"He can, if Colonel Mendoza is minded to supply it."
"But, señora, at the Mendoza baile the entire countryside cried out for an English protectorate."
"Yes, but we made the minds of these men for them. The structure may not be the most lasting."
"But, perdition! they——"
"Admiral Fairbanks must seize Monterey as soon as he reaches there," she went on.
"He must! By heaven he must! I'll ruin him before all England if he flinches."
"Remember, Captain, Commodore Billings will fight."
"My word, señora! Fight us! Why, bless my soul! our fleet outnumbers him at least three to one. Fairbanks could sink him in an hour."
The woman leaned in her saddle toward the officer. "I shall be in Monterey all day to-morrow. So must you, Captain."
They shook hands over the manes of their horses and parted company, the Captain riding swiftly across the fields, the lady walking her mount toward San José.