"Now we must get into marching order," I said, "and prepare to break
camp. Soldiers, you know, when about to move, dispose of all their
heavy baggage, cook several days' provisions, pack up and load on
wagons what they mean to take with them, and start. It is a trying
time--one that requires the exercise of good soldierly qualities,
such as prompt obedience, indifference to hardship and discomfort,
and especially courage in meeting whatever happens."

Thus the children's imaginations were kindled, and our prosaic
breaking up was a time of grand excitement. With grim satisfaction
they looked upon the dismantling of the rooms, and with sighs of
relief saw carts take away such heavy articles as I had sold.

Winnie and Bobsey were inclined to take the children of neighbors
into their confidence, and to have them around, but I said that this
would not do at all--that when soldiers were breaking camp the great
point was to do everything as secretly and rapidly as possible.
Thenceforward an air of mystery pervaded all our movements.

Bobsey, however, at last overstepped the bounds of our patience and
became unmanageable. The very spirit of mischief seemed to have
entered his excited little brain. He untied bundles, placed things
where they were in the way, and pestered the busy mother with so
many questions, that I hit upon a decided measure to keep him quiet.
I told him about a great commander who, in an important fight, was
strapped to a mast, so that he could oversee everything. Then I tied
the little fellow into a chair. At first he was much elated, and
chattered like a magpie, but when he found he was not to be released
after a few moments he began to howl for freedom. I then carried