CHAPTER IX
The FitzMaurice dinner and the reception at Dorminghurst were revelations to Roderick Barclugh. He learned that Arnold had a passion for luxury and no discretion as to its cost; then he became convinced that the lawyers and clergy and merchants feared a democratic form of government.
Roderick Barclugh was possessed of wonderful resources to accomplish his ends. The next morning very early he sent his clerk for Captain Samuel Risk of the Privateer Holker, in which ship he held the controlling interest. Arnold’s cupidity must be tried at once.
As Captain Risk came into Barclugh’s private office, the first sound that greeted his ears was:
“Good morning, Captain Risk, can you depend on your crew to transfer two thousand barrels of flour to a neutral ship flying the ensign of Holland in a convenient harbor off Long Island? There’s $20,000 to be divided up in it.”
“Yes, sir, I can do it. State your necessities in the case. What will be the ship’s share?” was the prompt answer of the intrepid Captain.
“From private advices, a merchant in New York wants the flour for his account. I need a passport to get to New York to have the money advanced and the business concluded. Arnold needs money and his share in the transaction will be $3000, the ship’s share $10,000 and protection from capture guaranteed. See Arnold at once, and here is $500 to advance him for his promise to deliver the passport.”
“Agreed, Mr. Barclugh, and I’ll have that vainglorious upstart tied up in this business within an hour. I shall return here at once with the prize,” was the reply of the gingery, little, red-faced Captain as he went out the door on his mission.