A MAN OF MARK BY ANTHONY HOPE AUTHOR OF "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA, " "THE INDISCRETION OF THE DUCHESS, "ETC. 1895 [Illustration: "_Stop!" I cried; "I shoot the first man who opens thedoor_". --P 121] "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds, " --FRANCIS BACON. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE MOVEMENT AND THE MAN II. A FINANCIAL EXPEDIENT III. AN EXCESS OF AUTHORITY IV. OVERTURES FROM THE OPPOSITION V. I APPRECIATE THE SITUATION VI. MOURONS POUR LA PATRIE! VII. THE MINE IS LAID VIII. JOHNNY CARR IS WILLFUL IX. A SUPPER PARTY X. TWO SURPRISES XI. DIVIDING THE SPOILS XII. BETWEEN TWO FIRES XIII. I WORK UPON HUMAN NATURE XIV. FAREWELL TO AUREATALAND XV. A DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER I. THE MOVEMENT AND THE MAN. In the year 1884 the Republic of Aureataland was certainly not in aflourishing condition. Although most happily situated (it lies onthe coast of South America, rather to the north--I mustn't be moredefinite), and gifted with an extensive territory, nearly as big asYorkshire, it had yet failed to make that material progress which hadbeen hoped by its founders. It is true that the state was still in itsinfancy, being an offshoot from another and larger realm, and havingobtained the boon of freedom and self-government only as recently as1871, after a series of political convulsions of a violent character, which may be studied with advantage in the well-known history of "TheMaking of Aureataland, " by a learned professor of the Jeremiah P. Jecks University in the United States of America. This profoundhistorian is, beyond all question, accurate in attributing the chiefshare in the national movement to the energy and ability of thefirst President of Aureataland, his Excellency, President MarcusW. Whittingham, a native of Virginia. Having enjoyed a personalfriendship (not, unhappily, extended to public affairs) with thattalented man, as will subsequently appear, I have great pleasurein publicly indorsing the professor's eulogium. Not only did thePresident bring Aureataland into being, but he molded her wholeconstitution. "It was his genius" (as the professor observes withpropriety) "which was fired with the idea of creating a truly modernstate, instinct with the progressive spirit of the Anglo-Saxon race. It was his genius which cast aside the worn-out traditions of Europeandominion, and taught his fellow-citizens that they were, if not all bybirth, yet one and all by adoption, the sons of freedom. " Any mistakesin the execution of this fine conception must be set down to the factthat the President's great powers were rather the happy gift of naturethan the result of culture. To this truth he was himself in no wayblind, and he was accustomed to attribute his want of a liberaleducation to the social ruin brought upon his family by the AmericanCivil War, and to the dislocation thereby produced in his studies. Asthe President was, when I had the honor of making his acquaintancein the year 1880, fifty years old if he was a day, this explanationhardly agrees with dates, unless it is to be supposed that thePresident was still pursuing his education when the war began, beingthen of the age of thirty-five, or thereabouts. Starting under the auspices of such a gifted leader, and imbued withso noble a zeal for progress, Aureataland was, at the beginning of herhistory as a nation, the object of many fond and proud hopes. But inspite of the blaze of glory in which her sun had risen (to be seenduly reflected in the professor's work), her prosperity, as I havesaid, was not maintained. The country was well suited for agricultureand grazing, but the population--a very queer mixture of races--wasindolent, and more given to keeping holidays and festivals thanto honest labor. Most of them were unintelligent; those who wereintelligent made their living out of those who weren't, a method ofsubsistence satisfactory to the individual, but adding little to theaggregate of national wealth. Only two classes made fortunes of anysize, Government officials and bar-keepers, and even in their case thewealth was not great, looked at by an English or American standard. Production was slack, invention at a standstill, and taxation heavy. Isuppose the President's talents were more adapted to founding astate in the shock and turmoil of war, than to the dull details ofadministration; and although he was nominally assisted by a cabinet ofthree ministers and an assembly comprising twenty-five members, itwas on his shoulders that the real work of government fell. On him, therefore, the moral responsibility must also rest--a burden thePresident bore with a cheerfulness and equanimity almost amounting tounconsciousness. I first set foot in Aureataland in March, 1880, when I was landedon the beach by a boat from the steamer, at the capital town ofWhittingham. I was a young man, entering on my twenty-sixth year, andfull of pride at finding myself at so early an age sent out to fillthe responsible position of manager at our Aureataland branch. Thedirectors of the bank were then pursuing what may without unfairnessbe called an adventurous policy, and, in response to the urgententreaties and glowing exhortations of the President, they had decidedon establishing a branch at Whittingham. I commanded a certain amountof interest on the board, inasmuch as the chairman owed my father asum of money, too small to mention but too large to pay, and when, ledby the youthful itch for novelty, I applied for the post I succeededin obtaining my wish, at a salary of a hundred dollars a month. Iam sorry to say that in the course of a later business dealing thebalance of obligation shifted from the chairman to my father, anunhappy event which deprived me of my hold on the company andseriously influenced my conduct in later days. When I arrived inAureataland the bank had been open some six months, under the guidanceof Mr. Thomas Jones, a steady going old clerk, who was in future toact as chief (and indeed only) cashier under my orders. I found Whittingham a pleasant little city of about five thousandinhabitants, picturesquely situated on a fine bay, at the spot wherethe river Marcus debouched into the ocean. The town was largelycomposed of Government buildings and hotels, but there was a streetof shops of no mean order, and a handsome square, called the "Piazza1871, " embellished with an equestrian statue of the President. Roundabout this national monument were a large number of seats, and, hardby, a _café_ and band stand. Here, I soon found, was the center oflife in the afternoons and evenings. Going along a fine avenue oftrees for half a mile or so, you came to the "Golden House, " thePresident's official residence, an imposing villa of white stone witha gilt statue of Aureataland, a female figure sitting on a plowshare, and holding a sword in the right hand, and a cornucopia in the left. By her feet lay what was apparently a badly planed cannon ball; this, I learned, was a nugget, and from its presence and the name of thepalace, I gathered that the president had once hoped to base theprosperity of his young republic on the solid foundation of mineralwealth. This hope had been long abandoned. I have always hated hotels, so I lost no time in looking round forlodgings suitable to my means, and was fortunate enough to obtain acouple of rooms in the house occupied by a Catholic priest, FatherJacques Bonchrétien. He was a very good fellow, and, though we didnot become intimate, I could always rely on his courtesy and friendlyservices. Here I lived in great comfort at an expense of fifty dollarsa month, and I soon found that my spare fifty made me a well-to-do manin Whittingham. Accordingly I had the _entrée_ of all the best houses, including the Golden House, and a very pleasant little society we had;occasional dances, frequent dinners, and plenty of lawn tennis andbilliards prevented me feeling the tedium I had somewhat feared, andthe young ladies of Whittingham did their best to solace my exile. Asfor business, I found the bank doing a small business, but a tolerablysatisfactory one, and, if we made some bad debts, we got high intereston the good ones, so that, one way or another, I managed to send homepretty satisfactory reports, and time passed on quietly enough inspite of certain manifestations of discontent among the population. These disturbing phenomena were first brought prominently to my noticeat the time when I became involved in the fortunes of the Aureatalandnational debt, and as all my story turns on this incident, it perhapsis a fit subject for a new chapter. CHAPTER II. A FINANCIAL EXPEDIENT. When our branch was established at Whittingham there had been anarrangement made between ourselves and the Government, by the terms ofwhich we were to have the Government business, and to occupy, in fact, much that quasi-official position enjoyed by the Bank of England athome. As a _quid pro quo_, the bank was to lend to the Republic thesum of five hundred thousand dollars, at six per cent. The Presidentwas at the time floating a loan of one million dollars for the purposeof works at the harbor of Whittingham. This astute ruler had, itseemed, hit on the plan of instituting public works on a large scaleas a corrective to popular discontent, hoping thereby not only todevelop trade, but also to give employment to many persons who, if unoccupied, became centers of agitation. Such at least was theofficial account of his policy; whether it was the true one I sawreason to doubt later on. As regards this loan, my office was purelyministerial. The arrangements were duly made, the proper guaranteesgiven, and in June, 1880, I had the pleasure of handing over to thePresident the five hundred thousand dollars. I learned from him onthat occasion that, to his great gratification, the balance of theloan had been taken up. "We shall make a start at once, sir, " said the President, in his usualconfident but quiet way. "In two years Whittingham harbor will walkover the world. Don't be afraid about your interest. Your directorsnever made a better investment. " I thanked his Excellency, accepted a cigar, and withdrew with apeaceful mind. I had no responsibility in the matter, and carednothing whether the directors got their interest or not. I was, however, somewhat curious to know who had taken up the rest of theloan, a curiosity which was not destined to be satisfied for sometime. The works were begun and the interest was paid, but I cannot say thatthe harbor progressed rapidly; in fact, I doubt if more than onehundred thousand dollars ever found their way into the pockets ofcontractors or workmen over the job. The President had some holes dugand some walls built; having reached that point, about two years afterthe interview above recorded he suddenly drew off the few laborersstill employed, and matters came to a dead stop. It was shortly after this occurrence that I was honored with aninvitation to dine at the Golden House. It was in the month of July, 1882. Needless to say, I accepted the invitation, not only because itwas in the nature of a command, but also because the President gaveuncommonly good dinners, and, although a bachelor (in Aureataland, atall events), had as well ordered a household as I have ever known. My gratification was greatly increased when, on my arrival, I foundmyself the only guest, and realized that the President considered mysociety in itself enough for an evening's entertainment. It did crossmy mind that this might mean business, and I thought it none the worsefor that. We dined in the famous veranda, the scene of so many brilliantWhittingham functions. The dinner was beyond reproach, the winesperfection. The President was a charming companion. Though not, as Ihave hinted, a man of much education, he had had a wide experience oflife, and had picked up a manner at once quiet and cordial, which setme completely at my ease. Moreover, he paid me the compliment, always so sweet to youth, of treating me as a man of the world. Withcondescending confidence he told me many tales of his earlier days;and as he had been everywhere and done everything where and whicha man ought not to be and do, his conversation was naturally mostinteresting. "I am not holding myself up as an example, " he said, after one of hismost unusual anecdotes. "I can only hope that my public services willbe allowed to weigh in the balance against my private frailties. " He said this with some emotion. "Even your Excellency, " said I, "may be content to claim in thatrespect the same indulgence as Caesar and Henri Quatre. " "Quite so, " said the President. "I suppose they were not exactly--eh?" "I believe not, " I answered, admiring the President's readiness, forhe certainly had a very dim notion who either of them was. Dinner was over and the table cleared before the President seemedinclined for serious conversation. Then he called for cigars, andpushing them toward me said: "Take one, and fill your glass. Don't believe people who tell you notto drink and smoke at the same time. Wine is better without smoke, and smoke is better without wine, but the combination is better thaneither separately. " I obeyed his commands, and we sat smoking and sipping in silence forsome moments. Then the President said, suddenly: "Mr. Martin, this country is in a perilous condition. " "Good God, your Excellency!" said I, "do you refer to the earthquake?"(There had been a slight shock a few days before. ) "No, sir, " he replied, "to the finances. The harbor works haveproved far more expensive than I anticipated. I hold in my hand theengineer's certificate that nine hundred and three thousand dollarshave been actually expended on them, and they are not finished--not byany means finished. " They certainly were not; they were hardly begun. "Dear me, " I ventured to say, "that seems a good deal of money, considering what there is to show for it. " "You cannot doubt the certificate, Mr. Martin, " said the President. I did doubt the certificate, and should have liked to ask what fee theengineer had received. But I hastily said it was, of course, beyondsuspicion. "Yes, " said he steadily, "quite beyond suspicion. You see, Mr. Martin, in my position I am compelled to be liberal. The Government cannotset other employers the example of grinding men down by low wages. However, reasons apart, there is the fact. We cannot go on withoutmore money; and I may tell you, in confidence, that the politicalsituation makes it imperative we should go on. Not only is my personalhonor pledged, but the Opposition, Mr. Martin, led by the colonel, ismaking itself obnoxious--yes, I may say very obnoxious. " "The colonel, sir, " said I, with a freedom engendered of dining, "is abeast. " "Well, " said the President, with a tolerant smile, "the colonel, unhappily for the country, is no true patriot. But he is powerful;he is rich; he is, under myself alone, in command of the army. And, moreover, I believe he stands well with the signorina. The situation, in fact, is desperate. I must have money, Mr. Martin. Will yourdirectors make me a new loan?" I knew very well the fate that would attend any such application. The directors were already decidedly uneasy about their first loan;shareholders had asked awkward questions, and the chairman had foundno small difficulty in showing that the investment was likely to proveeither safe or remunerative. Again, only a fortnight before, theGovernment had made a formal application to me on the same subject. Icabled the directors, and received a prompt reply in the single word"Tootsums, " which in our code meant, "Must absolutely and finallydecline to entertain any applications. " I communicated the contentsof the cable to Señor Don Antonio de la Casabianca, the Ministerof Finance, who had, of course, communicated them in turn to thePresident. I ventured to remind his Excellency of these facts. He heard me withsilent attention. "I fear, " I concluded, "therefore, that it is impossible for me to beof any assistance to your Excellency. " He nodded, and gave a slight sigh. Then, with an air of closing thesubject, he said: "I suppose the directors are past reason. Help yourself to a brandyand soda. " "Allow me to mix one for you, sir, " I answered. While I was preparing our beverages he remained silent. When I had satdown again he said: "You occupy a very responsible position here for so young a man, Mr. Martin--not beyond your merits, I am sure. " I bowed. "They leave you a pretty free hand, don't they?" I replied that as far as routine business went I did much as seemedgood in my own eyes. "Routine business? including investments, for instance?" he asked. "Yes, " said I; "investments in the ordinary course ofbusiness--discounting bills and putting money out on loan and mortgageover here. I place the money, and merely notify the people at home ofwhat I have done. " "A most proper confidence to repose in you, " the President was goodenough say. "Confidence is the life of business; you must trust a man. It would be absurd to make you send home the bills, and deeds, andcertificate, and what not. Of course they wouldn't do that. " Though this was a statement, somehow it also sounded like a question, so I answered: "As a rule they do me the compliment of taking my word. The fact is, they are, as your Excellency says, obliged to trust somebody. " "Exactly as I thought. And you sometimes have large sums to place?" At this point, notwithstanding my respect for the President, I beganto smell a rat. "Oh, no, sir, " I replied, "usually very small. Our business is not soextensive as we could wish. " "Whatever, " said the President, looking me straight in the face, "whatever may be usual, at this moment you have a large sum--a veryrespectable sum--of money in your safe at the bank, waiting forinvestment. " "How the devil do you know that?" I cried. "Mr. Martin! It is no doubt my fault; I am too prone to ignoreetiquette; but you forget yourself. " I hastened to apologize, although I was pretty certain the Presidentwas contemplating a queer transaction, if not flat burglary. "Ten thousand pardons, your Excellency, for my most unbecoming tone, but may I ask how you became possessed of this information?" "Jones told me, " he said simply. As it would not have been polite to express the surprise I felt atJones' simplicity in choosing such a _confidant_, I held my peace. "Yes, " continued the President, "owing to the recent sales of yourreal property in this country (sales due, I fear, to a want ofconfidence in my administration), you have at this moment a sum ofthree hundred thousand dollars in the bank safe. Now (don't interruptme, please), the experience of a busy life teaches me that commercialreputation and probity depend on results, not on methods. Yourdirectors have a prejudice against me and my Government. Thatprejudice you, with your superior opportunities for judgment, cannotshare. You will serve your employers best by doing for them what theyhaven't the sense and courage to do for themselves. I propose thatyou should assume the responsibility of lending me this money. Thetransaction will redound to the profit of the bank. It shall also, " headded slowly, "redound to your profit. " I began to see my way. But there were difficulties. "What am I to tell the directors?" I asked. "You will make the usual return of investments and debts outstanding, mortgages, loans on approved security--but you know better than I do. " "False returns, your Excellency means?" "They will no doubt be formally inaccurate, " the President admitted. "What if they ask for proofs?" said I. "Sufficient unto the day, " said the President. "You have rather surprised me, sir, " I said, "but I am most anxiousto oblige you, and to forward the welfare of Aureataland. There are, however, two points which occur to me. First, how am I to be insuredagainst not getting my interest? That I must have. " "Quite so, " he interrupted. "And the second point I can anticipate. It is, what token of my gratitude for your timely assistance can Iprevail on you to accept?" "Your Excellency's knowledge of human nature is surprising. " "Kindly give me your attention, Mr. Martin, and I will try to satisfyboth your very reasonable requirements. You have $300, 000; those youwill hand over to me, receiving in return Government six per cent. Bonds for that amount, I will then hand back to you $65, 000; 45, 000you will retain as security for your interest. In the event of anyfailure on the part of Aureataland to meet her obligations honorably, you will pay the interest on the whole 300, 000 out of that sum. Thatsecures you for more than two years against absolute failure ofinterest, which in reality you need not fear. Till the money is wantedyou will have the use of it. The remaining 20, 000 I shall beg of youto accept as your commission, or rather as a token of my esteem. Two hundred thousand absolutely--45, 000 as long as Aureataland paysinterest! You must admit I deal with you as one gentleman withanother, Mr. Martin. In the result, your directors get their interest, I get my loan, you get your bonus. We are all benefited; no one ishurt! All this is affected at the cost of a harmless stratagem. " I was full of admiration. The scheme was very neat, and, as far as thePresident and myself were concerned, he had been no more than just inpointing out its advantages. As for the directors, they would probablyget their interest; anyhow, they would get it for two years. There wasrisk, of course; a demand for evidence of my alleged investments, or asudden order to realize a heavy sum at short notice, would bring thehouse about my ears. But I did not anticipate this _contretemps_, andat the worst I had my twenty thousand dollars and could make myselfscarce therewith. These calculations were quite correct at the moment, but I upset them afterward by spending the dollars and by contractinga tie which made flight from Aureataland a distasteful alternative. "Well, Mr. Martin, " said the President, "do you agree?" I still hesitated. Was it a moral scruple? Probably not, unless, indeed, prudence and morality are the same thing. The President rose and put his hand on my shoulder. "Better say yes. I might take it, you know, and cause you todisappear--believe me, with reluctance, Mr. Martin. It is true Ishouldn't like this course. It would perhaps make my positionhere untenable. But not having the money would certainly make ituntenable. " I saw the force of this argument, and gulping down my brandy and soda, I said: "I can refuse your Excellency nothing. " "Then take your hat and come along to the bank, " said he. This was sharp work. "Your Excellency does not mean to take the money now--to-night?" Iexclaimed. "Not to take, Mr. Martin--to receive it from you. We have made ourbargain. What is the objection to carrying it out promptly?" "But I must have the bonds. They must be prepared, sir. " "They are here, " he said, taking a bundle from the drawer of awriting-table. "Three hundred thousand dollars, six per cent. Stock, signed by myself, and countersigned by Don Antonio. Take your hat andcome along. " I did as I was bid. CHAPTER III. AN EXCESS OF AUTHORITY. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and Whittingham was looking herbest as we made our way along the avenue leading to the Piazza 1871. The President walked briskly, silent but serene; I followed, thetrouble in my mind reflected in a somewhat hang-dog air, and I was notmuch comforted when the President broke the stillness of the night bysaying: "You have set your foot on the first rung of the ladder that leads tofame and wealth, Mr. Martin. " I was rather afraid I had set it on the first rung of the ladder thatleads to the gallows. But there the foot was; what the ladder turnedout to be was in the hands of the gods; so I threw off care, and as weentered the Piazza I pointed to the statue and said: "Behold my inspiring example, your Excellency. " "By Jove, yes!" he replied; "I make the most of my opportunities. " I knew he regarded me as one of his opportunities, and was making themost of me. This is not a pleasant point of view to regard one's selffrom, so I changed the subject, and said: "Shall we call for Don Antonio?" "Why?" "Well, as he's Minister of Finance, I thought perhaps his presencewould make the matter more regular. " "If the presence of the President, " said that official, "can't makea matter regular, I don't know what can. Let him sleep on. Isn't hissignature on the bonds enough?" What could I do? I made one more weak objection: "What shall we tell Jones?" "What shall _we_ tell Jones?" he echoed. "Really, Mr. Martin, you mustuse your discretion as to what you tell your employees. You can hardlyexpect me to tell Jones anything, beyond that it's a fine morning. " We had now reached the bank, which stood in Liberty Street, a turningout of the Piazza. I took out my key, unlocked the door, and weentered together. We passed into my inner sanctum, where the safestood. "What's it in?" asked the President. "United States bonds, and bills on New York and London, " I replied. "Good, " said he. "Let me look. " I undid the safe, and took out the securities. He examined themcarefully, placing each after due scrutiny in a small handbag, inwhich he had brought down the bonds I was to receive. I stood by, holding a shaded candle. At this moment a voice cried from the door: "If you move you're dead men!" I started and looked up. The President looked up without starting. There was dear old Jones, descended from his upper chamber, where heand Mrs. Jones resided. He was clad only in his night-shirt, and wasleveling a formidable gun full at the august head of his Excellency. "Ah, Mr. Jones, " said the latter "it's a fine morning. " "Good Heavens, the President!" cried Jones; "and Mr. Martin! Why, whaton earth, gentlemen--" The President gently waved one hand toward me, as if to say, "Mr. Martin will explain, " and went on placing his securities in the bag. In face of this crisis my hesitation left me. "I have received a cable from Europe, Jones, " said I, "instructing meto advance a sum of money to his Excellency; I am engaged in carryingout these instructions. " "Cable?" said Jones. "Where is it?" "In my pocket, " said I, feeling for it. "No! Why I must have left itat the Golden House. " The President came to my assistance. "I saw it on the table just before we started. Though I presume Mr. Jones has no _right_--" "None at all, " I said briskly. "Yet, as a matter of concession, Mr. Martin will no doubt show it tohim to-morrow?" "Strictly as a matter of concession perhaps I will, though I am boundto say that I am surprised at your manner, Mr. Jones. " Jones looked sadly puzzled. "It's all irregular, sir, " said he. "Hardly more so than your costume!" said the President pleasantly. Jones was a modest man, and being thus made aware of the havoc thedraught was playing with his airy covering, he hastily closed thedoor, and said to me appealingly: "It's all right, sir, I suppose?" "Perfectly right, " said I. "But highly confidential, " added the President. "And you will put meunder a personal obligation, Mr. Jones, and at the same time fulfillyour duty to your employers, if you preserve silence till thetransaction is officially announced. A man who serves me does notregret it. " Here he was making the most of another opportunity--Jones this time. "Enough of this, " I said. "I will go over the matter in the morning, and meanwhile hadn't you better go back to--" "Mrs. Jones, " interjected his Excellency. "And mind, silence, Mr. Jones!" He walked up to Jones as he said this, and looked hard at him. "Silent men prosper best, and live longest, Mr. Jones. " Jones looked into his steely eyes, and suddenly fell all of a tremble. The President was satisfied. He abruptly pushed him out of the room, and we heard his shambling steps going up the staircase. His Excellency turned to me, and said with apparent annoyance: "You leave a great deal to me, Mr. Martin. " He had certainly done more than tell Jones it was a fine morning. ButI was too much troubled to thank him; I was thinking of the cable. ThePresident divined my thoughts, and said: "You must prepare that cable. " "Yes, " I replied; "that would reassure him. But I haven't had muchpractice in that sort of thing, and I don't quite know--" The President scribbled a few words on a bit of paper, and said: "Take that to the post office and they'll give you the proper form;you can fill it up. " Certainly some things go easily if the head of the state is yourfellow-criminal. "And now, Mr. Martin, it grows late. I have my securities; you haveyour bonds. We have won over Jones. All goes well. Aureataland issaved. You have made your fortune, for there lie your sixty-fivethousand dollars. And, in fine, I am much obliged to you. I will nottrouble you to attend me on my return. Good-night, Mr. Martin. " He went out, and I threw myself down in my office chair, and satgazing at the bonds he had left me. I wondered whether he had merelymade a tool of me; whether I could trust him; whether I had done wellto sacrifice my honesty, relying on his promises. And yet there lay myreward; and, as purely moral considerations did not trouble me, I soonarose, put the Government bonds and the sixty-five thousand dollarsin securities in the safe, locked up everything, and went home to mylodgings. As I went in it was broad daylight, for the clock hadgone five, and I met Father Jacques sallying forth. He had alreadybreakfasted, and was on his way to administer early consolation to theflower-women in the Piazza. He stopped me with a grieved look, andsaid: "Ah, my friend, these are untimely hours. " I saw I was laboring under an unjust suspicion--a most revoltingthing. "I have only just come from the bank, " I said. "I had to dine at theGolden House and afterward returned to finish up a bit of work. " "Ah! that is well, " he cried. "It is, then, the industrious and notthe idle apprentice I meet?" referring to a series of famous printswith which my room was decorated, a gift from my father on mydeparture. I nodded and passed on, saying to myself: "Deuced industrious, indeed. Not many men have done such a night's work as I have. " And that was how my fortunes became bound up with those of theAureataland national debt. CHAPTER IV. OVERTURES FROM THE OPPOSITION. After the incidents above recorded, things went on quietly enough forsome months. I had a serious talk with Jones, reproaching him gravelyfor his outrageous demeanor. He capitulated abjectly on being shownthe cable, which was procured in the manner kindly indicated by thePresident. The latter had perhaps been in too great a hurry with hisheavy guns, for his hint of violence had rather stirred than allayedJones' apprehensions. If there were nothing to conceal, why should hisExcellency not stick at murder to hide it? However, I explained to himthe considerations of high policy, dictating inviolable secrecy, and justifying a somewhat arbitrary way of dealing with a trustedofficial; and the marked graciousness with which Jones was receivedwhen he met the President at the ministry of finance on currentbusiness went far to obliterate his unpleasant recollections. Ifurther bound him to my fortunes by obtaining for him a rise of salaryfrom the directors, "in consequence of the favorable report of hisconduct received from Mr. Martin. " Peaceful as matters seemed, I was not altogether at ease. To beginwith the new loan did not apparently at all improve the financialposition of Aureataland. Desolation still reigned on the scene of theharbor works; there was the usual difficulty in paying salariesand meeting current expenditure. The President did not invite myconfidence as to the disposal of his funds; indeed before long I wasalarmed to see a growing coldness in his manner, which I consideredat once ungrateful and menacing; and when the half-year came round hefirmly refused to disburse more than half the amount of interest dueon the second loan, thus forcing me to make an inroad on my reserveof forty-five thousand dollars. He gave me many good reasons for thiscourse of conduct, dwelling chiefly on the necessary unproductivenessof public works in their early stages, and confidently promising fullpayment with arrears next time. Nevertheless, I began to see that Imust face the possibility of a continual drain on resources that I hadfondly hoped would be available for my own purposes for a considerabletime at least. Thus one thing and another contributed to open a breachbetween his Excellency and myself, and, although I never ceased tofeel his charm as a private companion, my distrust of him as a ruler, and, I may add, as a fellow-conspirator, steadily deepened. Other influences were at this time--for we have now reached thebeginning of 1883--at work in the same direction. Rich in thepossession of my "bonus, " I had plunged even more freely than beforeinto the gayeties of Whittingham, and where I was welcome before, Iwas now a doubly honored guest. I had also taken to play on a somewhathigh scale, and it was my reputation as a daring gambler that procuredme the honor of an acquaintance with the signorina, the lady to whomthe President had referred during his interview with me; and myacquaintance with the signorina was very rich in results. This lady was, after the President, perhaps the best-known person inAureataland--best known, that is, by name and face and fame--for herantecedents and circumstances were wrapped in impenetrable mystery. When I arrived in the country the Signorina Christina Nugent had beensettled there about a year. She had appeared originally as a member ofan operatic company, which had paid a visit to our National Theaterfrom the United States. The company passed on its not very brilliantway, but the signorina remained behind. It was said she had taken afancy to Whittingham, and, being independent of her profession, haddetermined to make a sojourn there. At any rate, there she was;whether she took a fancy to Whittingham, or whether someone inWhittingham took a fancy to her, remained in doubt. She establishedherself in a pretty villa closely adjoining the Golden House; it stoodopposite the presidential grounds, commanding a view of that statelyinclosure; and here she dwelt, under the care of a lady whom shecalled "Aunt, " known to the rest of the world as Mrs. Carrington. Thetitle "Signorina" was purely professional; for all I know the name"Nugent" was equally a creature of choice; but, anyhow, the ladyherself never professed to be anything but English, and openly statedthat she retained her title simply because it was more musical thanthat of "Miss. " The old lady and the young one lived together in greatapparent amity, and certainly in the utmost material comfort; for theyprobably got through more money than anyone in the town, and therealways seemed to be plenty more where that came from. Where it didcome from was, I need hardly say, a subject of keen curiosity insocial circles; and when I state that the signorina was now abouttwenty-three years of age, and of remarkably prepossessing appearance, it will be allowed that we in Whittingham were no worse than otherpeople if we entertained some uncharitable suspicions. The signorina, however, did not make the work of detection at all easy. She becamealmost at once a leading figure in society; her _salon_ was themeeting-place of all parties and most sets; she received many graciousattentions from the Golden House, but none on which slander coulddefinitely settle. She was also frequently the hostess of members ofthe Opposition, and of no one more often than their leader, Colonel George McGregor, a gentleman of Scotch extraction, but notpronouncedly national characteristics, who had attained a highposition in the land of his adoption; for not only did he lead theOpposition in politics, but he was also second in command of the army. He entered the Chamber as one of the President's nominees (for thelatter had reserved to himself power to nominate five members), but atthe time of which I write the colonel had deserted his former chief, and, secure in his popularity with the forces, defied the man by whosehelp he had risen. Naturally, the President disliked him, a feeling Icordially shared. But his Excellency's disapproval did not prevent thesignorina receiving McGregor with great cordiality, though here againwith no more _empressement_ than his position seemed to demand. I have as much curiosity as my neighbors, and I was proportionatelygratified when the doors of "Mon Repos, " as the signorina called herresidence, were opened to me. My curiosity, I must confess, was notunmixed with other feelings; for I was a young man at heart, thoughevents had thrown sobering responsibilities upon me, and the sight ofthe signorina in her daily drives was enough to inspire a thrill evenin the soul of a bank manager. She was certainly very beautiful--atall, fair girl, with straight features and laughing eyes. I shallnot attempt more description, because all such descriptions soundcommonplace, and the signorina was, even by the admission of herenemies, at least very far from commonplace. It must suffice to saythat, like Father O'Flynn, she "had such a way with her" that all ofus men in Aureataland, old and young, rich and poor, were at herfeet, or ready to be there on the least encouragement. She was, to mythinking, the very genius of health, beauty, and gayety; and she putthe crowning touch to her charms by very openly and frankly solicitingand valuing the admiration she received. For, after all, it's onlyexceptional men who are attracted by _difficile_ beauty; to most ofus a gracious reception of our timid advances is the most subtletemptation of the devil. It may be supposed, then, that I thought my money very well investedwhen it procured me an invitation to "Mon Repos, " where the lady ofthe house was in the habit of allowing a genteel amount of gamblingamong her male friends. She never played herself, but stood and lookedon with much interest. On occasion she would tempt fortune by the handof a chosen deputy, and nothing could be prettier or more artisticthan her behavior. She was just eager enough for a girl unused to theexcitement and fond of triumph, just indifferent enough to show thather play was merely a pastime, and the gain of the money or its loss amatter of no moment. Ah! signorina, you were a great artist. At "Mon Repos" I soon became an habitual, and, I was fain to think, awelcome, guest. Mrs. Carrington, who entertained a deep distrust ofthe manners and excesses of Aureataland, was good enough to considerme eminently respectable, while the signorina was graciousness itself. I was even admitted to the select circle at the dinner party which, asa rule, preceded her Wednesday evening reception, and I was a constantfigure round the little roulette board, which, of all forms of gaming, was our hostess' favorite delectation. The colonel was, not to mypleasure, an equally invariable guest, and the President himself wouldoften honor the party with his presence, an honor we found ratherexpensive, for his luck at all games of skill or chance wasextraordinary. "I have always trusted Fortune, " he would say, "and to me she is notfickle. " "Who would be fickle if your Excellency were pleased to trust her?"the signorina would respond, with a glance of almost fond admiration. This sort of thing did not please McGregor. He made no concealmentof the fact that he claimed the foremost place among the signorina'sadmirers, utterly declining to make way even for the President. Thelatter took his boorishness very quietly; and I could not avoid theconclusion that the President held, or thought he held, the trumps. I was, naturally, intensely jealous of both these great men, and, although I had no cause to complain of my treatment, I could notstifle some resentment at the idea that I was, after all, an outsiderand not allowed a part in the real drama that was going on. Myhappiness was further damped by the fact that luck ran steadilyagainst me, and I saw my bonus dwindling very rapidly. I suppose Imay as well be frank, and confess that my bonus, to speak strictly, vanished within six months after I first set foot in "Mon Repos, "and I found it necessary to make that temporary use of the "interestfund, " which the President had indicated as open to me under the termsof our bargain. However, my uneasiness on this score was lightenedwhen the next installment of interest was punctually paid, and, withyouthful confidence, I made little doubt that luck would turn beforelong. Thus time passed on, and the beginning of 1884 found us all leading anapparently merry and untroubled life. In public affairs the temperwas very different. The scarcity of money was intense, and seriousmurmuring had arises when the President "squandered" his ready moneyin buying interest, leaving his civil servants and soldiers unpaid. This was the topic of much discussion in the press at the time, when Iwent up one March evening to the signorina's. I had been detainedat the bank, and found the play in full swing when I came in. Thesignorina was taking no part in it, but sat by herself on a low loungeby the veranda window. I went up to her and made my bow. "You spare us but little of your time, Mr. Martin, " she said. "Ah, but you have all my thoughts, " I replied, for she was lookingcharming. "I don't care so much about your thoughts, " she said. Then, after apause, she went on, "It's very hot here, come into the conservatory. " It almost looked as though she had been waiting for me, and I followedin high delight into the long, narrow glass house running parallel tothe _salon_. High green plants hid us from the view of those inside, and we only heard distinctly his Excellency's voice, saying with muchgeniality to the colonel, "Well, you must be lucky in love, colonel, "from which I concluded that the colonel was not in the vein at cards. The signorina smiled slightly as she heard; then she plucked a whiterose, turned round, and stood facing me, slightly flushed as thoughwith some inner excitement. "I am afraid those two gentlemen do not love one another, " she said. "Hardly, " I assented. "And you, do you love them--or either of them?" "I love only one person in Aureataland, " I replied, as ardently as Idared. The signorina bit her rose, glancing up at me with unfeigned amusementand pleasure. I think I have mentioned that she didn't object tohonest admiration. "Is it possible you mean me?" she said, making me a little courtesy. "I only think so because most of the Whittingham ladies would notsatisfy your fastidious taste. " "No lady in the world could satisfy me except one, " I answered, thinking she took it a little too lightly. "Ah! so you say, " she said. "And yet I don't suppose you would doanything for me, Mr. Martin?" "It would be my greatest happiness, " I cried. She said nothing, but stood there, biting the rose. "Give it to me, " I said; "it shall be my badge of service. " "You will serve me, then?" said she. "For what reward?" "Why, the rose!" "I should like the owner too, " I ventured to remark. "The rose is prettier than the owner, " she said; "and, at any rate, one thing at a time, Mr. Martin! Do you pay your servants all theirwages in advance?" My practice was so much the contrary that I really couldn't deny theforce of her reasoning. She held out the rose. I seized it and pressedit close to my lips, thereby squashing it considerably. "Dear me, " said the signorina, "I wonder if I had given you the otherthing whether you would have treated it so roughly. " "I'll show you in a moment, " said I. "Thank you, no, not just now, " she said, showing no alarm, for sheknew she was safe with me. Then she said abruptly: "Are you a Constitutionalist or a Liberal, Mr. Martin?" I must explain that, in the usual race for the former title, thePresident's party had been first at the post, and the colonel'sgang (as I privately termed it) had to put up with the alternativedesignation. Neither name bore any relation to facts. "Are we going to talk politics?" said I reproachfully. "Yes, a little; you see we got to an _impasse_ on the other topic. Tell me. " "Which are you, signorina?" I asked. I really wanted to know; so did a great many people. She thought for a moment, and then said: "I have a great regard for the President. He has been most kind to me. He has shown me real affection. " "The devil he has!" I muttered. "I beg your pardon?" said she. "I only said, 'Of course he has. ' The President has the usualcomplement of eyes. " The signorina smiled again, but went on as if I hadn't spoken. "On the other hand, I cannot disguise from myself that some of hismeasures are not wise. " I said I had never been able to disguise it from myself. "The colonel, of course, is of the same opinion, " she continued. "About the debt, for instance. I believe your bank is interested init?" This was no secret, so I said: "Oh, yes, to a considerable extent. " "And you?" she asked softly. "Oh, I am not a capitalist! no money of mine has gone into the debt. " "No money of yours, no. But aren't you interested in it?" shepersisted. This was rather odd. Could she know anything? She drew nearer to me, and, laying a hand lightly on my arm, saidreproachfully: "Do you love people, and yet not trust them, Mr. Martin?" This was exactly my state of feeling toward the signorina, but I couldnot say so. I was wondering how far I should be wise to trust her, andthat depended largely on how far his Excellency had seen fit to trusther with my secrets. I finally said: "Without disclosing other people's secrets, signorina, I may admitthat if anything went wrong with the debt my employers' opinion of mydiscretion would be severely shaken. " "Of your _discretion_, " she said, laughing. "Thank you, Mr. Martin. And you would wish that not to happen?" "I would take a good deal of pains to prevent its happening. " "Not less willingly if your interest and mine coincided?" I was about to make a passionate reply when we heard the President'svoice saying: "And where is our hostess? I should like to thank her before I go. " "Hush, " whispered the signorina. "We must go back. You will be true tome, Mr. Martin?" "Call me Jack, " said I idiotically. "Then you will be true, O _Jack_?" she said, stifling a laugh. "Till death, " said I, hoping it would not be necessary. She gave me her hand, which I kissed with fervor, and we returned tothe _salon_, to find all the players risen from the table and standingabout in groups, waiting to make their bows till the President hadgone through that ceremony. I was curious to hear if anything passedbetween him and the signorina, but I was pounced upon by DonnaAntonia, the daughter of the minister of finance, who happened to bepresent, notwithstanding the late hour, as a guest of the signorina'sfor the night. She was a handsome young lady, a Spanish brunette ofthe approved pattern, but with manners formed at a New York boardingschool, where she had undergone a training that had tempered, withoutdestroying, her native gentility. She had distinguished me veryfavorably, and I was vain enough to suppose she honored me by somejealousy of my _penchant_ for the signorina. "I hope you have enjoyed yourself in the conservatory, " she saidmaliciously. "We were talking business, Donna Antonia, " I replied. "Ah! business! I hear of nothing but business. There is papa gone downto the country and burying himself alive to work out some great schemeof business. " I pricked up my ears. "Ah! what scheme is that?" I asked. "Oh, I don't know! Something about that horrid debt. But I was toldnot to say anything about it!" The debt was becoming a bore. The whole air was full of it. I hastilypaid Donna Antonia a few incoherent compliments, and took my leave. As I was putting on my coat Colonel McGregor joined me and, with morefriendliness than he usually showed me, accompanied me down the avenuetoward the _Piazza_. After some indifferent remarks he began: "Martin, you and I have separate interests in some matters, but Ithink we have the same in others. " I knew at once what he meant; it was that debt over again! I remained silent, and he continued: "About the debt, for instance. You are interested in the debt?" "Somewhat, " said I. "A banker generally is interested in a debt. " "I thought so, " said the colonel. "A time may come when we can acttogether. Meanwhile, keep your eye on the debt. Good-night!" We parted at the door of his chambers in the Piazza, and I went on tomy lodgings. As I got into bed, rather puzzled and very uneasy, I damned the debt. Then, remembering that the debt was, as it seemed, for some reason acommon interest to the signorina and myself, I apologized to it, andfell asleep. CHAPTER V. I APPRECIATE THE SITUATION. The flight of time brought no alleviation to the troubles ofAureataland. If an individual hard up is a pathetic sight, a nationhard up is an alarming spectacle; and Aureataland was very hard up. I suppose somebody had some money. But the Government had none; inconsequence the Government employees had none, the officials hadnone, the President had none, and finally, I had none. The bank had alittle--of other people's, of course--but I was quite prepared fora "run" on us any day, and had cabled to the directors to implore aremittance in cash, for our notes were at a discount humiliating tocontemplate. Political strife ran high. I dropped into the House ofAssembly one afternoon toward the end of May, and, looking down fromthe gallery, saw the colonel in the full tide of wrathful declamation. He was demanding of miserable Don Antonio when the army was to bepaid. The latter sat cowering under his scorn, and would, I verilybelieve, have bolted out of the House had he not been nailed to hisseat by the cold eye of the President, who was looking on from hisbox. The minister on rising had nothing to urge but vague promises ofspeedy payment; but he utterly lacked the confident effrontery of hischief, and nobody was deceived by his weak protestations. I left theHouse in a considerable uproar, and strolled on to the house of afriend of mine, one Mme. Devarges, the widow of a French gentlemanwho had found his way to Whittingham from New Calendonia. Politenessdemanded the assumption that he had found his way to New Caledoniaowing to political troubles, but the usual cloud hung over the precisedate and circumstances of his patriotic sacrifice. Madame sometimesconsidered it necessary to bore herself and others with denunciationsof the various tyrants or would-be tyrants of France; but, apart fromthis pious offering on the shrine of her husband's reputation, shewas a bright and pleasant little woman. I found assembled round hertea-table a merry party, including Donna Antonia, unmindful of herfather's agonies, and one Johnny Carr, who deserves mention as beingthe only honest man in Aureataland. I speak, of course, of the placeas I found it. He was a young Englishman, what they call a "cadet, " ofa good family, shipped off with a couple of thousand pounds to makehis fortune. Land was cheap among us, and Johnny had bought an estateand settled down as a landowner. Recently he had blossomed forth as akeen Constitutionalist and a devoted admirer of the President's, andheld a seat in the assembly in that interest. Johnny was not a cleverman nor a wise one, but he was merry, and, as I have thought itnecessary to mention, honest. "Hallo, Johnny! Why not at the House?" said I to him. "You'll wantevery vote to-night. Be off and help the ministry, and take DonnaAntonia with you. They're eating up the Minister of Finance. " "All right! I'm going as soon as I've had another muffin, " saidJohnny. "But what's the row about?" "Well, they want their money, " I replied; "and Don Antonio won't giveit them. Hence bad feeling. " "Tell you what it is, " said Johnny; "he hasn't got a--" Here Donna Antonia struck in, rather suddenly, I thought. "Do stop the gentleman talking politics, Mme. Devarges. They'll spoilour tea-party. " "Your word is law, " I said; "but I should like to know what DonAntonio hasn't got. " "Now do be quiet, " she rejoined; "isn't it quite enough that he hasgot--a charming daughter?" "And a most valuable one, " I replied, with a bow, for I saw that forsome reason or other Donna Antonia did not mean to let me pump JohnnyCarr, and I wanted to pump him. "Don't say another word, Mr. Carr, " she said, with a laugh. "You knowyou don't know anything, do you?" "Good Lord, no!" said Johnny. Meanwhile Mme. Devarges was giving me a cup of tea. As she handed itto me, she said in a low voice: "If I were his friend I should take care Johnny didn't know anything, Mr. Martin. " "If I were his friend I should take care he told me what he knew, Mme. Devarges, " I replied. "Perhaps that's what the colonel thinks, " she said. "Johnny has justbeen telling us how very attentive he has become. And the signorinatoo, I hear. " "You don't mean that?" I exclaimed. "But, after all, pure kindness, nodoubt!" "You have received many attentions from those quarters, " she said. "Nodoubt you are a good judge of the motives. " "Don't, now don't be disagreeable, " said I. "I came here for peace. " "Poor young man! have you lost all your money? Is it possible thatyou, like Don Antonio, haven't got a--" "What is going to happen?" I asked, for Mme. Devarges often hadinformation. "I don't know, " she said. "But if I owned national bonds, I shouldsell. " "Pardon me, madame; you would offer to sell. " She laughed. "Ah! I see my advice comes too late. " I did not see any need to enlighten her farther. So I passed on toDonna Antonia, who had sat somewhat sulkily since her outburst. I satdown by her and said: "Surely I haven't offended you?" "You know you wouldn't care if you had, " she said, with a reproachfulbut not unkind glance. "Now, if it were the signorina--" I never object to bowing down in the temple of Rimmon, so I said: "Hang the signorina!" "If I thought you meant that, " said Donna Antonia, "I might be able tohelp you. " "Do I want help?" I asked. "Yes, " said she. "Then suppose I do mean it?" Donna Antonia refused to be frivolous. With a look of genuine distressshe said: "You will not let your real friends save you, Mr. Martin. You know youwant help. Why don't you consider the state of your affairs?" "In that, at least, my friends in Whittingham are very ready to helpme, " I answered, with some annoyance. "If you take it in that way, " she replied sadly, "I can do nothing. " I was rather touched. Clearly she wished to be of some use to me, andfor a moment I thought I might do better to tear myself free from mychains, and turn to the refuge opened to me. But I could not dothis; and, thinking it would be rather mean to take advantage ofher interest in me only to use it for my own purposes, I yielded toconscience and said: "Donna Antonia, I will be straightforward with you. You can only helpme if I accept your guidance? I can't do that. I am too deep in. " "Yes, you are deep in, and eager to be deeper, " she said. "Well, so beit. If that is so I cannot help you. " "Thank you for your kind attempt, " said I. "I shall very likely besorry some day that I repulse it. I shall always be glad to rememberthat you made it. " She looked at me a moment, and said: "We have ruined you among us. " "Mind, body, and estate?" She made no reply, and I saw my return to flippancy wounded her. So Irose and took my leave. Johnny Carr went with me. "Things look queer, eh, old man?" said he. "But the President willpull through in spite of the colonel and his signorina. " "Johnny, " said I, "you hurt my feelings; but, still, I will give you apiece of advice. " "Drive on, " said Johnny. "Marry Donna Antonia, " said I. "She's a good girl and a clever girl, and won't let you get drunk or robbed. " "By Jove, that's not a bad idea!" said he. "Why don't you do ityourself?" "Because I'm like you, Johnny--an ass, " I replied, and left himwondering why, if he was an ass and I was an ass, one ass should marryDonna Antonia, and not both or neither. As I went along I bought the _Gazette_, the government organ, and readtherein: "At a Cabinet Council this afternoon, presided over by his Excellency, we understand that the arrangements connected with the national debtformed the subject of discussion. The resolutions arrived at are atpresent strictly confidential, but we have the best authority forstating that the measures to be adopted will have the effect ofmaterially alleviating the present tension, and will afford unmixedsatisfaction to the immense majority of the citizens of Aureataland. The President will once again be hailed as the saviour of hiscountry. " "I wonder if the immense majority will include me, " said I. "I think Iwill go and see his Excellency. " Accordingly, the next morning I took my way to the Golden House, whereI learned that the President was at the Ministry of Finance. Arrivingthere, I sent in my card, writing thereon a humble request for aprivate interview. I was ushered into Don Antonio's room, where Ifound the minister himself, the President, and Johnny Carr. As Ientered and the servant, on a sign from his Excellency, placed a chairfor me, the latter said rather stiffly: "As I presume this is a business visit, Mr. Martin, it is more regularthat I should receive you in the presence of one of my constitutionaladvisers. Mr. Carr is acting as my secretary, and you can speak freelybefore him. " I was annoyed at failing in my attempt to see the President alone, butnot wishing to show it, I merely bowed and said: "I venture to intrude on your Excellency, in consequence of aletter from my directors. They inform me that, to use their words, 'disquieting rumors' are afloat on the exchanges in regard to theAureataland loan, and they direct me to submit to your Excellency theexpediency of giving some public notification relative to the paymentof the interest falling due next month. It appears from theircommunication that it is apprehended that some difficulty may occur inthe matter. " "Would not this application, if necessary at all, have been, moreproperly made to the Ministry of Finance in the first instance?" saidthe President. "These details hardly fall within my province. " "I can only follow my instructions, your Excellency, " I replied. "Have you any objection, Mr. Martin, " said the President, "to allowingmyself and my advisers to see this letter?" "I am empowered to submit it only to your Excellency's own eye. " "Oh, only to my eye, " said he, with an amused expression. "That waswhy the interview was to be private?" "Exactly, sir, " I replied. "I intend no disrespect to the Minister ofFinance or to your secretary, sir, but I am bound by my orders. " "You are an exemplary servant, Mr. Martin. But I don't think I needtrouble you about it further. Is it a cable?" He smiled so wickedly at this question that I saw he had penetrated mylittle fiction. However, I only said: "A letter, sir. " "Well, gentlemen, " said he to the others, "I think we may reassure Mr. Martin. Tell your directors this, Mr. Martin: The Government does notsee any need of a public notification, and none will be made. I thinkwe agree, gentlemen, that to acknowledge the necessity of any suchaction would be highly derogatory. But assure them that the Presidenthas stated to you, Mr. Martin, personally, with the concurrence ofhis advisers, that he anticipates no difficulties in your being in aposition to remit the full amount of interest to them on the properday. " "I may assure them, sir, that the interest will be punctually paid?" "Surely I expressed myself in a manner you could understand, " said he, with the slightest emphasis on the "you. " "Aureataland will meet herobligations. You will receive all your due, Mr. Martin. That is so, gentlemen?" Don Antonio acquiesced at once. Johnny Carr, I noticed, said nothing, and fidgeted rather uneasily in his chair. I knew what the Presidentmeant. He meant, "If we don't pay, pay it out of your reserve fund. "Alas, the reserve fund was considerably diminished; I had enough, andjust enough, left to pay the next installment if I paid none of myown debts. I felt very vicious as I saw his Excellency taking keenpleasure in the consciousness of my difficulties (for he had a shrewdnotion of how the land lay), but of course I could say nothing. So Irose and bowed myself out, feeling I had gained nothing, except a veryclear conviction that I should not see the color of the President'smoney on the next interest day. True, I could just pay myself. Butwhat would happen next time? And if he wouldn't pay, and I couldn'tpay, the game would be up. As to the original loan, it is true I hadno responsibility; but then, if no interest were paid, the fact thatI had applied the second loan, _my_ loan, in a different manner fromwhat I was authorized to do, and had represented myself to have done, would be inevitably discovered. And my acceptance of the bonus, mydealings with the reserve fund, my furnishing inaccurate returns ofinvestments, all this would, I knew, look rather queer to people whodidn't know the circumstances. When I went back to the bank, revolving these things in my mind, Ifound Jones employed in arranging the correspondence. It was part ofhis duty to see to the preservation and filing of all letters arrivingfrom Europe, and, strange to say, he delighted in the task. It waspart of my duty to see he did his; so I sat down and began to turnover the pile of letters and messages which he had put on my desk;they dated back two years; this surprised me, and I said: "Rather behindhand, aren't you. Jones?" "Yes, sir, rather. Fact is, I've done 'em before, but as you've neverinitialed 'em, I thought I ought to bring 'em to your notice. " "Quite right--very neglectful of me. I suppose they're all right?" "Yes, sir, all right. " "Then I won't trouble to go through them. " "They're all there, sir, except, of course, the cable about the secondloan, sir. " "Except what?" I said. "The cable about the second loan, " he repeated. I was glad to be reminded of this, for of course I wished to removethat document before the bundle finally took its place among thearchives. Indeed, I thought I had done so. But why had Jones removedit? Surely Jones was not as skeptical as that? "Ah, and where have you put that?" "Why, sir, his Excellency took that. " "What?" I cried. "Yes, sir. Didn't I mention it? Why, the day after you and thePresident were here that night, his Excellency came down in theafternoon, when you'd gone out to the Piazza, and said he wanted it. He said, sir, that you'd said it was to go to the Ministry of Finance. He was very affable, sir, and told me that it was necessary theoriginal should be submitted to the minister for his inspection; andas he was passing by (he'd come in to cash a check on his privateaccount) he'd take it up himself. Hasn't he given it back to you, sir?He said he would. " I had just strength enough to gasp out: "Slipped his memory, no doubt. All right, Jones. " "May I go now, sir?" said Jones. "Mrs. Jones wanted me to go with herto--" "Yes, go, " said I, and as he went out I added a destination different, no doubt, from what the good lady had proposed. For I saw it all now. That old villain (pardon my warmth) had stolen my forged cable, and, if need arose, meant to produce it as his own justification. I hadbeen done, done brown--and Jones' idiocy had made the task easy. Ihad no evidence but my word that the President knew the message wasfabricated. Up till now I had thought that if I stood convicted Ishould have the honor of his Excellency's support in the dock. Butnow! why now, I might prove myself a thief, but I couldn't prove himone. I had convinced Jones, not for my good, but for his. I had forgedpapers, not for my good, but for his. True, I had spent the moneymyself, but-- "Damn it all!" I cried in the bitterness of my spirit, "he won aboutthree-quarters of that. " And his Excellency's words came back to my memory, "I make the most ofmy opportunities. " CHAPTER VI. MOURONS POUR LA PATRIE! The next week was a busy one for me. I spent it in scraping togetherevery bit of cash I could lay my hands on. If I could get togetherenough to pay the interest on the three hundred thousand dollarssupposed to be invested in approved securities, --really disposed of ina manner only known to his Excellency, --I should have six months tolook about me. Now, remaining out of my "bonus" was _nil_, out of my"reserve fund" ten thousand dollars. This was enough. But alas! howhappened it that this sum was in my hands? Because I had borrowedfive thousand from the bank! If they wouldn't let their own manageroverdraw, whom would they? So I overdrew. But if this money wasn'tback before the monthly balancing, Jones would know! And I dared notrely on being able to stop his mouth again. When I said Johnny Carrwas the only honest man in Aureataland I forgot Jones. To my grief andannoyance Jones also was honest, and Jones would consider it his dutyto let the directors know of my overdraft. If once they knew, I waslost, for an overdraft effected privately from the safe by the manageris, I do not deny it, decidedly irregular. Unless I could add fivethousand dollars to my ten thousand before the end of the month Ishould have to bolt! This melancholy conclusion was reenforced and rendered demonstrable bya letter which arrived, to crown my woes, from my respected father, informing me that he had unhappily become indebted to our chairman inthe sum of two thousand pounds, the result of a deal between them, that he had seen the chairman, that the chairman was urgent forpayment, that he used most violent language against our family ingeneral, ending by declaring his intention of stopping my salary topay the parental debt. "If he doesn't like it he may go, and smallloss. " This was a most unjustifiable proceeding, but I was hardly in aposition to take up a high moral attitude toward the chairman, and inthe result I saw myself confronted with the certainty of beggary andthe probability of jail. But for this untoward reverse of fortune Imight have taken courage and made a clean breast of my misdoings, relying on the chairman's obligations to my father to pull me through. But now, where was I? I was, as Donna Antonia put it, very deep inindeed. So overwhelmed was I by my position, and so occupied with myfrantic efforts to improve it, that I did not even find time to go andsee the signorina, much as I needed comfort; and, as the days went on, I fell into such despair that I went nowhere, but sat dismally in myown rooms, looking at my portmanteau, and wondering how soon I mustpack and fly, if not for life, at least for liberty. At last the crash came. I was sitting in my office one morning, engaged in the difficult task of trying to make ten into fifteen, whenI heard the clatter of hoofs. A moment later the door was opened, and Jones ushered in ColonelMcGregor. I nodded to the colonel, who came in with his usualleisurely step, sat himself down, and took off his gloves. I rousedmyself to say: "What can I do for you, colonel?" He waited till the door closed behind Jones, and then said: "I've got to the bottom of it at last, Martin. " This was true of myself also, but the colonel meant it in a differentsense. "Bottom of what?" I asked, rather testily. "That old scamp's villainy, " said he, jerking his thumb toward thePiazza and the statue of the Liberator. "He's very 'cute, but he'smade a mistake at last. " "Do come to the point, colonel. What's it all about?" "Would you be surprised to hear, " said the colonel, adopting a famousmode of speech, "that the interest on the debt would not be paid onthe 31st?" "No, I shouldn't, " said I resignedly. "Would you be surprised to hear that no more interest would ever bepaid?" "The devil!" I cried, leaping up. "What do you mean, man?" "The President, " said he calmly, "will, on the 31st instant, _repudiate the national debt_!" I had nothing left to say. I fell back in my chair and gazed at thecolonel, who was now employed in lighting a cigarette. At the samemoment a sound of rapid wheels struck on my ears. Then I heard thesweet, clear voice I knew so well saying: "I'll just disturb him for a moment, Mr. Jones. I want him to tearhimself from work for a day, and come for a ride. " She opened my door, and came swiftly in. On seeing the colonel shetook in the position, and said to that gentleman: "Have you told him?" "I have just done so, signorina, " he replied. I had not energy enough to greet her; so she also sat down uninvited, and took off her gloves--not lazily, like the colonel, but with an airas though she would, if a man, take off her coat, to meet the crisismore energetically. At last I said, with conviction: "He's a wonderful man! How did you find it out, colonel?" "Had Johnny Carr to dine and made him drunk, " said that worthy. "You don't mean he trusted Johnny?" "Odd, isn't it?" said the colonel. "With his experience, too. He mighthave known Johnny was an ass. I suppose there was no one else. " "He knew, " said the signorina, "anyone else in the place would betrayhim; he knew Johnny wouldn't if he could help it. He underrated yourpowers, colonel. " "Well, " said I, "I can't help it, can I? My directors will lose. Thebondholders will lose. But how does it hurt me?" The colonel and the signorina both smiled gently. "You do it very well, Martin, " said the former, "but it will save timeif I state that both Signorina Nugent and myself are possessed ofthe details regarding the--" (The colonel paused, and stroked hismustache. ) "The second loan, " said the signorina. I was less surprised at this, recollecting certain conversations. "Ah! and how did you find that out?" I asked. "She told me, " said the colonel, indicating his fair neighbor. "And may I ask how you found it out, signorina?" "The President told me, " said that lady. "Did you make him drunk?" "No, not drunk, " was her reply, in a very demure voice, and withdowncast eyes. We could guess how it had been done, but neither of us cared to pursuethe subject. After a pause, I said: "Well, as you both know all about it, it's no good keeping uppretenses. It's very kind of you to come and warn me. " "You dear, good Mr. Martin, " said the signorina, "our motives are notpurely those of friendship. " "Why, how does it matter to you?" "Simply this, " said she: "the bank and its excellent manager own mostof the debt. The colonel and I own the rest. If it is repudiated, thebank loses; yes, but the manager, and the colonel, and the SignorinaNugent are lost!" "I didn't know this, " I said, rather bewildered. "Yes, " said the colonel, "when the first loan was raised I lent himone hundred thousand dollars. We were thick then, and I did it inreturn for my rank and my seat in the Chamber. Since then I've boughtup some more shares. " "You got them cheap, I suppose?" said I. "Yes, " he replied, "I averaged them at about seventy-five cents thefive-dollar share. " "And what do you hold now, nominally?" "Three hundred thousand dollars, " said he shortly. "I understand your interest in the matter. But you, signorina?" The signorina appeared a little embarrassed. But at last she brokeout: "I don't care if I do tell you. When I agreed to stay here, he [weknew whom she meant] gave me one hundred thousand dollars. And I hadfifty thousand, or thereabouts, of my own that I had--" "Saved out of your salary as a prima donna, " put in the colonel. "What does it matter?" said she, flushing; "I had it. Well, then, whatdid he do? He persuaded me to put it all--the whole one hundred andfifty thousand--into his horrid debt. Oh! wasn't it mean, Mr. Martin?" The President had certainly combined business and pleasure in thismatter. "Disgraceful!" I remarked. "And if that goes, I am penniless--penniless. And there's poor aunt. What will she do?" "Never mind your aunt, " said the colonel, rather rudely. "Well, " hewent on, "you see we're in the same boat with you, Martin. " "Yes; and we shall soon be in the same deep water, " said I. "Not at all!" said the colonel. "Not at all!" echoed the signorina. "Why, what on earth are you going to do?" "Financial probity is the backbone of a country, " said the colonel. "Are we to stand by and see Aureataland enter on the shameful path ofrepudiation?" "Never!" cried the signorina, leaping up with sparkling eyes. "Never!" She looked enchanting. But business is business; and I said again: "What are you going to do?" "We are going, with your help, Martin, to prevent this nationaldisgrace. We are going--" he lowered his voice, uselessly, for thesignorina struck in, in a high, merry tone, waving her gloves overhead and dancing a little _pas seul_ on the floor before me, withthese remarkable words: "Hurrah for the Revolution! Hip! hip! hurrah!" She looked like a Goddess of Freedom in her high spirits and a Parisbonnet. I lost my mental balance. Leaping up, I grasped her round thewaist, and we twirled madly about the office, the signorina breakingforth into the "Marseillaise. " "For God's sake, be quiet!" said McGregor, in a hoarse whisper, makinga clutch at me as I sped past him. "If they hear you! Stop, I tellyou, Christina!" The signorina stopped. "Do you mean me, Colonel McGregor?" she asked. "Yes, " he said, "and that fool Martin, too. " "Even in times of revolution, colonel, " said I, "nothing is lost bypoliteness. But in substance you are right. Let us be sober. " We sat down again, panting, the signorina between her gasps stillfaintly humming the psalm of liberty. "Kindly unfold your plan, colonel, " I resumed. "I am aware that outhere you think little of revolutions, but to a newcomer they appear tobe matters requiring some management. You see we are only three. " "I have the army with me, " said he grandly. "In the outer office?" asked I, indulging in a sneer at the dimensionsof the Aureataland forces. "Look here, Martin, " he said, scowling, "if you're coming in with us, keep your jokes to yourself. " "Don't quarrel, gentlemen, " said the signorina. "It's waste of time. Tell him the plan, colonel, while I'm getting cool. " I saw the wisdom of this advice, so I said: "Your pardon, colonel. But won't this repudiation be popular with thearmy? If he lets the debt slide, he can pay them. " "Exactly, " said he. "Hence we must get at them before that aspectof the case strikes them. They are literally starving, and for tendollars a man they would make Satan himself President. Have you gotany money, Martin?" "Yes, " said I, "a little. " "How much?" "Ten thousand, " I replied; "I was keeping it for the interest. " "Ah! you won't want it now. " "Indeed I shall--for the second loan, you know. " "Look here, Martin; give me that ten thousand for the troops. Stand inwith us, and the day I become President I'll give you back your threehundred thousand. Just look where you stand now. I don't want to berude, but isn't it a case of--" "Some emergency, " said I thoughtfully. "Yes, it is. But where do yousuppose you're going to get three hundred thousand dollars, to saynothing of your own shares?" He drew his chair closer to mine, and, leaning forward, said: "He's never spent the money. He's got it somewhere; much the greaterpart, at least. " "Did Carr tell you that?" "He didn't know for certain; but he told me enough to make it almostcertain. Besides, " he added, glancing at the signorina, "we have otherreasons for suspecting it. Give me the ten thousand. You shall haveyour loan back, and, if you like, you shall be Minister of Finance. Wepractically know the money's there; don't we, signorina?" She nodded assent. "If we fail?" said I. He drew a neat little revolver from his pocket, placed it for a momentagainst his ear, and repocketed it. "Most lucidly explained, colonel, " said I. "Will you give me half anhour to think it over?" "Yes, " he said. "You'll excuse me if I stay in the outer office. Ofcourse I trust you, Martin, but in this sort of thing--" "All right, I see, " said I. "And you, signorina?" "I'll wait too, " she said. They both rose and went out, and I heard them in conversation withJones. I sat still, thinking hard. But scarcely a moment had passed, when I heard the door behind me open. It was the signorina. She camein, stood behind my chair, and, leaning over, put her arms round myneck. I looked up, and saw her face full of mischief. "What about the rose, Jack?" she asked. I remembered. Bewildered with delight, and believing I had won her, Isaid: "Your soldier till death, signorina. " "Bother death!" said she saucily. "Nobody's going to die. We shallwin, and then--" "And then, " said I eagerly, "you'll marry me, sweet?" She quietly stooped down and kissed my lips. Then, stroking my hair, she said: "You're a nice boy, but you're not a good boy, Jack. " "Christina, you won't marry him?" "Him?" "McGregor, " said I. "Jack, " said she, whispering now, "I hate him!" "So do I, " I answered promptly. "And if it's to win you, I'll upset adozen Presidents. " "Then you'll do it for me? I like to think you'll do it for me, andnot for the money. " As the signorina was undoubtedly "doing it" for her money, this was ashade unreasonable. "I don't mind the money coming in--" I began. "Mercenary wretch!" she cried. "I didn't kiss you, did I?" "No, " I replied. "You said you would in a minute, when I consented. " "Very neat, Jack, " she said. But she went and opened the door andcalled to McGregor, "Mr. Martin sees no objection to the arrangement, and he will come to dinner to-night, as you suggest, and talk over thedetails. We're all going to make our fortunes, Mr. Jones, " she wenton, without waiting for any acceptance of her implied invitation, "andwhen we've made ours, we'll think about you and Mrs. Jones. " I heard Jones making some noise, incoherently suggestive ofgratification, for he was as bad as any of us about the signorina, andthen I was left to my reflections. These were less somber than thereader would, perhaps, anticipate. True, I was putting my head into anoose; and if the President's hands ever found their way to the end ofthe rope, I fancied he would pull it pretty tight. But, again, I wasimmensely in love, and equally in debt; and the scheme seemed to openthe best chance of satisfying my love, and the only chance of fillingmy pocket. To a young man life without love isn't worth much; to a manof any age, in my opinion, life without money isn't worth much; itbecomes worth still less when he is held to account for money he oughtto have. So I cheerfully entered upon my biggest gamble, holding thestake of life well risked. My pleasure in the affair was only marredby the enforced partnership of McGregor. There was no help for this, but I knew he wasn't much fonder of me than I of him, and I foundmyself gently meditating on the friction likely to arise betweenthe new President and his minister of finance, in case our planssucceeded. Still the signorina hated him, and by all signs she lovedme. So I lay back in my chair, and recalled my charmer's presence bywhistling the hymn of liberty until it was time to go to lunch, anobservance not to be omitted even by conspirators. CHAPTER VII. THE MINE IS LAID. The morning meeting had been devoted to principles and to theawakening of enthusiasm; in the evening the conspirators condescendedupon details, and we held a prolonged and anxious conference at thesignorina's. Mrs. Carrington was commanded to have a headache afterdinner, and retired with it to bed; and from ten till one we sat andconspired. The result of our deliberations was a very pretty plan, ofwhich the main outlines were as follows: This was Tuesday. On Friday night the colonel, with twenty determinedruffians (or resolute patriots) previously bound to him, body andsoul, by a donation of no less than fifty dollars a man, was tosurprise the Golden House, seize the person of the President andall cash and securities on the premises; no killing, if it could beavoided, but on the other hand no shilly-shally. McGregor wanted toput the President out of the way at once, as a precautionary measure, but I strongly opposed this proposal, and, finding the signorina wasabsolutely inflexible on the same side, he yielded. I had a strongdesire to be present at this midnight surprise, but another dutycalled for my presence. There was a gala supper at the barracksthat evening, to commemorate some incident or other in the nationalhistory, and I was to be present and to reply to the toast of "TheCommerce of Aureataland. " My task was, _at all hazards_, to keep thisparty going till the colonel's job was done, when he would appear atthe soldiers' quarters, bribe in hand, and demand their allegiance. Our knowledge of the character of the troops made us regard the resultas a certainty, if once the President was a prisoner and the dollarsbefore their eyes. The colonel and the troops were to surround theofficers' messroom, and offer them life and largesse, or death anddestruction. Here again we anticipated their choice with composure. The army was then to be paraded in the Piazza, the town overawed orconverted, and, behold, the Revolution was accomplished! The successof this design entirely depended on its existence remaining a deadsecret from the one man we feared, and on that one man being foundalone and unguarded at twelve o'clock on Friday night. If hediscovered the plot, we were lost. If he took it into his head toattend the supper, our difficulties would be greatly increased. Atthis point we turned to the signorina, and I said briefly: "This appears to be where you come in, signorina. Permit me toinvite you to dine with his Excellency on Friday evening, at eightprecisely. " "You mean, " she said slowly, "that I am to keep him at home, and, butfor myself, alone, on Friday?" "Yes, " said I. "Is there any difficulty?" "I do not think there is great difficulty, " she said, "but I don'tlike it; it looks so treacherous. " Of course it did. I didn't like her doing it myself, but how else wasthe President to be secured? "Rather late to think of that, isn't it?" asked McGregor, with asneer. "A revolution won't run on high moral wheels. " "Think how he jockeyed you about the money, " said I, assuming the partof the tempter. "By the way, " said McGregor, "it's understood the signorina entersinto possession of the President's country villa, isn't it?" Now, my poor signorina had a longing for that choice little retreat;and between resentment for her lost money and a desire for thepretty house on the one hand, and, on the other, her dislike ofthe Delilah-like part she was to play, she was sore beset. Left toherself, I believe she would have yielded to her better feelings, and spoiled the plot. As it was, the colonel and I, alarmed at thisrecrudescence of conscience, managed to stifle its promptings, andbent her to our wicked will. "After all, he deserves it, " she said, "and I'll do it!" It is always sad to see anybody suffering from a loss of self-respect, so I tried to restore the signorina's confidence in her own motives, by references to Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite, Charlotte Corday, and such other relentless heroines as occurred to me. McGregor lookedupon this striving after self-justification with undisguised contempt. "It's only making a fool of him again, " he said; "you've done itbefore, you know!" "I'll do it, if you'll swear not to--to hurt him, " she said. "I've promised already, " he replied sullenly. "I won't touch him, unless he brings it on himself. If he tries to kill me, I suppose Ineedn't bare my breast to the blow?" "No, no, " I interposed; "I have a regard for his Excellency, butwe must not let our feelings betray us into weakness. He must betaken--alive and well, if possible--but in the last resort, dead oralive. " "Come, that's more like sense, " said the colonel approvingly. The signorina sighed, but opposed us no longer. Returning to ways and means, we arranged for communication in case ofneed during the next three days without the necessity of meeting. Myposition, as the center of financial business in Whittingham, madethis easy; the passage of bank messengers to and fro would excitelittle remark, and the messages could easily be so expressed as toreveal nothing to an uninstructed eye. It was further agreed that onthe smallest hint of danger reaching any one of us, the word shouldat once be passed to the others, and we should _rendezvous_ at thecolonel's "ranch, " which lay some seven miles from the town. Thence, in this lamentable case, escape would be more possible. "And now, " said the colonel, "if Martin will hand over the dollars, Ithink that's about all. " I had brought the ten thousand dollars with me. I produced them andput them on the table, keeping a loving hand on them. "You fully understand my position, colonel?" I said. "This thing is nouse to me unless I receive at least three hundred and twenty thousanddollars, to pay back principal, to meet interest, and to replaceanother small debt to the bank. If I do that, I shall be left with anet profit of five thousand dollars, not an extravagant reward. IfI don't get that sum I shall be a defaulter, revolution or norevolution. " "I can't make money if it's not there, " he said, but without his usualbrusqueness of tone. "But to this we agree: You are to have first turnat anything we find, up to the sum you name. It's to be handed oversolid to you. The signorina and I take the leavings. You don't claimto share them too, do you?" "No, " I said, "I'm content to be a preference shareholder. If themoney's found at the Golden House, it's mine. If not, the newGovernment, whatever it may do as to the rest of the debt, will pay methat sum. " With that I pushed my money over to the colonel. "I expect the new Government to be very considerate to the bondholdersall round, " said the colonel, as he pocketed it with a chuckle. "Anyhow, your terms are agreed; eh, signorina?" "Agreed!" said she. "And I'm to have the country seat?" "Agreed!" said I. "And the colonel's to be President and to have theGolden House and all that therein is. " "Agreed! agreed! agreed!" chanted the signorina; "and that's quiteenough business, and it's very late for me to be entertaininggentlemen. One toast, and then good-night. Success to the Revolution!To be drunk in blood-red wine!" As there was no red wine, except claret, and that lies cold on thestomach at three in the morning, we drank it in French brandy. I hadrisen to go, when a sudden thought struck me: "By Jupiter! where's Johnny Carr? I say, colonel, how drunk was helast night? Do you think he remembers telling you about it?" "Yes, " said the colonel, "I expect he does by now. He didn't when Ileft him this morning. " "Will he confess to the President? If he does, it might make the oldman keep an unpleasantly sharp eye on you. He knows you don't lovehim. " "Well, he hasn't seen the President yet. He was to stay at my houseover to-day. He was uncommon seedy this morning, and I persuaded thedoctor to give him a composing draught. Fact is, I wanted him quiettill I'd had time to think! You know I don't believe he would ownup--the President would drop on him so; but he might, and it's betterthey shouldn't meet. " "There's somebody else he oughtn't to meet, " said the signorina. "Who's that?" I asked. "Donna Antonia, " she replied. "He's getting very fond of her, anddepend upon it, if he's in trouble he'll go and tell her the firstthing. Mr. Carr is very confidential to his friends. " We recognized the value of this suggestion. If Donna Antonia knew, thePresident would soon know. "Quite right, " said the colonel. "It won't do to have them rushingabout letting out that we know all about it. He's all right up tonow. " "Yes, but if he gets restive to-morrow morning?" said I. "And then youdon't want him at the Golden House on Friday evening, and I don't wanthim at the barracks. " "No, he'd show fight, Carr would, " said the colonel. "Look here, we'rein for this thing, and I'm going through with it. I shall keep Carr atmy house till it's all over. " "How?" asked the signorina. "By love, if possible!" said the colonel, with a grin--"that is, by drink. Failing that, by force. It's essential that the old manshouldn't get wind of anything being up; and if Carr told him aboutlast night he'd prick up his wicked old ears. No, Master Johnny isbetter quiet. " "Suppose he turns nasty, " I suggested again. "He may turn as nasty as he likes, " said the colonel. "He don't leavemy house unless he puts a bullet into me first. That's settled. Leaveit to me. If he behaves nicely, he'll be all right. If not--" "What shall you do to him?" asked the signorina. I foresaw another outburst of conscience, and though I liked Johnny, Iliked myself better. So I said: "Oh, leave it to the colonel; he'll manage all right. " "Now I'm off, " said the latter, "back to my friend Johnny. Good-night, signorina. Write to the President to-morrow. Good-night, Martin. Makethat speech of yours pretty long. _Au revoir_ till next Friday. " I prepared to go, for the colonel lingered till I came with him. Eventhen we so distrusted one another that neither would leave the otheralone with the signorina. We parted at the door, he going off up the road to get his horse andride to his "ranch, " I turning down toward the Piazza. We left the signorina at the door, looking pale and weary, and foronce bereft of her high spirits. Poor girl! She found conspiracyrather trying work. I was a little troubled myself. I began to see more clearly that itdoesn't do for a man of scruples to dabble in politics. I had a greatregard for poor Johnny, and I felt no confidence in the coloneltreating him with any consideration. In fact, I would not have insuredJohnny's life for the next week at any conceivable premium. Again Ithought it unlikely that, if we succeeded, the President would survivehis downfall. I had to repeat to myself all the story of his treacheryto me, lashing myself into a fury against him, before I could bringmyself to think with resignation of the imminent extinction ofthat shining light. What a loss he would be to the world! So manydelightful stories, so great a gift of manner, so immense a personalcharm--all to disappear into the pit! And for what? To put into hisplace a ruffian without redeeming qualities. Was it worth while toput down Lucifer only to enthrone Beelzebub? I could only check thisdoleful strain of reflection by sternly recalling myself to the realquestion--the state of the fortunes of me, John Martin. And to me therevolution was necessary. I might get the money; at least I shouldgain time. And I might satisfy my love. I was animated by thehonorable motive of saving my employers from loss and by theoverwhelming motive of my own passion. If the continued existenceof Johnny and the President was incompatible with these legitimateobjects, so much the worse for Johnny and the President. CHAPTER VIII. JOHNNY CARR IS WILLFUL. The next three days were on the whole the most uncomfortable I haveever spent in my life. I got little sleep and no rest; I went aboutwith a revolver handy all day, and jumped every time I heard a sound. I expended much change in buying every edition of all the papers; Ilistened with dread to the distant cries of news-venders, fearing, asthe words gradually became distinguishable, to hear that our secretwas a secret no longer. I was bound to show myself, and yet shrankfrom all gatherings of men. I transacted my business with an absentmind and a face of such superhuman innocence that, had anyone beenwatching me, he must at once have suspected something wrong. I wasincapable of adding up a row of figures, and Jones became mostsolicitous about the state of my brain. In a word, my nerves werequite shattered, and I registered a vow never to upset a Governmentagain as long I lived. In future, the established constitution wouldhave to be good enough for me. I invoked impartial curses on thePresident, the colonel, the directors, and myself! and I verilybelieve that only the thought of the signorina prevented me making amoonlight flitting across the frontier with a whole skin at least, ifwith an empty pocket, and leaving the rival patriots of Aureataland tofight it out among themselves. Happily, however, nothing occurred to justify my fears. The other sideseemed to be sunk in dull security. The President went often to theMinistry of Finance, and was closeted for hours with Don Antonio; Isuppose they were perfecting their nefarious scheme. There wereno signs of excitement or activity at the barracks; the afternoongatherings on the Piazza were occupied with nothing more serious thanthe prospects of lawn tennis and the grievous dearth of dances. Theofficial announcements relative to the debt had had a quieting effect;and all classes seemed inclined to wait and see what the President'snew plan was. So passed Wednesday and Thursday. On neither day had I heard anythingfrom my fellow-conspirators; our arrangements for writing had so farproved unnecessary--or unsuccessful. The latter possibility sent ashiver down my back, and my lively fancy pictured his Excellency'ssmile as he perused the treasonable documents. If I heard nothingon the morning of Friday, I was determined at all risks to see thecolonel. With the dawn of that eventful day, however, I was relievedof this necessity. I was lying in bed about half-past nine (for Inever add to the woes of life by early rising) when my servant broughtin three letters. "Sent on from the bank, sir, " he said, "with Mr. Jones' compliments, and are you going there this morning?" "My compliments to Mr. Jones, and he may expect me in five minutes, " Ireplied. The letters were all marked "Immediate"; one from the signorina, onefrom the colonel, one from the barracks. I opened the last first andread as follows: "The officers of the Aureataland Army have the honor to remind Mr. John Martin that they hope to have the pleasure of his company atsupper this evening at ten o'clock precisely. In the unavoidableabsence of his Excellency, the President, owing to the pressing caresof state, and of the Hon. Colonel McGregor from indisposition, thetoast of the Army of Aureataland will be proposed by Major AlphonseDeChair. "P. S. --Cher Martin, speak long this night. The two great men do notcome, and the evening wants to be filled out. _Tout à vous_, "ALPHONSE DECHAIR. " "It shall be long, my dear boy, and we will fill out your evening foryou, " said I to myself, well pleased so far. Then I opened the signorina's epistle. "DEAR MR. MARTIN [it began]: Will you be so kind as to send me in the course of the day _twenty dollars in small change_? I want to give the school children a scramble. I inclose check. I am so sorry you could not dine with me to-night, but after all I am glad, because I should have had to put you off, for I am commanded rather sudden to dine at the Golden House. With kind regards, believe me, yours sincerely, "CHRISTINA NUGENT. " "Very good, " said I. "I reckon the scramble will keep. And now for thecolonel. " The colonel's letter ran thus: "DEAR MARTIN: I inclose check for five hundred dollars. My man will call for the cash to-morrow morning. I give you notice because I want it all in silver for wages. [Rather a poverty of invention among us, I thought. ] Carr and I are here together, both seedy. Poor Carr is on his back and likely to remain there for a day or two--bad attack of champagne. I'm better, and though I've cut the affair at barracks to-night, I fully expect to be up and about this afternoon. "Ever yours, "GEO. MCGREGOR. " "Oh! so Carr is on his back and likely to remain there, is he? Verylikely, I expect; but I wonder what it means. I hope the colonelhasn't been very drastic. However, everything seems right; in fact, better than I hoped. " In this more cheerful frame of mind I arose, breakfasted at leisure, and set out for the bank about eleven. Of course, the first person I met in the street was one of the last Iwanted to meet, namely, Donna Antonia. She was on horseback, and herhorse looked as if he'd done some work. At the sight of me she reinedup, and I could not avoid stopping as I lifted my hat. "Whence so early?" I asked. "Early?" she said. "I don't call this early. I've been for a longride; in fact, I've ridden over to Mr. Carr's place, with a messagefrom papa; but he's not there. Do you know where he is, Mr. Martin?" "Haven't an idea, " said I. "He hasn't been home for four nights, " she continued, "and he hasn'tbeen to the Ministry either. It's very odd that he should disappearlike this, just when all the business is going on, too. " "What business, Donna Antonia?" I asked blandly. She colored, recollecting, no doubt that the business was still asecret. "Oh, well! you know they're always busy at the Ministry of Finance atthis time. It's the time they pay everybody, isn't it?" "It's the time they ought to pay everybody, " I said. "Well, " she went on, without noticing my correction, "at any rate, papa and the President are both very much vexed with him; so I offeredto make my ride in his direction. " "Where can he be?" I asked again. "Well, " she replied, "I believe he's at Colonel McGregor's, and afterlunch I shall go over there. I know he dined there on Monday, and Idare say he stayed on. " "No, " thought I, "you mustn't do that, it might be inconvenient. " So Isaid: "I know he's not there; I heard from McGregor this morning, and hesays Carr left him on Tuesday. Why, how stupid I am! The colonel saysCarr told him he was going off for a couple of days' sail in hisyacht. I expect he's got contrary winds, and can't get back again. " "It's very bad of him to go, " she said, "but no doubt that's it. Papawill be angry, but he'll be glad to know no harm has come to him. " "Happy to have relieved your mind, " said I, and bade her farewell, thanking my stars for a lucky inspiration, and wondering whether DonAntonio would find no harm had come to poor Johnny. I had my doubts. I regretted having to tell Donna Antonia what I did not believe tobe true, but these things are incidental to revolutions--a point ofresemblance between them and commercial life. When I arrived at the bank I dispatched brief answers to my budget ofletters; each of the answers was to the same purport, namely, that Ishould be at the barracks at the appointed time. I need not troublethe reader with the various wrappings in which this essential pieceof intelligence was involved. I then had a desperate encounter withJones; business was slack, and Jones was fired with the unholy desireof seizing the opportunity thus offered to make an exhaustive inquiryinto the state of our reserve. He could not understand my suddenpunctiliousness as to times and seasons, and I was afraid I shouldhave to tell him plainly that only over my lifeless body should hesucceed in investing the contents of the safe. At last I effecteda diversion by persuading him to give Mrs. Jones a jaunt into thecountry, and, thus left in peace, I spent my afternoon in making finalpreparations. I burned many letters; I wrote a touching farewell tomy father, in which, under the guise of offering forgiveness, I tookoccasion to point out to him how greatly his imprudent conduct hadcontributed to increase the difficulties of his dutiful son. I wasonly restrained from making a will by the obvious imprudence ofgetting it witnessed. I spent a feverish hour in firing imaginaryshots from my revolver, to ascertain whether the instrument was inworking order. Finally I shut up the bank at five, went to the Piazza, partook of a light repast, and smoked cigars with mad speed till itwas time to dress for the supper; and never was I more rejoiced thanwhen the moment for action at last came. As I was dressing, lingeringover each garment with a feeling that I might never put it on, or, for that matter, take it off again, I received a second note fromthe colonel. It was brought by a messenger, on a sweating horse, whogaloped up to my door. I knew the messenger well by sight; he was thecolonel's valet. My heart was in my mouth as I took the envelope fromhis hands (for I ran down myself). The fellow was evidently in oursecret, for he grinned nervously at me as he handed it over, and said: "I was to ride fast, and destroy the letter if anyone came near. " I nodded, and opened it. It said: "C. Escaped about six this evening. Believed to have gone to his house. He _suspects_. If you see him, shoot on sight. " I turned to the man. "Had Mr. Carr a horse?" I asked. "No, sir; left on foot. " "But there are horses at his house. " "No, sir, the colonel has borrowed them all. " "Why do you think he's gone there?" "Couldn't come along the road to Whittingham, sir, it's patrolled. " There was still a chance. It was ten miles across the country from thecolonel's to Johnny's and six miles on from Johnny's to Whittingham. The man divined my thoughts. "He can't go fast, sir, he's wounded in the leg. If he goes homefirst, as he will, because he doesn't know his horses are gone, hecan't get here before eleven at the earliest. " "How was he wounded?" I asked. "Tell me what the colonel did to him, and be short. " "Yes, sir. The colonel told us Mr. Carr was to be kept at the ranchover night; wasn't to leave it alive, sir, he said. Well, up toyesterday it was all right and pleasant. Mr. Carr wasn't very well, and the doses the colonel gave him didn't seem to make him anybetter--quite the contrary. But yesterday afternoon he got rampageous, would go, anyhow, ill or well! So he got up and dressed. We'd takenall his weapons from him, sir, and when he came down dressed, andasked for his horse, we told him he couldn't go. Well, he just said, 'Get out of the light, I tell you, ' and began walking toward the halldoor. I don't mind saying we were rather put about, sir. We didn'tcare to shoot him as he stood, and it's my belief we'd have let himpass; but just as he was going out, in comes the colonel. 'Hallo!what's this, Johnny?' says he. 'You've got some damned scheme on, 'said Mr. Carr. 'I believe you've been drugging me. Out of the way, McGregor, or I'll brain you. ' 'Where are you going?' says the colonel. 'To Whittingham, to the President's, ' said he. 'Not to-day, ' says thecolonel. 'Come, be reasonable, Johnny. You'll be all right to-morrow. ''Colonel McGregor, ' says he, 'I'm unarmed, and you've got a revolver. You can shoot me if you like, but unless you do, I'm going out. You'vebeen playing some dodge on me, and, by God! you shall pay for it. 'With that he rushed straight at the colonel. The colonel, he steppedon one side and let him pass. Then he went after him to the door, waited till he was about fifteen yards off, then up with his revolver, as cool as you like, and shot him as clean as a sixpence in the rightleg. Down came Mr. Carr; he lay there a minute or two cursing, andthen he fainted. 'Pick him up, dress his wound, and put him to bed, 'says the colonel. Well, sir, it was only a flesh wound, so we soon gothim comfortable, and there he lay all night. " "How did he get away to-day?" "We were all out, sir--went over to Mr. Carr's place to borrow hishorses. The colonel took a message, sir. [Here the fellow grinnedagain. ] I don't know what it was. Well, when we'd got the horses, werode round outside the town, and came into the road between here andthe colonel's. Ten horses we got, and we went there to give the tenmen who were patrolling the road the fresh horses. We heard from themthat no one had come along. When we got home, he'd been gone twohours!" "How did he manage it?" "A woman, sir, " said my warrior, with supreme disgust. "Gave her akiss and ten dollars to undo the front door, and then he was off! Hedaren't go to the stables to get a horse, so he was forced to limpaway on his game leg. A plucky one he is, too, " he concluded. "Poor old Johnny!" said I. "You didn't go after him?" "No time, sir. Couldn't tire the horses. Besides, when he'd once gothome, he's got a dozen men there, and they'd have kept us all night. Well, sir, I must be off. Any answer for the colonel? He'll be outsidethe Golden House by eleven, sir, and Mr. Carr won't get in if he comesafter that. " "Tell him to rely on me, " I answered. But for all that I didn't meanto shoot Johnny on sight. So, much perturbed in spirit, I set off tothe barracks, wondering when Johnny would get to Whittingham, andwhether he would fall into the colonel's hands outside the GoldenHouse. It struck me as unpleasantly probable that he might comeand spoil the harmony of my evening; if he came there first, theconspiracy would probably lose my aid at an early moment! What wouldhappen to me I didn't know. But, as I took off my coat in the lobby, I bent down as if to tie a shoestring, and had one more look at myrevolver. CHAPTER IX. A SUPPER PARTY. I shall never forget that supper as long as I live. Considered merelyas a social gathering it would be memorable enough, for I never beforeor since sat at meat with ten such queer customers as my hosts ofthat evening. The officers of the Aureataland Army were a very mixedlot--two or three Spanish-Americans, three or four Brazilians, and thebalance Americans of the type their countrymen are least proud of. Ifthere was an honest man among them he sedulously concealed his titleto distinction; I know there wasn't a sober one. The amount of liquorconsumed was portentous; and I gloated with an unholy joy as I saw manafter man rapidly making himself what diplomatists call a _quantiténegligéable_. The conversation needed all the excuse the occasioncould afford, and the wit would have appeared unduly coarse in acommon pot-house. All this might have passed from my memory, or blended in a subdued harmony with my general impression ofAureataland; but the peculiar position in which I stood gave to mymind an unusual activity of perception. Among this band of careless, drunken revelers I sat vigilant, restless, and impatient; feigningto take a leading part in their dissolute hilarity, I was sober, collected, and alert to my very finger-tips. I anxiously watched theirbearing and expression. I led them on to speak of the President, rejoicing when I elicited open murmurs and covert threats at his baseingratitude to the men on whose support his power rested. They had notbeen paid for six months, and were ripe for any mischief. I was morethan once tempted to forestall the colonel and begin the revolutionon my own account; only my inability to produce before their eyes anyarguments of the sort they would listen to restrained me. Eleven o'clock had come and gone. The senior captain had proposed thePresident's health. It was drunk in sullen silence; I was the only manwho honored it by rising from his seat. The major had proposed the army, and they had drunk deep to theirnoble selves. A young man of weak expression and quavering legs hadproposed "The commerce of Aureataland, " coupled with the name of Mr. John Martin, in laudatory but incoherent terms, and I was on my legsreplying. Oh, that speech of mine! For discursiveness, for repetition, for sheer inanity, I suppose it has never been equaled. I dronedsteadily away, interrupted only by cries for fresh supplies of wine;as I went on the audience paid less and less attention. It was pasttwelve. The well of my eloquence was running drier and drier, and yetno sound outside! I wondered how long they would stand it and how longI could stand it. At 12. 15 I began my peroration. Hardly had I doneso, when one of the young men started in a gentle voice an utterlyindescribable ditty. One by one they took it up, till the rising tideof voices drowned my fervent periods. Perforce I stopped. They wereall on their feet now. Did they mean to break up? In despair at theidea I lifted up my voice, loud and distinct (the only distinctvoice left in the room), in the most shameful verse of that shamefulcomposition, and seizing my neighbor's hand began to move slowly roundthe table. The move was successful. Each man followed suit, and thewhole party, kicking back their chairs, revolved with lurching stepsround the _débris_ of empty bottles and cigar ashes. The room was thick with smoke, and redolent of fumes of wine. Mechanically I led the chorus, straining every nerve to hear a soundfrom outside. I was growing dizzy with the movement, and, overwroughtwith the strain on my nerves. I knew a few minutes more would be thelimit of endurance, when at last I heard a loud shout and tumult ofvoices. "What's that?" exclaimed the major, in thick tones, pausing as hespoke. I dropped his hand, and, seizing my revolver, said: "Some drunken row in barracks, major. Let 'em alone. " "I must go, " he said. "Character--Aureataland--army--at stake. " "Set a thief to catch a thief, eh, major?" said I. "What do you mean, sir?" he stuttered. "Let me go. " "If you move, I shoot, major, " said I, bringing out my weapon. I never saw greater astonishment on human countenance. He sworeloudly, and then cried: "Hi, stop him--he's mad--he's going to shoot!" A shout of laughter rose from the crew around us, for they feltexquisite appreciation of my supposed joke. "Right you are, Martin!" cried one. "Keep him quiet. We won't go hometill morning. " The major turned to the window. It was a moonlight night, and as Ilooked with him I saw the courtyard full of soldiers. Who was incommand? The answer to that meant much to me. This sight somewhat sobered the major. "A mutiny!" he cried. "The soldiers have risen!" "Go to bed, " said the junior ensign. "Look out of window!" he cried. They all staggered to the window. As the soldiers saw them, theyraised a shout. I could not distinguish whether it was a greeting or athreat. They took it as the latter, and turned to the door. "Stop!" I cried; "I shoot the first man who opens the door. " In wonder they turned on me. I stood facing them, revolver in hand. They waited huddled together for an instant, then made a rush at me;I fired, but missed. I had a vision of a poised decanter; a secondlater, the missile caught me in the chest and hurled me back againstthe wall. As I fell I dropped my weapon, and they were upon me. Ithought it was all over; but as they surged round, in the madness ofdrink and anger, I, looking through their ranks, saw the door open anda crowd of men rush in. Who was at their head? Thank God! it was thecolonel, and his voice rose high above the tumult: "Order, gentlemen, order!" Then to his men he added: "Each mark your man, and two of you bring Mr. Martin here. " I was saved. To explain how, I must tell you what had been happeningat the Golden House, and how the night attack had fared. CHAPTER X. TWO SURPRISES. It is a sad necessity that compels us to pry into the weaknesses ofour fellow-creatures, and seek to turn them to our own profit. I amnot philosopher enough to say whether this course of conduct derivesany justification from its universality, but in the region ofpractice, I have never hesitated to place myself on a moral level withthose with whom I had to deal. I may occasionally even have left theother party to make this needful adjustment, and I have never knownhim fail to do so. I felt, therefore, very little scruple in makinguse of the one weak spot discoverable in the defenses of ourredoubtable opponent, his Excellency the President of Aureataland. Nodoubt the reader's eye has before now detected the joint in that greatman's armor at which we directed our missile. As a lover, I grudgedthe employment of the signorina in this service; as a politician, Iwas proud of the device; as a human being, I recognized, what we arevery ready to recognize, that it did not become me to refuse to workwith such instruments as appeared to be put into my hands. But whatever may be the verdict of moralists on our device, eventsproved its wisdom. The President had no cause to suspect a trap;therefore, like a sensible man, he chose to spend the evening with thesignorina rather than with his gallant officers. With equally goodtaste, he elected to spend it _tête-à-tête_ with her, when she gavehim the opportunity. In our subsequent conversations, the signorinawas not communicative as to how the early hours of the evening passed. She preferred to begin her narrative from the point when theirsolitude was interrupted. As I rely on her account and that of thecolonel for this part of my story, I am compelled to make my startfrom the same moment. It appears that at a few minutes past eleveno'clock, when the President was peacefully smoking a cigar andlistening to the conversation of his fair guest (whom he hadgalvanized into an affected liveliness by alarming remarks on herapparent preoccupation), there fell upon his ear the sound of a loudknocking at the door. Dinner had been served in a small room at theback of the house, and the President could not command a view of theknocker without going out on to the veranda, which ran all round thehouse, and walking round to the front. When the knock was heard, thesignorina started up. "Don't disturb yourself, pray, " said his Excellency, politely. "I gavespecial instructions that I was visible to no one this evening. But Iwas wondering whether it could be Johnny Carr. I want to speak to himfor a moment, and I'll just go round outside and see if it is. " As he spoke, a discreet tap was heard at the door. "Yes?" said the President. "Mr. Carr is at the door and particularly wants to see yourExcellency. An urgent matter, he says. " "Tell him I'll come round and speak to him from the veranda, " repliedthe President. He turned to the window, and threw it open to step out. Let me tell what followed in the signorina's words. "Just then we heard a sound of a number of horses galloping up. ThePresident stopped and said: "'Hallo! what's up?' "Then there was a shout and a volley of shots, and I heard thecolonel's voice cry: "'Down with your arms; down, I say, or you're dead men. ' "The President stepped quickly across the room to his escritoire, took up his revolver, went back to the window, passed through it, andwithout a word disappeared. I could not hear even the sound of hisfoot on the veranda. "I heard one more shot--then a rush of men to the door, and thecolonel burst in, with sword and revolver in his hands, and followedby ten or a dozen men. "I ran to him, terrified, and cried: "'Oh, is anyone hurt?' "He took no notice, but asked hastily: "'Where is he?' "I pointed to the veranda, and gasped: "'He went out there. ' Then I turned to one of the men and said again: "'Is anyone hurt?' "'Only Mr. Carr, ' he replied. 'The rest of 'em were a precious sighttoo careful of themselves. ' "'And is he killed?' "'Don't think he's dead, miss, ' he said; 'but he's hurt badly. " "As I turned again, I saw the President standing quite calmly in thewindow. When the colonel saw him he raised his revolver and said: "'Do you yield, General Whittingham? We are twelve to one. ' "As he spoke, every man covered the President with his aim. The latterstood facing the twelve revolvers, his own weapon hanging loosely inhis left hand. Then, smiling, he said a little bitterly: "'Heroics are not in my line, McGregor. I suppose this is a popularrising--that is to say, you have bribed my men, murdered my bestfriend, and beguiled me with the lures of that--' "I could not bear the words that hung on his lips, and with a sob Ifell on a sofa and hid my face. "'Well, we mustn't use hard names, ' he went on, in a gentler tone. 'Weare all as God made us. I give in, ' and, throwing down his weapon, heasked, 'Have you quite killed Carr?' "'I don't know, ' said the colonel, implying plainly that he did notcare either. "'I suppose it was you that shot him?' "The colonel nodded. "The President yawned, and looked at his watch. "'As I have no part in to-night's performance, ' said he, 'I presume Iam at liberty to go to bed?' "The colonel said shortly: "'Where's the bedroom?' "'In there, ' said the President, waving his hand to a door facing thatby which the colonel had entered. "'Permit me, ' said the latter. He went in, no doubt to see if therewere any other egress. Returning shortly he said: "'My men must stay here, and you must leave the door open. ' "'I have no objection, ' said the President. 'No doubt they willrespect my modesty. ' "'Two of you stay in this room. Two of you keep watch in the veranda, one at this window, the other at the bedroom window. I shall put threemore sentries outside. General Whittingham is not to leave this room. If you hear or see anything going on in there, go in and put him underrestraint. Otherwise treat him with respect. ' "'I thank you for your civility, ' said the President, 'also for thecompliment implied in these precautions. Is it over this matter of thedebt that your patriotism has drawn you into revolt?' "'I see no use in discussing public affairs at this moment, ' thecolonel replied. 'And my presence is required elsewhere. I regret thatI cannot relieve you of the presence of these men, but I do not feel Ishould be justified in accepting your _parole_. ' "The President did not seem to be angered at this insult. "'I have not offered it, ' he said simply. 'It is better you shouldtake your own measures. Need I detain you, colonel?' "The colonel did not answer him, but turned to me and said: "'Signorina Nugent, we wait only for you, and time is precious. ' "'I will follow you in a moment, ' I said, with my head still among thecushions. "'No, come now, ' he commanded. "Looking up, I saw a smile on the President's face. As I rosereluctantly, he also got up from the chair into which he had flunghimself, and stopped me with a gesture. I was terribly afraid that hewas going to say something hard to me, but his voice only expressed asort of amused pity. "'The money, was it, signorina?' he said. 'Young people and beautifulpeople should not be mercenary. Poor child! you had better have stoodby me. ' "I answered him nothing, but went out with the colonel, leaving himseated again in his chair, surveying with some apparent amusement thetwo threatening sentries who stood at the door. The colonel hurried meout of the house, saying: "'We must ride to the barracks. If the news gets there before us, theymay cut up rough. You go home. Your work is done. ' "So they mounted and rode away, leaving me in the road. There were nosigns of any struggle, except the door hanging loose on its hinges, and a drop or two of blood on the steps where they had shot poorJohnny Carr. I went straight home, and what happened in the next fewhours at the Golden House I don't know, and, knowing how I left thePresident, I cannot explain. I went home, and cried till I thought myheart would break. " Thus far the signorina. I must beg to call special attention to theclosing lines of her narrative. But before I relate the very startlingoccurrence to which she refers, we must return to the barracks, where, it will be remembered, matters were in a rather critical condition. When the officers saw their messroom suddenly filled with armed men, and heard the alarming order issued by the colonel, their attentionwas effectually diverted from me. They crowded together on one side ofthe table, facing the colonel and his men on the other. Assisted bythe two men sent to my aid, I seized the opportunity to push my waythrough them and range myself by the side of my leader. After amoment's pause the colonel began: "The last thing we should desire, gentlemen, " he said, "is to resortto force. But the time for explanation is short. The people ofAureataland have at last risen against the tyranny they have so longendured. General Whittingham has proved a traitor to the cause offreedom; he won his position in the name of liberty; he has used itto destroy liberty. The voice of the people has declared him to haveforfeited his high office. The people have placed in my hand the swordof vengeance. Armed with this mighty sanction, I have appealed tothe army. The army has proved true to its traditions--true to itscharacter of the protector, not the oppressor, of the people. Gentlemen, will you who lead the army take your proper place?" There was no reply to this moving appeal. He advanced closer to them, and went on: "There is no middle way. You are patriots or traitors--friends ofliberty or friends of tyranny. I stand here to offer you either atraitor's death, or, if you will, life, honor, and the satisfactionof all your just claims. Do you mistrust the people? I, as theirrepresentative, here offer you every just due the people owesyou--debts which had long been paid but for the greed of that greattraitor. " As he said this he took from his men some bags of money, and threwthem on the table with a loud chink. Major DeChair glanced at thebags, and glanced at his comrades, and said: "In the cause of liberty God forbid we should be behind. Down with thetyrant!" And all the pack yelped in chorus! "Then, gentlemen, to the head of your men, " said the colonel, andgoing to the window, he cried to the throng: "Men, your noble officers are with us. " A cheer answered him. I wiped my forehead, and said to myself, "That'swell over. " I will not weary the reader with our further proceedings. Suffice itto say we marshaled our host and marched down to the Piazza. The newshad spread by now, and in the dimly breaking morning light we saw theSquare full of people--men, women, and children. As we marched inthere was a cheer, not very hearty--a cheer propitiatory, for they didnot know what we meant to do. The colonel made them a brief speech, promising peace, security, liberty, plenty, and all the goods ofheaven. In a few stern words he cautioned them against "treachery, "and announced that any rebellion against the Provisional Governmentwould meet with swift punishment. Then he posted his army incompanies, to keep watch till all was quiet. And at last he said: "Now, Martin, come back to the Golden House, and let's put that fellowin a safe place. " "Yes, " said I; "and have a look for the money. " For really, in theexcitement, it seemed as if there was a danger of the most importantthing of all being forgotten. The dawn was now far advanced, and as we left the Piazza, we could seethe Golden House at the other end of the avenue. All looked quiet, andthe sentries were gently pacing to and fro. Drawing nearer, we sawtwo or three of the President's servants busied about their ordinarytasks. One woman was already deleting Johnny Carr's life-blood witha mop and a pail of water; and a carpenter was at work repairing thefront-door. Standing by it was the doctor's brougham. "Come to see Carr, I suppose, " said I. Leaving our horses to the care of the men who were with us we enteredthe house. Just inside we met the doctor himself. He was a shrewdlittle fellow, named Anderson, generally popular and, though apersonal friend of the President's, not openly identified with eitherpolitical party. "I have a request to make to you, sir, " he said to McGregor, "aboutMr. Carr. " "Well, is he dead?" said the colonel. "If he is, he's got only himselfto thank for it. " The doctor wisely declined to discuss this question, and confinedhimself to stating that Johnny was not dead. On the contrary, he wasgoing on nicely. "But, " he went on, "quiet is essential, and I want to take him to myhouse, out of the racket. No doubt it is pretty quiet here now, but--" The colonel interrupted: "Will he give his _parole_ not to escape?" "My dear sir, " said the doctor, "the man couldn't move to save hislife--and he's asleep now. " "You must wake him up to move him, I suppose, " said the colonel. "But you may take him. Let me know when he's well enough to see me. Meanwhile I hold you responsible for his good behavior. " "Certainly, " said the doctor. "I am content to be responsible for Mr. Carr. " "All right; take him and get out. Now for Whittingham!" "Hadn't we better get the money first?" said I. "Damn the money!" he replied. "But I tell you what--I must have a bitof food. I've tasted nothing for twelve hours. " One of the servants hearing him, said: "Breakfast can be served in a moment, sir. " And he ushered us into thelarge dining room, where we soon had an excellent meal. When we had got through most of it, I broke the silence by asking: "What are you going to do with him?" "I should like to shoot him, " said the colonel. "On what charge?" "Treachery, " he replied. I smiled. "That would hardly do, would it?" "Well, then, embezzlement of public funds. " We had a little talk about the President's destiny, and I tried topersuade the colonel to milder measures. In fact, I was determined toprevent such a murder if I could without ruin to myself. "Well, we'll consider it when we've seen him, " said the colonel, rising and lighting a cigarette. "By Jove! we've wasted an hourbreakfasting--it's seven o'clock. " I followed him along the passage, and we entered the little room wherewe had left the President. The sentries were still there, each seatedin an armchair. They were not asleep, but looked a little drowsy. "All right?" said the colonel. "Yes, Excellency, " said one of them. "He is in there in bed. " He went into the inner room and began to undo the shutters, letting inthe early sun. We passed through the half-opened door and saw a peaceful figure lyingin the bed, whence proceeded a gentle snore. "Good nerve, hasn't he?" said the colonel. "Yes; but what a queer night-cap!" I said, for the President's headwas swathed in white linen. The colonel strode quickly up to the bed. "Done, by hell!" he cried. "It's Johnny Carr!" It was true; there lay Johnny. His Excellency was nowhere to be seen. The colonel shook Johnny roughly by the arm. The latter opened hiseyes and said sleepily: "Steady there. Kindly remember I'm a trifle fragile. " "What's this infernal plot? Where's Whittingham?" "Ah, it's McGregor, " said Johnny, with a bland smile, "and Martin. Howare you, old fellow? Some beast's hit me on the head. " "Where's Whittingham?" reiterated the colonel, savagely shakingJohnny's arm. "Gently!" said I; "after all, he's a sick man. " The colonel dropped the arm with a muttered oath, and Johnny said, sweetly: "Quits, isn't it, colonel?" The colonel turned from him, and said to his men sternly: "Have you had any hand in this?" They protested vehemently that they were as astonished as we were; andso they were, unless they acted consummately. They denied that anyonehad entered the outer room or that any sound had proceeded from theinner. They swore they had kept vigilant watch, and must have seen anintruder. Both the men inside were the colonel's personal servants, and he believed their honesty; but what of their vigilance? Carr heard him sternly questioning them, on which he said: "Those chaps aren't to blame, colonel. I didn't come in that way. If you'll take a look behind the bed, you'll see another door. Theybrought me in there. I was rather queer and only half knew what wasup. " We looked and saw a door where he said. Pushing the bed aside, weopened it, and found ourselves on the back staircase of the premises. Clearly the President had noiselessly opened this door and got out. But how had Carr got in without noise? The sentry came up, and said: "Every five minutes, sir, I looked and saw him on the bed. He lay forthe first hour in his clothes. The next look, he was undressed. Itstruck me he'd been pretty quick and quiet about it, but I thought nomore. " "Depend upon it, the dressed man was the President, the undressed manCarr! When was that?" "About half-past two, sir; just after the doctor came. " "The doctor!" we cried. "Yes, sir; Dr. Anderson. " "You never told me he had been here. " "He never went into the President's--into General Whittingham's room, sir; but he came in here for five minutes, to get some brandy, andstood talking with us for a time. Half an hour after he came in forsome more. " We began to see how it was done. That wretched little doctor was inthe plot. Somehow or other he had communicated with the President;probably he knew of the door. Then, I fancied, they must have workedsomething in this way. The doctor comes in to distract the sentries, while his Excellency moves the bed. Finding that they took a lookevery five minutes, he told the President. Then he went and got JohnnyCarr ready. Returning, he takes the President's place on the bed, andin that character undergoes an inspection. The moment this is over, heleaps up and goes out. Between them they bring in Carr, put him intobed, and slip out through the narrow space of open door behind thebedstead. When all was done, the doctor had come back to see if anysuspicion had been aroused. "I have it now!" cried the colonel. "That infernal doctor's done usboth. He couldn't get Whittingham out of the house without leave, sohe's taken him as Carr! Swindled me into giving my leave. Ah, lookout, if we meet, Mr. Doctor!" We rushed out of the house and found this conjecture was true. The manwho purported to be Carr had been carried out, enveloped in blankets, just as we sat down to breakfast; the doctor had put him into thecarriage, followed himself, and driven rapidly away. "Which way did they go?" "Toward the harbor, sir, " the sentry replied. The harbor could be reached in twenty minutes' fast driving. Without aword the colonel sprang on his horse; I imitated him, and we gallopedas hard as we could, everyone making way before our furious charge. Alas! we were too late. As we drew rein on the quay we saw, half amile out to sea and sailing before a stiff breeze, Johnny Carr'slittle yacht, with the Aureataland flag floating defiantly at hermasthead. We gazed at it blankly, with never a word to say, and turned ourhorses' heads. Our attention was attracted by a small group of menstanding round the storm-signal post. As we rode up, they hastilyscattered, and we saw pinned to the post a sheet of note-paper. Thereupon was written in a well-known hand: "I, Marcus W. Whittingham, President of the Republic of Aureataland, hereby offer a REWARD of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS and a FREE PARDON to any person or persons assisting in the CAPTURE, ALIVE or DEAD, of GEORGE MCGREGOR (late Colonel in the Aureataland Army) and JOHN MARTIN, Bank Manager, and I do further proclaim the said George McGregor and John Martin to be traitors and rebels against the Republic, and do pronounce their lives forfeited. Which sentence let every loyal citizen observe at his peril. "MARCUS W. WHITTINGHAM, "President. " Truly, this was pleasant! CHAPTER XI. DIVIDING THE SPOILS. The habit of reading having penetrated, as we are told, to all classesof the community, I am not without hope that some who peruse thischronicle will be able, from personal experience, to understandthe feelings of a man when he first finds a reward offered for hisapprehension. It is true that our police are not in the habit ofimitating the President's naked brutality by expressly adding "Aliveor Dead, " but I am informed that the law, in case of need, leavesthe alternative open to the servants of justice. I am not ashamedto confess that my spirits were rather dashed by his Excellency'sParthian shot, and I could see that the colonel himself was no lessperturbed. The escape of _Fleance_ seemed to _Macbeth_ to render hiswhole position unsafe, and no one who knew General Whittingham willdoubt that he was a more dangerous opponent than _Fleance_. We bothfelt, in fact, as soon as we saw the white sail of _The Songstress_bearing our enemy out of our reach, that the revolution could not yetbe regarded as safely accomplished. But the uncertainty of our tenureof power did not paralyze our energies; on the contrary, we determinedto make hay while the sun shone, and, if Aureataland was doomed tosuccumb once more to tyranny, I, for one, was very clear that hertemporary emancipation might be turned to good account. Accordingly, on arriving again at the Golden House, we lost no time ininstituting a thorough inquiry into the state of the public finances. We ransacked the house from top to bottom and found nothing! Was itpossible that the President had carried off with him all the treasurethat had inspired our patriotic efforts? The thought was too horrible. The drawers of his escritoire and the safe that stood in his libraryrevealed nothing to our eager eyes. A foraging party, dispatched tothe Ministry of Finance (where, by the way, they did not find DonAntonio or his fair daughter), returned with the discouraging newsthat nothing was visible but ledgers and bills (not negotiablesecurities--the other sort). In deep dejection I threw myself into hisExcellency's chair and lit one of his praiseworthy cigars with thedoleful reflection that this pleasure seemed all I was likely to getout of the business. The colonel stood moodily with his back to thefireplace, looking at me as if I were responsible for the state ofthings. At this point in came the signorina. We greeted her gloomily, and shewas as startled as ourselves at the news of the President's escape;at the same time I thought I detected an undercurrent of relief, notunnatural if we recollect her personal relations with the deposedruler. When, however, we went on to break to her the nakedness of theland, she stopped us at once. "Oh, you stupid men! you haven't looked in the right place. I supposeyou expected to find it laid out for you on the dining-room table. Come with me. " We followed her into the room where Carr lay. He was awake, and thesignorina went and asked him how he was. Then she continued: "We shall have to disturb you for a few minutes, Mr. Carr. You don'tmind, do you?" "Must I get out of bed?" asked Johnny. "Certainly not while I'm here, " said the signorina. "You've only gotto shut your eyes and lie still; but we're going to make a littlenoise. " There was in the room, as perhaps might be expected, a washing-stand. This article was of the description one often sees; above the level ofthe stand itself there rose a wooden screen to the height of two feetand a half, covered with pretty tiles, the presumable object being toprotect the wall paper. I never saw a more innocent-looking bitof furniture; it might have stood in a lady's dressing-room. Thesignorina went up to it and _slid_ it gently on one side; it moved ina groove! Then she pressed a spot in the wall behind and a small pieceof it rolled aside, disclosing a keyhole. "He's taken the key, of course, " she said. "We must break it open. Who's got a hammer?" Tools were procured, and, working under the signorina's directions, after a good deal of trouble, we laid bare a neat little safe embeddedin the wall. This safe was legibly inscribed on the outside "Burglar'sPuzzle. " We however, were not afraid of making a noise, and it onlypuzzled us for ten minutes. When opened it revealed a Golconda! There lay in securities and cashno less than five hundred thousand dollars! We smiled at one another. "A sad revelation!" I remarked. "Hoary old fox!" said the colonel. No wonder the harbor works were unremunerative in their early stages. The President must have kept them at a very early stage. "What are you people up to?" cried Carr. "Rank burglary, my dear boy, " I replied, and we retreated with ourspoil. "Now, " said I to the colonel, "what are you going to do?" "Why, what do you think, Mr. Martin?" interposed the signorina. "He'sgoing to give you your money, and divide the rest with his sincerefriend Christina Nugent. " "Well, I suppose so, " said the colonel. "But it strikes me you'remaking a good thing of this, Martin. " "My dear colonel, " said I, "a bargain is a bargain; and where wouldyou have been without my money?" The colonel made no reply, but handed me the money, which I liked muchbetter. I took the three hundred and twenty thousand dollars and said: "Now, I can face the world, an honest man. " The signorina laughed. "_I_ am glad, " she said, "chiefly for poor old Jones' sake. It'll takea load off his mind. " The colonel proceeded to divide the remainder into two little heaps, of which he pushed one over to the signorina. She took it gayly, andsaid: "Now I shall make curl papers of half my bonds, and I shall rely onthe--what do you call it?--the Provisional Government to pay the rest. You remember about the house?" "I'll see about that soon, " said the colonel impatiently. "You twoseem to think there's nothing to do but take the money. You forgetwe've got to make our position safe. " "Exactly. The colonel's government must be carried on, " said I. The signorina did not catch the allusion. She yawned, and said: "Oh, then, I shall go. Rely on my loyalty, your Excellency. " She made him a courtesy and went to the door. As I opened it forher she whispered, "Horrid old bear! Come and see me, Jack, " and sovanished, carrying off her dollars. I returned and sat down opposite the colonel. "I wonder how she knew about the washing-stand, " I remarked. "Because Whittingham was fool enough to tell her, I suppose, " said thecolonel testily, as if he disliked the subject. Then we settled to business. This unambitious tale does not profess tobe a complete history of Aureataland, and I will spare my readers therecital of our discussion. We decided at last that matters were stillso critical, owing to the President's escape, that the ordinary formsof law and constitutional government must be temporarily suspended. The Chamber was not in session, which made this course easier. Thecolonel was to be proclaimed President and to assume supreme powerunder martial law for some weeks, while we looked about us. It wasthought better that my name should not appear officially, but I agreedto take in hand, under his supervision, all matters relating tofinance. "We can't pay the interest on the real debt, " he said. "No, " I replied; "you must issue a notice, setting forth that, owingto General Whittingham's malversations, payments must be temporarilysuspended. Promise it will be all right later on. " "Very good, " said he; "and now I shall go and look up those officers. I must keep them in good temper, and the men too. I shall give 'emanother ten thousand. " "Generous hero!" said I, "and I shall go and restore this cash to myemployers. " It was twelve o'clock when I left the Golden House and strolledquietly down to Liberty Street. The larger part of the soldiers hadbeen drawn off, but a couple of companies still kept guard in the_Piazza_. The usual occupations of life were going on amid a confusedstir of excitement, and I saw by the interest my appearance arousedthat some part at least of my share in the night's doing had leakedout. The _Gazette_ had published a special edition, in which it hailedthe advent of freedom, and, while lauding McGregor to the skies, bestowed a warm commendation on the "noble Englishman who, with anative love of liberty, had taken on himself the burden of Aureatalandin her hour of travail. " The metaphor struck me as inappropriate, butthe sentiment was most healthy; and when I finally beheld two officersof police sitting on the head of a drunken man for toasting the fallen_régime_, I could say to myself, as I turned into the bank, "Orderreigns in Warsaw. " General assent had proclaimed a suspension of commerce on thisauspicious day, and I found Jones sitting idle and ill at ease. Iexplained to him the state of affairs, showing how the President'sdishonorable scheme had compelled me, in the interests of the bank, totake a more or less active part in the revolution. It was pathetic tohear him bewail the villainy of the man he had trusted, and when Iproduced the money he blessed me fervently, and at once proposedwriting to the directors a full account of the matter. "They are bound to vote you an honorarium, sir, " he said. "I don't know, Jones, " I replied. "I am afraid there is a certainprejudice against me at headquarters. But in any case I have resolvedto forego the personal advantage that might accrue to me from myconduct. President McGregor has made a strong representation to methat the schemes of General Whittingham, if publicly known, would, however unjustly, prejudice the credit of Aureataland, and he appealedto me not to give particulars to the world. In matters such as these, Jones, we cannot be guided solely by selfish considerations. " "God forbid, sir!" said Jones, much moved. "I have, therefore, consented to restrict myself to a confidentialcommunication to the directors; they must judge how far they will passit on to the shareholders. To the world at large I shall say nothingof the second loan; and I know you will oblige me by treating thismoney as the product of realizations in the ordinary course ofbusiness. The recent disturbances will quite account for so large asum being called in. " "I don't quite see how I can arrange that. " "Ah, you are overdone, " said I. "Leave it all to me, Jones. " And this I persuaded him to do. In fact, he was so relieved at seeingthe money back that he was easy to deal with; and if he suspectedanything, he was overawed by my present exalted position. He appearedto forget what I could not, that the President, no doubt, stillpossessed that fatal cable! After lunch I remembered my engagement with the signorina, and, putting on my hat, was bidding farewell to business, when Jones said: "There's a note just come for you, sir. A little boy brought it whileyou were out at lunch. " He gave it me--a little dirty envelope, with an illiterate scrawl. Iopened it carelessly, but as my eye fell on the President's hand, Istarted in amazement. The note was dated "Saturday--From on board _TheSongstress_, " and ran as follows: "Dear Mr. Martin: I must confess to having underrated your courage and abilities. If you care to put them at my disposal now, I will accept them. In the other event, I must refer you to my public announcement. In any case it may be useful to you to know that McGregor designs to marry Signorina Nugent. I fear that on my return it will be hardly consistent with my public duties to spare your life (unless you accept my present offer), but I shall always look back to your acquaintance with pleasure. I have, if you will allow me to say so, seldom met a young man with such natural gifts for finance and politics. I shall anchor five miles out from Whittingham to-night (for I know you have no ships), and if you join me, well and good. If not, I shall consider your decision irrevocable. "Believe me, dear Mr. Martin, faithfully yours, "MARCUS W. WHITTINGHAM, "President of the Republic of Aureataland. " It is a pleasant thing, as has been remarked, _laudari a laudatoviro_, and the President's praise was grateful to me. But I did notsee my way to fall in with his views. He said nothing about the money, but I knew well that its return would be a condition of any alliancebetween us. Again, I was sure that he also "designed to marry thesignorina, " and, if I must have a rival on the spot, I preferredMcGregor in that capacity. Lastly, I thought that, after all, there isa decency in things, and I had better stick to my party. I did not, however, tell McGregor about the letter, merely sending him a line tosay I had heard that _The Songstress_ was hovering a few miles off, and he had better look out. This done, I resumed my interrupted progress to the signorina's. WhenI was shown in, she greeted me kindly. "I have had a letter from the President, " I said. "Yes, " said she, "he told me he had written to you. " "Why, have you heard from him?" "Yes, just a little note. He is rather cross with me. " "I can quite understand that. Would you like to see my letter?" "Oh, yes, " she replied carelessly. She read it through and asked: "Well, are you going over to him--going to forsake me?" "How can you ask me? Won't you show me your letter, Christina?" "No, John, " she answered, mimicking my impassioned tones. "I may stealthe President's savings, but I respect his confidence. " "You see what he says to me about McGregor. " "Yes, " said the signorina. "It is not, you know, news to me. But, curious to relate, the colonel has just been here himself and toldme the same thing. The colonel has not a nice way of making love, Jack--not so nice as yours nearly. " Thus encouraged, I went and sat down by her. I believe I took herhand. "You don't love him?" "Not at all, " she replied. I must beg to be excused recording the exact terms in which I placedmy hand and heart at the signorina's disposal. I was extremelyvehement and highly absurd, but she did not appear to be displeased. "I like you very much, Jack, " she said, "and it's very sweet of you tohave made a revolution for me. It was for me, Jack?" "Of course it was, my darling, " I promptly replied. "But you know, Jack, I don't see how we're much better off. Indeed, ina way it's worse. The President wouldn't let anybody else marry me, but he wasn't so peremptory as the colonel. The colonel declares hewill marry me this day week!" "We'll see about that, " said I savagely. "Another revolution, Jack?" asked the signorina. "You needn't laugh at me, " I said sulkily. "Poor boy! What are we idyllic lovers to do?" "I don't believe you're a bit in earnest. " "Yes, I am, Jack--now. " Then she went on, with a sort of playful pity, "Look at my savage, jealous, broken-hearted Jack. " I caught her in my arms and kissed her, whispering hotly: "You will be true to me, sweet?" "Let me go, " she said. Then, leaning over me as I flung myself back ina chair, "It's pleasant while it lasts; try not to be broken-heartedif it doesn't last. " "If you love me, why don't you come with me out of this sink ofiniquity?" "Run away with you?" she asked, with open amazement. "Do you thinkthat we're the sort of people, for a romantic elopement? I am veryearthy. And so are you, Jack, dear--nice earth, but earth, Jack. " There was a good deal of truth in this remark. We were not an idealpair for love in a cottage. "Yes, " I said. "I've got no money. " "I've got a little money, but not much. I've been paying debts, " sheadded proudly. "I haven't been even doing that. And I'm not quite equal to purloiningthat three hundred thousand dollars. " "We must wait, Jack. But this I will promise. I'll never marry thecolonel. If it comes to that or running away, we'll run away. " "And Whittingham?" The signorina for once looked grave. "You know him, " she said. "Think what he made you do! and you're not aweak man, or I shouldn't be fond of you. Jack, you must keep him awayfrom me. " She was quite agitated; and it was one more tribute to the President'spowers that he should exert so strange an influence over such anature. I was burning to ask her more about herself and the President, but I could not while she was distressed. And when I had comfortedher, she resolutely declined to return to the subject. "No, go away now, " she said. "Think how we are to checkmate our twoPresidents. And, Jack! whatever happens, I got you back the money. I've done you some good. So be kind to me. I'm not very much afraid ofyour heart breaking. In fact, Jack, we are neither of us good youngpeople. No, no; be quiet and go away. You have plenty of useful thingsto occupy your time. " At last I accepted my dismissal and walked off, my happinessconsiderably damped by the awkward predicament in which we stood. Clearly McGregor meant business; and at this moment McGregor wasall-powerful. If he kept the reins, I should lose my love. If thePresident came back, a worse fate still threatened. Supposing it werepossible to carry off the signorina, which I doubted very much, wherewere we to go to! And would she come? On the whole, I did not think she would come. CHAPTER XII. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. In spite of my many anxieties, after this eventful day I enjoyed thefirst decent night's rest I had had for a week. The colonel refused, with an unnecessary ostentation of scorn, my patriotic offer to keepwatch and ward over the city, and I turned in, tired out, at eleveno'clock, after a light dinner and a meditative pipe. I felt I hadsome reasons for self-congratulation; for considerable as my presentdifficulties were, yet I undoubtedly stood in a more hopeful positionthan I had before the revolution. I was now resolved to get my moneysafe out of the country, and I had hopes of being too much forMcGregor in the other matter which shared my thoughts. The return of day, however, brought new troubles. I was roused atan early hour by a visit from the colonel himself. He brought verydisquieting tidings. In the course of the night every one of ourproclamations had been torn down or defaced with ribald scribblings;posted over or alongside them, there now hung multitudinous enlargedcopies of the President's offensive notice. How or by whom theseseditious measures had been effected we were at a loss to tell, forthe officers and troops were loud in declaring their vigilance. In thevery center of the Piazza, on the base of the President's statue, wasposted an enormous bill: "REMEMBER 1871! DEATH TO TRAITORS!" "How could they do that unless the soldiers were in it?" asked thecolonel gloomily. "I have sent those two companies back to barracksand had another lot out. But how do I know they'll be any better? Imet DeChair just now and asked him what the temper of the troops was. The little brute grinned, and said, 'Ah, mon Président, it would bebetter if the good soldiers had a leetle more money. '" "That's about it, " said I; "but then you haven't got much more money. " "What I've got I mean to stick to, " said the colonel. "If this thingis going to burst up, I'm not going to be kicked out to starve. I tellyou what it is, Martin, you must let me have some of that cash backagain. " The effrontery of this request amazed me. I was just drawing on thesecond leg of my trousers (for it was impossible to be comfortable inbed with that great creature fuming about), and I stopped with one legin mid-air and gazed at him. "Well, what's the matter? Why are you to dance out with all theplunder?" he asked. The man's want of ordinary morality was too revolting. Didn't he knowvery well that the money wasn't mine? Didn't he himself obtain my helpon the express terms that I should have this money to repay the bankwith? I finished putting on my garments, and then I replied: "Not a farthing, colonel; not a damned farthing! By our agreementthat cash was to be mine; but for that I wouldn't have touched yourrevolution with a pair of tongs. " He looked very savage, and muttered something under his breath. "You're carrying things with a high hand, " he said. "I'm not going to steal to please you, " said I. "You weren't always so scrupulous, " he sneered. I took no notice of this insult, but repeated my determination. "Look here, Martin, " he said, "I'll give you twenty-four hours tothink it over; and let me advise you to change your mind by then. Idon't want to quarrel, but I'm going to have some of that money. " Clearly he had learned statecraft in his predecessor's school!"Twenty-four hours is something, " thought I, and determined to try thecunning of the serpent. "All right, colonel, " I said, "I'll think it over. I don't pretend tolike it; but, after all, I'm in with you and we must pull together. We'll see how things look to-morrow morning. " "There's another matter I wanted to speak to you about, " he went on. I was now dressed, so I invited him into the breakfast-room, gave hima cup of coffee (which, to my credit, I didn't poison), and began onmy own eggs and toast. "Fire away, " said I briefly. "I suppose you know I'm going to be married?" he remarked. "No, I hadn't heard, " I replied, feigning to be entirely occupied witha very nimble egg. "Rather a busy time for marrying, isn't it? Who isshe?" He gave a heavy laugh. "You needn't pretend to be so very innocent; I expect you could give apretty good guess. " "Mme. Devarges?" I asked blandly. "Suitable match; about your age--" "I wish to the devil you wouldn't try to be funny!" he exclaimed. "Youknow as well as I do it's the signorina. " "Really?" I replied. "Well, well! I fancied you were a little touchedin that quarter. And she has consented to make you happy?" I was curious to see what he would say. I knew he was a bad liar, and, as a fact, I believe he told the truth on this occasion, for heanswered: "Says she never cared a straw for anyone else. " Oh, signorina! "Not even Whittingham?" I asked maliciously. "Hates the old ruffian!" said the colonel. "I once thought she had aliking for you, Martin, but she laughed at the idea. I'm glad of it, for we should have fallen out. " I smiled in a somewhat sickly way, and took refuge in my cup. When Iemerged, I asked: "And when is it to be?" "Next Saturday. " "So soon?" "Yes, " he said. "Fact is, between you and me, Martin, she's readyenough. " This was too disgusting. But whether the colonel was deceiving me, orthe signorina had deceived him, I didn't know--a little bit of both, probably. I saw, however, what the colonel's game was plainly enough;he was, in his clumsy way, warning me off his preserves, for, ofcourse, he knew my pretensions, and probably that they had met withsome success, and I don't think I imposed on him very much. But I wasanxious to avoid a rupture and gain time. "I must call and congratulate the lady, " I said. The colonel couldn't very well object to that, but he didn't like it. "Well, Christina told me she was very busy, but I dare say she'll seeyou for a few minutes. " "I dare say she will, " I said dryly. "I must be off now. I shall have to be about all day, trying to catchthose infernal fellows who destroyed the bills. " "You won't be doing any business to-day, then?" "What, about settling the Government?" he asked, grinning. "Not justyet. Wait till I've got the signorina and the money, and then we'llsee about that. You think about the money, my boy!" Much to my relief he then departed, and as he went out I swore thatneither signorina nor money should he ever have. In the course of thenext twenty-four hours I must find a way to prevent him. "Rather early for a call, " said I, "but I must see the signorina. " On my way up I met several people, and heard some interesting facts. In the first place, no trace had appeared of Don Antonio and hisdaughter; rumor declared that they had embarked on _The Songstress_with the President and his faithful doctor. Secondly, Johnny Carr wasstill in bed at the Golden House (this from Mme. Devarges, who hadbeen to see him); but his men had disappeared, after solemnly takingthe oath to the new Government. Item three: The colonel had beenreceived with silence and black looks by the troops, and two officershad vanished into space, both Americans, and the only men of any goodin a fight. Things were looking rather blue, and I began to think thatI also should like to disappear, provided I could carry off my moneyand my mistress with me. My scruples about loyalty had been removed bythe colonel's overbearing conduct, and I was ready for any step thatpromised me the fulfillment of my own designs. It was pretty evidentthat there would be no living with McGregor in his present frame ofmind, and I was convinced that my best course would be to cut thewhole thing, or, if that proved impossible, to see what bargain Icould make with the President. Of course, all would go smoothly withhim if I gave up the dollars and the lady; a like sacrifice wouldconciliate McGregor. But then, I didn't mean to make it. "One or other I will have, " said I, as I knocked at the door of "MonRepos, " "and both if possible. " The signorina was looking worried; indeed, I thought she had beencrying. "Did you meet my aunt on your way up?" she asked, the moment I wasannounced. "No, " said I. "I've sent her away, " she continued. "All this fuss frightens her, so I got the colonel's leave (for you know we mustn't move withoutpermission now liberty has triumphed) for her to seek change of air. " "Where's she going to?" I said. "Home, " said the signorina. I didn't know where "home" was, but I never ask what I am not meant toknow. "Are you left alone?" "Yes. I know it's not correct. But you see, Jack, I had to choosebetween care for my money and care for my reputation. The latter isalways safe in my own keeping; the former I wasn't so sure about. " "Oh, so you've given it to Mrs. Carrington?" "Yes, all but five thousand dollars. " "Does the colonel know that?" "Dear me, of course not! or he'd never have let her go. " "You're very wise, " said I. "I only wish I could have sent my moneywith her. " "I'm afraid that would have made dear aunt rather bulky, " said thesignorina, tittering. "Yes, such a lot of mine's in cash, " I said regretfully. "But won'tthey find it on her?" "Not if they're gentlemen, " replied the signorina darkly. Evidently I could not ask for further details; so, without more ado, I disclosed my own perilous condition and the colonel's boasts aboutherself. "What a villain that man is!" she exclaimed. "Of course, I was civilto him, but I didn't say half that. You didn't believe I did, Jack?" There's never any use in being unpleasant, so I said I had rejectedthe idea with scorn. "But what's to be done? If I'm here to-morrow, he'll take the money, and, as likely as not, cut my throat if I try to stop him. " "Yes, and he'll marry me, " chimed in the signorina. "Jack, we musthave a counter-revolution. " "I don't see what good that'll do, " I answered dolefully. "ThePresident will take the money just the same, and I expect he'll marryyou just the same. " "Of the two, I would rather have him. Now don't rage, Jack! I onlysaid, 'of the two. ' But you're quite right; it couldn't help us muchto bring General Whittingham back. " "To say nothing of the strong probability of my perishing in theattempt. " "Let me think, " said the signorina, knitting her brows. "May I light a cigarette and help you?" She nodded permission, and I awaited the result of her meditation. She sat there, looking very thoughtful and troubled, but it seemedto me as if she were rather undergoing a conflict of feeling thanthinking out a course of action. Once she glanced at me, then turnedaway with a restless movement and a sigh. I finished my cigarette, and flinging it away, strolled up to thewindow to look out. I had stood there a little while, when I heard hercall softly: "Jack!" I turned and came to her, kneeling down by her side and taking herhands. She gazed rather intently into my face with unusual gravity. Then shesaid: "If you have to choose between me and the money, which will it be?" I kissed her hand for answer. "If the money is lost, won't it all come out? And then, won't theycall you dishonest?" "I suppose so, " said I. "You don't mind that?" "Yes, I do. Nobody likes being called a thief--especially when there'sa kind of truth about it. But I should mind losing you more. " "Are you really very fond of me, Jack? No, you needn't say so. I thinkyou are. Now I'll tell you a secret. If you hadn't come here, I shouldhave married General Whittingham long ago. I stayed here intending todo it (oh, yes, I'm not a nice girl, Jack), and he asked me very soonafter you first arrived. I gave him my money, you know, then. " I was listening intently. It seemed as if some things were going to becleared up. "Well, " she continued, "you know what happened. You fell in love withme--I tried to make you; and then I suppose I fell a little in lovewith you. At any rate I told the President I wouldn't marry him justthen. Some time after, I wanted some money, and I asked him to giveme back mine. He utterly refused; you know his quiet way. He said hewould keep it for 'Mrs. Whittingham. ' Oh, I could have killed him! ButI didn't dare to break with him openly; besides, he's very hard tofight against. We had constant disputes; he would never give back themoney, and I declared I wouldn't marry him unless I had it first, andnot then unless I chose. He was very angry and swore I should marryhim without a penny of it; and so it went on. But he never suspectedyou, Jack; not till quite the end. Then we found out about the debt, you know; and about the same time I saw he at last suspected somethingbetween you and me. And the very day before we came to the bank hedrove me to desperation. He stood beside me in this room, and said, Christina, I am growing old. I shall wait no longer. I believe you'rein love with that young Martin. ' Then he apologized for his plainspeaking, for he's always gentle in manner. And I defied him. Andthen, Jack, what do you think he did?" I sprang up in a fury. "What?" I cried. "He _laughed_!" said the signorina, with tragic intensity. "I couldn'tstand that, so I joined the colonel in upsetting him. Ah, he shouldn'thave laughed at me!" And indeed she looked at this moment a dangerous subject for suchtreatment. "I knew what no one else knew, and I could influence him as no oneelse could, and I had my revenge. But now, " she said, "it all ends innothing. " And she broke down, sobbing. Then, recovering herself, and motioning me to be still, she went on: "You may think, after holding him at bay so long, I have little tofear from the colonel. But it's different. The President has noscruples; but he is a gentleman--as far as women are concerned. Imean--he wouldn't--" She stopped. "But McGregor?" I asked, in a hoarse whisper. She drooped her head on my shoulder. "I daren't stay here, Jack, with him, " she whispered. "If you can'ttake me away, I must go to the President. I shall be at least safewith him!" "Damn the ruffian!" I growled; not meaning the President, but hissuccessor; "I'll shoot him!" "No, no, Jack!" she cried. "You must be quiet and cautious. But I mustgo to-night--to-night, Jack, either with you or to the President. " "My darling, you shall come with me, " said I. "Where?" "Oh, out of this somewhere. " "How are we to escape?" "Now, you sit down, dear, and try to stop crying--you break myheart--and I'll think. It's my turn now. " I carried her to the sofa, and she lay still, but with her eyes fixedon me. I was full of rage against McGregor, but I couldn't afford theluxury of indulging it, so I gave my whole mind to finding a way outfor us. At last I seemed to hit upon a plan. The signorina saw the inspiration in my eye. She jumped up and came tome. "Have you got it, Jack?" she said. "I think so--if you will trust yourself to me, and don't mind anuncomfortable night. " "Go on. " "You know my little steam launch? It will be dark to-night. If we canget on board with a couple of hours' start we can show anybody a cleanpair of heels. She travels a good pace, and it's only fifty miles tosafety and foreign soil. I shall land there a beggar!" "I don't mind that, Jack, " she said. "I have my five thousand, andaunt will join us with the rest. But how are we to get on board?Besides, O Jack! the President watches the coast every night with _TheSongstress_--and you know she's got steam--Mr. Carr just had auxiliarysteam put in. " "No, " I said, "I didn't know about that. Look here, Christina; excusethe question, but can you communicate with the President?" "Yes, " she said, after a second's hesitation. This was what I suspected. "And will he believe what you tell him?" "I don't know. He might and he might not. He'll probably act as if hedidn't. " I appreciated the justice of this forecast of General Whittingham'smeasures. "Well, we must chance it, " I said. "At any rate, better be caughtby him than stay here. We were, perhaps, a little hasty with thatrevolution of ours. " "I never thought the colonel was so wicked, " said the signorina. We had no time to waste in abusing our enemy; the question was how tooutwit him. I unfolded my plan to the signorina, not at all disguisingfrom her the difficulties, and even dangers, attendant upon it. Whatever may have been her mind before and after, she was at thismoment either so overcome with her fear of the colonel, or so carriedaway by her feeling for me, that she made nothing of difficultiesand laughed at dangers, pointing out that though failure wouldbe ignominious, it could not substantially aggravate our presentposition. Whereas, if we succeeded-- The thought of success raised a prospect of bliss in which we reveledfor a few minutes; then, warned by the stroke of twelve, we returnedto business. "Are you going to take any of the money away with you?" she asked. "No, " said I, "I don't think so. It would considerably increase therisk if I were seen hanging about the bank; you know he's got spiesall over the place. Besides, what good would it do? I couldn't stickto it, and I'm not inclined to run any more risks merely to save thebank's pocket. The bank hasn't treated me so well as all that. Ipropose to rely on your bounty till I've time to turn round. " "Now, shall I come for you?" I asked her when we had arranged theother details. "I think not, " she said. "I believe the colonel has one of my servantsin his pay. I can slip out by myself, but I couldn't manage so well ifyou were with me. The sight of you would excite curiosity. I will meetyou at the bottom of Liberty Street. " "At two o'clock in the morning exactly, please. Don't come through the_Piazza_, and Liberty Street. Come round by the drive. [This was asort of boulevard encircling the town, where the aristocracy was wontto ride and drive. ] Things ought to be pretty busy about the bank bythen, and no one will notice you. You have a revolver?" "Yes. " "All right. Don't hurt anyone if you can help it; but if you do, don'tleave him to linger in agony. Now I'm off, " I continued. "I supposeI'd better not come and see you again?" "I'm afraid you mustn't, Jack. You've been here two hours already. " "I shall be in my rooms in the afternoon. If anything goes wrong, sendyour carriage down the street and have it stopped at the grocer's. Ishall take that for a sign. " The signorina agreed, and we parted tenderly. My last words were: "You'll send that message to Whittingham at once?" "This moment, " she said, as she waved me a kiss from the door of theroom. CHAPTER XIII. I WORK UPON HUMAN NATURE. I was evidently in for another day as unpleasantly exciting as the oneI had spent before the revolution, and I reflected sadly that if a manonce goes in for things of that kind, it's none so easy to pull up. Luckily, however, I had several things to occupy me, and was not leftto fret the day away in idleness. First I turned my steps to theharbor. As I went I examined my pockets and found a sum total of $950. This was my all, for of late I had deemed it wise to carry my fortuneon my person. Well, this was enough for the present; the future musttake care of itself. So I thought to myself as I went along with alight heart, my triumph in love easily outweighing all the troublesand dangers that beset me. Only land me safe out of Aureataland withthe signorina by my side, and I asked nothing more of fortune! Let thedead bury their dead, and the bank look after its dollars! Thus musing, I came to the boat-house where my launch lay. She was atidy little boat, and had the advantage of being workable by one manwithout any difficulty. All I had to arrange was how to embark in herunperceived. I summoned the boatman in charge, and questioned himclosely about the probable state of the weather. He confidentlyassured me it would be fine but dark. "Very well, " said I, "I shall go fishing; start overnight, and have ashy at them at sunrise. " The man was rather astonished at my unwonted energy, but of coursemade no objection. "What time shall you start, sir?" he asked. "I want her ready by two, " said I. "Do you want me to go with you, sir?" I pretended to consider, and then told him, to his obvious relief, that I could dispense with his services. "Leave her at the end of your jetty, " I said, "ready for me. She'll beall safe there, won't she?" "Oh, yes, sir. Nobody'll be about, except the sentries, and they won'ttouch her. " I privately hoped that not even the sentries would be about, but Ididn't say so. "Of course, sir, I shall lock the gate. You've got your key?" "Yes, all right, and here you are--and much obliged for your trouble. " Highly astonished and grateful at receiving a large tip for no obviousreason (rather a mistake on my part), the man was profuse in promisingto make every arrangement for my comfort. Even when I asked for a fewcushions, he dissembled his scorn and agreed to put them in. "And mind you don't sit up, " I said as I left him. "I'm not likely to sit up if I'm not obliged, " he answered. "Hopeyou'll have good sport, sir. " From the harbor I made my way straight to the Golden House. Thecolonel was rather surprised to see me again so soon, but when Itold him I came on business, he put his occupations on one side andlistened to me. I began with some anxiety, for if he suspected my good faith all wouldbe lost. However, I was always a good hand at a lie, and the colonelwas not the President. "I've come about that money question, " I said. "Well, have you come to your senses?" he asked, with his habitualrudeness. "I can't give you the money--" I went on. "The devil you can't!" he broke in. "You sit there and tell me that?Do you know that if the soldiers don't have money in a few hours, they'll upset me? They're ready to do it any minute. By Jove! I don'tknow now, when I give an order, whether I shall be obeyed or get abullet through my head. " "Pray be calm!" said I. "You didn't let me finish. " "Let you finish!" he cried. "You seem to think jabber does everything. The end of it all is, that either you give me the money or I takeit--and if you interfere, look out!" "That was just what I was going to propose, if you hadn't interruptedme, " I said quietly, but with inward exultation, for I saw he was justin the state of mind to walk eagerly into the trap I was preparing forhim. "What do you mean?" he asked. I explained to him that it was impossible for me to give up the money. My reputation was at stake; it was my duty to die in defense of thatmoney--a duty which, I hastened to add, I entertained no intention ofperforming. "But, " I went on, "although I am bound not to surrender the money, I am not bound to anticipate a forcible seizure of it. In times ofdisturbance parties of ruffians often turn to plunder. Not even themost rigorous precautions can guard against it. Now, it would be verypossible that even to-night a band of such maurauders might make anattack on the bank, and carry off all the money in the safe. " "Oh!" said the colonel, "that's the game, is it?" "That, " I replied, "is the game; and a very neat game too, if you'llplay it properly. " "And what will they say in Europe, when they hear the ProvisionalGovernment is looting private property?" "My dear colonel, you force me to much explanation. You will, ofcourse, not appear in the matter. " "I should like to be there, " he remarked. "If I weren't, the menmightn't catch the exact drift of the thing. " "You will be there, of course, but _incognito_. Look here, colonel, it's as plain as two peas. Give out that you're going to reconnoiterthe coast and keep an eye on _The Songstress_. Draw off your companiesfrom the Piazza on that pretense. Then take fifteen or twenty men youcan trust--not more, for it's no use taking more than you can help, and resistance is out of the question. About two, when everything isquiet, surround the bank. Jones will open when you knock. Don't hurthim, but take him outside and keep him quiet. Go in and take themoney. Here's the key of the safe. Then, if you like, set fire to theplace. " "Bravo, my boy!" said the colonel. "There's stuff in you after all. Upon my word, I was afraid you were going to turn virtuous. " I laughed as wickedly as I could. "And what are you going to get out of it?" he said. "I suppose that'scoming next?" As the reader knows, I wasn't going to get anything out of it, exceptmyself and the signorina. But it wouldn't do to tell the colonel that;he would not believe in disinterested conduct. So I bargained withhim for a _douceur_ of thirty thousand dollars, which he promised soreadily that I strongly doubted whether he ever meant to pay it. "Do you think there's any danger of Whittingham making an attack whilewe're engaged in the job?" The colonel was, in common parlance, getting rather _warmer_ than Iliked. It was necessary to mislead him. "I don't think so, " I replied. "He can't possibly have organized muchof a party here yet. There's some discontent, no doubt, but not enoughfor him to rely on. " "There's plenty of discontent, " said the colonel. "There won't be in a couple of hours. " "Why not?" "Why, because you're going down to the barracks to announce a freshinstallment of pay to the troops to-morrow morning--a handsomeinstallment. " "Yes, " said he thoughtfully, "that ought to keep them quiet for onenight. Fact is, they don't care twopence either for me or Whittingham;and if they think they'll get more out of me they'll stick to me. " Of course I assented. Indeed, it was true enough as long as thePresident was not on the spot; but I thought privately that thecolonel did not allow enough for his rival's personal influence andprestige, if he once got face to face with the troops. "Yes, " the colonel went on, "I'll do that; and what's more, I'll putthe people in good humor by sending down orders for free drink in thePiazza to-night. " "Delightfully old-fashioned and baronial, " I remarked, "I think it'sa good idea. Have a bonfire, and make it complete. I don't supposeWhittingham dreams of any attempt, but it will make the riot even moreplausible. " "At any rate, they'll all be too drunk to make trouble, " said he. "Well, that's about all, isn't it?" said I. "I shall be off. I've gotto write to my directors and ask instructions for the investment ofthe money. " "You'll live to be hanged, Martin, " said the colonel, with evidentadmiration. "Not by you, eh, colonel? Whatever might have happened if I'd beenobstinate! Hope I shall survive to dance at your wedding, anyhow. Lessthan a week now!" "Yes, " said he, "it's Sunday (though, by Jove! I'd forgotten it), andnext Saturday's the day!" He really looked quite the happy bridegroom as he said this, and Ileft him to contemplate his bliss. "I would bet ten to one that day never comes, " I thought, as I walkedaway. "Even if I don't win, I'll back the President to be back beforethat. " The colonel's greed had triumphed over his wits, and he had falleninto my snare with greater readiness than I could have hoped. Thequestion remained, What would the president do when he got thesignorina's letter? It may conduce to a better understanding of theposition if I tell what that letter was. She gave it me to read over, after we had compiled it together, and I still have my copy. It ran asfollows: "I can hardly hope you will trust me again, but if I betrayed you, youdrove me to it. I have given them your money; it is in the bank now. M. Refuses to give it up, and the C. Means to take it to-night. Hewill have only a few men, the rest not near. He will be at the bankat two, with about twenty men. Take your own measures. All here favoryou. He threatens me violence unless I marry him at once. He watches_The Songstress_, but if you can leave her at anchor and land in aboat there will be no suspicion. I swear this is true; do not punishme more by disbelieving me. I make no protest. But if you come backto me I will give you, in return for pardon, _anything you ask_! "CHRISTINA. "P. S. ---M. And the C. Are on bad terms, and M. Will not be activeagainst you. " Upon the whole I thought this would bring him. I doubted whether hewould believe very much in it, but it looked probable (indeed, it wasword for word true, as far as it went), and held out a bait that hewould find it hard to resist. Again, he was so fond of a bold stroke, and so devoid of fear, that it was very likely he could come and seeif it were true. If, as we suspected, he already had a considerablebody of adherents on shore, he could land and reconnoiter without verygreat danger of falling into the colonel's hands. Finally, even ifhe didn't come, we hoped the letter would be enough to divert hisattention from any thought of fugitive boats and runaway lovers. Icould have made the terms of it even more alluring, but the signorina, with that extraordinarily distorted morality distinctive of her sex, refused to swear to anything literally untrue in a letter which wasitself from beginning to end a monumental falsehood; though not astudent of ethics, she was keenly alive to the distinction betweenthe _expressio falsi_ and the _suppressio veri_. The only passage shedoubted about was the last, "If you come back to me. " "But then hewon't come back _to me_ if I'm not there!" she exclaimed triumphantly. What happened to him after he landed--whether he cooked the colonel'sgoose or the colonel cooked his--I really could not afford toconsider. As a matter of personal preference, I should have liked theformer, but I did not allow any such considerations to influence myconduct. My only hope was that the killing would take long enough toleave time for our unobtrusive exit. At the same time, as a matter ofbetting, I would have laid long odds against McGregor. To my mind it is nearly as difficult to be consistently selfish as tobe absolutely unselfish. I had, at this crisis, every inducement toconcentrate all my efforts on myself, but I could not get Jones out ofmy head. It was certainly improbable that Jones would try to resistthe marauding party; but neither the colonel nor his chosen band werelikely to be scrupulous, and it was impossible not to see that Jonesmight get a bullet through his head; indeed, I fancied such a stepwould rather commend itself to the colonel, as giving a _bonafide_ look to the affair. Jones had often been a cause of greatinconvenience to me, but I didn't wish to have his death on myconscience, so I was very glad when I happened to meet him on my wayback from the Golden House, and seized the opportunity of giving him afriendly hint. I took him and set him down beside me on a bench in the Piazza. I was in no way disturbed by the curious glances of three soldiers whowere evidently charged to keep an eye on the bank and my dealings withit. I began by pledging Jones to absolute secrecy, and then I intimatedto him, in a roundabout way, that the colonel and I were both veryapprehensive of an attack on the bank. "The town, " I said, "is in a most unsettled condition, and manydangerous characters are about. Under these circumstances I have feltcompelled to leave the defense of our property in the hands of theGovernment. I have formally intimated to the authorities that weshall hold them responsible for any loss occasioned to us by publicdisorder. The colonel, in the name of the Government, has acceptedthat responsibility. I therefore desire to tell you, Mr. Jones, that, in the lamentable event of any attack on the bank, it will not beexpected of you to expose your life by resistance. Such a sacrificewould be both uncalled for and useless; and I must instruct you thatthe Government insists that their measures shall not be put in dangerof frustration by any rash conduct on our part. I am unable to be atthe bank this evening; but in the event of any trouble you will obligeme by not attempting to meet force by force. You will yield, and weshall rely on our remedy against the Government in case of loss. " These instructions so fully agreed with the natural bent ofJones' mind that he readily acquiesced in them and expressed highappreciation of my foresight. "Take care of yourself and Mrs. Jones, my dear fellow, " I concluded;"that is all you have to do, and I shall be satisfied. " I parted from him affectionately, wondering if my path in life wouldever cross the honest, stupid old fellow's again, and heartily hopingthat his fortune would soon take him out of the rogue's nest in whichhe had been dwelling. CHAPTER XIV. FAREWELL TO AUREATALAND. The night came on, fair and still, clear and star-lit; but there wasno moon and, outside the immediate neighborhood of the main streets, the darkness was enough to favor our hope of escaping notice withoutbeing so intense as to embarrass our footsteps. Everything, in fact, seemed to be on our side, and I was full of buoyant confidence as Idrank a last solitary glass to the success of our enterprise, put myrevolver in my pocket, and, on the stroke of midnight, stole from mylodgings. I looked up toward the bank and dimly descried three or fourmotionless figures, whom I took to be sentries guarding the treasure. The street itself was almost deserted, but from where I stood I couldsee the Piazza crowded with a throng of people whose shouts and songstold me that the colonel's hospitality was being fully appreciated. There was dancing going on to the strains of the military band, andevery sign showed that our good citizens intended, in familiar phrase, to make a night of it. I walked swiftly and silently down to the jetty. Yes, the boat was allright! I looked to her fires, and left her moored by one rope readyto be launched into the calm black sea in an instant. Then I strolledalong by the harbor side. Here I met a couple of sentries. InnocentlyI entered into conversation with them, condoling on their hard fatein being kept on duty while pleasure was at the helm in the Piazza. Gently deprecating such excess of caution, I pointed out to them thestationary lights of _The Songstress_ four or five miles out to sea, and with a respectful smile at the colonel's uneasiness, left the seedI had sown to grow in prepared soil. I dared do no more, and had totrust for the rest to their natural inclination to the neglect ofduty. When I got back to the bottom of Liberty Street, I ensconced myself inthe shelter of a little group of trees which stood at one side ofthe roadway. Just across the road, which ran at right angles to thestreet, the wood began, and a quarter of an hour's walk through itsshades would bring us to the jetty where the boat lay. My trees madea perfect screen, and here I stood awaiting events. For some timenothing was audible but an ever-increasing tumult of joviality fromthe Piazza. But after about twenty minutes I awoke to the fact that aconstant dribble of men, singly or in pairs, had begun to flow past mefrom the Piazza, down Liberty Street, across the road behind me, andinto the wood. Some were in uniform, others dressed in common clothes;one or two I recognized as members of Johnny Carr's missing band. The strong contrast between the prevailing revelry and the stealthy, cautious air of these passers-by would alone have suggested that theywere bent on business; putting two and two together I had not theleast doubt that they were the President's adherents making their waydown to the water's edge to receive their chief. So he was coming; theletter had done its work! Some fifty or more must have come and gonebefore the stream ceased, and I reflected, with great satisfaction, that the colonel was likely to have his hands very full in the nexthour or two. Half an hour or so passed uneventfully; the bonfire still blazed;the songs and dancing were still in full swing. I was close upon thefearful hour of two, when, looking from my hiding-place, I saw aslight figure in black coming quickly and fearfully along the road. I recognized the signorina at once, as I should recognize her any dayamong a thousand; and, as she paused nearly opposite where I was, Igently called her name and showed myself for a moment. She ran to meat once. "Is it all right?" she asked breathlessly. "We shall see in a moment, " said I. "The attack is coming off; it willbegin directly. " But the attack was not the next thing we saw. We had both retreatedagain to the friendly shadow whence we could see without being seen. Hardly had we settled ourselves than the signorina whispered to me, pointing across the road to the wood: "What's that, Jack?" I followed the line of her finger and made out a row of figuresstanding motionless and still on the very edge of the wood. It was toodark to distinguish individuals; but, even as we looked, the silentair wafted to our eager ears a low-voiced word of command: "Mind, not a sound till I give the word. " "The President!" exclaimed the signorina, in a loud whisper. "Hush, or he'll hear, " said I, "and we're done. " Clearly nothing would happen from that quarter till it was calledforth by events in the opposite direction. The signorina was stronglyagitated; she clung to me closely, and I saw with alarm that the veryproximity of the man she stood in such awe of was too much for hercomposure. When I had soothed, and I fear half-frightened, her intostillness, I again turned my eyes toward the Piazza. The fire had atlast flickered out and the revels seemed on the wane. Suddenly a bodyof men appeared in close order, marching down the street toward thebank. We stood perhaps a hundred yards from that building, which was, in its turn, about two hundred from the Piazza. Steadily they camealong; no sound reached us from the wood. "This is getting interesting, " I said. "There'll be trouble soon. " As near as I could see, the colonel's band, for such it was, no doubt, did not number more than five-and-twenty at the outside. Now they wereat the bank. I could hardly see what happened, but there seemed to bea moment's pause; probably someone had knocked and they were waiting. A second later a loud shout rang through the street and I saw a groupof figures crowding round the door and pushing a way into my poorbank. "The gods preserve Jones!" I whispered. "I hope the old fool won't tryto stop them. " As I spoke, I heard a short, sharp order from behind, "Now! Charge!" As the word was given another body of fifty or more rushed by us fulltilt, and at their head we saw the President, sword in hand, runninglike a young man and beckoning his men on. Up the street they swept. Involuntarily we waited a moment to watch them. Just as they came nearthe bank they sent up a shout: "The President! the President! Death to traitors!" Then there was a volley, and they closed round the building. "Now for our turn, Christina, " said I. She grasped my arm tightly, and we sped across the road and into thewood. It seemed darker than when I came through before, or perhaps myeyes were dazzled by the glare of the street lamps. But still we gotalong pretty well, I helping my companion with all my power. "Can we do it?" she gasped. "Please God, " said I; "a clear quarter of an hour will do it, and theyought to take that to finish off the colonel. " For I had little doubtof the issue of that _mêlée_. On we sped, and already we could see the twinkle of the waves throughthe thinning trees. Five hundred yards more, and there lay life andliberty and love! Well, of course, I might have known. Everything had gone so smoothlyup to now, that any student of the laws of chance could have foretoldthat fortune was only delaying the inevitable slap in the face. A planthat seemed wild and risky had proved in the result as effectualas the wisest scheme. By a natural principle of compensation, thesimplest obstacle was to bring us to grief. "There's many a slip, "says the proverb. Very likely! One was enough for our business. For just as we neared the edge of the wood, just as our eyes weregladdened by the full sight of the sea across the intervening patch ofbare land, the signorina gave a cry of pain and, in spite of my arm, fell heavily to the ground. In a moment I was on my knees by her side. An old root growing out of the ground! That was all! And there lay mydear girl white and still. "What is it, sweet?" I whispered. "My ankle!" she murmured; "O Jack, it hurts so!" and with that shefainted. Half an hour--thirty mortal (but seemingly immortal) minutes I kneltby her side ministering to her. I bound up the poor foot, gave herbrandy from my flask. I fanned her face with my handkerchief. In afew minutes she came to, but only, poor child, to sob with her bitterpain. Move she could not, and would not. Again and again she entreatedme to go and leave her. At last I persuaded her to try and bear theagony of being carried in my arms the rest of the way. I raised her asgently as I could, wrung to the heart by her gallantly stifled groan, and slowly and painfully I made my way, thus burdened, to the edge ofthe wood. There were no sentries in sight, and with a new spasm ofhope I crossed the open land and neared the little wicket gate thatled to the jetty. A sharp turn came just before we reached it, and, asI rounded this with the signorina lying yet in my arms, I saw a horseand a man standing by the gate. The horse was flecked with foam andhad been ridden furiously. The man was calm and cool. Of course hewas! It was the President! My hands were full with my burden, and before I could do anything, Isaw the muzzle of his revolver pointed full--At me? Oh, no! At thesignorina! "If you move a step I shoot her through the heart, Martin, " he said, in the quietest voice imaginable. The signorina looked up as she heard his voice. "Put me down, Jack! It's no use, " she said; "I knew how it would be. " I did not put her down, but I stood there helpless, rooted to theground. "What's the matter with her?" he said. "Fell and sprained her ankle, " I replied. "Come, Martin, " said he, "it's no go, and you know it. A near thing;but you've just lost. " "Are you going to stop us?" I said. "Of course I am, " said he. "Let me put her down, and we'll have a fair fight. " He shook his head. "All very well for young men, " he said. "At my age, if a man holdstrumps he keeps them. " "How long have you been here?" "About two minutes. When I didn't see you at the bank I thoughtsomething was up, so I galloped on to her house. No one there! So Icame on here. A good shot, eh?" The fall had done it. But for that we should have been safe. "Well?" he said. In the bitterness of my heart I could hardly speak. But I was notgoing to play either the cur or the fool, so I said: "Your trick, sir, and therefore your lead! I must do what you tellme. " "Honor bright, Martin?" "Yes, " said I; "I give you my word. Take the revolver if you like, "and I nodded my head to the pocket where it lay. "No, " he said, "I trust you. " "I bar a rescue, " said I. "There will be no rescue, " said he grimly. "If the colonel comes--" "The colonel won't come, " he said. "Whose house is that?" It was my boatman's. "Bring her there. Poor child, she suffers!" We knocked up the boatman, who thus did not get his night's rest afterall. His astonishment may be imagined. "Have you a bed?" said the President. "Yes, " he stammered, recognizing his interlocutor. "Then carry her up, Martin; and you, send your wife to her. " I took her up, and laid her gently on the bed. The President followedme. Then we went downstairs again into the little parlor. "Let us have a talk, " he said; and he added to the man, "Give us somebrandy, quick, and then go. " He was obeyed, and we were left alone with the dim light of a singlecandle. The President sat down and began to smoke. He offered me a cigar andI took it, but he said nothing. I was surprised at his leisurely, abstracted air. Apparently he had nothing in the world to do but sitand keep me company. "If your Excellency, " said I, instinctively giving him his old title, "has business elsewhere you can leave me safely. I shall not break myword. " "I know that--I know that, " he answered. "But I'd rather stay here; Iwant to have a talk. " "But aren't there some things to settle up in the town?" "The doctor's doing all that, " he said. "You see, there's no dangernow. There's no one left to lead them against me. " "Then the colonel is--" "Yes, " he said gravely, "he is dead. I shot him. " "In the attack?" "Not exactly; the fighting was over. A very short affair, Martin. Theynever had a chance; and as soon as two or three had fallen and therest saw me, they threw up the sponge. " "And the colonel?" "He fought well. He killed two of my fellows; then a lot of them flungthemselves on him and disarmed him. " "And you killed him in cold blood?" The President smiled slightly. "Six men fell in that affair--five besides the colonel. Does it strikeyou that you, in fact, killed the five to enable you to run away withthe girl you loved?" It hadn't struck me in that light, but it was quite irrelevant. "But for your scheme I should have come back without a blow, " hecontinued; "but then I should have shot McGregor just the same. " "Because he led the revolt?" "Because, " said the President, "he has been a traitor from thebeginning even to the end--because he tried to rob me of all I helddear in the world. If you like, " he added, with a shrug, "because hestood between me and my will. So I went up to him and told him hishour was come, and I shot him through the head. He died like a man, Martin; I will say that. " I could not pretend to regret the dead man. Indeed, I had beennear doing the same deed myself. But I shrank before this calmruthlessness. Another long pause followed. Then the President said: "I am sorry for all this, Martin--sorry you and I came to blows. " "You played me false about the money, " I said bitterly. "Yes, yes, " he answered gently; "I don't blame you. You were bound tome by no ties. Of course you saw my plan?" "I supposed your Excellency meant to keep the money and throw meover. " "Not altogether, " he said. "Of course I was bound to have the money. But it was the other thing, you know. As far as the money went I wouldhave taken care you came to no harm. " "What was it, then?" "I thought you understood all along, " he said, with some surprise. "Isaw you were my rival with Christina, and my game was to drive you outof the country by making the place too hot for you. " "She told me you didn't suspect about me and her till quite the end. " "Did she?" he answered, with a smile. "I must be getting clever todeceive two such wide-awake, young people. Of course I saw it allalong. But you had more grit than I thought. I've never been so nearlydone by any man as by you. " "But for luck you would have been, " said I. "Yes, but I count luck as one of my resources, " he replied. "Well, what are you going to do now?" He took no notice, but went on. "You played too high. It was all or nothing with you, just as it iswith me. But for that we could have stood together. I'm sorry, Martin;I like you, you know. " For the life of me I had never been able to help liking him. "But likings mustn't interfere with duty, " he went on, smiling. "Whatclaim have you at my hands?" "Decent burial, I suppose, " I answered. He got up and paced the room for a moment or two. I waited with someanxiety, for life is worth something to a young man, even when thingslook blackest, and I never was a hero. "I make you this offer, " he said at last. "Your boat lies there, ready. Get into her and go, otherwise--" "I see, " said I. "And you will marry her?" "Yes, " he said. "Against her will?" He looked at me with something like pity. "Who can tell what a woman's will will be in a week? In less than thatshe will marry me cheerfully. I hope you may grieve as short a time asshe will. " In my inmost heart I knew it was true. I had staked everything, notfor a woman's love, but for the whim of a girl! For a moment it wastoo hard for me, and I bowed my head on the table by me and hid myface. Then he came and put his hand on mine, and said: "Yes, Martin; young and old, we are all alike. They're not worthquarreling for. But Nature's too strong. " "May I see her before I go?" I asked. "Yes, " he said. "Alone?" "Yes, " he said once more. "Go now--if she can see you. " I went up and cautiously opened the door. The signorina was lying onthe bed, with a shawl over her. She seemed to be asleep. I bent overher and kissed her. She opened her eyes, and said, in a weary voice: "Is it you, Jack?" "Yes, my darling, " said I. "I am going. I must go or die; and whetherI go or die, I must be alone. " She was strangely quiet--even apathetic. As I knelt down by her sheraised herself, and took my face between her hands and kissed me--notpassionately, but tenderly. "My poor Jack!" she said; "it was no use, dear. It is no use to fightagainst him. " Here was her strange subjection to that influence again. "You love me?" I cried, in my pain. "Yes, " she said, "but I am very tired; and he will be good to me. " Without another word I went from her, with the bitter knowledge thatmy great grief found but a pale reflection in her heart. "I am ready to go, " I said to the President. "Come, then, " he replied. "Here, take these, you may want them, " andhe thrust a bundle of notes into my hand (some of my own from the bankI afterward discovered). Arrived at the boat, I got in mechanically and made all preparationsfor the start. Then the President took my hand. "Good-by, Jack Martin, and good luck. Some day we may meet again. Justnow there's no room for us both here. You bear no malice?" "No, sir, " said I. "A fair fight, and you've won. " As I was pushing off, he added: "When you arrive, send me word. " I nodded silently. "Good-by, and good luck, " he said again. I turned the boat's head put to sea, and went forth on my lonely wayinto the night. CHAPTER XV. A DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENT. As far I am concerned, this story has now reached an end. With mydeparture from Aureataland, I re-entered the world of humdrum life, and since that memorable night in 1884, nothing has befallen me worthyof a polite reader's attention. I have endured the drudgery incidentto earning a living; I have enjoyed the relaxations every wise manmakes for himself. But I should be guilty of unpardonable egotism if Isupposed that I myself was the only, or the most, interesting subjectpresented in the foregoing pages, and I feel I shall merely be doingmy duty in briefly recording the facts in my possession concerning theother persons who have figured in this record and the country whereits scene was laid. I did not, of course, return to England on leaving Aureataland. I hadno desire to explain in person to the directors all the facts withwhich they will now be in a position to acquaint themselves. I wasconscious that, at the last at all events, I had rather subordinatedtheir interests to my own necessities, and I knew well that my conductI would not meet with the indulgent judgment that it perhaps requires. After all, men who have lost three hundred thousand dollars can hardlybe expected to be impartial, and I saw no reason for submitting myselfto a biased tribunal. I preferred to seek my fortune in a freshcountry (and, I may add, under a fresh name), and I am happy to saythat my prosperity in the land of my adoption has gone far to justifythe President's favorable estimate of my financial abilities. Mysudden disappearance excited some remark, and people were even foundto insinuate that the dollars went the same way as I did. I have nevertroubled myself to contradict these scandalous rumors, being contentto rely on the handsome vindication from this charge which thePresident published. In addressing the House of Assembly shortly afterhis resumption of power, he referred at length to the circumstancesattendant on the late revolution, and remarked that although he wasunable to acquit Mr. Martin of most unjustifiable intrigues with therebels, yet he was in a position to assure them, as he had alreadyassured those to whom Mr. Martin was primarily responsible, that thatgentleman's hasty flight was dictated solely by a consciousness ofpolitical guilt, and that, in money matters, Mr. Martin's hands wereas clean as his own. The reproach that had fallen on the fair fameof Aureataland in this matter was due not to that able but misguidedyoung man, but to those unprincipled persons who, in the pursuit oftheir designs, had not hesitated to plunder and despoil friendlytraders, established in the country under the sanction of publicfaith. The reproach to which his Excellency eloquently referred consisted inthe fact that not a cent of those three hundred thousand dollars whichlay in the bank that night was ever seen again! The theory was thatthe colonel had made away with them, and the President took greatpains to prove that under the law of nations the restored Governmentcould not be held responsible for this occurrence. I know as littleabout the law of nations as the President himself, but I felt quitesure that whatever that exalted code might say (and it generally seemsto justify the conduct of all parties alike), none of that money wouldever find its way back to the directors' pockets. In this matter Imust say his Excellency behaved to me with scrupulous consideration;not a word passed his lips about the second loan, about that unluckycable, or any other dealings with the money. For all he said, myaccount of the matter, posted to the directors immediately after mydeparture, stood unimpeached. The directors, however, took a viewopposed to his Excellency's, and relations became so strained thatthey were contemplating the withdrawal of their business fromWhittingham altogether, when events occurred which modified theiraction. Before I lay down my pen I must give some account of thesematters, and I cannot do so better than by inserting a letter which Ihad the honor to receive from his Excellency, some two years after Ilast saw him. I had obeyed his wish in communicating my address tohim, but up to this time had received only a short but friendly note, acquainting me with the fact of his marriage to the signorina, andexpressing good wishes for my welfare in my new sphere of action. Thematters to which the President refers became to some extent publicproperty soon afterward, but certain other terms of the arrangementare now given to the world for the first time. The letter ran asfollows: "My DEAR MARTIN: As an old inhabitant of Aureataland you will be interested in the news I have to tell you. I also take pleasure in hoping that in spite of bygone differences, your friendly feelings toward myself will make you glad to hear news of my fortunes. "You are no doubt acquainted generally with the course of events here since you left us. As regards private friends, I have not indeed much to tell you. You will not be surprised to learn that Johnny Carr (who always speaks of you with the utmost regard) has done the most sensible thing he ever did in his life in making Donna Antonia his wife. She is a thoroughly good girl, although she seems to have a very foolish prejudice against Christina. I was able to assist the young people's plans by the gift of the late Colonel McGregor's estates, which under our law passed to the head of the state on that gentleman's execution for high treason. You will be amused to hear of another marriage in our circle. The doctor and Mme. Devarges have made a match of it, and society rejoices to think it has now heard the last of the late monsieur and his patriotic sufferings. Jones, I suppose you know, left us about a year ago. The poor old fellow never recovered from his fright on that night, to say nothing of the cold he caught in your draughty coal-cellar, where he took refuge. The bank relieved him in response to his urgent petitions, and they've sent us out a young Puritan, to whom it would be quite in vain to apply for a timely little loan. "I wish I could give you as satisfactory an account of public affairs. You were more or less behind the scenes over here, so you know that to keep the machine going is by no means an easy task. I have kept it going, single-handed, for fifteen years, and though it's the custom to call me a mere adventurer (and I don't say that's wrong), upon my word I think I've given them a pretty decent Government. But I've had enough of it by now. The fact is, my dear Martin, I'm not so young as I was. In years I'm not much past middle age, but I've had the devil of a life of it, and I shouldn't be surprised if old Marcus Whittingham's lease was pretty nearly up. At any rate, my only chance, so Anderson tells me, is to get rest, and I'm going to give myself that chance. I had thought at first of trying to find a successor (as I have been denied an heir of my body), and I thought of you. But, while I was considering this, I received a confidential proposal from the Government of ---- [here the President named the state of which Aureataland had formed part]. They were very anxious to get back their province; at the same time, they were not at all anxious to try conclusions with me again. In short, they offered, if Aureataland would come back, a guarantee of local autonomy and full freedom; they would take on themselves the burden of the debt, and last, but not least, they would offer the present President of the Republic a compensation of five hundred thousand dollars. "I have not yet finally accepted the offer, but I am going to do so--obtaining, as a matter of form, the sanction of the Assembly. I have made them double their offer to me, but in the public documents the money is to stand at the original figure. This recognition of my services, together with my little savings (restored, my dear Martin, to the washstand), will make me pretty comfortable in my old age, and leave a competence for my widow. Aureataland has had a run alone; if there had been any grit in the people they would have made a nation of themselves. There isn't any, and I'm not going to slave myself for them any longer. No doubt they'll be very well treated, and to tell the truth, I don't much care if they aren't. After all, they're a mongrel lot. "I know you'll be pleased to hear of this arrangement, as it gives your old masters a better chance of getting their money, for, between ourselves, they'd never have got it out of me. At the risk of shocking your feelings, I must confess that your revolution only postponed the day of repudiation. "I hoped to have asked you some day to rejoin us here. As matters stand, I am more likely to come and find you; for, when released, Christina and I are going to bend our steps to the States. And we hope to come soon. There's a little difficulty outstanding about the terms on which the Golden House and my other property are to pass to the new Government; this I hope to compromise by abating half my claim in private, and giving it all up in public. Also, I have had to bargain for the recognition of Johnny Carr's rights to the colonel's goods. When all this is settled there will be nothing to keep me, and I shall leave here without much reluctance. The first man I shall come and see is you, and we'll have some frolics together, if my old carcass holds out. But the truth is, my boy, I'm not the man I was. I've put too much steam on all my life, and I must pull up now, or the boiler will burst. "Christina sends her love. She is as anxious to see you as I am. But you must wait till I am dead to make love to her. Ever your sincere friend, "MARCUS W. WHITTINGHAM. " As I write, I hear that the arrangement is to be carried out. So endsAureataland's brief history as a nation; so ends the story of hernational debt, more happily than I ever thought it would. I confess toa tender recollection of the sunny, cheerful, lazy, dishonest littleplace, where I spent four such eventful years. Perhaps I love itbecause my romance was played there, as I should love any placewhere I had seen the signorina. For I am not cured. I don't goabout moaning--I enjoy life. But, in spite of my affection for thePresident, hardly a day passes that I don't curse that accursedtree-root. And she? what does she feel? I don't know. I don't think I ever did know. But I have had a notefrom her, and this is what she says: "Fancy seeing old Jack again--poor forsaken Jack! Marcus is very kind (but very ill, poor fellow); but I shall like to see you, Jack. Do you remember what I was like? I'm still rather pretty. This is in confidence, Jack. Marcus thinks you'll run away from us, now we are coming to ---- town [that's where I live]. But I don't think you will. "Please meet me at the depot, Jack, 12. 15 train. Marcus is coming by a later one, so I shall be desolate if you don't come. And bring that white rose with you. Unless you produce it, I won't speak to you. "CHRISTINA. " Well, with another man's wife, this is rather embarrassing. But abusiness man can't leave the place where his business is because afoolish girl insists on coming there. And as I am here, I may as well be civil and go to meet her. And, oh, well! as I happen to have the thing, I may as well take it with me. Itcan't do any harm.