Arriving there, I sent in my card, writing thereon a humble request for a private interview.

I was ushered into Don Antonio's room, where I found the minister himself, the President, and Johnny Carr.

As I entered and the servant, on a sign from his Excellency, placed a chair for me, the latter said rather stiffly: "As I presume this is a business visit, Mr.Martin, it is more regular that I should receive you in the presence of one of my constitutional advisers.

Mr.Carr is acting as my secretary, and you can speak freely before him." I was annoyed at failing in my attempt to see the President alone, but not wishing to show it, I merely bowed and said: "I venture to intrude on your Excellency, in consequence of a letter from my directors.

They inform me that, to use their words, 'disquieting rumors' are afloat on the exchanges in regard to the Aureataland loan, and they direct me to submit to your Excellency the expediency of giving some public notification relative to the payment of the interest falling due next month.