Lakeland Evening Telegram Newspaper, March 14, 1914, Page 2

PAGE TWO —= THE &= NEER-DO-WELL A Romance of the Panama Canal REX BEACH COPYRIGHT, 1010, 1911, BY HARPER & BROTHERS SYNOPSIS. Kirk Anthony, son of a rich man, with eollege friends, gets Into a fracas in a| New York resort. A detective is hurt. ' Jefferson Locke finsinuates himself into | the college men's party. Locke, alded by Kirk's friend Higgins, | who thinks it a joke, drugs Kirk and puts him aboard a ship bound for Colon. Kirk 18 on the passenger list 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- sion. In Colon Kirk, as the son of a big railroad man, is taken up by Weeks, American consul. Kirk's father repudiates him, and Weeks casts him out as an impostor. Kirk meets | Allan, a Jamaican negro canal worker out of a job. The two are arrested by Colon police for helping to put out a fire. Kirk and Allan are treated brutally in | a Colon jall by young Alfarez, command- | ant of police. Allan's release is obtained by the British consul, but Weeks refuses to aid Kirk. Mrs. Cortlandt gets a phone call, Mrs. Cortlandt obtains Kirk's release by using influence with Colenel Jolson, head of the canal. The Cortlandts are in- triguing to make Alfarez's father presi- dent of Panama Kirk's father casts him off finally, and | Mrs. Co ndt obtains for him a position on the na railroad under Runnels, master of transportation Th tells him her name i8 “Chiqui- | ta.” lle lcarns later that that means only “little one " Kirk begins his work Mrs Cortiandt has learncd who Jefferson Locke is Lo » (real nanie Wellar) is a swindler and has disappeared His description fits Kirk The latter tries in vain in Panama to lvant vething of Chiguita and meets Alfare gain As yef, however, he considered what this wdndfall meant to him. s first thought had been that he corid now discharge his debts, 20 back to New York and clear himself the law, Yet the more he thought of it the le<s eager he became to return, Seven thounsand five hun- dred dollars in gold to Kirk Anthony of Panama. collector, was a substan- tial fortune. To Kitk Anthony of Al bany, distributor, it was nothing. Suppose he went home and squared | als account with tvould he do then: Here, he was proving that the thony breed wis supporti Jeast. And there wis another r the weightiest of all. Long hefore le | had reached the end of his run he real- ized that not 100 times the amount of | this capital prize would tempt him (o leave Panama before he had seen Chi- quita. Chiquita was heginning to seem like @ dream. At times during the past week he had begun to wonder if she were not really a product of his own imagination. [lis fancy had played upon lher so extravagantly that he feared he would not know her if ever they came fuce to face. This was most unsatisfactory, and he reproached himself bitterly for the involuntary faithlessness that could al- Jow her image to grow dim. He was almost without hope of seeing her again. And then, with the inconse- quence of dreams and sprites, she ap- peared to him. It was but a glimpse he had and a tantalizing flash of recognition from her eyes. It happened in the dusk during the confusion that accompanied the arrival of No. 7 at Panama. It lasted only a moment, and he lost sight of her again in the crowd. But there was no doubt that she had recognized him, and nothing now could prevent him from continuing his search. The trouble was that his pres- ent occupation allowed him no oppor- tunity. He was tied to the railroad except at night. It was perhaps two weeks later that a serious shakeup occurred in the office force, of which no one seemed to know the cause. There was a mad scramble for advancement all along the line, in | which Kirk took no part. But unex- pectedly Runnels summoned him to his office. “How would you like an inside posi- tion?” said the master of lmnsportu-l tion, eyeing him keenly. “So soon*” «T said I'd advance you if you made good.” He paused an instant, then said deliberately, “\When you get the hang of things here you ave a chance to be my assistan Kirk opened his eyes in amazement. “Gee! That's great! Dut do you think I can get away with it?” “Not at once. It will take time, of course, and youll have to work like the devil. Look here, Anthony, I'm partly selfish in this, for I believe had not fully helore the police, what Nothing, as usual. An- i | our necks. | for every step I take I'll drag you up i to her. Tt Lin hetter socioty now, ( clusive youte thesort ['m Zoing 1o want Wwith- in the next vear. The superintendent has had an offer from a big system in the states, and he's going to quit when his vacation comes. He likes me and Le says I'll probably step into his shoes. Do you understand what that means? T'll need fellows I can count on—fellows who won't double cross me to make a dollar for themselves, or knifée me when my back is turned. I've got to have an efficient, noiseless iization. Otherwise we'll all go for we'll be into politics up to I think you're my sort, so if you'll stick to me I'll help you and org unde! one."” “It's a go!" The two young men clagped hands heartily. Runnels had struck the right note. Beside his for- mer desire to prove himself a man, Kirk now felt a strong sense of loyalty to the one who had recognized his worth. When he told his good news to Mrs. Cortlandt, her surprise was so cleverly simulated that he never dreamed that she had been at great pains to bring this thing about. Not that Runnels was indisposed to act upon his own in- itiative. but the cirenmstances that had made his action possible had been due wis hard to help a man it hix will, but she profited by ex- perience and took the line of least re- sistance, The voung wan himself did not in- quire too ¢l dv iuto the oceasion of vitnceement, and Edith Cortlandt was but little in his mind, e was consumed with the thoneht of Chiqui ta. e Lhoped that new work would allow him more control of his time and perhaps put him in the way of learning her name, e conld move e 141 hix CHAPTER XIV. Garavel and His Daughter. TSI were busy days for the Cortlandts, They entertained constantly, and the occasions when o the dined without from one to @ dozen guests became so exceptional as to elicit remark arownd the hotel. Most of their efforts were devoted to certain Panamanians of the influential c¢lass, and in company with one or more of these Cortlandt made frequent trips to the various quarters of the republic, sometimes absenting himself for days at a time, During these intervals his wife as- | gumed the direction of affairs and con- | tinued to entertain or be entertained. Her energy and resource seemed inex- haustible. Soon she became the social dictator of the city, and the most ex- cireles, American and Pana- | manian alike, allowed her to assume control. The result s just what had been designed. Tourists and vitlting news- paper people spoke glowingly of the : amity between the two nations and wondered at the absence of that Span- ish prejudice of which they had heard so much, Those who chanced to know the deeper significance of it all and were aware of the smoldering resent- ment that lay in the Latin mind com- mented admiringly upon her work and wondered what effect it would have upon the coming election. No one but the woman herself and her husband really understood the tre- mendous difficulties of their task or the vital issues at stake. All who | came Into contact with her recognized the master mind directing the cam- paign and, consciously or unconscious- ly, relegated her husband to the back- ground. To the Latin intellect this display of power on the part of the 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 husbard, the wife read him unerringly. The result was that he broke with them openly. When news of this reached the mem- bers of the canal commission they were alarmed, and Colonel Jolson felt it necessary to make known their views upon the situation. Accordingly, a few nights later the Cortlandts dined i at his handsome residence on the heights above Culebra. After their re- | turn to Panama the colonel, in whom was vested the supreme authority over Lis nation's interests, acknowledged that his acquaintance with diplomacy | was not as compared with Edith Cortlandt | “She thinks Garavel is the proper man,” he said to Colonel Bland. sGaravel is a banker. He's not a! politician." as | president of Panama!™ NING TELEWGRAM LAKELA The Chief enginee ; “All Spanish-Americans are politi- | cians. colonel. They can't help it.” “Wonld he accept?” “It is her business to find out. I had | | | my doubts.” ! “But could he win? It would be a calamity if e Lad American backing | and failed. It would mean disaster.” | «Cortlindt has been working careful- ly, and he has been in all the seven provinces. e admits that it might be done. and she is certain. Of course it will mean a tght-—Alfarez won't give up easily—but if Garavel should be the | next president it would he a fine thing | for hot!countries.” i Over at Panama the Cortlandts were lookinz for a house to lease, Affairs had renchied a point where it seemed advisable to give up their quarters at the Tivoli and enter into closer con- tact with the life of the Spanish city. cave i ceremonious ! little dinn one and only guest heing Andres Garavel, the banker. Of w1 the charming peoples of Cen- tral America there arve perhaps none | more polished and well bred than the upper Panamanians. Of this agreeable type Senor Garavel was an admirable example, having sprung from the finest Castilian stock, as a name running back through the pages of history to the earliest conquests at- tested. The present beaver of the name was of distinguished appearance, He was swarthy of skin. his hair was snow white. and he had stern black eyes of great intellizence. ITe was courtly and deliberate, evincing a pride that sprans not only from good blood but from cool decds. 1lis poise was that of a man with heavy responsibi for Andres Garavel was a careful bhanker and a rich one, e was widely trav- eled. well informed and an agreeable talker. S tiey Meanwhile cliss ities, ¢ disappointed that your daughter could not come,” Edith told him for the second time. “I'm afraid she ohjects to onr American informal- Sl “No, no, my dear lady.” said their auest, “She admires Awmerican cus- toms, as I do. Woe are progressive—we have traveled, Inmy home, in my pri- vate life. perhaps, T oam o Panama- nian, but in my busines<and inmy con- tact with other people I am as they are, It is the same with my daughter She has had g wide education for a child, She has traveled, she speaks five lan and vet underneath it all she i ravel and hence o 'ane amaniin i 1% all T have, and my life is hers,™ A et A8 S00N wvel wits ) When at to show his awareness of hield out vintention my respected friend.” he said, with o quietness that sand T rejoice next president of displayed little interest he consented the suggestion o constantly with deli he spok “CGeneral Al ‘ez 18 intensified his meani that he will e the Panama.” “You, of conrse, kKnow opposition to him ¥ “All Panama knows that." “General Alfarez does not seem to he a friend of the United States. May [ speak frankly @ Garavel inclined his white head with- out removing his dark from the speaker, “Don Anibal that there is intense, oyes Alfarez can never be The banker made no visible move- ment, vet the ef of this positive ! declaration was almost like that of a blow. After o pause he said: “May 1 tell him you said so%" “If yon wish, hut T do not think you | will." The hearer let his eyes flit question. ingly to Mrs. Cortlandt's face to find her smiling at him. “Relieve me, dear lady,” he said, “1 suspected that there were grave rea- sons for this interview, but as yet I am at sea. T am not a politician, you know. 1 shall have no voice in our po- litical affairs.” “Of course we know that, Senor Garavel. and of course there are grave | reasons why we wished to tal' with you. As Stephen has said. ral Alfarez cannot be president”— “Madam,” he said coldly, “Panam. is a republic. supreme.” “Down in your heart do you really think so?" She was still smiling at The voice of the people is him. *No! The United States is su- | preme.” “Ah! That day will come, perhaps— I have said so. I look forward to it as the best solution, but"— “The day has cowe.” “Even so. Alfarez is an honorable man, a 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"— “Impossible!” exclaimed the banker, in a strange voice. “I% Na, no!” “And why not? Have you never had political aspirations?"* “Of course. All men have dreams. I was secretary of finance under Ama- dor, but the Garavels have never real- Iy been publ been a curse to our father”— “I know,” broke in Mrs “But times has seen l needs a busines Panama is a he Polities My g national debt. She is growing, 512 54 FLA., MARCH 14, 1Jid. iz, Fhe halls Tie gatewa western world, and her fina be administered wisely. ¢an direct her ; to the nces must There is no so well as one who vou."” “It is im] his agitatio “General A son will be ible!" repeated Garavel, vine more pronounced. friend. His is my son.” 1< Itamon engaged to your sod the hanlker, shortly. He hegan f the room. “What diff! wounld that make. if the young peopie love each other?” “(tort “They are not children.” | wAs for love. Ramon loves, and- my daughter will love also, once she is married, for she is a Garavel.” “If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought vou to force her inclination” At offered. eagerly. DBut erel ainly.” Cortlandt rareed. comes upon me like a flood, my friemds. 1 am swept away, and yet I—=1 will need to think seriously.” “Certainly.” “To an honorahle man the salary will mean nothing. 1 have many affairs; | I fear I éanno rd this saerifice,” “Wonld you retive in favor of some ! one who conld afford it?” is honest.” cannot he president.” would require a great deal of moconsidered a rich mamn, 0 the future, and ITe flung out his “f ieve spread out. T must be it money. 1 OB D B T DO D D O Lowest Prices All Work Guaranteed First Cless in Every Bespect. Estimate jrit Mann F-‘lumbmg;l Best Ply Your ('8 Work Now Under N anl Glenada Hotel -~ Pine Street A mf Th rise Furnished on Short Notice, e Office Phone 257 Residence Phone 274 Ry \ln: e { Mrs, Cortl: ) the banker flung his arms aloft in a ! s e eesture of half humorous despair. [ “oh-h! These young ladiest” he fg Room 17 Kentucky Bldg. Phone: Office, 102; Resideny cried, “They do not know what thoy ' want.” He paused abruptly. "'l"ll\ij | W. FISKE JOHNS0 REAL ESTATE AND LOANS CITY AND SUBURBAN PROPERTY A SPECIALTY LAKELAND, FLA. st If you want te buy property we have it for sale; it your o sell propertr we nave customers, or can get them for you ! out vour list and gee me today. erefil T0 IS non lone Y MONCY | o g PRI S i bh S b E b SR IR ch e e that 1 have invested.” “It will require very little money,” | «id Cortlandt. I have been from ' David to Darien, from Bocas to Colon and 1 know the public sentiment.” It was midnight before Senor Andres Garavel, the hanker, bade his friends goodby. When he descended the ho- tal steps to Lis carringe he held his white head proudly erect, and there wis new dignity in his bearing. * 3 # # & * The winter season was at its height now. Lvery ship from the north came “Oh-h! These young ladies!” he cried. 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 Records were | broken in every department, the rail- | road groaned beneath its burden, the | giant human machine was strained to | its fullest efliciency, | 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. It secmed quite like old times to don | an evening suit; the stiff white linen | awakened 1 pang of regret. There was | a somewhat formal dinner in the Cort- | landts’ new home, at which there were | a dozen guests, so Kirk had no oppor- engerness, tunity of speaking with his hostess until they had reached the theater. “I've scarcely seen you latel said at the first opportunity. “You're | a very neglectful young man. I began to think you were avoiding us.” “You must know better than tfat.” | She regarded him shrewdly over her | shoulder. “You're not still thinking of ‘ —that night at Taboga " He blushed and nodded frankly. “I can’t help thinking about it. You were | mighty nice to overlook a break like | that, but”— Unconseiously his eyes | shifted to Cortlandt, who was cnn\'(;rs- ing politely with a giggly old lady. She tapped his cheek lightly with her fan. “Just to show you how forgiving : 2 g | .I am, I am going to ask you to go rid- | ing with me. The late afternoons , | lovely now. and I've found n- :»d horse for you. T suppose you rige®" | “T love it.,” “Wednesday to an 1est, ¢ to take in the scene at 5, then." She turned | d Kirk leaned ibout him., (To Be Continued.) ‘ Alonza Logan J F Towns: LOGAN & TOWNSEN BUILDING CONTRACTORS We Furnish Suretv'Bonds On Al Contra If you want a careful. consistent. and: { liable estimate on the constructionof y building, SEE US IMAECIATELY TELECHONE 66 Futch & Genin B gL W neF-OUR WEEKLY LIMEF A farmer, named Joshua Sperge. (Came to town, for some good V E And went away happy, {rom thence. %e We sellthe best, Fence Your money can buy, But don’tiget;the idea That it comes at all high. It willlkeep the hog in, Or will keep thelhog out— Depends on which side The hog is with his snout. Buy American Fence and be Hapt | W WILSO: HARDWARE C! PHONE 71 OPPOSITE DE!!