Burr and placing both hands on his shoulders,
"I must reflect on all this; you broach momentous matter and you take
me by surprise. No doubt you have considered the subject in all its
phases. I have not. Tell me what you have learned, so far, in regard
to the drift of popular feeling."

"I have learned much and am learning more every day. I have conversed
with men of every rank, in the East and in the South and in the West,
and I am sure of the ground I walk on. These people of Kentucky and
Tennessee are ripe for war with the abhorred Spaniard. They have a
thousand grievances. They hate New England and mistrust the Federal
Government. They are ready for any new combination which can be shown
conducive to their prosperity locally. They only wait a leader or
leaders. The destiny of the West is manifestly independence. What I
intend is this: I shall go to New Orleans, the very heart of the
disturbed region, and shall ascertain the wishes, temper and resources
of the people upon whom we have to depend. On my return I will report
to you the results of my inquiry and observation, and then, if you
desire, we may hold further conference."

"I must take time to reflect. Prudence, to recall your own words, is a
prime virtue. I am a public servant, an officer of the Government,
entrusted with sacred obligations. Your advice, however, cannot be
other than wise and statesmanlike."

"General Wilkinson, we are old friends--comrades in arms once; now
associates in a magnificent enterprise, if you so will--an enterprise
harmful to no American citizen, vastly beneficial to Louisiana,
Mexico, and the West in general, and fraught with sure and superb
fortunes for the men who have the ability, the courage and the
fortitude to carry it to a successful issue."

The general, again stepping to the sideboard and filling two glasses
from the brandy bottle, passed one of them to his guest.

"This to the memory of past successes and the hope of future
prosperity for us both."

"I drink to the hope more than to the memory, for the past is an empty
chest, the future a full coffer," said Burr, and drained his glass.

"You take your liquor like a hero!" joked Wilkinson. "It will do you
good, colonel."

The men shook hands and Burr departed, after promising to renew the
conversation next day. Slowly he walked along the river bank, saying
to himself, "If I could only rely on him. He is slippery as an eel,
but a net of golden promise will hold