"What's the matter?" she asked, not a little startled.

Frank got up rubbing himself and looking rather foolish.

"Nothing, mother; only I was in a little too much of a hurry."

"What are you going to do with that musket, Frank?"

"Mr. Morton is going to teach me the manual, that is all, mother."

"I suppose the first position is horizontal," said his mother, with a smile.

"I don't like that position very well," returned Frank, with a laugh. "I prefer the perpendicular."

Under his friend's instructions, Frank progressed rapidly. At the end of the third lesson, Mr. Morton said, "You are nearly as competent to give instructions now as I am. There are some things, however, that cannot be learned alone. You had better take measures to form your company."