ation of any kind occurred there. He had not thought hitherto
about the garrison of the forts in Charleston harbor. He recognized for
the first time that they might not share the opinions of Charleston,
and this name of Anderson was full of significance for him. Major
Anderson was a Kentuckian. He had heard his father speak of him; they
had served together, but it was now evident to Harry that Anderson would
not go with South Carolina.

"You'll see a small boat coming soon from Sumter," said St. Clair.
"Some of our people have gone over there to confer with Major Anderson
and demand that he give up the fort."

"I don't believe he'll do it," said Harry impulsively. Some one touched
him upon the shoulder, and turning quickly he saw Colonel Leonidas
Talbot. He shook the colonel's hand with vigor, and introduced him to
young St. Clair.

"I have just come into the city," said the colonel, "and I heard only
a few minutes ago that Major Anderson had removed his garrison from
Moultrie to Sumter."

"It is true," said St. Clair. "He is defiant. He says that he will
hold the fort for the Union."

"I had hoped that he would give up," said Colonel Talbot. "It might
help the way to a composition."

He pulled his long mustache and looked somberly at the flag. The wind
had risen a little, and it whipped about the staff. Its fluttering
motions seemed to Harry more significant than ever of defiance. He
understood the melancholy ring in Colonel Talbot's voice. He, too,
like the boy's father, had fought under that flag, the same flag that
had led him up the flame-swept slopes of Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec.

"Here they come," exclaimed St. Clair, "and I know already the answer
that they bring!"

The small boat that he had predicted put out from Sumter and quickly
landed at the Battery. It contained three commissioners, prominent men
of Charleston who had been sent to treat with Major Anderson, and his
answer was quickly known to all the crowd. Sumter was the property
of the United States, not of South Carolina, and he would hold it for
the Union. At that moment the wind strengthened, and the flag stood
straight out over the lofty walls of Sumter.

"I knew it would be so," said Colonel Talbot, with a sigh. "Anderson is
that kind of a man. Come, boys, we will go back into the city. I am to
help in building the fortifications, and as I am about to make a tour of
inspection I will take you with me."

Harry found