The stranger looked the young Hibernian in the face for a
moment and answered:
"I am not an American; but if President Madison knew what I have to say,
he'd give me an attentive ear."
Terrence was shrewd enough to read the face of the stranger, and he knew
he had something of great importance to communicate.
"Do yez want to see the prisident, really?" asked young Malone.
"Certainly, I do."
"Lave it all to me," the Irishman answered. Then he explained that he
was on the best of terms with President Madison and could get the ear of
the president, when an audience would be denied everybody else. He urged
the stranger to give him an intimation of his business with Mr. Madison.
One Irishman will nearly always trust another, so the two Hibernians
repaired to a hotel and, in a close room, the stranger told Terrence
that his name was John Henry, and that he had lived for several years in
Canada. He told Terrence a story of the perfidy and treason of New
Englanders; which produced many uncomplimentary ejaculations from the
young Irishman.
Terrence at once sent a note to President Madison, in which he hinted
that he had new and strange developments to make. Madison again admitted
Terrence, and they arranged for a meeting between the president and Mr.
John Henry, who had a letter from Mr. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts.
[Illustration: "IT ALL TO ME.
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