31
IF THERE WAS A COOLING sea breeze that evening, it certainly wasn’t felt by Seth and Hand as they walked, kicking up dust, on that hot Vera Cruz street. The mud brick plastered houses on either side were brightly painted in blue or pink. Their second story wooden balconies were mostly occupied by families seeking relief from the heat, while they stared down in silence at the two Gringos walking past. In the next block stood a three story red brick, whose ground floor was occupied by a cantina, and its second story balcony by five heavily rouged women possibly ranging in age from sixteen to fifty. They were laughing and waving at Seth and Hand, extending invitations verbally in Spanish and with graphic gestures. Seth had no difficulty with the Spanish; Hand had none with the gestures.
He stopped, grinning from ear to ear. “Reckon we should stop back by after dinner to check out that building?”
“Reckon we shouldn’t,” Seth said, heading on down the street. “I have no desire to take any souvenirs back home.”
Hand gave one last curious look at the women, and caught up with Seth. “You’re right, Pard. I was thinking more about the cantina. That other is not my line of country.”
Seth laughed. “Yes, I know you pretty well.” He paused, wondering if he should ask the question out of pure curiosity. “Tell me something, how is it you never married? I know there were several pretty Texas gals itching to throw a rope on you?”
When there was no response, he looked quickly at his friend and was surprised by a rare expression of sadness. “Hey, look. I had no right to pry like that.”
Hand shook his head. “Naw, it’s OK. Truth is, I was married once,” he said in a low voice. Catching the look of surprise on Seth’s face, he added, “It was back when you were learning to be a smart ass lawyer up in Austin.”
Seth gave him a quick glance. “I’ll be darned.”
Hand continued, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. “Her name was Sarah. She was from over at Uvalde. I met her when she came to visit kin in Pleasanton.”
“I bet she was pretty,” Seth said.
“She was beautiful, leastwise to me. More important, she was so gentle and kind. I couldn’t believe my luck in her having me for a husband.”
Seth hesitated a moment before he asked, “What happened?”
“We had most of a year—she died giving birth to our daughter. So did the baby.”
Seth, looking at his friend, hurt for him as well as being angry with himself for pressing him to dredge up this pain from the past. “Doggone it, Hand, I am sorry. I didn’t know and no one ever told me.”
“It’s sorta personal. I don’t even discuss it with my brothers or their wives. It was also, a long time ago.”
They continued on in silence until they came in sight of the Diligencia, when Hand asked. “Reckon that Beamis feller will have some decent booze at his dinner table?”
“If he doesn’t, I’ll buy us a bottle at that cantina on the way back.”
‘.Y. BEAMIS AND HIS PLUMP and very pretty blonde wife were waiting for them in the dining room. Introductions revealed her name to be
Martha Jane, a native of Ashtabula, Ohio.
“Kyle and I met when we were freshmen at Ohio State and were married the day after our graduation,” she volunteered.
“How long you been hitched?” Hand asked.
“Twenty-six years, come next month,” Beamis volunteered.
“Imagine that,” Hand said.
Martha Jane giggled. Her husband cleared his throat and gestured to the dining table. “I suggest we go ahead and be seated. “
Seth noted that the table was set for five places.
Responding to Seth’s questioning look, Beamis said, “Our house guest will be here momentarily. Incidentally, he is a fellow countryman. However, there is nothing to prevent us from enjoying a little drink until he arrives.”
Hand’s face lit up like a Texas sunrise.
32
Beamis gestured to the Maitre d’ who had been standing patiently by, who in turn snapped his fingers at a head waiter,who then nodded to a wine steward who produced with a flourish a bottle of Spanish sherry.
Seth tried not to look at the expression of distaste on Hand’s face.
“A toast, Gentlemen—and of course my dear wife,”Beamis said, standing and holding up his filled sherry glass. “Here’s to order and tranquility in this poor benighted land.”
“Order and tranquility,” Martha Beamis echoed.
“Amen, brother!” Hand Otho Comfort added, draining his glass in one swallow.
Beamis, with a look at Hand, sat down, motioning for the waiter to refill all glasses. “If I am not being too inquisitive, Mr. Cane, what is the nature of your official business here in Mexico?”
“Hand and I are here concerning the claims of our citizens against the Mexican Government growing out of the deaths and damages caused by the recent ten days fighting in Mexico City.”
“Interesting and most curious,” Beamis said.
“How so?”
“To my knowledge, our consulate in the Capital has been doing a pretty thorough job in investigating and documenting those claims. Why is there a need for you two gentlemen to come here from Washington?”
Seth took a sip of his sherry, observing the consular official over the rim of his glass. Do I perceive a nugget of suspicion behind that remark , Mr. Beamis? “Of course, we have no intention of interfering with the operations of the Consul General in this matter. The Secretary of State merely wants our first hand impressions of the state of the claim procedure and the quickness of receptivity to the payment of those claims by the government here. You may understand his concern with the perceived instability of the present regime.” Lame, but twill have to serve.
Beamis looked disapproving. “Well, you can inform Mr. Bryan, for me, that in point of fact, the most likely obstacle toquick payment of those claims is the failure of an immediate recognition of General Victoriano Huerta as the legitimate and rightful president of this country.”
“I am rather surprised to hear you say that, Mr. Beamis,” Seth said.
“What is surprising about what I said?”
“I reckon it’s applying the terms legitimate and rightful to a man who betrayed his president and the country’s constitution to which he took an oath, by seizing power by force and viciously murdering his president, vice president and the president’s brother. I’ll be damned if I can see anything legitimate or rightful about that.”
Beamis had the condescending expression of a person who had often confronted the same argument and, in his mind, had successfully laid it to rest. “Mr. Cane, regardless of how Victoriano Huerta came to power, the undisputed fact is that he represents the de facto government in place. Historically, it is a fact that we, as well as most nations, follow for good international reasons, the practice of recognizing such governments, whether or not we approve of the manner in which they came into existence. I am surprised that President Wilson, a former history professor and President of Princeton University, does not appreciate this fact.
“O.K. I understand what you are saying, but the reality is, our President is morally outraged by the murderous way Huerta seized power, and he will determine the policy our government follows toward that man and his illegitimate government.”
“Yeah,” Hand interjected, “isn’t that jasper what you call a dictator? Who elected him?”
Beamis held out both hands in a placating gesture. “Gentlemen—gentlemen, first let me explain that my position is based largely on the question of stability of this government, about which you raised a question, Mr. Cane. Huerta, despite his reputation of brutally putting down insurgents in the south, is the only man Mexico has at the moment with the ability, strength and resolve to crush these bandits and revolutionaries. He can restore the orde
r and prosperity in this country that once prevailed under President Diaz.”
“Wasn’t he also a dictator?” Hand asked.
“Second, let me observe, Mr. Cane, that this is Mexico.”
“Wal, I would never have reckoned,” Hand interrupted and smiled at Seth until he earned a frown from his friend.
“To continue, “Beamis said, “this country has a long history of bloodshed and rebellion. Believe you me, the only way to govern down here is with an iron fist. Any sign of weakness and you are through. That was Madero’s problem. Unless you have lived down here among these people, you’ll never understand what makes them tick. Mexicans are a strange breed of cat.”
Hand coughed and looked expectantly at Seth.
“I’m sure, Mr. Cane, if you had ever had any connection with Mexicans, you would agree with me.”
Seth spoke softly. “Mr. Beamis, my mother was Mexican, born and raised in this country. That makes me half Mexican. I think you can see why I must reject that general characterization of her people and part of my heritage.”
Beamis’s mouth dropped open and there was a sudden flush on his round cheeks.
Martha Jane, with a grin, nudged her husband. “Well, Kyle, you certainly stepped in something squishy on that one.”
“Mr. Cane—I had no idea—You don’t look—I mean I intended no personal insult. I apologize for any aspersion that I cast on you or your mother. I was simply making an historical observation. Please sir, forgive me.”
Beamis, if you are typical and reflect the opinions of most of the diplomatic personnel we have down here, then Will Bryan and the President may need to do some house cleaning.”Mr Beamis, I do not take your remarks as a personal insult, but I am sincerely disturbed that it exhibits a pervasive attitude that could be inimical to ever building a long and satisfactory relationship between our two countries. Let us leave it there with no hard feelings. Besides, I am looking forward to this dinner that you and Mrs. Beamis have been so kind to invite us.”
Visibly relieved, Beamis, smiled and nodded agreement. Abruptly, he stood up, looking at the door. “Ah, I see our other dinner guest has arrived. Come in, sir, and let me introduce you to our other guests.”
Seth and Hand twisted around to look and saw a man approaching with a big smile and a confident stride.
Hand murmured out of the corner of his mouth, “Say, ain’t that your law partner I done met at that Democratic Convention in Baltimore?”
33
GENTLEMEN,” BEAMIS ANNOUNCED, “MAY I introduce our house guest, Mr. O’Bannion, also from Washington, D.C., who represents certain American oil interests. Maury, I would like for you to meet Mr. Cane and Mr. Comfort, from the State Department.”
Hand stood up, said, “Howdy! Pleasure to see you again.” He extended his big hand but Maury held up his right hand and wiggled his fingers in exaggeration.
“Oh, I think not, Mr. Comfort. I haven’t forgotten that first time I shook hands with you at the Baltimore Convention. It took a week for my poor fingers to recover. However, it is also my pleasure to see you again.”
He looked questioningly at Seth, who remained seated staring at the glass of sherry in his hand. Maury flushed and turned back to Beamis. “Kyle, there is no need for introductions to Mr. Comfort or Mr. Cane. Seth Cane and I were once law partners and close friends for many years back in Oklahoma.” He looked back at Seth, “Well, Seth, we are a long way from Pawhuska and that past. It is really great to see you here.”
Seth, not looking up, nodded curtly, saying nothing.
The discourtesy did not escape the watchful eyes of K.Y.
Beamis. He covered his puzzlement by quickly suggesting that they all be seated, certain that their dinner was ready to be served. He beckoned to the head waiter, standing impatiently nearby. As he had ordered in advance, dinner was immediately served.
The main course was a salmon dish, a specialty of Vera Cruz that Beamis called Huachinango. In addition there was a thin soup, pollo y arroz, alligator pears and ice cream on the verge of melting.
Conversation was kept general by their host and dealt mostly with his questioning directed at Seth about the new Administration’s possible actions with respect to tariff and currency reform. It turned out that in Boston the Beamis family was heavily involved in the import business, as well as banking.
Maury and Mrs. Beamis were carrying on their own side conversation. He was telling about the latest shows on Broadway and the “in places” to dine. She in turn was detailing the vicissitudes of life in Mexico, with its frustrations and sometime loneliness, due to absence of close friends.
Hand, absorbed in his food, was silent throughout the meal.
Afterwards, over coffee, Martha Jane whispered something to her husband and she smiled at the guests as he announced “Mrs. Beamis is past the hour of her retiring and wished to be excused to return home.”
They all stood, expressing their appreciation of the dinner. Beamis excused himself temporarily to escort her to their carriage. Hand took the opportunity, over Seth’s silent objection, to apparently seek out the hotel’s restroom. Seth figured that he was more likely heading for the hotel bar to rinse the taste of the sherry from his mouth. That left Seth alone with his ex partner and late wife’s lover.
The silence between the two former partners was impregnated with Seth’s hostility. Maury sighed wearily and said, “Look, Seth, you made it clear back in Washington how you felt about me. I apologized then but I’ll be damned if I am going to do it again. Anyway, an apology can never absolve what I did. It wasn’t exactly what you think, but that is not important now. It seems to me that we can’t just write off all those years of friendship and working together, which in my book warrants, if not continued friendship, some measure of civility between us.”
“Strange, my book reads something different.”
Maury shrugged and started to rise, saying, “OK, I tried.”
He sat back down when Seth said, “Maury, what you did under the cloak of that long friendship is unforgivable.”
Maury shook his head and started to get up once more, but paused when Seth continued. “Nine months ago, I could have done something terrible that would have hurt you—and, ultimately me. Now, somehow, your betrayal begins to seem unimportant to my life. Let’s just leave it there, OK?”
Maury stared at him, pain visible in his eyes. “I guess that’s the way it will have to be. Somehow, I had hoped you would understand that I—we, never intended to hurt you. It was just something that happened between two consenting friends. Believe me, she wasn’t like any other woman. I admired and respected Elizabeth more than any other woman I’ve ever known.”
“Ever slept with, you mean.”
Maury turned red. “No damnit! You haven’t heard a thing I’ve been saying.”
Seth laughed bitterly. “And, what you have told me is supposed to make it all right?”
“No. Obviously not.”
The heavy silence was back. Seth toyed absently with his fork. Maury pulled a silver cigar case for his jacket, offered one to Seth, who shook his head, and selected one for himself.
“I suppose it was a shock to see me down here in Mexico,” Maury said, after lighting his cigar.
“Not especially,” Seth lied, but then surrendering to curiosity, added, “Just why are you here?”
“Mr. Doheny sent me down to talk with this President Huerta about oil concessions up near Tampico.”
“Is that Edward Doheny, Mexican Petroleum Company?”
“Sure, the MPC was big down here under Diaz, but not under Madero.”
“I am told that there is some kind of connection between Mexican Petroleum and Standard Oil. Is that correct?”
Maury looked surprised. “Well, that’s not supposed to be generally known, still in the negotiation stage
.”
“And you work for these guys?”
“Well, it’s actually for a syndicate, with others also involved.”
“Of course.” Seth said. “Aren’t your oil people a trifle premature on concessions? The United States hasn’t even recognized Huerta as the legitimate government and the chances of his remaining in power grow dimmer every day with three rebel armies pressing on all fronts.”
Maury laughed. “Well, he’s the only government we’ve got down here to deal with and we have to get in before the damned British and Germans do. Let’s face it, Wilson will have to eventually recognize Huerta’s legitimacy because other countries, including England are on the verge of doing it. If we don’t recognize Huerta’s presidency, American business will lose all chance to influence the economic future of Mexico.”
“Instead of influence, I think the more accurate word is exploitation. But, that aside, how did you get here?”
“I arrived three days ago on the Crown Princess Cecelie. Perhaps not as dramatic as coming down on the Dolphin but a lot more comfortable and faster. I’m guessing we will both be leaving on the same train to Mexico City if they ever get that track finished. By the way, what is the real reason you and that big ox Comfort are down here? I really can’t buy that claims line.”
Seth ignored the question. He no longer had any interest in discussing anything more with Maury.
Maury abruptly rose from the table. “OK, I have to go. I need to see someone. Most likely I will see you on the train.” He started to leave but turned back. “Thanks, Seth,” he said.
“For what?”
“For at least speaking to me again and hearing me out.”
Seth nodded and looked at his empty wine glass. As Maury left the dining room, he met Beamis coming back. Maury made his excuses and they shook hands. Seth watching, thought, Beamis, old man, you’d better watch that cute wife of yours.
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