"Thenyoumustnotbeginbywalkingsoclosetome，"shesaid，movingslightlyaway;"theymayseeyoufromthegate。Andyoumustnotgowithmebeyondthatcorner。IfIhavebeenmissedalreadytheywillsuspectyou。"
"ButhowshallIknow？"hesaid，attemptingtotakeherhand。"Letmewalkpastthegate。Icannotleaveyouinthisuncertainty。"
"Youwillknowsoonenough，"shesaidgravely，evadinghishand。
"Youmustnotgofurthernow。Good-night。"
Shehadstoppedatthecornerofthewall。Heagainheldouthishand。Herlittlefingersslidcoldlybetweenhis。
"Good-night，MissRivers。"
"Stop！"shesaidsuddenly，withdrawingherveilandliftinghercleareyestohisinthemoonlight。"YoumustnotsayTHAT——itisn’tthetruth。Ican’tbeartohearitfromYOURlips，inYOUR
voice。MynameisNOTRivers！"
"NotRivers——why？"saidKey，astounded。
"Oh，Idon’tknowwhy，"shesaidhalfdespairingly;"onlymybrotherdidn’twantmetousemynameandhishere，andIpromised。
Mynameis’Riggs’——there！It’sasecret——youmustn’ttellit;butIcouldnotbeartohearYOUsayalie。"
"Good-night，MissRiggs，"saidKeysadly。
"No，northateither，"shesaidsoftly。"SayAlice。"
"Good-night，Alice。"
Shemovedonbeforehim。Shereachedthegate。Foramomentherfigure，initsaustere，formlessgarments，seemedtohimtoevenstoopandbendforwardinthehumilityofageandself-
renunciation，andshevanishedwithinasintoalivingtomb。
Forgettingallprecaution，hepressedeagerlyforward，andstoppedbeforethegate。Therewasnosoundfromwithin;therehadevidentlybeennochallengenorinterruption。Shewassafe。
CHAPTERVII。
ThereappearanceofChiversinthemillwithCollinson，andthebriefannouncementthattheprisonerhadconsentedtoasatisfactorycompromise，werereceivedatfirstwithahalfcontemptuoussmilebytheparty;butforthecommandsoftheirleaders，andpossiblyaconvictionthatCollinson’sfatuouscooperationwithChiverswouldbesaferthanhiswrath，whichmightnotexpenditselfonlyonChivers，butimperilthesafetyofall，itisprobablethattheywouldhaveinformedtheunfortunateprisonerofhisrealrelationstohiscaptor。Inthesecircumstances，Chivers’shalfsatiricalsuggestionthatCollinsonshouldbeaddedtothesentriesoutside，andguardhisownproperty，wassurlilyassentedtobyRiggs，andcomplacentlyacceptedbytheothers。Chiversofferedtoposthimhimself，——notwithoutaninterchangeofmeaningglanceswithRiggs，——Collinson’sowngunwasreturnedtohim，andthestrangelyassortedpairleftthemillamicablytogether。
ButhoweverhumanlyconfidentChiverswasinhiscompanion’sfaithfulness，hewasnotwithoutarascal’sprecaution，anddeterminedtoselectapositionforCollinsonwherehecoulddotheleastdamageinanyaberrationoftrust。Atthetopofthegrade，abovethemill，wastheonlytrailbywhichapartyinforcecouldapproachit。ThiswastoChiversobviouslytoostrategicapositiontointrusttohisprisoner，andthesentrywhoguardeditsapproach，fivehundredyardsaway，wasleftunchanged。Buttherewasanother"blind"trail，orcut-off，totheleft，throughthethickestundergrowthofthewoods，knownonlytohisparty。ToplaceCollinsontherewastoinsurehimperfectimmunityfromtheapproachofanenemy，aswellasfromanyconfidentialadvancesofhisfellowsentry。Thisdone，hedrewacigarfromhispocket，andhandingittoCollinson，lightedanotherforhimself，andleaningbackcomfortablyagainstalargeboulder，glancedcomplacentlyathiscompanion。
"YoumaysmokeuntilIgo，Mr。Collinson，andevenafterwards，ifyoukeepthebowlofyourpipebehindarock，soastobeoutofsightofyourfellowsentry，whoseadvances，bytheway，ifIwereyou，Ishouldnotencourage。Yourpositionhere，yousee，isaratherpeculiarone。Youweresaying，Ithink，thatalingeringaffectionforyourwifeimpelledyoutokeepthisplaceforher，althoughyouwereconvincedofherdeath？"
Collinson’sunaffecteddelightinChivers’skindlinesshadmadehiseyesshineinthemoonlightwithadoglikewistfulness。"IreckonIdidsaythat，Mr。Chivers，"hesaidapologetically，"thoughitain’tgoin’tointerferewithyouusin’theshantyjestnow。"
"Iwasn’talludingtothat，Collinson，"returnedChivers，withalargerhetoricalwaveofthehand，andanequalenjoymentinhiscompanion’sevidentadmirationofhim，"butitstruckmethatyourremark，nevertheless，impliedsomedoubtofyourwife’sdeath，andIdon’tknowbutthatyourdoubtsareright。"
"Wot’sthat？"saidCollinson，withadullglowinhisface。
Chiversblewthesmokeofhiscigarlazilyinthestillair。
"Listen，"hesaid。"Sinceyourmiraculousconversionafewmomentsago，Ihavemadesomefriendlyinquiriesaboutyou，andIfindthatyoulostalltraceofyourwifeinTexasin’52，whereanumberofherfellowemigrantsdiedofyellowfever。Isthatso？"
"Yes，"saidCollinsonquickly。
"Well，itsohappensthatafriendofmine，"continuedChiversslowly，"wasinatrainwhichfollowedthatone，andpickedupandbroughtonsomeofthesurvivors。"
"Thatwasthetrainwotbroughtthenews，"saidCollinson，relapsingintohisoldpatience。"That’showIknowedshehadn’tcome。"
"Didyoueverhearthenamesofanyofitspassengers？"saidChivers，withakeenglanceathiscompanion。
"Naryone！Ionlygottoknowitwasasmalltrainofonlytwowagons，anditsortermeltedintoCalifornythroughasouthernpass，andkinderpeteredout，andnooneeverheardofitagin，andthatwasall。"
"ThatwasNOTall，Collinson，"saidChiverslazily。"IsawthetrainarriveatSouthPass。Iwasawaitingafriendandhiswife。
Therewasaladywiththem，oneofthesurvivors。Ididn’thearhername，butIthinkmyfriend’swifecalledher’Sadie。’I
rememberherasaratherprettywoman——tall，fair，withastraightnoseandafullchin，andsmallslimfeet。Isawheronlyamoment，forshewasonherwaytoLosAngeles，andwas，Ibelieve，goingtojoinherhusbandsomewhereintheSierras。"
TherascalhadbeenenjoyingwithintensesatisfactionthereturnofthedullglowinCollinson’sface，thatevenseemedtoanimatethewholelengthofhisangularframeasitturnedeagerlytowardshim。Sohewenton，experiencingadevilishzestinthisdescriptionofhismistresstoherhusband，apartfromthepleasureofnotingtheslowawakeningofthisapatheticgiant，withasensationakintohavingwarmedhimintolife。Yethistriumphwasofshortduration。ThefiredroppedsuddenlyoutofCollinson’seyes，theglowfromhisface，andthedulllookofunweariedpatiencereturned。
"That’sallverykindandpurtyofyer，Mr。Chivers，"hesaidgravely;"you’vegotallmywife’spintsthartoadot，anditseemstofitherjestlikeashoeIpickedupt’otherday。Butitwasn’tmySadie，forefshe’slivingorhadlived，she’dbinjustyere！"
ThesamefearandrecognitionofsomeunknownreserveinthistrustfulmancameoverChiversasbefore。Inhisangryresentmentofithewouldhavelikedtoblurtouttheinfidelityofthewifebeforeherhusband，butheknewCollinsonwouldnotbelievehim，andhehadanotherpurposenow。Hisfulllipstwistedintoasuavesmile。
"WhileIwouldnotgiveyoufalsehopes，Mr。Collinson，"hesaid，withablandsmile，"myinterestinyoucompelsmetosaythatyoumaybeoverconfidentandwrong。Thereareathousandthingsthatmayhavepreventedyourwifefromcomingtoyou，——illness，possiblytheresultofherexposure，poverty，misapprehensionofyourplaceofmeeting，and，aboveall，perhapssomefalsereportofyourowndeath。Hasiteveroccurredtoyouthatitisaspossibleforhertohavebeendeceivedinthatwayasforyou？"
"Wotyersay？"saidCollinson，withavaguesuspicion。
"WhatImean。Youthinkyourselfjustifiedinbelievingyourwifedead，becauseshedidnotseekyouhere;mayshenotfeelherselfequallyjustifiedinbelievingthesameofyou，becauseyouhadnotsoughtherelsewhere？"
"Butitwaswritthatshewascomin’yere，and——Iboardedeverytrainthatcomeinthatfall，"saidCollinson，withanewirritation，unlikehisusualcalm。
"Exceptone，mydearCollinson，——exceptone，"returnedChivers，holdingupafatforefingersmilingly。"Andthatmaybetheclue。
Now，listen！Thereisstillachanceoffollowingit，ifyouwill。
ThenameofmyfriendswereMr。andMrs。Barker。Iregret，"headded，withaperfunctorycough，"thatpoorBarkerisdead。Hewasnotsuchanexemplaryhusbandasyouare，mydearCollinson，andI
fearwasnotallthatMrs。Barkercouldhavewished;enoughthathesuccumbedfromvariousexcesses，anddidnotleavemeMrs。Barker’spresentaddress。Butshehasayoungfriend，award，livingattheconventofSantaLuisa，whosenameisMissRivers，whocanputyouincommunicationwithher。Now，onethingmore：Icanunderstandyourfeelings，andthatyouwouldwishatoncetosatisfyyourmind。Itisnot，perhaps，tomyinterestnortheinterestofmypartytoadviseyou，but，"hecontinued，glancingaroundhim，"youhaveanadmirablysecludedpositionhere，ontheedgeofthetrail，andifyouaremissingfromyourpostto-morrowmorning，Ishallrespectyourfeelings，trusttoyourhonortokeepthissecret，and——considerituselesstopursueyou！"
Therewasneithershamenorpityinhisheart，asthedeceivedmanturnedtowardshimwithtremulouseagerness，andgraspedhishandinsilentgratitude。Buttheoldrageandfearreturned，asCollinsonsaidgravely：——
"Youkinderputanewlifeinterme，Mr。Chivers，andIwishIhadyergifto’speechtotellyeso。ButI’vepassedmywordtotheCaptingtharandtotheresto’youfolksthatI’dstandguardoutyere，andIdon’tgobacko’myword。Imout，andImoutn’tfindmySadie;butshewouldn’tthinkthelesso’me，artertheseyearso’waitin’，efIstayedhereanothernight，toguardthehouseI
keepintrustforher，andthestrangersI’vetookinonheraccount。"
"Asyoulike，then，"saidChivers，contractinghislips，"butkeepyourowncounselto-night。Theremaybethosewhowouldliketodeteryoufromyoursearch。AndnowIwillleaveyoualoneinthisdelightfulmoonlight。IquiteenvyyouyourunrestrictedcommunionwithNature。Adios，amigo，adios！"
Heleapedlightlyonalargerockthatoverhungtheedgeofthegrade，andwavedhishand。
"Iwouldn’tdothat，Mr。Chivers，"saidCollinson，withaconcernedface;"themrocksaremightyticklish，andthatoneinpartiklar。
Atechsometimessends’emscooting。"
Mr。Chiversleapedquicklytotheground，turned，wavedhishandagain，anddisappeareddownthegrade。
ButCollinsonwasnolongeralone。Hithertohischaracteristicreverieshadbeenofthepast，——reminiscencesinwhichtherewasonlyrecollection，noimagination，andverylittlehope。UnderthespellofChivers’swordshisfancyseemedtoexpand;hebegantothinkofhiswifeasshemightbenow，——perhapsill，despairing，wanderinghopelessly，evenraggedandfootsore，or——believingHIM
dead——relapsingintotheresignedpatiencethathadbeenhisown;
butalwaysanewSadie，whomhehadneverseenorknownbefore。A
faintdread，thelightestofmisgivings（perhapscomingfromhisveryignorance），forthefirsttimetouchedhissteadfastheart，andsentachillthroughit。Heshoulderedhisweapon，andwalkedbrisklytowardstheedgeofthethick-setwoods。Therewerethefragrantessencesofthelaurelandspruce——bakedinthelong-daysunshinethathadencompassedtheirrecesses——stillcomingwarmtohisface;therewerethestrangeshiftingsoftemperaturethroughouttheopenings，thatalternatelywarmedandchilledhimashewalked。Itseemedsooddthatheshouldnowhavetoseekherinsteadofhercomingtohim;itwouldneverbethesamemeetingtohim，awayfromthehousethathehadbuiltforher！Hestrolledback，andlookeddownuponit，nestlingontheledge。Thewhitemoonlightthatlayuponitdulledtheglitteroflightsinitswindows，butthesoundsoflaughterandsingingcametoevenhisunfastidiousearswithasenseofvaguediscord。Hewalkedbackagain，andbegantopacebeforethethick-setwood。Suddenlyhestoppedandlistened。
Toanyotherearsbutthoseaccustomedtomountainsolitudeitwouldhaveseemednothing。But，familiarashewaswithalltheinfinitedisturbancesofthewoodland，andeventhesimulationofintrusioncausedbyafallingbranchorlapsingpine-cone，hewasarrestednowbyarecurringsound，unlikeanyother。Itwasanoccasionalmuffledbeat——interruptedatuncertainintervals，butalwaysreturninginregularrhythm，wheneveritwasaudible。Heknewitwasmadebyacanteringhorse;thattheintervalswereduetothepatchesofdeadleavesinitscourse，andthatthevaryingmovementwastheeffectofitsprogressthroughobstaclesandunderbrush。Itwasthereforecomingthroughsome"blind"cutoffinthethick-setwood。Theshiftingofthesoundalsoshowedthattheriderwasunfamiliarwiththelocality，andsometimeswanderedfromthedirectcourse;buttheunfailingandacceleratingpersistencyofthesound，inspiteofthesedifficulties，indicatedhasteanddetermination。
Heswunghisgunfromhisshoulder，andexamineditscaps。Asthesoundcamenearer，hedrewupbesideayoungspruceattheentranceofthethicket。Therewasnonecessitytoalarmthehouse，orcalltheothersentry。Itwasasinglehorseandrider，andhewasequaltothat。Hewaitedquietly，andwithhisusualfatefulpatience。Eventhenhisthoughtsstillrevertedtohiswife;anditwaswithasingularfeelingthathe，atlast，sawthethickunderbrushgivewaybeforeawoman，mountedonasweatingbutstillspiritedhorse，whosweptoutintotheopen。Nevertheless，hestoppedinfrontofher，andcalled：——
"Holdupthar！"
Thehorserecoiled，nearlyunseatingher。Collinsoncaughtthereins。Sheliftedherwhipmechanically，yetremainedholdingitintheair，trembling，untilsheslipped，halfstruggling，halfhelplessly，fromthesaddletotheground。Hereshewouldhaveagainfallen，butCollinsoncaughthersharplybythewaist。Athistouchshestartedandutteredafrightened"No！"AthervoiceCollinsonstarted。
"Sadie！"hegasped。
"Seth！"shehalfwhispered。
Theystoodlookingateachother。ButCollinsonwasalreadyhimselfagain。Themanofsimpledirectnessandnoimaginationsawonlyhiswifebeforehim——alittlebreathless，alittleflurried，alittledisheveledfromrapidriding，ashehadsometimesseenherbefore，butotherwiseunchanged。NorhadHEchanged;hetookherupwherehehadleftheryearsago。Hisgravefaceonlybroadenedintoasmile，asheheldbothherhandsinhis。
"Yes，it’sme——Lordy！Why，Iwascomin’onlyto-morrowtofindye，Sade！"
Sheglancedhurriedlyaroundher，"To——tofindme，"shesaidincredulously。
"Sartain！Thatez，Iwasgoin’toaskaboutye，——goin’toaskaboutyeattheconvent。"
"Attheconvent？"sheechoedwithafrightenedamazement。
"Yes，why，LordySade——don’tyousee？YouthoughtIwasdead，andIthoughtyouwasdead，——that’swhat’sthematter。ButIneverreckonedthatyou’dthinkmedeaduntilChiversallowedthatitmustbeso。"
Herfacewhitenedinthemoonlight"Chivers？"shesaidblankly。
"Incourse;butnat’rallyyoudon’tknowhim，honey。Heonlysawyouonc’t。Butitwasalongo’that，Sade，thathetoldmehereckonedyouwasn’tdead，andtoldmehowtofindyou。Hewasmightykindandconsarnedaboutit，andheevenallowedI’dbetterslipofftoyouthisverynight。"
"Chivers，"sherepeated，gazingatherhusbandwithbloodlesslips。
"Yes，anawfulpurty-spokenman。Ye’llhavetogettoknowhimSade。He’sherewithsomeofhisfolksazhezgotintertrouble——
I’mforgettin’totellye。Yousee"——
"Yes，yes，yes！"sheinterruptedhysterically;"andthisistheMill？"
"Yes，lovey，theMill——mymill——YOURmill——thehouseIbuiltforyou，dear。I’dshowittoyounow，butyousee，Sade，I’moutherestandin’guard。"
"AreYOUoneofthem？"shesaid，clutchinghishanddesperately。
"No，dear，"hesaidsoothingly，——"no;only，yousee，Igiv’mywordto’emasIgiv’myhouseto-night，andI’mboundtoprotectthemandsee’emthrough。Why，Lordy！Sade，you’dhavedonethesame——
forChivers。"
"Yes，yes，"shesaid，beatingherhandstogetherstrangely，"ofcourse。Hewassokindtobringmebacktoyou。Andyoumighthaveneverfoundmebutforhim。"
Sheburstintoanhystericallaugh，whichthesimple-mindedmanmighthaveoverlookedbutforthetearsthatcourseddownherbloodlessface。
"What’sgoneo’ye，Sadie，"hesaidinasuddenfear，graspingherhands;"thatlaughain’tyour’n——thatvoiceain’tyour’n。You’retheoldSadie，ain’tye？"Hestopped。Foramomenthisfaceblanchedasheglancedtowardsthemill，fromwhichthefaintsoundofbacchanalianvoicescametohisquickear。"Sadie，dear，yeain’tthinkin’anythingagin’me？Yeain’tallowin’I’mkeepinganythin’backfromye？"
Herfacestiffenedintorigidity;shedashedthetearsfromhereyes。"No，"shesaidquickly。Thenafteramomentsheadded，withafaintlaugh，"Youseewehaven’tseeneachotherforsolong——
it’sallsosudden——sounexpected。"
"Butyoukemhere，justnow，calkilatin’tofindme？"saidCollinsongravely。
"Yes，yes，"shesaidquickly，stillgraspingbothhishands，butwithherheadslightlyturnedinthedirectionofthemill。
"Butwhotoldyewheretofindthemill？"hesaid，withgentlepatience。
"Afriend，"shesaidhurriedly。"Perhaps，"sheadded，withasingularsmile，"afriendofthefriendwhotoldyou。"
"Isee，"saidCollinson，witharelievedfaceandabroadeningsmile，"it’sasortoffairystory。I’llbet，now，itwasthatoldBarkerwomanthatChiversknows。"
Herteethgleamedrigidlytogetherinthemoonlight，likeadeath’s-head。"Yes，"shesaiddryly，"itwasthatoldBarkerwoman。Say，Seth，"shecontinued，moisteningherlipsslowly，"you’reguardingthisplacealone？"
"Thar’sanotherfellerupthetrail，——asentry，——butdon’tyoubeafeard，hecan’thearus，Sade。"
"Onthissideofthemill？"
"Yes！Why，Lordloveye，Sadie！t’othersideo’themillitdropsdownstraighttothevalley;nobodycomesyerthatwaybutpoorlow-downemigrants。Andit’smilesroundtocomebythevalleyfromthesummit。"
"Youdidn’thearyourfriendChiverssaythatthesheriffwasoutwithhisposseto-nighthuntingthem？"
"No。Didyou？"
"IthinkIheardsomethingofthatkindatSkinner’s，butitmayhavebeenonlyawarningtome，travelingalone。"
"Thet’sso，"saidCollinson，withatendersolicitude，"butnoneo’
theseyerroad-agentswouldhavetechedawoman。AndthisyerChiversain’tthemantoinsultone，either。"
"No，"shesaid，withareturnofherhystericlaugh。ButitwasoverlookedbyCollinson，whowastakinghisgunfrombesidethetreewherehehadplacedit，"Whereareyougoing？"shesaidsuddenly。
"Ireckonthemfellersoughttobewarnedo’whatyouheard。I’llbebackinaminit。"
"Andyou’regoingtoleavemenow——when——whenwe’veonlyjustmetaftertheseyears，"shesaid，withafaintattemptatasmile，which，however，didnotreachthecoldglitterofhereyes。
"Justforalittle，honey。Besides，don’tyousee，I’vegottogetexcused;forwe’llhavetogoofftoSkinner’sorsomewhere，Sadie，forwecan’tstayintharalongo’them。"
"SoyouandyourwifeareturnedoutofyourhometopleaseChivers，"shesaid，stillsmiling。
"That’swharyouslipup，Sadie，"saidCollinson，withatroubledface;"forhe’sthatkindofamanthetifIjestasmuchashintedyouwashere，he’dturn’emallouto’thehouseforalady。
Thet’swhyIdon’tproposetoletonanythingaboutyoutillto-
morrow。"
"To-morrowwilldo，"shesaid，stillsmiling，butwithasingularabstractioninherface。"Praydon’tdisturbthemnow。Yousaythereisanothersentinelbeyond。Heisenoughtowarnthemofanyapproachfromthetrail。I’mtiredandill——veryill！Sitbymehere，Seth，andwait！Wecanwaitheretogether——wehavewaitedsolong，Seth，——andtheendhascomenow。"
Shesuddenlylapsedagainstthetree，andslippedinasittingposturetotheground。Collinsoncasthimselfatherside，andputhisarmroundher。
"Wot’sgoneo’ye，Sade？You’recoldandsick。Listen。Yourhossisjustovertharfeedin’。I’llputyoubackonhim，runinandtell’emI’moff，andbewithyeinajiffy，andtakeyebacktoSkinner’s。"
"Wait，"shesaidsoftly。"Wait。"
"OrtotheSilverHollow——it’snotsofar。"
Shehadcaughthishandsagain，herrigidfaceclosetohis，"Whathollow？——speak！"shesaidbreathlessly。
"Thehollowwharafriendo’minestrucksilver。He’lltakeyurin。"
Herheadsankagainsthisshoulder。"Letmestayhere，"sheanswered，"andwait。"
Hesupportedhertenderly，feelingthegentlebrushingofherhairagainsthischeekasintheolddays。Hewascontenttowait，holdingherthus。Theywereverysilent;hereyeshalfclosed，asifinexhaustion，yetwiththestrangesuggestionoflisteninginthevacantpupils。
"Yeain’thearin’anythin’，deary？"hesaid，withatroubledface。
"No;buteverythingissodeathlystill，"shesaidinafrightenedwhisper。
Itcertainlywasverystill。Asingularhushseemedtohaveslidoverthelandscape;therewasnolongeranysoundfromthemill;
therewasanominousrestinthewoodland，soperfectthatthetinyrustleofanuneasywinginthetreeabovethemhadmadethemstart;eventhemoonlightseemedtohangsuspendedintheair。
"It’slikethelullbeforethestorm，"shesaidwithherstrangelaugh。
Butthenon-imaginativeCollinsonwasmorepractical。"It’smightylikethatearthquakeweatherbeforethebigshakethetdrieduptheriverandstoppedthemill。ThatwasjustthetimeIgotthenewso’yourbein’deadwithyellowfever。Lord！honey，Iallusallowedtomyselfthetsuthin’washappenin’toyethen。"
Shedidnotreply;buthe，holdingherfigureclosertohim，feltittremblingwithanervousexpectation。Suddenlyshethrewhimoff，androsetoherfeetwithacry。"There！"shescreamedfrantically，"they’vecome！they’vecome！"
Arabbithadrunoutintothemoonlightbeforethem，agrayfoxhaddashedfromthethicketintothewood，butnothingelse。
"Who’scome？"saidCollinson，staringather。
"Thesheriffandhisposse！They’resurroundingthemnow。Don’tyouhear？"shegasped。
Therewasastrangerattlinginthedirectionofthemill，adullrumble，withwildshoutsandoutcries，andthetramplingoffeetonitswoodenplatform。Collinsonstaggeredtohisfeet;butatthesamemomenthewasthrownviolentlyagainsthiswife，andtheybothclunghelplesslytothetree，withtheireyesturnedtowardtheledge。Therewasadensecloudofdustandhazehangingoverit。
Sheutteredanothercry，andranswiftlytowardstherockygrade。
Collinsonranquicklyafterher，butasshereachedthegradehesuddenlyshouted，withanawfulrevelationinhisvoice，"Comeback！Stop，Sadie，forGod’ssake！"Butitwastoolate。Shehadalreadydisappeared;andashereachedtherockonwhichChivershadleaped，hefeltitgivewaybeneathhim。
Buttherewasnosound，onlyarushofwindfromthevalleybelow。
Everythinglapsedagainintoitsawfulstillness。Asthecloudliftedfromwherethemillhadstood，themoonshoneonlyuponemptyspace。Therewasasingularmurmuringandwhisperingfromthewoodsbeyondthatincreasedinsound，andanhourlaterthedrybedoftheoldmill-streamwasfilledwitharushingriver。
CHAPTERVIII。
PrebleKeyreturnedtohishotelfromtheconvent，itistobefeared，withverylittleofthatrighteoussatisfactionwhichissupposedtofollowtheperformanceofagooddeed。Hewasbynomeanscertainthatwhathehaddonewasbestfortheyounggirl。
Hehadonlyshownhimselftoherasaworldlymonitorofdangers，ofwhichherinnocencewasprovidentiallyunconscious。Inhisfeverishhastetoavertascandal，hehadnochancetoexplainhisrealfeelings;hehad，perhaps，evenexposedherthwartedimpulsestoequallynaivebutmoredangerousexpression，whichhemightnothavetheopportunitytocheck。Hetossedwakefullythatnightuponhispillow，tormentedwithalternatevisionsofheradorablepresenceatthehotel，andherbowed，renunciatingfigureasshereenteredtheconventgate。Hewaitedexpectantlythenextdayforthemessageshehadpromised，andwhichhebelievedshewouldfindsomewaytosend。Butnomessagewasforthcoming。Thedaypassed，andhebecamealarmed。Thefearthatherescapadehadbeendiscoveredagainseizedhim。Ifshewereincloserestraint，shecouldneithersendtohim，norcouldheconveytoherthesolicitudeandsympathythatfilledhisheart。Inherchildishfranknessshemighthaveconfessedthewholetruth，andthiswouldnotonlyshutthedoorsoftheconventagainsthim，underhisformerpretext，butcompromiseherstillmoreifheboldlycalled。
Hewaylaidtheafternoonprocession;shewasnotamongthem。
Utterlydespairing，thewildestplansforseeingherpassedthroughhisbrain，——plansthatrecalledhishot-headedyouth，andafewmomentslatermadehimsmileathisextravagance，evenwhileithalffrightenedhimattherealityofhispassion。Hereachedthehotelheart-sickanddesperate。Theportermethimonthesteps。
Itwaswithathrillthatsentthebloodleapingtohischeeksthatheheardthemansay：——
"SisterSeraphinaiswaitingforyouinthesitting-room。"
TherewasnothoughtofdiscoveryorscandalinPrebleKey’smindnow;nodoubtorhesitationastowhathewoulddo，ashesprangupthestaircase。Heonlyknewthathehadfoundheragain，andwashappy！Heburstintotheroom，butthistimerememberedtoshutthedoorbehindhim。Helookedeagerlytowardsthewindowwhereshehadstoodthedaybefore，butnowsherosequicklyfromthesofainthecorner，whereshehadbeenseated，andthemissalshehadbeenreadingrolledfromherlaptothefloor。Herantowardshertopickitup。Hername——thenameshehadtoldhimtocallher——waspassionatelytremblingonhislips，whensheslowlyputherveilaside，anddisplayedapale，kindly，middle-agedface，slightlymarkedbyoldscarsofsmallpox。ItwasnotAlice;itwastherealSisterSeraphinawhostoodbeforehim。
Hisfirstrevulsionofbitterdisappointmentwassoquicklyfollowedbyarealizationthatallhadbeendiscovered，andhissacrificeofyesterdayhadgonefornaught，thathestoodbeforeher，stammering，butwithoutthepowertosayaword。Luckilyforhim，hisutterembarrassmentseemedtoreassureher，andtocalmthattimiditywhichhisbrusqueman-likeirruptionmightwellproduceintheinexperienced，contemplativemindoftherecluse。
Hervoicewasverysweet，albeitsad，asshesaidgently：——
"IamafraidIhavetakenyoubysurprise;buttherewasnotimetoarrangeforameeting，andtheLadySuperiorthoughtthatI，whoknewallthefacts，hadbetterseeyouconfidentially。FatherCiprianogaveusyouraddress。"
Amazedandwondering，Keybowedhertoaseat。
"Youwillremember，"shewentonsoftly，"thattheLadySuperiorfailedtogetanyinformationfromyouregardingthebrotherofoneofourdearchildren，whomhecommittedtoourchargethrougha——acompanionoracquaintance——aMrs。Barker。Asshewasarmedwithhisauthoritybyletter，weacceptedthedearchildthroughher，permittedherashisrepresentativetohavefreeaccesstohissister，andevenallowedher，asanunattendedwoman，topassthenightattheconvent。Wewerethereforesurprisedthismorningtoreceivealetterfromhim，absolutelyforbiddinganyfurtherintercourse，correspondence，orassociationofhissisterwiththiscompanion，Mrs。Barker。Itwasnecessarytoinformthedearchildofthisatonce，asshewasonthepointofwritingtothiswoman;
butwewerepainedandshockedatherreceptionofherbrother’swishes。Ioughttosay，injusticetothedearchild，thatwhilesheisusuallydocile，intelligent，andtractabletodiscipline，andadevoteinherreligiousfeelings，sheissingularlyimpulsive。Butwewerenotpreparedfortherashandsuddenstepshehastaken。Atnoonto-daysheescapedfromtheconvent！"
Key，whohadbeenfollowingherwithrelief，sprangtohisfeetatthisunexpectedculmination。
"Escaped！"hesaid。"Impossible！Imean，"headded，hurriedlyrecallinghimself，"yourrules，yourdiscipline，yourattendantsaresoperfect。"
"Thepoorimpulsivecreaturehasaddedsacrilegetohermadness——asacrilegewearewillingtobelieveshedidnotunderstand，forsheescapedinareligioushabit——myown。"
"Butthiswouldsufficientlyidentifyher，"hesaid，controllinghimselfwithaneffort。
"Alas，notso！Therearemanyofuswhogoabroadonourmissionsinthesegarments，andtheyaremadeallalike，soastodivertratherthanattractattentiontoanyindividuality。Wehavesentprivatemessengersinalldirections，andsoughthereverywhere，butwithoutsuccess。Youwillunderstandthatwewishtoavoidscandal，whichamorepublicinquirywouldcreate。"
"Andyoucometome，"saidKey，withareturnofhisfirstsuspicion，inspiteofhiseagernesstocutshorttheinterviewandbefreetoact，——"tome，almostastranger？"
"Notastranger，Mr。Key，"returnedthereligieusegently，"buttoawell-knownman——amanofaffairsinthecountrywherethisunhappychild’sbrotherlives——afriendwhoseemstobesentbyHeaventofindoutthisbrotherforus，andspeedthisnewstohim。
WecometotheoldpupilofFatherCipriano，afriendoftheHolyChurch;tothekindlygentlemanwhoknowswhatitistohavedearrelationsofhisown，andwhoonlyyesterdaywasseekingtheconventto"——
"Enough！"interruptedKeyhurriedly，withaslightcolor。"Iwillgoatonce。Idonotknowthisman，butIwilldomybesttofindhim。Andthis——this——younggirl？Yousayyouhavenotraceofher？Mayshenotstillbehere？Ishouldhavesomecluebywhichtoseekher——ImeanthatIcouldgivetoherbrother。"
"Alas！wefearsheisalreadyfarawayfromhere。IfshewentatoncetoSanLuis，shecouldhaveeasilytakenatraintoSanFranciscobeforewediscoveredherflight。Webelievethatitwasthepoorchild’sintenttojoinherbrother，soastointercedeforherfriend——or，perhaps，alas！toseekher。"
"Andthisfriendleftyesterdaymorning？"hesaidquickly，yetconcealingafeelingofrelief。"Well，youmaydependonme！Andnow，asthereisnotimetobelost，Iwillmakemyarrangementstotakethenexttrain。"Heheldouthishand，paused，andsaidinalmostboyishembarrassment："BidmeGodspeed，SisterSeraphina！"
"MaytheHolyVirginaidyou，"shesaidgently。Yet，asshepassedoutofthedoor，withagratefulsmile，acharacteristicreactioncameoverKey。HisromanticbeliefintheinterpositionofProvidencewasnotwithoutatendencytoapplytheordinaryrulesofhumanevidencetosuchphenomena。SisterSeraphina’sapplicationtohimseemedlittleshortofmiraculousinterference;
butwhatifitwereonlyatricktogetridofhim，whilethegirl，whoseescapadehadbeendiscovered，waseitherunderrestraintintheconvent，orhidinginSantaLuisa？Yetthisdidnotpreventhimfrommechanicallycontinuinghisarrangementsfordeparture。
Whentheywerecompleted，andhehadbarelytimetogettothestationatSanLuis，heagainlingeredinvagueexpectationofsomedeterminingevent。
Theappearanceofaservantwithatelegraphicmessageatthismomentseemedtobeananswertothisinstinctivefeeling。Hetoreitopenhastily。Butitwasonlyasinglelinefromhisforemanatthemine，whichhadbeenrepeatedtohimfromthecompany’sofficeinSanFrancisco。Itread，"Comeatonce——important。"
Disappointedasitlefthim，itdeterminedhisaction;andasthetrainsteamedoutofSanLuis，itforawhiledivertedhisattentionfromtheobjectofhispursuit。Inanyevent，hisdestinationwouldhavebeenSkinner’sortheHollow，asthepointfromwhichtobeginhissearch。HebelievedwithSisterSeraphinathattheyounggirlwouldmakeherdirectappealtoherbrother;
butevenifshesoughtMrs。Barker，itwouldstillbeatsomeofthehauntsofthegang。ThelettertotheLadySuperiorhadbeenpostmarkedfrom"BaldTop，"whichKeyknewtobeanobscuresettlementlessfrequentedthanSkinner’s。Eventhenitwashardlypossiblethatthechiefoftheroadagentswouldpresenthimselfatthepost-office，andithadprobablybeenleftbysomelessknownofthegang。Avagueidea，thatwashardlyasuspicion，thatthegirlmighthaveasecretaddressofherbrother’s，withoutunderstandingthereasonsforitssecrecy，cameintohismind。A
stillmorevaguehope，thathemightmeetherbeforeshefoundherbrother，upheldhim。Itwouldbeanaccidentalmeetingonherpart，forhenolongerdaredtohopethatshewouldseekortrusthimagain。Anditwaswithverylittleofhisoldsanguinequalitythat，travel-wornandweary，heatlastalightedatSkinner’s。Buthishalfcarelessinquiryifanyladypassengershadlatelyarrivedthere，tohisembarrassmentproducedabroadsmileonthefaceofSkinner。
"You’rethesecondmanthataskedthatquestion，Mr。Key，"hesaid。
"Thesecondman？"ejaculatedKeynervously。
"YesthefirstwasthesheriffofSierra。Hewantedtofindatall，good-lookingwoman，aboutthirty，withblackeyes。Ihopethatain’tthekindo’girlyou’relookingarter——isit？forI
reckonshe’sginyouboththeslip。"
Keyprotestedwithaforcedlaughthatitwasnot，yetsuddenlyhesitatedtodescribeAlice;forheinstantlyrecognizedtheportraitofherfriend，theassumedMrs。Barker。Skinnercontinuedinlazyconfidence：——
"Yeseetheysaythatthesheriffhadsortergotthedeadwoodonthatgango’roadagents，andhadhemmed’eminsomewharbetwixtBaldTopandCollinson’s。Butthatwomanwasoneo’theirspies，andspottedhislittlegame，andmanagedtogive’emthetip，sotheygotcleanaway。Anyhow，theyain’tbinheardfromsince。Butthebigshakehasmadescoutin’alongtheledgesratherstiffworkforthesheriff。TheysaythevalleynearLongCanyon’schockfullo’rockandslumgullionthat’sslippeddown。"
"Whatdoyoumeanbythebigshake？"askedKeyinsurprise。
"GreatScott！youdidn’thearofit？Didn’thearofthe’arthquakethatshookusupallalongGalloper’stheothernight？Well，"headdeddisgustedly，"that’sjisttheconceitofthemfolksinthebay，thatcan’tallowthatANYTHIN’happensinthemountains！"
TheurgenttelegramsofhisforemannowflashedacrossKey’spreoccupiedmind。PossiblySkinnersawhisconcern，"Ireckonyourmineisallright，Mr。Key。Oneofyourmenwasoveryerelastnight，anddidn’tsaynothin’。"
ButthisdidnotsatisfyKey;andinafewminuteshehadmountedhishorseandwasspeedingtowardstheHollow，witharemorsefulconsciousnessofhavingneglectedhiscolleagues’interests。Forhimself，intheutterprepossessionofhispassionforAlice，hecarednothing。AshedasheddowntheslopetotheHollow，hethoughtonlyofthetwomomentousdaysthatshehadpassedthere，andthefatethathadbroughtthemsonearlytogether。Therewasnothingtorecallitssylvanbeautyinthehideousworksthatnowpossessedit，orthesubstantialdwelling-housethathadtakentheplaceoftheoldcabin。Afewhurriedquestionstotheforemansatisfiedhimoftheintegrityoftheproperty。Therehadbeensomealarmintheshaft，buttherewasnosubsidenceofthe"seam，"
noranydifficultyintheworking。"WhatItelegraphedyoufor，Mr。Key，wasaboutsomethingthathascroppedupwaybacko’theearthquake。Wewereservedheretheotherdaywithalegalnoticeofaclaimtothemine，onaccountofpreviousworkdoneontheledgebythelastoccupant。"
"Butthecabinwasbuiltbyagangofthieves，whouseditasahoardfortheirbooty，"returnedKeyhotly，"andeveryoneofthemareoutlaws，andhavenostandingbeforethelaw。"HestoppedwithapangashethoughtofAlice。Andthebloodrushedtohischeeksastheforemanquietlycontinued：——
"Buttheclaimain’tinanyo’theirnames。It’sallowedtobethegiftoftheirleadertohisyoungsister，aforetheoutlawry，andit’sinHERname——AliceRiggsorsomething。"
Ofthehalf-dozentumultuousthoughtsthatpassedthroughKey’smind，onlyoneremained。Itwaspurelyanactofthebrother’stosecuresomepossiblefuturebenefitforhissister。Andofthisshewasperfectlyignorant！Herecoveredhimselfquickly，andsaidwithasmile：——
"ButIdiscoveredtheledgeanditsauriferouscharactermyself。
Therewasnotraceorsignofpreviousdiscoveryorminingoccupation。"
"SoIjedged，andsoIsaid，andthetputsyeallright。ButI
thoughtI’dtellye;formininglawsismininglaws，andit’stheonethingyecan’tgetover，"headded，withthepeculiarsuperstitiousreverenceoftheCalifornianminerforthatvestedauthority。
ButKeyscarcelylistened。Allthathehadheardseemedonlytolinkhimmorefatefullyandindissolublywiththeyounggirl。Hewasalreadyimpatientofeventhisslightdelayinhisquest。InhisperplexityhisthoughtshadrevertedtoCollinson’s：themillwasagoodpointtobeginhissearchfrom;itsgood-natured，stupidproprietormightbehisguide，hisally，andevenhisconfidant。
Whenhishorsewasbaited，hewasagaininthesaddle。"IfyergoingCollinson’sway，yermightaskhimifhe’slostahorse，"
saidtheforeman。"Themorningaftertheshake，someoftheboyspickedupamustang，withamake-uplady’ssaddleon。"Keystarted！WhileitwasimpossiblethatitcouldhavebeenriddenbyAlice，itmighthavebeenbythewomanwhohadprecededher。
"Didyoumakeanysearch？"heinquiredeagerly;"theremayhavebeenanaccident。"
"Ireckonitwasn’tnoaccident，"returnedtheforemancoolly，"fortheriatawaslooseandtrailing，asifithadbeenstakedout，andbrokenaway。"
Withoutanotherword，Keyputspurstohishorseandgallopedaway，leavinghiscompanionstaringafterhim。Herewasaclue：thehorsecouldnothavestrayedfar;thebrokentetherindicatedacamp;theganghadbeengatheredsomewhereinthevicinitywhereMrs。Barkerhadwarnedthem，——perhapsinthewoodbeyondCollinson’s。Hewouldpenetrateitalone。Heknewhisdanger;butasaSINGLEunarmedmanhemightbeadmittedtothepresenceoftheleader，andtheallegedclaimwasasufficientexcuse。Whathewouldsayordoafterwardsdependeduponchance。Itwasawildscheme——buthewasreckless。YethewouldgotoCollinson’sfirst。
Attheendoftwohourshereachedthethick-setwoodthatgaveupontheshelfatthetopofthegradewhichdescendedtothemill。
Asheemergedfromthewoodintotheburstingsunlightofthevalleybelow，hesharplyreinedinhishorseandstopped。Anotherboundwouldhavebeenhislast。Fortheshelf，therockygradeitself，theledgebelow，andthemilluponit，wereallgone！Thecrumblingouterwalloftherockygradehadslippedawayintoimmeasurabledepthsbelow，leavingonlythesharpedgeofacliff，whichincurvedtowardsthewoodsthathadoncestoodbehindthemill，butwhichnowbristledontheveryedgeofaprecipice。A
mistwashangingoveritsbrinkandrisingfromthevalley;itwasafull-fedstreamthatwascoursingthroughtheformerdrybedoftheriverandfallingdownthefaceofthebluff。Herubbedhiseyes，dismounted，creptalongtheedgeoftheprecipice，andlookedbelow：whateverhadsubsidedandmelteddownintoitsthousandfeetofdepth，therewasnotraceleftuponitssmoothface。Scarcelyanangleofdriftordebrismarredtheperpendicular;theburialofallruinwasdeepandcompact;theerasurehadbeenswiftandsure——
theobliterationcomplete。Itmighthavebeentheprecipitationofages，andnotofasinglenight。Atthatremotedistanceitevenseemedasifgrasswerealreadygrowingeverthisenormoussepulchre，butitwasonlythetopsoftheburiedpines。Theabsolutesilence，theutterabsenceofanymarkofconvulsivestruggle，eventhelullingwhimperoffallingwaters，gavethesceneapastoralrepose。
SoprofoundwastheimpressionuponKeyandhishumanpassionthatitatfirstseemedanironicalandeternalendingofhisquest。ItwaswithdifficultythathereasonedthatthecatastropheoccurredbeforeAlice’sflight，andthatevenCollinsonmighthavehadtimetoescape。Heslowlyskirtedtheedgeofthechasm，andmadehiswaybackthroughtheemptywoodsbehindtheoldmill-sitetowardstheplacewherehehaddismounted。Hishorseseemedtohavestrayedintotheshadowsofthiscovert;butasheapproachedhim，hewasamazedtoseethatitwasnothisown，andthatawoman’sscarfwaslyingoveritssidesaddle。Awildideaseizedhim，andfoundexpressioninanimpulsivecry：——
"Alice！"
Thewoodsechoedit;therewasanintervalofsilence，andthenafaintresponse。ButitwasHERvoice。Heraneagerlyforwardinthatdirection，andcalledagain;theresponsewasnearerthistime，andthenthetallfernsparted，andherlithe，gracefulfigurecamerunning，stumbling，andlimpingtowardshimlikeawoundedfawn。Herfacewaspaleandagitated，thetendrilsofherlighthairwerestrayingoverhershoulder，andoneofthesleevesofherschool-gownwasstainedwithbloodanddust。Hecaughtthewhiteandtremblinghandsthatwerethrustouttohimeagerly。
"ItisYOU！"shegasped。"Iprayedforsomeonetocome，butIdidnotdreamitwouldbeYOU。AndthenIheardYOURvoice——andI
thoughtitcouldbeonlyadreamuntilyoucalledasecondtime。"
"Butyouarehurt，"heexclaimedpassionately。"Youhavemetwithsomeaccident！"
"No，no！"shesaideagerly。"NotI——butapoor，poormanIfoundlyingontheedgeofthecliff。Icouldnothelphimmuch，Ididnotcaretoleavehim。NooneWOULDcome！Ihavebeenwithhimalone，allthemorning！Comequick，hemaybedying。"
Hepassedhisarmaroundherwaistunconsciously;shepermitteditasunconsciously，ashehalfsupportedherfigurewhiletheyhurriedforward。
"Hehadbeencrushedbysomething，andwasjusthangingovertheledge，andcouldnotmovenorspeak，"shewentonquickly。"I
draggedhimawaytoatree，ittookmehourstomovehim，hewassoheavy，——andIgothimsomewaterfromthestreamandbathedhisface，andbloodedallmysleeve。"
"Butwhatwereyoudoinghere？"heaskedquickly。
Afaintblushcrossedthepallorofherdelicatecheek。Shelookedawayquickly。"I——wasgoingtofindmybrotheratBaldTop，"sherepliedatlasthurriedly。"Butdon’taskmenow——onlycomequick，do。"
"Isthewoundedmanconscious？Didyouspeakwithhim？Doesheknowwhoyouare？"askedKeyuneasily。
"No！heonlymoanedalittleandopenedhiseyeswhenIdraggedhim。Idon’tthinkheevenknewwhathadhappened。"
Theyhurriedonagain。Thewoodlightenedsuddenly。"Here！"shesaidinahalfwhisper，andsteppedtimidlyintotheopenlight。
Onlyafewfeetfromthefatalledge，againsttherootsofabuckeye，withHERshawlthrownoverhim，laythewoundedman。
Keystartedback。ItwasCollinson！
Hisheadandshouldersseemeduninjured;butasKeyliftedtheshawl，hesawthatthelong，lankfigureappearedtomeltawaybelowthewaistintoamassofshapelessanddirtyrags。Keyhurriedlyreplacedtheshawl，and，bendingoverhim，listenedtohishurriedrespirationandthebeatingofhisheart。Thenhepressedadrinking-flasktohislips。Thespiritseemedtorevivehim;heslowlyopenedhiseyes。TheyfelluponKeywithquickrecognition。Butthelookchanged;onecouldseethathewastryingtorise，butthatnomovementofthelimbsaccompaniedthateffortofwill，andhisoldpatient，resignedlookreturned。Keyshuddered。Therewassomeinjurytothespine。Themanwasparalyzed。
"Ican’tgetup，Mr。Key，"hesaidinafaintbutuntroubledvoice，"norseemtomovemyarms，butyou’lljustallowthatI’veshookhandswithye——allthesame。"
"Howdidthishappen？"saidKeyanxiously。
"Thet’swotgetsme！SometimesIreckonIknow，andsometimesI
don’t。Lyin’tharonthetledgealllastnight，andonlyjestabletolookdownintotheoldvalley，sometimesitseemedtomeezifI
felloverandgotcaughtintherockstryingtosavemywife;butthenwhenIkemtothinksensible，andknowmywifewasn’tthereatall，Igetmystified。SometimesIthinkIgotterthinkin’ofmywifeonlywhenthisyeryounggalthet’sbinlikeanangeltomekemhereanddraggedmeofftheledge，foryouseeshedon’tbelonghere，andhezdroppedontomelikeasperrit。"
"Thenyouwerenotinthehousewhentheshockcame？"saidKey。
"No。Youseethemillwasfilledwiththemfellersasthesheriffwasarter，anditwentoverwith’em——andI"——
"Alice，"saidKey，withawhiteface，"wouldyoumindgoingtomyhorse，whichyouwillfindsomewherenearyours，andbringingmeamedicinecasefrommysaddle-bags？"
Theinnocentgirlglancedquicklyathercompanion，sawthechangeinhisface，and，attributingittotheimminentdangeroftheinjuredman，atonceglidedaway。Whenshewasoutofhearing，Keyleanedgravelyoverhim：——
"Collinson，Imusttrustyouwithasecret。Iamafraidthatthispoorgirlwhohelpedyouisthesisteroftheleaderofthatgangthesheriffwasinpursuitof。Shehasbeenkeptinperfectignoranceofherbrother’scrimes。ShemustNEVERknowthem——norevenknowhisfate！Ifheperishedutterlyinthiscatastrophe，asitwouldseem——itwasGod’swilltospareherthatknowledge。I
tellyouthis，towarnyouinanythingyousaybeforeher。SheMUSTbelieve，asIshalltrytomakeherbelieve，thathehasgonebacktotheStates——whereshewillperhaps，hereafter，believethathedied。Betterthatsheshouldknownothing——andkeepherthoughtofhimunchanged。"
"Isee——Isee——Isee，Mr。Key，"murmuredtheinjuredman。"Thet’swotI’vebeensayin’tomyselflyin’hereallnight。Thet’swotI
binsayin’o’mywifeSadie，——herthatIactooallygottothinkkembacktomelastnight。YouseeI’dheerdfromoneo’thosefellarsthatawomanlikeuntoherhadbeenpickedupinTexasandbroughtonyere，andthatmebbeshewassomewharinCaliforny。Iwasthatfoolish——andthatontruetoher，allthewhileknowin’，asIoncetoldyou，Mr。Key，thatefshe’dbeenaliveshe’dbinyere——thatI
believedittrueforaminit！Andthatwaswhy，aforethishappened，Ihadadream，rightoutyer，anddreamedshekemtome，allwhiteandtroubled，throughthewoods。AtfirstIthoughtitwarmySadie;butwhenIseeshewarn’tlikeheroldself，andhervoicewasstrangeandherlaughwasstrange——thenIknoweditwasn’ther，andIwasdreamin’。You’reright，Mr。Key，inwotyougotoffjustnow——wotwasit？Bettertoknownothin’——andkeeptheoldthoughtsunchanged。"
"Haveyouanypain？"askedKeyafterapause。
"No;Ikinderfeeleasiernow。"
Keylookedathischangingface。"Tellme，"hesaidgently，"ifitdoesnottaxyourstrength，allthathashappenedhere，allyouknow。ItisforHERsake。"
Thusadjured，withhiseyesfixedonKey，Collinsonnarratedhisstoryfromtheirruptionoftheoutlawstothefinalcatastrophe。
Eventhenhepalliatedtheiroutragewithhischaracteristicpatience，keepingstillhisstrangefascinationforChivers，andhisblindbeliefinhismiserablewife。Thestorywasattimesbrokenbylapsesoffaintness，byasingularreturnofhisoldabstractionandforgetfulnessinthemidstofasentence，andatlastbyafitofcoughingthatleftafewcrimsonbubblesonthecornersofhismonth。Keyliftedhiseyesanxiously;therewassomegraveinternalinjury，whichthedyingman’sresolutepatiencehadsuppressed。Yet，atthesoundofAlice’sreturningstep，Collinson’seyesbrightened，apparentlyasmuchathercomingasfromtheeffectofthepowerfulstimulantKeyhadtakenfromhismedicinecase。
"Ithankye，Mr。Key，"hesaidfaintly;"forI’vegotanideaI
ain’tgotnogreattimebeforeme，andI’vegotsuthin’tosaytoyou，aforewitnesses"——hiseyessoughtAlice’sinhalfapology——
"aforewitnesses，youunderstand。Wouldyoumindstandin’outthar，aforeme，inthelight，soIkinseeyouboth，andyou，miss，rememberin’，ezawitness，suthin’Igottotelltohim？Youmighttakehishand，miss，tomakeitmoreregularandlawlike。"
Thetwodidashebadethem，standingsidebyside，painfullyhumoringwhatseemedtothemtobewanderingsofadyingman。
"Tharwasayoungfellow，"saidCollinsoninasteadyvoice，"ezkemtomyshantyanightagoonhiswaytothe——the——valley。Hewasasprightlyyoungfellow，gayandchipper-like，andheseztome，confidential-like，’Collinson，’sezhe，’I’mofftotheStatesthisverynightonbusinessofimportance;mebbeI’llbeawayalongtime——foryears！Youknow，’sezhe，’Mr。Key，intheHollow！
Gotohim，’sezhe，’andtellhimezhowIhadn’ttimetogettoseehim;tellhim，’sezhe，’thatRIVERS’——you’vegotthename，Mr。
Key？——you’vegotthename，miss？——’thatRIVERSwantshimtosaythistohislittlesisterfromherlovin’brother。Andtellhim，’
sezhe，thisyerRIVERS，’tolookarterher，beingalone。’Yourememberthat，Mr。Key？yourememberit，miss？Yousee，I
rememberedit，too，being，sotospeak，alonemyself"——hepaused，andaddedinafaintwhisper——"tillnow。"
Thenhewassilent。Thatinnocentliewasthefirstandlastuponhishonestlips;forastheystoodthere，handinhand，theysawhisplain，hardfacetakeuponitself，atfirst，thegray，ashenhuesoftherocksaroundhim，andthenandthereaftersomethingoftheinfinitetranquillityandpeaceofthatwildernessinwhichhehadlivedanddied，andofwhichhewasapart。
Contemporaneoushistorywaslesskindly。The"BaldTopSentinel"
congratulateditsreadersthatthelateseismicdisturbancewasaccompaniedwithverylittlelossoflife，ifany。"Itisreportedthattheproprietorofalowshebeenforemigrantsinanobscurehollowhadsuccumbedfrominjuries;but，"addedtheeditor，withafinetouchofWesternhumor，"whetherthiswastheresultofhisbeingforciblymixedupwithhisowntanglefootwhiskeyornot，weareunabletodeterminefromtheevidencebeforeus。"Forallthat，asmallstoneshaftwasaddedlatertotherocksnearthesiteoftheoldmill，inscribedtothememoryofthisobscureproprietor，"withthesingularlegend："Haveyefaithliketohim？"
Andthosewhoknewonlyofthematerialcatastrophelookingarounduponthesceneofdesolationitcommemorated，thoughtgrimlythatitmustbefaithindeed，and——werewiserthantheyknew。
"Yousmiled，DonPreble，"saidtheLadySuperiortoKeyafewweekslater，"whenItoldtoyouthatmanycaballerosthoughtitmostdiscreettointrusttheirfuturebridestothematernalguardianshipandtrainingoftheHolyChurch;yet，ofatruth，I
meantnotYOU。Andyet——eh！well，weshallsee。"