large exporters in the United States in permitting the French and
German houses to practically control the trade interests of this
rich and productive country"--when he heard the hoarse notes of
a steamer's siren.

Geddie laid down his pen and gathered his Panama hat and umbrella.
By the sound he knew it to be the ~Valhalla~, one of the line of
fruit vessels plying for the Vesuvius Company. Down to ~ninos~ of
five years, every one in Coralio could name you each incoming steamer
by the note of her siren.

The consul sauntered by a roundabout, shaded way to the beach.
By reason of long practice he gauged his stroll so accurately that
by the time he arrived on the sandy shore the boat of the customs
officials was rowing back from the steamer, which had been boarded
and inspected according to the laws of Anchuria.

There is no harbor at Coralio. Vessels of the draught of the
~Valhalla~ must ride at anchor a mile from shore. When they take on
fruit it is conveyed on lighters and freighter sloops. At Solitas,
where there was a fine harbor, ships of many kinds were to be seen,
but in the roadstead off Coralio scarcely any save the fruiters
paused. Now and then a tramp coaster, or a mysterious brig from
Spain, and then a tramp coaster, or a mysterious brig from Spain,
or a saucy French barque would hang innocently for a few days in
the offing. Then the custom-house crew would become doubly vigilant
and wary. At night a sloop or two would be making strange trips in
and out along the shore; and in the morning the stock of Three-Star
Hennessey, wines and drygoods in Coralio would be found vastly
increased. It has also been said that the customs officials jingled