introduced Bertrand, saying:

"The messenger from the South."

Travers shook hands and nodded also to signify that he understood.
Then came Culver, the state senator from the district, a man of middle
years, bulky, smooth shaven, and oratorical. He was followed soon by
Bracken, a tobacco farmer on a great scale, Judge Kendrick, Reid and
Wayne, both lawyers, and several others, all of wealth or of influence
in that region. Besides Harry, there were ten in the room.

"I believe that we are all here now," said Colonel Kenton. "I keep my
son with us because, for reasons that I will explain later, I shall
nominate him for the task that is needed."

"We do not question your judgment, colonel," said Senator Culver.
"He is a strong and likely lad. But I suggest that we go at once to
business. Mr. Bertrand, you will inform us what further steps are to be
taken by South Carolina and her neighboring states. South Carolina may
set an example, but if the others do not follow, she will merely be a
sacrifice."

Bertrand smiled. His smile always lighted up his olive face in a
wonderful way. It was a smile, too, of supreme confidence.

"Do not fear," he said. "Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana
are ready. We have word from them all. It is only a matter of a few
days until every state in the lower south goes out, but we want also and
we need greatly those on the border, famous states like your Kentucky
and Virginia. Do you not see how you are threatened? With the triumph