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 THK YOTTNG JNTINCIBLES. -P AOE 111.
 
 PATRIOTISM AT HOME; 
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF 
 FEED FKEELAND; OH, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 
 
 B O S-T O N : 
 
 ~V. SPENCER. 
 1866.
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by 
 
 WILLIAM V. SPENCER, 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
 NO. 4 SttlNO LANE. 
 
 Presswork by John Wilson and Son.
 
 ALL BOYS AXD GIRLS WITH LOYAL HEARTS 
 Cljtss little Volume 
 
 IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 
 
 482987 
 
 LIBRARY
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THE leading title of this little volume was selected as the 
 subject for a story at an early period of the late unhappy 
 rebellion ; but circumstances delayed the full accomplishment 
 of the design until the present time. And while every loyal 
 heart wells up its overflowing thanksgiving to the Supreme 
 Father of all for the blessed peace that now rests upon the 
 land, still the writer believes there is to-day the same neces- 
 sity for the exercise of an unfaltering " Patriotism at Home " 
 as existed during the terrible clash of arms that shook the 
 Union to its very foundation, and threatened destruction to 
 our free and exemplary institutions. 
 
 Nor is it to the statesman, the jurist, the divine, the voter, 
 alone, that this all-sustaining principle of a nation's existence 
 is to be consigned, but every American Mother of the present 
 day should instil into the mind of her child such a pure love 
 of country as will prove a perpetual and invulnerable shield 
 to the great heart of the nation in all time to come, for the 
 
 (5)
 
 6 PREFACE. 
 
 destiny of this great republic may rest with the rising gen- 
 eration. 
 
 The characters who figure in the following pages are left 
 in a measure free to perform their own parts, to fight their 
 own battles ; and if any one of them should be so fortunate 
 as to "conquer a peace" with the indulgent reader, the re- 
 sult, it is to be hoped, may prove of mutual satisfaction and 
 benefit. But if, in some instances, age seems to cast off the 
 weight of years, and youth clothes itself temporarily in the 
 mantle of maturity, the critic is simply reminded that when 
 the battle-field claimed nearly all the able-bodied men of the 
 land, the maintenance of patriotism at home, as a matter of 
 necessity, devolved upon old men and young boys, loyal- 
 hearted women and Union-loving girls. 
 
 Possessing certain knowledge that youthful " Patriotism at 
 Home" was in nowise restricted to the " Young Invincibles " 
 during the terrible struggle for our national existence, this 
 little book is issued with a moderate hope that it may assist 
 in perpetuating a pure love of country in the breasts of the 
 young, while it shall prove not altogether devoid of interest 
 to the general reader. 
 
 BOXBURY, September, 18C6.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAP. I. Youthful Patriots 9 
 
 CHAP. II. A Blight Dash of Cold Water. 18 
 
 CHAP. III. An Old Man with a Young Heart 28 
 
 CHAP. IV. A Young Boy with an Old Head. .... 36 
 
 CHAP. V. The Colonel makes a Proposition 43 
 
 CHAP. VI. The Colonel and his Wife 52 
 
 CHAP. VII. Mother and Son. 60 
 
 CHAP. VIII. George makes a Promise 8 
 
 CHAP. IX. War Meeting 76 
 
 CHAP. X. Tom Sprightly and Booby Chickens 88 
 
 CHAP. XL The Young Invincibles 101 
 
 CHAP. XII. Neighborly Duties 114 
 
 CHAP. XIII. The Advancement of the " Invincibles." . . 128 
 
 CHAP. XIV. Mason and Slidell 141 
 
 CHAP. XV. Uncle Bill's Story 150 
 
 CHAP. XVI. The Freshet 163 
 
 CHAP. XVII. A Dangerous Passage .175 
 
 CHAP. XVIII. Tom goes to the Rescue. .... 191 
 
 CHAP. XIX. The House of Mourning . 206
 
 8 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. XX. The Orphans 212 
 
 CHAP. XXI. Reception of General Howard. .<t . . . .223 
 
 CHAP. XXII. - The Launching." . &0 
 
 CHAP. XXIII. The Wrestling Match 247 
 
 CHAP. XXIV. Crazy Philip 264 
 
 CHAP. XXV. Fire! Fire!! Fire!!! 272 
 
 CHAP. XXVI. The " Invisibles show Fight. . . . .282 
 
 CHAP. XXVII. The Pirate Tacony 294 
 
 CHAP. XXVIII. Conclusion. . 308
 
 PATRIOTISM AT HOME; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 YOUTHFUL PATRIOTS. 
 
 J Tom ! have you heard the news ? " cried 
 a s t u ^ firmly-built boy of fifteen to another 
 lad of apparently the same age, as the two 
 met near the entrance to a small white house on the 
 main street of the village. 
 
 "News? No what is it, George?" replied the 
 stripling addressed, who stood in marked contrast to 
 the other youth as regards bodily structure, for he 
 was tall and extremely slender ; but his flashing eye 
 and quick movements indicated an activity that might 
 in a great degree make amends for any deficiency in 
 muscular strength. 
 
 (9)
 
 10 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Why, Fort Sumter has been captured by the 
 rebels, President Lincoln has called on the loyal states 
 for volunteers, and the whole country is rushing to 
 arms." 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! " ejaculated Tom 
 Sprightly, as he nearly brought George Herrick to 
 the ground by the quick, nervous movement with 
 which he seized him by the collar and turned his 
 face to the west, as if to read the truth of the words 
 he had just heard by the lingering twilight of the 
 April day. 
 
 " Take cafe, Tom ! Don't twitch a fellow down by 
 any of your sleight-of-hand tricks. You know I'm 
 olumsy. and can't always come upon my feet in fall- 
 ing, like you and a cat." 
 
 " It's lucky for you, my boy, that you put so many 
 words between Tom and cat, or I should have taken 
 offence at the comparison. But I ask pardon, George. 
 I know better than to play any tricks on you. Now 
 tell me, candidly is this the truth about Sumter ? " 
 
 " Yes, Tom, it is true ; and the matter is too serious 
 to jest about." 
 
 " So I think. But what are the particulars? How 
 many were killed in the fight ? " 
 
 "None killed on either side so say the reports. 
 Major Anderson and his handful of men fought bravely,
 
 THE YOUNG 1NVINC1BLES. 11 
 
 and knocked Fort Moultrie all to pieces. But the 
 barracks, at Sumter, were soon in flames, and it took 
 most of the men to keep the fire away from the maga- 
 zine. Finally, the commander decided to evacuate on 
 the honorable terms offered." 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! " again exclaimed 
 Tom, impatiently. " Why didn't our government send 
 Major Anderson more men in season? I don't see." 
 
 " It does seem strange that it was not done," replied 
 the other ; " but then I suppose the government knew 
 best what to do." 
 
 " Well, this country is in for a big fight now, any 
 way, George." 
 
 " I'm afraid so ; but the South Carolinia^ com- 
 menced it themselves, and have aroused the whole 
 North ; so the chivalry must look out." 
 
 " If I were only sure these legs of mine would run 
 the right way," said Tom, capering around his com- 
 panion, "I'd stump you to enlist at once, George. 
 They'll stand fire pretty well in the kitchen-corner, 
 when aunt Huldah is frying doughnuts ; but I don't 
 know how they'd behave on the battle-field." 
 
 , " Be quiet will you, you jack-o'-lantern, and listen ? 
 Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, has a regiment 
 nearly ready to march, and he expects to have them in 
 Washington in forty-eight hours. The other states
 
 12 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 are hard at work, and ours won't be behindhand. As 
 for myself, Tom, I'm off in the first train Monday 
 morning for Boston, to enlist." 
 
 " Are you, though? But are you sure, George, that 
 Colonel White will give his consent? I don't see how 
 he is going to get along without you." 
 
 " Give his consent ! Why, Tom, I should expect to 
 receive my walking papers at once, if I did not show 
 my readiness to enlist. I know, as well as you do, 
 that Colonel White has been in favor of doing every- 
 thing that could be done with safety to prevent a war 
 with the South ; but I know, too, now they have forced 
 it upon us, that he will consider it every one's duty, 
 who is able to carry a musket, to offer his services for 
 the defence of his country." 
 
 " How about your mother? Won't she have some 
 objection to make?" 
 
 " Not a word, if Colonel White favors the scheme." 
 
 " Well, is there not still a third person who may 
 want you to remain at home? Suppose Lucy White 
 should say, 'Don't go, George* how then?" 
 
 " Come, come, Tom, none of that nonsense, if you 
 please," said George, somewhat sharply. 
 
 " O, I ask pardon," replied the other, a little mis- 
 chievously. " But I'll tell you what, George, if that 
 * nice little girl thought half as much of me as she does
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 13 
 
 of you, I should be the happiest 'Tom' in these dis- 
 United States, and I would at once petition to have 
 the other syllable hitched to my name, with an addi- 
 tional s." 
 
 " I see you are bound to have your joke, Tom, and 
 there's not much use in talking to you ; but you may 
 as well understand now, that I consider myself as I 
 am a mere boy, and have never had any serious 
 thoughts about any girl." 
 
 " Fifteen years old, and never thought seriously 
 about the girls ! Why, I always took you to be a 
 ' Young America ; ' but I shall be obliged to set you 
 down as an ' Old Fogy.' Peppermint and shoestrings ! 
 I've been heels-overhead in love half a dozen times. 
 And you'd better believe it's awful, I tell you." 
 
 " Stop your fooling, for once will you, Tom? I 
 have something more to say to you." 
 
 "Go on with your music I'm all ears, as the 
 donkey said to the organ-grinder." 
 
 " I was taken under Colonel White's protection 
 about three years ago, as you well know, Tom, 
 a poor, ignorant, good-for-nothing boy ; and if I am 
 any better now, it is owing to the kindness and gen- 
 erosity of those good people, one and all. I have been 
 treated just as well as if I had been a member of the 
 family, and have had all the advantages of a good
 
 14 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 school, which I hope I have not wholly neglected. 
 Now, I think I can show my gratitude for all this in 
 no better way than by enlisting at once in my country's 
 service in this hour of danger, as I know Colonel White 
 himself would freely do if his old age did not make it 
 wholly out of the question. You understand me, Tom. 
 So now for a talk with the colonel, and then an early 
 start Monday morning. I am rather young, I suppose, 
 but am strong and tough, and my country calls me." 
 
 " Then you are really in earnest about going, George ! 
 Well, listen to me, now. Just about a year ago you 
 saved my life, at the risk of your own, by rescuing me 
 from Squire Belmont's bull, whose fury I had aroused 
 by some of my foolish pranks. I said to myself, at 
 that "time, ' I'll stand by George Herrick as long as I 
 live ' and I mean to do it. So, if you are going to 
 pitch into the rebels, I'm going too. You can do the 
 fighting, and I'll do the running. Peppermint and 
 shoestrings ! won't I show those rascally secessionists 
 my heels ? after this sort ; " and, throwing a forward 
 somerset, he brought his feet so near his companion's 
 head as to cause him to spring suddenly aside, with the 
 exclamation, 
 
 " Come, come, Tom ; none of your capers here, if 
 you please. Just wait till you meet the rebels, and 
 give them a chance to shoot at you flying for you
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 15 
 
 will never remain in one place long enough to be 
 sighted." 
 
 " What are a fellow's legs given to him for, if they 
 are not to be used ? I should like to know," replied 
 Tom, as he leaped over the fence beside the gate with 
 the ease of a deer. " Come, now for a race from here 
 to Colonel White's ! I'll run round you ten times, 
 throw six somersets, stand three times on my head, 
 dance a hornpipe, chat with every girl I meet on the 
 street, and report the news of the war, not of the 
 girls to the colonel before you get in sight of the 
 house. Come on, my boy!" and away the rattling 
 fellow sped up the street, like a race-horse, in the 
 direction of .Colonel White's. But noticing that his 
 companion continued at his usual gait, he soon came 
 bounding back to his side again, exclaiming, 
 
 " What a regular ' slow coach ' you are, George 
 Herrick ! Perhaps you don't like the odds I offered 
 you for a race? Well, then, I'll throw in half a 
 'ozen more somersets ; " and over he whirled, like an 
 experienced circus performer. 
 
 " What a confounded dust you kick up, Tom I Why 
 don't you join some circus or menagerie ? " 
 
 " The fact is, George, I did offer my services to one 
 chap that came along here with circus and menagerie 
 together ; and he took me on trial for half an hour.
 
 16 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 But the plaguy monkeys were so jealous of my per- 
 formances, that the man was afraid I would make 
 trouble in the family, by proving to be the smartest 
 one in the lot. And so, you see, I didn't get an 
 engagement. I felt so bad about it that I turned 
 somersets all one afternoon ; " and over he whirled 
 a^ain. 
 
 "Well, you needn't turn any more here," said 
 George ; and he attempted to place his hand on the 
 shoulder of his erratic companion. 
 
 " Guess not ! You won't get that lion's paw on 
 me in a hurry;" and the nimble youth was many 
 feet distant in a moment. 
 
 " Upon my word, Tom, you are too bad. I really 
 believe you would be full of your nonsense if you were 
 going to a funeral." 
 
 " O, no ; not quite so bad as that. You saw me at 
 a funeral once, George, and I'm sure I wasn't full of 
 nonsense then." 
 
 The tone and manner of the frolicsome lad were 
 now w r holly changed. 
 
 " Forgive me, Tom. I didn't mean to hurt your 
 feelings. Don't believe me so cruel." 
 
 " Never mind, George. I know you didn't think of 
 that funeral when you spoke. There's no harm done, 
 however. I need a word once in a while to sober me
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 17 
 
 down. But let me tell you, George, I do have some 
 sober moments as well as other folks, and if I should 
 give way to my feelings, I should be awful blue at 
 times. I have no nearer relative than my aunt. I 
 often think of the day when I followed my dear 
 mother to her grave. I shall never forget it. I lost 
 my best friend when my mother died. True, I have 
 a good home at my aunt's ; but no one can fill the 
 place of that mother. George, I am sober for the 
 present." 
 
 The two boys now proceeded up 'the street, arm in 
 arm, to communicate the war news to Colonel White, 
 and to lay before him their plans for joining the 
 volunteers. 
 
 The foregoing scene occurred in the old village of 
 Harryseekit, a seaport town in one of the New Eng- 
 land States, on a memorable evening plainly indicated 
 by some portions of the preceding conversation. 
 2
 
 18 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A SLIGHT DASH OF COLD WATER. 
 
 'ELL, George, what's the news this evening?" 
 ' inquired Colonel White, as our two young 
 patriots entered that gentleman's house, a 
 few minutes after the family had risen from the tea- 
 table. " I was just thinking that something of impor- 
 tance must have transpired, as you did not return from 
 the Corner with your usual promptness. Tom, take 
 a chair." 
 
 " You thought right, sir," replied George Herrick. 
 " The news is of the most exciting character ; but I 
 hardly know whether it should be considered good or 
 bad." 
 
 " Indeed ! What may it be ? " questioned the colonel, 
 in a most anxious manner. " I need not ask, however, 
 for I have felt all along that Fort Sumter must fall. 
 Is it so?" 
 
 " It is true." 
 
 "Any particulars?"
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 19 
 
 " Mr. Bayley has received three despatches from a 
 friend in Boston, during the afternoon, giving a brief 
 description of the fight, and finally of the surrender of 
 Sumter ; " and George repeated the facts as already 
 related by him to Tom Sprightly in the preceding 
 chapter, with the additional rumor that the rebels were 
 about to march on Washington. 
 
 " It is hard to feel reconciled to this," said the 
 old gentleman, springing energetically to his feet, and 
 walking rapidly up and down the room a number of 
 times after the youth had finished his brief statement 
 of the affair. "It is hard to feel reconciled to this," 
 he repeated ; " hard indeed. But what am I saying? 
 'It is all right all for the best. Why should I doubt 
 at this late day of my life ? What do we short-sighted 
 mortals know about it? Our heavenly Father ruleth 
 all things for the best. We must wait patiently and 
 trust." 
 
 " It seems a terrible thing for men to fire on their 
 own flag," remarked George. 
 
 "The strength of all governments must be tested 
 sooner or later," replied the colonel, " and our fiery 
 onleal has come. Fort Sumter in the hands of the 
 rebels, and the madcaps threatening to march on 
 Wa^liin'jton ! Foolish, mistaken South ! Little do 
 they dream of the vast military power that lies dor-
 
 20 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 mant in the North and West, which this treasonable 
 course will immediately awaken. It matters not in 
 what light the leaders in the South endeavor to pre- 
 sent the facts, the position is a treasonable one, and 
 the whole world, ay, Heaven itself, will pronounce 
 their doom." 
 
 " The doom of all traitors, I hope," responded 
 George Ilerrick, with emphasis. 
 
 " Yes," continued the old gentleman ; " it can be 
 nothing less. A president of these United States was 
 lawfully elected last November, in precisely the same 
 manner that all previous presidents have been 
 chosen, by a perfectly free expression of the will 
 of the people through the ballot-box, as provided by 
 the constitution, and they, a minority, at once set 
 themselves to work to disrupt and destroy the best gov- 
 ernment on earth, instead of acquiescing peacefully 
 in their defeat, and manfully preparing themselves 
 to try to bring about a change in the administration 
 four years hence ! A scheme so utterly senseless, 
 high-handed, and base, was never before concocted by 
 short-sighted, impious man. Heaven grant that they 
 may yet come to their senses ere it be too late ! And 
 this is the chivalric South ! No ; I will not believe it. 
 It is the work of a few discontented, aspiring dema- 
 gogues. The idea that the majority of the southern
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 21 
 
 people would, of their own free will, desert the con- 
 stitution and the old flag, I cannot believe." 
 
 " Do you think, sir, there is any course left for our 
 government now except to call for a sufficient military 
 force to put down this rebellion ? " inquired George. 
 
 " No, no ; it is the only thing to be done now. 
 Nothing else can save our republic. The rebels have 
 invited the arbitration of the sword, and by it they 
 must stand or fall. And there can be no child's play 
 about it, either. The war must be prosecuted with the 
 utmost vigor until every rebel lays down his arms and 
 returns peaceably to his home. Then our government 
 may talk to them not before." 
 
 " Yes, sir ; I think that is the way all loyal people 
 will look at this matter," rejoined the lad. 
 
 " You are right, George. And they must not only 
 look, but act. Let me see I shall be seventy-eight 
 in about ten days. Too old, too old, I fear, for any 
 active service am I not, dear ? " said the venerable 
 soldier, as he turned to his wife, a few years his 
 junior, who had been a silent listener thus far. 
 
 "Yes, yes, my husband, I think you are a little too 
 old to enlist. I hardly believe you would pass muster, 
 even were you to dye these tell-tale locks," replied his 
 amiable old companion, gently smoothing her hus- 
 band's " silvered hairs."
 
 22 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 " Yes, Colonel White, though you're very smart for 
 your years, yet it would never do for you to join the 
 army ; so George and I have made up our minds to 
 go in your stead. ' Old men for counsel, young men 
 for war,' " said Tom Sprightly, as he jumped up and 
 marched across the room, with a ludicrous attempt at 
 a military air. Halting before Lucy White, who was 
 seated near her grandmother, he continued, " Don't 
 you think, Miss Lucy, that George and I together 
 would make a very good substitute for your grand- 
 father?" 
 
 " Why, Tom," replied Lucy, mischievously, " if 
 there is any running to be done, somersets to be 
 turned, or ' peppermint and shoestrings ' to be looked 
 after, in the army, I think you would be worth a 
 dozen grandfathers." 
 
 " And if there are any heads to be turned, or heart- 
 strings to be broken," retorted Tom, in a mock indig- 
 nant tone, "yo?t, Miss Lucy, would make a right 
 smart ' daughter of the regiment.' " 
 
 "Come, come," said the colonel, laughing, in spite 
 of himself, " you two young rattleheads make sport 
 out of everything. Tom, you young villain, come 
 here, and stop your training." 
 
 " Stop my training, Colonel White ! " exclaimed 
 Tom, with feigned surprise, walking back to his
 
 THE YOUNG LXTVINCIBLES. 23 
 
 seat ; " why, I thought ' training ' was the very thing 
 that made good soldiers." 
 
 "The first thing a good soldier learns, Tom, is 
 strict obedience to orders," rejoined the old gentleman, 
 smiling; "and I command you to remain perfectly 
 quiet for the next ten minutes if it's a possible 
 thing." 
 
 " O, that's easy enough ; I kept still ten minutes 
 and a half the other evening, when aunt Huldah set 
 rue to picking over the raisins for a plum-pudding," 
 replied Tom, at once assuming a very serious ex- 
 pression of countenance. 
 
 " Now, George," said Colonel White, " I want you 
 to tell me if there's anything in what Tom has just 
 said about your idea of enlisting? Have you talked 
 the matter over seriously, or is it only oue of that 
 madcap's jokes ? " 
 
 " We have talked the matter over seriously, sir ; 
 and, as far as / am concerned, my mind is fully made 
 up, and I want only your consent, to start for Boston 
 Monday morning to join one of the regiments there, 
 so as to be in Washington at the earliest moment. I 
 have been thinking of this all the time this trouble has 
 been brewing. I have no doubt that Tom is equally 
 in earnest, though he always mixes up so much non- 
 sense with everything, that one wants to know him as
 
 24 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 well as I do to tell whether he means -what he says or 
 not. I think his heart is in the right place, but it is a 
 very crooked path that leads to it." 
 
 " If I wasn't under guard, George, I'd thank you 
 for that ' crooked ' compliment ; it's a good deal better 
 than none," said Tom, dryly. 
 
 "I give you your liberty now, Tom," said the 
 colonel ; " only use it with discretion. As George 
 and you seem to have acted together in this matter, 
 I shall talk to you both with regard to it. But you, 
 Tom, will of course be at liberty to ask the advice of 
 those who have much more right than I to give you 
 counsel." 
 
 " I think more of your advice, Colonel White, than 
 of any other," said Tom, soberly. 
 
 " I admit, boys, that I am highly pleased with the 
 spiritand patriotism that have so manifestly prompted 
 you thus to step forward at the very earliest moment 
 to respond to your country's call. I am gratified, 
 because it not only proves that you are made of the 
 right material, but it convinces me that where mere 
 boys show such Spirit, there will be no lack of men to 
 stand by their country in her hour of peril. 
 
 " But, my young friends, notwithstanding I commend 
 this display of promptness on your part, still I must say, 
 decidedly, that I cannot give my consent to your enlist-
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 25 
 
 ing at this time. There are many objections to it, all 
 growing out of this one you are much too young. 
 No one should enter the ranks under eighteen years of 
 age. The bone and sinew have no power of endurance 
 that can be depended upon at an earlier age. I had an 
 opportunity to see the folly of having boys in the army 
 during the war of 1812. 
 
 " Now, neither of you is much more than fifteen. 
 It is not your duty to enlist ; neither would it be for 
 your country's good should you do so. But there are 
 duties here at home that you can perform nearly as 
 well as men, that will be of far more service to your 
 country, probably, than anything you could do in the 
 field ; and these duties I shall be happy to explain to 
 you at no distant day. 
 
 " And, boys, unless I'm greatly mistaken, this terri- 
 ble war that is about to commence will last so long 
 that there will be no objection, on account of your age, 
 to your shouldering a musket. Then, you can do your 
 country good service in the army ; whereas, if you 
 should enlist now, a few weeks' or months' service 
 would completely break you down thus depriving 
 the country of your assistance ever after." 
 
 Both boys remained silent for some moments after 
 the colonel ceased speaking. Evidently they had not 
 been prepared for the opinion just expressed. They
 
 26 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 looked at each other a little uneasily. George was the 
 first to speak. 
 
 "Colonel White," said he, "I am greatly disap- 
 pointed. My heart was set upon this thing. I could 
 not have given it up by the advice of any man but you. 
 I have always found that you knew what was for the 
 best ; and I shall follow your advice in this case. But 
 let me do all I can here at home for the benefit of those 
 who do enlist, and to help the good cause." 
 
 "I am very sorry that you are so much disap- 
 pointed, George," replied the old gentleman, in a 
 sympathetic manner ; " but I know you will, as 
 usual, take a sensible view of the matter." 
 
 "And I, too, am much disappointed," said Tom. 
 " I believe I was never so much in earnest about any- 
 thing in my life ; though George started the project, or 
 I should not have thought of it, probably. But if he 
 can stand the disappointment, I guess I can do the 
 same. Somehow, I feel that I am pretty nearly right 
 when I do as George does. I'm determined to do 
 something, though, to tell against those rascally 
 rebels. Peppermint and shoestrings ! I won't give 
 that up." 
 
 " There will be plenty to do here, and exciting work 
 too," replied the colonel, " and I expect much from 
 you two young patriots."
 
 THE YOUNG IXVINCIBLES. 27 
 
 As the two boys were about to leave, Lucy White 
 inquired, 
 
 " How is your little cousin Mary, to-day, Tom?" 
 
 " O, she is nicely, now." 
 
 "I'm glad to hear it. .1 think the croup is ter- 
 rible." 
 
 " Yes, it is ; and it runs in our family," rejoined 
 Tom, very soberly. " My great-grandmother died of ; 
 . it when she was about two years old." 
 
 " O, you rattle-brain ! " exclaimed the young girl. 
 But Tom was off. " Do you know, grandmother," 
 continued Lucy, turning to the old lady, " that Tom 
 Sprightly is one of the kindest-hearted boys that ever 
 lived, for all he is so wild ? His aunt told me that he 
 staid by her little sick girl's bedside one whole day and 
 night, and waited on her as tenderly as she herself 
 could have done." 
 
 " I know, darling, Mrs. French says he is always 
 very kind ; but he is forever playing off some of his 
 pranks. He isn't much like George."
 
 28 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 AN OLD MAN "WITH A YOUNG HEART. 
 
 (/f^OLONEL WHITE was fast approaching his 
 (1 jjy\ seventy-eighth year, and had been a resident 
 of Harryseekit for upwards of half a .century. 
 He was an active, benevolent, straightforward man, 
 whose energy of character and unwavering integrity 
 had often placed him foremost in movements of public 
 interest. He had served his country with honor and 
 distinction in the war of 1812, when he entered the 
 army as a private, and won his colonel's commission 
 before the close of the second year of his service. 
 With a constitution naturally good, with habits of the 
 strictest temperance, united with a cheerful disposition 
 and a whole-souled benevolence, he was now, at this 
 advanced age, more active and enterprising than many 
 a much younger man. He was not wealthy, as this 
 word is generally defined ; but there was a wealth of 
 contentment and benevolence in his truly Christian 
 breast, that shed little rays of peace and happiness
 
 THE YOUNG 1NVINCIBLES. 29 
 
 upon all with whom he came in contact in his every- 
 day walks of life. 
 
 Colonel's White's residence was half a mile from the 
 chief village of the town, known as the " Corner," on 
 the county road. It was an old-fashioned one-story 
 building, so spacious on the ground that his 
 years ago, whose sleeping apartments were ii 
 northerly part of the house, always spoke of going uj 
 to " Burrville " the next village when intending to 
 retire for the night. It was a substantial, convenient, 
 and exceedingly comfortable dwelling. Everything 
 was neat and orderly about the house and garden. 
 The barn and other out-houses were noticeable for 
 their studied good arrangements in every particular, 
 which showed that their owner did nothing by the 
 halves, and that the comfort of his domestic creatures 
 was not lost sight of by him. His farm was small, in 
 a high state of cultivation, and an appearance of thrift 
 mai-ked every part of it. 
 
 The house, standing upon land somewhat elevated, 
 overlooked an extensive " Interval," a short distance to 
 the east, through which glided two gentle streams of 
 water, running parallel, and quite near each other; 
 one having its origin in numerous springs, many miles 
 away, while the source of the other was a large pond, 
 situated in the upper part of the town. Both are
 
 30 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 insignificant streams, except in the spring of the year, 
 when they sometimes overflow their banks, and become 
 one sheet of water, extending over the entire length 
 and breadth of the Interval, which abounds with 
 stately elms. 
 
 The colonel owned a shipyard at a distant part of 
 
 *TT f , 
 
 town, and had a few thousand dollars invested in 
 iment stocks, so that he was in easy circum- 
 
 mces. His acts of benevolence, however, would 
 have been creditable to a man of much greater means. 
 No deserving person ever asked assistance of him in 
 vain, nor was any really charitable object that came to 
 his knowledge, however private, allowed to pass un- 
 heeded. He knew the secret of true happiness 
 making others happy, A simple rule, youthful reader, 
 but it works out incalculable good. 
 
 Colonel White had raised a family of five sons, four 
 of whom were still living, but all long since married, 
 having families of their own, and residing at various 
 distances from the old homestead, which was now 
 occupied only by the colonel, his wife, and their grand- 
 daughter Lucy, a bright and cheerful little girl of 
 twelve. But we will take the reader back some- 
 thing like three years, for the purpose of explaining 
 the circumstances that induced Colonel White to be- 
 come the patron of George Herrick.
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 31 
 
 At this time the old gentleman owned a young 
 horse, a very fine animal, and generally well behaved, 
 though, like most youngsters, he occasionally took a 
 notion into his head to cut up someKttle caper, 
 probably thinking it all harmless enouglHTHowever, 
 no serious accident had ever occurred through any of 
 his frolics ; and his master considered him perfectly 
 reliable, although Mrs. White preferred the morm| 
 sedate horse, " Old Noll." She said her bones were 
 too old (she was five years younger than the colo- 
 nel) to risk them by riding behind " Dancing Jim " 
 a name early applied to the colt by the old lady. 
 
 It was a pleasant afternoon in the spring of the year, 
 and the colonel, having business down to the " Point," 
 at the shipyard, harnessed up the colt, and invited his 
 wife to take a seat with him in the chaise. The old 
 lady, however, pleasantly declined the invitation, re- 
 marking that she would embrace some early oppor- 
 tunity to ride, when Old Noll was to be the motive 
 power. So the invitation was transferred to Lucy, 
 then about nine years old, who soou occupied the seat 
 in the chaise beside her grandfather, having no fears 
 concerning Dancing Jim, so long as she was to be 
 partner in the dance. The old gentleman gave the 
 word, and the colt was off in a moment. Mrs. White 
 stood in the doorway a few minutes, looking after the
 
 32 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 fast disappearing vehicle, and then, turning into the 
 house, said to herself, " I do wish my dear husband 
 would sell that young horse, for I never feel at ease 
 when he^^^riving him. He is a pretty creature, I 
 know, aj^Mrerybody admires him ; so I don't like to 
 
 matter about selling him." 
 
 icing Jim behaved himself remarkably well over 
 road to the Point a distance of four miles 
 showing no restlessness whatever, except when some 
 other horse attempted to pass him. This he would 
 never allow ; and in this whim the colonel was very 
 willing to humor him. 
 
 Lucy enjoyed the ride very much ; but then life was 
 all enjoyment to her. Why should it not be? Having 
 never heard aught but gentle and pleasant words be- 
 tween her grandfather and grandmother ; having never 
 witnessed other than kind and generous acts between 
 themselves and towards their neighbors ; and having 
 ever received from them the tenderest and most 
 thoughtful treatment, coupled with conscientious and 
 wise counsel, with regard both to her worldly and 
 spiritual welfare", why should she have been other 
 than a pleasant and happy little girl, imparting pleas- 
 ure and happiness to others? If her grandparents 
 who certainly must be experiencing some of the in- 
 firmities of advanced age could be almost uniformly
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 33 
 
 cheerful and pleasant, why should not she be happy, 
 and thankful to her Maker, blessed as she was with 
 youth and health, and surrounded and cared for by 
 the kindest of friends? 
 
 Lucy was an orphan * it is true ; bu^^^ parents 
 died when she was so young that she nevef^dalized 
 her loss. She- was the only child of Colonel White's 
 youngest son, who died when Lucy was about twoi 
 years old. In less than a year her mother, also, was 
 buried ; and the little orphan was thus early left in 
 the charge of her grandparents. But Lucy was not 
 spoiled by this disposal. Far from it. The truly good 
 old couple fully realized the weight of their charge, 
 and faithfully performed their duty, as parents and 
 Christians, towards their little granddaughter. 
 
 But to return to the ride. A little over half an 
 hour brought them to the shipyard ; and, while Colo- 
 nel White was attending to his business, Lucy in- 
 terested herself in watching the ship carpenters, in 
 their various labors upon the vessel on the stocks, in 
 process of construction. She had visited the ship- 
 yard a number of times beftfre ; but she had never 
 seen so large a vessel wholly out of the water, and 
 was surprised at the massiveness of the structure. 
 It was a ship of nearly a thousand tons. Whilst she 
 stood wondering how the large timbers had ever been
 
 34 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 put into their proper places in the ship's hull, a dozen 
 or more of the workmen came along near the spot 
 where she was standing, and, stooping, all together 
 took hold^rf a long and heavy piece of timber, that 
 lay upon the ' ground ; wheu, at the word "now," they 
 lifted it with perfect ease, placed it upon their shoulders, 
 marched off with it to another part of the yard. 
 
 At this moment Colonel White came up to Lucy, 
 in company with the master workman, having trans- 
 acted the business that brought him to the shipyard. 
 The little girl directed his attention to the men who 
 were walking off with the stick of timber, saying, 
 
 "I've been wondering, grandfather, how they put 
 such great timbers as I see in that ship's frame into 
 their places ; but it is all plain now." 
 
 " Yes," replied the old gentleman, " ' in union there 
 is strength.' Now, those men, individually, could have 
 done nothing with that large timber ; but all together 
 they can do with it as they please. So with thte 
 blessed country of ours. The states, individually, are 
 weak and powerless ; but united, they are a powerful 
 and prosperous nation." 
 
 " I think I see now, grandfather, better than I ever 
 did before, what you mean when you talk about the 
 ' strength of the Union.' I guess it's when the people 
 of all the states keep together, and lift at the same
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 35 
 
 time, just as those carpenters lifted the piece of 
 timber." 
 
 " That's it, exactly ! " exclaimed the colonel, delight- 
 edly, who never let an opportunity pass, unimproved 
 of imparting to the young a love of countiy. " But I 
 fear that at this very moment some men are so 
 foolish, or wicked, as to advise the states to ' lift ' one 
 by one ; but should this unwise step ever be taken, 
 some of the weaker ones will be sure to break tlieir 
 own backs."
 
 36 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A YOUNG BOY WITH AN OLD HEAD. 
 
 )LONEL WHITE and Lucy were soon re- 
 seated in the chaise, and Dancing Jim was 
 making good time on his way home. They 
 had proceeded less than half a mile, when, on ap- 
 proaching a frame building that had been recently 
 erected, and on which three or four men were at 
 work, he began to prick up his ears, and show his 
 propensity for " dancing" started, probably, by the 
 glancing sunshine upon the newly-hewn timbers of the 
 frame. The colonel spoke coaxingly and gently to 
 him, and he seemed to be recovering from his fright ; 
 but when they were directly opposite the building, one 
 of the men threw down a long, wide board upon a pile 
 of the same material, making a loud, sharp report. 
 This was too much for the nerves of Dancing Jim, 
 and, seizing the bit firmly between his teeth, he was 
 off in a moment, at the speed of a locomotive. 
 The old gentleman always kept his carriage and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINC1BLES. 37 
 
 harness in the very best order, and consequently he 
 felt safe in that respect, if he could keep clear of col- 
 lisions. He hoped to be able to retain sufficient control 
 over his horse to guide him in the road, if nothing 
 more, and braced himself for that purpose, cautioning 
 Lucy, at the same time, to remain quietly in her seat, 
 and to hold firmly by the strap at the side of the 
 chaise. By pulling suddenly and alternately on one 
 rein and the other, the colonel endeavored to wrench 
 the bit from the horse's teeth back into its proper 
 place. But the animal's jaws were set as firmly as a 
 vice, and he could not accomplish the object. Colonel 
 White glanced anxiously at Lucy ; but the little girl 
 behaved remarkably well. She neither screamed nor 
 troubled her grandfather by catching hold of his arms. 
 The highway was smooth, broad, level, and, for 
 something more than a mile, nearly straight ; but this 
 portion of the road they were passing over almost with 
 the swiftness of the wind. At the termination of the 
 distance named, the road turned suddenly to the right, 
 and a brook was crossed by a short wooden bridge. 
 As they neared this point, the colonel began to feel 
 uneasy, fearing that the horse might not make the 
 turn, or, if he did do so, the suddenness of it would 
 overturn the chaise. The people looked aghast from 
 the doors and windows of the occasional houses which
 
 38 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 the horse dashed past ; and the few pedestrians on the 
 country road mostly sought safety by nearing the fence 
 at one or the other side of the highway. One or two 
 men, more daring than the rest, made slight attempts 
 to stop the career of the horse ; but they might as well 
 have tried to check the rushing whirlwind. 
 
 On sped the excited animal ; and now the turn of 
 the road was nearly reached. But, at a short distance 
 in advance, Colonel "White and Lucy saw, at the same 
 moment, a stout boy, apparently of about twelve years 
 of age, with a fishing-rod in his hand, climbing nimbly 
 over the fence at the side of the road nearest the 
 brook. He sprang from the fence, ran swiftly across 
 the road, threw down his fishing-rod, turned, and 
 placed himself so as to be on the nigh side of the 
 rapidly approaching animal. The colonel saw, at a 
 glance, that the boy was determined to make the 
 attempt to seize the horse's head, and barely had 
 time to exclaim, " Heaven protect you, my noble 
 boy ! " when he felt, by the strain on the reins, that 
 the animal's head had been drawn nearer the ground, 
 and saw that the lad had both hands firmly hold of 
 the bridle, near the bit. 
 
 The horse continued his mad career ; but, after a 
 few bounds, there was a perceptible diminution in his 
 speed. The weight of the boy for the headlong
 
 ,j-fi B 
 
 DANCING JIM IN CHECK. PAGE 38
 
 \
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 39 
 
 course of the horse took him completely off his feet 
 soon began to tell upon him. They were now at the 
 bend in the road ; but the old gentleman was satisfied 
 that it would be extremely hazardous to make the 
 short turn, even if he should succeed in guiding the 
 animal in that direction, and he instantly decided to let 
 him go straight ahead upon the side of the highway, as 
 the gutter was not deep at this point ; and he was con- 
 firmed in this decision as he heard the manly voice of 
 the boy, " Slack the rein, and let him run straight for 
 the fence ! " 
 
 The speed of the horse was so much slackened that 
 the boy had recovered his feet, and had now, evidently, 
 some control over the animal. One bound more, and 
 Dancing Jim brought up against the little embankment 
 near the fence, with his head between the two lower 
 rails, and the ends of the chaise-shafts imbedded some 
 inches in the loose earth. 
 
 Colonel White, who had his feet well braced against 
 the front part of the chaise, remained in his seat ; but 
 Lucy, who, in the excitement of the moment, had 
 quitted her hold of the strap, was thrown forward out 
 of the chaise. The boy, however, it would seem, 
 had anticipated something of the kind, for he turned 
 in season to catch the little girl in his arms ; 
 and, although the great force with which she was
 
 40 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 precipitated upon him was sufficient to bear them 
 both to the ground, still they received not the slight- 
 est injury. 
 
 The old gentleman instantly jumped from the car- 
 riage, and, having satisfied himself that none of the 
 party were injured, grasped the boy cordially by the 
 hand, and warmly thanked him, over and over again, 
 for the good service he had rendered them. 
 
 They now turned their attention to the runaway. 
 He had lain perfectly quiet from the moment his career 
 was so suddenly cut short. He could not well be 
 otherwise than quiet, as his neck was firmly fixed 
 between the fails. With the assistance of the boy, 
 who appeared extremely cool and self-possessed, the 
 colonel loosened such portions of the harness as the 
 case required, and ran the chaise back. Then, by 
 standing upon the lower rail of the fence, he sprang it 
 down sufficiently to enable Dancing Jim to withdraw 
 his head with perfect ease. 
 
 The moment the horse's head was released, the lad 
 seized the bridle, and gave an encouraging word, when 
 the animal quickly sprang to his feet. He had re- 
 ceived no injury, except a scratch on the side of his 
 head, where it had scraped against the rail. He had 
 evidently been greatly excited and alarmed, for every 
 fibre in his body was quivering like a lump of jelly.
 
 THE YOU NO INVINCIBLES. 41 
 
 His master talked to him kindly, patted him, and 
 gently rubbed him with his hand, which had the 
 effect of soothing him greatly. 
 
 " "Well, Lucy," said the old gentleman, after a few 
 minutes thus passed, " shall we tackle up the colt 
 again, and start once more for home? or what shall 
 we do ? " 
 
 " If you think it is safe, grandfather, I guess I 
 won't be much afraid ; but " and she cast a fur- 
 tive glance at the boy by her side, as if she thought 
 that Ope so brave as he might have something to 
 suggest to help them out of their difficulty. 
 
 " I've been trying, ever since the horse stopped," 
 said the boy, without the least hesitation, " to think 
 what's best to be done ; and it seems to me, Colonel 
 White, that it wouldn't be exactly safe for you to put 
 that skittish colt into the chaise again ; but you've got 
 another horse at home, and if you'll trust me, I'll ride 
 this young one up to your house, and bring the old 
 horse back, and you can tackle him up, and get home 
 before dark." 
 
 " Very good advice, my lad, and I thank you kindly 
 for it," replied the colonel, with a smile ; " and I 
 will accept your offer upon two conditions : that you 
 will allow me to pay you well for the trouble, 
 and that you will now inform me to whom we are
 
 42 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 indebted for our present safety. You know who I 
 am, I see." 
 
 " My name is George Herrick. My mother lives 
 right back here, in the last house you passed. You 
 may pay her what is right for my going after your 
 horse : she needs it. If you'll just take my fishing- 
 pole in your hand, and walk to the house with your 
 little girl, I'll soon be back with your other horse. 
 The chaise will be safe enough here at the side of 
 the road, I guess." 
 
 Colonel "White removed the harness from the colt, 
 and put it into the chaise, and, taking a small blanket 
 from the box, he placed it upon the animal, instead 
 of a saddle ; and George Herrick instantly mounted. 
 The colonel was pleased to see that the boy was a 
 good horseman. Tearing a blank leaf from a mem- 
 orandum book, the old gentleman simply wrote, 
 " Dear wife : Allow this boy to ' swap horses ' all 
 well ; " and signed his name. George took the note, 
 and Dancing Jim was at once on his way homeward, 
 at a smart trot.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIVLES. 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 TIIE COLONEL MAKES A PROPOSITION. 
 
 old gentleman and little girl soon reached 
 Mrs. Herrick's. They stood in need of no 
 introduction, for the colonel had passed to and 
 from the shipyard so frequently during a period of 
 years, that he was well known to all the* residents of 
 that part of the town ; and Mrs. Herrick had recog- 
 nized him and Lucy as they were whirled past the 
 house a short time before by the runaway horse, and 
 expected to hear of some accident happening to them. 
 And now, as they approached the door, she met them, 
 and anxiously inquired if they had received any injury. 
 
 " No, madam, we have not thanks to your brave 
 son, who risked his life in our behalf ; " and the colonel 
 related the circumstances as they are known to the 
 reader. 
 
 Mrs. Herrick listened with much interest, and when 
 Colonel White had concluded, she exclaimed, fer- 
 vently,
 
 44 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Thank Heaven that none of you were hurt ! I 
 know George is somewhat daring; and I've often 
 told him that if there's any danger near, he is sure to 
 be in it. But I'm right glad if 'he has been of any 
 assistance to you, Colonel White." 
 
 " Any assistance to me ! why, he has probably saved 
 some of these old bones of mine, and perhaps some of 
 these young ones too," replied the old gentleman, 
 as he affectionately placed his arm around his little 
 granddaughter. 
 
 They had followed Mrs. Herrick into the house, and 
 taken seats, to await the return of George. The 
 room was small, and plainly furnished, but everything 
 was neat and orderly, which showed that the occupant 
 was a woman who could make scanty means go a 
 good way towards keeping up a decent exterior ap- 
 pearance in household arrangements. Her own person 
 and dress were equally unexceptionable. 
 
 Colonel White knew something of the history of the 
 family. He knew that Captain Herrick had borne the 
 reputation of being a spendthrift ; that it was generally 
 believed that he had squandered, in some way, a 
 handsome little property which his wife inherited from 
 her father, and then, when the gold excitement was at 
 its height, suddenly departed for California with some 
 of the early adventurers, and had never returned.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 45 
 
 The colonel now felt such a lively interest in George, 
 who had just rendered him so good a service, that he 
 thought he might with propriety make some inquiries 
 with regard to the circumstances of the family ; which 
 he proceeded to do. 
 
 Mrs. Herrick knew the character of her visitor well 
 enough to feel satisfied that it was no id^e curiosity 
 that prompted the questions, and she candidly informed 
 the old gentleman that Captain Herrick had done 
 nothing towards the support of her and her boy 
 (George was an only cliild) since he went to Cali- 
 fornia, and that she had heard from him but once, and 
 then by mere chance, as he had never written to her. 
 
 She continued to say that she had sometimes found 
 it rather diificult to obtain the necessaries of life, but 
 still had managed to get along, after a sort, without 
 giving up her claim to the little house and acre or two 
 of land where she lived. She seemed to lament, more 
 than anything else, that her son was growing up with- . 
 out any permanent employment, and without education ; 
 for since he had been old enough to help her, she had 
 been obliged to keep him from school so much of the 
 time, that he had fallen far behindhand in his studies, 
 and finally felt so much ashamed of his ignorance that 
 he objected to go to school when he had the opportu- 
 nity. She said George was high-spirited, reserved, 
 
 '
 
 46 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 and rather inclined to gloominess at times ; that 
 lately, although he was always kind and obedient to 
 her, this unhappy state of mind seemed to be growing 
 upon him ; and although she felt quite anxious with 
 regard to the matter, she could not divine the cause. 
 
 Colonel White had listened attentively to the fore- 
 going statement, and immediately said, kindly, 
 
 " Mrs. Herrick, I feel much interest in your son, 
 and think I can assist him, and you, too, in a manner 
 that neither of you will object to. I will make a 
 proposition, and leave it for you and George to think 
 over, and when you have come to a decision, you can 
 let me hear from you. It is this : I own a small 
 house, quite near the one I occupy, that is convenient 
 for two small families. Uncle Bill Ballast and his 
 wife are the only occupants of it at present, and 
 a kinder old couple are not anywhere to be found. 
 NOAV, the other part of the house, I think, will be just 
 the thing for you and George. I propose that you 
 remove there without delay, and let this little place, 
 as you are too far from the village to obtain any 
 remunerative employment. 
 
 " The advantages of such an arrangement, I think, 
 you will at once see : you will be very near the village, 
 and having the reputation of being a good seamstress, 
 you can obtain all the needlework you wish. In fact,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 47 
 
 my wife will want you to assist her quite often, for 
 although our own family is small, she is always making 
 up something for some of our grandchildren, or for 
 somebody's grandchildren. Then George will be in a 
 different school district, and will probably not have the 
 same objections to going to school that he has here. I 
 think I can make that matter right. And I agree to 
 find employment for him all the time he is out of 
 school, if he wishes to work,, and will pay him well 
 for what he does. ' Uncle Bill ' works for me the 
 most of the time, but I often need somebody else. 
 Now, madam, you can think this matter over, and 
 decide at your leisure." 
 
 " Colonel "White, I cannot express to you my grati- 
 tude for the interest you take in the welfare of my 
 son," replied the lady, affected to tears, " and for the 
 generous proposition you have made both with regard 
 to him and myself. I shall talk to George on the 
 subject without delay, and think I might now safely 
 say that we will accept your kind offer. May Heaven 
 bless you for your goodness ! " 
 
 " Don't be hasty in making up your minds," re- 
 joined the colonel; " weigh the subject well, .so there 
 may be no regrets afterwards. I hold myself ready on 
 any day to perform my part of the agreement." 
 
 "Are you certain, sir," asked Mrs. Herrick, with
 
 48 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 some hesitation, " that Mrs. White will like such an 
 arrangement as you propose ? " 
 
 " Don't give yourself any trouble on that account," 
 replied the old gentleman, with a smile. " Although 
 wife and I have ever made it a rule to consult each 
 other's wishes, even about what some might consider 
 trifling matters, when it can be conveniently done, still 
 we have as uniformly acted upon our own individ- 
 ual judgments and inclinations when circumstances 
 rendered it necessary ; and long experience has con- 
 vinced us that we have pursued the proper course in 
 this respect. Should we enter into this proposed 
 arrangement, I think you will discover that Mrs. 
 White will strive all the more to make everything 
 pleasant, from the very fact of knowing that it is a 
 favorite project of my own." 
 
 " Ah," exclaimed Mrs. Herrick, with a sigh, " I 
 fear all husbands and wives do not understand the 
 secret of domestic happiness so well as you and your 
 kind wife do." 
 
 " Having had an experience of over fifty years," 
 rejoined the colonel, " we certainly ought to be able to 
 walk in the paths of peace and happiness together by 
 this time." 
 
 " Here comes George with Old Noll tackled up all 
 nicely in the chaise," exclaimed Lucy, who had been
 
 THE YOUNG IlfVIXCIELES. 49 
 
 watching from the window for the last half hour. 
 *' What a smart boy he is, to stop and get the chaise 
 as he came along, instead of riding home first on 
 horseback ! You didn't ask him to do so, grand- 
 father." 
 
 " No, my dear, for I was well convinced that he 
 would do so without," he replied. " He showed the 
 coolness and thoughtfulness of a man in all he said 
 and did ; so I let him take his own course. And now, 
 Mrs. Herrick," continued the old gentleman, as he 
 turned towards her, " there is a little matter for me to 
 arrange before I leave. I consented to let George 
 go and exchange horses for me, on condition that I 
 might be allowed to pay well for the favor, and he told 
 me to pay you instead of him. Now, I am going to 
 look at the whole matter in a business light. If he 
 had not so bravely stopped my runaway colt, undoubt- 
 edly my chaise would have been broken, and the colt, 
 perhaps, badly injured, which would have been no 
 small loss to me not to speak of the risk to Lucy 
 and myself. I know by your son's manner that he 
 would not accept pay for saving my limbs or life ; but 
 you can and must accept this on account of his saving 
 my property ; " and he placed a ten-dollar bill in the 
 poor woman's hand. 
 
 " Thank^ thanks ; I will take it, for I am in need 
 4
 
 50 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 and I know it is cheerfully given. May Heaven 
 reward you as you deserve ! " 
 
 By this time George had driven up to the door, 
 where he was met by his mother and her visitors. 
 
 " Well, my son, did you get the young horse home 
 without any trouble ? " asked Mrs. Herrick. 
 
 " Yes, mother, he was gentle as a lamb." 
 
 " Was Mrs. White alarmed when she saw you with 
 the colt?" inquired the colonel. 
 
 " No, sir ; I thought she might be frightened if I 
 rode right up to the house ; so I stopped a little short 
 of it, hitched the horse, and then went and told her 
 that you were safe, and gave her the note you wrote." 
 
 " You were very thoughtful in doing so," replied the 
 old gentleman, more and more pleased with the intelli- 
 gence of the boy ; "I did not think to caution you 
 about it before you started. But you did just right." 
 
 Colonel White and Lucy were soon seated in the 
 chaise, and when ready to start, he said, 
 
 " George, I shall consider myself under a lasting 
 obligation to you for what you have done this day. 
 Perhaps my old bones were of no great consequence, 
 but my little girl here was in danger as well. I know 
 she feels very thankful to you, although she has not 
 said so. How is it, my darling ? " 
 
 " Why, yes, grandfather, of course I thank him
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLE 'S. 51 
 
 very much ; for if you had been badly hurt, or killed, 
 I should have cried myself to death. I do thank you, 
 George Herrick," and she looked him directly in the 
 face, " and I never shall forget that you quite likely 
 saved my dear grandfather's life." 
 
 " I'm glad I happened to be there," replied the boy ; 
 "but then anybody ought to try to stop a runaway 
 horse." 
 
 " Well, George, I have been talking to your mother 
 about making some sort of a bargain with you to work 
 for me," said the colonel. " I hope you will make up 
 your mind about it, and come and see me before many 
 days. Till then, good by. Good by, Mrs. Herrick." 
 
 Old Noll now started off to fulfil the engagement 
 that had been so recklessly broken by Dancing Jim 
 that of taking his master and little mistress home. 
 This he did with safety in his own good time, and thus 
 proved the truthfulness of the adage that " slow, but 
 sure," is often the best policy.
 
 52 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE COLONEL AND HIS WIFE. 
 
 S Colonel White led Old Noll into the stable, 
 that ancient piece of horse-flesh cast a re- 
 proachful glance towards Dancing Jim, snugly 
 ensconced in his stall, as much as to say, " See what a 
 journey you've made my old, rheumatic limbs perform 
 by your youthful folly. When will you learn to 
 exercise common horse-sense, and not be frightened 
 at every little clatter that assails your ears?" But 
 the young horse at the moment had his head buried 
 up to the eyes in a heap of sweet clover that Uncle 
 Bill had placed before him a short time before, and 
 consequently took not the slightest notice of the sug- 
 gestive look that his venerable companion had be- 
 stowed upon him. Had he been aware of the thought 
 that his master was entertaining at the moment, per- 
 haps he would have shown more concern for his 
 reprehensible conduct that afternoon. 
 
 Lucy had explained to her grandmother, while her
 
 THE YOUNG IXVIXCIBLES. 53 
 
 grandfather was caring for Old Noll, all that George 
 Herrick had omitted to do, so that when the old gen- 
 tleman entered the house, no allusion was made to the 
 ride ; but a pleasant greeting of words, a cheerful 
 smile, and a warm pressure of hands showed that 
 the affectionate old couple were both happy and 
 thankful that the affair had terminated without serious 
 accident. 
 
 After tea the colonel said to his wife, somewhat 
 abruptly, 
 
 " My dear, I've made up my mind to dispose of 
 that colt. He'll break somebody's neck yet." 
 
 " I've always considered him dangerous, you know," 
 replied Mrs. White. " But what do you intend to do 
 with him?" 
 
 " I scarcely know. If I offer him for sale, of 
 course I shall have to say that I sell him because I 
 consider him a dangerous animal, and that would 
 be such a poor recommendation that he would not 
 bring half his value ; besides, it would not be right 
 to sell to another a horse that I was afraid to drive 
 myself." 
 
 "I see, my dear, that would not be up to your 
 standard of just dealing. But is it not wholly on my 
 account that you propose to dispose of him at all ? "
 
 54 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 and the old lady looked earnestly into the face of her 
 husband. 
 
 " That is the main reason, I candidly admit," he 
 replied. "As for myself, I should not be afraid to 
 drive him again to-morrow ; but I know you have 
 always been somewhat uneasy about me when I am 
 away with him, and you will be more so now than 
 ever before. So I've made up my mind to dispose of 
 him in some way." 
 
 " He is truly a handsome creature, and I dare say 
 he will make an excellent horse," returned Mrs. 
 White. "I know, further, that you think a great 
 deal of him, and would like to keep him, if you could 
 do so and feel that you were doing right. So don't 
 think anything more about selling him at present, and 
 perhaps he will become steadier of his own accord 
 when he is a little older. Only promise me you will 
 not drive him again till we all think it is safe for you 
 to do so." 
 
 " I cheerfully promise that I won't drive him again 
 till you, my dear, are perfectly willing to accompany 
 me. In fact, I have been cruel to do so ever ; but I 
 thought you were a little too careful." 
 
 " You cruel ! " responded his old companion, as she 
 affectionately placed her hand upon his arm. " When
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 55 
 
 you are cruel there will be no such thing as kindness 
 this side of heaven." 
 
 " And the man that would, intentionally, be cruel to 
 you, my dear wife, could not appreciate even the kind- 
 ness of heaven." 
 
 "You wouldn't know how to 'begin to be cruel, my 
 husband," said she ; " so don't name the word again, I 
 entreat you." 
 
 "And what thinks our little Lucy about selling 
 the colt ? " asked Colonel White, addressing himself to 
 the child, who was busily engaged with a book at the 
 otjier side of the table. 
 
 "Sell the colt ! " exclaimed Lucy, quickly looking 
 up. " O, I don't want him sold ; but I hope you 
 won't drive him any more till he knows how to 
 behave himself. He was very naughty this after- 
 noon." 
 
 "Yes, he was indeed," replied her grandfather, 
 "and I don't believe we can trust him again. I 
 guess we shall have to sell him." 
 
 Lucy left her seat, and went round the table to her 
 grandfather. Placing one arm about his neck, she 
 smoothed back his long, white locks with the other 
 hand, and imprinted a loving kiss upon his broad, 
 white forehead, saying, 
 
 '" Please don't'sell Dancing Jim ! "
 
 56 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 "Why not, darling?" 
 
 " 0, I'm afraid if you sell him because he is 
 naughty, that you will sell me some time ; " aud she 
 looked archly into her grandfather's face. 
 
 "Sell you? I don't believe we could find anybody 
 that would buy you ; " but the manner in which she 
 was pressed to the old gentleman's bosom plainly told 
 the little girl that there was no danger of her changing 
 hands at present. 
 
 "I don't suppose any one would want to buy me, 
 grandfather; but then I never ran away with any- 
 body, and almost broke their necks, as the colt did." 
 
 " No, you never did, deary ; but then I suppose you 
 will be likely to break somebody's heart one of these 
 days." The old gentleman exchanged smiles with his 
 wife. 
 
 " O, I'll never break anybody's heart," said the 
 child, understanding the observation literally, " for 
 that would be just as bad as to break a neck." 
 
 " Well, dearest one, I guess we shall not sell either 
 you or the colt at present ; so you need not be troubled 
 about the matter." Her grandfather tenderly kissed 
 her, and she went back to her book. 
 
 " What did you think of the lad who rode the colt 
 home and took the old horse away this afternoon?" 
 asked the colonel of his wife.
 
 THE TOUXG I3VINCIBLES. ^ 57 
 
 " I thought he appeared like a smart boy," she 
 replied ; " but he did not tell me that lie stopped 
 Dancing Jim that I learned from Lucy before 
 you came in. So the boy is modest as well as 
 brave." 
 
 " I think he possesses many good qualities, and that 
 he only needs proper training and education to make 
 him, when he arrives at manhood, respected and 
 honored." 
 
 "And what do you propose to do for him?" in- 
 quired Mrs. "White, as if it was a matter of course 
 that something was to be done. 
 
 "How do you know I purpose to do anything?" 
 returned her husband, with a smile ; " has Lucy said 
 that I do?" 
 
 " No ; she merely said that you had a long talk 
 with the boy's mother while you were waiting for the 
 horse, but she did not know what it was about. / 
 know, however, that a person who does Oliver White 
 a favor never goes unrequited especially if that per- 
 son be a boy who risks his life in performing such a 
 service." 
 
 " And what would my wife say if I should tell her 
 that I had alrond v made such arrangements with 
 regard to the luture of that boy as would involve 
 her cooperation in a guardianship over him until
 
 58 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 such time as he should arrive at years of discre- 
 tion ? " 
 
 " I would say I was certain that my husband could 
 never make any arrangement, especially in a matter of 
 this kind, in which I would not only cheerfully ac- 
 quiesce, but earnestly assist in doing all that I could 
 for the gratification of the one and the welfare of the 
 other." 
 
 " Spoken like my own dear wife, as you are," said 
 the old gentleman, affectionately. 
 
 The colonel now proceeded to inform his wife as to 
 the exact proposition which he had made to Mrs. 
 Herrick, with regard both to her and her son all 
 of which arrangements Mrs. White cheerfully assented 
 to. She was very much pleased with the idea of 
 having Mrs. Herrick for a next-door neighbor, with 
 the privilege of calling upon her for assistance as 
 often as needful. Although not very well acquainted 
 with her, yet she had always heard her well spoken 
 of by those who knew her best. Her reputation was 
 that of a smart woman, who could turn her hand to 
 almost anything in the way of household matters, 
 and one who possessed good sense enough not to 
 pry into other people's affairs ; and Mrs. White said 
 to herself, " How nice it will be to have her so 
 near ! "
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 59 
 
 "When Colonel White and his good lady retired that 
 night, having completed their little plan for the assist- 
 ance of the poor woman and the welfare of her boy, 
 it was with far deeper satisfaction, and happiness, 
 we venture to say, than many a man experiences 
 who has made his thousands in a single day by 
 speculating in " petroleum," or by clothing our noble 
 soldiers in miserable " shoddy."
 
 60 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 MOTHER AND SON. 
 
 T the same time that the discussion related in 
 the preceding chapter was going on at Colonel 
 White's, Mrs. Herrick and George were ear- 
 nestly engaged in a conversation growing out of the 
 same afternoon's events, and having a bearing upon 
 the same looked-for results. The latter had seemed to 
 be in deeper thought even than usual for some time 
 after Colonel White and Lucy left, and maintained a 
 perfect silence except when spoken to by his mother. 
 But after their frugal supper was over, he said, 
 
 " Mother, did Colonel White give you anything for 
 what I did for him this afternoon ? " 
 
 " Yes, he did. He said you told him he might pay 
 me." 
 
 " How much did he give you, mother?" 
 
 " A ten-dollar bill." 
 
 "What! ten dollars?" 
 
 " Yes, my son."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 61 
 
 " Mother, I only meant for you to take pay for my 
 riding his young horse home, and bringing back the 
 other ; but he has paid you that large amount because 
 he thinks I saved him and his little girl from being 
 hurt perhaps from being killed. I wish you hadn't 
 taken it ; I don't feel right about it." 
 
 Mrs. Herrick, however, placed the matter before 
 her son in the same light that the colonel had pre- 
 sented it to her, which had the effect to do away with 
 his objections in a great measure. 
 
 " Colonel White seemed to think that you might feel 
 somewhat as you do about the money, and so he took 
 pains to give his views on the subject." 
 
 " The colonel is a first-rate man," said the boy, with 
 emphasis. " I'm glad he explained the thing as he 
 did, for I could never think of taking money for 
 saving anybody's life." 
 
 " Yes, Colonel White is a most excellent man," 
 replied Mrs. Herrick, with a grateful tone. "You 
 don't know what he offers to do for us." 
 
 "What is it, mother?" 
 
 She now proceeded to lay the whole matter before 
 George, arguing strongly in favor of the colonel's 
 proposition as she went along. When she had finished, 
 she was surprised, and sadly disappointed, at the
 
 62 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 reception the kind gentleman's offer met with, as her 
 son merely said, 
 
 " Colonel White is very good." 
 
 The poor woman looked in mute astonishment, as 
 the boy leaned his head in silence upon the table. 
 Neither of them spoke for some minutes. George 
 finally broke the spell by a change of subject. 
 
 " When did you hear anything from California, 
 mother?" The peculiar tone of voice, and the em- 
 phasis, plainly indicated that he had purposely substi- 
 tuted a geographical name for that of an individual. 
 
 " Not for a long, long time, my son." 
 
 " Do you ever expect to hear anything? " 
 
 " I cannot say that I do." 
 
 George sprang suddenly to his feet and walked to 
 the window, keeping his back towards his mother, who 
 looked anxiously after him during another painful 
 silence. At length she crossed the room to where he 
 stood, and, kissing his forehead, said, tremblingly, 
 
 " My dear boy, what is the matter?" 
 
 He put his arm lovingly around his mother's waist, 
 walked back with her to the table, gently pushed her 
 into a chair, and seated himself before her. He then 
 said, very deliberately, 
 
 " Mother, I must talk to you about Aim, or I shall 
 die."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 63 
 
 " Well, my dear child, talk." 
 
 " Mother, I have suffered more in my mind for the 
 last year than I can tell. I have had all sorts of 
 thoughts some very wicked ones, I know. Some- 
 times I have felt as if I could kill him, almost. Then 
 again, once, when I was up to the trout-crook alone, 
 fishing, I thought about drowning myself; but I knew 
 that was cowardly, as well as wicked, and so I thought no 
 more about it. But still, I have been feeling worse and 
 worse about him. I know Tie left you, my dear mother, 
 to take care of yourself and me, year after year, without 
 coming or sending to see how you got along, and the 
 thought -has been more than I could bear. And then 
 to think that you must love such a man, and that / 
 must try to respect him ! Mother, I can't I can't ! 
 O, I wish he was not my father ! " and the poor 
 excited boy buried his face in his mother's lap. 
 
 " And so, my dear, dear son, you have been suffering 
 all this for a long time, and yet kept it to yourself ? " 
 said Mrs. Herrick, as the tears flowed down her 
 cheeks. 
 
 "Yes, mother; I thought that if- you loved and 
 respected him, I should only make you unhappier by 
 saying anything. And I have hoped that you would 
 say something to me about it." 
 
 " My dear, kind boy ! I ought to have said
 
 64 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 something to you about it, and certainly should have 
 done so if I had mistrusted for a moment that you 
 were thinking of it. I have always intended to inform 
 you of certain events that transpired before your recol- 
 lection, but thought I would wait till I was sure you 
 could understand the matter fully. I am convinced 
 now, however, that I should have confided all to you 
 long since." 
 
 " Let me know everything now, my dear mother." 
 
 " I will. It is a long story, and a portion of it 
 humiliating, perhaps ; but now is the time for you to 
 hear it." 
 
 " You can trust me, mother." 
 
 . You already know," began Mrs. Herrick, " that, 
 although this town is my native place, I have not 
 always lived here. When I was fourteen years of age 
 I went to live with my only sister, who was married, 
 and resided in New York city. When I was about 
 sixteen, I became acquainted with two young men, 
 cousins, George and James Herrick. One of them 
 was master of a fine packet ship running between 
 New York and New Orleans, and the other was first 
 mate of the same vessel. They were intimate friends 
 of Mr. Gregory, my sister's husband, and were at the 
 house nearly every evening when in port. They 
 were very gentlemanly, and both showed me a good
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 65 
 
 deal of attention. My preference, however, was for 
 the captain, who soon offered himself to me, was 
 accepted, and before I was seventeen we were married. 
 
 " My husband hired and furnished a small, genteel 
 house near my sister's, and we commenced house- 
 keeping. He was all kindness to me, and there was 
 no drawback to our happiness except on account of 
 his absence a great part of the time, occasioned by his 
 business. When I had been married short of a year, 
 and during the absence of my husband, my sister sud- 
 denly died of heart disease. This was a severe blow 
 to me, and I now felt very lonely. "When Captain 
 Herrick arrived, he was easily persuaded by me to 
 give up his ship to his cousin James, for the present 
 at least, and remain at home. He soon engaged in 
 business to his mind, and we were very happy. His 
 business was profitable, he appeared satisfied with it, 
 and I hoped he would conclude to give up altogether 
 going to sea. And when you were born, my son, it 
 seemed as if my cup of happiness was full. 
 
 " Soon, however, I was brought to grief. Your 
 father's health began rapidly to fail, and his physician 
 pronounced him to be in a quick consumption. Alas ! 
 it was too true ; before you were a year old, your 
 father was no more." 
 
 George Herrick again sprang to his feet with a 
 5
 
 66 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 suddenness that came near overturning the table at his 
 side, and exclaimed, almost wildly, 
 
 "Mother, what is this you say? what do I 
 hear? am / crazy? or are you ? My father died 
 when I was a year old ! What do you mean ? 
 Mother, mother ! won't you explain ? " and the boy, 
 in his bewilderment, walked rapidly up and down the 
 little room. 
 
 " Yes, yes, my son, I will explain all ; only be 
 calm." 
 
 George took his seat again. 
 
 " I will try to be calm, mother. But you say such 
 strange things ! " 
 
 Mrs. Herrick continued : 
 
 " Captain George Herrick was your father, my dear 
 boy Captain James Herrick is my second hus- 
 band " 
 
 "I see I see I understand. Then that man 
 who deserted you and went to California is not my 
 father? But say it again, mother! Speak it once 
 more do ! " 
 
 " No, my son, he is not your father." 
 
 " Thank Heaven ! Thank Heaven for that ! " fer- 
 vently exclaimed the excited boy. " Bless you, 
 mother, for those words ! I feel as if I could look 
 anybody in the face now. I have felt so bitter, so very
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 67 
 
 bitter against that man ! And it is such a happiness 
 to know that I have not felt so towards my father ! 
 But I don't understand it all yet, mother." 
 
 " I suppose not ; but you will when you have heard 
 all. I cannot finish the painful story to-night, how- 
 ever. We are both too much excited ; we will be 
 calmer in the morning, and then you shall hear the 
 rest."
 
 68 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER VIH. 
 
 GEORGE MAKES A PROMISE. 
 
 O or three weeks before your father's death," 
 continued Mrs. Herrick, "his cousin James 
 arrived at New York, and, on learning how 
 sick he was, at once requested the owners of the ship 
 to put some one else in command for that voyage, as 
 he wished to devote his time to his sick friend. He 
 was at our house every day, frequently remained all 
 night, taking full charge of your father, so as to 
 relieve me of the fatigue as much as possible ; and in 
 every way seemed to be a true friend to me in my 
 trouble. 
 
 " After yo,ur father's death, Captain Herrick advised 
 me as to the best method of proceeding to secure the 
 property which had been left me (something like 
 fifteen thousand dollars) , so that it would be as little 
 trouble to me as possible. In fact, he took full charge 
 of the whole matter, and thus relieved me of all the 
 care. I thought it would be best for me to sell off my
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 69 
 
 furniture, and return home here to Harryseekit, and 
 live with father and mother at the old homestead. He 
 informed me, however, that some of your father's 
 business could not be settled up advantageously short, 
 of a year, and that I had better remain in New York 
 till that was done. So I sold my furniture, and went 
 to board in a nice family where I was acquainted. 
 Mr. Gregory seemed to forget all about me after my 
 sister's death, and took no interest in my affairs. 
 
 " Captain Herrick resumed command of his vessel 
 when she returned to New York, but always called 
 upon me when in the city, was very kind and thought- 
 ful, and brought you many little presents. 
 
 " I mourned your father's death deeply and sin- 
 cerely. But more affliction was in store for me. 
 "When I had been a widow a little less than a year, I 
 received the painful intelligence that my father and 
 mother had both been drowned by the upsetting of a 
 sail-boat, during a squall in the bay, being on their way 
 home from one of the islands, where they had been 
 visiting a friend. I was now truly alone in the world, 
 with the exception of you, my darling babe. 
 
 " I was the only heir to my father's property here, 
 and of course it was necessary for me to do something 
 about it. Captain Herrick was absent when I received 
 the news ; but as soon as he arrived, and called to see
 
 70 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 me, I made known to him the circumstances, and 
 asked his advice. He at once said that he had come 
 to see me for the express purpose of begging me to 
 confer upon hiin the right of being my adviser, not 
 only at that time, but through life, by becoming his 
 wife. 
 
 " I was very much surprised, and at first uttered a 
 refusal. He warmly avowed, however, that he had 
 always loved me ; but as his cousin had declared his 
 love first, and was accepted, he had buried his great 
 disappointment in his own bosom. But now, as he 
 had allowed me to mourn my loss a year, as I was 
 young, with a young child, and no relative to advise or 
 protect me, he had come, he said, in all truth and 
 honor, to offer me his heart and hand. 
 
 " My son, I did wrong, for my heart still clung to 
 the memory of your dead father ; but still, under the 
 circumstances, perhaps it is not surprising that I ac- 
 cepted his proposal, for I considered him an honorable 
 gentleman, and my devoted friend. We were married 
 at once. I placed the fullest confidence in him, of 
 course, or I should not have married him. He re- 
 signed the command of his ship, and set to work 
 immediately to arrange our affairs so that we could 
 come to Harryseekit and look after the property left 
 by my father. He informed me that his own funds
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 71 
 
 (ten thousand dollars) were invested in New York 
 bank stock, which he considered the safest and best 
 investment, and advised me to let him make the same 
 disposition of mine. I consented to the arrangement, 
 feeling that he knew all about such matters, and 
 believing that he would do whatever was best for 
 us all. 
 
 " As soon as this arrangement was made, we came 
 to Harryseekit, and took possession of the old home- 
 stead the place where Mr. Sinclair now lives. So 
 far I had received nothing but the tenderest care from 
 him, and he was very kind to you. We had been 
 here only a few weeks, when he said to me that Mr. 
 Sinclair wanted to buy the place, and had offered sev- 
 eral hundred dollars more than it was really worth, 
 and he thought we had better sell, and go back to New 
 York, as he did not feel very well contented here. I 
 agreed to it, thinking it my duty. 
 
 " The bargain was closed at once, and the money all 
 paid down, amounting to two thousand three hundred 
 dollars, with the stipulation that we could, if we chose, 
 remain in the house three months, thus giving us 
 ample time to make arrangements for removing to 
 New York. Captain Herrick passed the three hun- 
 dred dollars over to me, to meet incidental expenses, 
 he said, and in a day or two left for New York to
 
 72 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 invest the two thousand, and to make arrangements 
 for our change of residence. 
 
 " He was absent four weeks, and wrote to me but 
 once. My heart began to fail me. I feared that all 
 was not right. On the very day that he returned I 
 noticed a marked change in his behavior. He found 
 fault with me, about various little matters, for the 
 first time, and was extremely cross to you. I was 
 wretched. The next day he informed me that he 
 had changed his mind about going to New York. I 
 asked him why, and he said, because lie had. I began 
 to fear that he had married me for the property I pos- 
 sessed ; but still I could not believe it. A day or two 
 after this, while he was at the Corner, I entered his 
 room for something, and saw a letter lying on the floor. 
 I picked it up. It was a letter he had received when 
 last in New York from a man in Boston. I cast my 
 eye over it, and these words struck my notice : * I was 
 greatly surprised, as you thought I might be, on hear- 
 ing that you had married a widow with a little encum- 
 brance ; but, of course, the fifteen thousand makes all 
 the difference imaginable ; and, as you say, California 
 is a convenient place for settling family difficulties' I 
 remained stupefied for an hour. 
 
 "But why continue this sad tale? In a day or two 
 he left for California, saying he would remit me
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 73 
 
 money ; but of course I placed no confidence in what 
 he said. I wrote to a friend in New York to inquire 
 about the bank stock ; and, as I expected, found that 
 he had sold all, and pocketed the funds. 
 
 " I found a purse in my bureau drawer, after he 
 left, containing a hundred dollars. With that and 
 what I had left of the three hundred I purchased this 
 little place to shelter you and me, my son, and had 
 about fifty dollars remaining. My long, sad story is 
 finished." 
 
 "My dear mother," exclaimed George, as he threw 
 both arms around her neck, " I wonder how you have 
 lived through all this ! But now tell me, O, tell me, 
 do you still love that cruel man who deceived and 
 robbed you?" 
 
 " I cannot say that I do." 
 
 " Then promise me, if he ever comes back, that 
 you will not live with him." 
 
 " I promise." 
 
 " Now, dear mother, I will make my promise, for I 
 have work to do, and I mean to do it. I accept 
 Colonel White's kind offer, and I will profit by it too. 
 I will waste no more time. And, if I live, you shall 
 never need any one to provide for you or protect you" 
 
 " I do not doubt it, my son. I have all confidence 
 in you. But wait a moment."
 
 74 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Mrs. Herrick stepped into her little bedroom, and 
 returned in a moment or two with a daguerrotype, 
 which she placed in George's hand, saying, 
 
 " That, my son, is the picture of your father. I 
 have kept it for you ; / have forfeited my right to it. 
 I can only say to you, respect his memory through 
 life, and profit by his example, for he was a man of 
 uniform kindness, and unwavering truth and honor 
 in a word, he was a sincere and consistent Christian." 
 
 " Mother, I think I can promise that I will. And 
 although I know that what you have told me about 
 yourself has made you feel very unhappy, and some 
 parts of it have made me feel so too, yet now that I 
 know that that wicked man who has deceived and 
 robbed you is not my father, and that I shall not have 
 to try any longer to respect him, I feel as if I could 
 hold up my head among folks. Mother, you needn't 
 be ashamed of me any more." 
 
 " I have never been ashamed of you, my son ; but I 
 have been worried about you because you have seemed 
 to be unhappy." 
 
 " Well, all shall be right now. I'll go and see our 
 friend, Colonel White, right off, and tell him we accept 
 his offer." 
 
 " The sooner the better, my boy." 
 
 And he did go, and was received with a hearty wel-
 
 THE YOUNG INVISIBLES. 75 
 
 come by the colonel and his wife ; and the result was, 
 that within a fortnight, Mrs. Herrick and George were 
 snugly domiciled with Uncle Bill and his wife, Aunt 
 Betsey, and were fully under the fatherly care of 
 Colonel White. In this comfortable situation they are 
 found by the reader three years later, the period at 
 which our story commences, the intervening time 
 having been marked by great advantage to George 
 Herrick, and perfect satisfaction resting with all the 
 parties concerned.
 
 76 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 WAK MEETING. 
 
 Monday after the reception of the news of 
 the surrender of Fort Sumter on Saturday, 
 was a stirring time in Harryseekit, as it was, 
 indeed, throughout the length and breadth of all the 
 free states. It seemed as if one grand pulsation moved 
 every loyal heart, and sent thrills of patriotic fire 
 through the swelling arteries of a nation of freemen. 
 
 Men and boys were fast assembling at the Corner, 
 at an early hour in the morning, and many were ready 
 to enlist on the moment ; but as yet there seemed to be 
 no order or system adopted. Several recommenda- 
 tions had been made, but nothing was done. Directly 
 Colonel "White made his appearance among them, when 
 all turned to him for some suggestion. 
 
 " The first thing to be done, in my opinion," said 
 that gentleman, " is to call a meeting in the Town 
 Hall at the earliest possible hour, and decide upon 
 some plan of action. We shall, without doubt, hear
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIRLES. 77 
 
 from the governor and adjutant-general by one or two 
 o'clock to-day ; but there is not a moment to lose, and 
 we can do much in the mean time. All that is wanted 
 is concert of action." 
 
 This suggestion met the approval of all ; and the 
 colonel and one or two others immediately called on 
 Mr. Clark, chairman of the selectmen of the town, 
 who lived near by, and pressed the matter upon him. 
 He at once instructed the clerk to notify the citizens 
 that there would be a war meeting in the Town Hull 
 at twelve o'clock that day. Colonel White urged the 
 propriety of giving thorough notice throughout the 
 town, so that all sections might be represented, and 
 all have an equal opportunity to respond to this first 
 call for volunteers. He said he would furnish his 
 horse and buggy, with a driver, to take the notices to 
 a remote part of the town in one direction, and by 
 starting off messengers in other directions in a similar 
 manner, they could notify in season nearly every man 
 in the place. The plan was adopted. And George 
 Herrick and Tom Sprightly, seated behind Dancing 
 Jim in Colonel White's buggy, had the honor and the 
 satisfaction of notifying the inhabitants of one portion 
 of the town to the first war meeting in Harryseekit. 
 
 Our two young friends were in high spirits. This 
 early opportunity that the colonel had given them to
 
 78 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 work in their country's cause seemed an earnest to 
 them that their old friend would fulfil his promise of 
 the previous Saturday evening, and continue to point 
 out their duties in the same line. Although they 
 thought their present occupation rather tame, to what 
 it would be to march boldly forth to meet the rebels on 
 the battle-field, still they were determined to perform 
 their home duties well. George Herrick was far too 
 thoughtful a boy, and placed too much confidence in 
 his patron's good judgment and friendship, to brood 
 long over any disappointment ; and Tom Sprightly's 
 spirits, being as elastic as his limbs, if they did not 
 perform as many somersets, were never depressed for 
 any great length of time. Consequently both boys 
 were quite well satisfied with their present employ- 
 ment, and with their expectations for the future. 
 
 Tom's legs, whose running qualities have been 
 hinted at before, did excellent service, in the present 
 instance, by carrying notices of the meeting to several 
 houses situated at considerable distances from the main 
 road, and then he would run across fields and pastures 
 to intercept George and the buggy at some point 
 farther on thus saving much time. They left a 
 message at every house on their route, and were the 
 first to report progress at the Corne^ where they were 
 complimented for their despatch.
 
 THE TO UNO INVINCIBLE S. 79 
 
 As we gave Dancing Jim a bad name on a former 
 occasion, it will be doing him no more than justice to 
 say here, that his conduct for the last year or two had 
 been unexceptionable. He still retained the name 
 given him by Mrs. White, but his dancing days were 
 over. He was perfectly steady at all times ; and the 
 colonel had the pleasure of taking frequent drives with 
 his wife by his side, who now had no occasion for the 
 slightest fear. Whether this change had been brought 
 about by the good examples of his old fellow-horse, or 
 through his own instincts of what the duties of a well- 
 treated horse might be, or whether it was to be attrib- 
 uted to the good training he had received at the hands 
 of G-eorge Herrick, under whose especial charge he 
 was placed for a whole year immediately after his dan- 
 gerous freak with Colonel White and Lucy, we leave 
 the reader to decide according to the evidence in the 
 case. 
 
 The result of this extra exertion made by a few of 
 the energetic citizens of Harryseekit was, that by half 
 past twelve o'clock there was a larger gathering at the 
 Town Hall than had been seen there for many yeai-s. 
 The meeting was called to order and organized, and 
 the chairman briefly stated its object. Colonel White 
 at once moved that a company roll be prepared for 
 volunteers to sign, and that a subscription paper be
 
 80 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 placed on the table for such sums as individuals might 
 see fit to give for the purpose of assisting any volun- 
 teers who might need ready money, or for the help of 
 their families during their absence. The motion was 
 seconded, and declared open for discussion. 
 
 Several speakers addressed the meeting briefly, all 
 in favor of the motion ; some declaring their readiness 
 to enroll their names as soon as the roll was ready, 
 while others offered to subscribe liberal sums on the 
 other paper. Many, however, in urging the matter 
 forward, spoke of the probable briefness of the coming 
 struggle, even if there were to be any fighting at all, 
 seeming to think that the Southerners would recede as 
 soon as they became aware of the firm stand taken by 
 the government and by the whole loyal people. One 
 speaker went so far as to say that undoubtedly many 
 very young men from sixteen to eighteen years of 
 age would be anxious to enlist, and he thought they 
 might be safely taken, as there would probably be but 
 one catopaign, and that a short one, and this class 
 could be spared from home much better than older 
 men. He also thought that the call of the president 
 for seventy-five thousand men was in excess of the real 
 demands of the case. However, he was in favor of 
 raising them. 
 
 There was quite a crowd of lads present, ranging
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 81 
 
 from fifteen to eighteen years of age, including Tom 
 and George, interested listeners to the proceedings of 
 this stirring meeting. When the speaker alluded to 
 the younger class of patriots, he was greeted with 
 applause from their quarter of the house thus 
 receiving evidence that he had not miscalculated on 
 their willingness to enlist. 
 
 Colonel White now took the floor. Every sound 
 was hushed, for he was always listened to with much 
 deference when he addressed a meeting of any descrip- 
 tion, and, in the present instance, his remarks were 
 looked forward to with more than usual interest, on 
 account of his experience in military matters. He 
 commenced by saying that he was much gratified at 
 the unanimity of opinion expressed as to the furtherance 
 of the main object of the meeting that of raising men 
 and money to meet the pressing urgency of the case. 
 He regretted, however, to be obliged to differ from 
 some of the speakers on minor points. 
 
 " In the first place," continued the colonel, " with 
 reference to the president's call for men. One gentle- 
 tleman thinks a less number of volunteers than are 
 called for would have answered the demands of the 
 case. But, Mr. Chairman, I wish the president had 
 asked for two hundred thousand instead of seventy-five 
 thousand. I have no wish to magnify the coming 
 6
 
 82 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 danger ; but, my friends, more men, many more, will 
 be needed. Just consider, for a moment, the extent 
 of the line that will have to be marked by the border 
 states. We cannot say with any certainty at the 
 present time where that border will be ; but, wherever 
 it proves to be, its extent will reach thousands of miles, 
 and its entire length will have to be almost one con- 
 tinued palisade of bristling bayonets. Hence it is easy 
 to see that seventy-five thousand men cannot possibly 
 be in excess of the demand. 
 
 " But it will be said that this argument rests upon 
 the ground that the South is to maintain the stand 
 she has taken, and that a general civil war will be 
 the result; which some of the speakers here to-day 
 think will not be the case. But, fellow-citizens, let 
 me tell you that the ambitious, wicked men at the 
 South, who are forcing the masses of their people into 
 this most uncalled-for rebellion, would never have 
 attempted this high-handed assault upon our govern- 
 ment had they not believed themselves well prepared 
 to follow it up ; and now, having gone thus far, they 
 cannot recede. The brand of traitor is stamped on 
 their foreheads, and their doom is sealed, unless they 
 succeed in their treasonable . designs. They have 
 staked their all on this diabolical stroke, and are 
 determined to rule or die. And as they have been
 
 TEE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 83 
 
 preparing whilst we have been sleeping, and as they 
 are a brave people as well as we, they must naturally 
 gain some advantages during ou^period of preparation, 
 and thus be encouraged to make still greater exertion. 
 And, fellow-citizens, though I have not the glimmer 
 of a doubt but that our government will, eventually, 
 crush this wicked rebellion totally and forever, giving 
 new splendor to our free institutions, and additional 
 strength to our blessed Union, yet, before this is done, 
 armies are to be marshalled and battles are to be 
 fought on such a scale of immensity as the world 
 never yet dreamed of. I say not this to discourage, 
 but to stimulate. "We must realize the imminence of 
 the danger in order to prepare for it. 
 
 " A few words more, Mr. Chairman, and I will 
 close. One gentleman has alluded to our loys, and to 
 their undoubted willingness to enlist, and spoken of 
 their ability to meet the requirements of a soldier's 
 life. Of their willingness to serve their country I have 
 not the slightest doubt ; for at an early hour Saturday 
 evening, two of our village lads, neither of them much 
 over fifteen years of age, called upon me for advice on 
 this very matter, having made up their minds, on the 
 first reception of the news of the fall of Fort Sumter, 
 to enlist at once, and wanted to take the first train this 
 morning for Boston, and join some regiment there, in
 
 84 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 order to be among the first volunteers to arrive at 
 Washington." 
 
 This statement was responded to by cheers from all 
 parts of the house. 
 
 " But," continued the old gentleman, " I advised 
 them as I do now every young man within the 
 sound of my voice who is under eighteen not to 
 enlist at present. Fellow-citizens, I had an opportu- 
 nity to see the folly, the wickedness, of having boys or 
 very young men in the army during that disastrous 
 campaign of 1813 on the northern frontier, intended 
 to capture Montreal, in which the young, brave, and 
 energetic General Brown rescued our army from the 
 perilous situation in which it had been placed by the 
 incompetency, or something worse, of Generals Wilkin- 
 son and Hampton. At one time during the winter, 
 nearly one half of the army was down from fatigue 
 and exposure ; and that half contained about all of the 
 younger portion. 
 
 " Mr. Chairman, and friends, I entreat you not to 
 send your boys into the army when it is not absolutely 
 necessary, for it is misery to them, and of no benefit 
 to government ; but let us set good examples before 
 them here at home, and cause their love of country to 
 strengthen with their growth, so that they may here- 
 after be of real value in the Union ranks if they are
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 85 
 
 needed. In the mean time there will be work enough 
 here, and patriotic work, too, for them to do. And 
 there will be opportunity for us old men to do some- 
 thing for the good cause also ; ay, and our wives and 
 daughters likewise can lend important help. Fellow- 
 citizens, let us remember this one thing as all-impor- 
 tant that however much our success in this war 
 may depend upon the endurance and the bravery of 
 our soldiers on the field, nearly, if not equally, as 
 much depends upon our unremitting exertions and 
 patriotism at home." 
 
 As Colonel White took his seat, a round of applause 
 burst forth from all parts of the hall, his remarks 
 having met with the hearty approval of all present ; 
 even some of those who had taken different views of 
 the matter at an earlier stage of the meeting being the 
 first to acknowledge that the colonel had the right of 
 the case. 
 
 Squire Belmont, a wealthy citizen, who had headed 
 the subscription list with two hundred dollars, and had 
 been followed by Colonel White with the like amount, 
 now rose, and said he would like to ask the last 
 speaker for the names of the two lads who had thus 
 early signified to him their readiness to enlist. The 
 colonel replied by giving the names George Herrick 
 and Thomas Sprightly. The announcement was
 
 86 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 greeted with loud applause. Squire Belmont then 
 said, 
 
 " I shall always consider these two boys as the first 
 volunteers from Harryseekit, and I propose three 
 cheers for them." 
 
 The cheers were given with a will. 
 
 Colonel White again took the floor, and said, 
 
 " Mr. Chairman, pardon me for one moment more. 
 I merely wish to take this opportunity to pledge my 
 word to the boys of Harryseekit, that if they will 
 meet at my house once a week, I will use what mili- 
 tary knowledge I possess in giving them instructions 
 until they become well acquainted with company 
 drill." 
 
 Three enthusiastic cheers were now given for 
 Colonel White. The motion offered by that gentle- 
 man at the opening of the meeting was then passed 
 unanimously, the selectmen were constituted a finance 
 committee to take charge of the funds raised, and to 
 pay them over to the proper persons, and the meeting 
 adjourned. 
 
 During the progress of the meeting the expected 
 order had been received from the adjutant-general 
 calling upon all volunteers, in companies, to report 
 to him at the State House at the earliest moment, 
 and receive their arms and equipments. And the
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 87 
 
 patriotic people of Harryseekit had the satisfaction 
 of seeing a company of one hundred true and hardy 
 men leave their railroad depot that evening by the ten 
 o'clock train for the capital of the state, where they 
 formed a part of the first regiment that left that point 
 for the defence of Washington. 
 
 Directly after the adjournment of the meeting at 
 the Town Hall, the boys assembled on the green in 
 front of the building, and decided to accept Colonel 
 White's offer to drill them. All the boys were consid- 
 erably excited, and Tom Sprightly was particularly 
 lavish with his " peppermint and shoestrings," and 
 offered to turn "to order" any number of somersets 
 that might be demanded. 
 
 The boys finally dispersed, with the determination 
 to consult their parents with regard to the scheme of 
 forming a company.
 
 88 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 TOM SPRIGHTLY AND BOOBY CHICKENS. 
 
 S Tom was somewhat of a favorite with the 
 boys of Harryseekit, the reader may as well 
 consider him in the play, and endeavor to 
 overlook some of his wild pranks in consideration of 
 any commendable qualities that may show forth through 
 his frolicsome nature. Perhaps it is not wholly im- 
 possible that his particular friend, George Herrick, 
 may ultimately have as good success in taming Aim, 
 as he has already displayed in improving the be- 
 havior of Colonel White's wild colt. 
 
 That a warm friendship existed between these two 
 boys, notwithstanding the great dissimilarity in their 
 temperaments, actions, and conversation, the reader, 
 of course, has ere this discovered. There were a 
 number of good reasons for this friendship. When 
 George first came into that neighborhood, and entered 
 school, although a bright, intelligent boy, as he 
 has shown himself to be from the first, he was
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 89 
 
 behindhand in his studies. Now, Tom was a bright 
 scholar. He could understand a principle at a glance, 
 and possessed a very retentive memory. Notwith- 
 standing he seemed scarcely to study his lessons at all, 
 yet he never failed. He could commit page after page 
 to memory by merely reading the matter over once or 
 twice. 
 
 He at once volunteered to assist George Herrick in 
 his lessons, as soon as he saw how matters stood, and 
 this enabled him soon to become one of the first 
 scholars in the school. George appreciated this kind- 
 ness. Torn, although he made use of many foolish 
 expressions, was never profane. This corresponded 
 with George's principles and practice. Then, again, 
 the former, although he would utter most extravagant 
 assertions for the sake of fun and frolic (which we do 
 not pretend to excuse in him), might safely be de- 
 pended upon as strictly a boy of truth in any matter 
 of importance. This, also, met the entire approbation 
 of the latter, who utterly despised a falsehood. 
 
 George, on his part, had given his volatile young 
 friend much good advice -at different times, for which 
 Tom was, in reality, truly thankful, though in most 
 cases he was sure to turn the matter into a joke at the 
 time. Finally, as already briefly alluded to by Tom, 
 George had, on one occasion, saved him from serious
 
 90 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 injury, if not from death, by rescuing him from a 
 furious animal. 
 
 Tom had, on the occasion alluded to, jumped over 
 the fence into Squire Belmont's pasture, and com- 
 menced bellowing, and throwing up dirt in the face 
 and eyes of a savage bull owned by that gentleman, 
 trusting to his own nimbleness of foot to get out of 
 the way when he should have sufficiently attracted the 
 animal's ire. The bull soon rushed at the foolish boy, 
 and he sprang to the fence ; but some part of his 
 clothing caught on a knot, and the furious brute 
 dashed madly upon him. Fortunately his horns missed 
 him. As the creature drew back for a second attack, 
 George Herrick sprang over the fence and dealt him 
 such heavy blows on his nose an^fore legs with a heavy 
 club, as caused him to beat a retreat long enough for 
 the two boys to put the fence between them and danger. 
 
 George had endeavored to persuade Tom from the 
 foolish adventure ; but he laughed at the advice, and 
 came near paying dearly for his temerity. We have 
 the promise in his own words, that for this timely as- 
 sistance he would " stand by George Herrick as long 
 as he lived." ^ 
 
 Tom Sprightly was a favorite with the boys gener- 
 ally because he was always good-natured, all life and 
 spirits, full of jokes, pun, conundrums, odd sayings,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 91 
 
 and fun of almost every description, being able to 
 string off any amount of rhyming nonsense, impromptu, 
 which, though devoid of anything like poetry, generally 
 contained sufficient wit to please his mates ; so there 
 was sure to be sport of some sort whenever he was 
 present. 
 
 He has feelingly alluded to his mother, who had 
 been dead about two years, thus showing that there 
 was true filial affection in his heart. His father died 
 before Tom's recollection, and since his mother's death 
 his home had been with his aunt Huldah French, his 
 mother's sister. 
 
 Mrs. French was a clever, warm-hearted woman, 
 indulgent to her children, and kind and obliging to her 
 neighbors. She had always treated Tom equally as 
 well as her own children, though she sometimes at- 
 tempted to scold him for some of his pranks ; but Tom 
 invariably managed on such occasions to hug, and kiss, 
 and joke his aunt into positive good nature, and usually 
 wound up the skirmish by insisting on " titillating his 
 olfactory nerves " with a fine, brown powder, which 
 the good woman carried very choicely and somewhat 
 slyly in a neat little box in her pocket, which opera- 
 tion the impudent young fellow called "snuffing the 
 pipe of peace." 
 
 Mr. French was a good-natured, easy sort of a man,
 
 92 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 carrying on the cabinet-making business at the village. 
 He employed a few men, paid all his bills as he went 
 along, and made a comfortable living ; and this seemed 
 to give him perfect satisfaction. He was fully as in- 
 dulgent as his wife to our friend Tom, and conse- 
 quently that youth had a very easy time of it. True, 
 for the last year he had been an apprentice in his 
 uncle's shop ; but he was as quick at his work as he 
 had been at his studies, and as Mr. French usually 
 gave him a certain amount of work to do each day as 
 a stint, through his expertness and ingenuity Tom 
 managed to have about half his time to himself; 
 though to his credit be it said he always per- 
 formed his task promptly and thoroughly. 
 
 The cabinet-maker had recently obtained the nick- 
 name " Booby French ; " not that he was, by any 
 means, dull or stupid, but " Booby " had been coupled 
 with his name through a ludicrous little incident, which 
 we will here relate. 
 
 A Mr. Melcher, living at a distant part of the town, 
 had come into possession of a few fowls of a large and 
 improved breed, called " booby hens," and he kindly 
 furnished Mr. French with a dozen of the eggs, which 
 he placed under one of his own setting hens in order 
 to obtain a flock of " boobies." 
 
 Now, Tom said he thought all hens were big
 
 THE YOUNG INYINCLBLES. 93 
 
 " boobies," for you might put any kind of eggs under 
 them, and they would hatch them all the same, and 
 never know the difference. For his part, he didn't 
 think it was right to play such tricks on a poor, igno- 
 rant hen ! Mr. French, however, had no scruples of 
 the kind, and had told all his neighbors that he was 
 expecting a brood of " booby " chickens, and promised 
 to furnish- them all with "booby" eggs next season. 
 
 As no chickens appeared at the usual time, the 
 conclusion was, that "booby" eggs had very thick 
 shells. At the close of another week, however, Madam 
 Biddy stalked forth, much delighted, with ten little 
 4 ' boobies." Mr. French and his wife were nearly as 
 much pleased as the hen herself; but Tom was ap- 
 parently more delighted than any of the party. 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! " he exclaimed ; " if 
 this old hen don't take first-rate care of these little 
 ' boobies,' she deserves to be well ducked.'" 
 
 After a day or two, Tom's aunt said to Mr. 
 French, 
 
 " Husband, those are the queerest-looking chickens 
 I ever saw. They look more like ducklings than any- 
 thing else." 
 
 So the whole family went out to look at them. 
 
 "They do look a little like ducks," replied Mr. 
 French ; " but then they will change their appear-
 
 94 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 ance very much as soon as they begin to feather 
 out." 
 
 " If they don't improve fast enough," said Tom, 
 very soberly, "aunt Huldah can give them a little of 
 her quack medicine." 
 
 " You'd better not make fun of my medicine, Tom," 
 replied his aunt, not knowing that his witticism was 
 intended to cut in two directions ; " you are glad 
 enough to take some of it yourself when you have a 
 bad cold." 
 
 " So I am," responded Tom. " But these are rather 
 queer-looking chicks, any way. I wish I could think 
 who it was that said that young " boobies " always 
 looked like ducks ! " but Tom couldn't think. 
 
 The next day Mr. French invited some of his neigh- 
 bors in to see his family of chickens. They were 
 growing nicely, and the visitors congratulated Mrs. 
 French on having such a fine brood of " boobies ; " 
 but all remarked, " How much they look like ducks ! " 
 
 A day or two later, Tom rushed into the house, ex- 
 claim ing, 
 
 "Aunt Huldah, you'll certainly have to put some 
 of your ' Composition ' to steep for your ' boobies,' for 
 that fool of an old hen has contrived to get them all 
 into the mud puddle out here, and they'll surely take 
 their death of cold."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 95 
 
 " Don't bother me with your nonsense now, Tom ; 
 I'm in a hurry," replied Mrs. French, continuing at 
 her work. 
 
 " There's no nonsense about it, aunt, unless it's the 
 nonsense of that old hen herself ; she don't know how 
 to take care of those little darling ' boobies' half as 
 well as an old waddling duck would. I tell you, truly, 
 they're all in the water." 
 
 Now, Mrs. French knew Tom well enough to under- 
 stand that he really meant what he said in this last 
 sentence ; so she at once left her work, and followed 
 him to the door. 
 
 " I do declare ! if that don't beat me ! " she ex- 
 claimed, holding up both hands ; for, true enough, 
 there were all her little " boobies " swimming about in 
 the muddy water, bobbing their tiny heads underneath 
 it, and seeming to have a good time generally ; while 
 the bewildered old hen was racing around the edge of 
 the puddle, clucking, and screeching, and making all 
 the noises that a terrified hen-mother is capable of. 
 
 At this moment Mr. French came into the yard, and 
 burst forth into a loud, merry laugh as he looked at 
 the ludicrous picture his wife standing in amaze- 
 ment with uplifted hands, Tom half-knee deep in the 
 muddy water, apparently endeavoring to catch the 
 aquatic sporters, which were scudding about in every
 
 96 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 direction, while the old hen was racing and squalling 
 around the margin of the little pond in the greatest 
 possible distress. 
 
 "What kind of a show have you here, wife?" he 
 asked, as he reached her side. 
 
 " Really, I don't know," she replied ; "I almost 
 begin to think there is some witchcraft about this hen 
 and her chickens." 
 
 " I think you had better send this old hen and her 
 queer brood, mud puddle and all, to Barnum, and let 
 him put the whole thing into his Aquatic Garden," 
 suggested Tom to his uncle. 
 
 " These things look and act more and more like 
 ducks every day," said Mr. French. " I don't know 
 what to make of it. Melcher didn't say a word about 
 their looking like ducks, or going into the water. And 
 he said the eggs were the real ' English boobies.' " 
 
 " I guess he made one mistake," replied Tom. 
 " I'll bet a pinch of aunt Huldah's snuff that they 
 were French ' boobies,' and that's the reason the hen 
 and chickens can't understand each other." 
 
 " Well," responded his uncle, " Melcher will proba- 
 bly be down to the Corner again in a day or two, and 
 I'll get him to look in and see if he can understand it. 
 I have no doubt but they will come out all right at 
 last."
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 97 
 
 " They are coming out now," said Tom, as the 
 whole brood began to scramble up on one side of the 
 little puddle, much to the joy of the old hen. 
 
 During the next few days Mrs. French had more 
 callers than she could well attend to, and all must see 
 the " booby " chickens. They were much admired ; 
 but still came the exclamation, " How much they look 
 like ducks ! " 
 
 Whenever Tom was present, he explained, that 
 there was a large water-fowl, of the pelican tribe, 
 called the " booby ; " and probably this name had been 
 given to this kind of hen because the chickens, when 
 quite young, had an inclination to take to the water, 
 and also because they slightly resembled the duck. 
 
 The question was finally settled, however, by Mr. 
 Melcher himself, whom Mr. French brought home 
 with him one day. The moment that gentleman saAV 
 the hen and her brood, he exclaimed, 
 
 "Why, French, these things were never hatched 
 from the eggs I brought you they are nothing but 
 ducks ! " 
 
 Mr. French looked at his wife, his wife looked at 
 Mr. French, they both looked at Mr. Melcher, all 
 looked at Tom ; and Tom looked at the old hen and 
 her ducks for a moment, and then cried out, with appa- 
 rent indignation, 
 
 7
 
 98 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! this is too bad ! but 
 I told you, uncle French, at the commencement, that 
 all hens were ' boobies ; ' that you could never tell 
 what they would hatch out, and that they never knew 
 themselves what they had hatched. I really believe if 
 you had put a lot of frog's eggs under that old hen, 
 she would have hatched them all out, and expected 
 them to crow ! " 
 
 " O, Tom, Tom," exclaimed Mrs. French, while 
 all three were heartily laughing at his odd conceit, 
 " this is some of your work, and I don't know as I shall 
 ever forgive you. Mr. Melcher took so much pains to 
 bring us those eggs, and then to have you throw them 
 away for a lot of duck's eggs ! " 
 
 " Aunt Huldah," expostulated Tom, " how can you 
 think I would do such a thing as throw away a dozen 
 eggs especially 'booby' eggs? I shouldn't expect 
 you to forgive me if I had done such a thing. But I 
 don't see how I'm to blame for their turning to duck's 
 eggs-" 
 
 " That won't do, Tom ; I know this must be some 
 of your work," repeated his aunt. 
 
 " Mr. Melcher," said Tom, turning to that gentle- 
 man, " I would like to have you come now and see 
 my boobies ; I've got some of the pure breed some 
 of the regular school no quackery about mine ; " and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 99 
 
 Tom led the way round the end of the wood-shed, 
 where, sure enough, was another hen, with a full 
 dozen of as bright-looking chickens as one would wish 
 to see. 
 
 " What do you think of those, Mr. Melcher? " asked 
 Tom, pointing with pride to the brood of little chirp- 
 ers. " My ' booby ' eggs didn't turn to duck's eggs, 
 and come out web-footed." 
 
 Mr. Melcher at once pronounced Tom's flock of 
 chickens to be of the genuine " booby " breed. 
 
 " Now, aunt Huldah," said Tom, " notwithstanding 
 you accused me of throwing away your eggs, I'll do 
 the fair thing by you. I'll give you these twelve real 
 ' boobies ' for your ten little flat-bills, and you must give 
 me a pinch of snuff to boot." 
 
 "Agreed," replied his aunt, laughing. " And now, 
 Tom, tell us how it all happened." 
 
 " What ! tell you how ducks were hatched from 
 hen's eggs ? Why should I know how it's done ? That 
 lays with the old hen, and she must set it right ; " and 
 Tom turned a somerset, and away he ran down to the 
 shop to relate the finale of the "booby" enterprise, 
 leaving his uncle and aunt, with Mr. Melcher, to guess 
 the matter out. 
 
 Not intending to leave the reader guessing, how- 
 ever, we will merely say that the next day after the
 
 100 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OS 
 
 "booby" eggs were put under the hen, Tom found 
 another hen preparing to set ; so he procured a dozen 
 duck's eggs and substituted them for the " booby " 
 eggs, and put the latter under the second hen. Con- 
 sequently, about a week before the first hen came 
 out with her ducks, the second marshalled forth 
 her brood of genuine " boobies ; " but as they va- 
 ried very slightly at first from ordinary chickens, 
 and as the first hen was the point of attraction to 
 everybody but Tom, the ducks had received all the 
 attention.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 101 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE YOUNG INYINCIBLES. 
 
 r (/f^)OLONEL WHITE'S proposition to become 
 the instructor of the boys in military tactics 
 was so popular with them, that in the course 
 of a few days they had a roll of fifty names their 
 ages ranging all the way from twelve to fifteen years. 
 George Herrick and Tom Sprightly took much interest 
 in the movement, and, by consulting freely with the 
 colonel, were enabled to give the other boys a good 
 deal of information with regard to what was expected 
 of them at first. 
 
 The greater part of them had the idea that they 
 must have muskets to commence with ; and although 
 many of the boys' parents were perfectly willing to 
 furnish them, there were others that demurred, either 
 because they thought the organization would amount 
 to nothing, or from motives of economy. However, 
 this difficulty was soon settled by word from Colonel 
 White to the effect that he should drill them some
 
 102 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 time without arms or equipments, and then both they 
 and their parents could judge better whether the object 
 was of sufficient moment to warrant the trouble and 
 expense of a military outfit. This arrangement suited 
 the large majority of the boys, although some few, 
 who had received the promise of a gun and equip- 
 ments, felt a little disappointment at first, and thought 
 there could not be much fun in being soldiers without 
 arms. 
 
 While these youthful patriots of Harryseekit were 
 discussing and making their little arrangements for 
 the formation of their company, events were daily 
 transpiring, in various parts of the country, that were 
 the precursors of a mighty conflict of principles and of 
 arms, which was to shake the government of this free 
 people to its foundations, and startle Christendom with 
 its magnitude and bloodshed. A few days after the 
 surrender of Sumter came the news of the shooting of 
 Massachusetts troops in Baltimore, followed closely by 
 the burning of the Gosport Navy Yard, the secession 
 of Virginia, loyal troops pouring into "Washington by 
 thousands, the stormy debates in Congress, the with- 
 drawal of southern Congressmen, another call by 
 President Lincoln for eighty-two thousand additional 
 men for the army and navy, the capture of Alexandria 
 and the murder of Colonel Ellsworth, the unfortunate
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 103 
 
 battle at Great Bethel, where the gallant Major Win- 
 throp lost his life, together with terrible threats and 
 overt acts by the southern people generally. 
 
 All this, of course, served to fan the flame of patri- 
 otism that was burning in the breasts of all loyal 
 people, and the boys of Harryseekit were not an 
 exception. Probably some of these lads thought that 
 the military movement they were about to engage in 
 would afford them amusement and recreation merely ; 
 but the sequel will show whether any of them were 
 prompted by motives of duty and love of country. At 
 all events, by placing themselves under the instruction 
 of so thorough a soldier, patriot, and Christian as was 
 Colonel White, they were in a school where they could 
 not fail to improve in some of the qualities that go to 
 make up the honest and true citizen of a free Christian 
 government. 
 
 Wednesday afternoon of each week was decided 
 upon as drill-day, to accommodate such of the boys as 
 attended school. At their first meeting, which took 
 place on the green in front of Colonel White's house, 
 ten days after the subject was first agitated, every boy 
 whose name was enrolled was promptly on the ground 
 at two o'clock, the appointed hour. The colonel had 
 given G-eorge Herrick some private lessons in military 
 tactics, as soon as he found that the boys seriously
 
 104 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 entertained his proposition, in order that he might 
 have some little assistance if he deemed it necessary. 
 He now instructed him to form the boys into line, 
 according to size, and to say that he would be with 
 them in a few minutes. The boys were very orderly, 
 and George formed them in line with considerable 
 military precision. Colonel White presently made his 
 appearance, and addressed the company as follows : 
 
 " Boys of Harry seekit : it gives me much satisfaction 
 to see you here so promptly and in such numbers, and, 
 above all, to see you so orderly ; for order is the 
 one controlling element in all military operations, and 
 obedience to orders the first duty of a soldier. And 
 although I shall have neither the inclination nor the 
 authority to place you under guard for disobedience, 
 or have you shot if you desert, yet I trust and believe 
 that your conduct in the ranks will ever be such as 
 will redound to your own self-respect, to the honor of 
 your parents, and to the welfare of your beloved coun- 
 try, whose battles you may yet be called upon to 
 fight. 
 
 " Do not understand by this, my young friends, that 
 I intend to be a harsh disciplinarian with you : on the 
 contrary, I shall allow you much freedom of thought, 
 word, and action, especially while drilling you without 
 arms ; but I shall allow you this liberty by giving you
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES, 105 
 
 frequent ' rests ' at other times your own good sense 
 will tell you that there must be no interruptions. 
 
 " I want you all to feel that you are really serving 
 your country by this arrangement. All the importance 
 of the matter does not consist in the mere fact that you 
 will be gaining information in military tactics, thus 
 fitting you, in a measure, for actual duty at some future 
 day, should the country demand your services ; but, if 
 you conduct yourselves with propriety, your example 
 will have its influence in other towns and states, and 
 perhaps be the means of awakening the country to the 
 importance of a general system of military instruction 
 for the youth of the land. 
 
 " Finally, boys, as an organized company you will 
 be much more efficient in performing patriotic duties 
 here at home than you would otherwise be. And 
 there will be no lack of opportunities for all of us 
 to show our love of country. The helping hand of 
 every man, woman, and child throughout the loyal 
 states will be needed. And, boys of Harryseekit, I 
 want each one of you to feel that it is to your willing 
 hearts and strong hands in the future and to those 
 of your age throughout the land that the govern- 
 ment is to look for the completion of the work that 
 our brave volunteers in the field are just now com- 
 mencing. And I want each one of you to bear this
 
 106 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 important fact in mind, as this deplorable strife 
 progresses, and you hear different views expressed as 
 to its cause and its continuance, that the war was 
 commenced by a band of traitors firing on our glorious 
 old flag, and that it must never end so long as one of 
 those traitors continues in arms" 
 
 The colonel's little speech was vociferously applauded 
 by his attentive listeners, and Tom Sprightly remarked 
 to his near companions, " I "wish Colonel White 
 could lead us right off to the seat of war, for I believe 
 that any man or boy whose whole heart is in the cause, 
 if he had to go on crutches, would be worth more than 
 many an able-bodied, big two-fisted fellow who leaves 
 his heart at home, and takes nothing but a gizzard 
 with him." 
 
 "And a 'booby' gizzard at that, Tom," added 
 Charlie Sprague at his side the boy who had fur- 
 nished Tom with some duck's eggs on a previous 
 occasion. 
 
 Colonel White now proceeded to make a division of 
 the company, finding the number too large for conven- 
 ience. He placed twenty of them in one rank at such 
 a distance from the others as to avoid any interference 
 in the orders, and gave them in charge of George Her- 
 rick, giving his own attention to the larger portion 
 placed in a similar manner. By taking his own
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 107 
 
 position at a convenient distance in front of their 
 centre, he concluded that he could command a better 
 view of the whole than at any other point. George 
 Herrick took a similar position in front of his squad, 
 and the first lesson, which consisted of the " Position 
 of the Soldier," commenced by the instructor and his 
 assistant. 
 
 This lesson, the pupils were informed, was of great 
 importance, and should be thoroughly learned, as it 
 enabled the soldier always to occupy his allotted space 
 and no more, to maintain an easy and graceful posi- 
 tion, and to retain the full use of his limbs without 
 interfering with his brother soldier to the right or left, 
 front or rear. The colonel had a very easy and pleas- 
 ing, but yet impressive way of imparting information, 
 which rendered the task an agreeable one to the pupils ; 
 and as George Herrick was almost idolized by the 
 village boys, and fully understood this primary lesson, 
 he was nearly as successful a teacher as the old gen- 
 tleman himself. 
 
 Hence, in the course of an hour, these fifty boys, 
 who had never given this subject the slightest attention 
 before, made quite a military appearance, as far as 
 position was concerned, standing with their heels in a 
 perfectly straight line ; their feet forming the proper 
 angle, and turned out with uniform precision ; their
 
 108 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 knees were straight without stiffness, and their bodies 
 perpendicular, with a very slight forward inclination ; 
 the shoulders properly thrown back, dropping equally, 
 with the arms hanging naturally, and the elbows close 
 to the sides ; the face square to the front, but not in 
 a constrained manner, and the eyes directed to the 
 ground at some twelve or fifteen paces distant. 
 
 Colonel White occasionally passed over to George's 
 squad, pointing out any little irregularities that he 
 noticed, and making suggestions to ^the pupils, that 
 they might feel that they were really as much under 
 his instruction as the other rank was. He took par- 
 ticular pains to explain to the boys the utility of the 
 positions required, as well as their bearing on each 
 other, believing that any lesson makes a much deeper 
 impression upon the pupil if he knows the why and 
 the wherefore. 
 
 The colonel was highly gratified at the aptness of 
 his pupils, and complimented them for their attention 
 and progress ; telling them, that notwithstanding these 
 first lessons might not interest them very much, still 
 they were of the utmost importance if they wished to 
 become thorough soldiers ; and he presumed that each 
 successive lesson would prove more and more inter- 
 esting to them. 
 
 The evidence, however, was good that this first
 
 THE YOUNG INVINC1BLES. 109 
 
 lesson in military instruction had not been uninterest- 
 ing to the boys ; for when their instructor informed 
 them that they had been under drill for the space of 
 two hours, and that he should now dismiss them, they 
 were much surprised, and could scarcely believe that 
 so much time had elapsed. 
 
 Upon being dismissed, they gave three cheers for 
 Colonel White, and then collected around Uncle Bill, 
 who had stood looking over the fence at them during 
 the whole time they had been engaged. 
 
 " Well, Uncle Bill," said Tom Sprightly, turning a 
 somerset close to the old sailor's head, " what do you 
 think of our first attempt at military tactics?" 
 
 " O, you did very well for young land-lubbers," 
 replied the old seaman, with a slight approach to a 
 smile at one corner of the mouth, and a quizzical wink 
 with one eye ; " but you should have seen us ' boys in 
 blue ' on the decks of ' Old Ironsides ' under the 
 gallant Hull, if you wanted something good for sore 
 eyes." 
 
 " Did you ever want anything for sore lacks on 
 board that delectable 'Old Ironsides/ Uncle Bill?" 
 asked Tom, with a knowing look. 
 
 " I don't recollect anything about that, you young 
 rogue," was the sober answer.
 
 110 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Your memory don't extend lack so far as that," 
 suggested Tom. 
 
 " Come, now, Uncle Bill, candidly," said G-eorge 
 Herrick, " don't you think we did pretty well for 
 the first time?" 
 
 " Yes, yes, I suppose I may as well say that you 
 did*," was the old sailor's answer, who was on most 
 excellent terms with all the lads of the village, though 
 it was a hard matter for him to admit that a boy could 
 be good for much on the land. 
 
 " Now, Uncle Bill," said Tom Sprightly, " we want 
 a name for our company, and as you have paid us the 
 first compliment, you shall have the honor of giving us 
 the name." 
 
 " Yes, a name ! a name ! " shouted a dozen boys in 
 the same breath. 
 
 " I don't know about that," replied the old sailor, 
 " for I haven't kept a very close reckoning in land 
 phrases, and I should probably find myself in the 
 wrong latitude." 
 
 " We'll risk that, Uncle Bill," said George Herrick ; 
 " come, now for the name. Attention boys ! " 
 
 " I'd ought to have a bottle to break, as we do at a 
 launching when the ship is named," suggested the old 
 seaman ; and bringing his arm back suddenly as if in 
 the act of swinging the bottle, he struck Tom Sprightly
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. Ill 
 
 a slight blow in the mouth, which caused the youngster 
 to spin around like a top, and exclaim, 
 
 " Uncle Bill, I owe you one for that. Because you 
 hadn't a bottle to break you thought you'd break my 
 ' mug,' did you ? " 
 
 Tom was not much hurt, and if he had been it 
 would have passed for a good joke with him ; so the 
 boys all roared with laughter, and Uncle Bill asked 
 his pardon. Then, swinging his hat in the air, the 
 old sailor exclaimed, 
 
 " Success to the Young Invincibles t " 
 
 " Good ! good ! " shouted Tom Sprightly ; " three 
 cheers for Uncle Bill and the name ! " 
 
 The cheers were heartily given. Colonel White, 
 who had been standing a little one side enjoying the 
 scene, now stepped forward among the merry group, 
 and said, 
 
 " Young Invincibles : our old friend here has given 
 you a name that I trust will inspire you with a com- 
 mendable ambition. Invincibility at home is of equal 
 importance with that of the battle-field. You have 
 only to prove yourselves, individually and collectively, 
 invincible to all wrong, in order to stand forth with 
 modest firmness as ever unvanquished." 
 
 The pupils and their instructor now separated, to 
 meet again at the same hour and place a week hence.
 
 112 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 The first drill of the Young Invincibles had thus 
 proved perfectly 'satisfactory to all parties concerned, 
 and their future meetings were looked forward to with 
 much interest. 
 
 Our stanch old patriot, Colonel White, felt that 
 there was a deeper importance attached to this work 
 he had undertaken than all the military information he 
 should be able to impart to his pupils, although he 
 considered this of no slight moment. But he was one 
 of the few who appeared tp realize the magnitude and 
 duration of the struggle that had already commenced, 
 and he saw that the means, the patriotism, and the 
 endurance of the people were to be taxed as never 
 before since the Revolution. He knew there would 
 be diverse opinions as to the measures of the govern- 
 ment, and the management of the war ; that there 
 would be, as in all wars, conscientious peace men to 
 meet with fair argument, and concealed and open 
 traitors in our very midst to guard against and 
 secure. 
 
 Anticipating all this, the patriotic old soldier con- 
 cluded, that, in addition to what influence he might 
 exert over his fellow-citizens generally, he could, at 
 the same time he was imparting military information 
 to the youth of the village, instil into their minds, or 
 keep alive there, such a love of country as would have
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 113 
 
 its effect upon every family so reached. Hence fifty 
 warm-hearted and ardent boys were thus made to act 
 as so many apostles of patriotism to keep alive the fire 
 that might otherwise grow dim or expire. And thus 
 would he be the means of adding to that patriotism at 
 home, the influence of which he felt certain would be 
 required to give support to our brave and hardy 
 soldiers in the field. What nobler cause could an 
 old soldier on the brink of the grave be engaged 
 in? No wonder the boys all admired him I 
 8
 
 114 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XH. 
 
 NEIGHBORLY DUTIES. 
 
 COLONEL WHITE was not one of that class 
 of men who forget or neglect the every-day 
 duties of life in carrying out those which they 
 consider of far greater importance. Hence, while he 
 was himself earnestly engaged in acts of patriotism, 
 and was urging upon his family and others the neces- 
 sity of exerting themselves in the same direction, we 
 still find him fully alive to those private, neighborly, 
 Christian duties that are constantly arising in every 
 social circle. He was particularly careful to caution 
 the members of his own family against forgetting for 
 a single day the demands upon them of the poor or 
 the sick that had or might come to their knowledge. 
 
 The colonel did not content himself with forming 
 a company of boys, but had also impressed Lucy with 
 the idea of starting the project of an organization of 
 young school-girls, to be called the " School-girls' Sol- 
 diers' Aid Society," whose labors should consist in
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 115 
 
 manufacturing little articles of comfort and conven- 
 ience, and in collecting light sanitary stores, as well 
 as books, papers, or whatever might amuse or instruct, 
 and have the same forwarded at convenient seasons to 
 sick and wounded soldiers who would soon fill our hos- 
 pitals. Lucy commenced the work immediately, and 
 became very much interested in it ; so much so, that 
 before many days she had a sufficient number enlisted 
 in the movement to form a society of quite a respect- 
 able size, and which her grandmother and some other 
 ladies immediately proceeded to organize in a proper 
 manner. 
 
 Colonel White, seeing that his granddaughter was 
 so much taken up with this movement, and fearing 
 that she might be forgetting some of her other duties, 
 said to her one evening, 
 
 " Lucy, my darling, have you heard from Mrs. 
 Swift to-day?" 
 
 " 0, yes, grandfather," she replied, in somewhat of 
 a surprised tone ; " I never miss going there every 
 day. And George also calls every day or evening, to 
 see if there is anything he can do. But Lizzie says 
 that Tom Sprightly is so kind and attentive that he 
 scarcely leaves anything for the rest of the kind neigh- 
 bors to do." 
 
 " I am very happy to hear that none of you have
 
 116 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 forgotten that poor, suffering woman since this war 
 excitement commenced. How was she to-day ? " 
 
 " I don't see any change in her from day to day, 
 and Lizzie says she don't, either ; but by comparing 
 her condition from month to month, she says she can 
 see that her mother is gradually growing weaker and 
 weaker. She is barely able to sit up long enough to 
 have her bed made." 
 
 "And how does that noble little Lizzie continue to 
 bear up under her great and responsible duty? I 
 imagined a few days since, when I was in there, that 
 she began to look haggard and thin." 
 
 "I haven't noticed it, grandfather. She not only 
 appears to be in good health, but in good spirits, 
 and even cheerful. One who didn't know her would 
 scarcely believe she could appear so cheerful when she 
 is over her sick and dying mother all the time. Her 
 mother says she is just as cheerful when alone with 
 her as when anybody is present, and that she can bear 
 her sufferings much better than if Lizzie was moping 
 and unhappy." 
 
 "There are few such girls as Lizzie Swift. She 
 deserves and will receive greater reward for her devo- 
 tion to her sick mother than this world can bestow." 
 
 " She's the best girl I ever saw, grandfather. Only 
 to think of her doing all the work, having all the care
 
 THE YOUNG 1NVINCIELES. 117 
 
 of that little wild sister of hers, and nursing her sick 
 mother day and night as she does ! " 
 
 " It is truly wonderful, and only shows what a 
 young girl, even, can do, if she understands her duty, 
 and her heart is in the work," replied the old gen- 
 tleman. 
 
 " And then she is so thankful for what any one does 
 for her that there is much more satisfaction in helping 
 her than some others. To-day she spoke in particular 
 about the kindness of Tom Sprightly. She says he 
 comes there every day, and some days two or three 
 times. He will talk with her, and try to find out some 
 little thing that her mother thinks she would like, and 
 then off he goes and gets it. Sometimes he will bring 
 her a nice little mess of trouts, and then again a young 
 pigeon. She had no idea that Tom could be so 
 thoughtful, or that he had so kind a heart, till since 
 her mother has been so sick. She said she was not at 
 all surprised at George's kindness, because he is 
 always so thoughtful about everything. "What a pity 
 it is, grandfather, that Tom is so wild ! " 
 
 " O, Tom is a boy of good principles, only he's a 
 dear lover of fun. I've no doubt but that he'll make 
 a good, smart, steady man." 
 
 " I hope so," said Lucy, with a good deal of earnest-
 
 118 PATBIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Mrs. Swift was a widow, her husband having been 
 dead about a year. She was left in poor circum- 
 stances, with two young daughters, Lizzy and Mary ; 
 the former being thirteen at the time of her father's 
 death, and the latter four years younger. Mrs. Swift 
 had been in a slow, lingering consumption for years ; 
 and two years before her husband died she had been 
 obliged to refrain from all work, and wholly give up 
 the management of household affairs. Mr. Swift 
 knew not what to do. His circumstances would not 
 allow of his paying a housekeeper and nurse, and the 
 family had no female relative who could devote her 
 services to them. 
 
 At this trying juncture Lizzie Swift, then eleven 
 years of age, proved herself a priceless jewel. She 
 had always been of great assistance to her feeble 
 mother, performing all the work she possibly could 
 when out of school. One day, when Lizzie came 
 from school at noon, she found her mother much more 
 poorly than usual, but still attempting to get dinner. 
 The child at that moment made a firm resolve, from 
 which she never wavered. She persuaded her mother 
 to go and lie down, and completed the preparations for 
 dinner herself. When the meal was over, she cleared 
 everything up nicely, and telling her little sister to be 
 sure and stay with her mother till she came back, put
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 119 
 
 on her hat and shawl, and ran away in the direction 
 of the school-house. 
 
 In the course of twenty minutes Lizzie entered 
 her mother's room with all her school-books in her 
 arms. 
 
 " Why, Lizzie, what have you brought all your 
 books home for?" exclaimed Mrs. Swift. 
 
 " O, I have graduated, dear mother," replied the 
 child, with one of her sweet smiles. 
 
 " That can't be, my daughter ; what do you mean?" 
 
 " Well, mother dear, I'm not going to school any 
 more, and you're not going to do any more work. I 
 can and shall do everything myself, with some instruc- 
 tions from you and I don't mean to trouble you much 
 even for them. Now, don't make one word of objec- 
 tion, dearest," protested Lizzie, Avith a kiss, seeing 
 that her mother shook her head, " for I've formed a 
 solemn resolution to do everything about house, except 
 washing the clothes, and to do it as well as I can, and 
 to take good care of you, too, kindest of mothers. I 
 am well and willing, and shall try to be your nice 
 little housekeeper and nurse." 
 
 Mrs. Swift clasped her precious young daughter in 
 her feeble arms, and burst into tears ; but they were 
 the tears of thankfulness. 
 
 " Heaven be praised," she fervently uttered, " for
 
 120 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 such a daughter such a ' nice little housekeeper and 
 nurse ' ! " 
 
 How well the young girl sustained her position of 
 housekeeper and nurse, her father having sickened 
 and died during the time, the reader can in some 
 degree judge from the preceding conversation between 
 Colonel White and Lucy. 
 
 The circumstance which first brought the Swift 
 family under the special notice of Colonel White was 
 somewhat peculiar. Shortly after George Herrick 
 entered into his arrangement with the old gentleman, 
 Mr. Swift was employed one day to repair the cellar 
 floor under the colonel's house, and George assisted 
 him. The job was not completed the first day, and 
 Mr. Swift was to come on the morrow to finish it. 
 When they left off work at dusk of the first day, 
 George was particular to shut and fasten upon the 
 inside the outside trap-door that closed the cellar steps 
 leading up into the back yard. As they were passing 
 up the stairs leading to the kitchen, Mr. Swift re- 
 marked that he had forgotten his saw, which he 
 wanted to use at home in the evening, and went back 
 into the cellar for it, George remaining on the cellar 
 stairs. They then passed out together, and Mr. Swift 
 went home. 
 
 About hah past twelve o'clock that night George
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 121 
 
 Herrick awoke suddenly, though he did not know from 
 what cause ; but he had an impression that he had 
 heard some unusual sound. Listening attentively, he 
 thought he heard footsteps at the back of the house. 
 Jumping from his bed, he moved the curtain slightly 
 at oue side of the window and looked out. The dis- 
 tance from his window to the back part of Colonel 
 White's house was perhaps fifty feet, and the ground 
 was shaded by two large old apple trees. At first he 
 saw nothing unusual ; but presently a man stepped 
 carefully from behind the tree nearest the colonel's 
 house, and walked stealthily towards the outside en- 
 trance to the cellar. "When he. reached that point he 
 stood for a moment as if listening, and then stooped 
 and took hold of the trap-door. George concluded 
 at once that he was a burglar, and said to him- 
 self, 
 
 " Mr. Rogue, you'll be disappointed there, for I 
 fastened that door on the inside myself the last thing 
 before leaving the cellar." Judge of his surprise, 
 then, when he saw the man raise the trap-door and 
 lean it back against its support. George had already 
 commenced slipping on some of his clothes, and a 
 moment after, as the man descended the steps, he 
 cautiously opened the back door, ran lightly across the 
 space of ground, carefully closed the trap-door, and
 
 122 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 hooked it on the outside, saying to himself, " My fine 
 fellow, I guess you're in a trap." 
 
 George then passed carefully round the corner of 
 the house to a private door, of which he had a key 
 given him by the colonel, as he was a very early riser, 
 and often wanted the key to the barn, wood-house, or 
 tool-house before the folks were up in the morning. 
 He went with caution to the old gentleman's sleeping- 
 room, partially opened the door, and spoke his name in 
 a low tone, knowing that he was easy to wake. 
 
 "Is that you, George?" asked the colonel, rising 
 on his elbow. 
 
 " Yes, sir ; hush ! there's some one in your cellar. 
 He entered at the outside cellar door, and I have shut 
 and fastened it after him. He can't get out. Let us 
 hurry down cellar, and see what he's doing." 
 
 Colonel White got out of bed very carefully, lighted 
 a lamp, slipped on his pantaloons, dressing-gown, and 
 slippers, and took down his scabbard, which hung 
 over the head of his bed, and drew his trusty old 
 sword. Mrs. White slept very soundly, and knew 
 nothing of what was going on. George took the 
 lamp, and the two proceeded silently to the cellar. 
 There were three divisions in the cellar. When they 
 reached the foot of the stairs, they looked all 
 around ; but everything was right. George then
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 123 
 
 carefully opened the door leading to the middle cellar, 
 and there stood a man at the pork barrel, holding a 
 small lantern, with a large-sized market-basket at his 
 side, containing a peck or more of potatoes, and into 
 which he was just placing a large strip of salt pork. 
 George whispered to Colonel "White, 
 
 " It's Mr. Swift." 
 
 " Is it possible?" and the old gentleman seemed for 
 the instant to be utterly confounded. 
 
 After a moment or two, however, he made up his 
 mind as to the course he should pursue, and walked 
 straight towards the intruder, who now, for the first 
 time, saw that he was detected ; but he made no at- 
 tempt at escape or resistance. He stood in silence, 
 with downcast eyes. 
 
 " Neighbor Swift," began the colonel, " why didn't 
 you tell me last evening that you needed these arti- 
 cles? You could have taken them home with you 
 then, and saved yourself the trouble of coming after 
 them at this hour." 
 
 There was nothing in Colonel White's tone that 
 sounded like reprimand or sarcasm. His words were 
 those of genuine kindness ; but Mr. Swift still re- 
 mained silent, and the colonel continued : 
 
 " I am satisfied, neighbor, that there was pressing 
 need in your family, or you would not have come in
 
 124 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 this way for these articles. / am partly at fault 
 myself. I knew you to be a poor man, and 3. should 
 have paid you last evening for your day's work, or at 
 least have asked you if you wanted it ; but I did not 
 once think that your family might need it then. I 
 hope you will forgive me ; " and the kind-hearted old 
 gentleman, who lived Christianity, extended his hand 
 to the downcast man whom he had caught in the act 
 of appropriating his property. 
 
 Mr. Swift seized the extended hand, and burst into 
 tears. 
 
 " Colonel White," almost groaned the conscience- 
 stricken man, " why didn't you run me through with 
 your sword, as I deserve, instead of treating me thus 
 kindly ? It's true my family are suffering, and I have 
 been too proud to let the fact be known. I was too 
 proud last evening to ask you for my pay, but not too 
 proud to come here to steal. Can you understand such 
 sinful weakness in human nature, Colonel White ? " 
 
 " Yes, I can understand it, and forgive it," was the 
 generous reply. 
 
 " Colonel White, if you forgive me, I'll ask my 
 Maker's forgiveness also. This is my first offence of 
 the kind, and it will be my last. Your generosity, my 
 kind friend, has saved me." 
 
 Mr. Swift then went on to state that he had had
 
 THE YOUNG WPINCIBLES. 125 
 
 work only part of the time for some weeks ; that his 
 wife was sick, and there was but little in the house for 
 his children to eat. He was thinking, during the day, 
 while at work in the cellar, where he saw the large 
 stores of provisions of various kinds, how hard it was 
 that his family should be in need, while others had 
 such abundance. And when evening came, and noth- 
 ing was said to him about pay, in a moment of despair 
 he said to himself, " I will help myself here to-night ; " 
 and when he went back into the cellar for his saw, he 
 had unfastened the trap-door. 
 
 " Well," said Colonel White, " let this be a lesson to 
 both of us. Remember that it is no disgrace to ask 
 assistance of your fellow-man, if you have not brought 
 your distress upon yourself by some wrong-doing ; 
 and never hesitate a moment to ask for your just due 
 when you need it. And I shall never let another poor 
 man that I owe go home at night without offering to 
 pay him. I feel that I was very negligent of my duty. 
 Now, neighbor Swift, take your basket of potatoes and 
 pork," said the colonel, as he stepped into the back 
 cellar and took down a nice chicken from a hook ; 
 " and here is something for your sick wife. Come to- 
 morrow, and finish your job, and receive your pay. 
 This affair will never be known outside these cellar 
 walls unless you make it known yourself."
 
 126 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 " O, Colonel White," said the poor man, as he took 
 up his basket, " how can I show my gratitude for this 
 undeserved kindness ? " 
 
 " By avoiding anything of the like nature again," 
 replied the old gentleman, blandly. 
 
 "Who but Colonel White would have treated the 
 man in this kind way ? " thought George Herrick, as 
 he went round and opened the trap-door. 
 
 Mr. Swift departed, and the colonel and George re- 
 turned to their beds, nobody but themselves being the 
 wiser for their midnight adventure. 
 
 The next morning Mr. Swift came and finished up 
 his work in the cellar, and the colonel kept him em- 
 ployed the remainder of the day upon something else. 
 At night he paid him, and sent George with the horse 
 and wagon to take him home, with a goodly supply of 
 provisions, and some delicacies for his sick wife which 
 Mrs. White had prepared through the day. 
 
 From that day forward Colonel White's family 
 never lost sight of the Swifts. On his death-bed Mr. 
 Swift alluded to the above affair, in conversation with 
 the colonel, and said that the kind treatment he then 
 received had saved him from despair and disgrace, nd 
 enabled him to work with some heart until his recent 
 sickness. He had subdued his false pride ; he had 
 written, a few days before he was taken down sick, to
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 127 
 
 his wife's brother in Chicago, who was a man of prop- 
 erty, and by return mail had received a letter con- 
 taining one hundred dollars, with a promise to render 
 further assistance to the family. His conscience was 
 at ease ; he trusted in the promises of the gospel, 
 and hoped for happiness beyond the grave. And for 
 all this he felt that he was indebted to the generous 
 treatment and Christian advice he received at that 
 singular midnight meeting in the cellar.
 
 128 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE ADVANCEMENT OP THE " INVINCIBLES." 
 
 S the summer of 1861 was passing, with its 
 startling events of victories and defeats in 
 various parts of the country, the boys of 
 Harryseekit were making rapid improvement in mili- 
 tary knowledge under the friendly and judicious 
 instruction of Colonel White. The exciting news 
 from the seat of war, from week to week, together 
 with the regular and well-timed suggestions and ad- 
 monitions of their faithful old instructor with regard 
 to the importance of patriotism at home, served not 
 only to inspire this company of boys to aim at pro- 
 ficiency in their military drill, but also had a most 
 salutary effect in firmly establishing in their youthful 
 minds such a deep love of country and veneration for 
 the Union as would prove an invulnerable shield 
 against the corruptive blight of demagoguism and 
 the more open and sweeping assaults of treason by 
 which they might be assailed in the future.
 
 THE YOUNG INV1NCIBLES. 129 
 
 Colonel "White proceeded systematically with his 
 young company. After perfecting them in the proper 
 " position," according to the rules laid down at their 
 first meeting, he instructed them in the motions of the 
 head by the commands, " Eyes right ; " " Front ; " 
 " Eyes left ; " " Front ; " " Rest ; " " Attention ; " and 
 so on. Then came the different " facings," followed 
 by forward marching, and marching obliquely. 
 
 In all these lessons the old soldier insisted on pre- 
 cision, and no one of the pupils ever demurred ; for all 
 felt an increasing interest in the movement. When 
 instructing them in the different "wsteps," he would 
 often post himself ten or twelve paces in their front, 
 facing them, and if he could see the sole of a single 
 shoe as the foot was raised or planted, or discover any 
 waving of the upper part of the body, he would tell 
 the pupil that it would not do, and kindly explain the 
 cause and effect of the inaccuracy. 
 
 As the colonel kept George constantly in advance of 
 the rest of the company in tactical information, he 
 received much assistance from that intelligent youth 
 in drilling the Invincibles. The result was, that by 
 the combined efforts of the two, the young soldiers 
 were so far advanced in the course of a few weeks, 
 that their instructor imparted to them the gratifying 
 information, at the close of one of their drills, that 
 9
 
 130 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 they might now make application to their parents for 
 a plain blue uniform, arms, and equipments, and 
 report progress on their next drill-day. And he par- 
 ticularly impressed upon their minds his desire that no 
 one would absent himself on account of being unsuc- 
 cessful. 
 
 This information was received with rounds of ap- 
 plause by the happy boys, nearly all of whom had 
 received encouragement from their parents that their 
 hopes would be realized with regard to a soldier's 
 outfit. Many of the good people of Harryseek.it, who 
 had thought lightly of the project at first, were now 
 willing to accede to the wishes of their boys, seeing 
 that they took so deep an interest in the movement, 
 and being convinced that it was having a good influ- 
 ence in more ways than one. 
 
 Squire Belmont had no children ; but both he and 
 his wife had hearts, and they took pleasure in doing 
 their full share towards making the children of others 
 happy. This whole-souled man had talked the matter 
 over with Colonel White, with regard to the boys' 
 outfit, and requested to be informed of every instance 
 where parents were unable or unwilling to furnish 
 the same, pledging himself to raise among his friends, 
 or make up from his own purse, a sum sufficient to 
 accomplish the object. So the colonel knew upon
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 131 
 
 what he was relying when he hinted to the boys 
 that they need not be discouraged if they were 
 unsuccessful in their appeals at home. 
 
 The next drill-day arrived, and forty-two of the 
 members of the Invincibles reported that their parents 
 were ready to furnish all that was required. This left 
 only eight to be provided for. Their instructor con- 
 gratulated the company upon its great success, and 
 informed the disappointed few that Squire Belmont 
 had pledged himself to see that they had their uni- 
 forms and equipments with the others. Such cheers 
 as went forth from fifty young throats when this 
 announcement was made, would have done that kind 
 and indulgent gentleman's heart good to hear. 
 
 Mr. Cutter, the village tailor, was at once furnished 
 with a good job in making up the uniforms, and, 
 having a taste for patriotism, as well as for " cab- 
 bage," he readily agreed to make a deduction of 
 one dollar on each suit from his first price, and 
 warranted that the uniforms should not be made of 
 " shoddy." Every seamstress in town was employed 
 on the uniforms, and many ladies volunteered their 
 services to assist, in order to finish the whole in the 
 shortest possible space of time. 
 
 A large number of the boys, and some of their 
 parents, proposed that they should have short, light
 
 132 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 fire-arms ; but that matter was finally left with Colonel 
 White to settle, who decided that they had better order 
 the regular army musket, as the young soldiers would 
 be constantly growing stronger, and their guns would 
 seem lighter and lighter, from week to week, as they 
 continued to practise with them. This, the colonel 
 argued, would be of great importance to them should 
 they be called upon to take the field at some future 
 day. 
 
 At the second regular meeting after the above mat- 
 ter was decided upon, the Young Invincibles appeared 
 in their neat uniforms, with fifty muskets, and all 
 necessary equipments for home drill. And now they 
 began to feel that they were soldiers indeed. In fact, 
 as they stood in perfect line, on that first occasion, 
 with their muskets at shoulder, they did make quite a 
 soldierly appearance. And in justice to their tailor it 
 should be said (we really hope he did not afterwards 
 become an army contractor) that they certainly looked 
 as if they might pass through a north-east storm, and 
 have something besides their knapsacks left on their 
 backs. 
 
 Colonel White, in his younger days, had been con- 
 sidered one of the most finished swordsmen in the 
 country ; and he had recently taken much pains with 
 George Herrick in the art of fencing, whose eagle eye
 
 TEE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 133 
 
 and steady nerves had made him a most apt scholar ; 
 and his teacher soon pronounced "him a complete 
 master of the weapon. 
 
 The boys took additional interest when they began 
 to drill with their muskets, and gave the closest atten- 
 tion to all instructions. Consequently they made rapid 
 progress, and at the end of a few more weeks they 
 understood quite perfectly the ordinary manual exer- 
 cise ; loading and firing without cartridges ; loading 
 in nine times, in four times, and loading at will ; direct 
 firing, and oblique firing to the right and left ; 
 position of the ranks in direct and oblique firing ; 
 firing by file ; marching, and wheeling to the right 
 and left, and so on. 
 
 Colonel White was thus far very much gratified with 
 the advancement of his pupils ; and the company began 
 to attract a good many spectators at their drills. He 
 now advised them to elect permanent oflicers, under 
 whose orders the company should be, subject to his 
 advice at all times, as he would still remain their 
 instructor, and should take pleasure in continuing to 
 give them all the information that was practicable. 
 The colonel declined to make any suggestions as to 
 the most suitable candidates. He believed the boys 
 had sufficient intelligence and discrimination to make 
 a judicious selection for themselves ; and they would
 
 134 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 feel their own responsibility more by acting thus inde- 
 pendently. They at once made choice of the following 
 officers : 
 
 Captain, George Herrick ; Lieutenants, Charles 
 Sprague, James L. Sherman ; Sergeants, Thomas 
 Sprightly, John "Wilson, Aaron H. Merrill ; Corpo- 
 rals, William C. Hunter, Walter Lovejoy, David C. 
 Crocket, Robert Lincoln. 
 
 Horace Copeland and Rufus Prince, two boys who 
 signified their wish to join after the original fifty had 
 formed the company, commenced taking lessons in 
 drumming and fifing, and were, ere long, prepared to 
 act as musicians. 
 
 When the list of officers was shown to Colonel 
 White, he appeared to be well pleased, and said he 
 thought a better selection could not have been made ; 
 and he had no doubt but that the company would now 
 improve more rapidly than ever before, as the officers 
 would be likely to feel more pride in its advancement. 
 The colonel's opinion proved to be correct. 
 
 It was past the middle of August, and, with other 
 exciting news that was almost daily reaching the North 
 from some of the scenes of conflict, came that of the 
 hard-fought battle of Wilson's Creek, where the rebels 
 were defeated, but with the loss to the Union cause of 
 the young and brave General Lyon.
 
 THE YOUNG INVISIBLES. 135 
 
 When drill was over, on the first Wednesday after- 
 noon after the reception of this news, the colonel 
 alluded to the battle, informed the boys that he had* 
 known the young and brave General Lyon well before 
 his promotion, and before the war broke out ; spoke of 
 his excellence both as a man and an officer, and of the 
 great loss the country had sustained in his death. He 
 then took occasion to remark that certain and rapid 
 promotion awaited scores of patriotic and deserving 
 young men, who should perform their duty faithfully 
 in this war, whether as officers or privates. 
 
 The old gentleman's remarks made a visible im- 
 pression on the young company, for he was one of the 
 few who always know the right words and the right 
 time on all occasions. It was a pleasant afternoon, 
 and quite a number of the neighbors were present, 
 who had been witnessing the drill, among whom 
 were some half dozen ladies, and as many young 
 girls companions of Lucy White. 
 
 As the colonel finished speaking, Lucy came trip- 
 ping along to him, and placed in his hand a copy of 
 the " Harryseekit Express," published that day, con- 
 taining an account of the affecting incident connected 
 with the battle of Wilson's Greek of the little drum- 
 mer boy from Tennessee, belonging to a Western 
 regiment, who was discovered on the morning after the
 
 136 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 battle, by the sound of his drum, which he was beating 
 to call attention to himself, having had both feet car- 
 ried away by a cannon ball ; and when found, a dead 
 rebel soldier, who had been fatally wounded in the 
 battle, was lying near him, who had kindly, in his last 
 moments, corded the boy's legs with his own suspenders, 
 in the endeavor to prevent him from bleeding to death. 
 In a few remarks introducing this incident, the 
 editor further alluded to some original lines on the 
 same subject, in the " poet's corner," signed " T. ST," 
 which he said were kindly furnished by a sprightly 
 young member of the Invincibles. The colonel de- 
 tected the authorship of the lines at once by the 
 initials and the editor's remark, and calling George 
 (we ask his pardon) Captain Herrick, who was an 
 excellent reader, requested him to read, for the edifica- 
 tion of all, the affecting little narrative. George readily 
 complied, and then proceeded to read the versification, 
 which ran as follows : 
 
 LITTLE EDDIE, 
 
 THE DRUMMER BOY OF THE FIRST IOWA REGIMENT. 
 
 NEAK Wilson's Creek, at early dawn, 
 Where blood had flowed most free, 
 
 The guard was startled on his post 
 At sound of reveille.
 
 THE YOUXG INVINCIBLES. 137 
 
 (The horrors of that hard-fought field 
 
 "Were fresh on memory's page, 
 And pondering o'er the bloody lines 
 
 One night had seemed an age.) 
 
 When on his ear the sound first broke, 
 
 He thought the rebel drum 
 Was beating up the morning call, 
 
 Just o'er the creek's dark run ; 
 But now, anon, from deep ravine 
 
 Came up both full and clear, 
 " Rap-tap, rap-tap, rap-tap, tap, tap ! " 
 
 Familiar to his ear. 
 
 " Our drummer boy, from Tennessee, 
 
 Is in the vale below ! " 
 The guard quick cried to comrades near, 
 
 " I hear his well-known blow ; 
 We missed him in the thickest fight ; 
 
 His name's among the slain ; 
 What joy 'twill cause our regiment 
 
 To welcome him again ! " 
 
 Then dashing down the steep hillside, 
 
 O'er brush and fallen tree, 
 The soldier stood, with brimful eye, 
 
 Before dear Eddie Lee.
 
 138 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 "Good corporal," the brave boy cries, 
 "I hear the brook near by, 
 
 But cannot walk a single step, 
 Though I am parched and dry." 
 
 The stream is reached without delay; 
 
 The cooling water drips, 
 As back the soldier bears the draught 
 
 For Eddie's fevered lips. 
 The famished boy clasps quick the prize, 
 
 His raging thirst to slake. 
 O War ! his friend beheld a sight 
 
 To cause one's heart to break ! 
 
 This youth of twelve, so good, so brave,- 
 
 The pet and pride of all, 
 Had lost both feet in carnage dread, 
 
 By ruthless cannon ball! 
 But not a murmur passed the lips 
 
 Of this poor mangled child, 
 Whose bleeding form had lain all night 
 
 Exposed in forest wild. 
 
 " Good corporal," brave Eddie said, 
 " Please have the surgeon come, 
 
 To see if he can cure my feet 
 For who will beat the drum?
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 139 
 
 This man, near by, was very kind; 
 
 These cords he gently tied, 
 To stop the blood from flowing fast 
 
 Then sank to earth and died." 
 
 He pointed to a plat of grass, 
 
 "Look! look!" with feeble breath; 
 For there a mangled rebel lay, 
 
 Embraced by icy death. 
 A man of noble soul was he: 
 
 While life was ebbing low, 
 To Eddie's side he'd tottered on, 
 
 And checked the crimson flow. 
 
 The soldier, fearful of surprise, 
 
 And hearing horses' tramp, 
 Caught Eddie up in stalwart arms, 
 
 And hastened towards camp. 
 Too late ! a rebel troop draw nigh, 
 
 And cut off all retreat, 
 " I yield," he cried ; " but mercy show 
 
 This brave boy without feet ! " 
 
 The captain of the rebel troop 
 
 Took Eddie up in front : 
 "O War!" he cried; "a child like this 
 
 To stand the battle's brunt!"
 
 140 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 "My father fell in Tennessee," 
 
 The boy then faintly said; 
 " He loved the Union ; so do I " 
 
 The drummer boy was dead ! 
 
 " Tom," said Colonel "White, as George finished 
 reading, " I did not believe you capable of such depth 
 of feeling. However much these lines may lack the 
 merit of true poetry, they do credit to your heart." 
 
 " I suppose that is the whole trouble with me," 
 replied Tom, in his usual light manner. " All my 
 better feelings lie so very deep, that they are strangled 
 before they see the light. Nothing but bubbles reach 
 the surface." 
 
 As the Invincibles proceeded to their respective 
 homes that evening, it was with feelings of higher 
 regard for their usually frolicsome young sergeant 
 than they ever before entertained.
 
 THE YOUNG IXVINCIBLES. 141 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 MASON AND SLIDELL. 
 
 S winter approached, Colonel White suggested 
 to the Invincibles that it would be advisable 
 for them to lay aside their uniforms until 
 spring, except on some particular occasions, as their 
 drill days might often occur in stormy weather, which 
 would subject them to an unnecessary wear and tear, 
 and give them a rusty appearance. 
 
 He also offered them the use of a good, dry room 
 over his carriage-house for an armory, which was 
 sufficiently large for their arms and equipments, 
 though there was not sufficient space for drilling ; 
 but the colonel proposed to remedy this want by 
 having them use his large barn floor when the weath- 
 er was too inclement to drill in" the open air. By this 
 arrangement the boys would be relieved of the trouble 
 of carrying their muskets back and forth, and could 
 continue to receive instructions without exposure in 
 stormy weather.
 
 142 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Fortunately for the young soldiers, the Wednesday 
 afternoons proved remarkably pleasant through the 
 winter, so that it was not found necessary, in a single 
 instance, to resort to the barn for the purpose of drill. 
 Everything went on finely with them. There was no 
 lack of interest shown either by pupils or teacher. 
 The officers proved to be remarkably efficient, and 
 could now handle the company in a very, creditable 
 manner without assistance ; but Colonel White always 
 made it a point to be present, and never failed to find 
 an opportunity to give valuable advice, both in military 
 knowledge and patriotic duty. The boys entertained 
 a high degree of respect and love for their venerable 
 instructor, without a single exception. The great in- 
 terest he took in them, and his uniform kindness 
 towards them, rendered it almost a matter of impos- 
 sibility that any different feelings could abide in their 
 breasts. 
 
 We are not certain that the Young Invincibles did 
 not enjoy their winter drills even more than they had 
 done those of the preceding summer, for Colonel 
 White often invited them into his house after their 
 exercises were over, where, throwing off all military 
 restraint, without putting on rudeness, they always had 
 a good social time, often made more interesting by the 
 presence of Lucy and some few of her school-girl
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 143 
 
 companions. Sometimes the colonel would relate in- 
 teresting reminiscences of the war of 1812 ; and 
 occasionally Uncle Bill Ballast would come in and 
 " spin a yarn " for them, which they always enjoyed 
 exceedingly, as the old sailor never took offence at the 
 frequent interruptions he met with from the young and 
 merry group. 
 
 It was early in the month of January, and the boys, 
 having finished their drill, were assembled in Colonel 
 White's large, old-fashioned family keeping-room, and 
 were discussing the case of Mason and Slidell, who 
 had just been released from Fort Warren, in Boston 
 Harbor, on the demand of the British government. 
 Uncle Bill was present, and took strong ground against 
 giving them up. At the time of their capture by Com- 
 mander Wilkes, the old sailor was highly delighted, as 
 he took great pride in all naval achievements ; and 
 the spirited little affair by the commander of the 
 San Jacinto in taking the two rebel ministers of state 
 from the Trent, one of the British mail steamers, had 
 pleased Uncle Bill more than any event of the war up 
 to that time. And now the fact of surrendering them. 
 to the British authorities was a dash of cold water to 
 the old seaman's enthusiasm. However, after hearing 
 Colonel White's arguments on the present occasion in
 
 144 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 favor of the measure, he acknowledged that policy 
 demanded it. 
 
 " The persistency of the British government in 
 searching our vessels was one of the main causes of 
 the last war with that country, you know, Uncle Bill," 
 said the colonel ; " and now, in demanding the sur- 
 render of Mason and Slidell, that government virtually 
 abandons the 'right of search,' which it has never 
 wholly given up before ; and thus the affair places 
 that country precisely where our government desires it 
 should be placed." 
 
 " Yes ; I see that we have got them on the wind- 
 ward tack there," replied the old sailor ; " but I hate 
 to knuckle a grain to John Bull." 
 
 "We should never let pride not even national 
 pride stand in the way of right and justice," re- 
 joined Colonel White. 
 
 " By the way, Tom Sprightly," said Uncle Bill, 
 turning to that youth, " where is that string of verses 
 you promised to write for me when the news first came 
 about the ' Trent ' affair ? You said you would give me 
 something to the point, none of your sentimental 
 stuff, something that would have a good jolly ring 
 to it, to suit the old sailor boys that I meet when I go 
 down to Capeland." 
 
 "I know I did, Uncle Bill," replied Tom; "and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 145 
 
 I've been waiting to see Low the matter was coming 
 out. I don't think Wilkes should lose any of the 
 honor in capturing them if our government has thought 
 best to give them up do you, Uncle Bill ? " 
 
 " Not a bit of it." 
 
 "I knew you'd say so, and I've immortalized the 
 brave TVilkes for you in these ' railroad lines ' ; " and 
 taking a sheet of paper from his pocket, he rattled off 
 the following at locomotive speed : 
 
 MASON AND SLIDELL. 
 
 Two old men of late, 
 Envoys fain would be, 
 
 Stealing from their state, 
 Ventured out to sea. 
 
 Under British flag, 
 
 Thought themselves secure; 
 And full oft did brag, 
 
 "Union we abjure." 
 
 One was bound to France, 
 Crying, Cotton King, 
 
 Kound the throne to dance, 
 Cutting "pigeon-wing." 
 10
 
 146 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 T'other sought John Bull, 
 On the double-quick, 
 
 Cotton-wool to pull 
 O'er the eyes of " Vic." 
 
 Wilkes, the brave and bold, 
 Heard, by merest chance, 
 
 Of these rebels old, 
 England-bound, and France- 
 
 And, in nick of time, 
 Shot across the bow 
 
 Johnny Bull's Mail Line;' 
 Kicking up a row ; 
 
 Taking the old men, 
 
 Secretaries too, 
 Left the ship again, 
 
 Bidding "Bull" adieu. 
 
 "Johnny's" captain swore, 
 Roundly, he would tell 
 
 How the Yankee tore 
 Mason and Slidell 
 
 From the British flag, 
 On the great high seas. 
 
 Wilkes, the funny wag, 
 Answered, " If you please ! "
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 147 
 
 Now, these rebels bold 
 
 Knew not what to do ; 
 Bound to England Old, 
 
 Soon reached England New. 
 
 O, how changed their fate ! 
 
 'Stead of royal Court, 
 Ministers of State 
 
 Shut up in a fort! 
 
 Johnny took his stand; 
 
 Sent a note to tell 
 Lyons to demand 
 
 Mason and Slidell. 
 
 Soon came cause to grieve 
 
 Bull was in the thorns; 
 Seward, on qui vive, 
 
 Seized him by the horns. 
 
 "Do you want these chaps? 
 
 Well, 'tis very well; 
 Take them, and their 'traps,' 
 
 Mason and Slidell." 
 
 But said Johnny, " O, 
 
 We don't like this trade ; 
 Thought you would say No; 
 
 Then we'd raise blockade."
 
 148 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Thank you, Johnny, dear ; 
 
 Oft there is a slip 
 When the draught is near 
 
 'Twixt the cup and lip. 
 
 Do you dread the " birch " ? 
 
 Johnny, then repent ; 
 For your " Right of Search " 
 
 Vanished with the Trent. 
 
 We've met your demand 
 
 "Mason and Slidell;" 
 Take them by the hand, 
 
 Cotton they will sell! 
 
 Keep them, if you choose 
 Traitors black at heart ! 
 
 Save them from the " noose ; " 
 Play a two-faced part. 
 
 " Bravo ! " cried Uncle Bill, as he took the paper 
 from Tom's hand, and tried to make out some of the 
 lines without the aid of his spectacles. " Bravo ! 
 Tom ; you've hit the nail right square on the head. 
 It's just what I wanted, for it's got the true ring to it. 
 
 ' Wilkes, the brave and bold,' " 
 
 struck up the old sailor, in an air of his own manu- 
 facture.
 
 THE YOUNG IXV1NCIBLES. 149 
 
 " Now for a story from Uncle Bill," cried Tom 
 Sprightly, " or I'll never write any more verses for 
 him with the ' true ring ' to them." 
 
 " Yes, yes," chimed in numerous voices, " you must 
 give us a yarn now, Uncle Bill." 
 
 "I'll tell you a true story, boys," said the old 
 sailor. " I'm getting to be too old to spin yarns." 
 
 "Just think of it!" cried Charlie Sprague "a 
 true story from Uncle Bill ! " 
 
 " Don't mind him, Uncle Bill," said Tom Sprightly, 
 with apparent indignation. " He's nothing but a stuck- 
 up young lieutenant. We older men know how to 
 appreciate your abilities. Now, I believe all your sea 
 stories as firmly as I do Robinson Crusoe." 
 
 " O, you're a set of young rogues," replied the old 
 tar, in perfect good nature, " and I should serve you 
 right not to tell you a story at all. But as this is true, 
 I guess I'll give you the benefit of it."
 
 150 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 UNCLE BILL'S STORY. 
 
 I first gave up going to sea (com- 
 menced Uncle Bill), I lived over to the 
 Point, and used to work about the shipyard, 
 doing odd jobs, and assisting in rigging the vessels 
 after they were launched. The ship-carpenters owned, 
 among them, a good stanch boat, in which they used to 
 make occasional trips (always leaving home at night) 
 down the bay to Capeland, rowing all the distance 
 when the wind was not fair for sailing, where, on the 
 next day, they would buy a boat-load of provisions, 
 and return again at night thus losing only one day's 
 time, which the difference in the prices of their pur- 
 chases between the two places made up for, and saved 
 them good many dollars besides. 
 
 The distance, you know, boys, is about sixteen miles, 
 and the bay is nowhere more than three miles wide ; so 
 the water was generally very smooth, and when the 
 wind was fair it was quite a fine little sail. As they
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCWLES. 151 
 
 always took pleasant weather for the trip, and moon- 
 light nights if they could so arrange it, there was no 
 difficulty in keeping their course ; in fact, many of the 
 men had been back and forth so often that they thought 
 they could pilot the way on the darkest night that ever 
 was. Occasionally I would take a trip with them, and 
 they always had a good laugh at me because I insisted 
 upon taking my compass ; but I told them the laugh 
 would be on the other side some time and so it 
 proved. 
 
 It was in the month of August, and five of the 
 workmen Johnson, Eogers, Pratt, Stetson, and 
 Smith decided one Friday to make one of their 
 trips down to Capeland. They usually went in a 
 party of five, divided into regular " watches," one 
 man at the helm, two at the oars when it was neces- 
 sary to row, and two in " the watch below," as the 
 boat had a good dry " cuddy," where two could sleep 
 comfortably. By this arrangement they all got rest 
 and sleep enough to enable them to go right to work in 
 the yard the same morning they arrived home. 
 
 I was at the little wharf when the above-named 
 party was getting ready to start. It was about nine 
 o'clock in the evening. The day had been quite cool 
 for the time of year, with a fresh easterly breeze ; 
 but it was then perfectly calm ; and, although it was
 
 152 PATEIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 clear overhead, with the moon well along in her first 
 quarter, I felt certain, by the feeling of the atmosphere, 
 that fog was hanging about the bay. So I said to 
 Johnson, 
 
 " If I'm not much mistaken, you'll meet a thick 
 fog before you get two miles down the bay, and I 
 should advise you to take my compass. It's right 
 here in the sail-loft, and I'll get it for you if you'll 
 have it." 
 
 " Thank you, Uncle Bill," replied Johnson ; " but 
 when I can't find my way down to Capeland without a 
 compass, I'll stay at home, and pay Cheatem his own 
 prices. Besides, old fellow, you couldn't find your way 
 to bed without your compass." 
 
 This, of course, brought down a laugh from the 
 whole party at my expense, while Smith said, 
 
 " No, no, Uncle Bill, we won't take your compass ; 
 for if the fog you speak of comes along before you get 
 up to the house, you might mistake the light, and run 
 into Cheatem's by mistake." 
 
 This allusion was to Cheatem's bar-room, kept at 
 that time in the back part of his store. But, thanks 
 to our good friend here, Colonel White, I had given up 
 the practice of taking my "grog" long before that 
 day. So Smith's shot fell short of the mark. They 
 continued to laugh at me, and joke me about my
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 152 
 
 compass, however, till they were ready to start, when 
 Rogers called out to me, 
 
 " Now, Uncle Bill, I advise you to lay your course 
 carefully by the compass before you start for home, ; for 
 we should feel very sorry to hear, when we get back, 
 that you got lost in the fog to-night whether the fog 
 is from the Bay of Fundy, or from Cheatem's Bar." 
 
 "Well, Smith," I replied, "you can joke me as 
 much as you please about my opinion ; but I tell you, 
 no seaman would think of going from here to Cape- 
 land without taking a compass in his boat. Perhaps 
 you'll learn something by experience before you die." 
 
 " Good by, Uncle Bill," said they all, pleasantly, as 
 they pushed their boat off from the wharf ; and Stetson 
 added, " I hope it won't be so foggy that you can't find 
 your way to bed." 
 
 " Good night. I hope it won't be so foggy that you 
 can't find your way to Capeland," I replied, as I turned 
 and walked up the wharf tOAvards home, more and 
 more convinced, as I proceeded, that there would be a 
 heavy fog in the bay with the flood tide. I reached 
 home in a few minutes, and " turned in," to dream 
 that Johnson and his companions got lost in the fog, 
 and that I had to take another boat, and my compass, 
 and go and find them. 
 
 There was not a breath of wind, and of course the
 
 154 PATEIOTISM AT HOAfE, OB 
 
 party in the boat was obliged to use the oars. The 
 " watches " for the night were soon arranged, which 
 gave Stetson and Pratt the first watch below ; and they 
 at once turned in, leaving Johnson to stand the first 
 "trick" at the helm, with the other two men at the 
 oars. Having an abundance of time to reach Cape- 
 land by daybreak, they proceeded very leisurely down 
 the bay, keeping over towards the opposite and western 
 shore. They had not gone far, however, when John- 
 son remarked, 
 
 " Uncle Bill was right about the fog, after all. Just 
 see how it is drifting in round Goose Rock ! " 
 
 His companions rested on their oars a moment, and 
 looked in the direction named. 
 
 " Uncle Bill is no fool about the weather," said 
 Rogers, as the two pulled away at their oars again ; 
 " but his idea of sticking a compass under everybody's 
 nose is perfect nonsense. Say, Johnson, think you can 
 keep her headed towards Capeland if it is a little 
 
 foggy?" 
 
 " I'd like to see the fog so thick for once that I 
 couldn't find my way up and down Harryseekit Bay," 
 replied the helmsman, with a contemptuous laugh. 
 
 " Uncle Bill is troubled somewhat with compass ' on 
 the brain,' I reckon," said Smith, as he pulled away at 
 his oar.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 155 
 
 In the course of ten minutes more they were com- 
 pletely enveloped in the fog, losing sight of all the little 
 islands as well as the main shore ; but Johnson had no 
 misgivings about keeping the boat headed down the 
 bay, and his companions tugged away at their oars 
 until two hours had expired, when Pratt and Stetson 
 were called, and took their turn at rowing, while 
 Rogers and Smith occupied their places in the 
 cuddy. 
 
 " Well, Johnson, Uncle Bill's fog has really come 
 upon us," said Pratt, as he and Stetson pulled away 
 lustily at their oars. 
 
 "Yes, Pratt, the old sailor hit it right about the 
 fog," replied Johnson ; "but I don't need his compass 
 yet." 
 
 " I'm glad you know which way we are going," re- 
 marked Stetson, " for I own up that I'm completely in 
 the dark. But if I had been awake all the time, per- 
 haps it would be all right with me." 
 
 The next two hours passed away, and the party in 
 the boat saw nothing but water and fog. By this time 
 they should have been near Capeland; but they had 
 seen no object since they lost sight of the little islands 
 by which they could judge of their whereabouts, and 
 even Johnson was now obliged to own up that he 
 didn't know anything about where they were, but
 
 156 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 thought they must be within two or three miles of 
 their destined port. 
 
 It was now decided to have a general consultation ; 
 and so Rogers and Smith were called. After talking 
 the matter over for some time, they came to the con- 
 clusion that it was useless to attempt to reach Capeland 
 until they could get some landmark ; and Johnson 
 proposed that Smith should take the helm, as he was 
 the smallest man of the party, and that the other four 
 should row together smartly for an hour, which would 
 probably bring them to the land somewhere, and they 
 could find out where they were, and take a new start. 
 
 The plan was adopted, and the four powerful men 
 tugged away at their oars for' more than an hour ; but 
 still they made no land ; fog and water were all that 
 they could see. They were confident that they had 
 not rowed out to sea between the islands, for in that 
 case there would have been a heavy swell, which they 
 would have noticed at once ; but instead, the water 
 continued perfectly smooth. It was now past two 
 o'clock in the morning ; and as the men were well 
 tired out by their last hour's hard rowing, and had 
 apparently gained nothing by it, they decided to lay 
 on their oars till daylight. 
 
 When day broke, they were much gratified to dis- 
 cover land near at hand, though the fog was still so
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 157 
 
 thick that they could see nothing distinctly. Seizing 
 their oars, however, a few hearty strokes brought 
 them quickly to the beach, where they pulled up their 
 boat and made her fast glad of an opportunity to 
 stretch their limbs on the shore after their wearisome 
 night in the boat. As daylight increased a little, 
 Smith exclaimed, 
 
 "Look! there's a shipyard, with a vessel on the 
 stocks. I guess we're not a great ways from Cape- 
 land, any how, for I don't know of any shipyard till 
 we get pretty well down the bay." 
 
 " That's a fact," replied Johnson. " Come, boys, 
 let's find out where we are ; " and all five started off 
 to obtain the desired information. 
 
 They entered the shipyard at one side just as the 
 earliest workman was entering at the other ; and as 
 their eyes rested upon him, they all suddenly stopped, 
 and looked at each other as if greatly surprised. 
 Johnson first found his tongue, and exclaimed, 
 
 " How much that man looks like Sam Lunt ! If 
 we hadn't left him at home last night, I could take my 
 oath that that man was Sam." 
 
 " He does look a good deal like him," said Rogers ; 
 " but I think he is a little taller." 
 
 "/don't think he's any taller," remarked Stetson; 
 " and see, he's a little lame, just like Lunt."
 
 158 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " He does look something like Sam, I think," said 
 Pratt ; " but he's altogether too broad about the 
 shoulders." 
 
 "And don't you see that he's lame in the wrong 
 leg ? " added Smith, as the man walked along towards 
 the vessel. 
 
 "No, I don't," replied Johnson. "The fact is, 
 Smith, you're so completely turned round, that you 
 don't know the right side from the left." 
 
 " Well," retorted Smith, " my Irain isn't so turned 
 as to mistake that man for Sam Lunt, especially when 
 we all know that we left him at Colonel White's ship- 
 yard last night." 
 
 " Of course I didn't think it was Sam," responded 
 Johnson ; " I only said it looked very much like him ; 
 and I say so still. However, let's hail the chap, and 
 find out where we are." 
 
 They all walked along towards the workman, who 
 now noticed them for the first time, and who, on his 
 part, seemed to show some surprise at this unex- 
 pected visit of the boat's crew. 
 
 " I say, friend," inquired Johnson, " can you tell us 
 how far we are from Capeland ? " 
 
 " Well," replied the carpenter, partially turning his 
 back upon the party as he spoke, " I don't know 'zactly 
 how far it is."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 159 
 
 " O, we're not particular as to the exact distance," 
 replied Johnson ; " tell us about how far it is." 
 
 " Well, it's a number of miles by land, and a good 
 deal furder by water," responded the workman, as he 
 took off his coat and threw it upon a stick of timber, 
 preparatory to commencing work. 
 
 " Confound the fellow, how stupid he is ! " said 
 Smith, aside to his companions. Then, in a louder 
 tone, he continued, "Well, friend, what place is this? 
 We got lost in the fog last night in the bay, and don't 
 know where we are." 
 
 " What place is it? why, don't you see? it's a ship- 
 yard;" and the man took up his broadaxe, and ap- 
 peared to be examining its edge very carefully. 
 
 " The fellow is a fool, I really believe," said Rogers, 
 in a low voice ; " but let's pump something out of 
 him at all events. See what you can do with him, 
 Stetson." 
 
 As they gathered up nearer to the man, they did not 
 notice that half a dozen more of the workmen had 
 come into the yard, and were standing in a group just 
 behind them, listening to the conversation. 
 
 " My good fellow," commenced Stetson, in a suppli- 
 cating tone, "can't "you tell us something near how far 
 it is from here to Capeland ? " 
 
 " Why, yes," he replied, seeming, all of a sudden,
 
 160 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 to have become more intelligent ; " it's just about six- 
 teen miles." 
 
 " Sixteen miles!" repeated Stetson, in amazement. 
 " Are you sure it's so far as that? " 
 
 " Yes, I am certain of it," replied the man with 
 the axe. 
 
 " That's a good joke," said Stetson, turning to his 
 companions. " "We must never let Uncle Bill hear 
 of this. We have rowed right past Capeland sixteen 
 miles." 
 
 " It won't be much of a joke, though, rowing back 
 against this strong easterly breeze that's springing up," 
 remarked Pratt. 
 
 " You see, my friend," said Stetson, again address- 
 ing the carpenter, who had grown extremely red in 
 the face, was shaking all over, and looked as if he was 
 going into a fit, " we started from Harryseekit last 
 evening to row down to Capeland, and, after row- 
 ing all night, this is the first land we made, for 
 we were completely lost in the fog. What town 
 is this?" 
 
 The carpenter now turned his face fully upon his 
 visitors, and they all started as if they had seen a 
 ghost. It was Sam Lunt, and no mistake. 
 
 "In the name of wonder," exclaimed Johnson, 
 "how came you here, Sam Lunt?"
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 161 
 
 " In the name of wonder," replied Lunt, " where 
 would you expect to find me?" 
 
 " Why, where we left you last night, of course," 
 responded Johnson u at Colonel White's shipyard." 
 
 "Well, I rather guess your brain is still in the fog, 
 for this is Colonel White's shipyard, where you have 
 worked for the last ten years ! " shouted Sam Lunt, 
 bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, in which 
 he was joined by the whole gang of workmen belong- 
 ing to the yard, who had assembled just in time to 
 witness the winding up of the joke. 
 
 The light now flashed upon the bewildered party. 
 TJiey had rowed in a circle all night, and landed just 
 where they started from. They gave a scream that 
 could have been heard for a mile, and started for 
 their boat. They didn't show their heads in the ship- 
 yard again till the next Monday morning. They 
 didn't hear the last about getting lost in the fog in a 
 hurry, I can tell you. But they were all good-natured 
 fellows, and never took offence at being joked about it. 
 And they never laughed at me about my compass 
 again, and never went to Capeland without it after 
 that day. 
 
 " And now, boys," continued Uncle Bill, " my true 
 story is ended, and the moral of the whole thing is, 
 11
 
 162 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Never go to sea without a compass and let that com- 
 pass be the ' Good Book ' ! " 
 
 The company had been highly entertained by the old 
 sailor's story, and laughed most heartily at the funny 
 denouement. Had they been out doors, they would 
 undoubtedly have cheered Uncle Bill lustily. As it 
 was, they contented themselves by passing him a vote 
 of thanks, at which he appeared to be perfectly well 
 satisfied.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 1G3 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 THE FRESHET. 
 
 yXUSUAL quantities of snow had fallen during 
 the winter, most of which had continued on 
 the ground up to the present time, the early 
 part of March. For a few days past, however, the 
 weather had been mild, with indications of rain. It 
 was Wednesday afternoon, drill-day with the Harry- 
 seekit " Invincibles," and, notwithstanding the threaten- 
 ing aspect of the weather and the " slosh " under foot, 
 the members began to assemble as the hour of two 
 drew near, on their usual parade-ground in front of 
 Colonel White's. 
 
 It was already beginning to rain, and the colonel 
 considered the state of the weather and the state of 
 the parade-ground sufficient arguments for giving his 
 young soldiers temporary shelter. Accordingly he 
 proposed to them that they should take possession of 
 his large barn floor, which was clear and clean, and of 
 ample dimensions for the required purpose. This
 
 164 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 proposition was readily assented to by the boys, who 
 did not consider it at all unsoldierlike to retreat before 
 a north-easter that was being heavily reenforced by 
 the old Storm-king himself. Tom Sprightly was the 
 only one who made any objection, declaring, con- 
 temptuously, that soldiers who were afraid of 
 getting their skins Avet might skulk into a barn like 
 a parcel of calves ; but they would deserve to be 
 thoroughly cowhided, and to have their names changed 
 to the Barn-stable Invisibles. Still, Tom was the 
 very first one to reach cover, turning somersets 
 the whole length, of the barn, and making a grand 
 racket generally, in order, he said, to ascertain if 
 Colonel White kept sound sleepers underneath the 
 floor. 
 
 It was now near the time of roll-call. The boys 
 had not mustered so strongly as usual, on account of 
 the bad walking many of them living at a distance ; 
 and George Herrick had not yet made his appearance. 
 On inquiry being made for him, it was ascertained 
 that he had gone with the horse and sleigh to take 
 Lucy and some of the neighbors' girls up to Squire 
 Belmont's, where the School-girls' Soldiers' Aid Society 
 met that afternoon. 
 
 Presently George drove into the yard. The wind 
 had greatly increased, and the rain was now falling
 
 THE YOUNG IXVIXCIBLES. 165 
 
 rapidly. As he entered the barn, he said to Colonel 
 White, who had that moment joined the boys, 
 
 " I shouldn't wonder much if we should have a 
 freshet, for when I came back over the bridge. I 
 noticed that the water was beginning to rise." 
 
 " I don't think the thaw has continued long enough, 
 as yet, to cause any great rise in the streams," replied 
 the colonel. " At all events, not enough to trouble our 
 bridge, which has never been considered in any danger 
 since it was built. The stone abutments are very firm, 
 and the whole structure is stronger every way than the 
 old one that was carried away by the great freshet of 
 1840." 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! " exclaimed Tom 
 Sprightly, pointing out of the barn door; "just see 
 Uncle Bill ! Something is in the wind ; for who ever 
 saw the old fellow move so quickly before ? " 
 
 The eyes of all present followed the direction of 
 Tom's finger, and, sure enough, there was the old 
 sailor coming towards the barn at a shambling gait 
 between a walk and a run, but getting over the ground 
 at an exceedingly fast rate for him. Before he reached 
 the party in the barn, he cried out, 
 
 " Colonel White, we must stand watch by the bridge 
 this afternoon, or it will all go by the board ! Young 
 Joe Stover has just gone down the Landing road, with
 
 166 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 his horse on the clean jump, to tell 'em down there to 
 the Lower Mills to make everything taut and fast, for 
 there is a break in the dam at the foot of Miller's 
 Pond, and at the time he left, the water was pouring 
 through it at the rate of ten knots, and they expected 
 the whole thing would go by the board." 
 
 Miller's Pond was about four miles above the 
 bridge. 
 
 "Attention! boys!" cried the colonel. "We can / 
 have no drill to-day. You needn't take your guns 
 from the armory. We shall get our jackets wet, after 
 all. If the dam up to the pond gives wholly away, the 
 entire Interval will be flooded. The ice will break 
 up, and the current will bring it down with such force 
 as to endanger the bridge. You can render much 
 assistance if you don't become too much excited, and 
 will work with some kind of system. Now I propose 
 to form you into working squads, with separate leaders, 
 all to be under the general direction of some one of 
 experience. How many are present? " 
 
 " Thirty," promptly replied the clerk. 
 
 " Well, let us see. Uncle Bill, you select seven of 
 the boys to be under your charge ; but don't take 
 George Herrick." 
 
 Uncle Bill soon made his selection, which included 
 Tom Sprightly.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 167 
 
 " Now, I want seven of the younger boys for my- 
 self," said Colonel White. 
 
 They at once stepped forward. 
 
 " Now, George, you take charge of seven more, and 
 the remaining eight may choose their own leader." 
 
 This was quickly done ; and the whole arrangement, 
 which had occupied but a few minutes, being satisfac- 
 torily completed, the party immediately started off to 
 the bridge to see how matters looked. It was found 
 that the ice had not broken up at or near that point, 
 but had crumbled away a little in spots at either shore, 
 and the water was fast overflowing the whole surface 
 of the ice as far as could be seen. And notwithstand- 
 ing the rain was now beating down furiously, and the 
 wind was fiercely whistling among the stately elms in 
 the Interval, yet, plainly above these sounds could be 
 heard the roar of the coming flood and the cracking 
 and crashing of the ice afar off up the river, which 
 was positive evidence that the break was extensive, 
 even if the dam had not been carried wholly away, 
 and that the entire body of water in Miller's Pond was 
 rushing down towards the ocean with overwhelming 
 power. 
 
 Colonel White seemed to comprehend all the proba- 
 bilities and dangers of the case at a glance. He saw 
 that the current at the bridge would not be very swift
 
 168 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 until the Interval had become wholly flooded ; but then 
 it would be almost a torrent, for the structure was 
 thrown across the river from hill to hill, and the banks 
 were high and abrupt at each end of the bridge, and 
 so continued for a few rods up stream. The colonel 
 and his party had been the first to reach the spot ; but 
 the news had spread, and now men were fast assem- 
 bling from all quarters. There were several carpen- 
 ters among the number, who were making a good deal 
 of talk as to what was best to be done. Colonel White 
 stepped up on the end of a pile of timber and planks 
 that lay half buried in the snow near the end of the 
 bridge, the remains of lumber that had been used in 
 making repairs the autumn before, and in a tone of 
 voice that all could hear, said, 
 
 " Neighbors, if we expect to save the bridge, AVC 
 must have a temporary breakwater, or ice-guard, 
 made at once from this timber. It should be a float- 
 ing raft, in form of a V, resting against the piers, 
 and pointing up stream. Uncle Bill," continued the 
 colonel, turning to the old seaman, " will you agree 
 to moor a raft safely in that position? " 
 
 " Ay, ay, sir," was the brief, but confident, reply. 
 
 The idea was readily caught at by the carpenters, 
 and many busy hands were at once engaged in freeing 
 the lumber from the snow, and taking it up the river
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 169 
 
 a few rods, to a spot where the ground sloped gently to 
 the water's edge, affording a suitable place for building 
 the raft, as well as for launching it. The Young 
 Invincibles took hold with a will. One of the car- 
 penters had his saw with him, and another had a 
 hatchet and some nails ; so the work immediately com- 
 menced on a small scale, while boys were despatched 
 in different directions for more tools, nails, and 
 whatever seemed most necessary for the emer- 
 gency. Everything seemed to depend upon finishing 
 the raft before the heavy bodies of ice reached the 
 bridge. 
 
 As soon as the raft was decided upon, George Her- 
 rick took one of his squad, and ran Avith all speed back 
 to Colonel White's, tackled up the horse and sleigh, 
 collected all the axes, shovels, picks, crowbars, &c., 
 and piled them in, and then drove along to Uncle Bill's 
 boat-shop, knowing that he had followed them home, 
 where they quickly gathered up a lot of ropes, blocks, 
 and other materials of the kind, of which the old sailor 
 always kept a good supply on hand, and, having placed 
 them in the sleigh, all three jumped in, and were soon 
 back to the bridge. 
 
 The moment the sleigh was unloaded, George said 
 to Colonel White, anxiously, 
 
 " I have this instant thought of Lucy and the other
 
 170 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 girls up at Squire Belmont's. They ought to be home 
 before the bridge is unsafe." 
 
 " Well thought of, my boy," replied the colonel, 
 approvingly. " Drive up there as fast as possible, and 
 bring back every girl that lives on this side of the 
 bridge. I am fearful the flood will be upon us before 
 the raft is completed. I will take charge of your boys 
 while you are absent." 
 
 The work upon the raft now went on bravely. The 
 Invincibles all seemed to vie with each other in their 
 endeavors to facilitate operations. Their praise was in 
 everybody's mouth. But Tom Sprightly stood out 
 prominently before them all. He had been out in the 
 bay frequently with Uncle Bill in his boat, and had 
 spent many hours at different times in the old sailor's 
 boat-shop, and recollecting all that had been told him 
 on these occasions, he probably knew more about 
 ropes and rigging than any of his companions. 
 Uncle Bill understood this ; and 'as soon as he had 
 taken his materials from the sleigh, he said, 
 
 " Tom, I'm going to promote you. A lieutenant 
 ain't nothing. I want you to be my chief mate this 
 afternoon." 
 
 " Thank you, Uncle Bill ; I accept the office, and 
 will do the best I can," replied the lad, touching his 
 cap.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 171 
 
 The old sailor had no reason to regret the appoint- 
 ment, for Tom not only saw that all of Uncle Bill's 
 orders were faithfully carried out, but he performed 
 prodigies of labor himself. He seemed to be every- 
 where present, especially if there was any difficult job 
 to be done ; and his unsurpassed agility enabled him to 
 perform many things where another might have failed. 
 With such an efficient mate, and so active a young 
 crew, the old sailor soon had all his preparations made 
 for mooring the raft as soon as it was completed. He 
 then said to Colonel White, 
 
 " We ought to have some kind of communication 
 with the other shore, in case the bridge does go." 
 
 " I know it," replied the colonel ; " but how can it 
 be done?" 
 
 " Give me one of the carpenters for a few minutes, 
 and I'll soon do the job, with the help of my boys," 
 responded Uncle Bill. 
 
 The carpenter came at once, and soon had two 
 strong posts driven through the snow into the solid 
 earth that covered the stone abutment, about four feet 
 from the commencement of the wooden part of the 
 bridge. These posts were side by side, two feet apart. 
 Across the bridge, on the other abutment, two corre- 
 sponding posts were set. While this was being done, 
 Uncle Bill and Tom measured the distance, and pre-
 
 172 PATEIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 pared two strong ropes, of the proper length, and 
 stretched them across to the tops of the opposite posts, 
 and made them as taut as possible, about three feet 
 above the bridge. Then all of Uncle Bill's gang of 
 boys set nimbly to work tying short pieces of smaller 
 line across from rope to rope, like the ratlines to a 
 ship's shrouds, but long enough to allow the double to 
 drop down about two feet below the main ropes. 
 These lines were placed about four feet apart. This 
 was a work of a very few minutes, as there were many 
 sets of fingers to perform it. To complete the job, 
 some pieces of thick boards, about ten feet in length 
 and eight inches in width, were run along flatwise 
 through these looped lines the whole extent of the 
 ropes, the ends of each two pieces lapping each other, 
 and being firmly lashed together at these points, and 
 also lashed to the lines in which they were suspended. 
 It was a very simple affair, and its construction occu- 
 pied but a few minutes' time ; still, if the framework 
 of the bridge should be carried away, a person could 
 pass over the chasm about forty feet on these 
 suspended lines with comparative safety. The mo- 
 ment it was completed, Tom Sprightly cried out, 
 " Hurrah, boys ! Just see our Suspension Bridge ! 
 I'm going to be the first passenger over it. What's 
 the toll, Uncle Bill?" and springing up, he seized a
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 173 
 
 rope in each hand, and ran the whole length and back 
 again with perfect ease, thus showing the practical 
 working of the experiment. 
 
 The probability is, that no horse ever passed over 
 the mile of ground between the bridge and Squire 
 Belmont's in so short a space of time as did Dancing 
 Jim on this occasion. On reaching the house, George 
 waited for no preliminaries, but at once entered the 
 room where the girls were assembled, and said, 
 
 " Young ladies, don't be alarmed ; but there is dan- 
 ger of a great freshet, and I want all of you who live 
 the other side of the bridge to be in my sleigh in just 
 two minutes. Hurry, but don't be frightened." 
 
 The girls needed no further urging. They ran 
 quickly for their things, and were soon jumping into 
 the sleigh. 
 
 " Is the bridge in danger?" asked Mrs. Belmont. 
 
 " Not yet," replied George ; " and men are at work 
 to guard against accident. But the freshet will be 
 very high." 
 
 " I remember well when the old bridge was carried 
 away, and I hope the same fate will not attend this," 
 remarked the lady. 
 
 The girls were all in the sleigh, and George was 
 ready to jump in, when he turned, in surprise, to Mrs. 
 Belmont, who was standing in the door, and asked,
 
 174 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Where is Lucy White? " 
 
 " O, she and Julia Lovell went up to Mrs. Grover's 
 before it began to rain much, to get some work that 
 that lady had been preparing for the girls to do this 
 afternoon ; and it has rained so fast ever since that I 
 presume she made them stop. Their folks need not 
 worry at all about them, for I know if it don't stop 
 raining soon, Mrs. Grover will send them down here 
 in her sleigh, and I will keep them all night. So you 
 need not expect to see them till the storm is over." 
 
 " Thank you, Mrs. Belmont," replied George ; " that 
 will make it all right ; for I don't see how I can possi- 
 bly take the time now to go up after them." 
 
 " There's no necessity for it," rejoined the lady. "I 
 will be responsible for their safety." 
 
 George sprang into the sleigh, and started his horse 
 at a smart trot on his way back to the bridge.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 175 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 A DANGEROUS PASSAGE. 
 
 oHEN George Herrick reached the bridge 
 with his freight of young school-girls, 
 he was amazed at the change that had 
 taken place during his absence of about twenty 
 minutes. The scene that now presented itself was 
 one of wild and fearful grandeur. The rain was now 
 falling in a complete torrent, and the wind had in- 
 creased almost to a hurricane. The Interval, which 
 less than an hour since was marked by two distinct 
 streams, with smooth ice surfaces, was now one entire 
 sheet of agitated water and ice throughout its whole 
 length and breadth, or as far as the eye could penetrate 
 through the driving storm, and the water was still 
 rapidly rising. 
 
 Cakes of ice, of various forms and dimensions, 
 were hurled along with fearful velocity, some by 
 the force of the current itself, and others by the fierce 
 north-east wind, dashing and crashing against each
 
 176 PATRIOTISM: AT HOME, OR 
 
 other, against the trees, and against the bridge itself, 
 with fearful force. Fortunately, no heavy masses of 
 ice had yet struck the piers, though several had been 
 forced heavily against the abutments ; but these were 
 of solid masonry, and there was no danger of their 
 starting. The current, which had increased to a 
 mighty torrent, was pouring through the sluice-way 
 under the bridge with the roar of distant thunder, and 
 being full of small cakes of ice, which were inces- 
 santly dashed,, with great foi-ce, against the piers, 
 caused the whole framework of the bridge to tremble, 
 twist, and reel, as if in imitation of those grand old 
 elms of the Interval, which had withstood the storms 
 and floods of centuries, but which were now waving 
 and writhing in the fierce gale, and plunging their 
 lowermost branches into the foaming waters at their 
 base, which had encroached far up their massive 
 trunks, leaving them standing forth, in all appearance 
 to the eye, like a forest in an ocean. It was a scene 
 for the pencil rather than the pen. 
 
 George drove directly upon the bridge, with the 
 intention of crossing at a quick trot ; but, as the horse 
 neared the wooden part of the structure, he hesitated, 
 shook his head, shied, and finally stopped short. The 
 girls also began to show symptoms of fear. The 
 approach of the horse and sleigh had been noticed by
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 177 
 
 the working party on the other side, and several of 
 their number, among whom were Colonel "White and 
 Tom Sprightly, advanced on the opposite abutment. 
 The colonel called out, 
 
 " George, I don't think there is any danger of the 
 bridge at the present moment ; but still, as the horse is 
 shy, and the girls seem to be alarmed, I wouldn't try to 
 cross with such a sleigh-load. Back a little, and let 
 the girls get out, and Tom will show them how to 
 cross." 
 
 Tom Sprightly sprang upon the suspension bridge, 
 and taking a rope in each hand as before, ran quickly 
 to the other end of it, greatly to the surprise of the 
 girls, and the approbation of George Herrick, who 
 had not before noticed the suspended structure. 
 
 "Capital! Whose idea is that?" asked George. 
 
 " Uncle Bill's, of course," replied Tom. " Just 
 give the old fellow rope enough, and he'd rig a plan to 
 get up to the moon. Come, girls, hurry up here ! " 
 And he lifted one of them into the end of the swinging 
 bridge. " There," he continued, " take a rope in each 
 hand, same as I did, and walk right ahead. There 
 isn't a bit of danger." 
 
 As Uncle Bill's suspension bridge was not more than 
 twelve inches above the bridge proper, and as that 
 structure still held together, the girls did not make 
 12
 
 178 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 much hesitation, and in a few minutes all had passed 
 over in safety. 
 
 "Where is Lucy?" anxiously inquired Colonel 
 White and Tom Sprightly in the same breath, as the 
 last girl crossed the bridge. 
 
 George explained, and both were satisfied, feeling 
 thankful that Lucy had escaped exposure to the 
 drenching storm, which had rendered the situation 
 of the other girls anything but enviable. 
 
 George Herrick now jumped into the sleigh again, 
 seized the reins and whip, and said, 
 
 " Come, Dancer, you must go over this bridge 
 now you and I are alone. Go ! " and he gave 
 him two smart cuts with the whip. 
 
 The horse knew the firmness of his driver too well to 
 hesitate, and he was over the bridge and half way up 
 the hill before George could stop him. But, as he 
 never allowed the horse to have his own way in mat- 
 ters of this kind, he turned him, and drove back to the 
 end of the bridge ; turned again, and made the animal 
 stand perfectly quiet, while he helped all the girls into 
 the sleigh again. Then, turning to Colonel White, he 
 said, 
 
 " You are wet through and through, sir. I think 
 you had better drive home and change your clothes, 
 and not come out again for the present at least."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 179 
 
 " Thank you, George," replied the colonel ; " but I 
 can't do it. I must see this matter through." 
 
 " "Well, then," rejoined the lad, " please ask some 
 one to drive the horse up to the house, for /have done 
 nothing at all yet. I must go to work." 
 
 Colonel White requested one of the smaller boys to 
 jump into the sleigh and drive up to his house, and 
 say to Mrs. White that she had better keep all the 
 girls there, except those who lived very near, till the 
 storm was over, or he came home. The boy at once 
 complied, and George Herrick cast his eyes about him 
 to see what had been accomplished, and what remained 
 to be done. The raft appeared to be about completed, 
 and was partially afloat, and contained a number of 
 axes, picks, crowbars, and two of Uncle Bill's long- 
 handled boathooks. The carpenters were at work, 
 strengthening it in various ways, yet seemed to be 
 merely improving their time while waiting for some 
 other part of the arrangements. 
 
 The raft had been constructed after the plan sug- 
 gested by Colonel White, the idea being to moor it 
 about midway the current, with some of the most 
 powerful men upon it, close to the piers of the bridge, 
 and as the large masses of ice came down against the 
 point of it, which was armed with a large crowbar, 
 firmly secured so as to allow it to project ten or twelve
 
 180 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 inches beyond the woodwork, the men were to chop the 
 ice-cakes sufficiently small to allow of their passing 
 through between the piers of the bridge. Uncle Bill 
 had all his ropes attached to the raft, leading off in 
 different directions ; but still it was not pushed out into 
 the stream. 
 
 Some three or four rods up stream from where the 
 raft lay was a little hillock that overlooked the Interval. 
 At this point stood Uncle Bill, Tom Sprightly, and two 
 or three others, all intently looking at some object in 
 the water, at a considerable distance from the shore. 
 George Herrick ran up to the old sailor, who stood 
 with one hand over his eyes, to shelter them from the 
 driving storm, and said, 
 
 " Uncle Bill, what is the raft waiting for ? It seems 
 to be about finished." 
 
 " It is waiting till we see where that big ' iceberg' 
 goes, my boy," answered the old seaman, pointing in 
 the direction of two large elms, that stood near together 
 directly at the little bend in the river. " If that should 
 break loose and come down in a body in the swift cur- 
 rent, it would swamp that raft and all hands on it in 
 a moment, and carry the whole bridge away by the 
 board." 
 
 George looked in the indicated direction, and saw 
 that the ice was piled up between these two trees
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCLBLES. .181 
 
 nearly to the height and size of a small two-story 
 house. The current directly above this bend was very 
 rapid, and as the larger cakes of ice came whirling 
 down through it, instead of following the curve of the 
 river, their momentum was such as to cause the larger 
 number of them to shoot straight ahead into the stiller 
 water ; and some of the first having wedged fast 
 between these two elms, others, as the water rose, 
 were thrown against and upon them, until the accumu- 
 lation was sufficient to warrant Uncle Bill in styling it 
 an "iceberg." 
 
 The collection of ice at this point, and the fact that 
 many other large masses had drifted before the wind 
 across the Interval and lodged against , the shore, 
 probably had saved the bridge thus far. But now 
 the huge mass of ice between the two trees was 
 lifting and heaving, and surging violently from the 
 effects of wind and water upon it, and threatening 
 every moment to break away from its tree-bound 
 fastening. Should it do so, the wind would force it 
 again into the current, and the fate of the bridge 
 would in all probability be sealed. 
 
 Colonel White and a few others now joined the little 
 party of observation, and the colonel said to Uncle 
 Bill, 
 
 " Do you think of any thing that can be done to
 
 182 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 forward matters ? The bridge is wrenching and twist- 
 ing badly. Some of the cakes of ice have wedged in 
 among the piers, holding the water, and thus causing 
 more strain. I think the bridge is in greater danger 
 than at any previous moment." 
 
 " I don't know what we can do," replied the old 
 sailor, almost despairingly. " If we only had a boat 
 of any kind, we could put off and cut that iceberg 
 all to pieces. If I had ever expected to see such a 
 respectable little bay of water as this here, I would 
 have had a boat all ready. But who ever thought 
 that these two little pipe-stem brooks could cause so 
 much danger as this? The fact is, colonel, if I was 
 only out there on the water, I should know just what 
 to do ; but the land is a mean place to navigate." 
 
 " You have done nobly to-day, Uncle Bill," rejoined 
 Colonel White ; " so do not underrate your own abili- 
 ties. All hands give you much credit." 
 
 " It's very little that an old sea-dog like me can do 
 on the land," returned the seaman. 
 
 " George," said the colonel, turning to that lad, who 
 stood in deep thought, still looking out upon the flooded 
 Interval, " I have often profited by your suggestions. 
 Have you anything to offer now ? " 
 
 " I have been thinking of something, sir. Uncle 
 Bill," continued he, as he turned towards the dejected-
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 183 
 
 looking old sailor, " you have often told me that when 
 you managed one of the guns on board of ' Old Iron- 
 sides,' you could plant a shot just where you pleased. 
 Do you think you could hit that pile of ice ? " 
 
 "Just as certain, my lad," replied the seaman, 
 brightening up a little, " as you could toss an apple 
 on to that raft." 
 
 " Then, boys," cried George Herrick, with anima- 
 tion, " we'll bring one of the old field-pieces here from 
 the gun-house, and if that iceberg gets clear of the 
 trees, Uncle Bill shall batter it all to pieces ! " 
 
 " Good ! " ejaculated the old sailor ; and he brought 
 his heavy hand down with such force upon the lad's 
 shoulder as to cause him fairly to wince. 
 
 " The gun-house ! the gun-house ! " was now shouted 
 from all quarters ; and, as the man who had charge of 
 the building was present, Tom Sprightly ran to him 
 and obtained the key, which he happened to have in 
 his pocket, and at once led the way to the gun-house, 
 followed by nearly all the boys, and a considerable 
 proportion of the men. The building was situated on 
 the main street, some little distance from Colonel 
 White's, towards the Corner. Tom reached the house, 
 and had one of the guns ready to run out the door 
 before anybody else arrived. He examined the limber- 
 box, which contained a dozen or more cartridges of
 
 184 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 powder, and in one corner of the room he found a 
 considerable number of balls, that were kept for target 
 practice ; and from these he tossed as many as he 
 thought would be needed into the box with the car- 
 tridges. 
 
 By this time liis companions began to arrive, and 
 they ran the gun out and started off towards the 
 bridge. One man had taken the precaution to bring 
 a long rope, which they fastened to the carriage, so 
 that all hands could pull. But the snow was com- 
 pletely saturated with the heavy rain, and the wheels 
 sank deep into it, so that it was both hard and slow 
 work to drag the gun along. 
 
 George Ilerrick had anticipated this very trouble, 
 and, though not so swift in the race as most of his 
 companions, had prepared to obviate the difficulty. 
 As the men and boys were slowly floundering along 
 through the slosh with the gun, up rode George on 
 Old Noll. He was speedily tackled to the carriage, 
 and off they now went at a quick trot, and soon reached 
 the bridge, where they placed the gun in position under 
 Uncle Bill's direction. 
 
 " Now, boys," said the old sailor, all animation at 
 the brightening of the prospect, "just as soon as I 
 get this old handcart of a thing loaded, we'll start off 
 the raft, and then if that lubber of an iceberg comes
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 185 
 
 down upon us, I'll blow him out of water. I don't 
 think much of this old stove-pipe, any way," he con- 
 tinued, looking somewhat contemptuously at the gun, 
 " but I'll do the best I can. If I only had one of 
 Old Ironsides' 'barkers' here, I should know just 
 exactly what I could do ; " and Uncle Bill went through 
 the process of loading the cannon with the expertness 
 of a practised gunner, taking great care that the 
 powder did not become exposed to the rain. 
 
 " Are you going to blaze away at it where it is, 
 Uncle Bill ? " asked Tom Sprightly, who was anxious 
 to see what effect a shot would have upon the mass 
 of ice. 
 
 " No, no, mate ; as long as the chap hangs there he 
 can't trouble us any ; but if I should cut him loose, 
 he'd come sailing down here, and we should have just 
 so much more ice to look after. If he comes out of 
 his own accord, though, to give us fight, then I'll 
 show him what old Bill can do. I shouldn't be sur- 
 prised if he was under sail before ten minutes. Tom," 
 continued the old seaman, " you just keep an eye on 
 the lubber, while I see to moving the raft out into the 
 stream." 
 
 In less than five minutes Uncle Bill had the raft 
 wholly afloat, the selected crew upon it, and every- 
 thing in readiness to drop it down into its proper
 
 186 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 position by the bridge, which was now twisting and 
 reeling under the force of the current and the rapidly 
 accumulating ice. At this moment, when the men had 
 commenced slacking away the lines that held the raft 
 to the shore, they were startled by an outcry from 
 Tom Sprightly, that seemed to be a combination of 
 astonishment, fear, and anguish of mind. Everybody 
 rushed to the spot where Tom stood, near the gun. 
 They were not held in ignorance of the boy's alarm, 
 for their blood grew chill as they looked out upon the 
 water directly to windward, and there beheld a cake of 
 ice, apparently ten or twelve feet square, occupied by 
 two young girls ! The larger one of the two might 
 have been about thirteen years of age, Avhile the other 
 was some two or three years younger. The former 
 stood firm and upright, using a large, closed umbrella 
 with one hand as a brace against the ice, to prevent 
 being blown from her slippery foothold, while the 
 other arm encircled her more timid companion, who, 
 from fear or cold, or perhaps both, appeared to be 
 nearly helpless. 
 
 Colonel White had a small spy-glass in his pocket, 
 which he at once brought into requisition for the pur- 
 pose of identifying the girls. He almost instantly 
 lowered the glass, and all color forsook his cheeks as 
 he turned to George Herrick and said,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 187 
 
 " Those two girls are our Lucy, and Julia Lovell." 
 "I know it," replied George, who was talking ear- 
 nestly with Tom Sprightly- ; " Tom and I knew it from 
 the first. What shall we do ? Tom declares he will 
 swim off to them ; but I tell him he could render them 
 no assistance, even if he lived to reach them, in this 
 ice-cold water." 
 
 " No, no, Tom ; that would be of no use. And as 
 the wind blows directly this way, it would be impos- 
 sible to move the raft in that direction. May Heaven 
 protect them, for we cannot ; " and the old gentleman 
 seemed about to sink to the ground. 
 
 The piece of ice on which the two girls were making 
 their perilous voyage was floating along in a moderate 
 current, that set across that part of the Interval from 
 the smaller and more distant stream. This current 
 curved round towards the little prominence from which 
 the anxious friends now gazed, but yet a few rods 
 from it, and then joined the main current near the 
 bridge. All seemed to realize that unless Lucy and 
 Julia were rescued before they reached the swift- 
 flowing water, their fate would be sealed. Uncle Bill 
 seized a coil of small rope, and advanced to the brink 
 of the bank, crying out, 
 
 " Keep perfectly still I want to hail the girls." 
 "Silence! all!" shouted Colonel White.
 
 188 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Uncle Bill's stentorian voice went forth, 
 
 " Lucy White, a-h-o-y ! " 
 
 "What is it, Uncle Bill?" came back clear and 
 distinct before the -driving storm. 
 
 " Sit right down on the ice with your back to the 
 wind, open your umbrella for a sail, and you'll come 
 ashore safe ! " shouted the old sailor. 
 
 The instantaneous compliance with the order showed 
 that Lucy understood it ; and Uncle Bill was warmly 
 praised by the interested spectators as they saw, in a 
 few moments, that the umbrella-sail was steadily, 
 though slowly, moving the ice-cake out of the cur- 
 rent and directly towards them. 
 
 While the crowd of friends stood anxiously watching 
 and silently praying for the safety of the two young 
 girls, George Herrick and Tom Sprightly were en- 
 gaged in a confidential conversation apart from the 
 others. 
 
 " George," said the latter, " I fear that this plan of 
 Uncle Bill's won't succeed ; and if it don't, I shall not 
 wait another moment, but mean to swim off to the 
 girls and carry a rope." 
 
 " It's a noble resolution, Tom, and if you were not 
 here I should attempt it myself, now they are some 
 nearer the shore. But there is great danger from the 
 extreme coldness of the water, the floating ice, and the
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES, 189 
 
 strong current. If I could swim as you can, Tom, 
 you shouldn't attempt it. But you will succeed, if 
 anybody can." 
 
 " I shall do my best, any way, George, if I have to 
 undertake it. If I fail, you'll have to say, * Good by, 
 poor Tom ! '" 
 
 " You won't fail, Tom p" and George clashed his 
 whole-souled young companion by the hand. 
 
 " I hope not, George ; but if I do, just tell aunt 
 Huldah and uncle French that they must try to forgive 
 me if I have sometimes carried my jokes too far, for 
 I'm really thankful for all their kindness to me, and 
 shall think of them in my last moments." 
 
 " O, Tom, I hope there will be no occasion to deliver 
 your sad message ! " exclaimed George, still pressing 
 his young friend's hand. 
 
 " There is one more message ; " and Tom turned his 
 face away to conceal his emotion. " If Lucy White 
 is saved, and I should perish, just tell her that I will- 
 ingly gave my life in trying to save her" 
 
 " Tom, Tom," exclaimed George, " I did not know 
 before that Lucy was so very dear to you ! She is one 
 of the best of girls, and I love her as I would an only 
 sister." 
 
 " She shall be saved ! " cried Tom, almost fran- 
 tically.
 
 190 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 The two boys now rejoined the old sailor. The 
 floating ice-cake had neared the shore considerably, 
 and Uncle Bill was just making ready to throw the 
 rope, when a most violent gust of wind took the 
 umbrella and fairly lifted Lucy to her feet. 
 
 " Catch hold of me, Julia, or I shall blow away ! " 
 she screamed. 
 
 The danger aroused her companion, and she clasped 
 Lucy around the waist. The wind proved to be too 
 much for the umbrella, however, for it instantly turned, 
 and the covering was rent in all directions. Uncle 
 Bill threw the line with all his strength, but it fell 
 short of its aim, and he sadly shook his head as he 
 leisurely hauled it in again.
 
 THE YOUXG INVINCIBLES. 191 
 
 CHAPTER XVIH. 
 
 TOM GOES TO THE RESCUE. 
 
 TCLE BILL," exclaimed Tom, as he drew 
 off his heavy boots, and cast aside his coat, 
 fasten the end of that rope round me in the 
 right place, for I'm going to take a swim." 
 
 " I can't say no, my brave lad, for I should have 
 done the same thing myself at your age," replied the 
 old seaman, as he knotted the line around Tom's 
 slender waist, but in such a manner that it could be 
 easily unfastened when occasion required. 
 
 The determined yftuth instantly sprang down the 
 steep, slippery bank, and plunged into the water. But 
 the whole shore was lined with small pieces of floating 
 ice, extending out thirty or forty feet, which were not 
 large enough to walk upon, and were too near together 
 to permit one to swim among them with any speed or 
 safety. Tom was one of the best o'f swimmers, but 
 he floundered badly in the ice, without making much 
 headway, and was about to dive and endeavor to swim
 
 192 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OH 
 
 out beneath it, when George Herrick, who had antici- 
 pated the difficulty, came rushing down to the water's 
 edge, with his squad of Invincibles, bearing two long 
 boards, which they instantly ran out from the shore on 
 the floating ice, thus making a platform for Tom, by 
 which he quickly reached the open water, and plunged 
 boldly in, striking out manfully in the direction of the 
 ice-cake, which was now floating steadily away again 
 towards the swift current. 
 
 The bold swimmer still encountered difficulties. The 
 water was piercing cold ; he was encumbered with 
 clothing ; the weight of the rope was no little draw- 
 back ; and, in addition, there were frequent pieces of 
 floating ice, which he had to avoid by making little 
 circuits ; and these pieces of ice would occasionally 
 strike the line, giving him a sudden pull, and par- 
 tially stopping his headway. But, as already stated, 
 Tom- was a first-class swimmer, and in warm weather 
 this would have been mere pastime for him. Under 
 the present circumstances, however, his energies were 
 taxed to their utmost ; but his heart was in the effort, 
 and he had determined to do or die. Hence he over- 
 came all obstacles ; and his friends on shore sent up a 
 joyful shout as they saw the brave youth reach the 
 object of his destination, and, with Lucy's helping 
 hand, clamber upon the floating ice.
 
 THE RESCUE. PAGE 192.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 193 
 
 "0, Tom Sprightly, I thought it was you ! but 
 what a risk you have run ! " exclaimed Lucy, still 
 holding his hand, as he with difficulty raised himself 
 upon his feet, wet and chilled as he was. 
 
 " O, Lucy White, I knew it was you ! and what risk 
 wouldn't I run?" replied Tom, as he gently disen- 
 gaged his hand and quickly untied the rope from his 
 waist. 
 
 Julia Lovell had become wholly discouraged after 
 the accident to the umbrella, and being completely 
 chilled through, she sat upon the ice in a kind of 
 stupor ; but Tom aroused her by calling out, 
 
 " Here, Julia, just catch hold of the rope with us, 
 and we'll be ashore in a very few minutes. Come, 
 quick ! " and he shook her gently by the shoulder. 
 
 The child started, and with considerable effort rose 
 to her feet. All three then took hold of the rope, 
 braced themselves as well as they could, and "Tom 
 cried out at the top of his voice to Uncle Bill to 
 " haul in." 
 
 "No, no; that won't do we can't tell how hard 
 to pull, and we might haul you all off the ice," shouted 
 the old sailor in reply. " I have belayed the line, and 
 you must all three pull with might and main." 
 
 Tom realized the mistake he had made, and at once 
 complied with Uncle Bill's order ; but their ice-cake 
 13
 
 194 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 had now entered the margin of the large, rapid cur- 
 rent, and Tom's strength, somewhat reduced by cold 
 and exertion, with the feeble aid rendered by the two 
 small girls, was not sufficient to overcome the force of 
 the water ; and the watchful old seaman had to slack 
 away the line continually to enable the occupants of 
 the floating piece of ice to retain the end of it, as they 
 drifted farther and farther away. 
 
 Tom well knew, if they once passed into the swiftest 
 part of the current, nothing more could be done ; but 
 there was no projection upon any part of their slippery 
 foothold to which the rope could be made fast, and 
 there was nothing at hand that could be driven into 
 the ice as a pin. He thought of the broken umbrella, 
 which he had seen lying on the ice a few moments 
 before ; perhaps he could use the handle of that ; but 
 it was now gone having either been blown or pushed 
 accidentally overboard. Whatever was done must be 
 done without a moment's delay. Tom thought of a 
 last resort, and shouted with all his might, 
 
 " Uncle Bill, give me all the slack you can in a 
 moment ! " 
 
 The line was instantly slacked all away, and Tom 
 rapidly hauled in three or four fathoms of it, stepped 
 to the edge of the ice-cake farthest from the shore, and 
 quickly fastened the end of the rope around his hips.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 195 
 
 He then took a position that brought the rope directly 
 across the centre of the cake of ice, and shouted to 
 Uncle Bill to " haul in, lively ! " The moment the 
 line began to tighten, Tom dropped himself into the 
 water up to his hips, with his face towards the shore, 
 his arms and upper part of the body extended upon 
 the ice-cake, and the lower portions underneath it 
 thus forming a sufficient curve to give the line a pur- 
 chase over the edge of the ice. He then called out 
 again to the old sailor, " Haul in, all the rope will 
 bear," at the same time instructing Lucy and Julia 
 to stand as near the opposite edge of the ice as was 
 safe, and hold the rope down as much as they could, 
 thus keeping it across the centre of the ice, and pre- 
 venting that from turning, as well as counteracting in 
 a great degree the lifting effect upon himself, which 
 might possibly draw him up on the ice, and thus defeat 
 the whole object, as would also be the case if the ice- 
 cake turned. But Uncle Bill had guessed out Tom's 
 ingenious expedient, and the line was taken down on 
 the low ground near the water's edge, thus diminish- 
 ing the danger of either of the contingencies which the 
 self-sacrificing youth wished to guard against. 
 
 Tom's plan worked admirably ; and he and his com- 
 panions began to feel their hopes revive, as they real- 
 ized that they were moving steadily towards the shore,
 
 196 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 propelled by many strong arms under the impulse 
 of yearning hearts. They had scarcely commenced 
 moving, however, when Lucy exclaimed, 
 
 " Look, Tom, look ! " and pointed up stream. 
 
 The lad turned his head in that direction, and saw, 
 not more than fifty yards distant, the large mass of ice 
 that had been lodged between the two elms coming 
 down directly upon them in one entire body. Both 
 that and the bridge had been forgotten by all during 
 the last fifteen minutes, in their greater excitement 
 and anxiety on account of the perilous young voyagers 
 on the floating ice. But the new danger was now 
 observed from the shore, and Uncle Bill said hastily 
 to those who were hauling on the rope, 
 , " Pull strong, boys, but steady ! " and then rushed 
 to the gun, calling to Colonel White, George Herrick, 
 and one or two others, who were not easily excited, to 
 follow him. 
 
 " Don't be frightened, girls, they are going to fire a 
 cannon," said Tom Sprightly, speaking with a good 
 deal of difficulty, being greatly exhausted from his 
 almost superhuman exertions, and chilled through and 
 through by the ice-cold water. The rope might be 
 severing him in halves for all he knew, as he was so 
 much benumbed that he had ceased to feel it at all. 
 
 " Dear Tom," said Lucy, looking with pity and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 197 
 
 admiration at him, perhaps unconscious of the endear- 
 ing term she had made use of, " you will certainly 
 freeze if you remain thefe any longer. Can't we pull 
 ourselves ashore now if you get upon the ice?" 
 
 " No, Lucy ; we must remain just as we are till we 
 reach the shore. I can stand it. And if I should 
 freeze as I am, the rope would hold all the same ; " 
 and the poor fellow smiled somewhat ghastly. 
 
 " O, it's too bad ! " said Lucy and Julia in the same 
 breath the latter having revived a little as the 
 prospect brightened. 
 
 Uncle Bill, with the assistance of his companions, 
 changed the position of the gun slightly, quickly sighted 
 it, applied the match, and the ball sped on its swift 
 errand. As the smoke instantly passed away before 
 the fierce gale, a loud huzza went up from the party 
 near the water's edge, as the iceberg rolled heavily 
 from the well-directed shot, trembled for a single 
 moment, and then separated in three pieces the 
 smaller two rolling wholly out of the current, subse- 
 quently floating away before the wind to the shore, 
 while the main mass continued on towards the 
 bridge. 
 
 " Well done, old land-lubber ! " exclaimed the suc- 
 cessful gunner, patting the cannon as if it had been 
 some creature endowed with understanding ; " I guess
 
 198 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 one more shot will settle that fellow. "We'll learn him 
 to try to run the blockade ! " 
 
 The old sailor instantly proceeded to load the gun 
 again, growing warm and excited under the renewal 
 of an occupation long since laid aside. In the mean 
 time Tom Sprightly and the two girls were being 
 drawn steadily, but slowly, towards the shore, for 
 Lucy had entreated them, when near enough to be 
 \eard, not to pull too hard, as the rope was fast to 
 Tom's body. 
 
 " Now, boys," cried Uncle Bill, as he aimed the gun 
 the second time, " we'll plump that fellow midships, 
 and see how he'll like that ; " and again the old field- 
 piece belched forth its flame and smoke, planting the 
 ball precisely where the gunner's remark had indicated ; 
 but the ice was firmer than he had supposed it to be, 
 and although the mass reeled under the shock, and the 
 chips of ice flew in all directions, still it continued to 
 float on towards the bridge. 
 
 " That will never do," exclaimed Uncle Bill, some- 
 what disappointed at the effect of the shot ; " but I 
 see his weak point now, and will give him a settler 
 next time ; " and he prepared to load for the third 
 shot. 
 
 " You must manage the gun without the help of 
 George and me this time," said Colonel White, " for
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 199 
 
 Tom and the girls are close to the shore, and we must 
 attend to them." 
 
 The ice-cake with its living freight had nearly 
 reached the shore, and as George Herrick had taken 
 the precaution to have more boards and planks placed 
 there immediately after Tom's departure, they now 
 had a very good floating platform all the way from the 
 open water to the bank. 
 
 " O, my dear, dear child ! " exclaimed the colonel, 
 as he reached the ice-cake, and clasped Lucy in his 
 arms ; " thank Heaven that your life is preserved ! 
 At one time I gave you up as lost. But Tom, the 
 noble fellow, has saved you ! " 
 
 George Herrick had merely pressed Lucy's hand for 
 an instant as he passed her in silence, and was already 
 lifting her preserver upon the ice. 
 
 " Tom, can you speak? " inquired George, anxiously, 
 as he endeavored to place the poor fellow on his feet. 
 
 " Yes, but I cannot stand," he replied, faintly ; 
 and George observed that he remained in the same 
 bent position that he had occupied over the edge of 
 the ice. 
 
 " Never mind trying to stand, Tom ; I can carry 
 you ; " and George Herrick caught him up in his 
 strong arms as if he had been an infant, and bore 
 him towards the shore, followed by Colonel White,
 
 200 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Lucy, and Julia, the latter, also, having to be carried 
 by one of the men, as she was so much chilled that she 
 could scarcely stand. 
 
 At this moment the old cannon spoke for the third 
 time, and a shout of triumph mingled with the storm, 
 as a large shelving piece of the iceberg was cut entirely 
 off, thus destroying the equilibrium of the remainder, 
 which rolled wholly over, launching cake after cake of 
 ice from their respective positions, until apparently no 
 two remained connected. 
 
 George Herrick, with his usual foresight, had sent 
 one of the boys for the horse and sleigh, which now 
 stood waiting at the end of the bridge. Lucy and 
 Julia were speedily placed in the sleigh, and snugly 
 wrapped up in a buffalo robe. Tom soon followed, 
 brought along by George and one of the carpenters. 
 Then the colonel and George both jumped into the 
 sleigh, and in less than five minutes the girls and their 
 preserver were in Colonel White's house, undergoing a 
 change of garments, and partaking of stimulating 
 beverage. All were soon in a comfortable condition. 
 Even Tom Sprightly began to move about the room, 
 although he could not yet stand up straight. 
 
 As soon as George Herrick saw that both his friend 
 Tom and the girls were free from any immediate 
 danger, he hastened back to the bridge, having, by
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 201 
 
 much earnest persuasion, induced Colonel White to 
 remain at home. He found that immediately after 
 Uncle Bill had fired his last gun, he had ordered the 
 raft into position, and that the men, in a very few 
 minutes, had succeeded in clearing away the ice that 
 had lodged against the piers of the bridge, thus greatly 
 lessening the pressure of water upon it, and were, at 
 the time he arrived, manfully battling the large cakes 
 of ice as they came down against their raft cutting 
 them in pieces, and guiding them through among the 
 piers with their long boathooks. 
 
 The rain had now nearly ceased, the wind had lulled 
 considerably, the large masses of floating ice were 
 less frequent, and the rapidity of the current had 
 evidently somewhat abated. Presently Uncle Bill 
 shouted, 
 
 " Hurrah, boys ! our work is almost done. The 
 water is beginning to fall, and the bridge is safe ! " 
 
 Three cheers were instantly given by the whole 
 crowd. 
 
 It was observable, by looking at the abutments of 
 the bridge, that the water had receded three inches. 
 Miller's Pond, evidently, had been drained ; and as the 
 rain had ceased, the water from the melting snow 
 would do no damage. The raft was drawn back to 
 the shore, and, as the sun went down that evening,
 
 202 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 those wet, tired, and hungry men and boys of Harry- 
 seekit who, during four long hours, had so bravely 
 struggled against that sweeping flood, subjected all the 
 while to a merciless north-easter gathered up their 
 implements, and marched in a body up to Colonel 
 White's, leaving the old field-piece that had done such 
 good execution to keep silent guard over the still 
 flooded Interval. 
 
 They halted in front of the colonel's house for the 
 purpose of informing him of the fall of the water and 
 the safety of the bridge, as well as to inquire after 
 Tom Sprightly and the two girls whom he had so 
 nobly rescued at the risk of his own life. They were 
 also interested to learn as the reader may be how 
 Lucy and Julia came to be placed in their perilous 
 condition on the floating ice. Colonel White had the 
 happiness of informing them that both Tom and the 
 girls were improving fast. He also, in a few words, 
 explained the mystery of the sudden appearance of 
 Lucy and Julia on the floating ice. 
 
 On their way from Squire Belmont's to Mrs. 
 Grover's, the girls had been met by young Stover 
 with the news of the expected freshet. He alarmed 
 them by saying that the bridge would probably be 
 carried away before they could get back to it, and that 
 they had better go right down the lane close by, where
 
 THE YOUNG INFINCIBLES. 203 
 
 he had just crossed the rivers on the ice, and cross 
 over as quick as possible, and go up into the road the 
 other side, and go home that way, and he would tell 
 Mrs-. Belmont, as he passed the house, that they had 
 gone home. The girls ran down the lane with all 
 haste ; but the young man was so anxious to reach the 
 Landing, that he forgot to call at the squire's, and 
 consequently Mrs. Belmont supposed they were re- 
 maining at Mrs. Grover's on account of the rain. 
 
 The girls crossed the first river without any trouble ; 
 but when they reached the farther side of the second, 
 which at this point was only a few rods from the first, 
 they found the ice so much broken up at the shore that 
 they could not get upon the land. They ran first up 
 stream and then down ; but the condition of things was 
 the same. They then ran back to the spot where they 
 had entered upon the ice, thinking they would get 
 ashore, at all events. They were much alarmed, 
 however, to find that the ice had also separated from 
 the shore there, and they could not get back. All 
 they could do now was to run down the river, looking 
 on either side for a^lace where they could reach the 
 shore. But there was no such place to be found. The 
 ice was now heaving and cracking in every direction, 
 and before they were aware of it they had reached the 
 extremity of the ice, and below them was all open
 
 204 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OK 
 
 water ! They turned to retreat ; but at that moment 
 the ice on which they stood separated from the main 
 body, and the two little girls found themselves floating 
 slowly down stream, where they were finally discov- 
 ered and rescued as already related. 
 
 The colonel finished his explanation concerning the 
 two girls, thanked the men and boys for the good 
 service they had performed that afternoon, and the 
 party was about to leave, when Squire Belmont 
 drove up to the door. He had been absent all day on 
 business in the next town, and knew nothing of the 
 freshet till he reached home. As his wife had heard 
 nothing from Lucy and Julia, he at once drove up to 
 Mrs. Graver's, and was considerably alarmed on learn- 
 ing that they had not been there. He then drove down 
 to the bridge with all haste, and finding that safe, and 
 no one there, he had continued on to Colonel White's 
 to gain the desired information. 
 
 The colonel relieved Squire Belmont's anxiety about 
 the girls, and then gave him a very concise account of 
 the afternoon's work. The squire complimented all 
 for the faithful manner in which they had performed 
 their arduous duties, thanked Uncle Bill, in the name 
 of the county, for his good services, and was particu- 
 larly complimentary to Tom Sprightly for his noble
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 205 
 
 deed. Noticing that Tom could not yet straighten up, 
 he said to him, jocosely, 
 
 " My boy, you could hardly turn a somerset now 
 could you ? " 
 
 " I can as soon as I thaw a very little more," replied 
 Tom. " You see, I got one about half turned, and 
 froze something like the man's keg of powder, that 
 took fire, and burned half up before he could put 
 it out." 
 
 " Well, Tom," rejoined the squire, laughing, " I 
 hope you'll get straightened out soon, and be able to 
 come up to my house." 
 
 " Thank you, Squire Belmont," returned Tom ; 
 " but I'm a little afraid I should meet with another 
 lull run affair." 
 
 " Tom is getting better fast," said George Herrick, 
 " for his jokes are beginning to thaw out." 
 
 The crowd now dispersed, glad enough to reach 
 their warm firesides after their exciting afternoon's 
 work.
 
 206 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 THE HOUSE OF MOURNING. 
 
 was near the middle of May, and all nature, 
 as if by magic, had within a few brief days 
 started into active, cheering, blooming life ; but 
 in the midst of all this beauty, within the walls of a 
 small house in Harryseekit, an ever-living soul was 
 fast approaching that moment when the last band 
 that bound it to its earthly tenement would be sev- 
 ered, and it would wing its flight to its eternal home 
 in heaven. 
 
 Mrs. Swift had continued gradually to sink away, 
 until it was evident to all, herself included, that a few 
 days, at the farthest, must terminate her sufferings. 
 One day, when George Herrick had made his accus- 
 tomed call, he thought he observed a marked change 
 in the sick woman, and said to the daughter, 
 
 " Lizzie, how would you like to have my mother 
 come and stop with you a few days?" 
 
 " O, I should be forever thankful for it," replied the
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE8. 207 
 
 young girl, as her eyes filled with tears. " I have had 
 numerous offers from the kind neighbors, within a few 
 weeks, to come and stay with me ; but I have not 
 thought it necessary to trouble them. Now, I suppose 
 I ought not to be alone, and I should prefer your 
 mother to any one else." 
 
 " I know she will come at once, although I have 
 said nothing to her about it," was George's reply. 
 
 In less than an hour Mrs. Herrick was assisting the 
 devoted Lizzie in her angelic ministrations at the bed- 
 side of the dying woman. The physician informed 
 Mrs. Herrick that the patient could not live the day 
 out. George had so decided in his own mind before 
 he went for his mother, and when she now stated to 
 him the doctor's opinion, and told him she would like 
 to have him remain with her during the day, unless 
 Colonel White had something of much importance for 
 him to attend to, he replied that he had already decided 
 to do so, if Lizzie wished it, and had informed the 
 colonel to that effect. 
 
 Lizzie entered the room at the moment, and Mrs. 
 Herrick said to her, 
 
 " George tells me it is his intention to stay with us 
 to-day, if you would like to have him do so, Lizzie. 
 Colonel White not only consents, but advises it." 
 
 " O, I thank him most sincerely. I have been
 
 208 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 wishing that he would stay. I feel, and know, as you 
 do, that this is my dear mother's last day of suffering. 
 God's will be done, though my heart break ! 0, Mrs. 
 Herrick, will you break the sad tidings to Mary that 
 ;another day will see her motherless ? I have given her 
 to understand, for weeks past, that mother could not 
 live a great while ; but I presume she has no idea how 
 very near the time is at hand ; and I don't feel as if I 
 could tell her." 
 
 " I will do it as gently as possible, dear Lizzie," 
 replied Mrs. Herrick. 
 
 " O, my dear little sister ! " continued the grief- 
 stricken girl. " I will try to do my duty, for her 
 sake. I will do it, with Heaven's help. No mother 
 sad, sad ! " 
 
 Ah, yes, sad indeed for two young girls to lose 
 their mother ! And what a responsibility devolved on 
 Lizzie ! Doubting her own ability to walk in the 
 straight path, she must point the way and guide the 
 steps of a much younger sister. But she had early 
 learned to ask counsel of her heavenly Father, and she 
 would not ask in vain in this instance. So thought 
 Mrs. Herrick and George, as they listened with admi- 
 ration to the modest and yet deep resolve of the grief- 
 stricken orphan girl. Let us hope there is much good 
 in store for that faithful daughter who has given her
 
 THE YOUNQ INVINCLBLES. 209 
 
 young life-energies so freely, year after year, to her 
 long-suffering mother. 
 
 It was a silent and solemn day in that humble 
 dwelling, where the death-angel waited for the dissolu- 
 tion which was to give one more body to the dust, and 
 another soul to the realms of eternal life. There had 
 been no visible change in Mrs. Swift, during the long 
 day, other than a gradual sinking away, which indi- 
 cated an easy death, probably without again rallying 
 from the nearly unconscious state in which 'she had 
 continued for many hours. However desirable this 
 might be with regard to the poor suffering woman 
 herself, yet the two young daughters could not but hope 
 that their dear mother would speak their names once 
 more before she passed away forever. 
 
 About half an hour before sunset the dying woman 
 seemed wonderfully to revive, and requested to be par- 
 tially bolstered up by the pillows, and to have the 
 curtain put aside at the window which looked towards 
 the west, by the foot of her bed. "When these arrange- 
 ments were completed, and her children, with Mrs. 
 Herrick and George, stood by her bedside, she smiled 
 and said, 
 
 " How beautiful ! My sun is setting with the glorious 
 orb of day, to rise again in the morning amid splendor 
 and glory far exceeding those of the natural sun. 
 14
 
 210 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OH 
 
 Death has no terrors for the Christian soul, for Hope 
 and Faith render the passage of the dark Vale clear, 
 safe, and peaceful. And now, my dear children, 
 grieve not uselessly for me when I am gone, but live 
 true Christian lives, trusting to a happy reunion here- 
 after. Mary, my darling, receive a mother's parting 
 blessing." And with the assistance of Mrs. Herrick 
 she placed her hand upon the head of her little sobbing 
 daughter, saying, 
 
 " My*dear child, receive the parting blessing of your 
 dying mother, and may the blessing of Heaven also 
 rest upon you forever." 
 
 The dying Christian seemed to gain strength of 
 voice as she pronounced her simple blessing on her 
 latest born ; and now, as she fixed her loving eyes 
 upon Lizzie, the faithful, and reached to take her hand, 
 there was a depth, and clearness, and richness in her 
 tones, as she uttered the following words, that struck 
 the ears of the solemn little group of listeners as 
 coming from the already untrammelled soul, rather 
 than from the stiffening lips of death : 
 
 " Lizzie, my dear, kind, self-sacrificing child, I have 
 no earthly riches to bequeath to you, but, instead, I 
 leave to you a dying mother's undying gratitude. 
 And to my own blessing, I feel certain, will be added 
 that far richer one of your heavenly Father, under
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 211 
 
 whose kind protection you are, and will remain for- 
 ever. Continue your implicit faith and trust in God, 
 and he -will raise up friends for you here on earth, and 
 finally receive you in his own abode." 
 
 George Herrick stood at one side of the weeping 
 Lizzie, and his mother at the other, while little Mary 
 bowed her head upon the bed in half-stifled sobs. The 
 tears of the mother and son mingled with those of the 
 grief-stricken girls. Mrs. Swift still retained the hand 
 of Lizzie, whilst her eyes seemed to wand*er from 
 her face to that of the youth at her side. George 
 fixed his gaze upon the face of the dying woman, 
 heaved a long sigh, and then slowly, solemnly, and 
 as gently as if he were about to extend his hand to 
 receive some delicate flower, whose beauty might be 
 shattered by the least rude contact, he raised his right 
 arm and encircled the waist of the young maiden at 
 his side. He uttered not a word, but the movement 
 unmistakably said, " I will shield this dear girl 
 from all harm." The dying woman observed the 
 tender, deep-meaning act, smiled approvingly upon it, 
 uttered feebly, but distinctly, " It is well," and without 
 a single struggle, closed her eyes forever on all earthly
 
 212 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 THE ORPHANS. 
 
 JHREE weeks after the death of Mrs. Swift, 
 Lizzie sat in her little work-room with an open 
 letter in her hand, which she had just finished 
 reading for the second time, and seemed to be weighing 
 carefully the contents of the same in her mind. 
 
 " He is a dear, kind uncle," she said at last ; " but 
 I cannot accept his generous offer. I cannot think of 
 leaving this dear old home ; I cannot leave my mother's 
 grave. I should prefer living here by the labor of my 
 own hands, to a life of perfect ease anywhere else ; " 
 and she placed the open letter in the hands of her kind 
 companion, Mrs. Herrick, who still remained with the 
 orphan girls while their friends at the head of whom 
 was Colonel White were planning their future. 
 
 Mrs. Herrick read the epistle attentively, and re- 
 turned it to Lizzie, remarking, 
 
 " It is truly a letter of great kindness, and the offer 
 your uncle makes you is most generous, and is very
 
 THE YOUXG INVIXCIBLES. 213 
 
 creditable to his heart. You ought to weigh the matter 
 well, my dear young friend, before you decide to 
 decline the proposition. You know it embraces Mary 
 as well as yourself." 
 
 . " I know it does. Were it not for that, I could not 
 entertain the idea for a moment. But, O, I do want 
 to do that which is for the best for my dear little 
 sister best for her in every sense of the word." 
 
 " Well, Lizzie, you know it is not required of you 
 to decide with regard to the matter immediately. 
 Your uncle very considerately says in his letter that 
 you must take ample time in making up your mind, 
 and that whether you decide to accept his invitation 
 extended to you and Mary to m"ake his house your 
 future home, as members of the family, or remain 
 where you are, he shall be perfectly satisfied, and can 
 never lose sight of, or interest in, one who has devoted 
 years of her young life so faithfully to a sick and long- 
 suffering mother, and that mother his own and only 
 sister. So, dear girl, you must take further time for 
 consideration ; and, with the advice of your friends 
 here in town, I have no doubt you will come to such 
 decision as will be the best for both you and Mary." 
 
 " My dear uncle is extremely kind to leave me thus 
 free to decide, and yet promise to continue to assist us. 
 I hope my decision will be for the best. But do you
 
 214 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 know, Mrs. Herrick," said Lizzie, looking up with a 
 half-concealed smile, " that I am exceedingly self- 
 willed f "Whenever I have to make up my mind about 
 anything, no matter how important it may be, I am 
 very apt to decide at once with regard to it ; and, 
 although I am always willing and anxious to listen to 
 the advice of friends on the subject, yet I seldom 
 change my mind. And the probability is now, with 
 regard to the subject of this letter, that I shall adhere 
 to my opinion already expressed ; although I will 
 gratefully listen to the good advice of friends." 
 
 " So you think you are ' exceedingly self-willed' do 
 you, Lizzie? Perhaps your friends may have more 
 charity for you than you have for yourself, and apply 
 the term ' decision of character ' to that which you 
 call ' self-will.' " 
 
 " I fear that my friends are often too indulgent for 
 my own good, dear Mrs. Herrick, and perhaps humor 
 me in my opinions when they are far from being 
 correct." 
 
 " No, no, my darling girl ; your friends are too 
 sincere to do that. Such a course would not tend 
 towards your true happiness, which they all so much 
 desire. But with regard to your uncle's letter : 
 Colonel White, you know, is coming in this evening, 
 and as you have chosen him your legal guardian, you
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 215 
 
 will, of course, lay the whole matter before him, and 
 ask his advice. / have no fears at all about your 
 self-will.' " 
 
 Early in the evening Colonel White called to see 
 the orphan girls, according to appointment. Lizzie 
 gave him her uncle's letter to read, which led to a 
 full discussion of the whole subject, and, finally, to a 
 settled plan with regard to the future of the two young 
 girls. The colonel manifested no surprise when Lizzie 
 informed him that her preference was to remain in her 
 native village. Indeed, he had expected such a decis- 
 ion, and was well pleased with it. He had opened a 
 correspondence with Mr. Hart, the uncle in Chicago, 
 before the death of Mrs. Swift, and in his last letter to 
 that gentleman, after her decease, he had suggested a 
 plan with regard to the two orphan girls, in case they 
 decided to remain where they were, that their uncle 
 had fully sanctioned in his answer to the colonel, bear- 
 ing the same date as that of his kind letter to Lizzie, 
 above referred to. 
 
 Colonel White now proceeded to lay the whole plan 
 fully before his young friends, in the presence of Mrs. 
 Herrick, leaving them free to decide in the matter 
 without a word of argument on his part. The plan 
 was briefly as follows : 
 
 Lizzie and Mary were to continue to occupy their
 
 216 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 own dear home. As it would not be proper, however, 
 for two young girls to live wholly by themselves, the 
 house, excepting one room and bedroom, was to be let 
 to some small, quiet family. The house had been well 
 planned, by Mr. Swift, for six good rooms ; but misfor- 
 tune, sickness, and death had prevented him from 
 carrying out his original intentions, and hence the 
 whole upper part remained in a partially finished state. 
 The little property had been mortgaged, years before, 
 to Squire Belmont. The mortgage had expired, and 
 the right of redemption ceased, long ago ; but, fortu- 
 nately for Mr. Swift and his family, Squire Belmont 
 was not the man to distress a fellow-creature who was 
 struggling against misfortune. Hence the family had 
 never been disturbed, and had continued to live in the 
 house rent free. 
 
 Colonel White knew all the circumstances, had 
 talked with the squire about a relinquishment of the 
 claim, had informed Mr. Hart of the very generous 
 terms agreed to by Squire Belmont, and had received 
 instructions from him to secure the property for the 
 orphans, and to have the house finished at once, so as 
 to make it tenantable throughout, that is, if his 
 nieces decided to remain in Harryseekit, and he 
 would forward a draft to meet all demands. (He 
 had already placed in Colonel White's hands funds
 
 THE TO UNO INVINCIBLES. 217 
 
 sufficient to pay all the bills of Mrs. Swift's sickness 
 since her husband's death, the funeral expenses, and to 
 meet any immediate wants of the orphans.) 
 
 When Colonel White had divulged thus much of the 
 proposed arrangements, he waited to see how it would 
 be received by his interested listeners. Lizzie, how- 
 ever, was so much overjoyed at the prospect before 
 them, and so filled with gratitude at the kindness of 
 Colonel White, the generosity of Squire Belmont, and 
 the munificence of her uncle Hart, that she could 
 scarcely articulate, in broken sentences, her hearty 
 approval of the scheme. And although Mary had 
 taken some childish delight in the anticipation of a 
 long journey to see her wealthy relatives, and perhaps 
 to live with them, still, her love for Lizzie, and 
 her confidence in whatever she decided upon, out- 
 weighed every other consideration, and caused her 
 to exclaim, 
 
 "0, Lizzie, how nice it will be to live here 
 always ! " 
 
 " Yes, I would rather live here, where our dear 
 father and mother lived, and sickened, and died, than 
 in a palace at a distance. But," she continued, ad- 
 dressing Colonel White, " how are we to live here? 
 What can I do to support myself and Mary, and to
 
 218 PATRIOTISM: AT HOME, OR 
 
 keep her at school ? " and a shade of concern settled 
 upon the thoughtful girl's handsome face. 
 
 The kind old gentleman, however, as he now un- 
 folded the remainder of his plan, soon caused the 
 shadow to pass away, giving place to sunshine and 
 happiness. Mrs. Herrick was a most excellent opera- 
 tor on the sewing machine ; and, after Mrs. Swift's 
 death, when she decided to remain for the present with 
 the orphan girls, she had requested George to bring 
 Mrs. White's machine to her there, that she might 
 employ her time advantageously. Lizzie had at once 
 taken an interest in the useful household article, and 
 quite soon convinced Mrs. Herrick that a very little 
 practice would make her a competent operator. This 
 fact had been mentioned to Colonel "White, who advised 
 Mrs. Herrick to encourage her young friend in the 
 practice ; and now his object in having done so was 
 made manifest. He informed Lizzie that he understood 
 she could work very well, even now, on the sewing 
 machine, and as Mrs. Herrick would remain with 
 her some weeks longer, she could still further perfect 
 herself in that branch of industry. She could then 
 have the free use of the machine just as long as she 
 pleased ; for Aunt Betsey had a machine, and they 
 could make that do the work for both families. 
 
 " And now," continued the colonel, " for your means
 
 THE YOUNG INV1NCIBLES. 219 
 
 of support. Young Mr. Hunt, who has just opened a 
 small fancy goods store at the Corner, and was recently 
 married to Susan Payson, with whom you are well 
 acquainted, mentioned to me the other day that he 
 wanted a small house, as they were about to commence 
 housekeeping. I told him I expected this would be 
 finished within a few weeks, and that he could probably 
 have all but two rooms. He said it would be just what 
 they wanted. And furthermore, when I informed him 
 that you were learning to work on the sewing machine, 
 he said he could give you all the work you wanted to 
 do, if you learned to do it neatly, and would pay you 
 a living price for it. He is an honorable man, and 
 you can depend upon what he says." 
 
 Lizzie was as well pleased with the latter part of 
 Colonel White's arrangements for their future liveli- 
 hood as she had been with the former, and longed for 
 the day to come when she could feel that she was sup- 
 porting herself and sister by the honest labor of her 
 own head and hands. She thanked the kind old gen- 
 tleman over and over again for his fatherly interest in 
 their welfare, and affectionately pressed both his hands 
 in hers as she bade him good night. 
 
 Turning to Mrs. Herrick, after the colonel left, 
 Lizzie said, with much earnestness,
 
 220 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " O, such a man as Colonel White ought to live 
 always ! " 
 
 " I never knew, I never heard, of his equal," 
 replied Mrs. Herrick. " Every moment of his life 
 seems to be devoted to doing good to his fellow-crea- 
 tures. You and I, dear Lizzie, should be thankful 
 for such a friend." 
 
 " I am truly thankful," responded the young girl, in 
 unmistakable tones of sincerity. 
 
 On the very next day following the acceptance of 
 the plan suggested by Colonel White, carpenters were 
 busily at work finishing off the house that had been 
 commenced years before by Mr. Swift. A few weeks 
 sufficed to make it ready for occupancy. Mrs. Herrick 
 returned home, with regrets on both sides, for a sincere 
 and mutual friendship between her and Lizzie Swift had 
 grown stronger and deeper every day they remained 
 under the same roof. Mr. Hunt took possession of 
 his part of the house, and Lizzie took possession of 
 the sewing machine both well pleased with the 
 premises. Mr. Hunt immediately gave Lizzie some 
 work, and it was done to his entire satisfaction. 
 Whereupon he informed her that he would keep her 
 employed all the time. The young girl was now 
 truly happy. Her household duties were just sufficient 
 to keep her from working too steadily at the machine,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 221 
 
 and hence, both her health and spirits were kept in a 
 good, sound condition. 
 
 When Colonel White called on Squire Belmont with 
 the amount of money (two hundred dollars) which 
 that gentleman had previously named as an equivalent 
 for relinquishing all claim to the Swift property, he 
 could not prevail upon him to accept a single dollar, 
 although he was informed that it had been forwarded 
 by Mr. Hart for that express purpose. 
 
 " No," said Squire Belmont, " I cannot take a single 
 mill of that money. I have already attended to the 
 cancellation of the mortgage, and the property now 
 stands free and clear to the heirs of John Swift ; and 
 you, colonel, as their legal guardian, must see that it 
 remains so." 
 
 " But what about this sum of two hundred dollars?" 
 asked Colonel White. 
 
 " It belongs to the two girls. Put it out at interest 
 for them," replied Squire Belmont. " Were it not 
 that this war business has drawn so largely on my 
 purse, I would make it up to five hundred dollars. 
 I consider Lizzie Swift a girl of unequalled goodness, 
 and I should be tempted to dance at her wedding 
 provided the man should ever be found that is worthy 
 of her." 
 
 " I thank you, squire, most sincerely, in the name
 
 222 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 of the orphans, and will see that this money is safely 
 invested for them," responded the colonel. 
 
 So judiciously did Colonel White manage the affairs 
 for his two young wards, and so liberally did every 
 one holding any claims against the little estate discount 
 in their favor, that he found after paying every 
 demand, and placing in Lizzie's hands a sum of money 
 sufficient to last them till she should make her first 
 quarterly settlement with Mr. Hunt for rent and 
 work he should be able to place a little more than 
 three hundred dollars at interest for them. 
 
 Lizzie remembered her mother's dying words, "Con- 
 tinue your implicit faith and trust in God, and he will 
 raise up friends for you here on earth," and she deter- 
 mined to abide by that faith.
 
 THE YOUNG INVISIBLES. 223 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 RECEPTION OF GENERAL HOWARD. 
 
 LTHOUGH events of vast import to the 
 nation were constantly transpiring on the dif- 
 ferent battle-fields, which served to inspire the 
 Young Invincibles with a determination to keep up 
 their organization, and to profit by experience, these 
 events are too well known to all ' classes of readers 
 to need to be chronicled here, even did not our space 
 and object forbid such a course. Indeed, we feel com- 
 pelled to pass in silence over a twelvemonth, leaving 
 the boys of Harryseekit during this time under the 
 friendly and patriotic instruction of their stanch old 
 friend Colonel White, this long step taking us to the 
 spring of 1863, the commencement of the third year 
 of the rebellion, and well along in the second year of 
 the existence of the Young Invincibles. 
 
 " Have you heard anything more about the expected 
 visit of General Howard?" asked Tom Sprightly of 
 his friend George Herrick, at the close of a fine
 
 224: PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 afternoon, as the two lads walked across the corner of 
 the orchard from Mrs. Herrick's to Colonel White's. 
 
 " No, nothing positive ; but the colonel feels quite 
 certain that he will come," replied George. 
 
 " Peppermint and shoestrings ! " exclaimed Tom ; 
 " I hope he will come. I want to see the one-armed 
 hero." 
 
 " I hardly think the general will be very well 
 pleased with his reception, if he is to be treated to 
 ' peppermint and shoestrings,' " said Lucy "White, 
 laughingly, as the boys came unexpectedly upon her 
 and Lizzie and Mary Swift, as they turned round the 
 corner of the house. " George tells me he really be- 
 lieves you have given up turning somersets. I give 
 you all credit for that. But please tell us, Lieutenant 
 Sprightly, when you are going to give up your ' pep- 
 permint and shoestrings ' ? " 
 
 Our friend Tom had been recently promoted. 
 
 " About the same time, probably, that some young 
 ladies of my acquaintance give up their ' popped 
 corn,' " replied the newly-made lieutenant, with a 
 low bow. 
 
 All three of the girls had their hands full of snow- 
 white corn of Lucy's own preparing, and were grati- 
 fying their palates with the delicious morsels. 
 
 " Well, that time will soon come," rejoined Lucy v
 
 THE TOUNO INVINCIBLES. 225 
 
 " for my supply in the ear is getting to be rather short. 
 I really believe that you and George make ' raids ' 
 upon it. But come, Lieutenant Tom Sprightly, how- 
 much corn shall I give you to abandon your ' pepper- 
 mint and shoestrings' forever?" 
 
 " Give me every particle of corn you hold in your 
 hand," responded Tom, " and I'll bid good by to 'pep- 
 permint,' and throw in the ' shoestrings,' same as they 
 do down to the Corner when you buy a pair of shoes. 
 Is it a bargain ? " 
 
 " Yes, it is a bargain," said Lucy, approaching quite 
 near to Tom, " if you will faithfully promise to abide 
 by it." 
 
 " And you shall have half of mine, also," added 
 Lizzie. 
 
 " And I will take a portion of the other half," said 
 George, helping himself very liberally from Lizzie's 
 willing hand. 
 
 " And you shall have half of mine, too," joined in 
 Mary, as the three young girls gathered merrily about 
 Tom, who was always ready for a little frolic. 
 
 " Now for your promise," said Lucy, as she ex- 
 tended towards him her tempting hand. 
 
 " I most faithfully promise," began Tom, assuming 
 a ludicrously sober countenance, " in the presence of 
 these living, eating witnesses, that from this hour 
 15
 
 226 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 forward I adopt ' popped corn ' in the place of 
 ' peppermint.' " 
 
 As Tom completed his " oath of allegiance," more 
 sincere, probably, than many taken in other sections of 
 the country, Lucy restored him to the " rights of citi- 
 zenship " by emptying the contents of her hand into 
 his which favor he acknowledged by an immediate 
 gustatory attack upon the dainty " rations." 
 
 " Here comes grandfather ! " cried Lucy, turning 
 her eyes towards the Corner. " And see, he holds 
 up a letter, and his face is all smiles." 
 
 " Just as it always is, bless his dear old soul ! " was 
 the exclamation from the admiring Lizzie. 
 
 " I know by his looks, Tom, that he has favorable 
 news from General Howard. He expected a letter 
 from Squire Belmont, who is in Boston, with regard 
 to the general's visit. We shall see him, my boy ! " 
 and George gave his companion such a slap on the 
 shoulder as caused half the corn in his hand to shower 
 down over his feet. 
 
 "Pep popped corn and shoestrings!" exclaimed 
 Tom, as he stooped, and commenced gathering up his 
 treasure, some of which had actually lodged among 
 his shoestrings. " George Herrick, you have crippled 
 me for life ! How shall I ever be able to walk with 
 all these corns on my toes ? " and he began to limp
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 227 
 
 about, amidst the laughter of the girls, as if he had 
 been in reality a fit subject for a chiropodist. 
 
 " I beg pardon, Tom," said George, laughing with 
 the rest. " I had no idea that Lucy's corn still pos- 
 sessed such power of ' popping,' or I should have been 
 more careful." 
 
 " Well, I'll not quarrel with you in presence of the 
 ladies," replied Tom, with assumed dignity. Then 
 turning towards the girls, he continued, holding up 
 between his thumb and finger one of the largest and 
 whitest of the kernels of corn, " Why is this like your 
 grandfather, Lucy ? " 
 
 " I'm sure I can't tell," she replied. " I give it up." 
 
 " Because it's kernel all over white " and the kernel 
 entered Tom's mouth just at the moment that the 
 colonel entered the gate, amidst the ringing laugh of 
 the little group of young folks assembled near the 
 house. 
 
 " I am glad to see that you are having a merry time 
 of it," said Colonel White, as he took an extended 
 hand of Lizzie and Mary in each -of his, while Lucy 
 darted in between them to give and receive the usual 
 kiss. 
 
 " We were laughing at one of Tom's poor jokes," 
 remarked George, as the colonel looked at him in- 
 quiringly.
 
 228 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " And I am appreciating ray own joke, which 
 others are not capable of doing," said Tom, as his 
 teeth performed the office of mastication upon the last 
 of Lucy's " supplies," 
 
 Lucy repeated the conundrum to her grandfather, 
 who laughed heartily, while he shook his cane at the 
 author of it, and told him he must lay joking aside for 
 a day or two, and remember that he was an officer in 
 the Invincibles, for there was a great honor awaiting 
 that company, and he trusted every member would 
 sustain himself Avith credit on the occasion. 
 
 The colonel then read the letter that he held in his 
 hand, which was from Squire Belmont, and contained 
 the pleasing intelligence that General Howard had 
 fully decided to take Harryseekit in his route, and 
 would arrive there in the morning train of the next 
 day but one. 
 
 " And now, George," said the colonel, as he folded 
 the letter, " you and Tom must display what military 
 talent you possess to the best advantage, for the Invin- 
 cibles must turn out with full ranks, and perform escort 
 duty to the distinguished visitor." 
 
 "Bravo!" cried Tom, fairly jumping about for 
 joy. " We can do the business up in good shape 
 can't we, George ? " and he returned the slap upon the 
 shoulder with good interest.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 229 
 
 " I think we shall have no reason to be ashamed of 
 our boys," replied George, in a confident tone. " "We 
 must notify them all early to-morrow to meet at the 
 armory the next morning at eight o'clock. And we'll 
 have Uncle Bill take hold of the guns and accoutre- 
 ments to-morrow, with the help of some half-dozen of 
 us boys, and put an extra touch upon them." 
 
 Mrs. White had joined the party in front of the 
 house in time to hear the reading of the letter by her 
 husband, and expressed much gratification, with the 
 others, at the expected visit of one of our bravest 
 generals and best of men. 
 
 " Lucy, my dear," said, she, " we shall have to stir 
 ourselves to-morrow to put things in proper train for 
 the next day. "We couldn't make any great display if 
 we should attempt it ; and I have no wish to try ; but 
 we must give the general a cordial reception, and a 
 good, substantial dinner." 
 
 " O, I dare say the general has eaten many a poorer 
 dinner than you will give him, grandmother," replied 
 L/ucy. " But then I'll do my best to help you, for I 
 should like to have things in pretty good shape. And 
 Lizzie will come down early to-morrow, and assist 
 you, too, and she will be worth a dozen like me ; and 
 then, with the help of Mrs. Herrick and Aunt Betsey, 
 I shouldn't wonder if we got up a splendid dinner !
 
 230 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 You'll come won't you, 'Lizzie? and Mary can come 
 right here from school ; " and the animated girl looked 
 at her young friend for an answer. 
 
 " Yes, indeed, if I can be of the least assistance," 
 was the cheerful reply. 
 
 So we see that the fine old lady had the ready 
 promise of willing hands to assist in getting up a 
 "good, substantial dinner" for the general. 
 
 The morning and the hour had arrived when Gen- 
 eral Howard was looked for by the good people of 
 Harryseekit, and the grounds round about the little 
 depot, as well as the street leading from it up into the 
 centre of the village, were filled with highly expectant, 
 though most orderly, citizens. At the end of the plat- 
 form nearest the street were drawn up the Young 
 Invincibles, now mustering seventy-five muskets, ready 
 to receive the distinguished visitor, and to escort him 
 through the main street to Colonel White's residence. 
 
 Directly is heard the familiar " whistle," and in a 
 few moments more the train comes thundering along, 
 and then gradually, as if by instinct, draws up at the 
 little brown depot. The " Christian Hero " stepped 
 upon the platform. No one could be mistaken. There 
 was the solitary left arm. Its mate had been yielded 
 up far away on the battle-field, one of the many sacri- 
 fices in the work of putting down an unrighteous
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 231 
 
 rebellion. The moment his foot touched the platform, 
 cheer upon cheer rent the air, handkerchiefs waved, 
 hats were thrown up, and such demonstrations of 
 enthusiasm manifested for some minutes as were never 
 before witnessed in Harryseekit. 
 
 The visitor was accompanied by a single officer of 
 his staff, Major Payson, and Squire Belmont. Colonel 
 White stepped forward and gave the general a cordial 
 greeting. He then introduced him to the selectmen of 
 the town and some of the most prominent citizens. 
 "While this was taking place, the assemblage was 
 agreeably surprised by hearing a full band of music 
 strike up "Hail to the Chief!" There was nothing 
 like a "Band" in the town; so, of course, this was 
 unexpected to every one. But Squire Belmont, being 
 aware that good music would add much to the enjoy- 
 ment of the occasion, had engaged the musicians, at 
 his own expense, at Capeland, where the train had been 
 delayed for half an hour, and brought them on with 
 him. They had left the cars quietly, on the opposite 
 side, at a hint from the squire, and joined the Invinci- 
 bles, and commenced playing before their presence was 
 known to the crowd generally. 
 
 As the band began to play, General Howard turned 
 his eyes in that direction, and noticed for the first time 
 the military company drawn up to receive him. For a
 
 232 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 moment lie fixed his gaze upon the perfectly-formed 
 line, as if surprised at such soldierly bearing, and then, 
 turning to Colonel White, with a smile of satisfaction 
 on his countenance, remarked, 
 
 " Squire Belmont has been giving me a little his- 
 torical sketch of the * Young Invincibles,' and I had 
 become somewhat interested in them. I was pre- 
 pared, however, to see a mere company of boys ; but 
 I see a body of soldiers. You must have drilled them 
 long and thoroughly, colonel." 
 
 " I paid considerable attention to them for the first 
 few months," replied Colonel White ; " but since that 
 time they have been drilled almost wholly by their 
 own officers more especially by their captain." 
 
 "And what is the captain's name?" inquired the 
 general, taking out his memorandum-book. 
 
 " George Herrick," replied the colonel. 
 
 " A good-sounding name," said General Howard, as 
 he wrote it down and returned the book to his pocket. 
 
 " And a good, sound young man that bears it," 
 remarked Squire Belmont, with much emphasis. 
 
 The carriages which were to convey the general and 
 his friends through the village to Colonel White's resi- 
 dence were waiting on the street, a few rods from the 
 depot, and the party now moved in that direction. As 
 they neared the escort, the order was given, "Present
 
 TEE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 233 
 
 arms," and every musket was brought into position at 
 the same instant, almost as if one mind and hand had 
 governed the entire movement. 
 
 " Admirable ! " exclaimed the war-worn hero, whose 
 eye was fixed upon the young soldiers. 
 
 Having passed along the front of the " Invincibles," 
 Colonel White and his friends conducted their distin- 
 guished guest to the carriages in waiting, the military 
 immediately formed and marched to the head, the 
 band struck up, " See, the conquering hero comes ! " 
 and the " procession " commenced its march up the 
 street. And although this procession could not be said 
 to be either extensive or magnificent, yet the general 
 afterwards often referred to his reception at Harry- 
 seekit as one of the most gratifying he met with 
 during his brief tour through the state. 
 
 Arriving at Colonel White's, the procession halted in 
 front of the gate, over which, extending from the 
 branches of a tree on either side, was a very hand- 
 some display of flags which Uncle Bill had managed to 
 arrange, without help from any one, while waiting for 
 the arrival of the guest. 
 
 Captain Herrick again formed his company in line, 
 outside the gate, and the general was conducted aloog 
 their front and into the hospitable dwelling of his 
 patriotic old friend, where he had received many a
 
 234 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 cordial welcome in earlier years. As he approached 
 the gateway he said, 
 
 " Colonel White, these flags are very tastefully dis- 
 played. Who arranged them? " 
 
 " O, that is the work of my old sailor friend, gen- 
 eral, while the rest of us have been waiting for you at 
 the depot," replied the colonel. 
 
 " Yes, yes ; I remember him. Let me see ; Uncle 
 Bill Ballast is it not?" inquired General Howard. 
 
 " The same," responded his friend. 
 
 " I shall be happy to take the old tar by the hand," 
 rejoined the general. " I love an old sailor next to an 
 old soldier ; " and he pressed Colonel White's arm 
 which was locked in his. 
 
 They had now entered the house, where the general 
 was met and warmly welcomed by Mrs. White and 
 Lucy. He was then introduced by the colonel to Mrs. 
 Herrick, as his wife's companion and Captain Herrick's 
 mother, to Lizzie and Mary Swift, as his wards, and to 
 a few of the neighbors who were present by request, 
 not forgetting Uncle Bill, whose native bashfulness soon 
 gave way before the free and cordial manner of the 
 great and good soldier. The general congratulated 
 Mrs. Herrick upon having so promising a son, saying 
 he had taken much interest in him, said a few pleasant 
 words to the two sisters as to their good fortune in
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 235 
 
 being under such excellent guardianship, and then 
 turned to Uncle Bill, with an allusion to the navy, 
 to the hardships and bravery of the sailors, to their 
 undying love and veneration of the old flag, and then 
 complimented the old seaman personally for his de- 
 spatch and taste in arranging the bunting so gracefully 
 over the gateway. 
 
 The old sailor was fairly delighted at this compli- 
 ment from the great general, but was not a little 
 puzzled to know how to acknowledge it. However, 
 he thought some reply was due, and he must " heave 
 ahead." 
 
 " You see, general," commenced Uncle Bill, " it's 
 very little that a stiff old chap like me can do, any 
 way. But I do love to handle the ' stars and stripes ! ' 
 Why, sir, a man that can't work the flags of his coun- 
 try into something beautiful airit got any f soul ! I've 
 seen the time when I could make those two trees out 
 there look like a commodore's ship just after a great 
 victory ! But those days are past now, and I'm about 
 the same as laid up in ordinary," continued the old 
 sailor, descending again into the self-deprecating tone 
 and manner in which he had commenced. " Besides, 
 I never could do much ashore. The land is all well 
 enough, I s'pose, in its way ; but then there's nothing 
 like a good ship and plenty of sea-room. A chap
 
 236 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 knows what he is about then, if he only keeps his 
 reck'ning." 
 
 " I rather think you will have to make up your 
 mind to spend the rest of your days on shore, though," 
 responded the general, smiling at the old sailor's love 
 and preference for his former vocation. 
 
 " O, yes, sir ; I made up my mind to that, long ago. 
 And I'm anchored here in a first-rate harbor," rejoined 
 Uncle Bill, in a more contented tone. 
 
 " You have a very fine parade here in front of your 
 house, Colonel White," remarked the general, looking 
 from the window ; " and I see that Captain Herrick is 
 about to improve it. Really, it affords me great pleas- 
 ure to look at those youthful soldiers. Come, I must 
 have a nearer view ; " and passing out at the door, he 
 walked rapidly down to the gate, followed by the 
 whole party. 
 
 George Herrick, as we have found on various occa- 
 sions, was a cool, clear-headed youth, and he was in 
 nowise embarrassed when he became aware that the 
 movements of his company were to be closely observed 
 by a general right from the battle-field. In fact, his 
 confidence grew stronger as the responsibilities of his 
 position increased. And the result was, that he 
 drilled and manoeuvred his company for the space 
 of twenty or twenty-five minutes with such perfect
 
 THE YOUNG INYINCIBLES. 237 
 
 ease and accuracy as to call forth many expressions of 
 warm commendation from the general and Major 
 Payson. 
 
 Finally, as the company marched up near to the gate, 
 and was ordered to a rest, General Howard at once 
 advanced and shook Captain Herrick warmly by the 
 hand, complimenting him as to his efficiency as a 
 commander, and congratulating him upon the perfect 
 discipline and martial appearance of those under 
 his command. After an introduction to Lieutenants 
 Sprightly and Sherman, the general addressed a few 
 words of encouragement to the company, praising 
 them for their military proficiency, and thanking 
 them for their attentions to himself. 
 
 He hoped, he said, that the terrible war in which 
 the country was engaged would terminate before they 
 were old enough to be called to the field ; but, if such 
 proved to be the fact, they must not feel that their time 
 and labor in bringing themselves to such perfection in 
 soldierly bearing had been wasted far from it. They 
 had set an example worthy to be followed by the rising 
 generation throughout the length and breadth of the 
 country. An interested, patriotic " citizen soldiery " 
 would be one of the future safeguards of this blessed 
 Union saved. 
 
 " I am highly gratified that this opportunity has
 
 238 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 been afforded me of witnessing the proficiency of the 
 Invincibles," continued the general, " and I shall often 
 revert to this occasion with pleasure and pride. And 
 now, my young soldier boys, I propose three rousing 
 cheers for Colonel White, the originator of your organ- 
 ization, and your early instructor and constant friend, 
 whose patriotism at home has done so much to warm 
 the hearts and nerve the arms of our brave soldiers in 
 the field." 
 
 And immediately the air resounded with the pro- 
 posed cheers not only by the " Invincibles," but by 
 the collected multitude all around with an earnest- 
 ness which showed that they came from the heart. 
 Colonel White stepped forward and bowed his ac- 
 knowledgments, and then proposed, 
 
 " ' Three times three ' for our brave General How- 
 ard." 
 
 Again the cheers pealed forth with increased energy, 
 and for a few moments the scene was one of almost 
 wild enthusiasm. As the excitement died away, the 
 general briefly thanked the citizens of Harryseekit for 
 their kind reception, expressed his fullest confidence in 
 the integrity and strength of the administration, and 
 told them that patience and patriotism for a year or 
 two longer would place the Union on a firmer base 
 than ever before.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 239 
 
 Colonel White and his guests now returned to the 
 house, the band played several lively airs, Captain 
 Herrick dismissed his company, and the crowd quietly 
 dispersed in different directions all highly delighted 
 with the proceedings of the morning.
 
 240 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 CHAPTER XXH. 
 
 THE " LAUNCHING." 
 
 OON after entering the house, Colonel White 
 said, 
 
 " General Howard, we have been building a 
 fine, large ship at the Point, and she is to be launched 
 at two o'clock to-day. How would you like to take 
 a ride d9wn there and see her go off?" 
 
 " Nothing would suit me better," replied the general. 
 " I always thought it a scene of grandeur to see a ship 
 move swiftly and gracefully into her proper element ; 
 and years have elapsed since an opportunity of the 
 kind has presented itself. I will certainly go to the 
 ' launching ' that is, if we can return in season for 
 me to take the five o'clock train this afternoon." 
 
 " There will be ample time," responded the colonel, 
 " if you and the rest of the gentlemen have no objec- 
 tion to a twelve o'clock dinner ; for it would be too late 
 to dine after our return." 
 
 " I breakfasted early this morning, as is my custom,"
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 241 
 
 rejoined the general, " and an early dinner will suit 
 me all the better. In fact, I never adopt ' fashionable 
 hours,' unless they are forced upon me." 
 
 Major Payson, Squire Belmont, the " town author- 
 ities," and the remainder of the party, numbering 
 twelve in all, were unanimous for the early dinner and 
 the " launching," and the colonel at once informed his 
 wife and Mrs. Herrick of the decision. Now, if Mrs. 
 White and her friend had not been sensible women, 
 this piece of information requiring dinner two hours 
 earlier than had been at first intended would have 
 put them into a complete " flurry." As it was, they 
 quietly informed the girls of the new arrangement, 
 and all hands set at once to work with the determina- 
 tion of having dinner ready at the appointed time. 
 
 It is true, Lucy was a little nervous, at first, for fear 
 all their arrangements could not be properly carried 
 out ; but the assurances of her grandmother and Mrs. 
 Herrick, together with the confident words and manner 
 of Lizzie Swift, soon restored her equanimity, and mat- 
 ters went on bravely in that happy old family kitchen. 
 
 The subject of the " launching " was again referred 
 to in the parlor, and the colonel said to General How- 
 ard, 
 
 "I am about to commit to your charge a little 
 secret, general. You are aware that it is the custom, 
 16
 
 242 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 in these parts at least, to paint the name of a new 
 vessel on her stern, a day or two before the time of 
 launching, and cover it immediately with canvas, 
 which is only removed, and the name pronounced, at 
 the moment the vessel glides into the water. Were 
 the custom different, and the name not already painted, 
 I should be pleased to give you the privilege of chris- 
 tening the ship. But, as it is, I think we have selected 
 a name which you will honor. "We call her the 
 4 General Grant.' " 
 
 " The very name, of all others, I would myself have 
 selected," replied the general, in an animated tone. " I 
 do indeed honor that name." 
 
 General Grant was at this time on his famous march 
 " to Vicksburg," and the public had just begun to 
 realize, in a degree, that he possessed military genius 
 of a high order. 
 
 " I believe that General Grant will prove himself 
 to be a great captain," said the colonel. " I have un- 
 bounded confidence in his military ability." 
 
 " And so have I," was the response of General How- 
 ard. " He is the general of our day ; and the people and 
 the government will very soon acknowledge it. Vicks- 
 burg is sure to fall before him, and then he will be 
 called to confront Lee in Virginia ; and when he once 
 sets himself down before Richmond, no earthly power
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 243 
 
 can cause him to turn back until his object is accom- 
 plished. Mark my words, gentlemen," continued the 
 general, becoming unusually earnest in his manner, 
 " Robert E. Lee will, sooner or later, surrender his 
 boasted Army of Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant." 
 
 At precisely twelve o'clock dinner was announced, 
 and the party at once repaired to the well-laden board. 
 Whether all the preparations had resulted in such an 
 entertainment as Lucy had been pleased in anticipation 
 to style " splendid" we shall leave for that young lady 
 to decide ; but that it fully came up to the more sensi- 
 ble idea, put forth by her venerable grandmother, of 
 " a good, substantial dinner," was sufficiently well 
 attested by those whose good fortune allowed them 
 to partake of it. 
 
 Dinner over, the gentlemen took seats in their car- 
 riages, and were soon on their way to the Point. The 
 road was in excellent order, and the drive a very pleas- 
 ant one, and " Dancing Jim," who had the honor of 
 drawing the chaise which contained General Howard 
 and Colonel White, was not backward in showing his 
 spirit and speed. The general remarked upon the fine 
 qualities of the horse, which led his owner to relate the 
 little adventure he met with on that road five years 
 previous, on which occasion George Herrick was first 
 brought to his notice. He was warm in his praises of
 
 244 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 George, not only on the occasion alluded to, but during 
 the whole five succeeding years. 
 
 Among other things, the colonel stated that he had 
 never known the youth to have the slightest difficulty 
 with any other boy, though every one knew him to be 
 as brave as a lion. He then alluded to the strong 
 friendship existing between George and Tom, to the 
 many good qualities of the latter, notwithstanding his 
 propensity for fun and frolic, and wound up his com- 
 mendation of the two lads by saying that he believed 
 both of them, if they lived to be men, would make 
 their mark in the world. 
 
 " Really, Colonel White, you interest me more and 
 more in young Herri ck," said the general. "Take 
 care, or you may lose him. I shall be tempted to speak 
 a good word for him in a high quarter." 
 
 " I should be loath to lose him," replied the old gen- 
 tleman ; 'Sbut if it were for his own and his country's 
 good, I should not regret it." 
 
 The conversation on the subject was here brought to 
 a close by the sudden halt of Dancing Jim at his usual 
 stopping-place under the shed by the entrance to the 
 shipyard, where the rest of the party soon made their 
 appearance, and all walked down to the ship together. 
 
 There was a numerous concourse of people present, 
 among whom were George Herrick and Tom Sprightly,
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 245 
 
 with many other members of the " Invincibles," and 
 scores of the younger class from the village, all of 
 whom had started early and. walked the whole distance. 
 The crowd was unusually large some having come 
 to see the " launching," while many others came to 
 see the general, the news that he was to honor the 
 occasion with his presence having rapidly spread 
 through the town. 
 
 All was hurry and bustle among the workmen. It 
 was within a few minutes of the time appointed for 
 the ship to speed her course down the slippery ways. 
 A large number of spectators had been admitted on 
 board, and the steps were removed to prevent her deck 
 from being dangerously crowded ; and already the fast- 
 falling blows from the carpenters' stalwart arms, all 
 along the ship's keel on either side, told that the 
 " wedging-up " was going on in earnest. Presently 
 there is barely a perceptible start of the huge hulk ; 
 then all is still. Again, a few rapid blows ; another 
 start. The crowd on her deck all jump and stamp ; 
 the jar increases her motion. Quick swift like 
 lightning the ship glides down the well-greased ways, 
 ploughs deep into the briny element, as if happy in the 
 opportunity thus to lave her long-seasoned sides, rolls 
 a huge wave on before her, and, in another moment,
 
 246 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 the " General Grant " floats upon the water almost as 
 lightly and gracefully as a swan ! 
 
 Now go up the long, loud cheers from the work- 
 men and spectators on the shore, which are heartily 
 answered from the crowded deck of the ship. Then 
 came the usual trial to ascertain whether the vessel 
 was " crank " or " stiff," by all on board stationing 
 themselves along the deck on one side from bow to 
 stern, and quickly rushing across to the other side, 
 then back again, and so to and fro for a number of 
 times, rocking the ship like a cradle. The " launch- 
 ing " was a complete success, and the " General 
 Grant" was pronounced to be "A, No. 1." 
 
 In a few minutes the ship was hauled in to the little 
 wharf, near the yard, and her passengers scrambled 
 ashore. As soon as the decks were cleared, Colonel 
 White invited General Howard and the gentlemen ac- 
 companying him on board, to examine the inside finish 
 of the vessel, which had been most thoroughly and 
 superbly accomplished. In fact, she was a ship worthy 
 of her name. While this examination is progressing, 
 we will go with the crowd to a field just across the 
 road from the shipyard, to finish up the sports of the 
 day with a wrestling match an invariable custom on 
 a launching day at Harryseekit.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 247 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 THE \VRESTLING MATCH. 
 
 manner of wrestling on the present occa- 
 sion was to be that variously styled " square- 
 hold," " arms'-length," " toe-to-toe," &c. ; that 
 is, the two wrestlers stand face to face, each with 
 his right hand hold of his opponent's left shoulder, and 
 his left hand grasping tightly the right elbow. Thus 
 firmly grappled, each eadeavors to throw the other 
 upon his back by dexterously tripping at his antago- 
 nist's feet, and at the same moment suddenly exerting 
 the strength of his hands and arms in the opposite 
 direction. The rules of the contest prohibit the use 
 of the arms without the accompanying " trip," because 
 such a course would invariably give the stronger party 
 the advantage. There is a good deal of skill to be 
 displayed in this mode of wrestling, and it is not 
 always the stronger one of the two that comes off 
 as conqueror. 
 
 A ring was soon formed, and two boys, about twelve
 
 248 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 years of age, were speedily contending for the victory. 
 The first fair throw decided the question in this case, 
 when the vanquished party or his friends at once 
 selected another champion to fill his place. Thus the 
 match went on, the contestants gradually increasing in 
 size and years. 
 
 Finally, Tom Sprightly was brought into the ring. 
 Tom was considered the smartest wrestler of his age 
 in the whole town, and his back seldom, if ever, 
 touched the ground until some one of a man's size 
 and powers was matched against him, who would at 
 last cause him to yield under a great disparity of 
 weight and strength. 
 
 On the present occasion it seemed as if Tom was 
 to stand the champion of the ring to the last, for he 
 had thrown all those of his own age who would 
 wrestle, and a number that were two or three years 
 his seniors. At length a great strapping fellow, named 
 Jack Dunham, twenty years of age, weighing one 
 hundred and eighty pounds, was brought forward. 
 The best of good nature had prevailed throughout, 
 and as Tom now stepped forward to the unequal 
 contest, he laughingly said, 
 
 " Don't fall on me too heavily, Jack." 
 
 " I make no promises," replied the burly fellow,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 249 
 
 who was something of a bully, and inclined to be 
 quarrelsome. 
 
 At this moment, and before the wrestlers had taken 
 hold of each other, George Herrick stepped quickly up 
 to his young friend, and laying his hand on his shoul- 
 der, said, in a low, earnest tone, 
 
 " Tom, you had better not wrestle with Jack. You 
 know you threw him about a year ago and he has 
 never forgiven you. He has threatened since then, 
 that if ever he got hold of you again he would break 
 some of your bones." 
 
 " O," replied Tom, in the same confidential tone, 
 " I guess he didn't mean anything. He always talks 
 big. I want to straighten him out just once, George.'' 
 
 " I'm afraid you'll be sorry for it, Tom." 
 
 " Come, George Herrick, what are you interfering 
 for?" said Jack Dunham, impatiently. "Are you 
 afraid your baby will get hurt ? " 
 
 " I think Tom has wrestled enough for one day," re- 
 plied George, very calmly, " and I advise him to stop." 
 
 " Perhaps youd like to take his place," sneered 
 Jack. 
 
 " No ; I never wrestle," responded George. 
 
 " And I'll wrestle but this once more to-day," said 
 Tom, as he stepped forward and took hold of his 
 powerful opponent.
 
 250 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Contrary to all rule, Jack at once commenced 
 twitching Tom violently about, wholly by the strength 
 of his arms, fairly lifting him clear from the ground, 
 and then endeavoring suddenly to dash him prostrate 
 upon his back. But all to no purpose, for Tom was 
 sure to baffle every such attempt by coming down fair 
 and square upon his feet. Some of the spectators ex- 
 postulated with Jack about his unfairness ; but he gave 
 no heed to their remonstrances. Finally, having be- 
 come pretty thoroughly tired out by his great exertions, 
 he desisted for a moment to take breath, and allowed 
 his arms to relax. Quick as thought his wiry antago- 
 nist sprang in upon him, tripped him, threw him flat 
 upon his back, and instantly jumped out of his reach. 
 
 The shout that went up from the excited and highly- 
 gratified crowd could have been heard a mile away. 
 The vanquished wrestler jumped to his feet, showing 
 much passion, and, with an oath, sprang towards Tom. 
 But George Herrick, who had feared some trouble 
 from the moment Jack Dunham was brought into the 
 i ring, threw himself directly in front of the advancing 
 bully, and, taking his young friend by the shoulder, 
 said, almost authoritatively, 
 
 " Tom, we must leave." 
 
 " No, you don't," said Jack ; and he attempted to 
 place his powerful hand on George's shoulder.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 251 
 
 George, however, jumped quickly to one side, and, 
 pushing Tom before him, was in another instant well 
 in among the crowd. All this was the work of a 
 moment, and before any one could interfere. George 
 very well knew that Tom had many more friends 
 present than Jack could claim, and was not at all 
 fearful that he would get hurt ; but he thought the 
 surest way of preventing a row was to take his young 
 friend out of the way. 
 
 " Come back, you cowardly sneaks ! " shouted Dun- 
 ham. 
 
 But the two lads continued to move farther away. 
 
 " George Herrick ! " continued Jack, " come back 
 yourself and wrestle, if you're afraid to let Tom. 
 come." 
 
 " I have told you that I never wrestle," replied 
 George, very calmly. 
 
 " Come back and fight me, then," roared the bully, 
 urged on by a few of his own clique. 
 
 " I have less inclination to fight than to wrestle," 
 rejoined George Herrick, with perfect good nature. 
 
 " You're cowardly dogs ! " again shouted the quar- 
 relsome fellow. " I should like no better fun than to 
 thrash you both at once." 
 
 " But that would not be very good fun for us" re- 
 sponded George, still in pleasant humor.
 
 252 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " You are the most contemptible, cowardly, sneak- 
 ing puppy I ever saw, G.eorge Herrick," almost 
 screamed young Dunham, maddened beyond measure 
 by the other's perfect coolness. 
 
 " I can't stand this any longer," said Tom. " Let's 
 go back." 
 
 " No, no," replied George. " It is better to take no 
 notice of the blackguard's words." 
 
 " Say, Herrick," once more called out Jack, being 
 determined to provoke George to anger by some 
 means, " are you bound to California to look up 
 that nice father of yours that ran away because your 
 mother was no better than she should be?" 
 
 "Shame!" "Shame!" "Shame!" resounded all 
 around, in tones that indicated no good to young 
 Dunham. But, in an instant, George Herrick was 
 seen, with a face of frightful paleness, tearing his way 
 through the crowd like a roused lion, with Tom closely 
 following, towards the low, mean fellow who had 
 uttered the insult to his mother's name. Confronting 
 the bully, with his lips almost touching his face, 
 George spoke in subdued, deliberate, and measured 
 accents, that seemed to be the very embodiment of 
 deep passion under the control of a resolute and 
 powerful will : 
 
 " Jack Dunham, you might have continued to heap
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 253 
 
 epithets upon me until you were gray, without moving 
 my anger in the least ; but listen : When I was 
 twelve years old I promised my mother, if I lived, 
 I would be her protector. Now, detestable black- 
 guard that you are, you must instantly apologize for 
 the insult you have offered, or, by the sacredness of 
 that promise, I will tear the confession from your foul 
 throat." 
 
 There was a terrible earnestness in the youth's words 
 and manner ; but young Dunham was a fighting char- 
 acter, and being three years older, and some fifty 
 pounds heavier, than George Herrick, he felt confident 
 of an easy victory over him, and consequently replied, 
 contemptuously, 
 
 "Apologize to you, boy? I'll give you an apology 
 that you won't forget in a hurry ; " and he sprang upon 
 and grappled his lighter antagonist with a might 
 that seemed to threaten almost instant annihilation. 
 George's friends trembled for his safety, as they saw 
 him thus in the grasp of the stalwart bully. But it 
 was at once evident that George Herrick's close and 
 compact form contained a muscular power and a 
 nervous elasticity that would prove a full equivalent 
 for the other's superior size, and slower, though greater, 
 strength. After a moment or two of fierce struggle, 
 locked tightly in each other's arms, George suddenly
 
 254 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 lifted his burly antagonist from his feet, gave him a 
 quick whirl, and brought him to his back on the 
 ground with such force as nearly drove the breath 
 from his body, and caused him to break the bear-like 
 hug with which he had enclosed him in the first 
 grapple. 
 
 Quick as thought George now planted one knee 
 upon his fallen foe's breast, crowded his left hand hard 
 upon his throat, and, with his right arm uplifted, again 
 called upon him to take back the insulting words. But 
 Jack had caught sight of the end of his antagonist's 
 neck-tie, which was a strong, double, black ribbon, put 
 loosely round his neck, and clutching it with both 
 hands, he began twisting it violently. George felt the 
 band rapidly tightening about his throat, and endeav- 
 ored to unclinch the fellow's fingers ; but they were as 
 firm as the jaws of a vice. George was beginning to 
 turn purple in the face. The bystanders now discov- 
 ered how matters stood, and thought it time to inter- 
 fere. But Tom Sprightly was the first to spring to 
 the rescue, exclaiming, 
 
 " The villain will strangle him ! " 
 
 George Herrick, however, had not lost his remark- 
 able presence of mind, por his power of action. He 
 had thrust one hand again upon Jack's throat, to see 
 what effect that would have, and with the other he
 
 THE YOUNG INV1NCIBLES. 255 
 
 motioned Tom away, for he could not speak. Then 
 instantly clapping his hand into his vest pocket, he 
 took out his knife, opened it with his teeth, slipped it 
 down the back of his neck, and cut the ribbon in two 
 though it was girted in so closely that he cut the skin 
 as well. He was now free, and jumped quickly to his 
 feet, leaving his severed neck-tie in the hands of his 
 baffled enemy. 
 
 ' Jack also sprang to his feet, and the two stood again 
 face to face, looking each other unflinchingly in the 
 eye. In the aspect of George were plainly written 
 the unbending determination and undying resolve to 
 "fight it out on this line if it takes all summer," while 
 on the part of the other was manifest a brute stub- 
 bornness, mingled with towering passion and burning 
 shame, which evidently sought deep revenge. As 
 George closed his knife, and returned it leisurely to 
 his pocket, while the blood was seen slowly trickling 
 round on either side of his neck from the slight wound 
 he had given himself, he said to his antagonist, in his 
 usual calm and deliberate way, 
 
 " Jack Dunham, I should prefer that this unhappy 
 affair might end just where it is. One word from you 
 will do it. Take back the insulting language." 
 
 " Never ! " was the dogged reply. 
 
 " Then, by the fair fame of that dear mother whom
 
 256 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 you have so grossly vilified," rejoined George, in low, 
 deep tones, " I will grind the confession from your 
 lubberly bones." 
 
 He made a step or two backwards, caught the front 
 parts of his loose sack-coat in either hand, and threw 
 both arms back in the act of slipping it from his 
 shoulders, as he had found it in his way during the 
 previous contest. His unprincipled antagonist, who 
 had been waiting for an advantage, instantly sprang 
 forward, and attempted to deal George a heavy blow in 
 the face while his arms were thus entangled in his 
 coat. But at the moment the blow was about to fall, 
 Jack found both his arms brought suddenly to his sides 
 from behind, and pinioned there as if by bands of un- 
 yielding iron. Colonel "White's son Mark, a man in 
 the prime of life, standing six feet two, and stout in 
 proportion, had seen the cowardly movement in season 
 to spring forward and wind his powerful arms around 
 young Dunham. 
 
 " Coward, as well as blackguard and bully ! " ex- 
 claimed Mark White, as he held the young man as 
 powerless as an infant. " Were it not for the satisfac- 
 tion of seeing George Herrick punish you as you 
 deserve, which I know full well he will do, I would 
 give you one such hug as would bring all your ribs 
 together, and press the very breath from your body."
 
 THR BULLY PUNISHED PAGE 257.
 
 THE YOUNG INVISIBLES. 257 
 
 George had freed himself of his coat, and rolled his 
 shirt-sleeves above his elbows, exposing an arm that 
 called forth remark from all that stood near him, for it 
 seemed to be a compact mass of nerve and sinew. 
 
 " There, go and meet your reward," continued 
 Mr. White, releasing young Dunham from his close 
 confinement. " George, don't spare the detestable 
 cub ! " 
 
 But George Herrick was reasonable to the last. 
 Once more he proposed terms of peace. 
 
 " Jack, will you recant? " 
 
 " No, fool ! " and again he sprang forward to the 
 conflict. 
 
 This time, however, George was prepared for him, 
 and he was met with a quick, powerful blow between 
 the eyes, that sent him reeling and staggering back, 
 and would have caused the bully to measure his length 
 upon the ground, had not his few friends gathered up 
 so near as to save him from the fall. 
 
 " At him again, Jack," they cried. " Give him one 
 of your ' settlers.' " 
 
 But the fellow's brain was evidently a little bewil- 
 dered. Perhaps he had a confused idea that he had 
 been kicked by, a horse, and needed a few moments' 
 time to measure the distance between his head and the 
 horse's heels, for he did not respond very readily to his 
 17
 
 258 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 friends' urgent appeals. George did not follow up the 
 advantage he had gained, disdaining anything like 
 unfairness even to an unfair foe, but stood calmly 
 awaiting the enemy's next move, whatever it might be. 
 
 During this momentary cessation of hostilities, some 
 one shouted from the roadside near by, 
 
 " George ! George Herrick ! Is it possible that is 
 you ? Come here quick ! " 
 
 George knew the voice well without even turning. 
 
 " Ask your father to excuse me a few minutes 
 longer," said he to Mark White, as that gentleman 
 started for the road. 
 
 " Stick to your job, George, and finish it up," 
 replied Mr. White. " I will explain matters to 
 father and his friends." 
 
 It was but a few steps to the fence, and as Mr. 
 White reached it, he found his father, who had driven 
 close up to it, leaning forward from the chaise, and 
 still calling and gesticulating earnestly to George Her- 
 rick. 
 
 " Don't get excited, father," said Mark. " George 
 is doing well enough." 
 
 " Doing well enough ! " repeated the old gentleman, 
 excitedly; "what do you mean? Here I have been 
 praising him to General Howard all day, and among 
 other things, have said that I never knew him to
 
 THE TO UNO INVINCIDLES. 259 
 
 quarrel with any other boy ; and here we find him, 
 with the words of praise scarcely cold from my lips, 
 engaged in a disgraceful fight." The colonel spoke in 
 a tone partaking both of grief and bitterness. 
 
 " Yes, it is a disgraceful fight," replied his son ; 
 " but the disgrace is wholly on one side. Father, you 
 would have caned young Dunham yourself, old and 
 forgiving as you are, if you had heard the insulting 
 puppy ; " and, in few words, he related the facts of the 
 case. 
 
 " I knew the provocation must have been very 
 great," rejoined Colonel White. " Really, I can't 
 blame George." 
 
 " Blame him ! " responded General Howard, " who 
 could blame him ? He is fighting in the defence of his 
 mother, as you and I have fought in the defence of 
 our country. He that would flinch in the one case 
 would be certain to prove craven in the other." 
 
 All eyes were now directed to the combatants, as 
 the contest seemed about to be renewed. Jack Dun- 
 ham was far from being subdued. The well-directed 
 blow he had received produced a stunning effect for a 
 minute or two ; but he thought too much of his repu- 
 tation as a great fighter to entertain for a momenl the 
 idea of yielding to a lad three years his junior and 
 of fifty pounds less weight.
 
 260 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " Once more, and for the last time, Jack Dunham, 
 will you recall the words you have spoken ? " asked 
 George, still willing to end the contest without more 
 blows. 
 
 " I tell you, No ! " roared the bully. " Do you 
 think I am a little boy, to give up for a single chance 
 blow ? " 
 
 " Then I will make the shortest possible work of 
 it," cried the other ; and not waiting to act on the 
 defensive this time, he leaped in between Jack's long, 
 powerful arms, and dealt him another of those short, 
 quick blows seemingly from a wonderful spring in 
 the elbow that laid him his length on the ground. 
 Then jumping upon his prostrate form, he punished 
 him so severely that he was soon obliged to cry for 
 quarter. 
 
 " Enough ! enough ! Let me up ! " he bellowed. 
 
 " That won't do," returned George, determinedly. 
 " You must apologize for that base insinuation, or I 
 will hold you here fast till the crows pick the bones of 
 both of us." 
 
 " I was wrong," cried the now completely sub- 
 dued bully. "I take back what I said about your 
 mother." 
 
 " All right," said George. " I ask nothing more ; " 
 and jumping to his feet, he slipped on his coat, which
 
 THE 70UNG INVINCIBLES. 261 
 
 Tom Sprightly was holding, and quickly made his 
 way, without exchanging a word with any one, to 
 Colonel White's carriage. 
 
 "Have I done wrong?" he asked, as he grasped 
 the colonel's hand, which was extended to him. 
 
 " I am sorry that the circumstances required you to 
 punish the vulgar fellow," replied the old gentleman ; 
 " but but but Tm glad you did it ! " 
 
 George's countenance brightened a little. 
 
 " And what will my mother say about the affair, 
 think you? " 
 
 " She will thank Heaven for having so brave a 
 defender," promptly replied General Howard. " I 
 can answer for her. Come, jump right into the 
 chaise. "We can make room for a ' conqueror ' 
 can't we, colonel ? " 
 
 " By all means," replied the old gentleman, " if you 
 desire it. Come, George, jump in." 
 
 " I thank you, gentlemen, but you will please ex- 
 cuse me, for my clothing is somewhat bloody from this 
 scratch on my neck. Besides, my friend Tom, here, 
 expects my company home. I think I will walk." 
 
 " Well, then," said General Howard, warmly grasp- 
 ing the youth's hand, " I will bid you good by, hoping 
 we may soon meet again. Do not let this personal 
 encounter, which you could not honorably avoid, mar
 
 262 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 the pleasurable recollections of this otherwise happy 
 day. I shall long remember the enjoyment of these 
 few hours spent in Harryseekit ; and to your conduct, 
 throughout, I am indebted for much of that enjoyment. 
 Farewell." 
 
 The brave soldier and Christian gentleman was 
 obliged to hurry away to the railroad station, for five 
 o'clock was drawing near. The crowd dispersed, and 
 George and Tom walked leisurely homeward. But all 
 the wit and humor of the latter could not remove the 
 oppression that weighed upon his companion's mind. 
 It was his first combat, and though in a just cause, 
 still he sincerely hoped it might be his last. No one, 
 however, can read futurity. 
 
 When George reached home, his mother threw her 
 arms about his neck, exclaiming, 
 
 " My dear boy, Colonel White has told me all. You 
 need not say one word about it, for I know it would be 
 unpleasant to you ; " and she kissed, with affection and 
 pride, the high, broad forehead of her young and brave 
 defender. 
 
 "Was Lizzie Swift present when Colonel White 
 related the unhappy occurrence ? " asked George. 
 
 " She was." 
 
 "And what did she say?"
 
 THE YOUNG IXVINCIBLES. 263 
 
 " ' Mrs. Herrick, you have a noble protector in 
 George.' " 
 
 " Mother, the recollection of the affair has weighed 
 heavily upon me all the way home. But I will try to 
 forget it." 
 
 Had Lizzie's words removed part of the weight?
 
 264: PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 CRAZY PHILIP. 
 
 E first time that Jack Dunham showed him- 
 self at the Corner after the day that he re- 
 ceived his well-merited chastisement at the 
 hands of George Herrick, he was encountered and 
 severely talked to by Philip Dillaway, a man subject to 
 frequent fits of insanity, but who, on this occasion, was 
 perfectly sane. 
 
 He met young Dunham in the public square of the 
 village, and seizing him by the collar, with an iron 
 grasp, he held him securely for the space of fifteen or 
 twenty minutes, and lectured him in a manner that 
 called forth shouts of approbation from all who heard 
 him, whilst the severity of his language was such as to 
 cause the young bully fairly to wince under its scathing 
 effect. He finally wound up by telling Jack, if he dared 
 to show himself again at the Corner, he would not 
 escape the next time with mere words, as he would
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 265 
 
 have him arrested and sent to prison as ail irf ,, quar- 
 relsome vagabond. 
 
 Jack was so much alarmed at the threats uttered by 
 Philip Dillaway fearing, undoubtedly, that when one 
 of his crazy fits came upon him he might do him some 
 great bodily injury that he left the village that very 
 night, for parts unknown, under circumstances to be 
 hereafter related. 
 
 The good citizens of Harryseekit were very much 
 surprised at the severity and length of the reproof 
 given to young Dunham by Crazy Philif , because it 
 was so contrary to his usual custom. For years he 
 had been extremely taciturn when in his right mind, 
 scarcely ever speaking to any one unless he was first 
 spoken to, and seeming to labor under continual de- 
 pression of spirits on account of his great misfortune. 
 
 But Philip had good reasons for entertaining the 
 best of feelings towards Colonel White and his family, 
 and he was particularly friendly to Mrs. Herrick and 
 George, both of whom had ever treated him with the 
 greatest kindness and delicacy on account of his 
 terrible affliction. Hence, when he heard of the in- 
 sulting language made use of by Jack Dunham con- 
 cerning Mrs. Herrick, and of his forcing George into 
 a quarrel with him, it aroused his indignation to such 
 an extent as to cause him to break through his usual
 
 266 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 reserve, in the manner stated, in defence of his friends ; 
 and he proved himself to be a most effective champion 
 in this case, as he fairly frightened the low, quarrel- 
 some fellow out of the place. 
 
 Philip Dillaway, or " Crazy Philip," was one of those 
 unfortunate beings, frequently met with in a commu- 
 nity, who are deprived of reason by the heavy hand of 
 disease. He was at this time about thirty-five years 
 of age, and had been subject to periods of lunacy for 
 more than ten years. He was remarkably bright 
 when a boy, and an excellent scholar. Before he was 
 twenty, he was engaged as teacher of one of the vil- 
 lage schools, which situation he continued to hold, 
 year after year, until violent convulsive fits became so 
 frequent with him as to render it wholly unsafe to 
 retain him any longer in that responsible situation. 
 
 These fits increased in frequency and violence until 
 it was noticed that the young man's reason was slightly 
 affected for a day or two after the convulsions passed 
 away ; and then he would seem to be in the perfect 
 possession of all his faculties until again stricken down 
 by another fit. But these terrible convulsions finally 
 proved too much for the unfortunate young man's 
 reason ; and on a still Sabbath morning in the month 
 of June, just as the village bell was calling the good 
 people to their places of worship, Main Street, on
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 267 
 
 which the Dillaway family lived, was thrown into great 
 commotion by Philip, who was seen rushing through 
 the street, without coat or hat, pointing and looking up 
 to the heavens, shouting loud and wildly as he ran, 
 and quoting passages from the twelfth chapter of Rev- 
 elation, concerning the doings of the " Great Red 
 Dragon." Women and children fled, screaming, in all 
 directions ; but the crazy man made no attempt to 
 molest any one, until some of the men in the street, 
 seeing his father and two younger brothers in pursuit, 
 attempted to stop him, when he scattered them as if 
 they had been men of straw, and continued on his 
 way. The crowd increased both in his front and rear, 
 and numerous attempts were made by powerful men to 
 arrest his course ; but, with a giant's strength, he 
 knocked them this way and that, as if they had been 
 mere toys, and continued his career. 
 
 Finally, two or three strong men came up behind 
 him, and grappled him at the same moment, and suc- 
 ceeded in detaining him till more help reached them, 
 when, by overwhelming weight and numbers, the poor 
 lunatic was dragged to the ground, secured hand and 
 foot by ropes, and borne bodily back to his home, 
 ragged, bruised, and bloody, still shouting passages of 
 Scripture, and followed by his poor old mother, crying
 
 268 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 and begging of the men to be careful not to hurt her 
 poor, unfortunate boy. 
 
 On reaching the house, he was secured in a strong, 
 old-fashioned arm-chair ; and the doctor, being called 
 in, succeeded in opening a vein in his arm, by which 
 means his strength was soon reduced, and he became 
 more quiet ; but his friends did not dare to release him, 
 for a number of days, until they were fully convinced 
 that he was perfectly sane. 
 
 The next month, and the next, similar scenes were 
 enacted the poor maniac inflicting and receiving 
 much bodily injury. Colonel White endeavored to 
 impress upon Philip's own folks and their neighbors, 
 at the outset, that they were pursuing the wrong 
 course. He insisted that they should humor his 
 whims as far as practicable ; that he would, if not 
 opposed, do nothing more than run up and down the 
 street and shout his Scripture texts ; that if allowed to 
 have his own way, so long as he molested no one, he 
 would much sooner become calm ; and that all the 
 cruelty necessitated by the present course would be 
 thus avoided. 
 
 Philip was a great reader of the Bible, and when 
 his crazy fits were upon him he used Bible language 
 pretty much altogether sometimes quoting verse 
 after verse, at other times repeating over and over
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 269 
 
 again the same verse, and again making some single 
 clause answer his whole purpose. 
 
 It was not long before Colonel White had an oppor- 
 tunity to test his theory with regard to the management 
 of Crazy Philip. On his way down to the Corner one 
 day, when near Mr. Dillaway's house, he saw Philip 
 in the street, running up and down, shouting lustily, 
 with a crowd of men closing in around him preparatory 
 to seizing and securing him. In this instance he did 
 not seem inclined to run away, but would seize first 
 one and then another by the arm, as if he wished them 
 to accompany him somewhere. As the colonel drew 
 nearer, he understood the lunatic's shout, which was 
 " Compel them to come in ! Compel them to 
 come in ! " 
 
 Colonel White walked directly up to the crazy man, 
 who instantly seized him by the arm, shouting, " Com- 
 pel them to come in ! " Instead of struggling, as 
 others had done, to get away from him, the colonel 
 yielded at once, saying, " Yes, Philip, I will come in 
 with you ; " and immediately walked along with him 
 towards the house. 
 
 " Compel them to come in ! " repeated the lunatic, 
 looking over his shoulder at the crowd in the street. 
 
 " Follow us into the house," said the old gentleman 
 to the neighbors ; and they all complied immediately.
 
 270 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 As soon as Philip saw that the crowd was following, 
 he smiled, and said, 
 
 " The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden 
 were not worthy." 
 
 " So you wanted to ' compel them to come in ' to 
 the wedding did you, Philip?" inquired Colonel 
 White. 
 
 "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many 
 as ye shall find, bid to the marriage," was the scrip- 
 tural reply of Crazy Philip, as they all entered the 
 house. The lunatic was now apparently calm, and, 
 having accomplished his object of procuring guests to 
 the imaginary wedding, he appeared perfectly satisfied. 
 Looking around the room, with a smile upon his coun- 
 tenance, he continued, 
 
 " So those servants went out into the highways, and 
 gathered together all, as many as they found, both 
 bad and good ; and the wedding was furnished with 
 guests." 
 
 There was no more trouble with Philip on that 
 occasion, and consequently all were convinced that 
 Colonel White had the right idea as to the proper 
 manner of treating him. This humane system was 
 adopted ; and in less than a year there was scarcely a 
 child in the village that entertained any fear of Crazy 
 Philip, whereas the whole neighborhood had been
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 271 
 
 subjected to a state of terror during all the time that 
 the harsh and cruel treatment was continued. 
 
 And thus the poor lunatic had gone on, year after 
 year, for ten long years, up to the present time, his 
 crazy fits occurring once a month, and usually contin- 
 uing four or five days in succession ; but he had never 
 injured any human being after his friends adopted 
 Colonel White's humane recommendation. 
 
 He would neither eat nor sleep in any house, how- 
 ever, during his terms of insanity. His mother soon 
 discovered that he entered the house in the night time, 
 and took away food ; and a particular door was ever 
 after left in such a way that he could enter and leave 
 the house at pleasure. During his crazy freaks he 
 often wandered to the woods, where he would remain 
 several days at a time, visiting his father's house at 
 night for food ; and when his insane fits subsided, he 
 invariably returned to his home and his bed while the 
 family slept.
 
 272 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 " FIRE ! FIRE ! ! FIRE ! ! I " 
 
 )HE evening of the day on which Philip Dil- 
 laway so severely lectured Jack Dunham for 
 his gross insult to the fair fame of Mrs. 
 Herrick, and for his unprovoked attack upon George, 
 was occupied by the latter and his friend Tom, up 
 to a late hour, in talking over the somewhat excit- 
 ing events of the past few days, and finally by set- 
 tling down upon Crazy Philip's strange encounter with 
 Jack in the village square. 
 
 " It seems so queer that Phil should take it into 
 his head to lecture Jack ! " said Tom, in reply to a 
 remark by George. " I really believe he must have 
 been about half crazy, or he never would have talked 
 so long as he did to-day. It's about time for him 
 to have one of his wild freaks." 
 
 " Crazy or not," responded George, " he gave Jack 
 a first-rate dressing down, and I hope it will do him 
 good."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 273 
 
 " I think your ' dressing down ' will do him the 
 most good," said Tom, dryly. 
 
 " I don't know about that, Tom. As a general 
 thing, I believe fighting has a bad effect upon all 
 concerned." 
 
 " Perhaps you don't believe in fighting the rebels, 
 Mr. Non-resistant ? " 
 
 " The country was obliged to take up arms, in 
 self-defence," replied George. 
 
 " And you were obliged to take up ' fisticuffs ' in 
 defence of your mother. O, George, I wish I had a 
 mother to fight for ! But as I have not, I will yet 
 fight for my country." 
 
 " Not for the sake of fighting, though, Tom, but 
 for the justness of the cause I know your heart 
 well enough for that, my boy ; " and George noticed 
 a tear in his companion's eye. 
 
 Our two stanch young friends said good night, and 
 as the village clock tolled off the hour of eleven, Tom 
 started for home, leaving George to bestow himself 
 quietly in bed, where he was soon fast asleep, the 
 evening having been spent in his bedroom. When 
 Tom was about half way home, he met Philip Dil- 
 laway on the run. His mutterings to himself told the 
 youth that his crazy fit was upon him. 
 
 "Why, Philip, where are you going at this time 
 18
 
 274 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 of night ? " said Tom. " Come, go back home with 
 me won't you ? " 
 
 The crazy man dashed to the opposite side of the 
 street, exclaiming, 
 
 " Flee from the wrath to come ! Flee from the 
 wrath to come ! " 
 
 Tom knew it was useless, as well as dangerous, to 
 attempt any force in the case, and as the unfortunate 
 lunatic kept on his way up the street, the lad contin- 
 ued his walk homeward, and a few minutes more 
 found him in bed. He felt little inclination to sleep, 
 however. His thoughts seemed determined to follow 
 Crazy Philip. 
 
 Some few minutes before twelve o'clock, George 
 Herrick was suddenly aroused from his sound sleep 
 by a loud knocking upon his bedroom door, accom- 
 panied by Uncle Bill's well-known voice, 
 
 " Turn out quick, George, quick! The colonel's 
 barn is all in a blaze ! " 
 
 The youth was wide awake in a moment. He 
 sprang from the bed, slipped on his pants, stuck his 
 feet into his slippers, and c'aught his cap from its 
 usual hook in the entry as he rushed along and out 
 at the back door. 
 
 " Fire ! fire ! ! fire ! ! ! " he cried, at the top of his 
 lungs, as he ran across the corner of the orchard,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 275 
 
 leaving Uncle Bill to finish the work of arousing the 
 inmates of both houses. 
 
 George was the first to reach the barn. The fire 
 had already burst through the roof at the eastern, 
 corner, and he saw at a glance that the building 
 could not be saved. Picking up a stone, at a single 
 blow he shivered the padlock that fastened the door 
 at the side of the barn where the horses and cow 
 were kept, and instantly drove the latter into the 
 yard. Returning, he led Old Noll to a place of safety, 
 and then ran back for Dancing Jim. Loosing the 
 "halter, and speaking soothingly to the young horse, 
 George endeavored to lead him from the burning 
 building. But the place was now oppressively hot, 
 and full of fierce, bright flame. The animal snorted, 
 held back, reared and plunged, but absolutely refused 
 to leave his perilous position. 
 
 Colonel White, Uncle Bill, and a few of the nearest 
 neighbors were now on the ground, and the colonel 
 called loudly to George to come out of the dangerous 
 building, and leave the horse to his fate. 
 
 "In a moment," said' George; and seizing a small 
 horse-blanket that was at hand, he threw it over the 
 animal's head in such a manner as to completely 
 shield his eyes from the dazzling light of the fire, 
 passed the halter round it to keep it in place, spoke
 
 276 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 a few gentle words to the now quiet horse, and led 
 him out into the open air without further difficulty. 
 
 " George," said the colonel, " your presence of 
 mind has saved Dancing Jim's life. I shall not for- 
 get it." 
 
 But it was no time for a reply from George, for 
 the fire was rapidly shooting forth its forked tongues 
 along the dry, shingled roof of the barn, towards the 
 carriage-house and wood-shed, which connected with 
 the dwelling-house, and if the wind should spring up 
 from the north or east, the latter building, even, 
 could scarcely be saved. There were now, probably, 
 twenty-five men and boys assembled at the fire, Tom 
 Sprightly being one of the number, his sleepless mood 
 and nimble feet having enabled him to be among the 
 first from any considerable distance who reached the 
 scene. 
 
 There was a fire-engine at the Corner ; but as 
 nearly all the regular firemen had long since enlisted 
 for the war, there was some considerable delay be- 
 fore the machine reached the scene of the conflagra- 
 tion. In the mean time the neighbors worked with 
 a will. There was not one among the number who 
 was not ready to risk life and limb, if necessary, in 
 behalf of Colonel White. 
 
 The colonel was remarkably cool and collected, and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 277 
 
 gave directions with regard to the management of 
 the fire with calmness and good judgment. The barn 
 was connected with the carriage-house by a broad, 
 wooden platform, extending to the second story of 
 the latter building, with a door at either end, and 
 being sufficiently elevated for a large gate to swing 
 beneath it. No attempt was made to save the barn ; 
 its destruction, was inevitable; but before the fire ex- 
 tended to that portion of it nearest the other build- 
 ing, this large gate and platform were pulled down 
 and wholly cleared away? 
 
 Tom Sprightly, who was as sure-footed as a cat, 
 now mounted the roof of the carriage-house, and 
 spread blankets and woollen carpets, which were 
 passed up to him, over the entire end of the build- 
 ing nearest the fire ; and these being kept contin- 
 ually saturated with water from the never-failing well 
 close at hand, together with the fact that the slight 
 air stirring was from a favorable quarter, fortunately 
 confined the fire to the barn itself. And when the 
 engine finally ai'rived, the building was a heap of 
 ruins ; but further danger was at an end. 
 
 Soon after Tom ascended the roof, and commenced 
 his dangerous labors, he cried out, 
 
 " Some of you see who this fellow is skulking 
 among the apple trees ! " He indicated the direction.
 
 278 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 George Herrick and two or three others instantly 
 rushed through the gateway between the fire and the 
 carriage-house, and were just in season to see Crazy 
 Philip running with the speed of a race-horse across 
 the lower part of the orchard, in the direction of the 
 bridge, and to hear, in his peculiar tones, 
 
 " The young Philistine came with his midnight 
 torch to consume the house of the righteous ! He 
 shall be pursued even unto the ends of the earth, 
 and destroyed totally ! " 
 
 Pursuit was considered useless ; and as George and 
 his companions returned, and reported what they had 
 seen and heard, many believed, and some few said, 
 that Crazy Philip must have set fire to the barn. 
 Colonel White, however, would not for a moment 
 entertain such a thought. He would as soon believe, 
 he said, that one of his own family had been guilty 
 of the deed. 
 
 The engine had now been playing with good effect 
 for some little time upon the smouldering ruins, and 
 there seemed to be not much more work for willing 
 hands to do. George and Tom, with two or three 
 other members of the Invincibles, had volunteered 
 to keep guard over the premises till daylight, and 
 the neighbors were about to disperse, after having 
 received the hearty thanks of the colonel and his
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 279 
 
 family, when Mark White drove up to the house, 
 his horse fairly reeking from hard driving. He lived 
 at a distance of three miles from his father's. A 
 fire was an unusual occurrence in Harryseekit, and 
 hence people came from remote parts of the town to 
 ascertain who the sufferers were. Mr. White was 
 confident, soon after leaving home, that the fire was 
 near his father's house. Consequently he spared not 
 his horse. 
 
 " Well, father, so the old barn is gone," said Mark, 
 as he grasped the old gentleman's hand ; " but we 
 should be thankful the fire was no more disastrous. 
 When I was on Beech Hill I thought house, barn, 
 and all were in flames." 
 
 "Yes, Mark, we have much to be thankful for," 
 replied the colonel. " The barn was an old compan- 
 ion of mine, it is true, and I shall miss it ; but then 
 it gives me an opportunity to build a better one for 
 somebody's benefit." 
 
 "Have you any clew to the origin of the fire?" 
 inquired the son. 
 
 " It is all a mystery," the old gentleman answered. 
 
 Tom Sprightly now mentioned the circumstance of 
 his having met Crazy Philip when he was on his way 
 home from Mrs. Herrick's, and George related what 
 he and others had seen and heard in the orchard.
 
 280 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Mark White was then asked if he thought the un- 
 fortunate maniac was the author of the fire. 
 
 " No, no," replied that gentleman, emphatically. 
 " But let me tell you whom I think I have seen since 
 I left home. Just this side of Beech Hill I met some 
 one on the full run who looked precisely like Jack 
 Dunham. Not fifty rods behind him came Crazy 
 Philip, dashing over the road at his greatest speed, 
 and crying out as he ran, 'The young Philistine 
 shall be pursued to the ends of the earth.' " 
 
 " Are you sure, Mark, it was Jack Dunham ? " 
 asked Colonel White. 
 
 " No, father ; I am only sure it looked precisely 
 like him. I should not be much afraid, however, to 
 take my oath that it was he." 
 
 " Strange ! " mused the old gentleman. 
 
 Taking all the circumstances into consideration, it 
 is not at all surprising that the suspicion was trans- 
 ferred from the poor lunatic to the unprincipled 
 bully, nor that the theory was at once entertained 
 that Philip had been keeping watch upon Jack's 
 movements, and although not in season to prevent 
 him from burning the barn, that he had followed up 
 his impressive lecture by driving the incendiary from 
 the place. 
 
 The kind neighbors now returned to their homes,
 
 THE TO UNO INVINCIBLES. 281 
 
 George and his companions kept up a faithful watch, 
 and all was quiet in Harryseekit for the remainder 
 of the night. 
 
 The very next day Colonel White commenced prep- 
 arations for rebuilding his barn, and pushed the work 
 ahead with his characteristic energy. After the usual 
 lapse of time, Crazy Philip returned to his home ; but 
 if he knew aught of Jack Dunham's whereabouts, the 
 secret remained securely locked in his own breast.
 
 282 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 THE INVINCIBLES SHOW FIGHT. 
 
 S the spring of 1863 advanced, the patriotic 
 Young Invincibles became more and more 
 interested in their military exercises, feeling 
 a laudable pride in the compliments so lately passed 
 upon their organization by the war-worn General 
 Howard. They had recently*taken up target shooting, 
 which added not a little zest to their weekly parades. 
 These were really spirited affairs, as there was much 
 good-natured competition for the " best shot." The 
 firing was, as a whole, very clever, while some few of 
 the Invincibles were pronounced first-rate marksmen 
 by those competent to judge. But George Herrick's 
 unflinching eye and steady nerves were always sure to 
 bear away the palm except on some particular occa- 
 sions when Uncle Bill favored them with a shot. He 
 had been unanimously voted an honorary member, and 
 nothing suited the boys any better than when they
 
 THE YOUXG INVINCIBLES. 283 
 
 could persuade the kind-hearted old sailor to join them 
 in their exercise of target-shooting. 
 
 Uncle Bill was a remarkable " shot." He could 
 place the ball within a quarter of an inch of any given 
 point in a succession of a dozen shots, without a single 
 failure. George Herrick was no less pleased than the 
 company in general at such times as the old seaman 
 favored them with his accurate skill in firing, notwith- 
 standing he knew for a certainty that on all such occa- 
 sions his own shots would rank only second best. 
 George had a twofold object in view in thus willingly 
 submitting to Uncle Bill's superiority in target prac- 
 tice .he knew it was slightly gratifying to the com- 
 pany at large to see the old sailor deprive him of a 
 portion of his easily-earned honors, and his generous 
 disposition prompted him to yield with a good grace ; 
 then, again, he was well aware that these trials of 
 skill with a superior marksman were just the lessons 
 he required to perfect him in the practice ; and George 
 Herrick's ambition was to excel in whatever was worth 
 attempting at all. 
 
 As the Invincibles marched up the road from their 
 target ground, late on a Wednesday afternoon, on 
 which occasion the firing had been unusually good 
 all round, they noticed, when they halted in front of 
 Colonel White's, that a Mr. Rogers, from the Lower
 
 284 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 Landing, was standing at that gentleman's door in 
 earnest conversation with Mrs. White, for the colonel 
 was absent with Squire Belmont on that day, attending 
 to some business in the county town. The moment the 
 company halted, the lady beckoned George and Uncle 
 Bill to come to her which summons they obeyed 
 without a moment's delay. 
 
 After a conference of five minutes, the old sailor 
 was seen to proceed to the stable, and George Herrick 
 returned to his company. 
 
 " Boys," said he, as soon as he came within speak- 
 ing distance, rt you can probably have an opportunity 
 to-night, if you wish, to try your hand at ' rebel ' 
 targets. You know the pirate Tacony has been all 
 along the coast here for a few days past, destroying 
 our fishing vessels and coasters ; and last night she 
 captured and burned the ' Water- witch,' owneM in this 
 town, and sent the crew off in the small boat, who 
 succeeded in landing near Tlirnville, about twenty-five 
 miles up the bay from here. A son of Mr. Rogers 
 was on board the Water-witch ; and as soon as he 
 reached the shore, he sent a telegram to his father 
 concerning the afiair, and also stated that they over- 
 heard some of the pirates talking about a fine new ship 
 in harbor some twenty-five miles down the bay, which 
 they intended to steal or burn to-night, as the case
 
 THE YOUNG INl'INCIBLES. 285 
 
 might be, by sending in a boat's crew for the purpose. 
 They undoubtedly meant the ' General Grant.' Shall 
 we protect that fine ship, and give the ' rebs ' a warm 
 reception ? " 
 
 " Yes, yes, yes ! " was the unanimous response. 
 
 " Very well," continued the young commander. 
 " But, boys, I have no right to lead you on any such 
 expedition as this, until you consult your parents. 
 Therefore I shall now dismiss you ; and as many of 
 you as gain your parents' consent may report here to 
 Lieutenant Sprightly at seven o'clock this evening. 
 Eequest all your folks to keep the matter quiet and 
 be sure that your cartridge-boxes are well supplied 
 with ball cartridges." 
 
 The boys, under a good deal of excitement, scam- 
 pered off at once towards their respective homes, 
 whilst George Herrick turned to his right-hand man, 
 Tom Sprightly, and communicated to him his plan of 
 operations, as far as formed in his own mind. It was 
 briefly this : George was to proceed at once with 
 Uncle Bill and Mr. Rogers to the shipyard at the 
 Point, where the General Grant still remained at 
 the little wharf, and communicate with the ship- 
 keeper on board, and take advantage of what little 
 daylight would remain for the furtherance of their 
 enterprise. Tom was to take command of whatever
 
 286 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 number of Invincibles reported to him, and march 
 after dark, by the back road, in order to keep the 
 matter as quiet as possible, to the expected scene of 
 action. 
 
 In the course of a few minutes Dancing Jim was 
 taking George and his two older companions rapidly 
 over the road he had so frequently travelled to the 
 shipyard. 
 
 " I wish Colonel White had been at home," said 
 George, slackening the lines a little, as an intimation to 
 Dancing Jim that there was no objection to his doing 
 his best ; " for I feel that I am taking a good deal of 
 responsibility in this matter." 
 
 " Nonsense," replied Uncle Bill. " If the colonel 
 had been at home, the first thing he would have done 
 would be to turn to you and say, ' George, what had 
 we better do ? ' Haven't I seen him often enough to 
 know ? " 
 
 " True, the colonel sometimes asks my opinion," 
 rejoined George ; " but then he always has the best of 
 advice to give on all subjects, and I always feel certain, 
 I am right when acting under that advice. However, 
 it would not do to delay in this case, and I shall do the 
 best I can." 
 
 " And that will be the best that anybody could do," 
 replied Mr. Rogers, who had been a witness to George's
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIDLES. 287 
 
 remarkable coolness and firmness in his recent severe 
 encounter with young Dunham. 
 
 The ship General Grant had been sold to govern- 
 ment, and was then in charge of a government officer, 
 awaiting the arrival of a master and crew to take her 
 to New York. This fact was not knowja to Mr. 
 Rogers. Hence his visit to Colonel White's. George 
 Herrick, however, knew that the sale had been made, 
 and probably he felt the responsibility of his present 
 undertaking to be greater than he would have done 
 if the ship had still remained private property, and 
 Colonel White had continued the principal owner of her. 
 But, fortunately, our young Invincible reasoned from 
 the war stand-point Rescue and preserve everything 
 possible, up to the Union itself, and talk about nice 
 legal and constitutional points afterwards. Waging 
 war on a peace basis results in the predicament of the 
 man who allowed himself to be run down by a runa- 
 way horse on a bridge, because he persisted in ad- 
 hering to the well-known law, " Keep to the right." 
 
 Arriving at the Point, the party proceeded at once 
 to the ship, and communicated to the keeper all the 
 information they possessed with regard to the expected 
 visit from the pirates, offering to stand by the ship 
 with him. George Herrick then informed him that 
 not only were his own services at his command, but he
 
 288 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 felt confident that a considerable number of his com- 
 pany would be on the spot early in the evening ; and 
 although they were boys, he was not afraid to say that 
 they knew how to handle a musket. 
 
 Mr. Rice, the ship-keeper, was a patriotic, resolute 
 man, and he at once decided to defend his government's 
 property to the last. He accepted the offer of assist- 
 ance with many thanks. They immediately held a 
 consultation as to the best steps to be adopted. The 
 little harbor, at the head of which were the shipyard 
 and the small wharf where the vessel lay, is formed by 
 three distinct points of land ; two of which jut out a 
 short distance into the bay, converging at their ex- 
 treme ends to within half a mile of each other, while 
 the third, much less in extent, merely serves to divide 
 the harbor itself into two coves one of considerable 
 surface, but shallow water, and the other, termed the 
 "Inner Harbor" of much greater depth, but not more 
 than an eighth of a mile from the little point up to 
 head water, and a mere stone's throw across from the 
 point to *the opposite shore. Here, however, is the 
 channel, with sufficient depth of water at full tide for 
 the largest merchant ship ; and here, of course, is the 
 shipyard. 
 
 Stretching directly across from the two outer points, 
 are a small, round island, of some half dozen acres,
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 289 
 
 and two rough ledges, the latter being nearly covered 
 at high water. The distances between the southern 
 point and the island, between the island and the 
 southernmost ledge, between the two ledges them- 
 selves, as well as between fne most northerly ledge 
 and the other point, are about equally divided, thus 
 leaving four narrow passages into the harbor for ves- 
 sels, of light draught at high tide ; but the channel lies 
 between the island and one of the ledges, where there 
 is sufficient depth of water for the largest ship that 
 floats. To appearance, however, there is no safe en- 
 trance to the harbor, and no seaman would venture in 
 with his vessel for the first time without a pilot. 
 
 The three men had given their views quite freely as 
 to the best course to be pursued in case the pirates did 
 pay them a visit, and some of the recommendations of 
 each had been adopted, aid the consummation of a 
 plan seemed near at hand, when Uncle Bill said, 
 
 "Come, George, now for your opinion you're 
 cap'n, you know." " ^ 
 
 The other two men also urged George to* give his 
 views without restraint. 
 
 " Well, I like your plan as far as it goes," said the 
 
 youth ; " but you propose only to defend the ship. I 
 
 think we should try and do something more than that 
 
 and I believe we can. The Tacony, of course, will 
 
 19
 
 290 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 not venture into the harbor. There would be danger 
 of her getting aground on the ledges, if nothing more, 
 as they can have no pilot that is acquainted with the 
 various crooks and turns. They will send merely a 
 boat's crew ; not over ten or twelve at most ; and if 
 their object is to burn the ship, probably not more than 
 half that number will make their appearance. Now, 
 if my boys come in such force as I think they will, we 
 ought to be able to capture every pirate that ventures into 
 the Inner Harbor" 
 
 George spoke with such earnest confidence that his 
 older companions supposed he must have some plan of 
 operations matured in his mind, and Mr. Rice asked 
 him in what manner he thought the pirates could be 
 taken. 
 
 " I think we can count upon seeing thirty of our 
 boys here at least, all well armed, and I would divide 
 them into three equal squads one to remain con- 
 cealed on the deck of the ship, with a boat alongside, 
 with strict orders not to fire until the pirates had ap- 
 proached*to within half gunshot range ; a second squad 
 should drop down in a boat and land on Eden Point, 
 concealing the boat with seaweed, and themselves 
 among the rocks ; while the third party should also 
 take a boat and land on the other side of the harbor, 
 directly opposite the Point, concealing themselves and
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 291 
 
 boat in like manner. The pirates are to be allowed to 
 pass up the harbor unmolested, and when sufficiently 
 near the ship they should be hailed, to make it certain 
 they are enemies, when, if their answers or their ac- 
 tions are not satisfactory, one half of the boys should 
 take good aim and fire, immediately reloading, while 
 the others reserve their fire in case the pirates should 
 attempt to board, or to give them another peppering 
 as they turn to escape, which is more likely to be 
 the case." 
 
 Uncle Bill could contain himself no longer, but, 
 springing to his feet, exclaimed, 
 
 " I see it all ! George, you ought to be a commo- 
 dore ! " 
 
 " The plan looks well, so far," said Mr. Rice, evi- 
 dently well pleased both with the clear-headed youth 
 before him, and the suggestions he was making. 
 " Come, give us the rest of it as quick as possible, 
 and then let us prepare to put it in execution. How 
 does 'it strike you, Rogers? " 
 
 " Capitally ! I believe I'm in for it. Go on, young 
 man." 
 
 " Uncle Bill," said George, " you say you ' see it 
 all.' Just give the rest of the plan yourself. If you 
 understand it, you can convey as much in a dozen 
 words as I can in a hundred."
 
 292 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 "Ay, ay," responded the old sailor, all animation, 
 as a sort of miniature sea-fight floated before his 
 mind's vision ; " it's all plain as day. The firing 
 abpard the General Grant is to be the signal for the 
 other two squads of boys to take to their boats and 
 move steadily up the harbor, while those on board the 
 ship are to take to their boat and follow the pirates 
 down ; thus fairly surrounding them, and obliging 
 them to surrender as sure as fate. George, you ought 
 to be a commodore ! " and Uncle Bill brought his pon- 
 derous fist down on his young friend's shoulder with a 
 force that would have caused a less hardy and well- 
 knit frame to wince with pain. 
 
 " You do ' see it all,' " said the youth, smiling. 
 
 The three men heartily indorsed George's recom- 
 mendations, and proceeded at once to make prepara- 
 tions for carrying out the programme. There were a 
 large number of boats about the harbor, so that there 
 was no difficulty in selecting such as were suitable for 
 the occasion. Three of them were brought to the 
 ship's side, and properly furnished with oars, boat- 
 hooks, lines, and whatever else was thought to be 
 necessary for the enterprise. It would be high lide a 
 short time before twelve o'clock ; and it was reasonably 
 supposed that the pirates would make their appearance, 
 if at all, not far from that time, especially if they had
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 293 
 
 any idea of getting the ship out of the harbor, as they 
 could then take advantage of the turn of the tide, 
 which would be of no slight assistance to them. 
 
 The party on board the ship had completed all 
 necessary arrangements, as far as they were able to 
 do for the present, and now anxiously awaited the 
 arrival of the young soldiers. A short time before 
 nine o'clock they made their appearance, and their 
 young commander was highly gratified as he counted 
 their thirty-six muskets. The plan of operations was 
 speedily made known to Lieutenant Sprightly and his 
 party, who entered into the spirit of the affair with an 
 earnestness that promised success. There continued 
 to be frequent arrivals at the shipyard for an hour 
 after the appearance of the Invincibles, notwithstand- 
 ing George's precautions, as, in many instances, the 
 citizens had allowed their boys to join the movement 
 only after having decided to be present themselves.
 
 294 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 THE PIRATE TACONY. 
 
 T ten o'clock everything was quiet, strict con- 
 cealment and perfect silence having been im- 
 pressed upon every one. Twelve of the young 
 soldiers were stationed on board the ship, under com- 
 mand of Lieutenant Sherman ; an equal number, com- 
 manded by Lieutenant Sprightly, entered one of the 
 boats, the boat being under the charge of Uncle Bill, 
 and rowed quietly to Eden Point ; while the remaining 
 twelve^ under Captain Herrick, with Mr. Rogers act- 
 ing as boatman, silently moved down to their allotted 
 place on the shore opposite the Point. The boats were 
 completely concealed, and not a human being was to 
 be seen or heard in the vicinity of the harbor outside 
 of the respective squads of anxious watchers. 
 
 No work was going on in the shipyard at this time ; 
 but the men from the village, some twenty in number, 
 who had assembled during the evening, were concealed 
 in the yard, with two large boats in readiness to be
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 295 
 
 manned immediately if their services should be re- 
 quired ; but it was understood by all that George 
 Herrick had planned the enterprise, and was at the 
 head of it, and that his orders .were to be obeyed. 
 Some doubted whether any pirates would make their 
 appearance ; but those who knew young Rogers best, 
 believed he had good grounds for sending the informa- 
 tion which he had communicated to his father. 
 
 It was a clear, starlight night, and sharp eyes could 
 see quite distinctly down to the mouth of the harbor ; 
 but although many pairs of such eyes were directed to 
 the different entrances, nothing that looked like a boat 
 had made its appearance up to eleven o'clock. A few 
 minutes after that hour, however, all were surprised to 
 see the Tacony herself heave in sight between Nigger- 
 head Island and the ledge, and sail slowly along so 
 close to the island shore as to make it appear certain 
 that some person must be on the pirate vessel's deck 
 who knew well the depth of water at that place, or 
 they would not have ventured so near the land. Pass- 
 ing a short distance inside the ledges, the vessel dropped 
 anchor, and swung so near to the island that she would 
 scarcely have been noticed except by those who had 
 seen her in motion. 
 
 In the course of a few minutes a boat was seen to 
 leave the vessel's side and move along near the ledges,
 
 296 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 stretching across the mouth of the harbor until it was 
 some little distance up into the larger cove, and then 
 changed its course and made for Eden's Point. By 
 this movement the boat was concealed from the obser- 
 vation of any one at the head of the harbor until after 
 it should round the Point. As it neared the spot where 
 Tom Sprightly and his squad were concealed, ten men 
 could be distinctly counted as making up the crew ; and 
 they passed so close to the boys that the latter could 
 hardly refrain from giving them a shot. 
 
 "Shall we pepper them?" whispered one of the 
 most impatient. 
 
 " Obey orders," was the low, prompt reply of 
 Lieutenant Sprightly. 
 
 The pirates used muffled oars, and their boat glided 
 on with scarcely a sound. After passing round the 
 Point, the men lay on their oars for a minute or two, 
 as if listening, peering up the harbor the while, and 
 then moved on as before. As soon as the strange boat 
 was far enough from the boys to make it safe to do so, 
 the squad on either shore removed the seaweed from 
 their respective boats, and placed them where they 
 could be launched at a moment's notice. By hugging 
 the shores closely when they should begin to move up 
 the harbor, they could not possibly be seen from the 
 pirate vessel.
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 297 
 
 Notwithstanding the new and exciting situation in 
 which the Invincibles were placed, they all main- 
 tained the most perfect quiet, obeyed orders to the 
 letter, and watched with much anxiety the advance of 
 the pirate boat towards the General Grant. In fact, 
 they almost began to fear that their companions on 
 board the ship did not see the approach of the enemy, 
 so near did they appear to be to the ship's side. The 
 next moment, however, " Boat ahoy ! " floated down 
 on the gentle evening breeze to the ears of the watchful 
 squads on the shores, as Mr. Rice hailed the pirate 
 crew. The almost instantaneous reply to the hail was 
 a musket shot from the boat ; but the keeper of the 
 ship was in a place of safety, and the ball whistled 
 harmlessly over his head. 
 
 " Ready aim fire ! " shouted Lieutenant Sher- 
 man, and six muskets from the ship's deck sent their 
 contents into the midst of the advancing pirates. 
 
 This was a reception wholly unexpected by the ras- 
 cals, as they had reckoned only on finding the keeper 
 on board, and hoped that their single shot had silenced 
 him. The shots from the ship had evidently taken 
 effect, for all was confusion on board the boat, and 
 commingled groans and oaths were distinctly heard by 
 the party on shipboard. Lieutenant Sherman waited 
 long enough to see that the boat had put about for
 
 298 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 the purpose of retreating, when he again gave the 
 order, 
 
 "Ready aim fire!" and the bullets from the 
 remaining six muskets hastened the movements of the 
 retreating enemy. 
 
 The next instant a signal rocket was sent up from 
 the boat, and was immediately answered by a corre- 
 sponding one from the Tacony. In one minute's time, 
 the vessel had weighed anchor, and was hastening out 
 past the island into the bay, fearing, probably, that 
 heavier guns might be brought into play. In the 
 mean time the two squads of Invincibles under Cap- 
 tain Herrick and Lieutenant Sprightly had launched 
 their boats, and were moving steadily and silently up 
 the little harbor, keeping so close to the shores that 
 they had as yet avoided the notice of the Tacony's 
 boat, while the party under Lieutenant Sherman had 
 speedily reloaded, embarked in their boat, and were 
 in full pursuit of the retreating pirates. 
 
 As soon as the men concealed in the shipyard were 
 satisfied that the strangers were retreating, they 
 embarked, and pulled out a little distance into the 
 stream, one boat taking position about midway be- 
 tween the centre of the harbor and the western shore, 
 while the other occupied a corresponding position on the 
 eastern side, thus guarding against the possibility
 
 THE YOUNG IXVINCIBLES. 299 
 
 of escape by the pirates in either of these directions, 
 which they might probably attempt when they should 
 find their retreat cut off by the two boats of Invincibles 
 at the narrow passage between the Point and the west- 
 ern shore. These men had full confidence in George 
 Herrick and the plot he had devised for the capture of 
 the rebel crew, and were determined that the boys 
 should have all the glory of the affair to themselves, 
 unless it became absolutely necessary for them to lend 
 their aid ; still they thought it to be their duty to take 
 these precautionary steps. 
 
 The pirates seemed to be aware of no other enemy, 
 as yet, than the boat's crew from the ship, which were 
 hotly pursuing them, and were even now near enough 
 to have delivered an effective fire ; but such were not 
 the orders. The fugitives were rapidly nearing the 
 narrowest part of the passage, when a few strong pulls 
 brought the two boats lying in wait for them almost 
 athwart either bow, and twenty-four muskets were 
 instantly brought to bear upon them in such close 
 proximity as jeopardized every life in the boat, while 
 Uncle Bill, in stentorian voice, cried out, 
 
 " Tacony boat, ahoy ! Heave to, and surrender in- 
 stantly, or we'll blow you all to pieces ! " 
 
 The pirates were evidently taken aback. They 
 hastily cast their eyes astern, and saw that the
 
 300 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 pursuing boat was close upon them ; and as they had 
 already tasted fire from that direction, they at once 
 decided that escape or resistance was out of the ques- 
 tion ; so they determined upon a parley. 
 
 " You'll have to suffer for this unprovoked attack 
 upon distressed seamen," commenced the pirate who 
 seemed to be in command of the boat, in answer to 
 Uncle Bill's demand. " We belong to a Union vessel 
 short of water, and have put in here for a supply, and 
 you fire upon us without a word of warning, and treat 
 us as if we were pirates. Now, the best thing you can 
 do is to let us go on board our vessel, and we'll call it 
 all a mistake." 
 
 " Tell that to the marines ! " thundered Uncle Bill ; 
 " I happen to be an old sailor. ' Unprovoked attack 
 upon distressed seamen,' eh? You cowardly lubbers, 
 didn't you fire the first shot yourselves ? (same as 
 you did at Sumter) and now, as then, you beg to be 
 ' let alone ' ! We know just who you are ; so you 
 needn't trouble yourselves with any more yarns" 
 
 " Ready aim ! " cried the captain of the Invin- 
 cibles, now assuming the command that properly be- 
 longed to him. 
 
 " Ready aim ! " promptly repeated Lieutenant 
 Sprightly. 
 
 " Ready aim ! " was reiterated by Lieutenant
 
 THE YOUNG INV1NCIBLES. 301 
 
 Sherman, whose boat was now sufficiently near to 
 perform its allotted part in the manoeuvre. 
 
 " Do you surrender, without more words ? " de- 
 manded Captain Herrick, in a tone that plainly indi- 
 cated a firmness at the bottom of it that would not 
 bear trifling with. 
 
 "Yes we surrender," was the muttered reply, 
 coming from more than one pair of lips. 
 
 " Very well," rejoined the young captain. " Deposit 
 your arms, of every description, in the stern of your 
 boat, and then all come forward. Lieutenant Sher- 
 man," continued the speaker, " advance, and see that 
 the order is complied with to the letter, and shoot 
 every man who disobeys it." 
 
 The lieutenant's boat advanced, and the arms were 
 secured without difficulty, the pirates finding they had 
 a resolute enemy to deal with. The other two parties 
 simultaneously advanced to the bows of the rebel boat, 
 and then, for the first time, the pirates became aware 
 that they had been captured by a company of hoys ! 
 But it was too late now to think of resistance, and 
 they could only growl low curses on their ill luck, as 
 they submitted one by one to the humiliating process 
 of having their hands firmly lashed behind them by 
 Uncle Bill, who had brought some strong small line 
 for that purpose from the ship.
 
 302 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 It was found that two of the men were slightly 
 wounded one in the arm, and the other in the 
 cheek. One stout young fellow among the gang ap- 
 peared to wish to avoid observation, as he kept his 
 collar turned up about his neck, and had a handker- 
 chief tied around the lower part of his face, although 
 the evening was so mild and warm that such protec- 
 tion seemed wholly unnecessary. 
 
 "When the pirates were all securely bound, Uncle 
 Bill and Mr. Rogers took seats at the rebel oars, while 
 George Herrick's boat led the way up the harbor, 
 followed by the other three that of the prisoners 
 occupying a central position. As soon as the men 
 who had acted as a reserve force ascertained that their 
 services would not be required in the capture of the 
 pirates, they had landed, and proceeded on board the 
 General Grant, where they were joined by a consider- 
 able number of the neighbors about the Point. And 
 now, as the young Invincibles drew near to the ship, 
 they were met with almost deafening cheers from her 
 deck. 
 
 The moment George Herrick's boat reached the 
 ship, he mounted her side, and held a few minutes' 
 conversation with Mr. Rice. 
 
 " What do you propose to do with your prisoners?" 
 he asked of George, after heartily congratulating him
 
 THE TOUNG INVINCIBLES. 303 
 
 on the entire success of his enterprise. " Probably 
 you will march them over to the Corner without 
 delay ? " 
 
 " No ; I think that scarcely advisable," replied the 
 young man. " I believe the ship will be the best and 
 safest quarters for them to-night. I propose, with your 
 approval, to place them between decks, with a guard 
 of my boys over them till morning. Besides, the ship 
 cannot be said to be wholly out of danger yet. The 
 pirate may send a second and stronger party to see 
 what has become of the first, or even attempt a rescue, 
 and fire the ship, after all. I intend to stand guard 
 here till morning, when, you say, the master and crew 
 are expected." 
 
 Not only Mr. Rice, but all who heard George's opin- 
 ion, gave assent to the weight of it ; and he was urged 
 to go ahead and finish up the work he had planned 
 and carried forward so judiciously thus far. So the 
 prisoners were brought on deck, preparatory to their 
 temporary imprisonment ; and as the stout young man 
 already alluded to as wishing to avoid scrutiny jumped 
 from the ship's railing to the deck, the pocket-hand- 
 kerchief which had concealed his features became 
 loosened, and dropped over his shoulders. Tom 
 Sprightly was the first to notice it, when he suddenly 
 exclaimed,
 
 304 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 " George look ! look ! Here is an old friend of 
 yours, turned up pirate ! " 
 
 George, and others, did look, and, to their astonish- 
 ment, there stood Jack Dunham. 
 
 " O, this is too bad ! " said George Herrick, in a 
 grieved tone. " I would not have believed this, even 
 of Jack. To think that any one who is a native of 
 Harryseekit could join with rebel pirates is almost too 
 much to believe ! " 
 
 The pirates were soon secure between decks, Jack 
 among the rest, who had maintained a stubborn silence 
 throughout the whole affair. It was subsequently 
 ascertained that he had fallen in with the pirates up 
 the bay, in some of their furtive visits to the shore, 
 and had been readily induced, by a small bribe from 
 them and his hatred to Colonel White on account of 
 his great friendship for George, to pilot the expedition 
 into the harbor for the purpose of stealing or burning 
 the General Grant* which he supposed was still owned 
 by the colonel. But whether he was guilty or not of 
 having set the fire that consumed Colonel White's barn, 
 was never known beyond the strong circumstantial 
 evidence in the case. 
 
 After Uncle Bill had dressed the wounds of the 
 two sailors, which proved to be slight, and a suitable 
 guard was placed over the pirates, the young captain
 
 THE YOUNG INVJNCIBLES. 305 
 
 despatched Lieutenant Sprightly with a squad of eight 
 of the boys down the western shore far enough to 
 ascertain whether the Tacony had actually taken her 
 departure, or was concealed behind the island, waiting 
 to learn the fate of the boat's crew, or perhaps make a 
 second attack upon the General Grant. 
 
 Within an hour the party returned, and reported the 
 Tacony under sail some two or three miles down the 
 bay. This relieved the minds of all from any great 
 fears of another attack ; but still a reliable watch was 
 kept up until daylight. Before sunrise the prisoners 
 were brought on deck, some breakfast given them, and 
 then, under guard of their boy captors, were put on 
 the march for the village. The news of the affair had 
 spread, and all along the road the Invincibles were 
 cheered most heartily. They reached the railroad 
 depot just as the morning train arrived from the east, 
 bringing, among others, Colonel White and Squire 
 Belmont, who had been detained over night away 
 from home. 
 
 As the train stopped here for wood and water, it 
 gave time for the night's adventure to be related to the 
 passengers, who united with the citizens in bestowing 
 hearty cheers and praises upon our young citizen sol- 
 diers. Squire Belmont wrote a hasty note to Collector 
 Jewell, at Capeland, with regard to the matter, and 
 20
 
 306 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 gave it to the conductor of the train, who would be 
 relieved when the cars reached that place. The train 
 moved on, and the Invincibles continued their march 
 up through the village to the gun-house, exciting cheers 
 greeting them the whole distance, where the prisoners 
 were temporarily lodged to await orders from Cape- 
 land, the boy soldiers still standing guard. 
 
 Within two hours a special train arrived from Cape- 
 land, bringing the United States marshal and his 
 deputies, who relieved our young soldiers of their 
 charge. The marshal complimented the Invincibles 
 handsomely for their military achievement, thanked 
 them in the name of the government for the good ser- 
 vice they had rendered, and promised that they should 
 be reported favorably to the war department. 
 
 The prisoners were now brought out, their rope 
 fastenings exchanged for handcuffs, and the whole of 
 them Jack Dunham the most despised of all 
 marched down to the depot and taken to Capeland, 
 where they were safely lodged in the fort down the 
 harbor, to await the orders of the government. The 
 Invincibles then marched to their little armory and 
 deposited their muskets, where they were joined by 
 Colonel White and Squire Belmont, both full of praises 
 to the boys for their good night's work. The latter 
 gentleman advised them to go home and rest, take a
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 307 
 
 nap, ask their parents for the remainder of the day as 
 a holiday, and assemble again on their parade-ground 
 at six o'clock that evening, as the colonel and he 
 wished to meet them at that hour for the purpose of 
 a little friendly chat. The boys promised to be on 
 hand at the appointed time, and then departed to their 
 respective homes, really feeling the need of the rest 
 recommended by their good friend the squire, after the 
 arduous and effective duties of the preceding night.
 
 308 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 T the appointed hour and usual place the 
 Invincibles assembled in full numbers, but 
 without arms or equipments, as they enter- 
 tained no fears of meeting rebel pirates, or any other 
 enemy, on this occasion, although they were wholly 
 in the dark as to the nature of the "chat" hinted 
 at by their friends. However, they were always quite 
 ready to comply with any expressed wish of Colonel 
 White or Squire Belmont, to whom they felt them- 
 selves to be deeply indebted for much good advice 
 and many substantial favors. They felt assured, fur- 
 thermore, that by becoming a party to the proposed 
 " chat," the time thus spent would be turned to some 
 good account. 
 
 Those members of the company who had taken no 
 part in the adventure of the previous night could not 
 but feel some degree of chagrin at what they con- 
 sidered a loss of individual honor. As they consisted
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLES. 309 
 
 altogether of the younger portion of the Invincibles, 
 however, and as it was well understood that they 
 had been restrained by their parents, their feelings 
 were conciliated as far as possible, rather than tan- 
 talized, by their companions who had more directly 
 reaped the honors. 
 
 This generous conduct on the part of the older 
 boys, together with the pride they all felt individ- 
 ually in whatever conferred honor upon the company 
 as a whole, quickly dispelled the slight mortification 
 that was at first manifested by some of the more 
 sensitive of the younger members as they assembled 
 on this occasion. George Herrick had always mildly 
 censured everything that had an appearance of per- 
 sonal pique or ill will in one member towards another, 
 and as the whole company almost idolized their noble 
 young captain, it was seldom, if ever, that other than 
 the best of understanding existed among them. And 
 this was one great secret of their improvement and 
 success ; for we have the very highest authority for 
 the assertion that " a house divided against itself 
 shall not stand" and the application holds equally 
 good with regard to a company of boys as to a union 
 of states. 
 
 The Invincibles did not wait many moments for 
 their two worthy patrons, both of whom were gen-
 
 310 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 tlemen of promptness, whether their appointments 
 were made with boys, for a mere social gathering, 
 or with men, in matters of the utmost importance. 
 They advanced and greeted the company, and then 
 Squire Belmont said, 
 
 " My brave boys : When I requested you to as- 
 semble here this evening, it was simply for the purpose 
 of giving Colonel White and myself an opportunity to 
 say a few encouraging words to you with regard to 
 the advancement you have made in military exercises, 
 and to offer you a slight testimonial of the appreci- 
 ation in which we hold the services you rendered the 
 country by your prompt and energetic action last 
 night. But my pleasure has been greatly enhanced, 
 as undoubtedly yours will be, by an acknowledg- 
 ment from a high quarter of those same services. 
 The promptness of the acknowledgment is evidence 
 of the importance attached to the matter, and shows 
 that government recognizes and appreciates every loyal 
 blow struck for the Union. By this afternoon's mail 
 from "Capeland, I received a brief note from Col- 
 lector Jewell, enclosing a telegram from Washington, 
 which he was instructed to forward to the parties 
 immediately interested. If such is the desire of the 
 company, it will afford me much pleasure to read 
 the despatch."
 
 THE YOUNG IX VINCIBLE S. 311 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to say that such was the 
 unanimous wish. The squire then proceeded to read 
 the following : 
 
 TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 
 
 WASHINGTON, , 1863. 
 
 MR. JEWELL: 
 
 Your despatch, giving information of the attempt 
 to capture or burn the new government ship General 
 Grant, at Harryseekit, is received. Please tender the 
 sincere thanks of this department, of the government, 
 and of the whole loyal country to that brave com- 
 pany of boys, the "Young Invincibles," for their 
 noble defence of the ship, and the capture of the 
 pirates. The name of the young commander, who 
 planned and executed the enterprise so successfully, 
 has been enrolled on the list of those who have 
 distinguished themselves in their country's behalf. 
 
 The secretary of war says, hold the prisoners for 
 
 future action. 
 
 CHASE. 
 
 " Bravo ! " cried Uncle Bill, who was an interested 
 listener. " George, didn't I tell you that you ought 
 to be a commodore?" 
 
 " Three rousing cheers for Secretary Chase ! " cried 
 a dozen voices at the same moment.
 
 312 PATEIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 The cheers were most heartily given. Squire Bel- 
 mont then proceeded to say, 
 
 " Now, boys, as you have had the glory, I will 
 hasten to the substantial part of the object in calling 
 you together. The selectmen, and other prominent 
 citizens, are of opinion, after the high-handed attempt 
 of the pirates last night, that we require a ' Home 
 Guard,' and that you have shown yourselves fully 
 competent to act as such. I made the suggestion to 
 the fathers of the town, that, in consideration of your 
 services last night, and for what you may be called 
 upon to do in the future, you were justly entitled to 
 some remuneration ; and as I have noticed that your 
 uniforms are becoming a little rusty, and that some 
 of you look as if you had marched a trifle too far 
 through your pantaloons, I proposed that the town 
 should furnish you with a new uniform. The prop- 
 osition was favorably received ; but the appropriation 
 will have to be made by vote at town meeting. I 
 had no idea, however, of waiting for the town ma- 
 chinery to move. Mr. Cutter has already received 
 instructions to furnish the whole company with such 
 a uniform as you may decide upon ; and if the town 
 is not unanimous in a vote to pay the bill, I will 
 cheerfully pay it myself." 
 
 The boys responded to this gratifying and wholly
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 313 
 
 unexpected announcement by giving three tremen- 
 dous cheers for Squire Belmont. As the excitement 
 somewhat subsided, it was observed that the squire 
 frequently turned his eyes up the street, in the direc- 
 tion of his residence," as if in expectation of some 
 one from that quarter. Presently a smile of satis- 
 faction came over his handsome face, and he turned 
 to the captain of the Young Invincibles, and said, 
 
 "To you, George, I wish to give some tangible 
 proof of the esteem in which I hold you for the 
 faithful and judicious manner in which you have so 
 long commanded your company, and more partic- 
 ularly for your prompt action last night, whereby a 
 valuable ship has been saved to the government, and 
 ten rascally pirates secured for the gallows / hope." 
 
 At this moment Squire Belmont's coachman rode 
 up to the party on that gentleman's splendid young 
 horse, " Speed." As the man dismounted, the squire 
 took the horse by the bridle, patted him caressingly 
 on his neck for a moment, and then led him along 
 to George, saying, 
 
 " Speed, I take much pleasure in introducing you 
 to your new master, Captain George Herrick ; " and 
 slipping the bridle over the youth's arm, the generous 
 donor stepped back and rejoined Colonel White with- 
 out another word.
 
 314 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 For once, the lad appeared to be overcome by sur- 
 prise. He stood for a few moments in silence, with 
 his eyes fixed on the beautiful animal before him. 
 
 "George, hadn't you better thank the squire?" 
 suggested Tom Sprightly. "Or shall I take the 
 horse, and do the thanks'?" 
 
 " I'm much obliged to you, Tom. You may hold 
 the horse, but I think I'll try to thank our good 
 friend myself;" and passing the bridle over to Tom, 
 George approached the donor, and said, 
 
 " Squire Belmont, this is a complete surprise to 
 me ; and I can only find words to say that I sin- 
 cerely thank you for this most generous deed, and 
 hope that I may in the future really earn a title to 
 this magnificent present which you have prematurely 
 bestowed upon me." 
 
 " I am perfectly willing to take your past conduct 
 as a guarantee for the future," replied the squire, 
 with a benevolent smile. 
 
 " Three more cheers for Squire Belmont ! " cried 
 Tom Sprightly, who was as much elated at his young 
 friend's good fortune as he would have been to be 
 the lucky recipient himself. 
 
 "As the sounds of the applause died away, the 
 squire said, 
 
 " Now, boys, three rousing cheers for your brave
 
 THE YOUNO INVINCIBLE S. 315 
 
 young captain, whose first blow was for his mother, 
 and his second for his country ! " 
 
 The hearty response to this call was indisputable 
 evidence of the high regard in which George Herrick 
 was held, not merely by his immediate associates, but 
 by the good people of the village at large numbers 
 of whom were assembled on the parade-ground as 
 spectators to this pleasing little aifair, and who most 
 readily united their voices with those of the Invinci- 
 bles in doing honor to the prompt, brave, and patriotic 
 young commander. 
 
 Colonel White now stepped forward, and every 
 sound was hushed in a moment. 
 
 " My esteemed young friends," began the old gen- 
 tleman, " this is a happy occasion to us all. I con- 
 gratulate you on your great advancement in military 
 discipline, as well as for the favor and respect you 
 have established for yourselves in the breasts of all 
 good citizens by your orderly conduct and ready 
 patriotism on all occasions. Contrast your present 
 position with that of Jack Dunham ! Had he taken 
 an interest in his country's cause, as you have done, 
 he might at the present time be happy and respected, 
 instead of occupying a prison with rebel pirates ! 
 My boys, there is nothing like keeping a great and 
 good object constantly in view.
 
 316 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OR 
 
 "The munificence of our good friend here, the 
 squire, has left nothing for me to offer but a few- 
 words of encouragement, which I have no doubt you 
 will kindly receive from an old man who can now 
 do littje else than talk. 
 
 "I am happy to say that my expectations with 
 regard to your military improvement have been more 
 than realized. The interest and the spirit with which 
 you entered into the movement, and which you have 
 never allowed for a moment to flag, have resulted 
 in honor to yourselves, and to the good old town 
 of Harryseekit. 
 
 "You have set an example that is already being 
 followed in other towns and states, and the subject 
 of military instruction to boys has been broached, 
 even, in some of the state legislatures. You have 
 not only gained much useful military knowledge, but, 
 by making patriotism at home your watchword, you 
 have done much to strengthen love for the Union in 
 older hearts for men shame to falter when boys 
 stand up in the front rank. 
 
 " My young friends, I come now to your crown- 
 ing glory the achievement of last night. It was a 
 plan well conceived, and most admirably carried out. 
 The result has stamped you as brave soldiers and true 
 patriots, and brought you prominently to the notice
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 317 
 
 of the government. I am satisfied that you are fully 
 competent to act independently. Your present efficient 
 officers need no further instruction from me. I am 
 forced to admit, that, if I had been at home last 
 evening, I should probably have advised a different 
 course than the one pursued with regard to the de- 
 fence of the General Grant. But no other course of 
 action could have resulted any better ; and the honor 
 is all yours. 
 
 "My brave boys, I have only to add, Go on in 
 your well doing. Be certain of the direction in which 
 duty leads, and unhesitatingly follow it. You know 
 that my idea is, that no one under eighteen should 
 enlist in the army. None of you have reached that 
 age as yet ; but I fear many of you will reach it 
 before this terrible war is brought to a close. And 
 there may possibly be a critical period in this great 
 struggle when it will be necessary for government to 
 throw overwhelming numbers suddenly into the field 
 at some given point in which case I might say ' Go ' 
 to some hardy youth who had not quite reached the 
 standard age which I have set up. 
 
 " The hour has not yet come when the cause iu 
 the field really demands your assistance. In the mean 
 time, continue your good efforts here. There is much 
 more to be accomplished, both at home and in the
 
 318 PATRIOTISM AT HOME, OB 
 
 field, before peace will be restored. But wherever 
 duty points, there will be found, I feel well assured, 
 the Young Invincibles." 
 
 The perfect silence which had been maintained 
 during the feeling remarks of Colonel White contin- 
 ued for some moments after he ceased to speak. His 
 young friends' hearts were too full for cheers. Di- 
 rectly there was a simultaneous rush made by the 
 boys more closely around the kind old gentleman, 
 each one endeavoring to seize him by the hand or 
 arm, as if fearful lest their best friend and instructor 
 was about to withdraw his protecting shield from over 
 their heads. More than one eye gathered moisture 
 as the boys thus clung and hovered about him like 
 a swarm of bees. 
 
 Squire Belmont, thinking that this demonstration 
 of the boys might prove to be too much for his aged 
 friend, somewhat changed the scene by pointing to- 
 wards the fence close by, which our old sailor friend 
 was just mounting, and suddenly calling out, 
 
 " A speech from Uncle Bill ! " 
 
 The cry took with the crowd, and " A speech from 
 Uncle Bill ! " was so clamorously called for, that the 
 old seaman saw no way of escape, and, to use one 
 of his own favorite expressions, he decided to " heave 
 ahead."
 
 THE YOUNG INVINCIBLE S. 319 
 
 " Boys," commenced Uncle Bill, taking off his hat 
 and throwing it upon the ground, " if I was only on 
 a ship's deck, and you were sailor lads, I should 
 know just what to say; but, as it is, I s'pose I 
 shall soon get out of my reck'ning. 
 
 " Well, my brave boys, as I sailed under your 
 orders last night, I can testify that you run down 
 upon the pirates handsomely on the windward tack, 
 took the wind out of their sails, and cut them down 
 to the water line when everything was shaking. The 
 thing was done shipshape. 
 
 11 Now, boys, Fm going to make a prophecy, not 
 a sixty days' one, and that is, that the whole ' se- 
 cesh' crew of the South will finally have to strike 
 their colors to our forces, just as the pirates did to 
 you last night; for, you see, they're in a condemned 
 ship, they've thrown the safe old Union chart over- 
 board, and they're sailing without a compass. So, 
 you see, they'll just go round and round, land right 
 where they started from, won't know their best friends, 
 and will lose all their niggers ! " 
 
 Uncle Bill's speech " brought down the house," 
 and lifted the oppression from the spirits of the boys. 
 
 Colonel White once more addressed the youthful 
 throng, saying, 
 
 " Do not for a moment think, my dear young
 
 320 PATRIOTISM AT HOME. 
 
 friends, that in taking leave of you as your instructor, 
 I lose any of my interest in you individually or col- 
 lectively. Far from it. So long as you continue true 
 to our beneficent Father in heaven, to the Union, 
 and to yourselves, you may count upon me as your 
 stanch advocate and friend." 
 
 And here, kind reader, we must all, for the present, 
 take our leave of the Young Invincibles and the other 
 characters who have figured in the story. Perhaps 
 strict justice to George Herrick's character demands 
 of us at this time to say that there is no evidence to 
 show that he has forgotten his silent, solemn pledge 
 to Lizzie Swift beside the death-bed of her mother. 
 Neither would we have the silence on the part of 
 Lucy White as regards her great indebtedness to Tom 
 Sprightly interpreted to her disadvantage. So long as 
 all these young persons themselves are true friends, 
 less interested parties have no right to complain. 
 
 Should the indulgent reader feel sufficient interest 
 in the "Young Invincibles" to follow their fortunes 
 farther, it may result that " Patriotism at Home " 
 was followed by Valor in the Field, thus showing 
 The Success of True Merit.

 
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