“Nu-oh-lac,” they then both said together.
Thus were they introduced to each other as members of the Knights of the Golden Circle.
The Judge was now profuse in his apologies for his treatment of Calhoun at their first meeting.
“The fact is,” said the Judge, “we are surrounded by Lincoln spies on every hand. Some of them have gained admittance into the order. One cannot be too careful. Then your youth misled me. I am now surprised that one so young should be selected for so important a commission.”
“No apology is needed,” said Calhoun. “I confess I was indignant at first, but I now see you were right in receiving me as you did. Have you received General Forrest’s letter yet?”
“Yes, and it makes all plain. By the way, I see that your name is Calhoun. Have you ever noticed our password particularly?”
“No; you must bear in mind I am a new member.”
“Read your name backwards,” said the Judge, with a smile.
Calhoun did so, and exclaimed, in surprise: “Nuohlac! Why, it’s my name spelled backwards.”
“Aye! and it is the name of the greatest American who ever lived,” exclaimed the Judge, with enthusiasm. “I trust that you honor the name. Would that John C. Calhoun were alive now. What a glorious day it would be for him. But his spirit lives—lives, and thank God there is no Andrew Jackson in the presidential chair!”