第1章

IRENEANDDANAGIBSON

SOLDIERSOFFORTUNE

I

``Itissogoodofyoutocomeearly，’’saidMrs。Porter，as，AliceLanghamenteredthedrawing-room。``Iwanttoaskafavor，ofyou。I’msureyouwon’tmind。Iwouldaskoneofthe，debutantes，exceptthatthey’realwayssocrossifoneputs，themnexttomentheydon’tknowandwhocan’thelpthem，andso，IthoughtI’djustaskyou，you’resogood-natured。Youdon’t，mind，doyou？’’

``Imindbeingcalledgood-natured，’’saidMissLangham，smiling。

``Mindwhat，Mrs。Porter？’’sheasked。

``HeisafriendofGeorge’s，’’Mrs。Porterexplained，vaguely。

``He’sacowboy。ItseemshewasveryciviltoGeorgewhenhe，wasoutthereshootinginNewMexico，orOldMexico，Idon’t，rememberwhich。HetookGeorgetohishutandgavehimthingsto，shoot，andallthat，andnowheisinNewYorkwithaletterof，introduction。It’sjustlikeGeorge。Hemaybeamost，impossiblesortofman，but，asIsaidtoMr。Porter，thepeople，I’veaskedcan’tcomplain，becauseIdon’tknowanythingmore，abouthimthantheydo。Hecalledto-daywhenIwasoutandleft，hiscardandGeorge’sletterofintroduction，andasamanhad，failedmeforto-night，IjustthoughtIwouldkilltwobirds，withonestone，andaskhimtofillhisplace，andhe’shere。

And，oh，yes，’’Mrs。Porteradded，``I’mgoingtoputhimnextto，you，doyoumind？’’

``UnlesshewearsleatherleggingsandlongspursIshallmind，verymuch，’’saidMissLangham。

``Well，that’sveryniceofyou，’’purredMrs。Porter，asshe，movedaway。``Hemaynotbesobad，afterall;andI’llput，ReginaldKingonyourotherside，shallI？’’sheasked，pausing，andglancingback。

ThelookonMissLangham’sface，whichhadbeenoneofamusement，changedconsciously，andshesmiledwithpoliteacquiescence。

``Asyouplease，Mrs。Porter，’’sheanswered。Sheraisedher，eyebrowsslightly。``Iam，asthepoliticianssay，`inthehands，ofmyfriends。’’’

``Entirelytoomuchinthehandsofmyfriends，’’sherepeated，assheturnedaway。Thiswasthetwelfthtimeduringthatsame，winterthatsheandMr。Kinghadbeenplacednexttooneanother，atdinner，andithadpassedbeyondthepointwhenshecould，saythatitdidnotmatterwhatpeoplethoughtaslongassheand，heunderstood。Ithadnowreachedthatstagewhenshewasnot，quitesurethatsheunderstoodeitherhimorherself。Theyhad，knowneachotherforaverylongtime;toolong，shesometimes，thought，forthemevertogrowtoknoweachotheranybetter。

Buttherewasalwaysthechancethathehadanotherside，one，thathadnotdiscloseditself，andwhichshecouldnotdiscover，inthestrictsocialenvironmentinwhichtheybothlived。And，shewasthesurerofthisbecauseshehadonceseenhimwhenhe，didnotknowthatshewasnear，andhehadbeensodifferentthat，ithadpuzzledherandmadeherwonderifsheknewthereal，ReggieKingatall。

Itwasatadanceatastudio，andsomeFrenchpantomimistsgave，alittleplay。Whenitwasover，Kingsatinthecornertalking，tooneoftheFrenchwomen，andwhilehewaitedonherhewas，laughingatherandathereffortstospeakEnglish。Hewas，tellingherhowtosaycertainphrasesandnottellingher，correctly，andshesuspectedthisandwasaccusinghimofit，and，theywererhapsodizingandexclaimingovercertaindelightful，placesanddishesofwhichtheybothknewinPariswiththe，enthusiasmoftwochildren。MissLanghamsawhimoffhisguard，forthefirsttimeandinsteadofasomewhatboredandclever，manoftheworld，heappearedassincereandinterestedasaboy。

Whenhejoinedher，later，thesameevening，hewasas，entertainingasusual，andaspoliteandattentiveashehadbeen，totheFrenchwoman，buthewasnotgreatlyinterested，andhis，laughwasmodulatedandnotspontaneous。Shehadwonderedthat，night，andfrequentlysincethen，if，intheeventofhisasking，hertomarryhim，whichwaspossible，andofheracceptinghim，whichwasalsopossible，whethershewouldfindhim，inthe，closerknowledgeofmarriedlife，askeenandlightheartedwith，herashehadbeenwiththeFrenchdancer。Ifhewouldbuttreat，hermorelikeacomradeandequal，andlesslikeaprimeminister，conferringwithhisqueen！，Shewantedsomethingmoreintimate，thanthedeferencethatheshowedher，andshedidnotlikehis，takingitasanacceptedfactthatshewasasworldly-wiseas，himself，eventhoughitweretrue。

Shewasawomanandwantedtobeloved，inspiteofthefactthat，shehadbeenlovedbymanymen——atleastitwassosupposed——and，hadrejectedthem。

Eachhadofferedherposition，orhadwantedherbecauseshewas，fittedtomatchhisowngreatstate，orbecausehewasambitious，orbecauseshewasrich。Themanwhocouldloveherasshe，oncebelievedmencouldlove，andwhocouldgivehersomething，elsebesidesapprovalofherbeautyandhermind，hadnot，disclosedhimself。Shehadbeguntothinkthatheneverwould，thathedidnotexist，thathewasanimaginationofthe，playhouseandthenovel。Themenwhomsheknewwerecarefulto，showherthattheyappreciatedhowdistinguishedwasher，position，andhowinaccessibleshewastothem。Theyseemedto，thinkthatbysohumblingthemselves，andbyemphasizingher，positiontheypleasedherbest，whenitwaswhatshewantedthem，toforget。Eachofthemwoulddrawawaybackward，bowingand，protestingthathewasunworthytoraisehiseyestosucha，prize，butthatifshewouldonlystooptohim，howhappyhis，lifewouldbe。Sometimestheymeantitsincerely;sometimesthey，weregentlemanlyadventurersoftitle，fromwhomitwasa，businessproposition，andineithercasesheturnedrestlessly，awayandaskedherselfhowlongitwouldbebeforethemanwould，comewhowouldpickheruponhissaddleandgallopoffwithher，withhisarmaroundherwaistandhishorse’shoofsclattering，beneaththem，andechoingthetumultintheirhearts。

Shehadknowntoomanygreatpeopleintheworldtofeel，impressedwithherownpositionathomeinAmerica;butshe，sometimescomparedherselftotheQueenin``InaBalcony，’’

andrepeatedtoherself，withmockseriousness：——

``Andyouthemarblestatueallthetime，Theypraiseandpointataspreferredtolife，Yetleaveforthefirstbreathingwoman’scheek，Firstdancer’s，gypsy’sorstreetballadine’s！’’

Andifitweretrue，sheaskedherself，thatthemanshehad，imaginedwasonlyanidealandanillusion，wasnotKingthebest，oftheothers，theunidealandever-presentothers？，Everyone，elseseemedtothinkso。Thesocietytheyknewputthem，constantlytogetherandapproved。Herpeopleapproved。Herown，mindapproved，andasherheartwasnotapparentlyevertobe，considered，whocouldsaythatitdidnotapproveaswell？，He，wascertainlyaverycharmingfellow，amanly，clevercompanion，andonewhoboreabouthimtheevidencesofdistinctionand，thoroughbreeding。Asfarasfamilywent，theKingswereasold，asayoungcountrycouldexpect，andReggieKingwas，moreover，inspiteofhiswealth，amanofactionandability。Hisyacht，journeyedfromcontinenttocontinent，andnotmerelyupthe，SoundtoNewport，andhewasaswellknownandwelcometothe，consulsalongthecoastsofAfricaandSouthAmericaashewasat，CowesorNice。Hisbooksofvoyageswererecognizedby，geographicalsocietiesandotherseriousbodies，whohadgiven，himpermissiontoputlongdisarrangementsofthealphabetafter，hisname。Shelikedhimbecauseshehadgrowntobeathomewith，him，becauseitwasgoodtoknowthattherewassomeonewho，wouldnotmisunderstandher，andwho，shouldshesoindulge，herself，wouldnottakeadvantageofanyappealshemightmaketo，hissympathy，whowouldalwaysbesuretodothetactfulthing，andthecourteousthing，andwho，whilehemightneverdoagreat，thing，couldnotdoanunkindone。

MissLanghamhadenteredthePorters’drawing-roomafterthe，greaternumberoftheguestshadarrived，andsheturnedfromher，hostesstolistentoanoldgentlemanwithapassionforgolf，a，passioninwhichhehadforalongtimebeenendeavoringto，interesther。Sheansweredhimandhisenthusiasminkind，and，withasmuchapparentinterestasshewouldhaveshownina，matterofstate。Itwasherprincipletobeallthingstoall，men，whethertheyweregreatartists，greatdiplomats，orgreat，bores。Ifamanhadbeenpleadingwithhertoleavethe，conservatoryandrunawaywithhim，andanotherhadcomeup，innocentlyandannouncedthatitwashisdance，shewouldhave，said：，``Oh，isit？’’withasmuchapparentdelightasthoughhis，cominghadbeentheonebrighthopeinherlife。

Shewasgrowingenthusiasticoverthedelightsofgolfand，unconsciouslymakingaverybeautifulpictureofherselfinher，interestandforcedvivacity，whenshebecameconsciousforthe，firsttimeofastrangeyoungmanwhowasstandingalonebefore，thefireplacelookingather，andfranklylisteningtoallthe，nonsenseshewastalking。Sheguessedthathehadbeenlistening，forsometime，andshealsosaw，beforeheturnedhiseyes，quicklyaway，thathewasdistinctlyamused。MissLangham，stoppedgesticulatingandloweredhervoice，butcontinuedto，keephereyesonthefaceofthestranger，whoseowneyeswere，wanderingaroundtheroom，togiveher，sosheguessed，theidea，thathehadnotbeenlistening，butthatshehadcaughthimatit，inthemomenthehadfirstlookedather。Hewasatall，broad-

shoulderedyouth，withahandsomeface，tannedanddyed，either，bythesunorbyexposuretothewind，toadeepruddybrown，whichcontrastedstrangelywithhisyellowhairandmustache，and，withthepalloroftheotherfacesabouthim。Hewasastranger，apparentlytoeveryonepresent，andhisbearingsuggested，in，consequence，thateaseofmannerwhichcomestoapersonwhois，notonlysureofhimself，butwhohasnoknowledgeoftheclaims，andpretensionstosocialdistinctionofthoseabouthim。His，mostattractivefeaturewashiseyes，whichseemedtoobserve，allthatwasgoingon，notonlywhatwasonthesurface，but，beneaththesurface，andthatnotrudelyorcovertlybutwiththe，frank，quicklookofthetrainedobserver。MissLanghamfoundit，aninterestingfacetowatch，andshedidnotlookawayfromit。

Shewasacquaintedwitheveryoneelseintheroom，andhenceshe，knewthismustbethecowboyofwhomMrs。Porterhadspoken，and，shewonderedhowanyonewhohadlivedtheroughlifeoftheWest，couldstillretainthelookwheninformalclothesofonewhowas，inthehabitofdoinginformalthingsinthem。

Mrs。Porterpresentedhercowboysimplyas``Mr。Clay，ofwhomI

spoketoyou，’’withasignificantraisingoftheeyebrows，and，thecowboymadewayforKing，whotookMissLanghamin。He，lookedfranklypleased，however，whenhefoundhimselfnextto，heragain，butdidnottakeadvantageofitthroughoutthefirst，partofthedinner，duringwhichtimehetalkedtotheyoung，marriedwomanonhisright，andMissLanghamandKingcontinued，wheretheyhadleftoffattheirlastmeeting。Theykneweach，otherwellenoughtojokeofthewayinwhichtheywerethrown，intoeachother’ssociety，and，asshesaid，theytriedtomake，thebestofit。Butwhileshespoke，MissLanghamwas，continuallyconsciousofthepresenceofherneighbor，whopiqued，herinterestandhercuriosityindifferentways。Heseemed，tobeathisease，andyetfromthemannerinwhichheglancedup，anddownthetableandlistenedtosnatchesoftalkoneither，sideofhimhehadtheappearanceofonetowhomitwasallnew，andwhowasseeingitforthefirsttime。

Therewasajollygroupatoneendofthelongtable，andthey，wishedtoemphasizethefactbylaughingalittlemore，hystericallyattheirremarksthanthehumorofthosewitticisms，seemedtojustify。Adaughter-in-lawofMrs。Porterwastheir，leaderinthis，andatonepointshestoppedinthemiddleofa，storyandwavingherhandatthedoublerowoffacesturnedin，herdirection，whichhadbeenattractedbytheloudnessofher，voice，cried，gayly，``Don’tlisten。Thisisforprivate，circulation。Itisnotajeune-fillestory。’’，The，debutantesatthetablecontinuedtalkingagaininsteady，eventones，asthoughtheyhadnotheardtheremarkorthefirst，ofthestory，andthemennexttothemappearedequally，unconscious。Butthecowboy，MissLanghamnotedoutofthe，cornerofhereye，afteralookofpolitesurprise，beamedwith，amusementandcontinuedtostareupanddownthetableasthough，hehaddiscoveredanewtraitinapeculiarandinteresting，animal。Forsomereason，shecouldnottellwhy，shefelt，annoyedwithherselfandwithherfriends，andresentedthe，attitudewhichthenew-comerassumedtowardthem。

``Mrs。PortertellsmethatyouknowhersonGeorge？’’shesaid。

Hedidnotanswerheratonce，butbowedhisheadinassent，with，alookofinterrogation，asthough，soitseemedtoher，hehad，expectedher，whenshedidspeak，tosaysomethingless，conventional。

``Yes，’’hereplied，afterapause，``hejoinedusatAyutla。It，wastheterminusoftheJaliscoandMexicanRailroadthen。He，cameoutovertheroadandwentinfromtherewithanoutfit，aftermountainlions。Ibelievehehadverygoodsport。’’

``Thatisaverywonderfulroad，Iamtold，’’saidKing，bending，forwardandintroducinghimselfintotheconversationwithanod，oftheheadtowardClay;``quitearemarkablefeatof，engineering。’’

``Itwillopenupthecountry，Ibelieve，’’assentedtheother，indifferently。

``Iknowsomethingofit，’’continuedKing，``becauseImetthe，menwhowereputtingitthroughatPariqua，whenwetouchedthere，intheyacht。Theyshippedmostoftheirplanttothatport，and，wesawagooddealofthem。Theywereaveryjollylot，andthey，gavemeamostinterestingaccountoftheirworkandits，difficulties。’’

Claywaslookingattheotherclosely，asthoughhewas，tryingtofindsomethingbackofwhathewassaying，butashis，glanceseemedonlytoembarrassKinghesmiledfreelyagainin，assent，andgavehimhisfullattention。

``Therearenomento-day，MissLangham，’’Kingexclaimed，suddenly，turningtowardher，``tomymind，wholeadas，picturesquelivesasdocivilengineers。Andtherearenomen，whoseworkisaslittleappreciated。’’

``Really？’’saidMissLangham，encouragingly。

``NowthosemenImet，’’continuedKing，settlinghimselfwith，hissidetothetable，``wereallyoungfellowsofthirtyor，thereabouts，buttheywereleadingthelivesofpioneersand，martyrs——atleastthat’swhatI’dcallit。Theyweremarching，throughanalmostunknownpartofMexico，fightingNatureat，everystepandcarryingcivilizationwiththem。Theyweredoing，betterworkthansoldiers，becausesoldiersdestroythings，and，thesechapswerecreating，andmakingthewaystraight。Theyhad，nobannerseither，norbrassbands。Theyfoughtmountainsand，rivers，andtheywereattackedoneverysidebyfeverandthe，lackoffoodandsevereexposure。Theyhadtositdownarounda，camp-fireatnightandcalculatewhethertheyweretotunnela，mountain，orturnthebedofariverorbridgeit。Andtheyknew，allthetimethatwhatevertheydecidedtodooutthereinthe，wildernessmeantthousandsofdollarstothestockholders，somewhereupinGod’scountry，whowouldsomedayholdthemto，accountforthem。Theydraggedtheirchainsthroughmilesand，milesofjungle，andoverflatalkalibedsandcactus，andthey，rearedbridgesacrossroaringcanons。Weknownothingaboutthem，andwecareless。Whentheirworkisdonewerideovertheroad，inanobservation-carandlookdownthousandsandthousandsof，feetintothedepthstheyhavebridged，andwenevergivethema，thought。Theyarethebravestsoldiersofthepresentday，and，theyaretheleastrecognized。Ihaveforgottentheirnames，and，youneverheardthem。Butitseemstomethecivilengineer，for，allthat，isthechiefcivilizerofourcentury。’’

MissLanghamwaslookingaheadofherwithhereyeshalf-closed，asthoughsheweregoingoverinhermindthesituationKinghad，described。

``Ineverthoughtofthat，’’shesaid。``Itsoundsveryfine。

Asyousay，therewardissoinglorious。Butthatiswhatmakes，itfine。’’

Thecowboywaslookingdownatthetableandpullingataflower，inthecentre-piece。Hehadceasedtosmile。MissLangham，turnedonhimsomewhatsharply，resentinghissilence，andsaid，withaslightchallengeinhervoice：——

``Doyouagree，Mr。Clay，’’sheasked，``ordoyoupreferthe，chocolate-creamsoldiers，inredcoatsandgoldlace？’’

``Oh，Idon’tknow，’’theyoungmananswered，withsomeslight，hesitation。``It’satradeforeachofthem。Theengineer’s，workisallthemoreabsorbing，Iimagine，whenthedifficulties，aregreatest。Hehasthefunofovercomingthem。’’

``Youseenothinginitthen，’’sheasked，``butasourceof，amusement？’’

``Oh，yes，agooddealmore，’’hereplied。``Alivelihood，for，onething。I——Ihavebeenanengineerallmylife。Ibuiltthat，roadMr。Kingistalkingabout。’’

Anhourlater，whenMrs。Portermadethemovetogo，MissLangham，rosewithaprotestingsigh。``Iamsosorry，’’shesaid，``it，hasbeenmostinteresting。Inevermettwomenwhohadvisited，somanyinaccessibleplacesandcomeoutwhole。Youhavequite，inspiredMr。King，hewasneversoamusing。ButIshouldliketo，heartheendofthatadventure;won’tyoutellittomeinthe，otherroom？’’

Claybowed。``IfIhaven’tthoughtofsomethingmoreinteresting，inthemeantime，’’hesaid。

``WhatIcan’tunderstand，’’saidKing，ashemovedupintoMiss，Langham’splace，``ishowyouhadtimetolearnsomuchofthe，restoftheworld。Youdon’tactlikeamanwhohadspent，hislifeinthebrush。’’

``Howdoyoumean？’’askedClay，smiling——``thatIdon’tusethe，wrongforks？’’

``No，’’laughedKing，``butyoutoldusthatthiswasyourfirst，visitEast，andyetyou’retalkingaboutEnglandandViennaand，Voisin’s。Howisityou’vebeenthere，whileyouhaveneverbeen，inNewYork？’’

``Well，that’spartlyduetoaccidentandpartlytodesign，’’

Clayanswered。``YouseeI’veworkedforEnglishandGermanand，Frenchcompanies，aswellasforthoseintheStates，andIgo，abroadtomakereportsandtoreceiveinstructions。AndthenI’m，whatyoucallaself-mademan;thatis，I’veneverbeento，college。I’vealwayshadtoeducatemyself，andwheneverIdid，getaholidayitseemedtomethatIoughttoputittothebest，advantage，andtospenditwherecivilizationwasthefurthest，advanced——advanced，atleast，inyears。WhenIsettledownand，becomeanexpert，anddemandlargesumsforjustlookingatthe，workotherfellowshavedone，thenIhopetoliveinNewYork，butuntilthenIgowheretheartgalleriesarebiggestandwhere，theyhavegotthescienceofenjoyingthemselvesdowntothevery，finestpoint。Ihaveenoughroughworkeightmonthsoftheyear，tomakemeappreciatethat。SowheneverIgetafewmonths，tomyselfItaketheRoyalMailtoLondon，andfromthereto，ParisorVienna。IthinkIlikeViennathebest。Thedirectors，aregenerallyimportantpeopleintheirowncities，andtheyask，oneabout，andso，thoughIhopeIamagoodAmerican，ithappens，thatI’vemorefriendsontheContinentthanintheUnited，States。’’

``Andhowdoesthisstrikeyou？’’askedKing，withamovementof，hisshouldertowardthemenaboutthedismantledtable。

``Oh，Idon’tknow，’’laughedClay。``You’velivedabroad，yourself;howdoesitstrikeyou？’’

Claywasthefirstmantoenterthedrawing-room。Hewalked，directlyawayfromtheothersandovertoMissLangham，and，takingherfanoutofherhandsasthoughtoassurehimselfof，someholduponher，seatedhimselfwithhisbacktoeveryone，else。

``Youhavecometofinishthatstory？’’shesaid，smiling。

MissLanghamwasacarefulyoungperson，andwouldnothave，encouragedamansheknewevenaswellassheknewKing，totalk，toherthroughdinner，andafteritaswell。Shefully，recognizedthatbecauseshewasconspicuouscertaininnocent，pleasuresweredeniedherwhichothergirlscouldenjoywithout，attractingattentionorcomment。ButClayinterestedherbeyond，herusualself，andthelookinhiseyeswasatributewhich，shehadnowishtoputawayfromher。

``I’vethoughtofsomethingmoreinterestingtotalkabout，’’

saidClay。``I’mgoingtotalkaboutyou。YouseeI’veknown，youalongtime。’’

``Sinceeighto’clock？’’askedMissLangham。

``Oh，no，sinceyourcomingout，fouryearsago。’’

``It’snotpolitetoremembersofarback，’’shesaid。``Were，youoneofthosewhoassistedatthatimportantfunction？，There，weresomanythereIdon’tremember。’’

``No，Ionlyreadaboutit。Irememberitverywell;Ihad，riddenovertwelvemilesforthemailthatday，andIstopped，half-waybacktotheranchandcampedoutintheshadeofarock，andreadallthepapersandmagazinesthroughatonesitting，untilthesunwentdownandIcouldn’tseetheprint。Oneofthe，papershadanaccountofyourcomingoutinit，andapictureof，you，andIwroteEasttothephotographerfortheoriginal。It，knockedabouttheWestforthreemonthsandthenreachedmeat，Laredo，ontheborderbetweenTexasandMexico，andIhavehadit，withmeeversince。’’

MissLanghamlookedatClayforamomentinsilentdismayand，withaperplexedsmile。

``Whereisitnow？’’sheaskedatlast。

``Inmytrunkatthehotel。’’

``Oh，’’shesaid，slowly。Shewasstillindoubtastohowto，treatthisactofunconventionality。``Notinyourwatch？’’she，said，tocoverupthepause。``Thatwouldhavebeenmorein，keepingwiththerestofthestory。’’

Theyoungmansmiledgrimly，andpullingouthiswatchpriedback，thelidandturnedittohersothatshecouldseeaphotograph，inside。Thefaceinthewatchwasthatofayounggirlinthe，dressofafashionofseveralyearsago。Itwasalovely，frank，face，lookingoutofthepictureintotheworldkindlyand，questioningly，andwithoutfear。

``WasIoncelikethat？’’shesaid，lightly。``Well，goon。’’

``Well，’’hesaid，withalittlesighofrelief，``Ibecame，greatlyinterestedinMissAliceLangham，andinhercomingsout，andgoingsin，andinhergowns。Thankstoourhavingapressin，theStatesthatmakesaspecialtyofpersonalities，Iwasableto，followyouprettyclosely，for，whereverIgo，Ihavemypapers，sentafterme。Icangetalongwithoutacompassoramedicine-

chest，butIcan’tdowithoutthenewspapersandthemagazines。

TherewasatimewhenIthoughtyouweregoingtomarrythat，Austrianchap，andIdidn’tapproveofthat。Iknewthingsabout，himinVienna。AndthenIreadofyourengagementto，others——well——severalothers;someofthemIthoughtworthy，and，othersnot。OnceIeventhoughtofwritingyouaboutit，and，onceIsawyouinParis。Youwerepassingonacoach。Theman，withmetoldmeitwasyou，andIwantedtofollowthecoachina，fiacre，buthesaidheknewatwhathotelyouwerestopping，and，soIletyougo，butyouwerenotatthathotel，oratany，other——atleast，Icouldn’tfindyou。’’

``Whatwouldyouhavedone——？’’askedMissLangham。``Never，mind，’’sheinterrupted，``goon。’’

``Well，that’sall，’’saidClay，smiling。``That’sall，at，least，thatconcernsyou。Thatistheromanceofthispooryoung，man。’’

``Butnottheonlyone，’’shesaid，forthesakeofsaying，something。

``Perhapsnot，’’answeredClay，``buttheonlyonethatcounts。

IalwaysknewIwasgoingtomeetyousomeday。AndnowIhave，metyou。’’

``Well，andnowthatyouhavemetme，’’saidMissLangham，lookingathiminsomeamusement，``areyousorry？’’

``No——’’saidClay，butsoslowlyandwithsuchconsideration，thatMissLanghamlaughedandheldherheadalittlehigher。

``Notsorrytomeetyou，buttomeetyouinsuchsurroundings。’’

``Whatfaultdoyoufindwithmysurroundings？’’

``Well，thesepeople，’’answeredClay，``theyaresofoolish，so，futile。Youshouldn’tbehere。Theremustbesomethingelse，betterthanthis。Youcan’tmakemebelievethatyouchooseit。

InEuropeyoucouldhaveasalon，oryoucouldinfluence，statesmen。Theresurelymustbesomethinghereforyoutoturn，toaswell。Somethingbetterthangolf-sticksandsalted，almonds。’’

``Whatdoyouknowofme？’’saidMissLangham，steadily。``Only，whatyouhavereadofmeinimpertinentparagraphs。Howdoyou，knowIamfittedforanythingelsebutjustthis？，Younever，spokewithmebeforeto-night。’’

``Thathasnothingtodowithit，’’saidClay，quickly。``Time，ismadeforordinarypeople。Whenpeoplewhoamounttoanything，meettheydon’thavetowastemonthsinfindingeachotherout。

Itisonlythedoubtfuloneswhohavetobetestedagainand，again。WhenIwasakidinthediamondminesinKimberley，I

haveseentheexpertspickoutaperfectdiamondfromtheheapat，thefirstglance，andwithoutamoment’shesitation。Itwasthe，cheapstonestheyspentmostoftheafternoonover。SupposeI

HAVEonlyseenyouto-nightforthefirsttime;supposeI

shallnotseeyouagain，whichisquitelikely，forIsail，tomorrowforSouthAmerica——whatofthat？，Iamjustassure，ofwhatyouareasthoughIhadknownyouforyears。’’

MissLanghamlookedathimforamomentinsilence。Herbeauty，wassogreatthatshecouldtakehertimetospeak。Shewasnot，afraidoflosinganyone’sattention。

``AndhaveyoucomeoutoftheWest，knowingmesowell，justto，tellmethatIamwastingmyself？’’shesaid。``Isthatall？’’

``Thatisall，’’answeredClay。``YouknowthethingsIwould，liketotellyou，’’headded，lookingatherclosely。

``IthinkIliketobetoldtheotherthingsbest，’’shesaid，``theyaretheeasiertobelieve。’’

``YouhavetobelievewhateverItellyou，’’saidClay，smiling。

Thegirlpressedherhandstogetherinherlap，andlookedathim，curiously。Thepeopleaboutthemweremovingandmakingtheir，farewells，andtheybroughtherbacktothepresentwithastart。

``I’msorryyou’regoingaway，’’shesaid。``Ithasbeensoodd。

Youcomesuddenlyupoutofthewilderness，andsetmeto，thinkingandtrytotroublemewithquestionsaboutmyself，and，thenstealawayagainwithoutstoppingtohelpmetosettlethem。

Isitfair？’’，Sheroseandputoutherhand，andhetookit，andhelditforamoment，whiletheystoodlookingatone，another。

``Iamcomingback，’’hesaid，``andIwillfindthatyouhave，settledthemforyourself。’’

``Good-by，’’shesaid，insolowatonethatthepeoplestanding，nearthemcouldnothear。``Youhaven’taskedmeforit，you，know，but——IthinkIshallletyoukeepthatpicture。’’

``Thankyou，’’saidClay，smiling，``Imeantto。’’

``Youcankeepit，’’shecontinued，turningback，``becauseitis，notmypicture。Itisapictureofagirlwhoceasedtoexist，fouryearsago，andwhomyouhavenevermet。Good-night。’’

Mr。LanghamandHope，hisyoungerdaughter，hadbeentothe，theatre。TheperformancehadbeenonewhichdelightedMissHope，andwhichsatisfiedherfatherbecausehelovedtohearher，laugh。Mr。Langhamwastheslaveofhisowngoodfortune。By，instinctandeducationhewasamanofleisureandculture，but，thewealthhehadinheritedwaslikeanunrulychildthatneeded，hisconstantwatching，andinkeepingitwellinhandhehad，becomeamanofbusiness，withtimefornothingelse。

AliceLangham，onherreturnfromMrs。Porter’sdinner，foundhim，inhisstudyengagedwithagameofsolitaire，whileHopewas，kneelingonachairbesidehimwithherelbowsonthetable。

Mr。Langhamhadbeentroubledwithinsomniaoflate，andsoit，oftenhappenedthatwhenAlicereturnedfromaballshewould，findhimsittingwithanovel，orhisgameofsolitaire，and，Hope，whohadcreptdownstairsfromherbed，dozinginfrontof，theopenfireandkeepinghimsilentcompany。Thefatherandthe，youngerdaughterwereveryclosetooneanother，andhadgrown，especiallysosincehiswifehaddiedandhissonandheirhad，gonetocollege。Thisfourthmemberofthefamilywasagreat，bondofsympathyandinterestbetweenthem，andhistriumphsand，escapadesatYalewerethechiefsubjectsoftheirconversation。

ItwastoldbythedirectorsofagreatWesternrailroad，whohad，cometoNewYorktodiscussanimportantquestionwithMr。

Langham，thattheyhadbeenushereddownstairsonenightintohis，basement，wheretheyhadfoundthePresidentoftheBoardandhis，daughterHopeworkingoutagameoffootballonthebilliard，table。Theyhadchalkeditoffintowhatcorrespondedtofive-

yardlines，andtheywerehurlingtwenty-twochess-menacrossit，in``flyingwedges’’andpractisingtheseveraltrickswhich，youngLanghamhadintrustedtohissisterunderanoathof，secrecy。Thesightfilledthedirectorswiththehorriblefear，thatbusinesstroubleshadturnedthePresident’smind，but，aftertheyhadsatforhalfanhourperchedonthehighchairs，aroundthetable，whileHopeexcitedlyexplainedthegameto，them，theydecidedthathewaswiserthantheyknew，andeach，leftthehouseregrettinghehadnosonworthyenoughtobring，``thatyounggirl’’intotheFarWest。

``Youarehomeearly，’’saidMr。Langham，asAlicestoodabove，himpullingathergloves。``Ithoughtyousaidyouweregoing，ontosomedance。’’

``Iwastired，’’hisdaughteranswered。

``Well，whenI’mout，’’commentedHope，``Iwon’tcomehomeat，eleveno’clock。Alicealwayswasaquitter。’’

``Awhat？’’askedtheoldersister。

``Telluswhatyouhadfordinner，’’saidHope。``Iknowit，isn’tnicetoask，’’sheadded，hastily，``butIalwaysliketo，know。’’

``Idon’tremember，’’MissLanghamanswered，smilingather，father，``exceptthathewasverymuchsunburnedandhadmost，perplexingeyes。’’

``Oh，ofcourse，’’assentedHope，``Isupposeyoumeanbythat，thatyoutalkedwithsomemanallthroughdinner。Well，Ithink，thereisatimeforeverything。’’

``Father，’’interruptedMissLangham，``doyouknowmany，engineers——Imeandoyoucomeincontactwiththemthrough，therailroadsandminesyouhaveaninterestin？，Iamrather，curiousaboutthem，’’shesaid，lightly。``Theyseemtobea，mostpicturesquelotofyoungmen。’’

``Engineers？，Ofcourse，’’saidMr。Langham，vaguely，withthe，tenofspadeshelddoubtfullyinair。``Sometimeswehaveto，dependuponthemaltogether。Wedecidefromwhattheengineering，expertstelluswhetherwewillinvestinathingornot。’’

``Idon’tthinkImeanthebigmenoftheprofession，’’saidhis，daughter，doubtfully。``Imeanthosewhodotheroughwork。The，menwhodigtheminesandlayouttherailroads。Doyouknowany，ofthem？’’

``Someofthem，’’saidMr。Langham，leaningbackandshuffling，thecardsforanewgame。``Why？’’

``DidyoueverhearofaMr。RobertClay？’’

Mr。Langhamsmiledasheplacedthecardsoneabovetheotherin，evenrows。``Veryoften，’’hesaid。``Hesailsto-morrowto，openupthelargestirondepositsinSouthAmerica。Hegoesfor，theValenciaMiningCompany。ValenciaisthecapitalofOlancho，oneofthoselittlerepublicsdownthere。’’

``Doyou——areyouinterestedinthatcompany？’’askedMiss，Langham，seatingherselfbeforethefireandholdingouther，handstowardit。``DoesMr。Clayknowthatyouare？’’

``Yes——Iaminterestedinit，’’Mr。Langhamreplied，studyingthe，cardsbeforehim，``butIdon’tthinkClayknowsit——nobodyknows，ityet，exceptthepresidentandtheotherofficers。’’，Helifted，acardandputitdownagaininsomeindecision。``It’s，generallysupposedtobeoperatedbyacompany，butallthestock，isownedbyoneman。Asamatteroffact，mydearchildren，’’

exclaimedMr。Langham，asheplacedadeuceofclubsuponadeuce，ofspadeswithasmileofcontent，``theValenciaMiningCompany，isyourbelovedfather。’’

``Oh，’’saidMissLangham，asshelookedsteadilyintothefire。

Hopetappedherlipsgentlywiththebackofherhandtohidethe，factthatshewassleepy，andnudgedherfather’selbow。``You，shouldn’thaveputthedeucethere，’’shesaid，``youshouldhave，usedittobuildwithontheace。’’

II

AyearbeforeMrs。Porter’sdinneratrampsteameronherwayto，thecapitalofBrazilhadsteeredsoclosetotheshoresof，Olanchothathersolitarypassengercouldlookintothecaverns，thewaveshadtunnelledinthelimestonecliffsalongthecoast。

ThesolitarypassengerwasRobertClay，andhemadeaguessthat，thewhitepalisadeswhichfringedthebaseofthemountainsalong，theshorehadbeenforcedupabovetheleveloftheseamany，yearsbeforebysomevolcanicaction。Olancho，asmanypeople，know，issituatedonthenortheasterncoastofSouthAmerica，and，itsshoresarewashedbythemainequatorialcurrent。Fromthe，deckofapassingvesselyoucanobtainbutlittleideaof，Olanchooroftheabundanceandtropicalbeautywhichlieshidden，awaybehindtherampartofmountainsonhershore。Youcansee，onlytheirdesolatedark-greenfront，andthewhitecavesat，theirbase，intowhichthewavesrushwithanechoingroar，and，inandoutofwhichflycontinuallythousandsoffrightenedbats。

Theminingengineerontherailofthetrampsteamerobserved，thispeculiarformationofthecoastwithlistlessinterest，untilhenoted，whenthevesselstoodsomethirtymilesnorthof，theharborofValencia，thatthelimestoneformationhad，disappeared，andthatthewavesnowbeatagainstthebaseofthe，mountainsthemselves。Therewerefiveofthesemountainswhich，juttedoutintotheocean，andtheysuggestedroughlythefive，knucklesofagianthandclenchedandlyingflatuponthesurface，ofthewater。Theyextendedforsevenmiles，andthenthe，cavernsinthepalisadesbeganagainandcontinuedondownthe，coasttothegreatcliffsthatguardtheharborofOlancho’s，capital。

``Thewavestunnelledtheirwayeasilyenoughuntiltheyranup，againstthosefivemountains，’’musedtheengineer，``andthen，theyhadtofallback。’’，Hewalkedtothecaptain’scabinand，askedtolookatamapofthecoastline。``IbelieveIwon’tgo，toRio，’’hesaidlaterintheday;``IthinkIwilldropoff，hereatValencia。’’

Soheleftthetrampsteameratthatplaceanddisappearedinto，theinteriorwithanox-cartandacoupleofpack-mules，and，returnedtowritealengthyletterfromtheConsul’sofficetoa，Mr。LanghamintheUnitedStates，knowinghewaslargely，interestedinminesandinmining。``Therearefivemountains，filledwithore，’’Claywrote，``whichshouldbeextractedby，open-facedworkings。Isawgreatmassesofredhematitelying，exposedonthesideofthemountain，onlywaitingapickand，shovel，andatoneplacetherewerefivethousandtonsinplain，sight。Ishouldcallthestufffirst-classBessemerore，running，aboutsixty-threepercentmetalliciron。Thepeopleknowitis，there，buthavenoknowledgeofitsvalue，andaretoolazyto，everworkitthemselves。Astotransportation，itwouldonlybe，necessarytorunafreightrailroadtwentymilesalongthesea-

coasttotheharborofValenciaanddumpyourorefromyourown，pierintoyourownvessels。Itwouldnot，Ithink，bepossible，toshipdirectfromtheminesthemselves，eventhough，asIsay，theorerunsrightdownintothewater，becausethereisnoplace，atwhichitwouldbesafeforalargevesseltotouch。Iwill，lookintothepoliticalsideofitandseewhatsortofa，concessionIcangetforyou。Ishouldthinktenpercentofthe，outputwouldsatisfythem，andtheywould，ofcourse，admit，machineryandplantfreeofduty。’’

SixmonthsafterthiscommunicationhadarrivedinNewYorkCity，theValenciaMiningCompanywasformallyincorporated，andaman，namedVanAntwerp，withtwohundredworkmenandahalf-dozen，assistants，wassentSouthtolayoutthefreightrailroad，to，erectthedumping-pier，andtostripthefivemountainsof，theirforestsandunderbrush。Itwasnotataskforaholiday，butastern，difficult，andperplexingproblem，andVanAntwerp，wasnotquitethemantosolveit。Hewasstubborn，self-

confident，andindifferentbyturns。Hedidnotdependuponhis，lieutenants，butjealouslyguardedhisownopinionsfromthe，leastquestionordiscussion，andateverystepheantagonized，theeasy-goingpeopleamongwhomhehadcometowork。Hehadno，patiencewiththeirhabitsofprocrastination，andhewas，continuallyoffendingtheirlazygood-natureandtheirpride。He，treatedtherichplanters，whoownedthelandbetweenthemines，andtheharboroverwhichthefreightrailroadmustrun，withas，littleconsiderationasheshowedtheregimentofsoldierswhich，theGovernmenthadfarmedouttothecompanytoserveaslaborers，inthemines。SixmonthsafterVanAntwerphadtakenchargeat，Valencia，Clay，whohadfinishedtherailroadinMexico，ofwhich，Kinghadspoken，wasaskedbytelegraphtoundertaketheworkof，gettingtheoreoutofthemountainshehaddiscovered，and，shippingitNorth。Heacceptedtheofferandwasgiventhetitle，ofGeneralManagerandResidentDirector，andanenormoussalary，andwasalsogiventounderstandthattheroughworkof，preparationhadbeenaccomplished，andthatthemore，importantserviceofpickingupthefivemountainsand，puttingtheminfragmentsintotrampsteamerswouldcontinue，underhisdirection。HehadaletterofrecallforVanAntwerp，andaletterofintroductiontotheMinisterofMinesand，Agriculture。Furtherthanthatheknewnothingofthework，beforehim，butheconcluded，fromthefactthathehadbeenpaid，thealmostprohibitivesumhehadaskedforhisservices，thatit，mustbeimportant，orthathehadreachedthatplaceinhis，careerwhenhecouldstopactualworkandliveeasily，asan，expert，ontheworkofothers。

ClayrolledalongthecoastfromValenciatotheminesina，paddle-wheeledsteamerthathadserveditsusefulnessonthe，Mississippi，andwhichhadbeenrottingattheleveesinNew，Orleans，whenVanAntwerphadcharteredittocarrytoolsand，machinerytotheminesandtoserveasaprivatelaunchfor，himself。Itwasachoiceeitherofthissteamerandlandingina，smallboat，orridingalongthelineoftheunfinishedrailroad，onhorseback。Eitherrouteconsumedsixvaluablehours，and，Clay，whowasanxioustoseehisnewfieldofaction，beat，impatientlyupontherailoftherollingtubasitwallowedin，thesea。

Hespentthefirstthreedaysafterhisarrivalattheminesin，themountains，climbingthemonfootandskirtingtheirbaseon，horseback，andsleepingwherenightovertookhim。Van，Antwerpdidnotaccompanyhimonhistourofinspectionthrough，themines，butdelegatedthatdutytoanengineernamed，MacWilliams，andtoWeimer，theUnitedStatesConsulatValencia，whohadservedthecompanyinmanywaysandwhowasinits，closestconfidence。

Forthreedaysthementoiledheavilyoverfallentrunksand，trees，slipperywiththemossofcenturies，orslidbackwardon，therollingstonesinthewaterways，orclungtotheirponies’

backstododgethehangingcreepers。Attimesforhourstogether，theywalkedinsinglefile，bentnearlydouble，andseeing，nothingbeforethembuttheshiningbacksandshouldersofthe，negroeswhohackedoutthewayforthemtogo。Andagainthey，wouldcomesuddenlyuponaprecipice，anddrinkinthesoftcool，breathoftheocean，andlookdownthousandsoffeetuponthe，impenetrablegreenunderwhichtheyhadbeencrawling，outto，whereitmetthesparklingsurfaceoftheCaribbeanSea。Itwas，threedaysofunceasingactivitywhilethesunshone，andof，anxiousquestioningsaroundthecamp-firewhenthedarknessfell，andwhentherewerenosoundsonthemountain-sidebutthatof，fallingwaterinadistantravineorthecallsofthenight-

birds。

OnthemorningofthefourthdayClayandhisattendants，returnedtocampandrodetowherethemenhadjustbegunto，blastawaytheslopingsurfaceofthemountain。

AsClaypassedbetweenthezincshedsandpalmhutsofthe，soldier-workmen，theycamerunningouttomeethim，andone，who，seemedtobealeader，touchedhisbridle，andwithhisstraw，sombreroinhishandbeggedforawordwithelSenorthe，Director。

ThenewsofClay’sreturnhadreachedtheopening，andthethrob，ofthedummy-enginesandtheroaroftheblastingceasedasthe，assistant-engineerscamedownthevalleytogreetthenew，manager。Theyfoundhimseatedonhishorsegazingaheadofhim，andlisteningtothestoryofthesoldier，whosefingers，ashe，spoke，trembledintheair，withallthegraceandpassionofhis，Southernnature，whilebackofhimhiscompanionsstoodhumbly，inasilentchorus，witheager，supplicatingeyes。Clayanswered，theman’sspeechcurtly，withafewshortwords，intheSpanish，patoisinwhichhehadbeenaddressed，andthenturnedandsmiled，grimlyupontheexpectantgroupofengineers。Hekeptthem，waitingforsomeshortspace，whilehelookedthemover，carefully，asthoughhehadneverseenthembefore。

``Well，gentlemen，’’hesaid，``I’mgladtohaveyouhereall，together。Iamonlysorryyoudidn’tcomeintimetohear，whatthisfellowhashadtosay。Idon’tasarulelistenthat，longtocomplaints，buthetoldmewhatIhaveseenformyself，andwhathasbeentoldmebyothers。Ihavebeenherethreedays，now，andIassureyou，gentlemen，thatmyeasiestcoursewouldbe，topackupmythingsandgohomeonthenextsteamer。Iwassent，downheretotakechargeofamineinactiveoperation，andI

find——what？，Ifindthatinsixmonthsyouhavedonealmost，nothing，andthatthelittleyouhavecondescendedtodohasbeen，donesobadlythatitwillhavetobedoneoveragain;thatyou，havenotonlywastedahalfyearoftime——andIcan’ttellhow，muchmoney——butthatyouhavesucceededinantagonizingallthe，peopleonwhosegood-willweareabsolutelydependent;youhave，allowedyourmachinerytorustintherain，andyourworkmento，rotwithsickness。Youhavenotonlydonenothing，butyou，haven’tablueprinttoshowmewhatyoumeanttodo。Ihave，neverinmylifecomeacrosslazinessandmismanagementand，incompetencyuponsuchamagnificentandrecklessscale。You，havenotbuiltthepier，youhavenotopenedthefreightroad，youhavenottakenoutanounceofore。Youknowmoreof，Valenciathanyouknowofthesemines;youknowitfromthe，AlamedatotheCanal。Youcantellmewhatnighttheband，playsinthePlaza，butyoucan’tgivemetheelevationof，oneofthesehills。Youhavespentyourdaysonthepavementsin，frontofcafe’s，andyournightsindance-halls，andyouhave，beendrawingsalarieseverymonth。I’vemorerespectforthese，half-breedsthatyou’veallowedtostarveinthisfever-bedthan，Ihaveforyou。Youhavetreatedthemworsethanthey’dtreata，dog，andifanyofthemdie，it’sonyourheads。Youhaveput，theminafever-campwhichyouhavenoteventakenthetroubleto，drain。Yourcommissariatisrotten，andyouhaveletthemdrink，alltherumtheywanted。Thereisnotoneofyou——’’

Thegroupofsilentmenbroke，andoneofthemsteppedforward，andshookhisforefingeratClay。

``Nomancantalktomelikethat，’’hesaid，warningly，``and，thinkI’llworkunderhim。Iresignhereandnow。’’

``Youwhat——’’criedClay，``youresign？’’

Hewhirledhishorseroundwithadigofhisspurandfacedthem。

``Howdareyoutalkofresigning？，I’llpackthewholelotofyou，backtoNewYorkonthefirststeamer，ifIwantto，andI’ll，giveyousuchcharactersthatyou’llbegladtogetajob，carryingatransit。You’reinnopositiontotalkofresigning，yet——notoneofyou。Yes，’’headded，interruptinghimself，``oneofyouisMacWilliams，themanwhohadchargeofthe，railroad。It’snofaultofhisthattheroad’snotworking。I

understandthathecouldn’tgettherightofwayfromthepeople，whoownedtheland，butIhaveseenwhathehasdone，andhis，plans，andIapologizetohim——toMacWilliams。Asfortherest，ofyou，I’llgiveyouamonth’strial。Itwillbeamonthbefore，thenextsteamercouldgethereanyway，andI’llgiveyouthat，longtoredeemyourselves。Attheendofthattimewewillhave，anothertalk，butyouareherenowonlyonyourgoodbehaviorand，onmysufferance。Good-morning。’’

AsClayhadboasted，hewasnotthemantothrowuphisposition，becausehefoundtheparthehadtoplaywasnotthatofleading，man，butratheroneofgeneralutility，andalthoughithadbeen，severalyearssinceithadbeenpartofhisdutiestooverseethe，settingupofmachinery，andthepolicingofaminingcamp，he，threwhimselfasearnestlyintotheworkbeforehimasthoughto，showhissubordinatesthatitdidnotmatterwhodidthework，so，longasitwasdone。Themenatfirstweresulky，resentful，and，suspicious，buttheycouldnotlongresistthefactthatClaywas，doingtheworkoffivemenandfivedifferentkindsofwork，not，onlywithoutgrumbling，butapparentlywiththekeenestpleasure。

Heconciliatedtherichcoffeeplanterswhoownedtheland，whichhewantedforthefreightroadbycallsofthemostformal，stateanddinnersofmuchlessformality，forhesawthatthe，ironminehaditssocialaswellasitspoliticalside。Andwith，thisfactinmind，heopenedtherailroadwithgreatceremony，andmuchmusicandfeasting，andthefirstpieceoforetakenout，oftheminewaspresentedtothewifeoftheMinisterofthe，Interiorinaclusterofdiamonds，whichmadethewivesofthe，othermembersoftheCabinetregretthattheirhusbandshadnot，chosenthatportfolio。Sixmonthsfollowedofhard，unremitting，work，duringwhichtimethegreatpiergrewoutintothebayfrom，MacWilliams’railroad，andthefaceofthefirstmountainwas，scarredandtornofitsgreen，andleftinmanglednakedness，whiletheringingofhammersandpicks，andtherackingblastsof，dynamite，andthewarningwhistlesofthedummy-enginesdrove，awaytheaccumulatedsilenceofcenturies。

Ithadbeenalonguphillfight，andClayhadenjoyedit，mightily。Twounexpectedeventshadcontributedtohelpit。One，wasthearrivalinValenciaofyoungTeddyLangham，whocame，ostensiblytolearntheprofessionofwhichClaywasso，conspicuousanexample，andinrealitytowatchoverhisfather’s，interests。HewasputatClay’selbow，andClaymadehimlearn，inspiteofhimself，forheruledhimandMacWilliamsofboth，ofwhomhewasveryfond，asthough，sotheycomplained，they，werethelaziestandthemostrebelliousmembersofhisentire，staff。Thesecondeventofimportancewastheannouncementmade，onedaybyyoungLanghamthathisfather’sphysicianhadordered，restinamildclimate，andthatheandhisdaughterswerecoming，inamonthtospendthewinterinValencia，andtoseehowthe，sonandheirhaddevelopedasamanofbusiness。

TheideaofMr。Langham’scomingtovisitOlanchotoinspecthis，newpossessionswasnotasurprisetoClay。Ithadoccurredto，himaspossiblebefore，especiallyafterthesonhadcometojoin，themthere。Theplacewasinterestingandbeautifulenoughin，itselftojustifyavisit，anditwasonlyatendays’voyage，fromNewYork。ButhehadneverconsideredthechanceofMiss，Langham’scoming，andwhenthatwasnownotonlypossiblebuta，certainty，hedreamedoflittleelse。Helivedasearnestlyand，toiledasindefatigablyasbefore，buttheplacewasutterly，transformedforhim。Hesawitnowasshewouldseeitwhenshe，came，evenwhileatthesametimehisowneyesretainedtheir，pointofview。Itwasasthoughhehadlengthenedthefocusofa，glass，andlookedbeyondatwhatwasbeautifulandpicturesque，insteadofwhatwasnearathandandpracticable。Hefound，himselfsmilingwithanticipationofherpleasureintheorchids，hangingfromthedeadtrees，highabovetheopeningofthemine，andintheparrotshurlingthemselveslikegaylycoloredmissiles，amongthevines;andheconsideredtheharboratnightwithits，coloredlampsfloatingontheblackwaterasascenesetforher，eyes。Heplannedthedinnersthathewouldgiveinherhonoron，thebalconyofthegreatrestaurantinthePlazaonthosenights，whenthebandplayed，andthesenoritascircledinlonglines，betweenadmiringrowsofofficersandcaballeros。Andhe，imaginedhow，whentheore-boatshadbeenfilledandhisworkhad，slackened，hewouldbefreetoridewithheralongtherough，mountainroads，betweenmagnificentpillarsofroyalpalms，orto，ventureforthinexcursionsdownthebay，toexplorethecaves，andtolunchonboardtherollingpaddle-wheelsteamer，whichhe，wouldhaverepaintedandgildedforhercoming。Hepictured，himselfactingasherguideoverthegreatmines，answeringher，simplequestionsaboutthestrangemachinery，andthecrewof，workmen，andthelocalgovernmentbywhichheruledtwothousand，men。Itwasnotonaccountofanypersonalprideinthemines，thathewantedhertoseethem，itwasnotbecausehehad，discoveredandplannedandopenedthemthathewishedtoshow，themtoher，butasacuriousspectaclethathehopedwould，giveheramoment’sinterest。

ButhiskeenestpleasurewaswhenyoungLanghamsuggestedthat，theyshouldbuildahouseforhispeopleontheedgeofthehill，thatjuttedoutovertheharborandthegreatorepier。Ifthis，weredone，Langhamurged，itwouldbepossibleforhimtosee，muchmoreofhisfamilythanhewouldbeabletodowerethey，installedinthecity，fivemilesaway。

``Wecanstillliveintheofficeatthisendoftherailroad，’’

theboysaid，``andthenweshallhavethemwithincallatnight，whenwegetbackfromwork;butiftheyareinValencia，itwill，takethegreaterpartoftheeveninggoingthereandallofthe，nightgettingback，forIcan’tpassthatclubunderthreehours。

Itwillkeepusoutoftemptation。’’

``Yes，exactly，’’saidClay，withaguiltysmile，``itwillkeep，usoutoftemptation。’’

Sotheyclearedawaytheunderbrush，andputadoubleforceof，mentoworkonwhatwastobethemostbeautifulandcomfortable，bungalowontheedgeoftheharbor。Ithadblueandgreenand，whitetilesonthefloors，andwallsofbamboo，andaredroofof，curvedtilestoletintheair，anddragons’headsforwater-

spouts，andverandasasbroadasthehouseitself。Therewasan，opencourtinthemiddlehungwithbalconieslookingdown，uponasplashingfountain，andtodecoratethispatio，they，levieduponpeopleformilesaroundfortropicalplantsand，coloredmatsandawnings。Theycutdownthetreesthathidthe，viewofthelongharborleadingfromtheseaintoValencia，and，plantedarampartofothertreestohidetheiron-orepier，and，theysoddedtherawspotswherethemenhadbeenbuilding，until，theplacewasascompletelytransformedasthoughafairyhad，wavedherwandaboveit。

Itwastobeagreatsurprise，andtheywereall——Clay，MacWilliams，andLangham——askeenlyinterestedinitasthough，eachwerepreparingitforhishoneymoon。Theywouldbewalking，togetherinValenciawhenonewouldsay，``Weoughttohavethat，forthehouse，’’andwithoutquestiontheywouldmarchintothe，shoptogetherandorderwhatevertheyfanciedtobesentoutto，thehouseofthepresidentoftheminesonthehill。They，stockeditwithwineandlinens，andhiredavolanteandsix，horses，andfittedoutthedriverwithanewpairofbootsthat，reachedabovehisknees，andasilverjacketandasombrerothat，wassoheavywithbraidthatitflashedlikeahaloabouthis，headinthesunlight，andhewasorderednottowearituntilthe，ladiescame，underpenaltyofarrest。ItdelightedClaytofind，thatitwasonlythebeautifulthingsandthefinethingsof，hisdailyroutinethatsuggestedhertohim，asthoughshecould，notbeassociatedinhismindwithanythinglessworthy，andhe，keptsayingtohimself，``Shewilllikethisviewfromtheendof，theterrace，’’and``Thiswillbeherfavoritewalk，’’or``She，willswingherhammockhere，’’and``Iknowshewillnotfancy，therugthatWeimerchose。’’

Whilethisfairypalacewasgrowingthethreemenlivedas，roughlyasbeforeinthewoodenhutattheterminusofthe，freightroad，threehundredyardsbelowthehouse，andhidden，fromitbyanimpenetrablerampartofbrushandSpanishbayonet。

Therewasaroughroadleadingfromittothecity，fivemiles，away，whichtheyhadextendedstillfartherupthehilltothe，Palms，whichwasthenameLanghamhadselectedforhisfather’s，house。Andwhenitwasfinallyfinished，theycontinuedtolive，underthecorrugatedzincroofoftheirofficebuilding，and，lockingupthePalms，leftitinchargeofagardeneranda，watchmanuntilthecomingofitsrightfulowners。

Ithadbeenaviciouslyhot，closeday，andevennowtheaircame，insickeningwaves，likeablastfromtheengine-roomofa，steamer，andtheheatlightningplayedroundthemountainsover，theharborandshowedtheemptywharves，andtheblackoutlines，ofthesteamers，andthewhitefrontoftheCustom-House，and，thelonghalf-circleoftwinklinglampsalongthequay。

MacWilliamsandLanghamsatpantingonthelowerstepsofthe，office-porchconsideringwhethertheyweretoolazytoclean，themselvesandberowedovertothecity，where，asitwasSunday，night，waspromisedmuchentertainment。Theyhadbeenforthe，lasthourtryingtomakeuptheirmindsastothis，andappealing，toClaytostopworkanddecideforthem。Buthesatinsideata，tablefiguringandwritingunderthegreenshadeofastudent’s，lampandmadenoanswer。ThewallsofClay’sofficewereof，unplanedboards，bristlingwithsplinters，andhungwithblue，printsandoutlinemapsofthemine。Agaudilycoloredportrait，ofMadamelaPresidenta，thenobleandbeautifulwomanwhom，Alvarez，thePresidentofOlancho，hadlatelymarriedinSpain，waspinnedtothewallabovethetable。Thistable，withits，greenoil-clothtop，andthelamp，aboutwhichwingedinsects，beatnoisily，andanearthenwater-jar——fromwhichthewater，drippedasregularlyasthetickingofaclock——weretheonly，articlesoffurnitureintheoffice。Onashelfatonesideof，thedoorlaythemen’smachetes，abeltofcartridges，anda，revolverinaholster。

Clayrosefromthetableandstoodinthelightoftheopendoor，stretchinghimselfgingerly，forhisjointsweresoreand，stiffwithfordingstreamsandclimbingthesurfacesofrocks。

Theredoreandyellowmudofthemineswereplasteredoverhis，bootsandriding-breeches，wherehehadstoodknee-deepinthe，water，andhisshirtstucktohimlikeawetbathing-suit，showinghisribswhenhebreathedandthecurvesofhisbroad，chest。Aringofburningpaperandhotashesfellfromhis，cigarettetohisbreastandburntaholethroughthecotton，shirt，andheletitliethereandwatcheditburnwithagrim，smile。

``Iwantedtosee，’’heexplained，catchingthelookoflistless，curiosityinMacWilliams’seye，``whethertherewasanything，hotterthanmyblood。It’sracingaroundlikeboilingwaterina，pot。’’

``Listen，’’saidLangham，holdinguphishand。``Theregoesthe，callforprayersintheconvent，andnowit’stoolatetogoto，town。Iamglad，rather。I’mtootiredtokeepawake，and，besides，theydon’tknowhowtoamusethemselvesinacivilized，way——atleastnotinmyway。IwishIcouldjustdropinathome，aboutnow;don’tyou，MacWilliams？，Justaboutthistimeupin，God’scountryallthepeopleareatthetheatre，orthey’vejust，finisheddinnerandaresittingaroundsippingcoolgreenmint，tricklingthroughlittlelumpsofice。WhatI’dlike——’’he，stoppedandshutoneeyeandgazed，withhisheadononeside，at，theunimaginativeMacWilliams——``whatI’dliketodonow，’’

hecontinued，thoughtfully，``wouldbetositinthefrontrowat，acomicopera，ONTHEAISLE。Theprimadonnamustbevery，verybeautiful，andsingmostofhersongsatme，andtheremust，bethreecomedians，allgood，andachorusentirelycomposedof，girls。Inevercouldseewhytheyhavemeninthechorus，anyway。Nooneeverlooksatthem。Nowthat’swhereI’dliketo，be。Whatwouldyoulike，MacWilliams？’’

MacWilliamswasatypewithwhichClaywasintimatelyfamiliar，buttothecollege-bredLanghamhewasarevelationandajoy。

HecamefromsomelittletownintheWest，andhadlearnedwhat，heknewofengineeringatthetransit’smouth，afterhehadfirst，servedhisapprenticeshipbycuttingsage-brushanddriving，stakes。HislifehadbeenspentinMexicoandCentralAmerica，andhespokeofthehomehehadnotseenintenyearswiththe，aggressiveloyaltyoftheconfirmedwanderer，andhewasknownto，preferandtoimportcannedcornandcannedtomatoesin，preferencetoeatingthewonderfulfruitsofthecountry，because，theformercamefromtheStatesandtastedtohimofhome。He，hadcrowdedintohisyounglifeexperiencesthatwouldhave，shatteredthenervesofanyothermanwithamoresensitive，conscienceandalesshappysenseofhumor;butthesesame，experienceshadonlyservedtomakehimshrewdandself-

confidentandathiseasewhentheoccasionordifficultycame。

HepulledmeditativelyonhispipeandconsideredLangham’s，questiondeeply，whileClayandtheyoungerboysatwiththeir，armsupontheirkneesandwaitedforhisdecisioninthoughtful，silence。

``I’dliketogotothetheatre，too，’’saidMacWilliams，withan，airasthoughtoshowthathealsowaspossessedofartistic，tastes。``I’dliketoseeacomicalchapIsawoncein’80——oh，longago——beforeIjoinedtheP。Q。&M。HeWASfunny。His，namewasOwens;thatwashisname，JohnE。Owens——’’

``Oh，forheaven’ssake，MacWilliams，’’protestedLangham，in，dismay;``he’sbeendeadforfiveyears。’’

``Hashe？’’saidMacWilliams，thoughtfully。``Well——’’he，concluded，unabashed，``Ican’thelpthat，he’stheoneI’dlike，toseebest。’’

``Youcanhaveanotherwish，Mac，youknow，’’urgedLangham，``can’the，Clay？’’

Claynoddedgravely，andMacWilliamsfrownedagaininthought。

``No，’’hesaidafteraneffort，``Owens，JohnE。Owens;that’s，theoneIwanttosee。’’

``Well，nowIwantanotherwish，too，’’saidLangham。``I

movewecaneachhavetwowishes。Iwish——’’

``WaituntilI’vehadmine，’’saidClay。``You’vehadoneturn。

IwanttobeinaplaceIknowinVienna。It’snothotlike，this，butcoolandfresh。It’sanopen，out-of-doorconcert-

garden，withhundredsofcoloredlightsandtrees，andthere’s，alwaysabreezecomingthrough。AndEduardStrauss，theson，you，know，leadstheorchestrathere，andtheyplaynothingbut，waltzes，andhestandsinfrontofthem，andbeginsbyraising，himselfonhistoes，andthenheliftshisshouldersgently——and，thensinksbackagainandraiseshisbatonasthoughhewere，drawingthemusicoutafterit，andthewholeplaceseemstorock，andmove。It’slikebeingpickedupandcarriedonthedeckofa，yachtovergreatwaves;andallaroundyouarethebeautiful，ViennesewomenandthosetallAustrianofficersintheirlong，bluecoatsandflathatsandsilverswords。Andtherearecool，drinks——’’continuedClay，withhiseyesfixedonthecoming，storm——``allsortsofcooldrinks——inhigh，thinglasses，fullof，ice，alltheiceyouwant——’’

``Oh，dropit，willyou？’’criedLangham，withashrugofhis，dampshoulders。``Ican’tstandit。I’mparching。’’

``Waitaminute，’’interruptedMacWilliams，leaningforward，andlookingintothenight。``Someone’scoming。’’，Therewasa，sounddowntheroadofhoofsandtherattleoftheland-crabsas，theyscrambledoffintothebushes，andtwomenonhorsebackcame，suddenlyoutofthedarknessanddrewreininthelightfromthe，opendoor。ThefirstwasGeneralMendoza，theleaderofthe，OppositionintheSenate，andtheother，hisorderly。The，GeneraldroppedhisPanamahattohiskneeandbowedinthe，saddlethreetimes。

``Good-evening，yourExcellency，’’saidClay，rising。``Tell，thatpeontogetmycoat，willyou？’’headded，turningto，Langham。Langhamclappedhishands，andtheclangingofaguitar，ceased，andtheirservantandcookcameoutfromthebackofthe，hutandheldtheGeneral’shorsewhilehedismounted。``Wait，untilIgetyouachair，’’saidClay。``You’llfindthosesteps，ratherbadforwhiteduck。’’

``Iamfortunateinfindingyouathome，’’saidtheofficer，smiling，andshowinghiswhiteteeth。``Thetelephoneisnot，working。Itriedattheclub，butIcouldnotcallyou。’’

``It’sthestorm，Isuppose，’’Clayanswered，ashestruggled，intohisjacket。``Letmeofferyousomethingtodrink。’’，He，enteredthehouse，andreturnedwithseveralbottlesonatray，andabundleofcigars。TheSpanish-Americanpouredhimself，outaglassofwater，mixingitwithJamaicarum，andsaid，smilingagain，``Itisasayingofyourcountrymenthatwhena，manfirstcomestoOlanchoheputsalittlerumintohiswater，andthatwhenheisheresometimeheputsalittlewaterinhis，rum。’’

``Yes，’’laughedClay。``I’mafraidthat’strue。’’

Therewasapausewhilethemensippedattheirglasses，and，lookedatthehorsesandtheorderly。Theclangingoftheguitar，beganagainfromthekitchen。``Youhaveaverybeautifulview，hereoftheharbor，yes，’’saidMendoza。Heseemedtoenjoythe，pauseafterhisride，andtobeinnohastetobeginonthe，objectofhiserrand。MacWilliamsandLanghameyedeachother，covertly，andClayexaminedtheendofhiscigar，andtheyall，waited。

``Andhowaretheminesprogressing，eh？’’askedtheofficer，genially。``Youfindmuchgoodironinthem，theytellme。’’

``Yes，wearedoingverywell，’’Clayassented;``itwas，difficultatfirst，butnowthatthingsareinworkingorder，we，aregettingoutabouttenthousandtonsamonth。Wehopeto，increasethatsoontotwentythousandwhenthenewopeningsare，developedandourshippingfacilitiesareinbettershape。’’

``Somuch！’’exclaimedtheGeneral，pleasantly。

``OfwhichtheGovernmentofmycountryistogetitsshareof，tenpercent——onethousandtons！，Itismunificent！’’，Helaughed，andshookhisheadslylyatClay，whosmiledindissent。

``Butyousee，sir，’’saidClay，``youcannotblameus。The，mineshavealwaysbeenthere，beforethisGovernmentcamein，beforetheSpaniardswerehere，beforetherewasanyGovernment，atall，buttherewasnotthecapitaltoopenthemup，Isuppose，or——anditneededacertainenergytobegintheattack。Your，peopleletthechancego，and，asitturnedout，Ithinkthey，wereverywiseindoingso。Theygettenpercentoftheoutput。

That’stenpercentonnothing，fortheminesreallydidn’t，exist，asfarasyouwereconcerned，untilwecame，didthey？

Theywerejustsomuchwasteland，andtheywouldhaveremained，so。Andlookatthepricewepaiddownbeforewecutatree。

Threemillionsofdollars;that’sagooddealofmoney。Itwill，besometimebeforewerealizeanythingonthatinvestment。’’

Mendozashookhisheadandshruggedhisshoulders。``Iwillbe，frankwithyou，’’hesaid，withtheairofonetowhom，dissimulationisdifficult。``Icomehereto-nightonan，unpleasanterrand，butitiswithmeamatterofduty，andIama，soldier，towhomdutyistheforemostever。Ihavecometotell，you，Mr。Clay，thatwe，theOpposition，arenotsatisfied，withthemannerinwhichtheGovernmenthasdisposedofthese，greatirondeposits。WhenIsaynotsatisfied，mydearfriend，I

speakmostmoderately。Ishouldsaythatwearesurprisedand，indignant，andwearedeterminedthewrongithasdoneour，countryshallberighted。Ihavethehonortohavebeenchosen，tospeakforourpartyonthismostimportantquestion，andon，nextTuesday，sir，’’theGeneralstoodupandbowed，asthoughhe，werebeforeagreatassembly，``IwillriseintheSenateand，moveavoteofwantofconfidenceintheGovernmentforthe，mannerinwhichithasgivenawaytherichestpossessionsinthe，storehouseofmycountry，givingitnotonlytoaliens，butfora，pittance，forasharewhichisnotashare，butabribe，toblind，theeyesofthepeople。Ithasbeenashamefulbargain，andI

cannotsaywhoistoblame;Iaccusenoone。ButIsuspect，and，Iwilldemandaninvestigation;Iwilldemandthatthevaluenot，ofone-tenth，butofone-halfofalltheironthatyourcompany，takesoutofOlanchoshallbepaidintothetreasuryofthe，State。AndIcometoyouto-night，astheResidentDirector，to，informyoubeforehandofmyintention。Idonotwishtotakeyou，unprepared。Idonotblameyourpeople;theyarebusinessmen，theyknowhowtomakegoodbargains，theygetwhattheybest，can。Thatistheruleoftrade，buttheyhavegonetoofar，and，IadviseyoutocommunicatewithyourpeopleinNewYorkand，learnwhattheyarepreparedtooffernow——nowthattheyhaveto，dealwithmenwhodonotconsidertheirowninterestsbutthe，interestsoftheircountry。’’

Mendozamadeasweepingbowandseatedhimself，frowning，dramatically，withfoldedarms。Hisvoicestillhungintheair，forhehadspokenasearnestlyasthoughheimaginedhimself，alreadystandinginthehalloftheSenatechampioningthecause，ofthepeople。

MacWilliamslookedupatClayfromwherehesatonthesteps，belowhim，butClaydidnotnoticehim，andtherewasnosound，exceptthequicksputteringofthenicotineinLangham’spipe，at，whichhepulledquickly，andwhichwastheonlyoutwardsignthe，boygaveofhisinterest。Clayshiftedonemuddybootoverthe，otherandleanedbackwithhishandsstuckinhisbelt。