"The señora is a very clever and a very beautiful woman," added Mendoza. "In Mexico I heard that she was coming here. She is famous on three continents as a most successful diplomatist. I can well believe she deserves the reputation." "I'm sure of it--more than sure of it." "Last night in my house my friends declared for the English flag. I advised consideration. She adroitly opposed. Her wishes carried. An attempt will be made to have the English government take possession at once. We must forestall them, O'Donnell." "By my faith! By my faith! we must!" "I love California too much to see her tossed precipitously into any hands, be it English or American." The Irishman stormed back and forth over the floor. Mendoza continued: "I have a plan, but the carrying it out would delay for some time your journey across the mountains." "Carson awaits my coming, if I delay a month. What is your plan?" "To find just where the American fleet is; catch the attention of your commodore; then call him for consultation with some of us here who have not been swept off our feet by the clever Señora Valentino." "Three days ago the fleet stood into the scimitar-shaped bay west of here, Commodore Billings in command. He had sighted the British fleet off Callao, Peru, and scudded ahead of them." "Bueno! Bueno!" "I'll get in touch with Billings as soon as I can." "Let him run his ships till he can anchor off some spot nearest San José Mission." "The sooner I see the Commodore the better. Will you send a messenger to my camp telling my braves to wait there till further orders?" "To be sure." "Well, now to the saddle. I set out on horseback to overtake an ocean-going fleet. Ha! ha! ha!" the Irishman's wit coming to the fore. "At least not till after breakfast." "I've breakfasted already; thank you, señor. Adios!" "Wait a minute. Tell me, have you been instrumental in keeping Yoscolo from molesting our herds and our servants in the San Joaquin? It must be some unusual influence, that has held him quiet this long." "I've threatened him with a trouncing from the strong tribes in the interior if he continues his deviltries. He met our chiefs in a great powwow in the Sierras and spoke of peace to them, in the voice of a cooing dove. They do not trust him; neither do I. I'll deliver the thrashing if he breaks his word." "I greatly regret, Señor O'Donnell, that our California valleys did not know you years ago." "The regret is mutual." They passed out to the courtyard gate. The house guests were returning from cool dips in the swimming ponds, according to custom; then breakfast; then rest. "Who is the stranger with our host?" one dueña asked of another. "Doubtless some trader in tallow." "Even the early morning after the baile leaves not the señor free from their intrusion." The men parted. CHAPTER XV SEÑORA VALENTINO MAKES A REPORT