We will strive to be a credit to our beloved home--true American citizens, who may dare to ask God to bless them in all their undertakings and prosper all they do.
Boys, do you agree to these regulations?
If so, I shall rejoice to be your captain.

If not, I must sadly bid adieu to the Fairport Guard, and with this time-honored musket in my hand, stand alone on the threshold of my home in the hour of danger, trusting in God and in the strength of this single right-arm." As Blair concluded, he grounded his musket, and stood silently awaiting the reply of his companions.
There was a moment of hesitation; then one of the older boys, the first-lieutenant, stepped forward and silently placed himself at the side of his young commander.

In true martial style the whole company followed, arraying themselves around their leader.
"We agree! We agree! We agree to every thing!" shouted one and all.
"May God help us to keep to our compact," said Blair.

Then, after a short pause, he added, "Let me propose to you a new member for our company--my friend Hal Hutchings, who, born on English soil, is yet a true American at heart.

Let all in favor of his admission say Aye." Hal had been striving to give himself a military air by appearing in his red flannel shirt and trousers, while Old Jock's red night-cap was perched above the yellow curls of the boy.