s muddy, and he had fallen down several times.
Rather in desperation than thinking it would do any good, he made the sign
of recognition of the Knights of the Golden Circle. To his surprise it was
answered.

"Who are you? and why do you come in such a plight?" asked the gentleman.

Calhoun's story was soon told. "And you are one of Morgan's men," said the
gentleman, whose name was Cressey. "I have a son with Morgan," and he gave
his name.

"One of my scouts," replied Calhoun, delighted. Calhoun had indeed found a
friend, and a place of refuge. The next night, with a good horse and
guide, Calhoun was taken to a house but a short distance from the river.
The farmer who owned the house was to take a load of produce into Mount
Vernon that day. Calhoun could easily go with him without exciting
suspicion. This was done, and before noon Calhoun, free and unsuspected,
was walking the streets of Mount Vernon.

Shortly after dinner he inquired for the office of Judge Worley, and was
shown the most pretentious law office in the little city. Entering, he
inquired for the Judge, and was told that he was in his private office.

"Tell him that a gentleman wishes to see him on very important business,"
said Calhoun.

A clerk bade him be seated, and disappeared. He returned in a moment and
said the Judge would see him at once.

When Calhoun entered the private office he saw seated at a desk a
dignified-looking gentleman about sixty years of age, who eyed him
sharply, and Calhoun was sure a look of disappointment came over his face.
This, then, was the gentleman who wished to see him on very important
business--hardly more than a boy.

He did not even ask Calhoun to be seated, but said, in a cold voice:
"Well, what do you want? Be in a hurry, for I am very busy."

This was not the kind of reception Calhoun was looking for. Gulping down
his indignation, he said: "I am just from the South, I was directed to
come to you, who would prove a friend."

"Ah! some one must have taken an unwarranted liberty with my name."

While he was saying this, Calhoun was aware a pair of steel-gray eyes were
trying to read his very soul.

"Is that all?" at length continued the Judge. "I have no time to give you;
as I told you, I am very busy," and he dismissed his visitor with a wave
of the hand.

As a last resort Calhoun gave the sign of recognition of the Knights of
the Golden Circle. There was no recognition; instead a testy, "Why don't
you