In the West the line of attack upon the South would lead through Kentucky.

But if the state threw in her fortunes with the South, the advance of Lincoln's troops would be blocked.

The force of example would be immense, and a hundred thousand valiant Kentuckians could easily turn the scale in favor of the Confederacy.
Harry listened to them a long time, but growing tired at last, went out again into the fresh air.

Young though he was, he realized that it was one thing for the Southern leaders to ask, but it was another thing for the Kentuckians to deliver.

He saw all about him the signs of a powerful opposition, and he saw, too, that these forces, scattered at first, were consolidating fast, presenting a formidable front.
The struggle began and it was waged for days in the picturesque old Capitol.