We await only one other signature." "Of Van Zandt!" "Yes.

Now comes Mr.Nicholas Trist, with word of a certain woman to the effect that Mr.Van Zandt is playing also with England." "And that woman also is playing with England." Calhoun smiled enigmatically.
"But she has gone," said I, "who knows where?
She, too, may have sailed for Oregon, for all we know." He looked at me as though with a flash of inspiration.

"That may be," said he; "it may very well be! That would cost us our hold over Pakenham.

Neither would we have any chance left with her." "How do you mean, Mr.Calhoun ?" said I."I do not understand you." "Nicholas," said Mr.Calhoun, "that lady was much impressed with you." He regarded me calmly, contemplatively, appraisingly.
"I do not understand you," I reiterated.
"I am glad that you do not and did not.

In that case, all would have been over at once.