get it, we can make a beginning now."

Frank went in search of the musket; but in his haste tumbled down the
attic stairs, losing his grasp of the musket, which fell down with a
clatter.

Mrs. Frost, opening the door of her bedroom in alarm, saw Frank on his
back with the musket lying across his chest.

"What's the matter?" she asked, not a little startled.

Frank got up rubbing himself and looking rather foolish.

"Nothing, mother; only I was in a little too much of a hurry."

"What are you going to do with that musket, Frank?"

"Mr. Morton is going to teach me the manual, that is all, mother."

"I suppose the first position is horizontal," said his mother, with a
smile.

"I don't like that position very well," returned Frank, with a laugh. "I
prefer the perpendicular."

Under his friend's instructions, Frank progressed rapidly. At the end of
the third lesson, Mr. Morton said, "You are nearly as competent to give
instructions now as I am. There are some things, however, that cannot be
learned alone. You had better take measures to form your company."

Frank called upon Mr. Rathburn, the principal of the academy, and after
communicating his plan, which met with the teacher's full approval,
arranged to have notice given of a meeting of the boys immediately after
the afternoon session.

On Thursday afternoon when the last class had recited, previous to
ringing the bell, which was a signal that school was over, Mr. Rathburn
gave this brief notice:

"I am requested to ask the boys present to remain in their seats, and in
which I think they will all feel interested."

Looks of curiosity were interchanged among the boys, and every one
thought, "What's coming now?"

At this moment a modest knock was heard, and Mr. Rathburn, going to the
door, admitted Frank. He quietly slipped into the nearest seat.

"Your late schoolfellow, Frank Frost," proceeded Mr. Rathburn, "has the
merit of originating the plan to which I have referred, and he is no
doubt prepared to unfold it to you."

Mr. Rathburn put on his hat and coat, and left the schoolroom. After his
departure Frank rose and spoke modestly, thus:

"Boys, I have been thinking for some time past that we were not doing
all that we ought in this crisis, which puts in such danger the
welfare of our country. If anything, we boys ought to feel more deeply
interested than our elders, for while they will soon pass off the stage
we have not yet reached even the thresh