But what was that right opposite his bed? A large wooden box, with "Colonel Jourdain, Dashahed Zouaves, First Regiment2 L. I. Volunteers,"[56] painted on the lid in great black letters.
Up jumped the new Colonel quicker than any grasshopper3, rushed to the mysterious box, and raised the lid. Lying on top was a letter at least six inches square, directed like the box, and closed with a great red seal. Underneath4 that was—what do you think? A splendid uniform for a Colonel of Zouaves! sword, cap, and epaulettes, complete!
Freddy's eyes and mouth opened to their widest compass, as he stared at the box, too much surprised to move. Presently his father came in, looking highly amused.
"Good morning, Colonel," he began.[57]
"Oh, father!" interrupted Freddy, finding his tongue at last, "do look here! Did you ever see anything so splendid in your life? Where did they come from?"
"Perhaps the letter will tell you," was all his father would say.
Freddy snatched up the big letter, broke the seal, and with sparkling eyes read the following.
New York, July —th, 1861.
My dear Son:
In consideration of your heroic determination to enter the army in the service of your country, and seeing how nobly you have prepared to engage in the contest by making your hair look as if it had been driven in or[58] pulled out, I have thought best to present you with this uniform to whip the Southerners in; a suit of which I have also sent to every man in your regiment. As I entertain scarcely a doubt that Old Abe will shortly summon you to start down South to Dixie, I hope that you will have a brave regiment, a pleasant encampment, and a first-rate time. And that, in later years, should it be necessary, you will truly distinguish yourself, through God's assistance, under the banner of our country, and stand up in the field in the cause of Truth and Justice, is the sincere wish of
Your affectionate Father,
L. Jourdain.
[59]
Freddy was delighted at this letter, with its mingled5 playfulness and sincere patriotism6. With all his fun, he was uncommonly7 intelligent, and understood and appreciated many things which far older boys might have failed to comprehend; and now his splendid blue eyes were raised to his father's face, flashing with real enthusiasm; he felt and looked at that moment, like his noble French ancestors, a born soldier.
But the serious mood was soon displaced by a fresh access of glee.
"Oh, thank you, papa!" he cried, "how very kind of you! How surprised the boys will be! Hurrah8! what a jolly time we shall have! and do you think the President will really[60] send for us? He will be a perfect jay-bird of a President if he does!"
"No doubt he will be highly desirous to secure the services of the gallant9 Dashahed Zouaves," replied his father, laughing; "but make haste now, Fred, it's nearly breakfast time." So saying, he left the room.
Of course, the new clothes had to go on directly; and first my young soldier donned a pair of remarkably10 baggy11 red trowsers, which looked as if they had a connection with the Manhattan Gas Company like a new sort of balloon, they were so puffy; and a pair of leather gaiters reaching from the calf12 of the leg to the ancle. Then came a most splendid bluejacket, covered in every direction with gold[61] lace, a killing13 little ruffled14 shirt, and a flourishing blue sash. Perched on top of his head, where his hair had been the day before, was a red fez with a long blue tassel16, and, to crown all, or, I might say, cutting-out everything else, was a splendid sword, as bright as silver, with a terribly sharp-looking edge, and an elegant gold handle.
When he was all dressed, he ran down stairs and found, on entering the dining room, that he was the only one there. A large mirror was over the mantel, which reflected the handsome room, with its deep bay window, filled with flowers, its sideboard, loaded with massive plate, and the breakfast table, covered with its snowy cloth, and nice beefsteak, muffins, and coffee,[62] looking so tempting17 to hungry folks.
Freddy's eye fell on the mirror, and a new idea came into his head. "Hurrah! here's a capital chance to see how I look from head to foot," he thought; so, without remembering the long pier18 glasses in the parlor19, he dragged his father's arm chair in front of the fireplace, and, jumping on the seat, stood turning and twisting about, staring at himself all the time, and quite put out at not being able to see the whole of his back at once. Finally he concluded his performance by striking a tremendous attitude, with his legs as far apart as the chair would permit, his sword in the air, and such a ferocious21 scowl22 on his face, that it[63] was a mercy his brows didn't get tied up in a double bow knot then and there.
All at once there was a little laugh in the direction of the door. Freddy wheeled round, and there were papa, mamma, and Bella looking on, and trying hard to keep in the laughter!
Down scrambled23 Colonel Freddy from his perch15, blushing up to the very roots of his hair. There wasn't much more than the roots left, to be sure; but his father laid his hand on the epauletted shoulder with a good-natured, "Never mind, old fellow, you look fine enough to justify24 a little personal reflection."
Hardly had Freddy taken his place at the table, and his father asked[64] a blessing25, than there came such a tremendous ring at the bell, that they thought the President must have come to town to see the regiment off on its travels; but, instead of Old Abe, Major Peter Schermerhorn (who passed the week with an aunt in town, and only went down to Astoria on Saturdays) popped into the room. He was dressed, like Freddy, in a bran new Zouave suit, and the very first thing he said was, "Oh, Fred! only see what I found in my room this morning;" and Peter stood on one leg, and twirled round to show off his new clothes.
"So did I in mine!" said Freddy.
"Where could they have come from?" continued Peter. "I asked[65] Aunt Edith, and all she would tell me was that the box was sent last night, from a friend. Have you any idea, Fred?"
Freddy burst out laughing. "They came from a good fairy," he said, "and there he is!" and he pointed26 to his father, who pretended not to hear.
"Hurrah for Mr. Jourdain!" shouted Peter, tossing his cap in the air.
"Will you have some breakfast, Peter?" asked Mrs. Jourdain.
"Thank you, ma'am, I had my breakfast before I started, all alone by myself—but," looking at the nice beefsteak, "I think I could eat a little more."
"How many apples, by the way Peter?" asked Bella, mischievously27.
"Only two," he answered, quite[66] seriously, "and a piece of taffy, and two cents' worth of peanuts! that's all, I think; no, a cent's worth of ice cream!"
"Of ice cream!" exclaimed Bella, "where can you get ice cream for a cent?"
"Why, on the street corners—real good ice cream, too—don't you know that?" and Peter put on an air of superior wisdom, as though he was a knowing young gentleman, who understood better than anybody where nice things were to be had.
"But come, Peter," said Mr. Jourdain, "I should like to hear something more about your encampment. How long is your father willing you should have it?"[67]
"Father says, sir," replied Peter, "that we can stay until he leaves for Niagara, which will be next week, I guess. We're to have our camp on the lawn, most a quarter of a mile from the house, and some of our men are fixing the tents this morning. There are to be eight of 'em—isn't that gay, Fred? and we've got the smoke house by way of a guard tent beside; but there—I forgot all this time that I have a letter from papa for you, sir—here it is."
Mr. Jourdain opened the letter, and read as follows:
My dear Jourdain:
I send you three words, through my harum-scarum Peter, merely to[68] beg that Mrs. Jourdain and yourself will feel no uneasiness concerning the military expedition which has been the principal subject of discussion in my household, and I presume in yours also, since Thursday last. The invincible28 Zouaves will be stationed too near the house to make any danger possible, and as my family are going to Niagara on Tuesday, and I shall be left a "lone1 lorn creetur," it will be as much an amusement as anything to make their safety and happiness my special care.
Hoping that you will permit Fred to remain in my charge a few days, I am, with regards to Mrs. Jourdain,
Very sincerely yours,
H. Schermerhorn."
[69]
Ting-a-ling-ling went the front door bell, as if the bull in Cock Robin29 had hold of the handle. Tramp, tramp, shuffle30, shuffle, in the hall, and then Joseph tapped at the door, and showed in a whole troop of merry, noisy boys, all costumed à la Zouave, and with their hair shaved so close that they had to frown very hard to keep their caps on.
The famous Dashahed Zouaves were all mustered31, sure enough; and turned out to consist of sixteen high privates, four captains, and a standard-bearer, master Tom Pringle, with a perfectly32 magnificent Star-spangled Banner in his hand, surmounted33 by an astonishing spread eagle. Then came Major Peter Schermerhorn, who was[70] the prime spirit of mischief34 of the party, and last, though not least, the great Colonel Freddy; who was dancing about in a high state of glee; while the rest of the men, seeing that the Colonel didn't regard dignity in the least, had an impromptu35 Zouave drill (which consists principally in turning somersaults) all round the dining room, the grown people looking on, in agonies of suppressed laughter.
While this novel entertainment was in full swing, the bell tingled36 again, and Joseph entered once more, to announce, "Master Frederic, the escort and the band have arriven, and desire me to say that they are awaiting your pleasure."
The escort and the band! Was[71] there any end to wonders this morning? At those magical words, the regiment couldn't resist giving three cheers that nearly took the top of the house off; followed by three for Mr. Jourdain, when Peter made a mock-heroic speech about the uniforms; and finished off with a dozen more for anybody and everybody. At last Mr. Jourdain glanced at his watch and said, "Come, Colonel, I'm afraid you'll miss the boat if you don't make haste. Remember, you have a long march before you, and it is almost ten o'clock now."
"Ah, that's a fact!" exclaimed the commander. "Ahem! fall in, old chaps, that is, squad—battalion—what's[72] his name; pshaw! and let's be off."
This mandate37 to "fall in" certainly appeared to be translated "poke38 in" by the greater part of the corps39, for it was directly followed by such a treading upon everybody's toes, and a ramming40 of elbows into other people's stomachs and chests, and such imminent41 danger incurred42 of every eye in the company being put out with bayonets held upside down, straight out, wiggle-waggle, and "various," as rendered it highly likely that matters would be terminated by a fall out; but at last they were fairly in line, and marched down the steps into the street; feeling a little shame-faced, but[73] excessively proud of their new and conspicuous43 position.
All the neighbors were leaning out of windows, nearly petrified44 with astonishment45 at what was going on; while at least fifty little ragged20 boys stood staring at the door, their eyes almost popping out of their heads, as the glorious Dashahed Zouaves made their appearance; trying desperately46 to tuck in the broad grins that would show at the corners of their mouths, and disturb the proper gravity of a soldier.
But their good behavior was nearly put to flight altogether when they beheld47, waiting to escort them, three of the tallest policemen in the city (to engage whom Mr. Jourdain had made[74] that third call, you remember, in B—— street), and Dodworth's splendid brass48 band, marshalled in full force.
Oh! how their eyes did sparkle! They could hardly get into marching order, or wait until Freddy, who had lingered behind to say good-by, came out and took his place at the head of the regiment. Then, with one more tremendous cheer, rang out the command,
March!
Out burst the band with the glorious "Star-spangled Banner;" brightly streamed the folds of the flag itself in the wind; proudly Colonel Freddy waved his sword in the air; and so, with steps that kept time to the music,[75] and hearts that thrilled with a mixture of fun and patriotism, the gallant Dashahed Zouaves marched off for Camp McClellan.
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1
lone
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| adj.孤寂的，单独的；唯一的 | |
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2
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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3
grasshopper
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| n.蚱蜢，蝗虫，蚂蚱 | |
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4
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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5
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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6
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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7
uncommonly
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| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
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8
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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9
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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10
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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11
baggy
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| adj.膨胀如袋的，宽松下垂的 | |
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12
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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13
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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14
ruffled
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| adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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15
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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16
tassel
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| n.流苏，穗；v.抽穗， （玉米）长穗须 | |
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17
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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18
pier
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| n.码头；桥墩，桥柱；[建]窗间壁，支柱 | |
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19
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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20
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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21
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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scowl
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| vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容 | |
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23
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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24
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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25
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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26
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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mischievously
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| adv.有害地；淘气地 | |
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28
invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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29
robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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30
shuffle
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| n.拖著脚走，洗纸牌；v.拖曳，慢吞吞地走 | |
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31
mustered
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的过去式和过去分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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32
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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33
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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34
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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35
impromptu
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| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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36
tingled
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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37
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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38
poke
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| n.刺，戳，袋；vt.拨开，刺，戳；vi.戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
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39
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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40
ramming
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| n.打结炉底v.夯实（土等）( ram的现在分词 )；猛撞；猛压；反复灌输 | |
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41
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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42
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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43
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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44
petrified
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| adj.惊呆的；目瞪口呆的v.使吓呆，使惊呆；变僵硬；使石化(petrify的过去式和过去分词) | |
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45
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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46
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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47
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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48
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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