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 Then it was that he knew he could follow that flag through brimstone and fire, to death if need be. That was his country's flag and he knew no other.

So he turned his face homeward to tell Uncle Hillery of his decision. Halsey sought out his uncle as soon as he reached home to tell him the great news. He dreaded the ordeal and wanted to have it over as soon as possible. He found Colonel Eaton in the library reading. He greeted him in that fatherly way he had always shown him, but Halsey could not but notice that he looked anxious.

"I have made up my mind," said Halsey, coming at once to the point. "It has taken me quite a spell but I wanted to be right."

Uncle Hillery gave him a sharp glance and then looked back at his book.

"All right, son," he said, "let's have your decision."

"I am going to fight for my country," said Halsey simply, "I saw the flag the other night upon the flag staff at Lexington and it came to me that was the thing to do."