CHAPTERI

JustwherethetrackoftheLosGatosroadstreamsonandupwardlikethesinuoustrailofafieryrocketuntilitisextinguishedintheblueshadowsoftheCoastRange，thereisanembayedterracenearthesummit，hedgedbydwarffirs。Ateverybendoftheheat-

ladenroadtheeyeresteduponitwistfully；allalongtheflankofthemountain，whichseemedtopantandquiverintheoven-likeair，throughrisingdust，theslowcreakingofdraggingwheels，themonotonouscryoftiredsprings，andthemuffledbeatofplunginghoofs，itheldoutapromiseofshelteredcoolnessandgreensilencesbeyond。Sunburnedandanxiousfacesyearnedtowarditfromthedizzy，swayingtopsofstagecoaches，fromlaggingteamsfarbelow，fromtheblindingwhitecanvascoversof"mountainschooners，"andfromscorchingsaddlesthatseemedtoweighdownthescrambling，sweatinganimalsbeneath。Butitwouldseemthatthehopewasvain，thepromiseillusive。Whentheterracewasreacheditappearednotonlytohavecaughtandgatheredalltheheatofthevalleybelow，buttohaveevolvedafireofitsownfromsomehiddencrater-likesourceunknown。Nevertheless，insteadofprostratingandenervatingmanandbeast，itwassaidtohaveinducedthewildestexaltation。Theheatedairwasfilledandstiflingwithresinousexhalations。Thedeliriousspicesofbalm，bay，spruce，juniper，yerbabuena，wildsyringa，andstrangearomaticherbsasyetunclassified，distilledandevaporatedinthatmightyheat，andseemedtofirewithamidsummermadnessallwhobreathedtheirfumes。Theystung，smarted，stimulated，intoxicated。Itwassaidthatthemostjadedandfoot-sorehorsesbecamefuriousandungovernableundertheirinfluence；weariedteamstersandmuleteers，whohadexhaustedtheirprofanityintheascent，drankfreshdraughtsofinspirationinthisfieryair，extendedtheirvocabulary，andcreatednewandstartlingformsofobjurgation。Itisrecordedthatonebibulousstage-driverexhausteddescriptionandcondenseditsvirtuesinasinglephrase：

"Ginandginger。"Thisfelicitousepithet，flungoutinagenerouscomparisonwithhisfavoritedrink，"rumandgum，"clungtoiteverafter。

Suchwasthecurrentcommentonthisvaleofspices。Likemosthumancriticismitwashastyandsuperficial。Nooneyethadbeenknowntohavepenetrateddeeplyitsmysteriousrecesses。Itwasstillfarbelowthesummitanditswaysideinn。Ithadescapedtheintrudingfootofhunterandprospector；andtheinquisitivepatrolofthecountysurveyorhadonlyskirteditsboundary。ItremainedforMr。LanceHarriotttocompleteitsexploration。Hisreasonsforsodoingweresimple。Hehadmadethejourneythitherunderneaththestage-coach，andclingingtoitsaxle。Hehadchosenthishazardousmodeofconveyanceatnight，asthecoachcreptbyhisplaceofconcealmentinthewaysidebrush，toeludethesheriffofMontereyCountyandhisposse，whowereafterhim。

Hehadnotmadehimselfknowntohisfellow-passengersastheyalreadyknewhimasagambler，anoutlaw，andadesperado；hedeemeditunwisetopresenthimselfinanewerreputationofamanwhohadjustslainabrothergamblerinaquarrel，andforwhomarewardwasoffered。Heslippedfromtheaxleasthestage-coachswirledpastthebrushingbranchesoffir，andforaninstantlayunnoticed，ascarcelydistinguishablemoundofdustinthebrokenfurrowsoftheroad。Then，morelikeabeastthanaman，hecreptonhishandsandkneesintothesteamingunderbrush。Herehelaystilluntiltheclatterofharnessandthesoundofvoicesfadedinthedistance。Hadhebeenfollowed，itwouldhavebeendifficulttodetectinthatinertmassofragsanysemblancetoaknownformorfigure。Ahideousreddishmaskofdustandclayobliteratedhisface；hishandswereshapelessstumpsexaggeratedinhistrailingsleeves。Andwhenherose，staggeringlikeadrunkenman，andplungedwildlyintotherecessesofthewood，acloudofdustfollowedhim，andpiecesandpatchesofhisfrayedandrottengarmentsclungtotheimpedingbranches。Twicehefell，but，maddenedandupheldbythesmartingspicesandstimulatingaromaoftheair，hekeptonhiscourse。

Graduallytheheatbecamelessoppressive；oncewhenhestoppedandleanedexhaustedlyagainstasapling，hefanciedhesawthezephyrhecouldnotyetfeelintheglitteringandtremblingofleavesinthedistancebeforehim。Againthedeepstillnesswasmovedwithafaintsighingrustle，andheknewhemustbenearingtheedgeofthethicket。Thespellofsilencethusbrokenwasfollowedbyafainter，moremusicalinterruption——theglassytinkleofwater！A

stepfurtherhisfoottrembledonthevergeofaslightravine，stillcloselycanopiedbytheinterlacingboughsoverhead。Atinystreamthathecouldhavedammedwithhishandyetlingeredinthisparchedredgashinthehillsideandtrickledintoadeep，irregular，well-likecavity，thatagainoverflowedandsentitsslightsurpluson。Ithadbeentheluxuriousretreatofmanyaspottedtrout；itwastobethebathofLanceHarriott。Withoutamoment’shesitation，withoutremovingasinglegarment，heslippedcautiouslyintoit，asiffearfuloflosingasingledrop。Hisheaddisappearedfromthelevelofthebank；thesolitudewasagainunbroken。Onlytwoobjectsremainedupontheedgeoftheravine，——

hisrevolverandtobaccopouch。

Afewminuteselapsed。Afearlessbluejayalightedonthebankandmadeaprospectingpeckatthetobaccopouch。Ityieldedinfavorofagopher，whoendeavoredtodrawittowardhishole，butinturngavewaytoaredsquirrel，whoseattentionwasdivided，however，betweenthepouchandtherevolver，whichheregardedwithmischievousfascination。Thentherewasasplash，agrunt，asuddendispersionofanimatednature，andtheheadofMr。LanceHarriottappearedabovethebank。Itwasastartlingtransformation。

Notonlythathehad，bythiswholesaleprocess，washedhimselfandhislight"drill"garmentsentirelyclean，butthathehad，apparentlybythesameoperation，morallycleansedHIMSELF，andlefteverystainanduglyblotofhislatemisdeedsandreputationinhisbath。Hisface，albeitscratchedhereandthere，wasrosy，round，shiningwithirrepressiblegoodhumorandyouthfullevity。Hislargeblueeyeswereinfantineintheirinnocentsurpriseandthoughtlessness。Drippingyetwithwater，andpanting，herestedhiselbowslazilyonthebank，andbecameinstantlyabsorbedwithaboy’sdelightinthemovementsofthegopher，who，afterthefirstalarm，returnedcautiouslytoabductthetobaccopouch。IfanyfamiliarhadfailedtodetectLanceHarriottinthishideousmasqueradeofdustandgrimeandtatters，stilllesswouldanypassingstrangerhaverecognizedinthisblondfaunthepossibleoutcastandmurderer。And，whenwithaswirlofhisspatteringsleeve，hedrovebackthegopherinashowerofsprayandleapedtothebank，heseemedtohaveacceptedhisfelonioushiding-placeasamerepicnickingbower。

Aslightbreezewasunmistakablypermeatingthewoodfromthewest。

Lookinginthatdirection，Lanceimaginedthattheshadowwaslessdark，andalthoughtheundergrowthwasdenser，hestruckoffcarelesslytowardit。Ashewenton，thewoodbecamelighterandlighter；branches，andpresentlyleaves，werepaintedagainstthevividblueofthesky。Heknewhemustbenearthesummit，stopped，feltforhisrevolver，andthenlightlyputthefewremainingbranchesaside。

Thefullglareofthenoondaysunatfirstblindedhim。Whenhecouldseemoreclearly，hefoundhimselfontheopenwesternslopeofthemountain，whichintheCoastRangewasseldomwooded。Thespicedthicketstretchedbetweenhimandthesummit，andagainbetweenhimandthestageroadthatplungesfromtheterrace，likeforkedlightningintothevalleybelow。Hecouldcommandalltheapproacheswithoutbeingseen。Notthatthisseemedtooccupyhisthoughtsorcausehimanyanxiety。Hisfirstactwastodisencumberhimselfofhistatteredcoat；hethenfilledandlightedhispipe，andstretchedhimselffull-lengthontheopenhillside，asiftobleachinthefiercesun。Whilesmokinghecarelesslyperusedthefragmentofanewspaperwhichhadenvelopedhistobacco，andbeingstruckwithsomeamusingparagraph，readithalfaloudagaintosomeimaginaryauditor，emphasizingitshumorwithanhilariousslapuponhisleg。

Possiblyfromtherelaxationoffatigueandthebath，whichhadbecomeavaporoneashealternatelyrolledanddriedhimselfinthebakinggrass，hiseyescloseddreamily。Hewasawakenedbythesoundofvoices。Theyweredistant；theywerevague；theyapproachednonearer。Herolledhimselftothevergeofthefirstprecipitousgrassydescent。Therewasanotherbankorplateaubelowhim，andthenaconfuseddepthofoliveshadows，piercedhereandtherebythespikedhelmetsofpines。

Therewasnotraceofhabitation，yetthevoiceswerethoseofsomemonotonousoccupation，andLancedistinctlyheardthroughthemtheclickofcrockeryandtheringofsomehouseholdutensil。Itappearedtobetheinterjectional，halflistless，halfperfunctory，domesticdialogueofanoldmanandagirl，ofwhichthewordswereunintelligible。Theirvoicesindicatedthesolitudeofthemountain，butwithoutsadness；theyweremysteriouswithoutbeingawe-inspiring。Theymighthaveutteredthedreariestcommonplaces，but，intheirvastisolation，theyseemedmusicalandeloquent。

Lancedrewhisfirstsigh，——theyhadsuggesteddinner。

Carelessashisnaturewas，hewastoocautioustoriskdetectioninbroaddaylight。Hecontentedhimselfforthepresentwithendeavoringtolocatethatparticularpartofthedepthsfromwhichthevoicesseemedtorise。Itwasmoredifficult，however，toselectsomeotherwayofpenetratingitthanbythestageroad。

"They’reboundtohaveafireorshowalightwhenit’sdark，"hereasoned，and，satisfiedwiththatreflection，laydownagain。

Presentlyhebegantoamusehimselfbytossingsomesilvercoinsintheair。ThenhisattentionwasdirectedtoaspuroftheCoastRangewhichhadbeensharplysilhouettedagainstthecloudlesswesternsky。Somethingintenselywhite，somethingsosmallthatitwasscarcelylargerthanthesilvercoininhishand，wasappearinginaslightcleftoftherange。

Whilehelookeditgraduallyfilledandobliteratedthecleft。Inanothermomentthewholeserratedlineofmountainhaddisappeared。

Thedense，dazzlingwhite，encompassinghostbegantopouroveranddowneveryravineandpassofthecoast。Lancerecognizedthesea-

fog，andknewthatscarcelytwentymilesawaylaytheocean——andsafety！Thedroopingsunwasnowcaughtandhiddeninitssoftembraces。Asuddenchillbreathedoverthemountain。Heshivered，rose，andplungedagainforverywarmthintothespice-ladenthicket。Theheatedbalsamicairbegantoaffecthimlikeapowerfulsedative；hishungerwasforgotteninthelanguoroffatigue；heslumbered。Whenheawokeitwasdark。Hegropedhiswaythroughthethicket。Afewstarswereshiningdirectlyabovehim，butbeyondandbelow，everythingwaslostinthesoft，white，fleecyveiloffog。Whateverlightorfiremighthavebetokenedhumanhabitationwashidden。Topushonblindlywouldbemadness；

hecouldonlywaitformorning。Itsuitedtheoutcast’slazyphilosophy。Hecreptbackagaintohisbedinthehollowandslept。Inthatprofoundsilenceandshadow，shutoutfromhumanassociationandsympathybytheghostlyfog，whattorturingvisionsconjuredupbyremorseandfearshouldhavepursuedhim？Whatspiritpassedbeforehim，orslowlyshapeditselfoutoftheinfiniteblacknessofthewood？None。Asheslippedgentlyintothatblacknessherememberedwithaslightregret，somebiscuitsthatweredroppedfromthecoachbyacarelessluncheon-consumingpassenger。Thatpangover，hesleptassweetly，asprofoundly，asdivinely，asachild。

CHAPTERII。

Heawokewiththearomaofthewoodsstillsteepinghissenses。

Hisfirstinstinctwasthatofallyounganimals；heseizedafewoftheyoung，tendergreenleavesoftheyerbabuenavinethatcreptoverhismossypillowandatethem，beingrewardedbyahalfberry-likeflavorthatseemedtosoothethecravingsofhisappetite。Thelanguorofsleepbeingstilluponhim，helazilywatchedthequiveringofasunbeamthatwascaughtinthecanopyingboughsabove。Thenhedozedagain。Hoveringbetweensleepingandwaking，hebecameconsciousofaslightmovementamongthedeadleavesonthebankbesidethehollowinwhichhelay。Themovementappearedtobeintelligent，anddirectedtowardhisrevolver，whichglitteredonthebank。Amusedatthisevidentreturnofhislarcenousfriendofthepreviousday，helayperfectlystill。Themovementandrustlecontinued，butitnowseemedlongandundulating。Lance’seyessuddenlybecameset；hewasintensely，keenlyawake。Itwasnotasnake，butthehandofahumanarm，halfhiddeninthemoss，gropingfortheweapon。Inthatflashofperceptionhesawthatitwassmall，bare，anddeeplyfreckled。Inaninstanthegraspeditfirmly，androsetohisfeet，draggingtohisownlevelashedidso，thestrugglingfigureofayounggirl。

"Leavemego！"shesaid，moreashamedthanfrightened。

Lancelookedather。Shewasscarcelymorethanfifteen，slightandlithe，withaboyishflatnessofbreastandback。Herflushedfaceandbarethroatwereabsolutelypepperedwithminutebrownfreckles，likegrainsofspentgunpowder。Hereyes，whichwerelargeandgray，presentedthesingularspectacleofbeingalsofreckled，——atleasttheywereshotthroughinpupilandcorneawithtinyspotslikepowderedallspice。Herhairwasevenmoreremarkableinitstawny，deer-skincolor，fulloflightershades，andbleachedtothefaintestofblondesonthecrownofherhead，asifbytheactionofthesun。Shehadevidentlyoutgrownherdress，whichwasmadeforasmallerchild，andthetoobriefskirtdisclosedabare，freckled，andsandydesertofshapelylimb，forwhichthedarnedstockingswereequallytooscant。Lancelethisgraspslipfromherthinwristtoherhand，andthenwithagood-

humoredgesturetosseditlightlybacktoher。

Shedidnotretreat，butcontinuedlookingathiminahalf-surlyembarrassment。

"Iain’tabitfrightened，"shesaid；"I’mnotgoingtorunaway，——

don’tyoufear。"

"Gladtohearit，"saidLance，withunmistakablesatisfaction，"butwhydidyougoformyrevolver？"

Sheflushedagainandwassilent。Presentlyshebegantokicktheearthattherootsofthetree，andsaid，asifconfidentiallytoherfoot，——

"Iwantedtogetholdofitbeforeyoudid。"

"Youdid？——andwhy？"

"Oh，youknowwhy。"

EverytoothinLance’sheadshowedthathedid，perfectly。Buthewasdiscreetlysilent。

"Ididn’tknowwhatyouwerehidingtherefor，"shewenton，stilladdressingthetree，"and，"lookingathimsidewaysunderherwhitelashes，"Ididn’tseeyourface。"

Thissubtlecomplimentwasthefirstsuggestionofherartfulsex。

Itactuallysentthebloodintothecarelessrascal’sface，andforamomentconfusedhim。Hecoughed。"Soyouthoughtyou’dfreezeontothatsix-shooterofmineuntilyousawmyhand？"

Shenodded。Thenshepickedupabrokenhazelbranch，fitteditintothesmallofherback，threwhertannedbarearmsovertheendsofit，andexpandedherchestandherbicepsatthesamemoment。Thissimpleactionwassupposedtoconveyanimpressionatonceofeaseandmuscularforce。

"Perhapsyou’dliketotakeitnow，"saidLance，handingherthepistol。

"I’veseensix-shootersbeforenow，"saidthegirl，evadingtheprofferedweaponanditssuggestion。"Dadhasone，andmybrotherhadtwoderringersbeforehewashalfasbigasme。"

Shestoppedtoobserveinhercompaniontheeffectofthiscapacityofherfamilytobeararms。Lanceonlyregardedheramusedly。

Presentlysheagainspokeabruptly：——

"Whatmadeyoueatthatgrass，justnow？"

"Grass！"echoedLance。

"Yes，there，"pointingtotheyerbabuena。

Lancelaughed。"Iwashungry。Look！"hesaid，gaylytossingsomesilverintotheair。"Doyouthinkyoucouldgetmesomebreakfastforthat，andhaveenoughlefttobuysomethingforyourself？"

Thegirleyedthemoneyandthemanwithhalf-bashfulcuriosity。

"IreckonDadmightgiveyesuthingifhehadamindter，thoughezarulehe’sdownontrampseversincetheyrunoffhischickens。

Yemighttry。"

"ButIwantYOUtotry。Youcanbringittomehere。"

Thegirlretreatedastep，droppedhereyes，and，withasmilethatwasacharminghesitationbetweenbashfulnessandimpudence，said：

"SoyouAREhidin’，areye？"

"That’sjustit。Yourhead’slevel。Iam，"laughedLanceunconcernedly。

"Yurain’toneo’theMcCartygang——areye？"

Mr。LanceHarriottfeltamomentarymoralexaltationindeclaringtruthfullythathewasnotoneofanotoriousbandofmountainfreebootersknowninthedistrictunderthatname。

"Noryeain’toneofthemchickenliftersthatraidedHenderson’sranch？Wedon’tgomuchonthatkindo’cattleyer。"

"No，"saidLance，cheerfully。

"Noryeain’tthatchapezbeathiswifeuntodeathatSantaClara？"

Lancehonestlyscornedtheimputation。Suchconjugalilltreatmentashehadindulgedinhadnotbeenphysical，andhadbeenwithothermen’swives。

Therewasamoment’sfurtherhesitationonthepartofthegirl。

Thenshesaidshortly：

"Well，then，Ireckonyoukincomealongwithme。"

"Where？"askedLance。

"Totheranch，"sherepliedsimply。

"Thenyouwon’tbringmeanythingtoeathere？"

"Whatfor？Youkingetitdownthere。"Lancehesitated。"Itellyouit’sallright，"shecontinued。"I’llmakeitallrightwithDad。"

"ButsupposeIreckonI’dratherstayhere，"persistedLance，withaperfectconsciousness，however，ofaffectationinhiscaution。

"Stayawaythen，"saidthegirlcoolly；"onlyasDadperemptedthisyerwoods"——

"PRE-empted，"suggestedLance。

"Per-emptedorpre-emp-ted，asyoulike，"continuedthegirlscornfully，——"ezhe’sgotaholtonthisyerwoods，yemightezwellseehimdowntharezhere。Forherehe’sliketocomeanyminit。Youcanbetyourlifeonthat。"

ShemusthavereadLance’samusementinhiseyes，forsheagaindroppedherownwithafrownofbrusqueembarrassment。"Comealong，then；I’myourman，"saidLance，gayly，extendinghishand。

Shewouldnotacceptit，eyingit，however，furtively，likeahorseabouttoshy。"Handmeyourpistolfirst，"shesaid。

Hehandedittoherwithanassumptionofgayety。Shereceiveditonherpartwithunfeignedseriousness，andthrewitoverhershoulderlikeagun。Thiscombinedactionofthechildandheroine，itisquiteunnecessarytosay，affordedLanceundilutedjoy。

"Yougofirst，"shesaid。

Lancesteppedpromptlyout，withabroadgrin。"LookskinderasifIwasaprisoner，don’tit？"hesuggested。

"Goon，anddon’tfool，"shereplied。

Thetwofaredonwardthroughthewood。Foronemomentheentertainedthefacetiousideaofappearingtorushfranticallyaway，"justtoseewhatthegirlwoulddo，"butabandonedit。

"It’saneventhingifshewouldn’tspotmethefirstpop，"hereflectedadmiringly。

Whentheyhadreachedtheopenhillside，Lancestoppedinquiringly。

"Thisway，"shesaid，pointingtowardthesummit，andinquiteanoppositedirectiontothevalleywherehehadheardthevoices，oneofwhichhenowrecognizedashers。Theyskirtedthethicketforafewmoments，andthenturnedsharplyintoatrailwhichbegantodiptowardaravineleadingtothevalley。

"Whydoyouhavetogoallthewayround？"heasked。

"WEdon’t，"thegirlrepliedwithemphasis；"there’sashortercut。"

"Where？"

"That’stelling，"sheansweredshortly。

"What’syourname？"askedLance，afterasteepscrambleandadropintotheravine。

"Flip。"

"What？"

"Flip。"

"Imeanyourfirstname，——yourfrontname。"

"Flip。"

"Flip！Oh，shortforFelipa！"

"Itain’tFlipper，——it’sFlip。"Andsherelapsedintosilence。

"Youdon’taskmemine？"suggestedLance。

Shedidnotvouchsafeareply。

"Thenyoudon’twanttoknow？"

"MaybeDadwill。YoucanlietoHIM。"

Thisdirectanswerapparentlysustainedtheagreeablehomicideforsomemoments。Hemovedonward，silentlyexudingadmiration。

"Only，"addedFlip，withasuddencaution，"you’dbetteragreewithme。"

Thetrailhereturnedagainabruptlyandre-enteredthecanyon。

Lancelookedup，andnoticedtheywerealmostdirectlybeneaththebaythicketandtheplateauthattoweredfarabovethem。Thetrailhereshowedsignsofclearing，andthewaywasmarkedbyfelledtreesandstumpsofpines。

"Whatdoesyourfatherdohere？"hefinallyasked。Flipremainedsilent，swingingtherevolver。Lancerepeatedhisquestion。

"Burnscharcoalandmakesdiamonds，"saidFlip，lookingathimfromthecornersofhereyes。

"Makesdiamonds？"echoedLance。

Flipnoddedherhead。

"Manyof’em？"hecontinuedcarelessly。

"Lots。Butthey’renotbig，"shereturned，withasidelongglance。

"Oh，they’renotbig？"saidLancegravely。

Theyhadbythistimereachedasmallstakedinclosure，whencethesuddenflutteringandcackleofpoultrywelcomedthereturnoftheevidentmistressofthissylvanretreat。Itwasscarcelyimposing。

Furtheron，acookingstoveunderatree，asaddleandbridle，afewhouseholdimplementsscatteredabout，indicatedthe"ranch。"

Likemostpioneerclearings，itwassimplyadisorganizedraiduponnaturethathadleftbehindadesolatebattlefieldstrewnwithwasteanddecay。Thefallentrees，thecrushedthicket，thesplinteredlimbs，therudelytorn-upsoil，weremadehideousbytheirgrotesquejuxtapositionwiththewreckedfragmentsofcivilization，inemptycans，brokenbottles，batteredhats，solelessboots，frayedstockings，cast-offrags，andthecrowningabsurdityofthetwisted-wireskeletonofahoopedskirthangingfromabranch。Thewildestdefile，thedensestthicket，themostvirginsolitude，waslessdrearyandforlornthanthisfirstfootprintofman。Theonlyredeemingfeatureofthisprolongedbivouacwasthecabinitself。Builtofthehalf-cylindricalstripsofpinebark，andthatchedwiththesamematerial，ithadacertainpicturesquerusticity。Butthiswasanaccidentofeconomyratherthantaste，forwhichFlipapologizedbysayingthatthebarkofthepinewas"nogood"forcharcoal。

"IreckonDad’sinthewoods，"sheadded，pausingbeforetheopendoorofthecabin。"Oh，Dad！"Hervoice，clearandhigh，seemedtofillthewholelongcanyon，andechoedfromthegreenplateauabove。Themonotonousstrokesofanaxeweresuddenlypretermitted，andsomewherefromthedepthsoftheclose-setpinesavoiceanswered"Flip。"Therewasapauseofafewmoments，withsomemuttering，stumbling，andcracklingintheunderbrush，andthenthesuddenappearanceof"Dad。"

HadLancefirstmethiminthethicket，hewouldhavebeenpuzzledtoassignhisracetoMongolian，Indian，orEthiopianorigin。

Perfunctorybutincompletewashingsofhishandsandface，aftercharcoalburning，hadgraduallygroundintohisskinagrayishslate-pencilpallor，grotesquelyrelievedattheedges，wherethewashinghadleftoff，withaborderofadarkercolor。HelookedlikeanoverworkedChristyminstrelwiththebriefestofintervalsbetweenhisperformances。Therewereblackrimsintheorbitsofhiseyes，asifhegazedfeeblyoutofunglazedspectacles，whichheightenedhissimianresemblance，alreadygrotesquelyexaggeratedbywhatappearedtoberepeatedandspasmodicexperimentsindyeinghisgrayhair。WithouttheslightestnoticeofLance，heinflictedhisprotestingandquerulouspresenceentirelyonhisdaughter。

"Well，what’supnow？Yeryearecallingmefromworkanhourbeforenoon。Dogmyskin，efIevergetfairlylimberedupaforeit’s’Dad！’and’Oh，Dad！’"

ToLance’sintensesatisfactionthegirlreceivedthisharanguewithanairofsupremeindifference，andwhen"Dad"hadrelapsedintoanunintelligible，and，asitseemedtoLance，ahalf-

frightenedmuttering，shesaidcoolly，——

"Ye’dbetterdropthataxeandscootroundgetten’thisstrangersomebreakfastandsomegrubtotakewithhim。He’soneofthemSanFranciscosportsoutheretroutfishinginthebranch。He’sgotadriftfromhisparty，haslosthisrodandfixins，andhadtocampoutlastnightintheGinandGingerWoods。"

"That’sjustit；it’sallerssuthinlikethat，"screamedtheoldman，dashinghisfistonhisleginafeeble，impotentpassion，butwithoutlookingatLance。"Whyinblazesdon’thegouptothatthereblamedhotelonthesummit？Whyinthunder——"Butherehecaughthisdaughter’slarge，freckledeyesfullinhisown。Heblinkedfeebly，hisvoicefellintoatoneofwhiningentreaty。

"Now，lookyer，Flip，it’splayingitratherlowdownontheoldman，thisyerrunning’ino’trampsanddesartedemigrantsandcast-ashoresailorsandforlornwiddersandravin’lunatics，onthisyerranch。Iputittoyou，Mister，"hesaidabruptly，turningtoLanceforthefirsttime，butasifhehadalreadytakenanactivepartintheconversation，——"Iputitasagentlemanyourself，andafair-mindedsportin’man，ifthisisthesquarething？"

BeforeLancecouldreply，Fliphadalreadybegun。"That’sjustit！

D’yereckon，beingasportin’manandanA1feller，he’sgoin’towaltzdowninterthathotel，riggedoutezheis？D’yereckonhe’sgoin’tolethispartnersgetthelaughouterhim？D’yereckonhe’sgoin’toshowhisheadouterthisyerranchtillhecandoitsquare？Notmuch！Go’long。Dad，you’retalkingsilly！"

Theoldmanweakened。Hefeeblytrailedhisaxebetweenhislegstoastumpandsatdown，wipinghisforeheadwithhissleeve，andimpartingtoittheappearanceofaslatewithadifficultsumpartlyrubbedout。HelookeddespairinglyatLance。"Incourse，"

hesaid，withadeepsigh，"younaturallyain’tgotanymoney。Incourseyouleftyourpocketbook，containingfiftydollars，underastone，andcan’tfindit。Incourse，"hecontinued，asheobservedLanceputhishandtohispocket，"you’veonlygotablankcheckonWells，Fargo&Co。forahundreddollars，andyou’dlikemetogiveyouthedifference？"

AmusedasLanceevidentlywasatthis，hisabsoluteadmirationforFlipabsorbedeverythingelse。Withhiseyesfixeduponthegirl，hebrieflyassuredtheoldmanthathewouldpayforeverythinghewanted。Hedidthiswithamannerquitedifferentfromthecareless，easyattitudehehadassumedtowardFlip；atleastthequick-wittedgirlnoticedit，andwonderedifhewasangry。Itwasquitetruethateversincehiseyehadfallenuponanotherofhisownsex，itsglancehadbeenlessfrankandcareless。Certaintraitsofpossibleimpatience，whichmightdevelopintoman-

slaying，werecomingtothefore。YetawordoragestureofFlip’swassufficienttochangethatmanner，andwhen，withthefretfulassistanceofherfather，shehadpreparedasomewhatsketchyandprimitiverepast，hequestionedtheoldmanaboutdiamond-making。TheeyeofDadkindled。

"IwantterknowhowyeknewIwasmakingdiamonds，"heasked，withacertainbashfulpettishnessnotunlikehisdaughter’s。

"Hearditin’Frisco，"repliedLance，withglibmendacity，glancingatthegirl。

"Ireckonthey’regettin’sortofskeertdownthere——themjewelers，"chuckledDad，"yetit’sinnaterthattheirfiggerswillhavetocomedown。It’sonlyaquestionofthepriceofcharcoal。

Isupposetheydidn’ttellyouhowImadethediscovery？"

Lancewouldhavestoppedtheoldman’snarrativebysayingthatheknewthestory，buthewishedtoseehowfarFliplentherselftoherfather’sdelusion。

"Yesee，onenightabouttwoyearsagoIhadapito’charcoalburningoutthere，andtho’ithadbeenasmoulderingandasmokingandablazingfornighuntoamonth，somehowitdidn’tcharcoalworthacent。Andyet，dogmyskin，buttheheato’thaterpitwassuthinhidyusandfrightful；yecouldn’tstandwithinahundredyardsofit，andtheycouldfeelitonthestageroadthreemilesoveryon，t’othersidethemountain。TherewasnightswhenmeandFliphadtotakeourblanketsuptheravineandcampoutallnight，andthebackofthisyerhutshriveleduplikethatbacon。Itwasaboutasnighontohellasanysampleyekingethere。Now，mebbeyouthinkIbuiltthatairfire？Mebbeyou’llallowtheheatwasjustthenat’ralburningofthatpit？"

"Certainly，"saidLance，tryingtoseeFlip’seyes，whichwereresolutelyaverted。

"Thet’swharyou’dbelyin’！Thatyarheatkemoutofthebowelsoftheyearth，——kemuplikeoutofachimbleyorablast，andkepupthatyarfire。Andwhenshecoolsdownamonthafter，andIgottostripher，therewasaholeintheyearth，andaspringo’

bilin’，scaldin’waterpourin’outofitezbigasyourwaist。Andrightinthemiddleofitwasthisyer。"Herosewiththeinstinctofaskillfulraconteur，andwhiskedfromunderhisbunkachamoisleatherbag，whichheemptiedonthetablebeforethem。Itcontainedasmallfragmentofnativerockcrystal，half-fuseduponapetrifiedbitofpine。Itwassoglaringlytruthful，soreallywhatitpurportedtobe，thatthemostunscientificwoodmanorpioneerwouldhaveunderstooditataglance。LanceraisedhismirthfuleyestoFlip。

"Itwascooledsuddint，——stuntedbythewater，"saidthegirl，eagerly。Shestopped，andasabruptlyturnedawayhereyesandherreddenedface。

"That’sit，that’sjustit，"continuedtheoldman。"Thar’sFlip，thar，knowsit；sheain’tnofool！"Lancedidnotspeak，butturnedahard，unsympathizinglookupontheoldman，androsealmostroughly。Theoldmanclutchedhiscoat。"That’sit，yesee。Thecarbon’sjustturningtodi’mens。Andstunted。Andwhy？

’Costheheatwasn’tkepuplongenough。MebbeyerthinkIstoppedthar？Thatain’tme。Thar’sapitoutyarinthewoodsezhezbeenburningsixmonths；ithain’t，incourse，gottheadvantageso’theoldone，forit’snat’ralheat。ButI’mkeepingthatheatup。I’vegotaholewhereIkinwatchiteveryfourhours。Whenthetimecomes，I’mthar！Don’tyousee？That’sme！that’sDavidFairley，——that’stheoldman，——youbet！"

"That’sso，"saidLance，curtly。"Andnow，Mr。Fairley，ifyou’llhandmeoveracoatorajackettillIcangetpastthesefogsontheMontereyroad，Iwon’tkeepyoufromyourdiamondpit。"Hethrewdownahandfulofsilveronthetable。

"Ther’sadeerskinjacketyer，"saidtheoldman，"thatoneo’themvaquerosleftforthepriceofabottleofwhiskey。"

"Ireckonitwouldn’tsuitthestranger，"saidFlip，dubiouslyproducingamuch-worn，slashed，andbraidedvaquero’sjacket。ButitdidsuitLance，whofounditwarm，andalsohadsuddenlyfoundacertainsatisfactioninopposingFlip。Whenhehadputiton，andnoddedcoldlytotheoldman，andcarelesslytoFlip，hewalkedtothedoor。

"Ifyou’regoingtotaketheMontereyroad，Icanshowyouashortcuttoit，"saidFlip，withacertainkindofshycivility。

ThepaternalFairleygroaned。"That’sit；letthechickensandtheranchgotothunder，aslongasthere’sastrangertotrapseroundwith；goon！"

Lancewouldhavemadesomesavagereply，butFlipinterrupted。

"Youknowyourself，Dad，it’sablindtrail，andasthat’ereconstablethatkemoutherehuntingFrenchPete，couldn’tfindit，andhadtogoroundbythecanyon，likeeznotthestrangerwouldlosehisway，andhavetocomeback！"Thisdangerousprospectsilencedtheoldman，andFlipandLancesteppedintotheroadtogether。Theywalkedonforsomemomentswithoutspeaking。

SuddenlyLanceturneduponhiscompanion。

"Youdidn’tswallowallthatrotaboutthediamond，didyou？"heasked，crossly。

Flipranalittleahead，asiftoavoidareply。

"Youdon’tmeantosaythat’sthesortofhogwashtheoldmanservesouttoyouregularly？"continuedLance，becomingmoreslangyinhisilltemper。

"Idon’tknowthatit’sanyconsarno’yourswhatIthink，"repliedFlip，hoppingfrombouldertoboulder，astheycrossedthebedofadrywatercourse。

"AndIsupposeyou’vepilotedroundanddry-nussedeverytrampanddeadbeatyou’vemetsinceyoucamehere，"continuedLance，withunmistakableillhumor。"Howmanyhaveyouhelpedoverthisroad？"

"It’sayearsincetherewasaChinamanchasedbysomeIrishmenfromtheCrossingintothebrushaboutyer，andhewastooafeeredtocomeout，andnighmoststarvedtodeathinthar。Ihadtodraghimoutandstarthimonthemountain，foryoucouldn’tgethimbacktotheroad。HewasthelastonebutYOU。"

"Doyoureckonit’stherightthingforagirllikeyoutorunaboutwithtrashofthiskind，andmixherselfupwithallsortsofroughandbadcompany？"saidLance。

Flipstoppedshort。"Look！ifyou’regoin’totalklikeDad，I’llgoback。"

Theridiculousnessofsucharesemblancestruckhimmorekeenlythanaconsciousnessofhisowningratitude。HehastenedtoassureFlipthathewasjoking。Whenhehadmadehispeacetheyfellintotalkagain，Lancebecomingunselfishenoughtoinquireintooneortwofactsconcerningherlifewhichdidnotimmediatelyaffecthim。

Hermotherhaddiedontheplainswhenshewasababy，andherbrotherhadrunawayfromhomeattwelve。Shefullyexpectedtoseehimagain，andthoughthemightsometimestrayintotheircanyon。"Thatiswhy，then，youtakesomuchstockintramps，"

saidLance。"YouexpecttorecognizeHIM？"

"Well，"repliedFlip，gravely，"thereissuthinginTHAT，andthere’ssuthinginTHIS：someo’thesechapsmightrunacrossbrotheranddohimagoodturnforthesakeofme。"

"Likeme，forinstance？"suggestedLance。

"Likeyou。You’ddohimagoodturn，wouldn’tyou？"

"Youbet！"saidLance，withasuddenemotionthatquitestartledhim；"onlydon’tyougotothrowingyourselfroundpromiscuously。"

Hewashalf-consciousofanirritatingsenseofjealousy，asheaskedifanyofherprotegeshadeverreturned。

"No，"saidFlip，"nooneeverdid。Itshows，"sheaddedwithsublimesimplicity，"Ihaddone’emgood，andtheycouldgetonalone。Don’tit？"

"Itdoes，"respondedLancegrimly。"Haveyouanyotherfriendsthatcome？"

"OnlythePostmasterattheCrossing。"

"ThePostmaster？"

"Yes；he’sreckonin’tomarrymenextyear，ifI’mbigenough。"

"Andwhatdoyoureckon？"askedLanceearnestly。

Flipbeganaseriesofdistortionswithhershoulders，ranonahead，pickedupafewpebblesandthrewthemintothewood，glancedbackatLancewithswimmingmottledeyes，thatseemedapiquantincarnationofeverythingsuggestiveandtantalizing，andsaid，"That’stelling。"

Theyhadbythistimereachedthespotwheretheyweretoseparate。

"Look，"saidFlip，pointingtoafaintdeflectionoftheirpath，whichseemed，however，toloseitselfintheunderbrushadozenyardsaway，"ther’syourtrail。Itgetsplainerandbroaderthefurtheryougeton，butyoumustuseyoureyeshere，andgettoknowitwellaforeyougetintothefog。Good-by。"

"Good-by。"Lancetookherhandanddrewherbesidehim。Shewasstillredolentofthespicesofthethicket，andtotheyoungman’sexcitedfancyseemedatthatmomenttopersonifytheperfumeandintoxicationofhernativewoods。Halflaughingly，halfearnestly，hetriedtokissher；shestruggledforsometimestrongly，butatthelastmomentyielded，withaslightreturnandtheexchangeofasubtlefirethatthrilledhim，andlefthimstandingconfusedandastoundedassheranaway。Hewatchedherlithe，nymph-likefiguredisappearinthecheckeredshadowsofthewood，andthenheturnedbrisklydownthehalf-hiddentrail。Hiseyesightwaskeen，hemadegoodprogress，andwassoonwellonhiswaytowardthedistantridge。

ButFlip’sreturnhadnotbeenasrapid。Whenshereachedthewoodshecrepttoitsbeetlingverge，and，lookingacrossthecanyon，watchedLance’sfigureasitvanishedandreappearedintheshadowsandsinuositiesoftheascent。Whenhereachedtheridgetheoutlyingfogcreptacrossthesummit，caughthiminitsembrace，andwrappedhimfromhergaze。Flipsighed，raisedherself，putheralternatefootonastump，andtookalongpullathertoo-

briefstockings。Whenshehadpulleddownherskirtandendeavoredoncemoretorenewtheintimacythathadexistedinpreviousyearsbetweentheedgeofherpetticoatandthetopofherstockings，shesighedagain，andwenthome。

CHAPTERIII。

ForsixmonthstheseafogsmonotonouslycameandwentalongtheMontereycoast；forsixmonthstheybeleagueredtheCoastRangewithafternoonsortiesofwhitehoststhatregularlysweptoverthemountaincrest，andwereasregularlybeatenbackagainbytheleveledlancesofthemorningsun。ForsixmonthsthatwhiteveilwhichhadoncehiddenLanceHarriottinitsfoldsreturnedwithouthim。Forthatamiableoutlawnolongerneededdisguiseorhiding-

place。Theswiftwaveofpursuitthathaddashedhimonthesummithadfallenback，andthenextdaywasbrokenandscattered。Beforetheweekhadpassed，aregularjudicialinquiryrelievedhiscrimeofpremeditation，andshowedittobearudedueloftwoarmedandequallydesperatemen。FromasecurevantageinaseacoasttownLancechallengedatrialbyhispeers，and，asanalreadyprejudgedmanescapingfromhisexecutioners，obtainedachangeofvenue。

Regularjustice，seatedbythecalmPacific，foundtheactionofaninterior，irregularjuryrashandhasty。Lancewasliberatedonbail。

ThePostmasteratFisher’sCrossinghadjustreceivedtheweeklymailandexpressfromSanFrancisco，andwasengagedinexaminingit。Itconsistedoffivelettersandtwoparcels。Ofthese，threeofthelettersandthetwoparcelsweredirectedtoFlip。Itwasnotthefirsttimeduringthelastsixmonthsthatthisextraordinaryeventhadoccurred，andthecuriosityoftheCrossingwasdulyexcited。AsFliphadnevercalledpersonallyforthelettersorparcels，buthadsentoneofherwild，irregularscoutsorhenchmentobringthem，andasshewasseldomseenattheCrossingoronthestageroad，thatcuriositywasneversatisfied。ThedisappointmenttothePostmaster——amanpastthemiddleage——partookofasentimentalnature。Helookedatthelettersandparcels；helookedathiswatch；itwasyetearly，hecouldreturnbynoon。Heagainexaminedtheaddresses；theywereinthesamehandwritingasthepreviousletters。Hismindwasmadeup，hewoulddeliverthemhimself。Thepoetic，soulfulsideofhismissionwasdelicatelyindicatedbyapalebluenecktie，acleanshirt，andasmallpackageofgingernuts，ofwhichFlipwasextravagantlyfond。

ThecommonroadtoFairley’sRanchwasbythestageturnpiketoapointbelowtheGinandGingerWoods，wheretheprudenthorsemanusuallylefthisbeastandfollowedtheintersectingtrailafoot。

ItwasherethatthePostmastersuddenlyobservedontheedgeofthewoodthefigureofanelegantly-dressedwoman；shewaswalkingslowly，andapparentlyatherease；onehandheldherskirtslightlygatheredbetweenherglovedfingers，theotherslowlyswungaridingwhip。WasitapicnicofsomepeoplefromMontereyorSantaCruz？Thespectaclewasnovelenoughtojustifyhiscomingnearer。Suddenlyshewithdrewintothewood；helostsightofher；

shewasgone。Heremembered，however，thatFlipwasstilltobeseen，andasthesteeptrailwasbeginningtotaxallhisenergies，hewasfaintohurryforward。Thesunwasnearlyverticalwhenheturnedintothecanyon，andsawthebarkroofofthecabinbeyond。

AtalmostthesamemomentFlipappeared，flushedandpanting，intheroadbeforehim。

"You’vegotsomethingforme，"shesaid，pointingtotheparcelandletters。Completelytakenbysurprise，thePostmastermechanicallyyieldedthemup，andasinstantlyregrettedit。"They’repaidfor，"continuedFlip，observinghishesitation。

"That’sso，"stammeredtheofficialoftheCrossing，seeinghislastchanceofknowingthecontentsoftheparcelvanish；"butI

thoughtezit’savalooablepackage，maybeyemightwanttoexamineittoseethatitwasallrightaforeyereceiptedforit。"

"I’llriskit，"saidFlip，coolly，"andifitain’trightI’llletyeknow。"

Asthegirlseemedinclinedtoretirewithherproperty，thePostmasterwasdriventootherconversation。"Weain’thadthepleasureofseeingyoudownattheCrossingforamontho’

Sundays，"hebegan，withairyyetpronouncedgallantry。"Somefolksletonyouwaskeepin’companywithsomefellerlikeBijahBrown，andyouweregettingalittletoosetupfortheCrossing。"

Theindividualherementionedbeingthecountybutcher，andsupposedtoexhibithishopelessaffectionforFlipbymakingalonganduselessdivergencefromhisweeklyroutetoenterthecanyonfor"orders，"Flipdidnotdeemitnecessarytoreply。

"ThenIallowedhowezyoumighthavecompany，"hecontinued；"I

reckonthere’ssomecityfolksupatthesummit。Isawamightysmart，fash’n’blegalcavortinground。Hadnoendo’styleandfancyfixin’s。That’smykind，Itellyou。Ijustweakenonthatsorto’gal，"hecontinued，inthefirmbeliefthathehadawakenedFlip’sjealousy，asheglancedatherwell-wornhomespunfrock，andfoundhereyessuddenlyfixedonhisown。

"StrangeIain’tgottoseeheryet，"sherepliedcoolly，shoulderingherparcel，andquiteignoringanysenseofobligationtohimforhisextra-officialact。

"ButyoumightgettoseeherattheedgeoftheGinandGingerWoods，"hepersistedfeebly，inalastefforttodetainher；"ifyou’lltakeapaseartherewithme。"Flip’sonlyresponsewastowalkontowardthecabin，whence，withavaguecomplimentarysuggestionof"droppin’intopassthetimeo’day"withherfather，thePostmastermeeklyfollowed。

ThepaternalFairley，onceconvincedthathisdaughter’snewcompanionrequirednopecuniaryormaterialassistancefromhishands，relaxedtotheextentofenteringintoaquerulousconfidencewithhim，duringwhichFliptooktheopportunityofslippingaway。AsFairleyhadthatinfelicitoustendencyofmostweaknatures，tounconsciouslyexaggerateunimportantdetailsintheirtalk，thePostmasterpresentlybecameconvincedthatthebutcherwasaconstantandassiduoussuitorofFlip’s。Theabsurdityofhissendingparcelsandlettersbypostwhenhemightbringthemhimselfdidnotstriketheofficial。Onthecontrary，hebelievedittobeamasterstrokeofcunning。FiredbyjealousyandFlip’sindifference，he"deemedithisduty"——usingthatfacileformofcowardlyoffensiveness——tobetrayFlip。

Ofwhichshewashappilyoblivious。Onceawayfromthecabin，sheplungedintothewoods，withtheparcelswungbehindherlikeaknapsack。Leavingthetrail，shepresentlystruckoffinastraightlinethroughcoverandunderbrushwiththeunerringinstinctofananimal，climbinghandoverhandthesteepestascent，orflutteringlikeabirdfrombranchtobranchdownthedeepestdeclivity。ShesoonreachedthatpartofthetrailwherethesusceptiblePostmasterhadseenthefascinatingunknown。Assuringherselfshewasnotfollowed，shecreptthroughthethicketuntilshereachedalittlewaterfallandbasinthathadservedthefugitiveLanceforabath。Thespotboresignsoflaterandmorefrequentoccupancy，andwhenFlipcarefullyremovedsomebarkandbrushwoodfromacavityintherockanddrewforthvariousfoldedgarments，itwasevidentshehaduseditasasylvandressing-room。

Heresheopenedtheparcel；itcontainedasmallanddelicateshawlofyellowChinacrepe。Flipinstantlythrewitoverhershouldersandsteppedhurriedlytowardtheedgeofthewood。Thenshebegantopassbackwardandforwardbeforethetrunkofatree。Atfirstnothingwasvisibleonthetree，butacloserinspectionshowedalargepaneofordinarywindowglassstuckintheforkofthebranches。Itwasplacedatsuchacunningangleagainstthedarknessoftheforestopeningthatitmadeasoftandmysteriousmirror，notunlikeaClaudeLorraineglass，whereinnotonlythepassingfigureoftheyounggirlwasseen，butthedazzlinggreenandgoldofthehillside，andthefar-offsilhouettedcrestsoftheCoastRange。

Butthiswasevidentlyonlyapreludetoasevererrehearsal。Whenshereturnedtothewaterfallsheunearthedfromherstoresalargepieceofyellowsoapandsomeyardsofroughcotton"sheeting。"

Theseshedepositedbesidethebasinandagaincrepttotheedgeofthewoodtoassureherselfthatshewasalone。Satisfiedthatnointrudingfoothadinvadedthatvirginbower，shereturnedtoherbathandbegantoundress。Aslightwindfollowedher，andseemedtowhispertothecircumjacenttrees。Itappearedtowakenhersisternaiadsandnymphs，who，joiningtheirleafyfingers，softlydrewaroundheragentlymovingbandoftremblinglightsandshadows，offleckedspraysandinextricablymingledbranches，andinvolvedherinachastesylvanobscurity，veiledalikefrompursuinggodorstumblingshepherd。Withinthesehallowedprecinctswasthemusicalrippleoflaughterandfallingwater，andattimestheglimpseofalithebrier-caughtlimb，orarayofsunlighttremblingoverbrightflanks，orthewhiteaustereoutlineofachildishbosom。

Whenshedrewagaintheleafycurtain，andoncemoresteppedoutofthewood，shewascompletelytransformed。ItwasthefigurethathadappearedtothePostmaster；theslight，erect，gracefulformofayoungwomanmodishlyattired。ItwasFlip，butFlipmadetallerbythelengthenedskirtandclinginghabilimentsoffashion。Flipfreckled，but，throughthecunningofareliefofyellowcolorinhergown，herpiquantbrown-shotfaceandeyesbrightenedandintensifieduntilsheseemedlikeaspicyodormadevisible。I

cannotaffirmthatthejudgmentofFlip’smysteriousmodistewasinfallible，orthatthetasteofMr。LanceHarriott，herpatron，wasfastidious；enoughthatitwaspicturesque，andperhapsnotmoreglaringandextravagantthanthecolorinwhichSpringherselfhadonceclothedtheserehillsidewhereFlipwasnowseated。Thephantommirrorinthetreeforkcaughtandheldherwiththesky，thegreenleaves，thesunlightandallthegraciousnessofhersurroundings，andthewindgentlytossedherhairandthegayribbonsofhergypsyhat。Suddenlyshestarted。Someremotesoundinthetrailbelow，inaudibletoanyearlessfinethanhers，arrestedherbreathing。Sheroseswiftlyanddartedintocover。

Tenminutespassed。Thesunwasdeclining；thewhitefogwasbeginningtocreepovertheCoastRange。FromtheedgeofthewoodCinderellaappeared，disenchanted，andinherhomespungarments。

Theclockhadstruck——thespellwaspast。Asshedisappeareddownthetraileventhemagicmirror，movedbythewind，slippedfromthetreetoptotheground，andbecameapieceofcommonglass。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读