“But what became of the boat?  You said—­”

“Governor Sola was furious that any one should dare to build a boat without his orders.  He called it ‘insubordination.’  How did he know what was the real purpose of the craft?  Might it not have been built to aid the Russians in securing otter or to help the ‘Boston Nation’ in their nefarious smuggling?”

My companion straightened with interest, “The Boston Nation?”

“Yes, even in those days the Yankee skippers, who occasionally did a little secret trading with the padres, told such marvelous stories of Boston that the Spaniards thought it must be a nation instead of a little town.  In fact, the United States does not seem to have been considered of much importance by Spain, for when the American ship ‘Columbia’ was expected to touch on this coast it was referred to as ‘General Washington’s vessel.’”

“Go on with your boat story,” a smile played about the corners of his mouth.  “What became of the craft?”

“The Governor ordered it sent to Monterey and commanded Argueello to appear before him.  The Comandante was surprised to have his work thus suddenly interrupted but hastened to obey orders.  On the way his horse stumbled and fell, injuring his rider’s leg so seriously that when Argueello reached Monterey, he was hardly able to stand.  Without stopping to have his injury dressed, he limped into the Governor’s presence, supporting himself on his sword.

“’How dared you build a launch and repair your Presidio without my permission?’ exclaimed the exasperated Governor.

“’Because I and my soldiers were living in hovels, and we were capable of bettering our condition,’ was the reply.

“Governor Sola, not noted for his genial temper, raised his cane with the evident intention of using it, when he noticed that the young Comandante had drawn himself erect and was handling the hilt of his naked sword.

“‘Why did you do that?’ the Governor demanded.

“’Because I was tired of my former position, and also because I do not intend to be beaten without resistance,’ Argueello answered.

“For a moment the Governor was taken back, then he held out his hand.  ‘This is the bearing of a soldier and worthy of a man of honor,’ he said.  ‘Blows are only for cowards who deserve them.’

“Argueello took the outstretched hand and from this time he and the Governor were close friends.  But the boat proved so useful at Monterey, that it was never returned.”

The Jeweled Tower of the Exposition came into view.  “So it is to be the three months’ old World’s Fair, after all, instead of the home of the first Mexican Governor of California?”

But I did not rise.  “The Presidio is just beyond,” I explained.  Then seeing him glancing admiringly at the green domes:  “Perhaps you would rather—­”

“No,” he answered me, “I’m an antiquary and I want to see the old adobe house.”