"The consummate sentimental bookworm! He hasn't gumption enough to manage a hedge school." Farquharson threw himself into a chair and crossed his legs, knocking over another chair in the process. It was in the house of the English consul.
"I haven't caught breath after the pandemonium this morning," returned the consul. "I'm glad to be back here alive."
"See here, Twickenham, you're a civilian, and have no stomach for fighting, and not to blame either; but Fairbanks is a fighting machine. It's his business to shoot and be shot at. Sentiment is out of place in a commander of a fleet. A plague on him! Barcelo flips a few birdshot out of a brace or two of pill boxes. The British nation bows. Well, you saw the farce this morning. By Jove! I'll have Fairbanks before the high court, to answer for his work—or lack of it." Farquharson was now nervously stepping up and down the room.
"I've had my signal-fires on the hills since noon, asking the Admiral to meet me. I want it to be on land, or anywhere off his ships. On neutral ground I'm free to call his conduct by the name it deserves. England has suffered humiliation to-day, and all because of him! The dolt!"
"I thought the ship would begin bombardment at once. I don't mind confessing that 'twas a dread time as far as I was concerned."
"Begin bombardment!" Farquharson paused in his walk. "Why didn't he blast the old fort into nothingness, and California would be ours. I'll wake him when I meet him."
"Hold on, Captain! If that blasting process of yours had gone on, we, personally, wouldn't possess California, or anything else, now."
"O, Twickenham! Well, you're not a fighting man. Besides, Admiral Fairbanks didn't know we were in the castle. Furthermore, there was safety enough in the subways, if we had minded to go there."
Again he threw himself into a chair, and began fuming anew. "Now, there's Señora Valentino! She left Europe, and all that this meant to the woman she is. She has come to this out-of-the-way place—worked hard! and conscientiously! And for what? By the way, the señora should be here. She sent word she's heard something important. She's five minutes overdue as it is."
"That clock is fast, Captain."
Farquharson looked at his watch. "Only two minutes fast." He was on his feet again. "What can have kept her!"
"O, sit down, Farquharson. Let's talk over this matter."
"Talk over the matter! That's just the trouble. It's talk, talk, talk!—and nothing done! Just wait till I meet Fairbanks! I'll——"
"Now, see here, Captain Farquharson. I'm only a business man, and I don't know anything about fighting, as you intimate. But, can't you and the señora bring Barcelo to some reasonable attitude in this affair? Have him and Admiral Fairbanks arrange an entente cordiale, so that Monterey will pass into our hands without a repetition of this morning's fusillade."
The consul's wife ushered in Señora Valentino.
"Friends, I have received news from Half Moon Bay," the señora announced, coming to the point at once, and waiving all greetings.
"Of Billings's fleet?"
"Yes. The sloop-of-war, the Cyane, went aground some time yesterday."
"How did the news come? Is it authentic?"
"It is, Captain. Alberto, the peon, brought me word. By day and night he hurried."
"Splendid, señora!"
"Commodore Billings has only one other vessel, and that is his flagship, the United States," added the señora.
"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.
"Disappointed ambition did that."
"Disappointed ambition? Señora, we gave him no assurance of office under our regime."
"No, but he cherished the desire, and importuned you this morning to confirm it."
"Well, he received his answer." The Captain's back stiffened.
"Yes, Captain Farquharson, and he gave us his. The soldier of other days awoke."
"I should say he did! I wish his popguns had shaken into Fairbanks some of that same spirit."
The señora rose to go. "A message will bring me, Captain, when you get in touch with the Admiral."
"I am expecting each moment to hear from him. At least he can use his guns to fire signals."
Both Farquharson and Twickenham attended the lady to the street.
The holiday appearance was gone from the capital. Many of the residents had taken themselves and their families out of the possible-danger zone. The others remained well within the shadow of their own rooftrees.
Farquharson's horse took him to the high ground back of the city. Reaching perpendicularly from a half dozen hills were thin pillars of signal smoke. Touching the upper air drafts they bent horizonward, and drifted slowly into nothingness.
"My smoke does its work all right, but Fairbanks's guns appear to be dumb. Drat the fellow!"
His glasses pointed out to sea. For a moment, by chance, it rested on the town below.
"Well, anyway Monterey will learn that every day isn't a fiesta day." He half chuckled.
Again he directed his attention to the smoke now ascending in fresh volume as peons replenished the fires. Again he swept the ocean with his spyglass.
A small boat was landing on the beach below the castle. The crew, waist-deep in water, was sliding it in, on the crest of a breaker. One man separated from the others and walked toward the town. The spyglass covered him, though Farquharson's thoughts were elsewhere.
"Why! Why!" in a moment, "it's old Brown. What's he been doing on a native fishing-boat?"
He shut his glass together; looked once more at the smoke columns, then cantered down the hill. He came on his former employee near the plaza.
"How do, Brown?"
"Fine, Cap'. How are you?"
"Glad to see you, Brown."
"Same here, Cap'. I'm powerful glad."
Farquharson and the Missourian gripped in cordial handshake.
"Brown, I just saw you leave that sailboat. Are you engaged in catching fish?"
Brown leaned against the Captain's horse, tangled his hand in its mane, crossed one foot over the other, and said: "Nary fishin', Cap'."
"Well, that's a deep-sea fishing-boat."
"I reckon. But I didn't fish none in that craft."
"Out for pleasure, then. Well, what have you been doing with yourself since I saw you last?"
Brown wagged his head.
"Cap', I signed up with you in Santa Fé on prospect of big game huntin' and adventure. Well, there's been no big game, but I'm meetin' adventure, at last."
"I'm much interested. I presume you were in this boat when the bombardment was going on this morning."
"Nope. Only met her a while back. Cap', you couldn't guess where I was this mornin'."
"Well," laughing, "as you would say, I reckon not."
Brown wagged his head once more, placed his back squarely against the horse, and announced impressively: "Cap'n Farquharson, this mornin' I was on the flagship of Admyral Fairbanks."
The Captain dropped the bridle-rein in his astonishment. The horse sidled away suddenly, and Brown nearly lost his equilibrium.
"Admiral Fairbanks's flagship!" incredulously. "Why, I thought you had taken service with Mendoza."
Brown recovered balance.
"Yes, Mr. Mendoza has hired me to work for him at Mission San José, and I was on Admyral Fairbanks's ship this mornin'."
"How in the name of common sense, man, can you reconcile the two things?"
"Well, Cap', let me say, there's some things I won't speak of, seein' they're political and we're on different sides."
"Never mind, Brown; tell me how you came to be with Fairbanks to-day."
"Well, Cap', yesterday mornin' a bunch of Injuns were rowin' me out to one of our warships, for what purpose I'll not say."
"All right, Brown. It was doubtless at Half Moon Bay. But never mind, go on."
"Well, Cap', whether it was or not, we got lost in the fog. Never saw so thick a fog. Couldn't see a rowlock."
"Yes, yes."
"Well, my Injuns rowed and rowed, and palavered, and what not. Then, they began cryin' and prayin'-like, and I understood we was lost. Hours went by. Waves began splashin' into the boat later, and I knew we had got out to sea. Innards felt awkward. Small boat's a mean place for seasickness."
"Brown, I mean no offense, but will you not tell me, in a few words, how you happened into Fairbanks's flagship?"
"Sure. Fine ship she is. You ever been on board, Cap'?"
Farquharson laughed.
"You are the same old Brown, I see. Now, forge ahead."
"Sure pop, Cap'. Injuns finally gave up, dropped oars and lay down in the bottom of the boat. I didn't blame 'em; fact there was as much sense in that as doin' anything else, under the circumstances."
The Englishman leaned on the pommel and waited resignedly.
"All suddenly the wind began to blow harder. Whew! but she came a-kitin'. Seen the same thing many a time on the Mississippi River. Boat pitched like a log fallin' down hill. Boss Injun grabbed the tiller, and howled jabber-talk at the others like all-possessed. Oarsmen got their paddles goin' in no time. Didn't think such quick work was in the critters."
"Brown—I'm—listening."
"All right, Cap'. I'll go on talkin'. Well, fog began clearin'. The Injuns took heart; put the boat about and started off for somewhere. First thing I knew, we were in trouble again. The ocean pitched wors'n before, though the wind had eased up. Soon, sir, our boat lifted clear of the water and dived down like a duck. Yes, sir!"
"Yes."
"Seems to me I went along on down for ten fathoms anyway. Awfullest commotion under there you ever heard of. All the time I was thinkin', yes, sir, thinking that as much as I wanted adventure I wasn't lookin' for it on the bottom of the ocean.
"Then, I began whirlin', till I didn't know anything. First I remember I was top of the waves once more, sort o' dazed like, and whippin' away from us, like a hurricane, was an all-fired big ship. She was just a-clippin' it, knots and knots per hour. You see, we'd been caught in her wash, and just naturally capsized."
"Yes, yes. It was the flagship, was it?"
"Certain, Cap', and neat work she did pickin' us up. I was floatin' on my back, tryin' to think, when a rowboat came along. A couple of sailors caught me by my midships and shirt collar. In no time I was across a thwart, head hangin' down, and the sea-water just boilin' out o' my mouth. Sooner than I could tell it every one of the Injuns was aboard and likewise bein' deprived of the water they'd swallowed.
"Well, the big boat slowed up and waited. Our rowboat was soon alongside, and we were hauled up."
"So, Fairbanks brought you to Monterey and dropped you on that fishing smack. Brown, I'm glad you've met with an adventure at last. The fleet was off the harbor when you left, was it not? The entire seven ships, I mean."
"Cap', the seven ships were out there all right. But I don't consider that capsizin' my real adventure. No, sir!"
"You met another mishap?" turning his bridle-rein, and looking at the signal smoke. "I hope it terminated as well for you as the first. What was it?"
"Nary mishap. Last night I had an interview with the Admyral."
Farquharson's attention quickly turned back to Brown. "An interview with Fairbanks?"
"Yes. And I had another this afternoon, a bunch of officers bein' present. I consider these interviews worthy of the name of adventure."
"Man, man, what are you talking about?"
"About interviews and adventures, Cap'. You were askin' about 'em. Do you mind my telling you, friend Cap', that you seem sort o' forgetful and absent-mindedlike? Guess I'll be goin'." The American made a move to depart and held out his hand to Farquharson.
"No, no, Brown, don't go. I'll pull my wits together. I'm more than interested. Your interviews appeared so big to me that I couldn't just catch it at first. Now, please tell me all about it."
"All right, Cap'. Since you're so interested I'll begin at the beginnin'. First, I and the Injuns were taken to a real nice place. Beds were there, and everything looked fine. A feller in uniform came 'round, the ship's doctor, and ordered me to 'get out o' those clothes.' My clothes were wet and uncomfortable, anyway, so I didn't mind 'em off, and off they came. He poked and pulled me most unmerciful. 'You're not hurt,' said he, when I'd got so mad I wouldn't have stood another poke. 'I'd have told you that in the beginnin',' I informed him. Then to another uniformed feller he called. 'Brandy for him, a full gill, and get him some dry clothes.' Well, the Injuns——
"Brown, let's come to that interview as soon as we can. Of course I would like to hear every particular, but time is rather short just now, and I do want to hear all about your talk with the Admiral."
Farquharson's horse caught his master's impatience and pranced around the American. Brown pivoted, keeping his face turned to the Captain.
"Now, see here, Cap', if I tell you it all, it's likely to rile you up. But it's no secret. I'd be willin' to tell it to anybody; and, between man and man, I'd rather you'd hear it from me than from somebody else. On the whole, I'm glad I've a chance to tell you, myself, bein' that we've been such good friends. 'Course, Cap', I'd be sorry to lose your friendship, but politics is politics, and I talked to the Admyral to boost my own side, which same side is the United States."
"Go on, Brown. I hope you will tell it all. I know very well which side you're on, and, as you say, 'Politics is politics!'"
"All right, just as you say, Cap'. A uniformed man brought me some clothes. He was chaplain. Nice, clever young feller he was. I soon got into them clothes. I engaged him in conversation, as to his place of residence, and so forth. Then he engaged me." Brown's language assumed company dress for the moment. He straightened up, took off his hat, and continued:
"The chaplain said to me, 'You're familiar with Monterey, are you?' 'Yes,' I said. 'I was 'round there considerable when I worked for Cap'n Farquharson.' Cap', he knew you like a book. Said I, 'The Cap'n is smart on politics, but his politics don't go in California.' 'Why not?' he asked me. 'We won't have it,' I said. 'Who?' he asked again. 'The American nation,' I said, 'represented by the American fleet, "Seenyore" Mendoza, and no end of Spanish big fellers. They're clear agen it, and so am I.'
"The chaplain perked up a good deal at this. I went on. '"Seenyore" Mendoza, my present employer, fought old Napoleon,' said I. 'The "Seenyore" came here, I reckon, to get rid of tyrants. He'll fight to the last ditch before he'll let any of 'em get in here, and I'm with him.'
"The young preacher looked some serious now. He went away after a while."
"Go on, Brown, please."
"All right, Cap'. The name of the Admyral's boat is the Vanguard, I forgot to say. Well, after supper the preacher came 'round again. 'The Admyral wants to see you,' he said."
"You went, of course; and what happened there?"
"I could see from the start the preacher was strong with the Admyral. 'Mr. Blair tells me you are familiar with Monterey,' the Admyral said. 'I'm pretty familiar,' I told him. The Admyral's room's fixed up fine, almost like Mr. Mendoza's parlor, only not so big. 'You're the Brown who was in Cap'n Farquharson's service for a time?' he asked knowin'-like. 'If you mean his employ, yes,' I said. 'I've heard the Cap'n speak of you as an honest feller,' he went on pleasant enough, but watchin' sharp's a cat at a mouse-hole. I remarked to him, 'I and all my folks are honest, makin' it a point to be square in money matters.'
"'You've quit Cap'n Farquharson's employ?' he asked. 'Yes,' I said. 'How was that?' said he. 'O, for reasons,' said I, and shut up like a clam. You see, Cap', he was askin' personal questions, which I don't allow no man, providin' I don't want to answer.
"In a minute he inquired casuallike, 'You're now in the employ of "Seenyore" Mendoza, is that it?' I replied very shortlike, 'I am,' and started to shut up like another clam, then I thought better of it and blurted out, 'The "Seenyore" is determined no king sets up in business 'round this part o' the world.'
"'Where does this "Seenyore" live?' asked the Admyral. 'At Mission San José,' I told him. 'Mission San José? How long?' 'Ever since he quit fightin' old Napoleon, I reckon,' I said. I tell you, that Admyral's eyes opened wide. 'Has the "Seenyore" a following in the province?' he asked.
"I was gettin' pretty mad about then. I told him about the riflemen Mr. Mendoza has drillin', and drillin', Spaniards, Injuns, and all.
"Well, the Admyral looked away and looked away. Then suddenly he asked, 'Describe Mendoza's appearance.' I pretty soon did. 'Yes, the same man,' he said.
"He was awful quiet for a minute, then he spoke out to himself like. 'Why has no one told me about Mendoza's activities here? He's a man to be taken into consideration. I knew him years ago.'
"Finally the Admyral said, 'I'll test it out. Sail into Monterey, just as we'd planned.'
"I spoke up, 'Monterey don't want you. If anybody says they do, it's politics. Mebbe you can shoot all these cannon at 'em tell they couldn't fight back any more, but just the same they don't want you.'
"The Admyral looked mighty queer. When I left he was still thinkin' and thinkin'.
"We sailed into Monterey harbor and out again, I still stayin' on the Admyral's boat, bein's I couldn't get off, the walkin' not bein' exactly what you'd call good.
"First thing I knew, I was in the Admyral's room a second time. A power of officers were there from the other ships. 'Repeat your statement of last night, if you will,' he asked of me. Well, I did. Then the Admyral spoke up, 'The man's words were verified this mornin' by the fort firin' on us.'
"The officers looked black as thunder. One big feller said, 'Reduce their defenses and invest the city at once.' the Admyral replied, 'I've no call to take Monterey, if she's unwillin', and I'll not do it.'
"Another officer spoke up, savage as the dickens. 'The honor of her Majesty's navy is assailed. Let the fleet take over the city!' 'Not while I'm commandin' the fleet,' put in the Admyral.
"They were talkin' when I left. Mebbe they're at it yet. The fishboat was waitin' for me and the Injuns. She skimmed through the waves like grease, and here I be."
"Confounded chicken-hearted cad!" the Captain exploded.
"How!" from Brown sharply.
"I refer to Fairbanks."
"Fine old gent. Even if his politics does differ from mine I'm not agen him as such."
Farquharson stared at the sea. "Well, your friend Fairbanks, the Admiral, has done what might be expected from him."
"I reckon you know him better'n I do."
"Brown, you have done devilish work." Farquharson's face turned on the other.
"Cap', if it's harm to you personal, I'm sorry. If it's to your side in politics, as I reckon it is, I'm all-fired glad."
The Captain continued looking at Brown for a minute. His frown faded. "You've had your adventure, old man, and you've hunted big game. Yes, by Jove! and bagged it too." A curious smile crept over his features.
"Well, I haven't got it with me, Cap'."
"Say, Brown, when you went out yesterday toward that warship of yours, did you see that the Cyane——"
"No, you don't, Cap'. That there's where secrets come in, secrets from you and your side."
"Boom! Boom!—Boom! Boom! Boom!—Boom! Boom!" sounded from the sea.
Farquharson listened intently.
The signal was repeated. "Boom! Boom!—Boom! Boom! Boom!—Boom! Boom!"
"Yerba—Buena—to-morrow," Farquharson muttered, anger clinching his teeth, as his horse, under a vicious jab of the spur, dashed forward and into the town, unceremoniously leaving Brown.
"Signaling, hey? Them cannons were boomers, all right. I've been noticing that smoke, back up on the hills, all the time I was talkin' to the Cap', and I expected to see or hear somethin' answer back."
He walked leisurely through the plaza and reached the city just in time to see Farquharson and Señora Valentino ride away in hurried gallop.
"Ah, ah! Simon J. Brown, get to work yourself. Find a horse and light out for the north."