AsCulpepperenteredthegroveheheardloudvoices。Asheturnedtowardaclumpoftrees，afiguresobizarreandcharacteristicthatitmighthavebeenaresidentDaphne——afigureover-dressedincrimsonsilkandlace，withbarebrownarmsandshoulders，andawreathofhoneysuckle——steppedoutoftheshadow。Itwasfollowedbyaman。Culpepperstarted。Tocometothepointbriefly，herecognizedinthemanthefeaturesofhisrespecteduncle，ColonelStarbottle;inthefemale，aladywhomaybebrieflydescribedasonepossessingabsolutelynoclaimtoanintroductiontothepolitereader。Tohurryoverequallyunpleasantdetails，bothwereevidentlyundertheinfluenceofliquor。
Fromtheexcitedconversationthatensued，Culpeppergatheredthatsomeinsulthadbeenputupontheladyatapublicballwhichshehadattendedthatevening;thattheColonel，herescort，hadfailedtoresentitwiththesanguinarycompletenessthatshedesired。I
regretthat，eveninaliberalage，Imaynotrecordtheexactandevenpicturesquelanguageinwhichthiswasconveyedtoherhearers。Enoughthatatthecloseofafieryperoration，withfeminineinconsistencysheflewatthegallantColonel，andwouldhavevisitedherdelayedvengeanceuponhislucklesshead，butforthepromptinterferenceofCulpepper。Thwartedinthis，shethrewherselfupontheground，andthenintounpicturesquehysterics。
Therewasafinemorallesson，notonlyinthisgrotesqueperformanceofasexwhichcannotaffordtobegrotesque，butintheludicrousconcernwithwhichitinspiredthetwomen。Culpepper，towhomwomanwasmoreorlessangelic，waspainedandsympathetic;theColonel，towhomshewasmoreorlessimproper，wasexceedinglyterrifiedandembarrassed。Howbeitthestormwassoonover，andafterMistressDoloreshadreturnedalittledaggertoitssheath（hergarter），shequietlytookherselfoutofMadronoHollow，andhappilyoutofthesepagesforever。Thetwomen，lefttothemselves，conversedinlowtones。Dawnstoleuponthembeforetheyseparated：theColonelquitesoberedandinfullpossessionofhisusualjauntyself-assertion;Culpepperwithabalefulglowinhishollowcheek，andinhisdarkeyesarisingfire。
ThenextmorningthegeneralearofMadronoHollowwasfilledwithrumorsoftheColonel’smishap。ItwasassertedthathehadbeeninvitedtowithdrawhisfemalecompanionfromtheflooroftheAssemblyBallattheIndependenceHotel，andthat，failingtodothis，bothwereexpelled。Itistoberegrettedthatin1854
publicopinionwasdividedinregardtotheproprietyofthisstep，andthattherewassomediscussionastothecomparativevirtueoftheladieswhowerenotexpelled;butitwasgenerallyconcededthattherealcasusbelliwaspolitical。"IsthisadashedPuritanmeeting？"hadaskedtheColonel，savagely。"It’snoPikeCountyshindig，"hadrespondedthefloor-manager，cheerfully。"You’reaYank！"hadscreamedtheColonel，profanelyqualifyingthenoun。
"Get！youborderruffian，"wasthereply。Suchatleastwasthesubstanceofthereports。As，atthatsincereepoch，expressionsliketheabovewereusuallyfollowedbypromptaction，afracaswasconfidentlylookedfor。
Nothing，however，occurred。ColonelStarbottlemadehisappearancenextdayuponthestreetswithsomewhatofhisusualpomposity，alittlerestrainedbythepresenceofhisnephew，whoaccompaniedhim，andwho，asauniversalfavorite，alsoexercisedsomerestraintuponthecuriousandimpertinent。ButCulpepper’sfaceworealookofanxietyquiteatvariancewithhisusualgraverepose。"TheDondon’tseemtotaketheoldman’sset-backkindly，"observedthesympathizingblacksmith。"P’r’apshewassweetonDoloreshimself，"suggestedthescepticalexpressman。
Itwasabrightmorning，aweekafterthisoccurrence，thatMissJoFolinsbeesteppedfromhergardenintotheroad。Thistimethelatchdidnotclickasshecautiouslyclosedthegatebehindher。
Afteramoment’sirresolution，whichwouldhavebeenawkwardbutthatitwascharminglyemployed，afterthemannerofhersex，inadjustingabowunderadimpledbutratherprominentchin，andinpullingdownthefingersofaneatlyfittingglove，shetrippedtowardthesettlement。Smallwonderthatapassingteamsterdrovehissixmulesintothewaysideditchandimperilledhisload，tokeepthedustfromherspotlessgarments;smallwonderthatthe"LightningExpress"withhelditsspeedandflashtoletherpass，andthattheexpressman，whohadneverbeenknowntoexchangemorethanrapidmonosyllableswithhisfellow-man，gazedafterherwithbreathlessadmiration。Forshewascertainlyattractive。InacountrywheretheornamentalsexfollowedtheexampleofyouthfulNature，andwerepronetooverdressandglaringefflorescence，MissJo’ssimpleandtastefulraimentaddedmuchtothephysicalcharmof，ifitdidnotactuallysuggestasentimentto，herpresence。
ItissaidthatEuchre-deckBilly，workinginthegulchatthecrossing，neversawMissFolinsbeepassbutthathealwaysremarkedapologeticallytohispartner，that"hebelievedheMUSTwritealetterhome。"EvenBillMasters，whosawherinParispresentedtothefavorablecriticismofthatmostfastidiousman，thelateEmperor，saidthatshewasstunning，butabigdiscountonwhatshewasatMadronoHollow。
Itwasstillearlymorning，butthesun，withCaliforniaextravagance，hadalreadybeguntobeathotlyonthelittlechiphatandblueribbons，andMissJowasobligedtoseektheshadeofabypath。Hereshereceivedthetimidadvancesofavagabondyellowdoggraciously，until，emboldenedbyhissuccess，heinsisteduponaccompanyingher，and，becomingslobberinglydemonstrative，threatenedherspotlessskirtwithhisdustypaws，whenshedrovehimfromherwithsomeslightacerbity，andastonewhichhaplyfellwithinfiftyfeetofitsdestinedmark。Havingthusprovedherabilitytodefendherself，withcharacteristicinconsistencyshetookasmallpanic，and，gatheringherwhiteskirtsinonehand，andholdingthebrimofherhatoverhereyeswiththeother，sheranswiftlyatleastahundredyardsbeforeshestopped。Thenshebeganpickingsomefernsandafewwild-flowersstillsparedtothewitheredfields，andthenasuddendistrustofhersmallanklesseizedher，andsheinspectedthemnarrowlyforthoseburrsandbugsandsnakeswhicharesupposedtolieinwaitforhelplesswomanhood。Thenshepluckedsomegoldenheadsofwildoats，andwithasuddeninspirationplacedtheminherblackhair，andthencamequiteunconsciouslyuponthetrailleadingtoMadronoHollow。
Hereshehesitated。Beforeherranthelittletrail，vanishingatlastintotheboskydepthsbelow。Thesunwasveryhot。Shemustbeveryfarfromhome。Whyshouldshenotrestawhileundertheshadeofamadrono？
Sheansweredthesequestionsbygoingthereatonce。Afterthoroughlyexploringthegrove，andsatisfyingherselfthatitcontainednootherlivinghumancreature，shesatdownunderoneofthelargesttrees，withasatisfactorylittlesigh。MissJolovedthemadrono。Itwasacleanlytree;nodusteverlayuponitsvarnishedleaves;itsimmaculateshadeneverwasknowntoharborgruborinsect。
Shelookedupattherosyarmsinterlockedandarchedaboveherhead。Shelookeddownatthedelicatefernsandcryptogamsatherfeet。Somethingglitteredattherootofthetree。Shepickeditup;itwasabracelet。Sheexamineditcarefullyforcipherorinscription;therewasnone。Shecouldnotresistanaturaldesiretoclaspitonherarm，andtosurveyitfromthatadvantageousview-point。Thisabsorbedherattentionforsomemoments;andwhenshelookedupagainshebeheldatalittledistanceCulpepperStarbottle。
Hewasstandingwherehehadhalted，withinstinctivedelicacy，onfirstdiscoveringher。Indeed，hehadevendeliberatedwhetherheoughtnottogoawaywithoutdisturbingher。Butsomefascinationheldhimtothespot。Wonderfulpowerofhumanity！FarbeyondjuttedanoutlyingspuroftheSierra，vast，compact，andsilent。
Scarcelyahundredyardsaway，aleague-longchasmdroppeditssheerwallsofgraniteathousandfeet。Oneverysideroseuptheserriedranksofpine-trees，inwhoseclose-setfilescenturiesofstormandchangehadwroughtnobreach。YetallthisseemedtoCulpeppertohavebeenplannedbyanall-wiseProvidenceasthenaturalbackgroundtothefigureofaprettygirlinayellowdress。
AlthoughMissJohadconfidentlyexpectedtomeetCulpeppersomewhereinherramble，nowthathecameuponhersuddenly，shefeltdisappointedandembarrassed。Hismanner，too，wasmorethanusuallygraveandserious;andmorethaneverseemedtojaruponthataudaciouslevitywhichwasthisgiddygirl’spowerandsecurityinasocietywhereallfeelingwasdangerous。Asheapproachedhersherosetoherfeet，butalmostbeforesheknewithehadtakenherhandanddrawnhertoaseatbesidehim。ThiswasnotwhatMissJohadexpected，butnothingissodifficulttopredicateastheexactpreliminariesofadeclarationoflove。
WhatdidCulpeppersay？Nothing，Ifear，thatwilladdanythingtothewisdomofthereader;nothing，Ifear，thatMissJohadnotheardsubstantiallyfromotherlipsbefore。Buttherewasacertainconviction，fire-speed，andfuryinthemannerthatwasdeliciouslynoveltotheyounglady。Itwascertainlysomethingtobecourtedinthenineteenthcenturywithallthepassionandextravaganceofthesixteenth;itwassomethingtohear，amidtheslangofafrontiersociety，thelanguageofknight-errantrypouredintoherearbythislantern-jawed，dark-broweddescendantoftheCavaliers。
Idonotknowthattherewasanythingmoreinit。Thefacts，however，gotoshowthatatacertainpointMissJodroppedherglove，andthatinrecoveringitCulpepperpossessedhimselffirstofherhandandthenherlips。WhentheystooduptogoCulpepperhadhisarmaroundherwaist，andherblackhair，withitssheafofgoldenoats，restedagainstthebreastpocketofhiscoat。ButeventhenIdonotthinkherfancywasentirelycaptive。ShetookacertainsatisfactioninthisdemonstrationofCulpepper’ssplendidheight，andmentallycompareditwithaformerflame，onelieutenantMcMirk，anactive，butunder-sizedHector，whosubsequentlyfellavictimtotheincautiouslycomposedandmonotonousbeveragesofafrontiergarrison。Norwasshesomuchpreoccupiedbutthatherquickeyes，evenwhileabsorbingCulpepper’sglances，wereyetabletodetect，atadistance，thefigureofamanapproaching。InaninstantsheslippedoutofCulpepper’sarm，and，whippingherhandsbehindher，said，"There’sthathorridman！"
Culpepperlookedupandbeheldhisrespectedunclepantingandblowingoverthehill。HisbrowcontractedasheturnedtoMissJo："Youdon’tlikemyuncle！"
"Ihatehim！"MissJowasrecoveringherreadytongue。
Culpepperblushed。HewouldhavelikedtoenteruponsomedetailsoftheColonel’spedigreeandexploits，buttherewasnottime。Heonlysmiledsadly。ThesmilemeltedMissJo。Sheheldoutherhandquickly，andsaidwithevenmorethanherusualeffrontery，"Don’tletthatmangetyouintoanytrouble。Takecareofyourself，dear，anddon’tletanythinghappentoyou。"
MissJointendedthisspeechtobepathetic;thetenureoflifeamongherlovershadhithertobeenveryuncertain。Culpepperturnedtowardher，butshehadalreadyvanishedinthethicket。
TheColonelcameuppanting。"I’velookedallovertownforyou，andbedashedtoyou，sir。Whowasthatwithyou？"
"Alady。"（Culpepperneverlied，buthewasdiscreet。）
"D——m’emall！Lookyar，Culp，I’vespottedthemanwhogavetheordertoputmeoffthefloor"（"flo"waswhattheColonelsaid）
"theothernight！"
"Whowasit？"askedCulpepper，listlessly。
"JackFolinsbee。"
"Who？"
"Why，thesonofthatdashednigger-worshippingpsalm-singingPuritanYankee。What’sthematter，now？Lookyar，Culp，youain’tgoin’backonyourblood，ar’ye？Youain’tgoin’backonyourword？Yeain’tgoingdownatthefeetofthistrash，likeawhippedhound？"
Culpepperwassilent。Hewasverywhite。Presentlyhelookedupandsaidquietly。"No。"
CulpepperStarbottlehadchallengedJackFolinsbee，andthechallengewasaccepted。ThecauseallegedwastheexpellingofCulpepper’sunclefromtheflooroftheAssemblyBallbytheorderofFolinsbee。ThismuchMadronoHollowknewandcouldswearto;
buttherewereotherstrangerumorsafloat，ofwhichtheblacksmithwasanableexpounder。"Yousee，gentlemen，"hesaidtothecrowdgatheredaroundhisanvil，"Iain’tgotnotheoryofthisaffair，I
onlygiveafewfactsashavecometomyknowledge。CulpepperandJackmeetsquiteaccidentallikeinBob’ssaloon。JackgoesuptoCulpepperandsays，’Awordwithyou。’Culpepperbowsandstepsasideinthisway，JackstandingaboutHERE。"（Theblacksmithdemonstratesthepositionofthepartieswithtwooldhorseshoesontheanvil。）"Jackpullsabraceletfromhispocketandsays，’Doyouknowthatbracelet？’Culpeppersays，’Idonot，’quitecool-
likeandeasy。Jacksays，’Yougaveittomysister。’Culpeppersays，stillcoolasyouplease，’Ididnot。’Jacksays，’Youlie，G-dd-mnyou，’anddrawshisderringer。Culpepperjumpsforwardabouthere"（referenceismadetothediagram）"andJackfires。
Nobodyhit。It’samightycur’o’sthing，gentlemen，"continuedtheblacksmith，droppingsuddenlyintotheabstract，andleaningmeditativelyonhisanvil，——"it’samightycur’o’sthingthatnobodygetshitsooften。Youandmeemptiesourrevolverssociablyateachotheroveralittlegame，andtheroomfullandnobodygetshit！That’swhatgetsme。"
"Nevermind，Thompson，"chimedinBillMasters，"there’sanotherandabetterworldwhereweshallknowallthatand——becomebettershots。Goonwithyourstory。"
"Well，somegrabsCulpepperandsomegrabsJack，andsoseparatesthem。ThenJacktells’emashowhehadseenhissisterwearabraceletwhichheknewwasonethathadbeengiventoDoloresbyColonelStarbottle。ThatMissJowouldn’tsaywhereshegotit，butowneduptohavingseenCulpepperthatday。Thenthemostcur’o’sthingofityet，whatdoesCulpepperdobutriseupandtakesallbackthathesaid，andallowsthatheDIDgiveherthebracelet。Nowmyopinion，gentlemen，isthathelied;itain’tlikethatmantogiveagalthatherespectsanythingoffofthatpiece，Dolores。Butit’sallthesamenow，andthere’sbutonethingtobedone。"
ThewaythisonethingwasdonebelongstotherecordofMadronoHollow。Themorningwasbrightandclear;theairwasslightlychill，butthatwasfromthemistwhicharosealongthebanksoftheriver。Asearlyassixo’clockthedesignatedground——alittleopeninginthemadronogrove——wasoccupiedbyCulpepperStarbottle，ColonelStarbottle，hissecond，andthesurgeon。TheColonelwasexaltedandexcited，albeitinaratherimposing，dignifiedway，andpointedouttothesurgeontheexcellenceoftheground，whichatthathourwaswhollyshadedfromthesun，whosesteadystareismoreorlessdiscomposingtoyourduellist。Thesurgeonthrewhimselfonthegrassandsmokedhiscigar。Culpepper，quietandthoughtful，leanedagainstatreeandgazeduptheriver。Therewasastrangesuggestionofapicnicaboutthegroup，whichwasheightenedwhentheColoneldrewabottlefromhiscoat-tails，and，takingapreliminarydraught，offeredittotheothers。"Cocktails，sir，"heexplainedwithdignifiedprecision。"Agentleman，sir，shouldnevergooutwithout’em。Keepsoffthemorningchill。I
remembergoingoutin’53withHankBoompirater。Goodged，sir，themanhadtoputonhisovercoat，andwasshotinit。Fact。"
ButthenoiseofwheelsdrownedtheColonel’sreminiscences，andarapidlydrivenbuggy，containingJackFolinsbee，CalhounBungstarter，hissecond，andBillMasters，drewupontheground。
JackFolinsbeeleapedoutgayly。"Ihadthejolliestworktogetawaywithoutthegovernor’shearing，"hebegan，addressingthegroupbeforehimwiththegreatestvolubility。CalhounBungstartertouchedhisarm，andtheyoungmanblushed。Itwashisfirstduel。
"Ifyouareready，gentlemen，"saidMr。Bungstarter，"wehadbetterproceedtobusiness。Ibelieveitisunderstoodthatnoapologywillbeofferedoraccepted。Wemayaswellsettlepreliminariesatonce，orIfearweshallbeinterrupted。ThereisarumorintownthattheVigilanceCommitteeareseekingourfriendstheStarbottles，andIbelieve，astheirfellow-countryman，Ihavethehonortobeincludedintheirwarrant。"
Atthisprobabilityofinterruption，thatgravitywhichhadhithertobeenwantingfelluponthegroup。Thepreliminariesweresoonarrangedandtheprincipalsplacedinposition。Thentherewasasilence。
Toaspectatorfromthehill，impressedwiththepicnicsuggestion，whatmighthavebeenthepoppingoftwochampagnecorksbrokethestillness。
Culpepperhadfiredintheair。ColonelStarbottleutteredalowcurse。JackFolinsbeesulkilydemandedanothershot。
Againthepartiesstoodopposedtoeachother。Againthewordwasgiven，andwhatseemedtobethesimultaneousreportofbothpistolsroseupontheair。ButafteranintervalofafewsecondsallweresurprisedtoseeCulpepperslowlyraisehisunexplodedweaponandfireitharmlesslyabovehishead。Then，throwingthepistolupontheground，hewalkedtoatreeandleanedsilentlyagainstit。
JackFolinsbeeflewintoaparoxysmoffury。ColonelStarbottleravedandswore。Mr。Bungstarterwasproperlyshockedattheirconduct。"Really，gentlemen，ifMr。CulpepperStarbottledeclinesanothershot，Idonotseehowwecanproceed。"
ButtheColonel’sbloodwasup，andJackFolinsbeewasequallyimplacable。Ahurriedconsultationensued，whichendedbyColonelStarbottletakinghisnephew’splaceasprincipal，BillMastersactingassecond，viceMr。Bungstarter，whodeclinedallfurtherconnectionwiththeaffair。
TwodistinctreportsrangthroughtheHollow。JackFolinsbeedroppedhissmokingpistol，tookastepforward，andthendroppedheavilyuponhisface。
Inamomentthesurgeonwasathisside。Theconfusionwasheightenedbythetramplingofhoofs，andthevoiceoftheblacksmithbiddingthemfleefortheirlivesbeforethecomingstorm。Amomentmoreandthegroundwascleared，andthesurgeon，lookingup，beheldonlythewhitefaceofCulpepperbendingoverhim。
"Canyousavehim？"
"Icannotsay。Holduphisheadamoment，whileIruntothebuggy。"
Culpepperpassedhisarmtenderlyaroundtheneckoftheinsensibleman。Presentlythesurgeonreturnedwithsomestimulants。
"There，thatwilldo，Mr。Starbottle，thankyou。Nowmyadviceistogetawayfromherewhileyoucan。I’lllookafterFolinsbee。
Doyouhear？"
Culpepper’sarmwasstillroundtheneckofhislatefoe，buthisheadhaddroopedandfallenonthewoundedman’sshoulder。Thesurgeonlookeddown，and，catchingsightofhisface，stoopedandliftedhimgentlyinhisarms。Heopenedhiscoatandwaistcoat。
Therewasblooduponhisshirt，andabullet-holeinhisbreast。
Hehadbeenshotuntodeathatthefirstfire。
THEPOETOFSIERRAFLAT。
Astheenterprisingeditorofthe"SierraFlatRecord"stoodathiscasesettingtypeforhisnextweek’spaper，hecouldnothelphearingthewoodpeckerswhowerebusyontheroofabovehishead。
Itoccurredtohimthatpossiblythebirdshadnotyetlearnedtorecognizeintherudestructureanyimprovementonnature，andthisideapleasedhimsomuchthatheincorporateditintheeditorialarticlewhichhewasthendoublycomposing。Fortheeditorwasalsoprinterofthe"Record";andalthoughthatremarkablejournalwasreputedtoexertapowerfeltthroughallCalaverasandagreaterpartofTuolumneCounty，stricteconomywasoneoftheconditionsofitsbeneficentexistence。
Thuspreoccupied，hewasstartledbythesuddenirruptionofasmallrollofmanuscript，whichwasthrownthroughtheopendoorandfellathisfeet。Hewalkedquicklytothethresholdandlookeddownthetangledtrailwhichledtothehigh-road。Buttherewasnothingtosuggestthepresenceofhismysteriouscontributor。Aharelimpedslowlyaway，agreen-and-goldlizardpauseduponapinestump，thewoodpeckersceasedtheirwork。Socompletehadbeenhissylvanseclusion，thathefounditdifficulttoconnectanyhumanagencywiththeact;ratherthehareseemedtohaveaninexpressiblyguiltylook，thewoodpeckerstomaintainasignificantsilence，andthelizardtobeconscience-strickenintostone。
Anexaminationofthemanuscript，however，correctedthisinjusticetodefencelessnature。Itwasevidentlyofhumanorigin，——beingverse，andofexceedingbadquality。Theeditorlaiditaside。Ashedidsohethoughthesawafaceatthewindow。Sallyingoutinsomeindignation，hepenetratedthesurroundingthicketineverydirection，buthissearchwasasfruitlessasbefore。Thepoet，ifitwerehe，wasgone。
Afewdaysafterthistheeditorialseclusionwasinvadedbyvoicesofalternateexpostulationandentreaty。Steppingtothedoor，theeditorwasamazedatbeholdingMr。MorganMcCorkle，awell-knowncitizenofAngelo，andasubscribertothe"Record，"intheactofurging，partlybyforceandpartlybyargument，anawkwardyoungmantowardthebuilding。Whenhehadfinallyeffectedhisobject，and，asitwere，safelylandedhisprizeinachair，Mr。McCorkletookoffhishat，carefullywipedthenarrowisthmusofforeheadwhichdividedhisblackbrowsfromhisstubbyhair，andwithanexplanatorywaveofhishandtowardhisreluctantcompanion，said，"Abornedpoet，andthecussedestfoolyoueverseed！"
Acceptingtheeditor’ssmileasarecognitionoftheintroduction，Mr。McCorklepantedandwenton："Didn’twanttocome！’MisterEditordon’twenttoseeme，Morg，’sezhe。’Milt，’sezI，’hedo;
abornedpoetlikeyouandagiftedgeniuslikeheoughtercometogethersociable！’AndIfetchedhim。Ah，willyer？"Thebornpoethad，afterexhibitingsignsofgreatdistress，startedtorun。
ButMr。McCorklewasdownuponhiminstantly，seizinghimbyhislonglinencoat，andsettledhimbackinhischair。"Tain’tnousestampeding。Yeryeareandyeryestays。Foryerabornedpoet，——
efyeareasshyasajackassrabbit。Lookat’imnow！"
Hecertainlywasnotanattractivepicture。Therewashardlyanotablefeatureinhisweakface，excepthiseyes，whichweremoistandshyandnotunliketheanimaltowhichMr。McCorklehadcomparedhim。Itwasthefacethattheeditorhadseenatthewindow。
"Knowedhimforfoweryear，——sincehewaraboy，"continuedMr。
McCorkleinaloudwhisper。"Allersthesame，blessyou！Canjerkarhymeaseasyasturnin’jack。Neverhadanyeddication;livedoutinMissoorayallhislife。Buthe’schockfullo’poetry。
On’ythismornin’sezItohim，——hecampsalongo’me，——’Milt！’sezI，’arebreakfastready？’andheupandanswersbackquitepeertandchipper，’Thebreakfastitisready，andthebirdsissingingfree，andit’srisin’inthedawnin’lightishappinesstome！’
Whenaman，"saidMr。McCorkle，droppinghisvoicewithdeepsolemnity，"getsoffthingslikethem，withoutanycalltodoit，andhandlin’flapjacksoveracookstoveatthesametime，——thatman’sabornedpoet。"
Therewasanawkwardpause。Mr。McCorklebeamedpatronizinglyonhisprotege。Thebornpoetlookedasifheweremeditatinganotherflight，——notametaphoricalone。Theeditoraskedifhecoulddoanythingforthem。
"Incourseyoucan，"respondedMr。McCorkle，"that’sjestit。
Milt，where’sthatpoetry！"
Theeditor’scountenancefellasthepoetproducedfromhispocketarollofmanuscript。He，however，tookitmechanicallyandglancedoverit。Itwasevidentlyaduplicateoftheformermysteriouscontribution。
Theeditorthenspokebrieflybutearnestly。IregretthatIcannotrecallhisexactwords，butitappearedthatneverbefore，inthehistoryofthe"Record，"hadthepressurebeensogreatuponitscolumns。Mattersofparamountimportance，deeplyaffectingthematerialprogressofSierra，questionstouchingtheabsoluteintegrityofCalaverasandTuolumneassocialcommunities，wereevennowwaitingexpression。Weeks，nay，months，mustelapsebeforethatpressurewouldberemoved，andthe"Record"couldgrapplewithanybutthesternestoftopics。Again，theeditorhadnoticedwithpaintheabsolutedeclineofpoetryinthefoot-hillsoftheSierras。
EventheworksofByronandMooreattractednoattentioninDutchFlat，andaprejudiceseemedtoexistagainstTennysoninGrassValley。Buttheeditorwasnotwithouthopeforthefuture。Inthecourseoffourorfiveyears，whenthecountrywassettled，——
"Whatwouldbethecosttoprintthisyer？"interruptedMr。
McCorkle，quietly。
"Aboutfiftydollars，asanadvertisement，"respondedtheeditorwithcheerfulalacrity。
Mr。McCorkleplacedthesumintheeditor’shand。"Yerseethet’swhatIseztoMilt，’Milt，’sezI，’payasyougo，foryouareabornedpoet。Hevinnocalltowrite，butdoin’itfreeandspontaneouslike，incourseyoupays。Thet’swhyMr。Editorneverprintedyourpoetry。’"
"WhatnameshallIputtoit？"askedtheeditor。
"Milton。"
Itwasthefirstwordthatthebornpoethadspokenduringtheinterview，andhisvoicewassoverysweetandmusicalthattheeditorlookedathimcuriously，andwonderedifhehadasister。
"Milton;isthatall？"
"Thet’shisfurstname，"exclaimedMr。McCorkle。
Theeditorheresuggestedthatastherehadbeenanotherpoetofthatname——
"Miltmightbetookforhim！Thet’sbad，"reflectedMr。McCorklewithsimplegravity。"Well，putdownhishullname，——MiltonChubbuck。"
Theeditormadeanoteofthefact。"I’llsetitupnow，"hesaid。
Thiswasalsoahintthattheinterviewwasended。Thepoetandpatron，arminarm，drewtowardsthedoor。"Innextweek’spaper，"
saidtheeditor，smilingly，inanswertothechildlikelookofinquiryintheeyesofthepoet，andinanothermomenttheyweregone。
Theeditorwasasgoodashisword。Hestraight-waybetookhimselftohiscase，and，unrollingthemanuscript，beganhistask。Thewoodpeckersontheroofrecommencedtheirs，andinafewmomentstheformersylvanseclusionwasrestored。Therewasnosoundinthebarren，barn-likeroombutthebirdsabove，andbelowtheclickofthecomposing-ruleastheeditormarshalledthetypesintolinesinhisstick，andarrayedtheminsolidcolumnonthegalley。
Whatevermighthavebeenhisopinionofthecopybeforehim，therewasnoindicationofitinhisface，whichworethestolidindifferenceofhiscraft。Perhapsthiswasunfortunate，forasthedayworeonandthelevelraysofthesunbegantopiercetheadjacentthicket，theysoughtoutanddiscoveredananxiousambushedfiguredrawnupbesidetheeditor’swindow，——afigurethathadsattheremotionlessforhours。Within，theeditorworkedonassteadilyandimpassivelyasFate。Andwithout，thebornpoetofSierraFlatsatandwatchedhimaswaitingitsdecree。
TheeffectofthepoemonSierraFlatwasremarkableandunprecedented。Theabsolutevilenessofitsdoggerel，thegratuitousimbecilityofitsthought，andaboveallthecrowningaudacityofthefactthatitwastheworkofacitizenandpublishedinthecountypaper，broughtitinstantlyintopopularity。FormanymonthsCalaverashadlanguishedforasensation;sincethelastvigilancecommitteenothinghadtranspiredtodispelthelistlessennuibegottenofstagnantbusinessandgrowingcivilization。Inmoreprosperousmomentstheofficeofthe"Record"wouldhavebeensimplyguttedandtheeditordeported;atpresentthepaperwasinsuchdemandthattheeditionwasspeedilyexhausted。Inbrief，thepoemofMr。MiltonChubbuckcamelikeaspecialprovidencetoSierraFlat。Itwasreadbycamp-fires，inlonelycabins，inflaringbar-roomsandnoisysaloons，anddeclaimedfromtheboxesofstagecoaches。ItwassunginPokerFlatwiththeadditionofalocalchorus，anddancedasanunhallowedrhythmicdancebythePyrrhicphalanxofOneHorseGulch，knownas"TheFestiveStagsofCalaveras。"Someunhappyambiguitiesofexpressiongaverisetomanynewreadings，notes，andcommentaries，which，Iregrettostate，weremoreoftenmarkedbyingenuitythandelicacyofthoughtorexpression。
Neverbeforedidpoetacquiresuchsuddenlocalreputation。FromtheseclusionofMcCorkle’scabinandtheobscurityofculinarylabors，hewashaledforthintotheglowingsunshineofFame。ThenameofChubbuckwaswritteninlettersofchalkonunpaintedwalls，andcarvedwithapickonthesidesoftunnels。Adrinkknownvariouslyas"TheChubbuckTranquillizer，"or"TheChubbuckExalter，"wasdispensedatthebars。ForsomeweeksarudedesignforaChubbuckstatue，madeupofillustrationsfromcircusandmelodeonposters，representingthegeniusofCalaverasinbriefskirtsonaflyingsteedintheactofcrowningthepoetChubbuck，wasvisibleatKeeler’sFerry。Thepoethimselfwasoverbornewithinvitationstodrinkandextravagantcongratulations。ThemeetingbetweenColonelStarbottleofSiskyionandChubbuck，aspreviouslyarrangedbyour"Boston，"lateofRoaringCamp，issaidtohavebeenindescribablyaffecting。TheColonelembracedhimunsteadily。
"IcouldnotreturntomyconstituentsatSiskyion，sir，ifthishand，whichhasgraspedthatofthegiftedPrenticeandthelamentedPoe，shouldnothavebeenhonoredbythetouchofthegodlikeChubbuck。Gentlemen，Americanliteratureislookingup。
Thankyou，Iwilltakesugarinmine。"Itwas"Boston"whoinditedlettersofcongratulationsfromH。W。Longfellow，Tennyson，andBrowning，toMr。Chubbuck，depositedthemintheSierraFlatpost-
office，andobliginglyconsentedtodictatethereplies。
Thesimplefaithandunaffecteddelightwithwhichthesemanifestationswerereceivedbythepoetandhispatronmighthavetouchedtheheartsofthesegrimmastersofirony，butforthesuddenandequaldevelopmentinbothofthevarietyofweaknatures。Mr。McCorklebaskedinthepopularityofhisprotege，andbecamealternatelysuperciliousorpatronizingtowardthedwellersofSierraFlat;whilethepoet，withhaircarefullyoiledandcurled，andbedeckedwithcheapjewelryandflauntingneck-
handkerchief，paradedhimselfbeforethesinglehotel。Asmaybeimagined，thisnewdisclosureofweaknessaffordedintensesatisfactiontoSierraFlat，gaveanotherleaseofpopularitytothepoet，andsuggestedanotherideatothefacetious"Boston。"
Atthattimeayoungladypopularlyandprofessionallyknownasthe"CaliforniaPet"wasperformingtoenthusiasticaudiencesintheinterior。Herspecialtylayinthepersonationofyouthfulmasculinecharacter;asagaminofthestreetshewasirresistible，asanegro-dancershecarriedthehonestminer’sheartbystorm。A
saucy，prettybrunette，shehadpreservedawonderfulmoralreputationevenundertheJove-likeadvancesofshowersofgoldthatgreetedherappearanceonthestageatSierraFlat。A
prominentanddelightedmemberofthataudiencewasMiltonChubbuck。Heattendedeverynight。EverydayhelingeredatthedooroftheUnionHotelforaglimpseofthe"CaliforniaPet。"Itwasnotlongbeforehereceivedanotefromher，——in"Boston’s"
mostpopularandapprovedfemalehand，——acknowledginghisadmiration。Itwasnotlongbefore"Boston"wascalledupontoinditeasuitablereply。Atlast，infurtheranceofhisfacetiousdesign，itbecamenecessaryfor"Boston"tocallupontheyoungactressherselfandsecureherpersonalparticipation。Toherheunfoldedaplan，thesuccessfulcarryingoutofwhichhefeltwouldsecurehisfametoposterityasapracticalhumorist。The"CaliforniaPet’s"blackeyessparkledapprovinglyandmischievously。
Sheonlystipulatedthatsheshouldseethemanfirst，——aconcessiontoherfeminineweaknesswhichyearsofdancingJubaandwearingtrousersandbootshadnotwhollyeradicatedfromherwilfulbreast。
Byallmeans，itshouldbedone。Andtheinterviewwasarrangedforthenextweek。
ItmustnotbesupposedthatduringthisintervalofpopularityMr。
Chubbuckhadbeenunmindfulofhispoeticqualities。Acertainportionofeachdayhewasabsentfromtown，——"acommunin’withnatur’，"asMr。McCorkleexpressedit，——andactuallywanderinginthemountaintrails，orlyingonhisbackunderthetrees，orgatheringfragrantherbsandthebright-coloredberriesoftheMarzanita。Theseandhiscompanyhegenerallybroughttotheeditor’soffice，lateintheafternoon，oftentothatenterprisingjournalist’sinfiniteweariness。Quietanduncommunicative，hewouldsittherepatientlywatchinghimathisworkuntilthehourforclosingtheofficearrived，whenhewouldasquietlydepart。
Therewassomethingsohumbleandunobtrusiveinthesevisits，thattheeditorcouldnotfinditinhishearttodenythem，andacceptingthem，likethewoodpeckers，asapartofhissylvansurroundings，oftenforgotevenhispresence。Onceortwice，movedbysomebeautyofexpressioninthemoist，shyeyes，hefeltlikeseriouslyadmonishinghisvisitorofhisidlefolly;buthisglancefallingupontheoiledhairandthegorgeousnecktie，heinvariablythoughtbetterofit。Thecasewasevidentlyhopeless。
TheinterviewbetweenMr。Chubbuckandthe"CaliforniaPet"tookplaceinaprivateroomoftheUnionHotel;proprietybeingrespectedbythepresenceofthatarch-humorist，"Boston。"Tothisgentlemanweareindebtedfortheonlytrueaccountofthemeeting。
HoweverreticentMr。Chubbuckmighthavebeeninthepresenceofhisownsex，towardthefairerportionofhumanityhewas，likemostpoets，exceedinglyvoluble。Accustomedasthe"CaliforniaPet"hadbeentoexcessivecompliment，shewasfairlyembarrassedbytheextravagantpraisesofhervisitor。Herpersonationofboycharacters，herdancingofthe"championjig，"wereparticularlydweltuponwithfervidbutunmistakableadmiration。Atlast，recoveringheraudacityandemboldenedbythepresenceof"Boston，"
the"CaliforniaPet"electrifiedherhearersbydemanding，halfjestingly，halfviciously，ifitwereasaboyoragirlthatshewasthesubjectofhisflatteringadmiration。
"Thatknockedhimouto’time，"saidthedelighted"Boston，"inhissubsequentaccountoftheinterview。"Butdoyoubelievethed————dfoolactuallyaskedhertotakehimwithher;wantedtoengageinthecompany。"
Theplan，asbrieflyunfoldedby"Boston，"wastoprevailuponMr。
Chubbucktomakehisappearanceincostume（alreadydesignedandpreparedbytheinventor）beforeaSierraFlataudience，andreciteanoriginalpoemattheHallimmediatelyontheconclusionofthe"CaliforniaPet’s"performance。Atagivensignaltheaudienceweretoriseanddeliveravolleyofunsavoryarticles（previouslyprovidedbytheoriginatorofthescheme）;thenaselectfewweretorushonthestage，seizethepoet，and，aftermarchinghimintriumphalprocessionthroughtown，weretodeposithimbeyonditsuttermostlimits，withstrictinjunctionsnevertoenteritagain。
Tothefirstpartoftheplanthepoetwascommitted，forthelatterportionitwaseasyenoughtofindparticipants。
Theeventfulnightcame，andwithitanaudiencethatpackedthelongnarrowroomwithonedensemassofhumanbeings。The"CaliforniaPet"neverhadbeensojoyous，soreckless，sofascinatingandaudaciousbefore。ButtheapplausewastameandweakcomparedtotheironicaloutburstthatgreetedthesecondrisingofthecurtainandtheentranceofthebornpoetofSierraFlat。Thentherewasahushofexpectancy，andthepoetsteppedtothefoot-lightsandstoodwithhismanuscriptinhishand。
Hisfacewasdeadlypale。Eithertherewassomesuggestionofhisfateinthefacesofhisaudience，orsomemysteriousinstincttoldhimofhisdanger。Heattemptedtospeak，butfaltered，tottered，andstaggeredtothewings。
Fearfuloflosinghisprey，"Boston"gavethesignalandleapeduponthestage。Butatthesamemomentalightfiguredartedfrombehindthescenes，anddeliveringakickthatsentthediscomfitedhumoristbackamongthemusicians，cutapigeon-wing，executedadouble-shuffle，andthenadvancingtothefoot-lightswiththatinimitablelook，thataudaciousswaggerandutterabandonwhichhadsothrilledandfascinatedthemamomentbefore，utteredthecharacteristicspeech："Wotareyougoin’tohitamanfur，whenhe’sdown，s-a-a-y？"
Thelook，thedrawl，theaction，thereadiness，andaboveallthedownrightcourageofthelittlewoman，haditseffect。Aroarofsympatheticapplausefollowedtheact。"Cutandrunwhileyoucan，"shewhisperedhurriedlyoverheroneshoulder，withoutalteringtheother’sattitudeofpertandsaucydefiancetowardtheaudience。Butevenasshespokethepoettotteredandsankfaintinguponthestage。Thenshethrewadespairingwhisperbehindthescenes，"Ringdownthecurtain。"
Therewasaslightmovementofoppositionintheaudience，butamongthemrosetheburlyshouldersofYubaBill，thetall，erectfigureofHenryYorkofSandyBar，andthecolorless，determinedfaceofJohnOakhurst。Thecurtaincamedown。
Behinditkneltthe"CaliforniaPet"besidetheprostratepoet。
"Bringmesomewater。Runforadoctor。Stop！！CLEAROUT，ALLOF
YOU！"
Shehadunloosedthegaudycravatandopenedtheshirt-collaroftheinsensiblefigurebeforeher。Thensheburstintoanhystericallaugh。
"Manuela！"
Hertiring-woman，aMexicanhalf-breed，cametowardher。
"Helpmewithhimtomydressing-room，quick;thenstandoutsideandwait。Ifanyonequestionsyou，tellthemhe’sgone。Doyouhear？HE’sgone。"
Theoldwomandidasshewasbade。Inafewmomentstheaudiencehaddeparted。Beforemorningsoalsohadthe"CaliforniaPet，"
Manuela，and——thepoetofSierraFlat。
But，alas！withthemalsohaddepartedthefairfameofthe"CaliforniaPet。"Onlyafew，andtheseitistobefearedofnotthebestmoralcharacterthemselves，stillhadfaithinthestainlesshonoroftheirfavoriteactress。"Itwasamightyfoolishthingtodo，butit’llallcomeoutrightyet。"Ontheotherhand，amajoritygaveherfullcreditandapprobationforherundoubtedpluckandgallantry，butdeploredthatsheshouldhavethrownitawayuponaworthlessobject。ToelectforaloverthedespisedandridiculedvagrantofSierraFlat，whohadnoteventhemanlinesstostandupinhisowndefence，wasnotonlyevidenceofinherentmoraldepravity，butwasaninsulttothecommunity。
ColonelStarbottlesawinitonlyanotherinstanceoftheextremefrailtyofthesex;hehadknownsimilarcases;andremembereddistinctly，sir，howawell-knownPhiladelphiaheiress，oneofthefinestwomenthateverrodeinherkerridge，that，gad，sir！hadthrownoveraSouthernmemberofCongresstoconsortwithad————dnigger。TheColonelhadalsonoticedasingularlookinthedog’seyewhichhedidnotentirelyfancy。Hewouldnotsayanythingagainstthelady，sir，buthehadnoticed——AndherehaplytheColonelbecamesomysteriousanddarklyconfidentialastobeunintelligibleandinaudibletothebystanders。
AfewdaysafterthedisappearanceofMr。ChubbuckasingularreportreachedSierraFlat，anditwasnoticedthat"Boston，"whosincethefailureofhiselaboratejokehadbeenevenmoredepressedinspiritsthanishabitualwithgreathumorists，suddenlyfoundthathispresencewasrequiredinSanFrancisco。
Butasyetnothingbutthevaguestsurmiseswereafloat，andnothingdefinitewasknown。
Itwasapleasantafternoonwhentheeditorofthe"SierraFlatRecord"lookedupfromhiscaseandbeheldthefigureofMr。MorganMcCorklestandinginthedoorway。Therewasadistressedlookonthefaceofthatworthygentlemanthatatonceenlistedtheeditor’ssympathizingattention。Heheldanopenletterinhishand，asheadvancedtowardthemiddleoftheroom。
"Asamanashasallersborneafairreputation，"beganMr。
McCorkleslowly，"Ishouldlike，ifsobeasIcould，MisterEditor，tomakeacorrectioninthecolumnsofyourvalooablepaper。"
Mr。Editorbeggedhimtoproceed。
"YemaynotdisrememberthataboutamonthagoIfetchedherewhatsobeaswe’llcallayoungmanwhosenamemightbeasitwereMilton——MiltonChubbuck。"
Mr。Editorrememberedperfectly。
"ThetsamepartyI’dknowedbetternorfoweryear，twoon’emcampin’outtogether。NotthatI’dknownhimallthetime，furhewarshyandstrangeatspellsandhadoddwaysthatItookwarnat’raltoabornedpoet。YemayrememberthatIsaidhewasabornedpoet？"
Theeditordistinctlydid。
"IpickedthissamepartyupinSt。Jo。，takin’afancytohisface，andkindercalklatinghe’drunn’dawayfromhome，——forI’mamarriedman，Mr。Editor，andhevchildrenofmyown，——andthinkin’
belikehewasabornedpoet。"
"Well？"saidtheeditor。
"AndasIsaidbefore，Ishouldlikenowtomakeacorrectioninthecolumnsofyourvalooablepaper。"
"Whatcorrection！"askedtheeditor。
"Isaid，efyouremembermywords，ashowhewasabornedpoet。"
"Yes。"
"FromstatementsinthisyerletteritseemsashowIwarwrong。"
"Well！"
"Shewarawoman。"
THECHRISTMASGIFTTHATCAMETORUPERT。
ASTORYFORLITTLESOLDIERS。
ItwastheChristmasseasoninCalifornia，——aseasonoffallingrainandspringinggrasses。Therewereintervalswhen，throughdrivingcloudsandflyingscud，thesunvisitedthehaggardhillswithamiracle，anddeathandresurrectionwereasone，andoutoftheverythroesofdecayajoyouslifestruggledoutwardandupward。Eventhestormsthatsweptdownthedeadleavesnurturedthetenderbudsthattooktheirplaces。Therewerenoepisodesofsnowysilence;overthequickeningfieldsthefarmer’sploughsharehardfollowedthefurrowsleftbythelatestrains。PerhapsitwasforthisreasonthattheChristmasevergreenswhichdecoratedthedrawing-roomtookuponthemselvesaforeignaspect，andofferedaweirdcontrasttotheroses，seendimlythroughthewindows，asthesouthwestwindbeattheirsoftfacesagainstthepanes。
"Now，"saidtheDoctor，drawinghischairclosertothefire，andlookingmildlybutfirmlyatthesemicircleofflaxenheadsaroundhim，"IwantitdistinctlyunderstoodbeforeIbeginmystory，thatIamnottobeinterruptedbyanyridiculousquestions。AtthefirstoneIshallstop。Atthesecond，Ishallfeelitmydutytoadministeradoseofcastor-oil，allaround。Theboythatmoveshislegsorarmswillbeunderstoodtoinviteamputation。Ihavebroughtmyinstrumentswithme，andneverallowpleasuretointerferewithmybusiness。Doyoupromise？"
"Yes，sir，"saidsixsmallvoices，simultaneously。Thevolleywas，however，followedbyhalfadozendroppingquestions。
"Silence！Bob，putyourfeetdown，andstoprattlingthatsword。
Florashallsitbymyside，likealittlelady，andbeanexampletotherest。FungTangshallstay，too，ifhelikes。Now，turndownthegasalittle;there，thatwilldo，——justenoughtomakethefirelookbrighter，andtoshowofftheChristmascandles。
Silence，everybody！Theboywhocracksanalmond，orbreathestooloudoverhisraisins，willbeputoutoftheroom？"
Therewasaprofoundsilence。Boblaidhisswordtenderlyaside，andnursedhislegthoughtfully。Flora，aftercoquettishlyadjustingthepocketofherlittleapron，putherarmupontheDoctor’sshoulder，andpermittedherselftobedrawnbesidehim。
FungTang，thelittleheathenpage，whowaspermitted，onthisrareoccasion，tosharetheChristianrevelsinthedrawing-room，surveyedthegroupwithasmilethatwasatoncesweetandphilosophical。ThelighttickingofaFrenchclockonthemantel，supportedbyayoungshepherdessofbronzecomplexionandgreatsymmetryoflimb，wastheonlysoundthatdisturbedtheChristmas-
likepeaceoftheapartment，——apeacewhichheldtheodorsofevergreens，newtoys，cedar-boxes，glue，andvarnishinanharmoniouscombinationthatpassedallunderstanding。
"Aboutfouryearsagoatthistime，"begantheDoctor，"Iattendedacourseoflecturesinacertaincity。Oneoftheprofessors，whowasasociable，kindlyman，——thoughsomewhatpracticalandhard-
headed，——invitedmetohishouseonChristmasnight。Iwasverygladtogo，asIwasanxioustoseeoneofhissons，who，thoughonlytwelveyearsold，wassaidtobeveryclever。IdarenottellyouhowmanyLatinversesthislittlefellowcouldrecite，orhowmanyEnglishoneshehadcomposed。Inthefirstplace，you’dwantmetorepeatthem;secondly，I’mnotajudgeofpoetry，LatinorEnglish。Buttherewerejudgeswhosaidtheywerewonderfulforaboy，andeverybodypredictedasplendidfutureforhim。Everybodybuthisfather。Heshookhisheaddoubtingly，wheneveritwasmentioned，for，asIhavetoldyou，hewasapractical，matter-of-
factman。
"TherewasapleasantpartyattheProfessor’sthatnight。Allthechildrenoftheneighborhoodwerethere，andamongthemtheProfessor’scleverson，Rupert，astheycalledhim，——athinlittlechap，aboutastallasBobbythere，andasfairanddelicateasFlorabymyside。Hishealthwasfeeble，hisfathersaid;heseldomranaboutandplayedwithotherboys，preferringtostayathomeandbroodoverhisbooks，andcomposewhathecalledhisverses。
"Well，wehadaChristmas-treejustlikethis，andwehadbeenlaughingandtalking，callingoffthenamesofthechildrenwhohadpresentsonthetree，andeverybodywasveryhappyandjoyous，whenoneofthechildrensuddenlyutteredacryofmingledsurpriseandhilarity，andsaid，’Here’ssomethingforRupert;andwhatdoyouthinkitis？’
"Weallguessed。’Adesk’;’AcopyofMilton’;’Agoldpen’;’A
rhymingdictionary？’No？whatthen？’
"’Adrum！’
"’Awhat？’askedeverybody。
"’Adrum！withRupert’snameonit？’
"Sureenoughthereitwas。Agood-sized，bright，new，brass-bounddrum，withaslipofpaperonit，withtheinscription，’FOR
RUPERT。’
"Ofcoursewealllaughed，andthoughtitagoodjoke。’Youseeyou’retomakeanoiseintheworld，Rupert！’saidone。’Here’sparchmentforthepoet，’saidanother。’Rupert’slastworkinsheepskincovers，’saidathird。’Giveusaclassicaltune，Rupert，’saidafourth;andsoon。ButRupertseemedtoomortifiedtospeak;hechangedcolor，bithislips，andfinallyburstintoapassionatefitofcrying，andlefttheroom。Thenthosewhohadjokedhimfeltashamed，andeverybodybegantoaskwhohadputthedrumthere。Butnooneknew，oriftheydid，theunexpectedsympathyawakenedforthesensitiveboykeptthemsilent。Eventheservantswerecalledupandquestioned，butnoonecouldgiveanyideawhereitcamefrom。And，whatwasstillmoresingular，everybodydeclaredthatuptothemomentitwasproduced，noonehadseenithangingonthetree。WhatdoIthink？Well，Ihavemyownopinion。Butnoquestions！EnoughforyoutoknowthatRupertdidnotcomedownstairsagainthatnight，andthepartysoonafterbrokeup。
"Ihadalmostforgottenthosethings，forthewaroftheRebellionbrokeoutthenextspring，andIwasappointedsurgeoninoneofthenewregiments，andwasonmywaytotheseatofwar。ButIhadtopassthroughthecitywheretheProfessorlived，andthereImethim。MyfirstquestionwasaboutRupert。TheProfessorshookhisheadsadly。’He’snotsowell，’hesaid;’hehasbeendecliningsincelastChristmas，whenyousawhim。Averystrangecase，’headded，givingitalongLatinname，——’averysingularcase。Butgoandseehimyourself，’heurged;’itmaydistracthismindanddohimgood？’
"IwentaccordinglytotheProfessor’shouse，andfoundRupertlyingonasofa，proppedupwithpillows。Aroundhimwerescatteredhisbooks，and，whatseemedinsingularcontrast，thatdrumItoldyouaboutwashangingonanail，justabovehishead。
Hisfacewasthinandwasted;therewasaredspotoneithercheek，andhiseyeswereverybrightandwidelyopened。Hewasgladtoseeme，andwhenItoldhimwhereIwasgoing，heaskedathousandquestionsaboutthewar。IthoughtIhadthoroughlydivertedhismindfromitssickandlanguidfancies，whenhesuddenlygraspedmyhandanddrewmetowardhim。
"’Doctor，’saidhe，inalowwhisper，’youwon’tlaughatmeifI
tellyousomething？’
"’No，certainlynot，’Isaid。
"’Yourememberthatdrum？’hesaid，pointingtotheglitteringtoythathungagainstthewall。’Youknow，too，howitcametome。A
fewweeksafterChristmas，Iwaslyinghalfasleephere，andthedrumwashangingonthewall，whensuddenlyIhearditbeaten;atfirst，lowandslowly，thenfasterandlouder，untilitsrollingfilledthehouse。Inthemiddleofthenight，Ihearditagain。I
didnotdaretotellanybodyaboutit，butIhavehearditeverynighteversince。’
"Hepausedandlookedanxiouslyinmyface。’Sometimes，’hecontinued，’itisplayedsoftly，sometimesloudly，butalwaysquickeningtoalong-roll，soloudandalarmingthatIhavelookedtoseepeoplecomingintomyroomtoaskwhatwasthematter。ButIthink，Doctor，——Ithink，’herepeatedslowly，lookingupwithpainfulinterestintomyface，’thatnoonehearsitbutmyself。’
"Ithoughtso，too，butIaskedhimifhehadhearditatanyothertime。
"’Onceortwiceinthedaytime，’hereplied，’whenIhavebeenreadingorwriting;thenveryloudly，asthoughitwereangry，andtriedinthatwaytoattractmyattentionawayfrommybooks。’
"Ilookedintohisface，andplacedmyhanduponhispulse。Hiseyeswereverybright，andhispulsealittleflurriedandquick。
Ithentriedtoexplaintohimthathewasveryweak，andthathissenseswereveryacute，asmostweakpeople’sare;andhowthatwhenheread，orgrewinterestedandexcited，orwhenhewastiredatnight，thethrobbingofabigarterymadethebeatingsoundheheard。Helistenedtomewithasadsmileofunbelief，butthankedme，andinalittlewhileIwentaway。ButasIwasgoingdownstairs，ImettheProfessor。Igavehimmyopinionofthecase，——
well，nomatterwhatitwas。
"’Hewantsfreshairandexercise，’saidtheProfessor，’andsomepracticalexperienceoflife，sir？’TheProfessorwasnotabadman，buthewasalittleworriedandimpatient，andthought——ascleverpeopleareapttothink——thatthingswhichhedidn’tunderstandwereeithersillyorimproper。
"Ileftthecitythatveryday，andintheexcitementofbattle-
fieldsandhospitals，IforgotallaboutlittleRupert，nordidI
hearofhimagain，untiloneday，meetinganoldclassmateinthearmy，whohadknowntheProfessor，hetoldmethatRuperthadbecomequiteinsane，andthatinoneofhisparoxysmshehadescapedfromthehouse，andashehadneverbeenfound，itwasfearedthathehadfallenintheriverandwasdrowned。Iwasterriblyshockedforthemoment，asyoumayimagine;but，dearme，Iwaslivingjustthenamongscenesasterribleandshocking，andI
hadlittletimetosparetomournoverpoorRupert。
"Itwasnotlongafterreceivingthisintelligencethatwehadaterriblebattle，inwhichaportionofourarmywassurprisedanddrivenbackwithgreatslaughter。Iwasdetachedfrommybrigadetorideovertothebattle-fieldandassistthesurgeonsofthebeatendivision，whohadmoreontheirhandsthantheycouldattendto。WhenIreachedthebarnthatservedforatemporaryhospital，Iwentatoncetowork。Ah，Bob，"saidtheDoctor，thoughtfullytakingthebrightswordfromthehandsofthehalf-frightenedBob，andholdingitgravelybeforehim，"theseprettyplaythingsaresymbolsofcruel，uglyrealities。
"Iturnedtoatall，stoutVermonter，"hecontinuedveryslowly，tracingapatternontherugwiththepointofthescabbard，"whowasbadlywoundedinboththighs，buthehelduphishandsandbeggedmetohelpothersfirstwhoneededitmorethanhe。Ididnotatfirstheedhisrequest，forthiskindofunselfishnesswasverycommoninthearmy;buthewenton，’ForGod’ssake，Doctor，leavemehere;thereisadrummer-boyofourregiment——amerechild——dying，ifheisn’tdeadnow。Go，andseehimfirst。Heliesoverthere。Hesavedmorethanonelife。Hewasathispostinthepanicthismorning，andsavedthehonoroftheregiment。’I
wassomuchmoreimpressedbytheman’smannerthanbythesubstanceofhisspeech，whichwas，however，corroboratedbytheotherpoorfellowsstretchedaroundme，thatIpassedovertowherethedrummerlay，withhisdrumbesidehim。Igaveoneglanceathisface——and——yes，Bob——yes，mychildren——itWASRupert。
"Well！well！itneedednotthechalkedcrosswhichmybrother-
surgeonshadleftupontheroughboardwhereonhelaytoshowhowurgentwasthereliefhesought;itneedednotthepropheticwordsoftheVermonter，northedampthatmingledwiththebrowncurlsthatclungtohispaleforehead，toshowhowhopelessitwasnow。
Icalledhimbyname。Heopenedhiseyes——larger，Ithought，inthenewvisionthatwasbeginningtodawnuponhim——andrecognizedme。Hewhispered，’I’mgladyouarecome，butIdon’tthinkyoucandomeanygood。’
"Icouldnottellhimalie。Icouldnotsayanything。Ionlypressedhishandinmine，ashewenton。
"’Butyouwillseefather，andaskhimtoforgiveme。Nobodyistoblamebutmyself。ItwasalongtimebeforeIunderstoodwhythedrumcametomethatChristmasnight，andwhyitkeptcallingtomeeverynight，andwhatitsaid。Iknowitnow。Theworkisdone，andIamcontent。Tellfatheritisbetterasitis。Ishouldhavelivedonlytoworryandperplexhim，andsomethinginmetellsmethisisright。’
"Helaystillforamoment，andthen，graspingmyhand，said，——
"’Hark！’
"Ilistened，butheardnothingbutthesuppressedmoansofthewoundedmenaroundme。’Thedrum，’hesaidfaintly;’don’tyouhearit？Thedrumiscallingme。’
"Hereachedouthisarmtowhereitlay，asthoughhewouldembraceit。
"’Listen，’hewenton，’it’sthereveille。Therearetheranksdrawnupinreview。Don’tyouseethesunlightflashdownthelonglineofbayonets？Theirfacesareshining，——theypresentarms，——
therecomestheGeneral;buthisfaceIcannotlookat，forthegloryroundhishead。Heseesme;hesmiles，itis——’Andwithanameuponhislipsthathehadlearnedlongago，hestretchedhimselfwearilyupontheplanks，andlayquitestill。
"That’sall。Noquestionsnow;nevermindwhatbecameofthedrum。
Who’sthatsnivelling？Blessmysoul，where’smypill-box？"