Part 11 (1/2)
[Ill.u.s.tration: ”DOUBLE-QUICK.”]
After the guns had been put in every possible variety of position, the regiment went through their marching. They broke into companies, formed the line again, divided in two equal parts, called ”breaking into platoons,” showed how to ”wheel on the right flank,” and all manner of other mysteries.
Finally, they returned to their companies, and on Jerry's giving the order, they started at ”double quick” (which is the most comical tritty-trot movement you can think of), dashed down the slope of the lawn, round the great elm, up hill again full speed, and in a moment more were drawn up in unbroken lines before the house, and standing once again like so many statues.
It was really splendid! Round after round of applause greeted the Zouaves, who kept their positions for a moment, then s.n.a.t.c.hing off their saucy little fez caps, they gave the company three cheers in return, of the most tremendous description; which quite took away the little remaining breath they had after the ”double quick.”
Thus ended the first part of the review; and now, with the a.s.sistance of their rather Lilliputian battery, and Tom's double headers, they went through some firing quite loud enough to make the little girls start and jump uncomfortably; so this part of the entertainment was brought to rather a sudden conclusion. Jerry had just issued the order, ”Close up in ranks to dismiss,” when Mr. Schermerhorn, who, with Miss Carlton and Jessie, had left the piazza a few minutes before, came forward, saying, ”Have the goodness to wait a moment, Colonel; there is one more ceremony to go through with.”
The boys looked at each other in silent curiosity, wondering what could be coming; when, all at once, the chairs on the piazza huddled back in a great hurry, to make a lane for a beautiful little figure, which came tripping from the open door.
It was Jessie; but a great change had been made in her appearance. Over her snowy muslin skirts she had a short cla.s.sic tunic of red, white, and blue silk; a wreath of red and white roses and bright blue jonquils encircled her curls, and in her hand she carried a superb banner. It was made of dark blue silk, trimmed with gold fringe; on one side was painted an American eagle, and on the other the words ”Dashahed Zouaves,” surrounded with a blaze of glory and gold stars. She advanced to the edge of the piazza, and in a clear, sweet voice, a little tremulous, but very distinct, she said:
”COLONEL AND BRAVE SOLDIERS:
”I congratulate you, in the name of our friends, on the success you have achieved. You have shown us to-day what Young America can do; and as a testimonial of our high admiration, I present you the colors of your regiment!
”Take them, as the a.s.surance that our hearts are with you; bear them as the symbol of the Cause you have enlisted under; and should you fall beneath them on the field of battle, I bid you lay down your lives cheerfully for the flag of your country, and breathe with your last sigh the name of the Union! Colonel, take your colors!”
Freddy's cheeks grew crimson, and the great tears swelled to his eyes as he advanced to take the flag which Jessie held toward him. And now our little Colonel came out bright, sure enough. Perhaps not another member of the regiment, called upon to make a speech in this way, could have thought of a word to reply; but Freddy's quick wit supplied him with the right ideas; and it was with a proud, happy face, and clear voice that he responded:
”LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
”I thank you, in the name of my regiment, for the honor you have done us. Inspired by your praises, proud to belong to the army of the Republic, we hope to go on as we have begun. To your kindness we owe the distinguis.h.i.+ng colors under which we march hereafter; and by the Union for which we fight, they shall never float over a retreating battalion!”
Oh! the cheers and clapping of hands which followed this little speech!
Everybody was looking at Freddy as he stood there, the colors in his hand, and the bright flush on his cheek, with the greatest admiration.
Of course, his parents weren't proud of him; certainly not!
But the wonders were not at an end yet; for suddenly the band began playing a new air, and to this accompaniment, the sweet voice of some lady unseen, but which sounded to those who knew, wonderfully like Miss Lucy Carlton's, sang the following patriotic ballad:
”We will stand by our Flag--let it lead where it will-- Our hearts and our hopes fondly cling to it still; Through battle and danger our Cause must be won-- Yet forward! undaunted we'll follow it on!
'Tis the Flag! the old Flag! still unsullied and bright, As when first its fair stars lit oppression's dark night And the standard that guides us forever shall be The Star-spangled Banner, the Flag of the Free!
”A handful of living--an army of dead, The last charge been made and the last prayer been said; What is it--as sad we retreat from the plain That cheers us, and nerves us to rally again?
'Tis the Flag! the old Flag! to our country G.o.d-given, That gleams through our ranks like a glory from heaven!
And the foe, as they fly, in our vanguard shall see The Star-spangled Banner, the Flag of the Free!
”We will fight for the Flag, by the love that we bear In the Union and Freedom, we'll baffle despair; Trust on in our country, strike home for the right, And Treason shall vanish like mists of the night.
Then cheer the old Flag! every star in it glows, The terror of traitors! the curse of our foes!
And the victory that crowns us shall glorified be, 'Neath the Star-spangled Banner, the Flag of the Free!”
As the song ended, there was another tumult of applause; and then the band struck up a lively quickstep, and the company, with the Zouaves marching ahead, poured out on the lawn toward the camp, where a bountiful collation was awaiting them, spread on the regimental table.
Two splendid pyramids of flowers ornamented the centre, and all manner of ”goodies,” as the children call them, occupied every inch of s.p.a.ce on the sides. At the head of the table Jerry had contrived a canopy from a large flag, and underneath this, Miss Jessie, Colonel Freddy, with the other officers, and some favored young ladies of their own age, took their seats. The other children found places around the table, and a merrier fete champetre never was seen. The band continued to play lively airs from time to time, and I really can give you my word as an author, that n.o.body looked cross for a single minute!
Between you and me, little reader, there had been a secret arrangement among the grown folks interested in the regiment, to get all this up in such fine style. Every one had contributed something to give the Zouaves their flag and music, while to Mr. Schermerhorn it fell to supply the supper; and arrangements had been made and invitations issued since the beginning of the week. The regiment, certainly, had the credit, however, of getting up the review, it only having been the idea of their good friends to have the entertainment and flag presentation. So there was a pleasant surprise on both sides; and each party in the transaction, was quite as much astonished and delighted as the other could wish.