further, that the Northern people are not
cowardly--they are only patient; and that there will come a time when
their patience will all be gone, and then they will sweep over us like a
cloud of locusts."

"And did you believe any such nonsense?" inquired Mrs. Gray. "What will
our brave people be doing while the hated Yankees are sweeping over us?
Don't you remember our President said the fighting must all be done on
Northern soil?"

"It takes two to make a bargain," said Mr. Gray, quietly.

"That's just what Marcy said," exclaimed Rodney. "That boy is going to
get himself into business before he gets through talking. He's Union to
the back-bone, and while I was at the academy he didn't hesitate to
speak his sentiments as often as he felt like it. If he keeps that up
when he gets home his neighbors may take him in hand."

"I am sorry to hear that about Marcy," said Mr. Gray, thoughtfully. "He
is a traitor and his mother must be another. I wonder where Sailor Jack
stands. By the way, where is Jack?"

"He was at sea the last I heard, and I suppose Marcy and his mother are
greatly worried about him. And well they may be; for of course we'll
have a big fleet of privateers afloat within a month after war is
declared. But, father, do you think there is going to be a war?"

"I am sure of it," answered Mr. Gray.

"And it will be fought on Southern soil?"

"It will."

"Well, how long do you think I shall have to wear this uniform?"

"If you don't take it off until the South gains her independence, you
will have to wear it as long as you live."

"Why, father!" exclaimed Mrs. Gray, dropping her sewing into her lap and
looking fixedly at her husband, who leaned back in his big chair
watching the smoke from his cigar. "How can you bring yourself to utter
such treasonable language in your son's hearing? You know you do not
believe a word of it."

"Never fear for me, mother," said Rodney, with a laugh. "I know where
you stand and I am with you."

"There was nothing treasonable in what I said, and I do believe every
word of it," replied Mr. Gray. "I am as firm a friend to the South as
any man in the state, and will make as many sacrifices as the next one
to secure her independence. Why shouldn't I? Every thing I've got in the
world is right here, and if the South doesn't succeed in her efforts to
free herself, we'll be beggars, the last one of us. I wish from the
bottom of my heart that when our armies get started they