WHAT JONATHAN FOUND
"Not captain," says Jon, determined. "That's why I didn't answer sooner."
"Captain Vonner," repeats the editor, "say a word—just a word! There are many of your young friends here. God help us, I should go to Washington mad with joy, in a company of such splendid young spirits. Could we do that, we should, indeed, have more than redeemed ourselves! Just a word, Captain Vonner!"
I know that the last thing on earth he could ask of Jon was a speech. He'd never made one in his life. He couldn't. But that just shows how little a father sometimes knows about his sons! Jon stepped upon the box, calm as calm and says:
"Friends, most of what you have heard is true. I, too, think now of that dark sad man at Washington, bearing the burdens of us all. I am going to help him. He is right. If any of you who know me can be influenced by me, I say, come with me!"
Such a little thing! But so powerful! I
187
