was chosen by mine. I foresaw that the final negotiations in this matter could best be handled by two men
who saw alike.”
“Where were you when I called you by phone?” demanded Hendrix suddenly. “Who is Lengle?”
“Lengle is myself,” smiled Legira. “Surely, you must understand the situation, Mr. Hendrix. When I
realized that it would be necessary for me to go in person to Santander, I did not engage a passage in my
own name.”
“Why not?”
“Because I was not sure of you. The word might have reached my country that I was coming there—then
I would not appear. That would be very bad. It would create an impression of uncertainty. So I signed as
Lengle—Albert Lengle—and called you afterward.
“When I learned that you were out of town, I decided it would be best to remain as Lengle at the Corona
Hotel. I have been very careful while there, for I must not be recognized. You understand?”
“I don't like it,” said Hendrix bluntly.
“Perhaps it is because you do not understand our ways,” remarked Legira. “In Santander, there has been
much intrigue. We of that country know well that we must be careful in our dealings. I am giving you
assurance that all is well. It would be a great mistake for you to have doubts, Mr. Hendrix. My plans are
made. Why should they be destroyed?”
HENDRIX folded his arms and looked dubious. He stared at Legira, and the South American met his
glance with a frankness that was disarming. It seemed that Legira had a faculty for reading the thoughts of
others.
“You are wondering about my appearance,” said the South American, stroking his roughened chin. “Ah,
Mr. Hendrix, you forget that I have been staying at a hotel, wondering when I should hear from you—
waiting in anxiety.”
Hendrix nodded. His doubts were fading. He felt that he was confronted by a difficult problem.
He could not well refuse Legira's request. It would not be wise to consult with other members of the
financial group. Hendrix wanted a middle ground; and he found it.
“All right, Legira,” he said suddenly. “I can let you have the funds. How soon do you need them?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Where do you want them delivered?”
“I shall call for them.”
“Alone?”
“No. With my trusted man, Francisco.”
“Very well.”
Hendrix called Jermyn. He gave the man certain telephone numbers to call. As each of the numbers were
obtained, Hendrix took the telephone and gave orders to subordinates. Legira looked on, calmly
enjoying this display of efficiency, the manner in which the financier was arranging for the accumulation of
ten million dollars in cash and government bonds.
At length, the work was ended. Hendrix turned to Legira and indicated the paper which served as a
receipt.
“It would be best for you to sign this before you leave,” said the financier. “I have arranged for the funds
to be delivered to you at the Baltham Trust Company, to-night at nine o'clock. I shall give you a signed
order.
“You should leave here at quarter past eight. You can wait until then before signing the receipt. Unless, of
course, you feel that you should not sign the receipt until you have actually received the funds.”
Legira reached for the paper. He took a pen and affixed his signature to the bottom of the sheet.
