Book-bot.com - read famous books online for free

Rezanov by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
page 153 of 289 (52%)
America have been on the verge of war for years,
and suggest the benefit of an alliance with Russia
in the case of the new country taking advantage of
the situation in Europe to extend its western
boundaries--"

Arrillaga had bounced to his feet, his small eyes
injected and blazing. "Those damned Bostonians!"
he shouted. "I distrusted them years ago. They
have too much calculation in their bluntness. They
cheated us, sold us short, traded under my very
nose, stole our otters, until I ordered them never to
drop an anchor in California waters again. If
their ridiculous upstart government dares to cast its
eyes on California we shall know how to meet them
--the sooner they march on Mexico and lose their
conceit the better. How they do brag! Faugh! It
is sickening. I shall remember all you say, Excel-
lency; and thank you for the hint."

Rezanov rose, and the Commandante solemnly
kissed him on either cheek. "Governor Arrillaga is
my guest, Excellency," he said. "I beg that you will
dine with us daily--unofficially--that you will re-
gard California as your own kingdom, and come
and go at your pleasure. And my daughter begs
me to remind you and your young officers that there
will be informal dancing every night."

"So far so good," thought Rezanov, as he
DigitalOcean Referral Badge