“He left Venezuela the year after you disappeared, and much is forgotten in ten years,” was the answer.  “All the same, I don’t suppose he would have come back if Olivarez—­the last president and a Yellow—­had not made it known that he would bestow commissions on Spanish officers of distinction and give them commands in the national army.  It was a most absurd proceeding.  But we shot Olivarez three months ago, and I will see that these Spanish interlopers are sent out of the country forthwith, that young spark who threatens to murder you, included.”

“Let him stay if he likes.  I doubt whether he meant what he said.”

“I have no doubt of it, whatever, amigo mio, and he shall go.  If he stayed in the country I could not answer for your safety; and if you come across any of the Griscellis in Europe, take my advice and be as watchful as if you were crossing a river infested with caribe fish.”

Carmen was much discouraged by the state of the republic, as well he might be.  By turning out the Spaniards the former colonies had merely exchanged despotism for anarchy; instead of being beaten with whips they were beaten with scorpions.  But though discouraged Carmen was not dismayed.  He belonged to the Blues, who being in power, regarded their opponents, the Yellows, as rebels; and he was confident that the triumph of his party would insure the tranquillity of the country.  As he was careful to explain to me, he was a Blue because he was a patriot, and he pressed me so warmly to return with him to La Victoria, accept a command in his army, and aid in the suppression of the insurrection, that I ended by consenting.

At Carmen’s instance, the president gave me the command of a brigade, and would have raised me to the rank of general.  But when I found that there were about three generals for every colonel I chose the nominally inferior but actually more distinguished grade.

I remained in Venezuela two years, campaigning nearly all the time.  But it was an ignoble warfare, cruel and ruthless, and had I not given my word to Carmen, to stand by him until the country was pacified, I should have resigned my commission much sooner than I did.  Ramon, who acted as one of my orderlies, bore himself bravely and was several times wounded.

In the meanwhile I received several communications from Van Voorst, and made two visits to Curacoa.  The cutting and disposal of my diamonds being naturally rather a long business, it was nearly two years after I had shipped them to Holland before I learned the result of my venture.

After all expenses were paid they brought me nearly three hundred thousand pounds, which account Goldberg, Van Voorst & Company “held at my disposal.”

It was to arrange and advise with the Amsterdam people, as to the investment of this great fortune, that I went to Europe.  But I did not depart until my promise was fulfilled.  I left Venezuela pacified—­from exhaustion—­and Carmen in somewhat better spirits than I had found him.