The San Francisco call., 1905-08-13

ing to any foreigner, simply raised his
voice 10 a shout, making UP in volume
what he lacked in intelligibility.
We dropped into our donghy and
pulled ashore in some uncertainty. A
few natives came down to the beach to
see Us land, ana seemed quiet and
friendly. One of them showed us no
the presidente's house. He told US on
the way that the presidente was in con-
versation with the senors from the
other vessel, which had just arrived
that morning from Cebu-
AS we drew near we heard the quick
patter Of voices raised in argument,
and occasionally a staccato laugh.
Then we were discovered, for. the
voices ceased, and the presidente him
self came out to greet us.
1 wished him 'good-day," and for
while we talked in a circle, exchanging
compliments and fluctuations. He was
a rather good looking Spanish Nfsayan
mestizo, and seemed person of breed
ing and poise. Soon 1 introduced
Knapp, viii crumpled his paw, and l
explained that we were Englishmen
and on a little trading cruise, and
hearing so much of the wealth and re-
source Of his well-known city, as vel
as of the great personal charm or its
presidente, we had put in while pass
ing, to give ourselves the pleasure OF
paying our respects and making his ae-
quaintance, and casually to see If, per
haps, he might happen to have few
bags of coffee, a little tobacco, or posi-
bly, some hemp, which just now was
of little value owing to the cursed
Americanos.
"Ah, amigo, why did not the blessed
Virgin send you an hour earlier? 1t
is true that the storehouse yonder is
full Of hemp which 1 have been saving
for the rise in price that l thought
was sure to come as a result of the
interruption of the industry by these
cursed Americanos. But at last l am
obliged to let it go, for how otherwise
can my son Emilio pursue his studies
in Paris, where he has gone to become
d famous artist?"
''AIasI" said l, II can indeed fell for
your anxiety as a parent, which does
you infinite credit, also your solicitude
concerning your sons career. l also
am an artist in a poor way" and 1
showed him my half-filled sketch book.
He turned the leaves in great delight.
San Diegoi-but the Senor is great
master. Seldom has it been my for
tune to gaze upon such work.
1T grieves me, senor," said l, that
Emilio might have TO be disappointed
in the amount of his remittance. Rath-
er than have that happen would it
not be well, perhaps, to let US have this
hemp at a little higher price?''
An, the English senior is indeed my
friend, but it is impossible. These men
are old acquaintance of mine-and
desperate characters. If were to play
them false, who knows? 1t is possible
that they might burn my village!"
1 held short conference with Knapp,
in which / told him what / had learned
His mouth puckered, and he drew his
great brows together in thought. Then
his face expressed a sudden Inspiration
ASK him when he's got to deliver
the cargo" he said. / did so.
Tonight" replied the Spaniard, "as
soon as the coolies can bring the cas-
cos down the river, which will be
about 10 O'Clock"
Ask him. if he minds telling you
how much he is getting for his darn
hemp" Knapp said again.
The senior hesitated moment, but
thinking no doubt that ii really made
nc difference since the stuff was as
good as sold. told me. The price was,
indeed 'ridiculously small. In confirm
alton, he showed me roughly drafted
contract from the owners of the
schooner to pay the money down as
soon as the hemp should be delivered
on board. This l showed to Knapp,
who studied it carefully.
Now, kid" he said at length ex-
citedly, lis the chance for you to get
in your fine work Tell this old Grea ser
that, although disappointed in getting
our cargo, we bear no ill-will, and in
vite him and these other Greasers out
aboard 10 lunch. Tell 'em we've got
a bully cook, and the best booze that
money can buy. They'll come-Or
Greasers are lot different in this part
of the world than they are anywhere
else. Then well go back aboard and
talk to Boles. I've got a plan-ii'st
listen to that" A roar of boisterous
laughter came from the house. Said
they'd burn his village. did he? Well
teach 'enl-the bloodtbirsty pirates"
/ failed utterly to follow his train of
thought, but did as he told me. The
presidente was apparently delighted.
The senor honors me. 1t would af-
ford me the greatest pleasure. And if
the senors will condescend to enter my
poor house we will have flask of
Madeira, and you shall meet these
othcrs-the ladrones that they are
But you must not be offended if they
are somewhat noisy, for they have just
finished two bottles of my best"
When we were walking back to our
boat turned. my voice trembling with
suppressed anger.
Now, for heavens sake. will you tell
me why you want that slime out on our
schooner?
Don't you worry, sonny; you'll have
d chance to get even before you re
many hours older. Yolr Uncle Jor-
dams got a plan. a little scheme ~
teach these gents lesson. and get that
hemp at the same time, just by way of
illustration. 1t.H be a sCrt of illus