colors," said her husband. "We are not poor, nor in danger of becoming so; but the increased expenses you mentioned may swallow the interest and menace the principal. My object in joining Colonel Burr in his land scheme is to increase my private fortune, but to do that will not draw me from my home."

Burr felt that the matter should not be pushed forward too strongly. "Not at first, but if our success equals my anticipations, we shall need your presence; and I know your wife will be filled with pleasure when you are restored to the social and active world."

As Burr had anticipated, the concession made by him caused Blennerhassett to make a more pronounced declaration of his interest in their contemplated undertaking. "For Margaret's sake, and that of our dear children, I will try to conquer my selfish delight in this-my island paradise. Can I do more than ask to be admitted to partnership in any speculation which may present itself to your judgment as worthy to engage my talents?'

"Frankly and nobly spoken, sir," cried Burr. "Let us be seated while I unfold to you both a scheme which has in it the elements of wealth, pleasure, popularity, and it may be, in time, power." When his suggestion had been complied with, Burr continued: "The subject of securing land in the Southwest has been in my mind for years. This purchase from Colonel Charles Lynch of four hundred thousand acres lying between the Sabine and Nachitoches Rivers is my first move towards the realization of my projects. I have paid down five thousand dollars."

Blennerhassett broke in, impetuously: "I will be ready with my part at the time appointed."

At this point, a dramatic situation took place, much better suited to the mimic stage than to the drawingroom of a country gentleman. It had so happened that in taking their seats their backs were turned towards

the door which Blennerhassett had indicated to Graham, at his first interview with him, as offering the readiest mode of egress from the house.

It was a habit of Burr's, when talking to interested listeners, to so place himself as to get a view in profile. He had learned by experience that when you look in people's faces it puts them on their guard, and to their questioner they present as impassive a face as is possible. Burr sat at the right hand of his listeners. They looked directly forward, or into each other's faces, and the thoughts and feelings that affected their minds were quickly mirrored in their countenances; yet neither fancied they were under the keenest observation.

Graham, at a safe distance from the house, could see the interior of the room. His quick eye had discerned. their positions, and he imagined that a subject of more than ordinary importance was under consideration. He looked around; none of the servants were in sight. He quickly entered the little room at the back of the great drawing-room and approached the door which opened into it. Fortunately for him, it was ajar. Spies always feel warranted in adopting underhand measures for securing information, and many an important secret has been learned by eavesdropping.

"This land purchase," cried Burr, raising his voice to comport with the magnitude of the subject, “is but a commercial enterprise, but it may lead to a glorious military adventure in which I wish you to engage."

Blennerhassett jumped to his feet and exclaimed, excitedly: "Then I wash my hands of the whole affair, Colonel Burr. I am a citizen of the United States and I will never bear arms except in its defence, obedient to that law that makes it a pleasure for a patriot to sacrifice his life for his native land."

"Give me your hand!" Burr continued: Burr continued: "Rest as

Burr accepted the situation. Blennerhassett drew back.

sured that I will never ask you to raise your hand against others than enemies of our country.'

The thought ran through Blennerhassett's mindperhaps the President is right after all. Then he spoke, hesitatingly: "I do not understand you, Colonel Burr."

"I see you do not, and it is my fault. Let us resume our seats." Assuming a most mysterious air, with marked intensity of speech, Burr said: "I am in position to know some official secrets. Among them, is the probability of a war with Spain." This remark again stimulated Blennerhassett to excited speech:

"If the United States declares war against Spain I am willing to follow you, Colonel Burr, in any legal enterprise for the subjugation of the Spanish dominion in this country-like the treatment of my native land, the relics of an abominable and heartless tyranny."

Burr now perceived that the crucial period had arrived. He must stake all now and win or lose. But he meant to win! "And when I tell you that my plan is to wait until this war cloud is ready to burst-then enlist recruits in the West from among the purchasers of our lands-form a private expedition against Mexico -conquer it with its untold wealth, and then lay the prize at the feet of a grateful country, shall we fail in obtaining our reward? They will not and cannot deprive us of the honest glory that we shall win," Burr continued, vehemently. "Yourself, the governor--I, your trusted friend—your wife, the first lady in the land -my daughter and Kate at her side can you look on this picture of life, action, heroic, patriotic accomplishment and still think of books and crucibles, of flowers and music? Are there any sweeter sounds than the trumpet's clangor and cannon's roar-when the trumpet shouts freedom to an oppressed people-the cannon secures their liberties? But I am excited. No doubt my words will terrify your wife and disturb her peace

of mind.
tered your happy home.'

She may one day wish that I had never en

Mrs. Blennerhassett had been greatly interested in the preceding conversation. She could restrain herself no longer: "Do not forget, Colonel Burr, that my grandfather was a soldier, and that the daughters of England are as brave as her sons. Your words make my blood thrill in my veins, but Harman is as cold as stone."

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'Oh no, Margaret, I am excited, but I don't show it by words or looks. I am thinking—and that reminds me that I have been experimenting in my laboratory on a new explosive compound which will render gunpowder useless in warfare. Come to the laboratory, and, while I am experimenting, we can talk over this scheme of yours.'

As they arose, Burr remarked, "This scheme of ours." Mrs. Blennerhassett joined forces, as she usually did, with their guest: "Yes, Harman, this scheme of ours.'

"Well," remarked Blennerhassett, "I suppose, as we are in league together, we must call it this scheme of ours."

The trio left the drawing-room and wended their way to the library. This had been their usual place for consultation. If they had never discussed financial and political matters except within its secluded precincts, the portentous clouds referred to by Graham might not have gathered over the Blennerhassett household as quickly as they did. The spy, by eavesdropping, had learned what he most wished to know. He left the house, cautiously, by the side door, as he had on a previous occasion. He peered right and left, but, again, there was no one in sight. He walked down to the water's edge where, concealed beneath some overhanging trees, he found his boat. He got into it, and, plying his oars vigorously, moved swiftly towards the Ohio shore of the river,

CHAPTER XXI

W

HILE the trio of land speculators and possible political revolutionists were discussing Colonel Burr's Southwestern scheme in the library, and while John Graham was rowing swiftly in the direction of Marietta, Captain Frederic Clarke, attired in the uniform of the Ohio militia, entered the great hall of the Blennerhassett mansion. He threw himself into one of the leathern armchairs.

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'I wonder what is going on. I am detailed to await secret orders, and, with my company, have spent the day, so far, on the other side of the river. I could not resist the temptation to try to see Kate once more. I hear that two gentlemen and a lady went to Marietta this morning-one was Burr, the other his son-in-law, and the lady, his daughter. Kate must be alone then. I will do as she says. What can it matter, after all, what I think or say of Colonel Burr? Is it any worse for me to say I do not hate Burr when I do, than it is for me to say I don't love Kate when I do?"

Kate entered the room from the rear door. Frederic was effectually concealed from sight, for the chair in which he sat was of massive proportions, with a back reaching far above his head.

The ears of lovers are wonderfully sensitive; often, they hear, or think they hear, each other's voices when the distance that separates them renders such communication not only improbable, but impossible. Kate seemed to be under the influence of a delusion of this nature.