Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/54

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day a horseman, covered with dust and dirt, came into Poland on the gallop and drew up in front of the general store and post-office.

"Fort Sumter has been bombarded!" he cried to the crowd gathered around to receive the mail.

"Fort Sumter bombarded?" questioned half a dozen men. "You are sure of this?"

"Yes, the news came into Youngstown an hour and a half ago."

"If it's true, it means war!"

Instantly there was great excitement, just as there was excitement in every town, village, and hamlet throughout the length and breadth of the land. As the news travelled from mouth to mouth, the people gathered to talk it over and speculate upon what would be the outcome.