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 only one whom we have to fear. But so much for the situation; doubtless you will now be interested to learn how I have been occupying myself in the work of preparation. When we get to your hotel we will go over the matter in detail and you may audit my accounts with the receipts and other papers." Rosenthal paused and Dessalines settled himself back against the cushions with an involuntary sigh of disagreeable anticipation. Rosenthal, experienced, quick-witted man of the world that he was, read the emotions passing in the mind of his employer. He laughed indulgently.

"Ah, my dear Comte," said he, "it is indeed a pity to inflict upon you these cares the moment of your landing from a voyage; but courage, my dear Comte, it will not take long and everything is in good order. Your following in Hayti has been recruited from different districts by the agents of the ex-President; it remains only for us to arm and transport them to the scene of action. As to my part of the programme, I have purchased for you, through the agency of the firm of Mailock and Fenn, an admirable steamer of twenty-two hundred tons; the Waccamaw, a good vessel and in every way suited to our purpose. I got her at a bargain as you will see; I obtained a fifteen-per-cent discount for a cash payment and have made them replace the old boiler tubes with new; she will be ready for sea in three days. I have also purchased two field pieces, six six-pounders—these last rapid-fire guns—and arms and equipments for a thousand men. The uniforms are magnificent." He glanced slyly at Dessalines. "They are variegated for the different corps and will make most brilliant display." Rosenthal found it unnecessary to state that 177