I privately hoped that not even the sentries would be about, but I didn’t say so.
“Of course, sir, I shall lock the gate. You’ve got your key?”
“Yes, all right, and here you are—and much obliged for your trouble.”
Highly astonished and grateful at receiving a large tip for no obvious reason (rather a mistake on my part), the man was profuse in promising to make every arrangement for my comfort. Even when I asked for a few cushions, he dissembled his scorn and agreed to put them in.
“And mind you don’t sit up,” I said as I left him.
“I’m not likely to sit up if I’m not obliged,” he answered. “Hope you’ll have good sport, sir.”
From the harbor I made my way straight to the Golden House. The colonel was rather surprised to see me again so soon, but when I told him I came on business, he put his occupations on one side and listened to me.
I began with some anxiety, for if he suspected my good faith all would be lost. However, I was always a good hand at a lie, and the colonel was not the President.
“I’ve come about that money question,” I said.
“Well, have you come to your senses?” he asked, with his habitual rudeness.