“The Republic of Santander is organized for peaceful development and stable government. With the
payment of indemnities to Colombia and Venezuela, we shall take our place among the nations of the
world.”
As Legira completed his remarks, his face took on the expression of the zealous patriot—a complete
change from the air of an intriguing schemer. His quiet, effective tones produced nods of approbation
from the listeners.
Legira sensed that he had gained results. He paused and waited for a full moment. Then, in an easy
manner, he added:
“We require ten million dollars to assure the independence of Santander. In return for that amount, we
shall grant full and exclusive concessions to the American interests which you represent. You have
already been presented with the details of the plan. I have summarized my proposal. I await your
answer.”
Legira resumed his seat at the end of the table. His languorous assurance returned. He replenished his
cigarette holder and leaned back in his chair, puffing away. He was expecting questions; and one came
from John Hendrix, the spokesman of the financiers.
“YOUR proposal has been carefully considered,” declared the portly man. “It appears bona fide, Legira.
I may add that we have discussed it— confidentially, of course—with certain men well acquainted with
affairs in South America. They have spoken in its favor.”
Legira smiled in confident manner.
“In fact,” resumed Hendrix, “we have obtained opinions from certain South Americans, themselves. One
man in particular—Rodriguez Zelva— studied the proposal in detail.”
Legira's eyes opened suddenly at the mention of the name. He stared intently toward Hendrix; then
quickly resumed his air of indifference. Only the sharp clicking of his teeth against the stem of the
cigarette holder indicated Legira's momentary perturbation.
“Mr. Zelva,” continued Hendrix, “is a prominent Venezuelan, who is at present in New York. He spoke
highly of the Santander plans, and gave us full assurance that the newly formed government would abide
by its agreements.”
Legira's surprise turned to perplexity; then his face assumed an expression of pleased confidence. He
smiled as he looked about the group. Then his features froze as he encountered the cold stare of a man
seated at the side of the table.
Until now, Alvarez Legira had considered these men as a group, not as individuals. It was with both
surprise and alarm that he discovered this one man who was different.
Legira saw a face that was firm and impassive, a countenance as rigid and as impenetrable as his own.
The eyes that peered from the masklike visage were inscrutable in their glance. Legira realized that those
eyes were searching, watching him with hawkish attitude.
Who was this stranger, so different from the other financiers? What was the meaning of his inscrutable
gaze?
Legira was ill at ease. He knew that he had met a man who was more than his match. Was the man a
friend or an enemy?
The voice of John Hendrix came in tones that seemed far away to Alvarez Legira. The South American
shook himself from the hypnotic stare that had so amazed him, and managed to look toward Hendrix.
