disposition of the law, all vessels, arms, military stores, or
other means provided or providing for the same, and in general
preventing the carrying on such expedition or enterprise by all the
lawful means within their power. And I require all good and
faithful citizens and others within the United States to be aiding
and assisting herein, and especially in the discovery,
apprehension, and bringing to justice of all such offenders, and
the giving information against them to the proper authorities.

"In testimony whereof I have caused the seal of the United States
to be affixed to these presents, and have signed the same with my
hand. Given at the City of Washington on the twenty-seventh day of
November, 1806, and of the sovereignty and Independence of the
United States the thirty-first.

"THOMAS JEFFERSON."

"That isn't all," said Mr. Ritchie in Rand's ear. "The plot was not only
against Spain--it looked to the separation of the West from the East,
with the Alleghanies for the wall between. General Wilkinson is the
hero. It seems that Burr thought to implicate him and secure the army.
Wilkinson sent Burr's letters in cipher to the President. The Government
has had knowledge from various sources, and while he was thought to be
dozing last summer, Mr. Jefferson was as wide awake as you or I. The
militia are out in Wood County, and Burr will be taken somewhere upon
the Ohio. Wilkinson has put New Orleans under martial law. Informer or
no, he's now more loyal than loyalty itself. The Bienville is to be
searched at Norfolk for a consignment of arms. They say Eaton's
implicated, and Alston, Bollman, Swartwout, and this man Blennerhassett.
Truxtun's name is mentioned, and it's said that Decatur was applied to.
Andrew Jackson, too, has been friendly with Burr. Well, we'll see what
we will see! Treason and traitor are ugly words, Mr. Rand."

"They are so considered, Mr. Ritchie," said Rand, with calmness. "Thanks
for your courtesy, and good-morning!"

He bowed and made his way, not unaccosted, through the crowd to the
Eagle porch. There was much excitement. The Governor was speaking from
the head of the steps. Below him planters, merchants, lawyers, and
politicians were now listening eagerly, now commenting sotto voce, while
beyond them the nondescript population swayed and exclaimed. To one side
were massed the tall plumes of the Blues. Rand saw, near these,