Lakeland Evening Telegram Newspaper, March 10, 1914, Page 2

R ———- A Romance of the Panama Canal REX BEACH BY HARPER & BROTHERS COPYRIGHT, 1910, 1911, SYNOP3IS. Kirk Anthony, gon of a rich man, with eollege friends, gets into a fracas in a New York resort. A detective is hurt Jefferson Locke insinuates himself into the college men's party. Locke, alded by Kirk's frlend Higgins, who thinks it a joke, drugs Kirk and puts him aboard a ship bound for Colon. Kirk s on the passenger lint as Locke. “Broke" and without baggage, aboard the ship Kirk makes the acquaintance of Mr, and Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt Cortlandt is in the American diplomatic service and Is going to Panama on a mis- glon. In Colon Kirk, as the son of a big rallroad man, is taken up by Weeks, American consul, Kirk's father repudiates him, and Weeks | casts him out as an | istor, Kirk meets | Allan, a Ja negro canal worker out of a job two are ariested by Colon police for helping to put out a fire Kirk and Allan s a Colon jall by ant of pol by the Dri to ald Kirk call release is obtaine but Weeks refuse Cortlandt gets a phone Kirk's release by el Jolson, head indts are in- 2's father pres - Mrs. Cortlandt obt triguing 'u make Alfar dent of Panama “Sure. It sounds easy.” *You will start in with the P. R. R,, Mr. Anthony, under my despotie sway." “I know a little abont railroadin “So much the better. There's a big railvoand man by vour name in the stafe Are yon related *1 helieve so.™ Kirk answered, quiet- Iv. “Go ahead wi the lesson.™ “The eanl zone astrip of land ten nile ide running across the isthmus—really an AMmerican colony, you know, for we govern it, police it and all that. As for the work itself, well, the fellows at the two ends of the canal are dredging night and day to plete their part, the lock build- ers are laying concrete like mad to get their shure done first, the chaps in the hig eut are boring throngh the hills like moles and breaking steam shovel records every week, while we railroad men take care of the whole shooting match, Of course, there are other de- partments—sanitary, engineering, com- missary, and so forth—all doing their share, but that is the general scheme. Everybody Is trying to break records. Lord! It's fierce.” . “Why didn’t you quit?" snggested An- thony. 1 “Quit! What for? Good Lord! We like it. Here we are at Pedro Miguel, hv the way. lhortlv i | To his left Anthony beheld another scene somewhat similar to the one at Gatun, Other movable steel cranes with huge wide flung arms, rose out of another chasm in which were extensive concrete workings, From a distance the towers resembled parts of a half constructed cantilever bridge of tre- mendous height. Another army was toiling at the bottom of the pit, more cars shunted back and forth, more rock crushers rumbled; but, before Kirk's eye had photographed more than a small part, the motor car had sped past and was rolling out upon a bridge spanning the canal ijtself. To the northward appeared” an opening cut through the hills and Runnels said, simply: “Culebra! A moment later he announced: “We leave the . R. R. tracks here nnd‘l switch in on the 1. C. C. Now you'll begin to see something.” | Down into the cut the little car went, and at last Anthony saw the active ' pulsating heart of this stupendous un- dertaking. The low range was severed by a gorge blasted out by human hands It was a mountain valley in the mak- ing. High up on its sides were dirt and rock trains, dozens of compressed | We'll be into the cut alr drills, their spars resembling the | masts of a fleet of cathoats at anchor— behind these grimy, powerful steam shovels which rooted and grunted quite like iron hogs. Along the tracks at va rious levels flowed a constant current of traflic: long of empty cars crept past the <h then, filled to overflowing, northward up the valle) » retiurn iin and again. | Nowhere was there any idlene no where a cold machine or a man at re On every h.w < 8 and s n and sweat. The ills chuggeed stead- | ily, the hungr, , 1zed out | the trails the dri ned, the | trains rolled past at intervals of a mo- | ment or so. Lines of elec wire, car ried upon low wooden “shears,” paral leled the tracks, bearing the white hot sparks that rent the mountain. At ev ery switch a negro fireman, crouched beneath a slanting sheet of corrugated ' { into smaller fragments. | foundations were being dug. At times a shovel reachied out its five yard steel jaw and gently cleared the rails of debris, or hoosted some howlder from the path with all the «kill of a wiant hand and fingers. Up and down l]w canyon rolled spasmodie rumbli broadsides from a fleet of hattl Mile after mile the sightseers rolled on, piast seenes of never var) ac tivity— past more shovels, more ! of drills, more dirt trains, more regi- ments of men—Runnels exy Kirk marveling until he was foreed tof CX( | : “I had no idea it was <o big. It doesn’t seem as if they'd ever finish it.” “Oh, we'll finish it if we're let alone, it; we never know how long our johs will last. If some senator whose vote | s needed on an administration matter Fwanted my position for his wife's , about her,”” Runnels continued. {not sure my ¢t | mu | ernment is ! there's nobody better fitted for the pre- | limin: ry work than Mr. Stephen Cort- land of Washington, D. C.. husband and clerk of the smartest woman in THE EVENING TELEGRAM LAKELAND, FLA iron. seeking Shelter alike from 1ying fragments and the blazing sun. From beneath the drills came occasional sub- terranean explosions: then geysers of muddy water rose in the air. Under the snouts of the steam shovels “dobe” shots went off as bowlders were riven Now and then an excited tooting of whistles gave warning of a bigger blast as the flag- men checked the flow of traffic, indi- cating with arms upraised that the ground was “coming up.” Thereupon a brief lull occusred; men hid themselves. the work held its breath, as it were. But while the detonations still echoed and before the flying missiles had ceased to shower the human ants were moiling at their hills once more, the ‘wheels were turning 1in, the jaws of the iron hogs were clanking. Through this upheaval the motorear penetrated, dodging trains of “flats.” which moved slugeishly to afford them re up and down over the voleanic wsoat the hottom of the gorge or along come shelf beneath which the You see there is too much polities in brother, he could get it." “I suppose I'm an example.” Runnels looked at him squarely be- fore answering. “You are,” said he, “although I wasn't thinking of you when I spoke. It’s something we all feel, however.” Anthony flushed as he answered: *1 don’t remember ever taking anything I wasn't entitled to, and I didn't think when I was shoved in here that I'd shove some other fellow out. I suppose there is room at the bottom, and a fel- low can work up?%’ “If he has it in him.” “I think I'll start there.” “I'm afraid you're a poor business man,” sald Runnels. “Rotten!” Kirk admitted, “But I've an idea I can make good if 1 try.” “If you feel that way I certainly will help you,” said the other warmly. “Of course I'll try to help you anyhow, but —I like your spirit. With Mrs. Cort- ; landt to back me up. I'll see you go forward as fast as you deserve.” By now they were out of the cut and , once more upon the main line at Bas Obsipo. heading back toward the Pa- cific. “You asked me to tell you something “I'm information is entirely correct, but, knowing who she is, 1 thlnh 1 understand why she is in Pan- nmu It i8 politics—big politics. The Spiggoties have an election next year, and it is necessary to get our wires well laid before it comes off. General Alfarez will probably be the next pres- ident.” “Alfarez! Not Ramon?’ “His father. You know we Ameri- cans occupy i peculiar position here, set down as we are in the midst of an alien people who hate us. Oh, they hate us, all right—all except a few of the better class.” “Why 7" “There are a gond many reasons For one thing, there's a sort of racial antipathy Desides, when we stole Panama we made the Colombians sore. and all Central America besides, for | they realizedd that once we Yankees got a foothold here we'd hang on and not only dominate this country, but all the neizhboring republics as well.” 1 had gathered something of the Lt I ‘-M no idea there was so in it. But we don’t want these countries,” said Kirk I'lat's where you're wrong., By and by w need room to expand, and | whe that time comes we'll move sout Meanwhile our farsighted gov- smoothing the way. and | his subjec | My which she works. She's a rich woman. { she loves the game—her father was the | greatest diplomat of his time. married Cortlandt so Any other man would bave served as well, though I've heard that he showed promise before she | blotted him out and absorbed him. But now power of attor ney." Anthony pursed his lips into a whis- | tle of astonishment “It's been a good thinz for him.” Runnels ran on. evidentiy warmed to t. “She's made his reputa- he has money and position. For part, I'd rather remain insignifi- cant and have a real wife.” “Don't they love each other? “Nobody knows She's carved out of | ice, and as for him, well. gratitude is | a good deal like rust—in time it llt-\: stroys the thing it clings to, 1 suppose I'm talking too much. but others wonld J tell you the same things.” It was with quite a different eyve that Kirk looked upon his host and hostess | that evening. To his genuine liking for | the latter was now added a worshipful admiration and a hoyish gratification | at her regard, which rather put her at a distance “It's all settled,” said he. “I'm go- ing to work in a few days as train col- lector.” “What?" Mrs. Cortlandt turned upon him sharply. *“Ruunels didn't offer you that sort of position”’ Her eyes were dark with indignation. Kirk promptly came to the defense of his new friend. “No, I asked for it."” “Oh, 1 see. Well, he will do much better by you than that.” “I don't want anything start with." “But, my dear boy. a collector is a conductor. He takes tickets.” “Sure! I ean do that. I might fail | at something hard.” “No. no, no! 'l see that you don't | fail. Dou’t you understand?" o “I understand a lot more than 1 did. | Mrs, Cortlandt. That's why I don't wint to rob some @hap of .‘ job he's entitled to. and I sha'n't. There's a collector quitting .~Iu-x'tly." “Is that really the reason, or do yon think the \'nxl\ will lm casier?” «d uncomfortably. you know—and she she could play it he's merely her tion; better to | Kirk *0Oh I'm not trying to dodge anything,” he | maintained. “On the contrary, the | most amazing thing has happened-- something 1 can’t quite understand | I1—1 really want to work. [Funny, isn't | it? I didn't know people ever got that way, but=I'd like to help build this | “But a conduetor! gentleman.” “My dad was a brakeman.” [ “Don't he Runnels talks too | much. He'll offer you something bet- | ter than that." But Kirk was ohdurate, Why, you're a foolish, ‘I'd prefer | to start in as confidential adviser to | the canal commission. of course, but I'd he a ‘frost,” and my father would say ‘I told you so." I must make good for his sake, even if it's only counting | cars or licking postage stamps. Be- | sides, it isn't exactly the square thing | to take money for work that somebody | else does for you.” Mrs. Cortlandt laughed with.a touch of annoyance, ’ “I think a few weeks in cap and buttons will cure you of this quixotic sentiment. Meanwhile I must admit it Is refreshing.” She stared unseeingly at the street lights for a moment. “But see here, Kirk, don't the collectors live in Colon?" “I don't know,” he replied, startled and flattered by her first use of his given name. “I'll look it up tomorrow. You know I—-Mr. Cortlandt and I will be in Pan- ama, and 1 prefer to have you here. You see, we can do more for you."” A little later she broke into a low laugh. *It seems strange to go driving with a conductor.” CHAPTER X. A Night at Taboga. SSPITE his great contentment in Mrs. Cortlandt's society, Kirk found himself waiting with growing impatience for hl\ active duties to begin. Curiously enough, this feeling was somehow con- nected with the thought of Edith her- | self. Why th#s should be so he did not trouble to inquire. They had become the best of good friends, he told him- self, a consummation for which he had devoutly wished, vet for some indefi- nable reason he was dissatisfied. He decided that he needed exercise | and determined to take a tramp through the country, but on the even- ing bLefore the day he had set for his excursion his plans were upset by a note from Mrs. Cortlandt, which the clerk handed him. It ran: Dear Kirk—Stephen has arranged an outing for all three of us, and we are counting on you for tomorrow. It will be | a really truly ful discomf not to know call for y« E ously you EDITH LUIIL\\I The recipient of this kind invitation tossed it aside, with sture of impa- ARCH 10, 1914, it's perfectly gorgeous. Please call a coach, at is waiting, and don't sit on the Kirk obeyed. and they went clatter- ing down the deserted brick street. Edith le: ck. with a sigh. “I'm so glad to get away from that ] for a day. If you only knew it, rou’ 1 the political cal- panama Conservative b ow 1 bad ever even rock- [u‘ back to your affair with did that effect it%" ny rate it gave an ex- in motion. time, and 1 was only my influence in the his is a picnic to . and here we are ) s. We mustn't be so se- choa! is out. and it's vacation. to Tou ip and play and get my face 11 Tty The lan¢ sight of the ered from all shouting a d¢ Kirk to battle zed, and at ers loiterers gath- a pirate throng. ects and forcing Justily for his lug- Stepping into a skiff, they were rowed to a launch, and a few moments later were gliding swiftly around the long rock rib that guards the harbeor, a copper hued bandit at the wheel, a Nubian giant at the engine and an evil vellow faced desperado sprawling upon the forward deck. Even before they had come to anchor at Taboga island a dozen boatmen were racing for them and crying for their patronage. At the water's edge they saw a tiny village nestled close against the mountains, its tiled roofs, rust red and grown to moss, its walls faded by wind and weather to delicate mauves and dove colors and greens impossible to describe. The launch, when it came to rest, seemed suspended in air. and beneath new .kll gage Slowly He Picked His Way Ashore. it lay an entrancing sea garden. Once the engine had stopped its clatter a sleepy, peaceful silence settled over the harbor, unbroken by wheel or whistle, for in Taboga no one works and there are no vehicles. “What a wonderful place!” exclaim- ed the young man fervently. “Why, it's like a dream—it cah’t be real!” Then, as the boatmen renewed their begging. “I wonder which barge gen- tleman I'd better hire.” “Take the little boy, please.” Edith called to an urchin who was manfully struggling with a pair of oars twice his men began to shove off with many scowls. bandits,” Kirk observed as he helped her to a seat. ‘‘When shall we tell the lad to bring us off landt. “1 arranged with the captain to be ready at that hour, so, you see, we have the whole day ahead of us.” Across the limpid shallows they glid- | ed, bravely propelled by their nine- vear-old oarsman, but when the bow of their skiff grated upon the bottom they were still some yards from the shore. “Looks as if we'd have to wade,” said Kirk, then called to one of the nearby hand. some unintelligible jarg “He says he carries Lis pasengers ashore in his arms,” Edith translated. “Really? Competition is spirited even on this heavenly isle. Well, that's easy!” Anthony untied his low Kicked them off and rolled up ln~ trou- sers, P on. mit me to help you,” he said, tience For the mowment he experi- | “without embarrassing our pilot.” euced a kind of boyish resentment at up and allowed him to having Lis intentions thwarted that ! r in his ar Then seeined out of proportion to the cause e she felt his str ; But the emot issed d to his. Slowly The next 1 appeared ishore while s} o re upon the hotel pe brace, h, r 3 he dwm “Oh. some men arrived last { be saw from Do-as del Toro and teleph t that she w that ti inust see him today on a matter make up to you for his absence if 1| am able.” importance. 1 shall bave to the business of chaperoning adminis- trations. He's the figurehead behind “Where is to be the scene of our revel 7" | Queerly perturbed them hotb, s glowing fetch the lunch . Under the « ircum- had done the only natural, possible thing, Yet it had “Taboga,” she said, with eyes spar (To Be Continued.) “Tou've never been there, but I own length, whereupon the older boat- & “Our choice has offended these genial | “Four o'clock,” answered Mrs, Cort- | boatmen to lend the child a | But the fellow replied grufily in shoes, | Mann Plumbing best L Work Now Under )0": ani Glenada Hotel . Pine Street | Lowest _ , . { Prices | All Work Guaranteed First Class in Every Respect. Estiny, Furnished o n Short Notice. Office PhL ue 257 Residence Phore 27¢ ) L Peter Pan Society Lad‘ CABARET | MINSTREL Benefit of Woman’s Club Arranged and stag Miss J. Pearle R 40 of fair sex w in ebony faces as comic coon singer and jig dancers, icking up-to-date ; 1 arce. farmer, named Joshua Spence. Came to town, for some good Wire I And went away happy, from thence. W We sell the best Fence Your money can buy, But don’t get the idea That it comes at all high. 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