They wore slouch
hats and were wrapped in heavy, dark cloaks. They stood with their
backs to him, and although they seemed to be taking no part in the
management of the crossing, they watched everything intently. Two of
them were very tall, but the third was shorter and slender.
The moon brightened presently, and some movement at the ferry caused
the three men to turn. Harry started and checked an exclamation at his
lips. But the watchful mountaineer had noted his surprise.
"I guess you know 'em, Harry," he said.
"Yes," replied the boy. "See the one in the center with the drooping
mustaches and the splendid figure. People have called him the
handsomest man in the United States. He was a guest at my father's
house last year when he was running for the presidency. It is the man
who received more popular votes than Lincoln, but fewer in the Electoral
College."
"Breckinridge?"
"Yes, John C. Breckinridge."
"Why, he's younger than I expected. He don't look more'n forty."
"Just about forty, I should say. The other tall man is named Morgan,
John H. Morgan. I saw him in Lexington once. He's a great horseman.
The third, the slender man who looks as if he were all fire, is named
Duke, Basil Duke.
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