Hernandez took his seat with a satisfied air. "Friends," said Mendoza, "I am not of the mind that it is wise to take action in this matter to-night. Too great haste in acting is like a too hot fire in cooking." Higuera, Zelaya, and a few others signified they were in agreement with this. "My friends, action is the word!" cried Hernandez. "Positive action! Prompt action! Mexico stands at our gates collecting taxes, giving nothing in return, like the robbers at Tarifa. Drop Mexico, I say, and join hands with England, at once!" "As English subjects a mighty future is ours. Let us not wait," from Abelardo Peralta. "The young men will have opportunities then," followed Miguel Soto. "An English prime minister ruled his political world when he was twenty-one." "Why not find from the United States, and from Great Britain as well, the conditions under which they will receive our province? We can then act more intelligently." "No, no!" chorused many. "England! England! Become English subjects at once." Hernandez jumped to his feet. "Become British subjects at once!" waving his hand. Others, and yet others, followed his example, till the place fairly rang with the shouting. Mendoza rapped on a table. After quiet was restored he began: "Señors, we have in Baja California men like Carillo and the brothers Pico. Unless we allow them a part in our deliberations they will repudiate any action we may take. England does not want a province with divided sentiment. Carillo and the brothers Pico are capable of inciting Southern California to rebellion, if we attempt to turn over the province to England without consulting them." "Good friends, no embarrassment need be feared from Carillo, nor from the brothers Pico." With these words Señora Valentino floated into the room, her upturned face wreathed in smiles. The company, surprised at the sound of her voice, turned questioningly. "I think Carillo, likewise the brothers Pico, can be relied on to espouse your wish to transfer allegiance to England." Mendoza spoke: "Respected lady, these absent gentlemen must be given a chance to speak for themselves. Giving away provinces is more than child's play. We cannot hazard guesses." "My ever-wise Administrator, you are right. It occurs to me that these same brothers Pico and Señor Carillo have in some slight manner expressed themselves as favorable to this English protectorate which we all are so anxious to bring about." "But, good señora, mere hearsay must not be accepted." "Again, right as ever, most worthy Administrator. But, to recollect further--I believe I have in my possession a letter from these señors--possibly, two or three letters--as I recall the matter more closely. These same letters, if I mistake not, declare quite plainly as to the sentiments of the writers." "But, Señora Valentino, there must be no possibility of mistake in such an issue as this." With childlike simplicity she looked into the face of Mendoza.