one, the next
one."

"I should think--that is--it seems to me," said Clay with careful
consideration, "that your Excellency might be able to render us great
help in this matter yourself. We need a friend among the Opposition.
In fact--I see where you could assist us in many ways, where your
services would be strictly in the line of your public duty and yet
benefit us very much. Of course I cannot speak authoritatively without
first consulting Mr. Langham; but I should think he would allow you
personally to purchase as large a block of the stock as you could wish,
either to keep yourself or to resell and distribute among those of your
friends in Opposition where it would do the most good."

Clay looked over inquiringly to where Mendoza sat in the light of the
open door, and the General smiled faintly, and emitted a pleased little
sigh of relief. "Indeed," continued Clay, "I should think Mr. Langham
might even save you the formality of purchasing the stock outright by
sending you its money equivalent. I beg your pardon," he asked,
interrupting himself, "does your orderly understand English?"

"He does not," the General assured him, eagerly, dragging his chair a
little closer.

"Suppose now that Mr. Langham were to put fifty or let us say sixty
thousand dollars to your account in the Valencia Bank, do you think
this vote of want of confidence in the Government on the question of
our concession would still be moved?"

"I am sure it would not," exclaimed the leader of the Opposition,
nodding his head violently.

"Sixty thousand dollars," repeated Clay, slowly, "for yourself; and do
you think, General, that were you paid that sum you would be able to
call off your friends, or would they make a demand for stock also?"

"Have no anxiety at all, they do just what I say," returned Mendoza, in
an eager whisper. "If I say 'It is all right, I am satisfied with what
the Government has done in my absence,' it is enough. And I will say
it, I give you the word of a soldier, I will say it. I will not move a
vote of want of confidence on Tuesday. You need go no farther than
myself. I am glad that I am powerful enough to serve you, and if you
doubt me"--he struck his heart and bowed with a deprecatory smile--"you
need not pay in the money in exchange for the stock all at the same
time. You can pay ten thousand this year, and next year ten thousand
more and so on, and so feel confident that I shall have the interests
of