asp.
Mexico is torn by one civil war after another. It is a grand country,
and it would prosper mightily in strong hands. Beyond lie the unstable
states of Central America, also awaiting good rulers."

Colonel Kenton frowned and the lawyers looked doubtful.

"I can't say that I like your prospect," the colonel said. "It seems to
me that your knights of the Golden Circle meditate a great slave empire
which will eat its way even into South America. Slavery is not wholly
popular here. Henry Clay long ago wished it to be abolished, and his is
a mighty name among us. 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."

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," sai