"But, M. Chouteau," rejoined Lewis, "I do not understand--I cannot! What Colonel Burr attempted was an actual treason to this republic. I find it difficult to believe that!"
Chouteau shrugged his shoulders.
"There may be two names for it," he said.
"And every one asked to join the cause was asked to join in treason to his country. Is it not so?" Lewis went on.
"There may be two names for it," smiled the other, still shrugging.
"He was my friend," said Meriwether Lewis. "I trusted him!"
"Always, I repeat, there are two names for treason. But what puzzles me is this," Chouteau continued. "What halted the cause of Colonel Burr here in the West? He seemed to be upon the point of success. His organization was complete--his men were in New Orleans--he had great lands purchased as a rendezvous below. He had understandings with foreign powers, that is sure. Well, then, here is Colonel Burr at St. Louis, all his plans arranged. He is ready to march, to commence his campaign, to form this valley into a great kingdom, with Mexico as part of it. He was a man able to make plans, believe me. But of all this there comes--nothing! Why? At the last point something failed--no one knew what. He waited for something--no one knew what. Something lacked--no one can tell what. And all the time--this is most curious to me--I learned it through others--Colonel Burr was eager to hear something of the expedition of Lewis and Clark into the West. Why? No one knows! Does no one know?"
The captain did not speak, and Chouteau presently went on.
"Why did Colonel Burr hesitate, why did he give up his plans here--why, indeed, did he fail? You ask me why these things were? I say, it was because of you--messieurs, you two young men, with your Lewis and Clark Expedition! It was you who broke the Burr Conspiracy--for so they call it in these days. Messieurs, that is your news!"