Rezanof, who was well acquainted with this prohibitory law, determined upon trying to overcome it for the immediate relief of his suffering compatriots.

He was fairly well received when he reached San Francisco, but he could accomplish nothing in the way of trading or the sale of the needed provisions.
Now began a campaign of strategic waiting.

To complicate (or simplify) the situation, in the _bailes_ and _festas_ given to the distinguished Russian, Rezanof danced and chatted with Concha Argueello, the daughter of the stern old commandant of the post.
Did they fall in love with each other, or did they not?
Some writers say one thing and some another.

Anyhow, the girl thought she had received the honest love of a noble man and responded with ardor and devotion.

So sure was she of his affection that she finally prevailed upon her father (so we are told) to sell to Rezanof the provisions for which he had come.