IN THE SHADOW
mediate return of madam and myself. I feel that there will be much confusion in Hayti, and it is impossible to be at ease if one holds real estate. You know I own shops in Port au Prince, in Gonaīves; also, coffee plantations near Aux Cayes and cacao at Petit Goāves. It is most difficult to predict what will be the fate of our poor country." He glanced narrowly at Dessalines.
Dessalines, although emotional, was not without his full share of animal cunning. At sight of Dr. Fouchère, whom he knew for a clever man and suspected of being an intrigeur in Haytian affairs, his first instinct had been that of caution. His reason told him that Fouchère would guess the cause of his return in part, consequently he had promptly admitted his knowledge of the abdication.
"You are wise," said Dessalines. "I, too, have certain business interests to protect, hence my return. But tell me, my dear Tancrède, have you any knowledge of the political situation? Myself, I have been so deep in my law studies that I have quite lost sight of Haytian affairs."
Again Fouchère glanced at him swiftly, but with more confidence. He underrated the cunning of Dessalines.
"I know but little myself," said Fouchère. "In Paris I met Anthénor Firmin, ministre plénipotentiaire; he is a man of great intelligence, and it is my impression that Simon Sam sent him to Paris because he felt him to be a menace to the government. I think that he is ambitious and will enter the lists. Then there is S. M. Pierre, a very honest man and very sensible, if not particularly brilliant. He is from the south, from Anse-
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