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。\"