"Mr. Yancey," said St. Clair, "this is Henry Kenton, the son of Colonel
George Kenton, who has come from Kentucky with important letters."

Yancey gave him his hand and a welcome, and Harry looked with intense
interest at the famous Alabama orator, who, with Slidell, of South
Carolina, and Toombs of Georgia, had matched the New England leaders in
vehemence and denunciation. Mr. Slidell, an older man, was present and
so was Mr. Jamison, of Barnwell, who had presided when secession was
carried. There were more present, some prominent, others destined to
become so, and Harry was introduced to them one by one.

He gave his letters to Yancey and retired with young St. Clair to the
other end of the room, while the leaders read what had been written from
Kentucky. Harry was learning to become a good observer, and he watched
them closely as they read. He saw a look of pleasure come on the face
of every one, and presently Yancey beckoned to him.

"These are fine assurances," said the orator, "and they have been
brought by the worthy son of a worthy father. Colonel Kenton, Senator
Culver and others, have no doubt that Kentucky will go out with us.
Now you are a boy, but boys sometimes see and hear more than men,
and you are old enough to think; that is, to think in the real sense.
Tell us, what is your own opinion?"

Harry flushed, and paused in embarrassment.

"Go on," said Mr. Yancey, persuasively.

"I do not know much," said Harry slowly, wishing not to speak, but