Thus the two great Patriots met in the gayly decked tropic city. One had liberated all the northern part of Spanish America, the other had brought Independence to two southern Republics: Bolivar small, alert, sagacious, of vivid personality and iron will impatient of restraint, elegantly clad in full dress uniform; San Martin, stalwart, earnest, simple, yet strong, dressed in plain garments.
On the result of their conference, hung the completed Freedom of all Spanish America.
They were left alone.
They conferred for more than an hour.
No one knew what they discussed. But those who caught glimpses of them, said that Bolivar seemed agitated, while San Martin was grave and calm.
After the conference, San Martin sent his baggage back to the ship.
The next day, they conferred again.
Again, nobody knew what they discussed.
That night, San Martin went aboard his ship, and sailed for Peru.