"Abner, Abner," they shouted.
The young man left his plow and ran to the fence.
"We are raising a company to join Washington's army," they said. "We march to-morrow. You must go with us, Abner."
Abner walked quickly to the little farmhouse. His mother was standing in the door.
"My country needs me, mother," he said. "What shall I do?"
"If you feel it is your duty to fight for your country, Abner, you must go," answered the brave woman. "When will the new company march?"
"To-morrow."
"To-morrow!" exclaimed Mrs. White. "You can not wear those old trousers. We must make you a new pair."
"A soldier can not wait for new clothes, and I must march with my company. A pair of trousers can not be made in a day."