In those few seconds Blair was asking aid from his heavenly Father so to speak that he might have power to move his hearers and guide them aright.
"Boys," he began, "boys, I want to be your captain.

I don't want to give up the Fairport Guard.

We have had many a good time together, and I love you all; yes, every one.

Our marching and drilling has hitherto been play, but now we ought to be in earnest.

We should prepare to be really a guard to our native town.