It passed in a moment, and in manner he was once more my superior
officer, but the door he had opened was never again wholly shut to me.

In the guard-room I presented Lowell to the president, and I was proud
to see the respect with which Lowell addressed him. At the first
glance they seemed to understand each other, and they talked together
as simply as would friends of long acquaintance.

After they had spoken of many things, Laguerre said: "Would it be fair
for me to ask you, Mr. Lowell, what instructions the United States has
given your commanding officer in regard to our government?"

To this Lowell answered: "All I know, sir, is that when we arrived at
Amapala, Captain Miller telegraphed the late president, Doctor
Alvarez, that we were here to protect American interests. But you
probably know," he added, "as everyone else does, that we came here
because the Isthmian Line demanded protection."

"Yes, so I supposed," Laguerre replied. "But I understand Mr. Graham
has said that when Mr. Fiske gives the word Captain Miller will land
your marines and drive us out of the country."

Lowell shrugged his shoulders and frowned.

"Mr. Graham--" he began, "is Mr. Graham." He added: "Captain Miller is
not taking orders from civilians, and he depends on his own sources
for information. I am here because he sent me to 'Go, look, see,' and
report. I have been wiring him ever since you started from the coast,
and since you became president. Your censor has very kindly allowed me