Mattie Ross shows her mastery of negotiation ('private administrative process') and her knowledge of the law of negotiable instruments.
Mattie: "Tom Chaney stole the horse while under your care. You are responsible, you are the custodian."
Mattie is well aware that the custodian of property is responsible and liable for any loss. Imagine if she just froze at this point due to ignorance.
"It is at once a receipt for the goods which renders the carrier responsible as their custodian.."
Daniel on Negotiable Instruments as quoted in "The Elements of the law of Negotiable Instruments," by John Daniel and Charles Douglas, P.30.
Colonel Stonehill then begins to discuss the merits of Mattie's offer which is an admission of contract or acquiescence.
Col. Stonehill: "I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world as it is, is vexing enough. Secondly, your valuation of the horse is high.."
Bingo! Let the real negotiations begin with the offers and counteroffer...
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