THE STEAM-SHOVEL MAN
"Pooh, forget him," carelessly advised Walter, to whom this threat of vengeance sounded theatrical. "Better steer clear of this Quesada person. He looks to me like an ugly customer."
Alfaro smiled rather sheepishly as he remarked:
"It was not very diplomatic? You must think I am a funny diplomat, Goodwin."
"Well, I never happened to meet one before," confessed Walter, returning the smile, "and I had an idea that diplomats were not quite so violent and sudden in their methods."
"It was that beastly parrot," began Alfaro in a quick gust of anger; but he checked himself with a shrug and asked a question which led Walter to reply:
"Oh, no, I am not a real sailor. I am going to the Isthmus to work in the Canal Zone."
Boyish pride made him reluctant to confess how dubious he was of finding work. Alfaro was so full of affectionate admiration that he was ready to believe great things of Walter, and he exclaimed:
"I am sure you will have a fine position. I knew you were not a common sailor. You are
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