Horace took out his pocket book, and throwing the man a twenty dollar
gold piece, told him to pay for the breakfast and champagne, and
purchase cigars with the remainder.

The negroes having left, Horace Awtry and his friend proceeded to
discuss their breakfast and champagne. After eating for a few minutes
in silence, Horace suddenly said:

"Charlie, what do you think of this war?"

"My opinion is, that the South has got in a pretty bad dilemma,"
replied that gentleman.

"That is identically my impression, but for heaven's sake do not let
any one hear you say so. The people are half crazed with excitement,
and the slightest word in favor of the North may lay you at the mercy
of an infuriated mob."

"What do you intend doing, now the ports are blockaded, and no one can
leave the country?" asked his friend.

"Why, remain here and pretend all the friendship possible for the
South. Maybe I will get a contract or two, which will further the
design of covering my opinions on this contest."

"Such was my idea, but I am afraid that the secesh government will
issue their cotton bonds until all the gold is driven from the States,
and then we will have nothing but their worthless paper money,"
replied Bell.