l
present, and apparently feeling very much gratified at something. The
champagne was flowing freely and the conversation became quite loud. A
new face appeared in their midst. They were introduced to him. His name
was given as Dr. Mears, formerly of Washington City. In the course of
the evening it was disclosed that he was the man referred to by Prof.
McCullough as the only man other than himself possessing the secret of
the discovery of the great combustible that was to burn up the world.
Jackson excused himself from taking any wine on account of his head not
being in good condition. After many bumpers they all sat down to review
the situation.

"C. C. Carey said that the first thing now, since the necessary money
had been provided, was to ascertain what length of time would be
necessary to perfect the arrangements, as well as for Dr. Blackman to
complete his collection.

"Dr. Blackman, always loquacious, spoke up instantly, 'I will be ready
in two weeks.'

"Prof. McCullough thought it would require a greater length of time
for him and Dr. Mears to make proper preparations. He thought that four
weeks would be sufficient time.

"So it was finally decided that the three should make their arrangements
to be ready to sail within four weeks, and that they would sail on the
same vessel for Montreal, Canada. Jacob Thomlinson and C. C. Carey were
to precede them and have matters all prepared for taking care of and
storing their materials. The time was not then fixed for these gentlemen
to sail, but it was understood they should go in advance and make all
the necessary arrangements for quick and effective work as soon as the
Professor and the two Doctors should arrive in Montreal. The plan was
that agents were to be selected from their sworn friends of the Golden
Circle, who were known to be tried and true men of great daring and
courage. These men were to be placed at different points, where they
were to be furnished with the material and instructed by Prof.
McCullough and Dr. Mears on their arrival. Their operations were to be
from Canada. The agents were to operate against New York and New England
towns and cities from Montreal; also, against Buffalo and interior
cities in the State of New York from Toronto, and against Cleveland,
Cincinnati and Chicago from Windsor.

"These preliminaries having been settled, the next inquiry was as to how
the money was to be placed to defray all the expenses. Mr. Thomlinson
made inq