"Mendoza, I represent the United States. My office is to conserve, or advance, her interests."
"Señor Commodore, California is the key to the vast region north and east. With this province goes mastery of the Pacific from the Isthmus to the ice. No small addition to the United States of America."
"California, in her wiser thought, you intimate, would elect to become a province under my government. I so understand you, señor."
The Administrator nodded affirmatively.
"I am, then, to hold your capital pending this expected change of attitude?"
Again the affirmation from Mendoza.
"Very well, our Señor Hacendado, suppose the inevitable finds resting place on the other horn of this dilemma, and your province elects to become British?"
Several of the men were on their feet, speaking excitedly.
"Señor Billings, not one chance in ten of such an outcome," exclaimed Fulgencio Higuera. "Geographically we belong to the United States. In politics we are one with you. Give us time to think and all of us will say aye to this."
Diego Valencia and others seconded him.