CONTENTS
　　THELEGENDOFMONTEDELDIABLO
　　THEADVENTUREOFPADREVICENTIO
　　THELEGENDOFDEVIL’SPOINT
　　THEDEVILANDTHEBROKER
　　THEOGRESSOFSILVERLAND
　　THERUINSOFSANFRANCISCO
　　ANIGHTATWINGDAM
　　LEGENDSANDTALES。
　　THELEGENDOFMONTEDELDIABLO。
　　Thecautiousreaderwilldetectalackofauthenticityinthefollowingpages。Iamnotacautiousreadermyself，yetIconfesswithsomeconcerntotheabsenceofmuchdocumentaryevidenceinsupportofthesingularincidentIamabouttorelate。Disjointedmemoranda，theproceedingsofayuntamientosandearlydepartmentaljuntas，withotherrecordsofaprimitiveandsuperstitiouspeople，havebeenmyinadequateauthorities。Itisbutjusttostate，however，thatthoughthisparticularstorylackscorroboration，inransackingtheSpanisharchivesofUpperCaliforniaIhavemetwithmanymoresurprisingandincrediblestories，attestedandsupportedtoadegreethatwouldhaveplacedthislegendbeyondacavilordoubt。Ihave，also，neverlostfaithinthelegendmyself，andinsodoinghaveprofitedmuchfromtheexamplesofdiversgrant-
　　claimants，whohaveoftenjostledmeintheirmorepracticalresearches，andwhohavemysinceresympathyatthescepticismofamodernhard-headedandpracticalworld。
　　FormanyyearsafterFatherJuniperoSerrofirstranghisbellinthewildernessofUpperCalifornia，thespiritwhichanimatedthatadventurouspriestdidnotwane。TheconversionoftheheathenwentonrapidlyintheestablishmentofMissionsthroughouttheland。SosedulouslydidthegoodFatherssetabouttheirwork，thataroundtheirisolatedchapelstherepresentlyaroseadobehuts，whosemud-plasteredandsavagetenantspartookregularlyoftheprovisions，andoccasionallyoftheSacrament，oftheirpioushosts。Nay，sogreatwastheirprogress，thatonezealousPadreisreportedtohaveadministeredtheLord’sSupperoneSabbathmorningto"overthreehundredheathenSalvages。"ItwasnottobewonderedthattheEnemyofSouls，beinggreatlyincensedthereat，andalarmedathisdecreasingpopularity，shouldhavegrievouslytemptedandembarrassedtheseHolyFathers，asweshallpresentlysee。
　　Yettheywerehappy，peacefuldaysforCalifornia。ThevagrantkeelsofpryingCommercehadnotasyetruffledthelordlygravityofherbays。Notornandraggedgulchbetrayedthesuspicionofgoldentreasure。Thewildoatsdroopedidlyinthemorningheat，orwrestledwiththeafternoonbreezes。Deerandantelopedottedtheplain。Thewatercoursesbrawledintheirfamiliarchannels，nordreamedofevershiftingtheirregulartide。ThewondersoftheYosemiteandCalaveraswereasyetunrecorded。TheHolyFathersnotedlittleofthelandscapebeyondthebarbaricprodigalitywithwhichthequicksoilrepaidthesowing。Anewconversion，theadventofaSaint’sday，orthebaptismofanIndianbaby，wasatoncethechronicleandmarveloftheirday。
　　AtthisblissfulepochtherelivedattheMissionofSanPabloFatherJoseAntonioHaro，aworthybrotheroftheSocietyofJesus。
　　Hewasoftallandcadaverousaspect。Asomewhatromantichistoryhadgivenapoeticinteresttohislugubriousvisage。Whileayouth，pursuinghisstudiesatfamousSalamanca，hehadbecomeenamoredofthecharmsofDonaCarmendeTorrencevara，asthatladypassedtohermatutinaldevotions。Untowardcircumstances，hastened，perhaps，byawealthiersuitor，broughtthisamourtoadisastrousissue；andFatherJoseenteredamonastery，takinguponhimselfthevowsofcelibacy。Itwasherethathisnaturalfervorandpoeticenthusiasmconceivedexpressionasamissionary。A
　　longingtoconverttheuncivilizedheathensucceededhisfrivolousearthlypassion，andadesiretoexploreanddevelopunknownfastnessescontinuallypossessedhim。InhisflashingeyeandsombreexteriorwasdetectedasingularcomminglingofthediscreetLasCasasandtheimpetuousBalboa。
　　Firedbythispiouszeal，FatherJosewentforwardinthevanofChristianpioneers。OnreachingMexico，heobtainedauthoritytoestablishtheMissionofSanPablo。LikethegoodJunipero，accompaniedonlybyanacolyteandmuleteer，heunsaddledhismulesinaduskycanyon，andranghisbellinthewilderness。Thesavages——apeaceful，inoffensive，andinferiorrace——presentlyflockedaroundhim。Thenearestmilitarypostwasfaraway，whichcontributedmuchtothesecurityofthesepiouspilgrims，whofoundtheiropentrustfulnessandamiabilitybetterfittedtorepresshostilitythanthepresenceofanarmed，suspicious，andbrawlingsoldiery。SothegoodFatherJosesaidmatinsandprime，massandvespers，intheheartofSinandHeathenism，takingnoheedtohimself，butlookingonlytothewelfareoftheHolyChurch。
　　Conversionssoonfollowed，and，onthe7thofJuly，1760，thefirstIndianbabywasbaptized，——aneventwhich，asFatherJosepiouslyrecords，"exceedstherichnesseofgoldorpreciousjewelsorthechancingupontheOphirofSolomon。"IquotethisincidentasbestsuitedtoshowtheingeniousblendingofpoetryandpietywhichdistinguishedFatherJose’srecord。
　　TheMissionofSanPabloprogressedandprospereduntilthepiousfounderthereof，liketheinfidelAlexander，mighthaveweptthattherewerenomoreheathenworldstoconquer。Buthisardentandenthusiasticspiritcouldnotlongbrookanidlenessthatseemedbegottenofsin；andonepleasantAugustmorning，intheyearofgrace1770，FatherJoseissuedfromtheoutercourtoftheMissionbuilding，equippedtoexplorethefieldfornewmissionarylabors。
　　Nothingcouldexceedthequietgravityandunpretentiousnessofthelittlecavalcade。Firstrodeastoutmuleteer，leadingapack-muleladenwiththeprovisionsoftheparty，togetherwithafewcheapcrucifixesandhawks’bells。AfterhimcamethedevoutPadreJose，bearinghisbreviaryandcross，withablackserapathrownaroundhisshoulders；whileoneithersidetrottedaduskyconvert，anxioustoshowapropersenseoftheirregenerationbyactingasguidesintothewildsoftheirheathenbrethren。Theirnewconditionwasagreeablyshownbytheabsenceoftheusualmud-
　　plaster，whichintheirunconvertedstatetheyassumedtokeepawayverminandcold。Themorningwasbrightandpropitious。Beforetheirdeparture，masshadbeensaidinthechapel，andtheprotectionofSt。Ignatiusinvokedagainstallcontingentevils，butespeciallyagainstbears，which，likethefierydragonsofold，seemedtocherishunconquerablehostilitytotheHolyChurch。
　　Astheywoundthroughthecanyon，charmingbirdsdisporteduponboughsandsprays，andsoberquailspipedfromthealders；thewillowywater-coursesgaveamusicalutterance，andthelonggrasswhisperedonthehillside。Onenteringthedeeperdefiles，abovethemtowereddarkgreenmassesofpine，andoccasionallythemadronoshookitsbrightscarletberries。Astheytoiledupmanyasteepascent，FatherJosesometimespickedupfragmentsofscoria，whichspaketohisimaginationofdirefulvolcanoesandimpendingearthquakes。TothelessscientificmindofthemuleteerIgnaciotheyhadevenamoreterrifyingsignificance；andheonceortwicesnuffedtheairsuspiciously，anddeclaredthatitsmeltofsulphur。Sothefirstdayoftheirjourneyworeaway，andatnighttheyencampedwithouthavingmetasingleheathenface。
　　ItwasonthisnightthattheEnemyofSoulsappearedtoIgnacioinanappallingform。Hehadretiredtoasecludedpartofthecampandhadsunkuponhiskneesinprayerfulmeditation，whenhelookedupandperceivedtheArch-Fiendinthelikenessofamonstrousbear。TheEvilOnewasseatedonhishindlegsimmediatelybeforehim，withhisforepawsjoinedtogetherjustbelowhisblackmuzzle。Wiselyconceivingthisremarkableattitudetobeinmockeryandderisionofhisdevotions，theworthymuleteerwastransportedwithfury。Seizinganarquebuse，heinstantlyclosedhiseyesandfired。Whenhehadrecoveredfromtheeffectsoftheterrificdischarge，theapparitionhaddisappeared。FatherJose，awakenedbythereport，reachedthespotonlyintimetochidethemuleteerforwastingpowderandballinacontestwithonewhomasingleavewouldhavebeensufficienttoutterlydiscomfit。WhatfurtherrelianceheplacedonIgnacio’sstoryisnotknown；but，incommemorationofaworthyCaliforniancustom，theplacewascalledLaCanadadelaTentaciondelPioMuletero，or"TheGlenoftheTemptationofthePiousMuleteer，"anamewhichitretainstothisday。
　　Thenextmorningtheparty，issuingfromanarrowgorge，cameuponalongvalley，searandburntwiththeshadelessheat。Itslowerextremitywaslostinafadinglineoflowhills，which，gatheringmightandvolumetowardtheupperendofthevalley，upheavedastupendousbulwarkagainstthebreezyNorth。Thepeakofthisawfulspurwasjusttouchedbyafleecycloudthatshiftedtoandfrolikeabanneret。FatherJosegazedatitwithmingledaweandadmiration。Byasingularcoincidence，themuleteerIgnacioutteredthesimpleejaculation"Diablo！"
　　Astheypenetratedthevalley，theysoonbegantomisstheagreeablelifeandcompanionableechoesofthecanyontheyhadquitted。Hugefissuresintheparchedsoilseemedtogapeaswiththirstymouths。Afewsquirrelsdartedfromtheearth，anddisappearedasmysteriouslybeforethejinglingmules。Agraywolftrottedleisurelyalongjustahead。ButwhicheverwayFatherJoseturned，themountainalwaysasserteditselfandarrestedhiswanderingeye。Outofthedryandaridvalley，itseemedtospringintocoolerandbracinglife。Deepcavernousshadowsdweltalongitsbase；rockyfastnessesappearedmidwayofitselevation；andoneithersidehugeblackhillsdivergedlikemassyrootsfromacentraltrunk。Hislivelyfancypicturedthesehillspeopledwithamajesticandintelligentraceofsavages；andlookingintofuturity，healreadysawamonstrouscrosscrowningthedome-likesummit。Fardifferentwerethesensationsofthemuleteer，whosawinthoseawfulsolitudesonlyfierydragons，colossalbearsandbreak-necktrails。Theconverts，ConcepcionandIncarnacion，trottingmodestlybesidethePadre，recognized，perhaps，somemanifestationoftheirformerweirdmythology。
　　Atnightfalltheyreachedthebaseofthemountain。HereFatherJoseunpackedhismules，saidvespers，and，formallyringinghisbell，calledupontheGentileswithinhearingtocomeandaccepttheHolyFaith。Theechoesoftheblackfrowninghillsaroundhimcaughtupthepiousinvitation，andrepeateditatintervals；butnoGentilesappearedthatnight。Norwerethedevotionsofthemuleteeragaindisturbed，althoughheafterwardasserted，that，whentheFather’sexhortationwasended，amockingpealoflaughtercamefromthemountain。NothingdauntedbytheseintimationsofthenearhostilityoftheEvilOne，FatherJosedeclaredhisintentiontoascendthemountainatearlydawn；andbeforethesunrosethenextmorninghewasleadingtheway。
　　Theascentwasinmanyplacesdifficultanddangerous。Hugefragmentsofrockoftenlayacrossthetrail，andafterafewhours’climbingtheywereforcedtoleavetheirmulesinalittlegully，andcontinuetheascentafoot。Unaccustomedtosuchexertion，FatherJoseoftenstoppedtowipetheperspirationfromhisthincheeks。Asthedayworeon，astrangesilenceoppressedthem。Excepttheoccasionalpatteringofasquirrel，orarustlinginthechimisalbushes，therewerenosignsoflife。Thehalf-
　　humanprintofabear’sfootsometimesappearedbeforethem，atwhichIgnacioalwayscrossedhimselfpiously。Theeyewassometimescheatedbyadrippingfromtherocks，whichoncloserinspectionprovedtobearesinousoilyliquidwithanabominablesulphuroussmell。Whentheywerewithinashortdistanceofthesummit，thediscreetIgnacio，selectingashelterednookforthecamp，slippedasideandbusiedhimselfinpreparationsfortheevening，leavingtheHolyFathertocontinuetheascentalone。
　　Neverwasthereamorethoughtlessactofprudence，neveramoreimprudentpieceofcaution。Withoutnoticingthedesertion，buriedinpiousreflection，FatherJosepushedmechanicallyon，and，reachingthesummit，casthimselfdownandgazedupontheprospect。
　　Belowhimlayasuccessionofvalleysopeningintoeachotherlikegentlelakes，untiltheywerelosttothesouthward。WesterlythedistantrangehidtheboskycanadawhichshelteredthemissionofSanPablo。InthefartherdistancethePacificOceanstretchedaway，bearingacloudoffoguponitsbosom，whichcreptthroughtheentranceofthebay，androlledthicklybetweenhimandthenortheastward；thesamefoghidthebaseofmountainandtheviewbeyond。Still，fromtimetotimethefleecyveilparted，andtimidlydisclosedcharmingglimpsesofmightyrivers，mountaindefiles，androllingplains，searwithripenedoats，andbathedintheglowofthesettingsun。AsFatherJosegazed，hewaspenetratedwithapiouslonging。Alreadyhisimagination，filledwithenthusiasticconceptions，beheldallthatvastexpansegatheredunderthemildswayoftheHolyFaith，andpeopledwithzealousconverts。Eachlittleknollinfancybecamecrownedwithachapel；fromeachdarkcanyongleamedthewhitewallsofamissionbuilding。Growingbolderinhisenthusiasm，andlookingfartherintofuturity，hebeheldanewSpainrisingonthesesavageshores。
　　Healreadysawthespiresofstatelycathedrals，thedomesofpalaces，vineyards，gardens，andgroves。Convents，halfhidamongthehills，peepingfromplantationsofbranchinglimes；andlongprocessionsofchantingnunswoundthroughthedefiles。SocompletelywasthegoodFather’sconceptionofthefutureconfoundedwiththepast，thatevenintheirchoralstrainthewell-rememberedaccentsofCarmenstruckhisear。Hewasbusiedinthesefancifulimaginings，whensuddenlyoverthatextendedprospectthefaint，distanttollingofabellrangsadlyoutanddied。ItwastheAngelus。FatherJoselistenedwithsuperstitiousexaltation。ThemissionofSanPablowasfaraway，andthesoundmusthavebeensomemiraculousomen。Butneverbefore，tohisenthusiasticsense，didthesweetseriousnessofthisangelicsymbolcomewithsuchstrangesignificance。Withthelastfaintpeal，hisglowingfancyseemedtocool；thefogclosedinbelowhim，andthegoodFatherrememberedhehadnothadhissupper。Hehadrisenandwaswrappinghisserapaaroundhim，whenheperceivedforthefirsttimethathewasnotalone。
　　Nearlyopposite，andwhereshouldhavebeenthefaithlessIgnacio，agraveanddecorousfigurewasseated。Hisappearancewasthatofanelderlyhidalgo，dressedinmourning，withmustachesofiron-
　　graycarefullywaxedandtwistedaroundapairoflantern-jaws。
　　Themonstroushatandprodigiousfeather，theenormousruffandexaggeratedtrunk-hose，contrastedwithaframeshrivelledandwizened，allbelongedtoacenturyprevious。YetFatherJosewasnotastonished。Hisadventurouslifeandpoeticimagination，continuallyonthelookoutforthemarvellous，gavehimacertainadvantageoverthepracticalandmaterialminded。Heinstantlydetectedthediabolicalqualityofhisvisitant，andwasprepared。
　　Withequalcoolnessandcourtesyhemetthecavalier’sobeisance。
　　"Iaskyourpardon，SirPriest，"saidthestranger，"fordisturbingyourmeditations。Pleasanttheymusthavebeen，andrightfanciful，Iimagine，whenoccasionedbysofairaprospect。"
　　"Worldly，perhaps，SirDevil，——forsuchItakeyoutobe，"saidtheHolyFather，asthestrangerbowedhisblackplumestotheground；
　　"worldly，perhaps；forithathpleasedHeaventoretaineveninourregeneratedstatemuchthatpertainethtotheflesh，yetstill，I
　　trust，notwithoutsomespeculationforthewelfareoftheHolyChurch。Indwellinguponyonfairexpanse，mineeyeshavebeengraciouslyopenedwithpropheticinspiration，andthepromiseoftheheathenasaninheritancehathmarvellouslyrecurredtome。
　　FortherecanbenonelacksuchdiligenceintheTrueFaith，butmayseethateventheconversionofthesepitifulsalvageshathameaning。AstheblessedSt。Ignatiusdiscreetlyobserves，"
　　continuedFatherJose，clearinghisthroatandslightlyelevatinghisvoice，"’theheathenisgiventothewarriorsofChrist，evenasthepearlsofrarediscoverywhichgladdentheheartsofshipmen。’Nay，Imightsay——"
　　Butherethestranger，whohadbeenwrinklinghisbrowsandtwistinghismustacheswithwell-bredpatience，tookadvantageofanoratoricalpause：——
　　"Itgrievesme，SirPriest，tointerruptthecurrentofyoureloquenceasdiscourteouslyasIhavealreadybrokenyourmeditations；butthedayalreadywanethtonight。Ihaveamatterofseriousimporttomakewithyou，couldIentreatyourcautiousconsiderationafewmoments。"
　　FatherJosehesitated。Thetemptationwasgreat，andtheprospectofacquiringsomeknowledgeoftheGreatEnemy’splansnottheleasttriflingobject。Andifthetruthmustbetold，therewasacertaindecorumaboutthestrangerthatinterestedthePadre。
　　ThoughwellawareoftheProteanshapestheArch-Fiendcouldassume，andthoughfreefromtheweaknessesoftheflesh，FatherJosewasnotabovethetemptationsofthespirit。HadtheDevilappeared，asinthecaseofthepiousSt。Anthony，inthelikenessofacomelydamsel，thegoodFather，withhiscertainexperienceofthedeceitfulsex，wouldhavewhiskedherawayinthesayingofapaternoster。Buttherewas，addedtothesecurityofage，agravesadnessaboutthestranger，——athoughtfulconsciousnessasofbeingatagreatmoraldisadvantage，——whichatoncedecidedhimonamagnanimouscourseofconduct。
　　Thestrangerthenproceededtoinformhim，thathehadbeendiligentlyobservingtheHolyFather’striumphsinthevalley。
　　That，farfrombeinggreatlyexercisedthereat，hehadbeenonlygrievedtoseesoenthusiasticandchivalrousanantagonistwastinghiszealinahopelesswork。For，heobserved，theissueofthegreatbattleofGoodandEvilhadbeenotherwisesettled，ashewouldpresentlyshowhim。"Itwantsbutafewmomentsofnight，"
　　hecontinued，"andoverthisintervaloftwilight，asyouknow，I
　　havebeengivencompletecontrol。LooktotheWest。"
　　AsthePadreturned，thestrangertookhisenormoushatfromhishead，andwaveditthreetimesbeforehim。Ateachsweepoftheprodigiousfeather，thefoggrewthinner，untilitmeltedimpalpablyaway，andtheformerlandscapereturned，yetwarmwiththeglowingsun。AsFatherJosegazed，astrainofmartialmusicarosefromthevalley，andissuingfromadeepcanyon，thegoodFatherbeheldalongcavalcadeofgallantcavaliers，habitedlikehiscompanion。Astheysweptdowntheplain，theywerejoinedbylikeprocessions，thatslowlydefiledfromeveryravineandcanyonofthemysteriousmountain。Fromtimetotimethepealofatrumpetswelledfitfullyuponthebreeze；thecrossofSantiagoglittered，andtheroyalbannersofCastileandAragonwavedoverthemovingcolumn。Sotheymovedonsolemnlytowardthesea，where，inthedistance，FatherJosesawstatelycaravels，bearingthesamefamiliarbanner，awaitingthem。ThegoodPadregazedwithconflictingemotions，andtheseriousvoiceofthestrangerbrokethesilence。
　　"Thouhastbeheld，SirPriest，thefadingfootprintsofadventurousCastile。ThouhastseenthedeclininggloryofoldSpain，——
　　decliningasyonderbrilliantsun。Thesceptreshehathwrestedfromtheheathenisfastdroppingfromherdecrepitandfleshlessgrasp。Thechildrenshehathfosteredshallknowhernolonger。
　　ThesoilshehathacquiredshallbelosttoherasirrevocablyassheherselfhaththrusttheMoorfromherownGranada。"
　　Thestrangerpaused，andhisvoiceseemedbrokenbyemotion；atthesametime，FatherJose，whosesympathizingheartyearnedtowardthedepartingbanners，criedinpoignantaccents，——
　　"Farewell，yegallantcavaliersandChristiansoldiers！Farewell，thou，NunesdeBalboa！thou，AlonzodeOjeda！andthou，mostvenerableLasCasas！Farewell，andmayHeavenprosperstilltheseedyeleftbehind！"
　　Thenturningtothestranger，FatherJosebeheldhimgravelydrawhispocket-handkerchieffromthebasket-hiltofhisrapier，andapplyitdecorouslytohiseyes。
　　"Pardonthisweakness，SirPriest，"saidthecavalier，apologetically；"buttheseworthygentlemenwereancientfriendsofmine，andhavedonememanyadelicateservice，——muchmore，perchance，thanthesepoorsablesmaysignify，"headded，withagrimgesturetowardthemourningsuithewore。
　　FatherJosewastoomuchpreoccupiedinreflectiontonoticetheequivocalnatureofthistribute，and，afterafewmoments’
　　silence，said，asifcontinuinghisthought，——
　　"Buttheseedtheyhaveplantedshallthriveandprosperonthisfruitfulsoil。"
　　Asifansweringtheinterrogatory，thestrangerturnedtotheoppositedirection，and，againwavinghishat，said，inthesameserioustone，——
　　"LooktotheEast！"
　　TheFatherturned，and，asthefogbrokeawaybeforethewavingplume，hesawthatthesunwasrising。Issuingwithitsbrightbeamsthroughthepassesofthesnowymountainsbeyond，appearedastrangeandmotleycrew。Insteadofthedarkandromanticvisagesofhislastphantomtrain，theFatherbeheldwithstrangeconcerntheblueeyesandflaxenhairofaSaxonrace。Inplaceofmartialairsandmusicalutterance，thereroseupontheearastrangedinofharshgutturalsandsingularsibilation。Insteadofthedecoroustreadandstatelymienofthecavaliersoftheformervision，theycamepushing，bustling，panting，andswaggering。Andastheypassed，thegoodFathernoticedthatgianttreeswereprostratedaswiththebreathofatornado，andthebowelsoftheearthweretornandrentaswithaconvulsion。AndFatherJoselookedinvainforholycrossorChristiansymbol；therewasbutonethatseemedanensign，andhecrossedhimselfwithholyhorrorasheperceiveditboretheeffigyofabear。
　　"WhoaretheseswaggeringIshmaelites？"heasked，withsomethingofasperityinhistone。
　　Thestrangerwasgravelysilent。
　　"Whatdotheyhere，withneithercrossnorholysymbol？"heagaindemanded。
　　"Haveyouthecouragetosee，SirPriest？"respondedthestranger，quietly。
　　FatherJosefelthiscrucifix，asalonelytravellermighthisrapier，andassented。
　　"Stepundertheshadowofmyplume，"saidthestranger。
　　FatherJosesteppedbesidehim，andtheyinstantlysankthroughtheearth。
　　Whenheopenedhiseyes，whichhadremainedclosedinprayerfulmeditationduringhisrapiddescent，hefoundhimselfinavastvault，bespangledoverheadwithluminouspointslikethestarredfirmament。Itwasalsolightedbyayellowglowthatseemedtoproceedfromamightyseaorlakethatoccupiedthecentreofthechamber。Aroundthissubterraneanseaduskyfiguresflitted，bearingladlesfilledwiththeyellowfluid，whichtheyhadreplenishedfromitsdepths。Fromthislakedivergingstreamsofthesamemysteriousfloodpenetratedlikemightyriversthecavernousdistance。AstheywalkedbythebanksofthisglitteringStyx，FatherJoseperceivedhowtheliquidstreamatcertainplacesbecamesolid。Thegroundwasstrewnwithglitteringflakes。OneofthesethePadrepickedupandcuriouslyexamined。Itwasvirgingold。
　　AnexpressionofdiscomfitureovercastthegoodFather’sfaceatthisdiscovery；buttherewastraceneitherofmalicenorsatisfactioninthestranger’sair，whichwasstillofseriousandfatefulcontemplation。WhenFatherJoserecoveredhisequanimity，hesaid，bitterly，——
　　"This，then，SirDevil，isyourwork！Thisisyourdeceitfullurefortheweaksoulsofsinfulnations！SowouldyoureplacetheChristiangraceofholySpain！"
　　"Thisiswhatmustbe，"returnedthestranger，gloomily。"Butlisten，SirPriest。Itlieswithyoutoaverttheissueforatime。Leavemehereinpeace。GobacktoCastile，andtakewithyouyourbells，yourimages，andyourmissions。Continuehere，andyouonlyprecipitateresults。Stay！promisemeyouwilldothis，andyoushallnotlackthatwhichwillrenderyouroldageanornamentandablessing"；andthestrangermotionedsignificantlytothelake。
　　Itwashere，thelegenddiscreetlyrelates，thattheDevilshowed——
　　ashealwaysshowssoonerorlater——hisclovenhoof。TheworthyPadre，sorelyperplexedbyhisthreefoldvision，and，ifthetruthmustbetold，alittlenettledatthiswrestingawayofthegloryofholySpanishdiscovery，hadshownsomehesitation。ButtheunluckybribeoftheEnemyofSoulstouchedhisCastilianspirit。
　　Startingbackindeepdisgust，hebrandishedhiscrucifixinthefaceoftheunmaskedFiend，andinavoicethatmadetheduskyvaultresound，cried，——
　　"Avauntthee，Sathanas！Diabolus，Idefythee！What！wouldstthoubribeme，——me，abrotheroftheSacredSocietyoftheHolyJesus，LicentiateofCordovaandInquisitorofGuadalaxara？Thinkestthoutobuymewiththysordidtreasure？Avaunt！"
　　Whatmighthavebeentheissueofthisrupture，andhowcompletemighthavebeenthetriumphoftheHolyFatherovertheArch-Fiend，whowasrecoilingaghastatthesesacredtitlesandtheflourishingsymbol，wecanneverknow，foratthatmomentthecrucifixslippedthroughhisfingers。
　　ScarcelyhadittouchedthegroundbeforeDevilandHolyFathersimultaneouslycastthemselvestowardit。Inthestruggletheyclinched，andthepiousJose，whowasasmuchthesuperiorofhisantagonistinbodilyasinspiritualstrength，wasabouttotreattheGreatAdversarytoabacksomersault，whenhesuddenlyfeltthelongnailsofthestrangerpiercinghisflesh。Anewfearseizedhisheart，anumbingchillnesscreptthroughhisbody，andhestruggledtofreehimself，butinvain。Astrangeroaringwasinhisears；thelakeandcaverndancedbeforehiseyesandvanished；
　　andwithaloudcryhesanksenselesstotheground。
　　Whenherecoveredhisconsciousnesshewasawareofagentleswayingmotionofhisbody。Heopenedhiseyes，andsawitwashighnoon，andthathewasbeingcarriedinalitterthroughthevalley。Hefeltstiff，and，lookingdown，perceivedthathisarmwastightlybandagedtohisside。
　　Heclosedhiseyesandafterafewwordsofthankfulprayer，thoughthowmiraculouslyhehadbeenpreserved，andmadeavowofcandlestickstotheblessedSaintJose。Hethencalledinafaintvoice，andpresentlythepenitentIgnaciostoodbesidehim。
　　Thejoythepoorfellowfeltathispatron’sreturningconsciousnessforsometimechokedhisutterance。Hecouldonlyejaculate，"A
　　miracle！BlessedSaintJose，helives！"andkissthePadre’sbandagedhand。FatherJose，moreintentonhislastnight’sexperience，waitedforhisemotiontosubside，andaskedwherehehadbeenfound。
　　"Onthemountain，yourReverence，butafewvarasfromwhereheattackedyou。"
　　"How？——yousawhimthen？"askedthePadre，inunfeignedastonishment。
　　"Sawhim，yourReverence！MotherofGod，IshouldthinkIdid！
　　AndyourReverenceshallseehimtoo，ifheevercomesagainwithinrangeofIgnacio’sarquebuse。"
　　"Whatmeanyou，Ignacio？"saidthePadre，sittingbolt-uprightinhislitter。
　　"Why，thebear，yourReverence，——thebear，HolyFather，whoattackedyourworshipfulpersonwhileyouweremeditatingonthetopofyondermountain。"
　　"Ah！"saidtheHolyFather，lyingdownagain。"Chut，child！I
　　wouldbeatpeace。"
　　WhenhereachedtheMission，hewastenderlycaredfor，andinafewweekswasenabledtoresumethosedutiesfromwhich，aswillbeseen，noteventhemachinationsoftheEvilOnecoulddiverthim。
　　Thenewsofhisphysicaldisasterspreadoverthecountry；andalettertotheBishopofGuadalaxaracontainedaconfidentialanddetailedaccountofthegoodFather’sspiritualtemptation。Butinsomewaythestoryleakedout；andlongafterJosewasgatheredtohisfathers，hismysteriousencounterformedthethemeofthrillingandwhisperednarrative。Themountainwasgenerallyshunned。ItistruethatSenorJoaquinPedrilloafterwardlocatedagrantnearthebaseofthemountain；butasSenoraPedrillowasknowntobeatermaganthalf-breed，theSenorwasnotsupposedtobeover-
　　fastidious。
　　SuchistheLegendofMontedelDiablo。AsIsaidbefore，itmayseemtolackessentialcorroboration。ThediscrepancybetweentheFather’snarrativeandtheactualclimaxhasgivenrisetosomescepticismonthepartofingeniousquibblers。AllsuchIwouldsimplyrefertothatpartofthereportofSenorJulioSerro，Sub-
　　PrefectofSanPablo，beforewhomattestoftheabovewasmade。
　　Touchingthismatter，theworthyPrefectobserves，"ThatalthoughthebodyofFatherJosedothshowevidenceofgrievousconflictintheflesh，yetthatisnoproofthattheEnemyofSouls，whocouldassumethefigureofadecorouselderlycaballero，couldnotatthesametimetransformhimselfintoabearforhisownvilepurposes。"
　　THEADVENTUREOFPADREVINCENTIO
　　ALEGENDOFSANFRANCISCO。
　　OnepleasantNewYear’sEve，aboutfortyyearsago，PadreVicentiowasslowlypickinghiswayacrossthesand-hillsfromtheMissionDolores。AsheclimbedthecrestoftheridgebesideMissionCreek，hisbroad，shiningfacemighthavebeeneasilymistakenforthebeneficentimageoftherisingmoon，soblandwasitssmileandsoindefiniteitsfeatures。ForthePadrewasamanofnotablereputationandcharacter；hisministrationatthemissionofSanJosehadbeenmarkedwithcordialityandunction；hewasadoredbythesimple-mindedsavages，andhadsucceededinimpressinghisindividualitysostronglyuponthemthattheverychildrenweresaidtohavemiraculouslyresembledhiminfeature。
　　Astheholymanreachedtheloneliestportionoftheroad，henaturallyputspurstohismuleasiftoquickenthatdecorouspacewhichtheobedientanimalhadacquiredthroughlongexperienceofitsmaster’shabits。Thelocalityhadanunfavorablereputation。
　　Sailors——desertersfromwhaleships——hadbeenseenlurkingabouttheoutskirtsofthetown，andlowscruboakswhicheverywherebesetthetrailmighthaveeasilyconcealedsomedesperaterunaway。
　　Besidesthesematerialobstructions，thedevil，whosehostilitytothechurchwaswellknown，wassaidtosometimeshauntthevicinityinthelikenessofaspectralwhaler，whohadmethisdeathinadrunkenbout，fromaharpooninthehandsofacompanion。Theghostofthisunfortunatemarinerwasfrequentlyobservedsittingonthehilltowardtheduskofevening，armedwithhisfavoriteweaponandatubcontainingacoilofline，lookingoutforsomebelatedtravelleronwhomtoexercisehisprofessionalskill。ItisrelatedthatthegoodFatherJoseMariaoftheMissionDoloreshadbeentwiceattackedbythisphantomsportsman；thatonce，onreturningfromSanFrancisco，andpantingwithexertionfromclimbingthehill，hewasstartledbyastentoriancryof"Theresheblows！"quicklyfollowedbyahurtlingharpoon，whichburieditselfinthesandbesidehim；thatonanotheroccasionhenarrowlyescapeddestruction，hisserapahavingbeentransfixedbythediabolicalharpoonanddraggedawayintriumph。Popularopinionseemstohavebeendividedastothereasonforthedevil’sparticularattentiontoFatherJose，someassertingthattheextremepietyofthePadreexcitedtheEvilOne’sanimosity，andothersthathisadiposetendencysimplyrenderedhim，fromaprofessionalview-point，aprofitablecapture。
　　HadFatherVicentiobeeninclinedtoscoffatthisapparitionasahereticalinnovation，therewasstillthestoryofConcepcion，theDemonVaquero，whoseterribleriatawasfullyaspotentasthewhaler’sharpoon。Concepcion，whenintheflesh，hadbeenacelebratedherderofcattleandwildhorses，andwasreportedtohavechasedthedevilintheshapeofafleetpintocoltallthewayfromSanLuisObispotoSanFrancisco，vowingnottogiveupthechaseuntilhehadovertakenthedisguisedArch-Enemy。Thisthedevilpreventedbyresuminghisownshape，butkepttheunfortunatevaquerotothefulfilmentofhisrashvow；andConcepcionstillscouredthecoastonaphantomsteed，beguilingthemonotonyofhiseternalpursuitbylassoingtravellers，draggingthemattheheelsofhisunbrokenmustanguntiltheywereeventuallypickedup，half-strangled，bytheroadside。ThePadrelistenedattentivelyforthetrampofthisterriblerider。Butnofootfallbrokethestillnessofthenight；eventhehoofsofhisownmulesanknoiselesslyintheshiftingsand。Nowandthenarabbitboundedlightlybyhim，oraquailranintothebushes。ThemelancholycallofploverfromtheadjoiningmarshesofMissionCreekcametohimsofaintlyandfitfullythatitseemedalmostarecollectionofthepastratherthanarealityofthepresent。
　　Toaddtohisdiscomposureoneofthoseheavysea-fogspeculiartothelocalitybegantodriftacrossthehillsandpresentlyencompassedhim。Whileendeavoringtoevadeitscoldembraces，PadreVicentioincautiouslydrovehisheavyspursintotheflanksofhismuleasthatpuzzledanimalwashesitatingonthebrinkofasteepdeclivity。Whetherthepoorbeastwasindignantatthisnoveloutrage，orhadbeenforsometimereflectingontheevilsofbeingpriest-ridden，hasnottranspired；enoughthathesuddenlythrewuphisheels，pitchingthereverendmanoverhishead，and，havingaccomplishedthisfeat，coollydroppedonhiskneesandtumbledafterhisrider。
　　OverandoverwentthePadre，closelyfollowedbyhisfaithlessmule。Luckilythelittlehollowwhichreceivedthepairwasofsandthatyieldedtothesuperincumbentweight，halfburyingthemwithoutfurtherinjury。Forsomemomentsthepoormanlaymotionless，vainlyendeavoringtocollecthisscatteredsenses。A
　　handirreverentlylaiduponhiscollar，andaroughshake，assistedtorecallhisconsciousness。AsthePadrestaggeredtohisfeethefoundhimselfconfrontedbyastranger。
　　Seendimlythroughthefog，andundercircumstancesthattosaytheleastwerenotprepossessing，thenew-comerhadaninexpressiblymysteriousandbrigand-likeaspect。Alongboat-cloakconcealedhisfigure，andaslouchedhathidhisfeatures，permittingonlyhiseyestoglisteninthedepths。WithadeepgroanthePadreslippedfromthestranger’sgraspandsubsidedintothesoftsandagain。
　　"Gad’slife！"saidthestranger，pettishly，"hastnomorebonesinthyfatcarcassthanajellyfish？Lendahand，here！Yo，heaveho！"andhedraggedthePadreintoanuprightposition。"Now，then，whoandwhatartthou？"
　　ThePadrecouldnothelpthinkingthatthequestionmighthavemoreproperlybeenaskedbyhimself；butwithanoddmixtureofdignityandtrepidationhebeganenumeratinghisdifferenttitles，whichwerebynomeansbrief，andwouldhavebeenalonesufficienttostrikeaweinthebosomofanordinaryadversary。Thestrangerirreverentlybrokeinuponhisformalphrases，andassuringhimthatapriestwastheverypersonhewaslookingfor，coollyreplacedtheoldman’shat，whichhadtumbledoff，andbadehimaccompanyhimatonceonanerrandofspiritualcounseltoonewhowaseventhenlyinginextremity。"Tothink，"saidthestranger，"thatIshouldstumbleupontheverymanIwasseeking！BodyofBacchus！butthisislucky！Followmequickly，forthereisnotimetolose。"
　　Likemosteasynaturesthepositiveassertionofthestranger，andwithalacertainauthoritativeairofcommand，overcamewhatslightobjectionsthePadremighthavefeeblynurturedduringthisremarkableinterview。Thespiritualinvitationwasone，also，thathedarednotrefuse；notonlythat；butittendedsomewhattoremovethesuperstitiousdreadwithwhichhehadbeguntoregardthemysteriousstranger。But，followingatarespectfuldistance，thePadrecouldnothelpobservingwithathrillofhorrorthatthestranger’sfootstepsmadenoimpressiononthesand，andhisfigureseemedattimestoblendandincorporateitselfwiththefog，untiltheholymanwasobligedtowaitforitsreappearance。Inoneoftheseintervalsofembarrassmentheheardtheringingofthefar-
　　offMissionbell，proclaimingthehourofmidnight。Scarcelyhadthelaststrokediedawaybeforetheannouncementwastakenupandrepeatedbyamultitudeofbellsofallsizes，andtheairwasfilledwiththesoundofstrikingclocksandthepealingofsteeplechimes。Theoldmanutteredacryofalarm。Thestrangersharplydemandedthecause。"Thebells！didyounothearthem？"gaspedPadreVicentio。"Tush！tush！"answeredthestranger，"thyfallhathsettriplebob-majorsringinginthineears。Comeon！"
　　ThePadrewasonlytoogladtoaccepttheexplanationconveyedinthisdiscourteousanswer。Buthewasdestinedforanothersingularexperience。WhentheyhadreachedthesummitoftheeminencenowknownasRussianHill，anexclamationagainburstfromthePadre。
　　Thestrangerturnedtohiscompanionwithanimpatientgesture；butthePadreheededhimnot。Theviewthatburstuponhissightwassuchasmightwellhaveengrossedtheattentionofamoreenthusiastictemperament。Thefoghadnotyetreachedthehill，andthelongvalleysandhillsidesoftheembarcaderobelowwereglitteringwiththelightofapopulouscity。"Look！"saidthePadre，stretchinghishandoverthespreadinglandscape。"Look，dostthounotseethestatelysquaresandbrilliantlylightedavenuesofamightymetropolis。Dostthounotsee，asitwere，anotherfirmamentbelow？"
　　"Avastheaving，reverendman，andquitthisfolly，"saidthestrange；draggingthebewilderedPadreafterhim。"Beholdratherthestarsknockedoutofthyhollownoddlebythefallthouhasthad。Prithee，getoverthyvisionsandrhapsodies，forthetimeiswearingapace。"
　　ThePadrehumblyfollowedwithoutanotherword。Descendingthehilltowardthenorth，thestrangerleadingtheway，inafewmomentsthePadredetectedthewashofwaves，andpresentlyhisfeetstruckthefirmersandofthebeach。Herethestrangerpaused，andthePadreperceivedaboatlyinginreadinesshardby。
　　Ashesteppedintothesternsheets，inobediencetothecommandofhiscompanion，henoticedthattherowersseemedtopartakeofthemistyincorporealtextureofhiscompanion，asimilaritythatbecamethemoredistressingwhenheperceivedalsothattheiroarsinpullingtogethermadenonoise。Thestranger，assumingthehelm，guidedtheboatonquietly，whilethefog，settlingoverthefaceofthewaterandclosingaroundthem，seemedtointerposeamuffledwallbetweenthemselvesandtherudejarringoftheouterworld。Astheypushedfurtherintothispenetralia，thePadrelistenedanxiouslyforthesoundofcreakingblocksandtherattlingofcordage，butnovibrationbroketheveiledstillnessordisturbedthewarmbreathofthefleecyfog。Onlyoneincidentoccurredtobreakthemonotonyoftheirmysteriousjourney。Aone-
　　eyedrower，whosatinfrontofthePadre，catchingthedevoutfather’seye，immediatelygrinnedsuchaghastlysmile，andwinkedhisremainingeyewithsuchdiabolicalintensityofmeaningthatthePadrewasconstrainedtoutterapiousejaculation，whichhadthedisastrouseffectofcausingthemarineCoclesto"catchacrab，"throwinghisheelsintheairandhisheadintothebottomoftheboat。Buteventhisaccidentdidnotdisturbthegravityoftherestoftheghastlyboat’screw。
　　When，asitseemedtothePadre，tenminuteshadelapsed，theoutlineofalargeshiploomedupdirectlyacrosstheirbow。
　　Beforehecouldutterthecryofwarningthatrosetohislips，orbracehimselfagainsttheexpectedshock，theboatpassedgentlyandnoiselesslythroughthesidesofthevessel，andtheholymanfoundhimselfstandingontheberthdeckofwhatseemedtobeanancientcaravel。Theboatandboat’screwhadvanished。Onlyhismysteriousfriend，thestranger，remained。BythelightofaswinginglampthePadrebeheldhimstandingbesideahammock，whereon，apparently，laythedyingmantowhomhehadbeensomysteriouslysummoned。AsthePadre，inobediencetoasignfromhiscompanion，steppedtothesideofthesufferer，hefeeblyopenedhiseyesandthusaddressedhim：——
　　"Thouseestbeforethee，reverendfather，ahelplessmortal，strugglingnotonlywiththelastagoniesoftheflesh，butbeatendownandtossedwithsoreanguishofthespirit。ItmatterslittlewhenorhowIbecamewhatthounowseestme。Enoughthatmylifehasbeenungodlyandsinful，andthatmyonlyhopeofabsolutionliesinmyimpartingtotheeasecretwhichisofvastimportancetotheholyChurch，andaffectsgreatlyherpower，wealth，anddominionontheseshores。Butthetermsofthissecretandtheconditionsofmyabsolutionarepeculiar。Ihavebutfiveminutestolive。InthattimeImustreceivetheextremeunctionoftheChurch。"
　　"Andthysecret？"saidtheholyfather。
　　"Shallbetoldafterwards，"answeredthedyingman。"Come，mytimeisshort。Shrivemequickly。"
　　ThePadrehesitated。"Couldstthounottellthissecretfirst？"
　　"Impossible！"saidthedyingman，withwhatseemedtothePadreamomentarygleamoftriumph。Then，ashisbreathgrewfeebler，hecalledimpatiently，"Shriveme！shriveme！"
　　"Letmeknowatleastwhatthissecretconcerns？"suggestedthePadre，insinuatingly。
　　"Shrivemefirst，"saidthedyingman。
　　Buttheprieststillhesitated，parleyingwiththesuffereruntiltheship’sbellstruck，when，withatriumphant，mockinglaughfromthestranger，thevesselsuddenlyfelltopieces，amidtherushingofwaterswhichatonceinvolvedthedyingman，thepriest，andthemysteriousstranger。
　　ThePadredidnotrecoverhisconsciousnessuntilhighnoonthenextday，whenhefoundhimselflyinginalittlehollowbetweentheMissionHills，andhisfaithfulmuleafewpacesfromhim，croppingthesparseherbage。ThePadremadethebestofhiswayhome，butwiselyabstainedfromnarratingthefactsmentionedabove，untilafterthediscoveryofgold，whenthewholeofthisveraciousincidentwasrelated，withtheassertionofthepadrethatthesecretwhichwasthusmysteriouslysnatchedfromhispossessionwasnothingmorethanthediscoveryofgold，yearssince，bytherunawaysailorsfromtheexpeditionofSirFrancisDrake。
　　THELEGENDOFDEVIL’SPOINT。
　　OnthenortherlyshoreofSanFranciscoBay，atapointwheretheGoldenGatebroadensintothePacificstandsabluffpromontory。
　　Itaffordsshelterfromtheprevailingwindstoasemicircularbayontheeast。Aroundthisbaythehillsideisbleakandbarren，buttherearetracesofformerhabitationinaweather-beatencabinanddesertedcorral。Itissaidthatthesewereoriginallybuiltbyanenterprisingsquatter，whoforsomeunaccountablereasonabandonedthemshortlyafter。The"Jumper"whosucceededhimdisappearedoneday，quiteasmysteriously。Thethirdtenant，whoseemedtobeamanofsanguine，hopefultemperament，dividedthepropertyintobuildinglots，stakedoffthehillside，andprojectedthemapofanewmetropolis。Failing，however，toconvincethecitizensofSanFranciscothattheyhadmistakenthesiteoftheircity，hepresentlyfellintodissipationanddespondency。Hewasfrequentlyobservedhauntingthenarrowstripofbeachatlowtide，orpercheduponthecliffathighwater。Inthelatterpositionasheep-
　　tenderonedayfoundhim，coldandpulseless，withamapofhispropertyinhishand，andhisfaceturnedtowardthedistantsea。
　　Perhapsthesecircumstancesgavethelocalityitsinfelicitousreputation。Vaguerumorswerebruitedofasupernaturalinfluencethathadbeenexercisedonthetenants。Strangestorieswerecirculatedoftheoriginofthediabolicaltitlebywhichthepromontorywasknown。BysomeitwasbelievedtobehauntedbythespiritofoneofSirFrancisDrake’ssailorswhohaddesertedhisshipinconsequenceofstoriestoldbytheIndiansofgolddiscoveries，butwhohadperishedbystarvationontherocks。A
　　vaquerowhohadoncepassedanightintheruinedcabin，relatedhowastrangelydressedandemaciatedfigurehadknockedatthedooratmidnightanddemandedfood。Otherstory-tellers，ofmorehistoricalaccuracy，roundlyassertedthatSirFrancishimselfhadbeenlittlebetterthanapirate，andhadchosenthisspottoconcealquantitiesofill-gottenbooty，takenfromneutralbottoms，andhadprotectedhishiding-placebytheorthodoxmeansofhellishincantationanddiabolicagencies。Onmoonlightnightsashadowyshipwassometimesseenstandingoff-and-on，orwhenfogsencompassedseaandshorethenoiseofoarsrisingandfallingintheirrow-lockscouldbeheardmuffledandindistinctlyduringthenight。Whateverfoundationtheremighthavebeenforthesestories，itwascertainthatamoreweirdanddesolate-lookingspotcouldnothavebeenselectedfortheirtheatre。Highhills，verdurelessandenfiladedwithdarkcanadas，casttheirgauntshadowsonthetide。Duringagreaterportionofthedaythewind，whichblewfuriouslyandincessantly，seemedpossessedwithaspiritoffiercedisquietandunrest。Towardnightfallthesea-fogcreptwithsoftstepthroughtheportalsoftheGoldenGate，orstoleinnoiselessmarchesdownthehillside，tenderlysoothingthewind-buffetedfaceofthecliff，untilseaandskywerehidtogether。Atsuchtimesthepopulouscitybeyondandthenearersettlementseemedremovedtoaninfinitedistance。Animmeasurablelonelinesssettleduponthecliff。Thecreakingofawindlass，orthemonotonouschantofsailorsonsomeunseen，outlyingship，camefaintandfar，andfullofmysticsuggestion。
　　Aboutayearagoawell-to-domiddle-agedbrokerofSanFranciscofoundhimselfatnightfallthesoleoccupantofa"plunger，"
　　encompassedinadensefog，anddriftingtowardtheGoldenGate。
　　Thisunexpectedterminationofanafternoon’ssailwaspartlyattributabletohiswantofnauticalskill，andpartlytotheeffectofhisusuallysanguinenature。Havinggivenuptheguidanceofhisboattothewindandtide，hehadtrustedtooimplicitlyforthatreactionwhichhisbusinessexperienceassuredhimwascertaintooccurinallaffairs，aquaticaswellasterrestrial。"Thetidewillturnsoon，"saidthebroker，confidently，"orsomethingwillhappen。"Hehadscarcelysettledhimselfbackagaininthestern-sheets，beforethebowoftheplunger，obeyingsomemysteriousimpulse，veeredslowlyaroundandadarkobjectloomedupbeforehim。Agentleeddycarriedtheboatfurtherinshore，untilatlastitwascompletelyembayedundertheleeofarockypointnowfaintlydiscerniblethroughthefog。Helookedaroundhiminthevainhopeofrecognizingsomefamiliarheadland。Thetopsofthehighhillswhichroseoneithersidewerehiddeninthefog。Astheboatswungaround，hesucceededinfasteningalinetotherocks，andsatdownagainwithafeelingofrenewedconfidenceandsecurity。
　　Itwasverycold。Theinsidiousfogpenetratedhistightlybuttonedcoat，andsethisteethtochatteringinspiteoftheaidhesometimesdrewfromapocket-flask。Hisclotheswerewetandthestern-sheetswerecoveredwithspray。Thecomfortsoffireandsheltercontinuallyrosebeforehisfancyashegazedwistfullyontherocks。Insheerdespairhefinallydrewtheboattowardthemostaccessiblepartofthecliffandessayedtoascend。Thiswaslessdifficultthanitappeared，andinafewmomentshehadgainedthehillabove。Adarkobjectatalittledistanceattractedhisattention，andonapproachingitprovedtobeadesertedcabin。
　　Thestorygoesontosay，thathavingbuiltaroaringfireofstakespulledfromtheadjoiningcorral，withtheaidofaflaskofexcellentbrandy，hemanagedtopasstheearlypartoftheeveningwithcomparativecomfort。