When I can get a day to myself, I don't think it's any great hardship to carry father's heavy fowling-piece from sunrise to sunset; and I guess I can stand it to carry a musket as long as any of them." "You are only a boy." "I shall be a man soon enough." "When you have gone, John will want to go too." "No, mother, I don't want to go into the army," said John, with a sly wink at his brother.

"I shall never be a soldier if I can help it." "What am I going to do, if you all go off and leave me ?" added Mrs.
Somers, trying hard to keep down a tear which was struggling for birth in her fountain of sorrows.
"I don't think you will want for anything, mother.

I'm sure I wouldn't leave you, if I thought you would.

I don't get but two dollars and a half a week in the store, and I shall have eleven dollars a month in the army, and it won't cost me any thing for board or clothes.

I will send every dollar I get home to you." "You are a good boy, Thomas," replied Mrs.Somers, unable any longer to restrain the tear.
"I know you and John both will do every thing you can for me.