the day following. In both of these papers all despatches from the
other states are put under the head, 'Foreign News.' With the
Abolitionists of New England pouring abuse upon all who do not agree
with them, and the hot heads of South Carolina rushing into violence,
God alone knows what will happen to this distracted country that all
of us love so well."

He turned anew to his correspondence. But Harry saw that he was
trembling all over. An excited murmur arose. The boys began to talk
about the news, and the principal, his thoughts far away, did not call
them to order.

"I suppose since South Carolina has gone out that other southern states
will do the same," said Harry to his cousin, "and that two republics
will stand where but one stood before."

"I don't know that the second result will follow the first," replied
Dick Mason.

Harry glanced at him. He was conscious of a certain cold tenacity in
Dick's voice. He felt that a veil of antagonism had suddenly been drawn
between these two who were the sons of sisters and who had been close
comrades all their lives. His heart swelled suddenly. As if by
inspiration, he saw ahead long and terrible years. He said no more,
but gazed again at the pages of his Tacitus, although the letters only
swam before his eyes.

The great buzz subsided at last, although there was not one among the
boys who was not still thinking of the secession of South Carolina.
They had shared in the excitement of the previous year. A few had