s to get them comfortable quarters. You go
down and face the music, and I'll trot out to Goodwin's and see if
Mrs. Goodwin won't take them in. They've got the decentest house in
town."

"Bless you, Billy!" said the consul. "I knew you wouldn't desert me.
The world's bound to come to an end, but maybe we can stave it off
for a day or two."

Keogh hoisted his umbrella and set out for Goodwin's house. Johnny
put on his coat and hat. He picked up the brandy bottle, but set it
down again without drinking, and marched bravely down to the beach.

In the shade of the custom-house walls he found Mr. Hemstetter and
Rosine surrounded by a mass of gaping citizens. The customs officers
were ducking and scraping, while the captain of the _Andador_
interpreted the business of the new arrivals. Rosine looked healthy
and very much alive. She was gazing at the strange scenes around her
with amused interest. There was a faint blush upon her round cheek as
she greeted her old admirer. Mr. Hemstetter shook hands with Johnny
in a very friendly way. He was an oldish, impractical man--one
of that numerous class of erratic business men who are forever
dissatisfied, and seeking a change.

"I am very glad to see you, John--may I call you John?" he said. "Let
me thank you for your prompt answer to our postmaster's letter of
inquiry. He volunteered to write to you on my behalf. I was looking
about for something different in the way of a business in which the
profits would be greater. I had noticed in the papers that this coast
was receiving much attention from investors. I am extremely grateful
for your advice to come. I sold out everything that I possess, and
invested the proceeds in as fine a stock of shoes as could be bought
in the North. You have a picturesque town here, John. I hope business
will be as good as your letter justifies me in expecting."

Johnny's agony was abbreviated by the arrival of Keogh, who hurried
up with the news that Mrs. Goodwin would be much pleased to place
rooms at the disposal of Mr. Hemstetter and his daughter. So there
Mr. Hemstetter and Rosine were at once conducted and left to
recuperate from the fatigue of the voyage, while Johnny went down
to see that the cases of shoes were safely stored in the customs
warehouse pending their examination by the officials. Keogh, grinning
like a shark, skirmished about to find Goodwin, to instruct him not
to expose to Mr. Hemstetter the true state of Coralio as a shoe
ma