"To think that this of all days should see such blooming fog. If 'twould only clear up so the Admiral could get in, it would end all this fuss. But, something must be done about Barcelo. Some of these men hereabouts are talking more and more in favor of a California republic. Their nonsense has evidently got into the Colonel's system."
"And disappointed ambition might have another chance if such a republic came into being. My brother-in-law has a good deal of the bulldog in him."
"I am willing to believe almost anything of him now. But we've got to get to work; otherwise he'll be down here, likely as not, blowing off his fireworks again."
"Have you a suggestion, Captain?"
"No. I've thought till I can't think any longer. In the first place, I can't do anything with him; and it's too far for you to go out there. In the second place——"
"It will be best for me to be here when Fairbanks comes. When he once gets in we must take him by the hand and keep him here."
"We are in a deuce of a fix, between the devil and the deep sea, so to speak. On one hand, Barcelo, sulky and savage, and threatening to blow the British fleet off the map. On the other hand, Fairbanks so scrupulous he's ready to throw the gifts of the gods back into their arms, at the slightest excuse. When I left you yesterday at Miramonte's I hurried south to run down rumors. I've caught up with the rumors but haven't accomplished anything else. I have men watching Barcelo's movements. What else to do I don't know."
"Well, Captain, let's do nothing for the present—since there's nothing to be done."
"If this accursed fog would only lift."
"Our standing here won't lift it. Come in and breakfast with us."