of the mob are inflamed, who can say to what lengths they may not
go, who can say what disastrous consequences may not follow? It
is desirable to apply the cautery, but not to burn up the whole
body."

Lord Wellington considered a moment, fingering an ivory paper-knife.
He was partly convinced.

"When I last suggested the cautery, to use your own very apt figure,
the Council did not keep faith with me."

"My lord!"

"It did not, sir. It removed Antonio de Souza, but it did not take
the trouble to go further and remove his friends at the same time.
They remained to carry on his subversive treacherous intrigues.
What guarantees have I that the Council will behave better on this
occasion?"

"You have our solemn assurances, my lord, that all those members
suspected of complicity in this business or of attachment to the
Souza faction, shall be compelled to resign, and you may depend
upon the reconstituted Council loyally to support your measures."

"You give me assurances, sir, and I ask for guarantees."

"Your lordship is in possession of the documents found upon Count
Samoval. The Council knows this, and this knowledge will compel
it to guard against further intrigues on the part of any of its
members which might naturally exasperate you into publishing those