quite sincere, although his threats are only borrowed thunder. He is
a man whom I have just dismissed for carelessness and insolence,--two
things that run in double harness in this country,--but I should be more
afraid to find him at my back on a dark night, alone on the plains; than
to confront him in daylight, in the witness box, against me. He was
only repeating a silly rumor that the title to this rancho and the nine
square leagues beyond would be attacked by some speculators."
"But I thought your title was confirmed two years ago," said Clarence.
"The GRANT was confirmed," returned Peyton, "which means that the
conveyance of the Mexican government of these lands to the ancestor of
Victor Robles was held to be legally proven by the United States Land
Commission, and a patent issued to all those who held under it. I and my
neighbors hold under it by purchase from Victor Robles, subject to the
confirmation of the Land Commission. But that confirmation was only
of Victor's GREAT-GRANDFATHER'S TITLE, and it is now alleged that as
Victor's father died without making a will, Victor has claimed and
disposed of property which he ought to have divided with his SISTERS. At
least, some speculating rascals in San Francisco have set up what they
call 'the Sisters' title,' and are selling it to actual settlers on
the unoccupied lands beyond. As, by the law, it would hold possession
against the mere ordinary squatters, whose only right is based, as you
know, on the presumption that there is NO TITLE CLAIMED, it gives the
possessor immunity to enjoy the use of the property until the case is
decided, and even should the original title hold good against his, the
successful litigant would probably be willing to pay for improvements
and possession to save the expensive and tedious process of ejectment."
"But this does not affect YOU, who have already possession?" said
Clarence quickly.
"No, not as far as THIS HOUSE and the lands I actually OCCUPY AND
CULTIVATE are concerned; and they know that I am safe to fight to the
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