"You!" he cried, thrown out of his aristocratic reserve. But in the same breath he was bowing his apologies. "Your pardon, señor! I was not aware that you and Colonel Burr—"
"Nor he, señor, until a few days ago," I hastened to explain. "Senator Adair of Kentucky was formerly my father's friend and camp-mate. He advised me to see Colonel Burr. When I started upon my return West, I came by way of Philadelphia. It did not take me long to come to an agreement with—" I lowered my voice and leaned nearer the don—"the man who professes an intention to strike off the fetters of a land dear to Señor Vallois."
"Poder de Dios!" cried the don, reaching his hand to me with a fiery impetuosity of which I had believed him incapable—"Santisima Virgen! You are one of us! You have cast in your lot with the new league of freedom!"
It angered me that I must qualify. "Hold, señor! I did not say that. I have not gone so far—as yet."
"As yet?" he demanded.
"Your pardon, señor, but many such projects are schemed, and in the end prove to be—'castles in Spain.'"
He smiled gravely and without offence. "Señor, I give you my word that I and my friends are prepared to build the Western wall of the castle."
"Your word, señor, is sufficient. But there remains the Eastern wall, and I am doubtful of the builders. I did not ask for Colonel Burr's word. I preferred something more substantial. He has promised that I shall receive such proof upon my arrival at St. Louis."
"Then you, too, go to the—to St. Louis?"
"To the General," I responded, surmising that it was General Wilkinson whom he had hesitated to name.