Thesymptomsweresuchasamedicalmanwouldpronounce’choleraic。’
　　IsayWOULDhavepronounced；for，onexamination，thesurgeonwasalsofoundtobe——er——inpain，and，Iregrettosay，expressinghimselfinlanguageunbecomingtheoccasion。Hisimpressionwas，thatsomepowerfuldrughadbeenadministered。OnreferringthequestiontoMr。Hawkins，herememberedthatthebottleofwhiskeypartakenbythemcontainedamedicinewhichhehadbeeninthehabitoftaking，butwhich，havingfailedtoactuponhim，hehadconcludedtobegenerallyineffective，andhadforgotten。Hisperfectwillingnesstoholdhimselfpersonallyresponsibletoeachoftheparties，hisgenuineconcernatthedisastrouseffectofthemistake，mingledwithhisownalarmatthestateofhissystem，which——er——failedto——er——respondtothepeculiarqualitiesofthemedicine，wasmostbecomingtohimasamanofhonorandagentleman。Afteranhour’sdelay，bothprincipalsbeingcompletelyexhausted，andabandonedbythesurgeon，whowasunreasonablyalarmedathisowncondition，Mr。HawkinsandIagreedtoremoveourmentoMarkleville。There，afterafurtherconsultationwithMr。
　　Hawkins，anamicableadjustmentofalldifficulties，honorabletobothparties，andgovernedbyprofoundsecrecy，wasarranged。I
　　believe，"addedthecolonel，lookingaround，andsettingdownhisglass，"nogentlemanhasyetexpressedhimselfotherthansatisfiedwiththeresult。"
　　Perhapsitwasthecolonel’smanner；but，whateverwastheopinionofFiveForksregardingtheintellectualdisplayofMr。Hawkinsinthisaffair，therewasverylittleoutspokencriticismatthemoment。Inafewweeksthewholethingwasforgotten，exceptaspartofthenecessaryrecordofHawkins’sblunders，whichwasalreadyaprettyfullone。Again，somelaterfolliesconspiredtoobliteratethepast，until，ayearlater，avaluableleadwasdiscoveredinthe"BlazingStar"tunnel，inthehillwherehelived；andalargesumwasofferedhimforaportionofhislandonthehilltop。AccustomedasFiveForkshadbecometotheexhibitionofhisfolly，itwaswithastonishmentthattheylearnedthatheresolutelyanddecidedlyrefusedtheoffer。Thereasonthathegavewasstillmoreastounding，——hewasabouttobuild。
　　Tobuildahouseuponpropertyavailableformining-purposeswaspreposterous；tobuildatall，witharoofalreadycoveringhim，wasanactofextravagance；tobuildahouseofthestyleheproposedwassimplymadness。
　　Yetherewerefacts。Theplansweremade，andthelumberforthenewbuildingwasalreadyontheground，whiletheshaftofthe"BlazingStar"wasbeingsunkbelow。Thesitewas，inreality，averypicturesqueone，thebuildingitselfofastyleandqualityhithertounknowninFiveForks。Thecitizens，atfirstsceptical，duringtheirmomentsofrecreationandidlenessgathereddoubtinglyaboutthelocality。Daybyday，inthatclimateofrapidgrowths，thebuilding，pleasantlyknownintheslangofFiveForksasthe"IdiotAsylum，"rosebesidethegreenoaksandclusteringfirsofHawkinsHill，asifitwerepartofthenaturalphenomena。Atlastitwascompleted。ThenMr。Hawkinsproceededtofurnishitwithanexpensivenessandextravaganceofoutlayquiteinkeepingwithhisformeridiocy。Carpets，sofas，mirrors，andfinallyapiano，——theonlyoneknowninthecounty，andbroughtatgreatexpensefromSacramento，——keptcuriosityatafever-heat。Morethanthat，therewerearticlesandornamentswhichafewmarriedexpertsdeclaredonlyfitforwomen。Whenthefurnishingofthehousewascomplete，——ithadoccupiedtwomonthsofthespeculativeandcuriousattentionofthecamp，——Mr。Hawkinslockedthefront-door，putthekeyinhispocket，andquietlyretiredtohismorehumbleroof，loweronthehillside。
　　IhavenotdeemeditnecessarytoindicatetotheintelligentreaderallofthetheorieswhichobtainedinFiveForksduringtheerectionofthebuilding。Someofthemmaybereadilyimagined。
　　Thatthe"Hag"had，byartfulcoynessandsystematicreticence，atlastcompletelysubjugatedthe"Fool，"andthatthenewhousewasintendedforthenuptialbowerofthe（predestined）unhappypair，was，ofcourse，theprevailingopinion。Butwhen，afterareasonabletimehadelapsed，andthehousestillremaineduntenanted，themoreexasperatingconvictionforceditselfuponthegeneralmind，thatthe"Fool"hadbeenforthethirdtimeimposedupon；whentwomonthshadelapsed，andthereseemednoprospectofamistressforthenewhouse，——Ithinkpublicindignationbecamesostrong，that，hadthe"Hag"arrived，themarriagewouldhavebeenpubliclyprevented。Butnooneappearedthatseemedtoanswertothisideaofanavailabletenant；andallinquiryofMr。Hawkinsastohisintentioninbuildingahouse，andnotrentingit，oroccupyingit，failedtoelicitanyfurtherinformation。Thereasonsthathegavewerefelttobevague，evasive，andunsatisfactory。Hewasinnohurrytomove，hesaid。WhenheWAS
　　ready，itsurelywasnotstrangethatheshouldliketohavehishouseallreadytoreceivehim。Hewasoftenseenupontheveranda，ofasummerevening，smokingacigar。Itisreportedthatonenightthehousewasobservedtobebrilliantlylightedfromgarrettobasement；thataneighbor，observingthis，crepttowardtheopenparlor-window，and，lookingin，espiedthe"Fool"
　　accuratelydressedineveningcostume，lounginguponasofainthedrawing-room，withtheeasyairofsociallyentertainingalargeparty。Notwithstandingthis，thehousewasunmistakablyvacantthatevening，saveforthepresenceoftheowner，asthewitnessafterwardtestified。Whenthisstorywasfirstrelated，afewpracticalmensuggestedthetheorythatMr。Hawkinswassimplydrillinghimselfintheelaboratedutiesofhospitalityagainstaprobableeventinhishistory。Afewventuredthebeliefthatthehousewashaunted。TheimaginativeeditoroftheFiveForks"Record"evolvedfromthedepthsofhisprofessionalconsciousnessastorythatHawkins’ssweethearthaddied，andthatheregularlyentertainedherspiritinthisbeautifullyfurnishedmausoleum。
　　TheoccasionalspectacleofHawkins’stallfigurepacingtheverandaonmoonlightnightslentsomecredencetothistheory，untilanunlooked-forincidentdivertedallspeculationintoanotherchannel。
　　Itwasaboutthistimethatacertainwild，rudevalley，intheneighborhoodofFiveForks，hadbecomefamousasapicturesqueresort。Travellershadvisitedit，anddeclaredthatthereweremorecubicyardsofroughstonecliff，andawaterfallofgreaterheight，thananytheyhadvisited。Correspondentshadwrittenitupwithextravagantrhetoricandinordinatepoeticalquotation。
　　Menandwomenwhohadneverenjoyedasunset，atree，oraflower，whohadneverappreciatedthegraciousnessormeaningoftheyellowsunlightthatfleckedtheirhomelydoorways，orthetendernessofamidsummer’snight，towhosemoonlighttheybaredtheirshirt-
　　sleevesortheirtulledresses，camefromthousandsofmilesawaytocalculatetheheightofthisrock，toobservethedepthofthischasm，toremarkupontheenormoussizeofthisunsightlytree，andtobelievewithineffableself-complacencythattheyreallyadmiredNature。Andsoitcametopass，that，inaccordancewiththetastesorweaknessesoftheindividual，themoreprominentandsalientpointsofthevalleywerechristened；andtherewasa"LaceHandkerchiefFall，"andthe"TearsofSympathyCataract，"andonedistinguishedorator’s"Peak，"andseveral"Mounts"ofvariousnotedpeople，livingordead，andan"Exclamation-Point，"anda"ValleyofSilentAdoration。"And，incourseoftime，emptysoda-
　　waterbottleswerefoundatthebaseofthecataract，andgreasynewspapers，andfragmentsofham-sandwiches，layatthedustyrootsofgianttrees。Withthis，therewerefrequentirruptionsofclosely-shavenandtightly-cravatedmen，anddelicate，flower-facedwomen，intheonelongstreetofFiveForks，andascamperingofmules，andanoccasionalprocessionofdustybrown-linencavalry。
　　Ayearafter"Hawkins’sIdiotAsylum"wascompleted，onedaytheredriftedintothevalleyariotouscavalcadeof"school-marms，"
　　teachersoftheSanFranciscopublicschools，outforaholiday。
　　Notseverely-spectacledMinervas，andchastelyarmedandmailedPallases，but，Ifear，forthesecurityofFiveForks，veryhuman，charming，andmischievousyoungwomen。Atleast，sothementhought，workingintheditches，andtunnellingonthehillside；
　　andwhen，intheinterestsofscience，andthementaladvancementofjuvenileposterity，itwasfinallysettledthattheyshouldstayinFiveForkstwoorthreedaysforthesakeofvisitingthevariousmines，andparticularlythe"BlazingStar"tunnel，therewassomeflutterofmasculineanxiety。Therewasaconsiderableinquiryfor"store-clothes，"ahopelessoverhaulingofoldanddisusedraiment，andageneraldemandfox"boiledshirts"andthebarber。
　　Meanwhile，withthatsupremeaudacityandimpudenthardihoodofthesexwhengregarious，theschool-marmsrodethroughthetown，admiringopenlythehandsomefacesandmanlyfiguresthatlookedupfromtheditches，orrosebehindthecarsoforeatthemouthsoftunnels。Indeed，itisallegedthatJennyForester，backedandsupportedbysevenotherequallyshamelessyoungwomen，hadopenlyandpubliclywavedherhandkerchieftothefloridHerculesofFiveForks，oneTomFlynn，formerlyofVirginia，leavingthatgood-
　　naturedbutnotover-brightgiantpullinghisblondemustachesinbashfulamazement。
　　ItwasapleasantJuneafternoonthatMissMillyArnot，principaloftheprimarydepartmentofoneofthepublicschoolsofSanFrancisco，havingevadedhercompanions，resolvedtoputintooperationaplanwhichhadlatelysprungupinhercourageousandmischief-lovingfancy。Withthatwonderfulandmysteriousinstinctofhersex，fromwhomnosecretsoftheaffectionsarehid，andtowhomallheartsarelaidopen，shehadheardthestoryofHawkins’sfolly，andtheexistenceofthe"IdiotAsylum。"Alone，onHawkinsHill，shehaddeterminedtopenetrateitsseclusion。Skirtingtheunderbrushatthefootofthehill，shemanagedtokeeptheheaviesttimberbetweenherselfandthe"BlazingStar"tunnelatitsbase，aswellasthecabinofHawkins，half-wayuptheascent，until，byacircuitousroute，atlastshereached，unobserved，thesummit。Beforeherrose，silent，darkened，andmotionless，theobjectofhersearch。Herehercouragefailedher，withallthecharacteristicinconsequenceofhersex。Asuddenfearofallthedangersshehadsafelypassed——bears，tarantulas，drunkenmen，andlizards——cameuponher。Foramoment，assheafterwardexpressedit，"shethoughtsheshoulddie。"Withthisbelief，probably，shegatheredthreelargestones，whichshecouldhardlylift，forthepurposeofthrowingagreatdistance；puttwohair-pinsinhermouth；andcarefullyre-adjustedwithbothhandstwostraybraidsofherlovelyblue-blackmane，whichhadfalleningatheringthestones。Thenshefeltinthepocketsofherlinendusterforhercard-case，handkerchief，pocketbook，andsmelling-bottle，and，findingthemintact，suddenlyassumedanairofeasy，ladylikeunconcern，wentupthestepsoftheveranda，anddemurelypulledthefrontdoorbell，whichsheknewwouldnotbeanswered。Afteradecentpause，shewalkedaroundtheencompassingveranda，examiningtheclosedshuttersoftheFrenchwindowsuntilshefoundonethatyieldedtohertouch。Hereshepausedagaintoadjusthercoquettishhatbythemirror-likesurfaceofthelongsash-window，thatreflectedthefulllengthofherprettyfigure。Andthensheopenedthewindow，andenteredtheroom。
　　Althoughlongclosed，thehousehadasmellofnewnessandoffreshpaint，thatwasquiteunlikethemouldinessoftheconventionalhauntedhouse。Thebrightcarpets，thecheerfulwalls，theglisteningoil-cloths，werequiteinconsistentwiththeideaofaghost。Withchildishcuriosity，shebegantoexplorethesilenthouse，atfirsttimidly，——openingthedoorswithaviolentpush，andthensteppingbackfromthethresholdtomakegoodapossibleretreat，——andthenmoreboldly，asshebecameconvincedofhersecurityandabsoluteloneliness。Inoneofthechambers——thelargest——therewerefreshflowersinavase，evidentlygatheredthatmorning；and，whatseemedstillmoreremarkable，thepitchersandewerswerefreshlyfilledwithwater。ThisobligedMissMillytonoticeanothersingularfact，namely，thatthehousewasfreefromdust，theonemostobtrusiveandpenetratingvisitorofFiveForks。Thefloorsandcarpetshadbeenrecentlyswept，thechairsandfurniturecarefullywipedanddusted。IfthehouseWAS
　　haunted，itwaspossessedbyaspiritwhohadnoneoftheusualindifferencetodecayandmould。Andyetthebedshadevidentlyneverbeensleptin，theveryspringsofthechairinwhichshesatcreakedstifflyatthenovelty；thecloset-doorsopenedwiththereluctanceoffreshpaintandvarnish；andinspiteofthewarmth，cleanliness，andcheerfulnessoffurnitureanddecoration，therewasnoneoftheeaseoftenancyandoccupation。AsMissMillyafterwardconfessed，shelongedto"tumblethingsaround；"and，whenshereachedtheparlorordrawing-roomagain，shecouldhardlyresistthedesire。Particularlywasshetemptedbyaclosedpiano，thatstoodmutelyagainstthewall。Shethoughtshewouldopenitjusttoseewhowasthemaker。Thatdone，itwouldbenoharmtotryitstone。Shedidso，withonelittlefootonthesoftpedal。
　　ButMissMillywastoogoodaplayer，andtooenthusiasticamusician，tostopathalf-measures。Shetrieditagain，thistimesosincerely，thatthewholehouseseemedtospringintovoice。
　　Thenshestoppedandlistened。Therewasnoresponse：theemptyroomsseemedtohaverelapsedintotheiroldstillness。Shesteppedoutontheveranda。Awoodpeckerrecommencedhistappingonanadjacenttree：therattleofacartintherockygulchbelowthehillcamefaintlyup。Noonewastobeseenfarornear。MissMilly，re-assured，returned。Sheagainranherfingersoverthekeys，stopped，caughtatamelodyrunninginhermind，halfplayedit，andthenthrewawayallcaution。Beforefiveminuteshadelapsed，shehadentirelyforgottenherself，andwithherlinendusterthrownaside，herstrawhatflungonthepiano，herwhitehandsbared，andablackloopofherbraidedhairhanginguponhershoulder，wasfairlyembarkeduponaflowingseaofmusicalrecollection。
　　Shehadplayed，perhaps，halfanhour，whenhavingjustfinishedanelaboratesymphony，andrestingherhandsonthekeys，sheheardverydistinctlyandunmistakablythesoundofapplausefromwithout。Inaninstantthefiresofshameandindignationleapedintohercheeks；andsherosefromtheinstrument，andrantothewindow，onlyintimetocatchsightofadozenfiguresinblueandredflannelshirtsvanishinghurriedlythroughthetreesbelow。
　　MissMilly’smindwasinstantlymadeup。IthinkIhavealreadyintimated，that，underthestimulusofexcitement，shewasnotwantingincourage；andasshequietlyresumedhergloves，hat，andduster，shewasnot，perhaps，exactlytheyoungpersonthatitwouldbeentirelysafeforthetimid，embarrassed，orinexperiencedofmysextomeetalone。Sheshutdownthepiano；andhavingcarefullyreclosedallthewindowsanddoors，andrestoredthehousetoitsformerdesolatecondition，shesteppedfromtheveranda，andproceededdirectlytothecabinoftheunintellectualHawkins，thatreareditsadobechimneyabovetheumbrageaquarterofamilebelow。
　　Thedooropenedinstantlytoherimpulsiveknock，andthe"FoolofFiveForks"stoodbeforeher。MissMillyhadneverbeforeseenthemandesignatedbythisinfelicitoustitle；andashesteppedbackward，inhalfcourtesyandhalfastonishment，shewas，forthemoment，disconcerted。Hewastall，finelyformed，anddark-
　　bearded。Abovecheeksalittlehollowedbycareandill-healthshoneapairofhazeleyes，verylarge，verygentle，butinexpressiblysadandmournful。ThiswascertainlynotthekindofmanMissMillyhadexpectedtosee；yet，afterherfirstembarrassmenthadpassed，theverycircumstance，oddlyenough，addedtoherindignation，andstungherwoundedpridestillmoredeeply。Nevertheless，thearchhypocriteinstantlychangedhertacticswiththeswiftintuitionofhersex。
　　"Ihavecome，"shesaidwithadazzlingsmile，infinitelymoredangerousthanherformerdignifiedseverity，——"IhavecometoaskyourpardonforagreatlibertyIhavejusttaken。Ibelievethenewhouseaboveusonthehillisyours。Iwassomuchpleasedwithitsexterior，thatIleftmyfriendsforamomentbelowhere，"
　　shecontinuedartfully，withaslightwaveofthehand，asifindicatingabandoffearlessAmazonswithout，andwaitingtoavengeanypossibleinsultofferedtooneoftheirnumber，"andventuredtoenterit。Findingitunoccupied，asIhadbeentold，I
　　amafraidIhadtheaudacitytositdownandamusemyselfforafewmomentsatthepiano，whilewaitingformyfriends。"
　　Hawkinsraisedhisbeautifuleyestohers。Hesawaveryprettygirl，withfrankgrayeyesglisteningwithexcitement，withtwored，slightlyfreckledcheeksglowingalittleunderhiseyes，withashortscarletupper-lipturnedback，likearose-leaf，overalittlelineofwhiteteeth，asshebreathedsomewhathurriedlyinhernervousexcitement。Hesawallthiscalmly，quietly，and，saveforthenaturaluneasinessofashy，reticentman，Ifearwithoutaquickeningofhispulse。
　　"Iknowedit，"hesaidsimply。"IheerdyeasIkemup。"
　　MissMillywasfuriousathisgrammar，hisdialect，hiscoolness，and，stillmore，atthesuspicionthathewasanactivememberofherinvisibleelaque。
　　"Ah！"shesaid，stillsmiling。"ThenIthinkIheardYOU"——
　　"Ireckonnot，"heinterruptedgravely。"Ididn’tstaylong。I
　　foundtheboyshangingroundthehouse，andIallowedatfirstI’dgoinandkinderwarnyou；buttheypromisedtokeepstill：andyoulookedsocomfortable，andwrappedupinyourmusic，thatIhadn’tthehearttodisturbyou，andkemaway。Ihope，"headdedearnestly，"theydidn’tletoneztheyheerdyou。Theyain’tabadlot，——themBlazin’Starboys——thoughthey’realittlehardattimes。Butthey’dnomorehurtyethentheywoulda——a——acat！"
　　continuedMr。Hawkins，blushingwithafaintapprehensionoftheineleganceofhissimile。
　　"No，no！"saidMissMilly，feelingsuddenlyveryangrywithherself，the"Fool，"andtheentiremalepopulationofFiveForks。
　　"No！Ihavebehavedfoolishly，Isuppose——and，iftheyHAD，itwouldhaveservedmeright。ButIonlywantedtoapologizetoyou。
　　You’llfindeverythingasyouleftit。Good-day！"
　　Sheturnedtogo。Mr。Hawkinsbegantofeelembarrassed。"I’dhaveaskedyetositdown，"hesaidfinally，"ifithedbeenaplacefitforalady。Ioughterdoneso，ennyway。Idon’tknowwhatkeptmefromit。ButIain’twell，miss。TimesIgetasorto’dumbager，——it’stheditches，Ithink，miss，——andIdon’tseemtohevmywitsaboutme。"
　　InstantlyMissArnotwasallsympathy：herquickwoman’sheartwastouched。
　　"CanI——cananythingbedone？"sheaskedmoretimidlythanshehadbeforespoken。
　　"No——notonlessyeremembersuthin’aboutthesepills。"Heexhibitedaboxcontainingabouthalfadozen。"Iforgetthedirection——Idon’tseemtoremembermuch，anyway，thesetimes。
　　They’re’Jones’sVegetableCompound。’Ifye’veevertook’em，ye’llrememberwhetherthereg’lardoseiseight。Theyain’tbutsixhere。Butperhapsyenevertukany，"headdeddeprecatingly。
　　"No，"saidMissMillycurtly。Shehadusuallyakeensenseoftheludicrous；butsomehowMr。Hawkins’seccentricityonlypainedher。
　　"Willyouletmeseeyoutothefootofthehill？"hesaidagain，afteranotherembarrassingpause。
　　MissArnotfeltinstantlythatsuchanactwouldcondonehertrespassintheeyesoftheworld。Shemightmeetsomeofherinvisibleadmirers，orevenhercompanions；and，withallhererraticimpulses，shewas，nevertheless，awoman，anddidnotentirelydespisetheverdictofconventionality。Shesmiledsweetly，andassented；andinanothermomentthetwowerelostintheshadowsofthewood。
　　Likemanyotherapparentlytrivialactsinanuneventfullife，itwasdecisive。Assheexpected，shemettwoorthreeofherlateapplauders，whom，shefancied，lookedsheepishandembarrassed；shemet，also，hercompanionslookingforherinsomealarm，whoreallyappearedastonishedatherescort，and，shefancied，atrifleenviousofherevidentsuccess。IfearthatMissArnot，inresponsetotheiranxiousinquiries，didnotstateentirelythetruth，but，withoutactualassertion，ledthemtobelievethatshehad，ataveryearlystageoftheproceeding，completelysubjugatedthisweak-mindedgiant，andhadbroughthimtriumphantlytoherfeet。Fromtellingthisstorytwoorthreetimes，shegotfinallytobelievingthatshehadsomefoundationforit，thentoavaguesortofdesirethatitwouldeventuallyprovetobetrue，andthentoanequallyvagueyearningtohastenthatconsummation。Thatitwouldredoundtoanysatisfactionofthe"Fool"shedidnotstoptodoubt。Thatitwouldcurehimofhisfollyshewasquiteconfident。
　　Indeed，thereareveryfewofus，menorwomen，whodonotbelievethatevenahopelessloveforourselvesismoreconducivetothesalvationoftheloverthanarequitedaffectionforanother。
　　ThecriticismofFiveForkswas，asthereadermayimagine，swiftandconclusive。WhenitwasfoundoutthatMissArnotwasnotthe"Hag"masqueradingasayoungandprettygirl，totheultimatedeceptionofFiveForksingeneral，andthe"Fool"inparticular，itwasatoncedecidedthatnothingbutthespeedyunionofthe"Fool"andthe"prettyschool-marm"wasconsistentwithordinarycommonsense。Thesingulargood-fortuneofHawkinswasquiteinaccordancewiththetheoryofhisluckaspropoundedbythecamp。
　　That，afterthe"Hag"failedtomakeherappearance，heshould"strikealead"inhisownhouse，withoutthetroubleof"prospectin’，"seemedtothesecasuistsasawonderfulbutinevitablelaw。Toaddtothesefatefulprobabilities，MissArnotfell，andsprainedherankle，intheascentofMountLincoln，andwasconfinedforsomeweekstothehotelafterhercompanionshaddeparted。Duringthisperiod，Hawkinswascivillybutgrotesquelyattentive。When，afterareasonabletimehadelapsed，therestillappearedtobenoimmediateprospectoftheoccupancyofthenewhouse，publicopinionexperiencedasingularchangeinregardtoitstheoriesofMr。Hawkins’sconduct。The"Hag"waslookeduponasasaint-likeandlong-sufferingmartyrtotheweaknessesandinconsistencyofthe"Fool。"That，aftererectingthisnewhouseatherrequest，hehadsuddenly"goneback"onher；thathiscelibacywastheresultofalonghabitofweakproposalandsubsequentshamelessrejection；andthathewasnowtryinghishandonthehelplessschoolmarm，wasperfectlyplaintoFiveForks。
　　Thatheshouldbefrustratedinhisattemptsatanycostwasequallyplain。MissMillysuddenlyfoundherselfinvestedwitharudechivalrythatwouldhavebeenamusing，haditnotbeenattimesembarrassing；thatwouldhavebeenimpertinent，butforthealmostsuperstitiousrespectwithwhichitwasproffered。EverydaysomebodyfromFiveForksrodeouttoinquirethehealthofthefairpatient。"HezHawkinsbinoveryerto-day？"queriedTomFlynn，withartfuleaseandindifference，asheleanedoverMissMilly’seasy-chairontheveranda。MissMilly，withafaintpinkflushonhercheek，wasconstrainedtoanswer，"No。""Well，hesortersprainedhisfootaginarockyesterday，"continuedFlynnwithshamelessuntruthfulness。"Youmus’n’tthinkanythingo’
　　that，MissArnot。He’llbeoveryerto-morrer；andmeantimehetoldmetohandthisyerbookaywithhisre-gards，andthisyerspecimen。"AndMr。Flynnlaiddowntheflowershehadpickedenrouteagainstsuchanemergency，andpresentedrespectfullyapieceofquartzandgold，whichhehadtakenthatmorningfromhisownsluice-box。"Youmus’n’tmindHawkins’sways，MissMilly，"saidanothersympathizingminer。"Thereain’tabettermanincampthanthattheerCyHawkins——buthedon’tunderstandthewayso’theworldwithwimen。Hehasn’tmixedasmuchwithsocietyastherestofus，"headded，withanelaborateChesterfieldianeaseofmanner；
　　"buthemeanswell。"MeanwhileafewothersympathetictunnelmenwereimpressinguponMr。Hawkinsthenecessityofthegreatestattentiontotheinvalid。"Itwon’tdo，Hawkins，"theyexplained，"toletthattheregalgobacktoSanFranciscoandsay，that，whenshewassickandalone，theonlymaninFiveForksunderwhoseroofshehadrested，andatwhosetableshehadsat"（thiswasconsideredanaturalbutpardonableexaggerationofrhetoric）"everthrewoffonher；anditsha’n’tbedone。Itain’tthesquarethingtoFiveForks。"Andthenthe"Fool"wouldrushawaytothevalley，andbereceivedbyMissMillywithacertainreserveofmannerthatfinallydisappearedinaflushofcolor，someincreasedvivacity，andapardonablecoquetry。Andsothedayspassed。MissMillygrewbetterinhealth，andmoretroubledinmind；andMr。
　　Hawkinsbecamemoreandmoreembarrassed；andFiveForkssmiled，andrubbeditshands，andwaitedfortheapproachingdenoument。
　　Andthenitcame——butnot，perhaps，inthemannerthatFiveForkshadimagined。
　　ItwasalovelyafternooninJulythatapartyofEasterntouristsrodeintoFiveForks。Theyhadjust"done"theValleyofBigThings；and，therebeingoneortwoEasterncapitalistsamongtheparty，itwasdeemedadvisablethataproperknowledgeofthepracticalmining-resourcesofCaliforniashouldbeaddedtotheirexperienceofthemerelypicturesqueinNature。Thusfareverythinghadbeensatisfactory；theamountofwaterwhichpassedovertheFallwaslarge，owingtoabackwardseason；somesnowstillremainedinthecanyonsnearthehighestpeaks；theyhadriddenroundoneofthebiggesttrees，andthroughtheprostratetrunkofanother。Tosaythattheyweredelightedistoexpressfeeblytheenthusiasmoftheseladiesandgentlemen，drunkwiththechampagnyhospitalityoftheirentertainers，theutternoveltyofscene，andthedry，exhilaratingairofthevalley。Oneortwohadalreadyexpressedthemselvesreadytoliveanddiethere；anotherhadwrittenaglowingaccounttotheEasternpress，depreciatingallothersceneryinEuropeandAmerica；and，underthesecircumstances，itwasreasonablyexpectedthatFiveForkswoulddoitsduty，andequallyimpressthestrangerafteritsownfashion。
　　LetterstothiseffectweresentfromSanFranciscobyprominentcapitaliststhere；and，undertheablesuperintendenceofoneoftheiragents，thevisitorsweretakeninhand，shown"whatwastobeseen，"carefullyrestrainedfromobservingwhatoughtnottobevisible，andsokeptinablissfulandenthusiasticcondition。AndsothegraveyardofFiveForks，inwhichbuttwooftheoccupantshaddiednaturaldeaths；thedreary，raggedcabinsonthehillsides，withtheirsad-eyed，cynical，broken-spiritedoccupants，toilingondaybydayforamiserablepittance，andafarethataself-respectingEasternmechanicwouldhavescornfullyrejected，——
　　werenotapartoftheEasternvisitors’recollection。Butthehoistingworksandmachineryofthe"BlazingStarTunnelCompany"
　　was，——theBlazingStarTunnelCompany，whose"gentlemanlysuperintendent"hadreceivedprivateinformationfromSanFranciscotodothe"properthing"fortheparty。Whereforethevaluableheapsoforeinthecompany’sworkswereshown；theoblongbarsofgold，readyforshipment，wereplayfullyofferedtotheladieswhocouldliftandcarrythemawayunaided；andeventhetunnelitself，gloomy，fateful，andpeculiar，wasshownaspartoftheexperience；
　　and，inthenoblelanguageofonecorrespondent，"ThewealthofFiveForks，andthepeculiarinducementsthatitofferedtoEasterncapitalists，"wereestablishedbeyondadoubt。Andthenoccurredalittleincident，which，asanunbiassedspectator，Iamfreetosayofferednoinducementstoanybodywhatever，butwhich，foritsbearinguponthecentralfigureofthisveraciouschronicle，I
　　cannotpassover。
　　Ithadbecomeapparenttooneortwomorepracticalandsober-
　　mindedintheparty，thatcertainportionsofthe"BlazingStar"
　　tunnel（owing，perhaps，totheexigenciesofaflatteringannualdividend）wereeconomicallyandimperfectly"shored"andsupported，andwere，consequently，unsafe，insecure，andtobeavoided。
　　Nevertheless，atatimewhenchampagnecorkswerepoppingindarkcorners，andenthusiasticvoicesandhappylaughterrangthroughthehalf-lightedlevelsandgalleries，therecameasuddenandmysterioussilence。Afewlightsdashedswiftlybyinthedirectionofadistantpartofthegallery，andthentherewasasuddensharpissuingoforders，andadull，ominousrumble。Someofthevisitorsturnedpale：onewomanfainted。
　　Somethinghadhappened。What？"Nothing"（thespeakerisfluent，butuneasy）——"oneofthegentlemen，intryingtodislodgea’specimen’fromthewall，hadknockedawayasupport。Therehadbeena’cave’——thegentlemanwascaught，andburiedbelowhisshoulders。Itwasallright，they’dgethimoutinamoment——onlyitrequiredgreatcaretokeepfromextendingthe’cave。’Didn’tknowhisname。Itwasthatlittleman，thehusbandofthatlivelyladywiththeblackeyes。Eh！Hullo，there！Stopher！ForGod’ssake！Notthatway！She’llfallfromthatshaft。She’llbekilled！"
　　Butthelivelyladywasalreadygone。Withstaringblackeyes，imploringlytryingtopiercethegloom，withhandsandfeetthatsoughttobatterandbreakdownthethickdarkness，withincoherentcriesandsupplicationsfollowingthemovingofignisfatuuslightsahead，sheran，andranswiftly！——ranovertreacherousfoundations，ranbyyawninggulfs，ranpastbranchinggalleriesandarches，ranwildly，randespairingly，ranblindly，andatlastranintothearmsofthe"FoolofFiveForks。"
　　Inaninstantshecaughtathishand。"Oh，savehim！"shecried。
　　"Youbelonghere；youknowthisdreadfulplace：bringmetohim。
　　Tellmewheretogo，andwhattodo，Iimploreyou！Quick，heisdying！Come！"
　　Heraisedhiseyestohers，andthen，withasuddencry，droppedtheropeandcrowbarhewascarrying，andreeledagainstthewall。
　　"Annie！"hegaspedslowly。"Isityou？"
　　Shecaughtatbothhishands，broughtherfacetohiswithstaringeyes，murmured，"GoodGod，Cyrus！"andsankuponherkneesbeforehim。
　　Hetriedtodisengagethehandthatshewrungwithpassionateentreaty。
　　"No，no！Cyrus，youwillforgiveme——youwillforgetthepast！
　　Godhassentyouhereto-day。Youwillcomewithme。Youwill——
　　youmust——savehim！"
　　"Savewho？"criedCyrushoarsely。
　　"Myhusband！"
　　Theblowwassodirect，sostrongandoverwhelming，that，eventhroughherownstrongerandmoreselfishabsorption，shesawitinthefaceoftheman，andpitiedhim。
　　"Ithought——you——knew——it，"shefaltered。
　　Hedidnotspeak，butlookedatherwithfixed，dumbeyes。Andthenthesoundofdistantvoicesandhurryingfeetstartedheragainintopassionatelife。Sheoncemorecaughthishand。
　　"OCyrus，hearme！Ifyouhavelovedmethroughalltheseyears，youwillnotfailmenow。Youmustsavehim！Youcan！Youarebraveandstrong——youalwayswere，Cyrus。Youwillsavehim，Cyrus，formysake，forthesakeofyourloveforme！Youwill——
　　Iknowit。Godblessyou！"
　　Sheroseasiftofollowhim，but，atagestureofcommand，shestoodstill。Hepickeduptheropeandcrowbarslowly，andinadazed，blindedway，that，inheragonyofimpatienceandalarm，seemedprotractedtocruelinfinity。Thenheturned，and，raisingherhandtohislips，kisseditslowly，lookedatheragain，andthenextmomentwasgone。
　　Hedidnotreturn；forattheendofthenexthalf-hour，whentheylaidbeforeherthehalf-conscious，breathingbodyofherhusband，safeandunharmed，butforexhaustionandsomeslightbruises，shelearnedthattheworstfearsoftheworkmenhadbeenrealized。Inreleasinghim，asecondcavehadtakenplace。Theyhadbarelytimetosnatchawaythehelplessbodyofherhusband，beforethestrongframeofhisrescuer，CyrusHawkins，wasstruckandsmittendowninhisplace。
　　Fortwohourshelaythere，crushedandbroken-limbed，withaheavybeamlyingacrosshisbreast，insightofall，consciousandpatient。Fortwohourstheyhadlaboredaroundhim，wildly，despairingly，hopefully，withthewillsofgodsandthestrengthofgiants；andattheendofthattimetheycametoanuprighttimber，whichresteditsbaseuponthebeam。Therewasacryforaxes，andonewasalreadyswingingintheair，whenthedyingmancalledtothemfeebly，——
　　"Don’tcutthatupright！"
　　"Why？"
　　"Itwillbringdownthewholegallerywithit。"
　　"How？"
　　"It’soneofthefoundationsofmyhouse。"
　　Theaxefellfromtheworkman’shand，andwithablanchedfaceheturnedtohisfellows。Itwastootrue。Theywereintheuppermostgallery；andthe"cave"hadtakenplacedirectlybelowthenewhouse。Afterapause，the"Fool"spokeagainmorefeebly。
　　"Thelady——quick！"
　　Theybroughther，——awretched，faintingcreature，withpallidfaceandstreamingeyes，——andfellbackasshebentherfaceabovehim。
　　"Itwasbuiltforyou，Anniedarling，"hesaidinahurriedwhisper，"andhasbeenwaitingupthereforyouandmealltheselongdays。it’sdeededtoyou，Annie；andyoumust——livethere——
　　withHIM！HewillnotmindthatIshallbealwaysnearyou；foritstandsabove——mygrave。"
　　Andhewasright。Inafewminuteslater，whenhehadpassedaway，theydidnotmovehim，butsatbyhisbodyallnightwithatorchathisfeetandhead。Andthenextdaytheywalledupthegalleryasavault；buttheyputnomarkoranysignthereon，trusting，rather，tothemonument，that，brightandcheerful，roseabovehiminthesunlightofthehill。Andthosewhoheardthestorysaid，"Thisisnotanevidenceofdeathandgloomandsorrow，asareothermonuments，butisasignoflifeandlightandhope，whereforeshallallknowthathewholiesunderitiswhatmencall——"afool。"
　　BABYSYLVESTER。
　　Itwasatalittlemining-campintheCaliforniaSierrasthathefirstdawneduponmeinallhisgrotesquesweetness。
　　Ihadarrivedearlyinthemorning，butnotintimetointerceptthefriendwhowastheobjectofmyvisit。Hehadgone"prospecting，"——sotheytoldmeontheriver，——andwouldnotprobablyreturnuntillateintheafternoon。Theycouldnotsaywhatdirectionhehadtaken；theycouldnotsuggestthatIwouldbelikelytofindhimifIfollowed。ButitwasthegeneralopinionthatIhadbetterwait。
　　Ilookedaroundme。Iwasstandinguponthebankoftheriver；
　　andapparentlytheonlyotherhumanbeingsintheworldweremyinterlocutors，whowereeventhenjustdisappearingfrommyhorizon，downthesteepbank，towardtheriver’sdrybed。I
　　approachedtheedgeofthebank。
　　WherecouldIwait？
　　Oh！anywhere，——downwiththemontheriver-bar，wheretheywereworking，ifIliked。OrIcouldmakemyselfathomeinanyofthosecabinsthatIfoundlyingroundloose。Orperhapsitwouldbecoolerandpleasanterformeinmyfriend’scabinonthehill。
　　DidIseethosethreelargesugar-pines，and，alittletotheright，acanvasroofandchimney，overthebushes？Well，thatwasmyfriend’s，——thatwasDickSylvester’scabin。Icouldstakemyhorseinthatlittlehollow，andjusthangroundtheretillhecame。Iwouldfindsomebooksintheshanty。IcouldamusemyselfwiththemorIcouldplaywiththebaby。
　　Dowhat？
　　Buttheyhadalreadygone。Ileanedoverthebank，andcalledaftertheirvanishingfigures，——"WhatdidyousayIcoulddo？"Theanswerfloatedslowlyuponthehot，sluggishair，——
　　"Pla-a-ywiththeba-by。"
　　Thelazyechoestookitup，andtosseditlanguidlyfromhilltohill，untilBaldMountainoppositemadesomeincoherentremarkaboutthebaby；andthenallwasstill。
　　Imusthavebeenmistaken。Myfriendwasnotamanoffamily；
　　therewasnotawomanwithinfortymilesoftherivercamp；heneverwassopassionatelydevotedtochildrenastoimportaluxurysoexpensive。Imusthavebeenmistaken。
　　Iturnedmyhorse’sheadtowardthehill。Asweslowlyclimbedthenarrowtrail，thelittlesettlementmighthavebeensomeexhumedPompeiiansuburb，sodesertedandsilentwereitshabitations。Theopendoorsplainlydisclosedeachrudely-furnishedinterior，——theroughpinetable，withthescantequipageofthemorningmealstillstanding；thewoodenbunk，withitstumbledanddishevelledblankets。Agoldenlizard，theverygeniusofdesolatestillness，hadstoppedbreathlessuponthethresholdofonecabin；asquirrelpeepedimpudentlyintothewindowofanother；awoodpecker，withthegeneralflavorofundertakingwhichdistinguishesthatbird，withheldhissepulchralhammerfromthecoffin-lidoftheroofonwhichhewasprofessionallyengaged，aswepassed。ForamomentI
　　halfregrettedthatIhadnotacceptedtheinvitationtotheriver-
　　bed；but，thenextmoment，abreezesweptupthelong，darkcanyon，andthewaitingfilesofthepinesbeyondbenttowardmeinsalutation。Ithinkmyhorseunderstood，aswellasmyself，thatitwasthecabinsthatmadethesolitudehuman，andthereforeunbearable；forhequickenedhispace，andwithagentletrotbroughtmetotheedgeofthewood，andthethreepinesthatstoodlikevedettesbeforetheSylvesteroutpost。
　　Unsaddlingmyhorseinthelittlehollow，Iunslungthelongriatafromthesaddle-bow，and，tetheringhimtoayoungsapling，turnedtowardthecabin。ButIhadgoneonlyafewsteps，whenIheardaquicktrotbehindme；andpoorPomposo，witheveryfibretinglingwithfear，wasatmyheels。Ilookedhurriedlyaround。Thebreezehaddiedaway；andonlyanoccasionalbreathfromthedeep-chestedwoods，morelikealongsighthananyarticulatesound，orthedrysingingofacicalaintheheatedcanyon，weretobeheard。I
　　examinedthegroundcarefullyforrattlesnakes，butinvain。YetherewasPompososhiveringfromhisarchednecktohissensitivehaunches，hisveryflankspulsatingwithterror。IsoothedhimaswellasIcould，andthenwalkedtotheedgeofthewood，andpeeredintoitsdarkrecesses。Thebrightflashofabird’swing，orthequickdartofasquirrel，wasallIsaw。IconfessitwaswithsomethingofsuperstitiousexpectationthatIagainturnedtowardsthecabin。Afairy-child，attendedbyTitaniaandhertrain，lyinginanexpensivecradle，wouldnothavesurprisedme：aSleepingBeauty，whoseawakeningwouldhaverepeopledthesesolitudeswithlifeandenergy，IamafraidIbegantoconfidentlylookfor，andwouldhavekissedwithouthesitation。
　　ButIfoundnoneofthese。Herewastheevidenceofmyfriend’stasteandrefinement，inthehearthsweptscrupulouslyclean，inthepicturesquearrangementofthefur-skinsthatcoveredthefloorandfurniture，andthestripedserapelyingonthewoodencouch。
　　Herewerethewallsfancifullypaperedwithillustrationsfrom"TheLondonNews；"herewasthewoodcutportraitofMr。Emersonoverthechimney，quaintlyframedwithblue-jays’wings；herewerehisfewfavoritebooksontheswinging-shelf；andhere，lyinguponthecouch，thelatestcopyof"Punch。"DearDick！Theflour-sackwassometimesempty；butthegentlesatiristseldommissedhisweeklyvisit。
　　Ithrewmyselfonthecouch，andtriedtoread。ButIsoonexhaustedmyinterestinmyfriend’slibrary，andlaytherestaringthroughtheopendooronthegreenhillsidebeyond。Thebreezeagainsprangup；andadeliciouscoolness，mixedwiththerareincenseofthewoods，stolethroughthecabin。Theslumbrousdroningofbumblebeesoutsidethecanvasroof，thefaintcawingofrooksontheoppositemountain，andthefatigueofmymorningride，begantodroopmyeyelids。Ipulledtheserapeoverme，asaprecautionagainstthefresheningmountainbreeze，andinafewmomentswasasleep。
　　IdonotrememberhowlongIslept。Imusthavebeenconscious，however，duringmyslumber，ofmyinabilitytokeepmyselfcoveredbytheserape；forIawokeonceortwice，clutchingitwithadespairinghandasitwasdisappearingoverthefootofthecouch。
　　ThenIbecamesuddenlyarousedtothefactthatmyeffortstoretainitwereresistedbysomeequallypersistentforce；and，lettingitgo，Iwashorrifiedatseeingitswiftlydrawnunderthecouch。AtthispointIsatup，completelyawake；forimmediatelyafter，whatseemedtobeanexaggeratedmuffbegantoemergefromunderthecouch。Presentlyitappearedfully，draggingtheserapeafterit。Therewasnomistakingitnow：itwasababy-bear，——ameresuckling，itwastrue，ahelplessrolloffatandfur，butunmistakablyagrizzlycub！
　　Icannotrecallanythingmoreirresistiblyludicrousthanitsaspectasitslowlyraiseditssmall，wonderingeyestomine。Itwassomuchtalleronitshaunchesthanitsshoulders，itsforelegsweresodisproportionatelysmall，that，inwalking，itshind-feetinvariablytookprecedence。Itwasperpetuallypitchingforwardoveritspointed，inoffensivenose，andrecoveringitselfalways，aftertheseinvoluntarysomersaultswiththegravestastonishment。
　　Toaddtoitspreposterousappearance，oneofitshind-feetwasadornedbyashoeofSylvester’s，intowhichithadaccidentallyandinextricablystepped。Asthissomewhatimpededitsfirstimpulsetofly，itturnedtome；andthen，possiblyrecognizinginthestrangerthesamespeciesasitsmaster，itpaused。Presentlyitslowlyraiseditselfonitshind-legs，andvaguelyanddeprecatinglywavedababy-paw，fringedwithlittlehooksofsteel。
　　Itookthepaw，andshookitgravely。Fromthatmomentwewerefriends。Thelittleaffairoftheserapewasforgotten。
　　Nevertheless，Iwaswiseenoughtocementourfriendshipbyanactofdelicatecourtesy。Followingthedirectionofhiseyes，Ihadnodifficultyinfindingonashelfneartheridge-polethesugar-
　　boxandthesquarelumpsofwhitesugarthateventhepoorestminerisneverwithout。Whilehewaseatingthem，Ihadtimetoexaminehimmoreclosely。Hisbodywasasilky，dark，butexquisitely-
　　modulatedgray，deepeningtoblackinhispawsandmuzzle。Hisfurwasexcessivelylong，thick，andsoftaseider-down；thecushionsoffleshbeneathperfectlyinfantineintheirtextureandcontour。
　　Hewassoveryyoung，thatthepalmsofhishalf-humanfeetwerestilltenderasababy’s。Exceptforthebrightblue，steelyhooks，halfsheathedinhislittletoes，therewasnotasingleharshoutlineordetailinhisplumpfigure。HewasasfreefromanglesasoneofLeda’soffspring。Yourcaressinghandsankawayinhisfurwithdreamylanguor。Tolookathimlongwasanintoxicationofthesenses；topathimwasawilddelirium；toembracehim，anutterdemoralizationoftheintellectualfaculties。
　　Whenhehadfinishedthesugar，herolledoutofthedoorwithahalf-diffident，half-invitinglookinhiseyesasifheexpectedmetofollow。Ididso；butthesniffingandsnortingofthekeen-
　　scentedPomposointhehollownotonlyrevealedthecauseofhisformerterror，butdecidedmetotakeanotherdirection。Afteramoment’shesitation，heconcludedtogowithme，althoughIamsatisfied，fromacertainimpishlookinhiseye，thathefullyunderstoodandratherenjoyedthefrightofPomposo。Asherolledalongatmyside，withagaitnotunlikeadrunkensailor，I
　　discoveredthathislonghairconcealedaleathercollararoundhisneck，whichboreforitslegendthesingleword"Baby！"Irecalledthemysterioussuggestionofthetwominers。This，then，wasthe"baby"withwhomIwasto"play。"
　　Howwe"played；"howBabyallowedmetorollhimdownhill，crawlingandpuffingupagaineachtimewithperfectgood-humor；
　　howheclimbedayoungsaplingaftermyPanamahat，whichIhad"shied"intooneofthetopmostbranches；how，aftergettingit，herefusedtodescenduntilitsuitedhispleasure；how，whenhedidcomedown，hepersistedinwalkingaboutonthreelegs，carryingmyhat，acrushedandshapelessmass，claspedtohisbreastwiththeremainingone；howImissedhimatlast，andfinallydiscoveredhimseatedonatableinoneofthetenantlesscabins，withabottleofsirupbetweenhispaws，vainlyendeavoringtoextractitscontents，——theseandotherdetailsofthateventfuldayIshallnotwearythereaderwithnow。Enoughthat，whenDickSylvesterreturned，Iwasprettywellfaggedout，andthebabywasrolledup，animmensebolster，atthefootofthecouch，asleep。Sylvester’sfirstwordsafterourgreetingwere，——
　　"Isn’thedelicious？"
　　"Perfectly。Wheredidyougethim？"
　　"Lyingunderhisdeadmother，fivemilesfromhere，"saidDick，lightinghispipe。"Knockedheroveratfiftyyards：perfectlycleanshot；nevermovedafterwards。Babycrawledout，scared，butunhurt。Shemusthavebeencarryinghiminhermouth，anddroppedhimwhenshefacedme；forhewasn’tmorethanthreedaysold，andnotsteadyonhispins。Hetakestheonlymilkthatcomestothesettlement，broughtupbyAdamsExpressatseveno’clockeverymorning。Theysayhelookslikeme。Doyouthinkso？"askedDickwithperfectgravity，strokinghishay-coloredmustachios，andevidentlyassuminghisbestexpression。
　　ItookleaveofthebabyearlythenextmorninginSylvester’scabin，and，outofrespecttoPomposo’sfeelings，rodebywithoutanypostscriptofexpression。ButthenightbeforeIhadmadeSylvestersolemnlyswear，that，intheeventofanyseparationbetweenhimselfandBaby，itshouldreverttome。"Atthesametime，"hehadadded，"it’sonlyfairtosaythatIdon’tthinkofdyingjustyet，oldfellow；andIdon’tknowofanythingelsethatwouldpartthecubandme。"
　　Twomonthsafterthisconversation，asIwasturningoverthemorning’smailatmyofficeinSanFrancisco，InoticedaletterbearingSylvester’sfamiliarhand。Butitwaspost-marked"Stockton，"andIopeneditwithsomeanxietyatonce。Itscontentswereasfollows：——
　　"OFRANK！——Don’tyourememberwhatweagreeduponanentthebaby？
　　Well，considermeasdeadforthenextsixmonths，orgonewherecubscan’tfollowme，——East。Iknowyoulovethebaby；butdoyouthink，dearboy，——now，really，doyouthinkyouCOULDbeafathertoit？Considerthiswell。Youareyoung，thoughtless，well-
　　meaningenough；butdareyoutakeuponyourselfthefunctionsofguide，genius，orguardiantoonesoyoungandguileless？CouldyoubetheMentortothisTelemachus？Thinkofthetemptationsofametropolis。Lookatthequestionwell，andletmeknowspeedily；
　　forI’vegothimasfarasthisplace，andhe’skickingupanawfulrowinthehotel-yard，andrattlinghischainlikeamaniac。Letmeknowbytelegraphatonce。