Son of the Revolution by June Venable Page B

Maybe you can tell me what I’m doing here. Abby seems a bit upset. Oh, and Victory fared well, sir. He’s made you proud. But, please, won’t you tell me what’s happened?” Caleb’s words came out in a rush. His voice sounded as if he hadn’t used it for some time.
    Amos Clark drew a small stool to the side of the bed and sat down heavily. “I can see you’ve taken good care of Victory. Thank you, and please excuse my daughter. It’s the softness in a woman’s heart.”
    “Yes, sir,” Caleb replied. He didn’t understand what made Abby cry or Mr. Clark look so grave.
    “You’re a soldier and you know things happen in battle, don’t you?”
    Caleb nodded, wishing Amos Clark would come right out and tell him what had gone wrong.
    “You took a bullet, son.”
    Caleb breathed a sigh of relief. “Is that all? Why, don’t worry, sir. I’ll be fine, In fact, except for a headache, I don’t hurt at all.”
    Amos did not reply immediately. Caleb watched the older man gaze out the window as if to draw strength from the towering old trees beside the farmhouse.
    Turning back to Caleb he looked directly into his eyes. “The doctor with General Morgan’s troops said the bullet went into your spine. The spot it hit has caused a-a paralysis. That means you may never walk again, and it’s the reason why you don’t feel any pain.”
    “Never walk again? I must walk. I’m a soldier.” Caleb felt the hot sting of tears in his own eyes and swallowed the metallic taste of fear.
    “Hold on, son. I know it’s a hard thing to bear. Let me tell you what happened. Your friend, Corporal Larkin, and some of Major Hunt’s men brought you here a week ago. Larkin said you once told him where we lived when you discussed Victory. He said you had promised to return the horse when you could.”
    Caleb nodded without replying.
    “When Major Hunt’s group passed a sign with our village name, the corporal recalled it and felt it best to get you off the road as soon as possible. Victory carried you for three days.”
    Caleb remained silent, waiting for the explanation to continue.
    “Your friend saw you get hit and fall into the river. He fished you out before you drowned and with help, lifted you atop Victory. He hid you behind a rise until he could get the regiment’s doctor to see you. Sounds like he saved your life.”
    Caleb wondered if they had done him a favor.
    “Major Hunt’s group planned to return to Charleston, and fortunately they took a route that led them nearby. You may not have lasted until they reached the city. Your friend did right in bringing you here. An infection had set in. Abby and me, we’ve been treating it. Looks like we’ve done the right thing. You’re alive, boy. Be thankful.”
    Caleb turned away. He just wanted others to leave him alone. He didn’t feel thankful at all.
    “Oh, Corporal Larkin left a message for you. He said, ‘tell him I’m glad to return the favor.’ Do you know what he meant?”
    Caleb’s eyes filled with tears. He knew Seth meant he had repaid the debt incurred when the ruffian wounded him. Oddly enough, Charleston had been their destination that day too. How long ago it all seemed, the distraught boy thought.
    “Your friend also said he’d return when he could.”
    “Do you mind if I rest now, sir?” Caleb saw the pity in Amos Clark’s eyes. Abby probably feels sorry for me too . He wanted to talk to no one until he decided how he could face life as a cripple.
    Lost in thought, he didn’t know how much time had passed when he heard a soft tap on the door. He closed his eyes, turned his face to the wall and didn’t answer. Presently, there was only silence.
    * * * *
     
    The next time Caleb opened his eyes, the sun was making patterns on the coverlet. Again, came a knock. Before he could answer, the door opened and Abby stormed in. Standing with her hands on her hips, she glared at the boy in the bed.
    “Caleb Fields, I’m almost sorry I’ve spent so much