But when Baron de Croiseuil arrived home he was not allowed to remain idle for long, and his services were utilized to stifle the cry for reform that was just beginning to be heard in England, and the United States, and right well did he carry out the duties.
The death of the King had come at an opportune moment, for it would give the Belgian rule of the Congo a fresh lease of life, and there would be no necessity to change their methods, for it would be a simple matter to answer criticisms by saying that, now there was a new king, conditions would be improved, provided that time was allowed to bring about the necessary reforms. And all the time there was no intention to relax the rigor of their rule, but rather to force the natives to work the harder, so that the harvest might be garnered, before Europe awoke to the fact that it had been cleverly hoodwinked.
All was peace and contentment in Brussels, for each ship brought its increasing cargo of rubber and the demand for reform had almost ceased; until the big meeting took place in which Gaunt had made so dramatic an appearance.
The Baron immediately realized the seriousness of the situation, for naturally the words of a man, who had been one of the first to exploit the Congo, would carry great weight. A hurried meeting took place in Brussels, and as a consequence De Croiseuil came to England with an entirely free hand, and practically an unlimited purse.
It was with great interest that he had attended the meeting, and his amazement was great when he listened to Gaunt’s speech.
“He speaks like an honest man,” had been his thought.
And so he had entered the library without any confidence that he could succeed in influencing John Gaunt, but he was determined to leave no stone unturned.
“You can do your worst. I defy you,” Gaunt repeated harshly.
There was an evil light in the Baron’s eyes, but he spoke calmly and slowly, pronouncing each word with great distinctness.
“I think that you will change your decision, mon ami. If not for your own sake, for your wife’s. May I suggest that you do not enjoy the best of reputations in your own country. You have made many enemies, who will be only too glad to seize any opportunity of doing you an injury, and there are many vulnerable places in your armor. It may be necessary that I should join hands with your enemies, and one in particular. By a happy chance I know Mr. Julian Weiss; we have had business deals together, and he is a man who never forgets an injury. Forgive me, Gaunt. This conversation is extremely unpleasant to me personally, and I would gladly drop it if you would only say one little word.”