“Well, if you are a horse-trader, General, you will do. We have an order from a merchant in New York for two thousand barrels of flour and we need a passport for the proper individual to pass through our lines to New York and return in order to effect the necessary business arrangements. If the trade goes through successfully we can afford to give you one third of the profits. We expect confidently to make about $10,000 out of the transaction in gold, and your share, General, will surely be $3000.” “That’s merely a business transaction between private individuals and it will harm no one. But, Captain, could you make any advances on the profits, for I am very much in need of $1000 to-day and if it matters not to you, I will ask you for this amount now?” eagerly questioned Arnold. “I would willingly make it $1000, General, only I have just $500 of gold with me; but I can give you that,” as he counts out the gold on the desk for General Arnold and keenly looks at him. “Very well, Captain, that will help me out. It is settled,” said Arnold, as he grasped the gold and put it into his pockets with avidity. “But remember, simply give me the name of the individual and I will furnish him with the passport through our lines, but do not let me know anything about his business.” “That’s well, General, for commerce knows no country,” were the concluding remarks of Captain Risk as he bowed and started for the door. “I will be here to-morrow for the document. Good day, sir.” “Good day, sir, but bring the other $500 if possible; I need it,” contended Arnold. “If possible, General,” was the response, and the privateersman left Arnold to go directly to the office of Roderick Barclugh. CHAPTER IX The FitzMaurice dinner and the reception at Dorminghurst were revelations to Roderick Barclugh. He learned that Arnold had a passion for luxury and no discretion as to its cost; then he became convinced that the lawyers and clergy and merchants feared a democratic form of government. Roderick Barclugh was possessed of wonderful resources to accomplish his ends. The next morning very early he sent his clerk for Captain Samuel Risk of the Privateer Holker, in which ship he held the controlling interest. Arnold’s cupidity must be tried at once. As Captain Risk came into Barclugh’s private office, the first sound that greeted his ears was: “Good morning, Captain Risk, can you depend on your crew to transfer two thousand barrels of flour to a neutral ship flying the ensign of Holland in a convenient harbor off Long Island? There’s $20,000 to be divided up in it.” “Yes, sir, I can do it. State your necessities in the case. What will be the ship’s share?” was the prompt answer of the intrepid Captain.