ld ears. No, Master Johnny is
better quiet."

"Suppose he turns nasty," I suggested again.

"He may turn as nasty as he likes," said the colonel. "He don't leave
my house unless he puts a bullet into me first. That's settled. Leave
it to me. If he behaves nicely, he'll be all right. If not--"

"What shall you do to him?" asked the signorina.

I foresaw another outburst of conscience, and though I liked Johnny, I
liked myself better. So I said:

"Oh, leave it to the colonel; he'll manage all right."

"Now I'm off," said the latter, "back to my friend Johnny. Good-night,
signorina. Write to the President to-morrow. Good-night, Martin. Make
that speech of yours pretty long. _Au revoir_ till next Friday."

I prepared to go, for the colonel lingered till I came with him. Even
then we so distrusted one another that neither would leave the other
alone with the signorina.

We parted at the door, he going off up the road to get his horse and
ride to his "ranch," I turning down toward the Piazza.

We left the signorina at the door, looking pale and weary, and for
once bereft of her high spirits. Poor girl! She found conspiracy
rather trying work.

I was a little troubled myself. I began to see more clearly that it
doesn't do for a man of scruples to dabble in politics. I had a great
regard for poor Johnny, and I felt no confidence in the colonel
treating him with any consideration. In fact, I would not have insured
Johnny's life for the next week at any conceivable premium. Again I
thought it unlikely that, if we succeeded, the President would survive
his downfall. I had to repeat to myself all the story of his treachery
to me, lashing myself into a fury against him, before I could bring
myself to think with resignation of the imminent extinction of
that shining light. What a loss he would be to the world! So many
delightful stories, so great a gift of manner, so immense a personal
charm--all to disappear into the pit! And for what? To put into his
place a ruffian without redeeming qualities. Was it worth while to
put down Lucifer only to enthrone Beelzebub? I could only check this
doleful strain of reflection by sternly recalling myself to the real
question--the state of the fortunes of me, John Martin. And to me the
revolution was necessary. I might get the money; at least I should
gain time. And I might satisfy my love. I was animated by the
honorable motive of saving my employers from loss and by the
overwhelming