He examined them carefully, placing each after due scrutiny in a small handbag, in which he had brought down the bonds I was to receive.

I stood by, holding a shaded candle.

At this moment a voice cried from the door: "If you move you're dead men!" I started and looked up.

The President looked up without starting.
There was dear old Jones, descended from his upper chamber, where he and Mrs.Jones resided.

He was clad only in his night-shirt, and was leveling a formidable gun full at the august head of his Excellency.
"Ah, Mr.Jones," said the latter "it's a fine morning." "Good Heavens, the President!" cried Jones; "and Mr.Martin! Why, what on earth, gentlemen--" The President gently waved one hand toward me, as if to say, "Mr.
Martin will explain," and went on placing his securities in the bag.
In face of this crisis my hesitation left me.
"I have received a cable from Europe, Jones," said I, "instructing me to advance a sum of money to his Excellency; I am engaged in carrying out these instructions." "Cable ?" said Jones.