"I should prefer this to be a purely business interview," continued the young diplomat, "and to that end I will state my case and my conditions, after which you can make any answers or comments you think best."
Another nod from his companion was the only answer he received, so he accordingly proceeded.
"The Executive of my government received, some time ago, information of a plot to defeat a treaty, now pending with Great Britain. The subject of this treaty was an island and sand-bar, lying at the mouth of the —— river, on which the —— Company have erected large mills for the manufacture of a staple product of my country. As long as we held the island, they secured by government contracts a practical monopoly of the article in question; by the cession of it to Great Britain their business would be much impaired. Do I state the case clearly?"
"I've never heard it put better," replied the Colonel, with a calmness that was admirable.
"Very well—we'll now proceed to the next point. The firm considered that my government's grants were worth to them, the round sum of two hundred thousand dollars, or forty thousand pounds."
"In gold, sovereigns," acquiesced Darcy.
"Yes, I've one of them in my possession."
The Colonel nodded as usual. He evidently felt it idle to waste words in the face of such incontrovertible evidence.
"This amount was to be divided among a majority of the committee, who would pass on the treaty, thus insuring its defeat. The names of the members who would receive bribes, and the amount to be given to each, being arranged beforehand—by you."
Darcy's face was immovable.