"Well," said his father, after Frank, with a firm and steady hand, had written his name, "it is done now. You are a brave boy!"—with a tear of pride, as he regarded his handsome, spirited young volunteer, and thought that not many fathers had such promising sons.
While they were at the recruiting office, one of their neighbors came in.
"What!" he exclaimed, "you here? on business?"
"Patriotic business," replied Mr. Manly, showing his son with a fond father's emotion. "He has volunteered, neighbor Winch."
"And you give your consent?"
"I do, most certainly, since he feels it his duty to go, and his mother is willing."
Neighbor Winch stood speechless for a moment, the muscles of his mouth working. "I have just heard," he said, in an agitated voice, "that my son John has enlisted without my consent; and I have come here to ascertain the fact. Do you know any thing about it, Frank?"
"I suppose I do," replied Frank, with some reluctance. "He enlisted three days ago. He wanted me to go with him then; but I——"
"You what?" said neighbor Winch.
"I couldn't, without first getting permission from my father and mother," explained Frank.