Part 27 (1/2)

Calhoun had an inkling of what smothered the flames when, representing himself as a young Englishman, he asked a Federal officer why the government permitted such open talk of treason.

The officer smiled as he answered: ”It is better for them to talk than act. The government has its eye on them. As long as they only talk it lets them alone. The first overt act will be crushed with a heavy hand.”

Then Calhoun remembered what both Worley and Warrenton had told him; that government spies were in the order, and that they knew not whom to trust.

Would the spies of the government find out who he was, and his mission? It was not a very comforting thought.

CHAPTER XV.

OHO NE! OHO NE! OHO NE!

Monday Calhoun left for Detroit. Dr. Warrenton was on the train, but they met as strangers. When he reached the city and went to register at the Russell House, a gentleman was carelessly leaning against the desk talking with the clerk. He did not appear to notice Calhoun, but he had caught the word ”Chic.” after his name.

After a few moments the gentleman approached Calhoun and said: ”Pardon me, but is not this Mr. Harrison of Kentucky?”

”My name is Harrison,” answered Calhoun, ”but if you would examine the register you would see I am from Chicago.”

”Ah, yes, I understand,” and he gave the secret sign of the order. ”Come,”

he continued, ”and let me introduce you to some friends.”

He led the way to a room where there were several gentlemen seated smoking and talking, among them Dr. Warrenton, who gave him a warm greeting.

”I have been telling them about you,” said Warrenton, ”and they are all anxious to meet you.”

The Doctor then introduced Calhoun to each member of the party. There was Wrightman of New York, Bowman of Indiana, Hartman of Missouri, Bullock of Kentucky, and others.

”You don't tell me you are the son of my old friend, Judge Pennington, of Danville,” asked Mr. Bullock, as he shook Calhoun warmly by the hand.

”The very same,” answered Calhoun.

”Gentlemen, we need have no fears of Lieutenant Pennington,” exclaimed Mr.

Bullock, addressing those present. ”I will vouch for him with my life.

Let's see, your name is now-”

”Harrison for the present,” answered Calhoun, with a smile.

The party had no trouble in getting across the river, and that night there was a meeting in Windsor which boded ill for the Federal government.

The Supreme Commander of the order was a gentleman in the full vigor of manhood. He was polished in his manner, rather reserved, but every action showed that he was accustomed to command. Behind it all Calhoun thought that he detected the signs of an inordinate ambition-an ambition which would stop for nothing.

”Isn't he grand,” whispered Dr. Warrenton to Calhoun. ”A fit representative to wear the mantle of your great namesake.”

”Better say the mantle of Aaron Burr,” thought Calhoun, but he wisely did not give expression to his thought. The object of Calhoun's coming was fully explained, and it was decided by a unanimous vote, that he should receive the fourth degree, and thus be ent.i.tled to all the information which he wished.

The degree was duly conferred on him. Calhoun was now certain he was among a band of conspirators who would stop at nothing to achieve their ends.

”Is this the highest of the degrees?” asked Calhoun, when he was through.