Alvarez shrugged.  “A railroad can be cut, and locomotives break down at awkward times when their drivers are bribed.  Then, I have granted so many concessions that there is not much that foreigners think worth getting left in the country.  One must keep something to bargain with.”

“Governing a people like yours is an expensive job.  However, since they make it expensive, they oughtn’t to grumble if you tax them high.”

“They do not always pay the taxes,” Alvarez rejoined with a twinkle.  “If they run me out, they will probably disown their debts, and then there will be trouble with the foreigners.  Still, that is not very important, because I shall be gone and the Americans will not let the others’ consuls use much pressure.  The speculators understand the risks.”

“That’s so,” said Adam and added meaningly:  “Some of the speculators are American.”

Alvarez put his finely-shaped hand on Adam’s arm.  “My friend, if it is possible, you will be paid.  If not, it will be because I am dead.”

“I know,” said Adam.  “I’m not scared to take chances and when they go against me I don’t grumble.  Anyhow, time is important and if you work this ball properly it ought to give us another week.  You’ll get the money for your soldiers shortly afterwards and Mayne will land your guns.”

The president’s dark face softened and he smiled.

“I know whom I can trust,” he said and went away.

“If it’s possible for a half-breed to be an honest man, Don Hernando meets the bill,” Adam remarked.  “Anyhow, he’s a better president than these folks deserve, and they’ll be blamed fools if they turn him down.”  He was silent for a few moments and then resumed:  “I gave you a share in my business, Kit, and now, if you are willing, I’ll buy you out.”

“But I’m quite satisfied; I’d much sooner stick to our agreement,” Kit said with surprise.

“Well, I guess you’re rash.  Your share isn’t large but it would go some way to buy an English farm.  Raising Herdwick sheep is a pretty tame occupation, but I reckon it’s safer than backing Alvarez.”

Kit thought hard and imagined he saw Adam’s object.  “Of course,” he said, “if you want to get rid of me—­”

“I don’t know that I’m keen.  You’re some help, but you came out to forget the girl in England, and not to stay.  Well, if you mean to go, now’s your time.”

“The trouble is I haven’t forgotten her,” Kit answered quietly.

Adam’s eyes twinkled.  “If you go home, you may get her, and I allow she’s probably worth the effort, but you’re not going to side-track me like that.  If you quit now, I can buy you out and you’ll have something to help you make another start; afterwards I mayn’t be able.  You needn’t hesitate about taking the money; I guess you’ve earned it.”

“I suspected where you were leading.  Still you see, I’d sooner stay.  For one thing, I hate leaving an awkward job half finished.  You’re beginning to feel the job is bigger than you thought it was when you undertook it?”