"A man can make a name for himself when
there's fighting going on. If we are only lucky enough to have another
war, I'm not going to spend my life at a high desk, or digging potatoes
on a farm. A soldier's life is the life for me."
"I don't feel just that way about it, Ned," said George doubtfully. "I
hope I'm not thinking about my own glory. I should be glad to go as a
common soldier, if I could feel that I was doing all that I could for my
country."
The fourth, boy was silent. With his hands in his. pockets, he had his
eyes fixed on the lines of glistening bayonets.
"What do you think, Jack?" said Ned. "You look as wise as an owl."
Jack turned slowly on his heel. He settled his firm chin a little deeper
in his coat collar.
"I don't agree with any of you, wholly," he said. "George has the best
of it so far, but I think fighting is a poor way of deciding whether a
thing is right or wrong."
"You'd make a noble hero," said Ned, with a good-natured laugh.
"I'd rather make my life count for something in doing work that is worth
doing, than in fighting with men who never did me any harm," said Jack
calmly.
"A man can't do more than give his life for his country," persisted
George.
"That's true," said Jack quickly.
Pages:
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190