“The chief question,” Hendrix was saying, “concerns the manner of these negotiations. Frankly, Legira,
the secrecy upon which you have insisted has raised doubts in our minds. You asked me to arrange this
meeting at this unusual time, and in this unusual place. We want to know why you have insisted on that
point.”
Legira regained his suavity with an effort. He looked about him, taking care to avoid the glance of the
hawk-faced man at the side of the table. He spoke with polished dignity.
“Gentlemen,” he declared, “the sum of ten million dollars is vital in the affairs of Santander. All is settled;
all is waiting. It is the desire of the new republic's officials to call an expected meeting of sworn delegates
from Colombia and Venezuela; and to pay them in full at that time.
“Talk of negotiations, discussion of money that is on the way— these are elements that might lead to
changes of policy on the part of our neighbors. Hence I, alone, have been entrusted with the obtaining of
the necessary funds.
“All that has been covered in the proposal given you, although it has not been stated in so many words. It
is our desire to bring the final arrangement into the hands of two men—myself as representative of
Santander; yourself, Mr. Hendrix, as representative of the American interests.
“There are two vital points that I can put as questions. First, are you convinced that the Santander
proposal is genuine? Second, are you convinced that I am the authorized agent of my country?”
“We feel that both those points have been established,” replied Hendrix.
“That should be sufficient,” announced Legira, boldly challenging. “Hence I feel justified in asking for your
decision. Are you willing to make the payment of ten million dollars?”
“We are,” declared Hendrix.
Legira smiled triumphantly. From now on the situation was in his hands. He saw that Hendrix was about
to ask another question. Shrewdly, Legira took action to forestall it.
“You are worried about the arrangements,” he said. “There is no cause for alarm. As accredited
representative of Santander, I can avoid all difficulties. It now rests between you and myself, Mr.
Hendrix.
“To avoid all complications, the proposal is that you should have the entire amount in your possession,
ready for delivery when I request it. Once it is given to me, your responsibility ends and mine begins.”
“That's just it, Mr. Legira,” interposed a puffy-faced man near the head of the table. “It's the irregular
way of giving you the money—”
“Do you have confidence in Mr. Hendrix?” queried Legira promptly.
“Certainly,” said the puffy man.
“Are you confident that my government has full trust in me?” was the consul's next question.
“Yes,” came the reply.
Legira simply shrugged his shoulders. Better than any words, the action carried home his thought. Nods
of approval came amid a buzzing murmur. It was clear that Legira had good reason for reducing the
transaction into terms of individuals.
“When Mr. Hendrix has the money,” purred Legira, “all will be in his capable hands. I, in turn, shall know
the proper time to send the millions to Santander. Then, quietly, with avoidance of publicity, I shall obtain
the money from Mr. Hendrix, and see to its safe delivery in my native land. When the world learns that
great American interests have supported Santander, the entire deal will have been consummated.”
Looking from face to face, Legira knew that he had triumphed. One by one he studied his companions,
