I am not
a politician, you know. I shall have no voice in our political
affairs."
"Of course we know that, Senor Garavel, and of course there are
grave reasons why we wished to talk with you. As Stephen has said,
General Alfarez cannot be President--"
"Madame," he said, coldly, "Panama is a republic. The voice of the
people is supreme."
"Down in your heart do you really think so?" She was still smiling
at him. "No! The United States is supreme."
"Ah! That day will come, perhaps--I have said so; I look forward
to it as the best solution, but--"
"The day has come."
"Even so, Alfarez is an honorable man, a strong man, and the
wealthiest man in our country. He is a politician--"
"But he is not a friend of our country."
"I am not so sure." Garavel frowned at his cigar for a moment,
while the room became silent. "What has this to do with me,
madame?" he asked, at last.
"Can't you guess?" The intensity of her look caused him to rise
hurriedly and cast a quick glance from one to the other.
"You are also a rich man, a man of ability," said Cortlandt, quick
to seize the momentary advantage. "Your name is second to none in
all Central America. The next President must possess intelligence,
honor, ability; he must be a friend of our people.
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