Evening star., 1933-12-10

face away from that which had been-and set
his gaze toward the land to come
1t was seven days later when the little fruit
steamer pulled into the Harbor of San Palido,
capital of that two-Spot of republics, Caturia.
Montcalm feasted his eyes ON its beauty. White
sand green palms. cerulean sky above.
I'm next to broke" he unused. But some
how think everything is going to be o. K.
Looks like you could get along without money
here
There was no formality about leaving the
ship or going on land. In fact, the captain
had a few words to say about this.
II don't know how things are here" he
unused. There was talk of trouble when we
touched here a month ago. Sort of mild
revolution. But you never can tell. Things
look quiet. Too quiet
4 IoNTcALM was unimpressed by the dubious
note. "Quiet is what I want nothing OF
but. Lead me to it. The more of it the better"
"Well-watch your step. Good luck"
Montcalm waved a hand and stalked away.
1t was hot But he felt exhilarated.
After Is minutes walking he came out of
curved street into a sort of square. Evidently
the heart of the place This immense square
was paved with fiat stones. And across it stood
a building, two stories high but of good area.
There was an imposing double door in the
middle of it, he noted Doors were one of his
few interests in life.
Funny he unused. Nobody in sight Wen,
let's see what this place is"
He swung along toward the building Still
quiet. Ominously quiet.
He was about halfway across when he heard
a shot off at enc side and something struck
a stone at his feetI He was being shot att
"Gosh" he muttered. Whats the big idea?"
He kept on going. There wasn't anything
else that occurred to his simple mind OF
course, he could have dropped fiat on the
stones But he merely moved majestically on.
And little muddled. No more shots came.
He walked up to the big doors. Nobody
about He no bell so he gave the door
kick.
After pause the door opened a crack A
brown face peered out. And a gunl
Hey! Put that thing downl I'm not armed!"
shouted Montcalm.
There was conversation inside Lots of it.
Then finally the gun was lowered The door
opened a little. And Montcalm walked inside
At a desk sat man in uniform, little man,
very dark, and wearing fierce mustache. Also
he looked rather woebegone.
what you want?" he asked duly
Montcalm blinked. His mind wasn't working
any too brilliantly Being shot at and so forth.
We'll, guess I want job Ought to be
something for q big guy like me around here"
The little brown man looked gloomier than
ever. Il have no job no. Once could give
many jobs I-Alphonso Fernandez-Presidente
of Caturia! But who am now?"
THERE didn't seem any answer to this, so
] Montcalm just changed his stance from one
foot to the other. The Presidente went on
81, senior. Once had the beeg power.
Now? just me and Pedro and Manuel and a
few others here. We are besieged. We have
nothing to eat. Not even the cigarets I feel
so dead without the cigaret. Sol have no
job for you, senor"
well, didn't see anything much out there
Where's the other army?"
The Presidente burst out angrily I'VE are
besieged. The leader OF the Insurrectos she Is
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