The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1906-11-17

VA e@hoAhS, ShOWihS INV IAC L ACoAuCAS .
dishonorable scheme had compelled me, in
the interests of the bank, to take more
or less active part in the revolution. 1t
was pathetic to hear him bewail the vii
lainy of the man he had trusted, and
when l produced the money, he blessed
me fervently, and at once proposed writ
ing to the directors a full account Of the
matter.
"They are bound to vote you an honora-
rum, sir" he said.
II don't know, JONES'" 1 replied. II
am afraid there Is a certain prejudice
against me at headquarters. But in any
case l have resolved to forego the per-
sonal advantage that might accrue to me
from my conduct. President McGregor
has made strong representation to me
that the schemes of General Nottingham,
if publicly known, would. however un-
justly, prejudice the credit of Aureata-
land, and he appealed to me not to give
particulars to the world. In matters such
as these, Jones, we cannot be guided solely
by selfish considerations"
Heaven forbid, sir I" said Jones, much
moved.
II have, therefore, consented to restrict
myself to a confidential communication
to the directors; they must judge how far
they will pass it on to the shareholders.
To the world at large shall say nothing
of the second loan; and 1 know you will
oblige me by treating this money as the
product of realizations in the ordinary
course Of business. The recent disturb
ances will quite account for so large
sum being called in"
II don't quite see how l can arrange
that" =
"Ah, you are overdone," said I. Leave
it all to me, Jones'"
And this l persuaded him to do. In
fact, he was so relieved at seeing the
money back that he was easy to deal
with; and if he suspected anything, he
was overawed by my present exalted po-
sition. He appeared to forget what
could not, that the President, no doubt,
still possessed that fatal cable
After lunch 1 remembered my engage
ment with the Signorina, and, putting on
my hat, was bidding farewell to bust
ness, when Jones said:
There's a note just come for you sir.
A little boy brought it while you were out
at lunch"
He gave it to me-a little dirty envel-
ope, with an illiterate scrawl. 1 opened
it carelessly, but as my eye fell on the
Presidents hand, l started in amazement.
The note was dated Saturday From
on board The Songstress, and ran as fol-
lows:
Dear Mr.. Martini must confess to
having moderated your courage and abili
ties. If you care to put them at my dis
posal now, l will accept them. In the
other event, l must refer you to my pub
lie announcement. In any case it may
be useful to you to know that McGregor
designs to marry Signorina Nugent. l
fear that on my return it will be hardly
consistent with my public duties to spare
your life (unless you accept my present
offer), but l shall always look back to
your acquaintance with pleasure. l have,
if you will allow me to say SO, seldom
met young man with such natural gifts
for finance and politics. l shall anchor
five miles out from Nottingham tonight
(for l know you have no ships), and if
you join me, well and good. If not, l
shall consider your decision irrevocable.
Believe me, dear Mr.. Martin, faithfully
yours,
MARCUS w. WHITTINGHAM,
President Of the Republic of Aureata-
land"
The Presidents praise was grateful to
me. But did not see my way to fall in
with his views. He said nothing about
the money, but / knew we'll that it's re-
turn would be a condition of any alliance
between us. Again, l was sure that he
also designed to marry the Signorina,"
and if l must have a rival on the spot l
preferred McGregor in that capacity.
Lastly, thought that after all there is
decency in things, and l had better stick
to my party. l did not, however, tell
McGregor about the letter, merely send
ing him line to say had heard that he
had better look out.
This done, / resumed my interrupted
progress to the Signorina's When | was
shown in, she greeted me kindly.
II have had letter from the Presi
dent" 1 said.
"Yes," said she, ''he told me he had
written to you"
"Why, have you heard from him?"
eyes, just little note. He is rather
cross with me. Are you going over to
him-going to forsake me?"
"How can you ask me? Won't You
show me your letter, Christinay
mo, john" she answered, mimicking
my impassioned tones. Il may steal the
Presidents savings, but 1 respect his con-
idence."
you know what he says to me about
McGregor?"
"Yes," said the Signorina. But, curl
GUS to relate, the Colonel has just been
here himself and told me the same thing.
The Colonel has not nice way Of max
ing love, Jack-not SO nice as yours
nearly"
Thus encouraged l went and sat down
by her. l believe took her hand.
"You don't love him?"
mot at all" she replied. II like you
very much, Jack" she said, "and it's very
sweet Of you to have made a revolution
for me. 1t was for me, Jack?''
''Of course 1t was, my darling"
promptly replied.
But you know, Jack, don't see how
we're much better off. Indeed, in way
it's worse The President wouldn't let
anybody else marry me, but he wasn't
so peremptory as the Colonel. The Colo
mel declares he will marry me this day