'Precisely,' said Aaron; 'and already I have found many to view the project with enthusiasm, though I confess I do not outline to each one my ultimate goal as frankly as I do to you. One must use different nets for different fish. I need hardly add that I am trusting to your discretion as I do my own. You must never put a hint of this on paper. I shall give you a cipher which you may use on occasion, and we will refer to the whole matter as "X."'

'But I still don't understand it! How is it possible to found an empire in Mexico? You have no troops, no money. I know that I don't understand these things; I know nothing of statesmanship, or—or intrigue, but I cannot sec——'

'You don't have to, my dear. You must trust me, for I do sec very clearly. Troops and money will come. The Mexicans are ripe for revolution; oppressed by Spain, they will welcome a liberator. All they need is the certainty of succor and a leader. These I will provide.'

His quiet, confident voice impressed her. He was capable of anything—anything. She had always known that. If he had at last found the proper theater for his genius, why should she niggle at him with her foolish fears and misgivings? And yet——

'Father'—she hesitated, searching for words. 'These things you say—this plan staggers my comprehension, but if, as you tell me, it is possible, if it should come to pass, would it not be—treason?'

She waited unhappily for his answer, fearful that he might be angry and yet impelled by a half-forgotten memory: 'All these lands will be part of America. We shall stretch from one ocean to the other, a mighty nation, unified, of one tongue. Does this mean nothing to you?' It had meant nothing then, submerged as she had been by her despairing love. But now she remembered the quiet thrill in Merne's voice.

'My dear,' said Aaron, shrugging impatiently, 'I cannot undertake to say what our fair Republic may consider treason; that is an clastic word. I've told you a dozen times that they have title to far more land than can be administered. That has been one of Jefferson's many grievous errors. In any case, I speak not only of the Western States, I speak of Mexico——'

He rose suddenly and, encircling her chin with his hand, raised her head so that he might look into her troubled eyes. 'Where is that faith in me and my destiny which you have so often proclaimed?'

His nostrils dilated, his whole person seemed to expand. His gaze grew incandescent, exerting on her a hypnotic power.