But of our friends. Marguerite felt sad indeed. She had witnessed the parting of an aged mother and her youngest boy, and a mist now shaded the thoughtful eyes.
Phillip Lawson next joined the group.
"I need not ask if you are going, Mr. Spriggins," said he smiling, "as I see you are minus the uniform."
"But I'm true blue all the same, sir. I tell you the Spriggins are never skulkin' when they're wanted. Jim Spriggins goes without any coaxin' and if it w'ant that I can't get away from Melindy I'd go too."
"Your brother volunteered, I suppose," ventured Mrs. Arnold, with an air of interest.
"Indeed he did, ma'am, he and another fellar from the Crossin', and
I brought 'em down."
Mr. Spriggins made a flourish with his brawny arm and beckoned to the young men who now were introduced, and received warm congratulations.
As cheer upon cheer rose from the crowd Moses became half frantic with enthusiasm.
"Tell ye what it is, Mr. Lawson, them's the fellars to scare the half-breeds. Bet your life on't, they'll soon make quick work of the Injuns round Frog Pond and Cut Knife Creek."
Marguerite could ill repress a smile as she caught sight of Lottie
Lawson's face, so expressive of quaint humor and mischief.