ellion. In proportion to the greatness of the
conflict, the immensity of its disasters, its delusive promises and
barren victories, will be the thoroughness of the discomfiture, the
completeness of the overthrow, the utter disgrace of the confederate
cause, and of the men who have been its authors and leading
representatives. It will be impossible for the Southern people to say,
'We have been engaged in a noble cause; we have failed for the time
being; but there is a future for us in which we shall surely triumph.'
On the contrary, every Southern man will feel that there is no
resurrection for the bad designs which will thus have been forever
prostrated. They have in them none of the elements of resuscitation.
Failure in the present contest is annihilation forever. The very
foundation and active power of the fatal movement will have been swept
away, while at the same time the authors and the cause alike will be
stamped with eternal infamy, as having aimed at the subversion of human
liberty, and only succeeded in producing ruin and devastation to the
beautiful region which they have misled and betrayed into a wicked war.
The events of the mighty conflict will live in history, but only as an
example of just punishment for a great crime, and as a solemn warning
against the indulgence of selfish and unprincipled ambition in all
future ages.

WAS HE SUCCESSFUL?

'Do but grasp into the thick of human life! Every one _lives_
it--to not many is it _known_; and seize it where you will, it is
interesting.'--GOETHE.

'SUCCESSFUL.--Terminating in accomplishing what is wished or
intended.'--WEBSTER'S _Dictionary_.

CHAPTER VI.

Before evening Hiram had informed himself fully (through Hill) of the
current rumors about the failure of Allwise, Tenant & Co. He was glad to
find a universal sympathy prevailing in all business circles for this
old and respectable house.

'That's well, at any rate,' quoth Hiram to himself. 'No one will think
of attacking the old gentleman, if he does secure a portion of his
property, or, rather, nobody will suspect him of attempting it. He is
bound in honor to me [oh, Hiram! _honor!_] to protect his daughter. Such
was really the agreement, that is, by implication, when we became
engaged. It won't be honest if he leaves me in the lurch. He need not
think that he can do that, though. Twelve thousand dollars! Why, it will
scarcely board the old folks in any decent place