"Good," he replied, and he nodded. "Here is a question to test that--Supposing the expedition, in exploring our unknown boundaries, should chance to find itself in the vicinity of the Spanish settlements--" I started, and leaned toward him, eager-eyed. "Yes!" I cried. "You mean--?" "By ----!" he muttered. "What do _you_ mean? You're like a hound on a blood trace!" "Who is not eager to get at the secrets of El Dorado?" I parried. "So?" he said. "I fear that Colonel Burr has been plying you with his harebrained schemes." "He spoke to me of the Mexican mines." "You are not the first of his dupes." "Dupe, sir! I thought that you were yourself one of his friends." "Friend?--to him!" The General swelled with what seemed to me over-acted indignation. "But I forgive you your ignorance, sir. Let us return to the point under discussion. The question is, would you, under the supposition I have stated, be willing to risk yourself among the Spaniards?" "You mean, sir, as a spy?" "It is a question of patriotism, sir, patriotism!" he puffed. "Though war now seems averted for the time being, hostilities may occur even before this expedition can return. In the event of war, I need hardly mention to you that information bearing upon the situation of the Spanish in their northern provinces would be of inestimable value to our country." "Your Excellency," I said, "I bear the Spanish authorities no love, and my country much. I will undertake what you have mentioned, so far as lies within my power." "Lieutenant Pike has assured me as to your abilities. You speak French and some Spanish?" "Some French, sir; very little Spanish." "Enough to serve." He took up the document, with its beribboned seal. "Here is a paper for your consideration. It is a claim upon the Spanish authorities, prepared according to the treaties between the United States and Spain. Two years ago Mr. William Morrison of Kaskaskia intrusted one Baptiste Le Lande with a large stock of trade goods for barter among the Western tribes. According to reports which have lately come to Mr. Morrison through the Indians, Le Lande has reached Santa Fe and there settled, without intention of accounting for the property intrusted to him." "I understand, Your Excellency," said I. "This claim is to serve as a cloak for my spying." "No need to use so harsh a term," he mumbled. "It is the term the Spanish authorities will use if they detect me," I answered. "We are at peace with Spain. I reached a good understanding with General Herrera before coming up the river. There will be no hostilities for some months, at the least. The Spaniards will not dare to resort to extremes against you." "Their authorities bear us no love," I rejoined. "Those in so remote a province as Nuevo Mexico may well argue that it will be quite safe to hang a spy, war or no war." He took up the document, with a frown. "Then you do not care to venture it?"