North in forty-eight hours."

"And what then?"

"I shall tell to those who ought to know what I have seen in Charleston
and Montgomery. I have seen the gathering of forces in the South,
and I know the spirit that animates your people, but listen to me,
Harry Kenton, do you think that a Union such as ours, formed as ours was,
can be broken up in a moment, as you would smash a china plate? The
forces on the other side are sluggish, but they are mighty. I foresee
war, terrible war, crowded with mighty battles. Now, I'm going to offer
you my hand and you are going to take it. Don't think any the less of
me because I've been playing the spy. You may be one yourself before
the year is out."

His manner was winning, and Harry took the offered hand. What right
had he to judge? Each to his own opinion. Despite himself, he liked
Shepard again.

"I'm glad I've known you, but at the same time I'm glad you're leaving,"
he said.

Shepard gave the boy's hand a hearty grasp, which was returned in kind.
Then he turned and disappeared in the forest. Harry walked slowly
back to Montgomery. Shepard had given him deep cause for thought. He
approached the Exchange Hotel, thinking that he would find his friends
there and return with them to the camp. But it was later than he had
supposed. As he drew near he saw that nearly all the lights were out
in the hotel, and the building was silent.