Evening star., 1924-02-05
The Magnificent Adventure
BY EMERSON HOUGH.
A Stirring Story of the Northwest
Copyright. 1878. BY D. Ap,lst.. Z Co..

70 upbuild her fathers ambitions.1
Now, women have their own ways
OF accomplishing results. Suppose we
leave 1t to my daughter to fashion
her own campaign? There Is moth
ing wrong in the relations ss these
two, but at table today I saw his
look to her. and hers to hina in re-
ply. We are speaking in deep and
say to you. ask no questions Of me,
and let me ask none of her. Let.
me only say to her: My daughter,
your fathers success. his life. his
fo-tune-the life and fortune and sue
pend upon one event, depend upon
you and your ability to stop yonder
expedition of Capt. Meriwether Lewis
into the Missouri country"
LIT is generally conceded that Theodosa
Burr Aston must have been acquainted with
her fathers most intimate ambitions, and
by which he purposed to further them Her
blind and answering loyalty to him, passing
all ordinary flial affection. was a predomi-
nant trait OF her singular and by no means
weak or hesitant character, in which mas
culine resolution blended SO strangely with
"omanly reserve and sweetness.
when could we Iearn?" demand
ed the British minister
Il cannot say how long a time 1T
may take" Burr replied. "I promise
personal interview with Capt. Lewis
before he starts for the west"
But he starts at dawn" smiled
Minister Merry.
l would promise it But now. gentle
men. let US come to the main point.
II we succeed, what then?"
Tie British minister was business
like and definite.
Fifty thousand dollars at once, out
OF. special fund in my control
Meantime I would write at once to
my government and lay the matter
before them.1 We shall need fleet
at the south of the Mississippi river.
That will cost money-it will require
at least half million dollars to as
sure any sort of success in plans so
large as yours, Mr.. Burr. But on
the contingency that she stops him
promise you that amount. Fifty
thousand down-a half million more
when needed"
Mr.. Merry did so and reported the entire
proposal made by Burr The proposition
was that the latter should "Iend his assist
ance to his majesty's government in any
manner in which they may think fit to en-
ploy him. particularly in endeavoring to effect
a separation of the western part of the
United States from that which lies between
the mountains in its whole extent"
But though deeply interested In the con-
spiracy to separate the western country, Mr..
Merry was not too confding. for in his mes
sage to Mr.. Pitt the added the following
confidence, showing his own estimate OF
Burr:
II have only to add that II strict con-
fdence should be placed in him. he certainly
possesses perhaps in a much greater degree
than any other individual in this country
all the talents, energy, intrepidity and firm
ness which 1t requires for such an enter
prise"
The dark eye of Aaron Burr flashed.
Then" said he. firmly. success
VIZ nnk
l pledge all my personal fortune. my
ber."
II am for my country" said Mr..
Merry simply. 1T is plain to see that
ceding that great region to this re-
public. He meant to build up in the
new world another enemy to Great
Britain. But IL we can thwart him
II at the very start we can divide
allied against us-perhaps we may
conquer wider sphere of possession
for ourselves on this rich continent.
There Is no better colonizing ground
in all the world"
You understand my plan" said
Aaron Burr. Reduced to the least
common denominator, Meriwether
Lewis and my daughter Theodosia
have our fate in their hands"
past mdnght r0sf The Iae seere. ao9f coner
ence had been long one.
He starts tomorrow-is that
sure?" asked Merry.
"As the clock" rejoined Burr. "She
must see him before the breakfast
hour"
"Iy compliments, Col. Burr. Good
night"
Good might. SIR" added Yrujo. sit
has been a strange day."
Secrecy. gentlemen, secrecy!
hope soon to have more news for
you, and good news, too. Au revoir!'
Burr himself accompanied them to
the door.