“Something like yours. We can’t allow the black eagle to find an eyrie in this part of the world, but just now our Western bird’s talons are blunt. She hasn’t been rending the innocents like the other, but one or two of our former leaders are anxious to put her into fighting trim, and I dare say something of the kind will be done. However, Brandon hasn’t taken much part in this conversation. I guess he’s thinking about his work!”
Dick, who had been sitting quiet with a thoughtful face, got up.
“I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes, Stuyvesant.”
“Very well,” said the other, who turned to Bethune and Jake. “I don’t want to play the domineering boss, but we’re not paid to sit here and fix up international politics.”
They went away and Stuyvesant looked at Dick who said, “I ought to start in the launch to-morrow to get the laborers you want, but I can’t go.”
“Why?”
Dick hesitated. “The fact is I’ve something else to do.”
“Ah!” said Stuyvesant. “I think the understanding was that Fuller bought all your time.”
“He did. I’m sorry, but——”
“But if I insist on your going down the coast, you’ll break your agreement.”