THE NE'ER-DO-WELL

By REX BEACH

Author of "THE SILVER HORDE" "THE SPOILERS" "THE IRON TRAIL" Etc. 

Illustrated

TO

MY WIFE

CONTENTS

 I. VICTORY

 II. THE TRAIL DIVIDES

 III. A GAP

 IV. NEW ACQUAINTANCES

 V. A REMEDY IS PROPOSED

 VI. IN WHICH KIRK ANTHONY IS GREATLY SURPRISED

 VII. THE REWARD OF MERIT

 VIII. EL COMANDANTE TAKES A HAND

 IX. SPANISH LAW

 X. A CHANGE OF PLAN

 XI. THE TRUTH ABOUT MRS. CORTLANDT

 XII. A NIGHT AT TABOGA

 XIII. CHIQUITA

 XIV. THE PATH THAT LED NOWHERE

 XV. ALIAS JEFFERSON LOCKE

 XVI. "8838"

 XVII. GARAVEL THE BANKER

 XVIII. THE SIEGE OF MARIA TORRES

 XIX. "LA TOSCA"

 XX. AN AWAKENING

 XXI. THE REST OF THE FAMILY

 XXII. A CHALLENGE AND A CONFESSION

 XXIII. A PLOT AND A SACRIFICE

 XXIV. A BUSINESS PROPOSITION

 XXV. CHECKMATE!

 XXVI. THE CRASH

 XXVII. A QUESTION

XXVIII. THE ANSWER

 XXIX. A LAST APPEAL

 XXX. DARWIN K ANTHONY

THE NE'ER-DO-WELL

I

VICTORY

It was a crisp November night. The artificial brilliance ofBroadway was rivalled by a glorious moonlit sky. The first autumnfrost was in the air, and on the side-streets long rows oftaxicabs were standing, their motors blanketed, their chauffeursthreshing their arms to rout the cold. A few well-bundled cabbies, perched upon old-style hansoms, were barking at the stream ofhurrying pedestrians. Against a background of lesser lights myriadpoints of electric signs flashed into everchanging shapes, winkinglike huge, distorted eyes; fanciful designs of liquid fire ran upand down the walls or blazed forth in lurid colors. From thecity's canons came an incessant clanging roar, as if a great riverof brass and steel were grinding its way toward the sea. 

Crowds began to issue from the theatres, and the lines of waitingvehicles broke up, filling the streets with the whir of machineryand the clatter of hoofs. A horde of shrill-voiced urchins piercedthe confusion, waving their papers and screaming the footballscores at the tops of their lusty lungs, while above it all rosethe hoarse tones of carriage callers, the commands of trafficofficers, and the din of street-car gongs. 

In the lobby of one of the playhouses a woman paused to adjust herwraps, and, hearing the cries of the newsboys, petulantlyexclaimed:

"I'm absolutely sick of football. That performance during thethird act was enough to disgust one. "

Her escort smiled. "Oh, you take it too seriously, " he said. "Those boys don't mean anything. That was merely Youth--irrepressible Youth, on a tear. You wouldn't spoil the fun?"

"It may have been Youth, " returned his companion, "but it soundedmore like the end of the world. It was a little too much!"

A bevy of shop-girls came bustling forth from a gallery exit. 

"Rah! rah! rah!" they mimicked, whereupon the cry was answered bya hundred throats as the doors belched forth the football playersand their friends. Out they came, tumbling, pushing, jostling;greeting scowls and smiles with grins of insolent good-humor. Intheir hands were decorated walking-sticks and flags, ragged andtattered as if from long use in a heavy gale. Dignified oldgentlemen dived among them in pursuit of top-hats; hystericalmatrons hustled daughters into carriages and slammed the doors. 

"Wuxtry! Wuxtry!" shrilled the newsboys. "Full account of the biggame!"

A youth with a ridiculous little hat and heliotrope socks dashedinto the street, where, facing the crowd, he led a battle song ofhis university. Policemen set their shoulders to the mob, but, though they met with no open resistance, they might as well havetried to dislodge a thicket of saplings. To-night football wasking. 

Out through the crowd came a score of deep-chested young menmoving together as if to resist an attack, whereupon a mighty roarwent up. The cheer-leader increased his antics, and the barkingyell changed to a measured chant, to the time of which the armymarched down the street until the twenty athletes dodged inthrough the revolving doors of a cafe, leaving Broadway rockingwith the tumult. 

All the city was football-mad, it seemed, for no sooner had thenew-comers entered the restaurant than the diners rose to wavenapkins or to cheer. Men stepped upon chairs and craned for abetter sight of them; women raised their voices in eagerquestioning. A gentleman in evening dress pointed out the leaderof the squad to his companions, explaining:

"That is Anthony--the big chap. He's Darwin K. Anthony's son. You've heard about the Anthony bill at Albany?"

"Yes, and I saw this fellow play football four years ago. Say!That was a game. "

"He's a worthless sort of chap, isn't he?" remarked one of thewomen, when the squad had disappeared up the stairs. 

"Just a rich man's son, that's all. But he certainly could playfootball. "

"Didn't I read that he had been sent to jail recently?"

"No doubt. He was given thirty days. "

"What! in PRISON?" questioned another, in a shocked voice. 

"Only for speeding. It was his third offence, and his father lethim take his medicine. "

"How cruel!"

"Old man Anthony doesn't care for this sort of thing. He's right, too. All this young fellow is good for is to spend money. "

Up in the banquet-hall, however, it was evident that Kirk Anthonywas more highly esteemed by his mates than by the public at large. He was their hero, in fact, and in a way he deserved it. For threeyears before his graduation he had been the heart and sinew of theuniversity team, and for the four years following he had coachedthem, preferring the life of an athletic trainer to the career hisfather had offered him. And he had done his chosen work well. 

Only three weeks prior to the hard gruel of the great game theeleven had received a blow that had left its supporters dazed anddespairing. There had been a scandal, of which the public hadheard little and the students scarcely more, resulting in theexpulsion of the five best players of the team. The crisis mighthave daunted the most resourceful of men, yet Anthony had provedequal to it. For twenty-one days he had labored like a realgeneral, spending his nights alone with diagrams and littledummies on a miniature gridiron, his days in careful coaching. Hehad taken a huge, ungainly Nova Scotian lad named Ringold forcentre; he had placed a square-jawed, tow-headed boy from Duluthin the line; he had selected a high-strung, unseasoned chap, whofor two years had been eating his heart out on the side-lines, andmade him into a quarter-back. 

Then he had driven them all with the cruelty of a Cossack captain;and when at last the dusk of this November day had settled, newfootball history had been made. The world had seen a strange teamsnatch victory from defeat, and not one of all the thirty thousandonlookers but knew to whom the credit belonged. It had been atremendous spectacle, and when the final whistle blew for themultitude to come roaring down across the field, the cohorts hadpaid homage to Kirk Anthony, the weary coach to whom they knew thehonor belonged. 

Of course this fervid enthusiasm and hero-worship was all veryimmature, very foolish, as the general public acknowledged afterit had taken time to cool off. Yet there was something appealingabout it, after all. At any rate, the press deemed the publicsufficiently interested in the subject to warrant giving itconsiderable prominence, and the name of Darwin K. Anthony's sonwas published far and wide. 

Naturally, the newspapers gave the young man's story as well as ahistory of the game. They told of his disagreement with hisfather; of the Anthony anti-football bill which the old man in hisrage had driven through the legislature and up to the Governorhimself. Some of them even printed a rehash of the railroad man'sfamous magazine attack on the modern college, in which he all butcited his own son as an example of the havoc wrought by present-day university methods. The elder Anthony's wealth and positionmade it good copy. The yellow journals liked it immensely, and, strangely enough, notwithstanding the positiveness with which thenewspapers spoke, the facts agreed essentially with theirstatements. Darwin K. Anthony and his son had quarrelled, theywere estranged; the young man did prefer idleness to industry. Exactly as the published narratives related, he toiled not at all, he spun nothing but excuses, he arrayed himself in sartorialglory, and drove a yellow racing-car beyond the speed limit. 

It was all true, only incomplete. Kirk Anthony's father had evenbetter reasons for his disapproval of the young man's behaviorthan appeared. The fact was that Kirk's associates were of a sortto worry any observant parent, and, moreover, he had acquired arenown in that part of New York lying immediately west of Broadwayand north of Twenty-sixth Street which, in his father's opinion, added not at all to the lustre of the family name. In particular, Anthony, Sr. , was prejudiced against a certain Higgins, who, ofcourse, was his son's boon companion, aid, and abettor. This younggentleman was a lean, horse-faced senior, whose unbroken solemnityof manner had more than once led strangers to mistake him for adivinity student, though closer acquaintance proved him whollyunmoral and rattle-brained. Mr. Higgins possessed a distortedsense of humor and a crooked outlook upon life; while, so far ashad been discovered, he owned but two ambitions: one to whip apoliceman, the other to write a musical comedy. Neither seemedlikely of realization. As for the first, he was narrow-chested andgangling, while a brief, disastrous experience on the collegepaper had furnished a sad commentary upon the second. 

Not to exaggerate, Darwin K. Anthony, the father, saw in theperson of Adelbert Higgins a budding criminal of rare precocity, and a menace to his son; while to the object of his solicitude theaforesaid criminal was nothing more than an entertainingcompanion, whose bizarre disregard of all established rules ofright and wrong matched well with his own careless temper. Higgins, moreover, was an ardent follower of athletics, revolvinglike a satellite about the football stars, and attaching himselfespecially to Kirk, who was too good-natured to find fault with anhonest admirer. 

It was Higgins this evening who, after the "cripples" had desertedand the supper party had dwindled to perhaps a dozen, proposed tomake a night of it. It was always Higgins who proposed to make anight of it, and now, as usual, his words were greeted withenthusiasm. 

Having obtained the floor, he gazed owlishly over the flushedfaces around the table and said:

"I wish to announce that, in our little journey to the underworld, we will visit some places of rare interest and educational value. First we will go to the House of Seven Turnings. "

"No poetry, Hig!" some one cried. "What is it?"

"It is merely a rendezvous of pickpockets and thieves, accessibleonly to a chosen few. I feel sure you will enjoy yourselves there, for the bartender has the secret of a remarkable gin fizz, sweeterthan a maiden's smile, more intoxicating than a kiss. "

"Piffle!"

"It is a place where the student of sociology can obtain a worldof valuable information. "

"How do we get in?"

"Leave that to old Doctor Higgins, " Anthony laughed. "To get outis the difficulty. "

"Oh, I guess we'll get out, " said the bulky Ringold. 

"After we have concluded our investigations at the House of SevenTurnings, " continued the ceremonious Higgins, "we will go to thePalace of Ebony, where a full negro orchestra--"

"The police closed that a week ago. "

"But it has reopened on a scale larger and grander than ever. "

"Let's take in the Austrian Village, " offered Ringold. 

"Patiently! Patiently, Behemoth! We'll take 'em all in. However, Iwish to request one favor. If by any chance I should becomeembroiled with a minion of the law, please, oh please, let mefinish him. "

"Remember the last time, " cautioned Anthony. "You've never comehome a winner. "

"Enough! Away with painful memories! All in favor--"

"AYE!" yelled the diners, whereupon a stampede ensued that causedthe waiters in the main dining-room below to cease piling chairsupon the tables and hastily weight their napkins with salt-cellars. 

But the crowd was not combative. They poured out upon the streetin the best possible humor, and even at the House of SevenTurnings, as Higgins had dubbed the "hide-away" on Thirty-secondStreet, they made no disturbance. On the contrary, it wasaltogether too quiet for most of them, and they soon soughtanother scene. But there were deserters en route to the Palace ofEbony, and when in turn the joys of a full negro orchestra hadpalled and a course was set for the Austrian Village, the numberof investigators had dwindled to a choice half-dozen. 

These, however, were kindred spirits, veterans of many a midnightescapade, composing a flying squadron of exactly the rightproportions for the utmost efficiency and mobility combined. 

The hour was now past a respectable bedtime and the Tenderloin hadawakened. The roar of commerce had dwindled away, and thecomparative silence was broken only by the clang of an infrequenttrolley. The streets were empty of vehicles, except for a few cabsthat followed the little group persistently. As yet there was noneed of them. The crowd was made up, for the most part, ofhealthy, full-blooded boys, fresh from weeks of training, strongof body, and with stomachs like galvanized iron. They showed scantevidence of intoxication. As for the weakest member of the party, it had long been known that one drink made Higgins drunk, and allfurther libations merely served to maintain him in status quo. Exhaustive experiments had proved that he was able to retainconsciousness and the power of locomotion until the first streakof dawn appeared, after which he usually became a burden. For thepresent he was amply able to take care of himself, and now, although his speech was slightly thick, his demeanor was asdidactic and severe as ever, and, save for the vagrant workings ofhis mind, he might have passed for a curate. As a whole, the crowdwas in fine fettle. 

The Austrian Village is a saloon, dance-hall, and all-nightrestaurant, flourishing brazenly within a stone's throw ofBroadway, and it is counted one of the sights of the city. Uponentering, one may pass through a saloon where white-apronedwaiters load trays and wrangle over checks, then into a ball-roomfilled with the flotsam and jetsam of midnight Manhattan. Aboveand around this room runs a white-and-gold balcony partitionedinto boxes; beneath it are many tables separated from the waxedfloor by a railing. Inside the enclosure men in street-clothes andsmartly gowned girls with enormous hats revolve nightly to thestrains of an orchestra which nearly succeeds in drowning theirvoices. From the tables come laughter and snatches of song;waiters dash hither and yon. It is all very animated and gay onthe surface, and none but the closely observant would note theweariness beneath the women's smiles, the laughter notes thatoccasionally jar, or perceive that the tailored gowns areimitations, the ermines mainly rabbit-skins. 

But the eyes of youth are not analytical, and seen through a rosyhaze the sight was inspiriting. The college men selected a table, and, shouldering the occupants aside without ceremony, seatedthemselves and pounded for a waiter. 

Padden, the proprietor, came toward them, and, after greetingAnthony and Higgins by a shake of his left hand, ducked his roundgray head in acknowledgment of an introduction to the others. 

"Excuse my right, " said he, displaying a swollen hand criss-crossed with surgeon's plaster. "A fellow got noisy last night. "

"D'jou hit him?" queried Higgins, gazing with interest at theproprietor's knuckles. 

"Yes. I swung for his jaw and went high. Teeth--" Mr. Padden said, vaguely. He turned a shrewd eye upon Anthony. "I heard about thegame to-day. That was all right. "

Kirk grinned boyishly. "I didn't have much to do with it; theseare the fellows. "

"Don't believe him, " interrupted Ringold. 

"Sure! he's too modest, " Higgins chimed in. "Fine fellow an' allthat, understand, but he's got two faults--he's modest and he'slazy. He's caused a lot of uneasiness to his father and me. Father's a fine man, too. " He nodded his long, narrow headsolemnly. 

"We know who did the trick for us, " added Anderson, the straw-haired half-back. 

"Glad you dropped in, " Mr. Padden assured them. "Anything you boyswant and can't get, let me know. "

When he had gone Higgins averred: "There's a fine man--peaceful, refined--got a lovely character, too. Let's be gentlemen whilewe're in his place. "

Ringold rose. "I'm going to dance, fellows, " he announced, and hiscompanions followed him, with the exception of the cadaverousHiggins, who maintained that dancing was a pastime for thefrivolous and weak. 

When they returned to their table they found a stranger was seatedwith him, who rose as Higgins made him known. 

"Boys, meet my old friend, Mr. Jefferson Locke, of St. Louis. He'sall right. "

The college men treated this new recruit with a hilariouscordiality, to which he responded with the air of one quiteaccustomed to such reunions. 

"I was at the game this afternoon, " he explained, when thegreetings were over, "and recognized you chaps when you came in. I'm a football fan myself. "

"You look as if you might have played, " said Anthony, sizing upthe broad frame of the Missourian with the critical eye of acoach. 

"Yes. I used to play. "

"Where?"

Mr. Locke avoided answer by calling loudly for a waiter, but whenthe orders had been taken Kirk repeated:

"Where did you play, Mr. Locke?"

"Left tackle. "

"What university?"

"Oh one of the Southern colleges. It was a freshwater school--youwouldn't know the name. " He changed the subject quickly by adding:

"I just got into town this morning and I'm sailing to-morrow. Icouldn't catch a boat to-day, so I'm having a little blow-out onmy own account. When I recognized you all, I just butted in. NewYork is a lonesome place for a stranger. Hope you don't mind myjoining you. "

"Not at all!" he was assured. 

When he came to pay the waiter he displayed a roll of yellow-backed bills that caused Anthony to caution him:

"If I were you I'd put that in my shoe. I know this place. "

Locke only laughed. "There's more where this came from. However, that's one reason I'd like to stick around with you fellows. Ihave an idea I've been followed, and I don't care to be tapped onthe head. If you will let me trail along I'll foot the bills. That's a fair proposition. "

"It certainly sounds engaging, " cried Higgins, joyously. "Thesight of that money awakens a feeling of loyalty in our breasts. Ispeak for all when I say we will guard you like a lily as long asyour money lasts, Mr. Locke. "

"As long as we last, " Ringold amended. 

"It's a bargain, " Locke agreed. "Hereafter I foot the bills. You're my guests for the evening, understand. If you'll agree tokeep me company until my ship sails I'll do the entertaining. "

"Oh, come now, " Anthony struck in. "The fellows are just fooling. You're more than welcome to stay with us if you like, but we can'tlet you put up for it. "

"Why not? We'll make a night of it. I'll show you how we spendmoney in St. Louis. I'm too nervous to go to bed. "

Anthony protested, insisting that the other should regard himselfas the guest of the crowd; but as Locke proved obdurate thequestion was allowed to drop until later, when Kirk found himselfpromoted by tacit consent to the position of host for the wholecompany. This was a little more than he had bargained for, but thesense of having triumphed in a contest of good-fellowship consoledhim. Meanwhile, the stranger, despite his avowedly festive spirit, showed a certain reserve. 

When the music again struck up he declined to dance, preferring toremain with Higgins in their inconspicuous corner. 

"There's a fine fellow, " the latter remarked, following his bestfriend's figure with his eyes, when he and Locke were once morealone. "Sweet nature. "

"Anthony? Yes, he looks it. "

"He's got just two faults, I always say: he's too modest by farand he's lazy--won't work. "

"He doesn't have to work. His old man has plenty of coin, hasn'the?"

"Yes, and he'll keep it, too. Heartless old wretch. Mr. --What'syour name, again?"

"Locke. "

"Mr. Locke. " The speaker stared mournfully at his companion. "D'you know what that unnatural parent did?"

"No. "

"He let his only son and heir go to jail. "

Mr. Jefferson Locke, of St. Louis, started; his wandering, watchful eyes flew back to the speaker. 

"What! Jail?"

"That's what I remarked. He allowed his own flesh and blood tolanguish in a loathsome cell. "

"What for? What did they get him for?" queried the other, quickly. 

"Speeding. "

"Oh!" Locke let himself back in his chair. 

"Yes sir, he's a branded felon. "

"Nonsense. That's nothing. "

"But we love him just the same, criminal though he is" saidHiggins, showing a disposition to weep. "If he were not such astrong, patient soul it might have ruined his whole life. "

Mr. Locke grunted. 

"S'true! You've no idea the disgrace it is to go to jail. "

The Missourian stirred uneasily. "Say, it gets on my nerves to sitstill, " said he. "Let's move around. "

"Patiently! Patiently! Somebody's sure to start something beforelong. "

"Well, I don't care to get mixed up in a row. "

Higgins laid a long, white hand upon the speaker's arm. "Then staywith us, Mr. --Locke. If you incline to peace, be one of us. We'rea flock of sucking doves. "

The dancers came crowding up to the table at the moment, andRingold suggested loudly: "I'm hungry; let's eat again. "

His proposal met with eager response. 

"Where shall we go?" asked Anderson. 

"I just fixed it with Padden for a private room upstairs, " Anthonysaid. "All the cafes are closed now, and this is the best place intown for chicken creole, anyhow. "

Accordingly he led the way, and the rest filed out after him; butas they left the ball-room a medium-sized man who had recentlyentered from the street caught a glimpse of them, craned his neckfor a better view, then idled along behind. 

II

THE TRAIL DIVIDES

Inspired by his recent rivalry with Mr. Jefferson Locke, Anthonyplayed the part of host more lavishly than even the presentoccasion required. He ordered elaborately, and it was not longbefore corks were popping and dishes rattling quite as if theyoung men were really hungry. Mr. Locke, however, insisted thathis friends should partake of a kind of drink previously unheardof, and with this in view had a confidential chat with the waiter, to whom he unostentatiously handed a five-dollar retainer. No onewitnessed this unusual generosity except Higgins, who commended itfondly; but his remarks went unheeded in the general clamor. 

The meal was at its noisiest when the man whom Locke had sogenerously tipped spoke to him quietly. Whatever his words, theyaffected the listener strongly. Locke's face whitened, then grewmuddy and yellow, his hands trembled, his lips went dry. He halfarose from his chair, then cast a swift look about the room. Hiscompanions were too well occupied, however, to notice this by-playeven when the waiter continued, in a low tone:

"He slipped me a ten-spot, so I thought it must be something worthwhile. "

"He--he's alone, you say?"

"Seems to be. What shall I do, sir?"

Locke took something from his pocket and thrust it into thefellow's hand, while the look in his eyes changed to one ofdesperation. 

"Step outside and wait. Don't let him come up. I'll call you in aminute. "

Ringold was recounting his version of the first touchdown--how hehad been forced inch by inch across the goal line to the tune ofthirty thousand yelling throats and his companions were hangingupon his words, when their new friend interrupted in such a tonethat Anthony inquired in surprise:

"What's wrong, old man? Are you sick?"

Locke shook his head. "I told you fellows I'd been followed thisevening. Remember? Well, there's a man down-stairs who has giventhe waiter ten dollars to let him have his coat and apron so hecan come in here. "

"What for?"

"Who is he?"

The men stared at the speaker with a sudden new interest. 

"I'm not sure. I--think it's part of a plan to rob me. " He let hisgaze roam from one face to another. "You see--I just came into abig piece of coin, and I've got it with me. I'm--I'm alone in NewYork, understand? They've followed me from St. Louis. Now, I wantyou boys to help me dodge this--"

Kirk Anthony rose suddenly, moving as lightly upon his feet as adancer. 

"You say he's below?"

Locke nodded. It was plain that he was quite unnerved. 

Ringold rose in turn and lurched ponderously toward the door, butKirk stepped in front of him with a sharp word:

"Wait! I'll manage this. "

"Lemme go, " expostulated the centre-rush. "Locke's a good fellowand this man wants to trim him. "

"No, no! Sit down!" Ringold obeyed. "If he wants to join us, we'llhave him come up. "

"What?" cried Locke, leaping nervously from his chair. "Don't dothat. I want to get out of here. "

"Not a bit like it. " Kirk's eyes were sparkling. "We'll give thisfellow the third degree and find out who his pals are. "

"Grand idea!" Higgins seconded with enthusiasm. "Grand!"

"Hold on! I can't do that. I've got to sail at ten o'clock. Idon't dare get into trouble, don't you understand? It'simportant. " Locke seemed in an extraordinary panic. 

"Oh, we'll see that you catch your boat all right, " Kirk assuredhim; and then before the other could interfere he rang for thewaiter. 

"Give that chap your coat and apron, " he ordered, when theattendant answered, "and when I ring next send him up. Pass theword to Padden and the others not to notice any littledisturbance. I'll answer for results. "

"I'm going to get out, " cried the man from St. Louis. "He mustn'tsee me. "

"He'll see you sure if you leave now. You'll have to pass him. Stick here. We'll have some fun. "

The white-faced man sank back into his chair, while Anthonydirected sharply:

"Now, gentlemen, be seated. Here, Locke, your back to the door--your face looks like a chalk-mine. There! Now don't be so nervous--we'll cure this fellow's ambition as a gin-slinger. I'll changenames with you for a minute. Now, Ringold, go ahead with yourstory. " Then, as the giant took up his tale again: "Listen to him, fellows; look pleasant, please. Remember you're not sitting upwith a corpse. A little more ginger, Ringie. Good!" He pushed thebutton twice, and a moment Later the door opened quietly to admita medium-sized man in white coat and apron. 

Had the young men been a little less exhilarated they might havesuspected that Locke's story of having been dogged from St. Louiswas a trifle exaggerated; for, instead of singling him out atfirst glance, the new-comer paused at a respectful distance insidethe door and allowed his eyes to shift uncertainly from one toanother as if in doubt as to which was his quarry. Anthony did notdream that it was his own resemblance to the Missourian that ledto this confusion, but in fact, while he and Locke were totallyunlike when closely compared, they were of a similar size andcoloring, and the same general description would have fitted both. 

Having allowed the intruder a moment in which to take in the room, Kirk leaned back in his chair and nodded for him to approach. 

"Cigars!" he ordered. "Bring a box of Carolinas. "

"Yes, sir. Are you Mr. Locke, sir?" inquired the new waiter. 

"Yes, " said Kirk. 

"Telephone message for you, Mr. Locke, " the waiter muttered. 

"What's that?" Anthony queried, loud enough for the others tohear. 

"Somebody calling you by 'phone. They're holding the wire outside. I'll show you the booth. "

"Oh, will you?" Kirk Anthony's hands suddenly shot out and seizedthe masquerader by the throat. The man uttered a startled gasp, but simultaneously the iron grip of Marty Ringold fell upon hisarms and doubled them behind him, while Kirk gibed:

"You'll get me outside and into a telephone booth, eh? My dearsir, that is old stuff. "

The rest of the party were on their feet instantly, watching thestruggle and crowding forward with angry exclamations. Ringold, with the man's two wrists locked securely in his own huge paw, wasgrowling:

"Smooth way to do up a fellow, I call it. "

"All the way from St. Louis for a telephone call, eh?" Anthonysank his thumbs into the stranger's throat, then, as the man'sface grew black and his contortions diminished, added: "We'regoing to make a good waiter out of you. "

Jefferson Locke broke in excitedly: "Choke him good! Choke him!That's right. Put him out for keeps. For God's sake, don't let himgo!"

But it was not Kirk's idea to strangle his victim beyond a certainpoint. He relaxed his grip after a moment and, nodding to Ringoldto do likewise, took the fellow's wrists himself, then swung himabout until he faced the others. The man's lungs filled with freshair, he began to struggle once more, and when his voice hadreturned he gasped:

"I'll get you for this. You'll do a trick--" He mumbled a namethat did not sound at all like Jefferson Locke, whereupon theMissourian made a rush at him that required the full strength ofAnthony's free hand to thwart. 

"Here, stand back! I've got him!"

"I'll kill him!" chattered the other. 

"Let me go, " the stranger gasped. "I'll take you all in. I'm anofficer. "

"It's a lie!" shouted Locke. "He's a thief. "

"I tell you I'm--an officer; I arrest this--"

The words were cut off abruptly by a loud exclamation from Higginsand a crash of glass. Kirk Anthony's face was drenched, his eyeswere filled with a stinging liquid; he felt his prisoner sinklimply back into his arms and beheld Higgins struggling in thegrasp of big Marty Ringold, the foil-covered neck of a wine bottlein his fingers. 

The foolish fellow had been hovering uncertainly round the edgesof the crowd, longing to help his friends and crazily anxious towin glory by some deed of valor. At the first opening he haddarted wildly into the fray, not realizing that the enemy wasalready helpless in the hands of his captors. 

"I've got him!" he cried, joyously. "He's out!'

"Higgins!" Anthony exclaimed, sharply. "What the devil--" Then thedead weight in his arms, the lolling head and sagging jaw of thestranger, sobered him like a deluge of ice-water. 

"You've done it this time, " he muttered. 

"Good God!" Locke cried. "Let's get away! He's hurt!"

"Here, you!" Anthony shot a command at the speaker that checkedhim half-way across the room. "Ringold, take the door and don'tlet anybody in or out. " To Higgins he exclaimed, "You idiot, didn't you see I had his hands?"

"No. Had to get him, " returned Higgins, with vinous dignity. "Wanted to rob my old friend, Mr. --What's his name?"

"We've got to leave quick before we get in bad, " Locke reiterated, nervously, but Anthony retorted:

"We're in bad now. I want Padden. " He stepped to the door andsignaled a passing waiter. A moment later the proprietor knocked, and Ringold admitted him. 

"What's the--" Padden started at sight of the motionless figure onthe floor, and, kneeling beside it, made a quick examination, while Anthony explained the circumstances leading up to theassault. 

"Thief, eh? I see. "

"Is he badly hurt?" queried Locke, bending a pale face upon them. 

"Huh! I guess he's due for the hospital, " the owner of theAustrian Village announced. "He had his nerve, trying to turn atrick in my place. I thought I knew all the dips, but he's astranger. " With nimble fingers he ran through the fellow'spockets, then continued:

"I'm glad you got him, but you'd better get together and rehearsebefore the police--" He stopped abruptly once more, then looked upcuriously. 

"What is it?" questioned the man from Missouri. 

Padden pointed silently to the lapel of the fellow's vest, whichhe had turned back. A nickeled badge was pinned upon it. "He's nothief; he's a detective--a plain-clothes man!"

"Wha'd I tell you!" Higgins exulted. "I can smell 'em!"

The crowd looked nonplussed, with the exception of JeffersonLocke, who became calmer than at any time since the waiter hadfirst whispered into his ear. 

"We didn't know who he was, " he began, hurriedly, "You must squareit for us, Padden. I don't care what it costs. " He extended abulky roll of bank-notes toward the gray-haired man. "These boyscan't stand this sort of thing, and neither can I. I've got tosail at ten o'clock this morning. "

"Looks to me like you've croaked him, " said the proprietor, ignoring the proffered money. 

"It's worth a thousand dollars to me not to miss my boat. "

"Wait a minute. " Padden emptied the unconscious man's pockets, among other things of some telegrams and a legally folded paper. The latter he opened and scanned swiftly, then turned his littleeyes upon Locke without a word, whereupon that gentleman, withequal silence, took from his inside pocket a wallet, and selecteda bill, the denomination of which he displayed to the; proprietorbefore folding it inside the bundle he held. 

"Here! It may cost you something. "

Padden nodded and accepted the money, saying:

"Oh, I guess I can fix it. I know the right doctor. " He regainedhis feet, then warned the onlookers: "But you'll have to keep yourtraps closed, understand?"

"Will he die?" asked Ringold, fearfully, his back still againstthe door. 

"Not a chance. But if he does he'll never know who hit him. Yousee, we picked him up in the alley and brought him in. " Paddenwinked meaningly. "It happens right along in this part of town. Doyou get me? I'll keep these. " He indicated the badge and papers inhis hand. "Now go out as if nothing had come off. Drop in againthe next time you're in town. I'll take care of the supperchecks. "

As the partly sobered visitors struggled into their overcoatsPadden drew Locke aside, and, nodding toward Higgins, who wasstill talkative, said:

"If you want to catch that ten o'clock boat you'd better stickclose to your friend; I know him. "

"Thanks!" Locke glanced at the prostrate figure, then inquired ina low tone: "On the level, will he make it?"

"Hard to tell. Just the same, if I was you I'd change my sailing--he might come to. "

"You chaps have done me a big favor to-night, " said Locke, alittle later, when he and his companions were safely out of theAustrian Village, "and I won't forget it, either. Now let's finishthe evening the way we began it. "

Anderson, Rankin, and Burroughs, to conceal their nervousness, pleaded bodily fatigue, while Anthony also declared that he hadenjoyed himself sufficiently for one night and intended to go homeand to bed. "That episode rather got on my nerves, " heacknowledged. 

"Mine, too, " assented Locke. "That's why you mustn't leave me. Ijust won't let you. Remember, you agreed to see me off. "

"'S'right, fellows, " Higgins joined in. "We agreed to put himaboard and we must do it. Don't break up the party, Kirk. "

"I don't want to go home, " Ringold muttered. 

"It's a breach of hospitality to go home, " Higgins insisted. "Besides, after my bloody 'ncounter with that limb of the law Ineed a stimulant. You must look after me. "

"I shall tuck you in your little bed, " Kirk told him. But Higginswould hear to nothing of the sort, protesting that he was in honorbound to conduct his old friend Locke to the steamer, and Anthonyfeared that without his protection some harm might befall hisirresponsible and impulsive companion. Candor requires it to besaid that he did hesitate, arguing long with the limp-leggedHiggins; but Locke was insistent, the others grew impatient of thedelay, and in the end he allowed himself to be persuaded. 

It is often through just such sudden, inconsequent decisions, influenced perhaps by the merest trifles, that a man's life ismade great or small; just such narrow forkings of the trail maydivert him into strange adventurings, or into worlds undreamed of. Kirk Anthony, twenty-six years old, with a heritage at hand, andwith an average capacity for good or evil, chose the turning thatled him swiftly from the world he knew into an alien land. 

Numbed as they were by the excesses of the evening, it did nottake the young men long to lose all clear and vivid remembrance ofthis recent experience; for the time had come when Nature wasoffering her last resistance, and their brains were badly awhirl. Of all the four, Jefferson Locke was the only one who retained hiswits to the fullest--a circumstance that would have proved him theowner of a remarkably steady head had it not been for the factthat he had cunningly substituted water for gin each time it camehis turn to drink. It was a commentary upon the state of hiscompanions that they did not notice the limpid clearness of hisbeverage. 

Dawn found them in an East Side basement drinking-place frequentedby the lowest classes. Ringold was slumbering peacefully, halfoverflowing the wet surface of a table; Anthony had discoveredmusical talent in the bartender and was seated at a batteredpiano, laboriously experimenting with the accompaniment to anIrish ballad; Higgins and Locke were talking earnestly. It was theslackest, blackest hour in an all-night dive; the nocturnalhabitues had slunk away, and the day's trade had not yet begun. Higgins, drawn and haggard beneath his drunken flush, was babblingincessantly; Locke, as usual, sat facing the entrance, his eyeswatchful, his countenance alert. In spite of the fact that he hadconstantly plied his companion with liquor in the hope of stillinghis tongue, Higgins seemed incapable of silence, and kept breakingforth into loud, garbled recitals of the scene at Padden's, whichcaused the Missourian to shiver with apprehension. To a sober eyeit would have been patent that Locke was laboring under somestrong excitement; for every door that opened caused him to start, every stranger that entered made him quake. He consulted his watchrepeatedly, he flushed and paled and fidgeted, then lost himselfin frowning meditation. 

"Grandes' fellow I ever met, " Higgins was saying for the hundredthtime. "Got two faults, tha's all; he's modesht an' he's lazy--hewon't work. "

"Anthony?"

"Yes. "

Locke stirred himself, and, leaning forward, said: "You and he aregood friends, eh?"

"Best ever. "

"Would you like to play a joke on him?"

"Joke? Can't be done. He's wises' guy ever. I've tried it an'always get the wors' of it. Yes, sir, he's wise guy. Jus' got twofaults: he won't work an'--"

"Look here! Why don't you make him work?"

"Huh?" Higgins turned a pair of bleared, unfocusable eyes upon thespeaker. 

"Why don't somebody make him work?"

The lean-faced youth laughed moistly. 

"Tha's good joke. "

"I mean it. "

"Got too much money. 'S old man puts up reg'lar. "

"Listen! It's a shame for a fine fellow like him to go to thedogs. " Higgins nodded heavily in agreement. "Why don't you sendhim away where he'll have to rustle? That's the joke I meant. "

"Huh?" Again the listener's mind failed to follow, and Lockerepeated his words, concluding: "It would make a new man of him. "

"Oh, he wouldn't work. Too lazy. "

"He'd have to if he were broke. "

"But he AIN'T broke. Didn't I tell you 's old man puts up reg'lar?Fine man, too, Misser Anthony; owns railroads. "

"I'll tell you how we can work it. I've got a ticket for CentralAmerica in my pocket. The boat sails at ten. Let's send him downthere. "

"Wha' for?"

Locke kept his temper with an effort. "To make a man of him. We'llgo through his clothes and when he lands he'll be broke. He'llHAVE to work. Don't you see?"

"No. " Anthony's friend did not see. "He don't want to go toCentral America, " he argued; "he's got a new autom'bile. "

"But suppose we got him soused, went through his pockets, and thenput him aboard the boat. He'd be at sea by the time he woke up; hecouldn't get back; he'd have to work; don't you see? He'd be brokewhen he landed and have to rustle money to get back with. I thinkit's an awful funny idea. "

The undeniable humor of such a situation finally dawned uponHiggins's mind, and he burst into a loud guffaw. 

"Hey there! Shut up!" Anthony called from the piano. "Listen here!I've found the lost chord. " He bore down with his huge hands uponthe yellow keyboard, bringing forth a metallic crash that blendedfearfully with the bartender's voice. "It's a great discovery. "

"I'll get him full if you'll help manage him, " Locke went on. "Andhere's the ticket. " He tapped his pocket. 

"Where'd you get it?"

"Bought it yesterday. It's first class and better, and he'll fitmy description. We're about the same size. "

"Ain't you goin'?"

"No. I've changed my mind. I may jump over to Paris. Come, are youon?"

Higgins giggled. "Darn' funny idea, if you can get him full. "

"Wait. " Locke rose and went to the bar, where he called loudly forthe singer; then, when the bartender had deserted the piano, hespoke to Anthony: "Keep it up, old man, you're doing fine. "

For some moments he talked earnestly to the man behind the bar;but his back was to Higgins, Anthony was occupied, and Ringoldstill slumbered; hence no one observed the transfer of another ofthose yellow bills of which he seemed to have an unlimited store. 

Strangely enough, Mr. Jefferson Locke's plan worked without ahitch. Within ten minutes after Kirk Anthony had taken the drinkhanded him he declared himself sleepy, and rose from the piano, only to seek a chair, into which he flung himself heavily. 

"It's all right, " Locke told his drunken companion. "I've got ataxi waiting. We'll leave Ringold where he is. "

Twenty-four hours later Adelbert Higgins undertook to recall whathad happened to him after he left Muller's place on EastFourteenth Street, but his memory was tricky. He recollected avaguely humorous discussion of some sort with a stranger, thedetails of which were almost entirely missing. He remembered thatdawn had broken when he came out of the saloon, but beyond that hecould not go with any degree of certainty. There was a hazy memoryof an interminable ride in a closed vehicle of some sort, a dizzypanorama of moving buildings, bleak, wind-swept trees, frostymeadows, and land-locked lakes backed by what were either distantmountain ranges or apartment houses. This last, however, was allvery blurred and indistinct. 

As to who was with him on the ride, or what took place thereafter, he had no memory and no opportunity of learning, owing to certainunexpected and alarming occurrences which made it imperative forhim to terminate his connection with his college, as big MartyRingold had done earlier in the day, and begin to pack hisbelongings. Partly out of deference to the frantic appeals of hiswidowed mother, partly owing to the telephoned advice of Mr. Michael Padden, of Sixth Avenue, who said the injured man hadrecognized one of his assailants, he booked passage to Japan bythe next steamer out of Vancouver. He left New York that afternoonby the Twentieth Century Limited, taking with him only one suit-case and a determination to see the world. 

III

A GAP

Strictly speaking, Kirk Anthony did not awake to a realization ofhis surroundings, but became conscious of them through a longprocess of dull, dreamy speculation. He never knew the precisemoment when his eyes opened and sleep left him, but at cost ofconsiderable mental effort he finally brought himself to theconviction that hours had passed and another day had arrived. Morethan once after long, white nights in New York City, he hadawakened amid strange surroundings and had been forced to waitupon his lagging memory; but this time his mind refused to work, even after he knew himself to be fully roused. So he closed hiseyes with the admonition:

"Now, begin all over again, Kirk. When you left Padden's place youwent to Maxim's and listened to the fat quartette, then to theplace where the waiter held out a dollar. After the trouble atthat point, you tried to get into Tony's rathskeller and couldn't, so you started for the East Side. Ringold was very drunk. Good!Everything is clear so far. Next you were playing a piano withyellow teeth while somebody sang something about a 'Little BrownCot. ' After that--Lord, you must have been drinking! Well, let'srun through it again. "

But his efforts were vain; he could recall nothing beyond thepiano, so fell to wondering what hotel this could be. 

"Some East Side joint, " he decided, "and a cheap one too, from thesize of this stall. " He noted another brass bed close at hand andreasoned that Ringold or Higgins must have risen early, leavinghim to finish his sleep. That was considerate, of course, but--Good heavens, it must be late! And he was due to motor to NewHaven at noon! He raised himself suddenly, and was half out of bedwhen he fell back, with a cry, as if an unseen hand had smittenhim. He clapped both palms to his head, realizing that he was verysick indeed. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever feltbefore. His head was splitting, he felt a frightful nausea, thewhole room was rocking and reeling as if to pitch him out of bed. It was terrible; so he arose blindly and felt his way toward thetelephone. Failing to find it, he pushed a button instead, thentumbled back to bed, reviling the luck that had brought him tosuch a miserable place. He closed his eyes tightly and calmed hisstomach by an effort of will. At last he heard the door open and avoice inquire:

"Did you ring, sir?"

"An hour ago. Haven't you more than one bell-hop in this place?"

"I'm sorry, sir. "

"And I'm sick, mighty sick. I'm going to die. "

"I think not, sir; the others are sick, too. "

"That's good! I was afraid they'd dressed and gone. " It was someconsolation to know that Ringold and Higgins had not escaped theirshare of suffering. "How is Hig--the bony fellow?"

"Do you mean the gentleman in thirty-two?"

"How should I know his number? That's not Hig's description, however--even you could tell that he is no gentle--Oh, Lord!"

"Can I get you something, sir--a little champagne, perhaps, tosettle your stomach?"

"NO, NO! Get me a taxicab. I want to go up-town. "

"Rather a long drive, isn't it?" snickered the bell-boy. 

"Never mind the comedy. " Anthony opened his eyes. "Hello! Are youthe clerk?" Instead of the bell-hop he had expected he beheld aman in white jacket and black trousers. 

"No, sir, I'm the steward. "

The invalid shook his head faintly. "Funny place I've got into. What's the name of it?"

"This? Oh! The SANTA CRUZ. "

"Never heard of it. Why didn't they give me a good room? This isfierce. "

"Suite A is considered very good, sir. It is one of the best onthe line. "

"Line?" Kirk grunted. "So this is some dead-line dump. Well, I'mgoing to get out--understand? Hand me my trousers and I'll slipyou a quarter. "

The steward did as desired, but a blind search showed the pocketsto be empty. 

"Give me the coat and vest. " But here again Kirk found nothing, and was forced to apologize. "Sorry, old man, but I must have leftit at the office. Now be a good fellow and hustle up that taxi. I'm getting sicker every minute. "

"Perhaps you had better have the doctor?"

"Is there a good one handy?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Here in the hotel?"

The steward seemed undecided whether to treat the occupant ofSuite A as a humorist or a lunatic, but finally he observed, "Thisisn't a hotel, sir. "

"That's what I though-t-more like a roadhouse, " "This is a ship. "

"A--WHAT?" Anthony raised himself and stared at the white-cladfigure over the foot of his little brass bed. 

"This is a ship, sir. "

"You get out of here!" yelled the infuriated young man. He casthis eyes about for some missile to hurl at this insolent menial, and, spying a heavy glass pitcher upon a stand beside him, reachedfor it, whereat the steward retreated hastily to the door. 

"I beg pardon, sir. I will send the doctor at once. "

"Must think I'm still drunk, " mumbled Anthony, dazedly, as he oncemore laid his head upon his pillow with a groan. 

When his dizziness had diminished sufficiently to permit him toopen his eyes he scanned his surroundings more carefully; but hisvision was unreliable. His head, too, continued to feel as if hisskull were being forcibly spread apart by some fiendish instrumentconcealed within it. His mouth was parched, his stomach violentlyrebellious. In spite of these distractions he began to notecertain unfamiliar features about this place. The wall-paper, forinstance, which at first glance he had taken for the work of somecheap decorator, turned out to be tapestry, as he proved byextending a shaky hand. The low ceiling, the little windows withwooden blinds, the furniture itself, were all out of keeping withhotel usages. He discovered by rolling his head that there was amahogany dresser over by the door and a padded couch covered withchintz. There were folding brass clothes-hooks on the wall, moreover, and an electric fan, while a narrow door gave him aglimpse of a tiny, white-enamelled bath-room. 

He took in these details laboriously, deciding finally that he wastoo intoxicated to see aright, for, while the place was quiteunlike an ordinary hotel room, neither did it resemble anysteamship stateroom he had ever seen; it was more like a lady'sboudoir. To be sure, he felt a sickening surge and roll now andthen, but at other times the whole room made a completerevolution, which was manifestly contrary to the law ofgravitation and therefore not to be trusted as evidence. Therewere plenty of reasons, moreover, why this could not be a ship. The mere supposition was absurd. No, this must be a room in someup-town club, or perhaps a bachelor hotel. Kirk had many friendswith quarters decorated to suit their own peculiar fancies, and hedecided that in all probability one of these had met him on thestreet and taken him home for safe-keeping. He had barely settledthis in his mind when the door opened for a second time and a manin uniform entered. 

"The steward said you wanted me, " he began. 

"No; I want a doctor. "

"I am the doctor. "

"I thought you were the elevator man. I'm sick--awful sick--"

"Can you vomit?"

"Certainly! Anybody can do that. "

The stranger pulled up a stool, seated himself beside the bed, then felt of Anthony's cheek. 

"You have a fever. "

"That explains everything. " Kirk sighed thankfully and closed hiseyes once more, for the doctor had begun to revolve slowly, withthe bed as an axis. "How are the other boys coming on?"

"Everybody is laid out. It's a bad night. "

"Night? It must be nearly daylight by this time. "

"Oh no! It is not midnight yet. "

"Not midnight? Why, I didn't turn in until--" Anthony raisedhimself suddenly. "Good Lord! have I slept all day?"

"You certainly have. "

"Whose room is this?"

"Your room, of course. Here, take one of these capsules; it willsettle your stomach. "

"Better give me something to settle my bill if I've been here thatlong. I'm broke again. "

"You're not fully awake yet, " said the doctor. "People have funnyideas when they're sick. "

"Well, I know I'm broke, anyhow! That's no idea; it's a condition. I went through my clothes just now and I'm all in. I must get backto the Astor, too, for I had arranged to motor up to New Haven atnoon. "

"Let me feel your pulse, " said the doctor, quietly. 

"The boys will think I'm lost. I never did such a thing before. "

"Where do you think you are?" inquired the physician. 

"I don't know. It's a nice little hotel, but--"

"This isn't a hotel. This is a ship. "

Anthony was silent for a moment. Then he sighed feebly and said:

"Doctor, you shouldn't make fun of a man at the point of death. Itisn't professional. "

"Fact, " said the doctor, abstractedly gazing at his watch, whilehe held Anthony's wrist between his fingers. "We are one hundredand fifty miles out of New York. The first officer told me youwere considerably intoxicated when you came aboard, but, " hecontinued brusquely, rising and closing his watch with a snap, "you will remember it all in a little while, Mr. Locke. "

"What did you call me?"

"Locke. You haven't forgotten your name, too?"

"Wait!"

Again Anthony pressed his throbbing temples with both hot handsand strove to collect his whirling wits. At last he began tospeak, measuring his words with care. 

"Now, I KNOW you are wrong, Doctor, and I'll tell you why. Yousee, my name isn't Locke; it's Anthony. Locke went away on a ship, but _I_ stayed in New York; understand? Well, he's the fellowyou're talking to and I'm asleep somewhere down around the Bowery. I'm not here at all. _I_ didn't want to go anywhere on a ship; Icouldn't go; I didn't have the price. That supper was a hundredand seventy. "

"Nevertheless, this is a ship, " the physician patiently explained, "and you're on it and I'm talking to you. What is more, you havenot exchanged identities with your friend Anthony, for your ticketreads 'Jefferson Locke. ' You'll be all right if you will just goto sleep and give that capsule a chance to operate. "

"Ask Higgins or Ringold who I am. "

"There's no one aboard by either of those names. "

"Say!" Anthony raised himself excitedly on one arm, but was forcedto lie down again without delay. "If this is a ship, I must havecome aboard. How did I do it? When? Where?"

"You came on with two men, or rather between two men, about eight-thirty this morning. They put you in here, gave your ticket to thepurser, and went ashore. The slim fellow was crying, and one ofthe deck-hands had to help him down the gangway. "

"That was Higgins all right. Now, Doctor, granting, just for thesake of argument, that this is a ship and that I am JeffersonLocke, when is your next stop?"

"One week. "

"What?" Kirk's eyes opened wide with horror. "I can't stay here aweek. "

"You will have to. "

"But I tell you I CAN'T, I just can't. I bought a new car theother day and it's standing in front of the New York Theatre. Yes, and I have two rooms and a bath at the Astor, at fifteen dollars aday. "

The physician smiled heartlessly. "You must have been drinkingpretty heavily, but I guess you will remember everything by-and-by. "

"I can't understand it, " groaned the bewildered invalid. "Whatship is this--if it is really a ship?"

"The SANTA CRUZ. Belongs to the United Fruit Company. This is oneof the bridal suites; it is 11:30 P. M. , November 21st. We arebound for Colon. "

"Where is that?"

"Panama. "

"Panama is in Central America or Mexico or somewhere, isn't it?"

"It is. Now, do you remember anything more?"

"Not a thing. "

"Well, then, go to sleep. You'll be all right in the morning, Mr. Locke. "

"Anthony. "

"Very well, Mr. Anthony, if you prefer. Is there anything more youwould like to ask me?"

"No. "

"Of course, there may have been some mistake, " the medical manobserved, doubtfully, as he opened the door. "Maybe you intendedto take some other ship?"

"No mistake at all, " the sick man assured him. "I'm beginning toremember now. You see, I lost my hat and decided I'd run down toPanama and get another. Good-night. "

"Good-night. That capsule will make you sleep. "

When the officer had gone Kirk mumbled to himself: "If it turnsout that I AM in New York, after all, when I wake up I'll lickthat doctor. " Then he turned over and fell asleep. 

But morning showed him the truth of the doctor's information. Heawoke early and, although his head still behaved queerly and hehad moments of nausea, he dressed himself and went on deck. Theshock he had received on the evening before was as nothing to whathe felt now upon stepping out into the light of day. In spite ofhis growing conviction, he had cherished a lingering hope that itwas all a dream, and the feeling did not entirely vanish until hehad really seen for himself. Then his dismay was overwhelming. 

A broad deck, still wet from its morning scrubbing and lined withsteamer chairs, lay in front of him. A limitless, oily seastretched out before his bewildered eyes; he touched the rail withhis hands to verify his vision. The strangeness of it was uncanny. He felt as if he were walking in his sleep. He realized that agreat fragment had suddenly dropped out of his life's pattern, andit was intensely disquieting to think of all it might have carriedwith it. 

He began to pace the deck mechanically, falling in with the otherearly risers who were out for a breath of morning air, striving toadjust himself to this new state of affairs. But even though thesolid reality of his surroundings soon brought him back morenearly to a normal state of mind, he felt an ever-presentexpectancy of some new shock, some new and abrupt transition thatmight yet bring him back to his starting-point. But this obsessiongradually left him, as the brisk sea breeze brought him to aproper perspective and braced him to face the full consequences ofhis long, restless night's orgy. 

No man is so systematic, none is so well ordered in his affairs, that he can cut out a slice of his life at a moment's noticewithout suffering many kinds of loss and inconvenience. AlthoughAnthony was a youth of few responsibilities, he awoke suddenly tothe fact that there were a thousand things that needed doing, athousand people who needed to know his whereabouts, a thousandthings that were bound to go wrong. For instance, there was hisbrand-new French car, standing with motor blanketed beside theForty-fifth Street curb. 

What had happened to it, and to the urchin he had left in chargeof it? He owed a thousand dollars on its purchase, which he hadpromised to pay yesterday. Then, too, he had neglected his houseaccount at the University Club, and it was long overdue. Thatremittance from his father had come just in the nick of time. Suddenly he recalled placing the check in his bill-case, and hesearched himself diligently, but found nothing. That reminded himthat he had won a bet or two on the football game and the moneyneeded collecting. There was the shooting trip to Cape Cod aswell. He was due there to-day for a week-end among the geese andbrant. What would Benny Glover think when he failed to show up oreven telegraph? Benny's sister was coming down from Boston withsome friends and--oh, it was simply imperative that he get someword ashore. 

He let his eyes rove over the ship in desperation, then a happythought came to him. 

"The wireless!" he said aloud. "Bonehead! Why didn't you think ofthat long ago?" A glance at the rigging showed him that the SantaCruz was equipped with a plant, and a moment later he washammering at the operator's door. 

"I want to send a message right away!" he cried, excitedly; butthe "wireless" shook his head with a smile. 

"I'm sorry, but--"

"It's important; awfully important. I'll pay you anything!" Kirkrammed a hand mechanically into his empty pocket. 

"We're installing a new system, " said the operator. "The oldapparatus wasn't satisfactory and it's being changed throughout. "

"Then you-you can't send a message--possibly?"

"Nothing doing until the next trip. "

Kirk strode forward and stared disconsolately down upon thefreight deck in a vain endeavor to collect his thoughts. How inthe devil had he managed to get into this mess? Could it be one ofHiggins's senseless pranks, or was there something deeper, moresinister behind it? He recalled the incidents of that wild nightand began to have a disquieting doubt. Did that chance meetingwith the chap from St. Louis have anything to do with his presencehere, or had he really decided in some foolish, drunken whim totake a trip to Central America? He hardly knew what to think orwhere to begin his reasoning. He recollected that Jefferson Lockehad not impressed him very favorably at the start, and that hisbehavior upon the appearance of the plain-clothes man had notimproved that first impression. It seemed certain that he musthave had his hand in this affair, else how would Anthony now findhimself in possession of his ticket? What had become of therightful occupant of Suite A? What had become of Higgins'sunfortunate victim with the cracked head? What did it all signify?Kirk sighed disconsolately and gave it up. In five days more hewould learn the answer, anyhow, for there must be a cable fromPanama to the States. Meanwhile, he supposed he must reconcilehimself to his condition. But it was tough to have two weeks ofvaluable time snatched out of his eventful life. It was maddening. 

IV

NEW ACQUAINTANCES

The sound of a bugle, which Kirk interpreted as an invitation tobreakfast, reminded him that he was famished, and he lost no timein going below. Upon his appearance the steward made it plain tohim in some subtle manner that the occupant of Suite A needednothing beyond the mere possession of those magnificent quartersto insure the most considerate treatment. Kirk was placed at thecaptain's table, where his hunger was soon appeased, and hisoutlook grew more cheerful with the complete restoration of bodilycomfort. Feeling somewhat less dissatisfied with his surroundings, he began to study the faces of his fellow-passengers. 

"Getting your sea legs, Mr. Locke?" inquired the man at his right. 

"My name is Anthony. "

"I beg your pardon! The passenger list said--"

"That was a mistake. "

"My name is Stein. May I ask where you are bound for?"

"I think the place is Panama. "

"Going to work on the canal?"

"What canal? Oh, of course! Now I remember hearing something abouta Panama Canal. Is that where it is?"

"That's the place, " Stein replied, dryly. 

"I'm not going to work. I don't work--don't know how. "

"I see. Pleasure trip?"

"Purely a pleasure trip. I'm having a great time. By-the-way, thiscanal affair is something new, isn't it?"

"It was begun about thirty years ago. " Mr. Stein regarded thespeaker with puzzled inquiry, as if undecided in what spirit totake him. 

"What's the idea? Why don't they finish it up?"

"I thought you were an American, " returned the other, politely. "You have no accent. "

"I am an American. I'm the fellow who was born in Albany, NewYork. If you look on the map you'll find the town has a littlering around it. "

"And really don't you know anything about the Panama Canal?"

"Oh, I've heard it mentioned. "

"Well, you won't hear anything else mentioned down here; it's theone and only subject of conversation. Nobody thinks or talks ordreams about anything except the canal. Everybody works on it orelse works for somebody who does. For instance, that white-hairedman at the other end of the table is Colonel Bland, one of thecommissioners. The man over there with the black beard is one ofthe engineers at Gatun. "

Stein, who seemed a gossipy person, ran on glibly for a time, pointing out the passengers of note and giving brief details aboutthem. Suddenly he laid his hand on Anthony's arm, and said:

"See this fellow coming down the stairs?" Anthony beheld aslender, bald-headed man of youthful appearance. "That is StephenCortlandt. You've heard of the Cortlandts?"

"Sure! One of them pitched for the Cubs. "

"I mean the Cortlandts of Washington. They're swell people, society folks and all that--" He broke off to bow effusively tothe late comer, who seated himself opposite; then he introducedKirk. 

Mr. Cortlandt impressed Anthony as a cold-blooded, highly schooledperson, absolutely devoid of sentiment. His face was stony, hiseyes were cool, even his linen partook of his own unruffled calm. He seemed by no means effeminate, yet he was one of thoseimmaculate beings upon whom one can scarcely imagine a speck ofdust or a bead of perspiration. His hair--what was left of it--wasparted to a nicety, his clothes were faultless, and he had an airof quiet assurance. 

"By-the-way, we're getting up a pool on the ship's run, " Steintold his new acquaintance. "Would you like to join?"

"Yes, indeed. I'm for anything in the line of chance. "

"Very well. I'll see you in the smoking-room later. It will costyou only five dollars. "

Kirk suddenly recalled his financial condition and hastened tosay, a trifle lamely:

"Come to think about it, I believe I'll stay out. I never gamble. "Chancing to glance up at the moment, he found Mr. Cortlandt's eyesfixed upon him with a peculiarly amused look, and a few minuteslater he followed Mr. Stein to the deck above. 

Once in his own stateroom, the young man began a thoroughexploration, realizing more keenly than before that withoutbaggage or money his plight might prove distressing. But, look ashe would, he could find no trace of either, and an inadvertentglance in the mirror betrayed the further fact that his linen waslong since past a presentable stage. Another despairing searchshowed that even his watch was gone and that his only asset, evidently overlooked by the hilarious Higgins and his co-partnerin crime, was a modest three-stone finger ring. He was regardingthis speculatively when the purser knocked, then entered at hiscall. 

"I've just heard that there's a mistake about your ticket, " thenew-comer began. "It is made out to 'Mr. Jefferson Locke, ' but thedoctor says you insist your name is something else. "

"That's right. My name is Anthony. "

"Then how did I get this ticket?"

"I'm sure I don't know. "

"Have you any baggage?"

"I don't know. "

"What is your destination?"

"I don't know. You'll pardon my limited vocabulary?"

"Are you joking?"

"Do I look as if I were?"

"But I don't understand. "

"Neither do I. But I must have some luggage--a fellow wouldn'tmake a trip like this without baggage, would he?"

"I should think not. I'll look it up for you if you wish. Butabout this ticket--"

"My dear man, don't bother me with that. I have worries enough asit is. What I want now is a clean shirt and collar. "

"Yes, but this ticket says--"

"Please! Look at my linen. I'll create a scandal this way. "

"Mr. Locke--"

"Anthony. "

"Very well, Mr. Anthony. I must straighten out this ticket affair. Really, I must. "

"All right, straighten away. "

"If you are not Mr. Locke, it is no good. "

"Hurrah! Put me off. "

"You don't understand--the ticket is good, but--See here, there'ssomething mighty strange about this. You say your name isn'tLocke, you have no baggage, you even thought this ship was ahotel--"

"I did. It was a great disappointment. And now I want a shirt. "Anthony began to laugh. "Funny, isn't it?"

"You will have to buy another ticket, " said the purser, withdignity. 

"A bright idea!" Kirk smiled grimly; then, turning his pocketswrong side out, continued lightly: "You look me over and if youcan find the price of a ticket I'll give you half. "

"Then you have lost your money as well as your baggage and youridentity?"

"So it would seem. "

"Impossible!"

It was plain that the officer was growing angry, so Kirk madehaste to say:

"Now let's be friends, at least. By-the-way--pardon the personalnature of the question--but--what size shirt do you wear?"

"Seventeen. "

"Saved! Let me have about six, will you?"

"Certainly NOT, " returned the other. "I need all I have. "

"Miser! Then you must help me find some one my size. "

The purser, however, seemed in no mood to go shirt-hunting, andbacked out of the door, saying: "I'll have a look for yourbaggage, Mr. --Anthony, and I'll see the captain about this ticket, also. I don't know whether you're making fun of me or not, but--I'll look you up later. "

He departed, shaking his head as if this were a form of insanityhe had never before encountered. A moment later Kirk followed himand made a round of the deck, staring at each man he met andmentally estimating the girth of his neck; but it seemed that themale passengers of the Santa Cruz were all of medium size, and hesaw no one whose appearance held out the slightest hope. He didobserve one fellow whose neck seemed as large as his own, but theman looked surly and not too cleanly, and Kirk was not yetdesperate enough to bring himself to the point of approaching sucha fellow for such a favor. He thought of appealing directly to thecaptain, but promptly remembered that he was a small, wiry manwhose wardrobe could by no possible chance afford him relief. Atlast he made his way toward the smoking-room, determined to enlistthe help of his new acquaintance, Stein. 

Midway aft, he paused. A girl had emerged from the deck-houseahead of him, whose appearance was sufficiently striking to diverthim, momentarily at least, from his quest. She was well above theusual height, quite slender, yet of an exquisite rounded fulness, while her snug-fitting tailor-made gown showed the marks of aRedfern or a Paquin. He noted, also, that her stride was springyand athletic and her head well carried. Feeling that friendlyapproval with which one recognizes a member of his own kind, Kirklet his eyes follow her, then retraced his way around the deck inthe hope of meeting her face to face. 

A woman frequently betrays her beauty by the poise of her head, bythe turn of her neck, or the lines of her figure, just as truly asby a full glimpse of her features. Hence it was that Anthony felta certain pleasurable expectancy as he crossed in front of thedeck-house, realizing that she was approaching. But when they hadmet and passed he went his way vaguely disappointed. Instead of agirl, as the first sight of her youthful figure had led him toexpect, he had seen a woman of perhaps forty. There was little inher countenance to reveal her age except a certain settled lookthat does not go with girlhood, and, while no one could havethought her plain, she was certainly not so handsome as he hadimagined from a distance. Yet the face was attractive. The eyeswere wide-set, gray, and very clear, the mouth large enough to beexpressive. Her hair shone in the morning sun with a delicatebronze lustre like that of a turkey's wing. It did not add to theyoung man's comfort to realize that her one straight, casualglance in passing had taken him in from his soiled collar to hissomewhat extreme patent leathers with the tan tops and pearlbuttons. 

Being very young himself and of limited social experience, heclassed all women as either young or old--there was no middleground. So he dismissed her from his thoughts and continued hissearch for a number seventeen shirt, and collar to match. But hedid not fare well. He found Mr. Stein in the smoking-room, butdiscovered that his size was fifteen and a half; and there was noone else to whom he could apply. 

For a second time Stein importuned him to buy a chance on theship's run, and, failing in this, suggested that they have a drinktogether. Had not Kirk realized in time his inability toreciprocate he would have accepted eagerly, for his recentdissipation had left him curiously weak and nervous. At the costof an effort, however, he refused. It was a rare experience forhim to refuse anything, being, like many indolent youths, anaccomplished guest. In fact, he was usually as ready to acceptfavors as he was carelessly generous when he happened to be infunds. The technique of receiving comes to some people naturally;others cannot assume an obligation without giving offence. Kirkwas one of the former. Yet now he felt a sudden, strange hesitancyand a self-consciousness that made graceful acquiescenceimpossible. He continued firm, therefore, even when Stein gibed athim good-humoredly:

"I suppose it's against your principles to drink, as well as togamble?"

"Exactly. "

"That's good, after the way you came aboard. "

"How did I come aboard?"

"Oh, I didn't see you, but I heard about it. "

Kirk flushed uncomfortably, muttering: "The acoustics of this shipare great. A man can't fall asleep but what somebody hears it. "

Stein laughed: "Don't get sore; all ships are alike--we have totalk about something. Sorry I can't help you with the shirtquestion. Deuced careless of them to lose your luggage. "

"Yes! It makes one feel about as comfortable as a man with abroken arm and the prickly heat. Something's got to be done aboutit, that's all. " He glared enviously at the well-dressed men aboutthe room. 

Over in a corner, propped against the leather upholstery, was Mr. Cortlandt, as pale, as reserved, and as saturnine as at breakfast. He was sipping Scotch-and-soda, and in all the time that Anthonyremained he did not speak to a soul save the waiter, did not shifthis position save to beckon for another drink. Something about hissour, introspective aloofness displeased the onlooker, who shortlyreturned to the deck. 

The day was warming up, and on the sunny side of the ship thesteamer chairs were filling. Two old men were casting quoits; anoisy quartette was playing shuffle-board. After idling back andforth for a time, Kirk selected a chair and stretched himself out;but he was scarcely seated before the deck steward approached himand said:

"Do you wish this chair for the voyage, sir?"

"Yes, I think so. "

"I'll put your name on it. "

"Anthony, Suite A, third floor, front. "

"Very well, sir. " The man wrote out a card and fitted it to theback of the chair, saying, "One dollar, if you please. "

"What?"

"The price of the chair is one dollar. "

"I haven't got a dollar. "

The steward laughed as if to humor his passenger. "I'm afraid thenyou can't have the chair. "

"So I must stand up all the way to Panama, eh?"

"You are joking, sir. I'll have to pay it myself, if you don't. "

"That's right--make me as uncomfortable as possible. By-the-way, what size collar do you wear?"

"Sixteen. "

Kirk sighed. "Send the purser to me, will you? I'll fix up thechair matter with him. "

While he was talking he heard the rustle of skirts close by andsaw the woman he had met earlier seating herself next to him. Withher was a French maid bearing a rug in her hands. It annoyed theyoung man to realize that out of all the chairs on deck he hadselected the one nearest hers, and he would have changed hisposition had he not been too indolent. As it was, he lay idlylistening to her words of direction to the maid; but as she spokein French, he was undecided whether she was telling her companionthat bad weather was imminent, or that the laundry neededcounting--his mind, it seemed, ran to laundry. 

Then the purser appeared. "Did you send for me?" he inquired. 

"Yes. There was a strange man around just now, and he wanted adollar for this chair. "

"Well?"

"I want to establish a line of credit. "

The purser grunted. 

"And say!" Kirk ran on, seriously. "I've been all over your littleship, but the passengers are boys' size. I can't wear this collarany longer. "

"And I can't find any baggage of yours. "

"Then there isn't any. I never really expected there was. Comenow, be a good fellow. This is my 'case shirt. "

"If you really wish some clothes, I'll see what I can find amongthe stewards. "

"No, no, " Kirk hastily interposed, "I can't wear a shirt with soupstains on it. Let me have one of yours--we're twin brothers. "

"I have no more than I need, " said the purser, coldly. He opened acigarette case, at which Anthony gazed longingly. It seemed agessince he had had a smoke; but the other seemed disinclined forsmall courtesies. 

"I've seen the captain about that ticket matter, " he went on, "andhe says you must buy another. "

Kirk shook his head languidly. "Once more I tell you there isnothing doing. "

The officer broke out with some heat: "If you are joking, you'vecarried this thing far enough. If you are really strapped, as yousay you are, how does it happen that you are occupying the bestsuite on the ship?"

"It is a long story. "

"Humph! You will have to give up those quarters and go forward. "

"Why? You have your money for that ticket?"

"Yes, but you're not Mr. Locke. "

Kirk smiled meditatively. "How do you know?" he queried. 

"Good heavens! You've told me so a dozen--"

"Ah! Then you have nothing except my word. Well, sir, now that Icome to think it over, I believe my name is Locke, after all. " Hegrinned. "Anyhow, I love my little room and I think I'll keep it. Please don't be peevish. I want you to do me a favor. " He removedthe ring from his finger, and, handing it to the Purser, said "Iwant you to get me two diamonds' and a ruby's worth of shirts andcollars; and also a safety razor. My mind has stopped working, butmy whiskers continue to grow. "

The officer managed to say with dignity: "You wish to raise moneyon this, I presume? Very well, I'll see what can be done for you, Mr. Locke. " As he turned away, Kirk became conscious that thewoman in the next chair had let her book fall and was watching himwith amused curiosity. Feeling a sudden desire to confide in someone, he turned his eyes upon her with such a natural, boyish smilethat she could not take offence, and began quite as if he hadknown her for some time:

"These people are money-mad, aren't they? Worst bunch of gold-diggers I ever saw. " Surprised, she half raised her book, but Kirkran on: "Anybody would think I was trying to find a missing willinstead of a shirt. That purser is the only man on the ship mysize, and he distrusts me. "

The woman murmured something unintelligible. "I hope you don'tmind my speaking to you, " he added. "I'm awfully lonesome. My nameis Anthony, Kirk Anthony. "

Evidently the occupant of the next chair was not a footballenthusiast, for, although she bowed her acknowledgment, her faceshowed that the name carried no significance. 

"I understood you to tell the purser your name was Locke, " saidshe, in a very low-pitched, well-modulated voice. "I couldn't helpoverhearing. "

"But it isn't really, it's Anthony. I'm the undignified heir tothe stocks and bonds of an old party by that name who lives inAlbany. "

"Darwin K. Anthony?" questioned she, quickly. "Is he your father?"Her face lighted with a flash of genuine interest. 

Kirk nodded. "He's my prodigal father and I'm the fatted son. Doyou know the governor?"

"Yes, slightly. "

"Well, what do you think of that? He's a great old party, isn'the?" He chuckled irrepressibly. "Did you ever hear him swear?"

The woman shook her head with a smile. "I hardly know him wellenough for that. "

"Oh, he's a free performer; he swears naturally; can't help it. Everybody knows he doesn't mean anything. It's funny, isn't it, with all his credit, that I can't get a shirt until I put up adiamond ring? He could buy a railroad with half that security. "

"You are joking, are you not?"

"No indeed. I never needed a shirt so badly in my life. You see, Ididn't intend to take this trip; I didn't even know I had sailed. When I woke up I thought this was a hotel. I've got no morebaggage than a robin. "

"Really?" The woman by now had closed her book and was giving himher full attention, responding to some respectful quality in histone that robbed his frankness of offence. "How did it happen?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest, I got drunk--just plain drunk. Ididn't think so at the time, understand, for I'd never been theleast bit that way before. Hope I don't shock you?"

His new acquaintance shrugged her shoulders. "I have seensomething of the world; I'm not easily shocked. "

"Well, I was perfectly sober the last I remember, and then I wokeup on the Santa Cruz. I'd never even heard the name before. "

"And hadn't you intended taking an ocean trip?"

"Good Lord, no! I had just bought a new French car and was goingto drive it up to New Haven yesterday. It's standing out on Forty-fifth Street now, if somebody hasn't stolen it. Gee! I can see thenews-boys cutting their monograms in those tires. "

"How remarkable!"

"You see, it was a big night--football game, supper, and all that. I remember everything up to a certain point, then--curtain! I was'out' for twelve hours, and SICK!--that's the funny part; I'mstill sick. " He shook his head as if at a loss what to make ofthis phenomenon. He noted how the woman's countenance lighted ateven a passing interest, as he continued: "What I can't understandis this: It took all my money to pay for the supper, and yet Iwake up with a first-class ticket to Panama and in possession ofone of the best suites on the ship. It's a problem play. "

"You say you were sick afterward?"

"WAS I?" Kirk turned his eyes upon the speaker, mournfully. "Myhead isn't right yet. "

"You were drugged, " said the woman. 

"By Jove!" He straightened up in his chair. "Knockouts!"

"Exactly. Some one drugged you and bought a ticket--"

"Wait! I'm beginning to see. It was Locke. That's how I got hisname. This is his ticket. Oh! There's going to be something doingwhen I get back. "

"What?"

"I don't know yet, but I'm going to sit right here and brood uponsome fitting revenge. After that chap gets out of the hospital--"

"You did not impress me as a college student, " said the stranger. 

"I'm not. I graduated four years ago. I barely made it, but I didget through. "

"And you have never been to the tropics?"

"Not since I had my last row with the governor. Have you?"

"Many times. It will prove an interesting trip for you. At leastyou have that consolation. "

"What is it like?"

Evidently the artless effrontery of the young man had notoffended, for his neighbor talked freely, and in a short time thetwo were conversing as easily as old acquaintances. This was due, perhaps, to the fact that he had appealed to her with the samefrankness he would have used toward a man and, thus far at least, had quite ignored her sex. She was sufficiently quick toappreciate the footing thus established, and allowed herself tomeet him half-way. Had he presumed in the slightest, she wouldhave chilled him instantly; but, as it was, she seemed to feel theinnate courtesy back of his boldness, seeing in him only a big, unaffected boy who needed an outlet for his feelings. In the sameway, had a fine St. Bernard dog thrust a friendly head beneath herhand she would have petted it. 

When at last she rose, after an hour that had swiftly sped, shewas gratified at the look of concern that came into his eyes. Shelooked at him with genuine approval as he bowed and said:

"Thank you for the pointers about Panama. I hope I may have thepleasure of talking to you again. "

When she had disappeared he murmured, admiringly:

"Jove! She's a corker! And she's not so old, after all. I wonderwho she--" He leaned over and read the card on the back of hersteamer chair. "Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt, Suite B, " it was lettered. Straightening up, he grumbled with genuine disappointment: "Justmy blamed luck! She's MARRIED. "

V

A REMEDY IS PROPOSED

By pledging his one article of jewelry Kirk became possessed thatafternoon of several shirts, collars, and handkerchiefs--likewisea razor, over which he exercised a sort of leasehold privilege. The purser made it plain, however, that he had not sold thesearticles, but merely loaned them, holding the ring as security fortheir return, and this arrangement allowed Kirk no spare cashwhatever. Even with all his necessities paid for, it surprised himto find how many channels remained for spending money. Forinstance, the most agreeable loafing spot on the ship was thesmoking-room, but whenever he entered it he was invited to drink, smoke, or play cards, and as he was fond of all these diversions, it required such an effort of will to refuse that it destroyed allthe pleasure of good company. It was very hard always to be sayingno; and in addition it excited his disgust to learn that he hadinadvertently founded a reputation for abstemiousness. 

Before long he discovered that the passengers considered him anexceptionally sober, steady youth of economical habits, and thisenraged him beyond measure. Every tinkle of ice or hiss of seltzermade his mouth water, the click of poker chips drew him withmagnetic power. He longed mightily to "break over" and have a goodtime. It was his first effort at self-restraint, and the warfarebecame so intense that he finally gave up the smoking-room almostentirely, and spent his hours on deck, away from temptation. Hesuffered most, perhaps, from the lack of tobacco, but even in thematter of cigarettes he could not bring himself to accept favorsthat he could not return. In the solitude of his richly appointedsuite he collected a few cork-bound stumps, which he impaled on atoothpick in order to light them. 

Meanwhile he amused himself by baiting the purser. He dogged thatserious-minded gentleman through all his waking hours, finding arare delight in playing upon his suspicion and lack of humor. Tohim Kirk was always Mr. Locke, while he insisted upon being calledMr. Anthony by the others, and the officer never quite got thehang of it. Moreover, the latter was full of dignity, and did notrelish being connected with a certainly dubious and possiblycriminal character, yet dared not resort to rudeness as a means ofriddance. 

The situation was trying enough to the young man at best; for theship's hirelings began to show a lack of interest in his comfort, once it became known that he did not tip, and he experienceddifficulty in obtaining even the customary attentions. It wasannoying to one who had never known an unsatisfied whim; but Kirkwas of a peculiarly sanguine temperament that required much toruffle, and looked upon the whole matter as a huge joke. It wasthis, perhaps, that enabled him to make friends in spite of hisunsociable habits, for the men liked him. As for the women, heavoided them religiously, with the exception of Mrs. Cortlandt, whom he saw for an hour or two, morning and afternoon, as well asat meal-times. With her he got on famously, finding her nearly asentertaining as a male chum, though he never quite lost hisdislike for her husband. Had she been unmarried and nearer his ownage, their daily intimacy might have caused him to become self-conscious, but, under the circumstances, no such thought occurredto him, and he began to look forward with pleasure to their hourson deck. 

The Santa Cruz was four days out before Cortlandt joined them, andwhen he did he merely nodded casually to Kirk, then, afterexchanging a polite word or two with his wife, lapsed into hiscustomary silence, while Mrs. Cortlandt continued her conversationwithout a second glance in her husband's direction. 

"That's what I call an ideal married couple, " Kirk reflected--"complete understanding, absolute confidence. " And the more he sawof them, the stronger this impression grew. Cortlandt was alwaysattentive and courteous, without being demonstrative, while hiswife showed a charming graciousness that was plainly unassumed. Their perfect good-breeding made the young man feel at ease; butthough he endeavored to cultivate the husband on severaloccasions, he made little headway. The man evidently possessed awide knowledge of current events, a keen understanding of men andthings, yet he never opened up. He listened, smiled, spoke rarely, and continued to spend nine-tenths of his time in that isolatedcorner of the smoking-room, with no other company than a longglass and a siphon. 

One day when Kirk had begun to feel that his acquaintance withMrs. Cortlandt was well established, he said to her:

"Stein told me to-day that your husband is in the diplomaticservice. "

"Yes, " said she. "He was Consul-General to Colombia several yearsago, and since then he has been to France and to Germany. "

"I thought you were tourists--you have travelled so much. "

"Most of our journeys have been made at the expense of theGovernment. "

"Are you diplomatting now?"

"In a way. We shall be in Panama for some time. "

"This Stein seems to be a nice fellow. He's taken quite a likingto me. "

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed lightly. "That is part of his business. "

"How so?"

"He is one of Colonel Jolson's secret agents. "

"Who is Colonel Jolson?"

"Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Your father knowshim. "

"Do you mean that Stein is a--detective?" Kirk lookeduncomfortable. 

"I do! Does he know you are the son of Darwin K. Anthony?"

"Why, yes, I suppose so. "

"Colonel Jolson will be interested. "

"Again I don't see the point. "

"Your father is one of the most powerful and aggressive railroadmen in the country. Perhaps you know something about the railroadopposition to the canal?"

Kirk smiled. "Well, to tell you the truth, " said he, "the governordoesn't consult me about his business as much as he ought to. Heseems to think he can run it all right without me, and we've onlybeen speaking over the telephone lately. "

"One of the strongest forces the Government had to combat inputting through the canal appropriations was the railroads. Colonel Jolson has no reason to love your father. "

"Yes, but _I_ don't object to this canal. I think it must be arather good idea. "

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed for a second time. "The Colonel's dislikefor your father will not affect you, inasmuch as you are returningso soon, but if you intended to stay it might be different. "

"In what way?"

"Oh, in many ways. There are two classes of people who are notwelcomed on the Canal Zone--magazine writers and applicants forpositions who have political influence back of them. The formerare regarded as muckrakers, the latter as spies. "

"That's rather rough on them, isn't it?"

"You must understand that there is a great big human machinebehind the digging of this canal, and, while it is more wonderfulby far than the actual machinery of iron and steel, it is subjectto human weaknesses. Men like Colonel Jolson, who form a part ofit, are down here to make reputations for themselves. They arehandicapped and vexed by constant interference, constant jealousy. It is a survival of the fittest, and I suppose they feel that theymust protect themselves even if they use underhand means to do so. It is so in all big work of this character, where the individualis made small. You would find the same condition in your father'srailroad organization. "

"Oh, now! My old man is a pretty tough citizen to get along with, but he wouldn't hire detectives to spy on his employees. "

Mrs. Cortlandt smiled. "By-the-way, when are you going intobusiness with him?" she said. 

"I? Oh, not for a long time. You see, I'm so busy I never seem tohave time to work. Work doesn't really appeal to me, anyway. Isuppose if I had to hustle I could, but--what's the use?"

"What is it that keeps you so busy? What are you going to do whenyou get back, for instance?"

"Well, I'm going to Ormond for the auto races, and I may enter mynew car. If I don't get hurt in the races I'll take a hunting tripor two. Then I want to try out an iceboat on the Hudson, and I'llhave to be back in New Haven by the time the baseball squadlimbers up. Oh, I have plenty of work ahead!"

Mrs. Cortlandt let her eyes dwell upon him curiously for a moment;then she said:

"Have you no ambition?"

"Certainly. "

"What is it?"

"Why--" Kirk hesitated. "I can't say right off the reel, but I'vegot it--lots of it. "

"Is there no--girl, for instance? Have you never been in love?"

"Oh, see here, now!" Anthony blushed in a manner to excite theenvy of any woman. "I don't like 'em. I'd rather play football. "

"That explains something. When the time comes you will ceasewasting your life and--"

"I'm NOT wasting my life, " the young man denied hotly. "I'm havinga great time; simply immense. "

"I remember reading an article once by a man who attacked Americancolleges with bitter personal feeling, on the ground that theyfostered exactly the attitude toward life which you have justexpressed. "

Anthony looked sober. "That was my father, " he said. 

"Really! How stupid of me to forget the name. But I don't agreewith him, " she continued, gently. "You merely lack stimulus. Ifyou should meet the right woman--" Then, seeing the amusement inhis face; "Believe me, I know what I am talking about. I know whata woman can do. Your life has been too easy and placid. You needsome disturbing element to make it ferment. "

"But I don't want to ferment. "

"Why don't you stay in Panama and go to work?"

"Work? Hideous word! For one thing, I haven't time. I must getback--"

"You will find great opportunities there. "

"But how about the girl who is to sour the syrup of my being andmake it ferment?"

"Oh, she may appear at any moment; but, joking aside, you hadbetter think over what I have said. " She left him with anadmonitory shake of her head. 

The SANTA CRUZ was now rapidly drawing out of the cold northernwinter and into a tropic warmth. Already the raw chill of higherlatitudes was giving way to a balmy, spring-like temperature, while the glittering sunshine transformed the sea into a lively, gleaming expanse of sapphire. The nights were perfect, the daysdivine. The passengers responded as if to a magic draught, andKirk found his blood filled with a new vigor. 

A brief sight of Columbus' Landfall served to break the monotony;then followed a swift flight past low, tropical islands ringedwith coral sand, upon which broke a lazy, milk-white surf. Throughthe glasses villages were spied, backed by palm groves and guardedby tall sentinel lighthouses; but the Santa Cruz pushed steadilysouthward, her decks as level as a dancing floor, the melancholyvoice of her bell tolling the leagues as they slipped past. Theeastern tongue of Cuba rose out of the horizon, then droppedastern, and the gentle trades began to fan the travellers. Nowthat they were in the Caribbean, schools of flying fish whiskedout from under the ship's prow, and away, like tiny silver-sheathed arrows. New constellations rose into the evening sky. Itbecame impossible to rest indoors, with the trade-winds calling, and the passengers spent long, lazy hours basking in the breath ofthe tropics and grudging the pleasure of which sleep deprivedthem. 

It was the last night of the voyage, and the thrill of approachingland was felt by all. As usual, the monotony of the first day ortwo had given way to an idle contentment and a vague regret atleaving the ship and severing the ties so newly made. Home, instead of looming close and overshadowing, had become a memoryrather indistinct and blurred, clouded by the proximity of the newand unknown. 

Kirk Anthony acknowledged to a reluctant enjoyment of the changeand found himself less eager to go back. As he paced the deckafter dinner he felt a lurking desire to defer his return until hehad absorbed something more of this warmth and languor; he evenreflected that he might welcome a stay of some length in thetropics if it were not for the fact that he had so much to do. 

Mrs. Cortlandt joined him as usual, and they did a mile around thepromenade, chatting idly of many things. The evening was tooglorious to permit of early retiring, and a late hour found themleaning over the rail, side by side, while Anthony bewailed thefact that he knew nothing of the country just beyond the darkhorizon ahead of them. 

"You are quite right, " his companion agreed. "You will miss itsbest flavor if you don't know the history back of it. Forinstance, we are now on the Spanish Main, the traditional home ofromance and adventure. "

"I always wanted to be a pirate, " he acknowledged gravely, "up tofifteen. Then I thought I'd rather run a candy store. "

"The ships of Sir Henry Morgan and the galleons of His CatholicMajesty Philip of Spain sailed these waters. Over yonder"--shewaved a graceful hand to the north and east--"are the haunts wherethe adventurers of old England used to lie in wait for their prey. Ahead of us is the land that Pizarro soaked with blood. We'recoming into the oldest country on this side of the globe, Mr. Anthony, where men lived in peace and plenty when most of Europewas a wilderness. I suppose such things appeal more to a woman'sfancy than to a man's, but to me they're mightily alluring. "

Kirk wagged his head admiringly, as he said:

"I wish I could make language behave like that, " and EdithCortlandt laughed like a young girl. 

"Oh, I'm not a perfervid poet, " she disclaimed, "but everythingdown here is so full of association I can't help feeling it. "

"I'm beginning to notice it myself. Maybe it's the climate. "

"Perhaps. Anyhow, it is all very vivid to me. Did you ever stop tothink how brave those men must have been who first went venturinginto unknown seas in their little wooden boats?"

"They were looking for a short cut to the East Indies, weren'tthey?"

"Yes, to Cathay. And then the people they found and conquered! Thespoils they exacted! They were men--those conquistadores--whateverelse they were--big, cruel, heroic fellows like Bastida, Nicuesa, Balboa, Pedrarias the Assassin, and the rest. They oppressed thenatives terribly, yet they paved the way for civilization, afterall. The Spaniards did try to uplift the Indians, you know. Andthe life in the colonies was like that in old Spain, only moreromantic and picturesque. Why, whenever I pass through theseLatin-American cities I see, in place of the crumbling ruins, grand cathedrals and palaces; in place of the squalid beggarsidling about the market-places I see velvet-clad dons and high-born ladies. "

"Aren't there any beautiful ladies left?"

"A few, perhaps. "

"What happened to the cathedrals and the velvet fellows and allthat?"

"Oh, the old state of affairs couldn't last forever. The Spanishadministration wasn't so bad as is generally supposed, yet ofcourse there was too much rapacity and not enough industry. Central America, broadly speaking, was known as the treasure-chestof the world, and there were constant wars and disturbances. Thecolonies as a whole did not progress like those in the North, andin course of time deteriorated. The old cathedrals decayed andwere not rebuilt. The old Spanish stock died out and in its steadgrew up a motley race given to revolt, revolution, and corruption. Even when the provinces became free, they weren't able to uniteand form a strong nation. The Isthmus of Panama became a pest-holewhere the scum of the Four Seas settled. The people became meanand unhealthy in mind and body and morals, preserving nothingexcept the cruelty of their forefathers. Here and there, to besure, one comes across the old Castilian breed, like a silverthread running through a rotting altar-cloth, but only here andthere, and most of those silver threads have become tarnished fromcontact with the fabric. "

"It must be a nice place, " Kirk observed with gentle sarcasm. 

"It affords one a great chance to moralize, at any rate. Take thebuilding of this canal, for instance. First, the French came, ledby a dreamer, and poured in the wealth of an empire in order thatthey might exact toll from the world. You see, they were all luredby the love of gain--the Spaniards, who pillaged the natives tobegin with, and the French, who set out to squeeze profit from allthe other nations. But it seems as if the spot were infected. TheFrench lost an army in their project; corruption gnawed through, and the thing ended in disgrace and disaster. Spain and Francehave come and gone, and at last we Yankees have arrived. It seemsto be the will of God that the youngest, lustiest people on theearth should finally be sent to clean this Augean stable. "

"By Jove! I never thought of it that way. "

"It is a big task, Mr. Anthony, and the mere digging of the ditchis the smallest part. There is a great deal more to be done. Yousee, as men attain culture, they require more than mere food anddrink and bedding, and in the same way, as nations attain togreatness, they require more than mere territory--they reach outand absorb power and prestige. Our decision to build the PanamaCanal is like the landing of another Columbus; the conquest is tofollow. After that will come--who knows what? Perhaps more wars, more pillage, more injustice. "

"You talk like a man, " Anthony said, admiringly. "I had no ideayou looked at things in such a big way. "

"You are laughing at me. "

"No, indeed. "

"You see, it is part of my husband's profession. As to theromance--well, all women are romantic and imaginative, I suppose, and you've been an inspiring listener. "

"I don't know about that, but--you're a corking good talker. Excuse my archaic English. " Mrs. Cortlandt turned her eyes uponthe speaker, and he saw that they were very bright. "I've beenthinking about what you told me the other day, " he ran on, "aboutmyself. Remember?"

"I'm glad I have the knack of making something besides footballsignals stick in your memory, " said she. "Have you been thinkingabout that girl I spoke of?"

"Yes, " he replied, ingenuously. "I've been making up my mind toask you if you happen to have a sister--an unmarried sister, Imean. "

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed appreciatively. "No, I have no sister, butI thank you for the compliment. I suppose you meant it for one?"

"Yes. I hope you don't mind. "

"Not at all. I'm quite sure now that my notion about you wasright. It will take a woman to make a man of you. "

"It used to be my wind that troubled me, " said the athlete, mournfully. "Now it seems to be my heart. "

"It doesn't seem to be seriously affected as yet, but it'sremarkable the number of ways in which the heart of man may bereached. I remember once having breakfast in a queer littlerestaurant in the French quarter of New Orleans, famous for itscooking and for the well-known people who had eaten there. Therewas a sort of register which the guests were asked to sign, and inlooking it over I read the inscription of one particularlyenthusiastic diner. It ran, 'Oh, Madame Begue, your liver hastouched my heart, ' and the story is that the writer made desperatelove to the proprietor's wife. "

"Oh, come, that's rather hard on me. I have some emotions besidesa hearty appreciation of food. "

"No doubt. I only mentioned that as one of the ways, and, seriously, I am convinced that, however your awakening may come, you will be the better for it. "

"I do hope the cook will prove to be unmarried, " he mused. "Imagine having to do away with a husband who can handle acleaver. "

"Oh, I don't mean you should necessarily marry the woman. It wouldbe quite as good for you if she refused even to look at you. However, let us hope that you meet some nice American girl--"

"Why not a senorita? You have inspired me with Spanish romance. "

But Mrs. Cortlandt shook her head. "Wait until you have seenthem. "

"Already I imagine myself under some moonlit balcony teasingchords out of a guitar. I have rather a good singing voice, youknow. "

It is not done that way nowadays. Panama is Americanized. You willneed a pianola and an automobile. "

"And all the romance is gone?"

"Oh, there is romance everywhere; there is quite as much inPittsburg as in Andalusia. But to speak of more practical things"--Mrs. Cortlandt hesitated slightly--"I heard you tell the purserthe other day about your financial troubles, and it occurred to methat Mr. Cortlandt might assist you. "

"Thanks, awfully, " Kirk hastened to say, feeling himself flushuncomfortably. "But I sha'n't need anything. The old gentlemanwill wire me whatever I ask for. Does Mr. Cortlandt know how I amfixed?"

"No. "

"Please don't tell him. I--I'm a little bit ashamed of myself. You're not going?"

"Yes. It is getting late, and my maid is looking for me. "

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's lonesome around here without--somebody totalk to. " He took her hand and shook it as if she were a man. "You've been mighty good to me and--I wish you had a sister. That's all. "

She left him the memory of a very bright and very girlish smile, and he found himself thinking that she could not be so much olderthan he, after all. 

Mr. Cortlandt was awaiting his wife and rose courteously as sheentered their suite. 

"Did you send Annette for me?" she inquired. 

"Yes. I thought you had forgotten the hour. We rise at six. "

"My dear, " she returned, coolly, "I was quite aware of the time. Iwas talking to Mr. Anthony. "

"Do you find him so amusing?"

"Very much so. "

"He's such a boy. By-the-way, some of the passengers are remarkingabout your friendship for him. "

Mrs. Cortlandt shrugged. "I expected that. Does it interest you?"

The man favored her with his wintry smile. "Not at all. "

"If he should need assistance while in Panama, I should be obligedif you would accommodate him. "

"Money?"

"Yes, or anything else. He left New York unexpectedly. "

"Don't you think that is going a bit too far? You know I don'tfancy him. "

Mrs. Cortlandt frowned slightly. "We won't discuss it, " she said. "I assured him he was at liberty to call on us for anything and--naturally that ends the matter. "

"Naturally!" he agreed, but his colorless cheeks flushed dully. 

VI

IN WHICH KIRK ANTHONY IS GREATLY SURPRISED

When Kirk came on deck early the following morning, he found theSanta Cruz nosing her way into Colony harbor. A land fog obscuredhis view somewhat, but through it he beheld a low, irregular lineof mountains in the background, and close at hand a town. The shipcame to anchor abreast of a point upon which he descried a squatlittle spider-legged lighthouse and long rows of frame dwellingshalf hidden behind slender palm-trees. Beyond were warehouses anddocks and the funnels of many ships; on either side of the bay wasa dense tropic wilderness. As the sun dissipated the morning haze, he saw that the hills were matted with a marvellous vivid green. There were no clearings on the slopes, no open spaces dotted withfarm-houses or herds, the jungle flowed down to the water's edgein an unbroken sweep, and the town was cut out of it. 

A launch came plunging through the swells, and the deck stewardmade his rounds requesting the passengers to assemble for medicalexamination. 

Kirk found the Cortlandts ahead of him. 

"What's coming off?" he inquired. 

"Vaccination, " Cortlandt explained, briefly. "They are veryparticular about disease. "

His wife added: "This used to be the worst fever-spot in theworld, you know. When we were here five years ago, we saw car-loads of dead people nearly every day. A funeral train was afamiliar sight. "

"What a pleasant place to spend my vacation!" exclaimed Kirk. "Nowif I can rent a room over the morgue and board with the villageundertaker, I'll have a nice time. "

"Oh, there's no more yellow fever--no sickness at all, in fact, "said Mr. Cortlandt. "Will you go over to Panama City, or will youstay in Colon?"

"I think I'll remain on the ship; then she can't get away withoutme, " Kirk answered. But when, after taking his turn before thedoctors, he explained his desire to the purser, that worthyreplied:

"I'm sorry, but you'll have to arrange that with the agent. Wemake a charge, you know, just like a hotel. "

"I'm going to cable my old man for money. "

The officer shook his head with finality. "Nothing doing, Mr. Locke. "

"Anthony. "

"I'll take no chances. If you don't pay, I'll have to. Look here!Do you want to know what I think of you, Mr. --Anthony Locke?"

"I haven't any special yearnings in that direction, but--what doyou think about me?"

"Well, I don't think your name is either Locke or Anthony. "

"Marvellous!"

"And I don't think you have any money coming to you, either. "

"Mighty intellect!"

"I think you are no good. "

"You're not alone in that belief. But what has all that to do withmy sleeping aboard the Santa Cruz?"

"If you want to stay aboard, you'll have to pay in advance. You'renot so foolish as you try to make out. "

"Those are glorious words of praise, " Kirk acknowledged, "but I'llmake a bet with you. "

"What?"

"That you change your mind. I am just as foolish as I appear, andI'll prove it. I'll bet my ring against your shirts that my nameis Anthony, and if I don't come through with the price of a ticketto New York you can keep the ring. "

"Very well, but meanwhile I don't intend to be stuck for yourbill. " The purser was a man of admirable caution. 

"All right, then, I shall throw myself upon the mercy of strangersand take your belongings with me. "

By this time the ship was being warped into her berth, and thedock was crowded. There were little brown customs inspectors inkhaki, little brown policemen in blue, little brown merchants inwhite, and huge black Jamaicans in all colors of rags. Here andthere moved a bronzed, businesslike American, and Anthony noticedthat for the most part these were clean-cut, aggressive-lookingyoung fellows. 

He was delayed but an instant by the customs officials, then madehis way out through a barnlike structure to the street, reflectingthat, after all, there are advantages in travelling light. He cameinto a blazing-hot, glaring white street jammed with all sorts ofvehicles, the drivers of which seemed perpetually upon the pointof riot. Before him stretched a shadeless brick pavement, with arailroad track on one side, and on the other a line of naked framebuildings hideous in their sameness. The sun beat down fiercely. Kirk mopped his face with the purser's handkerchief and wonderedif this were really December. 

Clumsy two-wheeled carts came bumping past, some with prehensile-footed negroes perched upon them, others driven by turban-crownedHindoos. A fleet of dilapidated surreys and coaches, each equippedwith a musical chime and drawn by a flea-bitten, ratlike horse, thronged the square. Kirk noticed with amusement that the steedswere of stronger mentality than the drivers, judging from the waythey dominated the place, kicking, biting squealing, ramming oneanother, locking wheels and blocking traffic, the while theirfutile owners merely jerked the reins after the fashion of astreet-car conductor ringing up fares, or swore softly in Spanish. Silent-footed coolies drifted past, sullen-faced negroes jostledhim, stately Martinique women stalked through the confusion withqueenly dignity. These last were especially qualified to take thestranger's eye, being tall and slender and wearing gaudy head-dresses, the tips of which stood up like rabbits' ears. Unlike thefat and noisy Jamaicans, they were neat and clean, their skirtssnow-white and stiffly starched, and they held themselves asproudly erect as if pacing a stage. 

The indescribable confusion of races reminded the young Americanof a Red Sea port where the myriad peoples of the far Eastintermingle. He heard a dozen different dialects; even the negroesused an accent that was difficult to understand. One thing onlystruck a familiar note, and that with peculiar force andsharpness. Down the railroad track toward him came a locomotivewith the letters "P. R. R. " upon it, at which he said aloud:

"Hurrah, I'm in Jersey City! I'll take the Twenty-third StreetFerry and be at the Astor in no time. "

He made his way slowly through the turmoil to the cable office, where he wrote a message, only to have it refused. 

"We don't send C. O. D. , " the operator told him. 

"Must have coin in advance, eh?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I left my gold-purse on the dresser, " Kirk said, cheerfully. "I'll be back later. " Then he wandered forth again, bearing hisbundle of shirts beneath his arm. He thought of appealing to theCortlandts before they left for Panama City, but could not bringhimself to ask a favor from that slim, agate-eyed man for whom hefelt such an instinctive distaste. Instead, he resolved to enlistthe services of the American consul. 

He began to feel the heat now, and his borrowed collar drooped, but as he neared the seaward side of town there was a remarkabletransformation. A delightful, cooling breeze swept in from theocean, and, when he finally came out upon a palm-guarded roadalong the breakers, he paused in silent enjoyment. The trade-windswere drawing inward as steadily as if forced by a great electricfan, piling the green waters upon the rocks in a ceaseless, soothing murmur, making the palm fronds overhead rustle like thesilken skirts of an aerial ballet. The effect was wonderful, for, while the air was balmy and soft, it was also deliciouslyrefreshing and seemed to have magic properties. 

After some further wandering, he found the consul's house andknocked at the door, whereupon a high-pitched, querulous voicefrom inside cried:

"Come in. Dammit, don't stand there hammering!"

Kirk entered to find a huge, globular man clad in soiled linenssprawled in a musty Morris chair and sipping a highball. The man'sface and neck were of a purplish, apoplectic hue; he seemed toradiate heat-waves like a base-burner. 

"Is this Mr. Weeks?" Kirk inquired. 

"That's me. "

"My name is Anthony. "

"Glad to meet you, " wheezed the fat man, extending a limp, moisthand without rising. When Kirk had grasped it he felt like wipinghis own palm. "Have a seat. " The speaker indicated a broken-backedrocker encumbered with damp clothes, newspapers, and books. "Justdump that rubbish on the floor; it don't matter where. " Then hepiped at the top of his thin, little voice, "Zeelah! Hey, Zeelah!Bring some more ice. "

One glance showed Anthony that the place was indescribablydisordered; a rickety desk was half concealed beneath a litter ofpapers, books, breakfast dishes, and what not; a typewriteroccupied a chair, and all about the floor were scattered documentswhere the wind had blown them. Shoes and articles of clothing werepiled in the corners; there was not a sound piece of furniture inthe place, and through an open door leading to another room at therear could be seen a cheap iron bed, sagging hammock-like, itshead and foot posts slanting like tepee poles, doubtless from theweight of its owner. 

In answer to Mr. Weeks's shout a slatternly negress with draggingskirts and overrun shoes entered, carrying a washbowl partlyfilled with ice. 

"Just get in, Mr. Anthony?"

"Yes, sir, on the Santa. Cruz. "

"Fine ship. " Mr. Weeks rose ponderously and wiped out a glass witha bath towel, while Kirk noticed that two damp half-moons had comethrough his stiffly starched linen trousers where his drippingknees had pressed. He walked with a peculiar, springy roll, as ifpads of fat had grown between his joints, and, once an impulse hadbeen given his massive frame, it required time in which to becomeeffective. The sound of his breathing was plainly audible as heprepared his guest's beverage. 

"You'll like that, " he predicted. "There's one good thing we getin Colon, and that's whiskey. " With a palsied hand he presentedthe glass. His cuffs were limp and tight, his red wrists wereringed like those of a baby. As he rolled back toward the Morrischair, his stomach surged up and down as if about to break fromits moorings. 

"I came in to ask a favor, " Anthony announced, "I suppose everytourist does the same. "

"That's part of a consul's duty, " Mr. Weeks panted, while his softcheeks swelled with every exhalation. "That's what I'm here for. "

"I want to cable home for money. "

"A little poker game on the way down, eh?" He began to shakeponderously. 

"I'm broke, and they won't take a collect message at the cableoffice. You see, I didn't know I was coming; some of my friendsgave me a knockout and shipped me off on the Santa Cruz. Thewireless wasn't working, we didn't stop at Jamaica, so this is myfirst chance to get word home. "

"What do you wish me to do?"

"Cable for me and see that I have a place to stop until I get ananswer. "

A look of distrust crept slowly into the consul's little eyes. 

"Are you absolutely broke?"

"I haven't got a jingle. "

"How long will it take to hear from your people?"

"If my father is at home, I'll hear instantly. "

"And if he isn't?"

"I'll have to wait. "

"What makes you think he'll wire you money?"

"He's never failed yet. You see, I'm something like a comet; heknows I'll be around every so often. "

Mr. Weeks began to complain. "I don't know you, Mr. --what's thename again? Anthony? I'm a poor man and I've been an easy mark forevery tropical tramp from Vera Cruz to Guayaquil. Your father maynot be able to help you, and then I'll be holding the bag. "

"I think you don't understand who he is. Did you ever hear ofDarwin K. Anthony, of Albany, New York?"

Mr. Weeks's thick lids opened, this time to display a fardifferent emotion. "Certainly. "

"Well, he's the goat. "

Slowly, grandly, the American consul set his frame in motion, whereat Kirk said, quickly, "Don't get up; I understand. " But Mr. Weeks had gone too far to check himself, so he lurched resilientlyinto an upright position, then across the floor, and, reaching outpast his undulating front, as a man reaches forth from the midstof a crowd, shook his guest heartily by the hand. 

"Why didn't you say so?" he bubbled. "I'm here to accommodatefolks like you. Darwin K. Anthony! Well, RATHER. "

"Thanks. " The young man wiped his hand surreptitiously. "If youwill fix it so I can cable him and sleep aboard the ship, I'll begreatly obliged. "

"Nothing of the sort, " Mr. Weeks blew through his wet lips. "I'llcable him myself and you'll stay right here as my guest. Delightedto have the privilege. "

Kirk cast another glance over the place, and demurred hastily. "Really, I couldn't think of putting you out. I can stay on theSanta Cruz as well as not. "

"I couldn't hear to such a thing. You're tired of ship life--everybody is--and I have lots of room--too much room. It's apleasure to meet real people--this damn country is so full ofcrooks and dead-beats. No, sir, you'll stay right here where it iscool and comfortable. " With a pudgy forefinger he stripped hispurple brow of a row of glistening sweat-drops. "I'll have Zeelahfix up a bed where this glorious breeze will play on you. Mr. Anthony, that trade-wind blows just like that all the time--neverdies down--it's the only thing that makes life bearable here--thatand the whiskey. Have another highball?"

"No, I thank you. "

"Darwin--Say, I'll send a cart for your baggage, right now. "

"I have it with me--six shirts, all guilty. "

"Then I'll send your father a message this minute. I'm delightedat the privilege of being the first to advise him of your safetyand to relieve his mental anguish. " Mr. Weeks rocked toward thedesk, adjusted a chair behind him, spread his legs apart, and satdown sidewise so that he could reach the inkwell. He overhung hischair so generously that from the front he appeared to be perchedprecariously upon its edge or to be holding some one in his lap. "Where are those cable blanks!" he cried, irritably, stirring upthe confusion in front of him. 

"Here they are. " Anthony picked one up from the floor. 

"It's that damn wind again. I can't keep anything in place unlessI sit on it. That's the trouble with this country--there's alwaysa breeze blowing. Thanks! I'm getting a trifle heavy to stoop--makes me dizzy. "

In a moment he read what he had written:

DARWIN K. ANTHONY, Albany, New York. 

Your son well and safe. Here as my guest. Asks you cable him moneyfor return. WEEKS, American Consul. 

"That tells the story. It'll please him to know I'm looking afteryou, my boy. "

"You are very kind. "

"Don't speak of it. I'm glad to get in touch with your father. Weneed capital in this country. "

"He's a hard man in money matters, " said Darwin K. Anthony's son. "I believe I enjoy the distinction of being the only person whoever made him loosen. "

"All successful men are cautious, " Weeks declared. "But if he knewthe wonderful opportunities this country presents--" The speakerleaned forward, while his chair creaked dangerously, and said, with impressiveness, "My dear sir, do you realize that a cocoapalm after it is seven years old drops a nut worth five centsevery day in the year and requires no care whatever except togather the fruit?"

"No. "

"Fact! And we grow the best ones in the world right here. But thedemand is increasing so rapidly that in ten years there will be afamine. Think of it--a famine of cocoanuts!" Mr. Weeks paused tolend dramatic effect. 

"That's fierce, " Kirk acknowledged. "What are they good for?"

"Eating! People make cakes out of them, and oil, and candy. Goodcocoanut land can be bought for fifty cents an acre, selectedseeds for five cents each, labor is sixty cents a day. No frosts, no worms, no bugs. You sit still and they drop in your lap. "

"The bugs?"

"No! No! The cocoanuts. "

"Fine!"

"But that's nothing. Do you realize that this soil will raisesugar-cane the size of your--of my--thigh, and once you plant ityou can't keep it cut out?"

"It's all news to me. "

"You can buy sugar-cane land for a dollar an acre; it costs--""I'm no good at figures, Mr. Weeks. "

"And rubber! THERE'S the chance for a man with capital. Rubber!"

"I will--I mean, is that so?"

"Ever see any rubber-trees?"

"Only in Brooklyn. "

"I mean wild rubber. This country is full of it; the natives bringit in. All you have to do is buy timber land--you can get it for asong--plant your rubber-seed, and let 'er go, Gallagher! In tenyears you go back, cut off your timber, sell it for enough to makeyou rich, and there is your rubber--velvet!" he concluded, triumphantly. 

"Rubber velvet?"

"Yes. It's 'velvet'--all clear. You can't lose. My boy, there's athousand ways to get rich down here, and I know 'em all. What Ineed is capital. If I had your father's backing--Say! It's amighty good thing you came to see me. I can do your old man a lotof good. I'm conservative, I am, and what he needs is a good, conservative man to manage his investments. Why, talk about quickmoney"--the speaker thrust forth a finger that looked like apeeled banana--"I've got a gold-mine--"

"Not a bit like it. " Kirk shook his head. "They don't behave. "

"This one will. It's an old Spanish mine and hasn't been workedfor three centuries. It's rich, RICH! I'll take you in as mypartner, and we'll get your father to open it up. What do you say?If he doesn't like that, we'll get him a street-railway franchise;I'm close to the government, and there isn't a steel rail in anycity of the republic. I know all the Spiggoty politicians. "

"The what?" "The Spiggoties! That's what we call the Panamanians. They 'no spiggoty English'; understand?"

"It's a funny name. "

"Now, my boy, there's one thing I want you to be careful of. Don'tlet some of these fellows around here get you excited. Thiscountry is full of promoters, cheap skates, and that sort, andthey'll try to stampede you into some investment. You trust to me;I'm conservative. I'll put you up at the club, and when you getstraightened around we'll talk business. Meanwhile, I'll send thiscable. "

Mr. Weeks was even better than his word. He took Kirk with him, and went heaving down the street, his body quivering at every stepas if hung upon a whalebone framework, the breath wheezing noisilyin and out of his chest, the perspiration streaming from hispurple face in rivulets. He put up his guest at the club andinvited some of his friends to join them for dinner that eveningon the wide balcony; then, noting Anthony's heavy clothing, hesaid:

"You need some linens, Kirk. That suit looks like a dog bed. Youdon't mind my calling you Kirk, do you?"

"I'm flattered. However, I can't get ready-made clothes largeenough, and, besides, it's hardly worth while for the length oftime--"

"Nonsense. Now you're here we won't let you go right back. There'sa Chinese tailor on Bottle Alley who'll have you a suit to measureby noon to-morrow, and he only charges seven dollars, goods andall. "

Accordingly, the two journeyed to Bottle Alley and selected somelinen, whereupon, instead of one suit, the consul ordered three, having them charged to his account. 

Kirk really enjoyed that evening at the Wayfarers Club, for, oncethe cool of evening had come, the place filled up rapidly with asfine a crowd of men as he had ever met. There were young fellowsfrom the railroad offices, merchants from the town, engineers fromthe big job, the proximity of which made itself felt like amysterious presence. There was a trader from down the San Blascoast; a benevolent, white-haired judge, with a fund of excellentstories; a lieutenant in the Zone Police who impressed Kirk as areal Remington trooper come to life; and many another. They allwelcomed the Yale man with that freedom which one finds only onthe frontier, and as he listened to them he began to gain someidea of the tremendous task that occupied their minds. They wereall men with work to do; there were no idlers; there was no classdistinction. One topic of conversation prevailed, and, althoughthe talk drifted away from it at times, it invariably came back toThe Job in the end. 

Weeks did himself credit as a host. His table, spread on thelatticed balcony where the never-failing trade-winds fanned it, was decorated tastefully with flowers, red-shaded candles, whitelinen, and gleaming silver gave it a metropolitan air. Both thefood and the wine were well served, and the consul's half-dozenguests soon became mellowed and friendly. Kirk felt he had fallenamong kindred spirits, for it was almost like a fraternity dinner. 

When finally they arose, some one proposed a game of draw pokerand insisted upon Kirk's joining. He was about to refuse whenWeeks drew him aside to say:

"Don't let the money question stand in your way, Kirk. You're myguest, and your I. O. U. Is as good as a government bond; so go asfar as you like. "

A considerable portion of Anthony's time in college had beendevoted to a course in draw poker--recitations, so to speak, beingconducted in the upper rooms of a Greek letter "frat, " and hecherished the belief that he had at least learned to distinguish aspade flush from an "Arkansas blaze. " But he soon found that thesemen had forgotten more about the game than he could ever hope tolearn at any university, and when the crowd broke up at midnighthe signed his name to a tab for forty dollars. 

Early the next day the following cablegram was left at theAmerican Consulate:

WEEKS, Consul, Colon. 

Anthony absent, returns Friday. COPLEY. 

"Copley is the Governor's secretary, " Kirk explained. "That meansthat I'll miss the Santa Cruz and have to wait another week. "

"I'm delighted, " the consul said, heartily. 

"Perhaps you could stake me to a ticket. I'll remit when I get toNew York. "

"My pay isn't due for a fortnight, " Weeks explained after aninstant's hesitation. "You see, I'm interested in so many venturesit keeps me--well, broke. Anyhow, you can't go until we havearranged an investment for your father. "

Kirk could not help thinking that a man of the consul's wideacquaintance and business capacity could have raised the necessaryfunds without much trouble; but, not wishing to embarrass hishost, he refrained from pressing the matter, and resigned himselfas best he could to an extension of his exile. Meanwhile, hedecided to visit the Canal, for on every side he heard nothing butechoes of the great work, and he began to feel that he owed it tohimself to view it. But his plans were upset by the weather. Onthe following day it began to rain, and it continued to rain dayand night thereafter until Colon became a sodden, dripping horror. The soil melted into a quagmire, the streets became sluices, theheavens closed down like a leaden pall, and the very air becamesaturated. It was hot also, and sticky. Indoors a mould began toform, rust grew like a fungus; outdoors the waving palm topsspilled a deluge upon roof and sidewalk at every gust; theirtrunks streamed like hydrants. 

Kirk had never seen such a rain; it kept up hour after hour, dayafter day, until the monotony became maddening. The instant hestepped out from shelter he was drenched, and even in his rooms hecould discover no means of drying his clothes. His garments, hanging beside his bed at night, were clammy and overlaid withmoisture in the morning. Things began to smell musty; leatherobjects grew long, hoary whiskers of green mould. To hisamazement, the inhabitants seemed quite oblivious to the change, however, and, while they agreed that the weather was a triflemisty, they pursued their duties as usual, assuring him that therain might continue for a month. 

It was too much for Kirk, however, and he deferred his trip overthe "Line, " spending his time instead at the Wayfarers Club. Inhis daylight hours he listened to Weeks's unending dissertationsupon the riches of the tropics; at night he played poker with suchuniform bad luck that his opponents developed for him anincreasing affection. 

But all things have an end, and Friday morning broke clear andhot. 

"We'll hear from the old gentleman to-day, sure, " he told Weeks atbreakfast. "He's regularity itself. The train despatchers settheir watches by him. "

"Now that it has cleared off, we must look into the cocoanutbusiness, " the consul announced. "I'll make you a rich man, Kirk. "

"I'm rich, anyhow, or I will be. Money doesn't mean much to me. "

"Your father is--many times a millionaire, isn't he?" Weeks'little red eyes were very bright and curious. Kirk had seen thatlook many times before and knew its meaning. Hence he repliedrather brusquely:

"So I believe. " And a moment later declared his determination toavail himself of the good weather and see something of the town. The prospect of squaring his account with this fawning fat manfilled him with relief, and once away from the Consulate he stayeduntil late in the afternoon. It was nearly dark when he strolledin, to inquire:

"Well, did you get an answer?"

"Yes. " Weeks fumbled excitedly through the papers on his desk. 

"How much did he send?

"Here's the message; read it yourself. "

Kirk read as follows:

WEEKS, Consul, Colon. 

Your guest an impostor. Have no son. ANTHONY. 

"Well, I'll be damned!" he ejaculated. "This is a joke!"

Weeks was beginning to pant. "A joke, hey? I suppose it was a joketo impose on me?"

"Don't you believe I'm Kirk Anthony?"

"No, I do not. I just discovered to-day that your name isJefferson Locke. Stein told me. "

Anthony laughed lightly. 

"Oh, laugh, if you want to. You're a smooth article with your talkabout football and automobiles and millionaire fathers, but youhappened to select the wrong millionaire for a father this time, and I'm going to give you a taste of our Spiggoty jails. "

"You can't arrest me. You offered to take me in. "

The fat man grew redder than ever; he seemed upon the point ofexploding; his whole body shook and quivered as if a head of steamwere steadily gathering inside him. 

"You can't get out of it that way, " he cried at the top of hislittle voice. "I've fed you for a week. I put you up at my club. That very suit of clothes you have on is mine. "

"Well, don't burst a seam over the matter. My Governor doesn'tknow the facts. I'll cable him myself this time. "

"And live off me for another week, I suppose? Not if I know it! Hesays he has no son; isn't that enough?"

"He doesn't understand. "

"And how about those gambling debts?" chattered the mountain offlesh. "You thought you'd fool me for a week, while you won enoughmoney from my friends to get away. Now I'LL have to pay them. Oh, I'll fix you!"

"You go slow about having me pinched, " Kirk said, darkly, "or I'llmake you jump through a hoop. I'll pay my debts. "

"You're a rich man, eh? Money doesn't mean much to you, hey?"mocked the infuriated Consul. "I suppose this is an old game ofyours. Well, you stuck me all right, because you knew I couldn'thave you arrested--I'd be a laughing-stock forever. But I've hadyour card cancelled, and I've left word for the waiters to throwyou out if you show up at the Wayfarers. "

"Will you lend me enough money to cable again?" asked Anthony, with an effort. 

"More money? NO!" fairly screamed the other. "You get out of myhouse, Mr. 'Kirk Anthony, ' and don't you show yourself around hereagain. I'll keep the rest of your wardrobe. "

His erstwhile guest underwent an abrupt reversal of emotion. Tothe indignant amazement of Mr. Weeks, he burst into a genuinelaugh, saying:

"All right, landlord, keep my baggage. I believe that's thecustom, but--Oh, gee! This IS funny. " He was still laughing whenhe reached the public square, for at last he had begun to see thefull humor of Adelbert Higgins' joke. 

VII

THE REWARD OF MERIT

Facing for the first time in his life an instant and absolute needof money, Kirk found himself singularly lacking in resource; and aperiod of sober contemplation brought him no helpful thought. Perhaps, after all, he decided, his best course would be to seekrelief from the Cortlandts. Accordingly, he strolled into theoffices of the steamship company near by and asked leave totelephone. But on calling up the Hotel Tivoli, he was told thathis friends were out; nor could he learn the probable hour oftheir return. As he hung up the receiver he noticed that theoffice was closing, and, seeing the agent about to quit the place, addressed him:

"I'd like to ask a favor. "

"What is it?"

"Will you introduce me to the best hotel in town? I have friendsin Panama City, but they're out and it's getting late. "

"There isn't a good hotel here, but you don't need anintroduction; just walk in. They're not full. "

"I'm broke, and I have no baggage. "

"Don't you know anybody?"

"I know the American consul--been stopping at his house for aweek--but he threw me out. "

A great light seemed suddenly to dawn upon the agent. "Oh, you'reLocke!" said he, with the air of one who detects a fraud tooobvious to be taken seriously. "Now I understand. The purser onthe Santa Cruz told me about you. Sorry I can't help you, but I'ma salaried man. "

"I've got to sleep, " stoutly maintained the other. "Somebody willhave to take care of me; I can't sit up all night. "

"See here, my friend, I don't know what your game is, but youcan't sting me. " The agent finished locking up, then walked away, leaving his visitor to reflect anew upon the average human being'signoble lack of faith in his fellows. 

It was growing dark. From farther down the water-front the lightsof the Wayfarers Club shone invitingly, and Kirk decided to appealthere for assistance. In spite of Weeks's warning, he felt sure hecould prevail upon some of the members to tide him over for thenight, but as he neared the place he underwent a sudden change ofheart. Slowly mounting the stairs ahead of him like a trainedhippopotamus was the colossal, panting figure of the Americanconsul, at sight of which Kirk's pride rose up in arms and forbadehim to follow. Doubtless Weeks had spread his story broadcast; itwas manifestly impossible for him to appeal to his recent cardpartners--they would believe he had deliberately imposed uponthem. It was humiliating, yet there seemed nothing to do except toawait the Cortlandts' return, and, if he failed to reach them bytelephone, to spend the night in the open. It occurred to him thathe might try to locate Stein or some other of his late fellow-passengers, but they were probably scattered across the Isthmus bythis time. 

A band was playing in the plaza when he came back--a very goodband, too--and, finding a bench, he allowed his mind the relief ofidly listening to the music. The square was filling with Spanishpeople, who soon caught and held his attention, recalling Mrs. Cortlandt's words regarding the intermixture of bloods in thiscountry; for every imaginable variety of mongrel breed looked outfrom the loitering crowd. But no matter what the racial blend, black was the fundamental tone. Undeniably the Castilian strainwas running out; not one passer-by in ten seemed really white. Naturally, there was no color line. Well-dressed girls, evidentlywhite, or nearly so, went arm and arm with wenches as black asnight; men of every shade fraternized freely. 

It was a picturesque and ever-changing scene. Kirk saw dark-facedgirls wearing their unfailing badge of maidenhood--a whitemantilla--followed invariably at a distance by respectful admirerswho never presumed to walk beside them; wives whom marriage hadforced to exchange the white shawl for the black, escorted bytheir husbands; huge, slouching Jamaican negroes of both sexes;silent-footed, stately Barbadians who gave a touch of savagery tothe procession. Some of the women wore giant firebugs, whoseglowing eyes lent a ghostly radiance to hair or lace, at onceweird and beautiful. Round and round the people walked to thestrains of their national music, among them dozens upon dozens ofthe ever-present little black-and-tan policemen, who constitutethe republic's standing army. 

As the evening drew on, Kirk became conscious of an unwontedsensation. Once before he had had the same feeling--while on amoose-trail in Maine. But now there was no guide, with a packfulof food, to come to his relief, and he could not muster up thespirit that enables men to bear vacation hardships withcheerfulness. 

He began to wonder whether a fast of twenty-four hours wouldseriously weaken a man, and, rather than make the experiment, heagain called up the Tivoli, rejoicing anew in the fact that therewas no toll on Isthmian messages. But again he was disappointed. This time he was told that the Cortlandts were doubtless spendingthe night out of town with friends. 

Soon after his second return to the park, the concert ended, thecrowd melted away, and he found himself occupying a bench with anegro of about the same age as himself. For perhaps an hour thetwo sat there hearkening to the dying noises of the city; thenKirk, unable to endure the monotony longer, turned sharply on hiscompanion and said:

"Why don't you go home?"

The negro started, his eyes flew open, then he laughed: "Oh, boss, I got no home. "

"Really?"

"No, sar. "

Kirk reflected that he had found not only the right place, butalso fitting company, for his vigil. 

"What does a person do in that case?" he asked. 

"Oh, he goes to work, sar. "

"For the night, I mean. Are you going to stay here until morning?"

"Yes, sar, if the policeman will h'admit of it. "

The fellow's dialect was so strange that Kirk inquired: "Where didyou come from?"

"Jamaica, sar. I was barn on the narth coast of the h'island, sar. "

"Did you just arrive here?"

"Oh, Lard, no! I 'ave been a liver here for two year. "

"A liver!" Kirk could not help smiling. 

"Yes, sar! Sometimes I labor on the docks, again in the h'office. Lahst week lose I my position, and to-day my room h'also. Landladies is bad females, sar, very common. "

"You've been shooting craps, " said Kirk, accusingly. 

"Crops, sar! What is crops?"

"You don't know what craps is! I mean you've been gambling. "

"Oh, boss, I h'invest my money. "

"Indeed!"

"Lahst Sunday nearly won I the big prize. I 'ad h'all but threenumbers. "

"Lottery ticket, eh?"

"H'eight! H'eight chawnces in all, " the negro sighed. "But dreamsis false, sar. "

"So I've heard. Well, it seems we're in the same boat thisbeautiful evening. I have no place to sleep, either. "

"You are humbugging me. "

"No, I'm flat broke. "

"Oh, chot me true, mon. "

"I am chatting you true. I'm an outcast of fortune like yourself. "

"Such talk! You make I laugh this house. "

"What?"

"You make I laugh, " repeated the other in a broad Devonshiredialect. "Praise God, you h'appear like a gentleman. "

"I trust this little experience will not permanently affect mysocial standing. By-the-way, what is your name?"

"H'Allan. "

"Hallan?"

"No, sar. H'Allan. "

"Is that your first or last name?"

"Both, sar--h'Allan h'Allan. "

"Mr. Allan Allan, you're unusually dark for a Scotchman, " saidKirk, gravely. "Now, speaking as one gentleman to another, do youhappen to know where we can get a hand-out?"

"'And-out?" inquired the puzzled negro. 

"Yes; a lunch. Can't you lead me to a banana vine or a breadfruitbakery? I'm starving. They grow the finest cocoanuts in the worldright here--worth five cents apiece; they require no care, have noworms, no bugs. You sit still and they drop in your lap. Can't youshow me a tree where we can sit and wait for something to drop?"

Allan replied, seriously: "But when the cocoanut falls, it is nogood for h'eating, sar. The milk is h'acid. "

"I see you have a sense of humor; you should be in the consularservice. But h'acid or sweet, h'eating or cooling, I must getsomething into my stomach--it's as flat as a wet envelope. "

The Jamaican rose, saying: "Step this way, please. I know theplace where a very good female is. Per'aps she will make us apresent. "

"How far is it?"

"Oh, not too far, " Allan replied, optimistically, and Kirkhopefully followed him. 

But at the opposite side of the square they were halted by asudden commotion which drove all thoughts of food out of theirminds. From a building across the street issued a bugle-call, uponwhich an indescribable confusion broke forth. Men began running toand fro; a voice in authority shouted orders, each of which wasthe signal for another bugle-call. Through the wide-open doors thePanamanians could be seen, scurrying around a hose-cart, apparently in search of clothes; some were struggling into redshirts, others were stamping their feet into short boots orgirding themselves with wide canvas belts. Meanwhile, the chiefissued more orders and the bugle continued to blow. 

"Oh, look, boss!" Allan cried, quickly. "There must be a'flagration. "

"It's a Spiggoty hose company, as I live. Come on!"

Already a glare could be seen above the crowded portion of thecity, and the two set off in that direction at a run, leaving thebugle sounding in the rear and the gallant firemen still wrestlingwith their uniforms. They had nearly reached the fire when arounda corner back of them, with frightful speed and clangor, came amodern automobile fire-truck, clinging to which was a swarm oflittle brown men in red shirts and helmets. They reminded theAmerican of monkeys on a circus horse, and, although he had beencounted a reckless driver, he exclaimed in astonishment at thedaring way in which the chauffeur took the turn. 

It was truly amazing, for the machine, which was the latestimprovement in imported fire-fighting machinery, skidded the fullwidth of the street, threatening to rip its tires off and turnturtle, then leaped upon the curb before its driver couldstraighten it up, and in a magnificent sweep carried away thewooden supports of an overhanging balcony. The timbers parted likestraws; there came a shrill uproar from inside the building as thesleeping occupants poured forth, but without a pause the Yankeemachine whizzed on up the street, its gong clanging, its occupantsholding on for dear life, the peaceful inhabitants of Colonfleeing from its path like quail before the hoofs of a runawayhorse. 

"Hit her up!" Kirk yelled, delightedly, then leaned against alamp-post and laughed until he was weak. In the midst of hismerriment appeared the company he had just seen making up. Theyhad found their uniforms at last, it seemed, down to the finalbelt and shoelace, and now came charging gallantly along in thetracks of the more speedy motor. They were drawing their hand-reel, each brave lad tugging lustily and panting with fatigue. 

Kirk and his guide fell in behind and jogged to the scene of theconflagration. 

A three-storied building was already half gutted; out of itswindows roared long, fiery tongues; the structure snapped andvolleyed a chorus to the sullen monotone of destruction. Thestreet was littered with the household belongings of theneighborhood, and from the galleries and windows near by came sucha flight of miscellaneous articles as to menace the safety ofthose below. Men shouted, women screamed, children shrieked, figures appeared upon the fire-lit balconies hurling forth armfulsof cooking utensils, bedding, lamps, food, and furniture, utterlycareless of where they fell or of the damage they suffered. Kirksaw one man fling a graphophone from a top window, then lower amattress with a rope. On all sides was a bedlam which the arrivalof the firemen only augmented. The fire captains shouted orders tothe buglers, the buglers blew feebly upon their horns, thecompanies deployed in obedience to the bugles, then everybodywaited for further directions. 

Again the trumpet sounded, whereupon each fireman began tointerfere with his neighbor; a series of quarrels arose ascouplings were made or broken; then, after an interminable delay, water began to flow, as if by a miracle. But except in rareinstances it failed to reach the flames. A ladder-truck, drawn byanother excited company, now rumbled upon the scene, its arrivaladding to the general disorder. Meanwhile, the steady tradewindfanned the blaze to ever-growing proportions. 

"Why the devil don't they get closer?" Kirk inquired of hisJamaican companion. 

Allan's eyes were wide and ringed with white; his teeth gleamed ina grin of ecstasy as he replied:

"Oh, Lard, my God, it is too 'ot, sar; greatly too 'ot! It wouldtake a stout 'eart to do such a thing. "

"Nonsense! They'll never put it out this way. Hey!" Kirk attractedthe attention of a near-by nozzleman. "Walk up to it. It won'tbite you. " But the valiant fire-fighter held stubbornly to hispost, while the stream he directed continued to describe agraceful curve and spatter upon the sidewalk in front of theburning building. "You're spoiling that old woman's bed, " Anthonywarned him, at which a policeman with drawn club forced him backas if resentful of criticism. Other peace officers compelled thecrowd to give way, then fell upon the distracted property holdersand beat them off their piles of furniture. 

For perhaps ten minutes there was no further change in thesituation; then a great shout arose as it was seen that the roofof the adjoining building had burst into flame. At this thefanfare of trumpets sounded again; firemen rushed down the street, dragging a line of hose and drenching the onlookers. But, despitetheir hurry, they halted too soon, and their stream just failed toreach the blazing roof. By now the heat had grown really intense, and the more hardy heroes in the vanguard retreated to less tryingpositions. The voice of the crowd had arisen to a roar rivallingthat of the flames. 

"They must intend to let the whole town burn!" cried Anthony. 

"Yes, sar! Very probably, sar. "

Kirk pointed to the nearest fireman. "If he'd get up under thatwall he could save the roof and be out of the heat. " He undertookto convey this suggestion to the fellow, but without result. "Ican't stand this, " he exclaimed at last. "Let's give him a hand, Allan. "

"Very well, sar. "

"Here! help me get a kink in this hose. There! Now you hold ituntil you feel me pull. " Kirk forced his way out through thecrowd, to find the fireman holding the nozzle, from which a feeblestream was dribbling, and mechanically directing it at the fire. Kirk laid hold of the canvas and, with a heave, dragged it, alongwith its rightful guardian, ten feet forward; but there had beenno bugle-blown order for this, and the uniformed man pulledbackward with all his might, chattering at Kirk in Spanish. 

"Well, then let go. " Anthony shook the Panamannikin loose, thenran forward across the street until he brought up at the end ofthe slack and felt the hose behind him writhe and swell as Allanreleased his hold. The next instant the negro was at his side, andthe two found themselves half blistered by the heat that rolledout upon them. But the newly ignited roof was within range, andthe stream they played upon it made the shingles fly. 

"Oh, Lard!" Allan was crying. "Oh, Lard! I shall h'expire. "

"Pull down your hat and shield your face. "

The fireman they had despoiled began to drag at the hose from asafe distance; but when Kirk made as if to turn the nozzle uponhim he scampered away amid the jeers of the crowd. A few momentslater, the American felt a hand upon his arm and saw an angrypoliceman who was evidently ordering him back. Behind him stoodthe excited nozzleman with two companions. 

"He says you should return the 'ose where you found it, " Allantranslated. 

"Leave us alone, " Kirk replied. "You fellows help the others;we'll attend to this. " More rapid words and gesticulationsfollowed, in the midst of which a dapper young man in a uniformsomewhat more impressive than the others dashed up, flung himselfupon Anthony and endeavored to wrench the hose from his hands. Meanwhile he uttered epithets in broken English which the otherhad no difficulty in understanding. Kirk promptly turned thenozzle upon him, and the full force of Colon's water-pressurestruck him squarely in the stomach, doubling him up like the kickof a mule. Down the newcomer went, then half rolled, half slidacross the street as the stream continued to play upon him. Hescrambled to his feet, a sorry spectacle of waving arms anddripping garments, his cries of rage drowned in the delightedclamor of the beholders. 

"I guess they'll keep away now, " laughed Kirk, as he turned backto his self-appointed task. 

But Allan exclaimed, fearfully: "Oh, boss, I fear he is some 'ighh'officer. "

"Never mind. We're having a lot of fun. It's medals for us--goldmedals for bravery, Allan. To-morrow the board of aldermen willthank us. "

But this prediction seemed ill-founded. An instant later a half-dozen policemen advanced in a businesslike manner, and theirleader announced: "Come! You are arrest. "

"Pinched! What for? We're doing a lot of good here. "

"Come, queeck!"

"Oh, Lard, my God!" Allan mumbled. "I shall die and kill myself. "

"They won't do anything to us, " Kirk assured him. "I've beenpinched lots of times. We'll have to quit, though, and that's apity. It was just getting good. "

He surrendered the hose to a fireman, who promptly retreated withit to a discreet position, then followed his captors, who were nowbuzzing like bees. 

"Don't get excited, " he said to Allan, noting his frightened look. "They'll turn us loose all right. "

But a moment after they were clear of the town he was surprised tosee that the negro's captors had snapped "come-alongs" upon him inspite of his repeated promises to go quietly. 

These handcuffs, Kirk saw, were of the type used upon desperatecriminals, consisting of chains fitted with handles so contrivedthat a mere twist of the officer's hand would cut the prisoner'sflesh to the bone. 

"You don't need to do that, " he assured the fellow who had madethe arrest, but, instead of heeding his words, the men on eachside of the Jamaican twisted stoutly, forcing the black boy to cryout in pain. He hung back, protesting:

"All right, sar, I'll come. I'll come. "

But again they tightened their instruments of torture, and theirvictim began to struggle. At this an evil-faced man in blue struckhim brutally upon the head with his club, then upon the shoulders, as if to silence his groans. The boy flung up his manacled handsto shield himself, and the light from a street lamp showed bloodflowing where the chains had cut. The whole proceeding was sounprovoked, so sickening in its cruelty, that Kirk, who until thisinstant had looked upon the affair as a rather enjoyable lark, flew into a fury and, disregarding his own captors, leaped forwardbefore the policeman could strike a third time. He swung his fist, and the man with the club hurtled across the street as if shotfrom a bow, then lay still in the gutter. With another blow hefelled one of the handcuff-men, but at the same time other handsgrasped at him and he was forced to lay about vigorously on allsides. 

They rushed him with the ferocity of mad dogs, and he knocked themspinning, one after another. A whistle blew shrilly, otheruniforms came running, more whistles piped, and almost before herealized it he found himself in the centre of a pack of lean-facedbrown men who were struggling to pull him down and striking at himwith their clubs. With a sudden wild thrill he realized that thiswas no ordinary street fight; this was deadly; he must beat offthese fellows or be killed. But, as fast as he cleared them away, others appeared as if by magic, until a dozen or more wereswarming upon him like hungry ants. They clung to his arms, hislegs, his clothing, with a desperate courage wholly admirable initself, while strokes were aimed at him from every quarter. Timeand again they dragged him off his feet, only to have him shakethem loose. But though most of their blows went wild or found amark among their own numbers, he was felled at last, and a momentlater, with head reeling and wits flickering, he was dragged tohis knees by handcuffs like those on Allan's wrists. The pain asthe chains bit into his flesh brought him to his feet despite theblows and kicks that were rained upon him, crying hoarsely:

"Let me go, damn you! Let me go!"

But a wrench at the gyves took the fight out of him, for he feltthat the bones in his wrists must surely be crushed. One side ofhis head was strangely big and numb; a warm stream trickled downhis cheek; but he had no time to think of his condition, for hisassailants fell upon him with fresh fury, and he reeled about, striving to shield himself. Every movement, however, was construedas resistance, and his punishment continued, until at last he musthave fainted from pain or had his wits scattered by a blow on thehead; for when he recovered consciousness he found himself in afilthy, ill-lighted room, flung upon a wooden platform that ranalong the wall, evidently serving as a bed. Near him Allan washuddled, his black face distorted with pain and ashen withapprehension. 

VIII

EL COMANDANTE TAKES A HAND

"Where are we?" queried Anthony, as he took in the surroundings. 

"This is the prison, sar. "

"Gee! I'm sick. " Kirk lay back upon the platform and closed hiseyes. "Did they hurt you much?"

"Oh yes. Very considerably. "

"Sorry I got you into it, Allan, I never thought they'd be socranky. " Again he groaned. "I want a drink. "

"Let me get it. Those Spiggoties will not give it to you. "

Allan went to the door and called to the guard. An instant laterhe returned with a tin cup. 

"I guess they knocked me out, " Kirk said, dazedly. "I never washit like that before--and jailed! Say! We must get out of her. Call the chief or the man in charge, will you? I can't speak thelanguage. "

"Please, sar, if you h'anger them they will beat us again. "

"Beat! Not here?"

"Oh yes. They might kill us. "

"They wouldn't do that!"

"A white man they killed lahst h'autumn, and several of my peoplehave passed away in this prison. Nobody can 'ear nothing. Nobodyknows what 'appens 'ere. "

"Oh, well, they wouldn't dare touch us--I'm an American citizen. I'll notify the consul. "

Roused at the mere suggestion. Kirk staggered to the door andshouted lustily. When no one answered, he shook the iron grating, whereupon a guard leisurely approached, and, after listeningstolidly to his request, went back to his post at the other end ofthe hall. This time the American sent forth such an uproar that aman evidently corresponding in authority to a sergeant appearedwith the command to be quiet. 

"Let me out of here!" loudly demanded the prisoner. "I want thechief, or the alcalde, or somebody in charge. I want to know whatI'm booked for, I want to telephone--TELEPHONE, don't youunderstand?--and arrange bail. Quick, now!"

But the officer merely frowned at him, obviously threatening aresort to force if this outburst did not cease at once. 

"I tell you I want to get out, " insisted Kirk. "I want to knowwhat I'm charged with and have my friends get bail. "

The man nodded his understanding and went away, but an hour passedand he did not return. Then another hour followed, and Anthony, who had now begun to feel the effect of his drubbing more keenly, renewed his clamor, with the result that a half-dozen policemenappeared, causing Allan to retreat to a corner and mumble prayers. From their demeanor it looked as though they were really bent uponmischief, but Kirk soon saw that an official had come in answer tohis call. He felt less reassured when he perceived that the personin uniform who now stepped forward was the same upon whom he hadturned the hose earlier in the evening. 

This was a black-haired, black-eyed young fellow of, perhaps, thirty. While his skin was swarthy, even in this poor light itcould be seen that he was of the real Castilian type and of a muchbetter class than the others. He was slender and straight, hismouth small and decorated by a carefully pencilled littlemustache, which was groomed to a needle sharpness. His hands andfeet were as dainty as those of a woman. He was undeniablystriking in appearance, and might have passed for handsome had itnot been for the scowl that distorted his features. 

"Eh! 'ere you are, " he began, angrily. 

"Yes; I want to get out, too. What does this treatment mean?"

The new-comer stepped toward the other occupant of the cell, atwhich Allan broke out in terror: "Don't you touch me. I'm aBritish object. "

But it was evidently not the man's intention to offer any furtherindignity to his prisoners at that time. After scanning theJamaican carefully, he issued an order to one of his men, who leftthe room. 

"And I'm an American, " Anthony declared. "You'll have to answerfor this. "

"Per'aps you don' know who I am. I am Ramon Alfarez, Comandante ofPolice, an' you dare' to t'row the water of the 'ose-wagon upon myperson. Your gover'ment will settle for those insolt. " His whiteteeth showed in a furious snarl. 

"I don't give a damn who you are. I'll get bail or do whateveryour law requires, but I want to get out and I want to get outnow. "

The commandant's eyes flashed as he asked, shortly. "W'at is yourname?"

"Anthony. Your men tried to kill that boy, and when I wouldn'tstand for it they beat me up. "

"You strock me wit' the water of the 'ose-carriage, " repeated theother. "You 'ave assault the dignity of my country. "

"I didn't know who you were. I was helping to stop that fire whenyou butted in. Now, are you going to let me out, or do you want mypeople to pull this jail down around your ears?"

At this threat Senor Alfarez restrained his rage with an obviouseffort. "You will reply to those outrage, senor. "

"Sure, I'll reply. But in the mean time I want to telephone to theAmerican consul. Look at this!" The young man held out hisshaking, swollen wrists, upon which the blood was scarcely dry. "Look at it! Those runts of yours got handcuffs on me and thenbeat me up. I'm sick. So's that boy. We need a doctor. "

Alfarez shook his head. "You resis' the police. Even in yourcountry one mus' not do that. 'Ave I been there, I would keel youboth, but I am 'aving a cheel at the moment from those stream ofcol' water. "

"Will you take me to a telephone?"

"It is not permit. "

"Will you notify Mr. Weeks?"

Receiving no reply to this request, Kirk broke out: "Well, then, what ARE you going to do? Let us stay here all night?"

"W'at is your bizness?"

"I haven't any. "

"You don' work on the Canal?"

"No. I'm a tourist. My father is a big railroad man in the States. I'm telling you this so you'll know how to act. "

"W'ere do you leeve--w'at 'otel?"

"I've been stopping with Mr. Weeks. "

Senor Alfarez's attitude became somewhat less overbearing. 

"In due time he will be notify of your outrage to my person, " heannounced. 

The fellow who had left the room a moment before now reappeared, carrying a bucket of water and some towels, with which he directedAllan to remove the blood from his face and hands. When it cameKirk's turn, however, he objected. 

"I think I'll wait until Weeks sees me, " he said. 

But Alfarez retorted, sharply: "It is not permit"; and, seeingthat resistance would be useless, Kirk acquiesced as gracefully ashe could, remarking as he did so:

"You'll have hard work washing off this, and this. " He indicatedthe traces of the handcuffs and the gash in his scalp. 

The commandant turned to his men and addressed them at somelength, calling them to task, as Allan later informed hiscompanion, for using their clubs in a manner to mark theirprisoners so conspicuously. Then he followed them into thecorridor, closing the grating behind him. 

The hours passed, and daylight came with no word from the Americanconsul. By this time the two prisoners were really in need ofmedical attention. Their contusions pained them severely. Kirkfelt as if one or more of his ribs were broken, and his suffering, combined with hunger, prevented sleep. He became feverish andfretful, but his demands for communication with the outside worldwere calmly ignored, although he felt certain that his wishes werefully understood. When the morning had passed without his beingarraigned for a hearing he grew alarmed. Evidently he had beenflung into confinement and forgotten. 

Eventually Kirk and Allan were given food, but still no one cameto their relief. Apparently no message had been delivered. Thistreatment was so atrocious, so at variance with Anthony's ideas ofhis own importance, that he felt he must be suffering fromnightmare. How dared they treat an American so, no matter what thecharge? Why didn't they try him or give him a hearing? Theseinsolent, overbearing Panamaniacs had no regard for law orhumanity, and this was no longer a question of petty injustice; itwas a grave infraction of civilized equity. 

But the afternoon wore on without an encouraging sign, till Kirkbegan to think that Weeks had refused to intercede for him andintended to leave him to the mercies of his enemies. Withdifficulty he managed to convey to a guard his desire to notifysome of the other Americans in the city, but as usual no heed waspaid to his request. 

It was considerably after dark when a visitor was at lastadmitted. He proved to be the English consul, whom Anthony hadnever met. 

"What are you doing here?" the new-comer inquired. Then, when thefacts had been laid before him, he exclaimed: "Why, I heard that aJamaican negro had been arrested, but I heard nothing aboutmistreatment of a white man. "

"Doesn't anybody know I'm here?"

"I'm sure no one does. Those heathens lied to you--they nevercommunicated with Weeks or anybody. They're afraid. This is an oldtrick of theirs--man-handling a prisoner, then keeping him hiddenuntil he recovers. If he doesn't recover they get out of it onsome excuse or other, as best they can. Why, they killed a whitesailor not long ago--just plain clubbed him to death withoutexcuse, then asserted that he resisted arrest. They did the sameto one of our negroes. He died in the jail before I got wind ofit, and when I started an investigation they showed his signedstatement declaring that he had not been abused at all, and hadbeen given the kindest treatment. The matter isn't settled yet. It's infamous! Why, I had hard work to get in at all just now. ButI'll have Allan here out in two hours or I'll know the reason. England protects her subjects, Mr. Anthony, and these people knowit. If they don't come to time I'll have a gunboat in the harborin twenty-four hours. Color doesn't amount to a damn with us, sir;it's the flag. "

"I guess Uncle Sam is strong enough to command respect, " saidAnthony. 

"Well, I know the circumstances now, and I'll go straight toWeeks. He can arrange your release without trouble. If you were anEnglishman, I'd have you out in no time, and you'd collecthandsome damages, too. This boy will. "

True to the consul's prediction, a little later the Jamaican wasled out of the cell, and from the fact that he was not broughtback Kirk judged that the British intervention had been effectual. But it was not until the next morning, the second of hisimprisonment, that the cell door opened once more, this time toadmit the portly figure of John Weeks and the spruce person ofSenor Ramon Alfarez. 

"What's all this trouble about?" inquired the former in none tooamiable a tone. 

Kirk told his story as briefly and convincingly as he could. Butwhen he had finished, the consul shook his head. 

"I don't see what I can do for you, " he said. "According to yourown declaration you resisted a police officer. You'll have to takeyour medicine. "

Alfarez nodded agreement. "Quite right!" said he. "He did terrible'avoc with my men, t'ree of which is now on the 'ospital. "

"But why don't they try me or let me get bail? I want to get out. "

"You'll be tried as soon as they get around to it. "

"Look here!" Kirk showed the marks his assailants had left uponhim. "Will you stand for that? I've been here two nights nowwithout medical attention. " "How about that, Alfarez?"

The commandant shrugged his shoulders. "If he require a doctor, one shall be secure', but he is not severely injure. ' I 'aveexplain the frightful indignity to the honor of my person, yes? Asfor me, pooh! It is forget. " He waved his hand gracefully andsmiled sweetly upon his fat visitor. "It does not exist. But thebrave soldiers of mine! Ah! Senor Wick, they lofe me, they cannotforget the honor of el comandante. So! When the prisoner is decideto insurrect, who can say those gallant soldier don' be toostrong? Who can blame for making roff-'ouse?"

"I guess you ain't hurt much, " said Weeks, eying his countrymancoldly. "You didn't get any more than was coming to you. "

"I won't stand for this, " cried the prisoner, hotly. "The Englishconsul got that nigger boy out, and I want you to do the same forme. "

"You don't understand. I've got business interests in thiscountry, and I can't dash about creating international issuesevery time an American gets locked up for disorderly conduct. Howlong do you think I'd last with these people if I did that?"

"Are you really afraid to do anything?" Kirk inquired, slowly. "Oris it because of our row?"

"Oh, there's nothing personal about it! I can't afford personalfeelings in my position. Really, I don't see where you're so muchabused. You assaulted a government officer and resisted arrest. Ifyou got hurt it's your own fault. Of course I'll see that you havea fair trial. "

The commandant spoke up with ingratiating politeness: "Theprisoner say he is reech man's son. Now, of course, it is too badhe is injure' wit' the clob of the policeman; but those officer isver' polite, senor, and if he is explain biffore--"

Weeks snorted indignantly. "He gave you that fairy tale, eh? Hesaid his name was Anthony and his father was a railroad president, didn't he? Well, he imposed on me, too, but his name is Locke, and, as near as I can learn, he practically stowed away on theSANTA CRUZ. "

"Ah-h!" The officer's eyes widened as he turned them upon hisprisoner. "He is then a w'at you call tramp. "

"All I know is, he stuck me for a lot of bills. I'll have to seethat he gets fair treatment, I suppose, because he's an American, but that ends my duty. "

"Is this the best you'll do for me?" Kirk inquired, as Weeks madeready to go. 

"Yes. "

"Will you tell some of the men at the Wayfarers that I'm here?"

"Oh, that won't do any good. You're in for it, Locke, so don'tholler. I'll be on hand at your hearing. "

"Will you cable my father?"

"At twenty-five cents a word? Hardly!" The speaker mopped hisface, exclaiming: "There's no use of talking, I've got to get outin the air; it's too hot in here for me. " Then he waddled outahead of Senor Alfarez, who slammed the door behind him as hefollowed to escort his caller to the street. 

But a half-hour later the commandant returned to the cell, andthis time he brought with him a number of his little policemen, each armed with a club. Feeling some menace in their coming, Kirk, who had seated himself dejectedly, arose to ask: "What's comingoff?"

Alfarez merely issued some directions in Spanish, and chainhandcuffs were once more snapped upon the prisoner's wrists. 

"So! you're going to hold my trial, eh?" cried Kirk. 

But the other snarled: "Senor Locke, you 'ave force' the water ofthe 'ose-wagon upon my body for making the people laugh. Bueno!Now I shall laugh. " He seated himself, then nodded at his men tobegin. 

IX

SPANISH LAW

Mrs. Cortlandt answered her telephone for the second time, repeating with some impatience: "Tell the man I can't see him. "

"But he refuses to leave--says he must see you at once; it'simportant, " came the voice of the clerk. 

"Oh, very well. I'll come down. " She hung up the receiver with asnap. 

"Why don't they send him up?" queried her husband from thesitting-room. 

"It's a negro, and the clerk says he'd rather not allow him up-stairs. Another sick family, I suppose. "

"They're beginning to impose on you. It's usually that way withcharities, " said Cortlandt. 

With unfeminine neglect of the chance for petty discussion, hiswife left the room without replying, and descended to the hotellobby. Here she was directed toward a very ragged, very woe-begoneyoung black on the rear porch, who, at sight of her, began tofumble his hat and run his words together so excitedly that shewas forced to calm him. 

"Now, now! I can't understand a word. Who are you?"

"H'Allan, mistress. "

"You say some one is ill?"

"Oh yes, he is very h'ill h'indeed, mistress--h'all covered withblood and his poor 'ands h'all cut. "

"Who--?"

"And his 'ead--oh, Lard! His 'ead is cut, too, and he suffers afever. "

"WHO IS IT?"

"Mr. H'Auntony--"

"Anthony!" Mrs. Cortlandt started. "What has happened? Quick!"

Seeing that at last he had found a friend, the Jamaican began tosob with relief, wailing extravagant praises to God and apparentlyendeavoring to kiss Mrs. Cortlandt's hand, whereat she seized himby the shoulders and shook him, crying:

"Stop that! Behave yourself and tell me what is the trouble, quickly now, from the beginning. "

Without drying his tears, Allan launched himself into the fullviolence of his recital, stumbling recklessly over his figures ofspeech, lapsing into idioms that it taxed his hearer to follow. Had she been less acquainted with the Caribbean dialects she wouldhave missed much of the story, but, as it was, she followed himclosely, urging him on with sharp expressions of amazement andnods of understanding. Rapidly she gathered the facts of the case, while her cheeks whitened and her eyes grew dark with indignation. The sight renewed Allan's emotion. His voice broke, his blackhands shook, he began to sob once more, and great tears stole downhis ebony cheeks. But he managed to answer her terse, shockedquestions with some degree of intelligence, calling upon his vividimagination for such details as his memory had lost. 

"I wait an' wait for him to h'emerge, but he does not come. Perhaps they 'ave killed the poor mon once more. "

"How did you get here?"

"With my feet, mistress. Sometimes rode I on the train, but thetrain people are very common; they h'addressed me rudely and threwme by the wayside. "

"Couldn't you telephone?"

"I do not h'understand 'ow. "

"Why didn't he notify me at once? If I had only known--"

"Those 'eartless Spiggoties would not h'allow it. Oh, you willh'assist the poor mon! Say it. Praise be to God, he is bleeding inthe prison--"

"Yes, yes, certainly. "

Allan reached clumsily this time to kiss the hem of her skirt, butshe stepped aside quickly, fumbling meanwhile in her purse for abank-note, while he exclaimed:

"God bless you, good mistress. He told me to find you and presenthis recital. "

"Here, take this money and go back to Colon by the first train. Wemay need you. Now go! I'll be there ahead of you. "

She picked up her white skirts and ran up the hotel stairs as ifpursued, bursting in upon her husband so impetuously that he rosein surprise, inquiring:

"What is it?"

"Young Anthony is in jail in Colon, " she panted. "He's been lockedup for three days, and they won't let him out. "

"The devil! You said he'd gone back to New York. What is itabout?"

"I thought he had. They arrested him for some silly thing, andhe's hurt. " She hurriedly recounted Allan's story, adding, inconclusion, "That black boy came all the way across the Isthmus totell us!"

"I'll get the American consul by 'phone--"

But Mrs. Cortlandt interrupted. "Weeks is a fool! He wouldn't doanything. Wait!" She stepped to the instrument and rang violently. "Give me Colonel Jolson's office, quickly. If he is not there, find him. I don't care where he is, find him; it is important. This is Mrs. Cortlandt speaking. '

"What do you mean to do?" said Cortlandt. 

"Go to Colon at once. This is young Alfarez's doing--the whipper-snapper--you must lay him out for this. How dare he!"

"Better go carefully. Remember, General Alfarez is his father. "

"I understand. But we are bound to come to a breach sooner orlater. "

"I hardly think so. I believe we can bring him around all right--anyhow, I haven't lost hope. " Then, as his wife made an impatientgesture: "Well, if we precipitate a quarrel now, that will endit. " He paced the room feverishly. "Good heavens, Edith! Anthonychose the worst possible time for this escapade. I suppose it willmean diplomatic difficulties and all that, and once we lose oldAlfarez--"

"We will lose him anyhow, " snapped the woman. "I've seen itcoming, although you could not. I'll break Ramon for this. "

"Then you'll break us. " Cortlandt stared gloomily at his wife, whomet his gaze squarely. "Do you think Anthony is worth it?"

"My dear Stephen, they nearly killed that poor boy, and I sha'n'tallow it. Don Anibal Alfarez is not the only presidential timberin the republic. If he breaks with us it will cost him dearly. Youthink he is friendly, but I know that deep down in his crafty oldheart he despises all us Americans and is only waiting a chance togratify his spleen. The moment he dares, he'll turn against us. "

Cortlandt's frosty countenance showed signs of unusual agitationas he answered: "You're mad! You threaten to ruin everything. Youunderstand perfectly--there's no use of my explaining. Let me callon him this afternoon. He will instruct his son. "

"No! He would procrastinate, as usual. There would be thecustomary delays and excuses, and meanwhile Anthony would be injail at Colon. They would have a defence all prepared. Besides, ifit's to be a fight we must have all the weapons possible--and thisaffair may prove a good one. Anyhow, you mustn't ask a favor ofhim at this time; he must ask, not you. "

The telephone rang, and the speaker snatched the receiver from itshook. 

"Hello! Colonel Jolson, I'm very glad I caught you. This is Mrs. Cortlandt. Colonel Jolson, young Ramon Alfarez has arrested KirkAnthony, of whom I spoke to you. They have maltreated him, asusual, and have hidden him for three days. Yes, yes! I discoveredit quite by accident while Mr. Cortlandt was down-town. Oh, thisis serious, and I'm furious. . .. That will do no good; I havereasons for preferring to handle it myself. . .. Thank you for thecompliment. We must go to Colon at once, and I thought you mightgive us a special. " There was a slight pause, then: "Good! Thatwill do quite as well. In fifteen minutes. Thank you. Good-bye. "

Turning to her husband, she explained, swiftly: "The Colonel'sautomobile will be waiting at the station in fifteen minutes. Areyou ready?"

"I think you are going about this in the wrong way, " he said, coldly. "When will you learn--?" She checked her crisp words atthe flush that leaped to his cheeks. "I beg your pardon, Stephen. Please do as Colonel Jolson has done and trust me to manage thisaffair. "

He bowed and left her, saying, "I will have a coach waiting at thedoor. "

Fifteen minutes later a gasoline railroad motor-car with twopassengers in addition to its driver and flagman rolled out of theyards at Panama City and took the main line, running under orderslike a special train. As it clanked over the switches with ever-increasing speed, Mrs. Cortlandt leaned forward and spoke to thedriver. 

"We will have a clear track, and you may go as fast as you like. "

The next moment the machine was reeling drunkenly around curvesand a fifty-mile gale was roaring past. 

Senor Ramen Alfarez was considerably nonplussed when his twodistinguished visitors made known the nature of their errand. Cortlandt did most of the talking, his cold hauteur serving a goodpurpose and contrasting strongly with the suppressed excitement ofhis wife. 

"Pardon me, there is no necessity for delay, " he said, as thecommandant endeavored to formulate an excuse. "I trust I need notinsist upon seeing the prisoner?" He raised his brows with a stareof inquiry that caused the other to reply, hastily:

"Of a certainty not, senor. "

"Then take us to him. "

"I will spare your lady the painful sight of the prison-house. Theprisoner shall be fetch' with all despatch. "

"We will see him alone. "

Again the commandant hesitated, while his bright eyes searchedtheir faces with a sudden uneasy curiosity. "I am fear soch t'ingis not permit'. "

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mrs. Cortlandt, unable longer to restrainherself. "We know the law quite as well or perhaps better thanyou, Senor Alfarez. If you wish, Mr. Cortlandt will get permissionfrom the President. You have a telephone?"

"Oh, soch is farthes' remove' from my thoughts, " quicklyinterposed the commandant, with his most graceful bow. "If it isin my power to oblige, w'at matter the law? Pouf! W'at I mean isthis: Our prisoner is not what you call seeck, nor is he ver'well. He is resis' the officer by force an' he is injure'--oh, butonly a leetle--it is not'ing. One is truly foolish for resis' thepolicemans, yes?" He shook his dark head sadly. "I am desolate to'ear of soch t'ing; it is so useless to stroggle wit' the officerin disbursement of duty; but you Americans are so brave! I amforce' to admire this prisoner; he is soch a strong fellow. "

"I think we understand the circumstances. "

Instead of ringing for an orderly the commandant excused himself, then, after a seemingly interminable delay returned with Anthonyand several policemen. 

At sight of his friends the young man made for them eagerly, crying: "Jove, I'm glad you came! I'd about given you up. "

"Allan only found us to-day, " Mrs. Cortlandt replied. 

"Did he tell the truth? Have you been abused?"

The young man turned a pair of smouldering eyes upon his enemies. He looked ill and haggard, although, except for the wound halfconcealed beneath his hair, he showed no marks. Then he held outhis hands with a grim smile, and the woman uttered a low cry atwhat she saw. "They gave me another good beating yesterday, " hesaid. 

"While you were in jail?" Cortlandt queried, incredulously. "God!"

"That's the fellow yonder. " Kirk pointed to Alfarez, whose smilehad disappeared. 

"Oh, the man is mistake', " the latter hastened to aver. "He iscrazee. "

"I gave you a wetting in public, and--"

"Si, si! That is correc', Senor Cortlan'. He insolt my person an'fight my soldiers. He is ver' toff person. "

"Did you know he had been maltreated in prison?" Cortlandtdemanded. 

"Oh, senor!" Alfarez raised his hands in horrified disclaimer ofthe very thought, but his victim said, quietly:

"He's a liar. He ordered it, then sat there and enjoyed it. "

The Panamanian's face was yellow as he managed to enunciate:

"Eempossible! It is terrible to conceive!"

Kirk made a threatening movement in the Spaniard's direction, despite the half-dozen soldiers, but Edith Cortlandt checked him. 

"Wait, please, " she said. Then to the commandant: "This is aserious matter, and if what he says is true, your government willfind itself in trouble. "

"But we 'ave no idea he is frien' of yours. If he should only spikyour 'osban's name, all would be different. For my part, I canprove he is treat' with the 'ighes' courtesy an' kindness in mypresence. Every man in the prison will testify to those fac'. Ifsoch indignity 'ave be' shown, there shall be investigations. " Theunhappy officer's excitement was increasing, and he turned uponhis men as if to make good his word, when Cortlandt interposed:

"Why did you keep him locked up so long? Why didn't you try him?"

"Ah! For that I shall inquire also. I shall conduct investigationsin that respect as well. I am inform', 'owever, that the w'at youcall jodge is seeck. "

"We'll look into that later. We're here now to arrange for Mr. Anthony's release. "

"The alcalde will be please' to accommodate at the earlies'. Imyself shall see to it. To-morrow--"

"There will be no to-morrow about it, " Mrs. Cortlandt exclaimed, positively. "If you cannot arrange the bail yourself, my husbandwill take up the matter with the Zone Government, and ColonelJolson will call upon the President of the republic within anhour. He is waiting word from us now. "

Senor Ramon Alfarez became suddenly galvanized. He broke intoeffusive apologies for even so small a delay as had alreadyoccurred. He had not understood the matter to be so urgent, itseemed; but the wishes of his distinguished guests were his law, and perhaps he might hasten the wheels of progress if he tried. While, to be sure, no power was vested in him, and his willinghands were most miserably tied, nevertheless he would so farexceed his authority as to promise instant freedom to theprisoner. There were, of course, certain details to be observed, the necessity of which filled him with unspeakable regret; but ifhe might be excused--He hastened forth to set in motion the propermachinery, and while he was absent Kirk told his story. It leftthe woman white-lipped and incoherent, and roused even the icyCortlandt to genuine wrath. 

"Of course, " the latter said, "Alfarez will prove by his men thatit's all imagination on your part, and that your injuries weresustained at the time of your arrest. He'll assume a righteousindignation and start a Spiggoty investigation. You see, hisfather is the Governor of Panama Province and one of the strongestmen in the republic, so Ramon will probably make good hisposition. Even so, you may recover damages. "

"I don't want damages, " Kirk replied. "I want to get that Dago outalone some time. "

"For Heaven's sake, don't think of it!" Mrs. Cortlandt exclaimed. "All the American influence on the Isthmus wouldn't help you then. Fifty men would perjure themselves to convict you, and if yousucceeded in getting our government to interfere in time, Ramenhas fifty other men who would lie to any extent to injure anAmerican. "

"No. That method doesn't work here, " her husband agreed. "You'relucky to escape so easily. He will arrange bail, never fear, andyou will probably not come to trial. I doubt if you will ever hearanything more of the matter, provided you keep from furthertrouble. He'll never forgive you, of course, but that won't matterto you. "

The first part of Mr. Cortlandt's prediction was soon proved true, for the sick alcalde recovered sufficiently to appear on the scenewithin half an hour. Then, after much signing of officialdocuments and certain other formalities, Kirk Anthony walked outof the Colon jail in company with his friends. 

Allan was waiting at a safe distance from the municipal building, and on seeing his late companion at large he broke into thewildest rejoicing. He conjured a flow of tears, he fondled Kirk'shand in his own, he laughed, he sobbed, he sang. 

"Praise be to God!" he cried, loudly. "Free mon you, Masterh'Auntony. Glory, glory! My soul was in 'ell, sar. On my knees Ih'implored that fa-ast wretch to release you. "

His emotion appeared so genuine, his service had been so great, that the object of his adoration felt himself choke up. Of all thepeople Kirk had met since leaving home, this one had most occasionto blame him; yet the boy was in perfect transports of delight athis delivery. 

"Don't carry on so, " Kirk laughed, awkwardly. 

"Oh, boss, I feared they would h'assassinate you again. "

Anthony nodded grimly. "They did. "

"Oh, oh!" Allan gave himself over to a shrill frenzy and shook hisclenched fists at the jail in a splendidly tragic attitude. "Wretches! Murderers! 'Ell-ca-ats!"

"Sh-h! Don't make a scene on the street, " Mrs. Cortlandtcautioned. But the Jamaican would not allow the fine effect of hisrage to be lost. He clashed his white teeth, he rolled his eyesfearfully, and twisted his black features into the wildestexpressions of ferocity, crying:

"H'Allan will best them for that! Let 'im tear h'out their 'eartsby his fingers. So!" He made an eloquent gesture. "Blood! Blood!"

"Not so loud. A little pianissimo on the blood, " smiled Kirk. 

"H'Allan would die and kill himself for you, " the excited negroran on in an excess of loyalty. "Master h'Auntony fought thosewretches for I; I shall fight them for he. "

When he had finally been prevailed upon to exchange his martialthreats for a fresh paean of rejoicing, he fell in behind, declaring firmly that he intended to follow his new-found herowherever he might go, though the course laid were straight forthose infernal regions that played so large a part in his fancy. 

In the midst of Kirk's expressions of gratitude for the timelyintercession of Cortlandt and his wife, the former surprised himby saying, in a genuinely hearty tone:

"My wife has told me all about you, Anthony, and I want you tocome over to Panama as my guest until you hear from your father. "

When Kirk informed him of the cablegram that had cast him adriftin Panama, leading indirectly to his entanglement with the dignityof Ramon Alfarez and the Spanish law, Cortlandt replied, reassuringly:

"Oh, well, your father doesn't understand the facts in the case, that's all. You sit down like a sensible person and write himfully. It will be a great pleasure for us to have you at theTivoli in the mean time. "

Seeing a warm second to this invitation in Mrs. Cortlandt's eyes, Kirk accepted gracefully, explaining: "You know this is the firsttime I was ever up against hard luck, and I don't know just how toact. "

"We've missed the four-thirty-five, so we will have to return theway we came, " said Cortlandt. "I'd like to stop at Gatun on abusiness matter of some importance, and if you don't mind a half-hour's delay, we'll do so. "

Kirk expressed entire acquiescence in any plans that suited theconvenience of his rescuers, and the three pursued their way tothe station. But here an unexpected embarrassment arose. As theymade ready to board Colonel Jolson's motor-car, they were annoyedto find that Allan insisted on going, too. He insisted, moreover, in such extravagant fashion that Mrs. Cortlandt at last was movedto say: "For Heaven's sake, let the poor thing come along. " Andthereafter the Jamaican boy sat on the step of the machine, hishat in hand, his eyes rolled worshipfully upon the person of hishero, his shining face ever ready to break into a grin at a glancefrom Kirk. 

Once more the little automobile took on the dignity of a regulartrain and sped out of the network of tracks behind Colon. As itgained speed Mrs. Cortlandt, to divert her guest's mind from hisrecent ordeal, began to explain the points of interest as theypassed. She showed him the old French workings where a nation'shopes lay buried, the mechanical ruins that had cost a king'sransom, the Mount Hope Cemetery, whither daily trains had bornethe sacrifice before science had robbed the fever of its terrors. She told him, also, something of the railroad's history, how ithad been built to bridge the gap in the route to the Golden West, the manifold difficulties overcome in its construction, and thestupendous profits it had made. Having the blood of a railroad-builder in his veins, Anthony could not but feel the interest ofall this, though it failed to take his attention wholly from thewonders of the landscape that slipped by on either side. It washis first glimpse of tropic vegetation, and he used his eyes togood advantage, while he listened politely to his informant. 

The matted thickets, interlaced with vine and creeper, were allablaze with blossoms, for this was the wet season, in which natureruns riot. Great trees of strange character rose out of thetangle, their branches looped with giant cables and burdened withflowering orchids or half hidden beneath other parasites. On everyhand a vegetable warfare was in progress--a struggle for existencein which the strong overbore the weak--and every trunk wasdistorted by the scars of the battle. Birds of bright plumageflashed in the glades, giant five-foot lizards scuttled away intothe marshes or stared down from the overhanging branches. A vividodor of growing, blooming herbage reached the nostrils. 

Just as Kirk had made up his mind that he could sit and watch thisbrilliant panorama forever, the jungle suddenly fell away, and thecar sped up through low, grass-clad hills into a scattered cityflung against the side of a wide valley. There was no sign here ofLatin America; this was Yankeeland through and through. Thehouses, hundreds upon hundreds of them, were of the typical CanalZone architecture, double-galleried and screened from foundationto eaves, and they rambled over the undulating pasture land in amagnificent disregard of distance. Smooth macadam roads wound backand forth, over which government wagons rolled, drawn by sleekarmy mules; flower gardens blazed forth in gorgeous colors; womenand children, all clean and white and American, were sitting uponthe porches or playing in the yards. Everywhere was a militaryneatness; the town was like the officers' quarters of a fort, thewhole place spick and span and neatly groomed. 

Colon had been surprisingly clean, but it was an unnaturalcleanliness, as if the municipality had been scrubbed against itswill. Gatun was to the manner born. 

"Yonder are the locks. " Cortlandt pointed to the west, and Kirksaw below him an impressive array of pyramidal steel towers, fromthe pinnacles of which stretched a spider's web of cables. Beneaththis, he had a glimpse of some great activity, but his view wasquickly cut off as the motor-car rumbled into a modern railwaystation. 

"I'd like to have a. Look at what's going on over yonder, " hesaid. 

"You will have time, " Cortlandt answered. "Edith will show youabout while I run in on Colonel Bland. "

Out through the station-shed Kirk's hostess led him, then across alevel sward, pausing at length upon the brink of a mighty chasm. It took him a moment to grasp the sheer magnitude of the thing;then he broke into his first real expression of wonder:

"Why, I had no idea--Really, this is tremendous. "

At his feet the earth opened in a giant, man-made canon, runningfrom the valley above, through the low ridge and out below. Withinit an army was at work. Along the margins of the excavation ransteel tracks, upon which were mounted the movable towers he hadseen from a distance. These tapering structures bore aloft long, tautly drawn wire cables, spanning the gorge and supporting greatbuckets which soared at regular intervals back and forth, bearingconcrete for the work below. Up and out of the depths tremendouswalls were growing like the massive ramparts of a mediaeval city;tremendous steel forms, braced and trussed and reinforced towithstand the weight of the countless tons, stood in regularpatterns. In the floor of the chasm were mysterious pits, blacktunnel mouths, in and out of which men crept like ants. Far acrosson the opposite lip of the hill, little electric trains sped toand fro, apparently without the aid of human hands. Everywhere wasa steady, feverish activity. 

From the commanding eminence where the sightseers stood thespectacle was awe-inspiring; for though the whole vast work layspread out beneath them in what looked like a hopeless confusion, yet as their eyes followed it a great and magic system becamemanifest. The whole organism seemed animate with some slow, intricate intelligence. The metal skips careening across thosedizzy heights regulated their courses to a hand's-breadth, deposited their burdens carefully, then hurried back for more; theshuttle trains that dodged about so feverishly, untended andunguided, performed each some vital function. The greatconglomerate body was dead, yet it pulsated with a life of itsown. Its effect of being governed by a single indwelling mind ofsuperhuman capacity was overpowering. 

Kirk heard Mrs. Cortlandt explaining: "The ships will steam upfrom the sea through the dredged channel you see over yonder, thenthey will be raised to the level of the lake. "

"What lake?"

"That valley"--she indicated the tropical plain between the hills, wherein floating dredges were at work--"will be an inland sea. Those forests will be under water. "

"Where is the Gatun dam I've heard so much about?"

She pointed out a low, broad ridge or hog-back linking the hillstogether. 

"That is it. It doesn't look much like a dam, does it? But it isall hand-made. Those are rock trains out there, from Culebra. "

"Oh, now I understand. Gee whiz, but this job is a whopper! Say, this is great!" Mrs. Cortlandt smiled. "It does wake up yourpatriotism, doesn't it? I'm glad to have a hand in building it. "

"Are you helping to dig this canal?" Anthony regarded the womancuriously. She seemed very cool and well-dressed and independentfor one engaged in actual work. 

"Of course! Even though I don't happen to run a steam-shovel. "

"Will they really finish it? Won't something happen?"

"It is already dug. The rest is merely a matter of excavation andconcrete. The engineering difficulties have all been solved, andthe big human machine has been built up. What is more important, the country is livable at last. Over at Ancon Hospital there is aquiet, hard-working medical man who has made this thing possible. When the two oceans are joined together, and the job is finished, his will be the name most highly honored. "

"It must be nice to do something worth while, " Anthony mused, vaguely. 

"To do anything, " his companion observed, with a shade of meaning;then: "It is amusing to look back on the old Spanish statementthat it would be impious to unite two oceans which the Creator ofthe world had separated. "

Noting that the sun was setting beyond the distant jungles and thecanon at his feet was filling with shadows, Kirk remarked, "Itmust be nearly time they quit work. "

"This work doesn't stop. When it grows dark the whole place is litby electricity, and the concrete continues to pour in just thesame. It is wonderful then--like the mouth of a volcano. Batteriesof search-lights play upon the men; the whole sky is like afurnace. You can see it for miles. Now I think we had better goback to the car. "

In spite of his bodily misery, that night ride impressed itselfstrongly upon Anthony's mind. The black mystery of the jungles, the half-suggested glimpses of river and hill, the towns thatflashed past in an incandescent blaze and were buried again in thevelvet blackness, the strange odors of a new land riotous in itstime of growth, all combined to excite his curiosity and desirefor closer knowledge. And then the crowning luxury of a bath, clean clothes, and a good meal on white linen and china! As hedropped asleep that night he reflected contentedly that, afterall, things have a way of coming right in this world for those whoaccept them cheerfully as they come. 

X

A CHANGE OF PLAN

On the following morning Kirk despatched a long letter to hisfather, explaining, as well as he could, how he came to be inPanama, and giving a detailed account of the events that hadbefallen him since his arrival. He would have preferred to cablethis message collect, but Mrs. Cortlandt convinced him that heowed a fuller explanation than could well be sent over the wires. Although he took this means of relieving his father's anxiety, hewas far from resigning himself to a further delay of his return. On the contrary, he at once began an inquiry as to sailing dates, discovering, to his intense disgust, that no ship was scheduled toleave for New York within several days. He planned to borrow thepassage money from his friends, when the time came, and accompanyhis letter northward. Meanwhile he devoted his time to sight-seeing with his hostess. 

The city was old, there were many places of historic interest, and, although Kirk cared little for such things, he found it easyto assume the virtue he did not possess. Moreover, there wassomething contagious in his companion's enthusiasm. Almost againsthis will he felt his appreciation growing, as he listened to hercasual comments on the scenes they visited. Her husband, whoseemed busily engaged in work that barely allowed him time for hismeals, seldom accompanied them on their excursions, and the twowere thrown much into each other's society. 

Edith Cortlandt was a woman very sure of herself in most things. Asituation that might have proved embarrassing to one less tactfulshe accepted quite as a matter of course, rather enjoying theexercise of her influence, and never doubting her power to keepthe friendship on any footing she chose. Kirk's frank, boyishgratitude for the favors he had received made it easy for her toencourage the growth of an intimacy that she acknowledgedcharming, while she sincerely believed that he would be helped byit. Finding him responsive, she deliberately set herself to pleasehim. She studied him covertly and set her moods to match his--nota difficult task, since he was merely a normal, healthy young man. Always faultless in her attire, she took even more than ordinarypains with her appearance, and it was not long before Kirk wasnaively surprised to find that she no longer seemed older than he--that she was, in fact, an exceedingly handsome woman. Thisgradual metamorphosis depended more than anything else, perhaps, upon the girlish humor that now possessed her. She was no longerbrilliant and chilly, but gay, smiling, and unaffected. 

Daytimes, they rambled about the crooked streets, bargain-huntingin the Chinese shops, or drove beneath the stately royal palms ofAncon; evenings, they loitered about the cool verandas of theTivoli or strolled down into the town to watch the crowds in theplazas. Once in a while Cortlandt went with them, but he wasusually uncommunicative, and they scarcely felt his presence. Onthe few occasions when he gave himself rein, Kirk was compelled tofeel for him a surprised and half-grudging respect. Unlike mostsilent men, when he did talk he talked easily and well. 

Several days passed thus, during which Anthony fully recoveredfrom his experience at Colon. Then a ship arrived from New York, but before he had summoned courage to ask his friends for a loanhe received, a letter forwarded from Colon by the American consul, a perusal of which not only dumfounded him, but entirely alteredhis plans. 

It was typewritten, on plain stationery; there was neither headingnor signature, yet he knew quite well from whom it came. It readas follows:

 Don't cable again, or the stupidity of the police may fail to protect you. The others got away safely and you would be mad to return alone. I can't and won't help you now. This time you went too far. You have made your bed, now lie in it. I don't believe in miracles, but if you can straighten up and make a man of yourself, I'll help you face this trouble; otherwise don't call on me for anything. I'm through. 

Kirk reread this amazing epistle several times before its fullsignificance struck him; then, when he realized what it meant, hefelt himself break into a sweat of apprehension. That plain-clothes man had died! The police were looking for him. There couldbe no other explanation, else why had Higgins and the rest fledthe country? Why had his father been so cautious in communicatingwith him? If it came to a trial, undoubtedly a jury would find himequally guilty with Higgins, for he had held the poor fellow'shands; it was he who had engineered the whole episode. Perhaps hewas already indicted. Kirk saw himself accused of manslaughter, arrested, and tried. What could he do if his father refused tohelp? With money, almost anything could be achieved; without it, and particularly without his father's influence, what wouldhappen? Evidently the Governor believed him guilty. In that casethe young man knew that explanations would be futile. Even theletter he had sent would do no good. When Darwin K. Anthony saidhe was through, he was through. 

Finding a secluded corner of the veranda, he sat down to thinkthis matter out; but the more he reflected on it the more seriousit appeared. Of one thing he became quickly convinced: New York atpresent was no place for him. A moment ago it seemed far away andextremely desirable, now it was altogether too close at hand andmost undesirable. His father's reference to the stupidity of thepolice persuaded him finally that his whereabouts were unknown, but how long they would remain so was of course a question. It wasuseless to attempt further concealment. In the first place, helacked means of moving, nor could he conceal his identity under anassumed name while he remained in Panama, for he had alreadyadvertised himself too well for that. Besides, the idea of hidingdid not appeal to him. He decided to face it out, therefore, hoping sometime to get to the bottom of the affair. If he werearrested meanwhile, he would have to locate Ringold or Higgins, orsome of the others, and prove that he had not run away frompunishment. It would be difficult to verify the extravagant storyof his kidnapping, of course, but--there was nothing else to do. He rose quickly and entered the hotel, where he bought all thelatest New York papers. It was not long before he found the thinghe was seeking. There it was, a story headed:

 SALOON-KEEPER TO LOSE LICENSE

 OWNER OF NOTORIOUS AUSTRIAN VILLAGE IN TROUBLE

There followed an account of Mr. Padden's efforts to disprove hisconnection with an assault upon the person of a detective namedWilliams, who had come from St. Louis; but nowhere was there aword about the present condition of the plain-clothes man, nor theslightest hint toward explaining the conduct of the mysteriousJefferson Locke for whom he had been searching. Who the devil wasLocke, anyhow? The article did not even state the charge uponwhich he was to be arrested. In another paper Kirk found somethingthat relieved his mind a bit: evidently Williams had not diedprior to the time of going to press, although he was reported in acritical condition. Kirk was interested to read that the policehad a clew to the identity of the criminals and were confident ofsoon rounding them up. What mystified him most was the lack ofdetail. Evidently much had been printed previously, but he had nomeans of ascertaining what it was. 

He spent an hour in serious thought, perhaps the first full hourhe had ever passed so profitably. At the end of that time he hadarrived at little save a vague feeling of offence toward thefather who had been so ready to condemn him. In one way he did notblame the old gentleman for refusing aid. This episode was theculmination of a long series of reckless exploits. Mr. Anthony hadargued, threatened, even implored with tears in his eyes, all tono purpose. Just the same, it hurt to have one's father so willingto believe the worst. The two had never understood each other;they did not understand each other now. And they might have beensuch good pals! Darwin K. Did not believe in miracles--Well, perhaps Kirk was hopelessly bad. The young man did not care much, one way or the other; but he shut his teeth grimly and wagered hecould make good if he really chose to try. He half decided to makethe experiment just to show what he could do, but he was at a losswhere to begin. Anybody could be successful who really wanted to--every book said that; the hard part was to get started. 

One thing was clear, at least: he could stay here no longer as theCortlandts' guest--he had already incurred an obligation which hewould have difficulty in discharging. Yet how could he explain hischange of front? Mrs. Cortlandt, he felt sure, would understandand come to his assistance with good advice, but he shrankinstinctively from laying the facts before her husband. It was adeuced unpleasant necessity, and he detested unpleasantnecessities--necessities of any sort, in fact. Still, there wasnothing else for it, so, conquering his sense of humiliation asbest he could, he called up the Cortlandts' suite. 

Edith answered, saying that her husband was out; then, in responseto his request, she came down herself. 

"What has gone wrong? Why this face of tragedy?" she inquired, asshe seated herself beside him. 

"I've received my Declaration of Independence. I've heard from mydad. "

A look of quick understanding drove away the smile she had broughthim, and her manner was one of grave sympathy as she took theletter he handed her. 

She was clad in a crisp morning gown he had never seen, and hethought it became her extremely well. She looked very cool, veryfresh, very much the fine lady. All in all, she seemed a personwhose friendly interest might compensate for many woes. 

"Well!" she remarked. "You do seem to be in trouble. What does itmean?"

Kirk told her everything without reserve, then showed her thenewspapers in his hand. She scrutinized them with a quietseriousness that seemed to make his trouble her own. "After all, "she said at last, "if worse comes to worst, you can prove yourinnocence. "

"I'm not so sure. "

"Nonsense! Those boys can be found. What puzzles me is that Lockeperson. Who is he? Why was he followed? What has become of him?"

"I wish I knew. "

"I can have inquiries made, but it will take time. Meanwhile, itseems you are safe, so the one important fact for the moment isthat you are cast off. " Turning her bright eyes upon him, sheinquired, "How does it feel to be disinherited?"

"Blamed uncomfortable! I must tell Mr. Cortlandt at once. "

"Let me, " she offered, quickly. "I would not show any one thatletter, if I were you, nor advertise the fact that you are indanger of arrest. It will be quite enough if I tell him that youhave quarrelled with your father--he is a peculiar man. "

Kirk signified his agreement. 

"Now what do you intend doing?" she asked him. 

"I'm going to work. "

"Good! Good!" She clapped her hands gleefully. 

"Oh, I don't WANT to, " he protested, "but the old gentleman thinksI'm no good, and I'd like to show him he's wrong. After I've donethat, I intend to loaf again--yes, and I'll know how to loaf bythat time. Of course, I'll have to pay my debts, too. "

"Poor Mr. Weeks!"

"Why poor?"

"He is terribly agitated to learn that we came to your rescue. Heknows now that he really entertained an angel unaware, and hisgrief of soul is comical. "

"Weeks isn't such a bad sort. "

But her eyes showed a sudden flash of anger as she returned: "Hedeserves to be forced out of the service. "

"That wouldn't do any good. His successor might be worse. "

"Haven't you any resentment? I dislike placid people!"

"Plenty! If I get a crack at Alfarez---"

"Now don't allow your mind to dwell on that, " she cautioned. "Ithink he is riding to a fall, as it is. What do you want to do?"

"Anything. I'm going to hunt a job this afternoon. "

"What sort?"

"Something with big pay and no responsibility. "

"Those positions are taken--by the army, " she laughed. "What canyou do?"

"I can take an automobile apart. "

"And put it together again?"

"Oh no! I can sail a boat; I shoot pretty well; I waltz nicely; Irow, swim, and box indifferently; and I play an atrocious hand atpoker. "

Mrs. Cortlandt nodded gravely. "You are also good company, youdress well, and you are an ornament to any hotel porch. "

"Naturally, I refrained from mentioning those things, but, inaddition, I smoke, drink, and swear. I am unsteady in my habits, and require a great deal of sleep. I think that completes theinventory. "

"Of course, you will live beyond your salary?"

"Undoubtedly. "

"Seriously, now, don't you really---?"

"Go ahead. Say it! Don't I know anything? No. I am too highlyeducated. You see, I took the full college course. "

She drew her sharply pencilled brows together and pursed her lipsin meditation, regarding him meanwhile with a, look that was notall disapproval. 

"Am I hopeless?" he inquired at length. 

"Dear, no! Experience is a good thing, of course, and ability iseven better, but neither is absolutely necessary in governmentwork. "

"Oh!"

"Provided---"

"What?"

"--You have influence. I was merely trying to think of the nicheinto which you would best fit. "

"When a fellow hasn't any of those qualifications, then what? Takeme, for instance. "

"You have at least one. "

"Which one?"

"Influence. "

He shook his head. "My father wouldn't help. "

"We'll have no difficulty in finding you a position. "

"Jove! That's good news. " He beamed at her with gratifiedsurprise. "I had an idea I'd be going from door to door. "

"How ridiculous! This is a government job; therefore it issaturated with politics. There are a great many good men on it, but there are also a large number of 'somebody's relatives. ' Doyou understand? Anything is possible here for a man withinfluence. If he has ability with it, he can go to the top. If helacks ability--well, even then he can go to the top--it dependsentirely upon the influence. "

"But I haven't any--" Kirk began. Then, catching her look, heexclaimed: "Oh, say! WILL you help me? Really? That's too good tobe true. "

He shook her hand warmly, that being the natural outlet for hisgratitude, and she smiled at him. "I wonder where I'd better startin, " he said. 

"There's not the slightest choice. All paths lead up the mountain, and if you go far enough you will reach the top. It would be quiteeasy if you knew something about the railroad business, forinstance. "

"Oh, I do. I've had that drilled into me ever since I was a child. I grew up with it--was soaked in it. My father made me learntelegraphy before he gave me a motor-boat. "

"Why in the world didn't you say so?"

"Well, I have forgotten most of it, " he confessed. "I had arailroad of my own, too, when I was twelve years old. I waspresident. "

"Indeed!"

"I suppose it was in my blood. We kids stole the lumber for atrack, and I got a hand-car from dad. We formed a closecorporation, and, when another boy wanted to join, we made him goforth and steal enough boards to extend the line. We finally hadnearly two miles, altogether, with switches, sidings, yards, andeverything; then the fences in that neighborhood gave out. It wasa gravity road--yes, there was extreme gravity in everydepartment--we'd push the car up and ride down. We had a telephonesystem and semaphores, and ran on orders just like a real train. Grown people heard about it, and paid us five cents a ride, so webegan to declare dividends every Saturday. Oh, it was a greatsuccess. We had a complete organization, too; president, directors, conductors, section-hands--the section-hands did allthe work and rode between times. "

"What happened to it?"

"One day we ran into a cow and broke the vice-president's leg. Theboard of directors also had his ear cut, and the indignantneighbors began to reclaim their fences. We lost a mile of trackin one afternoon, and father decided it would be better for me togo to boarding-school. It was safer. "

"I'll warrant you learned the rudiments of railroading, just thesame. "

"I learned everything, " Kirk announced, decisively. 

"Unfortunately, the P. R. R. Has a president, so we can't start youin where you left off. "

"He might need an assistant. "

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed lightly. "While we are finding that out, "she said, "I think you had better go over the line in daylight andreally see what this work is like. That glimpse you had at Gatunis only a small part. Now, will you trust me to manage this foryou, Mr. Anthony?"

"I should say I would, and I can't begin to tell you--"

"Oh, it's nothing. " She rose to put her plans promptly intooperation, this time extending her hands with the words: "Let mecongratulate you. I really believe you are waking up, and withoutthe woman's aid. "

"But the woman is aiding me, " he replied, warmly. "She's doing itall. You have started me moving, and I'll never be able to thankyou. " Then, as her eyes flashed to his with a look he had neverseen before, he added: "Understand, though, I am going to workonly because I must. I detest it. "

XI

THE TRUTH ABOUT MRS. CORTLANDT

Edith Cortlandt was not the sort to permit delay. At lunch sheintroduced Kirk to the Master of Transportation of the PanamaRailroad, saying:

"Mr. Runnels has offered to take you out through the Cut thisafternoon, and explain the work to you. "

Runnels, a straight, well-set-up, serious young man, bent asearching look upon Kirk, as he said, "Mrs. Cortlandt tells meyou're going to be one of us. "

"Yes. "

The Master of Transportation took in the applicant fully, thennodded his head as if pleased with his inspection. 

"That's good. "

Anthony was drawn to the speaker instantly, for there was noaffectation about him. He was straightforward and open, littlegiven to the kind of small talk that serves in so many cases toconceal character. He produced the effect of a busy and forcefulman; one could feel energy radiating from him, and his voice had aring of authority. Like every one down here who was doingsomething, he talked of little besides the Big Job, even when Mr. Cortlandt joined the trio. As the two younger men rose to leave, Edith playfully admonished him to teach his protege the entiredetail of the railroad business and have him back in time fordinner, to which he agreed. 

"She's wonderful, " he remarked a moment later, as he and Kirkdescended the hotel steps together. "She told Colonel Jolson he'djust have to find you a position, and I have been delegated toshow you about. "

"You don't say. I supposed there were plenty of openings. "

"Not good ones. However, she usually gets what she wants. If I'mnot a good guide, you must put it down to inexperience. "

"The Cortlandts seem to have considerable influence for outsiders. I thought I'd have to begin at the bottom. "

Runnels glanced at his companion quickly. 

"Outsiders! You don't call them outsiders?"

"I never quite figured out who they are. Funny, by-the-way, howeverybody says 'they' in referring to them. "

"Oh, she's the whole team. Cortlandt's a nice fellow--but--Did youreally think that she'd let you start at the bottom?"

"Why, yes. "

"I guess you don't know her. "

"You're right; I do not. "

"Well, she knows everybody and everything in this country. She'sthe whole diplomatic service. Take the Colombian trouble, forinstance--"

"What trouble?"

"When Panama seceded. She manipulated that, or at least SteveCortlandt did under her direction. She was the brains of the wholeaffair, however, and those New York lawyers merely did what shetold them. It was one of the cleverest exploits on record. Colombia wouldn't let us build the Canal, so Panama seceded. Warwas declared, but the United States interfered in time to preventbloodshed. One Chinaman was killed, I believe, by dropping a flat-iron on his toe, or something, and by the time the excitement haddied out we had begun digging. She knows Central America like thepalm of her hand. When she says Kirk Anthony wants a position, wehirelings jump about and see that he gets it. Oh, you'll have anyjob you want. "

"Well!" The recipient of this good news congratulated himselfsilently. "I wish you'd tell me something more about her. "

"There isn't time just now; our motor is waiting. But we have thewhole afternoon ahead of us. "

The two passed through the railroad gates and took their places inthe little car. When they were under way, Runnels went on: "I'msupposed to show you this end of the work and tell you what it allmeans. "

"Then please start at the beginning. You see, I probably know lessabout it than anybody living. "

"Of course you know the general lay-out?"

"I tell you I don't know a thing. There's no use four-flushing. "

Runnels smiled at this candor. "Well, the ditch will be aboutfifty miles long, and, roughly speaking, the work is in threeparts--the dredging and harbor-building at sea-level on each endof the Canal, the lock-work, and the excavations on the upperlevels. That dam you saw building at Gatun will form a lake aboutthirty miles long--quite a fish-pond, eh? When a west-bound shiparrives, for instance, it will be raised through the Gatun locks, three of them, and then sail along eighty-five feet above theocean, across the lake and into a channel dug right through thehills, until it reaches the locks at Pedro Miguel. Then it will belowered to a smaller lake five miles long, then down again to thelevel of the Pacific. An east-bound ship will reverse the process. Get the idea?"

"Sure. It sounds easy. "

"Oh, it's simple enough. That's what makes it so big. We've beenworking at it five years, and it will take five years more tocomplete it. Before we began, the French had spent about twentyyears on the job. Now a word, so you will have the general schemeof operation in your head. The whole thing is run by the IsthmianCanal Commission--six men, most of whom are at war with oneanother. There are really two railroad systems--the I. C. C. , built to haul dirt and rock and to handle materials in and out ofthe workings, and the Panama Railroad, which was built years agoduring the California gold rush and bought by our government atthe time of that terrible revolution I told you about. The latteris a regular system, hauls passengers and freight, but the twowork together. You will start in with the P. R. R. , Mr. Anthony, under my despotic sway. "

"I know a little about railroading. "

"So much the better. There's a big railroad man by your name inthe States. Are you related?"

"I believe so, " Kirk answered, quietly. "Go ahead with thelesson. "

"The Canal Zone is a strip of land ten miles wide running acrossthe Isthmus--really an American colony, you know, for we governit, police it, and all that. As for the work itself, well, thefellows at the two ends of the Canal are dredging night and day tocomplete their part, the lock-builders are laying concrete likemad to get their share done first, the chaps in the big cut areboring through the hills like moles and breaking steam-shovelrecords every week, while we railroad men take care of the wholeshooting-match. Of course, there are other departments--sanitary, engineering, commissary, and so forth--all doing their share; butthat is the general scheme. Everybody is trying to break records. We don't think of anything except our own business. Each fellowbelieves the fate of the Canal depends upon him. We've lostinterest in everything except this ditch, and while we realizethat there is such a place as home, it has become merely a spotwhere we spend our vacations. They have wars and politics andtheatres and divorces out there somewhere, but we don't care. We've lost step with the world, we've dropped out. When thenewspapers come, the first thing we look for is the Panama news. We're obsessed by this job. Even the women and the children feelit--you'll feel it as soon as you become a cog in the machine. Polite conversation at dinner is limited to tons of rock and yardsof concrete. Oh, but I'm tired of this concrete talk. "

"Try the abstract for a change. "

"It's interesting at first, then it gets tiresome. Lord! It'sfierce. "

"The work, too?"

"Everything! Every day you do the same thing; every day you seethe same faces, hear the same talk; even the breeze blows from thesame direction all the time, and the temperature stays at the samemark winter and summer. Every time you go out you see the samecoach-drivers, the same Spiggoty policemen leaning against thesame things; every time you come in you eat the same food, drinkthe same liquor, sit in the same chair, and talk about the sametopics. Everything runs too smoothly. The weather is too damnednice. The thermometer lacks originality. We're too comfortable. Climate like that gets on a white man's nerves; he needs physicaldiscomfort to make him contented. I'd give a forty-dollar dog tobe good and cold and freeze my nose. Why, Doctor Gorgas has madeus so sanitary that we can't even get sick. I'd hail an epidemicas a friend. 

"It's even harder on the women folks, for they can't find anythingto kick about, so they fuss with one another and with us. Theyhave clubs, you know, to improve things, but there's nothing toimprove. We had a social war recently over a button. One cliquewanted a club emblem that would cost a dollar and a half, whilethe other faction were in favor of a dollar button. I tell you, itwas serious. Then, too, we're all tagged and labelled like cans ofsalmon with the price-mark on--we can't four-flush. You can tell aman's salary by the number of rocking-chairs in his house, and thewife of a fellow who draws eighteen hundred a year can't associatewith a woman whose husband makes twenty-five hundred. They arevery careful about such things. We go to the same dances on thesame dates, we dance with the same people to the same tunes by thesame band, and when we get off in some corner of the same verandain search of the same old breeze, which we know is blowing atprecisely the same velocity from the usual quarter, our partnerstell us that Colonel So-and-So laid four hundred twenty-seven morecubic yards of concrete this week than last, or that Steam ShovelNumber Twenty-three broke the record again by eighty yards. It'shell!" He stopped, breathless. 

"Why don't you quit?" suggested Anthony. 

"Quit! What for? Good Lord! We LIKE it. Here we are at PedroMiguel, by-the-way. We'll be into the Cut shortly. "

To his left Anthony beheld another scene somewhat similar to theone at Gatun. Other movable steel cranes, with huge wide-flungarms, rose out of another chasm in which were extensive concreteworkings. From a distance the towers resembled parts of a half-constructed cantilever bridge of tremendous height. Another armywas toiling at the bottom of the pit, more cars shunted back andforth, more rock-crushers rumbled; but, before Kirk's eye hadphotographed more than a small part, the motor-car had sped pastand was rolling out upon a bridge spanning the Canal itself. Tothe northward appeared an opening cut through the hills, andRunnels said, simply:

"Culebra!"

A moment later he announced: "We leave the P. R. R tracks here andswitch in on the I. C. C. Now you'll begin to see something. "

Down into the Cut the little car went, and at last Anthony saw theactive pulsating heart of this stupendous undertaking. The lowrange was severed by a gorge blasted out by human hands. It was amountain valley in the making. High up on its sides were dirt androck trains, dozens of compressed-air drills, their sparsresembling the masts of a fleet of catboats at anchor--behindthese, grimy, powerful steam shovels which rooted and gruntedquite like iron hogs. Along the tracks at various levels flowed aconstant current of traffic; long lines of empty cars crept pastthe shovels, then, filled to overflowing, sped away northward upthe valley, to return again and again. Nowhere was there anyidleness, nowhere a cold machine or a man at rest. On every handwas smoke and steam and sweat. The drills chugged steadily, thehungry iron hogs gouged out the trails the drills had loosened, the trains rolled past at intervals of a moment or so. Lines ofelectric wire, carried upon low wooden "shears, " paralleled thetracks, bearing the white-hot sparks that rent the mountain. Atevery switch a negro flagman crouched beneath a slanting sheet ofcorrugated iron, seeking shelter alike from flying fragments andthe blazing sun. From beneath the drills came occasionalsubterranean explosions; then geysers of muddy water rose in theair. Under the snouts of the steam shovels "dobe" shots went offas bowlders were riven into smaller fragments. Now and then anexcited tooting of whistles gave warning of a bigger blast as theflagmen checked the flow of traffic, indicating with arms upraisedthat the ground was "coming up. " Thereupon a brief lull occurred;men hid themselves, the work held its breath, as it were. Butwhile the detonations still echoed, and before the flying missileshad ceased to shower, the human ants were moiling at their hillsonce more, the wheels were turning again, the jaws of the ironhogs were clanking. 

Through this upheaval the motor-car penetrated, dodging trains of"flats, " which moved sluggishly to afford them passage up and downover the volcanic furrows at the bottom of the gorge or along someshelf beneath which the foundations were being dug. At times ashovel reached out its five-yard steel jaw and gently cleared therails of debris, or boosted some bowlder from the path with allthe skill of a giant hand and fingers. Up and down the canonrolled spasmodic rumblings, like broadsides from a fleet ofbattle-ships. 

"Somebody with a head for figures has estimated what it costs thegovernment to send a motor-car like this through the Cut inworking hours, " Runnels said. "I don't remember the exact amount, but it was some thousands of dollars. "

"Delays to trains, I suppose?"

"Yes. A minute here, thirty seconds there. Every second means acertain number of cubic yards unremoved, and holds back theopening of the Canal just so much. You have postponed a greatevent several minutes, Mr. Anthony. "

"It's the first important thing I ever did. "

"Our little nine-mile trip will cost Uncle Sam more than a braceof tickets from New York to 'Frisco and back again, includingPullmans and travelling expenses. "

Mile after mile the sight-seers rolled on, past scenes of never-varying activity--past more shovels, more groups of drills, moredirt trains, more regiments of men--Runnels explaining. Kirkmarvelling until he was forced to exclaim:

"I had no idea it was so big. It doesn't seem as if they'd everfinish it. "

"Oh, we'll finish it if we're let alone. Every year, you know, wereceive a batch of senators and congressmen who come down to'inspect' and 'report. ' Sometimes they spend as much as a week onthe job, and frequently learn to distinguish which is the Gatundam and which the Culebra cut, but not always. Some of them don'tknow yet. Nevertheless, they return to Washington and tell us howto proceed. Having discovered that the Panama climate is good andthe wages high, they send down all their relatives. It's too badColonel Gorgas did away with the yellow fever. 

"You see there is too much politics in it; we never know how longour jobs will last. If some senator whose vote is needed on anadministration matter wanted my position for his wife's brother, he could get it. Suppose the president of the Clock-Winders' Unionwanted to place his half-sister's husband with the P. R. R. He'dcall at the White House and make his request. If he were refused, he'd threaten to call a strike of his union and stop every clockon the Isthmus. He'd get the job all right. "

"Of course, that is an exaggeration. "

"Not at all. It has been done--is being done right along. Thehalf-sister's husband comes down here and takes a job away fromsome fellow who may be entitled to promotion. "

"I suppose I'm an example. "

Runnels looked at him squarely before answering, "You are, " saidhe, "although I wasn't thinking of you when I spoke. It'ssomething we all feel, however. "

Anthony flushed as he answered: "I don't remember ever takinganything I wasn't entitled to, and I didn't think when I wasshoved in here that I'd shove some other fellow out. "

"That's about what will happen. The good positions are filled bygood men, for the most part, but Mrs. Cortlandt has asked it, andyou're elected. You don't mind my frankness, I hope?"

"Certainly not. I just didn't happen to look at it in this light. "Kirk felt a vivid sense of discomfort as the keen eyes of hiscompanion dwelt upon him. "As a matter of fact, I dare say I don'tneed a good job half as badly as some of these married fellows. Isuppose there is room at the bottom, and a fellow can work up?"

"If he has it in him. "

"I think I'll start there. "

"Oh, come, now, " laughed the Master of Transportation, "that sortof thing isn't done. You have the chance, and you'd be foolish tolet it slip. I don't blame you; I'd do the same under thecircumstances. It's merely a condition we've all got to face. "

"Just the same, I don't like the idea. I'd feel uncomfortable if Imet some capable fellow whom I'd robbed of his chance. It's hardwork to be uncomfortable, and I don't like hard work, you know. "

Runnels shook his head doubtfully as if questioning thegenuineness of this attitude. 

"I'm afraid you're a poor business man, " he said. 

"Rotten!" Kirk admitted. "But I've an idea I can make good if Itry. "

"If you feel that way, I certainly will help you, " said the other, warmly. "Of course, I'll try to help you anyhow, but--I like yourspirit. With Mrs. Cortlandt to back me up, I'll see you go forwardas fast as you deserve. "

By now they were out of the Cut and once more upon the main lineat Bas Obispo, heading back toward the Pacific. 

"You asked me to tell you something about her, " Runnels continued. 

"Yes. "

"I'm not sure my information is entirely correct, but, knowing whoshe is, I think I understand why she is in Panama. It is politics--big politics. The Spiggoties have an election next year, and itis necessary to get our wires well laid before it comes off. General Alfarez will probably be the next president. "

"Alfarez! Not Ramon?"

"His father. You know we Americans occupy a peculiar positionhere, set down as we are in the midst of an alien people who hateus. Oh, they hate us, all right--all except a few of the betterclass. "

"Why?"

"There are a good many reasons. For one thing, there's a sort ofracial antipathy. You don't like them, do you? Well, they don'tlike you, either, and the same feeling exists from Mexico toPatagonia, although it is strongest in these regions. It is partlythe resentment of an inferior race, I suppose. Then, too, when westole Panama we made the Colombians sore, and all Central Americabesides, for they realized that once we Yankees got a footholdhere we'd hang on and not only dominate this country but all theneighboring republics as well. That's just what we're beginning todo; that's why the Cortlandts are here. The stage is clearing fora big political drama, Mr. Anthony, which may mean the end ofLatin Central America. "

"I had gathered something of the sort--but I had no idea there wasso much in it. "

"The United States must protect its Canal, and to that end it isbuilding 'stone quarries' on Ancon Hill which are reallyfortifications. American capital is coming in here, too, and inorder to protect the whole thing we must dominate Panama itself. Once that is done, all the countries between here and the Texasborder will begin to feel our influence. Why, Costa Rica isalready nothing but a fruit farm owned by a Boston corporation. Ofcourse, nobody can forecast the final result, but the Mexicans, the Hondurans, the Guatemalans, and the others have begun to feelit, and that's why the anti-American sentiment is constantlygrowing. You don't read much about it in the papers, but just livehere for a while and you'll find out. "

"Oh, I have, " Kirk acknowledged, dryly. "But we don't want thesejungle countries. "

"That's where you're wrong. By-and-by we'll need room to expand, and when that time comes we'll move south, not north or west. Tropical America is richer than all our great Northwest, and we'llgrab it sooner or later. Meanwhile our far-sighted government issmoothing the way, and there's nobody better fitted for thepreliminary work than Mr. Stephen Cortlandt, of Washington, D. C. , husband and clerk of the smartest woman in the business ofchaperoning administrations. "

"Oh, see here, now, Cortlandt is more than a clerk. "

"He's an errand-boy. He knows it, she knows it, and a few otherpeople know it. He's the figurehead behind which she works. She'sa rich woman, she loves the game--her father was the greatestdiplomat of his time, you know--and she married Cortlandt so shecould play it. Any other man would have served as well, thoughI've heard that he showed promise before she blotted him out andabsorbed him. But now he's merely her power of attorney. "

Anthony pursed his lips into a whistle of astonishment. As usual, he reflected, his judgment had been strictly college-made. 

"It's been a good thing for him, " Runnels ran on, evidently warmedto his subject. "She's made his reputation; he has money andposition. For my part, I'd rather remain insignificant and have areal wife, even if she does have hysterics over a club button. "

"Don't they love each other?"

"Nobody knows. She's carved out of ice, and, as for him, well, gratitude is a good deal like rust--in time it destroys the thingit clings to. I suppose I'm talking too much, but others wouldtell you the same things. I consider her the smartest woman I evermet, and I admire her immensely. You are mighty fortunate to beher friend. She'll force you to the top in spite of yourself. "

"I'm not sure I like that. It doesn't sound good. "

"Oh, don't misconstrue what I've said, " Runnels hastened to add. "She isn't that sort. "

"I didn't mean that, " said Kirk, briefly, and lapsed into asilence from which he roused only to discuss the details of hiscoming work. 

 It was with quite a different eye that he looked upon his hostand hostess that evening. To his genuine liking for the latter wasnow added a worshipful admiration and a boyish gratification ather regard, which rather put her at a distance. When shequestioned him on their way to the Plaza for the band concertlater in the evening, he told her of his trip and of Runnels'kindness. 

"It's all settled, " said he. "I'm going to work in a few days astrain collector. "

"What?" Mrs. Cortlandt turned upon him sharply. "Runnels didn'toffer you that sort of position?" Her eyes were dark withindignation. Kirk promptly came to the defence of his new friend. 

"No, I asked for it. "

"Oh, I see. Well, he will do much better by you than that. "

"I don't want anything better to start with. "

"But, my dear boy, a collector is merely a conductor. He takestickets. "

"Sure! I can DO that. I might fail at something hard. "

"No, no, no! I'll see that you don't fail. Don't you understand?"

"I understand a lot more than I did, Mrs. Cortlandt. That's why Idon't want to rob some chap of a job he's entitled to, and Isha'n't. There's a collector quitting shortly. "

She stared at him curiously for a moment before inquiring:

"Is that really the reason, or do you think the work will beeasier?"

Kirk stirred uncomfortably. "Oh, I'm not trying to dodgeanything, " he maintained. "On the contrary, the most amazing thinghas happened--something I can't quite understand. I--I really wantto work. Funny, isn't it? I didn't know people ever got that way, but--I'd like to help build this Canal. "

"But a CONDUCTOR! Why, you're a gentleman. "

"My dad was a brakeman. "

"Don't be foolish. Runnels talks too much. He'll offer yousomething better than that. "

"The high-salaried positions are well filled now, and most of thefellows are married. "

"A new position will be created. "

But Kirk was obdurate. "I'd prefer to start in as confidentialadviser to the Canal Commission, of course, but I'd be a 'frost, 'and my father would say 'I told you so. ' I must make good for hissake, even if it's only counting cars or licking postage-stamps. Besides, it isn't exactly the square thing to take money for workthat somebody else does for you. When a man tried for the Yaleteam he had to play football, no matter who his people were. Ifsome capable chap were displaced to put in an incapable fellowlike me, he'd be sore, and so would his friends; then I'd have tolick them. We'd have a fine scrap, because I couldn't stand beingpointed out as a dub. No, I'll go in through the gate and pay myadmission. "

"Do you realize that you can't live at the Tivoli?"

"I hadn't thought about that, but I'll live where the otherfellows do. "

"No more good dinners, no drives and little parties like this. "

"Oh, now, you won't cut me out just because I pull bell-cords andyou pull diplomatic wires? Remember one of our champion pugilistswas once a sailor. "

Mrs. Cortlandt laughed with a touch of annoyance. 

"It is utterly ridiculous, and I can't believe you are inearnest. "

"I am, though. If I learn to be a good conductor, I'd like to stepup. I'm young. I can't go back to New York; there's plenty of timefor promotion. "

"Oh, you'll have every chance, " she declared. "But I think a fewweeks in cap and buttons will cure you of this quixotic sentiment. Meanwhile I must admit it is refreshing. " She stared unseeingly atthe street lights for a moment, then broke out as a new thoughtoccurred to her: "But see here, Kirk, don't the collectors live inColon?"

"I don't know, " he replied, startled and flattered by her first useof his given name. 

"I'll look it up to-morrow. You know I--Mr. Cortlandt and I willbe in Panama, and I prefer to have you here. You see, we can domore for you. " A little later she broke into a low laugh. 

"It seems strange to go driving with a conductor. "

As they reclined against the padded seat of their coach, lulled bythe strains of music that came to them across the crowded Plazaand argued their first difference, it struck the young man thatEdith Cortlandt was surprisingly warm and human for a woman ofice. He fully felt her superiority, yet he almost forgot it in thesense of cordial companionship she gave him. 

XII

A NIGHT AT TABOGA

Despite his great contentment in Mrs. Cortlandt's society, Kirkfound himself waiting with growing impatience for his activeduties to begin. There was a restlessness in his mood, moreover, which his desire to escape from a situation of rather humiliatingdependence could not wholly explain. Curiously enough, thisfeeling was somehow connected with the thought of Edith herself. Why this should be so, he did not trouble to inquire. They hadbecome the best of good friends, he told himself--a consummationfor which he had devoutly wished--yet, for some indefinablereason, he was dissatisfied. He did not know that their moment ofperfect, unspoiled companionship had come and gone that evening inthe Plaza. 

Every relation into which sentiment enters at all has its crisisor turning-point, though it may pass unobserved. Perhaps they arehappiest who heed it least. Certainly, morbid self-analysis wasthe last fault of which Kirk could be accused. If he had a rule ofaction, it was simply to behave naturally, and, so far, experiencehad justified him in the belief that behaving naturally alwaysbrought him out right in the end. 

He decided that he needed exercise, and determined to take a trampthrough the country; but on the evening before the day he had setfor his excursion his plans were upset by a note from Mrs. Cortlandt, which the clerk handed him. It ran:

DEAR KIRK, --Stephen has arranged an outing for all three of us, and we are counting on you for to-morrow. It will be a really, truly picnic, with all the delightful discomforts of such affairs. You are not to know where we are going until we call for you ateight. 

Faithfully and mysteriously yours, EDITH CORTLANDT. 

The recipient of this kind invitation tossed it aside with agesture of impatience. For the moment he experienced a kind ofboyish resentment at having his intentions thwarted that seemedout of proportion to the cause. Whether he would have felt thesame if Edith's husband were not to be one of the party was aquestion that did not occur to him. At all events, the emotionsoon passed, and he rose the next morning feeling that an outingwith the Cortlandts would be as pleasant a diversion for the dayas any other. 

Promptly at eight Edith appeared upon the hotel porch. She wasalone. 

"Where's Mr. Cortlandt?" he inquired. 

"Oh, some men arrived last night from Bocas del Toro andtelephoned that they must see him to-day on a matter ofimportance. "

"Then he's coming later?"

"I hardly think so. I was terribly disappointed, so he told me togo without him. Now, I shall have to make up to you for hisabsence, if I am able. "

"That's the sort of speech, " Kirk laughed, "that doesn't leave afellow any nice answer. I'm sorry he couldn't come, of course, andawfully glad you did. Now, where is to be the scene of our revel?"

"Taboga, " she said, with eyes sparkling. "You've never been there, but it's perfectly gorgeous. Please call a coach, our boat iswaiting--and don't sit on the lunch. "

Kirk obeyed, and they went clattering down the deserted brickstreet. Edith leaned back with a sigh. 

"I'm so glad to get away from that hotel for a day. You've no ideahow hard it is to be forever entertaining a lot of people you carenothing about, or being entertained by people you detest. I'vesmiled and smirked and cooed until I'm sick; I want to scowl andgrind my teeth and roar. "

"Still politics, I suppose?"

"Yes, indeed; we don't dare talk about it. If you only knew it, Kirk, you've capsized the political calculations of the PanamaConservative Party. "

"I didn't know I had ever even rocked the boat. "

"It runs back to your affair with Ramen. " She glanced toward thecoach driver, suggesting the need of reticence. 

"Really, did that effect it?"

"Rather. At any rate, it gave an excuse for setting things inmotion. There had been some doubt about the matter for a longtime, and I was only too glad to exert my influence in the rightdirection, but--this is a picnic to an enchanted island, and herewe are talking politics! We mustn't be so serious. School is out, and it's vacation. I want to romp and play and get my face dirty. "

Kirk readily fell in with her mood, and by the time they reachedthe water-front they were laughing like two children. Down througha stone arch they went, and out upon a landing beneath the seawall. In front of them the placid waters of the bay wereshimmering, a myriad of small boats thronged the harbor. Therewere coasting steamers, launches, sail-boats, skiffs, and canoes. Along the shore above the tide-line were rows of schoonersfashioned from gigantic tree-trunks and capable of carrying manytons, all squatting upon the mud, their white sails raised to drylike the outstretched wings of resting sea-gulls. 

The landing was thronged, and, at sight of the newcomers, loiterers gathered from all sides--a pirate throng, shouting adozen dialects and forcing Kirk to battle lustily for his luggage. Stepping into a skiff, they were rowed to a launch, and a fewmoments later were gliding swiftly around the long rock-rib thatguards the harbor, a copper-hued bandit at the wheel, a Nubiangiant at the engine, and an evil, yellow-faced desperado sprawlingupon the forward deck. 

Looking back, they saw the city spread out in brilliant panorama, clear and beautiful in the morning radiance. Packed and dense itlay, buttressed by the weather-stained ramparts which legend sayswere built by the women while their husbands were at war, andbacked by the green heights of Ancon, against which the foreignhouses nestled. Set in the foreground, like an ivory carving, wasthe Government Theatre, while away beyond it loomed the Tivoli. 

Noting armed sentinels pacing the sea wall at a certain spot, Kirkcalled his companion's attention to them. 

"That's Chiriqui Prison, isn't it?" he asked. 

"Yes. They say some of the dungeons are almost under the sea. Itmust be a terrible place. "

"I've developed a morbid interest in jails, " he remarked. "I'mquite an authority on them. I think, however, I won't experimentwith this one--I don't like the view. "

"Yes, it's an unhealthy spot, according to all accounts. I'm sureyou'd get rheumatism, at least. By-the-way, do you notice thethickness of those walls? They say that a king of Spain was seenstanding at his palace window one day staring anxiously toward thewest. When a courtier presumed to ask him what he was looking at, he said, 'I am searching for those costly walls of Panama. Theyought to be visible even from here. ' They cost ten milliondollars, you know, when dollars were worth a good deal more thanthey are now. Look! There's Taboga. "

Following her gaze, Kirk beheld a mountain of amethyst rising outof the bay. Behind them the shores stretched away into mistydistances, while low mountains, softened by a delicate purple, rolled up from the jungle plain. Ahead of them the turquoisewaters were dotted by islets whose heights were densely overgrown, while sands of coral whiteness ringed their shore lines. Here andthere a fleet of fishing-boats drifted. Far out in the roadsteadlay two cruisers, slate-gray and grim. The waters over-side purledsoothingly, the heavens beamed, the breeze was like a gentlecaress. The excursionists lost themselves in silent enjoyment. 

Even before they had come to anchor a dozen boatmen were racingfor them and crying for their patronage. At the water's edge theysaw a tiny village nestled close against the mountains, its tiledroofs rust-red and grown to moss, its walls faded by wind andweather to delicate mauves and dove colors and greens impossibleto describe. Up against the slope a squat 'dobe chapel sat, whilejust beyond reach of the tide was a funny little pocket-sizeplaza, boasting a decrepit fountain and an iron fence eaten by thesalt. Backing it all was a marvellous verdure, tipped up on edge, or so it seemed, and cleared in spots for pineapples. 

The launch, when it came to rest, seemed suspended in air, andbeneath it lay an entrancing sea-garden. Once the engine hadstopped its clatter, a sleepy, peaceful silence settled over theharbor, unbroken by wheel or whistle, for in Taboga no one worksand there are no vehicles. 

"What a wonderful place!" exclaimed the young man, fervently. "Why, it's like a dream--it can't be real!" Then, as the boatmenrenewed their begging, "I wonder which barge gentleman I hadbetter hire. "

"Take the little boy, please. " Edith called to an urchin who wasmanfully struggling with a pair of oars twice his own length, whereupon the older boatmen began to shove off with many scowlsand much grumbling. 

"Our choice has offended these genial bandits, " Kirk observed ashe helped her to a seat. "When shall we tell the lad to bring usoff?"

"Four o'clock, " answered Mrs. Cortlandt. "I arranged with thecaptain to be ready at that hour, so, you see, we have the wholeday ahead of us. "

Across the limpid shallows they glided, bravely propelled by theirnine-year-old oarsman, but when the bow of their skiff grated uponthe bottom they were still some yards from the shore. 

"Looks as if we'd have to wade, " said Kirk, then called to one ofthe near-by boatmen to lend the child a hand. But the fellowreplied gruffly in some unintelligible jargon. 

"He says he carries HIS passengers ashore in his arms, " Edithtranslated. 

"Really? Competition is spirited even on this heavenly isle. Well, that's easy!" Anthony untied his low shoes, kicked them off, androlled up his trousers. 

"Permit me to help you, " he said, "without embarrassing ourpilot. "

"Oh! I want to wade, too, " the woman exclaimed, enviously, as hestepped out, "but--it's too pebbly. "

She stood up and allowed him to gather her in his arms. Then forthe first time she felt his strength as her body leaned to his. Slowly he picked his way ashore while she reclined in his embrace, her arms about his neck, her smooth cheek brushing his. A faint, intoxicating perfume she used affected him strangely, increasingthe poignant sense of her nearness; a lock of her hair caressedhim. When he deposited her gently upon her feet he saw her facehad gone white and that she was trembling. 

"Did I hurt you?" he queried, quickly. 

"Oh no!" she answered, but as she turned away he saw her breatheas if for the first time since he had taken her up. 

His own face was glowing as he waded back to fetch the lunch-basket and his foot-gear. Under the circumstances he had done theonly natural, the only possible thing, yet it had queerlyperturbed them both. There was an artificial note in their voicesas they mounted to the village, and unconsciously they avoidedeach other's glances. 

A narrow, crooked street, fronted by old stone houses, openedbefore them, and the many tints they had seen from a distancebecame more pronounced. Even the rough flags and cobbles underfoot were of a faint lichen gray, chrome yellow, or pink, as ifpainted at cost of infinite labor. Out of dark, open doorwayspeered swarthy faces, naked bronze children scampered away on fatlegs at their approach, and in one house were a number ofcassocked priests droning in Spanish. Everywhere was the sameslumberous content, the same peaceful buzz of bees and birds andsoft-toned human voices. 

The two visitors explored the village, even to the quaint, tawdrychapel, with its impossible blues and rusted gilt, and noon foundthem eager to investigate the contents of their lunch-basket. Taking a random path up the hill, they came at last to a spring ofcool water, and here they spread their meal under a mango-treebent beneath tons of fruit. 

"Oh, it's intoxicating!" cried Edith, as she sank to a seat, feasting her eyes upon the scene below. "After lunch, shall weclimb the mountain?"

"I'm ready for anything, " Kirk assured her. "Maybe we'll goswimming. That seems to be the main occupation of theinhabitants. "

Up the path toward them came two timid children, one bearing apineapple half as large as himself, the other lugging an armful ofstrange fruit. Kirk bought their entire burden, and they scuttledaway in high glee. 

By now the spirit of the woods was in the picnickers; the gladnessof the day possessed them wholly, and the afternoon sped quickly. If at times Kirk found his companion regarding him with astrangely timid, half-defiant look, he refused to connect it withthe episode of their landing. It was a fleeting look, at most, gone almost before he surprised it, and, for the most part, Edithshowed a seemingly quite natural gayety that helped him to forgethis recent self-consciousness. 

Promptly at four they came down the drunken little main street andout upon the beach. But no launch was in sight. 

"Hello! Where's our boat?" exclaimed Kirk. 

"The captain told me he'd be ready at four. Perhaps he has runover to Taboguilla or--" She hesitated, with a troubled frown. 

"You told him to wait?"

"Distinctly. " Seeing an idler in the square above she questionedhim in Spanish. "This man says the launch left for Panama twohours ago. " She turned tragic eyes upon Kirk. 

"Do you think they intend to leave us?"

"I don't know. These people are liable to do any thing. " Once moreshe questioned the loiterer. "It is just as I suspected, " sheexplained; "they went on a Sunday spree. He says they came ashoreand bought a lot of liquor, and he heard them quarrelling later. "

"That means we'll have to get another boat. "

"I don't know where we shall find one. "

"Neither do I, but there must be some sort of craft that pliesback and forth regularly. "

"Only once or twice a week, I believe, and it belongs to thesanitarium. " She nodded toward some buildings perched upon a pointfarther around the bay. "Mr. Cortlandt looked it up before leavingand found the boat doesn't run on Sundays, so he hired thatlaunch. Perhaps we'd better wait awhile; our men may come back. "

They found seats in the square and were grateful for the rest; butan hour passed and the sun was getting low, while no sign of theirtruant craft appeared. 

"There must be sail-boats to be had, " said Kirk; but on inquirythey learned that, although a few belonged to the island, they allhappened to be away. He suggested that they hire a man to row themacross. 

"It's twelve miles, " Edith demurred. "Do you think it would besafe?"

He scanned the twilit sea and gave up the idea; for the afternoontrades, balmy and soothing as they were, had lifted a swell thatwould prove difficult for a skiff to navigate. Uneasily theysettled themselves for a further wait. At last, as the sun wasdipping into a bed of gold, Kirk broke out:

"Gee whiz! We've got to do SOMETHING. Mr. Cortlandt will begetting worried. "

"In all probability he won't know anything about it until too lateto come for us. He is dining with these people from Bocas, and maynot get back to the Tivoli before midnight. "

"Nice fix we're in!" remarked Anthony. "I'd like to lay hands onthat captain. "

"We may have to stay here all night!"

"Well, at least we have a haven of refuge. They'll take us in atthe hospital. "

"I don't care to ask them. There's some one up there I don't wishto see. That's why I didn't go near the place to-day. "

"You know best, of course. But, see here, don't you think you'dbetter go up there--"

"Not for worlds! We must find some other way. " She began to paceback and forth in the dusk. "How unfortunate it is!"

"Is it because--I'm with you?" questioned the young man, with aneffort. "Is that why you don't want to apply there?"

"No, no. Stephen's particular enemy is in charge up there. Idetest the man, and the feeling is mutual, I believe. " She sighed, and her glance fell. "We can't spend the night outdoors. "

"Of course not, but--"

"What?"

He laughed to hide his embarrassment. "I'm wondering--what peoplewill say. "

"Oh, you mustn't be troubled about that. It isn't your fault, youknow, anyhow. Besides, people won't say anything because theywon't know anything about it--if we stay away from thatsanitarium. "

In the effort to put him at his ease, her own distress seemed tovanish, and Kirk immediately felt more cheerful. 

"It's getting along toward dinner-time, " he said, "so let's seewhat we can find in the way of food. You can be sheltered in oneof these houses, I suppose, though from the looks I'd almostprefer the night air. "

They stumbled out into the unlighted street and began theirsearch; but, seen close at hand, the cooking arrangements ofTaboga proved most unattractive. Outside the sanitarium, itseemed, there was not a stove on the island. Charcoal braziers setupon the floors or in the dirt yards served all culinary purposes, and the process of preparing meals was conducted with anindifference that promised no savory results. About the glowingpoints of light wrinkled hags appeared irregularly, as if brewingsome witch's broth, but they could not understand the phenomenonof Americans being hungry and signified no readiness to relievethem. In several instances Kirk and Mrs. Cortlandt were treatedwith open suspicion. But eventually they found a more pretentious-looking place, where they were taken in, and, after aninterminable wait, food was set before them--chicken, boiled withrice and cocoanut, black beans and cocoanut, fresh, warm milk, anda wondrous assortment of hothouse fruits. They would have enjoyedthe meal had it not been for the curious faces that blocked everyaperture in the room and the many bright eyes that peered at themfrom each shadow. 

But in spite of their equivocal situation, Edith seemed fully tohave regained her spirits. Even the prospect of spending the nightin this place apparently did not dismay her. 

"We have created quite a sensation, " she said, laughingly. "Iwonder if it makes the animals in the zoo as nervous to be staredat. "

Kirk was half puzzled, half relieved by the lightness of her mood. 

"If you have finished this health-food, " he remarked, "we'll goback to the plaza and wait for the launch. I'm as full of cocoanutas a shell. "

They descended to the square again, stared at all the way throughopen doors and followed by a subdued murmur of comment. Then theysat for a long time watching the stars, half minded not to regretthe circumstance that had left them stranded together in suchpleasant surroundings. 

As if in despair over their impossible predicament, Edith gave wayto a spirit of reckless vivacity, and Kirk, with a man's somewhatexaggerated sympathy for a woman's sensitive feelings, loyallystrove to help her make the best of things in her own way. It waslike a woman, he reflected, to follow her mood to the lastextreme, and, being a man, he was not displeased. The change inher manner was too elusive for him to analyze. There was no realconcession of her reserve--no sacrifice of the feminine privilegeof prompt and complete withdrawal. If he had struck a false note, he knew that she would have turned frigid in an instant. But hecould not help feeling that some barrier which had existed betweenthem had been magically removed. Her apparent obliviousness to allthat under the circumstances might have troubled her was a subtlecompliment to himself, and soon he, too, forgot that there wasanything in the world beyond their present relation to each other. 

It was on their return to the house that the climax came, leavinghim strangely shaken. 

Their course took them past a tiny cantina. It was open in front, and brightly lighted, although at this hour most of the houseswere dark and the village lay wrapped in the inky shadow of themountain behind. Within, several men were carousing--dark-haired, swarthy fellows, who seemed to be fishermen. Drawn by the sound ofargument, the strangers paused a moment to watch them. The quarrelseemed a harmless affair, and they were about to pass on, whensuddenly one of the disputants lunged at his antagonist with aknife, conjured from nowhere, and the two came tumbling out intothe street, nearly colliding with the onlookers. 

Without a sound, Mrs. Cortlandt picked up her skirts and fled intothe darkness, Kirk stumbling along behind her, both guidingthemselves by instinct rather than sight. At last she stopped outof breath, and he overtook her. 

"You mustn't run through these dark alleys, " he cried, sharply. "You'll break your neck. " Half impatient at this hystericalbehavior, he seized her by the arm. 

"Oh, I'm so frightened!" she breathed, and he felt her tremble. "Adrunken man frightens me--" Involuntarily she hid her face againsthis breast, then laughed nervously. "Don't mind me, please. It'sthe one thing I can't stand. I'll be all right in a moment. " Shelifted her white face, and her eyes were luminous in the gloom. "I'm very glad you don't drink. " Her hand crept up to the lapel ofhis coat. "What will you think of me?" she said, tremulously. 

Before he realized what he was doing his arms had closed aroundher and his lips had met hers. It may have been the romance of thenight, the solitude, the intoxicating warmth of her breath--at anyrate, he lost his head and knew nothing save that she was a womanand he a man. As for her, she offered no resistance, made no signbeyond a startled sigh as their lips came together. 

But, impulsive as his action had been, it was no more sudden thanhis recoil. He released her and stepped back, crying:

"Oh, my God! I--I didn't mean that. Forgive me. PLEASE. " She saidnothing, and he stammered desperately again: "You'll hate me now, of course, but--I don't know what ails me. I forgot myself--you--everything. It was unpardonable, and I ought to be shot. " Hestarted off down the blind street, his whole body cold withapprehension and self-disgust. 

"Where are you going?" she called after him. 

"I don't know. I can't stay here now. Oh, Mrs. Cortlandt, what canI say?"

"Do you intend to leave me here in the middle of this--"

"No, no! Of course not. I'm rattled, that's all. I've just got acowardly desire to flee and butt my head against the nearest wall. That's what I ought to do. I don't know what possessed me. I don'tknow what you'll think of me. "

"We won't speak of it now. Try to compose yourself and find ourlodging-place. "

"Why, yes, of course. I'll see that you're fixed up comfortablyand then I'll get out. "

"Oh, you mustn't leave me!" she cried in a panic. "I couldn't stayin that awful place alone. " She drew a little nearer to him as ifdemanding his protection. 

A wave of tenderness swept over him. She was just a girl, afterall, he reflected, and if it were not for what had happened amoment before the most natural thing in the world would be to takeher in his arms and comfort her. 

"I--I won't leave you--I'll stay near you, " he stammered. 

But as they trudged along together through the dark his chagrinreturned in full force. Mrs. Cortlandt maintained a distressingsilence, and he could not see her face. Presently he began toplead brokenly for forgiveness, stumbling in the effort not tooffend her further and feeling that he was making matters worsewith every word he uttered. For a long time she made no reply, butat last she said:

"Do you think I ought ever to see you again after this?"

"I suppose not, " said Kirk, miserably. 

"I won't believe, " she went on, "that you could have taken me forthe kind of woman who--"

"No, no!" he cried, in an anguish of self-reproach. "I was a fool--"

"No, " she said, "I don't--I couldn't bear to think that. Perhaps Iwas partly to blame--but I didn't think--I ought to have knownthat no man can really be trusted. But I thought our friendshipwas so beautiful, and now you've spoiled it. "

"Don't say that!" exclaimed Kirk. "Say you'll forgive me sometime. "

But instead of answering him directly she proceeded in the samestrain, probing his wounded self-respect to the quick, making hisoffence seem blacker every moment. 

Although he assured her over and over that he had simply followedthe irresponsible, unaccountable impulse of a moment--that he hadregarded her only as the best of friends, and respected her morethan he could say, she showed him no mercy. The melancholy, regretful tone she adopted was ten times worse than anger, and bythe time they reached the inn where they had dined he was sunk inthe depths of self-abasement. 

If he had been less preoccupied with his own remorse he might havereflected that Edith's attitude, especially as she did notexpressly withhold the prospect of ultimate pardon, established acloser bond between them than ever before. But there was no roomin his mind for such a thought. 

In reply to his knock an old woman came to the door and sleepilyadmitted them. Edith stood for a moment on the threshold, then, seeing that he made no motion to accompany her, she said good-night, and, quietly entering, closed the door behind her. 

Kirk experienced a sudden desire to escape. To remain where he wassimply prolonged his humiliation. Instinctively he felt that, ifhe could only get away where he could view the matter in an every-day light, it would cease to trouble him. But evidently he couldnot desert Edith. He sat down upon the doorstep and gave himselfup to bitter thoughts. 

She was such a wonderful woman, he told himself; she had been sucha true friend to him that he had been worse than criminal to loseher respect. And Cortlandt had been so decent to him! It wassignificant that this gave him the most discomfort of all. He hadbetrayed a man's friendship, and the thought was unbearable. Nopunishment could be too severe for that!

He was still sitting there cramped and stiff when the first faintflush of dawn stole over the hill-crest behind him. Then he roseto wander toward the water-front. As the harbor assumed definiteform, he beheld a launch stealing in toward the village, and tenminutes later greeted Stephen Cortlandt as that gentleman steppedout of the tender. 

"Where's Edith?" eagerly demanded her husband. 

"She's asleep. I found a place for her--"

"Not at the SANITARIUM?"

"No, no. One of these houses. Lord, I'm glad to see you! We'dbegun to feel like real castaways. I've been up all night. "

"What happened?" It was plain that Mr. Cortlandt was deeplyagitated. 

"Our boatmen evidently got drunk and pulled out. I tried to get asail-boat, but there weren't any, and it was too rough to trycrossing with a skiff. "

It took them but a moment to reach the house, and soon the threewere back at the water-front. 

"What a miserable night!" Mrs. Cortlandt complained, stifling ayawn. "I thought you'd never come, Stephen!"

"I didn't get back to the Tivoli until midnight, and then I hadtrouble in finding a boat to bring me over. "

"I suppose they were alarmed at the hotel?"

"I said nothing about it, " he returned, quietly, at which hiswife's face flushed. Seizing the first occasion, he exclaimed, ina low voice: "God! How unfortunate--at this time. Were you mad?"

She looked at him and her eyes burned, but she said nothing. 

XIII

CHIQUITA

The next day Kirk borrowed a shot-gun and went hunting. The eventsof the night before seemed like a dream. Could it be that he hadreally blundered irretrievably? Was it possible that he hadoffended his best friend past forgiveness? He wanted to get awaysomewhere and collect his thoughts. For the present, at least, hewished to avoid an interview with Mrs. Cortlandt. 

A mile or two beyond the railroad track, to the north and east, began what appeared to be an unbroken wilderness, and thither heturned his steps. Low, rolling hills lay before him, densely over-grown and leading upward to a mountain range which paralleled thecoast until the distant haze swallowed it up. These mountains, hereflected with a thrill of interest, led on to South America, theland of the Incas, hidden in mystery as the forests close at handwere veiled in faint purple. The very thought was romantic. Balboahad strained his eyes along these self-same placid shores;Pizarro, the swineherd, had followed them in search of Dabaiba, that fabled temple of gold, leaving behind him a trail of blood. It was only yonder, five miles away, that Pedrarias, with themurder of a million victims on his soul, had founded the ancientcity which later fell to Morgan's buccaneers. Even now, a leagueback from the ocean, the land seemed as wild as then. Anthonysuspected that there were houses--perhaps villages--hidden fromhis view; but vast stretches of enchanted jungle intervened, whichhe determined to explore, letting his feet stray whither theywould. If game, of which he had heard great stories, fell to hishand, so much the better. 

Heeding a warning not to bear arms through the streets of Panamawithout a permit from the alcalde, he struck off across the fieldsin a bee-line for the woods. It was a vast relief to be out in theopen air with a gun upon his arm once more, and he felt his bloodcoursing vigorously. The burden upon his spirits insensibly beganto lighten. After all, he had done nothing for which he needed tobe ashamed the rest of his life. Edith, of course, was right inbeing deeply offended. That was to be expected. Yet his conduct, regrettable as it was, had been only natural under thecircumstances. Now that the first tumult of feeling had subsided, he found that his conscience did not accuse him very severely. 

And, somehow, he was unable to believe that the breach with Edithwould prove irreparable. She was a sensible woman of the world--not a mere school-girl. Perhaps when the immediate shock of theoccurrence had passed she would consent to take a different viewof it, and they might return to their old friendly footing. Ifnot--well, he would be his own man soon, anyhow. Their lives wouldpart, and the incident would be forgotten. He was sorry that inhis momentary madness he had behaved improperly toward a woman towhom he owed so much, yet it was not as if he had shown meannessor ingratitude. 

Across the meadows deep in grass he went, skirting little pondsand marshy spots, growing more cheerful with every step. In oneplace he had the good-luck to raise a flock of water birds, whichhe took for purple gallinule and spur-wing plover, although theywere unlike any he had ever seen. In some scattered groves beyondhe bagged a pigeon and missed a quail which unexpectedly whirredout of a thicket. Then he continued past herds of grazing cattleto another patch of woodland, where he came upon something thatlooked like a path. Through rankly growing banana-patches, yam-fields, and groves of mango-trees, he followed it, penetratingever deeper into the rolling country, until at last he reached thereal forest. He had come several miles, and realized that he couldnot retrace his steps, for the trail had branched many times; hehad crossed other pathways and made many devours. He rejoiced inthe thought that he had successfully lost himself. 

At midday he paused in an open glade against a hillside to eat hislunch. Back of him the rising ground was heavily timbered; beneathhim a confusion of thickets and groves and cleared fields led outto a green plain as clean as any golf links, upon which werescattered dwellings. 

Evidently this was the Savannas of which he had heard so much, andthese foreign-looking bungalows were the country homes of the richPanamanians. Beyond, the bay stretched, in unruffled calm, like asheet of quicksilver, its bosom dotted with rocky islets, whilehidden in the haze to the southward, as he knew, were the historicPearl Islands, where the early Spaniards had enriched themselves. 

Gazing at this view in lazy enjoyment, Kirk found himself thinkinghow good it was to be young and free, and to be set down in such asplendidly romantic country. Above all, it was good to be heart-whole and unfettered by any woman's spell--men in love wereunhappy persons, harassed by a thousand worries and indecisions, utterly lacking in poise. It was a lamentable condition ofhysteria with which he decided to have nothing to do. He did notcare for women, anyhow. One could scarcely have any dealings withthem without becoming involved in some affair that unduly harrowedone's feelings. How much better it was to know the clean spirit ofadventure and the joy of living, undisturbed by feverish emotions!

As he reclined there, busied with these thoughts, two vivid littleparoquets alighted near him, to quarrel noisily, then make up andkiss each other like any pair of lovers. It was disgusting. Atoucan peered at him with an appearance of exaggerated curiosity, due to its huge, grotesquely proportioned beak. Now and then camethe harsh notes of parrots as they fluttered high above the tree-tops. Meanwhile the young man's ears became attuned to the junglenoises, his eyes observant of the many kinds of life about him. 

The wood was crowded with plant-life utterly strange to him. Onthe hill above towered a giant ceiba-tree, its trunk as smooth asif polished by hand and bare of branches except at the very top, where, instead of tapering, it ended abruptly in a tuft offoliage. Here and there stood tremendous cotton-trees, their limbsso burdened with air-plants as to form a series of aerial gardens, their twigs bearing pods filled with down. Beside them palm-treesraised their heads, heavy with clusters of nuts resembling datesin size and form, but fit only for wild pigs. Clumps of bamboowere scattered about, their shoots springing from a common centrelike the streams from a fountain, and sweeping through gracefulcurves to a spray of shimmering green. He had never seen suchvarieties of growth. There were thick trees with bulbousswellings; tall trees with buttressed roots that ran high up thetrunks; slender trees propped up head-high above the earth ontripod-like roots or clusters of legs; trees with bark that shonelike a mirror; trees guarded with an impregnable armor of six-inchbony spikes--Kirk did not know the names of half of them, nor didhe care to learn. 

Vines and creepers abounded, from the tiny honeysuckle that reareditself with feeble filaments, to the giant liana creeping throughthe forest like a python, throttling full-grown trees in itsembrace. On every side was the never-ceasing battle for light andthe struggle of the weak against the strong. The air was heavywith the breath of triumphant blooms and the odor of defeated, decaying life. A thousand voiceless tragedies were being enacted;the wood was peopled by distorted shapes that spoke of forgottenencounters; rich, riotous, parasitic growths flourished uponstarved limbs or rotting trunks. It was weird and beautiful andpitiless. Unlike the peaceful order of our Northern forests, herewas a savage riot, an unending treacherous warfare without lightor room or mercy. There was something terrible in it all. 

Tiring of the scene at last, Kirk continued his wanderings, bearing gradually toward the right, that he might eventuallyemerge upon the Savannas below, where he knew there was a goodpaved road leading to the city. But the trails were devious andseemed to lead nowhere, so at last he struck out through thejungle itself. Having no machete with which to clear a way, hisprogress was slow, but he took his time, keeping a wary outlookfor game, twisting back and forth to avoid the densest thickets, until he finally came out upon the margin of a stream. Through theverdure beyond it he saw the open, sunlit meadows, and he followedthe bank in the hope of finding a foot-log or a bridge upon whichto cross. He had gone, perhaps, a hundred yards when he stumbledout into a cleared space, where he paused with an exclamation ofsurprise. 

The brook had been dammed and widened into a deep, limpid pool towhich the clean, white sand of its bottom lent a golden hue. Atthe lower end it overflowed in a waterfall, the purling music ofwhich filled the glade. Overhead the great trees were archedtogether and interlaced, their lower branches set with floweringorchids like hothouse plants upon a window-ledge. The densefoliage allowed only a random beam of sunlight to pass through andpierce the pool, like a brilliant, quivering javelin. Long vinesdepended from the limbs above, falling sheer and straight asplumb-lines; a giant liana the size of a man's body twined up andup until lost in the tangle overhead. 

Although set just within the border of the untouched forest, itwas evident that this spot had been carefully cut away andartfully cultivated. But, if man's hand had aided nature by a fewdeft touches here and there and a careful pruning of her lavishriches, it could be seen that no human artist had designed thewondrous stage effect. To step suddenly out of an uncut wildernessinto such a scene as this was bewildering, and made the Americangasp with delight. The place had an air of strictest privacy. Aspring-board mirrored in the depths below invited one to plunge, apair of iron gymnasium rings were swung by chains to a massivelimb, a flight of stone steps led up the bank and into a hutartistically thatched and walled with palm-leaves to harmonizewith its setting. Kirk thanked his fortune that he had notblundered in while the place was in use, for it had almost thesacred air of a lady's boudoir. 

Instead of promptly withdrawing, he allowed his admiration fullplay, and stood staring for a long time. What a delightful nook inwhich to dream away the days! It was dim and cool and still, although outside its walls of green the afternoon sun was beatingdown fiercely. A stranger might pass and never guess its presence. It had been cunningly shaped by fairies, that was evident. Doubtless it was peopled by them also, and his mistake had been incoming upon it so suddenly. If he had approached with caution hewould surely have surprised them at their play, for yonder was themusic of their dances--that chuckling, singing waterfall couldserve no other purpose. Perhaps one was hidden under it atpresent. Kirk was half tempted to conceal himself and wait forthem to reappear, though he knew that it requires extraordinarycunning to deceive wood-sprites once they have been alarmed. But, undoubtedly, they were somewhere close by, probably watching himfrom behind the leaves, and if they were not such timid bodies hemight try to search them out. 

As it was, he took a lingering, farewell look and turned toretrace his steps, whereupon the queen fairy laughed at himsoftly. He paused abruptly, then turned around, with care, so asnot to frighten her. But of course she was invisible. Then shespoke again with the sweetest foreign accent imaginable. 

"You had better cross upon the waterfall, sir. There is no bridgeabove. " After an instant, during which he strained his eyes tofind her, she laughed again. 

"Here I am, in the tree, across the pond. "

"Oh!" Looking over the fork of a tree-trunk, perhaps twice theheight of his head above the ground, Anthony beheld a ravishingface and two very bright eyes. Without removing his gaze, heleaned his gun carefully against a bush--firearms have anabominable effect upon hamadryads--and said:

"I knew you were here all the time. "

"Indeed!" The eyes opened in astonishment. "You did not see me atall. "

"Of course, but I knew you were somewhere close by, just the same. How did you get up there?"

"I climbed up. "

"Why didn't you hide under the waterfall?"

"I did not hide, senor. I am trying to reach my orchid. "

A little hand appeared beside the face, and a finger pointed toone of the big air plants above her. Kirk beheld a marvellouswhite, dove-shaped flower, nodding upon a slender stalk. 

"I climbed up on the big vine; it is just like a ladder. "

"Then you can't be the queen!"

Two very large, very dark eyes looked at him questioningly. 

"Queens don't pick flowers, " he explained. "They hide in 'em. "

"The queen?"

"Some of them live in trees, and some preside over lakes andfountains. Which kind are you?"

"Oh! I am neither, I live in my father's house. " She tossed herhead in the direction of the Savannas behind her. "Do you wish tocross the stream?"

"If you please. "

"Wait. " The face disappeared. There was a sound from behind thetwisted tree-trunk, a twig fell, then a piece of bark, and thenext instant the girl herself stepped into view. 

"I was afraid you'd gone for good, " acknowledged the young man, gravely. He took up his gun and stepped out upon the crest of thedam. 

"You must look where you go, " she admonished, "or you will fall--splash!" She laughed delightedly at the thought, and he saw thather eyes had a way of wrinkling almost shut in the merriestfashion. He balanced upon the slippery surface of the waterwaywith the stream up to his ankles. 

"Will you promise not to whisk yourself away if I look down?" heasked. 

"Yes. "

But even with this assurance he found it difficult to remove hiseyes from her even for the brief instant necessary for a safepassage; and when at last he stood beside her he felt anirresistible desire to seize her gently so that she could notescape. 

"Well?" she said at length, and he found he had been standingstock-still staring at her for several seconds. 

"Excuse me! I really took you for a wood-nymph. I'm not sure yet--you see the place is so well suited. It--it was a naturalmistake. "

She dropped her eyes shyly and turned away at his look. 

"It is only our swimming-pool. There have been no fairies heresince I was a very little girl. But once upon a time there weremany--oh, a great many. " It was impossible to describe the odd, sweet sound her tongue gave to the English words. It was not adialect, hardly an accent, just a delicious, hesitating mannerismborn of unfamiliarity. 

"Did you ever see them?"

"N-no! I arrived always a little too late. But there are suchthings. "

He nodded. "Everybody knows that since 'Peter Pan. '"

Another shy glance told her that he was still regarding her withhis look of wondering admiration. She pointed to a path, saying:

"This way will bring you to the road, sir, if you wish. "

"But--I don't wish--not yet. " He sought wildly for an excuse tostay, and exclaimed: "Oh, the orchid. I must get it for you. "

"That will be very nice of you, sir. For two years I have awaitedits blooming. If you had not arrived I would have got it, anyhow. "

"Girls shouldn't climb trees, " he said, severely. "It tears theirdresses. "

"Oh, one cannot tear a dress like this. " She glanced down at herskirt. Allowing his eyes to leave her face for a moment, Kirk sawthat she was clad, oddly enough, in a suit of denim, which wasbuttoned snugly clear to her neck. It struck him as mostinappropriate, yet it was extremely well made, and he could notcomplain of the effect. 

He broke his gun and removed the shells; then, leaving it besidethe bath-house, went to the tree where he had first seen her. Withone hand resting upon the trunk, he turned to say:

"Promise you won't disappear while I'm up there, or change into asquirrel, or a bird, or anything like that. "

"What a funny man you are!"

"Do you promise?"

"Yes, yes. "

"Do you live around here?"

"Of course. "

"Why do you want this orchid?"

"To put it in the house. "

Instead of beginning his climb, the young man lounged idly againstthe tree. 

"Funny how I found you, wasn't it?" he remarked. "I mean it'sfunny I should have stumbled right on you this way--there's onlyone of you and one of me, and--er--this country is so big! I mighthave gone some other way and then perhaps we'd never have met. " Hecontemplated this contingency for an instant. "And if you hadn'tspoken I'd never have seen you, either. "

"But I had to speak. You could not cross above. "

"Awfully nice of you. Some people would have let me go away. "

"But the orchid, senor. Do you fear to climb so high?" sheinquired, with the faintest gleam of amusement at his obviouseffort to prolong the conversation. 

"Oh no!"

He cast about for something further to talk about, but, failing tofind it, began slowly to clamber upward, supporting himself uponthe natural steps afforded by the twining vine and theprotuberances of the trunk itself. 

When he had reached the first fork, he turned and seated himselfcomfortably, peering downward through the leaves for a sight ofher. 

"Not gone yet!" he exclaimed. "That's good. "

"Are you out of breath that you stop so soon?"

He nodded. "I need to rest a minute. Say, my name is Anthony--KirkAnthony. " Then, after a pause, "I'm an American. "

"So am I, at least I am almost. My mother was an American. "

"You don't say!" The young man's face lighted up with interest, and he started eagerly down the tree-trunk, but she checked himpromptly. 

"The orchid!"

"Oh yes!" He reseated himself. "Well, well, I suppose your mothertaught you to speak English?"

"I also attended school in Baltimore. "

Anthony dangled his legs from his perch and brushed aside atroublesome prickly pod that depended in such a position as totickle his neck. "I'm from Yale. Ever been to New Haven? What areyou laughing at?"

"At you. Do you know what it is which you are fighting from yourneck?"

"This?" Kirk succeeded in locating the nettle that had annoyedhim. 

"Yes. It is cow-eetch. Wait! By-and-by you will scratch likeeverything. " The young lady laughed with the most mischievous, elf-like enjoyment of this prospect. 

"All right. Just for that, I will wait. "

Now that the first surprise of meeting was over, Kirk began areally attentive scrutiny of this delightful young person. So farhe had been conscious of little except her eyes, which hadexercised a most remarkable effect upon him from the first. He hadnever cared for black eyes--they were too hard and sparkling, as arule--but these--well, he had never seen anything quite like them. They were large and soft and velvety, like--like black pansies!That was precisely what they were, saucy, wide-awake blackpansies, the most beautiful flower in all creation; and, whilethey were shadowed by the intangible melancholy of the tropics, they were also capable of twinkling in the most roguish mannerimaginable, as at the present moment. Her hair was soft and fine, entirely free from the harsh lustre so common to that shade, andit grew down upon her temples in a way that completed the perfectoval of her face. His first glimpse had told him she wasravishingly pretty, but it had failed to show how dainty and smallshe was. He saw now that she was considerably below the usualheight, but so perfectly proportioned that one utterly lostperspective. Even her thick, coarse dress could not conceal theexquisite mould in which she was cast. But her chief charm lay ina certain winsome vivacity, a willful waywardness, an ever-changing expression which showed her keenly alive andappreciative. Even now pure mischief looked out of her eyes as sheasked:

"Have you rested enough to attack the orchid?"

"Yes. " He roused himself from his trance, and with a strangelyleaping heart proceeded carefully to detach the big air plant fromits resting-place. The wonderful flower, nodding to his touch, wasno more perfect than this dryad whom he had surprised. 

"Don't break it, " she cautioned as he came gingerly down the tree. "It is what we call 'Espiritu Santa, ' the 'Holy Spirit' flower. See, it is like a white bird. "

"First one I've seen, " he said, noting how the purity of the bloomenhanced the olive of her cheek. Then he began another fruitlesssearch for a topic of conversation, fearing that if he allowed theslightest pause she would send him away. But all his thoughts wereof her, it seemed. His tongue would frame nothing but eagerquestions--all about herself. At last in desperation hevolunteered to get another orchid; but the suggestion met with noapproval. There were no more, she told him, of that kind. 

"Maybe we can find one, " he said, hopefully. 

"Thank you. I know them all. " She was looking at him now as ifwondering why he did not make a start, but wild horses could nothave dragged him away. Instead of picking up his gun, he inquired:

"May I rest a moment? I'm awfully tired. "

"Certainly. You may stay as long as you wish. When you are restedthe little path will bring you out. "

"But you mustn't go!" he exclaimed, in a panic, as she turnedaway. "Oh, I say, please! You wouldn't do a thing like that?"

"I cannot speak to you this way, sir. " The young lady blushedprettily. 

"Why not, I'd like to know?"

"Oh!" She raised her hand and shook her head to express theabsolute impossibility of such a thing. "Already I have beenterrible. What will Stephanie say?"

"You've been nothing of the sort, and who is Stephanie?"

"She is a big black woman--very fierce. It is because of Stephaniethat the fairies have gone away from here. "

"If we wait a minute, maybe they'll come out. "

"No. I have waited many times and I never saw them. "

"Somehow I feel sure we'll see 'em this time, " he urged. Then, asshe shook her head doubtfully: "Good heavens! Don't you want tosee 'em? I'm so tired that I must sit down. "

The corners of her eyes wrinkled as she said, "You are not verystrong, senor. Have you been ill?"

"Yes--no. Not exactly. " He led her to a bamboo bench beside thepalm hut. "I've been hunting. Now won't you please tell me how youchanced to be here? I thought these country places were unoccupiedat this season. "

"So they are. But, you see, I am doing a penance. "

"Penance! You?"

"Oh yes. And it is nothing to laugh about, either, " she chided, ashe smiled incredulously, "I am a bad girl; I am disobedient. Otherwise I would not allow you to speak to me alone like this. You are the first gentleman I have ever been so long in thecompany with, Senor Antonio. "

"Really?"

"Now I will have to do more penance. " She sighed sadly, but hereyes were dancing. 

"I don't understand this penance affair. What do you do?"

She lifted a fold of her coarse denim dress. "For six months Imust wear these garments--no pretty ones. I must not go out inpublic also, and I have been sent here away from the city for atime to cure my rebellious spirit. "

"Those dresses must be hot. "

"Oh, very uncomfortable! But, you see, I was bad. "

"Not very bad?"

"Indeed. I disobeyed my father, my uncle, everybody. " For thefirst time her eyes grew bright with anger. "But I did not wish tobe married. "

"Now, I see. They wanted you to marry some fellow you don't like?"

"I do like him--"

"You did exactly right to refuse. By all means stand pat, anddon't--"

"'Stand pat. ' I have not heard that word since I was inBaltimore. "

"It's awful to marry somebody you don't like, " he declared, withsuch earnest conviction that she inquired, quickly:

"Ah, then are you married?"

"No! But everybody says it's positively criminal to marry withoutlove. "

"The gentleman is very handsome. "

He shuddered, "Beware of handsome men. If you have any idea ofmarriage, select a large, plain man with blue eyes and lighthair. "

"I do not know such a person. "

"Not yet, of course; that is, not well enough to marry him. "

"It is not nice to speak of such things, " said the young lady, primly. "And it is not nice also to speak with strange gentlemenwho come out of the forest when one is doing penance. But I am ahalf American, you know. Perhaps that is what makes me so bad. "

"Will you catch it for talking to me?"

"Oh yes. It is not allowed. It is most improper. "

"Then I suppose I'd better leave. " Anthony settled himself morecomfortably upon the bench. "And yet there is nothing really wrongabout it, is there? Why, it's done every day in my country. Besides, who's going to know?"

"The padre. I tell him everything. "

"You girls down here have a pretty tough time of it; you areguarded pretty closely, aren't you?"

She gave him a puzzled look. 

"I mean, you don't have any liberty. You don't go out alone, orlet fellows take you to lunch, or to the matinee, or anything likethat?"

Evidently the mere mention of such things was shocking. "Oh, senor, " she cried, incredulously, "such terrible actions cannot bepermitted even in your country. It is awful to think of!"

"Nonsense! It's done every day. "

"Here it would not do at all. One's people know best about suchthings. One must be careful at all times. But you Americans are sowicked!"

"How does a fellow ever get acquainted with a girl down here? Howdoes he get a chance to propose?"

But this frank questioning on so sacred a topic was a little morethan the young lady was prepared to meet, and for the momentconfusion held her tongue-tied. 

"One's people attend to that, of course, " she managed to say, atlength, then changed the subject quickly. 

"Do you live in Panama?" she asked. 

"Yes. I work on the railroad, or will, in a few days. "

"You are so young for such authority. It must be very difficult tomanage railroads. "

"Well--I won't have to run the whole works--at first. I'mbeginning gradually, you know--one train at a time. "

"That will be easier, of course. What did you say is your wholename?"

"Kirk Anthony. "

"Keerk! It has a fonny sound, has it not?"

"I never noticed it. And yours?"

"Do you speak Spanish?" She regarded him curiously. 

"Not a word. "

"My name is Chiquita. "

He repeated it after her. "It's pretty. What is your last name?"

"That is it. If I told you my first name, you could not use it; itwould not be proper. "

"It ought to be something like Ariel. That means 'spirit of theair and water, ' I believe. Ariel Chiquita. No, they don't gotogether. What are you laughing at?"

"To see you scratch your neck. "

Anthony became conscious of a growing sensation where the strangepod had dangled against his skin, and realized that he had beenrubbing the spot for some time. 

"You did not know it was the cow-nettle, eh?"

"You enjoy seeing me suffer, " he said, patiently. 

"You do not soffer, " she retorted, mimicking his tone. "You onlyeetch! You wish me to sympathize. "

"See here, Miss Chiquita, may I call on you?"

"Oh!" She lifted her brows in amazement. "Such ideas! Of acertainly not. "

"Why?"

"You do not onderstand. Our young men do not do those things. "

"Then I'll do whatever is customary--really I will, but--I'mawfully anxious to see you again--and--'

"I do not know you--My father--"

"I'll look up Mr. Chiquita and be introduced. "

At this the young lady began to rock back and forth in an abandonof merriment. The idea, it seemed, was too utterly ridiculous forwords. Her silvery laughter filled the glade and caused thejealous waterfall to cease its music. 

"No, no, " she said, finally. "It is impossible. Besides, I amdoing penance. I can see no one. In the city I cannot even situpon the balcony. " She fetched a palpably counterfeit sigh, whichended in a titter. 

Never had Kirk beheld such a quaintly mischievous, such a madlytantalizing creature. 

"Say! You're not really going to marry that fellow!" he exclaimed, with considerable fervor. 

She shrugged her shoulders wearily. "I suppose so. One cannotforever say no, and there are many reasons--"

"Oh, that's the limit. You'll go nutty, married to a chap youdon't care for. "

"But I am naughty, now. "

"Not 'naughty'--nutty. You'll be perfectly miserable. There oughtto be a law against it. Let me call and talk it over, at least. Iknow all about marriage--I've been around so many married people. Promise?"

"I cannot let you 'call, ' as you say. Besides, for two weeks yet Imust remain here alone with Stephanie. " She regarded himmournfully. "Every day I must do my penance, and think of my sins, and--perhaps look for orchids. "

He saw the light that flickered in the depths of her velvet eyes, and his heart pounded violently at the unspoken invitation. 

"To-morrow?" he inquired, breathlessly. "Do you intend to huntorchids to-morrow?"

Instead of answering she started to her feet with a little cry, and he did likewise. Back of them had sounded an exclamation--itwas more like the snort of a wild animal than a spoken word--andthere, ten feet away, stood a tall, copper-colored negress, hereyes blazing, her nostrils dilated, a look of utmost fury upon herface. She was fully as tall as Kirk, gaunt, hook-nosed, andferocious. About her head was bound a gaudy Barbadian head-dress, its tips erect like startled ears, increasing the wildness of herappearance. 

"Stephanie!" exclaimed the girl. "You frightened me. "

The negress strode to her, speaking rapidly in Spanish, thenturned upon Kirk. 

"What do you want here?" she cried, menacingly. She had thrust hercharge behind her and now pierced him with her eyes. 

"Miss Chiquita--" he began, at which that young lady broke intoanother peal of silvery laughter and chattered to her servant. Buther words, instead of placating the black woman, only added to herfury. She pointed with quivering hand to the path along the creek-bank and cried:

"Go! Go quick, you man!" Then to her charge: "You bad, BAD! Go tothe house. "

"Miss Chiquita hasn't done anything to make you huffy. I came outof the woods yonder and she was good enough to direct me to theroad. "

But Stephanie was not to be appeased. She stamped her flat footand repeated her command in so savage a tone that Kirk perceivedthe uselessness of trying to explain. He looked appealingly at thegirl, but she merely nodded her head and motioned him to be gone. 

"Very well, " he said, regretfully. "Thank you for your assistance, miss. " He bowed to the little figure in blue with his best mannerand took up his gun. "This way out! No crowding, please. "

"Adios, Senor Antonio, " came the girl's mischievous voice, and ashe strode down the path he carried with him the memory of aperfect oval face smiling at him past the tragic figure of theBajan woman. He went blindly, scarcely aware of the sun-mottledtrail his feet were following, for his wits were a-flutter and hisheart was leaping to some strange intoxication that grew withevery instant. 

It threatened to suffuse him, choke him, rob him of his senses; hewanted to cry out. Her name was Chiquita. He repeated it over andover in time to his steps. Was there ever such a beautiful name?Was there ever such a ravishing little wood-sprite? And her sweet, hesitating accent that rang in his ears! How could human tonguemake such caressing music of the harshest language on the globe?She had called him "Senor Antonio, " and invited him to come againto-morrow. Would he come? He doubted his ability to wait so long. Knowing that she agreed to the tryst, no power on earth coulddeter him. 

What a day it had been! He had started out in the morning, vaguelyhoping to divert his mind with some of those trite littlehappenings that for lack of a better term we call adventures inthis humdrum world. And then, with the miraculous, unbelievableluck of youth, he had stumbled plump into the middle of the mostwondrous adventure it was possible to conceive. And yet thiswasn't adventure, after all--it was something bigger, finer, moreprecious. With a suddenness that was blinding he realized that hewas in love! Yes, that was it, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Thismischief-ridden, foreign-born little creature was the one and onlywoman in the world for whom the fates had made him and brought himacross two oceans. 

That evening he sat for a long time alone on the gallery of hishotel, his spirit uplifted with the joy of it, a thousandwhispering voices in his ears. And when at last he fell asleep itwas to dream of an olive, oval face with eyes like black pansies. 

XIV

THE PATH THAT LED NOWHERE

When "Senor Antonio" awoke the next morning he lay for an instantstriving to recall what it was that had haunted his sleepinghours, what great event awaited him. Then, as it rushed throughhis mind, he leaped out of bed and dashed headlong into the bath-room. This was to-morrow! It had been ages in coming--he recalledhow even his slumbers had dragged--but it was here at last, and hewould see Chiquita. 

He sang as he stepped under his shower, and whistled blithely ashe dressed himself. What a glorious country this Panama was, anyhow! How good it was to be young and to be in love! He neverhad been so happy. A man must be in love to sing before breakfast. But the afternoon was still a long way off, and he must be contentto dream until the hour came. 

He was too early for the Cortlandts, and he breakfasted alone. When he strolled out upon the veranda for his smoke he found Allanwaiting for him, as usual. The Jamaican had not missed a morningso far, and it was only by a show of downright firmness that Kirkhad been able to get rid of him at any time during the day. Theblack boy seemed bent upon devoting his every waking hour to hishero, and now, finding himself regarded with friendly eyes, heexpanded joyously. 

"Got you some games yesterday?" he inquired. 

"Yes. And I'm going again to-day. "

"Plenty games over yonder is, but it is very fatiguing to getthem. To-day I go along for showing you the way. "

"Not a bit like it. I'm going alone. "

"Oh no, boss!"

"Oh yes, boss! I accidentally shot the last man I hunted with--killed him. " Kirk stared tragically at his companion, but Allanwas not to be so easily deterred. 

"I shall pahss behind you, boss. "

"I'd love to have you, of course--but I'm too careless. "

"Praise God, you must not go h'alone in that case, or somethingwill befall you! I shall h'imitate the birds and call them outbefore you to fire at. "

"Fire AT! I don't fire at things, I hit 'em. "

"Yes, sar. In that case we shall procure plenty of games. "

"See here! I'm going alone, understand? I have an engagement witha Naiad. "

"'Ow much a month will you be getting for such h'engagements?"

"Naiads don't pay in money, they give you smiles and kind words. "

"Better you continue then as train collector. There is greath'opportunity for stealing. "

"My job won't be ready for a few days, and meanwhile I have becomea huntsman. I intend to go out every afternoon. "

"H'afternoons is no good for wild h'animals; they are sleeping. Walk they in the h'early morning, for the most part, veryquietly. "

"That's true of some wood creatures, but the kind I hunt dancealong the edges of pools in the afternoon. Say, did you ever feellike dancing?"

"No, sar. "

"Come around on the back porch and I'll teach you a buck-step. Ifeel too good to sit still. "

But Allan refused this proffer firmly. Such frivolous conduct wasbeneath his dignity. 

"I 'ave h'important things to disclose, " he said, mysteriously. 

"Indeed. "

"Yes, sar. Last night I dreamed. "

"You've got nothing on me; so did I. "

"I am walking on the h'edge of the h'ocean when I h'encountered awhale--a 'uge whale. "

"Swam ashore to rest, I suppose?"

"No, sar; he was dead. It was very vivid. "

"Well, what has a vivid dead whale to do with me?"

"This!" Allan brought forth a sheet of paper, which he unfoldedcarefully. "There is the number--the 'fish number, ' sar. "

"Why, this is a Chinese lottery advertisement. "

"I got it for the very purpose. It would pay us to h'invest somemoney on the 'fish number. '"

"Nonsense! I don't believe in dreams. You say yourself they arefalse. "

"Never such a dream as this, boss. It was very vivid. "

"I've got no money. "

Allan folded the paper disconsolately and thrust it into hispocket. "It is fartunate h'indeed, " said he, "that you will beworking soon, Master h'Auntony. And those P. R. R. Was veryfartunate also for getting you to h'accept a position, veryfartunate h'indeed. "

"Do you think I will raise the standard of efficiency?"

"Most of those railroad persons are vile people. They threw meh'off the train with such violence that my joints are very stiffand h'inflamed. I should h'enjoy being boss over them for awhile. "

"Why don't you ask for a job?"

"I have decided to do so, and I am asking you now for anh'engagement as brakesman. "

"I can't hire you. Go to the office. "

"Probably there are h'already brakesmen on your train. "

"I have no doubt. "

"In that case I shall ride with you as private person. "

"Ride back and forth every day?"

"Those are my h'expectations, sar. "

"That costs money. "

"You will be collector, " remarked the negro, calmly. "I shouldlike to see those train people h'expel me, in that case. "

"Well! I can see trouble ahead for one of us, " laughed Anthony. "They don't allow 'dead-heads. '"

But Allan replied with unshaken confidence: "Then you shouldsecure for me a pahss. "

Kirk found it extremely difficult to escape from his persistentshadow that afternoon, and he succeeded only after a display ofarmed resistance. 

It was the hottest part of the day when he set out, gun on arm, yet he never thought of the discomfort. After skirting the city, he swung into the fine macadam road that had brought him home thenight before, and much sooner than he expected he arrived at thelittle path that led into the forest. He knew that he wastrespassing again, and the knowledge added to his delight. Asquickly as possible he lost himself in the grateful shade andfollowed the stream-bank with beating heart. His head was full ofvague hopes and plans. He meant to learn the true story of MissChiquita's penance and find some means of winning her away fromthat other lover, of whom he had already thought more than once. He determined to make his love known without delay and establishhimself as a regular suitor. 

As upon the previous day, he broke into the glade before hesuspected its presence, to find the same golden light-beamsflickering in the shadowed depths and to hear the little waterfallchuckling at his surprise. There was the tree from which she hadcalled to him, yonder the bench where they had sat together. 

Of course, he was too early--he wanted to be, in order not to missan instant of her company, so he seated himself and dreamed abouther. The minutes dragged, the jungle drowsed. An hour passed. Athousand fresh, earthy odors breathed around him, and he began tosee all sorts of flowers hidden away in unsuspected places. Fromthe sunlit meadows outside came a sound of grazing herds, the deepwoods faintly echoed the harsh calls of tropic birds, but at thepool itself a sleepy silence brooded. 

Once a chattering squirrel came bravely rustling through thebranches to the very edge of the enchanted bower, but he only satand stared a moment in seeming admiration, then retreated quietly. A yellow-beaked toucan, in a flash of red and black and gold, settled upon a mirrored limb; but it, too, stilled its raucoustongue and flitted away on noiseless pinions as if the Naiads wereasleep. 

In the moist earth beside the bench Anthony saw the print of adainty boot, no longer than his palm, and he promptly fell into arhapsody. What tiny hands and feet she had, to be sure, and such asweetly melancholy face! Yet she was anything but grave andgloomy. Why, the sunlight dancing on that waterfall was no moremischievous and merry than she. The slight suggestion of sadnessshe conveyed was but the shadow of the tropic mystery or theafterglow of the tragedy that had played so large a part in thiscountry's history. The fact that she was half American perhapsaccounted for her daring, yet, whatever the other strain, it couldnot be ignoble. Mrs. Cortlandt's figure of the silver threads in arotting altar-cloth recurred to him with peculiar force. 

But why didn't she come? A sudden apprehension overtook him, whichgrew and grew as the afternoon wore away. 

It was a very miserable young man who wandered out through thefragrant path, as the first evening shadows settled, and bent hisdejected steps toward the city. Evidently something had occurredto prevent her keeping her tryst, but he determined to return onthe morrow, and then if she did not come to follow that other pathright up to the house, where he would risk everything for a wordwith her. He wondered if she had stayed away purposely to testhim, and the thought gave him a thrill. If so, she would soonlearn that he was in earnest; she would find him waiting thereevery afternoon and--after all, why confine himself to theafternoon when she was just as likely to appear in the morning? Heresolved to go hunting earlier hereafter, and give the whole dayto it. Meanwhile, he would make cautious inquiries. 

It was considerably after dark when he reached the hotel, and hisfriends had dined; but he encountered Mr. Cortlandt later. IfEdith's husband suspected anything of what had occurred a night ortwo ago, his countenance gave no sign of it. For some reason orother, Kirk had not been troubled in the slightest by the thoughtthat Cortlandt might be told. He could not imagine Edith makinghim the confidant of her outraged feelings. Besides, would such astrangely impassive person resent any little indiscretion in whichhis wife might choose to indulge? Kirk did not know--the man was apuzzle to him. 

Cortlandt's voice was thoroughly non-committal as he inquired:

"Where have you been keeping yourself?"

"I've been hunting, to kill time. "

"Any luck?"

"No, none at all. I started too late, I guess. "

"By-the-way, " continued the other, "your friend Allan has beenbesieging Edith, imploring her to use her influence to get him aposition. He has set his heart upon going to work with you. "

"He is becoming a positive nuisance. I can't get rid of him. "

"I never saw such hero-worship. "

"Oh, all niggers are hysterical. "

"Let me give you a bit of advice, Anthony. Remember there are no'niggers' and 'whites' in this country--they are both about equal. The President of the republic is a black man, and a very good one, too. "

"That reminds me. I hear he is to be succeeded by the father of myfriend, Alfarez. "

Cortlandt hesitated. "General Alfarez is a candidate. He is a verystrong man, but--"

"I am glad there is a 'but. '"

"It isn't settled, by any means. The successful candidate willneed the support of our government. "

"I suppose the Alfarez family is one of the first settlers--Mayflower stock?"

"Oh, worse than that. The name runs back to Balboa's time. GeneralAlfarez is very rich, and very proud of his ancestry. That is onething that makes him so strong with the people. "

"What are some of the other leading families?" Kirk artfullyinquired. 

"There are a number. The Martinezes, the Moras, the Garavels--Icouldn't name them all. They are very fine people, too. "

"Do you know the Chiquitas?"

Cortlandt's face relaxed in an involuntary smile. 

"There is no such family. Who has been teaching you Spanish?"

"Really, isn't there?"

"'Chiquita' means 'very small, ' 'little one, ' 'little girl, ' orsomething like that. It's not a family name, it's a term ofendearment, usually. "

Kirk remembered now how the girl's eyes had danced when she askedhim if he spoke her language. It was just like her to tease him, and yet what a pretty way to conceal her identity!

"What made you take it for a proper name?"

"A-a little girl told me. "

"Oh, naturally. All children are 'Chiquitas' or 'Chiquitos'--everything, in fact, that is a pet. "

Kirk felt somewhat uncomfortable under the older man's gaze ofquiet amusement. 

"But these other families, " he went on in some confusion--"I meanthe ones like those you just mentioned--they sometimes intermarrywith Americans, don't they?"

"No, not the better class. There have been a few instances, Ibelieve, but for the most part they keep to themselves. "

"How would a fellow set about meeting the nice people. "

"He wouldn't. He would probably live here indefinitely and neversee the inside of a Panamanian house. "

"But there must be some way, " the young man exclaimed indesperation. "There must be dances, parties--"

"Of course, but Americans are not invited. The men are easy to getacquainted with, charming, courteous, gentlemanly, but I dare sayyou will leave Panama without so much as meeting their wives orsisters. But why this consuming curiosity? Has some senoritastruck your fancy?"

In spite of his effort to appear unconcerned, Kirk felt that helooked abominably self-conscious. Without waiting for a reply, Cortlandt continued to give him information as if he enjoyed it. 

"I suppose one reason why so few Americans marry Panamanians isthat our men like at least to get acquainted with their bridesbefore marriage, and that is impossible in this country. A mannever sees a girl alone, you know. When he calls to court her hewooes the whole family, who vote on him, so to speak. That doesn'tappeal to us who originated the mother-in-law joke. There aren'tmany Northern chaps who would consent to select a wife by pointingher out like a bolt of calico on a top shelf. "

Kirk suddenly realized to the full how egregious his request tocall must have appeared to the Spanish girl. What a fool he hadbeen, to be sure! For a moment he lost himself in a contemplationof the difficulties so unexpectedly presented. He was brought tohimself by the words:

"--to-morrow you will go to work. "

"What's that?" he broke forth in a panic. "I can't go to work to-morrow; I'm going hunting. "

Cortlandt eyed him curiously. 

"I didn't say to-morrow. I said Runnells 'phoned that he would beready for you day after to-morrow. What is the matter with you?Have you lost your head over shooting, or don't you care to work?"

"Oh, neither, " he said, hastily. "I merely misunderstood you. Ofcourse, the sooner the better. "

"Yes, as you say, the sooner the better, " said Cortlandt, with ashade of meaning. "Well, good-night, and good-luck to you in yourshooting!"

It was with much less self-assurance that Kirk set out again onthe next morning, for this was his last day of grace, and herealized that unless he accomplished something definite it mightbe a considerable time before he could continue his quest. In viewof what the girl had said regarding her engagement, delays seemedparticularly dangerous. 

He haunted the vicinity of the meeting-place all the morning, butno one came, and a heavy shower at midday drove him into the palm-thatched hut for shelter. When it had passed he put an end to hisindecision and boldly took the other path. At least he would findout where she lived and who she was. But once again he wasdisappointed. The trail led out through the grove to the rain-drenched pasture, where it disappeared, and, instead of one house, he saw three, half hidden in foliage and all facing in theopposite direction. They stood upon the crest of a hill frontingthe road, and he realized that the pool might be the bathing-placefor the inmates of one or all of them. 

Up past the grazing stock he went and around to the front of thenearest residence, which proved to be a low, rambling, bungalowaffair with many outhouses smothered in a profusion of vines andfruit-trees. Evidently it was unoccupied, for heavy woodenshutters barricaded the windows, and no one answered his knock, although some pigeons perched upon the tile roof cooed at him in afriendly manner. He struck across lots to the next house, but metwith no better success, and he approached the third dwelling witha certain hesitation, for it was his last chance. It was morepretentious than the rest, and stood proudly upon the highestpoint of the ridge, up which ran a private road guarded by twinrows of stately royal palms, whose perfectly rounded trunks seemedto have been turned upon some giant lathe. The house itself waslarge, square, and double-galleried. It was shaded by lofty hard-wood trees and overlooked a sort of formal garden, now badly inneed of care. The road was of shell, and where it entered thegrounds passed through a huge iron gate suspended upon concretepillars. The whole place had an air of wealth and exclusiveness. 

Here, too, the windows stared at him blindly, and he saw noevidence of occupation; yet he advanced and pounded vigorously onthe door. Failing to rouse any one, he paused to take a generalview of the surroundings. Scattered upon every side were otherwinter homes, some bleaching nakedly in the open, others peepingout from luxuriant groves, some mean and poor, others reallybeautiful and impressive. He knew that he was in the heart ofPanama's exclusive winter colony, where her wealthy residents cameto avoid the heat. 

Unwilling to acknowledge himself beaten, he plodded from one placeto another, calling at all the nearest houses, finding most ofthem locked, and begging a glass of water where he chanced to bemore fortunate. Nowhere did he see the girl or the Barbadianwoman, nowhere did he receive an intelligible answer to hisquestions. The caretakers looked upon him with suspicion, and madeit known that he was unwelcome, while their women retreated atsight of him. Even the children were unfriendly. Once, indeed, heheard the name that had been ringing so steadily in his ears, andit gave him a wild thrill until he discovered that it was only anegress calling to her child. Afterward it seemed that he heard iteverywhere. On his disconsolate journey home it was spoken twentytimes, being applied indifferently to dogs, cats, parrots, andnaked youngsters, each mention causing him to start and listen. 

Whether the girl had been playing with him, or whether she hadbeen prevented from keeping her word, was of little moment now. Heloved her and he intended to have her! He shut his teeth grimlyand made a vow to find her if he had to invade every home in LasSavannas, or pull apart the walls of Panama. 

XV

ALIAS JEFFERSON LOCKE

It was fortunate for Kirk, on the whole, that his last expeditionhad proved a failure, for his methods were none of the mostdiscreet; and it was as well, perhaps, that his work on therailroad intervened to prevent further wild incursions. 

He was detailed to ride No. 2, which left Panama at 6. 35, returning on No. 7, which arrived at 7. 00 P. M. For a few days hemade the run in company with the train collector, whose positionhe was destined to fill; and, as the duties were by no meansdifficult, he quickly mastered them. He had quarters assigned tohim, and regretfully took leave of his luxurious room and bath atthe Tivoli. He also donned cap and linen uniform, and became aninsignificant, brass-tagged unit in the army of Canal workers. Ordinarily he would have resented this loss of individuality, butthe novelty of the thing appealed to him, and he brought a greatgood-nature to his work, deriving sufficient amusement from it toprevent it from growing tiresome. 

For a time it offended his fastidious taste to be forced to elbowhis way through superheated coaches jammed with shrieking, cackling, incoherent negroes. They were all utterly hysterical, and apparently possessed but one stubborn idea--to refuse paymentsof fares. But in time he grew to enjoy even this. 

He was glad of his new-found independence, moreover, for, thoughit did not cancel his obligation to the Cortlandts, it made himfeel it less keenly. As for his quarters, they were quitetolerable--about the same as he had had at boarding-school, hereflected, and the meals were better. They were not quite up toSherry's or Martin's, it was true, but they cost only thirtycents, and that had advantages. Certainly he could not complain ofa lack of incident in his new life. On his first trip to Colon andback he had nine disputes and two fights, and threw one man off--arecord achievement, he was told, for a beginner. 

A further diversion was furnished by Allan, who appeared early inthe morning and all but assaulted the gateman, who refused to lethim pass without a ticket. It took the entire station force toprevent him from starting for Colon as Kirk's guest. He consideredit a matter of course that his friend should offer him thecourtesies of the road, and he went away at last, wofullydisappointed but not discouraged. 

On the evening of that eventful day, instead of returning to hisnew quarters, Kirk proceeded to walk the streets in search of acertain face. He strolled through the plazas; he idled in front ofthe most pretentious residences; he tramped wearily back and forththrough dim-lit, narrow streets, gazing up at windows andbalconies, harkening for the tone of a voice or the sound of agirl's laughter. But he was without the slightest success, and itwas very late when he finally retired, to dream, as usual, ofChiquita. 

Several days passed, and he began to feel a little dull. He wasmaking no progress in his quest, and he did feel the lack ofcongenial society. Then one evening there came a note from EdithCortlandt briefly requesting him to come and see her. 

He was a little surprised, yet he was conscious of a certainrelief. He had not felt like intruding upon her with furtherexplanations and apologies; but since she wished him to come--perhaps they could meet, after all, in a natural way. He wanted toget rid of the wretched misunderstanding that lay between them. Ifhe were to leave the country that night never to return, he wouldwant to feel that he had parted on good terms with the woman whohad befriended him. 

Promptly at eight o'clock he presented himself. 

"I'm a laboring man now, " he said, as he stood before her, "and Iusually hold my cap in my hand and shuffle my feet when talking toladies. Pray excuse my embarrassment. "

She did not respond to the lightness of his tone. Her glanceseemed intended to warn him that she meant to be serious. 

"I suppose you are wondering why I sent for you, " she remarked, after a perceptible interval, and Kirk felt instantly that theirold relations could not at once be resumed. "I have discoveredsomething very important, and I felt that you ought to know. "

"Thank you, " said Kirk, humbly. "It was very kind. "

"You see, " she went on, with a certain hesitancy, "you confidedyour story to me so frankly I felt under a certain obligation. "She made a little dramatic pause. "I've discovered who JeffersonLocke is!"

"No! Who is he?" Kirk was instantly all attention, for theannouncement came as something of a shock. He had almost forgottenLocke. 

"His real name is Frank Wellar, and he is an absconder. He was abroker's clerk in St. Louis, and he made off with something likeeighty thousand dollars in cash. "

"Good heavens!" said Anthony. "How did you find out?"

"A bundle of New York papers--they came to-day. "

"Where did they catch him?"

"They haven't caught him. He has disappeared completely--that'sthe strangest part of it. Your detective didn't die, after all. "

"He recovered, did he? I'm mighty glad of that. "

"Yes, but you aren't out of the woods yet. I can't understand whythe police haven't discovered your whereabouts. You left New Yorkopenly under the name of Locke--"

"Perhaps it was so easy they overlooked it. " He smiled ruefully. I'd hate to be arrested just now when I'm getting to be such agood conductor. "

"Don't worry about that until the time comes. I'll get you thepapers later. " She showed no immediate intention of rising, however, but sat regarding her visitor with slightly heightenedcolor. He began to feel embarrassed. It seemed to be his fate toreceive benefits at this woman's hand, whether he willed it ornot. 

He got to his feet with an effort, and said, looking down uponher:

"I must go now; but first I want to make you feel how grateful Iam for your kindness and for your continued trust in me. I haven'tdeserved it, I know, but--" He turned as if to leave, but facedher again as he heard her pronounce his name. He was surprised tosee that there were tears in her eyes. 

"Kirk, " she said, "you're an awfully good sort, and I can't stayangry with you. Do you know you've made it rather hard for mestaying away all this time?"

"I thought you never wanted to see me again. "

"You shouldn't take so seriously what a woman says under suchcircumstances. It's embarrassing. It makes things seem worse thanthey are. " She hesitated, as if to emphasize the difficulty ofsuch candor. 

Kirk said, gently:

"Does that mean that we can forget all about it and be goodfriends again? Does it mean that you'll forgive me?"

"I can't quite promise that, " she answered. "But there is no needof your avoiding me; and it's absurd for you to feel as you do, that you can't accept any little services from me that might helpyou in your work. I'm still interested in your success. "

"You're tremendously good, " he answered, really touched. "I can'tsay anything, except that I'll try to be worthy of your kindness. "

She gave him a half-distressed look, then smiled brightly. 

"We won't talk of it any more, " she said--"ever. Now do sit downand tell me what you have been doing all this time. How have youbeen getting along with your work?"

"All right, except one morning when I overslept. "

"Overslept? Oh, Kirk!" she said, reproachfully. 

"You see, I never got up so early before, except to go duck-hunting, and this is different. Did you ever try rising at five-thirty--in the morning, I mean? You've no idea how it feels. Why, it's hardly light! You can't see to brush your teeth! I suggestedto Runnels that we send No. 2 out at eight-thirty instead of six-thirty--that's early enough for anybody--but he didn't seem totake kindly to the thought. "

"What did he say when you reported?"

"I didn't consider it proper to listen to all he said, so Iretired gracefully. From what I did hear, however, I gathered thathe was vaguely offended at something. I tried to explain that Ihad been out late, but it didn't go. "

Edith laughed. "Perhaps I'd better telephone him. "

"Oh no, you needn't do that. "

"But surely you were called in time?"

"Please don't. That's the first thing Runnels yodelled at me whenI showed up. He's a nice fellow, but he's too serious; he letslittle things bother him. He'll cool off eventually. "

Time passed quickly in such an interchange of pleasanttrivialities, and, although Kirk felt that he was making anunconscionably long call, he could not well leave while hishostess seemed bent on detaining him. It was late when he saidgood-night, and, after returning to his quarters, withcharacteristic perversity he proceeded to sit up, smokingcigarette after cigarette, while he tried to set his thoughts inorder. He was grateful to Mrs. Cortlandt, and immensely pleased tolearn that the man injured in the affair in New York had not died. But something must be done about Chiquita. That was the importantthing now. He wrestled with the problem for a long time in vain. He was afraid to go to bed for fear of oversleeping again, anddecided to stay up until train-time. But at length drowsinessovercame him, and for the few remaining hours he dreamedlonesomely of an oval face and big, black, velvet eyes. 

He did not really miss his rest until the next afternoon, when theheat and the monotonous rumble of the train, together with itsrestful swaying, sent him off into a delicious doze, from which hewas awakened by a brakeman barely in time to escape discovery. Thereafter he maintained more regular habits, and while no one butthe luxury-loving youth himself knew what effort it required tocut short his slumbers in their sweetest part, he never missed histrain, and in time the early hours ceased to be a hardship. 

In the days that followed he tried his very best to make good. Every evening he had to himself he spent in search of the Spanishgirl. Aside from his inability to find her, and an occasionalmoment of misgiving at the thought of Frank Wellar, aliasJefferson Locke, Kirk had but one worry, and that was caused byAllan. Never a day passed that the worshipful black boy did notfairly hound him with his attentions; never a nightly journey downinto the city that Allan did not either accompany him or, failingpermission to do so, follow him at a safe distance. For a timeAnthony rebelled at this espionage, but the constant effort ofrefusal grew tiresome after a while, especially as the Jamaicandid just as he pleased anyhow, and Kirk ended by letting him havehis way. But this was not all. Allan insisted upon accompanyinghis friend upon his daily runs back and forth across the Isthmus. At first he succeeded in slipping past the gateman in somemiraculous manner, and, once aboard the train, behaved as if freefrom all further responsibility. He made it plain, in fact, thathe was Anthony's guest and boon companion, and considered theexchange of money quite unnecessary, if not even insulting. Dayafter day Kirk argued with him, even threatening to throw him off;but Allan ignored the arguments with bland good-nature and lookedupon the threats as the display of an excruciating sense of humor. He continued to visit and to gossip on terms of the closestintimacy, and began, moreover, to exercise a certain proprietaryright over Kirk, following him through the train to see that noharm befell him, and seizing the slightest opportunity to engagehim in conversation. 

Anthony explained time after time that there were probablyspotters on the run, and that this conduct was sure, sooner orlater, to get them both into trouble. To all of which Allanlistened attentively and agreed with all earnestness. But the nextmorning invariably found him back again with some excuse. 

"I can't h'explain it, chief, " he acknowledged, on one occasion. "Every day swear I to cease, but it is of no h'avail. Ever youbeen in love with a female, sar?"

"What has that to do with it?"

"It is much the same. I can't h'allow you to leave me. I would dieand kill myself, but--"

"Rats!"

"Yes, sar. It is very h'annoying, is it not?"

"Do you want me to lose my job?"

"Oh, MON!"

"I'm going to speak to the boss, if you don't let up. I don't wantto get fired. "

"Never mind you, for these h'engagements. I will work for you. "

Becoming really concerned lest he should be accused of withholdingfares, Kirk did speak to Runnels, explaining fully, whereupon awatch was set, with the result that on the very next morning Allanwas chased out of the railroad yards by an unfeeling man with aclub. Failing for a second time to evade the watchful eyes of thegateman, he ranged back and forth beyond the iron fence like acaptive animal, raising his voice to heaven in weird complaint. Hewas waiting when the train pulled in that evening, glued to theiron bars, his eyes showing as white in the gloom as his expansivegrin of welcome. 

For several days this procedure was repeated with variations, until the dreadful threat of arrest put an end to it. Allan hadconceived a wholesome respect for Spiggoty police, and for a fewdays thereafter Kirk was rid of him. Then one morning hereappeared as usual in one of the forward coaches. 

"How the deuce did you make it?" asked Anthony. 

Allan proudly, triumphantly, displayed a ticket, exclaiming:

"It is of no h'avail to prevent me, boss!"

"That ticket is good only to Corozal, the first station. You'llhave to get off there. " But when Corozal had been passed he foundAllan still comfortably ensconced in his seat. 

"Now, boss, we shall have fine visits to-day, " the negropredicted, warmly, and Kirk did not have the heart to eject him. 

At the other end of the line Allan repeated the process, andthereafter worked diligently to amass sufficient money to buytickets from Panama to Corozal and from Colon to Mt. Hope, relyingwith splendid faith upon his friend to protect him once hepenetrated past the lynx-eyed gateman. 

Runnels accepted Kirk's explanation, and so far exceeded hisauthority as to make no objection. Allan, therefore, managed tospend about half his time in company with the object of hisadoration. 

Although the Master of Transportation never referred to hisconversation with Kirk on the occasion of their trip throughCulebra Cut, he watched his new subordinate carefully and he felthis instinctive liking for him increase. The young fellow was inearnest, he decided, in his effort to succeed on his own merits, and had not been posing when he offered to start at the bottom. Itgave Runnels pleasure to see how he attended to his work, once hehad settled down to it. 

Accordingly, it afforded him an unpleasant surprise when hereceived a printed letter from a St. Louis detective agencyrelative to one Frank Wellar, alias Jefferson Locke (last seen inNew York City November 25th), and offering a substantial rewardfor information leading to his arrest. The communication reachedRunnels through the usual channel, copies having been distributedto the heads of various departments. It was the description thatcaught his attention:

"White; age, twenty-eight years; occupation, clerk; eyes, bluishgray; hair, light, shading upon yellow; complexion, fair; height, six feet; weight, one hundred ninety pounds. No prominent scars ormarks, so far as known, but very particular as to personalappearance, and considered a good athlete, having been captain ofU. Of K. Football team. "

There was but one man in Runnels' department whose appearancetallied with all this, and it gave the Master of Transportation astart to note how very complete was the identification. Nevertheless, he held the letter on his desk, and did nothing fora time except to question his new collector upon the firstoccasion. The result was not at all reassuring. A few days later, chancing to encounter John Weeks, on his way across the Isthmus, he recalled Kirk's mention of his first experience at Colon. Byway of an experiment he led on the consul to speak of his formerguest. 

"Anthony? Oh yes, " wheezed the fat man. "I see you've got him atwork. "

"You and he are friends, I believe. I thought you'd be interestedto know he's getting on well. In fact, he's the best collector Ihave. "

"We're hardly friends, " said the consul, cautiously. "I supposehe's all right--must be or Cortlandt wouldn't have taken him up;but there's something about him I don't understand. Either he's onthe level, or he's got the nerve of a burglar. "

"How so?"

"Well, I know he isn't what he claims to be--I have proof. He's nomore Darwin K. Anthony's son than--"

"Darwin K. Anthony!" exclaimed the railroad man, in amazement. "Did he claim that?"

"He did, and he--" The speaker checked himself with admirablediplomatic caution. "Say, he's taught me one thing, and that isthat it doesn't pay to butt into other people's business. I playedhim to lose, and he won; and I got into a fine mess over it. "Weeks wrinkled his face into a ludicrous expression of mournfuldisgust. "I couldn't pick a winner if there were two horses in therace and one of them had a broken leg. Whether his name is Anthonyor Locke makes no difference to me. I got in 'Dutch' for meddling, and Alfarez lost his job for arresting him. It's only a damn foolwho gets stung twice in the same spot. I'm through. "

"You'll get your money. Anthony told me he'd square up on pay-day. "

Weeks snorted at this. "Why, I've got it already. I've been paid. Mrs. Cortlandt sent me her check. " He stared at his companioncuriously. "Funny, isn't it, how I got called down and RamenAlfarez got fired on his account? What does it mean?" He winkedone red eye in a manner that set Runnels to thinking deeply. 

XVI

"8838"

For a few days after this conversation the Master ofTransportation was in doubt as to what course he should pursue. Inthe end he did nothing, and the letter from St. Louis waspermanently filed away. There were several reasons for thisaction. For one thing, he was a salaried man, and could not affordto lose his job. What influenced him most, however, was hisgenuine liking for Anthony. He could not bring himself to attachmuch weight to the suspicious circumstances connected with him. Being a man of sufficient courage to back his own judgment, hedecided that no matter what might have been the past of FrankWellar, alias Jefferson Locke, Kirk Anthony was entitled toanother chance. 

The first thing Kirk did when pay-day came was to enclose thegreater part of his salary in an envelope and send it to JohnWeeks, with a note explaining that he had withheld only enough forhis own actual needs, and promising to continue reducing hisindebtedness by a like amount monthly. He was surprised beyondmeasure to have the remittance promptly returned. The brief letterthat accompanied it brought him a flush of discomfort. What thedeuce had made Mrs. Cortlandt do that? For a time he was undecidedwhether to be offended at her conduct or gratified, and he had notsettled the matter to his satisfaction when he called upon herthat evening. 

"Weeks wrote me you had squared my account with him, " he said, awkwardly. "I'm tremendously obliged, of course, and--I'll givethis to you instead of him. " He offered her the envelope with hispay enclosed. 

"Don't be silly, Kirk, " she said, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Ididn't wish Weeks to have any opportunity to talk. You need thismoney and I don't. "

"Perhaps I should have offered it to Mr. Cortlandt. "

"Stephen knows nothing about the Weeks affair. If you choose toregard my little favor as a debt, however, please let it run onuntil you are better able to pay. "

But Anthony remained inflexible, and at last she accepted hisproffer with some impatience. 

"You are the most foolish person I ever knew, " she remarked. "Can't you understand that such obligations don't exist betweenfriends? A few dollars mean nothing. "

"A few dollars mean a good deal to me just now. "

"You have the most disappointing way of receiving favors. I had adecent position for you, but you would go to collecting fares. Ihope you have had enough of it by now, and are ready to takesomething worth while. "

"Not until it comes naturally. No hop-skip-and-jump for mine. "

Edith sighed. "It is terribly dull for me here at present, " shesaid. "Mr. Cortlandt is very busy; I have no one to talk to; noone to amuse me. Why, I've scarcely seen you since you went towork. "

"It is flattering to be missed. "

"Will you come to the dance to-morrow night?"

He shook his head. 

"The music is good; you will meet some nice people. If youremember, one of your qualifications for a position was that youare a good waltzer. "

"I can't mingle with the 'quality. '"

"Be sensible. This is an invitation. "

"I am getting sensible fast. I've learned something about Canalconditions. What would people say if Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt wereseen dancing with the new collector of No. 2?"

"My dear boy, do you suppose Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt cares whatthese people say?"

"Mr. Stephen Cortlandt might. "

"Mr. Stephen Cortlandt isn't snobbish, either. "

"One has to be on the Canal Zone. Besides, to tell the sordidtruth, I haven't any clothes. "

Edith silently extended the envelope in her hand; but he laughed. 

"Perhaps I'll come to the next dance. I'll be rich then. See!" Heshowed her a long slip of paper consisting of five coupons, eachnumbered "8838. "

"Lottery tickets!"

He nodded. "Allan had a very particular dream about the numbereight, so I invested five dollars 'silver' on his hunch. You knowhe has the most wonderful dreams. There was one about a whale--itwas appallingly vivid. "

"But you don't bet on all these miraculous whales and things?"

"Oh no. The whale was a little too much for me. But I thought I'dtake a chance on the number eight, it didn't seem quite soapocryphal. "

"But why did you select such a ridiculous combination? It isn'tlikely that the eight will come out three times in four. "

"It's the number of my automobile license. " Kirk sighed at thememory of his new French car. "You don't object to such gambling?"

"Hardly, " laughed Edith, "when I have a ticket for the samedrawing. Every one does it, you know. "

"If I win the capital prize I'll come to the next party and claimall the dances you will allow me. "

"Not much encouragement in that for a lonely lady. "

"Oh, I'm the luckiest chap in the world. The drawing comes offnext Sunday, and it happens that I've been shifted to No. 6 for afew trips, so I'll have a chance to see the fun. "

"If you were a little less quixotic and weren't so remarkablyafraid of getting more than your deserts, you could come to allthese dances. "

"I'm sorry, " he acknowledged, "but I have to do things in my ownway. "

It was a welcome change for him to sleep as late as he wished onSunday morning, and he enjoyed the privilege to the full. Inasmuchas No. 6 did not leave until one o'clock, he had ample time inwhich to witness the lottery drawing, a thing he had been curiousto see since he had first heard of it. This form of gambling waswell recognized, it seemed; not only the natives, but all classesof Canal Zone workers, engaged in it freely. On every streetcorner women sold tickets day after day, and, as the drawings wereconducted under rigid government supervision, the lottery had cometo be regarded as a sort of public institution, quite as reputableas an ordinary church raffle. 

Allan, vastly excited, was of course waiting to accompany him, and, when Kirk had finished a leisurely breakfast, the twostrolled idly down into the city. 

"Oh, boss, " exclaimed the negro, "I feel that we shallh'experience good-fartune to-day. "

"Did you buy a ticket?"

"No, sar, I reinvested all my monies travelling on those railroadtrains. "

"Now see how foolish you are. If you'd stayed at home you mighthave bought the winning number to-day. "

"I prefer to h'accompany you. But--I have been thinking to makeyou a proposition of partnership. Master h'Auntony. I will stayhome and dream numbers which you can purchase with your salary. Inthat manner we shall certainly burst this lottery. "

"Oh, I see! You'll sleep while I rustle the coin to play. What'syour idea of a fair division of the profits?"

"It is sometimes exceedingly fatiguing to dream, " said Allan, defensively. "Sometimes one wastes an entire day and has nosuccess. "

"That's merely a question of diet. I could make you dream yourhead off. "

"But I do not desire the profits, however, for being partners withyou. I would like you to have plenty of monies, that is all. Ilove you, sar. "

"Don't! You embarrass me. "

"It is true, chief, I would die and--"

"Yes, yes, kill yourself. "

"I pray to God h'every day that some bad man will h'assault you inorder that I may die for you. " The Jamaican was growing excited, as usual when he dwelt upon this subject. "I would h'enjoy to shedmy blood for you, sar. I would like to see it running--running--running--" He waved his arms wildly. 

"Don't bleed to death. "

"I wish to suffer and scream and groan, so that you will beknowing--"

"Never mind. I think I get the idea. But I'm not going to allowit, and I'm not going to allow you to dream--you sleep too much asit is. Besides, your dreams are no good. Look at that whale dreamof yours, for instance. "

"Oh, sar, the 'fish' number did not win, to be sure, but 'water'did. "

"But you didn't dream about water, it was about fish, 'vivid'fish. "

"I did not chance to think of the water, " acknowledged Allan, "butthere was the whale lying upon the h'edge of the h'ocean, h'allthe time. "

The drawing, which was for a capital prize of fifteen thousanddollars "silver, " had drawn a larger crowd than usual, and whenthe two reached Cathedral Square they found the lottery buildingthronged to overflowing with the usual polyglot elements that makeup these Latin-American gatherings--negroes, Indians, Panamanians, Spaniards, Americans--while in the Plaza itself other groups werewaiting to hear the report. 

By dint of considerable effort Kirk succeeded in working his waythrough the wide double doors, and, being much above the averageheight, he was able to get a good view of the proceedings. Upon aplatform a group of ceremonious officials were gathered about arevolving wire cage, so arranged that it could be whirled rapidlyupon its axis. Into it were put ten ivory spheres, resemblingbilliard-balls in size and appearance. When this had been done, the cage was closed, and a very badly frightened twelve-year-oldgirl was selected at random from the audience, then lifted to thestage, where it required the commands and entreaties of herexcited parents to prevent her from dissolving in tears. At a wordfrom the master of ceremonies the cage was spun until the ivoryballs inside leaped and capered like captive squirrels. Then atanother signal it was stopped. The door was opened and the littlegirl reached in a trembling hand and selected a sphere. It provedto be hollow, with two halves screwed together, and in full sightof the assembly it was opened, displaying a bit of paper inside. 

"Ocho!" cried the announcer, and a card bearing the numeral "8"was raised. The paper was replaced inside the ivory ball, the ballitself was dropped into the wire cage, the door was closed, andonce more the cage was spun. 

Kirk was much interested in the scene, not from any faintest hopethat he would draw a prize, but purely from the novel atmosphereand color of the thing. While his eyes were busiest, and just asthe child prepared to draw another ball, he felt a clutch upon hisarm, and, glancing down, beheld the glowing black eyes of SenorRamon Alfarez fixed upon him. 

Alfarez was dressed immaculately, this time in civilian's whitelinen, his ferocious little mustachios carefully pointed, hischeeks freshly shaven and talcumed, his slender feet encased inwhite canvas shoes. A wonderful Guayaquil hat, the creamy strawsof which were no thicker than silk threads, crowned his sleek, raven locks. It must have cost a small fortune. He carried adapper little cane, with which he tapped his former prisoner toattract his attention. 

At sight of him Kirk drew down his brows and said, gruffly:

"Don't poke me with that umbrella. "

He turned away, but again Alfarez touched him with the rattan. 

"I will spik' wit' you, hombre, " he said. 

"If you keep jabbing me with that crutch I'll break it, and thenyou can't walk home. "

Ramen jerked his head toward the square outside in an imperiousfashion, and Kirk, curious to learn the cause of this unusualexcitement, followed him without demur. When they had reached thestreet the Spaniard turned with flashing eyes and a mirthlesssmile. 

"Well!" he said, dramatically. 

"Pretty well. How goes it with you?"

"So! You 'ave socceed in your cowardly attemp'. "

"My what?"

"I am lose my poseetion as Commandante of Police. "

"You don't say so!" Kirk's face broke into a smile of realpleasure. 

"Ha! Makes it you to laugh, then?" exclaimed the Panamanian, excitedly. "Per'aps you shall answer to those detestable actions, senor. "

"Perhaps! I see you blame me for the loss of your job. Well, maybeyou won't beat up the next American you get your hands on. "

"Bot--I 'ave another poseetion!" Ramen exulted. 

"Indeed! Are you 'behind the ribbons' at the local Wanamaker's?"

"I 'ave been promote! I am appoint' yesterday by his Excellencythe Presidente to be his secretary. So! Those dastardly attack ofyours is transpire to my blessing. It will be always so. "

"I suppose it's a good job, but you ought to be selling poison ina drug-store. Did you call me out to hear this news?"

"Si!" Alfarez nodded his head vigorously. Then, narrowing hiseyes, he said, meaningly, in a voice that none might overhear, "Panama is sometimes very on'ealthy city for fat Americans. " Heran a hostile glance up and down Anthony's burly frame. "It is theclimate per'aps--of too great 'eat. "

"In other words, you intend to make it hot for me, eh?"

"I?" The ex-commandant shrugged his shoulders in eloquent denial. "I shall do not'ing, bot--if you are wise man you will not displayyourself to the dangers of these climate; you will return 'ome. "

"Say! I've a good notion to punch your head. "

Alfarez paled slightly. 

"Soch would be most dangerous, for in Chiriqui prison there is atthe present some fatal disease. " He laughed sneeringly. "The senoris reech man's son, eh? Those do not geeve the appearance. "

With supreme insolence he touched one of the buttons upon Kirk'slinen uniform with his cane, whereat the American snatched thestick out of his hand, broke it, and tossed it into the street. His blood was up, and in another breath he would have struck theSpaniard, regardless of consequences, but just at that momentAllan, dashed out of the crowd crying, breathlessly:

"Oh, boss! Oh, BOSS! Glory to God, it is true! OH-H-H GLORY!"Seizing Kirk's hands, he kissed them before the other couldprevent, then ran on frantically: "Come quick! Come! Come! Come!"

"Look out!" snapped Kirk, angrily. "What's happened?"

"The dream! The dream is come! Oh, God, sar! You--you have won thecapital prize, sar!"

Alfarez's exclamation, as much as the boy's wild hysteria, broughtAnthony to himself. 

"NO! Honest, now! What's the number?" he exclaimed. 

"H'eight, h'eight, three, h'eight, " sobbed the Jamaican. Kirk madea dive for his coat-pocket, while Allan continued in a risingvoice:

"Glory to God, sar! Glory to God! It is fifteen thousand dollars'silver. ' I thought I should h'expire from fright. Oh, I--Quick!Praise be--Do not say you have lost the ticket or I shall die andkill myself--"

"Here it is!" In his hand Anthony waved a slip of paper, out ofwhich leaped four big, red numbers-"8838. "

"Carraho!" came from behind him, and he turned to behold Alfarez, livid of face and with shaking hand, fling a handful of similarcoupons after the broken cane. Without another word or a glancebehind him, the Panamanian made off across the Plaza, barely intime to, escape the crowd that surged around the two he hadquitted. 

Bombarded by a fusillade of questions in a dozen tongues, jostledby a clamoring, curious throng, the lucky owner of 8838 fought hisway back into the lottery building, and, as he went, the newsspread like flaming oil. 

There it was, plainly displayed, "8838"! There could be nopossible mistake, and it meant fifteen thousand silver pesos, aprincely fortune indeed for the collector of No. 2. 

Promptly at five minutes to one o'clock that afternoon, AllanAllan, late of Jamaica, strode through the Panama railroad stationand flaunted a first-class, round-trip ticket to Colon before theeyes of his enemy, the gateman. He was smoking a huge Jamaicancigar, and his pockets bulged with others. When he came to boardthe train, he called loudly for a porter to bring him the stepand, once inside, selected a shady seat with the languid air of abored globe-trotter. He patronized the "butcher" lavishly, crushing handful after handful of lemon-drops noisily between histeeth and strewing orange peel and cigar ashes on the floor withthe careless unconcern that accords with firmly establishedfinancial eminence. He spat out of the window, he waved adignified greeting to his countrymen gathered upon stationplatforms, he halted hurrying brakemen to inquire times of arrivaland departure, and in general he had the time of his young life. 

Only when Kirk appeared upon his rounds did he forego his haughtycomplacency. Then his wide lips, which nature had shaped to aperpetual grin, curled back as they were intended, his smile litup the car, and he burst into loud laughter. 

"Enjoying yourself?" inquired his hero. 

"Passably, sar, passably!" Then, with a painful assumption ofseriousness: "How is the train, sar, may I ahsk?"

"On time. "

"Rarely it is so, as a general thing. It is fartunate h'indeedthat you consented to run her this time. "

"In a hurry to get to Colon?"

"Quite so. It is h'impartant that I h'arrive promptly to-day. Ihave business h'affairs. " His countenance assumed tortured linesas he endeavored to maintain his gravity, then failing in hisattempt, he burst suddenly into a gale of merriment that sentforth a shower of peanuts and lemon candy. "Praise God, boss, weare 'appy gentlemen to-day, are we not?"

Kirk found that the report of his good-fortune had spread far andwide; he was halted a score of times for congratulations;operators at the various stations yelled at him and waved theirhands; Runnels wired "Hurrah!" at Gatun. A certain respect was inthese greetings, too, for he had suddenly become a character. 

As yet, however, he had not fully considered what this windfallmeant to him. His first thought had been that he could nowdischarge his debts, go back to New York, and clear himself beforethe law. Yet the more he thought of it the less eager he became toreturn. Seven thousand five hundred dollars in gold to KirkAnthony, of Panama, Collector, was a substantial fortune. To KirkAnthony, of Albany, Distributor, it was nothing. Suppose he wenthome and squared his account with the police, what would he dothen? Nothing, as usual. Here, he was proving that the Anthonybreed was self-supporting, at least. And there was another reason, the weightiest of all. Long before he had reached the end of hisrun he realized that not one hundred times the amount of thiscapital prize would tempt him to leave Panama before he had seenChiquita. 

Chiquita was beginning to seem like a dream. At times during thepast week he had begun to wonder if she were not really a productof his own imagination. His fancy had played upon her soextravagantly that he feared he would not know her if ever theycame face to face. His mental picture of her had lost alldistinctness; her face was no longer clear-cut before his mind'seye, but so blurred and hazy that even to himself he could notdescribe her with any accuracy. 

This was most unsatisfactory, and he reproached himself bitterlyfor the involuntary faithlessness that could allow her image togrow dim. He was almost without hope of seeing her again. Andthen, with the inconsequence of dreams and sprites, she appearedto him. 

It was but a glimpse he had, and a tantalizing flash ofrecognition from her eyes. It happened in the dusk during theconfusion that accompanied the arrival of No. 7 at Panama, and itcame with a suddenness that stunned him. The station was jammedwith a roaring flood of negroes, another crowd was forcing its waythrough the exits in the high iron fence, the street was a crushof Spiggoty coaches. 

Kirk had volunteered to assist an old lady, and his arms were fullof bundles as he guided her between the clicking teeth of aturnstile. He was helping her into a carriage when he heard thesharp clatter of hoofs upon the brick pavement, and looked up tosee a fine Peruvian mare hitched to a tan-colored surrey skirtingthe confusion. A black coachman was driving, and there wereseveral people in the carriage. Kirk cast it a casual glance, andjust as he looked it swept into the glare of an electric light. Out from the back seat shone a perfect oval face, with soft, luminous eyes. It was just as he had pictured it, only morebeautiful. 

Kirk nearly upset his little old lady, who was struggling into herequipage. He swept his armful of bundles into the coach, seizedhis scandalized companion under the arms, and deposited her bodilyupon a seat. Without waiting to hear from her, he dashed awaythrough the bedlam. Under horses' heads he went, past flying hoofsand scraping wheels, jostling pedestrians, and little, brownpolicemen, until he had reached the outskirts of the crowd, wherehe vaulted into a vacant vehicle and called upon the driver towhip up. 

"Quick! Quick! Follow that tan-colored surrey! I'll give you adollar gold not to lose sight of it. "

With the blandest of smiles the coachman started his horses, then, turning, he inquired, politely:

"'Otel Tivoli?"

"No, NO! Follow that carriage!"

"No sabe Ingles!" said the coachman. 

Before Kirk had succeeded in making him understand, the street hadbecome jammed with carriages and the Peruvian mare was lost tosight. After a half-hour of futile clattering back and forth, Kirkdismissed the driver. 

But there was no doubt that she had recognized him, and nothingnow could prevent him from continuing his search. The trouble wasthat his present occupation allowed him no opportunity. He wastied to the railroad except at night. 

It was perhaps two weeks later that a serious shake-up occurred inthe office force, of which no one seemed to know the cause. Therewas a mad scramble for advancement all along the line, in whichKirk took no part. But unexpectedly Runnels summoned him to hisoffice. 

"How would you like an inside position?" said the Master ofTransportation, eying him keenly. 

"So soon?"

"I said I'd advance you if you made good. " He paused an instant, then said, deliberately, "When you get the hang of things hereyou'll have a chance to be my assistant. "

Kirk opened his eyes in amazement. 

"Gee! That's great! But do you think I can get away with it?"

"Not at once. It will take time, of course, and you'll have towork like the devil. " Runnels regarded him curiously, recallingthe letter so carefully filed away. Then he yielded to his naturalimpulse. 

"Look here, Anthony, " he said, "I'm partly selfish in this, for Ibelieve you're the sort I'm going to want within the next year. The superintendent has had an offer from a big system in theStates, and he's going to quit when his vacation comes. He likesme, and he says I'll probably step into his shoes. Do youunderstand what that means? I'll need fellows I can count on--fellows who won't double-cross me to make a dollar for themselves, or knife me when my back is turned. I've got to have an efficient, noiseless organization. Otherwise we'll all go under, for we'll beinto politics up to our necks. I think you're my sort, so ifyou'll stick to me I'll help you, and for every step I take I'lldrag you up one. "

"It's a go!" The two young men clasped hands heartily. Runnels hadstruck the right note. Beside his former desire to prove himself aman, Kirk now felt a strong sense of loyalty to the one who hadrecognized his worth. This was no mere matter of promotion. He andRunnels would work shoulder to shoulder. A sense of responsibilitydescended upon him. For the first time he thoroughly understoodthe spirit of the ardent toilers who were giving their best to theBig Job. He was really one of them now, and the thoughtelectrified him. 

When he told his good news to Mrs. Cortlandt, her surprise was socleverly simulated that he never dreamed that she had been atgreat pains to bring this thing about. Not that Runnels wasindisposed to act upon his own initiative, but the circumstancesthat had made his action possible had been due to her. It was hardto help a man against his will; but she profited by experience, and took the line of least resistance. 

The young man himself did not inquire too closely into theoccasion of his advancement, and Edith Cortlandt was but little inhis mind. He was consumed with the thought of Chiquita. He hopedthat his new work would allow him more control of his time, andperhaps put him in the way of learning her name. He could move inbetter society now. Meanwhile he laid other plans. He took Allaninto his confidence, and told him frankly that he was in love witha woman he did not know. 

Of course his faithful follower was delighted, and madeextravagant promises of aid. 

"Now that the dry season has come, " said Kirk, "people must beliving at the Savannas, and I want you to haunt the region roundthat swimming-pool until you discover who she is. You must be mydetective. "

"Oh, boss, I would--"

"Don't tell me you'd die and kill yourself for me. I want you tolive and find this girl for me. I'll take you out to-day, afteroffice hours, and show you the place; then you'll have to do therest. You talk Spanish, you know. But, above all, don't tip off. "

"Tip h'off? What shall I be climbing, sar?"

"I mean you mustn't tell a soul. "

"Never fear, boss. H'Allan will discover your female. "

"And don't call her a 'female, ' it sounds indecent. Remember, shehas a Bajan with her, six feet tall, named Stephanie. Who knows?Maybe you can win Stephanie for yourself. " Kirk chuckled at thethought. 

"No, sar, if you please. Those Bajan 'oomen is all verydisagreeable. "

"You understand, I can't quit work to go looking for the girl, because I've simply got to tend to business. But I'll spend Sundayout there if you haven't already discovered her. Now, I'll chantthis all over again on the way out, so you won't forget anything. "

XVII

GARAVEL THE BANKER

These were busy days for the Cortlandts. They entertainedconstantly, and the occasions when they dined without from one toa dozen guests became so exceptional as to elicit remark aroundthe hotel. Most of their efforts were devoted to certainPanamanians of the influential class, and in company with one ormore of these Cortlandt made frequent trips to the variousquarters of the Republic, sometimes absenting himself for days ata time. 

During these intervals his wife assumed the direction of affairs, and continued to entertain or be entertained. Her energy andresource seemed inexhaustible. The officials of both governmentstreated her with punctilious respect, and the prestige gained inthis way she used to enhance her reputation as a hostess. Soon shebecame the social dictator of the city, and the most exclusivecircles, American and Panamanian alike, allowed her to assumecontrol. 

The result was just what had been designed. Tourists and visitingnewspaper people spoke glowingly of the amity between the twonations, and wondered at the absence of that Spanish prejudice ofwhich they had heard so much. Those who chanced to know the deepersignificance of it all, and were aware of the smoulderingresentment that lay in the Latin mind, commented admiringly uponher work, and wondered what effect it would have upon the comingelection. Already this event had cast its shadow ahead, bringingmemories of the last election with its disturbances and raggeduncertainty. That had been a pregnant epoch. Armed guards, hiddenbehind American walls, had listened to the growing clamor andprepared to fire. American marines had been held in readiness totake such action as might have convulsed the other watchful WorldPowers. 

Since then the fuse had burned steadily, if slowly. As the timedrew near, there were those who openly predicted trouble. Othersscoffed at the idea, although they claimed that this would be thelast election ever held in Panama. But all united in declaringthat, whatever the work to which the Cortlandts had been assigned, they were doing it well. 

No one but the woman herself and her husband really understood thetremendous difficulties of their task or the vital issues atstake. Although they seemed to be making progress, they knew thatthey were dealing with a people not only excitable and egotistic, but steeped in guile, and distrustful by nature. The fire wasclose to the magazine. But this was Edith Cortlandt's chosenfield, and she brought to bear a manlike power of coolcalculation, together with a brilliant intuition of her own. Neverhad her tact, her knowledge of human nature, her keen realizationof political values been called into such play as now. Sotriumphantly did she exercise these qualities that all who cameinto contact with her recognized the master mind directing thecampaign, and, consciously or unconsciously, relegated her husbandto the background. 

To the Latin intellect this display of power, on the part of awoman, was a revelation. She knew the effect she produced, andmade the most of it. 

Old Anibal Alfarez was, perhaps, the last fully to appreciate her. He did, however, learn in time that while he could successfullymatch his craft against that of the husband, the wife read himunerringly. The result was that he broke with them openly. 

When news of this reached the members of the Canal Commission, they were alarmed, and Colonel Jolson felt it necessary to makeknown their views upon the situation. Accordingly, a few nightslater, the Cortlandts dined at his handsome residence on theheights above Culebra. After their return to Panama, the Colonel, in whom was vested the supreme authority over his nation'sinterests, acknowledged that his acquaintance with diplomacy wasas nothing compared with Edith Cortlandt's. 

It was to Colonel Bland, in charge of the Atlantic Division, thathe confessed:

"In all my life I never met a woman like her. Cortlandt, as youknow, is a clever fellow, and I flatter myself that I'm no mentalinvalid; but we were like children in her hands. He sided with meat first, but she talked us both around in spite of ourselves. Iagree with her now, perfectly, and I am content to let her havefree rein. "

"General Alfarez is the strongest man in the Republic, " saidColonel Bland. "As Governor of Panama Province, he's the logicalnext President. Besides that, he has the machinery behind him. Idon't see who there is to defeat him. "

"We argued the same thing. She thinks Garavel is the proper man. "

"Garavel is a banker; he's not a politician. "

The chief-engineer laughed. 

"All Spanish-Americans are politicians, Colonel; they can't helpit. "

"Would he accept?"

"It is her business to find out. I had my doubts. "

"But could he win? It would be a calamity if he had Americanbacking and failed; it would mean a disaster. "

"Cortlandt has been working carefully, and he has been in all theseven Provinces. He admits that it might be done; and she iscertain. You see, their part in the Colombian affair makes themstrong with the leaders, and they have already whipped the foreigninfluences into line. Of course, it will mean a fight--Alfarezwon't give up easily--but, if Garavel should be the nextPresident, it would be a fine thing for both countries. "

The other commissioner shook his white head doubtfully. "Isupposed it was all settled; Cortlandt himself told me Alfarez wasa good man the last time I talked with him. My God, it seems to mewe've got enough on our hands without being guardians for a two-by-four republic filled with maniacs. We've got to finish this jobon time. I can't understand this change of sentiment. "

"Oh, it isn't settled. There is ample time for anything to happen. When the psychological moment comes, Cortlandt will be in positionto swing his influence whichever way he thinks best. "

"Well, it's a puzzling situation, " Colonel Bland admitted. "And Iwish it were over. " Then he branched off on the subject of a cargoof cement which had not been up to standard and might have to berejected. 

Over at Panama the Cortlandts were looking for a house to lease. Affairs had reached a point where it seemed advisable to give uptheir quarters at the Tivoli and enter into closer contact withthe life of the Spanish city. One reason for the move was thenecessity for a greater privacy than the hotel afforded, for thetime was not far distant when privacy might prove of paramountimportance. 

Meanwhile they gave a ceremonious little dinner, the one and onlyguest being Andres Garavel, the banker. 

Of all the charming peoples of Central America there are, perhaps, none more polished and well-bred than the upper-class Panamanians. Of this agreeable type, Senor Garavel was an admirable example, having sprung from the finest Castilian stock, as a name runningback through the pages of history to the earliest conquestsattested. Other Garavels had played important parts in thetroubled affairs of Guatemala, and it was the banker's proud boastthat one of his ancestors had assisted Alvarado to christen thefirst capital of that country--the city of St. James theGentleman--in 1524. The name had later figured prominently inAntigua, that Athens of the New World where the flower of SpanishAmerica gathered. A later forebear had fled southward at the timeof the disturbances incidental to the revolt of the colonies, butin his departure there had been no disgrace, and since that timethe Garavels had worthily maintained the family traditions ofdignity and honor. 

The present bearer of the name was of distinguished appearance. Hewas swarthy of skin, his hair was snow-white, and he had stern, black eyes of great intelligence. In size he was not above themedium, but his manner fully made up for any deficiency ofstature. He was courtly and deliberate, evincing a pride thatsprang not only from good blood but from good deeds. His poise wasthat of a man with heavy responsibilities, for Andres Garavel wasa careful banker and a rich one. He was widely travelled, well-informed, an agreeable talker, and the conversation at Mrs. Cortlandt's table did not lag. 

"I am so disappointed that your daughter could not come, " Edithtold him for the second time. "I'm afraid she objects to ourAmerican informality. "

"No, no, my dear lady, " said their guest. "She admires Americancustoms, as I do. We are progressive--we have travelled. In myhome, in my private life, perhaps, I am Panamanian, but in mybusiness and in my contact with other peoples I am as they are. Itis the same with my daughter. "

"When you Latins really become cosmopolitan you are more so thanwe Americans, " Cortlandt acknowledged. "We assume foreign airs andcustoms that please us and forget to retain our own, while you--well, with Germans you are German, with Englishmen you areEnglish, and yet you never forget to be Spaniards. "

The banker smiled. "My daughter has had a wide education for achild. She has travelled, she speaks five languages--and yet, underneath it all she is a Garavel and hence a Panamanian. She isall I have, and my life is hers. "

"When we are settled in our new house we hope to see something ofyou both. "

"You have effected a lease of the Martinez home, I believe?"

"Yes. Do you know it?"

"As my own. You are indeed fortunate to secure so fine a place. Iwish that in some way I might be of service to you. "

"The wish is mutual, " Cortlandt answered, meaningly, but SenorGaravel concealed any recognition of the tone by a formal bow, andthe meal progressed with only the customary small talk to enlivenit. 

As soon as the three had adjourned to the Cortlandt's suite thehost of the evening proceeded to approach the subject in his mindas directly as the circumstances permitted. Through a series ofnatural transitions the conversation was brought around topolitics, and Garavel was adroitly sounded. But he displayedlittle interest, maintaining a reserve that baffled them. It wasimpossible to betray him into an expression of feeling favorableto their views. When at last he consented to show his awareness ofthe suggestion so constantly held out, he spoke with deliberateintention. 

"General Alfarez is my respected friend, " he said, with aquietness that intensified his meaning, "and I rejoice that hewill be the next President of Panama. "

"You, of course, know that there is opposition to him?"

"All Panama knows that. "

"General Alfarez does not seem to be a friend of the UnitedStates. "

"There are few who hold the views I do. He is a man of strongcharacter, he has no commercial interests to influence him as Ihave, and so we differ. Yet I respect him--"

"It is precisely because of those views of yours that I wish toconsult you, " said Cortlandt, slowly. "In all the Republic thereis no one so progressive as you. May I speak frankly?"

Garavel inclined his white head without removing his intense, darkeyes from the speaker. 

"Don Anibal Alfarez can never be President of Panama!"

The banker made no visible movement, yet the effect of thispositive declaration was almost like that of a blow. After a pausehe said:

"May I tell him you said so?"

"If you wish, but I do not think you will. "

The hearer let his eyes flit questioningly to Mrs. Cortlandt'sface to find her smiling at him. 

"Believe me, dear lady, " he said, "I suspected that there weregrave reasons for this interview, but as yet I am at sea. I am nota politician, you know. I shall have no voice in our politicalaffairs. "

"Of course we know that, Senor Garavel, and of course there aregrave reasons why we wished to talk with you. As Stephen has said, General Alfarez cannot be President--"

"Madame, " he said, coldly, "Panama is a republic. The voice of thepeople is supreme. "

"Down in your heart do you really think so?" She was still smilingat him. "No! The United States is supreme. "

"Ah! That day will come, perhaps--I have said so; I look forwardto it as the best solution, but--"

"The day has come. "

"Even so, Alfarez is an honorable man, a strong man, and thewealthiest man in our country. He is a politician--"

"But he is not a friend of our country. "

"I am not so sure. " Garavel frowned at his cigar for a moment, while the room became silent. "What has this to do with me, madame?" he asked, at last. 

"Can't you guess?" The intensity of her look caused him to risehurriedly and cast a quick glance from one to the other. 

"You are also a rich man, a man of ability, " said Cortlandt, quickto seize the momentary advantage. "Your name is second to none inall Central America. The next President must possess intelligence, honor, ability; he must be a friend of our people. There is no onebetter--"

"Impossible!" exclaimed the banker, in a strange voice. "_I_? No, no!"

"And why not? Have you never had political aspirations?"

"Of course. All men have dreams. I was Secretary of Finance underAmador, but the Garavels have never really been public men. Politics have been a curse to our house. My grandfather--"

"I know, " broke in Mrs. Cortlandt. "But times have changed. Panamahas seen her last revolution, and she needs a business man at herhead. Presidents are not made now by rifle and sword, and the manwith the machete must give way to the man with a capacity forhandling big affairs. There will be no more swineherd Presidentslike your Guatemalan countryman Corera, nor tyrants like Zelaya. Panama is a healthy country, with no national debt; she isgrowing, developing. She holds the gateway to the Western World, and her finances must be administered wisely. You, Mr. Garavel, are one of the few who are clear-headed enough to see that herdestiny is linked with ours, and there is no one who can directher so well as you. "

"It is impossible!" repeated Garavel, his agitation growing morepronounced. "General Alfarez is my friend. His son will be myson. "

"Ramon! Is Ramon engaged to your daughter?"

"Yes, " exclaimed the banker, shortly. He began to pace the room. 

"What difference would that make, if the young people love eachother?"

"Certainly, " Cortlandt agreed. "They are not children. "

"As for love, Ramon loves, and--my daughter will love also, onceshe is married, for she is a Garavel. "

"If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought you to force herinclination?" Mrs. Cortlandt offered, eagerly. But the bankerflung his arms aloft in a gesture of half-humorous despair. 

"Oh-h! These young ladies!" he cried. "They do not know what theywant. What pleases to-day, displeases to-morrow. It is 'Yes' and'No, ' 'Yes' and 'No, ' until one must decide for them. That, afterall, is best. " He paused abruptly. "This comes upon me like aflood, my friends. I am swept away, and yet I--I will need tothink seriously. "

"Certainly. "

"To an honorable man the salary will mean nothing. I have manyaffairs; I fear I cannot afford this sacrifice. "

"Would you retire in favor of some one who could afford it?"

"Alfarez is honest. "

"Alfarez cannot be President. "

"It would require a great deal of money. I am considered a richman, but I have discounted the future, and my enterprises--" Heflung out his arms. "I have spread out. I must be careful. It isnot alone MY money that I have invested. "

"It will require very little money, " said Cortlandt. "I have beenfrom David to Darien, from Bocas to Colon and I know the publicsentiment. "

"Speaking of David, " his wife added; "it was you who firstprojected the railroad to that point, Senor Garavel. "

"Yes, I saw that it was needed. It would make Panama, " he said, simply. 

"Under your administration it can be built. Mr. Cortlandt canassure you of our government's earnest co-operation. That wouldnot be the case if General Alfarez were elected. Perhaps theColombian boundary can be settled. There also our influence mightavail. Those two steps forward would make the name of Garavel asfamous in Panama as it is in Guatemala. "

"Those are important issues for any loyal Panamanian, " headmitted. 

"And you love your daughter--you say your life is, hers. Yourhonor would be hers also. Senorita Garavel would have no cause toregret her father's presidency. "

"Oh, it is useless to argue, " smiled the Spaniard. "I am weak. Iam human. I am also patriotic, and I realize that our littlecountry must look to your great one for its stimulus. Our lifemust be moulded after yours. For years I have dreamed of arailroad to David, which would some day form a link in the greatsystem that will join the three Americas. I have pictured ourinland jungles replaced with homes; a great traffic flowing fromend to end of the Republic. But I have also seen that our peoplewould not profit by it. The languor of the tropics is in theirblood, and you Yankees would be needed to inspire them. " His voiceshook with emotion as he went on: "They are good, simple people, no more than children, and I love them. A gracious Providence gaveus the key to the world's commerce, but we could not use it. Itneeds all our wisdom now to adapt ourselves to the conditions thathave arisen. 'Andres Garavel, President of the Republic ofPanama!' It has a sweet sound, my friends, and yet--I have fears. "

"Let's take them one by one, " laughed his host, "and prove themimaginary. I see a great good-fortune in store for you. "

It was midnight before Senor Andres Garavel, the banker, bade hisfriends good-bye. When he descended the hotel steps to hiscarriage, he held his white head proudly erect, and there was newdignity in his bearing. As he was whirled homeward behind hisspirited Peruvian mare, a wonderful song was singing in his heart. 

XVIII

THE SIEGE OF MARIA TORRES

The faithful Allan was not long in fulfilling his mission. Suchdevotion as his, it seemed, could hardly fail, and, if there hadbeen a hundred Chiquitas, doubtless he would have corralled themall. He conveyed the impression that, if it had been necessary tojourney beyond the grave and bring back the ghost of some dead-and-gone Chiquita, he would have gloriously succeeded. Onemorning, a few days later, he appeared to Kirk, bursting withimportance and news. 

"Well, sar! I have discovered your female, " he announced, pompously. 

"No? What's her name? Who is she?"

"Her is named Maria Torres, sar, and resides in the small 'ouseyou h'observed upon the 'ill. "

"Did you SEE her?" Anthony could hardly believe his ears. 

"Oh yes, very h'extensively. "

"What does she look like? Is she dark?"

"Very dark, sar. "

"And small?"

"Not too small, " opined Allan. 

"Of course, just right. And her eyes, like--like--"

"H'ink! Spots of h'ink. Oh, it is she, Master h'Auntony. "

"Jove! I believe it is! You're an ace, Allan. You're my ace ofspades. " Out of pure joy he began to pummel him playfully. "Whydon't you rejoice? Lift up your voice and sing. Maria Torres! It'sa heavenly name--Why don't you make a joyful noise?"

Allan voiced a feeble hurrah. 

"It was only by chawnce that I h'encountered her, boss, for she isresiding in the city. I h'ascertained all those facts--"

"Good! Find the street and number, quick! I'm going a-wooing! Say!When these Spaniards court a girl they hang around her window androll their eyes, don't they? Me for that! I'll haunt the Torresneighborhood until she shows herself, or die in the attempt. I'llplay their game. I'll get a guitar, I'll--Oh, from this moment I'ma Spaniard of the Spaniards. I'm the incarnation of ten thousandfiery cavaliers. I'll stand in front of her house until she sendsme a chair. Maria Tor--What the deuce are you loafing for? Get amove on; hustle those kidney feet of yours. Don't come back untilyou have located her; for to-night--ah, blessed night! My life'sromance begins in earnest. GET OUT!"

Allan fled while Kirk proceeded to dream over his breakfast ofbacon and cold-storage eggs. 

He was beaming when he appeared at the office. He sang, hewhistled, he performed his duties with a joyous uproar thatinterfered seriously with all around him and set the whole placein confusion. Nor did his spirits lessen when, later in the day, Allan informed him that the residence of Senor Luis Torres, whomthe gods had selected as father to the delectable Maria, was atnumber 89 Avenida Norte. 

Anthony did not taste his dinner that evening. As darkness settledhe planted himself conspicuously on the corner opposite No. 89 andbegan to study the premises. 

It was a trifle disappointing to note that Chiquita lived in suchpoor style; the place was not at all impressive. The first floorof the building was given over to a Chinese bazaar, and the upperstory seemed neither extremely clean nor at all modern. But, although this clashed a bit with his preconceived ideas, he knewthat many of the nicest Panamanian families lived in modestquarters. 

His natural impulse was to apply boldly at the door, but he hadlearned something of local customs, and he determined to give nopossible ground for offence. After she had recognized him and seenhis willingness to follow the habit of her Spanish suitors, itwould be feasible, perhaps, to adopt a more Americanized method. Meanwhile, he must run no risk of antagonizing her people. 

In the Central American scheme of courtship patience plays a largepart. It is the young man's practice to martyr himself until thesight of him becomes such a reproach that the family must perforceexpress its sympathy. Although this procedure struck Anthony asludicrous in the extreme, its novelty was not without charm, andhe had lived through such a period of torturing uncertainty thatthe mere fact of the girl's presence was compensation enough forhis pains. 

For an hour he stood motionless, staring at the upper windows ofNo. 89. Then his feet began to hurt, and he paraded slowly backand forth "playing the bear, " as he had heard it termed. Anotherhour passed, and he discovered that, if his presence had not beenmarked by the members of the Torres household, it was at leastexciting comment elsewhere in the neighborhood. Faces appeared atnear-by windows; he heard sounds of muffled merriment which madehim uncomfortable; passers-by smiled at him and droppedencouraging remarks which he could not translate. The littlepoliceman, lounging at the next corner, watched him complacentlyand agreed with his neighbors that the Americano was undoubtedly afine-appearing lover. 

Kirk took his stand at last beneath a street light and gazedlanguorously upon the windows opposite until his eyes ached aswell as his feet. At last a curtain parted, and he saw the flashof a white dress back of it. His heart leaped; he raised his hat;there was a titter from beyond the iron grating. Presently anotherfigure was dimly revealed. The watcher held his positionstubbornly until the last light in the Torres house winked out, then limped homeward, warmed by the glad conviction that at leasthe had been recognized. 

Promptly at seven o'clock on the following evening he returned tohis post, and before he had been there five minutes knew that hispresence was noticed. This was encouraging, so he focused hismental powers in an effort to communicate telepathically with theobject of his desires. But she seemed unattuned, and coylyrefrained from showing her face. He undertook to loitergracefully, knowing himself to be the target of many eyes, butfound it extremely hard to refrain from sitting on the curb, amanifestly unromantic attitude for a love-lorn swain. He sworegrimly that, if usage required a suitor to make an exhibition ofhimself before the entire neighborhood, he would do the jobthoroughly. It did not cheer him to reflect that the girl had akeen sense of humor and must be laughing at him, yet he determinedto put in a week at this idiotic love-making before he attemptedanything else. Later in the evening he was rewarded by the glimpseof a handkerchief cautiously waved, and he was delirious with joyas he hobbled homeward. 

Night after night he spent assiduously studying the cracks andblemishes in the stucco walls of No. 89 Avenida Norte, encouragedby the occasional flutter of a hand or a soulful sigh from behindthe lace screen at the third window from the corner. But whenSunday came he was in no mood to continue this roundabout andembarrassing mode of courtship longer. He made an early start fromhis quarters, taking Allan with him. 

"I'll catch her going to mass, " he explained, hopefully. "I'vejust got to put an end to this performance. "

"Will you h'accost her h'openly?" inquired Allan. 

"You bet! If she runs away you trip her up. Oh, it's great to bein love!"

"Without doubt, sar. "

"She's a corker, isn't she?"

"I do not know as to that, " Allan demurred. "What may be acarker?"

"I mean she's beautiful. "

"Oh, h'indeed so! And her h'eyes--like h'ink spots, as you say. "

"Was she wearing a denim dress when you saw her?"

"Yes, yes, " eagerly agreed the negro. "Oh, there is no mistake. Itwas a red dress. "

"No, it wasn't. It was blue. "

"H'exactly, sar--a sort of reddish blue. "

"And she was--petite?"

"Rather more dark, I should say. "

"I mean she was small. "

"Oh, it is the same female. It is h'exciting, is it not?"

Kirk acknowledged that it was exciting, for, now that he had afull day in which to besiege No. 89, he felt certain of gaining aword at least with his inamorata. He was in good time, it seemed, for hardly had he taken his customary station before the Cathedralbells awoke the slumberous echoes of the city. 

"Praise God, she will be coming soon!" Allan exclaimed. "I shallh'expire from fright. Look! There! THERE!"

Down the wide stairs leading from the living-rooms of Senor Torrescame two women, and the negro danced in excitement. As theyemerged upon the sidewalk the younger one flashed a glance at themen opposite, and Kirk saw that she was a mulatto--evidently ahousemaid. His eager eyes flew back to the entrance. Allan hissedat him:

"Yonder goes! Quick, or you will be losing she. "

"Where?"

"There! The young female in w'ite. It is h'indeed the SenoritaTorres. "

"THAT!" Anthony stared at the girl amazedly as she cast him asecond and more coquettish flash of her black eyes. "Why, damn it, that--why, she's a--NIGGER!"

"No, no!" shrilly expostulated the Jamaican. "It is she. H'alas!They have turned the corner. "

Kirk wheeled upon his detective in overwhelming disgust. "Youidiot!" he breathed. "That girl is a 'dinge. ' So, SHE'S the oneI've been--Oh, it's unspeakable! Let's get away from here. "

"You h'informed me in particular that she is dark, " protestedAllan. 

"Come on!" Kirk dragged his companion away as fast as he could. His thoughts were too deep for tears. As soon as his emotionpermitted coherent speech, he launched into a tirade so eloquentand picturesque that Allan was reduced to a state of wonderingawe. Pausing at length in his harangue, he turned smouldering eyesupon the black boy. 

"I ought to punch you right in the nose, " he said, with mournfulcalmness. "Let me feel your head. " Allan obediently doffed hiscap, and Kirk rapped the woolly cranium with his knuckle. "Do youfeel that? Is there any sensation?"

"Yes, sar! Shortly I shall suffer a swelling. " Allan stroked thespot tenderly. 

"It's all imagination; there's no feeling to solid bone. You'vegot an ivory 'nut, ' my friend, just like a cane. "

"Ivory-nuts grow upon trees, sar, in the Darien region. "

Anthony regarded him sourly. "The Brunswick-Balke people neverturned out anything half so round and half so hard. That burr ofyours is a curio. I told you Chiquita was small and beautiful anddainty and--Oh, what's the use! This dame is a truck-horse. She'sthe color of a saddle. "

"Oh, she is not too dark, sar. " Allan came loyally to the defenceof Miss Torres. "Some of the finest people in Panama is blackerthan that. There is but few who are h'all w'ite. "

"Well, SHE'S all white, and I want you to find her to-day--TO-DAY, understand? You gallop out to the Savannas and make someinquiries. " He shook his fist in Allan's face. "If you don't learnsomething this trip, I'll have your lignum-vitae cranium in abowling-alley by dark. Lord! If I only spoke Spanish!"

Allan reluctantly departed, and Kirk went back to his quarters inhigh displeasure. It seemed as if the affair had actually left abad taste in his mouth. He could not compose his features intoanything like a decently amiable expression, but went about with abitter smile upon his lips. Every time some new aspect of hisgrotesque and humiliating mistake occurred to him he suffered anervous twinge. That afternoon a card was brought to him bearingthe ornate inscription in a beautiful Spencerian hand:

PROFESSOR JESUS HERARA THE HERARA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Reconciling himself as best he could to the prospect of aninterview with some importunate stranger, he grudgingly consentedto have the visitor brought in. Professor Herara was not alone. Hewas accompanied by a very short, very fat man, whose smooth skinhad the rich, dark coloring of a nice, oily Cuban cigar. 

"Senor Anthony, it is?" inquired the Professor, bowingceremoniously. 

"That's my name. "

"It is my privilege to consult you upon a business of importance. "

"I'm afraid you have the wrong party. I don't care to learnshorthand. "

"Ah, no, it is not concerning my academy. Allow me to presentSenor Luis Torres. "

Kirk felt the room begin to revolve slowly. 

"My friend does not possess a card at the moment, eh?" continuedthe Professor. 

The little, rotund man bowed, his hand-polished, mahogany featureswidening in a smile. 

"'Sveree hot wedder!" he exclaimed. 

"He begs one thousand pardons for not speaking of your languagethe more perfectly, and so he is request of me to be hisinterpreter. "

Something urged Kirk to flee while there was yet time, but thefather of Maria Torres was between him and the door, and he couldnot bring himself to push the little man out of the way. So hebade them both be seated in the only two chairs which the roomcontained, while he rested gingerly upon the edge of the bed. Thenew-comers let their eyes roll curiously about the chamber, and anembarrassing silence descended. Senor Torres maintained a setsmile designed to be agreeable; Professor Herara, serene in thepossession of his linguistic acquirements, displayed theinsouciance of an undertaker. Together they beamed benignantly, almost patronizingly, upon the young man. Plainly they meant toput him at his ease--but they failed. At length, after clearinghis throat impressively, the interpreter began again:

"Of course, you have been expecting this visit, senor?"

"N--not exactly. "

"My friend is deeply disappointed that he has not the honor ofbefore meeting you. "

"I am flattered, but--"

"Indeed, yes! Then you are perhaps acquainted with Senor Torres byreputation? You know who he is?" Professor Jesus Herara raised hisbrows and inclined his head like a polite school-teacherendeavoring to encourage a diffident pupil. 

"I regret that I do not. "

"He is one of our most estimable citizens. He is possess' not onlyof the magnificent residence at No. 89 Avenida Norte, but also ofa comfortable abode at Las Savannas, and he has a large trade insponges and hides. His place of business you will have noticedupon the water-front, perhaps?"

Kirk wiped his brow nervously and cursed Allan. 

"And now, as for you, senor?" The principal of the Herara Collegeof Business awaited an answer with unctuous deference. Evidentlyattributing the young man's silence to modesty, he went on, helpfully: "Senor Torres has instituted inquiries, and ascertainedyour excellent position with the P. R. R. , but he would know more, if soch is not disagreeable to you. "

"Well--I--there isn't much to tell. It is my first job. "

This was quickly put into Spanish, whereupon Mr. Torres noddedwith vigor, as if this information were indeed gratifying--nay, splendid. 

"It is agreeable to my friend to ascertain your industry, and Imay say you are most highly spoke of at the railroad office. Therefore, Senor Torres affords you an invitation to call at hisresidence on Thursday evening. "

"That's awfully--nice, " gasped Anthony; "but--er--what's theidea?"

"Ah!" The interpreter beamed; Mr. Torres beamed. They combined toradiate a gentle effulgence which was most disquieting. "It isindeed pleasing to encounter a gentleman so truly modest, sopossessed of delicacy; but I may say that Senor Torres is lookwith favor upon your suit. Of course"--he checked Kirk's hastywords--"it is not completely settle, by no means; the young ladyis but partly won. However"--he winked one black eye reassuringly--"as friend of the family I bid you not to permit discouragementand despair. "

Anthony broke out in desperation: "Hold on! Let me explain!There's been an awful mistake. "

"Mistake?" The tone was blandly incredulous. 

"Yes. I'm not in love with Miss Torres. "

Professor Jesus Herara stared at the speaker as if his mastery ofthe English language was, after all, incomplete. Torres, seeingthat he was missing something, interpolated a smiling inquiry;then, as his interpreter made the situation clear, his honeyedsmile froze, his sparkling eyes opened in bewilderment. He staredabout the room again, as if doubting that he had come to the rightplace. 

"There's really a mistake, " Kirk persisted. "I don't even knowMiss Torres. "

"Ah! Now I understand. " The Professor was intensely relieved. "Itis precisely for that purpose we arrived. Bueno! You admire from adistance, is it not so? You are struck with the lady's beauty;your heart is awakened. You are miserable. You pine away. Youcannot find courage to speak. It is admirable, senor. Weunderstand fully, and I, who know, assure you of her manyvirtues. "

"No, it's nothing like that, either. I have no doubt Miss Torresis altogether charming, but--I--there's just a mistake, that'sall. I'm not the least bit in love with her. "

"But, senor! Is it not you who have stood beneath her windownightly? Is it not you who have laid siege to her these manydays?" The speaker's eyes were glowing with anger as he turned tomake his inquiry clear to the young lady's father. 

Mr. Torres began to swell ominously. 

"If you'll just let me explain. I'm in love with a young woman, true enough, but it doesn't happen to be Miss Torres. I thought itwas, but it isn't. "

There was another vibrant exchange of words between the Spaniards. 

"You were making sport, then, of my friend--"

"No, no! It's another person altogether. "

"Who?"

"I don't know her name. "

"WHAT?" Herara was about to burst forth when his friend nudged himand he was obliged to put this amazing declaration into Spanish. Senor Torres breathed heavily and exploded an oath. 

"I met her in the country and made a mistake in the town houses, "Kirk floundered on. "I never knew till this morning that I was onthe wrong trail. It is all my fault. I thought the lady's name wasTorres. "

"Eh? So you love one whom you do not know? Incredible!"

"It does sound a little fishy. "

"And it is a grave affront to my friend. How will the senoritaunderstand?--she in whose breast is awakened already an answeringthrills?"

"I'm mighty sorry. If you wish, I'll apologize in person to MissTorres. "

At this Herara cried out in horror; then, after a brief colloquywith the father, he rose stiffly, saying: "I offer no words frommy friend. For the present he does not believe, nor do I. Inquiries will be institute, of that be assured. If you havedeceived--if your intentions were not of the most honorable"--thehead of the Herara Business College glared in a horrible manner--"you will have occasion to regret those foolish jokes. "

Kirk tried to explain that his present regrets were ample for alltime, but, bowing formally, the visitors withdrew, leaving him torevile anew the name of Allan Allan. 

When the black boy returned, foot-sore but cheerful, hisappearance was the signal for an outburst that left himdisconsolate and bewildered. He apologized over and over for hislittle error, and tried to reinstate himself by announcing, with aconfidence he was far from feeling, that this time he hadidentified the elusive Chiquita beyond the peradventure of adoubt. This welcome intelligence did much to make Kirk forget hiswrath. 

"What's her name?" he inquired, eagerly. 

"Fermina, sar. "

"Are you sure?"

"H'entirely. But it will not h'avail to be courting of thoseladies, Master h'Auntony. "

"Is there more than one?"

"Two of they--sisters--very rich. They h'occupy the 'ouseh'adjoining Senor Torres. "

Allan spoke in a hushed voice, and shook his head as if to showthe hopelessness of aspiring to such aristocracy. Surely Kirk knewof the Ferminas? Arcadio Fermina was the owner of the pearl-fishery concession and a person of the highest social distinction. He was white, all white, there was no doubt on that score. Undoubtedly Chiquita would prove to be his daughter and a jointheiress to his fabulous fortune. But she was not the sort to becourted from the street, even Allan knew that much; for, afterall, such a procedure was followed only by the middle classes, andin this instance would result in nothing less than disaster. 

It sounded reasonable, and Kirk allowed himself to be halfconvinced. It was no later than the following day, however, thatRunnels pointed out two young ladies who were driving past andinformed him that they were the Misses Fermina. 

"Their old man has made a fortune out of the Pearl Islands, " heremarked. "They say those girls have the finest collection ofpearls in Central America. "

Kirk gazed after them eagerly, but it took no more than a glanceto show him that they were not even distantly related to theobject of his search. Once more he set Allan upon the trail withinstructions to find out who lived in the large house upon thehill--the one with the driveway of royal palms--and not to returnwithout the information. But by now the Jamaican was beginning toweary of this running back and forth and to consider the quest avain imagining. So, being wishful to dream another lottery number, he brought back with him a fanciful tale designed to quiet hisemployer and to assure himself ample leisure in the future. 

"Master h'Auntony, your female is gone, " he informed him, sadly. 

"Gone! Where?"

"Somewhere--on a ship. "

"Are you sure?"

"There is no doubt, sar. Her name is Garavel, and she h'occupiesthe big 'ouse on the 'ill. I discovered those h'impartant factsfrom the Bajan 'ooman. "

"Stephanie! You saw her? By Jove! Then you are right this time. Quick! tell me all you learned. "

Allan lied fluently, elaborately, and, finding his hero plungedinto despair, resigned himself gratefully to another period ofblissful idleness. This was much the simplest way, he decided; foreven should Kirk meet a Garavel or a Fermina, there was no chanceof his winning her, and love, after all, is but a passing impulsewhich may be summoned or banished at will by such simple mediumsas charms. The boy did go out of his way to ease his benefactor'smalady by taking a lock of his own fuzzy wool and placing itbeneath Kirk's mattress, after certain exorcisms. 

There followed a period of blank dejection. Kirk's firstdisappointment, when the girl had failed to keep her tryst, was asnothing compared to this, for now he felt that she wasunattainable. He did not quite give up hope; so many strangeexperiences had befallen him since his involuntary departure fromNew York that it all seemed like a dream in which anything ispossible. But he was deep in the doldrums when, with magicsuddenness, the scene changed, and his long discouragement came toan end. 

XIX

"LA TOSCA"

The winter season was at its height now. For weeks there had beenno rain, and the Pacific side of the Isthmus was growing sere andyellow beneath the ceaseless glare of the sun. The musty dampnessof the rainy season had disappeared, the steady trade-windsbreathed a dreamy languor, and the days fled past in one long, unending procession of brilliant sameness. Every ship from theNorth came laden with tourists, and the social life of the citygrew brilliant and gay. There were receptions, dinners, dances;the plazas echoed to the strains of music almost nightly. Now thatNature smiled, the work upon the Canal went forward with ever-growing eagerness. Records were broken in every department, therailroad groaned beneath its burden, the giant human machine wasstrained to its fullest efficiency. 

Young Anthony mastered the details of his work very rapidly, forrailroading had been bred into him. He needed little help fromRunnels, and soon began to feel a conscious grasp of affairs assurprising to himself as to his chief. Being intensely interestedin his work, he avoided all social entanglements, despite repeatedinvitations from Mrs. Cortlandt. But, when the grand-opera seasonbegan, he made an exception, and joined her box-party on theopening night. 

It seemed quite like old times to don an evening suit; the stiff, white linen awakened a pang of regret. The time was not fardistant when he had felt never so much at home as in these togs;but now they were hot and uncomfortable--and how they accentuatedhis coat of tan!

There was a somewhat formal dinner in the Cortlandts' new home, atwhich there were a dozen guests; so Kirk had no opportunity ofspeaking with his hostess until they had reached the theatre, where he found himself seated immediately behind her. 

"I've scarcely seen you lately, " she said, at the firstopportunity. "You're a very neglectful young man. "

"I knew you were getting settled in your house, and we've beentremendously busy at the office. "

"I began to think you were avoiding us. "

"You must know better than that. "

She regarded him shrewdly over her shoulder. "You're not stillthinking of--that night at Taboga? You haven't seemed the samesince. "

He blushed, and nodded frankly. "I can't help thinking about it. You were mighty nice to overlook a break like that, but--"Unconsciously his eyes shifted to Cortlandt, who was conversingpolitely with a giggly old lady from Gatun. 

She tapped his cheek lightly with her fan. "Just to show you howforgiving I am, I am going to ask you to go riding with me. Thelate afternoons are lovely now, and I've found a good horse foryou. I suppose you ride?"

"I love it. "

"Wednesday, at five, then. " She turned to another guest, and Kirkleaned back to take in the scene about him. 

Like most Latin-American cities, Panama prides herself upon hergovernment theatre, which is in truth very beautiful. Although itremains dark most of the year, its brief period of opera iscelebrated by a notable outpouring. To-night the magnificentwhite-and-gold auditorium was filled to the topmost gallery, andthe two circles of boxes were crowded with the flower ofPanamanian society, tourists from the North, and Americans fromthe whole length of the Canal Zone. Kirk himself had seen torunning a theatre special from Colon, and recognized all six ofthe Commissioners, with their families. It was an exceedinglywell-dressed audience, and although the pit was plentifullysprinkled with men in white, the two lower galleries were in solidfull-dress. Bejewelled women in elaborate gowns lent the affairalmost the elegance of a night at the Metropolitan, while theflash of many uniforms made the scene colorful. 

Suddenly the orchestra broke into the national air, and with agreat rustling and turning of heads the audience rose to its feet. In the centre box of the first tier, ornately hung with flags anda coat of arms, Anthony beheld a giant black man of majesticappearance, drawn to his full height and flanked by a half-dozenaides in uniform, all at a stiff military salute. 

"That is President Galleo, " Edith told him. 

"Jove! He's a regal-looking chap, " Kirk exclaimed. 

"He's very much of a man, too, yet even here there is a colorline. Nobody acknowledges it, but the old Castilian families arekeenly aware of it just the same. "

As the last measured strain died out the audience reseated itself, the introduction to "La Tosca" sounded, and the curtain rose. Although the names of the performers were unknown to Kirk, theirvoices were remarkably good, and he soon became absorbed in thedrama. A sudden lonesomeness surged over him as he recalledanother night when he and Darwin K. Anthony had heard these samenotes sung. But then they had sat enthralled by the art of Caruso, Scotti, and the ravishing Cavalieri. It had been one of the rarehours when he and his father had felt themselves really insympathy. The Governor had come down for some fabulous directors'meeting, he remembered, and had wired his son to run in from NewHaven for the evening. They had been real chums that night, andeven at their modest little supper afterward, when the oldgentleman had rowed with the waiter and cursed his dyspepsia, theyhad laughed and chatted like cronies. Yet a week later they hadquarrelled. 

With an unexpected access of tenderness, Anthony Jr. Longed to seeonce more that tumbled shock of white hair, that strong-linedface; to hear again the gruff tones of that voice he loved sowell. After all, there were only two Anthonys left in the world, and he had been to blame. He acknowledged that he had been ane'er-do-well. No wonder his father had been harsh, but still--oldDarwin K. Should not have been so domineering, so ready to creditall he heard. Kirk pressed his lips together and swore to makegood, if for no other reason than to show his dad. 

As the curtain fell on the first act, he rose with the others and, accompanied by Mrs. Cortlandt, made his way down the longpassageway and out into a brightly lighted, highly decorated foyerfilling now with voluble people. It was a splendid room; but hehad no eyes for it. His gaze was fixed upon the welcome open-airpromenade outside, and his fingers fumbled with his cigarette-case. 

"Oh, wait, please, " he heard Edith say, "I want you to meet someone. "

He had done little except respond to meaningless introductions allthe evening, and nothing could have pleased him less at themoment. But, somewhat awkwardly, he began to edge his way throughthe press in the wake of his hostess. The next moment he haltedand stood stock-still in helpless surprise. 

There, not a yard away, was the girl of his dreams demurely bowingto Edith Cortlandt, her hand upon the arm of a swarthy man whomKirk knew at once as her father. He felt the blood rush blindinglyto his head, felt it drumming at his ears, knew that he must bestaring like a man bereft. Mrs. Cortlandt was speaking, and hecaught the name "Garavel" like a bugle-call. They turned upon him, the Spanish gentleman bowed, and he saw that Chiquita's littlewhite-gloved hand was extended toward him. 

She was the same dainty, desirous maid he had met in the forest, but now splendidly radiant and perfect beyond his imagining. Shewas no longer the simple wood-sprite, but a tiny princess in filmywhite, moulded by some master craftsman. As on that earliermeeting, she was thrilling with some subtle mirth which flickeredon her lips or danced in the depths of her great, dark eyes. 

How he ever got through that wild introductory moment withoutmaking a show of himself, Anthony never knew, for his firstoverwhelming impulse was to seize the girl and never let herescape. It was the same feeling he had had at Las Savannas, onlyten times harder to resist. The general confusion, perhaps, helpedto hide his emotion, for around them eddied a constant human tide, through which at last came Mr. Cortlandt and the other members ofhis party. There were more introductions, more bows and politeexchanges of words which had the maddening effect of distractingMiss Garavel's attention. Then, by some glorious miracle, Kirkfound himself moving toward the open air at her side, with Mrs. Cortlandt and the banker in advance of them. 

"Oh, Chiquita, " he said, softly, "I thought I'd NEVER find you. I've hunted everywhere. "

At the tremulous intensity of his tone, she gave an uncertainlaugh and flashed him a startled glance. 

"Chiquita is not my name, " she said, reprovingly. 

"Yes, it is; it must be. I can't think of you by any other. Hasn'tit been whispering at my ears ever since you said it? It hasnearly driven me mad. "

"Senor Antonio! I have seen you but once. "

"I have seen you every day, every hour-"

"Indeed?"

"I can't see anything else. Don't you understand?"

"You forget that we have but just been introduced. "

"Don't be offended; you see, I can't realize that I have found youat last. When I learned you had gone away, I thought I wouldsurely-"

"I have been nowhere. "

"Didn't you go away on a ship?"

"That is absurd! I have remained always in my father's house. "

"Then wait until I catch that boy of mine! Didn't you know I waslooking for you? Couldn't you FEEL it?"

"Indeed, why should I imagine such things?"

"Why, if you couldn't feel a thing like that, you can't love me. "

"Of a certainly not, " she gasped. "You should not joke about suchthings. "

"I'm not joking; I never was so serious in my life. I-I'm afraid Ican't tell you everything-it all wants to come out at once. Whydidn't you come back as you promised?"

"It was Stephanie-she is such a ferocious person! I was brought tothe city that day-but no, senor. I did not promise. I said only'perhaps. '"

"Have you done your penance?"

"It was finished yesterday. This is the first time I have beenout. Oh, it is delightful. The music-the people!"

"And I can come to see you now?"

"Very well do you know that you cannot. Have you not learned ourcustoms?" Then, with an abrupt and icy change of tone: "I forget. Of course you are familiar with those customs, since you havebecome the wooer of Miss Torres. "

"Oh, Lord! Where did you hear about that?"

"So! It is true. You are fickle, senor-or is it that you preferdark people?"

"I was looking for you. I thought it was you behind those curtainsall the time. " He began a flurried defence of his recentoutrageous behavior, to which Miss Garavel endeavored to listenwith distant composure. But he was so desperately in earnest, soanxious to make light of the matter, so eager to expose all hisfolly and have done with it, that he must have been funnier thanhe knew. In the midst of his narrative the girl's eyes showed anencouraging gleam, and when he described his interview with Torresand Heran their surprise and dramatic indignation, she laughedmerrily. 

"Oh, it wasn't funny at the time, " he hastened to add. "I felt asthough I had actually proposed, and might have to pay alimony. "

"Poor Maria! It is no light thing to be cast aside by one's lover. She is broken-hearted, and for six months she will do penance. "

"This penance thing is a habit with you girls. But I wasn't herlover; I'm yours. "

"Do not be foolish, " she exclaimed, sharply, "or I shall be forcedto walk with my father. "

"Don't do that. Can't you see we must make haste while the curtainis down?"

"I do not see. I am strolling in search of the cool air. " Shebowed and smiled at some passing friends. She seemed verycareless, very flippant. She was not at all the impetuous, mischievous Chiquita he had met in the woods. 

"See here!" he said, soberly. "We can't go on this way. Now thatI've met your father, I'm going to explain my intentions to him, and ask his permission to call on you. "

"We have a--proverb, senor, 'Ir por lana, y volver trasquilado, 'which means, 'Take heed lest you find what you do not seek. ' Donot be impetuous. "

"There's only one thing I'm seeking. "

"My father is a stern man. In his home he is entirely a Spaniard, and if he learned how we met, for instance"-even under theelectric light he saw her flush-"he would create a terriblescene. " She paused in her walk and leaned over the stonebalustrade, staring out across the ink-black harbor. 

"Trust me! I shan't tell him. "

"There are so many reasons why it is useless. "

"Name one. "

"One!" She shrugged lightly. "In the first place I care nothingfor you. Is not that enough?"

"No, indeed. You'll get over that. "

"Let us imagine, then, the contrary. You Americans are entirelydifferent from our people. You are cold, deliberate, wicked-yoursocial customs are not like ours. You do not at all understand us. How then could you be interested to meet a Spanish family?"

"Why, you're half American. "

"Oh yes, although it is to be regretted. Even at school in yourBaltimore I learned many improper things, against which I have hadto struggle ever since. "

"For instance?"

"Ah, " she sighed, "I saw so much liberty; I heard of the shockingconduct of your American ladies, and, while I know it is quitewrong and wicked, still-it is interesting. Why, there is no othernice girl in all Panama who would have talked with you as I did inthe forest that day. "

"But what has all this to do with my coming to see you?"

"It is difficult to explain, since you will not understand. When ayoung man is accepted into a Spanish house, many things are takenfor granted. Besides that, we do not know each other, you and I. Also, if you should come to see me, it would cause gossip, misunderstanding among my friends. "

"I'll declare myself in advance, " he promised warmly. 

"No, no, no! We Spanish-Americans do not care for strangers. Wehave our own people and we are satisfied. You Yankees are not verynice; you are barbarous; you assume such liberties. Our young menare gentle, modest, sweet--"

"Um-m! I hadn't noticed it. "

"This is the first time I have ever talked so freely with agentleman, and I suppose it is immodest. After all, it is muchbetter that old people who are of more experience should discussthese questions. "

"But don't you want to have a voice in your own affairs?" heeagerly urged. "Do you really want your relatives to tell you whomto meet, whom to love, and whom to marry?"

She answered, frankly: "Sometimes I feel that way. Yet at othertimes I am sure they must know best. "

"I don't believe you are the sort to shut your eyes and do exactlyas you're told. "

"I do rebel sometimes. I protest, but it is only the Americanblood in me. "

"If you'd learn to know me a little bit, maybe you'd enjoy havingme around the house. "

"But I cannot know you, any more than you can know me, " she cried, with a little gesture of despair at his dullness. "Don't you see--before we could get acquainted nicely people would be talking?"

"Let's try. You're living at the country place again, aren't you?Suppose I should get lost some day--tomorrow, for instance?"

"No, no! Listen. It is the warning bell, and we must return. "

The crowd was filing into the theatre now. They fell in behindSenor Garavel and Mrs. Cortlandt. 

"I'm going hunting again tomorrow, " prophesied Kirk, "and I'malmost certain to lose my way-about three o'clock. "

"You should take with you a guide. "

"That's not a bad idea. I'd like to talk it over with you. Supposewe have another stroll after the next act?"

"I shall be with my father. Never before have I enjoyed so muchliberty. " She sighed gratefully. 

"Oh, I detest your blamed, straitlaced Spanish customs, " he cried, hotly. "What do they amount to, anyhow? I love you. I do, I do-"

She laughed and darted to her father's side. 

"Don't you think Miss Garavel is a pretty girl?" Mrs. Cortlandtquestioned, as they strolled toward their box. 

"She's a dream. " Anthony's tone left nothing unsaid. 

"You got along together capitally. Most of the senoritas areimpossible. "

"By the way, what is her name?"

"Gertrudis. Rather pleasing, I think. "

Kirk thought so, too. In fact, it pleased him so greatly that hethought of nothing else during the entire second act of "LaTosca. " It was even sweeter than the music of her hesitatingaccent. 

When, after an age, the curtain fell for a second time, he escapedfrom his companions, mumbling some excuse or other, and made hasteto find her again. But as he approached he felt a sudden pang ofjealous rage. 

Ramon Alfarez was beside her, and the two were chatting with anappearance of intimacy that made him furious. Close at hand stoodGaravel, deep in conversation with Colonel Jolson. 

"Ah, Ramon, I wish you to meet Mr. Anthony, " said Gertrudis. "So!You have met before?"

"In Colon, " Kirk explained, while Alfarez scorched him with hiseyes. "Mr. Alfarez was very hospitable to me. "

"Yes, " the Spaniard exclaimed. "It is my great regret that SenorAnt'ony did not remain for longer. "

"Ramon is with the President's party this evening. He is SenorGalleo's Secretary, you know. "

"I informed you concerning those good fortunes some time since, eh?" Ramon's insulting stare made Kirk long to take him by thethroat. 

"Yes, you told me. I suppose it is a fine position. "

Alfarez swelled pompously. "I 'ave many responsibilities. "

"It brings you very close to the Chief Executive, no doubt. "

"I 'ave indeed the honor to be his intimate!"

"He's the tallest negro I ever saw, " Kirk said, simply, at whichthe haughty Ramon seemed about to explode, and Miss Garavel quiteshamelessly giggled. 

"That is funny, " she exclaimed. "But you must not tease Ramon. Youunderstand, the voice of the people has made Galleo President, butno one forgets that he is not one of us. "

Her youthful countryman twisted his mustache with tremblingfingers. 

"It is politics!" he declared. "And yet Galleo is a great man; Iam honor' to be his Secretary. But by the grace of God our nextPresident will be w'ite. "

"Ramon's father, Don Anibal, you know. " Gertrudis nodded wisely atthe American. "We are very proud of Ramon, he is so young to behigh in politics. "

"Eh! Yes, and many of our bravest patriots 'ave been black men. "

"Oh, we've had some brave negroes, too, " Kirk acknowledged. 

"So! You see!" Alfarez was triumphant. 

"The greatest fighter we ever had was a colored chap. "

"Ah!"

"His name was Gans--Joe Gans. "

"You are still joking, " said Miss Garavel. "In Baltimore I readthe newspapers about that Gans. He was a-box-fighter, what?"

"Exactly. But he never carried a Secretary. "

Alfarez's countenance was sallow as he inquired:

"Does Senor Ant'ony discover our climate to be still agreeable?"

"Very. It hasn't grown too warm for me yet. "

"We are but approaching our 'ot season. " The speaker's eyessnapped. 

"Oh, I'll stand the heat all right, and the mosquitoes, too. "

"Eh! Do not be too sure. The mosquito makes a leetle buzzing-butit is well to take warning. If not, behol', some day you grow ver'seeck. "

Heretofore Kirk had hated Ramon in a careless, indifferent sort ofway, feeling that he owed him a good drubbing, which he would bepleased to administer if ever a fitting time arrived. But now, since he saw that the jackanapes had the audacity to loveGertrudis, his feeling became intense. The girl, of course, wasfully alive to the situation, and, although she evidently enjoyedit, she did her best to stand between the two men. 

As for Alfarez, he was quick to feel the sudden fierce hostilityhe had aroused, and it seemed to make him nervous. Moreover, heconceived that he had scored heavily by his last retort, at whichKirk had only smiled. It therefore seemed best to him to withdrawfrom the conversation (annoyingly conducted in English), and a fewmoments later he stalked majestically away. This was just whatKirk wanted, and he quickly suggested the balcony. But Gertrudiswas obstinate. 

"I must remain with my father, " she said. 

"May I sit beside you, then? I've been thinking of a lot of thingsto say. I always think of bully remarks when it's too late. NowI've forgotten them. Do you know, I'm going to nestle up to yourfather and make him like me?"

"Again you are speaking of that subject. I have known you but anhour, and you talk of nothing but my father, of me, of coming tocall. "

"Well, I can't think of anything else. "

"You are too bold. Spanish fathers do not like such young men. Butto hear me talk!" She flushed slightly. "I have lost all modestyto speak of those things. You force me to embarrass myself. "

"I was an instantaneous success with Miss Torres' father. He wasready to send a dray for my trunks. "

"Let us discuss other things. "

"I haven't the strength. You once spoke of a chap your people hadpicked out. It isn't-Alfarez?"

She let her dark eyes rest upon his a moment, and his senses swam. Then she nodded slowly. 

"You do not like him?"

"Just like a nose-bleed. The day you and I are married I'm goingto send him a wreath of poison ivy. "

"It pleases you always to joke. "

"No joke about that. You won't give in, will you?"

"There is no question of force nor of surrender, senor. I insistnow that we shall speak of other things. "

A few moments later he was constrained to rejoin his hostess'party. 

"When are you going back to Las Savannas?" he asked, as hereluctantly arose. 

"To-morrow. "

"The hunting ought to be good-"

But she frowned at him in annoyance, and he left her, after all, without knowing whether he had gained or lost ground. Of one thingonly he was sure-their meeting had been in some respects adisappointment. She was not by any means so warm and impulsive ashe had supposed. Her girlishness, her simplicity, her littleAmerican ways, cloaked a deep reserve and a fine sense of thedifference in their positions. She could be Spanish enough whenshe chose, he perceived, and he felt, as he was intended to feel, that the little lady of quality he had met to-night would be muchharder to win than the girl of the woods. The plague of it wasthat, if anything, he was more in love with the definite anddazzling Gertrudis Garavel than he had been with the mysteriouslyalluring Chiquita. If only she were all American, or even allSpanish, perhaps he would know better how to act. But, unfortunately, she was both-just enough of both to be perplexingand wholly unreliable. And then, too, there was Alfarez!

XX

AN AWAKENING

He was in no more satisfactory frame of mind when, on the nextafternoon, he shouldered his gun and set out for the country. Hewent directly to the fairy pool, and waited there in a very feverof anxiety. Despite the coolness and peace of the place, he felthis pulses throb and his face burn. If she came, it would meaneverything to him. If she stayed away-why, then he would have tobelieve that, after all, the real Gertrudis Garavel had spokenlast night at the opera, and that the sprightly, mirthful littlemaid who had bewitched him on their first meeting no longerexisted. An odd bashfulness overtook him. It did not seem to himthat it could possibly have been he who had talked to her soboldly only the evening before. At the thought of his temerity hefelt almost inclined to flee, yet he would not have deserted hispost for worlds. The sound of a voice shot through his troubledthoughts like a beam of sunlight through a dark room. 

"Oh, Senor Antonio! How you startled me!"

Instantly his self-possession came back. He felt relieved and gay. 

"Good-afternoon, queen!" He rose and bowed politely. "I thought Isaw one underneath the waterfall just now. "

"Who would have expected you to be here?" she cried, with anextreme and obviously counterfeit amazement that filled him withdelight. 

"I'm lost, " he declared; then, after one look into her eyes, headded, "Absolutely, utterly, irretrievably lost. "

"It is very fortunate that I chanced to be passing, for this is alonely spot; nobody ever comes here. "

"Well, I hardly ever lose myself in busy places. Won't you sitdown?"

"Since we have met quite by accident, perhaps it would not be sovery improper, " She laughed mischievously. 

"You know I've been lost now for several months. It's a delightfulfeeling-you ought to try it. "

She settled uncertainly beside him like a butterfly justalighting, ready to take flight again, on the instant. 

"Perhaps I can help you to find your way, senor?" she said, withingenuous politeness. 

"You are the only one who can, Miss Garavel. I don't know that Iever told you, but I'm in love. "

"Indeed?"

"I am the most miserably happy person in the world, for I havejust this moment begun to believe that the young lady likes me alittle bit. "

"Oh! But I forgot the real reason why I came. I have something Imust tell you. "

"All right. But honestly now, didn't you WANT to come?"

She turned upon him in a little burst of passion. "Yes!" shecried. "Of course I did! I wished to come, madly, senor. There isno use to lie. But wait! It is wholly because I am a-what you callfleert-a very sad fleert. " No one could possibly describe thequaint pronunciation she gave the word. "It makes my heart patter, like that"--she made her little fingers "patter"-"to be wooed evenby a Yankee. But I do not love you in the least. Oh no! Even if Iwished to do so, there are too many reasons why I could not, andwhen I explain you will understand. "

"I know; it's Ramon Alfarez. You're half-way engaged to him--butyou know you don't love him. "

"Ah! It is not too sure. He is of fine family, he is rich, he ishandsome-not possibly could I care for any man who was not all ofthose. All my life I have thought him a very sweet gentleman, andfor a long time it has been agreed that I should be his wife. Evenall the young ladies are furious at me, which is very nice also-soit is only because I am disobedient that I rebelled. But I waspunished for my evil disposition. " She sighed mournfully. "And nowit is all arranged once more. "

"Is it really signed, sealed, stamped, and delivered in thepresence of?"

"No, no; but 'Arco siempre armado'-"

"Of course. Is that a prescription?"

'"A bow long bent grows weak. ' And there are so many reasons why Ishould say yes. "

"You haven't mentioned any that would be binding in law. "

"My father's wish. Is not that sufficient?"

"You disregarded that once. "

"That was but a flutter. All the time I knew I should be Ramon'swife when the time arrived. But it made him so unhappy that I wasquite pleased. Only for those ugly blue dresses, I would havegreatly enjoyed my penance. Perhaps I could refuse to wed a man myfather chose for me, but no nice Spanish girl would dare to wed aman her father did not like. Do you see?"

"But it's no cinch your father won't positively hunger for me, once we get chummy. "

"And I for Ramon? How sad that would be, eh?"

"Really, now, couldn't you bring yourself to marry a chap whowasn't aristocratic, rich, and handsome? You know that's a toughcombination. Most aristocratic people are poor, and the rich oneshave dyspepsia. "

"Oh no! I am quite certain. "

"Suppose I should show you a family tree that you couldn't throw astone over?"

"It would not do at all. I am so extravagant. "

"I fully intend to be rich, some time. "

"But you are not handsome, senor. " Her eyes travelled over himwith a mischievous twinkle. "You are too beeg. "

"I'm very durable; I'd last a long time. "

She shook her dark head decisively, and he saw the lights thatrippled in her profuse crown of hair. 

"You are too different, you disregard our customs, you are bold. You continue to come here against my wishes, which no Spanishgentleman would dare to do. "

"Oh, I'm no Spanish gentleman. I'm just an emotional blond; butI'm bound to marry you. "

"If one of my countrymen found me so indiscreet as to talk withhim alone like this, he would go away and never come back. I amamazed at you, senor. Have you no pride?"

"Not a bit; and now that I have met all your objections, let'sarrange the details. Shall it be a church wedding?"

She laughed deliciously. "What a nice game it is we have played!But now I must talk seriously. "

"You witch!" he breathed. "Do you think I could ever give you up?"

She checked him gravely. "Truly, it was just a game--and yet it wasnot altogether so, either. But here is what I came to say. Thestrangest thing has happened-not until last night after the operadid I even dream of it, and-even now I cannot believe. Oh, I am soproud!"

"More bad news for me, I suppose. "

"Yes. But such good news for me that I am sure you will be glad. "Timidly he reached out and touched a fold of her white dress. Sheseemed to be slipping from him. "Coming home from the theatre myfather told me-oh, the most wonderful thing! He said-but how shallI speak of such a secret?"

"Evidently you don't intend to. "

"I promised very faithfully not to tell, so-he is to be the nextPresident of Panama. "

"Pres--" Anthony stared at her in frank amazement. "Why, I thoughtold man Alfarez--"

"It seems your country does not like him because he hatesAmericans-see? This is the work of that Mr. Cortlandt. Think! Isit not wonderful? Now that you know the truth, you must see atonce that by no means could I marry to a person like you. "

"Why not?"

"Ohe! Don't you understand? I shall be the finest lady in theRepublic. All men will adore me. I will have suitors-not one ortwo as now, but many. I will be 'the beautiful Senorita Garavel, 'for all the great people are beautiful. I shall be proud, also, and I shall not even speak to Yankees any more. My father will bethe most famous man of all the Republic-perhaps in the wholeworld, I don't know. "

"I don't think it will make any difference with him when he knowswho I am. "

"Then you also are a great man, eh?" She hitched herself about, toface him more squarely. "That is truly interesting. He wouldscarcely wish a railroad conductor to address the daughter ofPresident Garavel. "

"Oh, I've been promoted since I was out here last. Anyhow, I guessmy dad is pretty nearly as good as anybody in Panama. "

"He is, then, of blue blood?"

"No! Red. "

"Oh, but a gentleman!"

"He is now. He used to be a brakeman. "

"You appear to be-proud of such a thing! How strange! My father'sblood runs back to the conquistadors; even in the earliest booksone finds Garavels. They were conquerors, they ruled this countryand all these people. "

"That's something to be proud of, but it isn't everything. High-bred horses run well, but they can't pull. It's the old farm nagthat delivers the merchandise. But I'll tackle your father, andI'll promise to vote for him. "

"You are very fonny. " She gazed at him seriously, one tiny footcurled under her, her chin nestling into her palm. 

"Do you love me?"

"Not one single speck. I merely like you to make love at me andcause my heart to jomp! But that is not fair to you, is it?-sinceyou can have no hope. "

The little hypocrite continued to voice words of warning anddenial, though her eyes invited him, and for a long time theycontinued this delightful play of pleading and evasion. But atlast Chiquita jumped up with a great appearance of alarm. 

"Heavens! the time, " she cried. "I have stayed too long by much. Stephanie will miss me. "

He rose and stretched out his hand as if to hold her. 

"Shall I come again to-morrow?"

She grew suddenly earnest. 

"No, no, senor. That is something you should not ask. If ever weare to meet again, it must be with my father's consent. Please! Donot urge, for truly I would have to refuse. " She let her palm restin his an instant, and her cheek went scarlet as he pressed it tohis lips. Then she said: "Go, Mr. Brazen One. How greatly itsurprised me to find you here I cannot say. It gave me such astart! And, Senor Antonio--my father may be found any day at hisbank. " Before he could detain her she was gone, flitting up thepath with just one flashing smile of mischief over her shoulder. 

Anthony went home with his head in the clouds. All his doubts werenow at rest; for while Chiquita had stubbornly denied him allencouragement, he felt sure that her heart had answered. It was inthe highest spirits, therefore, that he opened a letter he foundawaiting him, and read as follows:

DEAR KIRK, --I hope you are heartily sick of yourself and ready todo something decent for a change. Knowing your aristocratic habitsas I do, I realize you must owe a lot of money by this time, andyour new friends must be getting tired of you. I have beenexpecting you to draw on me daily, and am taking this occasion towarn you in your own expensively acquired college English that"THERE IS NOTHING DOING"--except upon one condition. If you willagree to behave yourself in future, I will pay your debts, sendyou West, and give you a job as operator at forty dollars a month. BUT--you will go where I send you, and you will stay where you areput. I will do the thinking for both of us and judge of yourassociates. Maybe if you prove to be any good at all, I willarrange with the police to let you spend your vacations in "thatdear New York, " which still shows signs of your red--paint brush. I would be pleased to have an apology by return mail, so that Imay meet you in New Orleans and start you off once more on theroad to decency and self-respect. You will never be a success atanything, but I am always ready to do my duty. This is my lastoffer, and if you refuse you may distinctly and definitely go tothe devil. As ever, Your loving father, DARWIN K. ANTHONY. 

P. S. --I can get GOOD operators for thirty dollars a month. Theextra ten dollars is pure sentiment. 

Kirk had known in advance just about what the letter contained, and now laughed aloud. It was so like the old gentleman! Why, hecould almost hear him dictating it. 

Spurred by his present exhilaration, he wrote an answer, which heread with a good deal of satisfaction before sealing it up. 

DEAR DAD, -Your affectionate letter, with the kind offer to takecharge of a siding out in the Dakotas, is at hand. I would like tohelp you along with your business, but "Upward and onward" is mymotto, and you'll have to raise that salary a bit. I am drawingtwo hundred and twenty-five dollars a month at present, quartersfurnished and promotion promised. I have made some goodinvestments, and there are no debts to settle. Enclosed find mylast bank statement, which will doubtless prove a greatdisappointment to you. 

If you need a good Master of Transportation, I would be pleased toconsider an offer at any time, provided the salary issatisfactory, but your proposal to edit my acquaintances is out ofthe question. My decency and self respect are doing well, thankyou, and I like the climate. 

Outside my window a mocking-bird sings nightly, and I have a tamerabbit with ears like a squirrel and baby-blue eyes--also aJamaican negro boy who, I fear, could not stand our harsh Northernwinters. 

The salary would have to be about six thousand a year. As always, Your devoted and obedient son, KIRK. 

P. S. --I would not care to locate farther west than Buffalo. Mywife might not like it. 

"If he survives the first part, that tag line will put him downfor the count, " mused the writer, with a grin. "And, yet, something tells me he will not embrace my offer. Ah, well!Promotion is slow. " He whistled blithely as he sent Allan off tothe post-office. 

Kirk lost no time in calling at the bank, but was disappointed tolearn that Senor Andres Garavel had left the city for anunexpected business tour of the Provinces and would not return forat least two weeks. At first he was inclined to doubt the truth ofthis statement, but a casual inquiry from Mrs. Cortlandt confirmedit, and, cursing his luck, he sought distraction where he couldmost easily find it. 

In the days that followed he saw nothing of Gertrudis, but a gooddeal of Edith Cortlandt. She had redeemed her promise of gettinghim a good horse-something rare in this country-and he wasgrateful for the exercise, which came as a welcome relief from hisindoor toil. They rode almost daily; he dined at her house, andonce again made one of her party at the opera. Soon their oldfriendly intercourse was going on as if it had never beeninterrupted. 

As for Edith, this unsatisfying, semi-public intimacy came to bequite as much a pain as a pleasure to her. During these past fewweeks she had been plunged in a mental turmoil, the signs of whichshe had concealed with difficulty. She had fought with herself;she had tried to reason; she had marshalled her pride, but all invain. At last she awoke to the terrifying certainty that she wasin love. It had all begun with that moment of impulsive surrenderat Taboga. The night following had been terrible to her. In itsdark hours she had seen her soul for the first time, and theglimpse she got frightened her. Following this, she became furiouswith herself, then resentful toward Anthony; next she grewdesperate and reckless. 

She began to look upon her husband with a quickened curiosity, andfound him a stranger. For years she had made allowance for hisweaknesses, ignoring them as she ignored his virtues; but neverbefore had he appeared so colorless, so insignificant, above allso alien. She had barely tolerated him hitherto, but now she beganto despise him. 

If Cortlandt was aware of her change of feeling and its cause, hismethod of dealing with her showed some keenness. Silent contemptwas what she could least endure from him of all men; yet this wasjust what his manner toward her expressed-if it expressedanything. Beyond those words as they were leaving the island, hehad said nothing, had never referred to the incident, had not somuch as mentioned Anthony's name unless forced to do so, and thisoffended her unreasonably. She caught him regarding her strangelyat times with a curious, faltering expression, but he was so icyin his reserve, he yielded so easily to her predominance, that shecould divine nothing and turned the more fiercely to her inwardstruggle. Even if he did suspect, what then? It was no affair ofhis; she was her own mistress. She had given him all he possessed, she had made a man of him. He was her creature, and had no rightsbeyond what she chose to give. They saw less and less of eachother. He became more formal, more respectfully unhusbandlike. Hespent few daylight hours in the house, coming and going as hepleased, frequenting the few clubs of the city, or riding alone. On more than one occasion he met her and Anthony on their horses. Only before others, or at their frequent political councils, werethey quite the same as they had been. 

Of Anthony, on the other hand, she arranged to see more than ever, flattering him by a new deference in her manner, making him feelalways at ease with her, watching him vainly for the least sign ofawakening desire. In their frequent rides they covered most of theroads about the city, even to the ruins of old Panama. Then theybegan to explore the by-paths and trails. 

One afternoon they turned into an unfrequented road that led offto the jungle from the main highway, walking their horses whilethey marvelled at the beauty of the foliage. The trail they knewled to a coffee plantation far up among the hills, but it was solittle travelled that the verdure brushed them as they went, andin many places they passed beneath a roof of branches. Before theyhad penetrated a quarter of a mile they were in the midst of anunbroken solitude, shut off from the world by a riotous glory ofgreen, yellow, and crimson. They had not spoken for a long time, and were feeling quite content with the pleasant monotony of--their journey, when they burst out into a rocky glen where aspring of clear water bubbled forth. With a common impulse theyreined in; Twenty feet farther on the trail twisted into thescreen of verdure and was lost. 

"What a discovery!" exclaimed Edith. "Help me down, please, I'mgoing to drink. "

Kirk dismounted and lent her a hand; the horses snortedappreciatively, and stepping forward, thrust their soft muzzleseagerly into the stream, then fell to browsing upon the tenderleaves at their shoulders. 

Edith quenched her thirst, shook the cramp from her limbs, andsaid: "Some time we will have to see where this road leads. Theremay be more surprises beyond. " She broke a flower from its stemand fastened it in Kirk's buttonhole, while he gazed down at herwith friendly eyes. 

"You're looking awfully well lately, " he declared. 

Glancing up, she met his gaze and held it for an instant. "It'sthe open air and the exercise. I enjoy these rides with you morethan I can say. " Something in her look gave him a little thrill ofembarrassment. 

"I think I'll give Marquis and Gyp their dessert, " he said, and, turning aside, began to gather a handful of the greenest leaves. The instant his eyes were off her, she took the horses by theirbridles, swung them about, and with a sharp blow of her riding-crop sent them snorting and clattering down the trail. Kirkwheeled barely in time to see them disappearing. 

"Here!" he cried, sharply. "What are you doing?"

"They bolted. "

"They'll hike straight for town. Now I'll have to chase--" Heglanced at her sharply. "Say, why did you do that?"

"Because I wanted to. Isn't that reason enough?" Her eyes werereckless and her lips white. 

"You shouldn't do a thing like that!" he cried, gruffly. "It'sfoolish. Now I'll have to run them down. "

"Oh, you can't catch them. "

"Well, I'll have a try at it, anyhow. " He tossed away his handfulof leaves. 

"Silly! I did it because I wanted to talk with you. "

"Well, those horses wouldn't overhear. "

"Don't be angry, Kirk. I haven't seen you alone since that night. "

"Taboga?" he said, guiltily. "You're not going to lecture meagain? I'm sorry enough as it is. " Never in all his life had hefelt more uncomfortable. He could not bring himself to meet hergaze, feeling that his own face must be on fire. 

"What a queer chap you are! Am I so unattractive that you reallywant to rush off after those horses?" He said nothing, and shewent on after a moment of hesitation: "I have known men who wouldhave thought it a privilege to be left alone with me like this. "

"I--have no doubt. "

"You remember, for instance, I told you there was one man atTaboga whom I did not wish to see?"

"Yes--at the sanitarium. "

"Well, something like this happened once--with him--and I toldStephen. "

"And did you tell Mr. Cortlandt what I did?"

"Do you think I would have come riding with you if I had?" Sheshook her head. "Kirk, I used to think you were an unusuallyforward young man, but you're not very worldly, are you?"

"N-no--yes! I guess I'm as wise as most fellows. "

"Sometimes I think you are very stupid. "

He began firmly: "See here, Mrs. Cortlandt, you have been mightygood to me, and I'm indebted to you and your husband for a wholelot. I am terribly fond of you both. "

She clipped a crimson bloom from its stem with a vicious blow ofher crop, then, with eyes fixed upon the fallen flower, broke theawkward pause that followed. 

"I suppose, " she said, half defiantly, "you know how things arewith Stephen and me--everybody must know, I suppose. I have done alot of thinking lately, and I have made up my mind that the lastappeal of what is right or wrong lies with one's self. I'm notgoing to care any longer what the world thinks of my actions solong as my own heart justifies them. Happiness--that is what Iwant, and I will have it--I will have it at any cost. It is myright. Because a woman marries without love, is it right for herto forego love all her life? I think not. "

She looked up, and with a change of tone ran on swiftly: "I havestudied you for a long time, Kirk. I know the sort of man you are. I know you better than you know yourself. Very lately I have begunto study myself, too, and I know, at last, the sort of woman Iam. " She drew near and laid a hand on each shoulder, forcing himto look straight into her eyes. "I am not like most women; I can'tdo things by halves; I can't temporize with vital things; I preferto experiment, even blindly. I used to think I was born to rule, but I think now that a woman's only happiness lies in serving; andI used to believe I was contented, when all the time I was waitingfor something and didn't know it. Don't be silly now; you're justlike every other man. "

"I can't pretend to misunderstand you, although--Listen!" He cuthis words short. "Here comes some one. "

She turned her head, as from the direction their mounts had takencame the sound of approaching hoots. 

"Natives from the hills. " She nodded carelessly toward the purplemountains back of them. But the next moment she gave a little gaspof consternation. Out from the overhung path, with a greatrustling of leaves, came, not the expected flea-bitten Panamahorse, but a familiar bay, astride of which was Stephen Cortlandt. He was leading Marquis and Gyp by their bridles, and reined in atsight of his wife and her companion. 

"Hello!" he said. "I caught your horses for you. "

"Jove! That's lucky!" Kirk greeted the husband's arrival withgenuine relief. "They bolted when we got down to take a drink, andwe were getting ready for a long walk. Thanks, awfully. "

"No trouble at all. I saw them as they came out on the main road. "Cortlandt's pigskin saddle creaked as he bent forward to deliverthe reins. He was as cool and immaculate as ever. He met Edith'seyes without the slightest expression. "Nice afternoon for aride. "

"If I had known you were riding to-day you might have come withus, " she said. 

He smiled in his wintry fashion, then scanned the surroundingsappreciatively. 

"Pretty spot, isn't it? If you are going back, I'll ride withyou. "

"Good enough. May I give you a hand, Mrs. Cortlandt?" Kirk helpedEdith to her seat, at which her husband bowed his thanks. Then thethree set out in single file. 

"Which way?" inquired Stephen as they reached the highroad. 

"Back to town, I think, " Edith told him, "And you?"

"I'm not ready yet. See you later. " He raised his hat and canteredeasily away, while the other two turned their horses' heads towardthe city. 

XXI

THE REST OF THE FAMILY

The time for Senor Garavel's return having arrived, Kirk called atthe bank, and found not the least difficulty in gaining anaudience. Indeed, as soon as he had reminded the banker of theirformer meeting, he was treated with a degree of cordiality thatsurpassed his expectations. 

"I remember quite well, sir, " said Garavel--"'La Tosca. ' Since youare a friend of Mrs. Cortlandt I shall be delighted to serve you. "

Now that they were face to face, Kirk felt that he distinctlyapproved of Chiquita's father. This dignified, distinguished-looking gentleman awaited his pleasure with an air of leisurelycourtesy that would have made him under other circumstances veryeasy of approach. But there was a keenness in his dark eyes thatsuggested the futility of beating round the bush. Kirk feltsuddenly a little awkward. 

"I have something very particular to say to you, " he began, diffidently, "but I don't know just how to get at it. "

Garavel smiled graciously. "I am a business man. "

"This isn't business, " blurted Kirk; "it's much more important. Iwant to have it over as quickly as possible, so I'll be frank. Ihave met your daughter, Mr. Garavel"--the banker's eyes widened ina look of disconcerting intensity--"and I am in love with her--sort of a shock, isn't it? It was to me. I'd like to tell you whoI am and anything else you may wish to know. "

"My dear sir, you surprise me--if you are really serious. Why, youhave seen her but once--a moment, at the theatre!"

"I met her before that night, out at your country place. I hadbeen hunting, and on my way home through the woods I stumbled uponyour swimming-pool. She directed me to the road. "

"But even so!"

"Well, I loved her the first instant I saw her. "

"I knew nothing of this. If you had reason to think that your suitwould be acceptable, why did you not come to me before?"

"I couldn't. I didn't know your name. I was nearly crazy because Icouldn't so much as learn the name of the girl I loved!" Kirkplunged confusedly into the story of his search for Chiquita. 

"That is a strange tale, " said Senor Garavel, when he hadfinished--"a very strange tale--and yet you did well to tell itme. At present I do not know what to think. Young men are prone tosuch romantic fancies, rash and ill-considered. They are, perhaps, excusable, but---"

"Oh, I suppose you can't understand how a fellow falls so deep inlove on such short acquaintance, but I have been brooding overthis for months--there's nothing hasty or ill-considered about it, I can assure you. I am terribly hard hit, sir; it means everythingto me. "

"If you would tell me something about yourself, I might knowbetter in what light to regard this affair. "

"Gladly--though there isn't much to tell. Just now I'm working onthe P. R. R. As assistant to Runnels--the Master of Transportation, you know. I like the work and expect to be promoted. I have alittle money--just enough to give me a fresh start if I shouldlose out here, and--oh, well, I'm poor but honest; I supposethat's about the size of it. " He paused, vaguely conscious that hehad not done himself justice. What else was there to say aboutKirk Anthony? Then he added as an afterthought:

"My father is a railroad man, in Albany, New York. "

"In what capacity is he employed, may I ask?" said Garavel, showing something like real interest. 

Kirk grinned at this, and, seeing a copy of Bradstreet's on thebanker's table, turned to his father's name, which he pointed outrather shamefacedly. Senor Garavel became instantly less distant. 

"Of course the financial world knows Darwin K. Anthony, " said he. "Even we modest merchants of the tropics have heard of him; andthat his son should seek to win success upon his own merits isgreatly to his credit. I congratulate you, sir, upon yourexcellent progress. "

"I hope to make good, " said Kirk, simply, "and I think I can. "Then he flushed and hesitated as a realization of the situationswept over him. Could he gain the favor of Chiquita's father underfalse pretences? Surely it was only just that a man should standupon his own merits, and yet--it didn't seem quite right. Atlength, he said, with an effort:

"I ought to tell you, sir, that I am not on good terms with myfather, at present. In fact, he has cast me off. That is why I amhere supporting myself by hard work, instead of living inidleness. But I'm beginning to like the work--and I'll make good--I'll do it if only to show my father his mistake. That's what Icare about most. I don't want his money. It's easier to make moneythan I thought. But I must succeed, for his sake and my own. "

Despite his embarrassment, his face shone with sudden enthusiasm. He looked purposeful and aggressive, with a certain sternness thatsat well upon his young manhood. Garavel lifted his brows. 

"May I inquire the cause of this--estrangement?"

"Oh, general worthlessness on my part, I suppose. Come to think ofit, I must have been a good deal of a cross. I never did anythingvery fierce, though. " He smiled a little sadly. "I don't wonderthat I fail to impress you. "

A quick light of thought flashed through the banker's eyes. He wasa keen judge of men. 

"Well, well, " he said, with a trace of impatience, "there is noneed to go into the matter further. Your proposal is impossible--for many reasons it is impossible, and yet--your spirit iscommendable. "

"Does that mean you won't even allow me to see your daughter?"

"It would be useless. "

"But I love Gertrudis, " said Kirk, desperately. 

Garavel looked a trifle pitying. 

"You are by no means the first, " he said; "I have been besieged bymany, who say always the same thing--without Gertrudis theycannot, they will not, they should not live. And yet I have heardof no deaths. At first I was greatly concerned about them--poorfellows--but most of them are married now, so I not do take yourwords too seriously. " He laughed good-naturedly. "You unemotionalAmericans do not love at first sight. "

"I_ do, sir. "

"Tut! It is but admiration for a beautiful girl who--I say it--iswicked enough to enjoy creating havoc. Take time, my boy, and youwill smile at this madness. Now, let us talk of something else. "

"It is no use, sir, I have it bad. "

"But when you make such a request as this, you assume to know theyoung lady's wishes in the matter. "

"Not at all. Without your consent I don't believe she'd allowherself to even like me. That is why I want to fix it with youfirst. "

"In that, at least, you are quite right, for Gertrudis is a goodgirl, and obedient, as a general rule; but--it is impossible. Hermarriage has been arranged. "

"Do you think that is quite fair to her? If she loves RamonAlfarez---"

Once again Garavel's brows signalled surprise. "Ah, you know?"

"Yes, sir. I was about to say, if she really loves him, I can'tmake any difference; but suppose she should care for me?"

"Again it could make no difference, once she had married Ramon. But she is too young to know her own mind. These young girls areimpressionable, romantic, foolish. I can see no object indeliberately courting trouble. Can you? In affairs of the heart itis well to use judgment and caution--qualities which come onlywith age. Youth is headstrong and blinded by dreams, hence it isbetter that marriage should be arranged by older persons. "

"Exactly! That's why I want you to arrange mine. " The bankersmiled in spite of himself, for he was not without a sense ofhumor, and the young man's sincerity was winning. 

"It is out of the question, " he said; "useless to discuss. Forgetting for the moment all other considerations, there is anobstacle to your marriage into a Spanish family, which you do notstop to consider--one which might well prove insurmountable. Ispeak of religion. "

"No trouble there, sir. "

"You are, then, a Catholic?"

"It was my mother's faith, and I was brought up in it until shedied. After that, I--sort of neglected it. You see, I am more of aCatholic than anything else. "

"What we call a 'bad Catholic'?"

"Yes, sir. But if I were not, it wouldn't make any difference. Chiquita is my religion. " "Who?" The father started. 

"I--I call her that, " Kirk explained, in confusion. "To myself, ofcourse. "

"Indeed! So do I, " said Senor Garavel, dryly. For a moment hefrowned in meditation. There were many things to consider. He felt a certain sympathy for this young man, with hisstraightforwardness and artless brusquerie. Moreover, though thebanker was no great respecter of persons, the mention of Darwin K. Anthony had impressed him. If Kirk were all that he seemed, he hadno doubt of the ultimate reconciliation of father and son. At allevents, it would do no harm to learn more of this extraordinarysuitor, and meanwhile he must treat him with respect whilecarefully guarding his own dignity against possibly impertinentadvances. 

"She has been promised to Ramon, " he said, at last, "and I haveconsidered her future quite settled. Of course, such arrangementsare frequently altered for various causes, even at the lastmoment, but--quien sabe?" He shrugged his shoulders. "She may notwish to entertain your suit. So why discuss it? Why make plans orpromises? It is a matter to be handled with the greatest delicacy;there are important issues linked with it. Where there is theprospect of an alliance between two houses--of business orpolitics--you will understand that according to our ideas, thoseconsiderations must govern--absolutely. Otherwise--I do not know--I can say nothing to encourage you except--that, for a young man Ihave known so very short a time"--he smiled genially--"you haveimpressed me not unfavorably. I thank you for coming to me, at anyrate. "

The two men rose and shook hands; Kirk was not altogether castdown by the result of the interview. He understood the banker'sallusion to the possible change of arrangements, and felt surefrom what Chiquita had told him that the marriage with Ramon couldnot take place after the true nature of Garavel's politicalaspirations became known. In that case, if all went well, it didnot seem impossible that Garavel would give his consent, and thenGertrudis alone would remain to be won. If, on the other hand, herfather refused his permission--well, there are many ways ofwinning a bride. Kirk believed in his lucky star, and had aconstitutional inability to imagine failure. 

The truth was that Andres Garavel had not hesitated long afterthat memorable night at the Tivoli before accepting the brilliantprize which the Cortlandts had dangled so alluringly before hiseyes, and, the decision once made, he had entered into the schemewith all his soul. He was wise enough, however, to leave hisdestiny largely in their hands. This meant frequent councils amongthe three, a vast amount of careful work, of crafty intrigue, ofuntiring diplomacy, and, although his candidacy had not as yetbeen more than whispered, the purple robe of power was daily beingwoven, thread by thread. 

It was not long after Kirk's visit to the bank that Garavel, during one of these conferences, took occasion to bring up theyoung man's name. Cortlandt had been called to the telephone, andEdith was left free to answer without constraint. 

"I have seen you and him riding quite frequently, " her guestremarked, with polite interest. "Is he, then, an old friend?"

"Yes, we are very fond of him. "

"Your Mr. Runnels believes him most capable; we were speaking ofhim but yesterday. "

"Oh, he will be successful, if that's what you mean; I shall seeto that. He has his father's gift for handling men---"

"You know his father?"

"Not personally, only by reputation. Kirk will be promoted soon, by-the-way, although he doesn't know it. He is to replace Runnelsas soon as he is able. "

"Remarkable--and yet I have seen the marvels you work, dear lady. But is not this a strange sphere of activity for the son of DarwinK. Anthony?"

"Oh, he had some kind of falling-out with his father, I believe, which occasioned his coming here. There was nothing really toKirk's discredit--of that I am perfectly sure. "

"It would be unfortunate, indeed, if this breach between fatherand son should prove serious. "

"Oh, I dare say it won't. Kirk is certain to succeed, and oldAnthony will come round, if I know American fathers. "

Garavel smiled, well pleased that he had treated his recentvisitor with proper consideration. After all, why not invite theyoung fellow to his house? That would be rather a significant stepaccording to Spanish custom; yet he need not be bound by it. Hecould put a stop to the affair at any time. Besides, despite hisfrequent protestations to the contrary, he was somewhat influencedby his daughter's desire for more liberty. It was not fair to her, he thought in his heart, that she should know only Ramon. Onereason especially appealed to his pride. If a break came betweenhim and Alfarez, Ramon must not appear to have jilted Gertrudis. If, meanwhile, she had another suitor, and one of distinguishedfamily, the affair would wear a better look. It cannot be deniedthat the name of Darwin K. Anthony rang musically in his ears. 

"The boy has the right stuff in him, " Edith went on. "He began atthe bottom, only a few months ago, preferring to work his way up, though he was offered a first-rate position to begin with. "

She would have said more, but just at that moment her husbandentered. "You were saying that Alfarez suspects, " said Cortlandt, addressing Garavel. "Has he said anything?"

"Not to me, as yet, but he surely must know; the rumors must havereached him. He is cold--and Ramon acts queerly. I feel guilty--almost as if I had betrayed a friend. "

"Nonsense! There is no room for fine scruples in politics. Wemustn't be in too great a hurry, though. Things are goingsmoothly, and when the time comes you will be called for. But itmust be the voice of the people calling. Bocas, Chiriqui, Colon--they must all demand Garavel. " Cortlandt sighed. "I shall be veryglad when it is over. " He looked more pale, more bloodless, moreworld-weary than ever. 

"You need have no fear that it will cause serious trouble betweenyou and the General, " Mrs. Cortlandt assured Garavel. "Ramonshould be able to effect peace, no matter what happens. "

"Ah, I am not so sure that there will be a marriage betweenGertrudis and him. Young ladies are most uncertain when allowedthe slightest liberty. "

"Is she growing rebellious?" Cortlandt inquired. "If I were you, then, I wouldn't force her. A loveless marriage is a tragicthing. "

His wife nodded her agreement. 

"Not exactly rebellious. She would do whatever I asked regardlessof her own feelings, for that is the way we Spaniards bring up ourdaughters, but--she is cold to Ramon, and he, I believe, issuspicious of my intentions toward his father. Therefore, thesituation is strained. It is very hard to know what is right in acase of this sort. The young are impressionable and reckless. Often what seems to them distasteful is in reality a blessing. Itis not every love-match that turns out so happily as yours, mydear friends. Well, I suppose I am weak. With Gertrudis I cannotbe severe; but unless it becomes necessary to make conditions withmy old friend Alfarez, I should prefer to let the girl have herown way. "

As Cortlandt escorted his caller to the door, the Panamanianpaused and said, with genuine solicitude:

"You look badly, sir. I am afraid you work too hard. I would noteasily forgive myself if this affair of ours caused you to fallill. "

"Oh, I am all right--a little tired, that's all. I don't sleepwell. "

"It is worry over this thing. "

Cortlandt smiled crookedly. "I am not the one to worry; I am notthe one at the head. Surely you know what people say--that I amher office-boy?"

Garavel found it hard to laugh this off gracefully. "You are toomodest, " he said. "I admire the trait, but I also chance to knowthe wonderful things you have accomplished. If people say suchthings, it is because they do not know and are too small tounderstand your voluntary position. It is very fine of you to letyour wife share your work, senor. " But he shook his head as thedoor closed behind him, really doubting that Cortlandt would provephysically equal to the coming struggle. 

It was about this time--perhaps two weeks after Kirk had repliedto his father's letter--that Runnels called him in one day to ask:

"Do you know a man named Clifford?"

"No. "

"He dropped in this morning, claiming to be a newspaper man fromthe States; wanted to know all about everything on the Canal and--the usual thing. He didn't talk like a writer, though. I thoughtyou might know him; he asked about you. "

"Me?" Kirk pricked up his ears. 

"I gathered the impression he was trying to pump me. " Runnels eyedhis subordinate shrewdly. "I boosted you. "

"Is he short and thick-set?"

"No. Tall and thin. " As Kirk merely looked at him in a puzzledway, he continued: "I suppose we're all suspicious down here, there's so much of that sort of thing. If he has anything on you--"

"He's got nothing on me. "

"I'm glad of that. You're the best man I have, and that shake-up Itold you about is coming off sooner than I expected. I'd hate tohave anything happen to you. Do you think you could hold down myjob?"

"WHAT? Do you really mean it?"

"I do. "

"I think I could, if you would help me. "

Runnels laughed. "That remark shows you haven't developedIsthmitis, anyhow. "

"What is that?"

"Well, it's a sort of mental disorder most of us have. We believeeverybody above us is incompetent, and everybody below us is afterour jobs. You'll get it in time--even some of the Commissionershave it. "

"It goes without saying that I'd like to be Master ofTransportation, but not until you're through. "

"Well, the old man has had another row with Colonel Jolson, andmay not wait for his vacation to quit. I'm promised the vacancy. "

"Then you have seen the Colonel?"

"No--but I have seen Mrs. Cortlandt. I felt I had a right to asksomething from her in return for what I did for you. I know thatsounds rotten, but you'll understand how it is. Colonel Jolsonwants his brother-in-law, Blakeley, to have the place, but I'mentitled to it, and she has promised to fix it for me. If I go up, you go, too; that's why I was worried when this Clifford partyappeared. "

"There IS something, I suppose, I ought to tell you, although itdoesn't amount to much. I was mixed up in a scrape the night Ileft New York. A plain-clothes man happened to get his head undera falling bottle and nearly died from the effects. "

"What was the trouble?"

"It really wasn't the least bit of trouble, it was fatally easy. We were out on a grape carnival, six of us. It was an anti-prohibition festival, and he horned in. "

"There is nothing else?"

"Nothing. "

"Well, this Clifford party is stopping at the Hotel Central. Better look him over. "

"I will, " said Kirk, feeling more concern than he cared to show, but his apprehension turned out to be quite unfounded. Oninspection, Clifford proved to bear no resemblance whatever toWilliams, nor did he seem to have any concealed design. He was agood sort, apparently, with a knack of making himself agreeable, and in the weeks that followed he and Kirk became quite friendly. Meanwhile, no word had come from Senor Garavel, and Kirk wasbeginning to fret. But just as he had reached the limit of hispatience he received a note which transported him with joy. 

Senor Andres Garavel, he read, would be in the city on thefollowing Tuesday evening, and would be pleased to have him call. 

Even with his recent experiences of Spanish etiquette, Kirk hardlyrealized the extent of the concession that had been made to him. He knew nothing of the tears, the pleadings, and the spiritedchampionship of his cause that had overborne the last parentalobjection. It was lucky for him that Chiquita was a spoiled child, and Garavel a very Americanized Spaniard. However, as it was, hewent nearly mad with delight, and when Tuesday came round heperformed his office-work so badly that Runnels took him to task. 

"What the devil has got into you the last few days?" he exclaimed, irritably. 

"I'm going to see a certain party to-night and I can't containmyself. I'm about to blow up. That's all. "

"Woman, eh?"

Kirk grinned. "It has taken months, and I'd begun to think Iwasn't wanted. Oh, I've had a battle. "

"Anybody I know?"

"Yes, but I can't talk about her. There's a man in the case, see!I'm going slow to start with. "

Runnels, who had never seen Kirk with any woman except EdithCortlandt, formed his own conclusions, helped a bit, perhaps, bythe memory of that conversation with John Weeks on the day oftheir ride across the Isthmus. That these conclusions were notpleasing to him, he showed when he returned to his office. Hestood an instant in thought, looking rather stern, then murmured, half aloud: "That's one thing I wouldn't stand for. "

Kirk had hard work to refrain from shaving himself twice thatevening, so overcareful was he about his toilet, yet hisexcitement was as nothing compared to that of Allan, who looked onwith admiration tempered by anxious criticism. The boy, it seemed, appropriated to himself the entire credit for the happy ending ofthis affair. 

"It will be a grand wedding, sar, " he exclaimed. "H'Allan will bethere for giving you away. "

"You don't know enough about me to give me away, " Kirk returned, lightly. 

"I shall be needing some h'expensive garments for the ceremony. Iwould h'ahsk you to be so kind--"

"Not too fast. It hasn't gone quite that far yet. "

"But I shall need to have those garments made by a tailor, andthat will require time. They will be made precisely to resembleyours, then nobody can tell h'us apart. "

"That's considered genuine flattery, I believe. "

"Would you do me a favor, Master h'Auntony?"

"Surest thing you know. "

"I shall be waiting in the street to-night. Could you h'arrange toh'ahsk those fatal questions h'adjoining the window so that Imight h'overhear?"

"NO! And I don't want you prowling around outside, either. You'renot to follow me, understand! I have enough on my mind as it is. "

The residence of Senor Garavel is considered one of the showplaces of Panama. It is of Spanish architecture, built of brickand stucco, and embellished with highly ornamental iron balconies. It stands upon a corner overlooking one of the several publicsquares, guarded from the street by a breast-high stone wallcrowned with a stout iron fence. Diagonally opposite and runningthe full length of the block is a huge weather-stained cathedral, the front of which is decorated with holy figures, each standingby itself in a separate niche. In the open church tower are greatchimes which flood the city with melody, and in the cornerfronting upon the intersecting street is a tiny shrine with animage of the Madonna smiling downward. It is only a little recessin the wall, with barely room for a few kneeling figures, but atnight its bright radiance illumines the darkness round about andlends the spot a certain sanctity. 

Contrary to the usual custom, the Garavel mansion has a narrowyard, almost smothered in tropical plants that crowd one anotherthrough the iron bars and nod at the passers-by. Riotous vineshalf screen the balconies: great overhanging red-tiled eaves givethe place an air of coziness which the verdure enhances. A subduedlight was glowing from the lower windows when Anthony mounted thesteps and rang. 

An Indian woman, clad in barbarous colors, her bare feet encasedin sandals, admitted him, and the banker himself met him in thehall. He led the way into a great barren parlor, where, to Kirk'sembarrassment, he found quite a company gathered. His hostformally presented him to them, one after another. There wereSenor Pedro Garavel, a brother of Andres; Senora Garavel, hiswife, who was fat and short of wind; the two Misses Garavel, theirdaughters; then a little, wrinkled, brown old lady in stiff blacksilk who spoke no English. Kirk gathered that she was somebody'saunt or grandmother. Last of all, Gertrudis came shyly forward andput her hand in his, then glided back to a seat behind the oldlady. Just as they were seating themselves another member of thefamily appeared--this time a second cousin from Guatemala. Likethe grandmother, he was as ignorant of English as Kirk was ofSpanish, but he had a pair of frightfully intense black eyes withwhich he devoured the American. These orbs exercised an unusualeffect upon the caller; they were unwinking, the lids were wideopen, and the brilliance of the pupils was heightened by thestartling whiteness surrounding them. They were like the eyes of afrightened horse. 

It was very trying to be the target of so many glances and to knowthat he was being studied like a bug beneath a microscope, yetKirk managed to keep a degree of self-possession, making up hismind to display a modest reticence that could not help appearingadmirable. But he soon found that this did not suit. Instead ofresuming their conversation, the entire assemblage of Garavelswaited calmly for their caller to begin, and he realized in apanic that he was expected to make conversation. He cast aboutmadly for a topic. 

His host helped him to get started, and he did fairly well untilone of the Misses Garavel began to translate his remarks to theold lady and the ferocious cousin from Guatemala. As their replieswere not rendered into English, he was left stranded. He knew thathis whole salvation lay in properly impressing his auditors, so hebegan again and floundered through a painful monologue. It was notat all pleasant. It was like being initiated into some secretorder. These strange people sitting so stiff and watchful formedan inquisitorial body. The night suddenly turned off swelteringlyhot; perspiration began to trickle down his brow, his collarbecame a tourniquet, and he cast appealing glances at the silentfigure hidden demurely behind the rustly old lady in the blackharness. The look of mingled pity and understanding she gave himsomewhat revived his fainting spirit, and he determined to stickit out until the family were ready to retire and allow him a wordwith her alone. But, idle hope! Gradually it dawned upon him thatthey had no such intention. To relieve the strain, he becamefacetious and told funny stories; but this was an unluckyexperiment, for his witticisms fell with a ghastly hollowness. Noone laughed save the grandmother and the Guatemalan cousin, whocould not understand, and at this Kirk fled helter-skelter fromthe realms of humor. 

By now his collar had given up the struggle and lain limply downto rest. The whole experience was hideous, yet he understood quitewell that these people were not making sport of him. All this wasonly a part of their foreign customs. They were gentlefolk, rearedto a different code from his--that was all--and, since he hadelected to come among them, he could only suffer and be strong. 

In time he became sufficiently inured to the situation to take inthe details of the room, which were truly markable. To begin with, the parlor walls entirely lacked the sort of decoration to whichhe was used; the furniture, costly and rare in itself, wasarranged stiffly in a square about the room, the precisegeometrical centre being occupied by a great urn of impressiveugliness. A richly carved mahogany "what-not" against one wall wasladen with sea-shells and other curios. At various points aboutthe room were many statuettes, vases, and figures, of everyconceivable size and shape--some of bisque, others of commonpottery, a few of exquisite marble--all standing upon the floor. Atremendous French chandelier of sparkling crystal cascadeddownward from an American ceiling of pressed metal; at regularintervals around the wall were panels painted to resemble marble. Crouched upon a rug in one corner was a life-size figure of whatseemed to be a tiger, perfectly colored and made of porcelain. Ithad tremendous glass eyes, larger even than the cousin's fromGuatemala, and they shone with a hypnotic intensity that wasdisturbing. Kirk wanted to kick it and cry "Scat!" Hidden in otherdesolate quarters of the room were similar studies in animal life. These anomalous surroundings by turns depressed him and provokedan insane desire to laugh. 

What he ever talked about during that evening he never quiteremembered. At one time the Cholo girl who had admitted himentered noiselessly, bearing silver plates of fruit, and shortlyafterward he found himself trying to balance upon his knee a plateof pineapple soaked in spice and wine, a fork, a napkin starchedas stiffly as a sheet of linoleum, and a piece of cake whichcrumbled at a look. It was a difficult bit of juggling, but hemanaged to keep one or two of the articles in the air almostcontinuously. 

When it came time to leave he expected at least to be allowed afarewell word or two with Gertrudis, but instead he was bowed outas ceremoniously as he had been bowed in, and, finding himself atlast in the open, sighed with relief. He felt like a paroledprisoner, but he thought of the girl's glance of sympathy and wasinstantly consoled. He crossed slowly to the Plaza, pausing amoment for a good-night look at the house, then, as he turned, hecaught a glimpse of a figure slinking into the shadows of theside-street, and smiled indulgently. Evidently Allan had beenunable to resist the temptation to follow, after all, and had hungabout hoping to overhear his hero at his best. But when he hadreached his quarters he was surprised to find the boy there aheadof him. 

"How did you beat me home?" he inquired. 

"I have been waiting h'impatiently ever since you went out. To besure, I have had one little dream--"

"Didn't you follow me to the Garavels'?"

"Oh, boss! Never would I do such. "

Seeing that the negro was honest, Kirk decided that somebody hadbeen spying upon him, but the matter was of so little consequencethat he dismissed it from his mind. 

"And what said your female upon your proposal of marriage?" Allaninquired. "Praise God, I shall h'expire of suspense if you do notcha-at me the truth. "

"Oh, there was a chorus of her relatives in the room. They sat inmy lap all the evening. "

"Perhaps it is fartunate, after all. This senorita is rich 'ooman, and therefar she would be h'expensive for us. "

Kirk managed to drive him forth after some effort, and straightwayretired to dream of timid Spanish girls who peeped at him frombehind old ladies, porcelain tigers that laughed inanely at hisjokes, and Guatemalan gentlemen with huge hypnotic eyes of glass. 

XXII

A CHALLENGE AND A CONFESSION

Although Runnels had spoken with confidence of the coming shake-upin the railroad organization, it was not without a certainsurprise that he awoke one morning to find himself actively incharge of the entire system. He lost no time in sending for Kirk, who took the news of their joint advancement with characteristicequanimity. 

"Now, there is nothing cinched yet, understand, " the ActingSuperintendent cautioned him. "We're all on probation, but if wemake good, I think we'll stick. "

"I'll do my best to fill your shoes. "

"And I have the inside track on Blakeley, in spite of ColonelJolson, so I'm not alarmed. The break came sooner than I expected, and now that we chaps are in control it's the chance of ourlifetimes. "

Kirk nodded. "You're entitled to all you get, but I've never quiteunderstood how I managed to forge ahead so fast. Why, there aredozens of fellows here who know more than I, and who could dobetter. I've been mighty lucky. "

"You don't really call it luck, do you?" Runnels looked at himcuriously. 

"I'm not conceited enough to think I'm a downright genius. "

"Why, the Cortlandts engineered everything. It was they whoarranged your promotion to the office in the first place, andthey're behind this last affair. They have stood back of you atevery step, and, incidentally; back of me and the other boys. "

"When you say 'they' you of course mean 'she'. "

"Of course. One has to recognize him, though--as the head of thefamily. And he really did have a part in it, too; at least, if hehad been against us we never would have won. "

"I can't pretend that I didn't suspect, " said Kirk slowly, "but Idid hope I'd made good on my own merits. "

Runnels laughed. "You have made good all right, or you couldn't goforward; but this is a government job, and fellows like us aren'tbig enough to get through on our own merits. One has to be a realworld-beater to do that. If the Cortlandts hadn't backed us, someother chaps with influence would have stepped in above us. TakeBlakeley, for instance. He is nothing extra, and he doesn't knowhalf as much about this business as I do; but he's the brother-in-law of Colonel Jolson, and he'd have landed the job sure if ithadn't been for our friends. You'd better let your conscience takea nap. "

"I'd like to show the Cortlandts that we appreciate what they'vedone, but we can't openly thank her without humiliating him. I'dlike to give him something. "

"Suppose we give him a quiet little supper, some night, and tellhim frankly how grateful we are. He's the sort to appreciate athing like that, and it would be a delicate way of thanking hiswife, too. "

"Good! I'll speak to the other fellows, and now the Acting Masterof Transportation is going to shake with the new ActingSuperintendent, and wish him every success. "

Runnels grasped the outstretched hand. 

"Say, Anthony, " he said, "we're young and we have a start. I havewhat you lack, and you have what I lack; if we stick together, we'll own a railroad some day. Is it a go?"

"You bet!"

With a warm glow in his breast, the new Master of Transportationplunged into his duties. He really was making a success, itseemed, although it was a bit disappointing to learn that he owedso much of it to Edith Cortlandt. At the same time he couldn'thelp thinking that his efforts had entitled him to reasonablesuccess, and, anyhow, it was pleasant to feel that at no point inhis scramble up the ladder had he elbowed off some other man moredeserving, perhaps, than he. This last advancement, too, was verytimely, for it would surely have its effect upon Andres Garavel. 

But his new work brought new troubles and worries. Runnels helpedhim whenever he could, yet Kirk was left largely to his owndevices, and learned for the first time what real responsibilitywas like. He began to sleep shorter hours; he concentrated withevery atom of determination in him; he drove himself with an ironhand. He attacked his task from every angle, and with his fineconstitution and unbounded youthful energy he covered an amazingquantity of work. He covered it so well, moreover, that Runnelscomplimented him. 

This stress of labor served one purpose for which he was verygrateful; it separated him from Edith Cortlandt and took his mindfrom that occurrence in the jungle. Ever since the day of his lastride with her, he had been tortured with the most unpleasantthoughts. He confessed to forgetting himself briefly that night atTaboga, but he had believed that she understood--that she regardedhim only as a chum and a companion. Therefore her open surrender, coming so unexpectedly had dumfounded him. As he looked back uponthe incident now, it seemed inconceivable, yet her words, herexpression, her reckless abandon at that moment, were toosignificant to allow of misunderstanding. Still, by dint ofdetermination and stern attention to his tasks, he was able to putthe matter almost wholly from his mind. 

Soon after his promotion he received from Andres Garavel a warmlyworded note of congratulation, and some few days later aninvitation to dine, which he accepted eagerly. 

The dinner proved to be another disappointing ordeal, for again hewas allowed no opportunity of speaking with Gertrudis, and had tocontent himself with feasting his eyes upon her. But although thefamily were present en masse, as on the former occasion, theyunbent to a surprising degree, and he found them truly graciousand delightful. He realized, nevertheless, that he was under theclosest scrutiny and upon the strictest probation. The Garavelsstill held him at a noticeable distance, and he was far fromfeeling wholly at ease. 

Later in the evening he found himself alone with Chiquita and theold Spanish lady, and, knowing that the latter could notunderstand a word of his tongue, he addressed himself to the girlwith some degree of naturalness. 

"I was sorry for you the last time, senor, " she said, in reply tohis half-humorous complaint, "and yet it was fonny; you were sofrightened. "

"It was my first memorial service. I thought I was going to seeyou alone. "

"Oh, that is never allowed. "

"Never? How am I going to ask you to marry me?"

Miss Garavel hid her blushing face behind her fan. "Indeed! Youseem capable of asking that absurd question under anycircumstances. "

"I wish you would straighten me out on some of your customs. "

"What, for instance?"

"Why does the whole family sit around and watch me? I don't intendto steal any bric-a-brac. They could search me just as well when Igo out. "

"They wish to satisfy themselves as to your character, perhaps. "

"Yes, but a fellow feels guilty causing them to lose so muchsleep. "

She gave him an odd look, smiling timidly. 

"As for to-night, do you attribute any meaning to my father'srequest that you dine with us?"

"Of course. It means I wasn't blackballed at the first meeting, Isuppose. After I've become a regular member, and there is nothingmissed from the lodgerooms, I'll be allowed to proceed in theordinary manner. "

She blushed delightfully again. "Since you are so ignorant of ourways you should inquire at your earliest convenience. I wouldadvise you, perhaps, to learn Spanish. "

"Will you teach me? I'll come every evening. "

She did not answer, for the old lady began to show curiosity, anda conversation in Spanish ensued which Kirk could not follow. 

When it came time for their chaperon to leave, she excused herselfwith royal dignity, and, going to the door, called Stephanie, thegiant St. Lucian woman. Not until the negress had entered did thegrandmother retire, which showed, so Kirk imagined, that even yetthe Garavel household had no more confidence in him than in abadgeless building inspector. He was not grateful for the change, for he did not like Stephanie, and, judging from the sombresuspicion of the black woman's glances, the feeling was mutual. The conversation took perforce a less personal nature in herpresence, yet Kirk departed with a feeling of exaltation. Beyonddoubt his suit was progressing, slowly, perhaps, but stillprogressing. 

His understanding of Spanish customs received a considerableenlargement on the following day, when he met Ramon Alfarezoutside the railroad office. Ramon had evidently waited purposelyfor him, and now began to voice some unintelligible protest in thegreatest excitement. 

"You'll have to play it all over again, " Kirk advised him. "I'monly just learning to conjugate the verb 'amar. ' What seems to bethe trouble this time?"

"Ha! For the moment I forgot your ignorance, but onderstan' this, detestable person, it is time you shall answer to me. "

"Cheerfully! Ask your questions slowly. "

"Onderstan' further, " chattered the Spaniard, "regardless of the'appenings to me, it shall never come to pass. Soch disgracefuloccurrence shall never transpire; of that be assure', even if itexac' the las' drops of blood in the veins of me. I 'ave despisedyou, senor, an' so I 'ave neglec' to keel you, being busy withimportant affairs of government. Bot, 'ow am I reward for thoseneglec'? Eh!" Alfarez breathed ferociously through his nostrils. 

"I don't know, I'm sure. What is your reward?"

"Very well are you aware, PIG. "

"Nix on those pet names, " the American ordered, gruffly. 

"You 'ave insolt me, " cried Ramon, furiously, "and now you 'avethe insolence to interfere in my affairs. " He paused dramatically. "Make it yourself ready to fight on to-morrow. "

"What's the use of putting it off? I couldn't make your weight inthat time. I'll do it now, if you say. "

"No, no! Onderstan' we shall fight like gentlemen. I shall keelyou with any weapon you prefer. "

"By Jove!" Kirk exclaimed, in amazement. "This is a challenge; youwant to fight a duel! Why, this reads like a book. " He began tolaugh, at which Ramon became white and calm. "Listen, " Kirk wenton, "I'll tell you what we'll do; we'll fight with fire-hoseagain. I suppose you want satisfaction for that ducking. "

"I prefer to shoot you, senor, " the other declared, quietly. "Those marriage shall never occur until first I walk upon yourdead body. As matter of honor I offer you this opportunity bifforeit is too late. "

"I guess you have been drinking. You're a little premature intalking about my marriage, aren't you?"

"So! You fear to confess the truth! Oh, I am not to be deceive'. All Panama is speaking of those engagements to Senorita Garavel. Come, then, must I insolt you further?"

Kirk replied, dryly, looking the Spaniard over with, cold blueeyes. "No! I think you've gone about far enough. "

"You riffuse?" exclaimed Ramon, triumphantly. 

"Look here!" said Kirk, "I've had enough of this. " He advancedthreateningly, and the Spaniard nervously gave way. "I don't fightduels; it's against the law. In my country it's a crime to kill aman in cold blood; and we don't tie a fellow up and beat him whenhe's helpless and then offer him the HONORABLE satisfaction ofeither committing murder or being killed. They're not wearingduels this season. " His hands clenched involuntarily. "I don'twant to hurt you, Alfarez, but I may not be able to help it if youdon't keep out of my way. "

He left the fiery little Panamanian still scowling and mutteringthreats, and went his way wondering vaguely how his attentions toChiquita had become so quickly known. He was informed later in theafternoon. 

As he left the office for the day he was handed a note from Mrs. Cortlandt requesting him to call at once, and, summoning a coach, he was driven directly to her house. Unlike the Garavel home, thehouse which the Cortlandts had leased was set upon the water-front, its rear balcony overlooking the sea where it lapped thefoundation of the city wall. It was a delightful old place, shutoff from the street by a yard filled with flowering plants andshrubs, and, though flanked in true Spanish fashion by stores andshops, it was roomy and comfortable. 

Edith kept him waiting a moment before she descended, dressed forher afternoon ride. 

"You see, I haven't given up my horse in spite of your neglect, "she said, as she gave him her hand, "You got my note?"

"Yes, and I came straight from the office. "

"I suppose you know what it is about and are wondering how I heardthe news. "

"What news?"

"Your 'engagement. '" She laughed with an amusement that did notring quite true. 

"You're the second one to speak about that. I'm not engaged. "

"Of course not. Don't think for a moment I believed it. I wascalling on some Spanish people this afternoon and heard thereport--I admit it was a shock. When I learned the details I knewat once you ought to be told before it developed into somethingembarrassing. Come into the other room; there is a breeze from thewater. " She led him into the parlor, from which the open windows, shielded now by drawn shutters, gave egress to the rear porch withits chairs and hammock. 

"Dear, dear! You foolish boy, you're always in trouble, aren'tyou? You really don't deserve to be helped. Why, you have avoidedme for weeks. "

"The new arrangement has swamped us with work. I have had no timeto go out. "

"Indeed! You had time to run after the first pretty Spanish faceyou saw. I'm really angry, though I suppose I can't blame you. After all, she is charming, in her way. "

"You mean Miss Garavel?"

"Yes. Didn't you realize what you were doing?"

"I realized what I was trying to do. "

"Naughty! But why select her of all people? There are dozens ofothers who could amuse you and whose people would not object. Andres Garavel isn't that sort; he is a rich man, he has politicalambitions, he's a very proud sort. Now, I suppose I must get youout of this difficulty as best I can. You ought to be morecareful. "

"Please!" he said, crossly. "I could understand better what youare talking about if I knew just what this difficulty is. "

"Why, this silly 'engagement' of yours. Don't pretend to be sostupid. "

"Ramon Alfarez heard that same report, and very courteouslyinvited me to wait a few minutes while he killed me. It'stremendously flattering to be linked up with Miss Garavel, ofcourse, but I haven't asked her to marry me. "

"But you've seen her; you have called at her house!"

"Sure! Twice; at the invitation of the old gentleman. All thelittle Garavels were lined up like mourners. "

"And you dined there last night. Is that all you have seen ofher?"

"N-no! I've seen her at Las Savannas. That's why I went hunting sooften. "

At this confession, which Kirk delivered with sheepish reluctance, Mrs. Cortlandt drew herself up with an expression of anger. 

"Then this has been going on for some time, " she cried. "Why, Kirk, you never told me!"

"Why should I?"

She flushed at this unconscious brutality, but after a moment ranon bravely; "Oh, well, I suppose any man would enjoy that sort ofan adventure, particularly with such a pretty girl, but why didyou let it go so far? Why did you let them commit you?"

"Am I committed?"

Her look was half offended, half incredulous. "Are you trying tobe disagreeable, or is it possible you don't know the meaning ofthose invitations to call, and to dine with the family, and allthat? Why, they expect you to MARRY her. It is all settled now, according to the Spanish custom. The whole town is talking aboutit, I can't understand, for the life of me, how you ever allowedyourself to go there the second time and to DINE. " Seeing the lookin his face, she cried, sharply, "You don't mean--that you're inearnest?" She was staring at him as if disbelieving her eyes. 

"Certainly, I'm in earnest. "

Edith turned away abruptly. 

"I hope you're not joking, " said Kirk. "Jove! I--I'm knocked clearoff my pins. " A tremendous wave of excitement surged over him. "So, that's what Alfarez meant. That's what SHE meant last nightwhen she told me to look up--" He broke off suddenly, for Edith'sface had gone chalk-white. 

"But, Kirk, what about me?" she asked, in a strained voice. 

There was deathlike silence in the room. 

"You can't LOVE her, " said the woman. "Why, she's only a child, and she's--Spanish. "

They stood motionless, facing each other. At last Kirk said, gravely and deliberately, "Yes, I love her better than anything in the world and I want tomarry her. I could give up my country, my dad--anything for her. "

Pressing her gloved fingers to her temples she turned her headblindly from side to side, whispering as if to herself:

"What will become of me?"

"Don't, " he cried, in a panic, and cast a hurried look over hisshoulders. "You'll be overheard--you'll be seen. You don't knowwhat you're saying. Where's Cortlandt?"

"At his club, I suppose. I don't know--I--I don't care. " Then theparalysis that had numbed her vanished, and she spoke withquivering intensity. "You've been dishonest with me, Kirk. "

"Don't act this way, " he ordered, roughly. "I'm terribly fond ofyou, but I never knew--"

"You MUST have known. "

"I knew NOTHING. I chose not to think. What I saw I forgot. Isupposed you merely liked me as I liked you. "

"That night at Taboga!" she flared up. "What about that? Couldn'tyou tell then? I fought--fought--fought--but I had to give up. Youhaven't forgotten--those wonderful hours we had together?" Shebegan to sob, but steadied herself with an effort. "You say youdidn't know, then what about that afternoon in the jungle? Oh, you're not blind; you must have seen a thousand times. Every hourwe've been alone together I've told you, and you let me go onbelieving you cared. Do you think that was right? Now you areshocked because I admit it, " she mocked. "Well, I have no pride. Iam not ashamed. It's too late for shame now. Why, even my husbandknows. "

With an exclamation he seized her by the arm. "You don't meanthat!" he cried, fiercely. But she wrenched herself away. 

"Why, do you think, I made a man of you? Why did I force you upand up and over the heads of others? Why are you in line for thebest position on the railroad? Did you think you had made good byyour own efforts?" She laughed harshly. "I took Runnels and Wadeand Kimble and the others that you liked and forced them up withyou, so you'd have an organization that couldn't be pulled down. "

"Did--did you do all that?"

"I did more. I broke with Alfarez because of what his son did toyou. I juggled the politics of this country, I threw him over andtook Garavel--Garavel! My God! What a mockery! But I won't letyou--I won't let that girl spoil my work. " Her voice trailed offin a kind of rasping whisper. She struggled a moment forcomposure, then went on: "It was I who promoted you to Runnels'position--he'll tell you that. It was I who put ideas ofadvancement into his head. I fostered this quarrel between Jolsonand the Superintendent, and I've used Runnels to break trail foryou. Why? Ask yourself why! Oh, Kirk, " she cried, "you mustn'tmarry that girl! I'll make you a great man!"

"You seem to forget Cortlandt, " he said, dully. 

She gave a scornful laugh. "You needn't bring Stephen in. Hedoesn't count. I doubt if he'd even care. Our marriage amounts tonothing--nothing. You'd better consider ME, and the sacrifice I'mwilling to make. "

"I'm not going to listen to you, " he cried. "I suppose I've been afool, but this must end right here. "

"You can't marry that girl, " she reiterated, hysterically. She washalf sobbing again, but not with the weakness of a woman; hergrief was more like that of a despairing man. 

"For Heaven's sake, pull yourself together, " said Kirk. "You haveservants. I--I don't know what to say. I want to get out, I wantto think it over. I'm--dreadfully sorry. That's all I can seem tothink about now. " He turned and went blindly to the door, leavingher without a look behind. 

When he had gone she drew off her riding-gloves, removed her hat, and dropped them both upon the nearest chair, then crept wearilyup the stairs to her room. 

A moment later the latticed wooden blinds at the end of the parlorswung open, and through the front window stepped StephenCortlandt. Behind him was a hammock swung in the coolest part ofthe balcony. The pupils of his eyes, ordinarily so dead andexpressionless, were distended like those of a man under theinfluence of a drug or suffering from a violent headache. Helistened attentively for an instant, his head on one side, then, hearing footsteps approaching from the rear of the house, hestrolled into the hall. 

A maid appeared with a tray, a glass, and a bottle. "I could notfind the aspirin, " she said, "but I brought you some absinthe. Itwill deaden the pain, sir. "

He thanked her and with shaking fingers poured the glass full, then drank it off like so much water. 

"You're not going out again in the heat, sir?"

"Yes. Tell Mrs. Cortlandt that I am dining at the UniversityClub. " He went slowly down the steps and out through the floweringshrubs. 

XXIII

A PLOT AND A SACRIFICE

Kirk never passed a more unpleasant night than the one whichfollowed. In the morning he went straight to Runnels with thestatement that he could take no part in the little testimonialthey had intended to give Cortlandt. 

"But it's too late now to back out. I saw him at the UniversityClub last evening and fixed the date for Saturday night. "

"Did you tell him I was in the affair?"

"Certainly. I said it was your idea. It affected him deeply, too. I never saw a chap so moved over a little thing. "

Kirk thought quickly. Perhaps Edith had spoken rashly in herexcitement, and her husband did not know her feelings after all. Perhaps he only suspected. In that case it would never do towithdraw. It would seem like a confession of guilt. 

"If he has accepted, that ends it, I suppose, " he said, finally. 

"What has happened?" Runnels was watching him sharply. 

"Nothing. I merely wish I hadn't entered into the arrangement, that's all. I've ordered a watch for him, too, and it's beingengraved. I wanted to give him something to show my own personalgratitude for what he and his wife have done for me. Lord! It tooka month's salary. I know it's a jay present, but there's nothingdecent in these shops. "

"Look here! I've wanted to say something to you for some time, though it's deuced hard to speak of such things. Maybe I have moremoral scruples than some people, but--" Runnels stirreduncomfortably in his chair. "Steve Cortlandt has put us where weare--you understand, when I speak of him I include his wife, too. Well, I like him, Kirk, and I'd hate to see him made unhappy. If achap loves a married woman, he ought to be man enough to forgetit. Rotten way to express myself, of course--"

Kirk looked the speaker squarely in the eyes as he answered: "Idon't understand what you're driving at. I haven't the leastinterest in any married man's affairs--never have had, in fact. I'm in love with Gertrudis Garavel, and I'm engaged to marry her. "

"The devil!"

"It's a fact. I didn't know until last night that I'd beenaccepted. "

"Then just forget what I said. I was going north on a south-boundtrack--I ran ahead of orders. I really do congratulate you, oldman; Miss Garavel is--well, I won't try to do her justice--I hadno idea. Please pardon me. "

"Certainly! Now that it's settled I'm not going to let any grassgrow under my feet. "

"Why, say! Garavel is to be the next President! Jove! You ARElucky! Cortlandt told me last night that the old fellow'scandidacy was to be announced Saturday night at the big ball;that's how he came to accept our invitation. He said his workwould be over by then and he'd be glad to join us after the dance. Well, well! Your future wife and father-in-law are to be hisguests that night, I suppose you know. "

"Then they have patched up a truce with Alfarez? I'm glad to hearthat. "

"It's all settled, I believe. This dance is a big special event. The American Minister and the various diplomatic gangs will bethere, besides the prominent Spanish people. It's precisely themoment to launch the Garavel boom, and Cortlandt intends to do it. After it's over, our little crowd will have supper and thank himfor what he has done for us. Oh, it will be a big night allaround, won't it? Do you realize the skyrockety nature of yourprogress, young man? Lord! You take my breath. "

"It does seem like a dream. I landed here with a button-hook forbaggage, and now--Say, Runnels, her eyes are just like two bigblack pansies, and when she smiles you'll go off your trolley. "

"Your promotion came just in time, didn't it? Talk about luck! Weought to hear from Washington before Saturday and know that ourjobs are cinched. This uncertainty is fierce for me. You know Ihave a wife and kid, and it means a lot. When you give Cortlandtthat watch you'll have to present him with a loving-cup from therest of us. I think it's coming to him, don't you?"

"I--I'd rather you presented it. "

"Not much! I can run trains, but I can't engineer socialfunctions. You'll have to be spokesman. I suppose jobs andincreased salaries and preferments, and all that, don't count formuch with a young fellow who is engaged to the fabulous MissGaravel, but with the Runnels family it's different. Meanwhile, let's just hold our thumbs till our promotions are ratified fromheadquarters. I need that position, and I'm dying of uneasiness. "

The night had been as hard for Edith Cortlandt as it had been forKirk, but during its sleepless hours she had reached adetermination. She was not naturally revengeful, but it wascharacteristic of her that she could not endure failure. Action, not words or tears, was the natural outlet of her feelings. Therewas just one possible way of winning Kirk back, and if instead itruined him she would be only undoing what she had mistakenly done. As soon after breakfast as she knew definitely that her husbandhad gone out, she telephoned to General Alfarez, making anappointment to call on him at eleven. 

It was the first time she had ever gone to see him, for she was inthe habit of bringing people to her, but this was no ordinaryoccasion, and she knew the crafty old Spaniard would be awaitingher with eagerness. 

Her interview with him was short, however, and when she emergedfrom his house she ordered the coachman to drive directly to theGaravel Bank. This time she stayed longer, closeted with theproprietor. What she told him threw him into something like apanic. It seemed that Anibal Alfarez was by no means so wellreconciled to the death of his political hopes as had beensupposed. On the contrary, in spite of all that had been done toprevent it, he had been working secretly and had perfected thepreliminaries of a coup which he intended to spring at theeleventh hour. Through Ramon, he had brought about an alliancewith the outgoing Galleo, and intended to make the bitterestpossible fight against Garavel. Such joining of forces meantserious trouble, and until the banker's position was materiallystrengthened it would be most unwise to announce his candidacy ashad been planned. The General had worked with remarkablecraftiness, according to Mrs. Cortlandt's account, and Galleo'sgrip upon the National Assembly was so strong as to threaten alltheir schemes. She did not go into minute details--there was noneed, for the banker's fears took fire at the mere fact thatAlfarez had revolted. He was dumfounded, appalled. 

"But it was only last week that we were assured that all waswell, " he cried in despair. 

She shrugged her shoulders. "One is privileged to change his mindovernight, I suppose. Politics is not a child's game. "

"Oh, I am sorry I ever entertained the proposal. To be defeatednow would do me immeasurable harm, not only in my pride, but in mybusiness affairs. My affiliations with the government are of theclosest--they must be, for me to live. To be a candidate, to makethe fight, and to be beaten! What consideration will come to thefirm of Garavel Hermanos, think you?"

"Not much, but you are not so deeply committed that you cannotwithdraw. "

This cool suggestion brought the expected outburst. "Rather thansuch a disgrace, " cried Garavel, "I would go to certain defeat. One's pride is not for sale, madame. What has caused this sosudden change of sentiment?"

"Ramon is partly to blame. He is just as proud as you or as hisfather. When he heard of your daughter's engagement to our friendAnthony--"

"Ah! Now I see it all. " His face darkened. "So, this is my rewardfor heeding your advice in regard to Gertrudis. She should havewed Ramon, as was intended, then I would have had a lever withwhich to lift his father from my path. Very well, then, there isno engagement with this Anthony. It may not be too late even yetto capture Ramon. "

"The city is already talking about Gertrudis and Kirk. "

"No word has been spoken, no promise given. There is not even anunderstanding. It is merely an old custom that has caused thisreport. He seemed a pleasant fellow, she had dreams, so--Iyielded. But do you suppose I would allow my great ambition to bethwarted by the whim of a girl--to be upset by a stranger's smile?Bah! At their age I loved a dozen. I could not survive withoutthem. " He snapped his fingers. "You see now the truth of what Itold you when we first spoke of my daughter. It is the older headsthat must govern, always. I should have foreseen this effect, butRamon was offended, and he said too little. Now, I admire hisspirit; he is desperate; he will fight; he is no parrot to sit byand see his cage robbed. So much the better, since he is the pivotupon which this great affair revolves. You see what must be done?"

"Certainly. "

"Come! We will see my friend Anibal at once. "

But Mrs. Cortlandt checked him, saying, quietly:

"That is all right as far as it goes, but you forget the otheryoung man. "

Garavel paused in his heavy strides across the room. 

"Eh? How so? Gertrudis will not marry this Anthony. "

"Perhaps she loves him. "

"Love is a fancy, a something seen through a distant haze, anillusion which vanishes with the sun. In a month, a year, she willhave forgotten; but with me it is different. This is my life'sclimax; there will be no other. I am a Garavel; I have looked intothe future and I cannot turn back. I think also of Panama herself. There are great issues at stake. "

"But how will you handle Anthony?"

Garavel looked at her blankly. "He is in my way. He is ended! Isnot that all?"

"I am glad you are practical; so many of you Latin-Americans areabsurdly romantic. "

"And why should I not be practical? I am a business man. I lovebut two things, madame--no, three: my daughter, my success, and--my country. By this course I will serve all three. "

"Since you take this view of it, I am sure that with Ramon's helpwe can dissuade Don Anibal from his course. The General issensible, and doesn't want a fight any more than you do. If yourdaughter will consent--"

"My dear lady, give yourself no uneasiness. She does not know themeaning of rebellion. If necessary--but there is not the slightestquestion. It is done. "

"Then let me look up Ramon. He and I will approach the Generaltogether. " She gave him her neatly gloved hand. "Things are neverso bad as they seem. "

"And I thank you for your promptness, which alone, perhaps, hassaved our hopes and our ambitions. " He escorted his caller to hercarriage, then hurriedly returned to his office. 

That afternoon Kirk received a formal communication from thebanker which filled him with dismay. It ran:

MY DEAR MR. ANTHONY, --To my extreme distress, I hear a rumor thatGertrudis is to become your wife. I assure you that neither shenor I blame you in the least for this unfortunate report; butsince busy tongues will wag upon the slightest excuse, we feel itbest that no further occasion for gossip should be given, I amsure you will co-operate with us. 

Sincerely and respectfully, your friend, ANDRES GARAVEL. 

A sense of betrayal crept over him as he read. What the lettersignified, beyond the fact that Mr. Garavel had changed his mind, he could not make out, and he resolved to go at once and demand anexplanation. But at the bank he was told that the proprietor hadgone home, and he drove to the house only to learn that SenorGaravel and his daughter had left for Las Savannas not half anhour before. So, back through the city he urged his driver, acrossthe bridge, and out along the country road. 

Darkness had settled when he returned, raging at the trickery thathad been practised upon him. If they thought to gain their pointby sending him on wildgoose chases like this, they were greatlymistaken. He proposed to have Chiquita now, if he had to burst hisway to her through barred doors. Never in all his easy, carelesslife had anything of moment been denied him, never had he feltsuch bitterness of thwarted longing. Reared in a way to foster adisregard of all restraint and a contempt for other people'srights, he was in a fitting mood for any reckless project, and themere thought that they should undertake to coerce an Anthonyfilled him with grim amusement. He had yielded to their left-handed customs out of courtesy; it was time now to show hisstrength. 

What folly he might have committed it is hard to tell, but he wasprevented from putting any extravagant plan into operation by amessage from the girl herself. 

As he dismissed his coachman and turned toward his quarters, Stephanie came to him out of the shadows. 

"I have been waiting, " she said. 

"Where is Chiquita? Tell me quickly. "

"She is at the house. She wants to see you. "

"Of course she does. I knew this wasn't any of her doing. I'vebeen hunting everywhere for her. "

"At nine o'clock she will be in the Plaza. You know the dark placeacross from the church?"

"I'll be there. "

"If we do not come, wait. "

"Certainly. But, Stephanie, tell me what it is all about?"

The black woman shook her head. "She is sick, " she said, in aharsh voice, "that is all I know. I have never seen her act so. "From her expression Kirk fancied that she held him responsible forher mistress's sufferings. 

"Now, don't be angry with me, " he made haste to say. "I'm sick, too, and you're the only friend we have. You love her, don't you?Well, so do I. And I'm going to make her happy in spite of herfather and all the rest. Run along now, I won't keep you waitingto-night. "

Long before the appointed time he was at the place of meeting, butscarcely had the city chimes rung out nine when he saw two womenemerge from the dark side-street next the Garavel mansion and comeswiftly toward him. 

He refrained from rushing out to meet them, but when they wereclose to his place of concealment he stepped forward, withChiquita's name upon his lips and his arms outstretched. She drewaway. 

"No, no, senor!" she cried. "I sent for you because there was noother way--that is all. My father would not let you come to thehouse. You will not think me bold?"

"Of course not. "

"I could not let you go until you knew the truth. You do not--believe it was my fault?"

"I don't know what to believe, because I don't know what hashappened. All I know is that I got a note from your father. Butthat won't make me let you go. "

She clung desperately to the Bajan woman as if afraid to trustherself near him. "Wait--wait, " she said, "until you have heard itall. "

Never had she appeared so beautiful as now, with her face white, her bosom heaving, as the half-light dimly revealed. 

"No matter what it is, I'll never give you up, " he declared, stubbornly. 

"Ah! I feared you would say those very words; but you must do it, just the same. It will be hard for us both, I know--but--" Shechoked and shook her head as the words refused to come. 

Stephanie laid a great copper hand soothingly upon her shoulder, and growled at Kirk in a hoarse, accusing voice:

"You see?"

"Tell me first why I must give you up?"

"Because, in spite of all, I am to marry Ramon, " Gertrudis said, wretchedly. 

"Who said so?"

"My father. He has forbidden me to think of you, and ordered thatI marry Ramon. Sick or well, living or dead, I must marry him. "

"I'm hanged if you do!"

"It is those miserable politics again. If I do not obey, my fathercannot be President, do you see?" Pausing an instant to master heragitation, she hurried on. "To be President means a great deal tohim and to our family; it is the greatest honor that has ever cometo a Garavel. Senor Alfarez is terribly angry that I refused tomarry his son, to whom since I was a little child I have beenengaged. Ramon also is furious; he threatened to kill himself. So, it comes to this then: if I will not bind myself to the agreement, Senor Alfarez will contest the election--I do not know how you saythose things--but my father will be defeated--perhaps he will behumbled. Many other terrible things which I cannot understand willhappen also. If I agree, then there will be no opposition to hisplans. He will be President, and I will be a grand lady. "

"I won't stand for it. They're making you a sacrifice, that's all. What kind of a father is it who would sell his daughter--"

"No, no! You do not understand. He is proud, he cannot acceptdefeat, he would rather give his life than be humiliated. Furthermore--he wishes me to marry Ramon, and so that ends it. "Her lips were trembling as she peered up at him to see if hereally understood. 

"Let them rave, dear. What does it matter who is President? Whatdoes anything matter to you and me?"

"He says I am too young to know my own mind, and--perhaps that istrue, Senor Antonio; perhaps I shall soon forget you and learn tolove Ramon as he loves me, I do not know--"

In spite of the pathetic quaver in her voice, Kirk cried withjealous bitterness:

"You don't seem to object very strongly; you seem to care about asmuch for Alfarez as you do for me. Is that it?"

"Yes, senor, " she said, bravely. 

"You are lying!" declared Stephanie, suddenly. 

The girl burst into a perfect torrent of weeping that shamed him. Then, without any invitation, she flung herself recklessly intohis arms and lay there, trembling, palpitating like an imprisonedbird. "Forgive me, dear, " he exclaimed, softly. "I knew better allthe time. You mustn't think of doing what they ask; I won't allowit. " His own heart-beats were shaking him, and he hardly knew whathe was saying. The sight of her grief maddened him. It was as ifthey had taken advantage of his helpless little maid to hurt hermaliciously, and his indignation blazed forth. She looked up witheyes gleaming through her tears and said, brokenly:

"Senor, I love you truly. You see, I cannot lie. "

Her breath intoxicated him, and he bent his head to kiss her, butStephanie tore her roughly from his arms. The woman showed thestrength of a man, and her vulture-like face was working fiercelyas she cried:

"No! She is mine! She is mine! She is a good girl. "

"Stephanie! She loves me, don't you see?"

"No, no!" The black woman drew the girl into the shelter of herown arms. 

"Oh, I am wicked, " Gertrudis said. "I love you, Keerk--yes, I loveyou very dearly, but my father--he refuses--I must obey--he hasthe right, and I must do as he wishes. "

"Come with me now. We'll be married to-night, " he urged; but sheonly clung to Stephanie more closely, as if to hold herself fromfalling. 

"You are very sweet to me, " she said, with piteous tenderness, "and I shall never forget the honor; but you see I cannot. This ismore to my father than his life; it is the same to all our family, and I must do my duty. I will pray for strength to keep fromloving you, senor, and some day, perhaps, the dear God will hear. You must do likewise, and pray also for me to have courage, Icould not let you go away thinking this was my doing, so I sentfor you. No, one must obey one's people, for they are wise--andgood. But one should be honest. "

The tears were stealing down her cheeks, and she thrilled to hispleadings as to some wondrous music, yet she was like adamant, andall his lover's desperation could not shake her. It was strange tosee this slender, timid slip of a girl so melting and yet socruelly firm. He appealed to Stephanie, but she was asunresponsive as a bronze image. Seeing that his urging only madematters worse, he said, more gently:

"You are exalted now with the spirit of self-sacrifice, but lateryou will see that I am right. I am not discouraged. A thousandthings may happen. Who knows what to-morrow may bring? Let's waitand see if we can't find a way out. Now that I know you love me, Ihave the courage to face anything, and I am going to win you, Chiquita. I have never lost in all my life, and I don't intend tobegin now. I'll see your father in the morning, and I'll be hereagain, to-morrow night--"

But at this Gertrudis cried out: "No, no! I cannot meet you againin this manner. " And Stephanie nodded her agreement. 

"Then I'll see you the next night, that is Saturday. You arecoming to the big ball at the Tivoli with him and the Cortlandts--I must see you then, so make sure to be there, and meanwhile don'tgive up. "

"Oh, there is no hope. "

"There is always hope. I'll think of something. "

"We must go, " said the Barbadian woman, warningly. 

"Yes, yes! It is of no avail to resist, " came the girl's chokingvoice. She stretched out her little hand, and then, looking up athim, said, uncertainly: "I--may never speak with you again alone, senor, and I must pray to--cease loving you; but will you--kiss meonce so that I may never forget?"

He breathed a tender exclamation and took her gently to hisbreast, while the negress stood by scowling and muttering. 

The memory of that long, breathless moment lived with him foryears. Strangely enough, at the touch of her lips he felt hiscourage forsake him--it ran out like water. He became weak, fearful, despairing, as if it were his life that was ebbing away. And the pang when she drew herself from him was like a bayonet-thrust. Even when she and Stephanie had melted into the shadows, he stood motionless under the spell of that caress, its ecstasystill suffusing him. 

He found himself following slowly in the direction they had takenin the hope of catching just one more glimpse of her, but as heemerged from the darkness of the park he paused. There across thestreet, in the little open shrine set in the corner of the greatcathedral, she was kneeling before the shining figure of theMadonna. The candle-glow that illumined the holy image and shoneout so hopefully against the gloom showed her crouched closebefore the altar, her dark head bowed in uttermost dejection. Outside, and barely revealed, stood the tall, gaunt Bajan woman, silent, watchful, and forbidding. 

With a painful grip at his throat Kirk watched until the girl roseand hurried away into the shadows. Then he, too, turned and madehis way up the street, but he went slowly, unseeingly, as if hehad beheld a vision. 

For the first time in his life he was a prey to fear. A thousandpanics clamored at him, his mind began working with theexaggerated speed of a person in dire peril. Once more, as uponthat night when he had first called at her father's house, heturned abruptly at the corner to stare at her window, and again hesurprised a figure skulking after him. Without a moment'shesitation he made after it at a run, but the fellow dodged intothe Plaza and disappeared among the shrubbery. Not caring topursue the chase into those lurking shadows Kirk desisted, certainonly of one thing--that he was not Allan who was trailing him. Herecalled the oft-repeated threats of Ramon Alfarez, and returnedto his quarters by way of the lighted thoroughfares. 

XXIV

A BUSINESS PROPOSITION

Edith Cortlandt's interview with the rival candidates for thePanamanian Presidency formed but a part of her plan. She next helda long conversation with Colonel Jolson, to the end that on Fridaymorning Runnels heard a rumor that threw him into the greatestconsternation. It was to the effect that instead of his succeedingto the office of Superintendent, he was to retain his old post, and that Colonel Jolson's brother-in-law was to supersede him. Although the word was not authoritative, it came with sufficientdirectness to leave him aghast. If true, it was, of course, equivalent to his discharge, for it meant that he could not evencontinue in his former position without putting himself in a lightintolerable to any man of spirit. Since he was entitled to thepromotion, had been promised it, in fact, and had made his plansaccordingly, there was no course open except resignation. If hedid not resign voluntarily, he knew that his new superior wouldeventually force him to do so, for Blakeley would build up anorganization of his own, and in it there would be no place for onewho had aspired to the highest office. 

Inasmuch as his assistant was concerned in this threatenedcalamity, Runnels made haste to lay the matter before him. Atfirst Kirk was inclined to take it as a joke, but his friendquickly brought him to a more serious frame of mind. 

"No, " he said, "Blakeley has finally put it over. He's wanted thisposition for a long time, and I guess the Cortlandts weren'tstrong enough to prevent it--or else they have broken with theColonel. "

"Didn't he promise you the job?"

"Sure! But what are promises? I've been double-crossed, that'sall. It means I must quit. "

"Of course. I'm trying to figure out what it will mean to me. "

Runnels smiled grimly. "The same thing it would mean to me if Istayed, I'd go back to my desk; in a month I'd have a row withBlakeley, no matter what I did; then I'd be fired and have a toughtime getting a job with another railroad. Of course, theCortlandts might do more for you than they would for me, and youmight be able to hang on. "

"Then this would seem to end our fine hopes, eh?"

"Rather!" Runnels broke out, bitterly. "I've worked like a nigger, Kirk, and I deserve promotion if anybody ever did. This otherfellow is a dub--he has proven that. Why, I've forgotten morerailroading than he'll ever know. Every man on the system hateshim and likes me; and on top of it all I was PROMISED the job. It's tough on the wife and the kid. "

He stopped to swallow his emotion. He was a single-purposed, somewhat serious man, a little lacking in resilience, and he couldnot meet misfortune with Kirk's careless self-confidence. 

"I gave this job the best I had in me, " he went on, "for I had theidea that I was doing something patriotic, something for mycountry--that's the way they used to talk about this Canal, youknow. I've put in four years of hell; I've lost step with theworld; I've lost my business connections in the States; and Ihaven't saved up any money, I CAN'T quit, and yet I'll have to, for if I'm fired it'll mean I'll have to go back there and startat the bottom again. Those people don't know anything about thesedamned politics; they'll think I made a failure here in governmentwork, and I'll have to live it down. Still, I suppose I ought notto kick--it's happening all the time to other fellows who camedown here with hopes as high as mine--fellows who have given evenmore to the job than I have. What are YOU going to do?"

Kirk started. "Oh, I don't know. I was thinking about you. Thisjob doesn't worry me, for I'm on my feet at last, and I know Ihave the goods with me--they can have my position and welcome. Now, about you. I haven't spent much of that lottery coin. It's inthe bank, all that Allan hasn't used, and half of it is yours, ifyou'll take it. You and Mrs. Runnels and the kid, and Allan and I--and one other party--will hike back home and get something elseto do. What do you say?"

Runnels' voice shook as he answered: "By Jove! You're the--realstuff, Anthony. I'll think it over. " He turned away as if ashamedof his show of feeling, only to whirl about with the question, "Who is this 'other party'?"

"My wife. "

"Good Lord! You're not married?"

"No, but I'm going to be. You talk about YOUR troubles; now listento mine. I'll make you weep like a fog. " Briefly he told hisfriend of the blow that had so suddenly fallen upon him. 

"You ARE up against it, old man, " agreed Runnels, when he hadheard all. "Garavel has set his heart on the Presidency, and he'llpay any price to get it. It's the same all over Central America;these people are mad on politics. There are never more than twoparties, you know--the Wanters and the Hasers. The Wanters are outand the Hasers are in; that's what makes these wicked littlerevolutions at every change of the moon--it isn't a question ofpolicy at all. Now, if Miss Gertrudis were an American girl, shemight rebel, elope, do something like that, but she's been rearedwith the Spanish notions of obedience, and I dare say she willsubmit tamely because she doesn't know how to put up a fight. That's an admirable characteristic in a wife, but not very helpfulin a sweetheart. "

"Well, she's half American, " said Kirk. 

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean the game isn't over. I carried the ball forty yards oncefor a touchdown in the last ten seconds of play, and Yale won. Ihad good 'interference' then, and I need it now. Somebody'll haveto run ahead of me. "

Runnels smiled. "I guess you can count on me. What is the plan?"

For the next half-hour the two talked earnestly, their headstogether, their voices low. 

"I don't believe it will work, my boy, " Runnels said at last. "Iknow these people better than you, and yet--Lord! if it does comeoff!" He whistled softly. "Well, they may kick the political propsout from under us, but there will be an awful crash when we hit. Now, don't mention this rumor about Blakeley. I want to see SteveCortlandt first. "

"Cortlandt! By-the-way, do you happen to remember that he's to beour guest for supper to-morrow night? Kind of a joke now, tryingto thank him for what he's done, isn't it?"

"Not at all. It may be our one chance of salvation; he may be theone person who can help us. "

"Well, " Kirk reflected, "I have a good deal to thank him for, Isuppose, outside of this, and I'll go through with my part. "

He proceeded at once to put his plan into execution, his firststep being to rent a room at the Tivoli, taking particular care toselect one on the first floor in the north wing. That evening heand Allan moved. It was a simple process, yet he felt that he wasengaged in the most momentous act of his Hie. As to its outcomemuch depended upon Runnels and much more upon himself--so much, infact, that when he came to look at the matter coldly he confessedthe hope of success was slender. But such as it was he clung to itdesperately. 

Runnels telephoned during the evening that he had been equal tohis part of the task, so there remained nothing to do but wait forthe hour of the dance. 

Over and over Anthony asked himself if he were not foolish to pinhis faith to so slight a chance, but he could find no answer. Heslept little amid his new surroundings that night, and awokeSaturday morning thrilled with the certainty that his life'scrisis was but a few hours away. 

It was considerably after dark on Saturday evening that JohnWeeks, American Consul at Colon, received a caller who came to himdirect from the Royal Mail steamer just docked. At first sight thestranger did not impress Mr. Weeks as a man of particularimportance. His face was insignificant, and his pale-blue eyesshowed little force. His only noticeable feature was displayedwhen he removed his hat. Then it could be seen that a wide, whitescar ran from just over his temple to a point back of his rightear. 

He made his name known as Williams, which, of course, meantnothing to the consul, and while drinking one of Weeks' high-balls, inquired idly about the country, the climate, and thepeople, as if in no hurry to come to his point. Weeks watched himshrewdly, convinced at last by his visitor's excessive cautionthat his first judgment had been wrong, and that the man was moreknowing than he seemed. Mr. Williams was likewise studying the fatman, and when he had satisfied himself, came out openly with thesewords:

"I'm looking for a chap named Wellar. He landed here some timelate in November. "

"Friend of yours?"

"Um--m--not exactly. " Mr. Williams ran a hand meditatively overthe ragged scar on his scalp, as if from force of habit. 

"Wellar? I never heard of him. "

"He may have travelled under another name. Ever hear of a fellowcalled Locke?"

The consul's moist lips drew together, his red eyes gleamedwatchfully. "Maybe I have, and maybe I haven't, " said he. "Why doyou want him?"

"I heard he was here. I'd enjoy meeting him again. "

"What does he look like?"

Mr. Williams rattled off a description of Kirk Anthony sophotographic that the consul suddenly saw a great light. 

"Yes, I know him all right, " he confessed, warmly. "He's a goodfriend of mine, too; in fact, he lived with me for a while. "Misconstruing the eager expression that came to his caller's face, he rose heavily and thrust out a thick, wet hand. "Don't let'sbeat about the bush, Mr. Anthony; your son is safe and well andmaking a name for himself. I'm happy to say I helped him--notmuch, to be sure, but all I could--yes, sir, I acknowledge thecorn--and I'm glad to meet you at last. I have been waiting foryou to arrive, and I'm glad you dropped in on me. I have a lot ofthings to talk about. "

But the other stared upward impatiently. "No, no! You've got mewrong. I'm a detective, and I'm after your friend Wellar, aliasLocke, alias Anthony. He's wanted for embezzlement and assault anda few other things, and I'm going to take him. " The indistinctiveMr. Williams spoke sharply, and his pale blue eyes were suddenlyhard and bright. 

Weeks stared open-mouthed for an instant. "Then you're really notDarwin K. Anthony?" he gasped. 

"Certainly not. Here's the warrant. I'm sorry this chap is yourpal, but--"

"My pal! Hell, I hate him like the smallpox. Good thing you spokeor I'd have sold you a cocoanut grove. I KNEW he was wrong. Embezzler, eh? Well, well!"

"Eighty thousand, that's all, and he's got it on him. "

"You're wrong there; he was broke when he landed. I ought toknow. "

"Oh no! He came down on the Santa Cruz; I've seen the purser. Hetravelled under the name of Jefferson Locke. There's no mistake, and he couldn't have blown it all. No, it's sewed into his shirt, and I'm here to grab it. "

Weeks whistled in amazement. "He IS a shrewd one. Eighty thou--Lord, I wish I'd known that! He's here, all right, working for therailroad and living at Panama. He's made good, too, and got someinfluential friends. Oh, this is great!"

"Working, hey? Clever stall! Do you see that?" Williams inclinedhis head for a fuller display of the disfiguration over his ear. "He hung that on me, with a bottle. I damn near died. " He laugheddisagreeably. "He'll go back, and he'll go back quick. How do Iget to Panama?"

Weeks consulted his watch hastily. 

"You've missed the last train; but we'll go over together in themorning. I want to have a hand in this arrest for reasons of myown; I don't like him or his influential friends. " He began tochuckle ponderously. "No, I don't like his influential friends, inparticular. "

While this scene was being enacted on the north side of theIsthmus, Kirk Anthony, over at the Tivoli Hotel, was makinghimself ready for the ball with particular pains. Even hispersonal appearance might have a bearing upon the outcome of thisadventure, and he dared not overlook the slightest advantage. 

Allan regarded him admiringly from many angles. 

"Oh, Master h'Auntony, " he exclaimed, rapturously, "you arebeautiful!"

"Thanks! Again thanks! Now, can you remember to do as I have toldyou?"

"I would die--"

"DON'T say that again, I'm too nervous. Here are yourinstructions, once more. Keep both doors to this room locked andstand by the one to the veranda! Don't let any one in except Mr. Runnels and the man he'll bring. DON'T--LEAVE--THIS--SPOT, nomatter what happens. Does that penetrate your teakwood dome? Doesyour ivory cue-ball encompass that thought?"

"I shall watch this h'apartment carefully, never fear. "

"But I do fear. I'm scared to death. My hands are go cold they arebrittle. Remember, when I knock, so, let me in instantly, and keepyour wits about you. "

"H'Allan never fails, sar. But what is coming to pahss?"

"Never mind what is coming to pass. This is going to be a bignight, my boy--a very big night. " Kirk strolled out into the halland made his way to the lobby. 

Already the orchestra was tuning up, the wide porches were fillingwith well-dressed people, while a stream of coaches at the doorwas delivering the arrivals on the special from Colon. It was avery animated crowd, sprinkled plentifully with Spanish people--something quite unusual, by-the-way--while the presence of manyuniforms gave the affair almost the brilliance of a militaryfunction. There were marine officers from Bas Obispo, straight, trim, brown of cheek; naval officers from the cruisers in theroadstead, clad in their white trousers and bell-boy jackets; armyofficers detailed from Washington on special duty; others from thevarious parts of the work itself. 

Kirk wandered about through the confusion, nodding to his friends, chatting here and there, his eyes fixed anxiously upon the door. 

Clifford approached and fell into conversation with him. 

"Great doings, eh? I came up from the Central just to see whatthese affairs are like. Did you see to-night's paper?"

"No. "

"Garavel is going to run for President. This is a kind ofpolitical coming-out party. "

"So I believe. "

"It looked like a fight between him and General Alfarez, butthey've patched it up, and the General is going to withdraw. Garavel is to have Uncle Sam's congratulations and co-operation. It's a joke, isn't it, this international good feeling?"

"Excuse me. " Anthony saw Runnels searching the room with anxiety. He hurried toward him and inquired, breathlessly:

"Have you got him?"

"Sure, I showed him your room. "

"Did you lock him in?"

"Certainly not. "

"He'll get away. "

"Oh no, he'll be on the job. Has she come?"

Kirk shook his head. "Gee! I'm nervous. " He wiped his brow with ashaking hand. 

"Don't weaken, " Runnels encouraged. "I'm beginning to believeyou'll pull it off. I told my wife all about it--thought we mightneed her--and she's perfectly crazy. I never saw her so excited. Let me know as soon as you can which dance it will be. Thissuspense--Gad! There they are now! Go to it, old man. "

Into the lobby came a mixed group, in which were Andres Garavel, his daughter, Ramon Alfarez, and the Cortlandts. Kirk's face waswhite as he went boldly to meet them, but he did his best to smileunconcernedly. He shook hands with Edith and her husband, bowed toGertrudis, then turned to meet her father's stare. 

"May I have a word with you, sir?"

Garavel inclined his head silently. As the others moved on hesaid: "This is hardly a suitable time or place, Mr. Anthony. "

"Oh, I'm not going to kick up a fuss. I didn't answer your note, because there was nothing to say. You still wish me to cease myattentions?"

"I do! It is her wish and mine. "

"Then I shall do so, of course. If Miss Garavel is dancing to-night I would like your permission to place my name on herprogramme. "

"No!" exclaimed the banker. 

"Purely to avoid comment. Every one knows I have been calling uponher, and that report of our engagement got about considerably; itwould set people talking if she snubbed me. That is the onlyreason I came to this dance. Believe me, I'd rather have stayedaway. "

"Perhaps you are right. Let us have no unpleasantness and nogossip about the affair, by all means. I consent, then. " Garavel'svoice altered and he said, with more of his natural geniality, "Iam very glad you take the matter so sensibly, Mr. Anthony; it was, after all, but a dream of youth. "

"And permit me to offer my congratulations upon the honor yourcountry is about to bestow upon you. " Conversing in a friendlymanner, they followed the rest of the party. 

As the banker appeared upon the threshold of the ballroom a murmurran through the crowd; faces were turned in his direction, whispers were exchanged, showing that already the news hadtravelled. Conscious of this notice and its reason, Garavel drewhimself up; he walked with the tread of an emperor. 

Kirk ignored Ramon's scowl as he requested the pleasure of seeingChiquita's programme; then pretended not to notice her start ofsurprise. After a frightened look at her father, she timidlyextended the card to him, and he wrote his name upon it. 

As he finished he found Mrs. Cortlandt regarding him. 

"Will you dance with me?" he inquired. "Yes. I saved the fourthand the tenth. " As he filled in the allotted spaces, she said, ina low voice, "You are the boldest person! Did Mr. Garavel give youleave to do that, or--"

"Of course! Thank you. " He made his way out of the press that hadgathered and toward the open air. He was shaking with nervousnessand cursed all government hotels where a man is denied the solaceof a drink. 

Runnels pounced upon him just outside. 

"Well, well, quick! Did you make it?"

"Number nine. "

"Good! I was gnawing my finger-nails. Whew! I'm glad that is over. Now pull yourself together and don't forget you have the firstdance with Mrs. Runnels. There goes the music. I--I'm too rattledto dance. "

Anthony found his friend's wife bubbling with excitement, andscarcely able to contain herself. 

"Oh, I'll never live through it, I know, " she cried, as soon asthey were out upon the floor. "How CAN you be so calm?"

"I'm not. I'm as panicky as you are. "

"And she, poor little thing! She seems frightened to death. "

"But--isn't she beautiful?"

Mrs. Runnels admitted the fact cheerfully, and at the same timenoted how her partner's muscles swelled and hardened as MissGaravel glided past in the arms of Ramon Alfarez. It gave her athrill to see a real drama unfolding thus before her very eyes. 

To Kirk, Chiquita had never appeared so ravishing, nor so purelySpanish as to-night. She was clad in some mysterious filmy whitestuff that floated about her form like a mist. The strangeness andbrilliance of her surroundings had frightened her a little, andthe misery at her heart had filled her wide, dark eyes with aplaintive melancholy. But she was entirely the fine lady throughit all, and she accepted the prominence that was hers as theleading senorita of the Republic with simple dignity andunconcern. The women began to whisper her name, the men followedher with admiring glances. At every interval between dances shewas besieged by gayly clad officers, civilians in white--theflower of her own people and of the American colony as well--alleager to claim her attention or to share in her shy, slow smile. 

Now and then her eyes strayed to Kirk with a look that made hisblood move quicker. It boded well for the success of his plans, and filled him with a fierce, hot gladness. But how the momentsdragged!

General Alfarez entered the room amid a buzz of comment. Then, ashe greeted his rival, Garavel, with a smile and a handshake, around of applause broke forth. The members of the Commissionsought them both out, and congratulations were exchanged. At lastthe Garavel boom was launched in earnest. 

Mrs. Cortlandt expressed a desire to sit out the fourth dance. 

"So, your engagement to Miss Garavel is broken?" she began, whenshe and Kirk had seated themselves in two of the big rockers thatlined the porch. 

"All smashed to pieces, running-gear broken, steering-knucklebent, gasolene tank punctured. I need a tow. "

"You take it calmly. "

"What's the use of struggling? I'm no Samson to go around pullingdown temples. "

"Did you expect her to yield so tamely?"

"I didn't know she had yielded. In fact, I haven't had a chance totalk to her. "

"But she has. Mr. Garavel told me not an hour ago that as soon ashe explained his wishes she consented to marry Ramon without aprotest. "

"A refusal would have meant the death of the old man's chances, Ipresume. She acted quite dutifully. "

"Yes. If she had refused Ramon, I doubt if we could have saved herfather. As it is, the General withdraws and leaves the fieldclear, the two young people are reunited, quite as if you hadnever appeared, and you--My dear Kirk, now what about you?"

"Oh, I don't count. I never have counted in anything, you know. That's the trouble with good-natured people. But is it true thatGaravel is practically elected?"

"General Alfarez couldn't very well step in after he had publiclystepped out, could he? That would be a trifle too treacherous;he'd lose his support, and our people could then have an excuse totake a hand. I'm tremendously glad it's all settled finally, Iassure you. It was a strain; and although I'm sorry you got yourfingers pinched between the political wheels, I'm relieved thatthe uncertainty is ended. "

So far they had been speaking like mere acquaintances, but nowKirk turned upon her a trifle bitterly. 

"I think you worked it very cleverly, Mrs. Cortlandt, " he said. "Of course, I had no chance to win against a person of yourdiplomatic gifts. I had my nerve to try. "

She regarded him without offence at this candor, then nodded. 

"Yes. You see, it meant more to me than to you or to her. With youtwo it is but a romance forgotten in a night. I have pretty nearlyoutlived romance. "

"You think I will forget easily? That's not flattering. "

"All men do. You will even forget my part in the affair, and wewill be better friends than ever. "

"Suppose I don't choose to accept what it pleases people to handme?"

"My dear Kirk!" She smiled. "You will have to in this case. Thereis nothing else to do. "

He shook his head. "I hoped we could be friends, Mrs. Cortlandt, but it seems we can't be. "

At this she broke out, imperiously, her eyes flashing. 

"I ask nothing you can't give. I have never been denied, and Iwon't be denied now. You can't afford to break with me. "

"Indeed! Why do you think that?"

"Listen! I've shown you what I can do in a few months. In a yearyou can be a great success. That's how big men are made; they knowthe short-cuts. You are too inexperienced yet to know what successand power mean, but you are beginning to learn, and when you havelearned you will thank me for breaking up this foolish romance. Idon't ask you to forget your manhood. I ask nothing. I am contentto wait. You want to become a big man like your father. Well, Runnels will be out of the way soon; Blakeley amounts to nothing. You will be the Superintendent. "

"So! That's not merely a rumor about Blakeley? Runnels is fired, eh?"

"Yes. "

"If I choose not to give up Chiq--Miss Garavel, then what? Itmeans the end of me here, is that it?"

"If you 'choose'! Why, my dear, you have no choice whatever in thematter. It is practically closed. You can do nothing--although, ifyou really intend to make trouble, I shall walk inside when Ileave and inform the old gentleman, in which case he will probablysend the girl home at once, and take very good care to give you nofurther opportunity. Ramon is only too anxious to marry her. As tothis being the end of you here, well, I really don't see how itcould be otherwise. No Kirk, it's for you to decide whether youwish to be shown the secret path up the mountain or to scale thecliffs unaided. There are no conditions. You merely mustn't playthe fool. "

"And if I don't agree you will tell Mr. Garavel that I'm going tomake trouble?" He mused aloud, watching her out of the corner ofhis eye. She said nothing, so he went on cautiously, sparring fortime. 

"Well, inasmuch as this seems to be a plain business proposition, suppose I think it over. When it comes time for our next dance, I'll say yes or no. "

"As you please. "

"Very well. The music has stopped; we'd better go in. "

As they rose she laid her hand upon his arm and he felt it trembleas she exclaimed:

"Believe me, Kirk, this isn't at all easy for me, but--I can'tbear to lose. "

XXV

CHECKMATE!

Anthony had no partner for the eighth dance, and was very glad ofit, for he could not have carried off the necessary small talk. Asit was, he felt that his excitement must be patent to those aroundhim. His mind was filled with tormenting doubts, his chance forsuccess seemed so infinitely small, his plan so extravagantlyimpracticable, now that the time had come!

As the music ceased and the dancers came pouring out into the coolnight air, Runnels approached with his wife. 

"Well, are you equal to it?" he asked. 

Kirk nodded; he could not speak. 

"Why, you look as cold as ice, " exclaimed the woman, half-resentfully. "I'm the only one who seems to feel it. I--I'mpositively delirious. My partners look at me in the strangest way, as if they thought I were liable to become dangerous at anymoment. "

"Not too loud!" her husband cautioned, then to Kirk: "Good-luck, old man. Lord! I need a bracer. " His words stuck in his throat, and Kirk realized that he was himself the calmest of the three. Together, Runnels and his wife strolled off through the crowd, disappearing in the direction of the north wing of the hotel. 

It seemed ages before the orchestra struck up; Kirk began to fearthat something had happened to the musicians. He edged closer tothe door and searched out Chiquita with his eyes. There she was, seated with her father, Colonel Bland from Gatun, and some highofficer or other--probably an admiral. Ramon Alfarez was drapedartistically over the back of her chair, curling his mustachetenderly and smiling vacantly at the conversation. 

Kirk ground his teeth together and set his feet as if for thesound of the referee's whistle. He heard the orchestra leader taphis music-stand; then, as the first strains of the waltz floatedforth, he stepped into the ballroom and made toward hissweetheart. All at once he found that his brain was clear, hisheart-beats measured. 

Of course she saw him coming; she had waited all the long eveningfor this moment. He saw her hand flutter uncertainly to herthroat; then, as he paused before her, she rose without a word. His arm encircled her waist, her little, cold palm dropped intohis as lightly as a snowflake, and they glided away together. Hefound himself whispering her name over and over againpassionately. 

"Why--why did you do this, senor?" she protested, faintly. "It isvery hard for me. "

"It is the last time I shall ever hold you--this way. "

She faltered, her breath caught. "Please! My father is looking. Ramon--"

"Have you agreed to marry him?"

"Yes! No no! Oh, I have prayed to the Virgin every hour. I cannot, and yet I must. See! I cannot waltz, senor, I have s-stepped uponyou. Take me back to my seat. "

For answer he pressed her closer to his breast, holding her upwithout effort. The incense from her hair was robbing him of hiswits, his old wild desire to pick her up and carry her away sweptover him. 

"Don't--esqueeze--me--so!" she exclaimed. "I cannot hold back--thetears. I am so unhappy. If I could die quickly--now. "

"Let us go out on the porch. "

"No, no! We must remain in my father's sight. Will you take me tomy seat?"

"No, I want you to listen carefully to what I'm going to say. " Hespoke low and earnestly. "Try to show nothing in your face, forthey are watching us. " Seeing her more composed and attentive, hewent on:

"Don't stop dancing now, when I tell you. Chiquita dear, you mustmarry me, to-night, right away! I have arranged everything. No, don't look up at me until I have finished. Try to smile. I'veplanned it all out and everything is in readiness. I have a roomjust around the corner of the veranda; there's a judge waiting forus, and Runnels and his wife--"

"You are mad!" she gasped. 

"No, no. We'll slip through one of the French windows, and we'llbe back again before they miss us. Nobody will know. I tell youthey're waiting. If we are missed they'll think--it doesn't matterwhat they think, you'll be my wife, and Ramon can't marry youthen. We'll say nothing about it until your father is electedPresident. "

"Senor, one cannot be married in a moment. I am Catholic--thebanns--"

"I've thought of all that, but a civil marriage is binding. We'llhave the religious ceremony afterward; meanwhile this will stopRamon, at least. I promise not to see you again until you send forme, until your father's hopes are realized. You may wait as longas you wish, and nobody will know. They tricked you, Chiquitadear; I can't explain, but it wasn't all politics, by any means. Oh, girl! Don't you understand, I love you--love you? It's ouronly chance. " The words were tumbling from his lips incoherently;he was pleading as if for his life, while she clung to him tosupport herself. Through it all their feet moved rhythmically, their bodies swayed to the cadences of the waltz as they circledthe ballroom. He guided her among the other whirling figures, under the very eyes of her father and her fiance, while more thanone of the onlookers commented upon the handsome appearance ofthese young people, the one so stalwart and blond and Northern, the other so chic and dark and tropical. 

He knew it was her lifelong loyalty, her traditional sense ofobedience, that made her hesitate. 

"It was treachery to both of us, " he urged; "they imposed uponyour father, but when he has won he'll forgive us. I know what I'msaying; Mrs. Cortlandt told me to-night. "

"Mother of God!" she exclaimed, faintly. "Is it that I amdreaming?"

"They are waiting for us; the dance is half over already. I loveyou--better than all the world. Do you remember two nights ago?You kissed me then, and--I--I can't live without you. We'll goaway together, you and I, through all the world--just we two. " Shetrembled against him. "Quick!" he cried in her ear. "We're comingto the spot. They can't see us now. If you feel weak, hold to myarm until we are outside. "

She gave a hysterical, choking sob that was half a sigh; then hereyes flashed upward to his--they were wide and bright and shining--her lips were parted, her body was lithe and full of life. Sheslipped from his embrace, whispering:

"Yes, yes! Quickly, senor!" And the next instant they were outupon the wide gallery with the dance behind them. "Hurree, hurree!Or they will follow. "

Together they fled along the north wing of the hotel; the girl waspanting, with one hand held to her bare throat; but there was noneed for him to help her, for she ran like a fawn. 

"Here!" He swung her around the corner and rapped sharply at adoor. 

"Quickly! Quickly!" she moaned. "For the love of--"

With terrific force the door was fairly jerked from its hinges andslammed to behind them. The next moment Allan's big body wasleaning against it, as if the wall were about to fall inward uponhim. Runnels leaped forward with an exclamation, his wife stoodstaring, her face as white as snow. With them was the genial gray-haired judge from Colon, whom Kirk had met at the Wayfarers Clubon the night of his arrival. 

"You made it!" Runnels cried, triumphantly. 

"Miss Garavel!" his wife echoed. "Thank Heaven you came!"

"Quick, the music will stop! Judge, this is Miss Garavel--you mustmarry us just as fast as you can. "

"I presume you consent?" the judge asked, with a smile at thegirl. 

"I--I want to be happy, " she said, simply. Her bosom was heaving, her pansy eyes were fastened upon the magistrate with a look ofpleading that drove the smile from his lips. She clung toAnthony's arm as if she feared these strangers might tear himaway. 

"You understand, Judge, she's of age; so am I. They want to forceher to marry a man she doesn't--"

The muffled strains of music ceased. There came the faint clappingof hands. 

"Madre de Dios!" Miss Garavel cried. "We are too late. " She beather little palms together in desperation. 

There was a breathless interval. Then the music began again, andto its throbbing measures the marriage ceremony was performed. Asthe last word was pronounced, Mrs. Runnels burst into tears andhid her face against her husband's breast. Runnels himself heldforth a shaking hand to Kirk, then patted the bride clumsily uponher shoulder. 

"I know you will be happy now, Mrs. Anthony, " he said. 

With an incoherent cry of delight, Kirk folded his wife in hisarms, and she kissed him before them all. 

"Senor, I will love you always, " she said, shyly. 

During the progress of this scene, Allan Allan of Jamaica hadstood frozen with amazement, a door-knob wedged firmly into thesmall of his back, his eyes distended and rolling; but when Mrs. Runnels collapsed, as at a signal he too dissolved in tears. 

"Oh, glory to God, boss, " he sobbed, "you is a beautifulbridegroom!"

"Come, we must get back, the music has stopped again. " Kirk turnedto the judge. "Nothing is to be said until Miss Gar--Mrs. Anthonygives the word; you understand? I can't thank you all half enough. Now, Allan, see if the coast is clear, quickly!" He was still in apanic, for there yet remained a chance of discovery and ruin. Onemore instant of suspense, then the two stepped out; the doorclosed softly behind them and they strolled around the corner ofthe north wing and into the crowd. It had all happened so quicklythat even yet they were dazed and disbelieving. 

"My wife!" Kirk whispered, while a tremendous rush of emotionswept over him. She trembled in answer like a wind-shaken leaf. "You're mine, Chiquita! They can't take you away. " His voicebroke. 

"I am still dreaming. What have I done? Oh-h--they will know; inmy face they will read the truth. But I do not care. Is--it indeedtrue?"

They were at the entrance to the ballroom now, through which theyhad come a few minutes before, and, pausing, she gave him a half-serious, half-timid glance. 

"Senor, I do not know if some time you will be sorry for thisaction, but I shall never cease loving you. I prayed hourly to theBlessed Virgin, and she heard. Now, I shall perish until youcome. "

"When you give me leave; through steel and stone, through fire andwater. "

"Quick, for the one more time, call me--that--" She hesitated, blushing vividly. "I will hear it in my dreams. "

"My wife!" he whispered, tenderly. 

"Ho! Chiquita mia!" her father cried, as they came to him. "Thereyou are then. I have missed you. " His eyes smouldered as he gazedsuspiciously at Kirk. 

"Ah, but I was too warm, " she said, easily. "Yonder by the door wehave been standing in the night breeze. And where is Ramon?"

"He is looking for you. "

"One would think him a jealous husband already, " she exclaimed, lightly. Then, extending her hand coolly to Kirk, "I thank you, senor, for the--dance. "

Her husband bowed. "I shall not soon forget it. " To the father headded, in a low voice: "I thank you, also, for your courtesy. Wehave been discussing your daughter's marriage during the dance, and it is my one greatest hope that she will never regret it. "

The banker acknowledged the words ceremoniously. "Love is a thingthat comes and goes; marriage alone can bind it. Some day you willthank me, and then perhaps you will honor our house again, eh?"

"I shall be happy to come whenever you wish. " As he walked away, the banker said, with relief:

"He takes it well; he is proud--almost like a Spaniard. "

Kirk moved through the crowd as if in a trance, but he wasbeginning to realize the truth now; it surged over him in greatwaves of gladness. He longed to shout his news aloud. What luckwas his! The world was made for him; there was no such thing asadversity or failure--Chiquita was his wife! All Christendom mightgo to pot for all he cared; that marvellous fact was unalterable. Yes, and he could speak his mind to Mrs. Cortlandt. His tentativeacceptance of the terms she made sickened him. He wanted to ridhimself of this false position as soon as possible. What matteredher threats? What did he care for the things she could give orwithhold when all the glad open world was beckoning to him and tohis bride? Success! Riches! He could win them for himself. Chiquita was all and more than they, and he was a god!

In the midst of his rhapsody he heard a bell-boy speaking hisname, and smiled at him vacantly as he turned away. But the negrofollowed him persistently, saying something about a letter. 

"Letter? I have no time to write letters. Oh, I beg pardon, letterfor ME?" He took the missive from the silver tray and stuffed itabsent-mindedly into a pocket, fumbling meanwhile for a tip. "Idon't seem to have any money, my boy, but money, after all, meansnothing. "

"It is h'impartant, sar. "

"Oh yes, the letter. Very well. " He opened the envelope andpretended to read, but in reality the sheet held nothing for himbut a ravishing, mischievous face, with pansy eyes. He must havestood staring unseeingly at it for several seconds. Then thedancing visions faded and the scrawl stood out plainly:

Williams, detective, St. Louis, arrived at Colon this evening onthe Prince Joachim. You'd better take it on the run. 

It was written upon Tivoli paper, but the hand was strange and itwas not signed. 

"Well!" Kirk came suddenly to himself, and a spasm of disgustseized him. "What a rotten inconvenience!" he said aloud. Butbefore he had time to measure the effect of this new complicationthe swelling music reminded him that this dance belonged to Mrs. Cortlandt and that her answer was due. 

She was waiting for him in the gallery, and motioned him to thechair adjoining hers. 

"I can't two-step and talk at the same time, " she said, "and herewe'll be quite private. "

Kirk remained standing. "What I have to say won't take long. I'vemade up my mind, and I--"

Edith interrupted him with a lightness that her look belied:

"Oh, let's not discuss it. I don't want you to answer. I don'twant to think of it. I just want to forget--and to plan. Youunderstand how I feel?" She faced him with eyes bright andlustrous, her red lips parted in a smile. She was a very beautifulwoman, Kirk realized--a very compelling, unusual woman, and onewhose capabilities seemed unbounded. He began dimly to perceivethat all women have great capabilities for good or evil, dependinglargely upon the accident of their environment, and with thisthought came the feeling that he must speak frankly now or provehimself worse than base. If only she were of the weakly femininetype his task would be far easier. But it was hard to strike her, for the very reason that he knew she would take the blow bravelyand meet its full force. 

"I must answer, " he said. "I don't want to pretend; I'm not goodat lying. I can't go through with any such arrangement as yousuggested. Why, the very idea is positively--fierce. You've beenawfully nice to me, but I had no idea of--this. Besides, Cortlandt's an awfully decent chap, and--and, well, " he concluded, lamely, "there are lots of reasons. "

"Oh no! There is only one reason; all the others count fornothing. " She spoke in a voice that he could scarcely hear. 

"Perhaps! But it's--just impossible. "

"You know what it means?" She stared at him with hard, level eyes. "I'm not a moderate person--I can't do things by halves. No! I seeyou don't think of that, you are mad over this Garavel girl. Butyou can't get her. " Something in his dazzled, love-foolish smileenraged her. "So! You are planning even now. Well, then, understand there are practical reasons, political reasons, why youcan't have her. If Garavel were insane enough to consent, otherswould not. She is part of--the machine, and there are those whowill not consent to see all their work spoiled. That is altogetherapart from me, you understand. I can build, and I can destroy--"

"There's nothing more to say, " he interrupted her, quietly, "soI'd better excuse myself. "

"Yes! I would prefer to be alone. "

When he had bowed himself away she crushed the fan in her hand, staring out across the lights of the city below, and it was thusthat Cortlandt found her a few moments later, as he idled alongthe veranda, his hands in his pockets, a cigarette between hislips. He dropped into the empty chair beside her, saying:

"Hello! Thought you had this with Anthony?"

"I had. "

"What's the trouble?"

"There is no trouble. " She began to rock, while he studied herprofile; then, conscious of his look, she inquired, "Aren't youdancing?"

"No, just looking on, as usual. I prefer to watch. You have brokenyour fan, it seems. " He flung his cigarette into the darkness and, reaching out, took the fan from her hand. She saw that his lipswere drawn back in a peculiar smile. 

"Well! Is that so strange?" she answered, sharply. "You seem--"She broke off and looked deliberately away from him. 

"Row, eh?" he inquired, softly. 

She could barely hold back her hatred of the man. He had workedpowerfully upon her nerves of late, and she was half hysterical. 

"Why do you take pleasure in annoying me?" she cried. "What ailsyou these last few weeks? I can't stand it--I won't--"

"Oh! Pardon! One quarrel an evening is enough. I should have knownbetter. "

She turned upon him at this, but once more checked the words thatclamored for utterance. Her look, however, was a warning. She bither lip and said nothing. 

"Too bad you and he don't hit it off better; he likes me. "

There was no answer. 

"He's giving me a party after the dance, sort of a gratitudeaffair. A delicate way to acknowledge a debt, eh?"

She saw that his hand shook as he lit a fresh cigarettes, and thestrangeness of his tone made her wonder. "You know very well it isRunnels' doing, " she said. 

"Oh, there are six of them in it altogether, but Anthonyoriginated the little surprise. It's intended for you, of course. "

"I don't see it. Are you going?"

"I accepted. "

"What do you mean by that?"

"Bah! They won't give it, " he said, harshly. 

"And why not? I think it is rather nice of those chaps. Of course, Runnels would like to ingratiate himself with you--"

"Funny spectacle, eh? Me the guest of--Anthony!"

There was a trace of anxiety in her voice as she answered, and, though she spoke carelessly, she did not meet his eyes. 

"I--I'd rather you'd make an excuse. I'll have to go home alone, you know. "

He raised his brows mockingly. "My DEAR! I'm to be the honoredguest. "

"Suit yourself, of course. "

A marine officer approached, mopping his face, and engaged her inconversation, whereupon Cortlandt rose languidly and strolled awaythrough the crowd that came eddying forth from the ballroom. 

Meanwhile, Kirk had found Runnels, who was looking for him, eagerto express his congratulations and to discuss their exploit indetail. 

"I've just taken the wife home, " he explained. "I never sawanybody so excited. If she'd stayed here she'd have given thewhole thing away, sure. Why, she wasn't half so much affected byher own marriage. "

"I--I haven't pulled myself together yet. Funny thing--I've justbeen watching my wife dancing with the man she is engaged to. Gee!It's great to be married. "

"She's the dearest thing I ever saw; and wasn't she game? Alicewill cry for weeks over this. Why, it's the sob-fest of herlifetime. She's bursting with grief and rapture. I hope your wifecan keep a secret better than mine, otherwise there will be atremendous commotion before to-morrow's sun sets. I suppose nowI'll have to hang around home with my finger on my lip, saying'Hist!' until the news comes out. Whew! I am thirsty. "

Anthony did not tell his friend about the detective in Colon andhis mysterious warning, partly because he was not greatlydisturbed by it and trusted to meeting the difficulty in propertime, and partly because his mind was once more too full of hisgreat good-fortune to permit of any other interest. Now that hehad some one to whom he could talk freely, he let himself go, andhe was deep in conversation when Stephen Cortlandt strolled up andstopped for an instant to say:

"Quite a lively party, isn't it?"

Kirk noticed how sallow he had grown in the past few months, andhow he had fallen off in weight. He looked older, too; his cheekshad sunken in until they outlined his jaws sharply. He seemed farfrom well; a nervous twitching of his fingers betokened the strainhe had been under. He was quite as immaculate as usual, however, quite as polished and collected. 

"How is our little 'stag' coming on?" he asked. 

"Fine! Everything is ready, " said Runnels. "You won't expect anelaborate layout; it's mostly cold storage, you know, but we'll atleast be able to quench our thirst at the Central. "

"Then it's really coming off? I was--afraid you'd forgotten it. "Cortlandt cast a curious glance at Kirk, who exclaimed, heartily:

"Well, hardly!" Then, as their prospective guest moved off, "Whata strange remark!"

"Yes, " said Runnels, "he's a queer fellow; but then, you know, he's about as emotional as a toad. "

XXVI

THE CRASH

Kirk had no further chance of speaking with his wife, for afterthe dance she was whisked away, leaving him nothing but the memoryof an adoring, blissful glance as she passed. With Runnels andCortlandt and the rest, he was driven to the Hotel Central, wherethey found a very attractive table set in a private dining-room. It was a lively party, and Kirk's secret elation enabled him toplay the part of host with unforced geniality. The others joinedhim in a hearty effort to show their guest the high regard inwhich they held him, and if Cortlandt did not enjoy himself, itwas entirely his own fault. 

Toward Kirk, however, he preserved a peculiar attitude, which onlythe young man's self-absorption prevented him from noticing. If hehad been less jubilant, he must have felt the unnatural aloofnessof the other man's bearing; but even had he done so, he woulddoubtless have attributed it to Cortlandt's well-recognizedfrigidity. 

At the propitious moment, Runnels, who had reluctantly agreed toshare the social responsibility, made a little speech, explainingthat he and his boys had been sensible from the first of theirguest's interest in them, and were deeply grateful for it. Theywere all working together, he said, and what helped one helpedanother. They had banded together, and now tendered him a token oftheir regard in a form which he could preserve. 

"It's a little late, " he smiled, "in view of the rumor that hasbeen going round within the last day or so, but, no matter whathappens to any one of us in the readjustment of our department, weappreciate the help you have given us collectively. "

He handed a handsome loving-cup to Cortlandt, who thanked himappropriately, then waited courteously for the party to break up. But Anthony rose, saying:

"I simply have to say a word on my own account, fellows, for I oweMr. Cortlandt more than any of you. "

The object of these remarks shot a swift, questioning glance fromhis stony eyes, and raised a hand as if to check him. But Kirk ranon unheeding:

"I want to thank him before all of you for what he has done for mepersonally. When I landed in Panama I was a rotter. I'd neverworked, and never intended to; I rather despised people who did. Irepresented the unearned increment. I was broke and friendless, and what ideas I had were all wrong. This is something you don'tknow, perhaps, but no sooner had I landed than I got into troubleof the worst sort, and Mr. Cortlandt got me out. He was my bail-bond; he put me up at his hotel; gave me clothes, and paid my wayuntil I got started. I was a stranger, mind you, but he's beenjust like one of my own people, and if I ever succeed in doinganything really worth while, it will be due to the start he gaveme. "

Though the words were commonplace enough, they carried a sinceremessage, and Cortlandt saw by the faces about him that the otherswere pleased. His own gaunt features turned more sallow than ever. The memory of what he had heard on the porch of his own house afew afternoons ago, of what he had seen at other times, of hiswife's telltale behavior on this very evening, swept over him, fanning anew the sullen emotions he had cherished all thesemonths. How far would this fellow dare to go, he wondered? Whatmotive inspired him thus to pose before his friends, and openlygoad his victim under the cloak of modesty and gratitude? Was heenhancing his triumph by jeering at the husband of whom he hadmade a fool? He dropped his eyes to hide the fury in them. 

"I want to give you a little remembrance of my own. " Anthony wasspeaking directly to him. "It isn't much, but it means a good dealto me, and I hope it will have some sort of personal associationfor you, Mr. Cortlandt. " He drew from his pocket a plush case andtook from it a very handsome thin Swiss watch with the letters "S. C. " artfully enamelled upon the back. Runnels, who knew the localshops, wondered how it had been procured in Panama. The othersopenly expressed their admiration. 

Cortlandt accepted the gift mechanically; then, as it touched hisflesh, a sudden color mounted to his cheeks, only to recede, leaving them bloodless again. He stared at it uncertainly, thenlooked up and ran his eyes slowly around the table. They came torest at last upon the broad frame of the giver, crowned with itshandsome, sun-tanned face and close-cropped shock of yellow hair. Anthony was all that he was not--the very embodiment of youth, vigor, and confidence, while he was prematurely aged, worn, andimpotent. 

They noted how ill he appeared, as if he had suffered from ajungle fever, how his well-cut evening clothes refused to concealthe frail lines of his figure, and how the hollows in his cheeksadded to his age. But for the first time since they had known himthey saw that his eyes were alive and burning dully. 

"I really didn't expect this, " he began, slowly, as he rose. "Anthony exaggerates; he is too kind. But since he has chosen topublicly call attention to our relations, I will confess that whathe tells you is all true. He was everything he says when he firstcame to Panama. He did get into trouble, and I helped him out; hehad no money, and I put him up as my guest; he needed work, and Ihelped to place him. Through my assistance--partly, at any rate--he has made a man of himself. He has been welcome at my house, atmy table; he has come and gone as he pleased, like one of thefamily, you might say. But those are little things; they count fornothing. " He smiled in a way that seemed ironical, his lipswrithed away from his teeth until his visage resembled a death-head. His tone had gripped his hearers, and Anthony stirreduneasily, thinking this an odd way of accepting a gift. 

Unclasping his long, white fingers, Cortlandt held up the watch topublic view. 

"In payment for my poor friendship he has given me thismagnificent thing of gold and jewels, the finest I ever saw. Inever counted upon such gratitude. It is too much, and yet a mancannot refuse the gift of his friend and not seem ungracious, canhe? Somewhere in the Orient they have a custom of exchanginggifts. No man may accept a thing of value without making adequatereturn, and it has always struck me as a wise practice. " He turnedfull upon Kirk for the first time since he had begun speaking, andhis voice rose a tone as he said: "I can't let the obligation restentirely upon me. We have been friends, Anthony, and I am going togive you something in return which I have prized highly; it wouldbe counted of great value by some. " Once more he paused and drewhis lips back in that grimace of mockery--it could no longer betermed a smile. "It is this--I am going to give you--my wife. Youhave had her from the first, and now she is yours. " For onefrightful moment there was no sound; even the men's breathing washushed, and they sat slack-jawed, stunned, half-minded to believethis some hideous, incredible jest. But the maniacal light inCortlandt's eyes, and Anthony's chalk-white, frozen countenancesoon showed them the truth. Some one gasped, another laughedhysterically, the sound breaking in his throat. Cortlandt turnedaway gloatingly. 

Kirk was the last to recover his powers, but when they did revivethey came with a prodigious rush. He plunged upward out of hischair with a cry like a wounded animal, and the others rose withhim. The table rocked, something smashed, a chair was hurledbackward. The room broke into instant turmoil. Kirk felt handsupon him, and then went blind with fury, struggling in a passiontoo strong for coherent speech. He was engulfed in chaos. He feltthings break beneath his touch, felt bodies give way before him. 

How or when Cortlandt left the room he never knew. Eventually hefound himself pinned in his chair, with Runnels' white face closeagainst his own and other hands upon his arms. His first frenzyquickly gave way to a sickening horror. Some one was commandinghim to be still, to create no scene; but those were not words, they were simply mutterings that conveyed no meaning. 

"It's a lie! The man's crazy!" he cried, hoarsely; then, as hiscompanions drew away from him, he rose to his feet. "Why are youlooking at me like that? I tell you it's a damned lie! I never--"

Runnels turned to the table, and with shaking hand put a glass tohis lips and gulped its contents. Wade and Kimble exchangedglances, then, avoiding each other's eyes, took their hats fromthe hooks behind them. 

"Wait! Bring him back!" Kirk mumbled. "I'll get him and make himsay it's a lie. " But still no one answered, no one looked at him. "God! You don't believe it?"

"I'm going home, fellows. I'm kind of sick, " Kimble said. One ofthe others murmured unintelligibly, and, wetting a napkin, boundup his hand, which was bleeding. They continued to watch Kirk asif fearful of some insane action, yet they refused to meet hiseyes squarely. There was no sympathy in their faces. 

The knowledge of what these actions meant came to him slowly. Wasit possible that his friends believed this incredible accusation?The thought made him furious, too agitated as yet to realize thatsuch a charge made under such circumstances could not well proveless than convincing. As he began to collect himself he saw hisplight more clearly. His first thought had been that Cortlandt wasinsane, but the man's actions were not those of a maniac. No! Heactually believed and--and these fellows believed also. No doubtthey would continue to think him guilty in spite of all that hecould do or say; for after this shocking denunciation it wouldtake more than mere words to prove that he had not betrayed hisfriend and benefactor. It was incredible, unbearable! He wanted toshout his innocence at them, to beat it into their heads; but themore he expostulated the more distant they became. 

One by one they took their hats and went out, mumbling good-nightto one another, as if intending to go home singly in order toavoid all discussion of this thing that had fallen among themRunnels alone remained. 

"YOU don't believe I did--that?" Anthony asked, in a strainedvoice. 

"I--I think I do. " There was a miserable silence, and then: "Itisn't the thing itself, you know, so much as the rotten--underhanded advantage you took. If he'd been a stranger, now--Honestly, isn't it true?"

Kirk shook his head, listlessly. "I wouldn't lie to you. "

Runnels drew a deep breath. . "Oh, come, now, the man MUST haveknown what he was saying. Do you realize what it means--if--well, if he were mistaken? It would be bad enough if he were not, butthis would be ten times worse. Don't you see?"

"I don't see much of anything yet. I'm stunned. "

"Ugh! To make it public that way, he must be made of iron. "Runnels shuddered; then, with cold eyes on Kirk, continued: "Hemust have known, Anthony. Men don't do things like that onsuspicion. "

"He misunderstood our friendship, " said Kirk, heavily, then rousedhimself for a last plea. "Look here!" he cried. "You knowCortlandt and you know me. The man was insanely jealous! I know itsounds weak, but it's the truth, and it's all I can say. I'll gomad if you doubt me. "

Runnels' face showed the pain he felt, but his eyes lookedincredulous. 

"Another thing, " Kirk went on, desperately: "do you suppose thatif what you believe were true I could have the inhuman nerve tocome here to-night? That would make me a fool or a monster!"

"I don't know, " said Runnels. 

"You do know. You know ME. If we weren't such friends I wouldn'targue with you like this, but--I can't bear it. And to-night ofall--" He broke off sharply. "My God! I'd forgotten that I'mmarried! Suppose Gertrudis hears of this! If it ever gets to her--I--believe I could kill him. "

"Don't talk like that. "

"I never really thought I could take a person's life, but if sheheard she might believe; everybody else seems to believe. Understand, she hardly knows me. She might--she might--" Anthonyseized his temples in despair. 

Runnels took a sudden illogical decision. He never knew exactlywhat had influenced him, but his whole past knowledge of Anthonysurged up in him with a force that he could not resist. He foundthat he could not really believe him capable of this abominationany more than he could believe it of himself. Little of our lifeis ruled by reason, and it is something else than logic thatproduces the last feeling of conviction. Here, this something waspresent where logic was lacking. 

He laid his hand on Kirk's shoulder. "Take it easy, old man, " hesaid. "I believe you. I've always known that they didn't get alongtogether, although--well, I won't try to understand it. He may notdo anything further, and these fellows won't mention what happenedhere; they can't. "

"You know we're only half married, " moaned Kirk, hardly heedinghim. "Women are apt to be jealous, aren't they, Runnels? What doyou suppose she'd do?"

"Don't worry about that. I'm thinking about Cortlandt. If he findsout he's mistaken, what will HE do?"

"He'll have to find out. I'm going to tell him. His wife will tellhim. Good God! Do you see what an awful light it puts me in? Youdon't doubt me, do you, really, old man?"

"No--but what a night this has been! It seems a year old. Comealong, now, you must get out of here. You must turn in. "

"Oh, I don't feel as if I'd ever sleep again until this thing iscleared up. " His anguish swept over him in a fresh tide. "Thoseboys think I did that trick to the man who befriended me!"

"Well, don't let's talk about it any more; we can't stay here allnight, anyhow. The waiters are wondering what this row is about. Ithink we'd better take a walk. " Runnels dragged his companion out, trying to calm him as best he could. 

In passing through the deserted lobby of the hotel, they sawClifford idling about; but they were too much absorbed to wonderwhat had kept him up so late. By the clock across the Plaza theysaw it was two hours after midnight as they stepped into thestreet; then, finding no coaches in sight, they set out to walktoward Ancon, both badly in need of the open air. 

A moment later Clifford followed them, taking pains to keep at adistance. 

Now that the full import of Cortlandt's accusation had sunk intohis mind, Kirk lapsed into a mood of sullen bitterness. He saidlittle, but his set face worried his companion, who was loath tobid him goodnight even when they were close to the Tivoli. Afterthey had parted Runnels was upon the point of going back andoffering to spend the night with him, but thought better of it. After all, he reflected, his apprehensions were probably quiteunfounded. Anthony was too sensible a chap to do anything he mightrepent of, now that his gust of passion had died down. So he wenton homeward wondering vaguely how Cortlandt would dare to meet hiswife, or, if he really found himself mistaken, how he could eversummon courage to look his hosts in the face. 

Instead of passing through the office, Kirk mounted to the porchof the Tivoli and entered his room from the outside, as he andChiquita had done earlier that evening. He found Allan waiting, and bursting with a desire to gossip, but cut him short. 

"Get my street-clothes, I'm going out. " He tore the white tie fromhis throat as if it were choking him. 

"It is too late, sar. You will be h'exposing yourself to a feverin the mist, " expostulated the boy; but Kirk would not hearargument. 

"Come along if you want to, I can't sleep. I want to walk--walkuntil I'm tired. "

Mystified and frightened at this behavior, Allan obeyed. "Neverhave I h'observed you so h'angry, boss, " he observed. "Is it RamonAlfarez?" His eyes began to roll in excitement, for the spectacleof his master's agitation never failed to work upon himpowerfully. 

"No, not Ramon; another. I've been hurt, Allan. I can't explain, for you wouldn't understand, but I've been hurt. "

The negro's lips drew apart in an expression of ape-like ferocity, and he began to chatter threats of vengeance, to which Kirk paidlittle heed. A few moments later they went out quietly, andtogether took the rock road down toward the city, the one silentand desperate, the other whining like a hound nearing a scent. 

XXVII

A QUESTION

Edith Cortlandt did not retire immediately upon her return fromthe ball. Her anger at Anthony's behavior kept her wakeful, andthe night had turned off so dead and humid that sleep was in anycase a doubtful possibility. It was the lifeless period betweenseasons when the trades had died out, or, at best, veered aboutbafflingly, too faint to offer relief. The cooling rains had notset in as yet, and a great blanket of heat wrapped the city in itssmothering folds. The air was still and tainted, like that of asick-room. Through Mrs. Cortlandt's open windows came hardly asound; even from the sea below rose only a faint hissing, as ifthe rocks at the water's edge were superheated. Earlier in theevening the temperature had been bearable, but now it had reachedan intensity to strain tired nerves to the snapping-point. It wasthe sort of night in which ailing children die and strong mindsfeel the burden of living. No relief was to be had, and theslightest physical effort was a misery. 

She was still sitting there at a late hour when she heard theoutside door close and Cortlandt's footsteps mounting the stairs. She was glad he had his own room and never entered hers at such anhour, for even to talk with him in her present state of mind andbody would have been more than she could bear. 

She was unreasonably annoyed, therefore, when he came boldly intoher chamber without even knocking, for all the world like awelcome lover. To conceal her irritation, she kept her face turnedfrom him and continued fanning herself listlessly. She wasreclining in a wicker chair, lightly clad in a filmy silknegligee, which she mechanically drew closer. 

"Rather late for good-nights, " she said, coldly. 

"I've just come from Anthony's supper-party. "

His voice made her look round sharply. She saw that his linen, ordinarily stiff and immaculate, was sodden and crumpled, hiscollar limp, his forehead glistening with drops of moisture. Shecould not remember ever having seen him in such a state. Hisappearance affected her queerly. In him this dishevelment wasshocking. 

"What ails you, Stephen?" she cried. "Have you been drinking?"

"No. I didn't drink much. I brought you something. "

He took the loving-cup from its flannel bag and set it upon thetable. "They gave me this. "

"It is very pretty, though I don't care for such things. "

"And this too. " He tossed the watch with its enamelled monograminto her lap. 

"Ah! That's very handsome. "

"Yes, I thought you'd like it; it's from Anthony. " He laughed, then shuddered, as though a cold wind had bitten through hissodden garments. 

"Why--you seem excited over these souvenirs. You surely expected--"

He broke in--a thing he rarely did while she was speaking:

"Anthony made a speech when he gave it to me--a very nice speech, full of friendship and love and gratitude. " He repeated Kirk'swords as he remembered them, "What do you think of that?"

"I think he expressed himself very frankly. But why do you tell menow, when the morning will do just as well? I'm prostrated withthis heat. "

"He actually acknowledged his debt in public. "

Mrs. Cortlandt's eyes widened. This was not the man she knew. Atthis moment he was actually insistent, almost overbearing, and hewas regarding her with that same ironical sneer that had rousedher anger earlier in the evening. 

"Well, come to the point, " she cried, irritably. "I don'tunderstand what you are getting at. If you didn't wish to acceptanything from him, why did you go?"

He began to chuckle, apparently without reason. His shouldersshook, feebly at first, then more violently; his flat chestheaved, and he hiccoughed as if from physical weakness. It wasalarming, and she rose, staring at him affrightedly. The sight ofher increased his mirthless laughter. He continued to shudder andshake in uncontrollable hysteria, but his eyes were bright andwatchful. 

"Oh, I--I--took it all in--I let him p-put the noose around hisown neck and tie the knot. Then I hung him. " His convulsivegiggling was terrible, forecasting, as it did, his immediatebreakdown. 

"Stephen!" she exclaimed, in a shocked tone, convinced that hismind was going. "You are ill, you need a doctor. I will callJoceel. " She laid her hand on his arm. 

But he sniggered: "N-no! No! I'm all right. I t-t-t-t--" Astuttering-fit seized him; then, with an effort of will, he calmedhimself. "Don't think I'm crazy. I was never more sane, nevercooler, in here. " He tapped his head with his finger. "But I'mtired, that's all, tired of waiting. "

"Won't you go to your room and let me call a doctor?"

"Not yet. Wait! He told them what I had done for him, how I'd madea man of him when he was broke and friendless, how I'd taken himinto my home like one of my family, and then I went him onebetter. I acknowledged it all and made them hear it from my lipstoo. Then--" He paused, and she steeled herself to witness anotherspectacle of his pitiable loss of self-control. But instead hegrew icy and corpse-like, with lips drawn back in a grin. "What doyou think I said? Can't you guess? I couldn't let him get awaywith that, could I? I played with him the way you have played withme. Think!"

Her face went suddenly ashen. He stood before her grimlytriumphant, enjoying his sense of mastery and deliberatelyprolonging her suspense. 

"Well, I told him before them all that I intended to give himsomething in return, and I did. I--gave--him--YOU. "

She stared at him uncomprehendingly. 

He nodded. "I said he'd had you from the first and that now I'dgive you to him. "

She gave an unintelligible cry, standing now, as if petrified. Hewent on:

"I knew all the time that I was in the way, but my work is done atlast, so I'll step out. But--you both got more than you bargainedfor, didn't you?"

"God! You didn't tell him that? You didn't say THAT--before thosemen! Oh-h!" She shrank back, drawing the gauzy silk robe closerabout her breast. Her hands were shaking, her hair, which hadfallen free when she rose, cascaded about her neck and shoulders. She let her eyes wander about the room as if to assure herselfthat this was not some hideous nightmare. Then she roused tosudden action. Seizing him by the shoulders she shook him roughlywith far more than her natural strength, voicing furious wordswhich neither of them understood. 

"Oh, I did it, " he declared. "He's yours now. You can have him. He's been your lover--"

She flung him away from her so violently that he nearly fell. 

"It's a lie! You know it's a lie!"

"It's true. I'm no fool. "

She beat her hands together distractedly, "What have you done?What will those men think? Listen! You must stop them quickly. Tell them it's not so. "

He seemed not to hear her. "I'm going away to-morrow, " he said, "but I'll never divorce you, no matter what you do; and I won'tlet you divorce me, either. No, no! Take him now, if you want him, but you'll never be able to marry him until I'm gone. And I won'tdie soon--I promise you that, I'm going to live. "

"You can't go--"

"There's a boat to-morrow. "

"Don't you see you must stay and explain to those men? My God!They'll think you spoke the truth; they'll BELIEVE what you said. "

"Of course they will, " he chattered, shrilly. "That's why I did itin that way. No matter what you or he or I can do or say now, they'll believe it forever. It came to me like a flash of light, and I saw what it meant all in a minute. Do YOU understand what itmeans, eh? Listen! No matter how you behave, they'll know. Theywon't say anything, but they'll know, and you can't stand that, can you? Even if you could fool me once more against the evidenceof my own eyes and ears, and convince me that your lies are true, it wouldn't do any good with them. "

"'Evidence!' You have no evidence. "

"No? What about that night at Taboga? You were mad over the fellowthen, but you didn't think I saw. That day I caught you togetherin the jungle--have you forgotten that? Didn't you think itstrange that I should be the one to discover you? Oh, I pretendedto be blind, but I followed you everywhere I could, and I kept myeyes open. "

"You saw nothing, for there was nothing. "

"He's been with you day and night. You have been togetherconstantly, and I knew what was going on. But I waited, because Iwasn't strong enough to revolt--until to-night. Oh, but to-night Iwas strong! Something gave me courage. "

In all their married life she had never known him to show suchstubborn force. He was like granite, and the unbelievable changein him, upsetting all her preconceived notions of the man, appalled her. There had been times in the past when they hadclashed, but he had never really matched his will with hers, andshe had judged him weak and spiritless. Now, therefore, failing todominate him as usual, she was filled with a strange feeling ofhelplessness and terror. 

"You had no right to accept such evidence, " she stormed. 

"Bah! Why try to fool me? I have your own words for it. The otherafternoon I came home sick--with my head. I was on the galleryoutside when you were pleading with him, and I heard it all. Youtalked that night about Taboga, your guilty kisses and otherthings; you acknowledged everything. But he was growing tired ofyou. That, you know, makes it all the more effective. " He smiledin an agonized fury. 

"You--cur!" she cried, with the fury of one beating barehanded ata barred door. "You had no right to do such a thing even if I wereguilty. "

"Right? Aren't you my wife?"

The look she gave him was heavy with loathing. "That means nothingwith us. I never loved you, and you know it. You know, too, why Imarried you. I made no secret of it at the time. You had what Iwanted, and I had what you wanted; but you were content with thebargain because I gave you money, position, and power. I neverpromised anything more than that. I made you into something like aman. You never could have succeeded without me. All you have isdue to me--even your reputation in the service. Your success, yourinfluence, it is all mine, and the only thing you gave me was aname; any other would have done as well. "

He shrank a little under this tirade, despite his exaltation. 

"Marriage!" she continued, in bitter scorn. "A priest mumbledsomething over us, but it meant nothing then or now. I havetolerated you because you were useful. I have carried you with meas I carry a maid or a butler. I bought a manikin and dressed itup and put breath into it for my own convenience, and I owe younothing, do you understand--nothing! The debt is all on your side, as you and I and all the world know. "

"Who made me a manikin?" he demanded, with womanish fury, a furythat had been striving for utterance these many years. "I hadambitions and hopes and ability once--not much, perhaps, butenough--before you married me. I was nothing great, but I wasgetting along. I had confidence, too, but you took it away fromme. You--you absorbed me. You had your father's brain, and it wastoo big for me; it overshadowed mine. In a way you were a vampire;for what I had you drained me of. At first it was terrible to feelthat I was inferior, but I loved you, and although I had somepride--" He choked an instant and threw back her incredulous staredefiantly. "I let myself be eliminated. You thought you were doingme a favor when you put me forward as a figurehead, but to me itwas a tragedy. I COULDN'T HELP LETTING YOU DO IT. Do you realizewhat that means to a fellow? I quit fighting for my ownindividuality, I became colored by you, I took on your ways, yourhabits, your mental traits, and--all the time I knew what washappening. God! How I struggled to remain Stephen Cortlandt, butit would have taken a BIG man to mould you to his ways, and I wasonly average. I began to do your work in your particular style; Iforgot my ambitions and my dreams and took up yours. That's what Ifell to, and all the time I KNEW it, and--and all the time I knewyou neither cared nor understood. My only consolation was thethought that even though you never had loved me and never could, you at least respected our relation. I clung to that miserably, for it was all I had left, all that made me seem like a man. Andyet you took away even that. I tried to rebel, but I had beendrugged too long. You saw Anthony, and he had the things I lack;you found you were not a machine, but a living woman. Hediscovered the secret I had wasted away in searching for, and yourewarded him. Oh, I saw the change in you quickly enough, and ifI'd been a man instead of what I was, I'd have--but I wasn't. Iwent spying around like a woman, hating myself for permitting itto go on, but lacking strength to stop it. But to-night, when hegot up before those other men and dangled my shame before my eyes, I had enough manhood left in me to strike back. Thank God for thatat least! Maybe it's not too late yet; maybe if I get away fromyou and try--" His voice died out weakly; in his face there was amiserable half-gleam of hope. 

"I never knew you felt like that. I never knew you COULD feel thatway, " she said, in a colorless voice. "But you made a terriblemistake. "

"Do you mean to say you don't love him?"

"No, I have loved him for a long time--I can't remember when itbegan. " She spoke very listlessly, looking past him as if at along-familiar picture which she was tired of contemplating. "Inever knew what love was before; I never even dreamed. I'd give mylife right now--to undo what you have done, just for his sake, forhe is innocent. Oh, don't sneer; it's true. He loves the Garavelgirl, and wants to marry her. "

"I know all that. I overheard you in the parlor below. "

"Listen, please! I don't remember what I said then, and it doesn'tmatter; you took too much for granted. We must talk plainly now, before"--she pressed her palms to her temples as if they werebursting--"before it becomes impossible. I never lied to you, Stephen. Is that true?"

"I used to think so. "

"I'm going to tell you the whole truth now without sparing myself. It began, I think, at Taboga, that night when he kissed me. It wasthe only time he ever did such a thing. It was dark, we werealone, I was frightened, and it was purely impulse on his part. But it woke me up, and all at once I knew how much he meant to me. I would have yielded utterly to him then if he had let me, but hewas panic-stricken. He spoke of you, he apologized; I never saw aman in more misery. When I had time to realize the truth I triedto fight it off. But it was no use, and at last I gave up. Afterthat I put myself in his way deliberately. I offered himopportunities continually, but he never seemed to see them. Thatday in the jungle I was desperate at his indifference, and I drovethe horses away when he wasn't looking. I struck them with mycrop--and I actually threw myself at him as boldly as I could, regardless of consequences. But he was like ice; he was speakingof you when you came. It has always been the same. When Idiscovered that he cared for that girl--well, if you overheard youmust know. I frightened Garavel into dismissing him, and I set outto break him, just to show him that he needed me. To-night Ioffered to divorce you and make him all and more than I've madeyou, but he scorned me. That's the truth, Stephen. If we believedin oaths, I would swear it. "

No one who knew the woman could have disbelieved her, and to thehusband who knew her every mental and moral trait this bald, hopeless confession came as a crushing anti-climax to his greateffort. It left him not the slightest doubt that she was honest. He said, dully, in a feeble attempt to right himself:

"You are shielding him. You want to make me out wrong. " But sheknew he knew. 

"Those are the facts. Heaven knows they are bad enough, but theyare by no means so bad as you thought. And I'm your wife, Stephen. That thing you did was brutal; those men will talk. I was guilty, no doubt, in my thoughts, but I'm young, and you have no right toblight my life and my reputation--yes, and yours--by a thing likethat. We will have to meet those men. What are you going to do?"

"I don't know, " he said. "In all my life I never felt but onemoment of power, and that, it seems, was false. For years I havelonged to show myself a man, and now--what have I done? What haveI done? I am no monster. " He moaned and sank limply into a chair, folding together in an attitude of dejection that was pitiful. Heraised his head and broke out at her in a last spasm ofdesperation, as a dying ember flares even while it crumbles. "MyGod! why couldn't you be consistent? Why did you go half-way? Whycouldn't you be all good or all bad and save me this?"

"All women are half good and half bad. "

"I can't blame you for not loving me, I suppose, " he mumbled. "Nowoman of your kind could love a man like me. "

"Those men!" she said, in a way that made him writhe. 

"Wait until I--think. I must think. "

"You can't think now, and neither can I. "

"We must. " He wrung his hands. "They'll never believe me--" Therewas a long silence. 

"Perhaps in the morning we can see a way out. "

"That's it. " He nodded. "You go to bed and I'll think. I'm tryingto think now, but this heat is suffocating me and my head istired. " He brushed a hand feebly across his brow. "If it wouldonly rain I--could think better. "

"Yes, and we must think of Anthony, too. No matter how you blameme, you must realize that he was innocent, and perhaps, after all, he is the one that you wronged deepest. He will have to meet thosemen, and they were his friends. "

Despite the breathless oppression of the night, she shivered. "_I_never can meet them now, and I don't see how you will dare to, knowing that you were wrong. "

"Don't!" he pleaded. "The other was bad enough, but this--Tell mewhat to do!"

"I can't. I don't know myself. All I can see is that those menwill never cease to believe, no matter what you tell them. " Shegroped her way to the window, but there was no relief even in theopen air. By-and-by she heard him sigh, then rise and say "Good-night. "

As she prepared for bed an hour later she heard him still stirringabout in his quarters, but afterward, as she lay staring into theblack night, she was so busied with the frightful fancies thatswarmed about her that she did not detect his cautious footstepswhen he stole out of his chamber, closing the door softly behindhim. 

XXVIII

THE ANSWER

Kirk was roused from a heavy, senseless slumber the next morningby a vigorous rapping at his door. He lay still for a time, vaguely resentful of the noise, then glanced at his watch, andfound, with a shock, that it was quite late. Realizing only thathe was due at the office, he leaped out of bed. He opened the doorand Runnels rushed in. 

"Have you heard?"

"I heard your infernal pounding; that's what woke me up. "

Runnels calmed his excitement, which Kirk now observed wasintense. 

"Where did you go after I left you last night?"

"I came here, of course. " As the memory of the previous nightswept over him he scowled. 

"Did you stay here?"

"No. I went out again, and was out nearly all night trying to walkit off. "

Runnels' face blanched, and he drew back. 

"Then of course you know?"

"What?"

"About Cortlandt. He's dead!"

It was Kirk's turn to start and grow pale. The last cobweb wasswept from his brain, and he gasped:

"DEAD! When? Where? How did it happen?"

"Nobody knows just how. He was found on the sea-wall near Alfarez'house, shot. "

"Shot! Good Lord!"

"It happened some time early this morning, and the whole city istalking about it. I came to you the first thing. "

"We'd better hurry down there. Mrs. Cortlandt must be all brokenup. " Kirk began to dress hastily, but paused as his friendstammered:

"Wait! I--I--let's understand each other first. I met Wade justnow. The news has rattled him, and he's been talking. "

"What do you mean?"

"Did you see Cortlandt again after I left you?" Runnels swallowedhard. 

Kirk whirled about and faced him. "Great heavens! No! See here, that idea is ridiculous. "

Runnels sank weakly into a chair and mopped his face. "I'm glad tohear you say that. It frightened me just the same, for Iremembered you acted so queerly when I left you, and Wade seemedto think, perhaps--When you said you'd gone out again, it knockedme flat, understand?"

"I can prove where I was, for Allan was with me. I couldn't sleep, so I tried to walk off my excitement. No, no. I couldn't do athing like that. I thought last night that I could, but--Icouldn't, really. "

"I'm afraid Wade will tell all about the party if we don't stophim. "

"Then we'd better hunt him up. " Kirk resumed his dressing, whileRunnels consulted his watch. 

"No. 5 is due in twenty minutes. We'll probably find him at theoffice. "

Together they hastened to the railroad building, Runnels tellingall he knew of the tragedy as they went along. Cortlandt's body, it seemed, had been found about daylight by a Spiggoty policeman, who had identified it. Becoming panic-stricken at the importanceof his discovery, he had sounded the alarm, then reported directlyto the Governor, whose house was close by. It was General Alfarezhimself who had informed Mrs. Cortlandt over the telephone of herhusband's death. The whole city was alive with the news, thepolice were buzzing like bees. Rumors of suicide, murder, robberywere about, but no one seemed to know anything definite. ColonelJolson in his motor-car had just come from Culebra, and ColonelBland was on No. 5 from Gatun, hence Runnels' desire to be at thestation. 

"It was suicide, " Kirk averred, with conviction. "The man wasinsane last night, and that accounts for what he said about me. He's been sick for a long time. "

"If those boys will only keep their mouths shut!" Runnels said, anxiously. "There's no telling what these Spiggoties might do ifthey heard about that row. "

"Cortlandt was an American. "

"But it happened in Panama, and it would be their affair. "

Although it was Sunday, the four young fellows who had taken partin the entertainment on the night before had gathered in theoffice, and at the appearance of Runnels greeted him eagerly. Toward Kirk, however, they maintained a disheartening constraint. 

The Acting Superintendent began to caution them tersely. 

"Boys, there's no use to tell you that we must keep still aboutwhat happened last night. Kirk thinks Cortlandt's mind wasunbalanced; but whether it was or not, he left a widow, and whatwent on at that supper must never leak out. "

"Why do you think he was crazy?" Wade inquired. 

"His actions last night would show it, " Kirk answered. "The manmust have been out of his mind to believe or to say such a thing. "

"You mean, then, that he shot himself?"

Kirk nodded. 

"I don't agree with you. I've seen crazy people, but he was assane as any of us. And I don't believe in secrecy, either. I thinkwe ought to be entirely frank about the matter. The truth neverhurt anybody. "

"It's a bad business, " said Runnels, "and it's something I for onedon't want to be mixed up in. I've heard rumors already about somesort of a quarrel at our party, so I'm afraid you fellows havebeen talking. "

Wade acknowledged it recklessly. "Yes, I'll answer for my part, and I'm not going to make any promise of secrecy, either. If thataffair had anything to do with Steve Cortlandt's death, it oughtto be known, so the man who did it can be made to answer. "

Into the office behind them came Ramon Alfarez and two Panamanianpolicemen, one evidently a sergeant. 

"Eh, there you are!" Alfarez cried, as he caught sight of Kirk. Then he said something in Spanish to the sergeant, who advancedand laid hands upon the American. "You are arrest'. "

"What for?"

"Gentlemen, you will be so kind as to geeve the names, yes? Thejodge will desire to make inquiries regarding those sopper toSenor Cortlan' las' night. "

"What am I arrested for?" Kirk demanded. 

"Come! You are arrest'. That is enough. "

At that moment the building began to shake and reverberate, as No. 5 rolled in from Colon, bearing John Weeks, American Consul, andMr. Williams, of St. Louis, in one of the forward coaches. As thetwo hurried out through the turnstiles, they found the streetblocked by a considerable crowd, evidently interested in somethingquite apart from the arrival of the morning train. But before theycould learn the cause, out from the near-by building came RamonAlfarez, accompanied by several policemen and a group of railroademployes, among whom was Kirk Anthony. 

"There he is!" wheezed the consul, clutching at his companion'sarm. "Get him now, before his friends. " But Williams had been evenquicker of eye than his fat guide, and was plunging through thecrowd toward his quarry. He thrust the policemen and the curiousonlookers aside and, laying hold of Anthony, cried in triumph:

"Well, Mr. Jefferson Locke, I want you. "

"Hello, Williams! You got around finally, didn't you?" Kirk smiledat him. 

A little man in blue uniform was attempting to take the prisonerin charge, but the detective disregarded him. 

"It won't do you any good to resist, " he went on. "I've come toget you. "

Runnels elbowed his way forward with a question. 

"Oh, I've got a warrant for him, " Williams declared. "What for?Well, for one thing he embezzled eighty thousand dollars, and I'mgoing to take him back. "

"Eh? W'at is this?" Alfarez bustled into the conversation. "Embezzle? He is then a t'ief?"

"Exactly. If you're the inspector I'll ask you to make this arrestfor me. I believe we're on foreign ground. "

"That's right, Alfarez, " came the voice of John Weeks, anxious tohave a word in the affair. "I'll vouch for Mr. Williams. This chapis a smooth one, but his name isn't Anthony at all, nor Locke, either; it's Wellar; and he's wanted for other things besidesembezzlement. " Turning his triumphant little red eyes upon theprisoner, he puffed, "Got you, didn't we?"

"I regret you 'ave arrive' so late, " smirked Alfarez. "Thegentleman is already arrest' for the murder of Senor Cortlan'. Hewill first answer to that, I assure you. "

Kirk nodded. "Too bad, Williams! I'm sorry you didn't come lastnight. "

They went on down the street, leaving the detective staring andWeeks open-mouthed. 

"Cortlandt murdered!" the consul gasped. "Lord! And to think Inourished that viper at my breast. "

Williams wheeled and cursed the fat man furiously. It was duringthe lunch-hour that Ramon Alfarez called at the Garavel home, finding the banker and his daughter still loitering over theirmidday meal and discussing the topic that had electrified thewhole city. 

"Ah, Ramon!" the old gentleman began, eagerly. "Be seated and tellus quickly the latest news. A terrible thing, was it not, thisdeath of our good friend? I have been to see his unfortunatewidow, but even yet I cannot believe it to be true. "

"Yes. A terrible thing! It was only last night that we saw himwell and happy. "

Although Alfarez was trembling with eagerness to tell his news, healso meant to extract the greatest possible satisfaction from it, and now bent an inquiring glance upon Gertrudis. His look turnedto one of malicious triumph as he saw that he was, indeed, thefirst to bring the tidings of Anthony's arrest; for the girl'sacceptance of his suit had by no means wiped out the memory of hermomentary preference for his rival, and he had hastened hitherstraight from the police barracks, delighting in the chance tomake her suffer. 

"So fine a man, " the father was saying. "He was, indeed, my goodfriend. It is shocking. "

"Yes, and to think he should have been killed in this cowardlymanner!"

"Killed! Is it believed that he was murdered? Caramba! I supposedhe had shot himself. That was the gossip an hour ago. " Garavel wasdeeply affected, and motioned for the dishes in front of him to beremoved. 

Ramon nodded. "There are suspicious circumstances, it seems. Lastnight, after the ball, he had a serious quarrel--one of thoseAmerican fights, almost. That much is known. "

Gertrudis, who had remained silent until now, her dark eyesclouded with distress, said, sympathetically:

"And the poor lady! She must suffer terribly. "

"Ah, perhaps! One cannot always tell!" Ramon shrugged and smiled. 

"What do you mean?" cried Garavel. "This quarrel you speak of?Continue, Ramon, I am consumed with eagerness. "

"Upon leaving the Tivoli last night, Senor Cortlan' dined with sixof his friends at the Central. There was drinking. The waitershave been questioned; also, one of the men who was present hasrecounted to me what occurred. It seems that for a long time SenorCortlan' has been jealous of his wife. "

"Impossible! Jealous? My dear Ramon, an admirable lady. "

"I--I shall leave you, perhaps?" questioned Gertrudis, modestly, as she rose, but Ramon exclaimed:

"No, no! By all means remain. I have remarkable things todisclose, amazing news that will interest you. There was a seriousaltercation, and Senor Cortlan' openly accused his enemy beforeall the others. It was most dramatic, it was terrible! There was ascene of violence, the other man made threats. "

Garavel breathed an incredulous exclamation. 

"Ah, but wait! It was Senor Cortlan's best friend, too, the manfor whom he had accomplished many favors whom he accused. " Henoted with mingled anger and satisfaction the pallor that wascreeping into the girl's cheeks. "You would never guess. It was--Ihesitate, and yet you are bound to learn, my dear friends, it wasthis Ant'ony. "

His moment had indeed been worth waiting for. It even went far toatone for the sense of injury under which he smarted; for thebanker was stricken speechless, and his daughter went deathlywhite. Her eyes began to fill with horror. 

Garavel was the first to recover himself. "Infamous! It isunbelievable! The wretch, then, had betrayed his friend. "

"He is indeed a villain. That much I have always known. "

"It is a lie!" said the girl, quietly. She had risen and wasstanding straight, a tragic little figure. 

"Gertrudis!" her father admonished. "You hear what Ramon hassaid. "

"Yes!" said Ramon. "He deceived Senor Cortlan' very nicely; it hadbeen going on for months. "

"It is a lie!" she repeated. "He loved no one but me. "

"Gertrudis!" The banker was shocked beyond measure at what heconsidered his daughter's jealousy. "Those are not nice words. Hetold you so, yes; but if he would betray his best friend, he woulddeceive you also. It was our great good-fortune to be done withhim in time. You will see now that I did well in sending him off--eh, Chiquita?"

"No! I do not believe you. "

Ramon had not counted upon such a spirit, and, his anger gettingthe better of him, he sneered: "I should not have spoken. I didnot know you still care. "

"She does not care, " Garavel declared, loudly. 

"Ah, but I do. I love him very dearly. "

The two men were upon their feet in an instant, staring at her, the elder in amazement, the younger with rage and resentmentblazing from his countenance. 

"Silence!" thundered the banker. "Yonder stands your affiancedhusband. "

"It is a mistake--" she persisted, gently. 

"No, no, no! There is no mistake, " chattered Ramon. "Those othermen have told all, and your Ant'ony is now in the Carcel underguard. It was I who saw to his arrest. " The slender figure swayed, a tiny olive hand fluttered to her breast. 

"Ramon, you must not heed her, she is upset. This is but a girl'sfoolish fancy, and it will pass. The man was handsome, and he casta spell over her. "

"Nor is that all, " Ramon ran on, excitedly. "He is not at all theman he pretended to be, even his name is false. This morning therearrived an American officer of police to arrest him on othercharges. He is a thief, it seems, having stolen eighty thousanddollars 'gold' from his employers. Oh, there is no mistake. Withinthe hour I have been talking with this detective, and he has thepapers of proof. It will be in the newspapers, every one will knowshortly. Last night, when Senor Cortlan' made his accusation, there was a frightful quarrel, and Ant'ony swore to kill him. Atdawn the poor husband is found shot on the sea wall. Is not thatenough?"

"It is indeed!" gasped the father. "You see, then, my child, fromwhat you were saved. This should be a day of thanksgiving to youas it is to me. For this deliverance I shall erect a cross ofstone on the hill by our house, so that all our lives we may offera prayer when our eyes rest upon it. Come, now, it is Ramon whohas unmasked this person. Have you no thanks to give him?"

"But it is not true, " maintained the girl, simply, and her eyeswere as steady as altar flames. 

"Eh? Well! He is in the barracks at this moment, " snarled Ramon, "and there he shall remain, I promise you, until he goes toChiriqui or--"

Gertrudis turned to her father. 

"Take me to him, please. I must go at once to the Carcel. "

But he only answered her with a stare of amazement. "Go!" hemurmured, after an instant. "Have I lost my senses?" He began tosummon his indignation for a terrific outburst. 

"Yes, I must go, for he is my husband. We were wed last night. "

There was a moment of absolute silence, during which the clatterof a passing coach sounded loudly in the room. Then--

"Mother of God!" the banker ejaculated, hoarsely, and sank intothe seat from which he had arisen. Ramon was staring from one tothe other, his head turning jerkily. 

The girl raised her face proudly. "Yes! I am his wife, although Ihad not expected to tell you so soon; therefore, you see I must goto him quickly, or he will think I believe these lies. "

"You are mad! Do you know what you are saying?"

"Oh yes. The judge from Colon married us during the dance. I wouldhave liked a church wedding; but that will come later. The SenorRonnels and his wife were there also, and they will tell you. Itmade me very happy. You see, I prayed the Virgin that I might behappy, and she heard. Oh, I offered so many prayers, and all lastnight I lay awake giving thanks for my great happiness, which evenyet I cannot believe. " Her face was transfigured by a look thatleft the two men no choice but to believe. 

"A civil marriage!" stammered Ramen. 

"A civil marriage, indeed!" said Garavel, in a choking voice. "Sothat is where you were when I believed you to be dancing!" Heburst forth violently, pounding the table with his clenched fistuntil the dishes danced, his brilliant black eyes flashing beneaththeir thatch of white. "But I will not have it, understand! Youare betrothed. You have given your word to Ramon. "

"Ah, but I never loved him. You compelled me to consent, becauseyou said you could not be President unless I married him. And thatwas not so. Ramon deceived you. Now it is all right. You will bePresident, and I can be happy. "

Ramon's suspicion kindled on the instant. He turned upon thebanker. "So! I begin to see! That was a trick, then, to betray myfather. "

"But wait!" Gertrudis exclaimed, sharply. "Did you not trick usalso? Did you not use the General, your father, to make me give upthe man I love? Which of us, then, is the better?"

Andres Garavel spoke threateningly, menacingly, to his daughter. "Enough! Our word was given, and you have broken it! You havebrought disgrace to our name. Can a Garavel be President of theRepublic with his daughter wed to a murderer?"

"He is not that!"

"It was no marriage, and it will not stand. I will have itannulled. Such things are easily done, Ramon. She is no wife. Theman was a criminal, a fugitive, even when he forced her to marry--"

"No, no! You cannot do that. It was I who asked him to marry me. "The girl lied tremulously, panic-stricken at the threat. "BeforeGod, I am his wife!" she maintained. "And if this marriage has aflaw, then I will stand beside the prison gates and remarry him ashe comes forth. "

"He will not come forth, " Ramon declared, harshly. 

"Oh yes! And now will you take me to him?"

"NO!" her father bellowed. "You are my daughter, you are under myroof, and here you shall stay until you give up this madness andthis man. "

"That I can never do, " she retorted, proudly. "You see, I am notall Spanish, I have in me also the blood of his people, and thatmakes me steadfast. I could not doubt him if I wished. "

"I forbid you to go near him. Come! Do you promise?" She inclinedher dark head. "I must learn more of this affair at once. You willfind your senses, miss, or if you do not you will spend your lifein meditation and prayer--that much I promise you. "

"I do not wish to enter a convent, " she said, with white lips. "Iwish to be happy. When Keerk is free I shall go to him. Now, ifyou please, I--think I shall go away. " She turned and went out ofthe big high-ceilinged room, and not until she had reached thehall did her feet waver or her head droop. 

When the two men were alone, Garavel said, brokenly: "She is thefirst to bring disgrace upon our name. Is there absolute proofthat the man is guilty, Ramon?"

"Proof?" Alfarez turned dazed eyes from the door through whichGertrudis had gone. "Proof? I believe so. I have not thought muchof the matter as yet, but--I think there will be proof in plenty. Oh yes!"

"Come then. I must go to see him. Perhaps--oh, God! Perhaps what?My head is afire, my heart is broken for you, my poor boy. "

XXIX

A LAST APPEAL

That was not a pleasant interview for Anthony. His surroundingswere not such as to lend him assurance, and Garavel's grief at hisdaughter's disgrace was really distressing. Moreover, theunequivocal threat to annul the marriage filled him with alarm. His only consolation came from the fact that Gertrudis had madeknown the truth without the slightest hesitation. That showed thatshe was loyal, at any rate. Kirk tried to assure his caller thathe would have no trouble in proving his innocence, but Garavelseemed very little concerned with that phase of the affair, andcontinued to bewail the dishonor that had fallen upon his name. 

Kirk's pride arose at this, and he exclaimed with some heat:

"My dear Mr. Garavel, if you are so blamed sure that I did allthese things, why did you come to see me?"

"It was to learn if she spoke the truth. "

"Oh, we're married, right enough. And you'll have some difficultyin breaking it up before I get out. "

"You expect, then, to prove your innocence easily?"

"I do. "

"But I hear there are other serious charges. "

"It is quite the same with them. "

"But--suppose you should not clear yourself of this--murder--wouldyou wish to drag down my daughter's name?"

"Of course not. "

"I understand you have not spoken of this marriage. Perhaps youmight consent to remain silent. If by any chance you should beconvicted of guilt, what satisfaction could you derive frominjuring me and mine?"

"None at all, sir. "

"I am rich, " Garavel went on, meaningly. "If you are acquitted, Imight, perhaps, arrange amply for your future--upon conditions. "

"In other words, if I am to be hanged or shot or whatever it isthey do to people down here, you'll expect me to keep my mouthshut on general principles, and if I'm acquitted you'll pay mewell to disappear. Is that it? Well, there is some family pride tothat. " He laughed lightly. 

"My political future may depend upon it. "

"If I can help you in that way I'll gladly keep silent as long asyou wish, but I don't think I care to make any further terms. "

"Make sure of this, " snapped the father, "your marriage will beannulled, no matter what you prove or fail to prove. AlreadyChiquita is repentant, and I shall not rest until she is free. Youhave done me a great injury, and I shall not forget it. "

On the following morning the leading American attorney of the citycalled at the jail, announcing that he had been retained ascounsel, but refusing to tell who had employed him. Supposing, ofcourse, that he had been sent by friends who wished no publicityin the matter, Kirk did not press him for information. Togetherthey outlined their defence as best they could. Withcharacteristic optimism, Kirk insisted upon treating the chargeagainst him as of little consequence, and it was not until he hadundergone his preliminary hearing that he fully realized thegravity of his situation. 

To his unspeakable indignation, the officer who had discoveredCortlandt's body swore that he had seen the deceased pass himshortly before the time of his death, evidently taking a walkalong the water's edge for relief from the heat, and thatimmediately afterward--perhaps a minute or so--the prisoner hadalso passed, going in the same direction! There was a street lightclose by, he said, and there could be no possible mistake as toAnthony's identity. A few moments later there had been a pistol-shot, muffled, but unmistakable, and the policeman had hastened inthe direction from which it came. The prisoner had appearedsuddenly out of the darkness and hurried past. In the politestmanner possible, the witness declared, he had questioned himregarding the shot, but Mr. Anthony had neither stopped noranswered; on the contrary, he had broken into a run. The officerhad considered this strange behavior, but, being at all times mostrespectful toward Americans, he had made no effort to detain him. Passing on, he had found the body of the dead man. A revolver wasbeside it. It was shocking! It had quite upset the witness. He hadblown his whistle, and seeing a light in the Governor's mansionclose by had called there for assistance. Soon afterward anotherofficer had arrived upon the scene. 

When this amazing testimony was translated to Kirk he wasastounded; but his indignation was as nothing to that which sweptover him when a servant in the Alfarez household swore to havingactually witnessed the murder. 

This fellow declared that he had been troubled greatly with atoothache. Toward morning of the night in question, too restlessfor sleep, he had gone out upon the sea wall. Even now, his facewas swollen, and he made a determined effort to show the court theparticular tooth which had made him an unwilling beholder of thetragedy. Overcome by exhaustion, he had fallen asleep after atime, and he was awakened by the sounds of a quarrel. On openinghis eyes, he saw two Americans, one of whom was Senor Cortlandt, and the other Kirk Anthony. Being utterly ignorant of theirlanguage, he had no means of knowing what was said, nor did heconsider the altercation serious until the large man shot theSenor Cortlandt. Then, being terror-stricken at what he hadbeheld, he had run away, entirely forgetting his toothache, which, by the grace of God, was quite gone. That was all he knew of thematter. He recognized Anthony as the man who had done theshooting. He was troubled greatly with toothaches. 

It all seemed like some grotesque, practical joke, and Kirk atfirst could not believe that the evidence of these witnesses couldhave weight. But he soon became convinced that this was nolaughing matter. Since they had perjured themselves so readily, itwas evident that some determined influence was back of them, andhow far that influence might carry it was hard to tell. The reasonfor it was all very simple, of course, and yet he was at a losshow to combat it. Wade was called next and told the story of thatdamning incident at the supper-party, being corroborated by theothers. Then there were several witnesses who swore toinconsequent things, such as waiters at the Hotel Central, and thedoctor who had examined Cortlandt. 

For once in his careless life the young man realized that he wasface to face with something bigger and stronger than his owndetermination, and it daunted him. He began to see that he hadunderestimated these foreigners, for it seemed an easy matter toconvict an innocent man in these Central American courts. Herecalled certain ridiculous stories of Spanish justice which hehad laughed at; he remembered Mrs. Cortlandt's vivid tale of anexecution she had once beheld in the court-yard of Chiriquiprison; and suddenly he decided to cable for Darwin K. Anthony--the one man who was strong enough to save him. 

When it came time for him to speak, he told a straight story abouthis own actions on that night, and he was corroborated by Allan;but he knew that their words had little weight against that othertestimony. Of course, he was remanded for trial, and that nightthe newspapers of the city were crowded with columns ofsensational reading-matter bearing upon the crime. 

Anson, the lawyer, gave him a ray of encouragement as he left. 

"Don't go too much on this hearing, " he said. "I think we'll pullyou out all right. "

"You THINK! I dare say Ramon Alfarez can get a dozen men toperjure themselves as easily as he got those two. "

"Exactly. But I have a little coup that I intend to spring at theright moment. "

"For Heaven's sake, tell me what it is. "

"I'm sorry, but I can't just yet. In the first place, one musthandle these people exactly right or they explode. "

"But give me an idea at least. I'm really interested in theoutcome of this case, you know. "

Anson smiled. "Of course you are, and I'll tell you as soon as Ican, but not now. "

"These Spiggoties would enjoy standing me up against a wall withmy head in a rag--they'd make it a holiday and ring all the bellsin town. "

"I can't assure you that it isn't serious, " Anson acknowledged, gravely, "for it is--any time an American goes to court in thiscountry it is serious--but that doesn't mean that we'll lose. "

"You may be a good lawyer, " said Kirk, ruefully, "but you're ablamed poor comforter. I--I wish my dad was here; he'd fix it. Hewouldn't let 'em convict me. He's great, my dad is. He can swear--like the devil. " His voice caught, and his eyes were unusuallybright as he turned away to hide his emotions. "I like him betterthan any man I've ever met, Anson. And you watch him come when hehears I'm in trouble. "

He wrote a lengthy cablegram, which the lawyer, with a peculiarsmile, agreed to despatch at once. He spent a sleepless night. Inthe morning a message came signed by Copley--Kirk's heart leapedat the familiar name--saying that Darwin K. Anthony had leftAlbany for the West on Sunday night, and could not be located fora few days. 

"He was never gone when I needed money, " the son mused. "He'll beworried when he hears about this, and he has enough to worry himas it is. I'm mighty sorry, but--I simply must have him. "

Anson brought in the day's papers, which alluded, as usual, toCortlandt's death as a murder, and printed their customarysensational stories, even to a rehash of all that had occurred atthe stag supper. This in particular made Kirk writhe, knowing ashe did that it would reach the eyes of his newly made wife. Healso wondered vaguely how Edith Cortlandt was bearing up under allthis notoriety. The lawyer brought the further news that Allan wasin captivity as an accessory to the crime, and that henceforthKirk need expect but few visitors. Somebody--probably RamonAlfarez--had induced the officials to treat their prisoner withspecial severity. 

During the days which followed, Kirk suffered more than he choseto confess even to his attorney. In the first place, it was hardto be denied all knowledge of what was going on--Anson would tellhim little, except that he was working every day--and, then, too, the long hours of solitude gnawed at his self-control. Runnelsmanaged to see him once or twice, reporting that, so far as hecould learn, Chiquita had disappeared. He took a message from Kirkto her, but brought back word that he could not deliver it. Kirkwondered if she could really believe those frightful half-completenewspaper accounts, or if she had been unable to withstand thecombined weight of her whole family, and had given up. It wasalmost too much to hope that a girl reared as she had been couldkeep her mind unpoisoned, with all those lying tongues about her. And, besides, she had the Spanish ideas of morality, which wouldmake the actions of which he was accused seem doubly shocking. Themore he speculated upon the cause of her silence, the wilder grewhis fancies, until it became a positive torture to think of her atall. Instead, his thoughts turned to Edith Cortlandt in acuriously uninterested way. Her attitude was a problem. Perhapsshe would leave him to his fate. Reviewing the circumstancescoldly, he could hardly blame her. 

It was on Sunday, a week after his arrest, that she came to him. He was surprised to see the ravages that this short time had madein her, for she was pale and drawn and weary-looking, as if fromsleeplessness. Strange to say, these marks of suffering did notdetract from her appearance, but rather enhanced her poise anddistinction. She was not even veiled. On the contrary, she haddriven openly to the police barracks, and ordered her coachman towait in the street outside, then demanded to be shown to Anthony'scell. 

"I'm awfully glad to see you, Mrs. Cortlandt, " he said, as sheextended her hand. "But do you think it was wise for you to come?"

She shrugged. "People can say no more than they have already said. My name is on every tongue, and a little more gossip can makematters no worse. I had to come. I just couldn't stay away. Iwonder if you can realize what I have been through. "

"It must have been terrible, " he said, gently. 

"Yes, I have paid. It seems to me that I have paid for everythingI ever did. Those newspaper stories nearly killed me, but itwasn't that so much as the thought that you were suffering for myacts. "

"I'm very sorry. You never thought for a moment that I did whatthey claim?"

"No, no! It has all been a mistake from the first. I was sure ofthat. "

"You heard what those two men testified?"

"Bah! That is Ramon Alfarez--but he can do nothing. "

"Nothing! I don't call a week in the Bastile 'nothing. ' Why, hehas perjured two witnesses already, and I dare say he'll have thewhole native population swearing against me when the trial comesup. "

"Never mind. I have had no time to do anything as yet. There were--so many things to be attended to. " She shuddered and sank downupon the edge of his cot. "Stephen had a great many friends invarious parts of the world; I have been swamped with cablegrams. "

"If my dad were here he'd have me free in a jiffy; he can doanything. "

"I don't think we'll need him, " she said, in a way that comfortedhim somehow, though the feeling shamed him. She laid a soft handupon his arm, and, looking up eagerly into his face, exclaimed:"You will forgive me for what I said that night at the hotel, won't you? I didn't really mean to injure you, Kirk, but I washalf hysterical. I had suffered so these last few months that Iwas ready to do anything. I was torn by two great desires, one toremain what I am and have always been, and the other--well, theother was the stronger, or would have been if you had allowed it. I never dreamed there was a way out of my misery, a way so closeat hand; but somehow even before General Alfarez' voice on the'phone told me what had happened, I knew, and I--I felt--"

"I know you had a great deal to put up with, " he said, "but forboth our sakes I wish it had come in some other way. "

"Oh, I don't care, " she cried, recklessly. "The one thing I cangrasp in all this turmoil, the one thing that rings in my earsevery moment, is that I am free, FREE! That is all that matters tome. You showed your loyalty to Stephen more than once, and, thoughyour scruples angered me, I honor you for them now. I can see, too, that you had no choice but to put me off even that night ofthe dance. But my chains are broken, and it is all different now. "

"Your husband's death can make no difference with us, Mrs. Cortlandt, " he said, gravely. 

"We have talked openly before, and there is no need to dootherwise now. You mean by that that you don't care for me, but Iknow better. I believe there is a love so strong that it must findan answer. Although you may not care for me now as you care for--some one else--I KNOW that I can make you forget her and put me inher place. I know men, and I know you. I came here prepared to behonest--shameless, if you like. I am young, I have money, I havepower; I work for the love of doing things, and you are learningto do the same. I can help you, oh, so much! We can win happinesstogether just as easily as we can win material success, and thatis ours now for the asking. It dazzles me to think of it, Kirk. Itis like a glimpse of paradise, and I can show it all to you. " Shewas bending forward, her lips parted, the color gleaming in hercheeks, her whole face transformed by a passionate eagerness. 

"Wait!" he said, harshly. "You force me to break my word. I don'twant to tell you this, but--I am married. "

She rose slowly, her eyes fixed in bewilderment upon his, her handclutching at his sleeve. 

"You--never told me that! It was some mad college prank, Isuppose. "

"No, no. I married Gertrudis Garavel that night at the Tivoli. "

"Oh, that can't be. That was the night of the dance. "

"It is quite true. "

Mrs. Cortlandt stared about the squalid cell dully. 

"Miss Garavel! Why didn't you tell me? Why isn't she here? Whydoes she leave you alone? No, no! You hardly know each other. Why, she's not old enough to know her own mind--"

"But I know my mind, and I love her. "

Her white hands strained at each other as she steadied her shakingvoice. "Love!" she cried. "You don't know what love means, nordoes she. She CAN'T know, or she'd be here, she'd have this prisontorn block from block. "

"I suppose her father would not let her come, " said Kirk, slowly, but Edith did not seem to hear him. The realization of her brokenhopes was coming home to her poignantly. 

"My happiness!" she exclaimed. "I have been unhappy so long! And Iseemed to see it just within my reach. Oh, Kirk, she thinks youare guilty, she hasn't faith. "

"You have no right to say that. "

"See! I came to you when I was married and asked you to take me;I'll do the same with you now. "

"You don't know what you're saying. You're hysterical, Mrs. Cortlandt. I love Gertrudis so deeply that there's no room in mefor anything else, and never will be. Heaven only knows what theyhave made her believe about me, but I don't care; I'll upset thislittle plot of Alfarez's, and when she learns the truth she willcome back again. "

"This little plot!" Edith cried, in distraction. "And I supposeyou wish me to give you back to her?"

They confronted each other a moment in silence. 

"But I won't help her, " she went on. "I'm not that sort. I'm aselfish woman. I've always been selfish because I've never hadanybody to work for. But I have it in me to be generous. "

"I'm sorry, " he said. "You have suffered, I know. Don't troubleany more about me--please. "

She stared at him defiantly, although her whole frame was shakingas if from an ague. 

"Oh, I'd rather face the gallows as you face it than what isbefore me, and I'm not sure I could help you, after all. You arein Latin America now, remember, and your enemies are strong. "

"I am Darwin K. Anthony's son, " he protested. "He won't allow it. "

"Bah! He is an American, and these are Spanish people. You haveseen how they like us, and you have seen what Alfarez can do. He'srich, and he'll perjure more witnesses, he'll manipulate the courtwith his money. Yes, and I'd rather he succeeded than see you--No, no! What am I saying? L-let me go; let me get away from here!" Shebroke down, and went sobbing out into the corridor. The iron doorclanged to behind her. 

On the same afternoon, Mr. Clifford, accompanied by Anson, thelawyer, took the 3. 20 train for Colon. As soon as he arrived, hecalled up Colonel Jolson, to request that the Commissioner'smotor-car should, without fail, await him at ten o'clock sharp onthe next morning, with an open track ahead of it. Strangelyenough, the Colonel agreed very readily. 

XXX

DARWIN K. ANTHONY

About noon on Monday, Edith Cortlandt received a caller. The nameshe read on the card her maid handed her gave her a start ofsurprise, and set her wits whirling in speculation. 

"Show him into the drawing-room, " she said, at length. "I'll beright down. "

As she descended, a few moments later, she was greeted by agigantic old man with a rumbling voice, who, instead of seatinghimself in the drawing-room as he had been requested, had flungopen the carefully closed shutters to admit more light, thenkicked aside whatever articles of furniture happened to be in hisway. He was now pacing back and forth with the restlessness of apolar bear. 

"How do you do, Mrs. Cortlandt?" he began, at sight of her, hisbig voice flooding the room. "I'm sorry to disturb you under thecircumstances. "

"You are Mr. Anthony?"

"Yes, madam. You'll pardon my intrusion. I knew your husbandslightly, and I've heard about you. I extend my sympathy. "

She bowed. "When did you arrive?"

"Just now; came across in one of those damned joy-wagons--fiftymiles an hour. We hit a nigger on the way, but we didn't stop. Iknow everything, madam. What I didn't know before I landed, Ilearned on the way across the Isthmus, so don't let's waste time. Hell of a position for you to be in--I understand and all that--and I'm sorry for you. Now let's get down to business, for I mustget back to New York. "

It was impossible not to feel Darwin K. Anthony's force; it spokein his every tone and action. It looked out from his harsh-linedfeatures, and showed in his energetic movements. He was a greatgranite block of a man, powerful in physique, in mind, and indetermination. He had Kirk's eyes, Mrs. Cortlandt noted, exceptthat they were deeper set, more fierce and eager. 

She was not used to being overridden, and his masterful airoffended her. 

"In what way may I be of service to you?" she inquired, coldly. 

"I want my boy, " he said, simply, and she began to see thatunderneath his cold and domineering exterior his heart was torn bya great distress. 

"You know all the circumstances, of course?"

"I do. That's why I came straight to you. I know you're thekeystone of the whole affair, so I didn't waste time with theseother people. Kirk's a damned idiot, and always has been; he isn'tworth the powder to blow him to--excuse me--I mean he's just ane'er-do-well; but I suppose I'll have to do my duty by him. "

"I understand that has always been your attitude. "

"Exactly! I got sick of his performances and cut him off; couldn'tstand for him any longer. I tried my best to make a man out ofhim, but he wouldn't have it, so we severed our connectionsabsolutely. I just kicked him out. Sorry I didn't do it sooner. "

"If you have cut him off, why do you care what becomes of him?"

Darwin K. Anthony's eyes dimmed, but his voice rose fiercely. "He's my boy, and I've a right to treat him any damned way Iplease, but nobody else is going to abuse him! These Spaniardscan't do it! I'll teach them to lay hands on my--boy. " He tore ahandkerchief from his pocket and blew a blast into it. "I'll teartheir little Republic to pieces, " he shouted. "I'll buy the wholeworks and throw it away. I'll buy their President and their courtsand their whole infernal population, and if they won't sell I'vegot enough men to take it. Hell's bells, madam, do you think theselittle black people can shoot MY son? I don't care what he's done, they've got to give him up. And he's going back with me. He'sgoing home; I--I--want him. "

"Why have you come to me?" she queried. 

"Because you must know the truth, if anybody does, and I want yourhelp. " His voice softened suddenly, and he regarded her with agentle kindness that was surprising. "I've heard all about you andKirk. In fact, I've known what was going on all the time, for I'vehad a man on his track night and day. You may know him--Clifford?Well, he followed Kirk that night after the supper to yourhusband, but Anson didn't dare call him to the stand at thehearing for fear this Alfarez would perjure more of his black-and-tans. " He ground his teeth in rage. "By God! I'll get that Ramon, if it costs me a million--they can't stand for such things evenhere. But I want MORE proof; I want to snow him under absolutely, completely. "

"So Clifford is your man?"

"Yes! I took him off my system and sent him down here as soon as Igot Kirk's idiotic, impudent letter--" The old man began tosputter with indignation. "What d'you think he wrote me, Mrs. Cortlandt? He had the impudence to turn down a good job I offeredhim because 'his wife might not like our climate!' Imagine! And Ihad positively begged him to come back--on any terms. Of course, it gave me an awful scare, and I lost no time in learning if itwas true. Thank God, he had sense enough not to do that!"

"Then you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"That he is married. "

"DAMNATION!" roared Anthony, furiously. 

She nodded. "A Miss Garavel. They were married a--week ago. " Shebroke down miserably and hid her face in her hands. He strode toher with a light of understanding in his eyes. Laying a great handupon her drooping head, he exclaimed with wonderful softness:

"My dear Mrs. Cortlandt, I'm very sorry for you, indeed I am. Howthe boy ever let you go for any other woman I don't see, but he'salways been a fool--that's why he never cared for me. Now, now, try to face it squarely--all good women are brave, and you're agood woman. We both love him, and I know we can save him if wepull together. "

"Yes, yes!" She raised her drawn, white face eagerly to his. "Itwill only take a word, but I have been like a mad woman. Icouldn't bear to give him up, and when I learned the truth Ithought I could let him--suffer. But I couldn't. Oh, I couldn't, and I knew it all the time. I was distracted, that is all. You seeI have no shame in telling you this, for he is the first and onlyman--"

"I know. " He patted her in a way that said more than words. 

"I couldn't have stood out much longer. "

"Then you have proof?" His face was wild with eagerness. 

"This. Take it quickly. I only found it last night. It had beenmislaid in the confusion. I meant to give it up, I really did. "With clumsy fingers she drew from the front of her dress anunsealed letter and handed it to him. "Stephen was not a bad man, you see, and he had no intention of wronging an innocent person. "

Darwin K. Anthony's pallor matched hers as he read the sheet, thenhe exclaimed, weakly, "Thank God! Something told me to comestraight to you. Something always tells me where to find the heartof things. "

"Quick! You must lose no time, " she exclaimed. "He is in prison, and the place is frightful. I will go with you to the Mayor. Ah, I'm very glad he will get his freedom from your hands. I was soweak. When this is done I shall go back North and try to live itout. But I love him very dearly, Mr. Anthony. " Her lip trembledpiteously. "And I could have done so much for him. "

Grim-faced and scowling he re-read the letter in his hand duringthe moment it required for Edith to make ready. The injustice thathad been done his blood roused every passion in him. He hadhimself well in hand, however, and he restrained his yearning toburst forcibly into the police barracks and take his boy to hisheart. He determined there should be no possible slip--and helonged ferociously to meet Ramon Alfarez. 

Kirk was considerably surprised that afternoon when a sergeant andtwo policemen came to his cell, signifying that he was toaccompany them. He could not make out where they were taking him, and, despite their unusual politeness, they were dense to allinquiries. It was a bright, hot afternoon, and the city seemedvery beautiful and desirous as he was driven through it; but thewhole procedure filled him with uneasiness. He was sure that ithad nothing to do with his trial, or Anson would have posted him, and he began to fear that it might concern his marriage. PerhapsChiquita was ill, dying, or perhaps they were trying to annul thebond. The smiling little officer only shook his head, shrugged, and chattered unintelligibly at his questions. 

The coach drew up at last before a large, white building, and hewas told to descend. Up a flight of stairs he was escorted, hispulses quickening with apprehension, down a long corridor, andinto a large room, where he saw Runnels, Colonel Jolson, Anson, Clifford, a dozen or more Panamanian officials, and--he stopped inhis tracks as his eyes fell upon a huge, white-crowned figure thatcame to meet him. His heart leaped wildly, a great drumming set upin his ears, something gripped his throat with agonizing pressureand robbed him of speech. 

A certain harsh yet tender voice pronounced his name. He felt hishands crushed in his father's palms, found the old man's arm abouthis shoulders, and saw the deep-set, steel-blue eyes he loved sowell wet and shiny. Then, for once and for all time, he realizedthat in the whole wide world there was but one man who reallymattered, one man for whom he honestly cared. A sudden sense ofsecurity swept over him, banishing all his fears. The room withits smiling faces became blurred and distant; a thousand words ofendearment sprang to his lips. What he really said was:

"Hello!" And even that he pronounced as shyly as a girl. 

"My kid!" the old man said, shakingly. "H-how have they treatedyou, Buster?" It was a nickname he had given his son when he was asturdy, round-faced urchin of eight, and which he had laid awayregretfully in lavender, so to speak, when the boy grew tomanhood. 

"You came, didn't you?" Kirk said, in a voice not at all like hisown. "I knew you'd come. "

"Of course I came, the instant Clifford cabled me that theseidiots had arrested you. By God! They'll sweat for this. How areyou anyhow, Kirk? Dammit, you need a shave! Wouldn't they give youa razor? Hey! Clifford, Colonel Jolson, come here! Thesescoundrels wouldn't give him a shave. " Darwin K. Anthony's eyesbegan to blaze at this indignity, and he rumbled on savagely: "Oh, I'll smash this dinky government--try to convict my kid, eh? Isuppose you're hungry, too; well, so'm I. We'll be out of here ina minute, then you show me the best place in town and we'll have adecent meal, just we two, the way we used to. I'll pay the bill. God Almighty! I've missed you, Buster. "

"Wait, dad. " Kirk was smiling, but his heart ached at his father'semotion. "I'm a jail-bird, you know. They think I--killed afellow. But I don't care much what they think now. "

"That's all over, " Clifford broke in. "We've squared that, andyou'll be discharged in ten minutes. "

"Honest?"

"Certainly, " said the old gentleman. "Cortlandt shot himself. Anybody but a blithering Spanish ass would have known it at thestart. We have a letter he wrote to his wife an hour before he didit. She just found it and turned it over. She left here a momentago, by-the-way, all broken up. She's a great woman, Kirk. That'snot all, either. Clifford followed you that night, and knows youdidn't go near Cortlandt. Oh, you should have seen 'em jump whenwe flashed it on 'em all at once and they learned who I was!"

"But those men who swore they saw me?"

"Bah! We've got that little Dago with the mustache, and both hiswitnesses. If they don't send him up, I'll run in a shipload of mybrakemen, and we'll push this Isthmus overboard and him with it. "

"I knew you could fix things. "

"Fix 'em! Fix 'em! That's EASY! Say, how have you been gettingalong, anyhow?"

"Great!"

"And you married one of these Panamanicures, eh?" The fatherscowled. "Lord! I can trust you to make a fool of yourself. "

"Say, dad. She's only--so big. " Anthony Junior indicated hiswife's stature, smiling rapturously. 

"Dwarf, eh?"

"Oh no!"

"Love her?"

"DO I? It's fierce. "

"Humph! You'll have to get over it. I'll pay your debts and takecare of you, but I can't stand a mulatto around me. "

"There aren't any debts, and she's not a mulatto. She's a--dream. "

"They're waiting, Mr. Anthony, " Clifford made bold to say. "Ithink we'd better get this over with. "

Kirk paid little attention to the formalities of the next fewminutes. He was too busy with thoughts of his amazing good-fortune, his mind was too dazzled by the joy of freedom. Allanappeared from somewhere and clung to him in an ecstasy of delight. Colonel Jolson, Runnels, Anson, even the Panamanian officialsshook hands with him. He accepted their congratulationsmechanically, meanwhile keeping very close to his father's side. 

Some time later he found himself out in the open sunlight a freeman once more, with Darwin K. Anthony and Runnels on either sideof him. But before he had gone a block, he halted suddenly, saying:

"Williams! I'd forgotten him and his warrant. "

"He's fixed, " Runnels explained. "While your father and Mrs. Cortlandt and Colonel Jolson were getting you out of jail, Clifford and I told him the truth. He's rather a decent fellow. They have caught the real Jefferson Locke, or whatever his nameis. "

"No!"

"Yes; a week ago. He landed in Boston; couldn't stay away from hisown country any longer. Williams hadn't heard of it. "

"What has become of Higgins?" Kirk inquired of his father. 

Anthony Senior exploded:

"Oh, he's back scorching up the Tenderloin as usual, but you'llhave to cut him out, or I'll leave you here. That's final, understand?"

"I intend to stay here, anyhow. "

"Huh?" The old man turned with a start. "I'm damned if you do. "Then, savagely: "What do you suppose I came down here for? I'mlonesome. I want you to come home. "

Kirk smiled craftily and looked at Runnels. "Well, what can youoffer? I'm doing pretty well as it is, and I can't afford to layoff. "

His father in turn appealed to the Acting Superintendent. "See!It's nothing less than blackmail. Is he any good, Mr. Runnels?"

"If there weren't so much politics in this job, he'd be Master ofTransportation of the P. R. R. That's doing pretty well, isn't it?We're both going to quit and look for new work. "

"Do you drink, Kirk?"

"I haven't even had an alcohol rub since I left New York. But, dad, if you place me, you'll have to take care of Runnels, too. Heknows more about railroads than--you do. "

Mr. Anthony grunted a trifle sceptically at this and murmured: "Hemust be a bright young man. I suppose what he doesn't know, youdo. Well, how would you both like to come North and give me somelessons?"

"Do you mean it?" they cried in chorus. 

"I do. "

"Oh, there's Allan, too, he'll have to go. "

"Any cats and dogs you'd like to have drawing salary from me? Nowlet's go somewhere and eat. I haven't tasted anything to speak ofsince Clifford's message came. "

"If you don't mind, I--I'd like to stop at the Garavels' for aminute, " Kirk said, longingly, and his father scowled. 

"I'd forgotten this--wife of yours. "

"She's not there, " Runnels hastened to say. "I've tried to findher, but I was told she was out at the country place. "

"Then I think I'd rather drive out there than eat. Won't you gowith me, dad?"

"Well--yes! I want to see this banker fellow, and--I'm not sodamned hungry, after all. We'll settle this thing right now. "

 The afternoon sun was still an hour high when Kirk Anthony camedown the hill from the Garavels' home and crossed the meadowtoward the forest glade he knew so well. The grateful coolness ofevening was stealing downward, and Nature was roused from hermidday lethargy. It was the vibrant, active hour when odors arefreshest and spirits rise. The forest was noisy with the cry ofbirds, and flocks of shrill-voiced paroquets raised an uproar inthe tallest trees. The dense canopy of green overhead was alivewith fluttering wings; the groves echoed to the cries of all theloud-voiced thicket denizens. The pastured cattle, which hadsauntered forth from shaded nooks, ceased their grazing to starewith gentle curiosity at the hurrying figure. Of course theyrecognized a lover speeding to his tryst, and gave him passage, shaking their heads at one another and wagging their ears inknowing fashion. 

He faltered a bit despite his haste, for this nook had grownsacred to him, and even yet he felt that it was haunted. Thelaughter of the waterfall helped to drown the sound of hisapproach, but he surprised no dancing wood-sprites. Instead, hesaw what filled his heart with a greater gladness than he had everknown. 

Chiquita was there, huddled upon the seat where they had restedtogether, one foot curled beneath her like a child, her head boweddown disconsolately. From one brown hand, now drooping listlessly, a few wild flowers had scattered, and her slim figure was cladonce more in the stiff, coarse denim dress of blue. Her other handwas toying with her beads mechanically, as if the fingers hadlearned their task from long practice. Her dusky eyes were fastupon the lights that wavered in the pool. 

As if to prove that the spot was really peopled by kind spirits, agentle voice seemed to whisper the news to her, and she turned tofind him smiling at her. She rose and met him with her handsoutstretched, her face transfigured. 

After a time she leaned backward in his arms, and said, gravely:"You see! When one says many, many prayers, the good saints alwaysanswer. The padre told me that I should never cease until youcame, but I grew very tired, senor. "

"And you never doubted me?"

"Oh no!"

"I'm free, you know. "

"Of course! What else were my prayers for? Had my father allowed, I would have gone to your prison, but he forbade it, so I had nochoice. But every hour I prayed that he might give me leave, and Ithink his heart was yielding. "

"I'm sure of that, " he told her, "for I have just come from him. "

It was some time later, when the sun was dipping, that voicessounded outside the wall of verdure, and Kirk heard Andres Garavelsaying:

"Of a certainty I shall try that experiment, senor, for the ticksin this country are a pest to cattle. A little to the right, andyou will find the path--So!"

An instant later the two white-haired men appeared. 

"Hello! There you are, eh?" Darwin K. Anthony exclaimed, gruffly. "Where's that girl?" He paused and let his hostile eyes rest uponGertrudis. 

She saw a great, forbidding giant of a man scowling down at herwith eyes like Kirk's, and she came forward timidly, holding outher hands. She was smiling up at him faintly. 

"You are Keerk's father, yes? You are the Senor Antonio. "

Mr. Anthony uttered a curious, choking exclamation, and gatheredher gently in his arms. When he looked up, his eyes were wet andhis deep-lined face was working. 

"I couldn't wait any longer, " he apologized humbly to his son. "Ihad to come and see her. "

"Ah, then I hope you will like me, " she said in her grave, quaintway. 

"Your father has told me everything"--Garavel laid a hand upon hisnew son's shoulder--"and we have become good friends already. Ifear I owe you a great apology, my boy; but if I consent that youtake my little girl away to your country, will that bereparation?"

"Then you WILL let her go with us?" Kirk cried, happily. 

"If she doesn't go, I'll stay, " Anthony Senior rumbled. "I--Idon't see how you ever did it, you're such a blamed fool. Nowlet's go back to the house, it's sundown. "

"We'll be along directly, " his son assented. 

"There are chills in the evening air, " Mr. Garavel protested. 

"I'm sorry, but we were waiting for the fairies. They were almostin sight when you frightened them away. "

Gertrudis nodded. "It is quite true, Senor Antonio. We heard themall about, everywhere. " She placed her little hand in Kirk's, thenchecked her father's remonstrance, saying:

"Oh, it is quite proper for us to walk home together, even in thedark; we are married now, you know. "

"Come on, Garavel, " exclaimed Darwin K. Anthony. "You understandhow it is. " Together they went out through the fragrant path alittle way, then old man Anthony paused and called back to hisson, wistfully: "But, I say, Kirk, don't stay too long; we'relonesome. "

THE END