In face of this crisis my hesitation left me.

"I have received a cable from Europe, Jones," said I, "instructing me
to advance a sum of money to his Excellency; I am engaged in carrying
out these instructions."

"Cable?" said Jones. "Where is it?"

"In my pocket," said I, feeling for it. "No! Why I must have left it
at the Golden House."

The President came to my assistance.

"I saw it on the table just before we started. Though I presume Mr.
Jones has no _right_--"

"None at all," I said briskly.

"Yet, as a matter of concession, Mr. Martin will no doubt show it to
him to-morrow?"

"Strictly as a matter of concession perhaps I will, though I am bound
to say that I am surprised at your manner, Mr. Jones."

Jones looked sadly puzzled.

"It's all irregular, sir," said he.

"Hardly more so than your costume!" said the President pleasantly.