chivalry has got to do with it."

"Señorita Valdés is a woman, young and beautiful. This little estate is
her sole possession. To fight for it in court is a hardship that Señor
Gordon will not force upon her."

"So she's young and beautiful, is she?"

"The fairest daughter of Spain in all New Mexico," soared Don Manuel.

"You don't say. A regular case of beauty and the beast, ain't it?"

"As one of her friends, I ask of you not to oppose her lawful possession
of this little vineyard."

"In the grape business, is she?"

"I speak, _señor_, in metaphor. The land is barren, of no value except
for sheep grazing."

"Are you asking me to sell my title or give it?"

"It is a bagatelle--a mere nothing. The title is but waste paper, I do
assure. Yet we would purchase--for a nominal figure--merely to save
court expenses."

"I see," Dick laughed softly. "Just to save court expenses--because
you'd rather I'd have the money than the lawyers. That's right good of
you."