fellow, the future portends evil, if not bloodshed."

"Well, Marshall, bloodshed is inevitable, unless as a section we are
allowed our constitutional rights; and I, for one, say, if it must,
let it come, even with the fury of a storm. I am for State rights,
and the Palmetto State forever!"

"Not bloodshed, Fred, if we can avert it," replied the young officer
to the enthusiastic outburst of the impetuous young Pinckney, the
beloved friend of his boyhood. "I am just from the gory field, where
I saw my brave men fall beneath the treacherous blows of the
Indians. I have seen bloodshed, and desire to see no more of it. I
have always loved military life, you know, Fred; but I tell you it
tries the heart of a man to see his men shot down like dogs."

"Oh, yes; you are for the Union, I see," replied young Pinckney with
impatient gesture. "Your service in the regular army has weaned your
heart from your native State, I fear."

"Oh! yes; I am for the Union just now-the union of hearts, at least;
and as you go with me to Melrose, you shall see that the union is
maintained."

"O bother! Marshall; you can think of nothing now but matrimony. I
am for the union of hearts myself; but the union of States as it has
existed, I detest. Peaceable secession, you see, we cannot have; and
if it must come in bloodshed, why, in the name of mankind, let it
come! I am ready for the issue of my State's action."

"I pray your blood may never be required as the price of forcible