d and on two accounts. But I cannot mention
them. Dan Stuart was near to me; I had known him all his life and he was
a young man of promise, was popular throughout the community--more
popular than Alf, and this will have its effect."

"But wasn't he more popular because he had more money?" I asked, and the
old General gave me a look of reproof.

"Money does not make so much difference in the South, sir. You have been
filling your head with Northern books. It is refinement, sir, real worth
that weighs in the South."

"I hope not to antagonize you, General, but I am of the South and I have
cause to hold an opposite opinion. Have I not seen the most vulgar of
men held in high favor because they were rich? The mere existence of a
state line does not change human nature. Man is not changed even by the
lines drawn about empires."

"I admit, sir, that the South has undergone a change, but in my day a
man was measured according to his real worth, not in gold, but in
honorable qualities."

"It is but natural to look back with the prejudiced eye of affection,
General, and it is respectful that I should not argue with you. I turn
here to the livery-stable. Good-morning."

"I honor you for your consideration, sir," he replied, bowing. "Let us
hope for the best, but I must stand by justice."

When I had put up my horse I went directly to the jail. A crowd hung
about the doors, eager to see the prisoner. When I told the jailer who I
was he admitted me without a word. Alf sprang from a bench, seeing me
enter the corridor, and came forward to the bars of his cell.

"Not much room for shaking hands here, Bill," he said, smiling sadly.
"It is already an age since I left home. How are you, old man? Tell me
how they took it. No, don't. I know. Well, I gave myself up and the
sheriff wouldn't believe me at first, but he got it through his head
after a while. He was very kind and when he had locked me in here he
went to see whether I could be let out on bail, but I understand that I
can't. It's all right; I might as well be in here. Bill, I have tried to
feel sorry for killing him, but I can't. I reckon I must be about as
mean as they make them. And it will all come out pretty soon, for court
is still in session and all they've got to do is to rig up their jury
after the inquest and go ahead. I'm going to make the best of it. The
worst feature is the disgrace and suffering at home, and, of course,
that almost tears my heart out when