y they intended to have beaten," said Penn; "but they will
find that it is the back of their own mother, Slavery, that receives the
rods."

"Just what I meant to say; but it took the professor to put it into the
right shape. By the way, neighbors, we owe the professor an apology.
Some of us found fault with his views of slavery and secession; but
we've all come around to 'em pretty generally, I believe, by this time.
Here's my hand, professor, and let me say I think you was right enough
in all but one thing--your plaguy non-resistance."

"He has thought better of that," said Mr. Villars, pleasantly.

"Yes, zhentlemen," said Carl, anxious to exonerate his friend, "he has
been conwerted."

"We have found that out, to his credit," said Stackridge.

And, one after another, all took Penn cordially by the hand.

"We are all brothers in one cause, OUR COUNTRY," said Penn. Nor did he
stop when the hand of the last patriot was shaken; he took the hand of
Pomp also. "We are all men in the sight of God!" His heart was full;
there was a thrill of fervent emotion in his voice. His calm young face,
his firm and finely-cut features, always noticeable for a certain
massiveness and strength, were singularly illumined. He went on, the
light of the cave-fire throwing its ruddy flash on the group. "We are
all His children. He has brought us together here for a purpose. The
work to be done is for all men, for humanity: it is God's work. To that
we should be willing to give everything--even our lives; even our
selfish prejudices, dearer to some than their lives. I believe that upon
the success of our cause depends, not the prosperity of any class of
men, or of any race of men, only, but of all men, and all races. For
America marches in the van of human progress, and if she falters, if she
ignobly turns back, woe is to the world! Perhaps you do not see this
yet; but never mind. One thing we all see--a path straight before us,
our duty to our country. We must put every other consideration aside,
forget all minor differences, and unite in this the defence of the
nation's life."

An involuntary burst of applause testified how ardently the hearts of
the patriots responded to these words. Some wrung Penn's hand again.
Pomp meanwhile, erect, and proud as a prince, with his arms folded upon
his massive and swelling chest, smiled with deep and quiet satisfaction
at the scene. There was another who smiled, too, her face suffused with
love and