Pages 3 through 15 Summary

April 3, 1778

9:58

Thirteen-year-old Jonathan is day-dreaming about the military. His brother is a solider with General Washington and his cousin recently joined a regiment. When will his father let him join? After all, he is thirteen. But his father was wounded by gunshot to the leg in a recent battle. He is having a difficult time getting around so Jonathan is needed at home. The bell in the town's tavern just chimed—it is a call to arms. Jonathan eyes his father's flintlock musket and touches its shiny butt. Jonathan's protective father sees the fear in his father's eyes and tells him to go inside. Jonathan takes the look in his father's eyes as a form of cowardice.

10:15

Jonathan's mother and two younger siblings greet him at home. He asks if she heard any news about the war. His mother replies...