the sorrowful disaster which we have met with. It
is all for the best if we could but see it.

"Our heavy losses of officers have rendered some new appointments
necessary. Our second lieutenant has been made captain. The orderly
sergeant and second sergeant are now our lieutenants, and the line of
promotion has even reached me. I am a corporal.

"I have been drawn into writing a very long letter, and I must now
close, with the promise of writing again very soon. After I have
concluded, I must write to poor Frank Grover's mother. May God comfort
her, for she has lost a boy of whom any mother might feel proud.

"With love to the children, I remain, as ever, your affectionate
husband. HENRY FROST."

"How terrible it must have been," said Mrs. Frost, with a shudder, as
she folded up the letter and laid it down. "We ought indeed to feel
thankful that your father's life was spared."

"If I were three years older, I might have been in the battle," thought
Frank.

CHAPTER XXII. FRANK BROACHES A NEW PLAN

For some time Frank had been revolving in his mind the feasibility of a
scheme which he hoped to be able to carry into execution. It was no less
than this--to form a military company among the boys, which should
be organized and drilled in all respects like those composed of older
persons. He did not feel like taking any steps in the matter till he had
consulted with some one in whose judgment he had confidence.

One evening he mentioned his plan to Mr. Morton.

"It is a capital idea, Frank," said the young man, with warm approval.
"If I can be of service to you in this matter, it will afford me much
pleasure."

"There is one difficulty," suggested Frank. "None of us boys know
anything about military tactics, and we shall need instruction to begin
with; but where we are to find a teacher I am sure I can't tell."

"I don't think you will have to look far," said Mr. Morton, with a
smile.

"Are you acquainted with the manual?" asked Frank eagerly.

"I believe so. You see you have not yet got to the end of my
accomplishments. I shall be happy to act as your drill-master until some
one among your number is competent to take my place. I can previously
give you some private lessons, if you desire it."

"There's nothing I should like better, Mr. Morton," said Frank joyfully.

"Have you got a musket in the house, then? We shall get along better
with one."

"There's one in the attic."

"Very well; if you will