ry?"

"When we hear the alarm gun. Not sooner. It is possible that it may be
a mere threat."

"If so, it will be the first mere threat in which this black has been
detected."

"That is true. He usually acts first, and speaks afterwards.
Gentlemen, we shall have to go. I must first see about this
proclamation, and discover whether anything else can be done. If not,
Captain, au revoir!"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

GO OR STAY?

The Commander-in-chief was not long closeted with Governor Raymond: for
this was a day when minutes were precious. It was observed that there
was a sudden activity among the messengers of the Governor, among the
soldiers, and among the citizens; and every one felt that the voice of
Toussaint was giving orders in every corner of the town, before he had
yet come forth. The report spread that Moyse L'Ouverture was come; and
he was soon seen, superintending the placing of cannon in the streets,
and the mustering of soldiers in the squares. The presence of the young
man inspired an enthusiasm inferior only to that which waited on the
steps of his uncle. Its influence on Moyse was seen in the fire of his
eye, the quickness of his movements, and the hilarity of his air. He
appeared to notice every one who cheered, or waved hat or handkerchief
to him, and to overhear all that was said as he passed along. In one
instance he stopped to reply.

"I little thought," he heard an old negro merchant say to a
neighbour--"I little thought ever to see an Ouverture planting cannon
against his own colour."

"Nor do you see it now, friend," said Moyse. "The insurgents in the
plain are of all colours--almost as many whites as blacks are
discontented with the Commissary, and--"

"Turn your guns upon the Commissary, then, young soldier!"

"There is no need, friend. We shall be rid of the Commissary by an
easier method; and these guns will be wheeled home, as harmless as they
came. My belief is that not a drop of negro blood will be shed; and to
that end do we plant our cannon. If we tranquillise the whites of the
town, and empty Government-house of the French, the negroes of the plain
will find none but friends when they arrive."

"Oh, ay! That is your policy, is it?"

"That is L'Ouverture's policy. Tell it everywhere. He is the best
friend of the blacks who best makes it known."

The explanation passed from mouth to mouth; and the new proclamation,
signed by Toussaint and Hedouville, from han