The North will not fight, and we will form a peaceful Southern republic." Colonel Leonidas Talbot of South Carolina swept him once more with that intent and comprehensive gaze.
"The North will fight," he said.

"As I told my young friend here last night, a great and terrible war is coming." "Do you think so ?" asked Shepard, and it seemed to Harry that his tone had become one of overwhelming interest.

"Then Charleston, as its center and origin, ought to be ready.

How are they prepared there for defense ?" Colonel Talbot's eyes never left Shepard's face and a faint pink tint appeared again in the young man's cheeks.
"There are the forts--Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson and Pinckney," replied the South Carolinian, "and I heard to-day that they are building earthworks, also.

All are helping and it is said that Toutant Beauregard is going there to take command." "A good officer," said Shepard, musingly.