When Johnny Came Marching Home Read Online Free

seemed to intuitively understand my concern.
    "Just tell them as simply as you can, Jubal," she said. "They'll be shocked by what you say, just as my family and I were shocked when we learned about Abel. They won't need details. They'll be too numbed to understand them anyway. Later, if they want to know more, you or your father can tell them." She paused and reached out to touch my good arm. "I'll tell my father and his wife that it's time for them to go to the Harris's."
    I nodded, realizing that I didn't know Walter Johnson's new wife very well. I had spoken to her in their store, but only casually, and I suddenly wished there was some way Rebecca could take her place.
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    * * *
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    Walter Johnson and his wife Mary were already crossing the road when I knocked on the parsonage door, still wondering how I would deliver this terrible message to people I had known all my life.
    I had spoken to Doc Pierce late in the afternoon and he confirmed that Johnny had been killed by a slender, rounded weapon akin to an ice pick or an awl, one thrust to the heart. Awls are used to make holes in wood or leather and I had not noticed any wood- or leather-work in the barn, and I knew the Harris's icebox was in a shed off the kitchen. I would check the barn again, but if nothing was found it would mean that whoever killed Johnny had probably brought the weapon with them, not picked it up in a moment of anger. I had thought about that for some time, and the more I did the more sense it seemed to make. Someone had brought a weapon with them out of fear that they might need it to defend themselves, or out of simple, cold-blooded hatred.
    When the door opened Walter Johnson and his new wife were already standing behind me. They both seemed very nervous and distraught. Reverend Harris smiled at us, his eyes curious but not concerned.
    "Jubal, Walter, Mary, what a surprise. Is something wrong? Do you need me to go somewhere with you?"
    I realized what a natural response that was coming from a minister, given all the times people must have knocked at his door, asking him to come to the bedside of a sick or dying member of his church.
    "I'm afraid I have bad news, Reverend," I began, deciding to heed Rebecca's advice.
    Reverend Harris began to stutter. "Wha, what is it?" His eyes had grown fearful, his body rigid.
    "It's about Johnny," I said. "He was killed today . . . murdered, by the looks of it. Josiah found him in the barn when he came to do some work for you."
    Mrs. Harris had caught my words and came rushing across the room. "Virgil, what is he saying? Virgil! Not our Johnny. It's not our Johnny who's dead. Tell him it's not our Johnny!"
    Reverend Harris put his arms around his wife, and Walter and his wife Mary immediately went to their sides. Mrs. Harris began to sob uncontrollably and Mary placed trembling hands on her back and arm, leading her to a sofa. Reverend Harris watched her for several moments, not seeming to know what to say or do. Finally he turned back to me.
    "Where is my boy?" he asked.
    "Doc has the body at his office," I said.
    "I want to go to him."
    I nodded, lowering my voice. "Doc has already . . . examined him . . . internally," I said. "It might be best if Mrs. Harris didn't come."
    My words struck him like a slap and I saw him wince in pain. "Yes, I understand." He turned to Walter. "Can you and Mary stay with my wife?"
    "Of course, Virgil," Walter said.
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    * * *
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    Johnny lay on an examination table, his body drained of color. Virgil Harris wept over his son as Doc Pierce briefly explained what had happened.
    "I know it's of little comfort, Virgil, but I'm certain the boy died quickly and did not suffer."
    The minister slowly nodded. "When can I take him for services and burial?" he asked, his voice soft and hoarse.
    Doc glanced at me. "I have no further need of the body," he said. "I'm certain about the cause of death."
    I turned to the minister. "I'll need to have access to your barn, but I won't