Of
these about 25,000 were British subjects (West Indian negroes with
very few exceptions). Of the entire population 37,428 were
employed by the U. S. government. Of white Americans, of the
Brahmin caste of the "gold" roll, there were employed on the Zone
but 5,228,
CHAPTER V
Police headquarters presented an unusual air of preoccupation next
morning. In the corner office the telephone rang often and
imperatively, several times erect figures in khaki and broad
"Texas" hats flashed by the doorway, the drone of earnest
conference sounded a few minutes, and the figures flashed as
suddenly out again into the world. In the inner office I glanced
once more in review through the "Rules and Regulations." The Zone,
too, was now familiar ground, and as for the third requirement for
a policeman--to know the Zone residents by sight--a strange face
brought me a start of surprise, unless it beamed above the garb
that shouted "tourist." Now all I needed was a few hours of
conference and explanation on the duties, rights, and privileges
of policemen; and that of course would come as soon as leisure
again settled down over headquarters.
Musing which I was suddenly startled to my feet by "the Captain"
appearing in the doorway.
"Catch the next train to Balboa;" he said. "You've got four
minutes.
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