old, until eighty-five per cent. of the
vegetables raised in this state are controlled by Japs. They are not a
dull people, and they know how to make that control yield rich
dividends--at the expense of the white race. That man Okada is called
the 'potato baron' because presently he will actually control the
potato crop of central California--and that is where most of the
potatoes of this state are raised. Which reminds me that I started to
ask you a question about him. Do you happen to know if he is
contemplating expanding his enterprise to include a section of southern
California?"

"I suppose I ought not discuss my father's business affairs with a
stranger," she replied, "but since he is making no secret of them, I
dare say I do not violate his confidence when I tell you that he has a
deal on with Mr. Okada to colonize the San Gregorio valley in San
Marcos County."

The look of a thousand devils leaped into Farrel's eyes. The storm of
passion that swept him was truly Latin in its terrible intensity. He
glared at the girl with a malevolence that terrified her.

"My valley'" he managed to murmur presently. "My beautiful San
Gregorio! Japs! Japs!"

"I hadn't the faintest idea that information would upset you so," the
girl protested. "Please forgive me."

"I--I come from the San Gregorio," he cried passionately. "I love
every rock and cactus and rattlesnake in it. _Valgame Dios_!" And the
maimed right hand twisted and clutched as, subconsciously, he strove to
clench his fist. "Ah, who was the coward--who was the traitor that
betrayed us for a handful of silver?"

"Yes; I believe there is a great deal of the Latin about you," she said
demurely. "If I had a temper as volcanic as yours, I would never,
never go armed."

"I could kill with my naked hands the white man who betrays his
community to a Jap. _Madre de Dios_, how I hate them!"

"Well, wait until your trusty right hand is healed before you try
garroting anybody," she suggested dryly. "Suppose you cool off, Mr.
Pepper-pot, and tell me more about this terrible menace?"

"You are interested--really?"

"I could be made to listen without interrupting you, if you could bring
yourself to cease glaring at me with those terrible chile-con-carne
eyes. I can almost see myself at my own funeral. Please remember that
I have nothing whatsoever to do with my father's business affairs."

"Your father looks like a human being, and if he realized the