CONTENTS
　　MRS。SKAGGS’SHUSBANDS
　　HOWSANTACLAUSCAMETOSIMPSON’SBAR
　　THEPRINCESSBOBANDHERFRIENDS
　　THEILIADOFSANDYBAR
　　MR。THOMPSON’SPRODIGAL
　　THEROMANCEORMADRONOHOLLOW
　　THEPOETOFSIERRAFLAT
　　THECHRISTMASGIFTTHATCAMETORUPERT
　　MRS。SKAGGS’SHUSBANDS。
　　PARTI——WEST。
　　Thesunwasrisinginthefoot-hills。ButforanhourtheblackmassofSierraeastwardofAngel’shadbeenoutlinedwithfire，andtheconventionalmorninghadcometwohoursbeforewiththedowncoachfromPlacerville。Thedry，cold，dewlessCalifornianightstilllingeredinthelongcanyonsandfoldedskirtsofTableMountain。Evenonthemountainroadtheairwasstillsharp，andthaturgentnecessityforsomethingtokeepoutthechill，whichsentthebarkeepersleepilyamonghisbottlesandwineglassesatthestation，obtainedallalongtheroad。
　　Perhapsitmightbesaidthatthefirststiroflifewasinthebar-rooms。Afewbirdstwitteredinthesycamoresattheroadside，butlongbeforethatglasseshadclickedandbottlesgurgledinthesaloonoftheMansionHouse。Thiswasstilllitbyadissipated-
　　lookinghanging-lamp，whichwasevidentlytheworseforhavingbeenupallnight，andboreasingularresemblancetoafadedrevellerofAngel’s，whoeventhensputteredandflickeredinHISsocketinanarm-chairbelowit，——aresemblancesoplainthatwhenthefirstlevelsunbeampiercedthewindow-pane，thebarkeeper，movedbyasentimentofconsistencyandcompassion，putthembothouttogether。
　　Thenthesuncameuphaughtily。Whenithadpassedtheeasternridgeitbegan，afteritshabit，tolorditoverAngel’s，sendingthethermometeruptwentydegreesinasmanyminutes，drivingthemulestothesparseshadeofcorralsandfences，makingthereddustincandescent，andrenewingitsoldimperiousaggressiononthespikedbossesoftheconvexshieldofpinesthatdefendedTableMountain。Thitherbynineo’clockallcoolnesshadretreated，andthe"outsides"oftheupstageplungedtheirhotfacesinitsaromaticshadowsasinwater。
　　ItwasthecustomofthedriveroftheWingdamcoachtowhipuphishorsesandenterAngel’satthatremarkablepacewhichthewoodcutsinthehotelbar-roomrepresentedtocreduloushumanityastheusualrateofspeedofthatconveyance。Atsuchtimesthehabitualexpressionofdisdainfulreticenceandlazyofficialseveritywhichheworeontheboxbecameintensifiedastheloungersgatheredaboutthevehicle，andonlytheboldestventuredtoaddresshim。
　　ItwastheHon。JudgeBeeswinger，MemberofAssembly，whoto-daypresumed，perhapsrashly，onthestrengthofhisofficialposition。
　　"Anypoliticalnewsfrombelow，Bill？"heasked，asthelatterslowlydescendedfromhisloftyperch，without，however，anyperceptiblecomingdownofmienormanner。
　　"Notmuch，"saidBill，withdeliberategravity。"ThePresidento’
　　theUnitedStateshezn’tbinhisselfsensyourefoosedthatseatintheCabinet。Theginralfeelin’inperliticalcirclesisoneo’
　　regret。"
　　Irony，evenofthisoutrageousquality，wastoocommoninAngel’stoexciteeitherasmileorafrown。Billslowlyenteredthebar-
　　roomduringadry，deadsilence，inwhichonlyafaintspiritofemulationsurvived。
　　"Yedidn’tbringupthataginto’Rothschild’sthistrip？"askedthebarkeeper，slowly，bywayofvaguecontributiontotheprevailingtoneofconversation。
　　"No，"respondedBill，withthoughtfulexactitude。"Hesaidhecouldn’tlookinterthatclaimo’Johnson’swithoutfirstconsultin’theBanko’England。"
　　TheMr。Johnsonherealludedtobeingpresentasthefadedrevellerthebarkeeperhadlatelyputout，andastheallegedclaimnotoriouslypossessednoattractionswhatevertocapitalists，expectationnaturallylookedtohimforsomeresponsetothisevidentchallenge。Hedidsobysimplystatingthathewould"takesugar"inhis，andbywalkingunsteadilytowardthebar，asifacceptingafestiveinvitation。TothecreditofBillbeitrecordedthathedidnotattempttocorrectthemistake，butgravelytouchedglasseswithhim，andaftersaying"Here’sanothernailinyourcoffin，"——acheerfulsentiment，towhich"Andthehairalloffyourhead，"wasplayfullyaddedbytheothers，——hethrewoffhisliquorwithasingledexterousmovementofheadandelbow，andstoodrefreshed。
　　"Hello，oldmajor！"saidBill，suddenlysettingdownhisglass。
　　"AreYOUthere？"
　　Itwasaboy，who，becomingbashfullyconsciousthatthisepithetwasaddressedtohim，retreatedsidewaystothedoorway，wherehestoodbeatinghishatagainstthedoor-postwithanassumptionofindifferencethathisdowncastbutmirthfuldarkeyesandreddeningcheekscarcelyboreout。Perhapsitwasowingtohissize，perhapsitwastoacertaincherubicoutlineoffaceandfigure，perhapstoapeculiartrustfulnessofexpression，thathedidnotlookhalfhisage，whichwasreallyfourteen。
　　EverybodyinAngel’sknewtheboy。EitherunderthevenerabletitlebestowedbyBill，oras"TomIslington，"afterhisadoptedfather，hiswasafamiliarpresenceinthesettlement，andthethemeofmuchlocalcriticismandcomment。Hiswaywardness，indolence，andunaccountableamiability——aqualityatoncesuspiciousandgratuitousinapioneercommunitylikeAngel’s——hadoftenbeenthesubjectoffiercediscussion。Alargeandreputablemajoritybelievedhimdestinedforthegallows;aminoritynotquitesoreputableenjoyedhispresencewithouttroublingthemselvesmuchabouthisfuture;tooneortwotheevilpredictionsofthemajoritypossessedneithernoveltynorterror。
　　"Anythingforme，Bill？"askedtheboy，halfmechanically，withtheairofrepeatingsomejocularformularyperfectlyunderstoodbyBill。
　　"Anythin’foryou！"echoedBill，withanoveractedseverityequallywellunderstoodbyTommy，——"anythin’foryou？No！Andit’smyopiniontherewon’tbeanythin’foryouezlongezyouhangaroundbar-roomsandspendyourvalooabletimewithloafersandbummers。
　　Git！"
　　Thereproofwasaccompaniedbyasuitableexaggerationofgesture（Billhadseizedadecanter）beforewhichtheboyretreatedstillgood-humoredly。Billfollowedhimtothedoor。"Dernmyskin，ifhehezn’tgoneoffwiththatbummerJohnson，"headded，ashelookeddowntheroad。
　　"What’sheexpectin’，Bill？"askedthebarkeeper。
　　"Aletterfromhisaunt。Reckonhe’llhevtotakeitoutinexpectin’。Likelythey’regladtogetshuto’him。"
　　"He’sleadin’ashiftless，idlelifehere，"interposedtheMemberofAssembly。
　　"Well，"saidBill，whoneverallowedanyonebuthimselftoabusehisprotege，"seein’heain’texpectin’nooffisfromthehandsofanenlightenedconstitooency，itISraytherashiftlesslife。"
　　AfterdeliveringthisParthianarrowwithagratuitoustwangingofthebowtoindicateitsoffensivepersonality，Billwinkedatthebarkeeper，slowlyresumedapairofimmense，bulgybuckskingloves，whichgavehisfingerstheappearanceofbeingpainfullysoreandbandaged，strodetothedoorwithoutlookingatanybody，calledout，"Allaboard，"withaperfunctoryairofsupremeindifferencewhethertheinvitationwasheeded，remountedhisbox，anddrovestolidlyaway。
　　Perhapsitwaswellthathedidso，fortheconversationatonceassumedadisrespectfulattitudetowardTomandhisrelatives。ItwasmorethanintimatedthatTom’sallegedauntwasnoneotherthanTom’srealmother，whileitwasalsoassertedthatTom’sallegeduncledidnothimselfparticipateinthisintimaterelationshiptotheboytoanextentwhichthefastidioustasteofAngel’sdeemedmoralandnecessary。PopularopinionalsobelievedthatIslington，theadoptedfather，whoreceivedacertainstipendostensiblyfortheboy’ssupport，retaineditasarewardforhisreticenceregardingthesefacts。"Heain’truinin’hisselfbywastin’itonTom，"saidthebarkeeper，whopossiblypossessedpositiveknowledgeofmuchofIslington’sdisbursements。Butatthispointexhaustednaturelanguishedamongsomeofthedebaters，andheturnedfromthefrivolityofconversationtohissevererprofessionalduties。
　　ItwasalsowellthatBill’smomentaryattitudeofdidacticproprietywasnotfurtherexcitedbythesubsequentconductofhisprotege。ForbythistimeTom，halfsupportingtheunstableJohnson，whodevelopedatendencytooccasionallydashacrosstheglaringroad，butcheckedhimselfmidwayeachtime，reachedthecorralwhichadjoinedtheMansionHouse。Atitsfartherextremitywasapumpandhorse-trough。Here，withoutawordbeingspoken，butevidentlyinobediencetosomehabitualcustom，Tomledhiscompanion。Withtheboy’sassistance，Johnsonremovedhiscoatandneckcloth，turnedbackthecollarofhisshirt，andgravelyplacedhisheadbeneaththepump-spout。Withequalgravityanddeliberation，Tomtookhisplaceatthehandle。Forafewmomentsonlythesplashingofwaterandregularstrokesofthepumpbrokethesolemnlyludicroussilence。ThentherewasapauseinwhichJohnsonputhishandstohisdrippinghead，feltofitcriticallyasifitbelongedtosomebodyelse，andraisedhiseyestohiscompanion。"ThatoughttofetchIT，"saidTom，inanswertothelook。"Efitdon’t，"repliedJohnson，doggedly，withanairofrelievinghimselfofallfurtherresponsibilityinthematter，"it’sgotto，thet’sall！"
　　If"it"referredtosomechangeinthephysiognomyofJohnson，"it"
　　hadprobablybeen"fetched"bytheprocessjustindicated。Theheadthatwentunderthepumpwaslarge，andclothedwithbushy，uncertain-coloredhair;thefacewasflushed，puffy，andexpressionless，theeyesinjectedandfull。Theheadthatcameoutfromunderthepumpwasofsmallersizeanddifferentshape，thehairstraight，dark，andsleek，thefacepaleandhollow-cheeked，theeyesbrightandrestless。Inthehaggard，nervousasceticthatrosefromthehorse-troughtherewasverylittletraceoftheBacchusthathadbowedthereamomentbefore。FamiliarasTommusthavebeenwiththespectacle，hecouldnothelplookinginquiringlyatthetrough，asifexpectingtoseesometracesofthepreviousJohnsoninitsshallowdepths。
　　Anarrowstripofwillow，alder，andbuckeye——ameredusty，ravelledfringeofthegreenmantlethatsweptthehighshouldersofTableMountain——lappedtheedgeofthecorral。Thesilentpairwerequicktoavailthemselvesofevenitsscantshelterfromtheoverpoweringsun。Theyhadnotproceededfar，beforeJohnson，whowaswalkingquiterapidlyinadvance，suddenlybroughthimselfup，andturnedtohiscompanionwithaninterrogative"Eh？"
　　"Ididn’tspeak，"saidTommy，quietly。
　　"Whosaidyouspoke？"saidJohnson，withaquicklookofcunning。
　　"Incourseyoudidn’tspeak，andIdidn’tspeak，neither。Nobodyspoke。Wotmakesyouthinkyouspoke？"hecontinued，peeringcuriouslyintoTommy’seyes。
　　Thesmilewhichhabituallyshonetherequicklyvanishedastheboysteppedquietlytohiscompanion’sside，andtookhisarmwithoutaword。
　　"Incourseyoudidn’tspeak，Tommy，"saidJohnson，deprecatingly。
　　"Youain’taboytogofortoplayanolesoakerlikeme。That’swotIlikeyoufor。Thet’swotIseedinyoufromthefirst。I
　　sez，’Thet’ereboyain’tgoin’toplayyou，Johnson！Youcangoyourwholepileonhim，whenyoucan’ttrustevenabar-keep。’
　　Thet’swotIsaid。Eh？"
　　ThistimeTommyprudentlytooknonoticeoftheinterrogation，andJohnsonwenton："EfIwastoaskyouanotherquestion，youwouldn’tgotoplaymeneither，——wouldyou，Tommy？"
　　"No，"saidtheboy。
　　"EfIwastoaskyou，"continuedJohnson，withoutheedingthereply，butwithagrowinganxietyofeyeandanervoustwitchingofhislips，——"efIwastoaskyou，furinstance，efthatwasajackassrabbitthetjestpassed，——eh？——you’dsayitwasorwasnot，ezthecasemaybe。Youwouldn’tplaytheolemanonthet？"
　　"No，"saidTommy，quietly，"itWASajackassrabbit。"
　　"EfIwastoaskyou，"continuedJohnson，"efitwore，say，furinstance，agreenhatwithyallerribbons，youwouldn’tplayme，andsayitdid，onless，"——headded，withintensifiedcunning，——
　　"onlessitDID？"
　　"No，"saidTommy，"ofcourseIwouldn’t;butthen，yousee，IT
　　DID。"
　　"Itdid？"
　　"Itdid！"repeatedTommy，stoutly;"agreenhatwithyellowribbons——and——and——aredrosette。"
　　"Ididn’tgettoseetheros-ette，"saidJohnson，withslowandconscientiousdeliberation，yetwithanevidentsenseofrelief;
　　"butthatain’tsayin’itwarn’tthere，youknow。Eh？"
　　Tommyglancedquietlyathiscompanion。Thereweregreatbeadsofperspirationonhisashen-grayforeheadandontheendsofhislankhair;thehandwhichtwitchedspasmodicallyinhiswascoldandclammy，theother，whichwasfree，hadavague，purposeless，jerkyactivity，asifattachedtosomederangedmechanism。Withoutanyapparentconcerninthesephenomena，Tommyhalted，and，seatinghimselfonalog，motionedhiscompaniontoaplacebesidehim。
　　Johnsonobeyedwithoutaword。Slightaswastheact，perhapsnootherincidentoftheirsingularcompanionshipindicatedascompletelythedominanceofthiscareless，half-effeminate，butself-possessedboyoverthisdoggedlyself-willed，abnormallyexcitedman。
　　"Itain’tthesquarething，"saidJohnson，afterapause，withalaughthatwasneithermirthfulnormusical，andfrightenedawayalizardthathadbeenregardingthepairwithbreathlesssuspense，——
　　"itain’tthesquarethingforjackassrabbitstowearhats，Tommy，——isit，eh？"
　　"Well，"saidTommy，withunmovedcomposure，"sometimestheydoandsometimestheydon’t。Animalsaremightyqueer。"AndhereTommywentoffinananimated，but，Iregrettosay，utterlyuntruthfulanduntrustworthyaccountofthehabitsofCaliforniafauna，untilhewasinterruptedbyJohnson。
　　"Andsnakes，eh，Tommy？"saidtheman，withanabstractedair，gazingintentlyonthegroundbeforehim。
　　"Andsnakes，"saidTommy;"buttheydon’tbite，atleastnotthatkindyousee。There！——don’tmove，UncleBen，don’tmove;they’regonenow。Andit’sabouttimeyoutookyourdose。"
　　Johnsonhadhurriedlyrisenasiftoleapuponthelog，butTommyhadasquicklycaughthisarmwithonehandwhilehedrewabottlefromhispocketwiththeother。Johnsonpaused，andeyedthebottle。"Efyousayso，myboy，"hefaltered，ashisfingersclosednervouslyaroundit;say’when，’then。"Heraisedthebottletohislipsandtookalongdraught，theboyregardinghimcritically。"When，"saidTommy，suddenly。Johnsonstarted，flushed，andreturnedthebottlequickly。Butthecolorthathadrisentohischeekstayedthere，hiseyegrewlessrestless，andastheymovedawayagain，thehandthatrestedonTommy’sshoulderwassteadier。
　　TheirwaylayalongtheflankofTableMountain，——awanderingtrailthroughatangledsolitudethatmighthaveseemedvirginandunbrokenbutforafewoyster-cans，yeast-powdertins，andemptybottlesthathadbeenapparentlystrandedbythe"firstlowwash"
　　ofpioneerwaves。Ontheraggedtrunkofanenormouspinehungafewtuftsofgrayhaircaughtfromapassinggrizzly，butinstrangejuxtapositionatitsfootlayanemptybottleofincomparablebitters，——thechef-d’oeuvreofahygieniccivilization，andblazonedwiththearmsofanall-healingrepublic。Theheadofarattlesnakepeeredfromacasethathadcontainedtobacco，whichwasstillbrightlyplacardedwiththehigh-coloredeffigyofapopulardanseuse。Andalittlebeyondthisthesoilwasbrokenandfissured，therewasaconfusedmassofroughlyhewntimber，astragglinglineofsluicing，aheapofgravelanddirt，arudecabin，andtheclaimofJohnson。
　　Exceptfortherudestpurposesofshelterfromrainandcold，thecabinpossessedbutlittleadvantageoverthesimplesavageryofsurroundingnature。Ithadallthepracticaldirectnessofthehabitationofsomeanimal，withoutitscomfortorpicturesquequality;theverybirdsthathaunteditforfoodmusthavefelttheirownsuperiorityasarchitects。Itwasinconceivablydirty，evenwithitsscantcapacityforaccretion;itwassingularlystale，eveninitsnewnessandfreshnessofmaterial。Unspeakablydrearyasitwasinshadow，thesunlightvisiteditinablind，aching，purposelessway，asifdespairingofmellowingitsoutlinesorofeventanningitintocolor。
　　TheclaimworkedbyJohnsoninhisintervalsofsobrietywasrepresentedbyhalfadozenrudeopeningsinthemountain-side，withtheheaped-updebrisofrockandgravelbeforethemouthofeach。Theygaveverylittleevidenceofengineeringskillorconstructivepurpose，orindeedshowedanythingbutthevague，successivelyabandonedessaysoftheirprojector。To-daytheyservedanotherpurpose，forasthesunhadheatedthelittlecabinalmosttothepointofcombustion，curlingupthelongdryshingles，andstartingaromatictearsfromthegreenpinebeams，TommyledJohnsonintooneofthelargeropenings，andwithasenseofsatisfactionthrewhimselfpantinguponitsrockyfloor。Hereandtherethegratefuldampnesswascondensedinquietpoolsofwater，orinamonotonousandsoothingdripfromtherocksabove。
　　Withoutlaythestaringsunlight，——colorless，clarified，intense。
　　Forafewmomentstheylayrestingontheirelbowsinblissfulcontemplationoftheheattheyhadescaped。"Wotdoyousay，"saidJohnson，slowly，withoutlookingathiscompanion，butabstractlyaddressinghimselftothelandscapebeyond，——"wotdoyousaytotwostraightgamesfuronethousanddollars？"
　　"Makeitfivethousand，"repliedTommy，reflectively，alsotothelandscape，"andI’min。"
　　"WotdoIoweyounow？"saidJohnson，afteralengthenedsilence。
　　"Onehundredandseventy-fivethousandtwohundredandfiftydollars，"repliedTommy，withbusiness-likegravity。
　　"Well，"saidJohnson，afteradeliberationcommensuratewiththemagnitudeofthetransaction，"efyouwin，callitahundredandeightythousand，round。War’sthekeerds？"
　　Theywereinanoldtinboxinacreviceofarockabovehishead。
　　Theyweregreasyandwornwithservice。Johnsondealt，albeithisrighthandwasstilluncertain，——hovering，afterdroppingthecards，aimlesslyaboutTommy，andbeingonlyrecalledbyastrongnervouseffort。Yet，notwithstandingthisincapacityforevenhonestmanipulation，Mr。Johnsoncovertlyturnedaknavefromthebottomofthepackwithsuchshamelessinefficiencyandgratuitousunskilfulness，thatevenTommywasobligedtocoughandlookelsewheretohidehisembarrassment。Possiblyforthisreasontheyounggentlemanwashimselfconstrained，bywayofcorrection，toaddavaluablecardtohisownhand，overandabovethenumberhelegitimatelyheld。
　　Nevertheless，thegamewasunexciting，anddraggedlistlessly。
　　Johnsonwon。Herecordedthefactandtheamountwithastubofpencilandshakingfingersinwanderinghieroglyphicsalloverapocketdiary。Thentherewasalongpause，whenJohnsonslowlydrewsomethingfromhispocket，andhelditupbeforehiscompanion。Itwasapparentlyadullredstone。
　　"Ef，"saidJohnson，slowly，withhisoldlookofsimplecunning，——
　　"efyouhappenedtopickupsicharockezthat，Tommy，whatmightyousayitwas？"
　　"Don’tknow，"saidTommy。
　　"Mightn’tyousay，"continuedJohnson，cautiously，"thatitwasgold，orsilver？"
　　"Neither，"saidTommy，promptly。
　　"Mightn’tyousayitwasquicksilver？Mightn’tyousaythateftharwasafriendo’yournezknewwartogoandturnouttentonofitaday，andeverytonworthtwothousanddollars，thathehadasoftthing，averysoftthing，——allowin’，Tommy，thatyouusedsichlanguage，whichyoudon’t？"
　　"But，"saidtheboy，comingtothepointwithgreatdirectness，"DO
　　youknowwheretogetit？haveyoustruckit，UncleBen？"
　　Johnsonlookedcarefullyaround。"Ihev，Tommy。Listen。Iknowwharthar’scartloadsofit。Butthar’sonlyoneotherspecimen——
　　thematetothisyer——thet’saboveground，andthet’sin’Frisco。
　　Thar’sanagintcomin’upinadayortwotolookintoit。Isentforhim。Eh？"
　　Hisbright，restlesseyeswereconcentratedonTommy’sfacenow，buttheboyshowedneithersurprisenorinterest。LeastofalldidhebetrayanyrecollectionofBill’sironicalandgratuitouscorroborationofthispartofthestory。
　　"Nobodyknowsit，"continuedJohnson，inanervouswhisper，——
　　"nobodyknowsitbutyouandtheagintin’Frisco。Theboysworkin’roundyarpassesbyandseestheoldmangrubbin’away，andnosignso’color，notevenrottenquartz;theboysloafin’roundtheMansionHouseseestheoldmanlyin’roundfreeinbar-rooms，andtheylaughsandsez，’Playedout，’andspectsnothin’。Maybeyethinktheyspectssuthinnow，eh？"queriedJohnson，suddenly，withasharplookofsuspicion。
　　Tommylookedup，shookhishead，threwastoneatapassingrabbit，butdidnotreply。
　　"WhenIfustseteyesonyou，Tommy，"continuedJohnson，apparentlyreassured，"thefustdayyoukemandpumpedforme，anentirestranger，andhevinnocalltodoit，Isez，’Johnson，Johnson，’
　　sezI，’yer’saboyyoukintrust。Yer’saboythatwon’tplayyou;yer’sachapthat’swhiteandsquare，’——whiteandsquare，Tommy：them’stheverywordsIused。"
　　Hepausedforamoment，andthenwentoninaconfidentialwhisper，"’Youwantcapital，Johnson，’sezI，’todevelopyourresources，andyouwantapardner。Capitalyoucansendfor，butyourpardner，Johnson，——yourpardnerisrightyer。Andhisname，itisTommyIslington。’Them’stheverywordsIused。"
　　Hestoppedandchafedhisclammyhandsuponhisknees。"It’ssixmonthsagosensImadeyoumypardner。Tharain’talickI’vestrucksensthen，Tommy，tharain’tahan’fulo’yearthI’vewashed，tharain’tashovelfulo’rockI’veturnedover，butI
　　tho’to’you。’Share，andsharealike，’sezI。WhenIwrotetomyagint，Iwroteekalformypardner，TommyIslington，hehevinnocalltoknowefthesamewasmanorboy。"
　　Hehadmovednearertheboy，andwouldperhapshavelaidhishandcaressinglyuponhim，buteveninhismanifestaffectiontherewasasingularelementofawedrestraintandevenfear，——asuggestionofsomethingwithheldevenhisfullestconfidences，ahopelessperceptionofsomevaguebarrierthatnevercouldbesurmounted。
　　Hemayhavebeenattimesdimlyconsciousthat，intheeyeswhichTommyraisedtohis，therewasthoroughintellectualappreciation，criticalgood-humor，evenfemininesoftness，butnothingmore。Hisnervousnesssomewhatheightenedbyhisembarrassment，hewentonwithanattemptatcalmnesswhichhistwitchingwhitelipsandunsteadyfingersmadepatheticallygrotesque。"Thar’sabillo’
　　saleinmybunk，madeoutaccordin’tolaw，ofanekalondividedhalfoftheclaim，andtheconsiderationistwohundredandfiftythousanddollars，——gamblingdebts，——gamblingdebtsfrommetoyou，Tommy，——youunderstand？"——nothingcouldexceedtheintensecunningofhiseyeatthismoment，——"andthenthar’sawill。"
　　"Awill？"saidTommy，inamusedsurprise。
　　Johnsonlookedfrightened。
　　"Eh？"hesaid，hurriedly，"wotwill？Whosaidanythin’’boutawill，Tommy？"
　　"Nobody，"repliedTommy，withunblushingcalm。
　　Johnsonpassedhishandoverhiscoldforehead，wrungthedampendsofhishairwithhisfingers，andwenton："TimeswhenI’mtookbadezIwasto-day，theboysaboutyersez——yousez，maybe，Tommy——
　　it’swhiskey。Itain’t，Tommy。It’spizen，——quicksilverpizen。
　　That’swhat’sthematterwithme。I’msalviated！Salviatedwithmerkery。
　　"I’veheerdo’itbefore，"continuedJohnson，appealingtotheboy，"andezaboyo’permiskusreading，Ireckonyouhevtoo。Themmenasworksincinnabarsoonerorlatergetssalviated。It’sboundtofetch’emsometime。Salviatedbymerkery。"
　　"Whatareyougoin’todoforit？"askedTommy。
　　"Whentheagintcomesup，andIbeginstorealizeonthisyermine，"saidJohnson，contemplatively，"IgoestoNewYork。Iseztothebarkeep’o’thehotel，’Showmethebiggestdoctorhere。’
　　Heshowsme。Iseztohim，’Salviatedbymerkery，——ayear’sstandin’，——howmuch？’Hesez，’Fivethousanddollars，andtaketwoo’thesepillsatbedtime，andanekilnumbero’powdersatmeals，andcomebackinaweek。’AndIgoesbackinaweek，cured，andsignsacertifikittothateffect。"
　　EncouragedbyalookofinterestinTommy’seye，hewenton。
　　"SoIgetscured。Igoestothebarkeep’，andIsez，’Showmethebiggest，fashionblesthousethet’sforsaleyer。’Andhesez，’Thebiggest，nat’rallyb’longstoJohnJacobAstor。’AndIsez，’Showhim，’andheshowshim。AndIsez，’Wotmightyouaskforthisyerhouse？’Andhelooksatmescornful，andsez，’Go’way，oldman;
　　youmustbesick。’AndIfetcheshimoneoverthelefteye，andheapologizes，andIgiveshimhisownpriceforthehouse。Istocksthathousewithmohoganyfurnitureandpervisions，andtharwelives，youandme，Tommy，youandme！"
　　Thesunnolongershoneuponthehillside。TheshadowsofthepineswerebeginningtocreepoverJohnson’sclaim，andtheairwithinthecavernwasgrowingchill。Inthegatheringdarknesshiseyesshonebrightlyashewenton："Thentharcomesadaywhenwegivesabigspread。Weinvitesgovners，memberso’Congress，gentlemeno’fashion，andthelike。Andamong’emIinvitesaManasholdshisheadveryhigh，aManIonceknew;buthedoesn’tknowIknowshim，andhedoesn’trememberme。Andhecomesandhesitsoppositeme，andIwatcheshim。Andhe’sveryairy，thisMan，andverychipper，andhewipeshismouthwithawhitehankercher，andhesmiles，andheketchesmyeye。Andhesez，’Aglasso’winewithyou，Mr。Johnson’;andhefillshisglassandIfillsmine，andwerises。AndIheavesthatwine，glassandall，rightintohisdamnedgrinnin’face。Andhejumpsforme，——forheisverygame，thisMan，verygame，——butsomeon’emgrabshim，andhesez，’Whobeyou？’AndIsez，’Skaggs！damnyou，Skaggs！Lookatme！
　　Gimmebackmywifeandchild，gimmebackthemoneyyoustole，gimmebackthegoodnameyoutookaway，gimmebackthehealthyouruined，gimmebackthelasttwelveyears！Give’emtome，damnyou，quick，beforeIcutsyourheartout！’Andnaterally，Tommy，hecan’tdoit。AndsoIcutshisheartout，myboy;Icutshisheartout。"
　　Thepurelyanimalfuryofhiseyesuddenlychangedagaintocunning。"Youthinktheyhangsmeforit，Tommy，buttheydon’t。
　　Notmuch，Tommy。Igoestothebiggestlawyerthere，andIsaystohim，’Salviatedbymerkery，——youhearme，——salviatedbymerkery。’
　　Andhewinksatme，andhegoestothejudge，andhesez，’Thisyerunfortnetmanisn’tresponsible，——he’sbeensalviatedbymerkery。’
　　Andhebringswitnesses;youcomes，Tommy，andyousezezhowyou’veseenmetookbadafore;andthedoctor，hecomes，andhesezashowhe’sseenmefrightful;andthejury，withoutleavin’theirseats，bringsinaverdicto’justifiableinsanity，——salviatedbymerkery。"
　　Intheexcitementofhisclimaxhehadrisentohisfeet，butwouldhavefallenhadnotTommycaughthimandledhimintotheopenair。
　　Inthissharperlighttherewasanoddchangevisibleinhisyellow-whiteface，——achangewhichcausedTommytohurriedlysupporthim，halfleading，halfdragginghimtowardthelittlecabin。Whentheyhadreachedit，Tommyplacedhimonarude"bunk，"orshelf，andstoodforamomentinanxiouscontemplationofthetremor-strickenmanbeforehim。Thenhesaidrapidly：
　　"Listen，UncleBen。I’mgoin’totown——totown，youunderstand——
　　forthedoctor。You’renottogetupormoveonanyaccountuntilIreturn。Doyouhear？"Johnsonnoddedviolently。"I’llbebackintwohours。"Inanothermomenthewasgone。
　　ForanhourJohnsonkepthisword。Thenhesuddenlysatup，andbegantogazefixedlyatacornerofthecabin。Fromgazingatithebegantosmile，fromsmilingatithebegantotalk，fromtalkingatithebegantoscream，fromscreaminghepassedtocursingandsobbingwildly。Thenhelayquietagain。
　　Hewassostillthattomerelyhumaneyeshemighthaveseemedasleepordead。Butasquirrel，that，emboldenedbythestillness，hadenteredfromtheroof，stoppedshortuponabeamabovethebunk，forhesawthattheman’sfootwasslowlyandcautiouslymovingtowardthefloor，andthattheman’seyeswereasintentandwatchfulashisown。Presently，stillwithoutasound，bothfeetwereuponthefloor。Andthenthebunkcreaked，andthesquirrelwhiskedintotheeavesoftheroof。Whenhepeeredforthagain，everythingwasquiet，andthemanwasgone。
　　AnhourlatertwomuleteersonthePlacervilleRoadpassedamanwithdishevelledhair，glaring，bloodshoteyes，andclothestornwithbrambleandstainedwiththereddustofthemountain。Theypursuedhim，whenheturnedfiercelyontheforemost，wrestedapistolfromhisgrasp，andbrokeaway。Laterstill，whenthesunhaddroppedbehindPayne’sRidge，theunderbrushonDeadwoodSlopecrackledwithastealthybutcontinuoustread。Itmusthavebeenananimalwhosedimlyoutlinedbulk，inthegatheringdarkness，showedhereandthereinvaguebutincessantmotion;itcouldbenothingbutananimalwhoseutterancewasatoncesoincoherent，monotonous，andunremitting。Yet，whenthesoundcamenearer，andthechaparralwasparted，itseemedtobeaman，andthatmanJohnson。
　　Abovethebayingofphantasmalhoundsthatpressedhimhardanddrovehimon，withneverrestormercy;abovethelashingofaspectralwhipthatcurledabouthislimbs，sanginhisears，andcontinuallystunghimforward;abovetheoutcriesoftheuncleanshapesthatthrongedabouthim，——hecouldstilldistinguishonerealsound，——therushandsweepofhurryingwaters。TheStanislausRiver！Athousandfeetbelowhimdroveitsyellowingcurrent。
　　Throughallthevacillationsofhisunseatedmindhehadclungtooneidea，——toreachtheriver，tolaveinit，toswimitifneedbe，buttoputitforeverbetweenhimandtheharryingshapes，todrownforeverinitsturbiddepthsthethrongingspectres，towashawayinitsyellowfloodallstainsandcolorofthepast。Andnowhewasleapingfrombouldertoboulder，fromblackenedstumptostump，fromgnarledbushtobush，caughtforamomentandwithheldbyclingingvines，orplungingdownwardintodustyhollows，until，rolling，dropping，sliding，andstumbling，hereachedtheriver-
　　bank，whereonhefell，rose，staggeredforward，andfellagainwithoutstretchedarmsuponarockthatbreastedtheswiftcurrent。Andtherehelayasdead。
　　AfewstarscameouthesitatinglyaboveDeadwoodSlope。Acoldwindthathadsprungupwiththegoingdownofthesunfannedthemintomomentarybrightness，swepttheheatedflanksofthemountain，andruffledtheriver。Wherethefallenmanlaytherewasasharpcurveinthestream，sothatinthegatheringshadowstherushingwaterseemedtoleapoutofthedarknessandtovanishagain。
　　Decayeddrift-wood，trunksoftrees，fragmentsofbrokensluicing，——
　　thewashandwasteofmanyamile，——sweptintosightamoment，andweregone。Allofdecay，wreck，andfoulnessgatheredinthelongcircuitofmining-campandsettlement，allthedregsandrefuseofacrudeandwantoncivilization，reappearedforaninstant，andthenwerehurriedawayinthedarknessandlost。Nowonderthatasthewindruffledtheyellowwatersthewavesseemedtolifttheiruncleanhandstowardtherockwhereonthefallenmanlay，asifeagertosnatchhimfromit，too，andhurryhimtowardthesea。
　　Itwasverystill。Intheclearairahornblownamileawaywashearddistinctly。ThejinglingofaspurandalaughonthehighwayoverPayne’sRidgesoundedclearlyacrosstheriver。TherattlingofharnessandhoofsforetoldformanyminutestheapproachoftheWingdamcoach，thatatlast，withflashinglights，passedwithinafewfeetoftherock。Thenforanhourallagainwasquiet。Presentlythemoon，roundandfull，liftedherselfabovetheserriedridgeandlookeddownupontheriver。AtfirstthebaredpeakofDeadwoodHillgleamedwhiteandskull-like。ThentheshadowsofPayne’sRidgecastontheslopeslowlysankaway，leavingtheunshapelystumps，thedustyfissures，andclingingoutcropofDeadwoodSlopetostandoutinblackandsilver。Stillstealingsoftlydownward，themoonlighttouchedthebankandtherock，andthenglitteredbrightlyontheriver。Therockwasbareandthemanwasgone，buttheriverstillhurriedswiftlytothesea。
　　"Isthereanythingforme？"askedTommyIslington，as，aweekafter，thestagedrewupattheMansionHouse，andBillslowlyenteredthebar-room。Billdidnotreply，but，turningtoastrangerwhohadenteredwithhim，indicatedwithajerkofhisfingertheboy。Thestrangerturnedwithanairhalfofbusiness，halfofcuriosity，andlookedcriticallyatTommy。"Isthereanythingforme？"repeatedTommy，alittleconfusedatthesilenceandscrutiny。Billwalkeddeliberatelytothebar，and，placinghisbackagainstit，facedTommywithalookofdemureenjoyment。
　　"Ef，"heremarkedslowly，——"efahundredthousanddollarsdownandhalfamillioninperspektiveisennything，Major，THEREIS！"
　　MRS。SKAGGS’SHUSBANDS。
　　PARTII——EAST。
　　ItwascharacteristicofAngel’sthatthedisappearanceofJohnson，andthefactthathehadlefthisentirepropertytoTommy，thrilledthecommunitybutslightlyincomparisonwiththeastoundingdiscoverythathehadanythingtoleave。ThefindingofacinnabarlodeatAngel’sabsorbedallcollateralfactsorsubsequentdetails。
　　Prospectorsfromadjoiningcampsthrongedthesettlement;thehillsideforamileoneithersideofJohnson’sclaimwasstakedoutandpre-empted;tradereceivedasuddenstimulus;and，intheexcitedrhetoricofthe"WeeklyRecord，""anewerahadbrokenuponAngel’s。""OnThursdaylast，"addedthatpaper，"overfivehundreddollarswastakeninoverthebaroftheMansionHouse。"
　　OfthefateofJohnsontherewaslittledoubt。Hehadbeenlastseenlyingonaboulderontheriver-bankbyoutsidepassengersoftheWingdamnightcoach，andwhenFinnofRobinson’sFerryadmittedtohavefiredthreeshotsfromarevolveratadarkobjectstrugglinginthewaterneartheferry，whichhe"suspicioned"tobeabear，thequestionseemedtobesettled。Whatevermighthavebeenthefallibilityofhisjudgment，oftheaccuracyofhisaimtherecouldbenodoubt。ThegeneralbeliefthatJohnson，afterpossessinghimselfofthemuleteer’spistol，couldhaverunamuck，gaveacertainretributivejusticetothisstory，whichrendereditacceptabletothecamp。
　　ItwasalsocharacteristicofAngel’sthatnofeelingofenvyoroppositiontothegoodfortuneofTommyIslingtonprevailedthere。
　　Thathewasthoroughlycognizant，fromthefirst，ofJohnson’sdiscovery，thathisattentionstohimwereinterested，calculating，andspeculativewas，however，thegeneralbeliefofthemajority，——
　　abeliefthat，singularlyenough，awakenedthefirstfeelingsofgenuinerespectforTommyevershownbythecamp。"Heain’tnofool;YubaBillseedthetfromthefirst，"saidthebarkeeper。ItwasYubaBillwhoappliedfortheguardianshipofTommyafterhisaccessiontoJohnson’sclaim，andonwhosebondstherichestmenofCalaveraswererepresented。ItwasYubaBill，also，whenTommywassentEasttofinishhiseducation，accompaniedhimtoSanFrancisco，and，beforepartingwithhischargeonthesteamer’sdeck，drewhimaside，andsaid，"Efatennytimeyouwantennymoney，Tommy，overand’boveyour’lowance，youkinwrite;butefyou’lltakemyadvice，"headded，withasuddenhuskinessmitigatingtheseverityofhisvoice，"you’llforgeteverydernedolespavined，string-haltedbummerasyouevermetorknewatAngel’s，——ev’ryone，Tommy，——ev’ryone！Andso——boy——takecareofyourself——and——andGodblessye，andpertikerlyd——nmeforafirst-classA1fool。"ItwasYubaBill，also，afterthisspeech，glaredsavagelyaround，walkeddownthecrowdedgang-plankwitharigidandaggressiveshoulder，pickedaquarrelwithhiscabman，and，afterbundlingthatfunctionaryintohisownvehicle，tookthereinshimself，anddrovefuriouslytohishotel。"Itcostme，"saidBill，recountingtheoccurrencesomewhatlateratAngel’s，——"itcostmeamattero’twentydollarsaforethejedgethenextmornin’;butyoukinbethighthetItaughtthem’Friscochapssuthinnewaboutdrivin’。Ididn’tmakeitlivelyinMontgomeryStreetforabouttenminutes，——Ono！"
　　AndsobydegreesthetwooriginallocatersofthegreatCinnabarlodefadedfromthememoryofAngel’s，andCalaverasknewthemnomore。Infiveyearstheirverynameshadbeenforgotten;inseventhenameofthetownwaschanged;intenthetownitselfwastransportedbodilytothehillside，andthechimneyoftheUnionSmeltingWorksbynightflickeredlikeacorpse-lightoverthesiteofJohnson’scabin，andbydaypoisonedthepurespicesofthepines。EventheMansionHousewasdismantled，andtheWingdamstagedesertedthehighwayforashortercutbyQuicksilverCity。
　　OnlythebaredcrestofDeadwoodHill，asofold，sharplycuttheclearbluesky，andatitsbase，asofold，theStanislausRiver，unweariedandunresting，babbled，whispered，andhurriedawaytothesea。
　　Amidsummer’sdaywasbreakinglazilyontheAtlantic。Therewasnotwindenoughtomovethevaporsinthefoggyoffing，butwherethevaguedistanceheavedagainstavioletskythereweredullredstreaksthat，growingbrighter，presentlypaintedoutthestars。
　　SoonthebrownrocksofGreyportappearedfaintlysuffused，andthenthewholeashenlineofdeadcoastwaskindled，andthelighthousebeaconswentoutonebyone。Andthenahundredsail，beforeinvisible，startedoutofthevaporyhorizon，andpressedtowardtheshore。Itwasmorning，indeed，andsomeofthebestsocietyinGreyport，havingbeenupallnight，werethinkingitwastimetogotobed。
　　Forastheskyflashedbrighteritfiredtheclusteringredroofsofapicturesquehousebythesandsthathadallthatnight，fromopenlatticeandilluminatedbalcony，givenlightandmusictotheshore。Itglitteredonthebroadcrystalspacesofagreatconservatorythatlookeduponanexquisitelawn，whereallnightlongtheblendedodorsofseaandshorehadswoonedunderthesummermoon。Butitwroughtconfusionamongthecoloredlampsonthelongveranda，andstartledagroupofladiesandgentlemenwhohadsteppedfromthedrawing-roomwindowtogazeuponit。Itwassosearchingandsincereinitsway，that，asthecarriageofthefairestMissGillyflowerrolledaway，thatpeerlessyoungwoman，catchingsightofherfaceintheovalmirror，instantlypulleddowntheblinds，and，nestlingthewhitestshouldersinGreyportagainstthecrimsoncushions，wenttosleep。
　　"Howhaggardeverybodyis！Rose，dear，youlookalmostintellectual，"saidBlancheMasterman。
　　"Ihopenot，"saidRose，simply。"Sunrisesareverytrying。LookhowthatpinkregularlyputsoutMrs。Brown-Robinson，hairandall！"
　　"Theangels，"saidtheCountdeNugat，withapolitegesturetowardthesky，"musthavefindthesecelestialcombinationsverybadforthetoilette。"
　　"They’resafeinwhite，——exceptwhentheysitfortheirpicturesinVenice，"saidBlanche。"HowfreshMr。Islingtonlooks！It’sreallyuncomplimentarytous。"
　　"Isupposethesunrecognizesinmenorival，"saidtheyoungman，demurely。"But，"headded，"Ihavelivedmuchintheopenair，andrequireverylittlesleep。"
　　"Howdelightful！"saidMrs。Brown-Robinson，inalow，enthusiasticvoiceandamannerthatheldtheglowingsentimentofsixteenandthepracticalexperiencesofthirty-twoindangerouscombination;——
　　"howperfectlydelightful！Whatsunrisesyoumusthaveseen，andinsuchwild，romanticplaces！HowIenvyyou！Mynephewwasaclassmateofyours，andhasoftenrepeatedtomethosecharmingstoriesyoutellofyouradventures。Won’tyoutellsomenow？Do！
　　Howyoumusttireofusandthisartificiallifehere，sofrightfullyartificial，youknow"（inaconfidentialwhisper）;"andthentothinkofthedayswhenyouroamedthegreatWestwiththeIndians，andthebisons，andthegrizzlybears！Ofcourse，youhaveseengrizzlybearsandbisons？"
　　"Ofcoursehehas，dear，"saidBlanche，alittlepettishly，throwingacloakoverhershoulders，andseizingherchaperonbythearm;"hisearliestinfancywassoothedbybisons，andheproudlypointstothegrizzlybearastheplaymateofhisyouth。
　　Comewithme，andI’lltellyouallaboutit。Howgooditisofyou，"sheadded，sottovoce，toIslington，ashestoodbythecarriage，——"howperfectlygooditisofyoutobelikethoseanimalsyoutellusof，andnotknowyourfullpower。Think，withyourexperiencesandourcredulity，whatstoriesyouMIGHTtell！
　　Andyouaregoingtowalk？Goodnight，then。"Aslim，glovedhandwasfranklyextendedfromthewindow，andthenextmomentthecarriagerolledaway。
　　"Isn’tIslingtonthrowingawayachancethere？"saidCaptainMerwin，ontheveranda。
　　"Perhapshecouldn’tstandmylovelyaunt’ssuperaddedpresence。
　　Butthen，he’stheguestofBlanche’sfather，andIdaresaytheyseeenoughofeachotherasitis。"
　　"Butisn’titaratherdangeroussituation？"
　　"Forhim，perhaps;althoughhe’sawfullyold，andveryqueer。Forher，withanexperiencethattakesinalltheavailablemeninbothhemispheres，endingwithNugatoverthere，Ishouldsayamanmoreorlesswouldn’taffecthermuch，anyway。Ofcourse，"helaughed，"thesearetheaccentsofbitterness。Butthatwaslastyear。"
　　PerhapsIslingtondidnotoverhearthespeaker;perhaps，ifhedid，thecriticismwasnotnew。Heturnedcarelesslyaway，andsaunteredoutontheroadtothesea。Thencehestrolledalongthesandstowardthecliffs，where，meetinganimpedimentintheshapeofagardenwall，heleapeditwithacertainagile，boyisheaseandexperience，andstruckacrossanopenlawntowardtherocksagain。ThebestsocietyofGreyportwerenotearlyrisers，andthespectacleofatrespasserinaneveningdressexcitedonlythecriticismofgroomshangingaboutthestables，orcleanlyhousemaidsonthebroadverandasthatinGreyportarchitecturedutifullygaveuponthesea。Onlyonce，asheenteredtheboundariesofCliffwoodLodge，thefamousseatofRenwyckMasterman，washeawareofsuspiciousscrutiny;butaslouchingfigurethatvanishedquicklyinthelodgeofferednooppositiontohisprogress。Avoidingthepathwaytothelodge，Islingtonkeptalongtherocksuntil，reachingalittlepromontoryandrusticpavilion，hesatdownandgazeduponthesea。
　　Andpresentlyaninfinitepeacestoleuponhim。Exceptwherethewaveslappedlazilythecragsbelow，thevastexpansebeyondseemedunbrokenbyripple，heavingonlyinbroadponderablesheets，andrhythmically，asifstillinsleep。Theairwasfilledwithaluminoushazethatcaughtandheldthedirectsunbeams。Inthedeepcalmthatlayuponthesea，itseemedtoIslingtonthatallthetendernessofculture，magicofwealth，andspellofrefinementthatforyearshadwroughtuponthatfavoredshorehadextendeditsgraciousinfluenceevenhere。Whatapamperedandcaressedoldoceanitwas;cajoled，flattered，andfetedwhereitlay！AnoddrecollectionoftheturbidStanislaushurryingbytheasceticpines，ofthegrimoutlinesofDeadwoodHill，swambeforehiseyes，andmadetheyellowgreenofthevelvetlawnandgracefulfoliageseemalmosttropicalbycontrast。And，lookingup，afewyardsdistanthebeheldatallslipofagirlgazinguponthesea，——
　　BlancheMasterman。
　　Shehadpluckedsomewherealargefan-shapedleaf，whichsheheldparasol-wise，shadingtheblondmassesofherhair，andhidinghergrayeyes。Shehadchangedherfestaldress，withitsamplitudeofflounceandtrain，foracloselyfittinghalf-antiquehabitwhosescantoutlineswouldhavebeentryingtolimbslessshapely，butwhichprettilyaccentedthegracefulcurvesandsweepinglinesofthisGreyportgoddess。AsIslingtonrose，shecametowardhimwithafranklyoutstretchedhandandunconstrainedmanner。Hadsheobservedhimfirst？Idon’tknow。
　　Theysatdowntogetheronarusticseat，MissBlanchefacingthesea，andshadinghereyeswiththeleaf。
　　"Idon’treallyknowhowlongIhavebeensittinghere，"saidIslington，"orwhetherIhavenotbeenactuallyasleepanddreaming。Itseemedtoolovelyamorningtogotobed。Butyou？"
　　Frombehindtheleaf，itappearedthatMissBlanche，onretiring，hadbeenpursuedbyahideouswingedbugwhichdefiedtheeffortsofherselfandmaidtodislodge。Odin，theSpitzdog，hadinsisteduponscratchingatthedoor。Anditmadehereyesredtosleepinthemorning。Andshehadanearlycalltomake。Andthesealookedlovely。
　　"I’mgladtofindyouhere，whateverbethecause，"saidIslington，withhisolddirectness。"To-day，asyouknow，ismylastdayinGreyport，anditismuchpleasantertosaygoodbyunderthisblueskythanevenbeneathyourfather’swonderfulfrescosyonder。I
　　wanttorememberyou，too，aspartofthispleasantprospectwhichbelongstousall，ratherthanrecallyouinanybody’sparticularsetting。"
　　"Iknow，"saidBlanche，withequaldirectness，"thathousesareoneofthedefectsofourcivilization;butIdon’tthinkIeverheardtheideaaselegantlyexpressedbefore。Wheredoyougo？"
　　"Idon’tknowyet。Ihaveseveralplans。ImaygotoSouthAmericaandbecomepresidentofoneoftherepublics，——Iamnotparticularwhich。Iamrich，butinthatpartofAmericawhichliesoutsideofGreyportitisnecessaryforeverymantohavesomework。MyfriendsthinkIshouldhavesomegreataiminlife，withacapitalA。ButIwasbornavagabond，andavagabondIshallprobablydie。"
　　"Idon’tknowanybodyinSouthAmerica，"saidBlanche，languidly。
　　"Thereweretwogirlsherelastseason，buttheydidn’twearstaysinthehouse，andtheirwhitefrocksneverwereproperlydoneup。
　　IfyougotoSouthAmerica，youmustwritetome。"
　　"Iwill。CanyoutellmethenameofthisflowerwhichIfoundinyourgreenhouse。ItlooksmuchlikeaCaliforniablossom。"
　　"Perhapsitis。Fatherboughtitofahalf-crazyoldmanwhocamehereoneday。Doyouknowhim？"
　　Islingtonlaughed。"Iamafraidnot。Butletmepresentthisinalessbusiness-likefashion。"
　　"Thankyou。Remindmetogiveyouoneinreturnbeforeyougo，——orwillyouchooseyourself？"
　　Theyhadbothrisenasbyacommoninstinct。
　　"Goodby。"
　　Thecoolflower-likehandlayinhisforaninstant。
　　"WillyouobligemebyputtingasidethatleafamomentbeforeI
　　go？"
　　"Butmyeyesarered，andIlooklikeaperfectfright。"
　　Yet，afteralongpause，theleaffluttereddown，andapairofverybeautifulbutwithalveryclearandcriticaleyesmethis。
　　Islingtonwasconstrainedtolookaway。Whenheturnedagain，shewasgone。
　　"MisterHislington，——sir！"
　　ItwasChalker，theEnglishgroom，outofbreathwithrunning。
　　"Seein’youalone，sir，——begyourpardon，sir，——butthere’saperson——"
　　"Aperson！whatthedevildoyoumean？SpeakEnglish——no，damnit，Imeandon’t，"saidIslington，snappishly。
　　"Isedaperson，sir。Begpardon——nooffence——butnotagent，sir。
　　Inthelib’ry。"
　　Alittleamusedeventhroughtheutterdissatisfactionwithhimselfandvaguelonelinessthathadsuddenlycomeuponhim，Islington，ashewalkedtowardthelodge，asked，"Whyisn’theagent？
　　"Nogent——beggin’yourpardin，sir——’udguyamaninsarvis，sir。
　　Takesme’andsso，sir，asIsitsintherumbleatthegate，andputs’emdowndso，sir，andsez，’Put’eminyourpocket，youngman，——orisitaroadagintyouexpectstosee，thatyou’oldshupyour’ands，handcrosses’emliketothat，’sezhe。’’Old’ard，’
　　sezhe，’ontheshortcurves，oryou’llbustyourpreciouscrust，’
　　sezhe。Andhasksforyou，sir。Thisway，sir。"
　　Theyenteredthelodge。IslingtonhurrieddownthelongGothichall，andopenedthelibrarydoor。
　　Inanarm-chair，inthecentreoftheroom，amansatapparentlycontemplatingalarge，stiff，yellowhatwithanenormousbrim，thatwasplacedonthefloorbeforehim。Hishandsrestedlightlybetweenhisknees，butonefootwasdrawnupatthesideofhischairinapeculiarmanner。InthefirstglancethatIslingtongave，theattitudeinsomeodd，irreconcilablewaysuggestedabrake。Inanothermomenthedashedacrosstheroom，and，holdingoutbothhands，cried，"YubaBill！"
　　Themanrose，caughtIslingtonbytheshoulders，wheeledhimround，huggedhim，feltofhisribslikeagood-naturedogre，shookhishandsviolently，laughed，andthensaid，somewhatruefully，"Andhoweverdidyouknowme？"
　　SeeingthatYubaBillevidentlyregardedhimselfasinsomeelaboratedisguise，Islingtonlaughed，andsuggestedthatitmusthavebeeninstinct。
　　"Andyou？"saidBill，holdinghimatarm’slength，andsurveyinghimcritically，——"you！——toethink——toethink——alittlecussnohighernoratrace，aboyasI’veflickedoutertheroadwithawhiptimeinagin，aboyezneverhedmuchclothestospeakof，turnedintoasport！"
　　Islingtonremembered，withathrillofludicrousterror，thathestillworehiseveningdress。
　　"Turned，"continuedYubaBill，severely，——"turnedintoarestyourantwaiter，——agarsong！Eh，Alfonse，bringmeapattydefoygrassandanomelette，demme！"
　　"Dearoldchap！"saidIslington，laughing，andtryingtoputhishandoverBill’sbeardedmouth，"butyou——YOUdon’tlookexactlylikeyourself！You’renotwell，Bill。"Andindeed，asheturnedtowardthelight，Bill’seyesappearedcavernous，andhishairandbeardthicklystreakedwithgray。
　　"Maybeit’sthisyerharness，"saidBill，alittleanxiously。
　　"WhenIhitchesonthisyercurb"（heindicatedamassivegoldwatch-chainwithenormouslinks），"andmountsthis’morningstar，’"
　　（hepointedtoaverylargesolitairepinwhichhadtheappearanceofblisteringhiswholeshirt-front），"itkinderweighsheavyonme，Tommy。OtherwiseI’mallright，myboy，——allright。"ButheevadedIslington’skeeneye，andturnedfromthelight。
　　"Youhavesomethingtotellme，Bill，"saidIslington，suddenly，andwithalmostbrusquedirectness;"outwithit。"
　　Billdidnotspeak，butmoveduneasilytowardhishat，"Youdidn’tcomethreethousandmiles，withoutawordofwarning，totalktomeofoldtimes，"saidIslington，morekindly，"gladasIwouldhavebeentoseeyou。Itisn’tyourway，Bill，andyouknowit。Weshallnotbedisturbedhere，"headded，inreplytoaninquiringglancethatBilldirectedtothedoor，"andIamreadytohearyou。"
　　"Firstly，then，"saidBill，drawinghischairnearerIslington，"answermeonequestion，Tommy，fairandsquare，andupanddown。"
　　"Goon，"saidIslington，withaslightsmile。
　　"EfIshouldsaytoyou，Tommy，——saytoyouto-day，righthere，youmustcomewithme，——youmustleavethisplaceforamonth，ayear，twoyearsmaybe，perhapsforever，——isthereanythingthat’udkeepyou，——anything，myboy，ezyoucouldn’tleave？"
　　"No，"saidTommy，quietly;"Iamonlyvisitinghere。IthoughtofleavingGreyportto-day。"
　　"ButifIshouldsaytoyou，Tommy，comewithmeonapaseartoChiny，toJapan，toSouthAmeriky，p’r’aps，couldyougo？"
　　"Yes，"saidIslington，afteraslightpause。
　　"Tharisn’tennything，"saidBill，drawingalittlecloser，andloweringhisvoiceconfidentially，——"ennythinginthewayofayoungwoman——youunderstand，Tommy——ezwouldkeepyou？They’remightysweetabouthere;andwhetheramanisyoungorold，Tommy，there’salwayssomewomanasisbrakeorwhiptohim！"
　　Inacertainexcitedbitternessthatcharacterizedthedeliveryofthisabstracttruth，Billdidnotseethattheyoungman’sfaceflushedslightlyasheanswered"No。"
　　"Thenlisten。It’ssevenyearsago，Tommy，thetIwasworkingoneo’thePioneercoachesoverfromGoldHill。EzIstoodinfronto’
　　thestage-office，thesheriffo’thecountycomestome，andhesez，’Bill，’sezhe，’I’vegotalooneychap，asI’minchargeof，taking’imdowntothe’syluminStockton。He’zquietandpeaceable，buttheinsidesdon’tliketoridewithhim。Hevyouennyobjectiontogivehimaliftontheboxbesideyou？’Isez，’No;puthimup。’WhenIcametogoandgetuponthatboxbesidehim，thatman，Tommy，——thatmansittin’there，quietandpeaceable，was——Johnson！
　　"Hedidn’tknowme，myboy，"YubaBillcontinued，risingandputtinghishandsonTommy’sshoulders，——"hedidn’tknowme。Hedidn’tknownothingaboutyou，norAngel’s，northequicksilverlode，norevenhisownname。HesaidhisnamewasSkaggs，butI
　　knowditwasJohnson。Tharwastimes，Tommy，youmighthaveknockedmeoffthatboxwithafeather;tharwastimeswhenifthetwenty-sevenpassengerso’thatstagehedfoundtheirselvesswimmingintheAmericanRiverfivehundredfeetbelowtheroad，I
　　nevercouldhaveexplaineditsatisfactorilytothecompany，——
　　never。
　　"Thesheriffsaid，"Billcontinuedhastily，asiftoprecludeanyinterruptionfromtheyoungman，——"thesheriffsaidhehadbeenbroughtintoMurphy’sCampthreeyearsbefore，drippingwithwater，andsufferin’fromperkussionofthebrain，andhadbeencaredforgenerallybytheboys’round。WhenItoldthesheriffIknowed’im，Igothimtoleavehiminmycare;andItookhimto’Frisco，Tommy，to’Frisco，andIputhiminchargeo’thebestdoctorsthere，andpaidhisboardmyself。Therewasnothin’hedidn’thaveezhewanted。Don’tlookthatway，mydearboy，forGod’ssake，don’t！"
　　"OBill，"saidIslington，risingandstaggeringtothewindow，"whydidyoukeepthisfromme？"
　　"Why？"saidBill，turningonhimsavagely，——"why？becauseIwarn’tafool。Tharwasyou，winnin’yourwayincollege;tharwasYOU，risin’intheworld，andofsomeaccounttoit;yerwasanoldbummer，ezgoodezdeadtoit，——amanezoughterbeendeadafore！amanezneverdeniedit！Butyoualluslikedhimbetternorme，"
　　saidBill，bitterly。