1. Fagen arrives in the Philippines
The 24th formed up by company on the long wooden dock, each man carrying his
own gear, an unaccustomed and unwelcome load after six weeks at sea. White
officers hurried up and down shouting orders, sergeants did their best to obey. Hot
and exhausted from the voyage, the men of the 24th waited alongside hundreds
of others, the midday sun a burning copper disk overhead and a constant reminder
they were deep in the tropics.
Ellis's blouse encrusted with sweat salt, he showed no other effects
of his long struggle with mal-de-mer, and he shivered with excitement. "This
is my first time to set foot on foreign soil, Davey." he said grinning.
Fagen gripped his cousin's big shoulder. "It's like a dream for me
too, Ellis."
"Aunt Eunice would be proud if she could see you now."
"She'd be proud of both of us." Fagen scanned the hills that ringed
the city. "I've waited a long time for this, Ellis. Uncle Sam
has given us the call to serve, and we've answered it. We're in Mr. Lincoln's
army, and we're here to fight for Old Glory!"
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