* Hexagonal gold pieces valued at $50 each, issued by a private
firm as coin in the early days.


"But, look yer--suppose I want this thing stopped--you hear me--
STOPPED--now."

"That would be interfering with the liberty of the subject, my good
Jenkinson--which God forbid!" said Don Jose calmly. "Moreover, it
is the custom of the Americanos--a habit of my friend Roberto--a
necessity of his existence--and so recognized of his friends.
Patience and courage, Senor Jenkinson. Stay--ah, I comprehend! you
have--of a possibility--a wife?"

"No, I'm a widower," said Jenkinson sharply.

"Then I congratulate you. My friend Roberto would have kissed her.
It is also of his habit. Truly you have escaped much. I embrace
you, Jenkinson."

He threw his arms gravely around Jenkinson, in whose astounded face
at last an expression of dry humor faintly dawned. After a
moment's survey of Don Jose's impenetrable gravity, he coolly
gathered up the gold coins, and saying that he would assess the
damages and return the difference, he left the room as abruptly as
he had entered it.

But Don Jose was not destined to remain long in peaceful study of