"There is a wedge applied even now, Daisy — the question
whether the new States forming out of our Western territories,
shall have slavery in them or shall be free States."
I was silent upon this; and we walked and climbed for a little
distance, without my remembering our geological or
mineralogical, or any other objects in view.
"The North say," Dr. Sandford then went on, "that these States
shall be free. The South — or some men at the South — threaten
that if they be, the South will split from the North, have
nothing to do with us, and set up for themselves."
"Who is to decide it?" I asked.
"The people. This fall the election will be held for the next
President; and that will show. If a slavery man is chosen, we
shall know that a majority of the nation go with the Southern
view."
"If not?" —
"Then there may be trouble, Daisy."
"What sort of trouble?" I asked hastily.
Dr. Sandford hesitated, and then said, "I do not know how far
people will go."
I mused, and forgot the sweet flutter of green leaves, and
smell of moss and of hemlock, and golden bursts of sunshine,
amongst which we were pursuing our way.
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