THE SAN BLAS PEOPLE 



will get up a cayuca race, and to the man 

 with the swiftest canoe we will give"- he 

 paused dramatically "a beautiful gold 

 watch. Or, if he doesn't want a watch, we 

 will give him its full value in money four 

 dollars, silver. To the second man we will give 

 two dollars, and to the third man one dollar." 



Inasmuch as Panamanian money silver 

 is worth only fifty cents on the dollar, this was 

 a handsome offer indeed. When this enticing 

 proposal had been fully translated, the chief 

 smiled. 



"Well do more." Salisbury was growing 

 reckless. "We'll give prizes to the fastest 

 swimmer among the men, among the boys, 

 among the women. We'll have games and 

 dances and make a present to the handsomest 

 girl. We'll send her a copy of her photograph ! 

 Oh, we'll have the best time the San Bias 

 people ever had, and they'll be sorry when we 

 leave!" 



They fell for it. Discussion became lively. 

 There was less hostility in their glances ; little 

 girls with enormous necklaces of silver coins 

 began to sidle into view. But it was slow 

 work getting acquainted. Through every 

 crevice in the walls bright eyes continued to 



119 



