Mr. Frost took up the evening paper.  Frank continued to look thoughtfully into the fire, as if revolving something in his mind.  Finally he rose, and lighting a candle went up to bed.  But he did not go to sleep for some time.  A plan had occurred to him, and he was considering its feasibility.

“I think I could do it,” he said, at last, turning over and composing himself to sleep.  “I’ll speak to father the first thing to-morrow morning.”

CHAPTER IV.  FRANK MAKES A PROPOSITION

When Frank woke the next morning the sun was shining into his window.  He rubbed his eyes and tried to think what it was that occupied his mind the night before.  It came to him in a moment, and jumping out of bed, he dressed himself with unusual expedition.

Hurrying down-stairs, he found his mother in the kitchen, busily engaged in getting breakfast.

“Where’s father?” he asked.

“He hasn’t come in from the barn yet, Frank,” his mother answered.  “You can have your breakfast now, if you are in a hurry to get to studying.”

“Never mind, just now, mother,” returned Frank.  “I want to speak to father about something.”

Taking his cap from the nail in the entry where it usually hung, Frank went out to the barn.  He found that his father was nearly through milking.

“Is breakfast ready?” asked Mr. Frost, looking up.  “Tell your mother she needn’t wait for me.”

“It isn’t ready yet,” said Frank.  “I came out because I want to speak to you about something very particular.”

“Very well, Frank, Go on.”

“But if you don’t think it a good plan, or think that I am foolish in speaking of it, don’t say anything to anybody.”

Mr. Frost looked at Frank in some little curiosity.

“Perhaps,” he said, smiling, “like our neighbor Holman, you have formed a plan for bringing the war to a close.”

Frank laughed.  “I am not quite so presumptuous,” he said.  “You remember saying last night, that if I were old enough to take charge of the farm, you would have no hesitation in volunteering?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think I am old enough?” asked Frank eagerly.

“Why, you are only fifteen, Frank,” returned his father, in surprise.

“I know it, but I am strong enough to do considerable work.”

“It isn’t so much that which is required.  A man could easily be found to do the hardest of the work.  But somebody is needed who understands farming, and is qualified to give directions.  How much do you know of that?”

“Not much at present,” answered Frank modestly, “but I think I could learn easily.  Besides, there’s Mr. Maynard, who is a good farmer, could advise me whenever I was in doubt, and you could write home directions in your letters.”

“That is true,” said Mr. Frost thoughtfully.  “I will promise to give it careful consideration.  But have you thought that you will be obliged to give up attending school.”