“Why shouldn't George Mechlin help his father-in-law? Because it upsets the liver of the amiable Mr. Mathews?” asked Romeo, laughing.
“Keep quiet, Romeo,” Old Hancock said, smiling.
“If George Mechlin hadn't helped, the thing would have been done in some other way. It had to come,” Darrell said.
“I don't know about that; these Californians are too ignorant to know how to defend their rights, and too lazy to try, unless some American prompts them,” Mathews replied.
“They know enough to employ a lawyer to defend their rights,” Old Miller observed.
“Yes; but, after all, they have to use influence in Washington,” Old Mathews insisted. “And what influence have they, unless it is by the aid of some American?”
“And the pretty daughters,” added Gasbang.
“Never mind the pretty daughters,” said Miller, seeing that Everett clenched his fists as if ready to pounce upon Gasbang at the next provocation. “The question now is, what is to be done? and who is for us, and who against? The time has come when we have to count noses.”
“Yes, what are you going to do, Mr. Darrell?” asked velvety Hughes, with his sickly smile.
“Nothing. What is there for me to do? You heard me promise to the Don that I would pay him for the land I was locating, if it was decided that the title was his.”