The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-06-24

in New York, stuck a pin in map Of
Central America spread out on table
before Constance.
..Insurrectos will meet u.s." he pur-
sued. then added. but we must have
money first, my dear Sonora, plenty OF
money"
Dark of eye and skin. with black i'm
periaI and mustache, tall, straight as an
arrow. Santos had risen and was now
gazing down with rapt attention, not at
the map, but at Constance herself.
Every curve Of her face and wave Of
her hair, every line Of her trim figure
which her flny gown seemed to accen-
tuate rather than conceal added fire to
his ardent glances.
He touched lightly another pin stick
ing in a little. almost microscopic island
Of the Caribbean.
our plan, it is simple" he continued
with animation in spite Of his foreign
accent. con this island a plant to print
paper money, to coin silver. With that
we shall land, pay our men as they flock
to US, collect forces, seize cities, appro-
pirate the customs. Once we start, it IS
easy"
Costance looked up quickly. But that
is eounterfeiting," she exclaimed.
NO" rejoined Santos. lit is a war
measure. we-the provisional govern
ment-nerely coin our own money. Be
sides, 1t will not be done in this country.
It will not come under your laws"
There was a magnetism about the man
that fascinated her, as he stood watch
Ing the effect of his words. Instinctively
she knew that it was not alone enthusi-
asm over his scheme that inspired his
condolences.
Though we are not oounterfeiters," he
went on, I'VE do not know what moment
our opponents may set your Secret Serv-
ice to destroy all our hopes. Besides. we
must have money-now-to buy ma
chinery, arms, ammunition We must find
some one" ne lowered his voice, who
can persuade American bankers and mer-
chants to take risks to gain valuable
concessions in the new state"
Santos was talking rapidly and earnest
ly, urging his case on her.
We are prepared" he hurried on con-
adentialIy. ITO give you, Sonora, half
the money that you can raise for these
purposes
He passed and stood before her. He was
certainly a handsome figure. this soldier
Of fortune, and he was at his best now,
Constance looked out of the window
of her sitting room. This was a business
proposition. not to be Influenced by any
sentiment
She watched the lights moving up and
down the river and bay. There were craft
from the ends of the earth. She specu-
lated on the romantic secrets hidden in
liner and tramp. Surely they could
scarcely be more romantic than the APP
peal Santos was making.
"wiH you help us?" urged Santos
leaning further over the map to read her
averted face.
In her loneliness after she had given
up Murray Dodge, life in New York had
seemed even more bitter to Constance
than before Yet the great city cast a
spell over her. with its countless oppor-
tunities for adventure. She could not
leave 1t. but had taken a suite in a quiet
boarding house overlooking the bay from
the Heights in Brooklyn.
One guest in particular had interested
her. He was Latin-American. Ramon
Santos. She noticed that he seldom ap-
peared at breakfast or luncheon. But
at dinner he often ordered much as il
II were seven o'clock in the morning in.
stead Of the evening. He was mystery
and mysteries interested her. Did he work
all night and sleep all day? What was
he doing?
She was astonished a few nights after
her arrival to receive a call from the
mysterious evening breakfaster.
"Pardon-I intrude," he began grace,
fully. presenting his card. But have
heard how clever you are. Sonora Dun,
lap. A friend. in an importing Arm
told me of you, a Mr., Dodge"
Constance was startled at the name
Murray had indeed written little not,
expressing his entire confidence in Mr.
Santos Formal as 1t was. Constance
thought she could read between the line.
the same feeling toward her that he hac
expressed at their parting.
Santos gave her no time to live over
the past
You see. Mrs. Dunlap" he explained
as he led UP to the object Of his visit
the time has come to overthrow tn,
regime in Central America-for a revolu
ton which win bring together all tn,
countries in union like the old United
States of Central America"
He had spread out the map on til,
table.
Only" he added, we would call tn,
new state. Vespuccia."
Wee queried Constance.
''Yes-nly coueagues-you call It in Eng
fish? We have already a Junta witt
headquarters in an old loft on soutI
street. in New York.