The story begins in the tavern/ house of the Meekers. The family is sitting down to eat their meal when Tim's brother, Sam, walks in. Everybody is happy to see him but he has news that is depressing to them. He tells them he has joined the American army. His father, being a Tory, or British citizen, gets very angry. They argue the rest of the night and Tim and his mother are stuck in the middle.

The next day comes and tension is still present. Sam talks with his little brother Tim while doing their chores. They were responsible for milking their cows and other small barn duties like that, while mother and father took care of the tavern and inn business. Sam discusses times when he was at the local University and how he would score telling points. Tim always looked up to his brother and...