"I cannot see one chance in a million
where you are going to lose it."
"Thank you for the heartening effect of those words, Mr. Farrel."
"I think I understand the reason underlying all this speed, Mr. Parker.
You and Okada feared that next year the people of this state will so
amend their faulty anti-alien land law of 1913 that it will be
impossible for any Oriental to own or lease California land then. So
you proceeded with your improvements during the redemption period,
confident that the ranch would never be redeemed, in order that you
might be free to deal with Okada before the new law went into effect.
Okada would not deal with you until he was assured the water could be
gotten on the land."
"Pa's thrown out at first base!" Mrs. Parker shrilled. "Poor old pa!"
Don Mike's somber black eyes flashed with mirth. "I understand now why
you leased the hacienda and why that twelve-thousand-dollar board bill
hurt," he murmured. He turned to Kay and her mother. "Why the poor
unfortunate man is forced to remain at the Rancho Palomar in order to
protect his bet." His thick black brows lifted piously. "Don't cheer,
boys," he cried tragically; "the poor devil is going fast now! Is
there anybody present who remembers a prayer or who can sing a hymn?"
Kay's adorable face twitched as she suppressed a chuckle at her
father's expense, but now that Parker was being assailed by all three,
his loyal wife decided to protect him.
Pages:
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193