argued with the Governor not once but three times.
Dios! how his poor excellency swore yesterday. He
threatened to return at once to Monterey. I flew
into a great rage and threatened in turn to follow
with all the other girls and all the priests--vowed he
should not have one moment of peace until that
cargo was ours."

"Well?" asked Rezanov sharply, in spite of his
amusement.

Concha shook her head. "When he does not
swear, he answers only: 'Buy if you have the
money. I have never broken a law of Spain, and
I shall not begin in my old age.' He knows well
that we have no money to send out of New Spain;
but I have conceived a plan, senor. It is for you,
not for me, to suggest it. You will never betray
that I have been your friend, Excellency?"

"I will swear it if you wish," said Rezanov
frigidly.

"Pardon, senor. If I thought you could I should
not be here. One often says such things. This is
the plan: You shall suggest that we buy your wares,
and that you buy again with our money. The dear
Governor only wants to save his conscience an ache,
for we have driven him nearly distracted. I am
sure he will consent, for you will know how to put