diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:55 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:35:55 -0700 |
| commit | d810debc41309f5666f08909d3d4be86b2c49567 (patch) | |
| tree | 7913ea5fbf94622b8a20d548280d34759a3ca03a /11063-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '11063-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 11063-h/11063-h.htm | 6369 |
1 files changed, 6369 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/11063-h/11063-h.htm b/11063-h/11063-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..120e58b --- /dev/null +++ b/11063-h/11063-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6369 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + A Man of Mark, by Anthony Hope + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11063 ***</div> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + A MAN OF MARK + </h1> + <h2> + By Anthony Hope + </h2> + <h4> + Author Of “The Prisoner Of Zenda,” “The Indiscretion Of + The Duchess,” Etc. + </h4> + <h3> + 1895 + </h3> + <h4> + “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds,” + </h4> + <h3> + —FRANCIS BACON. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — THE MOVEMENT AND THE MAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — A FINANCIAL EXPEDIENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — AN EXCESS OF AUTHORITY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — OVERTURES FROM THE + OPPOSITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — I APPRECIATE THE SITUATION. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — MOURONS POUR LA PATRIE! </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — THE MINE IS LAID. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — JOHNNY CARR IS WILLFUL. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — A SUPPER PARTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — TWO SURPRISES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — DIVIDING THE SPOILS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — BETWEEN TWO FIRES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — I WORK UPON HUMAN NATURE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — FAREWELL TO AUREATALAND. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — A DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENT. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — THE MOVEMENT AND THE MAN. + </h2> + <p> + In the year 1884 the Republic of Aureataland was certainly not in a + flourishing condition. Although most happily situated (it lies on the + coast of South America, rather to the north—I mustn’t be more + definite), and gifted with an extensive territory, nearly as big as + Yorkshire, it had yet failed to make that material progress which had been + hoped by its founders. It is true that the state was still in its infancy, + being an offshoot from another and larger realm, and having obtained the + boon of freedom and self-government only as recently as 1871, after a + series of political convulsions of a violent character, which may be + studied with advantage in the well-known history of “The Making of + Aureataland,” by a learned professor of the Jeremiah P. Jecks + University in the United States of America. This profound historian is, + beyond all question, accurate in attributing the chief share in the + national movement to the energy and ability of the first President of + Aureataland, his Excellency, President Marcus W. Whittingham, a native of + Virginia. Having enjoyed a personal friendship (not, unhappily, extended + to public affairs) with that talented man, as will subsequently appear, I + have great pleasure in publicly indorsing the professor’s eulogium. + Not only did the President bring Aureataland into being, but he molded her + whole constitution. “It was his genius” (as the professor + observes with propriety) “which was fired with the idea of creating + a truly modern state, instinct with the progressive spirit of the + Anglo-Saxon race. It was his genius which cast aside the worn-out + traditions of European dominion, and taught his fellow-citizens that they + were, if not all by birth, yet one and all by adoption, the sons of + freedom.” Any mistakes in the execution of this fine conception must + be set down to the fact that the President’s great powers were + rather the happy gift of nature than the result of culture. To this truth + he was himself in no way blind, and he was accustomed to attribute his + want of a liberal education to the social ruin brought upon his family by + the American Civil War, and to the dislocation thereby produced in his + studies. As the President was, when I had the honor of making his + acquaintance in the year 1880, fifty years old if he was a day, this + explanation hardly agrees with dates, unless it is to be supposed that the + President was still pursuing his education when the war began, being then + of the age of thirty-five, or thereabouts. + </p> + <p> + Starting under the auspices of such a gifted leader, and imbued with so + noble a zeal for progress, Aureataland was, at the beginning of her + history as a nation, the object of many fond and proud hopes. But in spite + of the blaze of glory in which her sun had risen (to be seen duly + reflected in the professor’s work), her prosperity, as I have said, + was not maintained. The country was well suited for agriculture and + grazing, but the population—a very queer mixture of races—was + indolent, and more given to keeping holidays and festivals than to honest + labor. Most of them were unintelligent; those who were intelligent made + their living out of those who weren’t, a method of subsistence + satisfactory to the individual, but adding little to the aggregate of + national wealth. Only two classes made fortunes of any size, Government + officials and bar-keepers, and even in their case the wealth was not + great, looked at by an English or American standard. Production was slack, + invention at a standstill, and taxation heavy. I suppose the President’s + talents were more adapted to founding a state in the shock and turmoil of + war, than to the dull details of administration; and although he was + nominally assisted by a cabinet of three ministers and an assembly + comprising twenty-five members, it was on his shoulders that the real work + of government fell. On him, therefore, the moral responsibility must also + rest—a burden the President bore with a cheerfulness and equanimity + almost amounting to unconsciousness. + </p> + <p> + I first set foot in Aureataland in March, 1880, when I was landed on the + beach by a boat from the steamer, at the capital town of Whittingham. I + was a young man, entering on my twenty-sixth year, and full of pride at + finding myself at so early an age sent out to fill the responsible + position of manager at our Aureataland branch. The directors of the bank + were then pursuing what may without unfairness be called an adventurous + policy, and, in response to the urgent entreaties and glowing exhortations + of the President, they had decided on establishing a branch at + Whittingham. I commanded a certain amount of interest on the board, + inasmuch as the chairman owed my father a sum of money, too small to + mention but too large to pay, and when, led by the youthful itch for + novelty, I applied for the post I succeeded in obtaining my wish, at a + salary of a hundred dollars a month. I am sorry to say that in the course + of a later business dealing the balance of obligation shifted from the + chairman to my father, an unhappy event which deprived me of my hold on + the company and seriously influenced my conduct in later days. When I + arrived in Aureataland the bank had been open some six months, under the + guidance of Mr. Thomas Jones, a steady going old clerk, who was in future + to act as chief (and indeed only) cashier under my orders. + </p> + <p> + I found Whittingham a pleasant little city of about five thousand + inhabitants, picturesquely situated on a fine bay, at the spot where the + river Marcus debouched into the ocean. The town was largely composed of + Government buildings and hotels, but there was a street of shops of no + mean order, and a handsome square, called the “Piazza 1871,” + embellished with an equestrian statue of the President. Round about this + national monument were a large number of seats, and, hard by, a <i>cafi</i> + and band stand. Here, I soon found, was the center of life in the + afternoons and evenings. Going along a fine avenue of trees for half a + mile or so, you came to the “Golden House,” the President’s + official residence, an imposing villa of white stone with a 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 the palace, I gathered that the + president had once hoped to base the prosperity of his young republic on + the solid foundation of mineral wealth. This hope had been long abandoned. + </p> + <p> + I have always hated hotels, so I lost no time in looking round for + lodgings suitable to my means, and was fortunate enough to obtain a couple + of rooms in the house occupied by a Catholic priest, Father Jacques + Bonchritien. He was a very good fellow, and, though we did not become + intimate, I could always rely on his courtesy and friendly services. Here + I lived in great comfort at an expense of fifty dollars a month, and I + soon found that my spare fifty made me a well-to-do man in Whittingham. + Accordingly I had the <i>entrie</i> 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 and billiards + prevented me feeling the tedium I had somewhat feared, and the young + ladies of Whittingham did their best to solace my exile. As for business, + I found the bank doing a small business, but a tolerably satisfactory one, + and, if we made some bad debts, we got high interest on the good ones, so + that, one way or another, I managed to send home pretty satisfactory + reports, and time passed on quietly enough in spite of certain + manifestations of discontent among the population. These disturbing + phenomena were first brought prominently to my notice at the time when I + became involved in the fortunes of the Aureataland national debt, and as + all my story turns on this incident, it perhaps is a fit subject for a new + chapter. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — A FINANCIAL EXPEDIENT. + </h2> + <p> + When our branch was established at Whittingham there had been an + arrangement made between ourselves and the Government, by the terms of + which we were to have the Government business, and to occupy, in fact, + much that quasi-official position enjoyed by the Bank of England at home. + As a <i>quid pro quo</i>, the bank was to lend to the Republic the sum of + five hundred thousand dollars, at six per cent. The President was at the + time floating a loan of one million dollars for the purpose of works at + the harbor of Whittingham. This astute ruler had, it seemed, hit on the + plan of instituting public works on a large scale as a corrective to + popular discontent, hoping thereby not only to develop trade, but also to + give employment to many persons who, if unoccupied, became centers of + agitation. Such at least was the official account of his policy; whether + it was the true one I saw reason to doubt later on. As regards this loan, + my office was purely ministerial. The arrangements were duly made, the + proper guarantees given, and in June, 1880, I had the pleasure of handing + over to the President the five hundred thousand dollars. I learned from + him on that occasion that, to his great gratification, the balance of the + loan had been taken up. + </p> + <p> + “We shall make a start at once, sir,” said the President, in + his usual confident but quiet way. “In two years Whittingham harbor + will walk over the world. Don’t be afraid about your interest. Your + directors never made a better investment.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked his Excellency, accepted a cigar, and withdrew with a peaceful + mind. I had no responsibility in the matter, and cared nothing whether the + directors got their interest or not. I was, however, somewhat curious to + know who had taken up the rest of the loan, a curiosity which was not + destined to be satisfied for some time. + </p> + <p> + The works were begun and the interest was paid, but I cannot say that the + harbor progressed rapidly; in fact, I doubt if more than one hundred + thousand dollars ever found their way into the pockets of contractors or + workmen over the job. The President had some holes dug and some walls + built; having reached that point, about two years after the interview + above recorded he suddenly drew off the few laborers still employed, and + matters came to a dead stop. + </p> + <p> + It was shortly after this occurrence that I was honored with an invitation + to dine at the Golden House. It was in the month of July, 1882. Needless + to say, I accepted the invitation, not only because it was in the nature + of a command, but also because the President gave uncommonly good dinners, + and, although a bachelor (in Aureataland, at all events), had as well + ordered a household as I have ever known. My gratification was greatly + increased when, on my arrival, I found myself the only guest, and realized + that the President considered my society in itself enough for an evening’s + entertainment. It did cross my mind that this might mean business, and I + thought it none the worse for that. + </p> + <p> + We dined in the famous veranda, the scene of so many brilliant Whittingham + functions. The dinner was beyond reproach, the wines perfection. The + President was a charming companion. Though not, as I have hinted, a man of + much education, he had had a wide experience of life, and had picked up a + manner at once quiet and cordial, which set me completely at my ease. + Moreover, he paid me the compliment, always so sweet to youth, of treating + me as a man of the world. With condescending confidence he told me many + tales of his earlier days; and as he had been everywhere and done + everything where and which a man ought not to be and do, his conversation + was naturally most interesting. + </p> + <p> + “I am not holding myself up as an example,” he said, after one + of his most unusual anecdotes. “I can only hope that my public + services will be allowed to weigh in the balance against my private + frailties.” + </p> + <p> + He said this with some emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Even your Excellency,” said I, “may be content to claim + in that respect the same indulgence as Caesar and Henri Quatre.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so,” said the President. “I suppose they were not + exactly—eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe not,” I answered, admiring the President’s + readiness, for he certainly had a very dim notion who either of them was. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was over and the table cleared before the President seemed inclined + for serious conversation. Then he called for cigars, and pushing them + toward me said: + </p> + <p> + “Take one, and fill your glass. Don’t believe people who tell + you not to drink and smoke at the same time. Wine is better without smoke, + and smoke is better without wine, but the combination is better than + either separately.” + </p> + <p> + I obeyed his commands, and we sat smoking and sipping in silence for some + moments. Then the President said, suddenly: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Martin, this country is in a perilous condition.” + </p> + <p> + “Good God, your Excellency!” said I, “do you refer to + the earthquake?” (There had been a slight shock a few days before.) + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” he replied, “to the finances. The harbor + works have proved far more expensive than I anticipated. I hold in my hand + the engineer’s certificate that nine hundred and three thousand + dollars have been actually expended on them, and they are not finished—not + by any means finished.” + </p> + <p> + They certainly were not; they were hardly begun. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” I ventured to say, “that seems a good deal of + money, considering what there is to show for it.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot doubt the certificate, Mr. Martin,” said the + President. + </p> + <p> + I did doubt the certificate, and should have liked to ask what fee the + engineer had received. But I hastily said it was, of course, beyond + suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he steadily, “quite beyond suspicion. You + see, Mr. Martin, in my position I am compelled to be liberal. The + Government cannot set other employers the example of grinding men down by + low wages. However, reasons apart, there is the fact. We cannot go on + without more money; and I may tell you, in confidence, that the political + situation makes it imperative we should go on. Not only is my personal + honor pledged, but the Opposition, Mr. Martin, led by the colonel, is + making itself obnoxious—yes, I may say very obnoxious.” + </p> + <p> + “The colonel, sir,” said I, with a freedom engendered of + dining, “is a beast.” + </p> + <p> + “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 your directors + make me a new loan?” + </p> + <p> + 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 found no + small difficulty in showing that the investment was likely to prove either + safe or remunerative. Again, only a fortnight before, the Government had + made a formal application to me on the same subject. I cabled the + directors, and received a prompt reply in the single word “Tootsums,” + which in our code meant, “Must absolutely and finally decline to + entertain any applications.” I communicated the contents of the + cable to Seqor Don Antonio de la Casabianca, the Minister of Finance, who + had, of course, communicated them in turn to the President. + </p> + <p> + I ventured to remind his Excellency of these facts. He heard me with + silent attention. + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” I concluded, “therefore, that it is impossible + for me to be of any assistance to your Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + He nodded, and gave a slight sigh. Then, with an air of closing the + subject, he said: + </p> + <p> + “I suppose the directors are past reason. Help yourself to a brandy + and soda.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to mix one for you, sir,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + While I was preparing our beverages he remained silent. When I had sat + down again he said: + </p> + <p> + “You occupy a very responsible position here for so young a man, Mr. + Martin—not beyond your merits, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + I bowed. + </p> + <p> + “They leave you a pretty free hand, don’t they?” + </p> + <p> + I replied that as far as routine business went I did much as seemed good + in my own eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Routine business? including investments, for instance?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I; “investments in the ordinary course of + business—discounting bills and putting money out on loan and + mortgage over here. I place the money, and merely notify the people at + home of what I have done.” + </p> + <p> + “A most proper confidence to repose in you,” the President was + good enough 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, and + certificate, and what not. Of course they wouldn’t do that.” + </p> + <p> + Though this was a statement, somehow it also sounded like a question, so I + answered: + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly as I thought. And you sometimes have large sums to place?” + </p> + <p> + At this point, notwithstanding my respect for the President, I began to + smell a rat. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir,” I replied, “usually very small. Our + business is not so extensive as we could wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever,” said the President, looking me straight in the + face, “whatever may be usual, at this moment you have a large sum—a + very respectable sum—of money in your safe at the bank, waiting for + investment.” + </p> + <p> + “How the devil do you know that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Martin! It is no doubt my fault; I am too prone to ignore + etiquette; but you forget yourself.” + </p> + <p> + I hastened to apologize, although I was pretty certain the President was + contemplating a queer transaction, if not flat burglary. + </p> + <p> + “Ten thousand pardons, your Excellency, for my most unbecoming tone, + but may I ask how you became possessed of this information?” + </p> + <p> + “Jones told me,” he said simply. + </p> + <p> + As it would not have been polite to express the surprise I felt at Jones’ + simplicity in choosing such a <i>confidant</i>, I held my peace. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued the President, “owing to the recent + sales of your real property in this country (sales due, I fear, to a want + of confidence in my administration), you have at this moment a sum of + three hundred thousand dollars in the bank safe. Now (don’t + interrupt me, please), the experience of a busy life teaches me that + commercial reputation and probity depend on results, not on methods. Your + directors have a prejudice against me and my Government. That prejudice + you, with your superior opportunities for judgment, cannot share. You will + serve your employers best by doing for them what they haven’t the + sense and courage to do for themselves. I propose that you should assume + the responsibility of lending me this money. The transaction will redound + to the profit of the bank. It shall also,” he added slowly, “redound + to your profit.” + </p> + <p> + I began to see my way. But there were difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to tell the directors?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “You will make the usual return of investments and debts + outstanding, mortgages, loans on approved security—but you know + better than I do.” + </p> + <p> + “False returns, your Excellency means?” + </p> + <p> + “They will no doubt be formally inaccurate,” the President + admitted. + </p> + <p> + “What if they ask for proofs?” said I. — “Sufficient + unto the day,” said the President. + </p> + <p> + “You have rather surprised me, sir,” I said, “but I am + most anxious to oblige you, and to forward the welfare of Aureataland. + There are, however, two points which occur to me. First, how am I to be + insured against not getting my interest? That I must have.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so,” he interrupted. “And the second point I can + anticipate. It is, what token of my gratitude for your timely assistance + can I prevail on you to accept?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Excellency’s knowledge of human nature is surprising.” + </p> + <p> + “Kindly give me your attention, Mr. Martin, and I will try to + satisfy both your very reasonable requirements. You have $300,000; those + you will hand over to me, receiving in return Government six per cent. + bonds for that amount, I will then hand back to you $65,000; 45,000 you + will retain as security for your interest. In the event of any failure on + the part of Aureataland to meet her obligations honorably, you will pay + the interest on the whole 300,000 out of that sum. That secures you for + more than two years against absolute failure of interest, which in reality + you need not fear. Till the money is wanted you will have the use of it. + The remaining 20,000 I shall beg of you to accept as your commission, or + rather as a token of my esteem. Two hundred thousand absolutely—45,000 + as long as Aureataland pays interest! You must admit I deal with you as + one gentleman with another, Mr. Martin. In the result, your directors get + their interest, I get my loan, you get your bonus. We are all benefited; + no one is hurt! All this is affected at the cost of a harmless stratagem.” + </p> + <p> + I was full of admiration. The scheme was very neat, and, as far as the + President and myself were concerned, he had been no more than just in + pointing out its advantages. As for the directors, they would probably get + their interest; anyhow, they would get it for two years. There was risk, + of course; a demand for evidence of my alleged investments, or a sudden + order to realize a heavy sum at short notice, would bring the house about + my ears. But I did not anticipate this <i>contretemps</i>, and at the + worst I had my twenty thousand dollars and could make myself scarce + therewith. These calculations were quite correct at the moment, but I + upset them afterward by spending the dollars and by contracting a tie + which made flight from Aureataland a distasteful alternative. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Martin,” said the President, “do you agree?” + </p> + <p> + I still hesitated. Was it a moral scruple? Probably not, unless, indeed, + prudence and morality are the same thing. + </p> + <p> + The President rose and put his hand on my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Better say yes. I might take it, you know, and cause you to + disappear—believe me, with reluctance, Mr. Martin. It is true I + shouldn’t like this course. It would perhaps make my position here + untenable. But not having the money would certainly make it untenable.” + </p> + <p> + I saw the force of this argument, and gulping down my brandy and soda, I + said: + </p> + <p> + “I can refuse your Excellency nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then take your hat and come along to the bank,” said he. + </p> + <p> + This was sharp work. + </p> + <p> + “Your Excellency does not mean to take the money now—to-night?” + I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Not to take, Mr. Martin—to receive it from you. We have made + our bargain. What is the objection to carrying it out promptly?” + </p> + <p> + “But I must have the bonds. They must be prepared, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “They are here,” he said, taking a bundle from the drawer of a + writing-table. “Three hundred thousand dollars, six per cent. stock, + signed by myself, and countersigned by Don Antonio. Take your hat and come + along.” + </p> + <p> + I did as I was bid. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — AN EXCESS OF AUTHORITY. + </h2> + <p> + It was a beautiful moonlight night, and Whittingham was looking her best + as we made our way along the avenue leading to the Piazza 1871. The + President walked briskly, silent but serene; I followed, the trouble in my + mind reflected in a somewhat hang-dog air, and I was not much comforted + when the President broke the stillness of the night by saying: + </p> + <p> + “You have set your foot on the first rung of the ladder that leads + to fame and wealth, Mr. Martin.” + </p> + <p> + I was rather afraid I had set it on the first rung of the ladder that + leads to the gallows. But there the foot was; what the ladder turned out + to be was in the hands of the gods; so I threw off care, and as we entered + the Piazza I pointed to the statue and said: + </p> + <p> + “Behold my inspiring example, your Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, yes!” he replied; “I make the most of my + opportunities.” + </p> + <p> + I knew he regarded me as one of his opportunities, and was making the most + of me. This is not a pleasant point of view to regard one’s self + from, so I changed the subject, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Shall we call for Don Antonio?” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as he’s Minister of Finance, I thought perhaps his + presence would make the matter more regular.” + </p> + <p> + “If the presence of the President,” said that official, + “can’t make a matter regular, I don’t know what can. Let + him sleep on. Isn’t his signature on the bonds enough?” + </p> + <p> + What could I do? I made one more weak objection: + </p> + <p> + “What shall we tell Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “What shall <i>we</i> tell Jones?” he echoed. “Really, + Mr. Martin, you must use your discretion as to what you tell your + employees. You can hardly expect me to tell Jones anything, beyond that it’s + a fine morning.” + </p> + <p> + We had now reached the bank, which stood in Liberty Street, a turning out + of the Piazza. I took out my key, unlocked the door, and we entered + together. We passed into my inner sanctum, where the safe stood. + </p> + <p> + “What’s it in?” asked the President. + </p> + <p> + “United States bonds, and bills on New York and London,” I + replied. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said he. “Let me look.” + </p> + <p> + I undid the safe, and took out the securities. He examined them carefully, + placing each after due scrutiny in a small handbag, in which 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: + </p> + <p> + “If you move you’re dead men!” + </p> + <p> + I started and looked up. The President looked up without starting. There + was dear old Jones, descended from his upper chamber, where he and Mrs. + Jones resided. He was clad only in his night-shirt, and was leveling a + formidable gun full at the august head of his Excellency. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Mr. Jones,” said the latter “it’s a fine + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens, the President!” cried Jones; “and Mr. + Martin! Why, what on earth, gentlemen—” + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + In face of this crisis my hesitation left me. + </p> + <p> + “I have received a cable from Europe, Jones,” said I, “instructing + me to advance a sum of money to his Excellency; I am engaged in carrying + out these instructions.” + </p> + <p> + “Cable?” said Jones. “Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + “In my pocket,” said I, feeling for it. “No! Why I must + have left it at the Golden House.” + </p> + <p> + The President came to my assistance. + </p> + <p> + “I saw it on the table just before we started. Though I presume Mr. + Jones has no <i>right</i>—” + </p> + <p> + “None at all,” I said briskly. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, as a matter of concession, Mr. Martin will no doubt show it to + him to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Strictly as a matter of concession perhaps I will, though I am + bound to say that I am surprised at your manner, Mr. Jones.” + </p> + <p> + Jones looked sadly puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all irregular, sir,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Hardly more so than your costume!” said the President + pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + Jones was a modest man, and being thus made aware of the havoc the draught + was playing with his airy covering, he hastily closed the door, and said + to me appealingly: + </p> + <p> + “It’s all right, sir, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly right,” said I. — “But highly + confidential,” added the President. “And you will put me under + a personal obligation, Mr. Jones, and at the same time fulfill your duty + to your employers, if you preserve silence till the transaction is + officially announced. A man who serves me does not regret it.” + </p> + <p> + Here he was making the most of another opportunity—Jones this time. + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this,” I said. “I will go over the matter in + the morning, and meanwhile hadn’t you better go back to—” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Jones,” interjected his Excellency. “And mind, + silence, Mr. Jones!” + </p> + <p> + He walked up to Jones as he said this, and looked hard at him. + </p> + <p> + “Silent men prosper best, and live longest, Mr. Jones.” + </p> + <p> + Jones looked into his steely eyes, and suddenly fell all of a tremble. + </p> + <p> + The President was satisfied. He abruptly pushed him out of the room, and + we heard his shambling steps going up the staircase. + </p> + <p> + His Excellency turned to me, and said with apparent annoyance: + </p> + <p> + “You leave a great deal to me, Mr. Martin.” + </p> + <p> + He had certainly done more than tell Jones it was a fine morning. But I + was too much troubled to thank him; I was thinking of the cable. The + President divined my thoughts, and said: + </p> + <p> + “You must prepare that cable.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I replied; “that would reassure him. But I haven’t + had much practice in that sort of thing, and I don’t quite know—” + </p> + <p> + The President scribbled a few words on a bit of paper, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Take that to the post office and they’ll give you the proper + form; you can fill it up.” + </p> + <p> + Certainly some things go easily if the head of the state is your + fellow-criminal. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Mr. Martin, it grows late. I have my securities; you have + your bonds. We have won over Jones. All goes well. Aureataland is saved. + You have made your fortune, for there lie your sixty-five thousand + dollars. And, in fine, I am much obliged to you. I will not trouble you to + attend me on my return. Good-night, Mr. Martin.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, and I threw myself down in my office chair, and sat gazing at + the bonds he had left me. I wondered whether he had merely made a tool of + me; whether I could trust him; whether I had done well to sacrifice my + honesty, relying on his promises. And yet there lay my reward; and, as + purely moral considerations did not trouble me, I soon arose, put the + Government bonds and the sixty-five thousand dollars in securities in the + safe, locked up everything, and went home to my lodgings. As I went in it + was broad daylight, for the clock had gone five, and I met Father Jacques + sallying forth. He had already breakfasted, and was on his way to + administer early consolation to the flower-women in the Piazza. He stopped + me with a grieved look, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my friend, these are untimely hours.” + </p> + <p> + I saw I was laboring under an unjust suspicion—a most revolting + thing. + </p> + <p> + “I have only just come from the bank,” I said. “I had to + dine at the Golden House and afterward returned to finish up a bit of + work.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is well,” he cried. “It is, then, the + industrious and not the idle apprentice I meet?” referring to a + series of famous prints with which my room was decorated, a gift from my + father on my departure. + </p> + <p> + I nodded and passed on, saying to myself: “Deuced industrious, + indeed. Not many men have done such a night’s work as I have.” + </p> + <p> + And that was how my fortunes became bound up with those of the Aureataland + national debt. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — OVERTURES FROM THE OPPOSITION. + </h2> + <p> + After the incidents above recorded, things went on quietly enough for some + months. I had a serious talk with Jones, reproaching him gravely for his + outrageous demeanor. He capitulated abjectly on being shown the cable, + which was procured in the manner kindly indicated by the President. The + latter had perhaps been in too great a hurry with his heavy guns, for his + hint of violence had rather stirred than allayed Jones’ + apprehensions. If there were nothing to conceal, why should his Excellency + not stick at murder to hide it? However, I explained to him the + considerations of high policy, dictating inviolable secrecy, and + justifying a somewhat arbitrary way of dealing with a trusted official; + and the marked graciousness with which Jones was received when he met the + President at the ministry of finance on current business went far to + obliterate his unpleasant recollections. I further bound him to my + fortunes by obtaining for him a rise of salary from the directors, “in + consequence of the favorable report of his conduct received from Mr. + Martin.” + </p> + <p> + Peaceful as matters seemed, I was not altogether at ease. To begin with + the new loan did not apparently at all improve the financial position of + Aureataland. Desolation still reigned on the scene of the harbor works; + there was the usual difficulty in paying salaries and meeting current + expenditure. The President did not invite my confidence as to the disposal + of his funds; indeed before long I was alarmed to see a growing coldness + in his manner, which I considered at once ungrateful and menacing; and + when the half-year came round he firmly refused to disburse more than half + the amount of interest due on the second loan, thus forcing me to make an + inroad on my reserve of forty-five thousand dollars. He gave me many good + reasons for this course of conduct, dwelling chiefly on the necessary + unproductiveness of public works in their early stages, and confidently + promising full payment with arrears next time. Nevertheless, I began to + see that I must face the possibility of a continual drain on resources + that I had fondly hoped would be available for my own purposes for a + considerable time at least. Thus one thing and another contributed to open + a breach between his Excellency and myself, and, although I never ceased + to feel his charm as a private companion, my distrust of him as a ruler, + and, I may add, as a fellow-conspirator, steadily deepened. + </p> + <p> + Other influences were at this time—for we have now reached the + beginning of 1883—at work in the same direction. Rich in the + possession of my “bonus,” I had plunged even more freely than + before into the gayeties of Whittingham, and where I was welcome before, I + was now a doubly honored guest. I had also taken to play on a somewhat + high scale, and it was my reputation as a daring gambler that procured me + the honor of an acquaintance with the signorina, the lady to whom the + President had referred during his interview with me; and my acquaintance + with the signorina was very rich in results. + </p> + <p> + This lady was, after the President, perhaps the best-known person in + Aureataland—best known, that is, by name and face and fame—for + her antecedents and circumstances were wrapped in impenetrable mystery. + When I arrived in the country the Signorina Christina Nugent had been + settled there about a year. She had appeared originally as a member of an + operatic company, which had paid a visit to our National Theater from the + United States. The company passed on its not very brilliant way, but the + signorina remained behind. It was said she had taken a fancy to + Whittingham, and, being independent of her profession, had determined to + make a sojourn there. At any rate, there she was; whether she took a fancy + to Whittingham, or whether someone in Whittingham took a fancy to her, + remained in doubt. She established herself in a pretty villa closely + adjoining the Golden House; it stood opposite the presidential grounds, + commanding a view of that stately inclosure; and here she dwelt, under the + care of a lady whom she called “Aunt,” known to the rest of + the world as Mrs. Carrington. The title “Signorina” was purely + professional; for all I know the name “Nugent” was equally a + creature of choice; but, anyhow, the lady herself never professed to be + anything but English, and openly stated that she retained her title simply + because it was more musical than that of “Miss.” The old lady + and the young one lived together in great apparent amity, and certainly in + the utmost material comfort; for they probably got through more money than + anyone in the town, and there always seemed to be plenty more where that + came from. Where it did come from was, I need hardly say, a subject of + keen curiosity in social circles; and when I state that the signorina was + now about twenty-three years of age, and of remarkably prepossessing + appearance, it will be allowed that we in Whittingham were no worse than + other people if we entertained some uncharitable suspicions. The + signorina, however, did not make the work of detection at all easy. She + became almost at once a leading figure in society; her <i>salon</i> was + the meeting-place of all parties and most sets; she received many gracious + attentions from the Golden House, but none on which slander could + definitely settle. She was also frequently the hostess of members of the + Opposition, and of no one more often than their leader, Colonel George + McGregor, a gentleman of Scotch extraction, but not pronouncedly national + characteristics, who had attained a high position in the land of his + adoption; for not only did he lead the Opposition in politics, but he was + also second in command of the army. He entered the Chamber as one of the + President’s nominees (for the latter had reserved to himself power + to nominate five members), but at the time of which I write the colonel + had deserted his former chief, and, secure in his popularity with the + forces, defied the man by whose help he had risen. Naturally, the + President disliked him, a feeling I cordially shared. But his Excellency’s + disapproval did not prevent the signorina receiving McGregor with great + cordiality, though here again with no more <i>empressement</i> than his + position seemed to demand. + </p> + <p> + I have as much curiosity as my neighbors, and I was proportionately + gratified when the doors of “Mon Repos,” as the signorina + called her residence, were opened to me. My curiosity, I must confess, was + not unmixed with other feelings; for I was a young man at heart, though + events had thrown sobering responsibilities upon me, and the sight of the + signorina in her daily drives was enough to inspire a thrill even in the + soul of a bank manager. She was certainly very beautiful—a tall, + fair girl, with straight features and laughing eyes. I shall not attempt + more description, because all such descriptions sound commonplace, and the + signorina was, even by the admission of her enemies, at least very far + from commonplace. It must suffice to say that, like Father O’Flynn, + she “had such a way with her” that all of us men in + Aureataland, old and young, rich and poor, were at her feet, or ready to + be there on the least encouragement. She was, to my thinking, the very + genius of health, beauty, and gayety; and she put the crowning touch to + her charms by very openly and frankly soliciting and valuing the + admiration she received. For, after all, it’s only exceptional men + who are attracted by <i>difficile</i> beauty; to most of us a gracious + reception of our timid advances is the most subtle temptation of the + devil. + </p> + <p> + It may be supposed, then, that I thought my money very well invested when + it procured me an invitation to “Mon Repos,” where the lady of + the house was in the habit of allowing a genteel amount of gambling among + her male friends. She never played herself, but stood and looked on with + much interest. On occasion she would tempt fortune by the hand of a chosen + deputy, and nothing could be prettier or more artistic than her behavior. + She was just eager enough for a girl unused to the excitement and fond of + triumph, just indifferent enough to show that her play was merely a + pastime, and the gain of the money or its loss a matter of no moment. Ah! + signorina, you were a great artist. + </p> + <p> + At “Mon Repos” I soon became an habitual, and, I was fain to + think, a welcome, guest. Mrs. Carrington, who entertained a deep distrust + of the manners and excesses of Aureataland, was good enough to consider me + eminently respectable, while the signorina was graciousness itself. I was + even admitted to the select circle at the dinner party which, as a rule, + preceded her Wednesday evening reception, and I was a constant figure + round the little roulette board, which, of all forms of gaming, was our + hostess’ favorite delectation. The colonel was, not to my pleasure, + an equally invariable guest, and the President himself would often honor + the party with his presence, an honor we found rather expensive, for his + luck at all games of skill or chance was extraordinary. + </p> + <p> + “I have always trusted Fortune,” he would say, “and to + me she is not fickle.” + </p> + <p> + “Who would be fickle if your Excellency were pleased to trust her?” + the signorina would respond, with a glance of almost fond admiration. + </p> + <p> + This sort of thing did not please McGregor. He made no concealment of the + fact that he claimed the foremost place among the signorina’s + admirers, utterly declining to make way even for the President. The latter + took his boorishness very quietly; and I could not avoid the conclusion + 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 not stifle some resentment at the idea + that I was, after all, an outsider and not allowed a part in the real + drama that was going on. My happiness was further damped by the fact that + luck ran steadily against me, and I saw my bonus dwindling very rapidly. I + suppose I may 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 + “interest fund,” which the President had indicated as open to + me under the terms of our bargain. However, my uneasiness on this score + was lightened when the next installment of interest was punctually paid, + and, with youthful confidence, I made little doubt that luck would turn + before long. + </p> + <p> + Thus time passed on, and the beginning of 1884 found us all leading an + apparently merry and untroubled life. In public affairs the temper was + very different. The scarcity of money was intense, and serious murmuring + had arises when the President “squandered” his ready money in + buying interest, leaving his civil servants and soldiers unpaid. This was + the topic of much discussion in the press at the time, when I went up one + March evening to the signorina’s. I had been detained at the bank, + and found the play in full swing when I came in. The signorina was taking + no part in it, but sat by herself on a low lounge by the veranda window. I + went up to her and made my bow. + </p> + <p> + “You spare us but little of your time, Mr. Martin,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but you have all my thoughts,” I replied, for she was + looking charming. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t care so much about your thoughts,” she said. + Then, after a pause, she went on, “It’s very hot here, come + into the conservatory.” + </p> + <p> + It almost looked as though she had been waiting for me, and I followed in + high delight into the long, narrow glass house running parallel to the <i>salon</i>. + High green plants hid us from the view of those inside, and we only heard + distinctly his Excellency’s voice, saying with much geniality 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. + </p> + <p> + The signorina smiled slightly as she heard; then she plucked a white rose, + turned round, and stood facing me, slightly flushed as though with some + inner excitement. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid those two gentlemen do not love one another,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “Hardly,” I assented. + </p> + <p> + “And you, do you love them—or either of them?” + </p> + <p> + “I love only one person in Aureataland,” I replied, as + ardently as I dared. + </p> + <p> + The signorina bit her rose, glancing up at me with unfeigned amusement and + pleasure. I think I have mentioned that she didn’t object to honest + admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible you mean me?” she said, making me a little + courtesy. “I only think so because most of the Whittingham ladies + would not satisfy your fastidious taste.” + </p> + <p> + “No lady in the world could satisfy me except one,” I + answered, thinking she took it a little too lightly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! so you say,” she said. “And yet I don’t + suppose you would do anything for me, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be my greatest happiness,” I cried. + </p> + <p> + She said nothing, but stood there, biting the rose. + </p> + <p> + “Give it to me,” I said; “it shall be my badge of + service.” + </p> + <p> + “You will serve me, then?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “For what reward?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the rose!” + </p> + <p> + “I should like the owner too,” I ventured to remark. + </p> + <p> + “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 + their wages in advance?” + </p> + <p> + My practice was so much the contrary that I really couldn’t deny the + force of her reasoning. She held out the rose. I seized it and pressed it + close to my lips, thereby squashing it considerably. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” said the signorina, “I wonder if I had given + you the other thing whether you would have treated it so roughly.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll show you in a moment,” said I. — “Thank + you, no, not just now,” she said, showing no alarm, for she knew she + was safe with me. Then she said abruptly: + </p> + <p> + “Are you a Constitutionalist or a Liberal, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + I must explain that, in the usual race for the former title, the President’s + party had been first at the post, and the colonel’s gang (as I + privately termed it) had to put up with the alternative designation. + Neither name bore any relation to facts. + </p> + <p> + “Are we going to talk politics?” said I reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a little; you see we got to an <i>impasse</i> on the other + topic. Tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Which are you, signorina?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + I really wanted to know; so did a great many people. + </p> + <p> + She thought for a moment, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “I have a great regard for the President. He has been most kind to + me. He has shown me real affection.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil he has!” I muttered. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I only said, ‘Of course he has.’ The President has the + usual complement of eyes.” + </p> + <p> + The signorina smiled again, but went on as if I hadn’t spoken. + </p> + <p> + “On the other hand, I cannot disguise from myself that some of his + measures are not wise.” + </p> + <p> + I said I had never been able to disguise it from myself. + </p> + <p> + “The colonel, of course, is of the same opinion,” she + continued. “About the debt, for instance. I believe your bank is + interested in it?” + </p> + <p> + This was no secret, so I said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, to a considerable extent.” + </p> + <p> + “And you?” she asked softly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am not a capitalist! no money of mine has gone into the debt.” + </p> + <p> + “No money of yours, no. But aren’t you interested in it?” + she persisted. + </p> + <p> + This was rather odd. Could she know anything? + </p> + <p> + She drew nearer to me, and, laying a hand lightly on my arm, said + reproachfully: + </p> + <p> + “Do you love people, and yet not trust them, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + This was exactly my state of feeling toward the signorina, but I could not + say so. I was wondering how far I should be wise to trust her, and that + depended largely on how far his Excellency had seen fit to trust her with + my secrets. I finally said: + </p> + <p> + “Without disclosing other people’s secrets, signorina, I may + admit that if anything went wrong with the debt my employers’ + opinion of my discretion would be severely shaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Of your <i>discretion</i>,” she said, laughing. “Thank + you, Mr. Martin. And you would wish that not to happen?” + </p> + <p> + “I would take a good deal of pains to prevent its happening.” + </p> + <p> + “Not less willingly if your interest and mine coincided?” + </p> + <p> + I was about to make a passionate reply when we heard the President’s + voice saying: + </p> + <p> + “And where is our hostess? I should like to thank her before I go.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush,” whispered the signorina. “We must go back. You + will be true to me, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + “Call me Jack,” said I idiotically. + </p> + <p> + “Then you will be true, O <i>Jack</i>?” she said, stifling a + laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Till death,” said I, hoping it would not be necessary. + </p> + <p> + She gave me her hand, which I kissed with fervor, and we returned to the + <i>salon</i>, to find all the players risen from the table and standing + about in groups, waiting to make their bows till the President had gone + through that ceremony. I was curious to hear if anything passed between + him and the signorina, but I was pounced upon by Donna Antonia, the + daughter of the minister of finance, who happened to be present, + notwithstanding the late hour, as a guest of the signorina’s for the + night. She was a handsome young lady, a Spanish brunette of the approved + pattern, but with manners formed at a New York boarding school, where she + had undergone a training that had tempered, without destroying, her native + gentility. She had distinguished me very favorably, and I was vain enough + to suppose she honored me by some jealousy of my <i>penchant</i> for the + signorina. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you have enjoyed yourself in the conservatory,” she + said maliciously. + </p> + <p> + “We were talking business, Donna Antonia,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! business! I hear of nothing but business. There is papa gone + down to the country and burying himself alive to work out some great + scheme of business.” + </p> + <p> + I pricked up my ears. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what scheme is that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don’t know! Something about that horrid debt. But I was + told not to say anything about it!” + </p> + <p> + The debt was becoming a bore. The whole air was full of it. I hastily paid + Donna Antonia a few incoherent compliments, and took my leave. As I was + putting on my coat Colonel McGregor joined me and, with more friendliness + than he usually showed me, accompanied me down the avenue toward the <i>Piazza</i>. + After some indifferent remarks he began: + </p> + <p> + “Martin, you and I have separate interests in some matters, but I + think we have the same in others.” + </p> + <p> + I knew at once what he meant; it was that debt over again! + </p> + <p> + I remained silent, and he continued: + </p> + <p> + “About the debt, for instance. You are interested in the debt?” + </p> + <p> + “Somewhat,” said I. “A banker generally is interested in + a debt.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so,” said the colonel. “A time may come when + we can act together. Meanwhile, keep your eye on the debt. Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + We parted at the door of his chambers in the Piazza, and I went on to my + lodgings. + </p> + <p> + 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 a + common interest to the signorina and myself, I apologized to it, and fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — I APPRECIATE THE SITUATION. + </h2> + <p> + The flight of time brought no alleviation to the troubles of Aureataland. + If an individual hard up is a pathetic sight, a nation hard up is an + alarming spectacle; and Aureataland was very hard up. I suppose somebody + had some money. But the Government had none; in consequence the Government + employees had none, the officials had none, the President had none, and + finally, I had none. The bank had a little—of other people’s, + of course—but I was quite prepared for a “run” on us any + day, and had cabled to the directors to implore a remittance in cash, for + our notes were at a discount humiliating to contemplate. Political strife + ran high. I dropped into the House of Assembly one afternoon toward the + end of May, and, looking down from the gallery, saw the colonel in the + full tide of wrathful declamation. He was demanding of miserable Don + Antonio when the army was to be paid. The latter sat cowering under his + scorn, and would, I verily believe, have bolted out of the House had he + not been nailed to his seat by the cold eye of the President, who was + looking on from his box. The minister on rising had nothing to urge but + vague promises of speedy payment; but he utterly lacked the confident + effrontery of his chief, and nobody was deceived by his weak + protestations. I left the House in a considerable uproar, and strolled on + to the house of a friend of mine, one Mme. Devarges, the widow of a French + gentleman who had found his way to Whittingham from New Calendonia. + Politeness demanded the assumption that he had found his way to New + Caledonia owing to political troubles, but the usual cloud hung over the + precise date and circumstances of his patriotic sacrifice. Madame + sometimes considered it necessary to bore herself and others with + denunciations of the various tyrants or would-be tyrants of France; but, + apart from this pious offering on the shrine of her husband’s + reputation, she was a bright and pleasant little woman. I found assembled + round her tea-table a merry party, including Donna Antonia, unmindful of + her father’s agonies, and one Johnny Carr, who deserves mention as + being the only honest man in Aureataland. I speak, of course, of the place + as I found it. He was a young Englishman, what they call a “cadet,” + of a good family, shipped off with a couple of thousand pounds to make his + fortune. Land was cheap among us, and Johnny had bought an estate and + settled down as a landowner. Recently he had blossomed forth as a keen + Constitutionalist and a devoted admirer of the President’s, and held + a seat in the assembly in that interest. Johnny was not a clever man nor a + wise one, but he was merry, and, as I have thought it necessary to + mention, honest. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo, Johnny! Why not at the House?” said I to him. “You’ll + want every vote to-night. Be off and help the ministry, and take Donna + Antonia with you. They’re eating up the Minister of Finance.” + </p> + <p> + “All right! I’m going as soon as I’ve had another + muffin,” said Johnny. “But what’s the row about?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, they want their money,” I replied; “and Don + Antonio won’t give it them. Hence bad feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell you what it is,” said Johnny; “he hasn’t got + a—” + </p> + <p> + Here Donna Antonia struck in, rather suddenly, I thought. + </p> + <p> + “Do stop the gentleman talking politics, Mme. Devarges. They’ll + spoil our tea-party.” + </p> + <p> + “Your word is law,” I said; “but I should like to know + what Don Antonio hasn’t got.” + </p> + <p> + “Now do be quiet,” she rejoined; “isn’t it quite + enough that he has got—a charming daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “And a most valuable one,” I replied, with a bow, for I saw + that for some reason or other Donna Antonia did not mean to let me pump + Johnny Carr, and I wanted to pump him. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say another word, Mr. Carr,” she said, with a + laugh. “You know you don’t know anything, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Good Lord, no!” said Johnny. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Mme. Devarges was giving me a cup of tea. As she handed it to + me, she said in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “If I were his friend I should take care Johnny didn’t know + anything, Mr. Martin.” + </p> + <p> + “If I were his friend I should take care he told me what he knew, + Mme. Devarges,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that’s what the colonel thinks,” she said. + “Johnny has just been telling us how very attentive he has become. + And the signorina too, I hear.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean that?” I exclaimed. “But, after + all, pure kindness, no doubt!” + </p> + <p> + “You have received many attentions from those quarters,” she + said. “No doubt you are a good judge of the motives.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, now don’t be disagreeable,” said I. + “I came here for peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor young man! have you lost all your money? Is it possible that + you, like Don Antonio, haven’t got a—” + </p> + <p> + “What is going to happen?” I asked, for Mme. Devarges often + had information. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” she said. “But if I owned national + bonds, I should sell.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, madame; you would offer to sell.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see my advice comes too late.” + </p> + <p> + I did not see any need to enlighten her farther. So I passed on to Donna + Antonia, who had sat somewhat sulkily since her outburst. I sat down by + her and said: + </p> + <p> + “Surely I haven’t offended you?” + </p> + <p> + “You know you wouldn’t care if you had,” she said, with + a reproachful but not unkind glance. “Now, if it were the signorina—” + </p> + <p> + I never object to bowing down in the temple of Rimmon, so I said: + </p> + <p> + “Hang the signorina!” + </p> + <p> + “If I thought you meant that,” said Donna Antonia, “I + might be able to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do I want help?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Then suppose I do mean it?” + </p> + <p> + Donna Antonia refused to be frivolous. With a look of genuine distress she + said: + </p> + <p> + “You will not let your real friends save you, Mr. Martin. You know + you want help. Why don’t you consider the state of your affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “In that, at least, my friends in Whittingham are very ready to help + me,” I answered, with some annoyance. + </p> + <p> + “If you take it in that way,” she replied sadly, “I can + do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + I was rather touched. Clearly she wished to be of some use to me, and for + a moment I thought I might do better to tear myself free from my chains, + and turn to the refuge opened to me. But I could not do this; and, + thinking it would be rather mean to take advantage of her interest in me + only to use it for my own purposes, I yielded to conscience and said: + </p> + <p> + “Donna Antonia, I will be straightforward with you. You can only + help me if I accept your guidance? I can’t do that. I am too deep + in.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you are deep in, and eager to be deeper,” she said. + “Well, so be it. If that is so I cannot help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for your kind attempt,” said I. “I shall very + likely be sorry some day that I repulse it. I shall always be glad to + remember that you made it.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me a moment, and said: + </p> + <p> + “We have ruined you among us.” + </p> + <p> + “Mind, body, and estate?” + </p> + <p> + She made no reply, and I saw my return to flippancy wounded her. So I rose + and took my leave. Johnny Carr went with me. + </p> + <p> + “Things look queer, eh, old man?” said he. “But the + President will pull through in spite of the colonel and his signorina.” + </p> + <p> + “Johnny,” said I, “you hurt my feelings; but, still, I + will give you a piece of advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Drive on,” said Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “Marry Donna Antonia,” said I. “She’s a good girl + and a clever girl, and won’t let you get drunk or robbed.” + </p> + <p> + “By Jove, that’s not a bad idea!” said he. “Why + don’t you do it yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I’m like you, Johnny—an ass,” I replied, + and left him wondering why, if he was an ass and I was an ass, one ass + should marry Donna Antonia, and not both or neither. + </p> + <p> + As I went along I bought the <i>Gazette</i>, the government organ, and + read therein: + </p> + <p> + “At a Cabinet Council this afternoon, presided over by his + Excellency, we understand that the arrangements connected with the + national debt formed the subject of discussion. The resolutions arrived at + are at present strictly confidential, but we have the best authority for + stating that the measures to be adopted will have the effect of materially + alleviating the present tension, and will afford unmixed satisfaction to + the immense majority of the citizens of Aureataland. The President will + once again be hailed as the saviour of his country.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if the immense majority will include me,” said I. + “I think I will go and see his Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the next morning I took my way to the Golden House, where I + learned that the President was at the Ministry of Finance. Arriving there, + I sent in my card, writing thereon a humble request for a private + interview. I was ushered into Don Antonio’s room, where I found the + minister himself, the President, and Johnny Carr. As I entered and the + servant, on a sign from his Excellency, placed a chair for me, the latter + said rather stiffly: + </p> + <p> + “As I presume this is a business visit, Mr. Martin, it is more + regular that I should receive you in the presence of one of my + constitutional advisers. Mr. Carr is acting as my secretary, and you can + speak freely before him.” + </p> + <p> + I was annoyed at failing in my attempt to see the President alone, but not + wishing to show it, I merely bowed and said: + </p> + <p> + “I venture to intrude on your Excellency, in consequence of a letter + from my directors. They inform me that, to use their words, disquieting + rumors’ are afloat on the exchanges in regard to the Aureataland + loan, and they direct me to submit to your Excellency the expediency of + giving some public notification relative to the payment of the interest + falling due next month. It appears from their communication that it is + apprehended that some difficulty may occur in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Would not this application, if necessary at all, have been, more + properly made to the Ministry of Finance in the first instance?” + said the President. “These details hardly fall within my province.” + </p> + <p> + “I can only follow my instructions, your Excellency,” I + replied. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any objection, Mr. Martin,” said the President, + “to allowing myself and my advisers to see this letter?” + </p> + <p> + “I am empowered to submit it only to your Excellency’s own + eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, only to my eye,” said he, with an amused expression. + “That was why the interview was to be private?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly, sir,” I replied. “I intend no disrespect to + the Minister of Finance or to your secretary, sir, but I am bound by my + orders.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an exemplary servant, Mr. Martin. But I don’t think I + need trouble you about it further. Is it a cable?” + </p> + <p> + He smiled so wickedly at this question that I saw he had penetrated my + little fiction. However, I only said: + </p> + <p> + “A letter, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen,” said he to the others, “I think we + may reassure Mr. Martin. Tell your directors this, Mr. Martin: The + Government does not see any need of a public notification, and none will + be made. I think we agree, gentlemen, that to acknowledge the necessity of + any such action would be highly derogatory. But assure them that the + President has stated to you, Mr. Martin, personally, with the concurrence + of his advisers, that he anticipates no difficulties in your being in a + position to remit the full amount of interest to them on the proper day.” + </p> + <p> + “I may assure them, sir, that the interest will be punctually paid?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely I expressed myself in a manner you could understand,” + said he, with the slightest emphasis on the “you.” “Aureataland + will meet her obligations. You will receive all your due, Mr. Martin. That + is so, gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + Don Antonio acquiesced at once. Johnny Carr, I noticed, said nothing, and + fidgeted rather uneasily in his chair. I knew what the President meant. He + meant, “If we don’t pay, pay it out of your reserve fund.” + Alas, the reserve fund was considerably diminished; I had enough, and just + enough, left to pay the next installment if I paid none of my own debts. I + felt very vicious as I saw his Excellency taking keen pleasure in the + consciousness of my difficulties (for he had a shrewd notion of how the + land lay), but of course I could say nothing. So I rose and bowed myself + out, feeling I had gained nothing, except a very clear conviction that I + should not see the color of the President’s money on the next + interest day. True, I could just pay myself. But what would happen next + time? And if he wouldn’t pay, and I couldn’t pay, the game + would be up. As to the original loan, it is true I had no responsibility; + but then, if no interest were paid, the fact that I had applied the second + loan, <i>my</i> loan, in a different manner from what I was authorized to + do, and had represented myself to have done, would be inevitably + discovered. And my acceptance of the bonus, my dealings with the reserve + fund, my furnishing inaccurate returns of investments, all this would, I + knew, look rather queer to people who didn’t know the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + When I went back to the bank, revolving these things in my mind, I found + Jones employed in arranging the correspondence. It was part of his duty to + see to the preservation and filing of all letters arriving from Europe, + and, strange to say, he delighted in the task. It was part of my duty to + see he did his; so I sat down and began to turn over the pile of letters + and messages which he had put on my desk; they dated back two years; this + surprised me, and I said: + </p> + <p> + “Rather behindhand, aren’t you. Jones?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, rather. Fact is, I’ve done ‘em before, but as + you’ve never initialed ‘em, I thought I ought to bring ‘em + to your notice.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right—very neglectful of me. I suppose they’re + all right?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I won’t trouble to go through them.” + </p> + <p> + “They’re all there, sir, except, of course, the cable about + the second loan, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Except what?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “The cable about the second loan,” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + I was glad to be reminded of this, for of course I wished to remove that + document before the bundle finally took its place among the archives. + Indeed, I thought I had done so. But why had Jones removed it? Surely + Jones was not as skeptical as that? + </p> + <p> + “Ah, and where have you put that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, his Excellency took that.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. Didn’t I mention it? Why, the day after you and the + President were here that night, his Excellency came down in the afternoon, + 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 the original should + be submitted to the minister for his inspection; and as he was passing by + (he’d come in to cash a check on his private account) he’d + take it up himself. Hasn’t he given it back to you, sir? He said he + would.” + </p> + <p> + I had just strength enough to gasp out: + </p> + <p> + “Slipped his memory, no doubt. All right, Jones.” + </p> + <p> + “May I go now, sir?” said Jones. “Mrs. Jones wanted me + to go with her to—” + </p> + <p> + “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 had + been done, done brown—and Jones’ idiocy had made the task + easy. I had no evidence but my word that the President knew the message + was fabricated. Up till now I had thought that if I stood convicted I + should have the honor of his Excellency’s support in the dock. But + now! why now, I might prove myself a thief, but I couldn’t prove him + one. I had convinced Jones, not for my good, but for his. I had forged + papers, not for my good, but for his. True, I had spent the money myself, + but— + </p> + <p> + “Damn it all!” I cried in the bitterness of my spirit, “he + won about three-quarters of that.” + </p> + <p> + And his Excellency’s words came back to my memory, “I make the + most of my opportunities.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — MOURONS POUR LA PATRIE! + </h2> + <p> + The next week was a busy one for me. I spent it in scraping together every + bit of cash I could lay my hands on. If I could get together enough to pay + the interest on the three hundred thousand dollars supposed to be invested + in approved securities,—really disposed of in a manner only known to + his Excellency,—I should have six months to look about me. Now, + remaining out of my “bonus” was <i>nil</i>, out of my “reserve + fund” ten thousand dollars. This was enough. But alas! how happened + it that this sum was in my hands? Because I had borrowed five thousand + from the bank! If they wouldn’t let their own manager overdraw, whom + would they? So I overdrew. But if this money wasn’t back before the + monthly balancing, Jones would know! And I dared not rely on being able to + stop his mouth again. When I said Johnny Carr was the only honest man in + Aureataland I forgot Jones. To my grief and annoyance Jones also was + honest, and Jones would consider it his duty to let the directors know of + my overdraft. If once they knew, I was lost, for an overdraft effected + privately from the safe by the manager is, I do not deny it, decidedly + irregular. Unless I could add five thousand dollars to my ten thousand + before the end of the month I should have to bolt! + </p> + <p> + This melancholy conclusion was reenforced and rendered demonstrable by a + letter which arrived, to crown my woes, from my respected father, + informing me that he had unhappily become indebted to our chairman in the + sum of two thousand pounds, the result of a deal between them, that he had + seen the chairman, that the chairman was urgent for payment, that he used + most violent language against our family in general, ending by declaring + his intention of stopping my salary to pay the parental debt. “If he + doesn’t like it he may go, and small loss.” This was a most + unjustifiable proceeding, but I was hardly in a position to take up a high + moral attitude toward the chairman, and in the result I saw myself + confronted with the certainty of beggary and the probability of jail. But + for this untoward reverse of fortune I might 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 in indeed. So overwhelmed was I by my position, + and so occupied with my frantic efforts to improve it, that I did not even + find time to go and see 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 my own rooms, looking at my portmanteau, and wondering how + soon I must pack and fly, if not for life, at least for liberty. + </p> + <p> + 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, when I heard the + clatter of hoofs. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the door was opened, and Jones ushered in Colonel McGregor. + I nodded to the colonel, who came in with his usual leisurely step, sat + himself down, and took off his gloves. I roused myself to say: + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, colonel?” + </p> + <p> + He waited till the door closed behind Jones, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got to the bottom of it at last, Martin.” + </p> + <p> + This was true of myself also, but the colonel meant it in a different + sense. + </p> + <p> + “Bottom of what?” I asked, rather testily. + </p> + <p> + “That old scamp’s villainy,” said he, jerking his thumb + toward the Piazza and the statue of the Liberator. “He’s very + ‘cute, but he’s made a mistake at last.” + </p> + <p> + “Do come to the point, colonel. What’s it all about?” + </p> + <p> + “Would you be surprised to hear,” said the colonel, adopting a + famous mode of speech, “that the interest on the debt would not be + paid on the 31st?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I shouldn’t,” said I resignedly. + </p> + <p> + “Would you be surprised to hear that no more interest would ever be + paid?” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” I cried, leaping up. “What do you mean, + man?” + </p> + <p> + “The President,” said he calmly, “will, on the 31st + instant, <i>repudiate the national debt</i>!” + </p> + <p> + I had nothing left to say. I fell back in my chair and gazed at the + colonel, who was now employed in lighting a cigarette. At the same moment + a sound of rapid wheels struck on my ears. Then I heard the sweet, clear + voice I knew so well saying: + </p> + <p> + “I’ll just disturb him for a moment, Mr. Jones. I want him to + tear himself from work for a day, and come for a ride.” + </p> + <p> + She opened my door, and came swiftly in. On seeing the colonel she took in + the position, and said to that gentleman: + </p> + <p> + “Have you told him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have just done so, signorina,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + 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 air as + though she would, if a man, take off her coat, to meet the crisis more + energetically. + </p> + <p> + At last I said, with conviction: + </p> + <p> + “He’s a wonderful man! How did you find it out, colonel?” + </p> + <p> + “Had Johnny Carr to dine and made him drunk,” said that + worthy. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean he trusted Johnny?” + </p> + <p> + “Odd, isn’t it?” said the colonel. “With his + experience, too. He might have known Johnny was an ass. I suppose there + was no one else.” + </p> + <p> + “He knew,” said the signorina, “anyone else in the place + would betray him; he knew Johnny wouldn’t if he could help it. He + underrated your powers, colonel.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “I can’t help it, can I? My + directors will lose. The bondholders will lose. But how does it hurt me?” + </p> + <p> + The colonel and the signorina both smiled gently. + </p> + <p> + “You do it very well, Martin,” said the former, “but it + will save time if I state that both Signorina Nugent and myself are + possessed of the details regarding the—” (The colonel paused, + and stroked his mustache.) + </p> + <p> + “The second loan,” said the signorina. + </p> + <p> + I was less surprised at this, recollecting certain conversations. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! and how did you find that out?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “She told me,” said the colonel, indicating his fair neighbor. + </p> + <p> + “And may I ask how you found it out, signorina?” + </p> + <p> + “The President told me,” said that lady. + </p> + <p> + “Did you make him drunk?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not drunk,” was her reply, in a very demure voice, and + with downcast eyes. + </p> + <p> + We could guess how it had been done, but neither of us cared to pursue the + subject. After a pause, I said: + </p> + <p> + “Well, as you both know all about it, it’s no good keeping up + pretenses. It’s very kind of you to come and warn me.” + </p> + <p> + “You dear, good Mr. Martin,” said the signorina, “our + motives are not purely those of friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how does it matter to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Simply this,” said she: “the bank and its excellent + manager own most of the debt. The colonel and I own the rest. If it is + repudiated, the bank loses; yes, but the manager, and the colonel, and the + Signorina Nugent are lost!” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t know this,” I said, rather bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the colonel, “when the first loan was raised + I lent him one hundred thousand dollars. We were thick then, and I did it + in return for my rank and my seat in the Chamber. Since then I’ve + bought up some more shares.” + </p> + <p> + “You got them cheap, I suppose?” said I. — “Yes,” + he replied, “I averaged them at about seventy-five cents the + five-dollar share.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you hold now, nominally?” + </p> + <p> + “Three hundred thousand dollars,” said he shortly. + </p> + <p> + “I understand your interest in the matter. But you, signorina?” + </p> + <p> + The signorina appeared a little embarrassed. But at last she broke out: + </p> + <p> + “I don’t care if I do tell you. When I agreed to stay here, he + [we knew whom she meant] gave me one hundred thousand dollars. And I had + fifty thousand, or thereabouts, of my own that I had—” + </p> + <p> + “Saved out of your salary as a prima donna,” put in the + colonel. + </p> + <p> + “What does it matter?” said she, flushing; “I had it. + Well, then, what did he do? He persuaded me to put it all—the whole + one hundred and fifty thousand—into his horrid debt. Oh! wasn’t + it mean, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + The President had certainly combined business and pleasure in this matter. + </p> + <p> + “Disgraceful!” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “And if that goes, I am penniless—penniless. And there’s + poor aunt. What will she do?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind your aunt,” said the colonel, rather rudely. + “Well,” he went on, “you see we’re in the same + boat with you, Martin.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and we shall soon be in the same deep water,” said I. + — “Not at all!” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all!” echoed the signorina. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what on earth are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Financial probity is the backbone of a country,” said the + colonel. “Are we to stand by and see Aureataland enter on the + shameful path of repudiation?” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” cried the signorina, leaping up with sparkling eyes. + “Never!” + </p> + <p> + She looked enchanting. But business is business; and I said again: + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “We are going, with your help, Martin, to prevent this national + disgrace. We are going—” he lowered his voice, uselessly, for + the signorina struck in, in a high, merry tone, waving her gloves over + head and dancing a little <i>pas seul</i> on the floor before me, with + these remarkable words: + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah for the Revolution! Hip! hip! hurrah!” + </p> + <p> + She looked like a Goddess of Freedom in her high spirits and a Paris + bonnet. I lost my mental balance. Leaping up, I grasped her round the + waist, and we twirled madly about the office, the signorina breaking forth + into the “Marseillaise.” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake, be quiet!” said McGregor, in a hoarse + whisper, making a clutch at me as I sped past him. “If they hear + you! Stop, I tell you, Christina!” + </p> + <p> + The signorina stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean me, Colonel McGregor?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “and that fool Martin, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Even in times of revolution, colonel,” said I, “nothing + is lost by politeness. But in substance you are right. Let us be sober.” + </p> + <p> + We sat down again, panting, the signorina between her gasps still faintly + humming the psalm of liberty. + </p> + <p> + “Kindly unfold your plan, colonel,” I resumed. “I am + aware that out here you think little of revolutions, but to a newcomer + they appear to be matters requiring some management. You see we are only + three.” + </p> + <p> + “I have the army with me,” said he grandly. + </p> + <p> + “In the outer office?” asked I, indulging in a sneer at the + dimensions of the Aureataland forces. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Martin,” he said, scowling, “if you’re + coming in with us, keep your jokes to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t quarrel, gentlemen,” said the signorina. “It’s + waste of time. Tell him the plan, colonel, while I’m getting cool.” + </p> + <p> + I saw the wisdom of this advice, so I said: + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, colonel. But won’t this repudiation be popular + with the army? If he lets the debt slide, he can pay them.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” said he. “Hence we must get at them before + that aspect of the case strikes them. They are literally starving, and for + ten dollars a man they would make Satan himself President. Have you got + any money, Martin?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “a little.” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “Ten thousand,” I replied; “I was keeping it for the + interest.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you won’t want it now.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I shall—for the second loan, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Martin; give me that ten thousand for the troops. Stand + in with us, and the day I become President I’ll give you back your + three hundred thousand. Just look where you stand now. I don’t want + to be rude, but isn’t it a case of—” + </p> + <p> + “Some emergency,” said I thoughtfully. “Yes, it is. But + where do you suppose you’re going to get three hundred thousand + dollars, to say nothing of your own shares?” + </p> + <p> + He drew his chair closer to mine, and, leaning forward, said: + </p> + <p> + “He’s never spent the money. He’s got it somewhere; much + the greater part, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Carr tell you that?” + </p> + <p> + “He didn’t know for certain; but he told me enough to make it + almost certain. Besides,” he added, glancing at the signorina, + “we have other reasons for suspecting it. Give me the ten thousand. + You shall have your loan back, and, if you like, you shall be Minister of + Finance. We practically know the money’s there; don’t we, + signorina?” + </p> + <p> + She nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + “If we fail?” said I. — He drew a neat little revolver + from his pocket, placed it for a moment against his ear, and repocketed + it. + </p> + <p> + “Most lucidly explained, colonel,” said I. “Will you + give me half an hour to think it over?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said. “You’ll excuse me if I stay in the + outer office. Of course I trust you, Martin, but in this sort of thing—” + </p> + <p> + “All right, I see,” said I. “And you, signorina?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll wait too,” she said. + </p> + <p> + They both rose and went out, and I heard them in conversation with Jones. + I sat still, thinking hard. But scarcely a moment had passed, when I heard + the door behind me open. It was the signorina. She came in, stood behind + my chair, and, leaning over, put her arms round my neck. + </p> + <p> + I looked up, and saw her face full of mischief. + </p> + <p> + “What about the rose, Jack?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + I remembered. Bewildered with delight, and believing I had won her, I + said: + </p> + <p> + “Your soldier till death, signorina.” + </p> + <p> + “Bother death!” said she saucily. “Nobody’s going + to die. We shall win, and then—” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” said I eagerly, “you’ll marry me, + sweet?” + </p> + <p> + She quietly stooped down and kissed my lips. Then, stroking my hair, she + said: + </p> + <p> + “You’re a nice boy, but you’re not a good boy, Jack.” + </p> + <p> + “Christina, you won’t marry him?” + </p> + <p> + “Him?” + </p> + <p> + “McGregor,” said I. — “Jack,” said she, + whispering now, “I hate him!” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” I answered promptly. “And if it’s to + win you, I’ll upset a dozen Presidents.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you’ll do it for me? I like to think you’ll do it + for me, and not for the money.” + </p> + <p> + As the signorina was undoubtedly “doing it” for her money, + this was a shade unreasonable. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mind the money coming in—” I began. + </p> + <p> + “Mercenary wretch!” she cried. “I didn’t kiss you, + did I?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied. “You said you would in a minute, when I + consented.” + </p> + <p> + “Very neat, Jack,” she said. But she went and opened the door + and called to McGregor, “Mr. Martin sees no objection to the + arrangement, and he will come to dinner to-night, as you suggest, and talk + over the details. We’re all going to make our fortunes, Mr. Jones,” + she went on, without waiting for any acceptance of her implied invitation, + “and when we’ve made ours, we’ll think about you and + Mrs. Jones.” + </p> + <p> + I heard Jones making some noise, incoherently suggestive of gratification, + for he was as bad as any of us about the signorina, and then I was left to + my reflections. These were less somber than the reader would, perhaps, + anticipate. True, I was putting my head into a noose; and if the President’s + hands ever found their way to the end of the rope, I fancied he would pull + it pretty tight. But, again, I was immensely in love, and equally in debt; + and the scheme seemed to open the best chance of satisfying my love, and + the only chance of filling my pocket. To a young man life without love isn’t + worth much; to a man of any age, in my opinion, life without money isn’t + worth much; it becomes worth still less when he is held to account for + money he ought to have. So I cheerfully entered upon my biggest gamble, + holding the stake of life well risked. My pleasure in the affair was only + marred by 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 + found myself gently meditating on the friction likely to arise between the + new President and his minister of finance, in case our plans succeeded. + Still the signorina hated him, and by all signs she loved me. So I lay + back in my chair, and recalled my charmer’s presence by whistling + the hymn of liberty until it was time to go to lunch, an observance not to + be omitted even by conspirators. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — THE MINE IS LAID. + </h2> + <p> + The morning meeting had been devoted to principles and to the awakening of + enthusiasm; in the evening the conspirators condescended upon details, and + we held a prolonged and anxious conference at the signorina’s. Mrs. + Carrington was commanded to have a headache after dinner, and retired with + it to bed; and from ten till one we sat and conspired. The result of our + deliberations was a very pretty plan, of which the main outlines were as + follows: + </p> + <p> + This was Tuesday. On Friday night the colonel, with twenty determined + ruffians (or resolute patriots) previously bound to him, body and soul, by + a donation of no less than fifty dollars a man, was to surprise the Golden + House, seize the person of the President and all cash and securities on + the premises; no killing, if it could be avoided, but on the other hand no + shilly-shally. McGregor wanted to put the President out of the way at + once, as a precautionary measure, but I strongly opposed this proposal, + and, finding the signorina was absolutely inflexible on the same side, he + yielded. I had a strong desire to be present at this midnight surprise, + but another duty called for my presence. There was a gala supper at the + barracks that evening, to commemorate some incident or other in the + national history, and I was to be present and to reply to the toast of + “The Commerce of Aureataland.” My task was, <i>at all hazards</i>, + to keep this party going till the colonel’s job was done, when he + would appear at the soldiers’ quarters, bribe in hand, and demand + their allegiance. Our knowledge of the character of the troops made us + regard the result as a certainty, if once the President was a prisoner and + the dollars before their eyes. The colonel and the troops were to surround + the officers’ messroom, and offer them life and largesse, or death + and destruction. Here again we anticipated their choice with composure. + The army was then to be paraded in the Piazza, the town overawed or + converted, and, behold, the Revolution was accomplished! The success of + this design entirely depended on its existence remaining a dead secret + from the one man we feared, and on that one man being found alone and + unguarded at twelve o’clock on Friday night. If he discovered the + plot, we were lost. If he took it into his head to attend the supper, our + difficulties would be greatly increased. At this point we turned to the + signorina, and I said briefly: + </p> + <p> + “This appears to be where you come in, signorina. Permit me to + invite you to dine with his Excellency on Friday evening, at eight + precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean,” she said slowly, “that I am to keep him at + home, and, but for myself, alone, on Friday?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I. “Is there any difficulty?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think there is great difficulty,” she said, “but + I don’t like it; it looks so treacherous.” + </p> + <p> + Of course it did. I didn’t like her doing it myself, but how else + was the President to be secured? + </p> + <p> + “Rather late to think of that, isn’t it?” asked + McGregor, with a sneer. “A revolution won’t run on high moral + wheels.” + </p> + <p> + “Think how he jockeyed you about the money,” said I, assuming + the part of the tempter. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” said McGregor, “it’s understood the + signorina enters into possession of the President’s country villa, + isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + Now, my poor signorina had a longing for that choice little retreat; and + between resentment for her lost money and a desire for the pretty house on + the one hand, and, on the other, her dislike of the Delilah-like part she + was to play, she was sore beset. Left to herself, I believe she would have + yielded to her better feelings, and spoiled the plot. As it was, the + colonel and I, alarmed at this recrudescence of conscience, managed to + stifle its promptings, and bent her to our wicked will. + </p> + <p> + “After all, he deserves it,” she said, “and I’ll + do it!” + </p> + <p> + 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 looked upon + this striving after self-justification with undisguised contempt. + </p> + <p> + “It’s only making a fool of him again,” he said; “you’ve + done it before, you know!” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll do it, if you’ll swear not to—to hurt him,” + she said. + </p> + <p> + “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 I needn’t bare my breast to the blow?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” I interposed; “I have a regard for his + Excellency, but we must not let our feelings betray us into weakness. He + must be taken—alive and well, if possible—but in the last + resort, dead or alive.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, that’s more like sense,” said the colonel + approvingly. + </p> + <p> + The signorina sighed, but opposed us no longer. + </p> + <p> + Returning to ways and means, we arranged for communication in case of need + during the next three days without the necessity of meeting. My position, + as the center of financial business in Whittingham, made this easy; the + passage of bank messengers to and fro would excite little remark, and the + messages could easily be so expressed as to reveal nothing to an + uninstructed eye. It was further agreed that on the smallest hint of + danger reaching any one of us, the word should at once be passed to the + others, and we should <i>rendezvous</i> at the colonel’s “ranch,” + which lay some seven miles from the town. Thence, in this lamentable case, + escape would be more possible. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said the colonel, “if Martin will hand over + the dollars, I think that’s about all.” + </p> + <p> + I had brought the ten thousand dollars with me. I produced them and put + them on the table, keeping a loving hand on them. + </p> + <p> + “You fully understand my position, colonel?” I said. “This + thing is no use to me unless I receive at least three hundred and twenty + thousand dollars, to pay back principal, to meet interest, and to replace + another small debt to the bank. If I do that, I shall be left with a net + profit of five thousand dollars, not an extravagant reward. If I don’t + get that sum I shall be a defaulter, revolution or no revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t make money if it’s not there,” he said, + but without his usual brusqueness of tone. “But to this we agree: + You are to have first turn at anything we find, up to the sum you name. It’s + to be handed over solid to you. The signorina and I take the leavings. You + don’t claim to share them too, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, “I’m content to be a preference + shareholder. If the money’s found at the Golden House, it’s + mine. If not, the new Government, whatever it may do as to the rest of the + debt, will pay me that sum.” + </p> + <p> + With that I pushed my money over to the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “I expect the new Government to be very considerate to the + bondholders all round,” said the colonel, as he pocketed it with a + chuckle. “Anyhow, your terms are agreed; eh, signorina?” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed!” said she. “And I’m to have the country + seat?” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed!” said I. “And the colonel’s to be + President and to have the Golden House and all that therein is.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed! agreed! agreed!” chanted the signorina; “and + that’s quite enough business, and it’s very late for me to be + entertaining gentlemen. One toast, and then good-night. Success to the + Revolution! To be drunk in blood-red wine!” + </p> + <p> + As there was no red wine, except claret, and that lies cold on the stomach + at three in the morning, we drank it in French brandy. I had risen to go, + when a sudden thought struck me: + </p> + <p> + “By Jupiter! where’s Johnny Carr? I say, colonel, how drunk + was he last night? Do you think he remembers telling you about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the colonel, “I expect he does by now. He + didn’t when I left him this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he confess to the President? If he does, it might make the old + man keep an unpleasantly sharp eye on you. He knows you don’t love + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he hasn’t seen the President yet. He was to stay at my + house over to-day. He was uncommon seedy this morning, and I persuaded the + doctor to give him a composing draught. Fact is, I wanted him quiet till I’d + had time to think! You know I don’t believe he would own up—the + President would drop on him so; but he might, and it’s better they + shouldn’t meet.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s somebody else he oughtn’t to meet,” said + the signorina. + </p> + <p> + “Who’s that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Donna Antonia,” she replied. “He’s getting very + fond of her, and depend upon it, if he’s in trouble he’ll go + and tell her the first thing. Mr. Carr is very confidential to his + friends.” + </p> + <p> + We recognized the value of this suggestion. If Donna Antonia knew, the + President would soon know. + </p> + <p> + “Quite right,” said the colonel. “It won’t do to + have them rushing about letting out that we know all about it. He’s + all right up to now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but if he gets restive to-morrow morning?” said I. + “And then you don’t want him at the Golden House on Friday + evening, and I don’t want him at the barracks.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he’d show fight, Carr would,” said the colonel. + “Look here, we’re in for this thing, and I’m going + through with it. I shall keep Carr at my house till it’s all over.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” asked the signorina. + </p> + <p> + “By love, if possible!” said the colonel, with a grin—“that + is, by drink. Failing that, by force. It’s essential that the old + man shouldn’t get wind of anything being up; and if Carr told him + about last night he’d prick up his wicked old ears. No, Master + Johnny is better quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose he turns nasty,” I suggested again. + </p> + <p> + “He may turn as nasty as he likes,” said the colonel. “He + don’t leave my house unless he puts a bullet into me first. That’s + settled. Leave it to me. If he behaves nicely, he’ll be all right. + If not—” + </p> + <p> + “What shall you do to him?” asked the signorina. + </p> + <p> + I foresaw another outburst of conscience, and though I liked Johnny, I + liked myself better. So I said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, leave it to the colonel; he’ll manage all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I’m off,” said the latter, “back to my friend + Johnny. Good-night, signorina. Write to the President to-morrow. + Good-night, Martin. Make that speech of yours pretty long. <i>Au revoir</i> + till next Friday.” + </p> + <p> + I prepared to go, for the colonel lingered till I came with him. Even then + we so distrusted one another that neither would leave the other alone with + the signorina. + </p> + <p> + We parted at the door, he going off up the road to get his horse and ride + to his “ranch,” I turning down toward the Piazza. + </p> + <p> + We left the signorina at the door, looking pale and weary, and for once + bereft of her high spirits. Poor girl! She found conspiracy rather trying + work. + </p> + <p> + I was a little troubled myself. I began to see more clearly that it doesn’t + do for a man of scruples to dabble in politics. I had a great regard for + poor Johnny, and I felt no confidence in the colonel treating him with any + consideration. In fact, I would not have insured Johnny’s life for + the next week at any conceivable premium. Again I thought it unlikely + that, if we succeeded, the President would survive his downfall. I had to + repeat to myself all the story of his treachery to me, lashing myself into + a fury against him, before I could bring myself to think with resignation + of the imminent extinction of that shining light. What a loss he would be + to the world! So many delightful stories, so great a gift of manner, so + immense a personal charm—all to disappear into the pit! And for + what? To put into his place a ruffian without redeeming qualities. Was it + worth while to put down Lucifer only to enthrone Beelzebub? I could only + check this doleful strain of reflection by sternly recalling myself to the + real question—the state of the fortunes of me, John Martin. And to + me the revolution was necessary. I might get the money; at least I should + gain time. And I might satisfy my love. I was animated by the honorable + motive of saving my employers from loss and by the overwhelming motive of + my own passion. If the continued existence of Johnny and the President was + incompatible with these legitimate objects, so much the worse for Johnny + and the President. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — JOHNNY CARR IS WILLFUL. + </h2> + <p> + The next three days were on the whole the most uncomfortable I have ever + spent in my life. I got little sleep and no rest; I went about with 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; I listened with + dread to the distant cries of news-venders, fearing, as the words + gradually became distinguishable, to hear that our secret was a secret no + longer. I was bound to show myself, and yet shrank from all gatherings of + men. I transacted my business with an absent mind and a face of such + superhuman innocence that, had anyone been watching me, he must at once + have suspected something wrong. I was incapable of adding up a row of + figures, and Jones became most solicitous about the state of my brain. In + a word, my nerves were quite shattered, and I registered a vow never to + upset a Government again as long I lived. In future, the established + constitution would have to be good enough for me. I invoked impartial + curses on the President, the colonel, the directors, and myself! and I + verily believe that only the thought of the signorina prevented me making + a moonlight flitting across the frontier with a whole skin at least, if + with an empty pocket, and leaving the rival patriots of Aureataland to + fight it out among themselves. + </p> + <p> + Happily, however, nothing occurred to justify my fears. The other side + seemed to be sunk in dull security. The President went often to the + Ministry of Finance, and was closeted for hours with Don Antonio; I + suppose they were perfecting their nefarious scheme. There were no signs + of excitement or activity at the barracks; the afternoon gatherings on the + Piazza were occupied with nothing more serious than the prospects of lawn + tennis and the grievous dearth of dances. The official announcements + relative to the debt had had a quieting effect; and all classes seemed + inclined to wait and see what the President’s new plan was. + </p> + <p> + So passed Wednesday and Thursday. On neither day had I heard anything from + my fellow-conspirators; our arrangements for writing had so far proved + unnecessary—or unsuccessful. The latter possibility sent a shiver + down my back, and my lively fancy pictured his Excellency’s smile as + he perused the treasonable documents. If I heard nothing on the morning of + Friday, I was determined at all risks to see the colonel. With the dawn of + that eventful day, however, I was relieved of this necessity. I was lying + in bed about half-past nine (for I never add to the woes of life by early + rising) when my servant brought in three letters. + </p> + <p> + “Sent on from the bank, sir,” he said, “with Mr. Jones’ + compliments, and are you going there this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “My compliments to Mr. Jones, and he may expect me in five minutes,” + I replied. + </p> + <p> + The letters were all marked “Immediate”; one from the + signorina, one from the colonel, one from the barracks. I opened the last + first and read as follows: + </p> + <p> + “The officers of the Aureataland Army have the honor to remind Mr. + John Martin that they hope to have the pleasure of his company at supper + this evening at ten o’clock precisely. In the unavoidable absence of + his Excellency, the President, owing to the pressing cares of state, and + of the Hon. Colonel McGregor from indisposition, the toast of the Army of + Aureataland will be proposed by Major Alphonse DeChair. + </p> + <p> + “P.S.—Cher Martin, speak long this night. The two great men do + not come, and the evening wants to be filled out. <i>Tout ` vous</i>, + </p> + <h3> + “ALPHONSE DECHAIR.” + </h3> + <p> + “It shall be long, my dear boy, and we will fill out your evening + for you,” said I to myself, well pleased so far. + </p> + <p> + Then I opened the signorina’s epistle. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “DEAR MR. MARTIN [it began]: + Will you be so kind as to send me in + the course of the day <i>twenty dollars in + small change</i>? 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.” + </pre> + <p> + “Very good,” said I. “I reckon the scramble will keep. + And now for the colonel.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel’s letter ran thus: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + “Oh! so Carr is on his back and likely to remain there, is he? Very + likely, I expect; but I wonder what it means. I hope the colonel hasn’t + been very drastic. However, everything seems right; in fact, better than I + hoped.” + </p> + <p> + In this more cheerful frame of mind I arose, breakfasted at leisure, and + set out for the bank about eleven. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the first person I met in the street was one of the last I + wanted to meet, namely, Donna Antonia. She was on horseback, and her horse + looked as if he’d done some work. At the sight of me she reined up, + and I could not avoid stopping as I lifted my hat. + </p> + <p> + “Whence so early?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Early?” she said. “I don’t call this early. I’ve + been for a long ride; in fact, I’ve ridden over to Mr. Carr’s + place, with a message from papa; but he’s not there. Do you know + where he is, Mr. Martin?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t an idea,” said I. — “He hasn’t + been home for four nights,” she continued, “and he hasn’t + been to the Ministry either. It’s very odd that he should disappear + like this, just when all the business is going on, too.” + </p> + <p> + “What business, Donna Antonia?” I asked blandly. + </p> + <p> + She colored, recollecting, no doubt that the business was still a secret. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well! you know they’re always busy at the Ministry of + Finance at this time. It’s the time they pay everybody, isn’t + it?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the time they ought to pay everybody,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she went on, without noticing my correction, “at + any rate, papa and the President are both very much vexed with him; so I + offered to make my ride in his direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can he be?” I asked again. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she replied, “I believe he’s at Colonel + McGregor’s, and after lunch I shall go over there. I know he dined + there on Monday, and I dare say he stayed on.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” thought I, “you mustn’t do that, it might be + inconvenient.” So I said: + </p> + <p> + “I know he’s not there; I heard from McGregor this morning, + and he says Carr left him on Tuesday. Why, how stupid I am! The colonel + says Carr told him he was going off for a couple of days’ sail in + his yacht. I expect he’s got contrary winds, and can’t get + back again.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s very bad of him to go,” she said, “but no + doubt that’s it. Papa will be angry, but he’ll be glad to know + no harm has come to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy to have relieved your mind,” said I, and bade her + farewell, thanking my stars for a lucky inspiration, and wondering whether + Don Antonio 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 to be true, + but these things are incidental to revolutions—a point of + resemblance between them and commercial life. + </p> + <p> + When I arrived at the bank I dispatched brief answers to my budget of + letters; each of the answers was to the same purport, namely, that I + should be at the barracks at the appointed time. I need not trouble the + reader with the various wrappings in which this essential piece of + intelligence was involved. I then had a desperate encounter with Jones; + business was slack, and Jones was fired with the unholy desire of seizing + the opportunity thus offered to make an exhaustive inquiry into the state + of our reserve. He could not understand my sudden punctiliousness as to + times and seasons, and I was afraid I should have to tell him plainly that + only over my lifeless body should he succeed in investing the contents of + the safe. At last I effected a diversion by persuading him to give Mrs. + Jones a jaunt into the country, and, thus left in peace, I spent my + afternoon in making final preparations. I burned many letters; I wrote a + touching farewell to my father, in which, under the guise of offering + forgiveness, I took occasion to point out to him how greatly his imprudent + conduct had contributed to increase the difficulties of his dutiful son. I + was only restrained from making a will by the obvious imprudence of + getting it witnessed. I spent a feverish hour in firing imaginary shots + from my revolver, to ascertain whether the instrument was in working + 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 it was time to dress + for the supper; and never was I more rejoiced than when the moment for + action at last came. As I was dressing, lingering over 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 from the colonel. It was brought by a + messenger, on a sweating horse, who galoped up to my door. I knew the + messenger well by sight; he was the colonel’s valet. My heart was in + my mouth as I took the envelope from his hands (for I ran down myself). + The fellow was evidently in our secret, for he grinned nervously at me as + he handed it over, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I was to ride fast, and destroy the letter if anyone came near.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded, and opened it. It said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “C. escaped about six this evening. + Believed to have gone to his house. + He <i>suspects</i>. If you see him, shoot on + sight.” + </pre> + <p> + I turned to the man. + </p> + <p> + “Had Mr. Carr a horse?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; left on foot.” + </p> + <p> + “But there are horses at his house.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, the colonel has borrowed them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think he’s gone there?” + </p> + <p> + “Couldn’t come along the road to Whittingham, sir, it’s + patrolled.” + </p> + <p> + There was still a chance. It was ten miles across the country from the + colonel’s to Johnny’s and six miles on from Johnny’s to + Whittingham. The man divined my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “He can’t go fast, sir, he’s wounded in the leg. If he + goes home first, as he will, because he doesn’t know his horses are + gone, he can’t get here before eleven at the earliest.” + </p> + <p> + “How was he wounded?” I asked. “Tell me what the colonel + did to him, and be short.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. The colonel told us Mr. Carr was to be kept at the ranch + over night; wasn’t to leave it alive, sir, he said. Well, up to + yesterday 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 any + better—quite the contrary. But yesterday afternoon he got + rampageous, would go, anyhow, ill or well! So he got up and dressed. We’d + taken all his weapons from him, sir, and when he came down dressed, and + asked 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 hall + door. I don’t mind saying we were rather put about, sir. We didn’t + care to shoot him as he stood, and it’s my belief we’d have + let him pass; 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 the + colonel. ‘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’ve been playing some + dodge on me, and, by God! you shall pay for it.’ With that he rushed + straight at the colonel. The colonel, he stepped on 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 right leg. Down came Mr. Carr; he lay there a + minute or two cursing, and then 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 got him comfortable, and there he lay all night.” + </p> + <p> + “How did he get away to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “We were all out, sir—went over to Mr. Carr’s place to + borrow his horses. The colonel took a message, sir. [Here the fellow + grinned again.] I don’t know what it was. Well, when we’d got + the horses, we rode round outside the town, and came into the road between + here and the colonel’s. Ten horses we got, and we went there to give + the ten men who were patrolling the road the fresh horses. We heard from + them that no one had come along. When we got home, he’d been gone + two hours!” + </p> + <p> + “How did he manage it?” + </p> + <p> + “A woman, sir,” said my warrior, with supreme disgust. “Gave + her a kiss and ten dollars to undo the front door, and then he was off! He + daren’t go to the stables to get a horse, so he was forced to limp + away on his game leg. A plucky one he is, too,” he concluded. + </p> + <p> + “Poor old Johnny!” said I. “You didn’t go after + him?” + </p> + <p> + “No time, sir. Couldn’t tire the horses. Besides, when he’d + once got home, 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 outside the Golden House by eleven, sir, and Mr. Carr won’t + get in if he comes after that.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him to rely on me,” I answered. But for all that I didn’t + mean to shoot Johnny on sight. So, much perturbed in spirit, I set off to + the barracks, wondering when Johnny would get to Whittingham, and whether + he would fall into the colonel’s hands outside the Golden House. It + struck me as unpleasantly probable that he might come and spoil the + harmony of my evening; if he came there first, the conspiracy would + probably lose my aid at an early moment! What would happen 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 my revolver. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — A SUPPER PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + I shall never forget that supper as long as I live. Considered merely as a + social gathering it would be memorable enough, for I never before or since + sat at meat with ten such queer customers as my hosts of that evening. The + officers of the Aureataland Army were a very mixed lot—two or three + Spanish-Americans, three or four Brazilians, and the balance Americans of + the type their countrymen are least proud of. If there was an honest man + among them he sedulously concealed his title to distinction; I know there + wasn’t a sober one. The amount of liquor consumed was portentous; + and I gloated with an unholy joy as I saw man after man rapidly making + himself what diplomatists call a <i>quantiti negligiable</i>. The + conversation needed all the excuse the occasion could afford, and the wit + would have appeared unduly coarse in a common pot-house. All this might + have passed from my memory, or blended in a subdued harmony with my + general impression of Aureataland; but the peculiar position in which I + stood gave to my mind an unusual activity of perception. Among this band + of careless, drunken revelers I sat vigilant, restless, and impatient; + feigning to take a leading part in their dissolute hilarity, I was sober, + collected, and alert to my very finger-tips. I anxiously watched their + bearing and expression. I led them on to speak of the President, rejoicing + when I elicited open murmurs and covert threats at his base ingratitude to + the men on whose support his power rested. They had not been paid for six + months, and were ripe for any mischief. I was more than once tempted to + forestall the colonel and begin the revolution on my own account; only my + inability to produce before their eyes any arguments of the sort they + would listen to restrained me. + </p> + <p> + Eleven o’clock had come and gone. The senior captain had proposed + the President’s health. It was drunk in sullen silence; I was the + only man who honored it by rising from his seat. + </p> + <p> + The major had proposed the army, and they had drunk deep to their noble + selves. A young man of weak expression and quavering legs had proposed + “The commerce of Aureataland,” coupled with the name of Mr. + John Martin, in laudatory but incoherent terms, and I was on my legs + replying. Oh, that speech of mine! For discursiveness, for repetition, for + sheer inanity, I suppose it has never been equaled. I droned steadily + away, interrupted only by cries for fresh supplies of wine; as I went on + the audience paid less and less attention. It was past twelve. The well of + my eloquence was running drier and drier, and yet no sound outside! I + wondered how long they would stand it and how long I could stand it. At + 12.15 I began my peroration. Hardly had I done so, when one of the young + men started in a gentle voice an utterly indescribable ditty. One by one + they took it up, till the rising tide of voices drowned my fervent + periods. Perforce I stopped. They were all on their feet now. Did they + mean to break up? In despair at the idea I lifted up my voice, loud and + distinct (the only distinct voice left in the room), in the most shameful + verse of that shameful composition, and seizing my neighbor’s hand + began to move slowly round the table. The move was successful. Each man + followed suit, and the whole party, kicking back their chairs, revolved + with lurching steps round the <i>dibris</i> of empty bottles and cigar + ashes. + </p> + <p> + The room was thick with smoke, and redolent of fumes of wine. Mechanically + I led the chorus, straining every nerve to hear a sound from outside. I + was growing dizzy with the movement, and, overwrought with the strain on + my nerves. I knew a few minutes more would be the limit of endurance, when + at last I heard a loud shout and tumult of voices. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” exclaimed the major, in thick tones, + pausing as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + I dropped his hand, and, seizing my revolver, said: + </p> + <p> + “Some drunken row in barracks, major. Let ‘em alone.” + </p> + <p> + “I must go,” he said. “Character—Aureataland—army—at + stake.” + </p> + <p> + “Set a thief to catch a thief, eh, major?” said I. — + “What do you mean, sir?” he stuttered. “Let me go.” + </p> + <p> + “If you move, I shoot, major,” said I, bringing out my weapon. + </p> + <p> + I never saw greater astonishment on human countenance. He swore loudly, + and then cried: + </p> + <p> + “Hi, stop him—he’s mad—he’s going to shoot!” + </p> + <p> + A shout of laughter rose from the crew around us, for they felt exquisite + appreciation of my supposed joke. + </p> + <p> + “Right you are, Martin!” cried one. “Keep him quiet. We + won’t go home till morning.” + </p> + <p> + The major turned to the window. It was a moonlight night, and as I looked + with him I saw the courtyard full of soldiers. Who was in command? The + answer to that meant much to me. + </p> + <p> + This sight somewhat sobered the major. + </p> + <p> + “A mutiny!” he cried. “The soldiers have risen!” + </p> + <p> + “Go to bed,” said the junior ensign. + </p> + <p> + “Look out of window!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + They all staggered to the window. As the soldiers saw them, they raised a + shout. I could not distinguish whether it was a greeting or a threat. They + took it as the latter, and turned to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” I cried; “I shoot the first man who opens the + door.” + </p> + <p> + 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 second later, the + missile caught me in the chest and hurled me back against the wall. As I + fell I dropped my weapon, and they were upon me. I thought it was all + over; but as they surged round, in the madness of drink and anger, I, + looking through their ranks, saw the door open and a crowd of men rush in. + Who was at their head? Thank God! it was the colonel, and his voice rose + high above the tumult: + </p> + <p> + “Order, gentlemen, order!” Then to his men he added: + </p> + <p> + “Each mark your man, and two of you bring Mr. Martin here.” + </p> + <p> + I was saved. To explain how, I must tell you what had been happening at + the Golden House, and how the night attack had fared. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — TWO SURPRISES. + </h2> + <p> + It is a sad necessity that compels us to pry into the weaknesses of our + fellow-creatures, and seek to turn them to our own profit. I am not + philosopher enough to say whether this course of conduct derives any + justification from its universality, but in the region of practice, I have + never hesitated to place myself on a moral level with those with whom I + had to deal. I may occasionally even have left the other party to make + this needful adjustment, and I have never known him fail to do so. I felt, + therefore, very little scruple in making use of the one weak spot + discoverable in the defenses of our redoubtable opponent, his Excellency + the President of Aureataland. No doubt the reader’s eye has before + now detected the joint in that great man’s armor at which we + directed our missile. As a lover, I grudged the employment of the + signorina in this service; as a politician, I was proud of the device; as + a human being, I recognized, what we are very ready to recognize, that it + did not become me to refuse to work with such instruments as appeared to + be put into my hands. + </p> + <p> + But whatever may be the verdict of moralists on our device, events proved + its wisdom. The President had no cause to suspect a trap; therefore, like + a sensible man, he chose to spend the evening with the signorina rather + than with his gallant officers. With equally good taste, he elected to + spend it <i>tjte-`-tjte</i> with her, when she gave him the opportunity. + In our subsequent conversations, the signorina was not communicative as to + how the early hours of the evening passed. She preferred to begin her + narrative from the point when their solitude was interrupted. As I rely on + her account and that of the colonel for this part of my story, I am + compelled to make my start from the same moment. It appears that at a few + minutes past eleven o’clock, when the President was peacefully + smoking a cigar and listening to the conversation of his fair guest (whom + he had galvanized into an affected liveliness by alarming remarks on her + apparent preoccupation), there fell upon his ear the sound of a loud + knocking at the door. Dinner had been served in a small room at the back + of the house, and the President could not command a view of the knocker + without going out on to the veranda, which ran all round the house, and + walking round to the front. When the knock was heard, the signorina + started up. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t disturb yourself, pray,” said his Excellency, + politely. “I gave special instructions that I was visible to no one + this evening. But I was wondering whether it could be Johnny Carr. I want + to speak to him for a moment, and I’ll just go round outside and see + if it is.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a discreet tap was heard at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Yes?” said the President. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Carr is at the door and particularly wants to see your + Excellency. An urgent matter, he says.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him I’ll come round and speak to him from the veranda,” + replied the President. + </p> + <p> + He turned to the window, and threw it open to step out. + </p> + <p> + Let me tell what followed in the signorina’s words. + </p> + <p> + “Just then we heard a sound of a number of horses galloping up. The + President stopped and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Hallo! what’s up?’ + </p> + <p> + “Then there was a shout and a volley of shots, and I heard the + colonel’s voice cry: + </p> + <p> + “‘Down with your arms; down, I say, or you’re dead men.’ + </p> + <p> + “The President stepped quickly across the room to his escritoire, + took up his revolver, went back to the window, passed through it, and + without a word disappeared. I could not hear even the sound of his foot on + the veranda. + </p> + <p> + “I heard one more shot—then a rush of men to the door, and the + colonel burst in, with sword and revolver in his hands, and followed by + ten or a dozen men. + </p> + <p> + “I ran to him, terrified, and cried: + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, is anyone hurt?’ + </p> + <p> + “He took no notice, but asked hastily: + </p> + <p> + “‘Where is he?’ + </p> + <p> + “I pointed to the veranda, and gasped: + </p> + <p> + “‘He went out there.’ Then I turned to one of the men + and said again: + </p> + <p> + “‘Is anyone hurt?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Only Mr. Carr,’ he replied. ‘The rest of ‘em + were a precious sight too careful of themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And is he killed?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Don’t think he’s dead, miss,’ he said; + ‘but he’s hurt badly.” + </p> + <p> + “As I turned again, I saw the President standing quite calmly in the + window. When the colonel saw him he raised his revolver and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you yield, General Whittingham? We are twelve to one.’ + </p> + <p> + “As he spoke, every man covered the President with his aim. The + latter stood facing the twelve revolvers, his own weapon hanging loosely + in his left hand. Then, smiling, he said a little bitterly: + </p> + <p> + “‘Heroics are not in my line, McGregor. I suppose this is a + popular rising—that is to say, you have bribed my men, murdered my + best friend, and beguiled me with the lures of that—’ + </p> + <p> + “I could not bear the words that hung on his lips, and with a sob I + fell on a sofa and hid my face. + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, we mustn’t use hard names,’ he went on, in + a gentler tone. ‘We are all as God made us. I give in,’ and, + throwing down his weapon, he asked, ‘Have you quite killed Carr?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I don’t know,’ said the colonel, implying + plainly that he did not care either. + </p> + <p> + “‘I suppose it was you that shot him?’ + </p> + <p> + “The colonel nodded. + </p> + <p> + “The President yawned, and looked at his watch. + </p> + <p> + “‘As I have no part in to-night’s performance,’ + said he, ‘I presume I am at liberty to go to bed?’ + </p> + <p> + “The colonel said shortly: + </p> + <p> + “‘Where’s the bedroom?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘In there,’ said the President, waving his hand to a + door facing that by which the colonel had entered. + </p> + <p> + “‘Permit me,’ said the latter. He went in, no doubt to + see if there were any other egress. Returning shortly he said: + </p> + <p> + “‘My men must stay here, and you must leave the door open.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I have no objection,’ said the President. ‘No + doubt they will respect my modesty.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘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 + three more 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 + under restraint. Otherwise treat him with respect.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I thank you for your civility,’ said the President, + ‘also for the compliment implied in these precautions. Is it over + this matter of the debt that your patriotism has drawn you into revolt?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I see no use in discussing public affairs at this moment,’ + the colonel replied. ‘And my presence is required elsewhere. I + regret that I cannot relieve you of the presence of these men, but I do + not feel I should be justified in accepting your <i>parole</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + “The President did not seem to be angered at this insult. + </p> + <p> + “‘I have not offered it,’ he said simply. ‘It is + better you should take your own measures. Need I detain you, colonel?’ + </p> + <p> + “The colonel did not answer him, but turned to me and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Signorina Nugent, we wait only for you, and time is + precious.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I will follow you in a moment,’ I said, with my head + still among the cushions. + </p> + <p> + “‘No, come now,’ he commanded. + </p> + <p> + “Looking up, I saw a smile on the President’s face. As I rose + reluctantly, he also got up from the chair into which he had flung + himself, and stopped me with a gesture. I was terribly afraid that he was + going to say something hard to me, but his voice only expressed a sort of + amused pity. + </p> + <p> + “‘The money, was it, signorina?’ he said. ‘Young + people and beautiful people should not be mercenary. Poor child! you had + better have stood by me.’ + </p> + <p> + “I answered him nothing, but went out with the colonel, leaving him + seated again in his chair, surveying with some apparent amusement the two + threatening sentries who stood at the door. The colonel hurried me out of + the house, saying: + </p> + <p> + “‘We must ride to the barracks. If the news gets there before + us, they may cut up rough. You go home. Your work is done.’ + </p> + <p> + “So they mounted and rode away, leaving me in the road. There were + no signs 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 poor Johnny Carr. + I went straight home, and what happened in the next few hours at the + Golden House I don’t know, and, knowing how I left the President, I + cannot explain. I went home, and cried till I thought my heart would + break.” + </p> + <p> + Thus far the signorina. I must beg to call special attention to the + closing lines of her narrative. But before I relate the very startling + occurrence 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 attention was effectually + diverted from me. They crowded together on one side of the table, facing + the colonel and his men on the other. Assisted by the two men sent to my + aid, I seized the opportunity to push my way through them and range myself + by the side of my leader. After a moment’s pause the colonel began: + </p> + <p> + “The last thing we should desire, gentlemen,” he said, “is + to resort to force. But the time for explanation is short. The people of + Aureataland have at last risen against the tyranny they have so long + endured. General Whittingham has proved a traitor to the cause of freedom; + he won his position in the name of liberty; he has used it to destroy + liberty. The voice of the people has declared him to have forfeited his + high office. The people have placed in my hand the sword of vengeance. + Armed with this mighty sanction, I have appealed to the army. The army has + proved true to its traditions—true to its character of the + protector, not the oppressor, of the people. Gentlemen, will you who lead + the army take your proper place?” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply to this moving appeal. He advanced closer to them, and + went on: + </p> + <p> + “There is no middle way. You are patriots or traitors—friends + of liberty or friends of tyranny. I stand here to offer you either a + traitor’s death, or, if you will, life, honor, and the satisfaction + of all your just claims. Do you mistrust the people? I, as their + representative, here offer you every just due the people owes you—debts + which had long been paid but for the greed of that great traitor.” + </p> + <p> + As he said this he took from his men some bags of money, and threw them on + the table with a loud chink. Major DeChair glanced at the bags, and + glanced at his comrades, and said: + </p> + <p> + “In the cause of liberty God forbid we should be behind. Down with + the tyrant!” + </p> + <p> + And all the pack yelped in chorus! + </p> + <p> + “Then, gentlemen, to the head of your men,” said the colonel, + and going to the window, he cried to the throng: + </p> + <p> + “Men, your noble officers are with us.” + </p> + <p> + A cheer answered him. I wiped my forehead, and said to myself, “That’s + well over.” + </p> + <p> + I will not weary the reader with our further proceedings. Suffice it to + say we marshaled our host and marched down to the Piazza. The news had + spread by now, and in the dimly breaking morning light we saw the Square + full of people—men, women, and children. As we marched in there was + a cheer, not very hearty—a cheer propitiatory, for they did not know + what we meant to do. The colonel made them a brief speech, promising + peace, security, liberty, plenty, and all the goods of heaven. In a few + stern words he cautioned them against “treachery,” and + announced that any rebellion against the Provisional Government would meet + with swift punishment. Then he posted his army in companies, to keep watch + till all was quiet. And at last he said: + </p> + <p> + “Now, Martin, come back to the Golden House, and let’s put + that fellow in a safe place.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I; “and have a look for the money.” + For really, in the excitement, it seemed as if there was a danger of the + most important thing of all being forgotten. + </p> + <p> + The dawn was now far advanced, and as we left the Piazza, we could see the + Golden House at the other end of the avenue. All looked quiet, and the + sentries were gently pacing to and fro. Drawing nearer, we saw two or + three of the President’s servants busied about their ordinary tasks. + One woman was already deleting Johnny Carr’s life-blood with a mop + and a pail of water; and a carpenter was at work repairing the front-door. + Standing by it was the doctor’s brougham. + </p> + <p> + “Come to see Carr, I suppose,” said I. — Leaving our + horses to the care of the men who were with us we entered the house. Just + inside we met the doctor himself. He was a shrewd little fellow, named + Anderson, generally popular and, though a personal friend of the President’s, + not openly identified with either political party. + </p> + <p> + “I have a request to make to you, sir,” he said to McGregor, + “about Mr. Carr.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, is he dead?” said the colonel. “If he is, he’s + got only himself to thank for it.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor wisely declined to discuss this question, and confined himself + to stating that Johnny was not dead. On the contrary, he was going on + nicely. + </p> + <p> + “But,” he went on, “quiet is essential, and I want to + take him to my house, out of the racket. No doubt it is pretty quiet here + now, but—” + </p> + <p> + The colonel interrupted: + </p> + <p> + “Will he give his <i>parole</i> not to escape?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said the doctor, “the man couldn’t + move to save his life—and he’s asleep now.” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said the doctor. “I am content to be + responsible for Mr. Carr.” + </p> + <p> + “All right; take him and get out. Now for Whittingham!” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn’t we better get the money first?” said I. — + “Damn the money!” he replied. “But I tell you what—I + must have a bit of food. I’ve tasted nothing for twelve hours.” + </p> + <p> + One of the servants hearing him, said: + </p> + <p> + “Breakfast can be served in a moment, sir.” And he ushered us + into the large dining room, where we soon had an excellent meal. + </p> + <p> + When we had got through most of it, I broke the silence by asking: + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do with him?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to shoot him,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “On what charge?” + </p> + <p> + “Treachery,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + I smiled. + </p> + <p> + “That would hardly do, would it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, embezzlement of public funds.” + </p> + <p> + We had a little talk about the President’s destiny, and I tried to + persuade the colonel to milder measures. In fact, I was determined to + prevent such a murder if I could without ruin to myself. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we’ll consider it when we’ve seen him,” + said the colonel, rising and lighting a cigarette. “By Jove! we’ve + wasted an hour breakfasting—it’s seven o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + I followed him along the passage, and we entered the little room where we + had left the President. The sentries were still there, each seated in an + armchair. They were not asleep, but looked a little drowsy. + </p> + <p> + “All right?” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Excellency,” said one of them. “He is in there in + bed.” + </p> + <p> + He went into the inner room and began to undo the shutters, letting in the + early sun. + </p> + <p> + We passed through the half-opened door and saw a peaceful figure lying in + the bed, whence proceeded a gentle snore. + </p> + <p> + “Good nerve, hasn’t he?” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but what a queer night-cap!” I said, for the President’s + head was swathed in white linen. + </p> + <p> + The colonel strode quickly up to the bed. + </p> + <p> + “Done, by hell!” he cried. “It’s Johnny Carr!” + </p> + <p> + It was true; there lay Johnny. His Excellency was nowhere to be seen. + </p> + <p> + The colonel shook Johnny roughly by the arm. The latter opened his eyes + and said sleepily: + </p> + <p> + “Steady there. Kindly remember I’m a trifle fragile.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s this infernal plot? Where’s Whittingham?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it’s McGregor,” said Johnny, with a bland smile, + “and Martin. How are you, old fellow? Some beast’s hit me on + the head.” + </p> + <p> + “Where’s Whittingham?” reiterated the colonel, savagely + shaking Johnny’s arm. + </p> + <p> + “Gently!” said I; “after all, he’s a sick man.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel dropped the arm with a muttered oath, and Johnny said, + sweetly: + </p> + <p> + “Quits, isn’t it, colonel?” + </p> + <p> + The colonel turned from him, and said to his men sternly: + </p> + <p> + “Have you had any hand in this?” + </p> + <p> + They protested vehemently that they were as astonished as we were; and so + they were, unless they acted consummately. They denied that anyone had + entered the outer room or that any sound had proceeded from the inner. + They swore they had kept vigilant watch, and must have seen an intruder. + Both the men inside were the colonel’s personal servants, and he + believed their honesty; but what of their vigilance? + </p> + <p> + Carr heard him sternly questioning them, on which he said: + </p> + <p> + “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. They brought me in there. I was rather queer and only half + knew what was up.” + </p> + <p> + We looked and saw a door where he said. Pushing the bed aside, we opened + 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? + </p> + <p> + The sentry came up, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Every five minutes, sir, I looked and saw him on the bed. He lay + for the first hour in his clothes. The next look, he was undressed. It + struck me he’d been pretty quick and quiet about it, but I thought + no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Depend upon it, the dressed man was the President, the undressed + man Carr! When was that?” + </p> + <p> + “About half-past two, sir; just after the doctor came.” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor!” we cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; Dr. Anderson.” + </p> + <p> + “You never told me he had been here.” + </p> + <p> + “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, and stood talking with us for a time. Half an hour after + he came in for some more.” + </p> + <p> + We began to see how it was done. That wretched little doctor was in the + plot. Somehow or other he had communicated with the President; probably he + knew of the door. Then, I fancied, they must have worked something in this + way. The doctor comes in to distract the sentries, while his Excellency + moves the bed. Finding that they took a look every five minutes, he told + the President. Then he went and got Johnny Carr ready. Returning, he takes + the President’s place on the bed, and in that character undergoes an + inspection. The moment this is over, he leaps up and goes out. Between + them they bring in Carr, put him into bed, and slip out through the narrow + space of open door behind the bedstead. When all was done, the doctor had + come back to see if any suspicion had been aroused. + </p> + <p> + “I have it now!” cried the colonel. “That infernal + doctor’s done us both. He couldn’t get Whittingham out of the + house without leave, so he’s taken him as Carr! Swindled me into + giving my leave. Ah, look out, if we meet, Mr. Doctor!” + </p> + <p> + We rushed out of the house and found this conjecture was true. The man who + purported to be Carr had been carried out, enveloped in blankets, just as + we sat down to breakfast; the doctor had put him into the carriage, + followed himself, and driven rapidly away. + </p> + <p> + “Which way did they go?” + </p> + <p> + “Toward the harbor, sir,” the sentry replied. + </p> + <p> + The harbor could be reached in twenty minutes’ fast driving. Without + a word the colonel sprang on his horse; I imitated him, and we galloped as + 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 a mile out to sea + and sailing before a stiff breeze, Johnny Carr’s little yacht, with + the Aureataland flag floating defiantly at her masthead. + </p> + <p> + We gazed at it blankly, with never a word to say, and turned our horses’ + heads. Our attention was attracted by a small group of men standing round + the storm-signal post. As we rode up, they hastily scattered, and we saw + pinned to the post a sheet of note-paper. Thereupon was written in a + well-known hand: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + Truly, this was pleasant! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — DIVIDING THE SPOILS. + </h2> + <p> + The habit of reading having penetrated, as we are told, to all classes of + the community, I am not without hope that some who peruse this chronicle + will be able, from personal experience, to understand the feelings of a + man when he first finds a reward offered for his apprehension. It is true + that our police are not in the habit of imitating the President’s + naked brutality by expressly adding “Alive or Dead,” but I am + informed that the law, in case of need, leaves the alternative open to the + servants of justice. I am not ashamed to confess that my spirits were + rather dashed by his Excellency’s Parthian shot, and I could see + that the colonel himself was no less perturbed. The escape of <i>Fleance</i> + seemed to <i>Macbeth</i> to render his whole position unsafe, and no one + who knew General Whittingham will doubt that he was a more dangerous + opponent than <i>Fleance</i>. We both felt, in fact, as soon as we saw the + white sail of <i>The Songstress</i> bearing our enemy out of our reach, + that the revolution could not yet be regarded as safely accomplished. But + the uncertainty of our tenure of power did not paralyze our energies; on + the contrary, we determined to make hay while the sun shone, and, if + Aureataland was doomed to succumb once more to tyranny, I, for one, was + very clear that her temporary emancipation might be turned to good + account. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, on arriving again at the Golden House, we lost no time in + instituting a thorough inquiry into the state of the public finances. We + ransacked the house from top to bottom and found nothing! Was it possible + that the President had carried off with him all the treasure that had + inspired our patriotic efforts? The thought was too horrible. The drawers + of his escritoire and the safe that stood in his library revealed nothing + to our eager eyes. A foraging party, dispatched to the Ministry of Finance + (where, by the way, they did not find Don Antonio or his fair daughter), + returned with the discouraging news that nothing was visible but ledgers + and bills (not negotiable securities—the other sort). In deep + dejection I threw myself into his Excellency’s chair and lit one of + his praiseworthy cigars with the doleful reflection that this pleasure + seemed all I was likely to get out of the business. The colonel stood + moodily with his back to the fireplace, looking at me as if I were + responsible for the state of things. + </p> + <p> + At this point in came the signorina. We greeted her gloomily, and she was + as startled as ourselves at the news of the President’s escape; at + the same time I thought I detected an undercurrent of relief, not + unnatural if we recollect her personal relations with the deposed ruler. + When, however, we went on to break to her the nakedness of the land, she + stopped us at once. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you stupid men! you haven’t looked in the right place. I + suppose you expected to find it laid out for you on the dining-room table. + Come with me.” + </p> + <p> + We followed her into the room where Carr lay. He was awake, and the + signorina went and asked him how he was. Then she continued: + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to disturb you for a few minutes, Mr. Carr. You don’t + mind, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Must I get out of bed?” asked Johnny. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not while I’m here,” said the signorina. + “You’ve only got to shut your eyes and lie still; but we’re + going to make a little noise.” + </p> + <p> + 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 of the + stand itself there rose a wooden screen to the height of two feet and a + half, covered with pretty tiles, the presumable object being to protect + the wall paper. I never saw a more innocent-looking bit of furniture; it + might have stood in a lady’s dressing-room. The signorina went up to + it and <i>slid</i> it gently on one side; it moved in a groove! Then she + pressed a spot in the wall behind and a small piece of it rolled aside, + disclosing a keyhole. + </p> + <p> + “He’s taken the key, of course,” she said. “We + must break it open. Who’s got a hammer?” + </p> + <p> + Tools were procured, and, working under the signorina’s directions, + after a good deal of trouble, we laid bare a neat little safe embedded in + the wall. This safe was legibly inscribed on the outside “Burglar’s + Puzzle.” We however, were not afraid of making a noise, and it only + puzzled us for ten minutes. + </p> + <p> + When opened it revealed a Golconda! There lay in securities and cash no + less than five hundred thousand dollars! + </p> + <p> + We smiled at one another. + </p> + <p> + “A sad revelation!” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Hoary old fox!” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + No wonder the harbor works were unremunerative in their early stages. The + President must have kept them at a very early stage. + </p> + <p> + “What are you people up to?” cried Carr. + </p> + <p> + “Rank burglary, my dear boy,” I replied, and we retreated with + our spoil. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said I to the colonel, “what are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what do you think, Mr. Martin?” interposed the + signorina. “He’s going to give you your money, and divide the + rest with his sincere friend Christina Nugent.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose so,” said the colonel. “But it strikes + me you’re making a good thing of this, Martin.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear colonel,” said I, “a bargain is a bargain; and + where would you have been without my money?” + </p> + <p> + The colonel made no reply, but handed me the money, which I liked much + better. I took the three hundred and twenty thousand dollars and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now, I can face the world, an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + The signorina laughed. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> am glad,” she said, “chiefly for poor old + Jones’ sake. It’ll take a load off his mind.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel proceeded to divide the remainder into two little heaps, of + which he pushed one over to the signorina. She took it gayly, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Now I shall make curl papers of half my bonds, and I shall rely on + the—what do you call it?—the Provisional Government to pay the + rest. You remember about the house?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see about that soon,” said the colonel + impatiently. “You two seem to think there’s nothing to do but + take the money. You forget we’ve got to make our position safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. The colonel’s government must be carried on,” + said I. — The signorina did not catch the allusion. She yawned, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, I shall go. Rely on my loyalty, your Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + She made him a courtesy and went to the door. As I opened it for her she + whispered, “Horrid old bear! Come and see me, Jack,” and so + vanished, carrying off her dollars. + </p> + <p> + I returned and sat down opposite the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder how she knew about the washing-stand,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Because Whittingham was fool enough to tell her, I suppose,” + said the colonel testily, as if he disliked the subject. + </p> + <p> + Then we settled to business. This unambitious tale does not profess to be + a complete history of Aureataland, and I will spare my readers the recital + of our discussion. We decided at last that matters were still so critical, + owing to the President’s escape, that the ordinary forms of law and + constitutional government must be temporarily suspended. The Chamber was + not in session, which made this course easier. The colonel was to be + proclaimed President and to assume supreme power under martial law for + some weeks, while we looked about us. It was thought better that my name + should not appear officially, but I agreed to take in hand, under his + supervision, all matters relating to finance. + </p> + <p> + “We can’t pay the interest on the real debt,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied; “you must issue a notice, setting forth + that, owing to General Whittingham’s malversations, payments must be + temporarily suspended. Promise it will be all right later on.” + </p> + <p> + “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 ‘em another ten thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Generous hero!” said I, “and I shall go and restore + this cash to my employers.” + </p> + <p> + It was twelve o’clock when I left the Golden House and strolled + quietly down to Liberty Street. The larger part of the soldiers had been + drawn off, but a couple of companies still kept guard in the <i>Piazza</i>. + The usual occupations of life were going on amid a confused stir of + excitement, and I saw by the interest my appearance aroused that some part + at least of my share in the night’s doing had leaked out. The <i>Gazette</i> + had published a special edition, in which it hailed the advent of freedom, + and, while lauding McGregor to the skies, bestowed a warm commendation on + the “noble Englishman who, with a native love of liberty, had taken + on himself the burden of Aureataland in her hour of travail.” The + metaphor struck me as inappropriate, but the sentiment was most healthy; + and when I finally beheld two officers of police sitting on the head of a + drunken man for toasting the fallen <i>rigime</i>, I could say to myself, + as I turned into the bank, “Order reigns in Warsaw.” + </p> + <p> + General assent had proclaimed a suspension of commerce on this auspicious + day, and I found Jones sitting idle and ill at ease. I explained to him + the state of affairs, showing how the President’s dishonorable + scheme had compelled me, in the interests of the bank, to take a more or + less active part in the revolution. It was pathetic to hear him bewail the + villainy of the man he had trusted, and when I produced the money he + blessed me fervently, and at once proposed writing to the directors a full + account of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “They are bound to vote you an honorarium, sir,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, Jones,” I replied. “I am afraid + there is a certain prejudice against me at headquarters. But in any case I + have resolved to forego the personal advantage that might accrue to me + from my conduct. President McGregor has made a strong representation to me + that the schemes of General Whittingham, if publicly known, would, however + unjustly, prejudice the credit of Aureataland, and he appealed to me not + to give particulars to the world. In matters such as these, Jones, we + cannot be guided solely by selfish considerations.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, sir!” said Jones, much moved. + </p> + <p> + “I have, therefore, consented to restrict myself to a confidential + communication to the directors; they must judge how far they will pass it + on to the shareholders. To the world at large I shall say nothing of the + second loan; and I know you will oblige me by treating this money as the + product of realizations in the ordinary course of business. The recent + disturbances will quite account for so large a sum being called in.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t quite see how I can arrange that.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are overdone,” said I. “Leave it all to me, + Jones.” + </p> + <p> + And this I persuaded him to do. In fact, he was so relieved at seeing the + money back that he was easy to deal with; and if he suspected anything, he + was overawed by my present exalted position. He appeared to forget what I + could not, that the President, no doubt, still possessed that fatal cable! + </p> + <p> + After lunch I remembered my engagement with the signorina, and, putting on + my hat, was bidding farewell to business, when Jones said: + </p> + <p> + “There’s a note just come for you, sir. A little boy brought + it while you were out at lunch.” + </p> + <p> + He gave it me—a little dirty envelope, with an illiterate scrawl. I + opened it carelessly, but as my eye fell on the President’s hand, I + started in amazement. The note was dated “Saturday—From on + board <i>The Songstress</i>,” and ran as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + It is a pleasant thing, as has been remarked, <i>laudari a laudato viro</i>, + and the President’s praise was grateful to me. But I did not see 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 alliance between us. + Again, I was sure that he also “designed to marry the signorina,” + and, if I must have a rival on the spot, I preferred McGregor in that + capacity. Lastly, I thought that, after all, there is a 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 to say I had heard that <i>The + Songstress</i> was hovering a few miles off, and he had better look out. + </p> + <p> + This done, I resumed my interrupted progress to the signorina’s. + When I was shown in, she greeted me kindly. + </p> + <p> + “I have had a letter from the President,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, “he told me he had written to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, have you heard from him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, just a little note. He is rather cross with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I can quite understand that. Would you like to see my letter?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” she replied carelessly. + </p> + <p> + She read it through and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you going over to him—going to forsake me?” + </p> + <p> + “How can you ask me? Won’t you show me your letter, Christina?” + </p> + <p> + “No, John,” she answered, mimicking my impassioned tones. + “I may steal the President’s savings, but I respect his + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “You see what he says to me about McGregor.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the signorina. “It is not, you know, news to + me. But, curious to relate, the colonel has just been here himself and + told me the same thing. The colonel has not a nice way of making love, + Jack—not so nice as yours nearly.” + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, I went and sat down by her. I believe I took her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t love him?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + I must beg to be excused recording the exact terms in which I placed my + hand and heart at the signorina’s disposal. I was extremely vehement + and highly absurd, but she did not appear to be displeased. + </p> + <p> + “I like you very much, Jack,” she said, “and it’s + very sweet of you to have made a revolution for me. It was for me, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course it was, my darling,” I promptly replied. + </p> + <p> + “But you know, Jack, I don’t see how we’re much better + off. Indeed, in a 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 he will marry me this day week!” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll see about that,” said I savagely. + </p> + <p> + “Another revolution, Jack?” asked the signorina. + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t laugh at me,” I said sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “Poor boy! What are we idyllic lovers to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe you’re a bit in earnest.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am, Jack—now.” Then she went on, with a sort of + playful pity, “Look at my savage, jealous, broken-hearted Jack.” + </p> + <p> + I caught her in my arms and kissed her, whispering hotly: + </p> + <p> + “You will be true to me, sweet?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me go,” she said. Then, leaning over me as I flung myself + back in a chair, “It’s pleasant while it lasts; try not to be + broken-hearted if it doesn’t last.” + </p> + <p> + “If you love me, why don’t you come with me out of this sink + of iniquity?” + </p> + <p> + “Run away with you?” she asked, with open amazement. “Do + you think that we’re the sort of people, for a romantic elopement? I + am very earthy. And so are you, Jack, dear—nice earth, but earth, + Jack.” + </p> + <p> + There was a good deal of truth in this remark. We were not an ideal pair + for love in a cottage. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said. “I’ve got no money.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got a little money, but not much. I’ve been paying + debts,” she added proudly. + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t been even doing that. And I’m not quite equal + to purloining that three hundred thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “We must wait, Jack. But this I will promise. I’ll never marry + the colonel. If it comes to that or running away, we’ll run away.” + </p> + <p> + “And Whittingham?” + </p> + <p> + The signorina for once looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “You know him,” she said. “Think what he made you do! + and you’re not a weak man, or I shouldn’t be fond of you. + Jack, you must keep him away from me.” + </p> + <p> + She was quite agitated; and it was one more tribute to the President’s + powers that he should exert so strange an influence over such a nature. I + was burning to ask her more about herself and the President, but I could + not while she was distressed. And when I had comforted her, she resolutely + declined to return to the subject. + </p> + <p> + “No, go away now,” she said. “Think how we are to + checkmate our two Presidents. 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 of your heart breaking. In fact, Jack, we are neither of + us good young people. No, no; be quiet and go away. You have plenty of + useful things to occupy your time.” + </p> + <p> + At last I accepted my dismissal and walked off, my happiness considerably + damped by the awkward predicament in which we stood. Clearly McGregor + meant business; and at this moment McGregor was all-powerful. If he kept + the reins, I should lose my love. If the President came back, a worse fate + still threatened. Supposing it were possible to carry off the signorina, + which I doubted very much, where were we to go to! And would she come? + </p> + <p> + On the whole, I did not think she would come. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — BETWEEN TWO FIRES. + </h2> + <p> + In spite of my many anxieties, after this eventful day I enjoyed the first + decent night’s rest I had had for a week. The colonel refused, with + an unnecessary ostentation of scorn, my patriotic offer to keep watch and + ward over the city, and I turned in, tired out, at eleven o’clock, + after a light dinner and a meditative pipe. I felt I had some reasons for + self-congratulation; for considerable as my present difficulties were, yet + I undoubtedly stood in a more hopeful position than I had before the + revolution. I was now resolved to get my money safe out of the country, + and I had hopes of being too much for McGregor in the other matter which + shared my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + The return of day, however, brought new troubles. I was roused at an early + hour by a visit from the colonel himself. He brought very disquieting + tidings. In the course of the night every one of our proclamations had + been torn down or defaced with ribald scribblings; posted over or + alongside them, there now hung multitudinous enlarged copies of the + President’s offensive notice. How or by whom these seditious + measures had been effected we were at a loss to tell, for the officers and + troops were loud in declaring their vigilance. In the very center of the + Piazza, on the base of the President’s statue, was posted an + enormous bill: “REMEMBER 1871! DEATH TO TRAITORS!” + </p> + <p> + “How could they do that unless the soldiers were in it?” asked + the colonel gloomily. “I have sent those two companies back to + barracks and had another lot out. But how do I know they’ll be any + better? I met DeChair just now and asked him what the temper of the troops + was. The little brute grinned, and said, ‘Ah, mon Prisident, it + would be better if the good soldiers had a leetle more money.’” + </p> + <p> + “That’s about it,” said I; “but then you haven’t + got much more money.” + </p> + <p> + “What I’ve got I mean to stick to,” said the colonel. + “If this thing is going to burst up, I’m not going to be + kicked out to starve. I tell you what it is, Martin, you must let me have + some of that cash back again.” + </p> + <p> + The effrontery of this request amazed me. I was just drawing on the second + leg of my trousers (for it was impossible to be comfortable in bed with + that great creature fuming about), and I stopped with one leg in mid-air + and gazed at him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what’s the matter? Why are you to dance out with all + the plunder?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + The man’s want of ordinary morality was too revolting. Didn’t + he know very well that the money wasn’t mine? Didn’t he + himself obtain my help on the express terms that I should have this money + to repay the bank with? I finished putting on my garments, and then I + replied: + </p> + <p> + “Not a farthing, colonel; not a damned farthing! By our agreement + that cash was to be mine; but for that I wouldn’t have touched your + revolution with a pair of tongs.” + </p> + <p> + He looked very savage, and muttered something under his breath. + </p> + <p> + “You’re carrying things with a high hand,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not going to steal to please you,” said I. — + “You weren’t always so scrupulous,” he sneered. + </p> + <p> + I took no notice of this insult, but repeated my determination. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Martin,” he said, “I’ll give you + twenty-four hours to think it over; and let me advise you to change your + mind by then. I don’t want to quarrel, but I’m going to have + some of that money.” + </p> + <p> + Clearly he had learned statecraft in his predecessor’s school! + “Twenty-four hours is something,” thought I, and determined to + try the cunning of the serpent. + </p> + <p> + “All right, colonel,” I said, “I’ll think it over. + I don’t pretend to like it; but, after all, I’m in with you + and we must pull together. We’ll see how things look to-morrow + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s another matter I wanted to speak to you about,” + he went on. + </p> + <p> + I was now dressed, so I invited him into the breakfast-room, gave him a + cup of coffee (which, to my credit, I didn’t poison), and began on + my own eggs and toast. + </p> + <p> + “Fire away,” said I briefly. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you know I’m going to be married?” he + remarked. + </p> + <p> + “No, I hadn’t heard,” I replied, feigning to be entirely + occupied with a very nimble egg. “Rather a busy time for marrying, + isn’t it? Who is she?” + </p> + <p> + He gave a heavy laugh. + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t pretend to be so very innocent; I expect you + could give a pretty good guess.” + </p> + <p> + “Mme. Devarges?” I asked blandly. “Suitable match; about + your age—” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to the devil you wouldn’t try to be funny!” he + exclaimed. “You know as well as I do it’s the signorina.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” I replied. “Well, well! I fancied you were a + little touched in that quarter. And she has consented to make you happy?” + </p> + <p> + 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 he answered: + </p> + <p> + “Says she never cared a straw for anyone else.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, signorina! + </p> + <p> + “Not even Whittingham?” I asked maliciously. + </p> + <p> + “Hates the old ruffian!” said the colonel. “I once + thought she had a liking for you, Martin, but she laughed at the idea. I’m + glad of it, for we should have fallen out.” + </p> + <p> + I smiled in a somewhat sickly way, and took refuge in my cup. When I + emerged, I asked: + </p> + <p> + “And when is it to be?” + </p> + <p> + “Next Saturday.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said. “Fact is, between you and me, Martin, + she’s ready enough.” + </p> + <p> + This was too disgusting. But whether the colonel was deceiving me, or the + 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, of + course, he knew my pretensions, and probably that they had met with some + success, and I don’t think I imposed on him very much. But I was + anxious to avoid a rupture and gain time. + </p> + <p> + “I must call and congratulate the lady,” I said. + </p> + <p> + The colonel couldn’t very well object to that, but he didn’t + like it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Christina told me she was very busy, but I dare say she’ll + see you for a few minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say she will,” I said dryly. + </p> + <p> + “I must be off now. I shall have to be about all day, trying to + catch those infernal fellows who destroyed the bills.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t be doing any business to-day, then?” + </p> + <p> + “What, about settling the Government?” he asked, grinning. + “Not just yet. Wait till I’ve got the signorina and the money, + and then we’ll see about that. You think about the money, my boy!” + </p> + <p> + Much to my relief he then departed, and as he went out I swore that + neither signorina nor money should he ever have. In the course of the next + twenty-four hours I must find a way to prevent him. + </p> + <p> + “Rather early for a call,” said I, “but I must see the + signorina.” + </p> + <p> + 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 his daughter; + rumor declared that they had embarked on <i>The Songstress</i> with the + President and his faithful doctor. Secondly, Johnny Carr was still in bed + at the Golden House (this from Mme. Devarges, who had been to see him); + but his men had disappeared, after solemnly taking the oath to the new + Government. Item three: The colonel had been received with silence and + black looks by the troops, and two officers had vanished into space, both + Americans, and the only men of any good in a fight. Things were looking + rather blue, and I began to think that I also should like to disappear, + provided I could carry off my money and my mistress with me. My scruples + about loyalty had been removed by the colonel’s overbearing conduct, + and I was ready for any step that promised me the fulfillment of my own + designs. It was pretty evident that there would be no living with McGregor + in his present frame of mind, and I was convinced that my best course + would be to cut the whole thing, or, if that proved impossible, to see + what bargain I could make with the President. Of course, all would go + smoothly with him if I gave up the dollars and the lady; a like sacrifice + would conciliate McGregor. But then, I didn’t mean to make it. + </p> + <p> + “One or other I will have,” said I, as I knocked at the door + of “Mon Repos,” “and both if possible.” + </p> + <p> + The signorina was looking worried; indeed, I thought she had been crying. + </p> + <p> + “Did you meet my aunt on your way up?” she asked, the moment I + was announced. + </p> + <p> + “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 without permission now liberty + has triumphed) for her to seek change of air.” + </p> + <p> + “Where’s she going to?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Home,” said the signorina. + </p> + <p> + I didn’t know where “home” was, but I never ask what I + am not meant to know. + </p> + <p> + “Are you left alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I know it’s not correct. But you see, Jack, I had to + choose between care for my money and care for my reputation. The latter is + always safe in my own keeping; the former I wasn’t so sure about.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so you’ve given it to Mrs. Carrington?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all but five thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the colonel know that?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, of course not! or he’d never have let her go.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re very wise,” said I. “I only wish I could + have sent my money with her.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid that would have made dear aunt rather bulky,” + said the signorina, tittering. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, such a lot of mine’s in cash,” I said regretfully. + “But won’t they find it on her?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if they’re gentlemen,” replied the signorina + darkly. + </p> + <p> + Evidently I could not ask for further details; so, without more ado, I + disclosed my own perilous condition and the colonel’s boasts about + herself. + </p> + <p> + “What a villain that man is!” she exclaimed. “Of course, + I was civil to him, but I didn’t say half that. You didn’t + believe I did, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + There’s never any use in being unpleasant, so I said I had rejected + the idea with scorn. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he’ll marry me,” chimed in the signorina. + “Jack, we must have a counter-revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see what good that’ll do,” I answered + dolefully. “The President will take the money just the same, and I + expect he’ll marry you just the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Of the two, I would rather have him. Now don’t rage, Jack! I + only said, ‘of the two.’ But you’re quite right; it + couldn’t help us much to bring General Whittingham back.” + </p> + <p> + “To say nothing of the strong probability of my perishing in the + attempt.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me think,” said the signorina, knitting her brows. + </p> + <p> + “May I light a cigarette and help you?” + </p> + <p> + She nodded permission, and I awaited the result of her meditation. + </p> + <p> + She sat there, looking very thoughtful and troubled, but it seemed to me + as if she were rather undergoing a conflict of feeling than thinking out a + course of action. Once she glanced at me, then turned away with a restless + movement and a sigh. + </p> + <p> + I finished my cigarette, and flinging it away, strolled up to the window + to look out. I had stood there a little while, when I heard her call + softly: + </p> + <p> + “Jack!” + </p> + <p> + I turned and came to her, kneeling down by her side and taking her hands. + </p> + <p> + She gazed rather intently into my face with unusual gravity. Then she + said: + </p> + <p> + “If you have to choose between me and the money, which will it be?” + </p> + <p> + I kissed her hand for answer. + </p> + <p> + “If the money is lost, won’t it all come out? And then, won’t + they call you dishonest?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so,” said I. — “You don’t mind + that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do. Nobody likes being called a thief—especially when + there’s a kind of truth about it. But I should mind losing you more.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you really very fond of me, Jack? No, you needn’t say so. + I think you are. Now I’ll tell you a secret. If you hadn’t + come here, I should have married General Whittingham long ago. I stayed + here intending to do it (oh, yes, I’m not a nice girl, Jack), and he + asked me very soon after you first arrived. I gave him my money, you know, + then.” + </p> + <p> + I was listening intently. It seemed as if some things were going to be + cleared up. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she continued, “you know what happened. You fell + in love with me—I tried to make you; and then I suppose I fell a + little in love with you. At any rate I told the President I wouldn’t + marry him just then. Some time after, I wanted some money, and I asked him + to give me back mine. He utterly refused; you know his quiet way. He said + he would keep it for ‘Mrs. Whittingham.’ Oh, I could have + killed him! But I didn’t dare to break with him openly; besides, he’s + very hard to fight against. We had constant disputes; he would never give + back the money, and I declared I wouldn’t marry him unless I had it + first, and not then unless I chose. He was very angry and swore I should + marry him without a penny of it; and so it went on. But he never suspected + you, 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 something between + you and me. And the very day before we came to the bank he drove 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’re in love with + that young Martin.’ Then he apologized for his plain speaking, for + he’s always gentle in manner. And I defied him. And then, Jack, what + do you think he did?” + </p> + <p> + I sprang up in a fury. + </p> + <p> + “What?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “He <i>laughed</i>!” said the signorina, with tragic + intensity. “I couldn’t stand that, so I joined the colonel in + upsetting him. Ah, he shouldn’t have laughed at me!” + </p> + <p> + And indeed she looked at this moment a dangerous subject for such + treatment. + </p> + <p> + “I knew what no one else knew, and I could influence him as no one + else could, and I had my revenge. But now,” she said, “it all + ends in nothing.” + </p> + <p> + And she broke down, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + Then, recovering herself, and motioning me to be still, she went on: + </p> + <p> + “You may think, after holding him at bay so long, I have little to + fear from the colonel. But it’s different. The President has no + scruples; but he is a gentleman—as far as women are concerned. I + mean—he wouldn’t—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped. + </p> + <p> + “But McGregor?” I asked, in a hoarse whisper. + </p> + <p> + She drooped her head on my shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “I daren’t stay here, Jack, with him,” she whispered. + “If you can’t take me away, I must go to the President. I + shall be at least safe with him!” + </p> + <p> + “Damn the ruffian!” I growled; not meaning the President, but + his successor; “I’ll shoot him!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Jack!” she cried. “You must be quiet and + cautious. But I must go to-night—to-night, Jack, either with you or + to the President.” + </p> + <p> + “My darling, you shall come with me,” said I. — “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, out of this somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “How are we to escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, you sit down, dear, and try to stop crying—you break my + heart—and I’ll think. It’s my turn now.” + </p> + <p> + I carried her to the sofa, and she lay still, but with her eyes fixed on + me. I was full of rage against McGregor, but I couldn’t afford the + luxury of indulging it, so I gave my whole mind to finding a way out for + us. At last I seemed to hit upon a plan. + </p> + <p> + The signorina saw the inspiration in my eye. She jumped up and came to me. + </p> + <p> + “Have you got it, Jack?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I think so—if you will trust yourself to me, and don’t + mind an uncomfortable night.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “You know my little steam launch? It will be dark to-night. If we + can get on board with a couple of hours’ start we can show anybody a + clean pair of heels. She travels a good pace, and it’s only fifty + miles to safety and foreign soil. I shall land there a beggar!” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t mind that, Jack,” she said. “I have my + five thousand, and aunt 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 <i>The Songstress</i>—and you know she’s got steam—Mr. + Carr just had auxiliary steam put in.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, “I didn’t know about that. Look + here, Christina; excuse the question, but can you communicate with the + President?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, after a second’s hesitation. + </p> + <p> + This was what I suspected. + </p> + <p> + “And will he believe what you tell him?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. He might and he might not. He’ll probably + act as if he didn’t.” + </p> + <p> + I appreciated the justice of this forecast of General Whittingham’s + measures. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we must chance it,” I said. “At any rate, better + be caught by him than stay here. We were, perhaps, a little hasty with + that revolution of ours.” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought the colonel was so wicked,” said the + signorina. + </p> + <p> + We had no time to waste in abusing our enemy; the question was how to + outwit him. I unfolded my plan to the signorina, not at all disguising + from her the difficulties, and even dangers, attendant upon it. Whatever + may have been her mind before and after, she was at this moment either so + overcome with her fear of the colonel, or so carried away by her feeling + for me, that she made nothing of difficulties and laughed at dangers, + pointing out that though failure would be ignominious, it could not + substantially aggravate our present position. Whereas, if we succeeded— + </p> + <p> + The thought of success raised a prospect of bliss in which we reveled for + a few minutes; then, warned by the stroke of twelve, we returned to + business. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to take any of the money away with you?” she + asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I, “I don’t think so. It would + considerably increase the risk if I were seen hanging about the bank; you + know he’s got spies all over the place. Besides, what good would it + do? I couldn’t stick to it, and I’m not inclined to run any + more risks merely to save the bank’s pocket. The bank hasn’t + treated me so well as all that. I propose to rely on your bounty till I’ve + time to turn round.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, shall I come for you?” I asked her when we had arranged + the other details. + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” she said. “I believe the colonel has one + of my servants in his pay. I can slip out by myself, but I couldn’t + manage so well if you were with me. The sight of you would excite + curiosity. I will meet you at the bottom of Liberty Street.” + </p> + <p> + “At two o’clock in the morning exactly, please. Don’t + come through the <i>Piazza</i>, and Liberty Street. Come round by the + drive. [This was a sort of boulevard encircling the town, where the + aristocracy was wont to ride and drive.] Things ought to be pretty busy + about the bank by then, and no one will notice you. You have a revolver?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. Don’t hurt anyone if you can help it; but if you + do, don’t leave him to linger in agony. Now I’m off,” I + continued. “I suppose I’d better not come and see you again?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid you mustn’t, Jack. You’ve been here + two hours already.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be in my rooms in the afternoon. If anything goes wrong, + send your carriage down the street and have it stopped at the grocer’s. + I shall take that for a sign.” + </p> + <p> + The signorina agreed, and we parted tenderly. My last words were: + </p> + <p> + “You’ll send that message to Whittingham at once?” + </p> + <p> + “This moment,” she said, as she waved me a kiss from the door + of the room. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — I WORK UPON HUMAN NATURE. + </h2> + <p> + I was evidently in for another day as unpleasantly exciting as the one I + had spent before the revolution, and I reflected sadly that if a man once + 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 left to + fret the day away in idleness. First I turned my steps to the harbor. 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 fortune on my person. Well, + this was enough for the present; the future must take care of itself. So I + thought to myself as I went along with a light heart, my triumph in love + easily outweighing all the troubles and dangers that beset me. Only land + me safe out of Aureataland with the signorina by my side, and I asked + nothing more of fortune! Let the dead bury their dead, and the bank look + after its dollars! + </p> + <p> + Thus musing, I came to the boat-house where my launch lay. She was a tidy + little boat, and had the advantage of being workable by one man without + any difficulty. All I had to arrange was how to embark in her unperceived. + I summoned the boatman in charge, and questioned him closely about the + probable state of the weather. He confidently assured me it would be fine + but dark. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said I, “I shall go fishing; start + overnight, and have a shy at them at sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + The man was rather astonished at my unwonted energy, but of course made no + objection. + </p> + <p> + “What time shall you start, sir?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I want her ready by two,” said I. — “Do you want + me to go with you, sir?” + </p> + <p> + I pretended to consider, and then told him, to his obvious relief, that I + could dispense with his services. + </p> + <p> + “Leave her at the end of your jetty,” I said, “ready for + me. She’ll be all safe there, won’t she?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, sir. Nobody’ll be about, except the sentries, and + they won’t touch her.” + </p> + <p> + I privately hoped that not even the sentries would be about, but I didn’t + say so. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, sir, I shall lock the gate. You’ve got your key?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all right, and here you are—and much obliged for your + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Highly astonished and grateful at receiving a large tip for no obvious + reason (rather a mistake on my part), the man was profuse in promising to + make every arrangement for my comfort. Even when I asked for a few + cushions, he dissembled his scorn and agreed to put them in. + </p> + <p> + “And mind you don’t sit up,” I said as I left him. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not likely to sit up if I’m not obliged,” he + answered. “Hope you’ll have good sport, sir.” + </p> + <p> + From the harbor I made my way straight to the Golden House. The colonel + was rather surprised to see me again so soon, but when I told him I came + on business, he put his occupations on one side and listened to me. + </p> + <p> + I began with some anxiety, for if he suspected my good faith all would be + lost. However, I was always a good hand at a lie, and the colonel was not + the President. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve come about that money question,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, have you come to your senses?” he asked, with his + habitual rudeness. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t give you the money—” I went on. + </p> + <p> + “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’t know now, when I give an order, whether I + shall be obeyed or get a bullet through my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray be calm!” said I. “You didn’t let me finish.” + </p> + <p> + “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 take it—and if you interfere, look out!” + </p> + <p> + “That was just what I was going to propose, if you hadn’t + interrupted me,” I said quietly, but with inward exultation, for I + saw he was just in the state of mind to walk eagerly into the trap I was + preparing for him. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + 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 that money—a + duty which, I hastened to add, I entertained no intention of performing. + </p> + <p> + “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 + of disturbance parties of ruffians often turn to plunder. Not even the + most rigorous precautions can guard against it. Now, it would be very + possible that even to-night a band of such maurauders might make an attack + on the bank, and carry off all the money in the safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said the colonel, “that’s the game, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” I replied, “is the game; and a very neat game + too, if you’ll play it properly.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will they say in Europe, when they hear the Provisional + Government is looting private property?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear colonel, you force me to much explanation. You will, of + course, not appear in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to be there,” he remarked. “If I weren’t, + the men mightn’t catch the exact drift of the thing.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be there, of course, but <i>incognito</i>. Look here, + colonel, it’s as plain as two peas. Give out that you’re going + to reconnoiter the coast and keep an eye on <i>The Songstress</i>. Draw + off your companies from the Piazza on that pretense. Then take fifteen or + twenty men you can 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 is quiet, surround the bank. Jones will open when you knock. + Don’t hurt him, but take him outside and keep him quiet. Go in and + take the money. Here’s the key of the safe. Then, if you like, set + fire to the place.” + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + I laughed as wickedly as I could. + </p> + <p> + “And what are you going to get out of it?” he said. “I + suppose that’s coming next?” + </p> + <p> + As the reader knows, I wasn’t going to get anything out of it, + except myself and the signorina. But it wouldn’t do to tell the + colonel that; he would not believe in disinterested conduct. So I + bargained with him for a <i>douceur</i> of thirty thousand dollars, which + he promised so readily that I strongly doubted whether he ever meant to + pay it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think there’s any danger of Whittingham making an + attack while we’re engaged in the job?” + </p> + <p> + The colonel was, in common parlance, getting rather <i>warmer</i> than I + liked. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to mislead him. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think so,” I replied. “He can’t + possibly have organized much of a party here yet. There’s some + discontent, no doubt, but not enough for him to rely on.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s plenty of discontent,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “There won’t be in a couple of hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, because you’re going down to the barracks to announce a + fresh installment of pay to the troops to-morrow morning—a handsome + installment.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he thoughtfully, “that ought to keep them + quiet for one night. 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.” + </p> + <p> + Of course I assented. Indeed, it was true enough as long as the President + was not on the spot; but I thought privately that the colonel did not + allow enough for his rival’s personal influence and prestige, if he + once got face to face with the troops. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” the colonel went on, “I’ll do that; and + what’s more, I’ll put the people in good humor by sending down + orders for free drink in the Piazza to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Delightfully old-fashioned and baronial,” I remarked, “I + think it’s a good idea. Have a bonfire, and make it complete. I don’t + suppose Whittingham dreams of any attempt, but it will make the riot even + more plausible.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, they’ll all be too drunk to make trouble,” + said he. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s about all, isn’t it?” said I. + “I shall be off. I’ve got to write to my directors and ask + instructions for the investment of the money.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll live to be hanged, Martin,” said the colonel, + with evident admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Not by you, eh, colonel? Whatever might have happened if I’d + been obstinate! Hope I shall survive to dance at your wedding, anyhow. + Less than a week now!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “it’s Sunday (though, by Jove! I’d + forgotten it), and next Saturday’s the day!” + </p> + <p> + He really looked quite the happy bridegroom as he said this, and I left + him to contemplate his bliss. + </p> + <p> + “I would bet ten to one that day never comes,” I thought, as I + walked away. “Even if I don’t win, I’ll back the + President to be back before that.” + </p> + <p> + The colonel’s greed had triumphed over his wits, and he had fallen + into my snare with greater readiness than I could have hoped. The question + remained, What would the president do when he got the signorina’s + letter? It may conduce to a better understanding of the position 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 as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly hope you will trust me again, but if I betrayed you, + you drove 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. He will + have only a few men, the rest not near. He will be at the bank at two, + with about twenty men. Take your own measures. All here favor you. He + threatens me violence unless I marry him at once. He watches <i>The + Songstress</i>, but if you can leave her at anchor and land in a boat + there will be no suspicion. I swear this is true; do not punish me more by + disbelieving me. I make no protest. But if you come back to me I will give + you, in return for pardon, <i>anything you ask</i>! + </p> + <h3> + “CHRISTINA. + </h3> + <p> + “P.S.—-M. and the C. are on bad terms, and M. will not be + active against you.” + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole I thought this would bring him. I doubted whether he would + believe very much in it, but it looked probable (indeed, it was word for + word true, as far as it went), and held out a bait that he would 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 see if it were true. If, + as we suspected, he already had a considerable body of adherents on shore, + he could land and reconnoiter without very great danger of falling into + the colonel’s hands. Finally, even if he didn’t come, we hoped + the letter would be enough to divert his attention from any thought of + fugitive boats and runaway lovers. I could 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 was itself from beginning to end a monumental + falsehood; though not a student of ethics, she was keenly alive to the + distinction between the <i>expressio falsi</i> and the <i>suppressio veri</i>. + The only passage she doubted about was the last, “If you come back + to me.” “But then he won’t come back <i>to me</i> if I’m + not there!” she exclaimed triumphantly. What happened to him after + he landed—whether he cooked the colonel’s goose or the colonel + cooked his—I really could not afford to consider. As a matter of + personal preference, I should have liked the former, but I did not allow + any such considerations to influence my conduct. My only hope was that the + killing would take long enough to leave time for our unobtrusive exit. At + the same time, as a matter of betting, I would have laid long odds against + McGregor. + </p> + <p> + To my mind it is nearly as difficult to be consistently selfish as to be + absolutely unselfish. I had, at this crisis, every inducement to + concentrate all my efforts on myself, but I could not get Jones out of my + head. It was certainly improbable that Jones would try to resist the + marauding party; but neither the colonel nor his chosen band were likely + to be scrupulous, and it was impossible not to see that Jones might get a + bullet through his head; indeed, I fancied such a step would rather + commend itself to the colonel, as giving a <i>bona fide</i> look to the + affair. Jones had often been a cause of great inconvenience to me, but I + didn’t wish to have his death on my conscience, so I was very glad + when I happened to meet him on my way back from the Golden House, and + seized the opportunity of giving him a friendly hint. + </p> + <p> + I took him and set him down beside me on a bench in the Piazza. + </p> + <p> + I was in no way disturbed by the curious glances of three soldiers who + were evidently charged to keep an eye on the bank and my dealings with it. + </p> + <p> + I began by pledging Jones to absolute secrecy, and then I intimated to + him, in a roundabout way, that the colonel and I were both very + apprehensive of an attack on the bank. + </p> + <p> + “The town,” I said, “is in a most unsettled condition, + and many dangerous characters are about. Under these circumstances I have + felt compelled to leave the defense of our property in the hands of the + Government. I have formally intimated to the authorities that we shall + hold them responsible for any loss occasioned to us by public disorder. + The colonel, in the name of the Government, has accepted that + responsibility. I therefore desire to tell you, Mr. Jones, that, in the + lamentable event of any attack on the bank, it will not be expected of you + to expose your life by resistance. Such a sacrifice would be both uncalled + for and useless; and I must instruct you that the Government insists that + their measures shall not be put in danger of frustration by any rash + conduct on our part. I am unable to be at the bank this evening; but in + the event of any trouble you will oblige me by not attempting to meet + force by force. You will yield, and we shall rely on our remedy against + the Government in case of loss.” + </p> + <p> + These instructions so fully agreed with the natural bent of Jones’ + mind that he readily acquiesced in them and expressed high appreciation of + my foresight. + </p> + <p> + “Take care of yourself and Mrs. Jones, my dear fellow,” I + concluded; “that is all you have to do, and I shall be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + I parted from him affectionately, wondering if my path in life would ever + cross the honest, stupid old fellow’s again, and heartily hoping + that his fortune would soon take him out of the rogue’s nest in + which he had been dwelling. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — FAREWELL TO AUREATALAND. + </h2> + <p> + The night came on, fair and still, clear and star-lit; but there was no + moon and, outside the immediate neighborhood of the main streets, the + darkness was enough to favor our hope of escaping notice without being so + intense as to embarrass our footsteps. Everything, in fact, seemed to be + on our side, and I was full of buoyant confidence as I drank a last + solitary glass to the success of our enterprise, put my revolver in my + pocket, and, on the stroke of midnight, stole from my lodgings. I looked + up toward the bank and dimly descried three or four motionless figures, + whom I took to be sentries guarding the treasure. The street itself was + almost deserted, but from where I stood I could see the Piazza crowded + with a throng of people whose shouts and songs told me that the colonel’s + hospitality was being fully appreciated. There was dancing going on to the + strains of the military band, and every sign showed that our good citizens + intended, in familiar phrase, to make a night of it. + </p> + <p> + I walked swiftly and silently down to the jetty. Yes, the boat was all + right! I looked to her fires, and left her moored by one rope ready to be + launched into the calm black sea in an instant. Then I strolled along by + the harbor side. Here I met a couple of sentries. Innocently I entered + into conversation with them, condoling on their hard fate in being kept on + duty while pleasure was at the helm in the Piazza. Gently deprecating such + excess of caution, I pointed out to them the stationary lights of <i>The + Songstress</i> four or five miles out to sea, and with a respectful smile + at the colonel’s uneasiness, left the seed I had sown to grow in + prepared soil. I dared do no more, and had to trust for the rest to their + natural inclination to the neglect of duty. + </p> + <p> + When I got back to the bottom of Liberty Street, I ensconced myself in the + shelter of a little group of trees which stood at one side of the roadway. + Just across the road, which ran at right angles to the street, the wood + began, and a quarter of an hour’s walk through its shades would + bring us to the jetty where the boat lay. My trees made a perfect screen, + and here I stood awaiting events. For some time nothing was audible but an + ever-increasing tumult of joviality from the Piazza. But after about + twenty minutes I awoke to the fact that a constant dribble of men, singly + or in pairs, had begun to flow past me from the Piazza, down Liberty + Street, across the road behind me, and into 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 they were bent on business; putting two + and two together I had not the least doubt that they were the President’s + adherents making their way down to the water’s edge to receive their + chief. So he was coming; the letter had done its work! Some fifty or more + must have come and gone before the stream ceased, and I reflected, with + great satisfaction, that the colonel was likely to have his hands very + full in the next hour or two. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour or so passed uneventfully; the bonfire still blazed; the + songs and dancing were still in full swing. I was close upon the fearful + hour of two, when, looking from my hiding-place, I saw a slight figure in + black coming quickly and fearfully along the road. + </p> + <p> + I recognized the signorina at once, as I should recognize her any day + among a thousand; and, as she paused nearly opposite where I was, I gently + called her name and showed myself for a moment. She ran to me at once. + </p> + <p> + “Is it all right?” she asked breathlessly. + </p> + <p> + “We shall see in a moment,” said I. “The attack is + coming off; it will begin directly.” + </p> + <p> + But the attack was not the next thing we saw. We had both retreated again + 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: + </p> + <p> + “What’s that, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + I followed the line of her finger and made out a row of figures standing + motionless and still on the very edge of the wood. It was too dark to + distinguish individuals; but, even as we looked, the silent air wafted to + our eager ears a low-voiced word of command: + </p> + <p> + “Mind, not a sound till I give the word.” + </p> + <p> + “The President!” exclaimed the signorina, in a loud whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, or he’ll hear,” said I, “and we’re + done.” + </p> + <p> + Clearly nothing would happen from that quarter till it was called forth by + events in the opposite direction. The signorina was strongly agitated; she + clung to me closely, and I saw with alarm that the very proximity of the + man she stood in such awe of was too much for her composure. When I had + soothed, and I fear half-frightened, her into stillness, I again turned my + eyes toward the Piazza. The fire had at last flickered out and the revels + seemed on the wane. Suddenly a body of men appeared in close order, + marching down the street toward the bank. We stood perhaps a hundred yards + from that building, which was, in its turn, about two hundred from the + Piazza. Steadily they came along; no sound reached us from the wood. + </p> + <p> + “This is getting interesting,” I said. “There’ll + be trouble soon.” + </p> + <p> + 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 + were at the bank. I could hardly see what happened, but there seemed to be + a 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 + group of figures crowding round the door and pushing a way into my poor + bank. + </p> + <p> + “The gods preserve Jones!” I whispered. “I hope the old + fool won’t try to stop them.” + </p> + <p> + As I spoke, I heard a short, sharp order from behind, “Now! Charge!” + </p> + <p> + As the word was given another body of fifty or more rushed by us full + tilt, and at their head we saw the President, sword in hand, running like + 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 near the + bank they sent up a shout: + </p> + <p> + “The President! the President! Death to traitors!” + </p> + <p> + Then there was a volley, and they closed round the building. + </p> + <p> + “Now for our turn, Christina,” said I. — She grasped my + arm tightly, and we sped across the road and into the wood. It seemed + darker than when I came through before, or perhaps my eyes were dazzled by + the glare of the street lamps. But still we got along pretty well, I + helping my companion with all my power. + </p> + <p> + “Can we do it?” she gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Please God,” said I; “a clear quarter of an hour will + do it, and they ought to take that to finish off the colonel.” For I + had little doubt of the issue of that <i>mjlie</i>. + </p> + <p> + On we sped, and already we could see the twinkle of the waves through the + thinning trees. Five hundred yards more, and there lay life and liberty + and love! + </p> + <p> + Well, of course, I might have known. Everything had gone so smoothly up to + now, that any student of the laws of chance could have foretold that + fortune was only delaying the inevitable slap in the face. A plan that + seemed wild and risky had proved in the result as effectual as the wisest + scheme. By a natural principle of compensation, the simplest 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 were gladdened by the full + sight of the sea across the intervening patch of bare 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 my dear girl white and still. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, sweet?” I whispered. + </p> + <p> + “My ankle!” she murmured; “O Jack, it hurts so!” + and with that she fainted. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour—thirty mortal (but seemingly immortal) minutes I knelt + by her side ministering to her. I bound up the poor foot, gave her brandy + from my flask. I fanned her face with my handkerchief. In a few minutes + she came to, but only, poor child, to sob with her bitter pain. Move she + could not, and would not. Again and again she entreated me to go and leave + her. At last I persuaded her to try and bear the agony of being carried in + my arms the rest of the way. I raised her as gently 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 of the wood. There were no sentries in + sight, and with a new spasm of hope I crossed the open land and neared the + little wicket gate that led to the jetty. A sharp turn came just before we + reached it, and, as I rounded this with the signorina lying yet in my + arms, I saw a horse and a man standing by the gate. The horse was flecked + with foam and had been ridden furiously. The man was calm and cool. Of + course he was! It was the President! + </p> + <p> + My hands were full with my burden, and before I could do anything, I saw + the muzzle of his revolver pointed full—At me? Oh, no! At the + signorina! + </p> + <p> + “If you move a step I shoot her through the heart, Martin,” he + said, in the quietest voice imaginable. + </p> + <p> + The signorina looked up as she heard his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Put me down, Jack! It’s no use,” she said; “I + knew how it would be.” + </p> + <p> + I did not put her down, but I stood there helpless, rooted to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter with her?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Fell and sprained her ankle,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Martin,” said he, “it’s no go, and you know + it. A near thing; but you’ve just lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to stop us?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Let me put her down, and we’ll have a fair fight.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “All very well for young men,” he said. “At my age, if a + man holds trumps he keeps them.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been here?” + </p> + <p> + “About two minutes. When I didn’t see you at the bank I + thought something was up, so I galloped on to her house. No one there! So + I came on here. A good shot, eh?” + </p> + <p> + The fall had done it. But for that we should have been safe. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” he said. + </p> + <p> + In the bitterness of my heart I could hardly speak. But I was not going to + play either the cur or the fool, so I said: + </p> + <p> + “Your trick, sir, and therefore your lead! I must do what you tell + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Honor bright, Martin?” + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “I trust you.” + </p> + <p> + “I bar a rescue,” said I. — “There will be no + rescue,” said he grimly. + </p> + <p> + “If the colonel comes—” + </p> + <p> + “The colonel won’t come,” he said. “Whose house is + that?” + </p> + <p> + It was my boatman’s. + </p> + <p> + “Bring her there. Poor child, she suffers!” + </p> + <p> + We knocked up the boatman, who thus did not get his night’s rest + after all. His astonishment may be imagined. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a bed?” said the President. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he stammered, recognizing his interlocutor. + </p> + <p> + “Then carry her up, Martin; and you, send your wife to her.” + </p> + <p> + I took her up, and laid her gently on the bed. The President followed me. + Then we went downstairs again into the little parlor. + </p> + <p> + “Let us have a talk,” he said; and he added to the man, + “Give us some brandy, quick, and then go.” + </p> + <p> + He was obeyed, and we were left alone with the dim light of a single + candle. + </p> + <p> + The President sat down and began to smoke. He offered me a cigar and I + took it, but he said nothing. I was surprised at his leisurely, abstracted + air. Apparently he had nothing in the world to do but sit and keep me + company. + </p> + <p> + “If your Excellency,” said I, instinctively giving him his old + title, “has business elsewhere you can leave me safely. I shall not + break my word.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that—I know that,” he answered. “But I’d + rather stay here; I want to have a talk.” + </p> + <p> + “But aren’t there some things to settle up in the town?” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor’s doing all that,” he said. “You see, + there’s no danger now. There’s no one left to lead them + against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the colonel is—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said gravely, “he is dead. I shot him.” + </p> + <p> + “In the attack?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly; the fighting was over. A very short affair, Martin. + They never had a chance; and as soon as two or three had fallen and the + rest saw me, they threw up the sponge.” + </p> + <p> + “And the colonel?” + </p> + <p> + “He fought well. He killed two of my fellows; then a lot of them + flung themselves on him and disarmed him.” + </p> + <p> + “And you killed him in cold blood?” + </p> + <p> + The President smiled slightly. + </p> + <p> + “Six men fell in that affair—five besides the colonel. Does it + strike you that you, in fact, killed the five to enable you to run away + with the girl you loved?” + </p> + <p> + It hadn’t struck me in that light, but it was quite irrelevant. + </p> + <p> + “But for your scheme I should have come back without a blow,” + he continued; “but then I should have shot McGregor just the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he led the revolt?” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said the President, “he has been a traitor + from the beginning even to the end—because he tried to rob me of all + I held dear in the world. If you like,” he added, with a shrug, + “because he stood between me and my will. So I went up to him and + told him his hour was come, and I shot him through the head. He died like + a man, Martin; I will say that.” + </p> + <p> + I could not pretend to regret the dead man. Indeed, I had been near doing + the same deed myself. But I shrank before this calm ruthlessness. + </p> + <p> + Another long pause followed. Then the President said: + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for all this, Martin—sorry you and I came to + blows.” + </p> + <p> + “You played me false about the money,” I said bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he answered gently; “I don’t blame + you. You were bound to me by no ties. Of course you saw my plan?” + </p> + <p> + “I supposed your Excellency meant to keep the money and throw me + over.” + </p> + <p> + “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 would have taken care you came to no harm.” + </p> + <p> + “What was it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you understood all along,” he said, with some + surprise. “I saw you were my rival with Christina, and my game was + to drive you out of the country by making the place too hot for you.” + </p> + <p> + “She told me you didn’t suspect about me and her till quite + the end.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she?” he answered, with a smile. “I must be getting + clever to deceive two such wide-awake, young people. Of course I saw it + all along. But you had more grit than I thought. I’ve never been so + nearly done by any man as by you.” + </p> + <p> + “But for luck you would have been,” said I. — “Yes, + but I count luck as one of my resources,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what are you going to do now?” + </p> + <p> + He took no notice, but went on. + </p> + <p> + “You played too high. It was all or nothing with you, just as it is + with me. But for that we could have stood together. I’m sorry, + Martin; I like you, you know.” + </p> + <p> + For the life of me I had never been able to help liking him. + </p> + <p> + “But likings mustn’t interfere with duty,” he went on, + smiling. “What claim have you at my hands?” + </p> + <p> + “Decent burial, I suppose,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + He got up and paced the room for a moment or two. I waited with some + anxiety, for life is worth something to a young man, even when things look + blackest, and I never was a hero. + </p> + <p> + “I make you this offer,” he said at last. “Your boat + lies there, ready. Get into her and go, otherwise—” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said I. “And you will marry her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Against her will?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with something like pity. + </p> + <p> + “Who can tell what a woman’s will will be in a week? In less + than that she will marry me cheerfully. I hope you may grieve as short a + time as she will.” + </p> + <p> + In my inmost heart I knew it was true. I had staked everything, not for a + woman’s love, but for the whim of a girl! For a moment it was too + hard for me, and I bowed my head on the table by me and hid my face. + </p> + <p> + Then he came and put his hand on mine, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Martin; young and old, we are all alike. They’re not + worth quarreling for. But Nature’s too strong.” + </p> + <p> + “May I see her before I go?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said once more. “Go now—if she can see + you.” + </p> + <p> + I went up and cautiously opened the door. The signorina was lying on the + bed, with a shawl over her. She seemed to be asleep. I bent over her and + kissed her. She opened her eyes, and said, in a weary voice: + </p> + <p> + “Is it you, Jack?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my darling,” said I. “I am going. I must go or + die; and whether I go or die, I must be alone.” + </p> + <p> + She was strangely quiet—even apathetic. As I knelt down by her she + raised herself, and took my face between her hands and kissed me—not + passionately, but tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Jack!” she said; “it was no use, dear. It is no + use to fight against him.” + </p> + <p> + Here was her strange subjection to that influence again. + </p> + <p> + “You love me?” I cried, in my pain. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, “but I am very tired; and he will be + good to me.” + </p> + <p> + Without another word I went from her, with the bitter knowledge that my + great grief found but a pale reflection in her heart. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to go,” I said to the President. + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” he replied. “Here, take these, you may + want them,” and he thrust a bundle of notes into my hand (some of my + own from the bank I afterward discovered). + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the boat, I got in mechanically and made all preparations for + the start. + </p> + <p> + Then the President took my hand. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by, Jack Martin, and good luck. Some day we may meet again. + Just now there’s no room for us both here. You bear no malice?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said I. “A fair fight, and you’ve won.” + </p> + <p> + As I was pushing off, he added: + </p> + <p> + “When you arrive, send me word.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded silently. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by, and good luck,” he said again. + </p> + <p> + I turned the boat’s head put to sea, and went forth on my lonely way + into the night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — A DIPLOMATIC ARRANGEMENT. + </h2> + <p> + As far I am concerned, this story has now reached an end. With my + departure from Aureataland, I re-entered the world of humdrum life, and + since that memorable night in 1884, nothing has befallen me worthy of a + polite reader’s attention. I have endured the drudgery incident to + earning a living; I have enjoyed the relaxations every wise man makes for + himself. But I should be guilty of unpardonable egotism if I supposed that + I myself was the only, or the most, interesting subject presented in the + foregoing pages, and I feel I shall merely be doing my duty in briefly + recording the facts in my possession concerning the other persons who have + figured in this record and the country where its scene was laid. + </p> + <p> + I did not, of course, return to England on leaving Aureataland. I had no + desire to explain in person to the directors all the facts with which they + will now be in a position to acquaint themselves. I was conscious that, at + the last at all events, I had rather subordinated their interests to my + own necessities, and I knew well that my conduct I would not meet with the + indulgent judgment that it perhaps requires. After all, men who have lost + three hundred thousand dollars can hardly be expected to be impartial, and + I saw no reason for submitting myself to a biased tribunal. I preferred to + seek my fortune in a fresh country (and, I may add, under a fresh name), + and I am happy to say that my prosperity in the land of my adoption has + gone far to justify the President’s favorable estimate of my + financial abilities. My sudden disappearance excited some remark, and + people were even found to insinuate that the dollars went the same way as + I did. I have never troubled myself to contradict these scandalous rumors, + being content to rely on the handsome vindication from this charge which + the President published. In addressing the House of Assembly shortly after + his resumption of power, he referred at length to the circumstances + attendant on the late revolution, and remarked that although he was unable + to acquit Mr. Martin of most unjustifiable intrigues with the rebels, yet + he was in a position to assure them, as he had already assured those to + whom Mr. Martin was primarily responsible, that that gentleman’s + hasty flight was dictated solely by a consciousness of political guilt, + and that, in money matters, Mr. Martin’s hands were as clean as his + own. The reproach that had fallen on the fair fame of Aureataland in this + matter was due not to that able but misguided young man, but to those + unprincipled persons who, in the pursuit of their designs, had not + hesitated to plunder and despoil friendly traders, established in the + country under the sanction of public faith. + </p> + <p> + The reproach to which his Excellency eloquently referred consisted in the + fact that not a cent of those three hundred thousand dollars which lay in + the bank that night was ever seen again! The theory was that the colonel + had made away with them, and the President took great pains to prove that + under the law of nations the restored Government could not be held + responsible for this occurrence. I know as little about the law of nations + as the President himself, but I felt quite sure that whatever that exalted + code might say (and it generally seems to justify the conduct of all + parties alike), none of that money would ever find its way back to the + directors’ pockets. In this matter I must say his Excellency behaved + to me with scrupulous consideration; not a word passed his lips about the + second loan, about that unlucky cable, or any other dealings with the + money. For all he said, my account of the matter, posted to the directors + immediately after my departure, stood unimpeached. The directors, however, + took a view opposed to his Excellency’s, and relations became so + strained that they were contemplating the withdrawal of their business + from Whittingham altogether, when events occurred which modified their + action. Before I lay down my pen I must give some account of these + matters, and I cannot do so better than by inserting a letter which I had + the honor to receive from his Excellency, some two years after I last saw + him. I had obeyed his wish in communicating my address to him, but up to + this time had received only a short but friendly note, acquainting me with + the fact of his marriage to the signorina, and expressing good wishes for + my welfare in my new sphere of action. The matters to which the President + refers became to some extent public property soon afterward, but certain + other terms of the arrangement are now given to the world for the first + time. The letter ran as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + As I write, I hear that the arrangement is to be carried out. So ends + Aureataland’s brief history as a nation; so ends the story of her + national debt, more happily than I ever thought it would. I confess to a + tender recollection of the sunny, cheerful, lazy, dishonest little place, + where I spent four such eventful years. Perhaps I love it because my + romance was played there, as I should love any place where I had seen the + signorina. For I am not cured. I don’t go about moaning—I + enjoy life. But, in spite of my affection for the President, hardly a day + passes that I don’t curse that accursed tree-root. + </p> + <p> + And she? what does she feel? + </p> + <p> + I don’t know. I don’t think I ever did know. But I have had a + note from her, and this is what she says: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “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.” + </pre> + <p> + Well, with another man’s wife, this is rather embarrassing. But a + business man can’t leave the place where his business is because a + foolish girl insists on coming there. + </p> + <p> + 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. It can’t + do any harm. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11063 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |