this blessed minute. But he sha'n't have 'em. I'll
give 'em to the soldiers, I vum. Did he say anything else?"

"Yes, he said he should be glad when you were gone."

"I'll go right home and tell Cynthy Ann," exclaimed Mrs. Payson, "an'
if she don't w'ip him I will. I never see such a bad set of boys as is
growin' up. There ain't one on 'em that isn't as full of mischief as a
nut is of meat. I'll come up with them, as true as I live."

Full of her indignation, Mrs. Payson gave up her proposed call on Mrs.
Thompson, and, turning about, hurried home to lay her complaint before
Cynthy Ann.

"I'm glad she's gone," said Sam, looking after her, as with resolute
steps she trudged along, punching the snow vigorously with the point
of her blue cotton umbrella. "I pity Tom Baldwin; if I had such a
grandmother as that, I'd run away to sea. That's so!"

CHAPTER XXIV. A CHAPTER FROM HARDEE

A few rods east of the post-office, on the opposite side of the street,
was a two-story building used as an engine-house, The second story
consisted of a hall used for company meetings. This the fire company
obligingly granted to the boys as a drill-room during the inclement
season, until the weather became sufficiently warm to drill out of
doors.

On the Monday afternoon succeeding the preliminary meeting at the
academy, about thirty boys assembled in this hall, pursuant to a
notice which had been given at school and posted up at the tavern and
post-office.

At half-past two Frank entered, accompanied by Mr. Morton.

Some of the boys were already acquainted with him, and came up to speak.
He had a frank, cordial way with boys, which secured their favor at
first sight.

"Well, boys," said he pleasantly, "I believe I am expected to make
soldiers of you."

"Yes, sir," said Charles Reynolds respectfully: "I hope we shall learn
readily and do credit to your instructions."

"I have no fear on that score," was the reply. "Perhaps you may have
some business to transact before we commence our lessons. If so, I will
sit down a few minutes and wait till you are ready."

A short business meeting was held, organized as before.

John Haynes reported that he had spoken to his father, and the question
of allowing the boys the use of the muskets belonging to the town
would be acted upon at the next meeting of the Selectmen. Squire Haynes
thought that the request would be granted.

"What are we going to do this afternoon?" asked Robert Inga