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diff --git a/1764-h/1764-h.htm b/1764-h/1764-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9abf2a --- /dev/null +++ b/1764-h/1764-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1564 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + Billy and the Big Stick, by Richard Harding Davis + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Billy and the Big Stick, by Richard Harding Davis + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Billy and the Big Stick + +Author: Richard Harding Davis + +Release Date: September 21, 2008 [EBook #1764] +Last Updated: September 26, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BILLY AND THE BIG STICK *** + + + + +Produced by Aaron Cannon, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + BILLY AND THE BIG STICK + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Richard Harding Davis + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Had the Wilmot Electric Light people remained content only to make light, + had they not, as a by-product, attempted to make money, they need not have + left Hayti. + </p> + <p> + When they flooded with radiance the unpaved streets of Port-au-Prince no + one, except the police, who complained that the lights kept them awake, + made objection; but when for this illumination the Wilmot Company demanded + payment, every one up to President Hamilear Poussevain was surprised and + grieved. So grieved was President Ham, as he was lovingly designated, that + he withdrew the Wilmot concession, surrounded the power-house with his + barefooted army, and in a proclamation announced that for the future the + furnishing of electric light would be a monopoly of the government. + </p> + <p> + In Hayti, as soon as it begins to make money, any industry, native or + foreign, becomes a monopoly of the government. The thing works + automatically. It is what in Hayti is understood as <i>haute</i> finance. + The Wilmot people should have known that. Because they did not know that, + they stood to lose what they had sunk in the electric-light plant, and + after their departure to New York, which departure was accelerated as far + as the wharf by seven generals and twelve privates, they proceeded to lose + more money on lobbyists and lawyers who claimed to understand + international law; even the law of Hayti. And lawyers who understand that + are high-priced. + </p> + <p> + The only employee of the Wilmot force who was not escorted to the wharf + under guard was Billy Barlow. He escaped the honor because he was + superintendent of the power-house, and President Ham believed that without + him the lightning would not strike. Accordingly by an executive order + Billy became an employee of the government. With this arrangement the + Wilmot people were much pleased. For they trusted Billy, and they knew + while in the courts they were righting to regain their property, he would + see no harm came to it. + </p> + <p> + Billy’s title was Directeur General et Inspecteur Municipal de Luminaire + Electrique, which is some title, and his salary was fifty dollars a week. + In spite of Billy’s color President Ham always treated his only white + official with courtesy and gave him his full title. About giving him his + full salary he was less particular. This neglect greatly annoyed Billy. He + came of sturdy New England stock and possessed that New England conscience + which makes the owner a torment to himself, and to every one else a + nuisance. Like all the other Barlows of Barnstable on Cape Cod, Billy had + worked for his every penny. He was no shirker. From the first day that he + carried a pair of pliers in the leg pocket of his overalls, and in a + sixty-knot gale stretched wires between ice-capped tele graph poles, he + had more than earned his wages. Never, whether on time or at piece-work, + had he by a slovenly job, or by beating the whistle, robbed his employer. + And for his honest toil he was determined to be as honestly paid—even + by President Hamilcar Poussevain. And President Ham never paid anybody; + neither the Armenian street peddlers, in whose sweets he delighted, nor + the Bethlehem Steel Company, nor the house of Rothschild. + </p> + <p> + Why he paid Billy even the small sums that from time to time Billy wrung + from the president’s strong box the foreign colony were at a loss to + explain. Wagner, the new American consul, asked Billy how he managed it. + As an American minister had not yet been appointed to the duties of the + consul, as Wagner assured everybody, were added those of diplomacy. But + Haytian diplomacy he had yet to master. At the seaport in Scotland where + he had served as vice-consul, law and order were as solidly established as + the stone jetties, and by contrast the eccentricities of the Black + REPUBLIC baffled and distressed him. + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be that you blackmail the president,” said the consul, “because + I understand he boasts he has committed all the known crimes.” + </p> + <p> + “And several he invented,” agreed Billy. + </p> + <p> + “And you can’t do it with a gun, because they tell me the president isn’t + afraid of anything except a voodoo priestess. What is your secret?” coaxed + the consul. “If you’ll only sell it, I know several Powers that would give + you your price.” Billy smiled modestly. + </p> + <p> + “It’s very simple,” he said. “The first time my wages were shy I went to + the palace and told him if he didn’t come across I’d shut off the juice. I + think he was so stunned at anybody asking him for real money that while he + was still stunned he opened his safe and handed me two thousand francs. I + think he did it more in admiration for my nerve than because he owed it. + The next time pay-day arrived, and the pay did not, I didn’t go to the + palace. I just went to bed, and the lights went to bed, too. You may + remember?” The consul snorted indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “I was holding three queens at the time,” he protested. “Was it YOU did + that?” + </p> + <p> + “It was,” said Billy. “The police came for me to start the current going + again, but I said I was too ill. Then the president’s own doctor came, old + Gautier, and Gautier examined me with a lantern and said that in Hayti my + disease frequently proved fatal, but he thought if I turned on the lights + I might recover. I told him I was tired of life, anyway, but that if I + could see three thousand francs it might give me an incentive. He reported + back to the president and the three thousand francs arrived almost + instantly, and a chicken broth from Ham’s own chef, with His Excellency’s + best wishes for the recovery of the invalid. My recovery was + instantaneous, and I switched on the lights. + </p> + <p> + “I had just moved into the Widow Ducrot’s hotel that week, and her + daughter Claire wouldn’t let me eat the broth. I thought it was because, + as she’s a dandy cook herself, she was professionally jealous. She put the + broth on the top shelf of the pantry and wrote on a piece of paper, + ‘Gare!’ But the next morning a perfectly good cat, who apparently couldn’t + read, was lying beside it dead.” + </p> + <p> + The consul frowned reprovingly. + </p> + <p> + “You should not make such reckless charges,” he protested. “I would call + it only a coincidence.” + </p> + <p> + “You can call it what you please,” said Billy, “but it won’t bring the cat + back. Anyway, the next time I went to the palace to collect, the president + was ready for me. He said he’d been taking out information, and he found + if I shut off the lights again he could hire another man in the States to + turn them on. I told him he’d been deceived. I told him the Wilmot + Electric Lights were produced by a secret process, and that only a trained + Wilmot man could work them. And I pointed out to him if he dismissed me it + wasn’t likely the Wilmot people would loan him another expert; not while + they were fighting him through the courts and the State Department. That + impressed the old man; so I issued my ultimatum. I said if he must have + electric lights he must have me, too. Whether he liked it or not, mine was + a life job.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he say to that?” gasped the new consul. + </p> + <p> + “Said it wasn’t a life job, because he was going to have me shot at + sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you said?” + </p> + <p> + “I said if he did that there wouldn’t be any electric lights, and you + would bring a warship and shoot Hayti off the map.” + </p> + <p> + The new consul was most indignant. + </p> + <p> + “You had no right to say that!” he protested. “You did very ill. My + instructions are to avoid all serious complications.” + </p> + <p> + “That was what I was trying to avoid,” said Billy. “Don’t you call being + shot at sunset a serious complication? Or would that be just a + coincidence, too? You’re a hellofa consul!” + </p> + <p> + Since his talk with the representative of his country four months had + passed and Billy still held his job. But each month the number of francs + he was able to wrest from President Hamilcar dwindled, and were won only + after verbal conflicts that each month increased in violence. + </p> + <p> + To the foreign colony it became evident that, in the side of President + Ham, Billy was a thorn, sharp, irritating, virulent, and that at any + moment Ham might pluck that thorn and Billy would leave Hayti in haste, + and probably in hand-cuffs. This was evident to Billy, also, and the + prospect was most disquieting. Not because he loved Hayti, but because + since he went to lodge at the cafe of the Widow Ducrot, he had learned to + love her daughter Claire, and Claire loved him. + </p> + <p> + On the two thousand dollars due him from Ham they plotted to marry. This + was not as great an adventure as it might appear. Billy knew that from the + Wilmot people he always was sure of a salary, and one which, with such an + excellent housekeeper as was Claire, would support them both. But with his + two thousand dollars as capital they could afford to plunge; they could go + upon a honeymoon; they need not dread a rainy day, and, what was of + greatest importance, they need not delay. There was good reason against + delay, for the hand of the beautiful Claire was already promised. The + Widow Ducrot had promised it to Paillard, he of the prosperous commission + business, the prominent EMBONPOINT, and four children. Monsieur Paillard + possessed an establishment of his own, but it was a villa in the suburbs; + and so, each day at noon, for his DEJEUNE he left his office and crossed + the street to the Cafe Ducrot. For five years this had been his habit. At + first it was the widow’s cooking that attracted him, then for a time the + widow herself; but when from the convent Claire came to assist her mother + in the cafe, and when from a lanky, big-eyed, long-legged child she grew + into a slim, joyous, and charming young woman, she alone was the + attraction, and the Widower Paillard decided to make her his wife. Other + men had made the same decision; and when it was announced that between + Claire and the widower a marriage had been “arranged,” the clerks in the + foreign commission houses and the agents of the steamship lines drowned + their sorrow in rum and ran the house flags to half-staff. Paillard + himself took the proposed alliance calmly. He was not an impetuous suitor. + With Widow Ducrot he agreed that Claire was still too young to marry, and + to himself kept the fact that to remarry he was in no haste. In his mind + doubts still lingered. With a wife, young enough to be one of his + children, disorganizing, the routine of his villa, would it be any more + comfortable than he now found it? Would his eldest daughter and her + stepmother dwell together in harmony? The eldest daughter had assured him + that so far as she was concerned they would not; and, after all, in + marrying a girl, no matter how charming, without a dot, and the daughter + of a boarding-house keeper, no matter how respectable, was he not + disposing of himself too cheaply? These doubts assailed Papa Paillard; + these speculations were in his mind. And while he speculated Billy acted. + </p> + <p> + “I know that in France,” Billy assured Claire, “marriages are arranged by + the parents; but in my country they are arranged in heaven. And who are we + to disregard the edicts of heaven? Ages and ages ago, before the flood, + before Napoleon, even before old Paillard with his four children, it was + arranged in heaven that you were to marry me. So, what little plans your + good mother may make don’t cut enough ice to cool a green mint. Now, we + can’t try to get married here,” continued Billy, “without your mother and + Paillard knowing it. In this town as many people have to sign the marriage + contract as signed our Declaration of Independence: all the civil + authorities, all the clergy, all the relatives; if every man in the + telephone book isn’t a witness, the marriage doesn’t ‘take.’ So, we must + elope!” + </p> + <p> + Having been brought up in a convent, where she was taught to obey her + mother and forbidden to think of marriage, Claire was naturally delighted + with the idea of an elopement. + </p> + <p> + “To where will we elope to?” she demanded. Her English, as she learned it + from Billy, was sometimes confusing. + </p> + <p> + “To New York,” said Billy. “On the voyage there I will put you in charge + of the stewardess and the captain; and there isn’t a captain on the Royal + Dutch or the Atlas that hasn’t known you since you were a baby. And as + soon as we dock we’ll drive straight to the city hall for a license and + the mayor himself will marry us. Then I’ll get back my old job from the + Wilmot folks and we’ll live happy ever after!” + </p> + <p> + “In New York, also,” asked Claire proudly, “are you directeur of the + electric lights?” + </p> + <p> + “On Broadway alone,” Billy explained reprovingly, “there is one sign that + uses more bulbs than there are in the whole of Hayti!” + </p> + <p> + “New York is a large town!” exclaimed Claire. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a large sign,” corrected Billy. “But,” he pointed out, “with no + money we’ll never see it. So to-morrow I’m going to make a social call on + Grandpa Ham and demand my ten thousand francs.” Claire grasped his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Be careful,” she pleaded. “Remember the chicken soup. If he offers you + the champagne, refuse it!” + </p> + <p> + “He won’t offer me the champagne,” Billy assured her. “It won’t be that + kind of a call.” + </p> + <p> + Billy left the Cafe Ducrot and made his way to the water-front. He was + expecting some electrical supplies by the PRINZ DER NEDERLANDEN, and she + had already come to anchor. + </p> + <p> + He was late, and save for a group of his countrymen, who with the customs + officials were having troubles of their own, the customs shed was all but + deserted. Billy saw his freight cleared and was going away when one of + those in trouble signalled for assistance. + </p> + <p> + He was a good-looking young man in a Panama hat and his manner seemed to + take it for granted that Billy knew who he was. “They want us to pay duty + on our trunks,” he explained, “and we want to leave them in bond. We’ll be + here only until to-night, when we’re going on down the coast to Santo + Domingo. But we don’t speak French, and we can’t make them understand + that.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t need to speak any language to give a man ten dollars,” said + Billy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed the man in the Panama. “I was afraid if I tried that they + might arrest us.” + </p> + <p> + “They may arrest you if you don’t,” said Billy. Acting both as interpreter + and disbursing agent, Billy satisfied the demands of his fellow employees + of the government, and his fellow countrymen he directed to the Hotel + Ducrot. + </p> + <p> + As some one was sure to take their money, he thought it might as well go + to his mother-in-law elect. The young man in the Panama expressed the + deepest gratitude, and Billy, assuring him he would see him later, + continued to the power-house, still wondering where he had seen him + before. + </p> + <p> + At the power-house he found seated at his desk a large, bearded stranger + whose derby hat and ready-to-wear clothes showed that he also had but just + arrived on the PRINZ DER NEDERLANDEN. + </p> + <p> + “You William Barlow?” demanded the stranger. “I understand you been + threatening, unless you get your pay raised, to commit sabotage on these + works?” + </p> + <p> + “Who the devil are you?” inquired Billy. + </p> + <p> + The stranger produced an impressive-looking document covered with seals. + </p> + <p> + “Contract with the president,” he said. “I’ve taken over your job. You + better get out quiet,” he advised, “as they’ve given me a squad of nigger + policemen to see that you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you aware that these works are the property of the Wilmot Company?” + asked Billy, “and that if anything went wrong here they’d hold you + responsible?” The stranger smiled complacently. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve run plants,” he said, “that make these lights look like a stable + lantern on a foggy night.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” assented Billy, “should anything happen, you’ll know + exactly what to do, and I can leave you in charge without feeling the + least anxiety.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what you can do,” the stranger agreed heartily, “and you + can’t do it too quick!” From the desk he took Billy’s favorite pipe and + loaded it from Billy’s tobacco-jar. But when Billy had reached the door he + called to him. “Before you go, son,” he said “you might give me a tip + about this climate. I never been in the tropics. It’s kind of unhealthy, + ain’t it?” + </p> + <p> + His expression was one of concern. + </p> + <p> + “If you hope to keep alive,” began Billy, “there are two things to avoid——” + The stranger laughed knowingly. + </p> + <p> + “I got you!” he interrupted. “You’re going to tell me to cut out wine and + women.” + </p> + <p> + “I was going to tell you,” said Billy, “to cut out hoping to collect any + wages and to avoid every kind of soup.” + </p> + <p> + From the power-house Billy went direct to the palace. His anxiety was + great. Now that Claire had consented to leave Hayti, the loss of his + position did not distress him. But the possible loss of his back pay would + be a catastrophe. He had hardly enough money to take them both to New + York, and after they arrived none with which to keep them alive. Before + the Wilmot Company could find a place for him a month might pass, and + during that month they might starve. If he went alone and arranged for + Claire to follow, he might lose her. Her mother might marry her to + Paillard; Claire might fall ill; without him at her elbow to keep her to + their purpose the voyage to an unknown land might require more courage + than she possessed. Billy saw it was imperative they should depart + together, and to that end he must have his two thousand dollars. The money + was justly his. For it he had sweated and slaved; had given his best + effort. And so, when he faced the president, he was in no conciliatory + mood. Neither was the president. + </p> + <p> + By what right, he demanded, did this foreigner affront his ears with + demands for money; how dared he force his way into his presence and to his + face babble of back pay? It was insolent, incredible. With indignation the + president set forth the position of the government: Billy had been + discharged and, with the appointment of his successor, the stranger in the + derby hat, had ceased to exist. The government could not pay money to some + one who did not exist. All indebtedness to Billy also had ceased to exist. + The account had been wiped out. Billy had been wiped out. The big negro, + with the chest and head of a gorilla, tossed his kinky white curls so + violently that the ringlets danced. Billy, he declared, had been a pest; a + fly that buzzed and buzzed and disturbed his slumbers. And now when the + fly thought he slept he had caught and crushed it-so. President Ham + clinched his great fist convulsively and, with delight in his pantomime, + opened his fingers one by one, and held out his pink palm, wrinkled and + crossed like the hand of a washerwoman, as though to show Billy that in it + lay the fly, dead. + </p> + <p> + “C’EST UNE CHOSE JUGEE!” thundered the president. He reached for his quill + pen. + </p> + <p> + But Billy, with Claire in his heart, with the injustice of it rankling in + his mind, did not agree. + </p> + <p> + “It is not an affair closed,” shouted Billy in his best French. “It is an + affair international, diplomatic; a cause for war!” + </p> + <p> + Believing he had gone mad, President Ham gazed at him speechless. + </p> + <p> + “From here I go to the cable Office,” shouted Billy. “I cable for a + warship! If, by to-night, I am not paid my money, marines will surround + our power-house, and the Wilmot people will back me up, and my government + will back me up!” + </p> + <p> + It was, so Billy thought, even as he launched it, a tirade satisfying and + magnificent. But in his turn the president did not agree. + </p> + <p> + He rose. He was a large man. Billy wondered he had not previously noticed + how very large he was. + </p> + <p> + “To-night at nine o’clock,” he said, “the German boat departs for New + York.” As though aiming a pistol, he raised his arm and at Billy pointed a + finger. “If, after she departs, you are found in Port-au-Prince, you will + be shot!” + </p> + <p> + The audience-chamber was hung with great mirrors in frames of tarnished + gilt. In these Billy saw himself reproduced in a wavering line of Billies + that, like the ghost of Banquo, stretched to the disappearing point. Of + such images there was an army, but of the real Billy, as he was acutely + conscious, there was but one. Among the black faces scowling from the + doorways he felt the odds were against him. Without making a reply he + passed out between the racks of rusty muskets in the anteroom, between the + two Gatling guns guarding the entrance, and on the palace steps, in + indecision, halted. + </p> + <p> + As Billy hesitated an officer followed him from the palace and beckoned to + the guard that sat in the bare dust of the Champ de Mars playing cards for + cartridges. Two abandoned the game, and, having received their orders, + picked their muskets from the dust and stood looking expectantly at Billy. + </p> + <p> + They were his escort, and it was evident that until nine o’clock, when he + sailed, his movements would be spied upon; his acts reported to the + president. + </p> + <p> + Such being the situation, Billy determined that his first act to be + reported should be of a nature to cause the president active mental + anguish. With his guard at his heels he went directly to the cable + station, and to the Secretary of State of the United States addressed this + message: “President refuses my pay; threatens shoot; wireless nearest + war-ship proceed here full speed. William Barlow.” + </p> + <p> + Billy and the director of telegraphs, who out of office hours was a + field-marshal, and when not in his shirt-sleeves always appeared in + uniform, went over each word of the cablegram together. When Billy was + assured that the field-marshal had grasped the full significance of it he + took it back and added, “Love to Aunt Maria.” The extra words cost four + dollars and eighty cents gold, but, as they suggested ties of blood + between himself and the Secretary of State, they seemed advisable. In the + account-book in which he recorded his daily expenditures Billy credited + the item to “life-insurance.” + </p> + <p> + The revised cablegram caused the field-marshal deep concern. He frowned at + Billy ferociously. + </p> + <p> + “I will forward this at once,” he promised. “But, I warn you,” he added, + “I deliver also a copy to MY president!” + </p> + <p> + Billy sighed hopefully. + </p> + <p> + “You might deliver the copy first,” he suggested. + </p> + <p> + From the cable station Billy, still accompanied by his faithful retainers, + returned to the power-house. There he bade farewell to the black brothers + who had been his assistants, and upon one of them pressed a sum of money. + </p> + <p> + As they parted, this one, as though giving the password of a secret + society, chanted solemnly: + </p> + <p> + “A HUIT HEURES JUSTE!” And Billy clasped his hand and nodded. + </p> + <p> + At the office of the Royal Dutch West India Line Billy purchased a ticket + to New York and inquired were there many passengers. “The ship is empty,” + said the agent. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” said Billy, “for one of my assistants may come with me. He + also is being deported.” + </p> + <p> + “You can have as many cabins as you want,” said the agent. “We are so + sorry to see you go that we will try to make you feel you leave us on your + private yacht.” + </p> + <p> + The next two hours Billy spent in seeking out those acquaintances from + whom he could borrow money. He found that by asking for it in homoeopathic + doses he was able to shame the foreign colony into loaning him all of one + hundred dollars. This, with what he had in hand, would take Claire and + himself to New York and for a week keep them alive. After that he must + find work or they must starve. + </p> + <p> + In the garden of the Cafe Ducrot Billy placed his guard at a table with + bottles of beer between them, and at an ‘adjoining table with Claire + plotted the elopement for that night. The garden was in the rear of the + hotel and a door in the lower wall opened into the rue Cambon, that led + directly to the water-front. + </p> + <p> + Billy proposed that at eight o’clock Claire should be waiting in the rue + Cambon outside this door. They would then make their way to one of the + less frequented wharfs, where Claire would arrange to have a rowboat in + readiness, and in it they would take refuge on the steamer. An hour later, + before the flight of Claire could be discovered, they would have started + on their voyage to the mainland. + </p> + <p> + “I warn you,” said Billy, “that after we reach New York I have only enough + to keep us for a week. It will be a brief honey-moon. After that we will + probably starve. I’m not telling you this to discourage you,” he + explained; “only trying to be honest.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather starve with you in New York,” said Claire, “than die here + without you.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Billy desired greatly to kiss Claire, but the guards were + scowling at him. It was not until Claire had gone to her room to pack her + bag and the chance to kiss her had passed that Billy recognized that the + scowls were intended to convey the fact that the beer bottles were empty. + He remedied this and remained alone at his table considering the out look. + The horizon was, indeed, gloomy, and the only light upon it, the loyalty + and love of the girl, only added to his bitterness. Above all things he + desired to make her content, to protect her from disquiet, to convince her + that in the sacrifice she was making she also was plotting her own + happiness. Had he been able to collect his ten thousand francs his world + would have danced in sunshine. As it was, the heavens were gray and for + the future the skies promised only rainy days. In these de pressing + reflections Billy was interrupted by the approach of the young man in the + Panama hat. Billy would have avoided him, but the young man and his two + friends would not be denied. For the service Billy had rendered them they + wished to express their gratitude. It found expression in the form of + Planter’s punch. As they consumed this Billy explained to the strangers + why the customs men had detained them. + </p> + <p> + “You told them you were leaving to-night for Santo Domingo,” said Billy; + “but they knew that was impossible, for there is no steamer down the coast + for two weeks.” + </p> + <p> + The one whose features seemed familiar replied: + </p> + <p> + “Still, we are leaving to-night,” he said; “not on a steamer, but on a + war-ship.” + </p> + <p> + “A war-ship?” cried Billy. His heart beat at high speed. “Then,” he + exclaimed, “you are a naval officer?” + </p> + <p> + The young man shook his head and, as though challenging Billy to make + another guess, smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” Billy complied eagerly, “you are a diplomat! Are you our new + minister?” + </p> + <p> + One of the other young men exclaimed reproachfully: + </p> + <p> + “You know him perfectly well!” he protested. “You’ve seen his picture + thousands of times.” + </p> + <p> + With awe and pride he placed his hand on Billy’s arm and with the other + pointed at the one in the Panama hat. + </p> + <p> + “It’s Harry St. Clair,” he announced. “Harry St. Clair, the King of the + Movies!” + </p> + <p> + “The King of the Movies,” repeated Billy. His disappointment was so keen + as to be embarrassing. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he exclaimed, “I thought you——” Then he remembered his + manners. “Glad to meet you,” he said. “Seen you on the screen.” + </p> + <p> + Again his own troubles took precedence. “Did you say,” he demanded, “One + of our war-ships is coming here TO-DAY?” + </p> + <p> + “Coming to take me to Santo Domingo,” explained Mr. St. Clair. He spoke + airily, as though to him as a means of locomotion battle-ships were as + trolley-cars. The Planter’s punch, which was something he had never before + encountered, encouraged the great young man to unbend. He explained + further and fully, and Billy, his mind intent upon his own affair, + pretended to listen. + </p> + <p> + The United States Government, Mr. St. Clair explained, was assisting him + and the Apollo Film Company in producing the eight-reel film entitled “The + Man Behind the Gun.” + </p> + <p> + With it the Navy Department plotted to advertise the navy and encourage + recruiting. In moving pictures, in the form of a story, with love + interest, villain, comic relief, and thrills, it would show the life of + American bluejackets afloat and ashore, at home and abroad. They would be + seen at Yokohama playing baseball with Tokio University; in the courtyard + of the Vatican receiving the blessing of the Pope; at Waikiki riding the + breakers on a scrubbing-board; in the Philippines eating cocoanuts in the + shade of the sheltering palm, and in Brooklyn in the Y. M. C. A. club, in + the shadow of the New York sky-scrapers, playing billiards and reading the + sporting extras. + </p> + <p> + As it would be illustrated on the film the life of “The Man Behind the + Gun” was one of luxurious ease. In it coal-passing, standing watch in a + blizzard, and washing down decks, cold and unsympathetic, held no part. + But to prove that the life of Jack was not all play he would be seen + fighting for the flag. That was where, as “Lieutenant Hardy, U. S. A.,” + the King of the Movies entered. + </p> + <p> + “Our company arrived in Santo Domingo last week,” he explained. “And + they’re waiting for me now. I’m to lead the attack on the fortress. We + land in shore boats under the guns of the ship and I take the fortress. + First, we show the ship clearing for action and the men lowering the boats + and pulling for shore. Then we cut back to show the gun-crews serving the + guns. Then we jump to the landing-party wading through the breakers. I + lead them. The man who is carrying the flag gets shot and drops in the + surf. I pick him up, put him on my shoulder, and carry him and the flag to + the beach, where——” + </p> + <p> + Billy suddenly awoke. His tone was one of excited interest. + </p> + <p> + “You got a uniform?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Three,” said St. Clair impressively, “made to order according to + regulations on file in the Quartermaster’s Department. Each absolutely + correct.” Without too great a show of eagerness he inquired: “Like to see + them?” + </p> + <p> + Without too great a show of eagerness Billy assured him that he would. + </p> + <p> + “I got to telephone first,” he added, “but by the time you get your trunk + open I’ll join you in your room.” + </p> + <p> + In the cafe, over the telephone, Billy addressed himself to the + field-marshal in charge of the cable office. When Billy gave his name, the + voice of that dignitary became violently agitated. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Barlow,” he demanded, “do you know that the war-ship for which + you cabled your Secretary of State makes herself to arrive?” + </p> + <p> + At the other end of the ‘phone, although restrained by the confines of the + booth, Billy danced joyously. But his voice was stern. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally,” he replied. “Where is she now?” + </p> + <p> + An hour before, so the field-marshal informed him, the battle-ship + LOUISIANA had been sighted and by telegraph reported. She was approaching + under forced draft. At any moment she might anchor in the outer harbor. Of + this President Ham had been informed. He was grieved, indignant; he was + also at a loss to understand. + </p> + <p> + “It is very simple,” explained Billy. “She probably was somewhere in the + Windward Passage. When the Secretary got my message he cabled Guantanamo, + and Guantanamo wired the war-ship nearest Port-au-Prince.” + </p> + <p> + “President Poussevain,” warned the field marshal, “is greatly disturbed.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him not to worry,” said Billy. “Tell him when the bombardment begins + I will see that the palace is outside the zone of fire.” + </p> + <p> + As Billy entered the room of St. Clair his eyes shone with a strange + light. His manner, which toward a man of his repute St. Clair had + considered a little too casual, was now enthusiastic, almost affectionate. + </p> + <p> + “My dear St. Clair,” cried Billy, “I’VE FIXED IT! But, until I was SURE, I + didn’t want to raise your hopes!” + </p> + <p> + “Hopes of what?” demanded the actor. + </p> + <p> + “An audience with the president!” cried Billy. “I’ve just called him up + and he says I’m to bring you to the palace at once. He’s heard of you, of + course, and he’s very pleased to meet you. I told him about ‘The Man + Behind the Gun,’ and he says you must come in your makeup as ‘Lieutenant + Hardy, U.S.A.,’ just as he’ll see you on the screen.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. St. Clair stammered delightedly. + </p> + <p> + “In uniform,” he protested; “won’t that be——” + </p> + <p> + “White, special full dress,” insisted Billy. “Medals, side-arms, + full-dress belt, and gloves. What a press story! ‘The King of the Movies + Meets the President of Hayti!’ Of course, he’s only an ignorant negro, but + on Broadway they don’t know that; and it will sound fine!” St. Clair + coughed nervously. + </p> + <p> + “DON’T forget,” he stammered, “I can’t speak French, or understand it, + either.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of Billy became as innocent as those of a china doll. + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll interpret,” he said. “And, oh, yes,” he added, “he’s sending + two of the palace soldiers to act as an escort—sort of guard of + honor!” + </p> + <p> + The King of the Movies chuckled excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “Fine!” he exclaimed. “You ARE a brick!” + </p> + <p> + With trembling fingers he began to shed his outer garments. + </p> + <p> + To hide his own agitation Billy walked to the window and turned his back. + Night had fallen and the electric lights, that once had been his care, + sprang into life. Billy looked at his watch. It was seven o’clock. The + window gave upon the harbor, and a mile from shore he saw the cargo lights + of the PRINZ DER NEDERLANDEN, and slowly approaching, as though feeling + for her berth, a great battle-ship. When Billy turned from the window his + voice was apparently undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + “We’ve got to hurry,” he said. “The LOUISIANA is standing in. She’ll soon + be sending a launch for you. We’ve just time to drive to the palace and + back before the launch gets here.” + </p> + <p> + From his mind President Ham had dismissed all thoughts of the war-ship + that had been sighted and that now had come to anchor. For the moment he + was otherwise concerned. Fate could not harm him; he was about to dine. + </p> + <p> + But, for the first time in the history of his administration, that solemn + ceremony was rudely halted. An excited aide, trembling at his own + temerity, burst upon the president’s solitary state. + </p> + <p> + In the anteroom, he announced, an officer from the battle-ship LOUISIANA + demanded instant audience. + </p> + <p> + For a moment, transfixed in amazement, anger, and alarm President Ham + remained seated. Such a visit, uninvited, was against all tradition; it + was an affront, an insult. But that it was against all precedent argued + some serious necessity. He decided it would be best to receive the + officer. Besides, to continue his dinner was now out of the question. Both + appetite and digestion had fled from him. + </p> + <p> + In the anteroom Billy was whispering final instructions to St. Clair. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever happens,” he begged, “don’t LAUGH! Don’t even smile politely! + He’s very ignorant, you see, and he’s sensitive. When he meets foreigners + and can’t understand their language, he’s always afraid if they laugh that + he’s made a break and that they’re laughing at HIM. So, be solemn; look + grave; look haughty!” + </p> + <p> + “I got you!” assented St. Clair. “I’m to ‘register’ pride.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” said Billy. “The more pride you register, the better for us.” + </p> + <p> + Inwardly cold with alarm, outwardly frigidly polite, Billy presented + “Lieutenant Hardy.” He had come, Billy explained, in answer to the call + for help sent by himself to the Secretary of State, which by wireless had + been communicated to the LOUISIANA. Lieutenant Hardy begged him to say to + the president that he was desolate at having to approach His Excellency so + unceremoniously. But His Excellency, having threatened the life of an + American citizen, the captain, of the LOUISIANA was forced to act quickly. + </p> + <p> + “And this officer?” demanded President Ham; “what does he want?” + </p> + <p> + “He says,” Billy translated to St. Clair, “that he is very glad to meet + you, and he wants to know how much you earn a week.” + </p> + <p> + The actor suppressed his surprise and with pardonable pride said that his + salary was six hundred dollars a week and royalties on each film. Billy + bowed to the president. + </p> + <p> + “He says,” translated Billy, “he is here to see that I get my ten thousand + francs, and that if I don’t get them in ten minutes he will return to the + ship and land marines.” + </p> + <p> + To St. Clair it seemed as though the president received his statement as + to the amount of his salary, with a disapproval that was hardly + flattering. With the heel of his giant fist the president beat upon the + table, his curls shook, his gorilla-like shoulders heaved. + </p> + <p> + In an explanatory aside Billy made this clear. + </p> + <p> + “He says,” he interpreted, “that you get more as an actor than he gets as + president, and it makes him mad.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see it does myself,” whispered St. Clair. “And I don’t understand + French, either.” + </p> + <p> + President Ham was protesting violently. It was outrageous, he exclaimed; + it was inconceivable that a great republic should shake the Big Stick over + the head of a small republic, and for a contemptible ten thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + “I will not believe,” he growled, “that this officer has authority to + threaten me. You have deceived him. If he knew the truth, he would + apologize. Tell him,” he roared suddenly, “that I DEMAND that he + apologize!” + </p> + <p> + Billy felt like the man who, after jauntily forcing the fighting, + unexpectedly gets a jolt on the chin that drops him to the canvas. + </p> + <p> + While the referee might have counted three Billy remained upon the canvas. + </p> + <p> + Then again he forced the fighting. Eagerly he turned to St. Clair. + </p> + <p> + “He says,” he translated, “you must recite something.” St. Clair exclaimed + incredulously: “Recite!” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + Than his indignant protest nothing could have been more appropriate. + </p> + <p> + “Wants to see you act out,” insisted Billy. “Go on,” he begged; “humor + him. Do what he wants or he’ll put us in jail!” + </p> + <p> + “But what shall I——” + </p> + <p> + “He wants the curse of Rome from Richelieu,” explained Billy. “He knows it + in French and he wants you to recite it in English. Do you know it?” + </p> + <p> + The actor smiled haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “I WROTE it,” he protested. “Richelieu’s my middle name. I’ve done it in + stock.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do it now!” commanded Billy. “Give it to him hot. I’m Julie de + Mortemar. He’s the villain Barabas. Begin where Barabas hands you the cue, + ‘The country is the king!’” + </p> + <p> + In embarrassment St. Clair coughed tentatively. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever heard of Cardinal Richelieu,” he protested, “in a navy uniform?” + </p> + <p> + “Begin!” begged Billy. + </p> + <p> + “What’ll I do with my cap?” whispered St. Clair. + </p> + <p> + In an ecstasy of alarm Billy danced from foot to foot. “I’ll hold your + cap,” he cried. “Go on!” + </p> + <p> + St. Clair gave his cap of gold braid to Billy and shifted his “full-dress” + sword-belt. Not without concern did President Ham observe these + preparations. For the fraction of a second, in alarm, his eyes glanced to + the exits. He found that the officers of his staff completely filled them. + Their presence gave him confidence and his eyes returned to Lieutenant + Hardy. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman heaved a deep sigh. Dejectedly, his head fell forward until + his chin rested upon his chest. Much to the relief of the president, it + appeared evident that Lieutenant Hardy was about to accede to his command + and apologize. St. Clair groaned heavily. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, is it so?” he muttered. His voice was deep, resonant, vibrating like + a bell. His eyes no longer suggested apology. They were strange, flashing; + the eyes of a religious fanatic; and balefully they were fixed upon + President Ham. + </p> + <p> + “Then wakes the power,” the deep voice rumbled, “that in the age of iron + burst forth to curb the great and raise the low.” He flung out his left + arm and pointed it at Billy. + </p> + <p> + “Mark where she stands!” he commanded. + </p> + <p> + With a sweeping, protecting gesture he drew around Billy an imaginary + circle. The pantomime was only too clear. To the aged negro, who feared + neither God nor man, but only voodoo, there was in the voice and gesture + that which caused his blood to chill. + </p> + <p> + “Around her form,” shrieked St. Clair, “I draw the awful circle of our + solemn church! Set but one foot within that holy ground and on thy head——” + Like a semaphore the left arm dropped, and the right arm, with the + fore-finger pointed, shot out at President Ham. “Yea, though it wore a + CROWN—I launch the CURSE OF ROME!” + </p> + <p> + No one moved. No one spoke. What terrible threat had hit him President Ham + could not guess. He did not ask. Stiffly, like a man in a trance, he + turned to the rusty iron safe behind his chair and spun the handle. When + again he faced them he held a long envelope which he presented to Billy. + </p> + <p> + “There are the ten thousand francs,” he said. “Ask him if he is satisfied, + and demand that he go at once!” + </p> + <p> + Billy turned to St. Clair. + </p> + <p> + “He says,” translated Billy, “he’s very much obliged and hopes we will + come again. Now,” commanded Billy, “bow low and go out facing him. We + don’t want him to shoot us in the back!” + </p> + <p> + Bowing to the president, the actor threw at Billy a glance full of + indignation. “Was I as BAD as that?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + On schedule time Billy drove up to the Hotel Ducrot and relinquished St. + Clair to the ensign in charge of the launch from the LOUISIANA. At sight + of St. Clair in the regalia of a superior officer, that young gentleman + showed his surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve been giving a ‘command’ performance for the president,” explained + the actor modestly. “I recited for him, and, though I spoke in English, I + think I made quite a hit.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly,” Billy assured him gratefully, “made a terrible hit with + me.” + </p> + <p> + As the moving-picture actors, escorted by the ensign, followed their + trunks to the launch, Billy looked after them with a feeling of great + loneliness. He was aware that from the palace his carriage had been + followed; that drawn in a cordon around the hotel negro policemen covertly + observed him. That President Ham still hoped to recover his lost prestige + and his lost money was only too evident. + </p> + <p> + It was just five minutes to eight. + </p> + <p> + Billy ran to his room, and with his suit-case in his hand slipped down the + back stairs and into the garden. Cautiously he made his way to the gate in + the wall, and in the street outside found Claire awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + With a cry of relief she clasped his arm. + </p> + <p> + “You are safe!” she cried. “I was so frightened for you. That President + Ham, he is a beast, an ogre!” Her voice sank to a whisper. “And for myself + also I have been frightened. The police, they are at each corner. They + watch the hotel. They watch ME! Why? What do they want?” + </p> + <p> + “They want something of mine,” said Billy. “But I can’t tell you what it + is until I’m sure it is mine. Is the boat at the wharf?” + </p> + <p> + “All is arranged,” Claire assured him. “The boatmen are our friends; they + will take us safely to the steamer.” + </p> + <p> + With a sigh of relief Billy lifted her valise and his own, but he did not + move forward. Anxiously Claire pulled at his sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” she begged. “For what it is that you wait?” + </p> + <p> + It was just eight o’clock. + </p> + <p> + Billy was looking up at the single electric light bulb that lit the narrow + street, and following the direction of his eyes, Claire saw the light grow + dim, saw the tiny wires grow red, and disappear. From over all the city + came shouts, and cries of consternation oaths, and laughter, and then + darkness. + </p> + <p> + “I was waiting for THIS!” cried Billy. + </p> + <p> + With the delight of a mischievous child Claire laughed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “You-you did it!” she accused. + </p> + <p> + “I did!” said Billy. “And now-we must run like the devil!” + </p> + <p> + The PRINZ DER NEDERLANDEN was drawing slowly out of the harbor. Shoulder + to shoulder Claire and Billy leaned upon the rail. On the wharfs of + Port-au-Prince they saw lanterns tossing and candles twinkling; saw the + LOUISIANA, blazing like a Christmas-tree, steaming majestically south; in + each other’s eyes saw that all was well. + </p> + <p> + From his pocket Billy drew a long envelope. + </p> + <p> + “I can now with certainty,” said Billy, “state that this is mine—OURS.” + </p> + <p> + He opened the envelope, and while Claire gazed upon many mille-franc notes + Billy told how he had retrieved them. + </p> + <p> + “But what danger!” cried Claire. “In time Ham would have paid. Your + president at Washington would have made him pay. Why take such risks? You + had but to wait!” + </p> + <p> + Billy smiled contentedly. + </p> + <p> + “Dear one!” he exclaimed, “the policy of watchful waiting is safer, but + the Big Stick acts quicker and gets results!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s Billy and the Big Stick, by Richard Harding Davis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BILLY AND THE BIG STICK *** + +***** This file should be named 1764-h.htm or 1764-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/6/1764/ + +Produced by Aaron Cannon, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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