Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1914-02-19


knowledge Of current events. a keen
understanding of men and things. yet
he never opened up. He listened,
spoke rarely and continued to spend
nine-tenths of his time In that isolated
corner of the smoking room, with no
other company than q long glass and
siphon.
One day when Kirk had begun to
feel that his acquaintance with Mrs.
Cortlandt was well established he said
to her:
.'steln told me today that your hus-
band is in the diplomatic SERVICE"
''Yes." said she HE was consul
general to Colombia several years ago,
and since then he has been to France
and to Germany"
'.Are you diplomating now?"
'ln way. We shall be in Panama
for some time. Colonel Jolson will be
interested in you"
II don't see the point"
"Your father is one Of the most pow
erful and aggressive railroad men in
the country. Perhaps you know some
thing about the railroad opposition to
the canal?'
Kirk smiled. 'well, to tell you the
TRUTH" said he. 1.-THE governor doesn't
consult ME about his business as much
US he ought to. he seems to think he
can run 1T all right without me. and
we've only been speaking over the
telephone lately"
Zone of the strongest forces the gov
ernment had to combat in putting
through the canal appropriations was
the railroads. Colonel Jolson has NO
reason to love your father.
"By the way. when are you going
into business with himT'
II? oh, not for long time. You
see. work doesn't really appeal to me.
anyway. suppose IL had to hustle
could. but what's the use2'
Mrs. Cortlandt let her eyes dwell
upon him curiously for a moment
Then she said:
"Have you no ambition7 Is there no
girl, for instance7 Have you never
been in love2"
"Oh. see here. nowg' Anthony blush
ed in manner to excite the envy Of
any woman. 'T don't IKE 'em. I'd
rather play football"
"YOu lack stimulus. II you should
meet the right woman Then. see
ing the amusement in his face: ''Be-
lieve me, know what am talking
about. know what q woman can do.
Your life has been too easy and placid
You need some disturbing element to
make it ferment-"
The Santa Cruz was now rapidly
drawing out of the cold northern winter
and into tropic warmth. The nights
were perfect, the days divine. The
passengers responded as II to a magic
draft, and Kirk acknowledged to re.
luctant enjoyment of the change and
found himself less eager to go back
Mrs. Cortlandt Joined him as usual
on deck after dinner, and they did
mile around the promenade. chatting
idly of many things. The evening was
too glorious to permit of early retiring.
and late hour found them leaning
over the rail. side by side. while An
thony bewailed the fact that he snew
nothing of the country just beyond the
dark horizon ahead of them. They
talked about the canal
'It is big task. Mr. Anthony, and
the mere digging of the ditch is the
smallest part. There is great deal
more to lie done You see. as men at
tain culture. they require more than
mere food and drink and bedding. and
in the same way. as nations attain to
greatness. they require more than mere
territory-they reach out and absorb
power and prestige. Our decision to
build the Panama canal is like the
landing of another Columbus: the con-
quest is to follow After that will
come-wh0 knows what7 Perhaps
more wars, more pillage. more injus-
tice. just as in the old days Of Central
and South America"
"You talk like a man." Anthony said
admiringly. 81 had no idea you looked
at things in such big way"
Mrs. Cortlnndt hesitated slightly as
she changed the subject. II heard you
tell the purser the other day about
your financial troubles. and It oc.
Cured to me that Mr. Cortlandt might
assist you"
Thanks. awfully." Kirk FASTENED to
say. feeling himself. flush uncomfort-
ably. "But sha'n't need anything
The old gentleman will wire me what
ever ask for. Does-Mr. C0rtlandt
know how am fxed7"
NO"
"Please don't tell him. lin little
bit ashamed of myself"
Mr.. C0rtlandt was awaiting bis wife
and rose courteously as she entered
their suit.
did you send Annette for me7' she
inquired
"Yes. thought you had forgotten
the hour. We rise at g."
my dear" she returned coOlly. II
was quite aware of the time was
talking to Mr.. Anthony"
by the way. some Of the passengers
are remarking about your friendship
for him"
Mrs. Cortlandt shrugged. II expect
ed that Does 1t interest you1"
The man favored her with his wintry
smile. mot at ALL
"If he should need assistance while
In Panama Isshouid bs obliged II JON
would accommodate him"
! Don't yoy-think thetr H. soinx Z BIT