The Ne'er-Do-Well

by Rex Beach

  XVII

  GARAVEL THE BANKER

  These were busy days for the Cortlandts. They entertained constantly,and the occasions when they dined without from one to a dozen guestsbecame so exceptional as to elicit remark around the hotel. Most oftheir efforts were devoted to certain Panamanians of the influentialclass, and in company with one or more of these Cortlandt made frequenttrips to the various quarters of the Republic, sometimes absentinghimself for days at a time.

  During these intervals his wife assumed the direction of affairs, andcontinued to entertain or be entertained. Her energy and resourceseemed inexhaustible. The officials of both governments treated herwith punctilious respect, and the prestige gained in this way she usedto enhance her reputation as a hostess. Soon she became the socialdictator of the city, and the most exclusive circles, American andPanamanian alike, allowed her to assume control.

  The result was just what had been designed. Tourists and visitingnewspaper people spoke glowingly of the amity between the two nations,and wondered at the absence of that Spanish prejudice of which they hadheard so much. Those who chanced to know the deeper significance of itall, and were aware of the smouldering resentment that lay in the Latinmind, commented admiringly upon her work, and wondered what effect itwould have upon the coming election. Already this event had cast itsshadow ahead, bringing memories of the last election with itsdisturbances and ragged uncertainty. That had been a pregnant epoch.Armed guards, hidden behind American walls, had listened to the growingclamor and prepared to fire. American marines had been held inreadiness to take such action as might have convulsed the otherwatchful World Powers.

  Since then the fuse had burned steadily, if slowly. As the time drewnear, there were those who openly predicted trouble. Others scoffed atthe idea, although they claimed that this would be the last electionever held in Panama. But all united in declaring that, whatever thework to which the Cortlandts had been assigned, they were doing it well.

  No one but the woman herself and her husband really understood thetremendous difficulties of their task or the vital issues at stake.Although they seemed to be making progress, they knew that they weredealing with a people not only excitable and egotistic, but steeped inguile, and distrustful by nature. The fire was close to the magazine.But this was Edith Cortlandt's chosen field, and she brought to bear amanlike power of cool calculation, together with a brilliant intuitionof her own. Never had her tact, her knowledge of human nature, her keenrealization of political values been called into such play as now. Sotriumphantly did she exercise these qualities that all who came intocontact with her recognized the master mind directing the campaign,and, consciously or unconsciously, relegated her husband to thebackground.

  To the Latin intellect this display of power, on the part of a woman,was a revelation. She knew the effect she produced, and made the mostof it.

  Old Anibal Alfarez was, perhaps, the last fully to appreciate her. Hedid, however, learn in time that while he could successfully match hiscraft against that of the husband, the wife read him unerringly. Theresult was that he broke with them openly.

  When news of this reached the members of the Canal Commission, theywere alarmed, and Colonel Jolson felt it necessary to make known theirviews upon the situation. Accordingly, a few nights later, theCortlandts dined at his handsome residence on the heights aboveCulebra. After their return to Panama, the Colonel, in whom was vestedthe supreme authority over his nation's interests, acknowledged thathis acquaintance with diplomacy was as nothing compared with EdithCortlandt's.

  It was to Colonel Bland, in charge of the Atlantic Division, that heconfessed:

  "In all my life I never met a woman like her. Cortlandt, as you know,is a clever fellow, and I flatter myself that I'm no mental invalid;but we were like children in her hands. He sided with me at first, butshe talked us both around in spite of ourselves. I agree with her now,perfectly, and I am content to let her have free rein."

  "General Alfarez is the strongest man in the Republic," said ColonelBland. "As Governor of Panama Province, he's the logical nextPresident. Besides that, he has the machinery behind him. I don't seewho there is to defeat him."

  "We argued the same thing. She thinks Garavel is the proper man."

  "Garavel is a banker; he's not a politician."

  The chief-engineer laughed.

  "All Spanish-Americans are politicians, Colonel; they can't help it."

  "Would he accept?"

  "It is her business to find out. I had my doubts."

  "But could he win? It would be a calamity if he had American backingand failed; it would mean a disaster."

  "Cortlandt has been working carefully, and he has been in all the sevenProvinces. He admits that it might be done; and she is certain. Yousee, their part in the Colombian affair makes them strong with theleaders, and they have already whipped the foreign influences intoline. Of course, it will mean a fight--Alfarez won't give upeasily--but, if Garavel should be the next President, it would be afine thing for both countries."

  The other commissioner shook his white head doubtfully. "I supposed itwas all settled; Cortlandt himself told me Alfarez was a good man thelast time I talked with him. My God, it seems to me we've got enough onour hands without being guardians for a two-by-four republic filledwith maniacs. We've got to finish this job on time. I can't understandthis change of sentiment."

  "Oh, it isn't settled. There is ample time for anything to happen. Whenthe psychological moment comes, Cortlandt will be in position to swinghis influence whichever way he thinks best."

  "Well, it's a puzzling situation," Colonel Bland admitted. "And I wishit were over." Then he branched off on the subject of a cargo of cementwhich had not been up to standard and might have to be rejected.

  Over at Panama the Cortlandts were looking for a house to lease.Affairs had reached a point where it seemed advisable to give up theirquarters at the Tivoli and enter into closer contact with the life ofthe Spanish city. One reason for the move was the necessity for agreater privacy than the hotel afforded, for the time was not fardistant when privacy might prove of paramount importance.

  Meanwhile they gave a ceremonious little dinner, the one and only guestbeing Andres Garavel, the banker.

  Of all the charming peoples of Central America there are, perhaps, nonemore polished and well-bred than the upper-class Panamanians. Of thisagreeable type, Senor Garavel was an admirable example, having sprungfrom the finest Castilian stock, as a name running back through thepages of history to the earliest conquests attested. Other Garavels hadplayed important parts in the troubled affairs of Guatemala, and it wasthe banker's proud boast that one of his ancestors had assistedAlvarado to christen the first capital of that country--the city of St.James the Gentleman--in 1524. The name had later figured prominently inAntigua, that Athens of the New World where the flower of SpanishAmerica gathered. A later forebear had fled southward at the time ofthe disturbances incidental to the revolt of the colonies, but in hisdeparture there had been no disgrace, and since that time the Garavelshad worthily maintained the family traditions of dignity and honor.

  The present bearer of the name was of distinguished appearance. He wasswarthy of skin, his hair was snow-white, and he had stern, black eyesof great intelligence. In size he was not above the medium, but hismanner fully made up for any deficiency of stature. He was courtly anddeliberate, evincing a pride that sprang not only from good blood butfrom good deeds. His poise was that of a man with heavyresponsibilities, for Andres Garavel was a careful banker and a richone. He was widely travelled, well-informed, an agreeable talker, andthe conversation at Mrs. Cortlandt's table did not lag.

  "I am so disappointed that your daughter could not come," Edith toldhim for the second time. "I'm afraid she objects to our Americaninformality."

  "No, no, my dear lady," said their guest. "She admires Americancustoms, as I do. We are progressive--we have travelled. In my home, inmy private life, perhaps, I am Panamanian, but in my business and in mycontact w
ith other peoples I am as they are. It is the same with mydaughter."

  "When you Latins really become cosmopolitan you are more so than weAmericans," Cortlandt acknowledged. "We assume foreign airs and customsthat please us and forget to retain our own, while you--well, withGermans you are German, with Englishmen you are English, and yet younever forget to be Spaniards."

  The banker smiled. "My daughter has had a wide education for a child.She has travelled, she speaks five languages--and yet, underneath itall she is a Garavel and hence a Panamanian. She is all I have, and mylife is hers."

  "When we are settled in our new house we hope to see something of youboth."

  "You have effected a lease of the Martinez home, I believe?"

  "Yes. Do you know it?"

  "As my own. You are indeed fortunate to secure so fine a place. I wishthat in some way I might be of service to you."

  "The wish is mutual," Cortlandt answered, meaningly, but Senor Garavelconcealed any recognition of the tone by a formal bow, and the mealprogressed with only the customary small talk to enliven it.

  As soon as the three had adjourned to the Cortlandt's suite the host ofthe evening proceeded to approach the subject in his mind as directlyas the circumstances permitted. Through a series of natural transitionsthe conversation was brought around to politics, and Garavel wasadroitly sounded. But he displayed little interest, maintaining areserve that baffled them. It was impossible to betray him into anexpression of feeling favorable to their views. When at last heconsented to show his awareness of the suggestion so constantly heldout, he spoke with deliberate intention.

  "General Alfarez is my respected friend," he said, with a quietnessthat intensified his meaning, "and I rejoice that he will be the nextPresident of Panama."

  "You, of course, know that there is opposition to him?"

  "All Panama knows that."

  "General Alfarez does not seem to be a friend of the United States."

  "There are few who hold the views I do. He is a man of strongcharacter, he has no commercial interests to influence him as I have,and so we differ. Yet I respect him--"

  "It is precisely because of those views of yours that I wish to consultyou," said Cortlandt, slowly. "In all the Republic there is no one soprogressive as you. May I speak frankly?"

  Garavel inclined his white head without removing his intense, dark eyesfrom the speaker.

  "Don Anibal Alfarez can never be President of Panama!"

  The banker made no visible movement, yet the effect of this positivedeclaration was almost like that of a blow. After a pause he said:

  "May I tell him you said so?"

  "If you wish, but I do not think you will."

  The hearer let his eyes flit questioningly to Mrs. Cortlandt's face tofind her smiling at him.

  "Believe me, dear lady," he said, "I suspected that there were gravereasons for this interview, but as yet I am at sea. I am not apolitician, you know. I shall have no voice in our political affairs."

  "Of course we know that, Senor Garavel, and of course there are gravereasons why we wished to talk with you. As Stephen has said, GeneralAlfarez cannot be President--"

  "Madame," he said, coldly, "Panama is a republic. The voice of thepeople is supreme."

  "Down in your heart do you really think so?" She was still smiling athim. "No! The United States is supreme."

  "Ah! That day will come, perhaps--I have said so; I look forward to itas the best solution, but--"

  "The day has come."

  "Even so, Alfarez is an honorable man, a strong man, and the wealthiestman in our country. He is a politician--"

  "But he is not a friend of our country."

  "I am not so sure." Garavel frowned at his cigar for a moment, whilethe room became silent. "What has this to do with me, madame?" heasked, at last.

  "Can't you guess?" The intensity of her look caused him to risehurriedly and cast a quick glance from one to the other.

  "You are also a rich man, a man of ability," said Cortlandt, quick toseize the momentary advantage. "Your name is second to none in allCentral America. The next President must possess intelligence, honor,ability; he must be a friend of our people. There is no one better--"

  "Impossible!" exclaimed the banker, in a strange voice. "_I_? No, no!"

  "And why not? Have you never had political aspirations?"

  "Of course. All men have dreams. I was Secretary of Finance underAmador, but the Garavels have never really been public men. Politicshave been a curse to our house. My grandfather--"

  "I know," broke in Mrs. Cortlandt. "But times have changed. Panama hasseen her last revolution, and she needs a business man at her head.Presidents are not made now by rifle and sword, and the man with themachete must give way to the man with a capacity for handling bigaffairs. There will be no more swineherd Presidents like yourGuatemalan countryman Corera, nor tyrants like Zelaya. Panama is ahealthy country, with no national debt; she is growing, developing. Sheholds the gateway to the Western World, and her finances must beadministered wisely. You, Mr. Garavel, are one of the few who areclear-headed enough to see that her destiny is linked with ours, andthere is no one who can direct her so well as you."

  "It is impossible!" repeated Garavel, his agitation growing morepronounced. "General Alfarez is my friend. His son will be my son."

  "Ramon! Is Ramon engaged to your daughter?"

  "Yes," exclaimed the banker, shortly. He began to pace the room.

  "What difference would that make, if the young people love each other?"

  "Certainly," Cortlandt agreed. "They are not children."

  "As for love, Ramon loves, and--my daughter will love also, once she ismarried, for she is a Garavel."

  "If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought you to force herinclination?" Mrs. Cortlandt offered, eagerly. But the banker flung hisarms aloft in a gesture of half-humorous despair.

  "Oh-h! These young ladies!" he cried. "They do not know what they want.What pleases to-day, displeases to-morrow. It is 'Yes' and 'No,' 'Yes'and 'No,' until one must decide for them. That, after all, is best." Hepaused abruptly. "This comes upon me like a flood, my friends. I amswept away, and yet I--I will need to think seriously."

  "Certainly."

  "To an honorable man the salary will mean nothing. I have many affairs;I fear I cannot afford this sacrifice."

  "Would you retire in favor of some one who could afford it?"

  "Alfarez is honest."

  "Alfarez cannot be President."

  "It would require a great deal of money. I am considered a rich man,but I have discounted the future, and my enterprises--" He flung outhis arms. "I have spread out. I must be careful. It is not alone MYmoney that I have invested."

  "It will require very little money," said Cortlandt. "I have been fromDavid to Darien, from Bocas to Colon and I know the public sentiment."

  "Speaking of David," his wife added; "it was you who first projectedthe railroad to that point, Senor Garavel."

  "Yes, I saw that it was needed. It would make Panama," he said, simply.

  "Under your administration it can be built. Mr. Cortlandt can assureyou of our government's earnest co-operation. That would not be thecase if General Alfarez were elected. Perhaps the Colombian boundarycan be settled. There also our influence might avail. Those two stepsforward would make the name of Garavel as famous in Panama as it is inGuatemala."

  "Those are important issues for any loyal Panamanian," he admitted.

  "And you love your daughter--you say your life is, hers. Your honorwould be hers also. Senorita Garavel would have no cause to regret herfather's presidency."

  "Oh, it is useless to argue," smiled the Spaniard. "I am weak. I amhuman. I am also patriotic, and I realize that our little country mustlook to your great one for its stimulus. Our life must be moulded afteryours. For years I have dreamed of a railroad to David, which wouldsome day form a link in the great system that will join the threeAmericas. I have pictured our inland jungles replaced with homes; agre
at traffic flowing from end to end of the Republic. But I have alsoseen that our people would not profit by it. The languor of the tropicsis in their blood, and you Yankees would be needed to inspire them."His voice shook with emotion as he went on: "They are good, simplepeople, no more than children, and I love them. A gracious Providencegave us the key to the world's commerce, but we could not use it. Itneeds all our wisdom now to adapt ourselves to the conditions that havearisen. 'Andres Garavel, President of the Republic of Panama!' It has asweet sound, my friends, and yet--I have fears."

  "Let's take them one by one," laughed his host, "and prove themimaginary. I see a great good-fortune in store for you."

  It was midnight before Senor Andres Garavel, the banker, bade hisfriends good-bye. When he descended the hotel steps to his carriage, heheld his white head proudly erect, and there was new dignity in hisbearing. As he was whirled homeward behind his spirited Peruvian mare,a wonderful song was singing in his heart.