anal from the Pinas along the
mountain sides to Perro Creek would be expensive to construct,
possibly prohibitive; it appears the natural line; and I suppose this
deterred him. I've located a new and practical course for a ditch on
the mesa, have surveyed and mapped it in detail, calculated the cost,
and compiled a statement of estimates, and can build the project for
sixty thousand dollars. The tract of five thousand acres can then be
sold for fifty dollars an acre, or two hundred and fifty thousand
dollars. Shall I stop, or do you wish to hear more?"

Now it was the banker's turn to smile. This visitor knew how to make a
point.

"Go ahead," he said.

"All right. A Mexican dam across the Pinas, a mile and a half of
hillside canal, some concrete drops, twelve miles of curving mesa
ditch, and the ranch is reached. In addition, the flood water of Perro
Creek can be utilized; I've worked this out, as well as the entire
system of laterals for the land. As stated, the cost of the whole
project will be about sixty thousand dollars, present price of
material and labour. I'm on my way now to the capital to file
application for a change in the present canal line, which, since it
involves only government land, will naturally be allowed. Of course
Mr. Menocal isn't taking kindly to my proposed use of this water." And
Lee paused.

"What has he done? Anything yet?"

"Not much so far, except a little futile skirmishing," the engineer
remarked, with twinkling eyes. "When I paid off his mortgage on the
land, I advised him that I should use the water: and he threatened to
have the water right cancelled. But he backed up on that line when I
promised to lodge him in jail for making false affidavits if he tried
those tactics. Thought I'd head him off in that direction at the
start. I got the jump on him there. Well, now, he's using indirect
means to keep control of the water, sending half a dozen Mexicans to
file claims at the base of the mountains where he imagines the canal
will have to go. He thinks these have blocked me; and I didn't
undeceive him. He knows nothing about my actual line of survey on the
mesa. Of course, the loss of this water that he fancied he had hits
him where it hurts, but from what I can gather Mr. Menocal isn't a man
to resort to illegal methods. He's wily, that's about all. So that's
the situation."

The banker regarded Bryant for a time with a noncommittal face.

"State your proposition now," said he.