It was with a heavy heart that Fred left the house. As he shut the door, he thought he heard his father call. He stopped and listened, but hearing nothing, he went on. Getting his horse, he rode to Danville. His little sister was visiting at Judge Pennington's, and he wanted to see her, as well as to bid farewell to his uncle, and see Calhoun. He had no idea but that his uncle would forbid him the house when he heard of his being cast off by his father.
He found Judge Pennington at home, and frankly told him what had happened, shielding his father as much as possible, and not sparing himself.
The judge went into a fearful passion.
"Why, why, you young jackanapes," he roared; "it's a horse-whipping you want, and you would get it if you were a boy of mine! Disowned you, did he? And drove you away? Well, he is a fool, too. A good tanning is what you need, and, by Jove! I have a mind to give it to you," and he shook his cane threateningly. "Going to join the Yankee army, are you? Join and be hanged, you idiot! A Shackelford in the Yankee army! I'll, I'll—" but the judge was too angry to say more.
"Now, uncle, don't get in a rage; it's no use. My mind is fully made up. I shall join the Union army in some capacity."
"Get out of my sight, you young idiot, you!" thundered the judge.
Just then Calhoun came in. "What's the row?" he asked, looking from one to the other.
"Row, row!" sputtered the judge. "If you were as big a fool as your cousin there, I would skin you alive."
"Glad you have at last come to a full appreciation of my worth," coolly replied Calhoun. "For years I have had the virtues of my cousin held up to me as a shining mark to follow. Now, I find I am saving my skin by surpassing him in the wisdom of this world. Congratulate me, dear father."
"Why, this fool says he is going to enlist in the Yankee army," foamed the Judge, pointing at Fred.