he expected to manufacture a public sentiment in Pinchbrook that would
place the town on the side of the rebels. All day Sunday, and all day
Monday, he rode about the Harbor preaching treason. He tried to convince
the people that the South had all the right, and the North all the wrong;
but he had never found them so obstinate and incredulous before.

Towards night one of the ministers ventured to suggest to him that he was
sowing the wind, and would reap the whirlwind. The good man even hinted
that he had roused a storm of indignation in the town which he might find
it difficult to allay.

The squire laughed at the minister, and told him he was not afraid of any
thing. He intended to speak his honest sentiments, as every citizen had a
right to do; and he would like to see any man, or any body of men, who
would dare to meddle with him.

"I am afraid you will see them, Squire Pemberton," added the minister.

"Let them come where they please and when they please."

"What will you do? What is your single arm against scores of strong men?"

"Nothing, perhaps, but I don't fear them. I am true to my convictions; why
need I fear?"

"I think your convictions, as you call them, are deluding you. Do you
think Benedict Arnold's convictions, if he had any, would have saved his
neck from the halter?"

"Do you mean to compare me to Benedict Arnold, sir?"

"I came to you, as a friend, to warn you of impending danger; and, as your
friend, I am compelled to say that I don't see much difference between
your position and that of Benedict Arnold."

"Do you mean to insult me?"

"Not at all, sir. I was only expressing my honest conviction. Instead of
placing yourself on the side of your government, on the side of law and
order, you are going about Pinchbrook Harbor denouncing the legitimate
government of your country, and pleading the cause of rebels and
traitors."

"Am I not at liberty to say what I please of the government?"

"In ordinary times, you are. Just now, the country is in a state of war,
and he who is not for the flag is against it. You may criticize the
government as its friend, but not as its foe. When armed men conspire
against the peace of the land, he who pleads their cause is a
traitor--nay, sir, don't be angry; these are my convictions."

"Political parsons have been the ruin of the country," sneered the squire.
"That is my conviction."

"Squire Pemberton, I beg you not to be rash. If you must cherish th