Mr. Frost could not read the thoughts that were passing through the mind of his creditor.  They might have given him a feeling of uneasiness, but would not in the least have influenced his action.  He was a man loyal to his own convictions of duty, and no apprehension of personal loss would have prevented his speaking in accordance with what he felt to be right.

The considerations which had been urged were so reasonable that the voters present, with very little opposition, voted to pay one hundred and fifty dollars to each one who was willing to enlist as one of the town’s quota.  A list was at once opened, and after the close of the meeting four young men came forward and put down their names, amid the applause of the assembly.

“I wanted to do it before,” said John Drake, one of the number, to Mr. Frost, “but I’ve got a wife and two little children dependent upon me for support.  I couldn’t possibly support them out of my thirteen dollars a month, even with the State aid.  But your motion has decided me.  I could do better by staying at home, even with that; but that isn’t the question.  I want to help my country in this hour of her need; and now that my mind is at ease about my family, I shall cheerfully enter the service.”

“And I know of no one who will make a better soldier!” said Mr. Frost heartily.

CHAPTER II.  THE PRIZE

A few rods distant from the Town Hall, but on the opposite side of the street, stood the Rossville Academy.  It had been for some years under the charge of James Rathburn, A. M., a thorough scholar and a skilful teacher.  A large part of his success was due to his ability in making the ordinary lessons of the schoolroom interesting to his scholars.

Some forty students attended the academy, mostly from the town of Rossville.  Mr. Rathburn, however, received a few boarders into his family.

There were three classes in the Latin language; but the majority of those who had taken it up stopped short before they had gone beyond the Latin Reader.  One class, however, had commenced reading the Aeneid of Virgil, and was intending to pursue the full course of preparation for college; though .n regard to one member of the class there was some doubt whether he would be able to enter college.  As this boy is to be our hero we will take a closer look at him.

Frank Frost is at this time in his sixteenth year.  He is about the medium size, compactly made, and the heallhful color in his cheeks is good evidence that he is not pursuing his studies at the expense of his health.  He has dark chestnut hair, with a slight wave, and is altogether a fine-looking boy.