Page:Rowland--In the shadow.djvu/168

 "Yes; it is necessary for me to return twice in the year, or I should never leave our dear Paris. Between ourselves, Aristide, Hayti is a frightful country; the people are animals."

"It is not their fault. What do you think will be the outcome now that Sam has abdicated?"

"It is impossible to say; there are the men whom I have mentioned, all ambitious; there is also Nord Alexis at Cape Haitien, a subtle man; and then there is that white devil, Admiral Killik, now in command of the Crête-à-Pierrot. It is impossible to say, there are so many cats in the bag. But come, dear friend, do not let us vex ourselves about these things which we cannot help; let us go to the smoking room and have a cigarette and a cognac."

"And how is the health of madam?" asked Dessalines, as he followed his friend. "You know that I have never had the honor of meeting her."

"Ah, that is true! Madam will be delighted. At present she is resting, being quite worn out by the gayeties of our last week in Paris. Like myself I that she will welcome the quiet of Hayti." think

"Will you stop over in New York?" inquired Dessalines. "No. It is necessary for me to return as quickly as possible, and between ourselves, comrade, I abominate New York … nor do they love us there! If we are on time we can the following day take the Prinz Wilhelm Fourth for Hayti. Will you not come with us?"

Dessalines pondered. "No; I regret that I must wait over one steamer. I have affairs in New York."

Again Fouchère glanced at him quickly. "It is a 158