He brought Edward into the minister's chamber, a grand room dominated by a full-size Cordovan flag. He went to the big table and spread out a map of Cordova, weighing down the corners with his cigar case, the sherry decanter, a glass, and Edward's gray top hat. He hesitated. It was the first time he had ever asked someone for half a million pounds.
"Here is Santamaria Province, in the north of the country," he began.
"I do know the geography of Cordova," Edward said peevishly.
"Of course you do," said Micky in a soothing voice. It was true. Pilasters Bank did a healthy volume of business with Cordova, financing its exports of nitrate, salt beef and silver and its imports of mining equipment, guns and luxury goods. Edward handled all that business, thanks to Micky, who as attache and then minister had made life difficult for anyone who did not want to use Pilasters Bank to finance their trade with his country. In consequence Edward was now seen as the leading London expert on Cordova. "Of course you do," Micky repeated. "And you know that all the nitrate mined by my father has to be transported by mule train from Santamaria to Palma. But what you may not know is that it is perfectly possible to build a railroad along that route."
"How can you be sure? A railroad is a complicated thing."
Micky took a bound volume from his desk. "Because my father commissioned a survey by a Scottish engineer, Gordon Halfpenny. All the details are in here--including the costs. Take a look."
"How much?" Edward said.
"Five hundred thousand pounds."
Edward riffled through the pages of the report. "What about politics?"
Micky glanced up at the big portrait of President Garcia in the uniform of commander-in-chief. Every time Micky looked at the picture he vowed that one day his own portrait would occupy that spot on the wall. "The president favors the idea. He believes it will strengthen his military grip on the countryside." Garcia trusted Papa. Ever since Papa had become governor of Santamaria Province--with the help of two thousand Westley-Richards short-barreled rifles made in Birmingham--the Miranda family had been the president's fervent supporters and close allies. Garcia did not suspect Papa's motive for wanting a railway to Palma: it would enable the Miranda family to attack the capital within two days instead of two weeks.
"How will it be paid for?" said Edward.
