The escort moved off, followed by the company.

They passed the little cottage of Captain Somers, and Tom saw the whole family except John, who was in the escort, standing at the front gate.

The old soldier swung his hat, Tom's sisters and his mother waved their handkerchiefs; but when they saw the soldier boy, they had to use them for another purpose.

Tom felt another upward pressure in the region of the throat; but this time he choked down his rising emotions, and saved himself from the ridicule of his more callous companion on the left.
In violation of military discipline, he turned his head to take one last, fond look at the home he was leaving behind.

It might be the last time he should ever gaze on that loved spot, now a thousand times more dear than ever before.