There were no signs of excitement or activity at the barracks; the afternoon gatherings on the Piazza were occupied with nothing more serious than the prospects of lawn tennis and the grievous dearth of dances.

The official announcements relative to the debt had had a quieting effect; and all classes seemed inclined to wait and see what the President's new plan was.
So passed Wednesday and Thursday.

On neither day had I heard anything from my fellow-conspirators; our arrangements for writing had so far proved unnecessary--or unsuccessful.

The latter possibility sent a shiver down my back, and my lively fancy pictured his Excellency's smile as he perused the treasonable documents.

If I heard nothing on the morning of Friday, I was determined at all risks to see the colonel.