“But what if we don’t continue to stand for liberty and human right?” asked Phil. “What if we forget our national mission, and use our vast power not for freedom, but for conquest; not for the right, but for the wrong?”
“That is what every American citizen owes it to his country to guard against by his vote,” answered Ed.
“In other words,” said Irv “that’s what we are here for.”
“Precisely,” said Ed. “But it is time to get supper, and I, for one, am hungry.”
“So am I,” responded Irv, as he went below to bear his share in the supper getting.
[CHAPTER XXXV]
LOOKING FORWARD
It was on the last night of the voyage that Phil broached the thought that he had been turning over in his mind ever since his talk with the rescued Mississippi planter. The journey was practically finished. The Last of the Flatboats would reach New Orleans about ten o’clock the next morning. The big round moon illuminated the broad, placid river. Supper was ended. The lights were in their places. There was no water in the bilge. The day’s work was done, and the hardy young fellows were lolling about the deck, talking all sorts of trivial things, when Phil introduced the subject.