"Oh, come, now," laughed the Master of Transportation, "that sort of thing isn't done. You have the chance, and you'd be foolish to let it slip. I don't blame you; I'd do the same under the circumstances. It's merely a condition we've all got to face."
"Just the same, I don't like the idea. I'd feel uncomfortable if I met some capable fellow whom I'd robbed of his chance. It's hard work to be uncomfortable, and I don't like hard work, you know."
Runnels shook his head doubtfully as if questioning the genuineness of this attitude.
"I'm afraid you're a poor business man," he said.
"Rotten!" Kirk admitted. "But I've an idea I can make good if I try."
"If you feel that way, I certainly will help you," said the other, warmly. "Of course, I'll try to help you anyhow, but—I like your spirit. With Mrs. Cortlandt to back me up, I'll see you go forward as fast as you deserve."
By now they were out of the Cut and once more upon the main line at Bas
Obispo, heading back toward the Pacific.
"You asked me to tell you something about her," Runnels continued.
"Yes."
"I'm not sure my information is entirely correct, but, knowing who she is, I think I understand why she is in Panama. It is politics—big politics. The Spiggoties have an election next year, and it is necessary to get our wires well laid before it comes off. General Alfarez will probably be the next president."