place, for my father has done a
heap for it with money and influence. Some who are now recruits held
back because they were not able to fit themselves out decently, but
father told them that the want of money need not stand in their way. If
they would go ahead and enlist, he would see that they had horses,
weapons, uniforms and everything else they wanted. He did what he could
to promote enlistments instead of preaching up the doctrine that the
South is going to be whipped and the slaves all made free."

Rodney knew well enough that this was a slap at his father, but he
didn't see how he could resent it, for it was nothing but the truth.

"That's why I say that the company ought to make me an officer,"
continued Randolph, after a short pause. "I know you are all right, for
I heard how you stood up for the Confederacy while you were at school,
and I'll tell you what I'll do with you: If you will give me your vote
for second lieutenant, I'll do what I can to have you elected third
sergeant. The other places are spoken for."

"I am very much obliged to you," replied Rodney.

"Is it a bargain?"

"Not much. I'll not vote for a man to be placed over me unless he knows
more than I do."

"Perhaps you want a commission yourself," said Randolph, with something
like a sneer.

"No, I don't. I never thought of such a thing."

"Because if you do, I want to tell you that you can't get it," continued
Randolph. "Your father hasn't done half as much for the company as he
might have done, and the boy's don't like the way he talks."

"Then let's see the boys help themselves," answered Rodney, as he placed
his foot in the stirrup and swung himself into the saddle. "Time will
show who is willing to do the most for the success of the Confederacy,
your father or mine."

So saying he put the roan colt into a gallop and set out for home.

CHAPTER II.

THE RANGERS ELECT OFFICERS.

When Rodney had left the village of Mooreville half a mile or so behind
him, he threw the reins loose upon his horse's neck, thrust his hands
deep into his pockets and thought over the conversation he had had with
Tom Randolph. He had warned his cousin Marcy that the North Carolina
people would be sure to turn the cold shoulder upon him on account of
his Union principles, and now it seemed to Rodney that he was in pretty
near the same predicament because his father believed and said that the
seve