IN THE SHADOW
and if you only knew how to lay a course and get the sun you might do away with this difficulty. It is a pity that it is not a month later; I could provide you with a pair of the most honest cutthroats that ever stole a ship. Men of principle in their profession, like ourselves. You need have no doubt about your engineer, he is far too cantankerous to be approached by anybody; moreover he is engaged in translating the 'Life of John the Baptist' into Norwegian and that will take all of his time. There is nothing so satisfactory in this sort of work as a consistent crank." And so the conversation had ended.
Rosenthal had dealt honestly with Dessalines. He knew that his employer's resources would be severely taxed before the close of his campaign and in his own mind he was not so sure that further assistance would be forthcoming. He, Rosenthal, had more to gain through the success of the campaign than he could have effected by the most flagrant dishonesty, even had he been dishonest, which he was not. He was anxious for Dessalines to succeed; after that if he, Rosenthal, did not succeed he felt that he would be a very stupid fellow.
•••••••
Dessalines arrived in New York at noon and was met at the depot by his agent.
"Mon cher Comte!" cried the Jew, talking rapidly and in French, "of course you have not heard the news?"
"No," replied Dessalines quickly, "tell me!"
"One moment; it is necessary to be discreet. When we are in the cab, my dear fellow!" With the aid of Jules and the porter, Dessalines' luggage was secured and placed on the coach. Jules sat with the driver.
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