lls.

"I can answer that question, Mr. Chairman," said Henry Morton. "We are
not yet ready for muskets. I shall have to drill you first in the proper
position of a soldier, and the military step. Probably it will be a week
before I shall wish to place muskets into your hands. May I inquire how
soon there will be a meeting of the Selectmen?"

John Haynes announced that the next meeting would be held in less than a
week.

"Then there will be no difficulty as to the muskets," said Mr. Morton.

Wilbur Summerfield reported that he had extended an invitation to boys
not connected with the academy to join the company. Several were now
present. Dick Bumstead, though not able to attend that day, would come
to the next meeting. He thought they would be able to raise a company of
fifty boys.

This report was considered very satisfactory.

Tom Wheeler arose and inquired by what name the new company would be
called.

"I move," said Robert Ingalls, "that we take the name of the Rossville
Home Guards."

"If the enemy should invade Rossville, you'd be the first to run,"
sneered John Haynes.

"Not unless I heard it before you," was the quick reply.

There was a general laugh, and cries of "Bully for you, Bob!" were
heard.

"Order!" cried the chairman, pounding the table energetically. "Such
disputes cannot be allowed. I think we had better defer obtaining a name
for our company till we find how well we are likely to succeed."

This proposal seemed to be acquiesced in by the boys generally. The
business meeting terminated, and Mr. Morton was invited to commence his
instructions.

"The boys will please form themselves in a line," said the teacher, in a
clear, commanding voice.

This was done.

The positions assumed were, most of them, far from military. Some stood
with their legs too far apart, others with one behind the other, some
with the shoulders of unequal height. Frank alone stood correctly,
thanks to the private instructions he had received.

"Now, boys," said Mr. Morton, "when I say 'attention!' you must all look
at me and follow my directions implicitly. Attention and subordination
are of the first importance to a soldier. Let me say, to begin with,
that, with one exception, you are all standing wrong."

Here there was a general shifting of positions. Robert Ingalls, who had
been standing with his feet fifteen inches apart, suddenly brought them
close together in a parallel position. Tom Wheeler, who had b