"Tobeyourpartner，"hesaid——"togethalfofwhatyoumakeoutofit。"
　　Theastonishedeyesofthebaronwerelargewithwonder。AgainhereprovedSam。
　　"WhatIshallmakeoutofit？"hedemandedincredulously。"DoyouknowhowmuchIshallmakeoutofit？"
　　"Icannotevenguess，"saidSam；"butIwanthalf。"
　　Thebaronsmiledtolerantly。
　　"Andhow，"heasked，"couldyoupossiblyknowwhatIgiveyouisreallyhalf？"
　　Inhisturn，Sammadeadeprecatorygesture。
　　"Yourcredit，"saidSam，"isgood！"
　　Thatmorning，afterthewalkinSt。James'sPark，whenSamreturnedwithPollytoClaridge's，theyencounteredherfatherinthehall。
　　Mindfuloftheaffrontofthenightbefore，hegreetedSamonlywithascowl。
　　"Senator，"criedSamhappily，"youmustbethefirsttohearthenews！
　　PollyandIaregoingintopartnership。Wearetobemarried。"
　　ThistimeSenatorSewarddidnottroublehimselfeventotellSamhewasanass。Hemerelygrinnedcynically。
　　"Isthatallyournews？"hedemandedwithsarcasm。
　　"No，"saidSam——"IamgoingintopartnershipwithBaronHaussmanntoo！"
　　THEBURIEDTREASUREOFCOBRE
　　YoungEverettatlastwasaministerplenipotentiary。InLondonasthirdsecretaryhehadsplashedaroundintheraintofindtheambassador'scarriage。InRomeasasecondsecretaryhehadservedasaclearing-housefortheEmbassy'svisiting-cards；andinMadridasfirstsecretaryhehadactedasinterpreterforaministerwho，thoughvaluableasanationalchairman，hadmuchtolearnofevenhisownlanguage。ButalthoughsurroundedbyallthewondersanddelightsofEurope，althoughhewalked，talked，wined，anddinedwithstatesmenandcourtbeauties，Everettwasnothappy。Hewasneverhisownmaster。Alwaysheansweredthebuttonpressedbythemanhigherup。Alwaysoverhimloomedhischief；always，forhisdiligenceandzeal，hischiefreceivedcredit。
　　AsHisMajesty'snavalattacheputitsympathetically，"Betterbeatop-sidemanonasampanthanFirstLuffontheDreadnought。
　　Don'tbeanotherman'srighthand。Beyourownrighthand。"
　　AccordinglywhentheStateDepartmentofferedtomakehimministertotheRepublicofAmapala，Everettgladlydesertedtheflesh-potsofEurope，and，onmule-backovertrailsinthelivingrock，throughmountaintorrentsthathadneverknowntheshadowofabridge，throughswampandjungle，rodesunburntandsaddle-soreintohisinheritance。
　　Whengivinghimhisfarewellinstructions，theSecretaryofStatehadnotattemptedtodeceivehim。
　　"OfallthesmallerrepublicsofCentralAmerica，"hefranklytoldhim，"Amapalaistheleastdesirable，leastcivilized，leastacceptable。
　　Itoffersanambitiousyoungdiplomatnochance。Butonceaminister，alwaysaminister。Havingliftedyououtofthesecretaryclasswecan'tdemoteyou。Yourdaysofdecipheringcablegramsareover，andifyoudon'tdieoffever，ofboredom，orbrandy，callusupinayearortwoandwewillseewhatwecando。"
　　EverettregardedtheSecretaryblankly。
　　"HasthedepartmentnointerestinAmapala？"hebegged。"Istherenothingyouwantthere？"
　　"Thereisonethingweverymuchwant，"returnedtheSecretary，"butwecan'tgetit。Wewantatreatytoextraditecriminals。"
　　Theyoungministerlaughedconfidently。
　　"Why！"heexclaimed，"thatshouldbeeasy。"
　　TheSecretarysmiled。
　　"Youhaveourfullpermissiontogetit，"hesaid。"Thisdepartment，"
　　heexplained，"underthreeadministrationshasinstructedfourministerstoarrangesuchatreaty。TheBankers'Associationwantsit；theMerchants'ProtectiveAlliancewantsit。Amapalaistheonlyplacewithinstrikingdistanceofourcountrywhereafugitiveissafe。
　　Itistheonlyplacewhereadishonestcashier，swindler，orfeloncanfindrefuge。SometimesitseemsalmostasthoughwhenamanplannedacrimehetimeditexactlysoastocatchtheboatforAmapala。And，oncethere，wecan'tlayourhandsonhim；and，what'smore，wecan'tlayourhandsonthemoneyhetakeswithhim。Ihavenorighttomakeapromise，"saidthegreatman，"butthedaythattreatyissignedyoucansailforalegationinEurope。DoImakemyselfclear？"
　　"Soclear，sir，"criedEverett，laughing，"thatifIdon'tarrangethattreatyIwillremaininAmapalauntilIdo。"
　　"Fourofyourpredecessors，"remarkedtheSecretary，"madeexactlythesamepromise，butnoneofthemgotusthetreaty。"
　　"ProbablynoneofthemremainedinAmapala，either，"retortedEverett。
　　"Twodid，"correctedtheSecretary；"asyourideintoCamaguayyouseetheirtombstones。"
　　Everettfoundthenine-daymule-ridefromthecoasttothecapitalarduous，butfullofinterest。Afteraweekathispostheappreciatedthatuntilheleftitandmadethereturnjourneynothingofequalinterestwasagainlikelytooccur。ForlifeinCamaguay，thecapitalofAmapala，provedtobeonelong，dreamlessslumber。Inthemorningeachoftheinhabitantsengagedinastruggletogetawake；afterthesecondbreakfastheceasedstruggling，andforasiestasankintohishammock。Afterdinner，atnineo'clock，hewaspreparedtosleepinearnest，andwenttobed。TheofficiallifeasexplainedtoEverettbyGarland，theAmericanconsul，wasequallymonotonous。WhenPresidentMendozawasnotinthemountainsdeer-hunting，orsuppressingarevolution，eachSundayheinvitedtheAmericanministertodineatthepalace。InreturnHisExcellencyexpectedonceaweektobeinvitedtobreakfastwiththeminister。Hepreferredthattheactivitiesofthatgentlemanshouldgonofurther。Lifeinthediplomaticcirclewasevenlessstrenuous。Everettwasthedoyenofthediplomaticcorpsbecausehewastheonlydiplomat。Allothercountrieswererepresentedbyconsulswhowerecommissionmerchantsandshopkeepers。Theyweredelightedathavingamongthemaministerplenipotentiary。Whenhetookpityonthemandinvitedthemtotea，whichinvitationshedeliveredinpersontoeachconsulatthedoorofeachshop，theentirediplomaticcorps，astheconsulswerepleasedtodescribethemselves，putuptheshutters，putontheirofficialfull-dressuniformsandarrivedinabody。
　　ThefirstweekathispostEverettspentinreadingthearchivesofthelegation。Theyweremostdiscouraging。Hefoundthatforthesixteenyearspriortohisarrivaltheonlyeventsreportedtothedepartmentbyhispredecessorswererevolutionsandtherefusalsofsuccessivepresidentstoconsenttoatreatyofextradition。OnthatpointallAmapalanswereinaccord。Thoughovernightthegovernmentchangedhands，thoughpresidentsgavewaytodictators，anddictatorstomilitarygovernors，thenationalpolicyofAmapalacontinuedtobe"Noextradition！"TheillsuccessofthosewhohadprecededhimappalledEverett。HehadpromisedhimselfbyabrilliantassaulttosecurethetreatyandclaimthelegationinEurope。Buttherecordofsixteenyearsoffailurecausedhimtoalterhisstrategy。Insteadofanattackhepreparedforasiege。
　　Heunpackedhisbooks，placedtheportraitofhisownPresidentovertheofficedesk，andproceededtomakefriendswithhisfellowexiles。
　　OftheforeigncolonyinCamaguaysomefiftywereAmericans，andfromtherestoftheworldtheywereashopelesslyseparatedasthecrewofalight-ship。FromthePacifictheywerecutoffbytheCordilleras，fromtheCaribbeanbyanine-daymule-ride。Tothenorthandsouth，jungle，forests，swamp-lands，andmountainshemmedthemin。
　　OfthefiftyAmericans，one-halfwereconstantlyonthetrail；
　　ridingtothecoasttovisittheirplantations，orintothemountainstoinspecttheirmines。WhenEverettarrived，ofthoseabsentthetwomostimportantwereChesterWardandColonelGoddard。
　　Indeed，soimportantwerethesegentlementhatEverettwasmadetounderstandthat，untiltheyapproved，hisrecognitionastheAmericanministerwasinamannertemporary。
　　ChesterWard，or"Chet，"astheexilesreferredtohim，wasoneoftherichestmeninAmapala，andwasengagedinexploringtheruinsofthelostcityofCobre，whichwasaone-hourridefromthecapital。
　　Wardpossessedtheexclusiverighttoexcavatethatburiedcityandhadhelditagainstallcomers。TheoffersofAmericanuniversities，ofarchaeologicalandgeographicalsocietiesthatalsowishedtodiguptheancientcityanddecipherthehieroglyphsonherwalls，weremetwithacurtrebuff。Thatwork，thegovernmentofAmapalawouldreply，wasinthetrainedhandsofSenorChesterWard。Inhischoseneffortthegovernmentwouldnotdisturbhim，norwoulditpermitotherscominginattheeleventhhourtorobhimofhisglory。ThisEverettlearnedfromtheconsul，Garland。
　　"WardandColonelGoddard，"theconsulexplained，"aretwooffivecountrymenofourswhoruntheAmericancolony，and，somesay，runthegovernment。TheothersareMellen，whohastheasphaltmonopoly；Jackson，whoisbuildingtherailroads，andMajorFeiberger，oftheSanJosesilver-mines。TheyholdmonopoliesandpayPresidentMendozatenpercentoftheearnings，and，ontheside，helphimrunthecountry。Ofthefive，theAmapalansloveGoddardbest，becausehe'snottryingtorobthem。Instead，hewantstoboostAmapala。Hisideasareperfectlyimpracticable，buthedoesn'tknowthat，andneitherdothey。He'sakindofColonelMulberrySellersandaSoutherner。
　　Nottheprofessionalsort，thatfightelevator-boysbecausethey'recolored，andletoffrebelyellsinrathskellerswhenaHungarianbandplays'Dixie，'butthesortyoureadaboutandsoseldomsee。
　　HewasonceStateTreasurerofAlabama。"
　　"What'shedoingdownhere？"askedtheminister。
　　"Neverthesamethingtwomonthstogether，"theconsultoldhim；
　　"railroads，mines，rubber。HesaysallAmapalaneedsisdeveloping。"
　　Asmenwhocanseeajokeevenwhenitisagainstthemselves，thetwoexilessmiledruefully。
　　"That'sallitneeds，"saidEverett。
　　Foramomenttheconsulregardedhimthoughtfully。
　　"Imightaswelltellyou，"hesaid，"you'lllearnitsoonenoughanyway，thatthemenwhowillkeepyoufromgettingyourtreatyarethesefive，especiallyoldmanGoddardandWard。"
　　Everettexclaimedindignantly：
　　"Whyshouldtheyinterfere？"
　　"Because，"explainedtheconsul，"theyarefugitivesfromjustice，andtheydon'twanttogohome。Wardiswantedforforgeryorsomepolitecrime，Idon'tknowwhich。AndColonelGoddardforappropriatingtheStatefundsofAlabama。Wardknewwhathewasdoingandmadealotoutofit。He'sstillrich。Noone'sweepingoverhim。Goddard'scaseisdifferent。Hewasimposedonandmadeacatspaw。WhenhewasStatetreasurerthemenwhoappointedhimcametohimonenightandsaidtheymusthavesomeoftheState'sfundstoshowabankexaminerinthemorning。Theyappealedtohimonthegroundoffriendship，asthemenwho'dgivenhimhisjob。Theywouldreturnthemoneythenextevening。Goddardbelievedtheywould。Theydidn't，andwhensomeonecalledforashow-downthecolonelwasshyaboutfiftythousanddollarsoftheState'smoney。Helosthishead，tooktheboatoutofMobiletoPortoCortez，andhidhere。He'sbeenheretwentyyearsandalltheAmapalanslovehim。He'stheadoptedfatheroftheircountry。They'resoafraidhe'llbetakenbackandpunishedthatthey'llneverconsenttoanextraditiontreatyeveniftheotherAmericans，Mellen，Jackson，andFeiberger，weren'tpayingthembigmoneynottoconsent。PresidentMendozahimselftoldmethataslongasColonelGoddardhonoredhiscountrybyremaininginit，hewashisguest，andhewouldneveragreetoextradition。'Icouldassoon，'hesaid，'signhisdeath-warrant。'"
　　Everettgrinneddismally。
　　"That'sratherniceofthem，"hesaid，"butit'shardonme。But，"hedemanded，"whyWard？WhathashedoneforAmapala？IsitbecauseofCobre，becauseofhisservicesasanarchaeologist？"
　　TheconsulglancedaroundthepatioanddraggedhischairnearertoEverett。
　　"Thisismyowndope，"hewhispered；"itmaybewrong。Anyway，it'sonlyforyourprivateinformation。"
　　Hewaiteduntil，withasmile，Everettagreedtosecrecy。
　　"ChetWard，"protestedtheconsul，"isnomoreanarchaeologistthanIam！HetalkswellaboutCobre，andheoughtto，becauseeverywordhespeaksiscribbedstraightfromHauptmann'smonograph，publishedin1855。AndhehasdugupsomethingatCobre；somethingworthadarnedsightmorethanstonemonkeysandcarvedaltars。Buthisexplorationsareabluff。They'reablindtocoverupwhathe'sreallyafter；whatIthinkhe'sfound！"
　　Asthoughwishingtobeurged，theyoungmanpaused，andEverettnoddedforhimtocontinue。HewaswonderingwhetherlifeinAmapalamightnotturnouttobemoreinterestingthanatfirstithadappeared，orwhetherGarlandwasnotamostcharmingliar。
　　"Wardvisitstheruinseverymonth，"continuedGarland。"Buthetakeswithhimonlytwomule-driverstocookandlookafterthepack-train，andhedoesn'tleteventhedriversinsidetheruins。
　　HeremainsatCobrethreeorfourdaysand，tomakeashow，fillshissaddle-bagswithbrokentilesandcopperornaments。Heturnsthemovertothegovernment，anditdumpstheminthebackyardofthepalace。Youcan'tpersuademethatheholdshisconcessionwiththatjunk。He'sfoundsomethingelseatCobreandhesharesitwithMendoza，andIbelieveit'sgold。"
　　Theministersmileddelightedly。
　　"Whatkindofgold？
　　"Maybeintherough，"saidtheconsul。"ButIprefertothinkit'streasure。Theplaceisfullofsecretchambers，tombs，andpassage-wayscutthroughtherock，deepunderthesurface。I
　　believeWardhasstumbledonsomevaultwherethepriestsusedtohidetheirloot。Ibelievehe'sgettingitoutbitbybitandgoingshareswithMendoza。"
　　"Ifthatwereso，"venturedEverett，"whywouldn'tMendozatakeitall？"
　　"BecauseWard，"explainedtheconsul，"istheonlyonewhoknowswhereitis。Theruinscovertwosquaremiles。Youmightsearchforyears。Theytriedtofollowandspyonhim，butWardwastoocleverforthem。Heturnedbackatonce。Iftheydon'ttakewhathegives，theygetnothing。Sotheyprotecthimfromrealexplorersandfromextradition。Thewholethingisunfair。Arealarchaeologistturneduphereamonthago。HehadlettersfromtheSmithsonianInstituteandseveralbigofficialsatWashington，butdoyousupposetheywouldlethimsomuchassmellofCobre？Notthey！NotevenwhenIspokeforhimasconsul。ThenheappealedtoWard，andWardturnedhimdownhard。Youwerearriving，sohe'shungonherehopingyoumayhavemoreinfluence。HisnameisPeabody；he'saprofessor，buthe'syoungandfullof'getthere，'andheknowsmoreabouttheruinsofCobrenowthanWarddoesafterhavingthemalltohimselffortwoyears。He'sgoodpeopleandIhopeyou'llhelphim。"
　　Everettshookhisheaddoubtfully。
　　"Ifthegovernmenthasgiventheconcessiontohim，"hepointedout，"nomatterwhoWardmaybe，orwhatitsmotiveswereforgivingittohim，Ican'taskittobreakitspromise。AsanAmericancitizenWardisasmuchentitledtomyhelp——
　　officially——asProfessorPeabody，whateverhisstanding。"
　　"Ward'saforger，"protestedGarland，"afugitivefromjustice；andPeabodyisascholarandagentleman。I'mnotkeenaboutdeadcitiesmyself——thisonewe'reinnowisdeadenoughforme——butifcivilizationisdemandingtoknowwhatCobrewaslikeeighthundredyearsago，civilizationisentitledtofindout，andPeabodyseemsthemanforthejob。It'sashametoturnhimdownforagangofgrafters。"
　　"Tellhimtocomeandtalktome，"saidtheminister。
　　"HerodeovertotheruinsofCopanlastweek，"explainedGarland，"wheretheHarvardexpeditionis。Buthe'scomingbackto-morrowonpurposetoseeyou。"
　　Theconsulhadstartedtowardthedoorwhenhesuddenlyreturned。
　　"Andthere'ssomeoneelsecomingtoseeyou，"hesaid。"Someone，"headdedanxiously，"youwanttotreatright。That'sMonicaWard。She'sChesterWard'ssister，andyoumustn'tgethermixedupwithanythingItoldyouaboutherbrother。She'scomingtoaskyoutohelpstartaRedCrossSociety。Shewasavolunteernurseinthehospitalinthelasttworevolutions，andwhatshesawmakesherwanttobesureshewon'tseeitagain。She'staughtthenativeladiesthe'firstaid'drill，andtheyexpectyoutobehonorarypresidentofthesociety。You'dbetteraccept。"
　　Shakinghishead，Garlandsmiledpityinglyuponthenewminister。
　　"You'vegotaswellchancetogetyourtreaty，"hedeclared。
　　"Monicaisanotheronewhowillpreventit。"
　　Everettsighedpatiently。
　　"What，"hedemanded，"mightherparticularcrimebe；murder，shoplifting，treason——"
　　"Ifherbrotherhadtoleavethiscountry，"interruptedGarland，"she'dleavewithhim。Andthepeopledon'twantthat。HerpullisthesameasoldmanGoddard's。Everybodyloveshimandeverybodylovesher。Iloveher，"exclaimedtheconsulcheerfully；"thePresidentlovesher，thesistersinthehospital，thechain-ganginthestreet，thewasherwomenintheriver，thepalaceguard，everybodyinthisflea-bitten，God-forsakencountrylovesMonicaWard——andwhenyoumeetheryouwill，too。"
　　GarlandhadagainreachedthedoortotheouterhallbeforeEverettcalledhimback。
　　"Ifitisnotaleadingquestion，"askedtheminister，"whatlittleindiscretioninyourlifebroughtyoutoAmapala？"
　　Garlandgrinnedappreciatively。
　　"Iknowtheysoundaqueerlot，"heassented，"butwhenyougettoknow'em，youlike'em。Myowntrouble，"headded，"wasahorse。Inevercouldseewhytheymadesuchafussabouthim。HewaslamewhenItookhim。"
　　DisregardingGarland'spleasantry，forsometimeHisExcellencysatwithhishandsclaspedbehindhishead，frowningupfromtheopenpatiointothehot，cloudlesssky。Ontheridgeofhistiledroofafoulbuzzardblinkedathimfromred-rimmedeyes，acrosstheyellowwallalizardranforshelter，athiselbowamacawcompassingthecircleofitstinprisonmuttereddreadfuloaths。
　　Outside，asthewasherwomenbeattheirlinenclubsupontheflatrocksoftheriver，thehot，staleairwasspankedwithsharpreports。
　　InCamaguaytheirswastheonlyindustry，theonlysignofcleanliness；andrecognizingthatanothershirthadbeenthrashedintosubjectionandrags，Everettwinced。Nolessvisiblydidhisownthoughtscausehimtowince。Garlandhehadforgotten，andhewassunkdeepinself-pity。HisthoughtswereofLondon，withitsworldpolitics，itssplendidtraditions，itsgreatandgraciousladies；ofParisinthespringsunshine，whenhecanteredthroughtheBois；ofMadrid，withitspompandroyalty，andthegraywallsofitsgalleriesproclaimingMurilloandVelasquez。Thesethingshehadforsakenbecausehebelievedhewasambitious；andbeholdintowhatacul-de-sachisambitionhadledhim！Acomic-operacountrythatwasnotcomic，butdeadandburiedfromtheworld；asavagepeople，unread，unenlightened，unclean；andforsocietyofhiscountrymen，pitifulderelictsinhidingfromthelaw。Inhissoulherebelled。Inwordsheexplodedbitterly。
　　"Thisisonehellofahole，Garland，"criedthediplomat。Hisjawsandhiseyeshardened。"I'mgoingbacktoEurope。AndtheonlywayIcangoistogetthattreaty。Iwassentheretogetit。Thoseweremyorders。AndI'llgetitifIhavetobribethemoutofmyownpocket；ifIhavetooutbidMr。Ward，andsendhimandyourgoodColonelGoddardandalltherestofthecrewtothejailswheretheybelong！"
　　Garlandheardhimwithoutemotion。Fromlongresidenceneartheequatorhediagnosedtheoutbreakasacaseoftropiccholer，aggravatedbynostalgiaandfleas。
　　"I'llbetyoudon't，"hesaid。
　　"I'llbetyouyourpassage-moneyhome，"shoutedEverett，"againstmypassage-moneytoEurope。"
　　"Done！"saidGarland。"Howmuchtimedoyouwant——twoyears？"
　　Thediplomatexclaimedmockingly：
　　"Twomonths！"
　　"Iwinnow，"saidtheconsul。"I'llgohomeandpack。"
　　ThenextmorninghisclerktoldEverettthatintheouterofficeMonicaWardawaitedhim。
　　OvernightEveretthaddevelopedaprejudiceagainstMissWard。
　　WhatGarlandhadsaidinherfavorhadonlydrivenhimthewrongway。Heruniversalpopularityhedisliked。Hearguedthattogainpopularityonemustconcedeandcapitulate。Hefeltthatthesisterofanacknowledgedcrook，nomatterhowinnocentshemightbe，weresheasensitivewoman，wouldwishtoeffaceherself。Andhehadfoundthat，asarule，womenwhoworkedinhospitalsandorganizedsocietiesboredhim。Hedidnotadmirethemilitant，executivesister。HepicturedMissWardasprobablypretty，butwiththecoquettisheffronteryofthevillagebelleandwiththepushing，"good-fellow"mannersofthenewschool。Hewaspreparedeithertohaveherslaphimonthebackor，frombehindtiltedeye-glasses，makeeyesathim。Hewassuresheworeeye-glasses，andwaslarge，plump，andJunoesque。Withreluctanceheenteredtheouteroffice。Hesaw，allinwhite，agirlsoyoungthatshewashardlymorethanachild，butwiththetall，slimfigureofaboy。Herfacewaslovelyasthefaceofaviolet，andhereyeswereasshy。ButshynotthroughlackofconfidenceinEverett，norinanyhumanbeing，butinherself。Theyseemedtosay，"Iamaveryunworthy，somewhatfrightenedyoungperson；butyou，whoaresobigandgenerous，willoverlookthat，andyouaregoingtobemyfriend。Indeed，Iseeyouaremyfriend。"
　　Everettstoodquitestill。Henoddedgloomily。
　　"Garlandwasright，"heexclaimed；"Ido！"
　　Theyoungladywasplainlydistressed。
　　"Dowhat？"shestammered。
　　"SomedayIwilltellyou，"saidtheyoungman。"Yes，"headded，withoutshame，"IamafraidIwill。"Hebowedherintotheinneroffice。
　　"Iamsorry，"apologizedMonica，"butIamcometoaskafavor——
　　twofavors；oneofyouandoneoftheAmericanminister。"
　　EverettdrewhisarmchairfromhisdeskandwavedMonicaintoit。
　　"Iwassenthere，"hesaid，"todoexactlywhatyouwant。ThelastwordsthePresidentaddressedtomewere，'OnarrivingatyourpostreporttoMissMonicaWard。"'
　　Fearfully，Monicaperchedherselfontheedgeofthearmchair；asthoughforprotectionsheclaspedthebroadtablebeforeher。
　　"ThefavorIwant，"shehastilyassuredhim，"isnotformyself。"
　　"Iamsorry，"saidEverett，"foritisalreadygranted。"
　　"Youareverygood，"protestedMonica。
　　"No，"repliedEverett，"Iamonlypowerful。Irepresentninety-fivemillionAmericans，andtheyareallentirelyatyourservice。Soisthearmyandnavy。"
　　Monicasmiledandshookherhead。TheaweshefeltwasdueanAmericanministerwasrapidlydisappearing，andinMr。Everetthimselfherconfidencewasincreasing。TheotherministersplenipotentiaryshehadseenatCamaguayhadbeenold，withbeardslikemountain-goats，andhadwornlinendusters。Theyalwayswereveryredinthefaceandverydamp。MonicadecidedMr。Everettalsowasold；shewassurehemustbeatleastthirty-five；butinhissilkpongeeandpipe-clayedtennis-shoeshewasarefreshingspectacle。Justtolookathimturnedonequitecool。
　　"Wehaveaveryfinelineofbattle-shipsthismorningatGuantanamo，"urgedEverett；"ifyouwantoneI'llcableforit。"
　　Monicalaughedsoftly。Itwasgoodtohearnonsensespoken。TheAmapalanshadneverlearnedit，andherbrothersaidjustwhathemeantandnomore。
　　"Oursailorswerehereonce，"Monicavolunteered。ShewantedMr。Everetttoknowhewasnotentirelycutofffromtheworld。
　　"Duringtherevolution，"sheexplained。"Weweresogladtoseethem；theymadeusallfeelnearerhome。Theysetupourflagintheplaza，andthecolor-guardletmephotographit，withthemguardingit。Andwhentheymarchedawaythearchbishopstoodonthecathedralstepsandblessedthem，andwerodeoutalongthetrailtowhereitcomestothejungle。Andthenwewavedgood-by，andtheycheeredus。Weallcried。"
　　Foramoment，quiteunconsciously，Monicagaveanimitationofhowtheyallcried。Itmadetheappealofthevioleteyesevenmoredisturbing。
　　"Don'tyouloveoursailors？"beggedMonica。
　　Fearfulofhurtingthefeelingsofothers，sheaddedhastily，"And，ofcourse，ourmarines，too。"
　　Everettassuredheriftherewasonethingthatmeantmoretohimthanallelse，itwasanAmericanbluejacket，andnexttohimanAmericanleatherneck。
　　IttookalongtimetoarrangethedetailsoftheRedCrossSociety。Inspiteofhisreputationforbrilliancy，itseemedtoMonicaMr。Everetthadamindthatplodded。Forhisbenefititwasnecessaryseveraltimestorepeatthemostsimpleproposition。
　　ShewassurehisinabilitytofastenhisattentiononherLeagueofMercywasbecausehisbrainwasoccupiedwithproblemsofstate。Itmadeherfeelselfishandguilty。Whenhisvisitordecidedthattoexplainfurtherwasbuttowastehisvaluabletimeandhadmadeherthirdefforttogo，Everettwentwithher。
　　Hesuggestedthatshetakehimtothehospitalandintroducehimtothesisters。HewantedtotalktothemabouttheRedCrossLeague。Itwasacharmingwalk。EveryoneliftedhishattoMonica；thebeggars，thecab-drivers，thebarefootedpolicemen，andthesociallightsofCamaguayonthesidewalksinfrontofthecafesroseandbowed。
　　"Itislikewalkingwithroyalty！"exclaimedEverett。
　　WhileatthehospitalhetalkedtotheMotherSuperior——hiseyesfollowedMonica。Asshemovedfromcottocothenotedhowtheyoungersistersflutteredhappilyaroundher，likebridesmaidsaroundabride，andhowasshepassed，theeyesofthoseinthecotsfollowedherjealously，andaftershehadspokenwiththemsmiledincontent。
　　"Sheisgood，"theMotherSuperiorwassaying，"andherbrother，too，isverygood。"
　　Everetthadforgottenthebrother。WithastartheliftedhiseyesandfoundtheMotherSuperiorregardinghim。
　　"Heisverygood，"sherepeated。"Forus，hebuiltthiswingofthehospital。Itwashismoney。WeshouldbeverysorryifanyharmcametoMr。Ward。Withouthishelpwewouldstarve。"Shesmiled，andwithagesturesignifiedthesick。"Imeantheywouldstarve；theywoulddieofdiseaseandfever。"Thewomanfixeduponhimgrave，inscrutableeyes。"WillYourExcellencyremember？"shesaid。Itwaslessofaquestionthanacommand。
　　"Wherethechurchcanforgive——"shepaused。
　　LikearealdiplomatEverettsoughtrefugeinmerewords。
　　"Thechurchisall-powerful，Mother，"hesaid。"Herpowertoforgiveisherstrongestweapon。Ihavenosuchpower。Itliesbeyondmyauthority。Iamjustamessenger-boycarryingthewishesofthegovernmentofonecountrytothegovernmentofanother。"
　　ThefaceoftheMotherSuperiorremainedgrave，butundisturbed。
　　"Then，asregardsourMr。Ward，"shesaid，"thewishesofyourgovernmentare——"
　　Againshepaused；againitwaslessofaquestionthanacommand。
　　WithinterestEverettgazedatthewhitewashedceiling。
　　"Ihavenotyet，"hesaid，"communicatedthemtoanyone。"
　　Thatnight，afterdinnerinthepatio，hereportedtoGarlandthewordsoftheMotherSuperior。
　　"Thatwasmydream，0Prophet，"concludedEverett；"youwhocanreadthislandoflotus-eaters，interpret！Whatdoesitmean？"
　　"ItonlymeanswhatI'vebeentellingyou，"saidtheconsul。"Itmeansthatifyou'regoingafterthattreaty，you'veonlygottofighttheCatholicChurch。That'sallitmeans！"
　　LaterintheeveningGarlandsaid："IsawyouthismorningcrossingtheplazawithMonica。WhenItoldyoueverybodyinthistownlovedher，wasIright？"
　　"Absolutely！"assentedEverett。"Butwhydidn'tyoutellmeshewasaflapper？"
　　"Idon'tknowwhataflapperis，"promptlyretortedGarland。"AndifIdid，Iwouldn'tcallMonicaone。"
　　"Aflapperisaverycharmingperson，"protestedEverett。"Iusedtheterminitsmostcomplimentarysense。Itmeansagirlbetweenfourteenandeighteen。It'sEnglishslang，andinEnglandatthepresenttheflapperisverypopular。Sheisdrivinghersophisticatedeldersister，whohasbeenouttwoorthreeseasons，andthepredatorymarriedwomantothewall。Tomenofmyyearstheflapperisreallyatthedangerousage。"
　　InhisbamboochairGarlandtossedviolentlyandsnorted。
　　"Isizedyouup，"hecried，"asamanofthefinestperceptions。Iwaswrong。Youdon'tappreciateMonica！Dangerous！YoumightaswellsayGod'ssunshineisdangerous，orabeautifulflowerisdangerous。"
　　Everettshookhisheadattheothermanreproachfully：
　　"Didyoueverhearofasunstroke？"hedemanded。"Don'tyouknowifyousmellcertainbeautifulflowersyoudie？Can'tyougraspanyotherkindofdangerthanbeingrundownbyatrolley-car？Isthedangeroflosingone'speaceofmindnothing，ofbeingunfaithfultoduty，nothing！Is——"
　　Garlandraisedhisarms。
　　"Don'tshoot！"hebegged。"Iapologize。YoudoappreciateMonica。
　　Youhaveyourconsul'spermissiontowalkwithheragain。"
　　ThenextdayyoungProfessorPeabodycalledandpresentedhisletters。Hewasaforcefulyoungmantowhomthedelaysofdiplomacydidnotappeal，andoneapparentlyaccustomedtoridingoffwhatevercameinhisway。Heseemedtoconsideranyonewhoopposedhim，orwhoevendisagreedwithhisconclusions，asofferingapersonalaffront。Withindignationhelaunchedintohisgrievance。
　　"Thesepeople，"hedeclared，"aredogsinthemanger，andWardistheworstofthelot。Heknowsnomoreofarchaeologythanacongressman。Theman'safaker！Heshowedmeaspear-headofobsidianandcalleditflint；andhesaidtheAztecsborrowedfromtheMayas，andthattheToltecswereamyth。AndhegottheAztecsolarcalendarmixedwiththeAhau。He'sasignorantasthat。"
　　"Ican'tbelieveit！"exclaimedEverett。
　　"Youmaylaugh，"protestedtheprofessor，"buttheruinsofCobreholdsecretsthestudentsoftwocontinentsaretryingtosolve。
　　Theyhidethehistoryofalostrace，andIsubmitit'snotproperonemanshouldkeepthatknowledgefromtheworld，certainlynotforafewgoldarmlets！"
　　Everettraisedhiseyes。
　　"Whatmakesyousaythat？"'hedemanded。
　　"I'vebeenkickingmyheelsinthistownforamonth，"Peabodytoldhim，"andI'vetalkedtothepeoplehere，andtotheHarvardexpeditionatCopan，andeverybodytellsmethisfellowhasfoundtreasure。"Thearchaeologistexclaimedwithindignation："What'sgold，"hesnorted，"comparedtothediscoveryofalostrace？"
　　"Iapplaudyourpointofview，"Everettassuredhim。"IamtoseethePresidenttomorrow，andIwilllaythematterbeforehim。I'llaskhimtogiveyoualookin。"
　　TourgehistreatyofextraditionwasthereasonfortheaudiencewiththePresident，andwithallthecourtesythatabadcasedemandedMendozaprotestedagainstit。Hepointedoutthatgovernmentsenteredintotreatiesonlywhentheensuingbenefitsweremutual。
　　ForAmapalainatreatyofextraditionhesawnobenefit。Amapalawasnotsofar"advanced"astoproducedefaultingbankpresidents，get-rich-quickpromoters，counterfeiters，andthievingcashiers。Herfugitiveswererevolutionistswhohadfoughtandlost，andeveryonewasgladtohavethemgo，andnoonewantedthemback。
　　"Or，"suggestedthePresident，"supposeIamturnedoutbyarevolution，andIseekasyluminyourcountry？Myenemiesdesiremylife。Theywouldaskformyextradition——"
　　"Iftheoffensewerepolitical，"Everettcorrected，"mygovernmentwouldsurrendernoone。"
　　"Butmyenemieswouldchargemewithmurder，"explainedthePresident。"RememberCastro。Andbythetermsofthetreatyyourgovernmentwouldbeforcedtosurrenderme。AndIamshotagainstthewall。"ThePresidentshruggedhisshoulders。"Thattreatywouldnotbeniceforme！"
　　"Considerthematterasapatriot，"saidthediplomat。"Isitgoodthatthecriminalsofmycountryshouldmaketheirhomeinyours？Whenyouaresofortunateastohavenodishonestmenofyourown，whyimportours？Wedon'tseektheindividual。Wewanttopunishhimonlyasawarningtoothers。Andwewantthemoneyhetakeswithhim。Oftenitisthesavingsoftheverypoor。"
　　ThePresidentfrowned。ItwasapparentthatboththesubjectandEverettboredhim。
　　"Inamenonames，"exclaimedMendoza，"buttothosewhocomehereweowethelittlerailroadswepossess。Theydevelopourminesandourcoffeeplantations。Intimetheywillmakethiscountryverymodern，veryrich。Andsomeyoucallcriminalswehavelearnedtolove。Theirpastdoesnotconcernus。Weshutourears。Wedonotspy。Theyhavecometousastoasanctuary，andsolongastheyclaimtherightofsanctuary，Iwillnotviolateit。"
　　AsEverettemergedfromthecool，darkhallsofthepalaceintotheglareoftheplazahewasscowling；andheacknowledgedthesaluteofthepalaceguardasthoughthosegentlemenhadofferedhimaninsult。
　　Garlandwaswaitinginfrontofacafeandgreetedhimwithamockinggrin。
　　"Congratulations，"heshouted。
　　"Ihavestilltwenty-twodays，"saidEverett。
　　ThearistocracyofCamaguayinvitedthenewministertoformaldinnersofeighteencourses，andtopicnicslessformal。TheselatterEverettgreatlyenjoyed，becausewhileMonicaWardwastooyoungtoattendthestatedinners，shewasexactlytheproperagefortheall-dayexcursionstothewaterfalls，thecoffeeplantations，andtheasphaltlakes。ThenativebellesofCamaguaytooknopleasureinridingfartherafieldthanthemilitaryparade-ground。
　　Climbingatrailsosteepthatyouviewedtheskybetweentheearsofyourpony，orwherewithbothhandsyouforcedawaythroughhangingvinesandcreepers，didnotappeal。ButtoMonica，withtheseatandbalanceofacowboy，ridingastride，withherlegstraightandtheballofherfootjustfeelingthestirrup，theseexpeditionswerethehappiestmomentsinherexile。SoweretheytoEverett；andthatonthetrailonecouldrideonlyinsinglefilewasamostpoignantregret。Inthecolumntheplaceofhonorwasnexttowhoeverrodeatthehead，butEverettrelinquishedthispositioninfavorofMonica。
　　Bythismanoeuvreshealwayswasinhissight，andhecouldcalluponhertoactashisguideandtoexplainwhatlayoneitherhand。
　　Hisdelightandwonderinhergrewdaily。Hefoundthathermindleapedinstantlyandwithgratitudetowhateverwasmostfair。Justoutofreachofherpony'shoofshepressedhisownponyforward，andshepointedouttohimwhatinthetropicabundanceaboutthemshefoundmostbeautiful。Sometimesitwasthetumblingwatersofacataract；sometimes，highinthetopmostbranchesofaceiba-tree，agorgeousorchid；sometimesashaftofsunshineasrigidasasearch-light，piercingtheshadowofthejungle。Atfirstshewouldturninthesaddleandcalltohim，butaseachdaytheygrewtoknoweachotherbettersheneedonlypointwithherwhip-handandhewouldanswer，"Yes，"andeachknewtheotherunderstood。
　　Asabody，theexilesresentedEverett。Theyknewhispurposeinregardtothetreaty，andforthemhealwaysmustbetheenemy。
　　Eventhoughasamantheymightlikehim，theycouldnotforgetthathispresencethreatenedtheirpeaceandsafety。ChesterWardtreatedhimwithimpeccablepoliteness；but，althoughhishousewastheshow-placeofCamaguay，heneverinvitedtheAmericanministertocrossthethreshold。OnaccountofMonica，Everettregrettedthisandtriedtokeeptherelationsofherbrotherandhimselfoutwardlypleasant。ButWardmadeitdifficult。Tonoonewashismannereffusive，andforMonicaonlyheseemedtoholdanyrealfeeling。Thetwowerealoneintheworld；hewasheronlyrelative，andtotheorphanhehadbeenfatherandmother。
　　Whenshewasachildhehadboughthertoysanddolls；now，hadthesisterspermitted，hewouldhavedressedherinimportedfrocks，andwithjewelskilledherloveliness。HeseemedtounderstandhowtospendhismoneyaslittleasdidthegossipsofCamaguayunderstandfromwhenceitcame。
　　ThatMonicaknewwhyherbrotherlivedinCamaguayEverettwasuncertain。Shedidnotcomplainoflivingthere，butshewasnotatrest，andconstantlyshewasaskingEverettofforeignlands。
　　AsEverettwashomesickforthem，hewasmosteloquent。
　　"Ishouldliketoseethemformyself，"saidMonica，"butuntilmybrother'sworkhereisfinishedwemustwait。AndIamyoung，andafterafewyearsEuropewillbejustasold。WhenmybrotherleavesAmapala，hepromisestotakemewhereverIasktogo：toLondon，toParis，toRome。SoIreadandreadofthem；booksofhistory，booksaboutpainting，booksaboutthecathedrals。ButthemoreIreadthemoreIwanttogoatonce，andthatisdisloyal。"
　　"Disloyal？"askedEverett。
　　"Tomybrother，"explainedMonica。"Hedoessomuchforme。
　　Ishouldthinkonlyofhiswork。Thatisallthatreallycounts。
　　Fortheworldiswaitingtolearnwhathehasdiscovered。ItislikehavingabrothergoinsearchoftheNorthPole。Youareproudofwhatheisdoing，butyouwanthimbacktokeephimtoyourself。Isthatselfish？"
　　Everettwasatraineddiplomat，butwithhisopinionofChesterWardhecouldnotthinkoftheanswer。Instead，hewasthinkingofMonicainEurope；oftakingherthroughthechurchesandgallerieswhichshehadseenonlyinblackandwhite。Heimaginedhimselfathersidefacingthealtarofsomegreatcathedral，orsomepaintingintheLouvre，andwatchingherfacelightenandthetearscometohereyes，astheydidnow，whenthingsthatwerebeautifulhurther。Orheimaginedherridofherhalf-mourningandaccompanyinghimthroughacyclonicdiplomaticcareerthatcarriedthemtoJapan，China，Persia；toBerlin，Paris，andLondon。IntheseimaginingsMonicaappearedinpongeeandasun-hatridinganelephant，inpearlsandsatinreceivingroyalty，intweedknickerbockersandawoollenjerseycoastingaroundthehairpincurveatSaintMoritz。
　　OfcourseherecognizedthatexceptashiswifeMonicacouldnotaccompanyhimtoallthesestrangelandsandhighdiplomaticposts。
　　Andofcoursethatwasridiculous。Hehadmadeuphismindforthesuccessofwhathecalledhiscareer，thathewastooyoungtomarry；buthewassure，shouldheproposetomarryMonica，everyonewouldsayhewastooold。Andtherewasanotherconsideration。
　　Whatofthebrother？Wouldhisgovernmentsendhimtoaforeignpostwhenhiswifewasthesisterofamantheyhadjustsenttothepenitentiary？
　　HecouldhearthemsayinLondon，"Weknowyourfirstsecretary，butwhoisMrs。Everett？"AndtheAmericanvisitorwouldexplain：
　　"Sheisthesisterof'InkyDink，'theforger。HeisbookkeepinginSingSing。"
　　Certainlyitwouldbeahandicap。HetriedtopersuadehimselfthatMonicasoentirelyfilledhisthoughtsbecauseinCamaguaytherewasnooneelse；itwasacaseofpropinquity；herlonelinessandthefactthatshelayunderashadowforwhichshewasnottoblameappealedtohischivalry。So，hetoldhimself，inthinkingofMonicaexceptasacharmingcompanion，hewasanass。Andthen，arguingthatincallinghimselfanasshehadshownhissanenessandimpartiality，hefeltjustifiedinseeingherdaily。
　　OnemorningGarlandcametothelegationtotellEverettthatPeabodywasindangerofbringingaboutinternationalcomplicationsbyhavinghimselfthrustintothecartel。
　　"Ifhequalifiesforthislocaljail，"saidGarland，"youwillhavealotoftroublesettinghimfree。You'dbetterwarnhimit'seasiertokeepoutthantogetout。"
　　"Whathashebeendoing？"askedtheminister。
　　"PoachingonWard'sruins，"saidtheconsul。"Hecertainlyisahustler。HepretendstogotoCopan，butreallygoestoCobre。
　　Wardhadhimfollowedandthreatenedtohavehimarrested。
　　Peabodyclaimsanytouristhasarighttovisittheruinssolongashedoesnoexcavating。Wardaccusedhimofexploringtheplacebynightandtakingphotographsbyflash-lightofthehieroglyphs。
　　He'sputanarmedguardattheruins，andhetoldPeabodytheyaretoshootonsight。SoPeabodywenttoMendozaandsaidifanybodytookashotathimhe'dbringwarshipsdownhereandblowAmapalaoffthemap。"
　　"Amilitantarchaeologist，"saidEverett，"issomethingnew。Peabodyistooenthusiastic。Heandhishieroglyphsarebecomingabore。"
　　HesentforPeabodyandtoldhimunlesshecurbedhisspirithisministercouldnotpromisetokeephimoutofaverydampanddirtydungeon。
　　"Iamtooenthusiastic，"Peabodyadmitted，"buttomethisfellowWardislikearedflagtothebull。Hisprivategraftisholdingupthewholescientificworld。Hewon'tletuslearnthetruth，andhe'stooignoranttolearnithimself。Why，hetoldmeCobredatedfrom1578，whenPalaciowroteofittoPhiliptheSecond，notknowingthatinthatveryletterPalaciostatesthathefoundCobreinruins。Isitrightamanasignorant——"
　　Everettinterruptedbylevellinghisfinger。
　　"You，"hecommanded，"keepoutofthoseruins！Mydearprofessor，"
　　hecontinuedreproachfully，"youareastudent，amanofpeace。
　　Don'ttrytowagewarontheseAmapalans。They'relawless，they'reunscrupulous。SoisWard。Besides，youareinthewrong，andiftheyturnugly，yourministercannothelpyou。"Heshookhisheadandsmileddoubtfully。"Ican'tunderstand，"heexclaimed，"whyyou'resokeen。It'sonlyaheapofbrokenpottery。SometimesI
　　wonderifyourinterestinCobreisthatonlyofthearchaeologist。"
　　"Whatotherinterest——"demandedPeabody。
　　"Doesn'tWard'sburiedtreasureappealatall？"askedtheminister。"Imean，ofcourse，toyourimagination。Itdoestomine。"
　　Theyoungprofessorlaughedtolerantly。
　　"Buriedtreasure！"heexclaimed。"IfWardhasfoundtreasure，andIthinkhehas，he'swelcometoit。Whatwewantiswhatyoucallthebrokenpottery。Itmeansnothingtoyou，buttomenlikemyself，wholiveeighthundredyearsbehindthetimes，itismuchmorepreciousthangold。"
　　AfewmomentslaterProfessorPeabodytookhisleave，anditwasnotuntilhehadturnedthecorneroftheCalleMorazanthathehaltedand，likeamanemergingfromwater，drewadeepbreath。
　　"Gee！"mutteredthedistinguishedarcheologist，"thatwasaclosecall！"
　　OneortwowomenhadlovedEverett，andafterfiveweeks，inwhichalmostdailyhehadseenMonica，heknewshecaredforhim。
　　Thisdiscoverymadehimentirelyhappyandfilledhimwithdismay。
　　Itwasacomplicationhehadnotforeseen。Itlefthimatthepartingoftwoways，oneofwhichhemustchoose。Forhiscareerhewaswillingtorenouncemarriage，butnowthatMonicalovedhim，eventhoughhehadconsciouslynottriedtomakeherlovehim，hadhetherighttorenounceitforheralso？HeknewthatthedifferencebetweenMonicaandhiscareerlayinthefactthathelovedMonicaandwasinlovewithhiscareer。Whichshouldhesurrender？Ofthishethoughtlonganddeeply，untilonenight，withoutthinkingatall，hechose。
　　ColonelGoddardhadgivenadance，and，asallinvitedwereAmericans，theetiquettewaslessformalthanatthegatheringsoftheAmapalans。Foronething，theministerandMonicawereabletositontheverandaoverlookingthegardenwithouthishavingtofightaduelinthemorning。
　　Itwasnotthemoonlight，orthemusic，orthepalmsthatmadeEverettspeak。Itwassimplytheknowledgethatitwaswritten，thatithadtobe。Andheheardhimself，withoutpreludeorintroduction，talkingeasilyandassuredlyofthelifetheywouldleadasmanandwife。FromthisdreamMonicawokehim。Thevioleteyesweresmilingathimthroughtears。
　　"Whenyoucame，"saidthegirl，"andIlovedyou，Ithoughtthatwasthegreatesthappiness。NowthatIknowyoulovemeIasknothingmore。AndIcanbearit。"
　　Everettfeltasthoughanicyfingerhadmovedswiftlydownhisspine。Hepretendednottounderstand。
　　"Bearwhat？"hedemandedroughly。
　　"ThatIcannotmarryyou，"saidthegirl。"Evenhadyounotaskedme，inlovingyouIwouldhavebeenhappy。NowthatIknowyouthoughtofmeasyourwife，Iamproud。Iamgrateful。Andtheobstacle——"
　　Everettlaughedscornfully。
　　"Thereisnoobstacle。"
　　Monicashookherhead。Unafraid，shelookedintohiseyes，herownfilledwithherloveforhim。
　　"Don'tmakeitharder，"shesaid。"Mybrotherishidingfromthelaw。WhathedidIdon'tknow。WhenithappenedIwasattheconvent，andhedidnotsendformeuntilhehadreachedAmapala。
　　Ineveraskedwhywecame，butwereItomarryyou，withyournameandyourposition，everyoneelsewouldask。Andthescandalwouldfollowyou；whereveryouwentitwouldfollow；itwouldputanendtoyourcareer。"
　　Hiscareer，nowthatMonicaurgeditasherrival，seemedtoEverettparticularlytrivial。
　　"Idon'tknowwhatyourbrotherdideither，"hesaid。"Hissinsareonhisownhead。They'renotonyours，noronmine。Idon'tjudgehim；neitherdoIintendtolethimspoilmyhappiness。NowthatIhavefoundyouIwillneverletyougo。"
　　SadlyMonicashookherheadandsmiled。
　　"Whenyouleavehere，"shesaid，"forsomenewpost，youwon'tforgetme，butyou'llbegratefulthatIletyougoalone；thatIwasnotadragonyou。Whenyougobacktoyourgreatpeopleandyourproudandbeautifulprincesses，allthiswillseemastrangedream，andyouwillbegladyouareawake——andfree。"
　　"Theideaofmarryingyou，Monica，"saidEverett，"isnotnew。Itdidnotoccurtomeonlysincewemovedouthereintothemoonlight。
　　SinceIfirstsawyouI'vethoughtofyou，andonlyofyou。I'vethoughtofyouwithmeineverycorneroftheglobe，asmywife，mysweetheart，mypartner，ridingthroughjunglesasweridehere，sittingoppositemeatourowntable，puttingtheproudandbeautifulprincessesattheirease。Andinallplaces，atallmoments，youmakeallotherwomentawdryandabsurd。AndIdon'tthinkyouarethemostwonderfulpersonIevermetbecauseIloveyou，butIloveyoubecauseyouarethemostwonderfulpersonIevermet。"
　　"Iamyoung，"saidMonica，"butsinceIbegantoloveyouIamveryold。AndIseeclearlythatitcannotbe。"
　　"Dearheart，"criedEverett，"thatisquitemorbid。WhatthedevildoIcarewhatyourbrotherhasdone！Iamnotmarryingyourbrother。"
　　Foralongtime，leaningforwardwithherelbowsonherkneesandherfaceburiedinherhands，thegirlsatsilent。Itwasasthoughshewerepraying。Everettknewitwasnotofhim，butofherbrother，shewasthinking，andhisheartachedforher。Forhimtocutthebrotheroutofhislifewasnotdifficult；whatitmeanttoherhecouldguess。
　　Whenthegirlraisedhereyestheywereeloquentwithdistress。
　　"Hehasbeensogoodtome，"shesaid；"alwayssogentle。Hehasbeenmotherandfathertome。HeisthefirstpersonIcanremember。
　　WhenIwasachildheputmetobed，hedressedme，andcomfortedme。Whenwebecamerichtherewasnothinghedidnotwishtogiveme。Icannotleavehim。HeneedsmemorethaneverIneededhim。I
　　amallhehas。Andthereisthisbesides。WereItomarry，ofallthemenintheworlditwouldbeharderforhimifImarriedyou。Forifyousucceedinwhatyoucameheretodo，thelawwillpunishhim，andhewillknowitwasthroughyouhewaspunished。Andevenbetweenyouandmetherealwayswouldbethatknowledge，thatfeeling。"
　　"Thatisnotfair，"criedEverett。"Iamnotanindividualfightinglessfortunateindividuals。Iamaninsignificantwheelinagreatmachine。YoumustnotblamemebecauseI-"
　　Withanexclamationthegirlreproachedhim。
　　"Becauseyoudoyourduty！"sheprotested。"Isthatfairtome？
　　Ifformysakeormybrotheryoufailedinyourduty，ifyouwerelessvigilant，lesseager，eventhoughwesuffer，Icouldnotloveyou。"
　　Everettsighedhappily。
　　"Aslongasyouloveme，"hesaid，"neitheryourbrothernoranyoneelsecankeepusapart。"
　　"Mybrother，"saidthegirl，asthoughshewerepronouncingasentence，"alwayswillkeepusapart，andIwillalwaysloveyou。"
　　Itwasaweekbeforeheagainsawher，andthenthefeelinghehadreadinhereyeswasgone——orrigorouslyconcealed。Nowhermannerwasthatofafriend，ofayounggirladdressingamanolderthanherself，onetowhomshelookedupwithrespectandliking，butwithnosignofanyfeelingdeeperormoreintimate。
　　ItupsetEverettcompletely。Whenhepleadedwithher，sheasked：
　　"Doyouthinkitiseasyforme？But——"sheprotested，"IknowI
　　amdoingright。Iamdoingittomakeyouhappy。"
　　"Youaresucceeding，"Everettassuredher，"inmakingusbothdamnedmiserable。"
　　ForEverett，inthesecondmonthofhisstayinAmapala，eventsbegantomovequickly。Followingtheexampleoftwoofhispredecessors，theSecretaryofStateoftheUnitedStateswasabouttomakeagrandtourofCentralAmerica。Hecameonamissionofpeaceandbrotherlylove，tofosterconfidenceandgood-will，anditwassecretlyhopedthat，inthewakeofhisescortofbattle-ships，tradewouldfollowfast。Therewouldbesalutesandvisitsofceremony，speeches，banquets，reviews。
　　ButintheserejoicingsAmapalawouldhavenopart。
　　For，soEverettwasinformedbycable，unless，previoustothevisitoftheSecretary，Amapalafellintolinewithhersisterrepublicsandsignedatreatyofextradition，fromtheitineraryofthegreatmanAmapalawouldfindherselfpointedlyexcluded。
　　Itwouldbeahumiliation。Intheeyesofhersisterrepublicsitwouldplaceheroutsidethepale。EverettsawthatinhishandshisfriendtheSecretaryhadplacedapowerfulweapon；andlostnotimeinusingit。HecaughtthePresidentalone，sittinglateathisdinner，surroundedbybottles，andreadtohimtheSecretary'sultimatum。GeneralMendozadidnotatoncesurrender。Beforehethrewoverthemenwhofedhimthegoldeneggsthatmadehimrich，andforwhomhehadswornnevertoviolatetherightofsanctuary，hefirst，forfullyhalfanhour，ragedandswore。Duringthattime，whileEverettsatanxiouslyexpectant，thePresidentpacedandrepacedthelengthofthedining-hall。Whentorelighthiscigar，ortogulpbrandyfromatumbler，hehaltedatthetable，hisgreatbulkloomedlargeintheflickeringcandle-flames，andwhenhecontinuedhismarch，hewoulddisappearintotheshadows，andonlyhisscabbardclankingonthestonefloortoldofhispresence。
　　Atlasthehaltedandshruggedhisshoulderssothatthetasselsofhisepauletstossedlikewheat。
　　"Youdriveahardbargain，sir，"hesaid。"AndIhavenochoice。
　　To-morrowbringthetreatyandIwillsign。"
　　Everettatonceproduceditandafountainpen。
　　"Ishouldliketocableto-night，"heurged，"thatyouhavesigned。
　　TheyareholdingbackthepublicannouncementoftheSecretary'srouteuntilhearingfromYourExcellency。Thisisonlytentative，"
　　hepointedout；"theSenatemustratify。ButourSenatewillratifyit，andwhenyousignnow，itisathingaccomplished。"
　　OvertheplaceatwhichEverettpointed，thepenscratchedharshly；
　　andthen，throwingitfromhim，thePresidentsatinsilence。Witheyesinflamedbyangerandbrandyheregardedthetreatyvenomously。
　　Asthoughloathtoletitgo，hishandsplayedwithit，asacatplayswiththemousebetweenherpaws。Watchinghimbreathlessly，Everettfearedtheendwasnotyet。HefeltadepressingpremonitionthatifeverthetreatyweretoreachWashingtonhebesthadsnatchitandrun。Evenashewaited，theendcame。Anorderly，appearingsuddenlyinthelightofthecandles，announcedthearrival，intheroomadjoining，of"theColonelGoddardandSenorMellen。"Theydesiredanimmediateaudience。TheirbusinesswiththePresidentwasmosturgent。WhetherfromWashingtontheiragentshadwarnedthem，whetherinCamaguaytheyhaddecipheredthecablegramfromtheStateDepartment，Everettcouldonlyguess，buthewascertainthecauseoftheirvisitwasthetreaty。ThatMendozaalsobelievedthiswasmostevident。
　　Intothedarkness，fromwhichthetwoexilesmightemerge，hepeeredguiltily。Withanoathhetorethetreatyinhalf。Crushingthepiecesofpaperintoaball，hethrewitatEverett'sfeet。Hisvoicerosetoashriek。Itwasapparentheintendedhiswordstocarrytothemenoutside。Likeanactoronastagehewavedhisarms。
　　"Thatismyanswer！"heshouted。"TellyourSecretarythechoiceheoffersisaninsult！Itisblackmail。Wewillnotsignhistreaty。
　　Wedonotdesirehisvisittoourcountry。"Thrilledbyhisownbravado，hisvoicerosehigher。"Nor，"heshouted，"dowedesirethepresenceofhisrepresentative。Yourusefulnessisatanend。
　　Youwillreceiveyourpassportsinthemorning。"
　　Ashemightdischargeacook，hewavedEverettaway。Hishand，tremblingwithexcitement，closedaroundtheneckofthebrandy-
　　bottle。Everettstoopedandsecuredthetreaty。OnhisreturntoWashington，tornandrumpledasitwas，itwouldbehisjustification。Itwashis"ExhibitA。"
　　Asheapproachedthelegationhesawdrawnupinfrontofitthreeponiesreadysaddled。ForaninstanthewonderedifMendozaintendedfurthertoinsulthim，ifheplannedthatnighttosendhimunderguardtothecoast。Hedeterminedhotlysoonerthansubmittosuchanindignityhewouldfortifythelegation，anddefendhimself。Butnosuchheroicswererequiredofhim。Ashereachedthedoor，Garland，withanexclamationofrelief，hailedhim，andMonica，steppingfromtheshadow，laidanappealinghanduponhissleeve。
　　"Mybrother！"sheexclaimed。"TheguardatCobrehasjustsentwordthattheyfoundPeabodyprowlingintheruinsandfiredonhim。Hefiredback，andheisstilltherehiding。Mybrotherandothershavegonetotakehim。Idon'tknowwhatmayhappenifheresists。Chesterisarmed，andheisfurious；heisbesidehimself；
　　hewouldnotlistentome。Buthemustlistentoyou。Willyougo，"thegirlbegged，"andspeaktohim；speaktohim，Imean，"
　　sheadded，"astheAmericanminister？"
　　Everettalreadyhadhisfootinthestirrup。"I'mtheAmericanministeronlyuntilto-morrow，"hesaid。"I'vegotmywalking-papers。ButI'lldoallIcantostopthisto-night。Garland，"heasked，"willyoutakeMissWardhome，andthenfollowme？"
　　"IfIdonotgowithyou，"saidMonica，"Iwillgoalone。"
　　Hertonewasfinal。WithaclatterofhoofsthatwokealarmedechoesinthesleepingstreetsthethreehorsesgallopedabreasttowardCobre。Inanhourtheyleftthemaintrailandatawalkpickedtheirwaytowheretheblocksofstone，brokencolumns，andcrumblingtemplesofthehalf-buriedcitycheckedthejungle。
　　Themoonmadeitpossibletomoveinsafety，andatdifferentdistancesthelightsoftorchestoldthemtheman-huntstillwasinprogress。
　　"ThankGod，"breathedMonica，"weareintime。"
　　Everettgavetheponiesincareofoneoftheguards。HeturnedtoGarland。
　　"Catchupwiththoselightsaheadofus，"hesaid，"andwewilljointhispartytotheright。IfyoufindWard，tellhimIforbidhimtakingthelawintohisownhands；tellhimIwillprotecthisinterests。IfyoumeetPeabody，makehimgiveuphisgun，andseethattheothersdon'tharmhim！"
　　Everettandthegirldidnotovertakethelightstheyhadseenflashingbelowthem。Beforetheywerewithinhailingdistance，thatsearchingpartyhaddisappeared，andstillfartherawayothertorchesbeckoned。
　　Stumblingandfalling，nowinpursuitofonewill-o'-the-wisp，nowofanother，theyscrambledforward。Butalwaysthelightseludedthem。Fromtheirexertionsandthemoistheattheywerebreathless，andtheirbodiesdrippedwithwater。Panting，theyhaltedattheentranceofwhatoncehadbeenatomb。Fromitsblackinteriorcameadampmist；abovethem，alarmedbytheirintrusion，thevampirebatswhirledblindlyincircles。Monica，whobydaypossessedsomeslightknowledgeoftheruins，had，inthemoonlight，lostallsenseofdirection。
　　"We'relost，"saidMonica，inalowtone。Unconsciouslybothwerespeakinginwhispers。"Ithoughtwewerefollowingwhatusedtobethemainthoroughfareofthecity；butIhaveneverseenthisplacebefore。FromwhatIhavereadIthinkwemustbeamongthetombsofthekings。"
　　ShewassilencedbyEverettplacingonehandquicklyonherarm，andwiththeotherpointing。Intheuncertainmoonlightshesawmovingcautiouslyawayfromthem，andunconsciousoftheirpresence，awhite，ghostlikefigure。
　　"Peabody，"whisperedEverett。
　　"Callhim，"commandedMonica。
　　"Theothersmighthear，"objectedEverett。"Wemustovertakehim。
　　Ifwe'rewithhimwhentheymeet，theywouldn'tdare——"
　　Withagaspofastonishment，hiswordsceased。
　　Likeaghost，theghostlikefigurehadvanished。
　　"Hewalkedthroughthatrock！"criedMonica。
　　Everettcaughtherbythewrist。"Come！"hecommanded。
　　Overthefaceoftherock，intowhichPeabodyhaddivedasintowater，hungacurtainofvines。Everetttoreitapart。Concealedbythevineswasthenarrowmouthtoatunnel；andfromittheyheard，rapidlylesseninginthedistance，thepatteroffootsteps。
　　"Willyouwait，"demandedEverett，"orcomewithme？"
　　Withashudderofdistaste，Monicaansweredbyseizinghishand。
　　WithhisfreearmEverettsweptasidethevines，and，Monicafollowing，theyenteredthetunnel。Itwasapassagewaycleanlycutthroughthesolidrockandsufficientlywidetopermitoftheirmovingfreely。Atthefartherend，atadistanceofahundredyards，itopenedintoagreatvault，alsohollowedfromtherockand，astheysawtotheirsurprise，brilliantlylighted。
　　Foraninstant，inblacksilhouette，thefigureofPeabodyblockedtheentrancetothisvault，andthen，turningtotheright，againvanished。Monicafeltanuntimelydesiretolaugh。
　　NowthattheywereonthetrackofPeabodyshenolongerfearedtheoutcomeoftheadventure。InthepresenceoftheAmericanministerandofherselftherewouldbenoviolence；andastheytrailedthearchaeologistthroughthetunnelshewasremindedofAliceandherpursuitofthewhiterabbit。Thisthought，andhersenseofreliefthatthedangerwasover，causedhertolaughaloud。
　　Theyhadgainedthefartherendofthetunnelandtheentrancetothevault，whenatonceheramusementturnedtowonder。Forthevaultshowedeveryevidenceofuseandofrecentoccupation。Inbrackets，andburningbrightly，werelampsofmodernmake；onthestonefloorstoodacanvascot，saddle-bags，camp-chairs，andinthecentreofthevaultacollapsibletable。Onthiswerebottlesfilledwithchemicals，trays，andpressessuchasareusedindevelopingphotographs，andapparentlyhungtheretodry，swingingfromstrings，theproofsofmanynegatives。
　　Loyaltoherbrother，Monicaexclaimedindignantly。Attheproofsshepointedanaccusingfinger。
　　"Look！"shewhispered。"ThisisPeabody'sdarkroom，wherehedevelopstheflash-lightshetakesofthehieroglyphs！Chesterhasarighttobefurious！"
　　ImpulsivelyshewouldhavepushedpastEverett；butwithanexclamationhespranginfrontofher。
　　"No！"hecommanded，"comeaway！"
　　Hehadfallenintoasuddenpanic。Histonespokeofsomecatastrophe，imminentandoverwhelming。Monicafollowedthedirectionofhiseyes。Theywerestaringinfearattheproofs。