"I think that a man can do more for his country in time of peace than in
war," said Jack. "And as for courage, I know it is harder to do some of
the little, common, everyday things well than to do great deeds. Father
says that the mothers are the real heroes in the world. I dare say it
took more courage for some men to stay at home than for any of those in
the regiment to go."
"But you never hear about the bravery of those men," objected George.
"Of course, once in a while, there is a fire or a railroad accident, and
somebody is very brave and heroic, but that is the exception."
"I don't call daring the only kind of bravery," said Jack. "Just think
of those nurses and priests who go out to the leper islands to care for
the sick. They know that they are going to something worse than death,
yet they give up everything to make life easier for a few unknown
people."
"I wasn't speaking of them," said George. "I mean those who stay at
home, and don't do anything very remarkable."
"I've noticed one thing," said Jack. "The heroes are usually those who
have done their work well every day. Father says that what the country
needs is the quiet faithfulness of every citizen."
"Do you think," said Ned, with a superior smile, "that wars are going to
stop because you disapprove of them?"
"I think that war is cruel," said Jack stoutly, "and I don't believe
there is any need of our being cruel.
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