Calico Illustrated Classics: The Red Badge of Courage

Calico Illustrated Classics: The Red Badge of Courage — page 7
with his news and girls seemed drawn to the sight of his blue and brass uniform His regiment was fed and fussed over at stop after stop So much so that he had already thought himself a war hero As the crowds of well-wishers swelled at each stop he felt the strength needed for war growing But after arriving at camp his regiment had done little but sit still and try to keep warm The veterans had called the new recruits fresh fish and filled their heads with tales of great bloody battles He couldn’t tell if they spoke the truth or lied without remorse As the tales grew so did Henry’s worries He no longer doubted he would eventually see battle Now he had to convince himself that he wouldn’t run away from any such battle Panic and fear grew in his mind with the passing of each day As he daydreamed about the battles he’d face he saw hideous possibilities It wasn’t all glory 10