of the cannon seemed to point into the very heart of the city, and over
it, as ever, flew the defiant flag, the red and blue burning in vivid
colors in the thin January sunshine. The heart of Charleston, that most
intense of all Southern cities, had given forth a great throb. The Star
of the West was coming from the North with provisions for the garrison
of beleaguered Sumter. They would see her hull on the horizon in
another hour.

Both Harry and Arthur were trembling with excitement. They were not on
duty themselves, but they knew that all the South Carolina earthworks
and batteries were manned. What would happen? It still seemed almost
incredible to Harry that the people of the Union--at least of the Union
that was--should fire upon one another, and his pulse beat hard and
strong, while he waited with his comrade.

As they stood there gazing out to sea, looking for the black speck
that should mark the first smoke of the Star of the West, Harry became
conscious that another man was standing almost at his elbow. He glanced
up and saw Shepard, who nodded to him.

"I did not know that I was standing by you until I had been here some
time," said Shepard, as if he sought to indicate that he had not been
seeking Harry and his comrade.

"I thought you had left Charleston," said Harry, who had not seen him
for a week.

"Not at such a time," said Shepard, quietly. "So much of overwhelming
interest is happening here that nobody who is alive can go away."