"First, hot blankets and the doctor's draughts, good lady." "I require neither. A change of clothing would be acceptable, but----" lifting her hands deprecatingly. "Not so impossible as you might think. The cabin that was my wife's will supply your needs, I'm sure. She left her keys with me when she went ashore at the Cape. The dispatch-boat which sent me flying here at an hour's notice left her no time to get her belongings. When you have made ready we'll confer; that is, after you have seen Doctor Bartlett." * * * * * "Señora Valentino," the Admiral had broken in, "Mr. Blair, our chaplain, the man of many tongues, learned from the men with you your experiences of yesterday and last night." "So, señor?" "The risk you took in coming to me speaks better your conviction that I should take Monterey than could any word of yours. But, why has Colonel Mendoza not been mentioned to me either by you or Captain Farquharson? Why not?" "Señor Mendoza speaks much these days of democracy and fair play. Yet, both democracy and fair play demand that the minority accepts the decision of the majority. Why should we have mentioned Mendoza? He stands almost alone. As to Governor Barcelo----" "Do not speak to me of Governor Barcelo! Only by threats of summary court-martial did I prevent my captains from bombarding the capital the other day." The Admiral sprang excitedly from his chair. "Wait a moment, Admiral, if you will." He was again seated. "Colonel Barcelo sends word to you through me that he has satisfied his honor, and that you are at liberty to occupy Monterey, for all of him. He has taken all his troopers to his hacienda eight leagues away in the country." "When he fired on me, then, it was merely by way of shotted salute?" in sarcasm. "Nothing more, practically." "Señora, a world war might easily start here." "Admiral, a world peace might begin here at your word. The United States cares nothing for this territory. Two vessels only have they--worn and old--in their Pacific squadron. They even call their flagship 'the lumber wagon,' by way of jesting. California is the balance weight of Texas and Oregon. The province calls to you. Peace calls to you. Else the future sees dispute and war over province and empire treasure-trove. "Admiral Fairbanks, this is the hour, and you are the man. If you fail, and, later, the shadows of war darken these shores, then must you answer at the bar of conscience and humanity. I have risked my own life, and forced the poor Mexicans with me to risk theirs, that I might plead with you." The commander looked earnestly at the woman. "Admiral, consider the tremendous potentialities that await your inaction." He studied the floor in deep thought. "Now is the supreme moment, Admiral Fairbanks."