"I can talk better when smoking," offering the other a light.
"Very well, I listen better."
They smoked for a little while without speaking.
"You know, personally, Farquharson, England's special representative here, if I remember rightly," Mendoza breaking the silence, his eyes intently studying his guest.
"I have not seen him for many years, but I once knew him well enough. He has been as busy as a bee for several months."
"Very true; but the other British agent, Señora Valentino, is still more active—of course you know all about it. By the way, was Yoscolo alone in the abduction of Farquharson a day or two ago in Monterey? Can you tell me? You know he was abducted, of course."
O'Donnell gave a roar of laughter, and smoked vigorously.
"It seems to me I did hear something of it. In fact, for a while everybody was inquiring for this lost Englishman. I ran into his servant who was ranging Monterey and shouting for his 'Cap'n.' I believe he found him too."
"It seemed to me that it was a little beyond even Yoscolo's talents to play such a game in Monterey city unless some white man had encouraged him."
The big man was greatly amused. "To tell the truth, Señor Mendoza, it was I who was in a measure back of that game."