"To be sure."
"Well, now to the saddle. I set out on horseback to overtake an ocean-going fleet. Ha! ha! ha!" the Irishman's wit coming to the fore.
"At least not till after breakfast."
"I've breakfasted already; thank you, señor. Adios!"
"Wait a minute. Tell me, have you been instrumental in keeping Yoscolo from molesting our herds and our servants in the San Joaquin? It must be some unusual influence, that has held him quiet this long."
"I've threatened him with a trouncing from the strong tribes in the interior if he continues his deviltries. He met our chiefs in a great powwow in the Sierras and spoke of peace to them, in the voice of a cooing dove. They do not trust him; neither do I. I'll deliver the thrashing if he breaks his word."
"I greatly regret, Señor O'Donnell, that our California valleys did not know you years ago."
"The regret is mutual."
They passed out to the courtyard gate.
The house guests were returning from cool dips in the swimming ponds, according to custom; then breakfast; then rest.