img Neville Trueman, the Pioneer Preacher : a tale of the war of 1812  /  Chapter 4 THE WAGES OF WAR. | 20.00%
Download App
Reading History

Chapter 4 THE WAGES OF WAR.

Word Count: 2496    |    Released on: 01/12/2017

s it were, threw the quiet household into unwonted excitement. The early cannonade

he squire, "the day I

et it like

ht," added Neville,

ided enemies," said Katharine,

y came," exclaimed Zenas, with some

end them, eh, Sand

I doubt na He will break them in pieces like a p

ary having first filled their haversacks with a liberal supply of bread and che

he said, "an' we're like eneuch to hae

rning to hurry up re-enforcements, and of the troops from Fort George marching by to the inspiring strains of "The British Grenadiers," had be

ethren in the camp, shall you bear succour to the brave fellows who are figh

ill go with him. I hope I

re. "I only fear there may be but

g men." All the bread in the house, a huge round of cold beef and half a dozen smoked hams, a large cheese, several jars of milk, and the last churning of great yellow rolls of butter were gladly given to the patriotic service. With his own hands the squire put up a generous parcel of his best Virgini

"It seems almost like making a shroud be

e must always prepare for the worst, war is such an uncertain game.

rmy surgeon. I told them both what we were sending, as they passed. Keep out of gunshot and

I'd give almost anything to be w

leave Kate and the maids unprotected, with an invasion so near. And no w

l enthusiasm. The young preacher communed with his own heart on the unnatural conflict between his own kinsmen after the flesh and the compatriots of his spiritual ad

mporary lull in hostilities had taken place. The Americans had possession of t

t, together with a part of the 49th, which had already been in action-we

nt visitor at his father's house. "I don't understand this. You are not running aw

charge up that hill in face of those guns. We are to take

the fame of his hero, which he seemed to

sob? "He'll never lead us again. He lies in yonder house," pointing t

turning white, and then flushing red, and u

skirmish. "I stood anear him when he fell, an' God knows I'd rather the bullet had struck me; my fighting days will soon be over, anyhow. But we'll avenge his death afore the day is

rder from the Colonel, and the "green tigers" fi

stout cartridge boxes at their belts, were drawn up at the roadside, and

paint and war plumes, with scalping-knives and tomahawks, were only partially held in hand by Chief Brant

heaffe, who was now chief in command, to Zenas

fixed and stony stare, as though by a resolute effort controlling his emotions. Beyond the vi

etchers their ghastly burden of bleeding and wounded men. Although coming within musket-range of the American force, no molestation was offered. Their work

he vigour of manhood's strength, now maimed, some of them for life, some of them marked for death, and one ghastly form already cold and rigid, covered by a blood-stained sheet At one side they beheld an army surgeon with his sl

xclaimed Zenas, recognizing an old

no more for one while, I guess," he answered, as h

tenderly as a girl, supported his head and held t

heart that sent that,

Kate," s

dmirers. "Tell her," he continued, in the natural egotism of suf

ld water given for the Master, and rejoiced in the privilege

' aim when I missed my fire,-I didn't know why, didn't feel nuthin', but I couldn't hold the gun. Old Jonas Evans, the Methody local preacher, was aside me, a-prayin' like a saint and a- fightin'

ging his saw, knife, and tourniquet within reach. The operation was soon over, Jim never flinching a bit. Indeed, dur

right willin'," said the faithful fe

n's table, he wrapped it tenderly, as though it still could feel, in a cloth, and going out where a fatigue party were burying on the field of battle-clad in their military dress, in waiting for the last trump and the final parade at the great review-t

h the dead were being buried-one wide, long, common grave, in which lay side by side friend and foe, those recently arrayed in battle with each other, slain by mutual wounds, and now at rest and for ever-the solemn funeral ser

apply one of Katharine's lint bandages or dress a wound with a deftness that elicited the commendation not only of the subject of hi

ehalf of Captain Villiers, here. He has received a severe gunshot wound, from which he will be some time in

ity. "He would make even those wounded Yank

the road to the north of the village, at every jolt over the rough stones a groan of agony was wrung from the poor fellows, that made the heart of Zenas ache with sympathy and when the team stopped at the top of the hill, the blood ran from the waggon and stained the ground. War did not seem to the boy such a glorious thing as when he saw the gallant redcoats in the morning marching to the stirring strains of the "British Grenadiers

Download App
icon APP STORE
icon GOOGLE PLAY