CHAPTERIV
ThatnightFatherPedrodreamedastrangedream。Howmuchofitwasreality，howlongitlasted，orwhenheawokefromit，hecouldnottell。Themorbidexcitementofthepreviousdayculminatedinafebrileexaltationinwhichhelivedandmovedasinaseparateexistence。
Thisiswhatheremembered。Hethoughthehadrisenatnightinasuddenhorrorofremorse，andmakinghiswaytothedarkenedchurchhadfallenuponhiskneesbeforethehighaltar，whenallatoncetheacolyte’svoicebrokefromthechoir，butinaccentssodissonantandunnaturalthatitseemedasacrilege，andhetrembled。Hethoughthehadconfessedthesecretofthechild’ssextoCranch，butwhetherthenextmorningoraweeklaterhedidnotknow。Hefancied，too，thatCranchhadalsoconfessedsometriflingdeceptiontohim，butwhat，orwhy，hecouldnotremember;
somuchgreaterseemedtheenormityofhisowntransgression。HethoughtCranchhadputinhishandstheletterhehadwrittentotheFatherSuperior，sayingthathissecretwasstillsafe，andthathehadbeensparedtheavowalandthescandalthatmighthaveensued。Butthroughall，andaboveall，hewasconsciousofonefixedidea：toseektheseashorewithSanchicha，anduponthespotwhereshehadfoundFrancisco，meettheyounggirlwhohadtakenhisplace，andsopartfromherforever。Hehadadimrecollectionthatthiswasnecessarytosomelegalidentificationofher，asarrangedbyCranch，buthoworwhyhedidnotunderstand;enoughthatitwasapartofhispenance。
ItwasearlymorningwhenthefaithfulAntonio，accompaniedbySanchichaandJose，rodeforthwithhimfromtheMissionofSanCarmel。Exceptontheexpressionlessfeaturesoftheoldwoman，therewasanxietyandgloomuponthefacesofthelittlecavalcade。
Hedidnotknowhowheavilyhisstrangeabstractionandhallucinationsweighedupontheirhonesthearts。AstheywounduptheascentofthemountainhenoticedthatAntonioandJoseconversedwithbatedbreathandmanypiouscrossingsofthemselves，butwitheyesalwayswistfullyfixeduponhim。Hewonderedif，aspartofhispenance，heoughtnottoproclaimhissinandabasehimselfbeforethem;butheknewthathisdevotedfollowerswouldinsistuponsharinghispunishment;andherememberedhispromisetoCranch，thatforHERsakehewouldsaynothing。BeforetheyreachedthesummitheturnedonceortwicetolookbackupontheMission。Howsmallitlooked，lyingthereinthepeacefulvalley，contrastedwiththebroadsweepofthelandscapebeyond，stoppedatthefurthereastonlybythedim，ghost—likeoutlinesoftheSierras。Butthestrongbreathoftheseawasbeginningtobefelt;inafewmomentsmoretheywerefacingitwithloweredsombrerosandflyingserapes，andthevast，glittering，illimitablePacificopenedoutbeneaththem。
Dazedandblinded，asitseemedtohim，bytheshining，restlessexpanse，FatherPedrorodeforwardasifstillinadream。
Suddenlyhehalted，andcalledAntoniotohisside。
"Tellme，child，didstthounotsaythatthiscoastwaswildanddesolateofman，beast，andhabitation？"
"TrulyIdid，reverendfather。"
"Thenwhatisthat？"pointingtotheshore。
Almostattheirfeetnestledaclusterofhouses，attheheadofanarroyoreachingupfromthebeach。Theylookeddownuponthesmokeofamanufactorychimney，uponstrangeheapsofmaterialandcuriousenginesscatteredalongthesands，withhereandtheremovingspecksofhumanfigures。Inalittlebayaschoonerswungathercables。
Thevaquerocrossedhimselfinstupefiedalarm。"Iknownot，yourreverence;itisonlytwoyearsago，beforetherodeo，thatIwashereforstrayedcolts，andIswearbytheblessedbonesofSanAntoniothatitwasasIsaid。"
"Ah！itisliketheseAmericanos，"respondedthemuleteer。"IhaveitfrommybrotherDiegothathewentfromSanJosetoPescaderotwomonthsago，acrosstheplains，withneverahutnorfondatohaltatalltheway。Hereturnedinsevendays，andinthemidstoftheplaintherewerethreehousesandamill，andmanypeople。
andwhywasit？Ah！MotherofGod！onehadpickedupinthecreekwherehedrankthatmuchofgold;"andthemuleteertappedoneofthesilvercoinsthatfringedhisjacketsleevesinplaceofbuttons。
"Andtheyarewashingthesandsforgoldtherenow，"saidAntonio，eagerlypointingtosomemengatheredroundamachinelikeanenormouscradle。"Letushastenon。"
FatherPedro’smomentaryinteresthadpassed。Thewordsofhiscompanionsfelldullandmeaninglessuponhisdreamingears。Hewasconsciousonlythatthechildwasmoreastrangertohimasanoutcomeofthishard，bustlinglife，thanwhenhebelievedherbornetohimoverthemysterioussea。Itperplexedhisdazed，disturbedmindtothinkthatifsuchanantagonisticelementcouldexistwithinadozenmilesoftheMission，andhenotknowit，couldnotsuchanatmospherehavebeenaroundhim，eveninhismonasticisolation，andheremainblindtoit？Hadhereallylivedintheworldwithoutknowingit？Haditbeeninhisblood？Haditimpelledhimto——Heshudderedandrodeon。
Theywereatthelastslopeofthezigzagdescenttotheshore，whenhesawthefiguresofamanandwomanmovingslowlythroughafieldofwildoats，notfarfromthetrail。ItseemedtohisdistortedfancythatthemanwasCranch。Thewoman！Hisheartstoppedbeating。Ah！coulditbe？Hehadneverseenherinherpropergarb：wouldshelooklikethat？Wouldshebeastall？HethoughthebadeJoseandAntoniogoonslowlybeforewithSanchicha，anddismounted，walkingslowlybetweenthehighstalksofgrain，lestheshoulddisturbthem。Theyevidentlydidnothearhisapproach，butweretalkingearnestly。ItseemedtoFatherPedrothattheyhadtakeneachother’shands，andashelookedCranchslippedhisarmroundherwaist。Withonlyablindinstinctofsomedreadfulsacrilegeinthisact，FatherPedrowouldhaverushedforward，whenthegirl’svoicestruckhisear。Hestopped，breathless。ItwasnotFrancisco，butJuanita，thelittlemestiza。
"Butareyousureyouarenotpretendingtolovemenow，asyoupretendedtothinkIwasthemuchachayouhadrunawaywithandlost？Areyousureitisnotpityforthedeceityoupracticeduponme——uponDonJuan——uponpoorFatherPedro？"
ItseemedasifCranchhadtriedtoanswerwithakiss，forthegirldrewsuddenlyawayfromhimwithacoquettishflingoftheblackbraids，andwhippedherlittlebrownhandsbehindher。
"Well，lookhere，"saidCranch，withthesameeasy，good—natured，practicaldirectnesswhichthepriestremembered，andwhichwouldhavepassedforphilosophyinamorethoughtfulman，"putitsquarely，then。Inthefirstplace，itwasDonJuanandthealcaldewhofirstsuggestedyoumightbethechild。"
"ButyouhavesaidyouknewitwasFranciscoallthetime，"
interruptedJuanita。
"Idid;butwhenIfoundthepriestwouldnotassistmeatfirst，andadmitthattheacolytewasagirl，IpreferredtolethimthinkIwasdeceivedingivingafortunetoanother，andleaveittohisownconsciencetopermititorfrustrateit。Iwasright。I
reckonitwasprettyhardontheoldman，athistimeoflife，andwrappedupashewasinthegirl;butatthemomenthecameuptothescratchlikeaman。"
"Andtosavehimyouhavedeceivedme？Thankyou，Senor，"saidthegirlwithamockcurtsey。
"IreckonIpreferredtohaveyouforawifethanadaughter，"saidCranch，"ifthat’swhatyoumean。Whenyouknowmebetter，Juanita，"hecontinued，gravely，"you’llknowthatIwouldneverhaveletyoubelieveIsoughtinyoutheoneifIhadnothopedtofindinyoutheother。"
"Bueno！Andwhendidyouhavethatprettyhope？"
"WhenIfirstsawyou。"
"Andthatwas——twoweeksago。"
"Ayearago，Juanita。WhenFranciscovisitedyouattherancho。I
followedandsawyou。"
Juanitalookedathimamoment，andthensuddenlydartedathim，caughthimbythelapelsofhiscoatandshookhimlikeaterrier。
"AreyousurethatyoudidnotlovethatFrancisco？Speak！"（Sheshookhimagain。）"Swearthatyoudidnotfollowher！"
"But——Idid，"saidCranch，laughingandshakingbetweentheclenchingofthelittlehands。
"JudasIscariot！Swearyoudonotloveherallthiswhile。"
"But，Juanita！"
"Swear！"
Cranchswore。ThentoFatherPedro’sintenseastonishmentshedrewtheAmerican’sfacetowardsherownbytheearsandkissedhim。
"Butyoumighthavelovedher，andmarriedafortune，"saidJuanita，afterapause。
"Wherewouldhavebeenmyreparation——myduty？"returnedCranch，withalaugh。
"Reparationenoughforhertohavehadyou，"saidJuanita，withthatrapiddisloyaltyofonelovingwomantoanotherinanemergency。ThisprovokedanotherkissfromCranch，andthenJuanitasaiddemurely，——
"Butwearefarfromthetrail。Letusreturn，orweshallmissFatherPedro。Areyousurehewillcome？"
"Aweekagohepromisedtobeheretoseetheproofsto—day。"
Thevoicesweregrowingfainterandfainter;theywerereturningtothetrail。
FatherPedroremainedmotionless。Aweekago！Wasitaweekagosince——sincewhat？Andwhathadhebeendoinghere？Listening！
He！FatherPedro，listeninglikeanidlepeontotheconfidencesoftwolovers。Buttheyhadtalkedofhim，ofhiscrime，andthemanhadpitiedhim。Whydidhenotspeak？Whydidhenotcallafterthem？Hetriedtoraisehisvoice。Itsankinhisthroatwithahorriblechokingsensation。Thenearestheadsofoatsbegantonodtohim，hefelthimselfswayingbackwardsandforwards。Hefell——
heavily，down，down，down，fromthesummitofthemountaintotheflooroftheMissionchapel，andtherehelayinthedark……
"Hemoves。"
"BlessedSaintAnthonypreservehim！"
ItwasAntonio’svoice，itwasJose’sarm，itwasthefieldofwildoats，theskyabovehishead，——allunchanged。
"Whathashappened？"saidthepriestfeebly。
"Agiddinessseizedyourreverencejustnow，aswewerecomingtoseekyou。"
"Andyoumetnoone？"
"Noone，yourreverence。"
FatherPedropassedhishandacrosshisforehead。
"Butwhoarethese？"hesaid，pointingtotwofigureswhonowappeareduponthetrail。
Antonioturned。
"ItistheAmericano，SenorCranch，andhisadopteddaughter，themestizaJuanita，seekingyourreverence，methinks。"
"Ah！"saidFatherPedro。
Cranchcameforwardandgreetedthepriestcordially。"Itwaskindofyou，FatherPedro，"hesaid，meaningly，withasignificantglanceatJoseandAntonio，"tocomesofartobidmeandmyadopteddaughterfarewell。Wedepartwhenthetideserves，butnotbeforeyoupartakeofourhospitalityinyondercottage。"
FatherPedrogazedatCranchandthenatJuanita。
"Isee，"hestammered。"Butshegoesnotalone。Shewillbestrangeatfirst。Shetakessomefriend，perhaps——somecompanion？"
hecontinued，tremulously。
"Averyoldanddearone，FatherPedro，whoiswaitingforusnow。"
Heledthewaytoalittlewhitecottage，solittleandwhiteandrecent，thatitseemedamerefleckofseafoamcastonthesands。
DisposingofJoseandAntoniointheneighboringworkshopandoutbuildings，heassistedthevenerableSanchichatodismount，and，togetherwithFatherPedroandJuanita，enteredawhitepalisadedenclosurebesidethecottage，andhaltedbeforewhatappearedtobealarge，foldingtrap—door，coveringaslight，sandymound。Itwaslockedwithapadlock;besideitstoodtheAmericanalcaldeandDonJuanBriones。FatherPedrolookedhastilyaroundforanotherfigure，butitwasnotthere。
"Gentlemen，"beganCranch，inhispracticalbusinessway，"Ireckonyouallknowwe’vecomeheretoidentifyayounglady，who"——hehesitated——"waslatelyunderthecareofFatherPedro，withafoundlingpickeduponthisshorefifteenyearsagobyanIndianwoman。Howthisfoundlingcamehere，andhowIwasconcernedinit，youallknow。I’vetoldeverybodyherehowIscrambledashore，leavingthatbabyinthedingy，supposingitwouldbepickedupbytheboatpursuingme。I’vetoldsomeofyou，"helookedatFatherPedro，"howIfirstdiscovered，fromoneofthemen，threeyearsago，thatthechildwasnotfoundbyitsfather。ButIhavenevertoldanyone，beforenow，IKNEWitwaspickeduphere。
"InevercouldtelltheexactlocalitywhereIcameashore，forthefogwascomingonasitisnow。ButtwoyearsagoIcameupwithapartyofgoldhunterstoworkthesesands。Oneday，diggingnearthiscreek，Istrucksomethingembeddeddeepbelowthesurface。
Well，gentlemen，itwasn’tgold，butsomethingworthmoretomethangoldorsilver。Hereitis。"
Atasignthealcaldeunlockedthedoorsandthrewthemopen。Theydisclosedanirregulartrench，inwhich，filledwithsand，laythehalf—excavatedsternofaboat。
"ItwasthedingyoftheTrinidad，gentlemen;youcanstillreadhername。Ifoundhiddenaway，tuckedunderthesternsheets，mouldyandwater—worn，someclothesthatIrecognizedtobethebaby’s。Iknewthenthatthechildhadbeentakenawayaliveforsomepurpose，andtheclotheswereleftsothatsheshouldcarrynotracewithher。IrecognizedthehandofanIndian。Isettoworkquietly。IfoundSanchichahere，sheconfessedtofindingababy，butwhatshehaddonewithitshewouldnotatfirstsay。ButsincethenshehasdeclaredbeforethealcaldethatshegaveittoFatherPedro，ofSanCarmel，andthathereitstands——Franciscothatwas！Franciscathatitis！"
Hesteppedasidetomakewayforatallgirl，whohadapproachedfromthecottage。
FatherPedrohadneithernoticedtheconcludingwordsnorthemovementofCranch。HiseyeswerefixedupontheimbecileSanchicha，——Sanchicha，onwhom，torenderhisrebukemorecomplete，theDeityseemedtohaveworkedamiracle，andrestoredintelligencetoeyeandlip。Hepassedhishandtremblinglyacrosshisforehead，andturnedaway，whenhiseyefelluponthelastcomer。
Itwasshe。Themomenthehadlongedforanddreadedhadcome。
Shestoodthere，animated，handsome，filledwithahurtfulconsciousnessinhernewcharms，herfreshfinery，andthepitiabletrinketsthathadsupplantedherscapulary，andwhichplayedunderherfoolishfingers。Thepasthadnoplaceinherpreoccupiedmind;herbrighteyeswerefullofeageranticipationofasubstantialfuture。Theincarnationofafrivolousworld，evenassheextendedonehandtohiminhalf—coquettishembarrassmentshearrangedthefoldsofherdresswiththeother。Atthetouchofherfingers，hefelthimselfgrowingoldandcold。Eventhepenanceofparting，whichhehadlookedforwardto，wasdeniedhim;
therewasnolongersympathyenoughforsorrow。Hethoughtoftheemptychorister’srobeinthelittlecell，butnotnowwithregret。
Heonlytrembledtothinkofthefleshthathehadoncecausedtoinhabitit。
"That’sall，gentlemen，"brokeinthepracticalvoiceofCranch。
"WhetherthereareproofsenoughtomakeFranciscatheheiressofherfather’swealth，thelawyersmustsay。Ireckonit’senoughformethattheygivemethechanceofrepairingawrongbytakingherfather’splace。Afterall，itwasamerechance。"
"ItwasthewillofGod，"saidFatherPedro，solemnly。
Theywerethelastwordsheaddressedthem。Forwhenthefoghadbeguntocreepinshore，hasteningtheirdeparture，heonlyansweredtheirfarewellsbyasilentpressureofthehand，mutelips，andfar—offeyes。
Whenthesoundoftheirlaboringoarsgrewfainter，hetoldAntoniotoleadhimandSanchichaagaintotheburiedboat。Therehebadeherkneelbesidehim。"Wewilldopenancehere，thouandI，daughter，"hesaidgravely。Whenthefoghaddrawnitscurtaingentlyaroundthestrangepair，andseaandshorewereblottedout，hewhispered，"Tellme，itwasevenso，wasitnot，daughter，onthenightshecame？"Whenthedistantclatterofblocksandrattleofcordagecamefromtheunseenvessel，nowstandingouttosea，hewhisperedagain，"So，thisiswhatthoudidsthear，eventhen。"
Andsoduringthenighthemarked，moreorlessaudiblytothehalf—consciouswomanathisside，thelowwhisperofthewaves，themurmurofthefar—offbreakers，thelighteningandthickeningofthefog，thephantomsofmovingshapes，andtheslowcomingofthedawn。Andwhenthemorningsunhadrenttheveiloverlandandsea，AntonioandJosefoundhim，haggard，buterect，besidethetremblingoldwoman，withablessingonhislips，pointingtothehorizonwhereasinglesailstillglimmered：——
"VaUstedconDios。"
ABLUEGRASSPENELOPE
CHAPTERI
Shewasbarelytwenty—threeyearsold。Itisprobablethatuptothatage，andthebeginningofthisepisode，herlifehadbeenuneventful。Borntotheeasymediocrityofsuchcompensatingextremesasasmallfarmhouseandlargelands，agoodpositionandnosociety，inthatvastgrazingdistrictofKentuckyknownasthe"BlueGrass"region，allthepossibilitiesofaWesternAmericangirl’sexistencelaybeforeher。Apianointhebare—walledhouse，thelatestpatentedmowerinthelimitlessmeadows，andasilkdresssweepingtheroughflooroftheunpainted"meeting—house"
werealreadythepromiseofthosepossibilities。Beautifulshewas，butthepowerofthatbeautywaslimitedbybeingequallysharedwithherfewneighbors。Thereweresmall，narrow，archedfeetbesidesherownthattrodtheuncarpetedfloorsofoutlyinglog—cabinswithequalgraceanddignity;bright，clearlyopenedeyesthatwereequallycapableoflookingunabasheduponprincesandpotentates，asafewlaterdid，andtheheiressofthecountyjudgereadherownbeautywithoutenvyinthefrankglancesandunloweredcrestoftheblacksmith’sdaughter。Eventuallyshehadmarriedthemaleofherspecies，ayoungstranger，who，asschoolmasterinthenearesttown，hadutilizedtosomelocalextentascantcapitalofeducation。InobediencetotheunwrittenlawoftheWest，afterthemarriagewascelebratedthedoorsoftheancestralhomecheerfullyopened，andbrideandbridegroomissuedforth，withoutregretandwithoutsentiment，toseekthefurtherpossibilitiesofalifebeyondthesealreadytoofamiliarvoices。
WiththeirdepartureforCaliforniaasMr。andMrs。SpencerTucker，theparentalnestintheBlueGrassmeadowsknewthemnomore。
Theysubmittedwithequalcheerfulnesstotheprivationsandexcessesoftheirnewconditions。Withinthreeyearstheschoolmasterdevelopedintoalawyerandcapitalist，theBlueGrassbridesupplyingagraceandeasetothesetransitionsthatwereallherown。Shesoftenedtheabruptnessofsuddenwealth，mitigatedtheausteritiesofnewlyacquiredpower，andmadethemostglaringincongruitypicturesque。Onlyonethingseemedtolimittheirprogressintheregionofthesepossibilities。Theywerechildless。Itwasasiftheyhadexhaustedthefutureintheirownyouth，leavinglittleornothingforanothergenerationtodo。
Asouthwesterlystormwasbeatingagainstthedressing—roomwindowsoftheirnewhouseinoneofthehillysuburbsofSanFrancisco，andthreateningtheunseasonablefrivolityofthestuccoornamentationofcorniceandbalcony。Mrs。Tuckerhadbeencalledfromthecontemplationofthedrearyprospectwithoutbythearrivalofavisitor。Onenteringthedrawing—roomshefoundhimengagedinahalf—admiring，half—resentfulexaminationofitsnewfurnitureandhangings。Mrs。TuckeratoncerecognizedMr。CalhounWeaver，aformerBlueGrassneighbor;withswiftfeminineintuitionshealsofeltthathisslightantagonismwaslikelytobetransferredfromherfurnituretoherself。WaivingitwiththelazyamiabilityofSouthernindifference，shewelcomedhimbythefamiliarityofaChristianname。
"IreckonedthatmebbeeyouopinedoldBlueGrassfriendswouldn’tnaturallyhitchontothemfancydoins，"hesaid，glancingaroundtheapartmenttoavoidhercleareyes，asifresolutelysettinghimselfagainsttheoldcharmofhermannerashehadagainstthemorerecentgloryofhersurroundings，"butIthoughtI’djustdropinforthesakeofoldtimes。"
"Whyshouldn’tyou，Cal？"saidMrs。Tuckerwithafranksmile。
"EspeciallyasI’mgoinguptoSacramentoto—nightwithsomeinfluentialfriends，"hecontinued，withanostentationcalculatedtoresisttheassumptionofhercharmsandherfurniture。"SenatorDyceofKentucky，andhiscousinJudgeBriggs;perhapsyouknow’em，ormaybeSpencer——ImeanMr。Tucker——does。"
"Ireckon，"saidMrs。Tuckersmiling;"buttellmesomethingabouttheboysandgirlsatVineville，andaboutyourself。YOU’RE
lookingwell，andrightsmarttoo。"Shepausedtogivedueemphasistothislatterrecognitionofahugegoldchainwithwhichhervisitorwassomewhatostentatiouslytrifling。
"Ididn’tknowasyoucaredtohearanythingaboutBlueGrass，"hereturned，alittleabashed。"I’vebeenawayfromtheresometimemyself，"headded，hisuneasyvanitytakingfreshalarmatthefaintsuspicionofpatronageonthepartofhishostess。"They’redoin’well，though;perhapsaswellassomeothers。"
"Andyou’renotmarriedyet，"continuedMrs。Tucker，obliviousoftheinnuendo。"Ah，Cal，"sheaddedarchly，"Iamafraidyouareasfickleasever。WhatpoorgirlinVinevillehaveyouleftpining？"
Thesimplefaceofthemanbeforeherflushedwithfoolishgratificationatthisold—fashioned，ambiguousflattery。"Nowlookyer，Belle，"hesaid，chuckling，"ifyou’retalkingofoldtimesandyouthinkIbearmaliceaginSpencer，why——"
ButMrs。Tuckerinterruptedwhatmighthavebeenaninopportunesentimentalretrospectwithafingerofarchbutlanguidwarning。
"Thatwilldo！I’mdyingtoknowallaboutit，andyoumuststaytodinnerandtellme。It’srightmeanyoucan’tseeSpencertoo;
butheisn’tbackfromSacramentoyet。"
Gratefulasatete—a—tetewithhisoldneighborinhermoreprosperoussurroundingswouldhavebeen，ifonlyforthesakeoflatergossipingaboutit，hefeltitwouldbeinconsistentwithhisprideandhisassumptionofpresentbusiness。Morethanthat，hewasuneasilyconsciousthatinMrs。Tucker’ssimpleandunaffectedmannertherewasagreatersuperioritythanhehadevernoticedduringtheirpreviousacquaintance。Hewouldhavefeltkindertoherhadsheshownany"airsandgraces，"whichhecouldhavecommenteduponandforgiven。Hestammeredsomevagueexcuseofpreoccupation，yetlingeredinthehopeofsayingsomethingwhich，ifnotaggressivelyunpleasant，mightatleasttransfertoherindolentserenitysomeofhisownirritation。"Ireckon，"hesaid，ashemovedhesitatinglytowardsthedoor，"thatSpencerhasmadehimselfeasyandsecureinthembusinessriskshe’staking。That’ereAlamedaditchaffairthey’retalkingsomuchaboutisamightybigthing，ratherTOObigifitevergottofallingbackonhim。
ButIsupposehe’saccustomedtotakerisks？"
"Ofcourseheis，"saidMrs。Tuckergayly。"HemarriedME。"
Thevisitorsmiledfeebly，butwasnotequaltotheopportunityofferedforgallantrepudiation。"Butsupposeyouain’taccustomedtorisks？"
"Whynot？ImarriedHIM，"saidMrs。Tucker。
Mr。CalhounWeaverwashuman，andsuccumbedtothislastcharmingaudacity。Hebrokeintoanoisybutgenuinelaugh，shookMrs。
Tucker’shandwitheffusion，said，"Nowthat’sregularBlueGrassandnomistake！"andretreatedundercoverofhishilarity。Inthehallhemadearallyingstandtorepeatconfidentiallytotheservantwhohadoverheardthem："BlueGrass，allover，youbetyourlife，"and，openingthedoor，wasapparentlyswallowedupinthetempest。
Mrs。Tucker’ssmilekeptherlipsuntilshehadreturnedtoherroom，andeventhenlanguidlyshoneinhereyesforsomeminutesafter，asshegazedabstractedlyfromherwindowonthestorm—
tossedbayinthedistance。PerhapssomegirlishvisionofthepeacefulBlueGlassplainmomentarilyusurpedtheprospect;butitistobedoubtediftherewasmuchromanceinthatretrospect，orthatitwasmoreinterestingtoherthanthepositiveandsharplycutoutlinesofthepracticallifeshenowheld。Howbeitshesoonforgotthisfancyinlazilywatchingaboatthat，intheteethofthegale，wasbeatingroundAlcatrazIsland。Althoughattimesamereblankspeckonthegraywasteoffoam，acloserscrutinyshowedittobeoneofthoselateen—riggedItalianfishingboatsthatsooftenfleckedthedistantbay。Lostinthesuddendarkeningofrain，orreappearingbeneaththeliftedcurtainofthesquall，shewatcheditweathertheisland，andthenturnitslaboringbutpersistentcoursetowardstheopenchannel。ArentintheIndian—inkysky，thatshowedthenarrowingportalsoftheGoldenGatebeyond，revealed，asunexpectedly，thedestinationofthelittlecraft，atallshipthathithertolayhiddeninthemistoftheSaucelitoshore。Asthedistancelessenedbetweenboatandship，theywereagainlostinthedownwardswoopofanothersquall。
Whenitlifted，theshipwascreepingundertheheadlandtowardstheopensea，buttheboatwasgone。Mrs。Tuckerinvainrubbedthepanewithherhandkerchief;ithadvanished。Meanwhiletheship，asshenearedtheGate，drewoutfromtheprotectingheadland，stoodoutlinedforamomentwithsparsandcanvashearsedinblackagainsttheluridrentinthehorizon，andthenseemedtosinkslowlyintotheheavingobscuritybeyond。Asuddenonsetofrainagainstthewindowsobliteratedtheremainingprospect;theentranceofaservantcompletedthediversion。
"CaptainPoindexter，ma’am！"
Mrs。Tuckerliftedherprettyeyebrowsinterrogatively。CaptainPoindexterwasalegalfriendofherhusband，andhaddinedtherefrequently;neverthelesssheasked："DidyoutellhimMr。Tuckerwasnotathome？"
"Yes，’m。"
"DidheaskforME？"
"Yes，’m。"
"TellhimI’llbedowndirectly。"
Mrs。Tucker’squietfacedidnotbetraythefactthatthissecondvisitorwasevenlessinterestingthanthefirst。InherheartshedidnotlikeCaptainPoindexter。Withacleverwoman’sinstinctshehadearlydetectedthefactthathehadasuperior，strongernaturethanherhusband;asaloyalwife，shesecretlyresentedtheoccasionalunconsciousexhibitionofthisfactonthepartofhisintimatefriendintheirfamiliarintercourse。Addedtothisslightjealousy，therewasacertainmoralantagonismbetweenherselfandthecaptainwhichnonebutthemselvesknew。Theywerebothphilosophers，butMrs。Tucker’ssereneandlanguidoptimismwouldnottoleratethecompassionateandkind—heartedpessimismsofthelawyer。"KnowingwhatJackPoindexterdoesofhumannature，"
herhusbandhadoncesaid，"it’smightyfineinhimtobesokindandforgiving。Yououghttolikehimbetter，Belle。""Andqualifymyselftobeforgiven，"saidtheladypertly。"Idon’tseewhatyou’redrivingat，Belle;Igiveitup，"hadrespondedthepuzzledhusband。Mrs。Tuckerkissedhishighbutfoolishforeheadtenderly，andsaid："I’mgladyoudon’t，dear。"
Meanwhilehersecondvisitorhad，likethefirst，employedtheintervalinacriticalsurveyofthegloriesofthenewfurniture，butwithapparentlymorecompassionthanresentmentinhismanner。
Onceonlyhadhisexpressionchanged。OverthefireplacehungalargephotographofMr。SpencerTucker。Itwasretouched，refined，andidealizedinthehigheststyleofthatpoliteanddiplomaticart。AsCaptainPoindexterlookeduponthefringedhazeleyes，thedroopingravenmoustache，theclusteringringlets，andtheByronicfullthroatandturned—downcollarofhisfriend，asmileofexhaustedhumoroustoleranceandaffectionateimpatiencecurvedhislips。"Well，youAREafool，aren’tyou？"heapostrophizedithalf—audibly。
Hewasstandingbeforethepictureassheentered。Eveninthetryingcontiguityofthatpeerlessworkhewouldhavebeencalledafine—lookingman。Asheadvancedtogreether，itwasevidentthathismilitarytitlewasnotoneofthemerefancifulsobriquetsofthelocality。InhiserectfigureandthedisciplinedcomposureoflimbandattitudetherewerestilltracesoftherefinedacademicrigorsofWestPoint。ThepliantadaptabilityofWesterncivilizationwhichenabledhim，threeyearsbefore，toleavethearmyandtransferhisexecutiveabilitytothemoreprofitableprofessionofthelaw，hadloosedsashandshoulder—strap，buthadnotentirelyremovedtherestraintoftheone，orthebearingoftheother。
"SpencerisinSacramento，"beganMrs。Tuckerinlanguidexplanation，afterthefirstgreetingswereover。
"Iknewhewasnothere，"repliedCaptainPoindextergently，ashedrewtheprofferedchairtowardsher，"butthisisbusinessthatconcernsyouboth。"Hestoppedandglancedupwardsatthepicture。
"Isupposeyouknownothingofhisbusiness？Ofcoursenot，"headdedreassuringly，"nothing，absolutelynothing，certainly。"Hesaidthissokindly，andyetsopositively，asiftopromptlydisposeofthatquestionbeforegoingfurther，thatsheassentedmechanically。"Well，then，he’stakensomebigrisksinthewayofbusiness，and——well，thingshavegonebadwithhim，youknow。Verybad！Really，theycouldn’tbeworse！Ofcourseitwasdreadfullyrashandallthat，"hewenton，asifcommentingupontheamusingwaywardnessofachild;"buttheresultistheusualsmash—upofeverything，money，credit，andall！"Helaughedandadded："Yes，he’sgotcutoff——mulesandbaggageregularlyroutedanddispersed！
I’minearnest。"Heraisedhiseyebrowsandfrownedslightly，asiftodeprecateanycorrespondinghilarityonthepartofMrs。
Tucker，oranyattempttomakeTOOlightofthesubject，andthenrising，placedhishandsbehindhisback，beamedhalf—humorouslyuponherfrombeneathherhusband’spicture，andrepeated："That’sso。"
Mrs。Tuckerinstinctivelyknewthathespokethetruth，andthatitwasimpossibleforhimtoconveyitinanyotherthanhisnaturalmanner;butbetweentheshockandthesingularinfluenceofthatmannershecouldatfirstonlysay，"Youdon’tmeanit！"fullyconsciousoftheutterinanityoftheremark，andthatitseemedscarcelylesscold—bloodedthanhisown。
Poindexter，stillsmiling，nodded。
Shearosewithaneffort。Shehadrecoveredfromthefirstshock，andpridelentheradeterminedcalmnessthatmorethanequaledPoindexter’seasyphilosophy。
"Whereishe？"sheasked。
"Atsea，andIhopebythistimewherehecannotbefoundorfollowed。"
Washermomentaryglimpseoftheoutgoingshipacoincidence，oronlyavision？Shewasconfusedandgiddy，but，masteringherweakness，shemanagedtocontinueinalowervoice：
"Youhavenomessageformefromhim？Hetoldyounothingtotellme？"
"Nothing，absolutelynothing，"repliedPoindexter。"Itwasasmuchashecoulddo，Ireckon，togetfairlyawaybeforethecrashcame。"
"Thenyoudidnotseehimgo？"
"Well，no，"saidPoindexter。"I’dhardlyhavemanagedthingsinthisway。"Hecheckedhimselfandadded，withaforgivingsmile，"Buthewasthebestjudgeofwhatheneeded，ofcourse。"
"IsupposeIwillhearfromhim，"shesaidquietly，"assoonasheissafe。Hemusthavehadenoughelsetothinkabout，poorfellow。"
ShesaidthissonaturallyandquietlythatPoindexterwasdeceived。Hehadnoideathatthecollectedwomanbeforehimwasthinkingonlyofsolitudeanddarkness，ofherownroom，andmadlylongingtobethere。Hesaid，"Yes，Idaresay，"inquiteanothervoice，andglancedatthepicture。Butassheremainedstanding，hecontinuedmoreearnestly，"Ididn’tcomeheretotellyouwhatyoumightreadinthenewspapersto—morrowmorning，andwhateverybodymighttellyou。BeforethattimeIwantyoutodosomethingtosaveafragmentofyourpropertyfromtheruin;doyouunderstand？Iwantyoutomakearally，andbringoffsomethingingoodorder。"
"Forhim？"saidMrs。Tucker，withbrighteningeyes。
"Well，yes，ofcourse——ifyoulike——butasifforyourself。DoyouknowtheRanchodelosCuervos？"
"Ido。"
"It’salmosttheonlybitofrealpropertyyourhusbandhasn’tsold，mortgaged，orpledged。Whyitwasexempt，orwhetheronlyforgotten，Ican’tsay。"
"I’lltellyouwhy，"saidMrs。Tucker，withaslightreturnofcolor。"Itwasthefirstlandweeverbought，andSpenceralwayssaiditshouldbemineandhewouldbuildanewhouseonit。"
CaptainPoindextersmiledandnoddedatthepicture。"Oh，hedidsaythat，didhe？Well，THAT’Sevidence。Butyouseehenevergaveyouthedeed，andbysunriseto—morrowhiscreditorswillattachit——unless——"
"Unless——"repeatedMrs。Tucker，withkindlingeyes。
"Unless，"continuedCaptainPoindexter，"theyhappentofindYOUinpossession。"
"I’llgo，"saidMrs。Tucker。
"Ofcourseyouwill，"returnedPoindexter，pleasantly;"only，asit’sabigcontracttotake，supposeweseehowyoucanfillit。
It’sfortymilestoLosCuervos，andyoucan’ttrustyourselftosteamboatorstage—coach。Thesteamboatleftanhourago。"
"IfIhadonlyknownthisthen！"ejaculatedMrs。Tucker。
"Iknewit，butyouhadcompanythen，"saidPoindexter，withironicalgallantry，"andIwouldn’tdisturbyou。"Withoutsayinghowheknewit，hecontinued，"Inthestage—coachyoumightberecognized。Youmustgoinaprivateconveyanceandalone;evenI
cannotgowithyou，forImustgoonbeforeandmeetyouthere。
Canyoudrivefortymiles？"
Mrs。Tuckerliftedupherabstractedprettylids。"Ioncedrovefifty——athome，"shereturnedsimply。
"Good！andIdaresayyoudiditthenforfun。Doitnowforsomethingrealandpersonal，aswelawyerssay。Youwillhaverelaysandaplanoftheroad。It’sroughweatherforapasear，butallthebetterforthat。You’llhavelesscompanyontheroad。"
"HowsooncanIgo？"sheasked。
"Thesoonerthebetter。I’vearrangedeverythingforyoualready，"
hecontinuedwithalaugh。"Comenow，that’sacomplimenttoyou，isn’tit？"Hesmiledamomentinhersteadfast，earnestface，andthensaid，moregravely，"You’lldo。Nowlisten。"
Hethencarefullydetailedhisplan。Therewassolittleofexcitementormysteryintheirmannerthattheservant，whoreturnedtolightthegas，neverknewthattheruinandbankruptcyofthehousewasbeingtoldbeforeher，orthatitsmistresswasplanninghersecretflight。
"Goodafternoon;Iwillseeyouto—morrowthen，"saidPoindexter，raisinghiseyestohersastheservantopenedthedoorforhim。
"Goodafternoon，"repeatedMrs。Tuckerquietlyansweringhislook。
"Youneednotlightthegasinmyroom，Mary，"shecontinuedinthesametoneofvoiceasthedoorcloseduponhim;"Ishallliedownforafewmoments，andthenImayrunovertotheRobinsonsfortheevening。"
Sheregainedherroomcomposedly。Thelongingdesiretoburyherheadinherpillowand"thinkout"herpositionhadgone。Shedidnotapostrophizeherfate，shedidnotweep;fewrealwomendointheaccessofcalamity，orwhenthereisanythingelsetobedone。
Shefeltthatsheknewitall;shebelievedshehadsoundedtheprofoundestdepthsofthedisaster，andseemedalreadysooldinherexperiencethatshealmostfanciedshehadbeenpreparedforit。Perhapsshedidnotfullyappreciateit;toalifelikehersitwasonlyanincident，themereturningofapageoftheillimitablebookofyouth;thebreakingupofwhatshenowfelthadbecomeamonotony。Infact，shewasnotquitesureshehadeverbeensatisfiedwiththeirpresentsuccess。Haditbroughtherallsheexpected？Shewantedtosaythistoherhusband，notonlytocomforthim，poorfellow，butthattheymightcometoabetterunderstandingoflifeinthefuture。Shewasnotperhapsdifferentfromotherlovingwomenwho，believinginthisunattainablegoalofmatrimony，havesoughtitinthevariousepisodesoffortuneorreverses，inthebearingofchildren，orthelossoffriends。Inherchildlessexperiencetherewasnootherlifethathadtakenrootinhercircumstancesandmightsuffertransplantation;onlysheandherhusbandcouldloseorprofitbythechange。The"perfect"understandingwouldcomeunderotherconditionsthanthese。
Shewouldhavegonesuperstitiouslytothewindowtogazeinthedirectionofthevanishedship，butanotherinstinctrestrainedher。Shewouldputasideallyearningforhimuntilshehaddonesomethingtohelphim，andearnedtheconfidenceheseemedtohavewithheld。Perhapsitwaspride——perhapssheneverreallybelievedhisexoduswasdistantorcomplete。
Withafullknowledgethatto—morrowthevariousornamentsandprettytriflesaroundherwouldbeinthehandsofthelaw，shegatheredonlyafewnecessariesforherflightandsomefamiliarpersonaltrinkets。Iamconstrainedtosaythatthisself—
abnegationwasmorefastidiousthanmoral。Shehadnomoreideaoftheethicsofbankruptcythananyothercharmingwoman;shesimplydidnotliketotakewithheranycontagiousmemoryofthechapterofthelifejustclosing。Sheglancedaroundthehomeshewasleavingwithoutalingeringregret;therewasnosentimentoftraditionorcustomthatmightbedestroyed;herrootslaytoonearthesurfacetosufferfromdislocation;thehappinessofherchildlessunionhaddependeduponnodomesticcentre，norwasitsflamesacredtoanylocalhearthstone。Itwaswithoutasighthat，whennighthadfullyfallen，sheslippedunnoticeddownthestaircase。Atthedoorofthedrawing—roomshepausedandthenenteredwiththefirstguiltyfeelingofshameshehadknownthatevening。Lookingstealthilyaroundshemountedachairbeforeherhusband’spicture，kissedtheirreproachablemoustachehurriedly，said，"Youfoolishdarling，you！"andslippedoutagain。Withthistouchingindorsementoftheviewsofarivalphilosopher，sheclosedthedoorsoftlyandleftherhomeforever。
CHAPTERII
Thewindandrainhadclearedtheunfrequentedsuburbofanyobservantlounger，andthedarkness，litonlybyfar—spaced，gustylamps，hidherhasteningfigure。Shehadbarelycrossedthesecondstreetwhensheheardthequickclatterofhoofsbehindher;abuggydroveuptothecurbstone，andPoindexterleapedout。Sheenteredquickly，butforamomenthestillheldthereinsoftheimpatienthorse。"He’sratherfresh，"hesaid，eyingherkeenly;
"areyousureyoucanmanagehim？"
"Givemethereins，"shesaidsimply。
Heplacedtheminthetwofirm，well—shapedhandsthatreachedfromthedepthsofthevehicle，andwassatisfied。Yethelingered。
"It’sroughworkforalonewoman，"hesaid，almostcurtly。"I
can’tgowithyou，but，speakfrankly，isthereanymanyouknowwhomyoucantrustwellenoughtotake？It’snottoolateyet;
thinkamoment！"
Hepausedoverthebuttoningoftheleatherapronofthevehicle。
"No，thereisnone，"answeredthevoicefromtheinterior;"andit’sbetterso。Isallready？"
"Onemomentmore。"Hehadrecoveredhishalf—banteringmanner。
"YouHAVEafriendandcountrymanalreadywithyou，doyouknow？
YourhorseisBlueGrass。Goodnight。"
Withthesewordsringinginherearsshebeganherjourney。Thehorse，asifeagertomaintainthereputationwhichhisnativedistricthadgivenhisrace，aswellastheraceoftheprettywomanbehindhim，leapedimpatientlyforward。Butpulledtogetherbythefineandfirmfingersthatseemedtoguideratherthancheckhisexuberance，hepresentlystruckintothelong，swingingpaceofhiskind，andkeptitthroughoutwithout"break"oracceleration。
Overthepavedstreetsthelightbuggyrattled，andtheslendershaftsdancedaroundhissmoothbarrel，butwhentheytouchedthelevelhigh—road，horseandvehicleslippedforwardthroughthenight，aswiftandnoiselessphantom。Mrs。Tuckercouldseehisgracefulbackdimlyrisingandfallingbeforeherwithtirelessrhythm，andcouldfeeltheintelligentpressureofhismouthuntilitseemedtheresponsivegraspofapowerfulbutkindlyhand。Thefaintglowofconquestcametohercoldcheek;theslightstirringsofpridemovedherpreoccupiedheart。Asoftlightfilledherhazeleyes。Adesolatewoman，bereftofhusbandandhome，andflyingthroughstormandnight，sheknewnotwhere，shestillleanedforwardtowardsherhorse。"WasheBlueGrass，then，dearoldboy？"shegentlycooedathiminthedarkness。HeevidentlyWAS，andrespondedbyblowingheranostentatiousequinekiss。
"AndhewouldbegoodtohisownforsakenBelle，"shemurmuredcaressingly，"andwouldn’tletanyoneharmher？"Buthere，overcomebythelazywitcheryofhervoice，heshookhisheadsoviolentlythatMrs。Tucker，afterthefashionofhersex，hadthedoublesatisfactionofdemurelyrestrainingthepassionshehadevoked。
Toavoidthemoretraveledthoroughfare，whiletheeveningwasstillearly，ithadbeenarrangedthatsheshouldatfirsttakealessdirectbutlessfrequentedroad。Thiswasafamouspleasure—
drivefromSanFrancisco，agraveledandsandedstretchofeightmilestotheseaandanultimate"cocktail，"ina"statelypleasure—domedecreed"amongthesurfandrocksofthePacificshore。Itwasdesertednow，andlefttotheunobstructedsweepofthewindandrain。Mrs。Tuckerwouldnothavechosenthisroad。
Withtheinstinctivejealousyofabucolicinlandracebornbygreatrivers，shedidnotlikethesea;andagainthedimanddrearywastetendedtorecallthevisionconnectedwithherhusband’sflight，uponwhichshehadresolutelyshuthereyes。Butwhenshehadreachedittheroadsuddenlyturned，followingthetrendofthebeach，andshewasexposedtothefullpowerofitsdreadfascinations。Thecombinedroarofseaandshorewasinherears;asthedirectforceofthegalehadcompelledhertofurltheprotectinghoodofthebuggytokeepthelightvehiclefromoversettingordriftingtoleeward，shecouldnolongershutouttheheavingchaosontherightfromwhichthepallidghostsofdeadanddyingbreakersdimlyroseandsankasifinawfulsalutation。
Attimesthroughthedarknessawhitesheetappearedspreadbeforethepathandbeneaththewheelsofthebuggy，which，whenwithdrawnwithareluctanthiss，seemedstrivingtodragtheexhaustedbeachseawardwithit。Buttheblindterrorofherhorse，whoswervedateverysweepofthesurge，shamedherownhalf—superstitiousfears，andwiththeefforttocontrolhisalarmsheregainedherownself—
possession，albeitwitheyelasheswetnotaltogetherwiththesaltsprayfromthesea。Thiswasfollowedbyareaction，perhapsstimulatedbyhervictoryoverthebeatenanimal，whenforatime，sheknewnothowlong，shefeltonlyamadsenseoffreedomandpower;obliviousofevenhersorrows，herlosthomeandhusband，andwithintensefeminineconsciousnessshelongedtobeaman。
Shewasscarcelyawarethatthetrackturnedagaininlanduntilthebeatofthehorse’shoofsonthefirmgroundandanaccelerationofspeedshowedhershehadleftthebeachandthemysteriousseabehindher，andsherememberedthatshewasneartheendofthefirststageofherjourney。Halfanhourlaterthetwinklinglightsoftheroadsideinnwhereshewastochangehorsesroseoutofthedarkness。
Happilyforher，theostlerconsideredthehorse，whohadalocalreputation，ofmoreimportancethantheunknownmuffledfigureintheshadowoftheunfurledhood，andconfinedhisattentiontotheanimal。Afteracarefulexaminationofhisfeetandafewcommentsaddressedsolelytothesuperiorcreation，heledhimaway。Mrs。
Tuckerwouldhavelikedtopartmoreaffectionatelyfromherfour—
footedcompatriot，andfeltasuddensenseoflonelinessatthelossofhernewfriend，butarecollectionofcertaincautionsofCaptainPoindexter’skepthermute。Nevertheless，theostler’sostentatiousadjurationof"Nowthen，aren’tyougoingtobringoutthatmustangfortheSenora？"puzzledher。Itwasnotuntilthefreshhorsewasputto，andshehadflungapieceofgoldintotheattendant’shand，thatthe"Gracias"ofhisunmistakableSaxonspeechrevealedtoherthereasonofthelawyer’scaution。
PoindexterhadevidentlyrepresentedhertothesepeopleasanativeCalifornianwhodidnotspeakEnglish。Inherinconsistencyherbloodtookfireatthisfirstsuggestionofdeceit，andburnedinherface。Whyshouldhetrytopassheroffasanybodyelse？
Whyshouldshenotuseherown，herhusband’sname？Shestoppedandbitherlip。
Itwasbutthebeginningofanuneasytrainofthought。Shesuddenlyfoundherselfthinkingofhervisitor，CalhounWeaver，andnotpleasantly。Hewouldhearoftheirruintomorrow，perhapsofherownflight。Hewouldrememberhisvisit，andwhatwouldhethinkofherdeceitfulfrivolity？Wouldhebelievethatshewasthenignorantofthefailure？Itwasherfirstsenseofanyaccountabilitytoothersthanherself，buteventhenitwasratherowingtoanuneasyconsciousnessofwhatherhusbandmustfeelifheweresubjectedtothecriticismsofmenlikeCalhoun。Shewonderedifothersknewthathehadkeptherinignoranceofhisflight。DidPoindexterknowit，orhadheonlyentrappedherintotheadmission？Whyhadshenotbeencleverenoughtomakehimthinkthatsheknewitalready？ForthemomentshehatedPoindexterforsharingthatsecret。Yetthiswasagainfollowedbyanewimpatienceofherhusband’swantofinsightintoherabilitytohelphim。Ofcoursethepoorfellowcouldnotbeartoworryher，couldnotbeartofacesuchmenasCalhoun，orevenPoindexter（sheaddedexultinglytoherself），buthemighthavesentheralineashefled，onlytopreparehertomeetandcombattheshamealone。Itdidnotoccurtoherunsophisticatedsinglenessofnaturethatshewasacceptingasanerroroffeelingwhattheworldwouldcallcowardlyselfishness。
Atmidnightthestormlulledandafewstarstrembledthroughtherentclouds。Hereyeshadbecomeaccustomedtothedarkness，andhercountryinstincts，alittleoverlaidbytheurbanexperiencesofthelastfewyears，cameagaintothesurface。Shefeltthefresh，coolradiationfromoutlying，upturnedfields，thefaint，sadodorsfromdimstretchesofprickinggrainandquickeningleaf，andwonderedifatLosCuervositmightbepossibletoreproducethepeculiarverdureofhernativedistrict。Shebeguiledherfancybyanambitiousplanofretrievingtheirfortunesbyfarming;
hercomfortabletasteshadlatelyrebelledagainstthehomelessmechanicalcultivationofthesedesolatebutteemingCalifornianacres，andforamomentindulgedinavisionofavine—cladcottagehomethatinanyotherwomanwouldhavebeensentimental。Hercrampedlimbsaching，shetookadvantageofthesecurityofthedarknessandthefamiliarcontiguityofthefieldstogetdownfromthevehicle，gatherherskirtstogether，andrunattheheadofthemustang，untilherchillbloodwasthawed，nightdrawingamodestveiloverthischarmingrevelationofthenymphandwoman。ButthesuddenshadowofacoyotecheckedthescouringfeetofthisswiftCamilla，andsentherbackprecipitatelytothebuggy。Nevertheless，shewasrefreshedandabletopursueherjourney，untilthecoldgrayofearlymorningfoundherattheendofhersecondstage。
Herroutewaschangedagainfromthemainhighway，rendereddangerousbytheapproachofdayandthecontiguityoftheneighboringrancheros。Theroadwasroughandhilly，hernewhorseandvehicleinkeepingwiththerudenessoftheroute——byfarthemostdifficultofherwholejourney。Therarewagontracksthatindicatedherroadwereoftenscarcelydiscernible;attimestheyledherthroughopeningsinthehalf—clearedwoods，skirtedsuspiciousmorasses，painfullyclimbedthesmooth，dome—likehills，orwoundalongperilousslopesatadangerousangle。Twiceshehadtoalightandclingtotheslidingwheelsononeofthosetreacherousinclines，ordragthemfromimpendingrutsorimmovablemire。Inthegrowinglightshecoulddistinguishthedistant，low—
lyingmarsheseatenbyencroachingsloughsandinsidiouschannels，andbeyondthemthefaintgraywasteoftheLowerBay。Adarkerpeninsulainthemarshsheknewtobetheextremeboundaryofherfuturehome：theRanchodelosCuervos。Inanotherhourshebegantodescendtotheplain，andoncemoretoapproachthemainroad，whichnowrannearlyparallelwithhertrack。Shescanneditcautiouslyforanyearlytraveler;itstretchednorthandsouthinapparentunendingsolitude。Shestruckintoitboldly，andurgedherhorsetothetopofhisspeed，untilshereachedthecrossroadthatledtotherancho。Buthereshepausedandallowedthereinstodropidlyonthemustang’sback。Asingularandunaccountableirresolutionseizedher。Thedifficultiesofherjourneywereover;therancholayscarcelytwomilesaway;shehadachievedthemostimportantpartofhertaskintheappointedtime，butshehesitated。Whathadshecomefor？ShetriedtorecallPoindexter’swords，evenherownenthusiasm，butinvain。Shewasgoingtotakepossessionofherhusband’sproperty，sheknew，thatwasall。Butthemeansshehadtakenseemednowsoexaggeratedandmysteriousforthatsimpleendthatshebegantodreadanimpendingsomething，orsomevaguedangershehadnotconsidered，thatshewasrushingblindlytomeet。Fullofthisstrangefeelingshealmostmechanicallystoppedherhorseassheenteredthecrossroad。
Fromthismomentaryhesitationasingularsoundarousedher。Itseemedatfirstliketheswifthurryingbyofsomeviewlesscourieroftheair，thevaguealarmofsomeinvisibleflyingherald，orliketheinarticulatecrythatprecedesastorm。Itseemedtoriseandfallaroundherasifwithsomechangingurgencyofpurpose。
Raisinghereyesshesuddenlyrecognizedthetwofar—stretchinglinesoftelegraphwireaboveherhead，andknewtheaeoliancryofthemorningwindalongitsvibratingchords。Butitbroughtanotherandmorepracticalfeartoheractivebrain。Perhapsevennowthetelegraphmightbeanticipatingher！HadPoindexterthoughtofthat？Shehesitatednolonger，butlayingthewhiponthebackofherjadedmustangagainhurriedforward。
Asthelevelhorizongrewmoredistinct，herattentionwasattractedbythewhitesailofasmallboatlazilythreadingthesinuouschanneloftheslough。ItmightbePoindexterarrivingbythemoredirectroutefromthesteamboatthatoccasionallylayofftheancientembarcaderooftheLosCuervosRancho。Butevenwhilewatchingitherquickearcaughtthesoundofgallopinghoofsbehindher。Sheturnedquicklyandsawshewasfollowedbyahorseman。ButhermomentaryalarmwassucceededbyafeelingofreliefassherecognizedtheerectfigureandsquareshouldersofPoindexter。Yetshecouldnothelpthinkingthathelookedmorelikeamilitantscout，andlesslikeacautiouslegaladviser，thanever。
Withunaffectedwomanlinesssherearrangedherslightlydisorderedhairashedrewupbesideher。"Ithoughtyouwereinyonderboat，"shesaid。
"NotI，"helaughed;"Idistancedyoubythehighroadtwohours，andhavebeenreconnoitring，untilIsawyouhesitateatthecrossroads。"
"Butwhoisintheboat？"askedMrs。Tucker，partlytohideherembarrassment。
"OnlysomeearlyChinesemarketgardener，Idaresay。Butyouaresafenow。Youareonyourownland。Youpassedtheboundarymonumentoftheranchofiveminutesago。Look！AllyouseebeforeyouisyoursfromtheembarcaderotoyonderCoastRange。"
Thetoneofhalf—raillerydidnot，however，cheerMrs。Tucker。Sheshudderedslightlyandcasthereyesoverthemonotonousseaoftuleandmeadow。
"Itdoesn’tlookpretty，perhaps，"continuedPoindexter，"butit’stherichestlandintheState，andtheembarcaderowillsomedaybeatown。Isupposeyou’llcallitBlueGrassville。Butyouseemtired！"hesaid，suddenlydroppinghisvoicetoatoneofhalf—
humoroussympathy。
Mrs。Tuckermanagedtogetridofanimpendingtearunderthepretenseofclearinghereyes。"Arewenearlythere？"sheasked。
"Nearly。Youknow，"headdedwiththesamehalf—mischievous，half—
sympathizinggayety，"it’snotexactlyapalaceyou’recomingto。
Hardly。It’stheoldcasathathasbeendesertedforyears，butI
thoughtitbetteryoushouldgointopossessiontherethantakeupyourabodeattheshantywhereyourhusband’sfarm—handsare。Noonewillknowwhenyoutakepossessionofthecasa，whiletheveryhourofyourarrivalattheshantywouldbeknown;andiftheyshouldmakeanytrouble——"
"Iftheyshouldmakeanytrouble？"repeatedMrs。Tucker，liftingherfrank，inquiringeyestoPoindexter。
Hishorsesuddenlyrearingfromanapparentlyaccidentalprickofthespur，itwasaminuteortwobeforehewasabletoexplain。"I
meanifthisevercomesupasamatterofevidence，youknow。Buthereweare！"
Whathadseemedtobeanovergrownmoundrisinglikeanislandoutofthedeadlevelofthegrassyseanowresolveditselfintoacollectionofadobewalls，eatenandincrustedwithshrubsandvines，thatboresomeresemblancetotheusualuninhabited—lookingexteriorofaSpanish—Americandwelling。Aperturesthatmighthavebeenlance—shapedwindowsoronlycracksandfissuresinthewallswerechokedupwithweedsandgrass，andgavenopassingglimpseoftheinterior。Enteringaruinouscorraltheycametoasecondentrance，whichprovedtobethepatioorcourtyard。Thedesertedwoodencorridor，withbeams，rafters，andfloorswhitenedbytheeternalsunandwind，containedafewwitheredleaves，drylyrottingskins，andthongsofleather，asifundisturbedbyhumancare。Butamongthesescattereddebrisofformerlifeandhabitationtherewasnonoisomeoruncleansuggestionofdecay。A
faint，spicedodorofdesiccationfilledthebarewalls。Therewasnoslimeonstoneorsun—driedbrick。Inplaceoffungusordiscoloredmoisturethedustofefflorescencewhitenedintheobscuredcorners。Theelementshadpickedcleanthebonesofthecrumblingtenementeretheyshouldfinallyabsorbit。
Awitheredoldpeonwoman，whoindress，complexion，andfibroushairmighthavebeenananimatedfragmentofthedebris，rustledoutofalowvaultedpassageandwelcomedthemwithafeeblecrepitation。FollowingherintothediminteriorMrs。Tuckerwassurprisedtofindsomeslightattemptatcomfortandevenadornmentinthetwoorthreehabitableapartments。Theywerescrupulouslycleananddry，twoqualitieswhichinherfeminineeyesatonedforpovertyofmaterial。
"IcouldnotsendanythingfromSanBruno，thenearestvillage，withoutattractingattention，"explainedPoindexter;"butifyoucanmanagetopicnichereforadaylonger，I’llgetoneofourChinesefriendshere，"hepointedtotheslough，"tobringover，forhisreturncargofromacrossthebay，anynecessariesyoumaywant。Thereisnodangerofhisbetrayingyou，"headded，withanironicalsmile;"ChinamenandIndiansare，byaningeniousprovisionofthestatuteofCalifornia，incapableofgivingevidenceagainstawhiteperson。Youcantrustyourhandmaidenperfectly——evenifshecan’ttrustYOU。Thatisyoursacredprivilegeundertheconstitution。Andnow，asIexpecttocatchtheupboattenmilesfromhence，Imustsay’good—by’untilto—
morrownight。Ihopetobringyouthensomemoredefiniteplansforthefuture。Theworstisover。"Heheldherhandforamoment，andwithagravervoicecontinued，"Youhavedoneitverywell——doyouknow——verywell！"
Intheslightembarrassmentproducedbyhissuddenchangeofmannershefeltthatherthanksseemedawkwardandrestrained。"Don’tthankme，"helaughed，withapromptreturnofhisformerlevity，"that’smytrade。Ionlyadvised。Youhavesavedyourselflikeapluckywoman——shallIsaylikeBlueGrass？Good—by！"Hemountedhishorse，but，asifstruckbyanafter—thought，wheeledanddrewupbyhersideagain。"IfIwereyouIwouldn’tseemanystrangersforadayortwo，andlistentoaslittlenewsasawomanpossiblycan。"Helaughedagain，wavedherahalf—gallant，half—militarysalute，andwasgone。Thequestionshehadbeentryingtoframe，regardingtheprobabilityofcommunicationwithherhusband，remainedunasked。Atleastshehadsavedherpridebeforehim。
Addressingherselftothecareofhernarrowhousehold，shemechanicallyputawaythefewthingsshehadbroughtwithher，andbegantoreadjustthescantfurniture。Shewasalittlediscomposedatfirstattheabsenceofbolts，locks，andevenwindow—fasteningsuntilassured，byConcha’sevidentinabilitytocomprehendherconcern，thattheywerequiteunknownatLosCuervos。HerslightknowledgeofSpanishwasbarelysufficienttomakeherwantsknown，sothatthereliefofconversationwithheronlycompanionwasdebarredher，andshewasobligedtocontentherselfwiththesapless，cracklingsmilesandwitheredgenuflexionsthattheoldwomandroppedlikedeadleavesinherpath。Itwasstaringnoonwhen，thehousesinginglikeanemptyshellinthemonotonouswind，shefeltshecouldstandthesolitudenolonger，and，crossingtheglaringpatioandwhistlingcorridor，madeherwaytotheopengateway。
Buttheviewwithoutseemedtointensifyherdesolation。ThebroadexpanseoftheshadowlessplainreachedapparentlytotheCoastRange，tracklessandunbrokensavebyoneortwoclustersofdwarfedoaks，whichatthatdistancewerebutmossyexcrescencesonthesurface，barelyraisedabovethedeadlevel。Ontheothersidethemarshtookupthemonotonyandcarriedit，scarcelyinterruptedbyundefinedwater—courses，tothefaintlymarkedouthorizonlineoftheremotebay。Scatteredandapparentlymotionlessblackspotsonthemeadowsthatgaveadrearysignificancetothetitleof"theCrows"whichtheranchobore，andsuddengraycloudsofsand—pipersonthemarshes，thatroseandvanisheddownthewind，weretheonlysignsoflife。Eventhewhitesailoftheearlymorningwasgone。
Shestoodthereuntiltheachingofherstrainingeyesandthestiffeningofherlimbsinthecoldwindcompelledhertoseektheshelteredwarmthofthecourtyard。Heresheendeavoredtomakefriendswithabright—eyedlizard，whowassunninghimselfinthecorridor;agracefullittlecreatureinblueandgold，fromwhomshefeltatothertimesshemighthavefled，butwhosebeautyandharmlessnesssolitudehadmadeknowntoher。Withmisplacedkindnessshetempteditwithbread—crumbs，withnoothereffectthantostiffenitintostonyastonishment。Shewonderedifsheshouldbecomeliketheprisonersshehadreadofinbooks，whopouredouttheirsolitaryaffectionsonnoisomecreatures，andsheregrettedeventhemustang，whichwiththebuggyhaddisappearedunderthechargeofsomeunknownretaineronherarrival。Wasshenotaprisoner？Theshutterlesswindows，yawningdoors，andopengaterefutedhersuggestion，buttheencompassingsolitudeandtracklesswastestillheldhercaptive。Poindexterhadtoldheritwasfourmilestotheshanty;shemightwalkthere。Whyhadshegivenherwordthatshewouldremainattheranchountilhereturned？
Thelongdaycreptmonotonouslyaway，andshewelcomedthenightwhichshutoutthedrearyprospect。Butitbroughtnocessationoftheharassingwindwithout，norsurceaseofthenervousirritationitsperpetualandevenactivitywroughtuponher。Ithauntedherpilloweveninherexhaustedsleep，andseemedtoimpatientlybeckonhertoriseandfollowit。Itbroughtherfeverishdreamsofherhusband，footsoreandweary，staggeringforwardunderitspitilesslashandclamorousoutcry;shewouldhavegonetohisassistance，butwhenshereachedhissideandheldoutherarmstohimithurriedherpastwithmercilesspower，and，bearingheraway，lefthimhopelesslybehind。Itwasbroaddaywhensheawoke。
Theusualnightshowersofthewaningrainyseasonhadleftnotraceinskyormeadow;thefervidmorningsunhadalreadydriedthepatio;onlytherestless，harryingwindremained。
Mrs。Tuckerarosewitharesolve。ShehadlearnedfromConchaonthepreviouseveningthatapartoftheshantywasusedasatiendaorshopforthelaborersandrancheros。Underthenecessityofpurchasingsomearticles，shewouldgothereandforamomentminglewiththosepeople，whowouldnotrecognizeher。Eveniftheydid，herinstincttoldheritwouldbelesstobefearedthanthehopelessuncertaintyofanotherday。Assheleftthehousethewindseemedtoseizeherasinherdream，andhurryheralongwithit，untilinafewmomentsthewallsofthelowcasasankintotheearthagainandshewasalone，butforthebreezeonthesolitaryplain。Theleveldistanceglitteredinthesharplight，afewcrowswithslantwingsdippedandrandownthewindbeforeher，andapassinggleamonthemarshwasexplainedbythefar—offcryofacurlew。
Shehadwalkedforanhour，upheldbythestimulusoflightandmorningair，whentheclusterofscruboaks，whichwasherdestination，openedenoughtoshowtworamblingsheds，beforeoneofwhichwasawoodenplatformcontainingafewbarrelsandbones。
Assheapproachednearer，shecouldseethatoneortwohorsesweretetheredunderthetrees，thattheirriderswereloungingbyahorse—trough，andthatoveranopendoorthewordTiendawasrudelypaintedonaboard，andasrudelyillustratedbythewaresdisplayedatdoorandwindow。Accustomedasshewastothepovertyoffrontierarchitecture，eventhecrumblingwallsoftheoldhaciendashehadjustleftseemedpicturesquetotherigidanglesofthethin，blank，unpaintedshellbeforeher。Oneoftheloungers，whowasreadinganewspaperaloudassheadvanced，putitasideandstaredather;therewasanevidentcommotionintheshopasshesteppedupontheplatform，andwhensheentered，withbreathlesslipsandbeatingheart，shefoundherselftheobjectofadozencuriouseyes。Herquickprideresentedthescrutinyandrecalledhercourage，anditwaswithaslightcoldnessinherusuallazyindifferencethatsheleanedoverthecounterandaskedforthearticlesshewanted。
Therequestwasfollowedbyadeadsilence。Mrs。Tuckerrepeateditwithsomehauteur。
"Ireckonyoudon’tseemtoknowthisstoreisinthehandsofthesheriff，"saidoneoftheloungers。
Mrs。Tuckerwasnotawareofit。
"Well，Idon’tknowanyonewho’sabetterrighttoknowthanSpenceTucker’swife，"saidanotherwithacoarselaugh。Thelaughwasechoedbytheothers。Mrs。Tuckersawthepitintowhichshehaddeliberatelywalked，butdidnotflinch。
"Isthereanyonetoservehere？"sheasked，turninghercleareyesfulluponthebystanders。
"You’dbetteraskthesheriff。HewasthelastonetoSARVEhere。
Hesarvedanattachment，"repliedtheinevitablehumoristofallCalifornianassemblages。
"Ishehere？"askedMrs。Tucker，disregardingtherenewedlaughterwhichfollowedthissubtlewitticism。
Theloungersatthedoormadewayforoneoftheirparty，whowashalfdragged，halfpushedintotheshop。"Hereheis，"saidhalfadozeneagervoices，inthefondbeliefthathispresencemightimpartadditionalhumortothesituation。HecastadeprecatingglanceatMrs。Tuckerandsaid，"It’sso，madam！Thisyerplaceisattached;butifthere’sanythingyou’rewanting，whyIreckon，boys，"——heturnedhalfappealinglytothecrowd，——"wecouldobligealady。"Therewasavaguesoundofangryoppositionandremonstrancefromthebackdooroftheshop，butthemajority，partlyovercomebyMrs。Tucker’sbeauty，assented。"Only，"
continuedtheofficerexplanatorily，"eztheseyergoodsareinthehandsofthecreditors，theyoughttoberepresentedbyanequivalentinmoney。Ifyou’reexpectingtheyshouldbecharged——"
"ButIwishtoPAYforthem，"interruptedMrs。Tucker，withaslightflushofindignation;"Ihavethemoney。"
"Oh，Ibetyouhave！"screamedavoice，as，overturningallopposition，themalcontentatthebackdoor，intheshapeofaninfuriatedwoman，forcedherwayintotheshop。"I’llbetyouhavethemoney！Lookather，boys！Lookatthewifeofthethief，withthestolenmoneyindiamondsinherearsandringsonherfingers。
SHE’SgotmoneyifWE’VEnone。SHEcanpayforwhatshefancies，ifwehaven’tacenttoredeemthebedthat’sstolenfromunderus。
Ohyes，buyitall，Mrs。SpencerTucker！buythewholeshop，Mrs。
返回顶部