When Austin appeared before the board they greeted him with smiles. The
manly form and apparent health of the young man appealed to them, and his
youth naturally proclaimed him a man without family cares.
"It is easy to place such men as you are," said the officer.
"In what class do you think I should be placed?" inquired Austin.
"In first class, of course. You are in perfect health, and within the age
limits, and too young to have a family."
"But what of dependents?"
"Dependents! Have you dependents?" asked the man in some surprize.
"Yes sir. I have a family of four or five entirely dependent upon my
labor," answered Austin quietly.
"How is that? You stated your father was living," said the man. Then Austin
explained his circumstances, and how he had been the sole support of the
family now for months, and would continue to be so till they were able to
care for themselves. The explanations were not at all complimentary to the
father, but the facts had to be faced as they were. And later, as the
children gave affidavit of their dependence upon him, he was freely excused
from military service. Not all the brave soldiers went to the war.
The home that Austin and the children were making for themselves was not in
a general way different from others. There were some things of necessity
lacking which bless other homes. There was no mother in this home, no one
for the children to go to for comfort and counsel such as only a mother can
give.
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