of the rail-splitter, Lincoln, the seat of power is transferred to the
North. It is not alone a question of slavery. The balance of the
Union is destroyed. The South loses leadership. Her population is not
increasing rapidly, and hereafter she will merely hold the stirrup while
the North sits in the saddle."

A murmur arose from the men. More than one clenched his hands, until
the nails pressed into the flesh. Harry, still standing by the window,
felt the influence of the South Carolinian's words more deeply perhaps
than any other. The North appeared to him cold, jealous, and vengeful.

"You are right about Kentucky and Virginia," said Senator Culver.
"The secession of two such strong states would strike terror in the
North. It would influence the outside world, and we would be in a far
better position for war, if it should come. Governor Magoffin will have
to call a special session of the legislature, and I think there will
be enough of us in both Senate and House to take Kentucky out."

Bertrand's dark face glowed.

"You must do it! You must do it!" he exclaimed. "And if you do our
cause is won!"

There was a thoughtful silence, broken at last by Colonel Kenton,
who turned an inquiring eye upon Bertrand.

"I wish to ask you about the Knights of the Golden Circle," he said.
"I hear that they are making great headway in the Gulf States."

Raymond hesitated a moment. It seemed that he, too, felt for the first