I know you've suffered with the rheumatism all day,
and have worked well in spite of it. For to-night's work I want
young fellows with good legs and your spirit. How is it you're
here anyhow Stokes? Your time's up."
"We ain't into Boston yet," was the quiet reply.
"So you want to stay?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then you shall cook for the men till you're better. I won't keep
so good a soldier, though, at such work any longer than I can
help. Your good example and that of the gallant Watkins has
brought out the whole squad. I think I'll put Jarvis in command,
though; Zeke might be rash, and attempt the capture of Boston
before morning;" and the facetious captain, who had once been a
neighbor, concluded, "Jarvis, see that every man's piece is primed
and ready for use. Be at my hut in fifteen minutes." Then he
passed on to the other camp-fires.
In a few minutes Ezra Stokes was alone by the fire, almost
roasting his lame leg, and grumbling from pain and the necessity
of enforced inaction. He was a taciturn, middle-age man, and had
been the only bachelor of mature years in Opinquake.
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