After dinner, Thomas hastened back to the store. That day seemed to him like an epoch in his existence, as indeed it was. He felt that he belonged to his country now, and that the honor of that old flag, which had been insulted by traitors, was committed to his keeping. He was taking up the work where his grandfather had left it. He was going forth to fight for his country, and the thought inspired him with a noble and generous enthusiasm, before which all the aspirations of his youth vanished. As he passed the house of Squire Pemberton, he bestowed a pitying reflection upon the old traitor; but his mind was so full of the great event which was dawning upon him, that he did not even think of the exciting incidents which had occurred there. He had neither seen nor heard any thing of the squire since he had escaped from the attic chamber. Just beyond the squire's house he met Captain Barney, who was riding up to the town hall. "What's this I hear of you, Tom?" demanded the captain, as he reined in his horse. "They say you have joined the company." "Yes, sir. I have." "Bravo! my boy. Good on your head! You ought to go out as a brigadier general. What does your mother say?" "I have her written consent in my pocket." "All right. God bless you, my boy!" said the old salt, as he started his horse. "Thank you, sir. There's only one thing that troubles me." "Eh? What's that, my boy?" demanded Captain Barney as he reined up the horse again. "I suppose you have heard of my scrape at Squire Pemberton's the other night." "Yes; and shiver my timbers if I didn't want to keelhaul the old traitor when I heard of it." "I don't care anything about the scrape, sir; only I'm afraid the squire will bother my mother when I'm gone," said Thomas, with some diffidence. "If he does, he'll settle the matter with Jack Barney," replied the captain, decidedly. "My father may never come back, you know, and if he does he will be a beggar. He owes the squire a note, which will be due in June." "I'll pay it myself!" roared Captain Barney. "Go and fight for your country, Tom, like a man. I'll call and see your mother once a week, or every day in the week, if you say so. She shall not want for any thing as long as I have a shot in the locker." "Thank you, Captain Barney; thank you, sir." "I'll take care of your mother, my lad, and I'll take care of the squire. He shall not foreclose that mortgage, Tom. Don't bother your head about any of those things. You're a good boy, Tom, and I'll keep every thing all right at home." "Thank you, sir," repeated the soldier boy, as Captain Barney started his horse again. The captain was a retired shipmaster, of ample means, and Tom knew that he was not only able, but willing, to do all he had promised. His heart was lighter; a load had been removed from his mind. CHAPTER IX. THE DEPARTURE.