in groups, discussing the recent call and the general
management of the war with that spirit of independent criticism which
so eminently characterizes the little democracies which make up our New
England States.

"The whole thing has been mismanaged from the first," remarked a
sapient-looking man with a gaunt, cadaverous face, addressing two
listeners. "The Administration is corrupt; our generals are either
incompetent or purposely inefficient. We haven't got an officer that can
hold a candle to General Lee. Abraham Lincoln has called for six hundred
thousand men. What'll he do with 'em when he gets 'em? Just nothing at
all. They'll melt away like snow, and then he'll call for more men.
Give me a third of six hundred thousand, and I'll walk into Richmond in
less'n thirty days."

A quiet smile played over the face of one of the listeners. With
a slight shade of irony in his voice he said, "If such are your
convictions, Mr. Holman, I think it a great pity that you are not in the
service. We need those who have clear views of what is required in the
present emergency. Don't you intend to volunteer?"

"I!" exclaimed the other with lofty scorn. "No, sir; I wash my hands of
the whole matter. I ain't clear about the justice of warring upon our
erring brethren at all. I have no doubt they would be inclined to accept
overtures of peace if accompanied with suitable concessions. Still, if
war must be waged, I believe I could manage matters infinitely better
than Lincoln and his cabinet have done."

"Wouldn't it be well to give them the benefit of your ideas on the
subject?" suggested the other quietly.

"Ahem!" said Mr. Holman, a little suspiciously.

"What do you mean, Mr. Frost?"

"Only this, that if, like you, I had a definite scheme, which I thought
likely to terminate the war, I should feel it my duty to communicate it
to the proper authorities, that they might take it into consideration."

"It wouldn't do any good," returned Holman, still a little suspicious
that he was quietly laughed at. "They're too set in their own ways to be
changed."

At this moment there was a sharp rap on the table, and a voice was
heard, saying, "The meeting will please come to order."

The buzz of voices died away; and all eyes were turned toward the
speaker's stand.

"It will be necessary to select a chairman to preside over your
deliberations," was next heard. "Will any one nominate?"

"I nominate Doctor Plunkett," came from a man