“Bound to hold on to a good thing, I see,” commented Gilbert, speaking as carelessly as possible. “I suppose you and your father organized the company in the first place.” “Not exactly, although it was father’s idea. There was a fellow named Jefferson Pennington used to do quite a business in tobacco and cotton, and some tea and coffee; and the company started out of his trade.” “Oh! then this Pennington is at the top of the concern.” “No, not a bit of it! He’s dead years ago.” “And I suppose you scooped his share, too. You must be a smart set.” “Thanks for the compliment, lieutenant. Reckon we are smart; but then, you see, it runs in the blood. Both of my grandfathers were bankers and brokers, and knew how to turn things to the best advantage.” “It’s a wonder Pennington and these others didn’t kick at being squeezed.” “They did kick; but it didn’t do ’em no good, not a bit. We had the whip hand, an’ we kept it. Pennington’s widow raised a big row, so father has told me; but it ended in smoke.” “You held the evidence and kept it.” “You hit the nail on the head ag’in lieutenant. We are smart, and we are the people.” Nuggy Polk gave a long, drunken yawn. “This looks as if Jerry wasn’t coming back. Say, I’ve an idea.” “Well?” “Can’t you carry me back to Manila on your hoss?” “I don’t believe the pony will carry the weight.” “Lemme try him.” Only with the greatest of difficulty did Nuggy Polk manage to rise to his feet. Then he lurched up against Gilbert, took a plunge, and hit the pony in the ribs. The animal turned, bumped roughly against the young man, and Polk measured his length on the ground. “Whoa, you rascal!” spluttered the fallen one. “Lieutenant, he’s worse than the team. I can’t ride him nohow.” At this juncture a rumble of cart wheels was heard, and soon a native turnout hove in sight, drawn by a pair of caribaos. A sleepy Tagal sat on the seat. Stopping the cart, Gilbert inquired if the Tagal was bound for Manila. “_Si, señor_,” answered the man, in Spanish. “Take me along then,” put in Nuggy Polk. “I’ll pay you well.” And he jingled some coin in his pocket. The native assented, and, leaping to the ground, he assisted the young man to a seat in the rear of the cart. Here there was some straw, upon which rested several bunches of plantains; and on this straw Nuggy Polk stretched himself, and in a moment more was sound asleep. “You can take him to the Hotel for American Gentlemen,” said Gilbert. “Do you know the place?” “Yees, mistair. He has drank much, not so?” “Yes. They know him at the hotel, though; and I reckon it will be all right. I’ll ride behind.”