"_Dios!_ You dare talk that way to me?"

"I repeat it, don't attempt to keep something that doesn't belong to
you. You may want to--but don't try it. I know all about the water
appropriation for the ranch I've bought; all about your sworn
affidavit filed thirty years ago, with an accompanying map, certifying
that a canal was built and water delivered to the land. It's a matter
of record. Now you seek to reappropriate this water, or to have the
right cancelled, and see where you wind up. Thirty years ago men
winked at false affidavits, but it's different to-day."

The Mexican's white moustache drew up tight under his thick nose,
disclosing his teeth in a snarl.

"You threaten me--me!"

"I'm not threatening, only warning you. Or if you wish a still milder
word, let me say advising," Bryant rejoined.

The banker's eyes, however, continued to flash at the engineer, as if
alive in their sockets and hunting a mark to strike.

"You accuse me of dishonour!" he exclaimed. "I don't know why I should
pay attention to your charge, which is false. A ditch was built to the
ranch--"

"Mighty small one, then. No trace of it remains."

"One was built, one was built!"