Page:Cornelia Meigs-The Pirate of Jasper Peak.djvu/73

 “but they have given up. They say there is no hope. Once they have made up their minds there is no changing them.”

“And why,” questioned Hugh bluntly, “don't you go yourself?”

“Oh,” Jethro answered simply, “I forgot to tell you that. Of course I would go only I am leaving to-day. I’ve enlisted. I’ve got my orders. I’m going to Fort Snelling.”

“Oh,” cried Hugh, “how did you manage? My father wouldn't let me. How old are you?”

“I am a little under age but I made them take me,” replied Jethro. “There wasn’t much trouble about getting consent, I haven’t any one  that my going would make any difference to.”

Hugh’s whole view of the affair underwent a sudden and tremendous change. If Jethro was going to the war, why, that made everything different! He must think and think quickly, for, far off among the hills, he heard the whistle of  the approaching train.

“Well,” Jethro said, breaking into his reverie, “I will be taking the forward coach when the