``Whydidn’tyouspeakofthissooner？’’heasked。
``Ah，yes，thatisfair，’’saidtheGeneral，quickly。``Iknow，thatitislate，andIregretit，andIseethatwecauseyou，inconvenience;buthowcouldIspeaksoonerwhenIwasignorant，ofwhatwasgoingon？，Ihavebeenawaywithmytroops。Iama，soldierfirst，apoliticianafter。DuringthelastyearI
havebeenengagedinguardingthefrontier。Nonewscomestoa，Generalinthefieldmovingfromcamptocampandalwaysinthe，saddle;butImayventuretohope，sir，thatnewshascometoyou，ofme？’’
Claypressedhislipstogetherandbowedhishead。
``Wehaveheardofyourvictories，General，yes，’’hesaid;``and，onyourreturnyousayyoufoundthingshadnotbeengoingto，yourliking？’’
``Thatisit，’’assentedtheother，eagerly。``Ifindthat，indignationreignsoneveryside。Ifindmyfriendscomplaining，oftherailroadwhichyourunacrosstheirland。Ifindthat，fifteenhundredsoldiersareturnedintolaborers，withpicksand，spades，workingbythesideofnegroesandyourIrish;theyhave，notbeenpaidtheirwages，andtheyhavebeenfedworsethan，thoughtheywereonthemarch;sicknessand——’’
Claymovedimpatientlyanddroppedhisbootheavilyontheporch。
``Thatwastrueatfirst，’’heinterrupted，``butitisnotso，now。Ishouldbeglad，General，totakeyouoverthemen’s，quartersatanytime。Asfortheirnothavingbeenpaid，they，wereneverpaidbytheirownGovernmentbeforetheycametous，andforthesamereason，becausethepettyofficerskeptbackthe，money，justastheyhavealwaysdone。Butthemenarepaid，now。However，thisisnotofthemostimportance。Whoisit，thatcomplainsofthetermsofourconcession？’’
``Everyone！’’exclaimedMendoza，throwingouthisarms，``and，theyask，moreover，this：theyaskwhy，ifthismineissorich，whywasnotthestockofferedheretousinthiscountry？，Why，wasitnotputonthemarket，thatanyonemightbuy？，Wehave，richmeninOlancho，whyshouldnottheybenefitfirstofall，othersbythewealthoftheirownlands？，Butno！wearenot，askedtobuy。AllthestockistakeninNewYork，noone，benefitsbuttheState，anditreceivesonlytenpercent。Itis，monstrous！’’
``Isee，’’saidClay，gravely。``Thathadnotoccurredtome，before。Theyfeeltheyhavebeenslighted。Isee。’’，Hepaused，foramomentasifinseriousconsideration。``Well，’’headded，``thatmightbearranged。’’
Heturnedandjerkedhisheadtowardtheopendoor。``Ifyou，boysmeantogototownto-night，you’dbetterbemoving，’’he，said。Thetwomenrosetogetherandbowedsilentlytotheir，guest。
``IshouldlikeifMr。Langhamwouldremainamomentwithus，’’
saidMendoza，politely。``Iunderstandthatitishisfatherwho，controlsthestockofthecompany。Ifwediscussanyarrangement，itmightbewellifhewerehere。’’
Claywassittingwithhischinonhisbreast，andhedidnotlook，up，nordidtheyoungmanturntohimforanyprompting。``I’m，notdownhereasmyfather’sson，’’hesaid，``Iamanemployee，ofMr。Clay’s。Herepresentsthecompany。Good-night，sir。’’
``Youthink，then，’’saidClay，``thatifyourfriendsweregiven，anopportunitytosubscribetothestocktheywouldfeelless，resentfultowardus？，Theywouldthinkitwasfairertoall？’’
``Iknowit，’’saidMendoza;``whyshouldthestockgooutofthe，countrywhenthoselivinghereareabletobuyit？’’
``Exactly，’’saidClay，``ofcourse。Canyoutellmethis，General？，Arethegentlemenwhowanttobuystockintheminethe，samemenwhoareintheSenate？，Themenwhoareobjectingtothe，termsofourconcession？’’
``Withafewexceptionstheyarethesamemen。’’
Claylookedoutovertheharboratthelightsofthetown，and，theGeneraltwirledhishataroundhiskneeandgazedwith，appreciationatthestarsabovehim。
``Becauseiftheyare，’’Claycontinued，``andtheysucceedin，gettingoursharecutdownfromninetypercenttofiftyper，cent，theymustseethatthestockwouldbeworthjustfortyper，centlessthanitisnow。’’
``Thatistrue，’’assentedtheother。``Ihavethoughtofthat，andiftheSenatorsinOppositionweregivenachanceto，subscribe，Iamsuretheywouldseethatitisbetterwisdomto，droptheirobjectionstotheconcession，andasstockholders，allowyoutokeepninetypercentoftheoutput。And，again，’’
continuedMendoza，``itisreallybetterforthecountrythatthe，moneyshouldgotoitspeoplethanthatitshouldbestoredupin，thevaultsofthetreasury，whenthereisalwaysthedangerthat，thePresidentwillseizeit;or，ifnotthisone，thenextone。’’
``Ishouldthink——thatis——itseemstome，’’saidClaywith，carefulconsideration，``thatyourExcellencymightbeableto，renderusgreathelpinthismatteryourself。Weneedafriend，amongtheOpposition。Infact——Iseewhereyoucouldassistus，inmanyways，whereyourserviceswouldbestrictlyintheline，ofyourpublicdutyandyetbenefitusverymuch。OfcourseI
cannotspeakauthoritativelywithoutfirstconsultingMr。
Langham;butIshouldthinkhewouldallowyoupersonallyto，purchaseaslargeablockofthestockasyoucouldwish，either，tokeepyourselfortoresellanddistributeamongthoseofyour，friendsinOppositionwhereitwoulddothemostgood。’’
ClaylookedoverinquiringlytowhereMendozasatinthelightof，theopendoor，andtheGeneralsmiledfaintly，andemitteda，pleasedlittlesighofrelief。``Indeed，’’continuedClay，``I
shouldthinkMr。Langhammightevensaveyoutheformalityof，purchasingthestockoutrightbysendingyouitsmoney，equivalent。Ibegyourpardon，’’heasked，interruptinghimself，``doesyourorderlyunderstandEnglish？’’
``Hedoesnot，’’theGeneralassuredhim，eagerly，dragginghis，chairalittlecloser。
``SupposenowthatMr。Langhamweretoputfiftyorletussay，sixtythousanddollarstoyouraccountintheValenciaBank，do，youthinkthisvoteofwantofconfidenceintheGovernmenton，thequestionofourconcessionwouldstillbemoved？’’
``Iamsureitwouldnot，’’exclaimedtheleaderofthe，Opposition，noddinghisheadviolently。
``Sixtythousanddollars，’’repeatedClay，slowly，``for，yourself;anddoyouthink，General，thatwereyoupaidthatsum，youwouldbeabletocalloffyourfriends，orwouldtheymakea，demandforstockalso？’’
``Havenoanxietyatall，theydojustwhatIsay，’’returned，Mendoza，inaneagerwhisper。``IfIsay`Itisallright，Iam，satisfiedwithwhattheGovernmenthasdoneinmyabsence，’itis，enough。AndIwillsayit，Igiveyouthewordofasoldier，I
willsayit。Iwillnotmoveavoteofwantofconfidenceon，Tuesday。Youneedgonofartherthanmyself。IamgladthatI
ampowerfulenoughtoserveyou，andifyoudoubtme’’——hestruck，hisheartandbowedwithadeprecatorysmile——``youneednotpay，inthemoneyinexchangeforthestockallatthesametime。You，canpaytenthousandthisyear，andnextyeartenthousandmore，andsoon，andsofeelconfidentthatIshallhavetheinterests，oftheminealwaysinmyheart。Whoknowswhatmaynothappenin，ayear？，Imaybeabletoserveyouevenmore。Whoknowshow，longthepresentGovernmentwilllast？，ButIgiveyoumywordof，honor，nomatterwhetherIbeinOppositionorattheheadofthe，Government，ifIreceiveeverysixmonthstheretainingfeeof，whichyouspeak，Iwillbeyourrepresentative。Andmyfriends，candonothing。Idespisethem。_I_amtheOpposition。You，havedonewell，mydearsir，toconsidermealone。’’
Clayturnedinhischairandlookedbackofhimthroughthe，officetotheroombeyond。
``Boys，’’hecalled，``youcancomeoutnow。’’
Heroseandpushedhischairawayandbeckonedtotheorderlywho，satinthesaddleholdingtheGeneral’shorse。Langhamand，MacWilliamscameoutandstoodintheopendoor，andMendozarose，andlookedatClay。
``Youcangonow，’’Claysaidtohim，quietly。``Andyoucan，riseintheSenateonTuesdayandmoveyourvoteofwantof，confidenceandobjecttoourconcession，andwhenyouhave，resumedyourseattheSecretaryofMineswillriseinhisturn，andtelltheSenatehowyoustoleouthereinthenightandtried，toblackmailme，andbeggedmetobribeyoutobesilent，and，thatyouofferedtothrowoveryourfriendsandtotakeallthat，wewouldgiveyouandkeepityourself。Thatwillmakeyou，popularwithyourfriends，andwillshowtheGovernmentjustwhat，sortofaleaderithasworkingagainstit。’’
Claytookastepforwardandshookhisfingerintheofficer’s，face。``Trytobreakthatconcession;tryit。Itwasmadeby，oneGovernmenttoabodyofhonest，decentbusinessmen，witha，Governmentoftheirownbackofthem，andifyouinterferewith，ourconcededrightstoworkthosemines，I’llhaveaman-of-war，downherewithwhitepaintonherhull，andshe’llblowyouand，yourlittlerepublicbackupthereintothemountains。Nowyou，cango。’’
MendozahadstraightenedwithsurprisewhenClayfirstbeganto，speak，andhadthenbentforwardslightlyasthoughhemeantto，interrupthim。Hiseyebrowswereloweredinastraightline，and，hislipsmovedquickly。
``Youpoor——’’hebegan，contemptuously。``Bah，’’heexclaimed，``you’reafool;Ishouldhavesentaservanttotalkwithyou。
Youareachild——butyouareaninsolentchild，’’hecried，suddenly，hisangerbreakingout，``andIshallpunishyou。You，daretocallmenames！，Youshallfightme，youshallfightme，to-morrow。Youhaveinsultedanofficer，andyoushallmeetme，atonce，to-morrow。’’
``IfImeetyouto-morrow，’’Clayreplied，``Iwillthrashyou，foryourimpertinence。TheonlyreasonIdon’tdoitnowis，becauseyouareonmydoorstep。Youhadbetternotmeetme，tomorrow，oratanyothertime。AndIhavenoleisuretofight，duelswithanybody。’’
``Youareacoward，’’returnedtheother，quietly，``andItell，yousobeforemyservant。’’
ClaygaveashortlaughandturnedtoMacWilliamsinthedoorway。
``Handmemygun，MacWilliams，’’hesaid，``it’sontheshelfto，theright。’’
MacWilliamsstoodstillandshookhishead。``Oh，lethim，alone，’’hesaid。``You’vegothimwhereyouwanthim。’’
``Givemethegun，Itellyou，’’repeatedClay。``I’mnotgoing，tohurthim，I’monlygoingtoshowhimhowIcanshoot。’’
MacWilliamsmovedgrudginglyacrosstheporchandbroughtback，therevolverandhandedittoClay。``Lookoutnow，’’hesaid，``it’sloaded。’’
AtClay’swordstheGeneralhadretreatedhastilytohishorse’s，headandhadbegununbucklingthestrapofhisholster，andthe，orderlyreachedbackintothebootforhiscarbine。Claytold，himinSpanishtothrowuphishands，andtheman，witha，frightenedlookathisofficer，didastherevolversuggested。
ThenClaymotionedwithhisemptyhandfortheothertodesist。
``Don’tdothat，’’hesaid，``I’mnotgoingtohurtyou;I’monly，goingtofrightenyoualittle。’’
Heturnedandlookedatthestudentlampinside，whereitstood，onthetableinfullview。Thenheraisedhisrevolver。Hedid，notapparentlyholditawayfromhimbythebutt，asothermen，do，butletitlieinthepalmofhishand，intowhichitseemed，tofitlikethehandofafriend。Hisfirstshotbrokethetop，oftheglasschimney，thesecondshatteredthegreenglobearound，it，thethirdputoutthelight，andthenextdrovethelamp，crashingtothefloor。Therewasawildyellofterrorfromthe，backofthehouse，andthenoiseofaguitarfallingdowna，flightofsteps。``Ihaveprobablykilledaverygoodcook，’’
saidClay，``asIshouldascertainlykillyou，ifIwereto，meetyou。Langham，’’hecontinued，``gotellthatcooktocome，back。’’
TheGeneralsprangintohissaddle，andthealtitudeitgavehim，seemedtobringbacksomeofthejauntinesshehadlost。
``Thatwasverypretty，’’hesaid;``youhavebeenacowboy，so，theytellme。Itisquiteevidentbyyourmanners。Nomatter，ifwedonotmeetto-morrowitwillbebecauseIhavemore，seriousworktodo。Twomonthsfromto-daytherewillbeanew，GovernmentinOlanchoandanewPresident，andthemineswill，haveanewdirector。Ihavetriedtobeyourfriend，Mr。Clay。
Seehowyoulikemeforanenemy。Goodnight，gentlemen。’’
``Good-night，’’saidMacWilliams，unmoved。``Pleaseaskyourman，toclosethegateafteryou。’’
Whenthesoundofthehoofshaddiedawaythemenstillstoodin，anuncomfortablesilence，withClaytwirlingtherevolveraround，hismiddlefinger。``I’msorryIhadtomakeagalleryplayof，thatsort，’’hesaid。``Butitwastheonlywaytomakethat，sortofmanunderstand。’’
Langhamsighedandshookhisheadruefully。
``Well，’’hesaid，``Ithoughtallthetroublewasover，butit，lookstomeasthoughithadjustbegun。SofarasIcansee，they’regoingtogivethegovernorarunforhismoneyyet。’’
ClayturnedtoMacWilliams。
``HowmanyofMendoza’ssoldiershaveweinthemines，Mac？’’he，asked。
``Aboutfifteenhundred，’’MacWilliamsanswered。``Butyouought，tohearthewaytheytalkofhim。’’
``Theydo，eh？’’saidClay，withasmileofsatisfaction。
``That’sgood。`Sixhundredslaveswhohatetheirmasters。’
Whatdotheysayaboutme？’’
``Oh，theythinkyou’reallright。Theyknowyougotthemtheir，payandallthat。They’ddoalotforyou。’’
``Wouldtheyfightforme？’’askedClay。
MacWilliamslookedupandlaugheduneasily。``Idon’tknow，’’he，said。``Why，oldman？，Whatdoyoumeantodo？’’
``Oh，Idon’tknow，’’Clayanswered。``Iwasjustwondering，whetherIshouldliketobePresidentofOlancho。’’
III
TheLanghamsweretoarriveonFriday，andduringtheweekbefore，thatdayClaywentaboutwithalongslipofpaperinhispocket，whichhewouldconsultearnestlyincorners，anduponwhichhe，wouldnotedownthethingsthattheyhadleftundone。Atnight，hewouldsitstaringatitandturningitoverinmuchconcern，andwouldbegLanghamtotellhimwhathecouldhavemeantwhen，hewrote``seeWeimer，’’or``cleanbrasses，’’or``S。Q。M。’’
``WhyshouldIseeWeimer，’’hewouldexclaim，``andwhich，brasses，andwhatdoesS。Q。M。standfor，forheaven’ssake？’’
Theyheldafull-dressrehearsalinthebungalowtoimproveits，stateofpreparation，anddrilledtheservantsandtalkedEnglish，tothem，sothattheywouldknowwhatwaswantedwhentheyoung，ladiescame。Itwasaninterestingexercise，andhadthethree，youngmenbeenlessseriousintheiranxietytowelcomethe，cominggueststheywouldhavefoundthemselvesveryamusing——as，whenLanghamwouldleanoverthebalconyinthecourtand，shoutbackintothekitchen，inwhatwassupposedtobean，imitationofhissister’smanner，``Bringmycoffeeandrolls——
anddon’ttakealldayaboutiteither，’’whileClayand，MacWilliamsstoodanxiouslybelowtoheadofftheservantswhen，theycarriedinacanofhotwaterinsteadofbringingthehorses，roundtothedoor，astheyhadbeentoldtodo。
``Ofcourseit’sabitroughandallthat，’’Claywouldsay，``buttheyhaveonlytotelluswhattheywantchangedandwecan，haveitreadyfortheminanhour。’’
``Oh，mysistersareallright，’’Langhamwouldreassurehim;
``they’llthinkit’sfine。Itwillbelikecamping-outtothem，orapicnic。They’llunderstand。’’
Buttomakesure，andto``testhisgirders，’’asClayputit，theygaveadinner，andafterthatabreakfast。ThePresident，cametothefirst，withhiswife，theCountessManuelata，Madame，laPresidenta，andCaptainStuart，lateoftheGordon，Highlanders，andnowincommandofthehouseholdtroopsatthe，GovernmentHouseandofthebody-guardofthePresident。Hewas，afriendofClay’sandpopularwitheveryonepresent，exceptfor，thefactthatheoccupiedthisposition，insteadofservinghis，ownGovernmentinhisownarmy。Somepeoplesaidhehadbeen，crossedinlove，others，lesssentimental，thathehadforgeda，check，ormixedupthemessaccountsofhiscompany。ButClay，andMacWilliamssaiditconcernednoonewhyhewasthere，and，thenemphasizedtheremarkbypickingaquarrelwithamanwho，hadgivenanunpleasantreasonforit。Stuart，sofarasthey，wereconcerned，coulddonowrong。
Thedinnerwentoffverywell，andthePresidentconsentedto，dinewiththeminaweek，ontheinvitationofyoungLanghamto，meethisfather。
``MissLanghamisverybeautiful，theytellme，’’MadameAlvarez，saidtoClay。``IheardofheronewinterinRome;shewas，presentedthereandmuchadmired。’’
``Yes，Ibelievesheisconsideredverybeautiful，’’Claysaid。
``Ihaveonlyjustmether，butshehastravelledagreatdeal，andknowseveryonewhoisofinterest，andIthinkyouwilllike，herverymuch。’’
``Imeantolikeher，’’saidthewoman。``Thereareveryfewof，thenativeladieswhohaveseenmuchoftheworldbeyondatrip，toParis，wheretheyliveintheirhotelsandatthedressmaker’s，whiletheirhusbandsenjoythemselves;andsometimesIamrather，heart-sickformyhomeandmyownpeople。IwasoverjoyedwhenI
heardMissLanghamwastobewithusthiswinter。Butyou，mustnotkeepheroutheretoyourselves。Itistoofarandtoo，selfish。ShemustspendsometimewithmeattheGovernment，House。’’
``Yes，’’saidClay，``Iamafraidofthat。Iamafraidtheyoung，ladieswillfinditratherlonelyouthere。’’
``Ah，no，’’exclaimedthewoman，quickly。``Youhavemadeit，beautiful，anditisonlyahalf-hour’sride，exceptwhenit，rains，’’sheadded，laughing，``andthenitisalmostaseasyto，rowastoride。’’
``Iwillhavetheroadrepaired，’’interruptedthePresident。
``Itismywish，Mr。Clay，thatyouwillcommandmeineveryway;
IammostdesiroustomakethevisitofMr。Langhamagreeableto，him，heisdoingsomuchforus。’’
Thebreakfastwasgivenlaterintheweek，andonlymenwere，present。TheyweretherichplantersandbankersofValencia，generalsinthearmy，andmembersoftheCabinet，andofficers，fromthetinywar-shipintheharbor。Thebreezefromthebay，touchedthemthroughtheopendoors，thefoodandwinecheered，them，andtheeagercourtesyandhospitalityofthethree，Americanspleasedandflatteredthem。Theywereofapeoplewho，betterappreciatetheamenitiesoflifethanitssacrifices。
Thebreakfastlastedfarintotheafternoon，and，inspiredby，thesuccessofthebanquet，Clayquiteunexpectedlyfoundhimself，onhisfeetwithhishandonhisheart，thankingtheguestsfor，thegood-willandassistancewhichtheyhadgivenhiminhis，work。``Ihavetrampeddownyourcoffeeplants，andcutaway，yourforests，anddisturbedyoursleepwithmyengines，andyou，havenotcomplained，’’hesaid，inhisbestSpanish，``andwe，willshowthatwearenotungrateful。’’
ThenWeimer，theConsul，spoke，andtoldthemthatinhisAnnual，ConsularReport，whichhehadjustforwardedtotheState，Department，hehadrelatedhowreadytheGovernmentofOlancho，hadbeentoassisttheAmericancompany。``AndIhope，’’he，concluded，``thatyouwillallowme，gentlemen，toproposethe，healthofPresidentAlvarezandthemembersofhisCabinet。’’
Themenrosetotheirfeet，onebyone，fillingtheirglassesand，laughingandsaying，``VivaelGobernador，’’untiltheywereall，standing。Then，astheylookedatoneanotherandsawonlythe，facesoffriends，someoneofthemcried，suddenly，``To，PresidentAlvarez，DictatorofOlancho！’’
Thecrywasdrownedinayellofexultation，andmensprang，cheeringtotheirchairswavingtheirnapkinsabovetheirheads，andthosewhoworeswordsdrewthemandflashedtheminthe，air，andthequiet，lazygood-natureofthebreakfastwasturned，intoanuproarioussceneofwildexcitement。Claypushedback，hischairfromtheheadofthetablewithananxiouslookatthe，servantsgatheredabouttheopendoor，andWeimerclutched，franticallyatLangham’selbowandwhispered，``WhatdidIsay？
Forheaven’ssake，howdiditbegin？’’
Theoutburstceasedassuddenlyasithadstarted，andold，GeneralRojas，theVice-President，calledout，``Whatissaidis，said，butitmustnotberepeated。’’
Stuartwaiteduntilaftertheresthadgone，andClayledhimout，totheendoftheveranda。``Nowwillyoukindlytellmewhat，thatwas？’’Clayasked。``Itdidn’tsoundlikechampagne。’’
``No，’’saidtheother，``Ithoughtyouknew。Alvarezmeansto，proclaimhimselfDictator，ifhecan，beforethespring，elections。’’
``Andareyougoingtohelphim？’’
``Ofcourse，’’saidtheEnglishman，simply。
``Well，that’sallright，’’saidClay，``butthere’snouse，shoutingthefactallovertheshoplikethat——andtheyshouldn’t，dragmeintoit。’’
Stuartlaughedeasilyandshookhishead。``Itwon’tbelong，beforeyou’llbeinityourself，’’hesaid。
ClayawokeearlyFridaymorningtoheartheshuttersbeating，viciouslyagainstthesideofthehouse，andthewindrushing，throughthepalms，andtherainbeatinginsplashesonthezinc，roof。Itdidnotcomesoothinglyandinasteadydownpour，but，brokenly，liketherushofwavessweepingoveraroughbeach。He，turnedonthepillowandshuthiseyesagainwiththesame，impotentandrebellioussenseofdisappointmentthatheusedto，feelwhenhehadwakenedasaboyandfounditstormingonhis，holiday，andhetriedtosleeponcemoreinthehopethatwhenhe，againawokethesunwouldbeshininginhiseyes;butthestorm，onlyslackenedanddidnotcease，andtheraincontinuedtofall，withdreary，relentlesspersistence。Themenclimbedthemuddy，roadtothePalms，andviewedinsilencethewreckwhichthe，nighthadbroughttotheirplantsandgardenpaths。Rivuletsof，muddywaterhadcutguttersoverthelawnandpouredoutfrom，undertheveranda，andplantsandpalmslaybentandbroken，with，theirbroadleavesbedraggledandcoatedwithmud。Theharbor，andtheencirclingmountainsshoweddimlythroughacurtainof，warm，stickyrain。TosomethingthatLanghamsaidofmakingthe，bestofit，MacWilliamsreplied，gloomily，thathewouldnotbe，atallsurprisediftheladiesrefusedtoleavetheshipand，demandedtobetakenhomeimmediately。``Iamsorry，’’Clay，said，simply;``Iwantedthemtolikeit。’’
Themenwalkedbacktotheofficeingrimsilence，andtookturns，inwatchingwithaglassthearmsofthesemaphore，threemiles，below，atthenarrowopeningofthebay。Claysmilednervously，athimself，withasuddensinkingattheheart，andwithahot，blushofpleasure，ashethoughtofhowoftenhehadlookedat，itsgreatarmsoutlinedlikeamastagainstthesky，andthanked，itinadvancefortellinghimthatshewasnear。Intheharbor，below，thevesselslaywithbareyardsandemptydecks，the，wharvesweredeserted，andonlyanoccasionalsmallboatmoved，acrossthebeatensurfaceofthebay。
Butattwelveo’clockMacWilliamsloweredtheglassquickly，with，alittlegaspofexcitement，rubbeditsmoistlensontheinside，ofhiscoatandturneditagaintowardalimpstripofbunting，thatwascrawlingslowlyupthehalyardsofthesemaphore。A
seconddrippingraganswereditfromthesemaphoreinfrontof，theCustom-House，andMacWilliamslaughednervouslyandshutthe，glass。
``It’sred，’’hesaid;``they’vecome。’’
Theyhadplannedtowearwhiteducksuits，andgooutinalaunch，withaflagflying，andtheyhadmadeMacWilliamspurchaseared，cummerbundandapithhelmet;buttheytumbledintothe，launchnow，wetandbedraggledastheywere，andracedWeimerin，hisboat，withtheAmericanflagclingingtothepole，tothe，sideofthebigsteamerasshedrewslowlyintothebay。Other，row-boatsandlaunchesandlightersbegantopushoutfromthe，wharves，menappearedunderthesaggingawningsofthebare，housesalongtheriver-front，andthecustomandhealthofficers，inshiningoil-skinsandpuffingdampcigarsclamberedoverthe，side。
``Iseethem，’’criedLangham，jumpingupandrockingtheboatin，hisexcitement。``Theretheyareinthebow。That’sHope，waving。Hope！hullo，Hope！’’heshouted，``hullo！’’Clay，recognizedherstandingbetweentheyoungersisterandher，father，withtherainbeatingonallofthem，andwavingherhand，toLangham。Thementookofftheirhats，andastheypulledup，alongsideshebowedtoClayandnoddedbrightly。Theysent，Langhamupthegangwayfirst，andwaiteduntilhehadmadehis，greetingstohisfamilyalone。
``Wehavehadaterribletrip，Mr。Clay，’’MissLanghamsaidto，him，beginning，aspeoplewill，withthelastfewdays，asthough，theywereofthegreatestimportance;``andwecouldseenothing，ofyouattheminesatallaswepassed——onlyawetflag，and，alotofveryfriendlyworkmen，whocheeredandfiredoffpansof，dynamite。’’
``Theydid，didthey？’’saidClay，withasatisfiednod。
``That’sallright，then。Thatwasaroyalsaluteinyourhonor。
Kirklandhadthattodo。He’stheforemanofAopening。Iam，awfullysorryaboutthisrain——itspoilseverything。’’
``Ihopeithasn’tspoiledourbreakfast，’’saidMr。Langham。
``Wehaven’teatenanythingthismorning，becausewewanteda，changeofdiet，andthecaptaintoldusweshouldbeonshore，beforenow。’’
``Wehavesomecarriagesforyouatthewharf，andwewilldrive，yourightouttothePalms，’’saidyoungLangham。``It’sshorter，bywater，butthere’sahillthatthegirlscouldn’tclimbtoday。
That’sthehousewebuiltforyou，Governor，withtheflag-pole，upthereonthehill;andthere’syouruglyoldpier;andthat’s，wherewelive，inthelittleshackaboveit，withthetinroof;
andthatopeningtotherightistheterminusoftherailroad，MacWilliamsbuilt。Where’sMacWilliams？，Here，Mac，Iwantyou，toknowmyfather。ThisisMacWilliams，sir，ofwhomIwrote，you。’’
Therewassomedelayaboutthebaggage，andingettingtheparty，togetherintheboatsthatLanghamandtheConsulhadbrought;
andaftertheyhadstoodforsometimeonthewetdock，hungryanddamp，itwasratheraggravatingtofindthatthe，carriageswhichLanghamhadorderedtobeatonepierhadgoneto，another。Sothenewarrivalssatrathersilentlyundertheshed，oftheleveeonarowofcotton-bales，whileClayandMacWilliams，racedoffafterthecarriages。
``Iwishwedidn’thavetokeepthehooddown，’’youngLangham，said，anxiously，astheyatlastproceededheavilyupthemuddy，streets;``itmakesitsohot，andyoucan’tseeanything。Not，thatit’sworthseeinginallthismudandmuck，butit’sgreat，whenthesunshines。Wehadplanneditallsodifferently。’’
Hewasalonewithhisfamilynowinonecarriage，andtheother，menandtheservantswerebeforethemintwoothers。Itseemed，aninterminableridetothemall——tothestrangers，andtothe，menwhowereanxiousthattheyshouldbepleased。Theyleftthe，cityatlast，andtoiledalongthelimestoneroadtothePalms，rockingfromsidetosideandsinkinginrutsfilledwithrushing，water。Whentheyopenedtheflapofthehoodtherainbeatinon，them，andwhentheyclosedittheystewedinadamp，warm，atmosphereofwetleatherandhorse-hair。
``ThisisworsethanaTurkishbath，’’saidHope，faintly。
``Don’tyouliveanywhere，Ted？’’
``Oh，it’snotfarnow，’’saidtheyoungerbrother，dismally;but，evenashespokethecarriagelurchedforwardandplungedtoone，sideandcametoahalt，andtheycouldhearthestreamsrushing，pastthewheelslikethewateratthebowofaboat。Awet，blackfaceappearedattheopeningofthehood，andamanspoke，despondentlyinSpanish。
``Hesayswe’restuckinthemud，’’explainedLangham。Helooked，atthemsobeseechinglyandsopitifully，withtheperspiration，streamingdownhisface，andhisclothesdampandbedraggled，thatHopeleanedbackandlaughed，andhisfatherpattedhimon，theknee。``Itcan’tbeanyworse，’’hesaid，cheerfully;``it，mustmendnow。Itisnotyourfault，Ted，thatwe’restarving，andlostinthemud。’’
LanghamlookedouttofindClayandMacWilliamsknee-deepinthe，runningwater，withtheirshouldersagainstthemuddywheels，and，thedriverlashingatthehorsesanddraggingattheirbridles。
Hesprangouttotheirassistance，andHope，shakingoffher，sister’sdetaininghands，jumpedoutafterhim，laughing。She，splashedupthehilltothehorses’heads，motioningtothe，drivertoreleasehisholdontheirbridles。
``Thatisnotthewaytotreatahorse，’’shesaid。``Letme，havethem。Areyoumenallreadydownthere？’’shecalled。
Eachofthethreemengluedashouldertoawheel，andclenched，histeethandnodded。``Allright，then，’’Hopecalledback。
ShetookholdofthehugeMexicanbitsclosetothemouth，where，thepressurewasnotsocruel，andthencoaxingandtuggingby，turns，andslippingasoftenasthehorsesthemselves，shedrew，themoutofthemud，andwiththehelpofthemenbackofthe，carriagepulleditclearuntilitstoodfreeagainatthetopof，thehill。Thenshereleasedherholdonthebridlesandlooked，down，indismay，atherfrockandhands，andthenupatthethree，men。Theyappearedsoutterlymiserableandforlornintheir，muddygarments，andwiththeirfaceswashedwiththerainand，perspiration，thatthegirlgavewaysuddenlytoan，uncontrollableshriekofdelight。Themenstaredblanklyather，foramoment，andtheninquiringlyatoneanother，andasthe，humorofthesituationstruckthemtheyburstintoanechoing，shoutoflaughter，whichroseabovethenoiseofthewindand，rain，andbeforewhichthedisappointmentsandtrialsofthe，morningweresweptaway。BeforetheyreachedthePalmsthesun，wasoutandshiningwithfiercebrilliancy，reflectingitsrays，oneverydampleaf，anddrinkingupeachglisteningpoolof，water。
MacWilliamsandClaylefttheLanghamsalonetogether，and，returnedtotheoffice，wheretheyassuredeachotheragainand，againthattherewasnodoubt，fromwhateachhadhearddifferent，membersofthefamilysay，thattheyweregreatlypleasedwith，allthathadbeenpreparedforthem。
``Theythinkit’sfine！’’saidyoungLangham，whohadrundown，thehilltotellthemaboutit。``Itellyou，theyarepleased。
Itookthemalloverthehouse，andtheyjustexclaimedevery，minute。Ofcourse，’’hesaid，dispassionately，``Ithought，they’dlikeit，butIhadnoideaitwouldpleasethemasmuchas，ithas。MyGovernorissodelightedwiththeplacethathe’s，sittingoutthereontheverandanow，rockinghimselfupanddown，andtakinglongbreathsofsea-air，justasthoughheownedthe，wholecoast-line。’’
Langhamdinedwithhispeoplethatnight，ClayandMacWilliams，havingpromisedtofollowhimupthehilllater。Itwasanight，ofmuchmomenttothemall，andthetwomenatetheirdinnerin，silence，eachconsideringwhatthecomingofthestrangersmight，meantohim。
AshewasleavingtheroomMacWilliamsstoppedandhovered，uncertainlyinthedoorway。
``Areyougoingtogetyourselfintoadress-suitto-night？’’he，asked。Claysaidthathethoughthewould;hewantedtofeel，quitecleanoncemore。
``Well，allright，then，’’theotherreturned，reluctantly。
``I’lldoitforthisonce，ifyoumeanto，butyouneedn’tthink，I’mgoingtomakeapracticeofit，forI’mnot。Ihaven’tworn，adress-suit，’’hecontinued，asthoughexplaininghisprinciples，inthematter，``sinceyourspreadwhenweopenedtherailroad——
that’ssixmonthsago;andthetimebeforethatIworeoneat，MacGolderick’sfuneral。MacGolderickblewhimselfupatPuerto，Truxillo，shootingrocksforthebreakwater。Weneverfoundall，ofhim，butwegavewhatwecouldgettogetherasfineafuneral，asthosenativeseversaw。Theboys，theywantedtomakehim，lookrespectable，sotheyaskedmetolendthemmydress-suit，butItoldthemImeanttowearitmyself。That’showIcameto，wearadress-suitatafuneral。Itwaseithermeor，MacGolderick。’’
``MacWilliams，’’saidClay，ashestuckthetoeofonebootinto，theheeloftheother，``ifIhadyourimaginationI’dgiveup，railroadingandtaketowritingwarcloudsforthenewspapers。’’
``Doyoumeanyoudon’tbelievethatstory？’’MacWilliams，demanded，sternly。
``Ido，’’saidClay，``ImeanIdon’t。’’
``Well，letitgo，’’returnedMacWilliams，gloomily;``but，there’sbeenfuneralsforlessthanthat，letmetellyou。’’
Ahalf-hourlaterMacWilliamsappearedinthedoorandstood，gazingattentivelyatClayarranginghistiebeforeahand-glass，andthenathimselfinhisunusualapparel。
``Nowonderyouvotedtodressup，’’heexclaimedfinally，ina，toneofpersonalinjury。``That’snotadress-suityou’vegoton，anyway。Ithasn’tanytails。AndIhopeforyoursake，Mr。
Clay，’’hecontinued，hisvoicerisinginplaintiveindignation，``thatyouarenotgoingtoplaythatscarfonusforavest。
Andyouhaven’tgotahighcollaron，either。That’sonlya，roughblueprintofadress-suit。Why，youlookjustas，comfortableasthoughyouweregoingtoenjoyyourself——andyou，lookcool，too。’’
``Well，whynot？’’laughedClay。
``Well，butlookatme，’’criedtheother。``DoIlookcool？，Do，Ilookhappyorcomfortable？，No，Idon’t。Ilookjustaboutthe，wayIfeel，likeafoolundertaker。I’mgoingtotakethisthing，rightoff。YouandTedLanghamcanwearyoursilkscarfsand，bobtailcoats，ifyoulike，butiftheydon’twantmeinwhite，ducktheydon’tgetme。’’
WhentheyreachedthePalms，ClayaskedMissLanghamifshedid，notwanttoseehisview。``Andperhaps，ifyouappreciateit，properly，Iwillmakeyouapresentofit，’’hesaid，ashe，walkedbeforeherdownthelengthoftheveranda。
``Itwouldbeveryselfishtokeepitalltomyself，’’shesaid。
``Couldn’tweshareit？’’，Theyhadlefttheothersseatedfacing，thebay，withMacWilliamsandyoungLanghamonthebroadstepsof，theveranda，andtheyoungersisterandherfathersittingin，longbamboosteamer-chairsabovethem。
ClayandMissLanghamwerequitealone。Fromthehighcliffon，whichthePalmsstoodtheycouldlookdownthenarrowinletthat，joinedtheoceanandseethemoonlightturningthewaterintoa，ripplingladderoflightandgildingthedarkgreenleavesofthe，palmsnearthemwithaborderofsilver。Directlybelowthemlay，thewatersofthebay，reflectingtheredandgreenlightsofthe，shipsatanchor，andbeyondthemagainweretheyellowlightsof，thetown，risingoneabovetheotherasthecitycreptupthe，hill。Andbackofallwerethemountains，grimandmysterious，withwhitecloudssleepingintheirhugevalleys，likemassesof，fog。
Exceptfortheceaselessmurmuroftheinsectlifeaboutthemthe，nightwasabsolutelystill——sostillthatthestrikingofthe，ships’bellsintheharborcametothemsharplyacrossthe，surfaceofthewater，andtheycouldhearfromtimetotimethe，splashofsomegreatfishandthesteadycreakingofanoarina，rowlockthatgrewfainterandfainterasitgrewfurther，away，untilitwasdrownedinthedistance。MissLanghamwasfor，alongtimesilent。Shestoodwithherhandsclaspedbehindher，gazingfromsidetosideintothemoonlight，andhadapparently，forgottenthatClaywaspresent。
``Well，’’hesaidatlast，``Ithinkyouappreciateitproperly。
Iwasafraidyouwouldexclaimaboutit，andsayitwasfine，or，charming，orsomething。’’
MissLanghamturnedtohimandsmiledslightly。``Andyoutold，meoncethatyouknewmesoverywell，’’shesaid。
Claychosetoforgetmuchthathehadsaidonthatnightwhenhe，hadfirstmether。Heknewthathehadbeenboldthen，andhad，daredtobesobecausehedidnotthinkhewouldseeheragain;
but，nowthathewastomeethereverydaythroughseveral，months，itseemedbettertohimthattheyshouldgrowtoknow，eachotherastheyreallywere，simplyandsincerely，andwithout，forcingthesituationinanyway。
Sohereplied，``Idon’tknowyousowellnow。Youmustremember，Ihaven’tseenyouforayear。’’
``Yes，butyouhadn’tseenmefortwenty-twoyearsthen，’’she，answered。``Idon’tthinkyouhavechangedmuch，’’shewenton。
``Iexpectedtofindyougraywithcares。Tedwroteusabout，thewayyouworkalldayattheminesandsitupallnightover，calculationsandplansandreports。Butyoudon’tshowit。When，areyougoingtotakeusoverthemines？，To-morrow？，Iamvery，anxioustoseethem，butIsupposefatherwillwanttoinspect，themfirst。Hopeknowsallaboutthem，Ibelieve;sheknows，theirnames，andhowmuchyouhavetakenout，andhowmuchyou，haveputin，too，andwhatMacWilliams’srailroadcost，andwho，gotthecontractfortheorepier。Tedtoldusinhisletters，andsheusedtoworkitoutonthemapinfather’sstudy。Sheis，amostenergeticchild;Ithinksometimessheshouldhavebeena，boy。IwishIcouldbethehelptoanyonethatsheistomy，fatherandtome。WheneverIamblueordownshemakesfunof，me，and——’’
``Whyshouldyoueverbeblue？’’askedClay，abruptly。
``Thereisnorealreason，Isuppose，’’thegirlanswered，smiling，``exceptthatlifeissoveryeasyformethatIhaveto，inventsomewoes。Ishouldbebetterforafewreverses。’’，And，thenshewentoninalowervoice，andturningherheadaway，``InourfamilythereisnowomanolderthanIamtowhomIcan，gowithquestionsthattroubleme。Hopeislikeaboy，asI
said，andplayswithTed，andmyfatherisverybusywithhis，affairs，andsincemymotherdiedIhavebeenverymuch，alone。Amancannotunderstand。AndIcannotunderstandwhyI
shouldbespeakingtoyouaboutmyselfandmytroubles，except——’’sheadded，alittlewistfully，``thatyouoncesaid，youwereinterestedinme，evenifitwasaslongasayearago。
AndbecauseIwantyoutobeverykindtome，asyouhavebeento，Ted，andIhopethatwearegoingtobeverygoodfriends。’’
Shewassobeautiful，standingintheshadowwiththemoonlight，aboutherandwithherhandheldouttohim，thatClayfeltas，thoughthescenewerehardlyreal。Hetookherhandinhisand，helditforamoment。Hispleasureinthesweetfriendlinessof，hermannerandinherbeautywassogreatthatitkepthim，silent。
``Friends！’’helaughedunderhisbreath。``Idon’tthinkthere，ismuchdangerofournotbeingfriends。Thedangerlies，’’he，wenton，smiling，``inmynotbeingabletostopthere。’’
MissLanghammadenosignthatshehadheardhim，butturnedand，walkedoutintothemoonlightanddowntheporchtowherethe，othersweresitting。
YoungLanghamhadorderedanativeorchestraofguitarsandreed，instrumentsfromthetowntoserenadehispeople，andtheywere，standinginfrontofthehouseinthemoonlightasMiss，LanghamandClaycameforward。Theyplayedtheshrill，eerie，musicoftheircountrywithapassionandfeelingthatfilledout，thestrangetropicalscenearoundthem;butClayheardthemonly，asanaccompanimenttohisownthoughts，andasapartofthe，beautifulnightandthetall，beautifulgirlwhohaddominated，it。Hewatchedherfromtheshadowasshesatleaningeasily，forwardandlookingintothenight。Themoonlightfellfullupon，her，andthoughshedidnotoncelookathimorturnherheadin，hisdirection，hefeltasthoughshemustbeconsciousofhis，presence，asthoughtherewerealreadyanunderstandingbetween，themwhichsheherselfhadestablished。Shehadaskedhimtobe，herfriend。Thatwasonlyaprettyspeech，perhaps;butshehad，spokenofherself，andhadhintedatherperplexitiesandher，loneliness，andhearguedthatwhileitwasnocomplimenttobe，askedtoshareanother’spleasure，itmustmeansomethingwhen，onewasallowedtolearnalittleofanother’stroubles。
Andwhilehismindwasflatteredandarousedbythispromiseof，confidencebetweenthem，hewasrejoicingintherarequalityof，herbeauty，andinthethoughtthatshewastobenearhim，and，nearhimhere，ofallplaces。Itseemedaverywonderfulthing，toClay——somethingthatcouldonlyhavehappenedinanovelora，play。Forwhilethemanandthehourfrequentlyappeared，together，hehadfoundthattheonewomanintheworldandthe，placeandthemanwasamuchmoredifficultcombinationtobring，intoeffect。Noone，heassuredhimselfthankfully，couldhave，designedamorelovelysettingforhislove-story，ifitwasto，bealove-story，andhehopeditwas，thanthisintowhichshe，hadcomeofherownfreewill。Itwasalandofromanceand，adventure，ofguitarsandlatticedwindows，ofwarmbrilliant，daysandgorgeoussilentnights，underpurpleheavensandwhite，stars。Andhewastohaveheralltohimself，withnoonenear，tointerrupt，nootherfriends，even，andnopossiblerival。She，wasnotguardednowbyacomplexsocialsystem，withits，responsibilities。Hewasthemostluckyofmen。Othershadonly，seenherinherdrawing-roomorinanopera-box，buthewasfree，tofordmountain-streamsatherside，orridewithherunder，archesofthegreatpalms，ortoplayaguitarboldlybeneathher，window。Hewasfreetocomeandgoatanyhour;notonlyfreeto，doso，buttheverynatureofhisdutiesmadeitnecessarythat，theyshouldbethrownconstantlytogether。
Themusicoftheviolinsmovedhimandtouchedhimdeeply，and，stirreddepthsatwhichhehadnotguessed。Itmadehimhumble，anddeeplygrateful，andhefelthowmeanandunworthyhewas，ofsuchgreathappiness。Hehadneverlovedanywomanashefelt，thathecouldlovethiswoman，ashehopedthathewastolove，her。Forhewasnotsofarblindedbyherbeautyandbywhathe，guessedhercharactertobe，astoimaginethathereallyknew，her。Heonlyknewwhathehopedshewas，whathebelievedthe，soulmustbethatlookedoutofthosekind，beautifuleyes，and，thatfoundutteranceinthatwonderfulvoicewhichcouldcontrol，himandmovehimbyaword。
Hefelt，ashelookedatthegroupbeforehim，howlonelyhisown，lifehadbeen，howhardhehadworkedforsolittle——forwhat，othermenfoundreadyathandwhentheywerebornintotheworld。
Hefeltalmostatouchofself-pityathisownimperfectness;and，thepowerofhiswillandhisconfidenceinhimself，ofwhichhe，wassoproud，seemedmisplacedandlittle。Andthenhewondered，ifhehadnotneglectedchances;butinanswertothishis，injuredself-loverosetorebuttheideathathehadwastedany，portionofhistime，andheassuredhimselfthathehaddonethe，workthathehadcutoutforhimselftodoasbesthecould;no，onebuthimselfknewwithwhatcourageandspirit。Andsohesat，combatingwithhimself，hopingonemomentthatshewould，provewhathebelievedhertobe，andthenext，scandalizedat，histemerityindaringtothinkofheratall。
Thespellliftedasthemusicceased，andClaybroughthimself，backtothemomentandlookedabouthimasthoughhewerewaking，fromadreamandhadexpectedtoseethescenedisappearandthe，figuresnearhimfadeintothemoonlight。
YoungLanghamhadtakenaguitarfromoneofthemusiciansand，pressedituponMacWilliams，withimperativedirectionstosing，suchandsuchsongs，ofwhich，intheirisolation，theyhadgrown，tothinkmosthighly，andMacWilliamswasprotestinginmuch，embarrassment。
MacWilliamshadatenorvoicewhichhemaltreatedinthemost，villanousmannerbysingingdirectlythroughhisnose。Hehada，tasteforsentimentalsongs，inwhich``kiss’’rhymedwith，``bliss，’’andinwhich``thepeoplecry’’wasalwayssuretobe，followedwith``asshegoesby，that’sprettyKatieMoody，’’or，``RosieMcIntyre。’’，Hehadgatheredhissongsatthesideof，camp-fires，andincanteensatthefirstsection-houseofanew，railroad，andhisoriginalcollectionofballadshadhadbutfew，additionsinseveralyears。MacWilliamsatfirstwasshy，which，wasquiteanewdevelopment，untilhemadethempromiseto，laughiftheywantedtolaugh，explainingthathewouldnot，mindthatsomuchashewouldtheideathathethoughthewas，serious。
Thesongofwhichhewasespeciallyfondwasonecalled``He，nevercarestowanderfromhisownFireside，’’whichwas，especiallyappropriateincomingfromamanwhohadvisited，almosteveryspotinthethreeAmericas，excepthishome，inten，years。MacWilliamsalwaysendedtheevening’sentertainmentwith，thischorus，nomatterhowmanytimesithadbeensung，previously，andseemedtoregarditwithmuchthesameveneration，thatthetrueBritonfeelsforhisnationalanthem。
Thewordsofthechoruswere：
``Henevercarestowanderfromhisownfireside，Henevercarestowanderortoroam。
Withhisbabiesonhisknee，He’sashappyascanbe，Forthere’snoplacelikeHome，SweetHome。’’
MacWilliamslovedaccidentals，andwhathecalled``barber-shop，chords。’’，Heusedabeautifulaccidentalattheword``be，’’of，whichhewasveryfond，andheusedtohangonthatnotefora，longtime，sothatthoseintheextremerearofthehall，ashe，waswonttoexplain，shouldgetthefullbenefitofit。Andit，washiscustomtoemphasize``for’’inthelastlineby，speakinginsteadofsingingit，andthencomingtoafullstop，beforedashingonagainwiththeexcellenttruththat``thereis，NOplacelikeHome，SweetHome。’’
Themenattheminesusedtolaughathimandhissongatfirst，buttheysawthatitwasnottobesolaughedaway，andthathe，regardeditwithsomepeculiarsentiment。Sotheysufferedhim，tosingitinpeace。
MacWilliamswentthroughhisrepertoiretotheunconcealed，amusementofyoungLanghamandHope。Whenhehadfinishedhe，askedHopeifsheknewacomicsongofwhichhehadonlyheardby，reputation。Oneofthemenatthemineshadgainedacertain，celebritybyclaimingtohavehearditintheStates，butashe，gaveacompletelynewsetofwordstothetuneofthe``Wearing，oftheGreen’’asthetrueversion，hisveracitywasdoubted。
Hopesaidsheknewit，ofcourse，andtheyallwentintothe，drawing-room，wherethemengroupedthemselvesaboutthepiano。
Itwasanighttheyrememberedlongafterward。Hopesatatthe，pianoprotestingandlaughing，butsingingthesongsofwhichthe，new-comershadbecomesoweary，butwhichthethreemenheard，open-eyed，andhailedwithshoutsofpleasure。Theothers，enjoyedthemandtheirdelight，asthoughtheywerepeopleina，playexpressingthemselvesinthisextravagantmannerfor，theirentertainment，untiltheyunderstoodhowpoverty-stricken，theirliveshadbeenandthattheywerenotonlyenjoyingthe，musicforitself，butbecauseitwascharacteristicofallthat，theyhadleftbehindthem。Itwaspathetictohearthemboastof，havingreadofacertainsonginsuchapaper，andofthefact，thattheyknewtheplotofalatecomicoperaandthenamesof，thosewhohadplayedinit，andthatithadorhadnotbeen，acceptabletotheNewYorkpublic。
``Dearme，’’Hopewouldcry，lookingoverhershoulderwitha，despairingglanceathersisterandfather，``theydon’teven，know`TommyAtkins’！’’
Itwasaveryhappyeveningforthemall，foreshadowing，asit，did，acontinuationofjustsuchevenings。YoungLanghamwas，radiantwithpleasureatthegoodaccountwhichClayhadgivenof，himtohisfather，andMr。Langhamwasgratified，andproudof，themannerinwhichhissonandheirhadconductedhimself;and，MacWilliams，whohadneverbeforebeentakensosimplyand，sincerelybypeopleofaclassthathehadalwaysheldin，humorousawe，feltasuddenaccessionofdignity，andanunhappy，fearthatwhentheylaughedatwhathesaid，itwasbecauseits，sensewassoutterlydifferentfromtheirpointofview，andnot，becausetheysawthehumorofit。Hedidnotknowwhattheword，``snob’’signified，andinhisroughened，easy-goingnaturethere，wasnotouchoffalsepride;buthecouldnothelpthinkinghow，surprisedhispeoplewouldbeiftheycouldseehim，whomthey，regardedasawandererandrenegadeonthefaceoftheearthand，theprodigalofthefamily，andforthatreasonthebestloved，leaningoveragrandpiano，whileonedaughterofhis，much-reveredpresidentplayedcomicsongsforhisdelectation，andtheother，whoaccordingtothenewspapersrefusedprinces，daily，andwhowasthemostwonderfulcreaturehehadeverseen，pouredouthiscoffeeandbroughtittohimwithherownhands。
Theeveningcametoanendatlast，andthenewarrivals，accompaniedtheirvisitorstotheverandaastheystartedto，theircabinforthenight。ClaywasaskingMr。Langhamwhenhe，wishedtovisitthemines，andtheotherswerelaughingover，farewellspeeches，whenyoungLanghamstartledthemallby，hurryingdownthelengthoftheverandaandcallingonthemto，follow。
``Look！’’hecried，pointingdowntheinlet。``Herecomesaman-
of-war，orayacht。Isn’tshesmart-looking？，Whatcanshewant，hereatthishourofthenight？，Theywon’tletthemland。Can，youmakeherout，MacWilliams？’’
Along，whiteshipwassteamingslowlyuptheinlet，and，passedwithinafewhundredfeetofthecliffonwhichtheywere，standing。
``Why，it’sthe`Vesta’！’’exclaimedHope，wonderingly。``I
thoughtshewasn’tcomingforaweek？’’
``Itcan’tbethe`Vesta’！’’saidtheeldersister;``shewasnot，tohavesailedfromHavanauntilto-day。’’
``Whatdoyoumean？’’askedLangham。``IsitKing’sboat？，Do，youexpecthimhere？，Oh，whatfun！，Isay，Clay，here’sthe，`Vesta，’ReggieKing’syacht，andhe’snoendofasport。Wecan，goallovertheplacenow，andhecanlandusrightatthedoor，oftheminesifwewantto。’’
``IsittheKingImetatdinnerthatnight？’’askedClay，turningtoMissLangham。
``Yes，’’shesaid。``Hewantedustocomedownontheyacht，but，wethoughtthesteamerwouldbefaster;sohesailedwithoutus，andwastohavetouchedatHavana，buthehasapparentlychanged，hiscourse。Doesn’tshelooklikeaphantomshipinthe，moonlight？’’
YoungLanghamthoughthecoulddistinguishKingamongthewhite，figuresonthebridge，andtossedhishatandshouted，andaman，inthesternoftheyachtrepliedwithawaveofhishand。
``ThatmustbeMr。King，’’saidHope。``Hedidn’tbringany，onewithhim，andheseemstobetheonlymanaft。’’
Theystoodwatchingtheyachtasshestoppedwitharattleof，anchor-chainsandaconfusionofordersthatcamesharplyacross，thewater，andthenthepartyseparatedandthethreemenwalked，downthehill，LanghameagerlyassuringtheothertwothatKing，wasaverygoodsort，andtellingthemwhatatreasure-househis，yachtwas，andhowhewouldhaveprobablybroughtthelatest，papers，andthathewouldcertainlygiveadanceonboardin，theirhonor。
Themenstoodforsomeshorttimetogether，aftertheyhad，reachedtheoffice，discussingthegreateventsoftheday，and，thenwithcheerfulgood-nightsdisappearedintotheirseparate，rooms。
AnhourlaterClaystoodwithouthiscoat，andwithapeninhis，hand，atMacWilliams’sbedsideandshookhimbytheshoulder。
``I’mnotasleep，’’saidMacWilliams，sittingup;``whatisit？
Whathaveyoubeendoing？’’hedemanded。``Notworking？’’
``Thereweresomereportscameinafterweleft，’’saidClay，``andIfindIwillhavetoseeKirklandto-morrowmorning。Send，themwordtorunmedownonanengineatfive-thirty，willyou？
Iamsorrytohavetowakeyou，butIcouldn’trememberin，whichshackthatengineerlives。’’
MacWilliamsjumpedfromhisbedandbegankickingaboutthefloor，forhisboots。``Oh，that’sallright，’’hesaid。``Iwasn’t，asleep，Iwasjust——’’heloweredhisvoicethatLanghammight，nothearhimthroughthecanvaspartitions——``Iwasjustlying，awakeplayingduetswiththePresident，andracingforthe，InternationalCupinmynewcentre-boardyacht，that’sall！’’
MacWilliamsbuttonedawaterproofcoatoverhispajamasand，stampedhisbarefeetintohisboots。``Oh，Itellyou，Clay，’’
hesaidwithagrimchuckle，``we’remixingrightinwiththe，fourhundred，weare！，I’msubstituteandunderstudywhenanybody，getsill。We’rerightinourownclassatlast！，Pureamateurs，withnoprofessionalrecordagainstus。MeandPresident，Langham，Iguess！’’Hestruckamatchandlitthesmokywickina，tinlantern。
``Butnow，’’hesaid，cheerfully，``mytimebeingtoovaluable，formetosleep，Iwillgowakeupthatniggerengine-driverand，sethisalarmclockatfive-thirty。Five-thirty，Ibelieveyou，said。Allright;good-night。’’，Andwhistlingcheerfullyto，himselfMacWilliamsdisappearedupthehill，hisbodyhiddenin，thedarknessandhislegsshowingfantasticallyinthelight，oftheswinginglantern。
Claywalkedoutupontheverandaandstoodwithhisbacktoone，ofthepillars。MacWilliamsandhispleasantriesdisturbedand，troubledhim。Perhaps，afterall，theboywasright。Itseemed，absurd，butitwastrue。TheywereonlyemployeesofLangham——
twoofthethousandsofyoungmenwhowereworkingalloverthe，UnitedStatestopleasehim，tomakehimricher，towhomhewas，onlyanameandapower，whichmeantanincreaseofsalaryorthe，lossofplace。
Claylaughedandshruggedhisshoulders。Heknewthathewasnot，inthatclass;ifhedidgoodworkitwasbecausehisself-
respectdemandeditofhim;hedidnotworkforLanghamorthe，OlanchoMiningCompany(Limited)。Andyetheturnedwithalmost，afeelingofresentmenttowardthewhiteyachtlyingcalmlyin，magnificentreposeahundredyardsfromhisporch。
Hecouldseeherasclearlyinhercircleofelectriclightsas，thoughshewereapictureandheldinthelightofastereopticon，onascreen。Hecouldseeherwhitedecks，andtherailsof，polishedbrass，andthecomfortablewickerchairsandgay，cushionsandflatcoilsofrope，andthetaperingmastsand，intricaterigging。Howeasyitwasmadeforsomemen！，This，onehadcomeliketheprinceinthefairytaleonhismagic，carpet。IfAliceLanghamweretoleaveValenciathatnextday，Claycouldnotfollowher。Hehadhisdutiesand，responsibilities;hewasatanotherman’sbidding。
ButthisPrinceFortunatushadbuttoraiseanchorandstartin，pursuit，knowingthathewouldbewelcomewhereverhefoundher。
ThatwastheworstofittoClay，forheknewthatmendidnot，followwomenfromcontinenttocontinentwithoutsomeassurance，ofafriendlygreeting。Clay’smindwentbacktothedayswhen，hewasaboy，whenhisfatherwasabsentfightingforalost，cause;whenhismothertaughtinalittleschoolhouseunderthe，shadowofPike’sPeak，andwhenKitCarsonwashishero。He，thoughtofthepovertyofthosedayspovertysomeanandhopeless，thatitwasalmostsomethingtofeelshamefor;ofthedaysthat，followedwhen，anorphanandwithoutahome，hehadsailedaway，fromNewOrleanstotheCape。Howthemindofthemathematician，whichhehadinheritedfromtheBostonschoolmistress，hadbeen，swayedbythespiritofthesoldier，whichhehadinheritedfrom，hisfather，andwhichledhimfromtheminesofSouthAfricato，littlewarsinMadagascar，Egypt，andAlgiers。Ithadbeena，lifeasrestlessastheseaweedonarock。Butashelooked，backtoitspoorbeginningsandadmittedtohimselfitslater，successes，hegaveasighofcontent，andshakingoffthemood，stoodupandpacedthelengthoftheveranda。
Helookedupthehilltothelow-roofedbungalowwiththepalm-
leavesaboutit，outlinedagainstthesky，andasmotionlessas，patternscutintin。Hehadbuiltthathouse。Hehadbuiltit，forher。Thatwasherroomwherethelightwasshiningoutfrom，theblackbulkofthehouseaboutitlikeastar。Andbeyondthe，househesawhisfivegreatmountains，theknucklesofthegiant，hand，withitsgauntletofironthatlayshutandclenchedinthe，faceoftheseathatsweptupwhimperingbeforeit。Clayfelta，boyish，foolishprideriseinhisbreastashelookedtowardthe，greatmineshehaddiscoveredandopened，attheironmountains，thatwerecrumblingawaybeforehistouch。
Heturnedhiseyesagaintotheblazingyacht，andthistime，therewasnotraceofenvyinthem。Helaughedinstead，partly，withpleasureatthethoughtofthestrugglehescentedinthe，air，andpartlyathisownbraggadocio。
``I’mnotafraid，’’hesaid，smiling，andshakinghisheadatthe，whiteshipthatloomeduplikeaman-of-warintheblackwaters。
``I’mnotafraidtofightyouforanythingworthfightingfor。
Hebowedhisbaredheadingood-nighttowardthelightonthe，hill，asheturnedandwalkedbackintohisbedroom。``AndI
think，’’hemurmuredgrimly，asheputoutthelight，``thatshe，isworthfightingfor。’’
IV
TheworkwhichhadcalledClaytothemineskepthimtherefor，sometime，anditwasnotuntilthethirddayafterthearrival，oftheLanghamsthathereturnedagaintothePalms。Onthe，afternoonwhenheclimbedthehilltothebungalowhefoundthe，Langhamsashehadleftthem，withthedifferencethatKingnow，occupiedaplaceinthefamilycircle。Claywasmadesowelcome，andespeciallysobyKing，thathefeltratherashamedofhis，sentimentstowardhim，andconsideredhisthreedaysofabsence，tobewellrepaidbytheheartinessoftheirgreeting。
``Formyself，’’saidMr。Langham，``Idon’tbelieveyouhad，anythingtodoattheminesatall。Ithinkyouwentawayjust，toshowushownecessaryyouare。Butifyouwantmetomakea，goodreportofourresidentdirectoronmyreturn，youhadbetter，devoteyourselflesstothemineswhileyouarehereandmoreto，us。’’，Claysaidhewasgladtofindthathisdutiesweretobe，ofsopleasantanature，andaskedthemwhattheyhadseenand，whattheyhaddone。
Theytoldhimtheyhadbeennowhere，buthadwaitedforhis，returninorderthathemightactastheirguide。
``Thenyoushouldseethecityatonce，’’saidClay，``andIwill，havethevolantebroughttothedoor，andwecanallgointhis，afternoon。Thereisroomforthefourofyouinside，andIcan，sitonthebox-seatwiththedriver。’’
``No，’’saidKing，``letHopeormesitonthebox-seat。Thenwe，canpractiseourSpanishonthedriver。’’
``Notverywell，’’Clayreplied，``forthedriversitsonthe，firsthorse，likeapostilion。It’sasortoftandemwithout，reins。Haven’tyouseenityet？，Weconsiderthevolanteour，proudestexhibit。’’，SoClayorderedthevolantetobebrought，out，andplacedthemfacingeachotherintheopencarriage，whileheclimbedtothebox-seat，fromwhichpositionofvantage，hepointedoutandexplainedtheobjectsofinteresttheypassed，afterthemannerofaprofessionalguide。Itwasawarm，beautifulafternoon，andtheclearmistsoftheatmosphere，intensifiedtherichblueofthesky，andthebrilliantcolorsof，thehouses，andthedifferentshadesofgreenofthetreesand，bushesthatlinedthehighroadtothecapital。
``Totheright，aswedescend，’’saidClay，speakingoverhis，shoulder，``youseeatinhouse。Itisthehomeofthe，residentdirectoroftheOlanchoMiningCompany(Limited)，andof，hisablelieutenants，Mr。TheodoreLanghamandMr。MacWilliams。
Thebuildingontheextremeleftistheround-house，inwhichMr。
MacWilliamsstoreshisthreelocomotiveengines，andinthefar，middle-distanceisMr。MacWilliamshimselfintheactof，repairingawater-tank。Heistheoneinasuitofblue，overalls，andashislanguageatsuchtimesisfree，wewill，driverapidlyonandnotembarrasshim。Besides，’’addedthe，engineer，withthehappylaughofaboywhohadbeentreatedtoa，holiday，``IamsurethatIamnotsettinghimtheexampleof，fixitytodutywhichheshouldexpectfromhischief。’’
TheypassedbetweenhighhedgesofSpanishbayonet，andcameto，mudcabinsthatchedwithpalm-leaves，andalivewithnaked，littlebrown-bodiedchildren，wholaughedandcheeredtothemas，theypassed。
``It’saverybeautifulcountryforthepueblo，’’wasClay’s，comment。``Differentpartsofthesametreefurnishthemwith，food，shelter，andclothing，andthesungivesthemfuel，andthe，Governmentchangessooftenthattheycanalwaysdodgethetax-
collector。’’
Fromthemudcabinstheycametomoresubstantialone-story，housesofadobe，withthewallspaintedintwodistinct，colors，blue，pink，oryellow，withred-tiledroofs，andthe，nameswithwhichtheyhadbeenchristenedinboldblackletters，abovetheentrances。Thenthecarriagerattledoverpaved，streets，andtheydrovebetweenhousesoftwostoriespainted，moredecorouslyinpinkandlightblue，withwide-openwindows，guardedbyheavybarsoffinelywroughtironandornamentedwith，scrollworkinstucco。Theprincipalstreetsweregivenupto，storesandcafe’s，allwideopentothepavementandprotected，fromthesunbybrilliantlystripedawnings，andgaywiththe，nationalcolorsofOlanchoinflagsandstreamers。Infrontof，themsatofficersinuniform，andthedark-skinneddandiesof，Valencia，inwhiteducksuitsandPanamahats，toyingwith，tortoiseshellcanes，whichcouldbeconverted，iftheoccasion，demanded，intobladesofToledosteel。Inthestreetswere，priestsandbare-leggedmuledrivers，andraggedranchmenwith，red-capedcloakshangingtotheirsandals，andnegrowomen，with，bareshouldersandlongtrains，vendinglotteryticketsand，rollinghugecigarsbetweentheirlips。Itwasanoldstoryto，ClayandKing，butnoneoftheothershadseenaSpanish-American，citybefore;theywerefamiliarwiththeFarEastandthe，Mediterranean，butnotwiththefierce，hottropicsoftheir，sistercontinent，andsotheireyeswerewideopen，andthey，keptcallingcontinuallytooneanothertonoticesomenewplace，orfigure。
Theyintheirturndidnotescapefromnoticeorcomment。The，twosisterswouldhavebeenconspicuousanywhere——inaqueen’s，drawing-roomoronanIndianreservation。Theirswasatypethat，thecaballerosandsenoritasdidnotknow。Withthemdark，hairwasalwaysassociatedwithdarkcomplexions，therich，duskinessofwhichwasalwaysvulgarizedbyacoatofpowder，and，thisfairblendingofpinkandwhiteskinundermassesofblack，hairwasstrangelynew，sothateachofthefewwomenwhowereto，bemetonthestreetturnedtolookafterthecarriage，whilethe，Americanwomenadmiredtheirmantillas，andfeltthatthestraw，sailor-hatstheyworehadbecomeheavyandunfeminine。
Claywasveryhappyinpickingoutwhatwasmostcharacteristic，andpicturesque，andeverystreetintowhichhedirectedthe，drivertotakethemseemedtopossesssomebuildingormonument，thatwasofpeculiarinterest。Theydidnotknowthathehad，mappedoutthisridemanytimesbefore，andwastakingthemover，aroutewhichhehadalreadytravelledwiththeminimagination。
Kingknewwhatthecapitalwouldbelikebeforeheenteredit，fromhisexperienceofotherSouthAmericancities，butheacted，asthoughitwereallnewtohim，andallowedClayto，explain，andtogivethereasonforthosefeaturesoftheplace，thatwereunusualandcharacteristic。Claynoticedthisand，appealedtohimfromtimetotime，whenhewasindoubt;butthe，otheronlysmiledbackandshookhishead，asmuchastosay，``Thisisyourcity;theywouldratherhearaboutitfromyou。’’
Claytookthemtotheprincipalshops，wherethetwogirlsheld，whisperedconsultationsoverlacemantillas，whichtheyhadat，oncedeterminedtoadopt，andboughtthegorgeouspaperfans，coveredwithbrilliantpicturesofbull-fightersinsuitsof，silvertinsel;andfromtheseopenstoresheledthemtoadingy，littleshop，wheretherewasoldsilverandprecioushand-painted，fansofmother-of-pearlthathadbeenpawnedbyfamilieswhohad，riskedandlostallinsomerevolution;andthentoanothershop，wheretwooldmaidenladiesmadeaparticularlygoodguava;and，totobacconists，wherethemenboughtafewofthenativecigars，which，astheywereamonopolyoftheGovernment，wereasbadas，Governmentmonopoliesalwaysare。
Clayfeltasuddenfondnessforthecity，sogratefulwasheto，itforentertainingherasitdid，andforputtingitsbestfront，forwardforherdelectation。Hewantedtothanksomeonefor，buildingthequaintoldconvent，withitsyellowwalls，washedtoanorangetint，andblackinspotswithdampness;and，forthefountaincoveredwithgreenmossthatstoodbeforeits，gate，andaroundwhichweregatheredthegirlsandwomenofthe，neighborhoodwithredwater-jarsontheirshoulders，andlittle，donkeysburiedunderstacksofyellowsugar-cane，andthenegro，driversofthecity’sgreenwater-carts，andthebluewagonsthat，carriedthemanufacturedice。Towardfiveo’clocktheydecided，tospendtherestofthedayinthecity，andtotelephonefor，thetwoboystojointhematLaVenus，thegreatrestauranton，theplaza，whereClayhadinvitedthemtodine。
Hesuggestedthattheyshouldfilloutthetimemeanwhilebya，callonthePresident，andafterasearchforcardsinvarious，pocketbooks，theydrovetotheGovernmentpalace，whichstoodin，anopensquareintheheartofthecity。
AstheyarrivedthePresidentandhiswifewereleavingfortheir，afternoondriveontheAlameda，thefashionableparade-groundof，thecity，andthestatecarriageandasquadofcavalryappeared，fromthesideofthepalaceasthevisitorsdroveuptothe，entrance。ButatthesightofClay，GeneralAlvarezandhiswife，retreatedtothehouseagainandmadethemwelcome。The，Presidentledthemenintohisreception-roomand，entertainedthemwithchampagneandcigarettes，notmanufactured，byhisGovernment;andhiswife，afterfirstconductingthegirls，throughthestatedrawing-room，wherethelatesunlightshone，gloomilyonstrangeoldportraitsofassassinatedpresidentsand，victoriousgenerals，andgarishyellowsilkfurniture，brought，themtoherownapartments，andgavethemteaafteracivilized，fashion，andshowedthemhowgladshewastoseesomeoneofher，ownworldagain。
