Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/58

32 stripes, and on a board was posted Lincoln's call for volunteers. On a small box on the porch of the tavern stood a recruiting agent, talking earnestly to all who had gathered.

"Our country's flag has been fired upon," said the speaker, pointing to Old Glory. "It has been trailed in the dust by those who should have cherished and loved it. And for what? That this free government may keep a race in the bondage of slavery! Who will be the first to defend the glorious stars and stripes?"

There was a painful silence, and one man looked at another. Then a veteran of the Mexican War spoke up.

"I will go. Come on, boys. Show what you are willing to do for Uncle Sam!"

"I will go," cried one of the young men, who had been McKinley's schoolfellow.

Then several others stepped forward and put down their names. One or two looked at William McKinley.

"Are you going, Will?" asked a friend.

"I expect to go," was the answer.

"Then why don't you put down your name?"

"I want to tell mother first," he answered,