"Forgiveme，Bill，"saidtheyoungman，seizingbothhishands。"I
　　knowyoudiditforthebest;butgoon。"
　　"Tharain’tmuchmoretotell，normuchusetotellit，asIcansee，"saidBill，moodily。"Henevercouldbecured，thedoctorssaid，forhehadwhattheycalledmonomania，——wasalwaystalkingabouthiswifeanddarterthatsomebodyhadstoleawayyearsago，andplannin’revengeonthatsomebody。Andsixmonthsagohewasmissed。ItrackedhimtoCarson，toSaltLakeCity，toOmaha，toChicago，toNewYork，——andhere！"
　　"Here！"echoedIslington。
　　"Here！Andthat’swhatbringsmehereto-day。Whethershe’scrazyorwell，whethershe’shuntin’youorlookin’upthatotherman，youmustgetawayfromhere。Youmustn’tseehim。Youandme，Tommy，willgoawayonacruise。Inthreeorfouryearshe’llbedeadormissing，andthenwe’llcomeback。Come。"Andherosetohisfeet。
　　"Bill，"saidIslington，risingalso，andtakingthehandofhisfriend，withthesamequietobstinacythatintheolddayshadendearedhimtoBill，"whereverheis，hereorelsewhere，saneorcrazy，Ishallseekandfindhim。EverydollarthatIhaveshallbehis，everydollarthatIhavespentshallbereturnedtohim。I
　　amyoungyet，thankGod，andcanwork;andifthereisawayoutofthismiserablebusiness，Ishallfindit。"
　　"Iknew，"saidBill，withasurlinessthatillconcealedhisevidentadmirationofthecalmfigurebeforehim——"Iknewthepartiklerstyleofd——nfoolthatyouwas，andexpectednobetter。
　　Goodby，then——GodAlmighty！who’sthat？"
　　HewasonhiswaytotheopenFrenchwindow，buthadstartedback，hisfacequitewhiteandbloodless，andhiseyesstaring。
　　Islingtonrantothewindow，andlookedout。Awhiteskirtvanishedaroundthecorneroftheveranda。Whenhereturned，Billhaddroppedintoachair。
　　"ItmusthavebeenMissMasterman，Ithink;butwhat’sthematter？"
　　"Nothing，"saidBill，faintly;"haveyougotanywhiskeyhandy？"
　　Islingtonbroughtadecanter，and，pouringoutsomespirits，handedtheglasstoBill。Billdrainedit，andthensaid，"WhoisMissMasterman？"
　　"Mr。Masterman’sdaughter;thatis，anadopteddaughter，Ibelieve。"
　　"Wotname？"
　　"Ireallydon’tknow，"saidIslington，pettishly，morevexedthanhecaredtoownatthisquestioning。
　　YubaBillroseandwalkedtothewindow，closedit，walkedbackagaintothedoor，glancedatIslington，hesitated，andthenreturnedtohischair。
　　"Ididn’ttellyouIwasmarried。，——didI？"hesaidsuddenly，lookingupinIslington’sfacewithanunsuccessfulattemptatarecklesslaugh。
　　"No，"saidIslington，morepainedatthemannerthanthewords。
　　"Fact，"saidYubaBill。"Threeyearsagoitwas，Tommy，——threeyearsago！"
　　HelookedsohardatIslington，that，feelinghewasexpectedtosaysomething，heaskedvaguely，"Whodidyoumarry？"
　　"Thet’sit！"saidYubaBill;"Ican’tezactlysay;partikly，though，ashedevil！generally，thewifeofhalfadozenothermen。"
　　Accustomed，apparently，tohavehisconjugalinfelicitiesathemeofmirthamongmen，andseeingnotraceofamusementonIslington’sgraveface，hisdogged，recklessmannersoftened，and，drawinghischairclosertoIslington，hewenton："Itallbeganouterthis：wewascomingdownWatson’sgradeonenightprettyfree，whentheexpressmanturnstomeandsez，’There’sarowinside，andyou’dbetterpullup！’Ipullsup，andouthops，firstawoman，andthentwoorthreechapsswearingandcursin’，andtryin’todragsomeonearterthem。Thenit’pear’d，Tommy，thetitwasthiswoman’sdrunkenhusbandtheywasgoingtoputoutforabusin’her，andstrikin’herinthecoach;andifithadn’tbeenforme，myboy，they’dhevleftthatchaptharintheroad。ButIfixesmattersupbyputtingheralongsideo’meonthebox，andwedroveon。Shewasverywhite，Tommy，——forthemattero’that，shewasalwaysoneo’theseverywhitewomen，thatnevergotredintheface，——butshenevercriedawhimper。Mostwiminwouldhavecried。Itwasqueer，butshenevercried。Ithoughtsoatthetime。
　　"Shewasverytall，withaloto’lighthairmeanderingdownthebackofherhead，aslongasadeer-skinwhip-lash，andaboutthecolor。Shehedeyesthet’dboreyouthroughatfiftyyards，andpootyhandsandfeet。Andwhenshekindergotouto’thatstiff，narvousstateshewasin，andwarmedupalittle，andgotchipper，byG-d，sir，shewashandsome，——shewasthat！"
　　Alittleflushedandembarrassedathisownenthusiasm，hestopped，andthensaid，carelessly，"TheygotoffatMurphy’s。"
　　"Well，"saidIslington。
　　"Well，Iusedtoseeheroftenarterthet，andwhenshewasalonesheallustookthebox-seat。Shekinderconfidedhertroublestome，howherhusbandgotdrunkandabusedher;andIdidn’tseemucho’him，forhewasawayin’Friscoarterthet。Butitwasallsquare，Tommy，——allsquare’twixtmeandher。
　　"Igotagoingthereagooddeal，andthenonedayIseztomyself，’Bill，thiswon’tdo，’andIgotchangedtoanotherroute。DidyoueverknowJacksonFilltree，Tommy？"saidBill，breakingoffsuddenly。
　　"No。"
　　"Mighthaveheerdofhim，p’r’aps？"
　　"No，"saidIslington，impatiently。
　　"JacksonFilltreerantheexpressfromWhite’souttoSummit，’crosstheNorthForkoftheYuba。Onedayheseztome，’Bill，that’samightybadfordattheNorthFork。’Isez，’Ibelieveyou，Jackson。’’It’llgitmesomeday，Bill，sure，’sezhe。I
　　sez，’Whydon’tyoutakethelowerford？’’Idon’tknow，’sezhe，’butIcan’t。’Soeverafter，whenImethim，hesez，’ThatNorthForkain’tgotmeyet。’OnedayIwasinSacramento，andupcomesFilltree。Hesez，’I’vesoldouttheexpressbusinessonaccountoftheNorthFork，butit’sboundtogetmeyet，Bill，sure’;andhelaughs。Twoweeksaftertheyfindshisbodybelowtheford，wharhetriedtocross，comin’downfromtheSummitway。Folkssaiditwasfoolishness：Tommy，IsezitwasFate！TheseconddayarterIwaschangedtothePlacervilleroute，thetwomancomesouterthehotelabovethestage-office。Herhusband，shesaid，waslyingsickinPlacerville;that’swhatshesaid;butitwasFate，Tommy，Fate。Threemonthsafterward，herhusbandtakesanoverdoseofmorphinefordeliriumtremems，anddies。There’sfolksezsezshegaveittohim，butit’sFate。AyearafterthatImarriedher，——Fate，Tommy，Fate！
　　"Ilivedwithherjestthreemonths，"hewenton，afteralongbreath，——"threemonths！Itain’tmuchtimeforahappyman。I’veseenagooddealo’hardlifeinmyday，buttherewasdaysinthatthreemonthslongerthananydayinmylife，——days，Tommy，whenitwasatoss-upwhetherIshouldkillherorsheme。Butthar，I’mdone。Youareayoungman，Tommy，andIain’tgoin’totellthingsthet，oldasIam，threeyearsagoIcouldn’thavebelieved。"
　　Whenatlast，withhisgrimfaceturnedtowardthewindow，hesatsilentlywithhisclinchedhandsonhiskneesbeforehim，Islingtonaskedwherehiswifewasnow。
　　"Askmenomore，myboy，——nomore。I’vesaidmysay。"Withagestureasofthrowingdownapairofreinsbeforehim，herose，andwalkedtothewindow。
　　"Youkinunderstand，Tommy，whyalittletriparoundtheworld’uddomegood。Efyoucan’tgowithme，wellandgood。ButgoI
　　must。"
　　"Notbeforeluncheon，Ihope，"saidaverysweetvoice，asBlancheMastermansuddenlystoodbeforethem。"FatherwouldneverforgivemeifinhisabsenceIpermittedoneofMr。Islington’sfriendstogointhisway。Youwillstay，won’tyou？Do！Andyouwillgivemeyourarmnow;andwhenMr。Islingtonhasdonestaring，hewillfollowusintothedining-roomandintroduceyou。"
　　"Ihavequitefalleninlovewithyourfriend，"saidMissBlanche，astheystoodinthedrawing-roomlookingatthefigureofBill，strolling，withhisshortpipeinhismouth，throughthedistantshrubbery。"Heasksveryqueerquestions，though。Hewantedtoknowmymother’smaidenname。"
　　"Heisanhonestfellow，"saidIslington，gravely。
　　"Youareverymuchsubdued。Youdon’tthankme，Idaresay，forkeepingyouandyourfriendhere;butyoucouldn’tgo，youknow，untilfatherreturned。"
　　Islingtonsmiled，butnotverygayly。
　　"AndthenIthinkitmuchbetterforustoparthereunderthesefrescos，don’tyou？Goodby。"
　　Sheextendedherlong，slimhand。
　　"Outinthesunlightthere，whenmyeyeswerered，youwereveryanxioustolookatme，"sheadded，inadangerousvoice。
　　Islingtonraisedhissadeyestohers。Somethingglitteringuponherownsweetlashestrembledandfell。
　　"Blanche！"
　　Shewasrosyenoughnow，andwouldhavewithdrawnherhand，butIslingtondetainedit。Shewasnotquitecertainbutthatherwaistwasalsoinjeopardy。Yetshecouldnothelpsaying，"Areyousurethatthereisn’tanythinginthewayofayoungwomanthatwouldkeepyou？"
　　"Blanche！"saidIslingtoninreproachfulhorror。
　　"Ifgentlemenwillroarouttheirsecretsbeforeanopenwindow，withayoungwomanlyingonasofaontheveranda，readingastupidFrenchnovel，theymustnotbesurprisedifshegivesmoreattentiontothemthanherbook。"
　　"Thenyouknowall，Blanche？"
　　"Iknow，"saidBlanche，"let’ssee——Iknowthepartiklarstyleof——
　　ahem！——foolyouwas，andexpectednobetter。Goodby。"And，glidinglikealovelyandinnocentmilksnakeoutofhisgrasp，sheslippedaway。
　　Tothepleasantrippleofwaves，thesoundofmusicandlightvoices，theyellowmidsummermoonagainroseoverGreyport。Itlookeduponformlessmassesofrockandshrubbery，widespacesoflawnandbeach，andashimmeringexpanseofwater。Itsingledoutparticularobjects，——awhitesailinshore，acrystalglobeuponthelawn，andflasheduponsomethingheldbetweentheteethofacrouchingfigurescalingthelowwallofCliffwoodLodge。Then，asamanandwomanpassedoutfromundertheshadowsofthefoliageintotheopenmoonlightofthegardenpath，thefigureleapedfromthewall，andstooderectandwaitingintheshadow。
　　Itwasthefigureofanoldman，withrollingeyes，histremblinghandgraspingalong，keenknife，——afiguremorepitiablethanpitiless，morepatheticthanterrible。Butthenextmomenttheknifewasstrickenfromhishand，andhestruggledinthefirmgraspofanotherfigurethatapparentlysprangfromthewallbesidehim。
　　"D——nyou，Masterman！"criedtheoldman，hoarsely;"givemefairplay，andI’llkillyouyet！"
　　"WhichmynameisYubaBill，"saidBill，quietly，"andit’stimethisd——nfoolingwasstopped。"
　　TheoldmanglaredinBill’sfacesavagely。"Iknowyou。You’reoneofMasterman’sfriends，——d——nyou，——letmegotillIcuthisheartout，——letmego！WhereismyMary？——whereismywife？——theresheis！there！——there！——there！Mary！"Hewouldhavescreamed，butBillplacedhispowerfulhanduponhismouth，asheturnedinthedirectionoftheoldman’sglance。DistinctinthemoonlightthefiguresofIslingtonandBlanche，arminarm，stoodoutuponthegardenpath。
　　"Givememywife！"mutteredtheoldmanhoarsely，betweenBill’sfingers。"Whereisshe？"
　　AsuddenfurypassedoverYubaBill’sface。"Whereisyourwife？"
　　heechoed，pressingtheoldmanbackagainstthegardenwall，andholdinghimthereasinavice。"Whereisyourwife？"herepeated，thrustinghisgrimsardonicjawandsavageeyesintotheoldman’sfrightenedface。"WhereisJackAdam’swife？WhereisMYwife？
　　Whereistheshe-devilthatdroveonemanmad，thatsentanothertohellbyhisownhand，thateternallybrokeandruinedme？Where！
　　Where！Doyouaskwhere？InjailinSacramento，——injail，doyouhear？——injailformurder，Johnson，——murder！"
　　Theoldmangasped，stiffened，andthen，relaxing，suddenlyslipped，amereinanimatemass，atYubaBill’sfeet。Withasuddenrevulsionoffeeling，YubaBilldroppedathisside，and，liftinghimtenderlyinhisarms，whispered，"Lookup，oldman，Johnson！
　　lookup，forGod’ssake！——it’sme，——YubaBill！andyonderisyourdaughter，and——Tommy！——don’tyouknow——Tommy，littleTommyIslington？"
　　Johnson’seyesslowlyopened。Hewhispered，"Tommy！yes，Tommy！
　　Sitbyme，Tommy。Butdon’tsitsonearthebank。Don’tyouseehowtheriverisrisingandbeckoningtome，——hissing，andboilin’
　　overtherocks？It’sgittinhigher！——holdme，Tommy，——holdme，anddon’tletmegoyet。We’lllivetocuthisheartout，Tommy，——
　　we’lllive——we’ll——"Hisheadsank，andtherushingriver，invisibletoalleyessavehis，leapedtowardhimoutofthedarkness，andborehimaway，nolongertothedarkness，butthroughittothedistant，peacefulshiningsea。
　　HOWSANTACLAUSCAMETOSIMPSON’SBAR。
　　IthadbeenraininginthevalleyoftheSacramento。TheNorthForkhadoverfloweditsbanksandRattlesnakeCreekwasimpassable。
　　ThefewbouldersthathadmarkedthesummerfordatSimpson’sCrossingwereobliteratedbyavastsheetofwaterstretchingtothefoothills。TheupstagewasstoppedatGrangers;thelastmailhadbeenabandonedinthetules，theriderswimmingforhislife。
　　"Anarea，"remarkedthe"SierraAvalanche，"withpensivelocalpride，"aslargeastheStateofMassachusettsisnowunderwater。"
　　Norwastheweatheranybetterinthefoothills。Themudlaydeeponthemountainroad;wagonsthatneitherphysicalforcenormoralobjurgationcouldmovefromtheevilwaysintowhichtheyhadfallen，encumberedthetrack，andthewaytoSimpson’sBarwasindicatedbybroken-downteamsandhardswearing。Andfartheron，cutoffandinaccessible，raineduponandbedraggled，smittenbyhighwindsandthreatenedbyhighwater，Simpson’sBar，ontheeveofChristmasday，1862，clunglikeaswallow’snesttotherockyentablatureandsplinteredcapitalsofTableMountain，andshookintheblast。
　　Asnightshutdownonthesettlement，afewlightsgleamedthroughthemistfromthewindowsofcabinsoneithersideofthehighwaynowcrossedandgulliedbylawlessstreamsandsweptbymaraudingwinds。HappilymostofthepopulationweregatheredatThompson’sstore，clusteredaroundared-hotstove，atwhichtheysilentlyspatinsomeacceptedsenseofsocialcommunionthatperhapsrenderedconversationunnecessary。Indeed，mostmethodsofdiversionhadlongsincebeenexhaustedonSimpson’sBar;highwaterhadsuspendedtheregularoccupationsongulchandonriver，andaconsequentlackofmoneyandwhiskeyhadtakenthezestfrommostillegitimaterecreation。EvenMr。HamlinwasfaintoleavetheBarwithfiftydollarsinhispocket，——theonlyamountactuallyrealizedofthelargesumswonbyhiminthesuccessfulexerciseofhisarduousprofession。"EfIwasasked，"heremarkedsomewhatlater，——"efIwasaskedtopintoutapurtylittlevillagewherearetiredsportasdidn’tcareformoneycouldexercisehisself，frequentandlively，I’dsaySimpson’sBar;butforayoungmanwithalargefamilydependingonhisexertions，itdon’tpay。"AsMr。Hamlin’sfamilyconsistedmainlyoffemaleadults，thisremarkisquotedrathertoshowthebreadthofhishumorthantheexactextentofhisresponsibilities。
　　Howbeit，theunconsciousobjectsofthissatiresatthateveninginthelistlessapathybegottenofidlenessandlackofexcitement。
　　Eventhesuddensplashingofhoofsbeforethedoordidnotarousethem。DickBullenalonepausedintheactofscrapingouthispipe，andliftedhishead，butnootheroneofthegroupindicatedanyinterestin，orrecognitionof，themanwhoentered。
　　Itwasafigurefamiliarenoughtothecompany，andknowninSimpson’sBaras"TheOldMan。"Amanofperhapsfiftyyears;
　　grizzledandscantofhair，butstillfreshandyouthfulofcomplexion。Afacefullofready，butnotverypowerfulsympathy，withachameleon-likeaptitudefortakingontheshadeandcolorofcontiguousmoodsandfeelings。Hehadevidentlyjustleftsomehilariouscompanions，anddidnotatfirstnoticethegravityofthegroup，butclappedtheshoulderofthenearestmanjocularly，andthrewhimselfintoavacantchair。
　　"Jestheardthebestthingout，boys！YeknowSmiley，overyar，——
　　JimSmiley，——funniestmanintheBar？Well，Jimwasjesttellingtherichestyarnabout——"
　　"Smiley’sa————fool，"interruptedagloomyvoice。
　　"Aparticular————skunk，"addedanotherinsepulchralaccents。
　　Asilencefollowedthesepositivestatements。TheOldManglancedquicklyaroundthegroup。Thenhisfaceslowlychanged。"That’sso，"hesaidreflectively，afterapause，"certinglyasortofaskunkandsuthinofafool。Incourse。"HewassilentforamomentasinpainfulcontemplationoftheunsavorinessandfollyoftheunpopularSmiley。"Dismalweather，ain’tit？"headded，nowfullyembarkedonthecurrentofprevailingsentiment。"Mightyroughpapersontheboys，andnoshowformoneythisseason。Andtomorrow’sChristmas。"
　　Therewasamovementamongthemenatthisannouncement，butwhetherofsatisfactionordisgustwasnotplain。"Yes，"continuedtheOldManinthelugubrioustonehehad，withinthelastfewmoments，unconsciouslyadopted，——"yes，Christmas，andto-night’sChristmaseve。Yesee，boys，Ikinderthought——thatis，Isorterhadanidee，jestpassin’like，youknow——thatmaybeye’dallliketocomeovertomyhouseto-nightandhaveasortoftearround。
　　ButIsuppose，now，youwouldn’t？Don’tfeellikeit，maybe？"headdedwithanxioussympathy，peeringintothefacesofhiscompanions。
　　"Well，Idon’tknow，"respondedTomFlynnwithsomecheerfulness。
　　"P’r’apswemay。Buthowaboutyourwife，OldMan？WhatdoesSHE
　　saytoit？"
　　TheOldManhesitated。Hisconjugalexperiencehadnotbeenahappyone，andthefactwasknowntoSimpson’sBar。Hisfirstwife，adelicate，prettylittlewoman，hadsufferedkeenlyandsecretlyfromthejealoussuspicionsofherhusband，untilonedayheinvitedthewholeBartohishousetoexposeherinfidelity。Onarriving，thepartyfoundtheshy，petitecreaturequietlyengagedinherhouseholdduties，andretiredabashedanddiscomfited。Butthesensitivewomandidnoteasilyrecoverfromtheshockofthisextraordinaryoutrage。Itwaswithdifficultysheregainedherequanimitysufficientlytoreleaseherloverfromtheclosetinwhichhewasconcealedandescapewithhim。Sheleftaboyofthreeyearstocomfortherbereavedhusband。TheOldMan’spresentwifehadbeenhiscook。Shewaslarge，loyal，andaggressive。
　　Beforehecouldreply，JoeDimmicksuggestedwithgreatdirectnessthatitwasthe"OldMan’shouse，"andthat，invokingtheDivinePower，ifthecasewerehisown，hewouldinvitewhomhepleased，evenifinsodoingheimperilledhissalvation。ThePowersofEvil，hefurtherremarked，shouldcontendagainsthimvainly。Allthisdeliveredwithatersenessandvigorlostinthisnecessarytranslation。
　　"Incourse。Certainly。Thet’sit，"saidtheOldManwithasympatheticfrown。"Thar’snotroubleaboutTHET。It’smyownhouse，builteverystickonitmyself。Don’tyoubeafeardo’her，boys。SheMAYcutupatriflerough，——ezwimmindo，——butshe’llcomeround。"SecretlytheOldMantrustedtotheexaltationofliquorandthepowerofcourageousexampletosustainhiminsuchanemergency。
　　Asyet，DickBullen，theoracleandleaderofSimpson’sBar，hadnotspoken。Henowtookhispipefromhislips。"OldMan，how’sthatyerJohnnygettin’on？Seemstomehedidn’tlooksopeartlasttimeIseedhimonthebluffheavin’rocksatChinamen。
　　Didn’tseemtotakemuchinterestinit。Tharwasagangof’embyyaryesterday，——drowndedoutuptheriver，——andIkinderthoughto’
　　Johnny，andhowhe’dmiss’em！Maybenow，we’dbeinthewayefhewussick？"
　　Thefather，evidentlytouchednotonlybythispatheticpictureofJohnny’sdeprivation，butbytheconsideratedelicacyofthespeaker，hastenedtoassurehimthatJohnnywasbetterandthata"littlefunmight’livenhimup。"WhereuponDickarose，shookhimself，andsaying，"I’mready。Leadtheway，OldMan：heregoes，"himselfledthewaywithaleap，acharacteristichowl，anddartedoutintothenight。Ashepassedthroughtheouterroomhecaughtupablazingbrandfromthehearth。Theactionwasrepeatedbytherestoftheparty，closelyfollowingandelbowingeachother，andbeforetheastonishedproprietorofThompson’sgrocerywasawareoftheintentionofhisguests，theroomwasdeserted。
　　Thenightwaspitchydark。Inthefirstgustofwindtheirtemporarytorcheswereextinguished，andonlytheredbrandsdancingandflittinginthegloomlikedrunkenwill-o’-the-wispsindicatedtheirwhereabouts。TheirwayledupPine-TreeCanyon，attheheadofwhichabroad，low，bark-thatchedcabinburrowedinthemountain-side。ItwasthehomeoftheOldMan，andtheentrancetothetunnelinwhichheworkedwhenheworkedatall。Herethecrowdpausedforamoment，outofdelicatedeferencetotheirhost，whocameuppantingintherear。
　　"P’r’apsye’dbetterholdonasecondoutyer，whilstIgoinandseethetthingsisallright，"saidtheOldMan，withanindifferencehewasfarfromfeeling。Thesuggestionwasgraciouslyaccepted，thedooropenedandclosedonthehost，andthecrowd，leaningtheirbacksagainstthewallandcoweringundertheeaves，waitedandlistened。
　　Forafewmomentstherewasnosoundbutthedrippingofwaterfromtheeaves，andthestirandrustleofwrestlingboughsabovethem。
　　Thenthemenbecameuneasy，andwhisperedsuggestionandsuspicionpassedfromtheonetotheother。"Reckonshe’scavedinhisheadthefirstlick！""Decoyedhiminterthetunnelandbarredhimup，likely。""Gothimdownandsittin’onhim。""Prob’lybilinsuthintoheaveonus：standclearthedoor，boys！"Forjustthenthelatchclicked，thedoorslowlyopened，andavoicesaid，"Comeinouto’thewet。"
　　ThevoicewasneitherthatoftheOldMannorofhiswife。Itwasthevoiceofasmallboy，itsweaktreblebrokenbythatpreternaturalhoarsenesswhichonlyvagabondageandthehabitofprematureself-assertioncangive。Itwasthefaceofasmallboythatlookedupattheirs，——afacethatmighthavebeenprettyandevenrefinedbutthatitwasdarkenedbyevilknowledgefromwithin，anddirtandhardexperiencefromwithout。Hehadablanketaroundhisshouldersandhadevidentlyjustrisenfromhisbed。"Comein，"herepeated，"anddon’tmakenonoise。TheOldMan’sintheretalkingtomar，"hecontinued，pointingtoanadjacentroomwhichseemedtobeakitchen，fromwhichtheOldMan’svoicecameindeprecatingaccents。"Letmebe，"headded，querulously，toDickBullen，whohadcaughthimup，blanketandall，andwasaffectingtotosshimintothefire，"letgoo’me，youd————doldfool，d’yehear？"
　　Thusadjured，DickBullenloweredJohnnytothegroundwithasmotheredlaugh，whilethemen，enteringquietly，rangedthemselvesaroundalongtableofroughboardswhichoccupiedthecentreoftheroom。Johnnythengravelyproceededtoacupboardandbroughtoutseveralarticleswhichhedepositedonthetable。"Thar’swhiskey。Andcrackers。Andredherons。Andcheese。"Hetookabiteofthelatteronhiswaytothetable。"Andsugar。"Hescoopedupamouthfulenroutewithasmallandverydirtyhand。
　　"Andterbacker。Thar’sdriedappilstooontheshelf，butIdon’tadmire’em。Appilsisswellin’。Thar，"heconcluded，"nowwadein，anddon’tbeafeard。Idon’tmindtheoldwoman。Shedon’tb’longtoME。S’long。"
　　Hehadsteppedtothethresholdofasmallroom，scarcelylargerthanacloset，partitionedofffromthemainapartment，andholdinginitsdimrecessasmallbed。Hestoodthereamomentlookingatthecompany，hisbarefeetpeepingfromtheblanket，andnodded。
　　"Hello，Johnny！Youain’tgoin’toturninagin，areye？"saidDick。
　　"Yes，Iare，"respondedJohnny，decidedly。
　　"Why，wot’sup，oldfellow？"
　　"I’msick。"
　　"Howsick！"
　　"I’vegotafevier。Andchildblains。Androomatiz，"returnedJohnny，andvanishedwithin。Afteramoment’spause，headdedinthedark，apparentlyfromunderthebedclothes，——"Andbiles！"
　　Therewasanembarrassingsilence。Themenlookedateachother，andatthefire。Evenwiththeappetizingbanquetbeforethem，itseemedasiftheymightagainfallintothedespondencyofThompson’sgrocery，whenthevoiceoftheOldMan，incautiouslylifted，camedeprecatinglyfromthekitchen。
　　"Certainly！Thet’sso。Incoursetheyis。Agango’lazydrunkenloafers，andthatarDickBullen’stheornariestofall。Didn’thevnomoresabethantocomeroundyarwithsicknessinthehouseandnoprovision。Thet’swhatIsaid：’Bullen，’sezI，’it’scrazydrunkyouare，orafool，’sezI，’tothinko’suchathing。’
　　’Staples，’Isez，’beyouaman，Staples，and’specttoraiseh-llundermyroofandinvalidslyin’round？’Buttheywouldcome，——
　　theywould。Thet’swotyoumust’specto’suchtrashaslaysroundtheBar。"
　　Aburstoflaughterfromthemenfollowedthisunfortunateexposure。Whetheritwasoverheardinthekitchen，orwhethertheOldMan’siratecompanionhadjustthenexhaustedallothermodesofexpressinghercontemptuousindignation，Icannotsay，butabackdoorwassuddenlyslammedwithgreatviolence。AmomentlaterandtheOldManreappeared，haplyunconsciousofthecauseofthelatehilariousoutburst，andsmiledblandly。
　　"Theoldwomanthoughtshe’djestrunovertoMrs。McFadden’sforasociablecall，"heexplained，withjauntyindifference，ashetookaseatattheboard。
　　Oddlyenoughitneededthisuntowardincidenttorelievetheembarrassmentthatwasbeginningtobefeltbytheparty，andtheirnaturalaudacityreturnedwiththeirhost。Idonotproposetorecordtheconvivialitiesofthatevening。Theinquisitivereaderwillacceptthestatementthattheconversationwascharacterizedbythesameintellectualexaltation，thesamecautiousreverence，thesamefastidiousdelicacy，thesamerhetoricalprecision，andthesamelogicalandcoherentdiscoursesomewhatlaterintheevening，whichdistinguishsimilargatheringsofthemasculinesexinmorecivilizedlocalitiesandundermorefavorableauspices。Noglasseswerebrokenintheabsenceofany;noliquorwasuselesslyspiltonfloorortableinthescarcityofthatarticle。
　　Itwasnearlymidnightwhenthefestivitieswereinterrupted。
　　"Hush，"saidDickBullen，holdinguphishand。ItwasthequerulousvoiceofJohnnyfromhisadjacentcloset："Odad！"
　　TheOldManarosehurriedlyanddisappearedinthecloset。
　　Presentlyhereappeared。"Hisrheumatiziscomingonaginbad，"heexplained，"andhewantsrubbin’。"Heliftedthedemijohnofwhiskeyfromthetableandshookit。Itwasempty。DickBullenputdownhistincupwithanembarrassedlaugh。Sodidtheothers。
　　TheOldManexaminedtheircontentsandsaidhopefully，"Ireckonthat’senough;hedon’tneedmuch。Youholdonallo’youforaspell，andI’llbeback";andvanishedintheclosetwithanoldflannelshirtandthewhiskey。Thedoorclosedbutimperfectly，andthefollowingdialoguewasdistinctlyaudible：——
　　"Now，Sonny，whardoessheacheworst？"
　　"Sometimesoveryarandsometimesunderyer;butit’smostpowerfulfromyertoyer。Rubyer，dad。"
　　Asilenceseemedtoindicateabriskrubbing。ThenJohnny：
　　"Hevin’agoodtimeoutyer，dad？"
　　"Yes，sonny。"
　　"To-morrer’sChrismiss，ain’tit？"
　　"Yes，Sonny。Howdoesshefeelnow？"
　　"Betterrubalittlefurderdown。Wot’sChrismiss，anyway？Wot’sitallabout？"
　　"O，it’saday。"
　　Thisexhaustivedefinitionwasapparentlysatisfactory，fortherewasasilentintervalofrubbing。PresentlyJohnnyagain：
　　"MarsezthateverywhereelsebutyereverybodygivesthingstoeverybodyChrismiss，andthenshejistwadedinteryou。Shesezthar’samantheycallSandyClaws，notawhiteman，youknow，butakindo’Chinemin，comesdownthechimbleynightaforeChrismissandgivesthingstochillern，——boyslikeme。Puts’emintheirbutes！
　　Thet’swhatshetriedtoplayuponme。Easynow，pop，wharareyourubbin’to，——thet’samilefromtheplace。Shejestmadethatup，didn’tshe，jesttoaggrewatemeandyou？Don’trubthar……
　　Why，dad！"
　　Inthegreatquietthatseemedtohavefallenuponthehousethesighofthenearpinesandthedripofleaveswithoutwasverydistinct。Johnny’svoice，too，wasloweredashewenton，"Don’tyoutakeonnow，furI’mgettin’allrightfast。Wot’stheboysdoin’outthar？"
　　TheOldManpartlyopenedthedoorandpeeredthrough。Hisguestsweresittingtheresociablyenough，andtherewereafewsilvercoinsandaleanbuckskinpurseonthetable。"Bettin’onsuthin，——
　　somelittlegameor’nother。They’reallright，"herepliedtoJohnny，andrecommencedhisrubbing。
　　"I’dliketotakeahandandwinsomemoney，"saidJohnny，reflectively，afterapause。
　　TheOldMangliblyrepeatedwhatwasevidentlyafamiliarformula，thatifJohnnywouldwaituntilhestruckitrichinthetunnelhe’dhavelotsofmoney，etc。，etc。
　　"Yes，"saidJohnny，"butyoudon’t。AndwhetheryoustrikeitorI
　　winit，it’saboutthesame。It’sallluck。Butit’smightycur’o’saboutChrismiss，——ain’tit？WhydotheycallitChrismiss？"
　　Perhapsfromsomeinstinctivedeferencetotheoverhearingofhisguests，orfromsomevaguesenseofincongruity，theOldMan’sreplywassolowastobeinaudiblebeyondtheroom。
　　"Yes，"saidJohnny，withsomeslightabatementofinterest，"I’veheerdo’HIMbefore。Thar，that’lldo，dad。Idon’tachenearsobadasIdid。Nowwrapmetightinthisyerblanket。So。Now，"
　　headdedinamuffledwhisper，"sitdownyerbymetillIgoasleep。"Toassurehimselfofobedience，hedisengagedonehandfromtheblanketand，graspinghisfather’ssleeve，againcomposedhimselftorest。
　　ForsomemomentstheOldManwaitedpatiently。Thentheunwontedstillnessofthehouseexcitedhiscuriosity，andwithoutmovingfromthebed，hecautiouslyopenedthedoorwithhisdisengagedhand，andlookedintothemainroom。Tohisinfinitesurpriseitwasdarkanddeserted。Buteventhenasmoulderinglogonthehearthbroke，andbytheupspringingblazehesawthefigureofDickBullensittingbythedyingembers。
　　"Hello！"
　　Dickstarted，rose，andcamesomewhatunsteadilytowardhim。
　　"Whar’stheboys？"saidtheOldMan。
　　"Goneupthecanyononalittlepasear。They’recomingbackformeinaminit。I’mwaitin’roundfor’em。Whatareyoustarin’at，OldMan？"headdedwithaforcedlaugh;"doyouthinkI’mdrunk？"
　　TheOldManmighthavebeenpardonedthesupposition，forDick’seyeswerehumidandhisfaceflushed。Heloiteredandloungedbacktothechimney，yawned，shookhimself，buttoneduphiscoatandlaughed。"Liquorain’tsoplentyasthat，OldMan。Nowdon’tyougitup，"hecontinued，astheOldManmadeamovementtoreleasehissleevefromJohnny’shand。"Don’tyoumindmanners。Sitjestwharyoube;I’mgoin’inajiffy。Thar，that’sthemnow。"
　　Therewasalowtapatthedoor。DickBullenopeneditquickly，nodded"Goodnight"tohishost，anddisappeared。TheOldManwouldhavefollowedhimbutforthehandthatstillunconsciouslygraspedhissleeve。Hecouldhaveeasilydisengagedit：itwassmall，weak，andemaciated。ButperhapsbecauseitWASsmall，weak，andemaciated，hechangedhismind，and，drawinghischairclosertothebed，restedhisheaduponit。Inthisdefencelessattitudethepotencyofhisearlierpotationssurprisedhim。Theroomflickeredandfadedbeforehiseyes，reappeared，fadedagain，wentout，andlefthim——asleep。
　　MeantimeDickBullen，closingthedoor，confrontedhiscompanions。
　　"Areyouready？"saidStaples。"Ready，"saidDick;"what’sthetime？""Pasttwelve，"wasthereply;"canyoumakeit？——it’snighonfiftymiles，theroundtriphitherandyon。""Ireckon，"
　　returnedDick，shortly。"Whar’sthemare？""BillandJack’sholdin’heratthecrossin’。""Let’emholdonaminitlonger，"
　　saidDick。
　　Heturnedandre-enteredthehousesoftly。Bythelightofthegutteringcandleanddyingfirehesawthatthedoorofthelittleroomwasopen。Hesteppedtowarditontiptoeandlookedin。TheOldManhadfallenbackinhischair，snoring，hishelplessfeetthrustoutinalinewithhiscollapsedshoulders，andhishatpulledoverhiseyes。Besidehim，onanarrowwoodenbedstead，layJohnny，muffledtightlyinablanketthathidallsaveastripofforeheadandafewcurlsdampwithperspiration。DickBullenmadeastepforward，hesitated，andglancedoverhisshoulderintothedesertedroom。Everythingwasquiet。Withasuddenresolutionhepartedhishugemustacheswithbothhandsandstoopedoverthesleepingboy。Butevenashedidsoamischievousblast，lyinginwait，swoopeddownthechimney，rekindledthehearth，andlituptheroomwithashamelessglowfromwhichDickfledinbashfulterror。
　　Hiscompanionswerealreadywaitingforhimatthecrossing。Twoofthemwerestrugglinginthedarknesswithsomestrangemisshapenbulk，whichasDickcamenearertookthesemblanceofagreatyellowhorse。
　　Itwasthemare。Shewasnotaprettypicture。FromherRomannosetoherrisinghaunches，fromherarchedspinehiddenbythestiffmachillasofaMexicansaddle，toherthick，straight，bonylegs，therewasnotalineofequinegrace。Inherhalf-blindbutwhollyviciouswhiteeyes，inherprotrudingunderlip，inhermonstrouscolor，therewasnothingbutuglinessandvice。
　　"Nowthen，"saidStaples，"standcl’arofherheels，boys，andupwithyou。Don’tmissyourfirstholtofhermane，andmindyegetyouroffstirrupQUICK。Ready！"
　　Therewasaleap，ascramblingstruggle，abound，awildretreatofthecrowd，acircleofflyinghoofs，twospringlessleapsthatjarredtheearth，arapidplayandjingleofspurs，aplunge，andthenthevoiceofDicksomewhereinthedarkness，"Allright！"
　　"Don’ttakethelowerroadbackonlessyou’rehardpushedfortime！
　　Don’tholdherindownhill！We’llbeatthefordatfive。
　　G’lang！Hoopa！Mula！GO！"
　　Asplash，asparkstruckfromtheledgeintheroad，aclatterintherockycutbeyond，andDickwasgone……
　　Sing，OMuse，therideofRichardBullen！Sing，OMuseofchivalrousmen！thesacredquest，thedoughtydeeds，thebatteryoflowchurls，thefearsomerideandgrewsomeperilsoftheFlowerofSimpson’sBar！Alack！sheisdainty，thisMuse！Shewillhavenoneofthisbuckingbruteandswaggering，raggedrider，andImustfainfollowhiminprose，afoot！
　　Itwasoneo’clock，andyethehadonlygainedRattlesnakeHill。
　　ForinthattimeJovitahadrehearsedtohimallherimperfectionsandpractisedallhervices。Thricehadshestumbled。TwicehadshethrownupherRomannoseinastraightlinewiththereins，and，resistingbitandspur，struckoutmadlyacrosscountry。
　　Twicehadshereared，and，rearing，fallenbackward;andtwicehadtheagileDick，unharmed，regainedhisseatbeforeshefoundherviciouslegsagain。Andamilebeyondthem，atthefootofalonghill，wasRattlesnakeCreek。Dickknewthatherewasthecrucialtestofhisabilitytoperformhisenterprise，sethisteethgrimly，puthiskneeswellintoherflanks，andchangedhisdefensivetacticstobriskaggression。Bulliedandmaddened，Jovitabeganthedescentofthehill。HeretheartfulRichardpretendedtoholdherinwithostentatiousobjurgationandwell-
　　feignedcriesofalarm。ItisunnecessarytoaddthatJovitainstantlyranaway。NorneedIstatethetimemadeinthedescent;
　　itiswritteninthechroniclesofSimpson’sBar。Enoughthatinanothermoment，asitseemedtoDick，shewassplashingontheoverflowedbanksofRattlesnakeCreek。AsDickexpected，themomentumshehadacquiredcarriedherbeyondthepointofbalking，and，holdingherwelltogetherforamightyleap，theydashedintothemiddleoftheswiftlyflowingcurrent。Afewmomentsofkicking，wading，andswimming，andDickdrewalongbreathontheoppositebank。
　　TheroadfromRattlesnakeCreektoRedMountainwastolerablylevel。EithertheplungeinRattlesnakeCreekhaddampenedherbalefulfire，ortheartwhichledtoithadshownherthesuperiorwickednessofherrider，forJovitanolongerwastedhersurplusenergyinwantonconceits。Onceshebucked，butitwasfromforceofhabit;oncesheshied，butitwasfromanewfreshlypaintedmeeting-houseatthecrossingofthecountyroad。Hollows，ditches，gravellydeposits，patchesoffreshlyspringinggrasses，flewfrombeneathherrattlinghoofs。Shebegantosmellunpleasantly，onceortwiceshecoughedslightly，buttherewasnoabatementofherstrengthorspeed。Bytwoo’clockhehadpassedRedMountainandbegunthedescenttotheplain。TenminuteslaterthedriverofthefastPioneercoachwasovertakenandpassedbya"manonaPintohoss，"——aneventsufficientlynotableforremark。
　　AthalfpasttwoDickroseinhisstirrupswithagreatshout。
　　Starswereglitteringthroughtheriftedclouds，andbeyondhim，outoftheplain，rosetwospires，aflagstaff，andastragglinglineofblackobjects。Dickjingledhisspursandswunghisriata，Jovitaboundedforward，andinanothermomenttheysweptintoTuttlevilleanddrewupbeforethewoodenpiazzaof"TheHotelofAllNations。"
　　WhattranspiredthatnightatTuttlevilleisnotstrictlyapartofthisrecord。BrieflyImaystate，however，thatafterJovitahadbeenhandedovertoasleepyostler，whomsheatoncekickedintounpleasantconsciousness，Dicksalliedoutwiththebar-keeperforatourofthesleepingtown。Lightsstillgleamedfromafewsaloonsandgambling-houses;but，avoidingthese，theystoppedbeforeseveralclosedshops，andbypersistenttappingandjudiciousoutcryrousedtheproprietorsfromtheirbeds，andmadethemunbarthedoorsoftheirmagazinesandexposetheirwares。
　　Sometimestheyweremetbycurses，butoftenerbyinterestandsomeconcernintheirneeds，andtheinterviewwasinvariablyconcludedbyadrink。Itwasthreeo’clockbeforethispleasantrywasgivenover，andwithasmallwaterproofbagofindia-rubberstrappedonhisshouldersDickreturnedtothehotel。ButherehewaswaylaidbyBeauty，——Beautyopulentincharms，affluentindress，persuasiveinspeech，andSpanishinaccent！Invainsherepeatedtheinvitationin"Excelsior，"happilyscornedbyallAlpine-climbingyouth，andrejectedbythischildoftheSierras，——arejectionsoftenedinthisinstancebyalaughandhislastgoldcoin。Andthenhesprangtothesaddleanddasheddownthelonelystreetandoutintothelonelierplain，wherepresentlythelights，theblacklineofhouses，thespires，andtheflagstaffsankintotheearthbehindhimagainandwerelostinthedistance。
　　Thestormhadclearedaway，theairwasbriskandcold，theoutlinesofadjacentlandmarksweredistinct，butitwashalfpastfourbeforeDickreachedthemeeting-houseandthecrossingofthecountyroad。Toavoidtherisinggradehehadtakenalongerandmorecircuitousroad，inwhoseviscidmudJovitasankfetlockdeepateverybound。Itwasapoorpreparationforasteadyascentoffivemilesmore;butJovita，gatheringherlegsunderher，tookitwithherusualblind，unreasoningfury，andahalf-hourlaterreachedthelonglevelthatledtoRattlesnakeCreek。Anotherhalf-hourwouldbringhimtothecreek。Hethrewthereinslightlyupontheneckofthemare，chirrupedtoher，andbegantosing。
　　SuddenlyJovitashiedwithaboundthatwouldhaveunseatedalesspractisedrider。Hangingtoherreinwasafigurethathadleapedfromthebank，andatthesametimefromtheroadbeforeheraroseashadowyhorseandrider。"Throwupyourhands，"commandedthissecondapparition，withanoath。
　　Dickfeltthemaretremble，quiver，andapparentlysinkunderhim。
　　Heknewwhatitmeantandwasprepared。
　　"Standaside，JackSimpson，Iknowyou，youd————dthief。Letmepassor——"
　　Hedidnotfinishthesentence。Jovitarosestraightintheairwithaterrificbound，throwingthefigurefromherbitwithasingleshakeofhervicioushead，andchargedwithdeadlymalevolencedownontheimpedimentbeforeher。Anoath，apistol-
　　shot，horseandhighwaymanrolledoverintheroad，andthenextmomentJovitawasahundredyardsaway。Butthegoodrightarmofherrider，shatteredbyabullet，droppedhelplesslyathisside。
　　Withoutslackinghisspeedheshiftedthereinstohislefthand。
　　Butafewmomentslaterhewasobligedtohaltandtightenthesaddle-girthsthathadslippedintheonset。Thisinhiscrippledconditiontooksometime。Hehadnofearofpursuit，butlookinguphesawthattheeasternstarswerealreadypaling，andthatthedistantpeakshadlosttheirghostlywhiteness，andnowstoodoutblacklyagainstalightersky。Daywasuponhim。Thencompletelyabsorbedinasingleidea，heforgotthepainofhiswound，andmountingagaindashedontowardRattlesnakeCreek。ButnowJovita’sbreathcamebrokenbygasps，Dickreeledinhissaddle，andbrighterandbrightergrewthesky。
　　Ride，Richard;run，Jovita;linger，Oday！
　　Forthelastfewrodstherewasaroaringinhisears。Wasitexhaustionfromlossofblood，orwhat？Hewasdazedandgiddyashesweptdownthehill，anddidnotrecognizehissurroundings。
　　Hadhetakenthewrongroad，orwasthisRattlesnakeCreek？
　　Itwas。Butthebrawlingcreekhehadswamafewhoursbeforehadrisen，morethandoubleditsvolume，andnowrolledaswiftandresistlessriverbetweenhimandRattlesnakeHill。ForthefirsttimethatnightRichard’sheartsankwithinhim。Theriver，themountain，thequickeningeast，swambeforehiseyes。Heshutthemtorecoverhisself-control。Inthatbriefinterval，bysomefantasticmentalprocess，thelittleroomatSimpson’sBarandthefiguresofthesleepingfatherandsonroseuponhim。Heopenedhiseyeswildly，castoffhiscoat，pistol，boots，andsaddle，boundhispreciouspacktightlytohisshoulders，graspedthebareflanksofJovitawithhisbaredknees，andwithashoutdashedintotheyellowwater。Acryrosefromtheoppositebankastheheadofamanandhorsestruggledforafewmomentsagainstthebattlingcurrent，andthenweresweptawayamidstuprootedtreesandwhirlingdrift-wood……
　　TheOldManstartedandwoke。Thefireonthehearthwasdead，thecandleintheouterroomflickeringinitssocket，andsomebodywasrappingatthedoor。Heopenedit，butfellbackwithacrybeforethedrippinghalf-nakedfigurethatreeledagainstthedoorpost。
　　"Dick？"
　　"Hush！Isheawakeyet？"
　　"No，——but，Dick？——"
　　"Dryup，youoldfool！GetmesomewhiskeyQUICK！"TheOldManflewandreturnedwith——anemptybottle！Dickwouldhavesworn，buthisstrengthwasnotequaltotheoccasion。Hestaggered，caughtatthehandleofthedoor，andmotionedtotheOldMan。
　　"Thar’ssuthin’inmypackyerforJohnny。Takeitoff。Ican’t。"
　　TheOldManunstrappedthepackandlaiditbeforetheexhaustedman。
　　"Openit，quick！"
　　Hedidsowithtremblingfingers。Itcontainedonlyafewpoortoys，——cheapandbarbaricenough，goodnessknows，butbrightwithpaintandtinsel。Oneofthemwasbroken;another，Ifear，wasirretrievablyruinedbywater;andonthethird——ahme！therewasacruelspot。
　　"Itdon’tlooklikemuch，that’safact，"saidDick，ruefully……
　　"Butit’sthebestwecoulddo……Take’em，OldMan，andput’eminhisstocking，andtellhim——tellhim，youknow——holdme，OldMan——"TheOldMancaughtathissinkingfigure。"Tellhim，"
　　saidDick，withaweaklittlelaugh，——"tellhimSandyClaushascome。"
　　Andevenso，bedraggled，ragged，unshavenandunshorn，withonearmhanginghelplesslyathisside，SantaClauscametoSimpson’sBarandfellfaintingonthefirstthreshold。TheChristmasdawncameslowlyafter，touchingtheremoterpeakswiththerosywarmthofineffablelove。AnditlookedsotenderlyonSimpson’sBarthatthewholemountainasifcaughtinagenerousaction，blushedtotheskies。
　　THEPRINCESSBOBANDHERFRIENDS。
　　ShewasaKlamathIndian。Hertitlewas，Ithink，acompromisebetweenherclaimasdaughterofachief，andgratitudetoherearliestwhiteprotector，whosename，aftertheIndianfashion，shehadadopted。"Bob"WalkerhadtakenherfromthebreastofherdeadmotheratatimewhenthesincerevolunteersoldieryoftheCaliforniafrontierwereimpressedwiththebeliefthatexterminationwasthemanifestdestinyoftheIndianrace。HehadwithdifficultyrestrainedthenoblezealofhiscompatriotslongenoughtoconvincethemthattheexemptionofoneIndianbabywouldnotinvalidatethistheory。Andhetookhertohishome，——apastoralclearingonthebanksoftheSalmonRiver，——whereshewascaredforafterafrontierfashion。
　　Beforeshewasnineyearsold，shehadexhaustedthescantkindlinessofthethin，overworkedMrs。Walker。AsaplayfellowoftheyoungWalkersshewasunreliable;asanurseforthebabyshewasinefficient。Shelosttheformerinthetracklessdepthsofaredwoodforest;shebaselyabandonedthelatterinanextemporizedcradle，hanginglikeachrysalistoaconvenientbough。Sheliedandshestole，——twounpardonablesinsinafrontiercommunity，wheretruthwasanecessityandprovisionsweretheonlyproperty。
　　Worsethanthis，theoutskirtsoftheclearingweresometimeshauntedbyblanketedtatterdemalionswithwhomshehadmysteriousconfidences。Mr。Walkermorethanonceregrettedhisindiscreethumanity;butshepresentlyrelievedhimofresponsibility，andpossiblyofbloodguiltiness，bydisappearingentirely。
　　Whenshereappeared，itwasattheadjacentvillageofLogport，inthecapacityofhousemaidtoatrader’swife，who，joiningsomelittleculturetoconsiderableconscientiousness，attemptedtoinstructhercharge。ButthePrincessprovedanunsatisfactorypupiltoevensoliberalateacher。Sheacceptedthealphabetwithgreatgood-humor，butalwaysasapleasingandrecurringnovelty，inwhichallinterestexpiredatthecompletionofeachlesson。
　　Shefoundathousandusesforherbooksandwritingmaterialsotherthanthoseknowntocivilizedchildren。Shemadeacuriousnecklaceofbitsofslate-pencil，sheconstructedaminiaturecanoefromthepasteboardcoversofherprimer，shebentherpensintofish-hooks，andtattooedthefacesofheryoungercompanionswithblueink。Religiousinstructionshereceivedasgood-humoredly，andlearnedtopronouncethenameoftheDeitywithacheerfulfamiliaritythatshockedherpreceptress。Norcouldherreverencebereachedthroughanalogy;sheknewnothingoftheGreatSpirit，andprofessedentireignoranceoftheHappyHunting-Grounds。Yetsheattendeddivineserviceregularly，andasregularlyaskedforahymn-book;anditwasonlythroughthediscoverythatshehadcollectedtwenty-fiveofthesevolumesandhadhiddenthembehindthewoodpile，thatherconnectionwiththeFirstBaptistChurchofLogportceased。ShewouldoccasionallyabandonthesecivilizedandChristianprivileges，anddisappearfromherhome，returningafterseveraldaysofabsencewithanodorofbarkandfish，andapeace-
　　offeringtohermistressintheshapeofvenisonorgame。
　　Toaddtohertroubles，shewasnowfourteen，and，accordingtothelawsofherrace，awoman。Idonotthinkthemostromanticfancywouldhavecalledherpretty。HercomplexiondefiedmostofthoseambiguoussimilesthroughwhichpoetsunconsciouslyapologizeforanydeviationfromtheCaucasianstandard。Itwasnotwinenorambercolored;ifanything，itwassmoky。Herfacewastattooedwithredandwhitelinesononecheek，asifaduo-toothedcombhadbeendrawnfromcheek-bonetojaw，and，butforthegood-humorthatbeamedfromhersmallberry-likeeyesandshoneinherwhiteteeth，wouldhavebeenrepulsive。Shewasshortandstout。Inherscantdraperyandunrestrainedfreedomshewashardlystatuesque，andhermoreunstudiedattitudesweremarredbyasimianhabitofsoftlyscratchingherleftanklewiththetoesofherrightfoot，inmomentsofcontemplation。
　　IthinkIhavealreadyshownenoughtoindicatetheincongruityofherexistencewitheventhelowstandardofcivilizationthatobtainedatLogportintheyear1860。Itneededbutonemorefacttoprovethefar-sightedpoeticalsagacityandpropheticethicsofthosesincereadvocatesofextermination，towhosevirtuesIhavedonebutscantjusticeinthebeginningofthisarticle。ThisfactwaspresentlyfurnishedbythePrincess。Afteroneofherperiodicaldisappearances，——thistimeunusuallyprolonged，——sheastonishedLogportbyreturningwithahalf-breedbabyofaweekoldinherarms。Thatnightameetingofthehard-featuredseriousmatronsofLogportwasheldatMrs。Brown’s。TheimmediatebanishmentofthePrincesswasdemanded。Soft-heartedMrs。Brownendeavoredvainlytogetamitigationorsuspensionofthesentence。But，asonaformeroccasion，thePrincesstookmattersintoherownhands。Afewmorningsafterwards，awickercradlecontaininganIndianbabywasfoundhangingonthehandleofthedooroftheFirstBaptistChurch。ItwastheParthianarrowoftheflyingPrincess。FromthatdayLogportknewhernomore。
　　Ithadbeenabrightcleardayontheupland，soclearthattherampartsofFortJacksonandtheflagstaffwereplainlyvisibletwelvemilesawayfromthelongcurvingpeninsulathatstretchedabaredwhitearmaroundthepeacefulwatersofLogportBay。Ithadbeenacleardayuponthesea-shore，albeittheairwasfilledwiththeflyingspumeandshiftingsandofastragglingbeachwhoselowdunesweredraggeddownbythelongsurgesofthePacificandthrownupagainbythetumultuoustrade-winds。Butthesunhadgonedowninabankoffleecyfogthatwasbeginningtorollinuponthebeach。Graduallytheheadlandattheentranceoftheharborandthelighthousedisappeared，thenthewillowfringethatmarkedthelineofSalmonRivervanished，andtheoceanwasgone。
　　Afewsailsstillgleamedonthewatersofthebay;buttheadvancingfogwipedthemoutonebyone，creptacrossthesteel-
　　blueexpanse，swallowedupthewhitemillsandsinglespireofLogport，and，joiningwithreinforcementsfromthemarshes，movedsolemnlyuponthehills。Tenminutesmoreandthelandscapewasutterlyblottedout;simultaneouslythewinddiedaway，andadeath-likesilencestoleoverseaandshore。Thefaintclang，highoverhead，ofunseenbrent，thenearercallofinvisibleplover，thelapandwashofundistinguishablewaters，andthemonotonousrollofthevanishedocean，weretheonlysounds。Asnightdeepened，thefar-offboomingofthefog-bellontheheadlandatintervalsstirredthethickair。
　　Hardbytheshoreofthebay，andhalfhiddenbyadriftingsand-
　　hill，stoodalownondescriptstructure，towhosecompositionseaandshorehadequallycontributed。Itwasbuiltpartlyoflogsandpartlyofdriftwoodandtarredcanvas。Joinedtooneendofthemainbuilding——theordinarylog-cabinofthesettler——wasthehalf-
　　roundpilot-houseofsomewreckedsteamer，whiletheothergableterminatedinhalfofabrokenwhale-boat。Nailedagainsttheboatwerethedriedskinsofwildanimals，andscatteredaboutlaytheflotsamandjetsamofmanyyears’gathering，——bamboocrates，casks，hatches，blocks，oars，boxes，partofawhale’svertebrae，andthebladesofsword-fish。Drawnuponthebeachofalittlecovebeforethehouselayacanoe。Asthenightthickenedandthefoggrewmoredense，thesedetailsgrewimperceptible，andonlythewindowsofthepilot-house，litupbyaroaringfirewithinthehut，gleamedredlythroughthemist。
　　Bythisfire，beneathaship’slampthatswungfromtheroof，twofigureswereseated，amanandawoman。Theman，broad-shoulderedandheavilybearded，stretchedhislistlesspowerfullengthbeyondabrokenbamboochair，withhiseyesfixedonthefire。Thewomancrouchedcross-leggeduponthebroadearthenhearth，withhereyesblinkinglyfixedonhercompanion。Theyweresmall，black，round，berry-likeeyes，andasthefirelightshoneuponhersmokyface，withitsonestripedcheekofgorgeousbrilliancy，itwasplainlythePrincessBobandnoother。
　　Notawordwasspoken。Theyhadbeensittingthusformorethananhour，andtherewasabouttheirattitudeasuggestionthatsilencewashabitual。Onceortwicethemanroseandwalkedupanddownthenarrowroom，orgazedabsentlyfromthewindowsofthepilot-
　　house，butneverbylookorsignbetrayedtheslightestconsciousnessofhiscompanion。AtsuchtimesthePrincessfromhernestbythefirefollowedhimwitheyesofcanineexpectancyandwistfulness。Buthewouldasinevitablyreturntohiscontemplationofthefire，andthePrincesstoherblinkingwatchfulnessofhisface。
　　Theyhadsattheresilentandundisturbedformanyaneveninginfairweatherandfoul。Theyhadspentmanyadayinsunshineandstorm，gatheringtheunclaimedspoilofseaandshore。Theyhadkeptthesemuterelations，variedonlybytheincidentsofthehuntormeagrehouseholdduties，forthreeyears，eversincetheman，wanderingmoodilyoverthelonelysands，hadfallenuponthehalf-
　　starvedwomanlyinginthelittlehollowwhereshehadcrawledtodie。Ithadseemedasiftheywouldneverbedisturbed，untilnow，whenthePrincessstarted，and，withtheinstinctofherrace，benthereartotheground。
　　Thewindhadrisenandwasrattlingthetarredcanvas。Butinanothermomentthereplainlycamefromwithoutthehutthesoundofvoices。Thenfollowedarapatthedoor;thenanotherrap;andthen，beforetheycouldrisetotheirfeet，thedoorwasflungbrisklyopen。
　　"Ibegyourpardon，"saidapleasantbutsomewhatdecidedcontraltovoice，"butIdon’tthinkyouheardmeknock。Ah，Iseeyoudidnot。MayIcomein？"
　　Therewasnoreply。HadthebatteredfigureheadoftheGoddessofLiberty，whichlaydeeplyembeddedinthesandonthebeach，suddenlyappearedatthedoordemandingadmittance，theoccupantsofthecabincouldnothavebeenmorespeechlesslyandhopelesslyastonishedthanattheformwhichstoodintheopendoorway。
　　Itwasthatofaslim，shapely，elegantlydressedyoungwoman。A
　　scarlet-linedsilkenhoodwashalfthrownbackfromtheshiningmassoftheblackhairthatcoveredhersmallhead;fromherprettyshouldersdroppedafurcloak，onlyrestrainedbyacordandtasselinhersmallglovedhand。Aroundherfullthroatwasadoublenecklaceoflargewhitebeads，thatbysomecunningfemininetrickrelievedwithitsinfantilesuggestionthestrongdecisionofherlowerface。
　　"Didyousayyes？Ah，thankyou。Wemaycomein，Barker。"（Hereashadowinabluearmyovercoatfollowedherintothecabin，toucheditscaprespectfully，andthenstoodsilentanderectagainstthewall。）"Don’tdisturbyourselfintheleast，Ibeg。
　　Whatadistressinglyunpleasantnight！Isthisyourusualclimate？"
　　Halfgraciously，halfabsentlyoverlookingthestillembarrassedsilenceofthegroup，shewenton："Westartedfromthefortoverthreehoursago，——threehoursago，wasn’tit，Barker？"（theerectBarkertouchedhiscap，）——"togotoCaptainEmmons’squartersonIndianIsland，——IthinkyoucallitIndianIsland，don’tyou？"（shewasappealingtotheawe-strickenPrincess，）——"andwegotintothefogandlostourway;thatis，Barkerlosthisway，"（Barkertouchedhiscapdeprecatingly，）"andgoodnessknowswherewedidn’twandertountilwemistookyourlightforthelighthouseandpulleduphere。No，no，praykeepyourseat，do！ReallyImustinsist。"
　　Nothingcouldexceedthelanguidgraceofthelatterpartofthisspeech，——nothingexcepttheeasyunconsciousnesswithwhichsheglidedbytheofferedchairofherstammering，embarrassedhostandstoodbesidetheopenhearth。
　　"Barkerwilltellyou，"shecontinued，warmingherfeetbythefire，"thatIamMissPortfire，daughterofMajorPortfire，commandingthepost。Ah，excuseme，child！"（ShehadaccidentallytroddenuponthebareyellowtoesofthePrincess。）"Really，Ididnotknowyouwerethere。Iamverynear-sighted。"（Inconfirmationofherstatement，sheputtohereyesadaintydoubleeyeglassthatdangledfromherneck。）"It’sashockingthingtobenear-sighted，isn’tit？"
　　Iftheshamefaceduneasymantowhomthisremarkwasaddressedcouldhavefoundwordstoutterthethoughtthateveninhisconfusionstruggleduppermostinhismind，hewould，lookingatthebold，darkeyesthatquestionedhim，havedeniedthefact。Butheonlystammered，"Yes。"Thenextmoment，however，MissPortfirehadapparentlyforgottenhimandwasexaminingthePrincessthroughherglass。
　　"Andwhatisyourname，child？"
　　ThePrincess，beatifiedbytheeyesandeyeglass，showedallherwhiteteethatonce，andsoftlyscratchedherleg。
　　"Bob？"
　　"Bob？Whatasingularname！"
　　MissPortfire’shostherehastenedtoexplaintheoriginofthePrincess’stitle。
　　"ThenYOUareBob。"（Eye-glass。）
　　"No，mynameisGrey，——JohnGrey。"Andheactuallyachievedabowwhereawkwardnesswasrathertheairofimperfectlyrecallingaforgottenhabit。
　　"Grey？——ah，letmesee。Yes，certainly。YouareMr。Greytherecluse，thehermit，thephilosopher，andallthatsortofthing。
　　Why，certainly;Dr。Jones，oursurgeon，hastoldmeallaboutyou。