Remember the Righteous Cause

When I went home that night and told Ma and Pa I had joined up, Ma cried a lot and made a fuss, but Pa didn't say much. Later, when we were alone together, Pa queried me sharp. "Why did you join, Lem?" "I want to defend our Southern liberties, Pa." "I wonder what the slaves think of your Southern liberties?" "But we don't have any slaves, Pa." "My point exactly, Lem. This ain't yore fight." "But Pa, haven't you always said the righteous cause is the one we fight in behalf of others?" "Uh . . . huh. And I wonder how much this cause has to do with that Stevens girl?" Well, my head dropped then, and I didn't say a word. I never could lie to Pa.