第4章

Themoonlightfellallabouther，asithadonthefirstnightof，theirarrival，amonthbefore，butnowitseemedcoldand，cheerless，andgaveanaddedsenseoflonelinesstothesilent，house。Shedidnotgoinsidetoread，asshehadpromisedtodo，butsatforthenexthourlookingoutacrosstheharbor。She，couldnotblameAlice。SheconsideredthatAlicealwaysmovedby，rulesandprecedents，likeaqueeninagameofchess，andshe，wonderedwhy。Itmadelifesotameanduninteresting，andyet，peopleinvariablyadmiredAlice，andsomeonehadspokenofher，asthenoblestexampleofthemoderngentlewoman。Shewas，sureshecouldnotgrowuptobeanythinglikethat。Shewas，quiteconfidentthatshewasgoingtodisappointherfamily。She，wonderedifpeoplewouldlikeherbetterifshewerediscreet，likeAlice，andlesslikeherbrotherTed。IfMr。Clay，for，instance，wouldlikeherbetter？，Shewonderedifhedisapproved，ofherridingontheenginewithMacWilliams，andofhertearing，throughtheminesonherpony，andspearingwithalanceof，sugar-caneatthemongrelcursthatrantosnapathisflanks。

Sherememberedhislookofastonishedamusementthedayhehad，caughtherinthisimpromptupig-sticking，andshefeltherself，growingredattherecollection。Shewassurehethoughthera，tomboy。Probablyheneverthoughtofheratall。

Hopeleanedbackinthechairandlookedupatthestarsabove，themountainsandtriedtothinkofanyofherheroesandprinces，infictionwhohadgonethroughsuchinterestingexperiencesas，hadMr。Clay。Someofthemhaddoneso，buttheywerecreatures，inabookandthisherowasalive，andsheknewhim，andhad，probablymadehimdespiseherasasillylittlegirlwhowas，scoldedandsentofftobedlikeadisobedientchild。Hopefelt，achokinginherthroatandsomethinglikeatearcreeptoher，eyes：butshewassurprisedtofindthatthefactdidnot，makeherashamedofherself。Sheownedthatshewaswounded，anddisappointed，andtomakeithardershecouldnothelp，picturingAliceandClaylaughingandtalkingtogetherinsome，cornerawayfromtheball-room，whileshe，whounderstoodhimso，well，andwhocouldnotfindthewordstotellhimhowmuchshe，valuedwhathewasandwhathehaddone，wasforgottenand，sittingherealone，likeCinderella，bytheemptyfireplace。

ThepicturewassopatheticasHopedrewit，thatforamoment，shefeltalmostatouchofself-pity，butthenextshelaughed，scornfullyatherownfoolishness，andrisingwithanimpatient，shrug，walkedawayinthedirectionofherroom。

Butbeforeshehadcrossedtheverandashewasstoppedbythe，soundofahorse’shoofsgallopingoverthehardsun-bakedroad，thatledfromthecity，andbeforeshehadsteppedforwardoutof，theshadowinwhichshestoodthehorsehadreachedthestepsand，hisriderhadpulledhimbackonhishaunchesandswunghimself，offbeforetheforefeethadtouchedtheground。

HopehadguessedthatitwasClaybyhisriding，andshefeared，fromhishastethatsomeoneofherpeoplewereill。Sosheran，anxiouslyforwardandaskedifanythingwerewrong。

Claystartedathersuddenappearance，andgaveashortboyish，laughofpleasure。

``I’msogladyou’restillup，’’hesaid。``No，nothingis，wrong。’’，Hestoppedinsomeembarrassment。Hehadbeenmovedto，returnbythefactthatthelittlegirlheknewwasintrouble，andnowthathewassuddenlyconfrontedbythisolderand，statelieryoungperson，hisactionseemedparticularlysilly，and，hewasatalosstoexplainitinanywaythatwouldnotgive，offence。

``No，nothingiswrong，’’herepeated。``Icameafter，something。’’

Clayhadborrowedoneofthecloaksthetroopersworeatnight，fromthesamemanwhohadlenthimthehorse，andashestood，bareheadedbeforeher，withthecloakhangingfromhis，shoulderstothefloorandthestarandribbonacrosshisbreast，Hopefeltverygratefultohimforbeingabletolooklikea，Princeoraheroinabook，andtoyetremainherMr。Clayatthe，sametime。

``Icametogetyoursister’sfan，’’Clayexplained。``She，forgotit。’’

Theyounggirllookedathimforamomentinsurpriseandthen，straightenedherselfslightly。Shedidnotknowwhethershewas，themoreindignantwithAliceforsendingsuchamanonso，foolishanerrand，orwithClayforsubmittingtosuchaservice。

``Oh，isthatit？’’shesaidatlast。``Iwillgoandfind，youone。’’，Shegavehimadignifiedlittlebowandmovedaway，towardthedoor，witheveryappearanceofdisapproval。

``Oh，Idon’tknow，’’sheheardClaysay，doubtfully;``Idon’t，havetogojustyet，doI？，MayInotstayherealittlewhile？’’

Hopestoodandlookedathiminsomeperplexity。

``Why，yes，’’sheanswered，wonderingly。``Butdon’tyouwantto，goback？，Youcameinagreathurry。Andwon’tAlicewanther，fan？’’

``Oh，shehasitbythistime。ItoldStuarttofindit。She，leftitinthecarriage，andthecarriageiswaitingattheend，oftheplaza。’’

``Thenwhydidyoucome？’’askedHope，withrisingsuspicion。

``Oh，Idon’tknow，’’saidClay，helplessly。``IthoughtI’d，justlikearideinthemoonlight。Ihateballsanddances，anyway，don’tyou？，Ithinkyouwereverywisenottogo。’’

Hopeplacedherhandsonthebackofthebigarm-chairandlooked，steadilyathimashestoodwhereshecouldseehisfaceinthe，moonlight。``Youcameback，’’shesaid，``becausetheythoughtI

wascrying，andtheysentyoutosee。Isthatit？，DidAlice，sendyou？’’shedemanded。

Claygaveagaspofconsternation。

``Youknowthatnoonesentme，’’hesaid。``Ithoughtthey，treatedyouabominably，andIwantedtocomeandsayso。That’s，all。AndIwantedtotellyouthatImissedyouverymuch，and，thatyournotcominghadspoiledtheeveningforme，andIcame，alsobecauseIpreferredtotalktoyouthantostaywhereIwas。

NooneknowsthatIcametoseeyou。IsaidIwasgoingtoget，thefan，andItoldStuarttofinditafterI’dleft。Ijust，wantedtoseeyou，that’sall。ButIwillgobackagainat，once。’’

WhilehehadbeenspeakingHopehadloweredhereyesfromhis，faceandhadturnedandlookedoutacrosstheharbor。Therewas，astrange，happytumultinherbreast，andshewasbreathingso，rapidlythatshewasafraidhewouldnoticeit。Shealsofeltan，absurdinclinationtocry，andthatfrightenedher。Soshe，laughedandturnedandlookedupintohisfaceagain。Claysaw，thesamelookinhereyesthathehadseentherethedaywhenshe，hadcongratulatedhimonhisworkatthemines。Hehadseenit，beforeintheeyesofotherwomenandittroubledhim。Hope，seatedherselfinthebigchair，andClaytossedhiscloakonthe，flooratherfeetandsatdownwithhisshouldersagainstoneof，thepillars。Heglancedupatherandfoundthatthelookthat，hadtroubledhimwasgone，andthathereyeswerenowsmiling，withexcitementandpleasure。

``Anddidyoubringmesomethingfromtheballinyourpocketto，comfortme，’’sheasked，mockingly。

``Yes，Idid，’’Clayanswered，unabashed。``Ibroughtyousome，bonbons。’’

``Youdidn’t，really！’’Hopecried，withashriekofdelight。

``Howabsurdofyou！，Thesortyoupull？’’

``Thesortyoupull，’’Clayrepeated，gravely。``Andalsoa，dance-card，whichisarelicofbarbarismstillexistinginthis，Southerncapital。IthasthearmsofOlanchoonitingold，and，Ithoughtyoumightliketokeepitasasouvenir。’’，Hepulled，thecardfromhiscoat-pocketandsaid，``MayIhavethis，dance？’’

``Youmay，’’Hopeanswered。``Butyouwouldn’tmindifwesatit，out，wouldyou？’’

``Ishouldpreferit，’’Claysaid，ashescrawledhisnameacross，thecard。``Itissocrowdedinside，andthecompanyisrather，mixed。’’，Theybothlaughedlightlyattheirownfoolishness，and，Hopesmileddownuponhimaffectionatelyandproudly。``Youmay，smoke，ifyouchoose;andwouldyoulikesomethingcoolto，drink？’’sheasked，anxiously。``Afteryourride，youknow，’’

shesuggested，withhospitableintent。Claysaidthathewas，verycomfortablewithoutadrink，butlightedacigarandwatched，hercovertlythroughthesmoke，asshesatsmilinghappily，andquiteunconsciouslyuponthemoonlitworldaroundthem。She，caughtClay’seyefixedonher，andlaughedlightly。

``Whatisit？’’hesaid。

``Oh，Iwasjustthinking，’’Hopereplied，``thatitwasmuch，bettertohaveadancecometoyou，thantogotothedance。’’

``Doesonemanandadance-cardandthreebonbonsconstituteyour，ideaofaball？’’

``Doesn’tit？，Yousee，Iamnotoutyet，Idon’tknow。’’

``Ishouldthinkitmightdependagooddealupontheman，’’Clay，suggested。

``Thatsoundsasthoughyouwerehinting，’’saidHope，doubtfully。``NowwhatwouldIsaytothatifIwereout？’’

``Idon’tknow，butdon’tsayit，’’Clayanswered。``Itwould，probablybesomethingveryunflatteringorveryforward，andin，eithercaseIshouldtakeyoubacktoyourchaperonandleaveyou，there。’’

Hopehadnotbeenlistening。Hereyeswerefixedonalevelwith，histie，andClayraisedhishandtoitinsometrepidation。

``Mr。Clay，’’shebeganabruptlyandleaningeagerlyforward，``wouldyouthinkmeveryrudeifIaskedyouwhatyoudidtoget，allthosecrosses？，Iknowtheymeansomething，andIdoso，wanttoknowwhat。Pleasetellme。’’

``Oh，those！’’saidClay。``ThereasonIputthemonto-nightis，becausewearingthemissupposedtobeasortofcomplimentto，yourhost。Igotinthehabitabroad——’’

``Ididn’taskyouthat，’’saidHope，severely。``Iaskedyou，whatyoudidtogetthem。NowbeginwiththeLegionofHonoron，theleft，andgorightonuntilyoucometotheend，andplease，don’tskipanything。Leaveinallthebloodthirstyparts，and，pleasedon’tbemodest。’’

``LikeOthello，’’suggestedClay。

``Yes，’’saidHope;``IwillbeDesdemona。’’

``Well，Desdemona，itwaslikethis，’’saidClay，laughing。``I

gotthatmedalandthatstarforservingintheNilecampaign，underWolseley。AfterIleftEgypt，Iwentupthecoastto，Algiers，whereItookserviceundertheFrenchinamost，disreputableorganizationknownastheForeignLegion——’’

``Don’ttellme，’’exclaimedHope，indelight，``thatyouhave，beenaChasseurd’Afrique！，Notlikethemanin`UnderTwo，Flags’？’’

``No，notatalllikethatman，’’saidClay，emphatically。``I

wasjustaplain，common，orgarden，sappeur，andIshowedthe，othergood-for-nothingshowtodigtrenches。Well，I

contaminatedtheForeignLegionforeightmonths，andthenI

wenttoPeru，whereI——’’

``You’reskipping，’’saidHope。``HowdidyougettheLegionof，Honor？’’

``Oh，that？’’saidClay。``ThatwasagalleryplayImadeonce，whenwewerechasingsomeArabs。TheytooktheFrenchflagaway，fromourcolor-bearer，andIgotitbackagainandwavedit，franticallyaroundmyheaduntilIwasquitecertaintheColonel，hadseenmedoingit，andthenIstoppedassoonasIknewthatI

wassureofpromotion。’’

``Oh，howcanyou？’’criedHope。``Youdidn’tdoanythingofthe，sort。Youprobablysavedtheentireregiment。’’

``Well，perhapsIdid，’’Clayreturned。``ThoughIdon’t，rememberit，andnobodymentioneditatthetime。’’

``Goonabouttheothers，’’saidHope。``Anddotrytobe，truthful。’’

``Well，IgotthisonefromSpain，becauseIwasPresidentofan，InternationalCongressofEngineersatMadrid。Thatwasthe，ostensiblereason，buttherealreasonwasbecauseItaughtthe，SpanishCommissionerstoplaypokerinsteadofbaccarat。The，GermanEmperorgavemethisfordesigningafort，andtheSultan，ofZanzibargavemethis，andnoonebuttheSultanknows，why，andhewon’ttell。Isupposehe’sashamed。Hegivesthem，awayinsteadofcigars。HewasoutofcigarsthedayIcalled。’’

``Whatalotofplacesyouhaveseen，’’sighedHope。``Ihave，beeninCairoandAlgiers，too，butIalwayshadtowalkabout，withagoverness，andshewouldn’tgotothemosquesbecauseshe，saidtheywerefulloffleas。WealwaysgotoHomburgandParis，inthesummer，andtobighotelsinLondon。Ilovetotravel，butIdon’tlovetotravelthatway，wouldyou？’’

``ItravelbecauseIhavenohome，’’saidClay。``I’mdifferent，fromthechapthatcamehomebecausealltheotherplaceswere，shut。Igotootherplacesbecausethereisnohomeopen。’’

``Whatdoyoumean？’’saidHope，shakingherhead。``Whyhave，younohome？’’

``TherewasaranchinColoradothatIusedtocallhome，’’said，Clay，``butthey’vecutitupintotownlots。Iownaplotin，thecemeteryoutsideofthetown，wheremymotherisburied，and，IvisitthatwheneverIamintheStates，andthatistheonly，pieceofearthanywhereintheworldthatIhavetogobackto。’’

Hopeleanedforwardwithherhandsclaspedinfrontofherand，hereyeswideopen。

``Andyourfather？’’shesaid，softly;``ishe——ishethere，too——’’

Claylookedatthelightedendofhiscigarasheturnedit，betweenhisfingers。

``Myfather，MissHope，’’hesaid，``wasafilibuster，andwent，outonthe`Virginius’tohelpfreeCuba，andwasshot，againsta，stonewall。Weneverknewwherehewasburied。’’

``Oh，forgiveme;Ibegyourpardon，’’saidHope。Therewassuch，distressinhervoicethatClaylookedatherquicklyandsawthe，tearsinhereyes。Shereachedoutherhandtimidly，andtouched，foraninstanthisownrough，sunburnedfist，asitlayclenched，onhisknee。``Iamsosorry，’’shesaid，``sosorry。’’，Forthe，firsttimeinmanyyearsthetearscametoClay’seyesand，blurredthemoonlightandthescenebeforehim，andhesat，unmannedandsilentbeforethesimpletouchofayounggirl’s，sympathy。

Anhourlater，whenhisponystruckthegravelfrombeneathhis，hoofsontheracebacktothecity，andClayturnedtowavehis，handtoHopeinthedoorway，sheseemed，asshestoodwiththe，moonlightfallingaboutherwhitefigure，likeaspiritbeckoning，thewaytoanewparadise。

VIII

ClayreachedthePresident’sPalaceduringthesupper-hour，and，foundMr。LanghamandhisdaughteratthePresident’stable。

MadameAlvarezpointedtoaplaceforhimbesideAliceLangham，whoheldupherhandinwelcome。``Youwereveryfoolishtorush，offlikethat，’’shesaid。

``Itwasn’tthere，’’saidClay，crowdingintotheplacebeside，her。

``No，itwashereinthecarriageallthetime。CaptainStuart，founditforme。’’

``Oh，hedid，didhe？’’saidClay;``that’swhyIcouldn’tfind，it。Iamhungry，’’helaughed，``myridegavemeanappetite。’’

HelookedoverandgrinnedatStuart，butthatgentlemanwas，staringfixedlyatthecandlesonthetablebeforehim，hiseyes，filledwithconcern。ClayobservedthatMadameAlvarezwas，covertlywatchingtheyoungofficer，andfrowningherdisapproval，athispreoccupation。Sohestretchedhislegunderthetable，andkickedviciouslyatStuart’sboots。OldGeneralRojas，the，Vice-President，whosatnexttoStuart，movedsuddenlyandthen，blinkedviolentlyattheceilingwithanexpressionof，patientsuffering，buttheexclamationwhichhadescapedhim，broughtStuartbacktothepresent，andhetalkedwiththewoman，nexthiminaperfunctorymanner。

MissLanghamandherfatherwerewaitingfortheircarriagein，thegreathallofthePalaceasStuartcameuptoClay，and，puttinghishandaffectionatelyonhisshoulder，beganpointing，tosomethingfartherbackinthehall。Tothenight-birdsofthe，streetsandthenoisyfiacredriversoutside，andtothecrowdof，guestswhostoodonthehighmarblestepswaitingfortheirturn，todepart，hemighthavebeenrelatinganamusinganecdoteofthe，balljustover。

``I’mingreattrouble，oldman，’’waswhathesaid。``Imust，seeyoualoneto-night。I’daskyoutomyrooms，buttheywatch，meallthetime，andIdon’twantthemtosuspectyouareinthis，untiltheymust。Gooninthecarriage，butgetoutasyoupass，thePlazaBolivarandwaitformebythestatuethere。’’

Claysmiled，apparentlyingreatamusement。``That’svery，good，’’hesaid。

HecrossedovertowhereKingstoodsurveyingthepowdered，beautiesofOlanchoandtheirgownsofapastfashion，withan，intensityofadmirationwhichwouldhavebeensuspicioustothose，whoknewhistastes。``Whenwegetintothecarriage，’’

saidClay，inalowvoice，``wewillbothcalltoStuartthatwe，willseehimto-morrowmorningatbreakfast。’’

``Allright，’’assentedKing。``What’sup？’’

StuarthelpedMissLanghamintohercarriage，andasitmoved，awayKingshoutedtohiminEnglishtorememberthathewas，breakfastingwithhimonthemorrow，andClaycalledoutin，Spanish，``Untilto-morrowatbreakfast，don’tforget。’’，And，Stuartanswered，steadily，``Goodnightuntilto-morrowatone。’’

Astheircarriagejoltedthroughthedarkandnarrowstreet，emptynowofallnoiseormovement，oneofStuart’stroopers，dashedbyitatagallop，withalightedlanternswingingathis，side。Heraiseditashepassedeachstreetcrossing，andheld，ithighabovehisheadsothatitslightfelluponthewallsof，thehousesatthefourcorners。Theclatterofhishorse’shoofs，hadnotceasedbeforeanothertroopergallopedtowardthemriding，moreslowly，andthrowingthelightofhislanternoverthe，trunksofthetreesthatlinedthepavements。Asthecarriage，passedhim，hebroughthishorsetoitssidewithajerkofthe，bridle，andswunghislanterninthefacesofitsoccupants。

``Wholives？’’hechallenged。

``Olancho，’’Clayreplied。

``Whoanswers？’’

``Freemen，’’Clayansweredagain，andpointedatthestaronhis，coat。

Thesoldiermutteredanapology，andstrikinghisheelsintohis，horse’sside，dashednoisilyaway，hislanterntossingfromside，toside，highintheair，ashedrewreintoscaneachtreeand，passedfromonelamp-posttothenext。

``Whatdoesthatmean？’’saidMr。Langham;``didhetakeusfor，highwaymen？’’

``Itisthecustom，’’saidClay。``Weareoutratherlate，you，see。’’

``IfIrememberrightly，Clay，’’saidKing，``theygaveaballat，BrusselsontheeveofWaterloo。’’

``Ibelievetheydid，’’saidClay，smiling。Hespoketothe，drivertostopthecarriage，andsteppeddownintothestreet。

``Ihavetoleaveyouhere，’’hesaid;``driveonquickly，please;Icanexplainbetterinthemorning。’’

ThePlazaBolivarstoodinwhathadoncebeenthecentreofthe，fashionablelifeofOlancho，butthetownhadmovedfartherup，thehill，anditwasnowfarinthesuburbs，itswalksneglected，anditsturfoverrunwithweeds。Thehousesaboutithadfallen，intodisuse，andthefewthatwerestilloccupiedatthetime，Clayentereditshowednosignoflife。Claypickedhisway，overthegrass-grownpathstothestatueofBolivar，the，heroofthesisterrepublicofVenezuela，whichstillstoodon，itspedestalinatangleofunderbrushandhangingvines。The，ironrailingthathadoncesurroundeditwasbrokendown，andthe，branchesofthetreesnearwereblackwithsleepingbuzzards。

Twogreatpalmsrearedthemselvesinthemoonlightateither，side，andbeattheirleavestogetherinthenightwind，whisperingandmurmuringtogetherliketwolivingconspirators。

``Thisoughttobesafeenough，’’Claymurmuredtohimself。

``It’sjusttheplaceforplotting。Ihopethereareno，snakes。’’，Heseatedhimselfonthestepsofthepedestal，and，lightingacigar，remainedsmokingandpeeringintotheshadows，abouthim，untilashadowblackerthanthedarknessroseathis，feet，andavoicesaid，sternly，``Putoutthatlight。Isawit，halfamileaway。’’

Clayroseandcrushedhiscigarunderhisfoot。``Nowthen，old，man，’’hedemandedbriskly，``what’sup？，It’snearlydaylight，andwemusthurry。’’

Stuartseatedhimselfheavilyonthestonesteps，likeaman，tiredinmindandbody，andunfoldedaprintedpieceofpaper。

Itsblanksidewasdampandstickywithpaste。

``Itistoodarkforyoutoseethis，’’hebegan，ina，strainedvoice，``soIwilltranslateittoyou。Itisanattack，onMadameAlvarezandmyself。Theyputthemupduringtheball，whentheyknewmymenwouldbeatthePalace。Ihavehadthem，scouringthestreetsforthelasttwohourstearingthemdown，buttheyareallovertheplace，inthecafe’sandclubs。They，havedonewhattheyweremeanttodo。’’

Claytookanothercigarfromhispocketandrolleditbetweenhis，lips。``Whatdoesitsay？’’heasked。

``Itgoesovertheoldgroundfirst。ItsaysAlvarezhasgiven，therichestbirthrightofhiscountrytoaliens——thatmeansthe，minesandLangham——andhasputanalienincommandofthearmy——

thatismeantforme。I’venomoretodowiththearmythanyou，have——IonlywishIhad！，Andthenitsaysthattheboundary，aggressionsofEcuadorandVenezuelahavenotbeenresentedin，consequence。ItaskswhatcanbeexpectedofaPresidentwhois，asblindtothedishonorofhiscountryasheistothedishonor，ofhisownhome？’’

Claymutteredunderhisbreath，``Well，goon。Isitexplicit？

Moreexplicitthanthat？’’

``Yes，’’saidStuart，grimly。``Ican’trepeatit。Itisquite，clearwhattheymean。’’

``Haveyougotanyofthem？’’Clayasked。Canyoufixiton，someonethatyoucanfight？’’

``Mendozadidit，ofcourse，’’Stuartanswered，``butwecannot，proveit。Andifwecould，wearenotstrongenoughtotakehim。

Hehasthecityfullofhismennow，andthetroopsarepouring，ineveryhour。’’

``Well，Alvarezcanstopthat，can’the？’’

``Theyarecominginfortheannualreview。Hecan’tshowthe，peoplethatheisafraidofhisownarmy。’’

``Whatareyougoingtodo？’’

``WhatamIgoingtodo？’’Stuartrepeated，dully。``Thatis，whatIwantyoutotellme。ThereisnothingIcandonow。I’ve，broughttroubleandinsultonpeoplewhohavebeenkindertome，thanmyownbloodhavebeen。WhotookmeinwhenIwasnakedand，clothedme，whenIhadn’tafriendorasixpencetomyname。You，remember——IcameherefromthatrowinColombiawithmywound，andIwasdownwiththefeverwhentheyfoundme，andAlvarez，gavemetheappointment。AndthisishowIrewardthem。IfI

stayIdomoreharm。IfIgoawayIleavethemsurroundedby，enemies，andnotenemieswhofightfair，butdamnedthievesand，scoundrels，whostabatwomenandwhofightinthedark。I

wouldn’thavehadithappen，oldman，formyrightarm！

They——theyhavebeensokindtome，andIhavebeensohappy，here——andnow！’’，Theboybowedhisfaceinhishandsandsat，breathingbrokenlywhileClayturnedhisunlitcigarbetweenhis，teethandpeeredathimcuriouslythroughthedarkness。``NowI

havemadethembothunhappy，andtheyhateme，andIhatemyself，andIhavebroughtnothingbuttroubletoeveryone。FirstI

mademyownpeoplemiserable，andnowImakemybestfriends，miserable，andIhadbetterbedead。IwishIweredead。Iwish，Ihadneverbeenborn。’’

Claylaidhishandontheother’sbowedshoulderandshookhim，gently。``Don’ttalklikethat，’’hesaid;``itdoesnogood。

Whydoyouhateyourself？’’

``What？’’askedStuart，wearily，withoutlookingup。``Whatdid，yousay？’’

``Yousaidyouhadmadethemhateyou，andyouaddedthatyou，hatedyourself。Well，Icanseewhytheynaturallywouldbe，angryforthetime，atleast。Butwhydoyouhateyourself？

Haveyoureasonto？’’

``Idon’tunderstand，’’saidStuart。

``Well，Ican’tmakeitanyplainer，’’Clayreplied。``Itisn’t，aquestionIwillask。Butyousayyouwantmyadvice。Well，my，advicetomyfriendandtoamanwhoisnotmyfriend，differ。

Andinthiscaseitdependsonwhetherwhatthatthing——’’

Claykickedthepaperwhichhadfallenontheground——``whatthat，thingsaysistrue。’’

Theyoungermanlookedatthepaperbelowhimandthenbackat，Clay，andsprangtohisfeet。

``Why，damnyou，’’hecried，``whatdoyoumean？’’

HestoodaboveClaywithbotharmsrigidathissideandhishead，bentforward。Thedawnhadjustbroken，andthetwomensaweach，otherintheghastlygraylightofthemorning。``Ifanyman，’’

criedStuartthickly，``darestosaythatthatblackguardlylie，istrueI’llkillhim。Youoranyoneelse。Isthatwhatyou，mean，damnyou？，Ifitis，sayso，andI’llbreakeveryboneof，yourbody。’’

``Well，that’smuchbetter，’’growledClay，sullenly。``Theway，youwentonwishingyouweredeadandhatingyourselfmademe，almostlosefaithinmankind。Nowyougomakethatspeechtothe，President，andthenfindthemanwhoputupthoseplacards，and，ifyoucan’tfindtherightman，takeanymanyoumeetandmake，himeatit，pasteandall，andbeathimtodeathifhedoesn’t。

Why，thisisnotimetowhimper——becausetheworldisfullof，liars。Gooutandfightthemandshowthemyouarenotafraid。

Confoundyou，youhadmesoscaredtherethatIalmostthrashed，youmyself。Forgiveme，won’tyou？’’hebeggedearnestly。

Heroseandheldouthishandandtheothertookit，doubtfully。

``Itwasyourownfault，youyoungidiot，’’protestedClay。

``Youtoldyourstorythewrongway。Nowgohomeandgetsome，sleepandI’llbebackinafewhourstohelpyou。Look！’’he，said。Hepointedthroughthetreestothesunthatshotuplike，aredhotdiskofheatabovethecoolgreenofthemountains。

``See，’’saidClay，``Godhasgivenusanotherday。Seven，battleswerefoughtinsevendaysonceinmycountry。Let’sbe，thankful，oldman，thatwe’reNOTdead，butalivetofightour，ownandotherpeople’sbattles。’’

TheyoungermansighedandpressedClay’shandagainbeforehe，droppedit。

``Youareverygoodtome，’’hesaid。``I’mnotjustquite，myselfthismorning。I’mabitnervous，Ithink。You’llsurely，come，won’tyou？’’

``Bynoon，’’Claypromised。``Andifitdoescome，’’headded，``don’tforgetmyfifteenhundredmenatthemines。’’

``Good！Iwon’t，’’Stuartreplied。``I’llcallonyouifIneed，them。’’，Heraisedhisfingersmechanicallytohishelmetin，salute，andcatchinguphisswordturnedandstrodeawayerect，andsoldierlythroughthedebrisandweedsofthedesertedplaza。

Clayremainedmotionlessonthestepsofthepedestaland，followedtheyoungermanwithhiseyes。Hedrewalongbreath，andbeganaleisurelysearchthroughhispocketsforhismatch-

box，gazingabouthimashedidso，asthoughlookingforsome，onetowhomhecouldspeakhisfeelings。Heliftedhiseyesto，thestern，smooth-shavenfaceofthebronzestatueabovehimthat，seemedtobewatchingStuart’sdepartingfigure。

``GeneralBolivar，’’Claysaid，ashelithiscigar，``observe，thatyoungman。Heisasoldierandagallantgentleman。You，sir，wereagreatsoldier——thegreatestthisGod-forsakencountry，willeverknow——andyouwere，sir，anardentlover。Iaskyouto，salutethatyoungmanasIdo，andtowishhimwell。’’，Clay，liftedhishighhattothebackoftheyoungofficerasitwas，hiddeninthehangingvines，andonceagain，withgraverespect，tothegrimfeaturesofthegreatgeneralabovehim，andthen，smilingathisownconceit，heranlightlydownthestepsand，disappearedamongthetreesoftheplaza。

IX

Claysleptforthreehours。Hehadleftanoteonthefloor，instructingMacWilliamsandyoungLanghamnottogotothemines，buttowakenhimatteno’clock，andbyeleventhethreemenwere，gallopingofftothecity。AstheyleftthePalmstheymetHope，returningfromamorningrideontheAlameda，andClaybegged，her，withmuchconcern，nottorideabroadagain。Therewasa，differenceinhistonetowardher。Therewasmoreanxietyinit，thantheoccasionseemedtojustify，andheputhisrequestin，theformofafavortohimself，whilethedayprevioushewould，simplyhavetoldherthatshemustnotgoridingalone。

``Why？’’askedHope，eagerly。``Istheregoingtobetrouble？’’

``Ihopenot，’’Claysaid，``butthesoldiersarecominginfrom，theprovincesforthereview，andtheroadsarenotsafe。’’

``I’dbesafewithyou，though，’’saidHope，smilingpersuasively，uponthethreemen。``Won’tyoutakemewithyou，please？’’

``Hope，’’saidyoungLanghaminthetoneoftheelder，brother’sbriefauthority，``youmustgohomeatonce。’’

Hopesmiledwickedly。``Idon’twantto，’’shesaid。

``I’llbetyouaboxofcigarsIcanbeatyoutotheverandaby，fiftyyards，’’saidMacWilliams，turninghishorse’shead。

Hopeclaspedhersailorhatinonehandandswungherwhipwith，theother。``Ithinknot，’’shecried，anddisappearedwitha，flutterofskirtsandascurryofflyingpebbles。

``Attimes，’’saidClay，``MacWilliamsshowsanunexpected，knowledgeofhumannature。’’

``Yes，hedidquiteright，’’assentedLangham，noddinghishead，mysteriously。``We’venotimeforgirlsatpresent，havewe？’’

``No，indeed，’’saidClay，hidinganysignofasmile。

Langhambreatheddeeplyatthethoughtoftheparthewastoplay，inthiscomingstruggle，andremainedrespectfullysilentasthey，trottedtowardthecity。Hedidnotwishtodisturbtheplots，andcounterplotsthathewasconfidentwereforminginClay’s，brain，andhisdevotionwouldhavebeenseverelytriedhadhe，knownthathishero’smindwasfilledwithapictureofayoung，girlinablueshirt-waistandawhipcordriding-skirt。

ClaysentforStuarttojointhemattherestaurant，and，MacWilliamsarrivingatthesametime，thefourmenseated，themselvesconspicuouslyinthecentreofthecafe’andsipped，theirchocolateasthoughunconsciousofanyimminentdanger，and，inapparentfreedomfromallresponsibilitiesandcare。While，MacWilliamsandLanghamlaughedanddisputedoveragameof，dominoes，theoldermenexchanged，undercoveroftheirchatter，thefewwordswhichtheyhadmettospeak。

Themanifestoes，Stuartsaid，hadfailedoftheirpurpose。He，hadalreadycalleduponthePresident，andhadofferedtoresign，hispositionandleavethecountry，ortostayandfighthis，maligners，andtakeuparmsatonceagainstMendoza’sparty。

Alvarezhadtreatedhimlikeason，andbadehimbepatient。He，heldthatCaesar’swifewasabovesuspicionbecauseshewas，Caesar’swife，andthatnocanardspostedatmidnightcould，affecthisfaithinhiswifeorinhisfriend。Herefusedto，believethatanycoupd’etatwasimminent，savetheone，whichhehimselfmeditatedwhenhewasreadytoproclaimthe，countryinastateofrevolution，andtoassumeamilitary，dictatorship。

``Whatnonsense！’’exclaimedClay。``Whatisamilitary，dictatorshipwithoutsoldiers？，Can’theseethatthearmyis，withMendoza？’’

``No，’’Stuartreplied。``RojasandIwerewithhimallthe，morning。Rojasisanoldtrump，Clay。He’snotbrightandhe’s，old-fashioned;butheishonest。Andthepeopleknowit。IfI

hadRojasforachiefinsteadofAlvarez，I’darrestMendozawith，myownhand，andIwouldn’tbeafraidtotakehimtothecarcel，throughthestreets。Thepeoplewouldn’thelphim。Butthe，Presidentdoesn’tdare。Notthathehasn’tpluck，’’addedthe，younglieutenant，loyally，``forhetakeshislifeinhishands，whenhegoestothereviewtomorrow，andheknowsit。Thinkof，it，willyou，outtherealonewithafieldoffivethousandmen，aroundhim！，Rojasthinkshecanholdhalfofthem，asmanyas，Mendozacan，andIhavemyfifty。Butyoucan’ttellwhatany，oneofthemwilldoforadrinkoradollar。They’renomore，soldiersthanthesewaiters。They’rebanditsinuniform，and，they’llkillforthemanthatpaysbest。’’

``Thenwhydoesn’tAlvarezpaythem？’’Claygrowled。

Stuartlookedawayandloweredhiseyestothetable。``He，hasn’tthemoney，Isuppose，’’hesaid，evasively。``He——hehas，transferredeverycentofitintodraftsonRothschild。Theyare，atthehousenow，representingfivemillionsofdollarsingold——

andherjewels，too——packedreadyforflight。’’

``Thenhedoesexpecttrouble？’’saidClay。``Youtoldme——’’

``They’reallalike;youknowthem，’’saidStuart。``Theywon’t，believethey’reindangeruntiltheexplosioncomes，butthey，alwayshaveaspecialtrainready，andtheykeepthefundsofthe，governmentundertheirpillows。Heengagedapartmentsonthe，AvenueKlebersixmonthsago。’’

``Bah！’’saidClay。``It’stheoldstory。Whydon’tyouquit，him？’’

Stuartraisedhiseyesanddroppedthemagain，andClaysighed。

``I’msorry，’’hesaid。

MacWilliamsinterruptedtheminanindignantstage-whisper。

``Say，howlonghavewegottokeepupthisfakegame？’’he，asked。``Idon’tknowanythingaboutdominoes，andneitherdoes，Ted。Telluswhatyou’vebeensaying。Istheregoingtobe，trouble？，Ifthereis，TedandIwanttobeinit。Weare，lookingfortrouble。’’

Clayhadtippedbackhischair，andwassurveyingtherestaurant，andtheblazingplazabeyonditsopenfrontwithanexpressionof，cheerfulunconcern。Twomenwerereadingthemorningpapersnear，thedoor，andtwoothersweredraggingthroughagameofdominoes，inafarcorner。Theheatofmiddayhadsettledontheplace，andthewaitersdozed，withtheirchairstippedbackagainstthe，walls。Outside，theawningoftherestaurantthrewabroad，shadowacrossthemarble-toppedtablesonthesidewalk，andhalf，adozenfiacredriverssleptpeacefullyintheircarriagesbefore，thedoor。

Thetownwastakingitssiesta，andthebriskstepofastranger，whocrossedthetessellatedfloorandrappedwithhisknuckleson，thetopofthecigar-casewastheonlysignoflife。The，newcomerturnedwithonehandontheglasscaseandsweptthe，roomcarelesslywithhiseyes。Theywerehardblueeyesunder，straighteyebrows。Theirownerwasdressedunobtrusivelyina，suitofroughtweed，andthisandhisblackhat，andthefact，thathewassmooth-shaven，distinguishedhimasaforeigner。

AshefacedthemtheforelegsofClay’schairdescendedslowlyto，thefloor，andhebegantosmilecomprehendinglyandtonodhis，headasthoughthecomingofthestrangerhadexplainedsomething，ofwhichhehadbeenindoubt。Hiscompanionsturnedand，followedthedirectionofhiseyes，butsawnothingofinterest，inthenewcomer。Helookedasthoughhemightbeaconcession，hunterfromtheStates，oraManchesterdrummer，preparedto，offersixmonths’creditonblanketsandhardware。

Clayroseandstrodeacrosstheroom，circlingthetablesinsuch，awaythathecouldkeephimselfbetweenthestrangerand，thedoor。Athisapproachthenew-comerturnedhisbackand，fumbledwithhischangeonthecounter。

``CaptainBurke，Ibelieve？’’saidClay。Thestrangerbitthe，cigarhehadjustpurchased，andshookhishead。``Iamvery，gladtoseeyou，’’Claycontinued。``Sitdown，won’tyou？，I

wanttotalkwithyou。’’

``Ithinkyou’vemadeamistake，’’thestrangeranswered，quietly。``Mynameis——’’

``Colonel，perhaps，then，’’saidClay。``Imighthaveknownit。

Icongratulateyou，Colonel。’’

ThemanlookedatClayforaninstant，withthecigarclenched，betweenhisteethandhisblueeyesfixedsteadilyontheother’s，face。Claywavedhishandagaininvitinglytowardatable，and，themanshruggedhisshouldersandlaughed，and，pullingachair，towardhim，satdown。

``Comeoverhere，boys，’’Claycalled。``Iwantyoutomeetan，oldfriendofmine，CaptainBurke。’’

ThemancalledBurkestaredatthethreemenastheycrossedthe，roomandseatedthemselvesatthetable，andnoddedtothemin，silence。

``Wehavehere，’’saidClay，gayly，butinalowvoice，``thekey，tothesituation。ThisisthegentlemanwhosuppliesMendoza，withthesinewsofwar。CaptainBurkeisabravesoldieranda，citizenofmyownorofanycountry，indeed，whichhappens，tohavethemostsympatheticConsul-General。’’

Burkesmiledgrimly，withacondescendingnod，andputtingaway，thecigar，tookoutabrierpipeandbegantofillitfromhis，tobacco-pouch。``TheCaptainisamanoffewwordsandextremely，modestabouthimself，’’Claycontinued，lightly;``soImusttell，youwhoheismyself。Heisapromoterofrevolutions。Thatis，hisbusiness，——aprofessionalpromoterofrevolutions，andthat，iswhatmakesmesogladtoseehimagain。Heknowsallabout，thepresentcrisishere，andheisgoingtotellusallheknows，assoonashefillshispipe。Ioughttowarnyou，Burke，’’he，added，``thatthisisCaptainStuart，inchargeofthepoliceand，thePresident’scavalrytroop。So，yousee，whateveryousay，youwillhaveonemanwhowilllistentoyou。’’

Burkecrossedoneshortfatlegovertheother，andcrowdedthe，tobaccointhebowlofhispipewithhisthumb。

``IthoughtyouwereinChili，Clay，’’hesaid。

``No，youdidn’tthinkIwasinChili，’’Clayreplied，kindly。

``IleftChilitwoyearsago。TheCaptainandImetthere，’’he，explainedtotheothers，``whenBalmacedawastryingtomake，himselfdictator。TheCaptainwasonthesideofthe，Congressionalists，andwasfurnishingarmsanddynamite。

TheCaptainisalwaysonthewinningside，atleasthealwayshas，been——uptothepresent。Heisnotacreatureofsentiment;are，you，Burke？，TheCaptainbelieveswithNapoleonthatGodison，thesidethathastheheaviestartillery。’’

Burkelightedhispipeanddrummedabsentmindedlyonthetable，withhismatch-box。

``Ican’taffordtobesentimental，’’hesaid。``Notinmy，business。’’

``Ofcoursenot，’’Clayassented，cheerfully。HelookedatBurke，andlaughed，asthoughthesightofhimrecalledpleasant，memories。``IwishIcouldgivetheseboysanideaofhowclever，youare，Captain，’’hesaid。``TheCaptainwasthefirstman，forinstance，tothinkofpackingcartridgesintubsoflard，and，ofsendingriflesinpiano-cases。HerepresentstheWelby，revolverpeopleinEngland，andhalfadozenfirmsintheStates，andhehashislittlestoresinTampaandMobileandJamaica，readytoshipoffatamoment’snoticetoanyrevolutionin，CentralAmerica。WhenIfirstmettheCaptain，’’Claycontinued，gleefully，andquiteunmindfuloftheother’scontinuedsilence，``hewasstartingofftorescueArabiPashafromtheislandof，Ceylon。Youmayremember，boys，thatwhenDufferinsavedArabi，fromhanging，theBritishshippedhimtoCeylonasa，politicalprisoner。Well，theCaptainwassentbyArabi’s，followersinEgypttobringhimbacktoleadasecondrebellion。

BurkehadeverybodybribedatCeylon，andafineschoonerfitted，outandalotofruffianstodothefighting，andthenthegood，kindBritishGovernmentpardonedArabithedaybeforeBurke，arrivedinport。Andyounevergotacentforit;didyou，Burke？’’

Burkeshookhisheadandfrowned。

``SixthousandpoundssterlingIwastohavegotforthat，’’he，said，withatouchofpardonableprideinhisvoice，``andthey，sethimfreethedaybeforeIgotthere，justasMr。Claytells，you。’’

``AndthenyouheadedGranvillePrior’sexpeditionforburied，treasureofftheislandofCocos，didn’tyou？’’saidClay。``Go，on，tellthemaboutit。Besociable。Yououghttowriteabook，aboutyourdifferentbusinessventures，Burke，indeedyouought;

butthen，’’Clayadded，smiling，``nobodywouldbelieveyou。’’

Burkerubbedhischin，thoughtfully，withhisfingers，andlooked，modestlyattheceiling，andthetwoyoungerboysgazedathim，withopen-mouthedinterest。

``Thereain’tanythinginburiedtreasure，’’hesaid，aftera，pause，``exceptthemoneythat’ssunkinthefittingout。It，soundsgood，butit’sallfoolishness。’’

``Allfoolishness，eh？’’saidClay，encouragingly。``And，whatdidyoudoafterBalmacedawasbeaten？——afterIlastsaw，you？’’

``Crespo，’’Burkereplied，afterapause，duringwhichhepulled，gentlyonhispipe。```CarolineBrewer’——clearedfromKeyWest，forCuracao，withcargoofsewing-machinesandploughs——

beachedbelowMaracaibo——thirty-fivethousandroundsandtwo，thousandrifles——attwentybolivarsapiece。’’

``Ofcourse，’’saidClay，inatoneofgenuineappreciation。``I

mighthaveknownyou’dbeinthat。Hesays，’’heexplained，``thatheassistedGeneralCrespoinVenezueladuringhis，revolutionagainstGuzmanBlanco’sparty，andloadedatramp，steamercalledthe`CarolineBrewer’atKeyWestwitharms，which，helandedsafelyataplaceforwhichhehadnoclearancepapers，andhereceivedfortythousanddollarsinourmoneyforthejob——

andverygoodpay，too，Ishouldthink，’’commentedClay。

``Well，Idon’tknow，’’Burkedemurred。``Youtakeinthecost，ofleasingtheboatandprovisioningher，andthecrew’swages，andthecostofthecargo;thatcutsintoprofits。ThenIhadto，standoffshorebetweenTrinidadandCuracaoforoverthree，weeksbeforeIgotthesignaltorunin，andafterthatIwas，chasedbyagun-boatforthreedays，andthecrazyfoolputa，shotcleanthroughmyengine-room。Costmeabouttwelve，hundreddollarsinrepairs。’’

Therewasapause，andClayturnedhiseyestothestreet，and，thenasked，abruptly，``Whatareyoudoingnow？’’

``Tryingtogetordersforsmokelesspowder，’’Burkeanswered，promptly。HemetClay’slookwitheyesasundisturbedashis，own。``Buttheywon’ttouchitdownhere，’’hewenton。``It，doesn’tappealto’em。It’stooexpensive，andthey’drathersee，thesmoke。Itmakesthemthink——’’

``Howlongdidyouexpecttostayhere？’’Clayinterrupted。

``Howlong？’’repeatedBurke，likeamaninawitness-boxwhois，tryingtogaintime。``Well，Iwasthinkingofleavingby，Friday，andtakingamule-trainovertoBogotainsteadofwaiting，forthesteamertoColon。’’，Heblewamouthfulofsmokeintothe，airandwatcheditdriftingtowardthedoorwithapparent，interest。

``The`Santiago’leaveshereSaturdayforNewYork。Iguessyou，hadbetterwaitoverforher，’’Claysaid。``I’llengageyour，passage，and，inthemeantime，CaptainStuartherewillseethat，theytreatyouwellinthecuartel。’’

Themenaroundthetablestarted，andsatmotionlesslookingat，Clay，butBurkeonlytookhispipefromhismouthand，knockedtheashesoutontheheelofhisboot。``WhatamIgoing，tothecuartelfor？’’heasked。

``Well，thepublicgood，Isuppose，’’laughedClay。``I’msorry，butit’syourownfault。Youshouldn’thaveshownyourselfhere，atall。’’

``Whathaveyougottodowithit？’’askedBurke，calmly，ashe，begantorefillhispipe。Hehadtheairofamanwhosaw，nothingbeforehimbutanafternoonofpleasantdiscourseand，leisurelyinactivity。

``YouknowwhatI’vegottodowithit，’’Clayreplied。``I’ve，gotourconcessiontolookafter。’’

``Well，you’renotrunningthetown，too，areyou？’’askedBurke。

``No，butI’mgoingtorunyououtofit，’’Clayanswered。

``Now，whatareyougoingtodo，——makeitunpleasantforusand，forceourhand，ordrivedownquietlywithourfriendMacWilliams，here？，Heisthebestonetotakeyou，becausehe’snotsowell，known。’’

BurketurnedhisheadandlookedoverhisshoulderatStuart。

``YoutakingordersfromMr。Clay，to-day，CaptainStuart？’’he，asked。

``Yes，’’Stuartanswered，smiling。``IagreewithMr。Clayin，whateverhethinksright。’’

``Oh，well，inthatcase，’’saidBurke，risingreluctantly，withaprotestingsigh，``IguessI’dbettercallontheAmerican，minister。’’

``Youcan’t。He’sinEcuadoronhisannualvisit，’’saidClay。

``Indeed！，That’sbadforme，’’mutteredBurke，asthoughinmuch，concern。``Well，then，I’llaskyoutoletmeseeourconsul，here。’’

``Certainly，’’Clayassented，withalacrity。``Mr。Langham，this，younggentleman’sfather，gothimhisappointment，soI’veno，doubthe’llbeonlytoogladtodoanythingforafriendof，ours。’’

BurkeraisedhiseyesandlookedinquiringlyatClay，asthough，toassurehimselfthatthiswastrue，andClaysmiledbackat，him。

``Oh，verywell，’’Burkesaid。``Then，asIhappentobean，IrishmanbythenameofBurke，andaBritishsubject，I’lltry，HerMajesty’srepresentative，andwe’llseeifhewillallowme，tobelockedupwithoutareasonorawarrant。’’

``That’snogood，either，’’saidClay，shakinghishead。``You，fixedyournationality，asfarasthiscontinentisconcerned，in，Rioharbor，whenPeixotohandedyouovertotheBritishadmiral，andyouclaimedtobeanAmericancitizen，andweresentonboard，the`Detroit。’，Ifthere’sanydoubtaboutthatwe’veonlygotto，cabletoRioJaneiro——toeitherlegation。Butwhat’stheuse？

Theyknowmehere，andtheydon’tknowyou，andIdo。

You’llhavetogotojailandstaythere。’’

``Oh，well，ifyouputitthatway，I’llgo，’’saidBurke。

``But，’’headded，inalowervoice，``it’stoolate，Clay。’’

TheexpressionofamusementonClay’sface，andhiseaseof，manner，fellfromhimatthewords，andhepulledBurkebackinto，thechairagain。``Whatdoyoumean？’’heasked，anxiously。

``Imeanjustthat，it’stoolate，’’Burkeanswered。``Idon’t，mindgoingtojail。Iwon’tbetherelong。Mywork’salldone，andpaidfor。Iwasonlystayingontoseethefunatthe，finish，toseeyoufellowsmadefoolsof。’’

``Oh，you’resureofthat，areyou？’’askedClay。

``Mydearboy！’’exclaimedtheAmerican，withasuggestioninhis，speechofhisIrishorigin，ashisinterestrose。``Didyouever，knowmetogointoanythingofthissortforthesentimentofit？

Didyoueverknowmetobackthelosingside？，No。Well，Itell，youthatyoufellowshavenomoreshowinthisthanaparcelof，Sunday-schoolchildren。OfcourseIcan’tsaywhentheymeanto，strike。Idon’tknow，andIwouldn’ttellyouifIdid。But，whentheydostrikethere’llbenostrikingback。It’llbeall，overbutthecheering。’’

Burke’stonewascalmandpositive。Heheldthecentreofthe，stagenow，andhelookedfromonetotheotherofthe，seriousfacesaroundhimwithanexpressionofpityingamusement。

``Alvarezmaygetoff，andsomayMadameAlvarez，’’headded，loweringhisvoiceandturninghisfaceawayfromStuart。``But，notifsheshowsherselfinthestreets，andnotifshetriesto，takethosedraftsandjewelswithher。’’

``Oh，youknowthat，doyou？’’interruptedClay。

``Iknownothing，’’Burkereplied。``Atleast，nothingtowhat，therestofthemknow。That’sonlythegossipIpickupat，headquarters。Itdoesn’tconcernme。I’vedeliveredmygoods，andgivenmyreceiptforthemoney，andthat’sallIcareabout。

Butifitwillmakeanoldfriendfeelanymorecomfortableto，havemeinjail，why，I’llgo，that’sall。’’

ClaysatwithpursedlipslookingatStuart。Thetwoboysleaned，withtheirelbowsonthetablesandstaredatBurke，whowas，searchingleisurelythroughhispocketsforhismatch-box。From，outsidecamethelazycryofavendoroflotterytickets，andthe，swift，unevenpatterofbarefeet，ascompanyaftercompanyof，dust-coveredsoldierspassedontheirwayfromtheprovinces，withtheirshoesswingingfromtheirbayonets。

Clayslappedthetablewithanexclamationofimpatience。

``Afterall，thisisonlyamatterofbusiness，’’hesaid，``withallofus。Whatdoyousay，Burke，totakingaridewith，metoStuart’srooms，andhavingatalktherewiththePresident，andMr。Langham？，Langhamhasthreemillionssunkinthesemines，andAlvarezhasevenbetterreasonsthanthatforwantingtohold，hisjob。Whatdoyousay？，That’sbetterthangoingtojail。

Telluswhattheymeantodo，andwhoistodoit，andI’lllet，younameyourownfigure，andI’llguaranteeyouthatthey’ll，meetit。Aslongasyou’venosentiment，youmightaswellfight，onthesidethatwillpaybest。’’

Burkeopenedhislipsasthoughtospeak，andthenshutthem，again，closely。IftheothersthoughtthathewasgivingClay’s，propositionasecondandmoreseriousthought，hewasquickto，undeceivethem。

``ThereAREmeninthebusinesswhodothatsortofthing，’’

hesaid。``Theysellarmstooneman，andsellthefactthat，he’sgotthemtothedeputy-marshals，andsellthestoryofhow，smartthey’vebeentothenewspapers。Andtheynevermakeany，moresalesafterthat。I’dlookpretty，wouldn’tI，bringing，stuffintothiscountry，andgettingpaidforit，andthen，tellingyouwhereitwashid，andeverythingelseIknew？，I’ve，nosentiment，asyousay，butI’vegotbusinessinstinct，and，that’snotbusiness。No，I’vetoldyouenough，andifyou，thinkI’mnotsafeatlarge，whyI’mquitereadytotakearide，withyouryoungfriendhere。’’

MacWilliamsrosewithalacrity，andbeamingwithpleasureatthe，importanceofthedutythrustuponhim。

Burkesmiled。``Theyoung’unseemstolikethejob，’’hesaid。

``It’sanhonortobeassociatedwithCaptainBurkeinanyway，’’

saidMacWilliams，ashefollowedhimintoacab，whileStuart，gallopedoffbeforetheminthedirectionofthecuartel。

``Youwouldn’tthinksoifyouknewbetter，’’saidBurke。``My，friendshavebeenwatchinguswhilewehavebeentalkinginthere，forthelasthour。They’rewatchingusnow，andifIweretonod，myheadduringthisride，they’dthrowyououtintothestreet，andsetmefree，iftheyhadtobreakthecabintokindling-wood，whiletheyweredoingit。’’

MacWilliamschangedhisseattotheoneoppositehisprisoner，andpeeredupanddownthestreetinsomeanxiety。

``Isupposeyouknowthere’sananswertothat，don’tyou？’’he，asked。``Well，theansweris，thatifyounodyourheadonce，youlosethetopofit。’’

Burkegaveanexclamationofdisgust，andgazedathiszealous，guardianwithanexpressionoftrepidationandunconcealed，disapproval。``You’renotarmed，areyou？’’heasked。

MacWilliamsnodded。``Whynot？’’hesaid;``thesearerather，heavyweathertimes，justatpresent，thankstoyouandyour，friends。Why，youseemratherafraidoffire-arms，’’headded，withtheintoleranceofyouth。

TheIrish-Americantouchedtheyoungmanontheknee，andlifted，hishat。``Myson，’’hesaid，``whenyourhairisasgrayas，that，andyouhavebeenthroughsixcampaigns，you’llbebrave，enoughtoownthatyou’reafraidoffire-arms，too。’’

X

ClayandLanghamleftMacWilliamsandStuarttolookaftertheir，prisoner，andreturnedtothePalms，wheretheydinedinstate，andmadenoreference，whilethewomenwerepresent，tothe，eventsoftheday。

Themoonroselatethatnight，andasHopewatchedit，fromwhere，shesatatthedinner-tablefacingtheopenwindows，shesawthe，figureofamanstandingoutlinedinsilhouetteupontheedgeof，thecliff。Hewasdressedintheuniformofasailor，andthe，moonlightplayedalongthebarrelofarifleuponwhichhe，leaned，motionlessandmenacing，likeasentryonarampart。

Hopeopenedherlipstospeak，andthenclosedthemagain，and，smiledwithpleasurableexcitement。AmomentlaterKing，whosat，onherright，calledoneoftheservantstohissideand，whisperedsomeinstructions，pointingmeanwhileatthewineupon，thetable。Andaminuteafter，Hopesawthewhitefigureofthe，servantcrossthegardenandapproachthesentinel。Shesawthe，sentryflinghisgunsharplytohiship，andthen，aftera，moment’sparley，tossituptohisshoulderanddisappearfrom，sightamongtheplantsofthegarden。

Themendidnotleavethetablewiththeladies，aswastheir，custom，butremainedinthedining-room，anddrewtheirchairs，closertogether。

Mr。LanghamwouldnotbelievethatthedownfalloftheGovernment，wasasimminentastheothersbelievedittobe。Itwasonly，aftermuchargument，andwithgreatreluctance，thathehadeven，allowedKingtoarmhalfofhiscrew，andtoplacethemonguard，aroundthePalms。Claywarnedhimthatinthedisorderthat，followedeverysuccessfulrevolution，thehomesofunpopular，membersoftheCabinetwereoftenburned，andthathefeared，shouldMendozasucceed，andAlvarezfall，thatthemobmight，possiblyventitsvictoriouswrathonthePalmsbecauseitwas，thehomeofthealien，whohad，astheythought，robbedthe，countryoftheironmines。Mr。Langhamsaidhedidnotthinkthe，peoplewouldtrampfivemilesintothecountryseekingvengeance。

TherewasanAmericanman-of-warlyingintheharborofTruxillo，aseaportoftherepublicthatboundedOlanchoonthesouth，and，ClaywasinfavorofsendingtohercaptainbyWeimer，the，Consul，andaskinghimtoanchoroffValencia，toprotect，Americaninterests。Therunwouldtakebutafewhours，and，thesightofthevessel’swhitehullintheharborwould，he，thought，haveasalutaryeffectupontherevolutionists。ButMr。

Langhamsaid，firmly，thathewouldnotaskforhelpuntilhe，neededit。

``Well，I’msorry，’’saidClay。``Ishouldverymuchliketo，havethatman-of-warhere。However，ifyousayno，wewilltry，togetalongwithouther。But，forthepresent，Ithinkyouhad，betterimagineyourselfbackinNewYork，andletushavean，entirelyfreehand。We’vegonetoofartodropout，’’hewent，on，laughingatthesightofMr。Langham’sgloomycountenance。

``We’vegottofightthemnow。It’sagainsthumannaturenotto，doit。’’

Mr。LanghamlookedappealinglyathissonandatKing。

Theybothsmiledbackathiminunanimousdisapprovalofhis，policyofnon-interference。

``Oh，verywell，’’hesaid，atlast。``Yougentlemencango，ahead，kill，burn，anddestroyifyouwish。But，consideringthe，factthatitismypropertyyouareallfightingabout，Ireally，thinkImighthavesomethingtosayinthematter。’’，Mr。Langham，gazedabouthimhelplessly，andshookhishead。

``Mydoctorsendsmedownherefromaquiet，happyhome，’’he，protested，withhumorouspathos，``thatImayrestandget，awayfromexcitement，andhereIamwitharmedmenpatrollingmy，garden-paths，withalotoffilibustersplottingatmyown，dinner-table，andacivilwarlikelytobreakout，entirelyonmy，account。AndDr。Wintertoldmethiswastheonlyplacethat，wouldcuremynervousprostration！’’

HopejoinedClayassoonasthemenleftthedining-room，and，beckonedhimtothefartherendoftheveranda。``Well，whatis，it？’’shesaid。

``Whatiswhat？’’laughedClay。Heseatedhimselfontherailof，theveranda，withhisfacetotheavenueandthedrivewayleading，tothehouse。Theycouldheartheothersfromthebackofthe，house，andthevoiceofyoungLangham，whowasgivingan，imitationofMacWilliams，andsingingwithpeculiaremphasis，``ThereisnoplacelikeHome，SweetHome。’’

``WhyarethemenguardingthePalms，andwhydidyougotothe，PlazaBolivarthismorningatdaybreak？，Alicesaysyouleftthem，there。Iwanttoknowwhatitmeans。IamnearlyasoldasTed，andheknows。Themenwouldn’ttellme。’’

``Whatmen？’’

``King’smenfromthe`Vesta’。Isawsomeofthemdodgingaround，inthebushes，andIwenttofindoutwhattheyweredoing，andI

walkedintofifteenofthematyouroffice。Theyhave，hammocksswungallovertheveranda，andaquick-firinggunmade，fasttothesteps，andmusketsstackedallabout，justlikereal，soldiers，buttheywouldn’ttellmewhy。’’

``We’llputyouinthecarcel，’’saidClay，``ifyougospyingon，ourforces。Yourfatherdoesn’twishyoutoknowanythingabout，it，but，sinceyouhavefounditoutforyourself，youmightas，wellknowwhatlittlethereistoknow。It’sthesamestory。

Mendozaisgettingreadytostarthisrevolution，or，rather，he，hasstartedit。’’

``Whydon’tyoustophim？’’askedHope。

``Youareveryflattering，’’saidClay。``EvenifIcouldstop，him，it’snotmybusinesstodoitasyet。Ihavetowaituntil，heinterfereswithme，ormymines，ormyworkmen。Alvarezis，themanwhoshouldstophim，butheisafraid。Wecannotdo，anythinguntilhemakesthefirstmove。IfIwerethePresident，I’dhaveMendozashotto-morrowmorninganddeclaremartiallaw。

ThenI’darresteverybodyIdidn’tlike，andlevyforcedloanson，allthemerchants，andsailawaytoParisandlivehappyever，after。That’swhatMendozawoulddoifhecaughtanyone，plottingagainsthim。Andthat’swhatAlvarezshoulddo，too，accordingtohislights，ifhehadthecourageofhis，convictions，andofhiseducation。Iliketoseeamanplay，hispartproperly，don’tyou？，Ifyouareanemperor，youought，toconductyourselflikeone，asourGermanfrienddoes。Orif，youareaprize-fighter，yououghttobeahumanbulldog。

There’snosuchthingasagentlemanlypugilist，anymorethan，therecanbeavirtuousburglar。Andifyou’reaSouthAmerican，Dictator，youcan’taffordtobesqueamishaboutthrowingyour，enemiesintojailorshootingthemfortreason。Thewayto，dictateistodictate，——nottohideindoorsalldaywhileyour，wifeplotsforyou。’’

``Doesshedothat？’’askedHope。``Anddoyouthinkshewillbe，indanger——anypersonaldanger，iftherevolutioncomes？’’

``Well，sheisveryunpopular，’’Clayanswered，``andunjustly，so，Ithink。Butitwouldbebetter，perhaps，forherifshe，wentasquietlyaspossible，whenshedoesgo。’’

``IsourCaptainStuartindanger，too？’’thegirlcontinued，anxiously。``Alicesaystheyputupplacardsabouthimallover，thecitylastnight。Shesawhismentearingthemdownasshe，wascominghome。Whathashedone？’’

``Nothing，’’Clayanswered，shortly。``Hehappenstobeina，falseposition，that’sall。Theythinkheisherebecauseheis，notwantedinhisowncountry;thatisnotso。Thatisnot，thereasonheremainshere。Whenhewasevenyoungerthan，heisnow，hewaswildandfoolish，andspentmoremoneythanhe，couldafford，andlentmoremoneytohisbrother-officers，Ihave，nodoubt，thantheyeverpaidback。Hehadtoleavetheregiment，becausehisfatherwouldn’tpayhisdebts，andhehasbeen，sellinghisswordforthelastthreeyearstooneoranotherking，orsultanorpartyallovertheworld，inChinaandMadagascar，andlaterinSiam。IhopeyouwillbeverykindtoStuartand，believewellofhim，andthatyouwilllistentonoevilagainst，him。SomewhereinEnglandStuarthasasisterlikeyou——about，yourage，Imean，thatloveshimverydearly，andafatherwhose，heartachesforhim，andthereisacertainroyalregimentthat，stilldrinkshishealthwithpride。Heisalonelylittlechap，andhehasnosenseofhumortohelphimoutofhisdifficulties，butheisaverybravegentleman。Andheisherefightingfor，menwhoarenotworthytoholdhishorse’sbridle，becauseofa，woman。AndItellyouthisbecauseyouwillhearmanyliesabout，him——andabouther。Heservesherwiththesamesortof，chivalricdevotionthathisancestorsfeltforthewomanwhose，ribbonstheytiedtotheirlances，andforwhomtheyfoughtin，thelists。’’

``Iunderstand，’’Hopesaid，softly。``Iamgladyoutold，me。Ishallnotforget。’’，Shesighedandshookherhead。``I

wishthey’dletyoumanageitforthem，’’shesaid。

Claylaughed。``Ifearmyexecutiveabilityisnotofsohighan，order;besides，asIhaven’tbeenborntoit，myconsciencemight，troublemeifIhadtoshootmyenemiesandrobtheworthy，merchants。Ihadbettersticktodiggingholesintheground。

ThatisallIseemtobegoodfor。’’

Hopelookedupathim，quickly，insurprise。

``Whatdoyoumeanbythat？’’shedemanded。Therewasatoneof，suchsharpreproachinhervoicethatClayfelthimselfputon，thedefensive。

``Imeannothingbyit，’’hesaid。``YoursisterandIhada，talktheotherdayaboutaman’smakingthebestofhimself，and，itopenedmyeyesto——tomanythings。Itwasaveryhealthy，lesson。’’

``Itcouldnothavebeenaveryhealthylesson，’’Hopereplied，severely，``ifitmakesyouspeakofyourworkslightingly，as，youdidthen。Thatdidn’tsoundatallnatural，orlikeyou。It，soundedlikeAlice。Tellme，didAlicesaythat？’’