special duty, or in striving to describe the
joy which was felt by all because of our having been ordered to report,
thus showing that we were considered as a portion of the army.

It may readily be understood that at the appointed time we Minute Boys
were drawn up in line facing General Ward's headquarters, and within the
next fifteen minutes no less than a thousand men filed into the Common
in our rear.

When we had been there nearly an hour, during which time I could hear
those directly behind me striving in vain to hit upon the duty which was
to be performed, General Ward, Colonel Prescott, and mayhap a dozen
other officers, came out of headquarters, and with them was Parson
Langdon, he who, as I afterward learned, was the president of the
college.

While we stood at attention the clergyman prayed long and devoutly, thus
proving to my mind, at least, that we were to be engaged in a service of
great danger and much importance.

After the prayer had been ended there was no little delay caused by a
conference of the officers, who seemed to be at loggerheads about
something, and it was near to nine of the clock before the order was
given for us to march. By this time night had come, and in order that we
might not go astray, Colonel Prescott himself, with two sergeants
carrying dark lanterns which were opened toward the rear, led the way.

Now although Hiram Griffin had claimed that his wound was still
troubling him, he fell into line with us when we marched down to
headquarters, declaring that it was his right so to do since he
considered himself as belonging to the Minute Boys rather than any other
organization.

When I would have argued that none but the able-bodied were called for,
he insisted it was possible for him to do as good service as any other
of the company, and refused to give way despite all our urging.

Therefore it was that when we set out on the march in columns of four he
walked by my side. Next him was Archie, and then Silas. Thus we had an
opportunity for conversation, provided our voices were not pitched too
high, for orders had been given that we refrain from making a noise, and
when Colonel Prescott and the two sergeants took the lead with their
lanterns, Hiram said in a low tone to me as if it was a matter that gave
him greatest pleasure:

"I'm beginning to think this movement is of more importance than I
fancied. You may be certain something of moment is afoot, for a thousand
or more