"It is impossible, at such a time, to keep from looking at Sumter,
the batteries and all the other preparations. We would not be human if
we didn't do it, and I've seen enough to know that the Yankees will have
a hot welcome if they undertake to interfere with Charleston."

"You see truly," said Colonel Talbot, with some emphasis.

"A happy chance has put me at the same place as Mr. Kenton," continued
Shepard easily. "I have letters which admitted me to the inn of Madame
Delaunay, and I met him there last night. We are likely to see much of
each other."

Colonel Leonidas Talbot raised his eyebrows. When they walked a little
further he excused himself, saying that he was going to meet a committee
of defense at St. Andrew's Hall, and Harry and Arthur, after talking a
little longer with Shepard, left him near one of the batteries.

"I'm going to my bank," said St. Clair. "I'm already long overdue,
but it will be forgiven at such a time as this. And I must say, Harry,
that Colonel Talbot does not seem to like your acquaintance, Mr. Shepard."

"It is true, he doesn't, although I don't know just why," said Harry.

He saw Shepard at a distance three more times in the course of the day,
but he sedulously avoided a meeting. He noticed that Shepard was always
near the batteries and earthworks, but hundreds of others were near them,
too. He did not return to Madame Delaunay's until evening, when it
was time for dinner, where he found all the guests gathered, with the
addition of Shepard.