"Study your history. When the Thirteen Original States branched out, first came the 'Louisiana Purchase,' land originally settled by the French; then Florida, first settled by the Spanish, was bought by the United States. Later still, Texas seceded from Mexico, settled also by the Spanish; then came the Mexican War, and Latin-America lost the territory now known as New Mexico, Arizona, and California." "Seems to me it would have been better if Colombia had accepted the original offer of the United States for the Panama Canal Zone." "Why so? The United States only offered a beggarly ten million. By waiting a year the French concession would have expired, and the Colombian Government would have received the sixty million which the United States eventually paid the French Company." "Instead of which you got nothing," remarked the American dryly, "and lost Panama into the bargain." "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?" 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."