Regan wrote a check, in the name of Alvarez Torres, and when that gentleman glanced at it he read the figures of a thousand dollars.
“Now here’s the idea,” said Regan. “I don’t believe a word in your story. But I have a young friend, and he is too tired to live in a big town, you understand?”
Senor Alvarez Torres bowed.
“Now, for the good of his health, as well as his wealth and the saving of his soul, the best thing that could happen to him is a trip after treasure, adventure, exercise, and… you readily understand, I am sure.”
Again Alvarez Torres bowed.
“You need the money,” Regan continued. “Try to interest him. That thousand is for your effort. If he departs after old Morgan’s gold, two thousand more is yours. If he remains away three months, two thousand more; six months – five thousand. Oh, believe me, I knew his father. We were comrades, partners, I might say, almost brothers. I can sacrifice any sum to his son. What do you say? The thousand is yours to begin with. Well?”
With trembling fingers Senor Alvarez Torres folded and unfolded the check.
“I… I accept,” he stammered and faltered in his eagerness. “I… I… How shall I say?… I am yours. Mr. Regan, it is true. I need the money. You are so generous, and I shall do my best…”
Senor Torres went away. In some minutes Francis Morgan came in.
“I have come for a bit of counsel,” he said, greetings over.[13] “And to whom but you should I apply, who was a friend of my father? You and he were partners, I understand, on some of the biggest deals. He always told me to trust your judgment. And, well, here I am. What’s up with Tampico Petroleum?[14]”
“Tampico Petroleum is up two points,[15]” Regan said.
“That’s what I say,” Francis answered. “I worry. Don’t you think somebody is trying to get control?”
His father’s associate shook the head.
“Why,” he said, “What do you say?”
“Of course it’s good,” was Francis’ warm response. “If it drops, I’ll buy. I tell you, Regan, it’s immense. I have a kind of interest, I’m doing nicely, and I don’t want Tampico Petroleum to go up.”
“Don’t you worry about that, my boy. You go fishing and forget it.” Regan paused, with finely simulated sudden recollection, and picked up Alvarez Torres’ card with the note. “Look, who’s just been here – Senor Alvarez Torres.”