Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1914-03-18

"Ah! That day will come, perhaps"
1 have said so. l look forward to it
as the best solution, butt
'"The day has come"
Gwen so, Alfarez is an honorable
man, strong man and the wealthiest
man in our country
"You are also a rich man, a man Of
ability" said Cortlandt. "Your name is
second to none in all Central America.
There is no one better
"Impossiblew exclaimed the banker,
in a strange voice. 81? No, nor
"And why not? Have you never had
political aspirations?
"Of course. All men have dreams.
was secretary Of finance under Anna
dor, but the Garavels have never real
ly been public men. Politics have
been a curse to our house. My grand
father
81 know" broke in Mrs. Cortlandt.
But times have changed. Panama
has seen her last revolution, and she
needs a business man at her head.
Panama is a healthy country. with no
national debt. She is growing, develop
ing. She holds the gateway to the
western world. and her finances must
be administered wisely. There is no
one who can direct her so well as
you"
'It is impossible!' repeated Garavel,
his agitation growing more pronounced.
General Alfarez is my friend. His
son will be my son."
Ramon! Is Ramon engaged to your
daughter"
EYES," exclaimed the banker. shortly.
He began to pace the room.
"What difference would that make,
if the young people love each other?"
Certainly" Cortlandt agreed. 'They
are not children"
"As for love. Ramon loves, and-my
daughter will love also. once she is
married, for she is a Garavel."
eff Ramon isn't satisfactory to her,
ought you to force her inclination?"
Mrs. Cortlandt offered. eagerly. But
the banker flung his arms aloft in a
gesture of half humorous despair.
"Oh-h! These young ladies!" he
cried. '"They do not know what they
want" He paused abruptly. This
comes upon me like flood, my friends.
I am swept away. and yet IL will
need to think seriously"
Certainly"
ITO an honorable man the salary will
mean nothing l have many affairs;
1 fear cannot afford this sacrifice"
would you retire in favor of some
one who could afford it?"
"Alfarez is honest"
"Alfarez cannot be president"
1T would require great deal OF
money. l am considered a rich man.
but 1 have discounted the future. and
my enterprises He flung out his
arms. 81 have spread out. l must be
careful 1t is not alone my money
that l have invested"
at will require very little money"
said Cortlandt. 81 have been from
David to Darien, from Bocas to Colon
and know the public sentiment"
1t was midnight before Senior Andres
| Garavel. the banker, babe his friends
| goodby. When he descended the no
tel steps to his carriage he held his
white head proudly erect. and there
was new dignity in his bearing.
=
The winter season was at its height
now. Every ship. from the. north came
laden with tourists. and the social life
Of the city grew brilliant and gay.
Now that nature smiled, the work
upon the canal went forward with ever
growing eagernesS. Records were
broken in every department. the rail-
road groaned beneath its burden, the
giant human machine was strained to
its fullest efficiency.
Young Anthony mastered the details
Of his work very rapidly. Being in
tensely interested in his work. he avoid
ed all social entanglements. despite re-
peated invitations from Mrs. Cort-
landt. But when the grand opera sea-
son began he made an exception and
joined her box party on the opening
night.
1t seemed quite like old times to don
an evening suit; the stiff white linen
awakened pang of regret There was
a somewhat formal dinner i he Cort-
landts' new home. at which there were
a dozen guests. so Kirk had no oppor-
tunity Of speaking with his hostess
until they had reached the theater.
I've scarcely seen you lately" she
said at the first opportunity. You're
a very neglectful young man. l began
to think you were avoiding u.s."
"YOu must know better than that"
She regarded him shrewdly over her
shoulder. You're not still thinking of
that night at Taboga?"
He blushed and nodded frankly. 81
can't help thinking about it. You were
mighty nice to overlook break like
that but Unconsciously his eyes
shifted TO Cortlandt, who was convers-
ing politely with a giggly old lady.
She tapped his cheek lightly with her
fan. "Just to show you how forgiving
1 am, am going to ask you to go rid.