the workings, and the Panama Railroad, which was built years ago
during the California gold rush and bought by our government at
the time of that terrible revolution I told you about. The latter
is a regular system, hauls passengers and freight, but the two
work together. You will start in with the P. R. R., Mr. Anthony,
under my despotic sway."

"I know a little about railroading."

"So much the better. There's a big railroad man by your name in
the States. Are you related?"

"I believe so," Kirk answered, quietly. "Go ahead with the
lesson."

"The Canal Zone is a strip of land ten miles wide running across
the Isthmus--really an American colony, you know, for we govern
it, police it, and all that. As for the work itself, well, the
fellows at the two ends of the Canal are dredging night and day to
complete their part, the lock-builders are laying concrete like
mad to get their share done first, the chaps in the big cut are
boring through the hills like moles and breaking steam-shovel
records every week, while we railroad men take care of the whole
shooting-match. Of course, there are other departments--sanitary,
engineering, commissary, and so forth--all doing their share; but
that is the general scheme. Everybody is trying to break records.
We don't think of anything except our own business. Each fellow
believes the fate of the Canal depends upon him. We've lost
interest in everything except this ditch, and while we realize
that there is such a place as home, it has become merely a spot