“Enoch loved labour, and was willing to learn a trade.  But it was hard parting with friends, when the day arrived, that he was to go from home.  It was settled that he should be a shoemaker, and should learn the trade of a man in a neighbouring town.

“The morning, at length, came, when he was to go.  His bundle of clothes was nicely put up by his mother; and his father added a few shillings to his pocket—­and then came the blessing of his worthy parents, with their good advice, that he should behave well, and attend to the duties of his place.

“And, said his tender mother—­a tear starting from her eye, which she wiped away with the corner of her lindsey-woolsey, while she spake—­ ’your Bible, Enoch, you will find in your bundle—­don’t forget that—­and you must pray for us—­my son—­’

“She could say no more—­and Enoch could hear no more.  Without even bidding them ’farewell’—­for his heart was too full for that—­he shouldered his little pack, and took his way down the lane, which led to the road he was to take.

“At a few rods distance, he stopped to take one more look of the old place, so dear to him.  His mother was standing at the window.  She had felt the full tenderness of a mother for him before—­but his love of home—­his pause—­his gaze—­his tears—­now almost overwhelmed her.

[Illustration]

“Enoch caught a glimpse of his mother, and saw her agony.  He could trust himself no longer—­and summoning his energies, hurried over the hills, which soon hid the scenes of his youth from his view.

“In after years—­many years after—­even when he became an old man, he would speak of this scene, with deep feeling.  He could never forget it.  He said he felt for a time alone in the world—­cut off from all he held dear.  I do not wonder,” said Gen. P. “that he felt much, for well do I remember the pain I felt, the first time leaving home.”

CHAPTER II.

GEN.  P. TELLS ABOUT THE WAR, AND HOW ENOCH CROSBY ENLISTED AS A SOLDIER FOR ONE CAMPAIGN.

Gen. P.  “Before night, Enoch reached his new home.  His countenance had somewhat brightened; yet his heart felt sad, for some days.

“On the following morning, his master introduced him into the shop.  He had a seat assigned him provided with awls, thread, wax, and the more solid, but equally needful companion, a lapstone.

“Enoch proved a good apprentice.  At first, the confinement was irksome.  He had been used to the open air—­to the active exercise of the field—­to the free, healthful breeze of the mountain.  It was tiresome to sit all day, in a confined shop.  But he made himself contented, and, in a little time, found his employment quite pleasant.”

John.  “Didn’t he want to see his mother?”

Gen. P.  “Doubtless he did.  He would not be likely to forget her; and I hope he did not neglect her good advice.  And, when permission was given him, he went home to visit his friends, and always with delight.