“The Union Electric,” I said, “doesn't do business for love of humanity, and it didn't send me down here for my health.”
“Alas! No?” sighed the Mayor, wiping his forehead. “The corporations are without souls, pitiless. I read it in a newspaper, that also of the United States. But if the Senor's health is delicate, a trip to the hills—-”
“I give you till Wednesday night.”
He brightened up.
“It is a festival night. The municipal band will play in the Plaza. The people will dance. Portate is a city of pleasure, a second Paris. And you, Senor, will honour us, on the balcony of the magistrates.”
“Thirty thousand dollars by Wednesday night, or I shut off the lights. With great regret, your Excellency——”
“Senor——”
“It's an ultimatum. Allow me to express, nevertheless——”
The Mayor rose, smiling.
“Nevertheless, you will observe the festival. A delight, Senor, a panorama!”