"I know I won't!" exclaimed Tom, with energy, as he drew his coat sleeve
across his eyes.

"It isn't the cock that crows the loudest that will fight the best," added
the old man. "I'll bet Tom will be able to tell you the latest news from
the front, where the battle's the hottest. I fit my way up to the city of
Mexico long er old Scott, and I've heard boys crow afore today."

"Look here, old un! If you mean to call me a coward, why don't you say so,
right up and down?" growled Ben.

"Time'll tell, my boy. You don't know what gunpowder smells like yet. If
you'd been with the fust Pennsylvany, where I was, you'd a-known sunthin
about war. Now, shet up, Ben; and don't you worry Tom any more."

But Tom was no longer in a condition to be worried. Though still sad at
the thought of the home and friends he had left behind, he had reduced his
emotions to proper subjection, and before the column reached Boston, he
had even regained his wonted cheerfulness. The procession halted upon the
wharf, where the company was to embark on a steamer for Fort Warren. As
the boat which was to convey them to the fort had not yet arrived, the men
were permitted to mingle with their friends on the wharf, and, of course,
Tom immediately sought out his brother. He found him engaged in a spirited
conversation with Captain Benson.

"What is it, Jack?" asked the soldier boy.

"I want to join this company, and the captain won't let me," replied John.

"You, Jack!"