Part I: Chapters Eight through Thirteen Summary

In chapter eight, "So Gallantly Streaming," Duncan and several other cadets from the military institute in Lexington, Virginia, are present to hear a speech when a Union flagpole breaks, sending the flag crashing to the ground. Duncan and the others laugh and the Union cadets present rush them, starting a fight. Duncan and some others go back to the institute and gather their weapons, returning with the intention of regaining their honor. A superior officer stops the fight before it starts, telling the young Confederates that war is imminent and that the place to regain their honor will be on the battlefield there. Duncan has by now earned the nickname "Wheelhorse" from his classmates. In chapter nine, "High Headed Sheep," Opal attends church and begs Jack to put in a good work with...