He had a number of schemes. One of them for putting up a
supply store in Corazon, running accounts there on the crops, but I
didn't take to it; I was no storekeeper, but a sailor, and getting
nervous to go to Panama.
It was hot by the shed, and we were going up by the banana tree,
when we saw a large catboat coasting down to the point, and by the
hang of her sail it was Padre Filippo's.
The Padre was aboard, and the two Mituans that sailed for him, and
two men besides, one in a cocked hat and uniform. So they came
ashore. Padre Filippo chuckled, and shook his fat finger at Craney.
"Ah, senorito, little rogue!" he says. "Alas! what behaviour!" and he
chuckled and patted Craney on the arm.
The official was sociable too. He took out a cigarette, and
explained there had been a complaint lodged with the authorities
against the keeper, that he'd been drawing illicit gains from the
peasantry. In fact, Padre Filippo had complained. The Padre laughed
again.
"Why," says Craney, "I know something about that."
"Truly, I think so!" chuckles the Padre. "And if they've a mind to
present him with a bag of beans now and then, whose business is it?"
says Craney.
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