Already the orchestra was tuning up, the wide porches were filling with well-dressed people, while a stream of coaches at the door was delivering the arrivals on the special from Colon. It was a very animated crowd, sprinkled plentifully with Spanish people--something quite unusual, by-the-way--while the presence of many uniforms gave the affair almost the brilliance of a military function. There were marine officers from Bas Obispo, straight, trim, brown of cheek; naval officers from the cruisers in the roadstead, clad in their white trousers and bell-boy jackets; army officers detailed from Washington on special duty; others from the various parts of the work itself. Kirk wandered about through the confusion, nodding to his friends, chatting here and there, his eyes fixed anxiously upon the door. Clifford approached and fell into conversation with him. "Great doings, eh? I came up from the Central just to see what these affairs are like. Did you see to-night's paper?" "No." "Garavel is going to run for President. This is a kind of political coming-out party." "So I believe." "It looked like a fight between him and General Alfarez, but they've patched it up, and the General is going to withdraw. Garavel is to have Uncle Sam's congratulations and co-operation. It's a joke, isn't it, this international good feeling?" "Excuse me." Anthony saw Runnels searching the room with anxiety. He hurried toward him and inquired, breathlessly: "Have you got him?" "Sure, I showed him your room." "Did you lock him in?" "Certainly not." "He'll get away." "Oh no, he'll be on the job. Has she come?" Kirk shook his head. "Gee! I'm nervous." He wiped his brow with a shaking hand. "Don't weaken," Runnels encouraged. "I'm beginning to believe you'll pull it off. I told my wife all about it--thought we might need her--and she's perfectly crazy. I never saw her so excited. Let me know as soon as you can which dance it will be. This suspense--Gad! There they are now! Go to it, old man." Into the lobby came a mixed group, in which were Andres Garavel, his daughter, Ramon Alfarez, and the Cortlandts. Kirk's face was white as he went boldly to meet them, but he did his best to smile unconcernedly. He shook hands with Edith and her husband, bowed to Gertrudis, then turned to meet her father's stare. "May I have a word with you, sir?" Garavel inclined his head silently. As the others moved on he said: "This is hardly a suitable time or place, Mr. Anthony." "Oh, I'm not going to kick up a fuss. I didn't answer your note, because there was nothing to say. You still wish me to cease my attentions?" "I do! It is her wish and mine." "Then I shall do so, of course. If Miss Garavel is dancing to-night I would like your permission to place my name on her programme." "No!" exclaimed the banker.