opportunity for employing a test, already determined upon, he
approached Ralph Colleton, who surveyed the whole affair with intense
curiosity.

"And now, young 'squire, you see what we're driving at, and as our
present business wo'nt permit of neutrality, let us hear on which side
you stand. Are you for us or against us?"

The question was one rather of command than solicitation, but the manner
of the speaker was sufficiently deferential.

"I see not why you should ask the question, sir. I have no concern in
your controversy--I know not its merits, and propose simply to content
myself with the position of a spectator. I presume there is nothing
offensive in such a station."

"There may be, sir; and you know that when people's blood's up, they
don't stand on trifles. They are not quick to discriminate between foes
and neutrals; and, to speak the truth, we are apt, in this part of the
country, to look upon the two, at such moments, as the same. You will
judge, therefore, for yourself, of the risk you run."

"I always do, Mr. Munro," said the youth. "I can not see that the risk
is very considerable at this moment, for I am at a loss to perceive the
policy of your making an enemy of me, when you have already a sufficient
number to contend with in yonder barricade. Should your men, in their
folly, determine to do so, I am not unprepared, and I think not
unwilling, to defend myself."

"Ay, ay--I forgot, sir, you are from Carolina, where they make nothing
of swallowing Uncle Sam for a lunch. It is very well, sir; you take your
risk, and will abide the consequences though I look not to find you when
the fray begins."

"You shall not provoke me, sir, by your sneer; and may assure yourself,
if it will satisfy you, that though I will not fight for you, I shall
have no scruple of putting a bullet through the scull of the first
ruffian who gives me the least occasion to do so."

The youth spoke indignantly, but the landlord appeared not to regard the
retort. Turning to the troop, which had been decorously attentive, he
bade them follow, saying

"Come on, boys--we shall have to do without the stranger; he does not
fight, it seems, for the fun of the thing. If Pippin was here,
doubtless, we should have arguments enough from the pair to keep _them_
in whole bones, at least, if nobody else."

A laugh of bitter scorn followed the remark of Munro, as the party went
on its way.

Though inwardly assured of the propriety of hi