There was a pause for several minutes, each trying to read the other’s thoughts. Then McGillivray briskly said:
“You mention August. You’re to start building your new State next month?”
“The forty delegates will meet on the twenty-third of August.”
“That will give you scant time to visit me and get back and take part in the good work,” regretted McGillivray.
“Oh, my presence isn’t necessary,” promptly retorted Sevier. “If I remain here as your—guest—everything will go along nicely. I arranged for that.”
“Then you did consider the possibility of remaining with me for a while?”
Sevier shook his head and frankly answered:
“No. My precautions were taken because of the chance of a Chickamauga knife or a Creek ax reaching me before I got to you. I believed that once I had talked to you I could return—always providing I dodged the dangers of the homeward trail.”
“Such faith! Such faith!” murmured McGillivray with a whimsical smile. “Do you know, Mr. Sevier, I must be on my guard against the charm of your personality? I find myself liking you. It’s like walking into an ambuscade.”
Sevier laughed lightly, pointed to the emperor’s full glass and raised his own, saying—