Arnold, wondering who was Risk’s principal, stared in amazement at Barclugh’s presence. But Barclugh at once knew that boldness was his weapon to use.
“Why, good morning, Mr. Barclugh, I am very glad to see you,” said Arnold. “Will you be seated?” as he walked to the door and told the orderly to admit no one, and then bolted the door behind him.
“General Arnold,” said Barclugh, “do you mean business about this flour transaction?”
Arnold put on his most gracious air and replied:
“I am entirely in touch with the enterprise, Mr. Barclugh, but I was obliged to require some token of good faith on the part of the principals. So you see I could not give Captain Risk the passport until I had arranged with the responsible parties as to the ways and means of getting out of the scrape in case of complications arising.”
“What token do you require, General Arnold, on my part?” coolly asked Barclugh.
“Oh, that is a simple matter for men of substance, Mr. Barclugh. You see I have bought an estate on the Schuylkill and am in debt; I keep up my house in town and my pay is entirely inadequate for the tastes of my family, so, if you could loan me a few thousand pounds in gold, I could serve you on this occasion and possibly on others.”
“You are very right, General, about your pay being too small to support a gentleman’s family. To be candid with you, what you need is money. If I were to put you in the way of securing twenty thousand pounds sterling, would you accept the proposition? Merely a proposition to do your country a lasting benefit.”
“My dear Mr. Barclugh, I am dying daily of chagrin, and money is my only salvation. I would be willing to die ignominiously if I could only secure my wife that much fortune.”
“Arnold, would you go over to the other party? Would you consider consequences? Would you honor the obligation?”