"
Harry started when he heard the words of his father, and his heart gave
a great leap of mingled surprise and joy. Such a journey, such an
enterprise, made an instant appeal to his impulsive and daring spirit.
But he did not speak, waiting upon the words of his elders. All of them
looked at him, and it seemed to Harry that they were measuring him,
both body and mind.
"I have known your boy since his birth," said Senator Culver, "and he
is all that you say. There is none stronger and better. The choice is
good."
"Good! Aye, good indeed!" said the impetuous Bertrand. "How they will
welcome him in Charleston!"
"Then, gentlemen," said Colonel Kenton, very soberly, "you are all
agreed that my son shall carry to South Carolina the message that
Kentucky will follow her out of the Union?"
"We are," they said, all together.
"I shall be glad and proud to go," said Harry, speaking for the first
time.
"I knew it without asking you," said Colonel Kenton. "I suggest to you,
friends, that he start before dawn, and that he go to Winton instead
of the nearest station. We wish to avoid observation and suspicion.
The fewer questions he has to answer, the better it will be for all of
us.
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