"I repeat it, don't attempt to keep something that doesn't belong to you. You may want to--but don't try it. I know all about the water appropriation for the ranch I've bought; all about your sworn affidavit filed thirty years ago, with an accompanying map, certifying that a canal was built and water delivered to the land. It's a matter of record. Now you seek to reappropriate this water, or to have the right cancelled, and see where you wind up. Thirty years ago men winked at false affidavits, but it's different to-day." The Mexican's white moustache drew up tight under his thick nose, disclosing his teeth in a snarl. "You threaten me--me!" "I'm not threatening, only warning you. Or if you wish a still milder word, let me say advising," Bryant rejoined. The banker's eyes, however, continued to flash at the engineer, as if alive in their sockets and hunting a mark to strike. "You accuse me of dishonour!" he exclaimed. "I don't know why I should pay attention to your charge, which is false. A ditch was built to the ranch--" "Mighty small one, then. No trace of it remains." "One was built, one was built!" "Very well, Mr. Menocal, grant that it was. It but strengthens my position. But let us pass to recent times; five years ago you passed title to Stevenson with the water right as a reality when you sold him the ranch; your son is water inspector for this district, or was until a year ago, anyway, making reports to the state. Did he say anything in them about this canal or water right having ceased to exist? No." "His reports were largely routine," the other stated, regaining his composure. "Still they were official. I'm simply pointing out to you, Mr. Menocal, why it will be unwise for you to endeavour to have this water appropriation cancelled. You sold it to Stevenson as a live right--the deed proves that; and now that I have the property I shall make it such in fact. You've been using the water for other land, which possibly will suffer afterward, but that doesn't affect the case in the least. That water is a valuable property; when it's delivered on my ranch, the land will be worth fifty dollars an acre. You may have calculated that no one who got hold of the Perro Creek ranch ever would or could use the water, but in that you were in error: I can and will use it, and you must understand that fact." Menocal fell into consideration. He folded his hands across his stomach and remained thus, pondering, occasionally lifting his lids for a scrutiny of Bryant's face. "I'll give you ten thousand cash for the place as it stands and hand you my check now," he said, at length. "Not to-day, thank you," the engineer replied. "What is your price?" "The ranch isn't for sale. It'll be worth a quarter of a million when it's watered. No, it's not on the market at present." A deep sigh issued from the banker's lips; he blinked slowly several times before speaking, with a resigned countenance.