it to him very diplomatically."

"But if he refused to understand, or his con-
science remained obdurate? I should then have
neither cargo nor ballast."

"He would never trick a guest, nor would he let
the money go out of the country. And he knows
well how much we need your cargo and longs to be
able to state in his reports that he sold you a hold
full of breadstuffs. Moreover, I think the time has
come to tell him of the distress at Sitka. He is very
soft-hearted and is now in that distracted state of
mind when only one more argument is required. I
hope I have given you good advice, Excellency. It
is the best I can think of. I have given it much
thought, and the terrible state of those miserable
creatures has kept me awake many nights. I must
return now. Will your excellency kindly remain
here until I am well on my way?--and then return
by the beach? I shall go as I came, through the
valley. Neither of us can be seen from the Bat-
tery."

"I will obey all your instructions," said Rezanov.
But he did not move, nor could the mustang. Con-
cha smiled and pointed to the other side of the
cleft, which was about as wide as a narrow street.

"Pardon, senor, I cannot turn."