"Billings isn't likely to try to force the harbor with a single boat. The Yankee's mishap is our opportunity."
"But the Cyane may float at highest tide which comes in a few days now."
The señora then added significantly: "The United States can care little for this territory, judging from the weakness of their Pacific fleet. We must press this on our reluctant Admiral."
"Yes, we'll have to coax him back into Monterey, as a mother leads a bashful child into company. But—that bumptious Barcelo! What has he to say of his conduct? California voted to come under our protection, he with the others. What, under heaven's name, prompted him?"
"The real man was to the fore this morning, Captain. His blustering second self was submerged."
"Second self submerged? Well! And did the cannonading in that rickety fort settle the dregs? My word! But what does he say of it all?"
"That his honor demanded the resistance."
"Then, why in the world didn't he think of that when he voted at the baile? Not bid us to gather our basket of eggs, only to throw a bowlder into the midst."
"The Colonel's mind was on cribbage that night rather than on the province."
"And the coming of the ships took his mind from cards to fighting," elevating his eyebrows.