The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-07-31
CHApTER III-Continued.

pected to experience some difficulty in
passing the guard, but were allowed TO
enter the city without being detained
AS to what was to be required Of me,
I had to await further advice. ] de-
uvered my papers TO Messrs. Smith &
Rivera. to whom they were addressed.
I found Mr.. Smith TO be an American.
He was a sharp featured man with
wrinkled face. somewhat along IN years,
and very reserved in manners.
He came forward to meet me in
rather officious way. 1 stated TO him
that came TO the City of Mexico as
the agent OF Mr.. Melrose, and that the
papers I brought were directed to his
firm.
yes, so I see," he replied, as he took
the envelope gave him and broke the
seal.
Have you anything for me?" asked
after waiting some time for him to
speak. He had given the papers only
glance. and then replaced them in the
envelope
nothing. sir" was the rather curt
reply.
mo doubt SIr. Melrose has advised
you regarding me"
It have heard nothing
.1Ir.. Melrose has not then arrived IN
the city9'' eeh
T have not seen him.
what cried. he is not here. and
he has not sent you any word regard
ing me? Do not the papers bring ex-
plain anything?"
II have said know nothing replied
AJr. Smith. LAS for these papers" he
coutjIued. showing them toward me,
zone IS a passport from the American
consul for yourself and party; the
other explains that you are engaged in
mercantile pursuits. They state moth
ing further"
I was dumb; knew not what TO say.
you can keep the papers" he said,
handing them back TO me.
I took them. saw they were as he
said, and put them back into my pocket.
II am under contract to enter his en-
ploy," I said. knowing not what other
reply TO make.
THAT may al be- he said
and I am on expense have my
men upon my hands, and they must be
paid" I continued.
Il would advise you 70 pay your men.
then" he replied coOlly.
This will take money" I explained.
land 1 am likely to run out Of funds.
You should have looked out for that"
Look OUT What do you mean?' /
demanded. .sIs not Mr.. Melrose a man
of his word You surely have had deal
sngs with him. You are acquainted
with nim2"
u do not question Mr.. Melrose's
word. he replied quietly. i will say
that I have had some dealings with
him. bat that is an affair OF our own.
You are a stranger TO me. ! know moth
ing about vou.'
1 was getting desperate. Here I was.
a stranger in a strange city, without
employment and almost without money.
I began TO suspect that had been
made the victim of misplaced conf
dence. I made one more effort to clear
up the mystery which seemed 10 sur
round the character OF my patron.
''Afr. Melrose is man of some means
He has interests IN Mexico?" ven
tured.
II do not know what interests he has
in Mexico. even If he has any. am
not aware that he has ever made any
investments here, or that he contemp-
lates making any investments In Mex
ico." replied Mr.. Smith. drawing his
hand down over his face.
And his business
''I have no information as 20 his bust
ness, or never knew that he had any
particular business"
Either Mr.. Smith did not know any
thing concerning Philip Melrose, or
what was more likely. he did know con
siderable about him, and. for reasons
of his own, would divulge nothing.
did not at all like the way he treatet
me
What am to DO, them demanded
vexed at getting no satisfaction Of him
II do not know he replied, with ap
parent unconcern-
what would you adviser" asked.
81 do not advise you. You can act
upon your own judgment" he replied.
Seeing that was not likely to get any
further information from him. and tina
he could not or was not inclined. TO tel
me anything 1 wanted TO know, ross
abruptly and started TO leave the Of
ice. He called 10 me as I passed tbs
door, and turned back.
1T might be well for you to leave your
address" he suggested
could not recall the name OF III
hotel where We had stopped. but toll
him that IL was near the Plaza de San
t.ago.
I'VE win probably hunt you up, II W
have anything for YOU" he replied
Il will call again and leave you m,
address," I said.
VERY we'll" he answered. but yo'
have arrived at an unfortunate time
For your 0 gn safety II would have beer
better for you to have remained a
home"
made no reply. but turned and Ief
him.
Tt took me several minutes to collec'
NV thoughts and realize the signiht
canoe Of the situation IN which 1 founC
myself. To have passed successfully
nearly fifteen hundred miles through Z
country engaged in war. country II
which traveller is exposed TO many
dangers. TO arrive safely at my destin
alton after innumerable perils only e
find that ! had come for no purpose; al
This disconnected me exceedingly.
IL did not occur 10 me that my patroI
might have been detained either from
sickness or accident. and besides that
communication with the capital was Ell
most entirely cut on I thought only O
myself. and that thrown upon my owl
resources. had 20 make the best Of IN!
situation
I had left Martin at the hotel anC
when I returned he met me with an in
cuiring lock.
s.-r,,, have 5alf,-erreS ,.or,r letters 20 n,