The ship of state was sailing placidly on the bosom of the erstwhile troubled sea, and Belton was at the helm.
His propositions were adopted in their entirety without one dissenting voice.
When the members left the Congress hall that evening they breathed freely, feeling that the great race problem was, at last, about to be definitely settled.
But, alas! how far wrong they were! As Belton was leaving the chamber Bernard approached him and put his hands fondly on his shoulders.
Bernard's curly hair was disordered and a strange fire gleamed in his eye.

He said: "Come over to the mansion to-night.

I wish much to see you.

Come about nine P.M." Belton agreed to go..