Luckily the dictionary had fallen clear of it, and so escaped. " Is this the way you study?" demanded Frank, as sternly as his sense of the ludicrous plight in which he found Pomp would permit. For once Pomp's ready wit deserted him. He had nothing to say. *' Go out and wash yourself." Pomp came back rather shamefaced, his face re- stored to its original color. " Xow, where is your book?" Pomp looked about him, but, as he took good care not to look where he knew his book to be, of course he did not find it. " I 'clare, Mass' Frank, it done lost," he at length asserted. '* How can it be lost when you had it only a few minutes ago ? " " I dunno," answered Pomp, stolidly. 15 170 FRANK'S campaign; oe, * « Have you been out of the room ? " Pomp answered in the negative. ** Then it must be somewhere here." Frank went quietly to the corner of the room and took therefrom a stick. *' Now, Pomp," he said, '' I will give you just two minutes to find the book in. If you don't find it, I shall have to give you a whipping." Pomp looked at his teacher to see if he w^as in earnest. Seeing that he was^ he judged it best to find the book. Looking into the work-box, he said, innocently, *'I 'clare to gracious, Mass' Frank, if it lias n't slipped down yere. Dat's mi'ty cur's, dat is." '' Pomp, sit down," said Frank, " I am going to talk to you seriously. What makes you tell so many lies?" *' Dunno any better," replied Pomp, grinning. ** Yes, you do. Pomp. Does n't your mother tell you not to lie ? " ** Lor', Mass' Frank, she's poor ignorant nigger. She don't know noffin'." ** You mustn't speak so of your mother. She brings you up as well as she knows how. She has to work hard for you, and you ought to love her." " So I do, 'cept w^hen she licks me." ^' If you behave properly she won't whip you. You '11 grow up a ' poor ignorant nigger ' yourself if you don't study." THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 171 << Shall I get white, Mass' Frank, if I study?" asked Pomp, showing a double row of white teeth. ** You were white enough just now," said Frank, smiling. '* Yah, yah!" returned Pomp, who appreciated the joke. **Now, Pomp," Frank continued seriously, *Mf you will learn your lesson in fifteen minutes I will give you a piece of gingerbread." *« I'll do it. Mass' Frank," said Pomp, promptly. Pomp was very fond of gingerbread, as Frank very weU knew. In the time specified the lesson was got, and recited satisfactorily. As Pomp's education will not again be referred to, it may be said that w^hen Frank had discovered how to manage him, he learned quite rapidly. Chloe, who was herself unable to read, began to look upon Pomp with a new feeling of respect when she found that he could read stories in words of one syllable, and the * ' lickings " of which he complained became less frequent. But his love of fun still remained, and occasionally got him into trouble, as we shall hereafter have occasion to see. XXI. THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. About the middle of December came the sad tragedy of Fredericksburg, in which thousands of our gallant soldiers, yielded up their lives in a hard, unequal struggle, which brought forth nothing but mortification and disaster. The first telegrams which appeared in the daily papers brought anxiety and bodings of ill to many households. The dwellers at the farm were not ex- empt. They had been apprised by a recent letter that Mr. Frost's regiment now formed a part of the grand army which lay encamped on the eastern side of the Rappahannock. The probability was that he was enoaaed in the battle. Frank realized for the first time to what peril his father was exposed, and mino^led with the natural feelinoj which such a thouo'ht was likely to produce, was the reflection that, but for him, his father would have been in safety at home. ** Did I do right ? " Frank asked himself anxiously, the old doubt recurring once more. Then, above the selfish thought of peril to him and his, rose the consideration of the country's need. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 173 and Frank said to himself, *' I have done right, — whatever happens. I feel sure of that." Yet his anxiety was by no means diminished, es- pecially when, a day or two afterwards, tidings of the great disaster came to hand, only redeemed by the masterly retreat across the river, in which a great army, without tlie loss of a single gun, ambulance, or wagon, withdrew from the scene of a hopeless struggle, under the very eyes of the enemy, yet escaping discovery. One afternoon Frank went to the post-office a little after the usual time. As he made his way through a group at the door, he noticed compassion- ate o'lances directed towards him. His heart gave a sudden bound. **Has anything happened to my father?" he inquired with pale face. ' '* Have any of you heard anything ?• " ** He is wounded, Frank," said the nearest by- stander. ** Show it to me," said Frank. In the evening paper, which was placed in his hands, he read a single line, but of fearful import; «* Henry Frost, wounded." AYhether the wound was slight or serious, no intimation was given. Frank heaved a sigh of comparative relief. His father was not dead, as he at first feared. Yet, he felt that the suspense would be a serious trial. lie did not know how to tell his mother.' She met him 15* 174 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN; OR, at the gate. His serious face and lagging steps revealed the truth, exciting at first apprehensions of something even more serious. For two days they remained without news. Then came a letter from the absent father, which wonder- fully lightened all their hearts. The fact that he was able to write a long letter with his own hand, showed plainly that his wound must be a trifling one. The letter ran thus : — Dear Mary : — I fear that the report of my wound will reach you before this letter comes to assure you that it is a mere scratch, and scarcely worth a thought. I can- not for an instant think of it, w^ien I consider how many of our poor fellows have been mowed down by instant death, or are now lying with ghastly wounds on pallets in the hospital. We have been through a fearful trial, and the worst thought is that our losses are not compensated by a single advantage. Before giving you an account of it from the point of view of a private soldier, let me set your mind at rest by saying that my injury is only a slight flesh wound in the arm, which will necessitate my carrying it in a sling for a few days ; that is all. Early on the morning of Thursday, the 10th inst., the first act in the great drama commenced with laying the pontoon bridges over which our men were to make tlieir way into the Rebel city. My own THE FAIIM AND THE CAMP. 175 division was to cross directly opposite the city. All honor t-o the brave men who volunteered to lay the bridges. It was a trying and perilous duty. On the other side, in rifle-pits and houses at the brink of the river, were posted the enemy's sharpshooters, and these at a given signal opened fire upon our poor fel- lows who were necessarily unprotected. The firing was so severe and deadly, and impossible to escape from, that for the time we were obliged to desist. Before anything could be effected it became clear that the sharpshooters must be dislodged. Then opened the second scene. - A deluge of shot and shell from our side of the river rained upon the city, setting some buildings on fire, and severely damaging others. ' It was a most exciting spectacle to us who watched from the bluff, knowing that erelong we must make the perilous passage, and confront the foe, the mysterious silence of whose batteries inspired alarm, as indicating a consciousness of power. The time of our trial came at lenofth. Towards the close of the afternoon General Howard's division, to which I belong, crossed the pontoon bridge .whose building had cost us more than one gallant soldier. The distance Was short, for the Rappahannock at this point is not more than a quarter of a mile wide. In a few minutes we were marching through the streets of Fredericksburg. We gained possession of the lower streets, but not 176 fkaxk's campaign; or, without some street fij^htmc:, in -wliich our bri2:ade lost about one hundred in killed and wounded. For the first time I witnessed violent death. The man marching by my side suddenly reeled, and pressing his hand to his breast fell forward. Only a moment before he had spoken to me, saying, *' I think we are s^oino^ to have hot work." Now he was dead, shot through the heart. I turned sick with horror, but there was no time to pause. We must march on, not knowing that our turn might not come next. Each of us felt that he bore his life in his hand. But this was soon over, and orders came that we should bivouac for the night. You will not wonder that I lay awake nearly the whole night. A night attack was possible, and the confusion and darkness would have made it fearful. As I lay awake I could not help thinking how anxious you would feel if you had known where I was. So closed the first day. The next dawned warm and pleasant. In the quiet of the morning it seemed hard to believe that we were on the eve of a bloody struggle. Discipline was not very strictly maintained. ^Some of our number left the ranks and ransacked the houses, more from curiosity than the desire to pillage. I went down to the bank of the river, and took a look at the bridge which it had cost us so much trouble to throw across. It bore frequent marks of the firing of the day previous. THE FARM AND TILE CAMP. 177 At one place I came across an old negro, whose white head and wrinkled face indicated an advanced age. Clinging to him were two children, of perhaps four and six years of age, who had been-crying. " Don't cry, honey," I heard him say, soothingly, wiping the tears from the cheeks of the youngest with a coarse cotton handkerchief. *' I want mamma," said the child, piteously. A sad expression came over the old black's face. *' What is the matter?" I asked, advancing to- wards him. ** She is crying for her mother," he said. *'Is she dead?" ** Yes, sir ; she 'd been ailing for a long time, and the guns of yesterday hastened her death." *' Where did you live? " " In that house yonder, sir." * ' Did n't you feel afraid when we fired on the town?" ** We were all in the cellar, sir. One shot struck the house, but did not injure it much." *' You use very good language," I could not help saying. *' Yes, sir; I have had more advantages than most of — of my class." These last words he spoke rather bitterly. *' When I was a young man my master amused himself with teaching me ; but he found I learned so fast that he stopped short. But I carried it on by myself." 178 tr.yxk's campaign; or, ** Did n't you find that difficult ? " **Yes, sir; but my will was strong. I managed to get books, now one way, now another. _ I have read considerable, sir." This he said with some pride. " Have you ever read Shakespeare? " *' In part, sir; but I never could get hold of Hamlet. I have always wanted to read that play." I drew him out, and w^as astonished at the extent of his information, and the intelligent judgments which he expressed. **I wonder that, with your acquirements, you should have been content to remain in a state of slavery." *' Content!" he repeated, bitterly. *^ Do you think I have been content? Ko, sir. Twice I at- tempted to escape. Each time I was caught, drag- ged back, and cruelly whipped. Then I was sold to the father of these little ones. He treated me so well, and I was getting so old, that I gave up the idea of running away." *' And where is he now." *' He became a colonel in the confederate service, and was killed at Antietam. ' Yesterday my mistress died, as I have told you." ** And are you left in sole charge of these little children?" '* Yes, sir." ' ' Have they no relatives living ? " THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 179 *< Their uncle lives in Kentucky. I shall try to carry them there." *' But you will find it hard work. You have only to cross the river, and in our lines you will be no longer a slave." *' I know it, sir. Three of my children have got their freedom, thank God, in that way. But I can't leave these children." I looked down at them. They were beautiful lit- tle children. Tlte youngest was a girl, with small features, dark hair, and black eyes. The boy, of six, was pale and composed, and uttered no mur- mur. Both clung confidently to the old neoro. I could not help admiring the old man, who could resist the prospect of freedom, though he had covefed it all his life, in order to remain loyal to his trust. I felt desirous of drawing him out on the subject of the war. ** AYhat do you think of this war ? " I asked. He lifted up his hand, and in a tone of solemnity, said, *« I think it is the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, that 's going to draw us out of our bondage into the Promised Land." I was struck by his answer. *' Do many of you — I mean of those who have not enjoyed your advantages of education — think so ? " *' Yes, sir; we think it is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes. It 's a time of trial and 180 Frank's caivipaign; or, of tribulation ; but it isn't a going to last. The chil- dren of Israel were forty years in the wilderness, and so it may be with us. The day of deliverance will come." At this moment the little girl began again to cry, and he addressed himself to soothe her. This was not the only group I encountered. Some women had come down to the river with children half bereft of their senses, — some apparently supposing that we should rob or murder them. The Rebel leaders and newspapers have so persistently reitera- ted these assertions, that they have come to believe them. The third day was unusually lovely, but our hearts were too anxious to admit of our enjoying it. The Rebels were entrenched on heights behind the town. It was necessary that these should be taken, and about noon the movement commenced. Our forces marched steadily across the intervening plain. The Rebels reserved their fire till we were half-way across, and then from all sides burst forth the deadly fire. We were completely at their mercy. Twenty men in my own company fell dead or wounded, among them the captain and first lieutenant. Of what fol- ^ lows I can give you little idea. I gave myself up for lost. A desperate impulse enabled me to march on to what seemed certain destruction. All at once I felt a sensation of numbness in my left arm, and looking do^^Ti I saw that the blood was trickling from it. THE FARM AND TPIE CAMP. 181 But I had little time to think of myself. Hearing a smothered groan, I looked round, and saw Frank Glover, pale and reeling. **I'm shot in the leg," he said. ** Don't leave me here. Help me along, and I will try to keep up with you." The poor lad leaned upon me, and we staggered forward. But not for lono^. A stone wall stared us in the face. Here Rebel sharpshooters had been sta- tioned, and they opened a galling fire upon us. We returned it, but what could we do ? We were com- pelled to retire, and did so in good order, but unfor- tunately not until the sharpshooters had picked off some of our best men. Among the victims was the poor lad whom I assisted. A second bullet struck him in the heart. He uttered just one word, *' mother," and fell. Poor boy, and poor mother ! He seemed to liave a pre- monition of his approaching death, and requested me the day previous to take charge of his effects, and send them with his love and a lock of his hair to his mother if anything should befall him. This request I shall at once comply with. I have succeeded in getting the poor fellow's body brought to camp, where it will be decently buried, and have cut from his head two brown locks, one for his mother, and one for myself. At last we got back with ranks fearfully diminished. Many old famihar faces were gone, — the faces of 16 182 Frank's campaign; or, those now lying stiff and stark in death. jNIore were groaning with anguish in the crowded hospital. . My own wdund was too trifling to require much atten- tion. I shall have to wear a sling for a few days perhaps. There is little more to tell. Until Tuesday even- ing we maintained our position in daily expectation of an attack. But none was made. This was for- tunate for us. I cannot understand what withheld the enemy from an assault. On Tuesday suddenly came the order to recross the river. It was a stormy and dreary night, and so of course favorable to our purpose. The manoeuvre was executed in silence, and with commendable ex- pedition. The Rebels appeared to have no suspicion of General Burnside's intentions. The measured beat of our double c[uick was drowned by the fury of the storm, and with minds. relieved, though bodies drenched, we once more found ourselves with the river between us and our foes. Nothing was left behind. Here we are again, but not all of us. Many a brave soldier has breathed his last, and lies under the sod. *' God's ways are dark, but soon or late they touch the shining hills of day." So sings our own Whittier, and so I believe, in spite of the sorrowful disaster which we have met with. It is all for the best if we could but see it. Our heavy losses of officers have rendered some THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 183 new appointments necessary. Our second lieutenant has been made captain. The orderly sergeant and second sergeants are now our lieutenants, and the line of promotion has even reached me. I am a corporal. I have been drawn into writing a very long letter, and I must now close, with the promise of writino- again very soon. After I have concluded, I must write to poor Frank Glover's mother. May God comfort her, for she has lost a boy of whom any mother might feel proud. With love to the children, I remairf, as ever, your affectionate husband. Henry Frost. *' How terrible it must have been," said Mrs. Frost, with a shudder, as she folded up the letter and laid it down. " We ought indeed to feel thank- ful that your father's life was spared." '' If I were three years older, I might have been in the battle," thou^dit Frank. XXII. FRANK BROACHES A NEW PLAN. For some time Frank had been revolving in his mind the feasibility of a scheme which he hoped to be able to carry into execution. It was no less than ^this, — to form a military company among the boys, which should be organized and drilled in all respects like those composed of older persons. He did not feel like taking any steps in the matter till he had consulted with some one in whose judgment he had confidence. One evening he mentioned his plan to Mr. Morton. *• It is a capital idea, Frank," said the young man, with warm approval. *' If I can be of any service to you in this matter, it will afford me much plea- sure." ** There is one difficulty," suggested Frank. **None of us boys knows anything about military tactics, and we shall need instruction to begin w^ith ; but where we are to find a teacher I am sure I can't tell." ** I don't think you will have to look far," said Mr. Morton, with a smile. THE. FARM AND THE CAMP. 185 * * Are you acquainted with the manual ? " asked Frank, eagerly. ** I believe so. You see you have not yet got to the end of my accomplishments. I shall be happy to act as your drill-master until some one among your number is competent to take my place. I can previously give you some private lessons, if you desire it." ** There's nothing I should like better, Mr. Mor- ton," said Frank, joyfully. /* Have you got a musket in the house, then? We shall get along better with one." ** There's one in the attic." ** Very well; if you will get it, we can make a beginning now." Frank went in search of the musket ; but in his haste tumbled down the attic stairs, losing his grasp of the musket, which fell down with a clatter. Mrs. Frost, opening the door of her bedroom in alarm, saw Frank on his back with the musket lying across his chest. ''What's the matter?" she asked, not a little startled. Frank got up rubbing himself and looking rather foolish. "Nothing, mother; only I was In a little too much of a hurry." *' What are vou going to do with that musket, Frank?" IG* 186 FEAls^'S CAMPAIGN : OR **Mr. Morton is going to teach me the manual, that is all, mother." " I suppose the first position is horizontal," said his mother, with a smile. ' ** I don't like that position very well," returned Frank, with a laugh. " I prefer the perpendicular." Under his friend's instructions, Frank progressed rapidly. At the end of the third lesson, Mr. Morton said, ** You are nearly as competent to give instruc- tions now as I am. There are some things, however, that cannot be learned alone. You had better take measures to form your company." Frank called upon Mr. Rathburn, the Principal of the Academy, and after communicating his plan, which met with the teacher's full approval, arranged- to have notice given of a meeting of the boys im- mediately after the afternoon session. On Thursday afternoon when the last class had recited, previous to ringing the bell, which was a signal that school was over, Mr. Eathburn gave this brief notice. " I am requested to ask the boys present to remain in their seats, to listen to a proposition that has my full approval, and in which I think they will all feel interested." Looks of curiosity were interchanged among the boys, and every one thought, ''What's coming now?" At this moment a modest knock was heard, and THE F.VIIM AND THE CA3IP. 187 Mr. Eathburn, going to the door, admitted Frank. He quietly slipped into the nearest seat. ** Your' late school-fellow, Frank Frost," pro- ceeded ]Mr. Rathburn, **has the merit of orignating the plan to which I have referred, and he is no doubt prepared to unfold it to you.'^ Mr. Rathburn put on his hat and coat, and left the schoolroom. After his departure, Frank rose and spoke modestly, thus : — ** Boys, I have been thinking for some time past that we were not doino^ all that we ouorht in this crisis, which puts in such danger the welfare of our country. If anything, we boys ought to feel more deeply interested than our elders, for while they will soon pass off the stage we have not yet reached even the threshold of manhood. You wi\l ask me what we can do. Let me remind you that when the war broke out, the great want was, not of volunteers, but of men trained to military exercises. Our regi- ments were at first composed wholly of raw recruits. In Europe, military instruction is given as a matter of course'; and in Germany, and perhaps other countries, young men are obliged to serve for a time in the army. *' I think we ought to profit by the lessons of ex- oerience. However the present war may turn out, ive cannot be certain that other wars will not at some time break out. By that time we shall have grown to manhood, and the duty of defending our country 188 Frank's caimpaign; or, in arms will devolve upon us. Should that time come, let it not find us unprepared. I propose that we organize a military company among the boys, and meet for drill at such times as we may hereafter agree upon. I hope that any who feel interested in the matter will express their opinions freely." Jrank sat down, and a number of the boys testi- fied their approbation by stamping with their feet. John Haynes rose with a sneer upon his face. " I would humbly inquire, Mr. Chairman, for you appear to have assumed that position, whether you intend to favoi^ us with your valuable services as drill-master." Frank rose with a flushed face. ** I ain glad to be reminded of one thing, which I had foro:otten," he said. '' As this is a meetinir for the transaction of business, it is proper that it should be regularly organized. Will some one nominate a chairman ? " '* Frank Frost ! " exclaimed half a dozen voices. *'I thank you for the nomination," said Frank, ' ' but as I have something further to communicate to the meeting, it will be better to select some one else." *« I nominate Charles Reynolds," said one voice. ** Second the motion," said another. ** Those who are in favor of Charles Reynolds, as^ Chairman of this meeting, will please signify it in the usual manner," said Frank. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 189 Charles Reynolds being declared duly elected, advanced to the teacher's chair. *' Mr. Chairman," said Frank, I will now answer the question, just put to me. I do not propose to offer my services as drill-master, but I am authorized to say that a gentleman whom you have all seen, Mr. Henry Llorton, is willing to give instruction till you are sufficiently advanced to get along without it." John Haynes, who felt disappointed at not having been called upon to preside over the meeting, de- termined" to make as much trouble as possible. *' How are we to know that this Morton is quali- fied to give instruction?" he asked, looking round at the boys. " The gentleman is out of order. He will please address his remarks to the Chair, and not to the audience," said the presiding officer. '* I beg pardon, Mr. Chairman," said John, mock- ingly. ** I forgot how tenacious some people are of their brief authority." *' Order ! order ! " called half a dozen voices. <'The gentleman will come to order," said the Chairman, firmly ; " and make way for others unless he can treat the Chair with proper respect." ** Mr. Chairman," said Frank, rising, **I will mention, for the general information, that Mr. Mor- ton has acted as an officer of militia, and that I con- sider his offer a kind one, since it will take up con- siderable of his time and put him to some trouble." 190 Frank's campaign ; or, "I move that Mr. Morton's offer be accepted with thanks," said Henry Tufts. The motion was seconded by Tom Wheeler, and carried unanimously, with the exception of one vote. John Haynes sat sullenly in his seat and took no part in it. ' * Who shall belong to the company ? " asked the Chairman. " Shall a fixed age be required?" *'I move that the age be fixed at eleven," sdid Robert Ingalls. This was objected to as too young, and twelve was finally fixed upon. John Haynes moved not to admit any one who did not attend the Academy. Of course this would ex- clude Frank, and his motion was not seconded. It was finally decided to admit any above the age of twelve who desired it ; but the boys reserved to themselves the right of rejecting any who should conduct in a manner to bring disgrace upon them. *' Mr. Chairman," said Frank, " inr order to get under way as soon as possible, I have written down an agreement to which those who wish to join our proposed company can sign their names. If any- body can think of anything better, I shall be glad to have it adopted instead of this." He handed a sheet of paper to the Chairman, who read from it the following form of agreement : *'We, the subscribers, agree to form a boys' vol- THE FARM AND THE CAMP. lOl unteer company, and to conform to the regulations wlilch may hereafter be made for its government." *' If there is no objection we will adopt this form, and subscribe our names," said the Chairman. The motion for adoption being carried, the boys came up one by one, and signed their names. John Haynes would have held back, but for the thought that he might be elected* an officer of the new company. * ' Is there any further business to come before the meeting?" inquired the presiding officer. * ' What are we going to do for guns ? " asked Robert Ingalls. <' We can't get along without them." ' ' The boys at Webbington had a company three or four years ago," said Joe Barry, *< and they used wooden guns." *' AYooden guns 1" exclaimed Wilbur Summerfield, disdainfully. *' You won't catch me training round town with a wooden orun." o "I would remind the last three gentlemen that their remarks should be addressed to the Chair," said the presiding officer. " Of course, I don't care any- thing about it, but I think you would all prefer to have the meeting conducted properly." ** That's so ! " exclaimed several boys. ** Then," said the Chairman," I shall call to order any boy who addresses the meeting except through 192 fkaxk's caimpaign; or, ** Mr. Chairman," said Frank, rising, ** as to the wooden guns I quite agree with the last speaker. It would seem too much like boy's play, and we are too much in earnest for that. I have thought of an arrangement which can be made if the Selectmen will give theu' consent. Ten or fifteen years ago, longer than most of us can remember, as my father has told me, there was a militia company in Rossville, whose arms were supplied and owned by the town. When the company was disbanded the muskets went back to the town, and I believe they are now kept in the basement of the Town Hall. I presume that we can have the use of them on application. I move that a committee be appointed to lay the matter before the Selectmen, and ask their permission." His motion was asjreed to. * ' I will appoint John Haynes to serve on that com- mittee," said the Chairman, after a pause. This was a politic appointment, as Squire Haynes was one of the Selectmen, and would be gratified at , the compliment paid to his son. *' I accept the duty," said John, rising, and speak- ing in a tone of importance. *' Is there any other business to come before the meeting?" *'I should like to inquire, 'Mv. Chairman, when our first meeting will take place, and where is it to be?" asked Herbert Metcalf. ' * I will appoint as a committee to make the neces- THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 193 sary arrangements, Frank Frost, Tom Wheeler, and Robert Ingalls. Due notice will be given in school of the time and place selected, and a written notice will also be posted up in the Post-Office." ** Would it not be well, Mr. Chairman," suggested Frank, «' to circulate an invitation to otlier boys not present to-day to join the company ? The larger our numbers the more interest will be felt. I ^an think of quite a number who would be valuable members. — There are Dick Bumstead, and William Chamberlain, and many others." At the sound of Dick Bumstead^s name John Haynes looked askance at Frank ; but for the moment the thought of Dick's agency in the affair of the pig- pen had escaped his recollection, and he looked quite unconscious of any indirect reference to it. *« Will you make a motion to that effect?" *' Yes, if necessary." * ' Is the motion seconded ? " *' Second it," said Moses Roo-ers. o ' a will appoint Wilbur Summerfield and Moses Rogers on that committee," said the Chairman. ** I move that the meeting adjourn ipse dixit,'' said Sam Davis, bringing out the latter phrase with con- siderable emphasis. A roar of laughter followed, which shook the schoolhouse to the very rafters, and then a deafen- ing clamor of applause. The proposer sat down in confusion. 17 194 Frank's a\3rPAiox ; or, ** What are you fellows laughing at?" he burst forth indignantly. " ^Ir. Chairman," said Henry Tufts, struggling with his laughter, '* I second the gentleman's mo- tion, all except the Latin." The motion was carried in spite of the manner in which it was worded, and the boys formed little groups, and began eagerly to discuss the plan which had been proposed. Frank had reason to feel satis- fied with the success of his suowstion. Several of the boys came up to him, and expressed their plea- sure that he had brought the matter before them. " I say, Frank," said Kobert Ingalls, " we '11 have a bully com^mny." *'Yes," said Wilbur Summei-field, *' if John Haynes belongs to it. He 's a bully, and no mistake.'-' *-* What 's that you are saying about me,? " blus- tered John Haynes, who caught a little of what was said. " Listeners never hear anything good of them- selves," answered Wilbur. '* Say that again, Wilbur Summerfield," said John, menacingly. *' Certainly, if it will do you any good. I said that you were a bully, John Haynes ; and there's not a boy here that does n't know it to be true." ** Take care ! " said John, turning white with pas- sion. "While I'm about it, there's something more THE FARM AND THE CA:MP. 195 I want to say," continued \Yilbiir, undauntedly. " Yesterday you knocked my little brother off his sled and sent him home crying. If you do it again you will have somebody else to deal with." John trembled with anger. It would have done him good to ."pitch Into" Wilbur, but the latter looked him In the face so calmly and resolutely that discretion seemed to him the better part of valor, and with an oath he turned away. *' I don't know what's got Into John Haynes," said Wilbur. *' I never liked him, but now he seems to be getting worse and worse every day." xxni. POMP TAKES IVIES. PAY90N PRISOXEE. Old Mrs. Payson, who arrived In Eossville at the game time with Henry Morton, had been invited by her daughter, " Cynthy Ann," to pass the winter, and had acquiesced without making any very stren- uous objections. Her ** bunnit," which she had looked upon as. '' sp'ilt," had been so far restored by a skilful milhner that she was able to wear it for best. As this restoration cost but one dollar and a half out of the five which had been given her by young Morton, she felt very well satisfied with the way matters had turned out. This did not, however, by any means diminish her rancor against Pomp, who had been the mischievous cause of the calamity. *' Ef I could only get hold on him," Mrs. Payson had remarked on several occasions to Cynthy Ann, * ' I 'd shake the mischief out of him ef I died for 't tlie very next minute." Mrs. Payson was destined to meet with a second calamity, which increased, if possible, her antipathy to the " young imp." Being of a social disposition, she was quite in the THE FAirM AND THE CAMP. 197 habit of dropping in to tea at different houses in the village. Having formerly lived in Rossville, she was acquainted with nearly all the towns people, and went the rounds about once in two weeks. One afternoon she put her knitting into a black workbag, which she was accustomed to carry on her arm, and arraying herself in a green cloak and hood-, which had served her for fifteen years, she set out to call on Mrs. Thompson. Now, the nearest route to the place of her destina- tion lay across a five-acre lot. The snow lay deep upon the ground, but the outer surface had become 80 hard as, without difficulty, to bear a person of ordinary weight. "When Mrs. Payson came up to the bars, she said to herself, '*'T ain't so fur to go across lots. I guess I '11 ventur'." She let down a bar, and passing through, went on her way complacently. But, alas, for the old lady's peace of mind ! She was destined to come to very deep gi'ief. That very afternoon Pomp had come over to play with Sam Thompson, and the two, after devising various projects of amusement, had determined to make a cave in the snow. They selected a part of the field where it had drifted to the depth of some four or five feet. Beginning at a little distance, they bur- rowed their way into the heart of the snow, and ex- cavated a place about four feet square by four deep, 17* 198 Frank's campaign; or, leaving the upper crust intact, of course without its ordinary strength. The two boys had completed their task, and were sitting down in their subterranean abode, when the roof suddenly gave way and a visitor entered in the most unceremonious manner. The old lady had kept on her way unsuspiciously, using as a cane a faded blue umbrella, which she carried invariably, whatever the weather. When ]\Irs. Pay son felt herself sinking, she uttered a loud shriek and waved her arms aloft, brandlshlnsr her umbrella in a frantic way. She was plunged up to her arm-pits in the snow, and was of course placed in a very unfavorable position for extricating herself. The two boys were at first nearly smothered by the descent of snow, but when the first surprise was over they recognized their prisoner. I am ashamed to say that their first feeling was that of unbounded delight, and they burst into a roar of laughter. The sound, indistinctly heard, terrified the old lady be- yond measure, and she struggled frantically to es- cape, nearly poking out Pomp's eye with the point of her umbrella. Pomp, always prompt to repel aggression,. in return, pinched her foot. ' ' Massy sakes ! Where am I ? " ejaculated the affrighted old lady. ' ' There 's some wild crittur down there. O, Cynthy Ann, ef you could see your marm at this moment ! " THE FArwM AND THE CAMP. 199 She made another vlsrorous flounder and manased to kick Sam in the face. Partly as a measure of self-defence he seized her ancle firmly. *' He 's got hold of me ! " shrieked the old lady. '* Help ! help ! I shall be murdered." Her struggles became so energetic that the boys soon found it expedient to evacuate the premises. They crawled out by the passage they had made, and appeared on the surface of the snow. The old lady presented a ludicrous appearance. Her hood had slipped off, her spectacles were resting on the end of her nose, and she had lost her work- bag. But she clung with the most desperate energy to the umbrella, on which apparently depended her sole hope of deliverance. '< Hi yah ! " laughed Pomp, as he threw himself back on the snow, and began to roll about in an ec- stasy of delight. Instantly Mrs. Payson's apprehensions changed to furious anger. *' So it 's you, you little varmint, that 's done this. Jest le' me get out, and 1 '11 whip you so you can't Stan'. See ef I don't." *' You can't get out, missus ; yah, yah I " laughed Pomp. *« You 's tied, you is, missus." *' Come an' help me out, this minute ! " exclaimed the old lady, stamping her foot. '* Lor', missus, you'll whip me. You said you would." 200 Frank's campaign ; or, ** So I will, I vum," retorted the irate old lady, rather undiplomatically. "As true as I live, I'll whip you till you can't stan'." As she spoke, she brandished her umbrella in a menacing manner. ** Den, missus, I guess you 'd better stay where you is." '* O, you imp ! See ef I don't have you put in jail. Here, you, Sam Thompson, come and help me out. Ef you don't, I '11 tell your motlier, an' she '11 give you the wust lickin' you ever had. I 'm surprised at you." '' You won't tell of me, will you? " said Sam, irre- solutely. *' I '11 see about it," said the old lady, in a politic tone. She felt her powerlessness, and that concession must precede victory. ** Then, give me the umbrella," said Sam, who evidently distrusted her. ** You '11 run off with it," said Mrs. Payson, sus- piciously. «* No; I won't." *« Well, there 'tis." *' Come here, Pomp, and help me," said Sam. Pomp held aloof. *'She'll whip me," he said, shaking his head. «« She's an old debble." '* O you — you sarpint ! " ejaculated the old lady, almost speechless with indignation. THE FARM AND THE CAMP. 201 '* You can run away as soon as she gets out," eufTjrested Sam. Pomp advanced slowly and warily, rolling bis eyes in indecision. ** Jest catch hold of my hands, both on ye," said Mrs. Payson, *' an' I '11 give a jump." These directions were followed, and the old lady rose to the surface, when, in an e\dl hour, intent upon avenging herself upon Pomp, she made a clutch for his collar. In doing so, she lost her footing and fell back into the pit from which she had just emerged. Her spectacles dropped off, and falling beneath her were broken. She rose, half provoked and half ashamed of her futile attempt. It was natural that neither of these circumstances should effect an improvement in her temper. «' You did it a purpose," she said, shaking her fist at Pomp, who stood about a rod off" grinning at her discomfiture. ** There, I've gone an' broke my specs, that I bought two years ago, come fall, of a pedler. I '11 make you pay for 'em." *' Lor', missus, I ain't got no money," said Pomp. ** Nebber had none." Unfortunately for the old lady, it was altogether probable that Pomp spoke the truth this time. " Three an' sixpence gone ! " groaned Mrs. Pay- son. "Pust my bunnit, an' then my specs. I'm the most unfort'nit' critter. Why don't you help me 202 Frank's ca^ipaign ; or, out, Sam Thompson, instead of standin' and gawk- in' at me?" she suddenly exclaimed, glaring at Sam. . *'I didn't know as you was ready," said Sam. *' You might have been out before this, ef you hadn't let go. Here, Pomp, lend a hand." Pomp shook his head decisively. *« Don't catch dis chile again," he said. "I'm goin' home. Old woman wants to lick me." Sam endeavored to persuade Pomp, but he was deaf to persuasion. He squatted down on the snow, and watched the efforts his companion made to extri- cate the old lady. When she was nearly out he started on a run, and was at a safe distance before Mrs. Pay son was in a -situation to pursue him. The old lady shook herself to make sure that no bones were broken. Xext, she sent Sam down into the hole to pick up her bag, and then finding, on a careful examination, that she had recovered every- thing, even to the blue umbrella, fetched the aston- ished Sam a rousing box on the ear. ** What did you do that for ? " he demanded in an aggrieved tone. ** 'Taln't half as much as you deserve," said the old lady. * ' I 'm goln' to your house right off, to tell your mother what you 've been a doln'. Ef you was my child, I 'd beat you black and blue." '* I wish I'd left you down there," muttered Sam. THE FAEM AND THE CA^HP. 203 *' What 's that ? " demanded Mrs. Payson, sharply. ** Don't you go to bein' sassy. It '11 be the wuss for ye. You'll come to the gallows some time, ef you don't mind your P's and Q's. I might 'ave stayed there till I died, an' then you'd have been hung." ** What are you jawing about?" retorted Sam. ' ' How could I know you was comin' ? " *'You know'd it well enough," returned the old lady. *^ You'll bring your mother's gray hairs with sorrer to the grave." *' She ain't got any gray hairs," said Sam, dog- gedly. *' Well, she will have some, ef she lives long enough. I once know'd a boy jest like you, an' he was put in jail for stealin'." *' I ain't a goin' to stay and be jawed that way," said Sam. " You won't catch me pulling you out of a hole again. I wouldn't have you for "a grand- mother for all the world. Tom Baldwin told me, only yesterday, that you was always a hectorin' him." Tom Baldwin was the son of Cynthy Ann, and consequently old ]Mrs. Payson's grandson. ' ' Did Tom Baldwin tell you that ? " demanded the old lady abruptly, looking deeply incensed. "Yes, he did," ** Well, he's the ungratefullest cub that I ever sot eyes on," exclaimed his indignant grandmother. ** Arter all I've done for him. I'm knittin' a pair of socks for him this blessed minute. But he shan't 204 FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. have 'em. I'll give 'em to the soldiers, I vum. Did he say any thmg else ? " ** Yes, he said he should be glad when you were gone." ' * I '11 go right home and tell Cynthy Ann ," ex- claimed Mrs. Payson, " an' ef she don't w'ip him I will. I never see such a bad set of boys as is growin' up. There ain't one on 'em that is n't as full of mischief as a nut is of meat. I '11 come up with them, as true as I live." Full of her new indignation, Mrs. Payson gave up her proposed call on Mrs. Thompson, and turning about, hurried home to lay her complaint before Cynthy Ann. *' I 'm glad she's gone," said Sam, looking after her, as with resolute steps she trudged along, punch- ing the snow vigorously with the point of her blue cotton umbrella. " I pity Tom Baldwin ; if I had such a grandmother as that I'd run away to sea. That's so ! " ^^ ■a , XXIV. A CHAPTER FROM HARDEE. A FEW rods east of the post-office, on the opposite side of the street, was a two-story building used as an Engine House. The second story consisted of a hall used for company meetings. This the fire company obligingly granted to the boys as a drill-room during the inclement season, until the weather became sufficiently warm to drill out of doors. On the Monday afternoon succeeding the prelimi- nary meeting at the Academy, about thirty boys assembled in this hall, pursuant to a notice which had been given at school and posted up at the tavern and post-office. At half-past two Frank entered accompanied by Mr. Morton. Some of the boys were already acquainted with him, and came up to speak. He had a frank cordial way with boys which secured their favor at first sight. ''Well, boys," said he, pleasantly, ''I believe I am expected to make soldiers of you." " Yes, sir," said Charles Reynolds, respectfully, 18 206 Frank's ca^ipaign ; or, *' I hope we shall learn readily, and do credit to your instructions." ''I have no fear on that score," was the reply. *' Perhaps you may have some business to transact before we commence our lessons. If so I will sit down a few moments, and wait till you are ready." A short business meeting was held, organized as before. John Haynes reported that he had spoken to his father, and the question of allowing the boys the use of the muskets belonging to the town would be acted upon at the next meeting of the selectmen. Squire Haynes thought that the request would be granted. ' * What are we sfoino^ to do this afternoon ? " asked Robert Ingalls. *' I can answer that question, Mr. Chairman," said Henry Morton. '' We are not yet ready for muskets. I shall have to drill you first in the proper position of a soldier, and the military step. Proba- bly it will be a week before I shall wish to place muskets into your hands. May I inquire how soon there will be a meeting of the selectmen ? " John Haynes announced that the next meeting would be holden in less than a week. ** Then there will be no difficulty as to the mus- kets," said Mr. Morton. Wilbur Summerfield reported that he had extended an invitation to boys not connected with the Academy THE rAR3I AND THE CAMP. 207 to join the Company. Several were now present. Dick Bumstead, though not able to attend that day, would come to the next meeting. He thought they would be able to raise a company of fifty boys. This report was considered very satisfactory. Tom Wheeler arose and inquired by what name the new company would be called. *'Imove," said Hubert Ingalls, *'that we take the name of the Rossville Home Guards." '' If the enemy should invade Eossville, you'd be the first to run," sneered John Haynes. *' Not unless I heard of it before you," was the quick reply. There was a general laugh, and cries of «' Bully for you. Bob," were heard. *' Order ! " cried the Chairman, pounding the table energetically. **Such disputes cannot be allowed. I think we had better defer obtaining a name for our company till we find how well we are likely to suc- ceed." Tliis proposal seemed to be acquiesced in by'the boys generally. The business meeting terminated, and ]Mr. ]\Iorton was invited to commence his instruc- tions. *' The boys will please form themselves in a line," said the teacher, in a clear commanding voice. This was done. The positions assumed were, most of them, far from military. Some stood with their legs too far 208 FRANK'S CAMPAIGX; OR, apart, others -with one behind the other, some with the shoulders of unequal height. Frank alone stood correctly, thanks to the private instructions he had received. ** Now, boys," said Mr. Morton, «