"Yes," admitted Anton.
"All right, then. Supposing some of the older people here do feel that it's necessary to draw the color line closely; well, I don't see that it wouldn't be a good thing for us to strike out a little. The color line is there, and it's going to stay there. But the most unreconstructed man in the district—even Colonel Grattan, for example—will do everything possible to better the condition of the negroes. I think it's the absolute duty of every American boy to help every other American boy when he gets the chance, whether his skin is white or black."
"Yes," said the laconic Bob.
Anton brightened up, for he was anxious to help Cæsar.
"What do you suppose we can do?" he asked.
"I'd rather put it up to you boys," said the Forecaster. "This is your affair, after all."
Anton turned to Ross.
"Haven't you some scheme?" he asked.
Ross shook his head.
"I haven't thought one out. How about it, Bob?"