It would be best to say little in Kentucky of
the Knights of the Golden Circle. Our climate is a little too cold for
such a project."
Bertrand bit his lip. Swift and volatile, he showed disappointment, but,
still swift and volatile, he recovered quickly.
"I have no doubt that you are right, Colonel Kenton," he said, in the
tone of one who conforms gracefully, "and I shall be careful when I go
to Frankfort with Senator Culver to say nothing about it."
But Harry, who watched him all the time, read tenacity and purpose in
his eyes. This man would not relinquish his great southern dream,
a dream of vast dominion, and he had a powerful society behind him.
"What news, then, will you send to Charleston?" asked Bertrand at
length. "Will you tell her that Kentucky, the state of great names,
will stand beside her?"
"Such a message shall be carried to her," replied Colonel Kenton,
speaking for them all, "and I propose that my son Harry be the
messenger. These are troubled times, gentlemen, and full of peril.
We dare not trust to the mails, and a lad, carrying letters, would
arouse the least suspicion. He is strong and resourceful. I, his
father, should know best and I am willing to devote him to the cause.
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