Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-05-18
CHAPTER xxxv.-continued.

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Mr.. Calhoun is commonly credited
with having brought about this treaty,
and with having been author of its
terms. So he was, but only In the
singular way which in these foregoing
pages | have related. States have
their price. Texas was bought by
blood. Oregon-ah, we who own 1t
ought to prize it. None of our country
is half so full of romance. none of it
Is half so clean. as our great and
bodeful far northwest, still young in
its days of destiny.
I'VE should in time have had all of
Oregon, perhaps" said Mr.. Calhoun;
"at least, that is the talk of these
fierce politicians"
But for this fresh outbreak ON the
southwest there would have been a
better chance" said Helena Won Ritz;
but ! think, as matters are to-day.
you would be wise to accept this COM
promise. have seen your men
marching. thousands of them, the
grandest sight of this century or any
other. They give full base for this
compromise Given another year, and
your rifles and your plows would
make your claims still better. But
this is to-day"
Believe me, Mr.. Calhoun" broke
in. your signature must go on this"
How now? Why so anxious, my
SOM"
Because 1t is right"
Calhoun turned to Helena Won Ritz.
Has this been presented to Mr.. Bu-
ichanan. our secretary of slater" he
asked.
Certainly not. It has been shown
to no one. have been here in Wash
fngton working-well, working in Sc
lcret to secure this document for you.
do this-well. will be frank with
you'll do this for Mr.. Trist He Is my
friend. wish TO say to you that he
has been--a faithful"
saw her face whiten and her lips
shut tight. She swayed a little as
she stood. DR.. Ward was at her side
and assisted her to couch. For the
first time the splendid courage Of
Helena Won Ritz seemed to fail her.
She sank back. white, unconscious.
TITS these damned stays, joint" be-
gan DR.. Ward fiercely. "She has faint.
ed. Here, put her down. so. Well
bring her around in minute. Great
Jove! I want her to hear us thank
her. It's splendid work she has done
for US. But why?"
When, presently. under the ministra-
lions OF the old physician, Helena
Won Ritz recovered her consciousness,
she arose, fighting desperately to pull
herself together and get back her
splendid courage.
Would you retire now, madam 70
asked Mr.. Calhoun. II have sent for
my daughter"
mo. no. II is nothing!" she said.
Forgive me. It is only an old habit
of mine. See. am quite well!"
Indeed, In few moments she had
regained something Of that magnifi.
cent energy which was her heritage
AS though nothing had happened. she
arose and walked swiftly across the
room. Her eyes were fixed upon the
great map which hung upon the walls
Ia strange map It would seem to us
to-day. Across this she swept white
hand.
II saw your men cross this" she
said, pointing along the course of the
great Oregon Trail-whose detailed
path was then unknown to our geog
raphers. 81 saw them go west along
that road of destiny. l told myself
that by virtue of their courage they
had won this war. Sometime there will
come the great war between your peo
pie and those who rule them. The
people still will win"
She spread out her two hands tot
and bottom of the map. "All, all
ought to be yours--from the Isthmu
TO the ice, for the sake Of the peopl'
OF the world. The people-but In TIM
they will have their own!"
We listened to her silently. credit
ing her enthusiasm to her sex. he
race; but what she said has remaine'
in one mind at least from that day t
this. Well might part Of her speed
remain In the minds to-day OF peopl
and rulers alike. Are We worth tn
price paid for the country we gained
- rhor ua ehau ho worth tina