k of nothing, but Fort Sumter, and the
terrible castigation which the rebels would receive from the insulted and
outraged North. They were loyal even to enthusiasm; and when they retired
to their chamber at night, they ventured to express to each other their
desire to join the great army which was to avenge the insult offered to
the flag of the Union.

They were twin brothers, sixteen years of age; but they both thought they
were old enough and strong enough to be soldiers. Their mother, however,
had promptly disapproved of such suggestions, and they had not deemed it
prudent to discuss the idea in her presence.

On Monday, the excitement instead of subsiding, was fanned to a fever
heat; Pinchbrook Harbor was in a glow of patriotism. Men neglected their
usual occupations, and talked of the affairs of the nation. Every person
who could procure a flag hung it out at his window, or hoisted it in his
yard, or on his house. The governor had called out a portion of the state
militia, and already the tramp of armed men was heard in the neighboring
city of Boston.

Thomas Somers was employed in a store in the village, and during the
forenoon he mechanically performed the duties of his position; but he
could think of nothing but the exciting topic of the day. His blood was
boiling with indignation against those who had trailed our hallowed flag
in the dust. He wanted to do something to redeem the honor of his
country--something to wipe out the traitors who had dared to conspire
against her peace. On his way home to dinner, he met Fred Pemberton, who
lived only a short distance from his own house.

"What do you think now, Fred?" said Thomas.

"What do I think? I think just as I always did--the North is wrong, and
the South is right," replied Fred.

"Who fired upon Fort Sumter? That's the question," said Thomas, his eyes
flashing with indignation.

"Why didn't they give up the fort, then?"

"Give up the fort! Shall the United States cave in before the little State
of South Carolina. Not by a two chalks!"

"I think the North has been teasing and vexing the South till the
Southerns can't stand it any longer. There'll be war now."

"I hope there will! By gracious, I hope so!"

"I hope the South will beat!"

"Do you? Do you, Fred Pemberton?" demanded Tom, so excited he could not
stand still.

"Yes, I do. The South has the rights of it. If we had let their niggers
alone, there wouldn't have been any trouble."

"You ar