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Updated: May 10, 2025
When Kirk informed him of the cablegram that had cast him adrift in Panama, leading indirectly to his entanglement with the dignity of Ramon Alfarez and the Spanish law, Cortlandt replied, reassuringly: "Oh, well, your father doesn't understand the facts in the case, that's all. You sit down like a sensible person and write him fully.
To the Latin intellect this display of power, on the part of a woman, was a revelation. She knew the effect she produced, and made the most of it. Old Anibal Alfarez was, perhaps, the last fully to appreciate her. He did, however, learn in time that while he could successfully match his craft against that of the husband, the wife read him unerringly. The result was that he broke with them openly.
"Of course," the latter said, "Alfarez will prove by his men that it's all imagination on your part, and that your injuries were sustained at the time of your arrest. He'll assume a righteous indignation and start a Spiggoty investigation. You see, his father is the Governor of Panama Province and one of the strongest men in the republic, so Ramon will probably make good his position.
Williams wheeled and cursed the fat man furiously. It was during the lunch-hour that Ramon Alfarez called at the Garavel home, finding the banker and his daughter still loitering over their midday meal and discussing the topic that had electrified the whole city. "Ah, Ramon!" the old gentleman began, eagerly. "Be seated and tell us quickly the latest news.
He knows now that he really entertained an angel unaware, and his grief of soul is comical." "Weeks isn't such a bad sort." But her eyes showed a sudden flash of anger as she returned: "He deserves to be forced out of the service." "That wouldn't do any good. His successor might be worse." "Haven't you any resentment? I dislike placid people!" "Plenty! If I get a crack at Alfarez "
There she was, seated with her father, Colonel Bland from Gatun, and some high officer or other probably an admiral. Ramon Alfarez was draped artistically over the back of her chair, curling his mustache tenderly and smiling vacantly at the conversation. Kirk ground his teeth together and set his feet as if for the sound of the referee's whistle.
When this amazing testimony was translated to Kirk he was astounded; but his indignation was as nothing to that which swept over him when a servant in the Alfarez household swore to having actually witnessed the murder. This fellow declared that he had been troubled greatly with a toothache. Toward morning of the night in question, too restless for sleep, he had gone out upon the sea wall.
Did you call me out to hear this news?" "Si!" Alfarez nodded his head vigorously. Then, narrowing his eyes, he said, meaningly, in a voice that none might overhear, "Panama is sometimes very on'ealthy city for fat Americans." He ran a hostile glance up and down Anthony's burly frame. "It is the climate per'aps of too great 'eat." "In other words, you intend to make it hot for me, eh?"
In my country it's a crime to kill a man in cold blood; and we don't tie a fellow up and beat him when he's helpless and then offer him the HONORABLE satisfaction of either committing murder or being killed. They're not wearing duels this season." His hands clenched involuntarily. "I don't want to hurt you, Alfarez, but I may not be able to help it if you don't keep out of my way."
The conversation took perforce a less personal nature in her presence, yet Kirk departed with a feeling of exaltation. Beyond doubt his suit was progressing, slowly, perhaps, but still progressing. His understanding of Spanish customs received a considerable enlargement on the following day, when he met Ramon Alfarez outside the railroad office.
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