"I was taught never to tell names, and tales, too. I knew that if I gave the flag to either of those fellows I would never see it again. I have marched and drilled under it for almost four years, and shouldn't like to hear that it been abused in any way; but if you and I live to see the end of the terrible times that I believe are coming upon us, I _should_ like to hear that it had been run up again. That's why I am going to give it to you; but I must have your promise first." "It's a bargain, and there's my hand on it," answered Marcy, without hesitation. "That flag shall never go up to the top of the academy staff again if I can help it, and while I remain in this school I'll never say you gave it to me. Now hand it over, so that I can hide it before anybody comes in." Dick was rather surprised at the promptness with which the required promise was given. Almost without knowing it he handed Marcy the flag, and saw him place it in his trunk and turn the key upon it. "Say," he exclaimed, when he found his tongue, "what are you up to?" "I am going to leave the flag there until I can think of some good hiding-place for it," replied Marcy. "That isn't what I mean, and you know it. I didn't think you would be so very willing to make the promise, and I am afraid there is something back of it." "I have said all you asked me to say, have I not? Well, I assure you I shall remember it, for I am not in the habit of breaking my word. The next time these colors float it will be in a breeze that is untainted by any secession rag, I bet you. Then, whether you are living or dead, I shall think of you, Dick. You and I have always been friends and I know we shall continue to be so, no matter where we are or what flag waves over us." "You don't owe me any thanks," said Dick hastily, and in, rather a husky voice. "I don't want the old thing, for I may have to fight against it someday; but I didn't want to see Rodney and his crowd trample it under their feet before they destroyed it. You're right, we shall always be friends, no matter--dog-gone State Rights anyhow. That's me. Good-night." "Just one word more before you go," said Marcy. "Where did Rodney get the secession flag he has been prancing around with ever since he came from town?" "It came through the post-office, but who sent it I don't know. You ought to have heard the fellows whoop and yell when he took it out of the package." "Does he labor under the delusion that he is going to run it up on the tower in the morning?" continued Marcy. "You can't prove that by me," was Dick's response. "Good-night." "Yes, I can prove it by you," thought Marcy, as his visitor went out, closing the door behind him. "Your face and your actions said plainly enough that that is what Rodney means to do; but I'll bet you he will be astonished when to-morrow comes. He and his crowd must take us for a lot of dunderheads."