Читать книгу The Man Inside онлайн

6 страница из 64

“So you believe the people of Panama are already dissatisfied with their president?” inquired the younger man, whom the listener judged to be an American.

“I do,” came the firm reply. “And but for the presence of los tiranos del norte here there would have been already a pronunciamiento.”

“Then you think the time is ripe for carrying out your scheme?”

His companion nodded without speaking, and tugged at his gray imperial. “If it is done at all it must be soon,” he said, finally. “American rule is not too popular here, and now is the time to act. And I pray God I shall be spared to see the fruits of the labor de los cochinos sucios reaped by another nation,” he spoke with intense bitterness.

“And that nation?” questioned the other.

“Is better left unmentioned.”

“You do not love my countrymen,” exclaimed the American, as he drew out his cigarette case and passed it to his companion, who waved it away impatiently.

“Say rather—hate,” was the terse reply. “But I do not look on you as one of that nationality. Your mother was my dearly loved cousin, and Colombia boasts no prouder name than the one she bore before she married your father. By the love you bear her memory I entreat you to assist me in this undertaking.”