I have no doubt that he has been acting in collusion with the contractors, though he may not have been aware of the extent of their rascality, for his subordinates may not only have accepted bribes from the contractors to carry out the frauds to which the governor may have consented, but may also have taken money from these to allow of still greater ones to be perpetrated." "What will he do, do you think, Colonel ?" "He will endeavour, by every means in his power, to prevent any word of your discovery from leaking out.

And, if I may advise you, I should say it would be well that you should take every precaution for your own safety.

His position is a desperate one, for one cannot doubt that your report will be followed by his removal from his post, his dismissal from the army, and the confiscation of everything of which he is possessed.

Therefore, it is almost a matter of life and death to him to prevent your report from being sent to headquarters, and to have you removed altogether.

This done, the facts might not leak out.