Chapter 493: Solid Evidence
"How is that possible?" The square-faced man who had previously questioned Paoli's involvement shook his head vigorously. "Paoli might flee to America, but he would never collude with the French!"
"Then why did Paoli embezzle the funds from Chalmers, which were meant for the independence movement?" Bartorio asked coldly.
"It's obvious—Paoli went to America to retire," Girolamo quickly added fuel to the fire. "He's using that £25,000 as his retirement fund."
The others nodded in agreement: "That's probably the only explanation." "He might have also gotten some money from the French." "It wouldn't be surprising. If he hadn't compromised, the French might have assassinated him."
Only Cesare remained unconvinced, still shaking his head, though he could find no solid argument to refute them.
Girolamo then put on a sorrowful expression and looked around at the group, saying, "Gentlemen, let's not focus on the money for now. Something even more important has come to mind. We're planning a rebellion in Cargèse soon, but if Paoli has indeed aligned himself with the French, the rebellion could be very dangerous."
Bartorio immediately frowned and nodded. "You're right. But this rebellion has been in the works for a long time. If we call it off based on mere suspicion, other members of the organization won't agree."
The Corsican independence movement had a large membership, with nearly 40 important leaders and lawmakers. The seven men in this room didn't have the authority to cancel the rebellion on their own.
Pretending to think for a moment, Girolamo suggested, "I have an idea, but it may put Bartorio in a difficult position."
"Go ahead, for the sake of the independence movement, I'll do whatever is necessary," Bartorio replied resolutely.
"On behalf of the people of Corsica, I thank you," Girolamo said, patting him on the back. "You're responsible for communication with London. You could tell Paoli that there's been an incident in Cargèse, and after discussion, we've decided to move the date of the rebellion forward by three days.
"We, meanwhile, will all stay here to ensure no information leaks.
"If the French are prepared on that day, it'll confirm that Paoli betrayed us."
Bartorio furrowed his brow deeply. If Paoli was innocent, this would mean betraying the organization. But if Paoli truly had colluded with the French, this plan could save many members of the independence movement from being caught in the rebellion.
After a brief pause, Bartorio made up his mind and nodded. "Alright! I agree with the plan and will take responsibility for the outcome."
He firmly believed that Paoli had embezzled the organization's funds, so he was confident his actions would serve the cause.
Half a month later…
As the first light of dawn appeared, hundreds of men, all with red armbands and concealing unknown items, silently made their way toward the Cargèse City Hall. Along the way, more people joined their ranks.
When they arrived at the city hall, the leader pulled a long object from a cloth bundle and raised it in the air, just about to shout—when suddenly, large numbers of soldiers appeared from all directions. Due to the disorganized state of Corsican governance, the police reforms hadn't yet been implemented, so the military was still responsible for maintaining order. These troops surrounded the men with red armbands and pointed their flintlock guns at them.
A commanding officer called out, "Drop your weapons! You're all under arrest for inciting rebellion."
Before the officer could finish his sentence, several of the red-armband men nervously protested, "Commander, we're just here to demand a raise!"
"You've got it all wrong, sir! We're not rioting."
"We're just poor laborers…" One of them pulled out a wooden sign from his bag that read, "Raise wages by 3 francs per month."
The officer, confused, ordered his men to check. Sure enough, all they found were signs and banners—no weapons.
Left with no choice, the officer detained a few of the ringleaders for questioning and dispersed the rest.
That afternoon…
In Girolamo's house, the seven members of the independence organization sat gloomily around the room.
After a long silence, Girolamo broke it, saying, "We must thank Bartorio. He has saved the independence movement."
The others nodded in agreement and expressed their respect to Bartorio. If not for his test of Paoli, hundreds of movement members could have been arrested.
"I was just doing what had to be done," Bartorio replied wearily, waving his hand. His voice turned cold. "Now it's clear—Paoli betrayed us. I only told him about the plan to move the rebellion forward by three days, so it must have been him who informed the French!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, although they were falling into a logical trap.
While none of them had left the room since the plan was conceived, Girolamo could have prearranged everything with the French. The Corsican military only needed to wait for the date to round up the supposed rebels and put on a show.
Even Cesare, who had been Paoli's staunchest supporter, remained silent now, his fists clenched, and his eyes full of anger.
Bartorio continued, "I believe Paoli can no longer be the leader of the independence movement. He must be expelled!"
Girolamo, surprised that his line had been stolen, quickly added, "I agree! We've been risking our lives to push the independence movement forward, while Paoli hides in Britain giving orders. Now he's even betrayed us!"
Cesare joined in, shouting, "He's not fit to lead! Let him go!"
Bartorio nodded, sighed, and said, "Then let's each reach out to the other lawmakers. At the next meeting, we'll expel Paoli!"
The next day…
The seven Corsican lawmakers met again at Girolamo's home, joined by six more high-ranking members of the independence movement and a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses and a slightly plump figure.
Bartorio greeted the man with glasses with a respectful nod, then introduced him to the group. "This is Mr. Chalmers, a man of great influence in Scotland. I'm sure you've all heard of him."
Everyone in the room greeted Chalmers enthusiastically.
This was the man who had once donated £25,000 to their cause—a true benefactor. Everyone treated him with the utmost respect and warmth.
Chalmers nodded in return, but his expression soon turned serious. He said gravely, "I came to Ajaccio to invest in vineyards, but I heard about what Paoli has done. It deeply saddens me—and angers me!"
He raised his arms and, with rising passion, declared, "But the great cause of independence cannot be halted by one man's betrayal! Right here, in this room, I see many brave warriors for our cause."
Looking around at everyone, he announced, "That's why I've decided to donate another £20,000 to help you all in next year's elections for the Corsican assembly! Without Paoli standing in the way this time, the independence movement will surely gain control of the government!"
(End of Chapter)
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