"And now, young 'squire, you see what we're driving at, and as our
present business wo'nt permit of neutrality, let us hear on which side
you stand. Are you for us or against us?"
The question was one rather of command than solicitation, but the manner
of the speaker was sufficiently deferential.
"I see not why you should ask the question, sir. I have no concern in
your controversy--I know not its merits, and propose simply to content
myself with the position of a spectator. I presume there is nothing
offensive in such a station."
"There may be, sir; and you know that when people's blood's up, they
don't stand on trifles. They are not quick to discriminate between foes
and neutrals; and, to speak the truth, we are apt, in this part of the
country, to look upon the two, at such moments, as the same. You will
judge, therefore, for yourself, of the risk you run."
"I always do, Mr. Munro," said the youth. "I can not see that the risk
is very considerable at this moment, for I am at a loss to perceive the
policy of your making an enemy of me, when you have already a sufficient
number to contend with in yonder barricade.
Pages:
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310