m in undisguised admiration of his
cunning. "And did you likewise send missionaries to China with your
opium cargoes?" he asked.

Ames chuckled. "I once sent Borwell himself to Hongkong on a boat
loaded to the rails with opium. We had insisted on his taking a needed
vacation, and so packed him off to Europe. In Bombay I cabled him to
take the _Crotus_ to Hongkong, transportation free. That was my last
consignment of opium to China, for restrictions had already fallen
upon our very Christian England, and the opium traffic was killed. I
had plans laid to corner the entire opium business in India, and I'd
have cleaned up a hundred million out of it, but for the pressure of
public sentiment. However, we're going to educate John Chinaman to
substitute whiskey for opium. But now," glancing at the great electric
wall clock, "I've wasted enough time with you. By the way, do you know
why this Government withheld recognition of the Chinese Republic?"

"No," replied Hood, standing in anticipation.

"Thirty thousand chests of opium," returned Ames laconically. "Value,
fifty million dollars."

"Well?"

"Ames and Company had advanced to the English banks of Shanghai and
Hongkong half this amount, loaned on the opium. That necessitated a
few plain words from me to the President, and a quick trip from
Washington to London afterwards to interview his most Christian
British Majesty. A very pleasant and profitable trip, Hood, very! Now
tell Willett I want him."

Hood threw his chief another look of intense admiration, and left the
room. Willett's entrance followed immediately.

"Get Lafelle here some time to-day when I have a vacant hour,"
commanded Ames. "Cable to acting-Bishop Wenceslas, of Cartagena, and
ask him if an American mining company is registered there under the
name of Simiti Development Company, and what properties they have and
where located. Tell him to cable reply, and follow with detailed
letter."

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "The Congregation of
the Sacred Index has laid the ban on--what's the name of the book?" He
drew out a card-index drawer and selected a card, which he tossed to
the secretary. "There it is. Get me the book at once." He seemed to
muse a while, then went on slowly. "Carlos Madero, of Mexico, is in
New York. Learn where he is staying, and arrange an interview for me.
Wire Senator Wells, Washington, that the bill for a Children's Bureau
must not be taken from the table. T