“Perhaps it will be clearer if you remember there are some twenty-five or thirty thousand settlers who won those acres and who do not intend to be turned over along with their lands like so many beaver pelts,” Sevier replied. “Perhaps you can perceive that the very weakness of the central Government which you have dwelt on is an excellent reason why thirty thousand people will determine the future of the land they alone won and developed. How will the central Government stop us from forming a State if she is unable to resent any insult from distant Spain?” “I don’t think she can.” And the admission was accompanied by a smile of genuine amusement. “It’s absolutely humorous, the whole situation. A man owes me a thousand pounds. He makes payment. Just as I am about to count the money it hops up and says, ‘You can’t have me as payment for a debt. But you shall take me as a partner and share with me what you already have accumulated.’ What could I do? Perhaps I would demand that my debtor bring me some better behaved money. Eh? What will North Carolina say when she finds she’s lost her land and hasn’t paid her debt?” “She’ll do nothing,” assured Sevier. “There will be no violence, no bloodshed. You don’t understand the true temper of the people on both sides of the mountains. We’re kinsmen. And your amusing little illustrations make you forget the simple fact that a new State must pay its share of the national debt. Our new State will make good what Carolina owes.” There was a pause for several minutes, each trying to read the other’s thoughts. Then McGillivray briskly said: “You mention August. You’re to start building your new State next month?” “The forty delegates will meet on the twenty-third of August.” “That will give you scant time to visit me and get back and take part in the good work,” regretted McGillivray. “Oh, my presence isn’t necessary,” promptly retorted Sevier. “If I remain here as your—guest—everything will go along nicely. I arranged for that.” “Then you did consider the possibility of remaining with me for a while?” Sevier shook his head and frankly answered: “No. My precautions were taken because of the chance of a Chickamauga knife or a Creek ax reaching me before I got to you. I believed that once I had talked to you I could return—always providing I dodged the dangers of the homeward trail.” “Such faith! Such faith!” murmured McGillivray with a whimsical smile. “Do you know, Mr. Sevier, I must be on my guard against the charm of your personality? I find myself liking you. It’s like walking into an ambuscade.” Sevier laughed lightly, pointed to the emperor’s full glass and raised his own, saying— “I drink to the success which will be best for you and your people.” McGillivray started, gazed intently across the table and slowly moved his lips in testing the words.