“I was not aware of that.”
“When the members assembled a short time ago, I sent a representative with a request that he be permitted to act as one of them. Do you know what reply was made? They said they had never heard of the Republic of Zalapata.”
“In other words, they told you to make a reputation first. Quite natural, under the circumstances. Nevertheless, I would beg to insist that the proper course is to refer this quarrel to The Hague Tribunal, unless the President of the United States can be induced to act as arbitrator. More than likely he will settle the wrangle by paying the claim out of his own pocket.”
“You mistake your man!” roared General Bambos; “you fail to see that that would relieve General Yozarro from punishment for his insults and outrages against Zalapata. It would encourage him to continue his infamous course, since our powerful neighbor on the north would relieve him from all penalty. Moreover, it would display a fatal timidity on the part of the United States regarding their pet idol,—the Monroe Doctrine. Such a subterfuge cannot be permitted.”
“I had thought of offering to pay the bill myself.”
With fine sarcasm, General Bambos said: “I am glad you are provided with a surfeit of funds. Perhaps you will be willing to float our last loan?”
“That depends upon its size; if it isn’t more than a few hundred dollars I am quite ready to give you a lift.”
“I must decline to permit any more quibbling.”
“Will you consent that I shall close the incident by paying this claim against President Yozarro of the Republic of Atlamalco?”
“I do if you will agree to enforce the other conditions.”