I see how it is with you, Homer; and I realize that it is worse than
folly for us to discuss this important question. Your mind is made up,
and so is mine; and I fear that we might quarrel if we should continue
to bandy words on the subject. We had better drop it entirely, once for
all."

"Perhaps we had; but it grieves me sorely, even to think of my only
brother taking part with the hirelings of the North in an attempt to
subdue the free, untamed, and untamable South. It would not hurt my
feelings more to know that you were a buccaneer, roving on the ocean
for the plunder of all nations."

"You should also consider my feelings when I think of you in armed
rebellion against the best government God ever allowed to exist; that my
own brother is a rebel and a traitor, who is liable to be shot or hung
for his armed treason."

This was too much for Homer, and he gave vent to his emotion in a
laugh at the picture his brother had drawn. He walked the library, and
chuckled as though he were actually amused at the remarks of the other;
and perhaps he was.

"I am really and heartily sorry for you, Horatio. Your future, I fear,
will be terribly dark. Of course, all business will cease at the North:
the grass will grow in the streets of New York and other large cities.
You have an immense fortune, which I do not believe you can retain a
single year; for the war is not to be confined to Southern soil, but
will be carried into the North, where the expenses of our men will be
paid by the enemy."

"I think we had better confine our attention to the present, and let the
future take care of itself," said Horatio, with a smile at the prophetic
croakings of his brother.

"Be that as it may, though I feel confident that all I predict will come
to pass, I desire to have one thing understood: when you have lost your
fortune, or wasted it on the hireling armies of the North, or on ships
for its navy, you may always be sure of a home at Glenfield for yourself
and all your family."

"If you do not lose or waste all that you have on the army of the
other side," added Horatio with a smile. "But I am ready to drop this
subject."

"It seems to be useless to continue it; though, if there were any
possible way to convert you from the error of your way of thinking,
I would struggle all night with you," said Homer.

"You cannot make a traitor of me, brother. But I must tell Florry to
pack her trunk at once."

"Pack her trunk? Why are you i