“Perhaps,” said Captain Quitman, as a quizzical smile played on his handsome countenance, “our friend Sancho Panza would contribute something of an intellectual character to our programme to-night.” “Maybe he will do us the honor to become a member of our literary club,” said Scottie, as she courtesied to him. “I beg to assure you, madame, that you honor me too highly, but at the same time permit me to say that I have no doubt I shall be able to render some assistance. If, as I understand, it is to be intellectual amusement you seek, I flatter myself with the opinion that my contribution will be invaluable.” “What shall it be, Sancho?” inquired George III. “I will repeat the multiplication table from beginning to end, and whistle ‘Yankee Doodle.’” A perfect roar of laughter was produced by Sancho’s thrust, but the young people became convinced that nothing was to be made by poking wit at him. A couple of politicians, who occupied seats near the lower end of the table, were engaged in an animated discussion which was attracting considerable attention. “For my part,” said General Camphollower, “I think that our Government dealt too leniently with rebels after the war.” “I believe,” replied Colonel Confed, “that the views you express were those held by men who never smelled burned powder, or heard the whistle of a hostile bullet; but all brave soldiers who fought in the Union army, from General Grant down to the humblest private, were opposed to any harsh measures.” “I perceive,” replied General Camphollower, “that you are not being much reconstructed.” “Gentlemen,” said Captain Quitman, “pardon me for interrupting your conversation, but I would beg to suggest the propriety of eschewing politics while on this excursion. Let the past bury the past--let us cultivate a feeling of friendship between the North and South. Both parties committed errors--let both parties get back to the right track. Let us try to profit by our sad experience--let us teach forgiveness and patriotism, and look forward to the time when the cruel war shall be forgotten. We have a great and glorious nation, of which we are very proud, and we will make it greater by our love and support. It was a family quarrel, and the family has settled it, and woe be to the outsider who shall dare to interfere!” “Hurrah! hurrah for Uncle Sam!” was unanimously shouted by all the passengers. “Uncle Sam shall live forever, and those unpatriotic politicians who have crippled him shall be driven into obscurity. Let peace and good will, brotherly love and good faith, exist between the North and South, and let Satan take those who wave the bloody shirt.” “Good! good! hear! hear!” was shouted long and loud by all the guests, while the two politicians shook hands across the table, and bumped their glasses together. By this time the table was cleared, and the waiters began to uncork innumerable bottles of champagne.