run
in a new channel opened by Burr.

"Bravo! You play delightfully. There is magic in your fingers. Beware
of such skill; it may charm yourself to your injury. You have read
everything; you remember Bunyan's episode of the Enchanted Ground.
This island reminds me of that valley of rest. Is it possible you have
forgotten the world since abandoning public affairs?"

"No, sir; no. I sought retirement for many reasons, but I am a
cosmopolitan. I care for the welfare of the race. I may describe
myself as a philanthropist, a humanitarian. I know Europe, I am
learning America. My local attachments are not strong, though my
principles are like iron. I left my native country to seek a larger
freedom in the United States."

"Then why do you confine your liberty? This is a pent-up field for a
man of broad views."

"I beg your pardon. Solitude is the best school in which to study
society. In this seclusion I read, and reading makes a full man.
Though a newcomer, I try to keep myself informed concerning this
country's history and institutions. I do not understand all the
complications of your politics; I am no partisan. No one is better
prepared than yourself to expound public matters. This dispute in
regard to the boundary line between Louisiana and Mexico threatens
war, does it not?"

"I fear not," replied Burr, remarking an opportunity to inform and
bias an unwary savant. The lump had invited the leaven.

"I fear not."

"Then you desire war?"

"This Government should take care of its own, at all hazards. The
Spaniards wish to provoke hostilities. My friend and fellow-officer,
General Wilkinson, commander-in-chief of the Western troops, holds the
army in readiness to advance into Mexico at a moment's warning."

"At a moment's warning?" repeated Blennerhassett, dubiously. "General
Wilkinson told you so? Is he--a reliable officer?"

"He and I are most intimate friends. We consult on public and on
private concerns. I have just returned from his headquarters in St.
Louis, where we were considering a business enterprise--the purchase
of a large tract on the Wachita river, between the Red and the
Sabine."

"Do you purpose returning South to remain?"

"My intention is to buy those fertile lands, establish a colony, and
develop the resources of the region, as a sure and easy means of
making my own fortune, and the fortunes of my associates."

"You are confident that the prospect of increasing your capital is
good?"