第7章

MissLanghamandhimself，hesaid，hadpassedatryingnight。

Therehadbeenmuchfiringinthecity，andcontinualuproar。

ThehousesofseveralofthefriendsofAlvarezhadbeenburned，andsacked。Alvarezhimselfhadbeenshotassoonashehad，enteredtheyardofthemilitaryprison。Itwasthengivenout，thathehadcommittedsuicide。Mendozahadnotdaredtokill，Rojas，becauseofthefeelingofthepeopletowardhim，andhad，evenshownhimtothemobfrombehindthebarsofoneofthe，windowsinordertosatisfythemthathewasstillliving。The，BritishMinisterhadsenttothePalaceforthebodyofCaptain，Stuart，andhadhaditescortedtotheLegation，fromwhenceit，wouldbesenttoEngland。This，asfarasMr。Langhamhadheard，wasthenewsofthenightjustover。

``Twonativeofficerscalledhereforyouaboutmidnight，Clay，’’

hecontinued，``andtheyarestillwaitingforyoubelowatyour，office。TheycamefromRojas’stroops，whoareencampedonthe，hillsattheothersideofthecity。Theywantedyoutojoin，themwiththemenfromthemines。ItoldthemIdidnotknow，whenyouwouldreturn，andtheysaidtheywouldwait。Ifyou，couldhavebeenherelastnight，itispossiblethatwemight，havedonesomething，butnowthatitisallover，Iamgladthat，yousavedthatwomaninstead。Ishouldhaveliked，though，to，havestruckoneblowatthem。Butwecannothopetowinagainst，assassins。ThedeathofyoungStuarthashurtmeterribly，and，themurderofAlvarez，comingontopofit，hasmademewishI

hadneverheardofnorseenOlancho。Ihavedecidedtogo，awayatonce，onthenextsteamer，andIwilltakemydaughters，withme，andTed，too。TheStateDepartmentatWashingtoncan，fightwithMendozaforthemines。Youmadeagoodstand，but，theymadeabetterone，andtheyhavebeatenus。Mendoza’scoup，d’etathaspassedintohistory，andtherevolutionisatan，end。’’

OnhisarrivalClayhadatonceaskedforacigar，andwhileMr。

Langhamwasspeakinghehadbeenbitingitbetweenhisteeth，withtheserioussatisfactionofamanwhohadbeentwelvehours，withoutone。Heknockedtheashesfromitandconsideredthe，burningendthoughtfully。ThenheglancedatHopeasshestood，amongthegroupontheveranda。Shewaswaitingforhisreply，andwatchinghimintently。Heseemedtobeconfidentthatshe，wouldapproveoftheonlycoursehesawopentohim。

``Therevolutionisnotatanendbyanymeans，Mr。Langham，’’he，saidatlast，simply。``Ithasjustbegun。’’，Heturnedabruptly，andwalkedawayinthedirectionoftheoffice，andMacWilliams，andLanghamsteppedofftheverandaandfollowedhimasamatter，ofcourse。

ThesoldiersinthearmywhowereknowntobefaithfultoGeneral，RojasbelongedtotheThirdandFourthregiments，andnumbered，fourthousandonpaper，andtwothousandbycountofheads。

Whentheyhadseentheirleadertakenprisoner，andsweptoffthe，parade-groundbyMendoza’scavalry，theyhadfirstattemptedto，followinpursuitandrecapturehim，butthemenonhorsebackhad，atonceshakenoffthemenonfootandleftthem，pantingand，breathless，inthedustbehindthem。Sotheyhalteduncertainly，intheroad，andtheiryoungofficersheldcounseltogether。

Theyfirstconsideredtheadvisabilityofattackingthemilitary，prison，butdecidedagainstdoingso，asitwouldlead，they，feared，whetheritprovedsuccessfulornot，tothemurderof，Rojas。ItwasimpossibletoreturntothecitywhereMendoza’s，FirstandSecondregimentsgreatlyoutnumberedthem。Havingno，leaderandnoheadquarters，theofficersmarchedthementothe，hillsabovethecityandwentintocamptoawaitfurther，developments。

Throughoutthenighttheywatchedtheilluminationofthecity，andoftheboatsintheharborbelowthem;theysawtheflames，burstingfromthehomesofthemembersofAlvarez’sCabinet，and，whenthemorningbroketheybeheldthegroundsofthePalace，swarmingwithMendoza’stroops，andtheredandwhitebarredflag，oftherevolutionfloatingoverit。Thenewsofthe，assassinationofAlvarezandthefactthatRojashadbeen，sparedforfearofthepeople，hadbeencarriedtothemearlyin，theevening，andwiththisknowledgeoftheirGeneral’ssafety，hopereturnedandfreshplanswerediscussed。Bymidnightthey，haddefinitelydecidedthatshouldMendozaattempttodislodge，themthenextmorning，theywouldmakeastand，butthatifthe，fightwentagainstthem，theywouldfallbackalongthemountain，roadstotheValenciamines，wheretheyhopedtopersuadethe，fifteenhundredsoldiersthereinstalledtojoinforceswiththem，againstthenewDictator。

Inordertoassurethemselvesofthishelp，amessengerwas，despatchedbyacircuitousroutetothePalms，toasktheaidof，theresidentdirector，andanotherwassenttotheminestowork，uponthefeelingsofthesoldiersthemselves。Theofficerwho，hadbeensenttothePalmstopetitionClayfortheloanofhis，soldier-workmen，haddecidedtoremainuntilClayreturned，and，anothermessengerhadbeensentafterhimfromthecamponthe，sameerrand。

ThesetwolieutenantsgreetedClaywithenthusiasm，butheat，onceinterruptedthem，andbeganplyingthemwithquestionsasto，wheretheircampwassituatedandwhatroadsledfromittothe，Palms。

``Bringyourmenatoncetothisendofourrailroad，’’he，said。``Itisstillearly，andtherevolutionistswillsleep，late。Theyaredruggedwithliquorandwornoutwithexcitement，andwhatevermayhavebeentheirintentionstowardyoulast，night，theywillbelateinputtingthemintopracticethis，morning。IwilltelegraphKirklandtocomeupatoncewithall，ofhissoldiersandwithhisthreehundredIrishmen。Allowing，himahalf-hourtocollectthemandtogethisflatcars，together，andanotherhalf-hourinwhichtomaketherun，he，shouldbeherebyhalf-pastsix——andthat’squickmobilization。

Youridebacknowandmarchyourmenhereatadouble-quick。

Withyourtwothousandweshallhaveinallthreethousandand，eighthundredmen。Imusthaveabsolutecontrolovermyown，troops。OtherwiseIshallactindependentlyofyouandgointo，thecityalonewithmyworkmen。’’

``Thatisunnecessary，’’saidoneofthelieutenants。``Wehave，noofficers。Ifyoudonotcommandus，thereisnooneelseto，doit。Wepromisethatourmenwillfollowyouandgiveyou，everyobedience。Theyhavebeenledbyforeignersbefore，by，youngCaptainStuartandMajorFergursonandColonelShrevington。

TheyknowhowhighlyGeneralRojasthinksofyou，andtheyknow，thatyouhaveledContinentalarmiesinEurope。’’

``Well，don’ttellthemIhaven’tuntilthisisover，’’said，Clay。``Now，ridehard，gentlemen，andbringyourmenhereas，quicklyaspossible。’’

Thelieutenantsthankedhimeffusivelyandgallopedaway，radiant，atthesuccessoftheirmission，andClayenteredtheoffice，whereMacWilliamswastelegraphinghisorderstoKirkland。He，seatedhimselfbesidetheinstrument，andfromtimetotime，answeredthequestionsKirklandsentbacktohimoverthewire，andintheintervalsofsilencethoughtofHope。Itwasthe，firsttimehehadgoneintoactionfeelingthetouchofawoman’s，handuponhissleeve，andhewasfearfullestshemightthinkhe，hadconsideredhertoolightly。

Hetookapieceofpaperfromthetableandwroteafewlines，uponit，andthenrewrotethemseveraltimes。Themessagehe，finallysenttoherwasthis：，``Iamsureyouunderstand，and，thatyouwouldnothavemegiveupbeatennow，whenwhatwedo，to-daymaysetusrightagain。Iknowbetterthananyoneelse，intheworldcanknow，whatIruntheriskoflosing，butyou，wouldnothavethatfearstopmefromgoingonwithwhatwehave，beenstrugglingforsolong。Icannotcomebacktoseeyou，beforewestart，butIknowyourheartiswithme。Withgreat，love，RobertClay。’’

Hegavethenotetohisservant，andtheanswerwasbrought，tohimalmostimmediately。Hopehadnotrewrittenhermessage：

``Iloveyoubecauseyouarethesortofmanyouare，andhadyou，givenupasfatherwishedyoutodo，oronmyaccount，youwould，havebeensomeoneelse，andIwouldhavehadtobeginoveragain，tolearntoloveyouforsomedifferentreasons。Iknowthatyou，willcomebacktomebringingyoursheaveswithyou。Nothingcan，happentoyounow。Hope。’’

Hehadneverreceivedalinefromherbefore，andhereadand，rereadthiswithasenseofsuchprideandhappinessinhisface，thatMacWilliamssmiledcovertlyandbenthiseyesuponhis，instrument。Claywentbackintohisroomandkissedthepageof，papergently，flushinglikeaboyashedidso，andthenfolding，itcarefully，heputitawaybeneathhisjacket。Heglanced，abouthimguiltily，althoughhewasquitealone，andtakingout，hiswatch，prieditopenandlookeddownintothefaceofthe，photographthathadsmiledupathimfromitforsomanyyears。

HethoughthowunlikeitwastoAliceLanghamasheknewher。He，judgedthatitmusthavebeentakenwhenshewasveryyoung，at，theageHopewasthen，beforethelittleworldshelivedinhad，crippledandnarrowedherandmarkedherforitsown。He，rememberedwhatshehadsaidtohimthefirstnighthehad，seenher。``Thatisthepictureofthegirlwhoceasedtoexist，fouryearsago，andwhomyouhavenevermet。’’，Hewonderedif，shehadeverexisted。

``ItlooksmorelikeHopethanhersister，’’hemused。``It，looksverymuchlikeHope。’’，Hedecidedthathewouldletit，remainwhereitwasuntilHopegavehimabetterone;andsmiling，slightlyhesnappedthelidfast，asthoughhewereclosinga，dooronthefaceofAliceLanghamandlockingitforever。

Kirklandwasinthecabofthelocomotivethatbroughtthe，soldiersfromthemine。Hestoppedthefirstcarinfrontofthe，freightstationuntiltheworkmenhadfiledoutandformedintoa，doublelineontheplatform。Thenhemovedthetrainforwardthe，lengthofthatcar，andthoseintheonefollowingweremustered，outinasimilarmanner。Asthecarscontinuedtocomein，the，menattheheadofthedoublelinepassedonthroughthefreight，stationandonuptheroadtothecityinanunbrokencolumn。

Therewasnoconfusion，nocrowding，andnohaste。

Whenthelastcarhadbeenemptied，Clayrodedownthelineand，appointedaforemantotakechargeofeachcompany，stationing，hisengineersandtheIrish-Americansinthevan。Itlookedmore，likeamobthanaregiment。Noneofthemenwerein，uniform，andthenativesoldierswerebarefoot。Buttheyshowed，awinningspirit，andstoodinasorderlyanarrayasthoughthey，weredrawnupinlinetoreceivetheirmonth’swages。The，Americansinfrontofthecolumnwerehumorouslydisposed，and，inclinedtoconsiderthewholeaffairasapleasantouting。They，hadbeenplacedinfront，notbecausetheywerebettershotsthan，thenatives，butbecauseeverySouthAmericanthinksthatevery，citizenoftheUnitedStatesisamastereitheroftherifleor，therevolver，andClaywascountingonthissuperstition。His，assistantengineersandforemenhailedhimasherodeonupand，downthelinewithgood-naturedcheers，andaskedhimwhenthey，weretogettheircommissions，andifitweretruethattheywere，allcaptains，oronlycolonels，astheywereathome。

Theyhadbeenwaitingforahalf-hour，whentherewasthesound，ofhorses’hoofsontheroad，andtheevenbeatofmen’sfeet，andtheadvanceguardoftheThirdandFourthregimentscame，towardthemataquickstep。Themenwerestillinthefull-dress，uniformstheyhadwornatthereviewthedaybefore，andin，comparisonwiththesoldier-workmenandtheAmericansinflannel，shirts，theypresentedsomartialashowingthattheywere，welcomedwithtumultuouscheers。Claythrewthemintoadouble，lineononesideoftheroad，downthelengthofwhichhis，ownmarcheduntiltheyhadreachedtheendofitnearesttothe，city，whentheytookuptheirpositioninacloseformation，and，thenativeregimentsfellinbehindthem。Clayselectedtwenty，ofthebestshotsfromamongtheengineersandsentthemonahead，asaskirmishline。Theywereorderedtofallbackatonceif，theysawanysignoftheenemy。Inthisorderthecolumnoffour，thousandmenstartedforthecity。

Itwasalittleaftersevenwhentheyadvanced。andtheairwas，mildandpeaceful。Menandwomencamecrowdingtothedoorsand，windowsofthehutsastheypassed，andstoodwatchingthemin，silence，notknowingtowhichpartythesmallarmymightbelong。

Inordertoenlightenthem，Clayshouted，``VivaRojas。’’，And，hismentookitup，andthepeopleansweredgladly。

Theyhadreachedthecloselybuiltportionofthecitywhenthe，skirmishlinecamerunningbacktosaythatithadbeenmetbya，detachmentofMendoza’scavalry，whohadgallopedawayassoonas，theysawthem。Therewasthennolongeranydoubtthatthefact，oftheircomingwasknownatthePalace，andClayhaltedhismen，inabareplazaanddividedthemintothreecolumns。Three，streetsranparallelwithoneanotherfromthisplazatothe，heartofthecity，andopeneddirectlyuponthegardenof，thePalacewhereMendozahadfortifiedhimself。Claydirected，thecolumnstoadvanceupthesestreets，keepingtheheadofeach，columnintouchwiththeothertwo。Atthewordtheywereto，pourdownthesidestreetsandrallytoeachother’sassistance。

Astheystood，drawnuponthethreesidesoftheplaza，herode，outbeforethemandhelduphishatforsilence。Theywerethere，witharmsintheirhands，hesaid，fortworeasons：thegreater，one，andtheonewhichheknewactuatedthenativesoldiers，was，theirdesiretopreservetheConstitutionoftheRepublic。

Accordingtotheirownlaws，theVice-Presidentmustsucceedwhen，thePresident’stermofofficehadexpired，orintheeventof，hisdeath。PresidentAlvarezhadbeenassassinated，andthe，Vice-President，GeneralRojas，was，inconsequence，hislegal，successor。Itwastheirduty，assoldiersoftheRepublic，to，rescuehimfromprison，todrivethemanwhohadusurpedhis，placeintoexile，andbysodoingupholdthelawswhichtheyhad，themselveslaiddown。Thesecondmotive，hewenton，wasaless，worthyandmoreselfishone。TheOlanchomines，whichnowgave，worktothousandsandbroughtmillionsofdollarsintothe，country，werecovetedbyMendoza，whowould，ifhecould，convert，themintoamonopolyofhisgovernment。Ifheremainedin，powerallforeignerswouldbedrivenoutofthecountry，andthe，soldierswouldbeforcedtoworkinthemineswithoutpayment。

Theirconditionwouldbelittlebetterthanthatoftheslavesin，thesaltminesofSiberia。Notonlywouldtheynolongerbepaid，fortheirlabor，butthepeopleasawholewouldceasetoreceive，thatshareoftheearningsofthemineswhichhadhithertobeen，theirs。

``UnderPresidentRojasyouwillhaveliberty，justice，and，prosperity，’’Claycried。``UnderMendozayouwillberuledby，martiallaw。Hewillrobandovertaxyou，andyouwilllive，throughareignofterror。Betweenthem——whichwillyou，choose？’’

Thenativesoldiersansweredbycriesof``Rojas，’’andbreaking，ranksrushedacrosstheplazatowardhim，crowdingaroundhis，horseandshouting，``LongliveRojas，’’``Longlivethe，Constitution，’’``DeathtoMendoza。’’，TheAmericansstoodas，theywereandgavethreecheersfortheGovernment。

Theywerestillcheeringandshoutingastheyadvanceduponthe，Palace，andthenoiseoftheircomingdrovethepeopleindoors，sothattheymarchedthroughdesertedstreetsandbetweenclosed，doorsandsightlesswindows。Nooneopposedthem，andnoone，encouragedthem。Buttheycouldnowseethefacadeofthe，PalaceandtheflagoftheRevolutionistshangingfromthemast，infrontofit。

ThreeblocksdistantfromthePalacetheycameuponthebuildings，oftheUnitedStatesandEnglishLegations，wheretheflagsof，thetwocountrieshadbeenhungoutoverthenarrowthoroughfare。

Thewindowsandtheroofsofeachlegationwerecrowdedwith，womenandchildrenwhohadsoughtrefugethere，andthecolumn，haltedasWeimer，theConsul，andSirJulianPindar，theEnglish，Minister，cameout，bare-headed，intothestreetandbeckonedto，Claytostop。

``AsourMinisterwasnothere，’’Weimersaid，``Itelegraphedto，Truxillofortheman-of-warthere。Shestartedsometimeago，andwehavejustheardthatsheisenteringthelowerharbor。

Sheshouldhaveherblue-jacketsonshoreintwentyminutes。Sir，JulianandIthinkyououghttowaitforthem。’’

TheEnglishMinisterputadetaininghandonClay’sbridle。``If，youattackMendozaatthePalacewiththismob，’’he，remonstrated，``riotingandlawlessnessgenerallywillbreakout，alloverthecity。Iaskyoutokeepthembackuntilwegetyour，sailorstopolicethestreetsandprotectproperty。’’

Clayglancedoverhisshoulderattheengineersandthe，Irishworkmenstandinginsolemnarraybehindhim。``Oh，youcan，hardlycallthisamob，’’hesaid。``Theylookalittlerough，andready，butIwillanswerforthem。Thetwoothercolumns，thatarecomingupthestreetsparalleltothisareGovernment，troopsandproperlyengagedindrivingausurperoutofthe，Governmentbuilding。Thebestthingyoucandoistogetdownto，thewharfandsendthemarinesandblue-jacketswhereyouthink，theywilldothemostgood。Ican’twaitforthem。Andthey，can’tcometoosoon。’’

ThegroundsofthePalaceoccupiedtwoentireblocks;the，BotanicalGardenswereintherear，andinfrontaseriesoflow，terracesrandownfromitsverandatothehighironfencewhich，separatedthegroundsfromthechiefthoroughfareofthecity。

Claysentwordtotheleftandrightwingofhislittlearmyto，makeadetouronestreetdistantfromthePalacegroundsandform，inthestreetintherearoftheBotanicalGardens。Whenthey，heardthefiringofhismenfromthefronttheyweretoforce，theirwaythroughthegatesatthebackandattackthePalacein，therear。

``Mendozahastheplacecompletelybarricaded，’’Weimerwarned，him，``andhehasthreefieldpiecescoveringeachofthese，streets。Youandyourmenaredirectlyinlineofoneofthem，now。Heisonlywaitingforyoutogetalittlenearer，beforeheletsloose。’’

FromwherehesatClaycouldcountthebarsoftheironfencein，frontofthegrounds。Buttheboardsthatbackedthemprevented，hisforminganyideaofthestrengthorthedistributionof，Mendoza’sforces。Hedrewhisstaffofamateurofficerstoone，sideandexplainedthesituationtothem。

``TheTheatreNationalandtheClubUnion，’’hesaid，``facethe，Palacefromtheoppositecornersofthisstreet。Youmustget，intothemandbarricadethewindowsandthrowupsomesortof，shelterforyourselvesalongtheedgeoftheroofsanddrivethe，menbehindthatfencebacktothePalace。Clearthemawayfrom，thecannonfirst，andkeepthemawayfromit。Iwillbewaiting，inthestreetbelow。Whenyouhavedriventhemback，wewill，chargethegatesandhaveitoutwiththeminthegardens。The，ThirdandFourthregimentsoughttotakethemintherearabout，thesametime。Youwillcontinuetopickthemofffromthe，roof。’’

Thetwosupportingcolumnshadalreadystartedontheir，roundaboutwaytotherearofthePalace。Claygathereduphis，reins，andtellinghismentokeepclosetothewalls，started，forward，hissoldiersfollowingonthesidewalksandleaving，themiddleofthestreetclear。Astheyreachedapointa，hundredyardsbelowthePalace，apartofthewoodenshield，behindthefencewasthrowndown，therewasapuffofwhitesmoke，andareport，andacannon-ballstrucktheroofofahousewhich，theywerepassingandsentthetilesclatteringabouttheir，heads。Butthemenintheleadhadalreadyreachedthestage-

doorofthetheatreandwereoppositeoneofthedoorstothe，club。Theydrovetheseinwiththebuttsoftheirrifles，and，racedupthestairsofeachofthedesertedbuildingsuntilthey，reachedtheroof。Langhamwassweptbyaweightofmenacrossa，stage，andjumpedamongthemusicracksintheorchestra。He，caughtaglimpseoftheearlymorningsunshiningonthetawdry，hangingsoftheboxesandtheexaggeratedperspectiveofthe，scenery。Heranthroughcorridorsbetweentwogreatstatuesof，ComedyandTragedy，andupamarblestaircasetoalobbyin，whichhesawthewhitefacesabouthimmultipliedinlong，mirrors，andsoouttoanironbalconyfromwhichhelookeddown，pantingandbreathless，uponthePalaceGardens，swarmingwith，soldiersandwhitewithsmoke。Menpouredthroughthewindowsof，theclubopposite，draggingsofasandchairsouttothebalcony，andupontheflatroof。Themennearhimweretearingdownthe，yellowsilkcurtainsinthelobbyanddrapingthemalongthe，railingofthebalconytobetterconcealtheirmovementsfromthe，enemybelow。Bulletsspatteredthestuccoabouttheirheads，and，panesofglassbrokesuddenlyandfellinglitteringparticles，upontheirshoulders。Thefiringhadalreadybegunfromthe，roofsnearthem。Beyondtheclubandthetheatreandfaralong，thestreetoneachsideofthePalacethemerchantswereslamming，theironshuttersoftheirshops，andmenandwomenwererunning，forrefugeupthehighstepsofthechurchofSantaMaria。

Othersweregatheredinblackmassesonthebalconiesandroofs，ofthemoredistanthouses，wheretheystoodoutlinedagainstthe，softblueskyingiganticsilhouette。Theirshoutsof，encouragementandangercarriedclearlyinthemorningair，and，spurredonthegladiatorsbelowtogreatereffort。InthePalace，GardensalineofMendoza’smenfoughtfrombehindthefirst，barricade，whileothersdraggedtablesandbeddingandchairs，acrossthegreenterracesandtumbledthemdowntothosebelow，whoseizedthemandformedthemintoasecondlineofdefence。

TwooftheassistantengineerswerekneelingatLangham’sfeet，withthebarrelsoftheirriflesrestingontherailingofthe，balcony。Theireyeshadbeentrainedforyearstojudge，distancesandtomeasurespace，andtheyglancedalongthe，sightsoftheirriflesasthoughtheywerelookingthrough，thelensofatransit，andateachreporttheirfacesgrewmore，earnestandtheirlipspressedtightertogether。Oneofthem，loweredhisguntolightacigarette，andLanghamhandedhimhis，match-box，withacertainfeelingofrepugnance。

``Bettergetundercover，Mr。Langham，’’themansaid，kindly。

``There’snouseourkeepingyourminesforyouifyou’renot，alivetoenjoythem。Takeashotatthatcrewaroundthegun。’’

``Idon’tlikethislongrangebusiness，’’Langhamanswered。``I

amgoingdowntojoinClay。Idon’tliketheideaofhittinga，manwhenheisn’tlookingatyou。’’

Theengineergaveanincredulouslaugh。

``Ifheisn’tlookingatyou，he’saimingatthemannexttoyou。

`LiveandletLive’doesn’tapplyatpresent。’’

AsLanghamreachedClay’ssidetriumphantshoutsarosefromthe，roof-tops，andthemenpostedtherestoodupandshowed，themselvesabovethebarricadesandcalledtoClaythatthe，cannonweredeserted。

Kirklandhadcomepreparedforthebarricade，and，runningacross，thestreet，fastenedadynamitecartridgetoeachgatepostand，litthefuses。Thesoldiersscatteredbeforehimashecame，leapingback，andinaninstantlatertherewasaracking，roar，andthegateswerepitchedoutoftheirsocketsandthrown，forward，andthoseinthestreetsweptacrossthemandsurrounded，thecannon。

Langhamcaughtitbythethroatasthoughitwerehuman，anddid，notfeelthehotmetalburningthepalmsofhishandsashe，chokeditandpointeditsmuzzletowardthePalace，whilethe，othersdraggedatthespokesofthewheel。Itwasfightingat，closerangenow，closeenoughtosuitevenLangham。Hefound，himselfinthefrontrankofitwithoutknowingexactlyhowhe，gotthere。Everymanonbothsideswasplayinghisownhand，and，seemedtoknowexactlywhattodo。Hefeltneglectedandvery，muchalone，andwassomewhatanxiouslesthisvalormightbe，wastedthroughhisnotknowinghowtoputittoaccount。Hesaw，theenemyinchanginggroupsofscowlingmen，whoseemedtoeye，himforaninstantdownthelengthofagun-barrelandthen，disappearbehindapuffofsmoke。Hekeptthinkingthatwarmade，mentakestrangelibertieswiththeirfellow-men，anditstruck，himasbeingmostabsurdthatstrangersshouldstandupandtry，tokilloneanother，menwhohadsolittleincommonthatthey，didnotevenknowoneanother’snames。Thesoldierswhowere，fightingonhisownsidewereequallyunknowntohim，andhe，lookedinvainforClay。HesawMacWilliamsforamoment，throughthesmoke，jabbingatajammedcartridgewithhispen-

knife，andhackingtheleadawaytomakeitslip。Hewas，remonstratingwiththegunandswearingatitexactlyasthough，itwerehuman，andasLanghamrantowardhimhethrewitawayand，caughtupanotherfromtheground。Kneelingbesidethewounded，manwhohaddroppeditandpickingthecartridgesfromhisbelt，heassuredhimcheerfullythathewasnotsobadlyhurtashe，thought。

``Youallright？’’Langhamasked。

``I’mallright。I’mtryingtogetalittleladdiehidingbehind，thatbluesilksofaoverthere。He’stakenanunnaturaldislike，tome，andhe’snearlygotmethreetimes。I’mknockinghorse-

hairoutofhisrampart，though。’’

ThemenofStuart’sbody-guardwerefightingoutsideofthe，breastworksandmattresses。Theywereusingtheirswordsas，thoughtheyweremachetes，andtheIrishmenwereswingingtheir，gunsaroundtheirshoulderslikesledge-hammers，andbeating，theirfoesovertheheadandbreast。Thegunsathisownside，soundedcloseatLangham’sear，anddeafenedhim，andthoseof，theenemyexplodedsoneartohisfacethathewaskept，continuallywinkinganddodging，asthoughhewerebeingtakenby，aflashlightphotograph。Whenhefiredheaimedwherethe，masswasthickest，sothathemightnotseewhathisbulletdid，butherememberedafterwardthathealwaysreloadedwiththemost，anxiousswiftnessinorderthathemightnotbekilledbeforehe，hadhadanothershot，andthattheideaofbeingkilledwasofno，concerntohimexceptonthataccount。Thenthescenebeforehim，changed，andapparentlyhundredsofMendoza’ssoldierspouredout，fromthePalaceandsweptdownuponhim，cheeringastheycame，andhefelthimselffallingbacknaturallyandasamatterof，course，ashewouldhavesteppedoutofthewayofalocomotive，orarunawayhorse，oranyotherunreasoningthing。His，shoulderspushedagainstamassofshouting，sweatingmen，whoin，turnpressedbackuponothers，untilthemassreachedtheiron，fenceandcouldmovenofarther。HeheardClay’svoiceshouting，tothem，andsawhimrunforward，shootingrapidlyasheran，and，hefollowedhim，eventhoughhisreasontoldhimitwasauseless，thingtodo，andthentherecameagreatshoutfromtherearof，thePalace，andmoresoldiers，dressedexactlyliketheothers，rushedthroughthegreatdoorsandswarmedaroundthetwowings，ofthebuilding，andherecognizedthemasRojas’smenandknew，thatthefightwasover。

Hesawatallmanwithanegro’sfacespringoutofthe，firstmassofsoldiersandshouttothemtofollowhim。Clay，gaveayellofwelcomeandranathim，callinguponhimin，Spanishtosurrender。Thenegrostoppedandstoodatbay，glaringatClayandatthecircleofsoldiersclosinginaround，him。Heraisedhisrevolverandpointeditsteadily。Itwasas，thoughthemanknewhehadonlyamomenttolive，andmeanttodo，thatonethingwellintheshorttimelefthim。

Claysprangtoonesideandrantowardhim，dodgingtotheright，andleft，butMendozafollowedhismovementscarefullywithhis，revolver。

Itlastedbutaninstant。ThentheSpaniardthrewhisarm，suddenlyacrosshisface，drovetheheelofhisbootintothe，turf，andspinningaboutonitfellforward。

``Ifhewasshotwherehissashcrosseshisheart，Iknowtheman，whodidit，’’Langhamheardavoicesayathiselbow，andturning，sawMacWilliamswettinghisfingersathislipsandtouchingthem，gingerlytotheheatedbarrelofhisWinchester。

ThedeathofMendozalefthisfollowerswithoutaleaderand，withoutacause。Theythrewtheirmusketsonthegroundandheld，theirhandsabovetheirheads，shriekingformercy。Clayandhis，officersansweredtheminstantlybyrunningfromonegroup，toanother，knockingupthebarrelsoftheriflesandcalling，hoarselytothemenontheroofstoceasefiring，andasthey，wereobeyedthenoiseofthelastfewrandomshotswasdrownedin，tumultuouscheeringandshoutsofexultation，that，startingin，thegardens，werecaughtupbythoseinthestreetsandpassedon，quicklyasalineofflamealongtheswayinghousetops。

ThenativeofficersspranguponClayandembracedhimaftertheir，fashion，hailinghimastheLiberatorofOlancho，asthe，PreserveroftheConstitution，andtheirbrotherpatriot。Then，oneofthemclimbedtothetopofagiltandmarbletableand，proclaimedhimmilitaryPresident。

``You’llproclaimyourselfanidiot，ifyoudon’tgetdownfrom，there，’’Claysaid，laughing。``Ithankyouforpermittingmeto，servewithyou，gentlemen。Ishallhavegreatpleasurein，tellingourPresidenthowwellyouacquittedyourselfinthis，row——battle，Imean。AndnowIwouldsuggestthatyoustorethe，prisoners’weaponsinthePalaceandputaguardoverthem，and，thenconductthementhemselvestothemilitaryprison，whereyou，canreleaseGeneralRojasandescorthimbacktothecityina，triumphalprocession。You’dlikethat，wouldn’tyou？’’

Butthenativesprotestedthatthathonorwasforhimalone。

Claydeclinedit，pleadingthathemustlookafterhiswounded。

``Icanhardlybelievethereareanydead，’’hesaidtoKirkland。

``For，ifittakestwothousandbulletstokillamaninEuropean，warfare，itmustrequireabouttwohundredthousandtokillaman，inSouthAmerica。’’

HetoldKirklandtomarchhismenbacktotheminesandtosee，thattherewerenostragglers。``Iftheywanttocelebrate，let，themcelebratewhentheygettothemines，butnothere。They，havemadeagoodrecordto-dayandIwon’thaveitspoiledby，rioting。Theyshallhavetheirrewardlater。BetweenRojasand，Mr。Langhamtheyshouldallberichmen。’’

Thecheeringfromthehousetopssincethefiringceasedhad，changedsuddenlyintohand-clappings，andthecries，thoughstill，undistinguishable，wereofadifferentsound。Claysawthatthe，Americansonthebalconiesoftheclubandofthetheatrehad，thrownthemselvesfarovertherailingsandwerealllookingin，thesamedirectionandwavingtheirhatsandcheeringloudly，and，heheardabovetheshoutsofthepeopletheregulartrampof，men’sfeetmarchinginstep，andtherattleofamachinegunas，itbumpedandshookovertheroughstones。Hegaveashoutof，pleasure，andKirklandandthetwoboysranwithhimupthe，slope，crowdingeachothertogetabetterview。Themob，partedatthePalacegates，andtheysawtwolinesofblue-

jackets，spreadoutlikethesticksofafan，draggingthegun，betweenthem，themiddiesintheirtight-buttonedtunicsand，gaiters，andbehindthemmoreblue-jacketswithbare，bronzed，throats，andwiththeswaggerandrolloftheseaintheirlegs，andshoulders。AnAmericanflagfloatedabovethewhitehelmets，ofthemarines。Itspresenceandthesenseofpridewhichthe，sightofthesemenfromhomeawokeinthemmadethefightjust，overseemmeanandpetty，andtheytookofftheirhatsand，cheeredwiththeothers。

Afirstlieutenant，whofelthisimportanceandalsoasenseof，disappointmentathavingarrivedtoolatetoseethefighting，lefthismenatthegateofthePalace，andadvancedupthe，terrace，stoppingtoaskforinformationashecame。Eachgroup，towhichheaddressedhimselfpointedtoClay。Thesightofhis，ownflaghadremindedClaythatthebannerofMendozastillhung，fromthemastbesidewhichhewasstanding，andastheofficer，approachedhewasbusilyengagedinuntwistingitshalyardsand，pullingitdown。

Thelieutenantsalutedhimdoubtfully。

``Canyoutellmewhoisincommandhere？’’heasked。Hespoke，somewhatsharply，forClaywasnotamilitarylookingpersonage，coveredashewaswithdustandperspiration，andwithhis，sombreroonthebackofhishead。

``OurConsulheretoldusatthelanding-place，’’continuedthe，lieutenantinanaggrievedtone，``thataGeneralMendozawasin，power，andthatIhadbetterreporttohim，andthentenminutes，laterIhearthatheisdeadandthataGeneralRojasis，President，butthatamannamedClayhasmadehimselfDictator。

Myinstructionsaretorecognizenobelligerents，buttoreport，totheGovernmentparty。Now，whoistheGovernmentparty？’’

Claybroughtthered-barredflagdownwithajerk，andrippedit，freefromthehalyards。Kirklandandthetwoboyswerewatching，himwithamusedsmiles。

``Iappreciateyourdifficulty，’’hesaid。``PresidentAlvarez，isdead，andGeneralMendoza，whotriedtomakehimselfDictator，isalsodead，andtherealPresident，GeneralRojas，isstillin，jail。SoatpresentIsupposethatIrepresenttheGovernment，party，atleastIamthemannamedClay。Ithadn’toccurredto，mebefore，but，untilRojasisfree，IguessIamtheDictatorof，Olancho。IsMadameAlvarezonboardyourship？’’

``Yes，sheiswithus，’’theofficerreplied，insomeconfusion。

``Excuseme——areyouthethreegentlemenwhotookhertothe，yacht？，IamafraidIspokeratherhastilyjustnow，butyou，arenotinuniform，andtheGovernmentseemstochangesoquickly，downherethatastrangerfindsithardtokeepupwithit。’’

Sixofthenativeofficershadapproachedasthelieutenantwas，speakingandsalutedClaygravely。``Wehavefollowedyour，instructions，’’oneofthemsaid，``andtheregimentsareready，tomarchwiththeprisoners。Haveyouanyfurtherordersfor，us——canwedeliveranymessagestoGeneralRojas？’’

``PresentmycongratulationstoGeneralRojas，andbestwishes，’’

saidClay。``Andtellhimforme，thatitwouldpleaseme，greatlyifhewouldliberateanAmericancitizennamedBurke，who，isatpresentinthecuartel。AndthatIwishhimtopromoteall，ofyougentlemenonegradeandgiveeachofyoutheStarof，Olancho。Tellhimthatinmyopinionyouhavedeservedeven，higherrewardandhonorathishands。’’

Theboy-lieutenantsbrokeoutintoachorusofdelightedthanks。

TheyassuredClaythathewasmostgracious;thatheoverwhelmed，them，andthatitwashonorenoughforthemthattheyhadserved，underhim。ButClaylaughed，anddrovethemoffwithapaternal，waveofthehand。

Theofficerfromtheman-of-warlistenedwithanuncomfortable，senseofhavingblunderedinhismannertowardthispowder-

splashedyoungmanwhosetAmericancitizensatliberty，and，createdcaptainsbythehalf-dozenatatime。

``AreyoufromtheStates？’’heaskedastheymovedtowardthe，man-of-war’smen。

``Iam，thankGod。Whynot？’’

``Ithoughtyouwere，butyousalutedlikeanEnglishman。’’

``IwasanofficerintheEnglisharmyonceintheSoudan，when，theywereshortofofficers。’’，Clayshookhisheadandlooked，wistfullyattheranksoftheblue-jacketsdrawnuponeither，sideofthem。ThehorseshadbeenbroughtoutandLanghamand，MacWilliamswerewaitingforhimtomount。``Ihavewornseveral，uniformssinceIwasaboy，’’saidClay。``Butneverthatofmy，owncountry。’’

Thepeoplewerecheeringhimfromeverypartofthesquare。

Womenwavedtheirhandsfrombalconiesandhousetops，andmen，climbedtoawningsandlamppostsandshoutedhisname。The，officersandmenofthelandingpartytooknoteofhimandof，thisreceptionoutofthecorneroftheireyes，andwondered。

``AndwhathadIbetterdo？’’askedthecommandingofficer。

``Oh，IwouldpolicethePalacegrounds，ifIwereyou，and，picketthatstreetattheright，wheretherearesomany，wineshops，andpreserveordergenerallyuntilRojasgetshere。

Hewon’tbemorethananhour，now。Weshallbecomingoverto，payourrespectstoyourcaptainto-morrow。Gladtohavemet，you。’’

``Well，I’mgladtohavemetyou，’’answeredtheofficer，heartily。``Holdonaminute。Evenifyouhaven’twornour，uniform，you’reasgood，andbetter，thansomeI’veseenthat，have，andyou’reasortofacommander-in-chief，anyway，andI’m，damnedifIdon’tgiveyouasortofsalute。’’

Claylaughedlikeaboyasheswunghimselfintothesaddle。The，officersteppedbackandgavethecommand;themiddiesraised，theirswordsandClaypassedbetweenmassedrowsofhis，countrymenwiththeirmusketsheldrigidlytowardhim。The，housetopsrockedagainatthesight，andasherodeoutintothe，brilliantsunshine，hiseyeswerewetandwinking。

Thetwoboyshaddrawnupathisside，butMacWilliamshadturned，inthesaddleandwasstilllookingtowardthePalace，withhis，handrestingonthehindquartersofhispony。

``Lookback，Clay，’’hesaid。``Takealastlookatit，you’ll，neverseeitafterto-day。Turnagain，turnagain，Dictatorof，Olancho。’’

Themenlaughedanddrewreinashebadethem，andlooked，backupthenarrowstreet。Theysawthegreenandwhiteflagof，OlanchocreepingtothetopofthemastbeforethePalace，the，blue-jacketsdrivingbackthecrowd，thegashesinthewallsof，thehouses，whereMendoza’scannonballshaddugtheirwaythrough，thestucco，andthesilkcurtains，riddledwithbullets，flapping，fromthebalconiesoftheopera-house。

``Youhaditallyourownwayanhourago，’’MacWilliamssaid，mockingly。``YoucouldhavesentRojasintoexile，andmadeus，allCabinetMinisters——andyougaveitupforagirl。Now，you’reDictatorofOlancho。Whatwillyoubeto-morrow？，To-

morrowyouwillbeAndrewLangham’sson-in-law——Benedict，the，marriedman。AndrewLangham’sson-in-lawcannotaskhiswifeto，liveinsuchaholeasthis，so——Goodbye，Mr。Clay。Wehavebeen，longtogether。’’

ClayandLanghamlookedcuriouslyattheboytoseeifhewerein，earnest，butMacWilliamswouldnotmeettheireyes。

``Therewerethreeofus，’’hesaid，``andonegotshot，andone，gotmarried，andthethird——？，Youwillgrowfat，Clay，andlive，onFifthAvenueandwearahighsilkhat，andsomedaywhen，you’resittinginyourclubyou’llreadaparagraphina，newspaperwithaqueerSpanishdate-linetoit，andthiswillall，comebacktoyou，——thisheat，andthepalms，andthefever，andthedayswhenyoulivedonplantainsandwewatchedour，trestlesgrowoutacrossthecanons，andyou’llbewillingto，giveyourhandtosleepinahammockagain，andtofeelthesweat，runningdownyourback，andyou’llwanttochuckyourgunup，againstyourchinandshootintoalineofmen，andthepolicemen，won’tletyou，andyourwifewon’tletyou。That’swhatyou’re，givingup。Thereitis。Takeagoodlookatit。You’llnever，seeitagain。’’

XV

Thesteamer``Santiago，’’carrying``passengers，bullion，and，coffee，’’washeadedtopassPortoRicobymidnight，whenshe，wouldbefreeoflanduntilsheanchoredatthequarantine，stationofthegreenhillsofStatenIsland。Shehadnotyet，shakenoffthecontaminationoftheearth;asoftinlandbreeze，stilltantalizedherwithodorsoftreeandsoil，thesmellof，thefreshcoatofpaintthathadfollowedhercoalingrosefrom，hersides，andtheodorofspiltcoffee-grainsthathungaround，thehatcheshadyettobeblownawaybyajealousoceanbreeze，orwashedbyawelcomingcrosssea。

ThecaptainstoppedattheopenentranceoftheSocialHall。

``IfanyofyouladieswanttotakeyourlastlookatOlancho，you’vegottocomenow，’’hesaid。``We’lllosetheValencia，lightinthenextquarterhour。’’

MissLanghamandKinglookedupfromtheirnovelsandsmiled，and，MissLanghamshookherhead。``I’vetakenthreefinalfarewells，ofOlanchoalready，’’shesaid：``beforewewentdownto，dinner，andwhenthesunset，andwhenthemoonrose。Ihaveno，moresentimentlefttodrawon。Doyouwanttogo？’’sheasked。

``I’mverycomfortable，thankyou，’’Kingsaid，andreturnedto，theconsiderationofhisnovel。

ButClayandHopearoseatthecaptain’ssuggestionwith，suspiciousalacrity，andsteppedoutupontheemptydeck，and，intotheencompassingdarkness，withalittlesighofrelief。

AliceLanghamlookedafterthemsomewhatwistfullyandbitthe，edgesofherbook。Shesatforsometimewithherbrowsknitted，glancingoccasionallyandcriticallytowardKingandupwith，unseeingeyesattheswinginglampsofthesaloon。Hecaughther，lookingathimoncewhenheraisedhiseyesasheturnedapage，andsmiledbackather，andshenoddedpleasantlyandbenther，headoverherreading。SheassuredherselfthatafterallKing，understoodherandshehim，andthatiftheyneverroseto，certainheights，theyneversankbelowahighlevelofmutual，esteem，andthatperhapswasthebestintheend。

KinghadplacedhisyachtatthedisposalofMadameAlvarez，and，shehadsailedtoColon，whereshecouldchangetothesteamers，forLisbon，whileheaccompaniedtheLanghamsandthewedding，partytoNewYork。

Clayrecognizedthatthetimehadnowarrivedinhislife，whenhecouldgraduatefromthepositionofmanager-directorand，becometheengineeringexpert，andthathisservicesinOlancho，werenolongerneeded。

WithRojasinpowerMr。Langhamhadnothingfurthertofearfrom，theGovernment，andwithKirklandinchargeandyoungLangham，returningafterafewmonths’absencetoresumehiswork，hefelt，himselffreetoenjoyhisholiday。

Theyhadtakenthefirststeamerout，andthecombinedeffortsof，allhadbeennecessarytoprevailuponMacWilliamstoaccompany，them;andevennowthefactthathewastoactasClay’sbestman，and，asLanghamassuredhimcheerfully，wastowearafrockcoat，andseehisnameinallthepapers，broughtonsuchsuddenpanics，offearthatthefast-fadingcoastlinefilledhissoulwith，regret，andawilfuldesiretojumpoverboardandswimback。

ClayandHopestoppedatthedoorofthechiefengineer’scabin，andsaidtheyhadcometopayhimavisit。Thechiefhadbut，justcomefromthedepthswherethecontaminationoftheearth，wasmostevidentintheconditionofhisstokers;buthischin，wasnowcleanlyshaven，andhispipewasdrawingaswellashis，enginefires，andhehadwrappedhimselfinanoldP。&O。white，duckjackettoshowwhathehadbeenbeforehesanktothe，levelofacoastingsteamer。Theyadmiredtheclerk-like，neatnessofthereporthehadjustfinished，andinreturnhe，promisedthemthefastestrunonrecord，andshowedthemthe，portraitofhiswife，andoftheirtinycottageontheIsleof，Wight，andhisjadeidolsfromCorea，andcarvedcocoanutgourds，fromBrazil，andapicturefromthe``Graphic’’ofLord，Salisbury，tackedtothepartitionandlookingdelightedlydown，betweentwohighlycoloredlithographsofMissEllenTerryand，thePrincessMay。

Thentheycalleduponthecaptain，andClayaskedhimwhy，captainsalwayshungsomuchlaceabouttheirbedswhenthey，invariablysleptonaredvelvetsofawiththeirbootson，and，thecaptainorderedhisChinesestewardtomixthemaqueerdrink，andofferedthemthechoiceofasixmonths’accumulationof，papernovels，andfreeadmittancetohisbridgeatallhours。

Andthentheypassedontothedoorofthesmoking-roomand，beckonedMacWilliamstocomeoutandjointhem。Hismannerashe，didsobristledwithimportance，andhedrewthemeagerlytothe，rail。

``I’vejustbeenhavingachatwithCaptainBurke，’’hesaid，in，anundertone。``He’sbeentellingLanghamandmeaboutanew，gamethat’sbetterthanrunningrailroads。Hesaysthere’sa，countrycalledMacedoniathat’sgotanativeprincewho，wantstobefreefromTurkey，andtheTurkswon’tlethim，and，Burkesaysifwe’lleachputupathousanddollars，he’ll，guaranteetogettheprincefreeinsixmonths。He’smadean，estimateofthecostandsubmittedittotheRussianEmbassyat，Washington，andhesaystheywillhelphimsecretly，andheknows，amanwhohasjustpatentedanewrifle，andwhowillsupplyhim，withathousandofthemforthesakeoftheadvertisement。He，saysit’samountainouscountry，andallyouhavetodoisto，standonthepassesandrollrocksdownontheTurksastheycome，in。Itsoundseasy，doesn’tit？’’

``Thenyou’rethinkingofturningprofessionalfilibuster，yourself？’’saidClay。

``Well，Idon’tknow。Itsoundsmoreinterestingthan，engineering。BurkesaysIbeathimonhislastfight，andhe’d，liketohavemewithhiminthenextone——sortofyoung-blood-in-

the-firmidea——andhecalculatesthatwecangoaboutsetting，peoplefreeandupsettinggovernmentsforsometimetocome。He，saysthereisalwayssomethingtofightaboutifyoulookforit。

AndImustsaytheconditionofthosepoorMacedoniansdoes，appealtome。Thinkofthemallalonedowntherebulliedbythat，SultanofTurkey，andwantingtobefreeandindependent。That’s，notright。You，asanAmericancitizen，oughttobethe，lastpersonintheworldtothrowcoldwateronan，undertakinglikethat。InthenameofLibertynow？’’

``Idon’tobject;setthemfree，ofcourse，’’laughedClay。

``Buthowlonghaveyouentertainedthisfeelingfortheenslaved，Macedonians，Mac？’’

``Well，Ineverheardofthemuntilaquarterofanhourago，but，theyoughtn’ttosufferthroughmyignorance。’’

``Certainlynot。Letmeknowwhenyou’regoingtodoit，and，HopeandIwillrunoverandlookon。Ishouldliketoseeyou，andBurkeandthePrinceofMacedoniarollingrocksdownonthe，TurkishEmpire。’’

HopeandClaypassedonupthedecklaughing，andMacWilliams，lookedafterthemwithafondandpaternalsmile。Thelampin，thewheelhousethrewabroadbeltoflightacrosstheforward，deckastheypassedthroughitintothedarknessofthebow，wherethelonelylookoutturnedandstaredatthemsuspiciously，andthenresumedhissternwatchoverthegreatwaters。

Theyleanedupontherailandbreathedthesoftairwhichthe，rushofthesteamerthrewintheirfaces，andstudiedinsilence，thestarsthatlaysolowuponthehorizonlinethattheylooked，liketheharborlightsofagreatcity。

``Doyouseethatlonglineoflampsoffourportbow？’’asked，Clay。

Hopenodded。

``ThosearetheelectriclightsalongtheoceandriveatLong，BranchanduptheRumsonRoad，andthosetwostarsalittle，higheruparefixedtothemast-headsoftheScotlandLightship。

AndthatmassoflightthatyouthinkistheMilkyWay，isthe，glareoftheNewYorkstreetlampsthrownupagainstthesky。’’

``Arewesonearasthat？’’saidHope，smiling。``Andwhatlies，overthere？’’sheasked，pointingtotheeast。

``OverthereisthecoastofAfrica。Don’tyouseethe，lighthouseonCapeBon？，Ifitwasn’tforGibraltarbeinginthe，way，IcouldshowyoutheharborlightsofBizerta，andthe，terracesofAlgiersshininglikeacafe’chantantinthe，night。’’

``Algiers，’’sighedHope，``whereyouwereasoldierofAfrica，androdeacrossthedeserts。Willyoutakemethere？’’

``There，ofcourse，buttoGibraltarfirst，wherewewilldrive，alongtheAlamedabymoonlight。Idrovethereoncecominghome，fromamessdinnerwiththeColonel。Thedriveliesbetween，broadwhitebalustrades，andthemoonshonedownonusbetween，theleavesoftheSpanishbayonet。ItwaslikeanItalian，garden。Buthedidnotseeit，andhewouldtalktome，abouttheWatkinsrangefinderonthelowerramparts，andhe，puffedonahugecigar。ItriedtoimagineIwasthereonmy，honeymoon，buttheendofhiscigarwouldlightupandIwould，seehiswhitemustacheandtheglowonhisredjacket，soIvowed，Iwouldgooverthatdriveagainwiththeproperperson。Andwe，won’ttalkofrangefinders，willwe？

``TheretotheNorthisParis;yourParis，andmyParis，with，Londononlyeighthoursaway。Ifyoulookveryclosely，youcan，seethethousandsofhansomcablampsflashingacrossthe，asphalt，andtheopentheatres，andthefairylampsinthe，gardensbackofthehousesinMayfair，wheretheyaregiving，dancesinyourhonor，inhonorofthebeautifulAmericanbride，whomeveryonewantstomeet。Andyouwillwearthefinesttiara，wecangetonBondStreet，butnoonewilllookatit;theywill，onlylookatyou。AndIwillfeelverymiserableandteaseyou，tocomehome。’’

Hopeputherhandinhis，andheheldherfinger-tipstohislips，foraninstantandclosedhisotherhanduponhers。

``Andafterthat？’’askedHope。

``Afterthatwewillgotoworkagain，andtakelongjourneysto，MexicoandPeruorwherevertheywantme，andIwillsitin，judgmentontheworkotherchapshavedone。Andwhenweget，backtoourcaratnight，ortothesectionhouse，foritwillbe，veryroughsometimes，’’——Hopepressedhishandgentlyin，answer，——``Iwilltellyouprivatelyhowverydifferentlyyour，husbandwouldhavedoneit，andyou，knowingallaboutit，will，saythathaditbeenlefttome，Iwouldcertainlyhave，accomplisheditinavastlysuperiormanner。’’

``Well，soyouwould，’’saidHope，calmly。

``That’swhatIsaidyou’dsay，’’laughedClay。``Dearest，’’he，begged，``promisemesomething。Promisemethatyouaregoingto，beveryhappy。’’

Hoperaisedhereyesandlookedupathiminsilence，andhadthe，maninthewheelhousebeenwatchingthestars，asheshouldhave，been，noonebutthetwofoolishyoungpeopleonthebowofthe，boatwouldhaveknownheranswer。

Theship’sbellsoundedeighttimes，andHopemovedslightly。

``Solateasthat，’’shesighed。``Come。Wemustbegoing，back。’’

Agreatwavestrucktheship’ssideafriendlyslap，andthewind，caughtupthesprayandtosseditintheireyes，andblewa，strandofherhairloosesothatitfellacrossClay’sface，and，theylaughedhappilytogetherasshedrewitbackandhetookher，handagaintosteadyherprogressacrosstheslantingdeck。

Astheypassedhandinhandoutoftheshadowintothelightfrom，thewheelhouse，thelookoutinthebowcountedthestrokesofthe，belltohimself，andthenturnedandshoutedbackhismeasured，crytothebridgeabovethem。Hisvoiceseemedtobeapartof，themurmuringseaandthewelcomingwinds。

``Listen，’’saidClay。

``Eightbells，’’thevoicesangfromthedarkness。``Thefor’ard，light’sshiningbright——andall’swell。’’

End