Victor (with decision). "Certainly. Of a verity,--the falda likewise."
Miguel (eying Victor). "And yet thou hadst not the grant. Painful is
it that it should have been burned with the destruction of the other
archives, by the Americanos at Monterey."
Victor (cautiously feeling his way). "Possiblemente."
Miguel. "It might be wise to look into it."
Victor (bluntly). "As why?"
Miguel. "For our good and thine, friend Victor. We bring thee a
discovery; thou bringest us thy skill, thy experience, thy government
knowledge,--thy Custom House paper."*
* Grants, applications, and official notifications, under
the Spanish Government, were drawn on a stamped paper known
as custom House paper.
Manuel (breaking in drunkenly). "But for what? We are Mexicans. Are we
not fated? We shall lose. Who shall keep the Americanos off?"
Miguel. "We shall take ONE American in! Ha! seest thou? This American
comrade shall bribe his courts, his corregidores. After a little he
shall supply the men who invent the machine of steam, the mill, the
furnace, eh?"
Victor.
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