"Mother!" protested Emmeline again.
Emmeline went and filled the dipper and stood holding it out; but no soldier left the line, although the lips of many were almost black. Some looked in Emmeline's direction, some passed grimly without a glance.
"They will not drink it, mother!" cried Emmeline.
"You don't end our lives that way, sissy!" jeered a passing voice.
Emmeline dropped the dipper and fled back to her mother's side. Her mother had covered her face with her hands and stood shivering. Emmeline, watching her, was for the moment awed. For the first time something of the heavy horror of war penetrated her young heart.
"We are not really going to have a battle, mother!"
Mrs. Willing shook her head. "They have come for money and supplies."
"Will they get them?"
"Not here, dear. We haven't them."
"Where will they get them?"