time a difference between himself and these men about him who were so
much less demonstrative than he. But he recovered his poise quickly.

"I speak to you frankly," he replied. "When our new confederation is
formed, it is likely to expand. A hostile union will lie across our
northern border, but to the south the way is open. There is our field.
Spain grows weak and the great island of Cuba will fall from her grasp.
Mexico is torn by one civil war after another. It is a grand country,
and it would prosper mightily in strong hands. Beyond lie the unstable
states of Central America, also awaiting good rulers."

Colonel Kenton frowned and the lawyers looked doubtful.

"I can't say that I like your prospect," the colonel said. "It seems to
me that your knights of the Golden Circle meditate a great slave empire
which will eat its way even into South America. Slavery is not wholly
popular here. Henry Clay long ago wished it to be abolished, and his is
a mighty name among us. It would be best to say little in Kentucky of
the Knights of the Golden Circle. Our climate is a little too cold for
such a project."

Bertrand bit his lip. Swift and volatile, he showed disappointment, but,
still swift and volatile, he recovered quickly.

"I have no doubt that you are right, Colonel Kenton," he said, in the
tone of one who conforms gracefully, "and I shall be careful when I go
to Frankfort with Senator Culver to say nothing about it."

But Harry, who watched him all the time, read tenacity and purpose in
his eyes. This man would not relinquish his great southern dream,