your friends, Thomas, as gran'ther says."

"That's a great thing, I can tell you," added the veteran. "Soldiers
should stick together like brothers, and feel that they are fighting for
each other, as well as for the country. Then, when you're sick, you want
friends. When we marched from Sackett's Harbor, there was a young
feller--"

"Have some more tea, brother?"

"Part of a cup, Nancy," replied the old man, who never took offence even
when the choicest stories of his military experience were nipped in the
bud.

After dinner, Thomas hastened back to the store. That day seemed to him
like an epoch in his existence, as indeed it was. He felt that he belonged
to his country now, and that the honor of that old flag, which had been
insulted by traitors, was committed to his keeping. He was taking up the
work where his grandfather had left it. He was going forth to fight for
his country, and the thought inspired him with a noble and generous
enthusiasm, before which all the aspirations of his youth vanished.

As he passed the house of Squire Pemberton, he bestowed a pitying
reflection upon the old traitor; but his mind was so full of the great
event which was dawning upon him, that he did not even think of the
exciting incidents which had occurred there. He had neither seen nor heard
any thing of the squire since he had escaped from the attic chamber.

Just beyond the squire's house he met Captain Barney, who was riding up to
the town hall.