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Rh much of the serpent. The whole design is a lie. There is the Cap of Liberty; and yet there is no true liberty of thought and speech in Mexico; — there is the word 'law'; and they have no law; they are sans foi ni loi ni roi. The coin is a braggart like the Mexican. Truly free nations do not boast too much of law and liberty."

"And the Exposition?"

"Ah, bah! — the Exposition! What have they to exhibit? Knives and revolvers and wooden ploughs?"

"Nothing else?"

"Ah, yes! — one Thing! — the one Thing in which Mexico defies competition. I believe I have brought a few specimens in my serape — magnificent specimens — which defy rivalry."

But when he ceased to speak, no answer fell upon his ear, and, turning himself thrice about, he found himself alone.