I
suppose there is room at the bottom, and a fellow can work up?"
"If he has it in him."
"I think I'll start there."
"Oh, come, now," laughed the Master of Transportation, "that sort
of thing isn't done. You have the chance, and you'd be foolish to
let it slip. I don't blame you; I'd do the same under the
circumstances. It's merely a condition we've all got to face."
"Just the same, I don't like the idea. I'd feel uncomfortable if I
met some capable fellow whom I'd robbed of his chance. It's hard
work to be uncomfortable, and I don't like hard work, you know."
Runnels shook his head doubtfully as if questioning the
genuineness of this attitude.
"I'm afraid you're a poor business man," he said.
"Rotten!" Kirk admitted. "But I've an idea I can make good if I
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. Cortlandt 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 Obispo, heading back toward the Pacific.
"You asked me to tell you something about her," Runnels continued.
"Yes."
"I'm not sure my information is entirely correct, but, knowing who
she is, I think I understand why she is in Panama.
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