called you two days ago. Had you been in town at that time, there would have been no difficulty. I had
made arrangements then.
“It was you who caused the uncertainty. Because of that, I thought it best to adjust my plans accordingly.
I had arranged passage on this ship”—he indicated one on the list—“but I canceled it for fear that I
would not be able to communicate with you in time. Canceled passages—with reengagements— are not
a good practice, Mr. Hendrix. That is why I have thought it best to be secretive.”
THE explanation was vague and unsatisfactory to Hendrix. Nevertheless, the financier was forced to
admit that he had been at fault. He could not question Legira's present actions, because he himself was
somewhat responsible. The shrewd South American saw that he had gained a point. He was quick to
press it.
“Why worry, Mr. Hendrix?” he asked quietly. “Nothing has arisen to change our negotiations. You are
authorized to give me the money; I am authorized to receive it. I have stated that I wish it now—so that I
may ship it as I see best.
“I understand Santander, Mr. Hendrix. False rumors there might lead to difficulties. It has seemed best
for me to deliver the ten million dollars in person. That is to your great advantage.”
“Perhaps,” agreed Hendrix. “But it might be best to call another conference.”
“No!” exclaimed Legira. “That would be a grave mistake. We settled our plans when we met before.
Steamship sailings have been a trouble to me. One week I was forced to wait for a suitable vessel. Now,
I have the opportunity to sail—but you have caused me a delay. It is wise to act at once; to let me do
however I have planned.”
Hendrix slowly opened a desk drawer. He took out a stack of papers. He began to go over them, while
Legira watched him craftily. Hendrix pondered on a typed agreement. Legira leaned close and indicated
certain paragraphs.
“You see?” he questioned in a low voice. “See there? It empowers us, as agents, to deal as we see
best—”
“Certainly,” interposed Hendrix. “Nevertheless, it calls upon our mutual satisfaction with any proposed
arrangements. I am simply considering the limits of my power, Legira.”
“Ah!” Legira's voice was triumphant as he snatched a paper from the pile that Hendrix was holding. “You
have forgotten this, Mr. Hendrix! You will remember that it was in those papers which I submitted with
my plan!”
Hendrix looked at the paper. It bore the wording of a receipt, stating that Alvarez Legira had been
intrusted with the funds supplied by the New York financiers.
“Yes,” mused Hendrix, “I had forgotten this. I recall it now; we had it so that I or any other agent who
might take the money to Santander could deliver it to you there—”
“It does not mention Santander,” interrupted Legira. “That paper was intended for such a situation as
this, Mr. Hendrix. If you will deliver the money to me, as I have just requested, I shall sign that document,
and thus relieve you of all responsibility.”
Hendrix was weakening. The discovery of the special paper among the other documents was a clinching
argument for Legira. With the tables swinging in his favor, the South American used all his natural gift of
persuasion.
“It is a matter of mutual trust and confidence,” he declared serenely. “You were chosen by your friends; I
