THE DAY OF RECKONING
Stanley sat in his room. Before him lay an open letter; below in the hall, John and the Colonel sat waiting his call. The faithful Legation messenger being well informed that once Darcy was closeted with his master, he was to receive the precious letter of evidence from Kent-Lauriston, and return with all speed to London.
But first the Secretary wished to read and re-read his Chief's instructions. It was a clear, concise document, occupying only two sheets of note-paper. Not a word wasted, yet all necessary information given, it ran as follows:—
"Your satisfactory message received and telegraphed to the Executive in cipher, without delay. I may inform you that it is not the intention of the government to prosecute, if the case presented is sufficiently strong to warrant submission from the recalcitrant members of the cabinet. I leave it to your discretion to arrest Darcy. Do not do so if you can obtain his confession without it. We do not wish to proceed against the agents, but against the principals. We will do so, however, if you advise. The points we must prove are as follows:—
"1st. Evidence of the names of members of the cabinet who are to receive bribes.
"2d. Evidence of the amounts to be received.
"3d. Evidence relating to the Company offering the bribes.
"Send proofs by John, at once, and report to me as soon as possible.
"As ever,
"X——"
On a separate sheet of paper was the following:—