hen the colonel saw him he raised his revolver and said:

"'Do you yield, General Whittingham? We are twelve to one.'

"As he spoke, every man covered the President with his aim. The latter
stood facing the twelve revolvers, his own weapon hanging loosely in
his left hand. Then, smiling, he said a little bitterly:

"'Heroics are not in my line, McGregor. I suppose this is a popular
rising--that is to say, you have bribed my men, murdered my best
friend, and beguiled me with the lures of that--'

"I could not bear the words that hung on his lips, and with a sob I
fell on a sofa and hid my face.

"'Well, we mustn't use hard names,' he went on, in a gentler tone. 'We
are all as God made us. I give in,' and, throwing down his weapon, he
asked, 'Have you quite killed Carr?'

"'I don't know,' said the colonel, implying plainly that he did not
care either.

"'I suppose it was you that shot him?'

"The colonel nodded.

"The President yawned, and looked at his watch.

"'As I have no part in to-night's performance,' said he, 'I presume I
am at liberty to go to bed?'

"The colonel said shortly:

"'Where's the bedroom?'

"'In there,' said the President, waving his hand to a door facing that
by which the colonel had entered.

"'Permit me,' said the latter. He went in, no doubt to see if there
were any other egress. Returning shortly he said:

"'My men must stay here, and you must leave the door open.'

"'I have no objection,' said the President. 'No doubt they will
respect my modesty.'

"'Two of you stay in this room. Two of you keep watch in the veranda,
one at this window, the other at the bedroom window. I shall put three
more sentries outside. General Whittingham is not to leave this room.
If you hear or see anything going on in there, go in and put him under
restraint. Otherwise treat him with respect.'

"'I thank you for your civility,' said the President, 'also for the
compliment implied in these precautions. Is it over this matter of the
debt that your patriotism has drawn you into revolt?'

"'I see no use in discussing public affairs at this moment,' the
colonel replied. 'And my presence is required elsewhere. I regret that
I cannot relieve you of the presence of these men, but I do not feel I
should be justified in accepting your _parole_.'

"The President did not seem to be angered at this insult.

"'I have not offered it,' he said simply. 'It is better you should
take your own measures. Need I