Abbott answered it.
"The White House, Mr. Secretary," he said. Enoch picked up the
receiver. After a few moments' conversation he rose, his face eager.
"Abbott, the Mexican trouble appears to be coming to a crisis and the
President has called a cabinet meeting. I doubt if I can get back here
until after five. Will you express my regrets to the Argentine
delegation and make a new appointment? Is there any one in the
waiting-room?"
"Six people. I can get rid of them all except Alton of the Bureau of
Mines. I think you must see him."
"Send him in," said Enoch. "I'll ask him to ride as far as the White
House with me. And I'll be back to finish the letters, Abbott. I dare
not let them accumulate a single day."
Abbott nodded and hurried out. A tall, bronzed man, wiping the sweat
from his bald head, came in just as Jonas announced, "The carriage, Mr.
Secretary."
"Come along, Alton," said Enoch. "We'll talk your model coal mine as
we go."
It was six o'clock when Enoch appeared again in his office. His linen
suit was wrinkled and sweat stained between the shoulders. He tossed
his hat on a chair.
"Abbott, will you telephone Senor Juan Cadiz and ask him to meet me at
my house at ten thirty to-night? He is at the Willard.
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