"You say that the people in the vicinity continue to take a warm interest in the expedition?" said Burr.
"They are alive with enthusiasm," returned the other, "and there can be no doubt that they will flock to your standard to a man as soon as it is lifted."
Burr remained silent for a moment, and looked at Blennerhassett steadily.
"You have heard some tidings—something unexpected," said Blennerhassett, laying his hand impressively on the arm of his companion.
Burr replied by placing in the hands of Blennerhassett a letter, the seal of which was broken, and which the latter read aloud thus:
Colonel Burr,—Dear Sir: Though a stranger to you, I take the liberty of addressing you this note. Place not confidence in every one who appears friendly to your person, and favorable to your cause. By taking heed to this suggestion, you may save yourself much trouble. Those who are of an elevated rank are not always the most trustworthy.
This is from one who knows, and who has the honor to sign himself,
The letter was without date. Blennerhassett scrutinized the chirography a long time, in order, if possible, to discover the writer, but was obliged to acknowledge that the hand was unknown to him.
"John Smith is, doubtless, a homme de guerre," said Burr.
"Yes, colonel, the note is anonymous. Perhaps that you would act wisely to take no notice of it."
"Burr shook his head. "On occasions like the present," he said, "everything of this kind is worthy of examination and critical inquiry. The writer is evidently aware that we have an expedition in prospective."
Blennerhassett read the note again, and then observed that the writer, in speaking of persons of elevated rank, seemed to squint at Jefferson.
"Hardly," returned Burr, "for we have never confided our plans to him."
"True, sir, but he is known to be your secret enemy, and—"
"Nay, sir, that can do me no injury, unless he is made acquainted with our designs, in which case he would, doubtless, use his best efforts to crush me."
"You have some one in view, colonel," said the other, interpreting the looks of his friend.
"Pit is dead," returned Burr, "and you know how impatient some of our friends have deemed the co-operation of a British squadron."
