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The American laughed disagreeably. “I think it may be done—in time.”

The Colombian’s face brightened. “Splendid! If we can stop his fervid speeches in behalf of a larger standing army and navy, we will have accomplished much. But how do you expect to alter his attitude?”

“Through a woman,” the American’s lips parted in an amused smile. “There’s no fool like an old fool, and the Senator is no exception to the rule.”

“Indeed?” The Colombian raised his eyebrows. “And what has the woman to say in the matter?”

“Nothing. She emulates a clam.”

The eavesdropper on the other side of the partition, who had caught most of the conversation, moved ever so slightly to stretch his cramped limbs, and then pulled out his handkerchief and mopped his heated face. As he did so a small slip of paper dropped, unseen by him, from his pocket to the floor. A large black cat came softly over to him and he lifted the animal up and placed her on the table before him. He stroked the purring feline and listened intently to catch the conversation which drifted to him through the vine-covered broken window panes. Apparently the two men were preparing to leave.