While she told her story, the little fellow kept
his eyes intently fixed upon the countenance of
the captain. And just as the latter was about to
say that he could not take so small a boy, the lad
spoke out:--
``Don't be afraid, Captain,'' said he, ``I can
drum.''
This was spoken with so much confidence that
the captain smiled and said to the sergeant:--
``Well, well, bring the drum, and order our
fifer to come here.''
In a few moments a drum was produced and
the fifer, a round-shouldered, good-natured fellow,
who stood six feet tall, made his appearance.
Upon being introduced to the lad, he stooped
down, resting his hands on his knees, and, after
peering into the little fellow's face for a moment,
said:--
``My little man, can you drum?''
``Yes, sir,'' answered the boy promptly. ``I
drummed for Captain Hill in Tennessee.''
The fifer immediately straightened himself,
and, placing his fife to his lips, played the ``Flowers
of Edinburgh,'' one of the most difficult things to
follow with the drum. And nobly did the little
fellow follow him, showing himself to be master of
the drum.
When the music ceased the captain turned to
the mother and observed:--
``Madam, I will take the boy. What is his
name?''
``Edward Lee,'' she replied. Then placing her
hand upon the captain's arm, she continued in a
choking voice, ``If he is not killed!--Captain,
--you will bring him back to me?''
``Yes, yes,'' he replied, ``we shall be certain to
bring him back to you.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133