Huts of stone, wood, and
brush, and barricades against the wind, lined the hillside, and
the region already was denuded of almost everything that would
burn. Therefore, when December came, Zeke Watkins found that even
a fire was a luxury not to be had without trouble. He had become
thoroughly disgusted with a soldier's life, and the military glory
which had at first so dazzled him now wore the aspect of the
wintry sky. He had recently sought and attained the only promotion
for which his captain now deemed him fitted--that of cook for
about a dozen of his comrades; and the close of the December day
found him preparing the meagre supper which the limited rations
permitted. By virtue of his office, Zeke was one of the best-fed
men in the army, for if there were any choice morsels he could
usually manage to secure them; still, he was not happy. King
George and Congress were both pursuing policies inconsistent with
his comfort, and he sighed more and more frequently for the wide
kitchen-hearth of his home, which was within easy visiting
distance of the Rolliffe farmhouse.
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