[Illustration: SHE STARED BEWILDERED INTO THE SHAGGY FACES AROUNDHER. --PAGE 21. ]

A WAIF OF THE MOUNTAINS

BY

EDWARD S. ELLIS

AUTHOR OF "UP THE TAPAJOS, " "FROM THE THROTTLE TO THE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR, ""THE LAND OF WONDERS, " ETC. 

CHICAGO

GEO. M. HILL CO. 

PUBLISHERS

COPYRIGHT, 1900, BY

THE MERSHON COMPANY

A WAIF OF THE MOUNTAINS

CHAPTER I

AT NEW CONSTANTINOPLE

IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch. Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increasedin number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorgesand caņons of the Sierras. It was still snowing with no sign ofcessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth ofseveral feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abyssesand making travel almost impossible for man or animal. 

The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven innumber. They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at analtitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass orcaņon. The site protruded in the form of a table-land, offering asecure foundation for the structures, which were thus elevatedsufficiently to be beyond reach of the terrific torrents thatsometimes rushed through the ravine during the melting of the snow inthe spring, or after one of those fierce cloud-bursts that givescarcely a minute's warning of their coming. 

The diggings were in the mountain side at varying distances. Thesuccess in mining had been only moderate, although several promisingfinds raised hopes. The population numbered precisely thirty men, representing all quarters of the Union, while five came from Europe. The majority were shaggy, bronzed adventurers, the variety beingalmost as great as the numbers. Some had been clerks, several werecollege graduates, a number were the sons of wealthy parents, and onewas a full-fledged parson, while there was a certain percentage whohad left their homes to escape the grip of the offended law. 

With that yearning for picturesqueness which is a peculiar trait ofAmericans, the miners felt that when their settlement had attained thedignity of nearly a dozen dwellings, it was entitled to an appropriatename. The gorge, which seemed to have been gouged out of the solidmass of boulders and rocks, when the mountains were split apart in theremote past, was known from the first by the title already given, which also clung to the diggings themselves. 

The single saloon presided over by Max Ortigies, was the HeavenlyBower, --so _that_ point was settled, but when it came to naming thesettlement itself, the difficulties were so numerous that days andweeks passed without an agreement being reached. No matter howstriking and expressive the title offered by one man, the majoritypromptly protested. It was too sulphurous, or too insipid or it lackedin that nebulous characteristic which may be defined as trueAmericanism. It looked as if the problem would never be solved, whenLandlord Ortigies, taking the bull by the horns, appointed a committeeof three to select a name, the others pledging themselves to acceptwhatever the committee submitted. 

But the mischief was to pay when on the night of the blizzard thecommittee met at the Heavenly Bower to make their report. The chairmaninsisted upon "E Pluribus Unum, " the second member's favorite was"Murderer's Holler, " while the third would not listen to anythingexcept "Wolf Eye, " and each was immovably set in his convictions. 

Budge Isham was not a member of the committee, but he was known as acollege graduate. From his seat on an overturned box at the rear ofthe room, where he was smoking a pipe, he asked troublesome questionsand succeeded in arraying the committeemen so fiercely against oneanother that each was eager to vote, in the event of failing to carryhis own point, in favor of any name objectionable to the rest. 

The chairman as stated favored the patriotic name "E Pluribus Unum, "and boldly announced the fact. 

"It has a lofty sound, " blandly remarked Isham; "will the chairman begood enough to translate it for us? In other words, what does 'EPluribus Unum' mean?"

"Why, " replied the chairman with scorn in his manner; "everybodyoughter know it means, 'Hurrah for the red, white and blue. '"

"Thank you, " returned Isham, puffing at his pipe. 

Vose Adams, the second committeeman, felt it his duty to explain hisposition. 

"The trouble with that outlandish name is in the fust place that ithas three words and consequently it's too much to manage. Whoeverheard of a town with three handles to its name? Then it's foreign. When I was in college (several disrespectful sniffs which caused thespeaker to stop and glare around in quest of the offenders); I saywhen I was in college and studying Greek and Chinese and Russian, Ilarned that that name was made up of all three of them languages. Ib'leve in America for the Americans, and if we can't find a namethat's in the American language, why let's wait till we can. "

This sentiment was delivered with such dramatic force that several ofthe miners nodded their heads in approval. It was an appeal to thepatriotic side of their nature--which was quick to respond. 

"Mr. Chairman, " said Budge Isham, addressing the landlord, who, bygeneral consent, was the presiding officer at these disputations, andwho like the others failed to see the quiet amusement the educated manwas extracting, "if it is agreeable to Mr. Adams, to whose eloquentspeech we have listened with much edification, I would like him togive us his reasons for calling our handsome town 'Murderers'Hollow. '"

The gentleman appealed to rose to his feet. Turning toward the man whohad called upon him, he gave him a look which ought to have made himsink to the floor with mortification, preliminary to saying withpolished irony:

"If the gentleman had paid attention as he oughter, he would haveobsarved that I said 'Murderer's Holler, ' not 'Murderers' _Hollow_. ' Iwould advise him not to forget that he ain't the only man in thisplace that has received a college eddycation. Now as to the name: itproclaims our stern virtue and love for law. "

The orator paused, but the wondering expression of the bronzedfaces turned toward him showed that he would have to descend toparticulars. 

"When violators of the law hear that name, what does it say to them?It says that if any murderer shows his face in this place, he willreceive such rough handling that he will have to holler 'enough, ' andwill be glad to get out--I don't see what there is to laugh at!"exclaimed Vose angrily, looking threateningly around again with hisfists clenched and his gaze fixed specially upon the grinning BudgeIsham. 

"There's some sense in what Vose says, which ain't often the case, "remarked Ike Hoe, the other member of the committee, "but the troublewill be that when folks hear of the name, they won't think to give itthe meanin' that he gives it. They'll conclude that this place is thehome of murderers, and, if it keeps on, bime by of hoss thieves. If itwarn't for that danger, I might go in for backing up Vose with hisname, but as it stands it won't do. "

The argument of Ike had produced its effect. There was little sympathyin the first place for the title, and that little was destroyed by thewords of Ike, who proceeded to plead for his own choice. 

"Now as to 'Wolf Eye. ' In the first place, it is short and easy tosay. There ain't any slur in the name, that might offend a new comer, who would think the 'Murderer's Holler' contained ungentlemanlyallusions to his past. It is warning, too, that the place has got aneye on everybody and has teeth as sharp as a wolf. Then there ispoetry in the name. Gentlemen, " added Ike in a burst of enthusiasm, "we oughter go in for poetry. How can any one live in such a gloriouscountry as this with the towering kenyons around him, with themountains thousands of feet deep, with the grand sun kissin' thewestern tips in the morning and sinking to rest at night in theeast, --with the snow storms in summer and the blazing heat inwinter--with the glo----"

"Hold on! hold on!" called Budge Isham, rising solemnly to his feet, with hands uplifted in protest; "if Ike doesn't stop, he'll have usall standing on our heads. There's a brand of liquor down inSacramento called 'Wolf Eye;' I don't make any charges, gentlemen, against my friend Ike, but you can draw your inferences. Wolf Eyewon't do. "

A general laugh greeted this sally, seeing which the indignant Iketurned the tables upon Budge with an admirable piece of sarcasm. 

"Seeing as how all of us together don't know 'nough to git up a namethat will suit, I move that the college eddycated gentleman suppliesthe brains and does it himself. "

The crushing irony of this remark was spoiled by Budge accepting it inall seriousness. He bowed his head and gracefully thanked thesatirical Vose. 

"I shall be very glad to do so. The committee meant well enough, butthe trouble was that there were too many fools on it----"

At this point Wade Ruggles sprang to his feet, with the fiercequestion:

"Does the gentleman refer to _me_?"

His hand was at his hip on the butt of his revolver and matterslooked squally, but the tactful Budge quelled the rising storm withChesterfieldian grace. Waving his hand and bowing, he said:

"I did not intend the remotest reference to you. "

Vose Adams came up promptly. 

"Then it's _me_ and I'm ready to make any man eat his words. "

"My good friend is mistaken; nothing could induce me to apply such aterm to him; I hold him in too high esteem. "

Since this left Ike Hoe as the only remaining member, he began to showsigns of explosion, perceiving which the incomprehensible Budgeproceeded to mollify him. 

"And Ike knows that I would be the last person in the world to slur agentleman from whom I as well as the others have received so muchinstruction. "

Ike was mystified. He looked at the other members of the committee andthen into the faces of the group. He couldn't make it out. 

"If it's all the same, Mr. Chairman, since the gentleman has saidthere was too many fools on the committee, and has just explained thathe didn't mean any one of us three, I'll be obliged if he'll explainwho in thunder he did mean. "

This sounded unanswerable, but the cunning Budge was equal to theoccasion. 

"It gives me pleasure to answer the question of the gentleman: myremark was made in a Pickwickian sense. "

He leaned forward with a beaming smile, as if his explanation leftnothing to be added. No one understood to what he referred, but allwere too proud to admit the fact. There was a general nodding ofheads, and Ike, with the manner of a man who magnanimously accepts thehumble apology of him whom he has worsted, leaned back on his stooland audibly remarked:

"That makes it all right. "

Budge Isham resumed his seat, when he was reminded that he wasexpected to submit a name for the new settlement. 

"I beg pardon, " he said, rising again, "it is a fact known to thishighly intelligent assemblage, that every city of prominence in Europehas from one to forty namesakes in this country. There is oneexception, however; doubtless all know to what city I refer. "

In response to his inquiring looks, the group tried to appear as ifthe name was familiar to them, but no one spoke. 

"It is hardly necessary for me to mention the city, but I may say itis Constantinople. "

A contemptuous sniff greeted this proposal. 

"That's the worst yet, " said Wade Ruggles, drawing a match along thethigh of his trousers to relight his pipe, which had gone out duringthe excitement; "the man that insults this party with such aproposition, ought to be run out of the place. "

"What's the matter with it?" demanded Budge. 

"It's too long in the fust place, " commented Ike Hoe; "it bothers aman to git his mouth around it and it hain't any music, like the othernames such as Starvation Kenyon, Hangman's Noose, Blizzard Gorge andthe rest. I stick to mine as the purtiest of all. "

"What's that?"

"'Blazes, ' short and sweet and innercent like. "

Landlord Ortigies was leaning with both elbows on the bar. The newname struck him favorably. 

"I'm inclined to agree with Budge, " he said, "cause there hain't anyother place that's hit onto it. All of them names that you chaps havetried to spring onto us, have been used in other places, or at leastsome part of the names, but, as Budge has observed, no galoot hasscooped 'Constantinople. '"

"'Cause no one ain't fool enough, " observed Ike Hoe, who noted thedrift of the sentiment. 

"But they'll pounce onto it powerful quick if we don't grab it whileit's passin'; it's a good long name, and what if it does make a chapsling the muscles of his jaw to warble it? All the better; it'll makehim think well of his town, which I prophesy is going to be theemporium of the West. "

"Let's see, " growled Wade Ruggles, "Constantinople is in Ireland isn'tit?"

"Where's your eddycation?" sneered Ike Vose; "it's the oldest town inWales. "

Landlord Ortigies raised his head and filled the room with his geniallaughter. 

"If there was anything I was strong on when I led my class at theSquankum High School it was astronermy; I was never catched inlocating places. "

"If you know so much, " remarked Ruggles, "you'll let us know something'bout that town which I scorn to name. "

"I'm allers ready to enlighten ign'rance, though I've never visitedConstantinople, which stands on the top of the Himalaya Mountains, inthe southern part of Iceland. "

"That's very good, " said Budge Isham, who with his usual tactmaneuvered to keep the ally he had gained, "but the Constantinople Ihave in mind is in Turkey, which is such a goodly sized country thatit straddles from Europe to Asia. "

"Which the same I suppose means to imply that this ere Constantinoplewill do likewise similar. "

"No doubt that's what it'll do in time, " assented the landlord. 

"I beg to offer an amendment to my own motion, " continued the oilyBudge; "when the boom strikes this town, as it is bound soon to do, and it rivals in size the famous city on the other side of theAtlantic, there should be something to distinguish the two. We have nowish to rob any other place of the honors it has taken centuries togain; so, while we reserve the principal name, I propose that wedistinguish it from the old city by prefixing the word 'New. '"

"You mean that this town shall be 'New Constantinople?'" was theinquiring remark of the landlord. 

"Precisely; and I now make the motion that that be our name. "

There were seventeen persons present and it looked as if a decisionwas inevitable. The landlord was shrewd. His first act was to inviteall to drink at his expense, after which he made each pledge himselfto abide by the decision, whatever it might be. These preliminariesbeing arranged, a show of hands was called for. The vote was eight forand eight against the new name. 

"That's a tie, " commented the landlord from behind his immense beard;"and therefore the question ain't settled. "

"It's easy 'nough to settle it, " said Ike Hoe. 

"How?"

"Take another vote. "

"I don't see how that'll do it, onless some one changes his mind; butagain, gentlemen: all who favor the new name, raise their righthands. "

Eight horny palms were elevated in air, while the same number weredisplayed in the negative. The landlord looked troubled. 

"We must keep it up till some one weakens, " observed Wade Ruggles. 

The host scanned the earnest faces in front of him. 

"Which of you gentlemen will promise to weaken if we keep this thingup for half the night?"

"I'll stay here a week, " was the reply of Vose Adams, while thegeneral nodding of heads showed that he echoed the sentiments of theothers. The landlord met the crisis with becoming dignity. 

"Gentlemen, when I was a member of Congress, all questions that wastied was settled by the presiding officer casting the deciding vote, and which as aforesaid we don't lay any claim to being higher thanCongress, I therefore, by virtue of the aforesaid right vested in me, cast my vote in favor of this city being called New Constantinople, which the same is on me again; gentlemen, what will you have?"

It was a coup d'etat, the victory being clinched before the oppositionrealized it. Ere the company had fairly recovered from theirbewilderment, Budge Isham declared that the victory was really his, due to the good sense and high toned chivalry of his friends, and heinsisted upon doing the honors. He would accept no denial and theengaging style in which he acquitted himself of this duty restoredgood humor. Thus it was that the little mining town of the Sierras inthe days that are gone received its title. 

The Heavenly Bower consisted of two large apartments, both on theground floor. The one at the rear was used by Landlord Ortigies forsleeping, eating and partial storage purposes. When Vose Adams madehis quarterly visits to Sacramento, he was accompanied by two mules. They were not necessary to take and bring the mail, since the pocketof Adams' great coat was sufficient for that, but they carried down toSacramento several empty casks which came back filled, or rather theywere thus when the return journey was begun, but to the dismay of theproprietor of the Heavenly Bower, he found that they were barelytwo-thirds full, when unloaded at his place. Vose explained that theleakage was due to the roughness of the trail. Since there seemed noother way of overcoming this, the landlord sent an extra cask with therequest to Vose that he would confine his leakage to that and Vosekindly obliged him. 

The stuff thus provided for the Heavenly Bower was generally inconcentrated form, thereby permitting a dilution which insured a fullsupply for the customers who were afflicted with an eternal thirst. 

The bar room was of extensive proportions. Nearly all of one side wasoccupied by the bar. Opposite was the huge fireplace, and scatteredaround were a number of stools, rickety chairs and strong boxes whichserved equally well for seats. 

The crackling fire, the genial warmth and good cheer within the roomwere the more striking because of their contrast with the howlingstorm without. The gale roared around the corners of the rude butstrong structure, rattling against the massive door and the log walls, spitting vicious gusts down the chimney and flinging great driftshither and yon with a fury that threatened to send the buildingskurrying through the snowy space. 

"It's the worst blizzard we ever had, " remarked Wade Ruggles, afterone of these violent outbursts; "God pity any one that's abroadto-night. "

"It reminds me of that zephyr last winter, " observed Vose Adams, "whenI was bringing your freight, Max, from Sacramento. "

"I remember, " nodded the landlord; "you started with two kegs and gothere with about half a one; the leakage was tremenjus on that trip. "

"True; the blizzards is always rough on Mountain Dew, and sorter makesit shrink, " replied the unblushing Vose. 

"Can't you stop the casks leaking so much, " inquired Felix Brush, whohad been a parson in Missouri, and claimed that he had never been"unfrocked. "

The landlord solemnly swayed his head. 

"Not as long as Vose has charge of the freight----"

At that instant a dull but resounding thump was heard on the roofoverhead. It shook every log in the structure, checked speech andcaused each man to look wonderingly at his neighbor. 

"The mountain has fell on us!" exclaimed Ike Hoe in a husky whisper. 

"If it was the mountain, " said Budge Isham, slightly raising hisvoice, as the courage of the party came back; "none of us would beable to tell of it. "

"Then it's a rock--well, I'm blessed! the thing is moving!"

Something was certainly astir in the mass of snow overhead. 

"I guess it's a angel that has lost its way, " submitted Hoe. 

"More likely it's a grizzly b'ar that's stumbled off the rocks--"

But all these speculations were scattered to the winds by the sound ofa voice muffled and seemingly far away, which came to them through thestorm:

"_Helloa, the house_!"

CHAPTER II

WHAT THE BLIZZARD BROUGHT TO NEW CONSTANTINOPLE

A moment after the hail was heard from the roof, the muffled noisewhich accompanied it ceased. The stranger groping about in the snowygloom had stepped off the roof into the huge drift outside theHeavenly Bower, and a minute later, lifted the latch of the door andpushed in among the astonished miners. They saw the figure of a sturdyman holding something in his arms, so wrapped round with blankets andcoverings that no one could tell its nature. He stamped the snow fromhis boots, shook himself like a shaggy dog, then walked heavily to thechair which Budge Isham placed near the fire for him, and almost fellinto it. 

"Good evening, friends, " he said in a grave voice; "It was no fault ofmine that I tried at first to enter by the roof. "

"When I built the Heavenly Bower, " replied Landlord Ortigies; "Imeant to place a door up there, but there wasn't anybody in NewConstantinople with enough sense to know how to do it. I 'spose youwas looking fur it, stranger. "

"No, " was the reply, "I wasn't looking for anything; I was justwalking, walking through the storm, not knowing or caring where Iwent. I can't say how far I came, but it must have been a number ofmiles. I was still plodding on, when I set my foot on vacancy and downI went. "

"Gracious! you fell nearly a hundred feet, " said Parson Brush; "it wasa wonderful providence that saved you from being dashed to death. "

"The snow on the roof must be five or six feet deep, " replied thestranger; "for it received me as if it were a feather bed. I saw aglow from the top of your chimney against the rocks and knew I was onthe roof of a house. I hardly felt jarred and groped my way off into alot more snow and here I am. "

The astonishment of the listeners did not make them forget the laws ofhospitality. Budge Isham looked significantly at the landlord, but hehad already drawn a glass of spirits and was coming from behind thebar with it. 

"Stranger, swallow this; you look cold; you're welcome to the HeavenlyBower, whether you come through the roof or down the chimbley. "

"Thank you; I'll take the whiskey in a minute. "

And then feeling that he owed those who made him so welcome someexplanation of his coming among them, the stranger said:

"My friends, my name is Maurice Dawson. About two months ago, I leftIndependence, Missouri, with an emigrant train for the Pacific coast. The elements, disease and the Indians made such inroads upon us thatafter a time only half a dozen families remained. As if that wasn'tenough, the few survivors quarreled over the course to follow, most ofthem aiming for a pass through the mountains into Southern California, while I, the greatest fool of them all, set out to find Dead Man'sGulch, of which I had heard from a party of trappers. My canvascovered wagon, with a single span of horses, contained all my worldlygoods, and my companions were my wife and little girl Nellie, onlythree years old. Everything might have gone well but for thisblizzard, which jumbled up the points of the compass and madetraveling so difficult that after a time it became impossible. "

All were listening with the closest interest, and every heart wastouched by the emotion of the man, which he could not control forseveral minutes. No one interrupted, and, feeling that his story wasnot quite completed, he added:

"I fired my gun in the hope of attracting attention, but fortunatelyfor others I was the only one abroad. By and by the horses stopped. They could draw the wagon no further. They stood panting and exhaustedand soon lay down in the snow. I turned to speak to my wife, when Ifound she had been dead for some minutes, the cold carrying her off asquietly as if she were dropping asleep. Before she passed away, shewrapped nearly all her clothing about Nellie, who was cuddling besideher, so that really the mother, like the noble woman she was, gave herlife for the little one. It was because Nellie was alive, that Ijumped out of the wagon and began floundering through the snow. Iploughed blindly forward until providence guided me to you. "

While uttering the last words, Maurice Dawson was tenderly unwrappingthe bundle in his arms. There were many folds to draw away, but atlast he reached the treasure within, which was his Nellie, still soundasleep. 

If the miners were startled by the resounding thump on the roof, theywere now almost struck dumb with amazement. They sat with open mouths, staring eyes and for a minute no one spoke or stirred. 

"God bless you, my Nellie, " murmured the father, bending his head andtouching his lips to the cool forehead; "I had no hope of this when Ileft your dead mother and started on my tramp through the snow. "

A general sigh went up from the group of awed miners. Wade Ruggles, who had been leaning on the bar, with his gaze fixed on that of thehandsome stranger, was the first to recover from the spell which heldthem all. Tiptoeing across the room, he paused in front of the fatherand his child and stared, wondering and speechless. Then one by onethe others did the same, until the whole company were grouped aroundthe man and child, each afraid to whisper, as if doing so woulddissolve the heavenly vision. 

When the wrappings had been laid aside, and the little one was placedupright, she stared bewildered into the shaggy faces around her. Herbig blue eyes were open to their widest extent, the mass of goldencurls rippled about her shoulders and the fairy-like feet wereinclosed in thick, warm shoes and stockings. The dress of a dull browncolor and thick texture, fitted her tiny frame perfectly and sheformed a most winsome picture of infantile beauty. 

For fully five minutes all stared in silence at the marvelous picture. As before, Wade Ruggles was the first to come to himself, but when hespoke, it was in an awed, hesitating whisper:

"Is she really alive?"

The sorrowful face of the father lit up with a faint smile as heanswered:

"Yes; thank heaven; alive and well. "

"May I touch her?" timidly asked Ike Hoe, extending his finger whichfaintly brushed the rosy cheek, and was instantly snatched away as ifhe felt he had done a sacrilegious thing. 

"I say, " ventured Ruggles gathering courage, "I wonder now if shewould let me take her in my arms for a minute or so; I won't drop her;but that's too much to ask, howsumever. "

While he stood hopeful, hesitating and doubtful, Nellie with a halffrightened smile, dived her head under the arm of her father, as if toget away from the embarrassing situation. He gently fondled the goldenhair and drew her face into view again. 

"There, little one, there's nothing to be frightened at; these peopleare all your friends and will do anything they can to please you. "

"You're right!" exclaimed Landlord Ortigies, with a shake of his head;"we'll do anything in the world for you; if you say the word, I'llstand on my head or stand any one else here the same way. "

And he showed an alarming inclination to invert himself for theamusement of the child, but she did not seem to grasp the meaning ofthe offer. She fixed her eyes upon Ruggles, who made bold by whatseemed a favorable sign, took a step forward and invitingly extendedhis hands. She debated for a moment, whether to meet the proffer andthen with the impulsiveness of infancy leaned toward him. With athrill of pleasure the grizzled miner carefully placed his huge armsunderneath hers, and lifted her as if she were a doll from herfather's knee. As he did so, every one saw the big tears tricklingdown his cheeks. 

"I can't help it, boys, " he said apologetically; "the last child Iheld in these arms was my own Jennie, and she was dead. "

With infinite affection, he pressed his bearded lips against thechubby cheek, while she, relieved of all fear, flung her dimpled armsabout his neck and kissed him in return. With one hand, she lifted theflapping hat from his head and with the other smoothed away theluxuriant hair from his forehead. 

"I like you ever so much, but you are crying, " she said sympathetically;"what makes you do that? Haven't you got a little girl like me?"

"No, my precious child; I once had just such a sweet tot as you, butthe good Lord took her from me, and I love you just as I loved her. "

"And that's what we all are going to do, " remarked Ike Hoe, with asniff as he drew his sleeve across his eyes; "this beats anything inthe history of New Constantinople, by seven hundred and eighty-fourthousand majority. "

"Come, Wade, you must be fair with us, " said the landlord, reachingout his arms; "we all claim an equal share in her. "

The miner felt the truth of this, and without a word relinquished thetreasure. Drawing his handkerchief, he wiped his eyes clear of theirmist and jealously followed the surrendered one as she was fondled inturn by the others. First one and then another, until she hadcompleted the round. All had something pleasant to say to her and shereplied in her sweet innocent way, causing laughter and winning herpath straight to the hearts of the hardy fellows, to whom suchendearments had been unknown for years, but whose better natures werestirred by the presence of the child, as if she were in reality anangel sent from heaven. 

Felix Brush had purposely left his turn for the last, hoping therebyto retain her longer than his friends. After chatting with her for amoment and repeating some rigmarole that set her laughing, followed bythe request for him to say it again, he stood her on the bar. Then hedanced in front of her, swung his arms like a jumping-jack, and toldsome outlandish fairy story from the stock that no one had eversuspected he possessed. 

"Can you stand on your head?" asked Nellie, rippling over with fun. 

"Certainly, " he replied, as without a moment's hesitation, he invertedhimself and cracked his heels together, though the attitude was suchan unfamiliar one that he careened and went over on his back with athump that made the room tremble. Nellie clapped her chubby handswith delight and before Brush could repeat the performance, shecalled:

"Catch me; I'm going to jump. "

"All right; I'm ready for you. "

She recoiled a step to gather momentum and Landlord Ortigies, terrified at the fear that she might step off backward, made a diveround the end of the bar, catching his foot in an obstruction andfalling with a crash that drew all attention to him. 

"I'm so sorry; be you hurt?" asked Nellie, turning her head andsurveying him, as his face came up to view like the full moon risingabove the horizon. 

"Not a bit; I done that on purpose to make you laugh; I always do thatto please good little girls like you. "

"Bime by I'll let you fall all the time, but just see me jump. "

Felix Brush was still standing, with arms outstretched, and, without asecond's hesitation the child leaped off into space. She showed nofright, for there was no cause for it, since she was caught fairly andsecurely. Inasmuch as she had been fondled by every one, and theparson had had her longer than anyone else, he set her down on thefloor and she began running here and there, displaying a childishcuriosity to understand everything in sight. Going to the half-openeddoor, communicating with the darkened apartment at the rear, shepeeped timidly in. 

"Who lives in dere?" she asked, turning around and addressing thewhole group who were laughingly watching her. 

"That's where I live, " replied Ortigies. 

"Do you live all alone?"

"Yes, my child. "

"Haven't you got any little girl like me?"

"No; I'd give all I have in the world if I had. "

"Wouldn't you like to have me for your little girl?"

"Indeed I would; will you be my little girl?"

The baby face became thoughtful. She thrust one finger in the cornerof her mouth and looked down at the floor. 

"What would papa do and those other folks? I will be the little girlfor all of you. "

This struck the party as the brightest and wittiest expression evermade by a mortal. They laughed, clapped their hands and striking eachother on the shoulder wanted to know whether anything of the like hadever before been heard. Certainly not. Without paying any heed tothem, Nellie was peering into the room again. 

"It's dark and cold, " she said in an awed voice, turning her facearound, the better to communicate the information; "but I ain'tafraid. "

Before she could fairly enter the place, her father, who wasaffectionately watching her, said:

"I guess you would better not go in there, Nellie; it's growing lateand is time you prepared for bed. "

"I'll fix a place for her, " said Ortigies; "we ain't much on stylehere, but I can manage to make her comfortable. "

"But will it not discommode you?"

"That little gal can't discommode any one in New Constantinople; ifshe would prefer to have me go out and sleep in the snow, I'll be gladto do it. "

"I've just the place for her, " interposed Wade Ruggles; "couldn't bebetter if I had taken a week to get it ready. "

"Can't begin with my quarters, " Felix Brush hastened to say, and therewould have been a general wrangle for the privilege of accommodatingthe little one, had not her father, seeing how matters were going, smilingly raised his hand in protest. 

"I cannot tell you, my friends, how much I thank you all for yourkindness. Ah, if my poor wife could have held out until she reachedhere, but that was not to be. I shall be glad to stay with Mr. Ortigies to-night, and with your permission shall remain for a fewdays in your settlement. I have lost everything I owned in the world, and will need some time to decide what is best to do. Our stay in NewConstantinople will give all a better chance to get acquainted withNellie. I'll surrender her to you until you get tired of her. "

"Get tired of her!" repeated Vose Adams, voicing the sentiments ofall; "we're not the kind of galoots to git tired of an angel. "

The father expressed his thanks with such winsome grace, that everyman instinctively felt that he was a born gentleman. There was not aminer in the room who did not sympathize with him in his affliction, and yet they envied him the possession of the child, whose innocenceand beauty impressed them as more wonderful than they had ever lookedupon before. When Felix Brush whispered to Budge Isham thatarrangements must be made in some way to keep the father with them, for the sake of having the child, his friend nodded his head, and saidhe had made up his mind to the same effect from the moment the parentreferred to the matter. And the sentiments of these two were those ofthe rest. 

"Come, Nellie, let me prepare you for bed; it's a long time since youhave had that privilege. "

The little one obediently walked to her father and turned her back tohim that he might better remove her clothing. 

"I suppose you have plenty of covering for her?" remarked the parentinquiringly to the landlord. 

"There's all she can need. "

Lifting her on his knee, the father began removing the shoes andstockings, the little one giving what aid she could, when it came tothe garments. One of the last acts of the affectionate mother had beento place upon her child the gown she was accustomed to wear whileasleep. When at last she was ready, she looked up to her father andasked in a half whisper:

"Where's mamma?"

"She will not be with us to-night. "

"Then she will come in the morning?"

"Wait until then, my child; don't say anything more about mamma now. "

She was satisfied, and signified that she was ready to have her fathercarry her to her bed. Then she exclaimed with a laugh:

"Ain't that funny?"

"What's that?"

"I like to fordot to say my prayers. "

And slipping from her father's knee, she knelt on the floor, with herhands covering her face which, as it pressed his knee, was hidden bythe mass of golden ringlets clustering and falling about it. Not a manstirred or spoke. All were so silent that the sifting of the snowagainst the logs, the moaning of the gale and the soft rustle of theembers that broke apart on the hearth were audible. But all these wereas the "voice of silence" itself, so that when the child began herprayer in a low voice, every syllable was heard. 

 "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep; If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless papa, mamma and make Nellie a good girl; bless--"

Wheeling short round at the silent, awed group, she looked at thelandlord and asked:

"What is your name?"

"Or-ti-gies, " he replied, pronouncing it carefully. 

She made rather sorry work at first, but there could be no doubt thatthe One to whom she was addressing the petition understood her wishes. When she had satisfied herself and included the landlord in herprayer, she ceased again, and this time looked up at her father whosehand was resting on her head. 

"I must pray for _all_ of them, musn't I?"

"Certainly, my child. "

"But I don't know dere names. "

"They will all tell them. "

No act of worship in church or grand cathedral was more solemn andreverential than that of the men, as each in turn stepped softlyforward with bowed head, and repeated his name to the tiny petitioner, who immediately included it with those for whom she had already prayedand it was wafted upward through space to Him who delights to hear andanswer such petitions. 

She did not forget one. To make sure, she looked up while still on herknees and asked:

"Did I fordot any of you?"

"No, " replied the parent; "you have not missed any. That's a goodgirl. "

"And I know they will all be good, for I asked God to make 'em so. "

The father now rose to his feet with her in his arms, and shecalled a general good night, flinging a kiss to all. LandlordOrtigies had lit an extra lamp and with it in hand, he led the way tothe rear room, where as he stated, comfortable quarters wereprovided for the little one. Since the Heavenly Bower was the onlyplace in the mining settlement where the wanderer, who occasionallymade his way into that remote part of the world, could expect tofind sleeping accommodations, Ortigies was always prepared forvisitors. Thus he was able to furnish the father with a couch soplaced that he virtually shared the bed with his child. 

Ten minutes later, when he stole back into the room with the landlordto see whether everything was right with his child, she was found sunkin the sweet, dreamless slumber of infancy. The picture was so winsomeas she lay with her cheek resting upon the rough pillow, that Ortigiesstepped softly to the door and beckoned to his friends. Everyone stoleforward, and stood looking down for several minutes upon the sleeper, and, as he did so, new resolves sprang into his heart. Already it maybe said they were better men because of the blessed messenger that hadcome among them. 

CHAPTER III

A SLIP OR TWO

The blizzard gradually subsided toward morning, but when the fall ofsnow ceased, it lay to the depth of several feet on the level, whilethe gorges were choked with vast drifts. The cold was below zero andno work could be done in the diggings until a rise in temperaturecame. 

It was hardly light, however, on the succeeding morning, when three ofthe miners accompanied Maurice Dawson in his search for the abandonedwagon and team. There was not a trace of anything resembling a trail, the footprints of the man having been obliterated by the wind-drivensnow, and the skill of the party was taxed to the utmost. Severaltimes they were compelled to rest, and Dawson himself suggested thatthe search be given up until a change in the weather; but the kindhearted men saw how deeply he grieved, and their sympathy kept themtoiling until about noon when success came. 

The wagon was so covered with snow that it resembled a hummock, whichordinarily would have been passed without notice. The horses and theinanimate form within were like blocks of wood. The slight figure waslifted tenderly from its resting place and brought to Dead Man'sGulch. 

Since the last recollection of Nellie was when she supposed her motheralive, it was deemed kinder that she should not look upon the lifelessform again. With hard labor the picks and shovels hollowed out ashallow grave into which the form, wrapped about with a singleblanket, was laid away to rest until the last day. 

The father, when questioned by the little one, explained that hermother had gone on a long, long journey and there was no saying whenshe would be seen again. Nellie cried a good deal and it saddened herparent's heart, when stealing softly into her room, he saw the tracesof tears on her cheeks. Who can tell the sorrows of childhood whensuch a cruel affliction comes upon it? But it is a blessed truth thattime is the healer of all wounds, and after awhile the little oneceased to ask about her mother. When the whole truth was told her, shehad become old enough to bear the blow. 

Maurice Dawson's first purpose was to remain only for a week or twowith the friends of himself and child. He had set out for the Pacificcoast, and, although it was still a thousand miles distant, he felt ithis duty to press on, but he suffered himself to be dissuaded, when itwas explained that the prospect of obtaining gold was as good at NewConstantinople, whereas, if he continued his journey, he would have tomake his home among strangers, who were not likely to feel theinterest in him and his child that was felt by those who were themeans of saving their lives. Furthermore, since he had lost his team, he was without the means of pressing on. None of the emigrant trainsturned so far out of their course as to come to Dead Man's Gulch, andnothing was plainer than that the citizens of that place would notgive the least help in an enterprise that was to deprive them ofNellie. It is impossible to say what would have followed, had hepersisted in his first decision, for while the men might haveconsented to let him go, they would have rebelled had he attempted totake the child from them. 

And so it came about, we repeat, that Maurice Dawson decided to makehis home indefinitely in the town that had been christened NewConstantinople. With the help of his neighbors, Landlord Ortigiesdivided his rear room into two apartments, one of which was turnedover to the parent and his child. Nearly every miner brought somearticle, such as a fragment of mirror, a picture or trinket andpresented it to the little one, whose room naturally became the finestin New Constantinople. 

Dawson himself joined the miners at their work, all showing aneagerness to lend him a helping hand, and there was reason to hopethat in time there would be a fair reward for their labor. He was notonly an educated man, but was strong and enterprising, considerate ofthe feelings of others, and now that his life partner was gone, he hadbut the little daughter to live for. Gladly he toiled for her, for nochild was ever more tenderly loved by parent than she. His thoughtsturned to the future, but for some years he believed it was betterthat she should remain where she was. 

Nellie Dawson became the pet of the mining town. There was not a manin the place, no matter how rough his ways, nor how dark had been hispast, who was not made the better by her presence. She touched aresponsive chord in every heart. She awoke tones that had been silentfor years, and stirred into life resolves that had lain dormant for ageneration. When the weather grew milder with the approach of spring, she flitted like a bird from cabin to cabin, equally at home anddearly prized in all. Many a time when night came, the father wasunable to find her, and perhaps saw nothing of her until the next day, but he never felt any solicitude. He knew that some of the men hadpersuaded her to remain with them, and he was too considerate to robthem of the pleasure of listening to her innocent prattle, while theyracked their ingenuity and threw dignity to the winds in the effort toentertain her. Each one strove to make her think more of him than theothers, and it ended by her loving them all. 

As a rule, Nellie ate her morning meal at home, after spending thenight with her father, and then she was off for the day, returning orremaining away as her airy fancy prompted. Her sweet influence in themining camp was beyond the power of human calculation to fathom. Nogauge could be placed upon it. Like the sweep of an angel's wing, hercoming seemed to have wafted nearly all the coarseness, wrong and evilfrom her path. 

"There's a serious question that I want to lay afore this company, "gravely remarked Wade Ruggles one night in the Heavenly Bower. Dawsonwas absent with a brother miner at the lower end of the settlement, sothe gathering felt at liberty to discuss him and his child. Wade oflate had fallen into the habit of taking the lead in such discussions, and Landlord Ortigies was quite willing to turn over the honors of thechairmanship to the outspoken fellow. 

The remainder of the company were smoking, drinking and talking as themood took them, and all looked inquiringly at the speaker, seeingwhich Wade continued with the same earnestness he had shown at first:

"It is this: that little angel that was tossed down here in theblizzard is growing fast; she's larning something cute every day; shenotices things that you don't think of; fact is she's the smartestyoungster that was ever born. Does any gent feel disposed to dispootthe aforesaid statement?" he abruptly asked, laying his hand on thebutt of his revolver and looking severely around in the faces of hisfriends. 

No one questioned the assertion. Had it been left to them to choosethe words, they would have made them stronger. 

"Wal, the remark I was about to remark is that I hear some coarseobservations once in awhile. I may say that I have indulged in a fewmyself when the 'casion was suitable and called for 'em, but I want togive notice that the thing must stop in the presence of the angel. "

"Your suggestions generally ain't worth listenin' to, " observed IkeHoe, "but there's solid sense in them words. I have been troubled overthe same thing and was goin' to submit a proposition. "

"You're a purty one to do it, " commented Vose Adams scornfully; "whyit's only yesterday that I heerd you say 'darn' just because Ihappened to smash the end of your finger, with the hammer I wasdrivin' a nail with. "

"Did the little one hear him?" asked Wade Ruggles, while an expressionof horror settled on every countenance. 

"No, sir!" declared Ike; "afore I indulged in the expression, soproper under the tryin' circumstances, I looked round to make sartinshe wasn't in hearing distance. "

"You must have looked very quick, " said Vose; "for the horrible wordswas simultaneous with the flattenin' of your big forefinger. Howsumever, I gazed round myself and am happy to say she warn't insight. If she had been, I'd smashed all your fingers. "

"A very proper Christian spirit, " commended Wade; "I hope all the restof you will strive to emerlate it. "

Felix Brush was leaning on the end of the bar with a glass of steamingtoddy, which he had partly sipped, and was now caressing with hishand. 

"Gentlemen, " said he impressively, "permit me a word. Wade has toucheda subject which appeals to us all. I have given it much thought forthe past few days and feel it my duty to look after the religiousinstruction of the child. "

Two or three disrespectful snickers followed this declaration. Theparson instantly flared up. 

"If any reprobate here feels a desire to scoff, he's only to stepoutside for a few minutes and see who can get the drop on the other. "

Everybody knew that the parson was always well heeled, and no onequestioned his courage. His friends contented themselves with pityingsmiles and significant glances at one another. Felix hastilyswallowed his toddy, with the evident intention of airing his emphaticviews, when Wade Ruggles interposed:

"Pards, you're gettin' off the track; we hain't got to the religiousracket yit; that'll come later. What I want to 'rive at is as to usingcuss words and unproper language where the angel hears it. It ain't'nough for us to agree that we won't do it; it must be fixed so wedon't take no chances. "

This was not exactly clear and Wade was asked to be more explicit. 

"I mean that there must be a penalty, such as will stop a galoot thathas once offended from doing the same thing again. "

This clearly intimated that the punishment which the chairman had inmind was of a frightful nature. The landlord begged Wade to come downto particulars. 

"My idee is that whoever offends this little one by unproper languageshall be filled full of bullet holes: how does _that_ strike you?"

"It hits me just right!" responded the landlord, with several nods ofhis head; "but there's one thing in the way. "

"What's that?" demanded Wade, showing some temper at this attack uponhis scheme. 

"It 'lows a man to say the unproper words in the hearin' of the angel, _afore_ he's shot; so it won't prevent her ears from being 'fended. Can't we fix it some way, so that she shan't hear 'em at all?"

"There's no trouble about that, " solemnly remarked Budge Isham fromhis seat at the further end of the room; "You have only to find outwhen a fellow has made up his mind to use improper language in thepresence of the child, and then shoot him before he can say thewords. "

"But how shall we know he's going to say 'em?" inquired the chairman, who in the earnestness of his feelings felt no suspicion of thehonesty of his friend. 

"You will have to judge that by the expression of his countenance. Ithink when a fellow has made up his mind to swear his looks givenotice of what is coming. The rest of us must be on the alert and pickhim off before the words get out of his mouth. And yet I am sorry tosay, " added Budge gravely rising to his feet, "that there is oneserious drawback to my proposition. "

"The chairman is anxious to hear it. "

"There might be mistakes made. A man's expression is not always anindex of his thoughts. He might be suffering from some inward pain, and be in the act of uttering some expression, but his face could haveso mean a look that if our law was in force, he would be shot onsight. For instance, studying these faces all turned toward me, Ishould say, speaking on general principles, that all except one ortwo deserve, not shooting, but hanging, and if looks were to determinea man's depth of infamy, mighty few of you would live five minutes. "

Budge sank gravely into his seat and resumed smoking, while hisfriends, understanding his trifling character, contemptuously refusedattention to his disrespectful remarks. In the general discussionwhich followed, several insisted that the only proper punishment forthe grave offence was death; but the sentiment crystallized into thefeeling that that penalty was somewhat severe for the first breakingof the law. It was proper enough for the second crime, but a man whohad been accustomed to picturesque and emphatic words was liable toerr once at least while on the road to reformation. The agreementfinally reached was that the offender should be heavily fined, compelled to fast several days, or, more frightful than all, bedeprived of the privileges of the bar for the same length of time. When the last penalty was fixed there were several suppressed groansand a general setting of lips, with the unshakable resolve to steerclear of that appalling punishment. 

Everything was serene for several days, when, as might have beenanticipated, the explosion came. Al Bidwell, in coming out of theHeavenly Bower, caught the toe of one of his boots and fell forward onhis hands and knees. Two of his friends seeing him naturally laughed, whereupon, as he picked himself up, he demanded in the name of thepresiding genius of hades, what they saw to laugh at. By way ofanswer, one of them pointed to Nellie Dawson, who ran forward to helphim to his feet. 

"Did you hurt yourself, Mr. Bidwell? I's so sorry. "

"You may well be, little one, " was the bitter response, as he realizedhis awful offence; "for this will play thunder with me--there it goesagin! Please don't say another word, " he exclaimed desperately, striding down the street to save himself from piling up a mountain ofunpardonable crimes. 

The committee did not gather until late that evening, for Nellie wasat home and it was thought advisable to wait until she was asleep, sothat she should not know anything of what was in the air. Theconversation was in subdued tones until Mr. Dawson tip-toed out of therear room, with the announcement that the little one was sunk inslumber. 

"Such bein' the case, " remarked Wade Ruggles, with becoming gravity, "this meeting will proceed to bus'ness. Pards, a hein'us crime hasbeen committed among us. In the proud history of New Constantinople, we've had hangin' bees; we've shot three Injins 'cause they _was_Injins; there has been any number of holes plugged inter them as was alittle careless of speech, and more'n once there has been the devil topay, but nothin' like this, _never_! Vose Adams, you was one as heardthis wretch Bidwell indulge in his shocking profanity. You'll be good'nough to give the partic'lars to the gents that I must warn to bracethemselves fur the shock. "

Vose Adams told the story which was familiar to all. He and BudgeIsham were approaching the Heavenly Bower that forenoon, the causebeing a due regard for the requirement of the laws of health, whenAlbert Bidwell, the accused, stubbed his toe. Hearing a laugh, helooked up and demanded to know what the ---- they were laughing at. While the query, though objectionable on æsthetic grounds, might havepassed muster in the diggings or anywhere in New Constantinopleprevious to the advent of the angel at present making her home withthem, yet the horror of the thing was that the aforesaid angel heardit. She ran to the help of the villain, who added to his monumentalcrime by calmly remarking to her that what he had just said would playthunder with him. 

This second offence was unanimously felt by those present to be moreunpardonable than the first, since it was in the nature of anaddendum, had nothing to do with the business proper, and worst ofall, was addressed to Nellie herself. 

Chairman Ruggles turned his severest frown upon the prisoner, who wassitting disconsolately on a box, and drawing at his brier wood pipe, which in the depth of his emotion, he failed to notice was unlighted. 

"What has the prisoner to say fur himself?"

Bidwell shuffled to his feet, took the pipe from his mouth and lookedaround upon the cold, unsympathetic faces. 

"Wal, pards, " he remarked, heaving a great sigh, "I don't see thatthere's anything partic'lar fur me to say. When a thing is fairlyproved onto you, you can't make nothin' by denyin' of the same. I'vebeen tryin' to walk a chalk line ever since the angel arrove among us. Two or three times I fell over backward and bruised my head, owin' tomy tryin' to stand up too straight. I was just bracin' myself to dothe same as aforesaid, when comin' out of this disgraceful place, whenI took a headlong dive and struck the earth so hard, I must have madea bulge in China. Two unmannerly ijuts that happened to see me, instead of expressin' sorrer for my mishap, broke out laughin', and inmy righteous indignation, I asked them a emphatic question. "

"Ord'narily, " observed the Court, "your explanation would do. In theold times, nothin' would have been said if you'd drawed your gun andgive 'em a lesson in manners, but that aint the question afore thehouse: Why did you do it in the presence of the angel?"

"Didn't see her till after the crime was committed. "

"But why didn't you look fur her to larn whether she was in sight orwas liable to hear your shocking words?"

"Didn't think of it. "

"Your reply only aggervates the offence. If any man feels that he mustswear or bust, he must bust, purvided the little one is in sight; orhe must hold in till he can climb on top of the rocks, or creep amongthe foothills where he's sure of being alone. The Court hain't any'bjection to your thinking all the cuss words you want to, but youmus'n't speak 'em when she's about. You understand the position of theCourt?"

"I'd be a fool if I didn't, " growled the accused. 

"It's onnecessary to understand 'em in order to be a fool, Mr. Bidwell, but how 'bout your second offence, when you used the word'thunder, ' and addressed it to the gal herself?"

The prisoner felt that nothing could be said in palliation of thischarge. 

"That _was_ bad bus'ness, I'll confess; but I was so disgusted withmyself that I didn't know what I was doing or saying; the words comeout afore I had time to pull myself together. I was so afeard ofadding something still worser that I just rushed off to git out ofdanger. "

[Illustration: AS HE PICKED HIMSELF UP, HE DEMANDED IN THE NAME OF THEPRESIDING GENIUS OF HADES WHAT THEY SAW TO LAUGH AT. --PAGE 43. ]

"There's where you showed the first grain of sense the Court everknowed you to show. If I had been in your place, I would have jumpedoff the rocks, into the kenyon, two thousand feet below. If you'd donethat you'd been saved the disgrace of being put on trial in thishonorable Court. Gents, " added Ruggles, glancing from the prisonerinto the expectant faces, "since the man owns up, it rests with you tofix the penalty for his crime of bigamous murder. "

The prisoner resumed his seat and the chairman looked around, as aninvitation for those present to express their views. When they came todo so, a wide diversity came to the surface. Vose Adams suggested thatthe criminal be compelled to go without any food for three days, butthis was not favorably received, since the rough, trying life whicheach man had been compelled to follow at times during the past years, made the punishment much less than it appeared to be. 

Ike Hoe suggested that instead of food, the accused's liquidrefreshment should be shut off for the time named. The accusedgroaned. 

When this had continued for some time, Felix Brush, the parson, tookthe floor. 

"Gentlemen, it's a principle in law to be lenient with the firstoffence, and, since this is the first time that Bidwell has offendedand he deeply feels his disgrace, why not require him to apologize tothe young lady and stand treat for the crowd, with the understandingthat his next crime shall be visited with condign punishment?"

"Do you propose to let him off?" demanded the wrathful chairman. 

"Yes; for this once, but never again. "

"I'll never consent to anything of the kind! The dignity of the Courtmust be preserved; the law must be executed, and any man who says'devil' or 'thunder' in the presence of the little gal, I don't carewhat the circumstances, orter to be shot, so that there wont be anydelay in his going to the devil, where he belongs. "

"_O, Mr. Ruggles, I heard you_!"

A little figure dressed in white stood at the door leading to the rearroom, and the startled auditors turning their heads, saw NellieDawson, with her chubby finger pointed reprovingly at the dumbfoundedchairman. 

CHAPTER IV

SUITING THE PUNISHMENT TO THE CRIME

Wade Ruggles was speechless. He sat with his mouth wide open and hiseyes staring at the little figure, as if it were a veritableapparition. All the others looked in the same direction. Nellie Dawsonstood for a moment with her finger pointed reprovingly at thechairman, and then turning about ran back into the rear room andplunged into her bed. 

"Max, quick!" said Ruggles faintly, pointing to the black bottle atthe rear of the bar. The landlord hastily poured out some of the fierystuff, and the miserable fellow swallowed it at a gulp. It servedpartly to revive him, but he was really on the verge of collapse. 

The only one of the company not impressed was Maurice Dawson, fatherof the little girl. He was sitting well back of the rest, where no onepaid attention to him. Comprehending the meaning of this incident, hedrew his hand across his mouth to conceal the smile that could not bewholly restrained. Then he hurried back into the room to see that hischild was "tucked up" and properly covered for the night. Findinghimself in the dark, where he could not be observed, he laugheddeeply and silently, his mirth all the greater because of theoppressive gravity of every one else. Then bending over, he said, ashe kissed the little one:

"I thought you were asleep, Nellie?"

"So I was, but Mr. Ruggles spoke those bad words so loud he wokedme. "

"You mustn't get up again, will you?"

"Not if you don't want me to. "

"I have just told you I don't wish you to. "

"Then I wont get up. "

The father lingered in the room, until he mastered his disposition tolaugh, and then, when he walked out among his friends no countenancewas graver than his. 

"I say, Dawson, " said Ruggles, swallowing a lump in his throat, "willyou oblige me by acting as chairman?--I don't feel--very--well. "

The gentleman walked forward to where Ruggles had been standing withhis back against the bar, looking down in the faces of his friends. The poor fellow seemed to have aged ten years, as he slouched off toan upturned box near the door, where he dejectedly seated himself. 

"What is your pleasure, gentlemen?" asked Dawson, as if presiding overthe deliberations of one of the most august assemblages in the land;"I am ready to hear any suggestion or motion. "

Al Bidwell rose to his feet. 

"Mr. Chairman, I wish to endorse with all my heart, the soul-stirring, eloquent address to which we have just listened from the late Mr. Ruggles, --I mean the late Chairman. Them sentiments of his is as soundas a gold dollar. He maintains that any gent that uses an unproperword, such as he used and which I scorn to repeat, in the presence ofthe young lady, who has just listened to his remarks, oughter to besent to the individooal whose name is too shocking fur me topronounce, since the aforesaid young lady is in the adjoiningapartment, from whence she was awoke by the awful profanity of thegent who lately served as our chairman. "

And having gotten back on Ruggles in this masterly manner, Bidwell satdown, slung one leg over the other, and relit his pipe. The oppressivesilence was broken by a prodigious sigh from Ruggles. 

Parson Brush, after the stillness had continued some minutes, rose tohis feet. 

"Mr. Chairman, an extraordinary state of affairs has arisen. You havenot forgotten that I plead for charity for Mr. Bidwell, because it washis first offence. My plea was not well received, but my sentimentsare unchanged, and I now make the same plea for Mr. Ruggles and on thesame grounds. When he was denouncing in fitting terms the sin ofBidwell, he had no thought of committing the crime himself, but inhis earnestness he did. This being plain to all of us, I renew----"

Wade Ruggles bounded to his feet. 

"I don't want any one to plead for me! I ain't pleading fur myself! Ican take my medicine like a man; if there's any galoot here----"

He suddenly checked himself with an apprehensive glance at the door ofthe rear room, and then resumed in a more subdued voice:

"I insist that Al Bidwell shall suffer for his onspeakable crime andme too, 'cause mine was onspeakabler. Jedgin' from the evidence thatshowed itself, I must have awoke the little gal from peaceful slumber, by them awful words of mine. "

He paused and looked inquiringly at the chairman, who calmly returnedhis gaze, without speaking. It was Parson Brush who interposed:

"I should like to ask, Mr. Dawson, whether the supposition of Mr. Ruggles has any foundation in fact. "

"It has; when I asked Nellie what caused her to awake, she said it wasMr. Ruggles when he used those bad words. "

"Just what I thought!" exclaimed Ruggles, as if he enjoyed heapingfire upon his own head; "there ain't any depth of infamy which Ihain't reached. For me to try to sneak out now, when I made sucha----(Here he again threw a startled glance at the rear of the room)would be to do something which Wade Ruggles never done in hisvariegated career of nigh onto forty years. All I ask is that you'llgit through it as soon as you kin and fix our terms of imprisonment orour deaths and hev done with it. "

Al Bidwell took an unworthy delight in prodding the man who had beenso severe upon him. 

"I beg humbly to suggest to the gent that there are plenty of placesin the mountains where he can make a jump of a thousand feet or twointo the kenyons. Wouldn't it be a good idee fur the gent to try it?"

"I will if you'll join me, " retorted Wade, turning upon him like aflash. 

"I'll let you try it first and see how it works, " replied Bidwell, socrushed that he remained silent henceforward. 

"Since I am chairman, " said Dawson, with becoming dignity, "it is myduty to listen to suggestions and to hear motions. What is yourpleasure, gentlemen?"

No one in looking at the countenance of Maurice Dawson would havesuspected he was extracting the keenest enjoyment from theseproceedings, yet such was the fact. There was something so intenselyludicrous in the whole business, that only by assuming preternaturalgravity could he refrain from breaking into merriment. His policy wasto egg on the discussion until the company were ready for a decision, when he would interpose with the proposal to wipe out the whole matterand begin over again. The earnestness of Wade Ruggles, however, threatened to check anything of that nature. He was on his feetseveral times until Budge Isham, who shrewdly suspected the sentimentsof the chairman, protested. 

"With all due respect to the parson, to Ruggles and to Bidwell, itstrikes me, Mr. Chairman, that they should give the rest of us a show. We have listened to their yawping until it has grown monotonous. Having told us a dozen times, more or less, that he wants us to punishhim all he deserves, Mr. Ruggles ought to let it rest with that; buthe shouldn't forget, " added Budge, with the solemn manner which alwaysmarked his waggery, "that, if we took him at his word, he would bekicking vacancy this minute. However, this hasn't anything to do withhis general cussedness, but concerns his offence against the younglady. That is all there is before the house, and I insist that weconfine ourselves to that----"

"Isn't that what I've been insistin' on?" demanded Wade Ruggles. 

"There you go again! I have the floor, and you have no parliamentaryright to interrupt me with your frivolous remarks. Am I correct, Mr. Chairman?"

"You are most unquestionably; proceed. "

"Well, to bring this tiresome matter to a close, I move that Mr. Bidwell be deprived of the bar privileges of the Heavenly Bower for aperiod of four days, and that the same be denied to Mr. Ruggles for aperiod of one week. Did I hear a groan?" asked Budge, looking round atthe two men, who were trying bravely to bear up under the threatenedpunishment. 

Both shook their heads, afraid to trust their voices by way of reply. 

"If the gentlemen will permit me, " said the chairman, "I should liketo say a few words. "

"I am sure we shall be glad to hear from Mr. Dawson, " remarked theparson. 

"Thank you. What I had in mind is this:--It is creditable to yourhonor that you should pledge yourselves to refrain from unbecominglanguage in the hearing of my little girl, for you cannot help beingher instructors, no matter how much you may wish it were otherwise. But you are magnifying the matter. I am sure every man of you willstrive just as hard, without being incited thereto by the fear ofpunishment. I would beg to suggest----"

He paused, for, looking at Wade Ruggles, he saw it was useless to gofurther. Bidwell would have been glad to receive leniency, but hispartner in crime was immovable, and it would not do to punish one andallow the other to go free. Dawson was wise enough to accept thesituation promptly. 

"You have heard the penalties suggested for the offences of the twogentlemen accused. All who favor such punishment will show it byraising their right hands. "

Every man in the room, except the chairman, voted in the affirmative. 

"It isn't worth while to put the negative. The accused have heard theverdict, which is that Mr. Bidwell shall not drink a drop of anythingexcept water or coffee for a period of four days, dating from thismoment, while Mr. Ruggles is to undergo the same penalty for a periodof one week. "

"That's right, " growled Bidwell; "for he drank about half of what wasin the bottle only a few minutes ago. "

"And you would have drunk it all, " retorted Ruggles, "if you'd knowedwhat was coming. "

CHAPTER V

A HUNDRED FOLD

All this may seem a trifling matter to the reader who does notunderstand the real punishment suffered by these two men, who, likeall the rest of their companions, had been accustomed to the use ofardent spirits for many years. There was no deprivation which theycould not have borne with less distress, but their great consolationwas that both knew the penalty was fully deserved, and they would nothave complained had it been made more severe. 

"I tell you, " said Bidwell, at the end of the fourth day, when he hadcelebrated his release from purgatory, "it pays, Ruggles. "

"What pays?"

"The reward you git for all this. At the end of a week you'll have athirst that you wouldn't take a thousand dollars fur. "

"But the week isn't much more'n half gone and I'd sell my thirstmighty cheap now. "

"Don't you do it! Hold fast to it. "

"That's what I'm doing, 'cause I can't help myself. Howsumever it'sthe thirst that's holding fast to me. "

"That's the beauty of it; it'll git stronger and stronger, and thenit's so big that you can't well handle it. It seems to me that tenminutes after I've had a drink, I'm thirsty agin, which reminds me;I'd like to invite you, Wade. "

"Invite all you want to, 'cause it won't do any more hurt than good;don't let me keep you, " added Ruggles, observing the longing eyes hisfriend cast in the direction of the Heavenly Bower. Bidwell moved offwith pretended reluctance, out of consideration for the feelings ofhis friend, but once inside, he gave another demonstration of thetruth of his remarks concerning thirst. 

As for Ruggles, only he who has been similarly placed can appreciatehis trial. No man is so deserving of sympathy as he who is making aresolute effort to conquer the debasing appetite that has brought himto the gutter. 

On that fourth night the thirst of the fellow was a raging fever. Hedrank copious draughts of spring water, but all the help it gave wasto fill him up. The insatiate craving remained and could not besoothed. It seemed as if every nerve was crying out for the stimulantwhich it was denied. 

"The only time I ever went through anything like this, " he said tohimself, "was twenty years ago, when a party of us were lost in theDeath Valley. Three of 'em died of thirst, and I come so nigh it thatit makes me shudder to think of it even at this late day. "

A wonderful experience came to Wade Ruggles. To his unboundedamazement, he noticed a sensible diminution, on the fifth day, of histhirst. It startled him at first and caused something in the nature ofalarm. He feared some radical change had taken place in his systemwhich threatened a dangerous issue. When this misgiving passed, it wassucceeded by something of the nature of regret. One consolingreflection from the moment his torture began, was the reward which AlBidwell had named, that is, --the glorious enjoyment of fully quenchinghis terrific craving, but, if that craving diminished, the futurebliss must shrink in a corresponding ratio, and _that_ was a calamityto make a man like him shudder. 

On the evening of the fifth day, he ventured for the first time duringhis penal term, to enter the Heavenly Bower. He wished to test hisself-control. When he sat quietly and saw his friends imbibing, andwas yet able to restrain himself from a headlong rush to join them, heknew that beyond all question, his fearful appetite had lost a part ofits control over him. Still he believed it was only a temporarydisarrangement, and that the following day would bring a renewal ofhis thirst, with all its merciless violence. 

But lo! on the sixth morning, the appetite was weaker than ever. Hiscraving was so moderate that, after a deep draught of mountain springwater, he was hardly conscious of any longing for liquor. He seemed tobe losing his memory of it. 

"I don't understand it, " he mused, keeping the astonishing truth tohimself; "It's less than a week ago that I was one of the heaviestdrinkers in New Constantinople, and if anyone had told me of this, Iwould have been sure he'd lost his senses, which the same may bewhat's the matter with me. "

But there was no awakening of his torment during the day, and when helay down at night, he was disturbed by strange musings. 

"If we had a doctor in the place, I would ask him to tell me what itmeans. The queerest thing 'bout the whole bus'ness is that I feelthree thousand per cent. Better. I wonder if it can be on 'count of mynot swallerin' any of Ortigies' pison which the same he calls MountainDew. I guess it must be that. "

But that night he was restless, and gradually his thoughts turned intoa new channel. A momentous problem presented itself for solution. 

"If I've improved so much after goin' six days without drinkin', won'tI feel a blamed sight better, if I try it for six weeks--sixmonths--six years--_forever_. "

And as an extraordinary, a marvelous resolution simmered and finallycrystallized, he chortled. 

"What'll the boys say? What'll the parson think? What'll I think? Whatwould that good old mother of mine think, if she was alive? But shedied afore she knowed what a good for nothin' man her boy turned outto be. God rest her soul!" he added softly, "she must have prayed overme a good many hundred times; if she's kept track of me all theseyears, this is an answer to her prayers. "

Budge Isham was the partner of Wade, and shared his cabin with him. Heslept across the room, and noticed how his friend tossed and mutteredin his sleep. 

"Great Gee!" he exclaimed, "but Wade's got it pretty bad; I wonder ifit's the jim jams that is getting hold of him; I'll sleep with one eyeopen, for he will need looking after. What a blessed thing it is thathe has only one more day. Then he can celebrate and be happy. I haveno doubt that by the end of another week, he will have brought thingsup to their old average. "

And with this conclusion, the man who a few years before took thefirst honors at Yale, shifted his position, so as to keep an eye onhis comrade, and straightway proceeded to drop into a sound slumber, which was not broken until the sun rose on the following morning. 

The sympathy for Wade was general. Had he not insisted upon carryingout in spirit and letter the full punishment pronounced upon him, there would have been a unanimous agreement to commute his term byone or two days at least; but all knew the grit or "sand" of thefellow too well to propose it. 

His actions on the seventh day caused considerable disquietude. He hadlabored in the mines, in a desultory fashion up to that time, but hedid not do a stroke of work during the concluding hours of his ordeal. It was observed by his partner, Budge Isham, that his appetite wasunusually good and he seemed to be in high spirits. His friendsattributed this to the closeness of his reward for his abstention, buthe took several walks up the mountain side and was gone for a goodwhile. He wore a smiling face and Vose Adams declared that heoverheard him communing with himself, when he thought he was too faroff for the act to be noticed. 

"No use of talkin', " whispered Vose; "Wade ain't quite himself; he's alittle off and won't be exactly right till after two or three days. "

"He has my sympathy, " remarked the parson, "but it will serve as alesson which he will always remember. "

"And won't _we_ remember it?" said Ike Hoe, with a shudder. "Whenwe're disposed to say one of them unproper words, the picture of thatmiserable scamp going a full week without a touch of Mountain Dew, will freeze up our lips closer than a clam. "

That night the usual group was gathered at the Heavenly Bower. Therewere the same merry jests, the reminiscences, the conjectures howcertain diggings would pan out, the small talk and the general goodfeeling. Common hardship and suffering had brought these rough menclose to one another. They were indulgent and charitable and each onewould have eagerly risked his life for the sake of the rest. Quick toanger, they were equally quick to forgive, mutually rejoicing in goodfortune, and mutually sympathetic in sorrow. 

There was more than one furtive glance at Ruggles, who was among thefirst arrivals. Whispers had passed around of his strange actions, andthe surprise would not have been great had it been found that he hadgone clean daft; but nothing in his manner indicated anything of thatnature. He was as full of quip and jest as ever, and none was inhigher or more buoyant spirits than he. 

He suddenly called:

"Dawson, what time is it?"

The latest comer among them carried a watch which he drew out andexamined. 

"It is exactly half-past nine. "

"When did my punishment begin?"

"A week ago to-night, precisely at this hour; I began to fear that youhad forgotten it. "

"No danger of my ever forgetting it, " grimly responded Ruggles; "whatI want to know is whether I have served out my full term. "

"You have unquestionably. "

"Is there anyone here disposed to dispute this statement?" asked Wade, standing very erect and looking around in the faces of his friends. 

No one interposed an objection. He had not only the sympathy but therespect of every one. 

"You sarved your time like a man, " remarked Ike Hoe; "the week is upand you've give good measure. "

"Which the same being the case, I invite all to come forward andliquidate. "

Never was an invitation responded to with more enthusiasm. Thegrinning Ortigies set out a couple of bottles, intending as a matterof course to join in the celebration. He feelingly remarked:

"Wade, my heart bled for you and thar ain't a pard here that wouldn'thave been willing to take your place--that is for a limited time, " thelandlord hastened to add. 

Each tumbler was half-filled with the fiery stuff and all looked insmiling expectancy at their host to give the cue. He poured a smallquantity into his glass, and elevating it almost to a level with hislips, looked over the top. 

"Are you ready, pards? here goes. "

Up went every glass and down went the stuff. But there was oneexception. While the glass was at his lips, and while the familiarodor was in his nostrils, Wade Ruggles deliberately inverted thetumbler and emptied the contents on the floor. 

It was the strangest incident that had ever occurred in NewConstantinople. 

CHAPTER VI

TEACHER AND PUPIL

The group looked at Wade Ruggles in breathless amazement. He hadinvited them to the bar to join in celebrating his release fromthralldom; all had filled their glasses and he had raised his own tohis lips, though several noticed that there was only a small amount ofliquid in the tumbler. Then, when every glass was upraised and therewas a general gurgling, he had turned his glass upside down andspilled every drop on the floor. 

Before anyone could think of suitable terms in which to express hisemotions, Wade said, with a smile that rather added than detractedfrom his seriousness:

"Pards, never again does a drop of that stuff go down my throat! I'vesuffered hell, but I've come out of the flames, and the one thatfetched me through is the little gal which lays asleep in the nextroom. "

He did not attempt to deliver a temperance lecture to his friends, nordid they trifle with him. They questioned him closely as to how he hadreached this extraordinary decision, and he gave a vivid and truthfulaccount of his experience. It made several of the men thoughtful, butmost of them felt dubious about his persistence in the new path he hadlaid out for himself. 

"You know, boys, whether I've got a will of my own, " he quietlyreplied; "just wait and see how this thing comes out. "

It was noticed that Parson Brush was the most interested inquirer, and, though he had comparatively little to say, he left the Bowerunusually early. He had begun his system of instruction with NellieDawson, and reported that she was making remarkably good progress. Hadthe contrary been the fact, it may be doubted whether it would havebeen safe for him to proclaim it. 

And now the scene changes. It is the close of a radiant summer day inthe Sierras. Far down in the caņon-like chasm between the mountainousspurs, nestled the little mining settlement, which had been christenedbut a short time before, New Constantinople. Here and there tinywounds had been gouged into the ribs of the mountain walls, and theminers were pecking away with pick and shovel, deepening the hurts intheir quest for the yellow atoms or dark ore which had been the meansof bringing every man thousands of miles to the spot. 

Far up toward the clouds were the towering, craggy peaks, with many arent and yawn and table-land and lesser elevation, until, as if tocheck the climbing ambition of the prodigious monster, nature hadflung an immense blanket of snow, whose ragged and torn edges lappedfar down the sides of the crests. Ages ago the chilling blanket wastucked around the mountain tops, there to remain through the longstretch of centuries to follow. 

Down the valley, at the bottom of the winding caņon, the airpalpitated with the fervor of the torrid zone. He who attempted toplod forward panted and perspired, but a little way up the mountainside, the cool breath crept downward from the regions of perpetual iceand snow, through the balsamic pines and cedars, with a revivifyingpower that was grateful to all who felt its life-giving embrace. 

The sun hovered in a sky of unclouded azure. It shot its arrows intothe gullies, ravines and gorges, but made no impression on the frozencovering far up in cloudland itself. Long pointed ravelings on thelower edge of the mantle showed where some of the snow had turned towater, which changed again to ice, when the sun dipped below thehorizon. 

The miners were pigmies as they toiled in the sides of the toweringmountain walls, where they had toiled for many a day. On the lip of aprojecting crag, half a mile above were three other pigmies, whoneither toiled nor spun. Viewed through a glass, it was seen that theywore stained feathers in their black hair dangling about theirshoulders, with the blankets wrapped round their forms descending totheir moccasined feet. They were watching in grim silence these proofsof the invasion of their homes by the children of another race, andmayhap were conjuring some scheme for driving them back into the greatsea across which they had sailed to occupy the new land. 

One of the Indians was a chieftain. He had come in violent contactwith these hated creatures and he bore on his person the scars of suchmeeting. All carried bows and arrows, though others of their tribe hadlearned the use of the deadly firearms, which has played such havocwith the American race. 

Suddenly the chief uttered an exclamation. Then drawing an arrow fromthe quiver over his shoulder, he fitted it to the string of his longbow, and pointing downward toward the group of miners, launched theshaft. Except for the power of gravity, it would have been a foolhardyeffort, but guided by the wisp of feather twisted around the reed, themissile spun far outward over the caņon, and dived through the vastreach of space, as if it were endowed with life and determined to seekout and pierce the intruders. The black eyes of the three warriorsfollowed the arrow until it was only a flickering speck, far belowthem; but, before that moment arrived, they saw that it was speedingwide of the mark. When at last, the sharp point struck the flintyrock, and the missile doubled over upon itself and dropped harmlesslyto the bottom of the caņon, it was at such a distance from the miners, that they knew nothing of it. They never looked up, nor were theyaware of the futile anger of the red men, who seeing how useless waseverything of that nature, turned about and soon passed from view. 

The incident was typical of the futility of the red man strugglingagainst his inevitable doom at the hands of his white brother. 

Half way between the bottom of the caņon and the lower fringe of thevast mantle of snow, a waterfall tumbled over the edge of a rock, andwith many a twist and eddy found its way to the small stream, whichrippled along the bottom of the gorge, until its winding coursecarried it beyond sight. Now and then a rift of wind blew aside someof the foam, like a wisp of snow, and brought the murmur more clearlyto the ear of the listener, shutting out for the time, the fainthollow roar that was wafted from the region of pines and cedars. Itwas a picture of lonely grandeur and desolation, made all the moreimpressive by the tiny bits of life, showing in the few spots alongthe mountain wall. 

[Illustration: THE TEACHER HAD MARKED ON THE DARK FACE OF THE ROCK WITH ASPECIES OF CHALK ALL THE LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET. --PAGE 71. ]

At the rear of the row of cabins, and elevated perhaps fifty feetabove, was the comparatively smooth face of a rock, several squarerods in extent. At the base was abundant footing for two persons, Parson Brush and Nellie Dawson. The teacher had marked on the darkface of the rock with a species of chalk, all the letters large andsmall of the alphabet. They were well drawn, for the parson, likeothers in the settlement, was a man of education, though his manyyears of roughing it had greatly rusted his book knowledge. 

Standing to one side of his artistic work, like a teacher of the oldentime, the parson, with a long, trimmed branch in his hand, pointed atthe different letters in turn and patiently waited for his littlepupil to pronounce their names. 

It never would have done to make the child keep her feet like anordinary mortal. With great labor, three of the miners had carried astone of considerable size to the spot, which served her as a seat, while receiving instruction. It is true that she never sat still formore than three minutes at a time, but that was enough to establishthe indispensable necessity of a chair. 

"You are doing very well, my dear, " said the parson, encouragingly;"you have received only a few lessons, but have mastered the alphabet. I notice that the 'd's' and 'b's' and 'h's' and 'q's' puzzle you alittle now and then, but you have got them straight, and it is nowtime that we took a lesson in spelling. "

"Oh, I can't do that, Mr. Brush, " protested the queen, rising fromthe chair, adjusting her skirts and sitting down again; "I never canspell. "

"What is it to spell?"

"I don't know; what is it?"

"I can best answer your question by showing you. Have you ever seen acat?"

"Do you mean a pussy?"

"Yes; some folks call it that. "

"Oh, yes; when we came from where we used to live, --I guess it musthave been three or four hundred years ago, we brought my pussy along. Her name was Nellie, the same as mine. "

"What became of her?"

"She died, " was the sorrowful reply; "I guess she was homesick. "

"That was too bad. Now will you tell me what letter that is?"

"Why, Mr. Brush, don't you know?"

"Yes, but I wish to find out whether you know. "

"It is C; anybody knows that. "

"And this one?"

"A. "

"That is right; now this one?"

"T; I hope you will remember, Mr. Brush, because I don't like to tellyou so often. "

The teacher continued to drill her, skipping about and pointing at theletters so rapidly in turn that he was kept bowing and straighteningup like a jumping-jack. Then, allowing her to rest, he pronounced theletters in their regular order, giving them the sounds proper to theword itself. Nellie, who was watching closely and listening, suddenlyexclaimed with glowing face:

"Why, that's 'cat'!"

"Of course; now can you say the letters without looking at them?"

After one or two trials she did it successfully. 

"There! you have learned to spell 'cat. ' You see how easy it is. "

"Does that spell 'pussy' too?"

"No, --only 'cat. ' After a time you will be able to spell big words. "

"Let me try something else, Mr. Brush. "

The next word tackled was 'dog, ' which was soon mastered. When thiswas accomplished, the teacher paused for a moment. He was trying tothink of another word of three letters, but oddly enough could notreadily do so. 

"Ah, " he exclaimed, "here is another. Now give me the name of thatletter, "

"D. "

"And that?"

"A. "

"And that?"

"M. "

"Now say them quickly, 'd-a-m;' what is the word?"

"Why, it's 'dam'; O, Mr. Brush, I heard you say that is a bad word. "

The teacher was thunderstruck and stammered:

"I didn't think of that, but there are two kinds of 'dam' and this oneis not a bad word. It means a bank of earth or stones or wood, that isput up to stop the flow of water. "

CHAPTER VII

PUPIL AND TEACHER

Mr. Brush glanced nervously around, to learn whether any of hisfriends were within hearing, shuddering to think what the consequencesmight be. He believed that he could explain the matter to some of thefolks, but the majority were so radical in their views that they wouldrefuse to admit the distinction, and would take him to task forteaching improper language to his young pupil. It caused him anothershudder at the thought that the same penalty that Wade Ruggles hadundergone might be visited upon him, though it is doubtful if theissue would have been similar. 

"Ahem, Miss Nellie, when we go back home, will you promise me to saynothing about this part of your lesson?"

"You mean 'bout that bad word?"

"Yes, --let's forget all about it. "

"I'll try, but mebbe I'll forget to forget it. "

"Likely enough, " gloomily reflected the parson; "suppose we try someother words. Ah, we have a visitor. "

At that moment Budge Isham climbed into view and sauntered smilinglytoward them. Brush added a whispered warning to the little one not toforget her promise, though, since Isham was an educated man, thereought not to have been anything to fear in his case, but the teacherknew his waggish nature, and had good reason to fear the mischief hewould delight in creating. 

"Good day, " was his cheery greeting, as he came up; "I hope I am notintruding, but I thought I should like to see how you are getting on, Nellie. "

"Oh, Mr. Brush says I am learning real fast; I can spell 'cat, ' and'dog, ' and 'dam. '"

Budge raised his hands in horror. 

"What in the name of heaven, parson, does she mean?"

"Mr. Isham, " said the gentleman, severely, "are you aware that you areusing improper language in the presence of this young lady?"

"Explain yourself. "

"It is wrong for you to appeal to heaven on so trifling a question; itis such a near approach to profanity that the dividing line isimperceptible. I am sorry you forgot yourself, but I will overlook itthis time. "

Budge was really frightened, for though the distinction was quitefine, he felt there was some justice in the position of the parson, but he bluffed it out. 

"I doubt whether a jury would find me guilty, and in the meantimeexplain the remark just made by Nellie, if you please. "

Thus cornered, the parson made a clean breast of it. Isham assumed agrave expression. 

"The only criticism I can make is upon your taste in selecting a word, susceptible of a questionable meaning. You know as well as I that ifthis should be submitted to a jury at the Heavenly Bower this evening, the majority would sit down on you, and it would be hard work for youto escape the penalty. "

"I'm afraid it would, " responded the parson; "it was a piece offorgetfulness on my part----"

"Which is the plea that Bidwell and Ruggles made, but it didn'tanswer. However, I'll say nothing about it, knowing you will be morecareful in the future, while I shall not forget to put a bridle on myown tongue. The trouble, however, " he added with a smile, "is to make_her_ overlook it. "

"She has promised she will do so. "

"Since that promise was made just before I got here, she has shown howreadily she can forget it. "

"I will give her a longer lesson than usual and thus drive allremembrance out of her mind, " said the parson resolutely. 

Budge Isham folded his arms, prepared to look on and listen, but thequeen of the proceedings checked it all by an unexpected veto. 

"Mr. Brush, I feel so tired. "

Her face wore a bored expression and she looked wistfully away fromthe blackboard toward the cabins below them. 

"Does your head hurt you?" inquired the teacher with much solicitude, while the single auditor was ready to join in the protest. 

"No, but mebbe it will hurt me one of these days. "

"It isn't wise, parson, to force the child; a great deal of injury isdone to children by cramming their heads with useless knowledge. "

The teacher could not feel sure that this counsel was disinterested, for there could be no danger of his taxing the mental powers of thelittle one too severely, but her protest could not pass unheeded. 

"You have done very well, my child; you are learning fast, so we'llleave the spelling for to-morrow. Suppose we now try the commandments:can you repeat the first one?"

Nellie gave it correctly, as she did with slight assistance, theremaining ones. She was certainly gifted with a remarkable memory andpossessed an unusually bright mind. Budge Isham was impressed by herrepetition of the decalogue, whose meaning she was unable fully tograsp. His frivolous disposition vanished, as he looked upon theinnocent child and watched the lips from which the sacred wordsflowed. He quietly decided that it would be inexcusably mean to seekany amusement at the expense of the parson, and it may as well beadded that he never afterward referred to the incident, while itseemed to have passed wholly from the mind of Nellie herself. At theconclusion of the lesson, Budge complimented teacher and pupil andsaid he would be glad to certify that Mr. Brush was the best teacherin New Constantinople, and that it was impossible for any one to takehis place. Then he bade them good day and walked thoughtfully away, leaving them once more to themselves. 

These were the most precious moments of all to the teacher, when theformal lesson was completed, and he sat down for a little talk withhis pupil. He occupied the stone which served her for a seat, whileone arm loosely clasped the figure which stood between his knees. Shepatted his cheek, played with his rough collar and shaggy whiskers, while as he listened and replied to her prattle, felt as never beforethe truth of the declaration that of such is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Mr. Brush, " she finally said, "do you know why I love you?"

"I suppose it must be because I am so handsome, " he replied with asmile. 

"No; it isn't that, for you _ain't_ handsome. "

"Whew! but you are not afraid to speak the truth, little one, and Ihope you will always do that. No; I don't know why you love me, unless you are so good yourself that you can't help it. "

This was not exactly clear to the little one, and she stood silent fora minute, gently fingering his long beard. Then she thought it best toclear up the mystery without further parley. 

"I love you 'cause you're good. "

Even though the avowal was delightful, it caused a pang, like aknife-thrust from his accusing conscience. 

"I am thankful to hear you say that, but, Nellie, I am not good. "

"Yes, you is, but if you ain't good, why ain't you good?"

The logic of the reply of the adult was of the same grade as that ofthe child. 

"I suppose the true reason is because I am bad. I am sorry to say it, but I have drifted far away from where I ought to be. "

The dimpled hand continued to fondle the whiskers, and the littlebrain was busy, but a wisdom that was more than human guided it. Turning those lustrous blue eyes upon him she softly asked:

"Will you do what I ask you?"

He almost gasped, for he instinctively suspected what was coming, buthe answered without hesitation:

"If it is my power I will do it, though it kills me. "

"Oh, I don't want it to kill you; this won't hurt you; will you do it, Mr. Brush?"

"Yes, God helping me. "

"Do like Mr. Ruggles. "

"How's that?" asked the parson with a sinking heart. 

"Don't drink any more of that red water, which makes men talk loud andsometimes say bad words. "

"Heavens!" thought the parson; "she little dreams what she is askingme, but it is not she but some One who is thus calling me back toduty. Yes, my child, I will do what you ask. "

"You is as good and nice as you can be now, but then you will be agood deal gooder and nicer, " said she, warmly kissing him. 

"I hope so, " he added, rising to his feet, with the feeling that hewas not himself but some one else, and that that some one else was theyoung man away among the distant hills of Missouri, before he wanderedto the West, and in doing so, wandered from the path along which hehad attempted to guide and lead others. 

"I call myself her teacher, " he mused, as he reached down and took thetiny hand in his own, "but she is the teacher and I am the pupil. "

They had started in the direction of the cabins, when they heardcurious shouts and outcries in that direction. "There's somethingstrange going on down there, " he said, peering toward the point; "Iwonder what it can be; let us hurry and find out. "

Firmly clasping her hand, the two hastened down the incline, wonderingwhat it was that caused all the noise and confusion. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE PASSING YEARS

THE excitement in New Constantinople was caused by the arrival of VoseAdams, the mail carrier and messenger, with his budget of letters andfreight for the Heavenly Bower. 

These periodical journeys never occupied less than two weeks, and inthe present instance he had been absent several days beyond thatperiod, so that some anxiety was felt for him, since every trip wasattended with more or less danger. He was exposed to the peril ofstorms, snowslides, wild animals and hostile Indians. The elementaldisturbances in the Sierras are sometimes of a terrific nature. Twicehe had lost a mule, and once both animals went spinning down aprecipice for a thousand feet, in an avalanche of snow and were neverfound again. Vose's only consolation in the last instance was that itoccurred when on his way to Sacramento, while in the former case hesaved one of the precious kegs, which he insisted was the means ofsaving him in turn from perishing in the Arctic temperature. 

The shadowy trail wound in and out among the gorges and caņons, beside towering mountain walls, at a dizzying elevation, over ridgesabove the snow line, across table lands, through forests of pine andcedar and tumultuous mountain torrents, where he took his life in hishands every time he made the venture. 

The unerring marksmanship of Vose and his alertness reduced the dangerfrom the fierce grizzly bears and ravening mountain wolves to theminimum, but the red men were an ever present peril. He had served asthe target of many a whizzing arrow and stealthy rifle shot, but thusfar had emerged with only a few insignificant hurts. He was ready atthe stated times to set out on his journey, and appeared indeed towelcome the change in the existence which otherwise became tiresomeand monotonous. It mattered not that his friends often intimated thathe was starting on his last venture of that nature, for he believedthat his "time" had been set and it mattered naught what he did, sinceit could not be changed. 

Vose explained that the cause of his last delay was the oldone--Indians. They had pursued and pestered him so persistently thathe was compelled to hunt out a new trail, longer and more difficultthat the old one, and which came within a hair of landing him into thevery camp of his enemies. However, everything had turned out well, andhe brought with him the most prized cargo that ever arrived in NewConstantinople. 

First of all, were the two casks of freight, which had suffered soslight leakage, that Landlord Ortigies complimented the vigilance ofthe messenger. Then he brought with him fully a hundred letters andnewspapers. Each citizen received one, and many had several. In everyinstance, the grateful recipient paid Vose a dollar for his mail, sothat the reward was generous, including as it did a liberal honorariumfrom the proprietor of the Heavenly Bower. 

In addition to the mail and freight, there were a number of articlesto which no special reference is needed. In one package, however, every one was deeply interested, and Nellie Dawson more than theothers. Unknown to the father, a goodly sum had been entrusted toAdams, with which to purchase such articles as it was believed thechild needed. These included material for numerous new dresses ofgorgeous pattern, stockings, shoes, slippers, ribbons, hats and evengloves, trinkets and playthings beyond enumeration. 

When these were spread out before the little one, she clapped herhands and danced with delight. She had never dreamed of or seen suchbewildering wealth, and the miners were repaid a hundred fold, whilethe grateful parent thanked them for their thoughtful kindness. 

With no other person of her sex in the settlement, it would naturallybe thought that she lacked in many of the little attentions which onlya mother or adult female friend can give, but such was not the case. There was not a man among them all, who had not been taught in thehard school of necessity to become his own tailor and conservator ofclothing. Many had natural taste, and had not wholly forgotten theeducation and training received in the homes of civilization, beforethey became adventurers and wanderers. A consensus of views, all movedby the same gentle impulse, resulted in Nellie Dawson being clothed ina garb which would hardly have caused criticism in the metropolis ofour country. Not only that, but she was abundantly provided againstall kinds of weather, and with Vose Adams making his regular tripswestward, there was no possibility of her ever knowing the want ofthoughtful care. 

The education of the little one was never neglected. Enough has beentold to show her brightness, and even had not her teacher beeninspired by his affection for the little one, the task of impartingknowledge to such an apt pupil must have been a constant pleasure. This work, as we have shown, fell by common consent to the parson, Felix Brush, though his choice at first was not unanimous. WadeRuggles was so insistent that he should have a part in the work, thathe was allowed a trial, but it cannot be said the result of severaldays' effort was satisfactory. A stealthy inspection of the blackboardby Budge Isham and the parson disclosed that Ruggles had constructedthe alphabet on a system of his own. Some of the letters werereversed, several inverted, while the forms of others prevented anyone from identifying them except the teacher himself. 

An examination of the pupil developed the same startling originalityin Ruggles's system of orthography, which seemed to be a mixture ofthe phonetic and the prevailing awkward method. Thus he insisted that"purp" was the right way to spell the name of a young dog, whosecorrect title was "dorg. " Ruggles was finally persuaded to resign, though he displayed considerable ill feeling and intimated that themovement was inspired by jealousy of his success. 

Budge Isham not only refrained from referring to the slip which theparson made in his spelling lesson, but spoke in such high terms ofhis success with Nellie, that every one conceded the right teacher hadbeen selected, and it would be a misfortune for any one to assume totake the place of the parson. 

Not until the final summing up of all accounts, will the full measureof the influence of the little one be known. It was gentle, subtle, almost imperceptible. Wade Ruggles never broke his resolve not totouch liquor. Inasmuch as an appetite nourished for years, cannot bewholly extirpated in a day, he had his moments of intense yearning forstimulants, when the temptation was powerful, but his will was stillmore so, and the time came when the terrific thirst vanishedentirely, though he knew it was simply "asleep" and could be rousedinto resistless fury by indulgence in a single glass. 

The parson had a severer struggle. After holding out for days, heyielded, and by his inordinate dissipation brought back matters to afair average. Then he set about manfully to retrieve himself. A secondtime he fell, and then, thank heaven! he gained the mastery. Henceforward he was safe. 

Maurice Dawson himself had been an occasional tippler for years, buthe felt the influence of example and experienced no trouble in givingup the habit. Several others did the same, while more tried but "fellby the wayside. "

Landlord Ortigies noticed the diminution in his receipts, but, strangeas it may sound, down in his heart he was not sorry. Like nine out often engaged in his business he was dissatisfied, and like the samenine out of ten, he longed for the chance to take up some othercalling which would bring him bread and butter and no accusing pangsof conscience. 

Before the coming of Nellie Dawson, brawls and personal encountersoften occurred. The walls of the Heavenly Bower contained severalpounds of lead. Blood had been shed, and the history of the settlementshowed that three persons had died with their boots on, but thosestirring days seemed to have departed forever. 

Parson Brush did a good deal of thinking. When through with his pupil, he was accustomed to take long walks into the mountains, his handsclasped behind his back and his head bowed in meditation. It is safeto conclude that Conscience was getting in its work with him. 

And so the seasons came and went and the years rolled on. VarickThomson, an old miner, who had spent years of fruitless toil in thediggings of Australia, lay down and died, and the parson officiated athis funeral. Two other miners grew weary of the poor success in DeadMan's Gulch and went off on a prospecting tour deeper into themountains. A year later another prospecting party came upon twoskeletons, near a small stream of water, which after carefulexamination, were pronounced to be those of their former friends, doubtless victims of the ferocity of the red men. Three vagrant minersstraggled into New Constantinople one night and were hospitablyentertained at the Heavenly Bower. Their appearance was against them, and, when they announced their intention of making their home at DeadMan's Gulch, the suggestion to them to move on was made in such termsthat they acted upon it and were never seen there again. Thus it cameabout that New Constantinople, instead of increasing in populationand making a bid for the chieftaincy among the new towns in the West, was actually shrinking in numbers. 

And all this time, Nellie Dawson was growing fast. Her beautiful mindkept pace with the expansion of her body. Her natural grace andperfection of figure would have roused admiration anywhere. Herinnocence and goodness were an ever present benison to the roughminers, who had long since learned to check the hasty word, torestrain the rising temper and to crush the wrongful thought in herpresence. 

After a time, Maurice Dawson took possession of one of the desertedcabins which he fitted up, or rather the community fitted up theprincipal apartment for the young queen, whose rule was supreme. Noone else was permitted to share the building with them, thoughvisitors were constant and Nellie herself continually passed to andfro among her friends. 

But those who watched Dawson saw that a change had come over him. Formerly there was a quiet waggery in his nature, much like that ofBudge Isham, which led him to enjoy the rough pleasantries of hiscompanions, though he rarely took part in them, except as an incitingcause. One of his greatest pleasures had been to sit in the HeavenlyBower and exchange reminiscences with his friends, but all that cameto an end. Night after night passed without his face being seen inthe place. Those who called at the cabin were treated hospitably, buthe was reserved and moody, and often failed to hear the wordsaddressed to him. It was evident that there was something on his mind, though he showed no disposition to make a confidant of any one. 

CHAPTER IX

THE CLOUD OF WAR

"I KNOW the cause of Dawson's trouble, " remarked Vose Adams, late onenight at the Heavenly Bower. 

"What is it?" asked Wade Ruggles, while the rest listened intently. 

"On my last trip to Sacramento, two months ago, I brought him a thickletter: that's what is raising the mischief with him. "

"But what was in the letter to make him act so queer?"

"How should I know? do you expect me to open and read all the lettersI bring through the mountains?"

"Bein' as you couldn't read the big letters the parson has painted onthe side of the rock a foot high, " said Al Bidwell sarcastically, "there ain't much danger of your doin' that, which the same is luckyfor them as gits love letters like myself regular by each mail. "

"Which the same you won't git any more onless you sling your remarks alittle more keerful, " warned the mail carrier. 

"And the same being that you can't read the directions writ ontothem, I don't see how you're going to help yourself. "

"The postmaster at Sacramento is very obligin', " was the significantcomment of Vose. 

Bidwell saw the dangerous ground on which he was treading, and made itsafe by a jesting remark and an invitation to Adams and the rest tojoin him at the bar. 

"We was on the subject of Dawson, " remarked Ruggles from his seat, forall had learned long before of the uselessness of inviting him todrink; "and it's the opinion of Vose, I understand, that it was theletter that has made the change in him. "

"There ain't any doubt about it, " said Adams; "fur the attack took himright after; I noticed the difference in him the next day. He sets byhimself these evenings after the little gal has gone to bed, smokinghis pipe, without any light in his shanty, and thinking hard. "

Wade smoked thoughtfully a minute and then remarked:

"I wonder whether it wouldn't be a good idee to app'int a committee towait on Dawson and ask him what the blazes is the matter and whetherwe can't do nothin' to make a man of him agin. "

Since Ruggles had become accustomed to act as chairman at thediscussions in the Heavenly Bower, he had developed a strong faith incommittees. 

"That's a piece of the most onspeakable foolishness that I've runaginst since I settled in New Constantinople, " observed the landlordwith a contemptuous sniff; "the minute the committee arrove and statedtheir bus'ness, Dawson would kick 'em out of his shanty and cleanacross the street, and he'd be lacking in the instincts of a man if hedidn't do that same thing. "

"Mr. Ortigies forgits that I didn't mean to suggest that _he_ was tobe a member of the committee; I meant they should be _gentlemen_;consequently that bars him out and there wouldn't be no trouble. "

"I understand your sarcasm, Wade, but your words would leave you offthe committee likewise; but may I ask what the members would ask himwhen they knocked at his door?"

"Any gentleman wouldn't be at a loss what to say, fur he would onlyhev to remark sorter careless like that he had observed the man wasacting so queer that we was afeard he was troubled with remorse oversome crime he'd committed, and about which he had got notice that theofficers was lookin' fur him, but that if he'd trust us and give adescription of the officers, so there wouldn't be any mistake, we'dwatch fur 'em up the trail and pick 'em off afore they could profaneNew Constantinople with their presence. "

This was a prodigious sentence for Wade, and he leaned back and smokedhis pipe with considerable self-complacency, but it impressed none ofhis hearers as he expected. Parson Brush shook his head. 

"It isn't a very wise way of introducing yourself to a man by assumingthat he is a fugitive from justice. In the first place, I am surethere is nothing of the kind in the case of Dawson. He has probablyheard some news from the East that troubles him. "

"That's just what I was sayin', " broke in Ruggles. 

"But not of the nature intimated by you. "

"What else can it be?"

"It might be one of a dozen things; I know you are all wrong in yourguesses. "

Every eye was fixed upon the parson, for all were anxious to learn atwhat he was hinting. His face was unusually grave, but he stoppedspeaking, as if he deemed it indiscreet to say anything more. Henoticed the looks and whetted the curiosity by adding:

"I have been so disturbed over the change in Dawson that I called onhim last night and had a talk with him. "

"And what did you learn?" asked Budge Isham, the moment Brush showedan inclination to stop talking. 

"Well, it was hard work to draw him out, but finally he told me he hadreceived a letter from the East, which made him think he would have toleave us. That isn't the worst. "

All were breathless, afraid to give utterance to the dread that untilthen was vague and indistinct in their minds. 

"He thinks he must take his daughter Nellie with him. "

"What! Take her away from us? That can never be allowed. "

None felt the anguish of the announcement keener than the man who madeit, but he looked calmly into the angry faces and said:

"You forget, my friends, that she is his child and he has the moraland legal right to do what he thinks is best for her. "

"But where are _our_ rights?" demanded Wade Ruggles; "they mustn't beforgot. "

"We haven't any, --not a single one. But I am satisfied that one causeof Dawson's distress of mind is the very question you have asked. Hecan never cease to be deeply grateful to all of us for what we havedone for him and his child. He doesn't wish to take her away for itwill be as painful to her as to us. But friends, " continued theparson, with a sense of right that was creditable to him, "Dawson'sfirst duty is to his child. She is now twelve years old, quite a largegirl and is growing fast. She has never seen girl or woman since shewas brought here; she will soon be a young woman; she requiresassociation with others of her own sex; her welfare demands this; hereducation and proper training can never be obtained in this miningsettlement. "

"Eddycation!" exclaimed Vose Adams; "what have you been doing with herall this time? She must be as far along in her studies and eddycationas me and Ruggles. "

"It is to be hoped so, " replied the parson with a smile; "I doubtwhether she will meet any one of her age as proficient in booklearning as herself, but there remains music, etiquette, and aboveall, the social customs and accomplishments which can be acquirednowhere except in the abode of civilization. There is none upon whomthis blow will fall more heavily than myself, but I have no right tointerpose when a man is doing his duty. "

An exploding bomb could not have caused more consternation than thenews brought by the parson. Every one felt the truth of his words andrespected him for their utterance, but it was like asking them toconsent to the blotting of the sun from the heavens. 

"I see a way out of it, " finally remarked Wade Ruggles with abrightening face; "we can compermise. "

"In what way?"

"Why, if Dawson feels that he and the gal must go, let him split thedifference atween us; he can go and leave her; that will satisfyeverybody. "

"It will hardly satisfy him, since the whole question is that oftaking her with him. He must be left free to do whatever he chooses. "

The parson looked into the gloomy faces turned toward him. 

"Boys, you have all heard the news brought by the last papers. FortSumter has been fired on; President Lincoln has called for volunteers;the Southern Confederacy has been declared and civil war has begun. Itis the intention of Dawson to offer his services to the cause of theUnion. "

"And I shall enlist too, " declared Wade Ruggles, compressing his lips, "but it will be on the other side. "

"I'm with you, " added Budge Isham; "I am from Alabama, and if shesecedes, as she is sure to do, I am ready to lay down my life in herdefence. "

"Sorry, pards, but that shoves me into the Union army, " remarked AlBidwell, puffing quietly at his pipe; "we must keep the balance right, but we'll part friends here and we'll be friends till we shoulder ourmuskets. Then we'll do all we can to kill each other. "

Further discussion disclosed that the citizens of New Constantinoplewere about equally divided in their allegiance, but all of them werenot yet ready to take up arms in support of the cause with which theysympathized. There were eight who announced their intention of makingtheir way to San Francisco, there to find the most available route tothe points necessary to reach. It was typical of that stupendousstruggle, the greatest of modern times, that four of these recruitswere ardent supporters of one cause and four equally eager to risktheir lives for the other. They were the warmest of friends and hadbeen for years, willing to face any danger for the sake of theremainder. It would be the same until they parted, and then, as one ofthem had already expressed it, they would devote every energy totrying to kill one another. 

None of the volunteers faltered until Maurice Dawson decided to leavehis daughter at the settlement until his return, if so be he should bepermitted to return. He knew of no better or safer place for her, norof any friends to whose care he would more cheerfully commit her, incase it should be his lot to fall on the field of battle. 

It had been Parson Brush's intention to be Dawson's comrade in hisperils, but when the father begged him to stay behind to look afterhis child he consented. And so the programme, so fraught withmomentous consequences, was arranged. 

CHAPTER X

THE BLUE AND THE GRAY

The four years of stupendous war came to an end. The sun of theSouthern Confederacy went down in gloom and defeat behind the hills ofAppomattox, never to rise again, and blessed peace brooded over areunited nation, which shall endure through the coming ages to the endof time. 

It was only the faint echoes of the mighty struggle that, faintlyreverberating across prairie and mountain, reached the little miningsettlement nestling among the solitudes of the Sierras. Vose Adamsmade more frequent journeys to Sacramento, in order to gather news ofthe terrific events, which were making history at an appalling rate. Upon his return, the miners gathered round Parson Brush, or some otherone with a good voice, who stood up, with every eye centred on him andevery ear keyed to the highest point and they listened with breathlessinterest until the thrilling story was read through to the end. 

The same diversity of sentiment that appeared at first continued tothe last, but the parson's earnest words and his insistence that noquarrels should take place among the neighbors prevented anyoutbreak, though more than once the point was perilously near. 

"If your sympathies are with the Union or with the South, " he saidimpressively, "there is nothing to prevent your taking up arms, but itmust be on the battle field and not here. "

And this wise counsel prevailed. Now and then some ardent partisanshouldered his rifle, bade his friends a hasty good-by and hurriedaway. One by one, they went until the new recruits numbered five. Thusthe population of New Constantinople dwindled to about one-half, andretaining its exclusive tastes, permitted no new comers to join them, so that the boom which in its early days was so confidently looked forsank to zero and vanished. In truth it looked as if New Constantinoplewas doomed to die of dry rot. 

Strange news came now and then from the men who had gone to the war. Maurice Dawson wrote often to his daughter Nellie, whose letters, itcan well be understood were the bright spots in his life of adventureand danger. She had improved wonderfully under the careful tuition ofParson Brush, who, gaining experience, as he saw the brightness of hermind, found his work of the most pleasant nature conceivable. Shedisplayed a thirst for knowledge and made advances which astonishedhim. The books needed for her instruction were procured by Vose Adamsin Sacramento, and she valued such presents more than anything else. The teacher declared many a time, with a certain pride, that she puthim upon his mettle to make clear the abstruse problems with which hewrestled when in college. 

"How she will surprise the boys and her father when they come back, "reflected the parson; "it won't take her much longer to reach thepoint beyond which I cannot lead her. "

To her friends who remained, the growth and improvement of the girlwere astonishing. Probably no one of her sex ever gave nature itself abetter chance to show what she can do with a healthy frame, whenuntrammeled by the fashions and requirements of modern usages. Herlithe, comely figure was perfect. She never knew an hour's illness. The cheeks had the rose tint of health, the eyes were clear, the teethperfect and her spirits buoyant. As one of the men expressed it, shewas like a burst of sunshine in the settlement. 

But Parson Brush was thoughtful. He saw that she was crossing the lineinto young womanhood, and that her own interests demanded that sheshould go out into the world of which he had told her so much; thatshe should meet those of her own sex and learn the mysteries of herown being. The affection of her friends could not make up for thislack. It cost the honest fellow many a pang when he thought of this, but his consolation lay in the inevitable conclusion that nothingcould be done until the return of her parent or until his wishes weremade known. 

"If it so happens that he shall fall in battle, then a grave problemmust be met. It will not do for her to remain here; I will talk itover with the others and we shall make some arrangement for her good, "and with this conclusion he was content to await the issue of events. 

Occasionally the parson received a letter from the father. Themissives were models in their way, telling of his experiences in theservice of the battles, of the prospect of victory and his faith inthe final triumph of the great struggle. He thanked the teacher forhis interest in his child and assured him that his kindness wouldnever be forgotten by father or daughter. 

Vose Adams continued his frequent journeys to Sacramento, for thosewere stirring times and he was as anxious as his friends for news. Always on his return he was met by Nellie some distance down thewinding trail, and, as soon as she was in sight, he held up the plumpletter for which she yearned, and over which she was made happy beyondexpression, and he never failed to carry back with him the reply ofthe child, who knew how much it cheered the brave soldier in thedistant East and South fighting the battles of his country. 

For two years and more there was not a break in this correspondence. Dawson must have been a good soldier, for, though he enlisted as aprivate, he was soon promoted, and before the close of the two years, was a full fledged captain, with the brevet of major. It was aboutthis time that one of his letters gave the story of Gettysburg. In thehell-blast of Pickett's charge two of his old friends, who had leftNew Constantinople to fight for the South, were riddled, and another, marching at the captain's side, had his head blown off by an explodingshell. Thus in one engagement three of the old residents of the miningsettlement were wiped out. 

Only once or twice was any news received of Al Bidwell. It was knownthat Ruggles was with the Army of Northern Virginia, but no tidingscame of Budge Isham and Ike Hoe. The continued silence was accepted asalmost certain proof of their death, and yet both were well andunharmed. 

One day in early summer, two sunburned, shaggy men rode down themountain side and drew up their horses in front of the Heavenly Bower. They had ridden from the East and had come through many hardships anddangers. One of them wore a partial uniform of blue, while the otherwas of a faded, butternut tinge. The two had been engaged for years intrying to slay each other, inclusive of their respective friends, butfailing in the effort, gave it up when the final surrender took placeat Appomattox. Both were from New Constantinople, and they now turnedtheir faces in that direction. Starting from widely separated pointstheir lines of travel converged and finally joined. When they met, there was a moment of mutual sharp scrutiny, then an exclamation ofdelight, a fervent handclasp and a moistening of the eyes, as bothexclaimed:

"God bless you, old boy! There's no one in the world I would rathermeet than you! Shake again!"

And they did, and henceforward they followed the same trail and "drankfrom the same canteen. " They shared their rations with each other, andin the regions of the West, where danger lurked in the air, onewatched while the other slept, ready to interpose his body as a shieldbetween peril and his comrade. 

And what splendid soldiers the Civil War made! How those veteranscould fight! What pluck, what coolness, what nerve, what daring theydisplayed! There was one stormy night beyond the Mississippi, when aband of jayhawkers, believing the two men carried a few hundreddollars, formed a plan for shooting both for the sake of the plunder. There were six of the outlaws at the opening of proceedings, but atthe close just half the number was left, and one of them carried awaya wound with him, from which he could never recover, while thedefenders did not receive a scratch. 

"When I heard that rebel yell of yours, " remarked the veteran who worethe blue, "it tingled through my veins as it did at Chancellorsville, Antietam and various other scenes of unpleasantness. I couldn't helpsailing in. "

"I didn't mean to let out the yawp, " returned his companion, "but whenthe shooting began, it was so like old times I couldn't help it. Itwas real enjoyable. "

"Yes, " was the dry response, "but rather more so for us than for theother fellows. "

Three days later a band of Indians concluded to try their hand uponthe veterans, but the trouble was that the red men could not get afair chance. Before they arrived within effective striking distance, the veterans began shooting, and whenever they shot somebody fell. Thething became so monotonous that the hostiles gave it up in disgust anddrew off. Thenceforward the old soldiers had comparatively an easytime of it. 

And so, after a ride of more than two thousand miles on horseback, these two men entered Dead Man's Gulch and drew rein in front of theHeavenly Bower. Their coming caused a sensation, for their looksshowed they were veterans of the war and were certain to bringimportant news. The couple smiled and whispered to each other, forthey saw that no one suspected their identity. 

Among the wondering group that gathered round was Nellie Dawson. Shewas profoundly interested, for Vose Adams had made two journeys to andfrom Sacramento without bringing a letter from her father. Doubtlessthese men could tell her something, and she stood on the edge of thegroup, waiting for them to speak and for the opportunity to questionthem. 

"Do you see her?" whispered one of the men. 

"Yes; gracious! hasn't she grown? Why, she was a little girl when weleft and now she's a young woman. "

"Blessed if she isn't! She wears such long dresses that you can seeonly the tiny toes of her shoes; we've obsarved a good many purtywomen since we left these parts, but nothing that could come up toher. "

"You can bet your life! She hasn't any idee of who we are, norhave the boys, but it looks to me as if the parson is a littlesuspicious. "

Although the patronage of the Heavenly Bower had shrunk a good deal, Landlord Ortigies was as genial and hospitable as ever. The newarrivals had time only for a few secret comments, when he cameforward:

"Strangers, you're welcome to the best we have, which isn't anythingto boast of; look as if you had rid a good many miles and you must beas tired and thirsty as your animals. If you'll turn 'em over to VoseAdams, he'll 'tend to them, and, if you'll allow me, you shall have agood meal, which before the same, I beg to tender you some distilledhome brewed Mountain Dew. "

Thanking the landlord for his offer, the men dismounted and waitedoutside, while he brought forth two glasses, half-filled with thefiery stuff of the poetical name. One of the men took his and eagerlyswallowed it. The other held his aloft, where under the brightsunlight it glowed crimson like blood. With his hand motionless for amoment, he slowly inverted the glass and allowed the liquid to run outon the ground. 

"Max, I reckon you haven't forgot when I done something like that somefour years ago, " said the man, turning toward the astonished host. 

CHAPTER XI

WAITING

"Wade Ruggles, as I'm alive!" exclaimed the delighted landlord, rushing forward and grasping his hand. Instantly the group closed in, and there was such laughing and handshaking that for a time nothingwas clearly distinguished. 

"I was suspicious, " remarked the parson; "but, though you both hadbeards when you went away, these have grown so much that they havegreatly altered your appearance. "

He scanned the other man closely, but before the parson had identifiedhim, several others had done so. 

"It's Al Bidwell!"

"Yes, " replied the laughing Ruggles; "that's the fellow, but I'm sorryto say that since they made a major-general of him, he's become areg'lar dude. He doesn't go out when it rains for fear of soiling hisuniform, and the noise of powder makes him sick, so be careful how youhandle the delicate fellow. "

"Well, you do not need to be told, " was the hearty response of theparson, "that no one could be more welcome than you; let's shake handsall around again. "

It was some minutes before the flurry was over, for the delight onboth sides was unbounded and the joy of the reunion great. 

One member of the group lingered in the background. Her face wasflushed with delighted expectancy, but with a coyness unknown in herearlier years, she hesitated on the outer edge of the circle. Shecould not mingle with the rush and waited until the flurry was over. The men were scarcely less embarrassed than she, and while notappearing to see her, both were watching her every movement. When thetime came that the meeting could no longer be delayed, Ruggles walkedto her and extended his hand. 

"Well, Nellie, aren't you glad to see me?"

The crinkling of the whiskers at the side of the invisible mouthshowed that he was laughing, and indeed his white teeth gleamedthrough his wealth of beard. Nellie promptly advanced and met him halfway. 

"Mr. Ruggles, I can't tell you how glad I am to meet you again. "

He had been asking himself whether it would do to kiss this vision ofloveliness. He wished to do so, but was afraid. However, the questionwas settled by the girl, who, instead of taking the hand, flung herarms about his neck and saluted him fervently, that is as well as shecould under the conditions. 

Al Bidwell came forward and was received in the same manner. Then, asthe two men stepped back and looked admiringly at her, she said:

"I can see you are the same and yet those beards make you lookdifferent; I love to think of you as you were when you bade us good-byand rode off four years ago. "

"We shall be glad to fix up our faces in the old style, " said Ruggles, while his companion nodded assent. If she had asked them to cut offtheir heads they would have unhesitatingly agreed to do it. 

"No doubt we've changed somewhat, " said Bidwell, "but not one half somuch as you. "

"As I!" she repeated in astonishment; "why, I am just the same, " andshe looked down at her dress, as if seeking the explanation of hisremark; "I haven't changed a bit. "

"Not in goodness and all that sort of thing, but we left a little girland now I'm blessed if we don't find a young woman, and yet it's thesame little girl after all. "

The maidenly blush darkened her face and she laughed. 

"You couldn't expect me to stand still all these years. "

"No; though we would have been glad if you had done so. "

The three were standing apart, the others with commendable delicacyleaving them to themselves. Nellie laid her arm on the sleeve ofRuggles, and looking up yearningly in his face she asked:

"Can you give me any news of father?"

"Being as him and me was on different sides, I haven't seen or heard athing of him since we parted in San Francisco, but I hope all has gonewell with him. "

She turned to Bidwell, who said:

"Me and him was thrown together once or twice and I met him afterGettysburg, where neither of us got a scratch, which is more than tensof thousands of others can say. Then I seen him in front ofPetersburg, where we had the same good luck agin, but in the fightinground there we lost track of each other. Are you worried about him, little gal?"

"Very much, " she mournfully replied; "never once did Vose Adams comeback from Sacramento without one or two letters from him, but he hasnow done so twice, and I haven't heard a word. I fear father is dead;if he is, my heart is broken and I shall die too. "

What could they say to cheer her, for Vose Adams made still anotherjourney westward with the same dismal emptiness of the mail bag, sofar as she was concerned. Every one did his utmost to cheer her, butnone succeeded. The ground taken was that the parent had set out onhis return, but had been hindered by some cause which would beexplained when he finally arrived. When not one of the men himselfbelieved the story, how could he hope to make the mourning daughterbelieve it?

Felix Brush took a different stand from the others. He early settledinto the belief that Captain Dawson was dead, and that it was wrong toencourage hope on the part of the child when the disappointment mustbe more bitter in the end. 

"If you are never to see him again in this world, " he said, at theclose of a sultry afternoon, as the two were seated on a rocky ledgenear the cabin in which she had made her home all alone during herparent's long absence, "what a blessed memory he leaves behind him!Died on the field of battle, or in camp or hospital, in the service ofhis country, --what more glorious epitaph can patriot desire?"

"If he is dead then I shall die; I shall pray that I may do so, sothat I shall soon see him again. "

"My dear child, you must show some of the courage of your parent andprove that you are a soldier's daughter. Your blow is a severe one, but it has fallen upon thousands of others, and they have bravely metit. You are young; you have seen nothing of the great world aroundyou--"

"I do not care to see anything of it, " she interrupted with a sigh. 

"You will feel different when you have recovered from the blow. It isan amazing world, my dear. The cities and towns; the great ocean; theworks of art; the ships and steamboats; the vast structures; therailways; the multitudes of people; the lands beyond the seas, withstill more marvelous scenes, --all these will expand like fairy landbefore you and make you wonder that you ever should have wished toleave such a realm of beauty and miracles while in your youth. "

Nellie sat for some time in silence, and then rose to her feet with aweary sigh. Without speaking, she turned to walk away, but not in thedirection of her own home. 

"Where are you going?" he asked. 

"To look for him, " was her sorrowful reply. 

It was what he suspected and feared. He knew she had done the samething night after night for weeks past, even when the rains fell andthe chilling blasts made her shiver with discomfort. He could notinterpose, and with the reflection that perhaps it was as well, heturned mournfully aside and walked slowly toward the cabins. 

Meanwhile, Nellie Dawson passed beyond the limits of the settlementuntil all the houses were behind her. She did not sit down, butfolding her arms, after gathering her shawl about her, bent her gazeupon the trail, which wound in and out at the bottom of the caņonbelow, for a fourth of a mile, when a mass of projecting rocks hid itfrom sight. 

Night was closing in. Already the grim walls, thousands of feet inheight, were wrapped in gloom, and few eyes beside hers could havetraced the devious mule path for more than a hundred yards from whereshe stood. The clear sky was studded with stars, but the moon had notyet climbed from behind the towering peaks, which would shut out itslight until near the zenith. 

The soft murmur of the distant waterfall, the sound of voices behindher, the faint, hollow roar, which always is present in a vastsolitude, filled the great space around her and made the stillnessgrander and more impressive. 

All this had been in her ears many a time before, and little heed didshe give to it now. Her musings were with that loved one, who had beensilent for so many weeks, and for whose coming she longed with anunspeakable longing. She knew the course of the trail so well, thoughshe had never been far over it, that she was aware at what point hemust first appear, if he ever appeared, and upon that point shecentered her attention. 

"Something tells me that when father comes it will be in the nighttime, " she said; "I know he has tried hard to reach me, and whatcould it be that held him back? I will not believe he is deaduntil--"

Her heart gave a quicker throb, for surely that was a faint sound inthe path, though too far off for her to perceive the cause. She couldnot tell its precise nature, but fancied it was the footfall of someanimal. She took several quick steps forward on tiptoe, with headextended, peering and listening, with all her senses at the highesttension. 

Hark! she heard it again. Surely it was the noise of hoofs, for it wasrepeated and the sounds ran into each other as if the animal weretrotting or galloping, or mayhap there was more than one of them. 

Yes; some one was drawing nigh on the back of horse or mule. There wasno mistaking the hoof beats, and in the gloom the figure of an animaland his rider assumed vague form, growing more distinct each moment. Nellie broke into a run, her arms outstretched and her hair flying. 

"Father! father! I know it is you! It is I--Nellie, your own Nellie, who has waited so long for you! You have come at last!"

CHAPTER XII

HOME AGAIN

The horseman coming up the trail had assumed definite form. Checkinghis animal he sat transfixed until the flying girl was beside him. Then he bent forward and in a choking voice, answered:

"Yes, Nellie, it is your father! God be thanked for permitting me tocome to you again. And you are Nellie! But how grown!"

Captain Dawson leaned over the side of his horse and, passing hisstrong arm around the waist of his daughter, lifted her up in front ofhim. Then he pressed his lips to hers, and half-laughing andhalf-crying asked:

"Who's the happier, you or I?"

"You can't be any happier than I; but, father, " she added inamazement, "where is your other arm?"

"Buried in Southern Virginia as a memento of my work for the Union, but, my dear child, _I_ am here; isn't _that_ enough?"

"Yes, bless your heart!" she exclaimed, nestling up to him; "it allseems like a dream, but it _isn't_, for I can feel you. I am sosorry, " she added, noticing the sleeve pinned to his breast; "how youmust have suffered. "

"Nonsense! it isn't anything to lose an arm; it's not half so bad ashaving your head blown off or both legs carried away. After goingnearly through the war without a scratch, I caught it just beforeAppomattox, but thousands were less fortunate and I am thankful. "

"But why did you not write to me and tell me all this? Mr. Brush wassure you were dead, and I know the rest thought so, too, though theydidn't talk that way. "

"I did have a close call; I got the fever while in the hospital anddidn't know so much as my own name for several weeks. Then, when wellenough to write, I concluded to come myself, believing I could keep upwith any letter and you would be gladder to see me than to receiveanything I might send. "

While these words were passing the steed remained motionless, butNellie had observed from the first that her parent had a companion. 

"Father, " she whispered, "you have some one with you. "

"Yes, my child, I had forgotten it in my delight at meeting you. "

A horseman was sitting as motionless as a statue in the trail behindthem, the form of himself and animal clearly outlined in theobscurity. He had not spoken nor stirred since the coming of the girl. The head of the steed was high, but beyond and above it loomed thehead and shoulders of the man sitting upright, like an officer ofdragoons. The gloom prevented a fair view of his countenance, butNellie fancied he was of pleasing appearance and wore a mustache. 

Captain Dawson turned his head and looked over his shoulder, as if tolocate the man. 

"That is Lieutenant Russell; he served under me during the latterpart of the war; he is my friend, Nellie, for he saved my life. Lieutenant, " added the captain, elevating his voice, "this is mydaughter Nellie of whom you heard me speak so often. "

The young officer lifted his cap, the graceful gesture being plainlyseen and replied with a pleasant laugh. 

"Miss Dawson, I am glad to become acquainted with you and hope I shallsoon be favored with a better view. "

"And I hope to see more of the one that was the means of saving mydear father, " she was quick to reply. 

"Well, I guess that was equal on both sides, for I should never havereached this place but for him. "

"Father, what is _that_?" abruptly asked Nellie, shrinking closer tohim; "have you a bear following you?"

That which caused the startled question was a huge animal, which cameslowly forward from the gloom in which he had been enveloped. Thehorses showed no fear of him, and he sniffed at the skirts of thegirl. 

"Don't be alarmed, " replied her father; "you may consider him a lionor tiger or both combined. He is Lieutenant Russell's dog Timon, oneof the biggest, fiercest, but most intelligent and affectionate of hiskind. We three are comrades, so you must accept him, too, as yourfriend. "

The two now gave rein to their horses and within briefer time thanwould be supposed, every man in New Constantinople knew of the arrivalof the couple and had given them right royal welcome. It was the mostjoyous incident in the history of the little mining settlement. Everyone knew of the corroding grief of Nellie Dawson, and there was not aheart that did not go out in sympathy to her. All were gathered aroundand within the crowded quarters of the Heavenly Bower, where the twomen and Nellie ate their happy evening meal. Then the pipes werelighted, and with the girl perched upon her father's knee, the restlistened to his story, which he summarized, leaving the particularsfor a more convenient occasion. 

"I am sorry my long silence caused misgiving, " said he looking roundin the faces of his friends, "but it could not be very well helped. You have noticed that whereas I left New Constantinople with two arms, I am now one short. As I told Nellie, that happened in the very lastdays of the war. It was quite a loss, but you have little idea of howsoon a man can become accustomed to it. The fact is, " added thesoldier, with a grim smile, "things are moving so well with me that Iwouldn't give much to have the old limb back again. I have no doubtGeneral Howard feels the same way. "

"The pruned oak is the strongest, " observed Parson Brush. 

"Provided it isn't pruned too much. With my wound came an attack offever, which brought me nearer death than I ever was in battle, but Icame out of it all and here we are. "

"What route did you take, captain?" asked Wade Ruggles. 

"By steamer to the Isthmus, then up the coast to San Francisco. There the lieutenant and I joined a party to Sacramento and eachbought a good strong horse. He had brought his dog Timon all theway from Virginia, where he was given to him by an old friend who worethe gray. We were hopeful of meeting Vose Adams in Sacramento, buthe had not been there for weeks. Instead of him, whom should we comeacross but Ike Hoe, who was also getting ready to start for thisplace. We three set out nearly ten days ago, but Ike is still in themountains. "

This was said with so grave a face that all knew what it meant. 

"I never heard of the Indians being so troublesome. For three days andnights it was little else than fighting. In the darkness we wouldsteal off and hunt for some new way through the mountains, but itmattered not where we went, for we were sure to run against some ofthem. "

"How was it that Hoe met his death?" asked the parson. 

"It was on the third night. We hadn't seen a thing of the Indianssince the noon halt and were hopeful they had given up the hunt forus. We hadn't eaten a mouthful for twenty-four hours and were hungryenough to chew our boots. Ike found a place among the rocks, where acamp fire couldn't be seen for more than a few rods and started ablaze. The lieutenant had brought down an antelope, and if we couldget a chance to cook the steak, we were sure of the right kind of ameal. Well, we broiled enough to give each all he wanted. Ike leanedback with a pleasant smile on his face and remarked that it was worthall the risk to get such a feast, when I caught the flicker ofsomething like the dart of a small bird between him and me. Before Icould make out what it was, Ike gave a groan, and rolling overbackward, never spoke or stirred. I saw the feathered end of an arrowsticking up above his breast. The head had gone clean through him andit must have split his heart in two. "

"But was neither you or the lieutenant harmed?"

"That is the remarkable part of it. The lieutenant saw the arrowbefore I did and warned me. We darted back in the darkness with ourguns ready, but saw and heard nothing more of the Indians. What wasremarkable about it was that only the single arrow should have beenlaunched at Ike. "

"It looks as if there was but the single Injin, " suggested Bidwell. 

"That is the way we interpreted it. "

"And that was the end of your troubles with the Indians?"

"Not quite, but they bothered us only once more and then they managedto get us into a corner, where it would have been the last of me hadit not been for the lieutenant and Timon. I tell you----"

The captain stopped short and smiled. He had seen the protestingexpression on the face of the young officer, and said:

"We'll keep that story till some time when he isn't present. But thereis another fact which I observed. There are more white men in themountains than ever before and the numbers will increase. The close ofthe war has released nearly a million soldiers, who must make a livingsomehow. Some will come westward. You have preserved this place as anexclusive residence for yourselves, but you won't be able to do itmuch longer. "

All saw the truth of these words, and knew trouble would inevitablyfollow the mingling of uncongenial spirits, but they concluded itwould be time enough to meet it when it came, without allowing thefear to disturb the pleasure of the present communion. Lieutenant FredRussell could not fail to be an individual of keen interest to thosewho had never before seen him. While the captain was talking, he satmodestly in the background, smoking his brierwood, listening asintently as if everything said was new to him. It was noticed thatlike several of the rest, he did not drink at the bar, though hereceived numerous invitations. Truth to tell, he had been quite adrinker, but during that eventful journey through the mountains, whenCaptain Dawson was talking of his daughter, as he loved to do, henamed those who had reformed as the result of Nellie's influence. Theyoung officer made no comment, but it struck him that if those rough, hardy men could abstain, it ought not to be difficult for him to dothe same, and he did it. 

Few men were more prepossessing than the lieutenant. He was educated, about twenty-four years of age, and undeniably handsome. His campaignsof exposure, hardship and fighting had hardened his frame into themould of the trained athlete. The faded uniform which he still worebecame him well. The ruddy cheeks had grown swarthy and browned, butwhen he removed his cap, the upper part of his forehead showed aswhite and fair as that of a woman. 

His nose was slightly aquiline, just enough to give character to hiscountenance, the hair which was rather scant, was dark like themustache and the small tuft on his chin. He wore fine, high cavalryboots, reaching above the knees, a sword and like the captain wasarmed with revolver and Winchester rifle. 

Crouched at his feet was his massive dog Timon, an object of as muchinterest as his master; for, curious as it may seem, he was the onlycanine ever owned in New Constantinople. He was of mixed breed, huge, powerful and swift, seeming to combine the sagacity and intelligenceof the Newfoundland, the courage of the bull dog, the persistency ofthe bloodhound and the best qualities of all of them. Seeming tounderstand that he was among friends, he rested his nose between hispaws and lay as if asleep, but those who gazed admiringly at him, noted that at intervals he opened one of his eyes as if to say:

"Strangers, I guess it is all right, but I'm taking no chances. "

Coming with the credentials that no one else ever bore, LieutenantFred Russell was sure of a warm reception at New Constantinople. Thedepletion of the population had left more than one cabin vacant andthe best of these was turned over to him. In it he found cookingutensils, rough but serviceable bedding and accommodations and muchbetter comforts than he was accustomed to during his campaigning. Having no immediate relatives, he had followed the discreet course ofCaptain Dawson, who deposited nearly all of his accumulated pay in asavings institution in the East, reserving only enough to insure theirarrival on the Pacific coast. 

Russell, like so many turned from consumers into producers by the endof hostilities, was obliged to decide upon the means of earning alivelihood. He had begun the study of law, at the time he answered thecall for volunteers, and would have had no difficulty in taking it upagain; but, somehow or other, he did not feel drawn thitherward. Hedisliked the confinements of office work and the sedentary professionitself. He wanted something more stirring, and active, and calling forout door life. It was when he was in this mood, that Captain Dawsonurged him to accompany him to the gold diggings in the Sierras. 

"So far as I can learn, " explained the captain, "the mines haven'tpanned out to any great extent, but there is no doubt that there aremillions of dollars in gold in the mountains, and if it isn't at NewConstantinople, it is not far off. "

"I shall accept your invitation, " replied the junior officer, "withthe understanding that if the prospect is not satisfactory, I shallfeel at liberty to go somewhere else. "

"That's the constitutional right of every American citizen. "

"I am not as far along in years as you, but I am old enough to feelthat no person ought to fritter away the most valuable years of hislife. "

And thus it was that the lieutenant went to New Constantinople andreceived the heartiest welcome from every one there. And yet amongthese citizens were two that had lately become partners and sharers ofthe same cabin, and who were oppressed with misgiving. 

"I tell you, " said the parson late at night, when he and Wade Ruggleswere smoking in their home, with no one near enough to overhear them;"Captain Dawson has made the mistake of his life. "

"How?"

"In bringing Lieutenant Russell to New Constantinople. "

"I don't quite foller your meaning, parson. "

"Yes, you do; you understand it as well as myself. "

"I have a suspicion of it, but are you afraid to trust me?"

"You ought to know better than to ask that. "

"Go ahead then and give me the partic'lars. "

"In the first place then, the lieutenant is young and good looking. "

"Unfortinitly there can't be any doubt of that. "

"Nellie Dawson has never seen a handsome young man----"

"Exceptin' you and me, and we ain't as young as we once was. "

"She is now a young woman and ready to fall in love, and just at theright hour, or rather the very worst hour, the captain brings the manhere. "

"You have spoke the exact thoughts I had in mind all along; you'reright, parson. "

He would have been better pleased had Ruggles contradicted him. He didnot wish to believe that which he could not help believing. 

"We must treat him well because the captain brings him and he hassaved the captain's life, but, Wade, _we must watch them bothclose_. "

"I agree with you agin, but what shall we do if we find him makinglove to the little gal?"

The parson's fierce reply showed how deeply his feelings werestirred. 

"Warn him just once!"

"I feel as bad about it as you do, but, parson, I haven't forgot thatafore the war broke out, and we was afeard the captain meant to takethe gal away to have her eddycated, you told us it was none of ourbus'ness and he had the right to do as he thought best with his ownchild. "

"All that was true at the time, but the conditions have changed. "

"_Now_ I can't foller you. 'Spose the captain is agreeable?"

"He _won't_ be!" exclaimed Brush, who in the depth of his excitementadded an exclamation which sounded perilously like profanity. But forthe parson's intense earnestness, Ruggles would have quizzed him, buthe pitied the man and at the same time was distressed himself. 

"I hope you're right, but I doubt it. We've all felt for a good whilethat sooner or later, we must lose the little one. Now that she'sgrowed up, the captain may feel more than ever that she must be tookoff to some town where all the men ain't savages, and she can see someof her own kind. "

"If he puts it that way, we shall have to submit. He can take herwhere he wills, for my position is the same as four or five years ago, but nobody else must take her from among us. "

Ruggles's mood was now quite similar to that of his partner. 

"If I see anything wrong in the doings of that pretty faced youngofficer, I'll shoot him down like a mad dog. "

"So will I. "

The two were in the ugliest temper conceivable. They continued tosmoke, but their meditations were tumultuous and revengeful. Eachbreast contained a strange disturbing secret that either would havedied before confessing, but nevertheless, it was there and had takenineradicable root within the past days and weeks. 

Felix Brush, as the reader knows, had been the instructor of NellieDawson from infancy. He was the medium through which she had gained anexcellent book education. He had held many long confidential talkswith her. She, in her trusting innocence, had told him more of herinmost thoughts, her self communings, her dim, vague aspirations, thanshe imparted to anyone else. 

And he could not but notice her wonderful budding beauty. Surely, hethought, such a winsome creature was never born. He had begun to askhimself in a whispered, startled way: "Why may I not possess thismountain flower? True, I am much her senior, but I will nourish, protect and defend her against the world, as no younger man could orwould. She believes in my goodness, far more than I deserve. I willcultivate the affection within her of whose nature she has as yet nocomprehension. By and by, when she is a few years older, perhaps I mayclaim her. More extraordinary things have happened and are happeningevery day. I have but to keep her uncontaminated from the world, ofwhich I have told her so much, so that when she goes forth, she shallbe under my guardianship--the most sacred guardianship of all for itshall be that of husband. "

"Aye, " he added, his heart throbbing with the new, strange hope, "allthis, please heaven, shall come to pass if things go on as they are, and no younger man with better looks crosses my path. "

And now that younger and better looking man had crossed his path. 

The knowledge seemed to rouse all the dormant resentment of hisnature, and to undo the good that the girl herself had done in theyears that were gone. He felt that if he lost her, if his cherisheddream was to be rudely dissipated, he would go to perdition. 

And somewhat similar in range and nature were the communings of WadeRuggles, who until this eventful evening, had cherished a hope, sowild, so ecstatic, so strange and so soul-absorbing that he hardlydared to admit it to himself. At times, he shrank back, terrified athis presumption, as does the man who has striven to seize and holdthat which is unattainable and which it would be sacrilege for him tolay hands upon. 

"I'm three months younger than the parson, " he would reflect when themore hopeful mood was upon him; "neither of us is in danger of beinghung for our good looks, but I've got the bulge on him dead sure. Ihad too much in the way of whiskers to suit the little one, when Icame back from the war; she wanted to see me as I was when I left;_why was that_?"

After pausing for a reply, he continued:

"So accordin' I trimmed 'em off and she says I'm better looking thanever, and what she says in Dead Man's Gulch and New Constantinople, goes. She meant it, too, as I could see by the sparkle of her eyes. 

"I went all through the war without swallerin' a mouthful of strongdrink, even when the doctor ordered it. I've contrived, sort ofaccerdental and off hand like, to let her know them circumstances andI've seen it pleased her immense. I've been layin' out some of mymoney for clothes, too, since I got back. Vose bought me a coat inSacramento, blue with brass buttons. I've had a necktie that has beenlaid away till the proper time comes to put it on. There are three orfour yards of silk in it and it will knock a rainbow out of sight. Ididn't want to overwhelm her too sudden like, and have been layin'back for the right occasion. 

"It's arriv! I must knock that leftenant out, and that necktie will doit! I'm mighty glad the parson hain't got any foolish dreams 'boutthe gal. The leftenant is the only galoot I've got to look out for, orrather, " added the miner grimly, "I'm the one he's got to beware of. I'm in dead earnest this time. "

CHAPTER XIII

YOUNG LOVE'S DREAM

That which in the nature of things was inevitable came to pass. Lieutenant Russell, in the same moment that his eyes rested uponNellie Dawson, was smitten, as hopelessly as ever ardent lover wassmitten by the lady whom he worshiped. The many things which thefather had told him about his daughter naturally excited interest inher, but the young officer never dreamed of looking upon suchmarvelous beauty as that which met his gaze in that secluded caņon ofthe Sierras. It required all his self-control from drawing attentionto himself by his admiration of her. 

"I never saw such a perfect combination of face, feature and figure, "he reflected when alone. "It is an illustration of what nature can dowhen left to herself. Then, too, she has a fund of knowledge that isamazing, when all the circumstances are considered. I haven't had muchchance to converse with her, but I heard enough to know that she wouldshine by virtue of her mind among the most accomplished of hersisters, who have had every advantage that civilization can give. Sheis a flower nourished on a mountain crag, exhaling all its fragrance, untainted by a poisonous breath from the outer world. Who would havedared to say that amid this rough, uncouth people, such lovelinesscould take root and nourish? And yet it is that loveliness which haspermeated and regenerated the miners themselves. But for her thesenights would be spent in drinking, roistering, fighting and carousing. It is her blessed influence, which unconsciously to herself haspurified the springs of life. Like the little leaven she has leavenedthe whole lump. "

The passing days increased his interest in her, until very soon heconfessed to himself that he was deeply in love with Nellie Dawson. She had become dearer to him than his own life. He could not livewithout the hope of gaining and possessing her. He would remain in NewConstantinople and starve, even though a Golconda was discovered a fewmiles away. He would linger, hopeful, buoyant and believing that thedream of his existence was to be crowned with perfect fruition. 

But the sagacious lieutenant had learned to be observant and to notethe most trifling things that escape the eyes of the majority ofpersons. Thus it was that the secret which Wade Ruggles and ParsonBrush believed was hidden, each from everyone except himself, becameas clear as noonday to him. He pitied them and yet he extracted a grimamusement from the fact. 

"They are hopelessly infatuated with her; they are excessively jealousand would rather shoot me than have me win. They are more than doubleher age, and yet they can see no incongruity in hoping to win her. They will hope on until the awakening comes. Then they will be mydeadliest enemies. I shouldn't be surprised if I receive a call andwarning from them, but neither they nor the whole world shall turn mefrom the prize which is more than all the gold, mined or unmined, inthe Sierras. "

No one could have been more circumspect than the young man. He treatedNellie Dawson with the chivalrous respect of a Crusader of the oldentime. He was always deferential, and, though he managed frequently tomeet and chat with her, yet it invariably had the appearance of beingaccidental. Fortunately his feeling of comradeship for Captain Dawsongave him a legitimate pretext for spending many evenings in his cabin, where it was inevitable that he should be thrown into the society ofthe daughter. 

Wade Ruggles and the parson noted all this with growing resentment. When it had continued for several weeks, the two friends had aconference over the situation. 

"I tell you, parson, it won't do to wait any longer, " observedRuggles, puffing away at his pipe; "things is getting dangerous. "

"Do you think so?" asked his companion, who held precisely the sameopinion, but disliked to admit it. 

"There isn't a particle of doubt of it. "

"Let me see, --we agreed to give him warning didn't we?--just once. "

"Yes, --it's only fair that you should let a man know afore you hithim, so he can brace himself for the shock, as it were. "

"Well, if we are going to do it, there is no use of waiting. "

"No use! It'll git worse every day. Let's go over to his place now. "

"It isn't likely we'll find him there; he spends nearly every eveningin the cabin of Captain Dawson. "

Neither fancied the task, and, had not their feelings been so wroughtup, they never could have been induced to undertake it, but because oftheir misgivings, nothing could have dissuaded them from theirpurpose. 

"When he comes to think soberly of it, " added Ruggles, "he'll thank usfor giving him warning in time. If we wait much longer, it might betoo late; we couldn't scare him off the track, but now he'll show hissense by stopping at once. "

The two passed out of the house and walked to the cabin of LieutenantRussell. Relieved, and yet in a certain sense dismayed, they found theyoung officer at home engaged in reading. The instant he saw andadmitted them, he knew the errand on which they had come. Except forthe grave question involved, that which followed would have been adelicious comedy. The lieutenant could not have treated a brother withgreater cordiality and never did host shine more brilliantly. He fellto talking of war times, drew out Ruggles, interested the parson andgave some of his own stirring experiences. They remained two hours andwent away charmed, without having once referred to Nellie Dawson. Theyvoted the young man a good fellow, concluded they were mistaken abouthis admiring the young lady, and thought it lucky they had not madefools of themselves. 

When they were clear of the house, Lieutenant Russell laughedheartily. 

"Their faces gave them away; they were loaded and primed, but I drewtheir charges; to-night they will vote me one of the best fellows thatever lived; to-morrow they will begin to doubt, and by and by thesweetest privilege they can ask will be to shoot me. "

Perhaps the most curious feature of the tragical incidents thatfollowed was the obtusiveness of Captain Dawson. What every one elsesaw was veiled from him, until at times he almost seemed wilfullyblind. The two men had gone through many perilous experiencestogether, and sometimes alone. It had been the fortune of the youngerofficer to serve the elder, more than once when in imminent dangerand none could be more grateful than the captain. 

As for Nellie Dawson herself, it is unlikely that for a time shesuspected the truth in all its fulness. She knew that hers was apeculiarly sweet enjoyment, while her deft fingers were busy with someneedlework, to listen to the reminiscences of the two. Sometimes shestarted with a shock of alarm, when the father pictured in his graphicway a situation from which it seemed no escape was open to him. Forgetful for the moment of the fact that he was there before her, alive and well, she fairly held her breath, until the _denouement_came. Not until then were her fears wholly relieved. 

And when the parent rendered such glowing tributes to the bravery ofthe young officer, recalling events of so thrilling a nature that thelieutenant never would have dared to describe them in similar terms, how could the daughter help the kindling of admiration for thehandsome young man? How could she avoid feeling grateful, when sheknew that he had risked his life for her parent, even on their latejourney through the mountains? In truth, everything tended to fan theflame that had already been kindled in both hearts. 

It was late one night, after the tired Nellie had withdrawn, that thevisitor made her the subject of the conversation, the approach beingso tactful, that the captain had no suspicion of its object. 

"Do you intend to spend all your life in this out of the way corner ofthe world?" was the question of the lieutenant. 

"Probably I shall. Just before I went to war, I became convinced thatmy duty to my daughter demanded I should move to the East, in order togive her the education she can never receive here. However, when Iwent to the war, there was no place except this where I could leaveher. When I come back, I find her a young woman, with excellent bookknowledge, thanks to Brush and the kind attention of the others. Sometimes I think that she is so innocent and ignorant of evil, thatit will be better for her to spend the rest of her life here. "

"It is a serious matter, but neither you nor she should be content toremain in this place for the rest of your lives. "

"Why not? Does that which she can learn elsewhere outweigh that whichshe will never learn in this secluded settlement? Is not the man orwoman fortunate who never comes face to face with the ingratitude, thetreachery, the selfishness, the baseness and the sin which are theaccompaniments of civilization? In this untainted mountain air, hernature will retain its freshness and purity; her life will be a wellspring of happiness and goodness to all with whom she comes incontact; I shall never marry, and mean to keep her by me until in theorder of nature I am called away. That is the only boon that I askfrom heaven. "

"But may not all this be hers and yours if the flower is transplantedfrom the wilderness into a more congenial soil? Has she not alreadyacquired that rugged strength which renders her nature secure againstevil? Is she not doubly panoplied in goodness by the training of herinfancy and girlhood?"

"I would like to think so, but, lieutenant, I have lived a few yearslonger than you. She _might_ not be safe there; I _know_ she ishere. "

CHAPTER XIV

THE THUNDERBOLT

Lieutenant Russell was treading on delicate ground, where the utmostcaution was necessary. He must not alarm his friend. He smoked a fewminutes in silence. 

"It is not for me to give counsel to my captain, but is it not a factthat selfishness grows upon us with advancing years?"

"Very likely. "

"Has it occurred to you that in concluding to pass the remainder ofyour days in this mining settlement, you are thinking more of yourselfthan of your child?"

"What have I said that warrants that question?" asked the captainsharply. 

"No higher motive than to protect a daughter from harm can inspire afather, but if she should be allowed to close your eyes, when you cometo lie down and die, it will be hers to live: what _then_?"

"I shall leave her comfortably provided for. My pay amounted to agoodly sum when the war ended, and it is placed where no one else canreap the benefit of it. Then, too, as you know we have struckconsiderable paying dirt of late. The prospects are that NewConstantinople, even if a small town, will soon be a rich one. "

Lieutenant Russell groaned in spirit. Would the parent neverunderstand him?

"Then you expect her to remain here, sharing in all the vicissitudesof the place? It cannot always stand still; it will either increase, bringing with it many bad elements, or it will cease to exist andthese people will have to go elsewhere: what then of the child whomyou have left behind you?"

"Oh, by that time, " airily replied the father; "she will be married tosome good honest fellow, like the parson, who seems to be fond of her, as I know she is of him, but I will not allow her to think of marriagefor a long while to come, " he added with emphasis. 

Lieutenant Russell had heard all he wished. He had learned that thefather would not consent to the marriage of his daughter for a numberof years, and when that time came, he would select one of the shaggy, uncouth miners for her life partner. 

"He has never thought of _me_ in that capacity, but he will have toentertain the thought before he is much older. "

In her dreamings of the mysterious world, with its teeming multitudesand all manner of men, Nellie Dawson was sure that none lived whocould compare with this young cavalier who had come out from thatwonderful realm into the loneliness of her mountain home, bringingwith him a sunshine, a glow, a radiance, a happiness, and a thrillinglife which she had never believed could be hers. 

She often sat with her eyes upon his countenance, when, in his chairopposite her father, he recalled those marvelous experiences of his. To her no man could ever possess so musical a voice, and none soperfect features and winning ways. It was young love's dream and inher heart the sacred flame was kindled and fanned until her wholebeing was suffused and glowed with the new life. 

One of Lieutenant Russell's firsts acts of kindness to Nellie Dawsonwas to present her with his massive dog Timon. She had shown greatadmiration from the first for the magnificent brute, who became fondof her. The maiden was delighted beyond measure and thanked the donorso effusively that he was embarrassed. It is not probable, however, that Timon himself was ever aware of the change of ownership, for itbrought no change of conditions to him. He had learned to divide histime about equally between the home of the lieutenant and that ofCaptain Dawson, while, like the young lady herself, he wandered aboutthe settlement at will. He was a dignified canine, who stalkedsolemnly through New Constantinople, or took a turn in Dead Man'sGulch, resenting all familiarity from every one, except from the onlytwo persons that had ever owned him. 

The lieutenant reflected much upon his conversation with CaptainDawson, the impression which he had received being anything butpleasant. "He considers himself unselfish, and yet like all such he isselfishness itself. He has determined to spend the rest of his days inthis hole and to keep her with him. He won't allow her to marry foryears, because it might interfere with his own pleasure; then heintends to turn her over to that lank, shaggy-faced Brush, whopretends to be a parson. The captain never thinks of _me_ as havingany claims upon her love. To carry out his plan would be a crime. Ifshe objects to Brush, he will probably give her a choice from thewhole precious lot, including Ruggles, Adams, Bidwell, or Red Mike, the reformed gambler. 

"Never once has he asked himself whether his daughter may not have apreference in the matter, but, with the help of heaven, he shall notcarry out this outrage. "

In the solitude of his own thoughts, the lover put the question tohimself:

"Am _I_ unselfish in my intentions?"

Selfishness is the essence of love. We resolve to obtain the one uponwhom our affections are set, regardless of the consequences or of thefuture. It is _our_ happiness which is placed in the balance andoutweighs everything else. 

"Of course, " continued the young officer in his self-communing, "Ishall be the luckiest fellow in the world when I win her and she willbe a happy woman. Therefore, it is her good which I seek as much as myown. "

How characteristic of the lover!

"I shall not abduct her. If she tells me she does not love me; if sherefuses to forsake all for me, then I will bid her good-by and go offand die. "

How characteristic again of the lover!

And yet it may be repeated that Lieutenant Russell was the mostguarded and circumspect of men. He no longer argued with CaptainDawson, for it was useless. He rather lulled his suspicion by fallingin with his views, and talked of the future of parent and daughter, asif it were one of the least interesting subjects that could comebetween them. 

On one of Vose Adams's pilgrimages to Sacramento, he returned with asuperb mettled pony, the gift of Lieutenant Russell. With this pet shesoon became a daring and accomplished horsewoman. She was an expert, too, with the small Winchester and revolver which her father broughtwith him from the East. Perched like a bird upon her own Cap, as shenamed him, she often dashed for a mile down the trail, wheeling likea flash and returning at full speed. 

"Have a care, " said Parson Brush, more than once; "you ride like acentaur and none knows better how to use firearms, but there areIndians in these mountains and they sometimes approach nigh enough tobe seen from New Constantinople. Then, too, your father brought wordthat other miners are working their way toward us. More than likelythere are bad men among them whom it is best you should not meet. "

"But none would harm _me_, " was the wondering reply of the miss; "arenot all of my own race my friends?"

"They ought to be, but alas! it is too much to expect. "

She could not believe, however, that any danger of that naturethreatened her, but she deferred to the fears of her father, Lieutenant Russell and the parson to that extent that she generallyhad a companion with her on these dashes down the trail. Sometimes itwas Brush, sometimes Ruggles or her parent, and less frequently theyoung officer. Timon always galloped or trotted behind her pony, andshe could not be made to believe that his protection was notall-sufficient. 

The winds of early autumn were moaning through the gorges and caņonsof the Sierras, bringing with them the breath of coming winter, whichwas often felt with all its Arctic rigor in these depressions amongthe towering peaks and ridges. The usual group was gathered in theHeavenly Bower, though two of the most prominent citizens were absent. They were Felix Brush and Wade Ruggles, who were seated in theircabin, where a small fire had been kindled on the primitive hearth andafforded the only light in the small apartment. They had eaten theirevening meal and as usual were smoking. 

As neither cared to taste the Mountain Dew, so winsome to a majorityof the miners, the two often spent their evenings thus, especiallysince the shadow caused by the coming of Lieutenant Russell had fallenacross their threshold. 

"Things begin to look better than afore, " remarked Ruggles, sittingwith one leg flung across the other and looking thoughtfully into thefire. 

"Yes, I always insisted that the soil about here is auriferous and wehad only to stick to it to obtain our reward. "

Ruggles took his pipe from his mouth and looked at his partner with adisgusted expression. 

"What are you talkin' 'bout, parson?"

"Didn't you refer to the diggings?" he innocently asked in turn. 

"Come now, that won't do; you know my references to allusions was theleftenant and the young lady. I say things look better as regards thesame. "

"In what way?"

"In the only way there could be. They don't care partic'lar for eachother. "

"There is no doubt they did some time ago. "

"Of course, but I mean _now_. "

"How do you explain the change, Wade?"

"The chap ain't a fool; he's took notice of our warnin's. "

"I wasn't aware that we had given him any. "

"Not 'zactly in words, but every time I've met him with the gal, Igive the leftenant a scowl. Once I come purty near shakin' my fist athim; he's obsarved it all and is wise in time. "

"I think there is ground for what you say, " remarked the parson, anxious to be convinced of the hoped-for fact; "what I base my beliefon is that the leftenant doesn't accompany her on her little ridingtrips as often as her father or you or I: _that_ is a sure barometer, according to my judgment. Still I have sometimes feared from the wayshe talks and acts that she thinks more of him than is right. "

"Nothing of the kind! She treats him as she does everybody else; theleftenant is the friend of the cap and the leftenant give her the dogthat is the size of a meetin' house and the pony hardly as big as thedog, but she doesn't think half as much of him as of you and me; howcan she?" demanded Ruggles, sitting bolt upright and spreading hishand like a lawyer who has uttered an unanswerable argument; "hain'tshe knowed us a blamed sight longer than him?"

"You are correct; I didn't think of that. "

How eagerly we accept the argument, flimsy as it may be, which accordswith our wishes!

"When I feel sorter ugly over my 'spicions, " continued Ruggles; "Ijest reflect that we've knowed the gal ever since she was a baby andher father tumbled down a hundred feet onto the roof of theHeavenly Bower, with her in his arms in the middle of that howlin'blizzard, --when I think of that I say----"

The door of the cabin was hastily shoved inward and Captain Dawson, his face as white as death, strode in. 

"Have you seen anything of Nellie?" he asked in a husky whisper. 

"No; what's the matter?" asked the startled miners. 

"She has gone! she has left me!" gasped the father dropping into theonly remaining chair, the picture of despair and unutterable woe. 

"Why do you think that?" asked the parson, sympathetically. 

"Lieutenant Russell has gone too! They have fled together!"

CHAPTER XV

COMRADES IN SORROW

Wade Ruggles and Parson Brush sprang to their feet and confronted thewhite-faced Captain Dawson, who stared at them and breathed fast. Fora full minute they gazed into one another's faces, dazed, motionlessand speechless. The partners stood, each with pipe in hand, the faintsmoke curling upward from the bowls, their slouched hats still ontheir frowsy heads, the revolvers at their cartridge belts spanningtheir waists, their trousers tucked in the tops of their boots, andwith their heavy flannel shirts serving for coats and vests. 

Captain Dawson was similarly attired. He had dashed out of his owncabin and into that of his friends, his long locks flying, and eventhe strands of his heavy beard rigidly apart, as if from theconsternation that had taken possession of his very soul. 

In those seconds of tomb-like stillness, an ember on the earthenhearth fell apart and a twist of flame threw a yellow illuminationthrough the small room, grim and bare of everything suggestingluxury. 

It was the parson who first found voice, but when he spoke the tones, even to himself, sounded like those of another person. 

"Captain, it is possible that there is some mistake about this. "

"Would to God there might be!"

"Let us hope there is. "

"Mistake!" he repeated in a husky, rasping voice; "can there be anymistake about _that_?"

He threw out his single arm as he spoke, as if he would drive his fistthrough their chests. But he held a crumpled bit of paper in the faceof the parson, who silently took it from him, crinkled it apart andturning his side so that the firelight fell on the sheet, beganreading the few words written in pencil and in the pretty delicatehand which he knew so well. 

"Read it out loud, parson, " said Ruggles, speaking for the firsttime. 

Felix Brush did so in a voice of surprising evenness:

 "MY DEAREST FATHER:--I have decided to go with Lieutenant Russell. We love each other and I have promised to become his wife. Do not think I love you any less for that can never be. I cannot remain here. You will hear from us soon and then I pray that you will come to your own

 NELLIE. "

"Have you been to his shanty?" asked Ruggles, who hardly comprehendedthe meaning of his own words. 

"Why would he go there?" angrily demanded the parson. 

"Mebbe the villain changed his mind. "

"But, if he had, _she_ would not be there. "

"Yes; I went to his cabin, " bitterly answered Captain Dawson; "he hasnot been in the place for hours; all is dark and deserted; if I foundhim, I would have killed him. "

The three were laboring under fearful emotion, but with surprisingpower forced themselves to seem comparatively calm. 

"Captain, tell us about it, " said the parson, carefully folding thebit of paper upon itself and shoving it into his pocket, unobserved bythe others. 

Despite his apparent calmness it took a few moments for the father togain sufficient self-control to speak clearly. Seated in the chair, helooked into the embers of the fire on the hearth, compressed his lipsand breathed hard. His two friends had also seated themselves, for itseemed to them it was easier to master their agitation thus than whileupon their feet. 

"What have I to tell, but my everlasting woe and shame? The lieutenantand I have been working for several days by ourselves on a new lead. Ihad noticed nothing unusual in his manner nor indeed in that of mychild. At lunch time to-day he complained to me of not feeling likework, and told me not to expect him back this afternoon. I would havereturned with him, had not the indications of the new lead been sogood. And actually he invited me to do no more work until to-morrow, though why he should have done it, when it would have spoiled theirwhole scheme, is more than I can explain. 

"It was part of his plan to deceive you. "

"I don't see how it could do that, for there was no need of hisinviting me, --but let it go. It came about that I worked later thanusual, so that it was dark when I got home. I was surprised to see nolight and to find no fire or Nellie. I thought nothing of that, however, for who would have believed it possible that there could beanything wrong? I supposed she was with some of the folks and beingtired I sat down in my chair and fell asleep. 

"When I awoke, the room was cold, silent and as dark as a wolf'smouth. I felt impatient and decided to give her a scolding for beingso neglectful. I groped around until I found a match, intending tostart a fire. I had just lit the lamp and set it down on the table, when I caught sight of a folded piece of paper with my name in herhandwriting on the outside. It gave me a queer feeling and my handstrembled when I unfolded and read it. 

"I don't clearly remember the next few minutes. The room seemed to bespinning around, and I think I had to sit down to keep from falling, but what saved me from collapse was my anger. I have been consumedwith indignation once or twice in my life, but was never so furious, so uncontrollable, so utterly savage as I was after reading that note. If I could have found Russell, I would have throttled him. It maysound strange, but I hardly once thought of Nellie; it was _he_, thevillain, whom I yearned to get my hands on. "

"Of course, " said Ruggles, "that's the way you oughter feel. "

"I don't know what possessed me to do so, but I rushed out and madestraight for his cabin, as if I would find him there. Of course thattoo was empty, and then I came here. Fool that I have been!" exclaimedthe parent, leaping to his feet and striding up and down the room;"not to see all this, but, " he added pathetically, "I believed thatNellie loved me. "

The flaming wrath of the two melted into pity for the stricken father. Parson Brush laid his hand on his shoulder and compelled him to resumehis seat. Then he spoke with the tenderness of a woman:

"That child _does_ love you more than she loves her own life, but sheis blinded by her infatuation for that smooth-tongued scoundrel. It isthe nature of her sex to feel and act thus; but, as I said, it doesnot mean that her love for you is less--"

"Don't talk of her love for me, " fiercely interrupted the parent; "weonly judge of a person by his actions. "

"But you and I have made mistakes--"

"Nothing like this; why did she not ask me? why did _he_ not tell methat he wished to marry her?--that is if he does, " added the father, as if determined to make his own cup as bitter as possible. 

"He did not ask you, because he knew you would refuse; for from thefirst time he entered this community, he was determined to have her. "

"How do you know that?"

"Because Ruggles and I read him; we did what no one else did, --wemeasured the man. Am I right, Wade?"

The miner nodded his head. 

"Every word is as true as gospel; we noticed his sly looks at her, that first night you and him entered the Heavenly Bower and she wasthere. We couldn't make any mistake about it. "

"And you didn't warn me! You two are as bad as he, because you keptthe secret when you ought to have put me on my guard, so that I mighthave strangled him at the first advance he made. "

Sympathy for the man prevented his listeners taking offence atthe words which, from any one else, would have brought seriousconsequences. The parson said soothingly:

"If you were not so wrought up, captain, you would not be sounreasonable; suppose Wade and I had gone to you with the statementthat the man who, according to your own words, had saved your life buta short time before in the mountains, was a villain, who contemplatedrobbing you of your child; what would you have done?"

"Thanked you and been on my guard. "

"You would have done nothing of the kind; you would have cursed us andtold us to mind our own business. "

"No matter what I would have done, it was your duty to tell me, regardless of the consequences to yourselves. I might have resentedit, but my eyes would have been opened and this blow saved me. "

"Nothing could have opened your eyes, for you were blind, " said theparson, who felt that though the man was intensely agitated, he oughtto hear some plain truths; "even had you suspected there was groundfor our fears, you would have gone to Lieutenant Russell and demandedan explanation. He would have denied it, and you would have believedhim with the result that he would have been put on his guard and wouldhave deceived you the more completely. "

"Likewise, as aforesaid, " added Ruggles, "the villain would have cometo us and made us give our grounds for our charges. What ridic'lousfools we would have been, when all we could answer was that wethought he looked as if he meant to run away with your darter. "

"There may be some justice in what you say, " replied the captain morecomposedly; "It was I who was blind, but I can't understand it. Neveruntil I read that piece of paper, did I suspect the truth. "

"Howsumever, the parson and me haven't been idle; we often talked itover and fixed on a line that we thought would work better than goingto you. We showed the leftenant that we was onto his game; I give hima scowl now and then, as it fell convenient, that said 'Beware!' We, that is the parson and me, made up our minds to watch close, and, atthe first sign that was dead sure, we'd fall onto him like a couple ofmountains. "

"And why didn't you?"

"He fooled us as he did you. We was talkin' over matters the veryminute you busted into the door and was satisfied that he had larnedhe was playin' with fire and had concluded to drop it. We was as bigfools as you. "

CHAPTER XVI

NOW

It was the parson who now broke in. 

"Why do we sit here, lamenting that which cannot be helped? Do youmean to give up, captain, and let her go? Will you settle down totoil in the diggings, giving her no further thought, while thispretty-faced lieutenant is chuckling over the clever manner by whichhe fooled you as well as us--"

"No!" fairly shouted the roused parent; "I will follow them to theends of the earth! They shall not find a foot of ground that willprotect them! She has never seen me angry, but she shall now!"

"We are with you, " coolly responded Brush, "but only on onecondition. "

"What's that?"

"That this account is to be settled with _him_ alone; you musn't speakso much as a cross word to Nellie; she will shed many a bitter tear ofsorrow; she will drain the cup to its dregs; _he_, the cause of itall, is to be brought to judgment. When do you wish to take up thepursuit?"

"Now!"

"And we are with you. "

There was something wonderful in the way Parson Brush kept control ofhimself. Externally he was as calm as when standing in front of theadamantine blackboard, giving instruction to Nellie Dawson, while downdeep in his heart, raged a tempest such as rouses into life thedarkest passions that can nerve a man to wrong doing. Believing itnecessary to stir the father to action, he had done it by well chosenwords, that could not have been more effective. 

For weeks and months the shadow had brooded over him. Sometimes itseemed to lift and dissolve into unsubstantiality, only to come backmore baleful than before. And the moment when he had about persuadedhimself that it was but a figment of the imagination, it had sprunginto being and crushed him. But he was now stern, remorseless, resolute, implacable. 

It was much the same with Wade Ruggles. He strove desperately to gainthe remarkable control of his feelings, displayed by his comrade, andpartly succeeded. But there was a restless fidgeting which caused himto move aimlessly about the room and showed itself now and then in aslight tremulousness of the voice and hands, but his eyes wore thatsteely glitter, which those at his side had noticed when the rumbleand grumble told that the battle was on. 

Captain Dawson went from one extreme to the other. Crazed, tumultuousin his fury, and at first like a baffled tiger, he moderated his voiceand manner until his companions wondered at his self-poise. 

"They have started for Sacramento and are now well advanced over thetrail, " he remarked without any evidence of excitement. 

"When do you imagine they set out?" asked Brush. 

"Probably about the middle of the afternoon; possibly earlier. "

"Then, " said Ruggles, "they have a good six hours' start. They haven'tlost any time and must be fifteen or twenty miles away. "

"The trail is easy traveling for twice that distance, as I recollectit, " observed the captain; "after that it grows rougher and they willnot be able to go so fast. "

"This must have been arranged several days ago, though it is onlyguesswork on our part. Of course she has taken considerable clothingwith her. "

"I did not look into her room, " said the captain; "there's no use; itis enough to know they made their preparations and started, accompanied by that dog Timon. "

No time was wasted. They knew they would encounter cold weather, forthe autumn had fairly set in, and some portions of the trail carriedthem to an elevation where it was chilly in midsummer. Each took athick blanket. The captain donned his military coat, with the emptysleeve pinned to the breast, caught up his saddle and trappings, hisWinchester and revolver, and buckled the cartridge belt around hiswaist. Then he was ready. Neither of the others took coat or vest. Theblanket flung around the shoulders was all that was likely to beneeded, in addition to the heavy flannel shirt worn summer andwinter. 

Thus equipped, the three stood outside the cabin, with the moon highin the sky, a gentle wind sweeping up the caņon and loose masses ofclouds drifting in front of the orb of night. Here and there a lighttwinkled from a shanty and the hum of voices sounded faintly in theirears. Further off, at the extreme end of the settlement, stood theHeavenly Bower, with the yellow rays streaming from its two windows. They could picture the group gathered there, as it had gathered nightafter night during the past years, full of jest and story, and withnever a thought of the tragedy that had already begun. 

"Shall we tell them?" asked Ruggles. 

"No, " answered Brush; "some of them might wish to go with us. "

"And it might be well to take them, " suggested Captain Dawson. 

"We are enough, " was the grim response of the parson. 

Like so many phantoms, the men moved toward the further end of thesettlement. Opposite the last shanty a man assumed form in the gloom. He had just emerged from his dwelling and stopped abruptly at sight ofthe trio of shadows gliding past. 

"What's up, pards?" he called. 

"Nothing, " was the curt answer of the captain, who was leading and didnot change his pace. 

"You needn't be so huffy about it, " growled the other, standing stilland puffing his pipe until they vanished. 

"That was Vose Adams, " remarked the captain over his shoulder; "he'lltell the rest what he saw and it will be known to everybody in themorning. "

The little party was carefully descending the side of the caņon, withnow and then a partial stumble, until they reached the bottom of thebroad valley where the grass grew luxuriantly nearly the whole year. It was nutritious and succulent and afforded the best of pasturage forthe few horses and mules belonging to the miners. 

Captain Dawson and Lieutenant Russell had ridden up the trail, eachmounted on a fine steed, which had brought them from Sacramento. Whenthe saddles and bridles were removed, the animals were turned loose inthe rich pasturage, which extended for miles over the bottom of thecaņon. There, too, grazed the pony of Nellie Dawson, the horses ofRuggles and Bidwell and the three mules owned by Landlord Ortigiesand Vose Adams. The latter were left to themselves, except when neededfor the periodical journeys to Sacramento. The little droveconstituted all the possessions of New Constantinople in that line. Consequently, if any more of the miners wished to join in the pursuit, they would have to do so on foot or on mule back, --a fact which waslikely to deter most of them. 

In the early days of the settlement, before the descent of thatterrible blizzard, fully a dozen mules and horses were grazing in thegorge, subject to the call of their owners, who, however, did notexpect to need them, unless they decided to remove to some other site. But one morning every hoof had vanished and was never seen again. Theprints of moccasins, here and there in the soft earth, left no doubtof the cause of their disappearance. Perhaps this event had somethingto do with the permanence of New Constantinople, since the means of acomfortable departure with goods, chattels, tools and miningimplements went off with the animals. 

After that the miners made no further investments in quadrupeds, except to the extent of three or four mules, needed by Vose Adams, though he was forced to make one journey to Sacramento on foot. Thusmatters stood until the addition of the horses. There was alwaysdanger of their being stolen, but as the weeks and months passed, without the occurrence of anything of that nature, the matter wasforgotten. 

The three men were so familiar with the surroundings that they madetheir way to the bottom of the caņon with as much readiness as if thesun were shining. Pausing beside the narrow, winding stream, which atthat season was no more than a brook, they stood for several minutespeering here and there in the gloom, for the animals indispensable fora successful pursuit of the eloping ones. 

"There's no saying how long it will take to find them, " remarked thecaptain impatiently; "it may be they have been grazing a mile away. "

"Have you any signal which your animal understands?"

"Yes, but it is doubtful if he will obey it. "

Captain Dawson placed his fingers between his lips and emitted apeculiar tremulous whistle, repeating it three times with muchdistinctness. Then all stood silent and listening. 

"He may be asleep. Once he was prompt to obey me, but he has beenturned loose so long that there is little likelihood of his heedingit. "

"Try it again and a little stronger, " suggested Ruggles. 

The captain repeated the call until it seemed certain the animal musthear it, but all the same, the result was nothing. 

It was exasperating for the hounds thus to be held in leash when thegame was speeding from them, with the scent warm, but there was nohelp for it. 

"We are wasting time, " said Dawson; "while you two go up the gorge, Iwill take the other direction; look sharp for the animals that areprobably lying down; they are cunning and will not relish beingdisturbed; if you find them whistle, and I'll do the same. "

They separated, the captain following one course and his friends theother. 

"It'll be a bad go, " remarked Ruggles, "if we don't find the horses, for we won't have any show against them on their animals. "

"Little indeed and yet it will not hold us back. "

"No, indeed!" replied Ruggles with a concentration of passion thatmade the words seem to hiss between his teeth. 

Since the stream was so insignificant, Wade Ruggles leaped across andwent up the caņon on the other side, his course being parallel withhis friend's. A hundred yards further and he made a discovery. 

"Helloa, Brush, here they are!"

The parson bounded over the brook and hurried to his side, but adisappointment followed. The three mules having cropped their fill hadlain down for the night but the horses were not in sight. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE PURSUERS

The parson expressed his disappointment in vigorous language, when, instead of the horses, the hybrids proved to be the only animals nearthem. 

"I am afraid this proves one thing, " he said. 

"What is that?"

"I have had a dread all along that the Indians would run off thehorses, but it seems to me that if they had done so, they would havetaken the mules. "

"It strikes me as more likely that the leftenant took the horses, soas to prevent our follering him and the gal. "

"That sounds reasonable, " said the parson thoughtfully; "the plan isso simple that it must have occurred to him. The mules are too slow tobe of any use to us, and it may be as well that we shall have to goafoot. "

"How do you figure that out?"

"They will conclude that, if we haven't any horses, we won't followthem; they will, therefore, take their time and travel so slow, thatwe'll have the chance to swoop down on them when they are notexpecting it. "

"I s'pose there's what you call philosophy in that, but it doesn't hitme very favorable. We'll see what the cap thinks--helloa!"

Clearly and distinctly through the still air came the signal by whichCaptain Dawson was to announce his discovery of the animals. The callscattered all thoughts of making the journey on foot, and, wheelingabout, the two started off at a rapid pace to join their friend. Atthe same moment the call sounded again, and they answered it to let itbe known they understood the situation. In a brief time they came uponCaptain Dawson impatiently awaiting them. There was no need for him totell them he had been successful in his search, for he was standingbeside the three horses, which were quickly saddled and bridled. Aminute later the men vaulted upon their backs and the captain saidcrisply:

"Now we are off!"

Each seemed to be inspired by the spirit of adventure. They sat erectin the saddles, drew in a deep inhalation of the keen night air, andmoved off with their horses on a brisk walk, which almost immediatelybecame a canter. For a mile, the trail through Dead Man's Gulch wasnearly as hard and even as a country highway. The width of the caņonvaried from a few rods to a quarter of a mile, with the mountainridges on either hand towering far up into cloudland, the tallestpeaks crowned with snow which the sun never dissolved. 

The tiny stream wound like a silvery serpent through the stretch ofgreen, succulent grass, narrowing gorge and obtruding rock andboulder. Now and then the path led across the water, which was soshallow that it only plashed about the fetlocks of the horses. CaptainDawson, in his impetuosity, kept a few paces in front of the othertwo, as if he were the leader. When the space increased too much hereined up his animal and waited until his friends joined him. Theywere grim, resolute and for most of the time had little to say to oneanother, though, as may be supposed, their thoughts were of anythingbut a pleasant nature. 

So long as the moon held her place near the zenith, the caņon wassuffused and flooded with its soft radiance, but the rifts of cloudsdrifting before its face rendered the light at times treacherous anduncertain. The horses had rested so long, and had had such extensivebrowsing on the rich pasturage, that they were in fine condition, andthe gallop seemed more grateful to them than an ordinary walking gait. The air was cool and the fine trail, at this portion of the journey, made all the conditions favorable. After a time however, the ascentand descent would appear, the ground would become rough and the bestthe animals could do would be to walk. 

When Parson Brush remarked that Lieutenant Russell had proved himselfan idiot when he left these horses behind for his pursuers to use, thecaptain and Ruggles agreed with him. 

"I don't understand it, " said Brush; "he must have expected we wouldbe hot after him, within the very hour we learned of what he had done, or can it be that he and she concluded we would say, 'Depart inpeace?' If so, the young man shall have a terrible awakening. "

"It seems to me, " said Ruggles, "that it is more likely he believedthat with the start he would gain, it didn't matter whether wefollered or not, feelin' sure that he could keep out of reach and getto Sacramento so fur ahead of us, that he needn't give us a thought. "

"I am not very familiar with the trail, " remarked the captain, "for, as you know, I have passed over it only twice; first, nearly fiveyears ago, when I went to the war, and a few months since when I cameback. "

"But you and Russell did not lose your way, " said the parson. 

"That was because we did our traveling by day. We tried it once atnight, but came within a hair of tumbling over a precipice a thousandfeet deep. This will be easy enough, so long as we have the sun tohelp us. "

"You probably know as much about the trail as Wade and I, for neitherof us has been over it often. Consequently, when we travel by night, we shall have to go it blind, or rather shall do so after awhile, since all is plain sailing now. "

"I ain't so sure of that, " observed Ruggles doubtfully; "we must havecome a mile already and ought to have made a turn by this time. "

Captain Dawson checked his horse and peered ahead. 

"Can it be we are off the track? We have come nearer two miles thanone--ah!"

Just then the moon emerged from the obscuring clouds and their fieldof vision so broadened that they saw themselves face to face with animpassable barrier. The caņon closed directly in front of them like animmense gate of stone. It was impossible to advance a hundred feetfurther. 

"Well, I'm blessed if this isn't a pretty situation!" exclaimed thecaptain. 

"We have passed the opening, but we haven't far to return, and youknow that a bad beginning brings a good ending. "

"Humph! I would rather chance it on a good beginning. "

Ruggles was the first to wheel and strike his horse into a gallop, which he did with the remark that he knew where the right passage waslocated. His companions were almost beside him. The caņon was of thatpeculiar conformation that, while it terminated directly in front, itcontained an abrupt angle between where the party had halted and themining settlement. At that point it was so wide that the littlestream, which might have served for a guide, was lost sight of. Hadthey followed the brook, they would not have gone astray. The onlyinconvenience was the slight delay, which in their restless mood triedtheir spirits to the utmost. Captain Dawson muttered to himself andurged his horse so angrily that he again placed himself in advance. His mood was no more savage than that of his companions, but he chafedat everything which caused delay, no matter how trifling, in thepursuit. 

Fearing that he might go wrong, Ruggles spurred up beside him. Thedistance passed was less than any one expected it to be, when Rugglescalled out:

"Here we are!"

The exclamation was caused by the hoofs of their horses plashing inthe water. They seemed to share the impatience of their riders; "allwe have to do now is to keep to the stream; obsarve its turn. "

Its course was almost at right angles to that which they had beenfollowing. The animals were cantering easily, when suddenly a deepergloom than usual overspread the valley like a pall. This came from aheavy bank of clouds sweeping before the moon. The steeds were drawndown to a walk, but the obscurity was not dense enough to shut out thechasm-like opening, where the mountains seemed to part, riven by someterrific convulsion ages before. The enormous walls drew back the dooras if to invite them to enter and press the pursuit of the couple thatwere fleeing from a just and righteous wrath. 

The width of the caņon had now dwindled to a few yards, and the streamexpanding and shallow, occupied so much of the space that the horseswere continually splashing through it, but the rise and fall of thetrail was so slight that the gallop might have continued with littledanger of mishap. 

The formation of the party was in "Indian file, " with Captain Dawsonleading, Ruggles next and Brush bringing up the rear. All threeanimals were walking, for the light of the moon was variable and oftenfaint, while the danger of a mis-step was ever present, and was likelyto bring a fatal ending of the pursuit almost before it had fairlybegun. Occasionally the gloom in the narrow gorge was so deep thatthey distinguished one another's figures indistinctly, but the animalswere left mostly to themselves. They seemed to know what was expectedof them and showed no hesitation. It was impossible for them to gowrong, for it was much the same as if crossing a bridge, with itsprotecting barrier on either hand. The horse of the captain showed hisself-confidence once or twice by a faint whinney and a break from thewalk into a trot, but his rider checked him. 

"Not yet; heaven knows that I am as anxious to push on as you, but wehave already made one blunder and we can't afford another; when thetime comes that it is safe to trot you shall do so and perhaps run. "

"Hush!" called Brush from the rear; "I hear a curious sound. "

"What does it seem to be?"

"It is impossible to tell; let's stop for a moment. "

As the three animals stood motionless, the strange noise was audible. It was a deep, hollow roar rapidly increasing in volume and intensity, and resembled the warning of a tornado or cyclone advancing throughthe forest. The animals, as is the case at such times, were nervousand frightened. They elevated their heads, pricked their ears, snuffedthe air and the animal of the parson trembled with terror. 

The three believed that something in the nature of a cyclone wasapproaching, or it might be a cloudburst several miles away, whosedeluge had swollen the stream into a rushing torrent that wouldoverwhelm them where they stood, caught inextricably in a trap. 

The terrifying roar, however, was neither in front nor at the rear, but above them, --over their heads! From the first warning to the endwas but a few seconds. The sound increased with appalling power andevery eye was instinctively turned upward. 

In the dim obscurity they saw a dark mass of rock, weighing hundredsof tons, descending like a prodigious meteor, hurled from the heavens. It had been loosened on the mountain crest a half mile above, and wasplunging downward with inconceivable momentum. Striking someobstruction, it rebounded like a rubber ball against the opposite sideof the gorge, then recoiled, still diving downward, oscillating like apendulum from wall to wall, whirling with increasing speed until itcrashed to the bottom of the gorge with a shock so terrific that theearth and mountain trembled. 

Landing in the stream, the water was flung like bird shot right andleft, stinging the faces of the men fifty feet distant. They sat awedand silent until Ruggles spoke:

"Now if that stone had hit one of us on the head it would have hurt. "

"Probably it would, " replied the captain, who had difficulty inquieting his horse; "at any rate, I hope no more of them will falltill we are out of the way. "

"I wonder whether that could have been done on purpose, " remarked theparson. 

"No, " said Ruggles; "the leftenant couldn't know anything about ourbeing purty near the right spot to catch it. "

"I alluded to Indians, --not to him. "

But Ruggles and the captain did not deem such a thing credible. Awhole tribe of red men could not have loosened so enormous a mass ofstone, while, if poised as delicately as it must have been, they wouldhave known nothing of the fact. Sometimes an immense oak, sound andapparently as firm as any in the forest around it, suddenly plungesdownward and crashes to the earth, from no imaginable cause. So, vastmasses of rock on the mountain side which have held their places forcenturies, seem to leap from their foundations and tear their way withresistless force into the valley below. This was probably one of thoseaccidental displacements, liable to occur at any hour of the day ornight, which had come so startlingly near crushing the three men todeath. 

Captain Dawson drew a match from his pocket and scraping it along histhigh, held it to the face of his watch. 

"Just midnight and we are not more than half a dozen miles fromhome. "

"And how far do you suppose _they_ are?" asked the parson. 

"Probably five times as much, if not more. "

"But they will not travel at night, and by sunrise we ought to beconsiderably nearer to them than now. "

"You can't be certain about that. Lieutenant Russell knows me toowell to loiter on the road; he has a good horse and the pony of Nellieis a tough animal; both will be urged to the utmost; for they must besure the pursuit will be a hard one. "

The discomforting fact in the situation was that if the fugitives, asthey may be considered, pushed their flight with vigor, there was noreason why they should not prevent any lessening of the distancebetween them and their pursuers, and since they would naturally fearpursuit, it was to be expected that they would use all haste. The hopewas that on account of Nellie, the animals would not keep up theflight for so many hours out of the twenty-four, as the pursuers wouldmaintain it. 

The trail steadily ascended and became so rough and uneven that thehorses frequently stumbled. This made their progress slow andcompelled the three men, despite themselves, to feel the prudence ofresting until daylight, but not one of them wished to do so, since thenight pursuit was the only phase of the business which brought with itthe belief that they were really lessening the distance separatingthem from the two in advance. 

Eager as the couple were to get through the mountains and reachSacramento, where for the first time they could feel safe from theirpursuers, the young officer was too wise to incur the risk of breakingdown their horses, for such a mishap would be a most serious oneindeed, and fraught with fatal consequences. 

There was little fear of the pursuers going astray. Captain Dawson hadan extraordinary memory for places, as he repeatedly proved byrecalling some landmark that he had noticed on his previous trip. Furthermore, the gorge was so narrow that in a certain sense, it maybe said, they were fenced in, and would have found it hard to wanderto the right or left, had they made the effort. 

After an hour of steady climbing they reached an altitude whichbrought with it a sharp change of temperature. The air became sochilly that Ruggles and Brush flung their blankets about theirshoulders and found the protection added to their comfort. The horses, too, began to show the effects of their severe exertion. Their longrest had rendered them somewhat "soft, " though the hardening would berapid. After a few days' work they would not mind such exertion asthat to which they were now forced. 

When a sort of amphitheatre was reached, it was decided to draw reinfor a brief while, out of sympathy for their panting animals. 

"I thought if we failed to find our horses, " remarked the parson, "wewouldn't find it hard to keep up the pursuit on foot; I have changedmy mind. "

He looked back over the sloping trail, which speedily vanished in thegloom and the eyes of the other two were turned in the same direction. At the moment of doing so, the animals again became frightened, sothat, despite their fatigue, it was hard to restrain them. 

"There's something down there, " remarked the captain slipping from hissaddle; "Wade, you are the nearest, can you see anything?"

Ruggles was out of the saddle in an instant, Winchester in hand. 

"I catched sight of something, " he said in an undertone; "look aftermy horse, while I find out what it is. "

"Have a care, " cautioned the parson; "it may be an Indian. "

"That's what I think it is, " replied Ruggles, who instantly starteddown the trail rifle in hand, his posture a crouching one and hissenses strung to the highest point. 

He passed from view almost on the instant, and his companions listenedwith intense anxiety for what was to follow. Suddenly the sharp crackof their friend's rifle rang out in the solemn stillness, the reportechoing again and again through the gorge, with an effect that wasstartling even to such experienced men. It was the only sound thatcame to them, and, while they were wondering what it meant, Rugglesreappeared among them with the noiselessness of a shadow. 

"It was a bear, " he explained; "I think he scented the animals and wasfollering on the lookout for a chance at 'em. "

"Did you kill him?"

"Don't think I did; he must have heard me comin' and was scared; hewent down the trail faster than I could; when I seen that I couldn'tcatch him, I let fly without taking much aim. Maybe I hit him;leastways, he traveled so much faster that I give it up and comeback. "

The party lingered for half an hour more, but as the horses showed nofurther fear, they concluded that bruin had taken to heart the lessonhe received and would bother them no further. 

The mountains still towered on every hand. The stream had long sincedisappeared among the rocks and the gorge had become narrower. Generally it was no more than a dozen feet in width, occasionallyexpanding to two or three times that extent. The moon had moved overso far that only its faint reflection against the dark walls andmasses of rock availed the horsemen. The sky seemed to contain anincreasing number of clouds and there were indications of a storm, which might not break for a day or two, and as likely as not would notbreak at all. 

The traveling, despite its difficulty, was comparatively safe. Thetrail did not lead along the sides of precipices, with a climbingwall on one side and a continuous descent on the other, but it wassolid and extended across from one ridge to the other. Because of thisfact the three pushed their animals hard, knowing that it would not belong before they would have to be favored. 

"I don't know whether we are wise to keep this up as we are doing, "said the captain, "but I know there are few places where we can travelin the darkness and I feel like making the most of them. "

"It is only a question of what the horses are able to stand, " repliedBrush; "it is easy enough for us to ride, but a very different thingfor them to carry us. We must guard against their breaking down. "

"I will look out for that, but it is strange that when we were makingready to start we forgot one important matter. "

"What was that?"

"We did not bring a mouthful of food. "

"We shall have little trouble in shooting what game we need. "

"Perhaps not and perhaps we shall. The lieutenant and I found on ourway from Sacramento that, although game appeared to be plenty, it hadan exasperating habit of keeping out of range when we particularlyneeded it. Delay will be necessary to get food, and the reports ofour guns are likely to give warning, just when it is dangerous. "

"It was a bad slip, " assented the parson; "for there was plenty ofmeat and bread at home; but we shall have to stop now and then to restour animals and to allow them to feed and we can utilize suchintervals by getting something for ourselves in the same line. "

"It isn't that, so much as the risk of apprising the two of theirdanger. In addition, it will be strange if we get through themountains without a fight with the Indians. According to myrecollection, we shall strike a region to-morrow or on the next day, where there will be the mischief to pay. "

Two miles more of laborious work and another halt. For the first timeParson Brush showed excitement. 

"Do you know, " he said, "that some one is following us? There may beseveral, but I am sure of one at least and he is on a horse. "

CHAPTER XVIII

A CLOSE CALL

Few situations are more trying than that of being followed at night bywhat we suspect is an enemy. The furtive glances to the rear show thefoe too indistinctly for us to recognize him, and the imaginationpictures the swift, stealthy attack and the treacherous blow againstwhich it is impossible to guard. 

There was little of this dread, however, in the case of our friends, for they felt strong enough to take care of themselves. Moreover, allthree formed an instant suspicion of the identity of the man. 

It was Felix Brush at the rear who first heard the faint footfalls, and, peering into the gloom, saw the outlines of a man and beast a fewrods distant, coming steadily up the trail in the same direction withhimself. A few minutes later the halt was made and all eyes wereturned toward the point whence the man was approaching. He must havenoticed the stoppage, but he came straight on until he joined thegroup. 

"Howdy, pards, " was his greeting. 

"I thought it was you, Vose, " said the captain, sharply; "what do youmean by following us?"

"What right have you to get in front of me? Don't I have to make atrip to Sacramento three or four times each year?"

"But you are not accustomed to start in the night time. "

"And I never knowed it was your custom to leave New Constantinople inthe middle of the night; leastways I never knowed you to do itafore. "

"We have important business, " added the captain brusquely, uncertainas yet whether he ought to be displeased or angered by the intrusionof Adams. 

"So have I. "

"What is it?"

"Your good. "

"I don't understand you; explain yourself. "

"There ain't one of you three that knows the way through themountains, and if you undertook it alone, it would take you threemonths to reach Sacramento. "

This was a new and striking view of the situation, but the parsonsaid:

"Each of us has been over it before. "

"Sartinly, but one trip nor half a dozen ain't enough. You lost yourway the first hour in Dead Man's Gulch; if you hadn't done so, itwould have took me a blamed sight longer to find you; there are half adozen other places in the mountains ten times worse than the onewhere you flew the track. Howsumever, if you don't want me, I'll goback. "

And Vose Adams, as if his dignity had received a mortal hurt, beganturning his mule around. 

"Hold on, " interposed Captain Dawson; "you have put things in theirtrue light; we are very glad to have you with us. "

"That makes it all right, " was the cheery response of the good naturedVose; "I never like to push myself where I ain't wanted, but as youseem glad to see me, after having the thing explained, we won't saynothing more about it. Howsumever, I may add that I obsarved youstarted in such a hurry that I thought it warn't likely you fetchedany vittles with you, so I made up a lunch and brought it with me, being as you may not always have time to spare to shoot game. "

The chilliness of Vose Adams' greeting changed to the warmest welcome. He had shown more thoughtfulness than any of them, and his knowledgeof the perilous route through the mountains was beyond value. Indeed, it looked as if it was to prove the deciding factor in the problem. 

"Do you know our business, Vose?" asked the captain. 

"I knowed it the minute I seen you sneaking off like shadows towardthe trail. I hurried to my cabin, got a lot of cold meat and breadtogether and then hunted up Hercules, my boss mule. He isn't veryhandsome, but he has a fine voice and has been through these mountainsso many times that he knows the right road as well as me. I knowed youwould travel fast and didn't expect to overhaul you afore morning, butyou went past the right turn and that give me a chance to catch upsooner. "

"But how was it you suspected our errand?" persisted the captain. 

"How could I help it? What else could it be? I seen the miss and theleftenant start for Sacramento, and being as you took the same courseit was plain that you was going there too, if you didn't overtake 'emfirst. "

"You saw them start!" thundered the father of Nellie Dawson; "whydidn't you hurry off to me with the news?"

"Why should I hurry off to you with the news?" coolly asked VoseAdams; "it wasn't the first time I had seen the two ride in thatdirection; sometimes she was with you, or with the parson or Ruggles, and once or twice with me. Would you have thought there was anythingwrong if you had seen them?"

"No, I suppose not, " replied the captain, seeing the injustice of hiswords; "but I have been so wrought up by what has occurred that I canhardly think clearly. I ask your pardon for my hasty words. "

"You needn't do that, for I see how bad you feel and I'm sorry foryou. "

"When was it they left?"

"Early this afternoon. "

"There was no one with them of course?"

"Nobody except that big dog they call Timon; he was frolicking 'roundthe horses, as if he enjoyed it as much as them. "

Every atom of news was painful, and yet the afflicted father could notrestrain himself from asking questions of no importance. 

"About what hour do you think it was when they left?"

"It must have been near two o'clock when the leftenant fetched up hishorse and the pony belonging to the young lady. She must have beenexpectin' him, for she come right out of the house, without keepinghim waitin' a minute. He helped her into the saddle, while they talkedand laughed as happy as could be. "

This was wormwood and gall to the parent, but he did not sparehimself. 

"Did you overhear anything said by them?"

"I wouldn't have considered it proper to listen, even if they hadn'tbeen so far off I couldn't catch a word that passed atween 'em. "

"Was there anything in their actions to show they intended to take alonger ride than usual?"

"I don't see how there could be, " replied the puzzled Adams, whileParson Brush, understanding what the distraught captain meant, explained:

"Was there anything in their appearance which suggested that theymeant to take anything more than an ordinary gallop?"

"I didn't think of it at the time, but I can see now there was. Eachof them had what seemed to be extra clothing and perhaps they hadfood, though I couldn't make sure of that. You know there has beensomething in the sky that looked like a coming storm, and I thought itwas on that account that the clothing was took along. Then, as theleftenant had knocked off work, it might be he was not feeling verywell. "

"The scoundrel made that very excuse for leaving me, " bitterlycommented Captain Dawson, "but he wouldn't have taken the clothing aspart of the same design for there was no need of anything of the kind. They laid their plans carefully and everything joined to make it aseasy as possible. "

"Your thoughts were precisely what ours would have been, " said theparson, drawn toward the messenger unjustly accused by the captain inthe tumult of his grief;" if we had seen the two start, we should havebelieved it was for one of the usual gallops which the young lady isso fond of taking; but, Vose, if we would have certainly gone astrayin the mountains, without your guidance, how will it be with them, when she has never been over the trail and he has ridden over it butonce?"

"They are sure to have a tough time of it which will make it all theharder for us. "

"How is that?"

"Some good luck may lead them right; more than likely, howsumever, they'll get all wrong; therefore, if we stick to the path we may pass'em a half dozen times. You see it's the blamed onsartinty of thewhole bus'ness. "

"I would not question your wisdom on such matters, Vose, but when Iremember that each of them is riding a horse, and that the two mustleave traces behind them, I cannot apprehend that we shall go very farastray in our pursuit. The most likely trouble as it seems to me isthat they will travel so fast that it will be almost impossible toovertake them. "

"If they can manage to keep to the trail, it is going to be hard workto come up with them. You haven't forgot that when I'm pushing throughthe mountains I sometimes have to hunt a new trail altogether. "

"That is due to the trouble with Indians?"

"Precisely; sometimes it's a long, roundabout course that I have totake, which may keep me off the main course for a couple of days, orit may be for only a part of the day, but Injins is something thatyou must count on every time. "

"And they are as likely to meet them as we?"

"More so, 'cause they're just ahead of you. Oh, it was the biggestpiece of tomfoolery ever heard of for them to start on such a journey, but what are you to expect of two young persons dead in love with eachother?"

This was not the kind of talk that was pleasing to the father, and hebecame morosely silent. It was equally repugnant to Ruggles and theparson to hear Nellie Dawson referred to as being in love with theexecrated officer. Ruggles was grim and mute, and the parson deftlydrew the conversation in another direction. 

"I would like to ask you, Vose, how it was that Lieutenant Russell didnot take the other horses with him, so as to make it impossible foranything in the nature of pursuit?"

"There might be two reasons; he may have thought it would be mean tohit you below the belt like that; he was too honorable--"

"It warn't anything like _that_, " fiercely interrupted Ruggles. 

"Then it must have been that if he had took all the animals with him, even though they was a considerable way down the gulch, the thingwould have been noticed by others, who would have wanted to know whatit meant. "

"No doubt you have struck the right reason. Had the start been in thenight time, he would have made sure that not even the mules were leftfor us. But, Vose, " added the parson gravely, "we would be much betterpleased if when you referred to the lieutenant, you said nothing about'honor. '"

"Oh, I am as much down on him as any of you, " airily responded Vose;"and, if I git the chance to draw bead on him, I'll do it quicker'nlightning. Fact is, the hope of having that same heavenly privilegewas as strong a rope in pulling me up the trail after you as was thewish to keep you folks from gettin' lost. But, pards, Hercules isrested and I guess likely your animals are the same, so let's bemoving. "

Although Captain Dawson had been silent during the last few minutes, he did not allow a word to escape him. He knew Vose Adams wastalkative at times, due perhaps to his enjoyment of company, afterbeing forced to spend weeks without exchanging a word with any one ofhis kind, but there was no overestimating his value, because of hisknowledge of the long, dangerous route through the mountains. When, therefore, the party were about to move on, the captain said:

"Vose, from this time forward you are the guide; the place for you isat the head; you will oblige me by taking the lead. "

Vose accepted the post of honor, which was also the one of peril, forit is the man in his position whose life hangs in the balance whenIndians are concerned. But there was no hesitancy on his part, thoughhe was well aware of the additional risks he incurred. 

"There's one good thing I can tell you, " he said, just before theystarted. 

They looked inquiringly at him and he explained:

"The hardest part of the climbing is over, --that is for the time, " hehastened to add, seeing that he was not understood; "you'll haveplenty more of it before we see Sacramento, but I mean that we havestruck the highest part of the trail, and it will be a good whilebefore there's any more climbing to do. "

"That is good news, " said Ruggles heartily, "for it has been mightytough on the animals; I 'spose too, the trail is smoother. "

Adams laughed. 

"I am sorry to say it's rougher. "

Ruggles muttered impatiently, but the four took up the task, Adams inthe lead, with the rest stringing after him in Indian file. Thedeclaration of Vose was verified sooner than was expected. While themule was so sure-footed that he seemed to meet with no difficulty, itwas excessively trying to the horses, who stumbled and recoveredthemselves so often that Captain Dawson began to fear one or more ofthem would go lame. Still in his anxiety to get forward, he repressedhis fears, hoping that there would be some improvement and cheeringhimself with the belief that since all had gone well for so long, itwould continue on the same line. 

 * * * * *

Once, however, his horse made such an abrupt stumble that the captainnarrowly saved himself from being unseated. On the impulse of themoment he called to Adams in advance:

"Vose, I am afraid this won't do!"

The leader did not look around and acted as if he had not heard him. 

"I say, Vose, isn't it better that we should wait till our horses cansee the way?"

Since the leader took no notice of this demand, the captain concludedhis fears were groundless and said no more. 

"If he thinks it safe for us to keep on, I shall not oppose. "

But Captain Dawson might have opposed, had he known the truth, for, strange as it may seem, Vose Adams did not hear the words addressed tohim, because he was asleep on the back of his mule Hercules, as he hadbeen many a time while riding over the lonely trail. In truth, therewas some foundation for his declaration that he could sleep moresoundly on the back of his animal than while wrapped up in his blanketin some fissure among the rocks. Fortunately for him, however, thesenaps were of short duration, and, while indulging in them, he reliedupon his animal, which had acquired a wonderful quickness in detectingdanger. The slightest lagging in his gait, a halt, a turning to oneside or a whinny was sufficient to bring back on the instant thewandering senses of the rider. In the present instance his slumber wasnot interrupted until Hercules, seeing exactly where he was, droppedhis walk to a lagging gait. 

On the very second Vose Adams opened his eyes. So naturally that noone suspected anything, he checked his animal and looked around. 

"Pards, we've reached a ticklish spot, and it's for you to say whetherwe shall wait for daylight afore trying it. "

"What is its nature?" asked the captain, as he and the two behind himalso reined up their animals. 

"The trail winds through these peaks in front, and instead of beinglike that we've been riding over all along, keeps close to the side ofthe mountain. On the right is the solid rock, and on the left itslopes down for I don't know how many hundred feet, afore it strikesbottom. Once started down that slide, you'll never stop till you hitthe rocks below like that mass of stone that tumbled over in front ofyou. "

"How wide is the path?" asked the parson. 

"There's more than a mile where it isn't wide enough for two of us toride abreast, and there are plenty of places where a horse has got tostep mighty careful to save himself. Hercules knows how to do it, forhe larned long ago, but I have my doubts about your hosses. "

"It might have been better after all if we had brought the mules, "said the captain. 

"Not a bit of it, for Hercules is the only one that knows how to gitover such places. "

"How do the others manage it?"

"They've never tried it in the night time; that's what I'm talking'bout. "

Adams's description enabled the others to recall the place. It was allthat had been pictured and they might well pause before assuming thefearful risk. One reason for wishing to press forward was theknowledge that at the termination of the dangerous stretch, the trailwas so smooth and even that for a long distance it would be easy tokeep their animals at a gallop, while still further the peril appearedagain. 

Captain Dawson once more struck a match and looked at his watch. 

"Half-past three; in two hours it will begin to grow light; if noaccident happens we shall be at the end of the ugly piece of ground bythat time, where the traveling is good. It is a pity to lose theopportunity, but I will leave it to you, parson and Ruggles; what doyou say?"

"Our horses have been pushed pretty hard, but they are in goodcondition. I hate to remain idle. "

"Then you favor going ahead?"

"I do. "

"And you, Ruggles?"

"I feel the same way. "

"That settles it; lead on, Vose. "

"I'm just as well suited, but keep your wits about you, " was thewarning of the leader, whose mule instantly responded, stretching hisneck forward and downward and occasionally snuffing the ground, as ifhe depended on his sense of smell more than that of hearing. 

The task was a nerve-wrenching one, and more than once each of thethree regretted their haste in not waiting for daylight; but, havingstarted, there was no turning back. To attempt to wheel about, inorder to retrace their steps, was more perilous than to push on, whileto stand still was hardly less dangerous. 

The moonlight gave such slight help that the four depended almostwholly upon the instinct of their animals. Hercules never faltered, but advanced with the slow, plodding, undeviating certainty of thoseof his kind who thread their way through the treacherous passes of theAlps. Once his hind hoof struck a stone which went bounding down theprecipice on his left, until at the end of what seemed severalminutes, it lay still at the bottom. Neither animal nor rider showedthe least fear, for in truth both were accustomed to little slips likethat. 

"I'm blessed if this isn't the most ticklish business that I everattempted, " muttered Captain Dawson; "I never had anything like it inthe army; it reminds me of scouting between the lines, when you expectevery second a bullet from a sharpshooter--"

At that instant his horse stepped on a round, loose stone which turnedso quickly that before he could recover himself the hoof followed thestone over the edge of the precipice. The horse snorted and struggleddesperately, and the brave rider felt an electric shock thrill throughhim from head to foot, for there was one moment when he believednothing could save them from the most frightful of deaths. 

The left hind leg had gone over the rocky shelf, which at that pointwas very narrow, and the hoof was furiously beating vacancy in thedespairing effort to find something upon which to rest itself. Hisbody sagged downward and the rider held his breath. 

"Steady, my boy!" he called, and with rare presence of mind allowedthe rein to lie free so as not to disconcert the steed. 

The tremendous struggle of the intelligent animal prevailed and with asnort he recovered his balance and all four feet stood upon firmsupport. 

"That was a close call, " observed the parson, whose heart was in hismouth, while the brief fight for life was going on. 

"It was so close that it couldn't have been any closer, " coollycommented the captain, fully himself again. 

CHAPTER XIX

A COLLISION

At this moment, the cheery voice of Adams called:

"There's only about a hundred yards more of this, but we've now struckthe worst part of the whole trail. "

"If it is any worse than what we have just passed, it won't do to tryit, " replied Captain Dawson, with the memory of his recent thrillingexperience still vivid with him. 

"We can do it, but we must foller a different plan. "

"What is that?"

"We must lead our animals. There are plenty of places where you canget off your horses with more comfort, but we can't stand here doingnothing. Get to the ground the best way you know how. "

It was clear that the advice of the guide would have to be followed, and all four set about the task with the cool daring shown from thefirst. Since each man was to lead his animal, it was necessary todismount in front, instead of slipping over the tail, as would havebeen easier. The beasts showed striking sagacity in this delicatetask. The trail was so narrow that to dismount to the left, on theside of the dizzying precipice, made it impossible for a man to keephis poise, while to descend on the right, directly beside the body ofthe animal was almost certain to crowd him over into the gorge. Each, therefore, lowered himself with infinite care over the right shoulderof his steed, so well forward, that the horse by turning his head tothe left afforded just enough room for the trick to be done. Every onedismounted in safety, each drawing a breath of relief when theexquisitely delicate task was accomplished. 

Looking around in the gloom, Vose Adams saw that his friends stood onthe ground. 

"Are you all ready?" he asked. 

"Yes, " replied Brush from the rear. 

"Hold the bridle so gentle that you can let go if your animal slipsoff: if he has to go over the precipice, there's no need of yourfollering him. "

Each man took his Winchester in hand, and loosely grasping the bridlerein, began stealing forward, the captain's loss compelling him tomake his single arm answer for both purposes. The advance wasnecessarily slow, for it was made with the utmost care. The path couldnot have been more dangerous than for the brief stretch between themand the broad, safe support beyond. 

Several times the trail so narrowed that each trembled through fear ofnot being able to keep his balance, while it seemed absolutelyimpossible for a horse to do so; but one of the strange factsconnected with that intelligent animal is that, despite his greaterbulk, he is generally able to follow wherever his master leads. So itwas that when a miner carefully turned his head, he saw his steedfollowing slowly but unfalteringly in his footsteps. 

It was soon perceived that this perilous stretch did not take astraight course, but assumed the form of an immense, partial circle. When half way around, the plodders came in sight of a huge rent in thedistant mountain wall, through which the sky showed nearly from thezenith to the horizon. In this immense V-shaped space shone the moonnearly at its full, and without a rift or fleck of cloud in front ofits face. 

A flood of light streamed through and between the encompassing peaks, tinging the men and animals with its fleecy veil, as if some of thesnow from the crests had been sprinkled over them. On their left, thecraggy wall sloped almost vertically downward, the projecting massesof rock displaying the same, fairy-like covering, ending in a vast, yawning pit of night and blackness, into whose awful depth the humaneye could not penetrate. 

On the right, the mass of stone, rock and boulder, rugged, broken andtumbled together, as if flung about by giants in sport, towered beyondthe vision's reach, the caverns, abysses and hollows made the blackerand more impenetrable by the moonlight glinting against the protrudingmasses. 

It was as if a party of Titans had run their chisels along the flintyface of the mountain from the rear, gouging out the stone, with lessand less persistency, until they reached the spot where the men andanimals were creeping forward, when the dulled tools scarcely made animpression sufficient to support the hesitating feet. 

Captain Dawson was but a few paces to the rear of Vose Adams's mule, whose surety of step he admired and tried to imitate. 

"Training seems able to accomplish anything, " reflected the captain;"I remember how Lieutenant Russell and I stopped on the further edgeof this infernal place when we reached it one forenoon and spentseveral hours trying to find a safer path. It kept us in a tremoruntil we were across. Had any one told me that on the next journey Ishould try it in the night, I would have believed him crazy, but, " hegrimly added, "I would have thought the same, if I had been told thata necessity like this would compel us to do so. "

The bridle rein was looped over his elbow, which extended behind him, the same hand grasping his rifle, so that he advanced partly sidewaysover the treacherous trail. He attempted to do nothing but look afterhis own footsteps. Sometimes, when it was a little harder to pull therein, he slackened his pace. It would not do to hurry the animal, since a slight disturbance might cause him to loose his footing. Thehorse knew what was required of him and would do it better by beingleft wholly to himself. 

It was because of this concentration of his mind upon the one thingthat the captain failed to perceive that the mule in his front hadstopped walking, until the rim of his slouched hat touched the tail ofthe motionless animal. 

"Helloa, Vose, what's the matter?"

The guide said something, but kept his face turned away, and hiswords, instead of being in the nature of an answer, were addressed tosome one who confronted him. Adams was of slight stature, so that, although he stood erect, it was easy for the captain to look over hishead and see what was beyond. That which was thus revealed was anotherhorseman leading his animal and coming toward them. He was advancingin the same manner as the miners, that is by leading his horse, and, meeting our friends thus face to face, it was impossible for eitherparty to pass: one or the other must give way and retreat. 

A startling feature of this meeting was that the individual who thusconfronted them was an Indian of gigantic stature. He was more thansix feet in height and of massive proportions. He belonged to whatwere known as the "mountain Indians, " who were brave and ofirrestrainable ferocity. They were the most dangerous people met bythe miners in the early days on the Pacific slope. 

Equity demanded that this particular specimen should back his horseover the few yards to the point where the trail broadened, for thetask was possible of accomplishment, while the white men were unableto force their animals in safety for one-half of the distance behindthem. Moreover, it was evident that this Indian had deliberatelystarted over the trail, with the knowledge of the four white menapproaching, so that a meeting was inevitable. He courted an encounterwith them and was in a murderous mood. 

Vose Adams knew all this and recognized the warrior as one of thedreaded Indians, with whom he was better acquainted than were hisfriends. He had had several scrimmages with them on his trips throughthe mountains, and held them in such wholesome fear that he contrivedto avoid a direct conflict. The diminutive miner overflowed withpluck, but in a hand to hand encounter, must be only a child in thegrasp of the aboriginal giant. The present situation, however, waspeculiar. 

There can be no doubt that this savage sought the meeting with theparty, for on no other supposition can his acts be explained. He musthave reasoned that on the narrow ledge his enemies would have to meethim one by one and engage him single handed. He was like a chamoisthat had lived all its life in these wild solitudes and wassurer-footed than any white man. What a triumph it would be (and wasit unreasonable to expect it?) for him to slay the insignificant paleface immediately in his front, shove his mule over the precipice, andthen serve the remaining three in same fashion!

"Get out of this!" were the words which Vose Adams addressed to theIndian, directly after the question of Captain Dawson to himself, andwhen the enemies were within six feet of each other; "there isn't roomfor both of us; you knew that before you started; one of us has got togive way and I'll be hanged if I do!"

Inasmuch as the red man did not understand a word of English, it isnot to be supposed that he grasped the whole meaning of this command, but the situation must have made it evident that he had been orderedto back his horse and to open a way for the white men, and inasmuch ashe had come upon the trail for the express purpose of bringing aboutthis encounter, it seems hardly necessary to say that he failed toobey the order. Instead, he repeated some words in his own language, which it is not unlikely were of the same import as those addressedto him, for he resolutely maintained his place. 

"I tell you, " added Vose, raising his voice, as if that could helpmake his meaning clear; "if you don't do as I say, somebody is goingto get hurt!"

The warrior, who was carrying a rifle, stooped and gently let it fallbeside him. At the same moment he let go of the thong which served asa bridle. Thus both hands were free and he crouched down with hishideous face thrust forward and took a slow, half-step toward Adams. 

The coarse black hair dangling loosely about his shoulders, the broadfrightful countenance, which, however, was devoid of paint, theglittering, basilisk-like eyes, the sinewy half-bent finger, with theright fingers closed like a vise around the handle of the knife at hiswaist, while gently drawing it forth, the catlike advance, --all thesemade him so terrible an enemy that the bravest man might well doubtthe result of a meeting with him. 

And yet the closest scrutiny of Vose Adams would not have discoveredany tremor in his frame, or so much as a blanching of his face. Hefully comprehended the nature of the peril that impended, but with thecool readiness of a veteran, he had fixed upon his line of action, inthe same moment that he read the purpose of his formidable enemy. 

The preliminary actions of the guide were similar to that of thewarrior. The bridle rein dropped from his hand, and, slightlystooping, he let his Winchester fall to the ground beside him. Thenhis knife flashed out and he was ready. 

Since only the mule was between Captain Dawson and the combatants, heobserved all this and interpreted its meaning. 

"Vose, what do you mean to do?" he sharply asked. 

"Have a little dispute with the fellow, " replied Adams, withoutremoving his gaze from the face of the savage. 

"You mustn't do it. "

"It sorter looks as if it can't be helped, captain. "

"I shall prevent it. "

"How?"

"Thus!"

The captain had laid down his rifle and drawn his revolver, in the useof which he was an expert. While thus engaged, he stooped down, sothat the interposing body of the mule, prevented the Indian fromobserving what he was doing. When his weapon was ready and just as heuttered his last word, he straightened up like a flash. Adams being ofshort stature and in a stooping posture, gave him just the chance heneeded. His single arm was extended with the quickness of lightningand he fired. The bullet bored its way through the bronzed skull ofthe Indian, who, with an ear-splitting screech, flung his arms aloft, leaped several feet from the ground, toppled sideways over the edge ofthe trail and went tumbling, rolling and doubling down the precipicefar beyond sight, into the almost fathomless abyss below. 

"That's what I call a low down trick!" was the disgusted exclamationof Adams, looking round with a reproachful expression. 

"Do you refer to the Indian?" asked the captain. 

"No; to you; I had just got ready for him and had everything fixedwhen you interfered. "

"Vose, you are a fool, " was the comment of his friend. 

"And why?"

"That fellow was twice as big as you and you hadn't an earthly chancein a fight with him. "

"Do you 'spose that is the first time I ever met a mountain Injin?"

"You never fought one of that size in this spot. "

"What difference does the spot make?"

"I want you to understand, " said the captain with assumed gravity, "that I didn't interfere out of any regard for you. "

"What the mischief are you driving at?" demanded the puzzled guide. 

"Under ordinary circumstances, I would have stood by and watched theflurry, only wishing that the best man might win. That means, ofcourse, that you would have been the loser. But we need some one toguide us through the mountains; you haven't done it yet; when yourwork is over you may go and live on wild Indians for all I care. "

Vose quickly regained his good nature. He returned his knife to itsresting place, picked up his rifle, grasped the bridle rein and gentlypulled. 

"Come, Hercules; I don't know whether they appreciate us or not;steady now!"

"What are you going to do with that horse in front of you?" asked thecaptain. 

"Hang it! if I didn't forget about him; back with you!" he commandedwith a gesture, moving toward the animal, who showed the intelligenceof his kind, by retrograding carefully until he reached the broad safeplace so anxiously sought by the others. There he wheeled and trottedoff, speedily disappearing from sight. 

"Vose, you might have traded Hercules for him. "

"Not much! I wouldn't give that mule for a drove of horses that havebelonged to these mountain Injins. "

"What's the matter with them? Aren't they as good as ours?"

"They're too good; you can't tell what trick they'll sarve you; I wasonce riding through these very mountains, on the back of a horse thatI picked up--it isn't necessary to say how--when his owner gave asignal and the critter was off like a thunderbolt. If I hadn't slippedfrom his back at the risk of breaking my neck, he would have carriedme right into a camp of hostiles and you would have been without yourinvaluable guide on this trip. "

"That is important information--if true--helloa! it is growing lightoff there in the east!"

"Yes, --day is breaking, " added Vose. 

The captain looked at his watch and found the time considerably pastfive o'clock. They had been longer on the road than any one supposed, and the coming of morning was a vast relief to all. 

The party were now grouped together, for the trail was broad and safe. Parson Brush asked, as he pointed almost directly ahead:

"Isn't that a light off yonder?"

The guide gazed in that direction and replied:

"Yes, but it comes from a camp fire, which isn't more than a half mileaway. "

The men looked in one another's faces and the captain asked in aguarded voice, as if afraid of being overheard:

"Whose fire is it?"

"There's no saying with any sartinty, till we get closer, but Ishouldn't be 'sprised if it belong to the folks you're looking for. "

The same thought had come to each. There was a compression of lips, aflashing of eyes and an expression of resolution that boded ill forhim who was the cause of it all. 

In the early morning at this elevation, the air was raw and chilling. The wind which blew fitfully brought an icy touch from the peaks ofthe snow-clad Sierras. The party had ridden nearly all night, withonly comparatively slight pauses, so that the men would have welcomeda good long rest but for the startling discovery just made. 

Over the eastern cliffs the sky was rapidly assuming a rosy tinge. Daywas breaking and soon the wild region would be flooded with sunshine. Already the gigantic masses of stone and rock were assuming grotesqueform in the receding gloom. The dismal night was at an end. 

The twinkling light which had caught the eye of Felix Brush appearedto be directly ahead and near the trail which they were traveling. This fact strengthened the belief that the fire had been kindled bythe fugitives. The illumination paled as the sun climbed the sky, until it was absorbed by the overwhelming radiance that waseverywhere. 

The pursuers felt well rewarded for the energy they had displayed inthe face of discouragement and danger. Valuable ground had beengained, and even now when they had supposed they were fully a dozenmiles behind the fugitives, it looked as if they had really caught upto them, or at least were within hailing distance. 

Every eye was fixed on the point which held so intense an interest forthem. As the day grew, a thin, wavy column of smoke was observedascending from the camp fire, which was partly hidden among a growthof scrub cedars, some distance to the right of the trail, whither itmust have been difficult for the couple to force their horses. 

"That leftenant ought to have knowed better than to do that, " remarkedVose Adams, "his fire can be seen a long way off. "

"What else could they do?" asked the captain. 

"The rocks give all the cover he needs. "

"But they could have no idea that we were so near, " suggested theparson. 

"It isn't that, but the leftenant had 'nough 'sperience with Injins onhis way through here before to know he's liable to run agin them atany time. I never dared to do a thing like that on my trips. "

"Let's push on, " said the captain, who saw no reason for tarrying nowthat they had located the game. 

The ground was so much more favorable that the animals were forced toa canter, though all were in need of rest. Little was said, andCaptain Dawson spurred forward beside Adams, who as usual wasleading. 

Wade Ruggles and Parson Brush also rode abreast. They were far enoughto the rear to exchange a few words without being overheard. 

"From the way things look, " said Brush; "we shall have to leaveeverything with the captain and he isn't likely to give us anything todo. "

"He's mad clean through; I don't b'leve he'll wait to say a word, butthe minute he can draw bead on the leftenant, he'll let fly. "

"He is a fine marksman, but he may be in such a hurry that he'llmiss. "

"No fear of that; I wonder, " added Ruggles, startled by a new thought, "whether Vose has any idee of stickin' in his oar. "

"Likely enough. "

"I must git a chance to warn him that we won't stand any nonsense likethat! The best that we'll do is to promise him a chance for a crackafter you and me miss. "

"That won't be any chance at all, " grimly remarked the parson. 

"Wal, it's all he'll have and he mustn't forgit it. There's somethings I won't stand and that's one of 'em. "

"We can't do anything now, but we may have a chance to notify him. Ifthe opportunity comes to me, he shall not remain ignorant. "

They were now nearly opposite the camp and the two noticed withsurprise that Adams and the captain were riding past it. 

"What's that fur?" asked the puzzled Ruggles. 

"That's to prevent them from fleeing toward Sacramento. When they findwe are on the other side, they will have to turn back. "

This was apparently the purpose of the men in advance, for they didnot draw rein until a hundred yards beyond the camp. Suddenly the twohalted, and half-facing around, waited until Brush and Ruggles joinedthem. The explanation of the guide showed that his plan had beenrightly interpreted by Parson Brush. 

CHAPTER XX

THE CAMP FIRE

The trail, as has been stated, was broad and comparatively level. Theslope of the mountain to the right was so moderate that it could beclimbed by a horse almost as readily as by a man. Its face was coveredwith a growth of cedars, continuing half way to the summit, when itterminated, only bleak masses of rock, sprinkled with snow, whosevolume increased with the elevation, being visible above and beyond. 

When the four pursuers came together, their faces showed that theycomprehended the serious business before them. It was seen thatCaptain Dawson was slightly pale, but those who had been with him inbattle had observed the same peculiarity. Accompanied, as it was inthis instance, by a peculiar steely glitter of his eyes, it meant thathe was in a dangerous mood and the man who crossed his path did so athis peril. 

It was evident that he and Vose Adams had reached an understandingduring the few minutes that they were riding in advance. The words ofVose Adams were spoken for the benefit of Ruggles and the parson. 

"You'll wait here till I take a look at things. "

"What do you mean to do?" asked Brush. 

"I'm going up the slope on foot to find out how the land lays. "

"And when you find that out, what next?"

"He is to come back and report to me, " interposed the captain. 

There was a world of meaning in these words. It showed that thecaptain allowed Adams to lead only when acting as a guide. In allother matters, the retired officer assumed control. The opportunity ofVose to pick off the offending lieutenant promised to be better thanthat of any one else, since he would first see him, but he had beengiven to understand that he must immediately return and let thecaptain know the situation. Adams had promised this and he knew Dawsontoo well to dare to thwart him. 

Brush and Ruggles could make no objection, keen though theirdisappointment was. They watched Adams, as he slipped off his mule, not deeming it worth while to utter the warning both had had in mind. It was the parson who said:

"I suppose we have nothing to do except to wait here till you comeback?"

"It looks that way, but you must ask the captain. "

"You won't be gone long?"

"I don't think so. "

"Be careful, but there's no need of waiting, " said the captain. 

The three watched the guide until he disappeared from sight among thecedars, when the captain added:

"Vose told me that it was possible that camp fire had been started byIndians, but it seems to me there is little likelihood of that. "

"Why?"

"Those people are so skilled in woodcraft that they would have been onthe alert against our approach, for a brief survey of the trail forthe last half hour would have revealed us to them. "

"It may be, " suggested the parson, "that with every reason to believethere is no danger of anything of the kind, for it must be rare that awhite man passes along this trail, they did not keep a lookout. "

The captain shook his head. 

"From what I know of the American race, it is unlike them. "

"What knowledge have we that they have not maintained such a lookoutand discovered us as soon as we noticed the camp fire itself? They mayhave formed an ambuscade at some point further along the trail. "

"It is a disturbing possibility and I would be alarmed, but for myconfidence in Vose. He has been through this region so often and knowsthese wild people so thoroughly that he could not commit a blunderlike that. It seems to me, " added the captain a few minutes, later, "that he is absent a long time. "

"It's tough, " remarked Ruggles, "that things are fixed so we won'thave a chance to take any hand in this bus'ness. "

The captain looked inquiringly at him and he explained:

"You and Vose have set it up atween you. "

"I have told you that if your help is needed, it will be welcome; Ican add nothing to that. "

"The captain is right, " interposed the parson, "but at the same time, he can see what a disappointment it is for us. "

"I admit that, but we are not out of the woods yet. "

Before he could make clear the meaning of this remark, Vose Adamsemerged from the cedars, and the three breathlessly awaited hiscoming. He broke into a trot and quickly descended the slope to wherethey stood. The expression of his face showed before he spoke that hebrought unwelcome news. 

"Confound it!" he exclaimed with a shake of his head, "they're notthere!"

"Then they have gone on up the trail, " said the captain inquiringly. 

"No; they haven't been there; it isn't their camp. "

"Whose is it?"

"Injins; there are five of 'em; they've just had their breakfast andare gettin' ready to make a start. "

"Didn't they see you?"

"That isn't the way I do bus'ness, " replied Vose rather loftily; "it'smore'n likely, howsumever, they seen us all awhile ago when we wasfurther down the trail. They're traveling eastward. "

"How can you know that?" asked the parson. 

"The Injin that took his dive off the trail 'bout the time the captainfired off his revolver, was going that way. He b'longed to the partyand was sorter leading 'em; he was a chief or something of the kind. "

"Where are their ponies?"

"They haven't any, --leastways he was the only one that had, which iswhy I said he was some kind of a chief. We shall hear from 'em agin. "

"Why?"

"I mean after they find out about that little row. "

"Why need they find out about it?"

"They can't help it; they'll miss their chief; they'll run across thathorse of his and that'll give 'em the clue. "

This unexpected discovery put a new face on matters. Five mountainIndians, the bravest and most implacable of their race, were almostwithin stone's throw of the party. But for the occurrence of a briefwhile before, they probably would have permitted the white men tocontinue their journey unmolested, since the strength of the twobands, all things considered, was about equal, but when the hostileslearned of the death of their leader, they would bend every efforttoward securing revenge. They would dog the miners, watchful, alertand tireless in their attempts to cut them off from the possibility ofever repeating the deed. 

"But that chief, as you seem to think he was, " said Captain Dawson, "is gone as utterly as if the ground had opened and swallowed him. They will never have the chance to officiate at his funeral, so howare they to learn of the manner of his taking off?"

"It won't take 'em long, " replied Adams; "his pony will hunt them out, now that he is left to himself; that'll tell 'em that something is upand they'll start an investigatin' committee. The footprints of ourhorses, the marks on the rocks, which you and me wouldn't notice, thefact that we met the chief on that narrer ledge and that he's turnedup missing will soon lay bare the whole story, and as I remarkedaforesaid, we shall hear from 'em agin. "

"It looks like a case of the hunter hunting the tiger, " said theparson, "and then awaking to the fact that the tiger is engagedin hunting him; it is plain to see that there's going to be acomplication of matters, but I don't feel that it need make anydifference to us. "

"It won't!" replied the captain decisively; "we haven't put our handsto the plough with any intention of looking back. What's the nextthing to do, Vose?"

"We've got to look after our animals. "

"But there's no grass here for them. "

"A little further and we'll strike a stream of water where we'll findsome grass, though not much, but it's better than nothing. "

Vaulting into the saddle, the guide after some pounding of his heelsagainst the iron ribs of Hercules, forced him into a gallop, which theothers imitated. The trail continued comparatively smooth, and, beingslightly descending, the animals were not crowded as hard as it wouldseem. A mile of this brought them to the water, where they were turnedloose. The stream gushed from the mountain side, and, flowing acrossthe trail, was lost among the rocks to the left. The moisture thusdiffused produced a moderate growth of tough, coarse grass, which theanimals began plucking as soon as the bits were removed from theirmouths. They secured little nutriment, but as the guide remarked, itwas an improvement upon nothing. The men bathed their faces in thecold, clear water, took a refreshing draught, and then ate the lunchprovided for them by the thoughtful Adams. Though they ate heartily, sufficient was kept to answer for another meal or two, if it should bethought wise to put themselves on an allowance. 

They had just lighted their pipes, when Wade Ruggles uttered anexclamation. Without explaining the cause, he bounded to his feet andran several rods to the westward, where he was seen to stoop and picksomething from the ground. He examined it closely and then, as heturned about and came back more slowly it was perceived that he held awhite handkerchief in his hand. His action caused the others to riseto his feet. 

"What have you there?" asked Captain Dawson, suspecting its identity. 

"I guess you have seen it before, " replied Wade, handing the piece offine, bordered linen to him. He turned it over with strange emotions, for he was quick to recognize it. 

"Yes, " he said, compressing his lips; "it is hers; she dropped itthere--how long ago, Vose?"

The latter examined the handkerchief, as if looking for the answer tothe question in its folds, but shook his head. 

"Even a mountain Injin could not tell that. "

The parson asked the privilege of examining the article. His heart wasbeating fast, though no one else was aware of it, for it was a presentwhich he had made to Nellie Dawson on the preceding Christmas, havingbeen brought by Vose Adams, with other articles, on his trip madeseveral months before the presentation. There was the girl's name, written by himself in indelible ink, and in his neat, round hand. Itwas a bitter reflection that it had been in her possession, when shewas in the company of the one whom she esteemed above all others. 

"It may have been, " reflected the parson, carefully keeping histhoughts to himself, "that, when she remembered from whom it came, sheflung it aside to please him. Captain, " he added, "since this was oncemine, I presume you have no objection to my keeping it. "

"You are welcome to it; I don't care for it, " replied the parent. 

"Thank you, " and the parson carefully put it away to keep company withthe letter of Nellie Dawson which broke her father's heart; "I observethat it is quite dry, which makes me believe it has not been exposedto the dew, and therefore could not have lain long on the ground. "

"You can't tell anything by that, " commented Vose; "the air is so dryup here, even with the snow and water around us, that there's no dewto amount to anything. "

All seemed to prefer not to discuss the little incident that hadproduced so sombre an effect upon the party. Wade Ruggles was disposedto claim the handkerchief, inasmuch as it was he who found it, but herespected the feelings of the parson too much to make any protest. 

The occurrence was of no special interest to the guide. He had saidthey were in danger from the Indians and he gave his thoughts to them. While the others kept their seats on the ground, he stood erect, and, shading his eyes with one hand, peered long and attentively over thetrail behind them. The clump of cedars from amid which the thin columnof vapor was slowly climbing into the sky and the narrow ledge whichhad been the scene of their stirring adventure were in view, thoughits winding course shut a portion from sight. 

"I expected it!" suddenly exclaimed Vose. 

The others followed the direction of his gaze and saw what had causedhis words. The five Indians, whom Vose had discovered in camp, werepicking their way along the ledge, with their faces turned from thewhite men, who were watching them. Despite the chilly air, caused bythe elevation, not one of the warriors wore a blanket. Two had bowsand arrows, three rifles, carried in a trailing fashion, and all werelithe, sinewy fellows, able to give a good account of themselves inany sort of fight. 

A curious fact noted by all of our friends was that while thesewarriors were thus moving away, not one of them looked behind him. Their long black hair hung loosely about their shoulders, and in theclear air it was observable that three wore stained feathers in theluxuriant growth on their crowns. 

"Is it possible that they have no suspicion of us?" asked the parson;"their action in not looking around would imply that. "

"Don't fool yourself, " was the reply of Adams; "they knowed of usafore we knowed anything of them. "

"Why did they allow us to pass their camp undisturbed?"

"Things weren't in the right shape for 'em. There are only three gunsamong 'em, though them kind of Injins are as good with the bow as therifle, and they made up their minds that if we let them alone, theywouldn't bother us. "

"You said awhile ago that we should have trouble from them. "

"And so we shall; when they reasoned like I was sayin', they didn'tknow anything about the little accident that happened to their chief;it's that which will make things lively. "

"We can't see the point where that accident took place, " said CaptainDawson. 

"No; the trail curves too much, but we can foller it most of the way;they're likely to go right on without 'specting anything, but whenthey find the horse, it'll set 'em to looking round. After that, theband will begin to play. "

While the party were watching the five Indians, the leader was seento pass from view around the curve in the trail, followed by the next, until finally the fifth disappeared. All this time, not one of thewarriors looked behind him. It was a singular line of action, andbecause of its singularity roused the suspicion of the spectators. 

While three of the miners resumed their seats on the boulders andground, Vose Adams kept his feet. Doubling each palm, so as to make afunnel of it, he held one to either eye and continued scrutinizing thepoint where he had last seen the hostiles. He suspected it was not thelast of them. Instead of imitating him, his friends studied hiswrinkled countenance. 

The air in that elevated region was wonderfully clear, but it ishardly possible to believe the declaration which the guide made someminutes later. He insisted that, despite the great distance, one ofthe Indians, after passing from view, returned over his own trail andpeeped around the bend in the rocks, and that the guide saw his blackhair and gleaming snake-like eyes. The fact that Vose waited until thesavage had withdrawn from sight, before making the astonishingdeclaration, threw some discredit on it, for it would have required agood telescope to do what he claimed to have done with the unassistedeye alone. 

"You see I was looking for something of the kind, " he explained, "ormebbe I wouldn't have obsarved him. "

"Could you tell the color of his eyes?" asked the doubting Ruggles. 

"They were as black as coal. "

"It is safe to say that, " remarked the parson, "inasmuch as I nevermet an Indian who had eyes of any other color. "

"There are such, " said Vose, "and I've seen 'em, though I'll ownthey're mighty scarce and I never knowed of any in this part of theworld. Howsumever, I won't purtend that I could see the color of aman's eyes that fur, but I did see his hair, forehead and a part ofhis ugly face. He knowed we was behind him all the time, and this onewanted to find out what we was doing. When he larned that, they kepton along the ledge, but there's no saying how fur they'll go aforethey find something's gone wrong. "

Captain Dawson showed less interest in this by-play than the others. He was not concerned with what was behind them, so much as with whatwas in front. The belief was so strong with him that their persistenttravel through the night had brought them close to the fugitives thathe begrudged the time necessary for the animals to rest and eat. 

Parson Brush felt that Adams was acting wisely in giving attention tothe rear. It would be the height of folly to disregard theseformidable warriors when they meant trouble. Brush rose to his feetand using his palms as did the guide, scanned the country behindthem. 

He saw nothing of any warrior peering around the rocks, but he did seesomething, which escaped even the keen vision of Vose Adams himself. Beyond the ledge and a little to the left, he observed a riderlesshorse, with head high in air, and gazing at something which the twowhite men could not see. The parson directed the attention of Vose tothe animal. 

"By gracious! it's the chief's horse, " he exclaimed; "do you seethat?"

The other two were now looking and all plainly saw a warrior advanceinto view, approaching the animal, which, instead of being frightened, seemed to recognize his friends, and remained motionless until theIndian came up and grasped the thong about his neck. Then the twopassed from sight. 

The identical thing prophesied by Vose Adams had occurred under theeyes of the four pursuers. The steed of the dead chieftain had beenrecovered, and it would not take the hostiles long to penetrate themystery of the matter. Vose was wise in taking the course he did, andhis companions were now inclined to believe his astonishing assertionthat he saw one of the number when he peeped around the curving ledgeand watched their actions. 

However, it would have been absurd to wait where they were in order tolearn every move of their enemies, for that would have been avoluntary abandonment of the advantage secured at the cost of so muchlabor and danger. Captain Dawson insisted that the pursuit should bepressed without any thought of the red men, and Vose consented. 

"But there's one thing we mustn't forget, captain, " he said, "and thatis that it is daytime and not night. "

"I do not catch your meaning, " replied the captain, pausing on thepoint of moving off to secure his horse. 

"It is this: them people in front will keep as sharp an eye to therear as to the front; more'n likely it will be sharper, and it will bea bad thing if they discover us when we're two or three miles off. "

"How shall we prevent it?"

"We can do it, if we're careful. You'll remember that when you wentover this route last, you come upon places where you could see for amile or more, 'cause the trail was straight and broad, while there areothers where you can't see more'n a hundred yards. Them that I'venamed last is where we must overhaul 'em. "

"That sounds well, Vose, " said the captain, "but I am unable to seehow you are going to manage so as to bring that about. "

"While you're getting the animals ready, I'll take a look ahead. "

This was not in the nature of an explanation, but the three willinglydid their part. Vose disappeared almost instantly, and, though theytook but a few minutes to prepare their animals for the resumption oftravel, he was back among them, the expression of his face showingthat he brought news of importance. 

"They ain't fur off, " he said. 

"How far?" asked the captain. 

"I can't say anything more than that we're purty close to 'em. Let'spush on!"

CHAPTER XXI

STRANGERS

The signs of an approaching storm that had been noted with someapprehension the night before, passed away. The sky revealed hardly acloud rift, and, when the sun had climbed the mountain crests, thescene was grand beyond description. But for the grim errand of thefour men, holding relentlessly to the pursuit, they must have yieldedto its impressive influence. 

The trail remained so favorable for a couple of miles further, that itwas passed at the same easy, swinging gallop. Vose Adams retained hisplace a few paces in advance of the others, who saw him glance sharplyto the right and left, often to the ground and occasionally to therear, as if to assure himself that none of his friends was goingastray. 

The moderate but continuous descent of the path took them so fardownward that the change of temperature again became noticeable. Theground was rough and uneven and the animals dropped to a walk. Sometimes the course led around boulders, through sparse growths ofcedar, beside brawling torrents, two of which they were compelled toford, where it was hard for their animals to keep their feet. 

"Last fall, " remarked the guide, at the most difficult of thesepassages, "I had to wait two days before I dared try to cross withHercules and one of the other mules. "

His companions nodded their heads but made no other answer. They werenot in the mood for talking. 

They were now making their way through a caņon similar to Dead Man'sGulch, with rents and yawning ravines opening on the right and left, before which the party might have halted in perplexity, had it been inthe night time. But the path showed plainly and the familiarity of theguide prevented any mistake on his part. 

Adams had intimated that by a certain line of procedure the watchfulfugitives could be prevented from discovering the approach of thepursuers until too late to escape them. In counting upon his abilityto do this, he overestimated his skill, for the task was clearlyimpossible, and it was because of his efforts in that direction thathe made a serious blunder. He had crossed for the third time a streamwhich was shallow, and, upon reaching the opposite bank, where theground was moist and soft, he reined up with an exclamation ofimpatience. 

"What's the matter?" asked Captain Dawson, in the same mood. 

"We've passed 'em, " was the reply; "they're somewhere behind us. "

"How far?"

"That remains to be found out, but I don't think it's a greatdistance. "

The captain angrily wheeled his horse and re-entered the stream. 

"If they don't get away, it won't be our fault, " was his ungraciouscomment; "we have done little else than throw away our chances fromthe first. "

The guide made no response, and the next minute the four wereretracing their course, their animals at a walk, and all scanning therocks on either hand as they passed them. 

It was clear by this time that the fugitives held one importantadvantage over their pursuers. The route that they were following wasso devious and so varied in its nature, that only at rare intervalscould it be traced with the eye for a quarter or half a mile. Certainof pursuit, Lieutenant Russell and his companion would be constantlyon the lookout for it. They were more likely, therefore, to discoverthe horsemen than the latter were to observe them. Even if theirflight was interrupted, there were innumerable places in this immensesolitude where they could conceal themselves for an indefiniteperiod. 

The question the pursuers asked themselves was whether the others hadstrayed unwittingly from the trail, or whether they had turned off toelude their pursuers, whose desperate mood they could not but know. The latter supposition seemed the more likely, since the path wasmarked so plainly that it could be lost only by unaccountablecarelessness. 

At the first break in the side of the vast mountain walls Vose Adamsagain slipped from his mule and spent several minutes in studying theground. 

"They haven't gone in here, " was his comment, as he remounted. 

"Make certain that we are not too far back, " said the captain. 

"I have made no mistake, " was the curt reply of the guide. The partyhad gone less than twenty rods further, when another rent opened onthe other side of the caņon, which was about an eighth of a mile wide. It would not do now to slight anything, and Adams headed his mulediagonally across the gorge, the animal walking slowly, while therider leaned over with his eyes on the ground. Suddenly he exclaimed:

"We've hit it this time! Here's where they went in!"

All four leaped from the back of their animals. Adams pointed out thefaint indentations made by the hoofs of two horses. Less accustomedthan he to study such evidence, they failed to note that which wasplain to him; the hoof prints of one of the animals were smaller thanthose of the other, since they were made by Cap, the pony belonging toNellie Dawson. There could no longer be any doubt that the pursuerswere warm on the trail of the fugitives. 

Such being the fact, the interest of the men naturally centered on theavenue through which the others had made their way. 

It was one of those fissures, sometimes seen among enormous piles ofrock, that suggest that some terrific convulsion of nature, agesbefore, has split the mountain in twain from top to bottom. The latterwas on a level with the main caņon itself, the chasm at the beginningbeing ten or twelve yards in width, but, occurring in a depression ofthe mountain spur, its height was no more than five or six hundredfeet, whereas in other localities it would have been nearly ten timesas great. The base was strewn with fragments of sandstone, some of thepieces as large as boulders, which had probably been brought down bythe torrents that swept through the ravine in spring or when acloudburst descended upon the upper portion. 

Standing at the entrance, it was observed that the gorge trendedsharply to the left, so that the view was shut off at a distance offifty yards. It was noticeable, too, that the path taken by thefugitives sloped upward at so abrupt an angle that it must have sorelytried the horses. 

"I thought so, " was the comment of Vose Adams, when he returned from abrief exploration of the ravine; "they got off and led theiranimals. "

"Have you any idea of the distance they went?" asked Captain Dawson, who was in a more gracious mood, now that he appreciated the value ofthe services of their guide. 

"No; I've rid in front of that opening a good many times, but this isthe first time I ever went into it. "

"Well, what is to be done?" asked Parson Brush. 

"Why, foller 'em of course, " Wade Ruggles took upon himself to reply. 

"That won't do, " replied Adams, "for it is likely to upset everything;I'll leave Hercules with you and sneak up the gorge far enough to findhow the land lays. I'll come back as soon as I can, but don't getimpatient if I'm gone several hours. "

Brush and Ruggles showed their displeasure, for, while admitting theskill of the guide, they could not see adequate cause for theimpending delay. They had made so many slips that it seemed likeinviting another. It was clear that they were close upon thefugitives, and the two believed the true policy was to press thepursuit without relaxing their vigor. But Captain Dawson, the one whonaturally would have been dissatisfied, was silent, thereby making itapparent that Adams was carrying out a plan previously agreed upon bythe two. 

Vose paid no heed to Ruggles and the parson, but started up theravine, quickly disappearing from view. Believing a long waitinevitable, the three prepared to pass the dismal interval as bestthey could. Here and there scant patches of grass showed in the caņon, and the animals were allowed to crop what they could of the naturalfood. The men lounged upon the boulders at hand, smoked their pipesand occasionally exchanged a few words, but none was in the mood fortalking and they formed a grim, stolid group. 

Hardly ten minutes had passed, when Ruggles, with some evidence ofexcitement, exclaimed in a guarded undertone:

"Helloa! Something's up!"

He referred to the horses, who are often the most reliable sentinelsin the presence of insidious danger. Two of them had stopped pluckingthe grass, and, with their ears pricked, were staring up the caņon atsome object that had attracted their attention and that was invisibleto their owners in their present situation. 

Convinced that something unusual had taken place, Ruggles walked outinto the caņon where he could gain a more extended view. One sweepingglance was enough, when he hurried back to his companions. 

"Thunderation! all Sacramento's broke loose and is coming this way!"

The three passed out from the side of the gorge to where they had aview of the strange procession. There seemed to be about a dozen men, mounted on mules, with as many more pack animals, coming from the westin a straggling procession, talking loudly and apparently in exuberantspirits. 

"I don't like their looks, " said Brush; "it is best to get ourproperty out of their way. "

The counsel was good and was followed without a minute's delay. Thefour animals were rounded up and turned into the ravine, up which VoseAdams had disappeared. They gave no trouble, but, probably because ofthe steepness of the slope, none of the four went beyond sight. Hadthe three men been given warning, they would have placed them out ofreach, for none knew better than they how attractive horses are to menbeyond the power of the law. But it was too late now, and the littleparty put on a bold front. 

As the strangers drew near, they were seen to be nine in number andthey formed a motley company. Their pack mules were so cumbrouslyloaded as to suggest country wagons piled with hay. The wonder was howthe tough little animals could carry such enormous burdens, consistingof blankets, picks, shovels, guns, cooking utensils, including evensome articles of furniture. 

Our older readers will recall that for years after the close of thewar, tens of thousands of the blue army overcoats were in usethroughout the country. It looked as if every man in the presentcompany was thus provided, including in many instances trousers of thesame material, though each person had discarded the army cap for asoft slouch hat, similar to those worn by the miners. All the garmentswere in a dilapidated condition, proving their rough usage as well astheir poor quality. Many of the heavy boots disclosed naked toes, while the mules had not known a curry comb for weeks and perhapsmonths. 

The faces of the men were anything but attractive. Most of them wereheavily bearded, with long, frowsy, unkempt hair, dangling about theshoulders. Every one displayed side arms, and there could be nomistake in setting them down as a reckless lot, whom a peaceablecitizen would not care to meet anywhere. 

The leader of this mongrel gang was a massive man, who bestrode sosmall a mule that his feet were only a few inches from the ground. There was little semblance of discipline in the company, but a certainrude deference to the fellow, who kept his place at the head, and didthe loudest talking, ornamented with plenty of expletives, indicatedhis prominence among his fellows. 

The mountain tramps had descried the three men standing at the side ofthe caņon, watching them as they approached. They ceased theirboisterous talking and studied them as they drew near. 

"Howdy, pards?" called the leader, raising his two fingers to hisforehead and making a military salute, to which our friends respondedcoolly, hoping the company would keep on without stopping. 

But they were disappointed. Colonel Briggs, as his men called him, suddenly shouted "Whoa!" in a voice that could have been heard a mileoff, and pulled so hard on his bridle rein that he drew the jaws ofthe mule against his breast, while the rider lay back almost on thehaunches of his animal, who showed his contrariness by walking roundin a short circle before standing still. 

"Which way, pards?" asked the leader, while his followers, who withmore or less effort succeeded in checking their mules, curiouslysurveyed the three miners. 

"We intend to visit Sacramento, " replied Captain Dawson. 

"Huh! that's where we come from. "

"On your way to the diggings I presume?" continued the captaincourteously. 

"That's what's the matter; we're going to New Constantinople, which isthe name of a mining settlement in Dead Man's Gulch. Do you knowanything of the place?"

"We live there. "

"The deuce! Queer town, ain't it?"

"In what respect?"

"Don't like visitors; Red Tom and Missouri Mike, two of the gang withme, stopped there a year or so ago with the idee of staying; the bestthey could do was to sleep there one night and git fired the nextmorning. That went agin the grain, " continued Colonel Briggs, "and themore the boys thought it over the madder they got. When they told therest of us, we made up our minds that the trouble was the diggings hadpanned out so rich in them parts that the folks meant to keep 'em tothemselves. I don't call that square, so we're going down to divvywith 'em. Big scheme, ain't it?"

Our three friends were astounded. The addition of this gang to NewConstantinople meant nothing less than its moral ruin. It would bringa peril from the first hour and doubtless precipitate a murderousconflict with a doubtful issue. 

"They are a peculiar people, " said Captain Dawson, repressing allevidence of his anger; "it's a mistake to attribute their prejudiceagainst immigrants to the richness of the diggings, for though theyhave been worked for years, they have not produced much. But they wantno strangers among them, and I know they will not allow you and yourfriends to make your homes in their settlement. "

Colonel Briggs threw back his head, opened his enormous mouth andbroke into uproarious laughter, most of his companions joining him tothe extent of a broad grin. 

"Do you hear that, boys? Won't let us settle among 'em, eh? And thereare nine of us and we hain't had a scrimmage since we left Sacramento, except with the Injins, which don't count. Stranger, we're yearning tohear your folks say we shan't jine 'em, 'cause if they try to stop it, it'll make things lively. "

It was not a pleasant recollection of our friends that, since theirdeparture from New Constantinople, the force left behind would behardly a match for this desperate gang of marauders, who no doubt wereas eager for trouble as they professed to be. 

"Why not make a settlement of your own?" was the conciliating questionof Parson Brush; "there's plenty of room in this country. "

"That would be too peaceable like; it don't suit us; we're looking fortrouble. "

"And you'll find it powerful quick, " said Wade Ruggles, "if you try toshove that gang of yours into New Constantinople. "

"That's music in our ears; that's what we're hungry for; we're readyto start an opposition hotel to the Heavenly Bower, too; we've got thestock to furnish it. "

"Wade, " said the parson, "keep your temper; we can't afford to quarrelwith these men. "

"It wouldn't take much for me to shoot that chap off his mule as hesets there. "

"Leave matters to the captain; it looks as if we shall have a fight, but it is best to keep cool. "

The observant trio had noticed an additional cause for uneasiness. More than one of the party were surveying the three horses and mulewith admiring eyes. Some of them spoke to one another in low tones, and there could be no doubt they looked with envy upon the animals, which, tiring of their confinement in the ravine, had come forth as ifwith the purpose of passing under review, on their way to crop thegrass from which they had been driven. 

"Colonel, " called one of the men behind him, "them is likelyanimals. "

"I had obsarved that fact myself; strangers, I've made up my mind tobuy them critters; what's your price?"

"They are not for sale, " replied Captain Dawson. 

"Why not?"

"We need them for our own use. "

"Then we'll trade. "

"You won't do anything of the kind, " said the captain, speaking withthe utmost coolness, but with that paling of the countenance andglitter of the eyes that Colonel Briggs would have done well to heed. 

"Strikes me, stranger, you're rather peart in your observations, " saidthe leader with an odd chuckle; "we ain't used to having people speakto us in that style. "

"It is my custom to say what I mean; it saves misunderstanding. "

"It's my opinion, stranger, you'd better say trade. "

"It is of no importance to me what your opinion is; we need the horsesand the mule for our own use and we shall keep them. "

"But you've got one more than you want. "

"He belongs to a friend who is not far off and will soon return; wecan't spare one of them. "

"If we give you four of ours for the lot, that'll make an even thingof it. Besides, we'll throw in something to boot. "

"I wouldn't give one of the horse's shoes for all the trash you havepiled on top of your animals; the stuff isn't worth house room, but itis what I should expect to see in the hands of a lot of tramps likeyou and yours; I wouldn't trade our mule for the whole party which, tojudge by their looks, ought to be in jail. "

Brush and Ruggles were amazed to hear the captain use such language, for it sounded as if he was trying to provoke instead of avoid afight. The truth was the veteran was thoroughly enraged by theevident purpose of the fellow before him. Although his voice was lowand deliberate, the captain's temper was at a white heat. The pointhad been reached where a desperate struggle seemed unavoidable, and hewished to precipitate the crisis, inasmuch as it had to come. 

Colonel Briggs did not laugh, but turning his head, talked for aminute with the man nearest him, their words so low that no one elseheard them. Then the leader turned back in a quick, decisive way. 

"There don't seem much use in talking, stranger, so 'spose we make afight of it. "

"As you prefer. "

The gang hardly expected so firm a front. Some of them muttered to oneanother. They were not a unit on the question, though it was evidentthat the majority preferred to fight. 

The three men stood with their backs almost against the mountain wall. Each had a Winchester and revolver and all were expert in the use ofthe weapons. The others were gathered in an irregular group aroundtheir leader. They, too, were provided with all the weapons they coulduse, not to mention the extra guns strapped upon the pack mules. Theyoutnumbered our friends three to one. 

Captain Dawson could use his rifle as well with his single arm asformerly with two. 

"He can't fire before me, " he said in an undertone to Brush, standingnext to him; "when the shooting begins, I'll drop him off his mulebefore he knows what's coming. When I say the word, let fly as quickas lightning! Likely enough they'll win, but we'll make them pay highfor their victory. "

"Do you notice that tall thin man at the rear?" asked Brush, in thesame guarded voice; "his eyes shine like a rattlesnake's; he'll be_my_ first target. "

CHAPTER XXII

FRIENDS

Colonel Briggs was nonplussed for the moment. He had failed to scarethe men whom he meant to despoil of their property and some of themutterings behind him showed that he lacked the unanimous support ofhis followers. 

"Boys, " he said, looking round in their faces; "you've heerd whatthese strangers say to my mild requests. Since they are too mean totrade, I leave it to you to say whether we shall let up on 'em or make'em trade; which is it?"

"Trade! trade!" was the response, given with such ardency that thereseemed to be no dissent, though there was. 

"That hits me right; trade it shall be; the first one of the strangersthat kicks, fill him full of holes. "

"And the first man that lays a finger on my property, " said CaptainDawson, in the same deliberate voice, "will be shot down like a dog!"

The person whom Parson Brush had selected a few minutes before forhis first target and whom he was watching closely, now did anextraordinary thing. This individual was thin to emaciation. Hisbeard was scant and scraggly, and his large black eyes gleamed likethose of a wild animal. He had a very long body, and sat so uprightin his saddle, with his Winchester resting across in front, that hetowered head and shoulders above his companions. From the first, he fixed his penetrating eyes on Captain Dawson and studied himclosely. It was this persistent intensity of gaze that attractedthe notice of Brush, who set him down as being even more malignantthan the leader of the disreputable party. 

When a collision was impending, and must have come the next second, the singular looking man, grasping his revolver, raised his hand abovehis head and called:

"Hold on a minute!"

His commanding voice and manner hushed every one. From his place atthe rear, he spurred his mule straight toward the three men standingon the ground. 

"Keep off!" commanded the parson; "if you come any nearer I'llshoot!"

The extraordinary looking individual gave him no heed, but forced hismule in front of Captain Dawson, upon whom he kept his eyes riveted. 

"Don't fire till I give the word, " commanded the captain, who hadbecome suddenly interested in the tall, slim man. 

Halting his mule directly before Dawson, and with no more than acouple of yards separating them, the stranger craned his head forwarduntil his chin was almost between the long ears of his animal. Heseemed to be trying to look the officer through, while every other manwatched the curious proceeding. 

Suddenly the fellow resumed his upright posture in the saddle, hismanner showing that he had solved the problem that perplexed him. Through his thin, scattered beard, he was seen to be smiling. 

"What's your name?" he asked. 

"Maurice Dawson. "

"Formerly captain of the Iowa ---- cavalry?"

"The same at your service. "

"Don't you know me, captain?"

The officer thus appealed to took a single step forward, and lookedsearchingly in the face of the man that had thus addressed him. 

"There is something familiar in your looks and voice, but I am unableto place you. "

"Did you ever hear of Corporal Bob Parker of the ---- Missouri?"

"Yes; you are he! I recognize you now! I am glad to greet you. "

And shoving his Winchester under the stump of his arm, Captain Dawsonextended his hand to his old comrade and shook it warmly, the twoseeming to forget the presence of every one else. 

"Something in your face struck me, " said the corporal, "but I wasn'tsure. The last time I saw you, you had both arms. "

"Yes; I got rid of this one at the very close of the war. "

"Things were pretty well mixed up around Petersburg; I tried to get onyour track, but failed; I knew you meant to come to California, andwhen we drifted here, I was hopeful of finding you, but I didn't thinkit would be in this style. "

While speaking the corporal had retained the hand of the captain, shaking it occasionally as he spoke. He now gave it a final pressureand dropped it. 

"Captain, you and I went through some pretty tough scrimmages and youwere always dead true and game; when we lost our colonel and major, you took command and led the charge that day at Cold Harbor; Grant orSheridan couldn't have done better. "

"It _was_ rather warm, " smiled the captain, blushing at thecompliment; "but, corporal, it looks as if we are going to havesomething of the kind here. "

Corporal Parker deliberately turned to the wondering group behindhim. 

"Jim and Tom, you know what we agreed on, if this should prove to bemy old commander. You two wore the gray, but you are true blue now. "

At this reminder, two of the company without a word rode forward andplaced themselves beside the corporal. 

"Now, we'll face the other way. "

His suggestion was followed. The three wheeled their animals around, so that their riders, like the footmen, were in a line confrontingColonel Briggs and his astonished company. 

"Dress, " said the corporal, looking down and moving his mule aboutuntil the alignment would have drawn a compliment from a West Pointcadet. 

"Now, boys, are your shooting irons ready?"

"They gin'rally air, " was the significant response of one of the men. 

"All right, colonel, " added the corporal making a military salute;"everything being in readiness please let the skirmish proceed. "

Colonel Briggs emitted a forceful exclamation. 

"What's the meaning of all this? I don't understand it. "

"There are six on each side; that evens matters; shall you start themusic or do you prefer to have the captain fire the opening gun?"

"But you haven't told me what this means. "

"It means that Captain Dawson and Corporal Bob Parker have drunk fromthe same canteen. "

It must be conceded that Colonel Briggs had one merit; no one wasquicker than he to grasp a situation. So long as there were nine menon one side and three on the other, the success of the former waspromising. He meant to crowd the defiant miners to the wall and wouldhave done so but for the unprecedented turn of affairs. Now it was sixto six and he knew the mettle of the three recruits that had joinedthe miners. Bob Parker was the most terrific fighter in the wholecompany. He was one of those men, occasionally seen, who wasabsolutely without fear. He would have stood up alone and fought theother eight. During that single week in Sacramento, he gained the nameof a terror and caused a sigh of relief on the part of the authoritieswhen he left for the mountains. 

The corporal always fired to kill, and his skill with rifle and pistolwas marvelous. While talking with Colonel Briggs, he fixed hisbrilliant black eyes on him, as if to intimate that he had selected_him_ for his pet antagonist. All this was disconcerting. 

In this crisis, when every nerve was drawn tense and the question oflife and death hung on the passing of a breath, Colonel Briggs leanedbackward and elevating his chin in the way that had become familiar, emitted one of his resounding laughs. Then he abruptly snapped hisjaws together like the springing of a trap. 

"Why, Bob, this puts a different face on things, " he said cheerily;"if the man's a friend of yours, of course we can't quarrel withhim. "

"I rather think not, " replied the corporal. 

"I was in the army myself, " added the colonel, "but didn't stay long;me and General Grant couldn't agree as to how the war should be run, and one night when no one was around, I resigned and left. "

"Then you didn't win your title in the service, " remarked CaptainDawson, who felt that he could afford to show good will, now that thesituation had taken so remarkable a turn. 

"Scarcely; the boys think that no officer lower than a colonel is fitto command this crowd, so that's how I got the handle. "

Captain Dawson could not forbear saying:

"I think it much more befitting that a true and tried soldier, likeCorporal Parker, should be in your place. "

"It was offered to me, " said the corporal, "but I refused it. "

"No; we agreed to make him a full-fledged major-general, but hedeclined the honor with some sarcastic remarks, " said the colonel;"howsumever, boys, now that things have been straightened out, do youintend to go with the captain or with us?"

Corporal Parker addressed his two comrades. 

"Wheel and salute!"

They faced their animals around, and, taking the cue from thecorporal, made an elaborate military salutation to Captain Dawson andhis companions. Then they wheeled again and rode back to their formerplaces. 

"With my best regards, " added the colonel, also saluting, while therest half-nodded and grinned over the odd turn of affairs. Dawson, Brush and Ruggles unbent sufficiently to respond, but kept theirplaces, side by side, and watched the curious procession until itpassed out of sight beyond a sweeping curve in the caņon. 

"I wonder if we are likely to see any more of them, " said the parson;"they are an ugly lot and badly want our horses. "

"Not badly enough to fight Corporal Parker and his two friends. Thecorporal is the bravest man I ever saw. I know he was disappointedwhen the colonel was so quick in backing down. He will go hungry fortwo or three days, for the sake of a fight. It is he and not thecolonel or any one in the company that is spoiling for a row. "

"And I picked him out as the first one to shoot, " grimly remarkedBrush. 

"The chances are ten to one that he would have dropped you first, butit shows how easily one may be mistaken. "

"I tell you, " said Ruggles earnestly, "when that gang strikes NewConstantinople, there'll be trouble. "

"There's no doubt of it, " commented Brush; "the forces will be aboutequal; if the boys at home could have warning of what is coming, theywould make it so hot for Colonel Briggs and his tramps that they wouldbe glad to camp somewhere else. "

"That wouldn't improve matters, for of necessity there would bepassing back and forth, and there are some people at New Constantinoplewho would welcome the change. That's the worst of it; a good deal ofthis evil seed will fall on soil waiting for it. "

"We may be back in time to take a hand in the business, " said theparson; "I don't know whether your friend, the corporal, can besecured as an ally. "

"It is doubtful, for about the only merits he has are his bravery andhis loyalty to his friends. "

"In my 'pinion the same is considerable, " commented Ruggles. 

"He would be a powerful friend to Nellie, because she is a female andbecause she is my daughter, but, " added the father with a sigh, "Ihave my doubts whether I shall ever take her to the settlementagain. "

This announcement strangely affected the two who heard it, for thedearest schemes which they secretly nourished included the spendingof their days in the mining settlement. The hope of each had flickeredinto life once more with the prospect of recovering and punishing herabductor. They knew that she would bitterly mourn his loss, and wouldprobably be inconsolable for a time, but the months and years wouldbring forgetfulness and then--who should say what _might_ come topass?

"We thought, " remarked Ruggles, as they resumed their seats, "that weshould have a weary wait for Vose, but it didn't prove so dull afterall. "

The captain looked at his watch. 

"He has been gone more than an hour, and there's no saying when hewill be back. He has his own way of managing this business, and, though I concede his skill and superior knowledge in this part of theworld, it is hard to keep my patience when I see the hours slippingaway without bringing any results. "

But the patience of the three men was tried more sorely than everbefore, and to a greater extent than any one of them anticipated. Nooncame and passed and without bringing Vose Adams. The party partooksparingly of their lunch, leaving enough for their absent friend, butthe lagging hours wore away and they still waited. They said little toone another, but the captain, unable to restrain his restlessness, wandered down the caņon. The two left behind watched him until hepassed from view in the direction taken by Colonel Briggs and hiscompany. A few minutes later, the report of his rifle came back tothem. 

"I wonder if _he's_ got into trouble, " exclaimed the parson, rising tohis feet and peering to their left, without seeing everything toexplain the sound that had reached them. 

"I shouldn't wonder, " replied Ruggles; "everything is going wrong;Vose wouldn't stay away so long, unless he, too, was in difficulty. "

"The captain may need us; he can't be far off. "

Gun in hand, the couple walked hurriedly down the caņon, on the alertfor Indians, for it seemed more likely that if any danger threatened, it was from them. To their relief, however, they soon found theiralarm groundless. The captain was seen coming, apparently as well asever. 

"Nothing is wrong, " he explained when they were within speakingdistance; "I saw an antelope among the rocks and took a shot at him. "

"How near did you come to hitting him?"

"He made only a single jump after he received my bullet; it's a pityhe didn't make a couple of them. "

"Why?"

"It would have brought him over the outer rock and into the ravine;then we should have had something for supper. Haven't you seen Adamsyet?"

Instead of answering directly the three looked toward the fissure inthe side of the caņon, and there, to their unspeakable relief, theysaw the man who had been absent for so many hours. As is the rule atsuch times, their ill-humor deepened. 

"Why didn't you wait till morning?" was the question of the captain. 

"I was afraid I would have to do so, " replied the guide, whose flushedface and agitated manner proved that he brought important news; "but Ididn't have to, and got away in time to reach you afore night. "

"Not much before, " commented the parson; "you must have had aremarkable experience to detain you so long. "

"Rather, but I'm starving, give me something to eat, while I talk. "

The lunch was produced, and he fell to with avidity, but he saw theywere in no mood for frivolity, and he did not presume upon theirindulgence. 

"Wal, pards, after leaving you, I picked my way as best I could up thegorge, which runs back, with the bottom rising more or less all theway, for 'bout two hundred yards when you reach level ground. That isto say, the gorge ends, but the ground is anything but level. "

"And they went all that distance ahead of you with their animals?"asked Brush. 

"That's what they done; the tracks of the horses were so plain therecouldn't be any mistake 'bout it. At the top of the gorge, the trailslanted off to the right, toward a big pile of rocks, caves andgullies, where it didn't look as if a goat could travel. There was somuch stone that it was mighty hard to keep on the trail and I lostit. "

"And didn't you find it again?" demanded the captain. 

"Yes, but it took a good deal of time; that's one reason why I wasgone so long, but it wasn't the only reason by a jug full. When Istruck it agin, it led straight toward a high rocky place to the left, where I made up my mind the two were hidin'. "

"That would imply that they knew we were close behind them. "

"There can't be any doubt of that. What bothered me was to learn whatthey had done with their horses, fur the prints that I followed wasmade by the folks' feet. I couldn't figger out what they had done withthe animals, and I spent some more time in trying to larn, but it wasno use. 

"Bime by I struck better ground, where the trail was so clear I couldhave trotted over it. "

"Why didn't you do it?" asked Ruggles. 

Adams shook his head. 

"It wouldn't have done; as I said they must have found out, purtyearly in the day, that we was after them, for if they didn't, why didthey turn off the reg'lar track?"

"Never mind asking questions, " replied the captain; "go on with yourstory. "

"Wal, pards, by that time I must have been a mile from here and itlooked as if I'd have to go that much further. I had a good mind tocome back after you, for time was important, but when another rocky, walled-up place showed in front of me, I was sartin I was close upon'em. Their horses couldn't make their way through such a spot, and Iwas sure I had 'em fast. "

"Why didn't you come back at once?" said the captain, "but, nevermind, go on with your account. "

"I thought it would be best to find out just how they was fixed. Atthe same time, it would never do to let 'em diskiver that I was about. So I was powerful careful and crept forward as if into an Injin camp. It wasn't long before I smelled burning wood. That told me they hadcome to a stop, built a fire and didn't dream I was anywhere in theneighborhood. 

"But I wasn't through with the bother yet; it took me another longtime to find where that fire was burnin', but I hit it at last. Alittle faint streak of smoke was climbin' from behind a ridge, among agrowth of pines. I begun creeping forward when I changed my mind. Ithought that if one of 'em happened to be on the watch and see me, they would be off afore I could git anywhere near 'em. So I workedround to the other side to come upon 'em from that. Then you see ifthey took the alarm, they'd have to come back toward you or makeanother long circuit. Anyway, I was sure of a chance to meet 'em. 

"Wal, pards, I don't want to make a long story of what is a short one. I got round to tother side, but it took me a good while, and it'shardly an hour ago that I catched my first sight of their camp. "

"What passed between you and them?" asked the captain. 

"When I rested my eyes on the little bundle of wood burnin', therewasn't a man, woman or horse in sight. "

The listeners were dumbfounded for the moment. After the waste of thegreater part of the day, they were no nearer seeing the fugitives thanbefore. In a voice, husky with passion, Captain Dawson exclaimed:

"It will take hard work to convince me that all this was not done onpurpose by you. "

"What do you mean?" demanded Vose, showing more anger than at any timesince the strange hunt had been begun. 

"If you had spent a week trying to fix things so as to help them getaway from us, you couldn't have done any better than your own accountshows you to have done. The whole day has been lost and we stand justas near success as we did twenty-four hours ago. "

"You ought to have returned to us as soon as you located them, " addedBrush in the effort to soothe the ruffled feelings of the two. 

"P'raps I didn't do the wisest thing, " replied Adams with unexpectedmeekness; "but I ain't the first person in the world that has made amistake. Howsumever, there won't be any more slips by me. "

His companions looked inquiringly at him. 

"I don't understand that remark, " said the captain, "when you are sureto blunder as long as you attempt to manage things. "

"That's the p'int; I resign from this time forward; I haven't givensatisfaction and you may now do the work to suit yourselves. "

"It's just as well, " commented the captain, "for we can't make agreater mess of it than you. "

The story told by Vose Adams was a singular one, but the most singularfeature about it was that it did not contain a grain of truth. Everystatement was a falsehood, deliberately intended to deceive, and, seeing that he had succeeded in his purpose, he was satisfied. 

CHAPTER XXIII

VOSE ADAMS

Lieutenant Russell gave no hint to Nellie Dawson of the scheme uponwhich he had fixed his hopes, until after she had confessed her lovefor him, and he was certain beyond the shadow of a doubt, that hepossessed the sole affection of her heart. Even then he hesitated forhe knew the shock it would cause the gentle one, who was devotedlyattached to her father. But the resolution of Captain Dawson to spendthe remainder of his days at the mining settlement, and his intentionof selecting her husband from among those that had made NewConstantinople their home for years, crystallized the determinationthat had been vaguely shaping itself in his brain for weeks. 

As he expected, she recoiled shocked by the proposal to leave herfather; but love is eloquent, and he won by convincing her that theseparation would be only temporary. Her father would be quick to seethe great wrong his course would inflict upon his child, and he wouldnot only consent to the union, but would follow and make his home withthem. It was this implicit belief which made her the companion ofLieutenant Russell in the flight from the mountain settlement. 

The project having been carefully planned and arranged, thepreparations were more complete than those of their pursuers. Theytook sufficient extra clothing in the form of wraps and blankets, andenough food to last for several days. They were well mounted and hadthe companionship of the huge dog Timon, with his almost humanintelligence. 

The lieutenant's memory of places was good, and, having a number ofhours of daylight at command, he escaped the mistake of his pursuers. The turn from Dead Man's Gulch was made at the right point, and theywere miles on their way before their flight was discovered by CaptainDawson and his friends. 

Both of the fugitives did not doubt they would be pursued. They knewthe consuming anger that would take possession of her father, whowould probably collect several companions and start after them withfurious haste. He would take frightful vengeance upon the man that haddared to steal his daughter. Everything, therefore, must be done tokeep beyond his reach until his wrath had time to cool. The intentionwas to make Sacramento ahead of him. At that city, the lieutenantwould seek out his future father-in-law and plead his cause. 

When night closed around them, they had penetrated to a distance ofperhaps fifteen miles in the Sierras. It was at sunset that theypassed a spot, where horses and riders, the latter on foot, had topick their way with extreme care, while even Timon, who clungfaithfully to them, showed timidity, though he had been over the placebefore. The sagacious brute knew that a mis-step on his part meantdeath. The passage, however, was made without mishap, and Russell, ashe helped his companion into the saddle, assured her that nothing sotrying to the nerves was to be expected during the rest of thejourney. 

There was no fear of pursuit until after nightfall, but Russellfrequently pointed his glass backward and scanned the trail over hiswhole field of vision. When the gathering darkness shut outeverything, he had seen nothing of enemies, either white or red. Hecould not forget that on his previous journey, he and the captain haddesperate fighting with the Indians and the same peril stillimpended. 

Nellie was eager to cover all the ground possible, while theopportunity was theirs, and the flight was pushed longer than Russellwould have advised. Finally, he insisted they should stop and restthemselves and horses for the remainder of the night. The haltingplace was selected with much care. The animals were turned loose, where the grass was growing and a small stream wound its way toward alarger one. Then the two, accompanied by Timon, pushed in among therocks to where the final halt was made. 

They were in profound darkness. The lieutenant decided to start afire, and, with much difficulty, gathered a sufficiency of driedbranches. They were fortunate enough to find a partial cavern, so openin front that it would have given slight shelter in the event of astorm. When the blaze threw out its cheerful light, it served todissipate the gloom which in spite of themselves had oppressed themwith the coming of night. 

They partook of food and the lieutenant's spirits rose, for he sawnothing to prevent the full success of the dream which had inspiredand thrilled him so long. His buoyancy was infectious, and he broughta smile to the beauteous countenance by his merry sallies, and hispicture of the happy future that was close at hand. 

"Your father will be angry at first, " he said; "it would be strange ifhe were not, but he loves you and I think has a pretty fair opinion ofme. When he gains time to think over the matter, he will admit thewisdom of what we have done and we shall receive his blessing. "

It was this assurance, more than all else, that served to lift thegloom from her. Deep as was her love for the one at her side, it wouldnot have sufficed to draw her from her adored parent, had she believedthat his resentment against her would last. As it was, she grievedthat even for a brief time, as she thought would be the case, heshould hold harsh feelings toward her. 

No chivalrous knight of the Crusades could have been more scrupulouslyconsiderate of lady intrusted to his charge than Lieutenant Russell. He would have died before offending Nellie Dawson by act, word orpresumptuous thought. When, as the night advanced, the bright eyesbegan to grow drowsy, he arranged a couch for her, saw that she waswell provided with blankets and then turned to the immense dog, whohad never left them and who looked as if he understood everything. 

"Now, Timon, you are to stay right here, " he said, bending over andimpressively shaking his finger at the animal; "you are not toventure a dozen feet from your mistress without permission. Do youunderstand?"

A whine and wagging of the tail left no doubt that the wishes of hislate master were clear to him. 

"You have your gun at your side, " he added, turning to Nellie; "I donot think you will have any call to use it. We have not met anyIndians and your father cannot overtake us before morning. Timon willbe sure to give you warning of the approach of danger, and, if yourgun goes off, I shall be here in a twinkling. "

He bade her good night and departed. Enough wood had been flung on thefire to keep it going for an hour or two, but long before it sank toashes, the girl had drifted into dreamland. 

The lieutenant carefully selected his own sleeping quarters. Hefinally fixed upon a large flat boulder, at the rear of the cavernoccupied by Timon and his charge; but, although beyond sight, he wasnear enough to reach the spot on the instant needed. Spreading out hisblanket, he lay down upon it. 

"This recalls the old days in Virginia, when mud a foot deep, with therain dashing in our faces, was what we had for weeks at a time. Thiscouch doesn't equal a feather bed, but it will answer. "

The night passed without incident and it was hardly light when theyoung officer was astir. He visited the horses and found them croppingthe grass, but he waited until Timon came to him before calling uponNellie. She, too, had been awake for some time and they partook oftheir morning meal with rugged appetites. 

She was so eager to hurry on that he lost no time in taking the roadagain. Neither could doubt that their pursuers were on their trail, and, with the aid of his small glass, he carefully studied the countrybehind them. It was not long before he made the discovery he dreaded:four horsemen were following their footprints, and beyond them werethe five Indians picking their way along the ledge in the oppositedirection. 

The lieutenant passed the glass to his companion who scrutinized theparty with the keenest interest. 

"They must have traveled all night, " remarked her escort, while shestill peered through the instrument. 

"That shows how dreadfully angry father is; I hope it will not last. "

"Can you make out the members of the party?"

She studied them a minute or two more before answering:

"I think that is father who is close to the man on a mule. "

"The one on a mule must be Vose Adams, for he is more accustomed tothat sort of animal. I am sorry he is with the party. "

"Why?" asked Nellie, lowering the glass and looking at him. 

"He is so familiar with the trail, that it will be hard work to outwithim; he isn't the man to make mistakes. Did you recognize theothers?"

"I cannot be sure, but I suspect they are Mr. Ruggles and Mr. Brush. "

"I have no doubt you are right, --not because I was able to identifythem, but because the two are partners and your father would naturallygo to them first. I do not think any one of the four has a glass, so, despite their sharp eyes, we have a big advantage in that respect. "

"But they know the route better than we, and we are losing time. "

The course of the trail took them out of the field of vision of theirpursuers. It was at the suggestion of Russell that the two turnedaside from the caņon into the fissure-like gorge. This would have beena serious mistake, except for the plan he had in view, for it mustplace the pursuers in advance, the very thing which it would seem thefugitives ought if possible to prevent. 

The lieutenant had believed from the first that Vose Adams, inthreading his way through the mountains, traveled a good many milesmore than was necessary. It was quite likely that, if he could followa straight line, he would shorten the distance one-half. Although thiswas impossible, the young man, nevertheless, was convinced that bychanging the route, a good many miles could be saved: and it was inhis mind to do that thing. 

The lieutenant's experience in campaigning had taught him the dangerof going astray, when picking his way through an unfamiliar country, but the little compass attached as a charm to his watch chain wouldhelp him to keep track of the variations and windings, and he wasconfident of coming out right. He and Nellie were well mounted andarmed, all of which being impressed upon his companion, she offered noobjection to the radical change of plan which took them out of thecaņon into the ravine that led them they knew not whither, but it wasominous of disaster that at the top of the fissure, when the two wereleading their animals, a grievous mishap occurred. The pony of Nellieslipped and sprained his ankle so badly that he whined with pain andpaused with his weight supported on three legs. 

[Illustration: THE LIEUTENANT PASSED THE GLASS TO HIS COMPANION, WHOSCRUTINIZED THE PARTY WITH THE KEENEST INTEREST. --PAGE 269. ]

"That's a bad go!" exclaimed the dismayed Russell; "it will be severaldays before he is able to travel. "

She examined the ankle, as best she could, trying to soothe the painby passing her hand over the injured part, but it was plain thatneither she nor her companion could give any help. 

"Poor fellow, " she said sympathetically; "you cannot go any further;what shall be done, Fred?"

"Only one thing seems possible, --take you on my horse. "

"And what will become of Cap?"

"We must leave him behind. "

"What will happen to him?"

"Some one will pick him up, or, after his leg recovers, he may findhis way back to the settlement. "

The impulsive girl flung her arms about the animal's neck and touchedher lips to the silken nose. 

"They shall not part us, Cap, " she exclaimed with tears in her eyes. 

The lieutenant watched this by-play, full of sympathy for the girl, but he was in a quandary. Prudence seemed to demand that everythingshould be sacrificed to speed by abandoning the pony. In allprobability, the latter would serve as a dinner for some of the bears, wolves or other denizens of the mountains, who would quickly harry himto death. To wait where they were until the animal was able to travelrendered certain a speedy meeting with their pursuers. The woodcraftof Vose Adams would enable him to discover with slight delay the pointwhere the fugitives had left the caņon, and he would guide hiscompanions with the skill of one of the mountain Indians themselves. 

On the other hand, the plan he had in view imposed prodigious workupon his own animal. Between the halting place and Sacramento weremany miles of easy traveling, over which he could walk, but for longdistances the beast would be compelled to carry double. In the eventof close pursuit, this must prove a fatal handicap. 

In his perplexity, the lieutenant again examined the hurt of thepony. 

"It would be cruel to make him take a single step, but he may soonrecover. I am afraid to leave him behind and to continue our flightwith only my horse. You know how dangerous it is to linger, Nellie, when it is certain _they_ are not far off----"

She caught his arm and whispered:

"Look at Timon! he has discovered something!"

The dog was standing a few paces in front of them, with his nosepointed toward the caņon. He emitted several growls and pricked up hisears in a way that left no doubt that he was angered. The lieutenanthad hardly time to place himself in an attitude of defence with hisWinchester, when a soft footfall was heard, and the next moment VoseAdams emerged from behind the pile of rocks and approached them. 

It was proof of the guide's woodcraft that he was able to come thusclose before being detected by Timon, who advanced threateninglytoward him. A word, however, from the lieutenant stayed the dog. 

"Well, Vose, " said the young man, "this is unexpected. "

"So I jedge and I've a 'spicion that you ain't tickled half to deathto see me. "

"We were always friends, but I can't say that either Nellie or I amglad to meet you under the circumstances; for in truth, we have beendoing all we could to prevent such a meeting. "

"Things has that look, " added Vose, standing on guard as may be said, for he was not free from misgiving concerning the young lieutenantwhom he had managed to run down. His positive orders forbade him toassume the aggressive, but no one could forbid him to defend himself, and he did not mean that this handsome officer should catch himunprepared. 

"Whom have you with you?" asked Russell. 

"The captain, Wade Ruggles and the parson. "

"What we suspected; I presume no one of the three feels speciallyaffectionate toward me. "

"It is all the captain can do to prevent the other two from quarrelin'as to which shall have the first chance to shoot you. "

"Why does Captain Dawson prevent them?"

"'Cause he means to have the first chance himself. "

"How about _you_?" grimly asked Lieutenant Russell. 

"I'm left. "

"How's that?"

"A low down trick was played onto me; as near as I can find out, thecaptain comes first, Wade and the parson next and me fourth. You cansee for yourself that there won't be any chance at all left for meafter them three is through. "

"It doesn't look so, --that's a fact. But where are the three?"

"Along the main trail, down in the kenyon. "

"Why did they not come with you?"

"I advised 'em to wait till I found out how the land laid and theywon't leave the spot till I get back. "

Lieutenant Russell gave no expression to the thought that flashedupon him. Why not keep Vose Adams a prisoner? The loss of his servicesto the party would be irreparable, for, as it was, the present hidingplace of the fugitives never would have become known to them withoutthe help of the guide. It was a daring scheme, but there were so manyobjections to carrying it out, that the officer dismissed it. In truthhe thought of a much better plan. 

"You have told me enough, Vose, to prove that the four men--for I mayas well include yourself--feel bitterer toward me than I suspected: doyou think this enmity of theirs will last?"

"Not for long. "

"How long?"

"They'll let up as soon as you're shot. "

Lieutenant Russell could not restrain a smile at this way of puttingit, while Nellie was so horrified that she gasped and stared andlistened in silence. 

"There can be little doubt that you are right, but I meant to askwhether you do not think the captain will moderate his anger when heis given time to think it over. "

"He has had all night to do that, and this mornin' he was hotter ifanything, than at any time since he larned what you had done. "

"When did he learn it?"

Thereupon, Vose told the facts which have already been made known tothe reader, the most interesting feature of which was that Adams wasnot an original member of the pursuing party. But, although the guidewas so pronounced in his opinion of the continuance of the enmity ofCaptain Dawson, the lieutenant believed otherwise. He was confidentthat if he and Nellie could reach Sacramento before meeting the iratefather, the latter would be open to reason, and all would turn outwell. 

Vose turned to the young woman. 

"Nellie, do you want a little advice from me?"

"I am glad to have it at any time. "

"Howsumever, what I say is as much for the leftenant as for you, whichthe same is that both of you should give up this bus'ness. "

"But, " said Nellie, "you have just told us that father is so angrywith Lieutenant Russell that he will shoot him the moment they meet. "

"We can fix that easy 'nough; let the leftenant stay here while you gowith me; I think we can explain matters to the captain and the othersso they won't bother the leftenant. "

"And what am _I_ to do?" asked Russell. 

"Push on to Sacramento as fast as you can, for though I think I canfix it, I wouldn't advise you to take too many chances. "

"In other words, after Nellie and I have fled from the settlement andgot this far on the road to safety, you urge me to give her upforever. "

"Wal, that's lookin' a little further ahead than I meant to, but I'spose it amounts to that. "

"You mean well, Vose, but do you imagine that Nellie and I did notcount the cost before turning our backs on New Constantinople? Don'tyou suppose we knew we should be pursued and were prepared for theconsequences?"

"I can't say as to that, but it strikes me that the plan I laid beforeyou is the only one there is. "

"Why?"

"You cannot get away from the captain and the men with him. "

"Well, there is no call for me to repeat my opinion, but I will saythat the decision shall rest with Nellie herself. If she wishes to gowith you I will interpose not a word of objection. "

He looked toward her as an invitation for her to speak. There was aworld of affection and faith in the lustrous eyes, as she walkedresolutely forward and placed herself by his side. 

"Only death shall separate us!"

CHAPTER XXIV

AN UNEXPECTED ALLY

The lovelight shone in the eyes of Lieutenant Russell, as he lookeddown at the slight figure beside him. He tenderly passed his armaround the girl and touched his lips to her forehead. 

"It was not that I doubted you, Nellie, " he said, "but that Vose mightknow the full truth. "

Then turning to the guide, he asked:

"Do you still advise her to leave me?"

Vose Adams was unaccustomed to scenes like this. He moved aboutuneasily, coughed, cleared his throat, and for a few minutes was at aloss for words. 

"I don't know what to advise, " he finally said; "but don't you think, if she could go to the captain and let him see how she feels, he willgive in? How would it do for both of you to walk back with your armsround each other's neck and sayin' sweet words--wouldn't that fetchhim? Hanged, if I know what to tell you!" he exclaimed desperately, observing the smiles on their faces. 

"I am afraid your plan wouldn't work, " said the lieutenant, "but youhave proved yourself the very friend we need. "

These words were a hint of the scheme that had come into the brain ofthe young officer. Had he made a prisoner of Vose Adams, as he thoughtfor a minute of doing, the guide would really be more dangerous, sincethere was no way of guarding against his treachery, but if he could beturned into a friend, it would be almost equivalent to saving thefugitives. It was that for which the young man planned, but he feltthat the real work must be done by Nellie. He could not win the goodwill of Vose, but she could, for who was able to resist her appeals?

It was a proof of the brightness of the girl that she caught thepurpose of her escort the moment his last words were uttered, and sheperformed her part with a cleverness that could not have beensurpassed. 

Tears were in the eyes of the emotional Nellie, but she stepped acrossthe brief intervening space and laid her hand on the arm of Adams. 

"How glad I am, Vose, that you will help us, for you have told enoughto show that it will not do for us to meet father for some time tocome; we are now in your hands. "

"Blamed if I won't do anything I can! But what can _I_ do? 'Spose Isneak back, shoot the captain and then plug Ruggles and the parson?Will that suit you?"

"Gracious; I should rather you would kill me than harm a hair offather's head. "

"Wal, 'spose I shoot you and the leftenant and the captain and therest? No; that won't do; how the mischief shall I fix things?"

The cooler headed Russell saw that the problem had been solved; NellieDawson had won over Vose Adams, as may be said, by the turn of herfinger. He was eager to do all he could to help them, but in theflurry of the moment could not reason with his usual acumen. 

"We don't want any shooting, Vose; I am sure that if we can reachSacramento without meeting the captain, his anger will pass away. InSacramento, I shall be able to arrange a meeting between him and hisdaughter, and his love for her will break down the barriers and do therest. "

"I'm in too deep water when you get to figgerin' that way, but thereseems to be reason in what you say, but what about Ruggles and theparson?"

"We'll leave them out; they are in this as the friends of CaptainDawson, and will not dare go contrary to his wishes, but if they do, it can make no difference to my plan. "

"They're just as savage as the captain, " said Vose significantly; "andit won't do to forget 'em; but what did you expect to do, when youleft the kenyon? If you come back, you would have been sartin to meetus, and what then?"

"My intention was not to return, but to keep away from the main trailand hunt a shorter road through the mountains to Sacramento. "

Vose Adams gave a low whistle of astonishment. 

"That's the worst I ever heard!"

"And why?"

"You're not follerin' any trail at all; you would be sartin to getlost and would never find your way through the mountains; anyhow itwould take you three or four years, which I ca'clate is longer thanyou want to wait. "

"How can you be so positive?"

"It's true I never went to Sacramento and back, except by follerin'for most of the way the trail that I know so well, but other folks assmart as you have been lost in the mountains and you couldn't helpit. "

"You advise against it then?"

"I'm so sure of your goin' wrong that I won't try to help you unlessyou give up the idee. "

"Then I hereby give it up. "

Since Vose Adams had committed himself to Russell and Nellie'sinterests, there was no more talking at cross purposes. The objectof the three was the same, and they sat down on the rocks forconsultation. There was abundance of time in which to do this, since those whom they feared would not leave the caņon until thereturn of their guide, and he did not mean to go back until the daywas so far spent that further delay was unavoidable. 

"They will be mad when they see me, " he said with a grin, "but itwon't do them any good and I'll fix up a yarn about gettin' on andthen off your trail agin, that they'll have to be satisfied with. "

"That will serve for to-night, but you will all be astir at an earlyhour to-morrow morning. "

"They will still have to depend on me to guide 'em, and I rather thinkI can steer 'em off the track, so as to give you plenty of time to getout of the way. "

"How?"

"As soon as they leave the kenyon, that is as soon as the way isclear, you must ride back to it and put on all steam for Sacramento, for I understand, leftenant, that you've give up your idee of findinga new route through the mountains. "

"I have. "

"You've got two good animals and you'll gain a full day's start. "

"You forget about poor Cap, " said Nellie. 

"So I did! if he can't go with you, you'll have to leave him behindand ride double, but it will be rather tough on your horse, leftenant. "

"Nellie doesn't weigh enough to make any difference, and I expect towalk most of the distance. "

An unexpected piece of good fortune raised the spirits of the three. To the amazement of all, Cap, the pony, was seen hunting for grass andbearing upon the lame foot with little inconvenience. That which wasthought to be a bad sprain was only a wrench, from which he promisedspeedily to recover. 

"He'll be as well as ever by to-morrow mornin', " said Vose Adams;"you'll need to humor him at first, but not for long. "

As has been intimated, the guide remained with them through most ofthe afternoon, for, if he had gone back to his friends earlier than hedid, he would not have dared to offer any excuse for not leading themin the pursuit, and he meant to avert all possibility of that. Thereader understands by this time why the guide formulated such anastounding fiction when attempting to explain the cause of his delay. Had his listeners been in cooler mood, they might have tangled him upwith a few questions, but their exasperation and disgust prevented. 

Before parting with the fugitives, Vose assured them that he wasconfident their plans could not fail. 

"All they've got to do, " he reflected, "is to do nothing aforeto-morrow and then when the road is open, strike out over the maintrail as hard as they can travel. I hope none of them Injins that wehad the row with will be pokin' 'round to-night, for if there's to beany trouble, it'll come from them. "

It will be recalled that the story of Adams was received with suchcoolness that he indignantly resigned and told the captain to runmatters himself. 

"And he'll make purty work of it, " chortled Vose "he won't be able tocome within miles of where they are hidin'. "

When the moody silence had lasted for some time, the guide was movedto remark in a more conciliatory spirit:

"There's one thing that mustn't be forgot: Colonel Briggs and hisfolks won't make any trouble, but we're not done with them Injins. "

"Isn't there likelihood that Colonel Briggs will divert them?" askedthe parson. 

"No; for the redskins can't be fooled; they'll know it wasn't any ofthe colonel's folks that give their chief his walkin' papers, but us, and they're the sort of people that don't forget a thing of thatkind. "

"I was thinking of hunting up enough wood to start a fire, " said thecaptain; "but we don't need it, and I suppose it will be safer withoutit. "

"It seems to me, " observed Ruggles, "that what we've got the most tofear is that the Injins will run off with our animals: we would beleft in a bad fix. "

"We must look out for that; I'll stand guard the first part of thenight. "

Each was ready to take his turn, and it was arranged that CaptainDawson should act as sentinel until midnight, when he would awake VoseAdams, who would assume the duty till morning. Soon afterward, thethree wrapped themselves in their blankets and stretched out on theground, near the boulders, where they speedily sank into deepslumber. 

It seemed to Adams that he had slept less than an hour, when thecaptain touched him. Rising immediately to a sitting position, heasked:

"Is it midnight?"

"It's a half hour past. "

"Why didn't you awake me afore? Have you seen anything wrong?"

"I am not sure; my doubt made me hold on a little longer, but Ilearned nothing of account. "

"What was it anyway?"

"It is only that the animals appear to be uneasy, but it may meannothing, or it may mean a good deal. "

"It's more'n likely it means something. Where are they?"

"Lying down off there to the right, almost near enough to be seen. "

"They can't be too close; wal, you can sleep and I'll take my turn. "

Thus warned by Captain Dawson, Vose Adams assumed the duties ofsentinel with his senses on the alert. He had become so accustomed tothe delicate duty, when aware that the slightest slip on his partmeant death, that he was better fitted for the task than any member ofthe party, though the experience of Ruggles and the captain in thearmy had given them the ability to awake at any moment fixed uponbefore sinking into slumber, and they were sensitive to the leastdisturbance while enjoying refreshing rest. 

Adams believed what he had remarked more than once that the littlecompany of mountain Indians would do their utmost to revengethemselves upon the men who had taken off their chief. He suspectedthat the five were prowling in the neighborhood, looking for some suchopportunity, and that they would strike a blow before the rising ofthe morrow's sun. 

Nothing was to be hoped for in the way of a diversion, created by theintrusion of Colonel Briggs and his vagrant miners. Not that theIndians were not eager to strike at any members of the hated race, butthe all-controlling motive was lacking in the case of the largerparty. 

Although the moon was in the sky, only a small part of its lightpenetrated the caņon. Peering into the darkness, Vose dimly made outthe forms of the four animals, who, having ceased their cropping ofthe grass, had lain down for the remainder of the night. They were sonear that they could not be stampeded or stolen without the effortbeing known to the sentinel. 

It would have been the height of rashness to start a camp fire, forall the figures within its circle of illumination must have formed thebest of targets for their stealthy foes. As it was, an enemy wouldhave to steal from the gloom and approach near enough to touch them, before striking a blow or firing a shot. 

Vose Adams, with his Winchester in his right hand and held close tohis side, took his seat on the ground, resting his back against thenearest boulder. As a rule, a sentinel can keep awake for an extendedtime only by motion and exercise, such as walking to and fro, but thetrained hunter often takes the risk and there is little danger of hissuccumbing, especially after he has just finished a nap, as was thecase with the guide. 

Thus seated, with the boulder rising several feet above his head, Adams's only reliance was upon his keenness of hearing and sight. 

He had not waited long when he saw proof of what the captain had toldhim: the animals were restless, or rather one of them was. Thequadruped thus affected was Hercules, his own mule, who, althoughlying down, twice rose to his feet, shifted his position and lay downagain. Then he sniffed as if the air contained an odor that wasdispleasing to him. 

"I wouldn't think much of it, if it was one of the horses, " reflectedhis master, "but Hercules has brains; he knows more'n all the otherstogether, and yet it may be it ain't that after all. "

One of the singular facts regarding cattle and other quadrupeds isthat they are sometimes troubled with disquieting dreams, the same asourselves. This trifling cause has resulted many a time in thestampeding of a drove numbering tens of thousands. 

"I've knowed Hercules to kick and snort in his sleep, and one time hecome mighty near breakin' a leg of mine; howsumever, I don't thinkthat's the trouble with him to-night. I 'spect it's Injins thistime!"

When Captain Dawson lay down to sleep and Vose Adams assumed his placeas sentinel, the moon was near the zenith, but the contour of thecaņon shut out its beams. While Vose was striving to pierce the gloom, over and about the four animals, he noted a flickering tremor againstthe vast wall which formed the other side of the caņon. A faint, fleecy veil of moonlight having been lifted over the mountain crests, was now flung downward and caught against and suspended upon theprojecting rocks and crags. It was but a frosty shimmer, but the veildangled lower and lower, pendant here and there until the fringerested on the bottom of the gorge. 

The sleeping miners and horses were wrapped in deep shadow, but thetremulous, almost invisible veil still fluttered on the further sideof the caņon. By and by, the shifting moon would whisk it up againand all would be gloom as before. 

The sentinel lay flat on his face and peered over the prone animalstoward the faint light across the caņon, and, looking thus, he saw theoutlines of a man moving among the horses and mule. A shadow could nothave been more noiseless. Not the faintest rustle betrayed hisfootsteps. 

"Just what I expected, " thought Vose; "I'll wager Hercules against adozen of the best horses in Sacramento that that shadder is one ofthem five Injins we seen stealin' along the ledge this mornin'. Allthe same, I can't imagine what the mischief he is driving at. "

The guide's first impulse was to bring his rifle to his shoulder andlet fly. The intruder was so near that it was impossible to miss him, but two causes operated to prevent this summary course: Vose wishedfirst to learn the business of the intruder, and there was a singlepossibility in a hundred that he was neither an Indian nor an enemy. 

The latter doubt could be solved by challenging the prowler with athreat to fire, if instant satisfaction was refused, while the firingcould be made so promptly that the stranger would have no chance ofwhisking out of reach. Vose decided to wait until he got some idea ofthe other's business. 

He could still dimly discern the form, but it was so obscure that hadit not been moving about, he would not have been able to distinguishit or make sure it was within his field of vision. 

While studying the phantom, the lower part of the veil of moonlight onthe other side of the caņon was twitched up for a hundred feet. Lingering thus a minute, it was twitched still higher; then a thirdflirt snatched it out of the gorge. The shifting of the moon had leftthe caņon shrouded in darkness as before. 

Nothing could have attested more strikingly the marvelous stealth ofthe intruder than the fact that not one of the horses was awakened byhim. The approach of the great Geronimo and several of his Apaches wasbetrayed under somewhat similar circumstances by the neighing of ahorse that they awakened, apparently when making no noise at all. 

This prowler was a shadow in a world of shadows. If Hercules detectedhis presence, the man succeeded in soothing the fear of the hybrid. 

"_Halt or I'll fire!_"

Vose Adams's voice was low, but in the tomb-like stillness athunderclap could not have been more distinct. The hail, however, produced no response. The angered Vose drew his Winchester to a level, with his finger on the trigger, but when he ran his eye along thebarrel, he failed to perceive any target. He lowered the muzzle a fewinches and peered over the top. Nothing was discernible. 

"You're there somewhere and I'll find you!"

Instead of rising erect, the sentinel advanced in a crouching posture, so that his head was no higher than if he were on his hands andknees. 

This clever strategy was thrown away. Within five seconds, he was atthe side of Hercules, prepared and expecting to grapple with hisenemy, who, to his exasperation, continued invisible. Vose did notrequire to have the matter explained to him, for he understood it. Upon being hailed, the intruder instead of throwing up his hands orstarting to run, had also assumed a stooping position. It was as if hehad quietly sunk below the surface of a sea of darkness through whichhe was wading, and swum with noiseless celerity to a point beyondreach. 

Vose was angered but took his defeat philosophically. 

"You was too smart for me that time; I never had it played finer onme, but I guess it's just as well; you've learned that we're on thelookout and you can't sneak into camp without _some_ risk of having ahole bored inter you. "

But Vose was not yet through with his nocturnal experiences. He heldhis seat for some fifteen or twenty minutes without seeing or hearinganything to cause the slightest misgiving. The horses still slept, and even the uneasy Hercules appeared to have become composed and tohave made up his mind to slumber until morning. 

"I don't b'leve there'll be anything more to disturb me, onless somewild animal wants his supper----"

The thought had hardly taken shape, when a shiver of affright ranthrough him, though the cause was so slight that it might have broughta smile, being nothing more than a pebble rolling down the ravine, upwhich the fugitives had passed the day before. The stone came slowly, loosening several similar obstructions, which joined with it, therustling increasing and continuing until all reached the bottom andlay at rest a few feet from where he sat. 

Nothing could have been easier than for this to occur in the naturalcourse of things, since hundreds of such instances were taking placeat every hour of the day and night, but in the tense state of thesentinel's nerves, he was inclined to attribute it either to theIndian that had just visited camp and slunk away, or to one of hiscomrades trying to steal a march upon him. 

"I 'spose the next thing will be for him to climb over this boulderbehind me and drop onto my head. Howsumever, if he does, he'll find meawake. "

Vose sat thus, depending almost wholly upon his sense of hearing toapprise him of the stealthy approach of an enemy, while the longsilent hours gradually passed, without bringing additional cause foralarm. 

CHAPTER XXV

INSTINCT OR REASON

As the night wore away without bringing any further evidence of thepresence of enemies, the solicitude of Vose Adams was transferred tothe two, who, hardly a mile distant, were awaiting with equal anxietythe coming of morning. They and he had agreed upon the plan to bepursued, but now, with the crisis at hand, the guide becameapprehensive about the final issue. 

Suppose the couple should leave their hiding place to return to themain trail before their pursuers were out of the way? Mutual discoverywas certain with the dreadful catastrophe that none dreaded more thanhe. But it would seem that Lieutenant Russell was too cautious to runthe risk of so fatal a mistake. He would reconnoitre the ground andkeep out of sight until the coast was clear, but the restless Adamswas astir at the first streakings of light in the caņon. 

He first visited the animals. It was possible that the stealthyprowler of the night before had done them injury, but, so far as hecould ascertain, nothing of the kind had occurred. Except for what hehad seen and heard during the darkness, he would not have known that avisitor had been in camp. 

It was not fully light when the others rose from their primitivecouches. Water was at hand, and after drinking and ablution, the groupsat down to their morning meal, which disposed of the last remnantfurnished by Vose Adams. While they were eating, he told of theoccurrences of the night and was surprised that his companions madelight of them. To them it was of less importance than to him. 

"So long as they do no more than prowl about the camp, " remarkedCaptain Dawson, "we need feel no concern. "

"It seems to me, " said Brush, "that if the fellow intended mischief, he would have done it, but he has left no traces of anything of thekind. "

"Which was because the right kind of chance didn't show itself, " saidVose; "if we don't have a lively fight before this bus'ness is over, I'm much mistook, but it's time we was moving. "

The guide seemed to have forgotten his resentment of the night beforeand his friends were too considerate to refer to it. It took but ashort time to make the animals ready, when the procession started upthe gorge, Vose, as usual, leading, with the captain next, then WadeRuggles, while the parson brought up the rear, that position naturallyfalling to him. 

Men and beasts were refreshed by their rest and food, and it requiredbut a brief while to reach the top of the gorge, where, as will beremembered, it terminated. It was here that Vose Adams began his finework, and he showed no more hesitancy in drawing a "long bow, " than onthe previous night, when pretending to account for his long absence. 

"The trail leads to the right, " he said, with a glance at the ground, as if to refresh his memory. 

His first thrill of misgiving came when he saw the parson pause andlook searchingly at the ground. Had he possessed one-half the skill ofVose in trailing, he would have discovered that the guide wasmisleading them, but he did not have that cleverness nor did any othermember of the party. The glance of the parson was perfunctory and hisbrief pause was to regain his breath after the short but laboriousclimb of the steep slope. Vose was watching him closely and quicklysaw the meaning of his action, for, whatever Brush may have observedon the ground in front of him, it was not the faint impressions lefton the stones by the fugitives. Neither the captain nor Ruggles somuch as looked at the earth, accepting the dictum of their guidewithout question. 

It was not deemed best to mount the animals, because of the roughnessof the ground and the belief that they were close upon the parties forwhom they were searching. Vose took care to turn so sharply to theright that they were speedily out of sight of the spot where he hadparted from the fugitives. Everything was going promisingly when WadeRuggles startled his companions by the exclamation:

"Helloa! there's that dog Timon!"

A hundred yards to the left rose a pile of rocks, the highest of whichreached an altitude of two hundred feet or more. Upon the crest of oneof the lower rocks, which had only a slight height, the immense dogstood in plain sight. It looked as if he had started to ascend therocks, when he discovered the party and paused to learn theirbusiness. 

The picture was a striking one. The enormous size of the brute gavethe impression at first that he was a wolf or some wild animal thathad challenged the advance of the four men. This error would have beenmade had not each been so familiar with the creature. As he stood, hisformidable head raised, his forequarters being slightly higher thanthe remainder of his body, his position was diagonal. He was surveyinghis acquaintances, who surveyed him in turn with equal curiosity. 

Vose Adams's heart sank. What was the meaning of this? As he viewedit, the presence of the dog could have no other significance than thatthe lieutenant and Nellie Dawson were close at hand. Timon was intheir company and would not have strayed far, so that he had betrayedthem. From some cause, which the guide could not comprehend, Lieutenant Russell had made a change of plan and placed himself almostin the path along which Vose was leading the pursuers, in the beliefthat the fugitives were at a safe distance. 

The four men looked at the dog for several moments in silence, whenthe captain spoke:

"We must be very near them. "

"You're dead right, " added Ruggles in the same undertone; "we've got'em cornered sooner than we expected. "

"They can't go far, " said the parson, "without being stopped by therocks, when we shall have them in the nicest trap that was ever setfor any game. "

The reflection of Vose Adams was of a different nature. 

"If they make fools of themselves and upset all my plans, what can Ido to help 'em? Why didn't they stay where they promised to stay, andwhy didn't they kill that blamed dog afore he played this trick on'em?"

Timon stood for two or three minutes so immovable that he suggested astone image of himself, carved out of the rock on which he wasperched. Then he emitted a single husky bark and leaped lightly downfrom where he had been standing. It was no more than a dozen feet, andhe alighted as gracefully as a panther. He trotted part way to thehorsemen, who were closely watching his movements, stopped, barkedagain and wheeling, trotted forward over precisely the course VoseAdams was taking when checked by the appearance of the canine. 

The men looked at one another in astonishment. The action of the dogwas unaccountable, but Captain Dawson's explanation soundedreasonable. 

"That shows we are on the right track and he has come to guide us towhere they are awaiting him. "

There could be no doubt of it. The actions of the brute said asplainly as so many words: "Come with me and I will take you straightto the people you want to see. "

Instead of following Timon at once, the party kept watch of him. Hetrotted a dozen steps and then paused and looked back. Observing thathe was not understood, he emitted several more barks, took a couple ofsteps and then repeated the performance. His object was so evidentthat Captain Dawson said:

"That's as plain as the nose on your face; the animal is worth a dozenguides like you, Vose. "

"Then why don't you foller him?" sulkily asked the latter. 

"That's what we shall do; come on. "

Observing that the captain left his horse standing, the parsoninquired the reason. 

"They are of no use to us and will be only a bother; leave them hereuntil we need them; I will follow the dog and you can take what orderyou choose, but, " he added with unmistakable earnestness, "every oneof you must keep in the background till I'm through. "

Timon held his motionless position until the four men had takenseveral steps toward him and there could be no error as to theirintention. Vose Adams observed that he was following, without a hair'svariation, the course he had in mind. 

"It serves 'em right, " was his angry reflection; "when the leftenantspoke 'bout hunting up a new trail through the mountains, I oughterknowed he hain't no sense and was sure to make a mess of things. Now'she gone and sneaked off where these folks will stub their toes aginhim; I'm 'sprised that the Queen didn't hammer a little sense into hishead. "

The guide was in a torture of apprehension. The impending outcome waslikely to betray the deception he had used, but it was not for that hecared. There could be no mistaking the deadly mood of Captain Dawsonand the equally intense hatred of Ruggles and Brush. A meeting withLieutenant Russell made a frightful tragedy inevitable, and no onecould be more vividly aware of the fact than the young officerhimself, for Vose had impressed it upon him, but the guide in hisanguish of spirit, saw no possible escape from it. He stolidlyfollowed, striving to brace himself for what must soon come. 

Meanwhile, the strange leadership continued. Timon seemed to beimpatient, for occasionally he broke into a trot, abruptly pausing andlooking back, as if to urge his followers to use more haste. Sincethey did not do so, he checked himself, when about to pass beyondsight and waited for them to draw near. He led them around bouldersand masses of rocks, over ridges, down declivities, across one smallstream, through a ravine and again among the precipitous piles ofstone, until even the hardy men were well nigh exhausted. They hadtraveled fully a mile over a route that was of the most tryingnature. 

It was about this time that an extraordinary suspicion began formingin the mind of Vose Adams. He hardly dared give credence to it, but ittook greater hold upon him with every few rods of advance. Nothing inthe world would have induced him to make known his suspicion, but itcontinued to grow. 

Suddenly Captain Dawson stopped. As he looked around his face wasagitated. 

"Boys, " said he, "there's something infernally strange about this. "

Vose Adams saw that his own suspicion had entered the mind of theirleader, but the countenance of the guide was as blank as that of achild. 

"It's the worst tramp I ever had, " remarked the parson, removing hishat and mopping his forehead. 

"If there's any harder work, " added Ruggles, "count me out. "

Captain Dawson looked angrily at Vose. 

"Do you know the meaning of this?"

Vose shook his head and prevaricated still further by adding:

"Nor what you're driving at either. "

"That dog has misled us; instead of conducting us to the couple he hastaken us away from them. "

It was true and every one of the four knew it. The suspicion of theguide had become certainty. Was it instinct or reason that controlledthe animal? Who shall draw the line in explaining many of the actionsof the brute creation?

Vose Adams was silent a moment and then emitted a low whistle. 

"Hang me, if I don't b'leve you're right, captain. I've been told thatthat dog knowed more than a good many folks and there ain't no doubtof it now. "

The disgusted parson exclaimed:

"Why didn't one of us think of that? The idea of all four being fooledby a dog!"

"It wouldn't have been so bad if there had been two dogs, " saidRuggles, who saw the grim humor of the thing, "but it is tough to haveour eyes shet by only one. "

It was impossible for Vose Adams wholly to restrain all evidence ofhis pleasure. When in the depths of despair, he was awakened to thefact that the canine had performed one of the most brilliant exploitsconceivable. He could not help smiling. The captain was in an uglymood and in a threatening voice asked:

"Did you have anything to do with this?"

"Certainly; me and Timon fixed up the thing afore he left Dead Man'sGulch; it took us a good while; the dog didn't think it would work, but I stuck to it and finally he promised to have a try at it;certainly we fixed it up atween us. "

The guide did a clever thing in thus turning the fantastic belief ofthe captain into ridicule. Had he protested, he might have added tothe suspicion against himself. It was further in his favor that it wasknown he had never had much to do with Timon. As already related, thebrute had few friends among the miners and Vose Adams never sought hisacquaintance. 

Nevertheless, it was impossible to brush out of sight one significantfact, --the long absence of Adams the day before. But for the lastoccurrence, nothing would have been thought of the former, but it wasclear that Captain Dawson had begun to entertain doubts of the loyaltyof his guide. 

"He'll never repeat his trick anyway, " exclaimed the officer, facingabout and bringing his rifle to his shoulder. But his intention ofshooting Timon was frustrated, for the brute was nowhere in sight. Unreasonable as it might sound, it looked as if he suspected howthings would turn out and took the occasion to place himself beyonddanger from the indignant men. 

"In the army we shoot spies and traitors, " remarked the captain, soangered by his repeated disappointments that he could not govern hisfeelings. In giving expression to the remark, the officer made aserious mistake, which he saw the moment the words left his lips. Hewas suspicious of Vose Adams, but he should have concealed allevidence of it, until the proof appeared. When that took place, hewould shoot the man with no more hesitation that he would have shotthe dog. But he had now put Vose on his guard and the difficulty ofdetecting him was increased tenfold. 

As if to obliterate the memory of his words, the captain said in themost matter of fact tone he could assume:

"The mistake we made has taken us from the right spot; they must havebeen near the rocks where Timon showed himself. "

"No doubt, " said the parson, "and were watching us. "

"The one thing to do is to retrace our steps; perhaps the two may befools enough, " bitterly added the captain, "to wait for us, since thatseems to be the only way by which we shall ever come up with them. "

A single short bark startled them. The captain wheeled like a flashwith his gun at his shoulder. But Timon was too cunning to showhimself. It is not improbable that he meant the expression for a noteof triumph over his inimitable exploit, while such a wonderful dog wastoo wise to run any risk of punishment from his indignant victims. 

The hunter is sustained against fatigue by the excitement of thechase; and, despite the severe labor of following the canine guide, all four men stood it far better than the return to the spot where thepursuit began. Angered, chagrined and in desperate mood, even the grimleader was forced occasionally to stop and rest. Nearly two hourspassed before they descried the familiar pile of rocks in theirfront. 

"That's the spot, " he said, "but what good can it do us? It's a wonderif they have not run off with our horses; it would be a fitting climaxto this folly. "

It was the secret wish of Adams, from the moment of discovering thecleverness of Timon, that this very thing should be done. IfLieutenant Russell took such a precaution, it could not fail to beeffective. Returning to the main trail after his pursuers were out ofthe way, he would have an open path through the mountains toSacramento. If the lameness of Nellie's pony continued, her saddlecould be transferred to one of the other horses, and, leading ordriving the remainder of the animals, the four men would soon findtheir task a hopeless one. 

But the young officer was restrained from such action by a certainchivalry that governed all his actions. He could not consent to takeso unfair an advantage of an enemy, even though the fate of one dearerthan his own life was at stake. And yet it must be confessed that thelieutenant drew it very fine. His course did not win the respect ofhis enemies, who were inclined to attribute it to stupidity, ratherthan courtesy. 

But no time was to be lost in deciding their line of action. 

"I think we'd better make a hunt among them rocks, " suggested WadeRuggles. 

The others studied them with as much interest as if it were the firsttime they had been seen. If the couple had taken refuge among thecaverns and crevices of this immense pile of stone, they must haveleft their animals on the ground below where they could be readilydiscovered. 

"We may as well have a look, " remarked the captain; "what do youthink, Vose?"

"I don't think anything; don't ask me any questions. "

He never looked more angry. He had not forgotten the slur of thecaptain and had spirit enough to resent it. Dawson was too proud toapologize and he could not do so, when his suspicion of the fellow'sloyalty was as strong as ever. On the contrary, having made hisblunder, the officer drove the arrow home. 

"I am sorry you didn't take that resolution in the first place; itwould have been better for all of us, though not so good for those weare looking for. "

The captain and Ruggles now turned to the right, while the other twotook the opposite direction. They were thus enabled, after more hardwork, practically to pass around the mass of rocks, returning to theirstarting point, without having discovered any traces of man, woman ortheir animals. On the journey, Adams and the parson exchanged fewwords, but it was different with the other couple. 

"What do you think of his long absence yesterday?" asked the captain. 

"It has a bad look, --worse than I thought when he come back. "

"Why so?"

"I take it with the action of that dog. You didn't fail to notice thatTimon took us along the exact route that Vose was leadin' us over andwe found out that it was the wrong one. "

"And you believe he purposely misled us?"

"It's almost sartin. "

"Suppose it _was_ certain, Wade?"

"I'd shoot him quicker'n lightning. "

"So would I. "

"But you see we can't be sartin just yit; if Vose is in that kind ofbus'ness, he'll give himself away purty soon. "

"I agree with you and we'll watch him. "

Thus was the momentous bargain made. 

When the four came together once more, the parson remarked:

"It's my belief that after we were well out of the way, the two wentdown the gorge to the main trail and are now making haste toSacramento. "

The exact line of action that had been agreed upon! Vose Adams wasfirmly convinced that this was the very thing that had taken place andthe utmost he could do was to prevent the horsemen from acting on thattheory until the fugitives were given opportunity to pass beyondreach. 

Except for the words of Captain Dawson, the guide would have strivento delay the pursuit, but he dared not attempt it after the warning. Ignoring the captain, he said to Felix Brush:

"It's more'n likely you're right, parson; that would have been themost nat'ral thing for them to do and it's no use of our standing hereand talking, when every minute counts. "

"We can quickly learn the truth; it isn't far to the gorge, where theymust have left traces; leave the horses here, for we can soon returnfor them if it proves necessary. "

Forgetting their fatigue, the four walked back over their own trail. The forenoon was well advanced, and, by this time, the fugitives wereprobably a good way off. Adams was relieved because of this action, for it promised more delay. 

Reaching the beginning of the gorge, all began an examination of theground, for the imprints of the horses' feet were plainly seen. To theamazement of every one, each hoof pointed upward, that is away fromthe caņon. There was no evidence that any quadruped had descended theslope. All had gone up. Vose Adams was in despair. 

"They have let their only chance go by, " he bitterly reflected; "it'stoo late now to save them!"

CHAPTER XXVI

AT BAY

Lieutenant Russell held a long consultation with Nellie Dawson, afterthe departure of Vose Adams. His first intention had been to presstheir flight with all possible vigor, and, as will be recalled, Adamscarried away that belief with him. 

"My view of matters has undergone a change, " he said after a time tohis companion, who looked up in his face for an explanation. 

"Instead of waiting until we reach Sacramento for a meeting with yourfather, I believe it will be much better to have it as soon aspossible. "

"Why?" she asked, though curious to say, she had been wavering forsome time in her belief. 

"It will add to rather than lessen his anger, if he is obliged tofollow us that far, and the fact that he is in a city instead of themountains will not decrease his determination to do me injury. "

"What about those who are with him?"

"Your father is the only one to be considered. My proposal is that wewait here till to-morrow morning until they come up; what is youropinion?"

"I believe you are right; let us do so; I don't think father will castme off when I go to him. "

The plan was carried out, though the young man felt more misgivingthan his companion suspected. He remained on guard a part of thenight, sharing the duty with Timon, whose almost human intelligencemade him as reliable as a trained scout himself. 

Straight to the spot came the pursuers soon after daylight, when thehorses were saddled and bridled. Nellie was in a state of feverishexpectancy. When she caught sight of her father, leading the others, she joyfully uttered his name and ran toward him with outstretchedarms. 

"Father, my own father, are you not glad to see your Nellie?"

Still holding his Winchester half-raised, he glanced sternly at herand replied:

"Come no nearer; you are no daughter of mine!"

She stopped as if shot, and with hands still outstretched stoodmotionless, with her eyes fixed yearningly upon him. She was like amarble statue, without the breath of life in her body. All weresilent. Even Timon looked from one to another without moving. Thewhole thing was beyond his comprehension. 

Then the dreadful truth seemed to force itself upon the consciousnessof the girl, who staggered backward to the nearest boulder, upon whichshe sank and covered her face with her hands. She did not weep, forher grief was too deep. 

And who shall picture the sorrow that wrenched the heart strings ofthe parent? There was a strange look on his face and his massive frametrembled. But he quickly recovered his self-poise, and looking awayfrom his child, fixed his eyes upon Lieutenant Russell. 

"It is with _you_ that I have to settle. "

"I am ready. "

The young officer was standing beside his pony, with one arm restingon the saddle, across which his rifle was supported, while the otherhand lay idly on his hip, and his body was borne upon one foot. Hispose was one of negligence, as if he and his animal had taken positionbefore the camera, and the world contained no such thing as hatred andenmity. He looked calmly into the angered countenance, while he waitedfor the next words of the man who was impatient to send a bulletthrough his heart. 

Wade Ruggles and Felix Brush would have been glad of the privilege ofdoing this, but they felt that for the time they were out of it. Theright of calling Lieutenant Russell to account lay with the father ofNellie. They had nothing to do or say until that tragedy was ended, and they stood apart, silent, grim and watchful of everything. 

The coolness of the young man disconcerted the captain for themoment. Feeling it unnecessary to hold his weapon, he lowered thepoint, but, never once removing his eyes from the face of the other, said:

"I will give you the same chance as myself for your life; though youdo not deserve to live, it shall never be said I took any advantageover you. Each of us has a revolver and knows how to use it; you maypace off the distance for yourself, but make it short. "

"Captain, I decline to fight you, " replied Lieutenant Russell, withouta change of pose and in his usual voice. 

"Why?" demanded the other. 

"You have saved my life on the battle field; we have been comrades; wehave drank from the same canteen; shoot me if you wish; I will keepthe position I now hold and you may stand where you are; you have yourWinchester in your hands; you have but to raise it and it will be allover in a twinkling, but nothing that you can say or do will induce meto harm one of your gray hairs. "

This reply was unexpected to all, but it served if possible tointensify the wrath of Captain Dawson. He shook with tempestuous rage, and it was several seconds before he could command his voice. Ruggles, Brush and Adams did not stir or whisper a word to one another. Thewhite-faced Nellie remained seated on the boulder, but she lowered herhands and stared at the two, as if she could not comprehend it all. Once she made a motion to rise, but sank back and stared with afixidity of gaze that went to the hearts of the three spectators. 

"You are a sneaking scoundrel to use those words, " said CaptainDawson, when able to command his voice; "all the past is wiped outexcept that of the last two days; I shall shoot you for stealing mychild from me. "

The lieutenant looked calmly into the countenance of the man, and, lowering his tones almost to a whisper, that was perfectly audible toall, replied:

"I am at your disposal. "

From the moment Captain Dawson learned of the flight of his child, hehad been eager for but one thing, --the opportunity to draw bead on themiscreant, without giving him an instant to prepare for death. Thatopportunity was his but he hesitated. Something that he could notexplain, but which incensed him, held his hand motionless. 

But perhaps the end would have been the same, when he rallied from themomentary struggle, had not his daughter awakened from the daze thathad held her mute and motionless. Like Pocahontas, she sprang forward, with arms again outstretched, and with a faint shriek, flung themabout the form of her lover. 

"Shoot father, if you will, but you shall kill me too!"

Felix Brush shivered and turning away his head, muttered in a brokenvoice:

"My God, Wade! I can't stand this!"

Ruggles attempted to reply, but the words choked in his throat. Stillhe and Adams kept their eyes upon the three before them. Ruggles wason the point of interfering when Nellie Dawson averted the necessity. 

Lieutenant Russell was disconcerted. His lip quivered, and, withinfinite tenderness, he sought to loosen the arms that entwined him, but she would not permit it. 

"No, no, no! He shall not part us! Let him slay us both! Do notrepulse me! I will die with you!"

The situation of Captain Dawson was awful. He was scarcely himself. The dainty form of his child could not fully shield the athleticfigure of Lieutenant Russell, strive as much as she might, and theopening for the threatened shot was as clear as ever. Whether he wouldhave persisted in his intention can never be known, for at thatjuncture the startling incidents were succeeded by one still morestartling and unexpected. 

CHAPTER XXVII

NO BRAVER DEED EVER WAS DONE

The hearts of two of the party were wrung as never before. WadeRuggles and Felix Brush saw with noonday clearness the dreadfulmistake they had made in the past in hoping to win the heart of themaiden who had declared that if her beloved was to die she would diewith him. It was contrary to nature and the laws of God, and it wascharacteristic of each that he felt a thrill of gratitude over thebelief that no person suspected his secret. Both would have diedrather than allow it ever to become known. 

With this awakening came a transformation of feeling toward thecouple. They sympathized with Lieutenant Russell, but more than all, they pitied her whose soul was distraught with grief. They had neverbefore seen her in the agony of distress and neither could stand it. 

"Brush, " whispered Ruggles, "this must stop. "

"_Hold!_" called Brush in a loud voice, striding commandingly forwardwith his arm upraised; "I have something to say!"

There was a majesty and an impressiveness of mien like that of theHebrew prophet who hushed the tempest. Captain Dawson, without movingbody or limb, turned and glared at the intruder; Ruggles kept hisposition; Nellie Dawson, with arms still clasping the neck of herbetrothed, looked over her shoulder at her old friend; LieutenantRussell reached up so as to hold the wrists of the girl, while stillretaining his grip upon his rifle and fixed his eyes upon the tall, gaunt figure that halted between him and Captain Dawson and a littleto one side of him. 

"Lieutenant Frederic Russell, do you love Nellie Dawson?" was theastounding question that fell from the lips of Brush. 

"Aye, more than my life, " was the prompt response. 

"And you have started for Sacramento with the purpose of making heryour wife?"

"That was my resolve with the help of heaven. "

"And, Nellie, you agreed to this?"

"Yes, yes; we shall not be parted in life or death. "

"Such being your feelings, " continued Felix Brush, in the same loud, clear tones, "I pronounce you man and wife, and whom God hath joinedtogether let not man put asunder!"

It was a thunderclap. No one moved or spoke for a full minute. FelixBrush was the only one who seemed to retain command of his senses. Stepping forward, with a strange smile on his seamed countenance, heextended his hand to the groom. 

"Allow me to congratulate you, lieutenant; and, Nellie, I don't thinkyou will deny me my fee. "

With which he bent over and tenderly kissed her. 

"O, Mr. Brush, are we really married?" she asked in a faint, wildvoice. 

"As legally as if it were done by the archbishop of Canterbury andif--"

But he got no further, for her arms were transferred from the neck ofher husband to those of the parson, whom she smothered with hercaresses. 

"Bless your heart! You are the nicest, best, sweetest, loveliest manthat ever lived, --excepting Fred and father--"

"And _me_, " added Wade Ruggles, stepping forward. 

"Yes, and you, you great big angel, " she replied, bestowing an equallywarm embrace upon him. 

The two rugged fellows had won the greatest victory that can beachieved by man, for they had conquered themselves. When the greatlight broke in upon their consciousness, each resolved to let the deadpast bury its dead and to face the future like the manly heroes theywere. 

And no braver deed ever was done. 

Poor Captain Dawson! For a time he believed he was dreaming. Then, when he grasped the meaning of it all, his Winchester dropped fromhis nerveless grasp and he staggered and would have fallen, had notLieutenant Russell leaped forward and caught him in his arms. Hehelped him to the boulder from which Nellie had risen and then hecollapsed utterly. The soldier who had faced unmoved the hell blast ofbattle had fainted for the first time in his life. 

Nellie ran to the brook a few paces away, and catching some of thewater in the hollow of her hand darted back and flung it into hisface. 

"There, dear father; it is all right; rouse yourself; O, Mr. Brush, suppose he is dead!" she exclaimed, turning terrifiedly toward him. 

"He is as likely to die as you are, and you don't look just now as ifyou mean to put on wings and fly away. "

In a few minutes the veteran revived and looked confusedly around him. He seemed unable to comprehend what it all meant and his gaze wanderedin a dazed way from one countenance to another without speaking. Nellie was still caressing him, while Lieutenant Russell stood back acouple of steps, looking pityingly into the face of the man who hadsuffered so much. 

Felix Brush was the hero of the occasion. Turning to the group, hesaid:

"Leftenant, you and Nellie and Ruggles and Vose move off for a shortdistance and leave him with me for a little while. "

Understanding his purpose the three withdrew, and the two men wereleft alone. The captain instantly roused himself. 

"What does all this mean, Brush?"

"It means that you and Ruggles and I have been the three infernalistfools that ever pretended to have sense. "

"How?"

"How? In every way conceivable. Wade and I, as we told you, saw thatthose two were in love with each other; instead of persuading you toconsent, we have helped you to prevent it. I must say, captain, thatthough Wade and I played the idiot, I think the championship belongsto you. "

"I begin to suspect it. "

"There's no doubt of it. "

"But, you see, parson, I had never thought of anything like this. "

"Which goes to prove the truth of what I have just said. If you hadn'tbeen blind you would have seen it. "

"I got the belief into my head that his intentions were not honorabletoward Nellie. "

"You never made a greater mistake; Lieutenant Russell is the soul ofhonor; heaven intended him for the husband of Nellie, and we wereflying in the face of Providence when we tried to prevent it. "

"I suppose it is all right; but how is it possible for a man to makesuch a consummate ass of himself?"

"You have just given a demonstration of how it is done, Wade and Iadding material help in the demonstration. "

The captain looked to the ground in deep thought. When he raised hiseyes there was an odd twinkle in them. 

"I say, parson, wasn't that a rather cheeky performance of yours, whenyou made them man and wife?"

"The circumstances warranted it. There's no saying what might havehappened, if it had been deferred for only a few minutes. "

"True, " replied the veteran thoughtfully; "it begins to look as if thehand of Providence was in it. "

"It is in everything that occurs in this life. It was in your comingto New Constantinople; in the blessed influence of your child uponthat barbarous community; in the impulse that led you to bringLieutenant Russell to us, and now comes the crowning Providence of allin their marriage. "

"Parson, you ain't such a poor preacher after all. "

"Perhaps I can preach a little, but my practice has been away off, though I hope to get back one of these days to where I was, but--"

He suddenly turned and beckoned to his friends to join them. Theycame smilingly forward, for they suspected what it meant. 

Captain Dawson rose to his feet, and, without speaking extended hissingle arm toward his child. With a glad cry she flew into his embraceand pillowed her head on his breast. No one spoke, but there was not adry eye among the spectators, while the silent embrace lasted. 

Finally the daughter was released and then the captain reached hishand toward his son-in-law, who eagerly stepped forward and graspedit. 

"Yes, lieutenant, we have drunk from the same canteen, " he said, "andnow let's all go home. "

And it was accordingly so done. 

THE END