CHAPTERIV。
　　Theeventsofthedayhadproducedaremarkableimpressiononthefacialaspectofthecharcoal-burningFairley。Extraordinaryprocessesofthought，indicatedbyrepeatedrubbingofhisforehead，hadproducedahighlightinthemiddleandacorrespondingdeepeningofshadowatthesides，untilitboretheappearanceofaperfectsphere。ItwasthisforeheadthatconfrontedFlipreproachfullyasbecameadeceivedcomrade，menacinglyasbecameanoutragedparentinthepresenceofathirdpartyand——aPostmaster！
　　"Finedoin’sthis，yerreceivin’clandecentbundlesandletters，eh？"hebegan。Flipsentoneswift，witheringlookofcontemptatthePostmaster，whoatoncebecominginvertebrateandgroveling，mumbledthathemust"geton"totheCrossing，androsetogo。Buttheoldman，whohadcountedonhispresenceformoralsupport，andwasclearlybeginningtohatehimforprecipitatingthisscenewithhisdaughter，whomhefeared，violentlyprotested。
　　"Sitdown，can’tye？Don’tyouseeyou’reawitness？"hescreamedhysterically。
　　Itwasafatalsuggestion。"Witness，"repeatedFlip，scornfully。
　　"Yes，awitness！Hegaveyelettersandbundles。"
　　"Weren’ttheydirectedtome？"askedFlip。
　　"Yes，"saidthePostmaster，hesitatingly；"incourse，yes。"
　　"DoYOUlayclaimtothem？"shesaid，turningtoherfather。
　　"No，"respondedtheoldman。
　　"Doyou？"sharply，tothePostmaster。
　　"No，"hereplied。
　　"Then，"saidFlip，coolly，"ifyou’renotclaimin’’emforyourself，andyouhearfathersaytheyain’this，Ireckonthelessyouhavetosayabout’emthebetter。"
　　"Thar’ssuthin’inthat，"saidtheoldman，shamelesslyabandoningthePostmaster。
　　"Thenwhydon’tshesaywhosent’em，andwhattheyarelike，"saidthePostmaster，"ifthere’snothin’init？"
　　"Yes，"echoedDad。"Flip，whydon’tyou？"
　　Withoutansweringthedirectquestion，Flipturneduponherfather。
　　"Maybeyouforgethowyouusedtorowandtearroundherebecausetrampsandsuchlikecametotheranchforsuthin’，andIgaveitto’em？Maybeyou’llquittearin’roundandlettingyourselfbemadeafoolofnowbythatman，justbecauseoneofthosetrampsgetsupandsendsussomepresentsbackinturn？"
　　"’Twasn’tme，Flip，"saidtheoldman，deprecatingly，butglaringattheastonishedPostmaster。"Twasn’tmydoin’。Iallussaidifyoucastyourbreadonthewatersitwouldcomebacktoyoubyreturnmail。Thefactis，theGov’mentisgettin’toohigh-handed！
　　Someo’thesebloatedofficialshadbetterclimbdownbeforenextleckshen。"
　　"Maybe，"continuedFliptoherfather，withoutlookingatherdiscomfitedvisitor，"ye’dbetterfindoutwhetheroneofthoseofficialscomesuptothisyerranchtostealawayagalaboutmyownsize，ortogetpointsaboutdiamond-making。Ireckonhedon’ttravelroundtofindoutwhowritesallthelettersthatgothroughthePostOffice。"
　　ThePostmasterhadseeminglymiscalculatedtheoldman’sinfirmtemperandthedaughter’sskillfuluseofit。HewasunpreparedforFlip’sboldnessandaudacity，andwhenhesawthatbothbarrelsoftheaccusationhadtakeneffectonthecharcoalburner，whowasrisingwithepilepticrage，hefairlyturnedandfled。Theoldmanwouldhavefollowedhimwithobjurgationbeyondthedoor，butfortherestraininghandofFlip。
　　Baffledandbeaten，neverthelessFatewasnotwhollyunkindtotheretreatingsuitor。NeartheGinandGingerWoodshepickedupaletterwhichhadfallenfromFlip’spocket。Herecognizedthewriting，anddidnotscrupletoreadit。Itwasnotaloveepistle，——atleast，notsuchaoneashewouldhavewritten，——itdidnotgivetheaddressnorthenameofthecorrespondent；buthereadthefollowingwithgreedyeyes：——
　　"Perhapsit’sjustaswellthatyoudon’trigyourselfoutforthebenefitofthosedeadbeatsattheCrossing，oranytrampthatmighthangroundtheranch。KeepallyourstyleformewhenI
　　come。Ican’ttellyouwhen，it’smightyuncertainbeforetherainyseason。ButI’mcomingsoon。Don’tgobackonyourpromiseaboutlettinuponthetramps，andbeingalittlemorehigh-toned。
　　Anddon’tyougive’emsomuch。It’strueIsentyouhatsTWICE。
　　Icleanforgotallaboutthefirst；butIwouldn’thavegivenaten-dollarhattoaniggerwomanwhohadasickbabybecauseIhadanextrahat。I’dhaveletthatbabyslide。Iforgottoaskwhethertheskirtiswornseparately；Imustseethedressmakingsharpaboutit；butIthinkyou’llwantsomethingonbesidesajacketandskirt；atleast，itlookslikeituphere。Idon’tthinkyoucouldmanageapianodowntherewithouttheoldmanknowingit，andraisin’thedevilgenerally。IpromisedyouI’dletuponhim。Mindyoukeepallyourpromisestome。I’mgladyou’regettin’onwiththesix-shooter；tincansaregoodatfifteenyards，buttryitonsuthin’thatMOVES！IforgottosaythatIamonthetrackofyourbigbrother。It’sathreeyears’
　　oldtrack，andhewasinArizona。Thefriendwhotoldmedidn’texpatiatemuchonwhathedidthere，butIreckontheyhadahigholdtime。Ifhe’sabovetheearthI’llfindhim，youbet。Theyerbabuenaandthesouthernwoodcameallright，——theysmeltlikeyou。Say，Flip，doyourememberthelast——theVERYlast——thingthathappenedwhenyousaid’Good-by’onthetrail？Don’tletmeeverfindoutthatyou’veletanybodyelsekiss——"
　　ButherethevirtuousindignationofthePostmasterfoundventinanoath。Hethrewtheletteraway。Heretainedofitonlytwofacts，——FlipHADabrotherwhowasmissing；shehadaloverpresentintheflesh。
　　HowmuchofthesubstanceofthisandpreviouslettersFliphadconfidedtoherfatherIcannotsay。IfshesuppressedanythingitwasprobablythatwhichaffectedLance’ssecretalone，anditwasdoubtfulhowmuchofthatsheherselfknew。Inherownaffairsshewasfrankwithoutbeingcommunicative，andneverlosthershyobstinacyevenwithherfather。Governingtheoldmanascompletelyasshedid，sheappearedmostembarrassedwhenshewasmostdominant；shehadherownwaywithoutliftinghervoiceorhereyes；sheseemedoppressedbymauvaisehontewhenshewasmosttriumphant；shewouldendadiscussionwithashymurmuraddressedtoherself，orasinglegestureofself-consciousness。
　　ThedisclosureofherstrangerelationswithanunknownmanandtheexchangeofpresentsandconfidencesseemedtosuddenlyawakeFairleytoavague，uneasysenseofsomeunfulfilleddutiesasaparent。Thefirsteffectofthisonhisweaknaturewasapeevishantagonismtothecauseofit。Hehadlong，fretfulmonologuesonthevanityofdiamond-making，ifaccompaniedwitha"pestering"by"interlopers；"onthewickednessofconcealmentandconspiracy，andtheireffectsoncharcoal-burning；onthenurturingofspiesand"adders"inthefamilycircle，andontheseditiousnessofdarkandmysteriouscouncilsinwhichagray-hairedfatherwasleftout。ItwastruethatawordorlookfromFlipgenerallybroughtthesemonologuestoaningloriousandabrupttermination，buttheywerenonethelesslugubriousaslongastheylasted。Intimetheyweresucceededbyanaffectationofcontriteapologyandself-
　　depreciation。"Don’tgoouto’thewaytoasktheoldman，"hewouldsay，referringtothequantityofbacontobeordered；"it’snat’ralayounggalshouldhaveherownadvisers。"Thestateoftheflourbarrelwouldalsoproducealikeself-abasement。"Unlessye’realreadyincorrespondenceaboutmoreflour，yemighttaketheopiniono’thefirsttrampyemeeteztowhetherSantaCruzMillsisagoodbrand，butdon’tasktheoldman。"IfFlipwasinconversationwiththebutcher，Fairleywouldobtrusivelyretirewiththehope"hewasn’tintrudin’ontheirsecrets。"
　　Thesephasesofherfather’sweaknesswerenotfrequentenoughtoexciteheralarm，butshecouldnothelpnoticingtheywereaccompaniedwithaseriousnessunusualtohim。Hebegantobetremulouslywatchfulofher，returningoftenfromworkatanearlierhour，andlingeringbythecabininthemorning。Hebroughtabsurdanduselesspresentsforher，andpresentedthemwithanervousanxiety，poorlyconcealedbyanassumptionofcareless，paternalgenerosity。"Suthin’IpickedupattheCrossin’foryeto-day，"hewouldsay，airily，andretiretowatchtheeffectofapairofshoestwosizestoolarge，orafurcapinSeptember。Hewouldhavehiredacheapparlororganforher，butfortheapparentlyunexpectedrevelationthatshecouldn’tplay。
　　Hehadreceivedthenewsofacluetohislong-lostsonwithoutemotion，butlatelyheseemedtolookuponitasaforegoneconclusion，andonethatnecessarilysolvedthequestionofcompanionshipforFlip。"Incourse，whenyou’vegotyourownfleshandbloodwithye，yecan’tgofoolin’aroundwithstrangers。"
　　Theseautumnalblossomsofaffection，Ifear，cametoolateforanyeffectuponFlip，precociouslymaturedbyherfather’sindifferenceandselfishness。Butshewasgoodhumored，and，seeinghimseriouslyconcerned，gavehimmoreofhertime，evenvisitedhiminthesacredseclusionofthe"diamondpit，"andlistenedwithfar-
　　offeyestohisfitfulindictmentofallthingsoutsidehisgrimylaboratory。Muchofthispatientindifferencecamewithacapriciouschangeinherownhabits；shenolongerindulgedintherehearsalofdress，shepackedawayhermosttreasuredgarments，andherleafyboudoirknewhernomore。Shesometimeswalkedonthehillside，andoftenfollowedthetrailshehadtakenwithLancewhensheledhimtotheranch。Sheonceortwiceextendedherwalktothespotwhereshehadpartedfromhim，andasoftencameshylyaway，hereyesdowncastandherfacewarmwithcolor。Perhapsbecausetheseexperiencesandsomemysteriousinstinctofmaturingwomanhoodhadleftastoryinhereyes，whichhertwoadorers，thePostmasterandtheButcher，readwithpassion，shebecamefamouswithoutknowingit。Extravagantstoriesofherfascinationsbroughtstrangersintothevalley。Theeffectuponherfathermaybeimagined。Lancecouldnothavedesiredamoreeffectiveguardianthanheprovedtobeinthisemergency。Thosewhohadbeentoldofthishiddenpearlweresurprisedtofinditsojealouslyprotected。
　　CHAPTERV。
　　Thelong，parchedsummerhaddrawntoitsdustyclose。Muchofitwasalreadyblownabroadanddissipatedontrailandturnpike，orcrackledinharsh，unelasticfibresonhillsideandmeadow。Someofithaddisappearedinthepalpablesmokebydayandfierycrestsbynightofburningforests。ThebesiegingfogsontheCoastRangedailythinnedtheirhosts，andatlastvanished。Thewindchangedfromnorthwesttosouthwest。Thesaltbreathoftheseawasonthesummit。Andthenonedaythestaring，unchangedskywasfaintlytouchedwithremotemysteriousclouds，andgrewtremulousinexpression。Thenextmorningdawneduponanewerfaceintheheavens，onchangedwoods，onalteredoutlines，onvanishedcrests，onforgottendistances。Itwasraining！
　　Fourweeksofthischange，withbrokenspacesofsunlightandintenseblueaerialislands，andthenastormsetin。Alldaythesummitpinesandredwoodsrockedintheblast。Attimestheonsetoftherainseemedtobeheldbackbythefuryofthegale，orwasvisiblyseeninsharpwavesonthehillside。Unknownandconcealedwatercoursessuddenlyoverflowedthetrails，poolsbecamelakesandbrooksrivers。Hiddenfromthestorm，thesylvansilenceofshelteredvalleyswasbrokenbytheimpetuousrushofwaters；eventhetinystreamletthattraversedFlip’sretreatintheGinandGingerWoodsbecameacascade。
　　ThestormdroveFairleyfromhiscouchearly。Thefallingofalargetreeacrossthetrail，andthesuddenoverflowofasmallstreambesideit，hastenedhissteps。Buthewasdoomedtoencounterwhatwastohimamoredisagreeableobject——ahumanfigure。Bythebedraggleddraperythatflappedandflutteredinthewind，bythelong，unkempthairthathidthefaceandeyes，andbythegrotesquelymisplacedbonnet，theoldmanrecognizedoneofhisoldtrespassers，——anIndiansquaw。
　　"Clearout’erthat！Come，maketracks，willye？"theoldmanscreamed；butherethewindstoppedhisvoice，anddrovehimagainstahazelbush。
　　"Meheapsick，"answeredthesquaw，shiveringthroughhermuddyshawl。
　　"I’llmakeyeaheapsickerifyedon’tvamosetheranch，"
　　continuedFairley，advancing。
　　"MewanteeWangeegirl。Wangeegirlgivemeheapgrub，"saidthesquaw，withoutmoving。
　　"Youbetyourlife，"groanedtheoldmantohimself。Neverthelessanideastruckhim。"Yeain’tbroughtnopresents，hevye？"heaskedcautiously。"Yeain’tgotnopootythingsforpoorWangeegirl？"hecontinued，insinuatingly。
　　"Megotheapcachenutsandberries，"saidthesquaw。
　　"Oh，incourse！incourse！That’sjustit，"screamedFairley；
　　"you’vegot’emcachedonlytwomilefromyer，andyou’llgoandget’emforahalfdollar，cashdown。"
　　"MebringWangeegirltocache，"repliedtheIndian，pointingtothewood。"HonestInjin。"
　　AnotherbrightideastruckMr。Fairley。Butitrequiredsomeelaboration。Hurryingthesquawwithhimthroughthepeltingrain，hereachedtheshelterofthecorral。Vainlytheshiveringaboriginedrewhertightlybandagedpapooseclosertohersquare，flatbreast，andlookedlonginglytowardthecabin；theoldmanbackedheragainstthepalisade。Herehecautiouslyimpartedhisdarkintentionstoemployhertokeepwatchandwardovertheranch，andespeciallyoveritsyoungmistress——"clearoutallthetramps’ceptin’yourself，andI’llkeepyeingrubandrum。"Manyanddeliberaterepetitionsofthisofferinvariousformsatlastseemedtoaffectthesquaw；shenoddedviolently，andechoedthelastword"rum。""Now，"sheadded。Theoldmanhesitated；shewasinpossessionofhissecret；hegroaned，and，promisinganimmediateinstallmentofliquor，ledhertothecabin。
　　Thedoorwassosecurelyfastenedagainsttheimpactofthestormthatsomemomentselapsedbeforethebarwasdrawn，andtheoldmanhadbecomeimpatientandprofane。WhenitwaspartlyopenedbyFliphehastilyslippedin，draggingthesquawafterhim，andcastonesinglesuspiciousglancearoundtherudeapartmentwhichservedasasitting-room。Fliphadapparentlybeenwriting。Asmallinkstandwasstillontheboardtable，butherpaperhadevidentlybeenconcealedbeforesheallowedthemtoenter。Thesquawinstantlysquattedbeforetheadobehearth，warmedherbundledbaby，andlefttheceremonyofintroductiontohercompanion。Flipregardedthetwowithcalmpreoccupationandindifference。Theonlythingthattouchedherinterestwastheoldsquaw’sdraggledskirtandlimpneckerchief。TheywereFlip’sown，longsinceabandonedandcastoffintheGinandGingerWoods。"Secretsagain，"whinedFairley，stilleyingFlipfurtively。"Secretsagain，incourse——incourse——jissso。Secretsthatmustbekepfromtheoleman。Darkdoin’sbyone’sownfleshandblood。Goon！goon！Don’tmindme。"Flipdidnotreply。Shehadevenlosttheinterestinherolddress。Perhapsithadonlytouchedsomenoteinunisonwithherrevery。
　　"Can’tyegetthepoorcrittersomewhiskey？"hequeried，fretfully。
　　"Yeusedtobepeartenuffbefore。"AsFlipturnedtothecornertoliftthedemijohn，Fairleytookoccasiontokickthesquawwithhisfoot，andindicatebyextravagantpantomimethatthebargainwasnottobealludedtobeforethegirl。Flippouredoutsomewhiskeyinatincup，and，approachingthesquaw，handedittoher。"It’slikeeznot，"continuedFairleytohisdaughter，butlookingatthesquaw，"thatshe’llbehuntin’thewoodsoffandon，andkinderlookingafterthelastpitneartheMadronos；ye’llgivehergrubandlickerezshelikes。Well，d’yehear，Flip？Areyemoonin’
　　aginwithyersecrets？What’sgonewithye？"
　　Ifthechildweredreaming，itwasadeliciousdream。Hermagneticeyesweresuffusedbyastrangelight，asthoughtheeyeitselfhadblushed；herfullpulseshoweditselfmoreintheroundingoutlineofhercheekthaninanydeepeningofcolor；indeed，iftherewasanyheighteningoftint，itwasinherfreckles，whichfairlyglistenedliketinyspangles。Hereyesweredowncast，hershouldersslightlybent，buthervoicewaslowandclearandthoughtfulasever。
　　"Oneo’thebigpinesabovetheMadronopithasblownoverintotherun，"shesaid。"It’schokedupthewater，andit’srisin’fast。
　　Likeeznotit’spourin’overintothepitbythistime。"
　　Theoldmanrosewithafretfulcry。"Andwhyinblamesdidn’tyousaysofirst？"hescreamed，catchinguphisaxeandrushingtothedoor。
　　"Yedidn’tgivemeachance，"saidFlip，raisinghereyesforthefirsttime。Withanimpatientimprecation，Fairleydartedbyherandrushedintothewood。Inaninstantshehadshutthedoorandboltedit。Inthesameinstantthesquawarose，dashedthelonghairnotonlyfromhereyes，butfromherhead，toreawayhershawlandblanket，andrevealedthesquareshouldersofLanceHarriott！
　　Flipremainedleaningagainstthedoor；buttheyoungmaninrisingdroppedthebandagedpapoose，whichrolledfromhislapintothefire。Flip，withacry，sprangtowardit；butLancecaughtherbythewaistwithonearm，aswiththeotherhedraggedthebundlefromtheflames。
　　"Don’tbealarmed，"hesaid，gayly，"it’sonly——"
　　"What？"saidFlip，tryingtodisengageherself。
　　"Mycoatandtrousers。"
　　Fliplaughed，whichencouragedLancetoanotherattempttokissher。Sheevadeditbydivingherheadintohiswaistcoat，andsaying，"There’sfather。"
　　"Buthe’sgonetoclearawaythattree？"suggestedLance。
　　OneofFlip’ssignificantsilencesfollowed。
　　"Oh，Isee，"helaughed。"Thatwasaplantogethimaway！Ah！"
　　Shehadreleasedherself。
　　"Whydidyoucomelikethat？"shesaid，pointingtohiswigandblanket。
　　"Toseeifyou’dknowme，"heresponded。
　　"No，"saidFlip，droppinghereyes。"It’stokeepotherpeoplefromknowingyou。You’rehidin’agin。"
　　"Iam，"returnedLance；"but，"heinterrupted，"it’sonlythesameoldthing。"
　　"ButyouwrotefromMontereythatitwasallover，"shepersisted。
　　"Soitwouldhavebeen，"hesaidgloomily，"butforsomedogdownherewhoishuntingupanoldscent。I’llspothimyet，and——"Hestoppedsuddenly，withsuchutterabstractionofhatredinhisfixedandglitteringeyesthatshealmostfearedhim。Shelaidherhandquiteunconsciouslyonhisarm。Hegraspedit；hisfacechanged。
　　"Icouldn’twaitanylongertoseeyou，Flip，soIcamehereanyway，"hewenton。"Ithoughttohangroundandgetachancetospeaktoyoufirst，whenIfellafouloftheoldman。Hedidn’tknowme，andtumbledrightinmylittlegame。Why，doyoubelievehewantstohiremeformygrubandliquor，toactasasortofsentryoveryouandtheranch？"Andhereherelatedwithgreatgustothesubstanceofhisinterview。"Ireckonashe’sthatsuspicious，"heconcluded，"I’dbetterplayitoutnowasI’vebegun，onlyit’smightyhardIcan’tseeyouherebeforethefireinyourfancytoggery，Flip，butmustdodgeinandoutofthewetunderbrushintheseyerdudsofyoursthatIpickedupintheoldplaceintheGinandGingerWoods。"
　　"Thenyoucameherejusttoseeme？"askedFlip。
　　"Idid。"
　　"Foronlythat？"
　　"Onlythat。"
　　Flipdroppedhereyes。Lancehadgothisotherarmaroundherwaist，butherresistinglittlehandwasstillpotent。
　　"Listen，"shesaidatlastwithoutlookingup，butapparentlytalkingtotheintrudingarm，"whenDadcomesI’llgethimtosendyoutowatchthediamondpit。Itisn’tfar；it’swarm，and"——
　　"What？"
　　"I’llcome，afterabit，andseeyou。Quitfoolin’now。Ifyou’donlyhavecomeherelikeyourself——like——like——awhiteman。"
　　"Theoldman，"interruptedLance，"wouldhavejustpassedmeontothesummit。Icouldn’thaveplayedthelostfishermanonhimatthistimeofyear。"
　　"YecouldhavebeenstoppedattheCrossingbyhighwater，yousilly，"saidthegirl。"Itwas。"Thisgrammaticalobscurityreferredtothestagecoach。
　　"Yes，butImighthavebeentrackedtothiscabin。Andlookhere，Flip，"hesaid，suddenlystraighteninghimself，andliftingthegirl’sfacetoalevelwithhisown，"Idon’twantyoutolieanymoreforme。Itain’tright。"
　　"Allright。Yeneedn’tgotothepit，then，andIwon’tcome。"
　　"Flip！"
　　"Andhere’sDadcoming。Quick！"
　　Lancechosetoputhisowninterpretationonthislastadjuration。
　　Theresistinglittlehandwasnowlyingquitelimponhisshoulder，Hedrewherbrown，brightfacenearhisown，feltherspicedbreathonhislips，hischeeks，hishoteyelids，hisswimmingeyes，kissedher，hurriedlyreplacedhiswigandblanket，anddroppedbesidethefirewiththetremulouslaughofyouthandinnocentfirstpassion。
　　Fliphadwithdrawntothewindow，andwaslookingoutupontherockingpines。
　　"Hedon’tseemtobecoming，"saidLance，withahalf-shylaugh。
　　"No，"respondedFlipdemurely，pressingherhotovalcheekagainstthewetpanes；"IreckonIwasmistaken。You’resure，"sheadded，lookingresolutelyanotherway，butstilltremblinglikeamagneticneedletowardLance，ashemovedslightlybeforethefire，"you’reSUREyou’dlikemetocometoyou？"
　　"Sure，Flip？"
　　"Hush！"saidFlip，asthisreassuringqueryofreproachfulastonishmentappearedabouttobeemphasizedbyaforwardamatorydashofLance’s；"hush！he’scomingthistime，sure。"
　　Itwas，indeed，Fairley，exceedinglywet，exceedinglybedraggled，exceedinglyspongedoutastocolor，andexceedinglyprofane。Itappearedthattherewas，indeed，atreethathadfalleninthe"run，"butthat，farfromdivertingtheoverflowintothepit，ithadestablished"backwater，"whichhadforcedanotheroutlet。Allthismighthavebeendetectedatoncebyanyhumanintellectnotdistractedbycorrespondencewithstrangers，andenfeebledbyhabituallyscorningtheintellectofitsownprogenitor。Thisrecklessselfishnesshadfurtheronlyresultedingiving"rheumatics"tothatprogenitor，whonowrequiredtheexternaladministrationofopodeldoctohislimbs，andtheinternaladministrationofwhiskey。Havingthusspoken，Mr。Fairley，withgreatpromptitudeandinfantinesimplicity，atoncebaredtwolegsofentirelydifferentcolorsandmutelywaitedforhisdaughtertorubthem。IfFlipdidthisallunconsciously，andwiththemechanicaldexterityofprevioushabit，itwasbecauseshedidnotquiteunderstandthesavageeyesandimpatientgesturesofLanceinhisencompassingwigandblanket，andbecauseithelpedhertovoiceherthought。
　　"Ye’llneverbeabletotakeyerwatchatthediamondpitto-night，Dad，"shesaid；"andI’vebeenreck’nin’youmightsetthesquawthereinstead。Icanshowherwhattodo。"
　　ButtoFlip’smomentarydiscomfiture，herfatherpromptlyobjected。
　　"MebbeeI’vegotsuthin’elseforhertodo。MebbeeImayhavemysecrets，too——eh？"hesaid，withdarksignificance，atthesametimeadministeringasignificantnudgetoLance，whichkeptuptheyoungman’sexasperation。"No，she’llrestyerabitjustnow。
　　I’llsethertowatchin’suthin’else，likeasnot，whenIwanther。"Flipfellintooneofhersuggestivesilences。Lancewatchedherearnestly，mollifiedbyasinglefurtiveglancefromhersignificanteyes；theraindashedagainstthewindows，andoccasionallyspatteredandhissedinthehearthofthebroadchimney，andMr。DavidFairley，somewhatassuagedbytheinternaladministrationofwhiskey，grewmoreloquacious。Thegeniusofincongruityandinconsistencywhichgenerallyruledhisconductcameoutwithfreshenedvigorunderthegentlestimulationofspirit。"Onaneveninglikethis，"hebegan，comfortablysettlinghimselfonthefloorbesidethechimney，"yemightrigyerselfoutinthemnewdudsandfancyfixin’sthatthatSacramentoshrimpsentye，andletyourownfleshandbloodseeye。Ifthat’stoomuchtodoforyourolddad，yemightdoittopleasethatdiggersquawasaChristianact。"Whetherinthehiddendepthsoftheoldman’sconsciousnesstherewasafeelingofpaternalvanityinshowingthiswretchedaboriginethevalueandimportanceofthetreasureshewasabouttoguard，Icannotsay。FlipdartedaninterrogatorylookatLance，whonoddedaquietassent，andsheflewintotheinnerroom。Shedidnotlingeronthedetailsofhertoilet，butreappearedalmostthenextmomentinhernewfinery；buttoningtheneckofhergownassheenteredtheroom，andchastelystoppingatthewindowtocharacteristicallypullupherstocking。Thepeculiarityofhersituationincreasedherusualshyness；sheplayedwiththeblackandgoldbeadsofahandsomenecklace，——
　　Lance’slastgift，——asthemerestchildmight；herunbuckledshoegavethesquawanaturalopportunityofshowingheradmirationanddevotionbyinsistinguponbucklingit，andgaveLance，underthatdisguise，anopportunityofcovertlykissingthelittlefootandankleintheshadowofthechimney；aneventwhichprovokedslighthystericalsymptomsinFlip，andcausedhertositsuddenlydowninspiteoftheremonstrancesofherparent。"Efyoucan’tquitgigglin’andsquirmin’likeanInjinbabyyourself，ye’dbettergitrido’themduds，"heejaculatedwithpeevishscorn。
　　Yet，underthisperfunctoryrebuke，hisweakvanitycouldnotbehidden，andheenjoyedtheevidentadmirationofacreaturewhomhebelievedtobehalf-wittedanddegradedallthemorekeenlybecauseitdidnotmakehimjealous。ShecouldnottakeFlipfromhim。
　　Renderedgarrulousbyliquor，hewenttovoicehiscontemptforthosewhomightattemptit。Takingadvantageofhisdaughter’sabsencetoresumeherhomelygarments，hewhisperedconfidentiallytoLance，——
　　"Yeseetheseyerfinedresses，yemightthinkispresents。Pr’apsFlipletsontheyare？Pr’apsshedon’tknowanybetter。Buttheyain’tpresents。They’reonlysampleso’dressmakingandjewelrythatavain，conceitedshrimpofafellerupinSacramentosendsdownheretogetcustomersfor。IncourseI’mtopayfor’em。IncoursehereckonsI’mtodoit。IncourseIcalkilatetodoit；
　　butheneedn’ttrytoplay’emoffaspresents。Hetalkssuthin’
　　o’comingdownhere，sportin’hisselfoffonFlipasafancybuck！
　　Notezlongeztheoldman’shere，youbet。"Thoroughlycarriedawaybyhisfanciedwrongs，itwasperhapsfortunatethathedidnotobservetheflashingeyesofLancebehindhislankandlustrelesswig；butseeingonlythefigureofLance，ashehadconjuredhim，hewenton："That’swhyIwantyoutohangaroundher。Hangaroundherontilmyboy，——himthat’scomin’homeonavisit，——getshere，andIreckonhe’llclearoutthatyarSacramentocounter-jumper。Onlyletmegetasighto’himaforeFlipdoes。
　　eh？D’yehear？DogmyskinifIdon’tbelievethed————dInjin’sdrunk。"ItwasfortunatethatatthatmomentFlipreappeared，and，droppingonthehearthbetweenherfatherandtheinfuriatedLance，letherhandslipinhiswithawarningpressure。Thelighttouchmomentarilyrecalledhimtohimselfandher，butnotuntilthequick-wittedgirlhadhadrevealedtoherinonestartledwaveofconsciousnessthefullextentofLance’sinfirmityoftemper。Withtheinstinctofawakenedtendernesscameasenseofresponsibility，andavaguepremonitionofdanger。Thecoyblossomofherheartwasscarceunfoldedbeforeitwaschilledbyapproachingshadows。
　　Fearfulof，sheknewnotwhat，shehesitated。EverymomentofLance’sstaywasimperiledbyasinglewordthatmightspringfromhissuppressedwhitelips；beyondandabovethesuspicionshissuddenwithdrawalmightawakeninherfather’sbreast，shewasdimlyconsciousofsomemysteriousterrorwithoutthatawaitedhim。
　　Shelistenedtothefuriousonslaughtofthewinduponthesycamoresbesidetheircabin，andthoughtshehearditthere；shelistenedtothesharpfusilladeofrainuponroofandpane，andtheturbulentroarandrushofleapingmountaintorrentsattheirveryfeet，andfancieditwasthere。Shesuddenlysprangtothewindow，and，pressinghereyestothepane，sawthroughthemistyturmoiloftossingboughsandswayingbranchesthescintillatingintermittentflamesoftorchesmovingonthetrailabove，andKNEW
　　itwasthere！
　　Inaninstantshewascollectedandcalm。"Dad，"shesaid，inherordinaryindifferenttone，"there’storchesmovin’uptowardthediamondpit。Likelyit’stramps。I’lltakethesquawandsee。"
　　AndbeforetheoldmancouldstaggertohisfeetshehaddraggedLancewithherintotheroad。
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　Thewindchargeddownuponthem，slammingthedoorattheirbacks，extinguishingthebroadshaftoflightthathadmomentarilyshotoutintothedarkness，andsweptthemadozenyardsaway。Gainingtheleeofamadronotree，Lanceopenedhisblanketedarms，enfoldedthegirl，andfeltherforonebriefmomenttrembleandnestleinhisbosomlikesomefrightenedanimal。"Well，"hesaid，gayly，"whatnext？"Fliprecoveredherself。"You’resafenowanywhereoutsidethehouse。Butdidyouexpectthemtonight？"
　　Lanceshruggedhisshoulders。"Whynot？""Hush！"returnedthegirl；"they’recomingthisway。"
　　Thefourflickering，scatteredlightspresentlydroppedintoline。
　　Thetrailhadbeenfound；theywerecomingnearer。Flipbreathedquickly；thespicedaromaofherpresencefilledtheblanketashedrewhertightlybesidehim。Hehadforgottenthestormthatragedaroundthem，themysteriousfoethatwasapproaching，untilFlipcaughthissleevewithaslightlaugh。"Why，it’sKennedyandBijah？"
　　"Who’sKennedyandBijah？"askedLance，curtly。
　　"Kennedy’sthePostmasterandBijah’stheButcher。"
　　"Whatdotheywant？"continuedLance。
　　"Me，"saidFlip，coyly。
　　"You？"
　　"Yes；let’srunaway。"
　　Halfleading，halfdraggingherfriend，Flipmadeherwaywithunerringwoodcraftdowntheravine。Thesoundofvoicesandeventhetumultofthestormbecamefainter，anacridsmellofburninggreenwoodsmartedLance’slipsandeyes；inthemidstofthedarknessbeneathhimgraduallyafaint，giganticnimbuslikealurideyeglowedandsank，quiveredandfadedwiththespentbreathofthegaleasitpenetratedtheirretreat。"Thepit，"whisperedFlip；"it’ssafeontheotherside，"sheadded，cautiouslyskirtingtheorbitofthegreateye，andleadinghimtoashelterednestofbarkandsawdust。Itwaswarmandodorous。Nevertheless，theybothdeemeditnecessarytoenwrapthemselvesinthesingleblanket。Theeyebeamedfitfullyuponthem，occasionallyawaveoflambenttremulousnesspassedacrossit；itsweirdnesswasanexcusefortheirdrawingnearereachotherinplayfulterror。
　　"Flip。"
　　"Well？"
　　"Whatdidtheothertwowant？Toseeyou，TOO？"
　　"Likely，"saidFlip，withouttheleasttraceofcoquetry。"There’sbeenalotofstrangersyer，offandon。"
　　"Perhapsyou’dliketogobackandseethem？"
　　"Doyouwantmeto？"
　　Lance’sreplywasakiss。Neverthelesshewasvaguelyuneasy。
　　"LooksalittleasifIwererunningaway，don’tit？"hesuggested。
　　"No，"saidFlip；"theythinkyou’reonlyasquaw；it’smethey’reafter。"Lancesmartedalittleatthisinfelicitousspeech。A
　　strangeandirritatingsensationhadbeencreepingoverhim——itwashisfirstexperienceofshameandremorse。"IreckonI’llgobackandsee，"hesaid，risingabruptly。
　　Flipwassilent。Shewasthinking。Believingthatthemenwereseekingheronly，sheknewthattheirattentionwouldbedirectedfromhercompanionwhenitwasfoundouthewasnolongerwithher，andshedreadedtomeettheminhisirritablepresence。
　　"Go，"shesaid，"tellDadsomething’sgonewronginthediamondpit，andsayI’mwatchingitforhimhere。"
　　"Andyou？"
　　"I’llgothereandwaitforhim。Ifhecan’tgetridofthem，andtheyfollowhimthere，I’llcomebackhereandmeetyou。Anyhow，I’llmanagetohaveDadwaitthereaspell。"
　　Shetookhishandandledhimbackbyadifferentpathtothetrail。Hewassurprisedtofindthatthecabin，itswindowglowingfromthefire，wasonlyahundredyardsaway。"Gointhebackway，bytheshed。Don’tgointheroom，nornearthelight，ifyoucan。
　　Don’ttalkinside，butcallorbeckontoDad。Remember，"shesaid，withalaugh，"you’rekeepingwatchofmeforhim。Pullyourhairdownonyoureyesso。"Thisoperation，likemostfeminineembellishmentsofthemasculinetoiletwasattendedbyakiss，andFlip，steppingbackintotheshadow，vanishedinthestorm。
　　Lance’sfirstmovementswereinconsistentwithhisassumedsex。Hepickeduphisdraggledskirt，anddrewabowieknifefromhisboot。
　　Fromhisbosomhetookarevolver，turningthechambersnoiselesslyashefeltthecaps。Hethencrepttowardthecabinsoftlyandgainedtheshed。Itwasquitedarkbutforapenciloflightpiercingacrackoftherude，ill-fittingdoorthatopenedonthesitting-room。Asinglevoicenotunfamiliartohim，raisedinhalf-brutaltriumph，greetedhisears。
　　Anamewasmentioned——hisown！Hisangryhandwasonthelatch。
　　Onemomentmoreandhewouldhaveburstthedoor，butinthatinstantanothernamewasuttered——anamethatdroppedhishandfromthelatchandthebloodfromhischeeks。Hestaggeredbackward，passedhishandswiftlyacrosshisforehead，recoveredhimselfwithagestureofmingledrageanddespair，and，sinkingonhiskneesbesidethedoor，pressedhishottemplesagainstthecrack。
　　"DoIknowLanceHarriott？"saidthevoice。"DoIknowthed————druffian？Didn’tIhunthimayearagointothebrushthreemilesfromtheCrossing？Didn’twelosesightofhimtheverydayheturnedupyeratthisranch，andgotsmuggledoverintoMonterey？
　　Ain’titthesamemanaskilledArkansawBob——BobRidley——thenamehewentbyinSonora？AndwhowasBobRidley，eh？Who？Why，youd————doldfool，itwasBobFairley——YOURSON！"
　　Theoldman’svoicerosequerulousandindistinct。
　　"Whatareyetalkin’about？"interruptedthefirstspeaker。"I
　　tellyouIKNOW。Lookatthesepictures。Ifound’emonhisbody。
　　Lookat’em。Picturesofyouandyourgirl。Pr’apsyou’lldenythem。Pr’apsyou’lltellmeIliewhenItellyouHEtoldmehewasyourson；toldmehowheranawayfromyou；howyouwerelivin’
　　somewhereinthemountainsmakin’gold，orsuthin’else，outercharcoal。Hetoldmewhohewasasasecret。Heneverletonhetoldittoanyoneelse。AndwhenIfoundthatthemanwhokilledhim，LanceHarriott，hadbeenhidin’here，hadbeensendin’spiesallaroundtofindoutallaboutyourson，hadbeenfoolin’youandtryin’toruinyourgalashehadkilledyourboy，IknewthatHE
　　knewit，too。"
　　"LIAR！"
　　Thedoorfellinwithacrash。Therewasthesuddenapparitionofademoniacface，stillhalfhiddenbythelongtrailingblacklocksofhairthatcurledlikeMedusa’saroundit。Acryofterrorfilledtheroom。Threeofthemendashedfromthedoorandfledprecipitately。Themanwhohadspokensprangtowardhisrifleinthechimneycorner。Butthemovementwashislast；ablindingflashandshatteringreportinterposedbetweenhimandhisweapon。
　　Theimpulsecarriedhimforwardheadlongintothefire，thathissedandsplutteredwithhisblood，andLanceHarriottwithhissmokingpistol，strodepasthimtothedoor。Alreadyfardownthetrailtherewerehurriedvoices，thecrackandcracklingofimpendingbranchesgrowingfainterandfainterinthedistance。Lanceturnedbacktothesolitarylivingfigure——theoldman。
　　Yethemighthavebeendead，too，hesatsorigidandmotionless，hisfixedeyesstaringvacantlyatthebodyonthehearth。Beforehimonthetablelaythecheapphotographs，oneevidentlyofhimself，takeninsomeremoteepochofcomplexion，oneofachildwhichLancerecognizedasFlip。
　　"Tellme，"saidLancehoarsely，layinghisquiveringhandonthetable，"wasBobRidleyyourson？"
　　"Myson，"echoedtheoldmaninastrange，far-offvoice，withoutturninghiseyesfromthecorpse——"Myson——is——is——isthere！"
　　pointingtothedeadman。"Hush！Didn’thetellyouso？Didn’tyouhearhimsayit？Dead——dead——shot——shot！"
　　"Silence！areyoucrazy，man？"repeatedLance，tremblingly；"thatisnotBobRidley，butadog，acoward，aliargonetohisreckoning。Hearme！IfyoursonWASBobRidley，IsweartoGodI
　　neverknewit，nowor——or——THEN。Doyouhearme？Tellme！Doyoubelieveme？Speak！Youshallspeak。"
　　Helaidhishandalmostmenacinglyontheoldman’sshoulder。
　　Fairleyslowlyraisedhishead。Lancefellbackwithagroanofhorror。Theweaklipswerewreathedwithafeebleimploringsmile，buttheeyeswhereinthefretful，peevish，suspiciousspirithaddweltwereblankandtenantless；theflickeringintellectthathadlitthemwasblownoutandvanished。
　　Lancewalkedtowardthedoorandremainedmotionlessforamoment，gazingintothenight。Whenheturnedbackagaintowardthefirehisfacewasascolorlessasthedeadman’sonthehearth；thefireofpassionwasgonefromhisbeateneyes；hisstepwashesitatingandslow。Hewentuptothetable。
　　"Isay，oldman，"hesaid，withastrangesmileandanodd，prematuresuggestionoftheinfinitewearinessofdeathinhisvoice，"youwouldn’tmindgivingmethis，wouldyou？"andhetookupthepictureofFlip。Theoldmannoddedrepeatedly。"Thankyou，"saidLance。Hewenttothedoor，pausedamoment，andreturned。"Good-by，oldman，"hesaid，holdingouthishand。
　　Fairleytookitwithachildishsmile。"He’sdead，"saidtheoldmansoftly，holdingLance’shand，butpointingtothehearth。
　　"Yes，"saidLance，withthefaintestofsmilesonthepalestoffaces。"Youfeelsorryforanyonethat’sdead，don’tyou？"
　　Fairleynoddedagain。Lancelookedathimwitheyesasremoteashisown，shookhishead，andturnedaway。Whenhereachedthedoorhelaidhisrevolvercarefully，and，indeed，somewhatostentatiously，uponachair。Butwhenhesteppedfromthethresholdhestoppedamomentinthelightoftheopendoortoexaminethelockofasmallderringerwhichhedrewfromhispocket。Hethenshutthedoorcarefully，andwiththesameslow，hesitatingstep，felthiswayintothenight。
　　Hehadbutoneideainhismind，tofindsomelonelyspot；somespotwherethefootstepsofmanwouldneverpenetrate，somespotthatwouldyieldhimrest，sleep，obliteration，forgetfulness，and，aboveall，whereHEwouldbeforgotten。Hehadseensuchplaces；
　　surelythereweremany，——whereboneswerepickedupofdeadmenwhohadfadedfromtheearthandhadleftnootherrecord。Ifhecouldonlykeephissensesnowhemightfindsuchaspot，buthemustbecareful，forherlittlefeetwenteverywhere，andshemustneverseehimagainaliveordead。Andinthemidstofhisthoughts，andthedarkness，andthestorm，heheardavoiceathisside，"Lance，howlongyouhavebeen！"……
　　Lefttohimself，theoldmanagainfellintoavacantcontemplationofthedeadbodybeforehim，untilastrongerblastsweptdownlikeanavalancheuponthecabin，burstthroughtheill-fasteneddoorandbrokenchimney，and，dashingtheashesandlivingembersoverthefloor，filledtheroomwithblindingsmokeandflame。Fairleyrosewithafeeblecry，andthen，asifacteduponbysomedominantmemory，gropedunderthebeduntilhefoundhisbuckskinbagandhispreciouscrystal，andfledprecipitatelyfromtheroom。Liftedbythissecondshockfromhisapathy，hereturnedtothefixedideaofhislife，——thediscoveryandcreationofthediamond，——andforgotallelse。Thefeeblegraspthathisshakenintellectkeptoftheeventsofthenightrelaxed，thedisguisedLance，thestoryofhisson，themurder，slippedintonothingness；thereremainedonlytheoneidea，hisnightlywatchbythediamondpit。Theinstinctoflonghabitwasstrongerthanthedarknessortheonsetofthestorm，andhekepthistotteringwayoverstreamandfallentimberuntilhereachedthespot。Asuddentremorseemedtoshakethelambentflamethathadluredhimon。Hethoughtheheardthesoundofvoices；thereweresignsofrecentdisturbance，——
　　footprintsinthesawdust！Withacryofrageandsuspicion，Fairleyslippedintothepitandsprangtowardthenearestopening。
　　Tohisfrenziedfancyithadbeentamperedwith，hissecretdiscovered，thefruitofhislonglaborsstolenfromhimthatverynight。Withsuperhumanstrengthhebegantoopenthepit，scatteringthehalf-charredlogsrightandleft，andgivingventtothesuffocatinggasesthatrosefromthenowincandescentcharcoal。
　　Attimesthefuryofthegalewoulddriveitbackandholditagainstthesidesofthepit，leavingtheopeningfree；attimes，followingtheblindinstinctofhabit，thedementedmanwouldfalluponhisfaceandburyhisnoseandmouthinthewetbarkandsawdust。Atlast，theparoxysmpast，hesankbackagaininhisoldapatheticattitudeofwatching，theattitudehehadsooftenkeptbesidehissylvancrucible。Inthisattitudeandinsilencehewaitedforthedawn。
　　Itcamewithahushinthestorm；itcamewithblueopeningsinthebrokenupandtumbledheavens；itcamewithstarsthatglistenedfirst，andthenpaled，andatlastsankdrowninginthosedeepceruleanlakes；itcamewiththoseceruleanlakesbroadeningintovasterseas，whoseshoresexpandedatlastintooneillimitableocean，ceruleannomore，butfleckedwithcrimsonandopaldyes；itcamewiththelightlyliftedmistycurtainoftheday，tornandrentoncragandpinetop，butalwayslifting，lifting。Itcamewiththesparkleofemeraldinthegrasses，andtheflashofdiamondsineveryspray，withawhisperintheawakeningwoods，andvoicesinthetraveledroadsandtrails。
　　Thesoundofthesevoicesstoppedbeforethepit，andseemedtointerrogatetheoldman。Hecame，and，puttinghisfingeronhislips，madeasignofcaution。Whenthreeorfourmenhaddescendedhebadethemfollowhim，saying，weaklyanddisjointedly，butpersistently："Myboy——mysonRobert——camehome——camehomeatlast——
　　herewithFlip——bothofthem——comeandsee！"
　　Hehadreachedalittlenicheornestinthehillside，andstoppedandsuddenlydrewasideablanket。Beneathit，sidebyside，layFlipandLance，dead，withtheircoldhandsclaspedineachother’s。
　　"Suffocated！"saidtwoorthree，turningwithhorrortowardthebrokenupandstillsmoulderingpit。
　　"Asleep！"saidtheoldman。"Asleep！I’veseen’emlyingthatwaywhentheywerebabiestogether。Don’ttellme！Don’tsayIdon’tknowmyownfleshandblood！So！so！So，myprettyones！"Hestoopedandkissedthem。Then，drawingtheblanketoverthemgently，heroseandsaidsoftly，"Goodnight！"