From These Ashes Part II

It was the first night James had been released from confinement to his quarters that the news of Preston’s arrival reached camp.  Fierce, two-day rains had left the camp wet and soggy.  The evening of Preston’s arrival found James and his friends huddled around a smoky campfire trying to dry out from the day’s drilling.

Joshua nudged James’ arm.  “Look over there.”  All of those seated around the fire looked up.  There, walking towards them, was Preston Hampton, dressed magnificently in a finely tailored uniform.

“That’s the Colonel’s son,” Isaac said.

“Looks too damn clean for me!” James said, looking down at the mud clinging to his own boots and trousers.

“I’d have to agree,” Joshua replied.  They all watched Preston walk down the makeshift road separating the rows of canvas tents.

“Got himself some mighty clean yellow leather gloves, too,” Joshua added.  A soft laughter stirred around the fire.

“Maybe we ought to do something about it,” Elvin said, with a gleam of mischief in his green eyes.

“See that puddle over there?” Joshua asked.

“Maybe we ought to make sure it’s him,” Philip suggested.  This sort of sport always made him a bit on the nervous side.

“Say, are you Preston Hampton?” James called out, rising to his feet.  The rest of his friends stood with him.

“Yes, I am,” Preston said proudly and then very cordially added, “And who may you be?”

“Ohhhh… You might say we’re your welcoming committee,” Joshua called out.  They all ran in Preston’s direction.  Colonel Hampton’s son, being a bright young man, saw what was in store for him and knew there was no escape.

His so-called welcoming committee picked him up and, after swinging him back and forth several times, tossed him into the mud puddle.  He landed with a splosh.  Clumps of mud flew in every direction.  Several others rolled him around, covering him generously with mud.  Laughter filled the air.  Preston slowly picked his head up to look at them.  James walked up to Preston and held out a muddy hand.  Preston looked up at James with the slightest trace of a smirk on his handsome, boyish face.

“Travis.  The name’s James Travis.”  He held out a hand for Preston to shake.  Preston shook James’ hand, but before James knew what was happening, he found himself sharing the puddle with Preston.  The crowd started to laugh again.  So did Preston.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Travis.”