But Anthony rose, saying:
"I simply have to say a word on my own account, fellows, for I owe
Mr. Cortlandt more than any of you."
The object of these remarks shot a swift, questioning glance from
his stony eyes, and raised a hand as if to check him. But Kirk ran
on unheeding:
"I want to thank him before all of you for what he has done for me
personally. When I landed in Panama I was a rotter. I'd never
worked, and never intended to; I rather despised people who did. I
represented the unearned increment. I was broke and friendless,
and what ideas I had were all wrong. This is something you don't
know, perhaps, but no sooner had I landed than I got into trouble
of the worst sort, and Mr. Cortlandt got me out. He was my bail-
bond; he put me up at his hotel; gave me clothes, and paid my way
until I got started. I was a stranger, mind you, but he's been
just like one of my own people, and if I ever succeed in doing
anything really worth while, it will be due to the start he gave
me."
Though the words were commonplace enough, they carried a sincere
message, and Cortlandt saw by the faces about him that the others
were pleased. His own gaunt features turned more sallow than ever.
The memory of what he had heard on the porch of his own house a
few afternoons ago, of what he had seen at other times, of his
wife's telltale behavior on this very evening, swept over him,
fanning anew the sullen emotions he had cherished all these
months.
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