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The Blackhawk War BY HENRY LITTLE, 1875
While the ranks were being formed, Gem was very active in his demonstrations of running and skipping about hither and thither. He also lifted his voice high amidst the darkness of the midnight air. Gem being in the company of so many men who were hurrying about here and there, to find their places in the ranks, in the confusion and excitement, became much confused in regard to his own identity, and began to reason with himself thusly; "Is this Gem, or is it somebody else ? If it really is Gem, then the question is, to be or not to be. Ah, that is the rub, and it is likely to be a pretty close rub too, but (entre nous) if it is somebody else, then it is quite a different affair, and he may as well shuffle off this mortal coil now, as at any other time. " Gem was a good, brave soldier, and he wanted to do good execution in thinning the ranks of the enemy. Yes, he wanted to exterminate the whole savage horde by one fell stroke of his ponderous weapon. But the great and all-important question with Gem was, where should he post himself to most effectually bring about that great desideratum.
As he cast his wishful eyes about, he discovered the thick, broad shouldered men in the ranks, and at the same time he had found his much coveted place. "Ah, " said he, "those men will be a good protecting breastwork for me, and behind them I will stand, and fight and slay the enemies of my country. I will beat them (brutum fulman), as fine as the small dust beneath the soles of my feet. Of course some of my protecting friends will be shot down, but I hope there will be enough left to serve my purpose.
Michigan
Page 26
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