ure, with the signature of the Viceroy. They shall
enjoy in every relation the advantage of the best government. They
shall, if necessary, be supported by all the naval and military force of
England, without being exposed to the dangers or subjected to the taxes
from which such a military state is inseparable."

"But how? What can I do that I have not already done?"

"You have the courage, you have the ingenuity to render that important
service. Why allow your countrymen to shed more blood when the enemy is
willing to grant all you are fighting for? You can save them from
anarchy. You can save them from the factions of Congress."

"God knows how ardently I desire such a consummation," breathed the
Governor.

"I am confident that he would perform any act, however heroic or signal,
to benefit the cause of his country," remarked Peggy with deliberate
emphasis.

"Name it. What shall I do?" he asked.

"Act the part of General Monk in history," announced Anderson.

Arnold recoiled. He could not believe his ears. Then the awful truth
dawned upon him.

"Is this your work?" he turned to Peggy fiercely.

"On my honor, I never thought of it." His wife was frightened at his
sudden change of manner.

There was silence. The trio sat in thought, one awaiting the other to
speak the first word.

"Never," blurted Arnold. "Never, so long as I wear this uniform."

"And yet the world resounds with his praises, for he performed a
disinterested and humane act."

"A treacherous and cowardly act!"

"Listen, I shall confide in you. If you would but exert your influence
in favor of an amicable adjustment of the difficulties between the
colonies and the mother country, you might command ten thousand guineas
and the best post in the service of the government."

"Would that mean a peerage?" asked Peggy suddenly.

"Assuredly," was the reply.

She stood up and strutted in a pompous and stately manner before them;
then she turned and courtesied before her husband.

"Your Grace, the carriage waits without. The Duchess is already in
waiting," she announced with a sweeping gesture.

He scowled at her but did not answer.

"Clive saved the British Empire in India and you can save the colonies,"
insisted Anderson.

"Would not a proud position at court, the comfortable income of a royal
estate, the possession of a peerage on home soil more than reward a man
as was the case with General Monk?" challenged Peggy, with a flash of
sudde