c alone knows what."

"What is it, Nanny!" said the mother.

"Massa Wynne want to see Massa Courval--right away in the front room."

De Courval, wondering what had happened, and why he was wanted in haste,
found Wynne in Schmidt's sitting-room. "Close the door," said the
master, "and sit down. I have much to say to you, and little time. There
is great disturbance in San Domingo. I have debts due me there, and, by
ill chance, a cargo probably to be there soon--the _George Washington_,
as you may remember. You made out the bill of lading in French."

"I recall it, sir."

"The debts may go for hopeless. The cargo is lost if landed. Port au
Prince and Cap Francais are in terror, the planters flying to the towns,
the plantations in ruins. The decree of freedom for the black has roused
the devil among the slaves, and the low-class whites are ruling the
towns." He paused to think, and then added: "I send out to-morrow with
the flood my fastest ship, the schooner _Marie_, without cargo, mind
you. Will you go, nominally as supercargo? You are more thoughtful than
your years would imply. You are twenty-seven, I think you said. What you
are worth in danger--and there will be much--I do not know. There may be
questions involving grave decisions, involving courageous action, not
merely what every gentleman has--mere personal fearlessness. I am plain,
I trust."

De Courval was silent.

"If you get there first, I save a large loss. Once ashore, the cargo
will be seized, and not a cent paid for it. It is to take or leave, Mr.
de Courval; I shall not blame you if you say no. But if you do say no, I
must go. The loss may be serious."

Here was a chance to repay much kindness, and the threat of danger
stirred the young man's blood. "How long should I be absent?"

"I do not know. The ship may have gone to Martinique, also. There were
goods for both islands."

"There is but one question, sir--my mother. She has no one else. And may
I talk to Mr. Schmidt?"

"To no one better, if he were here. He is not, and I cannot wait. I
shall call for your answer at nine to-night. The tide serves at 6 A.M. I
ought to say that your perfect English and as perfect French enable you
to pass for being of one nation or the other. Best to be an American.
And De Courval? No; that is too plainly French."

"I am Louis Rene. Why not Mr. Lewis, sir, at need?"

"Good! Excellent! I shall write my instructions with care. They will be
full; but much must