"
"I informed you concerning those good fortunes some time since,
eh?" Ramon's insulting stare made Kirk long to take him by the
throat.
"Yes, you told me. I suppose it is a fine position."
Alfarez swelled pompously. "I 'ave many responsibilities."
"It brings you very close to the Chief Executive, no doubt."
"I 'ave indeed the honor to be his intimate!"
"He's the tallest negro I ever saw," Kirk said, simply, at which
the haughty Ramon seemed about to explode, and Miss Garavel quite
shamelessly giggled.
"That is funny," she exclaimed. "But you must not tease Ramon. You
understand, the voice of the people has made Galleo President, but
no one forgets that he is not one of us."
Her youthful countryman twisted his mustache with trembling
fingers.
"It is politics!" he declared. "And yet Galleo is a great man; I
am honor' to be his Secretary. But by the grace of God our next
President will be w'ite."
"Ramon's father, Don Anibal, you know." Gertrudis nodded wisely at
the American. "We are very proud of Ramon, he is so young to be
high in politics."
"Eh! Yes, and many of our bravest patriots 'ave been black men."
"Oh, we've had some brave negroes, too," Kirk acknowledged.
"So! You see!" Alfarez was triumphant.
Pages:
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334