ng their thoughts, Burr raised his hand in deprecation.

"I know what is in your minds, gentlemen. The one thing which troubles
you is this--the man who speaks to you is Vice-President of the United
States. I say what in your country would be treason. In this country I
maintain it is not yet treason, because thus far we are in an
experiment. We have no actual reign of reason and of law; and he
marches to success who marches with natural laws and along the
definite trend of existing circumstances and conditions."

"What you say, Mr. Burr," began Merry gravely, "assuredly has the
merit of audacity. And I see that you have given it thought."

"I interest you, gentlemen! You can go with me only if it be to your
interest and to that of your countries to join with me in these plans.
They have gone far forward--let me tell you that. I know my men from
St. Louis to New Orleans--I know my leaders--I know that population.
If this be treason, as Mr. Patrick Henry said, let us make the most of
it. At least it is the intention of Aaron Burr. I stake upon it all my
fortune, my life, the happiness of my family. Do you think I am
sincere?"

Merry sat engaged in thought. He could see vast movements in the game
of nations thus suddenly shown before him on the diplomatic board. And
on his part it is to be said that he was there to represent the
interests of his own government alone.

In the same even tones, Burr resumed his astonishing statements.

"My son-in-law, Mr. Alston, of South Carolina--a very wealthy planter
of that State--is in full accord with all my plans. My own resources
have been pledged to their utmost, and he has been so good as to add
largely from his own. I admit to you that I sought alliance with him
deliberately when he asked my daughter's hand. He is an ambitious man,
and perhaps he saw his way to the fulfillment of certain personal
ambitions. He has contributed fifty thousand dollars to my cause. He
will have a place of honor and profit in the new government which will
be formed yonder in the Mississippi Valley."

"So, then," began Yrujo, "the financing is somewhat forward! But fifty
thousand is only a drop."

"We may as well be plain," rejoined Burr. "Time is short--you know
that it is short. We all heard what Mr. Jefferson said--we know that
if we are to take action it must be at once. That expedition must not
succeed! If that wedge be driven through to the Pacific--and who can
say what that young Virgini