"This, I am given to understand, was a personal quarrel."
"Yes, your Excellency."
"What the law may say of the matter, I do not know. What concerns us most is the despatch. In what I say I desire, sir, to be considered open to correction. When, as I am told, you followed Mr. Carteaux, intending a very irregular duel, did you know that he carried a despatch?"
"I did not until Mr. Schmidt found it. Then the man was cared for, and I delivered his papers to their destination."
"I regret, sir, to hear that of this you have no proof. Here your word suffices. Outside of these walls it has been questioned."
"I have no proof,—none of any value,—nor can I ever hope to prove that I did what my own honor and my duty to the administration required."
Hamilton listened intently while the aging, tired face of the President for a moment seemed lost in reflection. Then the large, blue eyes were lifted as he said, "At present this matter seems hopeless, sir, but time answers many questions." Upon this he turned to Hamilton. "There are two persons involved. Who, sir, is this Mr. Schmidt? I am told that he has left the country; in fact, has fled."
For a moment Hamilton was embarrassed. "I can vouch for him as my friend. He was called to Germany on a matter of moment. At present I am not at liberty to reply to you more fully. He is sure to return, and then I may,—indeed, I am sure, will be more free to answer you frankly.