He sat down deliberately.
A half dozen men sprang to their feet. All dignity was thrown aside, and they raised their voices and gesticulated earnestly.
"It is not yet the time," called one.
"It is the time, and——"
Another drowned him out by shouting, "Let us seek adequate protection from some great nation which will insure us life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
"Mexico falls soon before the United States. We shall be declared contraband of war and suffer the consequences, unless we act quickly and in the right direction," asserted yet another.
Don Louis Valencia arose.
"Friends, you speak wisely. Nothing more need be said. Let us act. I say, make our province a dependency of Great Britain. That country will protect us. Señors, now is the time. Great Britain will be our ally and friend. I repeat, take action—and now!" thumping his fist on the table.
Señor Mendoza returned from the ballroom at that moment. He went to his chair at the table. All became silent.
They waited for him to speak on the matter which was occupying so much attention in California. The stillness became intense.