“No man could resist such inducements,” concluded Carlisle, as he drank in the plans with evident satisfaction.
Fox sat there unconcerned as to details, but awakening out of a reverie on last night’s game remarked to Selwyn:
“George, I am agreed. You talk well, but what is the man’s name?”
As a matter of fact, Fox did not have so much concern about the Colonies, as he did about the vast sum of money that he owed Carlisle. He was ready for any expedient to pacify his creditor and give some excuse to put off demands on his depleted fortunes.
If Carlisle should succeed in retaining the Colonies within the empire, and at the same time receive great personal treasures from the government, Fox’s personal obligations would be cancelled and a disastrous war would be ended.
Selwyn, replying to Fox’s question, said persuasively:
“His name, my dear Charles, is Roderick Barclugh, but for purposes of state it must be withheld until the plans are working. If you are agreed you can submit your plan to the King through the bank. I am sure that the King will take up your ideas as his own. Then he has to listen to those people that control his purse-strings, anyway.”
Lord Carlisle, young and ambitious to recoup his severe losses, arose from the breakfast and said decisively:
“Gentlemen, the plan is well conceived. If it fails to subdue the rebels, my name will sink to the depths of ignominy; but if it succeeds, I shall have the honor of serving my King as well as Warren Hastings at all events.”
Whereupon the three plotters departed for their lodgings, to be ready for the game at Brooks’ that night.