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“Through underhand methods,” began the other hotly, then checked himself. “Enough of the past. Have you a message for me?”

For reply the young man drew out an envelope from an inside pocket and handed it to his companion, who opened it and read the communication in silence.

“Good,” he said finally, tearing the note into infinitesimal pieces and carefully putting them in his leather wallet, from which he first took several letters. “Give this to the Ambassador immediately on your return, and this—” he hesitated for a second—“give at once to our mutual friend.”

The American took the papers and placed them securely in an inside pocket. “Is that all?” he inquired.

“No.” The Colombian drew out a small chamois bag whose contents emitted a slight jingling noise as he handed it to his companion. “You may find this useful. No thanks are necessary, dear boy,” laying his hand on the American’s shoulder as the latter commenced speaking. “The death of my wife and child has deprived me of near relatives except you, and I propose to make you my heir.” Then, to change the subject, he added quickly, “Is there no way to induce the Senator to use his influence with Congress and the Administration for disarmament, and the curtailing of building more battleships?”