capacity. I can do nothing if I am to hide in disguise in out-of-the-
way corners."

"That is easily done. There has been some talk with the British
authorities anent the security and welfare of peaceful French subjects
settled in England. After a good deal of correspondence they have
suggested our sending a semi-official representative over there to
look after the interests of our own people commercially and
financially. We can easily send you over in that capacity if it would
suit your purpose."

"Admirably. I have only need of a cloak. That one will do as well as
another."

"Is that all?"

"Not quite. I have several plans in my head, and I must know that I
am fully trusted. Above all, I must have power--decisive, absolute,
illimitable power."

There was nothing of the weakling about this small, sable-clad man,
who looked the redoubtable Jacobin leader straight in the face and
brought a firm fist resolutely down upon the table before him.
Robespierre paused a while ere he replied; he was eying the other
man keenly, trying to read if behind that earnest, frowning brow there
did not lurk some selfish, ulterior motive along with that demand for
absolute power.

But Chauvelin did not flinch beneath that gaze which could make
every cheek in France blanch with unnamed terror, and after that