During the week just past young Babbitt's name had been drawn as one of Orham's quota for the new National Army.

The village was still talking of the draft when the news came that Captain Hunniwell had been selected as a member of the Exemption Board for the district, the Board which was to hold its sessions at Ostable and listen to the pleas of those desiring to be excused from service.

Not all of Orham knew this as yet.

Jed Winslow had heard it, from Captain Sam himself.

Gabe Bearse had heard it because he made it his business to hear everything, whether it concerned him or not--preferably not.
The war had come to Orham with the unbelievable unreality with which it had come to the great mass of the country.