Parker will get the ranch in the long run, but if I give
him a quit-claim deed now I think he will give me at least a quarter of
a million dollars. It'll be worth that to him to be free to proceed
with his plans."
"Yes, I can understand that, Miguel, and probably, from a business
standpoint, your decision does credit to your common sense. But how
about this Jap colony?"
"Bill, can two lone, poverty-stricken Californians hope to alter the
immigration laws of the entire United States? Can we hope to keep the
present Japanese population of California confined to existing areas?"
"No, I suppose not."
"I had a wild hope this afternoon--guess I was a bit theatrical--but it
was a hope based on selfishness. I'm only twenty-eight years old,
Bill, but you are nearly sixty. I'm too young to sacrifice my old
friends, so I've waited here to tell you that you are released from
your promise to support me. Settle with Parker and pull out in peace."
Conway pondered. "Wel-l-l-l," he concluded, finally, "perhaps you're
right, son. Nevertheless, I'm going to enter suit and attach. Foolish
to hunt big game with an empty gun, Miguel. Parker spoke of an
amicable settlement, but as Napoleon remarked, 'God is on the side of
the strongest battalions,' and an amicable settlement is much more
amicably obtained, when a forced settlement is inevitable." And the
cunning old rascal winked solemnly.
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