The man evidently possessed a
wide knowledge of current events, a keen understanding of men and
things, yet he never opened up. He listened, smiled, spoke rarely,
and continued to spend nine-tenths of his time in that isolated
corner of the smoking-room, with no other company than a long
glass and a siphon.
One day when Kirk had begun to feel that his acquaintance with
Mrs. Cortlandt was well established, he said to her:
"Stein told me to-day that your husband is in the diplomatic
service."
"Yes," said she. "He was Consul-General to Colombia several years
ago, and since then he has been to France and to Germany."
"I thought you were tourists--you have travelled so much."
"Most of our journeys have been made at the expense of the
Government."
"Are you diplomatting now?"
"In a way. We shall be in Panama for some time."
"This Stein seems to be a nice fellow. He's taken quite a liking
to me."
Mrs. Cortlandt laughed lightly. "That is part of his business."
"How so?"
"He is one of Colonel Jolson's secret agents."
"Who is Colonel Jolson?"
"Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Your father knows
him."
"Do you mean that Stein is a--detective?" Kirk looked
uncomfortable.
"I do! Does he know you are the son of Darwin K.
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