Part One Chapter 7 Colonel Burr and His Daughter

"But as to the Mississippi Valley, matters are entirely different. There is no law against that country's organizing for a better government. There is every natural reason for that. As these States on the East confederated in the cause against oppression, so can those yonder. There will be more opportunity for strong men there when that game is on the board--men like Captain Lewis, for instance. Should one ally one's self with a foredoomed failure? Not at all. I prefer rather success--station, rank, power, money, for myself, if you please. With us--a million dollars for the founding of our new country. With him--for the undertaking of yonder impracticable and chimerical expedition, twenty-five hundred dollars! Which enterprise, think you, will win?

"But, on the other hand, if that expedition of Mr. Jefferson's should succeed by virtue of accident, or of good leadership, all my plans must fail--that is plain. It comes, therefore, to this, Theo, and I may tell you plainly--Captain Lewis must be seen--he must be stopped--we must hold a conference with him. It would be useless for me to undertake to arrange all that. There is only one person who can save your father's future--and that one, my daughter, is--you!"

He caught Theodosia's look of surprise, her start, the swift flush on her cheek--and laughed lightly.

"Let me explain. Aaron Burr and all his family--all his friends--will reach swift advancement in yonder new government. Power, place--these are the things that strong men covet. That is what the game of politics means for strong men--that is why we fight so bitterly for office. I plan for myself some greater office than second fiddle in this tawdry republic along the Atlantic. I want the first place, and in a greater field! I will take my friends with me. I want men who can lead other men. I want men like Captain Lewis."