Frank's Campaign or Farm and Camp Part 28

"I don't think you will have to look far," said Mr. Morton, with a smile.

"Are you acquainted with the manual?" asked Frank eagerly.

"I believe so. You see you have not yet got to the end of my accomplishments. I shall be happy to act as your drill-master until some one among your number is competent to take my place. I can previously give you some private lessons, if you desire it."

"There's nothing I should like better, Mr. Morton," said Frank joyfully.

"Have you got a musket in the house, then? We shall get along better with one."

"There's one in the attic."

"Very well; if you will get it, we can make a beginning now."

Frank went in search of the musket; but in his haste tumbled down the attic stairs, losing his grasp of the musket, which fell down with a clatter.

Mrs. Frost, opening the door of her bedroom in alarm, saw Frank on his back with the musket lying across his chest.

"What's the matter?" she asked, not a little startled.

Frank got up rubbing himself and looking rather foolish.

"Nothing, mother; only I was in a little too much of a hurry."

"What are you going to do with that musket, Frank?"

"Mr. Morton is going to teach me the manual, that is all, mother."

"I suppose the first position is horizontal," said his mother, with a smile.

"I don't like that position very well," returned Frank, with a laugh. "I prefer the perpendicular."

Under his friend's instructions, Frank progressed rapidly. At the end of the third lesson, Mr. Morton said, "You are nearly as competent to give instructions now as I am. There are some things, however, that cannot be learned alone. You had better take measures to form your company."

Frank called upon Mr. Rathburn, the princ.i.p.al of the academy, and after communicating his plan, which met with the teacher's full approval, arranged to have notice given of a meeting of the boys immediately after the afternoon session.

On Thursday afternoon when the last cla.s.s had recited, previous to ringing the bell, which was a signal that school was over, Mr. Rathburn gave this brief notice:

"I am requested to ask the boys present to remain in their seats, and in which I think they will all feel interested."

Looks of curiosity were interchanged among the boys, and every one thought, "What's coming now?"

At this moment a modest knock was heard, and Mr. Rathburn, going to the door, admitted Frank. He quietly slipped into the nearest seat.

"Your late schoolfellow, Frank Frost," proceeded Mr. Rathburn, "has the merit of originating the plan to which I have referred, and he is no doubt prepared to unfold it to you."

Mr. Rathburn put on his hat and coat, and left the schoolroom. After his departure Frank rose and spoke modestly, thus:

"Boys, I have been thinking for some time past that we were not doing all that we ought in this crisis, which puts in such danger the welfare of our country. If anything, we boys ought to feel more deeply interested than our elders, for while they will soon pa.s.s off the stage we have not yet reached even the threshold of manhood. You will ask me what we can do. Let me remind you that when the war broke out the great want was, not of volunteers, but of men trained to military exercises.

Our regiments were at first composed wholly of raw recruits. In Europe, military instruction is given as a matter of course; and in Germany, and perhaps other countries, young men are obliged to serve for a time in the army.

"I think we ought to profit by the lessons of experience. However the present war may turn out, we cannot be certain that other wars will not at some time break out. By that time we shall have grown to manhood, and the duty of defending our country in arms will devolve upon us. Should that time come, let it not find us unprepared. I propose that we organize a military company among the boys, and meet for drill at such times as we may hereafter agree upon. I hope that any who feel interested in the matter will express their opinions freely."

Frank sat down, and a number of the boys testified their approbation by stamping with their feet.

John Haynes rose, with a sneer upon his face.

"I would humbly inquire, Mr. Chairman, for you appear to have a.s.sumed that position, whether you intend to favor us with your valuable services as drillmaster."

Frank rose, with a flushed face.

"I am glad to be reminded of one thing, which I had forgotten," he said.

"As this is a meeting for the transaction of business, it is proper that it should be regularly organized. Will some one nominate a chairman?"

"Frank Frost!" exclaimed half a dozen voices.

"I thank you for the nomination," said Frank, "but as I have something further to communicate to the meeting, it will be better to select some one else."

"I nominate Charles Reynolds," said one voice.

"Second the motion," said another.

"Those who are in favor of Charles Reynolds, as chairman of this meeting, will please signify it in the usual manner," said Frank.

Charles Reynolds, being declared duly elected, advanced to the teacher's chair.

"Mr. Chairman," said Frank, "I will now answer the question just put to me. I do not propose to offer my services as drill-master, but I am authorized to say that a gentleman whom you have all seen, Mr. Henry Morton, is willing to give instruction till you are sufficiently advanced to get along without it."

John Haynes, who felt disappointed at not having been called upon to preside over the meeting, determined to make as much trouble as possible.

"How are we to know that this Morton is qualified to give instruction?"

he asked, looking round at the boys.

"The gentleman is out of order. He will please address his remarks to the Chair, and not to the audience," said the presiding officer.

"I beg pardon, Mr. Chairman," said John mockingly. "I forgot how tenacious some people are of their brief authority."

"Order! order!" called half a dozen voices.

"The gentleman will come to order," said the chairman firmly, "and make way for others unless he can treat the Chair with proper respect."

"Mr. Chairman," said Frank, rising, "I will mention, for the general information, that Mr. Morton has acted as an officer of militia, and that I consider his offer a kind one, since it will take up considerable of his time and put him to some trouble."

"I move that Mr. Morton's offer be accepted, with thanks," said Henry Tufts.

The motion was seconded by Tom Wheeler, and carried unanimously, with the exception of one vote. John Haynes sat sullenly in his seat and took no part in it.

"Who shall belong to the company?" asked the chairman. "Shall a fixed age be required?"

"I move that the age be fixed at eleven," said Robert Ingalls.