ItwasthevoiceofColonelStarbottle；itwasthefrilledshirtfront，thelightlybuttonedbluecoatwithitsexpandinglapels，likeburstingpetals，andthesmilingmaskofthatgentlemanrisingabovethetableandbowingtoClarenceBrantandhiswifewithinfinitecourtesy。"The——er——humiliatingsituationinwhichwefindourselves，gentlemen，——thereluctantwitnessesof——er——whatwetrustisonlyatemporarydisagreementbetweenourcharminghostessandthe——er——gentlemanwhomsherecognizedunderthehighesttitletoourconsideration，——isdistressingtousall，andwouldseemtoamplyjustifythatgentleman’sclaimstoapersonalsatisfaction，whichIknowwewouldalldelighttogive。Butthatsituationrestsuponthesuppositionthatourgatheringherewasofapurelysocialorfestivenature！Itmaybe，"continuedthecolonelwithablandlyreflectiveair，"thatthespectacleofthesedecantersandglasses，andthenectarfurnishedusbyourHebe-likehostess"（heliftedaglassofwhiskeyandwatertohislipswhilehebowedtoMrs。Brantgracefully），"hasledthegentlemantosuchadeduction。
　　ButwhenIsuggesttohimthatourmeetingwasofabusiness，orprivatenature，itstrikesmethatthequestionofintrusionmaybefairlydividedbetweenhimandourselves。Wemaybeevenjustified，inviewofthatprivacy，inaskinghimifhis——er——entrancetothishousewas——er——coincidentwithhisappearanceamongus。"
　　"Withmyfrontdoorinpossessionofstrangers，"saidClarence，moreinreplytoasuddencontemptuousglancefromhiswifethanStarbottle’sinsinuation，"Ienteredthehousethroughthewindow。"
　　"Ofmyboudoir，whereanotherintruderoncebrokehisneck，"
　　interruptedhiswifewithamockinglaugh。
　　"WhereIoncehelpedthisladytoregainpossessionofherhousewhenitwasheldbyanotherpartyofillegaltrespassers，who，however，werecontenttocallthemselves’jumpers，’anddidnotclaimtheprivacyofgentlemen。"
　　"Doyoumeantoimply，sir，"beganColonelStarbottlehaughtily，"that"——
　　"Imeantoimply，sir，"saidClarencewithquietscorn，"thatI
　　haveneitherthewishtoknownortheslightestconcerninanypurposethatbroughtyouhere，andthatwhenyouquitthehouseyoutakeyoursecretsandyourprivacywithyouintact，withoutletorhindrancefromme。"
　　"Doyoumeantosay，Mr。Brant，"saidJudgeBeeswinger，suppressingtheangryinterruptionofhisfellowswithadominantwaveofhishand，ashefixedhiseyesonClarencekeenly，"thatyouhavenosympathywithyourwife’spoliticalsentiments？"
　　"Ihavealreadygivenyoutheinformationnecessarytomakeyouquitthishouse，andthatisallyouhavearighttoknow，"
　　returnedClarencewithfoldedarms。
　　"ButIcananswerforhim，"saidMrs。Brant，rising，withaquiveringvoiceandcurlinglip。"ThereISnosympathybetweenus。
　　Weareasfarapartasthepoles。Wehavenothingincommonbutthishouseandhisname。"
　　"Butyouarehusbandandwife，boundtogetherbyasacredcompact。"
　　"Acompact！"echoedMrs。Brant，withabitterlaugh。"Yes，thecompactthatbindsSouthCarolinatothenigger-worshippingMassachusetts。Thecompactthatlinkstogetherwhiteandblack，thegentlemanandthetrader，theplanterandthepoorwhite——thecompactofthoseUNITEDStates。Bah！THAThasbeenbroken，andsocanthis。"
　　Clarence’sfacepaled。Butbeforehecouldspeaktherewasarapidclatteringatthegateandadismountedvaqueroenteredexcitedly。
　　TurningtoMrs。Branthesaidhurriedly，"MotherofGod！thecasaissurroundedbyarabbleofmountedmen，andthereisoneamongthemevennowwhodemandsadmittanceinthenameoftheLaw。"
　　"Thisisyourwork，"saidBrooks，facingClarencefuriously。"Youhavebroughtthemwithyou，but，byGod，theyshallnotsaveyou！"
　　HewouldhaveclutchedClarence，butthepowerfularmofJudgeBeeswingerintervened。Nevertheless，hestillstruggledtoreachClarence，appealingtotheothers："Areyoufoolstostandthereandlethimtriumph！Don’tyouseethecowardlyYankeetrickhe’splayeduponus？"
　　"Hehasnot，"saidMrs。Branthaughtily。"Ihavenoreasontolovehimorhisfriends；butIknowhedoesnotlie。"
　　"Gentlemen！——gentlemen！"imploredColonelStarbottlewithbeamingandunctuouspersuasion，"mayI——er——remark——thatallthisisfarfromthequestion？Arewetobealarmedbecauseanunknownrabble，nomatterwhencetheycome，demandentrancehereinthenameoftheLaw？IamnotawareofanylawoftheStateofCaliforniathatweareinfringing。Byallmeansadmitthem。"
　　Thegatewasthrownopen。Asinglethick-setman，apparentlyunarmedanddressedlikeanordinarytraveler，followedbyhalfadozenotherequallyunpretentious-lookingmen，entered。Theleaderturnedtothebalcony。
　　"IamtheChiefofPoliceofSanFrancisco。IhavewarrantsforthearrestofColonelCulpepperStarbottle，JoshuaBrooks，CaptainPinckney，ClarenceBrantandAlicehiswife，andotherschargedwithincitingtoriotandunlawfulpracticecalculatedtodisturbthepeaceoftheStateofCaliforniaanditsrelationswiththeFederalgovernment，"saidtheleader，inadryofficialvoice。
　　Clarencestarted。Inspiteofitsmonotonousutteranceitwasthevoiceofthered-beardedcontroversialistofthestage-coach。Butwherewerehischaracteristicbeardandhair？InvoluntarilyClarenceglancedatJudgeBeeswinger；thatgentlemanwasquietlyregardingthestrangerwithanimpassivefacethatbetrayednorecognitionwhatever。
　　"ButthecityofSanFranciscohasnojurisdictionhere，"saidColonelStarbottle，turningablandsmiletowardshisfellow-
　　members。"Iam——er——sorrytoinformyouthatyouaresimplytrespassing，sir。"
　　"Iamherealsoasdeputysheriff，"returnedthestrangercoolly。
　　"Wewereunabletolocatethepreciseplaceofthismeeting，althoughweknewofitsexistence。IwassworninthismorningatSantaInezbythejudgeofthisdistrict，andthesegentlemenwithmearemyposse。"
　　Therewasaquickmovementofresistancebythemembers，whichwas，however，againwaivedblandlyasidebyColonelStarbottle。Leaningforwardinaslightlyforensicattitude，withhisfingersonthetableandashirtfrillthatseemedtohavebecomeofitselferectile，hesaid，withpainedbutpoliteprecision，"Igrievetohavetostate，sir，thateventhatpositionisutterlyuntenablehere。Iamalawyermyself，asmyfriendhere，JudgeBeeswinger——
　　eh？Ibegyourpardon！"
　　Theofficerofthelawhadmomentarilystarted，withhiseyesfixedonJudgeBeeswinger，who，however，seemedtobequietlywritingatthetable。
　　"AsJudgeBeeswinger，"continuedColonelStarbottle，"willprobablytellyouandasajuristhimself，hewillalsoprobablyagreewithmewhenIalsoinformyouthat，astheUnitedStatesgovernmentisanaggrievedparty，itisamatterfortheFederalcourtstoprosecute，andthattheonlyofficerwecanrecognizeistheUnitedStatesMarshalforthedistrict。WhenIaddthatthemarshal，ColonelCrackenthorpe，isoneofmyoldestfriends，andanactivesympathizerwiththeSouthinthepresentstruggle，youwillunderstandthatanyactionfromhiminthismatterisexceedinglyimprobable。"
　　Thegeneralmurmuroflaughter，relief，andapprovalwasbrokenbythequietvoiceofJudgeBeeswinger。
　　"Letmeseeyourwarrant，Mr。DeputySheriff。"
　　Theofficerapproachedhimwithaslightlyperplexedandconstrainedair，andexhibitedthepaper。JudgeBeeswingerhandeditbacktohim。"ColonelStarbottleisquiterightinhiscontention，"hesaidquietly；"theonlyofficerthatthisassemblycanrecognizeistheUnitedStatesMarshalorhislegaldeputy。ButColonelStarbottleiswronginhissuppositionthatColonelCrackenthorpestillretainsthefunctionsofthatoffice。HewasremovedbythePresidentoftheUnitedStates，andhissuccessorwasappointedandsworninbytheFederaljudgeearlythismorning。"Hepaused，andfoldingupthepaperonwhichhehadbeenwriting，placeditinthehandsofthedeputy。"Andthis，"hecontinuedinthesameevenvoice，"constitutesyouhisdeputy，andwillenableyoutocarryoutyourdutyincominghere。"
　　"Whatthedevildoesthismean，sir？Whoareyou？"gaspedColonelStarbottle，recoilingsuddenlyfromthemanathisside。
　　"IamthenewUnitedStatesMarshalfortheSouthernDistrictofCalifornia。"
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　UnsuspectedandastoundingastherevelationwastoClarence，itsstrangereceptionbytheconspiratorsseemedtohimasastounding。
　　Hehadstartedforward，halfexpectingthatthecomplacentandself-confessedspywouldbeimmolatedbyhisinfuriateddupes。Buttohissurprisetheshockseemedtohavechangedtheirnatures，andgiventhemthedignitytheyhadlacked。Theexcitability，irritation，andrecklessnesswhichhadpreviouslycharacterizedthemhaddisappeared。Thedeputyandhisposse，whohadadvancedtotheassistanceoftheirrevealedchief，metwithnoresistance。
　　Theyhadevidently，asifwithoneaccord，drawnawayfromJudgeBeeswinger，leavingaclearedspacearoundhim，andregardedtheircaptorswithsullencontemptuoussilence。ItwasonlybrokenbyColonelStarbottle：——
　　"Yourdutycommandsyou，sir，touseallpossiblediligenceinbringingusbeforetheFederaljudgeofthisdistrict——unlessyourmasterinWashingtonhasviolatedtheConstitutionsofarastoremovehim，too！"
　　"Iunderstandyouperfectly，"returnedJudgeBeeswinger，withunchangedcomposure；"andasyouknowthatJudgeWilsonunfortunatelycannotberemovedexceptthrougharegularcourseofimpeachment，IsupposeyoumaystillcountuponhisSouthernsympathiestobefriendyou。WiththatIhavenothingtodo；mydutyiscompletewhenmydeputyhasbroughtyoubeforehimandI
　　havestatedthecircumstancesofthearrest。"
　　"Icongratulateyou，sir，"saidCaptainPinckney，withanironicalsalute，"onyourpromptrewardforyourtreacherytotheSouth，andyourequallypromptadoptionofthepeculiartacticsofyourfriendsinthewayinwhichyouhaveenteredthishouse。"
　　"IamsorryIcannotcongratulateYOU，sir，"returnedJudgeBeeswingergravely，onbreakingyouroathtothegovernmentwhichhaseducatedandsupportedyouandgivenyoutheepaulettesyoudisgrace。NorshallIdiscuss’treachery’withthemanwhohasnotonlyviolatedthetrustofhiscountry，buteventheintegrityofhisfriend’shousehold。ItisforthatreasonthatIwithholdtheactionofthiswarrantinsofarasitaffectsthepersonsofthemasterandmistressofthishome。IamsatisfiedthatMr。BranthasbeenasignorantofwhathasbeendonehereasIamthathiswifehasbeenonlythefoolishdupeofadoubletraitor！"
　　"Silence！"
　　ThewordsbrokesimultaneouslyfromthelipsofClarenceandCaptainPinckney。Theystoodstaringateachother——theonepale，theothercrimson——asMrs。Brant，apparentlyobliviousofthesignificanceoftheirunitedadjuration，turnedtoJudgeBeeswingerinthefuryofherstillstifledrageandmortification。
　　"Keepyourmercyforyourfellow-spy，"shesaid，withacontemptuousgesturetowardsherhusband；"Igowiththesegentlemen！"
　　"Youwillnot，"saidClarencequietly，"untilIhavesaidawordtoyoualone。"Helaidhishandfirmlyuponherwrist。
　　Thedeputyandhisprisonersfiledslowlyoutofthecourtyardtogether，thelattercourteouslysalutingMrs。Brantastheypassed，butturningfromJudgeBeeswingerincontemptuoussilence。
　　Thejudgefollowedthemtothegate，buttherehepaused。TurningtoMrs。Brant，whowasstillhalfstrugglinginthestronggripofherhusband，hesaid，——
　　"AnycompunctionImayhavehadinmisleadingyoubyacceptingyourinvitationhereIdismissedafterIhadenteredthishouse。AndI
　　trust，"headded，turningtoClarencesternly，"Ileaveyouthemasterofit！"
　　Asthegateclosedbehindhim，Clarencelockedit。Whenhiswifeturneduponhimangrily，hesaidquietly，——
　　"Ihavenointentionofrestrainingyourlibertyamomentafterourinterviewisover，butuntilthenIdonotintendtobedisturbed。"
　　Shethrewherselfdisdainfullybackinherchair，herhandsclaspedinherlapinhalf-contemptuousresignation，withhereyesuponherlongslimarchedfeetcrossedbeforeher。Eveninherattitudetherewassomethingofheroldfascinationwhich，however，nowseemedtostingClarencetothequick。
　　"Ihavenothingtosaytoyouinregardtowhathasjustpassedinthishouse，exceptthataslongasIremainevennominallyitsmasteritshallnotberepeated。AlthoughIshallnolongerattempttoinfluenceorcontrolyourpoliticalsympathies，Ishallnotallowyoutoindulgethemwhereinanywaytheyseemtoimplymysanction。ButsolittledoIopposeyourliberty，thatyouarefreetorejoinyourpoliticalcompanionswheneveryouchoosetodosoonyourownresponsibility。ButImustfirstknowfromyourownlipswhetheryoursympathiesarepurelypolitical——oranameforsomethingelse？"
　　Shehadalternatelyflushedandpaled，althoughstillkeepingherscornfulattitudeashewenton，buttherewasnomistakingthegenuinenessofhervaguewondermentathisconcludingwords。
　　"Idon’tunderstandyou，"shesaid，liftinghereyestohisinamomentofcoldcuriosity。"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"WhatdoImean？WhatdidJudgeBeeswingermeanwhenhecalledCaptainPinckneyadoubletraitor？"hesaidroughly。
　　Shesprangtoherfeetwithflashingeyes。"Andyou——YOU！daretorepeatthecowardlylieofaconfessedspy。This，then，iswhatyouwishedtotellme——thistheinsultforwhichyouhavekeptmehere；becauseyouareincapableofunderstandingunselfishpatriotismordevotion——eventoyourowncause——youdaretojudgemebyyourownbase，Yankee-tradingstandards。Yes，itisworthyofyou！"Shewalkedrapidlyupanddown，andthensuddenlyfacedhim。"Iunderstanditall；Iappreciateyourmagnanimitynow。YouarewillingIshouldjointhecompanyofthesechivalrousgentlemeninordertogivecolortoyourcalumnies！Sayatoncethatitwasyouwhoputupthisspytocorrespondwithme——tocomehere——inordertoentrapme。Yesentrapme——I——whoamomentagostoodupforyoubeforethesegentlemen，andsaidyoucouldnotlie。Bah！"
　　Struckonlybythewildextravaganceofherspeechandtemper，Clarencedidnotknowthatwhenwomenaremostillogicaltheyareapttobemostsincere，andfromaman’sstandpointherunreasoningdeductionsappearedtohimonlyasanaffectationtogaintimeforthought，oratheatricaldisplay，likeSusy’s。Andhewasturninghalfcontemptuouslyaway，whensheagainfacedhimwithflashingeyes。
　　"Well，hearme！Iaccept；Ileavehereatonce，tojoinmyownpeople，myownfriends——thosewhounderstandme——putwhatconstructiononitthatyouchoose。Doyourworst；youcannotdomoretoseparateusthanyouhavedonejustnow。"
　　Shelefthim，andranupthestepswithasingularreturnofheroldoccasionalnymph-likenimbleness——themovementofawomanwhohadneverbornechildren——andaswishofherlongskirtsthatherememberedformanyadayafter，asshedisappearedinthecorridor。Heremainedlookingafterher——indignant，outraged，andunconvinced。Therewasarattlingatthegate。
　　Herememberedhehadlockedit。HeopenedittotheflushedpinkcheeksanddancingeyesofSusy。Therainwasstilldrippingfromherwetcloakassheswungitfromhershoulders。
　　"Iknowitall！——allthat’shappened，"sheburstoutwithhalf-
　　girlishexuberanceandhalftheactress’sdeclamation。"Wemetthemallintheroad——posseandprisoners。ChiefThompsonknewmeandtoldmeall。Andsoyou’vedoneit——andyou’remasterinyouroldhouseagain。Clarence，oldboy！Jimsaidyouwouldn’tdoit——
　　saidyou’dweakenonaccountofher！ButIsaid’No。’Iknewyoubetter，oldClarence，andIsawitinyourface，forallyourstiffness！ha！ButforallthatIwasmightynervousanduneasy，andIjustmadeJimsendanexcusetothetheatreandwerusheditdownhere！Lordy！butitlooksnaturaltoseetheoldhouseagain！
　　Andshe——youpackedheroffwiththeothers——didn’tyou？Tellme，Clarence，"inheroldappealingvoice，"youshookher，too！"
　　Dazedandastounded，andyetexperiencingavaguesenseofreliefwithsomethinglikehisoldtendernesstowardsthewillfulwomanbeforehim，hehadsilentlyregardedheruntilherallusiontohiswiferecalledhimtohimself。
　　"Hush！"hesaidquickly，withaglancetowardsthecorridor。
　　"Ah！"saidSusy，withamalicioussmile，"thenthat’swhyCaptainPinckneywaslingeringintherearwiththedeputy。"
　　"Silence！"repeatedClarencesternly。"Gointhere，"pointingtothegardenroombelowthebalcony，"andwaittherewithyourhusband。"
　　Hehalfled，halfpushedherintotheroomwhichhadbeenhisbusinessoffice，andreturnedtothepatio。Ahesitatingvoicefromthebalconysaid，"Clarence！"
　　Itwashiswife’svoice，butmodifiedandgentler——morelikehervoiceashehadfirstheardit，orasifithadbeenchastenedbysomereminiscenceofthosedays。Itwashiswife’sface，too，thatlookeddownonhis——palerthanhehadseenitsinceheenteredthehouse。Shewasshawledandhooded，carryingatraveling-baginherhand。
　　"Iamgoing，Clarence，"shesaid，pausingbeforehim，withgentlegravity，"butnotinanger。IevenaskyoutoforgivemeforthefoolishwordsthatIthinkyourstillmorefoolishaccusation"——shesmiledfaintly——"draggedfromme。IamgoingbecauseIknowthatI
　　havebrought——andthatwhileIamhereIshallalwaysbebringing——
　　uponyoutheimputationandeventheresponsibilityofmyownfaith！WhileIamproudtoownit，——andifneedsbesufferforit，——Ihavenorighttoruinyourprospects，orevenmakeyouthevictimoftheslursthatothersmaycastuponme。Letuspartasfriends——separatedonlybyourdifferentpoliticalfaiths，butkeepingallotherfaithstogether——untilGodshallsettletherightofthisstruggle。Perhapsitmaybesoon——Isometimesthinkitmaybeyearsofagonyforall；butuntilthen，good-by。"
　　Shehadslowlydescendedthestepstothepatio，lookinghandsomerthanhehadeverseenher，andasifsustainedandupheldbytheenthusiasmofhercause。Herhandwasoutstretchedtowardshis——
　　hisheartbeatviolently——inanothermomenthemighthaveforgottenallandclaspedhertohisbreast。Suddenlyshestopped，heroutstretchedarmstiffened，herfingerpointedtothechaironwhichSusy’scloakwashanging。
　　"What’sthat？"shesaidinasharp，high，metallicvoice。"Whoishere？Speak！"
　　"Susy，"saidClarence。
　　Shecastascathingglanceroundthepatio，andthensettledherpiercingeyesonClarencewithabittersmile。
　　"Already！"
　　Clarencefeltthebloodrushtohisfaceashestammered，"Sheknewwhatwashappeninghere，andcametogiveyouwarning。"
　　"Liar！"
　　"Stop！"saidClarence，withawhiteface。"ShecametotellmethatCaptainPinckneywasstilllingeringforyouintheroad。"
　　Hethrewopenthegatetoletherpass。Asshesweptoutsheliftedherhand。Asheclosedthegatetherewerethewhitemarksofherfourfingersonhischeek。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　ForonceSusyhadnotexaggerated。CaptainPinckneyWASlingering，withthedeputywhohadchargeofhim，onthetrailnearthecasa。
　　Ithadalreadybeenprettywellunderstoodbybothcaptivesandcaptorsthatthearrestwassimplyalegaldemonstration；thatthesympathizingFederaljudgewouldundoubtedlyorderthedischargeoftheprisonersontheirownrecognizances，anditwasprobablethatthedeputysawnoharmingrantingPinckney’srequest——whichwasvirtuallyonlyadelayinhisliberation。ItwasalsopossiblethatPinckneyhadworkeduponthechivalroussympathiesofthemanbyprofessinghisdisinclinationtoleavetheirdevotedcolleague，Mrs。Brant，atthemercyofherantagonisticandcold-bloodedhusbandatsuchacrisis，anditistobefearedalsothatClarence，asareputedlukewarmpartisan，excitednopersonalsympathy，evenfromhisownparty。Howbeit，thedeputyagreedtodelayPinckney’sjourneyforapartinginterviewwithhisfairhostess。
　　HowfarthisexpressedtherealsentimentsofCaptainPinckneywasneverknown。WhetherhispoliticalassociationwithMrs。Branthaddevelopedintoawarmersolicitude，understoodorignoredbyher，——
　　whatwerehishopesandaspirationsregardingherfuture，——werebythecourseoffateneverdisclosed。Amanofeasyethics，butrigidartificialitiesofhonor，flatteredandpamperedbyclassprejudice，aso-called"manoftheworld，"withnoexperiencebeyondhisownlimitedcircle，yetbraveanddevotedtothat，itwerewellperhapstoleavethislastactofhisinefficientlifeasitwasacceptedbythedeputy。
　　Dismountingheapproachedthehousefromthegarden。Hewasalreadyfamiliarwiththelowarcheddoorwaywhichledtothebusinessroom，andfromwhichhecouldgainadmittancetothepatio，butitsochancedthatheenteredthedarkpassageatthemomentthatClarencehadthrustSusyintothebusinessroom，andhearditsdoorshutsharply。ForaninstanthebelievedthatMrs。
　　Branthadtakenrefugethere，butashecautiouslymovedforwardheheardhervoiceinthepatiobeyond。Itsaccentsstruckhimaspleading；anintensecuriositydrewhimfurtheralongthepassage。
　　Suddenlyhervoiceseemedtochangetoangrydenunciation，andtheword"Liar"ranguponhisears。ItwasfollowedbyhisownnameutteredsardonicallybyClarence，theswiftrustleofaskirt，theclashofthegate，andthen——forgettingeverything，heburstintothepatio。
　　Clarencewasjustturningfromthegatewiththemarksofhiswife’shandstillredonhiswhitecheek。HesawCaptainPinckney’seyesuponit，andthefaint，half-malicious，half-
　　hystericsmileuponhislips。Butwithoutastartorgestureofsurprisehelockedthegate，andturningtohim，saidwithfrigidsignificance，——
　　"Ithankyouforreturningsopromptly，andforrecognizingtheonlythingInowrequireatyourhand。"
　　ButCaptainPinckneyhadrecoveredhissuperciliouseasewiththesignificantdemand。
　　"Youseemtohavehadsomethingalreadyfromanother’shand，sir，butIamatyourservice，"hesaidlightly。
　　"YouwillconsiderthatIhaveaccepteditfromyou，"saidClarence，drawingclosertohimwitharigidface。"Isupposeitwillnotbenecessaryformetoreturnit——tomakeyouunderstandme。"
　　"Goon，"saidPinckney，flushingslightly。"Makeyourterms；Iamready。"
　　"ButI’mnot，"saidtheunexpectedvoiceofthedeputyatthegrilleofthegateway。"Excusemyinterfering，gentlemen，butthissorto’thingain’tdowninmyschedule。I’veletthisgentleman，"
　　pointingtoCaptainPinckney，"offforaminittosay’good-by’toalady，whoIreckonhasjustriddenoffinherbuggywithherservantwithoutsayingbyyourleave，butIdidn’tcalkelatetolethiminteranotherbusiness，which，likeasnot，maypreventmefromdeliveringhisbodysafeandsoundintocourt。Youhearme！"AsClarenceopenedthegateheadded，"Idon’twantterspoilsportbetweengents，butit’sgottocomeinafterI’vedonemyduty。"
　　"I’llmeetyou，sir，anywhere，andwithwhatweaponsyouchoose，"
　　saidPinckney，turningangrilyuponClarence，"assoonasthisfarce——forwhichyouandyourfriendsareresponsible——isover。"
　　HewasfuriousattheintimationthatMrs。Branthadescapedhim。
　　Adifferentthoughtwasinthehusband’smind。"ButwhatassurancehaveIthatyouaregoingonwiththedeputy？"hesaidwithpurposelyinsultingdeliberation。
　　"Myword，sir，"saidCaptainPinckneysharply。
　　"Andifthatain’tenuff，there’smine！"saidthedeputy。"ForifthisgentlemanswervestotherightorleftbetwixtthisandSantaInez，I’llblowaholethroughhimmyself。Andthat，"headdeddeprecatingly，"issayingagooddealforamanwhodoesn’twanttospoilsport，andforthematterofthatiswillingtostandbyandseefairplaydoneatSantaInezanytimeto-morrowbeforebreakfast。"
　　"ThenIcancountonyou，"saidClarence，withasuddenimpulseextendinghishand。
　　Themanhesitatedamomentandthengraspedit。
　　"Well，Iwasn’texpectingthat，"hesaidslowly；"butyoulookasifyoumeantbusiness，andifyouain’tgotanybodyelsetoseeyouthrough，I’mthar！Isupposethisgentlemanwillhavehisfriends。"
　　"Ishallbethereatsixwithmyseconds，"saidPinckneycurtly。
　　"Leadon。"
　　Thegateclosedbehindthem。Clarencestoodlookingaroundtheemptypatioandthesilenthouse，fromwhichitwasnowplainthattheservantshadbeenwithdrawntoinsurethesecrecyoftheconspiracy。Coolandcollectedasheknewhewas，heremainedforamomentinhesitation。Thenthesoundofvoicescametohisearfromthegardenroom，thelightfrivolityofSusy’slaughandHooker’shuskieraccents。Hehadforgottentheywerethere——hehadforgottentheirexistence！
　　Trustingstilltohiscalmness，hecalledtoHookerinhisusualvoice。Thatgentlemanappearedwithafacewhichhisattemptstomakeunconcernedandimpassivehad，however，onlydeepenedintofunerealgravity。
　　"Ihavesomethingtoattendto，"saidClarence，withafaintsmile，"andImustaskyouandSusytoexcusemeforalittlewhile。Sheknowsthehouseperfectly，andwillcalltheservantsfromtheannextoprovideyoubothwithrefreshmentuntilIjoinyoualittlelater。"SatisfiedfromHooker’smannerthattheyknewnothingofhislaterinterviewwithPinckney，heturnedawayandascendedtohisownroom。
　　Therehethrewhimselfintoanarmchairbythedimlightofasinglecandleasiftoreflect。Buthewasconscious，eventhen，ofhisowncalmnessandwantofexcitement，andthatnoreflectionwasnecessary。Whathehaddoneandwhatheintendedtodowasquiteclear，therewasnoalternativesuggestedortobeevensoughtafter。Hehadthatsenseofreliefwhichcomeswiththeclimaxofallgreatstruggles，evenofdefeat。
　　Hehadneverknownbeforehowhopelessandcontinuoushadbeenthatstruggleuntilnowitwasover。Hehadnofearoftomorrow，hewouldmeetitashehadto-day，withthesamesingularconsciousnessofbeingequaltotheoccasion。Therewasevennonecessityofpreparationforit；hiswill，leavinghisfortunetohiswife，——
　　whichseemedaslightthingnowinthisgreaterseparation，——wasalreadyinhissafeinSanFrancisco，hispistolswereinthenextroom。Hewasevenslightlydisturbedbyhisowninsensibility，andpassedintohiswife’sbedroompartlyinthehopeofdisturbinghisserenitybysomemementooftheirpast。Therewasnodisorderofflight——everythingwasinitsplace，exceptthedrawerofherdesk，whichwasstillopen，asifshehadtakensomethingfromitasanafterthought。Therewerelettersandpapersthere，someofhisownandsomeinCaptainPinckney’shandwriting。Itdidnotoccurtohimtolookatthem——eventojustifyhimself，orexcuseher。HeknewthathishatredofCaptainPinckneywasnotsomuchthathebelievedhimherlover，ashissuddenconvictionthatshewaslikehim！Hewasthemaleofherspecies——abeingantagonistictohimself，whomhecouldfight，andcrush，andrevengehimselfupon。Butmostofallheloathedhispast，notonaccountofher，butofhisownweaknessthathadmadehimherdupeandamisunderstoodmantohisfriends。Hehadbeenderelictofdutyinhisunselfishdevotiontoher；hehadstifledhisambition，andunderratedhisownpossibilities。Nowonderthatothershadacceptedhimathisownvaluation。ClarenceBrantwasamodestman，buttheegotismofmodestyismorefatalthanthatofpretension，forithasthehauntingconsciousnessofsuperiorvirtue。
　　Here-enteredhisownroomandagainthrewhimselfintohischair。
　　Hiscalmwasbeingsucceededbyaphysicalweariness；herememberedhehadnotsleptthenightbefore，andheoughttotakesomeresttobefreshintheearlymorning。Yethemustalsoshowhimselfbeforehisself-invitedguests，——Susyandherhusband，——ortheirsuspicionswouldbearoused。Hewouldtrytosleepforalittlewhileinthechairbeforehewentdownstairsagain。HeclosedhiseyesoddlyenoughonadimdreamyrecollectionofSusyintheolddays，inthelittlemadronohollowwhereshehadoncegivenhimarendezvous。Heforgotthematurerandcriticaluneasinesswithwhichhehadthenreceivedhercoquettishandwillfuladvances，whichhenowknewwastheeffectofthegrowingdominanceofMrs。
　　Peytonoverhim，andrememberedonlyherbright，youthfuleyes，andthekisseshehadpresseduponhersoftfragrantcheek。Thefaintnesshehadfeltwhenwaitingintheoldrosegarden，afewhoursago，seemedtostealonhimoncemore，andtolapseintoapleasantdrowsiness。Heevenseemedagaintoinhaletheperfumeoftheroses。
　　"Clarence！"
　　Hestarted。Hehadbeensleeping，butthevoicesoundedstrangelyreal。
　　Alight，girlishlaughfollowed。Hesprangtohisfeet。ItwasSusystandingbesidehim——andSusyevenasshelookedintheolddays！
　　Forwithaflashofheroldaudacity，aidedbyherfamiliarknowledgeofthehouseandthebunchofhouseholdkeysshehadfound，whichdangledfromhergirdle，asintheoldfashion，shehaddisinterredoneofheroldfrocksfromacloset，slippediton，andunlooseningherbrownhairhadletitfallinripplingwavesdownherback。ItwasSusyinheroldgirlishness，withtheinstinctofthegrownactressinthearrangementofhershortskirtoverherprettyanklesandthehalf-consciousposeshehadtaken。
　　"PoordearoldClarence，"shesaid，withdancingeyes；"Imighthavewonadozenpairsofglovesfromyouwhileyousleptthere。
　　Butyou’retired，dearoldboy，andyou’vehadahardtimeofit。
　　Nomatter；you’veshownyourselfamanatlast，andI’mproudofyou。"
　　Halfashamedofthepleasurehefelteveninhisembarrassment，Clarencestammered，"Butthischange——thisdress。"
　　Susyclappedherhandslikeachild。"Iknewitwouldsurpriseyou！It’sanoldfrockIworetheyearIwentawaywithauntie。I
　　knewwhereitwashidden，andfisheditoutagainwiththesekeys，Clarence；itseemedsolikeoldtimes。Lord！whenIwaswiththeoldservantsagain，andyoudidn’tcomedown，IjustfeltasifI’dneverbeenaway，andIjustrampagedfree。Itseemedtome，don’tyouknow，notasifI’djustcome，butasifI’dalwaysbeenrighthere，anditwasyouwho’djustcome。Don’tyouunderstand！JustasyoucamewhenmeandMaryRogerswerehere；don’tyourememberher，Clarence，andhowsheusedtodo’gooseberry’forus？Well，justlikethat。SoIsaidtoJim，’Idon’tknowyouanymore——
　　get！’andIjustslippedonthisfrockandorderedManuelaaroundasIusedtodo——andsheinfitsoflaughter；Ireckon，Clarence，shehasn’tlaughedasmuchsinceIleft。AndthenIthoughtofyou——perhapsworriedandflusteredasyetoverthings，andthechange，andIjustslippedintothekitchenandItoldoldfatConchitatomakesomeofthesetortillasyouknow，——withsugarandcinnamonsprinkledontop，——andItiedonanapronandbrought’emuptoyouonatraywithaglassofthatoldCatalanwineyouusedtolike。ThenIsorterfeltfrightenedwhenIgothere，andI
　　didn’thearanynoise，andIputthetraydowninthehallandpeepedinandfoundyouasleep。Sitstill，I’llfetchem。"
　　Shetrippedoutintothepassage，returningwiththetray，whichsheputonthetablebesideClarence，andthenstandingbackalittleandwithherhandstuckedsoubrettefashioninthetinypocketsofherapron，gazedathimwithamischievoussmile。
　　ItwasimpossiblenottosmilebackashenibbledthecrispMexicancakeanddranktheoldmissionwine。AndSusy’stonguetrilledanaccompanimenttohisthanks。
　　"Lord！itseemssonicetobehere——justyouandme，Clarence——likeintheolddays——withnobodynaggin’andswoopin’roundafteryou。
　　Don’tbegreedy，Clarence，butgivemeacake。"Shetookoneandfinishedthedregsofhisglass。
　　Thensittingonthearmofhischair，shedartedavioletrayofhalfreproachandhalfmischievousnessintohisamusedandretrospectiveeyes。"Thereusedtoberoomfortwointhatchair，Klarns。"
　　Theuseoftheoldchildishdiminutiveforhisnameseemedtohimnaturalasherfamiliarity，andhemovedalittlesidewaystomakeroomforherwithaninstinctofpleasure，butthesamesenseofirresponsibilitythathadcharacterizedhisreflections。
　　Nevertheless，helookedcriticallyintothemischievouseyes，andsaidquietly，——
　　"Whereisyourhusband？"
　　Therewasnotraceofembarrassment，apology，orevenofconsciousnessinherprettyfaceasshereplied，passingherhandlightlythroughhishair，——
　　"Oh，Jim？I’vepackedhimoff！"
　　"Packedhimoff！"echoedClarence，slightlyastonished。
　　"Yes，toFairPlains，fulltiltafteryourwife’sbuggy。Yousee，Clarence，aftertheoldcat——that’syourwife，please——left，I
　　wantedtomakesureshehadgone，andwasn’thangin’roundtoleadyouoffagainwithyourlegtiedtoherapronstringlikeachicken’s！No！IsaidtoJim，’Justyourideafterheruntilyouseeshe’ssafeandsoundinthedowncoachfromFairPlainswithoutherknowin’it，andifshe’sinclinedtohangbackorwobbleany，youpostbackhereandletmeknow！’ItoldhimIwouldstayandlookafteryoutoseeyoudidn’tbolttoo！"Shelaughed，andthenadded，"ButIdidn’tthinkIshouldfallintotheoldwayssosoon，andhavesuchanicetime。Didyou，Clarence？"
　　Shelookedsoirresponsible，sittingtherewithherfacenearhis，andsochildishly，orperhapsthoughtlessly，happy，thathecouldonlyadmireherlevity，andeventheslightshockthatherflippantallusiontohiswifehadgivenhimseemedtohimonlyaweaknessofhisown。Afterall，wasnothersthetruephilosophy？Whyshouldnotthesebrighteyesseethingsmoreclearlythanhisown？
　　Nevertheless，withhiseyesstillfixeduponthem，hecontinued，——
　　"AndJimwaswillingtogo？"
　　Shestopped，withherfingersstillliftingalockofhishair。
　　"Why，yes，yousilly——whyshouldn’the？I’dliketoseehimrefuse。Why，Lord！JimwilldoanythingIaskhim。"Sheputdownthelockofhair，andsuddenlylookingfullintohiseyes，said，"That’sjustthedifferencebetweenhimandme，andyouand——thatwoman！"
　　"Thenyoulovehim！"
　　"Aboutasmuchasyouloveher，"shesaid，withanunaffectedlaugh；"onlyhedon’twindmearoundhisfinger。"
　　Nodoubtshewasrightforallherthoughtlessness，andyethewasgoingtofightaboutthatwomanto-morrow！No——heforgot；hewasgoingtofightCaptainPinckneybecausehewaslikeher！
　　Susyhadputherfingeronthecreasebetweenhisbrowswhichthissuppositionhadmade，andtriedtorubitout。
　　"YouknowitaswellasIdo，Clarence，"shesaid，withaprettywrinklingofherownbrows，whichwashernearestapproachtothoughtfulness。"Youknowyouneverreallylikedher，onlyyouthoughtherwaysweregranderandmoreproperthanmine，andyouknowyouwerealwaysalittlebitofasnobandaprigtoo——dearboy。AndMrs。Peytonwas——blessmysoul！——aBenhamandaplanter’sdaughter，andI——Iwasonlyapicked-uporphan！That’swhereJimisbetterthanyou——nowsitstill，goosey！——evenifIdon’tlikehimasmuch。Oh，Iknowwhatyou’realwaysthinking，you’rethinkingwe’rebothexaggeratedandtheatrical，ain’tyou？Butdon’tyouthinkit’saheapbettertobeexaggeratedandtheatricalaboutthingsthatarejustsentimentalandromanticthantobesoawfullypossessedandovercomeaboutthingsthatareonlyreal？
　　There，youneedn’tstareatmeso！It’strue。You’vehadyourfillofgrandeurandpropriety，and——hereyouare。And，"sheaddedwithalittlechuckle，asshetuckedupherfeetandleanedalittleclosertohim，"here’sME。"
　　Hedidnotspeak，buthisarmquiteunconsciouslypassedroundhersmallwaist。
　　"Yousee，Clarence，"shewentonwithequalunconsciousnessoftheact，"yououghtnevertohaveletmego——never！Yououghttohavekeptmehere——orrunawaywithme。Andyououghtn’ttohavetriedtomakemeproper。Andyououghtn’ttohavedrivenmetoflirtwiththathorridSpaniard，andyououghtn’ttohavebeensohorriblycoldandseverewhenIdid。Andyououghtn’ttohavemademetakeupwithJim，whowastheonlyonewhothoughtmehisequal。
　　Imighthavebeenverysillyandcapricious；Imighthavebeenveryvain，butmyvanityisn’tabitworsethanyourpride；myloveofpraiseandapplauseinthetheatreisn’tabitmorehorridthanyourfearsofwhatpeoplemightthinkofyouorme。That’sgospeltruth，isn’tit，Clarence？Tellme！Don’tlookthatwayandthis——
　　lookatME！Iain’tpoisonous，Clarence。Why，oneofyourcheeksisredderthantheother，Clarence；that’stheonethat’sturnedfromme。Come，"shewenton，takingthelapelsofhiscoatbetweenherhandsandhalfshakinghim，halfdrawinghimnearerherbrightface。"Tellme——isn’tittrue？"
　　"IwasthinkingofyoujustnowwhenIfellasleep，Susy，"hesaid。
　　Hedidnotknowwhyhesaidit；hehadnotintendedtotellher，hehadonlymeanttoavoidadirectanswertoherquestion；yetevennowhewenton。"AndIthoughtofyouwhenIwasoutthereintherosegardenwaitingtocomeinhere。"
　　"Youdid？"shesaid，drawinginherbreath。Awaveofdelicatepinkcolorcameuptoherveryeyes，itseemedtohimasquicklyandasinnocentlyaswhenshewasagirl。"AndwhatDIDyouthink，Klarns，"shehalfwhispered——"tellme。"
　　Hedidnotspeak，butansweredherblueeyesandthenherlips，asherarmsslippedquitenaturallyaroundhisneck……
　　ThedawnwasbreakingasClarenceandJimHookeremergedtogetherfromthegateofthecasa。Mr。Hookerlookedsleepy。Hehadfound，afterhisreturnfromFairPlains，thathishosthadanearlyengagementatSantaInez，andhehadinsisteduponrisingtoseehimoff。Itwaswithdifficulty，indeed，thatClarencecouldpreventhisaccompanyinghim。ClarencehadnotrevealedtoSusythenightbeforetherealobjectofhisjourney，nordidHookerevidentlysuspectit，yetwhentheformerhadmountedhishorse，hehesitatedforaninstant，extendinghishand。
　　"IfIshouldhappentobedetained，"hebeganwithahalfsmile。
　　ButJimwasstrugglingwithayawn。"That’sallright——don’tmindus，"hesaid，stretchinghisarms。Clarence’shesitatinghanddroppedtohisside，andwithalightrecklesslaughandahalfsenseofprovidentialreliefhegallopedaway。
　　WhathappenedimmediatelythereafterduringhissolitaryridetoSantaInez，lookingbackuponitinafteryears，seemedbutaconfusedrecollection，morelikeadream。Thelongstretchesofvaguedistance，graduallyopeningclearerwiththerisingsuninanuncloudedsky；themeetingwithafewearlyorbelatedtravelersandhisunconsciousavoidanceofthem，asiftheymightknowofhisobject；theblackshadowsofforeshortenedcattlerisingbeforehimontheplainandarousingthesameuneasysensationoftheirbeingwaylayingmen；thewonderingrecognitionofhousesandlandmarkshehadlongbeenfamiliarwith；hispurposelessattemptstorecallthecircumstancesinwhichhehadknownthem——allthesewerelikeadream。So，too，weretherecollectionsofthenightbefore，theepisodewithSusy，alreadymingledandblendedwiththememoryoftheirpreviouspast；hisfutileattemptstolookforwardtothefuture，always，however，abandonedwithreliefatthethoughtthatthenextfewhoursmightmakethemunnecessary。SoalsowasthesuddenrealizationthatSantaInezwasbeforehim，whenhehadthoughthewasnotyethalfwaythere，andashedismountedbeforetheCourtHousehissingularfeeling——followed，however，bynofearordistress——wasthathehadcomesoearlytotherendezvousthathewasnotyetquitepreparedforit。
　　Thissamesenseofunrealitypervadedhismeetingwiththedeputysheriff，atthenewsthattheFederaljudgehad，aswasexpected，dismissedtheprisonersontheirownrecognizances，andthatCaptainPinckneywasatthehotelatbreakfast。Inthelikeabstractedmannerherepliedtotheoneortwoquestionsofthedeputy，exhibitedthepistolshehadbroughtwithhim，andfinallyaccompaniedhimtoalittlemeadowhiddenbytrees，belowthehotel，wheretheotherprincipalandhissecondswereawaitingthem。Andhereheawoke——clear-eyed，keen，forceful，andintense！
　　Sostimulatedwerehisfacultiesthathissenseofhearinginitsacutenesstookineverywordoftheconversationbetweentheseconds，afewpacesdistant。Heheardhisadversary’ssecondssaycarelesslytothedeputysheriff，"Ipresumethisisacasewheretherewillbenoapologyormediation，"andthedeputy’sreply，"I
　　reckonmymanmeansbusiness，butheseemsalittlequeer。"Heheardtheothersecondlaugh，andsaylightly，"They’reapttobesowhenit’stheirfirsttimeout，"followedbythemoreanxiousasideoftheothersecondasthedeputyturnedaway，——"Yes，butbyG-dIdon’tlikehislooks！"Hissenseofsightwasalsosoacutethathavinglostthechoiceofposition，whenthecoinwastossed，andbeingturnedwithhisfacetothesun，eventhroughtheglarehesaw，withunerringdistinctnessofoutline，theblack-coatedfigureofhisopponentmovedintorange——sawtheperfectoutlineofhisfeatures，andhowtheeasy，supercilioussmile，ashethrewawayhiscigar，appearedtodropoutofhisfacewithakindofvacantaweashefacedhim。Hefelthisnervesbecomeassteelasthecountingbegan，andattheword"three，"knewhehadfiredbytherecoilofthepistolinhisleveledhand，simultaneouslywithitsutterance。Andatthesamemoment，stillstandinglikearock，hesawhisadversarymiserablycollapse，hislegsgrotesquelycurvinginwardsunderhim，——withouteventhedignityofdeathinhisfall，——andsosinkhelplesslylikeafelledbulltotheground。
　　Stillerect，andloweringonlythemuzzleofhispistol，asathinfeatherofsmokecurledupitsshiningside，hesawthedoctorandsecondsrunquicklytotheheap，trytoliftitslimpimpotenceintoshape，andletitdropagainwiththewords，"Rightthroughtheforehead，byG-d！"
　　"You’vedoneforhim，"saidthedeputy，turningtoClarencewithasingularlookofcuriosity，"andIreckonyouhadbettergetoutofthismightyquick。Theydidn’texpectit；they’rejustragin’；
　　theymayroundonyou——and"——headded，moreslowly，"theyseemtohavejustfoundoutwhoyouare。"
　　Evenwhilehewasspeaking，Clarence，withhisquickenedear，heardthewords，"OneofHamiltonBrant’spups""Justlikehisfather，"
　　fromthegrouparoundthedeadman。Hedidnothesitate，butwalkedcoollytowardsthem。Yetacertainfiercepride——whichhehadneverknownbefore——stirredinhisveinsastheirvoiceshushedandtheyhalfrecoiledbeforehim。
　　"AmItounderstandfrommysecond，gentlemen，"hesaid，lookingroundthegroup，"thatyouarenotsatisfied？"
　　"Thefightwassquareenough，"saidPinckney’ssecondinsomeembarrassment，"butIreckonthathe，"pointingtothedeadman，"didnotknowwhoyouwere。"
　　"DoyoumeanthathedidnotknowthatIwasthesonofamanproficientintheuseofarms？"
　　"Ireckonthat’saboutit，"returnedthesecond，glancingattheothers。
　　"Iamgladtosay，sir，thatIhaveabetteropinionofhiscourage，"saidClarence，liftinghishattothedeadbodyasheturnedaway。
　　Yethewasconsciousofnoremorse，concern，orevenpityinhisact。Perhapsthiswasvisibleinhisface，forthegroupappearedawedbythisperfectionoftheduelist’scoolness，andevenreturnedhisformalpartingsalutationwithavagueandtimidrespect。Hethankedthedeputy，regainedthehotel，saddledhishorseandgallopedaway。
　　ButnottowardstheRancho。Nowthathecouldthinkofhisfuture，thathadnoplaceinhisreflections；eventheepisodeofSusywasforgotteninthenewandstrangeconceptionofhimselfandhisirresponsibilitywhichhadcomeuponhimwiththekillingofPinckneyandthewordsofhissecond。Itwashisdeadfatherwhohadstiffenedhisarmanddirectedthefatalshot！Itwashereditaryinfluences——whichothershadbeensoquicktorecognize——
　　thathadbroughtaboutthiscompletingclimaxofhistrouble。Howelsecouldheaccountforitthathe——aconscientious，peaceful，sensitiveman，tenderandforgivingashehadbelievedhimselftobe——couldnowfeelsolittlesorroworcompunctionforhisculminatingact？Hehadreadofsuccessfulduelistswhowerehauntedbyremorsefortheirfirstvictim；whoretainedaterribleconsciousnessoftheappearanceofthedeadman；hehadnosuchfeeling；hehadonlyagrimcontentmentinthewiped-outinefficientlife，andcontemptforthelimpandhelplessbody。HesuddenlyrecalledhiscallousnessasaboywhenfacetofacewiththevictimsoftheIndianmassacre，hissenseoffastidioussuperciliousnessinthediscoveryofthebodyofSusy’smother！——
　　surelyitwasthecoldbloodofhisfatherinfluencinghimeverthus。Whathadhetodowithaffection，withdomestichappiness，withtheordinaryambitionsofman’slife——whosebloodwasfrozenatitssource！Yetevenwiththisverythoughtcameoncemoretheoldinconsistenttendernesshehadasaboylavisheduponthealmostunknownandfugitivefatherwhohadforsakenhischildishcompanionship，andrememberedhimonlybysecretgifts。HerememberedhowhehadworshipedhimevenwhilethepiouspadresatSanJosewereendeavoringtoeliminatethisterriblepoisonfromhisbloodandcombathishereditaryinstinctinhisconflictswithhisschool-fellows。Anditwasapartofthisinconsistencythat，ridingawayfromthesceneofhisfirstbloodshed，hiseyesweredimmedwithmoisture，notforhisvictim，butfortheonebeingwhohebelievedhadimpelledhimtotheact。
　　ThisandmorewasinhismindduringhislongridetoFairPlains，hisjourneybycoachtotheEmbarcadero，hismidnightpassageacrossthedarkwatersofthebay，andhisre-entrancetoSanFrancisco，butwhatshouldbehisfuturewasstillunsettled。
　　AshewoundroundthecrestofRussianHillandlookeddownagainupontheawakenedcity，hewasstartledtoseethatitwasflutteringandstreamingwithbunting。Fromeverypublicbuildingandhotel，fromtheroofsofprivatehouses，andeventhewindowsoflonelydwellings，flappedandwavedthestripedandstarrybanner。Thesteadybreathoftheseacarrieditoutfrommastsandyardsofshipsattheirwharves，fromthebattlementsofthefortsAlcatrazandYerbaBueno。HerememberedthattheferrymanhadtoldhimthatthenewsfromFortSumterhadsweptthecitywitharevulsionofpatrioticsentiment，andthattherewasnodoubtthattheStatewassavedtotheUnion。Helookeddownuponitwithhaggard，bewilderedeyes，andthenastrangegaspandfullnessofthethroat！Forafarasolitarybuglehadblownthe"reveille"atFortAlcatraz。
　　PARTII。
　　CHAPTERI。
　　Nightatlast，andthestirandtumultofagreatfightover。Eventheexcitementthathadsweptthisportionofthebattlefield——onlyasmallsectionofavasterareaofstruggle——intowhichabrigadehadmarched，helditsown，beenbeatenback，recovereditsground，andpursuing，hadpassedoutofitforever，leavingonlyitsdeadbehind，andknowingnothingmoreofthatstrugglethanitsownimpactandmomentum——eventhiswildexcitementhadlongsinceevaporatedwiththestingingsmokeofgunpowder，theacridsmellofburningragsfromtheclothingofadeadsoldierfiredbyaburstingshell，ortheheatedreekofsweatandleather。Acoolbreaththatseemedtobringbackoncemoretheodoroftheupturnedearthworksalongthenowdumblineofbattlebegantomovefromthesuggestivedarknessbeyond。
　　Butintothatawfulpenetraliaofdeathandsilencetherewasnoinvasion——therehadbeennoretreat。Afewofthewoundedhadbeenbroughtout，underfire，buttheothershadbeenleftwiththedeadforthemorninglightandsuccor。Foritwasknownthatinthathorribleobscurity，riderlesshorses，franticwiththesmellofblood，gallopedwildlyhereandthere，or，maddenedbywounds，plungedfuriouslyattheintruder；thatthewoundedsoldier，stillarmed，couldnotalwaysdistinguishfriendfromfoeorfromtheghoulsofcampfollowerswhostrippedthedeadinthedarknessandstruggledwiththedying。Ashotortwoheardsomewhereinthatobscuritycountedasnothingwiththelongfusilladethathadsweptitinthedaytime；thepassingofasinglelife，moreorless，amountedtolittleinthelongroll-calloftheday’sslaughter。
　　Butwiththefirstbeamsofthemorningsun——andtheslowlymoving"reliefdetail"fromthecamp——cameaweirdhalf-resurrectionofthatghastlyfield。Thenitwasthatthelongraysofsunlight，streamingawayamilebeyondthebattleline，pointedoutthefirstharvestofthedeadwherethereserveshadbeenposted。Theretheylayinheapsandpiles，killedbysolidshotorburstingshellsthathadleapedthebattlelinetoplungeintothewaitingranksbeyond。Asthesunliftedhigheritsbeamsfellwithintherangeofmusketryfire，wherethedeadlaythicker，——evenastheyhadfallenwhenkilledoutright，——witharmsextendedandfeetatallanglestothefield。Asittouchedthesedeadupturnedfaces，strangelyenoughitbroughtoutnoexpressionofpainoranguish——
　　butratherasifdeathhadarrestedthemonlyinsurpriseandawe。