Washington, with all his Southern style,
believes in him and relies on him. Whether their time's up or not,
it's a burning shame that so many of his troops are sneaking off
home."
"It's all very well for you to talk, Zeb Jarvis," growled Zeke.
"You haven't been here very long yet; and you stayed at home when
others started out to fight. Now that you've found that digging
and not fighting is the order of the day, you're just suited. It's
the line of soldiering you are cut out for. When fighting men and
not ditch-diggers are wanted, you'll find me---"
"All right, Watkins," said the voice of Captain Dean from without
the circle of light. "According to your own story you are just the
kind of man needed to-night--no ditch-digging on hand, but
dangerous service. I detail you, for you've had rest compared with
the other men. I ask for volunteers from those who've been at work
all day."
Zeb Jarvis was on his feet instantly, and old Ezra Stokes also
began to rise with difficulty. "No, Stokes," resumed the officer,
"you can't go.
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