第20章

Thoughts of suicide, and of flying to some part of the country where he was entirely unknown, crowded upon him incessantly.But with that perversity that nature seemingly delights in, there had arisen in his heart since he had lost her, such a love for Rachel Bond as made life without her, or without her esteem even, seem valueless.To go into a strange part of the country and begin life anew would be to give her up forever, and this he could not do.It would be much preferable to die demonstrating that he was in some degree worthy of her.And a latent manly pride awakened and came to his assistance.He could not be the son of his proud, iron-willed father without some transmission of that sire's courageous qualities.He formed his resolution: He would stay in Sardis, and recover his honor where he had lost it.

At the end of the week he heard the drums beat, the cannon fire, and the people cheer.The company had come home, and was marching proudly down the street to a welcome as enthusiastic as if its members were bronzed veterans returning victoriously from a campaign that had lasted for years.

His mother told him the next day that the company had decided to re-enlist for three years or duration of the war, and that a meeting would be held that evening to carry the intention into execution.

When the evening came Harry walked into the town hall, dressed as carefully as he had prepared himself for his visit with Rachel.

He found the whole company assembled there, the members smoking, chatting with their friends, and recounting to admiring hearers the wonderful experiences they had gone through.The enlistment papers were being prepared, and some of the boys who had not been examined during the day were undergoing the surgeon's inspection in an adjoining room.

Harry was coldly received by everybody, and winced a little under this contrast with the attentions that all the others were given.

At last all the papers and rolls seemed to be signed, and there was a lull in the proceedings.Harry rose from his seat, as if to address the meeting.Instantly all was silence and attention.

"Comrades," he said, in a firm, even voice, "I have come to say to you that I feel that I made a mistake during our term of service, and I want to apologize to you for my conduct then.More than this, I want to redeem myself.I want to go with you again, and have another chance to---"He was interrupted by an enthusiastic shout from them all.

"Hurrah! Bully for Lieutenant Glen! Of couse we'll give you another show.Come right along in your old place, and welcome."There was but one dissenting voice.It was that of Jake Alspaugh:

"No, I'll be durned if we want ye along any more.We've no place for sich fellers with us.We only want them as has sand in their craws."But the protest was overslaughed by the multitude of assents.At the first interval of silence Harry said:

"No, comrades, I'll not accept a commission again until I'm sure Ican do it credit.I'll enlist in the company on the same footing as the rest of the boys, and share everything with you.Give the lieutenancy to our gallant comrade Alspaugh, who has richly earned it."The suggestion was accepted with more enthusiastic cheering, and Harry, going up to the desk, filled out an enlistment blank, signed it and the company roll, and retired with the surgeon for the physical examination.This finished, he slipped out unnoticed and went to his home.On his way thither he saw Rachel as she passed a brilliantly lighted show-window.She was in traveling costume, and seemed to be going to the depot.She turned her head slightly and bowed a formal recognition.

As their eyes met he saw enough to make him believe that what he had done met her approval.