Joe T. had been honored by a corrective beating at the pleasure of seven rough, maddened and cruel self-ordained saviors of the Union. His bruises and cuts had pretty much healed, but his zest, energy and purposefulness was weak.
J. N.'s rage, when he learned of his father's ordeal, was measured. He kept to himself for a few days after they returned home. His mind was in turmoil and his spirit was burdened.
The second day at supper with his family he said to the other seven, "I ain't going back to the army. I'd planned to go and finish this thing. But the war is here and some of our so-called neighbors are the enemy. It's here I need to make a stand. Let 'em come again. They'll drag some of their brave dead scalawags outta this hollow feet first."
His demeanor and message was stern, focused and left little doubt of whether or not he would do what he said he would do. Alex and Lou took note of his calculated rage.
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The next morning at breakfast as the family ate with quiet appreciation of one another's closeness and togetherness Alex said, "You all, I'm going back. I ain't no shot so I couldn't help J. N. here and the major and general need me."
J. N. and Lou looked at him surprised at first and then concerned, especially Lou. They were a pair, a team. Alex received his sister's and cousin's feelings through their eyes. He looked away from them and stared at the plate of biscuits in the middle of the table and said, "I've got to. You all, I'd be in the way here and well, tarnation, I need to do what I can. "
His reasoning trailed off, but his determination was fixed. There was some arguing, mostly J. N. and Grand, but he kept his position. Lou didn't join in the pleading. She understood. Alex had taken to the major as a big brother. His place was with him.
The next morning the family stood in the front yard as Alex prepared to leave. Lou was checking Top, Alex's current riding mule. Tears rolled down Lou's frozen, wounded face as she went about her inspection. J. N. fumed but he kept his tongue.
His mother, Nancy Bird, shared Lou's emotions but said only to Alex, "Come home, Red Hawk. Come home."
Alex hugged his forlorn mother and when he released her, his grandfather stood holding the stirrup.
"I can't agree with you Alex, but I know you must do what you see is called for," said John L. as he bear hugged Alex and then whispered, "We'll be here, we'll be here, little Brother."