out
asking to the new government. An extraordinary wave of emotion swept
over the South, carrying everybody with it. Charleston shouted anew as
the newspapers announced the news of distinguished officers who had gone
out with the Southern States. There were the two Johnstons, the one of
Virginia and the other of Kentucky; Lee, Bragg, of Buena Vista fame;
Longstreet, and many others, some already celebrated in the Mexican War,
and others with a greater fame yet to make.

Harry heard it all and it was transfused into his own blood. Now a
letter came from his father. That obstinate faction in Kentucky still
held the state to the Union. Since Sumter had fallen and Charleston was
safe, he wished his son to rejoin him in Pendleton, whence they would
proceed together to Frankfort, and help the Southern party. His
personal account of the glowing deed that had been done in Charleston
harbor would help. He was sure that his old friend, General Beauregard,
would release him for this important duty.

Harry's heart and judgment alike responded to the call. He took the
letter to General Beauregard, finding him at the Charleston Hotel with
Governor Pickens and officers of his staff, and stood aside while the
general read it. Beauregard at once wrote an order.

"This is your discharge from the Palmetto Guards," he said. "Colonel
Kenton writes wisely. We need Kentucky and I understand that a very
little more may bring the state to us. Go with your father. I
understand that you have been a brave young soldier here and may you
do as well up there."

Harry, feeling pride but not showing it, saluted and left the room,
going at once to Madame Delaunay's, where he had left his baggage.
He intended to leave early in the morning, but first he sought his
friends and told them good-bye.

"Don't forget that we're going to have a great war," said Colonel
Leonidas Talbot, "and the first battle line will be far north of
Charleston. I shall look for you there."

"God bless you, my boy," said Major Hector St. Hilaire. "May you come
back some day to this beautiful Charleston of ours, and find it more
beautiful than ever."

"I'll meet you at Richmond later on," said Arthur St. Clair, "and then
we'll serve together again."

"I'll join you at the White House in Washington," said Tom Langdon,
"and I'll give you the next best bed to sleep in with your boots on."

Harry gave his farewells with deep and genuine regret. Whether their