houn, "but if you would examine the
register you would see I am from Chicago."

"Ah, yes, I understand," and he gave the secret sign of the order. "Come,"
he continued, "and let me introduce you to some friends."

He led the way to a room where there were several gentlemen seated smoking
and talking, among them Dr. Warrenton, who gave him a warm greeting.

"I have been telling them about you," said Warrenton, "and they are all
anxious to meet you."

The Doctor then introduced Calhoun to each member of the party. There was
Wrightman of New York, Bowman of Indiana, Hartman of Missouri, Bullock of
Kentucky, and others.

"You don't tell me you are the son of my old friend, Judge Pennington, of
Danville," asked Mr. Bullock, as he shook Calhoun warmly by the hand.

"The very same," answered Calhoun.

"Gentlemen, we need have no fears of Lieutenant Pennington," exclaimed Mr.
Bullock, addressing those present. "I will vouch for him with my life.
Let's see, your name is now--"

"Harrison for the present," answered Calhoun, with a smile.

The party had no trouble in getting across the river, and that night there
was a meeting in Windsor which boded ill for the Federal government.

The Supreme Commander of the order was a gentleman in the full vigor of
manhood. He was polished in his manner, rather reserved, but every action
showed that he was accustomed to command. Behind it all Calhoun thought
that he detected the signs of an inordinate ambition--an ambition which
would stop for nothing.

"Isn't he grand," whispered Dr. Warrenton to Calhoun. "A fit
representative to wear the mantle of your great namesake."

"Better say the mantle of Aaron Burr," thought Calhoun, but he wisely did
not give expression to his thought. The object of Calhoun's coming was
fully explained, and it was decided by a unanimous vote, that he should
receive the fourth degree, and thus be entitled to all the information
which he wished.

The degree was duly conferred on him. Calhoun was now certain he was among
a band of conspirators who would stop at nothing to achieve their ends.

"Is this the highest of the degrees?" asked Calhoun, when he was through.

The party exchanged meaning glances, and then the Supreme Commander said:
"There is one more degree, but it is given only to the highest officers in
the order, and would not be of the least advantage to you."

Calhoun was certain there was something which those present did not wish
him to