The Black Jacks

"I doubt that. They're madder than hornets now. And my victory is by no means assured, sir. The campaign will be hard fought."

Stewart leaned forward. "I am at your service, General."

Houston smiled. "Of course you are. You know California isn't safe as long as Lamar is president."

"I have it on good authority that my government will mediate a peace between Texas and Mexico—assuming Texas elects a responsible man to lead her."

"Is that so? And this peace would include Mexico's recognition of Texas independence and sovereignty?"

"I feel certain that it would."

Houston's eyes gleamed with delight. "Such a generous offer would necessarily require reciprocation."

"Her Majesty would also like to affix her seal to a free trade agreement with the Republic of Texas."

"What largesse!" exclaimed Houston. "And Her Majesty would expect nothing in return?"

"Of course not."

Houston nodded. He knew perfectly well what Great Britain would expect in return—an independent Republic of Texas which would once and for all reject any notion of a

"There are some who believe that independence best suits Texas," he replied mildly, "and I have always wanted only what is best for my adopted country."

Stewart smiled. The Old Chief was a crafty fellow. He had not gone so far as to say that he himself was one of those who relished keeping Texas a sovereign republic.

"The main thing is to oust Lamar," said the Englishman. "I have it in mind to go to Austin and meet with Count de Saligny, the French chargé d'affaires. Perhaps there is something that together we can do to enhance your election prospects, General."

"My fate rests in the hands of Texas citizens. But I am grateful for the offer of assistance, and you may be assured that Great Britain's generosity and concern will not be forgotten. Still, I ca

Stewart shrugged. "That's why I have no desire to be a politician. I don't have to worry about that sort of thing. But I have it on good authority that there are a great many Englishmen with adventure in their hearts who will want to try their luck in a new land—especially one of boundless opportunity like Texas."

"You mean a colony?"

"I do indeed, sir. I understand the French and the Germans intend to establish colonies here."

"Grants of land have been awarded for that purpose, yes, but to my knowledge no colonists have yet been settled."

"Perhaps you could persuade the legislature to award a similar grant for a British enterprise."

Houston sipped his orange bitters, thinking fast. Word of a British colony would certainly light a fire under the members of the United States Congress, who were dragging their feet over a

Steering the conversation onto another course, Houston spent the better part of an hour trading war stories with Stewart, much to the dismay of Leah McAllen, who was bored almost to tears by all things martial. Finally Houston rose to go. He was, he said, honored to have finally met Stewart, but he did not wish to hinder the Englishman's recuperation by prolonging the occasion. He was confident that they would meet again. He was bound for Brazoria, where he pla

Shaking Stewart's hand, he said, "I have one more question, Major. Why did your government send you, a soldier, on a diplomatic mission?"

"Two reasons," replied Stewart. "One is that as a fellow soldier, they thought I might develop a better rapport with you, General. Then, too, they could not be so indiscreet as to send a diplomat of any note. The news of that would be in Washington and Mexico City before the man had ever reached Texas. And, as I understand the game of diplomacy, one is often better served by not allowing the left hand to know what the right hand is doing."

As Houston rode down the lane to the river road, he was wrapped in thought. Stewart was not altogether right about the game of diplomacy. In his case, at least, Houston would get the right hand—the United States—to do what he wanted by letting it know that the left hand—Great Britain—had designs on Texas. He was encouraged by the information Stewart had provided him. A trade agreement with the British Empire, and recognition of the republic's sovereignty by Mexico! Could Great Britain pressure the Mexicans into the latter concession? Houston felt sure it could be done. But he would have to walk carefully; he had no intention of letting the British lion get her claws into Texas, even though some Texans might find the enticements of peace and free trade too attractive to resist. It was a dangerous game he was playing, and Houston was fully cognizant of that fact. If the United States persisted in its reluctance to a

Such an event would ruin all of Houston's dreams for the future. He pla

Once Sam Houston was gone, Leah wasted no time in asking the question she had been dying to ask for more than an hour.

"And when do you plan to go to Austin?"

Stewart was sprawled, exhausted, on the parlor sofa. "I should be fit enough to travel in a few days," he replied, watching her wander restlessly around the well-appointed room. In fact he didn't feel fit enough by a long shot—his head throbbed and his leg ached. But he wanted to get a reaction out of her.

She whirled to face him. "A few days! You can't! You simply can't!"

"Will you be sad to see me go?"

"Not at all. It's just that Dr. Tice said you needed complete bed rest for at least a fortnight."

Stewart smiled wryly. "My talent for healing quickly has always confounded doctors. Tomorrow I shall walk down to the river and back. The day after I shall be in the saddle. The day after that I should be very much surprised if I am not on my merry way to Austin town."

Leah went to one of the tall windows and pouted. "You don't have to sound so eager to be gone."

Stewart got to his feet and hobbled over to her, laid his hands gently on her pale, soft shoulders, and breathed deeply the French perfume she wore. Lavender, wasn't it? Probably Guerlain.

"So why don't you come to Austin with me?"

"Come with you? Oh, I couldn't. That would be too . . . blatant."

"Then come a day or two after me. Pretend to everyone that you've gone to Austin on some other business. Shopping, perhaps."