“I ask, Mr. Secretary, that for all this work you will select reliable men, unmarried, and who can be absent from their places of abode for a fortnight without comment. Inform each man selected that he will be employed in a matter requiring secrecy, and that it will involve an ocean trip. I propose that every man connected with the transaction, except yourself, Mr. Secretary, every man, from the official who tests the gold, to the official who packs the currency into the trunks, shall, from the time he enters upon the performance of his duty, until it is completed, remain in place. I will have food, and, if need be, cots for sleeping at the warehouse, and the placing of the currency in the trunks will not require more than an hour or two of time. Each man, as he completes his duty, will go on board the _Oro_, and when all are on board, the steamer will put to sea, with orders to cruise for two weeks and then return here. Each of the gentlemen taking this voyage will be presented by me with the sum of $1,000 for his services. The examination and weighing of the gold bars in the warehouse, and the packing and shipment of the two hundred millions of paper money now in the treasury, can, I think, be completed by to-morrow, and the _Oro_ steam out to-morrow night, with a passenger list including the names of all those who have any knowledge of the fact that two hundred millions of treasury notes are on their way to New York, and that the government has $500,000,000 worth of gold bars in its vaults.” “And how about the three hundred millions of notes ordered printed?” “Those engaged in the printing can be similarly detailed, similarly instructed, and similarly dealt with. I have chartered the _New Dominion_, now lying at Norfolk, for a voyage to Port au Prince, on the island of Santa Domingo. She has steam up, awaiting orders. She will be here in time, and all those who have knowledge of the printing or shipment of the other three hundred millions, will, on the completion of their duties, go on board of her for a trip to Hayti, and, on their return a fortnight afterwards, receive the same gift of $1,000 each for his services.” “Your plan is ingenious, yet simple, Mr. Morning, and seems likely to be effective. So far as this department is concerned, its execution will involve a departure from all rules and precedents, and I shall not escape hot criticism if I order it, especially from the New York papers controlled by the conspirators. But I see nothing really wrong or objectionable in it, and ‘nice customs courtesy to great kings,’ and you are a great king, Mr. Morning.” “Say rather that the exigency is a great king, Mr. Secretary. You will then aid me as I ask you.” “Yes.” “Thank you, Mr. Secretary. In the future any favor you may ask of me, personal or official, will not be denied.” CHAPTER XIX. “The arms are fair when borne with just intent.”