More eggs were thrown, and as he ducked his head, one struck him on the top of his pate. When he raised it, the yellow yolk ran down over his cheeks. Edmund and I told the boys to stop throwing eggs.
"We ain't doing nothing, and 'tain't your business, anyhow."
We stood guard over the boys till we saw the crowd turn toward the whipping-post; and the boys went there to see a man tied to it, and soundly thrashed on his bare back with the cat-o'-nine-tails.
"I've had enough of this, Edmund. Come over to the tavern."
The drummers were beating their drums in front of the inn, and the sergeants were telling their story of the glory, honour, and booty to be gained.
Captain Spikeman stood near by, and if he saw a likely looking man, who seemed to be tempted, he would begin talking to him, and ask him into the tavern to have a mug of flip. Soon after, the sergeant would be called in to pin a cockade on his hat and give him the King's shilling to enlist him.
Edmund knew all the officers, who lived at the tavern, and was full of enthusiasm. "Ben, I'd like to go ever so much. I've set my heart on being a soldier. But my time isn't up, and I must serve out my apprenticeship."
RECRUITING
"That's just my fix. But if the war lasts, we may get a chance yet."
In the afternoon I bade him good-by, and rode back home.