Part 9 (2/2)
”You will explain more fully, Colonel Burr?” Mr Merry was intent now on all that he heard
”I entlemen?” Burr resumed ”Those who march with me are in alliance with natural events
This republic is split now, at this veryof Spain est of it on the south, and the flag of Britain west of it on the north, why, then we should have the natural end of the republic's expansion With those great powers in alliance at its back, with the fleets of England on the seas, at thethe lands in Canada on the north--it would be a siainst the wall of the Appalachians, or to drive it once more into the sea”
They were silent alike before the enorhts, Burr raised his hand in deprecation
”I knohat is in yourwhich troubles you is this--the man who speaks to you is Vice-President of the United States I say what in your country would be treason In this country I maintain it is not yet treason, because thus far we are in an experin of reason and of law; and hethe definite trend of existing circuan Merry gravely, ”assuredly has the ht”
”I interest you, gentleo with me only if it be to your interest and to that of your countries to join with one far forward--let me tell you that I know my men from St Louis to New Orleans--I know my leaders--I know that population
If this be treason, as Mr Patrick Henry said, let us make the most of it At least it is the intention of Aaron Burr I stake upon it all my fortune, my life, the happiness of ed in thought He could see vast ame of nations thus suddenly shown before him on the diplomatic board And on his part it is to be said that he was there to represent the interests of his own government alone
In the sa statements
”My son-in-law, Mr Alston, of South Carolina--a very wealthy planter of that State--is in full accord with all ed to their utely froht alliance with hihter's hand He is an ambitious man, and perhaps he saw his way to the fulfillment of certain personal ambitions He has contributed fifty thousand dollars to my cause He will have a place of honor and profit in the new government which will be foran Yrujo, ”the financing is somewhat forward! But fifty thousand is only a drop”
”We may as well be plain,” rejoined Burr ”Time is short--you know that it is short We all heard what Mr Jefferson said--we know that if we are to take action it must be at once That expedition h to the Pacific--and who can say what that young Virginian may do?--your two countries will be forever separated on this continent by one which age successful war on both Swift action is my only hope--and yours”
”Your funds,” said Mr Merry, ”seem to me inadequate for the demands which will be made upon thee you as much more--on one condition that I shall name”
Burr turned from Mr Merry to Senor Yrujo The latter nodded
”I undertake to contribute the same amount,” said the envoy of Spain, ”but with no condition attached”
The color deepened in the cheek of the great conspirator His eye glittered a trifle more brilliantly
”You named a certain condition, sir,” he said to Merry
”Yes, one entirely obvious”
”What is it, then, your excellency?” Burr inquired
”You yourself have enuity of yonder Corsican--curse his devilish brain!--has rolled a greater stone in our yard than could be placed there by any other huency We could not believe that Napoleon Bonaparte would part with Louisiana thus easily No doubt he feared the British fleet at the uns were not at New Orleans ere this But, I say, he rolled that stone in our yard If title to this Louisiana purchase is driven through to the Pacific--as Mr Jefferson plans so boldly--the end is written now, Colonel Burr, to all your enterprises! Britain will be forced to content herself hat she can take on the north, and Spain eventually will hold nothing worth having on the south By the Lord, General Bonaparte fights well--he kno to sacrifice a pawn in order to checkree with you, but----”
”And now e is driven home--if that expedition of Mr Jefferson's shall succeed--its success will rest on one factor In short, there is a ht with us and not against us, else my own interest in this matter lacks entirely You know the man I have in mind”
Burr nodded, his lips coh! I know his kind
Believeman Let that man come back from his expedition with the ing at his belt, like a scalp torn from his foes--and there will be no chance left for Colonel Burr and his friends!”