It was a long-distance call from Charlottetown for Jem.

When he had finished talking he hung up the receiver and turned around, with a flushed face and glowing eyes.

Before he had said a word his mother and Nan and Di had turned pale.

As for Rilla, for the first time in her life she felt that every one must hear her heart beating and that something had clutched at her throat.
"They are calling for volunteers in town, father," said Jem.

"Scores have joined up already.