The two were standing within the fort, at a window. They were alone. The marines of the frigate United States and the sloop-of-war Cyane were drilling not far away. The soft, "plush, plush, plush" of their feet could be heard, following the staccato calls for maneuvers.
"I relinquish possession only when forced to do so."
"The proposal was made and accepted that your government hold Monterey tentatively."
"Never accepted by me. Our consideration of that question was broken up by Señor Zelaya sprinting in with news that Fairbanks's ships were passing south. The subject was not taken up again."
"But O'Donnell accepted it, Commodore. He has letters from Mr. Tyler, your President, countersigned by your Secretary of State, giving him full power to act for his government."
"Produce O'Donnell and his papers, Colonel Mendoza."
"O'Donnell started eastward at midnight, as you well know. Two months will scarce see his return."
"Señor Mendoza, I found the capital here without government of any kind; in other words, deserted."
"The absence of the people's servants, whether in fort or government house, does not make void that people's rights."
"I led my ships through peril of fog and night, to gain advantage of the British. Had they reached here before me, then, Señor Mendoza, this enlightened will of which you speak might go to Jericho."