the breaking of old ties. Nor had any news come telling that Kentucky
was about to join her sister states of the South.

The Palmetto Guards marched back to their old camp, and Harry, Langdon,
and St. Clair obtained leave of absence to visit the town. Youth had
reasserted itself and Harry was again all excitement and elation.
It seemed to him at the moment that he was a boy no longer. The Tacitus
lying peacefully in his desk was forgotten. He was a man in a man's
great world, doing a man's great work.

But both he and his comrades had all the curiosity and zest of boys as
they walked about the little city in the twilight, looking at everything
of interest, visiting the Capitol, and then coming back to the Exchange
Hotel, which sheltered for a night so many of their great men.

They stayed a while in the lobby of the hotel, which was packed so
densely that Harry could scarcely breathe. Most of the men were of the
tall, thin but extremely muscular type, either clean shaven or with
short beards trimmed closely, and no mustaches. Black was the
predominant color in clothing, and they talked with soft, drawling
voices. But their talk was sanguine. Most of them asked what the North
would do, but they believed that whatever she did do the South would go
on her way. The smoke from the pipes and cigars grew thicker, and Harry,
leaving his comrades in the crowd, walked out upon the portico.

The crisp, fresh air of the February night came like a heavenly tonic.
He remained there a little while, breathing it in, expanding his lungs,
and rejoicing. Then he walked over to the exact spot upon which
Jefferson Davis had stood, when he delivered his speech of acceptance.
He was so full of the scene that he shut his eyes and beheld it again.