“Shall we plant no wheat, because the Spaniards want to raise cattle?” Mathews asked.
“Plant wheat, if you can do so without killing cattle. But do not destroy the larger industry with the smaller. If, as the Don very properly says, this is a grazing county, no legislation can change it. So it would be wiser to make laws to suit the county, and not expect that the county will change its character to suit absurd laws,” Clarence replied.
CHAPTER VI.—Naughty Dog Milord an Important Factor.
Three large wagons, each drawn by six horses, were hauling the lumber for Mr. Darrell's house, which was already commenced.
Victoriano, riding across the valley, had to stop to let the heavily loaded wagons pass. This gave Clarence time to overtake him.
“Good morning,” said he, “I am glad to catch up with you, Don Victoriano. I have been wanting to speak to you.”
Victoriano bowed, saying, “Will you go to my house?”
“No, I'd rather not. I am not dressed to be seen by ladies. I would rather speak to you here.”
“You are going to build a large house, Mr. Darrell?” said Victoriano, turning his horse so as to ride beside Clarence; “judging by the amount of lumber being hauled.”
“Yes; rather. We are a large family, and require a good deal of room. But before we do any more work I want to speak with your father. I want to ask him—ask him as a favor—and yet, as a business proposition”—he hesitated; he was evidently embarrassed; but Victoriano, not guessing the drift of his words, remained waiting silently, offering no assistance. “Well,” he continued, “I mean this: I don't like this fashion of taking people's lands, and I would like to pay to Señor Alamar for what has been located by us, but at the same time I do not wish my father to know that I have paid for the land, as I am sure he would take my action as a reproach—as a disclaimer of his own action, and I don't wish to hurt his feelings, or seem to be disrespectful or censorious.”