Part 19 (2/2)

”I am safe there, for a time,” said Sarmiento ”The opposition dare not arrest me, and the citizens would have to be satisfied if I disappeared

There would be a riot, and the Government is not ready to use force yet”

”I see,” said Grahame ”It's evident that you are popular; but the leaders ofto sacrifice a coht not suit thes happen But my hold is on the people They would not be appeased”

”May I ask how you got that hold?”

”I will tell you, senor My family is of some importance, and at first I was not an active liberator The peons on norant, superstitious people with childish passions; but they trusted him, and it was our tradition that they should be treated well As I grew up, however, I saw that much had not been done They wasted effort, suffered needless pains, and died of diseases that ht be stamped out In my inexperience I resolved that I would teach them to live healthily and well”

”I dare say you found it hard”

Sar and an enthusiast, and it hurts to be arded me with suspicion; but this was not the worst One is not supposed to be disinterested in erous person His aiain power, and those who have it watch him with a jealous eye Well, I found my scheood with must be spent in bribes, and at last I saw that before iovernment must be reformed I am not naturally a politician, senor; I was forced to becoreement

”I think I understand,” he said

”It was uphill work, but the peasants I had helped began to trust ave me their support, and so an influence, and it was supposed I could be bought Petty honors were offered and an official post When it was found that these things did not teer to the State”

”And the President tried a different plan!”

”Sometimes I feared for my liberty, and soe in Cuba and the United States; much of my money has been spent But the deterrowing strong, and soon the reckoning with our oppressors will cos be very much better afterward?”

Sarmiento spread out his hands

”Who can tell? One strives and hopes for the best It is all that is possible Sohts for”

Grahame did not answer, and his companion sank into the ed in an arduous struggle, and Grahame suspected that disappointment would meet him even in hardly won victory The man was sincere, and had sacrificed much for his country's sake; but he could not work alone, and itpoould restore the abuses he had destroyed It looked as if he knew this, but did not let it daunt hi silence Saro on board the Pinillo boat now,” he said ”Our business is done, and it is well that you sail to-o, you will hear fro down his hat, he left the cafe with his cloak thrown loosely over his shoulder, but Grahaht hand free

CHAPTER XIV

SMOOTH WATER

There was no wind except the draught the stea swell Cuba floated like a high, blue cloud over the port hand, cut off froht, and the broad Yucatan Channel, gli like silver, stretched ahead The deck had been holystoned and well sluiced before sunrise and was not quite dry, and there was a slight coolness in the air where Evelyn Cliffe sat under the awning

Macallister leaned on the rail near by, wearing a white cap with a reasy duck He had given his dress souel stood at the wheel, barefooted, tall, and picturesque in spotless white, with a red cap and a red sash round his waist A few big logs of hardwood that gave out an aromatic smell were made fast amidshi+ps