is my right name, and I am willing to
tell you also, that you and your Charleston friends little foresee the
magnitude of the business upon which you have started. I don't believe
there is any enmity between you and me and I can tell the thoughts that
I have."

"Since you offered me no harm when you had the chance," said Harry,
"I give my word that I will seek to offer none myself. Go ahead,
I think you have more to say and I want to listen."

Shepard thrust his pistol in his belt and his face relaxed somewhat.
As they faced each other on the logs they were not more than ten feet
part and the moon poured a shower of silver rays upon both. Although
Shepard was a few years the older, the faces showed a likeness,
the same clearness of vision and strength of chin.

"I liked you, Harry Kenton, the first time I met you," said Shepard,
"and I like you yet. When I saw that you were following me, I led you
here in order to say some things to you. You are seeing me now probably
for the last time. My spying is over for a long while, at least.
A mile further on, a horse, saddled and bridled, is waiting for me.
I shall ride all the remainder of the night, board a train in the
morning, and, passing through Memphis and Louisville, I shall be in the
North in forty-eight hours."

"And what then?"

"I shall tell to those who ought to know what I have seen in Charleston
and Montgomery. I have seen the gathering of forces in the South,
and I know the spirit that animates your people, but listen to me,
Harry Kenton, do you think that a Union such as ours, formed as ours was,
can be broken up in a moment, as you would smash a china plate? The
forces on the other side are sluggish, but they are mighty. I foresee
war, terrible war, crowded with mighty battles. Now, I'm going to offer
you my hand and you are going to take it. Don't think any the less of
me because I've been playing the spy. You may be one yourself before
the year is out."

His manner was winning, and Harry took the offered hand. What right
had he to judge? Each to his own opinion. Despite himself, he liked
Shepard again.

"I'm glad I've known you, but at the same time I'm glad you're leaving,"
he said.

Shepard gave the boy's hand a hearty grasp, which was returned in kind.
Then he turned and disappeared in the forest. Harry walked slowly
back to Montgomery. Shepard had given him deep cause for thought. He
approached the Exchange Hotel, thinking th