"That's 'cause you're a Quaker," cried Willy. "But I tell you while my name's Willy Parlin this drum shall be heard."
Poor Liddy stopped her ears.
"What you smiling for, mother?" said Willy. "Are you pleased to think you've got a little boy that can pound music so nice?"
"Not exactly that, my son. I was wondering whether there is room enough out of doors for that drum."
"Why, mother!" exclaimed the little soldier much chagrined. "Why, mother!"
Everybody else had complained of the din; but he thought she, with her fine musical taste, must be delighted. After this pointed slight he did not pound so much in the house, and the animals got more benefit of the noise. Towler enjoyed it hugely; and the cows might have kept step to the pasture every morning, and the hens every night to the roost, if they had had the least ear for music. Siller Noonin, who believed in witches, began to think the boy was "possessed." Love laughed, and said she did not believe that; but she was afraid Willy spoke the truth every day when he said so stoutly,—
"While my name is Willy Parlin, this drum shall be heard."
She wondered if parchment would ever wear out.
He drummed with so much spirit that it had a strong effect on the little training company. They had always liked him much better than Fred, and were glad of an excuse now to make him their captain. A boy who could fife so well, and drum so well, ought to be promoted, they thought—"All in favor say Ay!"
Poor Fred was dismayed. He had always known he was unpopular; still he had not expected this.