to an occasional British or
Boston skipper. It is true we are here only to Christianize savages,
but even they have need of much that cannot be manufactured in this
God-forsaken land. And we ourselves could be more comfortable--God in
heaven, yes! It is well to think it over, Excellency. Who knows?--we
might have a trip to the north once in a while. Life is more excellent
with something to look forward to."

"You should have a royal welcome. Baranhov is the most hospitable man
in Russia, and I might have the happiness to be there myself. I see,
by the way, that you have not engaged in shipbuilding. I need not say
that we should supply the ships of commerce, with no diminution of your
profits. We build at Okhotsk, Petropaulovski, Kadiak, and Sitka.
Moreover, as the Bostonians visit us frequently, and as your laws
prohibit you from trading with them, we would see that you always got
such of their commodities as you needed. They come to us for furs, and
generally bring much for which we have no use. Captain D'Wolf, from
whom I bought the Juno, had a cargo I was forced to take over. I
unloaded what was needed at Sitka, but as there was no boat going for
some months to the other islands, I brought the rest with me, and you
are welcome to it, if in exchange you will ballast the Juno with
samples of your agricultural products; while the treaty is pending, I
can experiment in our colonies and make sure which are the most
adaptable to the market.

"Um!" said the Governor. "Um!"

Rezanov did not remove his cool direct gaze from the snapping eyes
opposite.

"I have not the least objection to making a trade that would fill my
promuschleniki with joy; but that was by no means the first object of
my voyage; which was partly inspired by a desire to see as much of this
globe as a man may in one short life, partly to arrange a treaty that
would be of incalculable benefit to both colonies and greatly redound
to my own glory. I make no pretence of being disinterested. I look
forward to a career of ever increasing influence and power in St.
Petersburg, and I wish to take back as many credits as possible."

"I understand, I understand!" The Governor rested his lame back once
more. "Your ambition is the more laudable, Excellency, since you have
achieved so much already. I am not one to balk the honest ambition of
any man, particularly when he does me the honor to take me into his
confidence. I like this suggested mea