and we will form a peaceful Southern republic."

Colonel Leonidas Talbot of South Carolina swept him once more with that
intent and comprehensive gaze.

"The North will fight," he said. "As I told my young friend here last
night, a great and terrible war is coming."

"Do you think so?" asked Shepard, and it seemed to Harry that his tone
had become one of overwhelming interest. "Then Charleston, as its
center and origin, ought to be ready. How are they prepared there for
defense?"

Colonel Talbot's eyes never left Shepard's face and a faint pink tint
appeared again in the young man's cheeks.

"There are the forts--Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson and Pinckney," replied
the South Carolinian, "and I heard to-day that they are building
earthworks, also. All are helping and it is said that Toutant
Beauregard is going there to take command."

"A good officer," said Shepard, musingly. "I believe you said you were
leaving for Charleston this afternoon?"

"No, I did not say when," replied Colonel Talbot, somewhat sharply.
"It is possible that Harry and I may linger a while in Nashville.
They do not need us yet in Charleston, although their tempers are pretty
warm. There has been so much fiery talk, cumulative for so many years,
that they regard northern men with extremely hostile eyes. It would not
take much to cause trouble."