A release of mortgage
was handed Miguel Farrel as part payment, the remainder being in bonds
of the South Coast Power Corporation, to the extent of two million
dollars. In return, Farrel delivered a deed to the Agua Caliente
property and right of way and a dismissal, by Bill Conway, of his suit
for damages against John Parker, in return for which John Parker
presented Farrel an agreement to reimburse Bill Conway of all moneys
expended by him and permit him to complete the original contract for
the dam.
"Well, that straightens out our muchly involved affairs," John Parker
declared. "Farrel, you've gotten back your ranch, with the exception
of the Agua Caliente Basin, which wasn't worth a hoot to you anyway,
you have two million dollars in good sound bonds and all the money you
won on Panchito. By the way, if I may be pardoned for my curiosity,
how much money did you actually win that day?"
Don Mike smiled, reread his release of mortgage, gathered up his bundle
of bonds, backed to the door, opened it and stood there, paused for
night.
"Gentlemen," he declared, "I give you my word of honor--no, I'll give
you a Spaniard's oath--I swear, by the virtue of my dead mother and the
honor of my dead father, I did not bet one single _centavo_ on Panchito
for myself, although I did negotiate bets for Brother Anthony, Father
Dominic, and my servants, Pablo and Carolina.
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