For the six weeks following, Mr. Morton gave lessons twice a week to the
boys. At the third lesson they received their muskets, and thenceforth
drilled with them. A few, who had not been present at the first two
lessons, and were consequently ignorant of the positions, Mr. Morton
turned over to Frank, who proved an efficient and competent instructor.
At the end of the twelfth lesson, Mr. Morton, after giving the order
“Rest!” addressed the boys as follows:
“Boys, we have now taken twelve lessons together. I have been very much
gratified by the rapid improvement which you have made, and feel that it
is due quite as much to your attention as to any instructions of mine.
I can say with truth that I have known companies of grown men who have
made less rapid progress than you.
“The time has now come when I feel that I can safely leave you to
yourselves, There are those among you who are competent to carry on the
work which I have commenced. It will be desirable for you at once to
form a company organization. As there are but fifty on your muster-roll,
being about half the usual number, you will not require as many
officers. I recommend the election of a captain, first and second
lieutenants, three sergeants and three corporals. You have already
become somewhat accustomed to company drill, so that you will be able to
go on by yourselves under the guidance of your officers. If any
doubtful questions should arise, I shall always be happy to give you any
information or assistance in my power.
“And now, boys, I will bid you farewell in my capacity of instructor,
but I need not say that I shall continue to watch with interest your
progress in the military art.”
Here Mr. Morton bowed, and sat down.
After the applause which followed his speech had subsided, there was
a silence and hush of expectation among the boys, after which Charles
Reynolds rose slowly, and, taking from the seat beside him a package,
advanced toward Mr. Morton and made a brief speech of presentation,
having been deputed by the boys to perform that duty.
“MR MORTON: I stand here in behalf of the boys present, who wish to
express to you their sense of your kindness in giving them the course of
lessons which has just ended. We have taken up much of your time, and no
doubt have tried your patience more than once. If we have improved, as
you were kind enough to say, we feel that it is principally owing to our
good fortune in having so skilful a teacher. We wish to present you some
testimonial of the regard which we have for you, and accordingly ask
your acceptance of this copy of 'Abbott's Life of Napoleon.' We should
have been glad to give you something more valuable, but we are sure you
will value the gift for other reasons than its cost.”
Here Charles Reynolds sat down, and all eyes were turned toward Mr.
Morton. It was evident that he was taken by surprise. It was equally
evident that he was much gratified by this unexpected token of regard.
He rose and with much feeling spoke as follows:
“My dear boys, for you must allow me to call you so, I can hardly tell
you how much pleasure your kind gift has afforded me. It gives me the
assurance, which indeed, I did not need, that you are as much my friends
as I am yours. The connection between us has afforded me much pleasure
and satisfaction. In training you to duties which patriotism may
hereafter devolve upon you, though I pray Heaven that long before that
time our terrible civil strife may be at an end, I feel that I have
helped you to do something to show your loyal devotion to the country
which we all love and revere.” Here there was loud applause. “If you
were a few years older, I doubt not that your efforts would be added to
those of your fathers and brothers who are now encountering the perils
and suffering the privations of war. And with a little practise I am
proud to say that you would not need to be ashamed of the figure you
would cut in the field.
“I have little more to say. I recognize a fitness in the selection of
the work which you have given me. Napoleon is without doubt the greatest
military genius which our modern age has produced. Yet he lacked one
very essential characteristic of a good soldier. He was more devoted to
his own selfish ends than to the welfare of his country. I shall value
your gift for the good wishes that accompany it, and the recollection of
this day will be among my pleasantest memories.”
Mr. Morton here withdrew in the midst of hearty applause.
When he had left the hall a temporary organization for business purposes
was at once effected. Wilbur Summerfield was placed in the chair, and
the meeting proceeded at once to an election of officers.
For a week or two past there had been considerable private canvassing
among the boys. There were several who would like to have been elected
captain, and a number of others who, though not aspiring so high,
hoped to be first or second lieutenants. Among the first class was John
Haynes. Like many persons who are unpopular, he did not seem to be at
all aware of the extent of his unpopularity.
But there was another weighty reason why the choice of the boys
would never have fallen upon him. Apart from his unpopularity, he was
incompetent for the posts to which he aspired. Probably there were not
ten boys in the company who were not more proficient in drill than he.
This was not owing to any want of natural capacity, but to a feeling
that he did not require much instruction and a consequent lack of
attention to the directions of Mr. Morton. He had frequently been
corrected in mistakes, but always received the correction with
sullenness and impatience. He felt in his own mind that he was much
better fitted to govern than to obey, forgetting in his ambition that it
is those only who have first learned to obey who are best qualified to
rule others.
Desirious of ingratiating himself with the boys, and so securing their
votes, he had been unusually amiable and generous during the past week.
At the previous lesson he had brought half a bushel of apples, from
which he had requested the boys to help themselves freely. By this means
he hoped to attain the object of his ambition.
Squire Haynes, too, was interested in the success of his son.
“If they elect you captain, John,” he promised, “I will furnish you
money enough to buy a handsome sash and sword.”
Besides John, there were several others who cherished secret hopes of
success. Among these were Charles Reynolds and Wilbur Summerfield. As
for Frank Frost, though he had thought little about it, he could not
help feeling that he was among those best qualified for office, though
he would have been quite content with either of the three highest
offices, or even with the post of orderly sergeant.
Among those who had acquitted themselves with the greatest credit was
our old friend Dick Bumstead, whom we remember last as concerned in
rather a questionable adventure. Since that time his general behavior
had very much changed for the better. Before, he had always shirked work
when it was possible. Now he exhibited a steadiness and industry which
surprised no less than it gratified his father.
This change was partly owing to his having given up some companions who
had done him no good, and, instead, sought the society of Frank. The
energy and manliness exhibited by his new friend, and the sensible views
which he took of life and duty, had wrought quite a revolution in Dick's
character. He began to see that if he ever meant to accomplish anything
he must begin now. At Frank's instance he had given up smoking, and this
cut off one of the temptations which had assailed him. Gradually the
opinion entertained of Dick in the village as a ne'er-do-well was
modified, and he had come to be called as one of the steady and reliable
boys--a reputation not to, be lightly regarded.
In the present election Dick did not dream that he could have any
interest. While he had been interested in the lessons, and done his
best, he felt that his previous reputation would injure his chance, and
he had made up his mind that he should have to serve in the ranks. This
did not trouble him, for Dick, to his credit be it said, was very free
from jealousy, and had not a particle of envy in his composition. He
possessed so many good qualities that it would have been a thousand
pities if he had kept on in his former course.
“You will bring in your votes for captain,” said the chairman.
Tom Wheeler distributed slips of paper among the boys, and there was
forthwith a plentiful show of pencils.
“Are the votes all in?” inquired the chairman, a little later. “If so,
we will proceed to count them.”
There was a general hush of expectation while Wilbur Summerfield,
the chairman, and Robert Ingalls, the secretary of the meeting, were
counting the votes. John Haynes, was evidently nervous, and fidgeted
about, anxious to learn his fate.
At length the count was completed, and Wilbur, rising, announced it as
follows:
Whole number of votes...... 49
Necessary for a choice..... 25
Robert Ingalls.............. 2 votes
John Haynes................. 2 ”
Wilbur Summerfield.......... 4 ”
Moses Rogers................ 4 ”
Charles Reynolds........... 10 ”
Frank Frost................ 27 ”
“Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of announcing that you have made choice
of Frank Frost as your captain.”
Frank rose amid a general clapping of hands, and, with heightened color
but modest self-possession, spoke as follows “Boys, I thank you very
much for this proof of your confidence. All I can say is that I will
endeavor to deserve it. I shall no doubt make some mistakes, but I feel
sure that you will grant me your indulgence, and not expect too much of
my inexperience.”
This speech was regarded with favor by all except John Haynes, who
would rather have had any one else elected, independent of his own
disappointment, which was great.
“You will now prepare your votes for first lieutenant,” said the
presiding officer.
It will be noticed that two votes were cast for John Haynes. One of
these was thrown by a competitor, who wished to give his vote to some
one who stood no possible chance of succeeding, and accordingly selected
John on account of his well-known unpopularity. This vote, therefore,
was far from being a compliment. As for the other vote, John Haynes
himself best knew by whom it was cast.
The boys began to prepare their votes for first lieutenant.
John brightened up a little. He felt that it would be something to
gain this office. But when the result of the balloting was announced it
proved that he had but a single vote.
There were several scattering votes. The two prominent candidates were
Dick Bumstead, who received eight votes, and Charles Reynolds, who
received thirty-two, and was accordingly declared elected.
No one was more surprised by this announcement than Dick. He felt quite
bewildered, not having the slightest expectation of being a candidate.
He was almost tempted to believe that the votes had only been cast in
jest.
But Dick was destined to a still greater surprise. At the next vote, for
second lieutenant, there were five scattering votes. Then came ten for
Wilbur Summerfield, and Richard Bumstead led off with thirty-four, and
was accordingly declared elected.
“Speech! speech!” exclaimed half a dozen, vociferously.
Dick looked a little confused, and tried to escape the call. But the
boys were determined to have him up, and he was finally compelled to
rise, looking and feeling rather awkward But his natural good sense
and straightforwardness came to his aid, and he acquitted himself quite
creditably.
This was Dick's speech:
“Boys, I don't know how to make speeches, and I s'pose you know that as
well as I do. I hardly knew who was meant when Richard Bumstead's name
was mentioned, having always been called Dick, but if it means me, all I
can say is, that I am very much obliged to you for the unexpected honor.
One reason why I did not expect to be elected to any office was because
I ain't as good a scholar as most of you. I am sure there are a great
many of you who would make better officers than I, but I don't think
there's any that will try harder to do well than I shall.”
Here Dick sat down, very much astonished to find that he had actually
made a speech. His speech was modest, and made a favorable impression,
as was shown by the noisy stamping of feet and shouts of “Bully for
you, Dick!” “You're a trump!” and other terms in which boys are wont to
signify their approbation.
Through all this John Haynes looked very much disgusted, and seemed
half-decided upon leaving the room. He had some curiosity, however, to
learn who would be elected to the subordinate offices, and so remained.
He had come into the room with the determination not to accept anything
below a lieutenancy, but now made up his mind not to reject the post of
orderly sergeant if it should be offered to him. The following list of
officers, however will show that he was allowed no choice in the matter:
Captain, Frank Frost.
First Lieutenant, Charles Reynolds.
Second Lieutenant, Richard Bumstead.
Orderly Sergeant, Wilbur Summerfield.
Second Sergeant, Robert Ingalls.
Third Sergeant, Moses Rogers.
First Corporal, Tom Wheeler.
Second Corporal, Joseph Barry.
Third Corporal, Frank Ingalls.
The entire list of officers was now read and received with applause. If
there were some who were disappointed, they acquiesced good-naturedly,
with one exception.
When the applause had subsided, John Haynes rose and, in a voice
trembling with passion, said:
“Mr. Chairman, I wish to give notice to all present that I resign my
place as a member of this company. I don't choose to serve under such
officers as you have chosen to-day. I don't think they are fit to have
command.”
Here there was a general chorus of hisses, drowning John's voice
completely. After glancing about him a moment in speechless fury, he
seized his hat, and left the room in indignant haste, slamming the door
after him.
“He's a mean fellow!” said Frank Ingalls. “I suppose he expected to be
captain.”
“Shouldn't wonder,” said Sam Rivers. “Anyhow, he's a fool to make such a
fuss about it. As for me,” he added, with a mirthful glance, “I am
just as much disappointed as he is. When I came here this afternoon I
expected I should be elected captain, and I'd got my speech all ready,
but now I'm sorry that it will have to be wasted.”
There was a general burst of laughter, for Sam Rivers, whom everybody
liked for his good nature, was incorrigibly awkward, and had made
a larger number of blunders, probably, than any other member of the
company.
“Give us the speech, Sam,” said Bob Ingalls.
“Yes, don't let it be wasted.”
“Speech! speech!” cried Joseph Barry.
“Very well, gentlemen, if you desire it.”
Sam drew from his pocket a blank piece of paper, and pretended to read
the following speech, which he made up on the spur of the moment.
“Ahem! gentlemen,” he commenced, in a pompous tone, assuming an air
of importance; “I am deeply indebted to you for this very unexpected
honor.”
“Oh, very,” said one of the boys near.
“I feel that you have done yourself credit in your selection.”
Here there was a round of applause.
“I am sorry that some of you are still very awkward, but I hope under my
excellent discipline to make veterans of you in less than no time.”
“Good for you!”
“You cannot expect me to remain long with you, as I am now in the line
of promotion, and don't mean to stop short of a brigadier. But as long
as I am your captain I hope you will appreciate your privileges.”
Sam's speech was followed by a chorus of laughter, in which he joined
heartily himself.
As for John's defection, nobody seemed to regret it much. It was
generally felt that the company would have no difficulty in getting
along without him.