id the Judge, "we are surrounded by Lincoln spies on
every hand. Some of them have gained admittance into the order. One cannot
be too careful. Then your youth misled me. I am now surprised that one so
young should be selected for so important a commission."

"No apology is needed," said Calhoun. "I confess I was indignant at first,
but I now see you were right in receiving me as you did. Have you received
General Forrest's letter yet?"

"Yes, and it makes all plain. By the way, I see that your name is Calhoun.
Have you ever noticed our password particularly?"

"No; you must bear in mind I am a new member."

"Read your name backwards," said the Judge, with a smile.

Calhoun did so, and exclaimed, in surprise: "Nuohlac! Why, it's my name
spelled backwards."

"Aye! and it is the name of the greatest American who ever lived,"
exclaimed the Judge, with enthusiasm. "I trust that you honor the name.
Would that John C. Calhoun were alive now. What a glorious day it would be
for him. But his spirit lives--lives, and thank God there is no Andrew
Jackson in the presidential chair!"

"Lincoln seems to have more nerve than I wish he had," answered Calhoun.

"Lincoln is an ignoramus, a filthy story-teller, a monster. Seward is the
brains of the administration. Without Seward, Lincoln would be nothing."

Calhoun thought it wise not to dispute with the Judge, so he changed the
subject by asking the number of Knights of the Golden Circle in the state.

"That, under my oath, I cannot give," answered the Judge. "I see by
General Forrest's letter that you have taken only the first degree of the
order. That entitles you to very little information. It is the duty of
those who take only this degree to obey, not to question. General Forrest
advises that the other degrees be given you as soon as possible. I have
already made arrangements to have you initiated into the second and third
degrees this evening. That is as high as we can go here."

The Judge here looked at his watch, and said it was time to go.

Calhoun accompanied him to a room over a saloon, the Judge explaining that
they had selected the place so as not to excite suspicion by so many men
passing in and out. Calhoun found at least fifty men assembled, and when
he was introduced as one of Morgan's men, he received a perfect ovation.

"Hurrah for John Morgan!" shouted one enthusiastic member, and the cheers
were given with a will.

Three cheers were then given for Jeff