The conversation wandered from Buenos Ayres to 'Frisco and back again until the cigars and coffee were reached. Then the congressman blew a fragrant ring into the air and, from behind it, looked quizzically at his companion. “Well,” he observed, “so far as that appropriation of yours is concerned--” He paused and blew a second ring. Captain Cy stroked his beard. “Um--yes,” he drawled, “now that you mention it, seems to me there was some talk of an appropriation.” Mr. Everdean laughed. “I've been making inquiries,” he said. “I saw the chairman of the committee on the pork bill. I know him well. He's a good fellow, but--” “Yes, I know. I've seen lots of politicians like that; they're all good fellers, but--If I was in politics I'd make a law to cut 'But' out of the dictionary.” “Well, this chap really is a good fellow. I asked about the thirty thousand dollars for your town. He asked me why I didn't go to the congressman from that district, and not bother him about it. I said perhaps I would go to the congressman later, but I came to him first.” “Sartin. Same as the feller with a sick mother-in-law stopped in at the undertaker's on his way to call the doctor. All right; heave ahead.” “Well, we had a rather long conversation. I discovered that the Bayport item was originally included in the bill, but recently had been stricken out.” “Yes, I see. Uncle Sam had to economize, hey? Save somethin' for a rainy day.” “Well, possibly. Still the bill is just as heavy. Now, Captain Whittaker, I don't KNOW anything about this affair, and it's not my business. But I've been about to-day, and I asked questions, and--I'm going to tell you a fairy tale. It isn't as interesting as your sea yarns, but--Do you like fairy stories?” “Land, yes! Tell a few myself when it's necessary. Sometimes I almost believe 'em. Well?” “Of course, you must remember this IS a fairy story. Let's suppose that once on a time--that's the way they always begin--once on a time there was a great man, great in his own country, who was sent abroad by his people to represent them among the rulers of the land. So, in order to typically represent them, he dressed in glad and expensive raiment, went about in dignity, and--” “And whiskers. Don't leave out the whiskers!” “All right--and whiskers. And it came to pass that the people whom he represented wished to--to--er--bring about a certain needed improvement in their--their beautiful and enterprising community.” “Sho! sho! how natural that sounds! You must be a mind reader.”