\"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。