Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-09-24
CHAPTER XVI.
Constitutional Smith-An Honest Man.

The mosquito season is over. The retail
demand for Balm of the Isle of Swat has
waned; but orders for the future come in
steadily from the wholesalers.
Down on the Isle of Swat Constitutional
Smith does all things for all men. He
maintains the reputation of Ellington
O'Keefe. And his business Judgment has
reduced the expense of production of
Lorimer's great balm to a minimum. For
he has set to work all the able inhabit-
ants of the island-set them to work
planting and pruning the trees, in the
first place-ready for the demand of the
future. He has set them to work gather
ing in the fresh green crop; in the second
place, ready for the present demand, and
with the aid of machinery furnished by
the plant at Monroe, he has set them to
work pressing from the leaves and
branches the sap or juice, ready for the
manipulation by Lorimer and his chem
lists. In this way he accomplishes several
things. His subjects are earning money,
which means that they are beginning to
possess the necessities of civilization
enjoying some of the comforts of their
more effete brethren. He saves much Of
the cost of transportation; much of the
cost of high priced labor. He is gradually
developing his country. From the God
forsaken, man-forSaken island that it was
the Isle of Swat has entered as it were,
the arena of events.
More than all, Constitutional Smith, the
strong-arm man. is well and happy. For
he is safe, and he is busy, and he is work
ing out a scheme which was begotten by
him-he wants to see it through. Over in
New York the police authorities still look
in vain for Constitutional Smith Save in
the guise of Ellington O'Keefe it is I'M
safe for him to appear. Today he is more
talked about, perhaps, than any other
criminal in the United States. But they
rim, t., .,ksl
OKeefe Akoond of Swat
Ellington OKeefe, a man of keen bust
ness judgment swallowed his wrath; he
understood that he had a master to deal
with and he preferred to deal with him
on better terms. So enthusiastic did he
become about the business that in the
heart of summer he bought a yacht and
sailed with a picked crew down to the
Isle OF Swat He sent for Smith, and
Smith came aboard. Each man held out
his hand, and then burst into stimuli
taneous laughter.
I've come down." said O'Keefe. ito
| make sure enough bargain with YOU
there something in this, after ALL
Bargain" said Smith: Il thought we
had a bargain all along" He was unwill-
/ ing to recognize the fact that O'Keefe
had attempted to beguile him.
Wen put 1t in writing then" said
Ellington OKeefe. They did After a
lengthy conversation one of the two mer
went ashore and one returned to Monroe
The man who went ashore was BilIinptor
O'Keefe The man who returned to Mon.
roe was Constitutional Smith, O'Keefe
| wanted TO look into things down there
and Smith sighed for a few weeks of the
states.
Some days after his return Constitutions
| Smith entered the Office of John Lorimer.
Lorimer waved his hand. Mr.. O'Keefe >
he said. Smith sat down-it was in the new
| factory office-and looked about with a sigh
! of satisfaction.
| Mr.. Lormer" he said milling none,
| from his pocket. you may not be aware
| that one-third of your profits on the Balm
| of Swat have been coming to me-"
| ITO you?" gasped Lorfmer You, Mr.
| OKeefe? Are you behind this thing?'
| Il am" returned Smith I'm fact, I an
| OKeefe, Akoond of Swat
| NO." said Lorimer. A flush mantled hi.
cheek. This was, indeed, success. To b,