第5章

Mindfuloftheaffrontofthenightbefore，hegreetedSamonlywithascowl。

"Senator，"criedSamhappily，"youmustbethefirsttohearthenews！

PollyandIaregoingintopartnership。Wearetobemarried。"

ThistimeSenatorSewarddidnottroublehimselfeventotellSamhewasanass。Hemerelygrinnedcynically。

"Isthatallyournews？"hedemandedwithsarcasm。

"No，"saidSam——"IamgoingintopartnershipwithBaronHaussmanntoo！"

THEBURIEDTREASUREOFCOBRE

YoungEverettatlastwasaministerplenipotentiary。InLondonasthirdsecretaryhehadsplashedaroundintheraintofindtheambassador\'scarriage。InRomeasasecondsecretaryhehadservedasaclearing-housefortheEmbassy\'svisiting-cards；andinMadridasfirstsecretaryhehadactedasinterpreterforaministerwho，thoughvaluableasanationalchairman，hadmuchtolearnofevenhisownlanguage。ButalthoughsurroundedbyallthewondersanddelightsofEurope，althoughhewalked，talked，wined，anddinedwithstatesmenandcourtbeauties，Everettwasnothappy。Hewasneverhisownmaster。Alwaysheansweredthebuttonpressedbythemanhigherup。Alwaysoverhimloomedhischief；always，forhisdiligenceandzeal，hischiefreceivedcredit。

AsHisMajesty\'snavalattacheputitsympathetically，"Betterbeatop-sidemanonasampanthanFirstLuffontheDreadnought。

Don\'tbeanotherman\'srighthand。Beyourownrighthand。"

AccordinglywhentheStateDepartmentofferedtomakehimministertotheRepublicofAmapala，Everettgladlydesertedtheflesh-potsofEurope，and，onmule-backovertrailsinthelivingrock，throughmountaintorrentsthathadneverknowntheshadowofabridge，throughswampandjungle，rodesunburntandsaddle-soreintohisinheritance。

Whengivinghimhisfarewellinstructions，theSecretaryofStatehadnotattemptedtodeceivehim。

"OfallthesmallerrepublicsofCentralAmerica，"hefranklytoldhim，"Amapalaistheleastdesirable，leastcivilized，leastacceptable。

Itoffersanambitiousyoungdiplomatnochance。Butonceaminister，alwaysaminister。Havingliftedyououtofthesecretaryclasswecan\'tdemoteyou。Yourdaysofdecipheringcablegramsareover，andifyoudon\'tdieoffever，ofboredom，orbrandy，callusupinayearortwoandwewillseewhatwecando。"

EverettregardedtheSecretaryblankly。

"HasthedepartmentnointerestinAmapala？"hebegged。"Istherenothingyouwantthere？"

"Thereisonethingweverymuchwant，"returnedtheSecretary，"butwecan\'tgetit。Wewantatreatytoextraditecriminals。"

Theyoungministerlaughedconfidently。

"Why！"heexclaimed，"thatshouldbeeasy。"

TheSecretarysmiled。

"Youhaveourfullpermissiontogetit，"hesaid。"Thisdepartment，"

heexplained，"underthreeadministrationshasinstructedfourministerstoarrangesuchatreaty。TheBankers\'Associationwantsit；theMerchants\'ProtectiveAlliancewantsit。Amapalaistheonlyplacewithinstrikingdistanceofourcountrywhereafugitiveissafe。

Itistheonlyplacewhereadishonestcashier，swindler，orfeloncanfindrefuge。SometimesitseemsalmostasthoughwhenamanplannedacrimehetimeditexactlysoastocatchtheboatforAmapala。And，oncethere，wecan\'tlayourhandsonhim；and，what\'smore，wecan\'tlayourhandsonthemoneyhetakeswithhim。Ihavenorighttomakeapromise，"saidthegreatman，"butthedaythattreatyissignedyoucansailforalegationinEurope。DoImakemyselfclear？"

"Soclear，sir，"criedEverett，laughing，"thatifIdon\'tarrangethattreatyIwillremaininAmapalauntilIdo。"

"Fourofyourpredecessors，"remarkedtheSecretary，"madeexactlythesamepromise，butnoneofthemgotusthetreaty。"

"ProbablynoneofthemremainedinAmapala，either，"retortedEverett。

"Twodid，"correctedtheSecretary；"asyourideintoCamaguayyouseetheirtombstones。"

Everettfoundthenine-daymule-ridefromthecoasttothecapitalarduous，butfullofinterest。Afteraweekathispostheappreciatedthatuntilheleftitandmadethereturnjourneynothingofequalinterestwasagainlikelytooccur。ForlifeinCamaguay，thecapitalofAmapala，provedtobeonelong，dreamlessslumber。Inthemorningeachoftheinhabitantsengagedinastruggletogetawake；afterthesecondbreakfastheceasedstruggling，andforasiestasankintohishammock。Afterdinner，atnineo\'clock，hewaspreparedtosleepinearnest，andwenttobed。TheofficiallifeasexplainedtoEverettbyGarland，theAmericanconsul，wasequallymonotonous。WhenPresidentMendozawasnotinthemountainsdeer-hunting，orsuppressingarevolution，eachSundayheinvitedtheAmericanministertodineatthepalace。InreturnHisExcellencyexpectedonceaweektobeinvitedtobreakfastwiththeminister。Hepreferredthattheactivitiesofthatgentlemanshouldgonofurther。Lifeinthediplomaticcirclewasevenlessstrenuous。Everettwasthedoyenofthediplomaticcorpsbecausehewastheonlydiplomat。Allothercountrieswererepresentedbyconsulswhowerecommissionmerchantsandshopkeepers。Theyweredelightedathavingamongthemaministerplenipotentiary。Whenhetookpityonthemandinvitedthemtotea，whichinvitationshedeliveredinpersontoeachconsulatthedoorofeachshop，theentirediplomaticcorps，astheconsulswerepleasedtodescribethemselves，putuptheshutters，putontheirofficialfull-dressuniformsandarrivedinabody。

ThefirstweekathispostEverettspentinreadingthearchivesofthelegation。Theyweremostdiscouraging。Hefoundthatforthesixteenyearspriortohisarrivaltheonlyeventsreportedtothedepartmentbyhispredecessorswererevolutionsandtherefusalsofsuccessivepresidentstoconsenttoatreatyofextradition。OnthatpointallAmapalanswereinaccord。Thoughovernightthegovernmentchangedhands，thoughpresidentsgavewaytodictators，anddictatorstomilitarygovernors，thenationalpolicyofAmapalacontinuedtobe"Noextradition！"TheillsuccessofthosewhohadprecededhimappalledEverett。HehadpromisedhimselfbyabrilliantassaulttosecurethetreatyandclaimthelegationinEurope。Buttherecordofsixteenyearsoffailurecausedhimtoalterhisstrategy。Insteadofanattackhepreparedforasiege。

Heunpackedhisbooks，placedtheportraitofhisownPresidentovertheofficedesk，andproceededtomakefriendswithhisfellowexiles。

OftheforeigncolonyinCamaguaysomefiftywereAmericans，andfromtherestoftheworldtheywereashopelesslyseparatedasthecrewofalight-ship。FromthePacifictheywerecutoffbytheCordilleras，fromtheCaribbeanbyanine-daymule-ride。Tothenorthandsouth，jungle，forests，swamp-lands，andmountainshemmedthemin。

OfthefiftyAmericans，one-halfwereconstantlyonthetrail；

ridingtothecoasttovisittheirplantations，orintothemountainstoinspecttheirmines。WhenEverettarrived，ofthoseabsentthetwomostimportantwereChesterWardandColonelGoddard。

Indeed，soimportantwerethesegentlementhatEverettwasmadetounderstandthat，untiltheyapproved，hisrecognitionastheAmericanministerwasinamannertemporary。

ChesterWard，or"Chet，"astheexilesreferredtohim，wasoneoftherichestmeninAmapala，andwasengagedinexploringtheruinsofthelostcityofCobre，whichwasaone-hourridefromthecapital。

Wardpossessedtheexclusiverighttoexcavatethatburiedcityandhadhelditagainstallcomers。TheoffersofAmericanuniversities，ofarchaeologicalandgeographicalsocietiesthatalsowishedtodiguptheancientcityanddecipherthehieroglyphsonherwalls，weremetwithacurtrebuff。Thatwork，thegovernmentofAmapalawouldreply，wasinthetrainedhandsofSenorChesterWard。Inhischoseneffortthegovernmentwouldnotdisturbhim，norwoulditpermitotherscominginattheeleventhhourtorobhimofhisglory。ThisEverettlearnedfromtheconsul，Garland。

"WardandColonelGoddard，"theconsulexplained，"aretwooffivecountrymenofourswhoruntheAmericancolony，and，somesay，runthegovernment。TheothersareMellen，whohastheasphaltmonopoly；Jackson，whoisbuildingtherailroads，andMajorFeiberger，oftheSanJosesilver-mines。TheyholdmonopoliesandpayPresidentMendozatenpercentoftheearnings，and，ontheside，helphimrunthecountry。Ofthefive，theAmapalansloveGoddardbest，becausehe\'snottryingtorobthem。Instead，hewantstoboostAmapala。Hisideasareperfectlyimpracticable，buthedoesn\'tknowthat，andneitherdothey。He\'sakindofColonelMulberrySellersandaSoutherner。

Nottheprofessionalsort，thatfightelevator-boysbecausethey\'recolored，andletoffrebelyellsinrathskellerswhenaHungarianbandplays\'Dixie，\'butthesortyoureadaboutandsoseldomsee。

HewasonceStateTreasurerofAlabama。"

"What\'shedoingdownhere？"askedtheminister。

"Neverthesamethingtwomonthstogether，"theconsultoldhim；

"railroads，mines，rubber。HesaysallAmapalaneedsisdeveloping。"

Asmenwhocanseeajokeevenwhenitisagainstthemselves，thetwoexilessmiledruefully。

"That\'sallitneeds，"saidEverett。

Foramomenttheconsulregardedhimthoughtfully。

"Imightaswelltellyou，"hesaid，"you\'lllearnitsoonenoughanyway，thatthemenwhowillkeepyoufromgettingyourtreatyarethesefive，especiallyoldmanGoddardandWard。"

Everettexclaimedindignantly：

"Whyshouldtheyinterfere？"

"Because，"explainedtheconsul，"theyarefugitivesfromjustice，andtheydon\'twanttogohome。Wardiswantedforforgeryorsomepolitecrime，Idon\'tknowwhich。AndColonelGoddardforappropriatingtheStatefundsofAlabama。Wardknewwhathewasdoingandmadealotoutofit。He\'sstillrich。Noone\'sweepingoverhim。Goddard\'scaseisdifferent。Hewasimposedonandmadeacatspaw。WhenhewasStatetreasurerthemenwhoappointedhimcametohimonenightandsaidtheymusthavesomeoftheState\'sfundstoshowabankexaminerinthemorning。Theyappealedtohimonthegroundoffriendship，asthemenwho\'dgivenhimhisjob。Theywouldreturnthemoneythenextevening。Goddardbelievedtheywould。Theydidn\'t，andwhensomeonecalledforashow-downthecolonelwasshyaboutfiftythousanddollarsoftheState\'smoney。Helosthishead，tooktheboatoutofMobiletoPortoCortez，andhidhere。He\'sbeenheretwentyyearsandalltheAmapalanslovehim。He\'stheadoptedfatheroftheircountry。They\'resoafraidhe\'llbetakenbackandpunishedthatthey\'llneverconsenttoanextraditiontreatyeveniftheotherAmericans，Mellen，Jackson，andFeiberger，weren\'tpayingthembigmoneynottoconsent。PresidentMendozahimselftoldmethataslongasColonelGoddardhonoredhiscountrybyremaininginit，hewashisguest，andhewouldneveragreetoextradition。\'Icouldassoon，\'hesaid，\'signhisdeath-warrant。\'"

Everettgrinneddismally。

"That\'sratherniceofthem，"hesaid，"butit\'shardonme。But，"hedemanded，"whyWard？WhathashedoneforAmapala？IsitbecauseofCobre，becauseofhisservicesasanarchaeologist？"

TheconsulglancedaroundthepatioanddraggedhischairnearertoEverett。

"Thisismyowndope，"hewhispered；"itmaybewrong。Anyway，it\'sonlyforyourprivateinformation。"

Hewaiteduntil，withasmile，Everettagreedtosecrecy。

"ChetWard，"protestedtheconsul，"isnomoreanarchaeologistthanIam！HetalkswellaboutCobre，andheoughtto，becauseeverywordhespeaksiscribbedstraightfromHauptmann\'smonograph，publishedin1855。AndhehasdugupsomethingatCobre；somethingworthadarnedsightmorethanstonemonkeysandcarvedaltars。Buthisexplorationsareabluff。They\'reablindtocoverupwhathe\'sreallyafter；whatIthinkhe\'sfound！"

Asthoughwishingtobeurged，theyoungmanpaused，andEverettnoddedforhimtocontinue。HewaswonderingwhetherlifeinAmapalamightnotturnouttobemoreinterestingthanatfirstithadappeared，orwhetherGarlandwasnotamostcharmingliar。

"Wardvisitstheruinseverymonth，"continuedGarland。"Buthetakeswithhimonlytwomule-driverstocookandlookafterthepack-train，andhedoesn\'tleteventhedriversinsidetheruins。

HeremainsatCobrethreeorfourdaysand，tomakeashow，fillshissaddle-bagswithbrokentilesandcopperornaments。Heturnsthemovertothegovernment，anditdumpstheminthebackyardofthepalace。Youcan\'tpersuademethatheholdshisconcessionwiththatjunk。He\'sfoundsomethingelseatCobreandhesharesitwithMendoza，andIbelieveit\'sgold。"

Theministersmileddelightedly。

"Whatkindofgold？

"Maybeintherough，"saidtheconsul。"ButIprefertothinkit\'streasure。Theplaceisfullofsecretchambers，tombs，andpassage-wayscutthroughtherock，deepunderthesurface。I

believeWardhasstumbledonsomevaultwherethepriestsusedtohidetheirloot。Ibelievehe\'sgettingitoutbitbybitandgoingshareswithMendoza。"

"Ifthatwereso，"venturedEverett，"whywouldn\'tMendozatakeitall？"

"BecauseWard，"explainedtheconsul，"istheonlyonewhoknowswhereitis。Theruinscovertwosquaremiles。Youmightsearchforyears。Theytriedtofollowandspyonhim，butWardwastoocleverforthem。Heturnedbackatonce。Iftheydon\'ttakewhathegives，theygetnothing。Sotheyprotecthimfromrealexplorersandfromextradition。Thewholethingisunfair。Arealarchaeologistturneduphereamonthago。HehadlettersfromtheSmithsonianInstituteandseveralbigofficialsatWashington，butdoyousupposetheywouldlethimsomuchassmellofCobre？Notthey！NotevenwhenIspokeforhimasconsul。ThenheappealedtoWard，andWardturnedhimdownhard。Youwerearriving，sohe\'shungonherehopingyoumayhavemoreinfluence。HisnameisPeabody；he\'saprofessor，buthe\'syoungandfullof\'getthere，\'andheknowsmoreabouttheruinsofCobrenowthanWarddoesafterhavingthemalltohimselffortwoyears。He\'sgoodpeopleandIhopeyou\'llhelphim。"

Everettshookhisheaddoubtfully。

"Ifthegovernmenthasgiventheconcessiontohim，"hepointedout，"nomatterwhoWardmaybe，orwhatitsmotiveswereforgivingittohim，Ican\'taskittobreakitspromise。AsanAmericancitizenWardisasmuchentitledtomyhelp——

officially——asProfessorPeabody，whateverhisstanding。"

"Ward\'saforger，"protestedGarland，"afugitivefromjustice；andPeabodyisascholarandagentleman。I\'mnotkeenaboutdeadcitiesmyself——thisonewe\'reinnowisdeadenoughforme——butifcivilizationisdemandingtoknowwhatCobrewaslikeeighthundredyearsago，civilizationisentitledtofindout，andPeabodyseemsthemanforthejob。It\'sashametoturnhimdownforagangofgrafters。"

"Tellhimtocomeandtalktome，"saidtheminister。

"HerodeovertotheruinsofCopanlastweek，"explainedGarland，"wheretheHarvardexpeditionis。Buthe\'scomingbackto-morrowonpurposetoseeyou。"

Theconsulhadstartedtowardthedoorwhenhesuddenlyreturned。

"Andthere\'ssomeoneelsecomingtoseeyou，"hesaid。"Someone，"headdedanxiously，"youwanttotreatright。That\'sMonicaWard。She\'sChesterWard\'ssister，andyoumustn\'tgethermixedupwithanythingItoldyouaboutherbrother。She\'scomingtoaskyoutohelpstartaRedCrossSociety。Shewasavolunteernurseinthehospitalinthelasttworevolutions，andwhatshesawmakesherwanttobesureshewon\'tseeitagain。She\'staughtthenativeladiesthe\'firstaid\'drill，andtheyexpectyoutobehonorarypresidentofthesociety。You\'dbetteraccept。"

Shakinghishead，Garlandsmiledpityinglyuponthenewminister。

"You\'vegotaswellchancetogetyourtreaty，"hedeclared。

"Monicaisanotheronewhowillpreventit。"

Everettsighedpatiently。

"What，"hedemanded，"mightherparticularcrimebe；murder，shoplifting，treason——"

"Ifherbrotherhadtoleavethiscountry，"interruptedGarland，"she\'dleavewithhim。Andthepeopledon\'twantthat。HerpullisthesameasoldmanGoddard\'s。Everybodyloveshimandeverybodylovesher。Iloveher，"exclaimedtheconsulcheerfully；"thePresidentlovesher，thesistersinthehospital，thechain-ganginthestreet，thewasherwomenintheriver，thepalaceguard，everybodyinthisflea-bitten，God-forsakencountrylovesMonicaWard——andwhenyoumeetheryouwill，too。"

GarlandhadagainreachedthedoortotheouterhallbeforeEverettcalledhimback。

"Ifitisnotaleadingquestion，"askedtheminister，"whatlittleindiscretioninyourlifebroughtyoutoAmapala？"

Garlandgrinnedappreciatively。

"Iknowtheysoundaqueerlot，"heassented，"butwhenyougettoknow\'em，youlike\'em。Myowntrouble，"headded，"wasahorse。Inevercouldseewhytheymadesuchafussabouthim。HewaslamewhenItookhim。"

DisregardingGarland\'spleasantry，forsometimeHisExcellencysatwithhishandsclaspedbehindhishead，frowningupfromtheopenpatiointothehot，cloudlesssky。Ontheridgeofhistiledroofafoulbuzzardblinkedathimfromred-rimmedeyes，acrosstheyellowwallalizardranforshelter，athiselbowamacawcompassingthecircleofitstinprisonmuttereddreadfuloaths。

Outside，asthewasherwomenbeattheirlinenclubsupontheflatrocksoftheriver，thehot，staleairwasspankedwithsharpreports。

InCamaguaytheirswastheonlyindustry，theonlysignofcleanliness；andrecognizingthatanothershirthadbeenthrashedintosubjectionandrags，Everettwinced。Nolessvisiblydidhisownthoughtscausehimtowince。Garlandhehadforgotten，andhewassunkdeepinself-pity。HisthoughtswereofLondon，withitsworldpolitics，itssplendidtraditions，itsgreatandgraciousladies；ofParisinthespringsunshine，whenhecanteredthroughtheBois；ofMadrid，withitspompandroyalty，andthegraywallsofitsgalleriesproclaimingMurilloandVelasquez。Thesethingshehadforsakenbecausehebelievedhewasambitious；andbeholdintowhatacul-de-sachisambitionhadledhim！Acomic-operacountrythatwasnotcomic，butdeadandburiedfromtheworld；asavagepeople，unread，unenlightened，unclean；andforsocietyofhiscountrymen，pitifulderelictsinhidingfromthelaw。Inhissoulherebelled。Inwordsheexplodedbitterly。

"Thisisonehellofahole，Garland，"criedthediplomat。Hisjawsandhiseyeshardened。"I\'mgoingbacktoEurope。AndtheonlywayIcangoistogetthattreaty。Iwassentheretogetit。Thoseweremyorders。AndI\'llgetitifIhavetobribethemoutofmyownpocket；ifIhavetooutbidMr。Ward，andsendhimandyourgoodColonelGoddardandalltherestofthecrewtothejailswheretheybelong！"

Garlandheardhimwithoutemotion。Fromlongresidenceneartheequatorhediagnosedtheoutbreakasacaseoftropiccholer，aggravatedbynostalgiaandfleas。

"I\'llbetyoudon\'t，"hesaid。

"I\'llbetyouyourpassage-moneyhome，"shoutedEverett，"againstmypassage-moneytoEurope。"

"Done！"saidGarland。"Howmuchtimedoyouwant——twoyears？"

Thediplomatexclaimedmockingly：

"Twomonths！"

"Iwinnow，"saidtheconsul。"I\'llgohomeandpack。"

ThenextmorninghisclerktoldEverettthatintheouterofficeMonicaWardawaitedhim。

OvernightEveretthaddevelopedaprejudiceagainstMissWard。

WhatGarlandhadsaidinherfavorhadonlydrivenhimthewrongway。Heruniversalpopularityhedisliked。Hearguedthattogainpopularityonemustconcedeandcapitulate。Hefeltthatthesisterofanacknowledgedcrook，nomatterhowinnocentshemightbe，weresheasensitivewoman，wouldwishtoeffaceherself。Andhehadfoundthat，asarule，womenwhoworkedinhospitalsandorganizedsocietiesboredhim。Hedidnotadmirethemilitant，executivesister。HepicturedMissWardasprobablypretty，butwiththecoquettisheffronteryofthevillagebelleandwiththepushing，"good-fellow"mannersofthenewschool。Hewaspreparedeithertohaveherslaphimonthebackor，frombehindtiltedeye-glasses，makeeyesathim。Hewassuresheworeeye-glasses，andwaslarge，plump，andJunoesque。Withreluctanceheenteredtheouteroffice。Hesaw，allinwhite，agirlsoyoungthatshewashardlymorethanachild，butwiththetall，slimfigureofaboy。Herfacewaslovelyasthefaceofaviolet，andhereyeswereasshy。ButshynotthroughlackofconfidenceinEverett，norinanyhumanbeing，butinherself。Theyseemedtosay，"Iamaveryunworthy，somewhatfrightenedyoungperson；butyou，whoaresobigandgenerous，willoverlookthat，andyouaregoingtobemyfriend。Indeed，Iseeyouaremyfriend。"

Everettstoodquitestill。Henoddedgloomily。

"Garlandwasright，"heexclaimed；"Ido！"

Theyoungladywasplainlydistressed。

"Dowhat？"shestammered。

"SomedayIwilltellyou，"saidtheyoungman。"Yes，"headded，withoutshame，"IamafraidIwill。"Hebowedherintotheinneroffice。

"Iamsorry，"apologizedMonica，"butIamcometoaskafavor——

twofavors；oneofyouandoneoftheAmericanminister。"

EverettdrewhisarmchairfromhisdeskandwavedMonicaintoit。

"Iwassenthere，"hesaid，"todoexactlywhatyouwant。ThelastwordsthePresidentaddressedtomewere，\'OnarrivingatyourpostreporttoMissMonicaWard。"\'

Fearfully，Monicaperchedherselfontheedgeofthearmchair；asthoughforprotectionsheclaspedthebroadtablebeforeher。

"ThefavorIwant，"shehastilyassuredhim，"isnotformyself。"

"Iamsorry，"saidEverett，"foritisalreadygranted。"

"Youareverygood，"protestedMonica。

"No，"repliedEverett，"Iamonlypowerful。Irepresentninety-fivemillionAmericans，andtheyareallentirelyatyourservice。Soisthearmyandnavy。"

Monicasmiledandshookherhead。TheaweshefeltwasdueanAmericanministerwasrapidlydisappearing，andinMr。Everetthimselfherconfidencewasincreasing。TheotherministersplenipotentiaryshehadseenatCamaguayhadbeenold，withbeardslikemountain-goats，andhadwornlinendusters。Theyalwayswereveryredinthefaceandverydamp。MonicadecidedMr。Everettalsowasold；shewassurehemustbeatleastthirty-five；butinhissilkpongeeandpipe-clayedtennis-shoeshewasarefreshingspectacle。Justtolookathimturnedonequitecool。

"Wehaveaveryfinelineofbattle-shipsthismorningatGuantanamo，"urgedEverett；"ifyouwantoneI\'llcableforit。"

Monicalaughedsoftly。Itwasgoodtohearnonsensespoken。TheAmapalanshadneverlearnedit，andherbrothersaidjustwhathemeantandnomore。

"Oursailorswerehereonce，"Monicavolunteered。ShewantedMr。Everetttoknowhewasnotentirelycutofffromtheworld。

"Duringtherevolution，"sheexplained。"Weweresogladtoseethem；theymadeusallfeelnearerhome。Theysetupourflagintheplaza，andthecolor-guardletmephotographit，withthemguardingit。Andwhentheymarchedawaythearchbishopstoodonthecathedralstepsandblessedthem，andwerodeoutalongthetrailtowhereitcomestothejungle。Andthenwewavedgood-by，andtheycheeredus。Weallcried。"

Foramoment，quiteunconsciously，Monicagaveanimitationofhowtheyallcried。Itmadetheappealofthevioleteyesevenmoredisturbing。

"Don\'tyouloveoursailors？"beggedMonica。

Fearfulofhurtingthefeelingsofothers，sheaddedhastily，"And，ofcourse，ourmarines，too。"

Everettassuredheriftherewasonethingthatmeantmoretohimthanallelse，itwasanAmericanbluejacket，andnexttohimanAmericanleatherneck。

IttookalongtimetoarrangethedetailsoftheRedCrossSociety。Inspiteofhisreputationforbrilliancy，itseemedtoMonicaMr。Everetthadamindthatplodded。Forhisbenefititwasnecessaryseveraltimestorepeatthemostsimpleproposition。

ShewassurehisinabilitytofastenhisattentiononherLeagueofMercywasbecausehisbrainwasoccupiedwithproblemsofstate。Itmadeherfeelselfishandguilty。Whenhisvisitordecidedthattoexplainfurtherwasbuttowastehisvaluabletimeandhadmadeherthirdefforttogo，Everettwentwithher。

Hesuggestedthatshetakehimtothehospitalandintroducehimtothesisters。HewantedtotalktothemabouttheRedCrossLeague。Itwasacharmingwalk。EveryoneliftedhishattoMonica；thebeggars，thecab-drivers，thebarefootedpolicemen，andthesociallightsofCamaguayonthesidewalksinfrontofthecafesroseandbowed。

"Itislikewalkingwithroyalty！"exclaimedEverett。

WhileatthehospitalhetalkedtotheMotherSuperior——hiseyesfollowedMonica。Asshemovedfromcottocothenotedhowtheyoungersistersflutteredhappilyaroundher，likebridesmaidsaroundabride，andhowasshepassed，theeyesofthoseinthecotsfollowedherjealously，andaftershehadspokenwiththemsmiledincontent。

"Sheisgood，"theMotherSuperiorwassaying，"andherbrother，too，isverygood。"

Everetthadforgottenthebrother。WithastartheliftedhiseyesandfoundtheMotherSuperiorregardinghim。

"Heisverygood，"sherepeated。"Forus，hebuiltthiswingofthehospital。Itwashismoney。WeshouldbeverysorryifanyharmcametoMr。Ward。Withouthishelpwewouldstarve。"Shesmiled，andwithagesturesignifiedthesick。"Imeantheywouldstarve；theywoulddieofdiseaseandfever。"Thewomanfixeduponhimgrave，inscrutableeyes。"WillYourExcellencyremember？"shesaid。Itwaslessofaquestionthanacommand。

"Wherethechurchcanforgive——"shepaused。

LikearealdiplomatEverettsoughtrefugeinmerewords。

"Thechurchisall-powerful，Mother，"hesaid。"Herpowertoforgiveisherstrongestweapon。Ihavenosuchpower。Itliesbeyondmyauthority。Iamjustamessenger-boycarryingthewishesofthegovernmentofonecountrytothegovernmentofanother。"

ThefaceoftheMotherSuperiorremainedgrave，butundisturbed。

"Then，asregardsourMr。Ward，"shesaid，"thewishesofyourgovernmentare——"

Againshepaused；againitwaslessofaquestionthanacommand。

WithinterestEverettgazedatthewhitewashedceiling。

"Ihavenotyet，"hesaid，"communicatedthemtoanyone。"

Thatnight，afterdinnerinthepatio，hereportedtoGarlandthewordsoftheMotherSuperior。

"Thatwasmydream，0Prophet，"concludedEverett；"youwhocanreadthislandoflotus-eaters，interpret！Whatdoesitmean？"

"ItonlymeanswhatI\'vebeentellingyou，"saidtheconsul。"Itmeansthatifyou\'regoingafterthattreaty，you\'veonlygottofighttheCatholicChurch。That\'sallitmeans！"

LaterintheeveningGarlandsaid："IsawyouthismorningcrossingtheplazawithMonica。WhenItoldyoueverybodyinthistownlovedher，wasIright？"

"Absolutely！"assentedEverett。"Butwhydidn\'tyoutellmeshewasaflapper？"

"Idon\'tknowwhataflapperis，"promptlyretortedGarland。"AndifIdid，Iwouldn\'tcallMonicaone。"

"Aflapperisaverycharmingperson，"protestedEverett。"Iusedtheterminitsmostcomplimentarysense。Itmeansagirlbetweenfourteenandeighteen。It\'sEnglishslang，andinEnglandatthepresenttheflapperisverypopular。Sheisdrivinghersophisticatedeldersister，whohasbeenouttwoorthreeseasons，andthepredatorymarriedwomantothewall。Tomenofmyyearstheflapperisreallyatthedangerousage。"

InhisbamboochairGarlandtossedviolentlyandsnorted。

"Isizedyouup，"hecried，"asamanofthefinestperceptions。Iwaswrong。Youdon\'tappreciateMonica！Dangerous！YoumightaswellsayGod\'ssunshineisdangerous，orabeautifulflowerisdangerous。"

Everettshookhisheadattheothermanreproachfully：

"Didyoueverhearofasunstroke？"hedemanded。"Don\'tyouknowifyousmellcertainbeautifulflowersyoudie？Can\'tyougraspanyotherkindofdangerthanbeingrundownbyatrolley-car？Isthedangeroflosingone\'speaceofmindnothing，ofbeingunfaithfultoduty，nothing！Is——"

Garlandraisedhisarms。

"Don\'tshoot！"hebegged。"Iapologize。YoudoappreciateMonica。

Youhaveyourconsul\'spermissiontowalkwithheragain。"

ThenextdayyoungProfessorPeabodycalledandpresentedhisletters。Hewasaforcefulyoungmantowhomthedelaysofdiplomacydidnotappeal，andoneapparentlyaccustomedtoridingoffwhatevercameinhisway。Heseemedtoconsideranyonewhoopposedhim，orwhoevendisagreedwithhisconclusions，asofferingapersonalaffront。Withindignationhelaunchedintohisgrievance。

"Thesepeople，"hedeclared，"aredogsinthemanger，andWardistheworstofthelot。Heknowsnomoreofarchaeologythanacongressman。Theman\'safaker！Heshowedmeaspear-headofobsidianandcalleditflint；andhesaidtheAztecsborrowedfromtheMayas，andthattheToltecswereamyth。AndhegottheAztecsolarcalendarmixedwiththeAhau。He\'sasignorantasthat。"

"Ican\'tbelieveit！"exclaimedEverett。

"Youmaylaugh，"protestedtheprofessor，"buttheruinsofCobreholdsecretsthestudentsoftwocontinentsaretryingtosolve。

Theyhidethehistoryofalostrace，andIsubmitit\'snotproperonemanshouldkeepthatknowledgefromtheworld，certainlynotforafewgoldarmlets！"

Everettraisedhiseyes。

"Whatmakesyousaythat？"\'hedemanded。

"I\'vebeenkickingmyheelsinthistownforamonth，"Peabodytoldhim，"andI\'vetalkedtothepeoplehere，andtotheHarvardexpeditionatCopan，andeverybodytellsmethisfellowhasfoundtreasure。"Thearchaeologistexclaimedwithindignation："What\'sgold，"hesnorted，"comparedtothediscoveryofalostrace？"

"Iapplaudyourpointofview，"Everettassuredhim。"IamtoseethePresidenttomorrow，andIwilllaythematterbeforehim。I\'llaskhimtogiveyoualookin。"

TourgehistreatyofextraditionwasthereasonfortheaudiencewiththePresident，andwithallthecourtesythatabadcasedemandedMendozaprotestedagainstit。Hepointedoutthatgovernmentsenteredintotreatiesonlywhentheensuingbenefitsweremutual。

ForAmapalainatreatyofextraditionhesawnobenefit。Amapalawasnotsofar"advanced"astoproducedefaultingbankpresidents，get-rich-quickpromoters，counterfeiters，andthievingcashiers。Herfugitiveswererevolutionistswhohadfoughtandlost，andeveryonewasgladtohavethemgo，andnoonewantedthemback。

"Or，"suggestedthePresident，"supposeIamturnedoutbyarevolution，andIseekasyluminyourcountry？Myenemiesdesiremylife。Theywouldaskformyextradition——"

"Iftheoffensewerepolitical，"Everettcorrected，"mygovernmentwouldsurrendernoone。"

"Butmyenemieswouldchargemewithmurder，"explainedthePresident。"RememberCastro。Andbythetermsofthetreatyyourgovernmentwouldbeforcedtosurrenderme。AndIamshotagainstthewall。"ThePresidentshruggedhisshoulders。"Thattreatywouldnotbeniceforme！"

"Considerthematterasapatriot，"saidthediplomat。"Isitgoodthatthecriminalsofmycountryshouldmaketheirhomeinyours？Whenyouaresofortunateastohavenodishonestmenofyourown，whyimportours？Wedon\'tseektheindividual。Wewanttopunishhimonlyasawarningtoothers。Andwewantthemoneyhetakeswithhim。Oftenitisthesavingsoftheverypoor。"

ThePresidentfrowned。ItwasapparentthatboththesubjectandEverettboredhim。

"Inamenonames，"exclaimedMendoza，"buttothosewhocomehereweowethelittlerailroadswepossess。Theydevelopourminesandourcoffeeplantations。Intimetheywillmakethiscountryverymodern，veryrich。Andsomeyoucallcriminalswehavelearnedtolove。Theirpastdoesnotconcernus。Weshutourears。Wedonotspy。Theyhavecometousastoasanctuary，andsolongastheyclaimtherightofsanctuary，Iwillnotviolateit。"

AsEverettemergedfromthecool，darkhallsofthepalaceintotheglareoftheplazahewasscowling；andheacknowledgedthesaluteofthepalaceguardasthoughthosegentlemenhadofferedhimaninsult。

Garlandwaswaitinginfrontofacafeandgreetedhimwithamockinggrin。

"Congratulations，"heshouted。

"Ihavestilltwenty-twodays，"saidEverett。

ThearistocracyofCamaguayinvitedthenewministertoformaldinnersofeighteencourses，andtopicnicslessformal。TheselatterEverettgreatlyenjoyed，becausewhileMonicaWardwastooyoungtoattendthestatedinners，shewasexactlytheproperagefortheall-dayexcursionstothewaterfalls，thecoffeeplantations，andtheasphaltlakes。ThenativebellesofCamaguaytooknopleasureinridingfartherafieldthanthemilitaryparade-ground。

Climbingatrailsosteepthatyouviewedtheskybetweentheearsofyourpony，orwherewithbothhandsyouforcedawaythroughhangingvinesandcreepers，didnotappeal。ButtoMonica，withtheseatandbalanceofacowboy，ridingastride，withherlegstraightandtheballofherfootjustfeelingthestirrup，theseexpeditionswerethehappiestmomentsinherexile。SoweretheytoEverett；andthatonthetrailonecouldrideonlyinsinglefilewasamostpoignantregret。Inthecolumntheplaceofhonorwasnexttowhoeverrodeatthehead，butEverettrelinquishedthispositioninfavorofMonica。

Bythismanoeuvreshealwayswasinhissight，andhecouldcalluponhertoactashisguideandtoexplainwhatlayoneitherhand。

Hisdelightandwonderinhergrewdaily。Hefoundthathermindleapedinstantlyandwithgratitudetowhateverwasmostfair。Justoutofreachofherpony\'shoofshepressedhisownponyforward，andshepointedouttohimwhatinthetropicabundanceaboutthemshefoundmostbeautiful。Sometimesitwasthetumblingwatersofacataract；sometimes，highinthetopmostbranchesofaceiba-tree，agorgeousorchid；sometimesashaftofsunshineasrigidasasearch-light，piercingtheshadowofthejungle。Atfirstshewouldturninthesaddleandcalltohim，butaseachdaytheygrewtoknoweachotherbettersheneedonlypointwithherwhip-handandhewouldanswer，"Yes，"andeachknewtheotherunderstood。

Asabody，theexilesresentedEverett。Theyknewhispurposeinregardtothetreaty，andforthemhealwaysmustbetheenemy。

Eventhoughasamantheymightlikehim，theycouldnotforgetthathispresencethreatenedtheirpeaceandsafety。ChesterWardtreatedhimwithimpeccablepoliteness；but，althoughhishousewastheshow-placeofCamaguay，heneverinvitedtheAmericanministertocrossthethreshold。OnaccountofMonica，Everettregrettedthisandtriedtokeeptherelationsofherbrotherandhimselfoutwardlypleasant。ButWardmadeitdifficult。Tonoonewashismannereffusive，andforMonicaonlyheseemedtoholdanyrealfeeling。Thetwowerealoneintheworld；hewasheronlyrelative，andtotheorphanhehadbeenfatherandmother。

Whenshewasachildhehadboughthertoysanddolls；now，hadthesisterspermitted，hewouldhavedressedherinimportedfrocks，andwithjewelskilledherloveliness。HeseemedtounderstandhowtospendhismoneyaslittleasdidthegossipsofCamaguayunderstandfromwhenceitcame。

ThatMonicaknewwhyherbrotherlivedinCamaguayEverettwasuncertain。Shedidnotcomplainoflivingthere，butshewasnotatrest，andconstantlyshewasaskingEverettofforeignlands。

AsEverettwashomesickforthem，hewasmosteloquent。

"Ishouldliketoseethemformyself，"saidMonica，"butuntilmybrother\'sworkhereisfinishedwemustwait。AndIamyoung，andafterafewyearsEuropewillbejustasold。WhenmybrotherleavesAmapala，hepromisestotakemewhereverIasktogo：toLondon，toParis，toRome。SoIreadandreadofthem；booksofhistory，booksaboutpainting，booksaboutthecathedrals。ButthemoreIreadthemoreIwanttogoatonce，andthatisdisloyal。"

"Disloyal？"askedEverett。

"Tomybrother，"explainedMonica。"Hedoessomuchforme。

Ishouldthinkonlyofhiswork。Thatisallthatreallycounts。

Fortheworldiswaitingtolearnwhathehasdiscovered。ItislikehavingabrothergoinsearchoftheNorthPole。Youareproudofwhatheisdoing，butyouwanthimbacktokeephimtoyourself。Isthatselfish？"

Everettwasatraineddiplomat，butwithhisopinionofChesterWardhecouldnotthinkoftheanswer。Instead，hewasthinkingofMonicainEurope；oftakingherthroughthechurchesandgallerieswhichshehadseenonlyinblackandwhite。Heimaginedhimselfathersidefacingthealtarofsomegreatcathedral，orsomepaintingintheLouvre，andwatchingherfacelightenandthetearscometohereyes，astheydidnow，whenthingsthatwerebeautifulhurther。Orheimaginedherridofherhalf-mourningandaccompanyinghimthroughacyclonicdiplomaticcareerthatcarriedthemtoJapan，China，Persia；toBerlin，Paris，andLondon。IntheseimaginingsMonicaappearedinpongeeandasun-hatridinganelephant，inpearlsandsatinreceivingroyalty，intweedknickerbockersandawoollenjerseycoastingaroundthehairpincurveatSaintMoritz。

OfcourseherecognizedthatexceptashiswifeMonicacouldnotaccompanyhimtoallthesestrangelandsandhighdiplomaticposts。

Andofcoursethatwasridiculous。Hehadmadeuphismindforthesuccessofwhathecalledhiscareer，thathewastooyoungtomarry；buthewassure，shouldheproposetomarryMonica，everyonewouldsayhewastooold。Andtherewasanotherconsideration。

Whatofthebrother？Wouldhisgovernmentsendhimtoaforeignpostwhenhiswifewasthesisterofamantheyhadjustsenttothepenitentiary？

HecouldhearthemsayinLondon，"Weknowyourfirstsecretary，butwhoisMrs。Everett？"AndtheAmericanvisitorwouldexplain：

"Sheisthesisterof\'InkyDink，\'theforger。HeisbookkeepinginSingSing。"

Certainlyitwouldbeahandicap。HetriedtopersuadehimselfthatMonicasoentirelyfilledhisthoughtsbecauseinCamaguaytherewasnooneelse；itwasacaseofpropinquity；herlonelinessandthefactthatshelayunderashadowforwhichshewasnottoblameappealedtohischivalry。So，hetoldhimself，inthinkingofMonicaexceptasacharmingcompanion，hewasanass。Andthen，arguingthatincallinghimselfanasshehadshownhissanenessandimpartiality，hefeltjustifiedinseeingherdaily。

OnemorningGarlandcametothelegationtotellEverettthatPeabodywasindangerofbringingaboutinternationalcomplicationsbyhavinghimselfthrustintothecartel。

"Ifhequalifiesforthislocaljail，"saidGarland，"youwillhavealotoftroublesettinghimfree。You\'dbetterwarnhimit\'seasiertokeepoutthantogetout。"

"Whathashebeendoing？"askedtheminister。

"PoachingonWard\'sruins，"saidtheconsul。"Hecertainlyisahustler。HepretendstogotoCopan，butreallygoestoCobre。

Wardhadhimfollowedandthreatenedtohavehimarrested。

Peabodyclaimsanytouristhasarighttovisittheruinssolongashedoesnoexcavating。Wardaccusedhimofexploringtheplacebynightandtakingphotographsbyflash-lightofthehieroglyphs。

He\'sputanarmedguardattheruins，andhetoldPeabodytheyaretoshootonsight。SoPeabodywenttoMendozaandsaidifanybodytookashotathimhe\'dbringwarshipsdownhereandblowAmapalaoffthemap。"

"Amilitantarchaeologist，"saidEverett，"issomethingnew。Peabodyistooenthusiastic。Heandhishieroglyphsarebecomingabore。"

HesentforPeabodyandtoldhimunlesshecurbedhisspirithisministercouldnotpromisetokeephimoutofaverydampanddirtydungeon。

"Iamtooenthusiastic，"Peabodyadmitted，"buttomethisfellowWardislikearedflagtothebull。Hisprivategraftisholdingupthewholescientificworld。Hewon\'tletuslearnthetruth，andhe\'stooignoranttolearnithimself。Why，hetoldmeCobredatedfrom1578，whenPalaciowroteofittoPhiliptheSecond，notknowingthatinthatveryletterPalaciostatesthathefoundCobreinruins。Isitrightamanasignorant——"

Everettinterruptedbylevellinghisfinger。

"You，"hecommanded，"keepoutofthoseruins！Mydearprofessor，"

hecontinuedreproachfully，"youareastudent，amanofpeace。

Don\'ttrytowagewarontheseAmapalans。They\'relawless，they\'reunscrupulous。SoisWard。Besides，youareinthewrong，andiftheyturnugly，yourministercannothelpyou。"Heshookhisheadandsmileddoubtfully。"Ican\'tunderstand，"heexclaimed，"whyyou\'resokeen。It\'sonlyaheapofbrokenpottery。SometimesI

wonderifyourinterestinCobreisthatonlyofthearchaeologist。"

"Whatotherinterest——"demandedPeabody。

"Doesn\'tWard\'sburiedtreasureappealatall？"askedtheminister。"Imean，ofcourse，toyourimagination。Itdoestomine。"

Theyoungprofessorlaughedtolerantly。

"Buriedtreasure！"heexclaimed。"IfWardhasfoundtreasure，andIthinkhehas，he\'swelcometoit。Whatwewantiswhatyoucallthebrokenpottery。Itmeansnothingtoyou，buttomenlikemyself，wholiveeighthundredyearsbehindthetimes，itismuchmorepreciousthangold。"

AfewmomentslaterProfessorPeabodytookhisleave，anditwasnotuntilhehadturnedthecorneroftheCalleMorazanthathehaltedand，likeamanemergingfromwater，drewadeepbreath。

"Gee！"mutteredthedistinguishedarcheologist，"thatwasaclosecall！"

OneortwowomenhadlovedEverett，andafterfiveweeks，inwhichalmostdailyhehadseenMonica，heknewshecaredforhim。

Thisdiscoverymadehimentirelyhappyandfilledhimwithdismay。

Itwasacomplicationhehadnotforeseen。Itlefthimatthepartingoftwoways，oneofwhichhemustchoose。Forhiscareerhewaswillingtorenouncemarriage，butnowthatMonicalovedhim，eventhoughhehadconsciouslynottriedtomakeherlovehim，hadhetherighttorenounceitforheralso？HeknewthatthedifferencebetweenMonicaandhiscareerlayinthefactthathelovedMonicaandwasinlovewithhiscareer。Whichshouldhesurrender？Ofthishethoughtlonganddeeply，untilonenight，withoutthinkingatall，hechose。

ColonelGoddardhadgivenadance，and，asallinvitedwereAmericans，theetiquettewaslessformalthanatthegatheringsoftheAmapalans。Foronething，theministerandMonicawereabletositontheverandaoverlookingthegardenwithouthishavingtofightaduelinthemorning。

Itwasnotthemoonlight，orthemusic，orthepalmsthatmadeEverettspeak。Itwassimplytheknowledgethatitwaswritten，thatithadtobe。Andheheardhimself，withoutpreludeorintroduction，talkingeasilyandassuredlyofthelifetheywouldleadasmanandwife。FromthisdreamMonicawokehim。Thevioleteyesweresmilingathimthroughtears。

"Whenyoucame，"saidthegirl，"andIlovedyou，Ithoughtthatwasthegreatesthappiness。NowthatIknowyoulovemeIasknothingmore。AndIcanbearit。"

Everettfeltasthoughanicyfingerhadmovedswiftlydownhisspine。Hepretendednottounderstand。

"Bearwhat？"hedemandedroughly。

"ThatIcannotmarryyou，"saidthegirl。"Evenhadyounotaskedme，inlovingyouIwouldhavebeenhappy。NowthatIknowyouthoughtofmeasyourwife，Iamproud。Iamgrateful。Andtheobstacle——"

Everettlaughedscornfully。

"Thereisnoobstacle。"

Monicashookherhead。Unafraid，shelookedintohiseyes，herownfilledwithherloveforhim。

"Don\'tmakeitharder，"shesaid。"Mybrotherishidingfromthelaw。WhathedidIdon\'tknow。WhenithappenedIwasattheconvent，andhedidnotsendformeuntilhehadreachedAmapala。

Ineveraskedwhywecame，butwereItomarryyou，withyournameandyourposition，everyoneelsewouldask。Andthescandalwouldfollowyou；whereveryouwentitwouldfollow；itwouldputanendtoyourcareer。"

Hiscareer，nowthatMonicaurgeditasherrival，seemedtoEverettparticularlytrivial。

"Idon\'tknowwhatyourbrotherdideither，"hesaid。"Hissinsareonhisownhead。They\'renotonyours，noronmine。Idon\'tjudgehim；neitherdoIintendtolethimspoilmyhappiness。NowthatIhavefoundyouIwillneverletyougo。"

SadlyMonicashookherheadandsmiled。

"Whenyouleavehere，"shesaid，"forsomenewpost，youwon\'tforgetme，butyou\'llbegratefulthatIletyougoalone；thatIwasnotadragonyou。Whenyougobacktoyourgreatpeopleandyourproudandbeautifulprincesses，allthiswillseemastrangedream，andyouwillbegladyouareawake——andfree。"

"Theideaofmarryingyou，Monica，"saidEverett，"isnotnew。Itdidnotoccurtomeonlysincewemovedouthereintothemoonlight。

SinceIfirstsawyouI\'vethoughtofyou，andonlyofyou。I\'vethoughtofyouwithmeineverycorneroftheglobe，asmywife，mysweetheart，mypartner，ridingthroughjunglesasweridehere，sittingoppositemeatourowntable，puttingtheproudandbeautifulprincessesattheirease。Andinallplaces，atallmoments，youmakeallotherwomentawdryandabsurd。AndIdon\'tthinkyouarethemostwonderfulpersonIevermetbecauseIloveyou，butIloveyoubecauseyouarethemostwonderfulpersonIevermet。"

"Iamyoung，"saidMonica，"butsinceIbegantoloveyouIamveryold。AndIseeclearlythatitcannotbe。"

"Dearheart，"criedEverett，"thatisquitemorbid。WhatthedevildoIcarewhatyourbrotherhasdone！Iamnotmarryingyourbrother。"

Foralongtime，leaningforwardwithherelbowsonherkneesandherfaceburiedinherhands，thegirlsatsilent。Itwasasthoughshewerepraying。Everettknewitwasnotofhim，butofherbrother，shewasthinking，andhisheartachedforher。Forhimtocutthebrotheroutofhislifewasnotdifficult；whatitmeanttoherhecouldguess。

Whenthegirlraisedhereyestheywereeloquentwithdistress。

"Hehasbeensogoodtome，"shesaid；"alwayssogentle。Hehasbeenmotherandfathertome。HeisthefirstpersonIcanremember。

WhenIwasachildheputmetobed，hedressedme，andcomfortedme。Whenwebecamerichtherewasnothinghedidnotwishtogiveme。Icannotleavehim。HeneedsmemorethaneverIneededhim。I

amallhehas。Andthereisthisbesides。WereItomarry，ofallthemenintheworlditwouldbeharderforhimifImarriedyou。Forifyousucceedinwhatyoucameheretodo，thelawwillpunishhim，andhewillknowitwasthroughyouhewaspunished。Andevenbetweenyouandmetherealwayswouldbethatknowledge，thatfeeling。"

"Thatisnotfair，"criedEverett。"Iamnotanindividualfightinglessfortunateindividuals。Iamaninsignificantwheelinagreatmachine。YoumustnotblamemebecauseI-"

Withanexclamationthegirlreproachedhim。

"Becauseyoudoyourduty！"sheprotested。"Isthatfairtome？

Ifformysakeormybrotheryoufailedinyourduty，ifyouwerelessvigilant，lesseager，eventhoughwesuffer，Icouldnotloveyou。"

Everettsighedhappily。

"Aslongasyouloveme，"hesaid，"neitheryourbrothernoranyoneelsecankeepusapart。"

"Mybrother，"saidthegirl，asthoughshewerepronouncingasentence，"alwayswillkeepusapart，andIwillalwaysloveyou。"

Itwasaweekbeforeheagainsawher，andthenthefeelinghehadreadinhereyeswasgone——orrigorouslyconcealed。Nowhermannerwasthatofafriend，ofayounggirladdressingamanolderthanherself，onetowhomshelookedupwithrespectandliking，butwithnosignofanyfeelingdeeperormoreintimate。

ItupsetEverettcompletely。Whenhepleadedwithher，sheasked：

"Doyouthinkitiseasyforme？But——"sheprotested，"IknowI

amdoingright。Iamdoingittomakeyouhappy。"

"Youaresucceeding，"Everettassuredher，"inmakingusbothdamnedmiserable。"

ForEverett，inthesecondmonthofhisstayinAmapala，eventsbegantomovequickly。Followingtheexampleoftwoofhispredecessors，theSecretaryofStateoftheUnitedStateswasabouttomakeagrandtourofCentralAmerica。Hecameonamissionofpeaceandbrotherlylove，tofosterconfidenceandgood-will，anditwassecretlyhopedthat，inthewakeofhisescortofbattle-ships，tradewouldfollowfast。Therewouldbesalutesandvisitsofceremony，speeches，banquets，reviews。

ButintheserejoicingsAmapalawouldhavenopart。

For，soEverettwasinformedbycable，unless，previoustothevisitoftheSecretary，Amapalafellintolinewithhersisterrepublicsandsignedatreatyofextradition，fromtheitineraryofthegreatmanAmapalawouldfindherselfpointedlyexcluded。

Itwouldbeahumiliation。Intheeyesofhersisterrepublicsitwouldplaceheroutsidethepale。EverettsawthatinhishandshisfriendtheSecretaryhadplacedapowerfulweapon；andlostnotimeinusingit。HecaughtthePresidentalone，sittinglateathisdinner，surroundedbybottles，andreadtohimtheSecretary\'sultimatum。GeneralMendozadidnotatoncesurrender。Beforehethrewoverthemenwhofedhimthegoldeneggsthatmadehimrich，andforwhomhehadswornnevertoviolatetherightofsanctuary，hefirst，forfullyhalfanhour，ragedandswore。Duringthattime，whileEverettsatanxiouslyexpectant，thePresidentpacedandrepacedthelengthofthedining-hall。Whentorelighthiscigar，ortogulpbrandyfromatumbler，hehaltedatthetable，hisgreatbulkloomedlargeintheflickeringcandle-flames，andwhenhecontinuedhismarch，hewoulddisappearintotheshadows，andonlyhisscabbardclankingonthestonefloortoldofhispresence。

Atlasthehaltedandshruggedhisshoulderssothatthetasselsofhisepauletstossedlikewheat。

"Youdriveahardbargain，sir，"hesaid。"AndIhavenochoice。

To-morrowbringthetreatyandIwillsign。"

Everettatonceproduceditandafountainpen。

"Ishouldliketocableto-night，"heurged，"thatyouhavesigned。

TheyareholdingbackthepublicannouncementoftheSecretary\'srouteuntilhearingfromYourExcellency。Thisisonlytentative，"

hepointedout；"theSenatemustratify。ButourSenatewillratifyit，andwhenyousignnow，itisathingaccomplished。"

OvertheplaceatwhichEverettpointed，thepenscratchedharshly；

andthen，throwingitfromhim，thePresidentsatinsilence。Witheyesinflamedbyangerandbrandyheregardedthetreatyvenomously。

Asthoughloathtoletitgo，hishandsplayedwithit，asacatplayswiththemousebetweenherpaws。Watchinghimbreathlessly，Everettfearedtheendwasnotyet。HefeltadepressingpremonitionthatifeverthetreatyweretoreachWashingtonhebesthadsnatchitandrun。Evenashewaited，theendcame。Anorderly，appearingsuddenlyinthelightofthecandles，announcedthearrival，intheroomadjoining，of"theColonelGoddardandSenorMellen。"Theydesiredanimmediateaudience。TheirbusinesswiththePresidentwasmosturgent。WhetherfromWashingtontheiragentshadwarnedthem，whetherinCamaguaytheyhaddecipheredthecablegramfromtheStateDepartment，Everettcouldonlyguess，buthewascertainthecauseoftheirvisitwasthetreaty。ThatMendozaalsobelievedthiswasmostevident。

Intothedarkness，fromwhichthetwoexilesmightemerge，hepeeredguiltily。Withanoathhetorethetreatyinhalf。Crushingthepiecesofpaperintoaball，hethrewitatEverett\'sfeet。Hisvoicerosetoashriek。Itwasapparentheintendedhiswordstocarrytothemenoutside。Likeanactoronastagehewavedhisarms。

"Thatismyanswer！"heshouted。"TellyourSecretarythechoiceheoffersisaninsult！Itisblackmail。Wewillnotsignhistreaty。

Wedonotdesirehisvisittoourcountry。"Thrilledbyhisownbravado，hisvoicerosehigher。"Nor，"heshouted，"dowedesirethepresenceofhisrepresentative。Yourusefulnessisatanend。

Youwillreceiveyourpassportsinthemorning。"

Ashemightdischargeacook，hewavedEverettaway。Hishand，tremblingwithexcitement，closedaroundtheneckofthebrandy-

bottle。Everettstoopedandsecuredthetreaty。OnhisreturntoWashington，tornandrumpledasitwas，itwouldbehisjustification。Itwashis"ExhibitA。"

Asheapproachedthelegationhesawdrawnupinfrontofitthreeponiesreadysaddled。ForaninstanthewonderedifMendozaintendedfurthertoinsulthim，ifheplannedthatnighttosendhimunderguardtothecoast。Hedeterminedhotlysoonerthansubmittosuchanindignityhewouldfortifythelegation，anddefendhimself。Butnosuchheroicswererequiredofhim。Ashereachedthedoor，Garland，withanexclamationofrelief，hailedhim，andMonica，steppingfromtheshadow，laidanappealinghanduponhissleeve。

"Mybrother！"sheexclaimed。"TheguardatCobrehasjustsentwordthattheyfoundPeabodyprowlingintheruinsandfiredonhim。Hefiredback，andheisstilltherehiding。Mybrotherandothershavegonetotakehim。Idon\'tknowwhatmayhappenifheresists。Chesterisarmed，andheisfurious；heisbesidehimself；

hewouldnotlistentome。Buthemustlistentoyou。Willyougo，"thegirlbegged，"andspeaktohim；speaktohim，Imean，"

sheadded，"astheAmericanminister？"

Everettalreadyhadhisfootinthestirrup。"I\'mtheAmericanministeronlyuntilto-morrow，"hesaid。"I\'vegotmywalking-papers。ButI\'lldoallIcantostopthisto-night。Garland，"heasked，"willyoutakeMissWardhome，andthenfollowme？"

"IfIdonotgowithyou，"saidMonica，"Iwillgoalone。"

Hertonewasfinal。WithaclatterofhoofsthatwokealarmedechoesinthesleepingstreetsthethreehorsesgallopedabreasttowardCobre。Inanhourtheyleftthemaintrailandatawalkpickedtheirwaytowheretheblocksofstone，brokencolumns，andcrumblingtemplesofthehalf-buriedcitycheckedthejungle。

Themoonmadeitpossibletomoveinsafety，andatdifferentdistancesthelightsoftorchestoldthemtheman-huntstillwasinprogress。

"ThankGod，"breathedMonica，"weareintime。"

Everettgavetheponiesincareofoneoftheguards。HeturnedtoGarland。

"Catchupwiththoselightsaheadofus，"hesaid，"andwewilljointhispartytotheright。IfyoufindWard，tellhimIforbidhimtakingthelawintohisownhands；tellhimIwillprotecthisinterests。IfyoumeetPeabody，makehimgiveuphisgun，andseethattheothersdon\'tharmhim！"

Everettandthegirldidnotovertakethelightstheyhadseenflashingbelowthem。Beforetheywerewithinhailingdistance，thatsearchingpartyhaddisappeared，andstillfartherawayothertorchesbeckoned。

Stumblingandfalling，nowinpursuitofonewill-o\'-the-wisp，nowofanother，theyscrambledforward。Butalwaysthelightseludedthem。Fromtheirexertionsandthemoistheattheywerebreathless，andtheirbodiesdrippedwithwater。Panting，theyhaltedattheentranceofwhatoncehadbeenatomb。Fromitsblackinteriorcameadampmist；abovethem，alarmedbytheirintrusion，thevampirebatswhirledblindlyincircles。Monica，whobydaypossessedsomeslightknowledgeoftheruins，had，inthemoonlight，lostallsenseofdirection。

"We\'relost，"saidMonica，inalowtone。Unconsciouslybothwerespeakinginwhispers。"Ithoughtwewerefollowingwhatusedtobethemainthoroughfareofthecity；butIhaveneverseenthisplacebefore。FromwhatIhavereadIthinkwemustbeamongthetombsofthekings。"

ShewassilencedbyEverettplacingonehandquicklyonherarm，andwiththeotherpointing。Intheuncertainmoonlightshesawmovingcautiouslyawayfromthem，andunconsciousoftheirpresence，awhite，ghostlikefigure。

"Peabody，"whisperedEverett。

"Callhim，"commandedMonica。

"Theothersmighthear，"objectedEverett。"Wemustovertakehim。

Ifwe\'rewithhimwhentheymeet，theywouldn\'tdare——"

Withagaspofastonishment，hiswordsceased。

Likeaghost，theghostlikefigurehadvanished。

"Hewalkedthroughthatrock！"criedMonica。

Everettcaughtherbythewrist。"Come！"hecommanded。

Overthefaceoftherock，intowhichPeabodyhaddivedasintowater，hungacurtainofvines。Everetttoreitapart。Concealedbythevineswasthenarrowmouthtoatunnel；andfromittheyheard，rapidlylesseninginthedistance，thepatteroffootsteps。

"Willyouwait，"demandedEverett，"orcomewithme？"

Withashudderofdistaste，Monicaansweredbyseizinghishand。

WithhisfreearmEverettsweptasidethevines，and，Monicafollowing，theyenteredthetunnel。Itwasapassagewaycleanlycutthroughthesolidrockandsufficientlywidetopermitoftheirmovingfreely。Atthefartherend，atadistanceofahundredyards，itopenedintoagreatvault，alsohollowedfromtherockand，astheysawtotheirsurprise，brilliantlylighted。

Foraninstant，inblacksilhouette，thefigureofPeabodyblockedtheentrancetothisvault，andthen，turningtotheright，againvanished。Monicafeltanuntimelydesiretolaugh。

NowthattheywereonthetrackofPeabodyshenolongerfearedtheoutcomeoftheadventure。InthepresenceoftheAmericanministerandofherselftherewouldbenoviolence；andastheytrailedthearchaeologistthroughthetunnelshewasremindedofAliceandherpursuitofthewhiterabbit。Thisthought，andhersenseofreliefthatthedangerwasover，causedhertolaughaloud。

Theyhadgainedthefartherendofthetunnelandtheentrancetothevault，whenatonceheramusementturnedtowonder。Forthevaultshowedeveryevidenceofuseandofrecentoccupation。Inbrackets，andburningbrightly，werelampsofmodernmake；onthestonefloorstoodacanvascot，saddle-bags，camp-chairs，andinthecentreofthevaultacollapsibletable。Onthiswerebottlesfilledwithchemicals，trays，andpressessuchasareusedindevelopingphotographs，andapparentlyhungtheretodry，swingingfromstrings，theproofsofmanynegatives。

Loyaltoherbrother，Monicaexclaimedindignantly。Attheproofsshepointedanaccusingfinger。

"Look！"shewhispered。"ThisisPeabody\'sdarkroom，wherehedevelopstheflash-lightshetakesofthehieroglyphs！Chesterhasarighttobefurious！"

ImpulsivelyshewouldhavepushedpastEverett；butwithanexclamationhespranginfrontofher。

"No！"hecommanded，"comeaway！"

Hehadfallenintoasuddenpanic。Histonespokeofsomecatastrophe，imminentandoverwhelming。Monicafollowedthedirectionofhiseyes。Theywerestaringinfearattheproofs。

Thegirlleanedforward；andnowsawthemclearly。

EachwasaUnitedStatesTreasurynoteforfivehundreddollars。

Aroundtheturnofthetunnel，approachingthevaultapparentlyfromanotherpassage，theyheardhurryingfootsteps；andthen，closetothemfromthevaultitself，thevoiceofProfessorPeabody。

Itwasharsh，sharp，peremptory。

"Handsup！"itcommanded。"Dropthatgun！"

Asthoughhaltedbyaprecipice，thefootstepsfellintoinstantsilence。Therewasapause，andthentheringofsteeluponthestonefloor。Therewasanotherpause，andMonicaheardthevoiceofherbrother。Broken，asthoughwithrunning，itstillretaineditslevelaccent，itsnoteofinsolence。

"So，"itsaid，"Ihavecaughtyou？"