Don't you intend to volunteer ?" "I!" exclaimed the other with lofty scorn.

"No, sir; I wash my hands of the whole matter.

I ain't clear about the justice of warring upon our erring brethren at all.

I have no doubt they would be inclined to accept overtures of peace if accompanied with suitable concessions.

Still, if war must be waged, I believe I could manage matters infinitely better than Lincoln and his cabinet have done." "Wouldn't it be well to give them the benefit of your ideas on the subject ?" suggested the other quietly.
"Ahem!" said Mr.Holman, a little suspiciously.
"What do you mean, Mr.Frost ?" "Only this, that if, like you, I had a definite scheme, which I thought likely to terminate the war, I should feel it my duty to communicate it to the proper authorities, that they might take it into consideration." "It wouldn't do any good," returned Holman, still a little suspicious that he was quietly laughed at.