"Ay, lad, we will set upon them wherever they may be found, and whip them too, till there shall be no more left of this force which has come to lay waste the country with fire and sword."
"But what of Nathan and I?" Evan asked anxiously. "Are we to be left behind?"
"It is time you had some rest, lads, and better you should follow with those who march afoot."
"In that case, sir, we might miss the battle," Nathan interrupted.
"Perhaps it were better if you did."
"We have thought, sir, Evan and I, that because of working hard for the cause, we would be given the first opportunity to show what we might do."
"And you are eager to go into the combat?" Colonel McDowells asked of his son.
"It would sadden me if I was not allowed to do so, sir, although, as I have confessed to Nathan several times, I fear my courage may fail me."
"If it does, you will be the first McDowells who has shown the white feather, and perhaps it is time we should know whether you are of the right strain. You shall ride with the advance forces," Colonel McDowells said decidedly, and then turned away.