“Mr. Legira was very secretive, sir,” observed Jermyn. “He asked that I say nothing whatever about his
call—that I speak only to you, sir.”
Hendrix nodded and continued his pacing. Then he returned to the desk, and busied himself with other
matters. His work was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Hendrix looked at Jermyn. The faithful
underling understood. This must be Legira. Jermyn left to answer the door.
He returned with Alvarez Legira in person. John Hendrix glanced askance at his visitor.
Usually well and smoothly groomed, Legira now formed a marked contrast to his usual self. His clothes
were rumpled, his face was poorly shaven, and his mustache was drooping. Yet his smile was suave as
he held out his hand to Hendrix.
“A surprise, eh?” he questioned quietly. “Ah, Mr. Hendrix, I am sorry that you were away. It has caused
me great inconvenience. Yet it will not matter greatly—”
He paused and looked doubtingly at Jermyn.
“Proceed, Legira,” said Hendrix gruffly. “Jermyn is my confidential man. Do not worry about his being
here with me. What do you want, Legira?”
“The time has come for the delivery of the money,” declared the consul solemnly. “The shipment must be
made at once—in accordance with our agreement.”
“Very well. Where shall I send it?”
“I do not wish you to send it,” said Legira. “I wish to take it.”
The man's tone was suave as he began to curl the points of his disarrayed mustache. Hendrix blinked
solemnly. Legira smiled. In characteristic fashion, he produced his cigarette holder and a package of
cigarettes.
“This is irregular, Legira,” declared Hendrix, in a disapproving voice. “It was my understanding that I was
to arrange shipment of the funds when you requested it—”
“That is not entirely correct,” interposed Legira. “The terms of agreement expressly called for final
negotiations to be terminated between ourselves. Thus I have given you my definite proposal. I should
like to obtain the ten million dollars this afternoon.”
As Hendrix appeared doubtful, Legira became insistent. He pressed his plea with all his accustomed
suavity.
“You have confidence in me,” he purred, “just as I have confidence in you. You are the agent of the
financiers; I am the agent of Santander. There is reason in my method. Hence I am relying upon you -”
“I should like to know the reason.”
Legira bowed and drew a sheet of paper from his pocket. He laid it upon the desk, and indicated a
tabulation with his forefinger.
“You see,” he said, “there are three ships that sail within the next four days. I intend to travel upon one of
them. I shall have the money in my custody. Every one of those boats either calls at a port near
Santander or connects with another ship that will serve my purpose.”
“Which one do you intend to take?”
“I do not know. That I shall decide later.”
“Legira”—Hendrix spoke in an emphatic tone—“this proposal calls for careful consideration. Our
payment of ten million dollars was based upon the belief that there could be no complications in a deal
transacted with the government of Santander. Your present actions indicate an uncertainty.”
Legira was cunning in his reply.
“Uncertainty with Santander?” he queried. “Indeed no, Mr. Hendrix. Your man here will tell you that I
