The large man sprang to his feet. "Capital, Mendoza! Capital, sir! It's good to hear you say that. I didn't expect it so soon. Will you put it down in writing, and sign your name to it?" "Assuredly. I will also do my part toward welcoming settlers from your republic when the roads are built." "Famous! Famous! That is exactly what I wanted you to say every time we've met. It's worth the hindrance in my journey to hear news like that." Then, suddenly, "Something special has happened to bring you to this conclusion. What is it? I've been debating for weeks with you, and with no apparent result." O'Donnell seated himself. A peon had come in response to a signal from Mendoza. "Aguardiente and cigarros," the master ordered. "I can talk better when smoking," offering the other a light. "Very well, I listen better." They smoked for a little while without speaking. "You know, personally, Farquharson, England's special representative here, if I remember rightly," Mendoza breaking the silence, his eyes intently studying his guest. "I have not seen him for many years, but I once knew him well enough. He has been as busy as a bee for several months." "Very true; but the other British agent, Señora Valentino, is still more active--of course you know all about it. By the way, was Yoscolo alone in the abduction of Farquharson a day or two ago in Monterey? Can you tell me? You know he was abducted, of course." O'Donnell gave a roar of laughter, and smoked vigorously. "It seems to me I did hear something of it. In fact, for a while everybody was inquiring for this lost Englishman. I ran into his servant who was ranging Monterey and shouting for his 'Cap'n.' I believe he found him too." "It seemed to me that it was a little beyond even Yoscolo's talents to play such a game in Monterey city unless some white man had encouraged him." The big man was greatly amused. "To tell the truth, Señor Mendoza, it was I who was in a measure back of that game." "I thought as much." "You see Farquharson came across the Indian several months ago, and played for his good offices. Not a bad idea, for a power of renegades followed him. All of Yoscolo's Indians were to declare for English sovereignty--much they know what it is. Yoscolo wanted money--the clever rascal. He made the capture as near Farquharson's banker as possible--a suggestion of mine. I figured that Farquharson deserved to lose his money for his attempt at bribery. But the Englishman slipped the toils. I heard Yoscolo nearly had a fit when the news reached him." "You do not like Farquharson personally?" A gust of anger came over O'Donnell's face. "No! No! The Englishman is my enemy for something that occurred years ago in old Ireland."