Myself I shall
stand ranged on the side of the national interest, and what my
influence in the Council can do it shall do. But if you know
Principal Souza at all, you must know that he will not relinquish
his position without a fight. He has friends and influence - the
Patriarch of Lisbon and many of the nobility will be on his side.
I warn you solemnly against leaving any weapon in his hands."
He paused impressively. But O'Moy, grey-faced now and haggard,
waited in silence for him to continue.
"From the message I brought you," Forjas resumed, "you will have
perceived how Principal Souza has fastened upon this business at
Tavora to support his general censure of Lord Wellington's conduct
of the campaign. That is the weapon to which my warning refers.
You must - if we who place the national interest supreme are to
prevail - you must disarm him by the assurance that I ask for. You
will perceive that I am disloyal to a member of my Council so that
I may be loyal to my country. But I repeat, I speak to you in
confidence. This officer has committed a gross outrage, which must
bring the British army into odium with the people, unless we have
your assurance that the British army is the first to censure and to
punish the offender with the utmost rigour.
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