He declared
that I succeeded only because I was a favorite with Mr.
Rathburn."
"I am afraid he has not an amiable disposition. However, we must
remember that his home influences haven't been the best. His
mother's death was unfortunate for him."
"I heard at the store that you and Squire Haynes had a discussion
at the war meeting," said Frank inquiringly. "How was it,
father?"
"It was on the question of voting a bounty to our volunteers. I
felt that such a course would be only just. The squire objected
on the ground that our taxes would be considerably increased."
"And how did the town vote?"
"They sustained my proposition, much to the squire's indignation.
He doesn't seem to feel that any sacrifices ought to be expected
of him."
"What is the prospect of obtaining the men, father?"
"Four have already enlisted, but twenty-one are still required. I
fear there will be some difficulty in obtaining the full number.
In a farming town like ours the young men are apt to go off to
other places as soon as they are old enough; so that the lot must
fall upon some who have families.
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