equator, and that meant sunset was around 6 p.m. almost every day of the year.
Nothing could be done about the heat. But something could be done about making sure my revolver and bank draft stayed safe while I visited Panama City.
I looked around for a place where I would choose to best observe House 31. It had to be close by and offer mobility. A house was close but wouldn’t make it easy to leave unseen. Nor would a perch in a tree. I decided on the tall hedges across the street. I walked across the street, and no birds flew from the hedge. So, a good guess.
“Muskie.” I spoke in a conversational tone to the dark green leaves of the hedge. “I need a favor. Well, actually not a favor. The way I figure it, you are under direct orders from Goethals to assist me. When you help me with this, it won’t be a favor; you will be working for Goethals. That’s important to establish because I don’t want to owe you any favors. Is that understood?”
Except for the chatter of birds farther down the hedge, there was silence.
“Are we really going to do it this way? Do I have to walk around and embarrass you as you try to hide? If you weren’t there, a flock of those fancy red birds would have scattered when I walked to the hedge. No birds. That means you already scared them away.”
Miskimon’s voice came from the other side of the hedge. “I’m merely waiting until I hear the word
please.
”
“Would you
please
come out and walk back to the train station with me? I’ll tell you where I’m headed so that you don’t have to skulk around and blend in with changing scenery as you try to keep up with me.”
Miskimon stepped out from the hedge. He adjusted his glasses with that customary flick.
“Thanks,” I said. “Here’s my request.” I passed the valise across to Miskimon. “There’s a cashier’s check in there, along with my revolver, so make sure it’s in a place where no one can take either. Coupon books are there too, but I’m not as worried about them.”
I’d torn out a few coupons for meals today, along with a couple of tickets for the train. “I’d like the revolver and cashier’s check back when I’m finished dealing with the colonel’s request. That will be in about twenty-four hours. Or less.”
I knew the contents would be safe. Someone as fastidious and prudish and rule oriented as Miskimon would guarantee it. “As for where I’m headed, train station. You don’t have to walk with me, but I think social graces demand it. And it’s easier to have a conversation.”
Miskimon fell in step with me, and we began the progression, block by block, from smaller houses to larger houses.
“Where do you intend to take a train, Mr. Holt, and when will you be back?”
“To Panama City. I don’t know for how long. But if you like, when I get back, I’ll report to you to set your mind at ease. It’s silly for you to follow me when I don’t care to hide from you what I’m doing. But I do want to be alone, so that excludes any kind of partnership.”
Miskimon shuddered. “I’m not paid enough to partner with you.”
“Nice to have an understanding then. Follow me if you feel the necessity. I’ll even send you a drink across the room.”
“I would prefer to believe you are not the type of man to tell lies,” Miskimon said. “Consider this, then, an opportunity to prove yourself such a man.”
“Trust me, my motivation is not to prove myself to you in any way. What’s the best drinking establishment in Panama City?”
“You need to be more precise about what you consider best. I’m not sure yet of your particular bent for evening activities.”
I sighed. “You always think the worst of people?”
“I’ve had considerable experience discovering it is an accurate place to start. I’ve also learned it leads to fewer disappointments in life. For the remainder of this afternoon, for example, since I’ll be spared the wretched experience of following you, I get the
Nothing could be done about the heat. But something could be done about making sure my revolver and bank draft stayed safe while I visited Panama City.
I looked around for a place where I would choose to best observe House 31. It had to be close by and offer mobility. A house was close but wouldn’t make it easy to leave unseen. Nor would a perch in a tree. I decided on the tall hedges across the street. I walked across the street, and no birds flew from the hedge. So, a good guess.
“Muskie.” I spoke in a conversational tone to the dark green leaves of the hedge. “I need a favor. Well, actually not a favor. The way I figure it, you are under direct orders from Goethals to assist me. When you help me with this, it won’t be a favor; you will be working for Goethals. That’s important to establish because I don’t want to owe you any favors. Is that understood?”
Except for the chatter of birds farther down the hedge, there was silence.
“Are we really going to do it this way? Do I have to walk around and embarrass you as you try to hide? If you weren’t there, a flock of those fancy red birds would have scattered when I walked to the hedge. No birds. That means you already scared them away.”
Miskimon’s voice came from the other side of the hedge. “I’m merely waiting until I hear the word
please.
”
“Would you
please
come out and walk back to the train station with me? I’ll tell you where I’m headed so that you don’t have to skulk around and blend in with changing scenery as you try to keep up with me.”
Miskimon stepped out from the hedge. He adjusted his glasses with that customary flick.
“Thanks,” I said. “Here’s my request.” I passed the valise across to Miskimon. “There’s a cashier’s check in there, along with my revolver, so make sure it’s in a place where no one can take either. Coupon books are there too, but I’m not as worried about them.”
I’d torn out a few coupons for meals today, along with a couple of tickets for the train. “I’d like the revolver and cashier’s check back when I’m finished dealing with the colonel’s request. That will be in about twenty-four hours. Or less.”
I knew the contents would be safe. Someone as fastidious and prudish and rule oriented as Miskimon would guarantee it. “As for where I’m headed, train station. You don’t have to walk with me, but I think social graces demand it. And it’s easier to have a conversation.”
Miskimon fell in step with me, and we began the progression, block by block, from smaller houses to larger houses.
“Where do you intend to take a train, Mr. Holt, and when will you be back?”
“To Panama City. I don’t know for how long. But if you like, when I get back, I’ll report to you to set your mind at ease. It’s silly for you to follow me when I don’t care to hide from you what I’m doing. But I do want to be alone, so that excludes any kind of partnership.”
Miskimon shuddered. “I’m not paid enough to partner with you.”
“Nice to have an understanding then. Follow me if you feel the necessity. I’ll even send you a drink across the room.”
“I would prefer to believe you are not the type of man to tell lies,” Miskimon said. “Consider this, then, an opportunity to prove yourself such a man.”
“Trust me, my motivation is not to prove myself to you in any way. What’s the best drinking establishment in Panama City?”
“You need to be more precise about what you consider best. I’m not sure yet of your particular bent for evening activities.”
I sighed. “You always think the worst of people?”
“I’ve had considerable experience discovering it is an accurate place to start. I’ve also learned it leads to fewer disappointments in life. For the remainder of this afternoon, for example, since I’ll be spared the wretched experience of following you, I get the
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