`` No ; they gave that up , for my boy would n't wear a night-gown in public . I ca n't tell secrets , but I think they have got a very clever little finale for the first part -- a pretty compliment to one person and a pleasant surprise to all , '' answered Mr. Burton , who was in great spirits , being fond of theatricals and very justly proud of his children , for the little girls had been among the Trenton maids , and the mimic General had kissed his own small sister , Nelly , very tenderly . A great deal of interest was felt as to what this surprise was to be , and a general `` Oh ! '' greeted the `` Minute Man , '' standing motionless upon his pedestal . It was Frank , and Ralph had done his best to have the figure as perfect as possible , for the maker of the original had been a good friend to him ; and , while the young sculptor was dancing gayly at the ball , this copy of his work was doing him honor among the children . Frank looked it very well , for his firm-set mouth was full of resolution , his eyes shone keen and courageous under the three-cornered hat , and the muscles stood out upon the bare arm that clutched the old gun . Even the buttons on the gaiters seemed to flash defiance , as the sturdy legs took the first step from the furrow toward the bridge where the young farmer became a hero when he `` fired the shot heard ` round the world . '' `` That is splendid ! '' `` As like to the original as flesh can be to bronze . '' `` How still he stands ! '' `` He 'll fight when the time comes , and die hard , wo n't he ? '' `` Hush ! You make the statue blush ! '' These very audible remarks certainly did , for the color rose visibly as the modest lad heard himself praised , though he saw but one face in all the crowd , his mother 's , far back , but full of love and pride , as she looked up at her young minute man waiting for the battle which often calls us when we least expect it , and for which she had done her best to make him ready . If there had been any danger of Frank being puffed up by the success of his statue , it was counteracted by irrepressible Grif , who , just at the most interesting moment , when all were gazing silently , gave a whistle , followed by a `` Choo , choo , choo ! '' and `` All aboard ! '' so naturally that no one could mistake the joke , especially as another laughing voice added , `` Now , then , No. 11 ! '' which brought down the house and the curtain too . Frank was so angry , it was very difficult to keep him on his perch for the last scene of all . He submitted , however , rather than spoil the grand finale , hoping that its beauty would efface that ill-timed pleasantry from the public mind .
So , when the agreeable clamor of hands and voices called for a repetition , the Minute XXXXX reappeared , grimmer than before .
Burton Frank General Grif Man Nelly Ralph choo minute pleasantry