"We differ considerably in regard to the state of feeling in this county. We are between two fires, and I think we had better not say anything more on that subject."
"That's so; but one fire is an alfired sight hotter than t'other; and that's the one that will burn up that big house of yourn."
"I shall defend my house, and I think I shall be able to hold my own. But I am not an abolitionist any more than you are, Brother Titus," mildly suggested Noah.
"You shriek for the Union, and it's all the same thing among honest folks down here," retorted the Secessionist.
"I hold about fifty slaves, and I had an idea that this made me a slaveholder," said Noah lightly.
"Don't you own 'em?" demanded Titus violently; for this subject touched upon one of his grievances. "I have done everything I could to save you from any hard usage on the part of our folks in spite of the way you've used me."
"I am not aware that I have used you badly, Brother Titus."
"You call me brother; but judging from your actions you ain't no brother of mine."
"I should like to have you tell me in what manner I have wronged you, Titus. I hear from others that I owe you five thousand dollars; but I am not aware that I owe you a nickel," replied the planter, who had by this time come to the conclusion that the quarrel his brother insisted upon fomenting might as well be brought to a head then as at any other time.
Titus was silent for a moment, and resumed his seat on the bench, from which he had risen a dozen times in his excitement as the interview proceeded. He looked as though he was gathering up his thoughts in order to present his argument, as he evidently intended it should be, in the most forcible manner.