I'll be there in a minute myself," said Blair, moving off at a marvellous pace for a boy who had been wounded so lately.
The Fairport Guard fell into rank and followed their commander, while a motly crowd brought up the rear.
Blair stood on the familiar door-step.

He laid his hand on the lock, and paused for a second to calm his swelling emotions, in which gratitude to God was even stronger than the deep love for his mother.
Quietly sat Mrs.Robertson, plying the needle at her fireside, when the door gently opened, and her son stood before her.
That was a moment of joy too deep for description.

While the mother and son were clasped in a long embrace, Hal could not help having his share of the interview by crying out, "He's come home! Be n't it splendid?
He's come! Dear, dear, I shall burst." "You dear good fellow," said Blair, throwing his arm over Hal's shoulder, "you've been a comfort to my mother, I know." "That he has," said Mrs.Robertson.

"It was he who told me how your noble courage saved your native town and the very home of your mother from the flames.

I thank God for such a son." "Then I did what you would have wished, mother.