"General Alfarez is my respected friend," he said, with a
quietness that intensified his meaning, "and I rejoice that he
will be the next President of Panama."
"You, of course, know that there is opposition to him?"
"All Panama knows that."
"General Alfarez does not seem to be a friend of the United
States."
"There are few who hold the views I do. He is a man of strong
character, he has no commercial interests to influence him as I
have, and so we differ. Yet I respect him--"
"It is precisely because of those views of yours that I wish to
consult you," said Cortlandt, slowly. "In all the Republic there
is no one so progressive as you. May I speak frankly?"
Garavel inclined his white head without removing his intense, dark
eyes from the speaker.
"Don Anibal Alfarez can never be President of Panama!"
The banker made no visible movement, yet the effect of this
positive declaration was almost like that of a blow. After a pause
he said:
"May I tell him you said so?"
"If you wish, but I do not think you will."
The hearer let his eyes flit questioningly to Mrs. Cortlandt's
face to find her smiling at him.
"Believe me, dear lady," he said, "I suspected that there were
grave reasons for this interview, but as yet I am at sea.
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