"But how do you intend to resist? By overthrowing the best government the world has ever known? Build up a Southern empire! Is not the grand old republic established by Washington good enough for you? The North is not trampling on your rights. Your wrongs are imaginary. And as to our country being too large, can a nation like ours grow too powerful? Think, Diggs, before you act, or, like Calhoun, you may expect Washington to come to you in sleep, and place the black spot on your hand which Arnold wears in the other world. Think Diggs! Don't raise your hand against your country without well considering the matter."
Diggs, for a few minutes, was silent, and then he said:
"I think you are right, Abner. I will not prove a traitor to my country. I shall ask to have my name taken off the roll to-morrow night."
"Do so, or you will surely repent it as you live. If you want military honors, seek them in the ranks of your country. There is a call for seventy-five thousand volunteers."
"You are right, you are right. I will go and volunteer. Where shall I go?"
"We are raising a company at the junction, about twenty miles from here."
"I will go day after to-morrow, but I am in a hurry now. I am going to your house on business. The fact is--I don't mind telling the facts to you--I am going on purpose to see Miss Irene. He, he, he! I am determined to see how I stand there, he, he, he!"
Abner started back in amazement, but Mr. Diggs hurried away, without observing his movement.
"The consummate fool!" muttered Abner. "The idiot! To think of our Irene!"
Mr. Diggs hurried off with an air of much importance, and ordered Mose to make ready the carriage, and drive him to the Tompkins mansion.
Mose was not as quick of movement as he had been fifty years before, but he managed to have the equipage in readiness by four o'clock in the afternoon.
At Mr. Tompkins' door Mr. Diggs alighted, to be informed by Miss Irene's maid that her mistress was calling with Mrs. Tompkins, and would not return for an hour.
"I will wait," said Mr. Diggs. "I must--hem, hem--must see Miss Irene."
After a few moments of waiting Mr. Diggs became tired of sitting in the house and sauntered out to the piazza, and there met the ladies on their return.