Then there was the dreadful uncertainty of war.

He might never return, or, if spared for that, it might be with broken constitution or the loss of a limb.
"If it hadn't been for me," Frank could not help thinking, "father would not now be going away.

He would have stayed at home, and I could still go to school.

It would have made a great difference to us, and the loss of one man could not affect the general result." A moment after his conscience rebuked him for harboring so selfish a thought.
"The country needs him more even than we do," he said to himself.

"It will be a hard trial to have him go, but it is our duty." "Will my little Charlie miss me when I am gone ?" asked Mr.Frost of the chubby-faced boy who sat with great, round eyes peering into the fire, as if he were deeply engaged in thought.
"Won't you take me with you, papa ?" asked Charlie.
"What could you do if you were out there, my little boy ?" asked the father, smiling.
"I'd shoot great big rebel with my gun," said Charlie, waxing valiant.
"Your gun's only a wooden one," said Maggie, with an air of superior knowledge.