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.