“How should I? I left the United States in October. When I left there seemed to be an equal chance of success between the candidates; the election did not come off until November.”
“And you don’t know what has happened since?”
“No, I tell you.”
“What! did no passing ship bring you the news?”
“If a ship had passed, we should not have been found here,” said Justin, impatiently.
“Did no bird sing it? No wave bear it? No breeze waft it?”
“Birds, waves and breezes are not apt to gossip with me,” replied Justin.
“Hear it, Olympian Jove! Here is a gallant son of the South that does not yet know that he is free! That he has been free for nearly two years! A man that still believes in the supremacy of the Stars and Stripes and in the existence of the Glorious Union! Ha—ha—ha! ho—ho—ho! Oh! but in respect to the ladys’ presence, I could shout with laughter! Come—what will you give me for my news?”
“Nay, friend, if you will not freely impart your news to an exile who has been without any for so long a time, I have nothing to offer you but my thanks,” replied Justin, greatly perplexed by the words and manners of his guest.
“Now that appeals to my better nature! I will tell you all. But stay—I must not tell you all at once. It would overwhelm you!”