of the United States, not of South Carolina, and he would hold it for
the Union. At that moment the wind strengthened, and the flag stood
straight out over the lofty walls of Sumter.

"I knew it would be so," said Colonel Talbot, with a sigh. "Anderson is
that kind of a man. Come, boys, we will go back into the city. I am to
help in building the fortifications, and as I am about to make a tour of
inspection I will take you with me."

Harry found that, although secession was only a few days old, the work
of offense and defense was already far advanced. The planters were
pouring into Charleston, bringing their slaves with them, and white
and black labored together at the earthworks. Rich men, who had never
soiled their hands with toil before now, wielded pick and spade by the
side of their black slaves. And it was rumored that Toutant Beauregard,
a great engineer officer, now commander at the West Point Military
Academy, would speedily resign, and come south to take command of the
forces in Charleston.

Strong works were going up along the mainland. The South Carolina
forces had also seized Sullivan's Island, Morris Island, and James
Island and were mounting guns upon them all. Circling batteries would
soon threaten Sumter, and, however defiantly the flag there might snap
in the breeze, it must come down.

As they were leaving the last of the batteries Harry noticed the broad,
strong back and erect figure of a young man who stood with his hands in
his pockets. He knew by his rigid attitude that he was looking intently
at the battery and he knew, moreover, that it was Shepard. He wished
to avoid him, and he wished also that his companion would not see him.