\"Youmustreturnontheinstant！MotherofGod！Ihafforget，SHE
hafforget，WEallhafforget！Butyouhavenotseenhim！\"
\"Seenwhom？\"
\"Elnino，thebaby！Youcomprehend，pig！Thecriaturica，theleetlechildofourselfs！\"
\"Thebaby？\"Isaidconfusedly。\"ISthere——isthereaBABY？\"
\"Youhearhim？\"saidEnriquez，sendinganappealingvoiceupward。
\"Youhearhim，Urania？Youcomprehend。Thisbeastofaleetlebrotherdemandsifthereeesone！\"
\"Ibegyourpardon，\"Isaid，hurriedlyreascendingthestairs。OnthelandingImetMrs。Saltillo，butascalm，composed，andpreciseasherhusbandwasextravagantandvehement。\"ItwasanoversightofEnriquez’s，\"shesaidquietly，reenteringtheroomwithus；\"andwasallthemorestrange，asthechildwasintheroomwithyouallthetime。\"
Shepointedtothecornerofthewall，wherehungwhatIhadbelievedtobeanoldIndianrelic。Tomyconsternation，itWASabark\"papoose-case，\"occupiedbyaLIVINGchild，swathedandbandagedaftertheapprovedIndianfashion。Itwasasleep，I
believe，butitopenedapairofbrighthuckleberryeyes，setinthesmallestoffeatures，thatwerelikethoseofacarvedivoryidol，anduttereda\"coo\"atthesoundofitsmother’svoice。Shestoodononesidewithunruffledcomposure，whileEnriquezthrewhimselfintoanattitudebeforeit，withclaspedhands，asifithadbeenanimageoftheHolyChild。Formyself，Iwastooastoundedtospeak；luckily，myconfusionwasattributedtotheinexperienceofabachelor。
\"Ihaveadopted，\"saidMrs。Saltillo，withthefaintesttouchofmaternalprideinhermanner，\"whatIamconvincedistheonlynaturalandhygienicmodeoftreatingthehumanchild。Itmaybesaidtobeareversiontotheaborigine，butIhaveyettolearnthatitisnotsuperiortoourcivilizedcustom。Bythesebandagesthelimbsoftheinfantarekeptinproperpositionuntiltheyarestrongenoughtosupportthebody，andsuchathingasmalformationisunknown。Itisprotectedbyitscradle，whichtakestheplaceofitsincubating-shell，fromexternalinjury，theinjudiciouscoddlingofnurses，theso-called’dancings’andperniciousrockings。Thesupineposition，asintheadult，isimposedonlyatnight。Bytheaidofthisstrapitmaybecarriedonlongjourneys，eitherbymyselforbyEnriquez，whothusshareswithme，ashefullyrecognizes，itsequalresponsibilityandburden。\"
\"It——certainlydoesnot——cry，\"Istammered。
\"Crying，\"saidMrs。Saltillo，withacurveofherprettyredlip。
\"istheprotestofthechildagainstinsanitaryandartificialtreatment。Initsupright，unostentatiouscradleitisprotectedagainstthatinjudiciousfondlinganddangerouspromiscuousosculationtowhich，asaninfantinhumanarms，itissooftensubjected。Aboveall，itiskeptfromthatshamelessandmortifyingpublicitysounjusttotheweakandunformedanimal。
Thechildrepaysthisconsiderationbyagratifyingsilence。Itcannotbeexpectedtounderstandourthoughts，speech，oractions；
itcannotparticipateinourpleasures。Whyshoulditbeforcedintoprematurecontactwiththem，merelytofeedourvanityorselfishness？Whyshouldweassumeourparticularparentalaccidentassuperiortothecommonlot？Ifwedonotgiveouroffspringthatprominencebeforeourvisitorssocommontotheyoungwifeandhusband，itisforthatreasonsolely；andthismayaccountforwhatseemedtheforgetfulnessofEnriquezinspeakingofitorpointingitouttoyou。AndIthinkhisactionincallingyoubacktoseeitwassomewhatprecipitate。Asonedoesnotusuallyintroduceanunknownandinferiorstrangerwithoutsomepreviousintroduction，hemighthaveaskedyouifyouwishedtoseethebabybeforeherecalledyou。\"
IlookedfromUrania’sunfathomableeyestoEnriquez’simpenetrablecountenance。Imighthavebeenequaltoeitherofthemalone，buttogethertheywereinvincible。Ilookedhopelesslyatthebaby。
Withitssharplittleeyesandcomposedface，itcertainlywasamarvelousminiatureofEnriquez。Isaidso。
\"Itwouldbesingularifitwasnot，\"saidMrs。Saltillodryly；
\"andasIbelieveitisbynomeansanuncommonfactinhumannature，itseemstomestrangethatpeopleshouldinsistuponitasadiscovery。Itisaninheritance，however，thatinduetimeprogressandsciencewillnodoubtinterrupt，totheadvancementofthehumanrace。IneednotsaythatbothEnriquezandmyselflookforwardtoitwithconfidenttranquillity。\"
Therewasclearlynothingformetodonowbuttoshakehandsagainandtakemyleave。YetIwassomuchimpressedwiththeunrealityofthewholescenethatwhenIreachedthefrontdoorIhadastrongimpulsetoreturnsuddenlyandfallinuponthemintheirrelaxedandnaturalattitudes。Theycouldnotkeepupthisposebetweenthemselves；andIhalfexpectedtoseetheirlaughingfacesatthewindow，asIglancedupbeforewendingmyperilouswaytothestreet。
IfoundMrs。Saltillo’smanuscriptwellwrittenand，inthenarrativeparts，evengraphicandsparkling。Isuppressedsomegeneralremarksontheuniverse，andsomecorrelativetheoriesofexistence，asnotappertainingparticularlytotheAztecs，andasnotmeetinganyunquenchablethirstforinformationonthepartofthereadersofthe\"DailyExcelsior。\"Ievenpromotedmyfaircontributortothepositionofhavingbeencommissioned，atgreatexpense，tomaketheMexicanjourneyespeciallyforthe\"Excelsior。\"
This，withMrs。Saltillo’ssomewhatprecisepreraphaelitedrawingsandwater-colors，vilelyreproducedbywoodcuts，gavequiteasensationalairtoherproduction，which，dividedintoparts，fortwoorthreedaysfilledawholepageofthepaper。Iamnotawareofanyparticularservicethatitdidtoethnology；but，asI
pointedoutintheeditorialcolumn，itshowedthatthepeopleofCaliforniawerenotgivenoverbymaterialgreedtotheexclusionofintellectualresearch；andasitwasattackedinstantlyinlongcommunicationsfromoneortwoscientificmen，itthusproducedmorecopy。
Briefly，itwasaboomfortheauthorandthe\"DailyExcelsior。\"I
shouldadd，however，thatarivalnewspaperintimatedthatitwasalsoaboomforMrs。Saitillo’sHUSBAND，andcalledattentiontothefactthatadesertedMexicanmine，knownas\"ElBolero，\"wasdescribedgraphicallyintheAztecarticleamongthenews，andagainappearedintheadvertisingcolumnsofthesamepaper。I
turnedsomewhatindignantlytothefileofthe\"Excelsior，\"and，singularlyenough，foundintheelaborateprospectusofanewgold-
miningcompanythedescriptionoftheElBoleromineasaQUOTATION
fromtheAztecarticle，withextraordinaryinducementsfortheinvestmentofcapitalintheprojectedworkingofanoldmine。IfIhadhadanydifficultyinrecognizingintheextravagantstyletheflamboyanthandofEnriquezinEnglishwriting，Imighthavereadhisnameplainlyenoughdisplayedaspresidentofthecompany。
Itwasevidentlytheprospectusofoneoftheventureshehadshownme。Iwasmoreamusedthanindignantatthelittletrickhehadplayeduponmyeditorialastuteness。Afterall，ifIhadthusbenefitedtheyoungcoupleIwassatisfied。Ihadnotseenthemsincemyfirstvisit，asIwasverybusy，——mycommunicationswithMrs。Saltillohadbeencarriedonbylettersandproofs，——andwhenIdidfinallycallattheirhouse，itwasonlytofindthattheywerevisitingatSanJose。Iwonderedwhetherthebabywasstillhangingonthewall，or，ifhewastakenwiththem，whocarriedhim。
AweeklaterthestockofElBolerowasquotedatpar。Morethanthat，anincomprehensibleactivityhadbeengiventoallthedesertedMexicanmines，andpeoplebegantolookupscriphithertothrownasideasworthless。WhetheritwasoneofthoseextraordinaryfeverswhichattackedCalifornianspeculationintheearlydays，orwhetherEnriquezSaltillohadinfectedthestock-marketwithhisownextravagance，Ineverknew；butplansaswild，inventionsasfantastic，andargumentsasillogicalaseveremanatedfromhisownbrain，weresetforth\"on’Change\"withagravityequaltohisown。
Themostreasonablehypothesiswasthatitwastheeffectofthewell-knownfactthattheSpanishCalifornianhithertohadnotbeenaminingspeculator，norconnectedinanywaywiththegoldproductiononhisnativesoil，deemingitinconsistentwithhispatriarchallifeandlandeddignity，andthatwhena\"sonofoneoftheoldestSpanishfamilies，identifiedwiththelandanditspeculiarcharacterforcenturies，lenthimselftoitsmineralexploitations，\"——IbegtosaythatIamquotingfromtheadvertisementinthe\"Excelsior，\"——
\"itwasaguerdonofsuccess。\"ThiswassofartruethatinaweekEnriquezSaltillowasrich，andinafairwaytobecomeamillionaire。
ItwasahotafternoonwhenIalightedfromthestiflingWingdamcoach，andstooduponthecool，deepverandaoftheCarquinezSpringsHotel。AfterIhadshakenoffthedustwhichhadlazilyfollowedus，inourdescentofthemountainroad，likearedsmoke，occasionallyoverflowingthecoachwindows，IwentuptotheroomI
hadengagedformybriefholiday。Iknewtheplacewell，althoughIcouldseethatthehotelitselfhadlatelybeenredecoratedandenlargedtomeettheincreasingrequirementsoffashion。Iknewtheforestofenormousredwoodswhereonemightloseone’sselfinafiveminutes’walkfromtheveranda。Iknewtherockytrailthatclimbedthemountaintothesprings，twistingbetweengiantboulders。Iknewthearidgarden，deepinthewaysidedust，withitshurriedlyplantedtropicalplants，alreadywitheringinthedryautumnsunshine，andwashedintofictitiousfreshness，nightandmorningbythehydraulicirrigating-hose。Iknew，too，thecool，reposefulnightwindsthatsweptdownfrominvisiblesnow-crestsbeyond，withthehangingoutofmonstrousstars，thattoooftenfailedtobringreposetothefeverishguests。FortheoverstrainedneuroticworkerswhofledhitherfromthebakingplainsofSacramento，orfromthechillsea-fogsofSanFrancisco，neverlostthefierceunrestthathaddriventhemhere。
Unaccustomedtoleisure，theirenforcedidlenessimpelledthemtoseekexcitementinthewildestgayeties；thebracingmountainaironlyreinvigoratedthemtopursuepleasureastheyhadpursuedtheoccupationstheyhadleftbehind。Theirsolerecreationswerefuriousdrivesoverbreak-neckroads；mad，scamperingcavalcadesthroughthesedatewoods；gamblingpartiesinprivaterooms，wherelargesumswerelostbycapitalistsonleave；champagnesuppers；
andimpromptuballsthatlastedthroughthecalm，reposefulnighttothefirstraysoflightonthedistantsnowline。Unimaginativemen，intheirtemporarysojourntheymoreoftenoutragedordispossessednatureinherownfastnessesthancourtedherforsympathyorsolitude。Therewereplaying-cardsleftlyingbehindboulders，andemptychampagnebottlesforgotteninforestdepths。
Irememberedallthiswhen，refreshedbyabath，Ileanedfromthebalconyofmyroomandwatchedthepullingupofabrake，drawnbysixdusty，foam-bespatteredhorses，drivenbyanotedcapitalist。
Asitshot，perspiring，closelyveiledyetburning-facedfairoccupantsdescended，inallthedazzlinggloryofsummertoilets，andIsawthegentlemenconsulttheirwatcheswithsatisfaction，andcongratulatetheirtriumphantdriver，Iknewthecharacteristicexcitementtheyhadenjoyedfroma\"recordrun，\"probablyforabet，overamountainroadinaburningsun。
\"Notbad，eh？Forty-fourminutesfromthesummit！\"
Thevoiceseemedatmyelbow。Iturnedquickly，torecognizeanacquaintance，ayoungSanFranciscobroker，leaningfromthenextbalconytomine。Butmyattentionwasjustthenpreoccupiedbythefaceandfigure，whichseemedfamiliartome，ofawomanwhowasalightingfromthebrake。
\"Whoisthat？\"Iasked；\"thestraightslimwomaningray，withthewhiteveiltwistedroundherfelthat？\"
\"Mrs。Saltillo，\"heanswered；\"wifeof’ElBolero’Saltillo，don’tyouknow。Mightyprettywoman，ifsheisalittlestiffishandsetup。\"
ThenIhadnotbeenmistaken！\"IsEnriquez——isherhusband——here？\"
Iaskedquickly。
Themanlaughed。\"Ireckonnot。Thisistheplaceforotherpeople’shusbands，don’tyouknow。\"
Alas！IDIDknow；andasthereflasheduponmeallthemiserablescandalsandgossipconnectedwiththisreckless，frivolouscaravansary，Ifeltlikeresentinghissuggestion。Butmycompanion’snextwordsweremoresignificant：——
\"Besides，ifwhattheysayistrue，Saltillowouldn’tbeverypopularhere。\"
\"Idon’tunderstand，\"Isaidquickly。
\"Why，afterallthatrowhehadwiththeElBoleroCompany。\"
\"Ineverheardofanyrow，\"Isaid，inastonishment。
Thebrokerlaughedincredulously。\"Come！andYOUanewspaperman！
Well，maybetheyDIDtrytohushitup，andkeepitoutofthepapers，onaccountofthestock。Butitseemshegotupareg’larshindywiththeboard，oneday；called’emthievesandswindlers，andallowedhewasdisgracinghimselfasaSpanishhidalgobyhavinganythingtodowith’em。Talked，theysay，aboutCharlesV。
ofSpain，orsomeotherroyalgaloot，givinghisancestorsthelandintrust！Cleanoffhishead，Ireckon。Thenshuntedhimselfoffthecompany，andsoldout。Youcanguesshewouldn’tbeverypopulararoundhere，withJimBestley，there，\"pointingtothecapitalistwhohaddriventhebrake，\"whousedtobeontheboardwithhim。No，sir。Hewaseitherlyinglowforsomething，orwasoffhishead。Thinkofhisthrowingupaplacelikethat！\"
\"Nonsense！\"Isaidindignantly。\"Heismercurial，andhasthequickimpulsivenessofhisrace，butIbelievehimassaneasanywhosatwithhimontheboard。Theremustbesomemistake，oryouhaven’tgotthewholestory。\"Nevertheless，Ididnotcaretodiscussanoldfriendwithamereacquaintance，andIfeltsecretlypuzzledtoaccountforhisconduct，inthefaceofhispreviousclevernessinmanipulatingtheElBolero，andtheundoubtedfascinationhehadpreviouslyexercisedoverthestockholders。Thestoryhad，ofcourse，beengarbledinrepetition。IhadneverbeforeimaginedwhatmightbetheeffectofEnriquez’speculiareccentricitiesuponmatter-of-factpeople，——Ihadfoundthemonlyamusing，——andthebroker’ssuggestionannoyedme。However，Mrs。
Saltillowashereinthehotel，andIshould，ofcourse，meether。
Wouldshebeasfrankwithme？
Iwasdisappointedatnotfindingherinthedrawing-roomorontheveranda；andtheheatbeingstillunusuallyoppressive，Istrolledouttowardtheredwoods，hesitatingforamomentintheshadebeforeIranthefierygauntletofthegarden。Tomysurprise，I
hadscarcelypassedthegiantsentinelsonitsoutskirtsbeforeI
foundthat，fromsomeunusualconditionoftheatmosphere，thecoldundercurrentofairwhichgenerallydrewthroughthesepillaredaisleswaswithheldthatafternoon；itwasabsolutelyhotterthanintheopen，andthewoodwaschargedthroughoutwiththeacridspicesofthepine。Iturnedbacktothehotel，reascendedtomybedroom，andthrewmyselfinanarmchairbytheopenwindow。Myroomwasneartheendofawing；thecornerroomattheendwasnexttomine，onthesamelanding。Itscloseddoor，atrightanglestomyopenone，gaveuponthestaircase，butwasplainlyvisiblefromwhereIsat。Irememberedbeinggladthatitwasshut，asitenabledmewithoutoffensetokeepmyowndooropen。
Thehousewasveryquiet。Theleavesofacatalpa，acrosstheroadway，hungmotionless。Somebodyyawnedontheverandabelow。I
threwawaymyhalf-finishedcigar，andclosedmyeyes。IthinkI
hadnotlostconsciousnessformorethanafewsecondsbeforeIwasawakenedbytheshakingandthrillingofthewholebuilding。AsI
staggeredtomyfeet，Isawthefourpictureshangingagainstthewallswingoutwardlyfromitontheircords，andmydoorswingbackagainstthewall。Atthesamemoment，acteduponbythesamepotentialimpulse，thedooroftheendroominthehall，oppositethestairs，alsoswungopen。InthatbriefmomentIhadaglimpseoftheinterioroftheroom，oftwofigures，amanandawoman，thelatterclingingtohercompanioninabjectterror。Itwasonlyforaninstant，forasecondthrillpassedthroughthehouse，thepicturesclatteredbackagainstthewall，thedooroftheendroomclosedviolentlyonitsstrangerevelation，andmyowndoorswungbackalso。Apprehensiveofwhatmighthappen，Isprangtowardit，butonlytoarrestitaninchortwobeforeitshouldshut，when，asmyexperiencehadtaughtme，itmightstickbythesubsidenceofthewalls。Butitdidstickajar，andremainedfirmlyfixedinthatposition。Fromtheclatteringoftheknoboftheotherdoor，andthesoundofhurriedvoicesbehindit，Iknewthatthesamethinghadhappenedtherewhenthatdoorhadfullyclosed。
Iwasfamiliarenoughwithearthquakestoknowthat，withthesecondshockorsubsidenceoftheearth，theimmediatedangerwaspassed，andsoIwasabletonotemoreclearlywhatelsewaspassing。Therewastheusualsuddenstampedeofhurryingfeet，thesolitaryoathandscream，thehalf-hystericallaughter，andsilence。Thenthetumultwasreawakenedtothesoundofhighvoices，talkingalltogether，ortheimpatientcallingofabsenteesinhallsandcorridors。ThenIheardthequickswishoffemaleskirtsonthestaircase，andoneofthefairguestsknockedimpatientlyatthedooroftheendroom，stillimmovablyfixed。Atthefirstknocktherewasasuddencessationofthehurriedwhisperingsandturningofthedoorknob。
\"Mrs。Saltillo，areyouthere？Areyoufrightened？\"shecalled。
\"Mrs。Saltillo\"！ItwasSHE，then，whowasintheroom！Idrewnearermydoor，whichwasstillfixedajar。Presentlyavoice，——
Mrs。Saltillo’svoice，——withaconstrainedlaughinit，camefrombehindthedoor：\"Notabit。I’llcomedowninaminute。\"
\"Do，\"persistedthewould-beintruder。\"It’sallovernow，butwe’reallgoingoutintothegarden；it’ssafer。\"
\"Allright，\"answeredMrs。Saltillo。\"Don’twait，dear。I’llfollow。Runaway，now。\"
Thevisitor，whowasevidentlystillnervous，wasgladtohurryaway，andIheardherretreatingsteponthestaircase。Therattlingofthedoorbeganagain，andatlastitseemedtoyieldtoastrongerpull，andopenedsufficientlytoallowMrs。Saltillotosqueezethrough。Iwithdrewbehindmydoor。Ifanciedthatitcreakedasshepassed，asif，noticingitajar，shehadlaidaninquiringhanduponit。Iwaited，butshewasnotfollowedbyanyone。IwonderedifIhadbeenmistaken。Iwasgoingtothebell-
ropetosummonassistancetomovemyowndoorwhenasuddeninstinctwithheldme。Iftherewasanyonestillinthatroom，hemightcomefromitjustastheservantansweredmycall，andapublicdiscoverywouldbeunavoidable。Iwasright。Inanotherinstantthefigureofaman，whosefaceIcouldnotdiscern，slippedoutoftheroom，passedmydoor，andwentstealthilydownthestaircase。
Convincedofthis，Iresolvednottocallpublicattentiontomybeinginmyownroomatthetimeoftheincident；soIdidnotsummonanyone，but，redoublingmyefforts，Iatlastopenedthedoorsufficientlytopassout，andatoncejoinedtheotherguestsinthegarden。Already，withcharacteristicrecklessnessandaudacity，theearthquakewasmadelightof；theonlydictateofprudencehadresolveditselfintoahilariousproposalto\"campout\"inthewoodsallnight，andhavea\"torch-lightpicnic。\"Eventhenpreparationswerebeingmadeforcarryingtents，blankets，andpillowstotheadjacentredwoods；dinnerandsupper，cookedatcampfires，weretobeservedthereonstumpsoftreesandfallenlogs。TheconvulsionofnaturehadbeenusedasanexcuseforoneofthewildestfreaksofextravagancethatCarquinezSpringshadeverknown。PerhapsthatquicksenseofhumorwhichdominatestheAmericanmaleinexigenciesofthiskindkepttheextravagancesfrombeingmerelybizarreandgrotesque，anditwaspresentlyknownthatthehotelanditsmenageweretobeappropriatelyburlesquedbysomeoftheguests，who，attiredasIndians，wouldpersonatethestaff，fromtheoracularhotelproprietorhimselfdowntothesmarthotelclerk。
DuringthesearrangementsIhadachanceofdrawingnearMrs。
Saltillo。Ifanciedshegaveaslightstartassherecognizedme；
buthergreetingsweregivenwithherusualprecision。\"Haveyoubeenherelong？\"sheasked。
\"Ihaveonlyjustcome，\"Irepliedlaughingly；\"intimefortheshock。\"
\"Ah，youfeltit，then？Iwastellingtheseladiesthatoureminentgeologist，ProfessorDobbs，assuredmethattheseseismicdisturbancesinCaliforniahaveaveryremotecentre，andareseldomserious。\"
\"Itmustbeverysatisfactorytohavethesupportofgeologyatsuchamoment，\"Icouldnothelpsaying，thoughIhadnottheslightestideawhosethefigurewasthatIhadseen，nor，indeed，hadIrecognizeditamongtheguests。Shedidnotseemtodetectanysignificanceinmyspeech，andIadded：\"AndwhereisEnriquez？
Hewouldenjoythisproposedpicnicto-night。\"
\"EnriquezisatSalvatierraRancho，whichhelatelyboughtfromhiscousin。\"
\"Andthebaby？Surely，hereisachanceforyoutohanghimuponaredwoodtonight，inhiscradle。\"
\"Theboy，\"saidMrs。Saltilloquickly，\"isnolongerinhiscradle；
hehaspassedthepupastate，andisnowfreetodevelophisownperfectedlimbs。Heiswithhisfather。Idonotapproveofchildrenbeingsubmittedtotheindiscriminateattentionsofahotel。Iamheremyselfonlyforthatsupplyofozoneindicatedforbrainexhaustion。\"
Shelookedsoprettyandpriminhergraydress，solikeheroldcorrectself，thatIcouldnotthinkofanythingbuthermentalattitude，whichdidnot，bytheway，seemmuchlikementaldepression。YetIwasawarethatIwasgettingnoinformationofEnriquez’sconditionoraffairs，unlessthewholestorytoldbythebrokerwasanexaggeration。Ididnot，however，daretoaskmoreparticularly。
\"YourememberProfessorDobbs？\"sheaskedabruptly。
Thisrecalledasuspicionawakenedbymyvision，sosuddenlythatI
feltmyselfblushing。Shedidnotseemtonoticeit，andwasperfectlycomposed。
\"Idorememberhim。Ishehere？\"
\"Heis；thatiswhatmakesitsoparticularlyunfortunateforme。
Yousee，afterthataffairoftheboard，andEnriquez’swithdrawal，althoughEnriquezmayhavebeenalittleprecipitateinhisenergeticway，Inaturallytookmyhusband’spartinpublic；foralthoughwepreserveourownindependenceinviolable，webelieveinabsoluteconfederationasagainstsociety。\"
\"ButwhathasProfessorDobbstodowiththeboard？\"Iinterrupted。
\"Theprofessorwasscientificandgeologicaladvisertotheboard，anditwasuponsomereportorsuggestionofhisthatEnriqueztookissue，againstthesentimentoftheboard。ItwasaprincipleaffectingEnriquez’sSpanishsenseofhonor。\"
\"Dotellmeallaboutit，\"Isaideagerly；\"Iamveryanxioustoknowthetruth。\"
\"AsIwasnotpresentatthetime，\"saidMrs。Saltillo，rebukingmyeagernesswithagentlefrigidity，\"Iamunabletodoso。Anythingelsewouldbemerehearsay，andmoreorlessexparte。Idonotapproveofgossip。\"
\"ButwhatdidEnriqueztellyou？Yousurelyknowthat。\"
\"THAT，beingpurelyconfidential，asbetweenhusbandandwife，——
perhapsIshouldsaypartnerandpartner，——ofcourseyoudonotexpectmetodisclose。EnoughthatIwassatisfiedwithit。I
shouldnothavespokentoyouaboutitatall，butthat，throughmyselfandEnriquez，youareanacquaintanceoftheprofessor’s，andImightsaveyoutheawkwardnessofpresentingyourselfwithhim。Otherwise，althoughyouareafriendofEnriquez，itneednotaffectyouracquaintancewiththeprofessor。\"
\"Hangtheprofessor！\"Iejaculated。\"Idon’tcarearapforHIM。\"
\"ThenIdifferwithyou，\"saidMrs。Saltillo，withprecision。\"Heisdistinctlyanableman，andonecannotbutmissthecontactofhisoriginalmindandhisliberalteachings。\"
Hereshewasjoinedbyoneoftheladies，andIloungedaway。I
daresayitwasverymeanandveryillogical，buttheunsatisfactorycharacterofthisinterviewmademerevertagaintothesingularrevelationIhadseenafewhoursbefore。IlookedanxiouslyforProfessorDobbs；butwhenIdidmeethim，withanindifferentnodofrecognition，IfoundIcouldbynomeansidentifyhimwiththefigureofhermysteriouscompanion。AndwhyshouldIsuspecthimatall，inthefaceofMrs。Saltillo’sconfessedavoidanceofhim？
Who，then，couldithavebeen？Ihadseenthembutaninstant，intheopeningandtheshuttingofadoor。Itwasmerelytheshadowybulkofamanthatflittedpastmydoor，afterall。CouldIhaveimaginedthewholething？Weremyperceptivefaculties——justarousedfromslumber，tooinsufficientlycleartobereliedupon？
WouldInothavelaughedhadUrania，orevenEnriquezhimself，toldmesuchastory？
AsIreenteredthehoteltheclerkhandedmeatelegram。\"There’sbeenaprettybigshakealloverthecountry，\"hesaideagerly。
\"Everybodyisgettingnewsandinquiriesfromtheirfriends。
Anythingfresh？\"HepausedinterrogativelyasItoreopentheenvelope。Thedispatchhadbeenredirectedfromtheofficeofthe\"DailyExcelsior。\"Itwasdated，\"SalvatierraRancho，\"andcontainedasingleline：\"Comeandseeyourolduncle’Ennery。\"
TherewasnothinginthewordingofthemessagethatwasunlikeEnriquez’susuallight-heartedlevity，butthefactthatheshouldhaveTELEGRAPHEDittomestruckmeuneasily。ThatIshouldhavereceiveditatthehotelwherehiswifeandProfessorDobbswerebothstaying，andwhereIhadhadsuchasingularexperience，seemedtomemorethanamerecoincidence。AninstinctthatthemessagewassomethingpersonaltoEnriquezandmyselfkeptmefromimpartingittoMrs。Saltillo。Afterworryinghalfthenightinourbizarrecampintheredwoods，inthemidstofarestlessfestivitywhichwasscarcelythereposeIhadbeenseekingatCarquinezSprings，IresolvedtoleavethenextdayforSalvatierraRancho。Irememberedtherancho，——alow，golden-brown，adobe-
walledquadrangle，sleepinglikesomemonstrousruminantinahollowoftheContraCostaRange。Irecalled，inthemidstofthisnoisypicnic，theslumberouscoolnessofitslongcorridorsandsoundlesscourtyard，andhaileditasarelief。Thetelegramwasasufficientexcuseformyabruptdeparture。InthemorningIleft，butwithoutagainseeingeitherMrs。Saltilloortheprofessor。
ItwaslatethenextafternoonwhenIrodethroughthecanadathatledtotherancho。Iconfessmythoughtsweresomewhatgloomy，inspiteofmyescapefromthenoisyhotel；butthiswasduetothesombrescenerythroughwhichIhadjustridden，andthemonotonousrussetoftheleaguesofwildoats。AsIapproachedtherancho，I
sawthatEnriquezhadmadenoattempttomodernizetheoldcasa，andthateventhegardenwasleftinitslawlessnativeluxuriance，whiletherudetiledshedsnearthewalledcorralcontainedtheoldfarmingimplements，unchangedforacentury，eventotheox-carts，thewheelsofwhichweremadeofasingleblockofwood。Afewpeons，instripedshirtsandvelvetjackets，weresunningthemselvesagainstawall，andnearthemhungahalf-drainedpellejo，orgoatskinwater-bag。TheairofabsoluteshiftlessnessmusthavebeenrepellenttoMrs。Saltillo’sorderlyprecision，andforamomentIpitiedher。ButitwasequallyinconsistentwithEnriquez’senthusiasticideasofAmericanprogress，andtheextravagantdesignshehadoftenimpartedtomeoftheimprovementshewouldmakewhenhehadafortune。Iwasfeelinguneasyagain，whenIsuddenlyheardtherapidclackofunshodhoofsonarockytrailthatjoinedmyown。Atthesameinstantahorsemandashedpastmeatfullspeed。Ihadbarelytimetoswervemyownhorseasidetoavoidacollision，yetinthatbriefmomentIrecognizedthefigureofEnriquez。ButhisfaceIshouldhavescarcelyknown。
Itwashardandfixed。Hisupperlipandthin，penciledmustacheweredrawnupoverhisteeth，whichwerelikeawhitegashinhisdarkface。Heturnedintothecourtyardoftherancho。Iputspurstomyhorse，andfollowed，innervousexpectation。HeturnedinhissaddleasIentered。Butthenextmomentheboundedfromhishorse，and，beforeIcoulddismount，flewtomysideandabsolutelyliftedmefromthesaddletoembraceme。ItwastheoldEnriquezagain；hisfaceseemedtohaveutterlychangedinthatbriefmoment。
\"Thisisallverywell，oldchap，\"Isaid；\"butdoyouknowthatyounearlyranmedown，justnow，withthatinfernalhalf-brokenmustang？Doyouusuallychargethecasaatthatspeed？\"
\"Pardon，myleetlebrother！Buthereyoushallslipup。ThemustangisnotHALF-broken；heisnotbrokeatall！Lookathishoof——neverhaveashoebeenthere。Formyself——attendme！WhenI
ridealone，Ithinkmooch；whenIthinkmoochIthinkfast；myideahegolikeacannon-ball！Consequent，ifIridenottheeshorselikethecannon-ball，mythoughtHEarrivefirst，andwhereareyou？Yougetleft！BelievemethatIflytheeshorse，theesoldMexicanplug，andyourde’uncle’Enneryandhisleetleoldideaarriveallthesametime，andontheinstant。\"
ItWAStheoldEnriquez！Iperfectlyunderstoodhisextravagantspeechandillustration，andyetforthefirsttimeIwonderedifothersdid。
\"Tak’-a-drink！\"hesaid，allinoneword。\"YoushallpossesstheoldBourbonortherhumfromtheSantaCruz！Nameyourpoison，gentlemen！\"
Hehadalreadydraggedmeupthestepsfromthepatiototheveranda，andseatedmebeforeasmallroundtablestillcoveredwiththechocolateequipageofthemorning。Alittledried-upoldIndianwomantookitaway，andbroughtthespiritsandglasses。
\"Mirartheleetleoldone！\"saidEnriquez，withunflinchinggravity。\"Considerher，Pancho，tothebloosh！SheisnottrulyanAztec，butsheisofyearsonehundredandone，andLIFS！
Possiblyshehafnotthebeautywhichravishes，whichdevastates。
Butsheshallattentyoutothehotwater，tothebath。Thusshallyoubeprotect，myleetlebrother，fromscandal。\"
\"Enriquez，\"Iburstoutsuddenly，\"tellmeaboutyourself。WhydidyouleavetheElBoleroboard？Whatwastherowabout？\"
Enriquez’seyesforamomentglittered；thentheydancedasbefore。
\"Ah，\"hesaid，\"youhaveheard？\"
\"Something；butIwanttoknowthetruthfromyou。\"
Helightedacigarette，liftedhimselfbackwardintoagrasshammock，onwhichhesat，swinginghisfeet。Then，pointingtoanotherhammock，hesaid：\"Tranquillizeyourselfthere。Iwillrelate；but，truly，iteesnothing。\"
Hetookalongpullathiscigarette，andforafewmomentsseemedquietlytoexudesmokefromhiseyes，ears，nose，evenhisfinger-
ends——everywhere，infact，buthismouth。Thatandhismustacheremainedfixed。Thenhesaidslowly，flickingawaytheasheswithhislittlefinger：——
\"Firstyouunderstand，friendPancho，thatImakenorow。Theotherthemselfmaketherow，theshindig。Theymakethedance，thehowl，thesnapofthefinger，theoath，the’Helenblazes，’the’Wotthedevil，’the’Thatbed——d，’thebadlanguage；theythemselvesfingertherevolver，advancethebowie-knife，throwoffthecoat，squareoff，andsay’Comeon。’Iremainasyouseemenow，littlebrother——tranquil。\"Helightedanothercigarette，madehispositionmorecomfortableinthehammock，andresumed：\"TheProfessorDobbs，whoisthegeologianofthecompany，madeareportforwhichhegottwothousanddollar。Buttheesreport——lookyou，friendPancho——heisnotgoodforthemine。ForintheholeinthegroundtheProfessorDobbshavefounda’hoss。’\"
\"Awhat？\"Iasked。
\"Ahoss，\"repeatedEnriquez，withinfinitegravity。\"Butnot，leetlePancho，thehossthatrun，thehossthatbuck-jump，butwhattheminercalla’hoss，’asomethingthatrearupintheveinandstophim。Youpickaroundthehoss；youpickunderhim；sometimesyoufindthevein，sometimesyoudonot。Thehossrearup，andremain！Eeteesnotgoodforthemine。Theboardsay，’D——-thehoss！’’Getridofthehoss。’’Chuckoutthehoss。’Thentheytalktogether，andonesaytotheProfessorDobbs：’Eefyoucannottheeshossremovefromthemine，youcantakehimoutofthereport。’Helooktome，theesprofessor。Iseenothing；Iremaintranquil。Thentheboardsay：’Theesreportwiththehossinhimisworthtwothousanddollar，butWITHOUTthehossheisworthfivethousanddollar。Forthestockholderisfrightedoftherearinghoss。Itisofanecessitythatthestockholdershouldremaintranquil。Withoutthehossthereportisgood；thestockshallerrise；thedirectorshallsellout，andleavethestockholderthehosstoplaywith。’Theprofessorhesay，’Al-right；’hescratchoutthehoss，signhisname，andgetacheckforthreethousanddollar。\"
\"ThenIerrise——so！\"Hegotupfromthehammock，suitingtheactiontotheword，andduringtherestofhisnarrative，I
honestlybelieve，assumedthesameattitudeanddeliberateintonationhehadexhibitedattheboard。IcouldevenfancyIsawthereckless，cynicalfacesofhisbrotherdirectorsturneduponhisgrim，impassivefeatures。\"Iamtranquil。Ismokemycigarette。Isaythatforthreehundredyearmyfamilyhaveheldthelandoftheesmine；thatitpassfromfathertoson，andfromsontoson；itpassbygift，itpassbygrant，butthatNEVARRE
THEREPASSALIEWITHIT！IsayitwasagiftbyaSpanishChristiankingtoaChristianhidalgoforthespreadofthegospel，andnotforthecheatandtheswindle！Isaythatthisminewasworkedbytheslave，andbythemule，bytheass，butneverbythecheatandswindler。Isaythatiftheyhavestruckthehossinthemine，theyhavestruckahossINTHELAND，aSpanishhoss；ahossthathavenobridleworthfivethousanddollarinhismouth，butahosstorear，andahossthatcannotbestruckoutbyaYankeegeologian；andthathossisEnriquezSaltillo！\"
Hepaused，andlaidasidehiscigarette。
\"Thentheysay，’Dryup，’and’Sellout；’andthegreatbankerssay，’Nameyourownpriceforyourstock，andresign。’AndIsay，’Thereisnotenoughgoldinyourbank，inyourSanFrancisco，intheminesofCalifornia，thatshallbuyaSpanishgentleman。WhenIleave，Ileavethestockatmyback；Ishalltakeit，nevarre！
Thenthebankerhesay，’Andyouwillgoandblab，Isuppose？’Andthen，Pancho，Ismile，Ipickupmymustache——so！andIsay：
’Pardon，senor，youhafmistake，TheSaltillohafforthreehundredyearnostain，noblotuponhim。Eetisnotnow——thelastoftherace——whoshallconfessthathehafsitataboardofdisgraceanddishonor！’Andthenitisthatthebandbegintoplay，andtheanimalsstandontheirhindlegandwaltz，andbehold，therowhehafbegin！\"
Iranovertohim，andfairlyhuggedhim。Butheputmeasidewithagentleandphilosophicalcalm。\"Ah，eetisnothing，Pancho。Itis，believeme，allthesameahundredyearstocome，andwhereareyou，then？Theearthheturnround，andthencomeeltemblor，theearthquake，andthereyouare！Bah！eetisnotoftheboardthatI
haveaskedyoutocome；itissomethingelseIwouldtellyou。Goandwashyourselfoftheesjourney，myleetlebrother，asIhave\"——
lookingathisnarrow，brown，well-bredhands——\"washmyselfoftheboard。Beverycarefuloftheleetleoldwoman，Pancho；donotwinktoheroftheeye！Consider，myleetlebrother，foronehundredandoneyearhehafbeenasanun，asaint！Disturbnothertranquillity。\"
Yes，itwastheoldEnriquez；butheseemedgraver，——ifIcouldusethatwordofoneofsuchpersistentgravity；onlyhisgravityheretoforehadsuggestedacertainironyratherthanamelancholywhichInowfanciedIdetected。Andwhatwasthis\"somethingelse\"
hewasto\"tellmelater\"？DiditrefertoMrs。Saltillo？Ihadpurposelywaitedforhimtospeakofher，beforeIshouldsayanythingofmyvisittoCarquinezSprings。Ihurriedthroughmyablutionsinthehotwater，broughtinabronzejarontheheadofthecentenarianhandmaid；andevenwhileIwassmilingoverEnriquez’scautionregardingthisagedRuth，IfeltIwasgettingnervoustohearhisnews。
Ifoundhiminhissitting-room，orstudy，——along，lowapartmentwithsmall，deepwindowslikeembrasuresintheouteradobewall，butglazedinlightlyupontheveranda。Hewassittingquiteabstractedly，withapeninhishand，beforeatable，onwhichanumberofsealedenvelopeswerelying。HelookedSOformalandmethodicalforEnriquez。
\"Youliketheoldcasa，Pancho？\"hesaidinreplytomypraiseofitsstudiousandmonasticgloom。\"Well，myleetlebrother，somedaythatisfair——whoknows？——itmaybeatyourdisposicion；notofourpoliteness，butofatruth，friendPancho。For，ifIleaveittomywife\"——itwasthefirsttimehehadspokenofher——\"formyleetlechild，\"headdedquickly，\"Ishallputinabond，anobligacion，thatmyfriendPanchoshallcomeandgoashewill。\"
\"TheSaltillosarealong-livedrace，\"Ilaughed。\"Ishallbeagray-hairedman，withahouseandfamilyofmyownbythattime。\"
ButIdidnotlikethewayhehadspoken。
\"Quiensabe？\"heonlysaid，dismissingthequestionwiththenationalgesture。Afteramomentheadded：\"Ishalltellyousomethingthatisstrrange，sostrrangethatyoushallsay，likethebankersay，’TheesEnriquez，heeesoffhishead；heeesacrank，alunatico；’butiteesaFACT；believeme，Ihavesaid！\"
Herose，and，goingtotheendoftheroom，openedadoor。Itshowedaprettylittleroom，femininelyarrangedinMrs。Saltillo’srefinedtaste。\"Eetispretty；eetistheroomofmywife。Bueno！
attendmenow。\"Heclosedthedoor，andwalkedbacktothetable。
\"Ihavesithereandwritewhentheearthquakearrive。Ihavefeeltheshock，thegrindofthewallsonthemselves，thetremor，thestagger，and——that——door——heswingopen！\"
\"Thedoor？\"Isaid，withasmilethatIfeltwasghastly。
\"Comprehendme，\"hesaidquickly；\"iteesnotTHATwhicheesstrrange。Thewalllift，thelockslip，thedoorhefellopen；itisfrequent；itcomessoeverwhentheearthquakecome。Buteetisnotmywife’sroomIsee；itisANOTHERROOM，aroomIknownot。
MywifeUrania，shestandthere，ofafear，ofatremble；shegrasp，sheclingtosomeone。Theearthshakeagain；thedoorshut。
Ijumpfrommytable；Ishakeandtumbletothedoor。Iflinghimopen。Maravilloso！itistheroomofmywifeagain。SheisNOT
there；itisempty；itisnothing！\"
Ifeltmyselfturninghotandcoldbyturns。Iwashorrified，and——
andIblundered。\"Andwhowastheotherfigure？\"Igasped。
\"Who？\"repeatedEnriquez，withapause，afixedlookatme，andasublimegesture。\"WhoSHOULDitbe，butmyself，EnriquezSaltillo？\"
AterriblepremonitionthatthiswasachivalrousLIE，thatitwasNOThimselfhehadseen，butthatourtwovisionswereidentical，cameuponme。\"Afterall，\"Isaid，withafixedsmile，\"ifyoucouldimagineyousawyourwife，youcouldeasilyimagineyousawyourselftoo。IntheshockofthemomentyouthoughtofHER
naturally，forthenshewouldasnaturallyseekyourprotection。
Youhavewrittenfornewsofher？\"
\"No，\"saidEnriquezquietly。
\"No？\"Irepeatedamazedly。
\"Youunderstand，Pancho！Eefitwasthetrickofmyeyes，whyshouldIaffrightherforthethingthatisnot？Ifitisthetruth，anditarrivetoME，asawarning，whyshallIaffrightherbeforeitcome？\"
\"BeforeWHATcomes？Whatisitawarningof？\"Iaskedimpetuously。
\"Thatweshallbeseparated！ThatIgo，andshedonot。\"
Tomysurprise，hisdancingeyeshadaslightfilmoverthem。\"I
don’tunderstandyou，\"Isaidawkwardly。
\"Yourheadisnotofalevel，myPancho。Theesearthquakeheremainforonlytenseconds，andheflingopenthedoor。Ifheremainfortwentyseconds，heflingopenthewall，thehoosetoomble，andyourfriendEnriquezisfeenish。\"
\"Nonsense！\"Isaid。\"Professor——Imeanthegeologists——saythatthecentreofdisturbanceoftheseCalifornianearthquakesissomefar-awaypointinthePacificandthereneverwillbeanyseriousconvulsionshere。\"
\"Ah，thegeologist，\"saidEnriquezgravely，\"understandthehossthatrearinthemine，andthefivethousanddollar，believeme，nomore。Hehaflifherethreeyear。Myfamilyhaflifherethreehundred。MygrandfathersawtheearthswallowthechurchofSanJuanBaptista。\"
Ilaughed，until，lookingup，Iwasshockedtoseeforthefirsttimethathisdancingeyesweremoistandshining。Butalmostinstantlyhejumpedup，anddeclaredthatIhadnotseenthegardenandthecorral，and，linkinghisarminmine，sweptmelikeawhirlwindintothepatio。Foranhourortwohewasinhisoldinvinciblespirits。IwasgladIhadsaidnothingofmyvisittoCarquinezSpringsandofseeinghiswife；Ideterminedtoavoiditaslongaspossible；andashedidnotagainrefertoher，exceptinthepast，itwasnotdifficult。Atlastheinfectedmewithhisextravagance，andforawhileIforgoteventhestrangenessofhisconductandhisconfidences。Wewalkedandtalkedtogetherasofold。Iunderstoodandenjoyedhimperfectly，anditwasnotstrangethatintheendIbegantobelievethatthisstrangerevelationwasabitofhisextravagantacting，gotuptoamuseme。
Thecoincidenceofhisstorywithmyownexperiencewasnot，afterall，suchawonderfulthing，consideringwhatmusthavebeenthenervousandmentaldisturbanceproducedbytheearthquake。Wedinedtogether，attendedonlybyPedro，anoldhalf-castebody-
servant。Itwaseasytoseethatthehouseholdwascarriedoneconomically，and，fromawordortwocasuallydroppedbyEnriquez，itappearedthattheranchoandasmallsumofmoneywereallthatheretainedfromhisformerfortunewhenhelefttheElBolero。
Thestockhekeptintact，refusingtotakethedividenduponituntilthatcollapseofthecompanyshouldoccurwhichheconfidentlypredicted，whenhewouldmakegoodtheswindledstockholders。Ihadnoreasontodoubthisperfectfaithinthis。
ThenextmorningwewereupearlyforabreezygallopoverthethreesquaremilesofEnriquez’sestate。Iwasastounded，whenI
descendedtothepatio，tofindEnriquezalreadymounted，andcarryingbeforehim，astrideofthehornofhissaddle，asmallchild，——theidenticalpapooseofmymemorablefirstvisit。Buttheboywasnolongerswathedandbandaged，although，forsecurity，hisplumplittlebodywasengirtbythesamesashthatencircledhisfather’sownwaist。Ifeltastirringofself-reproach；Ihadforgottenallabouthim！Tomysuggestionthattheexercisemightbefatiguingtohim，Enriquezshruggedhisshoulders：——
\"Believeme，no！HeiseverwithmewhenIgoonthepasear。Heisnottooyonge。Forheshalllearn’torride，toshoot，andtospeakthetruth，’evenasthePersianchile。EeteesallIcangiftohim。\"
Nevertheless，Ithinktheboyenjoyedit，andIknewhewassafewithsuchanaccomplishedhorsemanashisfather。Indeed，itwasafinesighttoseethembothcareeringoverthebroadplain，Enriquezwithjinglingspursandwhirlingriata，andtheboy，withafaceascomposedashisfather’s，andhistinyhandgraspingtheendoftheflappingreinwithatouchscarcelylighterthantheskillfulrider’sown。Itwasalovelymorning；thoughwarmandstill，therewasafainthaze——ararethinginthatclimate——onthedistantrange。Thesun-bakedsoil，aridandthirstyfromthelongsummerdrought，andcrackedintolongfissures，brokeintopuffsofdust，withaslightdetonationlikeapistol-shot，ateachstrokeofourpoundinghoofs。Suddenlymyhorseswervedinfullgallop，almostlosthisfooting，\"broke，\"andhaltedwithbracedforefeet，tremblingineverylimb。IheardashoutfromEnriquezatthesameinstant，andsawthathetoohadhaltedaboutahundredpacesfromme，withhishandupliftedinwarning，andbetweenusalongchasminthedryearth，extendingacrossthewholefield。Butthetremblingofthehorsecontinueduntilitcommunicateditselftome。Iwasshaking，too，and，lookingaboutforthecause，whenI
beheldthemostweirdandremarkablespectacleIhadeverwitnessed。Thewholellano，orplain，stretchingtothehorizon-
line，wasDISTINCTLYUNDULATING！Thefainthazeofthehillswasrepeatedoveritssurface，asifadusthadarisenfromsomegrindingdisplacementofthesoil。Ithrewmyselffrommyhorse，butthenextmomentwasfaintoclingtohim，asIfeltthethrillundermyveryfeet。Thentherewasapause，andIliftedmyheadtolookforEnriquez。Hewasnowheretobeseen！Withaterriblerecollectionofthefissurethathadyawnedbetweenus，Isprangtothesaddleagain，andspurredthefrightenedbeasttowardthatpoint。BUTITWASGONE，TOO！IrodebackwardandforwardrepeatedlyalongthelinewhereIhadseenitonlyamomentbefore。
Theplainlaycompactanduninterrupted，withoutacrackorfissure。Thedustyhazethathadarisenhadpassedasmysteriouslyaway；theclearoutlineofthevalleyreturned；thegreatfieldwasempty！
PresentlyIwasawareofthesoundofgallopinghoofs。Irememberedthen——whatIhadatfirstforgotten——thatafewmomentsbeforewehadcrossedanarroyo，ordriedbedofastream，depressedbelowthelevelofthefield。HowfoolishthatIhadnotremembered！Hehadevidentlysoughtthatrefuge；therewerehisreturninghoofs。I
gallopedtowardit，butonlytomeetafrightenedvaquero，whohadtakenthatavenueofescapetotherancho。
\"DidyouseeDonEnriquez？\"Iaskedimpatiently。
Isawthattheman’sterrorwasextreme，andhiseyeswerestaringintheirsockets。Hehastilycrossedhimself：——
\"Ah，God，yes！\"
\"Whereishe？\"Idemanded。
\"Gone！\"
\"Where？\"
Helookedatmewithstaring，vacanteyes，and，pointingtotheground，saidinSpanish：\"Hehasreturnedtothelandofhisfathers！\"
Wesearchedforhimthatdayandthenext，whenthecountrywasarousedandhisneighborsjoinedinaquestthatproveduseless。
Neitherhenorhisinnocentburdenwaseverseenagainofmen。
Whetherhehadbeenengulfedbymischanceinsomeunsuspectedyawningchasminthatbriefmoment，orhadfulfilledhisownprophecybydeliberatelyerasinghimselfforsomepurposeknownonlytohimself，nooneeverknew。Hiscountry-peopleshooktheirheadsandsaid\"itwaslikeaSaltillo。\"Andthefewamonghisretainerswhoknewhimandlovedhim，whisperedstillmoreominously：\"HewillyetreturntohislandtoconfoundtheAmericanos。\"
YetthewidowofEnriquezdidNOTmarryProfessorDobbs。ButshetoodisappearedfromCalifornia，andyearsafterwardIwastoldthatshewaswellknowntotheingenuousParisiansastheusualwealthywidow\"fromSouthAmerica。\"