UDOBRACHVOGEL，Esq。，Whoseclevertranslationsofmywritingshavehelpedtointroducemetothefavorofhiscountrymen，bothhereandinGermany，thislittlevolumeisheartilydedicated。
　　BRETHARTE。
　　NewYork，December，1877。
　　THESTORYOFAMINE
　　CHAPTERI
　　WHOSOUGHTIT
　　ItwasasteeptrailleadingovertheMontereyCoastRange。Conchowasverytired，Conchowasverydusty，Conchowasverymuchdisgusted。ToConcho’smindtherewasbutonerelieffortheseinsurmountabledifficulties，andthatlayinaleathernbottleslungoverthemachillasofhissaddle。Conchoraisedthebottletohislips，tookalongdraught，madeawryface，andejaculated：
　　"Carajo！"
　　Itappearedthatthebottledidnotcontainaguardiente，buthadlatelybeenfilledinatavernnearTresPinosbyanIrishmanwhosoldhadAmericanwhiskyunderthatpleasingCastiliantitle。
　　NeverthelessConchohadalreadynearlyemptiedthebottle，anditfellbackagainstthesaddleasyellowandflaccidashisowncheeks。ThusreinforcedConchoturnedtolookatthevalleybehindhim，fromwhichhehadclimbedsincenoon。Itwasasterilewasteborderedhereandtherebyarablefringesandvaldasofmeadowland，butinthemain，dusty，dry，andforbidding。Hiseyerestedforamomentonalowwhitecloudlineontheeasternhorizon，butsomockingandunsubstantialthatitseemedtocomeandgoashegazed。Conchostruckhisforeheadandwinkedhishoteyelids。WasittheSierrasorthecursedAmericanwhisky？
　　Againherecommencedtheascent。Attimesthehalf-worn，half-
　　visibletrailbecameutterlylostinthebareblackoutcropoftheridge，buthissagaciousmulesoonfounditagain，until，steppinguponalooseboulder，sheslippedandfell。InvainConchotriedtoliftherfromouttheruinofcampkettles，prospectingpans，andpicks;sheremainedquietlyrecumbent，occasionallyraisingherheadasiftocontemplativelyglanceoverthearidplainbelow。
　　Thenhehadrecoursetouselessblows。Thenheessayedprofanityofasecularkind，suchas"Assassin，""Thief，""Beastwithapig’shead，""FoodfortheBull’sHorns，"butwithnoeffect。
　　Thenhehadrecoursetothecurseecclesiastic：
　　"Ah，JudasIscariot！isitthus，renegadeandtraitor，thouleavestme，thymaster，aleaguefromcampandsupperwaiting？StealeroftheSacrament，getup！"
　　Stillnoeffect。Conchobegantofeeluneasy;neverbeforehadamuleofpiouslineagefailedtorespondtothiskindofexhortation。
　　Hemadeonemoredesperateattempt：
　　"Ah，defilerofthealtar！lienotthere！Look！"hethrewhishandintotheair，extendingthefingerssuddenly。"Behold，fiend！I
　　exorcisethee！Ha！tremblest！Lookbutalittlenow，——see！
　　Apostate！I——I——excommunicatethee，——Mula！"
　　"Whatareyoukickingupsuchadevilofrowdowntherefor？"saidagruffvoicefromtherocksabove。
　　Conchoshuddered。Coulditbethatthedevilwasreallygoingtoflyawaywithhismule？Hedarednotlookup。
　　"Comenow，"continuedthevoice，"youjustletuponthatmule，youd————doldGreaser。Don’tyouseeshe’sslippedhershoulder？"
　　AlarmedasConchowasattheinformation，hecouldnothelpfeelingtoacertainextentrelieved。Shewaslamed，buthadnotlostherstandingasagoodCatholic。
　　Heventuredtolifthiseyes。Astranger——anAmericanofromhisdressandaccent——wasdescendingtherockstowardhim。Hewasaslight-builtmanwithadark，smoothface，thatwouldhavebeenquitecommonplaceandinexpressivebutforhislefteye，inwhichallthatwasvillainousinhimapparentlycentered。Shutthateye，andyouhadthefeaturesandexpressionofanordinaryman;coverupthosefeatures，andtheeyeshoneoutlikeEblis’sown。Naturehadapparentlyobservedthistoo，andhad，byaparalysisofthenerve，ironicallydroppedthecorneroftheupperlidoveritlikeacurtain，laughedatherhandiwork，andturnedhimloosetopreyuponacredulousworld。
　　"Whatareyoudoinghere？"saidthestrangerafterhehadassistedConchoinbringingthemuletoherfeet，andahelplesshalt。
　　"Prospecting，Senor。"
　　ThestrangerturnedhisrespectablerighteyetowardConcho，whilehisleftlookedunutterablescornandwickednessoverthelandscape。
　　"Prospecting，whatfor？"
　　"Goldandsilver，Senor，——yetforsilvermost。"
　　"Alone？"
　　"Ofustherearefour。"
　　Thestrangerlookedaround。
　　"Incamp，——aleaguebeyond，"explainedtheMexican。
　　"Foundanything？"
　　"Ofthis——much。"Conchotookfromhissaddlebagsalumpofgreyishironore，studdedhereandtherewithstarpointsofpyrites。Thestrangersaidnothing，buthiseyelookedadiabolicalsuggestion。
　　"Youarelucky，friendGreaser。"
　　"Eh？"
　　"ItISsilver。"
　　"Howknowyouthis？"
　　"Itismybusiness。I’mametallurgist。"
　　"Andyoucansaywhatshallbesilverandwhatisnot。"
　　"Yes，——seehere！"Thestrangertookfromhissaddlebagsalittleleathercasecontainingsomehalfdozenphials。One，enwrappedindark-bluepaper，hehelduptoConcho。
　　"Thiscontainsapreparationofsilver。"
　　Concho’seyessparkled，buthelookeddoubtinglyatthestranger。
　　"Getmesomewaterinyourpan。"
　　Conchoemptiedhiswaterbottleinhisprospectingpanandhandedittothestranger。Hedippedadriedbladeofgrassinthebottleandthenletadropfallfromitstipinthewater。Thewaterremainedunchanged。
　　"Nowthrowalittlesaltinthewater，"saidthestranger。
　　Conchodidso。Instantlyawhitefilmappearedonthesurface，andpresentlythewholemassassumedamilkyhue。
　　Conchocrossedhimselfhastily，"MotherofGod，itismagic！"
　　"Itischlorideofsilver，youdarnedfool。"
　　Notcontentwiththischeapexperiment，thestrangerthentookConcho’sbreathawaybyreddeningsomelitmuspaperwiththenitrate，andthencompletelyknockedoverthesimpleMexicanbyrestoringitscolorbydippingitinthesaltwater。
　　"Youshalltrymethis，"saidConcho，offeringhisironoretothestranger;——"youshallusethesilverandthesalt。"
　　"Notsofastmyfriend，"answeredthestranger;"inthefirstplacethisoremustbemelted，andthenachiptakenandputinshapelikethis，——andthatisworthsomething，myGreasercherub。No，sir，amandon’tspendallhisyouthatFreiburgandHeidelburgtothrowawayhissciencegratuitouslyonthefirstGreaserhemeets。"
　　"Itwillcost——eh——howmuch？"saidtheMexicaneagerly。
　　"Well，Ishouldsayitwouldtakeaboutahundreddollarsandexpensesto——to——findsilverinthatore。Butonceyou’vegotitthere——you’reallrightfortonsofit。"
　　"Youshallhaveit，"saidthenowexcitedMexican。"Youshallhaveitofus，——thefour！Youshallcometoourcampandshallmeltit，——andshowthesilver，and——enough！Come！"andinhisfeverishnessheclutchedthehandofhiscompanionasiftoleadhimforthatonce。
　　"Whatareyougoingtodowithyourmule？"saidthestranger。
　　"True，HolyMother，——what，indeed？"
　　"Lookyer，"saidthestranger，withagrimsmile，"shewon’tstrayfar，I’llbebound。I’veanextrapackmuleabovehere;youcanrideonher，andleadmeintocamp，andto-morrowcomebackforyourbeast。"
　　PoorhonestConcho’sheartsickenedattheprospectofleavingbehindthetiredservanthehadobjurgatedsostronglyamomentbefore，buttheloveofgoldwasuppermost。"Iwillcomebacktothee，littleone，to-morrow，arichman。Meanwhile，waitthouhere，patientone，——Adios！——thousmallestofmules，——Adios！"
　　And，seizingthestranger’shand，heclambereduptherockyledgeuntiltheyreachedthesummit。Thenthestrangerturnedandgaveonesweepofhismalevolenteyeoverthevalley。
　　Wherefore，inafteryears，whentheirstorywasrelated，withthedevotionoftrueCatholicpioneers，theynamedthemountain"LaCanadadelaVisitaciondelDiablo，""TheGulchoftheVisitationoftheDevil，"thesamebeingnowtheboundarylinesofoneofthefamousMexicanlandgrants。
　　CHAPTERII
　　WHOFOUNDIT
　　Conchowassoimpatienttoreachthecampanddeliverhisgoodnewstohiscompanionsthatmorethanoncethestrangerwasobligedtocommandhimtoslackenhispace。"Isitnotenough，youinfernalGreaser，thatyoulameyourownmule，butyoumusttryyourhandonmine？OramItoputJinnydownamongtheexpenses？"headdedwithagrinandaslightliftingofhisbalefuleyelid。
　　Whentheyhadriddenamilealongtheridge，theybegantodescendagaintowardthevalley。Vegetationnowsparinglyborderedthetrail，clumpsofchemisal，anoccasionalmanzanitabush，andoneortwodwarfed"buckeyes"rootedtheirwaybetweentheintersticesoftheblack-grayrock。Nowandthen，incrossingsomedrygully，wornbytheoverflowofwintertorrentsfromabove，thegrayishrockgloomwasrelievedbydullredandbrownmassesofcolor，andalmosteveryoverhangingrockborethemarkofaminer’spick。
　　Presently，astheyroundedthecurvingflankofthemountain，fromarockybenchbelowthem，athinghost-likestreamofsmokeseemedtobesteadilydrawnbyinvisiblehandsintotheinvisibleether。
　　"Itisthecamp，"saidConcho，gleefully;"Iwillmyselfforwardtopreparethemforthestranger，"andbeforehiscompanioncoulddetainhim，hehaddisappearedatasharpcanteraroundthecurveofthetrail。
　　Lefttohimself，thestrangertookamoreleisurelypace，whichlefthimampletimeforreflection。Scampashewas，therewassomethinginthesimplecredulityofpoorConchothatmadehimuneasy。Notthathismoralconsciousnesswastouched，buthefearedthatConcho’scompanionsmight，knowingConcho’ssimplicity，instantlysuspecthimoftradinguponit。Herodeoninadeepstudy。Washereviewinghispastlife？Avagabondbybirthandeducation，aswindlerbyprofession，anoutcastbyreputation，withoutabsolutelyturninghisbackuponrespectability，hehadtrembledontheperilousedgeofcriminalityeversincehisboyhood。HedidnotscrupletocheattheseMexicans，——theywereadegradedrace，——andforamomenthefeltalmostanaccreditedagentofprogressandcivilization。Weneverreallyunderstandthemeaningofenlightenmentuntilwebegintouseitaggressively。
　　Afewpacesfurtheronfourfiguresappearedinthenowgatheringdarknessofthetrail。ThestrangerquicklyrecognizedthebeamingsmileofConcho，foremostoftheparty。AquickglanceatthefacesoftheotherssatisfiedhimthatwhiletheylackedConcho’sgoodhumor，theycertainlydidnotsurpasshiminintellect。
　　"Pedro"wasastoutvaquero。"Manuel"wasaslimhalf-breedandex-convertoftheMissionofSanCarmel，and"Miguel"arecentbutcherofMonterey。UnderthebenigninfluencesofConchothatsuspicionwithwhichtheignorantregardstrangersdiedaway，andthewholepartyescortedthestranger——whohadgivenhisnameasMr。JosephWiles——totheircamp-fire。Soanxiousweretheytobegintheirexperimentsthateventheinstinctsofhospitalitywereforgotten，anditwasnotuntilMr。Wiles——nowknownas"DonJose"——
　　sharplyremindedthemthathewantedsome"grub，"thattheycametotheirsenses。Whenthefrugalmealoftortillas，frijoles，saltpork，andchocolatewasover，anovenwasbuiltofthedark-redrockbroughtfromtheledgebeforethem，andanearthenwarejar，glazedbysomepeculiarlocalprocess，tightlyfittedoverit，andpackedwithclayandsods。Afirewasspeedilybuiltofpineboughscontinuallybroughtfromawoodedravinebelow，andinafewmomentsthefurnacewasinfullblast。Mr。Wilesdidnotparticipateintheseactivepreparations，excepttogiveoccasionaldirectionsbetweenhisteeth，whichwerecontemplativelyfixedoveraclaypipeashelaycomfortablyonhisbackontheground。Whateverenjoymenttherascalmayhavehadintheiruselesslaborshedidnotshowit，butitwasobservedthathislefteyeoftenfollowedthebroadfigureoftheex-vaquero，Pedro，andoftendweltonthatworthy’sbeetlingbrowsandhalf-savageface。Meetingthatbalefulglanceonce，Pedrogrowledoutanoath，butcouldnotresistahideousfascinationthatcausedhimagainandagaintoseekit。
　　ThescenewasweirdenoughwithoutWiles’seyetoaddtoitswildpicturesqueness。Themountaintoweredabove，——aheavyRembrandtishmassofblackshadow，——sharplycuthereandthereagainstaskysoinconceivablyremotethattheworld-sicksoulmusthavedespairedofeverreachingsofar，orofclimbingitssteel-bluewalls。Thestarswerelarge，keen，andbrilliant，butcoldandsteadfast。
　　Theydidnotdancenortwinkleintheiradamantinesetting。ThefurnacefirepaintedthefacesofthemenanIndianred，glancedonbrightlycoloredblanketandserape，butwaseventuallycaughtandabsorbedinthewaitingshadowsoftheblackmountain，scarcelytwentyfeetfromthefurnacedoor。Thelow，half-sung，half-
　　whisperedforeignspeechofthegroup，theroaringofthefurnace，andthequick，sharpyelpofacoyoteontheplainbelowweretheonlysoundsthatbroketheawfulsilenceofthehills。
　　Itwasalmostdawnwhenitwasannouncedthattheorehadfused。
　　Anditwashightime，forthepotwasslowlysinkingintothefast-
　　crumblingoven。Conchoutteredajubilant"GodandLiberty，"butDonJoseWilesbadehimbesilentandbringstakestosupportthepot。ThenDonJosebentovertheseethingmass。Itwasforamomentonly。Butinthatmomentthisaccomplishedmetallurgist，Mr。JosephWiles，hadquietlydroppedasilverhalfdollarintothepot！
　　Thenhechargedthemtokeepupthefiresandwenttosleep——allbutoneeye。
　　Dawncamewithdullbeaconfiresonthenearhilltops，and，farintheEast，rosesovertheSierransnow。Birdstwitteringinthealderfringesamilebelow，andthecreakingofwagonwheels，——thewagonitselfamerecloudofdustinthedistantroad，——werehearddistinctly。ThenthemeltingpotwassolemnlybrokenbyDonJose，andtheglowingincandescentmassturnedintotheroadtocool。
　　Andthenthemetallurgistchippedasmallfragmentfromthemassandpoundedit，andchippedanothersmallerpieceandpoundedthat，andthensubjectedittoacid，andthentreatedittoasaltbathwhichbecameatoncemilky，——andatlastproducedawhitesomething，——mirabiledictu！——twocents’worthofsilver！
　　Conchoshoutedwithjoy;therestgazedateachotherdoubtinglyanddistrustfully;companionsinpoverty，theybegantodivergeandsuspecteachotherinprosperity。Wiles’slefteyeglancedironicallyfromtheonetotheother。
　　"Hereisthehundreddollars，DonJose，"saidPedro，handingthegoldtoWileswithadecidedlybrusqueintimationthattheservicesandpresenceofastrangerwerenolongerrequired。
　　WilestookthemoneywithagracioussmileandawinkthatsentPedro’sheartintohisboots，andwasturningaway，whenacryfromManuelstoppedhim。"Thepot，——thepot，——ithasleaked！look！
　　behold！see！"
　　Hehadbeencleaningawaythecrumbledfragmentsofthefurnacetogetreadyforbreakfast，andhaddisclosedashiningpoolofQUICKSILVER！
　　Wilesstarted，castarapidglancearoundthegroup，sawinaflashthatthemetalwasunknowntothem，——andthensaidquietly：
　　"Itisnotsilver。"
　　"Pardon，Senor，itis，andstillmolten。"Wilesstoopedandranhisfingersthroughtheshiningmetal。
　　"MotherofGod，——whatisitthen？——magic？"
　　"No，onlybasemetal。"Buthere，Concho，emboldenedbyWiles’sexperiment，attemptedtoseizeahandfuloftheglisteningmass，thatinstantlybrokethroughhisfingersinathousandtinyspherules，andevensentafewglobulesuphisshirtsleeves，untilhedancedaroundinmingledfearandchildishpleasure。
　　"Anditisnotworththetaking？"queriedPedroofWiles。
　　Wiles’srighteyeandblandfacewereturnedtowardthespeaker，buthismalevolentleftwasglancingatthedullred-brownrockonthehillside。
　　"No！"——andturningabruptlyaway，heproceededtosaddlehismule。
　　Manuel，Miguel，andPedro，lefttothemselves，begantalkingearnestlytogether，whileConcho，nowmindfulofhiscrippledmule，madehiswaybacktothetrailwherehehadlefther。Butshewasnolongerthere。Constanttohermasterthroughbeatingsandbullyings，shecouldnotstandincivilityandinattention。Therearecertainqualitiesofthesexthatbelongtoallanimatednature。
　　Inconsolable，footsore，andremorseful，Conchoreturnedtothecampandfurnace，threemilesacrosstherockyridge。Butwhatwashisastonishmentonarrivingtofindtheplacedesertedofman，mule，andcampequipage。Conchocalledaloud。Onlytheechoingrocksgrimlyansweredhim。Wasitatrick？Conchotriedtolaugh。Ah——
　　yes——agoodone，——ajoke，——no——no——theyHADdesertedhim。AndthenpoorConchobowedhisheadtotheground，andfallingonhisface，criedasifhishonestheartwouldbreak。
　　Thetempestpassedinamoment;itwasnotConcho’snaturetosufferlongnorbroodoveraninjury。Asheraisedhisheadagainhiseyecaughttheshimmerofthequicksilver，——thatpoolofmerryanticmetalthathadsodelightedhimanhourbefore。InafewmomentsConchowasagaindisportingwithit;chasingithereandthere，rollingitinhispalmsandlaughingwithboy-likegleeatitselusivefreaksandfancies。"Ah，sprightlyone，——skipjack，——
　　therethougoest，——comehere。Thisway，——nowIhavethee，littleone，——come，muchacha，——comeandkissme，"untilhehadquiteforgottenthedefectionofhiscompanions。Andevenwhenheshoulderedhissorrypack，hewasfaintocarryhisplaymateawaywithhiminhisemptyleathernflask。
　　AndyetIfancythesunlookedkindlyonhimashestrodecheerilydowntheblackmountainside，andhisstepwasnonethelessfreenorlightthathecarriedwithhimneitherthebrilliantprospectsnorthecrimeofhislatecomrades。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　WHOCLAIMEDIT
　　ThefoghadalreadyclosedinonMonterey，andwasnowrolling，awhite，billowyseaabove，thatsoonshutoutthebluebreakersbelow。OnceortwiceindescendingthemountainConchohadoverhungthecliffandlookeddownuponthecurvinghorse-shoeofabaybelowhim，——distantyetmanymiles。Earlierintheafternoonhehadseenthegiltcrossonthewhite-facedMissionflareinthesunlight，butnowallwasgone。Bythetimehereachedthehighwayofthetownitwasquitedark，andheplungedintothefirstfondaatthewayside，andendeavoredtoforgethiswoesandhiswearinessinaguardiente。ButConcho’sheadached，andhisbackached，andhewassogenerallydistressedthathebethoughthimofamedico，——
　　anAmericandoctor，——latelycomeintothetown，whohadoncetreatedConchoandhismulewithapparentlythesamemedicine，andafterthesameheroicfashion。Conchoreasoned，notillogically，thatifheweretobephysickedatallheoughttogettheworthofhismoney。Thegrotesqueextravaganceoflife，offruitandvegetables，inCaliforniawasinconsistentwithinfinitesimaldoses。InConcho’spreviousillnessthedoctorhadgivenhimadozen4grainquininepowders。
　　ThefollowingdaythegratefulMexicanwalkedintotheDoctor’soffice——cured。TheDoctorwasgratifieduntil，onexamination，itappearedthattosavetrouble，andbecausehismemorywaspoor，Conchohadtakenallthepowdersinonedose。TheDoctorshruggedhisshouldersand——alteredhispractice。
　　"Well，"saidDr。Guild，asConchosankdownexhaustedlyinoneoftheDoctor’stwochairs，"whatnow？Haveyoubeensleepingagaininthetulemarshes，orareyouupsetwithcommissarywhisky？
　　Come，haveitout。"
　　ButConchodeclaredthatthedevilwasinhisstomach，thatJudasIscariothadpossessedhimselfofhisspine，thatimpswereinhisforehead，andthathisfeethadbeenscourgedbyPontiusPilate。
　　"Thatmeans’bluemass，’"saidtheDoctor。Andgaveittohim，——abolusaslargeasamusketball，andasheavy。
　　Conchotookitonthespot，andturnedtogo。
　　"Ihavenomoney，SenorMedico。"
　　"Nevermind。It’sonlyadollar，thepriceofthemedicine。"
　　Concholookedguiltyathavinggulpeddownsomuchcash。Thenhesaidtimidly：
　　"Ihavenomoney，butIhavegotherewhatisfineandjolly。Itisyours。"Andhehandedoverthecontentsoftheprecioustincanhehadbroughtwithhim。
　　TbeDoctortookit，lookedattheshiveringvolatilemassandsaid，"Whythisisquicksilver！"
　　Concholaughed，"Yes，veryquicksilver，so！"andhesnappedhisfingerstoshowitssprightliness。
　　TheDoctor’sfacegrewearnest;"Wheredidyougetthis，Concho？"
　　hefinallyasked。
　　"Itranfromthepotinthemountainsbeyond。"
　　TheDoctorlookedincredulous。ThenConchorelatedthewholestory。
　　"Couldyoufindthatspotagain？"
　　"MadredeDios，yes，——Ihaveamulethere;maythedevilflyawaywithher！"
　　"Andyousayyourcomradessawthis？"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Andyousaytheyafterwardsleftyou，——desertedyou？"
　　"Theydid，ingrates！"
　　TheDoctoraroseandshuthisofficedoor。"Harkye，Concho，"hesaid，"thatbitofmedicineIgaveyoujustnowwasworthadollar，itwasworthadollarbecausethematerialofwhichitwascomposedwasmadefromthestuffyouhaveinthatcan，——quicksilverormercury。Itisoneofthemostvaluableofmetals，especiallyinagold-miningcountry。Mygoodfellow，ifyouknowwheretofindenoughofit，yourfortuneismade。"
　　Conchorosetohisfeet。
　　"Tellme，wastherockyoubuiltyourfurnaceofred？"
　　"Si，Senor。"
　　"Andbrown？"
　　"Si，Senor。"
　　"Andcrumbledundertheheat？"
　　"Astonothing。"
　　"Anddidyouseemuchofthisredrock？"
　　"Themountainmotherisintravailwithit。"
　　"Areyousurethatyourcomradeshavenottakenpossessionofthemountainmother？"
　　"Ashow？"
　　"Byclaimingitsdiscoveryunderthemininglaws，orbypre-emption？"
　　"Theyshallnot。"
　　"Buthowwillyou，single-handed，fightthefour;forIdoubtnotyourscientificfriendhasahandinit？"
　　"Iwillfight。"
　　"Yes，myConcho，butsupposeItakethefightoffyourhands。Now，here’saproposition：IwillgethalfadozenAmericanostogoinwithyou。Youwillhavetogetmoneytoworkthemine，——youwillneedfunds。Youshallsharehalfwiththem。Theywilltaketherisk，raisethemoney，andprotectyou。"
　　"Isee，"saidConcho，noddinghisheadandwinkinghiseyesrapidly。"Bueno！"
　　"Iwillreturnintenminutes，"saidtheDoctor，takinghishat。
　　Hewasasgoodashisword。Intenminuteshereturnedwithsixoriginallocaters，aboardofdirectors，apresident，secretary，andadeedofincorporationofthe’BlueMassQuicksilverMiningCo。’ThislatterwasadelicatecomplimenttotheDoctor，whowaspopular。ThePresidentaddedtothesenecessaryarticlesarevolver。
　　"Takeit，"hesaid，handingovertheweapontoConcho。"Takeit;
　　myhorseisoutside;takethat，ridelikeh——landhangontotheclaimuntilwecome！"
　　InanothermomentConchowasinthesaddle。Thentheminingdirectorlapsedintothephysician。
　　"Ihardlyknow，"saidDr。Guild，doubtfully，"ifinyourpresentconditionyououghttotravel。Youhavejusttakenapowerfulmedicine，"andtheDoctorlookedhypocriticallyconcerned。
　　"Ah，——thedevil！"laughedConcho，"whatisthequicksilverthatisINtothatwhichisOUT？Hoopa，laMula！"and，withaclatterofhoofsandjingleofspurs，waspresentlylostinthedarkness。
　　"Youwerenonetoosoon，gentlemen，"saidtheAmericanAlcalde，ashedrewupbeforetheDoctor’sdoor。"Anothercompanyhasjustbeenincorporatedforthesamelocation，Ireckon。"
　　"Whoarethey？"
　　"ThreeMexicans，——Pedro，Manuel，andMiguel，headedbythatd————dcock-eyedSydneyDuck，Wiles。"
　　"Aretheyhere？"
　　"ManuelandMiguel，only。TheothersareoveratTresPinoslally-
　　gagingRoscommonandtryingtoropehimintopayofftheirwhiskybillsathisgrocery。"
　　"Ifthat’ssoweneedn’tstartbeforesunrise，forthey’resuretogetroaringdrunk。"
　　AndthislegitimatesuccessorofthegraveMexicanAlcaldes，havingthusdeliveredhisimpartialopinion，rodeaway。
　　Meanwhile，Conchotheredoubtable，Conchothefortunate，sparedneitherriatanorspur。Thewaywasdark，thetrailobscureandattimesevendangerous，andConcho，familiarashewaswiththesemountainfastnesses，oftenregrettedhissure-footedFrancisquita。
　　"Carenot，OConcho，"hewouldsaytohimself，"’tisbutalittlewhile，onlyalittlewhile，andthoushalthaveanotherFrancisquitatoblessthee。Eh，skipjack，therewasafinemusictothydancing。
　　Adollarforanounce，——’tisasgoodassilver，andmerrier。"Yetforallhisgoodspiritshekeptasharplookoutatcertainbendsofthemountaintrail;notforassassinsorbrigands，forConchowasphysicallycourageous，butfortheEvilOne，who，invariousforms，wassaidtolurkintheSantaCruzRange，tothegreatdiscomfortofalltrueCatholics。HerecalledtheincidentofIgnacio，amuleteeroftheFranciscanFriars，who，stoppingattheAngelustorepeattheCredo，sawLuzbelplainlyinthelikenessofamonstrousgrizzlybear，mockinghimbysittingonhishaunchesandliftinghispaws，claspedtogether，asifinprayer。Nevertheless，withonehandgraspinghisreinsandhisrosary，andtheotherclutchinghiswhiskyflaskandrevolver，hefaredonsorapidlythathereachedthesummitastheearlierstreaksofdawnwereoutliningthefar-offSierranpeaks。Tetheringhishorseonastripoftableland，hedescendedcautiouslyafootuntilhereachedthebench，thewallofredrockandthecrumbledanddismantledfurnace。Itwasashehadleftitthatmorning;therewasnotraceofrecenthumanvisitation。
　　Revolverinhand，Conchoexaminedeverycave，gully，andrecess，peeredbehindtrees，penetratedcopsesofbuckeyeandmanzanita，andlistened。Therewasnosoundbutthefaintsoughingofthewindoverthepinesbelowhim。Forawhilehepacedbackwardandforwardwithavaguesenseofbeingasentinel，buthismercurialnaturesoonrebelledagainstthismonotony，andsoonthefatiguesofthedaybegantotelluponhim。Recoursetohiswhiskyflaskonlymadehimthedrowsier，untilatlasthewasfaintoliedownandrollhimselfuptightlyinhisblanket。Thenextmomenthewassoundasleep。
　　Hishorseneighedtwicefromthesummit，butConchoheardhimnot。
　　Thenthebrushcrackledontheledgeabovehim，asmallfragmentofrockrollednearhisfeet，buthestirrednot。Andthentwoblackfigureswereoutlinedonthecragsbeyond。
　　"St-t-t！"whisperedavoice。"Thereisonelyingbesidethefurnace。"ThespeechwasSpanish，butthevoicewasWiles’s。
　　Theotherfigurecreptcautiouslytotheedgeofthecragandlookedover。"ItisConcho，theimbecile，"saidPedro，contemptuously。
　　"Butifheshouldnotbealone，orifheshouldwaken？"
　　"Iwillwatchandwait。Goyouandaffixthenotification。"
　　Wilesdisappeared。Pedrobegantocreepdownthefaceoftherockyledge，supportinghimselfbychemisalandbrush-wood。
　　ThenextmomentPedrostoodbesidetheunconsciousman。Thenhelookedcautiouslyaround。Thefigureofhiscompanionwaslostintheshadowoftherocksabove;onlyaslightcrackleofbrushbetrayedhiswhereabouts。SuddenlyPedroflunghisserapeoverthesleeper’shead，andthenthrewhispowerfulframeandtremendousweightfulluponConcho’supturnedface，whilehisstrongarmsclaspedtheblanket-pinionedlimbsofhisvictim。Therewasamomentaryunheaval，aspasm，andastruggle;butthetightly-rolledblanketclungtotheunfortunatemanlikecerements。
　　Therewasnonoise，nooutcry，nosoundofstruggle。Therewasnothingtobeseenbutthepeaceful，prostratefiguresofthetwomendarklyoutlinedontheledge。Theymighthavebeensleepingineachother’sarms。IntheblacksilencethestealthytreadofWilesinthebrushabovewasdistinctlyaudible。
　　Graduallythestrugglesgrewfainter。Thenawhisperfromthecrags：
　　"Ican’tseeyou。Whatareyoudoing？"
　　"Watching！"
　　"Sleepshe？"
　　"Hesleeps！"
　　"Soundly？"
　　"Soundly。"
　　"Afterthemannerofthedead？"
　　"Afterthefashionofthedead！"
　　Thelasttremorhadceased。PedroroseasWilesdescended。
　　"Allisready，"saidWiles;"youareawitnessofmyplacingthenotifications？"
　　"Iamawitness。"
　　"Butofthisone？"pointingtoConcho。"Shallweleavehimhere？"
　　"Adrunkenimbecile，——whynot？"
　　Wilesturnedhislefteyeonthespeaker。Theychancedtobestandingnearlyinthesameattitudetheyhadstoodtheprecedingnight。Pedroutteredacryandanimprecation，"Carramba！Takeyourdevil’seyefromme！Whatseeyou？Eh，——what？"
　　"Nothing，goodPedro，"saidWiles，turninghisblandrightcheektoPedro。Theinfuriatedandhalf-frightenedex-vaqueroreturnedthelongknifehehadhalf-drawnfromitssheath，andgrowledsurlily：
　　"Goonthen！Butkeepthouonthatside，andIwillonthis。"Andso，sidebyside，listening，watching，distrustfulofallthings，butmainlyofeachother，theystolebackandupintothoseshadowsfromwhichtheymightlikeevilspiritshavebeenpoeticallyevoked。
　　Ahalfhourpassed，inwhichtheeastbrightened，flashed，andagainmeltedintogold。Andthenthesuncameuphaughtily，andafogthathadstolenacrossthesummitinthenightaroseandfledupthemountainside，tearingitswhiterobesinitsguiltyhaste，andleavingthemflutteringfromtreeandcragandscar。Athousandtinyblades，nestlinginthecrevicesofrocks，nurturedinstormsandrockedbythetradewinds，stretchedtheirwanandfeeblearmstowardHim;butConchothestrong，Conchothebrave，Conchothelight-heartedspakenotnorstirred。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　WHOTOOKIT
　　Therewaspersistentneighingonthesummit。Concho’shorsewantedhisbreakfast。
　　Thisprotestationreachedtheearsofapartyascendingthemountainfromitswesternface。Tooneofthepartyitwasfamiliar。
　　"Why，blankitall，that’sChiquita。Thatd————dMexican’slyingdrunksomewhere，"saidthePresidentoftheB。M。Co。
　　"Idon’tlikethelookofthisatall，"saidDr。Guild，astheyrodeupbesidetheindignantanimal。"IfithadbeenanAmerican，itmighthavebeencarelessness，butnoMexicaneverforgetshisbeast。Driveahead，boys;wemaybetoolate。"
　　Inhalfanhourtheycameinsightoftheledgebelow，thecrumbledfurnace，andthemotionlessfigureofConcho，wrappedinablanket，lyingproneinthesunlight。
　　"Itoldyouso，——drunk！"saidthePresident。
　　TheDoctorlookedgrave，butdidnotspeak。Theydismountedandpicketedtheirhorses。Thencreptonallfourstotheledgeabovethefurnace。TherewasacryfromSecretaryGibbs，"Lookyer。
　　Somefellarhasbeenjumpingus，boys。Seethesenotices。"
　　Thereweretwonoticesoncanvasaffixedtotherock，claimingtheground，andsignedbyPedro，Manuel，Miguel，Wiles，andRoscommon。
　　"Thiswasdone，Doctor，whileyourtrustworthyGreaserlocater，——
　　d——nhim，——laytheredrunk。What’stobedonenow？"
　　ButtheDoctorwasmakinghiswaytotheunfortunatecauseoftheirdefeat，lyingtherequitemutetotheirreproaches。Theothersfollowedhim。
　　TheDoctorkneltbesideConcho，unrolledhim，placedhishanduponhiswrist，hisearoverhisheart，andthensaid：
　　"Dead。"
　　"Ofcourse。Hegotmedicineofyoulastnight。Thiscomesofyourd————dheroicpractice。"
　　ButtheDoctorwastoomuchoccupiedtoheedthespeaker’sraillery。HehadpeeredintoConcho’sprotuberanteye，openedhismouth，andgazedattheswollentongue，andthensuddenlyrosetohisfeet。
　　"Teardownthosenotices，boys，butkeepthem。Putupyourown。
　　Don’tbealarmed，youwillnotbeinterferedwith，forhereismurderaddedtorobbery。"
　　"Murder？"
　　"Yes，"saidtheDoctor，excitedly，"I’lltakemyoathonanyinquestthatthismanwasstrangledtodeath。Hewassurprisedwhileasleep。Lookhere。"HepointedtotherevolverstillinConcho’sstiffeninghand，whichthemurderedmanhadinstantlycocked，butcouldnotuseinthestruggle。
　　"That’sso，"saidthePresident，"nomangoestosleepwithacockedrevolver。What’stobedone？"
　　"Everything，"saidtheDoctor。"Thisdeedwascommittedwithinthelasttwohours;thebodyisstillwarm。Themurdererdidnotcomeourway，orweshouldhavemethimonthetrail。Heis，ifanywhere，betweenhereandTresPinos。"
　　"Gentlemen，"saidthePresident，withaslightpreparatoryandhalfjudicialcough，"twoofyouwillstayhereandstick！TheotherswillfollowmetoTresPinos。Thelawhasbeenoutraged。YouunderstandtheCourt！"
　　Bysomeoddinfluencethelittlegroupofhalf-cynical，half-
　　trifling，andwhollyrecklessmenhadbecomesuddenlysober，earnestcitizens。Theysaid，"Goon，"noddedtheirheads，andbetookthemselvestotheirhorses。
　　"Hadwenotbetterwaitfortheinquestandswearoutawarrant？"
　　saidtheSecretary，cautiously。
　　"Howmanymenhavewe？"
　　"Five！"
　　"Then，"saidthePresident，summinguptheRevisedStatutesoftheStateofCaliforniainonestrongsentence;"thenwedon’twantnod————dwarrant。"
　　CHAPTERV
　　WHOHADALIENONIT
　　ItwashighnoonatTresPinos。Thethreepinesfromwhichitgaineditsname，inthedustyroadandhotair，seemedtosmokefromtheirbalsamicspires。Therewasaglarefromtheroad，aglarefromthesky，aglarefromtherocks，aglarefromthewhitecanvasroofsofthefewshantiesandcabinswhichmadeupthevillage。Therewasevenaglarefromtheunpaintedred-woodboardsofRoscommon’sgroceryandtavern，andatendencyofthewarpingflooroftheverandatocurlupbeneaththefeetoftheintruder。
　　Afewmules，nearthewateringtrough，hadshrunkwithinthescantshadowofthecorral。
　　ThegrocerybusinessofMr。Roscommon，althoughadequateandsufficientforthevillage，wasnotexhaustingnorovertaxingtotheproprietor;therefillingoftheporkandflourbarreloftheaverageminerwastheworkofabriefhouronSaturdaynights，butthedailyreplenishmentoftheaverageminerwithwhiskywasarduousandincessant。Roscommonspentmoretimebehindhisbarthanhisgrocer’scounter。Addtothisthefactthatalongshed-
　　likeextensionorwingborethelegend，"CosmopolitanHotel，BoardorLodgingbytheDayorWeek。M。Roscommon，"andyougotanideaofthevarietyoftheproprietor’sfunctions。The"hotel，"
　　however，wasmoredirectlyunderthechargeofMrs。Roscommon，aladyofthirtyyears，strong，truculent，andgood-hearted。
　　Mr。Roscommonhadearlyadoptedthetheorythatmostofhiscustomerswereinsane，andweretobealternatelybulliedorplacated，asthecasemightbe。Nothingthatoccurred，noextravaganceofspeechnoract，everruffledhisequilibrium，whichwasasdoggedandstubbornasitwasoutwardlycalm。Whennotservingliquor，orintheintervalwhileitwasbeingdrank，hewasalwayswipinghiscounterwithanexceedinglydirtytowel，——orindeedanythingthatcamehandy。Miners，noticingthispurelyperfunctoryhabit，occasionallysuppliedhimslilywitharticlesinconsistentwiththeirservice，——fragmentsoftheirshirtsandunderclothing，floursacking，tow，andoncewithaflannelpetticoatofhiswife’s，stolenfromthelineintheback-yard。
　　Roscommonwouldcontinuehiswipingwithoutlookingup，butyetconsciousofthepresenceofeachcustomer。"Andit’snotanotherdhropye’llgit，JackBrown，untilye’vewipedouttheblackscorethatstandsaginye。""Andit’sthereyeare，darlint，andit’shere’sthebottlethat’sbeenlukin’foryesinsSaturday。""AndfwhothevyoudonewiththelastIsentye，yedivilofaMcCorkle，andhere’smebackthat’sbrukentoirelywiddippingintiltheporkbarltogivyethebestsides，andyespendingyurlastcintonatareintoGilroy。Whist！andifit’sferfoightingyeare，boys，there’sanilligantbitofsodbeyantthecorral，anditmaybemeself’llcomeoutwithashtickandbesociable。"
　　Onthisparticularday，however，Mr。Roscommonwasnotinhisusualspirits，andwhentheclatterofhorses’hoofsbeforethedoorannouncedtheapproachofstrangers，heabsolutelyceasedwipinghiscounterandlookedupasDr。Guild，thePresident，andSecretaryofthenewCompanystrodeintotheshop。
　　"Wearelooking，"saidthePresident，"foramanbythenameofWiles，andthreeMexicansknownasPedro，Manuel，andMiguel。"
　　"Yeare？"
　　"Weare！"
　　"Faix，andIhopeye’llfoind’em。Andifye’llgitfrom’emthescoreI’vegotagin’em，darlint，I’lladdablessingtoit。"
　　Therewasalaughatthisfromthebystanders，who，somehow，resentedtheintrusionofthesestrangers。
　　"Ifearyouwillfinditnolaughingmatter，gentlemen，"saidDr。
　　Guild，alittlestiffly，"whenItellyouthatamurderhasbeencommitted，andthemenIamseekingwithinanhourofthatmurderputupthatnoticesignedbytheirnames，"andDr。Guilddisplayedthepaper。
　　TherewasabreathlesssilenceamongthecrowdastheyeagerlypressedaroundtheDoctor。OnlyRoscommonkeptonwipinghiscounter。
　　"Youwillobserve，gentlemen，thatthenameofRoscommonalsoappearsonthispaperasoneoftheoriginalbeaters。"
　　"Andsure，darlint，"saidRoscommon，withoutlookingup，"ifye’venobetterividinceaginthemboysthenyouhaveforninstme，it’shomeye’dbetherberidingtowanst。Forit’smeselfashasn’tsturredfutoutofthestorethedayandnoight，——morebetokenastheboysI’vesarvedkintestify。"
　　"That’sso，Ross，right，"chorusedthecrowd，"We’vebeenrunningtheoldmanallnight。"
　　"Thenhowcomesyournameonthispaper？"
　　"Omurdher！willyelistentohim，boys？Asifeveryfellythatowedmeawhiskybilldidn’tcometomeandsay，’Ah，MistherRoscommon，’or’Moike，’asthecasemoightbe，sureit’sanilligantsthrikeI’vemadethisday，andit’smeselfthathasputdownyournameasanoriginallocater，andyerfortune’smade，Mr。
　　Roscommon，andwillyerfillmeupanotherquartforthegoodluckbetuneyouandme。Ah，butaskJackBrownoveryarifitisn’tsickthatIamofhisoriginallocations。"
　　Thelaughthatfollowedthisspeech，anditspracticalapplication，convincedthepartythattheyhadblundered，thattheycouldobtainnocluetotherealculpritshere，andthatanyattemptbythreatswouldmeetviolentopposition。NeverthelesstheDoctorwaspersistent：
　　"Whendidyouseethesemenlast？"
　　"WhendidIseethem，isit？Bedad，whatwithsarvinuptheliquorandkeepingmecountersdryandswate，Ineverseethematall。"
　　"That’sso，Ross，"chorusedthecrowdagain，towhomthewholeproceedingwasdelightfullyfarcical。
　　"ThenIcantellyou，gentlemen，"saidtheDoctor，stiffly，"thattheywereinMontereylastnight，thattheydidnotreturnonthattrailthismorning，andthattheymusthavepassedhereatdaybreak。"
　　Withthesewords，whichtheDoctorregrettedassoonasdelivered，thepartyrodeaway。
　　Mr。Roscommonresumedhisserviceandcounterwiping。Butlatethatnight，whenthebarwasclosedandthelastloitererwassummarilyejected，Mr。Roscommon，intheconjugalprivacyofhischamber，producedalegal-lookingpaper。"Readit，Maggie，darlint，forit’smeselfneverhadthelarningnortheparts。"
　　MistressRoscommontookthepaper：
　　"Shure，it’slawpapers，makingoversomepropertytoyis。OMoike！
　　yehavn’tbeenspekilating！"
　　"Whist！andfwhotzthatdurtygraypaperwidthesalesandflourishes？"
　　"Faix，itbothersmeintoirely。Shureitoin’tinEnglish。"
　　"Whist！Maggie，it’saSpanishgrant！"
　　"ASpanishgrant？OMoike，andwhatdidyegivforit？"
　　Mr。Roscommonlaidhisfingerbesidehisnoseandsaidsoftly，"Whishky！"
　　PARTII。——INTHECOURTS
　　CHAPTERVI
　　HOWAGRANTWASGOTFORIT
　　WhiletheBlueMassCompany，withmorezealthandiscretion，wereactivelypursuingPedroandWilesovertheroadtoTresPinos，SenorsMiguelandManuelwerecomfortablyseatedinafondaatMonterey，smokingcigarritosanddiscussingtheirlatediscovery。
　　Buttheywereinnobettermoodthantheirlatecompanions，anditappearedfromtheirconversationthatinanevilmomenttheyhadsoldouttheirinterestintheallegedsilverminetoWilesandPedroforafewhundreddollars，——succumbingtowhattheywereassuredwouldbeanactiveoppositiononthepartoftheAmericanos。
　　TheastutereaderwilleasilyunderstandthattheaccomplishedMr。
　　Wilesdidnotinformthemofitsvalueasaquicksilvermine，althoughhewasobligedtoimparthissecrettoPedroasanecessaryaccompliceandrecklesscoadjutor。ThatPedrofeltnoqualmsofconscienceinthusbetrayinghistwocomradesmaybeinferredfromhisrecentdirectandsinceretreatmentofConcho，andthathewould，ifoccasionofferedorpolicymadeitexpedient，ascalmlyobliterateMr。Wiles，thatgentlemanhimselfneverforamomentdoubted。
　　"Ifwehadwaitedbutalittlehewouldhavegivenmore，——thiscock-eye！"regrettedManuelquerulously。
　　"Notapeso，"saidMiguel，firmly。
　　"Andwhy，myMiguel？Thouknowestwecouldhaveworkedthemineourselves。"
　　"Good，andlosteventhatlabor。Lookyou，littlebrother。ShowtomenowtheMexicanthathasevermadearealofamineinCalifornia。Howmany，eh？None！Notaone。WhoownstheMexican’smine，eh？Americanos！WhotakesthemoneyfromtheMexican’smine？Americanos！ThourememberestBriones，whospentagoldminetomakeasilverone？WhohasthelandsandhouseofBriones？Americanos！WhohasthecattleofBriones？Americanos！
　　WhohasthemineofBriones？Americanos！WhohasthesilverBrionesneverfound？Americanos！Alwaysthesame！Forever！Ah！
　　carramba！"
　　ThentheEvilOneevidentlytookitintohisheadandhornstoworryandtossthesemen——comparativelyinnocentastheywere——
　　stillfurther，forapurpose。ForpresentlytothemappearedoneVictorGarcia，whilomaclerkoftheAyuntamiento，whoralliedthemoveraguardiente，andtoldthemthestoryofthequicksilverdiscovery，andthetwominingclaimstakenoutthatnightbyConchoandWiles。WhereatManuelexplodedwithprofanityandburntbluewithsulphurousmalediction;butMiguel，therecentecclesiastic，satlividandthoughtful。
　　FinallycameapauseinManuel’sbombardment，andsomethinglikethisconversationtookplacebetweenthecooleractors：
　　Miguel（thoughtfully）。"Whenwasitthoudidstpetitionforlandsinthevalley，friendVictor？"
　　Victor（amazedly）。"Never！Itisasterilewaste。AmIafool？"
　　Miguel（softly）。"Thoudidst。OfthyGovernor，Micheltorena。I
　　haveseentheapplication。"
　　Victor（beginningtoappreciatearodentialodor）。"Si！Ihadforgotten。Artthousureitwasinthevalley？"
　　Miguel（persuasively）。"Inthevalleyandupthefalda。"*
　　*Falda，orvalda，i。e。，thatpartoftheskirtofawoman’srobethatbreaksupontheground，andisalsoappliedtothefinalslopeofahill，fromtheanglethatitmakesuponthelevelplain。
　　Victor（withdecision）。"Certainly。Ofaverity，——thefaldalikewise。"
　　Miguel（eyingVictor）。"Andyetthouhadstnotthegrant。Painfulisitthatitshouldhavebeenburnedwiththedestructionoftheotherarchives，bytheAmericanosatMonterey。"
　　Victor（cautiouslyfeelinghisway）。"Possiblemente。"
　　Miguel。"Itmightbewisetolookintoit。"
　　Victor（bluntly）。"Aswhy？"
　　Miguel。"Forourgoodandthine，friendVictor。Webringtheeadiscovery;thoubringestusthyskill，thyexperience，thygovernmentknowledge，——thyCustomHousepaper。"*
　　*Grants，applications，andofficialnotifications，undertheSpanishGovernment，weredrawnonastampedpaperknownascustomHousepaper。
　　Manuel（breakingindrunkenly）。"Butforwhat？WeareMexicans。
　　Arewenotfated？Weshalllose。WhoshallkeeptheAmericanosoff？"
　　Miguel。"WeshalltakeONEAmericanin！Ha！seestthou？ThisAmericancomradeshallbribehiscourts，hiscorregidores。Afteralittleheshallsupplythemenwhoinventthemachineofsteam，themill，thefurnace，eh？"
　　Victor。"Butwhoishe，——nottosteal？"
　　Miguel。"HeisthatmanofIreland，agoodCatholic，atTresPinos。"
　　VictorandManuel（omnes）。"Roscommon？"
　　Miguel。"Ofthesame。Weshallgivehimasharefortheprovisions，forthetools，fortheaguardiente。ItisoftheIrishthattheAmericanoshavegreatfear。Itisofthemthatthevotesaremade，——thatthePresidentischosen。ItisofhimthattheymaketheAlcaldeinSanFrancisco。AndweareoftheChurchlikehim。"