PARTI。
　　CHAPTERI。
　　AsClarenceBrant，PresidentoftheRoblesLandCompany，andhusbandoftherichwidowofJohnPeyton，oftheRoblesRanche，mingledwiththeoutgoingaudienceoftheCosmopolitanTheatre，atSanFrancisco，heelicitedtheusualsmilingnodsandrecognitionduetohisgoodlooksandgoodfortune。Butashehurriedlyslippedthroughthestilllingeringwinter’srainintothesmartcoupethatwasawaitinghim，andgavetheorder"Home，"thewordstruckhimwithapeculiarlyironicalsignificance。Hishomewasahandsomeone，andlackednothinginappointmentandcomfort，buthehadgonetothetheatretoevadeitshollowloneliness。Norwasitbecausehiswifewasnotthere，forhehadamiserableconsciousnessthathertemporaryabsencehadnothingtodowithhishomelessness。
　　Thedistractionofthetheatreover，thatdull，vague，butachingsenseoflonelinesswhichwasdailygrowinguponhimreturnedwithgreatervigor。
　　Heleanedbackinthecoupeandgloomilyreflected。
　　Hehadbeenmarriedscarcelyayear，yetevenintheillusionsofthehoneymoonthewoman，olderthanhimself，andthewidowofhisoldpatron，hadhalfunconsciouslyreassertedherself，andslippedbackintothedominationofheroldposition。Itwasatfirstpleasantenough，——thishalf-maternalprotectoratewhichisapttomingleevenwiththeaffectionsofyoungerwomen，——andClarence，inhiseasy，half-feminineintuitionofthesex，yielded，asthestrongareapttoyield，throughtheveryconsciousnessoftheirownsuperiority。Butthisisaqualitytheweakerarenotapttorecognize，andthewomanwhohasoncetastedequalpowerwithherhusbandnotonlydoesnoteasilyrelegateit，butevenmakesitscontinuanceatestoftheaffections。Theusualtriumphantfeminineconclusion，"Thenyounolongerloveme，"hadinClarence’sbriefexperiencegoneevenfurtherandreacheditsinscrutableclimax，"ThenInolongerloveyou，"althoughshownonlyinamomentaryhardeningoftheeyeandvoice。Andaddedtothiswashissudden，butconfusedremembrancethathehadseenthateyeandheardthatvoiceinmaritalaltercationduringJudgePeyton’slife，andthathehimself，herboypartisan，hadsympathizedwithher。Yet，strangetosay，thishadgivenhimmorepainthanheroccasionalotherreversionstothepast——toheroldsuspiciousofhimwhenhewasayouthfulprotegeofherhusbandandapresumedsuitorofheradopteddaughterSusy。Highnaturesaremoreapttoforgivewrongdonetothemselvesthananyabstractinjustice。Andhercapricioustyrannyoverherdependentsandservants，oranunreasoningenmitytoaneighbororfriend，outragedhisfinersensemorethanherownmisconceptionofhimself。Nordidhedreamthatthiswasathingmostwomenseldomunderstand，or，understanding，everforgive。
　　Thecouperattledoverthestonesorswirledthroughthemuddypoolsofthemainthoroughfares。Newspaperandtelegraphicofficeswerestillbrilliantlylit，andcrowdsweregatheredamongthebulletinboards。HeknewthatnewshadarrivedfromWashingtonthateveningofthefirstactiveoutbreaksofsecession，andthatthecitywasbreathlesswithexcitement。Hadhenotjustcomefromthetheatre，wherecertaininsignificantallusionsintheplayhadbeensuddenlycaughtupandcheeredorhissedbyhithertounknownpartisans，tothedumbastonishmentofamajorityoftheaudiencecomfortablysettledtomoney-gettingandtheirownaffairsalone？
　　Hadhenotapplauded，albeithalf-scornfully，theprettyactress——
　　hisoldplaymateSusy——whohadaudaciouslyandallincongruouslywavedtheAmericanflagintheirfaces？Yes！hehadknownit；hadlivedforthelastfewweeksinanatmosphereelectricallysurchargedwithit——andyetithadchieflyaffectedhiminhispersonalhomelessness。ForhiswifewasaSoutherner，abornslaveholder，andasecessionist，whosenotedprejudicestotheNorthhadevenoutrunherlatehusband’spolitics。Atfirstthepiquancyandrecklessnessofheropinionativespeechamusedhimaspartofhercharacteristicflavor，orasalingeringyouthfulnesswhichthematurerintellectalwayspardons。Hehadnevertakenherpoliticsseriously——whyshouldhe？WithherheadonhisshoulderhehadlistenedtoherextravagantdiatribesagainsttheNorth。Hehadforgivenheroutrageousindictmentofhiscasteandhisassociatesforthesakeoftheimperiousbuthandsomelipsthatutteredit。Butwhenhewascompelledtolistentoherwordsechoedandrepeatedbyherfriendsandfamily；whenhefoundthatwiththeclannishnessofherraceshehaddrawnclosertotheminthiscontroversy，——thatshedependeduponthemforherintelligenceandinformationratherthanuponhim，——hehadawakenedtotherealityofhissituation。Hehadbornetheallusionsofherbrother，whoseoldscornforhisdependentchildhoodhadbeenembitteredbyhissister’smarriageandwasnowscarcelyconcealed。
　　Yet，whilehehadneveralteredhisownpoliticalfaithandsocialcreedinthisantagonisticatmosphere，hehadoftenwondered，withhisoldconscientiousnessandcharacteristicself-abnegation，whetherhisownpoliticalconvictionswerenotmerelyarevulsionfromhisdomestictyrannyandaliensurroundings。
　　Inthemidstofthisgloomyretrospectthecoupestoppedwithajerkbeforehisownhouse。Thedoorwasquicklyopenedbyaservant，whoappearedtobeawaitinghim。
　　"Someonetoseeyouinthelibrary，sir，"saidtheman，"and"——
　　Hehesitatedandlookedtowardsthecoupe。
　　"Well？"saidClarenceimpatiently。
　　"Hesaid，sir，ashowyouwerenottosendawaythecarriage。"
　　"Indeed，andwhoisit？"demandedClarencesharply。
　　"Mr。Hooker。HesaidIwastosayJimHooker。"
　　ThemomentaryannoyanceinClarence’sfacechangedtoalookofreflectivecuriosity。
　　"Hesaidheknewyouwereatthetheatre，andhewouldwaituntilyoucamehome，"continuedtheman，dubiouslywatchinghismaster’sface。"Hedon’tknowyou’vecomein，sir，and——andIcaneasilygetridofhim。"
　　"Nomatternow。I’llseehim，and，"addedClarence，withafaintsmile，"letthecarriagewait。"
　　Yet，asheturnedtowardsthelibraryhewasbynomeanscertainthataninterviewwiththeoldassociateofhisboyhoodunderJudgePeyton’sguardianshipwoulddiverthismind。Yetheletnotraceofhisdoubtsnorofhispastgloomshowinhisfaceasheenteredtheroom。
　　Mr。Hookerwasapparentlyexaminingtheelegantfurnitureandluxuriousaccommodationwithhisusualresentfulenviousness。
　　Clarencehadgota"softthing。"Thatitwasmoreorlesstheresultofhis"artfulness，"andthathewasunduly"puffedup"byit，was，inHooker’scharacteristicreasoning，equallyclear。Ashishostsmilinglyadvancedwithoutstretchedhand，Mr。Hooker’seffortstoassumeaproperabstractionofmannerandcontemptuousindifferencetoClarence’ssurroundingswhichshouldwoundhisvanityendedinhislollingbackatfulllengthinthechairwithhiseyesontheceiling。But，rememberingsuddenlythathewasreallythebearerofamessagetoClarence，itstruckhimthathissupinepositionwas，fromatheatricalview-point，infelicitous。
　　Inhisexperiencesofthestagehehadneverdeliveredamessageinthatway。Heroseawkwardlytohisfeet。
　　"Itwassogoodofyoutowait，"saidClarencecourteously。
　　"Sawyouinthetheatre，"saidHookerbrusquely。"Thirdrowinparquet。Susysaiditwasyou，andhadsuthin’tosaytoyou。
　　Suthin’yououghttoknow，"hecontinued，withaslightreturnofhisoldmysteryofmannerwhichClarencesowellremembered。"YousawHER——shefetchedthehousewiththatflagbusiness，eh？Sheknowswhichwaythecatisgoingtojump，youbet。Itellyou，foralltheblowingofthesesecessionists，theUnion’sgoin’topay！
　　Yes，sir！"Hestopped，glancedroundthehandsomeroom，andaddeddarkly，"Mebbeebetterthanthis。"
　　WiththememoryofHooker’scharacteristicfondnessformysterystillinhismind，Clarenceoverlookedtheinnuendo，andsaidsmilingly，——
　　"Whydidn’tyoubringMrs。Hookerhere？Ishouldhavebeenhonoredwithhercompany。"
　　Mr。Hookerfrownedslightlyatthisseeminglevity。
　　"Nevergoesoutafteraperformance。Nervousexhaustion。LeftheratourroomsinMarketStreet。Wecandrivethereintenminutes。
　　That’swhyIaskedtohavethecarriagewait。"
　　Clarencehesitated。Withoutcaringintheleasttorenewtheacquaintanceofhisoldplaymateandsweetheart，ameetingthatnightinsomevaguewaysuggestedtohimaprovidentialdiversion。
　　Norwashedeceivedbyanygravityinthemessage。WithhisremembranceofSusy’stheatricaltendencies，hewasquitepreparedforanycapriciousfutileextravagance。
　　"Youaresurewewillnotdisturbher？"hesaidpolitely。
　　"No。"
　　Clarenceledthewaytothecarriage。IfMr。HookerexpectedhimduringthejourneytotrytodivinethepurportofSusy’smessagehewasdisappointed。Hiscompaniondidnotalludetoit。Possiblylookinguponitasacombinedtheatricalperformance，ClarencepreferredtowaitforSusyasthebetteractor。Thecarriagerolledrapidlythroughthenowdesertedstreets，andatlast，underthedirectionsofMr。Hooker，whowasleaninghalfoutofthewindow，itdrewupatamiddle-classrestaurant，abovewhosestilllitandsteamingwindowsweresomeostentatiouslypublicapartments，accessiblefromasideentrance。Astheyascendedthestaircasetogether，itbecameevidentthatMr。Hookerwasscarcelymoreathiseaseinthecharacterofhostthanhehadbeenasguest。Hestaredgloomilyatadescendingvisitor，gruntedaudiblyatawaiterinthepassage，andstoppedbeforeadoor，wherearecentlydepositedtraydisplayedthehalf-eatencarcaseofafowl，anemptychampagnebottle，twohalf-filledglasses，andafadedbouquet。Thewholepassagewasredolentwithasingularblendingofdampcooking，stalecigarettesmoke，andpatchouli。
　　Puttingthetrayasidewithhisfoot，Mr。Hookeropenedthedoorhesitatinglyandpeeredintotheroom，mutteredafewindistinctwords，whichwerefollowedbyarapidrustlingofskirts，andthen，withhishandstillonthedoor-knob，turningtoClarence，whohaddiscreetlyhaltedonthethreshold，flungthedooropentheatricallyandbadehimenter。
　　"Sheissomewhereinthesuite，"headded，withalargewaveofthehandtowardsadoorthatwasstilloscillating。"Behereinaminit。"
　　Clarencetookintheapartmentwithaquietglance。Itsfurniturehadthefrayedanddiscoloredsplendorsofapublicparlorwhichhadbeenprivatelyusedandmaltreated；therewerestainsinthelargemedallionedcarpet；thegildedveneerhadbeenchippedfromaheavycentretable，showingtherough，whitedealbeneath，whichgaveittheappearanceofastage"property；"thewalls，paneledwithgilt-framedmirrors，reflectedeverydomesticdetailorprivaterelaxationwithshamelesspublicity。Adampwaterproof，shawl，andopennewspaperwerelyingacrosstheoncebrilliantsofa；apowder-puff，aplateoffruit，andaplay-bookwereonthecentretable，andonthemarble-toppedsideboardwasMr。Hooker’ssecond-besthat，withasoiledcollar，evidentlybutlatelyexchangedfortheonehehadon，peepingoveritsbrim。Thewholeapartmentseemedtominglethefurtivedisclosuresofthedressing-
　　roomwiththeopenostentationsofthestage，withevenaslightsuggestionoftheauditoriuminafewscatteredprogrammesonthefloorandchairs。
　　Theinnerdooropenedagainwithaslighttheatricalstart，andSusy，inanelaboratedressing-gown，movedlanguidlyintotheroom。
　　Sheapparentlyhadnothadtimetochangeherunderskirt，fortherewasthedustofthestageonitsdelicatelaceedging，asshethrewherselfintoanarmchairandcrossedherprettyslipperedfeetbeforeher。Herfacewaspale，itspallorincautiouslyincreasedbypowder；andasClarencelookedatitsstillyouthful，charmingoutline，hewasnotperhapssorrythattheexquisitepinkandwhiteskinbeneath，whichhehadoncekissed，washiddenfromthatawakenedrecollection。YettherewaslittletraceofthegirlishSusyinthepretty，butprematurelyjaded，actressbeforehim，andhefeltmomentarilyrelieved。Itwasheryouthandfreshnessappealingtohisownyouthandimaginationthathehadloved——notHER。Yetasshegreetedhimwithaslightexaggerationofglance，voice，andmanner，herememberedthatevenasagirlshewasanactress。
　　Nothingofthis，however，wasinhisvoiceandmannerashegentlythankedherfortheopportunityofmeetingheragain。Andhewasfrank，forthediversionhehadexpectedhehadfound；heevenwasconsciousofthinkingmorekindlyofhiswifewhohadsupplantedher。
　　"ItoldJimhemustfetchyouifhehadtocarryyou，"shesaid，strikingthepalmofherhandwithherfan，andglancingatherhusband。"IreckonheguessedWHY，thoughIdidn’ttellhim——I
　　don’ttellJimEVERYTHING。"
　　HereJimrose，andlookingathiswatch，"guessedhe’drunovertotheLickHouseandgetsomecigars。"Ifhewasactinguponsomehintfromhiswife，hissimulationwassobadlydonethatClarencefelthisfirstsenseofuneasiness。ButasHookerclosedthedoorawkwardlyandunostentatiouslybehindhim，Clarencesmilinglysaidhehadwaitedtohearthemessagefromherownlips。
　　"Jimonlyknowswhathe’sheardoutside：thetalkofmen，youknow，——andhehearsagooddealofthat——more，perhaps，thanYOU
　　do。Itwasthatwhichputmeuptofindingoutthetruth。AndI
　　didn’tresttillIdid。I’mnottobefooled，Clarence，——youdon’tmindmycallingyouClarencenowwe’rebothmarriedanddonefor，——
　　andI’mnotthekindtobefooledbyanybodyfromtheCowcounties——
　　andthat’stheRoblesRanche。I’maSouthernwomanmyselffromMissouri，butI’mfortheUnionfirst，last，andallthetime，andIcallmyselfamatchforanylazy，dawdling，lash-swingingslaveholderandslaveholderess——whetherthey’remixedblood，Heavenonlyknows，orwhat——ortheirfriendsorrelations，orthedirtyhalf-Spanishgrandeesandtheirmixedhalf-niggerpeonswhotruckletothem。Youbet！"
　　HisbloodhadstirredquicklyatthementionoftheRoblesRanche，buttherestofSusy’sspeechwastoomuchintheveinofheroldextravagancetotouchhimseriously。Hefoundhimselfonlyconsideringhowstrangeitwasthattheoldpetulanceandimpulsivenessofhergirlhoodwereactuallybringingbackwiththemherpinkcheeksandbrillianteyes。
　　"Yousurelydidn’taskJimtobringmehere，"hesaidsmilingly，"totellmethatMrs。Peyton"——hecorrectedhimselfhastilyasamalicioussparklecameintoSusy’sblueeyes——"thatmywifewasaSouthernwoman，andprobablysympathizedwithherclass？Well，I
　　don’tknowthatIshouldblameherforthatanymorethansheshouldblamemeforbeingaNorthernmanandaUnionist。"
　　"Andshedoesn’tblameyou？"askedSusysneeringly。
　　ThecolorcameslightlytoClarence’scheek，butbeforehecouldreplytheactressadded，——
　　"No，shepreferstouseyou！"
　　"Idon’tthinkIunderstandyou，"saidClarence，risingcoldly。
　　"No，youdon’tunderstandHER！"retortedSusysharply。"Lookhere，ClarenceBrant，you’reright；Ididn’taskyouheretotellyou——
　　whatyouandeverybodyknows——thatyourwifeisaSoutherner。I
　　didn’taskyouheretotellyouwhateverybodysuspects——thatsheturnsyouroundherlittlefinger。ButIdidaskyouheretotellyouwhatnobody，notevenyou，suspects——butwhatIknow！——andthatisthatshe’saTRAITOR——andmore，aSPY！——andthatI’veonlygottosaytheword，orsendthatmanJimtosaytheword，tohaveherdraggedoutofherCopperheaddenatRoblesRancheandshutupinFortAlcatrazthisverynight！"
　　Stillwiththepinkglowinginherroundingcheek，andeyessnappinglikesplinteredsapphires，sherosetoherfeet，withherprettyshoulderslifted，hersmallhandsandwhiteteethbothtightlyclenched，andtookasteptowardshim。Eveninherattitudetherewasareminiscenceofherwillfulchildhood，althoughstillblendedwiththeprovincialactresswhomhehadseenonthestageonlyanhourago。Thoroughlyalarmedatherthreat，inhiseffortstoconcealhisfeelingshewasnotaboveaweakretaliation。Steppingback，heaffectedtoregardherwithacriticaladmirationthatwasonlyhalfsimulated，andsaidwithasmile，——
　　"Verywelldone——butyouhaveforgottentheflag。"
　　Shedidnotflinch。Ratheracceptingthesarcasmasatributetoherart，shewentonwithincreasingexaggeration："No，itisYOU
　　whohaveforgottentheflag——forgottenyourcountry，yourpeople，yourmanhood——everythingforthathigh-toned，double-dyedoldspyandtraitress！Forwhileyouarestandinghere，yourwifeisgatheringunderherroofatRoblesagangofspiesandtraitorslikeherself——secessionleadersandtheirbloated，drunken’chivalry’！
　　Yes，youmaysmileyoursuperiorsmile，butItellyou，ClarenceBrant，thatwithallyoursmartnessandbooklearningyouknownomoreofwhatgoesonaroundyouthanachild。Butothersdo！Thisconspiracyisknowntothegovernment，theFederalofficershavebeenwarned；GeneralSumnerhasbeensentouthere——andhisfirstactwastochangethecommandatFortAlcatraz，andsendyourwife’sSouthernfriend——CaptainPinckney——totherightabout！Yes——
　　everythingisknownbutONEthing，andthatisWHEREandHOWthispreciouscrewmeet！ThatIaloneknow，andthatI’vetoldyou！"
　　"AndIsuppose，"saidClarence，withanunchangedsmile，"thatthisvaluableinformationcamefromyourhusband——myoldfriend，JimHooker？"
　　"No，"sheansweredsharply，"itcomesfromCencho——oneofyourownpeons——whoismoretruetoyouandtheoldRanchothanYOUhaveeverbeen。Hesawwhatwasgoingon，andcametome，towarnyou！"
　　"Butwhynottomedirectly？"askedClarence，withaffectedincredulity。
　　"Askhim！"shesaidviciously。"Perhapshedidn’twanttowarnthemasteragainstthemistress。PerhapshethoughtWEarestillfriends。Perhaps"——shehesitatedwithalowervoiceandaforcedsmile——"perhapsheusedtoseeustogetherintheoldtimes。"
　　"Verylikely，"saidClarencequietly。"Andforthesakeofthoseoldtimes，Susy，"hewenton，withasingulargentlenessthatwasquitedistinctfromhispalingfaceandseteyes，"Iamgoingtoforgetallthatyouhavejustsaidofmeandmine，inalltheoldwillfulnessandimpatiencethatIseeyoustillkeep——withallyouroldprettiness。"Hetookhishatfromthetableandgravelyheldouthishand。
　　Shewasfrightenedforamomentwithhisimpassiveabstraction。Intheolddaysshehadknownit——hadbelieveditwashisdogged"obstinacy"——butsheknewthehopelessnessofopposingit。Yetwithfemininepersistencysheagainthrewherselfagainstit，asagainstawall。
　　"Youdon’tbelieveme！Well，goandseeforyourself。TheyareatRoblesNOW。IfyoucatchtheearlymorningstageatSantaClarayouwillcomeuponthembeforetheydisperse。Dareyoutryit？"
　　"WhateverIdo，"hereturnedsmilingly，"IshallalwaysbegratefultoyouforgivingmethisopportunityofseeingyouagainASYOU
　　WERE。Makemyexcusestoyourhusband。Good-night。"
　　"Clarence！"
　　Buthehadalreadyclosedthedoorbehindhim。Hisfacedidnotrelaxitsexpressionnorchangeashelookedagainatthetraywithitsbrokenviandsbeforethedoor，theworn，stainedhallcarpet，orthewaiterwhoshuffledpasthim。Hewasapparentlyascriticallyconsciousofthemandofthecloseodorsofthehall，andtheatmosphereoflistlessdecayandfadedextravagancearoundhim，asbeforetheinterview。Butifthewomanhehadjustpartedfromhadwatchedhimshewouldhavesupposedhestillutterlydisbelievedherstory。Yethewasconsciousthatallthathesawwasapartofhisdegradation，forhehadbelievedeverywordshehaduttered。
　　Throughallherextravagance，envy，andrevengefulnesshesawthecentraltruth——thathehadbeendeceived——notbyhiswife，butbyhimself！Hehadsuspectedallthisbefore。Thiswaswhathadbeenreallytroublinghim——thiswaswhathehadputaside，ratherthanhisfaith，notinher，butinhisideal。HerememberedlettersthathadpassedbetweenherandCaptainPinckney——lettersthatshehadopenlysenttonotoriousSouthernleaders；hernervousanxietytoremainattheRancho；theinnuendoesandsignificantglancesoffriendswhichhehadputaside——ashehadthiswoman’smessage！
　　Susyhadtoldhimnothingnewofhiswife——butthetruthofHIMSELF！
　　Andtherevelationcamefrompeoplewhohewasconsciousweretheinferiorsofhimselfandhiswife。Toanindependent，proud，andself-mademanitwastheculminatingstroke。
　　Inthesameabstractedvoicehetoldthecoachmantodrivehome。
　　Thereturnseemedinterminable——thoughhenevershiftedhisposition。Yetwhenhedrewupathisowndoorandlookedathiswatchhefoundhehadbeenabsentonlyhalfanhour。Onlyhalfanhour！Asheenteredthehouseheturnedwiththesameabstractiontowardsamirrorinthehall，asifheexpectedtoseesomeoutwardandvisiblechangeinhimselfinthattime。Dismissinghisservantstobed，hewentintohisdressing-room，completelychangedhisattire，putonapairoflongriding-boots，andthrowingaserapeoverhisshoulders，pausedamoment，tookapairofsmall"Derringer"
　　pistolsfromabox，puttheminhispockets，andthenslippedcautiouslydownthestaircase。Alackofconfidenceinhisowndomesticshadinvadedhimforthefirsttime。Thelightswereout。
　　Hesilentlyopenedthedoorandwasinthestreet。
　　Hewalkedhastilyafewsquarestoaliverystablewhoseproprietorheknew。Hisfirstinquirywasforone"Redskin，"aparticularhorse；thesecondforitsproprietor。Happilybothwerein。TheproprietoraskednoquestionofacustomerofClarence’scondition。
　　Thehorse，halfSpanish，powerfulandirascible，wasquicklysaddled。AsClarencemounted，themaninanimpulseofsociabilitysaid，——
　　"Sawyouatthetheatreto-night，sir。"
　　"Ah，"returnedClarence，quietlygatheringupthereins。
　　"Ratherasmarttrickofthatwomanwiththeflag，"hewentontentatively。Then，withapossibledoubtofhiscustomer’spolitics，headdedwithaforcedsmile，"Ireckonit’sallpartyfuss，though；thereain’tanyrealdanger。"
　　ButfastasClarencemightridethewordslingeredinhisears。Hesawthroughtheman’shesitation；he，too，hadprobablyheardthatClarenceBrantweaklysympathizedwithhiswife’ssentiments，anddarednotspeakfully。Andheunderstoodthecowardlysuggestionthattherewas"norealdanger。"IthadbeenClarence’sonefallacy。Hehadbelievedthepublicexcitementwasonlyatemporaryoutbreakofpartisanfeeling，soontosubside。EvennowhewasconsciousthathewaslessdoubtfuloftheintegrityoftheUnionthanofhisownhousehold。Itwasnotthedevotionofthepatriot，buttheindignationofanoutragedhusband，thatwasspurringhimon。
　　HeknewthatifhereachedWoodvillebyfiveo’clockhecouldgetferriedacrossthebayattheEmbarcadero，andcatchthedowncoachtoFairPlains，whencehecouldridetotheRancho。AsthecoachdidnotconnectdirectlywithSanFrancisco，thechanceofhissurprisingthemwasgreater。Onceclearofthecityoutskirts，hebulliedRedskinintoirasciblespeed，andplungedintotherainydarknessofthehighroad。Thewaywasfamiliar。Forawhilehewascontenttofeelthebuffeting，causedbyhisrapidpace，ofwindandrainagainsthisdepressedheadandshouldersinasheerbrutalsenseofoppositionandpower，ortorelievehispent-upexcitementbydashingthroughoverflowedgulliesintheroadoracrossthequaggy，soddenedgesofmeadowland，untilhehadcontrolledRedskin’srebelliousextravaganceintoalongsteadystride。Thenheraisedhisheadandstraightenedhimselfonthesaddle，tothink。Buttonopurpose。Hehadnoplan；everythingwoulddependuponthesituation；thethoughtofforestallinganyactionoftheconspirators，bywarningorcallingintheaidoftheauthorities，foraninstantcrossedhismind，butwasasinstantlydismissed。Hehadbutaninstinct——toseewithhisowneyeswhathisreasontoldhimwastrue。Daywasbreakingthroughdriftingscudandpewter-coloredcloudsashereachedWoodvilleferry，checkeredwithsplashesofthesoilandthespumeofhishorse，fromwhoseneckandflanksthesweatrolledlikelather。Yethewasnotconscioushowintenthadbeenhispurposeuntilhefeltasuddeninstinctiveshockonseeingthattheferryboatwasgone。
　　Foraninstanthiswonderfulself-possessionabandonedhim；hecouldonlygazevacantlyattheleaden-coloredbay，withoutathoughtorexpedient。Butinanothermomenthesawthattheboatwasreturningfromthedistance。Hadhelosthisonlychance？Heglancedhurriedlyathiswatch；hehadcomemorequicklythanheimagined；therewouldstillbetime。Hebeckonedimpatientlytotheferryman；theboat——aship’spinnace，withtwomeninit——creptinwithexasperatingslowness。Atlastthetworowerssuddenlyleapedashore。
　　"Yemighthavecomebefore，withtheotherpassenger。Wedon’treckontorunlightnin’tripsonthisferry。"
　　ButClarencewashimselfagain。"Twentydollarsfortwomoreoarsinthatboat，"hesaidquietly，"andfiftyifyougetmeoverintimetocatchthedownstage。"
　　ThemanglancedatClarence’seyes。"RunupandrouseoutJakeandSam，"hesaidtotheotherboatman；thenmoreleisurely，gazingathiscustomer’stravel-stainedequipment，hesaid，"Theremusthavebeenaheapo’passengersgotleftbylastnight’sboat。You’rethesecondmanthattookthisrouteinahurry。"
　　AtanyothertimethecoincidencemighthavestruckClarence。Butheonlyansweredcurtly，"UnlessweareunderwayintenminutesyouwillfindIamNOTthesecondman，andthatourbargain’soff。"
　　Butheretwomenemergedfromtheshantybesidetheferryhouse，andtumbledsleepilyintotheboat。Clarenceseizedanextrapairofscullsthatwerestandingagainsttheshed，andthrewthemintothestern。"Idon’tmindtakingahandmyselfforexercise，"hesaidquietly。
　　TheferrymanglancedagainatClarence’stravel-wornfigureanddeterminedeyeswithmingledapprovalandsurprise。Helingeredamomentwithhisoarslifted，lookingathispassenger。"Itain’tnobusinesso’mine，youngman，"hesaiddeliberately，"butI
　　reckonyouunderstandmewhenIsaythatI’vejusttakenanothermanoverthere。"
　　"Ido，"saidClarenceimpatiently。
　　"Andyoustillwanttogo？"
　　"Certainly，"repliedClarence，withacoldstare，takinguphisoars。
　　Themanshruggedhisshoulders，benthimselfforthestroke，andtheboatsprungforward。Theothersrowedstronglyandrapidly，thetoughashenbladesspringinglikesteelfromthewater，theheavyboatseemingtoleapinsuccessiveboundsuntiltheywerefairlybeyondthecurvinginshorecurrentandclearingtheplacid，mistysurfaceofthebay。Clarencedidnotspeak，butbentabstractedlyoverhisoar；theferrymanandhiscrewrowedinequalpantingsilence；afewstartledduckswhirredbeforethem，butdroppedagaintorest。InhalfanhourtheywereattheEmbarcadero。Thetimewasfairlyup。Clarence’seyeswereeagerlybentforthefirstappearanceofthestage-coacharoundthelittlepromontory；theferrymanwasaseagerlyscanningthebare，emptystreetofthestillsleepingsettlement。
　　"Idon’tseehimanywhere，"saidtheferrymanwithaglance，halfofastonishmentandhalfofcuriosity，athissolitarypassenger。
　　"Seewhom？"askedClarencecarelessly，ashehandedthemanhispromisedfee。
　　"TheothermanIferriedovertocatchthestage。Hemusthavegoneonwithoutwaiting。You’reinluck，youngfellow！"
　　"Idon’tunderstandyou，"saidClarenceimpatiently。"Whathasyourpreviouspassengertodowithme？"
　　"Well，Ireckonyouknowbest。He’sthekindofman，gin’rallyspeaking，thatothermen，inapow’fulhurry，don’tcaretomeet——
　　and，azarule，don’tFOLLERarter。It’sgin’rallytheotherway。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"inquiredClarencesternly。"Ofwhomareyouspeaking？"
　　"TheChiefofPoliceofSanFrancisco！"
　　CHAPTERII。
　　ThelaughthatinstinctivelybrokefromClarence’slipswassosincereandunaffectedthatthemanwasdisconcerted，andatlastjoinedinit，alittleshamefacedly。ThegrotesqueblunderofbeingtakenasafugitivefromjusticerelievedClarence’smindfromitsacutetension，——hewasmomentarilydiverted，——anditwasnotuntiltheboatmanhaddeparted，andhewasagainalone，thatitseemedtohaveanycollateralsignificance。ThenanuneasyrecollectionofSusy’sthreatthatshehadthepowertoputhiswifeinFortAlcatrazcameacrosshim。Couldshehavealreadywarnedthemunicipalauthoritiesandthisman？ButhequicklyrememberedthatanyactionfromsuchawarningcouldonlyhavebeentakenbytheUnitedStatesMarshal，andnotbyacivicofficial，anddismissedtheidea。
　　Nevertheless，whenthestagewithitshalf-spentlampsstillburningdimlyagainstthemorninglightsweptroundthecurveandrolledheavilyuptotherudeshantywhichservedascoach-office，hebecamewatchful。Asingleyawningindividualinitsdoorwayreceivedafewlettersandparcels，butClarencewasevidentlytheONLYwaitingpassenger。Anyhopethathemighthaveentertainedthathismysteriouspredecessorwouldemergefromsomeseclusionatthatmomentwasdisappointed。Asheenteredthecoachhemadearapidsurveyofhisfellow-travelers，butsatisfiedhimselfthatthestrangerwasnotamongthem。Theyweremainlysmalltradersorfarmers，aminerortwo，andapparentlyaSpanish-Americanofbetterdegreeandpersonality。Possiblythecircumstancethatmenofthisclassusuallypreferredtotravelonhorsebackandwererarelyseeninpublicconveyancesattractedhisattention，andtheireyesmetmorethanonceinmutualcuriosity。PresentlyClarenceaddressedaremarktothestrangerinSpanish；herepliedfluentlyandcourteously，butatthenextstopping-placeheaskedaquestionoftheexpressmaninanunmistakableMissouriaccent。
　　Clarence’scuriositywassatisfied；hewasevidentlyoneofthoseearlyAmericansettlerswhohadbeensolongdomiciledinSouthernCaliforniaastoadoptthespeechaswellasthehabilimentsoftheSpaniard。
　　Theconversationfelluponthepoliticalnewsofthepreviousnight，orratherseemedtobelazilycontinuedfromsomeprevious，moreexciteddiscussion，inwhichoneofthecontestants——ared-
　　beardedminer——hadsubsidedintoanoccasionalgrowlofsurlydissent。ItstruckClarencethattheMissourianhadbeenanamusedauditorandeven，judgingfromatwinkleinhiseye，amischievousinstigatorofthecontroversy。Hewasnotsurprised，therefore，whenthemanturnedtohimwithacertaincourtesyandsaid，——
　　"Andwhat，sir，isthepoliticalfeelinginYOURdistrict？"
　　ButClarencewasinnomoodtobedrawnout，andreplied，almostcurtly，thatashehadcomeonlyfromSanFrancisco，theywereprobablyaswellinformedonthatsubjectashimself。Aquickandsearchingglancefromthestranger’seyemadehimregrethisanswer，butinthesilencethatensuedthered-beardedminer，evidentlystillranklingatheart，sawhisopportunity。Slappinghishugehandsonhisknees，andleaningfarforwarduntilheseemedtoplungehisflamingbeard，likeafirebrand，intothecontroversy，hesaidgrimly，——
　　"Well，Ikintellyou，gen’l’men，THIS。Itain’tgoin’tobenomatterwot’sthePOLITICALFEELINGhereorthar——itain’tgoin’tobenomatterwot’stheState’srightsandwot’sFed’ralrights——itain’tgoin’tobenoquestionwhetherthegov’ment’sgottherighttorelieveitsownsoldiersthatthoseSeceshisbesieginginFortSumterorwhethertheyhaven’t——butthefirstgunthat’sfiredattheflagblowsthechainsoffeveryd——nniggersouthofMasonandDixon’sline！Youhearme！I’mshoutin’！Andwhetheryoucallyourselves’Secesh’or’Union’or’Copperhead’or’Peacemen，’
　　you’vegottofaceit！"
　　Therewasanangrystartinoneortwooftheseats；onemancaughtattheswingingside-strapandhalfrose，ahuskyvoicebegan，"It’sad————d"——andthenallassuddenlysubsided。Everyeyewasturnedtoaninsignificantfigureinthebackseat。Itwasawoman，holdingachildonherlap，andgazingoutofthewindowwithhersex’sprofoundunconcerninpolitics。Clarenceunderstoodtherudechivalryoftheroadwellenoughtocomprehendthatthisunconsciousbutomnipotentfigurehadmorethanoncethatdaycontrolledthepassionsofthedisputants。Theydroppedbackweaklytotheirseats，andtheirmutteringsrolledoffintherattleofthewheels。ClarenceglancedattheMissourian；hewasregardingthered-beardedminerwithasingularcuriosity。
　　Therainhadceased，buttheafternoonshadowsweredeepeningwhentheyatlastreachedFairPlains，whereClarenceexpectedtotakehorsetotheRancho。Hewasastonished，however，tolearnthatallthehorsesinthestablewereengaged，butrememberingthatsomeofhisownstockwereinpasturagewithatenantatFairPlains，andthatheshouldprobablyhaveabetterselection，heturnedhisstepsthither。Passingoutofthestable-yardherecognizedtheMissourian’svoiceinwhisperedconversationwiththeproprietor，butthetwomenwithdrewintotheshadowasheapproached。Anill-
　　defineduneasinesscameoverhim；heknewtheproprietor，whoalsoseemedtoknowtheMissourian，andthisevidentavoidanceofhimwassignificant。PerhapshisreputationasadoubtfulUnionisthadprecededhim，butthiswouldnotaccountfortheirconductinadistrictsostronglySoutherninsympathyasFairPlains。Moreimpressedbytheoccurrencethanhecaredtoadmit，whenatlast，aftersomedelay，hehadsecuredhishorse，andwasoncemoreinthesaddle，hekeptasharplookoutforhisquondamcompanion。Buthereanothercircumstanceaddedtohissuspicions：therewasamainroadleadingtoSantaInez，thenexttown，andtheRancho，andthisClarencehadpurposelytakeninordertowatchtheMissourian；buttherewasalsoacutoffdirectlytotheRancho，knownonlytothehabituesoftheRancho。Afterafewmoments’rapidridingonamustangmuchsuperiortoanyinthehotelstables，hewassatisfiedthatthestrangermusthavetakenthecut-off。PuttingspurstohishorsehetrustedstilltoprecedehimtotheRancho——ifthatwerehisdestination。
　　Ashedashedalongthefamiliarroad，byastrangeperversityoffancy，insteadofthinkingofhispurpose，hefoundhimselfrecallingthefirsttimehehadriddenthatwayintheflushofhisyouthandhopefulness。Thegirl-sweethearthewasthengoingtorejoinwasnowthewifeofanother；thewomanwhohadbeenherguardianwasnowhisownwife。Hehadacceptedwithoutapangtheyounggirl’sdereliction，butitwasthroughherrevelationthathewasnowabouttoconfrontthederelictionofhisownwife。Andthiswastherewardofhisyouthfultrustandloyalty！Abitterlaughbrokefromhislips。Itwaspartofhisstillyouthfulself-
　　delusionthathebelievedhimselfwiserandstrongerforit。
　　ItwasquitedarkwhenhereachedtheupperfieldorfirstterraceoftheRancho。Hecouldseethewhitewallsofthecasarisingdimlyoutofthegreenseaofearlywildgrasses，likeaphantomisland。Itwasherethatthecut-offjoinedthemainroad——nowtheonlyonethatledtothecasa。HewassatisfiedthatnoonecouldhaveprecededhimfromFairPlains；butitwastruethathemusttakeprecautionsagainsthisowndiscovery。Dismountingnearaclumpofwillows，heunsaddledandunbridledhishorse，andwithacutoftheriataoveritshaunchessentitflyingacrossthefieldinthedirectionofabandoffeedingmustangs，whichitpresentlyjoined。Then，keepingwellintheshadowofabeltofshrub-oaks，heskirtedthelonglesserterracesofthecasa，intendingtoapproachthehousebywayoftheoldgardenandcorral。Adrizzlingrain，occasionallydrivenbythewindintolong，misty，curtain-likewaves，obscuredtheprospectandfavoredhisdesign。Hereachedthelowadobewallofthecorralinsafety；lookingoverhecoulddetect，inspiteofthedarkness，thatanumberofthehorseswereofalienbrands，andevenrecognizedoneortwofromtheSantaInezdistrict。Thevagueoutlineofbuggiesandcarryallsfilledthelongshedbesidethestables。ThereWAScompanyatthecasa——sofarSusywasright！
　　Nevertheless，lingeringstillbythewalloftheoldgardenforthedeepeningofnight，hisnervousfeverishnesswasagaininvadedandbenumbedbysullenmemories。Therewastheopeningleftbytheoldgrilleinthewall，behindwhichMrs。Peytonstoodonthemorningwhenhethoughthewasleavingtheranchforever；wherehehadfirstclaspedherinhisarms，andstayed。Aturnofthehead，amoment’sindecision，asingleglanceofalanguorouseye，hadbroughtthisculmination。Andnowhestoodagainbeforethatruinedgrille，hishouseandlands，evenhisNAME，misusedbyamad，schemingenthusiast，andhimselfacreepingspyofhisowndishonor！Heturnedwithabittersmileagaintothegarden。A
　　fewdarkredCastilianrosesstillleanedforwardandswayedinthewindwithdrippingleaves。ItwasherethatthefirstmorningofhisarrivalhehadkissedSusy；theperfumeandcolorofherpinkskincamebacktohimwithasuddenshockashestoodthere；hecaughtataflower，drewittowardshim，inhaleditsodorinalongbreaththatlefthimfaintandleaningagainstthewall。Thenagainhesmiled，butthistimemorewickedly——inwhathebelievedhiscynicismhadsprungupthefirstinstinctofrevenge！
　　Itwasnowdarkenoughforhimtoventureacrossthecarriageroadandmakehiswaytotherearofthehouse。Hisfirstcharacteristicinstincthadbeentoenteropenlyathisownfrontgate，buttheterribletemptationtooverhearandwatchtheconspiracyunobserved——
　　thatfascinationcommontodeceivedhumanitytowitnessitsownshame——hadnowgrownuponhim。Heknewthatawordorgestureofexplanation，apology，appeal，oreventerrorfromhiswifewouldcheckhisrageandweakenhispurpose。Hisperfectknowledgeofthehouseandthesecurityofitsinmateswouldenablehimfromsomeobscurelandingorgallerytoparticipateinanysecretconclavetheymightholdinthepatio——theonlyplacesuitableforsonumerousarendezvous。Theabsenceoflightinthefewexternalwindowspointedtothiscentralgathering。Andhehadalreadyconceivedhisplanofentrance。
　　Gainingtherearwallofthecasahebegancautiouslytoskirtitsbramblybaseuntilhehadreachedalong，oven-likewindowhalfobliteratedbyamonstrouspassionvine。ItwasthewindowofwhathadoncebeenMrs。Peyton’sboudoir；thewindowbywhichhehadonceforcedanentrancetothehousewhenitwasinthehandsofsquatters，thewindowfromwhichSusyhadsignaledherSpanishlover，thewindowwhosegratinghadbrokentheneckofJudgePeyton’spresumedassassin。Buttheserecollectionsnolongerdelayedhim；themomentforactionhadarrived。Heknewthatsincethetragedytheboudoirhadbeendismantledandshunned；theservantsbelievedittobehauntedbytheassassin’sghost。Withtheaidofthepassionvinetheingresswaseasy；theinteriorwindowwasopen；therustleofdeadleavesonthebarefloorasheentered，andthewhirofafrightenedbirdbyhisear，toldthestoryofitsdesolationandthesourceofthestrangenoisesthathadbeenheardthere。Thedoorleadingtothecorridorwaslightlybolted，merelytokeepitfromrattlinginthewind。Slippingtheboltwiththebladeofhispocket-knifehepeeredintothedarkpassage。Thelightstreamingunderadoortotheleft，andthesoundofvoices，convincedhimthathisconjecturewasright，andthemeetingwasgatheredonthebroadbalconiesaroundthepatio。
　　Heknewthatanarrowgallery，facedwithVenetianblindstoexcludethesun，lookeddownuponthem。Hemanagedtogainitwithoutdiscovery；luckilytheblindswerestilldown；betweentheirslats，himselfinvisible，hecouldhearandseeeverythingthatoccurred。
　　Yetevenatthissuprememomentthefirstthingthatstruckhimwasthealmostludicrouscontrastbetweentheappearanceofthemeetinganditstremendousobject。Whetherhewasinfluencedbyanypreviousboyishconceptionofacloudedandgloomyconspiracyhedidnotknow，buthewasforaninstantalmostdisconcertedbytheapparentlevityandfestivityoftheconclave。Decantersandglassesstoodonsmalltablesbeforethem；nearlyallweredrinkingandsmoking。Theycomprisedfifteenortwentymen，someofwhosefaceswerefamiliartohimelsewhereasSouthernpoliticians；afew，hewasshockedtosee，werewell-knownNorthernDemocrats。
　　OccupyingacharacteristicallycentralpositionwasthefamousColonelStarbottle，ofVirginia。Jauntyandyouthful-lookinginhismask-like，beardlessface，expansiveanddignifiedinhismiddle-agedportandcarriage，healoneretainedsomeoftheimportance——albeitslightlytheatricalandaffected——oftheoccasion。Clarenceinhisfirsthurriedglancehadnotobservedhiswife，andforamomenthadfeltrelieved；butasColonelStarbottlearoseatthatmoment，andwithastudiouslychivalrousandcourtlymannerturnedtohisright，hesawthatshewassittingatthefurtherendofthebalcony，andthatamanwhomherecognizedasCaptainPinckneywasstandingbesideher。Thebloodquicklytightenedaroundhisheart，butlefthimcoldandobservant。
　　"Itwasseldom，indeed，"remarkedColonelStarbottle，placinghisfatfingersinthefrillofhisshirtfront，"thatamovementlikethiswasgracedwiththeactualpresenceofalofty，inspiring，yetdelicatespirit——aBoadicea——indeed，hemightsayaJoanofArc——inthepersonoftheircharminghostess，Mrs。Brant。Notonlyweretheyfavoredbyhersocialandhospitableministration，butbyheractiveandenthusiasticcooperationinthegloriousworktheyhadinhand。Itwasthroughhercorrespondenceandearnestadvocacythattheyweretobefavoredto-nightwiththeaidandcounselofoneofthemostdistinguishedandpowerfulmenintheSoutherndistrictofCalifornia，JudgeBeeswinger，ofLosAngeles。Hehadnotthehonorofthatgentleman’spersonalacquaintance；hebelievedhewasnotfarwronginsayingthatthiswasalsothemisfortuneofeverygentlemanpresent；butthenameitselfwasatowerofstrength。Hewouldgofurther，andsaythatMrs。Brantherselfwaspersonallyunacquaintedwithhim，butitwasthroughthefervor，poetry，grace，andgeniusofhercorrespondencewiththatgentlemanthattheyweretohavethehonorofhispresencethatveryevening。Itwasunderstoodthatadviceshadbeenreceivedofhisdeparture，andthathemightbeexpectedatRoblesatanymoment。"
　　"ButwhatproofhaveweofJudgeBeeswinger’ssoundness？"saidalazySouthernvoiceattheconclusionofColonelStarbottle’speriods。"Nobodyhereseemstoknowhimbysight：isitnotriskytoadmitamantoourmeetingwhomweareunabletoidentify？"
　　"IreckonnobodybutafoolorsomepryingmudsillofaYankeewouldtrusthisskinhere，"returnedanother；"andifhedidwe’dknowwhattodowithhim。"
　　ButClarence’sattentionwasrivetedonhiswife，andthesignificantspeechpassedhimasunheededashadthecolonel’srhetoric。Shewaslookingveryhandsomeandslightlyflushed，withaproudlightinhereyesthathehadneverseenbefore。Absorbedinthediscussion，sheseemedtobepayinglittleattentiontoCaptainPinckneyassherosesuddenlytoherfeet。
　　"JudgeBeeswingerwillbeattendedherebyMr。MacNiel，oftheFairPlainsHotel，whowillvouchforhimandintroducehim，"shesaidinaclearvoice，whichrangwithanimperiousnessthatClarencewellremembered。"ThejudgewastoarrivebythecoachfromMartineztoFairPlains，andisduenow。"
　　"IstherenoGENTLEMANtointroducehim？Mustwetakehimonthewordofacommontrader——byJove！awhiskey-seller？"continuedthepreviousvoicesneeringly。
　　"Onthewordofalady，Mr。Brooks，"saidCaptainPinckney，withaslightgesturetowardsMrs。Brant——"whoanswersforboth。"
　　Clarencehadstartedslightlyathiswife’svoiceandtheinformationitconveyed。Hisfellow-passenger，andtheconfidantofMacNiel，wasthemantheywereexpecting！Iftheyhadrecognizedhim，Clarence，wouldtheynotwarnthecompanyofhisproximity？Heheldhisbreathasthesoundofvoicescamefromtheoutergateofthecourtyard。Mrs。Brantrose；atthesamemomentthegateswungopen，andamanentered。ItWAStheMissourian。
　　Heturnedwithold-fashionedcourtesytothesinglewomanstandingonthebalcony。
　　"Myfaircorrespondent，Ibelieve！IamJudgeBeeswinger。Youragent，MacNiel，passedmethroughyourguardsatthegate，butI
　　didnotdeemitadvisabletobringhimintothisassemblyofgentlemenwithoutyourfurtherconsideration。ItrustIwasright。"
　　Thequietdignityandself-possession，thequaint，old-fashionedcolonialprecisionofspeech，modifiedbyasoftVirginianintonation，and，aboveall，somesingularindividualityofthemanhimself，producedaprofoundsensation，andseemedtosuddenlygivethegatheringanimpressivenessithadlackedbefore。ForaninstantClarenceforgothimselfandhispersonalwrongsintheshockofindignationhefeltatthispotentadditiontotheranksofhisenemies。Hesawhiswife’seyessparklewithprideoverheracquisition，andnoticedthatPinckneycastadisturbedglanceatthenewcomer。
　　ThestrangerascendedthefewstepstothebalconyandtookMrs。
　　Brant’shandwithprofoundcourtesy。"Introducemetomycolleagues——distinctlyandseparately。Itbehoovesamanatsuchamomenttoknowtowhomheentrustshislifeandhonor，andthelifeandhonorofhiscause。"
　　Itwasevidentlynomereformalcourtesytothestranger。Ashesteppedforwardalongthebalcony，andunderMrs。Brant’sgracefulguidancewasintroducedtoeachofthemembers，henotonlylistenedwithscrupulouscareandattentiontothenameandprofessionofeachman，butbentuponhimaclear，searchingglancethatseemedtophotographhiminhismemory。Withtwoexceptions。
　　HepassedColonelStarbottle’sexpandingshirtfrillwithabowofelaborateprecision，andsaid，"ColonelStarbottle’sfamerequiresneitherintroductionnorexplanation。"HestoppedbeforeCaptainPinckneyandpaused。
　　"AnofficeroftheUnitedStatesarmy，Ibelieve，sir？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"EducatedatWestPoint，Ithink，bythegovernment，towhomyouhavetakentheoathofallegiance？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Verygood，sir，"saidthestranger，turningaway。
　　"Youhaveforgottenoneotherfact，sir，"saidPinckney，withaslightlysuperciliousair。
　　"Indeed！Whatisit？"
　　"Iam，firstofall，anativeoftheStateofSouthCarolina！"
　　Amurmurofapplauseandapprovalranroundthebalcony。CaptainPinckneysmiledandexchangedglanceswithMrs。Brant，butthestrangerquietlyreturnedtothecentraltablebesideColonelStarbottle。"Iamnotonlyanunexpecteddelegatetothisaugustassembly，gentlemen，"hebegangravely，"butIamthebearerofperhapsequallyunexpectednews。BymypositionintheSoutherndistrictIaminpossessionofdispatchesreceivedonlythismorningbyponyexpress。FortSumterhasbeenbesieged。TheUnitedStatesflag，carryingrelieftothebeleagueredgarrison，hasbeenfireduponbytheStateofSouthCarolina。"
　　Aburstofalmosthystericapplauseandenthusiasmbrokefromtheassembly，andmadethedim，vault-likepassagesandcorridorsofthecasaring。Cheeraftercheerwentuptotheveiledgalleryandthemistyskybeyond。Menmountedonthetablesandwavedtheirhandsfrantically，andinthemidstofthisbewilderingturbulenceofsoundandmotionClarencesawhiswifemountedonachair，withburningcheeksandflashingeyes，wavingherhandkerchieflikeaninspiredpriestess。Onlythestranger，stillstandingbesideColonelStarbottle，remainedunmovedandimpassive。Then，withanimperativegesture，hedemandedasuddensilence。
　　"Convincingandunanimousasthisdemonstrationis，gentlemen，"hebeganquietly，"itismyduty，nevertheless，toaskyouifyouhaveseriouslyconsideredthemeaningofthenewsIhavebrought。Itismydutytotellyouthatitmeanscivilwar。Itmeanstheclashofarmsbetweentwosectionsofamightycountry；itmeansthedisruptionoffriends，thebreakingoffamilyties，theseparationoffathersandsons，ofbrothersandsisters——even，perhaps，tothedissevermentofhusbandandwife！"
　　"ItmeansthesovereigntyoftheSouth——andthebreakingofacovenantwithlowborntradersandabolitionists，"saidCaptainPinckney。
　　"Ifthereareanygentlemenpresent，"continuedthestranger，withoutheedingtheinterruption，"whohavepledgedthisStatetothesupportoftheSouthinthisemergency，ortotheestablishmentofaPacificrepublicinaidandsympathywithit，whosenamesareonthispaper"——heliftedasheetofpaperlyingbeforeColonelStarbottle——"butwhonowfeelthatthegravityofthenewsdemandsamoreseriousconsiderationofthepurpose，theyareatlibertytowithdrawfromthemeeting，givingtheirhonor，asSoutherngentlemen，tokeepthesecretintact。"
　　"NotifIknowit，"interruptedastalwartKentuckian，asherosetohisfeetandstrodedownthestepstothepatio。"For，"headded，placinghisbackagainstthegateway，"I’llshootthefirstcowardthatbacksoutnow。"
　　Aroaroflaughterandapprovalfollowed，butwassilencedagainbythequiet，unimpassionedvoiceofthestranger。"If，ontheotherhand，"hewentoncalmly，"youallfeelthatthisnewsisthefittingculminationandconsecrationofthehopes，wishes，andplansofthismeeting，youwillassertitagain，overyourownsignatures，toColonelStarbottleatthistable。"
　　WhentheKentuckianhadrisen，Clarencehadstartedfromhisconcealment；whenhenowsawtheeagerfigurespressingforwardtothetablehehesitatednolonger。Slippingalongthepassage，hereachedthestaircasewhichledtothecorridorintherearofthebalcony。Descendingthisrapidly，henotonlycameuponthebacksoftheexcitedcrowdaroundthetable，butevenelbowedoneoftheconspiratorsasidewithoutbeingnoticed。Hiswife，whohadrisenfromherchairattheendofthebalcony，wasalreadymovingtowardsthetable。Withaquickmovementheseizedherwrist，andthrewherbackinthechairagain。Acrybrokefromherlipsassherecognizedhim，butstillholdingherwrist，hesteppedquicklybetweenherandtheastonishedcrowd。Therewasamomentofsilence，thenthecryof"Spy！"and"Seizehim！"rosequickly，butaboveallthevoiceandfigureoftheMissourianwasheardcommandingthemtostandback。TurningtoClarence，hesaidquietly，——
　　"Ishouldknowyourface，sir。Whoareyou？"
　　"Thehusbandofthiswomanandthemasterofthishouse，"saidClarenceasquietly，butinavoicehehardlyrecognizedashisown。
　　"Standasidefromher，then——unlessyouarehopingthatherdangermayprotectYOU！"saidtheKentuckian，significantlydrawinghisrevolver。
　　ButMrs。BrantsprangsuddenlytoherfeetbesideClarence。
　　"Weareneitherofuscowards，Mr。Brooks——thoughhespeaksthetruth——and——moreshametome"——sheadded，withalookofsavagescornatClarence——"ISMYHUSBAND！"
　　"Whatisyourpurposeincominghere？"continuedJudgeBeeswinger，withhiseyesfixedonClarence。
　　"Ihavegivenyoualltheinformation，"saidClarencequietly，"thatisnecessarytomakeyou，asagentleman，leavethishouseatonce——andthatismypurpose。Itisalltheinformationyouwillgetfrommeaslongasyouandyourfriendsinsultmyroofwithyouruninvitedpresence。WhatImayhavetosaytoyouandeachofyouhereafter——whatImaychoosetodemandofyou，accordingtoyourowncodeofhonor，"——hefixedhiseyesonCaptainPinckney’s，——
　　"isanotherquestion，andonenotusuallydiscussedbeforealady。"
　　"Pardonme。Amoment——asinglemoment。"