_fiasco_. Congress dropped the measure like a
hot plate. The demands of the "revolutionists" were quickly met by the
federal government. The _causae belli_ evaporated. And Wenceslas
retired in chagrin to the solitude of his study, to bite his nails and
wonder dubiously if his party were strong enough to insure his
appointment to the See of Cartagena in the event of the then aged
occupant's demise.

It was this hasty judgment of Wenceslas and his political associates
which had delayed further consideration of the objectionable measure
for six years. But the interim had seen his party enormously
strengthened, himself in control of the See, and his preparations
completed for turning the revolt, whenever it should come, to his own
great advantage. He had succeeded in holding the Church party aloof
from actual participation in politics during the present crisis. And
he was now keeping it in constant readiness to throw its tremendous
influence to whichever side should offer the greatest inducements.

Time passed. The measure dragged. Congress dallied; and then prepared
to adjourn. Wenceslas received a code message from his agent in Bogota
that the measure would be laid on the table. At the same time came a
sharp prod from New York. The funds had been provided to finance the
impending revolution. The concessions to be granted were satisfactory.
Why the delay? Had the Church party exaggerated its influence upon
Congress?

Wenceslas stormed aloud. "_Santa Virgen!_" he muttered, as he paced
angrily back and forth in his study. "A curse upon Congress! A
curse--"

He stopped still. In the midst of his imprecations an idea occurred to
him. He went to his _escritorio_ and drew out the Legate's recent
report. "Ah," he mused, "that pig-headed Alcalde. And the good little
Jose. They may serve. _Bien_, we shall see."

Then he summoned his secretary and dictated telegrams to Bogota and
New York, and a long letter to the Alcalde of Simiti. These finished,
he called a young acolyte in waiting.

"Take a message to the Governor," he commanded. "Say to His Excellency
that I shall, call upon him at three this afternoon, to discuss
matters of gravest import." Dismissing his secretary, he leaned back
in his chair and dropped into a profound revery.

Shortly before the hour which he had set for conference with the
Departmental Governor, Wenceslas rose and went to his _escritorio_,
from which he took a paper-bound book.

"H'm," he comme