"Assuredly," laughed Farquharson. "Well, a game of cards saved us last night. My brother-in-law had suffered defeat at cribbage, and consequently was piqued. I had, some time ago, broached him on the subject of our work here, and he was not favorable. So I said nothing more to him. My brother-in-law rates most highly his proficiency at cribbage, and takes it very hard if defeated. The very-evident hold of Mendoza on the land barons seemed to increase his ill-humor, and straightway he, acting-governor as he is, declared for England." "Extraordinary, señora! Most extraordinary!" "His words threw the Californians into a frenzy. They cast aside all restraint, and boldly declared for an English protectorate. "Young Peralta, with the Señors Hernandez and Valencia, were appointed a committee to meet the British representatives at Monterey, and to arrange for the fleet to take possession of the capital. I would rather they had waited for this till we had brought Baja California to the same conviction of mind that our friends reached last night at Mendoza's; but I thought it wiser not to oppose. 'Better a bird in the hand than two in the bush,' Captain." "Yes, señora." "Now, I'm sure Padre Osuna can sway our southern friends as he pleases, but the friar must have time. If this committee comes in communication with our admiral now, and he takes over Monterey, Northern California will applaud, but--Southern California may rise in rebellion." "Yes, yes." "Then, our admiral must not be found until we judge the time is ready. Keep him away from Monterey until all sections will welcome his coming to raise the British flag on Monterey castle." "Of course our government expects us to do our part before summoning Admiral Fairbanks to do his. The Admiral will not appear officially until that time." "You have the idea, my Captain. The committee goes to Monterey, when it chooses; the fleet comes when we choose." "Will Mendoza and the others like-minded make any counter move? Could you determine anything as to that?" "No, nothing, possibly because they may have nothing in mind to do. I spoke both to Zelaya and to Higuera. I think, Captain, they are an army with guns spiked. Yet, we must not relax until California becomes British territory." "You say truly, señora. Admiral Fairbanks's fleet reached San Diego last week. Shortly he will anchor in the little bay north of Yerba Buena, where Francis Drake is believed to have sojourned. We will keep in touch with Fairbanks, and his ships will take possession of this province when the right moment comes; that is, when the people call aloud for it." "A wise captain!" "Tell me, señora, what of Morando? We have thought it well to bring high office within his reach. Now, what was his part in last night's victory?" "He favors retaining the old ideals which Spain presented to all the New World provinces that she has settled."