Thomas Somers was employed in a store in the village, and during the forenoon he mechanically performed the duties of his position; but he could think of nothing but the exciting topic of the day. His blood was boiling with indignation against those who had trailed our hallowed flag in the dust. He wanted to do something to redeem the honor of his country--something to wipe out the traitors who had dared to conspire against her peace. On his way home to dinner, he met Fred Pemberton, who lived only a short distance from his own house. "What do you think now, Fred?" said Thomas. "What do I think? I think just as I always did--the North is wrong, and the South is right," replied Fred. "Who fired upon Fort Sumter? That's the question," said Thomas, his eyes flashing with indignation. "Why didn't they give up the fort, then?" "Give up the fort! Shall the United States cave in before the little State of South Carolina. Not by a two chalks!" "I think the North has been teasing and vexing the South till the Southerns can't stand it any longer. There'll be war now." "I hope there will! By gracious, I hope so!" "I hope the South will beat!" "Do you? Do you, Fred Pemberton?" demanded Tom, so excited he could not stand still. "Yes, I do. The South has the rights of it. If we had let their niggers alone, there wouldn't have been any trouble." "You are as blind as a bat, Fred. Don't you see this isn't a quarrel between the North and the South, but between the government and the rebels?" "I don't see it. If the North had let the South alone, there wouldn't have been any fuss. I hope the North will get whipped, and I know she will." "Fred, you are a traitor to your country!" "No, I'm not!" "Yes, you are; and if I had my way, I'd ride you on a rail out of town." "No, you wouldn't." "Yes, I would. I always thought you were a decent fellow; but you are a dirty, low-lived traitor." "Better be careful what you say, Tom Somers!" retorted the young secessionist, angrily. "A fellow that won't stand by his country ain't fit to live. You are an out-and-out traitor." "Don't call me that again, Tom Somers," replied Fred, doubling up his fist. "I say you are a traitor." "Take that, then." Tom did take it, and it was a pretty hard blow on the side of his head. Perhaps it was fortunate for our young patriot that an opportunity was thus afforded him to evaporate some of his enthusiasm in the cause of his country, for there is no knowing what might have been the consequence if it had remained longer pent up in his soul. Of course, he struck back; and a contest, on a small scale, between the loyalty of the North and the treason of the South commenced. How long it might have continued, or what might have been the result, cannot now be considered; for the approach of a chaise interrupted the battle, and the forces of secession were reënforced by a full-grown man.