XXIV
A BUSINESS PROPOSITION
Edith Cortlandt's interview with the rival candidates for the
Panamanian Presidency formed but a part of her plan. She next held
a long conversation with Colonel Jolson, to the end that on Friday
morning Runnels heard a rumor that threw him into the greatest
consternation. It was to the effect that instead of his succeeding
to the office of Superintendent, he was to retain his old post,
and that Colonel Jolson's brother-in-law was to supersede him.
Although the word was not authoritative, it came with sufficient
directness to leave him aghast. If true, it was, of course,
equivalent to his discharge, for it meant that he could not even
continue in his former position without putting himself in a light
intolerable to any man of spirit. Since he was entitled to the
promotion, had been promised it, in fact, and had made his plans
accordingly, there was no course open except resignation. If he
did not resign voluntarily, he knew that his new superior would
eventually force him to do so, for Blakeley would build up an
organization of his own, and in it there would be no place for one
who had aspired to the highest office.
Inasmuch as his assistant was concerned in this threatened
calamity, Runnels made haste to lay the matter before him.
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