"He hasn't said anything. He isn't at home. He went away before Sumter was
fired upon by the rebels."

"True--I remember. What does your mother say?"

"O, she is willing."

"Are you sure, Tom?"

"Of course, I am. Suppose you write something by which she can give her
consent, and she will sign it."

Captain Benson drew up the document, and when Tom went home to dinner, he
presented it to his mother for her signature.

"I hope you won't back out, mother," said he, as she put on her
spectacles, and proceeded to ascertain the contents of the document.

"Back out of what, Thomas?"

"I've signed the muster roll, and I belong to Captain Benson's company
now."

"You!" exclaimed Mrs. Somers, lowering the paper, and gazing earnestly
into the face of the young man, to discover whether he was in earnest.

"Yes, mother; you said you were willing, and I have signed the papers; but
Captain Benson wants your consent in writing, so that there shall be no
mistake about it."