say, general, especially for a remote outpost
like this. The Government, I imagine, does not furnish you with such
costly articles."

"Oh, no, no, certainly not; the chair is part of the furniture of my
barge. I must provide myself with these necessaries from my private
purse. Necessaries, I say; for use breeds wants; I was habituated from
my birth to social refinements, ease and the luxuries of the
table.--You must take a cup of kindness with me. What will you drink?
I have here sherry, whiskey, peach-brandy and applejack."

The general, as he enumerated the liquors, stepped to the sideboard,
which, with its array of bottles, looked like a bar.

Wilkinson was a handsome man, about forty-eight years old. Slightly
under the average height, he was of symmetrical figure, and his
countenance was agreeable, despite a deeply florid complexion. He held
his head well, his walk was firm and dignified, and his bearing was
graceful. The well-fitting suit of blue and yellow uniform which he
wore with an air of pomp and authority was very becoming to his noble
form.

Burr, out of courtesy, drank a glass of light wine, but his
entertainer, apologizing for his own robuster taste, poured out a
stiff tumbler of brandy, which he swallowed with relish.

"I congratulate you, general," began Burr, "on your appointment to the
governorship. The President showed wisdom in his selection."

"I appreciate your confidence, colonel. My good name is my pearl of
price. In the many stations I have filled I have always tried to do my
duty, and shall try in this. I owe it to you, my dear sir, to say so
much, for I believe I am indebted to the late Vice-President for my
new position. Mr. Jefferson is understood to have appointed Wilkinson
as a mark of favor to Colonel Burr."

"Possibly so; I claim no credit. But I am sincerely glad you are the
man. The office is no sinecure. The state of feeling in regard to the
Spanish boundary is ominous. Shall you be able to adjust the matter
amicably or will the dispute result in war?"

"That is a question events must answer. I am devoted to my country and
her interests, and whether as a leader of her armies or as governor of
part of her wide domain I shall proceed with an eye single to those
interests."

"I know, general, that whatever is right and just you will do, and I
assume that when you speak of devotion to your country and her
interests, you mean the _people_ and their interests. Under a properly