Therewasnodoorinthecabin，andthewindowsweresimplysquareopenings，whichfreelyadmittedthesearchingfog。Butinspiteofthesediscomforts，——beingamanofcheerful，sanguinetemperament，——
heamusedhimselfbypokingthefire，andwatchingtheruddyglowwhichtheflamesthrewonthefogfromtheopendoor。Inthisinnocentoccupationagreatwearinessovercamehim，andhefellasleep。
Hewasawakenedatmidnightbyaloud"halloo，"whichseemedtoproceeddirectlyfromthesea。Thinkingitmightbethecryofsomeboatmanlostinthefog，hewalkedtotheedgeofthecliff，butthethickveilthatcoveredseaandlandrenderedallobjectsatthedistanceofafewfeetindistinguishable。Heheard，however，theregularstrokesofoarsrisingandfallingonthewater。Thehalloowasrepeated。Hewasclearinghisthroattoreply，whentohissurpriseananswercameapparentlyfromtheverycabinhehadquitted。Hastilyretracinghissteps，hewasthemoreamazed，onreachingtheopendoor，tofindastrangerwarminghimselfbythefire。Steppingbackfarenoughtoconcealhisownperson，hetookagoodlookattheintruder。
Hewasamanofaboutforty，withacadaverousface。Buttheoddityofhisdressattractedthebroker’sattentionmorethanhislugubriousphysiognomy。Hislegswerehidinenormouslywidetrousersdescendingtohisknee，wheretheymetlongbootsofsealskin。Apea-jacketwithexaggeratedcuffs，almostaslargeasthebreeches，coveredhischest，andaroundhiswaistamonstrousbelt，withabucklelikeadentist’ssign，supportedtwotrumpet-
mouthedpistolsandacurvedhanger。Heworealongqueue，whichdependedhalf-waydownhisback。Asthefirelightfellonhisingenuouscountenancethebrokerobservedwithsomeconcernthatthisqueuewasformedentirelyofakindoftobacco，knownaspigtailortwist。Itseffect，thebrokerremarked，wasmuchheightenedwheninamomentofthoughtfulabstractiontheapparitionbitoffaportionofit，androlleditasaquidintothecavernousrecessesofhisjaws。
Meanwhile，thenearersplashofoarsindicatedtheapproachoftheunseenboat。Thebrokerhadbarelytimetoconcealhimselfbehindthecabinbeforeanumberofuncouth-lookingfiguresclamberedupthehilltowardtheruinedrendezvous。Theyweredressedlikethepreviouscomer，who，astheypassedthroughtheopendoor，exchangedgreetingswitheachinantiquephraseology，bestowingatthesametimesomefamiliarnickname。Flash-in-the-Pan，Spitter-
of-Frogs，MalmseyButt，Latheyard-Will，andMark-the-Pinker，werethefewsobriquetsthebrokerremembered。Whetherthesetitlesweregiventoexpresssomepeculiarityoftheirownerhecouldnottell，forasilencefollowedastheyslowlyrangedthemselvesuponthefloorofthecabininasemicirclearoundtheircadaveroushost。
AtlengthMalmseyButt，aspherical-bodiedman-of-war’s-man，witharubicundnose，gotonhislegssomewhatunsteadily，andaddressedhimselftothecompany。Theyhadmetthatevening，saidthespeaker，inaccordancewithatime-honoredcustom。Thiswassimplytorelievethatoneoftheirnumberwhoforfiftyyearshadkeptwatchandwardoverthelocalitywherecertaintreasureshadbeenburied。Atthispointthebrokerprickeduphisears。"Ifsobe，camaradosandbrothersall，"hecontinued，"yearereadytoreceivethereportofourexcellentandwell-belovedbrother，MasterSlit-
the-Weazand，touchinghissearchforthistreasure，why，marry，to’tandbegin。"
Amurmurofassentwentaroundthecircleasthespeakerresumedhisseat。MasterSlit-the-Weazandslowlyopenedhislanternjaws，andbegan。Hehadspentmuchofhistimeindeterminingtheexactlocationofthetreasure。Hebelieved——nay，hecouldstatepositively——thatitspositionwasnowsettled。Itwastruehehaddonesometriflinglittlebusinessoutside。Modestyforbadehismentioningtheparticulars，buthewouldsimplystatethatofthethreetenantswhohadoccupiedthecabinduringthepasttenyears，nonewerenowalive。[Applause，andcriesof"Goto！thouwastalwaysatallfellow！"andthelike。]
Mark-the-Pinkernextarose。BeforeproceedingtobusinesshehadadutytoperforminthesacrednameofFriendship。Itillbecamehimtopassaneulogyuponthequalitiesofthespeakerwhohadprecededhim，forhehadknownhimfrom"boyhood’shour。"SidebysidetheyhadwroughttogetherintheSpanishwar。Foraneathandwithatoledohechallengedhisequal，whilehownoblyandbeautifullyhehadwonhispresenttitleofSlit-the-Weazand，allcouldtestify。Thespeaker，withsomeshowofemotion，askedtobepardonedifhedwelttoofreelyonpassagesoftheirearlycompanionship；hethendetailed，withafinetouchofhumor，hiscomrade’speculiarmannerofslittingtheearsandlipsofarefractoryJew，whohadbeencapturedinoneoftheirpreviousvoyages。Hewouldnotwearythepatienceofhishearers，butwouldbrieflyproposethatthereportofSlit-the-Weazandbeaccepted，andthatthethanksofthecompanybetenderedhim。
Abeakerofstrongspiritswasthenrolledintothehut，andcansofgrogwerecirculatedfreelyfromhandtohand。ThehealthofSlit-the-WeazandwasproposedinaneatspeechbyMark-the-Pinker，andrespondedtobytheformergentlemaninamannerthatdrewtearstotheeyesofallpresent。Tothebroker，inhisconcealment，thismomentarydiversionfromtherealbusinessofthemeetingoccasionedmuchanxiety。Asyetnothinghadbeensaidtoindicatetheexactlocalityofthetreasuretowhichtheyhadmysteriouslyalluded。Fearrestrainedhimfromopeninquiry，andcuriositykepthimfrommakinggoodhisescapeduringtheorgieswhichfollowed。
Buthissituationwasbeginningtobecomecritical。Flash-in-the-
Pan，whoseemedtohavebeenamanofcholerichumor，takingfireduringsomehotlycontestedargument，dischargedbothhispistolsatthebreastofhisopponent。Theballspassedthroughoneachsideimmediatelybelowhisarm-pits，makingacleanhole，throughwhichthehorrifiedbrokercouldseethefirelightbehindhim。Thewoundedman，withoutbetrayinganyconcern，excitedthelaughterofthecompany，byjocoselyputtinghisarmsakimbo，andinsertinghisthumbsintotheorificesofthewounds，asiftheyhadbeenarm-
holes。Thishavinginameasurerestoredgood-humor，thepartyjoinedhandsandformedacirclepreparatorytodancing。Thedancewascommencedbysomemonotonousstanzashummedinaveryhighkeybyoneoftheparty，therestjoininginthefollowingchorus，whichseemedtopresentafamiliarsoundtothebroker’sear。
"HerMajestieisverysicke，LordEssexhathyemeasles，OurAdmiralhathlickedyeFrench——
Poppe！saithyeweasel！"
Attheregularrecurrenceofthelastline，thepartydischargedtheirloadedpistolsinalldirections，renderingthepositionoftheunhappybrokeroneofextremeperilandperplexity。
Whenthetumulthadpartiallysubsided，Flash-in-the-Pancalledthemeetingtoorder，andmostoftherevellersreturnedtotheirplaces，MalmseyButt，however，insistinguponanotherchorus，andsingingatthetopofhisvoice：——
"IamyclepedJ。Keyser——IwasbornatSpring，hysGarden，Myfathertoemakemeaneclerkeerstdidessaye，Butaficoforyeoffis——Ispurnyeloselsoffeire；
ForIfainwouldbeanebutcherby’rladykinalwaye。"
Flash-in-the-Pandrewapistolfromhisbelt，andbiddingsomeonegagMalmseyButtwiththestockofit，proceededtoreadfromaportentousrollofparchmentthatheheldinhishand。Itwasasemi-legaldocument，clothedinthequaintphraseologyofabygoneperiod。Afteralongpreamble，assertingtheirloyaltyasliegesofHermostbountifulMajestyandSovereignLadytheQueen，thedocumentdeclaredthattheythenandtheretookpossessionofthepromontory，andallthetreasuretrovethereincontained，formerlyburiedbyHerMajesty’smostfaithfulanddevotedAdmiralSirFrancisDrake，withtherighttosearch，discover，andappropriatethesame；andforthepurposethereoftheydidthenandthereformaguildorcorporationtosodiscover，searchfor，anddisclosesaidtreasures，andbyvirtuethereoftheysolemnlysubscribedtheirnames。Butatthismomentthereadingoftheparchmentwasarrestedbyanexclamationfromtheassembly，andthebrokerwasseenfranticallystrugglingatthedoorinthestrongarmsofMark-
the-Pinker。
"Letmego！"hecried，ashemadeadesperateattempttoreachthesideofMasterFlash-in-thePan。"Letmego！Itellyou，gentlemen，thatdocumentisnotworththeparchmentitiswrittenon。ThelawsoftheState，thecustomsofthecountry，theminingordinances，areallagainstit。Don’t，byallthat’ssacred，throwawaysuchacapitalinvestmentthroughignoranceandinformality。
Letmego！Iassureyou，gentlemen，professionally，thatyouhaveabigthing，——aremarkablybigthing，andevenifIain’tinit，I’mnotgoingtoseeitfallthrough。Don’t，forGod’ssake，gentlemen，Iimploreyou，putyournamestosucharidiculouspaper。Thereisn’tanotary——"
Heceased。Thefiguresaroundhim，whichwerebeginningtogrowfainterandmoreindistinct，ashewenton，swambeforehiseyes，flickered，reappearedagain，andfinallywentout。Herubbedhiseyesandgazedaroundhim。Thecabinwasdeserted。Onthehearththeredembersofhisfirewerefadingawayinthebrightbeamsofthemorningsun，thatlookedaslantthroughtheopenwindow。Heranouttothecliff。Thesturdysea-breezefannedhisfeverishcheeks，andtossedthewhitecapsofwavesthatbeatinpleasantmusiconthebeachbelow。AstatelymerchantmanwithsnowycanvaswasenteringtheGate。Thevoicesofsailorscamecheerfullyfromabarkatanchorbelowthepoint。ThemusketsofthesentriesgleamedbrightlyonAlcatraz，andtherollingofdrumsswelledonthebreeze。Fartheron，thehillsofSanFrancisco，cottage-
crownedandborderedwithwharvesandwarehouses，methislongingeye。
SuchistheLegendofDevil’sPoint。Anyobjectionstoitsreliabilitymaybemetwiththestatement，thatthebrokerwhotellsthestoryhassinceincorporatedacompanyunderthetitleof"Flash-in-the-PanGoldandSilverTreasureMiningCompany，"andthatitssharesarealreadyheldatastifffigure。Acopyoftheoriginaldocumentissaidtobeonrecordintheofficeofthecompany，andonanycleardaythelocalityoftheclaimmaybedistinctlyseenfromthehillsofSanFrancisco。
THEDEVILANDTHEBROKER
AMEDIAEVALLEGEND
ThechurchclocksinSanFranciscowerestrikingten。TheDevil，whohadbeenflyingoverthecitythatevening，justthenalightedontheroofofachurchnearthecornerofBushandMontgomeryStreets。ItwillbeperceivedthatthepopularbeliefthattheDevilavoidsholyedifices，andvanishesatthesoundofaCredoorPater-noster，islongsinceexploded。Indeed，modernscepticismassertsthatheisnotaversetotheseorthodoxdiscourses，whichparticularlybearreferencetohimself，andinameasurerecognizehispowerandimportance。
Iaminclinedtothink，however，thathischoiceofaresting-placewasagooddealinfluencedbyitscontiguitytoapopulousthoroughfare。Whenhewascomfortablyseated，hebeganpullingoutthejointsofasmallrodwhichheheldinhishand，andwhichpresentlyprovedtobeanextraordinaryfishing-pole，withatelescopicadjustmentthatpermitteditsprotractiontoamarvellousextent。Affixingalinethereto，heselectedaflyofaparticularpatternfromasmallboxwhichhecarriedwithhim，and，makingaskilfulcast，threwhislineintotheverycentreofthatlivingstreamwhichebbedandflowedthroughMontgomeryStreet。
Eitherthepeoplewereveryvirtuousthateveningorthebaitwasnotatakingone。InvaintheDevilwhippedthestreamataneddyinfrontoftheOccidental，ortrolledhislineintotheshadowsoftheCosmopolitan；fiveminutespassedwithoutevenanibble。"Dearme！"quoththeDevil，"that’sverysingular；oneofmymostpopularflies，too！Why，they’dhaverisenbyshoalsinBroadwayorBeaconStreetforthat。Well，heregoesanother。"And，fittinganewflyfromhiswell-filledbox，hegracefullyrecasthisline。
Forafewmomentstherewaseveryprospectofsport。Thelinewascontinuallybobbingandthenibblesweredistinctandgratifying。
Onceortwicethebaitwasapparentlygorgedandcarriedoffintheupperstoriesofthehotelstobedigestedatleisure。AtsuchtimestheprofessionalmannerinwhichtheDevilplayedouthislinewouldhavethrilledtheheartofIzaakWalton。Buthiseffortswereunsuccessful；thebaitwasinvariablycarriedoffwithouthookingthevictim，andtheDevilfinallylosthistemper。
"I’veheardoftheseSanFranciscansbefore，"hemuttered；"waittillIgetholdofone，——that’sall！"headdedmalevolently，asherebaitedhishook。Asharptugandawrigglefoiledhisnexttrial，andfinally，withconsiderableeffort，helandedaportlytwo-hundred-poundbrokeruponthechurchroof。
Asthevictimlaytheregasping，itwasevidentthattheDevilwasinnohurrytoremovethehookfromhisgills；nordidheexhibitinthisdelicateoperationthatcourtesyofmannerandgracefulmanipulationwhichusuallydistinguishedhim。
"Come，"hesaid，gruffly，ashegraspedthebrokerbythewaistband，"quitthatwhiningandgrunting。Don’tflatteryourselfthatyou’reaprizeeither。Iwascertaintohavehadyou。Itwasonlyaquestionoftime。"
"Itisnotthat，mylord，whichtroublesme，"whinedtheunfortunatewretch，ashepainfullywriggledhishead，"butthatI
shouldhavebeenfooledbysuchapaltrybait。Whatwilltheysayofmedownthere？Tohavelet’biggerthings’goby，andtobetakeninbythischeaptrick，"headded，ashegroanedandglancedattheflywhichtheDevilwascarefullyrearranging，"iswhat，——
pardonme，mylord，——iswhatgetsme！"
"Yes，"saidtheDevil，philosophically，"Inevercaughtanybodyyetwhodidn’tsaythat；buttellme，ain’tyougettingsomewhatfastidiousdownthere？Hereisoneofmymostpopularflies，thegreenback，"hecontinued，exhibitinganemerald-lookinginsect，whichhedrewfromhisbox。"This，sogenerallyconsideredexcellentinelectionseason，hasnotevenbeennibbledat。
Perhapsyoursagacity，which，inspiteofthisunfortunatecontretemps，noonecandoubt，"addedtheDevil，withagracefulreturntohisusualcourtesy，"mayexplainthereasonorsuggestasubstitute。"
Thebrokerglancedatthecontentsoftheboxwithasupercilioussmile。"Tooold-fashioned，mylord，——longagoplayedout。Yet，"
headded，withagleamofinterest，"foraconsiderationImightoffersomething——ahem！——thatwouldmakeatakingsubstituteforthesetrifles。Giveme，"hecontinued，inabrisk，business-likeway，"aslightpercentageandabonusdown，andI’myourman。"
"Nameyourterms，"saidtheDevil，earnestly。
"Mylibertyandapercentageonallyoutake，andthething’sdone。"
TheDevilcaressedhistailthoughtfully，forafewmoments。Hewascertainofthebrokeranyway，andtheriskwasslight。
"Done！"hesaid。
"Stayamoment，"saidtheartfulbroker。"Therearecertaincontingencies。Givemeyourfishing-rodandletmeapplythebaitmyself。Itrequiresaskilfulhand，mylord；evenyourwell-knownexperiencemightfail。Leavemealoneforhalfanhour，andifyouhavereasontocomplainofmysuccessIwillforfeitmydeposit，——I
meanmyliberty。"
TheDevilaccededtohisrequest，bowed，andwithdrew。AlightinggracefullyinMontgomeryStreet，hedroppedintoMeade&Co。’sclothingstore，where，havingcompletelyequippedhimselfalamode，hesalliedforthintentonhispersonalenjoyment。
Determiningtosinkhisprofessionalcharacter，hemingledwiththecurrentofhumanlife，andenjoyed，withthatimmensecapacityforexcitementpeculiartohisnature，thewhirl，bustle，andfeverishnessofthepeople，asapurelyaestheticgratificationunalloyedbythecaresofbusiness。Whathedidthateveningdoesnotbelongtoourstory。Wereturntothebroker，whomweleftontheroof。
WhenhemadesurethattheDevilhadretired，hecarefullydrewfromhispocket-bookaslipofpaperandaffixeditonthehook。
Thelinehadscarcelyreachedthecurrentbeforehefeltabite。
Thehookwasswallowed。Tobringuphisvictimrapidly，disengagehimfromthehook，andresethisline，wastheworkofamoment。
Anotherbiteandthesameresult。Another，andanother。Inaveryfewminutestheroofwascoveredwithhispantingspoil。Thebrokercouldhimselfdistinguishthatmanyofthemwerepersonalfriends；nay，someofthemwerefamiliarfrequentersofthebuildingonwhichtheywerenowmiserablystranded。Thatthebrokerfeltacertainsatisfactioninbeinginstrumentalinthusmisleadinghisfellow-brokersnooneacquaintedwithhumannaturewillforamomentdoubt。Butastrongerpullonhislinecausedhimtoputforthallhisstrengthandskill。Themagicpolebentlikeacoach-whip。Thebrokerheldfirm，assistedbythebattlementsofthechurch。Againandagainitwasalmostwrestedfromhishand，andagainandagainheslowlyreeledinaportionofthetighteningline。Atlast，withonemightyeffort，heliftedtotheleveloftheroofastrugglingobject。AhowllikePandemoniumrangthroughtheairasthebrokersuccessfullylandedathisfeet——
theDevilhimself！
Thetwoglaredfiercelyateachother。Thebroker，perhapsmindfulofhisformertreatment，evincednohastetoremovethehookfromhisantagonist’sjaw。Whenitwasfinallyaccomplished，heaskedquietlyiftheDevilwassatisfied。Thatgentlemanseemedabsorbedinthecontemplationofthebaitwhichhehadjusttakenfromhismouth。"Iam，"hesaid，finally，"andforgiveyou；butwhatdoyoucallthis？"
"Bendlow，"repliedthebroker，ashebuttoneduphiscoatreadytodepart。TheDevilinclinedhisear。"IcallitWILDCAT！"
THEOGRESSOFSILVERLAND；
OR，THEDIVERTINGHISTORYOFPRINCEBADFELLAHANDPRINCEBULLEBOYE。
InthesecondyearofthereignoftherenownedCaliphLotheredweltinSILVERLAND，adjoininghisterritory，acertainterribleogress。Shelivedinthebowelsofadismalmountain，whereshewasinthehabitofconfiningsuchunfortunatetravellersasventuredwithinherdomain。Thecountryformilesaroundwassterileandbarren。Insomeplacesitwascoveredwithawhitepowder，whichwascalledinthelanguageofthecountryALKALI，andwassupposedtobethepulverizedbonesofthosewhohadperishedmiserablyinherservice。
Inspiteofthis，everyyear，greatnumbersofyoungmendevotedthemselvestotheserviceoftheogress，hopingtobecomehergodsons，andtoenjoythegoodfortunewhichbelongedtothatprivilegedclass。Forthesegodsonshadnoworktoperform，neitheratthemountainnorelsewhere，butroamedabouttheworldwithcredentialsoftheirrelationshipintheirpockets，whichtheycalledSTOKH，whichwasstampedwiththestampandsealedwiththesealoftheogress，andwhichenabledthemattheendofeachmoontodrawlargequantitiesofgoldandsilverfromhertreasury。AndthewisestandmostfavoredofthosegodsonswerethePrincesBADFELLAHandBULLEBOYE。Theyknewallthesecretsoftheogress，andhowtowheedleandcoaxher。TheywerealsothefavoritesofSOOPAHINTENDENT，whowasherLordHighChamberlainandPrimeMinister，andwhodweltinSILVERLAND。
Oneday，SOOPAHINTENDENTsaidtohisservants，"Whatisthatwhichtravelsthemostsurely，themostsecretly，andthemostswiftly？"
Andtheyallansweredasoneman，"LIGHTNING，mylord，travelsthemostsurely，themostswiftly，andthemostsecretly！"
ThensaidSOOPAHINTENDENT，"LetLightningcarrythismessagesecretly，swiftly，andsurelytomybelovedfriendsthePrincesBADFELLAHandBULLEBOYE，andtellthemthattheirgodmotherisdying，andbidthemseeksomeothergodmotherorselltheirSTOKH
ereitbecomesbadjee，——worthless。"
"Bekhesm！Onourheadsbeit！"answeredtheservants；andtheyrantoLightningwiththemessage，whoflewwithittotheCitybytheSea，anddeliveredit，evenatthatmoment，intothehandsofthePrincesBADFELLAHandBULLEBOYE。
NowthePrinceBADFELLAHwasawickedyoungman；andwhenhehadreceivedthismessagehetorehisbeardandrenthisgarmentandreviledhisgodmother，andhisfriendSOOPAHINTENDENT。Butpresentlyhearose，anddressedhimselfinhisfineststuffs，andwentforthintothebazaarsandamongthemerchants，caperinganddancingashewalked，andcryinginaloudvoice，"O，happyday！
O，dayworthytobemarkedwithawhitestone！"
Thishesaidcunningly，thinkingthemerchantsandmenofthebazaarswouldgatherabouthim，whichtheypresentlydid，andbegantoquestionhim："Whatnews，OmostworthyandsereneHighness？
Tellus，thatwemakemerrytoo！"
Thenrepliedthecunningprince，"Goodnews，Omybrothers，forI
haveheardthisdaythatmygodmotherinSILVERLANDiswell。"Themerchants，whowerenotawareofthesubstanceoftherealmessage，enviedhimgreatly，andsaidonetoanother："SurelyourbrotherthePrinceBADFELLAHisfavoredbyAllahaboveallmen"；andtheywereabouttoretire，whentheprincecheckedthem，saying："Tarryforamoment。Herearemycredentials，orSTOKH。ThesameIwillsellyouforfiftythousandsequins，forIhavetogiveafeastto-
day，andneedmuchgold。Whowillgivefiftythousand？"Andheagainfelltocaperinganddancing。Butthistimethemerchantsdrewalittleapart，andsomeoftheoldestandwisestsaid："Whatdirtisthiswhichtheprincewouldhaveusswallow？Ifhisgodmotherwerewell，whyshouldhesellhisSTOKH？Bismillah！Theolivesareoldandthejarisbroken！"WhenPrinceBADFELLAH
perceivedthemwhispering，hiscountenancefell，andhiskneessmoteagainsteachotherthroughfear；but，dissemblingagain，hesaid："Well，sobeit！Lo，Ihavemuchmorethanshallabidewithme，formydaysaremanyandmywantsarefew。SayfortythousandsequinsformySTOKHandletmedepartinAllah’sname。Whowillgivefortythousandsequinstobecomethegodsonofsuchahealthymother？"Andheagainfelltocaperinganddancing，butnotasgaylyasbefore，forhisheartwastroubled。Themerchants，however，onlymovedfartheraway。"Thirtythousandsequins，"criedPrinceBADFELLAH；butevenashespoketheyfledbeforehisface，crying："Hisgodmotherisdead。Lo，thejackalsaredefilinghergrave。Mashalla！hehasnogodmother。"AndtheysoughtoutPANIK，theswift-footedmessenger，andbadehimshoutthroughthebazaarsthatthegodmotherofPrinceBADFELLAHwasdead。Whenheheardthis，theprincefelluponhisface，andrenthisgarments，andcoveredhimselfwiththedustofthemarket-place。Ashewassittingthus，aporterpassedhimwithjarsofwineonhisshoulders，andtheprincebeggedhimtogivehimajar，forhewasexceedingthirstyandfaint。Buttheportersaid，"Whatwillmylordgivemefirst？"Andtheprince，inverybitternessofspirit，said，"Takethis，"andhandedhimhisSTOKH，andsoexchangeditforajarofwine。
NowthePrinceBULLEBOYEwasofaverydifferentdisposition。WhenhereceivedthemessageofSOOPAHINTENDENThebowedhishead，andsaid，"ItisthewillofGod。"Thenherose；andwithoutspeakingawordenteredthegatesofhispalace。Buthiswife，thepeerlessMAREEJAHANN，perceivingthegravityofhiscountenance，said，"Whyismylordcastdownandsilent？Whyarethoserareandpricelesspearls，hiswords，shutupsotightlybetweenthosegorgeousoyster-shells，hislips？"Buttothishemadenoreply。Thinkingfurthertodiverthim，shebroughtherluteintothechamberandstoodbeforehim，andsangthesonganddancedthedanceofBEN
KOTTON，whichiscalledIBRAHIM’sDAUGHTER，butshecouldnotlifttheveilofsadnessfromhisbrow。
Whenshehadceased，thePrinceBULLEBOYEaroseandsaid，"Allahisgreat，andwhatamI，hisservant，butthedustoftheearth！Lo，thisdayhasmygodmothersickeneduntodeath，andmySTOKHbecomeasawitheredpalm-leaf。Callhithermyservantsandcamel-
drivers，andthemerchantsthathavefurnishedmewithstuffs，andthebeggarswhohavefeastedatmytable，andbidthemtakeallthatishere，foritisminenolonger！"Withthesewordsheburiedhisfaceinhismantleandweptaloud。
ButMAREEJAHANN，hiswife，pluckedhimbythesleeve。"Prithee，mylord，"saidshe，"bethinktheeoftheBROKAHorscrivener，whobesoughttheebutyesterdaytosharethySTOKHwithhimandgavetheehisbondforfiftythousandsequins。"ButthenoblePrinceBULLEBOYE，raisinghishead，said："ShallIselltohimforfiftythousandsequinsthatwhichIknowisnotworthaSOOMARKEE？ForisnotalltheBROKAH’Swealth，evenhiswifeandchildren，pledgedonthatbond？ShallIruinhimtosavemyself？Allahforbid！
Ratherletmeeatthesaltfishofhonestpenury，thanthekibobsofdishonorableaffluence；ratherletmewallowinthemireofvirtuousoblivion，thanreposeonthedivanofluxuriouswickedness。"
Whentheprincehadgivenutterancetothisbeautifulandedifyingsentiment，astrainofgentlemusicwasheard，andtherearwalloftheapartment，whichhadbeeningeniouslyconstructedlikeaflat，openedanddiscoveredtheOgressofSILVERLANDintheglareofbluefire，seatedonatriumphalcarattachedtotworopeswhichwereconnectedwiththeflies，intheveryactofblessingtheunconsciousprince。Whenthewallsclosedagainwithoutattractinghisattention，PrinceBULLEBOYEarose，dressedhimselfinhiscoarsestandcheapeststuffs，andsprinkledashesonhishead，andinthisguise，havingembracedhiswife，wentforthintothebazaars。InthisitwillbeperceivedhowdifferentlythegoodPrinceBULLEBOYEactedfromthewickedPrinceBADFELLAH，whoputonhisgayestgarmentstosimulateanddeceive。
NowwhenPrinceBULLEBOYEenteredthechiefbazaar，wherethemerchantsofthecityweregatheredincouncil，hestoodupinhisaccustomedplace，andallthatwerethereheldtheirbreath，forthenoblePrinceBULLEBOYEwasmuchrespected。"LettheBROKAH，whosebondIholdforfiftythousandsequins，standforth！"saidtheprince。AndtheBROKAHstoodforthfromamongthemerchants。
Thensaidtheprince："Hereisthybondforfiftythousandsequins，forwhichIwastodeliveruntotheeonehalfofmySTOKH。Know，then，Omybrother，——andthou，too，OAgaoftheBROKAHS，——thatthismySTOKHwhichIpledgedtotheeisworthless。Formygodmother，theOgressofSILVERLAND，isdying。ThusdoIreleasetheefromthybond，andfromthepovertywhichmightovertaketheeasithasevenme，thybrother，thePrinceBULLEBOYE。"AndwiththatthenoblePrinceBULLEBOYEtorethebondoftheBROKAHintopiecesandscatteredittothefourwinds。
Nowwhentheprincetoreupthebondtherewasagreatcommotion，andsomesaid，"SurelythePrinceBULLEBOYEisdrunkenwithwine"；
andothers，"Heispossessedofanevilspirit"；andhisfriendsexpostulatedwithhim，saying，"Whatthouhastdoneisnotthecustomofthebazaars，——behold，itisnotBIZ！"Buttoalltheprinceansweredgravely，"Itisright；onmyownheadbeit！"
Buttheoldestandwisestofthemerchants，theywhohadtalkedwithPrinceBADFELLAHthesamemorning，whisperedtogether，andgatheredaroundtheBROKAHwhosebondthePrinceBULLEBOYEhadtornup。"Harkye，"saidthey，"ourbrotherthePrinceBULLEBOYEiscunningasajackal。Whatboshisthisaboutruininghimselftosavethee？Suchathingwasneverheardbeforeinthebazaars。Itisatrick，OthoumooncalfofaBROKAH！Dostthounotseethathehasheardgoodnewsfromhisgodmother，thesamethatwasevennowtoldusbythePrinceBADFELLAH，hisconfederate，andthathewoulddestroythybondforfiftythousandsequinsbecausehisSTOKHisworthahundredthousand！Benotdeceived，OtoocredulousBROKAH！
forthiswhatourbrothertheprincedoethisnotinthenameofALLAH，butofBIZ，theonlygodknowninthebazaarsofthecity。"
WhenthefoolishBROKAHheardthesethingshecried，"Justice，O
AgaoftheBROKAHS，——justiceandthefulfilmentofmybond！LettheprincedeliveruntometheSTOKH。Herearemyfiftythousandsequins。"Buttheprincesaid，"HaveInottoldthatmygodmotherisdying，andthatmySTOKHisvalueless？"AtthistheBROKAHonlyclamoredthemoreforjusticeandthefulfilmentofhisbond。ThentheAgaoftheBROKAHSsaid，"Sincethebondisdestroyed，beholdthouhastnoclaim。Gothyways！"ButtheBROKAHagaincried，"Justice，mylordAga！Behold，IoffertheprinceseventythousandsequinsforhisSTOKH！"Buttheprincesaid，"Itisnotworthonesequin！"ThentheAgasaid，"Bismillah！Icannotunderstandthis。
Whetherthygodmotherbedead，ordying，orimmortal，doesnotseemtosignify。Therefore，Oprince，bythelawsofBIZandofALLAH，thouartreleased。GivetheBROKAHthySTOKHforseventythousandsequins，andbidhimdepartinpeace。Onhisownheadbeit！"
Whentheprinceheardthiscommand，hehandedhisSTOKHtotheBROKAH，whocountedouttohimseventythousandsequins。Buttheheartofthevirtuousprincedidnotrejoice，nordidtheBROKAH，whenhefoundhisSTOKHwasvalueless；butthemerchantsliftedtheirhandsinwonderatthesagacityandwisdomofthefamousPrinceBULLEBOYE。FornonewouldbelievethatitwasthelawofALLAHthattheprincefollowed，andnottherulesofBIZ。
THERUINSOFSANFRANCISCO
TowardsthecloseofthenineteenthcenturythecityofSanFranciscowastotallyingulfedbyanearthquake。Althoughthewholecoast-linemusthavebeenmuchshaken，theaccidentseemstohavebeenpurelylocal，andeventhecityofOaklandescaped。
Schwappelfurt，thecelebratedGermangeologist，hasendeavoredtoexplainthissingularfactbysuggestingthattherearesomethingstheearthcannotswallow，——astatementthatshouldbereceivedwithsomecaution，asexceedingthelatitudeofordinarygeologicalspeculation。
Historiansdisagreeintheexactdateofthecalamity。TuluKrish，thewell-knownNew-Zealander，whoseadmirablespeculationsontheruinsofSt。PaulasseenfromLondonBridgehavewonforhimtheattentiveconsiderationofthescientificworld，fixestheoccurrenceinA。D。1880。This，supposingthecitytohavebeenactuallyfoundedin1850，asasserted，wouldgivebutthirtyyearsforittohaveassumedthesizeandproportionsithadevidentlyattainedatthetimeofitsdestruction。Itisnotourpurpose，however，toquestiontheconclusionsofthejustlyfamedMaorianphilosopher。OurpresentbusinesslieswiththeexcavationsthatarenowbeingprosecutedbyorderoftheHawaiiangovernmentuponthesiteofthelostcity。
Everyoneisfamiliarwiththestoryofitsdiscovery。FormanyyearsthebayofSanFranciscohadbeenfamedforthelusciousqualityofitsoysters。Itisstatedthatadredgeronedayrakedupalargebell，whichprovedtobelongtotheCityHall，andledtothediscoveryofthecupolaofthatbuilding。Theattentionofthegovernmentwasatoncedirectedtothespot。ThebayofSanFranciscowasspeedilydrainedbyasystemofpatentsiphons，andthecity，deeplyembeddedinmud，broughttolightafteraburialofmanycenturies。TheCityHall，Post-Office，Mint，andCustom-
Housewerereadilyrecognizedbythelargefull-fedbarnacleswhichadheredtotheirwalls。Shortlyafterwardsthefirstskeletonwasdiscovered；thatofabroker，whosepositionintheupperstrataofmudnearerthesurfacewassupposedtobeowingtotheexceedingbuoyancyorinflationofscripwhichhehadsecuredabouthispersonwhileendeavoringtoescape。Manyskeletons，supposedtobethoseoffemales，encompassedinthatpeculiarsteelcooporcagewhichseemstohavebeenwornbythewomenofthatperiod，werealsofoundintheupperstratum。AlexisvonPuffer，inhisadmirableworkonSanFrancisco，accountsforthepositionoftheseunfortunatecreaturesbyassertingthatthesteelcagewasoriginallytheframeofaparachute-likegarmentwhichdistendedtheskirt，andinthesubmersionofthecitypreventedthemfromsinking。"Ifanything，"saysVonPuffer，"couldhavebeenwantingtoaddintensitytothehorriblecatastrophewhichtookplaceasthewatersfirstenteredthecity，itwouldhavebeenfurnishedintheforcibleseparationofthesexesatthistryingmoment。Buoyedupbytheirpeculiargarments，thefemalepopulationinstantlyascendedtothesurface。Asthedrowninghusbandturnedhiseyesabove，whatmusthavebeenhisagonyashesawhiswifeshootingupward，andknewthathewasdebarredtheprivilegeofperishingwithher？Tothelastinghonorofthemaleinhabitants，beitsaidthatbutfewseemedtohaveavailedthemselvesoftheirwives’
superiorlevity。Onlyoneskeletonwasfoundstillgraspingtheanklesofanotherintheirupwardjourneytothesurface。"
FormanyyearsCaliforniahadbeensubjecttoslightearthquakes，moreorlessgenerallyfelt，butnotofsufficientimportancetoawakenanxietyorfear。PerhapstheabsorbingnatureoftheSanFranciscans’pursuitsofgold-getting，whichmetalseemstohavebeenvaluableinthosedays，andactuallyusedasamediumofcurrency，renderedtheinhabitantsrecklessofallothermatters。
Everythingtendstoshowthatthecalamitywastotallyunlookedfor。WequotethegraphiclanguageofSchwappelfurt：——
"Themorningofthetremendouscatastropheprobablydawnedupontheusualrestlesscrowdofgold-gettersintentupontheirseveralavocations。Thestreetswerefilledwiththeexpandedfiguresofgaylydressedwomen，acknowledgingwithcoyglancestherespectfulsalutationsofbeauxastheygracefullyraisedtheirremarkablecylindricalhead-coverings，amodelofwhichisstillpreservedintheHonoluluMuseum。Thebrokershadgatheredattheirrespectivetemples。Theshopmenwereexhibitingtheirgoods。Theidlers，or’Bummers，’——atermappliedtodesignateanaristocratic，privilegedclasswhoenjoyedimmunitiesfromlabor，andfromwhomamajorityoftherulersarechosen，——werelistlesslyregardingthepromenadersfromthestreet-cornersorthedoorsoftheirbibuloustemples。A
slightpremonitorythrillrunsthroughthecity。Thebusylifeofthisrestlessmicrocosmisarrested。Theshopkeeperpausesasheelevatesthegoodstobringthemintoafavorablelight，andtheglibprofessionalrecommendationsticksonhistongue。Inthedrinking-saloontheglassischeckedhalf-waytothelips；onthestreetsthepromenaderspause。Anotherthrill，andthecitybeginstogodown，afewofthemorepersistenttoperstossingofftheirliquoratthesamemoment。Beyondaterriblesensationofnausea，thecrowdswhonowthrongthestreetsdonotrealizetheextentofthecatastrophe。Thewatersofthebayrecedeatfirstfromthecentreofdepression，assumingaconcaveshape，theouteredgeofthecircletoweringmanythousandfeetabovethecity。Anotherconvulsion，andthewaterinstantlyresumesitslevel。Thecityissmoothlyingulfedninethousandfeetbelow，andtheregularswellofthePacificcalmlyrollsoverit。Terrible，"saysSchwappelfurt，inconclusion，"asthecalamitymusthavebeen，indirectrelationtotheindividualsimmediatelyconcernedtherein，wecannotbutadmireitsartisticmanagement；thedivisionofthecatastropheintothreeperiods，thecompletenessofthecataclysms，andtherarecombinationofsincerityofintentionwithfelicityofexecution。"
ANIGHTATWINGDAM。
Ihadbeenstage-riddenandbewilderedallday，andwhenwesweptdownwiththedarknessintotheArcadianhamletof"Wingdam，"I
resolvedtogonofarther，androlledoutinagloomyanddyspepticstate。Theeffectsofamysteriouspie，andsomesweetenedcarbonicacidknowntotheproprietorofthe"Half-WayHouse"as"lemmingsody，"stilloppressedme。Eventhefacetiaeofthegallantexpressmanwhokneweverybody’sChristiannamealongtheroute，whorainedletters，newspapers，andbundlesfromthetopofthestage，whoselegsfrequentlyappearedinfrightfulproximitytothewheels，whogotonandoffwhileweweregoingatfullspeed，whosegallantry，energy，andsuperiorknowledgeoftravelcrushedallusotherpassengerstoenvioussilence，andwhojustthenwastalkingwithseveralpersonsandmanifestlydoingsomethingelseatthesametime，——eventhishadfailedtointerestme。SoIstoodgloomily，clutchingmyshawlandcarpet-bag，andwatchedthestagerollaway，takingapartinglookatthegallantexpressmanashehungonthetoprailwithoneleg，andlithiscigarfromthepipeofarunningfootman。IthenturnedtowardtheWingdamTemperanceHotel。
Itmayhavebeentheweather，oritmayhavebeenthepie，butI
wasnotimpressedfavorablywiththehouse。Perhapsitwasthenameextendingthewholelengthofthebuilding，withaletterundereachwindow，makingthepeoplewholookedoutdreadfullyconspicuous。Perhapsitwasthat"Temperance"alwayssuggestedtomymindrusksandweaktea。Itwasuninviting。Itmighthavebeencalledthe"TotalAbstinence"Hotel，fromthelackofanythingtointoxicateorinthrallthesenses。Itwasdesignedwithaneyetoartisticdreariness。Itwassomuchtoolargeforthesettlement，thatitappearedtobeaveryslightimprovementonout-doors。Itwasunpleasantlynew。Therewastheforestflavorofdampnessaboutit，andaslightspicingofpine。Natureoutraged，butnotentirelysubdued，sometimesbrokeoutafreshinlittleround，sticky，resinoustearsonthedoorsandwindows。Itseemedtomethatboardingtheremustseemlikeaperpetualpicnic。AsI
enteredthedoor，anumberoftheregularboardersrushedoutofalongroom，andsetabouttryingtogetthetasteofsomethingoutoftheirmouths，bytheapplicationoftobaccoinvariousforms。A
fewimmediatelyrangedthemselvesaroundthefireplace，withtheirlegsovereachother’schairs，andinthatpositionsilentlyresignedthemselvestoindigestion。Rememberingthepie，Iwaivedtheinvitationofthelandlordtosupper，butsufferedmyselftobeconductedintothesitting-room。"Minehost"wasamagnificent-
looking，heavilybeardedspecimenoftheanimalman。Heremindedmeofsomebodyorsomethingconnectedwiththedrama。Iwassittingbesidethefire，mutelywonderingwhatitcouldbe，andtryingtofollowtheparticularchordofmemorythustouched，intotheintricatepast，whenalittledelicate-lookingwomanappearedatthedoor，and，leaningheavilyagainstthecasing，saidinanexhaustedtone，"Husband！"Asthelandlordturnedtowardher，thatparticularremembranceflashedbeforemeinasinglelineofblankverse。Itwasthis："Twosoulswithbutonesinglethought，twoheartsthatbeatasone。"
ItwasIngomarandPartheniahiswife。Iimaginedadifferentdenouementfromtheplay。IngomarhadtakenPartheniabacktothemountains，andkeptahotelforthebenefitoftheAlemanni，whoresortedthereinlargenumbers。PoorPartheniawasprettywellfaggedout，anddidalltheworkwithout"help。"Shehadtwo"youngbarbarians，"aboyandagirl。Shewasfaded，butstillgood-looking。
IsatandtalkedwithIngomar，whoseemedperfectlyathomeandtoldmeseveralstoriesoftheAlemanni，allbearingastrongflavorofthewilderness，andbeingperfectlyinkeepingwiththehouse。Howhe，Ingomar，hadkilledacertaindreadful"bar，"whoseskinwasjustup"yar，"overhisbed。Howhe，Ingomar，hadkilledseveral"bucks，"whoseskinshadbeenprettilyfringedandembroideredbyParthenia，andevennowclothedhim。Howhe，Ingomar，hadkilledseveral"Injins，"andwasoncenearlyscalpedhimself。Allthiswiththatingeniouscandorwhichisperfectlyjustifiableinabarbarian，butwhichaGreekmightfeelinclinedtolookuponas"blowing。"ThinkingoftheweariedParthenia，I
begantoconsiderforthefirsttimethatperhapsshehadbettermarriedtheoldGreek。Thenshewouldatleasthavealwayslookedneat。Thenshewouldnothavewornawoollendressflavoredwithallthedinnersofthepastyear。Thenshewouldnothavebeenobligedtowaitonthetablewithherhairhalfdown。Thenthetwochildrenwouldnothavehungaboutherskirtswithdirtyfingers，palpablydraggingherdowndaybyday。Isupposeitwasthepiewhichputsuchheartlessandimproperideasinmyhead，andsoI
roseupandtoldIngomarIbelievedI’dgotobed。Precededbythatredoubtablebarbarianandaflaringtallowcandle，Ifollowedhimupstairstomyroom。Itwastheonlysingleroomhehad，hetoldme；hehadbuiltitfortheconvenienceofmarriedpartieswhomightstophere，but，thateventnothappeningyet，hehadleftithalffurnished。Ithadclothononeside，andlargecracksontheother。Thewind，whichalwayssweptoverWingdamatnight-time，puffedthroughtheapartmentfromdifferentapertures。Thewindowwastoosmallfortheholeinthesideofthehousewhereithung，andrattlednoisily。Everythinglookedcheerlessanddispiriting。
BeforeIngomarleftme，hebroughtthat"bar-skin，"andthrowingitoverthesolemnbierwhichstoodinonecorner，toldmehereckonedthatwouldkeepmewarm，andthenbademegoodnight。Iundressedmyself，thelightblowingoutinthemiddleofthatceremony，crawledunderthe"bar-skin，"andtriedtocomposemyselftosleep。
ButIwasstaringlywideawake。Iheardthewindsweepdownthemountain-side，andtossthebranchesofthemelancholypine，andthenenterthehouse，andtryallthedoorsalongthepassage。
Sometimesstrongcurrentsofairblewmyhairalloverthepillow，aswithstrangewhisperingbreaths。Thegreentimberalongthewallsseemedtobesprouting，andsentadampnesseventhroughthe"bar-skin。"IfeltlikeRobinsonCrusoeinhistree，withtheladderpulledup，——orliketherockedbabyofthenurserysong。
Afterlyingawakehalfanhour，IregrettedhavingstoppedatWingdam；attheendofthethirdquarter，IwishedIhadnotgonetobed；andwhenarestlesshourpassed，Igotupanddressedmyself。Therehadbeenafiredowninthebigroom。Perhapsitwasstillburning。Iopenedthedoorandgropedmywayalongthepassage，vocalwiththesnoresoftheAlemanniandthewhistlingofthenightwind；Ipartlyfelldownstairs，andatlastenteringthebigroom，sawthefirestillburning。Idrewachairtowardit，pokeditwithmyfoot，andwasastonishedtosee，bytheupspringingflash，thatPartheniawassittingtherealso，holdingafaded-lookingbaby。
Iaskedherwhyshewassittingup。
"ShedidnotgotobedonWednesdaynightbeforethemailarrived，andthensheawokeherhusband，andtherewerepassengersto’tendto。"
"Didshenotgettiredsometimes？"
"Alittle，butAbner"（thebarbarian’sChristianname）"hadpromisedtogethermorehelpnextspring，ifbusinesswasgood。"
"Howmanyboardershadshe？"
"Shebelievedaboutfortycametoregularmeals，andtherewastransientcustom，whichwasasmuchassheandherhusbandcould’tendto。ButHEdidagreatdealofwork。"
"Whatwork？"
"O，bringinginthewood，andlookingafterthetraders’things。"
"Howlonghadshebeenmarried？"
"Aboutnineyears。Shehadlostalittlegirlandboy。Threechildrenliving。HEwasfromIllinois。ShefromBoston。Hadaneducation（BostonFemaleHighSchool，——Geometry，Algebra，alittleLatinandGreek）。Motherandfatherdied。CametoIllinoisalone，toteachschool。SawHIM——yes——alovematch。"（"Twosouls，"etc。，etc。）"MarriedandemigratedtoKansas。ThenceacrossthePlainstoCalifornia。Alwaysontheoutskirtsofcivilization。HElikedit。
"Shemightsometimeshavewishedtogohome。Wouldliketoonaccountofherchildren。Wouldliketogivethemaneducation。
Hadtaughtthemalittleherself，butcouldn’tdomuchonaccountofotherwork。Hopedthattheboywouldbelikehisfather，strongandhearty。Wasfearfulthegirlwouldbemorelikeher。Hadoftenthoughtshewasnotfitforapioneer’swife。"
"Why？"
"O，shewasnotstrongenough，andhadseensomeofhisfriends’
wivesinKansaswhocoulddomorework。Buthenevercomplained，——
wassokind。"（"Twosouls，"etc。）
Sittingtherewithherheadleaningpensivelyononehand，holdingthepoor，wearied，andlimp-lookingbabywearilyontheotherarm，dirty，drabbled，andforlorn，withthefirelightplayinguponherfeaturesnolongerfreshoryoung，butstillrefinedanddelicate，andeveninhergrotesqueslovenlinessstillbearingafaintreminiscenceofbirthandbreeding，itwasnottobewonderedthatIdidnotfallintoexcessiverapturesoverthebarbarian’skindness。Emboldenedbymysympathy，shetoldmehowshehadgivenup，littlebylittle，whatsheimaginedtobetheweaknessofherearlyeducation，untilshefoundthatsheacquiredbutlittlestrengthinhernewexperience。How，translatedtoabackwoodssociety，shewashatedbythewomen，andcalledproudand"fine，"
andhowherdearhusbandlostpopularityonthataccountwithhisfellows。How，ledpartlybyhisrovinginstincts，andpartlyfromothercircumstances，hestartedwithhertoCalifornia。Anaccountofthattediousjourney。Howitwasadreary，drearywasteinhermemory，onlyablankplainmarkedbyalittlecairnofstones，——achild’sgrave。HowshehadnoticedthatlittleWilliefailed。HowshehadcalledAbner’sattentiontoit，but，man-like，heknewnothingaboutchildren，andpooh-poohedit，andwasworriedbythestock。HowithappenedthataftertheyhadpassedSweetwater，shewaswalkingbesidethewagononenight，andlookingatthewesternsky，andsheheardalittlevoicesay"Mother。"HowshelookedintothewagonandsawthatlittleWilliewassleepingcomfortablyanddidnotwishtowakehim。Howthatinafewmomentsmoresheheardthesamevoicesaying"Mother。"Howshecamebacktothewagonandleaneddownoverhim，andfelthisbreathuponherface，andagaincoveredhimuptenderly，andoncemoreresumedherwearyjourneybesidehim，prayingtoGodforhisrecovery。Howwithherfaceturnedtotheskysheheardthesamevoicesaying"Mother，"
anddirectlyagreatbrightstarshotawayfromitsbrethrenandexpired。Andhowsheknewwhathadhappened，andrantothewagonagainonlytopillowalittlepinchedandcoldwhitefaceuponherwearybosom。Thethinredhandswentuptohereyeshere，andforafewmomentsshesatstill。Thewindtoreroundthehouseandmadeafranticrushatthefrontdoor，andfromhiscouchofskinsintheinnerroom——Ingomar，thebarbarian，snoredpeacefully。
"Ofcourseshealwaysfoundaprotectorfrominsultandoutrageinthegreatcourageandstrengthofherhusband？"
"Oyes；whenIngomarwaswithhershefearednothing。Butshewasnervousandhadbeenfrightenedonce！"
"How？"
"TheyhadjustarrivedinCalifornia。Theykepthousethen，andhadtosellliquortotraders。Ingomarwashospitable，anddrankwitheverybody，forthesakeofpopularityandbusiness，andIngomargottolikeliquor，andwaseasilyaffectedbyit。Andhowonenighttherewasaboisterouscrowdinthebar-room；shewentinandtriedtogethimaway，butonlysucceededinawakeningthecoarsegallantryofthehalf-crazedrevellers。Andhow，whenshehadatlastgothimintheroomwithherfrightenedchildren，hesankdownonthebedinastupor，whichmadeherthinktheliquorwasdrugged。Andhowshesatbesidehimallnight，andnearmorningheardastepinthepassage，and，lookingtowardthedoor，sawthelatchslowlymovingupanddown，asifsomebodyweretryingit。Andhowsheshookherhusband，andtriedtowakenhim，butwithouteffect。Andhowatlastthedooryieldedslowlyatthetop（itwasboltedbelow），asifbyagradualpressurewithout；andhowahandprotrudedthroughtheopening。Andhowasquickaslightningshenailedthathandtothewallwithherscissors（heronlyweapon），butthepointbroke，andsomebodygotawaywithafearfuloath。Howshenevertoldherhusbandofit，forfearhewouldkillthatsomebody；buthowononedayastrangercalledhere，andasshewashandinghimhiscoffee，shesawaqueertriangularscaronthebackofhishand。"
Shewasstilltalking，andthewindwasstillblowing，andIngomarwasstillsnoringfromhiscouchofskins，whentherewasashouthighupthestragglingstreet，andaclatteringofhoofs，andrattlingofwheels。Themailhadarrived。PartheniaranwiththefadedbabytoawakenIngomar，andalmostsimultaneouslythegallantexpressmanstoodagainbeforemeaddressingmebymyChristianname，andinvitingmetodrinkoutofamysteriousblackbottle。
Thehorseswerespeedilywatered，andthebusinessofthegallantexpressmanconcluded，and，biddingPartheniagoodby，Igotonthestage，andimmediatelyfellasleep，anddreamtofcallingonPartheniaandIngomar，andbeingtreatedwithpietoanunlimitedextent，untilIwokeupthenextmorninginSacramento。Ihavesomedoubtsastowhetherallthiswasnotadyspepticdream，butI
neverwitnessthedrama，andhearthatnoblesentimentconcerning"Twosouls，"etc。，withoutthinkingofWingdamandpoorParthenia。
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