Chapter 3, Fort Leavenworth Summary

Jeff's trip to Fort Leavenworth uncovers some surprises. First, his feelings of loneliness begin to overwhelm him. Second, along the wagon path that he travels by foot, he recruits two neighbor boys. Eighteen-year-old John Chadwick and 16-year-old David Gardner join Jeff after hearing the exciting story behind Jeff's skirmish with the bushwhackers. Third, the new recruits follow Jeff without saying a word to their parents.

At Fort Leavenworth, startling and depressing ideas are revealed to Jeff. The boys undergo physical examinations by the army doctor. While performing Jeff's physical, the physician mentions Jeff's fine chest. It is a chest fine enough to be shot. Upon completion of the exams, the boys head over to answer questions by the enlistment officer. The officer asks Jeff where he wants the army to send his pay upon his capture. Jeff begins to...