"Neighbors and friends," Mendoza said at last, "what I heard as I entered tells me the import of the debate which evidently took place while I was absent. I hope nothing will come to head at present."
"It must come to head!" from Hernandez. "Why not take the bull by the horns?" looking at Higuera. "I mean, why not take initiative here and now? It is unsafe to wait."
Valencia seconded Hernandez's words.
"The wise traveler," counseled Mendoza, "surveys an unknown way rood by rood. Señor Hernandez and friends, before taking positive action we should consider the path along which we would find ourselves."
"It is either the United States or England," argued Valencia. "No other nation need be considered. Why not declare for one or the other before another day?"
"Quite right, neighbor Valencia, quite right!" supported Hernandez.
"The rest of the province is undecided, as we have been. We now know our minds. Let us speak them. The others will follow, and the vexed question is at an end," again from Valencia.
"But do we know our minds well enough to speak them?" questioned Mendoza.
"We do! We do!" replied Valencia.
"Huzza! Huzza!" shouted Hernandez.