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!" "Yes, I." "Did mother say so ?" "No, but she won't care." "Did you ask her ?" "No; I didn't think of going till after I started from home." "Don't think of it, Jack.

It would be an awful blow to mother to have both of us go." For half an hour Tom argued the matter with John; but the military enthusiasm of the latter had been so aroused by the march and its attendant circumstances, that he could not restrain his inclination.
"If I don't join this company, I shall some other," said John.
"I shall have to go home again, if you do; for I won't have mother left alone.

We haven't been mustered in yet.