growing limp. To shatter this old man's eager hopes would be like
kicking a child in the face. Carter had never been so
enthusiastic, so demonstrative; there was something almost
theatrical in his greeting. It dismayed O'Reilly immensely to
realize what a hold he must have upon his employer's affections.
Although the latter had a reputation for self-control, he appeared
to be in a perfect flutter now. He assumed a boisterousness which
seemed strained and wholly out of keeping with the circumstances.
His actions vaguely reminded the younger man of an ambling draft-
horse trying to gallop; and when, for the fourth time, Mr. Carter
inquired solicitously concerning his visitor's well-being,
Johnnie's dismay turned to amazement. With a heavy playfulness Mr.
Carter at length remarked:

"Well, my boy, you made a fizzle of it, didn't you?" The tone was
almost complimentary.

"Yes, sir, I'm a bright and shining failure," O'Reilly
acknowledged, hopefully.

"Now, don't 'yes, sir' me. We're friends, aren't we? Good!
Understand, I don't blame you in the least--it's that idiotic
revolution that spoiled our business. I can't understand those
people. Lord! You did splendidly, under the circumstances."

"They have reason enough to revolt--oppression, tyranny,
corruption." O'Reilly mumbled the familiar words in a numb
paralysis at Mr. Carter's jovial familiarity.

"All Latin countries are corrupt," announced the importer--"always