of Cartagena, master of the
schooner _Stella_, will consult you upon a matter of extreme
delicacy which concerns the sale of two hundred rifles. These arms,
of latest model, were consigned to this port, but under the
existing relations of amity between the French and Colombian
governments they cannot be used. Knowing your patriotism and the
zeal with which you safeguard the welfare of your country, the
writer makes bold to offer these arms to you, as agent of the
Haytian government, at a low figure. Captain Ruiz, a man of
discretion, is empowered to discuss the matter with you at greater
length.

In full appreciation of your supreme qualities as a soldier and
statesman, it is with admiration that I salute you.

Respectfully,
ANTOINE LEBLANC.

When the letter was finally read to Inocencio he nodded; but the French
clerk said, doubtfully:

"This Laguerre is a man of force, I believe. I should not care to trifle
with him in this way."

"I, too, am a man of force," said the mulatto.

"He is your enemy?"

"To the death."

The white man shook his head. "Danger lurks along the Haytian coast;
many things happen there, for the people are barbarians. I should prefer
to forgive this Petithomme rather than oppose him, even though he were
my enemy."

Inocencio scowled. "When I die I shall have no enemies to forgive, for I
shall have killed them all," he said, simply.

* * * * *

Jacmel lay white in the blazing sun as the _Stella_ dropped anchor. The
trades were failing, and the schooner drifted slowly under a full spread
of canvas. Near where she came to rest lay a Haytian gunboat,
ill-painted, ill-manned, ill-disciplined, and Inocencio regarded her
with some concern, for her presence was a thing he had not counted upon.
It argued either that Laguerre had won the support of her commander or
that she had been sent by the government as a check upon his activities.
In either event she was a menace.

A band was playing in the square, and there were many soldiers.
Inocencio did not go ashore. Instead he sent the letter by a member of
his crew, a giant 'Bajan whom he trusted, and with it he sent word that
he hoped to meet His Excellency, General Laguerre, that evening at a
certain drinking-place near the water-front.

The sailor returned at dusk with news that set his captain's eyes aglow.
Jacmel was alive with troops; t