“I drink to the success which will be best for you and your people.”
McGillivray started, gazed intently across the table and slowly moved his lips in testing the words.
“—— me!” he cried. “I can’t see any snake in the bottom of that glass! It rings honest, even if you and I don’t agree on what ‘best success’ is. You’re an honest man, Sevier, and we’ll drink it with honesty in our hearts. And I thank you for the spirit which prompts it.”
The glasses were emptied just as the servant glided in and passed to his master and gave him a written message. McGillivray read it and frowned blackly, then glanced furtively at Sevier. He hesitated and twisted the paper about his fingers; then he brusquely commanded—
“Show him in.”
Sevier appeared indifferent, but from the corner of his eye he watched the emperor’s sudden change of expression. Something in the note had aroused the Indian blood in him, had caused him to entertain a suspicion. The door opened and Polcher entered, bowing low to McGillivray and darting a look of hatred at the borderer.
McGillivray motioned for him to advance but did not ask him to be seated. He bluntly began:
“Your note says you have something to tell me about Mr. Sevier which I should know at once. Why didn’t you tell it to me when you first arrived?”
“Your Majesty, the surprise of not finding Major Tonpit here, the surprise of finding the man Jackson here, drove it from my mind until John Sevier came. Ever since he entered your Majesty’s home I have been trying to get a word to you. Only now have I succeeded.”
“Very well; go on. What is it?”