We are not
ignorant of the critical condition of our army; and I can tell
you, sir, that if many more of our men come home, the women will
take their places."
Zeke's companions succumbed to the stern arraignment, and after a
brief whispered consultation one spoke for the rest. "Madam," he
said, "you put it in a way that we hadn't realized before. We'll
right-about-face and march back in the morning, for we feel that
we'd rather face all the British in Boston than any more
Connecticut women."
"Then, sirs, you shall have supper and shelter and welcome," was
the prompt reply.
Zeke assumed an air of importance as he said: "There are reasons
why I must be at home for a time, but I not only expect to return,
but also to take many back with me."
"I trust your deeds may prove as large as your words," was the
chilly reply; and then he was made to feel that he was barely
tolerated. Some hints from his old associates added to the
disfavor which the family took but little pains to conceal. There
was a large vein of selfish calculation in Zeke's nature, and he
was not to be swept away by any impulses.
Pages:
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464