Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/253

Rh promised the gold of the American Treasury, the Army and Navy of the United States? This childish proposition bears the stamp of the man who formulated it. * * * What, you believed in such empty talk? It is an unpardonable folly. With your imprudence you have indeed brought yourself to a pretty pass."

"Alas!" said Amador, "if we had been only dropped, but the case is much worse." And he went on to tell how this man had been warned that their messages were being intercepted but had failed to tell Amador. Concluded the unhappy filibuster, "I have been thus exposed unwittingly to the danger of giving up my friends to death. * * *"

In saying this, the old doctor could scarcely master his intense exasperation.

"Calm yourself, my poor Doctor, you are the victim of your own heedlessness. * * * Tell me what are your hopes and on what are based your chances of success. Tell me calmly, methodically, precisely."

These words soothed the exasperation of