"You zink Mr. Farrel perhaps can raise in one year the money to redeem
property?" he demanded.

"I haven't the slightest information as to his money-raising ability,
other than the information given me by that man Pablo has just locked
up. If, as Loustalot informed me, Farrel has a judgment against him,
he is extremely liable to raise a hundred thousand or more to-day, what
with funds in bank and about fifteen thousand sheep."

"I zink Farrel not very lucky to-day wiz sheep, Mr. Parker."

"Well, whether he's lucky or not, he has our deal blocked for one year.
I can do nothing now until title to this ranch is actually vested in
me. I am morally certain Farrel will never redeem the property,
but--well, you realize my predicament, Mr. Okada. Our deal is
definitely hung up for one year."

"Very great disappointment!" Okada replied sadly. "Next year, I zink
California legislature make new law so Japanese people have very much
difficulty to buy land. Attorneys for Japanese Association of
California very much frightened because they know Japanese
treaty-rights not affected by such law. If my people can buy this
valley before that law comes to make trouble for Japanese people, I
zink very much better for everybody."

"But, my dear Mr. Okada, I cannot make a move until Miguel Farrel fails
to redeem the property at the expiration of the redemption period, one
year hence."