Zeke's four companions had a sort of hang-dog
look--for they had been cowed by the treatment received along the
road; but he tried to bear himself confidently, and began with an
insinuating smile, "Perhaps I should hardly expect you to remember
me. I passed this way last summer---"
"Passed this way last summer?" repeated the matron, her face
growing stern. "We who cannot fight are ready and glad to share
all we have with those who fight for us. Since you carry arms we
might very justly think you are hastening forward to use them."
"These are our own arms; we furnished them ourselves," Zeke
hastened to say.
"Oh, indeed," replied the matron, coldly; "I supposed that not
only the weapons, but the ones who carry them, belonged to the
country. I hope you are not deserting from the army."
"I assure you we are not. Our terms of enlistment have expired."
"And your country's need was over at the same moment? Are you
hastening home at this season to plow and sow and reap?"
"Well, madam, after being away so long we felt like having a
little comfort and seeing the folks.
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