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kyne2.xml.txt
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kyne2.xml.txt
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A/DT little/JJ sigh/NN escaped/VBD the/DT man/NN as/IN his/PRP$ hungry/JJ glance/NN swept/VBD the/DT amazing/JJ panorama/NN outspread/NN before/IN and/CC some/DT six/CD or/CC seven/CD thousand/CD feet/NNS below/IN him./NN That/DT sigh/NN might/MD have/VB been/VBN one/CD of/IN relief/NN in/IN the/DT knowledge/NN that/IN his/PRP$ struggle/NN to/TO pass/VB this/DT mountain/NN barrier/NN had/VBD been/VBN won;/VBN but/CC it/PRP might,/MD also,/RB have/VB been/VBN a/DT sigh/NN of/IN resignation/NN as/IN his/PRP$ glance/NN rested/VBD on/IN a/DT taller/JJR and/CC much/RB more/RBR impassable/JJ barrier/NN some/DT twenty/CD miles/NNS to/TO the/DT west--the/JJ peaks/NNS of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP Nevada/NNP Range,/VBD the/DT Alps/NNP of/IN America./NNP Months/NNS of/IN solitary/JJ wandering/VBG in/IN the/DT wilderness/NN had/VBD inculcated/VBN in/IN this/DT man/NN the/DT habit/NN of/IN talking/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ animals./NN "We'll/NN rest/NN a/DT bit/NN here,/IN Pathfinder,/NNP and/CC enjoy/VB the/DT view,"/NN he/PRP announced./VBD "Michael--and/NNP you,/, Shawneen,"/NNP he/PRP admonished/VBD the/DT pack-animals,/NN "let/VBD me/PRP see/VB none/NN of/IN your/PRP$ rascally/NN attempts/VBZ to/TO rub/VB your/PRP$ packs/NNS off/RP on/IN the/DT lower/JJR branches/NNS of/IN these/DT scrubby/JJ pine-trees."He/JJ dismounted,/NN loaded/VBN a/DT brier/NN pipe,/NN sat/VBD down/RB on/IN a/DT windfall/NN and/CC smoked/VBD tranquilly./DT Between/IN the/DT rangeon/NN whose/WP$ western/JJ slope/NN he/PRP had/VBD halted/VBN and/CC the/DT sullen/JJ blue-black/JJ buttress/NN of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP Nevada/NNP a/DT lovely/JJ valley/NN spread,/VBG emerald-green,/NN with/IN a/DT river/NN running/VBG through/IN its/PRP$ center./NN In/IN spots/NNS the/DT verdant/JJ land/NN gleamed/VBD blue/JJ and/CC gold,/JJ dependent/JJ upon/IN which/WDT color/NN the/DT lupine/NN happened/VBD to/TO be,/VB or/CC whether/IN the/DT dainty/JJ little/JJ bluebells/NNS and/CC wild/JJ irises/NNS had/VBD outstripped/VBN the/DT buttercups/NNS and/CC eschscholtzia/NN in/IN their/PRP$ race/NN to/TO herald/VB the/DT spring./NN Tiny/NNP moving/VBG dots,/NNS single/VBP or/CC in/IN groups,/NN proclaimed/VBD herds/NNS of/IN game/NN animals,/NN which/WDT later/RB the/DT lone/JJ traveler/NN was/VBD to/TO discover/VB were/VBD elk,/JJ deer,/NNS antelope/NN and/CC grizzly/JJ bear,/NN with/IN here/RB and/CC there/RB herds/NNS of/IN fifty/CD to/TO sixty/CD mountain-sheep/NN making/VBG their/PRP$ spring/NN hegira/NN from/IN the/DT lower/JJR levels/NNS of/IN the/DT White/NNP Mountains,/NNP where/WRB they/PRP had/VBD wintered,/NN to/TO the/DT lower/JJR levels/NNS of/IN the/DT Sierra,/NNPS up/RP which/WDT they/PRP would,/VBP as/IN the/DT season/NN advanced,/NN follow/VBP the/DT retreating/VBG snow-line/NN to/TO the/DT vast/JJ mountain/NN meadows/NNS that/IN lie/NN among/IN the/DT lower/JJR peaks./NN Millions/NNS of/IN wild/JJ fowl,/NNS which/WDT had/VBD evidently/RB wintered/VBN farther/RB south/RB in/IN this/DT valley,/NN were/VBD now/RB making/VBG their/PRP$ pilgrimage/NN into/IN the/DT north,/NN there/RB to/TO raise/VB their/PRP$ young;/JJ the/DT crisp/NN still/RB air/NN carried/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT wanderer/NN a/DT tremendous/JJ diapason/NN of/IN sound/NN that/WDT was/VBD made/VBN up/IN of/IN the/DT cries/NNS of/IN trumpeter/NN swan,/VBD the/DT honking/NN of/IN geese/NN and/CC the/DT shrill/JJ whistling/NN or/CC deep/JJ quacking/NN of/IN ducks./NN The/DT transcendent/JJ beauty/NN of/IN that/DT lonely,/NN silent/JJ land/NN impinged/VBN upon/IN the/DT man's/JJ consciousness/NN with/IN a/DT poignancy/NN that/WDT was/VBD almost/RB pain;/JJ accentuated,/NN perhaps,/RB because/IN he/PRP too/RB was/VBD lonely./RBR He/PRP raised/VBD a/DT hand/NN as/IN if/IN in/IN eager/JJ greeting./NN "Ah,/NN California,/NNP but/CC 'tis/PRP sweeter/VBP you/PRP are/VBP than/IN ever/RB I/PRP dreamed,"/VBD he/PRP apostrophized./VBD "A/IN young/JJ land/NN for/IN young/JJ men/NNS you/PRP are,/VBP my/PRP$ California,/NNP acushla./. But/CC 'tis/PRP up/RB and/CC over/IN those/DT hoary-headed/JJ peaks/NNS I/PRP must/MD go/VB and/CC down/RB to/TO the/DT plain/JJ that/IN borders/NNS the/DT Pacific,/NNP where/WRB theSpanish/JJ settlements/NNS are./VBP And/CC there's/EX a/DT bitter/JJ journey/NN for/IN you,/JJ Pathfinder,/NNP and/CC you,/NNP Shawneen,/NNP and/CC you,/NNP Michael--you/NNP imp/NN of/IN hell,/JJ stop/NN that!"He/IN threw/VBD a/DT rock/NN at/IN Michael,/NNP who/WP was/VBD industriously/RB striving/VBG to/TO get/VB his/PRP$ pack/NN under/IN a/DT projecting/VBG limb/NN and/CC tear/VB the/DT hated/JJ burden/NN from/IN his/PRP$ back./NN "You/IN thief!/NN 'Tis/VBZ a/DT boot/NN in/IN the/DT belly/NN you'd/MD be/VB wanting,/DT is/VBZ it?"/IN the/DT man/NN shouted,/MD whereupon/IN Michael,/NNP judging/VBG discretion/NN to/TO be/VB the/DT better/JJR part/NN of/IN rebellion,/NN bounced/VBD out/RP from/IN under/IN the/DT tree/NN and/CC commenced/VBD to/TO graze/VB with/IN an/DT air/NN of/IN innocence/NN possessed/VBN by/IN no/DT animal/NN save/IN the/DT mule./NN Suddenly/RB Michael/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ head;/NN simultaneously/RB Shawneen/NNP did/VBD likewise;/RB with/IN alert/JJ ears/NNS they/PRP listened,/VBP meanwhile/RB gazing/VBG inquiringly/RB back/RB into/IN the/DT pass./NN Instantly/RB the/DT man/NN mounted/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC darted/VBD into/IN the/DT timber,/NN taking/VBG up/RP a/DT position/NN where/WRB he/PRP would/MD not/RB be/VB likely/JJ to/TO be/VB seen/VBN from/IN the/DT open/JJ patch/NN of/IN mountain/NN meadow,/NN down/IN which/WDT men/NNS and/CC horses/NNS undoubtedly/RB were/VBD approaching./DT He/PRP had/VBD heard/VBN the/DT snort/NN of/IN a/DT horse,/NN the/DT low/JJ voices/NNS of/IN men,/NN and/CC he/PRP feared/VBD Indians;/NNP realizing/VBG that/IN he/PRP would/MD have/VB no/DT time/NN to/TO hide/VB his/PRP$ pack-animals/NNS in/IN the/DT sparse/JJ timber,/NN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB attempt/VB to/TO do/VB so./DT A/DT troop/NN of/IN twenty/CD horsemen/NNS rode/VBD down/IN the/DT glade,/NN herding/VBG an/DT equal/JJ number/NN of/IN Indian/NNP pack-ponies/NNS before/IN them;/PRP at/IN sight/NN of/IN Michael/NNP and/CC Shawneen/NNP the/DT leader/NN drew/VBD rein/NN and/CC gazed/VBD about/IN him/PRP for/IN their/PRP$ owner./NNP "Hello,/NNP stranger--wherever/RB you/PRP are!"/VBP he/PRP shouted./MD The/DT lone/JJ traveler/NN rode/VBD out/RB from/IN his/PRP$ concealment,/NN bowed/VBD low/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN with/IN a/DT grace/NN and/CC courtliness/NN that/IN bespoke/IN a/DT breeding/VBG singularly/JJ alien/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ surroundings,/NN and/CC said/VBD gravely:/JJ "Good/JJ morning,/NN gentlemen./NN I/PRP am/VBP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy.""Hum-m!"/NNP The/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD called/VBN to/TO him/PRP did/VBD not/RB see/VB fit/VBN to/TO name/VB himself./PRP "Where's/IN the/DT rest/NN of/IN your/PRP$ party?"/NN he/PRP demanded./VBD "I/JJ travel/NN alone,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP replied,/VBD "on/IN the/DT theory/NN that/IN he/PRP who/WP travels/VBZ alone/RB travels/NNS fastest.""What's/IN your/PRP$ hurry?/NN There's/. no/DT law/NN west/NN of/IN the/DT Ohio/NNP River."D'Arcy's/NNP dark/JJ brown/JJ eyes/NNS gleamed/VBD resentfully./NNP "It/NNP is/VBZ not/RB my/PRP$ habit/NN to/TO tolerate/VB impudence/NN from/IN strangers./VBG My/PRP$ business/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ own/JJ affair./NN I/PRP haven't/VBP asked/VBN you/PRP who/WP you/PRP are,/VBP where/WRB you/PRP are/VBP going/VBG and/CC why./DT I'm/NNP not/RB interested,/VB me/PRP bold/JJ bucko."The/IN other/JJ man/NN appraised/VBD D'Arcy/NNP coolly./VBG He/PRP saw/VBD a/DT young/JJ man,/NN twenty-eight/JJ years/NNS old/JJ at/IN the/DT outside,/JJ he/PRP guessed,/VB and/CC above/IN medium/NN height;/NN and,/CC judging/VBG from/IN the/DT faint/JJ Celtic/NNP burr/NN that/WP hung/VBD like/IN dewdrops/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ speech,/JJ his/PRP$ crisp/JJ black/JJ hair,/NN heavy/JJ lips,/NN resolute/NN square/NN chin/NN and/CC reddish/VB brown/JJ complexion,/NN the/DT stranger/NN came/VBD to/TO the/DT conclusion/NN that/IN this/DT cool/JJ young/JJ man/NN was/VBD Irish./NNP He/PRP noted/VBD other/JJ things./'' This/DT alien/NN who/WP dared/VBD the/DT wilderness/NN alone/RB bestrode/VBD the/DT finest/JJS horse/NN any/DT of/IN the/DT recent/JJ arrivals/NNS had/VBD ever/RB seen./VBN A/DT dark,/JJ dappled/JJ brown/JJ with/IN black/JJ points/NNS and/CC a/DT thin/JJ white/JJ blaze/NN between/IN his/PRP$ eyes--a/NN horse/NN that/WDT stood/VBD like/IN a/DT thoroughbred,/JJ ears/NNS alert,/JJ eyes/NNS fixed/VBN on/IN the/DT horizon,/NN tail/NN slightly/RB arched./. He/PRP must/MD weigh,/VB in/IN good/JJ condition,/NN nearly/RB thirteen/CD hundred/CD pounds./, And/CC he/PRP was/VBD a/DT stallion./NN From/IN the/DT horse/NN the/DT insolent/JJ eyes/NNS of/IN the/DT recent/JJ arrival/NN roved/VBN over/IN the/DT animal's/NNS equipment--a/NN fine,/VB well-cared-for/JJ saddle/NN of/IN the/DT type/NN then/RB in/IN use/NN by/IN the/DT cavalry./NN A/DT snaffle-bit/NN on/IN a/DT bridle/JJ of/IN plain/JJ black/JJ leather,/NN with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN a/DT yellow/JJ brow-band/NN and/CC reins/NNS of/IN finely/JJ braided/JJ rawhide--a/JJ product,/NN evidently,/NN of/IN Mexico./NNP From/IN a/DT carved/VBN leathern/NN boot/NN the/DT stock/NN of/IN a/DT carbine/NN emerged,/NN and/CC the/DT butts/NNS of/IN cap/NN and/CC ball/NN revolvers/NNS protruded/VBD from/IN holsters/NNS of/IN similar/JJ pattern/NN on/IN each/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT cantle./NN At/IN the/DT rider's/NN left/VBD hip/NN a/DT third/JJ holster/NN swung,/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ right/NN a/DT bowie-knife/NN in/IN a/DT metal/NN sheath./NN The/DT adventurer's/NN clothing,/NN although/IN travel-stained/JJ and/CC old,/JJ was/VBD not/RB such/JJ as/IN was/VBD worn/VBN by/IN common/JJ men;/NNS his/PRP$ broad/JJ flat/JJ beaver/NN hat,/NN with/IN the/DT scarlet/JJ wing/NN of/IN a/DT blackbird/JJ upthrust/NN from/IN the/DT wide/JJ band,/NN gave/VBD to/TO him/PRP a/DT faint/JJ suggestion/NN of/IN a/DT dandified/JJ bandit./NN More/RBR incongruous/JJ still,/NN he/PRP had/VBD shaved/VBN that/IN very/RB morning./JJR He/PRP wore/VBD neither/RB beard/NN nor/CC mustache./MD His/PRP$ hair,/NN jet-black/NN and/CC wavy,/NN hung/VBD upon/IN his/PRP$ capable/JJ shoulders/NNS and/CC was,/VBD apparently,/RB accustomed/VBN to/TO twice-daily/JJ brushing./NN "Does/VBZ your/PRP$ maw/NN know/VB you're/PRP out/RP alone?"/IN the/DT stranger/NN demanded/VBD of/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy./NNP A/DT huge,/JJ rough,/JJ ignorant,/NN and/CC unkempt/NN man,/NN born/VBN and/CC bred/VBN to/TO the/DT wilderness,/NN he/PRP had/VBD achieved/VBN instinctively/RB a/DT dislike/NN for/IN this/DT man/NN whom/WP he/PRP recognized/VBD as/IN a/DT superior./NN A/DT bound,/NN and/CC the/DT big/JJ brown/JJ thoroughbred/JJ horse/NN was/VBD beside/IN him./PRP "Faith,/IN you're/PRP the/DT inquisitive/JJ one,/NNS aren't/VBP you?"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP cried/VBD hotly,/RB and/CC with/IN a/DT furious/JJ blow/NN of/IN his/PRP$ open/JJ hand/NN against/IN the/DT other's/NNS jaw,/NN swept/VBD him/PRP to/TO earth./DT The/DT brown/JJ stallion/NN whirled/VBD and/CC the/DT fallen/VBN man's/JJ companions/NNS saw/VBD in/IN D'Arcy's/NNP hand/NN a/DT long/JJ revolver/NN that/WDT swept/VBD through/IN a/DT menacing/NN arc,/NN seeming/VBG to/TO cover/VB them/PRP all/DT at/IN once./NNP Somebody/NN laughed,/VBD then/RB a/DT pleasant/JJ voice/NN hailed/VBD D'Arcy./NNP "Put/NNP up/IN the/DT pop-gun,/JJ boy./NN Nobody/NN here's/VBZ going/VBG to/TO quarrel/VB with/IN you/PRP for/IN putting/VBG Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP in/IN his/PRP$ place."With/NN his/PRP$ right/JJ hand/NN D'Arcy/NNP backed/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN away/RB from/IN them,/PRP steadied/VBD the/DT animal/NN and/CC drew/VBD another/DT pistol./NN "If/IN you/PRP have/VBP business/NN farther/RB ahead,/RB gentlemen,/JJ pray/NN do/VBP not/RB permit/VB me/PRP to/TO detain/VB you."Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP got/VBD sheepishly/RB to/TO his/PRP$ feet/NNS and/CC mounted/VBD his/PRP$ horse./NN "Forward!"/IN he/PRP commanded,/RB and/CC as/IN his/PRP$ cavalcade/NN swept/VBD on/IN down/IN the/DT pass/NN he/PRP looked/VBD with/IN much/JJ interest/NN at/IN D'Arcy's/NNP two/CD competent/JJ pack-mules/NNS with/IN their/PRP$ neat/JJ brown/JJ canvas-covered/VBN packs./NN Half/NN an/DT hour/NN after/IN the/DT party/NN had/VBD passed/VBN on,/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP followed/VBD on/IN their/PRP$ trail./NN He/PRP saw/VBD them/PRP half-way/RB across/IN the/DT valley/NN as/IN he/PRP halted/VBD to/TO camp/NN for/IN the/DT night./NN "I/JJ wonder/NN now/RB where/WRB those/DT laddybucks/NNS are/VBP bound?"/VBN he/PRP queried/VBD of/IN his/PRP$ mules/NNS when/WRB they/PRP came/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT fire/NN for/IN the/DT flapjack/NN he/PRP customarily/RB shared/VBD with/IN them./PRP "The/DT fellow/NN Cannon/NNP is/VBZ not/RB a/DT popular/JJ leader,/NN yet/RB he/PRP is/VBZ the/DT leader./NN That's/NNP because/IN he/PRP knows/VBZ the/DT country/NN and/CC the/DT others/NNS do/VBP not./DT He/PRP rides/NNS with/IN assurance,/NN so/IN he/PRP does,/VBZ Shawneen./NNP Now,/NNP a/DT knowledge/NN of/IN the/DT passes/NNS over/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP I/PRP have/VBP not,/RB nor/CC have/VBP I/PRP a/DT map."He/NN divided/VBN the/DT flapjack/NN between/IN the/DT mules./NN "We'll/RB be/VB up/IN betimes,/IN lads,/NN and/CC follow/VB on/IN Cannon's/NNP trail./, We'll/NNP be/VB beholden/JJ to/TO them,/MD Michael,/NNPS but/CC thank/VB God/NNP we/PRP will/MD not/RB have/VB to/TO admit/VB it./DT Independence/NNP is/VBZ a/DT dear/JJ thing/NN to/TO the/DT clan/NN D'Arcy./NNP Doubly/RB dear,/RB you/PRP beggar,/VBP in/IN view/NN of/IN the/DT fact/NN that/IN 'tis/PRP$ little/JJ else/JJ we/PRP have/VBP left."His/PRP$ evening/NN meal/NN cooked,/NN he/PRP extinguished/VBD his/PRP$ campfire,/NN and/CC leaving/VBG his/PRP$ hobbled/JJ animals/NNS to/TO graze,/VB rolled/VBN up/RP in/IN his/PRP$ blankets/NNS and/CC went/VBD to/TO sleep./DT At/IN sunrise/NN he/PRP was/VBD en/IN route/NN again,/RB following/VBG the/DT easily/RB discernible/JJ trail/NN in/IN the/DT lush/JJ green/JJ grass./NN At/IN the/DT river-bank/NN it/PRP turned/VBD south/RB for/IN a/DT few/JJ miles,/NNS where/WRB evidently/RB Cannon/NNP had/VBD found/VBN a/DT ford/NN and/CC crossed/VBD to/TO the/DT western/JJ bank;/NN in/IN a/DT grove/NN of/IN scattered/JJ bull-pines/NNS he/PRP caught/VBD up/RP with/IN the/DT party./NN He/PRP counted/VBD the/DT bodies--nineteen/JJ white/JJ men/NNS and/CC twelve/CD Indians./NNP "Their/VB horses/NNS and/CC pack-ponies/NNS it/PRP was,/VBD Michael,/NNP that/WDT brought/VBD them/PRP to/TO this./DT The/DT Indians/NNPS coveted/VBN the/DT stock,/NN and/CC Cannon/NNP was/VBD careless/JJ and/CC put/VBD out/RP no/DT pickets./NN Jedediah/NNP Smith,/NNP in/IN his/PRP$ traverse/NN through/IN this/DT valley/NN in/IN 1835,/CD reported/VBD the/DT Indians/NNPS not/RB customarily/RB hostile/JJ but/CC great/JJ horse-thieves./NN Michael,/NNP there's/TO one/CD man/NN missingfrom/, the/DT party./NN Where/WRB is/VBZ the/DT leader?/NNS The/DT others/NNS stood/VBD their/PRP$ ground/NN and/CC fought/VBD to/TO the/DT last,/JJ but/CC not/RB that/DT lad/NN whose/WP$ ear/NN I/PRP boxed./VBD The/DT Indians/NNPS have/VBP lifted/VBN their/PRP$ booty/NN and/CC departed,/NN so/RB we'll/MD have/VB a/DT look/NN through/IN the/DT wreckage./NN Hah,/IN a/DT map,/NN as/RB sure/JJ as/IN pussy/NN is/VBZ a/DT cat!"It/NN was/VBD lying/VBG in/IN the/DT grass/NN close/NN to/TO the/DT dead/JJ embers/NNS of/IN the/DT camp-fire,/NN where,/WRB doubtless,/JJ someone/NN had/VBD been/VBN studying/VBG it/PRP when/WRB the/DT attack/NN was/VBD launched./VBN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP studied/VBD it/PRP now,/RB without/IN haste./VBG A/DT crude/NN map/NN it/PRP was,/VBD more/RBR panoramic/JJ sketch/NN than/IN map,/NN but/CC at/IN the/DT conclusion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ perusal/NN of/IN it/PRP D'Arcy/NNP knew/VBD that/IN approximately/RB a/DT hundred/CD miles/NNS to/TO the/DT south/NN was/VBD Walker/NNP Pass,/NNP leading/VBG over/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP and/CC down/RB into/IN the/DT Tulares,/NNP as/IN the/DT lower/JJR San/NNP Joaquin/NNP Valley/NNP was/VBD then/RB known./NN Before/IN leaving/VBG that/DT camp/NN of/IN the/DT dead,/JJ Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP satisfied/VBD himself/PRP that/IN the/DT marauding/NN Indians/NNPS had/VBD driven/VBN their/PRP$ captured/VBN horses/NNS back/RB across/IN the/DT river/NN and/CC into/IN the/DT east./JJR He/PRP decided,/VBD therefore,/RB in/IN his/PRP$ journey/NN southward/RB to/TO the/DT eastern/JJ entrance/NN to/TO Walker/NNP Pass,/NNP to/TO keep/VB as/RB close/RB to/TO the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills/NNS as/IN possible./DT There/EX was/VBD an/DT abundance/NN of/IN water/NN from/IN the/DT melting/VBG snows/NNS of/IN the/DT Sierra,/NNPS flowing/VBG out/IN into/IN the/DT valley/NN in/IN little/JJ creeks/NNS and/CC emptying/VBG into/IN the/DT river,/NN but/CC the/DT soil/NN along/IN the/DT foot-hills/NNS was/VBD sandy/JJ and/CC not/RB productive/JJ of/IN heavy/NN feed./VBN D'Arcy/NNP decided/VBD that/IN for/IN this/DT reason/NN game/NN would/MD be/VB scarce/JJ in/IN that/DT direction/NN and/CC consequently/RB he/PRP would/MD be/VB less/JJR liable/JJ to/TO establish/VB unexpected/JJ contact/NN with/IN the/DT Indians./NNP He/PRP pushed/VBD south,/RB taking/VBG his/PRP$ time,/NN traveling/VBG by/IN night/NN and/CC hiding/NN in/IN the/DT sparse/JJ mesquite/NN timber/NN by/IN day./NN Gradually/RB as/IN he/PRP drew/VBD into/IN the/DT south/NN the/DT valley/NN became/VBD more/RBR arid;/JJ low/JJ stunted/JJ sage/NN took/VBD the/DT place/NN of/IN the/DT rich/JJ grasses,/NN and/CC game/NN was/VBD no/RB longer/RB encountered./VBN Thereafter/IN he/PRP pushed/VBD on/IN in/IN daylight./NN In/IN the/DT middle/NN of/IN the/DT afternoon/NN of/IN his/PRP$ first/JJ trek/NN in/IN daylight/NN he/PRP came/VBD across/IN the/DT spoor/NN of/IN a/DT shod/JJ horse!/NN "Indians/NNS do/VBP not/RB shoe/NN their/PRP$ horses,/NN Pathfinder,/NNP my/PRP$ boy,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD the/DT big/JJ brown/JJ stallion,/NN and/CC thereafter/RB rode/VBD on/IN that/DT trail./NN Eventually/RB it/PRP swung/VBD at/IN right/JJ angles/NNS toward/IN the/DT buttress/NN of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP and/CC debouched/VBD into/IN a/DT canyon./NN D'Arcy/NNP consulted/VBD his/PRP$ map./NN "Walker/NN Pass,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD and/CC pressed/VBD forward./RB The/DT gradient/NN increased/VBD rapidly,/RB and/CC by/IN sunset/NN he/PRP found/VBD himself/PRP two/CD thousand/CD feet/NNS above/IN the/DT floor/NN of/IN the/DT great/JJ valley./NN The/DT melting/VBG snow/NN provided/VBN ample/JJ water,/NN and/CC bunch-grass,/JJ rich/JJ and/CC nutritious,/JJ grew/VBD among/IN the/DT sage/NN on/IN the/DT mountainside./NN A/DT well-defined/JJ trail/NN led/VBD over/IN the/DT pass,/NN and/CC the/DT melting/VBG snow/NN had/VBD made/VBN this/DT trail/NN slushy;/VBD D'Arcy/NNP noted/VBD clearly/RB the/DT hoof-prints/NNS of/IN the/DT shod/JJ horse./NN Upon/IN resuming/VBG his/PRP$ journey/NN next/JJ morning/NN he/PRP came/VBD suddenly/RB upon/IN the/DT horse,/NN lying/VBG dead/JJ in/IN the/DT trail./NN The/DT animal/NN was/VBD saddled,/VBN bridled,/NN and/CC still/RB warm;/JJ investigation/NN revealed/VBD that/IN after/IN it/PRP had/VBD fallen/VBN and/CC broken/VBN a/DT leg,/NN a/DT bullet/NN had/VBD ended/VBN its/PRP$ misery./JJ But/CC that/DT was/VBD not/RB all/DT that/IN interested/JJ Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP albeit/IN his/PRP$ interest/NN was/VBD not/RB pronounced./VBN In/IN the/DT dead/JJ horse/NN he/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP recognized/VBD the/DT animal/NN the/DT man/NN Cannon/NNP had/VBD been/VBN riding/VBG that/DT morning/NN they/PRP had/VBD met/VBN in/IN the/DT pass/NN of/IN the/DT White/NNP Mountains./NNP "A/NNP bad/JJ thing/NN for/IN any/DT man/NN to/TO find/VB himself/PRP afoot/RB in/IN this/DT wilderness,/NN Pathfinder,/NNP my/PRP$ boy,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP assured/VBD his/PRP$ horse./NN "And/CC afoot/RB the/DT man/NN is./VBZ There's/DT his/PRP$ trail,/NN showing/VBG plainly/RB in/IN the/DT snow."As/NN he/PRP climbed/VBD upward/RB the/DT snow/NN increased/VBD in/IN depth,/NN but/CC fortunately/RB it/PRP was/VBD frozen/VBN solid/JJ and/CC offered/VBD nice/JJ footing/NN for/IN the/DT animals./NN The/DT imprint/NN of/IN the/DT boots/NNS of/IN the/DT man/NN ahead/RB showed/VBD plainly/RB and/CC all/DT day/NN D'Arcy/NNP followed/VBD them./PRP At/IN sunset/NN he/PRP camped/VBD on/IN the/DT summit/NN atan/IN elevation/NN close/RB to/TO ten/CD thousand/CD feet,/NNS and/CC since/IN there/EX was/VBD no/DT grazing/JJ here,/, he/PRP tied/VBD his/PRP$ stock/NN in/IN the/DT scrubby/JJ timber./NN At/IN the/DT first/JJ graying/NN in/IN the/DT east/JJ he/PRP was/VBD on/IN the/DT trail/NN again,/RB for/IN this/DT day's/JJ march/NN was/VBD to/TO be/VB a/DT forced/VBN one./NNP His/PRP$ stock/NN had/VBD not/RB eaten/VBN the/DT day/NN previous,/RB and/CC he/PRP was/VBD anxious/JJ to/TO camp/NN that/IN night/NN below/IN the/DT snow-line/NN on/IN the/DT western/JJ slope/NN of/IN the/DT pass,/NN where/WRB his/PRP$ jaded/JJ animals/NNS would/MD again/RB find/VB grass./NNP He/PRP walked,/VBD leading/VBG Pathfinder/NN and/CC gnawing/NN on/IN jerked/VBN venison/NN for/IN his/PRP$ breakfast./NN The/DT footprints/NNS of/IN the/DT man/NN ahead/RB still/RB showed/VBD plainly/RB in/IN the/DT snow,/NN and/CC while/IN they/PRP gave/VBD no/DT indication/NN of/IN exhaustion/NN or/CC a/DT slackening/NN of/IN pace,/NN D'Arcy/NNP presently/RB had/VBD indubitable/JJ evidence/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD catching/VBG up/RP with/IN the/DT man./NN The/DT snow-crystals/NNS that/IN fringed/JJ his/PRP$ footprints/NNS were/VBD not/RB frozen/VBN solid,/NN and/CC once/RB D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD a/DT tiny/JJ wisp/NN of/IN smoke/NN rising/VBG out/RB of/IN the/DT snow;/NN upon/IN investigation/NN he/PRP discovered/VBD it/PRP to/TO be/VB the/DT dottle/NN from/IN a/DT pipe/NN recently/RB emptied./VBN From/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN D'Arcy/NNP halted/VBD to/TO rub/VB his/PRP$ eyes,/NN for/IN the/DT glare/NN of/IN the/DT sun/NN on/IN the/DT snow-field/NN was/VBD causing/VBG them/PRP to/TO smart/JJ and/CC water./DT He/PRP drew/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN well/RB down/IN and/CC stepped/VBD resolutely/RB forward./VBN Suddenly/RB a/DT rifle-shot/NN echoed/VBD through/IN the/DT pass/NN and/CC a/DT bullet/NN ripped/VBD through/IN the/DT heavy/JJ mass/NN of/IN hair/NN at/IN the/DT base/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP neck./, "A/NNP miss/NN is/VBZ as/RB good/JJ as/IN a/DT mile,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD his/PRP$ start/NN of/IN surprise/NN over,/, and/CC gazed/VBD about/IN him./PRP Up/IN the/DT hillside/NN he/PRP saw/VBD a/DT little/JJ thicket/NN of/IN young/JJ mountain/NN cedar/NN with/IN a/DT thin/JJ wisp/NN of/IN white/JJ smoke/NN floating/VBG out/RB of/IN it./DT Instantly/RB he/PRP mounted/VBD Pathfinder,/NNP drew/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC charged/VBD the/DT thicket,/JJ firing/NN into/IN it/PRP when/WRB in/IN range./NN "Don't/NN shoot!/NN For/IN God's/NNP sake,/NN don't!"/VBD a/DT man's/JJ voice/NN shrilled./VBD "Very/JJ well./, Come/VB out/RP with/IN both/DT hands/NNS above/IN your/PRP$ head./NN Leave/VB your/PRP$ rifle/NN there./. I'll/'' get/VB it/PRP presently."The/DT thicket/NN parted/VBD and/CC Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP emerged,/VBD hands/NNS uplifted,/IN blinking/NN in/IN the/DT strong/JJ sunlight./NN "I/CC suppose/VB you/PRP coveted/VBN my/PRP$ animals/NNS and/CC equipment,"/JJ Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP suggested/VBD almost/RB plaintively./NN "I'm/JJ hungry/JJ and/CC half/DT blind/JJ and/CC half/NN crazy,/VBD Mr.--er--""D'Arcy,/NNP Friend/NNP Cannon,/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy.""Forgive/NNP me,/, Mr./NNP D'Arcy.""Certainly,/NNP you/PRP superb/JJ ass,/NN certainly./. But/CC I'll/NNP keep/VBP an/DT eye/NN on/IN you/PRP for/IN all/DT that./DT Go/VB back/RB and/CC pick/VB up/RP your/PRP$ rifle./NN No/DT time/NN for/IN mooning,/NN Friend/NNP Cannon./NNP We/PRP must/MD push/VB on/IN to/TO grass/NN tonight./NN Have/VBP some/DT of/IN this/DT jerked/VBD venison?/RB It/PRP will/MD stay/VB your/PRP$ hunger/NN pangs/NNS until/IN I/PRP can/MD prepare/VB a/DT good/JJ dinner."Cannon/NN hung/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "You're/RB mighty/JJ kind/NN to/TO me,/VB friend--""You/NNS conceited/VBN jackdaw!/NN In/IN the/DT event/NN of/IN more/JJR Indians,/IN two/CD rifles/NNS are/VBP better/JJR than/IN one,/NNS are/VBP they/PRP not?/RB Besides,/IN you/PRP know/VBP this/DT country/NN and/CC I/PRP do/VBP not./RB It's/PRP a/DT fine/JJ large/JJ country,/NN and/CC I/PRP think/VBP there's/DT room/NN for/IN both/DT of/IN us,/NNS provided/VBN you/PRP behave.""I/RB will,/, Mr./NNP D'Arcy,/NNP I/PRP will,"/MD Cannon/NNP promised/VBD fervently./NNP "To/NNP err/NN is/VBZ human,/JJ to/TO forgive/VB divine,/NN as/IN the/DT Good/NNP Book/NNP says.""I/RB imagine/VB you/PRP might/MD not/RB have/VB erred/VBN if/IN you/PRP hadn't/VBP been/VBN suffering/VBG from/IN a/DT touch/NN of/IN snow/NN ophthalmia./NN Ordinarily/RB you/PRP would/MD never/RB have/VB missed/VBN me/PRP at/IN such/JJ short/JJ range,/NN I/PRP dare/MD say./VB By/IN the/DT way,/NN how/WRB did/VBD you/PRP manage/VB to/TO escape/VB that/DT massacre/NN back/RB in/IN the/DT valley?""I'd/NN left/VBD camp/NN to/TO kill/VB an/DT elk/NN for/IN our/PRP$ party,/NN and/CC while/IN I/PRP was/VBD away/RB the/DT Indians/NNPS attacked./. When/WRB I/PRP got/VBD back/RB I/PRP found/VBD what/WP you/PRP found;/VBD I/PRP couldn't/MD do/VB nothin',/RB so/RB I--I--just/JJ kept/VBD on.""Well,/RB dubious/JJ as/IN your/PRP$ society/NN must/MD be,/VB Friend/NNP Cannon,/NNP I'm/NNP grateful/JJ for/IN it./NN Indeed,/NNP I'm/NNP fairly/RB madfor/JJ human/NN society,/NN but/CC if/IN I/PRP cannot/MD get/VB that,/DT inhuman/JJ society/NN will/MD do./RP Where/WRB were/VBD you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ party/NN bound?""To/NN trap/NN in/IN the/DT Tulares.""Ah!/NNP I/PRP take/VBP it,/PRP then,/, you/PRP know/VBP your/PRP$ way/NN about/IN the/DT Tulares.""I've/NN trapped/VBN there/RB two/CD years.""You/NNS can/MD lead/VB me/PRP to/TO the/DT Spanish/JJ settlements/NNS on/IN the/DT Pacific/NNP shore?""Happy/JJ to,/, Mr./NNP D'Arcy.""Thank/NNP you./, I/PRP accept/VBP your/PRP$ guidance./NN By/IN the/DT way,/JJ hand/NN me/PRP your/PRP$ powder-horn./NN I/PRP have/VBP never/RB heard/VBN of/IN a/DT rifle/NN doing/VBG much/JJ damage/NN unless/IN primed/VBN with/IN powder./DT $/$ Thank/VB you,/PRP$ my/PRP$ friend./NN You/PRP have/VBP a/DT pistol./NN Hand/NNP that/IN over,/JJ too.""It's/NNS empty,/VBP Mr./NNP D'Arcy./NNP My/PRP$ pistol/NN balls/NNS I/PRP left/VBD in/IN camp,/NN and/CC while/IN the/DT weapon/NN was/VBD loaded/VBN then,/DT I've/NN used/VBD every/DT charge/NN to/TO kill/VB sage-hens/NNS and/CC rabbits."D'Arcy/NN examined/VBD the/DT gun/NN and/CC discovered/VBD his/PRP$ prisoner/NN had/VBD not/RB lied./VBN He/PRP smiled/VBD grimly./VBG "Evidently/RB you're/JJ handier/NN with/IN a/DT pistol/NN than/IN with/IN a/DT rifle."Cannon/NN nodded,/RB a/DT bit/NN jauntily,/, now/RB that/IN he/PRP was/VBD convinced/VBN his/PRP$ life/NN would/MD not/RB be/VB forfeit/JJ because/IN of/IN his/PRP$ treachery./NN "As/IN a/DT traveling/VBG companion/NN you'll/NN prove/VB a/DT bit/NN of/IN an/DT embarrassment,/NN I'm/IN thinking./DT Well,/NNP no/DT matter./NN Your/PRP$ presence/NN will/MD make/VB the/DT journey/NN all/RB the/DT more/JJR interesting./NN How/WRB far/RB had/VBD you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ party/NN come/VB when/WRB I/PRP first/RB met/VBD you?""From/IN the/DT Mormon/NNP settlement/NN on/IN Great/NNP Salt/NNP Lake./NNP Where/WRB do/VBP you/PRP hail/VBP from?""I/PRP have/VBP ridden/VBN from/IN Springfield,/NNP Illinois."Cannon/NNP stared/VBD incredulously./VBG "Meet/NNP any/DT Indians?""Hundreds./NNP Fine/NNP fellows./VBD Nature's/NNP noblemen./JJS Poor/NNP divils!/JJ They/PRP haven't/VBP encountered/VBN sufficientwhite/JJ men/NNS as/IN yet/RB to/TO know/VB any/DT better/JJR than/IN to/TO behave./VB A/DT man/NN couldn't/MD find/VB grander/NN hospitality/NN in/IN county/NN Galway.""I/NNP don't/VBD understand/VB how/WRB you/PRP got/VBD through.""I'm/IN lucky--and/NN careful.""Any/NN friends/NNS in/IN Californy?""Divil/NNP a/DT one.""What/WP you/PRP intend/VBP doin'/NN when/WRB you/PRP git/VBP thar?""Lord/IN knows./VBG They/PRP tell/VBP me,/PRP however,/RB 'tis/VBZ a/DT grand/JJ country/NN for/IN a/DT poor/JJ man/NN to/TO get/VB his/PRP$ start.""Can/JJ that/IN horse/NN o'/IN yourn/NN run?""Like/NN a/DT hare./NN There's/RB not/RB a/DT drop/NN of/IN cold/JJ blood/NN in/IN him,/NNS and/CC he/PRP has/VBZ yet/RB to/TO meet/VB the/DT horse/NN that/IN didn't/RB have/VB a/DT look/NN at/IN the/DT tail/NN of/IN him./PRP He's/IN five/CD years/NNS old/JJ come/VBP Christmas/NNP day/NN next.""Then/RB take/VB my/PRP$ advice/NN and/CC do/VB some/DT horse-racing./NN Them/PRP greasers'll/JJ bet/VB their/PRP$ last/JJ cow/NN on/IN a/DT horse-race./NN It's/IN the/DT main/JJ sport/NN at/IN Monterey.""Indeed./NNP Well,/NNP now,/, that's/DT interesting./. What/WP distances/NNS do/VBP they/PRP run?""Most/VB of/IN their/PRP$ nags/NNS are/VBP quarter-horses;/JJ some/DT have/VBP enough/RB blood/NN to/TO run/VB the/DT half,/NN and/CC there/EX are/VBP mebbe/RB two/CD or/CC three/CD horses/NNS that/DT race/NN at/IN the/DT mile.""With/NN the/DT help/NN of/IN God/NNP and/CC Pathfinder/NNP here/RB I/PRP believe/VBP I'll/NNP go/VB into/IN the/DT cattle/NNS business,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP replied,/NN gravely/RB humorous./VBD "There's/RB an/DT easier/JJR way/NN than/IN that,"/DT Cannon/NNP suggested,/NN "if/IN you/PRP speak/VBP their/PRP$ lingo."D'Arcy/NN nodded./VBG "Why?"Cannon's/NNP hard/JJ face/NN wore/VBD a/DT smirk./NN "Marry/IN a/DT cattle/NNS ranch,"/NN he/PRP suggested./VBD D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD no/DT reply/NN to/TO this./DT It/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO him/PRP that/IN Cannon/NNP was/VBD presumptuous/JJ and/CC it/PRP was/VBD far/RB from/IN his/PRP$ intention/NN to/TO permit/VB the/DT slightest/JJS familiarity./NN They/PRP walked/VBD in/IN silence/NN the/DT remainder/NN of/IN that/DT day./NN At/IN dusk/NN they/PRP were/VBD far/RB enough/RB down/IN the/DT western/JJ slope/NN of/IN Walker's/NNP Pass/NNP to/TO find/VB grazing/JJ for/IN the/DT stock,/NN so/IN they/PRP camped/VBD there./DT During/IN the/DT day/NN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD shot/VBN two/CD grouse/NN and/CC they/PRP supped/VBD upon/IN these,/DT with/IN flapjacks/NNS and/CC black/JJ coffee,/NN Cannon/NNP doing/VBG the/DT cooking./NN At/IN the/DT conclusion/NN of/IN the/DT meal/NN the/DT fellow/NN glanced/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ captor./NN "Reckon/IN you've/NN forgiven/VBN me,/, Mr./NNP D'Arcy?"The/NNP exile/NN from/IN Erin/NNP laughed/VBD and/CC tossed/VBD him/PRP over/RP his/PRP$ plug/NN of/IN tobacco,/NN which/WDT Cannon/NNP received/VBD gratefully./NN "I/NNS have/VBP to/TO forgive/VB you,/PRP in/IN view/NN of/IN the/DT fact/NN that/IN there/EX is/VBZ no/DT law/NN here--and/CC if/IN there/EX was,/VBD where/WRB are/VBP my/PRP$ witnesses?/NN Your/PRP$ word/NN would/MD be/VB as/RB good/JJ as/IN mine.""You're/NN a/DT sensible/JJ feller,"/NN Cannon/NNP decided/VBD approvingly./DT "I/NNP am--for/POS which/WDT reason/NN I/PRP shall/MD tie/VB your/PRP$ hands/NNS behind/IN your/PRP$ back/NN when/WRB you/PRP turn/VBP in/IN for/IN the/DT night./NN I/PRP salvaged/VBD your/PRP$ horse/NN equipment,/NN so/RB you/PRP may/MD roll/VB yourself/PRP in/IN the/DT saddle-blanket/NN and/CC the/DT tarpaulins/NNS from/IN the/DT packs/NNS when/WRB you've/JJ finished/VBD your/PRP$ pipe./NN I/PRP can/MD see/VB in/IN your/PRP$ fishy/NN eye/NN a/DT plan/NN to/TO kill/VB me/PRP and/CC steal/VB my/PRP$ outfit/NN if/IN an/DT opportunity/NN presents/VBZ itself.""I/PRP give/VB you/PRP my/PRP$ word--""I'm/NN a/DT sensible/JJ man./NN Shut/VB up.""But/IN I/PRP can't/MD sleep/VB with/IN my/PRP$ hands/NNS tied/VBN behind/IN me.""Stay/NN awake,/VBP then./DT On/IN second/JJ thought,/IN I/PRP shall/MD tie/VB your/PRP$ ankles/NNS together./. Sleeping/NN men/NNS can/MD still/RB be/VB kicked/VBN to/TO death/NN by/IN a/DT big/JJ lummox/NN like/IN you./PRP And/CC be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO smoke/VB on/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ side/NN of/IN the/DT fire/NN whilst/IN I/PRP amuse/VBP myself."He/PRP produced/VBD a/DT small/JJ tin/NN flute/NN and/CC played/VBD with/IN great/JJ cheerfulness,/NN <songtitle>"I/IN Know/NNP My/NNP Love/NNP by/IN His/PRP$ Way/NN o'/IN Walkin',"</songtitle>/NNP <songtitle>"The/NNP Pretty/NNP Maid/NNP Milkin'/NNP Her/PRP$ Cow,"</songtitle>/NN and/CC <songtitle>"The/DT Bard/NNP of/IN Armagh."</songtitle>"You're/NNP a/DT funny/JJ feller,"/NN Cannon/NNP hazarded./VBD "You/PRP would/MD think/VB so,/NN of/IN course./DT The/DT joke's/NNS on/IN you."/NNP And/CC he/PRP rippled/VBD through/IN "The/DT Wind/NNP That/IN Shakes/NNP the/DT Barley."Cannon/NNP sighed,/NN prepared/VBD his/PRP$ bed/NN and/CC sat/VBD awaiting/VBG the/DT minstrel's/JJ pleasure/NN in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN binding/JJ him/PRP for/IN the/DT night./NN "There's/IN two/CD thin/JJ strips/NNS of/IN l$tigo/NN in/IN my/PRP$ saddle/NN pocket./NN Get/VB them/PRP for/IN me,/NN Mr./NNP Cannon,/NNP darlin',/, whilst/IN I/PRP play/VBP for/IN you/PRP 'Owen/. Roe's/NNP Lullaby.'/NNP You/PRP can/MD go/VB to/TO sleep/VB on/IN that."His/DT concert/NN concluded,/NN D'Arcy/NNP bade/NN Cannon/NNP lie/NN on/IN his/PRP$ belly/NN while/IN he/PRP bound/VBD him/PRP securely./RP "To/RB be/VB sure,/VBN you/PRP might/MD chafe/VB that/DT l$tigo/NN on/IN a/DT sharp/JJ bit/NN of/IN rock/NN and/CC cut/VBD it/PRP through/IN before/IN morning,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD and/CC tied/VBD a/DT spare/JJ shirt/NN around/IN the/DT bound/VBN hands./NN "Roll/NN over/IN into/IN your/PRP$ bed/NN now/RB and/CC I'll/RB tuck/VBD our/PRP$ little/JJ Baby/NNP Bunting/NNP in,"/, he/PRP commanded/VBD cheerfully./VBG "And/CC remember--the/DT Lord/NNP loveth/VBZ a/DT cheerful/JJ loser,/NN and/CC a/DT game/NN sport/NN never/RB knows/VBZ a/DT regret./NN Good/JJ night."He/NN kicked/VBD off/RP his/PRP$ boots,/NNS rolled/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ blankets/NNS with/IN a/DT great/JJ sigh/NN of/IN contentment,/NN and/CC was/VBD asleep/RB in/IN five/CD minutes./NN Cannon/NNP was/VBD sleeping/VBG so/RB soundly/RB next/JJ morning/NN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB know/VB he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN unbound/JJ until/IN D'Arcy/NNP jerked/VBD the/DT coverings/NNS off/RB and/CC awakened/VBD him/PRP with/IN a/DT not/RB too/RB gentle/JJ spurning/NN with/IN his/PRP$ boot./NN While/IN D'Arcy/NNP prepared/VBD breakfast/NN Cannon/NNP rounded/VBD up/RP the/DT stock,/NN saddled/VBN and/CC packed/VBN them./. That/WDT night/NN they/PRP camped/VBD in/IN a/DT lovely/JJ mountain/NN meadow/NN far/RB below/IN the/DT snow-line,/NN and/CC since/IN there/EX was/VBD an/DT abundance/NN of/IN grass,/NN feed,/NNS and/CC water,/NN and/CC the/DT stock/NN required/VBN food/NN and/CC rest,/NN they/PRP camped/VBD there/RB three/CD days./NN From/IN this/DT point/NN the/DT pass/NN dropped/VBD swiftly/RB toward/IN sea-level,/JJ and/CC presently,/NN from/IN the/DT heights,/NN they/PRP gazed/VBD out/RP above/IN another/DT wonderful/JJ valley,/NN shrouded/VBD in/IN a/DT faint/JJ bluish/NN haze./VBD The/DT prisoner/NN pointed./NN "There/RB are/VBP the/DT Tulares,/NNP Mr./NNP D'Arcy."They/NNP descended,/VBD marching/VBG through/IN an/DT empire/NN of/IN wild/JJ oats/NNS and/CC alfilerilla/NN knee-high,/JJ dotted/VBN with/IN wild/JJ flowers/NNS that/IN distilled/JJ a/DT fragrance/NN upon/IN the/DT land./NN Once/RB more/RBR they/PRP saw/VBD herds/NNS of/IN game,/NN but/CC of/IN humankind/NN there/EX was/VBD no/DT sign./NN "We/NNP cross/NN the/DT Tulares/NNP and/CC skirt/VB the/DT northern/JJ edge/NN of/IN a/DT great/JJ lake/NN that/WDT lies/VBZ off/IN yonder/NN to/TO the/DT westward,/JJ close/NN to/TO those/DT mountains,"/NNS Cannon/NNP announced./. "We/PRP may/MD meet/VB Injuns,/NNP but/CC they're/DT a/DT poor/JJ lot/NN and/CC afraid/JJ o'/IN guns./VBG There's/NNP a/DT desert/NN to/TO cross,/VB but/CC at/IN this/DT season/NN 'tain't/PRP difficult,/JJ and/CC we/PRP can/MD do,/VB it/PRP in/IN a/DT night./NN A/DT pass/NN leads/VBZ through/IN the/DT range/NN to/TO the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel."That/MD was/VBD a/DT delightful/JJ march/NN across/IN the/DT Tulares/NNS and/CC even/RB the/DT baneful/JJ presence/NN of/IN Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP failed/VBD to/TO detract/VB from/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy's/NNP enjoyment/NN of/IN the/DT wild/JJ beauty/NN through/IN which/WDT they/PRP had/VBD wandered./VBN In/IN all/DT that/IN vast/JJ country/NN there/EX were/VBD no/DT Spanish/JJ ranchos,/NN the/DT feeble/JJ civilization/NN of/IN Spain/NNP never/RB having/VBG extended/VBN beyond/IN the/DT coastal/JJ plain/NN at/IN the/DT foot/NN of/IN the/DT Coast/NNP Range./NNP They/PRP were/VBD fortunate,/RB too,/RB in/IN not/RB meeting/VBG Indians,/NNP and/CC as/IN they/PRP traveled/VBD by/IN easy/JJ stages,/NN Pathfinder,/NNP Shawneen,/NNP and/CC Michael,/NNP as/IN Cannon/NNP expressed/VBD it,/IN "fleshed/VBN up."/NNS Even/RB in/IN that/DT barren/JJ strip/NN of/IN country/NN now/RB known/VBN as/IN the/DT Kern/NNP desert,/NN grass/NN was/VBD plentiful/JJ and/CC pools/NNS of/IN water/NN from/IN a/DT late/JJ rain/NN lay/VBD in/IN the/DT arroyos,/NN in/IN consequence/NN of/IN which/WDT they/PRP did/VBD not/RB have/VB to/TO travel/VB by/IN night./NN At/IN the/DT western/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT pass/NN leading/VBG to/TO Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel/NNP they/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT Chalame/NNP Rancho,/NNP where/WRB the/DT hacendado,/NN Se$or/NNP Juan/NNP Barilla,/NNPS gave/VBD them/PRP courteous/JJ and/CC unstinted/JJ welcome./, Here/RB they/PRP rested/VBD three/CD days,/NN Cannon,/NNP at/IN D'Arcy's/NNP suggestion,/VBD faring/VBG with/IN the/DT ranch/NN hands/NNS while/IN the/DT latter/NN occupied/VBD a/DT guest-chamber/NN in/IN the/DT adobe/NN hacienda./NN Cannon/NNP came/VBD to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP room/NN on/IN the/DT morning/NN of/IN their/PRP$ departure./NN "Well,/IN what/WP do/VBP you/PRP want?"/VB D'Arcy/NNP demanded/VBD acidly./NN "You/RB told/VBD me/PRP you/PRP were/VBD a/DT poor/JJ man.""Well?""Don't/NN be/VB in/IN too/RB big/JJ a/DT hurry/NN to/TO leave."/VB The/DT fellow/NN winked/VBD mysteriously./PRP "There's/VBD a/DT surprise/NN comin'.""I/NN like/IN surprises,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP replied,/NN and/CC waited./VBD Presently/RB an/DT Indian/JJ servant/NN entered,/NN laid/VBN upon/IN the/DT dresser/NN two/CD buckskin/NN bags/NNS and/CC departed/VBD wordlessly./DT Cannon/NNP opened/VBD them/PRP and/CC rolled/VBD out/RP upon/IN the/DT dresser/NN from/IN each/DT fifty/CD dollars/NNS in/IN United/NNP States/NNP gold./NNP "What/NN is/VBZ this/DT for,/JJ Cannon?""For/JJ us,/NN of/IN course.""But/NN why?/NN I,/NN at/IN least,/NNS have/VBP not/RB requested/VBN a/DT loan/NN from/IN our/PRP$ host.""Of/NN course/NN you/PRP hain't,/, but/CC then/RB some/DT of/IN these/DT har/RB Californy/JJ dons/NNS carry/VBP hospitality/NN to/TO the/DT limit./NN You/PRP see,/VBP Mr./NNP D'Arcy,/NNP these/DT greasers/NNS are/VBP always/RB mighty/JJ polite,/NN and/CC Barilla/NNP is/VBZ too/RB polite/JJ to/TO offer/VB the/DT money/NN openly,/NN on/IN account/NN maybe/RB of/IN hurtin'/NN our/PRP$ feelin's./'' So/IN he/PRP just/RB has/VBZ it/PRP left/VBD in/IN the/DT room./NN If/IN we/PRP want/VBP it,/IN we/PRP take/VBP it./PRP If/IN we/PRP don't,/VBP we/PRP leave/VBP it./PRP It's/VBZ up/RP to/TO us,/VB understand?""I/IN understand./NNP Don/NNP Juan/NNP Barilla/NNP is/VBZ too/RB fine/JJ to/TO question/VB us/PRP as/IN to/TO our/PRP$ poverty/NN and/CC too/RB great-hearted/JJ to/TO see/VB us/PRP depart/VB penniless/JJ and/CC perhaps/RB hopeless,/VB from/IN the/DT hospitality/NN of/IN his/PRP$ home./NN If/IN we/PRP accept/VBP this/DT gold/NN I/PRP suppose/VBP there/EX is/VBZ no/DT obligation/NN on/IN our/PRP$ part/NN to/TO return/VB it.""Hell,/IN no./DT These/DT greasers/NNS are/VBP all/DT so/RB rich/JJ they/PRP don't/RB miss/VBP a/DT few/JJ dollars.""I/NNS see./VBD They/PRP are/VBP muy/RB caballero./VBG Well,/NNP it's/IN a/DT long/JJ way/NN from/IN Galway/NNP to/TO the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel,/NNP but/CC there/EX are/VBP real/JJ gentlemen/NNS at/IN both/DT ends/NNS of/IN the/DT trail./NN I/PRP could/MD use/VB this/DT money/NN but--I/CC shall/MD not.""Why/RB not,/RB D'Arcy?""I/NNP am/VBP Mr./NNP D'Arcy/NNP to/TO you./PRP Never/RB forget/VB that,/DT animal./RBS And/CC do/VBP not/RB question/VB my/PRP$ motives./NN You/PRP are/VBP too/RB low-bred/JJ to/TO understand/VB them."'"Well,/PRP you/PRP refuse/VBP yours/PRP if/IN you/PRP feel/VBP that/DT way/NN about/IN it,/PRP but/CC I'm/PRP no/DT fine/JJ gentleman./NN I'll/NN take/VBP mine.""Put/NN it/PRP back,/RB you/PRP scum,"/VBP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP roared./VBD "Man,/NNP I'm/NNP clean/JJ busted.""That/NN is/VBZ immaterial./JJ Put/JJ it/PRP back."Cannon/RB met/VBD D'Arcy's/NNP fierce/JJ gaze/NN unflinchingly./RB On/IN the/DT trail/NN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN meek,/RB servile,/VBN unresisting,/JJ but/CC now/RB that/IN he/PRP found/VBD himself/PRP in/IN civilization/NN he/PRP felt/VBD he/PRP could/MD afford/VB again/RB to/TO be/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ man./NN As/IN the/DT two/CD looked/VBD into/IN each/DT other's/JJ eyes/NNS the/DT thought/NN came/VBD to/TO D'Arcy/NNP that/IN Cannon/NNP was/VBD not/RB without/IN a/DT certain/JJ animal/NN courage./NN "Give/VBP me/PRP that/IN purse,/NN you/PRP filthy/JJ rogue,/NN or/CC but/CC one/CD of/IN us/PRP shall/MD leave/VB this/DT hacienda/NN alive!""So/RB you'd/MD shoot/VB an/DT unarmed/JJ man,/NN would/MD you?""No!/VB I'll/NNP kill/VB you/PRP with/IN my/PRP$ naked/JJ hands."Reluctantly/RB Cannon/NNP handed/VBD him/PRP the/DT purse./NN "Perhaps/RB me/PRP and/CC you'll/JJ meet/VBP again/RB sometime,"/RB he/PRP hinted/VBD darkly./VBG "Well,/RB seein'/VBN as/IN how/WRB I/PRP arrived/VBD afoot,/RB with/IN you/PRP mounted,/, Don/NNP Juan/NNP has/VBZ give/VB me/PRP a/DT mustang/NN to/TO fit/VB my/PRP$ saddle/NN and/CC bridle./NN I/PRP can/MD keep/VB the/DT horse,/NN I/PRP reckon.""I/VBP shall/MD pay/VB for/IN the/DT mustang./NN Horses/NNS must/MD be/VB very/RB cheap/JJ here./. Get/VB out."At/JJ parting,/RB D'Arcy/NNP insisted/VBD upon/IN paying/VBG Don/NNP Juan/NNP Barilla/NNP for/IN the/DT horse./NN "It/NN is/VBZ nothing,"/RB the/DT old/JJ grandee/NN protested./NN "We/NN have/VBP here/RB many/JJ horses/NNS and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT custom/NN to/TO give/VB all/DT dismounted/VBN guests/NNS a/DT horse.""A/NN sweet/JJ custom,/NN too,/, my/PRP$ host,/NN and/CC grateful/JJ indeed/RB must/MD be/VB the/DT guest/NN whose/WP$ purse/NN is/VBZ too/RB flat/JJ to/TO permit/VB of/IN the/DT purchase/NN of/IN a/DT horse./NN Already/RB we/PRP are/VBP your/PRP$ debtors/NNS for/IN food/NN and/CC shelter;/NN it/PRP will/MD be/VB an/DT added/VBN kindness/NN to/TO permit/VB payment/NN for/IN this/DT horse."Don/NN Juan/NNP Barilla/NNP shrugged/VBD and/CC spread/VBD his/PRP$ hands./NN As/IN you/PRP will,/MD Se$or./NNP The/DT animal/NN is/VBZ costly/JJ at/IN five/CD dollars./, Perhaps/RB if/IN you/PRP will/MD give/VB three/CD dollars,/NNS se$or,/VBD to/TO my/PRP$ majordomo,/NN that/WDT will/MD adjust/VB this/DT argument."D'Arcy/NN gave/VBD five/CD dollars/NNS to/TO the/DT majordomo/NN and/CC departed/VBD from/IN the/DT Chalame/NNP Rancho/NNP with/IN Don/NNP Juan's/NNP benediction,/IN the/DT sweetest/JJS in/IN any/DT language/NN and/CC now,/RB alas,/JJR no/RB longer/RB heard/VBN in/IN California./NNP "Vaya/NNP usted/VBD con/RB Dios./NNP Go/VB you/PRP with/IN God."I/NNP like/IN this/DT country,/NN Cannon,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP announced/VBD as/IN the/DT two/CD jogged/VBD toward/IN Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel/NNP with/IN Shawneen/NNP and/CC Michael/NNP mincing/NN along/IN in/IN front,/JJ occasionally/RB snatching/VBG mouthfuls/NNS of/IN herbage/NN along/IN the/DT trail./NN "You/PRP won't/VBD like/IN it/PRP very/RB long,/RB curse/VB you!"/PRP Cannon/NNP growled./VBN "I'll/RB make/VBP it/PRP too/RB hot/JJ to/TO hold/VB you.""Braggart,"/PRP$ the/DT Celt/NNP retorted,/NN and/CC got/VBD out/IN his/PRP$ tin/NN flute/NN to/TO beguile/VB the/DT long/JJ miles/NNS with/IN music./NN Where/WRB the/DT trail/NN from/IN the/DT Chalame/NNP cut/VB El/NNP Camino/NNP Real,/NNP the/DT rutted/JJ dusty/JJ highway/NN that/WDT connected/VBD all/DT of/IN the/DT missions/NNS from/IN Sonoma/NNP to/TO San/NNP Diego,/NNP Cannon/NNP pulled/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ horse./NN "I/NNS reckon/VBP I'll/JJ leave/VBP you/PRP here,/RB D'Arcy,"/NNP he/PRP said./VBD "A/DT few/JJ miles/NNS south/RB is/VBZ the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel,/NNP but/CC I/PRP aim/VBP to/TO push/VB on/IN to/TO Monterey./NNP Goin'/NNP to/TO give/VB me/PRP back/RB my/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC rifle?""Certainly./NN Get/VB off/IN your/PRP$ horse./NN I'm/NN also/RB going/VBG to/TO thrash/VB you/PRP for/IN shooting/VBG a/DT lock/NN of/IN hair/NN off/IN my/PRP$ sinful/JJ head./NN My/PRP$ rifle/NN isn't/NN loaded/VBN and/CC I'm/PRP going/VBG to/TO remove/VB all/DT the/DT percussion-caps/NNS from/IN my/PRP$ pistols/NNS and/CC put/VBD the/DT caps/NNS in/IN my/PRP$ pocket./NN That/DT precaution/NN is/VBZ taken/VBN in/IN order/NN that,/IN should/MD you/PRP succeed/VB in/IN upsetting/VBG me/PRP temporarily,/IN you/PRP cannot/MD run/VB for/IN a/DT gun/NN and/CC shoot/VB me.""I'm/PRP right/RB glad/JJ to/TO oblige/VB you,/JJ mister,"/NN Cannon/NNP cried/VBD exultantly,/RB and/CC dismounted./VBN "How're/IN we/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO fight?""Your/VB way--as/NNS an/DT animal/NN fights."There,/NN beside/IN El/NNP Camino/NNP Real,/NNP they/PRP fought./VBD But/CC not/RB long./RB As/IN Cannon/NNP rushed/VBD to/TO clinch,/VB he/PRP brought/VBD his/PRP$ right/NN knee/NN up/IN viciously./DT But/CC his/PRP$ opponent's/JJ body/NN was/VBD not/RB there/RB to/TO receive/VB it./PRP A/DT straight/JJ left/NN under/IN the/DT chin/NN tilted/VBD Cannon's/NNP shaggy/JJ head/NN backward,/RB and/CC the/DT shock/NN of/IN the/DT blow,/NN traveling/VBG along/IN his/PRP$ jaw-bone/NN to/TO the/DT brain,/NN sent/VBD him/PRP reeling./VBG Recovering/VBG his/PRP$ balance,/NN he/PRP shielded/VBD his/PRP$ face/NN with/IN his/PRP$ great/JJ arms/NNS and/CC rushed/VBD again,/RB only/RB to/TO have/VB a/DT devil's/NN tattoo/RB beaten/VBN on/IN his/PRP$ unprotected/JJ abdomen;/NN when/WRB he/PRP dropped/VBD his/PRP$ arms/NNS and/CC bent/VBD double,/RB half/RB a/DT dozen/NN wicked/JJ blows/NNS smashed/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ face/NN and/CC straightened/VBD him/PRP up/RP again./RB "Enough!"/IN he/PRP cried,/VBD realizing/VBG the/DT futility/NN of/IN defending/VBG himself/PRP against/IN such/JJ scientific/JJ onslaught./NN "I/RB shall/MD be/VB the/DT judge/NN of/IN that,"/DT D'Arcy/NNP retorted,/NN and/CC walked/VBD around/IN his/PRP$ man,/NN cutting/VBG him,/PRP flattening/VBG his/PRP$ nose,/NN closing/VBG his/PRP$ eyes,/NN loosening/VBG his/PRP$ teeth,/NNS eventually/RB knocking/VBG Cannon/NNP senseless./NN Beside/IN the/DT fallen/JJ man/NN he/PRP tossed/VBD powder-horn,/JJ rifle,/NN and/CC empty/JJ pistol,/NN wiped/VBD his/PRP$ skinned/JJ knuckles/NNS on/IN Cannon's/NNP shirt,/NNS mounted/VBD Pathfinder/NNP and/CC turned/VBD south/RB along/IN El/NNP Camino/NNP Real,/NNP nor/CC cast/VBD one/CD anxious/JJ look/NN behind/IN until/IN a/DT patter/NN of/IN hoofs/NNS caused/VBD him/PRP to/TO do/VB so./DT A/DT horseman/NN was/VBD approaching/VBG at/IN the/DT fast/JJ running/VBG walk/NN to/TO which/WDT California/NNP riders/NNS of/IN that/DT period/NN trained/VBN their/PRP$ mounts,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD that/IN the/DT stranger/NN was/VBD a/DT Hispano-Californian,/JJ evidently/RB of/IN the/DT better/JJR class./NN He/PRP moved/VBD courteously/RB to/TO the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT trail/NN to/TO permit/VB the/DT man/NN to/TO pass,/VB but/CC instead/RB the/DT latter/NN pulled/VBD up/RP alongside/IN him,/PRP raised/VBD his/PRP$ conical-shaped/JJ hat,/NN fringed/VBN with/IN little/JJ silver/NN bells/NNS on/IN the/DT brim,/NN and/CC said/VBD pleasantly:"Good/JJ afternoon,/IN sir./NN Do/VBP you/PRP speak/VB Spanish?""I/NNP do,/, sir,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP answered/VBD him/PRP pleasantly,/VB in/IN the/DT same/JJ language./NN "I/NN had/VBD thought,/VBN judging/VBG by/IN your/PRP$ raiment/NN and/CC the/DT manner/NN in/IN which/WDT you/PRP fight,/VBP that/IN you/PRP were/VBD a/DT gringo,/NN but/CC your/PRP$ Spanish/NNP is/VBZ without/IN an/DT accent./NN And/CC now/RB that/IN I/PRP look/VBP closer,/RB I/PRP observe/VBP that/IN you/PRP are/VBP of/IN our/PRP$ people."Dermod/NN D'Arcy/NNP grinned./VBD "I/NN am/VBP an/DT Irishman,/NNPS but/CC who/WP can/MD tell/VB how/WRB much/JJ Spanish/JJ blood/NN there/EX may/MD be/VB in/IN an/DT Irishman/NN from/IN the/DT West?"/NNP And/CC he/PRP named/VBD himself./PRP "Ah,/IN D'Arcy./NNP That/DT sounds/VBZ French,"/IN the/DT Californian/NNP suggested/VBD after/IN the/DT other/JJ had/VBD spelled/VBN the/DT name./NN "It/NN was/VBD the/DT fashion/NN of/IN the/DT French,/NNP in/IN days/NNS gone/VBN by,/RB to/TO come/VB to/TO Ireland/NNP to/TO help/VB us/PRP whip/VB the/DT English./NNP The/DT first/JJ D'Arcy/NNP of/IN our/PRP$ line,/NN however,/RB fled/VBD to/TO Ireland/NNP to/TO escape/VB the/DT Massacre/NNP of/IN St./NNP Bartholomew./NNP But/CC that/DT was/VBD a/DT long/JJ time/NN ago/RB and/CC I/PRP fear/VBP we/PRP are/VBP preponderantly/RB Irish/JJ now.""Pardon/RB me./, I/PRP am/VBP remiss/JJ in/IN politeness,/NNS sir./. My/PRP$ name/NN is/VBZ Carlos/NNP Felipe/NNP Maria/NNP Antonio/NNP Sanchez/NNP y/NN Montalvo./NNP May/MD I/PRP be/VB accorded/VBN the/DT pleasure/NN of/IN riding/VBG with/IN you?/JJ I/PRP am/VBP bound/VBN to/TO my/PRP$ rancho/NN close/RB to/TO the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel.""Certainly./NNP I/PRP am/VBP honored./VBN I,/IN too,/RB ride/VB to/TO the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Miguel./NNP Is/VBZ there/EX an/DT inn/NN in/IN San/NNP Miguel?""Yes,/IN you/PRP are/VBP a/DT gringo--a/JJ newcomer,/NN after/IN all,/NN else/RB you/PRP would/MD know/VB that/IN in/IN California/NNP there/EX are/VBP no/DT inns./NN You/PRP are/VBP welcome/JJ to/TO my/PRP$ poor/JJ house."Dermod/NN D'Arcy/NNP extended/VBD his/PRP$ hand,/NN then/RB seeing/VBG that/IN it/PRP was/VBD gory,/JJ apologized/VBD and/CC withdrew/VBD it./PRP "I/RB accept/VB your/PRP$ invitation,/NN Se$or/IN Montalvo,/NNP in/IN the/DT generous/JJ spirit/NN in/IN which/WDT it/PRP is/VBZ extended./VBN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT friends/NNS in/IN your/PRP$ California,/NNP and/CC to/TO a/DT stranger--""I/NN must/MD beg/VB to/TO disagree/VB with/IN you,/JJ Se$or/NN D'Arcy./NNP You/PRP ride/VBP with/IN a/DT friend/NN and/CC presently/RB you/PRP will/MD be/VB among/IN other/JJ friends./NN Is/VBZ it/PRP permitted/VBN to/TO inquire/VB why/WRB you/PRP fought/VBD with/IN that/DT bearded/JJ fellow/NN back/RB yonder?"Briefly/RB D'Arcy/NNP explained./VBD "Then/RB that/DT was/VBD a/DT meritorious/JJ deed,/NN Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,"/NNP Montalvo/NNP commented./, "Alas,/IN we/PRP have/VBP many/JJ such/JJ ruffians/NNS among/IN the/DT Americans/NNPS here.""Gentlemen/RB do/VBP not/RB constitute/VB the/DT vanguard/NN of/IN new/JJ civilizations,/NNS Se$or/IN Montalvo./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ the/DT rough,/NNS the/DT hardy/JJ and/CC the/DT ruthless/JJ who/WP press/VBP forward/RB and/CC pave/VB the/DT way/NN for/IN new/JJ tides/NNS of/IN conquest.""Ah,/NN they/PRP will/MD come/VB in/IN great/JJ numbers/NNS now,"/, the/DT Californian/NNP replied/VBD sadly./VBG "Every/DT ship/NN brings/VBZ them/PRP in/RP from/IN Mexico,/NNP and/CC when/WRB the/DT news/NN of/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN reaches/VBZ your/PRP$ country/NN they/PRP will/MD come/VB like/IN the/DT grasshoppers/NNS in/IN a/DT dry/JJ year.""Gold?/NN You/PRP say/VBP gold/NN has/VBZ been/VBN discovered/VBN in/IN California?"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP cried/VBD sharply./NN "Indeed,/IN Se$or/NNP Montalvo,/NNP I/PRP had/VBD not/RB heard/VBN that/IN news.""It/NN is/VBZ true./DT Each/DT traveler/NN from/IN the/DT north/NN brings/VBZ the/DT story/NN and/CC already/RB all/DT of/IN the/DT gringos/NNS and/CC some/DT of/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ young/JJ men/NNS have/VBP departed/VBN to/TO dig/VB for/IN gold/NN in/IN the/DT Sierra./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ sad/JJ to/TO note/VB the/DT greed,/NN the/DT wild/JJ excitement/NN this/DT discovery/NN arouses/VBZ everywhere./DT There/EX is/VBZ no/DT other/JJ topic/NN of/IN conversation/NN among/IN the/DT gringos."/NNS Se$or/NNP Montalvo/NNP sighed/VBD and/CC his/PRP$ fine,/JJ middle-aged/JJ countenance/NN saddened./VBN "It/NNP will/MD be/VB a/DT curse/NN upon/IN California,"/NNP he/PRP added./VBD "Is/IN this/DT gold/NN plentiful/JJ and/CC easy/JJ to/TO come/VB at?"/IN D'Arcy/NNP queried/VBD eagerly./DT "You/NNS understand,/IN of/IN course,/NN Se$or/NNP Montalvo,/NNP that/IN I/PRP am/VBP much/JJ interested,/NN for/IN I/PRP too/RB am/VBP a/DT gringo.""It/NN lies/VBZ in/IN the/DT beds/NNS of/IN the/DT streams,/NN washed/VBD down,/IN I/PRP am/VBP informed,/VBN from/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP in/IN bygone/CD ages./NN A/DT man/NN named/VBN Marshall,/NNP an/DT employee/NN of/IN the/DT man/NN Sutter,/NNP who/WP has/VBZ the/DT fort/NN and/CC the/DT great/JJ plantations/NNS on/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP River,/NNP found/VBD it/PRP in/IN the/DT river/NN at/IN Coloma,/NNP while/IN preparing/VBG the/DT foundations/NNS for/IN a/DT sawmill/NN which/WDT this/DT manSutter/NN sought/VBD to/TO build./VB It/PRP is/VBZ in/IN coarse/JJ flakes/NNS and/CC small/JJ lumps,/NN from/IN the/DT size/NN of/IN a/DT pin-head/NN to/TO an/DT egg,/NN and/CC is/VBZ to/TO be/VB found/VBN in/IN the/DT sand-bars/NNS when/WRB the/DT water/NN is/VBZ low/JJ in/IN the/DT streams./NNP Other/JJ than/IN that/IN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB informed,/JJ nor/CC have/VBP I/PRP the/DT slightest/JJS interest/NN in/IN gold-mining."/JJ He/PRP passed/VBD a/DT package/NN of/IN Mexican/JJ cigarettes/NNS to/TO D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP selected/VBD one./RP "When/WRB we/PRP arrive/VBP at/IN my/PRP$ hacienda,"/NN the/DT Californian/JJ continued,/NN "it/NN would/MD be/VB well/RB to/TO bathe/VB those/DT injured/VBN knuckles/NNS in/IN aguardiente.""You/NNS are/VBP very/RB kind,/JJ Se$or/NNP Montalvo."Se$or/NNP Montalvo/NNP waved/VBD a/DT deprecating/JJ hand/NN and/CC edged/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT extreme/JJ left/NN of/IN the/DT road,/NN the/DT better/JJR to/TO make/VB a/DT critical/JJ appraisal/NN of/IN Pathfinder./NNP "By/IN our/PRP$ Lady/NNP la/NNP Pur$sima,"/NNP he/PRP declared,/VBD "that/, is/VBZ a/DT horse!"Thus,/NN casually/RB did/VBD he/PRP dismiss/VB further/JJ discussion/NN of/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN in/IN California,/NNP a/DT discovery/NN that/WDT was/VBD to/TO enthrall/VB the/DT entire/JJ civilized/JJ world,/NN create/VBP new/JJ destinies/NNS and/CC hasten,/VBZ perhaps/RB by/IN a/DT century,/NN the/DT upbuilding/NN of/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNP of/IN America/NNP from/IN the/DT Mississippi/NNP River/NNP west./VBD "To/RB secure/VB this/DT gold,/NN then,"/, D'Arcy/NNP persisted,/, "nothing/NN is/VBZ required/VBN of/IN a/DT man/NN save/IN the/DT ability/NN and/CC the/DT will/NN to/TO take/VB it./PRP Is/VBZ that/IN not/RB so?""Thus/RB runs/VBZ the/DT tale,/NN se$or./NN Two/CD days/NNS ago,/RB in/IN Monterey,/NNP I/PRP met/VBD a/DT friend,/NN a/DT gentleman/NN in/IN whose/WP$ veracity/NN I/PRP have/VBP the/DT utmost/JJ confidence,/NN and/CC to/TO me/PRP he/PRP related/VBD having/VBG seen/VBN in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP a/DT gringo/NN with/IN a/DT bag/NN of/IN new/JJ gold/NN weighing/VBG twelve/CD pounds,/NNS and/CC this/DT the/DT result/NN of/IN one/CD week/NN of/IN labor/NN on/IN a/DT stream.""By/NN the/DT toe-nails/NNS of/IN Moses,"/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP declared/VBD in/IN English,/NNP "I've/NN arrived/VBD in/IN California/NNP just/RB in/IN the/DT nick/NN of/IN time."Montalvo/NN glanced/VBD at/IN him/PRP sharply/RB and/CC saw/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ slightly/RB heightened/VBN color/NN and/CC the/DT far-away/JJ gleam/NN in/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS that/IN the/DT tale/NN of/IN gold/NN had/VBD gripped/VBN him./PRP "You/PRP willhave/VBP the/DT madness,/JJ like/IN all/DT gringos,"/NNS he/PRP prophesied./VBD "But/RB for/IN the/DT present,/NN tell/VB me,/PRP se$or,/NN if/IN you/PRP please,/VBP of/IN the/DT breeding/NN of/IN your/PRP$ horse,/NN and/CC if/IN perhaps/RB you/PRP would/MD consider/VB selling/VBG him/PRP to/TO me./PRP He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT stallion,/NN I/PRP observe,/VBD and/CC thus/RB the/DT more/JJR valuable./NN I/PRP would/MD give/VB much/JJ to/TO own/VB that/DT horse.""I/NNS fear/VBP I/PRP haven't/VBP the/DT heart/NN to/TO sell/VB him,/PRP Se$or/NNP Montalvo,/NNP but/CC if/IN you/PRP would/MD care/VB to/TO have/VB some/DT foals/NNS by/IN him/PRP out/IN of/IN your/PRP$ best/JJS mares,/NN then/RB he/PRP is/VBZ yours."The/DT Californian's/JJ face/NN glowed/VBD with/IN delight./NN "I/NNS have/VBP indeed/RB met/VBN you,/JJ Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP in/IN a/DT fortunate/JJ moment./NN You/PRP are/VBP a/DT different/JJ gringo,/NN and/CC I/PRP shall/MD have/VB great/JJ pleasure/NN in/IN presenting/VBG you/PRP to/TO all/DT of/IN my/PRP$ friends,/NN who/WP will/MD welcome/VB you/PRP for/IN my/PRP$ sake./NN Yes,/RB you/PRP are/VBP a/DT fine/JJ fellow./NN You/PRP must/MD spend/VB many/JJ months/NNS with/IN me./NN I/PRP will/MD arrange/VB a/DT great/JJ baile/NN to/TO do/VB you/PRP honor/VB and--but/CC tell/VB me,/NNS se$or,/NNS can/MD this/DT noble/JJ animal/NN run?/NN A/DT little,/JJ no?/NN Ah,/NNS do/VBP not/RB desolate/JJ me/PRP with/IN the/DT statement/NN that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ not/RB as/RB fleet/JJ as/IN a/DT deer.""He/JJ can,/NN I/PRP think,/VBP Se$or/NNP Montalvo,/NNP outrun/IN any/DT horse/NN in/IN California./NNP He/PRP is/VBZ of/IN a/DT famous/JJ strain/NN and/CC the/DT blood/NN is/VBZ pure.""I/JJ am/VBP certain/JJ of/IN it,"/DT Montalvo/NNP cried/VBD enthusiastically./RB "And/CC I/PRP shall/MD have/VB colts/NNS by/IN him?/NN Of/IN a/DT certainty/NN I/PRP am/VBP a/DT happy/JJ man./NN Yes,/IN he/PRP has/VBZ in/IN his/PRP$ carriage/NN the/DT pride/NN that/WDT goes/VBZ with/IN royal/JJ blood./NN He/PRP has/VBZ a/DT powerful/JJ forehand,/JJ good/JJ ribs/NNS and/CC great/JJ haunches./NN Good/JJ hoofs,/NN too,/RB and/CC a/DT sweet/JJ disposition,/NN for/IN I/PRP mark/VBP he/PRP does/VBZ not/RB fight/VB the/DT bit./NN Se$or,/NN if/IN you/PRP will/MD consider/VB selling/VBG him/PRP to/TO me,/VB I/PRP will/MD give/VB to/TO you/PRP for/IN him/PRP five--no--ten/JJ thousand/CD head/NN of/IN my/PRP$ fattest/NN cattle.""Cattle/NNS would/MD be/VB an/DT embarrassment/NN to/TO me,/VB Se$or/NNP Montalvo./NNP I/PRP have/VBP no/DT lands/NNS upon/IN which/WDT to/TO graze/VB them./PRP Their/PRP$ flesh/NN is/VBZ valueless;/IN I/PRP could/MD sell/VB but/CC the/DT hide/NN and/CC tallow;/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB possess/VB sufficient/JJ capital/NN to/TO hire/VB mento/VBN slaughter/NN the/DT animals,/NN skin/NN them/PRP and/CC reduce/VB the/DT tallow;/NN nor/CC could/MD I/PRP haul/VB that/DT product/NN to/TO a/DT market/NN which/WDT is/VBZ uncertain/JJ and/CC dependent/JJ upon/IN the/DT casual/JJ arrival/NN of/IN a/DT ship/NN from/IN the/DT Atlantic/NNP seaboard./VBD Meanwhile/RB I/PRP would/MD be/VB afoot.""I/JJ will,/, then,/RB give/VB you/PRP five/CD thousand/CD head/NN and/CC my/PRP$ vaqueros/NNS shall/MD slaughter/NN them/PRP for/IN you,/JJ skin/NN the/DT carcasses/NNS and/CC render/VB the/DT tallow./JJS The/DT hides/NNS and/CC tallow/NN may/MD be/VB stored/VBN at/IN my/PRP$ warehouse/NN at/IN Monterey/NNP and/CC sold/VBD for/IN you/PRP with/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ hides/NNS and/CC tallow/NN when/WRB a/DT ship/NN arrives.""I/RB suppose/VB each/DT cow/NN would/MD then/RB net/VB me/PRP two/CD dollars/NNS gold.""Undoubtedly./. A/DT high/JJ price/NN for/IN a/DT horse,/NN se$or,/NN but/CC then/RB I/PRP have/VBP many/JJ cattle."But/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "If/IN what/WP you/PRP tell/VBP me/PRP of/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN be/VB but/CC half/DT true,/NN I/PRP would/MD be/VB foolish/JJ to/TO sell/VB my/PRP$ horse./NN It/PRP is/VBZ my/PRP$ purpose/NN to/TO find/VB some/DT gentleman/NN who/WP would/MD care/VB to/TO race/NN his/PRP$ horse/NN against/IN mine/NN for/IN a/DT modest/JJ stake./NN The/DT winning/NN of/IN this/DT stake/NN will/MD enable/VB me/PRP to/TO outfit/VB myself/PRP properly/RB for/IN the/DT journey/NN to/TO the/DT gold-diggings,/JJ employ/NN labor,/NN erect/JJ a/DT suitable/JJ habitation,/NN and/CC purchase/NN food.""I/NN am/VBP desolate,"/JJ Se$or/NNP Montalvo/NNP murmured./VBD "Did/NNP I/PRP not/RB tell/VB you/PRP this/DT gold/NN would/MD bring/VB a/DT curse/NN upon/IN California?/NNP Already/RB it/PRP is/VBZ interfering/VBG with/IN one/CD man's/NN happiness."/VBD A/DT HORSE-RACE/NNP was/VBD to/TO take/VB place/NN at/IN the/DT rancho/NN of/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa/NNP near/IN the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista./NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP was/VBD the/DT owner/NN of/IN a/DT black/JJ gelding/NN of/IN unrecorded/JJ breeding,/NN but/CC undoubtedly/RB a/DT splendid/JJ grade-thoroughbred,/NN and/CC known/VBN throughout/IN California/NNP as/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo--King/NNP of/IN the/DT World./NNP For/IN more/JJR than/IN a/DT year,/NN because/IN of/IN the/DT disturbed/VBN political/JJ conditions/NNS incident/NN to/TO the/DT Conquest/NNP and/CC the/DT Revolution,/NNP and/CC the/DT apparent/JJ impossibility/NN of/IN finding/VBG an/DT opponent/NN worthy/JJ to/TO oppose/VB this/DT acknowledged/VBN champion/NN of/IN champions,/NN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo/NNP had/VBD not/RB raced./VBN But/CC lately/RB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero,/NNP of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP in/IN Alta/NNP California,/NNP had/VBD purchased/VBN from/IN a/DT Kentuckian,/NNP who/WP had/VBD ridden/VBN her/PRP from/IN that/DT state,/NN a/DT black/JJ thoroughbred/JJ mare/NN that/IN answered/VBN to/TO the/DT comparatively/RB commonplace/JJ name/NN of/IN Kitty./NNP After/IN weeks/NNS of/IN training/NN and/CC tryouts/NNS against/IN the/DT fleetest/NN quarter-horses/NNS in/IN Alta/NNP California,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD tried/VBN Kitty/NNP at/IN the/DT half-mile,/NN then/RB the/DT three-quarter/NN and/CC finally/RB the/DT mile,/NN and/CC was/VBD thrilled/VBN beyond/IN measure/NN when/WRB his/PRP$ stop-watch/NN told/VBD him/PRP she/PRP was/VBD as/RB fast/RB as,/IN if/IN not/RB faster/RBR than/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo./NNP Forthwith/IN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP seething/NN with/IN an/DT uncontrollable/JJ desire/NN to/TO challenge/VB Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa/NNP to/TO a/DT match/NN race,/NN promptly/RB dispatched/VBD a/DT courier/NN bearing/VBG the/DT challenge./NN Now,/RB for/IN many/JJ months/NNS no/DT social/JJ affair/NN of/IN any/DT import/NN had/VBD occurred/VBN in/IN the/DT Santa/NNP Clara/NNP Valley;/NNP consequently/RB the/DT receipt/NN of/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP challenge/NN fell/VBD upon/IN the/DT restless/JJ souls/NNS of/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa/NNP and/CC hisfriends/NNS and/CC relatives/NNS with/IN something/NN of/IN the/DT effect/NN of/IN a/DT gentle/JJ rainfall/NN over/IN a/DT district/NN hitherto/IN arid./VBN They/PRP had/VBD heard/VBN rumors/NNS of/IN the/DT prowess/NN of/IN the/DT mare/NN Kitty/NNP and/CC had/VBD hoped/VBN for/IN a/DT match/NN race;/NN and/CC as/IN the/DT wager/NN proposed/VBN by/IN Don/NNP Jos$--five/NNP thousand/CD head/NN of/IN three-year-old/JJ steers--was/NNS in/IN consonance/NN with/IN the/DT importance/NN of/IN such/JJ a/DT sporting/NN event,/NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP promptly/RB accepted/VBD the/DT challenge/NN on/IN condition/NN that/IN the/DT race/NN be/VB held/VBN at/IN his/PRP$ rancho,/NN which,/, situated/VBN as/IN it/PRP was/VBD approximately/RB in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT state,/NN entailed/VBD no/DT unfair/JJ journey/NN on/IN the/DT part/NN of/IN the/DT gente/NNP de/NNP raz$n/NNP who/WP would/MD attend./VBN Moreover,/RB the/DT acceptance/NN of/IN this/DT stipulation/NN would/MD enable/VB Don/NNP Emilio/NNP to/TO dispense/VB hospitality/NN on/IN the/DT lavish/JJ scale/NN that/WDT always/RB delighted/VBD him./PRP He/PRP at/IN once/RB dispatched/VBN a/DT courier/NN to/TO the/DT south/NN as/RB far/RB as/IN San/NNP Diego/NNP to/TO carry/VB the/DT news/NN of/IN the/DT impending/JJ race/NN and/CC extend/VB invitations/NNS to/TO the/DT leading/VBG families/NNS to/TO attend/VB as/IN his/PRP$ guests./NN As/IN to/TO the/DT weights/NNS to/TO be/VB carried,/IN neither/DT Don/NNP Emilio/NNP nor/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP entered/VBD any/DT stipulation,/JJ since/IN horseracing/NN in/IN those/DT days/NNS was/VBD not/RB hedged/VBN about/IN and/CC safeguarded/VBD by/IN the/DT multitude/NN of/IN rules/NNS and/CC regulations/NNS that/WDT distinguish/VB the/DT sport/NN of/IN kings/NNS in/IN this/DT decadent/NN age./NN It/PRP was/VBD common/JJ knowledge/NN that/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo/NNP never/RB raced/VBD at/IN less/JJR than/IN a/DT mile/NN on/IN a/DT straightaway/JJ course--in/NN this/DT instance/NN a/DT well-harrowed/JJ road./NN A/DT mutual/JJ friend/NN would/MD act/VB as/IN starter/NN and/CC his/PRP$ labors/NNS in/IN this/DT connection/NN would/MD be/VB perfunctory,/RB since/IN there/EX would/MD be/VB no/DT jockeying/NN for/IN position;/NNS neither/CC would/MD there/EX be/VB interference/NN or/CC fouling;/VB if,/IN inadvertently,/JJ such/JJ occurred,/VBP the/DT race/NN would/MD merely/RB be/VB run/VBN again,/RB and/CC when/WRB the/DT winner/NN should/MD have/VB been/VBN declared,/VBG the/DT vaqueros/NNS of/IN the/DT vanquished/NN would/MD comb/NN the/DT plains/NNS and/CC draws/VBZ for/IN the/DT long-horned/JJ cattle/NNS that/WDT had/VBD been/VBN bet/VBN and/CC lost/VBN and/CC deliver/VB them/PRP to/TO the/DT victor--a/NN task,/NN in/IN this/DT case,/NN that/WDT would/MD not/RB be/VB completed/VBN until/IN fall!/NN Three/CD weeks/NNS before/IN the/DT day/NN set/VBD for/IN the/DT race/NN El/NNP Camino/NNP Real/NNP was/VBD thronged/VBN with/IN Californians/NNPS en/IN route/NN to/TO the/DT hacienda/NN of/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa./NNP Mounted/NNP on/IN their/PRP$ best/JJS horses/NNS bearing/VBG their/PRP$ gayest/NN and/CC most/RBS expensive/JJ harness,/NN the/DT dons/NNS and/CC their/PRP$ ladies,/NN followed/VBN by/IN their/PRP$ retainers,/NN jogged/VBD along/IN the/DT dusty,/JJ rutty/JJ trail./NN From/IN Sonoma/NNP came/VBD the/DT Vallejos;/NNP from/IN Contra/NNP Costa,/NNP the/DT Trujillos;/NNP from/IN Alameda,/NNP the/DT Peraltas/NNP and/CC Alvisos;/NNP from/IN the/DT Mission/NNP San/NNP Jos$,/IN the/DT Michelorenas;/NNP from/IN the/DT Mission/NNP Dolores,/NNP the/DT Sanchez;/NNP from/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Corral/NNP de/IN Tierra/NNP Palomares,/NNP the/DT De/NNP Haros;/NNP from/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Canyada/NNP at/IN San/NNP Mateo,/NNP the/DT Miramontes;/NNP from/IN the/DT Santa/NNP Clara/NNP Valley,/NNP the/DT American/NNP John/NNP Gilroy,/NNP the/DT Zabalas/NNP and/CC the/DT Cotas;/NNP from/IN Salinas,/NNP the/DT Artelans;/NNP from/IN Paso/NNP Robles,/NNP the/DT Villareals./NNP From/IN San/NNP Diego/NNP came/VBD the/DT Estudillos/NNP and/CC Bandinis;/NNP from/IN Santa/NNP Ana,/NNP the/DT Sepulvedas;/NNP from/IN San/NNP Gabriel,/NNP the/DT Lugos;/NNP and/CC from/IN Los/NNP Angeles,/NNP the/DT Dominquez./NNP In/IN ancient,/DT high-wheeled/JJ buggies,/NN rockaways,/NN and/CC victorias/NNS drawn/VBN by/IN skittish/JJ four-in-hands/NNS with/IN postilions/NNS up,/RB on/IN sleek/JJ mules,/NN on/IN burros,/NNS the/DT elderly/JJ women/NNS came./VBD In/IN heavy,/JJ rumbling,/NNS ox-drawn/JJ carretas/NNS the/DT peones/NNS and/CC their/PRP$ families/NNS rode,/VBD just/RB behind/IN the/DT hundreds/NNS of/IN gaily/RB appointed/VBN vaqueros./NN All/DT were/VBD in/IN holiday/NN garb./NN With/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN the/DT first/JJ families,/NN who/WP found/VBD unstinted/JJ welcome/JJ in/IN the/DT haciendas/NNS along/IN the/DT route/NN when/WRB night/NN overtook/VBD them,/, these/DT joyous/JJ pilgrims/NNS camped/VBD under/IN the/DT stars/NNS and/CC slept/VBD in/IN the/DT sweet/JJ grasses./NN A/DT steer,/NN hastily/RB driven/VBN in,/NN was/VBD slaughtered,/VBN barbecued/JJ and/CC eaten/VBN with/IN tortillas/NNS made/VBN on/IN the/DT spot,/NN the/DT rude/JJ meal/NN washed/VBD down/RB with/IN wine/NN furnished/VBN by/IN the/DT hacendado;/NN to/TO the/DT tinkling/NN of/IN guitars/NNS and/CC the/DT mellow/JJ piping/NN of/IN flutes/NNS these/DT children/NNS of/IN the/DT sun/NN danced/VBD and/CC laughed/VBD and/CC loved,/VBD happily/RB unmindful/JJ of/IN the/DT great/JJ tragedy/NN that/IN eventhen/RB was/VBD closing/VBG in/RP around/IN them,/PRP$ coincident/NN with/IN the/DT discovery/NN the/DT preceding/VBG February,/NNP in/IN the/DT race/NN at/IN Sutter's/NNP sawmill/NN on/IN the/DT American/NNP River,/NNP of/IN a/DT medium/NN of/IN exchange/NN which/WDT within/IN the/DT year/NN was/VBD to/TO replace/VB that/DT of/IN cattle./DT Although/IN the/DT germs/NNS of/IN the/DT gold-fever/NN were/VBD abroad/RB in/IN the/DT land,/NN these/DT people/NNS did/VBD not/RB know/VB it,/, or/CC knowing/VBG it,/PRP did/VBD not/RB believe/VB it,/PRP or/CC believing/VBG it,/IN attached/VBN no/DT importance/NN to/TO it./DT All/RB they/PRP knew/VBD or/CC cared/VBD was/VBD that/IN on/IN the/DT following/VBG Sunday/NNP a/DT great/JJ sporting/JJ event/NN was/VBD to/TO be/VB decided./VBN Next/RB to/TO their/PRP$ kith/NN and/CC kin/NN they/PRP loved/VBD a/DT horse,/NN and/CC with/IN the/DT devotion/NN of/IN loyal/JJ subjects/NNS they/PRP journeyed/VBD with/IN light/JJ feet/NNS and/CC light/NN hearts/NNS to/TO the/DT coronation/NN of/IN a/DT new/JJ king/NN of/IN the/DT California/NNP turf./NN At/IN the/DT fandango/NN to/TO follow/VB the/DT race--a/NN fandango/NN which/WDT would,/MD doubtless,/VB last/JJ not/RB less/JJR than/IN two/CD weeks--new/JJ loves/NNS would/MD be/VB awakened,/RB new/JJ family/NN alliances/NNS made;/VBD relatives/NNS would/MD be/VB met/VBN with/IN again,/DT gossip/NN would/MD be/VB exchanged,/VBN trades/NNS consummated,/VBP betrothals/RB arranged/VBN by/IN the/DT old/JJ folks,/NN the/DT prices/NNS of/IN hides/NNS and/CC tallow/NN would/MD be/VB discussed,/VBN and/CC perchance/IN some/DT effort/NN made/VBN to/TO stabilize/VB them./PRP What/WP a/DT golden/JJ age/NN was/VBD that/IN in/IN California/NNP prior/RB to/TO the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold!/NN Even/RB to/TO men/NNS whose/WP$ brown/JJ palms/NNS had/VBD never/RB closed/VBN over/IN a/DT gold/JJ coin/NN poverty/NN was/VBD unknown;/JJ no/DT man/NN went/VBD without/IN food/NN or/CC shelter/NN in/IN that/DT land/NN where/WRB glad/JJ giving/VBG was/VBD almost/RB a/DT religion,/NN where/WRB the/DT meanest/JJS crime/NN of/IN all/DT was/VBD to/TO be/VB niggardly./DT Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa,/NNP standing/VBG at/IN the/DT entrance/NN to/TO the/DT long/JJ avenue/NN of/IN palm-trees/NNS that/WDT led/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ hacienda,/NNS welcomed/VBD each/DT arrival/NN with/IN gracious/JJ words;/NN when/WRB he/PRP quitted/VBD his/PRP$ post/NN for/IN any/DT reason,/NN one/NN of/IN his/PRP$ sons/NNS took/VBD his/PRP$ place,/NN since/IN to/TO the/DT high/JJ task/NN of/IN dispensing/VBG an/DT invitation/NN to/TO the/DT hospitality/NN of/IN the/DT rancho/NN no/DT hireling/NN might/MD be/VB assigned./VBN Following/VBG his/PRP$ courtly/VBG greeting/NN to/TO each/DT new/JJ arrival,/NN whether/IN previously/RB known/VBN to/TO the/DT don/FW or/CC not,/RB ensued,/VB after/IN the/DT California/NNP habit,/VBD some/DT words/NNS of/IN light/NN badinage;/NN of/IN grave/NN merriment,/NNS a/DT sly/RB dig,/JJ perhaps,/NN as/IN to/TO the/DT quality/NN of/IN the/DT horse/NN the/DT stranger/NN bestrode,/IN a/DT mild/JJ complaint/NN of/IN visits/NNS made/VBN too/RB few/JJ and/CC far/RB between./, Then/RB the/DT visitor/NN would/MD dismount,/VB to/TO be/VB greeted/VBN at/IN the/DT hacienda/NN by/IN the/DT don's/NNS family,/NN while/IN Indian/NNP servants/NNS took/VBD charge/NN of/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC equipment./NN When/WRB all/DT of/IN the/DT guest-rooms/NNS of/IN the/DT rambling/JJ old/JJ hacienda/NN had/VBD been/VBN filled,/VBN the/DT overflow/NN was/VBD accommodated/VBN in/IN tents/NNS and/CC light-built/JJ outhouses/NNS thatched/. with/IN palm-leaves./NN At/IN the/DT entrance/NN to/TO the/DT palm-lined/JJ avenue/NN at/IN sunset/NN of/IN the/DT day/NN preceding/VBG the/DT great/JJ race,/NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son/NN Tomas/NNP waited/VBD to/TO greet/VB two/CD late/JJ arrivals./NN "Yonder,"/NN quoth/IN Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP "comes/VBZ our/PRP$ good/JJ friend/NN Carlos/NNP Montalvo,/NNP of/IN San/NNP Miguel,/NNP and/CC with/IN him/PRP rides/NNS a/DT gringo.""And/NN before/IN them/PRP they/PRP herd/NN two/CD laden/JJ mules,/, my/PRP$ father./NN Assuredly/RB this/DT gringo/NN can/MD be/VB no/DT friend/NN of/IN our/PRP$ friend./NN It/PRP must/MD be/VB that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT chance/NN traveler/NN met/VBN on/IN the/DT road."A/NN slight/JJ frown/IN passed/VBN over/IN Don/NNP Emilio's/NNP countenance./, The/DT insolence/NN of/IN Fr$mont/NNP and/CC Commodore/NNP Stockton,/NNP so/RB much/RB in/IN evidence/NN following/VBG the/DT raising/NN of/IN the/DT American/JJ flag/NN at/IN Monterey,/NNP and/CC the/DT violence/NN and/CC degradation/NN visited/VBD upon/IN his/PRP$ kinsman/NN Vallejo,/NNP during/IN the/DT Bear/NNP Flag/NNP revolt/NN at/IN Sonoma,/NNP were/VBD still/RB fresh/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ memory./NN He/PRP had/VBD learned/VBN to/TO distrust/VB foreigners,/NNS and/CC Americans/NNS in/IN particular./NN "They/PRP come,"/VBD he/PRP growled/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ beard./NN "There/RB must/MD be/VB a/DT thousand/CD of/IN these/DT Americans/NNPS in/IN California/NNP now./. But/CC yesterday/NN we/PRP were/VBD their/PRP$ hosts./NN Today/NN they/PRP bear/VBP themselves/PRP as/IN conquerors./VBG Bustling,/NNP eager,/JJ acquisitive,ruthless,/NN they/PRP despise/VBP us/PRP because/IN we/PRP are/VBP not/RB as/IN they./DT I/PRP like/IN them/PRP not."Don/RB Carlos/NNP waved/VBD his/PRP$ plumed/JJ hat,/NN trotted/VBD ahead/RB of/IN his/PRP$ companion,/NN dismounted/VBD and/CC embraced/VBD his/PRP$ friends./NN "You/PRP have/VBP a/DT companion,/NN Carlos?"/NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP queried,/IN his/PRP$ tone/NN indicating/VBG a/DT doubt/NN that/IN the/DT man/NN was/VBD a/DT friend/NN or/CC social/JJ equal/JJ yet/CC voicing/PDT a/DT willingness/NN to/TO receive/VB him/PRP in/IN whatever/WDT relation/NN he/PRP might/MD occupy./VB "A/NNP friend,"/IN Don/NNP Carlos/NNP corrected./, "A/NNP well-bred/JJ man/NN of/IN gentle/JJ manner/NN when/WRB not/RB aroused;/RB when/WRB he/PRP is,/VBZ I/PRP verily/RB believe,/VBP a/DT devil./NN He/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN my/PRP$ guest/NN for/IN the/DT past/JJ month/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP made/VBN bold/JJ to/TO bring/VB him/PRP with/IN me."The/PRP slight/JJ frown/IN faded/VBN from/IN the/DT host's/NN fine/JJ face./NN Montalvo/NNP presented/VBD Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP dismounted/VBD and/CC proffered/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO father/NN and/CC son./NN "You/NNS are/VBP welcome,/VBG my/PRP$ friend,"/NN the/DT former/JJ assured/VBN him./PRP "For/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ sake/NN as/RB well/RB as/IN that/IN of/IN Don/NNP Carlos./NNP My/PRP$ son/NN and/CC I/PRP regret/VBP that/IN we/PRP do/VBP not/RB speak/VB English.""It/NNP is/VBZ a/DT regret/NN wasted,/, se$or./VBD I/PRP speak/VBP Spanish.""So?/NNP I/PRP had/VBD thought/VBN our/PRP$ guest/NN an/DT American."It/NNP was/VBD patent/NN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP that/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP was/VBD experiencing/VBG a/DT modicum/NN of/IN relief/NN in/IN his/PRP$ disillusionment./NN "Although/IN Irish,/NNPS I/PRP have/VB sworn/VBN allegiance/NN to/TO the/DT American/NNP flag,/NN se$or./VBD And/CC I/PRP should/MD regret,"/VB he/PRP added,/VBD "to/TO think/VB that/IN I/PRP might/MD be/VB judged/VBN by/IN some/DT Americans/NNPS I/PRP have/VBP met/VBN since/IN entering/VBG California."Don/NNP Emilio/NNP covered/VBD the/DT situation/NN adroitly./MD "What/RB says/VBZ the/DT old/JJ Greek/NNP philosopher,/NN my/PRP$ friend?/NN 'We/. dislike/VB people/NNS because/IN we/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB them/PRP and/CC we/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB them/PRP because/IN we/PRP dislike/VBP them."'Retainers/NNS relieved/VBN them/PRP of/IN their/PRP$ horses/NNS and/CC the/DT pack-mules,/NN while/IN D'Arcy/NNP unbuckled/VBD the/DT belt/NN containing/VBG his/PRP$ knife/NN and/CC pistol/NN and/CC handed/VBD it/PRP to/TO Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP sincehe/. would/MD not/RB be/VB so/RB gross/JJ as/IN to/TO come/VB armed/VBN into/IN this/DT peaceful/JJ and/CC hospitable/JJ home./NN Father/NN and/CC son/NN exchanged/VBD glances,/JJ for/IN they/PRP judged/VBD men/NNS by/IN such/JJ evidences/NNS of/IN culture./NN "This/DT will/MD be/VB cared/VBN for/IN in/IN the/DT room/NN where/WRB we/PRP store/VBP our/PRP$ arms,/NNS se$or,"/VBP the/DT don/NN murmured,/NN and/CC handed/VBD the/DT belt/NN to/TO a/DT servant./NN "A/RB very/RB necessary/JJ equipment/NN when/WRB one/CD is/VBZ on/IN the/DT road,/NN but/CC an/DT annoyance/NN when/WRB one/PRP is/VBZ not./DT Carlos,/NNP I/PRP will/MD escort/VB you/PRP to/TO your/PRP$ quarters./NNP Tomas,/NNP I/PRP leave/VBP Se$or/NNP D'Arcy/NNP to/TO your/PRP$ care."Tomas/NNS led/VBD his/PRP$ charge/NN to/TO a/DT tent,/NN in/IN one/CD corner/NN of/IN which/WDT was/VBD a/DT pile/NN of/IN new/JJ clean/JJ hay/NN and/CC two/CD brightly/JJ colored/JJ blankets./NN The/DT only/JJ other/JJ furnishings/NNS were/VBD a/DT rude/JJ bench,/NN which/WDT held/VBD a/DT basin,/NN a/DT water/NN olla,/IN soap,/NNS and/CC towels./DT "My/JJ parents/NNS are/VBP desolated/VBN to/TO have/VB to/TO offer/VB you/PRP this/DT rude/JJ shelter,"/NN the/DT boy/NN explained./VBD "At/IN any/DT other/JJ time/NN we/PRP could/MD accommodate/VB you/PRP in/IN the/DT manner/NN to/TO which/WDT you/PRP are/VBP accustomed,/VBN but/CC tonight/RB we/PRP have/VBP many/JJ guests.""It/NN is/VBZ a/DT better/JJR shelter,/NN with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN the/DT room/NN I/PRP occupied/VBD at/IN Se$or/NNP Montalvo's/NNP ranch,/NN than/IN I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN accustomed/VBN to/TO for/IN a/DT year./NN By/IN the/DT way,/NN are/VBP there/RB many/JJ Americans/NNPS here?""Perhaps/NNPS fifty,/, se$or./VBD They/PRP are/VBP camped/VBN yonder./NNP The/DT majordomo/NN looks/VBZ after/IN them."D'Arcy/PRP smiled/VBD faintly,/RB aware/JJ that/IN his/PRP$ host/NN was/VBD not/RB averse/JJ to/TO giving/VBG him/PRP to/TO understand/VB that/IN he/PRP was/VBD being/VBG accepted/VBN as/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT gente/NNP de/IN raz$n./NNP "When/RB you/PRP have/VBP washed/VBN the/DT dust/NN of/IN travel/NN from/IN yourself,/PRP se$or,/VBD come/VBN to/TO the/DT colonnade/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda--the/JJ west/NN side./NN I/PRP shall/MD be/VB there/RB to/TO present/VB you/PRP to/TO our/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC to/TO see/VB that/IN you/PRP do/VBP not/RB retire/VB to/TO this/DT horse's/NN bed/NN hungry."/VBD He/PRP bowed,/VBD showed/VBD his/PRP$ white/JJ teeth/NNS in/IN a/DT winning/VBG smile,/NN and/CC withdrew./DT D'Arcy/NNP gazed/VBD after/IN him./PRP Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP was/VBD ar-rayed/JJ in/IN the/DT height/NN of/IN the/DT fashion/NN affected/VBN by/IN the/DT Hispano-California/NNP dandy/NN of/IN that/DT day./NN His/PRP$ hat/NN of/IN black/JJ beaver/NN had/VBD a/DT high,/JJ conical/JJ crown/NN and/CC wide,/JJ upturned/JJ brim,/NN to/TO which/WDT were/VBD appended/VBN tiny/JJ silver/NN bells/NNS that/WDT tinkled/VBD as/IN he/PRP walked./VBD His/PRP$ shirt,/NN of/IN white/JJ linen,/NNS fastened/VBN with/IN diamond/NN studs,/NN was/VBD surmounted/VBN by/IN a/DT lace/NN stock;/VBD his/PRP$ bolero/NN jacket,/NN of/IN black/JJ velvet/NN with/IN a/DT double/JJ row/NN of/IN silver/NN buttons/NNS down/IN the/DT front,/NN fitted/VBD him/PRP tightly;/VB his/PRP$ pantaloons/NNS of/IN the/DT same/JJ material/NN were/VBD skin-tight/JJ to/TO the/DT calf/NN of/IN his/PRP$ leg,/NN but/CC broke/VBD into/IN a/DT wide/JJ flare/NN above/IN the/DT ankles/NNS and/CC were/VBD there/RB inset/VBN with/IN a/DT triangle/NN of/IN white/JJ buckskin;/NN his/PRP$ gaiters/NNS were/VBD of/IN fine,/JJ brilliant/JJ black/JJ leather,/NN hand-made/NN in/IN the/DT City/NNP of/IN Mexico;/NNP a/DT pair/NN of/IN beaded/JJ and/CC fringed/JJ white/JJ buckskin/NN gauntlets/NNS were/VBD tucked/VBN into/IN a/DT scarlet/NN sash,/VBD the/DT long/JJ fringed/JJ ends/NNS of/IN which/WDT dangled/VBN at/IN his/PRP$ side./NN He/PRP presented/VBD a/DT gay/JJ and/CC colorful/JJ appearance/NN and/CC walked/VBD with/IN the/DT short,/JJ somewhat/RB mincing/JJ step/NN of/IN the/DT man/NN whose/WP$ life/NN is/VBZ spent/VBN largely/RB in/IN the/DT saddle./NN "A/IN nice,/JJ courteous,/NN friendly/JJ boy,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP soliloquized./VBD "Pure/NN Asturian/NNP stock,/VBD I/PRP take/VBP it."/PRP He/PRP sighed./VBD "A/RB wonderful/JJ people/NNS doomed/VBN to/TO oppression/NN and/CC extinction/NN as/RB surely/RB as/IN the/DT Indian./NNP All/DT that/IN these/DT Californians/NNPS desire/VBP from/IN strangers/NNS is/VBZ courtesy/NN and/CC a/DT square/NN deal;/NN dwelling/NN here/RB in/IN pastoral/JJ peace,/NN practically/RB without/IN government,/NN dependent/JJ upon/IN a/DT code/NN of/IN gallant/JJ human/JJ conduct,/NN they/PRP will/MD be/VB as/RB helpless/JJ in/IN the/DT hands/NNS of/IN the/DT eager,/JJ greedy,/NN empire-building/NN Anglo-Saxon/NNP as/IN a/DT sheep/NN in/IN the/DT maw/NN of/IN a/DT tiger./NN For/IN the/DT wonderful/JJ dolce/NN far/RB niente/JJ spirit/NN that/WDT is/VBZ theirs/JJ they/PRP will/MD be/VB hated/VBN by/IN men/NNS who/WP know/VBP not/RB how/WRB to/TO suck/VB the/DT sweetness/NN from/IN life;/NN for/IN their/PRP$ lack/NN of/IN industry/NN and/CC commercial/JJ shrewdness/NN they/PRP will/MD be/VB despised/VBN as/IN weaklings,/JJ regarded/VBN as/IN ripe/JJ fruit/NN to/TO be/VB plucked/VBN and/CC wasted./VBN Poor/NNP Tomas!/NNP Poor/NNP Don/NNP Emilio!"An/NNP Indian/NNP approached/VBD bearing/VBG a/DT leathern/NN hat-box/NN and/CC a/DT plethoric/JJ valise./NN He/PRP opened/VBD it/PRP and/CC laid/VBD out/RP upon/IN the/DT blankets/NNS toilet/NN articles,/IN a/DT change/NN of/IN linen/NN and/CC a/DT suit/NN of/IN clothing/NN of/IN the/DT style/NN worn/VBN by/IN well-dressed/JJ Americans/NNS of/IN that/DT period./VBN D'Arcy/NNP fastened/VBD the/DT flaps/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ tent,/NN shaved/VBN and/CC gave/VBD himself/PRP a/DT sponge/NN bath;/NN half/NN an/DT hour/NN later/RB he/PRP emerged/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ quarters/NNS and/CC strolled/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT hacienda/NN just/RB as/IN a/DT bell/NN pealed/VBD loudly/RB for/IN the/DT evening/NN meal./VBD Passing/NNP through/IN a/DT heavy/JJ door/NN set/VBN into/IN the/DT high/JJ adobe/NN wall/NN that/WDT surrounded/VBD the/DT hacienda,/NN D'Arcy/NNP found/VBD himself/PRP in/IN the/DT patio,/NN which/WDT was/VBD given/VBN over/RP entirely/RB to/TO what/WP nowadays/RB would/MD be/VB termed/VBN an/DT old-fashioned/JJ garden./NN A/DT graveled/JJ path/NN led/VBD from/IN the/DT entrance/NN to/TO the/DT broad,/NNS arched/VBN colonnade/NN of/IN the/DT long,/JJ low,/JJ single-storied/JJ adobe/NN dwelling-house,/NN in/IN its/PRP$ progress/NN flanking/NN on/IN each/DT side/NN a/DT rude/JJ fountain/NN built/VBN of/IN granite/NN cobblestones/NNS and/CC cement./NN The/DT patio/NN was/VBD resplendent/JJ in/IN variegated/JJ flowers/NNS which/WDT added/VBD their/PRP$ fragrance/NN to/TO the/DT heavy/JJ perfume/NN of/IN lime/NN and/CC orange/NN blossoms;/NN athwart/IN the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda/NN passion-flower/NN vines/NNS and/CC bougainvillea/VBD clambered;/JJ humming-birds/NNS flitted/VBD from/IN flower/NN to/TO flower,/VB and/CC from/IN the/DT topmost/JJ bough/NN of/IN a/DT tiny/JJ scrub-oak/NN a/DT Spanish/JJ mocking-bird/NN was/VBD indulging/VBG himself/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ not/RB inconsiderable/JJ repertoire./NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP paused/VBD to/TO gaze/VB with/IN approval/NN upon/IN the/DT peaceful/JJ scene./NN From/IN the/DT cloistered/JJ shadows/NNS of/IN the/DT colonnade/JJ voices/NNS reached/VBD him,/IN a/DT girl's/NN melodious/JJ laughter/NN rising/VBG at/IN intervals/NNS from/IN the/DT deeper/JJR diapason/NN of/IN masculine/JJ speech./NN Then/RB the/DT shuffle/NN of/IN many/JJ feet/NNS along/IN the/DT tiled/JJ floor/NN warned/VBD him/PRP that/IN the/DT exodus/NN to/TO the/DT dining-hall/NN had/VBD commenced/VBN and/CC with/IN the/DT feeling/NN that/IN he/PRP might/MD appear/VB to/TO be/VB lacking/VBG in/IN courtesy/NN by/IN being/VBG tardy,/VBN he/PRP hastened/VBD up/IN the/DT path/NN to/TO the/DT colonnade./NN It/PRP was/VBD empty/JJ save/IN for/IN two/CD people,/NNS Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP and/CC a/DT girl/NN seated/VBN in/IN a/DT rope/NN hammock./NN Tomas,/NNP standing/VBG before/IN her,/PRP turned/VBD at/IN the/DT sound/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP footsteps;/NN immediately/RB he/PRP hastened/VBD to/TO meet/VB him/PRP and/CC present/VB him/PRP to/TO the/DT girl./NN "Se$orita/NNP Josepha/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS may/MD I/PRP have/VB the/DT honor/NN to/TO present/VB our/PRP$ guest,/NN Se$or/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy?"As/NNP D'Arcy/NNP bowed/VBD profoundly/RB the/DT girl/NN nodded/VBD with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN birdlike/JJ toss/NN of/IN her/PRP$ head;/NN her/PRP$ brown/JJ eyes/NNS roved/VBD coolly/RB over/IN him./PRP Intuitively/RB D'Arcy/NNP realized/VBD that/IN gringos/NNS were/VBD not/RB popular/JJ with/IN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ response/NN to/TO the/DT introduction--"I/JJ am/VBP the/DT se$orita's/JJ debtor/NN for/IN her/PRP$ charity/NN in/IN permitting/VBG Don/NNP Tomas/NNP to/TO present/VB me/PRP to/TO her"--sounded/PRP$ lame/JJ and/CC trite/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ ears./, The/DT girl's/NNS ivory-tinted/JJ face/NN flushed/VBN faintly,/JJ for/IN she/PRP sensed/VBD irony/NN and/CC resentment/NN in/IN the/DT words/NNS and/CC knew/VBD that/IN the/DT hostility/NN in/IN her/PRP$ heart/NN had/VBD radiated/VBN to/TO his./PRP "Ah,"/IN she/PRP breathed./VBD "So/IN we/PRP have/VBP here,/RB Tomas,/VB an/DT American/NNP who/WP speaks/VBZ Spanish/NNP in/IN a/DT manner/NN not/RB to/TO shock/NN one's/NNS ears!"A/DT disarming/JJ smile/NN beat/VBD out/RP of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP face/NN the/DT flush/NN of/IN his/PRP$ sudden/JJ embarrassment./NN "I/NN am/VBP forgiven,/JJ perhaps,/NN for/IN being/VBG an/DT American,/JJ se$orita?""You/NNS are/VBP forgiven/VBN because/IN you/PRP are/VBP an/DT American/NNP who/WP might/MD be/VB suspected/VBN of/IN understanding/VBG our/PRP$ people."They/RB appraised/VBN each/DT other/JJ in/IN a/DT single/JJ swift/JJ glance./NN What/WP Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNPS saw/VBD was/VBD a/DT young/JJ man/NN who,/, in/IN girth/NN and/CC stature,/NN might/MD have/VB made/VBN two/CD of/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa;/NNP indeed,/NN had/VBD he/PRP been/VBN dressed/VBN in/IN the/DT prevailing/JJ mode/NN of/IN the/DT Hispano-Californians,/JJ he/PRP might/MD readily/RB have/VB passed/VBN for/IN one/CD of/IN them--an/DT illusion/NN due/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ black/JJ hair,/NNS dark/JJ brown/JJ eyes/NNS and/CC reddish-brown/JJ complexion./NN His/PRP$ head/NN was/VBD large,/VBG his/PRP$ brow/NN high/JJ and/CC wide,/JJ denot-ing/NN intelligence,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ eyes/NNS seemed/VBD a/DT trifle/RB heavy/JJ with/IN their/PRP$ long/JJ black/JJ lashes,/NN for/IN they/PRP closed/VBD the/DT tiniest/JJS bit,/NN thus/RB lending/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ gaze/NN a/DT suggestion/NN of/IN sleepiness,/NN of/IN laziness,/NN of/IN a/DT whimsicality/NN that/IN contrived,/NN somehow,/NN to/TO be/VB direct/JJ and/CC fearless--belligerent/JJ almost./. His/PRP$ mouth/NN was/VBD generous,/IN his/PRP$ teeth/NNS white,/, even/RB and/CC strong,/VBD his/PRP$ lower/JJR lip/NN a/DT bit/NN too/RB full/JJ and/CC boyish/JJ for/IN the/DT firm,/JJ square/NN chin/NN and/CC powerful/JJ jaws./NN A/DT pillar/NN of/IN a/DT neck/NN to/TO hold/VB up/RP that/DT head/NN of/IN a/DT leader,/NN wide/JJ shoulders,/NNS slim/JJ waist,/NN broad/JJ hips/NNS and/CC sturdy/JJ graceful/JJ legs/NNS marked/VBD him/PRP as/IN one/CD of/IN gentle/JJ breeding,/NN a/DT man/NN of/IN whom/WP might/MD have/VB been/VBN written:He/VBN was/VBD the/DT first/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ race/NN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD ever/RB seen./VBN "You/PRP Speak/VB Spanish,/NNP se$or/NN like/IN a/DT Spaniard./NNP There/EX is/VBZ but/CC the/DT faint/JJ accent/NN to/TO denote/VB that/IN Spanish/NNP is/VBZ not/RB your/PRP$ mother/NN tongue,"/, the/DT girl/NN remarked./VBN "I/NNP studied/VBD Spanish/NNP and/CC French/NNP in/IN Trinity/NNP College,/NNP Dublin,/NNP se$orita,"/VBD he/PRP informed/VBD her./PRP "A/IN German/NNP taught/VBD me/PRP Spanish,/IN an/DT Irishman/NN taught/VBD me/PRP French,/JJ and/CC my/PRP$ nurse/NN taught/VBD me/PRP Gaelic./NNP A/DT knowledge/NN of/IN foreign/JJ languages/NNS was/VBD always/RB regarded/VBN by/IN my/PRP$ father/NN as/IN an/DT asset,/NN for/IN when/WRB other/JJ sources/NNS of/IN income/NN fail/VBP it/PRP may/MD mean/VB bread/NN and/CC butter.""But/NN you/PRP speak/VBP also/RB the/DT Mexican/JJ patois,"/NNS the/DT girl/NN reminded/VBD him./PRP She/PRP had/VBD caught/VBN him/PRP using/VBG the/DT colloquial/JJ form/NN of/IN the/DT noun/NN "butter.""Because/IN I/PRP have/VBP observed/VBN that/IN many/JJ Californiansemploy/NNP the/DT patois,"/NN he/PRP admitted./VBD "I/PRP was/VBD a/DT soldier/NN during/IN the/DT war/NN between/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNPS and/CC Mexico.""Ah,/NNP a/DT Yankee/NNP soldier,"/NN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP murmured,/, and/CC D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD a/DT feeling/NN that/IN matters/VBZ between/IN them/PRP were/VBD now/RB at/IN an/DT impasse./NN "One/NN fights/NNS for/IN one's/NNP country,"/NN Tomas/NNP murmured,/, in/IN an/DT effort/NN to/TO minimize/VB the/DT situation./NN "It/NN was/VBD the/DT fortune/NN of/IN war/NN that/IN our/PRP$ people/NNS were/VBD not/RB the/DT conquerors./NN In/IN what/WP branch/NN of/IN the/DT American/JJ army/NN did/VBD the/DT se$or/NN have/VBP the/DT honor/NN to/TO serve?""I/VB was/VBD a/DT captain/NN of/IN cavalry,/JJ Se$or/NNP Espinosa."Tomas/NNP was/VBD interested./VBN "I/NNP marked/VBD the/DT horse/NN you/PRP rode/VBD today,/VBN se$or./RP I/PRP said/VBD to/TO my/PRP$ father:/NN 'That/JJ horse/NN is/VBZ a/DT horse!'""I/NN would,/, for/IN sport/NN and/CC a/DT small/JJ stake,/NN challenge/NN the/DT winner/NN of/IN the/DT race/NN tomorrow,/NN se$or,"/NNS D'Arcy/NNP replied./VBD "Your/PRP$ horse/NN would/MD be/VB beaten,"/VBN the/DT girl/NN informed/VBD him/PRP with/IN considerable/JJ finality./NN "No/IN gringo's/VBG horse/NN has/VBZ ever/RB beaten/VBN Kitty/NNP or/CC Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo.""You/NNP have/VBP the/DT unusual/JJ experience,/NN se$orita,/NN of/IN knowing/VBG one/CD gringo/NN who/WP does/VBZ not/RB brag."Her/NN nose/NN went/VBD up/IN a/DT thousandth/NN of/IN an/DT inch./NN "And/CC you/PRP are/VBP prepared/VBN to/TO bet/VB on/IN your/PRP$ horse?""All/NN I/PRP possess---including/, the/DT horse.""But/NN you/PRP have/VBP never/RB seen/VBN our/PRP$ horses/NNS run!""True./. And/CC I/PRP have/VBP heard/VBN that/IN they/PRP are/VBP the/DT fleetest/NN in/IN California/NNP and/CC run/VB best/RB at/IN a/DT mile./NN Nevertheless,/RB I/PRP would/MD take/VB great/JJ pleasure/NN in/IN pitting/VBG my/PRP$ horse/NN against/IN either,/DT provided/VBN the/DT matter/NN can/MD be/VB arranged.""It/RB can/MD be/VB arranged,"/VBN the/DT girl/NN replied/VBD proudly./, "Kitty/NNP is/VBZ owned/VBN by/IN my/PRP$ father./NN I/PRP will/MD speak/VB to/TO him/PRP of/IN your/PRP$ desires.""Then,"/NN Tomas/NNP advised/VBD gaily,/VBN "the/NNP match/NN is/VBZ as/RB good/JJ as/IN made,/VBN for/IN I/PRP shall/MD speak/VB to/TO my/PRP$ father,/NN who/WP owns/VBZ Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo."D'Arcy/NNP bowed/VBD his/PRP$ thanks./WDT "I/NNP shall/MD have/VB to/TO trespass/NN on/IN your/PRP$ good/JJ nature,/NN Don/NNP Tomas,/NNP and/CC beg/VB you/PRP to/TO provide/VB me/PRP with/IN a/DT capable/JJ boy/NN to/TO ride/VB my/PRP$ horse./NN The/DT race/NN might/MD be/VB horse/NN for/IN horse,/NN but/CC if/IN my/PRP$ opponent/NN should/MD not/RB care/VB to/TO bet/VB his/PRP$ horse/NN I/PRP will/MD be/VB enabled/VBN to/TO wager/VB some/DT gold.""The/NN wager/NN will/MD be/VB what/WP you/PRP please,/VBP se$or.""I/RB am/VBP a/DT poor/JJ man,/NN se$orita,/NN but/CC if/IN desired/VBN I/PRP will/MD race/NN my/PRP$ horse/NN for/IN the/DT pleasure/NN of/IN the/DT guests/NNS here/RB assembled--for/CC the/DT sport/NN of/IN a/DT race./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT great/JJ pleasure,"/NN he/PRP added,/VBD turning/VBG to/TO young/JJ Tomas,/NNP "if/IN I/PRP might,/MD without/IN undue/JJ forwardness,/NNS contribute/VBP to/TO the/DT joy/NN of/IN this/DT occasion."Tomas/NNP was/VBD delighted./VBN "I/NNP will/MD ask/VB you/PRP to/TO await/VB the/DT bell/NN for/IN the/DT second/JJ table,/NN Se$or/NN D'Arcy./NNP Our/PRP$ table/NN will/MD accommodate/VB but/CC thirty/CD persons,/NNS and/CC must/MD be/VB set/VBN thrice/NN for/IN our/PRP$ guests/NNS this/DT evening./NN Meanwhile/RB we/PRP enjoy/VBP ourselves,/IN I/PRP trust."From/IN between/IN his/PRP$ drowsy/NN lids/NNS D'Arcy/NNP bent/VBD upon/IN the/DT girl,/NN in/IN the/DT course/NN of/IN their/PRP$ conversation,/VBP a/DT scrutiny/NN so/IN casual/JJ that/IN even/RB she/PRP did/VBD not/RB suspect/VB his/PRP$ interest./NN Like/IN most/JJS women/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ race/NN she/PRP was/VBD small--five/JJ feet/NNS three,/IN perhaps,/NN wiry,/NNS dainty./VBD Her/PRP$ thick/JJ black/JJ hair/NN was/VBD parted/VBN in/IN the/DT middle/NN and/CC drawn/VBN tightly/RB back/RB above/IN her/PRP$ ears/NNS to/TO form/VB at/IN her/PRP nape/VB a/DT roll/NN of/IN such/JJ unusual/JJ proportions/NNS as/IN to/TO seem/VB unwieldy./JJ A/DT high/JJ tortoise-shell/NN comb,/NN set/VBN with/IN diamonds/NNS and/CC rubies,/NN crowned/VBD the/DT small,/JJ perfect/JJ head/NN with/IN an/DT air/NN distinctly/RB regal./VBD Her/PRP$ face/NN was/VBD small/JJ and/CC oval,/JJ her/PRP$ eyes/NNS large,/JJ brown,/NNS and/CC alert/JJ as/IN a/DT frightened/JJ deer's,/, her/PRP$ nose/NN thin,/IN high,/JJR slightly/RB aquiline,/IN her/PRP$ mouth/NN firm/NN above/IN a/DT firm/NN chin,/IN her/PRP$ carmine/NN lips/NNS forming/VBG a/DT line/NN of/IN singular/JJ sweetness./NN Not/RB a/DT particularly/RB beautiful/JJ face,/NN he/PRP reflected,/VBD but/CC good/JJ to/TO gaze/VB upon--the/DT face/NN of/IN a/DT woman/NN of/IN character;/NN aface/IN the/DT memory/NN of/IN which/WDT might/MD grow/VB upon/IN one,/CD particularly/RB when/WRB a/DT smile/NN illumined/VBD it,/RB when/WRB for/IN a/DT brief/JJ space/NN a/DT rare/JJ beauty/NN flamed./VBN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNPS was/VBD dressed/VBN simply/RB but/CC with/IN exquisite/JJ taste,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP hazarded/VBD a/DT guess/NN that/IN everything/NN she/PRP wore/VBD had/VBN been/VBN imported/VBN from/IN the/DT City/NNP of/IN Mexico./NNP She/PRP was,/VBD undoubtedly,/IN a/DT pure-bred/JJ Castilian./NNP Not/RB a/DT drop/NN of/IN native/JJ Indian/NNP blood/NN in/IN her,/PRP$ he/PRP decided,/VB although/IN even/RB among/IN the/DT gente/NNP de/NNP raz$n/NN one/NN could/MD often/RB discern/VB more/JJR than/IN a/DT hint/NN of/IN aboriginal/JJ ancestry./NN He/PRP was/VBD roused/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ reflections/NNS by/IN the/DT girl's/NNS voice./NN "You/PRP have/VBP ridden/VBN far,/RB se$or?""Very/RB far--perhaps/RB more/JJR than/IN two/CD thousand/CD miles./, I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN on/IN the/DT road/NN many/JJ months,/NNS since/IN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB care/VB to/TO exhaust/VB my/PRP$ horse/NN by/IN pressing/VBG him/PRP unduly!"Her/RB fine/JJ eyes/NNS seemed/VBD to/TO gaze/VB within/IN him./PRP "What/IN seeks/VBZ the/DT se$or/NN in/IN California?""Gold,/NNP se$orita."A/. faint/JJ grimace/NN of/IN disgust,/NN of/IN disappointment,/NN passed/VBN over/IN the/DT girl's/NNS cameolike/IN features./DT "He/NN is/VBZ a/DT true/JJ gringo,/NN Tomas,"/NNP she/PRP told/VBD her/PRP companion./NN Then/RB turning/VBG to/TO D'Arcy:/NNP "And/CC when/WRB you/PRP have/VBP found/VBN all/PDT the/DT gold/NN you/PRP desire--if/JJ that/IN be/VB possible/JJ for/IN an/DT American--what/JJ will/MD you/PRP do?""I/VB shall/MD buy/VB a/DT rancho/NN and/CC build/VB for/IN myself/PRP an/DT hacienda/NN and/CC dwell/VB if/IN I/PRP may/MD in/IN something/NN of/IN that/DT peace/NN which/WDT I/PRP have/VBP observed/VBN is/VBZ the/DT portion/NN of/IN the/DT Hispano-Californians/NNPS whose/WP$ sweet/JJ hospitality/NN I/PRP have/VBP had/VBD lavished/VBN upon/IN me/PRP since/IN entering/VBG California./NNP What/WP sane/JJ man/NN would/MD make/VB of/IN this/DT paradise/NN a/DT market-place?"A/NN swift/JJ light/NN flashed/VBD in/IN the/DT dark/JJ eyes;/NNS the/DT girl/NN sat/VBD up/RB and/CC her/PRP$ little/JJ hand/NN fluttered/VBD instinctively/RB toward/IN him./PRP "Ah,/IN you/PRP are/VBP not,/RB then,/JJ greedy,"/NN she/PRP breathed./VBD "You/PRP do/VBP not/RB covet/VB that/IN which/WDT is/VBZ ours.""If/IN the/DT gold/NN in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP be/VB yours,/, then/RB I/PRP covet/VBP it.""It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB ours,/JJ se$or,/NN nor/CC do/VB we/PRP bother/VB ourselves/PRP to/TO seek/VB it.""Then,/PRP se$orita,/VB I/PRP shall/MD take/VB my/PRP$ fortune/NN from/IN the/DT wilderness.""You/NNS are/VBP bound/VBN now/RB for/IN the/DT Sierra?"/NNPS He/PRP nodded./VBD "Poor/JJ man!/JJ He/PRP seeks/VBZ a/DT chimera,/NN Tomas./NNP For/IN my/PRP$ part/NN you/PRP are/VBP welcome/JJ to/TO California,/NNP Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP since/IN gold/NN is/VBZ all/DT you/PRP seek./VBP I/PRP do/VBP not/RB like/VB your/PRP$ Yankee/NNP traders,"/NN and/CC she/PRP grimaced/VBD with/IN mild/JJ disgust./NN He/PRP was/VBD tempted/VBN for/IN an/DT instant/NN to/TO inform/VB her/PRP that/IN he/PRP was/VBD not/RB a/DT Yankee,/NNP but/CC decided/VBD proudly/RB that/IN it/PRP was/VBD no/DT affair/NN of/IN his/PRP$ to/TO undertake/VB an/DT education/NN of/IN disillusionment,/JJ particularly/RB with/IN one/CD who/WP cherished/VBD illusions./PRP "I'm/IN glad/JJ I/PRP shall/MD not/RB see/VB much/RB of/IN this/DT young/JJ woman,"/NN he/PRP soliloquized./VBD "Undoubtedly/RB we'd/JJ quarrel/NN if/IN I/PRP remained/VBD here/RB until/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT fandango./NN One/CD race/NN with/IN Pathfinder/NNP to/TO reestablish/VB my/PRP$ fortunes/NNS and/CC I/PRP shall/MD be/VB off;/JJ but/CC that/DT race/NN I/PRP must/MD have,/VB if/IN only/RB to/TO show/VB her/PRP a/DT real/JJ race-horse."At/NN dinner/NN he/PRP found/VBD himself/PRP seated/VBN far/RB down/IN the/DT table/NN from/IN her/PRP and/CC with/IN a/DT savage/JJ joy/NN in/IN his/PRP$ isolation/NN forbore/VBD to/TO glance/VB at/IN her/PRP until/IN the/DT moment/NN when/WRB the/DT gentlemen/NNS rose/VBD as/IN the/DT ladies/NNS left/VBD the/DT table./NN Then/RB his/PRP$ glance/NN encountered/VBN hers/JJ fixed/VBN steadily/RB on/IN him./PRP$ He/PRP returned/VBD her/PRP gaze/NN with/IN bold/JJ admiration/NN and/CC thrilled/VBD to/TO see/VB her/PRP$ lids/NNS droop/NN and/CC a/DT faint/JJ flush/NN suffuse/VBD her/PRP$ old-ivory/JJ skin./NN Yet/CC his/PRP$ bold/JJ brown/JJ eyes/NNS held/VBD her,/PRP forcing/VBG her/PRP to/TO look/VB at/IN him/PRP again./. And/CC when/WRB she/PRP did,/VBD his/PRP$ glance/NN was/VBD triumphant,/JJ his/PRP$ knowing/VBG little/JJ smile/NN one/CD of/IN near-possession;/JJ he/PRP appeared/VBD to/TO grant/VB her/PRP$ an/DT equal/JJ partnership/NN in/IN the/DT possession/NN of/IN a/DT valuable/JJ secret--and/NN her/PRP eyes/NNS told/VBD him/PRP she/PRP despised/VBD him/PRP for/IN it./PRP IN/IN a/DT grove/NN of/IN black/JJ oaks/NNS a/DT short/JJ distance/NN from/IN the/DT Espinosa/NNP hacienda/VBD a/DT platform/NN had/VBD been/VBN erected/VBN for/IN dancing./VBG Lanterns/NNS burning/VBG candles/NNS or/CC whale-oil/NN illumined/VBD the/DT dance-floor/NN dimly,/NN and/CC an/DT orchestra/NN composed/VBN of/IN an/DT accordion,/NN a/DT violin/NN and/CC two/CD guitars/NNS was/VBD rendering/VBG a/DT waltz/NN when/WRB Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP escorted/VBD by/IN Tomas,/NNP strolled/VBD over/RP after/IN dinner./NN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP was/VBD not/RB seated/VBN among/IN the/DT women/NNS on/IN the/DT line/NN of/IN benches/NNS that/WDT flanked/VBD the/DT dance-floor/NN on/IN all/DT four/CD sides,/NNS and/CC D'Arcy/NNP wondered,/, with/IN a/DT faint/JJ feeling/NN of/IN disappointment,/NN if/IN she/PRP had/VBD retired/VBN for/IN the/DT night./NN Don/NNP Carlos/NNP Montalvo,/NNP Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP and/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP were/VBD seated/VBN at/IN a/DT small/JJ table/NN under/IN an/DT adjacent/JJ tree,/NN sipping/VBG liqueurs,/NN when/WRB Tomas/NNP brought/VBD D'Arcy/NNP over/IN and/CC presented/VBD him/PRP to/TO Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP who/WP proved/VBD to/TO be/VB a/DT stout,/NN jovial/JJ man/NN of/IN fair/JJ complexion/NN and/CC not/RB so/RB much/JJ inclined/VBN to/TO the/DT flowery,/NN ultra-polite/JJ mode/NN of/IN conversation/NN practiced/VBN by/IN the/DT others./NNP "Hah!/NNP So/IN this/DT is/VBZ our/PRP$ young/JJ American/NNP who/WP would/MD race/NN his/PRP$ horse/NN against/IN ours/PRP for/IN sport,/NNS Emilio./NNP Well,/NNP that/WDT is/VBZ the/DT proper/JJ spirit./NN Sit/VB down,/RB my/PRP$ friend,/NN and/CC Emilio/NNP will/MD see/VB that/IN you/PRP are/VBP served/VBN a/DT liqueur."/NN He/PRP made/VBD D'Arcy/NNP welcome/VB with/IN a/DT paternal/JJ thump/NN on/IN the/DT back,/NN and/CC it/PRP was/VBD evident/JJ to/TO the/DT latter/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD indebted/JJ to/TO Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP for/IN this/DT gracious/JJ reception./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP glanced/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ host./NN "Well,/IN Emilio,/NNP to/TO business./RP What/WP say/VBP you/PRP to/TO this/DT young/JJ man's/NN proposal?"Don/NN Emilio/NNP shrugged/VBD carelessly./RP He/PRP had/VBD faith/NN in/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo;/NNP even/RB if/IN he/PRP had/VBD not,/RB it/PRP would/MD have/VB been/VBN beneath/IN his/PRP$ dignity/NN to/TO express/VB a/DT doubt/NN in/IN the/DT matter./NN "Don/IN Dermod's/NNP horse/NN has/VBZ traveled/VBN far/RB and/CC will/MD be/VB the/DT better/JJR for/IN a/DT day/NN of/IN rest./NNP He/PRP is/VBZ even/RB now/RB receiving/VBG the/DT same/JJ careful/JJ attention/NN as/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo./NNP Carlos/NNP tells/VBZ me/PRP this/DT horse/NN Pathfinder/NN has/VBZ had/VBN grain/NN for/IN the/DT past/JJ month/NN and/CC is/VBZ fit/VBN for/IN a/DT race./NN I/PRP dare/MD say,/VB Jos$,/NNP neither/CC you/PRP nor/CC I/PRP would/MD care/VB to/TO race/NN our/PRP$ horses/NNS twice/RB in/IN the/DT same/JJ day.""It/NN would/MD be/VB fairer/JJR to/TO all/DT concerned/VBN if/IN we/PRP accepted/VBD Don/NNP Dermod's/NNP challenge/NN to/TO race/NN the/DT day/NN after/IN tomorrow./NN For/IN my/PRP$ part,/NN however,/RB a/DT race/NN is/VBZ a/DT race/NN and/CC my/PRP$ horse/NN never/RB runs/VBZ for/IN sport./NN There/EX will/MD be/VB a/DT wager,/NN no?"D'Arcy/NN bowed./VBN "I/NNS have/VBP five/CD hundred/CD dollars/NNS and/CC I/PRP will/MD wager/VB also/RB my/PRP$ horse/NN against/IN yours/PRP or/CC Don/NNP Emilio's."Don/NNP Jos$/NNP pretended/VBD to/TO be/VB skeptical./VBG "Is/IN your/PRP$ horse,/NN then,/, of/IN equal/JJ value/NN with/IN my/PRP$ Kitty?""Ask/NNP Don/NNP Carlos,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP suggested./VBZ "A/RB better/JJR horse,/NN I/PRP think,"/VBP Don/NNP Carlos/NNP replied/VBD promptly./VBG "I/RB shall/MD wager/VB heavily/RB upon/IN Pathfinder.""Blood/NNP of/IN the/DT devil!/NN Emilio,/NNP let/VBD us/PRP first/JJ look/NN at/IN this/DT gringo's/JJ horse./NN When/WRB you/PRP have/VBP finished/VBN your/PRP$ liqueurs,/NN gentlemen,/NN we/PRP will/MD gaze/VB upon/IN this/DT prodigy."Ten/JJ minutes/NNS later/RB a/DT servant/NN led/VBD Pathfinder/NNP into/IN the/DT light/NN of/IN the/DT lanterns/NNS on/IN the/DT dance/NN platform,/NN and/CC trotted/VBD him/PRP backward/RB and/CC forward/RB to/TO demonstrate/VB his/PRP$ action./NN "Too/RB heavy,"/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP decided./VBD "I/RB accept/VB the/DT challenge.""I/NN also/RB accept,/VBP Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,"/NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP added./VBD Thus/RB lightly/RB was/VBD the/DT matter/NN decided,/NN and/CC not/RB a/DT moment/NN too/RB soon,/RB for/IN the/DT sound/NN of/IN castanets/NNS called/VBD their/PRP$ attention/NN to/TO the/DT dance/NN platform./NN "Ah,"/NNP said/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP pridefully,/, "my/NN daughter/NN is/VBZ dancing."With/IN the/DT others/NNS D'Arcy/NNP crowded/VBD to/TO the/DT platform,/NN in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN which/WDT Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP stood,/VBD poised,/VBN snapping/VBG the/DT castanets/NNS while/IN the/DT fiddler/NN put/VBD resin/NN on/IN his/PRP$ bow./NN She/PRP seemed/VBD like/IN a/DT bird/NN ready/JJ for/IN flight./NN Then/RB the/DT orchestra/NN swung/VBD into/IN an/DT old,/JJ old/JJ tune,/NN jaunty,/NN lilting--and/JJ D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD the/DT girl's/NNS dainty/JJ foot/NN tap/VB the/DT floor/NN before/IN her/PRP lithe/JJ little/JJ body/NN dipped/VBD in/IN the/DT formal/JJ curtsy/NN preliminary/JJ to/TO the/DT dance./NN "Your/IN daughter/NN is/VBZ as/RB radiant/JJ as/IN a/DT star,/NN Don/NNP Jos$"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP murmured,/VBD lost/VBN in/IN admiration/NN as/IN the/DT bright/JJ figure/NN stamped/VBN and/CC whirled/VBN around/IN the/DT dance-floor./NN "I/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN dancers/NNS in/IN the/DT City/NNP of/IN Mexico,/NNP but/CC none/NN to/TO compare/VB with/IN her.""True/JJ words,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP replied/VBD complacently,/VBN "but/IN you/PRP should/MD have/VB seen/VBN her/PRP$ mother/NN dance,/VB my/PRP$ boy."Intuitively/NN D'Arcy/NNP gleaned/VBD the/DT impression/NN that/IN Josepha's/NNP mother/NN was/VBD dead./VBN In/IN the/DT dim/JJ light/NN the/DT girl's/JJ black/JJ and/CC silver/JJ dress/NN flashed/VBD as/IN with/IN dainty/NN twists/NNS she/PRP drew/VBD her/PRP shawl/RB now/RB about/IN her/PRP$ shoulders,/NNS now/RB about/IN her/PRP waist,/IN the/DT while/NN her/PRP red,/JJ high-heeled/JJ slippers/NNS spurned/VBD the/DT rough/JJ boards/NNS with/IN a/DT tap,/NN tap,/NN tap/NN in/IN unison/NN with/IN the/DT castanets./NN Suddenly/RB Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP appeared/VBD upon/IN the/DT floor,/NN a/DT vivid,/JJ whirling/VBG form/NN dancing/VBG with/IN an/DT equal/JJ grace,/NN an/DT equal/JJ agility./NN The/DT orchestra/NN doubled/VBD the/DT time,/NN and/CC without/IN visible/JJ effort/NN the/DT dancers/NNS met/VBD the/DT challenge;/NN amidst/IN universal/JJ applause/NN and/CC hearty/NN shouts/NNS of/IN approbation,/NN Tomas/NNP led/VBD the/DT girl/NN to/TO her/PRP$ seat/NN as/IN the/DT music/NN ceased./VBD D'Arcy/NNP felt/VBD a/DT hand/NN on/IN his/PRP$ elbow./NN Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP was/VBD beside/IN him./PRP "You/PRP have/VBP too/RB many/JJ eyes,/NNS my/PRP$ friend,"/NN he/PRP whispered./MD "Let/VB Tomas/NNP see/VB but/CC one/CD of/IN them/PRP and--""Egad,/CC if/IN a/DT cat/NN may/MD look/VB at/IN a/DT king,/NN may/MD not/RB thesame/DT cat/NN gaze/NN upon/IN a/DT queen,/NN Se$or/NNP Montalvo?/NNP What/WP a/DT glorious/JJ girl!/NN In/IN all/DT my/PRP$ life/NN I/PRP have/VBP never/RB seen/VBN one/NN so/RB lovely,/JJ so/IN vital./PRP What/WP a/DT mate/NN for/IN a/DT man!"Montalvo/NN smiled/VBD paternally./NN "You/PRP are/VBP precipitate,/VBG my/PRP$ young/JJ friend.""Tell/NN me,/, Don/NNP Carlos,/NNP is/VBZ Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP the/DT promised/VBN wife/NN of/IN young/JJ Tomas?""The/NNP engagement/NN has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN announced,/RB but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ generally/RB understood/VBN that/IN both/DT Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC Don/NNP Emilio/NNP desire/NN the/DT union,/NN and/CC in/IN such/JJ matters/NNS our/PRP$ children/NNS usually/RB yield/VBP to/TO parental/JJ pressure./NN In/IN all/DT probability/NN the/DT matter/NN will/MD be/VB arranged/VBN during/IN the/DT visit/NN of/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNPS here.""I/RB am/VBP an/DT unlucky/JJ dog,"/NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP murmured/VBD whimsically./NN "You/PRP are,/VBP unfortunately,/IN a/DT gringo,/NN and/CC no/DT gringo/NN has/VBZ yet/RB found/VBN favor/NN with/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero.""Hum-m-m!"/NNP D'Arcy's/NNP retort/NN was/VBD skepticism/NN raised/VBD to/TO the/DT nth/NN degree./NN Then/RB he/PRP remembered/VBD the/DT present/JJ unenviable/JJ state/NN of/IN his/PRP$ fortunes./POS He/PRP was/VBD a/DT man/NN with/IN five/CD hundred/CD dollars,/NNS a/DT horse,/NN saddle/NN and/CC bridle,/NN two/CD pack-mules,/NN and/CC no/DT definite/JJ objective/NN in/IN life./NN The/DT sky/NN was/VBD his/PRP$ only/JJ shelter./NN "You/PRP are/VBP right,/JJ Don/NNP Carlos./NNP Well,/NNP when/WRB my/PRP$ horse/NN has/VBZ run/VBN his/PRP$ race/NN the/DT day/NN after/IN tomorrow/NN I/PRP shall/MD say/VB good-by/JJ and/CC proceed/VB north./RB Should/MD I/PRP linger/VB I/PRP might/MD be/VB tempted/VBN to/TO become/VB a/DT mischief-maker./NN Meanwhile/RB I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP shall/MD retire./VB Good/JJ night.""Good/NN night,/NN boy,"/VBD the/DT don/VBP answered/VBN kindly./, D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD up/RB early,/RB looking/VBG after/IN Pathfinder;/NNP he/PRP had/VBD a/DT seat/NN at/IN the/DT first/JJ table/NN for/IN breakfast/NN and/CC thereafter/RB wandered/VBD around/IN the/DT hacienda,/NN being/VBG careful/JJ to/TO avoid/VB meeting/NN Josepha/NNP Guerrero./NNP He/PRP had/VBD not/RB passed/VBN a/DT very/RB restful/JJ night,/NN since/IN for/IN hours/NNS he/PRP had/VBD lain/VBN awake/JJ visualizing/VBG that/IN radiant/JJ figure./. To/TO gay/JJ amours/NNS he/PRP was/VBD far/RB from/IN being/VBG a/DT stranger;/NN he/PRP told/VBD himself/PRP that/IN the/DT shock/NN of/IN his/PRP$ meeting/NN with/IN this/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ girl/NN was/VBD largely/RB due/JJ to/TO the/DT fact/NN that/IN it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN long/RB since/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS had/VBD been/VBN gladdened/VBN by/IN the/DT sight/NN of/IN a/DT pretty/JJ woman./NN He/PRP tried/VBD to/TO analyze/VB his/PRP$ emotions./NN Why,/IN he/PRP asked/VBD himself,/PRP had/VBD he/PRP not/RB felt/VBD this/DT strange,/JJ ecstatic/NN thrill/NN that/WDT possessed/VBD him/PRP now--a/JJ thrill/NN that/WDT was/VBD akin/JJ to/TO pain--when/VB Tomas/NNP first/RB introduced/VBD him/PRP to/TO her?/PRP Why/WRB had/VBD he/PRP not/RB experienced/VBD it/PRP at/IN dinner?/NN He/PRP had/VBD thought/VBN then/RB to/TO indulge/VB in/IN a/DT little/JJ guarded/JJ flirtation,/NNS and/CC this/DT out/IN of/IN a/DT sense/NN of/IN sheer/JJ deviltry;/NN through/IN the/DT medium/NN of/IN a/DT glance/NN and/CC a/DT tiny/JJ smile/NN he/PRP had,/VBD he/PRP thought,/VBD conveyed/VBN to/TO her/PRP$ some/DT hint/NN of/IN his/PRP$ impish/JJ purpose/NN and,/RB for/IN his/PRP$ pains/NNS and/CC to/TO his/PRP$ secret/JJ contentment,/NN had/VBD drawn/VBN a/DT single/JJ fleeting/JJ look/NN of/IN cool/JJ dislike./NN It/PRP must/MD be/VB that/IN his/PRP$ defeat/NN had/VBD come/VBN in/IN that/DT instant/NN when,/, catching/VBG sight/NN of/IN his/PRP$ dark/JJ head/NN towering/VBG above/IN the/DT Hispano-Californians/NNPS at/IN the/DT edge/NN of/IN the/DT dance/NN platform,/NN she/PRP had/VBD looked/VBN at/IN him/PRP again/RB and/CC shaken/VBN her/PRP$ castanets/NNS in/IN a/DT manner/NN that/WDT suggested/VBD she/PRP would/MD prefer/VB to/TO be/VB shaking/VBG him/PRP in/IN the/DT same/JJ casual/JJ manner./NN Then/RB young/JJ Tomas,/NNP following/VBG the/DT dictates/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ ardent/JJ nature,/NN had/VBD crushed/VBN through/IN the/DT crowd/NN to/TO dance/VB with/IN her,/PRP and/CC the/DT fervor/NN of/IN her/PRP$ dancing/NN had,/VBD it/PRP seemed/VBD to/TO D'Arcy,/NNP abated/VBD a/DT little,/JJ but/CC only/RB momentarily;/RB then,/JJ as/IN they/PRP circled/VBD each/DT other,/JJ the/DT girl's/NNS eyes/NNS had/VBD again/RB sought/VBN D'Arcy's,/NNP and/CC in/IN them/PRP then/RB he/PRP had/VBD read/VBN a/DT mute/JJ despair,/IN a/DT dumb/JJ pleading,/NN a/DT peculiar/JJ wistfulness./NN Ah,/IN what/WP lambent/VBD eyes/NNS she/PRP had!/VBD In/IN the/DT dim/JJ light/NN of/IN the/DT hurricane/NN lamps/NNS hung/VBD overhead/RB they/PRP had/VBD glowed/VBD suddenly/RB with/IN a/DT profound/JJ emotion;/NN the/DT next/JJ instant/NN she/PRP had/VBD stretched/VBN forth/RB her/PRP$ dainty/JJ arm/NN to/TO Tomas--and/NNP in/IN the/DT wild/JJ heart/NN of/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP the/DT miracle/NN had/VBD happened./VBN He/PRP who/WP had/VBD come/VBN to/TO scoff/VB remained/VBN to/TO pray./DT "I'm/NN damned/VBN if/IN I'll/JJ fall/NN in/IN love/NN with/IN her,"/PRP$ he/PRP told/VBD himself,/PRP "because/IN that/WDT would/MD be/VB disastrous./VBG A/DT fool/NN I/PRP am,/VBP but/CC not/RB that/IN great/JJ a/DT fool./NN I'm/NN not/RB her/PRP$ kind,/NN nor/CC is/VBZ she/PRP mine./MD I'm/VB as/IN alien/JJ to/TO her/PRP as/IN an/DT Arab./NNP Had/VBD I/PRP the/DT fortune/NN of/IN Omar/NNP to/TO lay/VB at/IN her/PRP$ feet/NNS I/PRP would/MD but/CC demean/VB myself/PRP by/IN seeking/VBG her/PRP$ favor./NN Dermod,/IN you/PRP ass,/VBP you're/PRP going/VBG to/TO the/DT gold-fields/NNS and/CC forget/VB this/DT silly/JJ business/NN in/IN hard/JJ work./NN You'll/NNP forget/VB it,/IN you/PRP fool./VBD D'ye/NNP hear/VBP me?/PRP You'll/RB forget/VBP it!"The/DT race/NN between/IN Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo/NNP and/CC Kitty/NNP was/VBD run/VBN just/RB before/IN noon,/NN in/IN order/NN that/IN the/DT assembled/VBN guests/NNS might/MD immediately/RB thereafter/RB partake/NN of/IN the/DT barbecue/NN furnished/VBN by/IN Don/NNP Emilio./NNP The/DT mare/NN won/VBD by/IN six/CD open/JJ lengths,/NNS yet,/RB watching/VBG her/PRP as/IN the/DT Indian/JJ boy/NN who/WP rode/VBD her/PRP flailed/VBD her/PRP$ to/TO her/PRP$ best/JJS speed/NN and/CC passed/VBD Rey/NNP Del/NNP Mundo,/NNP D'Arcy/NNP knew/VBD she/PRP was/VBD commonplace,/VBN that/IN she/PRP would/MD begin/VB to/TO fail/VB at/IN the/DT three-quarter/JJ pole,/NN that/IN to/TO Pathfinder/NNP she/PRP would/MD prove/VB an/DT easy/JJ opponent./NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP did/VBD his/PRP$ best/JJS to/TO accept/VB defeat/NN gaily,/NN but/CC D'Arcy/NNP noticed/VBD that/IN for/IN that/DT day,/NN at/IN least,/VBN the/DT joy/NN had/VBD gone/VBN out/IN of/IN his/PRP$ life./NN "'Tis/IN the/DT way/NN of/IN a/DT Latin,"/NNP he/PRP told/VBD himself./PRP "Good/JJ winners/NNS but/CC bad/JJ losers./VBG Well,/NNP tomorrow/NN I'll/NN take/VBP a/DT tuck/NN out/IN of/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNPS and/CC see/VB how/WRB he/PRP bears/VBZ up/RP under/IN it."During/IN the/DT progress/NN of/IN the/DT barbecue/NN he/PRP met/VBD Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP twice,/, but/CC each/DT time/NN she/PRP bowed/VBD slightly/RB and/CC passed/VBD on./RP D'Arcy/NNP observed/VBD that/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP was/VBD always/RB in/IN her/PRP$ train,/NN and/CC found/VBD difficulty/NN in/IN throttling/VBG a/DT growing/VBG dislike/NN for/IN the/DT boy./NN "Can't/NN he/PRP see/VB he's/PRP making/VBG a/DT nuisance/NN of/IN himself?"/NN he/PRP growled/VBD under/IN his/PRP$ breath./NN "There's/IN no/DT repression/NN to/TO these/DT people./NNS They/PRP have/VBP too/RB much/JJ emotion/NN to/TO conceal/VB any/DT of/IN it."He/PRP was/VBD anxious/JJ to/TO be/VB on/IN the/DT road/NN again./NN He/PRP was/VBD weary/JJ of/IN idle/JJ discussion,/NNS empty/JJ compliments,/NN perfervid/NN phrases,/NN badly/RB barbecued/JJ beef,/IN new/JJ wine,/NN and/CC stringmusic./NN He/PRP wanted/VBD a/DT girl/NN to/TO flirt/VB with,/IN to/TO banter,/VB to/TO make/VB love/NN to/TO after/IN the/DT fashion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ impulsive/JJ kind,/NN but/CC haggard/NN duennas/NNS with/IN overpowdered/JJ faces/NNS blocked/VBD his/PRP$ aspirations/NNS at/IN every/DT turn./NN He/PRP was/VBD treated/VBN with/IN the/DT utmost/JJ civility/NN but/CC little/JJ cordiality,/NN and/CC he/PRP had/VBD no/DT interest/NN in/IN the/DT conversational/JJ subjects/NNS which/WDT interested/JJ these/DT people./NNS They/PRP were/VBD childlike,/NNS impractical--dreamers/NNS all./DT The/DT Americans/NNPS present--D'Arcy/NN had/VBD a/DT feeling/NN that/IN they/PRP had/VBD come/VBN to/TO the/DT hacienda/NN uninvited--were/JJ not/RB men/NNS he/PRP cared/VBD to/TO fraternize/VB with./DT Many/JJ of/IN them/PRP drank/VBD of/IN the/DT new/JJ red/JJ wine/NN to/TO excess/JJ and/CC slept/VBD their/PRP$ potations/NNS off,/IN open-mouthed/JJ and/CC fly-ridden,/JJ under/IN the/DT oak-trees;/JJ some/DT of/IN them/PRP fought/VBD and/CC had/VBD to/TO be/VB separated/VBN by/IN force/NN and/CC disarmed./NN They/PRP were/VBD the/DT riffraff/NN of/IN the/DT American/NNP invasion,/NN and/CC apparently/RB not/RB a/DT little/JJ proud/JJ of/IN it./DT D'Arcy/NNP marveled/VBD that/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP did/VBD not/RB muster/VB his/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC retainers/NNS and/CC drive/VB them/PRP forth/RB with/IN staves/NNS laid/VBN to/TO their/PRP$ hulking/VBG backs./NN Don/NNP Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP it/PRP was/VBD who/WP decided/VBD upon/IN a/DT rider/NN for/IN Pathfinder--an/NNP intelligent,/, slender/JJR boy,/NN son/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ majordomo;/NN the/DT lad/NN had/VBD ridden/VBN up/RP from/IN San/NNP Miguel/NNP for/IN this/DT very/RB purpose./JJ Racing/NN saddles/NNS were/VBD unknown/JJ in/IN California/NNP then,/, and/CC bareback/JJ riding/NN was/VBD the/DT order/NN of/IN the/DT day./NN D'Arcy,/NNP however,/RB elected/VBD to/TO employ/VB a/DT saddle-blanket,/NN held/VBN in/IN place/NN by/IN a/DT surcingle,/NN and/CC on/IN the/DT following/VBG morning/NN when/WRB his/PRP$ horse/NN went/VBD to/TO the/DT start/NN his/PRP$ sole/NN instruction/NN to/TO the/DT boy/NN was/VBD to/TO make/VB the/DT pace/NN and/CC never/RB slacken/VBN until/IN the/DT finish./NN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP sat/VBD with/IN her/PRP$ father/NN in/IN the/DT rear/JJ seat/NN of/IN the/DT open/JJ carriage/NN in/IN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD journeyed/VBN from/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP nearly/RB four/CD hundred/CD miles/NNS to/TO the/DT north./NN As/IN the/DT carriage/NN was/VBD parked/VBN just/RB opposite/IN the/DT finish/NN line,/NN D'Arcy/NNP strolled/VBD over/IN to/TO pay/VB his/PRP$ respects/NNS to/TO her/PRP and/CC her/PRP$ father/NN and/CC from/IN the/DT same/JJ point/NN of/IN vantage/NN watch/VB his/PRP$ horse/NN come/VB thundering/VBG in/IN to/TO victory./DT He/PRP had/VBD scarcely/RB reached/VBN the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT carriage,/NN however,/RB when/WRB a/DT shout/NN from/IN the/DT crowd/NN informed/VBD him/PRP that/IN the/DT race/NN was/VBD on./DT Deliberately/RB he/PRP turned/VBD his/PRP$ back/NN on/IN the/DT course/NN and/CC loaded/VBD his/PRP$ pipe./NN "Ah,"/IN the/DT girl/NN said/VBD softly,/NN "our/IN American/NNP realizes/VBZ that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ doomed/VBN to/TO defeat./NN He/PRP has/VBZ not/RB the/DT desire/NN to/TO watch/VB the/DT race.""You/NNS are/VBP mistaken,"/VBN he/PRP answered/VBD quietly./RB "I/RB have/VBP a/DT greater/JJR desire/NN to/TO watch/VB Se$orita/NNP Guerrero's/NNPS face/NN when,/, for/IN the/DT first/JJ time,/NN she/PRP sees/VBZ a/DT real/JJ race-horse./NN My/PRP$ horse/NN will/MD win,/VB se$orita./NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB need/VB to/TO watch/VB the/DT race./NN For/IN me/PRP it/PRP is/VBZ already/RB run.""Brave/JJ words,"/NN she/PRP answered--and/CC stood/VBD up/RP to/TO gaze/VB over/IN the/DT heads/NNS of/IN the/DT crowd./NN The/DT thudding/NN of/IN hoofs/NNS came/VBD faintly/RB to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP ears,/NNS growing/VBG louder,/JJ and/CC louder--a/JJ triumphant/NN shriek/NN from/IN a/DT rider/NN and/CC a/DT shower/NN of/IN gray/JJ dust-and/CC the/DT race/NN had/VBD been/VBN run./VBG "Tell/NNP me,/, se$orita,"/VBN D'Arcy/NNP spoke/VBD softly./NN "Was/IN not/RB the/DT winner/NN the/DT brown/JJ horse--judged/JJ much/JJ too/RB large/JJ and/CC clumsy/JJ to/TO contend/VB with/IN the/DT pride/NN of/IN Arroyo/NNP Chico?"Josepha's/NNP face/NN flushed,/VBD her/PRP$ eyes/NNS gleamed/VBD angrily./DT "You/NNS have/VBP won,/VBN se$or--by/IN a/DT dozen/NN lengths./VBZ You/PRP own/VBP a/DT truly/RB great/JJ horse./NN I/PRP felicitate/VBP you./PRP But--you/CC brag!"Don/NN Jos$/NNP stared/VBD open-mouthed/JJ into/IN space./NN "Santa/NNP Mar$a/NNP la/NNP Pur$sima!"/NNP he/PRP growled/VBD deep/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ throat./NN "Kitty/NNP has/VBZ failed/VBN me."Don/NN Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP approached/VBD and/CC prodded/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP in/IN the/DT ribs./NN "Eh,/IN my/PRP$ friend?/NN Did/VBD I/PRP not/RB assure/VB you/PRP the/DT horse/NN was/VBD not/RB too/RB big/JJ for/IN great/JJ speed?"/NN He/PRP chuckled/VBD good-naturedly./JJ "I/NN am/VBP a/DT fortunate/JJ man./NN Yesterday,/NN Jos$,/IN you/PRP won/VBD five/CD thousand/CD three-year-old/JJ steers/NNS from/IN Emilio./NNP Today/NN I/PRP win/VBP those/DT steers/NNS from/IN you./PRP If/IN you/PRP will/MD be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO instruct/VB Emilio/NNP to/TO deliver/VB them/PRP to/TO my/PRP$ rancho/NN I/PRP will/MD say/VB that/IN this/DT has/VBZ beena/DT most/RBS excellent/JJ horse-race/NN and/CC one/CD long/JJ to/TO be/VB remembered."Don/NNP Jos$/NNP crushed/JJ Montalvo's/NNP conical/NN hat/NN down/RP on/IN his/PRP$ head./NN "Son/NN of/IN ten/CD thousand/CD foxes!/NNS You/PRP were/VBD right,/JJ Carlos./NNP Well,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP lost/VBN the/DT best/JJS horse/NN that/WDT was/VBD in/IN California/NNP until/IN this/DT gringo/NN came./VBD And/CC I/PRP have/VBP also/RB lost/VBN to/TO him/PRP five/CD hundred/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold./NN Se$or/NNP D'Arcy!"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP looked/VBD up/RB and/CC caught/VBD the/DT buckskin/NN bag/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP tossed/VBD gaily/RB to/TO him./PRP "I/IN congratulate/JJ you,/, se$or,"/JJ he/PRP added/VBD manfully./. "Good/NNP old/JJ sport!"/NN thought/VBD D'Arcy./NNP "He's/NNP more/RBR amazed/VBN than/IN shocked."The/DT youth/NN who/WP had/VBD ridden/VBN Kitty/NNP led/VBD her/PRP$ over/IN and,/NNS at/IN a/DT sign/NN from/IN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP laid/VBD the/DT bridle-reins/NNS in/IN D'Arcy's/NNP hand./, "Don/NNP Jos$,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP said,/VBD "Kitty/NNP is/VBZ not/RB bred/VBN in/IN the/DT purple./NN She/PRP has/VBZ a/DT strain/NN of/IN cold/JJ blood/NN in/IN her--a/PRP$ very/RB little/JJ strain,/NN 'tis/VBZ true,/JJ but--a/CC strain./JJ She/PRP is/VBZ not/RB a/DT race-horse,/NN but/CC a/DT very/RB beautiful/JJ mare/NN for/IN a/DT beautiful/JJ lady/NN to/TO ride./VB With/IN your/PRP$ permission,/JJ Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP I/PRP present/VB her/PRP to/TO your/PRP$ daughter."/NNS And/CC he/PRP passed/VBD the/DT reins/NNS up/IN to/TO Josepha./NNP "No,/NNP no,"/, the/DT girl/NN protested./VBN "There/RB are/VBP gentlemen/NNS here/RB who/WP will/MD gladly/RB give/VB you/PRP two/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS for/IN Kitty.""There/NNP are/VBP occasions,/JJ se$orita,/NN when/WRB it/PRP pleases/VBZ me/PRP to/TO remember/VB that/IN there/EX are/VBP other/JJ things/NNS in/IN life/NN more/RBR important/JJ than/IN gold./NNP Moreover,/NNP where/WRB I/PRP go/VBP there/RB is/VBZ gold/NN to/TO be/VB had/VBN for/IN the/DT taking./NN Adios,/NNP se$orita./VBD Adios,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$."He/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC strode/VBD resolutely/RB away./RB His/PRP$ mules/NNS were/VBD already/RB packed,/VBN and/CC when/WRB Pathfinder/NNP had/VBD been/VBN cooled/VBN out/RB and/CC wiped,/VB Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP saddled/VBD him,/NN said/VBD farewell/NN to/TO his/PRP$ host/NN and/CC Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP and,/CC amidst/IN the/DT cheers/NNS of/IN the/DT assembled/VBN guests,/NN rode/VBD downthe/RB palm-lined/JJ avenue./VBG To/TO his/PRP$ surprise/NN he/PRP found/VBD Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP standing/VBG at/IN the/DT foot/NN of/IN it,/PRP$ the/DT omnipresent/JJ Tomas/NNP at/IN her/PRP$ side./NN "I/NNS take/VBP the/DT mare/NN for/IN my/PRP$ father's/NN sake,/NN se$or,"/NN she/PRP cried/VBD to/TO him/PRP sharply./. "He/PRP would/MD be/VB lost/VBN without/IN her.""I/PRP gave/VBD her/PRP to/TO you--for/JJ your/PRP$ father's/NN sake,"/NN he/PRP shot/VBD back/RB at/IN her./PRP "Thank/VBP you/PRP ten/CD thousand/CD times/NNS for/IN accepting/VBG her./PRP Your/PRP$ father/NN is/VBZ a/DT good/JJ sport/NN and/CC a/DT true/JJ gentleman."Their/JJ glances/NNS met/VBD and/CC there/EX was/VBD a/DT faint/JJ film/NN of/IN emotion/NN in/IN her/PRP$ eyes./NN "Se$or/IN D'Arcy/NNP will/MD never/RB lack/VB a/DT welcome/JJ at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico.""I/NNP thank/VB you,/PRP se$orita,/VB but/CC I/PRP think/VBP we/PRP shall/MD not/RB meet/VB again./DT Adios./NNP Adios,/NNP Tomas."The/NNP girl/NN removed/VBD a/DT red/JJ rose/NN from/IN her/PRP$ corsage,/NN kissed/VBD it/PRP and/CC tossed/VBD it/PRP to/TO him./PRP He/PRP caught/VBD it/PRP deftly,/VBD caught,/VBN too,/RB the/DT low/JJ benediction:/NN "Vaya/NNP usted/VBD con/RB Dios."Then/RB he/PRP wheeled/VBD Pathfinder;/NNP herding/, Shawneen/NNP and/CC Michael/NNP before/IN him,/PRP he/PRP headed/VBD north/RB to/TO the/DT new/JJ El/NNP Dorado/NNP to/TO seek/VB his/PRP$ fortune/NN in/IN the/DT wilderness./JJS And/CC he/PRP did/VBD not/RB look/VB back./RB FOR/IN two/CD reasons/NNS Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD found/VBN it/PRP expedient/JJ to/TO refrain/VB from/IN joining/VBG the/DT early/JJ rush/NN to/TO the/DT placer-diggings./NN One/CD was/VBD the/DT necessity/NN for/IN rest/NN and/CC recuperation/NN for/IN himself/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ animals,/NN following/VBG their/PRP$ long/JJ trek/NN overland;/IN the/DT other/JJ was/VBD lack/NN of/IN capital./NN His/PRP$ training/NN as/IN a/DT soldier/NN in/IN the/DT war/NN between/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNP and/CC Mexico/NNP had/VBD taught/VBN him/PRP that/IN it/PRP is/VBZ fatal/JJ to/TO embark/VB upon/IN a/DT campaign/NN without/IN taking/VBG into/IN consideration/NN the/DT requirements/NNS of/IN equipment,/NN rations,/NN bases/NNS of/IN supply,/NN transport/NN and/CC intelligence;/NN and/CC during/IN the/DT month/NN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN the/DT guest/NN of/IN Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN much/JJ impressed,/NN in/IN view/NN of/IN all/DT he/PRP could/MD learn/VB of/IN conditions/NNS in/IN Alta/NNP California,/NNP with/IN the/DT necessity/NN for/IN proceeding/VBG cautiously/RB in/IN the/DT campaign/NN for/IN gold/NN upon/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD decided/VBN to/TO embark./VB Day/NNP after/IN day/NN men/NNS en/IN route/NN to/TO the/DT placers/NNS had/VBD rested/VBN for/IN the/DT night/NN at/IN the/DT Montalvo/NNP rancho,/NN and/CC although/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD questioned/VBN these/DT men/NNS closely,/VBD his/PRP$ inquiries/NNS elicited/VBD no/DT information/NN likely/JJ to/TO be/VB of/IN much/JJ benefit/NN to/TO him./PRP He/PRP discovered/VBD that/IN of/IN even/RB the/DT crudest/JJ methods/NNS of/IN placer-mining/NN one/CD and/CC all/DT were/VBD ignorant./VBG Nor/CC did/VBD they/PRP have/VB in/IN mind/NN a/DT definite/JJ objective./NN The/DT report/NN that/IN gold/NN had/VBD been/VBN found/VBN in/IN the/DT American/NNP River/NNP at/IN Coloma/NNP appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB substantially/RB authenticated,/JJ but/CC beyond/IN the/DT pertinent/JJ fact/NN no/DT other/JJ information/NN had/VBD seeped/VBN into/IN the/DT southern/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT territory./NN It/PRP was/VBD assumed,/VBN however,/RB that/IN if/IN gold/NN had/VBD been/VBN found/VBN in/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN one/CD stream/NN it/PRP could/MD be/VB found/VBN in/IN the/DT beds/NNS of/IN all/DT streams./. As/IN they/PRP progressed/VBD north/RB the/DT gold-seekers/NNS confidently/RB expected/VBN to/TO obtain/VB definite/JJ information;/NN also/RB mining/VBG equipment,/NN of/IN which/WDT at/IN present/NN they/PRP had/VBD none./DT Food,/NNP picks,/NN shovels,/NN spades,/NNS and/CC other/JJ necessary/JJ tools/NNS they/PRP planned/VBD to/TO purchase/VB in/IN San/NNP Francisco;/NNP the/DT problem/NN of/IN transport/NN was/VBD one/CD which,/NN seemingly,/NN they/PRP were/VBD content/JJ to/TO leave/VB in/IN the/DT laps/NNS of/IN the/DT gods./NN Seemingly/RB too/RB the/DT magic/JJ word/NN gold/NN had/VBD robbed/VBN them/PRP of/IN reason;/NN they/PRP were/VBD concerned/VBN solely/RB with/IN getting/VBG on/IN the/DT ground;/NN thereafter/RB they/PRP would/MD decide/VB what/WP to/TO do/VB and/CC D'Arcy/NNP gathered/VBD that/IN in/IN some/DT vague,/JJ inchoate/NN manner/NN Providence/NNP was/VBD expected/VBN to/TO arrange/VB all/DT things/NNS pleasantly/RB thereafter./, As/IN he/PRP fared/VBD up/RP El/NNP Camino/NNP Real,/NNP D'Arcy/NNP resolutely/RB retracted/VBD his/PRP$ thoughts/NNS from/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC centered/VBD them/PRP upon/IN the/DT problem/NN of/IN his/PRP$ future./NN Thanks/NNS to/TO his/PRP$ pleasant/JJ sojourn/NN at/IN the/DT Montalvo/NNP rancho/NN he/PRP had/VBD gained/VBN in/IN weight;/NN he/PRP was/VBD rested;/VBN once/RB more/RBR he/PRP felt/VBD himself/PRP fit/VB to/TO essay/NN arduous/JJ enterprises./. His/PRP$ stock,/NN too,/NN was/VBD fit./RB In/IN the/DT horse-race/NN run/NN that/WDT morning/NN he/PRP had/VBD staked/VBN his/PRP$ all/PDT upon/IN Pathfinder,/NNP and/CC because/IN the/DT noble/JJ animal/NN had/VBD not/RB failed/VBN him,/, he/PRP found/VBD himself/PRP now/RB with/IN a/DT cash/NN capital/NN of/IN one/CD thousand/CD dollars./, In/IN Pathfinder,/NNP Shawneen,/NNP and/CC Michael/NNP he/PRP had/VBD transport/NN to/TO the/DT diggings,/NN provided/VBD no/DT untoward/JJ accident/NN befell/NN them./, All/DT that/WDT worried/VBD him/PRP was/VBD the/DT problem/NN of/IN rations/NNS and/CC mining/NN equipment,/NN and/CC in/IN anticipation/NN of/IN being/VBG able/JJ to/TO purchase/VB both/DT in/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP he/PRP was/VBD content/JJ to/TO await/VB the/DT crossing/NN of/IN that/DT bridge/NN until/IN he/PRP came/VBD to/TO it./PRP Nevertheless,/RB he/PRP was/VBD worried./VBN His/PRP$ common/JJ sense/NN told/VBD him/PRP that/IN since/IN hitherto/VBN no/DT extraordinary/JJ demand/NN for/IN mining/NN equipment,/NN wagons,/NN pack-animals/NNS and/CC pack-saddles,/NN boats/NNS and/CC portable/JJ foodstuffs/NNS had/VBD developed/VBN in/IN California,/NNP the/DT recent/JJ sudden/JJ demand/NN must/MD have/VB denuded/VBN the/DT dealers/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ stocks/NNS and/CC in/IN consequencethe/DT market/NN would/MD be/VB bare/JJ until/IN the/DT arrival/NN of/IN new/JJ goods/NNS ordered/VBD from/IN the/DT East./NNP Also,/IN prices/NNS had/VBD undoubtedly/RB risen/VBN to/TO unprecedented/JJ heights./NN He/PRP pondered/VBD his/PRP$ predicament,/NN and/CC eventually/RB decided/VBD that/IN since/IN a/DT large/JJ majority/NN of/IN the/DT adventurers/NNS en/IN route/NN to/TO the/DT placers/NNS had/VBD little/JJ capital,/NN being/VBG adventurers/NNS all,/IN a/DT man/NN with/IN one/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS might/MD reasonably/RB hope/VB to/TO secure/VB what/WP he/PRP sought,/VBD even/RB in/IN a/DT bare/JJ market,/NN provided/VBD he/PRP cared/VBD to/TO pay/VB the/DT price./NN Indeed,/IN it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN an/DT earlier/JJR consideration/NN of/IN this/DT problem/NN that/WDT had/VBD decided/VBN him/PRP to/TO take/VB his/PRP$ time/NN and/CC condition/NN Pathfinder/NN for/IN the/DT race/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP since/IN in/IN that/DT race/NN lay/VBD his/PRP$ sole/JJ hope/NN of/IN augmenting/VBG his/PRP$ fortunes/NNS to/TO the/DT point/NN where,/WRB with/IN thrift/NN and/CC sound/NN judgment,/NN he/PRP might/MD hope/VB to/TO survive/VB in/IN this/DT helter-skelter/NN rush./VBD Don/NNP Carlos,/NNP too,/, had/VBD given/VBN him/PRP much/JJ sound/NN advice./. The/DT don/FW had/VBD reminded/VBN him/PRP that/IN the/DT wise/JJ gold-seeker/NN would/MD make/VB careful/JJ preparations/NNS if/IN he/PRP would/MD winter/NN in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills,/NN and/CC hazarded/VBD the/DT guess/NN that/IN inadequate/JJ shelter,/NN cold,/NN and/CC starvation/NN would/MD be/VB the/DT portion/NN of/IN many/JJ a/DT hare-brained/JJ hopeful./NN "This/DT adventure/NN will/MD be/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN like/IN that/WDT which/WDT confronted/VBD settlers/NNS from/IN the/DT Atlantic/NNP seaboard/NN when/WRB they/PRP moved/VBD to/TO Kentucky/NNP and/CC Tennessee,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP soliloquized./VBD "Their/PRP$ first/JJ consideration/NN was/VBD the/DT erection/NN of/IN a/DT habitation;/NN their/PRP$ next,/JJ the/DT clearing/NN of/IN land/NN whereupon/IN to/TO raise/VB foodstuffs./NN Thereafter/IN they/PRP tempted/VBN fortune./RB Food/NNP purchased/VBD in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC transported/VBN to/TO the/DT Sierras/NNPS for/IN resale/NN will/MD be/VB extraordinarily/RB dear,/JJ because/IN of/IN the/DT lack/NN of/IN adequate/JJ transport/NN and/CC a/DT demand/NN far/RB in/IN excess/NN of/IN the/DT supply./NN Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy,/NN what/WP you/PRP require/VBP is/VBZ six/CD more/JJR pack-mules!"He/NN stopped/VBD that/DT night/NN at/IN the/DT ranch/NN of/IN John/NNP Gilroy,/NNP who/WP had/VBD settled/VBN in/IN California/NNP in/IN 1814./DT From/IN Gilroyhe/NNP purchased/VBD six/CD good/JJ mules,/NNS broken/VBN to/TO pack,/VB paying/VBG therefor/DT fifteen/CD dollars/NNS each./DT The/DT ranch/NN saddle-maker/NN made/VBD his/PRP$ pack-saddles/NNS and/CC kyacks/NNS of/IN cowhide/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP waited/VBD a/DT week/NN for/IN them./PRP Here,/RB also,/RB he/PRP engaged/VBD a/DT half-breed/JJ Indian/NNP to/TO accompany/VB him/PRP and/CC help/VB care/VB for/IN the/DT stock,/NN the/DT native/JJ supplying/VBG his/PRP$ own/JJ mount./NN Then/RB with/IN a/DT light/NN heart/NN he/PRP proceeded/VBD to/TO the/DT pueblo/NN of/IN San/NNP Jos$./NNP Here/RB his/PRP$ earlier/JJR apprehensions/NNS were/VBD found/VBN to/TO have/VB been/VBN justified./VBN Dealers/NNS in/IN foodstuffs/NNS and/CC hardware/NN had/VBD naught/VBN but/CC empty/JJ shelves/NNS to/TO show/VB him./RP In/IN San/NNP Jos$,/NNP however,/, he/PRP was/VBD fortunate/JJ enough/RB to/TO secure/VB definite/JJ information/NN as/IN to/TO the/DT best/JJS route/NN to/TO travel/VB in/IN order/NN to/TO reach/VB Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP at/IN the/DT junction/NN of/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP and/CC American/NNP rivers,/NN this/DT being/VBG the/DT base/NN of/IN supplies/NNS and/CC point/NN of/IN departure/NN for/IN all/DT points/NNS in/IN Alta/NNP California./NNP Two/CD days/NNS later/RB he/PRP was/VBD in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC camped/VBD for/IN the/DT night/NN in/IN a/DT field/NN near/IN Mission/NNP Dolores./NNP In/IN the/DT morning,/NN leaving/VBG his/PRP$ servant/NN Francisco/NNP in/IN charge/NN of/IN the/DT mules,/NN he/PRP rode/VBD into/IN town./DT He/PRP found/VBD the/DT hamlet/NN of/IN San/NNP Francisco--for/NNP it/PRP was/VBD little/JJ more--almost/JJ deserted,/NN while/IN those/DT who/WP remained/VBD were/VBD desirous/JJ of/IN disposing/VBG of/IN their/PRP$ inhibiting/JJ businesses/NNS as/RB fast/RB as/IN possible/JJ and/CC following/VBG the/DT gold-rush./NN In/IN the/DT harbor/NN a/DT half-dozen/NN ships/NNS swung/VBD at/IN anchor,/IN some/DT entirely/RB deserted/VBN but/CC the/DT majority/NN with/IN a/DT loyal/JJ captain/NN aboard,/IN hoping/VBG against/IN hope/NN that/IN the/DT man-power/NN of/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP would/MD soon/RB return/VB from/IN the/DT gold-fields,/JJ hungry/JJ and/CC disillusioned,/JJ and/CC discharge/VB the/DT cargoes./NN D'Arcy/NNP learned/VBD too/RB that/DT fully/RB fifty/CD percent/NN of/IN the/DT garrison/NN at/IN the/DT Presidio/NNP had/VBD deserted,/VBN and/CC that/IN provost-guards/NNS sent/VBD to/TO bring/VB back/RB the/DT deserters/NNS had/VBD themselves/PRP deserted./VBN Food/NN was/VBD purchasable,/VBN albeit/IN at/IN extravagant/JJ prices,/NN but/CC hardware/NN of/IN any/DT kind/NN was/VBD unobtainable./RB In/IN a/DT cantina/NN near/IN Portsmouth/NNP Square/NNP D'Arcy/NNP met/VBD thesaddest/DT citizen/NN of/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP He/PRP was/VBD seated/VBN at/IN a/DT table/NN in/IN a/DT corner/NN moodily/RB playing/VBG solitaire,/RB when/WRB D'Arcy/NNP breasted/VBD the/DT bar./NN "Hello/NNP there,/, friend,"/IN the/DT latter/JJ saluted/JJ him./PRP "Have/VBP a/DT drink?""I/NN suppose/VB I/PRP ought/MD to/TO help/VB you/PRP out,"/VB the/DT sorrowful/JJ one/CD replied/VBD without/IN enthusiasm./VBG "A/DT feller/NN can't/MD drink/VB alone,/RB can/MD he?""It/VB isn't/RB done/VBN in/IN the/DT best/JJS social/JJ circles,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP admitted./VBD "I/PRP shouldn't/MD do/VB this,"/IN the/DT other/JJ complained./NN "When/RB a/DT feller's/JJ low/JJ in/IN sperrits/NNS he'd/PRP ought/MD to/TO stay/VB away/RB from/IN the/DT danged/JJ stuff,/NN or/CC first/JJ thing/NN he/PRP knows/VBZ he/PRP gits/VBZ to/TO dippin'/VB his/PRP$ nose/NN in/IN too/RB deep."/JJ He/PRP leaned/VBD across/IN the/DT bar/NN and/CC surveyed/VBD the/DT bartender/NN with/IN a/DT morose/JJ eye./NN "A/IN little/JJ cookin'/NN whisky,/, Jim."/NNP Then/RB turning/VBG to/TO D'Arcy:/NNP "You're/IN a/DT recent/JJ arrival,/NN ain't/NN you?/. Well,/UH you've/VB sure/JJ come/VBN to/TO a/DT dead/JJ town.""My/NN name's/NNS D'Arcy,"/IN his/PRP$ host/NN volunteered./NN Beneath/IN the/DT melancholy/NN of/IN the/DT other/JJ he/PRP discerned/VBD a/DT broad/JJ streak/NN of/IN homely,/NN honest/JJ philosophy,/NNS good/JJ nature,/NN and/CC whimsicality./NN Here,/IN he/PRP reasoned,/VBD was/VBD a/DT man/NN who/WP would/MD talk--one/DT who/WP evidently/RB had/VBD time/NN to/TO talk./VB It/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO D'Arcy/NNP that/IN this/DT man/NN might/MD be/VB able/JJ to/TO lead/VB him/PRP to/TO some/DT picks/NNS and/CC shovels./VBD "I'm/NNP B./NNP Jabez/NNP Harmon./NNP I'm/IN the/DT jailer/NN in/IN the/DT local/JJ calaboose,"/NN the/DT melancholy/NN one/NN countered,/NN not/RB to/TO be/VB outdone/VBN in/IN friendliness./NN "Is/NNS that/IN why/WRB you/PRP feel/VBP so/RB downhearted,/IN Mr./NNP Harmon?""Call/NNP me/PRP Bejabers./NNP Most/JJS folks/NNS call/VBP me/PRP that./DT I'm/IN the/DT joke/NN of/IN the/DT town./NN Yes,/NN bein'/NN jailer/NN is/VBZ what/WP hangs/VBZ the/DT crape/NN on/IN B./NNP Jabez/NNP Harmon./NNP Here/RB I/PRP am,/VBP wild/JJ to/TO pull/VB out/RP for/IN the/DT gold-fields--and/NN I/PRP can't/MD go.""Why?/VB Lack/NNP of/IN capital?""No./NN Too/RB much/RB conscience./VBG The/DT sheriff,/NN who's/IN my/PRP$ superior/JJ officer,/NN pulled/VBD out/RP for/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP three/CD weeks/NNS ago/RB and/CC left/VBD me/PRP in/IN sole/JJ charge./NN The/DT magistrate,/NN the/DT alcalde/NN and/CC most/JJS of/IN the/DT city/NN council/NN went/VBD with/IN him,/NN and/CC I/PRP can't/MD resign/VB because/IN there's/DT nobody/NN to/TO resign/VB to./. There's/. no/DT city/NN government/NN functionin'/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP eight/CD human/JJ jackdaws/NNS in/IN my/PRP$ bird-cage/NN and/CC don't/RB know/VB what/WP to/TO do/VB with/IN them./PRP I/PRP can't/MD quit/VB my/PRP$ post/NN until/IN properly/RB relieved./VBN Grub's/NNP runnin'/NNP short/JJ at/IN my/PRP$ jail,/NN prices/NNS are/VBP sky-high/JJ and/CC I/PRP don't/RB know/VBP where/WRB to/TO get/VB any/DT more,/JJR even/RB if/IN I/PRP could/MD afford/VB to/TO buy/VB more--which/JJ I/PRP can't./MD I'll/RB be/VB danged/VBN if/IN I'll/NNP put/VBD up/RP my/PRP$ own/JJ money/NN to/TO feed/VB those/DT prisoners,/NNS and/CC yet/RB I/PRP ain't/VBP got/VBD the/DT heart/NN to/TO let/VB 'em/PRP starve/VB to/TO death./NN Besides,/IN they've/NN all/DT been/VBN in/IN jail/NN close/NN to/TO two/CD months/NNS now;/RB they're/RB entitled/VBN to/TO a/DT speedy/JJ trial/NN and/CC they/PRP can't/MD get/VB it./PRP 'Tain't/JJ right.""I/NN should/MD imagine/VB that/IN imprisonment/NN without/IN trial/NN is/VBZ unconstitutional./NNP Have/VBP they/PRP been/VBN indicted?""Nary/JJ indictment./NN Three/CD of/IN 'em/PRP is/VBZ accused/VBN of/IN hoss/NN stealin',/NN two/CD killed/VBD their/PRP$ men/NNS in/IN street/NN duels,/NNS one's/IN accused/VBN o'/IN bigamy/JJ and/CC two/CD are/VBP runaway/JJ sailors/NNS and/CC could/MD be/VB returned/VBN to/TO their/PRP$ ship/NN if/IN the/DT dog-goned/JJ captain/NN hadn't/VBD deserted/VBN her/PRP and/CC gone/VBN to/TO the/DT Sierra."/NNPS He/PRP sipped/VBD his/PRP$ cooking/JJ whisky/NN sadly./NN "Did/VBD you/PRP ever/RB hear/VB of/IN a/DT feller/NN in/IN my/PRP$ fix/VBP before?"D'Arcy/IN laughingly/RB assured/VBN Bejabers/NNP that/IN he/PRP never/RB had./VBD "Have/VB you/PRP been/VBN paid/VBN recently?"/RB he/PRP added./VBD "I'm/IN three/CD months/NNS behind./. City/NNP treasurer's/NNS flew/VBD the/DT coop,/JJ too.""In/NNS that/WDT event/NN I/PRP should/MD say/VB you/PRP are/VBP entitled/VBN to/TO fly/VB the/DT coop/NN also./. In/IN all/DT probability,/NNS should/MD your/PRP$ prisoners/NNS ever/RB come/VBN to/TO trial,/VB they/PRP will/MD be/VB acquitted,/VBN because/IN their/PRP$ accusers/NNS will/MD not/RB be/VB present/JJ in/IN court./NN Can/MD you/PRP imagine/VB a/DT man/NN leaving/VBG a/DT fortune/NN to/TO come/VB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP to/TO testify/VB against/IN somebody/NN who/WP stole/VBD a/DT five-dollar/JJ cayuse?''"By/NN the/DT holy/JJ poker,/NN I/PRP never/RB thought/VBD of/IN that./DT You/PRP reckon,/VBP Mr./NNP D'Arcy,/NNP folks/NNS won't/VBD criticize/VB me/PRP and/CC call/VB me/PRP a/DT faithless/JJ public/JJ servant/NN if/IN I/PRP turn/VBP them/PRP fellers/NNS loose,/WDT lock/VBP up/RP the/DT jail/NN and/CC drift?""In/VB my/PRP$ opinion,/NN when/WRB a/DT municipality/NN fails/VBZ to/TO pay/VB its/PRP$ faithful/NN servants/NNS the/DT wages/NNS due/JJ them/PRP and/CC long/RB overdue,/IN that/DT servant/NN is/VBZ justified/VBN in/IN leaving/VBG the/DT employ/NN of/IN the/DT municipality/NN without/IN notice--particularly/JJ when/WRB there/EX is/VBZ no/DT one/CD to/TO whom/WP he/PRP may/MD give/VB notice."The/DT light/NN of/IN a/DT new/JJ hope/NN commenced/VBD to/TO dawn/VB in/IN the/DT dolorous/JJ countenance/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP "By/IN the/DT Lord,/NNP I'm/NNP glad/JJ I/PRP met/VBD you,/IN Mr./NNP D'Arcy./NNP Shows/VBZ what/WP a/DT mistake/NN it/PRP is/VBZ for/IN a/DT feller/NN to/TO decline/VB to/TO drink/VB with/IN strangers./DT You're/NNP sure/JJ a/DT comfort/NN to/TO me,/JJ boy./NN Got/VBD any/DT more/JJR bright/JJ suggestions?""Any/NN number/NN of/IN them./PRP What/WP do/VBP your/PRP$ prisoners/NNS do/VBP for/IN exercise?""Well,/NN up/IN until/IN the/DT last/JJ rain/NN I/PRP been/VBN workin'/NN 'em/PRP on/IN the/DT streets,/NN scraping/VBG the/DT mud/NN off/RB down/IN to/TO hard-pan,/JJ makin'/NN sidewalks/NNS out/IN of/IN sand-bags,/NN doin'/NN a/DT little/JJ quarryin'/NN over/IN to/TO Telegraph/NNP Hill--""Have/NNP you/PRP got/VBD picks,/NNS spades,/NNS and/CC shovels/NNS in/IN your/PRP$ charge?""Two/NN dozen/NN of/IN each.""What/WP else/RB have/VBP you/PRP got?/VB I/PRP mean/VBP in/IN the/DT way/NN of/IN hardware?""A/JJ lot/NN of/IN plain/JJ buildin'/NN tools,/RB handcuffs,/VBD leg-irons,/JJ chains--oh,/NN a/DT hell/NN of/IN a/DT lot/NN of/IN stuff,/NN including/VBG ammunition,/NN pistols,/NN knives,/NN shotguns,/NN and/CC rifles./NN It's/IN a/DT pretty/RB good/JJ jail,/NN if/IN I/PRP do/VBP say/VB so.""You/PRP are/VBP entitled/VBN to/TO appropriate/VB all/DT of/IN that/DT property/NN which/WDT we/PRP require/VBP in/IN our/PRP$ business./NN You/PRP can/MD leave/VB a/DT receipt/NN for/IN it/PRP in/IN the/DT sheriff's/NN office/NN with/IN instructions/NNS to/TO the/DT sheriff/NN to/TO deduct/VB the/DT value/NN of/IN it/PRP from/IN your/PRP$ overdue/JJ wages/NNS as/IN jailer.""What/NN you/PRP aimin'/NN at,/IN man?/JJ A/DT partnership?""I'm/NN headed/VBN for/IN the/DT diggings,/NN but/CC I/PRP haven't/VBP gone/VBN hog-wild/JJ about/IN gold,/NN and/CC I/PRP intend/VBP to/TO arrive/VB there/RB with/IN the/DT necessary/JJ equipment,/NN including/VBG food./VBN I've/NN purchased/VBD the/DT food--more/NN than/IN I/PRP will/MD require,/VB in/IN fact./DT But/CC I/PRP cannot/MD buy/VB mining/NN equipment/NN for/IN love/NN or/CC money./NN Now,/RB the/DT thought/NN has/VBZ just/RB occurred/VBN to/TO me/PRP that/IN a/DT good,/JJ honest,/JJ conscientious/JJ partner/NN would/MD be/VB a/DT distinct/JJ asset./NN I'm/IN willing/JJ to/TO finance/VB the/DT expedition/NN provided/VBD you/PRP furnish/VB the/DT mining/NN equipment/NN and/CC the/DT labor.""I'm/NN busted,/NN mister./, I/PRP couldn't/MD pay/VB wages/NNS to/TO nobody.""It/NN is/VBZ not/RB my/PRP$ intention/NN to/TO have/VB you/PRP pay/VB them./PRP Come,/VB Bejabers,/NNP me/PRP lad,/VBP use/VB your/PRP$ head./NN Furnish/IN the/DT labor./NN You/PRP have/VBP eight/CD prisoners./DT When/WRB you/PRP join/VB fortunes/NNS with/IN me,/NNS take/VBP your/PRP$ prisoners/NNS with/IN you./PRP$ I/PRP am/VBP sure/JJ they/PRP would/MD much/RB prefer/VB to/TO be/VB with/IN us/PRP than/IN in/IN jail,/NN and/CC as/IN they/PRP have/VBP no/DT capital/NN and/CC are/VBP doubtless/RB fairly/RB mad/JJ to/TO join/VB the/DT gold-rush,/NN the/DT prospect/NN of/IN securing/VBG a/DT good/JJ job/NN when/WRB they/PRP get/VBP there/RB will/MD appeal/VB to/TO every/DT man/NN Jack/NNP of/IN them./PRP$ At/IN least/JJS they/PRP will/MD be/VB assured/VBN they/PRP will/MD not/RB starve/VB to/TO death,/VB and/CC they/PRP will,/DT of/IN course,/NN realize/VBP with/IN gratitude/NN that/IN their/PRP$ troubles/NNS with/IN the/DT law/NN are/VBP at/IN an/DT end.""What's/NN your/PRP$ first/JJ name,/NN boy?""Dermod.""Dermod,/NN it's/IN a/DT go./NN Put/VBD her/PRP$ there,/EX pardner."They/PRP sealed/VBD their/PRP$ partnership/NN after/IN the/DT ancient/JJ frontier/NN fashion/NN and/CC cemented/VBD the/DT union/NN in/IN another/DT drink,/NN after/IN which/WDT they/PRP sat/VBD down/RB at/IN the/DT table/NN to/TO draw/VB up/RP a/DT list/NN of/IN their/PRP$ requirements./NN "There's/IN a/DT good/JJ team/NN of/IN horses/NNS in/IN the/DT jail/NN stable,"/NN Bejabers/NNP confided,/VBD "and/CC a/DT good/JJ strong/JJ covered/JJ spring/NN wagon/NN that/WDT we/PRP use/VBP as/IN a/DT combination/NN ambulance/NN and/CC black/JJ Maria./NNP We/PRP can/MD load/VB our/PRP$ truck/NN in/IN that./DT I/PRP reckon/VBP the/DT team/NN and/CC the/DT black/JJ Maria/NNP will/MD overdraw/VB my/PRP$ creditwith/NN the/DT city,/NN but/CC if/IN a/DT feller's/NN goin'/NN to/TO help/VB himself/PRP to/TO a/DT dollar's/NN worth/NN of/IN goods/NNS from/IN the/DT city/NN he/PRP might/MD as/RB well/RB stretch/VB his/PRP$ credit/NN limit/NN as/IN not.""Bejabers,/NN you're/IN the/DT shadow/NN of/IN a/DT rock/NN in/IN a/DT weary/JJ land./NN One/CD of/IN your/PRP$ prisoners/NNS will/MD drive/VB the/DT team,/NN and/CC another/DT will/MD sit/VB on/IN the/DT seat/NN beside/IN him./PRP The/DT other/JJ six/CD can/MD ride/VB my/PRP$ mules./NN I/PRP have/VBP eight./DT That/DT will/MD leave/VB two/CD mules/NNS to/TO pack/VB cargo,/NN and/CC the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP will/MD accommodate/VB the/DT remainder./NNP We/PRP must/MD find/VB some/DT saddles."Bejabers/NNS scratched/VBD his/PRP$ ingenious/JJ head,/NN and/CC the/DT last/JJ vestige/NN of/IN gloom/NN departed/VBD his/PRP$ countenance./NN "Pendin'/NN proof/NN of/IN the/DT ownership/NN of/IN them/PRP horses/NNS alleged/VBD to/TO have/VB been/VBN stole/VBD by/IN my/PRP$ three/CD boss/NN thieves,/IN the/DT evidence,/JJ consistin'/NN of/IN three/CD mustangs,/NNS saddles/NNS and/CC bridles,/NN has/VBZ been/VBN reposin'/VBN in/IN the/DT jail/NN stable./NN Reckon/IN the/DT fellers/NNS preferrin'/VBD the/DT charges/NNS sort/NN o'/RB got/VBD the/DT gold-fever/NN after/IN preferrin'/NN 'em,/, and/CC concluded/VBD not/RB to/TO have/VB their/PRP$ movements/NNS hobbled/VBN and/CC their/PRP$ time/NN wasted/VBN by/IN havin'/VBG to/TO appear/VB in/IN court/NN to/TO prosecute/VB the/DT accused./VBN "Consequently,/IN I/PRP hereby/RB declare/VBP said/VBD evidence/NN forfeited/VBD to/TO the/DT city/NN and/CC county/NN on/IN account/NN of/IN the/DT unpaid/JJ feed/NN bill,/NNS and/CC I/PRP hereby/RB commandeer/VB 'em/PRP from/IN the/DT city/NN and/CC county/NN in/IN lieu/NN of/IN the/DT wages/NNS I/PRP might/MD earn/VB if/IN I/PRP stayed/VBD on/IN my/PRP$ job/NN as/IN jailer,/NN which/WDT it/PRP may/MD be/VB years/NNS before/IN the/DT city/NN government/NN discovers/NNS I've/NN quit,/RB and/CC for/IN all/DT the/DT city'll/NN know/VBP my/PRP$ wages/NNS will/MD be/VB runnin'/VBN right/JJ along!/IN Dermod,/NNP this/DT evidence/NN just/RB naturally/RB gets/VBZ lost/VBN in/IN the/DT shuffle.""On/JJ behalf/NN of/IN our/PRP$ partnership,/NN Bejabers,/IN I/PRP accept/VBP the/DT sacrifice/NN in/IN the/DT spirit/NN in/IN which/WDT it/PRP is/VBZ offered./VBN Select/NNP the/DT best/JJS horse/NN for/IN yourself./PRP$ Well,/NNP now,/, you,/PRP I,/VBP my/PRP$ servant,/NN a/DT Californian/NNP named/VBN Francisco,/NNP and/CC three/CD horse/NN thieves/NNS are/VBP mounted/VBN on/IN horses./NN The/DT two/CD murderers/NNS and/CC the/DT bigamist/NN for/IN their/PRP$ sins/NNS shall/MD ride/VB the/DT mules,/NNS with/IN ablanket/NN and/CC surcingle/JJ until/IN I/PRP can/MD pick/VB up/RP saddles/NNS for/IN them/PRP at/IN some/DT rancho/NN along/IN the/DT line/NN of/IN march./NN The/DT two/CD sailors/NNS shall/MD command/VB the/DT wagon-train,/NN and/CC we/PRP will/MD have/VB five/CD pack-mules./NN I/PRP must/MD buy/VB more/JJR food/NN and/CC a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN blankets/NNS and/CC bedding/VBG to/TO load/VB them.""Add/PRP a/DT few/JJ cases/NNS of/IN whisky,"/NN Bejabers/NNP suggested./VBD "Not/RB that/IN we're/NN drunkards,/NN but/CC in/IN case/NN of/IN sickness,/JJ cold,/NN or/CC snake-bite./NN I'll/NN rob/VBZ the/DT jail/NN kitchen/NN of/IN cookin'/NN utensils/NNS and/CC table/NN equipment,/NN arm/NN my/PRP$ prisoners,/NN and/CC from/IN the/DT jail/NN dispensary/NN I'll/NN take/VBP a/DT few/JJ simple/JJ medicaments./, We'd/PRP ought/MD to/TO lay/VB in/IN a/DT supply/NN of/IN rough/JJ clothing/NN for/IN our/PRP$ labor.""I/NN doubt/NN the/DT wisdom/NN of/IN arming/VBG your/PRP$ prisoners,/NN Bejabers.""I/CC do/VB not./DT They'll/. not/RB shoot/VB us./NNP I've/NNP hearn/VBP tell/VB of/IN a/DT rough/JJ element/NN at/IN the/DT diggin's,/JJ doin'/NN claim/NN jumpin'/NN and/CC sluice/NN robbin'/NN and/CC the/DT like./NN Such/JJ fellers/NNS steer/VB clear/JJ of/IN a/DT sizable,/JJ well-armed/JJ party./NN And/CC once/RB we/PRP locate/VBP a/DT gulch/NN and/CC start/VB pilin'/NN up/IN the/DT dinero,/NN we'll/MD come/VB durn/IN close/RB to/TO rulin'/VB our/PRP$ own/JJ roost./NN Me,/NNP I'm/NNP for/IN law/NN and/CC order/NN every/DT time.""There/NN would/MD be/VB considerable/JJ social/JJ disorganization/NN at/IN the/DT diggings,/NN of/IN course,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP replied/VBD thoughtfully./DT "Not/RB so/RB much/JJ now,/RB perhaps,/RB because/IN there/EX is/VBZ undoubtedly/RB room/NN for/IN everybody/NN to/TO operate;/VB but/CC when/WRB the/DT big/JJ rush/NN comes--when/WRB the/DT adventurers/NNS from/IN every/DT land/NN come/VBN pouring/VBG in--then/RB we/PRP shall/MD see/VB the/DT depths/NNS to/TO which/WDT greed/VBD and/CC the/DT lack/NN of/IN law/NN can/MD reduce/VB humankind./RP Bejabers,/NNP tell/VB me/PRP about/IN yourself.""Not/PRP much/RB to/TO tell,/VB Dermod./NNP If/IN you/PRP was/VBD to/TO run/VB the/DT Harmon/NNP family/NN history/NN down/IN clear/JJ back/RB to/TO antiquity/NN you'd/PRP find/VBP they've/NN all/RB been/VBN smiths./VBG Like/IN father,/VB like/IN son./NN I/PRP was/VBD a/DT smith,/NN too,/RB back/RB in/IN Providence,/NNP Rhode/NNP Island./NNP One/CD day/NN when/WRB I/PRP was/VBD hammerin'/VBN a/DT hot/JJ iron/NN on/IN an/DT anvil/NN I/PRP says/VBZ to/TO myself:/VB 'Am/JJ I/PRP doomed/VBD to/TO do/VB thisall/DT my/PRP$ days?'/RP I/PRP waited/VBD a/DT bit/NN for/IN the/DT answer/NN and,/IN sure/JJ enough,/NN it/PRP was/VBD just/RB what/WP I/PRP suspected/VBD it/PRP was/VBD goin'/VBG to/TO be:/VB 'Not/VBN by/IN a/DT long/JJ shot./NN Let's/NNP have/VBP a/DT change.'/NN So/IN I/PRP hove/VBP the/DT iron/NN I/PRP was/VBD heatin'/NN into/IN a/DT tub/NN of/IN water,/NN took/VBD off/RP my/PRP$ leather/NN apron,/NN said/VBD good-by/JJ to/TO the/DT old/JJ folks/NNS and/CC went/VBD and/CC joined/VBD up/RP with/IN the/DT Marine/NNP Corps/NNP to/TO see/VB the/DT world./NN "I/NN was/VBD twelve/CD years/NNS in/IN the/DT Marines,/NNP goin'/NN hither/NN and/CC yon./NN "I/NNS come/VBP out/RB here/RB with/IN Commodore/NNP Sloat,/NNP and/CC the/DT day/NN he/PRP raised/VBD the/DT American/JJ flag/NN over/IN Monterey/NNP my/PRP$ enlistment/NN expired,/VBZ so/RB I/PRP concluded/VBD to/TO go/VB ashore/RB and/CC stay/VB there./DT Yes,/NNP you've/NN guessed/VBD it./PRP I/PRP did/VBD blacksmithin'/NN until/IN here/RB about/IN a/DT year/NN ago/IN when/WRB I/PRP got/VBD this/DT job/NN as/IN jailer./NN I/PRP suppose/VBP they/PRP figgered/VBD an/DT old/JJ sergeant/NN of/IN Marines/NNPS would/MD know/VB how/WRB to/TO discipline/VB the/DT prisoners,/NN or/CC mebbe/VB 'twas/PRP because/IN nobody/NN else/RB was/VBD fool/NN enough/RB to/TO ask/VB for/IN the/DT job./NN Tell/VB me/PRP about/IN yourself,/PRP$ Dermod.""I'm/NNP Irish,/NNPS twenty-eight/JJ years/NNS old./VBN I'm/IN a/DT graduate/NN of/IN Trinity/NNP College,/NNP Dublin./NNP I'm/NNP supposed/VBD to/TO have/VB a/DT grand/JJ education,/NN Bejabers,/NNP but/CC one/CD not/RB likely/JJ to/TO prove/VB of/IN practical/JJ use/NN to/TO me,/VB I/PRP fear,/VBP unless/IN I/PRP elected/VBD to/TO live/VB the/DT life/NN of/IN an/DT Irish/JJ county/NN gentleman,/NNS riding/VBG to/TO hounds,/NN breeding/NN horses,/NN entertaining/VBG the/DT county/NN gentry/NN and/CC prodding/VBG my/PRP$ solicitor/NN to/TO keep/VB the/DT rents/NNS collected./VBD I/PRP love/VBP Ireland/NNP and/CC I/PRP hated/VBD the/DT system/NN of/IN government/NN there,/, so/RB I/PRP mixed/VBN in/IN politics--that/JJ is,/, I/PRP was/VBD guilty/JJ of/IN treason,/NN according/VBG to/TO the/DT English/NNP idea./NN My/PRP$ father/NN was/VBD Anglo-Irish,/JJ but/CC my/PRP$ mother/NN was/VBD Celtic/NNP Irish--old,/NNP old/JJ stock./NN I/PRP fear/VBP I/PRP disgraced/VBD my/PRP$ father./NN "My/NN mother/NN gave/VBD me/PRP two/CD thousand/CD pounds/NNS and/CC got/VBD me/PRP aboard/IN a/DT ship/NN bound/VBN for/IN America./NNP Like/IN you,/VB Bejabers,/NNP I/PRP wanted/VBD to/TO see/VB the/DT world;/NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB wish/VB to/TO live/VB as/IN my/PRP$ forefathers/NNS had/VBD lived--and/JJ I/PRP liked/VBD fighting./VBG So/RB I/PRP entered/VBD the/DT United/NNP States/NNP cavalry/NN and/CC fought/VBD in/IN the/DT Mexican/JJ War,/NNP rising/VBG to/TO a/DT captaincy./NN After/IN mydischarge/NN I/PRP decided/VBD to/TO come/VB to/TO California,/NNP so/IN I/PRP joined/VBD an/DT emigrant/NN train/NN at/IN Springfield,/NNP Illinois./NNP In/IN the/DT army/NN I'd/NNP learned/VBD to/TO be/VB an/DT expert/JJ packer/NN and/CC to/TO put/VB my/PRP$ dependence/NN on/IN mules;/NN so/IN my/PRP$ worldly/JJ goods/NNS I/PRP packed/VBD on/IN two/CD good/JJ mules,/NNS bought/VBD a/DT Kentucky/NNP thoroughbred,/NN and/CC rode/VBD with/IN the/DT wagon-train./NN "There/RB was/VBD a/DT captain/NN of/IN that/DT train,/NN a/DT man/NN named/VBN Henry/NNP Gould./NNP He/PRP had/VBD a/DT wife/NN and/CC four/CD children,/NNS the/DT oldest,/NNS a/DT girl/NN named/VBN Lizzie,/NNP being/VBG by/IN a/DT former/JJ wife./NN Lizzie/NNP was/VBD a/DT red-headed,/JJ freckle-faced,/JJ green-eyed/JJ wench/NN of/IN eighteen/CD who/WP cast/VBD sheep's-eyes/NNS at/IN me/PRP from/IN the/DT day/NN we/PRP started./VBD I/PRP doubt/VBP if/IN she/PRP could/MD read/VB or/CC write./VB A/DT big,/JJ lumpy/JJ slattern/NN she/PRP was/VBD and/CC a/DT great/JJ annoyance/NN to/TO me,/VB Bejabers,/NNP for/IN I/PRP could/MD ill/RB bear/VB the/DT slut./NN "Owing/VBG to/TO the/DT fact/NN that/IN my/PRP$ mules/NNS far/RB outstripped/IN the/DT oxen/NNS on/IN the/DT day's/NNS march,/VBD it/PRP became/VBD my/PRP$ habit/NN to/TO ride/VB ahead,/RB select/VB the/DT camp-site/NN for/IN the/DT night/NN and--since/. 'twas/PRP my/PRP$ delight--to/NN kill/NN game/NN for/IN the/DT others./NNP Well,/NNP Bejabers,/IN the/DT girl/NN Lizzie/NNP rode/VBD a/DT horse--bestrode/NN the/DT beast/NN as/IN a/DT man/NN would,/, for/IN she'd/PRP no/DT sense/NN of/IN modesty--and,/JJ uninvited,/NN she/PRP chose/VBD to/TO ride/VB on/IN ahead/RB with/IN me/PRP one/CD day./NN I/PRP asked/VBD her/PRP not/RB to,/RB for/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN appearances,/NN but/CC 'tis/VBZ little/RB she/PRP cared/VBD for/IN appearances,/DT so,/NN seeing/VBG I/PRP could/MD not/RB reason/VB with/IN her,/PRP I/PRP told/VBD her/PRP plainly/RB she/PRP was/VBD of/IN no/DT interest/NN whatever/WDT to/TO me/PRP and/CC there/EX was/VBD an/DT end/NN to/TO it./DT "I/NN should/MD have/VB known/VBN better,/IN Bejabers./NNP Of/IN course/NN I/PRP offended/VBD the/DT woman./NN She/PRP turned/VBD her/PRP$ green/JJ eyes/NNS on/IN me/PRP and/CC them/PRP all/DT ablaze/NN with/IN the/DT anger/NN of/IN the/DT woman/NN scorned./VBN 'Very/JJ well,/IN you/PRP fine/JJ gentleman,'/NNS she/PRP replied,/VBD and/CC rode/VBD back/RB to/TO the/DT wagon-train./NN "In/IN the/DT morning/NN her/PRP$ father/NN waited/VBD on/IN me/PRP and/CC accused/VBD me/PRP of/IN attempting/VBG to/TO philander/VB with/IN his/PRP$ daughter./NN I/PRP laughed/VBD at/IN the/DT fool/NN and/CC brushed/VBD him/PRP out/IN of/IN my/PRP$ way./NN 'Keep/VBZ your/PRP$ girl/NN in/IN the/DT wagon/NN where/WRB she/PRP belongs,Gould,'/RB I/PRP told/VBD him,/PRP 'and/MD she'll/RB be/VB in/IN no/DT danger/NN from/IN any/DT man./NN Meanwhile,/RB I/PRP tell/VBP you/PRP plainly,/JJ Lizzie/NNP lies.'"He/NN pulled/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC shot/VBD me/PRP twice--once/RB in/IN the/DT right/JJ arm/NN and/CC once/RB through/IN the/DT right/JJ shoulder--which/NN was/VBD a/DT mistake,/NN because/IN I'm/PRP a/DT left-handed/JJ man!/NN If/IN he'd/PRP had/VBD brains/NNS he/PRP would/MD have/VB observed/VBN that/IN I/PRP wore/VBD my/PRP$ holster/NN on/IN my/PRP$ left/JJ hip./NN He/PRP snapped/VBD the/DT pistol/NN twice/RB more,/, but/CC his/PRP$ percussion-caps/NNS must/MD have/VB been/VBN wet/JJ or/CC else/RB were/VBD too/RB old,/JJ for/IN the/DT pistol/NN failed/VBD him,/RB and/CC while/IN he/PRP was/VBD snapping/VBG it/PRP I/PRP shot/VBD him/PRP through/IN the/DT right/JJ wrist/NN and/CC he/PRP dropped/VBD his/PRP$ weapon./NN "'Now,/NN then,/, you/PRP blackguard,'/VBD says/VBZ I,/NN ''tis/VBZ only/RB the/DT thought/NN of/IN your/PRP$ helpless/JJ wife/NN and/CC small/JJ children/NNS that/WDT kept/VBD me/PRP from/IN putting/VBG that/DT bullet/NN through/IN your/PRP$ thick/JJ head.'"'Twas/NN not/RB until/IN I/PRP was/VBD wounded/VBN that/IN I/PRP discovered/VBD how/WRB thoroughly/RB I/PRP was/VBD disliked./VBN There/RB were/VBD women/NNS in/IN that/DT wagon-train/NN that/WDT would/MD have/VB dressed/VBN my/PRP$ wounds,/NNS but/CC their/PRP$ men/NNS would/MD not/RB permit/VB it.""You/PRP were/VBD not/RB their/PRP$ kind,"/NN Bejabers/IN suggested./VBN "They/PRP knew/VBD you/PRP were/VBD superior/JJ to/TO them--mebbe/EX you/PRP didn't/VBP trouble/NN to/TO hide/VB the/DT fact/NN that/IN you/PRP knew/VBD you/PRP were--and/VBD besides,/IN you/PRP were/VBD a/DT furriner."D'Arcy/NN smiled/VBD sadly./PRP "They/PRP held/VBD a/DT meeting/NN and/CC banished/VBN me/PRP from/IN the/DT wagon-train./NN We'd/NNP crossed/VBD the/DT Platte/NN by/IN that/DT time./NN I/PRP was/VBD too/RB weak/JJ from/IN loss/NN of/IN blood/NN to/TO protest,/VB and/CC in/IN the/DT belief/NN that/IN I/PRP would/MD die,/VB they/PRP took/VBD my/PRP$ outfit/NN with/IN them.""The/PRP skunks!/. Dermod,/NNP it's/VBD a/DT mistake/NN to/TO consider/VB others./DT You'd/NNP ought/MD to/TO have/VB killed/VBN that/DT man/NN Gould./NNP The/DT families/NNS of/IN men/NNS like/IN that/DT aren't/NN any/DT better/JJR off/RP with/IN the/DT feller/NN dead/JJ than/IN they/PRP be/VB with/IN him/PRP livin'.""That/. would/MD not/RB have/VB improved/VBN my/PRP$ situation,/NN Bejabers./NNP Remember,/NNP I/PRP had/VBD been/VBN wounded/VBN twice/RB before/IN I/PRP shot/VBD and/CC disarmed/VBD him./PRP He/PRP was/VBD a/DT rough,/JJ uncouthman,/NN an/DT uneducated/JJ frontiersman./NN Likewise/RB his/PRP$ fellows.""We/NN may/MD run/VB into/IN some/DT of/IN them/PRP one/CD of/IN these/DT days,"/NN Bejabers/NNS murmured/VBD a/DT trifle/RB wistfully./JJR "Well,/IN what/WP did/VBD you/PRP do/VB when/WRB they/PRP abandoned/VBD you?""I/PRP was/VBD picked/VBN up/RP three/CD hours/NNS later/RB by/IN a/DT party/NN of/IN Sioux/NNP hunters./, There/EX was/VBD a/DT white/JJ man/NN with/IN them,/PRP a/DT chap/NN who/WP had/VBD married/VBN into/IN the/DT tribe./NN He/PRP dressed/VBD my/PRP$ wounds,/NNS Indian-fashion,/. and/CC they/PRP carried/VBD me/PRP with/IN them/PRP in/IN a/DT rude/JJ stretcher/NN swung/VBD between/IN two/CD ponies./NN When/WRB we/PRP caught/VBD up/RP with/IN the/DT emigrant/NN train/NN the/DT following/VBG day/NN this/DT white/JJ man--I/NN never/RB knew/VBD his/PRP$ name--gave/NN Gould/NNP the/DT alternative/NN of/IN returning/VBG my/PRP$ mules,/JJ horse,/NN firearms,/NN and/CC equipment/NN or/CC of/IN being/VBG attacked.""The/DT good/JJ old/JJ renegade!/NN What/WP followed?""I/RB remained/VBD with/IN the/DT Indians/NNPS nearly/RB two/CD months,/NNS and/CC paid/VBD my/PRP$ way/NN with/IN goods/NNS far/RB more/RBR precious/JJ to/TO the/DT Indians/NNPS than/IN money./JJS The/DT best/JJS mares/NNS of/IN the/DT chief/NN and/CC subchiefs/NNS will/MD have/VB dropped/VBN a/DT number/NN of/IN half-thoroughbred/JJ foals/NNS by/IN now./DT When/WRB I/PRP was/VBD recovered/VBN they/PRP gave/VBD me/PRP an/DT escort/NN to/TO the/DT Mormon/NNP settlement/NN on/IN Great/NNP Salt/NNP Lake/NNP and/CC I/PRP wintered/VBD there;/RB in/IN the/DT spring/NN I/PRP pushed/VBD on/IN alone./DT I/PRP had/VBD a/DT crude/NN map/NN secured/VBN from/IN a/DT member/NN of/IN the/DT Mormon/NNP Battalion,/NNP who/WP had/VBD returned/VBN from/IN California/NNP last/JJ summer,/NN and/CC I/PRP had/VBD no/DT difficulty/NN finding/VBG my/PRP$ way,/NN since/IN all/PDT the/DT prominent/JJ landmarks/NNS were/VBD clearly/RB indicated/VBN and/CC described./VBN I/PRP met/VBD a/DT few/JJ Indians/NNPS but/CC they/PRP did/VBD not/RB bother/VB me."D'Arcy/NN then/RB proceeded/VBD to/TO relate/VB his/PRP$ experiences/NNS since/IN entering/VBG the/DT territory/NN of/IN California,/NNP while/IN Bejabers/NNP nodded/VBD interestedly/RB but/CC made/VBD no/DT comment/NN until/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD concluded/VBN his/PRP$ recital./NN "I'm/NN glad/JJ you're/IN a/DT gentleman,/JJ Dermod,/NNP and/CC glad/JJ you've/NN been/VBN an/DT officer/NN in/IN the/DT service/NN of/IN the/DT United/NNP States./NNP I/PRP can/MD understand/VB your/PRP$ kind."/NN He/PRP smiled./VBD "Used/VBN to/TO workin'/VB with/IN 'em./PRP I'm/IN a/DT plain/JJ man/NN myself,/, but/CC none/NN o'/IN the/DT Harmons/NNP have/VBP been/VBN in/IN jail/NN that/IN I/PRP know/VBP of,/IN exceptin'/NN me,/, and/CC I/PRP reckon/VBP I've/JJ disgraced/VBN the/DT family/NN by/IN bein'/VBG a/DT jailer./NN Well,/IN supposin'/NN we/PRP go/VBP up/RB to/TO my/PRP$ calaboose/JJ and/CC interview/VB my/PRP$ prisoners."/NN WHEN/WRB Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP left/VBD the/DT hacienda/NN of/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa/NNP and/CC rode/VBD north,/RB two/CD people/NNS watched/VBD with/IN mixed/JJ feelings/NNS the/DT departure/NN of/IN this/DT strangest/JJS of/IN all/DT strange/JJ gringos./NNP Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP hoped/VBD against/IN hope/NN that/IN he/PRP would/MD look/VB back,/RB and/CC when/WRB he/PRP did/VBD not--when/RB a/DT dip/NN in/IN the/DT plain/JJ hid/VBN him/PRP forever--a/JJ little/JJ pang/NN of/IN disappointment/NN stabbed/VBD her./PRP She/PRP had/VBD wanted/VBN so/RB much/JJ to/TO wish/VB him/PRP a/DT secondary/JJ farewell--only/JJ a/DT wave/NN of/IN the/DT hand;/NN perhaps,/RB she/PRP reflected,/VBP had/VBD he/PRP looked/VBD back/RB and/CC seen/VBD her/PRP standing/VBG where/WRB they/PRP had/VBD parted,/RB it/PRP might/MD have/VB occurred/VBN to/TO him/PRP that/IN she/PRP understood/VBD him/PRP better/RBR now/RB and/CC regretted/VBD his/PRP$ passing./NN Tomas/NNP rolled/VBD and/CC tranquilly/RB smoked/VBD a/DT cigarette,/NN waiting/VBG for/IN the/DT girl/NN to/TO say/VB something./DT He/PRP had/VBD been/VBN greatly/RB attracted/VBN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP until,/IN the/DT gift/NN of/IN the/DT mare/NN Kitty/NNP having/VBG been/VBN made,/VBN he/PRP had/VBD seen/VBN in/IN Josepha's/NNP eyes/NNS a/DT glow/NN that/WDT had/VBD never/RB been/VBN in/IN them/PRP when/WRB she/PRP looked/VBD at/IN him./PRP Pride,/RB gratitude,/RB alert/JJ interest,/NN the/DT gladness/NN of/IN a/DT new/JJ and/CC interesting/JJ discovery,/NN profound/JJ friendliness--all/JJ these/DT Tomas/NNP saw,/NN and/CC the/DT sight/NN did/VBD not/RB sit/VB well/RB on/IN his/PRP$ temperamental/JJ soul;/NN consequently/RB he/PRP was/VBD secretly/RB pleased/VBN to/TO see/VB the/DT fine,/JJ straight/JJ back/NN of/IN this/DT wanderer/NN for/IN the/DT last/JJ time./NN "Well?"/IN he/PRP murmured/VBD lazily,/NN in/IN response/NN to/TO a/DT stifled/JJ sigh/NN from/IN Josepha./NNP "He/NNP is/VBZ gone?"/VBN the/DT girl/NN murmured,/VBD as/IN if/IN she/PRP almost/RB doubted/VBD the/DT evidence/NN of/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ eyes./NN Tomas/NNP nodded,/VBD a/DT trifle/RB sulkily./VBG "He/RB came/VBD for/IN gold;/NN he/PRP won/VBD it;/IN he/PRP has/VBZ departed,/VBN since/IN there/EX are/VBP no/DT moreraces/NNS to/TO be/VB won/VBN by/IN that/DT great/JJ horse/NN he/PRP rides./VBD He/PRP is/VBZ not/RB at/IN home/NN with/IN our/PRP$ people,/NNS this/DT restless,/NN daring/JJ one.""And/CC yet,"/RB she/PRP retorted,/VBD "I/PRP think/VB our/PRP$ people/NNS could/MD always/RB feel/VB at/IN home/NN with/IN him./PRP There/RB can/MD be/VB no/DT doubt,/JJ Tomas,/NNP that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT gentleman.""It/NN may/MD be,/VB Josepha,/NNP that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ associated/VBN with/IN gentlemen/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ time./NN We/PRP know/VBP not/RB who/WP or/CC what/WP he/PRP is./VBZ Often/RB a/DT valet/NN has/VBZ good/JJ manners."Josepha/NN turned/VBD upon/IN the/DT boy/NN eyes/NNS of/IN slumbering/VBG fire./NN "You/PRP are/VBP not/RB usually/RB so/IN unkind,/JJ Tomas./NNP Se$or/NNP D'Arcy/NNP is/VBZ a/DT gentleman/NN in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ right,/NN and/CC likewise/RB a/DT man/NN of/IN the/DT world./VBN And/CC I/PRP would,"/MD she/PRP added,/VB with/IN sudden/JJ feminine/JJ malevolence,/NN knowing/VBG she/PRP could/MD hurt/VB him/PRP thus,/RB "that/IN this/DT gringo/NN had/VBD remained/VBN longer/RB with/IN us,/NN that/IN we/PRP might/MD know/VB him/PRP better.""He/RB has/VBZ remained/VBN too/RB long,"/JJ Tomas/NNP retorted/VBD bitterly./PRP "Already/RB you/PRP were/VBD half/RB in/IN love/NN with/IN him."She/PRP shrugged/VBD this/DT away./NN "He/NN is/VBZ different./VBG No/DT dandy,/NN he,/VBD to/TO whisper/VB soft/JJ nothings/NNS to/TO a/DT woman,/NN no/DT coward/NN to/TO bend/VB his/PRP$ manly/JJ pride/NN to/TO the/DT thrusts/NNS of/IN a/DT woman's/NN tongue./NN Yes,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ true/JJ I/PRP liked/VBD him,/PRP Tomas./NNP There/EX is/VBZ about/RB that/DT man/NN a/DT touch/NN of/IN the/DT devil./NN He/PRP has/VBZ in/IN his/PRP$ saddle-bags/NNS a/DT thousand/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold;/NN before/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN the/DT wastrels/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ race/NN he/PRP placed/VBD it/PRP there./DT He/PRP must/MD know/VB he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT temptation/NN to/TO robbers,/VB yet/RB he/PRP rides/NNS alone,/IN indifferent./NN It/PRP must/MD be/VB that/IN our/PRP$ gringo/NN has/VBZ much/JJ faith/NN in/IN himself.""The/PRP fires/VBZ of/IN hell/NN consume/VBP him!"/PRP Tomas/NNP cried/VBD angrily./DT "Come,/JJ let/VB us/PRP return/VB to/TO the/DT house.""I/NN will/MD return/VB alone,/IN Tomas./NNP In/IN your/PRP$ present/JJ mood/NN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB pleasing/VBG to/TO me,/VB nor/CC am/VBP I/PRP accustomed/VBN to/TO obeying/VBG commands./NN You/PRP are/VBP jealous.""I/RB cannot/MD help/VB it./PRP Do/VB I/PRP not/RB love/VB you,/IN Josepha?/NNP Are/VBP we/PRP not/RB as/RB good/JJ as/IN engaged?/NNS Why,/IN then,/DT should/MD I/PRP not/RB resent/VB your/PRP$ interest/NN in/IN this/DT foreigner?""We/NN are/VBP not/RB engaged,/VBN nor/CC shall/MD we,/VB I/PRP think,/VBP be/VB engaged,/VBN even/RB though/IN our/PRP$ fathers/NNS desire/VBP it./, I/PRP would/MD have/VB for/IN my/PRP$ husband/NN a/DT man,/NN not/RB a/DT petulant/NN boy."He/NN took/VBD possession,/RB a/DT bit/NN forcibly,/IN of/IN her/PRP$ dainty/JJ hand/NN and/CC carried/VBD it/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ lips./NN "Forgive/NN me,/, dear/JJ one,"/IN he/PRP begged,/VBD and/CC tears/NNS of/IN chagrin/NN and/CC misery/NN started/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ eyes./NN She/PRP turned/VBD from/IN him/PRP with/IN a/DT tiny/JJ gesture/NN of/IN disgust./NN "Please/NN leave/VBP me,/RB Tomas./NNP I/PRP am/VBP in/IN no/DT mood/NN for/IN argument/NN now./. Tonight,/RB perhaps--"He/JJ swept/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN in/IN the/DT dust/NN at/IN her/PRP$ feet/NNS and/CC left/VBD her/PRP with/IN what/WP dignity/NN he/PRP could/MD muster./RP "A/DT boy,"/NN she/PRP thought./VBD "He/PRP is/VBZ like/IN all/DT the/DT others./NNP Where/WRB women/NNS are/VBP concerned/VBN he,/PRP will/MD never/RB grow/VB up./NNP Just/RB now/RB he/PRP begged/VBD my/PRP$ pardon/NN because/IN he/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP had/VBD affronted/VBN me/PRP a/DT very/RB little./JJ Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil!/NN Why/WRB can/MD he/PRP not/RB realize/VB that/IN I/PRP would/MD have/VB thought/VBN much/RB more/JJR of/IN him/PRP had/VBD he/PRP reserved/VBD his/PRP$ apology?/JJ Se$or/NNP D'Arcy/NNP would/MD not/RB have/VB permitted/VBN me/PRP to/TO know/VB what/WP he/PRP felt/VBD in/IN similar/JJ circumstances./NN He/PRP would/MD have/VB fenced/VBN with/IN me,/NNS given/VBN me/PRP thrust/VBN for/IN thrust,/NN but/CC never,/RB I/PRP think,/VBP would/MD he/PRP have/VB permitted/VBN me/PRP to/TO know/VB that/IN I/PRP was/VBD of/IN interest/NN to/TO him./RP "Yes,/NN of/IN a/DT certainty/NN that/IN young/JJ man/NN is/VBZ a/DT new/JJ note/NN in/IN life./NN And/CC he/PRP is/VBZ handsome./VBG God/NNP of/IN my/PRP$ soul,/NN he/PRP is/VBZ handsome./VBG A/DT great,/JJ strong/JJ fellow,/NN careless/JJ of/IN all/DT things,/NN he/PRP travels/VBZ down/IN the/DT world,/NN and/CC some/DT day/NN he/PRP will/MD take/VB that/DT world/NN by/IN the/DT throat/NN and/CC tear/VB from/IN it/PRP that/IN which/WDT he/PRP desires./VBD How/WRB gracious/JJ of/IN him/PRP to/TO decline/VB to/TO take/VB my/PRP$ father's/NN horse!/NN A/DT man/NN of/IN great/JJ delicacy,/NN he/PRP would/MD not/RB affront/VB my/PRP$ father/NN by/IN declining/VBG the/DT bet/NN he/PRP won,/VBD nor/CC would/MD he/PRP be/VB so/RB gross/JJ as/IN to/TO sell/VB the/DT mare/NN immediately./VBD No,/RB he/PRP presented/VBD her/PRP$ to/TO me--for/PRP$ my/PRP$ father's/NN sake./VBD Would/MD that/IN Tomas/NNP could/MD be/VB so/IN magnanimous!"She/PRP followed/VBD tardily/RB on/IN the/DT heels/NNS of/IN Tomas,/NNP and/CC in/IN the/DT colonnade/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda/NN found/VBD Don/NNP Carlos/NNP Montalvo/NNP meditatively/RB smoking/VBG a/DT cigar./NN He/PRP motioned/VBD her/PRP to/TO the/DT bench/NN beside/IN him./PRP "Well,/IN our/PRP$ gringo/NN is/VBZ a/DT strange/JJ fellow,/NN is/VBZ he/PRP not,/RB se$orita?""Yes,/RB he/PRP is/VBZ very/RB different,/JJ Don/NNP Carlos./NNP How/WRB long/RB have/VBP you/PRP known/VBN Se$or/NNP D'Arcy?""I/NNP saw/VBD him/PRP first,"/RB Don/NNP Carlos/NNP replied/VBD with/IN twinkling/VBG eyes,/NNS "beating/VBG a/DT vagabond/NN in/IN a/DT field./NN From/IN what/WP he/PRP told/VBD me/PRP subsequently/RB the/DT wretch/NN deserved/VBD death./NN Never/RB have/VBP I/PRP seen/VBN a/DT man/NN fight/NN so/IN cleverly./JJ A/DT cool/JJ fellow,/NN I/PRP tell/VBP you,/PRP se$orita?"/JJ However,/IN I/PRP was/VBD not/RB altogether/RB interested/JJ in/IN him/PRP because/IN of/IN the/DT capable/JJ manner/NN in/IN which/WDT he/PRP chastised/VBD the/DT animal/NN who/WP had/VBD attempted/VBN to/TO assassinate/VB him./PRP In/IN all/DT my/PRP$ life/NN I/PRP had/VBD never/RB seen/VBN such/JJ a/DT horse/NN as/IN the/DT one/CD he/PRP rode,/VBD so--contrary/JJ to/TO custom--I/NNS addressed/VBN myself/PRP to/TO him./PRP I/PRP found/VBD him/PRP a/DT charming/JJ man,/NN well-mannered,/JJ humorous,/NN gracious--so,/NN since/IN he/PRP was/VBD riding/VBG to/TO San/NNP Miguel,/NNP I/PRP begged/VBD of/IN him/PRP to/TO accept/VB my/PRP$ poor/JJ hospitality./NN He/PRP was/VBD travel-worn.""He/JJ speaks/VBZ Spanish/NNP very/RB well--a/JJ purer/NN Spanish,/NNP indeed,/RB than/IN we/PRP of/IN California,/NNP Don/NNP Carlos.""I/NNP have/VBP the/DT assurance/NN of/IN the/DT Frenchman/NNP Limantour,/NNP from/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP that/IN his/PRP$ French/JJ is/VBZ equally/RB perfect./JJ Naturally,/NNP finding/NN I/PRP had/VBD scraped/VBN acquaintance/NN with/IN an/DT unusual/JJ man,/NN I/PRP insisted/VBD that/IN he/PRP prolong/VBZ his/PRP$ visit./NN I/PRP have/VBP enjoyed/VBN him,/JJ and/CC I/PRP am/VBP desolated/VBN now/RB that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ departed.""Tomas/NNS is/VBZ very/RB jealous,"/RB the/DT girl/NN confided,/NN for/IN Don/NNP Carlos/NNP was/VBD a/DT kinsman,/NN a/DT second/JJ cousin/NN of/IN her/PRP$ father's./NN "Poor/IN little/JJ Tomas!"Don/NNP Carlos/NNP chuckled./VBD "Tomas/NNP is/VBZ a/DT boy,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT presence/NN of/IN this/DT gringo/NN he/PRP feels/VBZ a/DT masculine/JJ inferiority.""A/JJ somewhat/RB reserved/VBN man,/NN this/DT Se$or/NN D'Arcy,/NNP do/VBP you/PRP not/RB think/VB so,/IN Don/NNP Carlos?/NNP He/PRP is/VBZ not/RB one/CD to/TO pay/VB his/PRP$ devotions/NNS to/TO women.""I/NNS warned/VBN him/PRP that/IN for/IN you,/PRP my/PRP$ dear/NN girl,/NN he/PRP had/VBD too/RB many/JJ eyes,/NNS and/CC that/DT Tomas/NNP was/VBD his/PRP$ host's/JJ son./NN So/IN Se$or/NNP D'Arcy/NNP declined/VBD to/TO hurt/VB the/DT boy./NN Otherwise--well,/NN who/WP knows/VBZ what/WP a/DT young/JJ man/NN will/MD do?/VB After/IN I/PRP warned/VBD him/PRP he/PRP kept/VBD in/IN the/DT background.""You/NNS are/VBP a/DT meddler,/NN my/PRP$ cousin./NN I/PRP would/MD have/VB liked/VBN to/TO know/VB Se$or/NNP D'Arcy/NNP better./, Mine/NNP is/VBZ a/DT dull/JJ life./NN As/IN you/PRP know,/VBP we/PRP meet/VBP so/RB few/JJ strangers/NNS in/IN Alta/NNP California./NNP When/WRB one/CD of/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ people/NNS opens/VBZ his/PRP$ mouth/NN to/TO speak/VB I/PRP know/VBP what/WP he/PRP is/VBZ going/VBG to/TO say./VB Always/RB it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT compliment./NN Always,/RB with/IN me,/NNS they/PRP play/VBP a/DT part./NN God/NNP of/IN my/PRP$ soul,/NN can/MD I/PRP not/RB have/VB a/DT man/NN for/IN my/PRP$ good/JJ friend?/NN Must/MD they/PRP always/RB be/VB lovers,/JJ whether/IN they/PRP love/VBP or/CC not?/RB Indeed,/RB Don/NNP Carlos,/NNP life/NN to/TO me/PRP is/VBZ very/RB dull,/JJ I/PRP assure/VBP you,/PRP and/CC now/RB this/DT silly/JJ Tomas/NNP is/VBZ making/VBG it/PRP duller.""It/JJ will/MD be/VB different/JJ when/WRB you/PRP are/VBP married/VBN to/TO Tomas,"/NNP the/DT man/NN assured/VBD her./PRP "His/IN family/NN is/VBZ of/IN the/DT finest,/NN on/IN both/DT sides;/NN the/DT monetary/JJ considerations/NNS are/VBP excellent;/JJ Tomas/NNP is/VBZ a/DT fine/JJ fellow.""Yes,"/NN she/PRP agreed/VBD listlessly./VBG "But/IN there/EX are/VBP other/JJ fine/JJ fellows/NNS in/IN California,/NNP so/RB why/WRB should/MD I/PRP marry/VB the/DT first/JJ fine/JJ fellow/NN that/WDT presents/VBZ himself?""My/PRP dear/JJ girl,/NN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB dutiful./JJ This/DT is/VBZ your/PRP$ father's/NN desire.""I/NN will/MD not/RB be/VB bought/VBN and/CC sold/VBN in/IN a/DT marriage/NN of/IN convenience,/JJ Don/NNP Carlos.""But/CC you/PRP are/VBP already/RB eighteen/CD years/NNS of/IN age./NN In/IN a/DT year/NN or/CC two/CD you/PRP will/MD be/VB an/DT old/JJ maid,/NN Josepha,"/NNP he/PRP warned./VBD "It/PRP is/VBZ very/RB sad,/JJ but/CC now/RB that/IN I/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN a/DT man/NN poor/JJ Tomas/NNP will/MD always/RB be/VB a/DT boy/NN to/TO me.""You/PRP mean/VBP this/DT gringo,/NN D'Arcy?/. Pff!/'' He/PRP is/VBZ gone./VBG He/PRP knows/VBZ no/DT sweetheart/NN save/IN gold/NN and/CC power/NN and/CC place/NN in/IN this/DT world,/NN and/CC when/WRB he/PRP has/VBZ found/VBN it/PRP he/PRP will/MD return/VB to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ people./NNS He/PRP is/VBZ an/DT Irishman,/NN not/RB an/DT American./NNP "Perhaps,"/NN sighed/VBD the/DT girl,/NN "that/, is/VBZ why/WRB he/PRP is/VBZ so/RB different./JJ Is/VBZ it/PRP not/RB sad/JJ to/TO think/VB I/PRP shall/MD not/RB see/VB him/PRP again?"Her/RB boldness,/VB her/PRP$ appalling/JJ lack/NN of/IN maidenly/NN modesty/NN so/RB far/RB transgressed/VBN the/DT ancient/JJ Castilian/JJ code/NN framed/VBN by/IN the/DT dons/NNS of/IN this/DT world/NN for/IN their/PRP$ women,/NNS that/IN the/DT grandee/NN was/VBD scandalized./VBN "Hah!/IN A/DT rebel,"/NN he/PRP snorted./VBD "It/PRP will/MD fare/VB ill/RB with/IN you,/JJ little/JJ one,/NN if/IN your/PRP$ father/NN hears/VBZ you/PRP expressing/VBG such/JJ sentiments.""That/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP is/VBZ a/DT great/JJ devil,"/NN Josepha/NNP sighed./VBD "I/PRP have/VBP known/VBN Castilian/VBN imps/NNS but/CC never/RB a/DT great,/JJ Irish/JJ devil/NN until/IN he/PRP came./VBD I/PRP would/MD that/IN I/PRP might/MD see/VB him/PRP again./RB He/PRP did/VBD not/RB flatter/RB me.""He/JJ ignored/VBN you,"/NNP Don/NNP Carlos/NNP reminded/VBD her/PRP$ tersely./NN "Ah,/NN but/CC you/PRP told/VBD him/PRP to,/, my/PRP$ cousin./NN He/PRP was/VBD a/DT stranger/NN among/IN a/DT people/NNS strange/JJ to/TO him,/VB so/RB he/PRP acted/VBD with/IN great/JJ reserve./NN I/PRP think/VBP he/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB so/RB cold/JJ when/WRB we/PRP meet/VBP again.""I/RB heard/VBN you/PRP tell/VB him/PRP he/PRP would/MD always/RB have/VB a/DT welcome/JJ at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP but/CC I/PRP did/VBD not/RB hear/VB him/PRP ask/VB you/PRP where/WRB the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP might/MD be/VB found!/VBN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB likely/JJ that/IN his/PRP$ travels/NNS will/MD take/VB him/PRP that/IN far/RB into/IN Alta/NNP California--and/CC the/DT search/NN for/IN gold/NN will/MD soon/RB cause/VB him/PRP to/TO forget/VB everything/NN else./RB No,/RB he/PRP was/VBD not/RB interested."Josepha/NN Guerrero/NNP shook/VBD her/PRP$ head./NN "I/NN was/VBD not,/RB then,/JJ distasteful/JJ to/TO him./PRP He/PRP will/MD look/VB for/IN me./PRP I/PRP saw/VBD it/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ eyes/NNS when/WRB he/PRP bade/VBD me/PRP farewell./. He/PRP will/MD come./VB It/PRP may/MD be/VB long,/JJ but--he/, will/MD come.""I/VB must/MD not/RB be/VB a/DT party/NN to/TO such/JJ seditious/JJ conversa-tion,"/NN Don/NNP Carlos/NNP growled/VBD testily./DT "I/NNS think/VBP the/DT fault/NN lies/VBZ in/IN your/PRP$ dead/JJ mother's/NN blood./NN She/PRP was/VBD half/DT English,/NNP and/CC the/DT English/NNP have/VBP respect/NN for/IN nothing/NN which/WDT they/PRP do/VBP not/RB themselves/PRP create./RP But/CC tell/VB me,/PRP Josepha,/NNP where/WRB is/VBZ your/PRP$ brother,/NN Romauldo?/NNS I/PRP have/VBP not/RB seen/VBN the/DT boy/NN as/IN yet.""Romauldo/NNP spends/VBZ his/PRP$ time/NN playing/VBG cards/NNS with/IN the/DT Americans./NNP He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT madman./JJ All/DT games/NNS of/IN chance/NN fascinate/JJ him--and/CC he/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN drinking/VBG to/TO excess--hence/NN afraid/JJ to/TO face/VB my/PRP$ father./NN I/PRP fear/VBP he/PRP has/VBZ lost/VBN heavily./PRP If/IN Romauldo/NNP should/MD come/VB to/TO you,/VB my/PRP$ cousin,/NN for/IN a/DT loan,/NN please/VB do/VB not/RB oblige/NN him."Don/IN Carlos/NNP Montalvo's/NNP fine/JJ brow/NN darkened/VBN in/IN a/DT frown./NN "So/IN they/PRP debauch/RB our/PRP$ young/JJ men/NNS also,/RB these/DT gringos,/NNS eh?/VBP I/PRP must/MD look/VB after/IN this/DT boy./NN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB seemly/RB that/IN he/PRP should/MD associate/VB with/IN Americans./NNP Your/PRP$ pardon,/NN se$orita./NN I/PRP go."He/VBP went--and/DT long/RB after/IN he/PRP had/VBD gone/VBN the/DT girl/NN sat/VBD and/CC stared/VBD into/IN the/DT north./NN "I/NN am/VBP a/DT prisoner,"/NN she/PRP told/VBD herself./PRP "All/RB of/IN our/PRP$ women/NNS are/VBP prisoners/NNS until/IN they/PRP escape/VBP our/PRP$ dull/JJ tradition,/NN until/IN they/PRP rebel./VBD Then--"She/DT saw/NN Tomas/NNP coming/VBG toward/IN her./PRP Subconsciously,/VBG she/PRP compared/VBD him/PRP with/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy--a/NNP slight,/VBD effeminate/JJ youth/NN raging/VBG womanishly/RB against/IN the/DT virile,/NN masculine/JJ wanderer/NN from/IN beyond/IN the/DT Sierra--and/NNP in/IN that/DT instant/NN the/DT iron/NN of/IN bitterness/NN and/CC rebellion/NN entered/VBD her/PRP$ soul./NN "I/NN shall/MD not/RB marry/VB him,"/PRP she/PRP told/VBD herself/PRP fiercely./RB "I/NNP shall/MD wait./VB I/PRP shall/MD have/VB hope."And/NN to/TO the/DT amazement/NN of/IN Tomas/NNP she/PRP fled/VBD and/CC sought/VBD her/PRP room./NN THE/DT prisoners/NNS in/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon's/NNP charge/NN proved/VBD to/TO be/VB an/DT assorted/JJ lot./NN The/DT two/CD men/NNS who/WP had/VBD killed/VBN their/PRP$ opponents/NNS in/IN street/NN duels/NNS were/VBD tall,/JJ slim,/RB wiry/JJ Texans,/NNP who/WP looked/VBD D'Arcy/NNP clearly/RB in/IN the/DT eyes/NNS and/CC apparently/RB felt/VBD themselves/PRP as/IN good/JJ citizens/NNS as/IN any/DT in/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP Their/PRP$ men,/NNS it/PRP appeared,/VBD had/VBD "called/VBN them/PRP out,"/IN they/PRP had/VBD accepted,/VBN and/CC the/DT duels/NNS had/VBD both/DT been/VBN fought/VBN according/VBG to/TO the/DT rough/JJ and/CC ready/JJ code/NN of/IN the/DT period./NN Placing/VBG themselves/PRP back/RB to/TO back/RB they/PRP had/VBD walked/VBN fifteen/CD paces,/NN then/RB remained/VBD standing/VBG until/IN each/DT had/VBD assured/VBN the/DT other/JJ he/PRP was/VBD ready;/VBN then/RB a/DT count/NN of/IN "One--two--three";/NN at/IN the/DT third/JJ count/NN they/PRP had/VBD whirled/VBN and/CC fired./VBN Their/PRP$ names/NNS were/VBD Allen/NNP Judson/NNP and/CC Martin/NNP McCready./NNP The/DT bigamist/NN was/VBD a/DT little,/JJ furtive,/JJ undeveloped/JJ man,/NN in/IN whose/WP$ history/NN D'Arcy/NNP could/MD find/VB no/DT interest./NN Indeed/RB a/DT brief/JJ interview/NN sufficed/VBD to/TO inform/VB him/PRP that/IN this/DT man/NN would/MD not/RB make/VB a/DT desirable/JJ addition/NN to/TO his/PRP$ party./NN "Turn/IN him/PRP loose,"/RB D'Arcy/NNP whispered/VBD to/TO the/DT jailer./NN "We/NN cannot/MD use/VB him."The/PRP three/CD alleged/JJ horse/NN thieves/NNS proved/VBD to/TO be/VB Americans,/JJ by/IN name/NN Ord,/NNP Sargent,/NNP and/CC Lundy./NNP Hardy/NNP men/NNS they/PRP were/VBD and,/RB like/IN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready,/NNP they/PRP lent/VBD a/DT ready/JJ ear/NN to/TO the/DT proposal/NN that,/IN if/IN Bejabers/NNP should/MD consent/VB to/TO turn/VB them/PRP loose,/IN they/PRP should/MD join/VB D'Arcy's/NNP caravan/NN and/CC work/NN for/IN him/PRP at/IN the/DT going/VBG rate/NN of/IN wages,/NN inclusive/IN of/IN board/NN and/CC lodging,/NN then/RB in/IN vogue/NN at/IN the/DT diggings./NN Of/IN the/DT two/CD sailors,/VBD one/CD was/VBD a/DT cockney,/NN by/IN name/NN Pye;the/NNP other,/NNP Vilmont,/NNP was/VBD a/DT huge/JJ Gascon,/NN who/WP spoke/VBD no/DT English./NNP He/PRP was/VBD quite/RB at/IN home/NN with/IN D'Arcy's/NNP French,/NNP however,/, and/CC he/PRP and/CC Pye/NNP readily--indeed,/JJ gratefully--agreed/NN to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP plans./, The/DT afternoon/NN was/VBD spent/VBN loading/NN into/IN the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP such/JJ supplies/NNS as/IN the/DT jail/NN afforded/VBN that/WDT might/MD be/VB likely/JJ to/TO prove/VB of/IN value/NN to/TO the/DT expedition./NN About/IN six/CD o'clock/RB work/NN was/VBD discontinued,/VBN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ fellows/NNS repaired/VBN to/TO a/DT restaurant/NN for/IN dinner./NN Pathfinder/NN had,/VBD in/IN the/DT meantime,/NN found/VBD sanctuary/NN in/IN the/DT jail/NN stable./VBD After/IN dinner/NN D'Arcy/NNP saddled/VBD him/PRP and/CC returned/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ camp/NN near/IN Mission/NNP Dolores,/NNP while/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ ex-prisoners/NNS again/RB sought/VBD the/DT cold/JJ comforts/NNS of/IN the/DT jail./NNP About/IN seven/CD o'clock/RB next/JJ morning/NN D'Arcy/NNP appeared/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ string/NN of/IN pack-mules/NNS and/CC Francisco./NNP At/IN the/DT stores/NNS where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD ordered/VBN his/PRP$ provisions/NNS and/CC other/JJ goods,/NNS the/DT mules/NNS were/VBD packed,/VBN each/DT mule/JJ bearing/VBG two/CD hundred/CD pounds/NNS of/IN cargo;/NN the/DT evidence/NN in/IN the/DT horse-stealing/NN cases/NNS were/VBD also/RB saddled,/VBN and/CC a/DT splendid/JJ team/NN of/IN black/JJ horses/NNS was/VBD hitched/VBN to/TO the/DT loaded/VBN Black/NNP Maria./NNP D'Arcy's/NNP cash/NN reserve/NN was/VBD down/RB to/TO two/CD hundred/CD and/CC fifty/CD dollars/NNS when,/IN eventually,/DT the/DT expedition/NN was/VBD ready/JJ for/IN the/DT road./NN Following/VBG a/DT hearty/NN luncheon,/NN they/PRP were/VBD about/IN to/TO start/VB when/WRB the/DT restaurant/NN cook,/NN a/DT diminutive/JJ Cantonese,/NNP who/WP had/VBD been/VBN an/DT interested/JJ listener/NN to/TO their/PRP$ conversation/NN at/IN luncheon,/NN approached/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP whom/WP he/PRP knew/VBD rather/RB well./, "You/VB no/DT ketchum/NN cookee?"/NN he/PRP murmured./MD "Maybeso/VB you/PRP likum/IN China/NNP boy/NN for/IN cookee?/NN Can/MD do./RP Jim/NNP Toy/NNP him/PRP likum/IN go/JJ with/IN boss/NN to/TO ketchum/VB gold.""Climb/NN up/RB on/IN that/DT wagon/NN seat/NN in/IN front,/JJ Jim,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP replied/VBD promptly./. "You've/NN got/VBD a/DT steady/JJ job./NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP put/VBD on/IN a/DT Mexican/JJ sombrero,/NN removed/VBD his/PRP$ apron,/NNS brought/VBD forth/RB a/DT bundle/NN of/IN clothing/NN and--alas,a/CC couple/NN of/IN packages/NNS of/IN firecrackers,/NN for/IN like/IN all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ race/NN he/PRP feared/VBD malignant/JJ devils/NNS might/MD dog/NN the/DT expedition/NN at/IN the/DT outset,/JJ and/CC as/IN every/DT Chinaman/NNP knows,/, it/PRP is/VBZ well/RB to/TO frighten/VB such/JJ spirits/NNS away/RB by/IN exploding/VBG firecrackers/NNS at/IN the/DT command/NN "March!"The/IN inevitable/JJ occurred./, The/DT pack-mules/NNS stampeded,/NN and/CC only/RB the/DT heavy/JJ load/NN in/IN the/DT black/JJ Maria/NNP prevented/VBD the/DT team/NN from/IN running/VBG away./RB Over/IN Montgomery/NNP Street/NNP they/PRP bumped/VBD through/IN the/DT half-dry/JJ mud-holes/NNS and/CC ruts/NNS and/CC out/RB through/IN the/DT deep/JJ sand/NN of/IN Market/NNP Street,/NNP while/IN the/DT envious/JJ citizens/NNS who/WP still/RB remained/VBD in/IN the/DT city/NN whooped/VBD and/CC cheered/VBD and/CC fired/VBD their/PRP$ pistols/NNS in/IN the/DT air,/NN thus/RB adding/VBG to/TO the/DT confusion/NN but,/, according/VBG to/TO Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP theology,/, effectually/RB dissipating/VBG whatever/WDT of/IN evil/NN might/MD have/VB attended/VBN the/DT departure./NN He/PRP sat/VBD on/IN the/DT seat/NN beside/IN the/DT big/JJ Gascon,/NNP and/CC grinned/VBD happily/RB until/IN Vilmont,/NNP having/VBG at/IN length/NN controlled/VBD the/DT team,/NN released/VBD one/CD huge/JJ paw/NN from/IN that/DT service/NN long/RB enough/RB to/TO cuff/VB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP heartily./, Within/IN a/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS after/IN leaving/VBG the/DT heart/NN of/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP the/DT expedition/NN was/VBD in/IN the/DT open/JJ country,/NN following/VBG El/NNP Camino/NNP Real,/NNP down/IN the/DT peninsula/NN up/IN which/WDT D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD journeyed/VBN so/RB recently./RB There/EX had/VBD been/VBN no/DT opportunity/NN to/TO secure/VB transportation/NN across/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP Bay;/NNP consequently/RB they/PRP were/VBD forced/VBN to/TO make/VB a/DT one-hundred-mile/JJ march/NN around/IN the/DT bay,/NN at/IN the/DT conclusion/NN of/IN which/WDT they/PRP would/MD find/VB themselves/PRP some/DT seven/CD miles/NNS from/IN their/PRP$ starting/VBG point!/NNS Owing/RB to/TO the/DT necessity/NN for/IN rating/NN their/PRP$ progress/NN on/IN that/DT of/IN the/DT wagon/NN and/CC the/DT additional/JJ necessity/NN for/IN providing/VBG ample/JJ time/NN for/IN their/PRP$ animals/NNS to/TO graze/VB en/IN route,/NN they/PRP averaged/VBD less/RBR than/IN twenty/CD miles/NNS per/IN day;/NN indeed,/NN after/IN the/DT first/JJ five/CD days/NNS D'Arcy/NNP cut/VBD that/DT down/IN to/TO fifteen,/CD for/IN the/DT animals/NNS lost/VBN flesh/NN rapidly./. They/PRP required/VBD grain/NN for/IN such/JJ work/NN as/IN this,/NN and/CC the/DT ranchos/NN were/VBD too/RB fewand/JJ far/RB between/IN to/TO permit/VB of/IN purchasing/VBG much/JJ of/IN that./DT Game/NNP was/VBD plentiful,/JJ however,/RB and/CC they/PRP had/VBD fresh/JJ meat/NN in/IN camp/NN at/IN all/DT times./NN Also,/RB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP proved/VBD to/TO be/VB a/DT pearl/NN of/IN great/JJ price,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ excellent/JJ cooking/NN and/CC cheerful/JJ disposition/NN went/VBD far/RB toward/IN developing/VBG esprit/FW de/FW corps/FW in/IN the/DT strange/JJ cavalcade./NN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD the/DT rare/JJ gift/NN for/IN leadership,/NN and/CC as/IN leader/NN the/DT men/NNS accepted/VBD him./PRP They/PRP crossed/VBD the/DT northern/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT Santa/NNP Clara/NNP Valley,/NNP skirting/VBG the/DT bay/NN shore/NN between/IN where/WRB the/DT town/NN of/IN Mountain/NNP View/NNP now/RB stands/VBZ on/IN the/DT western/JJ side/NN and/CC the/DT town/NN of/IN Alviso/NNP on/IN the/DT eastern./NN At/IN the/DT latter/JJ point/NN they/PRP found/VBD a/DT well-defined/JJ trail/NN leading/VBG north/RB along/IN the/DT bay/NN shore,/VBN through/IN what/WP is/VBZ now/RB Alameda/NNP and/CC Contra/NNP Costa/NNP counties,/NNS and/CC on/IN the/DT forenoon/NN of/IN the/DT tenth/JJ day/NN they/PRP came/VBD to/TO Martinez/NNP and/CC their/PRP$ first/JJ objective--Semple's/JJ Ferry/NNP across/IN Carquinez/NNP Straits./NNP D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP rode/VBD forward/RB to/TO make/VB arrangements/NNS for/IN the/DT crossing/NN of/IN their/PRP$ party,/NN but/CC long/RB before/IN they/PRP reached/VBD the/DT rough/JJ board/NN shanty/NN of/IN the/DT agent/NN on/IN the/DT Martinez/NNP side,/NN it/PRP was/VBD apparent/JJ to/TO them/PRP that/IN they/PRP would/MD have/VB to/TO wait/VB at/IN least/JJS three/CD days/NNS for/IN an/DT opportunity/NN to/TO cross./VB An/DT accident/NN to/TO the/DT machinery/NN of/IN the/DT steam-launch/NN which/WDT shunted/VBD the/DT ferry/NN barge/NN backward/RB and/CC forward/RB had/VBD terminated/VBN the/DT service/NN for/IN almost/RB a/DT week,/NN and/CC as/IN a/DT result/NN gold-seekers/NNS and/CC some/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ rancheros/NNS from/IN Alta/NNP California/NNP were/VBD camped/VBN in/IN a/DT long/JJ queue/NN from/IN the/DT bay/NN shore/NN out/IN into/IN the/DT little/JJ valley/NN where/WRB a/DT city/NN now/RB stands./VBZ "You'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO take/VB your/PRP$ place/NN in/IN line,/NN gentlemen,"/IN the/DT agent/NN informed/VBN them./TO "First/NNP come,/VBD first/JJ served.""That's/NNS fair,"/RB D'Arcy/NNP agreed./VBD "Well,/NNP Bejabers,/IN I/PRP suppose/VBP we/PRP may/MD as/RB well/RB ride/VB back/RB to/TO our/PRP$ people/NNS and/CC make/VBP camp/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN this/DT line/NN until/IN our/PRP$ turn/NN to/TO board/VB the/DT ferry/NN arrives./NN It's/IN a/DT tiny/JJ ferry/NN and/CC was/VBD never/RB meant/VBN for/IN the/DT glut/NN of/IN business/NN presented/VBN for/IN it/PRP now.""Supposin'/RB you/PRP buy/VB our/PRP$ tickets/NNS now,/RB Dermod,"/IN the/DT canny/JJ Yankee/NNP suggested./VBD "And/CC make/VB him/PRP date/NN them/PRP today./DT That'll/DT show/NN we/PRP got/VBD prior/RB rights/NNS to/TO cross/VB over/IN some/DT Johnny-come-lately/NNP who/WP may/MD try/VB to/TO euchre/VB us/PRP out/IN of/IN our/PRP$ place,/NN like/IN that/DT feller/NN on/IN the/DT gray/JJ horse/NN is/VBZ doin'/JJ now./RB He/PRP pointed/VBD down/RB toward/IN the/DT tiny/JJ dock,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD a/DT big/JJ bearded/JJ man/NN astride/IN a/DT gray/JJ horse,/NN and/CC accompanied/VBN by/IN half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN other/JJ mounted/VBD men,/NNS forcibly/RB herding/VBG out/IN of/IN line/NN a/DT little/JJ company/NN of/IN Hispano-Californians./NNP The/DT Americans/NNPS had/VBD their/PRP$ pistols/NNS out,/, and/CC before/IN this/DT menace/NN the/DT Californians/NNPS were/VBD falling/VBG back./RB D'Arcy/NNP called/VBD the/DT attention/NN of/IN the/DT agent/NN to/TO the/DT outrage./NN "I/NN thought/VBD your/PRP$ policy/NN was/VBD 'First/JJ come,/NN first/RB served.'/VBD That/DT company/NN of/IN horsemen/NNS passed/VBD us/PRP a/DT mile/NN up/IN the/DT road,/NN so/IN I/PRP know/VBP they/PRP have/VBP but/CC this/DT moment/NN arrived,/RB yet/RB they/PRP are/VBP making/VBG place/NN for/IN themselves/PRP at/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT line/NN by/IN force/NN of/IN arms.""I/NNS know,"/VBP the/DT agent/NN replied/VBD miserably,/JJ "but/CC they're/RB a/DT hard/JJ lot/NN and/CC you/PRP can't/MD expect/VB me/PRP to/TO fight/VB a/DT gang/NN of/IN desperadoes.""I/NNS expect/VBP you/PRP to/TO refrain/VB from/IN sending/VBG your/PRP$ ferry/NN to/TO the/DT Benicia/NNP shore/NN with/IN them/PRP until/IN I/PRP give/VBP the/DT word,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP replied/VBD with/IN spirit./NN "These/NN fellows/NNS feel/VBP quite/RB safe/JJ in/IN hustling/VBG a/DT party/NN of/IN gentle/JJ Californians/NNS out/IN of/IN their/PRP$ way,/NN but/CC by/IN the/DT Lord/NNP they/PRP still/RB have/VBP me/PRP and/CC my/PRP$ party/NN to/TO reckon/VB with./DT Those/DT rascals/NNS shall/MD go/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT line/NN and/CC camp/NN there/RB in/IN their/PRP$ proper/JJ place,/NN or/CC as/RB sure/JJ as/IN my/PRP$ name/NN is/VBZ Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP they'll/, never/RB cross/VB Carquinez/NNP Straits/NNS alive.""Them's/RB my/PRP$ sentiments,"/NN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP assured/VBD the/DT agent./NN "You/PRP don't/RB have/VBP to/TO fight/VB this/DT gang/NN o'/IN desperadoes./PRP$ We'll/NNP relieve/VB you/PRP o'/IN that/DT detail./NN Just/RB you/PRP hold/VBP the/DT ferry/NN here/RB until/IN I/PRP can/MD ride/VB to/TO the/DT rear/NN and/CC hustle/VB up/RP our/PRP$ reserves./NN Me,/NNP I'm/NNP for/IN law/NN and/CC orderevery/NN time,/NN and/CC as/IN for/IN the/DT feller/NN that/WDT can/MD euchre/VB me/PRP out/RP o'/IN my/PRP$ just/RB rights,/RB all/DT I/PRP want/VBP to/TO see/VB is/VBZ his/PRP$ picture.""Bravo,/NN Bejabers./NNP Mr./NNP Ferry/NNP Agent,/NNP I/PRP warn/VBP you/PRP not/RB to/TO send/VB that/DT ferry/NN away/RB with/IN those/DT men/NNS aboard./. Come,/NNP Bejabers."They/NNP galloped/VBD back,/RB rejoined/VBN their/PRP$ company/NN and/CC led/VBD it/PRP into/IN position/NN in/IN a/DT field/NN close/RB to/TO that/DT of/IN the/DT last/JJ arrival/NN on/IN the/DT ground./NN D'Arcy/NNP explained/VBD the/DT situation/NN to/TO them/PRP and/CC without/IN exception/NN other/JJ than/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP they/PRP voted/VBD unanimously/RB to/TO rectify/VB it./PRP "Vilmont,/VB you're/PRP not/RB at/IN home/NN on/IN a/DT horse,/NN and/CC you're/NN too/RB big/JJ to/TO ride/VB one,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP commanded./, "You/PRP remain/VBP here/RB and/CC help/VB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP and/CC Francisco/NNP unpack/JJ and/CC care/NN for/IN the/DT stock./NN The/DT remainder/NN of/IN you/PRP men/NNS arm/VB yourselves/PRP and/CC follow/VB me."He/PRP led/VBD his/PRP$ company/NN back/RB to/TO the/DT ferry./NN A/DT little/JJ distance/NN from/IN the/DT craft,/NN which/WDT was/VBD now/RB tied/VBN up/RP at/IN the/DT landing-place,/NN the/DT group/NN of/IN Hispano-Californians/NNPS sat/VBD their/PRP$ horses/NNS together,/RB cowed/VBN by/IN the/DT seven/CD men/NNS who/WP had/VBD forced/VBN them/PRP back/RB and/CC who/WP now,/RB at/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT line,/NN awaited/VBD permission/NN from/IN the/DT agent/NN to/TO embark./VB D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT gray/JJ horse./NN "You're/NN evidently/RB spoiling/VBG for/IN a/DT fight,/NN my/PRP$ friend,"/NN he/PRP announced/VBD in/IN ringing/NN tones,/NN "so/IN I'm/NNP here/RB to/TO accommodate/VB you./PRP Get/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT end/NN of/IN this/DT line,/NN you/PRP bullies,/VBP or/CC fight--I/JJ don't/NN care/NN which."The/WDT man/NN on/IN the/DT gray/JJ horse/NN turned--and/NN D'Arcy/NNP gazed/VBD into/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN his/PRP$ late/JJ companion/NN of/IN the/DT road,/NN Alvah/NNP Cannon./NNP "So,"/NNP Cannon/NNP muttered,/NNS "it's/VBD you?""Aye,/PRP Cannon,/MD my/PRP$ lad--and/NN with/IN the/DT drop/NN on/IN you./NNP I/PRP have/VBP as/RB many/JJ bullies/NNS at/IN my/PRP$ back/NN as/IN you/PRP have--and/VBP with/IN this/DT advantage:/NN every/DT man/NN of/IN yours/PRP is/VBZ covered/VBN by/IN a/DT pistol/NN in/IN the/DT hands/NNS of/IN one/CD of/IN my/PRP$ men./NN There'll/RB be/VB no/DT government/NN by/IN force/NN here,/, I'm/NNP thinking./. Will/NNP youdepart/NNP peaceably,/NN or/CC must/MD we/PRP shoot/VB it/PRP out/IN here/RB and/CC now?""I/RB reckon/VB you're/PRP still/RB givin'/VB me/PRP orders,/VB D'Arcy.""Sensible/NNP man./NN Ride/NNP back/RB with/IN your/PRP$ followers/NNS and/CC take/VB your/PRP$ place/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT line."Under/NN the/DT menace/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP long-barreled/JJ pistol/NN Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP rode/VBD off/RP the/DT dock;/NN one/CD by/IN one/CD his/PRP$ followers/NNS fell/VBD in/IN behind/IN him./PRP D'Arcy/NNP sat/VBD Pathfinder/NN until/IN assured/VBN the/DT enemy/NN was/VBD out/IN of/IN pistol/NN range;/NN then,/, returning/VBG his/PRP$ weapon/NN to/TO the/DT holster,/NN he/PRP rode/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT group/NN of/IN Californians,/NNP lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC bowed/VBD to/TO the/DT lady/NN among/IN them./PRP$ "Se$orita,/NNS I/PRP have/VBP pleasure/NN in/IN announcing/VBG that/IN these/DT ruffians/NNS will/MD think/VB twice/RB before/IN attempting/VBG further/JJ discourtesy./NN My/PRP$ men/NNS and/CC I/PRP will/MD see/VB that/IN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB again/RB molested."The/VB girl/NN raised/VBD a/DT little/JJ white/JJ hand/NN and/CC flung/VBD back/RB from/IN her/PRP$ face/NN a/DT fold/NN of/IN her/PRP$ mantilla,/NN which/WDT hitherto/VBD had/VBD served/VBN to/TO protect/VB it/PRP from/IN the/DT gray/JJ dust/NN of/IN the/DT trail./NN She/PRP rode/VBD her/PRP$ horse--a/NN black/JJ mare--straight/NN to/TO his/PRP$ side./NN "I/NN knew/VBD you/PRP would/MD come,/VB Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,"/NNP she/PRP said/VBD in/IN a/DT low/JJ voice./NN "You/PRP did/VBD not/RB look/VB back/RB when/WRB we/PRP parted/VBD at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP but--I/CC knew/VBD we/PRP should/MD meet/VB again./NN I/PRP am/VBP grateful."Eagerly/RB he/PRP reached/VBD for/IN her/PRP$ hand,/NN and/CC a/DT smile/NN of/IN intense/JJ pleasure/NN illumined/VBD his/PRP$ dark,/JJ dust-streaked/JJ face./NN "You/PRP will/MD believe/VB me/PRP when/WRB I/PRP assure/VBP you/PRP I/PRP did/VBD not/RB wish/VB to/TO look/VB back?/RB To/TO go/VB thus/RB was/VBD sufficiently/RB painful./, I/PRP would/MD not/RB reopen/VB the/DT wound/NN by/IN looking/VBG back/RB to/TO see/VB that/IN which/WDT I/PRP had/VBD lost./VBN But/CC where/WRB is/VBZ Don/NNP Jos$?""He/NNP has/VBZ already/RB crossed/VBN to/TO Benicia,/NNP leaving/VBG my/PRP$ brother/NN Romauldo/NNP and/CC me/PRP and/CC two/CD muleteers/NNS to/TO come/VB on/IN the/DT next/JJ trip/NN of/IN the/DT ferry./NN You/PRP did/VBD not/RB meet/VB my/PRP$ brother,/NN I/PRP believe./VBD Romauldo!"A/NNP good-looking/JJ young/JJ man/NN of/IN twenty-four/CD or/CC -fivespurred/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO her/PRP$ side/NN and/CC surveyed/VBD D'Arcy/NNP with/IN a/DT haughty,/NN slightly/RB truculent/JJ stare./NN His/PRP$ sister/NN presented/VBN D'Arcy./NNP "I/NNP am/VBP the/DT se$or's/JJ debtor,"/NN Romauldo/NNP assured/VBD D'Arcy/NNP with/IN the/DT typical/JJ graciousness/NN of/IN his/PRP$ class./NN "Had/VBD I/PRP some/DT fighting/VBG men/NNS at/IN my/PRP$ back/NN I/PRP would/MD not/RB now/RB be/VB under/IN obligations/NNS to/TO you/PRP for/IN a/DT gallant/NN courtesy."/NN He/PRP dismissed/VBD the/DT incident/NN with/IN a/DT careless/JJ wave/NN of/IN his/PRP$ hand./NN "They/PRP were/VBD too/RB many."D'Arcy/JJ stared/VBD at/IN the/DT young/JJ man/NN with/IN equal/JJ truculence./NN "You/NNS are/VBP armed/VBN with/IN two/CD pistols,/NNS young/JJ man,"/NN he/PRP replied/VBD pointedly,/RB "and/CC there/EX are/VBP six/CD shots/NNS in/IN each/DT pistol,/NN whereas/IN there/EX were/VBD but/CC seven/CD men/NNS in/IN that/DT rabble./NN Until/IN you/PRP learn/VBP to/TO fight/VB for/IN your/PRP$ rights--until/NN you/PRP learn/VBP the/DT value/NN of/IN the/DT swift/JJ and/CC merciless/JJ attack,/NN you/PRP will/MD find/VB this/DT class/NN of/IN Americans/NNPS running/VBG over/IN you/PRP and/CC yours."The/DT agent/NN came/VBD running/VBG down/IN the/DT dock./NN "All/NN aboard,"/IN he/PRP cried,/VBD much/RB relieved./VBN "Step/IN lively/JJ or/CC make/VB way/NN for/IN others."Romauldo/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ hat./NN "Come,/IN my/PRP$ sister."The/NN girl/NN extended/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO their/PRP$ deliverer,/NN but/CC D'Arcy/NNP did/VBD not/RB raise/VB it/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ lips./NN Instead/RB he/PRP held/VBD it/PRP for/IN several/JJ seconds,/NNS while/IN their/PRP$ eyes/NNS searched/VBD each/DT other./JJ "I/NN did/VBD not/RB ask/VB you/PRP where/WRB one/PRP might/MD find/VB the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP se$orita,"/VBD he/PRP murmured,/VB "nor/CC shall/MD I/PRP ask/VB you/PRP now./RB I/PRP shall/MD find/VB it./PRP Not/RB soon,/RB perhaps,/RB but/CC some/DT day--""I/JJ shall/MD wait,"/VB she/PRP murmured/VBD breathlessly./VBG "Go/NNP With/IN God./NNP Adios!"D'Arcy/NNP backed/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT trail/NN and/CC watched/VBD the/DT Guerrero/NNPS party/NN ride/VB aboard/IN the/DT tiny/JJ ferry./, The/DT girl/NN was/VBD riding/VBG Kitty,/IN the/DT black/JJ mare/NN he/PRP had/VBD given/VBN her,/PRP and/CC he/PRP noted,/RB with/IN the/DT instinct/NN of/IN the/DT trainedhorseman,/NN how/WRB gracefully/RB she/PRP sat/VBD the/DT side-saddle/NN and/CC with/IN what/WP ease/NN and/CC confidence/NN she/PRP controlled/VBD the/DT high-spirited/JJ animal./NN When/WRB she/PRP was/VBD well/RB forward/RB on/IN the/DT ferry/NN he/PRP saw/VBD her/PRP$ dismount/NN and/CC stand/VB to/TO horse,/VB soothing/VBG the/DT mare/NN as/IN the/DT lumbering/NN ox-drawn/NN carretas,/VBD the/DT mounted/VBN men,/NNS foot-travelers,/NN and/CC a/DT stylish/JJ four-in-hand/NN drawing/VBG a/DT high-wheeled/JJ buggy/NN followed/VBD in/IN their/PRP$ turn./NN A/DT stiff/JJ breeze/NN was/VBD blowing/VBG up/RB Carquinez/NNP Straits/NNS and/CC in/IN the/DT short,/JJ choppy/JJ seat/NN the/DT ferry/NN rolled/VBD at/IN its/PRP$ moorings;/NN as/IN a/DT result/NN some/DT of/IN the/DT horses,/NN panic-stricken,/NN reared/VBD and/CC plunged,/VBD the/DT principal/JJ offender/NN in/IN this/DT regard/NN being/VBG Romauldo/NNP Guerrero's/NNPS mount./NN "Dismount,/NNP blindfold/VBD him/PRP and/CC stand/VB to/TO his/PRP$ head,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP shouted./MD But/CC the/DT native/JJ egotism/NN in/IN Romauldo/NNP forbade/VBD such/JJ evidence/NN of/IN timidity/NN or/CC prudence./DT He/PRP sawed/VBD brutally/RB on/IN the/DT cruel/JJ Spanish/JJ hit/NN and/CC roweled/VBD the/DT frightened/JJ brute/NN from/IN shoulder/NN to/TO flank/VB in/IN a/DT vain/JJ effort/NN to/TO assert/VB his/PRP$ mastery--and/NN suddenly/RB the/DT horse/NN commenced/VBD to/TO pitch./NN Instantly/RB a/DT panic/NN appeared/VBD imminent,/JJ and/CC D'Arcy's/NNP heart/NN skipped/VBD a/DT beat/NN as/IN he/PRP saw/VBD Josepha,/NNP by/IN a/DT quick/JJ dodge/NN in/IN under/IN Kitty's/NNP neck,/RB barely/RB escape/VB the/DT mad/JJ horse's/NNS front/NN hoofs./. The/DT situation/NN clarified/VBN with/IN electric/JJ suddenness./. Romauldo's/NNP horse/NN obligingly/RB leaped/VBD overboard/RB and/CC swam/VBD ashore,/RB but/CC not/RB until/IN with/IN his/PRP$ last/JJ frantic/JJ jump/NN he/PRP had/VBD unseated/VBN his/PRP$ rider,/NN who/WP went/VBD overboard/RB with/IN him./PRP As/IN Romauldo's/NNP black/JJ head/NN appeared/VBD on/IN the/DT surface/NN a/DT gurgling/JJ cry/NN for/IN help/NN reached/VBN D'Arcy;/NNP then/RB the/DT head/NN disappeared/VBD again./RB "The/DT cocksure/NN young/JJ ass/NN is/VBZ drowning,"/VBG D'Arcy/NNP thought./VBD "He/NN deserves/VBZ drowning,/VBN but--"A/CC touch/NN of/IN the/DT spur/NN to/TO Pathfinder/NNP and/CC they/PRP were/VBD off/IN the/DT tule-clad/JJ bank/NN into/IN deep/JJ water,/NN swimming/VBG for/IN thespot/DT where/WRB Romauldo/NNP had/VBD gone/VBN down./RP He/PRP had/VBD come/VBN up/RB and/CC disappeared/VBD once/RB more/RBR before/IN D'Arcy/NNP could/MD reach/VB him,/NN and/CC the/DT latter/NN realized/VBD that/IN in/IN all/DT probability/NN the/DT boy/NN would/MD not/RB come/VB up/RP again./RB Straight/JJ past/IN the/DT spot/NN Pathfinder/NNP plowed/VBD with/IN swift,/JJ easy/JJ strokes,/NN while/IN D'Arcy/NNP swung/VBD himself/PRP almost/RB under/IN his/PRP$ mount's/NN belly/NN and/CC groped/VBD swiftly./RP His/PRP$ hands/NNS closed/VBD over/IN Romauldo's/NNP head;/, his/PRP$ strong/JJ fingers/NNS twined/VBD themselves/PRP in/IN the/DT boy's/NNS hair;/NN and/CC when/WRB D'Arcy's/NNP torso/NN emerged/VBD from/IN the/DT muddy/JJ waters'/NNS [sic]/IN Romauldo's/NNP head/NN was/VBD held/VBN clear;/RB a/DT furious/JJ jerk/NN and/CC the/DT limp/JJ body/NN was/VBD lying/VBG across/IN Pathfinder's/NNP neck/NN while/IN the/DT horse,/NN answering/VBG the/DT pressure/NN of/IN his/PRP$ rider's/NNS leg,/, turned/VBD and/CC swam/VBD back/RB to/TO the/DT shore./NN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP received/VBD the/DT unconscious/JJ Romauldo/NNP while/IN Pathfinder/NNP was/VBD still/RB struggling/VBG to/TO get/VB his/PRP$ forelegs/NNS on/IN the/DT bank,/NN and/CC having/VBG a/DT rather/RB difficult/JJ task/NN to/TO do/VB it,/VBN until/IN D'Arcy/NNP slid/VBD off,/NN whereupon/IN the/DT horse/NN clambered/VBD up,/RB catlike,/VB shook/VBD himself/PRP and/CC stood/VBD patiently/RB awaiting/VBG orders./NNP "I/NNP reckon/VBP we'd/JJ better/JJR dreen/NN this/DT hombre/NN a/DT mite,/NN Dermod,"/IN the/DT practical-minded/JJ Harmon/NNP suggested,/NN and/CC threw/VBD Romauldo/NNP face/NN down/IN across/IN Pathfinder's/NNP back,/, permitting/VBG him/PRP to/TO slide/VB far/RB down/IN the/DT opposite/JJ side./NN "Roll/NN the/DT danged/JJ fool,"/NN he/PRP commanded/VBD D'Arcy./NNP So/IN D'Arcy/NNP rolled/VBD him/PRP in/IN the/DT saddle/NN and/CC the/DT muddy/JJ water/NN drained/VBD out/IN the/DT boy's/NNS mouth/NN and/CC nostrils./NN "One/NN of/IN these/DT here/RB danged/VBN smart/JJ Alecks,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP growled./NNP "His/NNP sister/NN got/VBD off/RB and/CC held/VBD her/PRP$ hoss,/NN but/CC of/IN course/NN this/DT here/RB young/JJ peacock/NN knew/VBD more'n/JJR she/PRP did./VBD Reckon/NNP he's/POS dead,/JJ pardner?/NN I/PRP hope/VBP so."Romauldo/PRP was/VBD not/RB dead,/JJ but/CC he/PRP was/VBD unconscious/JJ and/CC it/PRP required/VBD fast/RB and/CC intelligent/JJ first-aid/JJ work/NN on/IN the/DT part/NN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP before/IN he/PRP opened/VBD his/PRP$ eyes./NN Meanwhile/RB his/PRP$ sister,/JJ having/VBG given/VBN her/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO one/CD ofthe/IN muleteers/NNS to/TO hold,/VB had/VBD come/VBN ashore/RB to/TO render/VB what/WP aid/NN she/PRP could./MD D'Arcy/NNP paid/VBD little/JJ attention/NN to/TO her,/RP being/VBG quite/RB sufficiently/RB engrossed/VBN in/IN the/DT task/NN before/IN him./PRP Meanwhile/RB the/DT ferry/NN agent/NN had/VBD approached/VBN and/CC stood/VBD by,/IN plainly/RB impatient/JJ at/IN having/VBG his/PRP$ schedule/NN dislocated,/NN for/IN from/IN the/DT gold-seekers/NNS whose/WP$ turn/NN it/PRP was/VBD to/TO go/VB aboard/IN the/DT ferry/NN on/IN its/PRP$ next/JJ trip/NN came/VBD profane/JJ protests/NNS at/IN the/DT delay./NN "Why/NN didn't/VBD you/PRP let/VB that/DT fool/NN greaser/JJR drown?"/VBP one/CD of/IN them/PRP demanded/VBD loudly./JJR Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP spoke/VBD furiously/RB and/CC in/IN English./NNP "Animal!/NNP You/PRP call/VBP theese/DT brother/NN of/IN me/PRP greaser?/JJ Why/WRB you/PRP call/VBP theese/DT name/NN to/TO a/DT Guerrero?"D'Arcy/NNP looked/VBD up/RP at/IN the/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD addressed/VBN him./PRP "Come/VB over/IN here/RB and/CC apologize/VB for/IN that/DT insult,"/NN he/PRP commanded./MD "I/VB ain't/NN apologizin'/NN to/TO no/DT greasers/NNS for/IN nothin'/NN I/PRP say./VBD You/PRP hear/VBP me,/JJ don't/VBN you?""Don't/JJ challenge/NN him,/PRP pardner,"/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP suggested/VBD calmly./VBG "You're/VB a/DT gentleman/NN and/CC a/DT gentleman/NN can't/NN fight/NN his/PRP$ kind./NN This/DT job/NN belongs/VBZ to/TO me./MD I'm/VB your/PRP$ pardner/NN and/CC half/NN of/IN every/DT insult/NN to/TO my/PRP$ pardner/NN and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS belongs/VBZ to/TO me./MD You're/VB the/DT first/JJ man/NN with/IN brains/NNS I've/NN met/VBD in/IN a/DT blue/JJ moon/NN and/CC I/PRP don't/VBP figure/NN to/TO let/VB this/DT cheap/JJ bully/JJ blow/NN 'em/PRP out."/JJ He/PRP strolled/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD offended./VBN "Take/IN your/PRP$ choice,/NN mister./NN Apologize/NNP or/CC argy/NN it/PRP in/IN the/DT smoke.""I/NN reckon/VBP we'll/JJ have/VBP to/TO argue/VB it.""At/IN fifteen/CD paces?/NN Is/VBZ that/DT agreeable?"The/DT other/JJ nodded./NN "Follow/NN me,"/NNS said/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP "Pardner,/IN you/PRP got/VBD your/PRP$ hands/NNS full./, Lemme/VB tend/VB to/TO this/DT detail."D'Arcy/NN smiled/VBD affectionately/RB upon/IN Bejabers./NNP "Why/NNP should/MD I?""Why,/VB 'tain't/PRP the/DT least/JJS bit/NN o'/IN trouble/NN for/IN me/PRP to/TO givethis/VB feller/VBN a/DT lesson/NN in/IN manners./VBG He/PRP can't/MD shoot./VB I've/NN seed/NN him/PRP in/IN action/NN down/IN to/TO San/NNP Francisco./NNP He/PRP was/VBD a/DT boarder/NN o'/IN mine/NN once,/CC but/CC somebody/NN bailed/VBD him/PRP out.""But/IN we/PRP must/MD not/RB make/VB a/DT brawl/NN in/IN the/DT presence/NN of/IN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero.""Oh,/NNP nothin'/NN so/RB indelicate/JJ as/IN that,/DT amigo!/IN Ain't/NNP I/PRP movin'/VBD off/RP down/IN the/DT trail/NN a/DT piece?""Bejabers,/NN I/PRP love/VBP you/PRP like/IN a/DT brother,/NN but--I'll/NN do/VBP my/PRP$ own/JJ fighting/NN until/IN the/DT battle/NN becomes/VBZ general;/RB then/RB you/PRP can/MD help/VB me./PRP I'll/DT attend/VBP to/TO that/DT fellow/NN after/IN this/DT boy/NN and/CC his/PRP$ sister/NN have/VBP gone/VBN aboard/IN the/DT ferry."Bejabers/NNS was/VBD not/RB pleased./VBN "You/PRP take/VB the/DT sunshine/NN out/IN of/IN my/PRP$ life,/NN Dermod,"/IN he/PRP complained./MD "'Tain't/VB no/DT use/NN argyin'/NN a/DT matter/NN o'/IN principle/NN with/IN you,/JJ though."The/DT ferry/NN agent/NN now/RB spoke/VBD up./RP "This/DT young/JJ man/NN and/CC his/PRP$ sister/NN have/VBP had/VBN their/PRP$ chance/NN to/TO get/VB aboard./RP They've/DT lost/VBN it./, I/PRP can't/MD hold/VB the/DT ferry/NN any/DT longer.""That/JJ is/VBZ fair,"/RB Josepha/NNP told/VBD D'Arcy/NNP in/IN Spanish./NNP "We/NNP have/VBP no/DT wish/NN to/TO discommode/VB the/DT traveling/VBG public/JJ because/IN of/IN my/PRP$ brother's/NNS foolish/JJ effort/NN to/TO control/VB an/DT uncontrollable/JJ horse./NN Our/PRP$ men/NNS will/MD deliver/VB my/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO my/PRP$ father/NN while/IN I/PRP remain/VBP here/RB with/IN Romauldo./NNP When/WRB he/PRP is/VBZ able/JJ to/TO travel/VB we/PRP will/MD cross,/VB but/CC not/RB until/IN Romauldo/NNP has/VBZ taken/VBN this/DT ruffian/NN to/TO task./DT It/PRP is/VBZ generous/JJ of/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP to/TO offer/VB to/TO fight/VB the/DT battles/NNS of/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNS but/CC that/DT is/VBZ an/DT obligation/NN of/IN the/DT Guerreros,/NNP is/VBZ it/PRP not?"Instantly/RB D'Arcy/NNP made/VBD his/PRP$ decision./NN "Very/RB well,/RB if/IN Romauldo/NNP cares/VBZ to/TO bell/NN the/DT cat,/NN I/PRP dare/MD say/VB that/DT is/VBZ his/PRP$ privilege./NN The/DT man/NN yonder/IN alluded/VBN to/TO him/PRP as/IN a/DT greaser./NNP If/IN he/PRP feels/VBZ himself/PRP insulted/VBN he/PRP will/MD resent/VB the/DT insult./NN If/IN he/PRP does/VBZ not,/RB I/PRP am/VBP at/IN your/PRP$ service."The/NN ferry/NN pulled/VBD out./RP In/IN an/DT hour/NN it/PRP was/VBD back,/RB but/CC in/IN that/DT hour/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD regained/VBN consciousness/NN and,/IN although/IN still/RB weak,/JJ shaken/VBN and/CC not/RB alittle/JJ nauseated,/NN was/VBD able/JJ to/TO lead/VB his/PRP$ horse/NN aboard/IN the/DT ferry./NN Before/IN following/VBG him/PRP his/PRP$ sister/NN whispered/VBD to/TO D'Arcy:"He/NNP is/VBZ in/IN no/DT condition/NN to/TO resent/VB the/DT insult/NN now,/RB Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP but/CC tomorrow/NN he/PRP will."D'Arcy/MD bowed/VBD gravely,/RB carried/VBN her/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO his/PRP$ lips/NNS and/CC watched/VBD her/PRP go/VB aboard/IN the/DT ferry;/NN as/IN it/PRP pulled/VBD away/RB from/IN the/DT landing/NN he/PRP and/CC Bejabers/NNP mounted/VBD and/CC rode/VBD back/RB to/TO join/VB their/PRP$ party/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT long/JJ line/NN of/IN waiting/VBG adventurers./DT "You/NNS reckon/VBP the/DT young/JJ feller'll/NN call/VB him/PRP out,/IN Dermod?/NNP Seems/VBZ as/IN if/IN it's/IN his/PRP$ job,/NN after/IN all,"/DT Bejabers/NNP decided,/NN after/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD related/VBN to/TO him/PRP the/DT substitute/NN for/IN their/PRP$ joint/JJ plans/NNS to/TO inculcate/VB a/DT lesson/NN in/IN ordinary/JJ courtesy./NN "I/NNS have/VBP a/DT suspicion/NN he/PRP will/MD not,/RB my/PRP$ friend.""Can't/NN say/VBP I/PRP like/IN the/DT boy/NN myself,/PRP Dermod./NNP I/PRP figger/VBP him/PRP a/DT mite/NN loco/NN in/IN the/DT head./NN If/IN he'd/PRP had/VBD the/DT nerve/NN to/TO make/VB half/PDT a/DT stand/NN ag'in/IN that/DT man/NN Cannon/NNP there/RB wouldn't/MD have/VB been/VBN no/DT necessity/NN for/IN us/PRP to/TO interfere.""I/VB think/VB he/PRP realized/VBD that,/IN Bejabers;/NNP hence/RB his/PRP$ insistence/NN when/WRB his/PRP$ horse/NN commenced/VBD pitching,/NN to/TO demonstrate/VB what/WP a/DT brave/JJ and/CC reckless/JJ young/JJ fellow/NN he/PRP really/RB is!/VBZ Romauldo/NNP is/VBZ in/IN a/DT fine/JJ temper/NN now,/, I/PRP imagine./VBD He/PRP realizes,/VBD undoubtedly,/JJ that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ succeeded/VBN admirably/RB in/IN making/VBG a/DT fool/NN of/IN himself.""The/PRP girl's/VBZ a/DT thoroughbred,/JJ though./NN Speaks/NNS fair/JJ English./NNP Wonder/NNP where/WRB she/PRP learned/VBD it?"D'Arcy/PRP was/VBD silent./JJ His/PRP$ unexpected/JJ meeting/NN with/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero,/NNP together/RB with/IN the/DT near-tragic/JJ events/NNS of/IN the/DT last/JJ half-hour/NN had/VBD set/VBN his/PRP$ mercurial/JJ soul/NN in/IN tumult,/NN albeit/IN no/DT hint/NN of/IN this/DT showed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ impassive/JJ countenance./NN He/PRP did/VBD not/RB care/VB to/TO discuss/VB the/DT girl/NN or/CC her/PRP$ brother;/NN rather/RB he/PRP was/VBD trying/VBG to/TO analyze/VB a/DT growing/VBG presentiment/NN that/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP family/NN was/VBD destinedto/VBN play/NN no/DT inconsiderable/JJ part/NN in/IN the/DT adventures/NNS that/WDT awaited/VBD him/PRP in/IN this/DT new/JJ land./NN "I/NNS think/VBP the/DT gal's/NN plumb/RB beautiful,"/JJ Bejabers/IN ruminated./VBN "In/IN particular/JJ when/WRB she's/PRP got/VBD her/PRP$ dander/NN up./. If/IN she'd/JJ been/VBN a/DT man/NN there'd/RB been/VBN a/DT fight/NN or/CC a/DT foot-race/NN about/IN two/CD seconds/NNS after/IN that/DT chuckle-headed/JJ fool/NN alluded/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ brother/NN as/IN a/DT greaser./NNP I/PRP like/IN a/DT spunky/NN woman."D'Arcy/NN looked/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ companion./NN Bejabers/NNP was/VBD a/DT man/NN close/JJ to/TO forty/CD years/NNS old,/IN a/DT short,/JJ compact,/NN keen-visaged/JJ man/NN with/IN a/DT singularly/JJ uncomplicated/JJ outlook/NN on/IN life./NN With/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP right/NN was/VBD right/JJ and/CC wrong/JJ was/VBD wrong;/NN he/PRP was/VBD congenitally/RB incapable/JJ of/IN compromises/NNS with/IN either./DT D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD already/RB discovered/VBN that/IN Bejabers/NNP was/VBD a/DT traitor/NN to/TO the/DT grim/JJ religious/JJ concepts/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ New/NNP England/NNP ancestry./NN He/PRP had/VBD a/DT hazy/JJ notion,/NN of/IN course,/NN that/IN there/EX might/MD be/VB a/DT Supreme/NNP Being,/NNP but/CC he/PRP was/VBD not/RB at/IN all/DT interested/JJ in/IN Him/NNP and/CC certainly/RB he/PRP did/VBD not/RB fear/NN Him./NNP The/DT man/NN was/VBD slow/JJ of/IN temper/NN but/CC possessed/VBD of/IN an/DT amazing/JJ temperament/NN which/WDT manifested/VBD itself/PRP in/IN an/DT almost/RB overbalanced/JJ sense/NN of/IN equity,/NN a/DT passionate/JJ love/NN of/IN justice,/RB a/DT contempt/NN for/IN weakness/NN or/CC cowardice,/NN and/CC an/DT incurable/JJ belief/NN in/IN the/DT doctrine/NN of/IN personal/JJ responsibility./NN D'Arcy/NNP believed/VBD the/DT little/JJ man/NN to/TO be/VB capable/JJ of/IN the/DT most/RBS amazing/JJ loyalties/NNS and/CC friendships,/NNS but/CC weak/JJ on/IN pronounced/VBN hatreds./NN Bejabers/NNP had/VBD had/VBN such/JJ meager/JJ education,/NN up/IN to/TO his/PRP$ sixteenth/JJ year,/NN as/IN the/DT times/NNS afforded,/NN but/CC he/PRP was/VBD immensely/RB wise/JJ in/IN the/DT ways/NNS of/IN the/DT world;/NN he/PRP had/VBD a/DT keen/JJ sense/NN of/IN humor,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ demure/NN impulsiveness/NN was/VBD of/IN a/DT character/NN to/TO render/VB him/PRP singularly/RB lovable./VBD Withal,/IN a/DT trustworthy/JJ person./NN D'Arcy,/NNP thinking/VBG now/RB of/IN the/DT perfectly/RB natural/JJ manner/NN in/IN which/WDT his/PRP$ companion/NN had/VBD offered/VBN to/TO fight/VB a/DT duel/NN in/IN his/PRP$ behalf,/NN was/VBD moved/VBN to/TO a/DT sudden/JJ affection/NN forBejabers./. He/PRP rode/VBD close/RB to/TO the/DT little/JJ man/NN and/CC laid/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN affectionately/RB on/IN his/PRP$ shoulder./NN "I/NNS like/IN you,/PRP Bejabers./. I/PRP hope/VBP we'll/NN be/VB friends/NNS and/CC partners/NNS always."Bejabers/NNS nodded/VBD appreciatively./VBG "If/IN we/PRP keep/VBP our/PRP$ feet/NNS on/IN the/DT ground/NN an'/IN our/PRP$ heads/NNS out/IN o'/IN the/DT air,/NN Dermod,"/NNP he/PRP replied/VBD with/IN a/DT flash/NN of/IN his/PRP$ Yankee/NNP horse-sense,/NN "we'll/MD find/VB our/PRP$ place/NN in/IN the/DT sun./NN I'll/NN stick/NN to/TO you,/VB boy,/NN while/IN you/PRP play/VBP me/PRP fair.""Wouldn't/RB you/PRP stick/VBP just/RB a/DT little/RB longer/JJR than/IN that,/DT Bejabers?/NNP Long/NNP enough/RB to/TO make/VB a/DT big/JJ effort/NN to/TO convince/VB me/PRP I/PRP wasn't/VBD playing/VBG you/PRP fair,/JJ and/CC in/IN order/NN that,/IN thereafter,/DT I/PRP would/MD play/VB you/PRP fair?""Well,/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP I/PRP might/MD be/VB tempted/VBN to/TO overlook/VB a/DT lot/NN in/IN you,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP confessed,/NN just/RB a/DT trifle/RB embarrassed./VBN "But/IN you/PRP got/VBD to/TO make/VB me/PRP one/CD promise,/JJ son./NN Whenever/WRB you're/PRP in/IN trouble,/NN don't/IN you/PRP ever/RB set/VBD yourself/PRP to/TO git/VB out/IN of/IN it/PRP until/IN you've/NN notified/VBD me./PRP I/PRP want/VBP to/TO be/VB on/IN hand/NN to/TO make/VB sartin/VBG you/PRP git/VBP a/DT square/NN deal.""I/NN promise--provided/VBN you/PRP accord/VB me/PRP the/DT same/JJ privilege,/NN Bejabers.""Seguro,/NNP amigo!/IN Dermod,/NNP it/PRP occurs/VBZ to/TO me/PRP that/IN Spanish/NNP gal/NN thinks/VBZ you're/PRP quite/RB an/DT up-an'-cumin'/JJ young/JJ feller.""Nonsense.""I/NNS wouldn't/MD think/VB much/RB of/IN her/PRP if/IN she/PRP didn't./VBD You/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO see/VB her/PRP ag'in?""Perhaps./DT The/DT world/NN is/VBZ wide./JJR We/PRP may/MD meet/VB sometime.""The/DT boy/NN won't/VBD like/IN you.""What/DT makes/VBZ you/PRP think/VB that?""You/PRP showed/VBD him/PRP up;/RB you/PRP as/RB much/RB as/IN told/VBN him--I/NNS understand/VBP enough/RB Spanish/JJ to/TO git/VB the/DT drift/NN of/IN what/WP you/PRP said--that/VBD if/IN he'd/PRP had/VBD the/DT guts/NNS to/TO tackle/VB Cannon/NNP there/EX wouldn't/MD have/VB been/VBN no/DT call/NN for/IN us/PRP to/TO interfere./DT Then/RB you/PRP saved/VBD his/PRP$ fool/NN life,/NN an'/NN it's/VBD been/VBN my/PRP$ experience/NN that/IN whenever/WRB I/PRP put/VBD a/DT feller/NN under/IN obligation/NN to/TO me/PRP I/PRP made/VBD an/DT enemy.""Nonsense./NN The/DT boy/NN was/VBD outnumbered."Bejabers/NNS grinned/VBD tolerantly./TO Well,/NNP any/DT time/NN us/PRP two/CD are/VBP outnumbered/VBN in/IN a/DT deal/NN like/IN that,/WDT there/EX won't/MD be/VB so/RB many/JJ odds/NNS left/VBN by/IN the/DT time/NN the/DT smoke/NN clears/VBZ away./RB Me,/NNP I'd/NNP ruther/JJ die/NN than/IN eat/VBP dirt./NN An'/IN another/DT thing./NN That/IN young/JJ feller/NN won't/NN foller/IN this/DT matter/NN up,/IN an'/NN that'll/MD make/VB his/PRP$ sister/NN ashamed/JJ of/IN him./PRP Hell's/NNP fire,/NN Dermod,/NNP if/IN you/PRP hadn't/VBP been/VBN so/RB high/JJ an'/NN mighty/RB I/PRP could/MD have/VB saved/VBN her/PRP that/IN humiliation.""Se$orita/JJ Guerrero's/NNP decision/NN was/VBD just./RB If/IN there/EX are/VBP any/DT rats/NNS to/TO be/VB killed/VBN because/IN of/IN this/DT affair/NN it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT privilege/NN of/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNS to/TO kill/VB them./PRP She/PRP claimed/VBD the/DT right/NN for/IN her/PRP$ people/NNS and,/IN of/IN course,/NN she/PRP couldn't/MD be/VB denied.""The/VBN feller/NN seemed/VBD willin'/NN enough/RB to/TO argy/VB rather/RB than/IN 'pologize./WDT I'd/NNP have/VBP liked/VBN to/TO oblige/VB him.""In/PRP heaven's/JJ name,/NN why?/NN All/DT parties/NNS to/TO the/DT incident/NN are/VBP total/JJ strangers/NNS to/TO you,/VB Bejabers."Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP turned/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN and/CC looked/VBD his/PRP$ partner/NN in/IN the/DT eyes./NN "I/RB seen/VBN a/DT look/NN on/IN your/PRP$ face,/NN son,/NN when/WRB you/PRP recognized/VBD that/DT gal--an'/NN I/PRP seen/VBD a/DT look/NN on/IN hers./PRP An'/CC I/PRP seen/VBD another/DT look/NN when/WRB you/PRP said/VBD good-by/JJ to/TO her./PRP So/IN I/PRP couldn't/MD see/VB no/DT sense/NN in/IN bustin'/NN up/IN a/DT romance/NN by/IN lettin'/NN you/PRP fight/VBP that/DT coyote./NN If/IN a/DT feller/NN can't/NN serve/VB his/PRP$ friends,/NNS what/WP good/JJ is/VBZ he?"D'Arcy/NN was/VBD profoundly/RB touched/VBN at/IN this/DT simple/JJ profession/NN of/IN faith./NN "It/NN was/VBD a/DT lucky/JJ day/NN for/IN me/PRP that/IN I/PRP met/VBD you,/PRP partner.""An'/RB a/DT lucky/JJ day/NN for/IN me./NN I/PRP got/VBD a/DT notion/NN you/PRP an'/MD me'll/VB do/VB big/JJ things/NNS together/RB in/IN this/DT country./. But/CC we/PRP got/VBD to/TO start/VB right.""That/RB is/VBZ true.""Well,/JJ then,/, the/DT minute/NN we're/NN settled/VBD down/RB to/TO minin'/NN on/IN some/DT creek,/NN I'm/IN goin'/NN to/TO leave/VB you/PRP long/RB enough/RB to/TO drive/VB the/DT black/JJ Maria/NNP back/NN to/TO San/NNP Francisco./NNP That/IN an'/NN the/DT team/NN plumb/RB overdrew/VBD my/PRP$ credit/NN with/IN the/DT city/NN an'/NN I'm/IN worried./VBN It's/IN one/CD thing/NN to/TO borrow/VB somethin'/NN without/IN askin'/NN for/IN it/PRP and/CC another/DT thing/NN to/TO steal/VB it."D'Arcy/PRP threw/VBD back/RP his/PRP$ head/NN and/CC laughed./VBD He/PRP was/VBD young/JJ and/CC the/DT world/NN seemed/VBD very/RB bright/JJ to/TO him/PRP just/RB then./DT VILMONT/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP had/VBD made/VBN camp/NN by/IN the/DT time/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP reached/VBD the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT line,/NN and/CC Francisco,/NNP McCready,/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP had/VBD taken/VBN the/DT live/JJ stock/NN off/IN a/DT little/JJ distance/NN where/WRB the/DT animals/NNS could/MD graze./VB D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD over/IN to/TO them,/POS leading/VBG Bejabers's/NNP horse,/NN which/WDT had/VBD been/VBN unsaddled,/JJ and/CC turned/VBD it/PRP and/CC Pathfinder/NNP over/IN to/TO them./PRP "There's/IN a/DT rough/JJ element/NN here/RB that/IN wouldn't/JJ object/NN to/TO stealing/VBG these/DT animals,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD his/PRP$ men./NN "I/RB want/VBP you/PRP three/CD to/TO guard/VB them/PRP until/IN supper./NN Then/RB Harmon/NNP and/CC I/PRP will/MD relieve/VB you/PRP until/IN the/DT stock/NN has/VBZ grazed/VBN its/PRP$ fill,/NN when/WRB we/PRP will/MD bring/VB them/PRP into/IN camp/NN for/IN the/DT night."McCready/JJ nodded./NN "The/DT gang/NN we/PRP drove/VBD back/RB from/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT line/NN are/VBP camped/VBN in/IN that/DT grove/NN of/IN oaks/NNS yonder,"/IN he/PRP warned/VBD D'Arcy./NNP "Give/NNP 'em/PRP plenty/NN of/IN room."On/NN his/PRP$ way/NN back/RB to/TO camp/NN afoot/RB D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP advancing/VBG to/TO meet/VB him,/PRP so/RB he/PRP halted/VBD and/CC remained/VBD on/IN the/DT alert/JJ until/IN Cannon/NNP came/VBD within/IN speaking/NN distance/NN of/IN him./PRP$ "Well,/NN Cannon?"/IN he/PRP demanded./VBD "Well,/DT first/JJ off,/NN I/PRP ain't/VBP lookin'/NN for/IN trouble,/NN D'Arcy./NNP What/WP I/PRP want/VBP to/TO say/VB is/VBZ this--me/JJ an'/IN my/PRP$ party/NN are/VBP a/DT little/JJ shy/NN on/IN grub/NN an'/NN seein'/NN as/IN how/WRB you/PRP appear/VBP to/TO have/VB more/JJR than/IN you/PRP need,/VBP the/DT boys/NNS asked/VBD me/PRP to/TO see/VB could/MD we/PRP buy/VB some/DT from/IN you.""It/PRP is/VBZ true/JJ we/PRP have/VBP more/JJR than/IN we/PRP need/VBP at/IN this/DT time,/NN but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ our/PRP$ plan/NN to/TO hold/VB it/PRP for/IN use/NN this/DT winter./NN Sorry,Cannon,/NNP but/CC self-preservation/NN is/VBZ the/DT first/JJ law/NN of/IN human/JJ nature./NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT food/NN for/IN sale."Cannon/NN turned/VBD abruptly/RB and/CC walked/VBD back/RB to/TO his/PRP$ party,/NN and/CC a/DT little/JJ later/RB D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD four/CD of/IN them,/PRP$ mounted,/NNS disappear/VBP into/IN the/DT hills./NN They/PRP returned/VBD in/IN about/IN an/DT hour,/NN driving/VBG before/IN them/PRP a/DT two-year-old/JJ steer;/NN when/WRB close/JJ to/TO their/PRP$ camp/NN one/CD of/IN the/DT men/NNS galloped/VBD alongside/IN the/DT animal/NN and/CC shot/NN it/PRP with/IN his/PRP$ pistol./NN Another/DT cut/NN its/PRP$ throat/NN and/CC presently/RB the/DT carcass/NN could/MD be/VB seen/VBN hanging/VBG to/TO the/DT stout/NN limb/NN of/IN an/DT oak-tree/JJ while/IN busy/JJ hands/NNS dressed/VBN and/CC skinned/VBN it./PRP "Do/IN you/PRP s'pose/VBP they/PRP paid/VBD for/IN that/DT critter?"/NN Bejabers/NNP queried./NNP D'Arcy/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "It/NN would/MD never/RB occur/VB to/TO that/DT rabble/NN to/TO defer/VB to/TO the/DT undoubted/JJ property/NN rights/NNS of/IN the/DT people/NNS they/PRP term/VBP greasers./JJR Bejabers,/NNP that/WDT is/VBZ a/DT sample/NN of/IN the/DT fate/NN in/IN store/NN for/IN the/DT native/JJ Californians./NNP Within/IN five/CD years/NNS an/DT Anglo-Saxon/NNP civilization/NN will/MD be/VB busy/JJ stealing/VBG their/PRP$ lands/NNS also."Bejabers/NNS scratched/VBD his/PRP$ ear./NN "What/IN this/DT country's/NN goin'/NN to/TO need/VB an'/DT need/NN right/RB soon,/RB Dermod,/NNP is/VBZ a/DT whole/JJ lot/NN o'/IN law/NN an'/NN order./NN Ain't/. it/PRP hell/NN to/TO think/VB that/IN you/PRP an'/MD me've/VB go/VB to/TO stand/VB here/RB an'/RB watch/VB a/DT gang/NN o'/IN cow/NN thieves/NNS operate/VBP in/IN daylight/NN an'/NN never/RB lift/VB a/DT hand/NN to/TO stop/VB 'em?""Some/PRP day/NN the/DT blind/JJ goddess/NN will/MD slip/VB her/PRP$ bandage,/NN Bejabers./NNP Hello,/NNP here/RB comes/VBZ Cannon/NNP again./RB Wonder/VBP what/WP he/PRP wants."With/MD truculent/VB assurance/NN Cannon/NNP strode/VBD into/IN their/PRP$ camp./NN "I'll/NN trade/NN you/PRP a/DT side/NN o'/IN beef/NN for/IN a/DT fifty-pound/JJ bag/NN o'/IN flour,"/NNS he/PRP announced./VBD "We/RB purchased/VBN some/DT fresh/JJ meat/NN this/DT morning/NN at/IN a/DT rancho/NN in/IN the/DT canyon/NN back/RB yonder,/IN Cannon./NNP Besides,/IN your/PRP$ meat/NN is/VBZ stolen.""You're/RB sartinly/RB a/DT most/RBS onneighborly/RB man,"/JJ Cannon/NNP growled./NNP "You/IN bet/NN he/PRP is,"/VBZ Bejabers/NNP assured/VBD the/DT fellow./NN "An'/NN lemme/NN give/VBP you/PRP a/DT word/NN of/IN advice./NN You/PRP keep/VBP away/RB from/IN this/DT camp./NN The/DT next/JJ time/NN you/PRP come/VBP projectin'/NN around/IN here/RB somebody's/RB goin'/NN to/TO have/VB to/TO drag/VB you/PRP home."Cannon/RB stared/VBD at/IN him/PRP contemptuously./. "All/DT right,/JJ little/JJ feller,"/NN he/PRP said,/VBD and/CC departed./VBD "I'm/IN a/DT light/NN sleeper,"/NN Bejabers/NNP called/VBD after/IN him./PRP$ "An'/NN if/IN you/PRP or/CC any/DT of/IN your/PRP$ gang/NN does/VBZ any/DT sleep-walkin'/NN in/IN the/DT neighborhood/NN of/IN this/DT camp/NN after/IN dark/JJ your/PRP$ motives/NNS are/VBP bound/VBN to/TO come/VB under/IN suspicion."/JJ He/PRP squatted/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ heels,/NN Indian-fashion,/NNP and/CC rolled/VBD a/DT brown/JJ paper/NN cigarette./NN "This/. gold-huntin's/. not/RB goin'/NN to/TO be/VB anything/NN in/IN the/DT nature/NN of/IN a/DT church/NN festival,"/NN he/PRP opined./VBD "I/NNP got/VBD a/DT notion,/NN Dermod,/NNP we're/VBD goin'/NNS to/TO be/VB mighty/JJ popular/JJ while/IN our/PRP$ grub/NN lasts./, All/DT our/PRP$ neighbors'll/NN be/VB runnin'/VBN in/IN to/TO borrow/VB a/DT cup/NN o'/IN sugar/NN or/CC a/DT can/MD o'/IN flour/NN or/CC a/DT side/NN o'/IN bacon/NN until/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ supplies/NNS come/VBP up--an'/JJ if/IN our/PRP$ generous/JJ natures/NNS lead/VBP us/PRP into/IN starvation/NN before/RB said/VBD supplies/NNS come/VBP up,/IN we/PRP won't/MD have/VB nobody/NN to/TO blame/VB but/CC ourselves./PRP "Let's/RB make/VB a/DT rule/NN now/RB an'/RB stick/VB to/TO it./PRP No/DT grub/NN loaned/VBD or/CC given/VBN away./RP Them/NNP as/IN don't/RB come/VBN provided/VBD can/MD go/VB back/RB where/WRB it's/PRP to/TO be/VB had./VBN The/DT Bible/NNP says/VBZ it's/IN more/JJR blessed/VBN to/TO give/VB than/IN to/TO receive,/VB but/CC I/PRP ain't/VBP religious/JJ although/IN up/IN till/IN now/RB I've/NN never/RB begrudged/VBD a/DT helpin'/NN hand/NN to/TO a/DT neighbor/NN in/IN distress./VBG But/CC hereafter/RB I'm/PRP heartless.""Let/VB us/PRP say/VB rather,/RB Bejabers,/IN that/DT you're/JJ practical./NN Well,/NNP so/RB am/VBP I./NNP 'No/JJ grub/NN donated/VBD or/CC loaned'/NNS is/VBZ our/PRP$ motto./NN That's/NNP final.""I/NN am/VBP exceedingly/RB sorry/JJ to/TO hear/VB you/PRP say/VB that,"/IN a/DT well-bred/JJ voice/NN spoke/VBD back/RB of/IN them./PRP "Two/IN things/NNS attracted/VBD me/PRP to/TO your/PRP$ camp:/NN first,/, the/DT undeniably/RB delightful/JJ aroma/NN of/IN that/DT stew/NN which/WDT your/PRP$ cook/NN is/VBZ pre-paring,/JJ and/CC second,/JJ an/DT apparently/RB erroneous/JJ belief/NN that/IN I/PRP would/MD be/VB welcome/JJ at/IN your/PRP$ bounteous/JJ board."Both/NN turned,/NN to/TO be/VB confronted/VBN by/IN a/DT man/NN of/IN an/DT age/NN somewhere/RB between/IN fifty/CD and/CC sixty/CD years,/NNS but/CC erect/JJ and/CC vigorous/JJ and/CC keen/JJ of/IN eye./DT He/PRP wore/VBD gold-rimmed/JJ spectacles/NNS and/CC luxuriant/JJ iron-gray/JJ "side-burns"/NN and/CC was/VBD dressed/VBN in/IN uniform./NNP D'Arcy/NNP stared/VBD at/IN the/DT man,/NN noting/VBG his/PRP$ enormous/JJ gold/NN epaulets/NNS and/CC cocked/VBD hat,/RB now/RB heavily/RB encrusted/VBN with/IN dust,/NN and/CC wondered/VBD if/IN a/DT harmless/JJ lunatic/NN had/VBD not/RB wandered/VBD into/IN camp./DT But/CC former/JJ American/NNP Marine/NNP Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP had/VBD no/DT such/JJ illusion./NN Long/JJ years/NNS of/IN discipline/NN brought/VBD him/PRP to/TO attention/NN now/RB in/IN the/DT presence/NN of/IN an/DT officer/NN and/CC a/DT gentleman;/NN automatically/RB he/PRP touched/VBD his/PRP$ forelock/NN and,/CC for/IN his/PRP$ courtesy,/NN drew/VBD an/DT answering/NN salute./. "This/. gentleman,/NN Dermod,"/NNP announced/VBD Bejabers,/NNP "is/VBD a/DT doctor/NN in/IN the/DT British/JJ navy.""You/NNS err/VBP in/IN one/CD particular,/NN my/PRP$ astute/NN friend,/NN and/CC that/DT is/VBZ in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN your/PRP$ tenses./NN I/PRP was/VBD a/DT doctor/NN in/IN the/DT British/JJ navy.""Then/NN why/WRB are/VBP you/PRP still/RB wearin'/VB the/DT uniform?"/JJ Bejabers/NNP demanded./VBD "A/DT fair/JJ question./NN I/PRP will/MD answer/VB it/PRP fairly./, I/PRP had/VBD gone/VBN ashore/RB in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP from/IN my/PRP$ ship,/NN H./NNP M./NNP S./NNP Invincible,/NNP which/WDT had/VBD entered/VBN the/DT port/NN that/DT morning./NN Reports/NNS of/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN slathers/NNS of/IN gold/NN in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP greeted/VBD us,/PRP so/IN I/PRP am/VBP here--and/CC since/IN the/DT impulse/NN to/TO desert/VB her/PRP$ Majesty/NNP overwhelmed/VBD me/PRP while/IN in/IN uniform,/JJ naturally/RB I/PRP am/VBP still/RB in/IN uniform/NN and/CC devilishly/RB in/IN need/NN of/IN a/DT bath,/NN a/DT change/NN of/IN linen,/NN and/CC a/DT generous/JJ helping/VBG of/IN that/DT stew./NN In/IN plain/JJ English,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP invited/VBN myself/PRP to/TO dinner./VB It/PRP is,/IN I/PRP admit,/VBP a/DT blow/NN to/TO learn/VB that/IN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB welcome,/JJ but/CC nevertheless,/RB in/IN so/RB far/RB as/IN I/PRP am/VBP concerned,/VBG the/DT invitation/NN still/RB stands./VBD My/PRP$ card,/NN gentlemen."From/IN a/DT gold/NN case/NN this/DT amazing/JJ individual/NN produced/VBD an/DT engraved/JJ card,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP read:"What's/NNP a/DT Bart,/NNP Dermod?"/NNP Bejabers/NNP queried/VBD bluntly./, "That/DT is/VBZ the/DT abbreviation/NN for/IN baronet./NN All/DT those/DT who/WP have/VBP been/VBN knighted,/VBN Bejabers,/IN take/VB the/DT title/NN Sir,/JJ but/CC hereditary/JJ baronets--well,/JJ they're/DT barts,/NN in/IN addition.""Well,/NN as/RB far/RB as/IN I'm/NNP concerned,/NN Dermod,/IN the/DT Bart's/NNP welcome/JJ to/TO dinner."/NN Without/IN an/DT instant's/NN hesitation/NN did/VBD Bejabers/NNP reverse/VB his/PRP$ decision/NN of/IN a/DT moment/NN previous./, Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP O'Shea/NNP bowed,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ alert/JJ old/JJ eyes/NNS a/DT hope/NN that/IN Bejabers/NNP would/MD name/VB himself./PRP "And/CC to/TO what/WP former/JJ navy/NN man/NN am/VBP I/PRP indebted/JJ for/IN this/DT courtesy?"/NN he/PRP queried./VBZ "Bejabers/NNS Harmon,/NNP ex-sergeant/NN of/IN United/NNP States/NNPS Marines,/NNP sir./. Shake/NNP hands/NNS with/IN my/PRP$ pardner,/NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP former/JJ captain/NN of/IN United/NNP States/NNPS volunteer/NN cavalry."Sir/NN Humphrey/NNP bowed/VBD grandiosely/RB to/TO D'Arcy./NNP "Is/IN the/DT name,/NN by/IN any/DT chance,/NN spelled/VBN with/IN an/DT apostrophe,/NN captain?"D'Arcy/NN nodded/VBD and/CC extended/VBD his/PRP$ hand./NN "You/PRP are/VBP welcome/JJ to/TO share/VB our/PRP$ stew,/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey.""Thank/NNP you/PRP both,/VB gentlemen./NN I/PRP had/VBD an/DT idea/NN I/PRP would/MD be./$ I/PRP was/VBD fortunate/JJ enough/RB to/TO observe/VB your/PRP$ good/JJ work/NN at/IN the/DT ferry/NN landing/NN this/DT afternoon;/JJ hence/RB I/PRP decided/VBD you/PRP were/VBD a/DT generous/JJ man./NN Now,/RB having/VBG ascertained/VBN that/IN you/PRP are/VBP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP for/IN a/DT gentleman,/NN even/RB had/VBD your/PRP$ action/NN in/IN dispersing/VBG those/DT ruffians/NNS so/RB summarily/RB not/RB already/RB proved/VBN it./. By/IN any/DT chance,/NN areyou/RB related/VBN to/TO Sir/NNP Malin/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP of/IN Clonfert/NNP Hall,/NNP in/IN Galway?""A/NNP very/RB distant/JJ relation,/NN sir.""You're/NN a/DT liar,"/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP declared/VBD with/IN a/DT cheerfulness/NN and/CC cordiality/NN that/IN robbed/VBD his/PRP$ statement/NN of/IN offense./NNP "You're/NNP his/PRP$ son./NN The/DT D'Arcys/NNP are/VBP all/DT alike--like/JJ a/DT litter/JJ of/IN hound/NN pups./NN I/PRP heard/VBD some/DT years/NNS back/RB that/IN you/PRP were/VBD on/IN the/DT run,/NN which/WDT would,/, of/IN course,/NN account/NN for/IN your/PRP$ present/JJ state/NN of/IN distant/JJ relationship/NN to/TO Malin./NNP Like/IN myself,/VB you/PRP are/VBP a/DT traitor/NN to/TO the/DT queen."/JJS He/PRP shook/VBD D'Arcy's/NNP hand/NN with/IN a/DT heartiness/NN that/WDT left/VBD no/DT doubt/NN of/IN their/PRP$ fellowship/NN in/IN crime./NN "Your/NN father/NN and/CC I/PRP were/VBD classmates/NNS at/IN Trinity,/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP seconded/VBD him/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ first/JJ duel,/NN which,/, by/IN the/DT same/JJ token,/NN came/VBD close/RB to/TO being/VBG his/PRP$ last./JJ You're/NNP a/DT Trinity/NNP man,/NN of/IN course?"D'Arcy/NN nodded,/NN smilingly./VBD Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP glanced/VBD about/IN him./PRP "May/RB I/PRP ask/VBP what/WP those/DT two/CD cases/NNS contain,/VBP Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ lad?/NN The/DT legend/NN on/IN each/DT states/NNS that/IN once/RB they/PRP contained/VBD whisky.""They/PRP still/RB contain/VBP it,/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey.""I/NNP never/RB knew/VBD a/DT D'Arcy/NNP to/TO have/VB to/TO be/VB reminded/VBN that/IN his/PRP$ guest/NN had/VBD a/DT mouth.""My/NN sense/NN of/IN hospitality/NN has/VBZ been/VBN momentarily/RB obscured/VBN in/IN my/PRP$ amazement./NN Forgive/VB me,/PRP Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP Bejabers,/NNP will/MD you/PRP do/VB the/DT honors/NNS on/IN this/DT memorable/JJ occasion?""Settin'/NN 'em/PRP up/RP for/IN the/DT Bart/NNP is/VBZ where/WRB I/PRP shine,/VBP Dermod,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP responded,/NN and/CC proceeded/VBD to/TO produce/VB a/DT bottle/NN and/CC some/DT tin/NN cups./NN "Where're/IN you/PRP camped,/VBP Bart?""Here--for/NNP lack/NN of/IN a/DT better/JJR place,"/NN the/DT visitor/NN replied/VBD easily./JJR "Where/RB would/MD one/CD in/IN my/PRP$ deplorable/JJ condition/NN elect/VBP to/TO camp/NN unless/IN it/PRP should/MD be/VB with/IN friends?/JJ Pardon/NNP me,/, gentlemen,/NN if/IN I/PRP locate/VBP a/DT soft/JJ spot/NN on/IN which/WDT to/TO sit/VB down./RP I/PRP have/VBP ridden/VBN a/DT burro/NN bareback/NN from/IN theAlameda/DT shore,/NN which/WDT I/PRP reached/VBD in/IN a/DT skiff/NN from/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP Yonder/NNP stands/VBZ my/PRP$ trusty/NN mount,/NN cropping/VBG his/PRP$ evening/NN meal."Sir/NN Humphrey/NNP calmly/RB folded/VBD a/DT pair/NN of/IN blankets/NNS and/CC stretched/VBD himself/PRP luxuriously,/RP while/IN his/PRP$ hosts/NNS gazed/VBD upon/IN the/DT remarkable/JJ man,/NN pop-eyed/JJ with/IN interest./NN "I/NNS have/VBP heard/VBN of/IN you,/NNP of/IN course,/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey--""In/NNP the/DT arena/NN of/IN activity/NN to/TO which/WDT my/PRP$ wandering/VBG fancy/NN has/VBZ now/RB called/VBN me,/RP my/PRP$ boy,/NN I/PRP will/MD be/VB known/VBN hereafter/RB as/IN Doctor/NNP O'Shea,/NNP if/IN you/PRP please.""You/VBP will/MD probably/RB be/VB called/VBN Doc/NNP O'Shea,/NNP sir.""Better/NN still.""He/RB won't,/VBD neither."/DT Bejabers/NNP decided./VBD "If/IN we/PRP call/VBP him/PRP Doc/NNP he'll/MD have/VB to/TO foller/VB his/PRP$ profession/NN whether/IN he/PRP wants/VBZ to/TO or/CC not,/RB when/WRB his/PRP$ heart's/NN plumb/RB set/VBN on/IN minin'./NN Besides,/IN how's/IN a/DT sawbones/NNS goin'/NN to/TO operate/VB without/IN the/DT tools/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ trade?/NN His/PRP$ name's/NN Bart./NNP Bart,/NNP here's/POS mud/NN in/IN your/PRP$ eye!""A/NNS fellow/NN of/IN infinite/JJ jest,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP murmured/VBD happily,/NN and/CC raised/VBD his/PRP$ cup./NN "The/DT queen--God/JJ bless/JJ her!/NN I/PRP wish/VBP she'd/PRP paid/VBD me/PRP a/DT better/JJR wage/NN while/IN I/PRP was/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ employ.""Hurrah/NN for/IN her/PRP$ Majesty,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP echoed./VBD "I/PRP observe/VBP you/PRP are/VBP still/RB an/DT Irish/JJ rebel,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP declared,/NN when/WRB D'Arcy/NNP failed/VBD to/TO respond/VB to/TO the/DT toast./NN "Well,/IN every/DT man/NN to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ politics,/NNS say/VBP I."/NNP He/PRP smacked/VBD his/PRP$ lips./NN "By/IN the/DT toe-nails/NNS of/IN Moses,/NNP that's/POS excellent/JJ liquor.""Have/NN another,/DT Bart,"/NNP the/DT hospitable/JJ Bejabers/NNS suggested./VBN He/PRP had/VBD already/RB served/VBN the/DT other/JJ members/NNS of/IN the/DT party,/NN not/RB excepting/VBG Jim/NNP Toy./NNP "I/NNP thank/VB you,/PRP no./. My/PRP$ stomach/NN is/VBZ too/RB empty./JJ Solids/NNS would/MD be/VB more/JJR to/TO my/PRP$ liking,/NN for/IN indeed/RB food/NN has/VBZ been/VBN scarce/JJ with/IN me/PRP of/IN late./RB I/PRP take/VBP it,/PRP Friend/NNP Dermod,/NNP that/IN as/IN an/DT additional/JJ member/NN of/IN your/PRP$ party/NN I/PRP am/VBP welcome.""You/PRP are,/VBP sir,/NN although/IN I/PRP have/VBP half/RB a/DT notion/NN that/IN you/PRP will/MD be/VB as/IN useless/JJ in/IN the/DT diggings/NNS as/IN a/DT fifth/JJ wheel/NN on/IN a/DT wagon./NN Yes,/NN you/PRP are/VBP very/RB welcome,/JJ for/IN old/JJ sake's/NNS sake,/VBD even/RB though/IN we/PRP have/VBP not/RB met/VBN before."The/IN Bart/NNP cleared/VBD his/PRP$ throat./NN "I/NNS have/VBP a/DT traveling/VBG companion,"/NN he/PRP began,/VBD and/CC glanced/VBD around/IN to/TO observe/VB the/DT effect/NN of/IN this/DT broadside./NN Observing/VBG none,/RB unless/IN the/DT sudden/JJ descent/NN of/IN some/DT whisky/NN down/IN Bejabers's/NNP "Sunday/NNP throat"/NN might/MD be/VB construed/VBN as/IN such,/JJ he/PRP resumed./VBD "A/NNP cultured/VBD and/CC courteous/JJ young/JJ man/NN whom/WP I/PRP met/VBD in/IN a/DT gambling-house/NN in/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP His/PRP$ name/NN is/VBZ Obadiah/NNP Poppy--the/NNP Reverend/NNP Obadiah/NNP Poppy,/NNP to/TO be/VB quite/RB exact./RB He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT Bostonian./NNP What/WP his/PRP$ religious/JJ affiliation/NN is/VBZ I/PRP do/VBP not/RB know--that/JJ is,/IN officially,/NN for/IN unfortunately/RB the/DT young/JJ and/CC reverend/NN gentleman/NN is/VBZ abnormally/RB addicted/VBN to/TO the/DT use/NN of/IN alcohol/NN and/CC other/JJ worldly/RB delights;/JJ hence,/NNS should/MD I/PRP be/VB indiscreet/RB enough/RB to/TO name/VB his/PRP$ faith/NN in/IN mixed/JJ company,/NN I/PRP might/MD unintentionally/RB give/VB offense/NN to/TO one/CD who/WP is/VBZ unwilling/JJ to/TO ascribe/VB such--ahem!--indiscretions/NNS to/TO one/CD of/IN the/DT Lord's/NNP anointed./DT By/IN the/DT way,/NN my/PRP$ dear/JJ Bejabers,/NNP I/PRP possess/VBP a/DT most/RBS excellent/JJ pipe,/NN but/CC unfortunately/RB I/PRP have/VBP lost/VBN my/PRP$ tobacco!"The/NN fascinated/VBD Bejabers/NNP handed/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP his/PRP$ plug./NN "Thank/NN you,/JJ Bejabers,/NNP thank/VB you,/PRP my/PRP$ boy./`` And/CC now/RB a/DT knife,/NN if/IN you/PRP please,/VBP to/TO whittle/VB a/DT pipeful./NN Thank/VB you/PRP again./RB The/DT Reverend/NNP Obadiah/NNP Poppy,/NNP I/PRP would/MD have/VB you/PRP know,/VB has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN unfrocked--as/JJ yet--although/NN I/PRP imagine/VBP a/DT natural/JJ presumption/NN that/IN such/JJ calamity/NN might/MD overtake/VB him/PRP induced/VBN his/PRP$ family/NN to/TO decide/VB that/IN a/DT trip/NN around/IN Cape/NNP Horn/NNP in/IN a/DT ship/NN commanded/VBN by/IN a/DT master/NN to/TO whom/WP rum/NN is/VBZ abhorrent/JJ might/MD have/VB a/DT beneficial/JJ effect/NN on/IN the/DT young/JJ man.""And/NN did/VBD it?"/RB Bejabers/NNP queried./NNP "Not--ah--noticeably,/NNP although/IN his/PRP$ health/NN would/MD appear/VB to/TO be/VB excellent/JJ as/IN a/DT result/NN of/IN the/DT long/JJ monthsof/NN enforced/VBN abstention./NN Aside/RB from/IN this/DT pardonable/JJ human/JJ weakness,/NN I/PRP found/VBD him/PRP a/DT charming/JJ fellow/NN and/CC concluded/VBD to--ah--cast/NN in/IN my/PRP$ lot/NN with/IN him./PRP Accordingly/RB we/PRP pooled/VBD our/PRP$ fortunes,/NN purchased/VBD two/CD burros/NNS and/CC started.""For/NN what/WP destination,/NN sir?""For/IN the/DT auriferous/JJ channel/NN of/IN some/DT lonely/JJ stream/NN in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills,/NN Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy."Bejabers/NNS and/CC D'Arcy/NNP exchanged/VBD swift/JJ glances/NNS but/CC said/VBD nothing./NN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP an/DT interested/JJ listener,/NN was/VBD not/RB so/RB politic,/JJ however./. His/PRP$ shrill/JJ cachinnation/NN echoed/VBD through/IN the/DT camp./NN "Heap/NN plenty/NN fool,"/NN he/PRP announced./VBD "This/DT heathen/NN is/VBZ taking/VBG liberties,"/RP the/DT Bart/NNP suggested/VBD without/IN rancor./NNP "I'm/NNP sorry,/NN but/CC he/PRP is/VBZ entitled/VBN to/TO his/PRP$ opinion./NN He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT member/NN of/IN our/PRP$ party,/NN with/IN a/DT definite/JJ share/NN in/IN its/PRP$ fortunes,/NNS if/IN any."/DT D'Arcy/NNP felt/VBD that/IN he/PRP must/MD be/VB firm/JJ with/IN his/PRP$ visitor./NN "Democracy/NN is/VBZ delightful,/VBN although/IN on/IN occasions/NNS it/PRP may/MD be/VB carried/VBN to/TO an/DT extreme./NN However,/RB to/TO get/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT Reverend/NNP Obadiah/NNP Poppy--""Ain't/NNP you/PRP sort/VB o'/RB leanin'/NN on/IN a/DT reed/NN there,/, Bart?"/NNP Thus/RB the/DT practical-minded/JJ Bejabers./NNP "We/NNP are/VBP all,/VBN to/TO a/DT certain/JJ extent,/NN Bejabers,/NNP wobblers/NNS in/IN the/DT womb/NN of/IN Fate./NNP Let/VB us/PRP therefore/RB be/VB charitable,/VBN my/PRP$ dear/NN fellow./VBD I/PRP should/MD be/VB delighted/VBN to/TO present/VB to/TO you/PRP gentlemen/NNS the/DT Reverend/NNP Poppy."Bejabers/NNP glanced/VBD round./VBN At/IN a/DT little/JJ distance/NN a/DT lank/JJ young/JJ man,/NN with/IN a/DT lank/NN countenance,/NN leaned/VBD wearily/RB across/IN the/DT back/NN of/IN a/DT burro,/NN while/IN the/DT little/JJ animal/NN cropped/VBD at/IN the/DT surrounding/VBG herbage./NN "That's/NNP him,/, I/PRP suppose."/VBP He/PRP glanced/VBD at/IN D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP gave/VBD mute/JJ consent/NN to/TO the/DT dictum/NN he/PRP realized/VBD Bejabers/NNP was/VBD about/IN to/TO enunciate,/VB for/IN in/IN this/DT extremity/NN the/DT excellent/JJ fellowrealized/VBN that/IN D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD placed/VBN at/IN a/DT disadvantage/NN with/IN this/DT smooth,/NN insouciant/JJ old/JJ man/NN and/CC was/VBD therefore/RB resolved/VBN to/TO save/VB him./PRP "We/VB can't/NN be/VB bothered/VBN with/IN no/DT preachers,"/NN he/PRP announced/VBD grimly./VBG "As/IN a/DT seafarin'/NN man,/NN Bart,/CC you/PRP know/VBP mighty/RB well/RB a/DT preacher's/JJ bad/JJ luck.""I/NN am/VBP sorry,"/RB the/DT Bart/NNP replied,/NN "because/IN your/PRP$ pronouncement/NN places/VBZ me/PRP in/IN an/DT embarrassing/JJ position./NN Having/VBG already/RB cast/VBN my/PRP$ lot,/NN as/IN it/PRP were,/VBD with/IN Mr./NNP Poppy;/NNP and/CC furthermore/RBR having/VBG accepted/VBN subsequently/RB in/IN the/DT generous/JJ spirit/NN in/IN which/WDT it/PRP was/VBD offered,/IN an/DT invitation/NN to/TO join/VB your/PRP$ well-equipped/JJ and/CC delightful/JJ party,/NN I/PRP am/VBP now/RB placed/VBN in/IN the/DT position/NN of/IN having/VBG to/TO desert/VB Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP As/IN a/DT gentleman/NN I/PRP feel/VBP keenly--""The/DT man's/JJ Irish,"/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP interrupted,/, addressing/VBG Bejabers./NNP "I/NNS know/VBP his/PRP$ kind./NN He/PRP has/VBZ made/VBN up/RP his/PRP$ mind/NN to/TO conquer/VB us--""My/JJ dear/NN Dermod!/NNP You/PRP father/NN would/MD be/VB scandalized--""Yes,/JJ I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP seconded/VBN him/PRP in/IN a/DT duel/NN and/CC I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP were/VBD classmates/NNS at/IN Trinity./NNP Indeed,/IN you/PRP are/VBP a/DT tradition/NN there/RB still./RB I/PRP know/VBP there/EX isn't/VBP a/DT mean,/NN ungenerous,/JJ or/CC ungallant/JJ drop/NN of/IN blood/NN in/IN your/PRP$ veins,/NN but/CC I/PRP happen/VBP to/TO know/VB that/IN your/PRP$ family/NN found/VBD you/PRP a/DT berth/NN in/IN the/DT navy/NN in/IN the/DT hope/NN that/IN your/PRP$ amiable/JJ rascalities/NNS would/MD occur/VB far/RB from/IN home./NN Sir/NNP Humphrey,/NNP you/PRP are/VBP quite/RB out/IN of/IN place/NN in/IN this/DT rout/NN of/IN fortune-hunters,/JJ I/PRP assure/VBP you./PRP Please/VB return/VB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC rejoin/VB your/PRP$ ship.""Impossible,/NN my/PRP$ dear/JJ boy,/NN for/IN two/CD reasons./NNP One/CD is/VBZ that/IN I/PRP should/MD have/VB to/TO ride/VB that/DT debased/JJ jackass/NN on/IN the/DT sorry/JJ return/NN journey,/NN and/CC the/DT other/JJ is/VBZ that/IN I/PRP should/MD be/VB court-martialed/VBN upon/IN my/PRP$ arrival./NN I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN court-martialed/VBN in/IN the/DT past;/NN I/PRP fear/VBP one/CD more/JJR would/MD be/VB fatal/JJ and/CC bring/VB dire/JJ disgrace/NN upon/IN the/DT O'Sheas.""Personally,/NNP Bart,/NNP I'm/NNP free/JJ to/TO say/VB I/PRP like/IN you./PRP I/PRP got/VBD a/DT notion/NN you/PRP won't/VBP lie,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP began,/VBD "but--""But/. me/PRP no/DT buts,/NN I/PRP pray/VBP you,/PRP Bejabers./NNP You/PRP are/VBP right./RB I/PRP do/VBP not/RB lie;/VB neither/RB do/VBP I/PRP desert/VB a/DT friend./NN By/IN the/DT same/JJ token,/NN neither/CC does/VBZ the/DT gentleman/NN from/IN Clonfert/NNP Hall.""You/NNP win,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP laughed./VBD "Bring/VBG over/IN the/DT reverend/NN Obadiah/NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC we/PRP will/MD make/VB him/PRP welcome--temporarily./DT If/IN it/PRP develops/VBZ that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ possibilities/NNS we/PRP may/MD agree/VB to/TO make/VB the/DT welcome/JJ permanent.""Obie,/NN dear/NN fellow,"/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP called,/NN "the/DT sun/NN is/VBZ over/IN the/DT yardarm./NN Report."The/NNP Reverend/NNP Obadiah/NNP Poppy/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ lank/JJ form/NN from/IN the/DT back/NN of/IN the/DT burro/NN and/CC cried/VBD hoarsely,/RB "Hurrah!"/JJ He/PRP reported/VBD hurriedly/RB and/CC was/VBD duly/RB presented/VBN to/TO the/DT party,/NN whereat/IN he/PRP proclaimed/VBD himself/PRP charmed./VBN Bejabers/NNS poured/VBD him/PRP a/DT stiff/JJ drink./NN I/PRP reckon/VBP you/PRP need/VBP this,/DT Reverend,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD the/DT derelict,/NN "but/IN remember!/NN Every/DT drink/NN of/IN this/DT is/VBZ a/DT nail/NN in/IN your/PRP$ coffin.""While/NN you/PRP have/VBP the/DT hammer/NN in/IN your/PRP$ hand,/NN Mr./NNP Harmon,/NNP drive/VB in/IN another,"/DT the/DT newcomer/NN suggested/VBD sonorously./RB The/DT Bart/NNP rolled/VBD on/IN the/DT blankets/NNS and/CC chortled/VBN at/IN the/DT sorry/JJ jest./NN "Did/VBD I/PRP not/RB tell/VB you/PRP he/PRP was/VBD a/DT delightful/JJ companion?/NN Sit/NNP down,/, Obie./NNP I/PRP believe/VBP that/IN stew/NN is/VBZ almost/RB done."When/VBN supper/NN had/VBD been/VBN disposed/VBN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP sent/VBD out/RP a/DT relief/NN to/TO the/DT stock/NN guard/NN in/IN order/NN that/IN the/DT guard/NN might/MD come/VB in/IN to/TO eat/VB and/CC be/VB edified/VBN by/IN an/DT erudite/JJ discussion/NN of/IN theology/NN which/WDT had/VBD sprung/VBN up/IN between/IN the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP Bejabers's/NNP eye/NN caught/VBD D'Arcy's/NNP and,/CC obeying/VBG a/DT slight/JJ inclination/NN of/IN the/DT former's/JJ head,/NN he/PRP rose/VBD and/CC followed/VBD Bejabers/NNP out/IN of/IN camp./DT "I/JJ sort/NN o'/IN feel/NN the/DT need/NN o'/IN mental/JJ relaxation/NN after/IN listening/VBG to/TO them/PRP two,"/IN the/DT little/JJ man/NN complained./VBN "Let's/NNP take/VBP a/DT pasear/NN down/IN the/DT line/NN o'/IN camps/NNS an'/RB see/VBP what/WP sort/NN o'/IN neighbors/NNS we're/VBP goin'/NNS to/TO have/VB in/IN the/DT diggin's.""You're/NN a/DT dear/JJ fellow,/NN Bejabers./NNP I/PRP feel/VBP a/DT little/JJ guilty/JJ permitting/VBG those/DT two/CD rascals/NNS to/TO join/VB our/PRP$ company,/NN but/CC upon/IN my/PRP$ word,/NN I/PRP didn't/RB have/VBP the/DT heart/NN to/TO refuse/VB them./PRP They're/RB a/DT pitiable/JJ pair,/NN although,/IN fortunately,/IN they/PRP do/VBP not/RB realize/VB it.""We/PRP got/VBD a/DT Chink,/JJ two/CD deserters/NNS from/IN the/DT mercantile/NN marine,/NN two/CD killers/NNS an'/IN three/CD horse-thieves/NNS already,"/RB Bejabers/IN replied,/NN "so/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP the/DT addition/NN of/IN a/DT Bart/NNP an'/IN a/DT Reverend/NNP sort/NN o'/IN adds/VBZ to/TO the/DT social/JJ tone/NN of/IN the/DT party./NN I/PRP can/MD stand/VB for/IN them/PRP if/IN you/PRP can./MD After/IN all,/DT you/PRP bought/VBD the/DT grub/NN an'/NN furnished/VBN most/JJS of/IN the/DT transportation./NN I'm/IN only/RB the/DT junior/JJ pardner/NN an'/NN what/WP you/PRP say/VBP goes/VBZ with/IN me/PRP every/DT time.""They/PRP have/VBP no/DT blankets;/NN not/RB even/RB a/DT change/NN of/IN clothing,/NN Bejabers.""Reckon/NNP we'll/MD have/VB to/TO share/VB up/RP with/IN 'em,/JJ son./NN Mebbe/IN the/DT misfortunates/NNS will/MD work.""I/VB doubt/NN it.""I/PRP don't./VBD I/PRP have/VBP Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP word/NN for/IN it/PRP they/PRP will./MD 'No/NNPS workee,/VBD no/DT eatee,'/RB says/VBZ the/DT heathen./NN Still,/RB they're/DT amusin',/JJ Dermod,/NNP an'/IN a/DT feller/NN can/MD never/RB tell/VB when/WRB a/DT doctor'll/NN come/VBN in/IN handy./NN An'/IN the/DT preacher's/NN human.""Too/RB human,/RB poor/JJ devil."They/NN strolled/VBD down/IN the/DT line/NN of/IN gold-seekers,/JJ and/CC were/VBD appalled/VBN at/IN the/DT recklessness/NN with/IN which/WDT the/DT adventurers/NNS were/VBD faring/VBG to/TO the/DT distant/JJ diggings./VBG The/DT majority/NN of/IN them/PRP were/VBD traveling/VBG on/IN mule-,/JJ horse-/NNS or/CC burro-back,/JJ few/JJ had/VBD vehicles,/RB equipment/NN was/VBD of/IN the/DT scantiest,/NN and/CC it/PRP was/VBD apparent/JJ that/IN they/PRP were,/VBD for/IN the/DT most/JJS part,/NNS living/VBG on/IN the/DT country,/NN which/WDT is/VBZ to/TO state/VB thatthey/PRP helped/VBD themselves/PRP to/TO the/DT steers/NNS of/IN the/DT rancheros/NNS upon/IN whose/WP$ land/NN they/PRP happened/VBD to/TO camp/NN for/IN the/DT night./NN Many/JJ of/IN them/PRP did/VBD not/RB have/VB blankets,/VBN but/CC thanks/NNS to/TO the/DT balmy/NN climate/NN of/IN summer,/NN plus/CC camp-fires,/NN they/PRP managed/VBD to/TO bed/VB in/IN the/DT luxuriant/NN dry/JJ grass/NN with/IN a/DT minimum/NN of/IN discomfort./NN All/DT were/VBD cheerful,/NNS a/DT bit/NN noisy/JJ and/CC exuberant,/JJ optimistic,/JJ impatient/NN of/IN delay./NN There/EX were/VBD no/DT women,/NNS in/IN the/DT long/JJ encampment,/NN except/IN in/IN the/DT camps/NNS of/IN two/CD groups/NNS of/IN Hispano-Californians/NNPS and/CC their/PRP$ retainers;/NN and/CC these/DT D'Arcy/NNP realized/VBD were/VBD dwellers/NNS in/IN the/DT land/NN beyond/IN the/DT Carquinez/NNP Straits,/NNP now/RB returning/VBG from/IN the/DT great/JJ horse-race/NN and/CC fandango/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP for/IN they/PRP recognized/VBD him/PRP and/CC greeted/VBD him/PRP in/IN friendly/JJ fashion./NN To/TO them/PRP time/NN was/VBD not/RB a/DT matter/NN of/IN consequence;/VBG the/DT delay/NN at/IN the/DT ferry,/NN due/JJ to/TO the/DT rush/NN of/IN gold-seekers,/NN was/VBD an/DT annoyance/NN to/TO be/VB borne/VBN cheerfully,/NN like/IN sickness/NN or/CC old/JJ age./NN With/IN one/CD of/IN these/DT groups,/NNS the/DT Alcantara/NNP family,/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP remained/VBD an/DT hour,/NN gleaning/VBG information/NN about/IN Alta/NNP California./NNP These/DT people/NNS occupied/VBD one/CD of/IN the/DT later/JJ land/NN grants/NNS between/IN the/DT Feather/NNP River/NNP and/CC the/DT Yuba,/NNP and/CC Don/NNP Miguel/NNP Alcantara/NNP was/VBD passably/RB familiar/JJ with/IN the/DT territory/NN farther/RB north./. It/PRP appeared/VBD that/IN watercourses/NNS which/WDT were/VBD mere/JJ creeks/NNS in/IN summer/NN but/CC quite/RB respectable/JJ rivers/NNS during/IN the/DT period/NN of/IN the/DT rains/NNS and/CC later,/RB while/IN the/DT snow/NN was/VBD melting/VBG in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP above,/IN abounded/VBD among/IN the/DT foot-hills/NNS on/IN either/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT valley/NN of/IN the/DT Sacramento./NNP Some/DT of/IN them/PRP watered/VBD Spanish/JJ and/CC Mexican/JJ land/NN grants/NNS and/CC hence,/NNS being/VBG private/JJ property,/NN might/MD not/RB be/VB prospected/VBN for/IN gold,/NN but/CC many/JJ streams/NNS flowed/VBD through/IN the/DT public/JJ domain./NN Don/NNP Miguel/NNP was/VBD certain/JJ there/RB would/MD be/VB no/DT difficulty/NN in/IN securing/VBG an/DT excellent/JJ location/NN farther/RB to/TO the/DT north/NN than/IN any/DT of/IN the/DT gold-seekers/NNS had,/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ present/JJ knowl-edge,/JJ penetrated./NN As/IN to/TO the/DT route/NN to/TO be/VB followed/VBN after/IN crossing/VBG the/DT Carquinez,/NNP one/CD pressed/VBN north/RB of/IN east/RB across/IN the/DT Solano/NNP country/NN until/IN he/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT Sacramento/NNP River,/NNP which/WDT he/PRP should/MD follow/VB toward/IN its/PRP$ source./NN Far/RB up/IN the/DT valley,/NN at/IN this/DT season/NN of/IN the/DT year,/NNS the/DT river/NN was/VBD fordable/JJ at/IN various/JJ places,/NN thus/RB permitting/VBG access/NN to/TO the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills./, There/EX was/VBD a/DT ferry/NN to/TO Sutter's/NNP Fort./NNP Game/NNP was/VBD plentiful/JJ en/IN route,/NN but/CC the/DT haciendas/NNS few/JJ and/CC far/RB between;/IN indeed,/NNS the/DT steadily/RB increasing/VBG hordes/NNS of/IN gold-seekers/NNS had/VBD caused/VBN the/DT rancheros/NNS of/IN Alta/NNP California/NNP to/TO temper/VB their/PRP$ time-honored/JJ hospitality/NN with/IN discretion,/NN and/CC Don/NNP Miguel,/NNP on/IN his/PRP$ part,/NN was/VBD resolved/VBN to/TO maintain/VB open/JJ house/NN no/DT longer,/RB save/VB to/TO his/PRP$ friends./NN D'Arcy/NNP questioned/VBD the/DT old/JJ man/NN as/IN to/TO his/PRP$ experiences/NNS with/IN the/DT invaders,/NN and/CC was/VBD interested/JJ to/TO discover/VB that,/IN up/RB to/TO the/DT time/NN Don/NNP Miguel/NNP had/VBD left/VBN his/PRP$ rancho/NN to/TO attend/VB the/DT fandango/NN and/CC horse-race/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN accorded/VBN the/DT utmost/JJ courtesy/NN and/CC fair/JJ treatment/NN by/IN the/DT gold-seekers/NNS who/WP traversed/VBD his/PRP$ rancho/NN or/CC camped/VBD upon/IN it./DT None/NN of/IN his/PRP$ cattle/NNS had/VBD been/VBN appropriated/VBN without/IN payment,/NN so/RB far/RB as/IN he/PRP knew;/VBD he/PRP had/VBD given/VBN cattle/NNS to/TO travelers/NNS without/IN funds/NNS to/TO pay/VB for/IN them,/NN on/IN their/PRP$ promise/NN to/TO pay/VB later,/RB and/CC many/JJ of/IN these/DT had/VBD already/RB fulfilled/VBN their/PRP$ promises./NN On/IN the/DT whole,/JJ however,/, Don/NNP Miguel,/NNP like/IN the/DT majority/NN of/IN his/PRP$ people,/NNS regarded/VBD the/DT invasion/NN very/RB much/RB as/IN he/PRP would/MD regard/VB an/DT invasion/NN of/IN locusts./VBG "Those/DT who/WP come/VBP first/RB are/VBP men/NNS who/WP have/VBP dwelt/VBN in/IN California/NNP since/IN the/DT Conquest/NNP or/CC who/WP came/VBD here/RB expecting/VBG to/TO adopt/VB some/DT honorable/JJ means/NNS of/IN making/VBG a/DT living./NN Such/JJ men,/NNS my/PRP$ friend,/NNS are/VBP the/DT strong/JJ and/CC the/DT sane,"/NN he/PRP told/VBD D'Arcy./NNP "We/NNP had/VBD small/JJ need/NN of/IN jails/NNS for/IN them./PRP$ Jails/NNS are/VBP for/IN the/DT weak--and/NN a/DT land/NN so/RB distant/JJ from/IN your/PRP$ American/JJ civilization/NN as/IN ours/PRP is/VBZ not/RB sought/VBN by/IN the/DT weak!""It/NN will/MD be,/VB Don/NNP Miguel./NNP It/PRP will/MD be/VB sought/VBN by/IN the/DT criminal,/NN the/DT greedy/JJ and/CC selfish,/VBP the/DT arrogant,/NN and/CC the/DT ignorant./NN Already/RB I/PRP see/VBP a/DT few/JJ of/IN these./DT The/DT lure/NN of/IN gold/NN is/VBZ the/DT father/NN of/IN madness/NN and/CC crime.""I/NN care/NN not/RB for/IN it,/DT Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Peace/NNP and/CC contentment/NN are/VBP far/RB more/RBR precious./RB And/CC I/PRP think/VBP there/EX is/VBZ much/JJ reason/NN in/IN what/WP you/PRP say,/VBP my/PRP$ friend./NN Our/PRP$ government/NN is/VBZ too/RB weak,/VB too/RB unorganized,/JJ to/TO reach/VB into/IN the/DT far/JJ places./NN Yes,/NN we/PRP shall/MD have/VB lawlessness,/NN but/CC out/IN of/IN it/PRP will/MD come/VB law./TO But/CC it/PRP will/MD be/VB a/DT stubborn/JJ birth,/NN my/PRP$ friend,/NN a/DT stubborn/JJ birth./NN I/PRP have/VBP fears/NNS for/IN my/PRP$ family,/NN for/IN myself,/NN and/CC for/IN my/PRP$ possessions,/NN for/IN these/DT gringos/NNS do/VBP not/RB like/VB our/PRP$ people./NNS Since/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNPS has/VBZ come/VBN into/IN possession/NN of/IN California,/NNP and/CC by/IN the/DT treaty/NN of/IN Guadalupe/NNP Hidalgo/NNP we/PRP have/VBP become/VBN American/JJ citizens,/NN it/PRP seems/VBZ that/IN our/PRP$ fellow/JJ citizens/NNS do/VBP not/RB regard/VB us/PRP as/IN such./DT We/PRP are/VBP still/RB Mexicans,/JJ foreigners,/IN interlopers/NNS between/IN them/PRP and/CC the/DT spoils/NNS of/IN conquest./NN They/PRP call/VBP us/PRP greasers./JJR My/PRP$ friend,/NN it/PRP is/VBZ but/CC a/DT step/NN from/IN contempt/NN to/TO aggression.""It/PRP will/MD be/VB almost/RB a/DT year/NN before/IN the/DT country/NN will/MD be/VB overrun,/IN Don/NNP Miguel,/NNP but/CC like/IN you,/NN I/PRP fear/VBP the/DT later/RB invasion./RB The/DT vultures/NNS gather/VBP for/IN the/DT feast./NN By/IN the/DT way,/NN I/PRP had/VBD the/DT pleasure/NN this/DT afternoon/NN of/IN meeting/VBG young/JJ Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ charming/JJ sister/NN Se$orita/NNP Josepha./NNP They/PRP have/VBP crossed/VBN to/TO Benicia./NNP You/PRP are/VBP acquainted/VBN with/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS I/PRP dare/MD say?"Don/VB Miguel/NNP nodded./. "Don/NNP Jos$/NNP is/VBZ a/DT fine/JJ fellow/NN and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN is/VBZ a/DT saint./`` But/CC the/DT boy/NN Romauldo--ah,/NNP he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT worry/NN to/TO his/PRP$ family.""A/JJ bit/NN wild,/IN eh?""A/NN gambler,/NN without/IN interest/NN in/IN his/PRP$ father's/NNS affairs./DT Outwardly/RB he/PRP is/VBZ polite,/JJ but/CC in/IN his/PRP$ heart/NN he/PRP is/VBZ not./DT You/PRP know,/VBP of/IN course,/NN that/IN Josepha/NNP is/VBZ his/PRP$ half-sister?""I/JJ did/VBD not."/RB Vaguely/RB D'Arcy/NNP felt/VBD relief/NN at/IN this./DT "He/NN is/VBZ by/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP first/RB wife."/IN A/DT silence/NN while/IN Don/NNP Miguel/NNP rolled/VBD his/PRP$ cigarette./NN "She/PRP was/VBD a/DT quarter-bred/JJ Indian/NNP and/CC very/RB beautiful./VBD Perhaps/RB that/IN explains/VBZ Romauldo./NNP He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT throwback."/NN D'Arcy/NNP nodded/VBD and/CC Don/NNP Miguel/NNP continued:/IN "Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP second/JJ wife/NN was/VBD the/DT daughter/NN of/IN an/DT English/NNP ship-master/NN whose/WP$ ship/NN was/VBD wrecked/JJ near/IN Ventura/NNP early/RB in/IN the/DT present/JJ century./NN Her/PRP$ mother/NN was/VBD a/DT Carillo/NNP and/CC there/EX was/VBD no/DT Indian/JJ blood/NN in/IN the/DT Carillos./NNP They/PRP were/VBD aristocrats./VBG Josepha/NNP speaks/VBZ English--a/NNP little./, Her/PRP$ mother/NN taught/VBD her.""Her/PRP$ mother/NN is/VBZ dead,/JJ I/PRP take/VBP it."Don/PRP Miguel/MD nodded./RB "Two/VB years/NNS ago.""Where/RB is/VBZ their/PRP$ rancho?"Don/NN Miguel,/MD like/VB most/JJS of/IN his/PRP$ kind,/NN was/VBD more/RBR or/CC less/RBR vague/JJ on/IN distances./NN "Many/JJ leagues/NNS above/IN the/DT Yuba/NNP River,/NNP on/IN the/DT Sacramento,/NNP close/NN to/TO where/WRB the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP empties/NNS into/IN it./DT It/PRP is/VBZ an/DT old/JJ grant,/NN one/NN of/IN the/DT first,/JJ if/IN not/RB the/DT first,/JJ in/IN Alta/NNP California./NNP Eight/CD square/NN leagues,/NNS I/PRP think/VBP it/PRP is,/VBZ running/VBG from/IN the/DT east/JJ bank/NN of/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP well/RB up/RB into/IN the/DT hills./NN It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT glorious/JJ rancho.""I/NN noted/VBD at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista/NNP that/IN young/JJ Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP was/VBD quite/RB devoted/JJ to/TO the/DT se$orita./NN Tomas/NNP is/VBZ a/DT young/JJ gentleman/NN of/IN excellent/JJ taste/NN in/IN femininity.""Ah,/JJ poor/JJ Tomas./NNP It/PRP seemed/VBD there/EX would/MD be/VB a/DT marriage/NN there,/, but/CC at/IN the/DT last/JJ Josepha/NNP would/MD not/RB obey/VB her/PRP$ father's/NN desires./, There/EX was/VBD a/DT quarrel/NN before/IN they/PRP left/VBD the/DT Espinosa/NNP rancho./NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP is/VBZ much/RB distressed--but/JJ then/RB what/WP can/MD one/PRP do/VB with/IN a/DT high-spirited/JJ girl/NN like/IN Josepha?/NNP It/PRP is/VBZ her/PRP$ English/NNP blood./NN There/EX is/VBZ always/RB rebellion/NN in/IN the/DT Anglo-Saxon--rebellion/NNP and/CC great/JJ independence."A/NN warm/JJ glow/NN of/IN delight/NN swept/VBN through/IN D'Arcy/NNP as/IN the/DT garrulous/JJ old/JJ don/NN imparted/VBD his/PRP$ gossip./NN That/DT boy/NN Tomas!/NNP Why,/IN how/WRB could/MD any/DT girl/NN of/IN spirit/NN be/VB attractedto/VBN him?/JJ "I/NNS have/VBP a/DT fighting/VBG chance,"/NN he/PRP exulted./VBD "I/JJ wonder/NN if/IN I/PRP constitute/VBP the/DT reason/NN for/IN the/DT wrecking/VBG of/IN that/DT well-laid/JJ plan./NN By/IN the/DT powers,/NN I/PRP have/VBP now/RB a/DT clear/JJ field./NN I/PRP must/MD call/VB at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Yes,/NNP I/PRP will/MD fare/VB north,/RB far/RB in/IN advance/NN of/IN the/DT northern/JJ fringe/NN of/IN this/DT invasion./NN I/PRP must/MD work/VB within/IN riding/NN distance/NN of/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda.""It/NN is/VBZ whispered,"/IN Don/NNP Miguel/NNP continued,/NN "that/IN a/DT gringo/NN has/VBZ captivated/VBN Josepha,/NNP but/CC that/IN he/PRP knows/VBZ it/PRP not./DT Alas,/NNP that/IN any/DT man/NN should/MD be/VB so/RB dull!""Perhaps,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP suggested,/NN instantly/RB on/IN his/PRP$ guard,/NN "that/, is/VBZ not/RB because/IN the/DT gringo/NN is/VBZ dull./RBR It/PRP may/MD be/VB that/IN his/PRP$ heart/NN is/VBZ engaged/VBN elsewhere./RB Or/CC it/PRP may/MD be/VB that--oh,/, it/PRP may/MD be/VB for/IN a/DT number/NN of/IN reasons./NNP Undoubtedly/NNP Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP is/VBZ in/IN all/DT respects/NNS desirable./, I/PRP had/VBD the/DT honor/NN to/TO be/VB presented/VBN to/TO her/PRP at/IN the/DT Espinosa/NNP rancho,/NN but/CC since/IN I/PRP was/VBD a/DT stranger/NN there/RB my/PRP$ opportunities/NNS to/TO warm/VB myself/PRP in/IN the/DT light/NN of/IN her/PRP$ presence/NN were/VBD negligible.""What/RB will/MD be/VB will/MD be,"/VB Don/NNP Miguel/NNP answered/VBD enigmatically,/RB and/CC fell/VBD to/TO discussing/VBG horses,/NN for/IN he/PRP had/VBD passed/VBN the/DT age/NN of/IN romance./NN Their/PRP$ conversation/NN was/VBD interrupted/VBN by/IN a/DT volley/NN of/IN pistol-shots/NNS far/RB down/IN the/DT line/NN of/IN campers,/NN and/CC Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP sprang/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ feet./NN "That/IN shootin's/NNS close/RB to/TO our/PRP$ camp,/NN Dermod,"/IN he/PRP declared,/VBD and/CC started/VBD running./VBG D'Arcy/NNP followed/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ heels;/NN with/IN drawn/JJ pistols/NNS the/DT pair/NN came/VBD dashing/VBG into/IN the/DT dim/JJ glow/NN of/IN their/PRP$ campfire,/NN to/TO find/VB the/DT camp/NN deserted./VBN Half-way/RB between/IN their/PRP$ camp/NN and/CC that/DT of/IN Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party,/NN however,/IN a/DT group/NN of/IN men/NNS could/MD be/VB heard/VBN talking/VBG excitedly./DT "Who's/NNP there?"/, Bejabers/NNP challenged,/NN in/IN the/DT strident/JJ tone/NN of/IN one/NN who/WP has/VBZ done/VBN many/JJ a/DT sentry-go./NN "Ah,/NN Bejabers,/NNP is/VBZ that/DT you''?/JJ Is/VBZ D'Arcy/NNP with/IN you?/NNP Come/VB here,"/RB the/DT calm,/JJ cultured/JJ voice/NN of/IN the/DT Bart/NNP answered./NN "It/NN seems/VBZ there's/RB been/VBN an/DT accident."The/NN partners/NNS hurried/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT group,/NN and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP struck/VBD a/DT light/NN and/CC held/VBD it/PRP close/RB to/TO the/DT ground./NN It/PRP flickered/VBD on/IN a/DT dead/JJ man's/NN face./NN "Who/NNP is/VBZ he?"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP demanded./, "Who/WP shot/VBD him?""Me/PRP shootee/NN him,"/IN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP spoke/VBD up./RP "Him/NNP come/VB steal/VBP flour/NN from/IN wagon./NN Allee/NNP same/JJ catchee/NN one/CD sack./NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP say:/VBZ 'Dlop/JJ him./. You/PRP no/DT dlop/NN flour/NN I/PRP shootee.'/VBD Him/PRP no/DT dlop/NN flour,/VB so/RB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP shoot./NN Lookee,/VBD boss./NN Here/RB him/PRP sack/NN flour."Mr./. Poppy/NNP moved/VBD his/PRP$ lighted/JJ taper/NN and/CC disclosed/VBD the/DT bag/NN of/IN flour/NN at/IN the/DT man's/JJ feet./NN "Is/NNS anybody/NN from/IN Cannon's/NNP camp/NN here?"/, D'Arcy/NNP demanded./, "I/NN am/VBP here,/RB D'Arcy,"/NNP Cannon/NNP replied./VBD "I/PRP heard/VBD the/DT shootin'/NN an'/NN come/VBN over/RP to/TO see/VB what/WP the/DT excitement/NN was.""This/IN dead/JJ man/NN belonged/VBD to/TO your/PRP$ party./NN He/PRP was/VBD with/IN you/PRP at/IN the/DT ferry/NN this/DT afternoon./NN Drag/NNP him/PRP home,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT morning/NN you/PRP might/MD bury/VB him.""The/PRP Chink/NNP had/VBD no/DT call/NN to/TO kill/VB him./PRP What/WP if/IN he/PRP had/VBD lifted/VBN a/DT sack/NN o'/IN your,/PRP flour?/VBP That/DT ain't/NN no/DT killin'/NN matter.""No?/NN Well,/NNP if/IN the/DT theft/NN of/IN that/DT sack/NN of/IN flour/NN meant/VBD that/IN this/DT winter/NN one/NN of/IN our/PRP$ party/NN would/MD starve/VB to/TO death/NN without/IN it,/PRP$ that/WDT would/MD be/VB a/DT killing/NN matter,/NN would/MD it/PRP not?""The/RB Chink'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO answer/VB for/IN the/DT killin'.""To/NN whom?""To/IN the/DT law.""There/NN is/VBZ no/DT law/NN but/CC the/DT law/NN of/IN might,/CD Cannon./NNP Jim/NNP Toy/NNP was/VBD justified/VBN in/IN killing/VBG a/DT thief/NN on/IN sight,/NN particularly/RB when/WRB he/PRP caught/VBD him/PRP with/IN the/DT plunder./NN Whobesides/VBZ Jim/NNP Toy/NNP saw/VBD this/DT man/NN running/VBG with/IN the/DT sack/NN of/IN flour?""I/JJ did,"/NN said/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP "The/NNP rascal/NN disturbed/VBD our/PRP$ rest,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP complained./NN "Rather/RB good/JJ shooting/NN for/IN a/DT Chinaman,/NNP I/PRP should/MD say,/VB Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy./NN We/PRP were/VBD all/DT asleep/RB around/IN the/DT camp-fire,/NN with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP who/WP was/VBD taking/VBG his/PRP$ rest/NN in/IN the/DT wagon/NN and/CC felt/VBD the/DT sack/NN of/IN flour/NN being/VBG withdrawn/VBN from/IN under/IN his/PRP$ person.""Well,/NNS call/VBP one/CD of/IN your/PRP$ men/NNS and/CC remove/VB this/DT body,/NN Cannon,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP ordered./NNP "And/CC let/VB this/DT be/VB a/DT lesson/NN to/TO you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ rascally/NNP party./NN What/WP we/PRP have/VBP we/PRP hold./VBG Come,/NNP everybody./DT Back/RB to/TO our/PRP$ own/JJ camp."They/NN departed,/NN leaving/VBG Cannon/NNP alone/RB in/IN the/DT darkness/NN beside/IN his/PRP$ dead/JJ associate./NN BEJABERS/NNS HARMON/NNP spread/VBD his/PRP$ tarpaulin/NN and/CC blankets,/NN removed/VBD his/PRP$ boots/NNS and/CC rolled/VBD up/RP for/IN the/DT night./NN "Law/NN and/CC order,"/NN he/PRP announced/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ fellows./NN "Law/NN and/CC order./NN That's/IN what/WP we/PRP need/VBP and/CC that's/IN what/WP we're/VBD comin'/NN to./TO Necktie/NNP parties!/NN Quick/RB action/NN and/CC no/DT mercy!""God/NN have/VBP mercy/NN on/IN that/DT sinner's/JJ soul,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP murmured/VBD piously./NN "Dermod,/IN my/PRP$ boy,"/NN said/VBD the/DT Bart,/NNP "this/VBZ shocking/JJ tragedy/NN has/VBZ shaken/VBN me/PRP a/DT bit./NN Would/MD it/PRP not/RB be/VB a/DT good/JJ idea/NN to/TO have/VB one/CD little/JJ nightcap/NN to/TO settle/VB our/PRP$ nerves/NNS before/IN retiring?""No!/NN "/'' Bejabers/IN roared,/NN and/CC sat/VBD up,/RB as/IN belligerent/NN as/IN a/DT broody/JJ hen./NN "That's/NNS liquor's/NNS for/IN medical/JJ purposes/NNS only/RB and/CC if/IN I/PRP catch/VBP you/PRP or/CC his/PRP$ Reverence/NN broachin'/IN our/PRP$ medical/JJ stores/NNS I'll/RB make/VBP you/PRP hard/JJ to/TO catch."The/VB Bart/NNP replied/VBD with/IN great/JJ dignity./NN "Who,/NN may/MD I/PRP inquire,/RB is/VBZ the/DT commanding/JJ officer/NN of/IN this/DT party?""DArcy/NN [sic]/NN is,/, Bart,/NNP but/CC where/WRB you're/JJ concerned,/NN I/PRP am./VBP I/PRP won't/MD have/VB you/PRP imposin'/VB on/IN his/PRP$ good/JJ nature/NN just/RB because/IN you/PRP seconded/VBD his/PRP$ father/NN in/IN a/DT duel/NN and/CC because/IN you're/PRP both/DT from/IN the/DT same/JJ college/NN and/CC the/DT same/JJ part/NN of/IN Ireland./NNP Personally,/NNPS you/PRP don't/VBP rate/NN high/JJ with/IN me,/NN Bart./NNP You/PRP be/VB quiet."The/DT Bart/NNP snorted/VBD indignantly,/NN murmured/VBD something/NN about/IN having/VBG been/VBN accustomed/VBN hitherto/IN to/TO the/DT society/NN of/IN gentlemen,/NN and/CC retired/VBD to/TO the/DT saddle-blanket/NN he/PRP had/VBD appropriated./VBN "You/PRP sleep/VB on/IN the/DT ground,/NN Jim/NNP Toy,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP com-manded;/CC "otherwise/NN somebody/NN will/MD sneak/VB up/RB and/CC cut/VB your/PRP$ throat./NN You/PRP sleep/VBP a/DT different/JJ place/NN every/DT night.""Me/NN heap/NN savvy,/VBN boss."McCready/JJ spoke/VBD up/RP sleepily/RB from/IN his/PRP$ blankets./NN "And/CC it/PRP wouldn't/MD be/VB a/DT bad/JJ idea/NN if/IN you/PRP got/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT habit/NN of/IN standing/VBG between/IN Cannon's/JJ camp/NN and/CC the/DT light/NN of/IN that/DT camp-fire,/NN D'Arcy.""An/NNP excellent/JJ idea,/NN Mac./NNP I/PRP don't/VBP think/VB we'll/NN have/VBP any/DT more/JJR visitors/NNS tonight,/RB so/RB I'm/PRP going/VBG to/TO turn/VB in,/JJ but/CC tomorrow/NN night/NN we'll/MD have/VB a/DT camp/NN guard."/NN He/PRP poured/VBD a/DT bucket/NN of/IN water/NN on/IN the/DT embers,/NN removed/VBD his/PRP$ boots/NNS and/CC crawled/VBD under/IN his/PRP$ blankets./NN It/PRP was/VBD after/IN midnight,/NN however,/RB before/IN he/PRP dropped/VBD off/RP to/TO sleep./VB Impulsive/JJ of/IN action/NN though/IN he/PRP was,/VBD he/PRP was/VBD not/RB impulsive/JJ of/IN thought./DT He/PRP resigned/VBD himself/PRP now/RB to/TO a/DT study/NN of/IN the/DT problems/NNS confronting/VBG him,/NN to/TO a/DT consideration/NN of/IN the/DT problems/NNS that/WDT would/MD be/VB community/NN matters/NNS in/IN the/DT days/NNS to/TO come./DT He/PRP was/VBD in/IN a/DT new/JJ country,/NN where/WRB new/JJ customs/NNS were/VBD even/RB now/RB overriding/VBG the/DT old/JJ traditions./NN Pastoral/NNP California/NNP was/VBD not/RB gone,/VBN but/CC it/PRP was/VBD going/VBG fast./RBR A/DT man/NN in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP had/VBD told/VBN him/PRP it/PRP was/VBD conservatively/RB estimated/VBN that/IN there/EX were/VBD four/CD thousand/CD men/NNS mining/VBG in/IN the/DT country/NN bounded/VBN by/IN the/DT Merced/NNP River/NNP on/IN the/DT south/NN and/CC the/DT Feather/NNP River,/NNP with/IN its/PRP$ forks/NNS and/CC branches,/NN on/IN the/DT north,/JJ and/CC of/IN these/DT perhaps/RB two-thirds/NNS were/VBD native/JJ Californians,/NNP Chilenos/NNP and/CC Mexicans/NNP from/IN Sonora/NNP and/CC Sinaloa./NNP Gold/NNP had/VBD been/VBN discovered/VBN in/IN February./NNP It/PRP was/VBD now/RB August;/NNP hence/RB the/DT news/NN had,/NN by/IN now,/NNS reached/VBN around/IN the/DT world./NN Well,/IN the/DT spring/NN of/IN '49/PRP would/MD find/VB thousands/NNS of/IN men/NNS arriving/VBG in/IN California/NNP via/IN ships,/NN but/CC the/DT real/JJ rush/NN could/MD scarcely/RB come/VB before/IN the/DT spring/NN of/IN '50,/JJ when/WRB the/DT overland/NNP emigrants/NNS would/MD arrive./DT Then/RB would/MD come/VB a/DT mad/JJ scramble/NN for/IN a/DT place/NN in/IN the/DT sun;/NN then/RB would/MD humanselfishness/RB and/CC greed,/JJ jealousy/NN and/CC mendacity,/NNS come/VBP to/TO the/DT front,/JJ particularly/RB if/IN the/DT placers/NNS were/VBD as/IN rich/JJ and/CC widely/RB scattered/VBN as/IN report/NN indicated./VBN The/DT country/NN would/MD be/VB overrun,/JJ and/CC the/DT feeble/JJ government,/NN still/RB functioning/VBG along/RB much/RB the/DT same/JJ lines/NNS as/IN had/VBD obtained/VBN under/IN the/DT Mexican/JJ r$gime,/NN would/MD be/VB a/DT government/NN in/IN name/NN only./NNP He/PRP had/VBD heard/VBN that/IN Johann/NNP Sutter/NNP and/CC John/NNP Marshall/NNP had/VBD entered/VBN into/IN some/DT sort/NN of/IN mutual/JJ agreement/NN as/IN to/TO the/DT exploitation/NN of/IN the/DT mineral/NN rights/NNS on/IN the/DT land/NN which/WDT Sutter/NNP held/VBD under/IN a/DT Mexican/JJ grant/NN and/CC upon/IN which/WDT Marshall/NNP had/VBD made/VBN the/DT original/JJ discovery/NN of/IN gold./NN Unable/JJ to/TO work/VB the/DT bars/NNS along/IN the/DT river/NN themselves,/, they/PRP had/VBD attempted/VBN to/TO exact/JJ a/DT ten/CD percent/NN royalty/NN from/IN the/DT men/NNS who/WP did,/VBD and/CC for/IN a/DT short/JJ while/IN this/DT royalty/NN had/VBD been/VBN regarded/VBN as/IN just,/RB and/CC paid./VBN More/JJR recently,/JJ however,/RB subsequent/JJ arrivals/NNS had/VBD declined/VBN to/TO pay/VB the/DT royalty/NN and/CC jeered/VBD at/IN the/DT claims/NNS of/IN Sutter/NNP and/CC Marshall./NNP It/PRP had/VBD not/RB escaped/VBN D'Arcy's/NNP notice/NN that/IN no/DT man,/NN in/IN that/DT long/JJ line/NN of/IN restless/JJ adventurers/NNS waiting/VBG to/TO cross/VB the/DT Carquinez/NNP Straits,/NNP was/VBD without/IN pistol/NN and/CC bowie-knife,/NN openly/RB displayed./VBN These/DT weapons,/NNS he/PRP reflected,/VBD would/MD be/VB the/DT courts/NNS of/IN first/JJ instance./NN His/PRP$ mind/NN dwelt/VBD on/IN the/DT tragedy/NN which/WDT had/VBD just/RB been/VBN enacted./VBN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP had/VBD killed/VBN a/DT thief,/NN yet/RB there/EX would/MD not/RB be/VB even/RB a/DT coroner's/JJ inquest,/NN or/CC official/JJ investigation,/NN since/IN there/EX were/VBD no/DT officials/NNS to/TO investigate./RP In/IN the/DT morning/NN there/EX would/MD be/VB no/DT court/NN save/IN that/DT of/IN public/JJ opinion,/NN and/CC public/JJ opinion/NN was/VBD not/RB at/IN all/DT likely/JJ to/TO bother/VB itself/PRP with/IN the/DT matter,/NN since/IN public/JJ opinion/NN must/MD ever/RB be/VB fanned/VBN to/TO interest/NN by/IN some/DT magnetic/JJ leader./NN Cannon/NNP might/MD attempt/VB to/TO do/VB that,/DT but--he/NN was/VBD not/RB a/DT leader./NN If/IN he/PRP attempted/VBD the/DT impossible,/JJ D'Arcy/NNP would/MD oppose/VB him/PRP and,/RB with/IN competent/JJ witnesses,/NN prove/VBP the/DT killing/NN to/TO have/VB been/VBN justified./VBN <illustration></illustration>But/IN what/WP if/IN the/DT killing/NN had/VBD been/VBN a/DT cold-blooded/JJ murder?/NN In/IN that/DT event,/NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP would/MD probably/RB leave/VB the/DT camp,/NN and/CC no/DT man/NN would/MD be/VB sufficiently/RB interested/JJ to/TO follow/VB him/PRP and/CC demand/VB an/DT eye/NN for/IN an/DT eye,/NN a/DT tooth/NN for/IN a/DT tooth,/NN a/DT life/NN for/IN a/DT life./NN D'Arcy/NNP doubted/VBD if/IN even/RB the/DT dead/JJ man's/NN comrades/NNS would/MD risk/VB losing/VBG their/PRP$ place/NN in/IN line/NN to/TO avenge/VB him./PRP A/DT white/JJ man,/NN one/CD possessed/VBD of/IN unusual/JJ hardihood,/JJ probably/RB would/MD not/RB bother/VB to/TO absent/VB himself/PRP under/IN the/DT circumstances,/NN but/CC trust/NN to/TO the/DT inchoate/NN social/JJ conditions,/NN backed/VBD up/RP by/IN his/PRP$ weapons./NN "It/NN will/MD be/VB a/DT mad/JJ scramble,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP reflected./NNP "Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP at/IN New/NNP Helvetia/NNP is/VBZ the/DT place/NN I/PRP must/MD visit/VB first./RB That/DT is/VBZ the/DT main/JJ base/NN of/IN supplies/NNS and/CC the/DT starting-point/NN of/IN men/NNS bound/VBN for/IN the/DT placers./NN There/RB I/PRP can,/MD doubtless,/VB glean/JJ information/NN that/WDT will/MD be/VB of/IN value/NN to/TO us/PRP in/IN our/PRP$ future/NN movements./, I/PRP must/MD learn/VB something/NN of/IN local/JJ customs,/NN methods/NNS of/IN operation,/NNS and/CC routes/NNS of/IN travel./NN In/IN this/DT adventure/NN the/DT lad/NN who/WP keeps/VBZ his/PRP$ head,/NN who/WP is/VBZ not/RB swayed/VBN by/IN popular/JJ excitement,/NN who/WP prepares/VBZ well/RB and/CC then/RB acts/VBZ wisely,/NNS is/VBZ the/DT fellow/NN who/WP will/MD reap/VB the/DT greatest/JJS reward."His/NN thoughts/NNS adverted/VBD to/TO the/DT original/JJ dwellers/NNS in/IN this/DT sweet/JJ land,/NN the/DT kindly,/NN indolent,/NN unimaginative,/JJ contented/JJ children/NNS of/IN the/DT sun./NN Soon/RB such/JJ fellows/NNS as/IN Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ men/NNS would/MD be/VB raiding/VBG their/PRP$ ranch/NN commissaries/NNS for/IN food,/NN lifting/VBG their/PRP$ horses/NNS and/CC slaughtering/VBG their/PRP$ cattle./NNS And/CC following/VBG in/IN the/DT rear/NN of/IN the/DT miners/NNS would/MD come/VB the/DT gamblers,/NN the/DT oafs,/NN the/DT thieves/NNS and/CC blackguards,/VB the/DT conservative,/NN cold-blooded,/JJ adroit/NN Yankee/NNP traders,/, the/DT lawyers/NNS and/CC lawyer-politicians,/NN who/WP batten/RB on/IN crumbs/NNS from/IN the/DT tables/NNS of/IN the/DT proletariat./NN When/WRB the/DT fools/NNS had/VBD amassed/VBN a/DT fortune/NN the/DT camp-followers/NNS of/IN fortune/NN would/MD take/VB it/PRP from/IN them!/NN It/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO D'Arcy/NNP that,/, in/IN a/DT broad/JJ sense,/NN California/NNP had/VBD not/RB been/VBN discovered/VBN until/IN the/DT previous/JJ Feb-ruary,/NNP when/WRB John/NNP Marshall/NNP had/VBD found/VBN coarse/JJ gold/NN in/IN the/DT race/NN at/IN Sutter's/NNP sawmill./VBD As/IN a/DT result,/NN California/NNP would/MD be/VB admitted/VBN into/IN the/DT Union/NNP within/IN two/CD years,/NNS if/IN this/DT long/JJ line/NN of/IN gold-seekers,/NN of/IN whom/WP he/PRP was/VBD one,/NNP was/VBD a/DT portent/NN of/IN the/DT hordes/NNS to/TO come./VB What,/IN he/PRP reflected,/VBD would/MD become/VB of/IN the/DT unskilled/JJ miner/NN when/WRB his/PRP$ work/NN has/VBZ been/VBN done--when/VBN the/DT gold-rush,/NN like/IN a/DT tidal/JJ wave,/NN had/VBD expended/VBN itself/PRP on/IN the/DT beach/NN of/IN disappointment/NN and/CC disillusion?/JJ He/PRP answered/VBD his/PRP$ own/JJ question./NN The/DT miner/NN of/IN today/NN would/MD be/VB the/DT farmer/NN of/IN tomorrow./DT He/PRP would/MD go/VB back/RB to/TO his/PRP$ ancient/JJ heritage,/, the/DT land./NN "The/IN Hispano-Californians/NNPS have/VBP secured,/VBN by/IN grant,/VBG the/DT most/RBS fertile/JJ and/CC best-watered/JJ lands/NNS in/IN California,"/NNP he/PRP told/VBD himself./PRP "And/CC the/DT gringo/NN will/MD covet/VB those/DT lands./. He/PRP will/MD attack/VB their/PRP$ titles,/NN he/PRP will/MD formulate/VB laws/NNS to/TO disinherit/VB the/DT dons/NNS and/CC open/VB their/PRP$ land/NN monopolies/NNS to/TO colonization,/VB on/IN the/DT principle/NN that/IN such/JJ action/NN is/VBZ necessary/JJ for/IN the/DT greatest/JJS good/NN of/IN the/DT greater/JJR number./NN "At/IN this/DT moment/NN the/DT finest/JJS grazing/JJ and/CC agricultural/JJ land/NN in/IN California/NNP has/VBZ little/RB or/CC no/DT value--perhaps/RB twenty-five/JJ cents/NNS per/IN acre/NN would/MD be/VB an/DT excessive/JJ valuation./NN But/CC when/WRB the/DT tide/NN sets/VBZ back/RB from/IN the/DT mines--when/NN the/DT women/NNS and/CC children/NNS come/VBN across/IN the/DT plains/NNS by/IN the/DT hundreds/NNS of/IN thousands--well,/NNS they/PRP will/MD not/RB go/VB back./RP They/PRP will/MD not/RB abandon/VB such/JJ a/DT land/NN as/IN this,/JJ to/TO endure/VB again/RB the/DT miseries/NNS and/CC hardships/NNS of/IN the/DT return/NN journey./NN "California/NNP will/MD have/VB been/VBN discovered,/VBN but/CC the/DT discovery/NN of/IN its/PRP$ gold/NN will/MD rank/VB second/JJ with/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN its/PRP$ fat/JJ lands/NNS and/CC equable/JJ climate./NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP if/IN Fortune/NNP smiles/VBZ upon/IN you/PRP and/CC you/PRP acquire/VB gold,/NN invest/VB it/PRP in/IN land/NN while/IN land/NN is/VBZ cheap/JJ and/CC neglected./VBN Don't/NNP stay/VB too/RB long/RB in/IN the/DT hills,/NN for/IN the/DT real/JJ wealth/NN of/IN California/NNP lies/VBZ in/IN her/PRP$ valleys."Ten/NN days/NNS D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN camped/VBD at/IN Martinezbefore/NNP their/PRP$ turn/NN came/VBD to/TO go/VB aboard/IN the/DT ferry,/NN and/CC when/WRB they/PRP departed/VBD the/DT line/NN of/IN adventurers/NNS was/VBD twice/RB as/RB long/JJ as/IN it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN when/WRB they/PRP arrived./VBD The/DT cautious/JJ Bejabers,/NNP having/VBG urged/VBD D'Arcy/NNP to/TO purchase/VB their/PRP$ transportation/NN on/IN the/DT date/NN of/IN their/PRP$ arrival,/NN was/VBD in/IN excellent/JJ spirits,/NN for/IN the/DT price/NN of/IN a/DT crossing/NN had/VBD since/IN trebled,/NN and/CC but/CC for/IN the/DT little/JJ man's/NNS forehandedness/IN they/PRP would/MD have/VB been/VBN without/IN sufficient/JJ funds/NNS to/TO purchase/VB transportation/NN now./RB Each/DT night/NN in/IN camp/NN they/PRP had/VBD maintained/VBN a/DT guard,/NN relieved/VBN at/IN two-hour/JJ intervals,/NN but/CC no/DT further/JJ raids/NNS upon/IN them/PRP had/VBD been/VBN attempted./VBN Nor/CC had/VBD the/DT news/NN of/IN the/DT killing/NN of/IN a/DT white/JJ man/NN by/IN a/DT Chinaman/NNP caused/VBD a/DT ripple/NN in/IN the/DT camp./NN A/DT few/JJ curious/JJ men/NNS dropped/VBD in/IN at/IN D'Arcy's/NNP camp/NN to/TO discuss/VB the/DT matter/NN with/IN him/PRP after/IN Cannon/NNP had/VBD tried/VBN in/IN vain/JJ to/TO arouse/IN some/DT public/JJ interest/NN in/IN it,/DT but/CC upon/IN ascertaining/VBG the/DT circumstances/NNS they/PRP disseminated/VBD D'Arcy's/NNP report/NN and/CC the/DT matter/NN died/VBD a/DT natural/JJ death./NN Nor/CC did/VBD Cannon/NNP or/CC any/DT of/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS again/RB approach/VBP the/DT D'Arcy/NNP camp/NN on/IN any/DT pretext/NN even/RB in/IN daylight/NN until/IN the/DT moment/NN came/VBD to/TO leave/VB the/DT Martinez/NNP shore,/NN when/WRB Cannon/NNP and/CC two/CD of/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS led/VBD their/PRP$ horses/NNS aboard/IN the/DT ferry/NN with/IN D'Arcy's/NNP party,/NN in/IN order/NN to/TO make/VB up/RP a/DT full/JJ load./NN From/IN Benicia/NNP a/DT dusty/JJ trail/NN led/VBD across/IN country/NN to/TO Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP and/CC they/PRP set/VBD forth/RB upon/IN it/PRP immediately./VBZ Two/CD hours/NNS later/RB the/DT Cannon/NNP party/NN trotted/VBN by/IN them./DT Four/CD days/NNS later/RB they/PRP crossed/VBD the/DT Sacramento/NNP River/NNP at/IN a/DT point/NN where/WRB the/DT city/NN of/IN Sacramento,/NNP the/DT state/NN capital,/NN now/RB stands./VBZ The/DT Black/NNP Maria,/NNP with/IN Vilmont,/NNP Jim/NNP Toy/NNP and/CC the/DT mule/NN packs,/NN crossed/VBD on/IN a/DT ferry/NN barge,/NN but/CC in/IN order/NN to/TO save/VB money,/NN D'Arcy/NNP pushed/VBD into/IN the/DT river/NN with/IN Pathfinder/NNP and/CC swam/VBD across./RB The/DT mules,/JJ herded/VBD in/IN after/IN him,/PRP followed/VBD the/DT leader/NN tractably,/NN with/IN the/DT other/JJ mounted/VBD members/NNS of/IN the/DT party/NN bringing/VBG up/RP the/DT rear./NN On/IN the/DT opposite/JJ bank/NN the/DT mules/NNS were/VBD again/RB packed,/VBN and/CC at/IN nightfall/NN the/DT entire/JJ party/NN encamped/VBD outside/IN the/DT walls/NNS of/IN Sutter's/NNP Fort,/NNP the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT vast/JJ plantations/NNS which/WDT Sutter/NNP had/VBD laid/VBN out,/RP beginning/VBG in/IN 1836./DT No/NN farming/NN had/VBD been/VBN done/VBN this/DT year,/NN however,/RB the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN having/VBG occurred/VBN coincidently/RB with/IN the/DT spring/NN planting,/NN thus/RB depriving/VBG Sutter/NNP of/IN all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ laborers./NN The/DT evening/NN meal/NN disposed/VBD of,/RP D'Arcy/NNP sought/VBD Johann/NNP Sutter/NNP in/IN his/PRP$ office/NN inside/IN the/DT fort./NN The/DT despoiled/JJ empire-builder/NN accorded/VBD him/PRP a/DT chilly/JJ reception,/NN for,/IN indeed,/NN each/DT arriving/VBG gold-seeker/NN was,/VBD in/IN Sutter's/NNP eyes,/VBD an/DT additional/JJ source/NN of/IN worry/NN and/CC distress./NN "What/RB do/VBP you/PRP want?"/VB he/PRP demanded./VBD "Some/DT information,/NN if/IN you/PRP have/VBP it/PRP to/TO give,/VB Mr./NNP Sutter.""If/NNP I/PRP did/VBD not/RB have/VB it/PRP to/TO give/VB you/PRP would/MD probably/RB try/VB to/TO take/VB it./PRP Everybody/NN takes/VBZ from/IN me/PRP and/CC nobody/NN pays./VBZ The/DT country/NN is/VBZ overrun/VBN with/IN villains./NN They/PRP take/VBP my/PRP$ gold/NN and/CC refuse/VBP to/TO pay/VB the/DT royalty./NN They/PRP help/VBP themselves/PRP to/TO my/PRP$ granaries/NNS because/IN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT one/NN to/TO guard/VB them;/, they/PRP butcher/VBD my/PRP$ sheep/NN and/CC cattle./VBD A/DT curse/NN upon/IN them!/PRP And/CC there/EX is/VBZ no/DT law.""The/NN law/NN will/MD come,"/VB D'Arcy/NNP assured/VBD him./PRP "Ja,/RB when/WRB it/PRP is/VBZ too/RB late./RB Well,/IN what/WP information/NN do/VBP you/PRP want?""How/VB far/RB is/VBZ it/PRP to/TO the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC what/WP is/VBZ the/DT best/JJS route?""A/NN week's/NNS travel./, Follow/VB the/DT river/NN north.""Are/RB there/EX any/DT miners/NNS that/WDT far/RB north?""Perhaps/RB a/DT few./NN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB heard/VBN that/IN any/DT discoveries/NNS have/VBP been/VBN made/VBN north/RB of/IN the/DT Yuba/NNP and/CC its/PRP$ branches.""Thank/NN you./NNP Have/VBP you/PRP any/DT grain/NN for/IN sale?""So/NN you/PRP would/MD buy?/VB Have/VB you/PRP money/NN to/TO pay?"D'Arcy/NN nodded/VBD smilingly./VBG "I/NNP would/MD rest/VB my/PRP$ party/NN here/RB for/IN a/DT week/NN and/CC harden/VB my/PRP$ stock/NN on/IN grain./NN They/PRP have/VBP been/VBN a/DT long/JJ time/NN without/IN it.""You/PRP are/VBP different,"/JJ Sutter/NNP answered,/NN and/CC a/DT modicum/NN of/IN the/DT chill/NN and/CC resentment/NN had/VBD gone/VBN out/IN of/IN his/PRP$ voice./NN "You/NNS are/VBP the/DT first/JJ to/TO come/VB here/RB who/WP has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN in/IN a/DT mad/JJ hurry.""The/NN race/NN is/VBZ not/RB always/RB to/TO the/DT swiftest,/JJ Mr./NNP Sutter.""I/NNP have/VBP grain./NN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB very/RB good,/JJ but/CC it/PRP will/MD cost/VB you/PRP three/CD dollars/NNS a/DT bushel.""I/NN will/MD take/VB ten/CD bushels./NN Here/RB is/VBZ the/DT money.""I/NN have/VBP no/DT food/NN for/IN sale.""I/NNS require/VBP none."Sutter/NN laughed./NN "All/NN are/VBP fools/NNS but/CC you./NNP Have/VBP you/PRP tents?""No./'' But/CC I/PRP have/VBP tools/NNS to/TO build/VB cabins.""So.""Have/NN the/DT miners/NNS formulated/VBD any/DT mining/NN regulations/NNS at/IN Coloma?"Sutter/NNP nodded./, "Each/DT district/NN makes/VBZ its/PRP$ own/JJ rules,/NN and/CC the/DT first/JJ to/TO come/VB organize/VB the/DT district,/JJ regulating/NN the/DT use/NN of/IN water/NN for/IN washing/VBG the/DT gravel/NN and/CC outlining/VBG the/DT size/NN of/IN the/DT claim/NN each/DT man/NN may/MD have./VB At/IN Coloma/NNP and/CC on/IN Mormon's/NNP Bar/NNP below/IN my/PRP$ sawmill/NN the/DT claims/NNS are/VBP ten/CD feet/NNS square.""Are/RB they/PRP very/RB rich?""Very./JJ There/EX is/VBZ gold/NN in/IN every/DT stream/NN that/WDT runs/VBZ from/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP to/TO the/DT river.""Thank/NN you./PRP If/IN I/PRP may/MD have/VB the/DT grain/NN now/RB I/PRP will/MD be/VB your/PRP$ debtor."Because/NN the/DT last/JJ of/IN the/DT retainers/NNS he/PRP formerly/RB numbered/VBD by/IN the/DT hundreds/NNS had/VBD deserted/VBN him,/IN Sutter/NNP was/VBD reduced/VBN to/TO the/DT extremity/NN of/IN measuring/VBG out/IN the/DT grain/NN himself./PRP As/IN he/PRP had/VBD stated,/VBN it/PRP was/VBD of/IN poor/JJ quality,/NN but/CC D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD glad/JJ to/TO get/VB it./PRP When/WRB his/PRP$ men/NNS had/VBD carried/VBN the/DT grain/NN away/RB to/TO their/PRP$ camp/NN Sutter/NNP questioned/VBD him/PRP regarding/VBG conditions/NNS in/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP What/WP news/NN had/VBD he/PRP of/IN the/DT road?/NN None/NN of/IN interest?/NN Sutter/NNP had/VBD heard/VBN of/IN a/DT murder/NN committed/VBN a/DT few/JJ miles/NNS beyond/IN Benicia/NNP ten/CD days/NNS previous./RB An/DT American/NNP had/VBD been/VBN roped/VBN from/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN by/IN a/DT Californian/NNP and/CC dragged/VBD to/TO death/NN across/IN the/DT plain./NN The/DT dastardly/NN deed/NN had/VBD been/VBN accomplished/VBN at/IN twilight/JJ while/IN the/DT man/NN was/VBD riding/VBG in/IN advance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ party./NN The/DT murderer/NN had/VBD not/RB been/VBN identified,/VBN but/CC suspicion/NN pointed/VBD strongly/RB to/TO Romauldo/NNP Guerrero,/NNP son/NN of/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero,/NNP of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Sutter/NNP had/VBD heard/VBN that/IN the/DT man/NN had/VBD insulted/VBN him/PRP at/IN Semple's/NNP Ferry/NNP by/IN alluding/VBG to/TO him/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ sister/NN as/IN greasers./NNP Had/VBD D'Arcy/NNP known/VBN of/IN the/DT incident?/NN D'Arcy/NNP professed/VBD ignorance,/NN and/CC the/DT conversation/NN shifted/VBD to/TO other/JJ matters./NN Later,/RB when/WRB D'Arcy/NNP joined/VBD his/PRP$ fellows,/NN he/PRP drew/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP aside/RB and/CC related/VBN what/WP Sutter/NNP had/VBD told/VBN him/PRP of/IN the/DT murder./NN Bejabers/IN grinned./VBG "I'll/JJ bet/NN my/PRP$ share/NN of/IN Sierra/NNP gold/JJ young/JJ Guerrero/NNPS did/VBD the/DT trick,/NN Dermod./NNP I/PRP sized/VBD him/PRP up/RP as/IN a/DT chap/NN who/WP would/MD lack/VB the/DT courage/NN to/TO call/VB his/PRP$ man/NN out./RP Certainly/RB a/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ did/VBD that/DT job./NN That/DT is/VBZ an/DT old/JJ trick/NN of/IN theirs/PRP and/CC one/CD at/IN which/WDT they/PRP are/VBP mighty/JJ dog-goned/JJ handy./NN An/DT American/NNP would/MD never/RB descend/VB to/TO that;/DT in/IN fact,/NN I/PRP doubt/VBP if/IN there/EX are/VBP more/JJR than/IN a/DT dozen/NN Americans/NNS in/IN California/NNP who/WP know/VBP how/WRB to/TO throw/VB a/DT riata,/JJ particularly/RB in/IN a/DT poor/JJ light.""Romauldo's/JJ mother/NN was/VBD a/DT quarter-bred/JJ Indian./NNP The/DT girl/NN is/VBZ his/PRP$ half-sister,/JJ but/CC her/PRP$ blood's/NN pure.""I/JJ wonder/NN if/IN she/PRP knows/VBZ how/WRB Romauldo/NNP settled/VBD the/DT grudge.""I/JJ doubt/NN it./. He/PRP must/MD realize/VB she/PRP would/MD disapprove/VB of/IN such/JJ a/DT course.""Yet/NN she/PRP sicked/VBD him/PRP on/IN to/TO the/DT feller./NN Remember,/IN she/PRP claimed/VBD the/DT privilege/NN for/IN the/DT Guerreros,/NNP when/WRB you/PRP and/CC I/PRP offered/VBD to/TO call/VB the/DT skunk/NN out.""I/IN cannot/PRP believe/VBP that/DT girl/NN ferocious/JJ enough/RB to/TO stimulate/VB her/PRP$ relative/JJ to/TO murder."/NN Bejabers/NNS noted/VBD the/DT misery/NN in/IN his/PRP$ partner's/NNS eyes./VBD "I/PRP wish/VB that/DT disgruntled/JJ Sutter/NNP had/VBD kept/VBN his/PRP$ gossip/NN to/TO himself."For/PRP a/DT week,/NN much/RB against/IN the/DT desires/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ companions,/NN D'Arcy/NNP lay/VBD encamped/VBN at/IN Sutter's/NNP Fort./NNP In/IN that/DT week,/NN however,/RB he/PRP gleaned/VBD much/JJ information/NN of/IN value/NN to/TO him./PRP$ Food/NN was/VBD scarce/JJ in/IN the/DT diggings/NNS and/CC very/RB high./JJR A/DT side/NN of/IN bacon,/NN for/IN instance,/NN was/VBD not/RB purchasable/JJ under/IN fifteen/CD dollars,/NNS and/CC the/DT farther/RB the/DT demand/NN from/IN the/DT source/NN of/IN supply/NN and/CC the/DT more/RBR difficult/JJ to/TO get/VB it/PRP there,/, the/DT higher/JJR the/DT price./NN Already/RB wagon-/, and/CC pack-trains/NNS were/VBD in/IN operation/NN by/IN freighting/VBG companies,/RP the/DT wagons/NNS bringing/VBG the/DT supplies/NNS from/IN Sacramento,/NNP or/CC Nye's/NNP Ferry/NNP farther/RB up/RP the/DT river/NN at/IN the/DT point/NN where/WRB the/DT town/NN of/IN Marysville/NNP now/RB stands,/VBP and/CC the/DT pack-trains/NNS distributing/VBG it/PRP throughout/IN the/DT mining/NN country,/NN where,/, as/IN yet,/NN there/EX were/VBD no/DT wagon/NN roads./VBD Barges,/NNP towed/. by/IN steam/NN launches,/NN brought/VBD the/DT supplies/NNS up-river/NN from/IN San/NNP Francisco./NNP D'Arcy,/NNP Bejabers,/NNP McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP had/VBD ridden/VBN up/RP the/DT American/NNP River/NNP and/CC interviewed/VBD the/DT miners/NNS working/VBG on/IN the/DT bars/NNS there./, Later/RB they/PRP had/VBD crossed/VBN the/DT ridges/NNS to/TO the/DT various/JJ forks/NNS of/IN that/DT stream,/NN noting/VBG the/DT methods/NNS of/IN operation,/NN which/WDT in/IN all/DT cases/NNS were/VBD of/IN the/DT crudest/NN kind./NN Upon/IN returning/VBG to/TO Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP D'Arcy/NNP purchased/VBD more/RBR nails./RBR "I/RB have/VBP had/VBD some/DT experience/NN in/IN placer-mining,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD his/PRP$ associates./NN "It/NN was/VBD mostly/RB dry/JJ placering,/NN but/CC I/PRP did/VBD evolve/VB a/DT method/NN of/IN separating/VBG the/DT gold/NN in/IN sluice-boxes/NNS when/WRB we/PRP had/VBD water/NN available./NN I/PRP can/MD wash/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN more/JJR gravel/NN and/CC save/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN moregold/VBN by/IN my/PRP$ method/NN than/IN can/MD be/VB done/VBN by/IN any/DT method/NN I/PRP have/VBP observed/VBN thus/RB far.""Us/RB Yankees/NNS are/VBP strong/JJ on/IN inventin'/NN things,"/NN Bejabers/NNS assured/VBD him./PRP "We're/VBP all/DT better/RBR at/IN usin'/VBG our/PRP$ heads/NNS than/IN our/PRP$ arms./NN Well,/NNP when/WRB do/VBP we/PRP start/VB to/TO make/VB our/PRP$ everlastin'/NN fortune?""Tomorrow/NN morning,/NN Bejabers./NNP We've/NNP wasted/VBD all/PDT the/DT time/NN we/PRP are/VBP going/VBG to/TO waste--although/JJ I/PRP think/VBP it/PRP has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN wasted./VBN Has/VBZ it/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO you/PRP to/TO consider/VB the/DT advantages/NNS that/IN accrue/NN to/TO us/PRP by/IN reason/NN of/IN our/PRP$ being/VBG a/DT well-outfitted/JJ party?/NN We/PRP have/VBP our/PRP$ own/JJ pack-train/NN and/CC are/VBP independent/JJ of/IN the/DT local/JJ freighting/NN robbers;/NN by/IN buying/VBG our/PRP$ food/NN here/RB and/CC packing/VBG it/PRP in/IN ourselves/PRP we/PRP will/MD save/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN money."His/NN men/NNS agreed/VBD with/IN him./PRP He/PRP continued:/VBD "We/PRP are/VBP going/VBG to/TO proceed/VB north,/RB following/VBG the/DT river,/NN for/IN about/IN eighty/CD miles./, I/PRP want/VBP to/TO go/VB far/RB beyond/IN the/DT farthest/JJS point/NN where/WRB any/DT mining/NN has/VBZ been/VBN done/VBN as/IN yet./NN I/PRP want/VBP to/TO locate/VB a/DT good/JJ stream,/NN with/IN plenty/NN of/IN water/NN in/IN it,/DT prospect/NN it,/, and/CC if/IN it/PRP proves/VBZ up/IN well,/RB we/PRP will,/MD among/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ company,/NN organize/VB a/DT mining/NN district/NN and/CC set/VBD up/RP our/PRP$ own/JJ mining/NN laws./, Which/WDT reminds/VBZ me./PRP We/PRP must/MD have/VB some/DT stationery/NN and/CC books/NNS in/IN which/WDT to/TO keep/VB the/DT records/NNS of/IN the/DT district./NN Bart,/NNP if/IN you're/PRP good,/VBP I'll/NNP make/VB you/PRP the/DT district/NN recorder."The/DT Bart/NNP eyed/VBD him/PRP humorously./. He/PRP realized/VBD D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD taken/VBN his/PRP$ measure/NN correctly/RB and/CC was/VBD rather/RB pleased/JJ than/IN otherwise/RB about/IN it./PRP "We'd/NNP ought/MD to/TO elect/VB an/DT alcalde/NN first/JJ off,"/NN Bejabers/IN suggested./VBN "There/RB you/PRP go,/VBP Old/NNP Law-and-Order./NNP Well,/NNP the/DT Bart/NNP can/MD fill/VB that/DT office/NN also.""How/RB about/IN his/PRP$ Reverence?""Mr./NN Poppy/NNP shall/MD learn/VB the/DT gentle/JJ art/NN of/IN flirting/VBG gravel/NN with/IN a/DT shovel."Mr./NN Poppy/JJ announced,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ orotund/NN bass,/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD entirely/RB agreeable/JJ to/TO that/DT program./NN "Where/RB the/DT miners/NNS are/VBP thickly/RB settled,"/VBN D'Arcy/NNP resumed,/NN "one/NN may/MD not/RB possess/VB a/DT claim/NN larger/JJR than/IN ten/CD feet/NNS square./RB That/DT is/VBZ why/WRB I/PRP am/VBP moving/VBG on/IN to/TO some/DT spot/NN where/WRB we/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB crowded--at/JJ least/JJS for/IN a/DT while./NN It/PRP is/VBZ customary/JJ for/IN the/DT original/JJ discoverers/NNS of/IN a/DT rich/JJ district/NN to/TO be/VB allowed/VBN claims/NNS double/RB the/DT size/NN of/IN those/DT who/WP arrive/VBP subsequently,/NN so--""Who/NN allows/VBZ it?"/VBN McCready/JJ wanted/VBD to/TO know./VB "Public/JJ opinion,/NN Mac,/IN which/WDT is/VBZ the/DT law/NN where/WRB there/EX are/VBP no/DT statute-books./NN In/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ area/NN we/PRP will/MD be/VB public/JJ opinion./NN Our/PRP$ claims/NNS will/MD be/VB one/CD hundred/CD feet/NNS long/RB and/CC as/RB wide/JJ as/IN the/DT river/NN from/IN bank/NN to/TO bank./RP As/IN original/JJ discoverers,/NN we/PRP will/MD each/DT then/RB be/VB entitled/VBN to/TO a/DT claim/NN two/CD hundred/CD feet/NNS long./RB And/CC as/IN we/PRP will/MD be/VB the/DT original/JJ preemptors/NNS of/IN the/DT water/NN we/PRP will/MD have/VB prior/RB rights/NNS thereto.""How're/. we/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO maintain/VB those/DT rights?"/JJ Judson/NNP wanted/VBD to/TO know./VB "By/IN force--until/JJ we're/NN outnumbered/VBD or/CC outvoted./NNP We'll/NNP set/VBD up/RP a/DT law/NN and/CC obey/NN it./, Then,/RB if/IN we/PRP have/VBP to/TO fight/VB for/IN it,/DT our/PRP$ cause/NN will/MD have/VB a/DT semblance/NN of/IN justice.""Well,/RB we/PRP can/MD put/VB up/RP a/DT pretty/RB good/JJ fight/NN while/IN we/PRP all/DT hang/VBP together,"/RB Judson/IN admitted./VBN He/PRP was/VBD one/CD not/RB at/IN all/DT averse/JJ to/TO conflict./DT "We/NN must/MD hang/VB together./RP Therein/RB will/MD lie/VB our/PRP$ strength./NN I/PRP have/VBP heard--and/NN we/PRP all/DT have/VBP noticed--that/JJ gold/NN brings/VBZ with/IN it/PRP a/DT peculiar/JJ sort/NN of/IN madness--the/JJ madness/NN of/IN dissatisfaction./NN Men/NN with/IN a/DT rich/JJ claim/NN on/IN the/DT Tuolumne/NNP hear/VBP of/IN a/DT richer/JJR strike/NN on/IN the/DT Consumes,/NNP and/CC immediately/RB abandon/VB their/PRP$ claim/NN to/TO race/NN to/TO the/DT new/JJ strike./NN No/RB sooner/RBR are/VBP they/PRP settled/VBD there/RB than/IN the/DT old/JJ will-o'-the-wisp/NN lures/VBZ them/PRP elsewhere./. They/PRP spend/VBP their/PRP$ precious/JJ time/NN wandering/VBG like/IN gipsies./NNP "I/NNP propose/VBP that/IN if/IN we/PRP find/VBP a/DT satisfactory/JJ claim/NN we/PRP stick/VBP by/IN it/PRP and/CC work/VB it/PRP to/TO a/DT finish.""We'd/NN ought/MD to/TO have/VB some/DT sort/NN of/IN partnership/NN agreement,"/IN McCready/JJ suggested./VBN "We/NN shall./MD I'll/RB get/VB to/TO work/VB on/IN that/IN this/DT afternoon/NN and/CC try/VB to/TO evolve/VB something/NN sensible/JJ and/CC just./RB After/IN I/PRP have/VBP outlined/VBN the/DT main/JJ program/NN we/PRP will/MD discuss/VB it/PRP and/CC add/VB amendments."He/NN sat/VBD down/IN a/DT little/JJ later/RB in/IN the/DT shade/NN of/IN an/DT oak-tree/JJ and/CC fell/VBD to/TO this/DT task,/NN to/TO be/VB interrupted/VBN presently/RB by/IN a/DT gruff/JJ voice/NN saying:"Stranger,/NNS if/IN you'll/PRP$ be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO git/VB out/RP from/IN under/IN this/DT here/RB tree/NN I/PRP can/MD show/VB you/PRP a/DT better/JJR use/NN for/IN it."D'Arcy/PRP looked/VBD up./NNP Before/IN him/PRP five/CD men/NNS sat/VBD their/PRP$ horses,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT midst/NN of/IN them/PRP another/DT horseman,/NN with/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS bound/VBN behind/IN him,/PRP was/VBD looking/VBG at/IN him/PRP with/IN dumb/JJ pleading./NN The/DT bound/JJ man/NN was/VBD Romauldo/NNP Guerrero./NNP "What's/NNP this?"/, D'Arcy/NNP demanded./VBD "Goin'/NN to/TO hang/VB a/DT greaser,/JJ that's/IN what!""What/WP for?""Murder.""Got/RB any/DT proof?'"Proof/NN enough.""Let/VB me/PRP hear/VB it.""We/PRP ain't/VB got/VBD time/NN to/TO listen/VB to/TO no/DT argument./NN Git/VB out/RP from/IN under/IN that/DT tree.""Not/NN so/RB fast,/RB my/PRP$ friend,/NN not/RB so/RB fast./RB Look/VB behind/IN you."The/PRP quintet/RB turned./VBD Behind/IN them/PRP stood/VBD the/DT Bart,/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP McCready,/NNP Judson,/NNP and/CC Bejabers./NNP "Who/NNP are/VBP these/DT fellers?"/VBN the/DT leader/NN of/IN the/DT horsemen/NNS demanded./VBN "They/PRP represent/VBP Public/NNP Opinion./NNP Incidentally,/IN they/PRP are/VBP my/PRP$ partners/NNS and/CC quite/RB as/RB curious/JJ as/IN myself./PRP Whatproof/WP have/VBP you/PRP got/VBD that/IN this/DT young/JJ man/NN has/VBZ committed/VBN a/DT murder?""He's/NN the/DT only/JJ feller/NN that/WDT had/VBD a/DT reason/NN to/TO commit/VB it.""Perhaps,/IN then,"/DT D'Arcy/NNP smiled/VBD back/RB at/IN the/DT man,/JJ "it/NN was/VBD justifiable/JJ homicide./NN Did/VBD any/DT of/IN you/PRP see/VBP him/PRP commit/VB the/DT murder?""All/NN five/CD of/IN us.""Did/NN you/PRP recognize/VBP him/PRP at/IN the/DT time?""No,/NN but/CC we/PRP recognized/VBD his/PRP$ hoss.""You/NNS refer,/VBP I/PRP believe,/VBP to/TO the/DT murder/NN of/IN the/DT man/NN who/WP was/VBD roped/VBN and/CC dragged/VBN to/TO death/NN near/IN Benicia/NNP some/DT two/CD weeks/NNS ago./DT There/EX was/VBD some/DT sort/NN of/IN quarrel/NN between/IN that/DT man/NN and/CC some/DT other/JJ Americans/NNS at/IN the/DT Martinez/NNP side/NN of/IN the/DT Semple/NN Ferry.""That's/IN the/DT ticket!""I/NN was/VBD present/JJ when/WRB that/DT man/NN alluded/VBD to/TO this/DT young/JJ man/NN as/IN a/DT greaser./JJ The/DT remark/NN applied/VBD equally/RB to/TO the/DT prisoner's/NNS sister./VBD I/PRP am/VBP a/DT friend/NN of/IN this/DT prisoner's/JJ family/NN and/CC in/IN that/DT capacity/NN I/PRP offered/VBD to/TO fight/VB the/DT man/NN who/WP used/VBD that/IN obnoxious/JJ word,/NNS 'greaser.'/MD My/PRP$ associate/NN behind/IN you,/JJ Mr./NNP Harmon,/NNP insisted/VBD on/IN taking/VBG the/DT job/NN off/IN my/PRP$ hands,/NN but/CC the/DT young/JJ lady/NN reminded/VBD us/PRP that/IN it/PRP was/VBD the/DT business/NN of/IN her/PRP$ brother/NN to/TO avenge/VB such/JJ insults/NNS to/TO their/PRP$ blood/NN and/CC I/PRP agreed/VBD with/IN her.""Well,/PRP he/PRP avenged/VBD it,/IN all/DT right./NN None/NN of/IN us/PRP would/MD have/VB cared/VBN a/DT whoop/NN if/IN this/DT greaser/NN had/VBD called/VBN his/PRP$ man/NN out,/IN but--""But/CC you/PRP have/VBP no/DT absolute/JJ proof/NN that/IN he/PRP roped/VBD the/DT man/NN and/CC dragged/VBD him/PRP to/TO death./NN You/PRP have/VBP nothing/NN but/CC suspicion,/NN and/CC you/PRP are/VBP about/IN to/TO hang/VB this/DT man/NN on/IN mere/JJ suspicion.""Suspicion's/NNS good/JJ enough/RB for/IN us.""I/PRP don't/RB go/VB in/IN this/DT company."/NN Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP had/VBD spoken./NN "Hands/NNS up."The/IN five/CD men,/NNS turning,/VBD saw/VBD a/DT pistol/NN in/IN each/DT of/IN Harmon's/NNP brown/JJ hands;/NN saw/VBD pistols/NNS in/IN the/DT hands/NNS of/IN McCready/NNP and/CC Judson,/NNP while/IN the/DT Bart,/NNP in/IN lieu/NN of/IN a/DT more/JJR lethal/JJ weapon,/NN had/VBD picked/VBN up/RP a/DT large/JJ piece/NN of/IN granite./NN D'Arcy/NNP stepped/VBD up/RP to/TO Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC cut/VBD his/PRP$ bonds./NN "Your/IN horse/NN is/VBZ weary,/VBG Se$or/NNP Guerrero."Romauldo/NNP smiled./VBD "They/PRP caught/VBD me/PRP far/RB up/RP the/DT river./NN I/PRP was/VBD with/IN my/PRP$ father's/NN peones/NNS working/VBG cattle,/NNS so/IN I/PRP rode/VBD hard/RB for/IN this/DT man/NN Sutter's/NNP place,/, thinking/VBG there/EX would/MD be/VB men/NNS here/RB who/WP would/MD protect/VB me./PRP A/DT mile/NN out/IN my/PRP$ horse/NN failed/VBD me/PRP and/CC I/PRP was/VBD overtaken.""Did/VBN you/PRP kill/VB that/DT man/NN at/IN Benicia?""I/NNP did/VBD not./RB I/PRP intended/VBD to,/TO but/CC one/CD of/IN my/PRP$ relatives/NNS relieved/VBD me/PRP of/IN the/DT task./NN I/PRP was/VBD still/RB too/RB ill/JJ to/TO sit/VB a/DT horse./NN But/CC my/PRP$ cousin/NN rode/VBD my/PRP$ horse--his/POS own/JJ is/VBZ still/RB too/RB green/JJ to/TO rope/NN well/RB from--and/CC the/DT good/JJ deed/NN was/VBD done./, I/PRP am/VBP sorry/JJ to/TO have/VB been/VBN too/RB ill/RB at/IN the/DT time/NN to/TO do/VB this/DT thing/NN myself/PRP but--well,/, it/PRP was/VBD a/DT family/NN matter.""I/NN see./. And/CC these/DT men--all/JJ armed--got/NN between/IN you/PRP and/CC home?"/RB Romauldo/NNP nodded./VBD "If/IN you/PRP should/MD reach/VB your/PRP$ home/NN safely,/NN can/MD you/PRP protect/VB yourself/PRP there?""I/. will/MD have/VB fifty/CD men/NNS at/IN my/PRP$ back.""Come/NN with/IN me."D'Arcy/NN led/VBD the/DT boy/NN to/TO his/PRP$ camp/NN and/CC saddled/VBN Pathfinder./NNP "Here/NNP is/VBZ a/DT horse/NN that/WDT may/MD not/RB be/VB overtaken./JJ Mount/NNP and/CC ride/VB him/PRP home./, I/PRP will/MD keep/VB your/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC some/DT day/NN I/PRP will/MD call/VB at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP for/IN this/DT animal.""I/NN will/MD treat/VB him/PRP well,/RB sir./VBD I/PRP thank/VB you./PRP My/PRP$ father/NN will/MD thank/VB you./NNP My/PRP$ sister/NN will/MD thank/VB you./PRP Twice/RB I/PRP owe/VBP you/PRP my/PRP$ life."/NN He/PRP vaulted/VBD lightly/RB into/IN the/DT saddle/NN and/CC jogged/VBD carelessly/RB away./RB At/IN a/DT little/JJ distance/NN he/PRP halted,/VBD faced/VBN about/IN and/CC kissed/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN airily/RB to/TO his/PRP$ late/JJ captors,/NN who/WP still/RB stood/VBD immobile/NN under/IN the/DT menace/NN of/IN Public/NNP Opinion./NNP "Adios,"/NNP he/PRP called./VBD Half/NN an/DT hour/NN later/RB Public/NNP Opinion/NNP put/VBD up/RP its/PRP$ guns/NNS and/CC strolled/VBD back/RB to/TO camp./DT Bejabers/NNP squatted/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ heels/NNS and/CC stared/VBD meditatively/RB at/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP enthroned/VBD opposite/JJ on/IN a/DT crate/NN of/IN bacon./NN "Well,"/NN he/PRP announced/VBD presently,/NN "I/NNS reckon/VBP you/PRP got/VBD your/PRP$ head/NN about/IN you,/JJ Dermod./NNP Lendin'/NNP the/DT young/JJ feller/NN your/PRP$ horse/NN is/VBZ just/RB about/IN the/DT best/JJS excuse/NN I/PRP know/VBP of/IN for/IN callin'/NN on/IN the/DT Se$orita/NNP Guerrero./NNP As/IN a/DT gringo,/NN it's/VBD up/RP to/TO you/PRP to/TO make/VB yourself/PRP mighty/RB acceptable/JJ when/WRB you/PRP call.""He/VBP didn't/RB kill/VB that/DT man,/NN Bejabers./NNP He/PRP told/VBD me/PRP so./DT He/PRP was/VBD frank/JJ about/IN the/DT matter/NN and/CC I/PRP believe/VBP him.""Who/PRP cares?/VB All/DT I'm/NNP interested/JJ in/IN is/VBZ law/NN and/CC order./NN Besides,/IN the/DT evidence/NN didn't/RB support/VB the/DT verdict/NN anyhow./DT 'Tain't/JJ fair/JJ to/TO hang/VB a/DT man/NN on/IN circumstantial/JJ evidence./NN However,"/IN he/PRP added/VBD humorously/RB as/IN he/PRP watched/VBD the/DT five/CD disappointed/JJ horsemen/NNS ride/VB off/RB toward/IN the/DT fort,/NN "we/PRP could/MD have/VB done/VBN without/IN them/PRP five/CD additional/JJ enemies!/NNS But/CC then,/JJ as/IN the/DT feller/NN says,/VBZ the/DT path/NN o'/IN true/JJ love/NN never/RB did/VBD run/VB smooth!"/JJR THE/DT dry/JJ midsummer/JJ heat/NN of/IN interior/JJ California/NNP lay/VBD oppressively/RB upon/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC furnished/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP with/IN an/DT excuse/NN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB need/VB for/IN refraining/NN from/IN even/RB the/DT slightest/JJS form/NN of/IN physical/JJ endeavor./NN He/PRP lay/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ ease/NN in/IN a/DT crude/NN hammock,/NN fashioned/VBN from/IN a/DT bullock's/NN hide/NN and/CC slung/NN between/IN two/CD of/IN the/DT rough/JJ uprights/NNS that/WDT helped/VBD to/TO support/VB the/DT long/JJ veranda/NN of/IN his/PRP$ hacienda./NN Close/RB to/TO the/DT veranda/NN an/DT ancient/JJ bay-tree/NN cast/VBD a/DT grateful/JJ shade/NN upon/IN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP and/CC with/IN its/PRP$ pungent,/JJ pleasant/JJ aroma,/NNS aided/VBN by/IN be/VB drone/VBN of/IN insects/NNS and/CC the/DT sharp/JJ buzz/NN of/IN a/DT hummingbird's/NN wing,/NN sought/VBD to/TO lull/VB him/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ siesta./NN Close/NN at/IN hand/NN stood/VBD a/DT tall/JJ home-made/JJ commode,/NN upon/IN which/WDT reposed/VBD a/DT bottle/NN of/IN white/JJ wine,/NNS a/DT glass,/NN a/DT plate/NN of/IN black/JJ figs/NNS and/CC a/DT packet/NN of/IN Mexican/JJ cigarettes;/NN at/IN a/DT 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serving/VBG instead./VBN A/DT climbing/VBG white/JJ rose/VBD embraced/VBN the/DT uprights/NNS of/IN the/DT veranda/NN along/IN the/DT entire/JJ front/NN of/IN the/DT house/NN and/CC spread/VBD out/RB over/IN the/DT low/JJ roof,/NN upon/IN which/WDT a/DT considerable/JJ quantity/NN of/IN red/JJ chilli/NNS peppers/NNS gleamed/VBD in/IN the/DT sunlight./NN Over/IN the/DT broad/JJ main/JJ portal/NN an/DT old/JJ ship's/NN lantern/NN hung;/VBD wooden/JJ benches/NNS were/VBD set/VBN against/IN the/DT wall/NN for/IN the/DT full/JJ length/NN of/IN the/DT veranda,/NN which,/, like/IN the/DT house,/NN was/VBD floored/VBN with/IN boards/NNS whipsawed/VBN from/IN the/DT native/JJ fir/NN timber./NN In/IN the/DT dust/NN under/IN the/DT oak-trees/NNS about/IN a/DT dozen/NN chickens/NNS of/IN the/DT game/NN variety/NN fought/VBN each/DT other/JJ without/IN much/JJ enthusiasm/NN or/CC sought/VBN grasshoppers,/NN while/IN two/CD dogs/NNS of/IN indeterminate/JJ ancestry/NN lay/VBD on/IN the/DT veranda/NN 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worries/NNS over/IN his/PRP$ economic/JJ situation/NN were/VBD as/IN nothing/NN compared/VBN with/IN those/DT anent/JJ his/PRP$ children./NN At/IN eighteen,/CD his/PRP$ daughter/NN was/VBD unmarried,/JJ yet/CC she/PRP was/VBD singularly/RB unappalled/JJ at/IN the/DT prospect/NN of/IN being/VBG accounted/VBD an/DT old/JJ maid/NN at/IN twenty-one./DT He/PRP had/VBD arranged/VBN for/IN her/PRP a/DT wholly/RB desirable/JJ alliance,/NNS and/CC she/PRP had/VBD flatly/RB refused/VBN it/PRP and/CC flouted/VBD his/PRP$ authority/NN in/IN the/DT matter./NN The/DT result/NN was/VBD a/DT social/JJ impasse--and/NN for/IN this/DT reason:/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD of/IN pure/JJ Castilian/NNP blood./, All/DT of/IN his/PRP$ people/NNS had/VBD been/VBN soldiers/NNS or/CC civil/JJ servants,/NN and/CC in/IN an/DT age/NN when/WRB the/DT servants/NNS of/IN the/DT state/NN were/VBD bound/VBN by/IN a/DT tradition/NN that/WDT forbade/VBD degrading/VBG manual/JJ labor/NN it/PRP was/VBD but/CC natural/JJ that/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP should/MD never/RB have/VB performed/VBN any/DT feat/NN more/RBR arduous/JJ than/IN playing/VBG a/DT guitar,/NN gaffing/VBG a/DT game-cock,/NN riding/VBG a/DT wild/JJ horse,/NN lassoing/VBG a/DT wild/JJ steer/NN or/CC a/DT grizzly/JJ bear/NN and/CC playing/VBG a/DT customarily/RB disastrous/JJ game/NN of/IN Mexican/NNP monte./, The/DT motto/NN of/IN his/PRP$ time/NN and/CC race/NN suited/VBN him/PRP in/IN all/DT respects./NN Dolce/NNP far/RB niente!/RB Sweet/NNP doing/VBG nothing!/RB Yet/RB he/PRP had/VBD to/TO do/VB something-/RB at/IN least/JJS for/IN his/PRP$ daughter./NN Here/RB in/IN Alta/NNP California/NNP there/EX was/VBD no/DT eligible/JJ young/JJ man/NN she/PRP might/MD marry-/VB that/DT is,/NN among/IN the/DT families/NNS with/IN which/WDT a/DT Guerrero/NNP might/MD ally/VB herself./PRP Already/RB these/DT social/JJ limitations/NNS had/VBD resulted/VBN in/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNS finding/VBG themselves/PRP related/VBN to/TO all/DT of/IN the/DT first/JJ families/NNS in/IN California--and/NNP there/EX was/VBD a/DT point,/NN in/IN the/DT following/NN of/IN this/DT tradition,/NN beyond/IN which/WDT one/PRP might/MD not/RB go!/VB On/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD resolved/VBN that/IN his/PRP$ daughter/NN should/MD not/RB marry/VB into/IN a/DT family/NN which,/IN no/DT matter/NN how/WRB wealthy/JJ or/CC socially/RB prominent,/JJ wasknown/NN to/TO carry/VB a/DT strain/NN of/IN Indian/NNP blood./. And/CC few/JJ of/IN the/DT Californians,/NNP he/PRP realized,/VBD were/VBD wholly/RB free/JJ from/IN that/DT taint./NN True,/NNP in/IN a/DT moment/NN of/IN youthful/JJ passion/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD married/VBN unwisely,/JJ but/CC fortunately/RB the/DT death/NN of/IN the/DT lady/NN a/DT few/JJ years/NNS later/RB had/VBD enabled/VBN him/PRP to/TO recover/VB his/PRP$ pride/NN by/IN consummating/VBG a/DT second/JJ marriage/NN in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ select/JJ circle./NN Indeed,/IN it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN this/DT early/JJ and/CC bitter/JJ experience/NN that/WDT had/VBD indicated/VBN to/TO him/PRP the/DT necessity/NN for/IN his/PRP$ daughter's/NNS making/VBG a/DT suitable/JJ marriage;/NN and/CC because/IN of/IN her/PRP$ refusal/NN to/TO conform/VB to/TO his/PRP$ desires,/NN he/PRP was/VBD now/RB a/DT prey/NN to/TO many/JJ conflicting/NN emotions./NN For/IN his/PRP$ son/NN Romauldo,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD no/DT such/JJ brave/JJ aspirations./NN Romauldo/NNP was/VBD at/IN least/JJS an/DT eighth/JJ Indian--perhaps/NNP a/DT quarter,/NN if/IN the/DT truth/NN were/VBD but/CC known./VBD Therefore,/RB the/DT traditions/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ father's/NNS class/NN effectually/RB barred/VBN Romauldo/NNP from/IN that/DT class,/NN even/RB had/VBD the/DT young/JJ man/NN the/DT slightest/JJS inclination/NN to/TO enter/VB it,/DT which--whether/NN fortunately/RB or/CC unfortunately--he/RB had/VBD not./NN For/IN Romauldo/NNP was/VBD a/DT throwback/NN to/TO his/PRP$ mother's/NNS primitive/JJ ancestors./. Although/IN handsome/JJ and/CC the/DT darling/NN of/IN the/DT ladies/NNS of/IN what/WP might/MD be/VB termed/VBN the/DT middle/NN and/CC lower/JJR classes,/NN he/PRP was/VBD a/DT born/VBN wastrel./'' This/DT did/VBD not/RB cause/VB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP to/TO love/VB him/PRP the/DT less./JJR Whatever/WDT the/DT boy/NN might/MD be,/VB nevertheless/RB he/PRP was/VBD his/PRP$ father's/NN son;/NN while/IN Romauldo/NNP maintained,/, outwardly,/IN the/DT semblance/NN of/IN gentlemanly/JJ conduct,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD not/RB inclined/VBN to/TO care/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN what/WP the/DT boy/NN did/VBD privately,/RB provided/VBN the/DT results/NNS did/VBD not/RB prove/VB too/RB annoying/JJ or/CC expensive./VBZ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD been/VBN young/JJ himself/PRP and/CC at/IN no/DT period/NN of/IN his/PRP$ youth/NN had/VBD anybody/NN been/VBN so/RB optimistic/JJ as/IN to/TO suggest/VB that/IN he/PRP might/MD adorn/VB the/DT habit/NN of/IN a/DT Franciscan/NNP friar!/NN However,/RB there/EX had/VBD always/RB been/VBN a/DT limit/NN to/TO his/PRP$ deviltry;/NN while/IN he/PRP wore/VBD a/DT long/JJ knife/NN down/IN the/DT leg/NN of/IN hisbota,/NN or/CC leathern/NN legging,/NN he/PRP had/VBD never/RB carved/VBN a/DT human/JJ being/NN with/IN it;/IN he/PRP had/VBD always/RB been/VBN honorable/JJ in/IN financial/JJ matters;/NN even/RB in/IN the/DT heat/NN of/IN anger,/NN he/PRP had/VBD never/RB forgotten/VBN to/TO be/VB polite,/NNS and/CC no/DT man/NN had/VBD ever/RB left/VBN his/PRP$ roof/NN and/CC cursed/VBD it./PRP "Satan/NNP afflicts/VBZ me,"/VBN the/DT don/VBP murmured,/VB half/NN to/TO himself,/PRP as/IN his/PRP$ daughter/NN Josepha/NNP emerged/VBD from/IN the/DT house,/NN sewing/VBG basket/NN in/IN hand,/NN seated/VBN herself/PRP on/IN a/DT bench/NN hard/JJ by/IN and/CC commenced/VBD to/TO crochet/VB a/DT strip/NN of/IN lace./NN "I/NNS have/VBP a/DT fellow/JJ feeling/NN for/IN Satan,/NNP my/PRP$ father,"/NN the/DT girl/NN declared./VBD "The/DT poor/JJ red/JJ one/NN must/MD do/VB something/NN to/TO pass/VB the/DT weary/JJ days;/NN hence/RB he/PRP afflicts/VBZ people,/NNS that/IN he/PRP may/MD laugh/VB at/IN their/PRP$ misery/NN and/CC thus/RB amuse/VBP himself."Don/PRP Jane/NNP saw/VBD himself/PRP drifting/VBG into/IN a/DT confidence/NN he/PRP was/VBD not/RB willing/JJ to/TO grant./VB He/PRP spoke,/VBD lazily/RB and/CC comfortably:/RB "There/RB is/VBZ a/DT thunder-head/NN among/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills/NNS yonder./, I/PRP think/VBP it/PRP will/MD rain/VB there./, I/PRP hope/VBP so./NN It/PRP will/MD wet/VB the/DT gringos./VBG May/NNP the/DT devil/NN skin/NN them/PRP all,/VBP to/TO make/VB nightcaps/NNS for/IN their/PRP$ mothers!""With/NN the/DT exception,/NN my/PRP$ father,/NN of/IN one/CD to/TO whom/WP this/DT house/NN owes/VBZ much.""Ah,/JJ that/IN young/JJ man/NN D'Arcy./NNP Yes,/IN a/DT very/RB agreeable/JJ fellow,/NN I/PRP must/MD admit./RP In/IN fact,/NN a/DT gentleman./NN It/PRP is/VBZ unfortunate/JJ that/IN I/PRP may/MD never/RB have/VB an/DT opportunity/NN of/IN expressing/VBG my/PRP$ debt/NN of/IN gratitude/NN to/TO him/PRP for/IN saving/VBG Romauldo/NNP from/IN drowning.""You/VBG will,/IN one/CD day,/NN have/VBP such/JJ an/DT opportunity."Don/NN Jos$/NNP sat/VBD up/RP in/IN the/DT hammock./NN "You/PRP think/VBP he/PRP will/MD visit/VB us?"/RB The/DT girl/NN nodded./VBD "But/IN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB asked/VBN him.""I/PRP have."A/VBP little/JJ frown/IN darkened/VBN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP sun-baked/JJ countenance./NN Under/IN the/DT stimulus/NN of/IN some/DT secret/JJ emotion/NN he/PRP poured/VBD himself/PRP a/DT glass/NN of/IN wine/NN and/CC sipped/VBD it/PRP moodily./MD Then,/RB "I/RB have/VBP a/DT suspicion/NN this/DT gringo/NN has/VBZ turned/VBN yourhead,/PRP$ my/PRP$ daughter,/NN even/RB though/IN you/PRP have/VBP met/VBN him/PRP but/CC casually./VBD Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP informed/VBD me--""A/NN plague/NN upon/IN that/DT sniveling/VBG infant!/NN Please,/RB my/PRP$ father,/NN let/VB us/PRP not/RB speak/VB of/IN Tomas/NNP again,/IN I/PRP entreat/VBP you."'"A/DT father/NN may/MD not/RB avoid/VB a/DT discussion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ daughter's/NNS future,"/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP declared,/, thus/RB reminding/VBG her/PRP$ of/IN his/PRP$ inherent/JJ rights/NNS as/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN his/PRP$ clan./NN "I/NNS have/VBP high/JJ hopes/NNS that/IN in/IN a/DT little/JJ while,/NN when/WRB this/DT mood/NN of/IN rebellion/NN has/VBZ passed,/VBN you/PRP will/MD listen/VB to/TO reason/NN and--""It/CC is/VBZ my/PRP$ hope/NN that/IN when/WRB I/PRP marry/VBP I/PRP shall/MD marry/VB an/DT American,"/NNP the/DT girl/NN interrupted/VBD with/IN quiet/JJ vehemence./JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD scandalized./VBN "What!/JJ You/PRP prefer/VBP one/CD of/IN these/DT gross/JJ fellows/NNS to/TO a/DT man/NN of/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ people?""I/NNS prefer/VBP for/IN a/DT husband/NN a/DT man/NN who/WP will/MD do/VB things,/NN and/CC no/DT Californian/JJ does/VBZ anything/NN save/VB drink,/NN gamble,/NN race/NN horses,/NN and/CC fight/NN chickens./NNS They/PRP are/VBP lazy;/JJ while/IN they/PRP have/VBP a/DT real/JJ in/IN their/PRP$ pockets/NNS they/PRP never/RB think/VBP of/IN tomorrow./NN Their/PRP$ all/PDT they/PRP spend/VBP upon/IN trappings/NNS for/IN themselves/PRP and/CC their/PRP$ horses;/NN they/PRP are/VBP incapable/JJ of/IN emerging/VBG from/IN the/DT dusk/NN of/IN the/DT ages/NNS in/IN which/WDT we/PRP dwell./VBP They/PRP are/VBP lazy,/JJ jealous,/NN indifferent/JJ to/TO the/DT commonest/JJ requirements/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ wives/NNS and/CC children./NN Once/RB they/PRP are/VBP married"--she/JJ snapped/VBD her/PRP$ little/JJ fingers--"they/NN give/VBP orders./NNP "Do/NN you/PRP not/RB recall/VB that/IN just/RB before/IN the/DT Conquest/NNP my/PRP$ third/JJ cousin/NN Benito/NNP Sandoval/NNP beat/VBD his/PRP$ bride/NN because/IN she/PRP visited/VBD her/PRP mother,/NN whom/WP he/PRP did/VBD not/RB like?/VB For/IN this/DT she/PRP left/VBD him./PRP Immediately/RB he/PRP besought/VBD the/DT alcalde/NN for/IN a/DT writ/NN compelling/VBG his/PRP$ wife/NN to/TO return/VB to/TO him,/VB to/TO be/VB beaten/VBN again,/IN if/IN need/NN be;/NN and/CC that/DT fool/NN of/IN an/DT alcalde/NN at/IN San/NNP Jos$/NNP issued/VBD the/DT order/NN that/IN the/DT poor/JJ girl/NN should/MD live/VB with/IN Benito,/NNP as/IN God/NNP commanded./, "What/WP do/VBP stupid/JJ alcaldes/NNS know/VBP of/IN what/WP God/NNP has/VBZ commanded?/VBN We/PRP women/NNS have/VBP no/DT liberty/NN when/WRB we/PRP marry/VBP among/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ people./, Daily/RB we/PRP grow/VBP poorer;worries/NNS come,/, but/CC not/RB to/TO the/DT young/JJ men/NNS in/IN California./NNP If/IN they/PRP have/VBP a/DT place/NN to/TO sleep,/VB if/IN they/PRP have/VBP frijoles/NNS and/CC beef/NN and/CC tortillas,/NN if/IN they/PRP have/VBP a/DT horse/NN to/TO ride/VB upon/IN and/CC a/DT real/JJ to/TO spend/VB for/IN aguardiente,/NN they/PRP are/VBP content./VBG Bah,/IN I/PRP despise/VBP them!/PRP How/WRB selfish/JJ they/PRP are!""That/DT is/VBZ a/DT severe/JJ indictment,/NN my/PRP$ daughter./NN Do/VBP you/PRP think/VB a/DT gringo/NN will/MD do/VB more/JJR for/IN you?""He/PRP will/MD work./$ He/PRP will/MD use/VB his/PRP$ head./NN He/PRP will/MD prosper/VB and/CC support/VB his/PRP$ wife/NN and/CC be/VB tender/NN of/IN his/PRP$ children,/NN seeing/VBG that/IN they/PRP are/VBP fed/VBN and/CC housed,/NN dressed/VBN and/CC educated./VBN He/PRP will/MD plant/VB flowers/NNS around/IN his/PRP$ home/NN and/CC make/VB of/IN it/PRP a/DT place/NN pleasant/JJ to/TO look/VB upon./RP The/DT American/NNP is/VBZ clean/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ person,/NN he/PRP is/VBZ gay/JJ and/CC scorns/NNS to/TO take/VB offense/NN at/IN trifles,/JJ although/IN when/WRB he/PRP fights/VBZ he/PRP is/VBZ worth/JJ six/CD of/IN our/PRP$ young/JJ men./NN All/DT of/IN the/DT California/NNP girls/NNS I/PRP know/VBP who/WP have/VBP married/VBN Americans/NNPS are/VBP happy.""Bah!/IN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB believe/VB it./PRP Would/MD you/PRP wed/VBN a/DT man/NN not/RB of/IN the/DT faith?"Josepha/NN sighed./VBD "I/JJ would,/, provided/VBD I/PRP loved/VBD him.""Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil,/NN what/WP talk/NN is/VBZ this/DT of/IN love?/NN I/PRP know/VBP what/WP is/VBZ well/RB for/IN you,/JJ child./NN Now,/RB harken/JJ to/TO me,/VB Josepha./NNP If/IN this/DT D'Arcy/NNP comes,/, he/PRP is/VBZ welcome,/JJ but--"His/NN abrupt/JJ silence/NN indicated/VBD that/IN there/EX were/VBD certain/JJ customs/NNS and/CC precedents/NNS to/TO be/VB observed/VBN by/IN D'Arcy,/NNP if/IN and/CC when/WRB he/PRP should/MD present/VB himself,/PRP and/CC that/IN a/DT failure/NN to/TO observe/VB them/PRP would/MD make/VB it/PRP incumbent/JJ upon/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP to/TO indicate/VB to/TO him,/PRP politely,/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD offending;/RB hence/RB that/IN he/PRP had/VBD best/RB be/VB off./NNP "Since/IN when/WRB have/VBP you/PRP achieved/VBN such/PDT an/DT admiration/NN for/IN the/DT gringos?"/NN he/PRP resumed/VBD witheringly./, "Once/IN you/PRP disliked/VBD them,/, but/CC since/IN meeting/NN this/DT young/JJ man/NN D'Arcy,/IN you/PRP have/VBP changed,/VBN it/PRP seems.""I/RB dislike/VB most/RBS of/IN the/DT Americans/NNPS I/PRP have/VBP met./NN They/PRP are/VBP not/RB well-bred./JJ But/CC when/WRB they/PRP are/VBP well-bred--ah,/JJ that/DT is/VBZ different.""This/VBG is/VBZ rebellion,"/VBG Don/NNP Jos$/NNP murmured/VBD weakly./PRP Each/DT successive/JJ wordy/JJ battle/NN with/IN his/PRP$ daughter/NN had/VBD served/VBN to/TO render/VB him/PRP easier/JJR to/TO defeat/VB and/CC he/PRP was/VBD defeated/VBN now./DT He/PRP lighted/VBD a/DT cigarette,/NN picked/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ stiff-brimmed/JJ red/JJ vicugna-wool/NN hat/NN from/IN the/DT ground/NN and/CC eyed/VBD it/PRP gloomily./VBD "The/DT fact/NN is,/VBZ Pepita,/NNS you/PRP are/VBP unhappy./JJ It/PRP is/VBZ lonely/JJ here,/, I/PRP know./VBD You/PRP have/VBP little/JJ society/NN of/IN the/DT kind/NN you/PRP deserve./VBD But/CC if/IN you/PRP will/MD not/RB marry/VB Tomas,/NNP what/WP would/MD you?/VB Your/PRP$ father's/NN house/NN is/VBZ your/PRP$ father's/NN house;/NN it/PRP is/VBZ all/DT he/PRP has/VBZ to/TO offer/VB you.""I/PRP am/VBP content.""No,/JJ Pepita,/NNP thou/IN art/NN not,/RB my/PRP$ little/JJ one./NNP Your/PRP$ mother/NN was/VBD not/RB content/JJ and/CC I/PRP think,/VBP perhaps,/RB her/PRP discontent/NN killed/VBD her./PRP It/PRP is/VBZ the/DT English/NNP blood./NN A/DT restless/JJ blood,/NN that./, I/PRP do/VBP not/RB understand/VB it.""I/PRP would/MD rather/RB discontent/VB and/CC loneliness/RBR than/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa.""As/NNP thou/VBD wilt,/IN child./NN As/IN for/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP him/PRP you/PRP will/MD not/RB see/VB again/RB I/PRP think./VBP He/PRP is/VBZ busy/JJ with/IN thoughts/NNS of/IN gold,/NN and/CC when/WRB he/PRP has/VBZ found/VBN gold/NN he/PRP will/MD return/VB and/CC marry/VB a/DT girl/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ people./, I/PRP know."Her/VBP feminine/JJ wisdom/NN told/VBD Josepha/NNP her/PRP$ father/NN really/RB knew/VBD nothing/NN of/IN any/DT importance./NN Nor/CC did/VBD any/DT other/JJ California/NNP gentleman/NN of/IN her/PRP$ acquaintance./NN However,/RB content/JJ with/IN her/PRP$ victory,/NN and/CC realizing/VBG instinctively/RB that/IN she/PRP had/VBD won/VBN her/PRP point,/NN she/PRP forbore/VBD further/RB remark./VBG Don/NNP Jos$/NNP too/RB appeared/VBD willing/JJ to/TO direct/VB the/DT conversation/NN into/IN new/JJ channels./NN So/IN he/PRP said:"This/VBZ wine/NN is/VBZ very/RB poor.""Why/JJ not?/NN It/PRP is/VBZ gringo/VBG wine,/NN from/IN Boston./NNP An/DT American,/NNP resident/NN in/IN California,/NNP would/MD not/RB drink/VB it./DT He/PRP would/MD plant/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ vines/NNS and/CC make/VB for/IN himself/PRP a/DT much/JJ superior/JJ wine."Don/NN Jos$/NNP sighed./VBD "A/DT vineyard/NN is/VBZ a/DT devil/NN of/IN a/DT nuisance.""We/JJ have/VBP cows,/NNS but/CC milk,/NN butter,/NN and/CC cheese/NN we/PRP know/VBP not./RP In/IN the/DT mission/NN gardens/NNS the/DT padres/NNS raised/VBD a/DT vast/JJ variety/NN of/IN luscious/JJ fruits,/NN but/CC few/JJ rancheros/NNS have/VBP bothered/VBN to/TO follow/VB that/IN example./NN To/TO have/VB an/DT orchard,/NN to/TO raise/VB some/DT vegetables,/NN other/JJ than/IN beans,/NN chillies,/NNS and/CC cabbage,/NN is/VBZ always/RB a/DT devil/NN of/IN a/DT nuisance./NN Ah,/IN how/WRB weary/JJ I/PRP grow/VBP of/IN the/DT same/JJ food,/NN year/NN in/IN and/CC year/NN out!""It/NN is/VBZ sound,/JJ nourishing/NN food,"/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP protested./VBD He/PRP was/VBD amazed./VBN His/PRP$ own/JJ appetite/NN was/VBD always/RB good,/JJ and/CC since/IN he/PRP had/VBD never/RB known/VBN food/NN other/JJ than/IN fr$joles/NNS con/RB refritos--beans/NNS boiled/VBN and/CC later/RB fried/VBN in/IN lard--beef,/JJ coffee,/NN tortillas/NNS and/CC a/DT few/JJ plain/JJ vegetables,/NN he/PRP had/VBD no/DT desire/NN for/IN it./PRP A/DT gay/JJ serape,/NN or/CC an/DT embroidered/JJ velvet/NN cloak,/NN and/CC silver/NN trappings/NNS for/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN were/VBD far/RB more/JJR to/TO be/VB desired./VBN He/PRP looked/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ daughter/NN sadly./. "Your/'' father's/NN house/NN is/VBZ all/DT your/PRP$ father/NN has/VBZ to/TO offer/VB you,/JJ little/JJ one,"/NNS he/PRP reiterated./VBD "If/IN you/PRP are/VBP unhappy--well,/JJ is/VBZ it/PRP not/RB your/PRP$ own/JJ desire?/NN Marry/NNP Tomas--""Tomas/NNP is/VBZ the/DT sort/NN of/IN man/NN who/WP would/MD have/VB me,/RB whether/IN I/PRP loved/VBD him/PRP or/CC not--so/RB enough/RB of/IN that/DT monkey./NN Here/RB comes/VBZ Romauldo."It/NNP was/VBD characteristic/JJ of/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP that/IN he/PRP should/MD look/VB first/RB at/IN the/DT horse/NN his/PRP$ son/NN bestrode./. "Ha!/. Where/WRB did/VBD you/PRP get/VB that/DT horse,/NN my/PRP$ son?/NN By/IN our/PRP$ Lady/NNP of/IN Guadalupe,/NNP it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT horse/NN of/IN the/DT gringo/NN D'Arcy."/NNP The/DT don/IN leaped/VBD up/RB and/CC ran/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ son./NN "If/IN you/PRP have/VBP bought/VBN this/DT horse,/NN Romauldo,/NNP our/PRP$ fortune/NN is/VBZ made.""I/VBN did/VBD not/RB buy/VB him,"/PRP Romauldo/NNP replied/VBD sullenly./. "Then,/VBN vagabond,/NN it/PRP must/MD be/VB that/IN you/PRP have/VBP stolen/VBN him,/RP since/IN D'Arcy/NNP would/MD never/RB permit/VB you/PRP to/TO ride/VB him/PRP otherwise./RP Explain!"/NNP Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP voice/NN was/VBD raised/VBN to/TO a/DT note/NN his/PRP$ son/NN had/VBD never/RB heard/VBN before;/IN the/DT proud,/NN fine/JJ head/NN was/VBD lifted/VBN and/CC a/DT fierce/JJ glance/NN swept/VBD the/DT boy./NN "Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil,/NN thou/IN hast/JJ been/VBN fighting./VBG If/IN thou/DT hast/JJ disgraced/JJ thy/JJ blood--""The/NN gringo/NN lent/VBD me/PRP this/DT horse/NN because/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ was/VBD weary/JJ and/CC I/PRP had/VBD need/NN of/IN a/DT fresh,/JJ fleet/NN mount./NN But/CC you/PRP are/VBP in/IN error,/NN my/PRP$ father./NN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN fighting./, I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN assaulted/VBN by/IN five/CD gringos.""Ah,/NNS poor/JJ boy!"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP tenderly/RB aided/VBD his/PRP$ son/NN to/TO dismount/VB and/CC embraced/VBD him./PRP "You/PRP have/VBP a/DT blue/JJ eye,/NN my/PRP$ son,/NN and/CC there/EX is/VBZ blood/NN on/IN your/PRP$ face.""I/NNS have/VBP been/VBN beaten,/VBN my/PRP$ father.""There/NN will/MD be/VB an/DT accounting."With/NN characteristic/JJ disregard/NN of/IN his/PRP$ mount's/NN comfort,/NN Romauldo/NNP dropped/VBD the/DT bridle-reins/NNS over/IN Pathfinder's/NNP head/NN and/CC left/VBD the/DT animal/NN to/TO drowse/VB in/IN the/DT sun/NN beside/IN his/PRP$ father's/NNS blue/JJ roan./NN Leaning/VBG on/IN his/PRP$ father's/NN arm,/IN he/PRP limped/VBD into/IN the/DT house/NN and/CC called/VBD for/IN warm/JJ water/NN and/CC towels./DT His/PRP$ sister/NN followed:"What/NN has/VBZ happened,/VBN Romauldo?/NNP Tell/VB me.""What/WP happened,"/VBD her/PRP$ brother/NN replied/VBD haughtily,/JJ "is/NN not/RB a/DT matter/NN for/IN discussion/NN with/IN women./NN However,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ enough/RB that/IN you/PRP should/MD know/VB that/IN while/IN I,/PRP with/IN our/PRP$ men,/NNS gathered/VBD cattle/NNS at/IN the/DT south/NN of/IN the/DT rancho/NN yesterday,/NN five/CD gringos,/NNS well/RB mounted,/, cut/VB me/PRP off/RP from/IN my/PRP$ companions./NN I/PRP saw/VBD they/PRP meant/VBD mischief/NN and/CC that/IN it/PRP would/MD be/VB useless/JJ to/TO argue/VB with/IN them,/PRP wherefore/IN I/PRP fled./VBD "The/DT river/NN was/VBD on/IN my/PRP$ right,/NN and/CC while/IN two/CD rode/VBD behind/IN me,/NNS firing/VBG their/PRP$ pistols,/NN three/CD rode/VBD out/RB on/IN the/DT left/NN flank;/NN thus/RB I/PRP had/VBD no/DT alternative/NN but/CC to/TO gallop/VB straight/RB ahead./RB I/PRP gave/VBD them/PRP a/DT noble/JJ chase./NN My/PRP$ sole/JJ hope/NN of/IN escape/NN lay/VBD in/IN reaching/VBG Sutter's/NNP Fort,/NNP for/IN there/RB I/PRP knew/VBD I/PRP would/MD find/VB other/JJ gringos;/NNS and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT habit/NN of/IN these/DT people/NNS to/TO be/VB orderly/JJ in/IN all/DT matters/NNS and/CC to/TO make/VB strict/JJ inquiry/NN before/IN permitting/VBG one/NN to/TO be/VB killed/VBN in/IN cold/JJ blood./NN "A/IN little/JJ distance/NN from/IN the/DT fort/NN my/PRP$ horse/NN stumbled,/NN whereupon/IN the/DT fall/NN and/CC the/DT fatigue/NN of/IN the/DT chase/NN enabled/VBD these/DT thrice-accursed/JJ gringos/NNS to/TO capture/VB me./PRP Forthwiththey/IN beat/NN me./, I/PRP fought/VBD back,/RB but/CC I/PRP was/VBD overpowered./VBN They/PRP then/RB bound/VBD my/PRP$ hands/NNS behind/IN me,/PRP set/VBD me/PRP on/IN my/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC rode/VBD to/TO the/DT nearest/JJS grove/NN of/IN oaks,/JJ it/PRP being/VBG their/PRP$ intention/NN to/TO hang/VB me/PRP from/IN a/DT stout/NN limb.""In/IN this/DT extremity/NN I/PRP trust/VBP you/PRP comported/VBD yourself/PRP with/IN the/DT dignity/NN and/CC reserve/NN of/IN a/DT Guerrero,"/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP suggested/VBD grimly./RBR "I/JJ cursed/VBD them/PRP and/CC defied/VBD them,/, although/IN I/PRP knew/VBD I/PRP was/VBD doomed./VBN Fortunately,/NNP in/IN that/DT grove/NN of/IN oak-trees/NNS was/VBD encamped/VBN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party./NN Immediately/RB this/DT charming/JJ fellow/NN made/VBN inquiry/NN and,/IN being/VBG satisfied/VBN that/IN justice/NN was/VBD not/RB being/VBG done/VBN me,/, he/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ men,/NN with/IN drawn/JJ pistols,/NN denied/VBD me/PRP to/TO my/PRP$ captors./NN Then/RB Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP seeing/VBG the/DT pitiable/JJ condition/NN of/IN my/PRP$ horse,/NN lent/VBD me/PRP his/PRP$ great/JJ mount/NN Pathfinder/NN and/CC bade/VB me/PRP go/VB home./NN I/PRP departed,/VBP with/IN joy/NN in/IN my/PRP$ heart,/NN well/RB knowing/VBG that/IN with/IN Pathfinder/NNP between/IN my/PRP$ knees/NNS I/PRP could/MD laugh/VB at/IN all/DT pursuers./VBG $/$ Well,/IN I/PRP am/VBP here,/RB and/CC I/PRP am/VBP very/RB lame/JJ and/CC bruised./VBN Yes,/NN but/CC for/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP I/PRP would/MD now/RB be/VB dancing/VBG on/IN air.""May/NN the/DT Virgin/NNP Mother/NNP guard/NN him/PRP as/IN he/PRP has/VBZ guarded/VBN my/PRP$ son./NN But/CC tell/VB me,/NNS Romauldo,/NNS of/IN what/WP gross/JJ crime/NN did/VBD you/PRP stand/VB accused/VBN by/IN these/DT five/CD gringos?""They/NN mistook/VBD me/PRP for/IN another,/DT who/WP had/VBD roped/VBN one/CD of/IN their/PRP$ party/NN from/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC dragged/VBD the/DT man/NN to/TO his/PRP$ death.""Hah!/NNS The/DT American/NNP who/WP was/VBD slain/VBN beyond/IN Benicia/NNP the/DT night/NN we/PRP crossed/VBD the/DT ferry./NN I/PRP remember/VBP we/PRP passed/VBD the/DT corpse/NN as/IN we/PRP rode/VBD north."/RB Romauldo/NNP nodded./VBD "You/PRP could/MD not/RB have/VB done/VBN this/DT thing,/NN of/IN course,/NN my/PRP$ son./NN From/IN the/DT moment/NN you/PRP came/VBD ashore/RB at/IN Benicia/NNP you/PRP were/VBD with/IN your/PRP$ sister/NN and/CC me./PRP Why,/NNP then,/, did/VBD these/DT men/NNS suspect/VBP you?"Romauldo/PRP washed/VBD his/PRP$ bruised/JJ features/NNS and/CC did/VBD not/RB answer./DT His/PRP$ shrug,/NN however,/RB was/VBD an/DT eloquent/JJ admis-sion/NN of/IN ignorance./VBG His/PRP$ father/NN questioned/VBD him/PRP no/DT further,/NN but/CC Josepha/NNP gave/VBD him/PRP a/DT curious,/NN hard/JJ glance/NN and/CC left/VBD the/DT room,/NN passing/VBG through/IN to/TO the/DT rear/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda./NN About/IN two/CD hundred/CD yards/NNS from/IN the/DT hacienda/NN a/DT score/NN of/IN small/JJ adobe/NN huts/NNS strung/VBD out/IN in/IN line/NN indicated/VBD the/DT abodes/NNS of/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP peons;/NNS beyond/IN the/DT huts/NNS stood/VBD the/DT large/JJ corral/NN where/WRB a/DT number/NN of/IN horses,/NN saddled,/NN awaited/VBD any/DT use/NN that/WDT might/MD arise./VB "Porfirio,"/IN the/DT girl/NN called./VBN A/DT ragged/JJ fellow,/NN of/IN predominant/JJ Indian/NNP blood,/NN emerged/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ house/NN and/CC ran/VBD toward/IN her./PRP$ "There/EX is/VBZ a/DT horse/NN in/IN front,/NN Porfirio./NNP My/PRP$ brother/NN borrowed/VBD him/PRP from/IN a/DT friend./NN He/PRP is/VBZ a/DT valuable/JJ horse./NN See/VB that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ unsaddled,/JJ groom/IN him/PRP and/CC feed/VB him/PRP well./RB Nor/CC is/VBZ he/PRP to/TO be/VB turned/VBN into/IN the/DT corral/NN with/IN our/PRP$ other/JJ horses./NN They/PRP might/MD kick/VB him/PRP and/CC injure/NN him."Porfirio/NN hurried/VBD around/RB to/TO the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT house/NN and/CC led/VBD Pathfinder/NNP away/RB while/IN Josepha/NNP resumed/VBD her/PRP$ crocheting./NN "Ah,/IN the/DT abandoned/VBN one,"/IN she/PRP murmured,/VBD and/CC her/PRP$ hot/JJ tears/NNS fell/VBD on/IN the/DT lace./NN "He/NN is/VBZ ungrateful./JJ He/PRP thinks/VBZ but/CC of/IN himself/PRP always./. He/PRP would/MD even/RB neglect/VB the/DT horse/NN so/RB beloved/JJ of/IN the/DT man/NN who/WP has/VBZ twice/RB saved/VBN his/PRP$ life./NN Ah,/IN Romauldo,/JJ thou/NNS wicked/JJ one!/JJ There/EX is/VBZ an/DT evil/JJ reckoning/NN coming/VBG to/TO thee."The/DT father/NN emerged/VBD presently/RB and/CC seated/VBN himself/PRP again/RB in/IN the/DT bull's-hide/NN hammock./VBD "The/DT poor/JJ boy/NN is/VBZ in/IN pain./NN He/PRP had/VBD ridden/VBN far/RB and/CC fast/RB and/CC his/PRP$ very/JJ bones/NNS ache./VBD I/PRP have/VBP sent/VBN him/PRP to/TO bed,"/VB he/PRP informed/VBD her./PRP "Ah,/IN these/DT gringos!/NNS They/PRP are/VBP devils.""They/NN are/VBP just/RB men--according/JJ to/TO their/PRP$ ideas/NNS of/IN justice.""What!/JJ You/PRP would/MD defend/VB murderers?/NN Josepha,/IN you/PRP desolate/JJ your/PRP$ old/JJ father.""It/NN is/VBZ true/JJ that/IN Romauldo/NNP did/VBD not/RB rope/NN that/IN gringoand/NNP drag/VBP him/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ death./NN That/IN we/PRP know,/VBP my/PRP$ father./NN But/CC what/WP of/IN his/PRP$ cousin/NN Ramon/NNP Ortega,/IN the/DT companion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ rascalities?""What/NN of/IN Ramon?""That/DT first/JJ night/NN we/PRP camped/VBD after/IN leaving/VBG Benicia,/NNP Ramon,/NNP who/WP you/PRP will/MD remember/VB accompanied/VBN us/PRP to/TO San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP joined/VBD us/PRP after/IN dark./VBG He/PRP was/VBD riding/VBG my/PRP$ brother's/NNS horse/NN and/CC the/DT animal/NN was/VBD wet/JJ with/IN sweat.""And/NN why/WRB not?/JJ Romauldo/NNP was/VBD ill./DT He/PRP did/VBD not/RB desire/VB to/TO ride/VB again/RB that/DT day/NN the/DT horse/NN that/WDT had/VBD so/RB nearly/RB drowned/VBD him,/RP so/IN Ramon/NNP mounted/VBD the/DT brute/NN and/CC gave/VBD him/PRP a/DT lesson/NN in/IN deportment./NN Romauldo/NNP rode/VBD a/DT gentler/JJR horse.""I/NN speak/VBP English,/NNP my/PRP$ father./NN Enough/NNP to/TO converse/VB with/IN the/DT gringos./VBG When/WRB we/PRP rode/VBD past/IN the/DT scene/NN of/IN that/DT killing/NN the/DT dead/JJ man's/JJ companions/NNS cried/VBD out/RB to/TO me/PRP that/IN my/PRP$ brother/NN had/VBD done/VBN this/DT thing,/NN and/CC when/WRB I/PRP asked/VBD them/PRP what/WP reason/NN they/PRP had/VBD for/IN that/DT statement/NN they/PRP told/VBD me/PRP they/PRP had/VBD recognized/VBN his/PRP$ horse./NN Yes,/IN the/DT same/JJ horse/NN that/WDT had/VBD leaped/VBN overboard/RB with/IN him/PRP at/IN Semple's/NNP Ferry./NNP "One/NN of/IN these/DT gringos/NNS understands/VBZ Spanish,/NNP it/PRP seems./VBD Well,/NNP at/IN the/DT ferry,/NN when/WRB Romauldo's/NNP accident/NN delayed/VBD the/DT sailing,/NNS the/DT man/NN who/WP was/VBD killed/VBN cried/VBD out/RP to/TO Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP as/IN he/PRP worked/VBD to/TO restore/VB my/PRP$ brother/NN to/TO consciousness,/VB saying:/NNS 'Why/WRB do/VBP you/PRP not/RB throw/VB that/DT greaser/JJR overboard?/IN He/PRP is/VBZ delaying/VBG us.'/IN Thereat/DT Don/NNP Dermod/NNP was/VBD minded/VBN to/TO chastise/VB this/DT man,/NN since/IN the/DT insult/NN to/TO my/PRP$ brother/NN applied/VBD to/TO me,/VB but/CC one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ party/NN forbade/VB it,/RB claiming/VBG the/DT task/NN was/VBD his./VBG "I/RB saw/VBD there/EX would/MD be/VB shooting,/VBN for/IN the/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD referred/VBN to/TO Romauldo/NNP as/IN 'greaser'/JJ was/VBD very/RB resolute;/JJ therefore,/, to/TO save/VB life,/NN I/PRP claimed/VBD vengeance/NN of/IN the/DT insult/NN for/IN my/PRP$ brother./NN I/PRP told/VBD Don/NNP Dermod/NNP and/CC hisfriend/NN that/IN here/RB was/VBD an/DT affair/NN for/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNS to/TO adjust/VB and/CC insisted/VBD on/IN the/DT right,/NN which/WDT was/VBD granted.""Ah!""I/JJ spoke/VBD to/TO Don/NNP Dermod/NNP in/IN Spanish./NNP One/CD of/IN the/DT Americans/NNPS understood/VBD me./PRP Romauldo/NNP also/RB heard/VBD this/DT conversation/NN and/CC when/WRB we/PRP reached/VBD Benicia/NNP he/PRP thanked/VBD me/PRP for/IN saving/VBG the/DT gringo/NN for/IN him./PRP 'You/PRP will/MD do/VB nothing/NN to/TO this/DT gringo,/NN foolish/JJ boy,'/NNS I/PRP told/VBD him./PRP 'I/JJ but/CC claimed/VBD vengeance/NN for/IN you/PRP to/TO spare/VB trouble/NN and/CC bloodshed/VBD to/TO the/DT man/NN who/WP saved/VBD your/PRP$ life."'"What/NN happened/VBD next?""He/JJ called/VBD Ramon/NNP to/TO him/PRP and/CC they/PRP talked./VBD Later/RB Ramon/NNP mounted/VBD my/PRP$ brother's/NNS horse/NN and/CC rode/VBD ahead/RB of/IN our/PRP$ party./NN Remember,/VB the/DT gringos/NNS were/VBD in/IN advance/NN of/IN us/PRP that/IN entire/JJ afternoon./NN I/PRP have/VBP a/DT suspicion/NN Ramon/NNP killed/VBD the/DT man/NN who/WP insulted/VBD Romauldo./NNP The/DT two/CD are/VBP like/IN brothers,/NN as/IN you/PRP well/RB know./. You/PRP know/VBP too,/RB my/PRP$ father,/NN that/IN Ramon/NNP is/VBZ a/DT bad/JJ man./NN Has/VBZ he/PRP not/RB stabbed/VBD four/CD men/NNS in/IN drunken/JJ quarrels?/NNS And/CC did/VBD not/RB one/CD of/IN them/PRP die?"Don/IN Jos$/NNP nodded/VBD miserably./NN "Yes,/IN he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT wild/JJ boy,/NN I/PRP admit./VBD But/CC it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB like/IN my/PRP$ son/NN to/TO delegate/VB to/TO another/DT the/DT settlement/NN of/IN a/DT matter/NN of/IN honor/NN such/JJ as/IN this./DT No,/NNP Romauldo/NNP is/VBZ a/DT Guerrero.""Romauldo,"/NNP the/DT girl/NN reminded/VBD him/PRP tragically,/NN "is/VBZ not/RB a/DT gentleman,/NN and/CC my/PRP$ father/NN knows/VBZ why./, Listen/VB to/TO me,/VB dear/JJ one./NN For/IN my/PRP$ sake/FW Don/NNP Dermod/NNP saved/VBD Romauldo/NNP from/IN the/DT vengeance/NN of/IN the/DT dead/JJ man's/NN companions,/NN and/CC for/IN that/DT Don/NNP Dermod/NNP has/VBZ made/VBN himself/PRP five/CD enemies./NN He/PRP is/VBZ too/RB generous/JJ and/CC he/PRP has/VBZ wasted/VBN his/PRP$ generosity/NN on/IN an/DT ingrate./NN Romauldo/NNP is/VBZ your/PRP$ son/NN and/CC my/PRP$ half-brother,/NN but--he/, carries/VBZ his/PRP$ mother's/NN blood./. He/PRP does/VBZ not/RB appreciate/VB his/PRP$ good/JJ father;/NN he/PRP does/VBZ not/RB hesitate/VB to/TO play/VB the/DT brawler/NN and/CC the/DT drunkard,/NN to/TO bring/VB disgrace/NN upon/IN the/DT Guerreros.""I/NNPS cannot/IN control/NN him,"/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP protested/VBD helplessly./PRP "He/VB grieves/NNS me/PRP much.""It/RB would/MD be/VB well/RB for/IN him/PRP to/TO leave/VB this/DT house/NN tonight,"/RB the/DT girl/NN went/VBD on/IN sadly./DT "One/NN rebuff/NN does/VBZ not/RB defeat/VB a/DT gringo./VBG The/DT five/CD who/WP pursued/VBD and/CC captured/VBD him/PRP will/MD come/VB for/IN him/PRP here,/, and/CC since/IN we/PRP have/VBP no/DT adequate/JJ number/NN of/IN firearms/NNS to/TO defend/VB him,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ best/RB that/IN he/PRP depart/VB into/IN the/DT south/NN and/CC remain/VB there/RB for/IN some/DT months/NNS visiting/VBG with/IN our/PRP$ relatives.""I/NN will/MD talk/VB to/TO the/DT boy,"/NN her/PRP$ father/NN decided,/, and/CC went/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ son's/NNS room./. When/WRB he/PRP returned/VBD half/PDT an/DT hour/NN later/RB his/PRP$ fine/JJ old/JJ face/NN was/VBD a/DT mask/NN of/IN misery/NN and/CC Josepha/NNP saw/VBD he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN weeping./DT "He/NN has/VBZ confessed,"/VBN the/DT old/JJ man/NN murmured/VBD miserably./NN "Ah,/NN that/IN a/DT son/NN of/IN mine/NN should/MD hide/VB behind/IN a/DT kinsman's/NN back/RB in/IN a/DT matter/NN of/IN his/PRP$ family/NN honor!/NN I/PRP am/VBP disgraced,/VBN for/IN my/PRP$ son/NN has/VBZ suborned/VBN murder."The/RB girl/NN went/VBD to/TO the/DT suffering/VBG old/JJ man/NN and/CC drew/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN down/RP on/IN her/PRP$ shoulder./NN "I/NNS dislike/VBP those/DT who/WP carry/VBP tales,/NN but/CC I/PRP had/VBD to/TO tell/VB you,/NNP my/PRP$ poor/JJ one./, Those/DT five/CD gringos,/NNS and/CC perhaps/RB many/JJ more,/JJR will/MD come/VB here/RB for/IN Romauldo,/NNP and/CC when/WRB they/PRP come/VBP and/CC find/VBP him/PRP here/RB they/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB denied./VBN I/PRP had/VBD to/TO tell/VB you,/PRP my/PRP$ father,/NN for/IN Romauldo,/NNS it/PRP seems,/MD has/VBZ no/DT conception/NN of/IN his/PRP$ danger.""I/NNS have/VBP ordered/VBN a/DT fresh/JJ horse/NN for/IN him--one/NN of/IN my/PRP$ best./JJS A/DT few/JJ hours/NNS of/IN rest/NN and/CC then/RB he/PRP must/MD be/VB gone./VBN You/PRP are/VBP very/RB wise,/JJ light/NN of/IN my/PRP$ life./NN Had/VBD these/DT gringos/NNS come/VBP for/IN my/PRP$ son/NN and/CC had/VBD I/PRP not/RB known/VBN what/WP I/PRP know/VBP now/RB I/PRP would/MD have/VB fought/VBN for/IN him/PRP to/TO the/DT death.""I/NN knew/VBD that./DT It/PRP is/VBZ better,/RB therefore,/, that/IN he/PRP should/MD go/VB away./RP It/PRP hurts/VBZ me,/VBN my/PRP$ father,/NN to/TO wring/VB your/PRP$ dear/JJ heart,/NN but--Romauldo/NN has/VBZ already/RB wrung/VBG it/PRP and/CC he/PRP will/MD wring/VB it/PRP again/RB and/CC again--and/RB harder/JJR each/DT time./NN If/IN he/PRP goes/VBZ now,/JJ time/NN will/MD bring/VB forgetfulness."He/JJ nodded./NN "You/PRP have/VBP the/DT wisdom/NN of/IN the/DT English--and/NNP something/NN of/IN their/PRP$ hard/JJ nature,/NNS their/PRP$ love/NN of/IN justice,/RB no/DT matter/NN how/WRB or/CC whom/WP it/PRP hurts.""This/VBD home/NN is/VBZ all/DT we/PRP have./VBP It/PRP must/MD not/RB be/VB a/DT battleground,"/NN she/PRP reminded/VBD him./PRP "Ramon/IN Ortega/NNP is/VBZ with/IN his/PRP$ people/NNS at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Solano./NNP He/PRP must/MD not/RB visit/VB us/PRP again.""The/IN black/JJ one/CD of/IN the/DT black/JJ heart!/NN He/PRP shall/MD not."'"With/RB reference/NN to/TO Don/NNP Dermod's/NNP horse./. What/WP does/VBZ Romauldo,/NNP say?""He/VB tells/VBZ me/PRP Don/NNP Dermod/NNP will/MD call/VB for/IN him,/NN as/IN he/PRP rides/NNS past/IN en/IN route/NN to/TO some/DT stream/NN north/NN of/IN us/PRP to/TO seek/VB gold."The/DT girl's/NNS face/VBP rippled/VBN in/IN a/DT sad/JJ smile./NN "I/IN knew/VBD he/PRP would/MD come,"/VB she/PRP murmured./VBD The/DT five/CD men/NNS who/WP would/MD have/VB hanged/VBN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD departed/VBN peaceably/RB enough/RB when/WRB Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP after/IN realizing/VBG that/IN the/DT Californian/NNP was/VBD now/RB beyond/IN the/DT slightest/JJS possible/JJ danger/NN of/IN recapture,/NNS gave/VBD them/PRP leave/VB to/TO go./NNP Their/PRP$ leader/NN had/VBD glowered/VBN at/IN him./PRP "You've/NN got/VBD the/DT drop/NN on/IN us./NNP You/PRP win,"/IN he/PRP had/VBD declared./VBN "Seems/NNP to/TO me,/VB my/PRP$ friend,/JJ you're/JJ mighty/JJ interested/JJ in/IN that/DT greaser.""His/NNP excellent/JJ old/JJ father/NN and/CC his/PRP$ sister/NN are/VBP friends/NNS of/IN mine,/NN that/WDT is/VBZ all./DT I/PRP believe,/VBP however,/RB that/IN your/PRP$ late/JJ prisoner/NN is/VBZ thoroughly/RB no/DT good;/NN I/PRP think/VBP he'd/JJ rope/NN and/CC drag/VB a/DT man/NN for/IN a/DT drink/NN of/IN aguardiente./DT But/CC you/PRP didn't/VBP prove/VB your/PRP$ case./NN He/PRP tells/VBZ me/PRP his/PRP$ cousin/NN did/VBD the/DT job/NN for/IN him./PRP The/DT boy/NN was/VBD quite/RB frank/JJ about/IN it,/PRP and/CC somehow/RB I/PRP think/VBP he/PRP told/VBD me/PRP the/DT truth.""Who's/NNS his/PRP$ cousin?""He/NN didn't/RB tell/VB me.""But/PRP this/DT chap's/NN an/DT accessory/NN just/RB the/DT same;/JJ you'd/NNP ought/MD to/TO have/VB let/VB us/PRP swing/VB him.""Not/RB until/IN you/PRP proved/VBD conspiracy--and/DT your/PRP$ man/NN didn't/VBD confess/VB conspiracy/NN to/TO me./RP He/PRP said/VBD it/PRP was/VBD a/DT family/NN matter/NN and/CC I/PRP take/VBP it,/PRP therefore,/, that/IN any/DT of/IN his/PRP$ kinsmen/NNS felt/VBD justified/VBN in/IN settling/VBG it.""Mighty/IN underhanded,/IN cowardly/JJ way/NN of/IN settling/VBG it./DT Well,/NNP we'll/MD try/VB to/TO catch/VB the/DT young/JJ skunk/NN some/DT other/JJ time,/NN when/WRB you're/PRP not/RB around./IN I/PRP suppose/VBP you/PRP got/VBD a/DT right/NN to/TO your/PRP$ opinions,/NN mister,/NN but/CC remember/VB this:/DT Don't/NNP interfere/VB in/IN my/PRP$ business/NN again./NN I/PRP don't/VBP like/IN it"--staring/NN at/IN D'Arcy/NNP stonily--"I'll/. not/RB forget/VB you."/PRP With/IN a/DT wave/NN of/IN his/PRP$ arm/NN he/PRP had/VBD then/RB summoned/VBN his/PRP$ men/NNS and/CC they/PRP had/VBD ridden/VBN off/RP toward/IN Sutter's/NNP Fort./NNP Back/RB in/IN camp,/NN sitting/VBG on/IN the/DT crate/NN of/IN bacon/NN D'Arcy/NNP settled/VBD down/IN to/TO writing./VB By/IN sunset/NN he/PRP had/VBD completed/VBN a/DT rough/JJ draft/NN of/IN his/PRP$ articles/NNS of/IN association/NN called/VBN by/IN him/PRP a/DT partnership/NN agreement./NN Briefly,/IN the/DT party/NN bound/VBD themselves/PRP to/TO be/VB led/VBN by/IN him/PRP and/CC to/TO labor/VB hard/RB and/CC honestly/RB for/IN the/DT common/JJ welfare/NN until/IN such/JJ time/NN as,/IN his/PRP$ leadership/NN proving/VBG unwise/JJ or/CC unsatisfactory/JJ to/TO any/DT member/NN of/IN the/DT party,/NN that/IN member/NN might/MD call/VB a/DT meeting/NN of/IN the/DT total/JJ membership/NN and/CC propose/VB a/DT new/JJ leader./NN A/DT majority/NN of/IN votes/NNS would/MD elect/VB such/JJ a/DT leader./NN Conditionally/RB upon/IN the/DT faithful/JJ performance/NN of/IN all/DT of/IN the/DT articles/NNS of/IN association,/DT each/DT member/NN of/IN the/DT party/NN was/VBD to/TO own/VB an/DT equal/JJ interest/NN in/IN the/DT assets/NNS of/IN the/DT association,/NN the/DT interest/NN to/TO be/VB repaid/VBN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP out/IN of/IN each/DT individual's/JJ share/NN of/IN such/JJ gold/NN as/IN they/PRP might/MD acquire./RP In/IN the/DT event/NN that/IN any/DT member/NN voluntarily/RB quit/VBD the/DT association,/NN or/CC was/VBD by/IN a/DT vote/NN of/IN two-thirds/NNS of/IN the/DT members/NNS expelled/VBN for/IN just/RB cause,/, he/PRP was/VBD to/TO forfeit/VB his/PRP$ interest/NN in/IN the/DT assets/NNS to/TO the/DT others,/JJ but/CC whatever/WDT sums/NNS he/PRP had/VBD paid/VBN on/IN account/NN of/IN the/DT purchase/NN of/IN his/PRP$ interest/NN were/VBD to/TO be/VB returned/VBN to/TO him./PRP All/DT gold/JJ produced/VBD was/VBD to/TO be/VB turned/VBN into/IN a/DT common/JJ fund/NN and/CC mutually/RB guarded/JJ and/CC equally/RB divided/VBN at/IN intervals./DT Each/DT man/NN was/VBD to/TO put/VB in/IN one/CD day/NN weekly/JJ as/IN housekeeper/NN and/CC cook./DT The/DT assignment/NN of/IN claims/NNS should/MD be/VB by/IN drawing/VBG lots,/NNS and/CC any/DT additional/JJ labor/NN engaged/VBN should/MD be/VB paid/VBN for/IN out/IN of/IN the/DT common/JJ funds,/NN since/IN it/PRP would/MD be/VB for/IN the/DT common/JJ good./NNP Any/DT member/NN discovered/VBD "holding/VBG out"/RP on/IN gold/NN should/MD forfeit,/VB upon/IN conviction/NN by/IN the/DT other/JJ members,/NNS all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ interest/NN absolutely/RB and/CC be/VB deprived/VBN of/IN membership/NN in/IN and/CC the/DT benefits/NNS of/IN the/DT association./NN Any/DT question/NN of/IN common/JJ interest/NN could/MD be/VB brought/VBN before/IN the/DT association/NN at/IN any/DT time/NN and/CC a/DT vote/NN should/MD settle/VB it./DT Rebellion/NN against/IN the/DT vote/NN of/IN the/DT majority/NN called/VBD for/IN prompt/JJ expulsion/NN from/IN the/DT association/NN with/IN forfeiture/NN of/IN all/DT rights/NNS of/IN every/DT kind/NN and/CC nature./NN The/DT members/NNS were/VBD bound/VBN to/TO protect/VB each/DT other/JJ and/CC fight/NN for/IN each/DT other/JJ under/IN any/DT and/CC all/DT conditions./NN In/IN the/DT light/NN of/IN the/DT camp-fire/NN D'Arcy/NNP read/VBD the/DT articles/NNS after/IN dinner./NN Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP promptly/RB moved/VBD their/PRP$ acceptance,/VBP the/DT Bart/NNP seconded/VBD the/DT motion,/NN and/CC it/PRP was/VBD promptly/RB and/CC unanimously/RB carried./VBN Thereupon/IN all/PDT the/DT members/NNS signed,/VBD and,/RB for/IN lack/NN of/IN a/DT seal,/NN they/PRP shook/VBD hands/NNS with/IN each/DT other/JJ very/RB solemnly/RB and/CC very/RB heartily./VBD In/IN the/DT brief/JJ silence/NN that/IN followed,/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD a/DT brilliant/JJ inspiration./NN He/PRP suggested/VBD a/DT drink./NN D'Arcy/NNP waited/VBD an/DT appreciable/JJ time./NN Then:/DT "I/NNS do/VBP not/RB hear/VB a/DT second/JJ to/TO that/DT motion,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy.""I/NNP second/RB the/DT motion,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP boomed/VBD in/IN desperation./NN "It/NN is/VBZ regularly/RB moved/VBN and/CC seconded/VBN that/IN the/DT association/NN have/VBP a/DT drink./NN All/DT those/DT in/IN favor/NN say/VBP 'Aye."'The/VBN Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP voted/VBD in/IN the/DT affirmative./NN "Contrary-minded?""No!"/NN In/IN the/DT vigorous/JJ and/CC unanimous/JJ response/NN there/EX was/VBD no/DT hope/NN of/IN division./NN The/DT Bart/NNP could/MD not/RB forbear/VB expressing/VBG his/PRP$ sense/NN ofoutrage./, "Upon/IN my/PRP$ word,/NN Dermod,/IN my/PRP$ dear/JJ fellow,/NN aren't/NN we/PRP a/DT bit--ah--narrow-minded?/NN On/IN a/DT solemn/JJ occasion/NN such/JJ as/IN the/DT present--""I/JJ move/NN the/DT Bart/NNP be/VB expelled/VBN from/IN the/DT association/NN for/IN violation/NN of/IN Article/NNP Seven,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP announced/VBD maliciously./VBG "Buckin'/NN at/IN the/DT decision/NN of/IN the/DT majority/NN is/VBZ barred.""Second/JJ the/DT motion,"/NN Judson/NNP observed/VBD quietly./RP In/IN his/PRP$ most/RBS dignified/JJ manner/NN D'Arcy/NNP put/VBD the/DT question/NN and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP was/VBD promptly/RB expelled/VBN by/IN a/DT rousing/NN majority./, Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP pained/VBD beyond/IN measure,/NNS did/VBD not/RB vote./DT The/DT Bart/NNP was/VBD horrified./VBN "Gentlemen,/IN gentlemen,"/NN he/PRP protested,/VBD "have/, you/PRP no/DT sense/NN of/IN humor?""I/NNS make/VBP a/DT motion/NN to/TO amend/VB the/DT constitution,"/NN the/DT remorseless/JJ Bejabers/NNP went/VBD on./NNP "Any/NNP member/NN drinkin'/NN alone/RB and/CC without/IN consent/NN of/IN a/DT majority/NN gets/VBZ expelled."The/DT amendment/NN was/VBD promptly/RB carried./VBN "I/RB move/VB another/DT amendment,"/NN McCready/JJ piped/VBD up./NNP "When/RB a/DT question/NN is/VBZ before/IN the/DT house/NN it's/RB got/VBD to/TO be/VB voted/VBN on,/IN yes/RB or/CC no./DT Any/DT member/NN who/WP don't/VBD vote/NN gets/VBZ expelled."That/JJ amendment/NN was/VBD promptly/RB written/VBN into/IN the/DT articles/NNS of/IN association,/NN but/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP pleaded/VBD that/IN his/PRP$ offense/NN could/MD not/RB be/VB regarded/VBN retroactively/RB and/CC was/VBD upheld/VBN by/IN the/DT Chair./NNP Nevertheless,/NNP he/PRP was/VBD badly/RB frightened,/JJ but/CC not/RB to/TO such/JJ an/DT extent/NN that/IN he/PRP was/VBD unable/JJ to/TO make/VB a/DT moving/NN and/CC dramatic/JJ plea/NN for/IN clemency/NN in/IN the/DT case/NN of/IN his/PRP$ beloved/JJ friend/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP O'Shea,/NNP Bart.,/NNP K./NNP C./NNP B./NNP "What's/NNP that?"/IN Bejabers/NNP yelled./NNP "K./NNP C./NNP B./NNP That/DT means/VBZ Kan't/NNP Come/VB Back./NNP The/DT Bart's/NNP out.""It/NNP would/MD seem,/VB gentlemen"--here/JJ D'Arcy/NNP fixed/VBD his/PRP$ glance/NN on/IN Bejabers--"that/CC there/EX is/VBZ something/NN to/TO be/VB said/VBN in/IN the/DT Bart's/NNP favor./VBZ The/DT rules/NNS and/CC regulations/NNS ofour/IN association/NN are/VBP so/RB new/JJ and/CC human/JJ nature/NN so/RB weak/JJ that/IN it/PRP is,/VBZ perhaps,/RB only/RB natural/JJ that/IN the/DT Bart/NNP should/MD have/VB forgotten/VBN them.""I/PRP heard/VBD them/PRP read/VB but/CC once,/RB Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy./NN I/PRP submit/VBP I/PRP have/VBP had/VBD insufficient/JJ time/NN to/TO commit/VB them/PRP to/TO memory.""Well,/NNS I/PRP won't/MD be/VB no/DT killjoy,/NN chief."/NN Bejabers/NNP appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB struggling/VBG inwardly./RB "I/IN move/NN we/PRP retract/VBD the/DT Bart's/NNP sentence/NN of/IN expulsion/NN and/CC leave/VB his/PRP$ punishment/NN up/IN to/TO the/DT chairman/NN of/IN the/DT association."A/JJ chorus/NN of/IN ayes--Mr./DT Poppy's/NNP louder/JJR than/IN the/DT others--promptly/JJ carried/VBD this/DT motion,/NN whereupon/IN D'Arcy/NNP sentenced/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP to/TO get/VB up/RP first/RB every/DT morning/NN for/IN a/DT week,/NN make/VB the/DT fire/NN and/CC put/VBD water/NN on/IN to/TO boil./RP In/IN addition/NN he/PRP was/VBD to/TO wash/VB and/CC wipe/VB the/DT dishes/NNS and/CC kitchen/NN utensils./NN "I/NN respectfully/RB and/CC humbly/RB protest/VB at/IN the/DT sentence/NN as/IN excessive/JJ and/CC humiliating,"/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP boomed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ best/JJS pulpit/NN voice./NN "A/VBN knight/NN of/IN the/DT British/NNP Empire/NNP transformed/VBD into/IN a/DT scullion/NN is/VBZ the/DT sorriest/JJS sight/NN human/JJ eyes/NNS can/MD gaze/VB upon.""Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP you/PRP and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP are/VBP both/DT entering/VBG upon/IN the/DT greatest/JJS experiment/NN in/IN democracy/NN the/DT world/NN has/VBZ ever/RB known./VBN There/EX is/VBZ no/DT aristocracy/NN in/IN California/NNP today,/, not/RB even/RB the/DT aristocracy/NN of/IN brains,/NN for/IN in/IN the/DT adventure/NN before/IN us/PRP success/NN may/MD be/VB obtained/VBN only/RB by/IN men/NNS willing/JJ to/TO engage/VB in/IN hard/JJ and/CC continuous/JJ labor./NN Furthermore,/IN your/PRP$ remarks/NNS are/VBP out/IN of/IN order/NN since/IN I/PRP suspect/VBP that/IN since/IN deserting/VBG the/DT British/JJ navy/NN the/DT Bart/NNP is/VBZ no/RB longer/RB a/DT baronet.""As/NN for/IN the/DT K./NNP C./NNP B.,/NNP most/JJS likely/JJ he/PRP gets/VBZ read/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT party/NN at/IN that,"/DT Bejabers/NNP suggested./VBD "A/NNP Knight/NNP Commander/NNP of/IN the/DT Bath/NNP sure/JJ must/MD appreciate/VB the/DT value/NN o'/IN soap/NN and/CC water,/NN as/IN applied/VBN to/TO dishes/NNS as/RB well/RB as/IN the/DT human/JJ body./NN No/DT more/RBR buckin'/NN and/CC pitchin'/NN at/IN thechairman's/DT decision,/NN parson,/NN or/CC I'll/NNP make/VBP another/DT motion."Mr./NN Poppy/NNP and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP thereupon/NN subsided/VBD so/RB incontinently/RB as/IN to/TO wring/VB a/DT gale/NN of/IN laughter/NN from/IN all/DT hands,/NN including/VBG Jim/NNP Toy./NNP "Reduced/VBD to/TO the/DT level/NN of/IN a/DT Chinaman./NNP Good/NNP Lord!"/NNP the/DT Bart/NNP whispered./, "The/DT meeting/NN is/VBZ adjourned,"/VBN D'Arcy/NNP hastened/VBD to/TO interject./DT "It/NN is/VBZ now/RB seven/CD o'clock./, Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP you/PRP are/VBP on/IN camp/NN guard/NN until/IN eight/CD o'clock./RB Judson,/IN you/PRP go/VBP on/IN from/IN ten/CD to/TO twelve;/CD McCready,/NNP twelve/CD to/TO two,/VB and/CC I/PRP will/MD relieve/VB you/PRP at/IN that/DT hour./NN At/IN four/CD the/DT Bart/NNP will/MD relieve/VB me/PRP and/CC enter/VB upon/IN his/PRP$ sentence./NN At/IN six/CD o'clock/RB we'll/DT be/VB packed/VBN and/CC en/IN route/NN to/TO seek/VB our/PRP$ El/NNP Dorado."There/NNP was/VBD no/DT sleep/NN for/IN any/DT of/IN the/DT party/NN after/IN the/DT first/JJ faint/JJ grayish/JJ tinge/NN appeared/VBD in/IN the/DT east,/JJ however./, Thousands/NNS of/IN birds/NNS that/WP had/VBD roosted/VBN in/IN the/DT oaks/NNS awakened/VBD at/IN that/DT hour/NN and/CC promptly/RB set/VBD up/RP a/DT terrific/JJ clamor/NN to/TO greet/VB the/DT new/JJ day./NN "What/IN a/DT sweet/JJ reveille!"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP exclaimed./, "To/IN one/CD who/WP has/VBZ known/VBN the/DT smell/NN of/IN the/DT salt/NN sea/NN for/IN a/DT quarter/NN of/IN a/DT century,/NN the/DT change/NN to/TO the/DT odor/NN of/IN mother/NN earth/NN and/CC the/DT grasses/NNS sparkling/VBG with/IN diadems/NNS of/IN dew/NN is/VBZ most/RBS refreshing/JJ and/CC adds/VBZ a/DT subtle,/JJ comfort/NN to/TO my/PRP$ reduced/VBN social/JJ condition./NN What/WP a/DT glorious/JJ country!/NN Who/WP wouldn't/MD cast/VB his/PRP$ past/NN behind/IN him/PRP to/TO revel/VB in/IN such/JJ a/DT future?/JJ But/CC I/PRP say!/VBP Whom/WP have/VBP we/PRP here?/RB The/DT late/JJ candidate/NN for/IN hempen/NN honors,/NN or/CC I'm/IN a/DT bailiff."He/NN was/VBD right./RB Into/IN the/DT camp/NN rode/VBD no/DT less/JJR a/DT person/NN than/IN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS mounted/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ father's/NNS big/JJ blue/JJ roan/NN mustang/NN and/CC leading/VBG Pathfinder/NNP behind/IN him./PRP He/PRP doffed/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC dismounted./VBN "Good/JJ morning,/NN my/PRP$ friend./NN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP happy/JJ to/TO return/VB you/PRP this/DT wonderful/JJ horse/NN which/WDT youso/VBD kindly/RB lent/VBN me/PRP yesterday,/RB and/CC with/IN your/PRP$ permission/NN I/PRP will/MD linger/VB long/RB enough/RB to/TO have/VB breakfast/NN with/IN your/PRP$ party./NN I/PRP am/VBP bound/VBN south.""You/PRP are/VBP welcome/JJ to/TO breakfast,/VB Don/NNP Romauldo,/NNP and/CC I/PRP congratulate/VBP you/PRP on/IN your/PRP$ decision/NN to/TO get/VB out/IN of/IN this/DT country./NN Your/PRP$ father's/NN idea,/NN I/PRP take/VBP it.""No,/PRP my/PRP$ sister's.""Was/NN it/PRP her/PRP$ idea/NN that/IN you/PRP return/VB my/PRP$ horse/NN as/IN you/PRP rode/VBD south?""No,/RB that/DT was/VBD a/DT suggestion/NN of/IN my/PRP$ father's./NN He/PRP realized/VBD our/PRP$ benefactor/NN would/MD sorely/RB miss/VB his/PRP$ wonderful/JJ horse/NN and/CC might/MD perhaps/RB find/VB difficulty/NN adjusting/VBG himself/PRP to/TO mine,/VB even/RB for/IN a/DT few/JJ days.""Ah!/NN I/PRP am/VBP sorry,/JJ Don/NNP Romauldo./NNP Your/PRP$ excellent/JJ father's/NN concern/NN for/IN my/PRP$ comfort/NN has/VBZ deprived/VBN me/PRP of/IN a/DT reasonable/JJ excuse/NN for/IN calling/VBG at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO pay/VB my/PRP$ respectful/JJ compliments/NNS to/TO him/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ lovely/JJ sister."/NN D'Arcy's/NNP words/NNS were/VBD polite/JJ but/CC chilly./DT Romauldo,/NNP electing/NN to/TO ignore/VB them,/PRP tied/VBN Pathfinder/NN to/TO the/DT wheel/NN of/IN the/DT black/JJ Maria,/NNP sat/VBD down/RB on/IN the/DT wagon/NN tongue/NN and/CC gave/VBD himself/PRP up/RP to/TO the/DT delights/NNS of/IN a/DT cigarette./NN "I/NN reckon/VBP the/DT old/JJ man's/JJ sort/NN o'/RB got/VBD the/DT notion/NN your/PRP$ room's/NNS to/TO be/VB preferred/VBN to/TO your/PRP$ company,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP struck/VBD in/IN slyly./DT "This/DT young/JJ blackleg/NN appears/VBZ to/TO admit/VB it.""The/PRP fox!/JJ I/PRP mean/VBP the/DT old/JJ man./NN His/PRP$ son/NN hasn't/VBP brains/NNS enough/RB to/TO come/VB in/IN out/IN of/IN the/DT rain./NN Yes,/RB Bejabers,/IN I/PRP dare/MD say/VB the/DT old/JJ don/NN would/MD prefer/VB to/TO be/VB indebted/JJ for/IN his/PRP$ son's/NNS life/NN to/TO one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ people./, Well,/NNP I've/NN been/VBN outguessed,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP admitted,/NN and/CC added,/NN "but/IN it's/IN another/DT thing/NN to/TO outplay/VB me."He/PRP busied/VBD himself/PRP with/IN the/DT preparations/NNS for/IN their/PRP$ departure/NN and/CC paid/VBD no/DT further/JJ attention/NN to/TO Romauldo./NNP As/IN for/IN that/DT young/JJ man,/, the/DT moment/NN he/PRP had/VBD eaten/VBN he/PRP bowed/VBD politely/RB to/TO the/DT company,/NN again/RB expressed/VBD his/PRP$ extreme/JJ indebtedness/NN to/TO D'Arcy,/NNP mounted/VBD and/CC rode/VBD away./RB The/DT latter/JJ glared/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ retreating/VBG form./NN "The/DT next/JJ time/NN anybody/NN wants/VBZ to/TO hang/VB that/IN young/JJ dandy/NN in/IN my/PRP$ presence/NN I'll/RB not/RB object,"/VB he/PRP announced./MD "He/RB has/VBZ interfered/VBN with/IN my/PRP$ plans."/NN THEY/NNP were/VBD on/IN the/DT march/NN a/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS later,/RB following/VBG the/DT river/NN bank/NN north./, Ahead/NN of/IN them/PRP the/DT floor/NN of/IN the/DT great/JJ valley/NN stretched,/VBG a/DT region/NN of/IN dry/JJ grassy/NN savannas/NNS studded/VBN with/IN oaks,/NN which/WDT did/VBD not/RB grow/VB so/RB densely,/JJ however,/IN that/DT D'Arcy's/NNP party/NN found/VBD difficulty/NN progressing/VBG between/IN them./PRP Antelope/NNP scurried/VBD before/IN their/PRP$ advance,/VBP their/PRP$ white/JJ flags/NNS flashing/VBG comically;/NN elk/NN raised/VBD their/PRP$ heads/NNS to/TO stare/VB at/IN them/PRP curiously,/, or/CC moved/VBD sedately/RB out/IN of/IN their/PRP$ path;/NN deer/IN there/EX were/VBD in/IN countless/JJ numbers,/NNS and/CC from/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN they/PRP saw/VBD a/DT grizzly/JJ bear/NN shambling/NN down/IN to/TO the/DT river/NN for/IN a/DT drink./NN They/PRP met/VBD with/IN no/DT other/JJ gold-seekers,/JJ however,/, because/IN the/DT latter,/NN to/TO a/DT man,/NN had/VBD proceeded/VBN up/RP the/DT American/NNP River,/NNP at/IN right/JJ angles/NNS to/TO the/DT line/NN of/IN march/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP party,/NN thereafter/RB spreading/VBG out/RP over/IN the/DT hills/NNS to/TO gold/NN camps/NNS already/RB established./VBN They/PRP were/VBD yielding/VBG to/TO the/DT human/JJ instinct/NN to/TO be/VB gregarious./DT The/DT progress/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP party/NN was/VBD slow,/RB for/IN every/DT few/JJ miles/NNS they/PRP came/VBD to/TO a/DT dry/JJ arroyo/NN which,/, in/IN the/DT winter,/NN carried/VBD flood/NN waters/NNS from/IN the/DT hills/NNS to/TO the/DT river./NN At/IN these/DT arroyos/NNS all/DT hands/NNS turned/VBD to/TO and/CC picked/VBD and/CC shoveled/VBD a/DT rude/JJ roadway/NN down/IN one/CD bank/NN and/CC up/IN the/DT other;/NNS when/WRB the/DT crossing/NN was/VBD to/TO be/VB made/VBN the/DT horsemen/NNS fastened/VBD one/CD end/NN of/IN their/PRP$ riatas/NNS to/TO the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP and/CC the/DT other/JJ to/TO the/DT broad/JJ pommels/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ Mexican/JJ stock/NN saddles;/NNS thus/RB they/PRP helped/VBD haul/VB it/PRP up/RP the/DT steep/JJ declivity/NN on/IN the/DT far/JJ side./NN D'Arcy,/NNP Vilmont,/NNP the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP shoved/VBD from/IN the/DT rear./NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP drove./VBD Despite/IN these/DT obstacles,/JJ however,/, they/PRP made/VBD ten/CD miles/NNS before/IN encamping/VBG for/IN the/DT night./NN The/DT next/JJ day's/NN journey/NN was/VBD a/DT repetition/NN of/IN the/DT first./NN From/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD far/RB out/IN on/IN the/DT flanks/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ little/JJ caravan,/NN seeking/VBG that/IN which/WDT he/PRP knew/VBD he/PRP must/MD be/VB approaching--the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP They/PRP forded/VBD the/DT Feather/NNP River,/NNP for/IN fortunately/RB at/IN this/DT season/NN of/IN the/DT year/NN the/DT water/NN was/VBD very/RB low./. And/CC they/PRP avoided/VBD the/DT tiny/JJ settlement/NN which/WDT subsequently/RB was/VBD to/TO become/VB a/DT famous/JJ mining/NN center/NN known/VBN as/IN Marysville,/NNP for/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD set/VBN for/IN his/PRP$ goal/NN some/DT stream/NN much/RB farther/RB to/TO the/DT north/NN than/IN any/DT where/WRB gold-bearing/JJ ground/NN had/VBD as/RB yet/RB been/VBN discovered/VBN so/RB far/RB as/IN he/PRP could/MD learn./VB He/PRP feared,/NNS for/IN the/DT present,/NN the/DT effect/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ party/NN of/IN intercourse/NN with/IN miners/NNS who/WP were/VBD actually/RB engaged/VBN in/IN taking/VBG fortunes/NNS from/IN the/DT hills;/NN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB care/VB to/TO risk/VB the/DT breaking/VBG up/IN of/IN his/PRP$ little/JJ company/NN in/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN the/DT inevitable/JJ temptation/NN to/TO gather/VB the/DT gold/NN nearest/JJS at/IN hand./VBN In/IN the/DT afternoon/NN of/IN the/DT fourth/JJ day/NN of/IN their/PRP$ march/NN he/PRP glimpsed/VBD the/DT white/JJ bulk/NN of/IN a/DT hacienda/NN among/IN the/DT oaks/NNS on/IN some/DT high/JJ ground/NN about/IN two/CD miles/NNS back/RB from/IN the/DT river,/NN and/CC without/IN hesitation/NN he/PRP rode/VBD toward/IN it./DT As/IN he/PRP came/VBD closer/RBR to/TO it,/RB he/PRP saw/VBD he/PRP was/VBD approaching/VBG the/DT house/NN from/IN the/DT rear,/NN so/IN he/PRP circled/VBD to/TO come/VB at/IN it/PRP from/IN the/DT front./NN He/PRP was/VBD within/IN a/DT hundred/CD yards/NNS of/IN the/DT house/NN when/WRB the/DT barking/NN of/IN dogs/NNS announced/VBD his/PRP$ presence;/NN immediately/RB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP came/VBD to/TO the/DT door/NN and/CC greeted/VBD him/PRP with/IN unfeigned/JJ cordiality./NN "Welcome/NN to/TO my/PRP$ poor/JJ house,"/NN he/PRP said./VBD "All/RB that/IN I/PRP have/VBP is/VBZ yours,/IN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP gathered/VBD from/IN what/WP my/PRP$ son/NN told/VBD me/PRP that/IN you/PRP were/VBD traveling/VBG this/DT way/NN and/CC would/MD accord/VB us/PRP the/DT honor/NN of/IN a/DT visit./NN I/PRP will/MD have/VB your/PRP$ horse/NN cared/VBD for/IN immediately./DT Dismount,/NNP my/PRP$ friend,/NN and/CC enter."They/NN shook/VBD hands./JJR "I/NNP thank/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP but/CC I/PRP may/MD not/RB remain/VB long./RB I/PRP have/VBP called/VBN merely/RB to/TO pay/VB my/PRP$ respects./NN My/PRP$ party/NN will/MD camp/NN for/IN the/DT night/NN a/DT few/JJ miles/NNS north/RB of/IN here,/PRP and/CC I--""You/NNP will/MD dine/VB with/IN us,/PRP no?/. But/CC surely,/JJ my/PRP$ friend./NN We/PRP will/MD be/VB desolated/VBN if/IN you/PRP do/VBP not."/RB He/PRP rang/VBD a/DT bell,/NN pendent/NN from/IN the/DT roof/NN of/IN the/DT veranda,/NN and/CC a/DT faint/JJ shout/NN answered/VBD from/IN the/DT corrals/NNS in/IN back./DT "Your/JJ horse/NN will/MD be/VB unsaddled,/JJ watered,/NN and/CC fed/VBD some/DT grain./NN Come,/IN you/PRP are/VBP the/DT honored/JJ guest/NN of/IN this/DT family./NN Words/NNS fail/VBP me/PRP to/TO express/VB the/DT gratitude/NN I/PRP feel/VBP for/IN your/PRP$ noble/JJ conduct/NN toward/IN my/PRP$ son;/NN my/PRP$ daughter/NN Josepha,/NNP too,/, waits/VBZ eagerly/RB to/TO acknowledge/VB the/DT debt.""You/NN attach/VBP too/RB much/JJ importance/NN to/TO a/DT trifling/JJ service,/NN Don/NNP Jos$.""My/NNP son's/POS life,/NN twice/RB saved,/VBN is/VBZ not/RB a/DT trifling/JJ service,/NN although/IN to/TO you/PRP the/DT effort/NN involved/VBN may/MD have/VB appeared/VBN trifling./DT Josepha!"/NNP He/PRP had/VBD his/PRP$ arm/NN in/IN D'Arcy's,/NNP leading/VBG him/PRP toward/IN the/DT door./NN "Josepha!/. Come/VB quickly/RB to/TO welcome/VB Don/NNP Dermod."They/NNP entered/VBD the/DT main/JJ portal/NN and/CC passed/VBD into/IN a/DT huge/JJ living-room,/NN sparsely/RB furnished/VBN and/CC with/IN a/DT few/JJ old/JJ family/NN portraits/NNS adorning/VBG the/DT walls./NN From/IN the/DT living-room/NN a/DT bare,/JJ uncarpeted/JJ hall/NN led/VBD toward/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT house./NN A/DT door/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN this/DT hall/NN opened/VBD and/CC D'Arcy's/NNP heart/NN thrilled/VBD as/IN Josepha/NNP stepped/VBD out./RP "Ah,/IN this/DT is/VBZ an/DT unexpected/JJ pleasure,"/NN she/PRP called,/VBD and/CC ran/VBD down/IN the/DT hall/NN to/TO greet/NN him./PRP "I/RB have/VBP not/RB expect/VB theese/DT veeseet,"/NN she/PRP added/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ quaint/JJ clipped/JJ English,/NNP as/IN his/PRP$ hard/JJ hand/NN closed/VBD over/IN hers./PRP "I/RB am/VBP glad/JJ you/PRP do/VBP those/DT theeng/NN to/TO not/RB be/VB expect'./VBG The--ah--surprise"--she/DT accented/VBN the/DT first/JJ syllable--"is/NN very/RB much."He/RB kissed/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN gallantly./VBD "I/PRP was/VBD aware/JJ I/PRP was/VBD not/RB expected/VBN when/WRB my/PRP$ horse/NN was/VBD returned/VBN to/TO me./RP In/IN Mexico,/NNP a/DT gentleman/NN calling/NN upon/IN a/DT lady/NN for/IN the/DT firsttime/NN leaves/VBZ his/PRP$ cane./NN If/IN the/DT cane/NN is/VBZ returned/VBN it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT hint/NN the/DT gentleman/NN is/VBZ not/RB welcome."She/JJ flushed/VBN with/IN embarrassment/NN but/CC met/VBD his/PRP$ humorous/JJ gaze/NN unflinchingly./RB "Why,/IN eef/NN that/IN you/PRP theenk,/MD mus'/VB you/PRP call?""You/PRP did/VBD not/RB send/VB back/RB my/PRP$ horse.""Those/NN are/VBP true/JJ words."/NN There/EX was/VBD pride/NN and/CC triumph/NN in/IN her/PRP$ starry/JJ dark/JJ eyes/NNS now./, "You/PRP are/VBP beeg/IN devil,/NN I/PRP theenk,"/MD she/PRP added./VBD "A/DT bit/NN devilish,/NNS at/IN any/DT rate./NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB care/VB to/TO have/VB other/JJ people/NNS make/VBP my/PRP$ plans."/NNS He/PRP turned/VBD to/TO Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC said/VBD in/IN Spanish:/NNP "Se$orita/NNP Josepha/NNP compliments/VBZ me/PRP by/IN speaking/VBG English./NNP For/IN one/CD who/WP has/VBZ so/RB very/RB little/JJ practice/NN in/IN that/DT tongue/NN she/PRP speaks/VBZ it/PRP very/RB well./RB But,"/CC he/PRP added,/VBD "I/RB think/VB she/PRP is/VBZ more/RBR at/IN home/NN in/IN the/DT Spanish/JJ language."/NN Thus/RB tactfully/RB did/VBD he/PRP allay/VB the/DT suspicion/NN he/PRP saw/VBD in/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP usually/RB merry/VBP eyes./DT "Don/NNP Dermod/NNP will/MD honor/VB us/PRP by/IN staying/VBG for/IN dinner,/NN my/PRP$ daughter.""We/NN rancheros/NNS live/VBP simply,/RB Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Our/NNP fare/NN is/VBZ very/RB plain,/JJ but/CC we/PRP will/MD be/VB grateful/JJ to/TO share/NN it/PRP with/IN one/CD to/TO whom/WP we/PRP owe/VBP so/RB much./RB Ah,/IN you/PRP are/VBP brave/JJ and/CC just!/RB If/IN I/PRP am/VBP ever/RB a/DT mother,/NN my/PRP$ first/JJ son/NN shall/MD be/VB named/VBN for/IN you.""By/PRP the/DT powers,/NN he/PRP will--if/, I/PRP have/VBP anything/NN to/TO say/VB about/IN it,"/PRP$ the/DT guest/NN soliloquized./NN Aloud/NNP he/PRP said:/VBD "Don/NNP Romauldo/NNP breakfasted/VBD with/IN me/PRP four/CD days/NNS ago./DT He/PRP was/VBD well/RB and/CC safe/JJ when/WRB I/PRP saw/VBD him/PRP last."Don/JJ Jos$/NNP led/VBD him/PRP courteously/RB to/TO a/DT seat--a/NN home-made/NN chair/NN covered/JJ with/IN tanned/JJ calf-hide--and/NN clapped/VBD his/PRP$ hands./NN A/DT barefoot/JJ man/NN servant/NN appeared/VBD from/IN the/DT kitchen,/NN which/WDT D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD was/VBD a/DT lean-to/NN against/IN the/DT main/JJ building./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP closed/VBD one/CD eye/NN and/CC the/DT man/NN disappeared,/VBD to/TO return/VB presently/RB with/IN a/DT bottle/NN of/IN wine/NN and/CC three/CD glasses./NN "It/NN is/VBZ French/JJ wine,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP explained/VBD happily./PRP "We/PRP have/VBP a/DT few/JJ bottles/NNS left,/VBN for/IN those/DT who/WP deserve/VBP it."The/PRP girl/NN sat/VBD down/RP opposite/IN D'Arcy;/NNP while/IN her/PRP$ father/NN poured/VBD the/DT wine/NN her/PRP eyes/NNS roved/VBD interestedly/RB over/IN their/PRP$ guest,/NNS a/DT happy/JJ little/JJ half-smile/JJ playing/VBG around/IN her/PRP$ adorable/JJ mouth./NN "Ah,/IN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP said/VBD softly/RB in/IN English,/NNP "you/, are/VBP beeg/IN rascal,/NN I/PRP theenk.""I/PRP would/MD warm/VB myself/PRP in/IN the/DT light/NN of/IN your/PRP$ presence,"/NN he/PRP admitted,/VBD "and/CC I/PRP am/VBP one/PRP who/WP always/RB consults/VBZ his/PRP$ own/JJ desires.""In/NN all/DT theengs?""In/JJ all/DT important/JJ things.""Ah!/NN You/PRP theenk/MD eet/VB ees/NNS important/JJ you/PRP see/VBP me/PRP again."Don/IN Jos$,/NNP who/WP had/VBD been/VBN sipping/VBG the/DT wine/NN thoughtfully,/VBD interrupted/VBN with/IN a/DT roar./NN "This/DT bottle/NN is/VBZ spoiled./VBN Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil!/NN That/IN rascal/JJ Patricio/NNP has/VBZ the/DT intelligence/NN of/IN a/DT sheep./NN He/PRP has/VBZ embarrassed/VBN me./RP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP your/PRP$ pardon/NN for/IN one/CD little/JJ moment,/NN while/IN my/PRP$ daughter/NN selects/NNS for/IN us/PRP a/DT new/JJ bottle."Dutifully,/NN Josepha/NNP left/VBD the/DT room./NN D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD at/IN no/DT loss/NN to/TO interpret/VB her/PRP$ father's/NN adroitness./. Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD a/DT stickler/NN for/IN the/DT ancient/JJ code./NN He/PRP would/MD not/RB shirk/VB his/PRP$ duty/NN as/IN a/DT host,/NN for/IN to/TO him/PRP the/DT laws/NNS of/IN hospitality/NN were/VBD very/RB sacred,/JJ but/CC neither/RB would/MD he/PRP risk/VB leaving/VBG his/PRP$ daughter/NN unchaperoned/JJ for/IN a/DT minute/NN in/IN the/DT company/NN of/IN a/DT young/JJ man--a/NN suitor,/NN possibly,/NN and/CC if/IN so,/NNS unwelcome--to/WDT get/VBP the/DT bottle/NN himself./PRP "The/DT chivalry/NN of/IN these/DT people/NNS toward/IN their/PRP$ women/NNS is/VBZ mostly/RB apparent/JJ when/WRB an/DT exposition/NN of/IN chivalry/NN does/VBZ not/RB interfere/VB with/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ comforts/NNS or/CC desires,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP reflected./NNP "They/NN guard/NN the/DT purity/NN of/IN the/DT women/NNS of/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ household/NN with/IN a/DT zeal/NN almost/RB fanatical,/JJ but/CC in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN the/DT purity/NN of/IN the/DT women/NNS of/IN other/JJ households/NNS they/PRP are/VBP worse/JJR than/IN casual./DT Al-ways/NNP hiding/NN behind/IN forms;/JJ slaves/NNS to/TO custom/NN and/CC appearances./VBD No/DT wonder/NN it/PRP makes/VBZ weak/JJ hypocrites/NNS of/IN them."The/DT girl/NN was/VBD gone/VBN less/RBR than/IN half/PDT a/DT minute./NN "I/RB think/VB this/DT bottle/NN is/VBZ good,/VBN my/PRP$ father,"/NN she/PRP assured/VBD him./PRP He/PRP patted/VBD her/PRP$ cheek/NN and/CC inspected/VBD the/DT bottle./NN "Ah,/IN my/PRP$ honor/NN is/VBZ restored,"/VBG he/PRP murmured/VBD and/CC drew/VBD the/DT cork./NN "Permit/NN me,/, Josepha./NNP Your/PRP$ glass,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP We/PRP salute/VBP a/DT noble/JJ friend,/NN a/DT gallant/NN gentleman./NN Health,/NNP prosperity,/, and/CC long/JJ life/NN to/TO Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy."With/IN his/PRP$ glass/NN to/TO his/PRP$ lips/NNS and/CC his/PRP$ eyes/NNS gallantly/RB upon/IN the/DT girl,/NN D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD a/DT sip./NN "We/NN have/VBP a/DT saying/VBG in/IN English,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$./NNP It/PRP runs/VBZ thus:/RB 'I/PRP must/MD see/VB you/PRP alone/RB tonight./RB Meet/VB me/PRP in/IN the/DT oak/NN grove/NN in/IN front/NN of/IN the/DT house/NN half/NN an/DT hour/NN after/IN I/PRP depart.'/VBD Translated/VBN into/IN Spanish,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP that/IN means:/NN 'They/PRP are/VBP never/RB alone/RB that/WDT are/VBP accompanied/VBN by/IN noble/JJ thoughts.'"Don/IN Jos$/NNP bowed./VBD "Flowery/NN words/NNS delight/VB the/DT old/JJ man,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP decided/VBD and/CC raised/VBD his/PRP$ glass/NN to/TO the/DT girl./NN She/PRP was/VBD gazing/VBG at/IN him/PRP with/IN the/DT faintest/JJS suspicion/NN of/IN merriment,/JJ mixed/JJ with/IN approval;/NN the/DT next/JJ instant/NN she/PRP had/VBD advanced/VBN and/CC stood/VBD between/IN him/PRP and/CC her/PRP$ father./NN "I/NNS would/MD air/VB my/PRP$ poor/JJ English/NNP in/IN a/DT toast/NN to/TO our/PRP$ guest,"/NN she/PRP informed/VBD Don/NNP Jos$./NNP "Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP you/PRP ask/VBP the/DT eempossible--almos'./NN But/CC I/PRP understan'./VBD You/PRP would/MD speak/VB weeth/IN me/PRP of/IN my/PRP$ brother,/NN no?"He/NN nodded,/NN smiling,/VBD delighted/VBN that/IN she/PRP had/VBD fallen/VBN into/IN a/DT trap/NN that/WDT was/VBD partly/RB of/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ making./NN "What/IN does/VBZ that/DT toast/NN mean,/NN Josephita?"/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP queried/VBD politely./DT "It/NNP means,"/VBD his/PRP$ daughter/NN assured/VBD him/PRP in/IN Spanish,/NNP "may/NNP every/DT hair/NN on/IN your/PRP$ head/NN be/VB as/IN a/DT candle/NN to/TO light/VB your/PRP$ soul/NN to/TO God."This/NNP being/VBG a/DT sufficiently/RB pious/JJ and/CC grandiloquent/JJ sentiment,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP gave/VBD it/PRP his/PRP$ unqualified/JJ indorsement./NN "Ah,/. very/RB fine,/VB very/RB fine,/VB Pepita."/NNP In/IN moments/NNS of/IN expansion/NN he/PRP was/VBD wont/JJ to/TO address/VB her/PRP so,/NN employing/VBG the/DT diminutive/JJ affectionate./NN "I/NNS must/MD remember/VB that/IN and/CC you/PRP must/MD teach/VB me/PRP how/WRB to/TO say/VB it/PRP in/IN English./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT graceful/JJ speech/NN for/IN use/NN when/WRB one/CD drinks/NNS with/IN his/PRP$ American/JJ friends."Josepha/NN kissed/VBD him/PRP in/IN grateful/JJ tribute/NN to/TO his/PRP$ delightful/JJ ignorance/NN and/CC simplicity./RB As/IN he/PRP stepped/VBD to/TO the/DT front/JJ door/NN to/TO give/VB some/DT instructions/NNS to/TO the/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD arrived/VBN to/TO take/VB Pathfinder/NN to/TO the/DT corral,/NN the/DT audacious/JJ Celt/NNP winked/VBD at/IN the/DT girl./NN "I/NN am/VBP not/RB the/DT only/JJ devil/NN in/IN this/DT house,"/NN he/PRP murmured./VBD He/PRP was/VBD thrilled/VBN with/IN victory,/NN transported/VBN with/IN delight./NN "If/IN I/PRP praise/VBP the/DT old/JJ rascal's/NN wine,"/NN he/PRP decided--"and/VBD Lord/NNP knows/VBZ I/PRP should/MD not,/RB for/IN 'tis/PRP nothing/NN to/TO brag/VB about--he/DT will/MD bankrupt/VB himself/PRP opening/VBG fresh/JJ bottles./NN Well,/IN the/DT Spaniard/NNP was/VBD never/RB born/VBN who/WP could/MD drink/VB an/DT Irishman/NN under/IN the/DT table,/NN so/RB I'll/JJ trust/NN to/TO that/DT angel/NN to/TO see/VB to/TO it/PRP that/IN my/PRP$ glass/NN is/VBZ never/RB empty/JJ at/IN dinner,/NN and/CC since/IN her/PRP$ father/NN could/MD not/RB possibly/RB be/VB so/RB discourteous/JJ as/IN not/RB to/TO drink/VB with/IN me,/JJ glass/NN for/IN glass,/NN why,/, then,/RB with/IN the/DT help/NN of/IN God/NNP and/CC my/PRP$ naturally/RB rugged/JJ constitution,/NN I/PRP may/MD succeed/VB in/IN getting/VBG the/DT old/JJ gentleman/NN tipsy,/NN or/CC at/IN least/JJS put/VBD him/PRP to/TO sleep./DT Desperate/JJ circumstances/NNS require/VBP desperate/JJ measures,/NN Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy./NN Bad/JJ luck/NN to/TO any/DT man/NN that/IN plays/VBZ the/DT duenna/NN to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ daughter--when/NN I/PRP will/MD otherwise."They/VB talked--of/, the/DT weather,/NN the/DT extreme/JJ dryness/NN of/IN the/DT season/NN and/CC the/DT necessity/NN for/IN rain,/NN of/IN cattle/NNS and/CC the/DT market/NN for/IN hides/NNS and/CC tallow,/NN of/IN horses/NNS and/CC horse-races,/NNS of/IN the/DT American/JJ invasion,/NN of/IN mining/NN methods,/NN California,/NNP its/PRP$ past/NN and/CC its/PRP$ future--and/JJ presently/RB theywere/, talking/VBG of/IN D'Arcy,/NNP his/PRP$ people,/NNS his/PRP$ country,/NN its/PRP$ customs./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD artfully/RB pumping/VBG him,/JJ purposely/RB monopolizing/VBG the/DT conversation,/NN or/CC rather/RB endeavoring/VBG to,/, but/CC without/IN much/JJ success,/NN since/IN D'Arcy/NNP insisted/VBD upon/IN including/VBG Josepha/NNP in/IN the/DT discussions/NNS at/IN every/DT opportunity./NN Presently/RB dinner/NN was/VBD announced,/RB and/CC after/IN the/DT guest/NN had/VBD made/VBN his/PRP$ ablutions/NNS they/PRP went/VBD into/IN a/DT dining-room/NN bare/JJ of/IN all/DT furniture/NN save/IN three/CD long/JJ tables,/NN with/IN benches,/JJ capable/JJ of/IN seating/VBG not/RB less/RBR than/IN forty/CD guests./NN A/DT white/JJ linen/NN table-cloth/NN had/VBD been/VBN spread/VBN across/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN one/CD table,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP noticed/VBD a/DT bowl/NN of/IN eschscholtzia/NN and/CC wild/JJ iris/NN as/IN a/DT center/NN decoration./NN The/DT meal/NN was/VBD almost/RB Spartan/NNP in/IN its/PRP$ simplicity./JJS A/DT clear/JJ beef/NN broth,/NNS a/DT grilled/JJ steak,/NN some/DT fr$joles/NNS refritos,/VBP some/DT pickled/VBD chilli/NNS peppers/NNS and/CC tortillas,/NNS with/IN coffee./NN As/IN D'Arcy/NNP suspected/VBD might/MD be/VB the/DT case,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD not/RB sparing/VBG of/IN his/PRP$ best/JJS wine,/NN nor/CC was/VBD the/DT rascally/RB guest/NN sparing/NN in/IN his/PRP$ extravagant/JJ praises/NNS of/IN each/DT glass/NN he/PRP sipped./VBD The/DT result/NN was/VBD exactly/RB what/WP he/PRP had/VBD anticipated./VBN Each/DT new/JJ encomium/NN but/CC urged/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP to/TO fill/VB his/PRP$ guest's/NNS glass/NN again--whereupon/IN the/DT guest/NN tactfully/RB waited/VBD until/IN his/PRP$ host/NN had/VBD also/RB filled/VBN his/PRP$ own/JJ glass./NNP The/DT second/JJ bottle/NN having/VBG been/VBN disposed/VBN of,/RP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP waxed/VBD more/RBR and/CC more/RBR eloquent,/RB more/JJR and/CC more/JJR generous,/NN more/JJR and/CC more/JJR insistent/JJ on/IN a/DT lavish/JJ display/NN of/IN hospitality,/NN culminating/VBG in/IN his/PRP$ ordering/VBG a/DT bottle/NN of/IN old/JJ French/NNP brandy/NN to/TO be/VB served/VBN with/IN the/DT coffee./NN With/IN sincere/JJ pleasure/NN the/DT rascally/RB D'Arcy/NNP observed/VBD the/DT advent/NN of/IN this/DT powerful/JJ ally./NN He/PRP sipped/VBD it,/RB held/VBN it/PRP to/TO the/DT light,/NN sipped/VBD it/PRP again,/RB set/VBD it/PRP down/RP and/CC looked/VBD at/IN it./DT "Marvelous!"/NN he/PRP breathed./VBD "It/PRP is/VBZ long/RB since/IN I/PRP have/VBP tasted/VBN such/JJ brandy/NN as/IN this."He/DT was/VBD fifteen/CD minutes/NNS disposing/VBG of/IN the/DT first/JJ helping./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP beamed./VBZ "If/IN you/PRP had/VBD drunk/JJ that/IN brandy/NN as/IN the/DT Americans/NNPS drink/VBP it--at/, a/DT gulp,"/NN he/PRP declared,/VBD "I/PRP would/MD not/RB offer/VB you/PRP another/DT drop./VBD Permit/NNP me,/, my/PRP$ friend."/NNS He/PRP filled/VBD their/PRP$ glasses/NNS again,/RB but/CC when/WRB once/RB more/JJR they/PRP were/VBD empty/JJ D'Arcy/NNP waved/VBD aside/RB Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP offer/NN of/IN a/DT third./NN "What/IN a/DT night/NN this/DT has/VBZ been!"/VBN he/PRP almost/RB orated./VBD "Another/JJ glass/NN of/IN that/DT nectar/NN of/IN the/DT gods/NNS would/MD deprive/VB me/PRP of/IN my/PRP$ delightful/JJ memories./NN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB my/PRP$ custom,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP to/TO be/VB so/RB rude/JJ as/IN to/TO depart/VB the/DT instant/NN dinner/NN is/VBZ over,/JJ but/CC in/IN this/DT case/NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT alternative./NN My/PRP$ companions/NNS do/VBP not/RB know/VB where/WRB I/PRP am./VBP They/PRP will/MD be/VB worried,/JJ and/CC even/RB now/RB they/PRP may/MD be/VB seeking/VBG me./NN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB kind/NN of/IN me/PRP to/TO harass/VB them./PRP May/MD I/PRP have/VB your/PRP$ permission/NN to/TO withdraw?"Don/DT Jos$/NNP was/VBD only/RB too/RB happy/JJ to/TO grant/VB it,/PRP for/IN already/RB his/PRP$ speech/NN was/VBD beginning/VBG to/TO thicken;/VB occasionally/RB he/PRP closed/VBD his/PRP$ eyes,/NN only/RB to/TO remember/VB his/PRP$ dignity/NN as/IN a/DT host/NN and/CC reopen/VB them/PRP with/IN a/DT start./NN "The/DT old/JJ boy/NN will/MD have/VB to/TO be/VB carried/VBN to/TO bed/VB if/IN I/PRP delay/VBP my/PRP$ departure,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP reflected./NNP "Well,/NN he'll/NN waste/NN no/DT time/NN seeking/VBG his/PRP$ repose/NN after/IN I/PRP am/VBP gone./VBG Thank/VBP heaven,/JJ he'll/JJ sleep/NN soundly./NN As/IN for/IN the/DT servants,/NNS nothing/NN short/JJ of/IN an/DT explosion/NN under/IN their/PRP$ beds/NNS will/MD awaken/VB them,/, once/RB they/PRP have/VBP retired."D'Arcy/NN shook/VBD Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP hand/NN warmly,/, kissed/VBD Josepha's/NNP and/CC sought/VBD his/PRP$ horse,/NN which/WDT a/DT servant/NN had/VBD brought/VBN around/IN to/TO the/DT door./NN For/IN some/DT reason/NN he/PRP appeared/VBD to/TO have/VB a/DT slight/JJ difficulty/NN finding/VBG the/DT stirrup,/NN but/CC with/IN the/DT aid/NN of/IN the/DT servant/NN finally/RB he/PRP mounted/VBD and/CC jogged/VBD off/RP into/IN the/DT moonlight./NN "Almost/RB hoisted/VBD on/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ petard,"/NN he/PRP decided./VBD "My/RB word,/, but/CC the/DT old/JJ man/NN died/VBD hard./, And/CC I/PRP shall/MD have/VB a/DT headache/NN in/IN the/DT morning."A/NNS hundred/CD yards/NNS away/RB he/PRP looked/VBD back./RB The/DT doorof/IN the/DT hacienda/NN was/VBD closed/VBN and/CC the/DT candles/NNS had/VBD already/RB been/VBN extinguished/VBN in/IN the/DT living-room./NN So/IN he/PRP pulled/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC waited./VBD Presently/RB a/DT light/NN appeared/VBD in/IN the/DT window/NN of/IN the/DT room/NN at/IN the/DT extreme/JJ northerly/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda/NN and/CC Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP voice/NN reached/VBD him./PRP It/PRP was/VBD raised/VBN in/IN song./NN Then/RB a/DT man's/JJ protesting/VBG voice/NN interrupted/VBD the/DT song./NN "Patricio/NNP is/VBZ undressing/VBG him,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP decided./VBD He/PRP dismounted/VBD and/CC sat/VBD on/IN the/DT trunk/NN of/IN a/DT fallen/JJ oak,/JJ holding/NN Pathfinder's/NNP bridle/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hands./NN "She/PRP said/VBD I/PRP was/VBD a/DT big/JJ devil,"/NN he/PRP chuckled./VBD "Well,/IN she/PRP is/VBZ right./RB All/DT the/DT D'Arcys/NNP are/VBP devils./VBG They've/DT always/RB loved/VBN their/PRP$ loves/NNS and/CC be/VB damned/VBN to/TO the/DT whole/JJ wide/JJ world."And/NN he/PRP removed/VBD his/PRP$ little/JJ tin/NN flute/NN from/IN an/DT inner/JJ pocket/NN and/CC commenced,/NN very/RB softly,/RB to/TO play/VB <songtitle>"El/NNP Cielo,"</songtitle>/NNP for/IN he/PRP was/VBD immensely/RB pleased/VBN with/IN himself/PRP and/CC the/DT world/NN as/IN that/DT moment/NN created./VBN Indeed,/RB so/RB preoccupied/VBN was/VBD he/PRP with/IN his/PRP$ musical/JJ efforts/NNS that/IN the/DT girl/NN had/VBD been/VBN standing/VBG beside/IN him/PRP almost/RB a/DT minute/NN before/IN he/PRP saw/VBD her./PRP With/IN a/DT sweep/NN of/IN his/PRP$ arm/NN he/PRP drew/VBD her/PRP$ down/RB on/IN the/DT tree/NN trunk/NN beside/IN him./PRP "You/PRP are/VBP mad,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP protested,/VBD and/CC struggled/VBD away./RP "The/DT servants/NNS will/MD hear/VB you.""Had/JJ I/PRP known/VBN where/WRB you/PRP slept/VBD I/PRP would/MD have/VB played/VBN beneath/IN your/PRP$ window."/NN His/PRP$ gallantry/NN was/VBD slightly/RB alcoholic./. His/PRP$ hand/NN groped/VBD for/IN hers/PRP but/CC could/MD not/RB find/VB it./PRP "How/RB many/JJ servants/NNS are/VBP there/RB in/IN your/PRP$ father's/NN house?""Five,/NN thou/IN imp."He/NN drew/VBD five/CD dollars/NNS from/IN his/PRP$ pocket/NN and/CC tossed/VBD them/PRP into/IN her/PRP$ lap./NN "Give/VB each/DT of/IN them/PRP a/DT dollar/NN and/CC tell/VB them/PRP they/PRP heard/VBD nothing./DT They/PRP will/MD believe/VB you,/JJ sweet.""Thou/NNS wicked/JJ one!/JJ Deliberately/NN didst/IN thou/DT plan/NN to/TO get/VB my/PRP$ poor/JJ father/NN intoxicated.""I/IN desired/VBN that/IN he/PRP should/MD sleep/VB soundly./RP I/PRP loathe/VBD his/PRP$ Castilian/JJ habit/NN of/IN interference.""You/PRP desired/VBD to/TO speak/VB to/TO me/PRP about/IN my/PRP$ brother,"/NN she/PRP reminded/VBD him./PRP "Is/IN it/PRP something/NN you/PRP would/MD not/RB have/VB my/PRP$ father/NN know?""If/IN I/PRP have/VBP deceived/VBN you/PRP a/DT little,/JJ Josepha,/NNP forgive/VB me./PRP My/PRP$ sole/JJ desire/NN was,/VBD to/TO speak/VB to/TO you--alone.""About/NNP what,/, Don/NNP Dermod?""I/NNP wished/VBD to/TO tell/VB you/PRP that/IN I/PRP love/VBP you."She/PRP was/VBD silent./VBG Then:/DT "You/NNS are/VBP quick/JJ to/TO speak/VB of/IN love,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP but/CC slightly./VBD I--I--""I/NNP suppose/VBP I/PRP should/MD have/VB spoken/VBN first/RB to/TO your/PRP$ father,"/NN he/PRP retorted/VBD recklessly./NNP "Well,/IN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB because/IN I/PRP realize/VBP my/PRP$ position./NN He/PRP wishes/VBZ you/PRP to/TO marry/VB Tomas/NNP Espinosa./NNP The/DT devil/NN take/VB Tomas!/NNP A/DT nice/JJ boy/NN but--a/CC boy./VBD Look/VB at/IN me,/PRP Josepha./NNP Am/VBP I/PRP not/RB a/DT man,/NN full/JJ grown?""Among/IN my/PRP$ people,"/NNS she/PRP replied/VBD evenly,/RB "it/NN is/VBZ the/DT custom/NN to/TO speak/VB of/IN marriage/NN first./, Love/NNP comes/VBZ after--perhaps."/RB She/PRP turned/VBD searching/VBG eyes/NNS upon/IN him/PRP in/IN the/DT dim/JJ moonlight./NN "Do/IN you/PRP think/VBP me/PRP one/CD to/TO listen/VB to/TO words/NNS of/IN love--from/NN a/DT stranger--from/NN a/DT wanderer/NN who,/, however/RB pleasant/JJ his/PRP$ address/NN and/CC however/RB brave/JJ and/CC noble/JJ his/PRP$ conduct,/NN is/VBZ nevertheless/RB unknown/JJ to/TO anyone/NN here/RB in/IN California?/NNP You/PRP hold/VBP me/PRP too/RB cheap,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod./NNP You/PRP have,/VBP without/IN permission,/JJ attempted/VBN to/TO embrace/VB me./, I/PRP am/VBP sorry./RB I/PRP have/VBP perhaps/RB compromised/VBN myself/PRP by/IN meeting/VBG you/PRP here--and/CC I/PRP did/VBD not/RB come/VB to/TO talk/VB of/IN love/NN or/CC accept/VB it."/PRP She/PRP curtsied/VBD to/TO him/PRP proudly./. "Good/NNP night.""If/NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB speak/VB of/IN marriage,/NN I/PRP assure/VBP you/PRP I/PRP had/VBD it/PRP in/IN mind,"/NN he/PRP protested./VBD "I/PRP did/VBD but/CC follow/VB the/DT custom/NN of/IN my/PRP$ people,/NNS who/WP speak/VBP first/RB of/IN love/NN and/CC then/RB arrange/VB the/DT marriage./NN But,/CC alas,/JJR I/PRP have/VBP nothing/NN to/TO offer/VB you/PRP now/RB except/IN my/PRP$ love./NN A/DT little/JJ later,/JJ when/WRB I/PRP have/VBP accu-mulated/VBN sufficient/JJ wealth/NN and/CC feel/VB that/IN I/PRP can/MD offer/VB you/PRP the/DT sort/NN of/IN home/NN all/DT women/NNS must/MD desire--""Hssh!/VB I/PRP hear/VBP someone,"/RB she/PRP interrupted./VBD Instantly/RB she/PRP was/VBD atremble,/IN panic-stricken./NN "One/NN comes./VBD I/PRP hear/VBP the/DT hoof/JJ beats/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ horse./NN You/PRP must/MD not/RB be/VB seen/VBN here,/IN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Please/VB go--quickly."But/JJ a/DT stubbornness/NN born/VBN of/IN his/PRP$ recent/JJ endurance/NN contest/NN with/IN her/PRP$ father/NN was/VBD on/IN him./PRP "I/. never/RB undignify/VB myself/PRP by/IN an/DT undue/JJ haste,/, my/PRP$ sweet./NN I/PRP have/VBP an/DT explanation/NN to/TO make/VB and/CC little/JJ time/NN in/IN which/WDT to/TO make/VB it./PRP You/PRP have/VBP misunderstood/VBN me,/NNS Josepha--""You/. desire/NN me./PRP You/PRP think/VBP you/PRP have/VBP but/CC to/TO claim/VB me./PRP Ah,/IN I/PRP know,"/VBP she/PRP cried/VBD furiously./RB "Go!/JJ If/IN yonder/JJ rider/NN prove/VBP to/TO be/VB a/DT kinsman/NN of/IN mine/NN he/PRP will/MD assume/VB that/IN I/PRP am/VBP an/DT abandoned/VBN woman./NN There/EX will/MD be/VB trouble--bloodshed./VBN Ah,/RB please/VB go./NNP You/PRP would/MD not/RB make/VB a/DT scandal,/NN no?""I/NN will/MD go,"/VB he/PRP declared/VBD with/IN heavy/JJ finality,/NN "only/RB after/IN you/PRP have,/VBP told/VBD me/PRP that/IN you/PRP return/VB my/PRP$ love./NN That/DT and/CC one/CD little/JJ kiss,"/NN he/PRP added./VBD She/PRP fled/VBD from/IN him/PRP toward/IN the/DT house/NN around/IN the/DT corner/NN of/IN which/WDT he/PRP watched/VBD her/PRP disappear./, "Thought/NN I/PRP held/VBD her/PRP cheap,"/IN he/PRP muttered./MD "Well,/RB I'm/PRP glad/JJ she/PRP displayed/VBD a/DT womanly/NN pride./NN Adorable/JJ little/JJ aristocrat./NN Damn/JJ it,/NN I/PRP felt/VBD certain/JJ of/IN my/PRP$ ground,/NN too./VBD ./. ./. ./. Well,/NNP at/IN some/DT future/JJ time/NN I'll/. try/VB again."With/IN some/DT difficulty/NN he/PRP found/VBD his/PRP$ stirrup/NN and,/CC mounting,/NN rode/VBD at/IN a/DT walk/NN through/IN the/DT oak/NN grove/NN at/IN right/JJ angles/NNS to/TO the/DT direction/NN from/IN which/WDT a/DT horseman/NN evidently/RB was/VBD approaching./VBG In/IN the/DT deep/JJ shadow/NN under/IN a/DT giant/JJ oak/NN he/PRP pulled/VBD up/RB and/CC waited/VBD for/IN the/DT rider/NN to/TO pass/VB and/CC gain/VB the/DT hacienda./NN When/WRB the/DT man/NN had/VBD done/VBN so,/NN D'Arcy/NNP moved/VBD on/IN again,/RB circling/VBG the/DT hacienda/NN toward/IN the/DT open/JJ field/NN near/IN the/DT river,/NN where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD left/VBN his/PRP$ caravan/NN earlier/RB in/IN the/DT day./NN Presently/RB he/PRP descried/VBD its/PRP$ north-bound/JJ trail/NN in/IN the/DT tall/JJ grass/NN and/CC followed/VBD it/PRP until/IN the/DT gleam/NN of/IN a/DT distant/JJ camp-fire/NN indicated/VBD where/WRB his/PRP$ party/NN had/VBD outspanned/VBN for/IN the/DT night./NN With/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP who/WP was/VBD on/IN guard,/NN the/DT company/NN was/VBD asleep/RB when/WRB he/PRP rode/VBD into/IN camp./NN "Well,/NN pardner,"/NN that/WDT worthy/JJ demanded,/NN "was/VBD the/DT evening/NN a/DT success?""Help/NN me/PRP down,/, Bejabers,/NNP or/CC I'll/NNP come/VBP in/IN a/DT grand/JJ heap.""Hurt?"/NN Bejabers/NNP leaped/VBD to/TO Pathfinder's/NNP side,/NN instantly/RB apprehensive,/VBD and/CC held/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ stout/NN arms./. "No,/'' tipsy.""Then/RB the/DT evening/NN was/VBD a/DT success,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP decided,/VBD much/RB relieved./VBN D'Arcy/NNP slid/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT saddle/NN and/CC was/VBD held/VBN until/IN he/PRP could/MD assert/VB a/DT sense/NN of/IN equilibrium./NN "Bejabers,"/IN he/PRP whispered,/MD "I'm/VB an/DT ass.""Then/NN you/PRP and/CC me/PRP are/VBP the/DT only/JJ two/CD that/WDT know/VBP it--and/CC we/PRP won't/MD admit/VB it/PRP to/TO the/DT others./NNP Where/WRB you/PRP been,/VBP son?/NN I/PRP been/VBN worried/VBN most/RBS to/TO death.""I/VB called/VBN on/IN old/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC had/VBD dinner/NN with/IN him/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter./NN Wanted/VBN to/TO speak/VB privately/RB with/IN the/DT girl,/NN and/CC the/DT old/JJ man/NN played/VBD the/DT duenna./NN So/IN I/PRP got/VBD him/PRP tipsy--""You/JJ mean/NN he/PRP got/VBD you/PRP tipsy.""He/JJ has/VBZ a/DT hard/JJ head./NN And/CC I/PRP frightened/VBD the/DT girl./NN Ruined/VBN my/PRP$ chances,/NN Bejabers.""Not/IN at/IN all,"/DT his/PRP$ practical/JJ partner/NN declared./VBD "That/IN gives/VBZ you/PRP an/DT excuse/NN to/TO call/VB again--to/DT 'pologize./. Take/VB my/PRP$ arm,/NN son,/NN and/CC I'll/NNP put/VBD you/PRP to/TO bed."He/VB pulled/VBN off/RP D'Arcy's/NNP boots/NNS and/CC rolled/VBD him/PRP up/RP in/IN his/PRP$ blankets./NN THEY/NNP were/VBD on/IN the/DT road/NN again/RB at/IN daylight./NN Late/RB in/IN the/DT afternoon/NN they/PRP came/VBD to/TO a/DT wide/JJ arroyo/NN in/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN which/WDT ran/VBD a/DT stream/NN of/IN unusual/JJ magnitude/NN for/IN this/DT season/NN of/IN the/DT year./NN Both/DT banks/NNS were/VBD so/RB high/JJ and/CC precipitous/JJ as/IN to/TO preclude/VB making/VBG a/DT pathway/NN down/IN them/PRP for/IN the/DT wagon,/NN so/IN they/PRP turned/VBD east/RB along/IN the/DT southern/JJ bank,/NN seeking/VBG a/DT low/JJ spot/NN where/WRB they/PRP might/MD cross/VB with/IN a/DT minimum/NN of/IN difficulty./NN Not/RB until/IN they/PRP were/VBD within/IN a/DT mile/NN of/IN the/DT first/JJ low/JJ foot-hills,/NN however,/, did/VBD they/PRP find/VB such/JJ a/DT spot,/NN and/CC then/RB it/PRP was/VBD too/RB late/JJ to/TO attempt/VB the/DT crossing/NN that/IN day./NN While/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS were/VBD picking/VBG down/RP the/DT low/JJ banks/NNS and/CC preparing/VBG the/DT crossing/NN next/IN morning,/NN D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD a/DT shovel/NN and/CC a/DT pan/NN and/CC announced/VBD that/IN he/PRP would/MD prospect/NN the/DT arroyo/NN a/DT little./JJ On/IN a/DT small/JJ sand-bar/NN in/IN the/DT middle/NN of/IN the/DT stream/NN he/PRP panned/VBD gravel/NN and/CC each/DT time/NN he/PRP found/VBD a/DT faint/JJ string/NN of/IN color,/NN but/CC the/DT gold/NN was/VBD very/RB fine./JJ So/IN he/PRP shoveled/VBD off/RP about/IN two/CD feet/NNS of/IN sand/NN and/CC tested/VBD several/JJ pans/NNS at/IN a/DT level/NN two/CD feet/NNS lower/JJR and/CC next/JJ to/TO the/DT bedrock./NN His/PRP$ efforts/NNS were/VBD much/RB more/JJR richly/JJ rewarded--he/NN estimated/VBD a/DT dollar's/NN worth/NN of/IN gold/NN to/TO the/DT pan--but/NN the/DT gold/NN was/VBD still/RB very/RB fine,/VB although/IN he/PRP found/VBD one/CD tiny/JJ nugget/NN as/RB large/JJ as/IN a/DT fat/JJ grain/NN of/IN wheat./DT He/PRP rejoined/VBD his/PRP$ party/NN and/CC displayed/VBD to/TO them/PRP the/DT result/NN of/IN his/PRP$ prospecting./NN Instantly/RB all/DT were/VBD tremendously/RB excited./VBN "It's/NNP nothing/NN to/TO get/VB excited/VBN about,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP assured/VBD them,/PRP "although/IN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT doubt/NN but/CC that/IN by/IN working/VBG hard/RB here/RB we/PRP could/MD pan/VB about/IN an/DT ounce/NN a/DT day/NN per/IN man./NN This/DT gold/NN is/VBZ too/RB fine,/JJ however,/, and/CC too/RB widely/RB scattered/VBN to/TO interest/NN us/PRP now,/RB in/IN view/NN of/IN the/DT story/NN it/PRP tells/VBZ me./PRP Remember,/VB I/PRP have/VBP had/VBD some/DT experience/NN of/IN placer-mining,/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP read/VBN considerably/RB on/IN the/DT subject./NN Farther/RB up/IN this/DT stream/NN and/CC below/IN the/DT point/NN where/WRB it/PRP crosses/VBZ a/DT prehistoric/JJ river-bed/NN which/WDT is/VBZ undoubtedly/RB gold-bearing,/JJ we/PRP should/MD find/VB gold/NN much/RB coarser/NN and/CC in/IN much/JJ greater/JJR quantities./NNP The/DT farther/RBR down/IN the/DT stream/NN the/DT gold/NN is/VBZ carried/VBN the/DT finer/NN it/PRP becomes/VBZ by/IN erosion/NN and/CC consequently/RB the/DT more/RBR widely/RB scattered/VBN and/CC difficult/JJ to/TO mine.""That's/NNS logical,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP assented./. "We/NNP will,/MD therefore,"/EX D'Arcy/NNP informed/VBD the/DT company,/NN "follow/IN this/DT stream/NN as/IN far/RB toward/IN its/PRP$ source/NN as/IN possible,/JJ prospecting/NN it/PRP at/IN intervals/NNS until/IN we/PRP decide/VBP the/DT ground/NN is/VBZ rich/JJ enough/RB to/TO warrant/VB setting/VBG up/RP a/DT permanent/JJ camp/NN and/CC commencing/VBG mining./NN There/EX is/VBZ no/DT suitable/JJ timber/NN growing/VBG here,/RB but/CC there/EX will/MD be/VB an/DT abundance/NN of/IN pine-trees/NNS farther/RB up/RP in/IN the/DT hills./NN Indeed,/IN we/PRP can/MD see/VB timber/NN from/IN here./PRP And/CC we/PRP shall/MD need/VB timber/NN to/TO construct/VB shelter/NN against/IN the/DT winter/NN storms."Bejabers/NNS nodded./VBG In/IN his/PRP$ excursions/NNS with/IN D'Arcy/NNP among/IN the/DT diggings/NNS along/IN the/DT American/NNP River/NNP and/CC its/PRP$ forks,/NN they/PRP had/VBD noted/VBN that/IN few/JJ of/IN the/DT miners/NNS then/RB on/IN the/DT ground/NN had/VBD made/VBN any/DT serious/JJ attempt/NN to/TO provide/VB adequate/JJ shelter/NN for/IN themselves./PRP Some/DT few/JJ had/VBD tents,/RB but/CC the/DT majority/NN were/VBD camped/VBN in/IN the/DT open/JJ or/CC had/VBD made/VBN themselves/PRP flimsy/JJ shelters/NNS of/IN brushwood./VBN They/PRP were/VBD concerned/VBN solely/RB with/IN getting/VBG out/RP as/IN much/JJ gold/NN as/IN possible/JJ before/IN the/DT rainy/NN season/NN should/MD commence/VB and/CC the/DT river/NN bars,/NN flooding,/VBN be/VB impossible/JJ to/TO work./VB Practically/RB all/DT of/IN them/PRP planned/VBD to/TO winter/NN in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC return/VB the/DT following/VBG spring/NN more/RBR fully/RB supplied/VBN with/IN food,/NNS tools,/, equipment,/NN and/CC creature/NN comforts./NN Bejabers/NNP had/VBD hazarded/VBN a/DT guess/NN that/IN in/IN the/DT social/JJ bedlama/NN gathering/NN of/IN miners/NNS in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP would/MD create,/VB the/DT gambler/NN and/CC saloon-keeper/NN would/MD reap/VB the/DT real/JJ harvest/NN of/IN the/DT incredible/JJ toil/NN of/IN these/DT fortune-hunters./, Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP sat/VBD down/RB on/IN the/DT wagon-tongue./NN "I/JJ wonder/NN who/WP owns/VBZ this/DT land?""That/NN is/VBZ a/DT question/NN we/PRP are/VBP not/RB interested/JJ in,/IN my/PRP$ friend,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP answered/VBD him./PRP "It/RB may/MD be/VB a/DT part/NN of/IN a/DT Spanish/JJ grant/NN or/CC it/PRP may/MD be/VB the/DT public/JJ domain./NN The/DT miners/NNS are/VBP no/DT longer/JJR respecting/NN titles,/NN so/IN I/PRP suppose/VBP no/DT one/NN will/MD blame/VB us/PRP if/IN we/PRP drift/VB with/IN the/DT public/JJ policy."He/NN was/VBD gratified/JJ to/TO note/VB that/IN there/EX was/VBD no/DT disposition/NN to/TO dispute/VB the/DT wisdom/NN of/IN his/PRP$ decisions;/NN he/PRP knew/VBD that/IN while/IN they/PRP proved/VBD wise/JJ and/CC profitable/JJ his/PRP$ little/JJ company/NN would/MD stick/VB together,/RB and/CC meanwhile/RB he/PRP was/VBD resolved/VBN to/TO continue/VB firmly/RB to/TO demonstrate/VB the/DT leadership/NN he/PRP had/VBD assumed,/VBN on/IN the/DT general/JJ principle/NN that/IN leadership/NN is/VBZ usually/RB accorded/VBN to/TO him/PRP who/WP demands/VBZ it./PRP He/PRP mounted/VBD Pathfinder/NNP and/CC rode/VBD for/IN ten/CD miles/NNS up/IN the/DT arroyo./JJS The/DT farther/RBR up-stream/JJ he/PRP went,/VBD the/DT thicker/JJR and/CC heavier/JJR grew/VBD the/DT timber./NN Eventually/RB he/PRP discovered/VBD a/DT little/JJ open/JJ flat/NN between/IN two/CD hills/NNS on/IN the/DT north/NN bank,/NN and/CC after/IN assuring/VBG himself/PRP that/IN this/DT flat/NN would/MD not/RB be/VB subject/JJ to/TO overflow/VB during/IN the/DT period/NN of/IN freshet,/NN he/PRP tied/VBD Pathfinder/NNP and/CC spent/VBD an/DT hour/NN panning/NN gravel/NN here/RB and/CC there/RB where/WRB the/DT current/JJ set/NN in/IN strongest/JJS toward/IN the/DT banks,/NN for/IN he/PRP reasoned/VBD that/IN here/RB the/DT greatest/JJS accumulation/NN of/IN placer-gold/NN should/MD be/VB found./VBN And/CC he/PRP was/VBD right./RB His/PRP$ first/JJ pan/NN netted/VBN about/IN five/CD dollars/NNS in/IN very/RB coarse/JJ gold--"lumpy,"/NN in/IN fact./NN In/IN a/DT crevice/NN in/IN a/DT rock/NN about/IN a/DT foot/NN above/IN the/DT surface/NN of/IN the/DT stream/NN he/PRP found/VBD an/DT accumulation/NN of/IN coarse/JJ gold,/NN relic/NN of/IN the/DT days/NNS when/WRB that/DT rock/NN had/VBD been/VBN lower/JJR in/IN the/DT creek/NN bottom./NN With/IN his/PRP$ bowie-knife/NN he/PRP cleaned/VBD this/DT crevice,/NN exulting/NN in/IN the/DT richness/NN of/IN it,/NN and/CC about/IN an/DT hour/NN before/IN sunset/NN remounted/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC returned/VBD to/TO camp./MD "Faith,/RB we've/VB struck/VBN brand-new/JJ diggings,"/NN he/PRP announced./VBD "There/RB isn't/IN a/DT soul/NN up/IN the/DT stream,/NN and/CC I/PRP failed/VBD to/TO find/VB evidence/NN that/IN any/DT human/NN being/VBG ever/RB has/VBZ been/VBN there./DT I've/NN found/VBD a/DT grand/JJ camp-site,/NN close/NN to/TO wood/NN and/CC water/NN and/CC with/IN an/DT abundance/NN of/IN feed/NN for/IN our/PRP$ stock./NN We'll/CC resume/VB our/PRP$ march/NN in/IN the/DT morning.""Find/NN any/DT gold?"/NN McCready/IN queried./VBN D'Arcy/NNP spread/VBD a/DT tarpaulin/NN on/IN the/DT ground/NN and/CC rolled/VBD out/RB of/IN his/PRP$ buckskin/NN purse/NN at/IN least/JJS two/CD fistfuls/NNS of/IN the/DT dull/JJ yellow/JJ metal./NN His/PRP$ comrades/NNS gazed/VBD upon/IN him/PRP in/IN stunned/JJ silence;/NN then/RB ran/VBD their/PRP$ fingers/NNS through/IN it,/DT inspected/VBN it/PRP wonderingly./VBD Finally/RB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP broke/VBD the/DT spell/NN with/IN an/DT unchurchly/JJ expletive./NN "My/IN God!"He/NNP was/VBD trembling/VBG with/IN the/DT gold/NN ague!/IN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP ran/VBD his/PRP$ fingers/NNS caressingly/RB through/IN the/DT little/JJ mound/NN of/IN metal,/NN and/CC Vilmont/NNP chattered/VBD almost/RB hysterically/RB in/IN French/JJ to/TO D'Arcy./NNP The/DT habitual/JJ stolidity/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP in/IN moments/NNS of/IN stress/NN remained/VBD unbroken,/JJ however;/IN the/DT Bart's/NNP fine/NN features/NNS wore/VBD a/DT grin/NN of/IN delight/NN reminiscent/NN of/IN an/DT adolescent/NN boy/NN presented/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ first/JJ pair/NN of/IN long/JJ trousers;/NN McCready/JJ and/CC Judson/NNP were/VBD as/RB unmoved/JJ as/IN Bejabers;/NNP Francisco/NNP crossed/VBD himself/PRP and/CC gave/VBD thanks;/IN the/DT others/NNS of/IN the/DT party/NN smote/VB each/DT other/JJ across/IN the/DT shoulders/NNS or/CC solemnly/RB shook/VBD hands./JJR D'Arcy/NNP gathered/VBD up/RP the/DT gold/NN and/CC replaced/VBD it/PRP in/IN the/DT buckskin/NN bag./VBD "Tomorrow/JJ morning/NN we/PRP will/MD travel/VB upstream/RB to/TO the/DT camp-site/NN I/PRP have/VBP selected,/VBN and/CC immediately/RB set/VBN to/TO work/VB to/TO build/VB a/DT camp/NN in/IN which/WDT we/PRP can/MD winter/NN in/IN comfort./NN Not/RB until/IN we/PRP are/VBP thoroughly/RB pre-pared/JJ to/TO withstand/VB a/DT siege/NN of/IN cold/JJ and/CC hunger/NN will/MD we/PRP commence/VB mining."Early/RB the/DT following/VBG morning/NN every/DT animal/NN in/IN the/DT company,/NN including/VBG Pathfinder,/NNP was/VBD packed,/VBN The/DT Black/NNP Maria,/NNP with/IN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready/NNP to/TO guard/VB the/DT sup-plies/NNS remaining/VBG in/IN it,/PRP was/VBD left/VBN at/IN the/DT ford,/NN for/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD decided/VBN the/DT vehicle/NN would/MD leave/VB too/RB easy/JJ a/DT trail/NN to/TO follow/VB in/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN the/DT wide/JJ arroyo/NN and/CC thus/RB extend/VB an/DT invitation/NN for/IN other/JJ gold-hunters/NNS to/TO invade/VB the/DT newly/RB discovered/VBN district./NN On/IN the/DT other/JJ hand,/NN by/IN leading/VBG the/DT pack-animals/NNS through/IN the/DT shallow/NN stream/VB their/PRP$ trail/NN would/MD quickly/RB be/VB obliterated./VBN "What/RB are/VBP you/PRP going/VBG to/TO do/VB with/IN the/DT wagon/NN after/IN the/DT last/JJ of/IN our/PRP$ supplies/NNS have/VBP been/VBN packed/VBN in?"/IN Bejabers/NNP wanted/VBD to/TO know./DT "You/PRP may/MD return/VB to/TO it/PRP when/WRB opportunity/NN offers,/NN Bejabers/IN riding/VBG your/PRP$ own/JJ saddle-horse/NN and/CC leading/VBG the/DT wagon/NN team./NN You/PRP will/MD then/RB hitch/VB and/CC drive/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP will/MD gladly/RB grant/VB us/PRP permission/NN to/TO leave/VB horses/NNS and/CC wagon/NN there/RB until/IN we/PRP require/VBP their/PRP$ use/NN again.""I've/NN got/VBD to/TO get/VB that/DT outfit/NN back/RB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP again/RB and/CC right/RB soon./RB My/PRP$ conscience/NN troubles/NNS me/PRP no/DT little,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP reminded/VBD him./PRP "If/IN I/PRP may/MD be/VB permitted/VBN a/DT suggestion,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP struck/VBD in,/RB "before/RB returning/VBG the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP to/TO the/DT city/NN it/PRP should/MD be/VB utilized/VBN to/TO freight/VB in/IN a/DT quantity/NN of/IN potatoes/NNS and/CC such/JJ dried/VBN vegetables/NNS and/CC fruits/NNS as/RB may/MD be/VB obtainable./VBG I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN studying/VBG our/PRP$ diet/NN list/NN and/CC as/IN a/DT medical/JJ man/NN I/PRP must/MD remind/VB you,/PRP Dermod,/IN me/PRP boy,/VBP that/IN without/IN the/DT additional/JJ stock/NN of/IN rations/NNS I/PRP suggest,/VBP scurvy/NN may/MD develop/VB in/IN camp/NN before/IN winter/NN is/VBZ over.""I/NNP will/MD forgive/VB you/PRP a/DT great/JJ deal/NN for/IN that/DT suggestion,/NN Bart.""If/IN they/PRP are/VBP available/JJ in/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP we/PRP should/MD have/VB a/DT supply/NN of/IN simple/JJ medical/JJ stores.""Every/NN time/NN you/PRP speak/VBP of/IN late/RB you/PRP demonstrate/VBP what/WP a/DT treasure/NN you/PRP are,/VBP Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP Unfortunately/RB the/DT company's/JJ cash/NN balance/NN is/VBZ very/RB low;/JJ hence/RB it/PRP appears/VBZ necessary/JJ to/TO do/VB some/DT mining/NN almost/RB immediately."They/RB outspanned/JJ at/IN noon/NN in/IN the/DT spot/NN selected/VBN for/IN their/PRP$ permanent/JJ camp,/NN the/DT animals/NNS were/VBD hobbled/VBN and/CC turned/VBD loose/JJ to/TO graze,/VB and/CC a/DT temporary/JJ camp/NN made/VBN for/IN the/DT night./NN After/IN partaking/VBG of/IN a/DT luncheon/NN prepared/VBN by/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP assisted/VBN by/IN Vilmont,/NNP who,/, like/IN most/JJS of/IN his/PRP$ race,/NN was/VBD an/DT excellent/JJ cook,/NN all/DT hands/NNS invaded/VBD the/DT adjacent/JJ timber/NN with/IN axes/NNS and/CC saws./VBD With/IN a/DT hatchet/NN D'Arcy/NNP blazed/VBD the/DT trees/NNS he/PRP desired/VBD cut/VBD down--young/JJ growth/NN not/RB more/JJR than/IN a/DT foot/NN in/IN diameter--and/NN upon/IN these/DT the/DT chopping/NN gang/NN set/VBN to/TO work./MD As/IN each/DT tree/NN fell,/VBD its/PRP$ limbs/NNS were/VBD neatly/RB lopped/VBN off/RB and/CC the/DT ends/NNS sawed/VBD off/RP squarely./RB Next/JJ morning/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Francisco,/NNP herding/, five/CD pack-mules/NNS before/IN them,/PRP returned/VBD down-stream/RB to/TO the/DT wagon,/NN packed/VBD the/DT remaining/VBG supplies,/NN hid/VBD the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP in/IN some/DT live-oaks/NNS and/CC then/RB removed/VBD one/CD wheel/NN and/CC hid/VBD that,/DT thus/RB rendering/VBG the/DT vehicle/NN an/DT unattractive/JJ object/NN of/IN loot./NN Accompanied/VBN by/IN McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP afoot,/IN they/PRP returned/VBD to/TO the/DT camp./NN Here/RB Bejabers/VBZ reported/VBN excellent/JJ progress/NN in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN getting/VBG out/IN the/DT timbers/NNS for/IN their/PRP$ cabin,/NN although/IN blistered/JJ hands/NNS had/VBD forced/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP to/TO cease/VB work./NN Ensued/VBN a/DT week/NN of/IN desperate/JJ labor./NN The/DT prepared/JJ logs/NNS were/VBD hauled/VBN out/RB of/IN the/DT timber/NN by/IN the/DT wagon/NN team/NN to/TO the/DT cabin-site,/NN close/RB to/TO a/DT little/JJ stream/NN that/IN emptied/VBN into/IN the/DT arroyo./NN Here/RB each/DT log/NN was/VBD squared/VBN top/JJ and/CC bottom/JJ with/IN an/DT adz,/NN and/CC notched/VBD at/IN each/DT end/NN to/TO receive/VB the/DT cross/NN logs;/NN as/IN the/DT walls/NNS rose/VBD the/DT spaces/NNS between/IN logs/NNS were/VBD sealed/VBN with/IN blue/JJ adobe/NN mud/NN taken/VBN from/IN the/DT arroyo/NN banks./, The/DT cabin/NN was/VBD eighteen/CD feet/NNS wide/JJ by/IN fifty/CD feet/NNS long,/RB with/IN rafters/NNS and/CC ridge-pole/NN of/IN split/NN timber/NN from/IN an/DT old/JJ seasoned/JJ windfall./NN From/IN the/DT butt/NN of/IN another/DT windfall/NN with/IN a/DT smooth/JJ vertical/JJ grain,/NN they/PRP sawed/VBD two-foot/JJ sections/NNS and/CC split/VBD them/PRP into/IN half-inch/JJ strips,/NN or/CC shakes,which/JJ served/VBD to/TO cover/VB the/DT roof./NN A/DT huge/JJ fireplace,/NN built/VBN of/IN small/JJ wash/NN boulders/NNS and/CC adobe,/NN was/VBD erected/VBN in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT north/NN wall./NN When/WRB the/DT cabin/NN was/VBD finished/VBN the/DT floor/NN was/VBD plastered/VBN six/CD inches/NNS thick/JJ with/IN wet/JJ blue/JJ clay,/NN tamped/VBD hard,/RB smoothed/VBN off/RP and/CC permitted/VBN to/TO harden./RBR A/DT long/JJ rough/JJ table,/NN benches,/NN and/CC built-in/JJ berths/NNS along/IN the/DT wall,/NN after/IN the/DT fashion/NN of/IN a/DT forecastle,/NN were/VBD next/JJ constructed;/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN ten/CD days/NNS of/IN heart-breaking,/JJ back-breaking/NN toil,/, the/DT house/NN was/VBD completed/VBN and/CC pronounced/VBN by/IN all/DT hands/NNS to/TO be/VB wind-/NNS and/CC water-proof./NN Their/PRP$ pride/NN in/IN it/PRP was/VBD inordinate;/VBN indeed,/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP went/VBD to/TO the/DT trouble/NN of/IN setting/VBG a/DT large/JJ flat/JJ sandstone/NN rock/NN at/IN the/DT entrance/NN and/CC carving/VBG upon/IN it/PRP with/IN hammer/NN and/CC cold-chisel/NN the/DT legend/NN "God/NN Bless/NNP Our/NNP Home."/NNP At/IN the/DT suggestion/NN of/IN the/DT Bart,/NNP who/WP declared/VBD it/PRP to/TO be/VB the/DT habit/NN of/IN gentlemen/NNS to/TO identify/VB their/PRP$ country/NN places/NNS with/IN a/DT name,/NN the/DT place/NN was/VBD unanimously/RB called/VBN Happy/JJ Camp/NNP and/CC the/DT name/NN nailed/VBN over/IN the/DT door/NN in/IN letters/NNS a/DT foot/NN high,/RB formed/VBD from/IN pieces/NNS of/IN manzanita/NN cunningly/RB fitted/VBN together./RP As/IN the/DT company/NN stood/VBD off/RP in/IN the/DT front/NN yard/NN to/TO survey/NN with/IN pride/NN this/DT evidence/NN of/IN bucolic/JJ art,/NN the/DT Bart/NNP had/VBD a/DT happy/JJ inspiration./NN "Dermod,/IN me/PRP boy,/, shouldn't/MD we/PRP have--ah--some/VB sort/NN of--ah--dedicatory/JJ ceremony?""By/NN all/DT means,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP declared./VBD D'Arcy/NNP glanced/VBD at/IN Bejabers./NNP "There/RB are/VBP times,"/IN the/DT little/JJ man/NN answered/VBD that/DT meaning/NN glance,/NN "when/RB a/DT little/JJ Christian/NNP charity/NN goes/VBZ a/DT long/RB way./, The/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP have/VBP worked/VBN hard--and/CC not/RB bein'/VB used/VBN to/TO hard/JJ work,/NN they've/NN suffered./VBD I/PRP figure/VBP we/PRP ought/MD to/TO dedicate/VB the/DT shack,/NNS Dermod."So/IN they/PRP dedicated/VBD it/PRP with/IN due/JJ formality/NN to/TO friendship,/VB unity,/NN and/CC fraternity,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP making/VBG the/DT dedi-catory/JJ speech/NN and/CC soaring/VBG to/TO unexpected/JJ heights/NNS of/IN sentiment/NN and/CC oratory./NN A/DT double/JJ ration/NN of/IN whisky/NN was/VBD then/RB served/VBN to/TO all/DT hands;/NN the/DT Bart,/NNP always/RB at/IN home/NN when/WRB engaged/VBN in/IN such/JJ convivial/JJ enterprise,/NN gave/VBD a/DT brief/JJ but/CC witty/JJ toast;/NN and/CC Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD on/IN the/DT map./NN "And/CC now/RB to/TO the/DT task/NN of/IN raking/VBG a/DT fortune/NN from/IN the/DT cold/JJ bosom/NN of/IN Mother/NNP Earth,"/NNP the/DT Bart/NNP boomed./NN "In/IN this/DT glade/NN there/EX are/VBP about/RB forty/CD acres/NNS of/IN excellent/JJ pasture,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP announced./. "We/NNP will/MD fence/NN it,/VBN to/TO insure/VB our/PRP$ stock/NN from/IN wandering,/NN and/CC erect/VB a/DT shelter/NN for/IN them./PRP$ Remember,/NNP Bart,/NNP a/DT merciful/JJ man/NN is/VBZ merciful/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ beast./NN Let/VB us/PRP cherish/VB our/PRP$ means/NNS of/IN transportation,/NN since/IN without/IN it/PRP we/PRP are/VBP at/IN a/DT decided/VBN disadvantage./NN I/PRP saw/VBD too/RB many/JJ miners/NNS over/IN on/IN the/DT American/NNP River/NNP carrying/VBG their/PRP$ own/JJ packs.""Right-o,/NNS me/PRP boy./, Only/RB fools,/JJ mules,/NN and/CC horses/NNS do/VBP that."They/IN split/NN rails/NNS from/IN the/DT seasoned/JJ windfalls/NNS and/CC nailed/VBD them/PRP from/IN tree/NN to/TO tree/NN around/IN the/DT edge/NN of/IN the/DT little/JJ valley./NN Then,/RB taking/VBG advantage/NN of/IN half/NN a/DT dozen/NN young/JJ pines/NNS that/WDT grew/VBD in/IN a/DT semicircle,/NN thus/RB forming/VBG natural/JJ uprights/NNS for/IN a/DT barn,/NN they/PRP erected/VBD a/DT rude/JJ shelter/NN for/IN the/DT stock/NN by/IN using/VBG lodge-pole/JJ pine/NN for/IN the/DT sides/NNS and/CC roofing/NN it/PRP with/IN buck-brush./NN It/PRP had/VBD taken/VBN them/PRP thirty/CD days/NNS to/TO establish/VB themselves/PRP according/VBG to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP exacting/NN dictates,/NN and/CC as/IN yet/RB no/DT other/JJ gold-seekers/NNS had/VBD appeared/VBN on/IN the/DT creek./RBS The/DT barn/NN and/CC fence/NN completed/VBN and/CC the/DT adobe/NN floor/NN of/IN the/DT cabin/NN having/VBG dried/VBN out,/IN they/PRP moved/VBD in./RP The/DT sweet/JJ native/NN grasses,/NN cut/NN and/CC dried,/NNS made/VBD serviceable/JJ beds./NN A/DT bundle/NN of/IN fir/NN twigs/NNS tied/VBN securely/RB to/TO a/DT stick/NN did/VBD duty/NN for/IN a/DT broom;/NN the/DT antlers/NNS of/IN deer/NNS formed/VBN rests/VBZ for/IN their/PRP$ rifles/NNS over/IN the/DT fireplace;/NN deer/IN hoofs,/NNS tacked/VBD to/TO the/DT wall/NN by/IN the/DT dried/JJ hide,/NN formed/VBN pegs/NNS upon/IN which/WDT to/TO hang/VB their/PRP$ clothing/NN and/CC hats;/NN on/IN whipsawed/JJ boards,/NN set/VBN on/IN stout/NN pegsdriven/VBN horizontally/RB into/IN the/DT log/NN wall/NN through/IN auger/JJ holes,/NN their/PRP$ kitchen/NN equipment/NN and/CC tableware/NN reposed;/VBP their/PRP$ hams/NNS and/CC flitches/NNS of/IN bacon/NN hung/VBD from/IN the/DT ceiling;/NNS their/PRP$ remaining/VBG rations/NNS were/VBD stacked/VBN neatly/RB in/IN a/DT corner./NN D'Arcy,/NNP viewing/VBG their/PRP$ completed/VBN labors/NNS with/IN huge/JJ satisfaction,/NN was/VBD now/RB ready/JJ to/TO proceed/VB in/IN his/PRP$ orderly,/NN sane,/NN and/CC methodical/JJ manner,/NN to/TO the/DT purpose/NN for/IN which/WDT they/PRP had/VBD dared/VBN this/DT wilderness./MD Seated/VBN around/IN the/DT table/NN with/IN his/PRP$ companions,/NN he/PRP proceeded/VBD to/TO draw/VB up/RP a/DT set/NN of/IN mining/NN regulations/NNS for/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Mining/NNP District,/NNP to/TO nominate/VB its/PRP$ boundaries/NNS and,/CC by/IN unanimous/JJ vote,/NN to/TO elect/VB the/DT Bart/NNP district/NN recorder./VBD "There/RB ain't/IN no/DT law/NN and/CC order/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP announced,/CC adverting/VBG to/TO the/DT subject/JJ closest/JJS to/TO his/PRP$ soul,/NN "so/IN I/PRP move/VBP we/PRP elect/VBP an/DT alcalde."Upon/JJ motion/NN duly/RB made/VBD and/CC seconded,/NNS Bejabers/IN unanimously/RB was/VBD elected/VBN alcalde/NN of/IN the/DT district/NN and,/IN there/EX being/VBG no/DT further/JJ business/NN before/IN the/DT meeting,/NN D'Arcy/NNP declared/VBD it/PRP adjourned./VBN Thereafter/IN they/PRP staked/VBD out/RP their/PRP$ claims,/NN and/CC in/IN order/NN to/TO define/VB their/PRP$ boundaries,/NN trenches/NNS a/DT foot/NN deep/JJ were/VBD dug/VBN between/IN claims,/IN the/DT claims/NNS extending/VBG from/IN bank/NN to/TO bank/NN of/IN the/DT arroyo./NN During/IN the/DT summer/NN season/NN when/WRB the/DT water/NN was/VBD low,/JJR fully/RB two-thirds/NNS of/IN the/DT creek-bed/JJ lay/VBD exposed/VBN in/IN the/DT form/NN of/IN gravel/NN bars,/IN the/DT stream/NN being/VBG confined/VBN to/TO a/DT narrow/JJ channel/NN along/IN the/DT north/NN bank./NN His/PRP$ preliminary/JJ prospecting/NN had/VBD convinced/VBN D'Arcy/NNP that/IN while/IN the/DT gravel/NN bars/NNS would/MD pay/VB richly,/JJ the/DT heaviest/JJS deposits/NNS of/IN placer-gold/NN lay/VBD in/IN the/DT channel,/NN and/CC already/RB his/PRP$ active/JJ mind/NN was/VBD busy/JJ with/IN a/DT plan/NN for/IN diverting/VBG the/DT water/NN from/IN the/DT channel/NN to/TO the/DT south/JJ bank/NN of/IN the/DT creek/NN after/IN the/DT gravel/NN bars/NNS had/VBD been/VBN worked./VBN Thus/RB the/DT company/NN would/MD be/VB enabled/VBN to/TO mine/PRP the/DT channel/NN after/IN denuding/VBG the/DT bars./NNS The/DT boundaries/NNS of/IN the/DT claims/NNS having/VBG been/VBN defined,/JJ work/NN commenced/VBN at/IN once./NNP With/IN pick/NN and/CC shovel/VB each/DT man/NN dug/VBD a/DT hole/NN to/TO bed-rock,/VB panning/VBG the/DT gravel/NN as/IN he/PRP went,/VBD with/IN knife/NN and/CC spoon/NN scraping/VBG the/DT dull/JJ yellow/JJ metal/NN from/IN the/DT crevices./NN It/PRP was/VBD slow/JJ work/NN and/CC tedious./DT The/DT sun/NN beat/VBD down/RP upon/IN them,/PRP and/CC they/PRP worked/VBD in/IN water/NN to/TO their/PRP$ knees./NN D'Arcy,/NNP drifting/VBG from/IN claim/NN to/TO claim/VB occasionally,/NN noted/VBD the/DT result/NN of/IN the/DT pannings/NNS and/CC while/IN gratified/JJ with/IN the/DT reward/NN of/IN their/PRP$ terrific/JJ labors,/NN he/PRP was/VBD quick/JJ to/TO realize/VB that/IN in/IN their/PRP$ hurry/NN to/TO get/VB to/TO the/DT richest/JJS deposits/NNS on/IN bed-rock/NN or/CC on/IN the/DT firm/JJ blue/JJ clay/NN where/WRB there/EX was/VBD no/DT bed-rock,/JJ rich/JJ values/NNS which/WDT it/PRP was/VBD almost/RB impossible/JJ to/TO save/VB with/IN their/PRP$ crude/JJ methods/NNS of/IN operation/NN were/VBD being/VBG left/VBN on/IN the/DT surface./NN He/PRP saw/VBD clearly/RB that/IN he/PRP must/MD formulate/VB some/DT more/RBR efficient/JJ method/NN of/IN mining/VBG the/DT gravel/NN bars./, The/DT claims/NNS were/VBD too/RB rich/JJ to/TO be/VB worked/VBN in/IN this/DT helter-skelter/NN fashion,/NN since/IN all/DT too/RB soon,/RB should/MD they/PRP continue/VB their/PRP$ present/JJ method/NN of/IN operation,/VBG the/DT ground/NN would/MD be/VB denuded/VBN of/IN its/PRP$ "cream."/JJ And/CC once/RB the/DT claims/NNS ceased/VBD to/TO produce/VB as/IN abundantly/RB as/IN formerly,/IN he/PRP knew/VBD that/IN human/JJ nature/NN would/MD assert/VB itself./PRP Dissatisfaction/NN with/IN their/PRP$ present/JJ holdings/NNS would/MD manifest/JJ itself/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ company;/JJ his/PRP$ men/NNS would/MD clamor/VB to/TO move/VB on/IN to/TO new/JJ diggings./NN He/PRP walked/VBD up/IN the/DT arroyo,/NN seeking/VBG a/DT favorable/JJ spot/NN to/TO put/VB in/IN a/DT wing-dam/NN and/CC divert/VB sufficient/JJ water/NN from/IN the/DT main/JJ channel/NN down/IN through/IN the/DT gravel/NN bar./NN Presently/RB he/PRP found/VBD two/CD sugar-pine/JJ trees/NNS four/CD feet/NNS in/IN diameter/NN growing/VBG at/IN the/DT edge/NN of/IN the/DT stream/NN on/IN the/DT north/NN bank./NN By/IN cutting/VBG these/DT down/JJ and/CC felling/JJ them/PRP across/IN the/DT stream/NN diagonally/RB he/PRP could/MD effect/VB a/DT partial/JJ barrier/NN to/TO the/DT waters./NN By/IN filling/VBG in/RP the/DT space/NN between/IN both/DT fallen/VBN trees/NNS with/IN a/DT riprap/JJ work/NN of/IN brush/NN and/CC stones,/VBD a/DT dam/NN sufficient/JJ to/TO raise/VB the/DT water/NN several/JJ feet,/NNS despite/IN the/DT leakage/NN under/IN the/DT logs,/NN would/MD be/VB created./VBN From/IN this/DT dam/NN to/TO the/DT gravel/NN bars/NNS below,/IN the/DT ground/NN sloped/VBD sharply./PRP By/IN diverting/VBG the/DT water/NN around/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT dam/NN into/IN a/DT trench/NN dug/VBN in/IN the/DT bar,/NN he/PRP would/MD have/VB a/DT swift/JJ and/CC powerful/JJ head/NN of/IN water/NN leading/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ claims,/NN just/RB above/IN which/WDT he/PRP would/MD install/VB wooden/JJ flumes/NNS with/IN cleats/NNS nailed/VBN across/IN the/DT bottom./NN By/IN shoveling/VBG the/DT gravel/NN into/IN this/DT flume/NN the/DT rush/NN of/IN water/NN would/MD carry/VB the/DT stones/NNS and/CC all/DT but/CC the/DT lightest/NN gravel/NN down/IN the/DT flume/NN to/TO a/DT long/JJ "rocker"/NN at/IN the/DT end./NN The/DT fine/JJ gold,/NN being/VBG heavier/RBR than/IN the/DT gravel,/NN would/MD sink/VB to/TO the/DT bottom/NN en/IN route/NN and/CC be/VB caught/VBN by/IN the/DT cleats/NNS or/CC "riffles,"/NN from/IN which/WDT it/PRP could/MD be/VB salvaged/VBN on/IN regular/JJ clean-up/JJ days,/NN while/IN the/DT heavier/JJR gold,/NN the/DT nuggets,/NN would/MD be/VB caught/VBN at/IN the/DT rocker/NN and/CC precipitated/VBD into/IN a/DT receiving/VBG box/NN set/VBN below/IN it./DT Of/IN course/NN there/EX would/MD be/VB some/DT waste/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT flume,/NN but/CC later/RB this/DT waste/NN could/MD be/VB panned/VBN and/CC the/DT gold/NN salvaged./NN Crude/NN as/IN his/PRP$ new/JJ method/NN was,/VBD it/PRP held/VBD tremendous/JJ advantages/NNS over/IN the/DT primitive/JJ method/NN his/PRP$ company/NN was/VBD then/RB employing./. He/PRP explained/VBD his/PRP$ plan/NN to/TO his/PRP$ fellows/NNS that/IN night/NN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC convinced/VBD them/PRP of/IN its/PRP$ efficacy./NN Indeed,/IN he/PRP did/VBD more./. He/PRP aroused/VBD the/DT inventive/JJ faculty/NN dormant/NN in/IN them./NN With/IN the/DT characteristic/JJ belligerency/NN of/IN their/PRP$ kind,/NN they/PRP commenced/VBD picking/VBG flaws/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ scheme/NN and/CC then/RB as/IN resolutely/RB set/VBN themselves/PRP to/TO remedy/VB the/DT flaws./NN Bejabers/NNP pointed/VBD out/RP that/IN water/NN flowing/VBG from/IN the/DT rude/JJ dam/NN would/MD quickly/RB erode/VB a/DT wide/JJ channel/NN in/IN the/DT trench/NN and/CC result/NN in/IN a/DT loss/NN of/IN hydrostatic/JJ pressure/NN before/IN the/DT stream/NN should/MD reach/VB the/DT flume./NN He/PRP suggested/VBD that/IN six-/NNS or/CC eight-inch/JJ logs/NNS be/VB fixed/VBN on/IN each/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT trench/NN to/TO prevent/VB erosion--a/JJ plan/NN to/TO which/WDT D'Arcy/NNP instantly/RB agreed./VBD They/PRP would/MD have/VB to/TO have/VB boards/NNS to/TO construct/VB the/DT flume/NN and/CC to/TO whipsaw/VB them/PRP from/IN green/JJ logs/NNS was/VBD amonumental/JJ task/NN requiring/VBG months/NNS of/IN labor./NN Judson/NNP pointed/VBD out/RP that/IN it/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT waste/NN of/IN valuable/JJ time/NN to/TO attempt/VB that/IN task/NN now./RB Better,/IN he/PRP argued,/VBD to/TO continue/VB with/IN their/PRP$ present/JJ operations/NNS until/IN the/DT rains/NNS set/VBN in,/IN at/IN which/WDT time/NN the/DT gravel/NN bar/NN would/MD undoubtedly/RB be/VB flooded,/NN thus/RB forcing/VBG a/DT cessation/NN of/IN work./NN Why/WRB not,/RB therefore,/RB employ/VB the/DT long/JJ winter/NN months/NNS in/IN getting/VBG out/RP the/DT necessary/JJ lumber,/NN and/CC be/VB prepared/JJ to/TO adopt/VB the/DT new/JJ method/NN of/IN operation/NN when/WRB the/DT bar/NN should/MD again/RB be/VB exposed/VBN in/IN the/DT spring?/NN His/PRP$ plan/NN was/VBD approved,/VBN and/CC the/DT work/NN with/IN pan,/NN knife,/NN and/CC spoon/NN was/VBD resumed./VBN At/IN the/DT expiration/NN of/IN thirty/CD days/NNS sufficient/JJ work/NN had/VBD been/VBN done/VBN under/IN the/DT mining/NN regulations/NNS of/IN the/DT district/NN to/TO hold/VB the/DT claims/NNS for/IN three/CD months/NNS without/IN the/DT necessity/NN for/IN doing/VBG further/JJ work/NN upon/IN them./PRP And/CC to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP satisfaction,/NNS no/DT newcomers/NNS had/VBD appeared/VBN upon/IN the/DT scene./NN Meanwhile,/IN their/PRP$ gold/NN had/VBD been/VBN accumulating./VBG They/PRP had/VBD no/DT scales,/NN but/CC D'Arcy/NNP made/VBD one/CD and/CC used/VBN for/IN a/DT counterweight/NN a/DT twenty-dollar/JJ gold-piece/NN and/CC was/VBD thus/RB enabled/VBN to/TO make/VB a/DT rough/JJ appraisal/NN of/IN their/PRP$ combined/JJ wealth./NN He/PRP estimated/VBD it/PRP as/IN in/IN the/DT neighborhood/NN of/IN twelve/CD thousand/CD dollars,/NNS based/VBN on/IN the/DT market/NN value/NN of/IN gold/NN for/IN supplies/NNS at/IN Sutter's/NNP Fort,/NNP which/WDT was,/VBD he/PRP had/VBD ascertained/VBN while/IN there,/DT quite/RB generally/RB sixteen/CD dollars/NNS an/DT ounce./NN Could/MD he/PRP but/CC succeed/VB in/IN transporting/VBG the/DT gold/NN to/TO the/DT Philadelphia/NNP mint,/NN he/PRP knew/VBD he/PRP would/MD realize/VB between/IN nineteen/CD and/CC twenty/CD dollars/NNS per/IN ounce,/NNS dependent/JJ on/IN its/PRP$ fineness./NN It/PRP was/VBD evident/JJ that/IN their/PRP$ supply/NN of/IN provisions/NNS would/MD be/VB consumed/VBN before/IN the/DT winter/NN was/VBD half/DT over,/JJ so/IN it/PRP was/VBD decided/VBN that/IN Bejabers/NNP and/CC D'Arcy/NNP should/MD take/VB the/DT team/NN to/TO the/DT concealed/VBN vehicle/NN and/CC drive/VB down/RP to/TO Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP for/IN a/DT load/NN of/IN supplies,/NNS taking/VBG with/IN them/PRP sufficientgold/JJ to/TO pay/VB for/IN them./PRP While/IN he/PRP was/VBD loath/JJ to/TO leave/VB Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP still/RB D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD confidence/NN in/IN the/DT ability/NN of/IN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready/JJ to/TO preserve/VB order,/NNS hold/VBP the/DT company/NN together,/RB and/CC handle/VB any/DT situation/NN that/WDT might/MD arise./VB The/DT stock/NN was/VBD now/RB thoroughly/RB rested,/JJ and/CC on/IN the/DT rich/JJ grasses/NNS of/IN the/DT pasture/NN it/PRP had/VBD put/VBN on/IN flesh./NN Riding/VBG their/PRP$ saddle-horses/NNS and/CC leading/VBG the/DT work/NN team,/IN the/DT two/CD partners/NNS descended/VBD the/DT arroyo/NN and/CC found/VBD the/DT Black/NNP Maria/NNP where/WRB it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN hidden./VBG With/IN the/DT wheel/NN replaced/VBD and/CC the/DT wagon/NN greased,/, they/PRP hitched/VBD and/CC started/VBD south,/RB the/DT two/CD saddle-animals/NNS led/VBD behind,/IN while/IN Bejabers/NNP and/CC D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD on/IN the/DT wagon/NN seat./NN "We'll/JJ about/RB make/VBP the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda/NN tonight,"/NN Bejabers/NNP announced/VBD presently./DT "I/NNS reckon/VBP we'll/JJ be/VB welcome/JJ to/TO put/VB up/RP there."D'Arcy/DT nodded./NN "We'll/RB have/VBP to/TO trade/VB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP out/IN of/IN some/DT barley/NN if/IN he/PRP has/VBZ any,/DT Bejabers./NNP Our/PRP$ stock/NN cannot/NN go/VBP through/IN the/DT winter/NN on/IN grass--particularly/JJ if,/NN as/IN I/PRP suspect,/VBP we/PRP have/VBP more/RBR or/CC less/RBR snow.""I/JJ don't/CC suppose/VB he/PRP has/VBZ any/DT barley./NN I/PRP never/RB knew/VBD one/CD of/IN them/PRP dons/VBZ to/TO bother/VB raising/VBG anything./DT They/PRP ride/VBP a/DT grass-fed/JJ horse/NN till/IN he/PRP drops/VBZ and/CC then/RB rope/NN another.""They/PRP raise/VB chilli/NNS peppers/NNS and/CC corn/NN for/IN tamales/NNS and/CC tortillas.""Well,/NN that/IN lets/VBZ 'em/PRP out/RP in/IN the/DT vegetable/NN line./NN They/PRP don't/VBP use/NN milk/NN and/CC they/PRP import/VBP their/PRP$ butter/NN and/CC cheese./NN No/DT wonder/NN their/PRP$ women/NNS all/DT look/VBP pale-complected./JJ Me,/IN I/PRP never/RB saw/VBD one/NN with/IN rosy/JJ cheeks/NNS yet.""It/RB is/VBZ not/RB considered/VBN ladylike/NN to/TO take/VB exercise.""They/NN exercise/NN by/IN flirtin'/VBG behind/IN fans,"/NNS Bejabers/IN said./VBN "They/PRP most/RBS certainly/RB know/VBP how/WRB to/TO work/VB a/DT fan./NN What/WDT sort/NN o'/IN gal/NN is/VBZ this/DT Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP when/WRB you/PRP git/VBP close/RB to/TO her,/RP Dermod?""Wonderful.""She/NNP would/MD be,"/VB the/DT little/JJ man/NN answered/VBD without/IN interest./NN They/PRP came/VBD at/IN sunset/NN to/TO the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda./. As/IN they/PRP pulled/VBD into/IN the/DT oak/NN grove/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT house/NN stood,/VBD a/DT man/NN rose/VBD from/IN the/DT porch/NN and/CC strode/VBD forth/RB to/TO meet/VB them./PRP "You/IN can't/NN beat/NN these/DT people/NNS for/IN politeness,"/NNS Bejabers/IN declared./VBN "They/PRP never/RB wait/VBP until/IN you/PRP ring/VBP the/DT front/JJ door-bell/NN and/CC ask/VB to/TO be/VB put/VBN up/RP for/IN the/DT night./NN When/WRB they/PRP see/VBP you/PRP comin'/VB they/PRP walk/VB out/RB to/TO make/VB you/PRP welcome,/VB which/WDT sure/JJ saves/VBZ the/DT visitin'/NN stranger/NN some/DT embarrassment.""This/DT is/VBZ our/PRP$ rough-and-ready/JJ young/JJ friend,/NNS Romauldo,/JJ Bejabers.""Must/NNP have/VBP got/VBN himself/PRP into/IN trouble/NN down/IN south,/RB and/CC had/VBD to/TO run/VB north/RB ag'in."From/IN a/DT distance/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP held/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ hand/NN in/IN the/DT gesture/NN that/WDT means/VBZ "Halt!"/NNP Bejabers/NNP pulled/VBD up/RP the/DT tired/JJ team./NN After/IN the/DT fashion/NN of/IN his/PRP$ dark/JJ blood,/NN Romauldo/NNP approached/VBD for/IN something/NN to/TO lean/VB against./RB He/PRP decided/VBD the/DT quarters/NNS of/IN the/DT off/JJ horse/NN would/MD do,/VB so/RB he/PRP rested/VBD his/PRP$ elbow/NN on/IN the/DT animal/NN and/CC with/IN his/PRP$ head/NN in/IN his/PRP$ cupped/JJ hand,/NN gazed/VBD upon/IN D'Arcy/NNP with/IN a/DT singular/JJ lack/NN of/IN enthusiasm./NN Nor/CC had/VBD he/PRP bothered/VBD to/TO raise/VB his/PRP$ hat/NN in/IN salutation./VBG "Good/JJ evening,/NN Se$or/NN Guerrero,"/IN the/DT two/CD travelers/NNS greeted/VBD him/PRP cordially./DT "It/NN is/VBZ with/IN regret/NN that/IN I/PRP find/VBP myself/PRP unable/JJ to/TO return/VB your/PRP$ greeting,/JJ Se$or/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP or/CC to/TO bid/VB you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ companion/NN welcome/JJ to/TO my/PRP$ father's/NNS house,"/VBP the/DT young/JJ man/NN announced/VBD with/IN cold/JJ deliberation./NN "The/IN absence/NN neither/CC of/IN a/DT greeting/JJ nor/CC of/IN a/DT welcome/JJ from/IN you/PRP can/MD be/VB regarded/VBN by/IN any/DT gentleman/NN in/IN the/DT light/NN of/IN a/DT serious/JJ deprivation,"/NN the/DT exile/NN of/IN Erinretorted/NNP with/IN blunt/JJ aggressiveness./NN "And/CC yet,"/NN he/PRP added,/VBD "I/PRP had/VBD thought/VBN I/PRP had/VBD earned/VBN both/DT from/IN you./PRP It/PRP cannot/MD be/VB that/IN you/PRP are/VBP delivering/VBG to/TO me/PRP a/DT message/NN from/IN your/PRP$ father./NN He/PRP does/VBZ not/RB know/VB that/IN I/PRP approach.""I/RB speak/VBP my/PRP$ father's/NN mind./, I/PRP know/VBP his/PRP$ thoughts.""As/NNS your/PRP$ father's/NN ambassador/NN I/PRP have/VBP small/JJ faith/NN in/IN your/PRP$ veracity/NN and/CC decline/NN to/TO accept/VB your/PRP$ message.""This/'' is/VBZ an/DT insult."'/JJ Romauldo's/NNP dark/JJ face/NN was/VBD instantly/RB pale/JJ with/IN fury,/NN the/DT color/NN of/IN a/DT new-made/JJ cheese./NN "I/NN intended/VBD it/PRP as/IN such."/JJ The/DT Irishman's/NNPS lazy-lidded/JJ brown/JJ eyes/NNS narrowed./VBN "I/NNP will/MD take/VB my/PRP$ dismissal/NN from/IN the/DT master/NN of/IN this/DT hacienda/NN and/CC not/RB from/IN his/PRP$ base-born/JJ son./NN "You/PRP would/MD have/VB taken/VBN it/PRP from/IN him/PRP long/RB since/RB had/VBD we/PRP but/CC known/VBN where/WRB we/PRP might/MD find/VB you,/PRP animal.""Is/IN it/PRP possible/JJ your/PRP$ excellent/JJ father/NN deems/VBZ himself/PRP to/TO have/VB been/VBN insulted/VBN by/IN me?""Not/NN possible./, True./NNP When/WRB you/PRP were/VBD our/PRP$ guest/NN before,/IN gringo,/VBG you/PRP violated/VBD my/PRP$ father's/NN hospitality./NN In/IN this/DT grove/NN you/PRP met/VBD my/PRP$ sister--secretly./NN Thou/NNP vagabond!"Bejabers/NNS sighed/VBD deeply,/RB after/IN the/DT fashion/NN of/IN one/CD who/WP realizes/VBZ that/DT regrettable/JJ incidents,/NN which/WDT he/PRP is/VBZ powerless/JJ to/TO avoid,/VB are/VBP imminent./VBG "The/DT boy's/NNS speakin'/NN out/IN of/IN his/PRP$ turn,/NN ain't/NN he,/, Dermod?"/NNP he/PRP queried/VBD plaintively./JJ "He/NN happens/VBZ to/TO be/VB telling/VBG the/DT truth,/NN Bejabers./NNP Wonder/IN how/WRB he/PRP found/VBD out?"/RP He/PRP addressed/VBD Romauldo/NNP in/IN Spanish./NNP "Who/NNP told/VBD you/PRP this?""A/DT servant/NN of/IN our/PRP$ household/NN was/VBD a/DT witness/NN to/TO your/PRP$ perfidy.""Then,/NN if/IN this/DT servant/NN spoke/VBD the/DT truth,/NN you/PRP know/VBP that/IN your/PRP$ sister/NN came/VBD to/TO no/DT harm/NN at/IN my/PRP$ hands."/NN Romauldo,/NNP steeped/VBN in/IN the/DT tradition/NN of/IN his/PRP$ people,disdained/VBN to/TO argue/VB this/DT point./NN To/TO his/PRP$ way/NN of/IN thinking/VBG a/DT clandestine/JJ meeting/NN of/IN his/PRP$ unchaperoned/JJ sister/NN with/IN this/DT man/NN implied/VBD wantonness/NN on/IN her/PRP$ part/NN and/CC a/DT technical/JJ if/IN not/RB actual/JJ betrayal/NN of/IN her/PRP$ virtue/NN on/IN the/DT part/NN of/IN D'Arcy;/NNP and/CC in/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN that/DT astounding/JJ situation/NN no/DT considerations/NNS of/IN gratitude/NN or/CC obligation/NN to/TO the/DT offender/NN could/MD stand./VB And/CC of/IN this,/DT of/IN the/DT impossibility/NN of/IN explaining,/NN of/IN being/VBG forgiven,/IN D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD all/DT too/RB well/RB aware./JJ "Are/IN your/PRP$ father/NN and/CC sister/NN at/IN home?"/NN he/PRP asked/VBD mildly./. "They/PRP are--but/CC not/RB to/TO you."Bejabers/NNS gathered/VBN his/PRP$ reins/NNS and/CC flapped/VBD them/PRP smartly/RB along/IN the/DT backs/NNS of/IN the/DT team,/NN which/WDT instantly/RB moved/VBD forward/RB at/IN a/DT trot./NN "Let's/RB get/VB to/TO the/DT bottom/NN of/IN it,/DT son,"/NN he/PRP counseled/VBD his/PRP$ partner./NN "You/PRP won't/MD be/VB happy/JJ till/IN you/PRP do."Romauldo/VBP sprang/VBD aside,/RB reached/VBN into/IN his/PRP$ bota/NN and/CC drew/VBD a/DT long/JJ knife./NN "Gently,/IN little/JJ one,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP called/VBD to/TO him,/PRP and/CC tapped/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN significantly./VBD "To/RB attack/VB me/PRP while/IN I/PRP am/VBP in/IN this/DT wagon/NN would/MD be/VB foolish."The/DT Californian/NNP ran/VBD after/IN the/DT vehicle;/NN as/IN Bejabers/NNP swung/VBD the/DT team/NN and/CC halted/VBD them/PRP in/IN front/NN of/IN the/DT entrance/NN to/TO the/DT hacienda,/NN he/PRP drew/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC covered/VBD Romauldo./NNP "I'll/NNP hold/VBP the/DT pup/NN here,"/IN he/PRP advised/VBD D'Arcy,/NNP "while/IN you/PRP have/VBP it/PRP out/RP with/IN the/DT old/JJ man/NN and/CC the/DT girl."Without/NN a/DT glance/NN at/IN the/DT raging/VBG boy,/NN D'Arcy/NNP descended,/VBD stalked/VBN to/TO the/DT door/NN and/CC crashed/VBD the/DT heavy/JJ iron/NN knocker/NN thrice./VBD Presently/RB the/DT door/NN opened/VBD and/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP stood/VBD before/IN him./PRP In/IN silence/NN the/DT don/VBP gazed/VBD upon/IN the/DT tableau/NN before/IN him./PRP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP bowed./VBD Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP glance/NN was/VBD one/CD of/IN frozen/VBN hostility./NN "D'Arcy,/IN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB welcome,"/JJ he/PRP said/VBD slowly./DT "It/NN is/VBZ apparent/JJ that/IN my/PRP$ son/NN has/VBZ explained/VBN the/DT reason./NN You/PRP have/VBP brought/VBN dishonor/NN upon/IN my/PRP$ house.""I/NN deny/VBP that,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP retorted/VBD hotly,/RB "although,/, according/VBG to/TO the/DT view-point/NN of/IN your/PRP$ people,/NNS I/PRP may/MD have/VB seemed/VBN to./TO And/CC if/IN I/PRP have/VBP offended/VBN in/IN this/DT particular,/NN I/PRP would/MD remind/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP that/IN you/PRP bring/VBP dishonor/NN upon/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ house/NN by/IN imputing/VBG dishonor/NN to/TO one/CD incapable/JJ of/IN it--your/PRP$ daughter,/NN Josepha./NNP And/CC I/PRP would/MD remind/VB you/PRP further,/VB my/PRP$ friend,/NN that/IN I/PRP have/VBP also/RB on/IN two/CD occasions/NNS saved/VBD this/DT house/NN from/IN grief/NN and/CC dishonor.""I/NNS have/VBP thought/VBN of/IN that."/DT Don/NNP Jos$/NNP bit/VBD his/PRP$ lips/NNS and/CC his/PRP$ eyes/NNS sought/VBD the/DT ground/NN in/IN his/PRP$ shame/NN and/CC embarrassment./NN "It/NN is/VBZ because/IN of/IN the/DT great/JJ service/NN you/PRP have/VBP rendered/VBN us/PRP that/IN I/PRP must/MD ask/VB you/PRP to/TO depart/VB in/IN peace;/NN otherwise/RB I/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB responsible/JJ for/IN what/WP may/MD happen./VB You/PRP have/VBP offended/VBN deeply,/NNS Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP and/CC for/IN that/IN I/PRP find/VBP it/PRP impossible/JJ to/TO entertain/VB you,/PRP even/RB in/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN my/PRP$ great/JJ obligation."D'Arcy/NN realized/VBD that/IN nothing/NN he/PRP could/MD do/VB or/CC say/VB would/MD have/VB the/DT slightest/JJS effect/NN in/IN mollifying/VBG the/DT absurd/JJ situation./NN He/PRP realized,/VBD too,/RB that/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD suffering/VBG and/CC he/PRP had/VBD no/DT desire/NN selfishly/RB to/TO prolong/VB the/DT old/JJ man's/NNS distress./, "I/NNP will/MD depart--peaceably,"/VB he/PRP replied,/VB "if/IN first/JJ I/PRP may/MD be/VB permitted/VBN to/TO express/VB to/TO Se$orita/NNP Josepha/NNP my/PRP$ contrition/NN for/IN the/DT embarrassment/NN and/CC grief/NN I/PRP have/VBP so/RB unwittingly/RB caused/VBN her."Don/IN Jos$/NNP pondered/VBD this/DT and/CC D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD that/IN it/PRP was/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ mind/NN to/TO refuse/VB the/DT request./NN So/RB he/PRP struck/VBD again./DT "It/NN is/VBZ necessary,/JJ Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP that/IN I/PRP should/MD hear/VB from/IN your/PRP$ daughter's/NNS lips/NNS that/IN she,/PRP at/IN least,/NN does/VBZ not/RB regard/VB me/PRP with/IN the/DT same/JJ hostility/NN which/WDT you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ son/NN see/VB fit/VBN to/TO visit/VB upon/IN me.""What/WP you/PRP ask/VBP is/VBZ impossible."At/IN that/DT moment/NN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP entered/VBD the/DT living-room,/NN glanced/VBD past/IN her/PRP$ father/NN and/CC saw/VBD D'Arcy/NNP standing/VBG in/IN the/DT portal;/NN saw/VBD the/DT wagon/NN and/CC team/NN parked/VBN just/RB beyond/IN the/DT porch,/NN with/IN a/DT strange/JJ American/NNP holding/VBG a/DT pistol/NN pointed/VBD at/IN someone/NN not/RB at/IN the/DT moment/NN visible./NN For/IN an/DT instant/NN her/PRP glance/NN met/VBD D'Arcy's;/NNP then/RB her/PRP$ finger-tips/NNS went/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ lips,/NN signifying/VBG silence;/VBN an/DT instant/NN she/PRP held/VBD them/PRP there,/, then/RB flung/VBD them/PRP gently/RB outward--and/CC the/DT wanderer/NN was/VBD aware/JJ that/IN she/PRP had/VBD thrown/VBN him/PRP a/DT kiss!/NN He/PRP thrilled/VBD at/IN this;/DT thrilled/VBN again/RB in/IN the/DT realization/NN that/IN in/IN her/PRP$ eyes/NNS there/EX was/VBD no/DT sign/NN of/IN hostility./NN Instead,/RB they/PRP pleaded/VBD with/IN him/PRP to/TO go./NNP He/PRP bowed/VBD to/TO Don/NNP Jos$./NNP "I/NNP trust/NN that/IN in/IN the/DT fulness/NN of/IN time,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP I/PRP may/MD be/VB of/IN service/NN to/TO you/PRP and/CC yours--a/DT service/NN that/WDT will/MD balance/VB the/DT wrong/JJ you/PRP think/VBP I/PRP have/VBP done/VBN you."/PRP He/PRP turned/VBD toward/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP and/CC said/VBD in/IN English/NNP loud/RB enough/RB for/IN the/DT girl/NN to/TO hear./PRP "Dear/JJ one,/NNS be/VB brave./JJR I/PRP will/MD come/VB for/IN you/PRP one/CD day--and/CC when/WRB I/PRP do/VBP all/PDT the/DT men/NNS and/CC servants/NNS of/IN your/PRP$ family/NN will/MD not/RB be/VB able/JJ to/TO stop/VB me/PRP from/IN claiming/VBG you./PRP I/PRP say/VBP to/TO you/PRP again:/RB 'I/JJ love/NN you.'"He/PRP strode/VBD to/TO the/DT wagon/NN and/CC climbed/VBD in;/IN Bejabers/NNP gathered/VBD his/PRP$ team/NN and/CC they/PRP rattled/VBD off/RP through/IN the/DT oak/NN grove/NN to/TO the/DT open/JJ country/NN beyond./VBN Far/RB out/RB into/IN the/DT grassy/JJ plain/JJ Bejabers/NNP drove,/VBD and/CC no/DT word/NN passed/VBD between/IN them./PRP Presently/RB he/PRP came/VBD to/TO a/DT watercourse/NN along/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN which/WDT the/DT rapidly/RB drying/VBG stream/NN lay/VBD in/IN little,/RB still/RB pools./, Cattle,/NNS descending/VBG to/TO water,/NN had/VBD worn/VBN a/DT trail/NN down/IN the/DT bank,/NN so/RB Bejabers/NNP pulled/VBD up/RP and/CC said:"We'll/VBD camp/NN on/IN the/DT sand-bar/NN in/IN the/DT bed/NN of/IN this/DT stream./NN Those/DT two/CD lone/JJ sycamores/NNS have/VBP dropped/VBN a/DT lot/NN of/IN dead/JJ branches--we/NNS have/VBP wood/NN and/CC water--and/NN grass/NN for/IN the/DT team./NN We/PRP can't/MD be/VB approached/VBN except/IN in/IN the/DT open,/NN and/CC the/DT banks/NNS of/IN the/DT creek/NN afford/VB good/JJ shelter./NN I've/NN fought/VBD behind/IN worse."Silently/PRP D'Arcy/NNP helped/VBD him/PRP unhitch/VB and/CC hobble/VB the/DT horses./NN The/DT wagon/NN was/VBD left/VBN on/IN the/DT bank./NN In/IN silence/NN still/RB they/PRP made/VBD a/DT fire/NN and/CC cooked/VBD supper./VBG And/CC after/IN supper/NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP produced/VBD his/PRP$ little/JJ tin/NN flute/NN and/CC played/VBD until/IN the/DT honest/JJ Bejabers/NNS exploded/VBD in/IN exasperation./NN "Dang/NN it,/, pardner,/VB how/WRB can/MD you/PRP act/VB so/RB contented-like/JJ when/WRB you/PRP know/VBP that/IN sooner/RB or/CC later/RB you/PRP got/VBD to/TO kill/VB that/DT greaser/JJR half-brother/JJ o'/IN the/DT girl/NN you're/VBP in/IN love/NN with?/IN That/DT boy/NN ain't/NN human.""May/IN the/DT devil/NN take/VB him!"/PRP D'Arcy/NNP cried/VBD happily./JJR "I/JJ stand/NN aces/NNS up/RP with/IN Josepha./NNP Why/WRB should/MD I/PRP be/VB downhearted/JJ because/IN two/CD men/NNS who/WP are/VBP still/RB living/VBG in/IN the/DT fifteenth/JJ century/NN tell/VB me/PRP I'm/IN a/DT bad/JJ boy?""I/NN tell/VB you,/PRP son,/NN you'll/MD have/VB trouble/NN with/IN Romauldo./NNP And/CC he'll/CC not/RB fight/VB you/PRP in/IN the/DT open./NN I/PRP know/VBP these/DT people./NNS I/PRP know/VBP how/WRB they/PRP act/VBP under/IN certain/JJ circumstances./VBG The/DT girl/NN might/MD be/VB willin'/VBN to/TO give/VB her/PRP$ right/JJ eye/NN for/IN you,/JJ pardner,/NN but/CC if/IN you/PRP kill/VBP that/DT rascal/NN of/IN a/DT half-brother/NN of/IN hers,/PRP even/RB in/IN self-defense,/JJ she'll/NN never/RB disgrace/VB her/PRP$ people/NNS by/IN marrying/VBG you./DT You/PRP and/CC me/PRP may/MD agree/VB that/IN their/PRP$ sort/NN o'/IN pride's/NN foolish,/NN but/CC you/PRP got/VBD to/TO admit/VB they/PRP got/VBD pride.""I/NNS admit/VB nothing/NN of/IN the/DT sort./NN They/PRP have/VBP an/DT abnormal/JJ self-conceit,/NN and/CC they/PRP are/VBP not/RB very/RB intelligent."Bejabers/NNS loaded/VBN his/PRP$ pipe/NN and/CC lighted/VBD it/PRP with/IN a/DT brand/NN from/IN the/DT camp-fire./NN "I/IN reckon/VBP I'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO kill/VB the/DT young/JJ feller/NN myself,/NN to/TO save/VB you/PRP a/DT heap/NN of/IN embarrassment,"/NNS he/PRP murmured/VBD presently./NN "You/PRP done/VBD that/IN pup/NN two/CD great/JJ favors./NN Any/DT time/NN you/PRP put/VBD a/DT man/NN under/IN obligation/NN to/TO you,/VB you/PRP lose/VBP a/DT friend,/NN and/CC this/DT boy/NN Romauldo/NNP ain't/NN got/VBD no/DT moral/JJ sentiments/NNS to/TO speak/VB of./NNP The/DT Injun/NNP shows/VBZ up/RP in/IN him/PRP strong--and/. there/EX ain't/VBP none/NN o'/IN the/DT noble/JJ red/JJ man/NN about/IN these/DT here/RB California/NNP Injuns./NNP They're/NNP a/DT mighty/JJ low/JJ form/NN o'/IN human/JJ life./NN Son,/NNP I'mtellin'/NNP you,/, there/EX ain't/VBP nothin'/RB more/RBR dangerous/JJ than/IN a/DT fool."He/NN rose,/VBD searched/VBN around/IN until/IN he/PRP found/VBD two/CD large/JJ dead/JJ sycamore/NN limbs/NNS about/IN six/CD feet/NNS long,/RB and/CC brought/VBD them/PRP up/RP to/TO the/DT fire./NN Next/IN he/PRP laid/VBD them/PRP on/IN two/CD rocks,/NNS plucked/VBD dry/JJ grass/NN and/CC piled/VBN sufficient/JJ of/IN it/PRP around/IN both/DT pieces/NNS of/IN wood/NN to/TO cause/VB them,/PRP when/WRB covered/VBN by/IN a/DT blanket,/NN to/TO simulate/VB the/DT outlines/NNS of/IN sleeping/VBG men./NN "Now,/NN fool,"/NN he/PRP addressed/VBD D'Arcy,/NNP "grab/VB your/PRP$ other/JJ blanket/NN an'/NN follow/VBP me./PRP Us/PRP two're/VBP going/VBG to/TO sleep/VB in/IN the/DT tall/JJ grass/NN about/IN a/DT hundred/CD yards/NNS off/IN yonder--in/JJ the/DT direction/NN we/PRP just/RB come./VBD If/IN that/DT jackass/NN Romauldo/NNP and/CC some/DT of/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS pay/VBP us/PRP a/DT visit/NN tonight,/RB the/DT fools'll/NN come/VBN creepin'/NN up/RB on/IN our/PRP$ old/JJ trail./NN 'Tain't/. likely/JJ they'll/DT step/NN on/IN us/PRP if/IN we/PRP sleep/VBP to/TO one/CD side/NN of/IN it/PRP a/DT bit./NN They'll/RB sneak/VBP up/RP to/TO the/DT bank/NN o'/IN the/DT creek/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT moonlight/NN they'll/MD see/VB these/DT two/CD dummies./NN They/PRP won't/VBP know/VB which/WDT one/NN is/VBZ which,/, so/RB they'll/JJ play/NN safe/NN and/CC pour/VBP a/DT volley/NN into/IN both./DT That'll/NNP wake/NN us/PRP up/RB and/CC to/TO their/PRP$ great/JJ surprise/NN we'll/NN meet/VBP 'em/PRP on/IN the/DT way/NN back/RB and/CC sort/VB o'/RB argy/IN the/DT matter/NN with/IN 'em.""You're/PRP a/DT deadly/JJ little/JJ rascal,/JJ Bejabers,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP murmured/VBD approvingly./NN "But/CC you're/VB no/DT fool--and/NN I/PRP am."He/VBP helped/VBN Bejabers/NNP arrange/VB the/DT dummies/NNS in/IN the/DT posture/NN of/IN men/NNS sleeping/VBG with/IN their/PRP$ feet/NNS to/TO the/DT fire;/NN then,/, bearing/VBG their/PRP$ firearms/NNS and/CC an/DT extra/JJ blanket,/NN they/PRP walked/VBD out/IN onto/IN the/DT plain/JJ and/CC lay/VBD down/RP to/TO sleep/VB in/IN the/DT tall/JJ grass/NN about/IN fifty/CD yards/NNS off/IN their/PRP$ trail,/NN which/WDT was/VBD plainly/RB visible/JJ in/IN the/DT dry/JJ grass./NN Bejabers/IN stretched/VBN himself/PRP luxuriously/RB and/CC sighed/VBD with/IN the/DT deep/JJ contentment/NN of/IN a/DT tired/JJ man./NN "I/NNS hope/VBP you/PRP don't/VBP snore/NN or/CC cry/NN out/IN in/IN your/PRP$ sleep,/NN son,"/NN he/PRP called,/VBD and/CC was/VBD almost/RB immediately/RB asleep./. Just/RB before/IN dawn/NN the/DT two/CD were/VBD aroused/VBN by/IN the/DT re-ports/NNS of/IN four/CD rifle/NN shots,/NNS following/VBG each/DT other/JJ in/IN quick/JJ succession./NN "Single-barreled/JJ rifles,/NN son,"/NN Bejabers/IN murmured,/JJ rolling/VBG over/RB and/CC stretching/VBG himself./PRP "So/IN there's/DT at/IN least/JJS four/CD in/IN the/DT party./NN That/IN saddle/NN animal/NN o'/IN mine/NN ain't/IN anything/NN extraordinary,/RB so/IN they/PRP won't/VBD touch/NN him,/, but/CC I'm/PRP layin'/VBD you/PRP two/CD to/TO one/CD that/IN gang'll/NN have/VBP Pathfinder/NN at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN a/DT riata/NN when/WRB they/PRP pass/VBP this/DT way/NN again./. That/DT hoss/NN just/RB can't/MD be/VB resisted./VBN Have/VBP a/DT good/JJ night's/NN rest,/NN son?""Perfect./. But/CC before/IN I/PRP finally/RB got/VBD to/TO sleep/VB I/PRP did/VBD some/DT thinking/NN and/CC decided/VBD if/IN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ men/NNS raided/VBD us,/VBN to/TO permit/VB them/PRP to/TO escape.""That's/VB plumb/RB foolish,/JJ Dermod./NNP They'll/MD help/VB themselves/PRP to/TO Pathfinder/NNP as/IN sure/JJ as/IN death/NN and/CC taxes,/NN and/CC in/IN this/DT country,/NN where/WRB a/DT horse/NN may/MD mean/VB the/DT difference/NN between/IN life/NN and/CC death/NN to/TO a/DT man,/NN it's/IN the/DT best/JJS kind/NN o'/IN public/JJ service/NN to/TO bust/VB a/DT hoss-thief.""We'll/JJ bust/NN him--my/NN way."Faintly/RB to/TO their/PRP$ ears/NNS came/VBD the/DT sound/NN of/IN hoof/JJ beats/NNS ringing/VBG sharply/RB on/IN stones./NN "They're/NN crossin'/NN the/DT rocky/JJ bed/NN o'/IN that/DT little/JJ watercourse,"/NN Bejabers/IN warned/VBN D'Arcy./NNP "They/NNP waited/VBD a/DT little/JJ to/TO see/VB if/IN the/DT corpses/NNS moved./VBN Now/RB they're/DT movin'/NN across/IN the/DT creek/NN to/TO find/VB Pathfinder."/NNP He/PRP got/VBD up/RP cautiously/RB on/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS and/CC knees/NNS until/IN his/PRP$ head/NN was/VBD on/IN a/DT level/NN with/IN the/DT grass/NN tops./, In/IN the/DT brilliant/JJ moonlight/NN it/PRP was/VBD possible/JJ to/TO see/VB moving/VBG objects/NNS a/DT quarter/NN of/IN a/DT mile/NN distant./NN "One,/NNP two,/, three,/DT four,/JJ five,"/NNS he/PRP counted./MD "Two/RB are/VBP out/RB after/IN our/PRP$ horses/NNS and/CC three/CD more/JJR have/VBP dismounted/VBN at/IN the/DT wagon./NN They're/DT investigatin'/NN that."D'Arcy/IN chuckled./VBG "They'll/RB find/VB about/IN two/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold-dust/NN in/IN a/DT canvas/NN bag/NN in/IN the/DT grub/NN box,/NN Bejabers./NNP During/IN the/DT night/NN I/PRP got/VBD up,/RB went/VBD back/RB to/TO our/PRP$ camp/NN and/CC planted/VBD the/DT dust/NN there.""Bait?""Evidence.""Evidence/DT planted/VBN on/IN a/DT corpse/NN ain't/NN worth/NN a/DT hoot."/NN Bejabers/NNP was/VBD always/RB practical./VBG "To/RB be/VB effective,/RB you/PRP got/VBD to/TO find/VB it/PRP on/IN a/DT live/JJ man./NN Son,/IN it/PRP does/VBZ seem/VB to/TO me/PRP you're/JJ goin'/NN to/TO a/DT whole/JJ lot/NN o'/IN trouble/NN to/TO be/VB legal/JJ in/IN a/DT country/NN where/WRB there/EX ain't/VBP no/DT law/NN or/CC order.""I/NNS know/VBP what/WP I'm/NNP doing.""Hum-m!/JJ Mebbe./NNP Look/VB to/TO your/PRP$ weepons,/NN son./NN See/VB that/IN none/NN o'/IN the/DT percussion-caps/NNS have/VBP slipped/VBN off./RP This'll/RB be/VB close/JJ work/NN with/IN pistols.""There/NN will/MD be/VB no/DT shooting./NN Lie/VB down,/IN Bejabers,/NNP and/CC stay/VB down/RB until/IN I/PRP tell/VBP you/PRP to/TO get/VB up./RP Not/RB a/DT sound/NN out/IN of/IN you,/PRP me/PRP boy.""'Tain't/NN fair,/RB Dermod,"/IN the/DT little/JJ man/NN complained./VBN "Here/RB I/PRP go/VBP to/TO work/VB and/CC set/VB a/DT trap/NN for/IN these/DT murderers/NNS to/TO walk/VB into,/IN they/PRP walk/VBP into/IN it--and/CC you/PRP got/VBD to/TO upset/VB my/PRP$ apple/NN cart.""If/NN you/PRP weren't/VBD a/DT Yankee,/NNP Bejabers,/NNP you'd/NNP have/VBP a/DT finer/JJ sense/NN of/IN humor/NN and/CC a/DT bit/NN more/RBR imagination./. You're/PRP much/RB too/RB practical.""That/JJ Romauldo/NNP boy/NN wants/VBZ killin',"/VBN Bejabers/NNP insisted,/IN "and/NNP when/WRB they/PRP ask/VBP for/IN it/PRP I'm/. in/IN favor/NN o'/IN given'/VBN it/PRP to/TO 'em--freely.""Sssh!"Again/VB the/DT sound/NN of/IN hoofs/NNS crossing/VBG the/DT watercourse,/NN a/DT confused/JJ murmur/NN of/IN voices/NNS speaking/VBG in/IN Spanish,/NNP the/DT sound/NN of/IN hoof/JJ beats/NNS again,/RB but/CC duller/RB now,/RB as/IN the/DT raiders/NNS returned/VBD through/IN the/DT grass/NN in/IN the/DT direction/NN whence/WP day/NN had/VBD come./VBN "Please!"/NNP Bejabers/NNP pleaded./VBD "Shut/NNP up!"/NNP said/VBD D'Arcy./NNP The/DT cavalcade/NN passed/VBD at/IN a/DT fast/JJ canter,/NN headed/VBD in/IN the/DT general/JJ direction/NN of/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda;/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP counted/VBD five/CD horsemen/NNS and/CC one/CD led/VBD horse./NN "Well,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP suggested/VBD finally,/RB "suppose/VB we/PRP take/VB a/DT pasear/NN over/IN to/TO our/PRP$ camp/NN and/CC see/VB how/WRB badly/RB shot/VBN up/IN our/PRP$ proxies/NNS are."In/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN each--the/DT end/NN farthest/RB from/IN the/DT dead/JJ camp-fire--they/NN found/VBD two/CD bullet/NN holes./NN "Aimed/VBN for/IN what/WP they/PRP thought/VBD were/VBD our/PRP$ heads,/NN Bejabers./NNP Two/CD holes/NNS in/IN each/DT blanket,/NN too."/RB D'Arcy/NNP removed/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC stood/VBD uncovered/VBN above/IN the/DT dummies./NN "Alas,/IN poor/JJ Yoricks,/NNP and/CC I/PRP knew/VBD you/PRP well,"/RB he/PRP recited./VBD "Bejabers,/RB see/VB if/IN the/DT bag/NN of/IN dust/NN is/VBZ in/IN the/DT grub/NN box."Bejabers/NNS investigated/VBN and/CC reported/VBD it/PRP missing./VBD Thereupon/RB they/PRP visited/VBD the/DT hobbled/JJ horses/NNS across/IN the/DT watercourse./NN The/DT wagon/NN was/VBD there/RB and/CC the/DT team/NN and/CC Bejabers's/NNP saddle-horse/NN were/VBD quietly/RB grazing,/JJ but/CC Pathfinder/NNP was/VBD gone./VBG Subsequently/RB they/PRP found/VBD his/PRP$ hobbles/NNS beside/IN the/DT wagon/NN where/WRB someone/NN had/VBD dropped/VBN them./TO D'Arcy's/NNP saddle,/NN bridle,/NN and/CC spurs/NNS had/VBD not/RB been/VBN taken./NN "Well,/RB now/RB that/IN you've/NN spoiled/VBD my/PRP$ plan,"/NN Bejabers/NNP inquired/VBD acidly,/VBN "what's/PRP yours?""On/IN the/DT canvas/NN bag/NN that/WDT contains/VBZ our/PRP$ gold-dust/NN there/EX is/VBZ a/DT distinguishing/NN mark,/NN Bejabers./NNP There/EX was/VBD a/DT hole/NN in/IN one/CD corner/NN and/CC I/PRP sewed/VBD it/PRP up/RB securely/RB with/IN black/JJ thread./, The/DT top/NN is/VBZ closed/VBN by/IN a/DT running/VBG string/NN of/IN buckskin./NN Remember/VB the/DT description,/NN Bejabers./NNP Now,/NNP then,/, for/IN my/PRP$ plan./NN Romauldo/NNP is/VBZ a/DT gambler./NN His/PRP$ first/JJ instinct--being/NN a/DT fool--will/NN be/VB to/TO sell/VB that/DT gold-dust/NN and/CC sell/VB it/PRP cheap,/RB in/IN order/NN to/TO secure/VB money/NN with/IN which/WDT to/TO gamble./VB Therefore,/RB it/PRP is/VBZ obvious/JJ that/IN he/PRP will/MD repair,/VB in/IN a/DT day/NN or/CC two,/CD to/TO the/DT nearest/JJS market/NN for/IN gold-dust./NN A/DT trader/NN at/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry/NNP is/VBZ the/DT nearest./JJS Romauldo/NNP would/MD patronize/VB this/DT trader/NN anyhow,/RB because/IN at/IN Sutter's/NNP Fort/NNP be/VB would/MD be/VB fearful/JJ of/IN meeting/VBG some/DT of/IN those/DT men/NNS who/WP wanted/VBD to/TO hang/VB him/PRP for/IN murder/NN a/DT few/JJ months/NNS ago."D'Arcy/RB struck/VBD a/DT light/NN and/CC glanced/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ watch./NN "It/NN will/MD be/VB dawn/NN in/IN half/NN an/DT hour./NN Let/VB us/PRP breakfast/NN and/CC then/RB you/PRP mount/VBP your/PRP$ horse,/NN Bejabers,/IN and/CC ride/VB for/IN Nye's/NNS Ferry,/NNP at/IN the/DT junction/NN of/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP and/CC the/DT Sacramento./NNP Gather/NNP together/RB some/DT good/JJ men/NNS and/CC true,/NNS tell/VBP them/PRP your/PRP$ story/NN and/CC have/VB some/DT witnesses/NNS waiting/VBG to/TO nab/VB Romauldo/NNP when/WRB he/PRP rides/NNS up/RP on/IN Pathfinder/NNP and/CC offers/VBZ to/TO sell/VB our/PRP$ gold/NN to/TO the/DT trader/NN there./, Public/NNP opinion/NN will/MD then/RB take/VB care/NN of/IN Romauldo./NNP Meanwhile,/NNP I/PRP will/MD be/VB at/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda,/NN so/IN no/DT possible/JJ blame/NN can/MD attach/VB to/TO me/PRP if/IN and/CC when/WRB the/DT unfortunate/JJ young/JJ man/NN stretches/VBZ hemp."Silently/RB Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP extended/VBD his/PRP$ calloused/JJ hand./NN "It's/IN a/DT great/JJ thing/NN to/TO have/VB a/DT college/NN education,"/NN he/PRP declared./VBD "It/PRP learns/VBZ a/DT fellow/NN how/WRB to/TO think/VB high-class/JJ thoughts/NNS with/IN a/DT polish/NN on/IN 'em."/JJ THE/DT silence/NN of/IN the/DT siesta/NN hour/NN lay/VBD upon/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda/NN when/WRB Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP two/CD days/NNS later,/RB strolled/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT entrance./NN On/IN his/PRP$ shoulder/NN he/PRP carried/VBD a/DT double-barreled/JJ Tower/NNP carbine,/NNS a/DT revolver/NN swung/VBD at/IN each/DT hip,/NN and/CC following/VBG the/DT fashion/NN of/IN the/DT country,/NN the/DT handle/NN of/IN a/DT bowie-knife/NN peeped/VBD from/IN its/PRP$ scabbard/NN thrust/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ right/JJ legging./NN He/PRP entered/VBD the/DT porch/NN and/CC sat/VBD down/RB on/IN a/DT bench/NN there,/, lighted/VBD his/PRP$ pipe/NN and/CC waited/VBD patiently/RB for/IN someone/NN to/TO come./RP He/PRP knew/VBD that/IN at/IN about/IN three/CD o'clock/RB the/DT members/NNS of/IN the/DT household/NN would/MD begin/VB to/TO arise/VB from/IN the/DT siesta,/NN but/CC a/DT little/JJ before/IN that/DT time/NN the/DT front/JJ door/NN opened,/, and/CC Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP stepped/VBD out/RP on/IN the/DT porch./NN At/IN sight/NN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP she/PRP started;/VBD with/IN both/DT little/JJ hands/NNS clasped/VBD over/IN her/PRP$ heart/NN she/PRP stared/VBD at/IN him/PRP with/IN frightened/JJ eyes./NN "You/PRP are/VBP alone,/RB Dermod?"/IN she/PRP whispered./MD He/PRP nodded/VBD complacently./NN "You/NNS are/VBP mad/JJ to/TO come,"/VB she/PRP protested./VBD "You/PRP have/VBP been/VBN permitted/VBN once/RB to/TO depart/VB in/IN peace./NN If/IN my/PRP$ father/NN or/CC Romauldo/NNP discover/VBP you/PRP have/VBP returned--""Bother/DT your/PRP$ father/NN and/CC Romauldo!/NNS I/PRP have/VBP called/VBN to/TO have/VB a/DT talk/NN with/IN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB my/PRP$ purpose/NN to/TO waste/VB words/NNS on/RP Romauldo.""Romauldo/NNP is/VBZ here,/RB Dermod./NNP You/PRP must/MD go,/VB else/RB there/EX will/MD be/VB bloodshed,"/IN she/PRP pleaded./VBD "Not/RB my/PRP$ blood,"/NN he/PRP retorted/VBD cheerfully./VBG "Please/NN be/VB good/JJ enough,/RB my/PRP$ Josepha,/NNP to/TO inform/VB your/PRP$ father/NN that/IN I/PRP am/VBP here/RB and/CC that/IN I/PRP desire/VBP an/DT audience.""On/NN what/WP subject?"/NN she/PRP queried/VBD in/IN a/DT trembling/VBG void./NN "On/IN the/DT subject/NN of/IN the/DT honor/NN of/IN his/PRP$ house,"/NN he/PRP replied/VBD sternly./RP "And/RB tell/VB your/PRP$ father/NN that/IN if/IN he/PRP declines/VBZ to/TO meet/VB me/PRP I/PRP shall/MD find/VB means/NNS to/TO force/VB a/DT discussion.""'And/NN Romauldo?""Do/NNP not/RB tell/VB him/PRP I/PRP am/VBP here,/RB if/IN you/PRP please./VBP As/RB soon/RB as/IN I/PRP have/VBP stated/VBN my/PRP$ business/NN to/TO your/PRP$ father/NN I/PRP will/MD depart."Without/VB further/JJ protest/NN the/DT girl/NN reentered/VBD the/DT house./NN Ten/CD minutes/NNS passed;/RB then/RB Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP sleepy-eyed/JJ and/CC in/IN slippers,/NN stood/VBD in/IN the/DT doorway./NN "Don/IN Dermod,"/NNP he/PRP said/VBD gravely,/NN "I/JJ regret/NN that/IN you/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN fit/NN again/RB to/TO present/VB yourself/PRP at/IN my/PRP$ house./NN It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB a/DT pleasure/NN to/TO me/PRP to/TO have/VB to/TO tell/VB you/PRP twice/RB that/IN you/PRP are/VBP not/RB welcome.""I/RB have/VB no/DT desire/NN to/TO obtrude/VB myself/PRP upon/IN you/PRP or/CC yours,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$./NNP I/PRP have/VBP called/VBN today/NN on/IN a/DT matter/NN of/IN business/NN which/WDT may/MD not/RB be/VB avoided./VBN Just/RB before/IN the/DT dawn,/NN the/DT day/NN before/IN yesterday,/NN while/IN my/PRP$ companion/NN and/CC I/PRP lay/VBD encamped/VBN in/IN the/DT plain/NN yonder,/IN your/PRP$ son/NN Romauldo,/NNS disdaining/VBG the/DT fair/JJ fight/NN I/PRP would/MD have/VB accorded/VBN him/PRP had/VBD he/PRP requested/VBD it,/, led/VBD four/CD men/NNS in/IN a/DT attack/NN upon/IN us./DT He/PRP is/VBZ under/IN the/DT impression/NN that/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS shot/VBD us/PRP as/IN we/PRP slept./VBD The/DT fool/NN does/VBZ not/RB know/VB that/IN his/PRP$ bullets/NNS penetrated,/VBD not/RB sleeping/VBG men,/NNS but/CC wooden/JJ dummies,/NN while/IN from/IN a/DT little/JJ distance/NN we/PRP two/CD watched/VBD the/DT operation./NN Your/PRP$ son/NN then/RB stole/VBD from/IN our/PRP$ wagon/NN a/DT quantity/NN of/IN coarse/JJ gold/NN in/IN a/DT canvas/NN bag./. He/PRP stole/VBD also/RB my/PRP$ horse--the/NN great/JJ animal/NN that/IN raced/VBD against/IN your/PRP$ Kitty/NNP at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista./NNP My/PRP$ horse/NN is/VBZ now/RB in/IN your/PRP$ corral/JJ yonder."Don/NN Jos$'s/NNP face/NN was/VBD a/DT battle-ground/NN of/IN conflicting/VBG emotions,/NN in/IN which/WDT fear,/NN shame,/NN and/CC unbelief/JJ predominated./NN "If/IN your/PRP$ horse/NN is/VBZ in/IN my/PRP$ corral,/NN may/MD it/PRP not/RB be/VB thatyou/DT yourself/PRP have/VBP put/VBN him/PRP there?"/RB he/PRP managed/VBD to/TO articulate./DT "That/NN might/MD well/RB be,/VB had/VBD I/PRP any/DT interest/NN in/IN bearing/VBG false/JJ witness./, However,/RB Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP I/PRP will/MD give/VB you/PRP proof/NN of/IN the/DT truth/NN of/IN my/PRP$ charges./NN Where/WRB is/VBZ your/PRP$ son/NN at/IN this/DT moment?/NN He/PRP shall/MD be/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ witness.""He/NN takes/VBZ his/PRP$ siesta.""Awaken/JJ him/PRP and/CC inform/VB him/PRP that/IN the/DT gringo/NN D'Arcy/NNP is/VBZ without/IN and/CC demands/NNS to/TO talk/VB with/IN him./PRP Having/VBG delivered/VBN that/IN message,/NN return/NN to/TO me/PRP here./, I/PRP charge/VBP you/PRP to/TO say/VB nothing/NN further/JJ to/TO Romauldo,/NNP but/CC mark/NN well/RB his/PRP$ face/NN when/WRB you/PRP deliver/VBP the/DT message./NN Do/VBP not/RB comment/VB on/IN what/WP that/DT face/NN tells/VBZ you,/JJ however,/, but/CC return/VB to/TO me/PRP here,/, I/PRP beg/VBP of/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$."Don/NNP Jos$/NNP stared/VBD stupidly/RB for/IN a/DT moment,/NN then/RB departed/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ mission./NN When/WRB he/PRP returned/VBD with/IN Josepha,/NNP his/PRP$ face/NN was/VBD white/JJ and/CC troubled./VBN "Come/NN with/IN me,"/NNS D'Arcy/NNP commanded,/NN and/CC drew/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC Josepha/NNP around/IN to/TO the/DT rear/NN of/IN the/DT house./NN Here,/RB from/IN the/DT corner,/NN they/PRP had/VBD an/DT unobstructed/JJ view/NN of/IN the/DT corrals./NN "Wait!"/NN D'Arcy/NNP cautioned/VBD father/NN and/CC daughter./NN Suddenly/RB Romauldo/NNP appeared,/VBD running/VBG from/IN the/DT hacienda/NN toward/IN the/DT corral./NN Bullet/NNP pouch/, and/CC powder-horn/NN swung/VBD across/IN his/PRP$ shoulders;/NN he/PRP carried/VBD a/DT carbine/NN in/IN his/PRP$ right/JJ hand,/NN a/DT serape/NN and/CC a/DT canvas/NN bag/NN in/IN his/PRP$ left./NN Two/CD revolvers/NNS were/VBD in/IN holsters/NNS at/IN his/PRP$ hips/NNS and/CC the/DT handle/NN of/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ knife/NN protruded/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ bota./NN He/PRP disappeared/VBD into/IN the/DT corral;/NN presently/RB he/PRP rode/VBD out./RP "God/NNP of/IN my/PRP$ soul,"/NN the/DT girl/NN murmured,/VBD "he/DT rides/NNS Pathfinder!""Your/NNP son/NN fears/NNS to/TO face/VB the/DT man/NN he/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP had/VBD murdered./VBN Take/VB my/PRP$ arm,/NN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP What/WP you/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN has/VBZ weakened/VBN you./PRP No,/RB no,/RB do/VBP not/RB call/VB to/TO him./PRP$ It/PRP is/VBZ nothing--"But/RB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP broke/VBD from/IN him/PRP and/CC shouted/VBD a/DT curse/NN upon/IN the/DT departing/VBG rider./NN "Vandal!/IN Robber!/NNP Bandit!"/NNP His/PRP$ voice/NN was/VBD hoarse,/RB a/DT furious/JJ scream./NN "Coward!/IN Go--and/NNP with/IN thee/DT my/PRP$ curse,/RP thou/IN foul/JJ one!/NNS Ho,/IN you/PRP at/IN the/DT corral/JJ yonder!/NNP To/TO horse!"He/VB started/VBN running/VBG across/IN the/DT space/NN intervening/NN between/IN the/DT hacienda/NN and/CC the/DT corral./JJ But/CC D'Arcy/NNP pursued/VBD him/PRP and/CC seized/VBD his/PRP$ arm./NN "It/NN is/VBZ useless/JJ to/TO follow/VB him/PRP now,/RB Don/NNP Jos$,"/NNP he/PRP expostulated./VBD "On/IN Pathfinder/NNP he/PRP is/VBZ safe/JJ from/IN all/DT pursuit."Don/NN Jos$/NNP commenced/VBD to/TO weep./DT "Would/NN I/PRP were/VBD standing/VBG on/IN his/PRP$ dead/JJ body/NN and/CC his/PRP$ soul/NN in/IN Heaven!"/NNP he/PRP moaned./VBZ "Ah,/RB now/RB am/VBP I/PRP indeed/RB dishonored./VBN But/CC it/PRP is/VBZ my/PRP$ right./NN It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT suffering/NN I/PRP deserve,/VBP in/IN that/IN I/PRP fathered/VBD this/DT cross-bred/JJ son./NN I,/IN a/DT Guerrero!/NNP I,/NNP whose/WP$ blood/NN is/VBZ untainted,/JJ I--I--"D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Josepha/NNP led/VBD him/PRP around/IN to/TO the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT house,/NN where/WRB he/PRP collapsed/VBD on/IN the/DT bench/NN in/IN the/DT porch,/NN covered/VBD his/PRP$ face/NN with/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS and/CC sobbed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ wretchedness./NN D'Arcy's/NNP heart/NN ached/VBD for/IN him,/NN but/CC he/PRP could/MD do/VB nothing/NN to/TO comfort/VB the/DT old/JJ man/NN save/IN maintain/VBP a/DT respectful/JJ silence./NN The/DT girl/NN sat/VBD beside/IN her/PRP father,/IN her/PRP$ arms/NNS around/IN him,/IN her/PRP$ cheek/NN pressed/VBD close/RB to/TO his,/PRP$ the/DT while/NN she/PRP murmured/VBD to/TO him/PRP endearing/VBG words./DT D'Arcy/NNP observed/VBD that/IN in/IN this/DT emergency/NN she/PRP did/VBD not/RB avail/JJ herself/PRP of/IN woman's/NNS accustomed/VBN luxury/NN of/IN tears./VBG When/WRB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP in/IN a/DT measure/NN could/MD master/VB his/PRP$ emotions,/NN the/DT girl/NN summoned/VBD Patricio,/NNP who/WP assisted/VBD the/DT old/JJ man/NN to/TO his/PRP$ room,/NN leaving/VBG D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Josepha,/NNP the/DT former/JJ standing/NN with/IN his/PRP$ back/NN against/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT rough-hewn/JJ uprights,/IN the/DT girl/NN on/IN the/DT bench/NN facing/VBG him./PRP Her/PRP$ gaze,/NN as/IN she/PRP bent/VBD it/PRP upon/IN him,/PRP was/VBD curiously/RB speculative./JJ "You/PRP are/VBP a/DT strange/JJ man,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP murmured/VBD presently./NN "You/PRP travel/VBP in/IN circles,/NN like/IN a/DT coyote,and,/NN I/PRP think,/VBP like/IN the/DT coyote,/NN you/PRP are/VBP very/RB cunning./JJ Unlike/IN the/DT coyote,/JJ however,/, you/PRP are/VBP very/RB brave;/JJ and/CC because/IN that/DT is/VBZ so/RB I/PRP am/VBP puzzled/VBN to/TO understand/VB your/PRP$ conduct/NN this/DT day.""Romauldo/NN owes/VBZ his/PRP$ life/NN twice/RB to/TO me."/VB D'Arcy's/NNP tones/NNS were/VBD hard./JJR "Even/RB after/IN he/PRP had/VBD confessed/VBN to/TO me/PRP that/IN he/PRP had/VBD suborned/VBN murder,/NN I/PRP saved/VBD him/PRP from/IN those/DT who/WP would/MD have/VB hanged/VBN him--and/CC justly/RB so./'' This/DT I/PRP did/VBD for/IN your/PRP$ sake,/NN because/IN I/PRP love/VBP you."She/PRP inclined/VBN her/PRP head/NN a/DT very/RB little./JJ "By/NN that/IN I/PRP am/VBP deeply/RB complimented,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod./NNP And/CC I/PRP am/VBP far/RB from/IN ungrateful.""Romauldo,/JJ on/IN the/DT contrary,/NN is/VBZ far/RB from/IN grateful./NN An/DT attempted/VBN assassination/NN has/VBZ been/VBN my/PRP$ reward,/NN and/CC when/WRB he/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP had/VBD succeeded/VBN in/IN assassinating/VBG me,/NNS he/PRP stole/VBD my/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC my/PRP$ gold./NN For/IN these/DT crimes/NNS I/PRP desired/VBD to/TO convict/VB him/PRP in/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ people,/NNS that/IN he/PRP might/MD thereafter/RB cease/VB from/IN worrying/VBG them.""You/PRP have/VBP broken/VBN my/PRP$ poor/JJ father's/NN proud/JJ heart.""Time/NN will/MD mend/VB it,"/IN he/PRP replied/VBD unsympathetically./. "I/PRP am/VBP content/JJ not/RB to/TO have/VB broken/VBN yours.""I/PRP think/VBP you/PRP might/MD have/VB spared/VBN my/PRP$ poor/JJ father./NN If,/IN when/WRB I/PRP met/VBD you/PRP first/RB today,/RB you/PRP had/VBD explained/VBN your/PRP$ errand/NN to/TO me,/VB I/PRP would/MD have/VB recovered/VBN for/IN you/PRP your/PRP$ gold/NN and/CC your/PRP$ horse,/NN and/CC my/PRP$ father/NN would/MD have/VB been/VBN none/NN the/DT wiser./NN It/PRP is/VBZ well/RB to/TO respect/VB the/DT feelings/NNS of/IN the/DT aged."He/NN grinned/VBD with/IN a/DT diabolical/JJ nonchalance./JJ "It/NN was/VBD necessary/JJ to/TO get/VB rid/JJ of/IN that/DT saddle-colored/JJ young/JJ scoundrel./VBP He/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT great/JJ nuisance/NN to/TO us/PRP when/WRB we/PRP are/VBP married.""Thou/VBN bold/JJ one!/IN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB said/VBN that/IN I/PRP will/MD marry/VB thee./DT Is/VBZ this/DT not/RB an/DT impertinence?""Perhaps./. But/CC I/PRP do/VBP not/RB care./VB Your/PRP$ father/NN is/VBZ foolishly/RB opposed/VBN to/TO my/PRP$ suit,/NN so--it/NN seemed/VBD well/RB to/TO put/VB himunder/PRP obligation/NN to/TO me./POS I/PRP could/MD have/VB killed/VBN his/PRP$ son/NN as/IN he/PRP rode/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT corral/NN on/IN Pathfinder./NNP And/CC you/PRP saw/VBD the/DT bag/NN of/IN gold/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hand,/NN did/VBD you/PRP not?/RB Well,/RB when/WRB your/PRP$ father's/NN shame/NN and/CC grief/NN have/VBP abated,/RB he/PRP will/MD realize/VB perhaps/RB that/IN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB set/VB so/RB great/JJ a/DT store/NN upon/IN worldly/RB possessions/NNS as/IN most/RBS gringos./VBD Perhaps,/NNP too,/, I/PRP will/MD then/RB be/VB made/VBN welcome/JJ at/IN this/DT hacienda?"She/NN evaded/VBD an/DT answer/NN to/TO this./DT "This/DT friend/NN who/WP accompanied/VBD you?"/IN she/PRP queried./VBZ "Where/RB is/VBZ he?""At/JJ Nye's/NNS Ferry/NNP now,/, I/PRP imagine."For/IN a/DT minute/NN she/PRP pondered/VBD his/PRP$ answer,/NN her/PRP gaze/NN upon/IN her/PRP$ hands/NNS entwined/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ lap./NN When/WRB she/PRP raised/VBD her/PRP$ eyes/NNS to/TO his/PRP$ again/RB he/PRP saw/VBD in/IN them/PRP a/DT smoldering/VBG fire./NN "Yes,/IN you/PRP are/VBP cunning,/JJ like/IN the/DT coyote,"/NN she/PRP said/VBD in/IN even,/NN precise/JJ tones./NN "You/PRP are/VBP clever/JJ at/IN hiding/VBG your/PRP$ trail./'' But/CC I/PRP have/VBP found/VBN it!/IN You/PRP think,/VBP because/IN I/PRP am/VBP a/DT woman,/NN I/PRP am/VBP a/DT fool,/NN that/IN I/PRP possess/VBP a/DT head/NN I/PRP cannot/MD use./JJS I/PRP know/VBP now/RB why/WRB you/PRP disdained/VBD to/TO arrest/VB Romauldo/NNP and/CC force/VB the/DT surrender/NN of/IN your/PRP$ gold/NN and/CC your/PRP$ horse;/NN I/PRP know/VBP why/WRB you/PRP preferred/VBD to/TO frighten/VB him/PRP into/IN flight./VBG Your/PRP$ gold/NN in/IN his/PRP$ possession/NN is/VBZ his/PRP$ death-warrant,/NN and/CC your/PRP$ horse/NN does/VBZ but/CC bear/VB him/PRP to/TO the/DT justice/NN of/IN men,/NNS a/DT dumb/JJ witness/NN against/IN him./PRP Romauldo/IN rides/NNS south,/RB but/CC your/PRP$ friend/NN has/VBZ already/RB ridden/VBN before/IN him/PRP to/TO intercept/VB my/PRP$ brother/NN at/IN the/DT Yuba./NNP There/EX will/MD be/VB other/JJ gringos/NNS to/TO help,/VB I/PRP dare/MD say./VB Ah,/RB how/WRB truly/RB did/VBD you/PRP speak/VB when/WRB you/PRP said/VBD you/PRP knew/VBD the/DT ways/NNS of/IN fools!/JJ You/PRP would/MD not/RB kill/VB Romauldo/NNP a/DT little/JJ while/NN ago,/RB as/IN was/VBD your/PRP$ right./NN Ah,/IN yes,/NN I/PRP realize/VBP he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT vagabond,/NN destined/VBN for/IN an/DT evil/JJ end./VBN But/CC your/PRP$ cool,/JJ calculating/NN planning/NN that/IN his/PRP$ blood/NN might/MD not/RB appear/VB to/TO be/VB on/IN your/PRP$ hands--that/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB like./VB "There/RB is/VBZ in/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP much/RB to/TO admire,/VB but/CC there/EX is/VBZ also/RB a/DT streak/NN of/IN guile./NN You/PRP can/MD be/VB underhanded./VBN You/PRP are/VBP too/RB cunning,/RB too/RB prudent,/VB too/RB sureof/JJ yourself./. Know/VB this,/DT Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy--I/NNP do/VBP not/RB love/VB you/PRP and/CC I/PRP never/RB shall./MD I/PRP should/MD always/RB be/VB afraid/JJ of/IN you./PRP Please/VB go/VB now/RB and/CC do/VBP not/RB return."Abruptly/VB she/PRP rose/VBD and/CC entered/VBD the/DT hacienda./NN He/PRP leaped/VBD to/TO intercept/VB her/PRP$ departure,/NN but/CC the/DT door/NN slammed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ face;/NN he/PRP heard/VBD the/DT heavy/JJ bolt/NN shot/VBD from/IN the/DT inside./NN "If/IN she'd/NN only/RB permitted/VBD me/PRP to/TO continue!"/VB he/PRP growled./VBN "Well,/IN no/DT matter./NN I'll/RB give/VB that/DT colleen/NN more/JJR time/NN to/TO think/VB it/PRP over./RP By/IN my/PRP$ faith,/NN she/PRP has/VBZ a/DT head/NN and/CC knows/VBZ how/WRB to/TO use/VB it;/PRP so/RB perhaps/RB some/DT day/NN it/PRP may/MD occur/VB to/TO her/PRP$ that/WDT for/IN all/DT my/PRP$ cunning,/RP for/IN all/DT my/PRP$ guile/NN in/IN tricking/VBG Romauldo/NNP into/IN the/DT hands/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ executioners,/NN I/PRP elected/VBD nevertheless/RB to/TO give/VB him/PRP a/DT sporting/JJ chance/NN to/TO escape,/VB by/IN mounting/VBG him/PRP on/IN the/DT fleetest/NN and/CC most/RBS enduring/JJ horse/NN in/IN California!/NNP I've/NN given/VBN him/PRP even/RB odds/NNS with/IN the/DT devil,/NN and/CC 'tis/PRP well/RB she/PRP knows/VBZ her/PRP$ brother/NN was/VBD not/RB entitled/VBN to/TO those/DT decent/JJ odds."He/JJ strode/VBD away/RB across/IN the/DT plain/NN back/RB to/TO his/PRP$ camp./NN Toward/NNP evening/NN a/DT vaquero/NN from/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP rancho/NN rode/VBD out/RP to/TO him,/VB a/DT led/VBN horse/NN trotting/NN behind./, The/DT man/NN lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat,/NN dismounted/VBD and/CC advanced,/VBD leading/VBG the/DT black/JJ mare/NN Kitty./NNP "It/NNP has/VBZ been/VBN observed/VBN by/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN that/IN the/DT se$or/NN is/VBZ without/IN a/DT horse/NN to/TO take/VB him/PRP whither/IN he/PRP goes,"/VBZ he/PRP announced/VBD coldly./VBG Se$orita/NNP Josepha/NNP desires/VBZ that/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP should/MD accept/VB this/DT mare/NN from/IN her.""With/IN her/PRP$ compliments?"/NN D'Arcy/NNP countered/VBD banteringly./NN "The/IN se$orita/NN did/VBD not/RB say."D'Arcy/NN tied/VBD the/DT black/JJ mare/NN to/TO the/DT tail-gate/NN of/IN the/DT wagon./NN Then/RB he/PRP loaded/VBD the/DT wagon,/NN rounded/VBD up/RP the/DT team,/NN hitched/VBD and/CC resumed/VBD the/DT journey/NN toward/IN Nye's/NNS Ferry./NNP He/PRP reached/VBD the/DT store/NN of/IN the/DT trader/NN Ducroixat/IN sunset/NN the/DT following/VBG day/NN and/CC found/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP seated/VBN on/IN an/DT empty/JJ crate/NN on/IN the/DT shady/JJ side/NN of/IN the/DT big/JJ log/NN building./NN At/IN a/DT little/JJ distance,/NN under/IN a/DT spreading/VBG valley/NN oak/NN and/CC tied/VBN to/TO one/CD of/IN the/DT stout/NN lower/JJR branches,/NN Pathfinder/NN stood,/VBD whisking/VBG flies/NNS from/IN his/PRP$ satiny/JJ hide./. As/IN D'Arcy/NNP noted/VBD this/DT evidence/NN of/IN the/DT success/NN of/IN his/PRP$ little/JJ scheme,/NN a/DT pleased/JJ grin/NN overspread/VBD his/PRP$ countenance./NN But/CC Bejabers/NNP gave/VBD him/PRP no/DT answering/NN smile./VBD "Well,/RB Bejabers,/NNP lad,"/VBD he/PRP hailed/VBD the/DT little/JJ man,/NN "the/IN scheme/NN worked,/NN did/VBD it/PRP not?/RB Tell/VB me/PRP about/IN it.""Got/RB the/DT horse/NN and/CC the/DT gold/NN all/DT right,/JJ but/CC the/DT wrong/JJ man/NN was/VBD on/IN the/DT horse!""The/NN devil/NN you/PRP say!/VBP Who,/JJ pray?""Just/RB a/DT plain,/NN lowly,/NN half-Indian/JJ vaquero,/NN name/NN o'/IN Santiago/NNP Otero./NNP One/CD of/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP peones./, He/PRP says/VBZ him/PRP and/CC four/CD others/NNS was/VBD workin'/NN cattle/NNS about/IN three/CD leagues/NNS south/RB o'/IN the/DT hacienda/NN when/WRB Romauldo/NNP come/VBP pelting/VBG by/IN on/IN Pathfinder/NNP an'/NN ordered/VBD him/PRP to/TO accompany/VB him/PRP to/TO Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP So/RB he/PRP done/VBN it,/PRP never/RB havin'/VBD disobeyed/VBN an/DT order/NN from/IN his/PRP$ boss/NN or/CC his/PRP$ boss's/NNS son./VBD About/IN a/DT mile/NN from/IN here/RB this/DT misfortunate/NN greaser/NN explains/VBZ they/PRP halt/VBP and/CC exchange/NN hosses;/NN then/RB Romauldo/NNP gives/VBZ him/PRP the/DT bag/NN o'/IN gold/NN an'/NN tells/VBZ him/PRP to/TO come/VB to/TO Ducroix's/NNP store,/NNS sell/VBP it/PRP to/TO the/DT best/JJS possible/JJ advantage/NN an'/NN bring/VBP him/PRP back/RB the/DT money.""The/NN foxy/NN divil./. He/PRP played/VBD safe/JJ and/CC took/VBD no/DT chance/NN of/IN being/VBG trapped./VBN Well,/IN what/WP happened?""This/VBZ greaser's/JJ story/NN seemed/VBD reasonable/JJ enough/RB to/TO the/DT miners'/NNS jury,/VBD Dermod,/NNP so/IN I/PRP told/VBD him--I/PRP was/VBD the/DT only/JJ one/NN who/WP could/MD talk/VB Spanish--that/JJ we'd/NN let/VB him/PRP go/VB if/IN he/PRP told/VBD me/PRP where/WRB Romauldo/NNP was/VBD waitin'/NN for/IN him./PRP But/CC he/PRP wouldn't/MD do/VB that./DT So/IN the/DT jury/NN gives/VBZ him/PRP ten/CD minutes/NNS to/TO think/VB it/PRP over/RP or/CC swing,/VB but/CC he/PRP says/VBZ he'll/JJ die/NN before/IN he/PRP betrays/VBZ his/PRP$ master./NN Consequently/RB the/DT jury/NN finds/VBZ him/PRP guilty/JJ of/IN being/VBG an/DT accessory/NN after/IN the/DT factan'/NN mebbe/NN before/IN it./PRP We/PRP put/VBD him/PRP on/IN Pathfinder/NNP bareback,/NN loop/NN a/DT riata/NN around/IN his/PRP$ neck/NN an'/NN tie/VB the/DT other/JJ end/NN to/TO a/DT limb./NN Still/RB he/PRP stands/VBZ pat--so/NN we/PRP run/VBP Pathfinder/NNP out/RP from/IN under/IN him/PRP an'/IN he/PRP died./VBD Lord/NNP knows/VBZ I/PRP tried/VBD to/TO save/VB the/DT sucker's/NNS life,/NN but/CC he/PRP just/RB wouldn't/MD have/VB it/PRP nohow.""Did/VBD you/PRP look/VB for/IN Romauldo?""Sure./NNP After/IN we'd/PRP hung/VBD the/DT vaquero/NN a/DT dozen/NN of/IN us/PRP mounted/VBD up/RP an'/NN rode/VBD down/IN the/DT north/NN bank/NN o'/IN the/DT Feather/NNP toward/IN the/DT Sacramento./NNP We/PRP was/VBD strung/VBG out/RP for/IN a/DT mile/NN an'/NN I/PRP was/VBD ridin'/VBN Pathfinder./NNP The/DT hoss/NN was/VBD pretty/RB tired,/JJ but/CC even/RB at/IN that/WDT I/PRP figured/VBD to/TO run/VB Romauldo/NNP down/IN with/IN him./PRP And/CC it/PRP was/VBD my/PRP$ luck/NN to/TO jump/VB Romauldo./NNP He/PRP headed/VBD west/RB for/IN the/DT Sacramento,/NNP with/IN a/DT good/JJ mustang/NN under/IN him/PRP an'/RB mebbe/VBD a/DT two-hundred-yard/JJ start,/NN with/IN less'n/NN half/NN a/DT mile/NN to/TO go/VB to/TO reach/VB the/DT Sacramento./NNP Even/RB at/IN that/IN I/PRP got/VBD close/RB enough/RB to/TO empty/VB my/PRP$ pistol/NN at/IN him./PRP$ I/PRP hit/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN twice/RB but/CC couldn't/MD stop/VB him./PRP And/CC I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP hit/VBD Romauldo/NNP because/IN he/PRP was/VBD swayin'/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN as/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN slid/VBD down/IN the/DT riverbank/NN an'/NN took/VBD to/TO the/DT water/NN like/IN a/DT deer.""You/NNS took/VBD after/IN him,/NN of/IN course.""I/NN did/VBD not./DT Pathfinder/NN was/VBD wet/JJ enough/RB already/RB from/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ run./NN I/PRP got/VBD more/RBR sense/NN than/IN to/TO swim/VB a/DT valuable/JJ hoss/NN across/IN a/DT river/NN when/WRB he's/PRP$ all/PDT het/VB up./NNP I/PRP didn't/VBD want/VB to/TO founder/NN your/PRP$ horse,/NN pardner.""And/RB right/RB you/PRP were,/VBD Bejabers./NNP Pathfinder/NNP is/VBZ worth/JJ a/DT regiment/NN of/IN Romauldos./NNP But/CC I'm/NNP sorry/JJ you/PRP hanged/VBD the/DT vaquero.""I/NN done/VBN my/PRP$ best/JJS for/IN the/DT feller,/NN but/CC the/DT vote/NN was/VBD eleven/CD to/TO one/CD ag'in/IN me./PRP He/PRP died/VBD acursin'/NN us/PRP all."D'Arcy/RB sighed,/RB climbed/VBD down/RB from/IN the/DT wagon/NN seat/NN and/CC examined/VBD his/PRP$ horse./NN Pathfinder/NN appeared/VBD none/NN the/DT worse/JJR for/IN his/PRP$ recent/JJ hard/JJ treatment,/NN so/IN his/PRP$ master/NN rejoined/VBD Bejabers./NNP "Has/NNP Ducroix/NNP any/DT provisions?"/NN he/PRP queried./VBZ Bejabers/NNP nodded./, "A/DT river/NN schooner/NN got/VBD in/IN from/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP last/JJ night,/NN and/CC I/PRP bought/VBD a/DT thousand/CD pounds/NNS o'/IN spuds,/VBN two/CD hundred/CD pounds/NNS o'/IN dried/VBN apples,/NNS a/DT box/NN o'/IN lemons,/NN five/CD hundred/CD pounds/NNS o'/IN dried/VBN peas/NNS and/CC beans/NNS an'/IN a/DT smear/NN o'/IN sow-belly,/NN a/DT hundred/CD pounds/NNS o'/IN coffee/NN an'/NN a/DT dozen/NN bags/NNS o'/IN flour,/NN with/IN a/DT lot/NN o'/IN bakin'/NN powder,/NN salt,/NN pepper,/NN dried/VBD onions,/NNS terbacca/NNS an'/IN a/DT case/NN o'/IN French/JJ champagne./NN I've/NN spent/VBD more'n/JJR four/CD thousand/CD dollars,/NNS but/CC I/PRP thought/VBD I'd/NNP best/JJS get/VBP the/DT grub/NN before/IN the/DT rush/NN started./VBN There's/IN a/DT feller/NN here/RB with/IN twenty/CD pack-mules,/JJ aimin'/NN to/TO start/VB a/DT freightin'/NN business,/NN an'/NN I've/NN engaged/VBD him/PRP to/TO freight/VB the/DT grub/NN in/IN for/IN us./NNP This/DT here/RB black/JJ Maria/NNP theft's/VBG on/IN my/PRP$ conscience,/NN so/RB I'm/IN goin'/NN to/TO take/VB the/DT team/NN an'/RB drive/VBP to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP while/IN you/PRP go/VB on/IN back/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP with/IN the/DT grub./NNP I'll/NNP get/VBP the/DT Bart's/NNP fixin's/NNS in/IN Frisco.""You're/NNP the/DT prop/NN of/IN my/PRP$ declining/VBG years,/NN you/PRP little/RB leprechawn,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP assured/VBD him/PRP affectionately./VBG "Why/IN the/DT French/JJ champagne?""Christmas/NN is/VBZ comin'."Bejabers/NNS directed/VBN him/PRP to/TO a/DT feed/NN corral,/NN where/WRB they/PRP unhitched/VBD and/CC put/VBD up/RP the/DT team./NN Then,/DT returning/VBG to/TO Ducroix's/NNP store,/NN they/PRP weighed/VBD their/PRP$ gold-dust/NN and/CC exchanged/VBD forty-two/CD hundred/CD dollars'/NNS worth/JJ of/IN it,/VBN at/IN the/DT rate/NN of/IN fifteen/CD dollars/NNS an/DT ounce,/NN for/IN supplies/NNS which,/WDT under/IN normal/JJ conditions,/NN could/MD have/VB been/VBN purchased/VBN for/IN not/RB more/JJR than/IN one-tenth/JJ of/IN that/DT sum./NN The/DT adroit/NN Ducroix,/NNP sensing/VBG their/PRP$ great/JJ need/NN for/IN a/DT liberal/JJ supply,/NN had/VBD cut/VBN the/DT rate/NN of/IN exchange/NN one/CD dollar/NN per/IN ounce./NN "When/RB the/DT miners/NNS on/IN the/DT Yuba/NNP hear/VBP Ducroix/NNP has/VBZ sold/VBN so/RB much/RB to/TO one/CD man,/NN they'll/MD about/RB mob/NN him,"/NN Bejabers/IN exulted./VBN "They/PRP have/VBP a/DT notion/NN hereabouts/VBZ that/IN when/WRB the/DT grub/NN supply/NN is/VBZ low/JJ folks/NNS ought/MD to/TO divvy/VB up/RP with/IN each/DT other.""The/JJ wish/NN is/VBZ father/NN to/TO the/DT thought,/NNS Bejabers./NNP Where/WRB is/VBZ your/PRP$ freighter/NN man/NN with/IN his/PRP$ pack-mules?/NN Hustle/VB him/PRP around/IN here,/PRP and/CC we'll/VB load/NN this/DT plunder/NN and/CC get/VB out/IN of/IN town/NN before/IN Ducroix's/NNP disappointed/VBD customers/NNS have/VBP an/DT opportunity/NN to/TO work/VB up/RP public/JJ sentiment/NN against/IN us/PRP on/IN the/DT ground/NN that/IN we're/NN a/DT pair/NN of/IN greedy/JJ monopolists."By/NN noon/NN the/DT supplies/NNS were/VBD packed/VBN and/CC the/DT convoy/NN started./VBN D'Arcy/NNP gave/VBD Bejabers/NNP the/DT gold-dust/NN remaining/VBG on/IN hand,/NN to/TO finance/VB him/PRP on/IN his/PRP$ journey/NN to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC return./NNP After/IN taking/VBG an/DT affectionate/JJ farewell/NN of/IN each/DT other,/JJ D'Arcy/NNP mounted/VBD Pathfinder/NN and/CC rode/VBD out/RP with/IN the/DT pack/NN master/NN and/CC his/PRP$ Indian/JJ aids/NNS for/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP Later/RB in/IN the/DT day,/NN when/WRB Alvah/NNP Cannon,/NNP with/IN half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN companions,/NN rode/VBD into/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry/NNP and/CC descended/VBD upon/IN Ducroix/NNP to/TO purchase/VB food,/NN they/PRP found/VBD the/DT Frenchman/NNP bending/VBG over/IN a/DT barrel-head,/NN upon/IN which/WDT he/PRP bad/RB spread/VBD a/DT piece/NN of/IN canvas./VBG In/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT canvas/NN was/VBD the/DT heap/NN of/IN coarse/JJ gold/NN he/PRP had/VBD accepted/VBN in/IN payment/NN from/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP "Where'd/NNP that/IN color/NN come/VBN from?"/IN Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP demanded./VBD "'Tain't/RB gold/NN from/IN this/DT locality./NN Hanged/CC if/IN it/PRP ain't/VBD the/DT lumpiest/JJS gold/NN I/PRP ever/RB did/VBD see./. Why,/NNP them/PRP fellers/NNS must/MD be/VB takin'/VBN out/RP as/RB high/JJ as/IN five/CD hundred/CD dollars/NNS a/DT day/NN each./DT Who/WP turned/VBD that/DT stuff/NN in,/IN mister?"Ducroix/NN replied,/NN truthfully,/NN that/IN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB know/VB the/DT man's/NNS name,/, but/CC that/IN the/DT lucky/JJ devil/NN had/VBD departed/VBN with/IN a/DT pack-train/NN of/IN supplies,/NN bound/VBN for/IN his/PRP$ claim./NN "Which/IN way/NN did/VBD he/PRP head?"/VB Cannon/NNP asked./. "North,"/'' Ducroix/NNP answered./DT He/PRP swept/VBD the/DT gold/NN into/IN a/DT bag/NN and/CC tucked/VBD it/PRP in/IN an/DT iron/NN box./NN "How's/NNS chances/NNS for/IN a/DT grub-stake,/JJ Ducroix?"/NNP Cannon/NNP leered/VBD across/IN at/IN the/DT trader/NN with/IN an/DT apologetic/JJ sag/NN to/TO his/PRP$ big/JJ loose/JJ mouth./NN "Impossible!"/NN There/RB was/VBD hopeless/JJ finality/NN in/IN the/DT trader's/NN reply./VBD Cannon/NNP did/VBD not/RB press/VB the/DT argument./NN He/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ companions/NNS clumped/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT log/NN store/NN and/CC congregated/VBD in/IN front./DT "Ducroix/NNP says/VBZ the/DT feller/NN headed/VBD north./DT We/PRP could/MD easy/RB overtake/VB him/PRP an'/RB follow/VB him/PRP until/IN we/PRP located/VBD his/PRP$ claim,"/NN Cannon/NNP suggested./VBD "Can't/JJ travel/NN on/IN an/DT empty/JJ belly,/NN Cannon,""There's/NNP plenty/NN inside--if/NN we/PRP got/VBD the/DT guts/NNS to/TO help/VB ourselves.""Well,/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP we/PRP got/VBD the/DT guts,"/NN another/DT man/NN spoke/VBD up./PDT That/DT night/NN Ducroix,/NNP asleep/RB in/IN a/DT room/NN back/RB of/IN his/PRP$ trading-post,/NN was/VBD struck/VBN on/IN the/DT head/NN with/IN a/DT club./NN About/IN ten/CD o'clock/RB the/DT following/VBG morning/NN some/DT miners/NNS from/IN up/IN the/DT Yuba/NNP hammered/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ door/NN and,/CC receiving/VBG no/DT response,/NN decided/VBD something/NN must/MD have/VB happened/VBN to/TO him./PRP So/RB they/PRP broke/VBD in/IN the/DT door/NN and/CC found/VBD the/DT Frenchman/NNP dead/JJ in/IN bed,/CD his/PRP$ skull/NN crushed/VBN in/IN and/CC a/DT bloody/JJ pick-handle,/NN taken/VBN from/IN the/DT store/NN stock,/NN lying/VBG on/IN the/DT floor/NN beside/IN him./PRP The/DT heavy/JJ iron/NN box/NN in/IN which/WDT it/PRP was/VBD known/VBN Ducroix/NNP kept/VBD his/PRP$ gold-dust,/NN had/VBD been/VBN pried/VBN open/JJ with/IN a/DT crowbar/NN and/CC was/VBD empty./VBG Any/DT novice/NN at/IN woodcraft/NN would/MD have/VB had/VBD no/DT difficulty/NN following/VBG the/DT trail/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP hired/VBD pack-train/NN as/IN it/PRP wound/VBD north/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp--and/NNP Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP was/VBD far/RB from/IN being/VBG a/DT novice./NN He/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ companions/NNS caught/VBD up/RP with/IN it/PRP as/IN the/DT train/NN outspanned/VBD for/IN the/DT noon-day/JJ meal/NN the/DT second/JJ day/NN out/IN from/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP The/DT muleteers/NNS were/VBD barbecuing/VBG the/DT ribs/NNS and/CC loins/NNS of/IN a/DT deer/JJ shot/NN for/IN the/DT purpose/NN that/IN morning,/NN when/WRB Cannon/NNP rode/VBD confidently/RB up/IN to/TO the/DT fire/NN and/CC addressed/VBD himself/PRP to/TO the/DT pack/NN master/NN with/IN feigned/JJ heartiness./NN "You/PRP fellers/VBD seem/VB to/TO be/VB expectin'/VBN company,/VBN if/IN a/DT man/NN can/MD jedge/VB by/IN the/DT size/NN o'/IN that/DT barbecue./NN Any/DT chance/NN of/IN me/PRP an'/IN my/PRP$ party/NN bein'/NN given/VBN a/DT snack?""Certainly,"/NN the/DT pack/NN master/NN replied./VBN "It'll/NNP be/VB ready/JJ in/IN a/DT few/JJ minutes,/NNS an'/IN I/PRP guess/VBP we/PRP can/MD spare/VB you/PRP a/DT bite./NN Where're/IN you/PRP an'/IN your/PRP$ party/NN headin'/NN for--without/JJ grub?""Oh,/NN we/PRP got/VBD some/DT in/IN our/PRP$ saddle-bags,/NN but/CC not/RB much,"/JJ Cannon/NNP replied/VBD readily./NNP "We/RB expect/VBP to/TO shoot/VB some/DT game./NN We're/NNP aimin'/NN to/TO do/VB a/DT little/JJ prospectin'/NN along/IN any/DT creeks/NNS we/PRP find/VBP up/RP this/DT way./NN Where/WRB you/PRP fellers/VBD headed/VBN for?""I/IN don't/RB know./VBG Ask/VB the/DT feller/NN that/IN hired/JJ me./NN He/PRP knows.""Where/. is/VBZ he?""That's/JJ him,/NN groomin'/NN that/IN brown/JJ stallion/NN over/IN in/IN them/PRP trees/NNS yonder./, Wait/VB a/DT minute./NN He's/IN comin'/NN to/TO the/DT fire/NN now."D'Arcy/RB walked/VBD into/IN the/DT circle/NN of/IN men/NNS around/IN the/DT camp-fire./NN 'These/. fellers/NNS asked/VBN if/IN we/PRP could/MD spare/VB 'em/PRP a/DT mite/NN to/TO eat/VB an'/NN I/PRP told/VBD 'em/PRP we/PRP could,/MD Mr./NNP D'Arcy,"/NNP the/DT pack/NN master/NN informed/VBD him./PRP "I/IN don't/RB suppose/VB you/PRP have/VBP any/DT objections,/NN although/IN now/RB that/IN I/PRP think/VBP of/IN it/PRP you/PRP shot/VBD the/DT deer.""I/NNS have/VBP the/DT utmost/JJ objection./NN Cannon,/IN this/DT company/NN is/VBZ just/RB a/DT trifle/JJ exclusive./NN Take/VB this/DT hind/NN quarter/NN of/IN venison/NN and/CC prepare/VB your/PRP$ own/JJ food./NN You're/NNP not/RB wanted/VBD here./PRP Get/VB out!"Cannon/IN grinned/VBD evilly./TO "You're/VB sure/JJ an/DT unsociable/JJ cuss,/NN D'Arcy./NNP Well,/NNP we/PRP ain't/VBP here/RB to/TO pick/VB a/DT fight/NN with/IN you."He/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN rode/VBD off,/RB taking/VBG the/DT haunch/NN of/IN venison/NN with/IN them./PRP$ A/DT quarter/NN of/IN a/DT mile/NN away/RB they/PRP made/VBD a/DT fire/NN and/CC proceeded/VBD to/TO prepare/VB their/PRP$ meal./NN "I/NNS wonder/VBP what/WP that/DT blackguard/NN is/VBZ doing/VBG in/IN this/DT country?"/NN D'Arcy/NNP asked/VBD the/DT pack/NN master./NN "He/NN says/VBZ they/PRP aim/VBP to/TO do/VB a/DT little/JJ prospectin'."D'Arcy/NN shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "There/RB isn't/RB a/DT miner's/NN pan,/NN a/DT pick,/NN or/CC a/DT shovel/NN in/IN the/DT entire/JJ company/NN and/CC they/PRP haven't/VBP sufficient/JJ grub/NN to/TO last/VB them/PRP a/DT week."/NN He/PRP sat/VBD down/RB and/CC loaded/VBD his/PRP$ pipe./NN "I/CC suspected/VBD somebody/NN would/MD follow/VB me,"/VBN he/PRP concluded/VBD presently./. "You/PRP got/VBD a/DT good/JJ thing,/NN Mr./NNP D'Arcy?"/NNP The/DT pack/NN master/NN was/VBD only/RB mildly/RB curious,/VBN for/IN his/PRP$ taste/NN in/IN fortune-hunting/JJ ran/VBD to/TO mules/NNS rather/RB than/IN mining./JJR All/DT too/RB well/RB he/PRP realized/VBD that,/IN as/IN the/DT owner/NN of/IN a/DT sturdy/JJ pack-train,/NN he/PRP would/MD draw/VB rich/JJ rewards/NNS from/IN the/DT labor/NN of/IN the/DT gold-seekers/NNS who/WP must,/VBP at/IN any/DT price,/NN engage/VB him/PRP to/TO transport/VB food/NN to/TO their/PRP$ distant/JJ claims/NNS in/IN a/DT wooded/JJ and/CC mountainous/JJ country/NN where/WRB roads/NNS were/VBD not./DT "My/JJ friends/NNS and/CC I/PRP are/VBP doing/VBG fairly/RB well./DT We/PRP think/VBP we/PRP may/MD do/VB better./JJR Of/IN course/NN I/PRP realize/VBP that/IN I/PRP cannot/MD expect/VB to/TO be/VB without/IN neighbors,/RB and,/RB as/IN a/DT matter/NN of/IN fact,/NN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT objection/NN to/TO them,/PRP now/RB that/IN we/PRP have/VBP had/VBN our/PRP$ choice/NN of/IN the/DT ground./NNP But/CC I/PRP do/VBP deplore/VB the/DT prospect/NN of/IN having/VBG that/DT scoundrel/NN and/CC his/PRP$ fellow/NN scoundrels/NNS in/IN my/PRP$ country."/NNS And/CC D'Arcy/NNP related/VBD to/TO the/DT pack/NN master/NN the/DT story/NN of/IN his/PRP$ first/JJ meeting/NN with/IN Cannon/NNP and/CC their/PRP$ subsequent/JJ adventures/NNS together./. "I/NN don't/RB see/VB how/WRB you're/JJ goin'/NN to/TO give/VB 'em/PRP the/DT slip,/NN Mr./NNP D'Arcy.""Nor/NNP I./NNP Unless,"/IN he/PRP added,/VBD glancing/VBG upward,/RB "we/, are/VBP fortunate/JJ enough/JJ to/TO have/VB rain/NN this/DT afternoon/NN and/CC tonight--and/NN I/PRP think/VBP we/PRP shall."His/DT prediction/NN came/VBD true,/JJ for/IN about/IN three/CD o'clock/RB a/DT heavy/JJ shower/NN drenched/VBD them./PRP Fortunately,/IN however,/IN the/DT packs/NNS were/VBD all/DT covered/VBN with/IN waterproof/JJ tarpaulins,/NN so/IN no/DT damage/NN was/VBD done/VBN to/TO the/DT supplies./NN Throughout/IN the/DT afternoon/NN the/DT rain/NN increased./VBN At/IN five-thirty/CD dark-ness/NN fell,/NN and/CC Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party,/NN following/VBG a/DT mile/NN in/IN the/DT rear,/NN were/VBD lost/VBN to/TO view./DT "They/PRP will/MD encamp/VB when/WRB we/PRP do,"/VBP D'Arcy/NNP decided/VBD suddenly./RP His/PRP$ party/NN had/VBD halted/VBN for/IN the/DT night/NN in/IN a/DT grove/NN of/IN oaks,/NN the/DT broad/JJ branches/NNS of/IN which/WDT afforded/VBN fair/JJ shelter/NN from/IN the/DT storm,/NN and/CC the/DT pack/NN master/NN and/CC his/PRP$ muleteers/NNS were/VBD preparing/VBG to/TO unload/VB the/DT mules./NN "About/IN a/DT mile/NN north/RB of/IN here,"/PRP$ D'Arcy/NNP continued,/NN "is/VBZ the/DT big/JJ arroyo/NN upon/IN which/WDT our/PRP$ camp/NN is/VBZ situated,/VBN but/CC some/DT ten/CD miles/NNS up-stream/RB to/TO the/DT east--quite/NN in/IN the/DT heart/NN of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB the/DT part/NN of/IN wisdom/NN to/TO press/VB on,/NNP cross/VBP that/IN arroyo/RB tonight/RB and/CC make/VBP camp/NN in/IN the/DT timber/NN on/IN the/DT north/NN bank,/NN for/IN the/DT reason/NN that/IN if/IN this/DT storm/NN continues/VBZ all/DT night/NN the/DT stream/NN will/MD not/RB be/VB fordable/JJ by/IN morning."/NNS The/DT pack/NN master/NN pondered./VBN "This/DT is/VBZ the/DT first/JJ storm/NN o'/IN the/DT season,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD "an'/NN more'n/NN likely/JJ it'll/TO pour/VB for/IN a/DT week/NN or/CC two./DT Reckon/NNP you're/NNP right,/, Mr./NNP D'Arcy./NNP We/PRP better/RB get/VB across/IN that/DT arroyo/NN while/IN we/PRP can.""Meanwhile,"/MD D'Arcy/NNP added,/JJ "we'll/NN build/VB a/DT couple/NN of/IN large/JJ camp-fires/NNS in/IN this/DT grove/NN and/CC leave/VB them/PRP burning/VBG when/WRB we/PRP push/VBP on./DT That/DT will/MD give/VB Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ men/NNS the/DT impression/NN that/IN we/PRP have/VBP halted/VBN for/IN the/DT night./NN They'll/DT follow/VBP on/IN our/PRP$ trail/NN in/IN the/DT morning,/NN of/IN course,/NN but/CC if/IN our/PRP$ luck/NN holds,/NN they/PRP will/MD be/VB balked/VBD at/IN the/DT arroyo./NN Meanwhile/RB we/PRP will/MD have/VB had/VBD a/DT start/NN at/IN daylight./NN I'm/IN sure/JJ we/PRP can/MD manage/VB to/TO circle/VB around/RB to/TO the/DT north/NN and/CC come/VB down/RP on/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP without/IN Cannon/NNP discovering/VBG in/IN which/WDT direction/NN we/PRP have/VBP disappeared./VBN And/CC this/DT heavy/JJ rain/NN will/MD obliterate/VB our/PRP$ trail/NN very/RB soon."The/RB pack/VB master/NN agreed,/NN largely/RB because/IN he/PRP was/VBD as/RB anxious/JJ to/TO avoid/VB their/PRP$ pursuers/NNS as/IN D'Arcy/NNP himself,/, having/VBG no/DT desire/NN to/TO meet/VB them/PRP en/IN route/NN back/RB to/TO Nye's/NNP Ferry/NNP after/IN delivery/NN of/IN his/PRP$ load./VBN He/PRP feared/VBD for/IN the/DT gold/NN he/PRP would/MD be/VB carrying/VBG then./DT Accordingly/RB a/DT quantity/NN of/IN dead/JJ branches/NNS was/VBD gathered/VBN and/CC three/CD camp-fires/NNS were/VBD lighted;/IN the/DT tired/JJ mules/NNS were/VBD left/VBN in/IN their/PRP$ packs/NNS and/CC supper/NN was/VBD prepared/VBN and/CC eaten./DT About/IN ten/CD o'clock/RB they/PRP pressed/VBD forward/RB through/IN the/DT driving/VBG rain./NN The/DT waters/NNS of/IN the/DT arroyo/NN were/VBD up/RB to/TO the/DT mules'/JJ bellies/NNS when/WRB they/PRP forded/VBD it/PRP at/IN the/DT spot/NN where/WRB D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN had/VBD picked/VBN down/RP the/DT banks/NNS to/TO make/VB a/DT crossing/NN some/DT months/NNS previous./VBD A/DT few/JJ hundred/CD yards/NNS beyond/IN the/DT north/NN bank/NN they/PRP found/VBD shelter/NN in/IN the/DT oaks/NNS and/CC scrubby/JJ pines,/NN unpacked,/JJ hobbled/VBD the/DT mules/NNS and/CC turned/VBD in/RP under/IN their/PRP$ tarpaulins/NNS for/IN a/DT much/JJ needed/VBN sleep./NN Throughout/IN the/DT night/NN the/DT rain/NN continued/VBD to/TO fall/VB with/IN increasing/VBG violence,/NN and/CC when/WRB at/IN daylight/NN D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD back/RB to/TO the/DT ford,/NN he/PRP found/VBD the/DT arroyo/NN was/VBD running/VBG bank-full,/NN an/DT angry,/JJ muddy/JJ torrent/NN whirling/VBG madly/RB down/IN the/DT abrupt/JJ slope/NN to/TO empty/VB into/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP River./NNP He/PRP knew/VBD that/IN no/DT horse/NN could/MD ford/VB it/PRP now,/, nor/CC could/MD one,/VB with/IN a/DT rider/NN on/IN its/PRP$ back,/JJ hope/NN to/TO swim/VB it/PRP and/CC survive./VBD He/PRP returned,/VBD jubilant,/JJ to/TO the/DT pack-train,/NN and/CC when/WRB the/DT mules/NNS had/VBD finished/VBN their/PRP$ ration/NN of/IN grain/NN from/IN the/DT nosebags,/NN they/PRP were/VBD laden/JJ and/CC the/DT journey/NN resumed./VBN Just/RB before/IN darkness/NN closed/VBD in/IN they/PRP debouched/VBD into/IN the/DT little/JJ valley/NN the/DT residents/NNS of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP had/VBD fenced/VBN for/IN a/DT pasture./NN His/PRP$ friends/NNS came/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT cabin/NN to/TO greet/NNP them./, "Well,/NNP what's/POS new/JJ since/IN I've/NN been/VBN gone?"/IN their/PRP$ chief/NN inquired/VBD of/IN McCready./NNP "Nothing,/NNP Dermod./NNP It's/. been/VBN raining/VBG in/IN the/DT hills/NNS for/IN two/CD days/NNS and/CC the/DT gravel/NN bars/NNS are/VBP flooded./VBN So/IN we've/NN quit/VBD minin'."D'Arcy/NN sighed/VBD with/IN relief./DT "That/JJ means/NNS we'll/MD not/RB have/VB company/NN until/IN spring.""It/NN means,/NN too,"/, Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP announced,/VBD "that/IN from/IN now/RB until/IN spring/NN we/PRP shall/MD all/PDT be/VB lumberjacks."/JJ Evi-dently/RB he/PRP looked/VBD forward/RB with/IN dread/NN to/TO whipsawing/JJ lumber/NN for/IN their/PRP$ projected/VBN flume./DT The/DT Bart/NNP stuck/VBD his/PRP$ rubicund/NN face/NN around/IN the/DT corner/NN of/IN the/DT canvas/NN that/WDT covered/VBD the/DT window./NN "Welcome,/IN home,/NN Dermod,/NNP me/PRP boy,"/, he/PRP cried/VBD happily./VBG "We've/NN missed/VBD you./PRP Are/VBP you/PRP quite/RB safe/JJ and/CC sound?""Quite,/JJ Sir/NNP Humphrey.""Thank/NNP heaven/NN for/IN that./DT Surely/RB you/PRP must/MD be/VB wet/JJ and/CC cold./JJR Under/IN such/JJ circumstances/NNS would/MD not/RB a/DT toddy,/VBN piping/NN hot,/NNS be/VB in/IN order?/NN Upon/IN my/PRP$ word,/NN I'd/NNP have/VBP had/VBN it/PRP ready/JJ for/IN you--it's/PRP$ my/PRP$ day/NN in/IN camp,/NN you/PRP know--but/VBP unfortunately/RB the/DT whisky/NN appears/VBZ to/TO have/VB vanished!""I/NN buried/VBN it/PRP in/IN a/DT secret/JJ spot/NN before/IN I/PRP left,/VBD Bart,/NNP but/CC I'll/NNP disinter/NN it/PRP if/IN somebody/NN will/MD bring/VB me/PRP a/DT lantern/NN and/CC a/DT shovel.""I'll/JJ heat/NN some/DT water,/IN me/PRP dear/JJ lad,"/, the/DT Bart/NNP suggested/VBD joyously./NNP "How/VB much/RB shall/MD I/PRP heat?""Enough/IN for/IN all/DT hands--and/NN the/DT cook."Instantly/RB the/DT Bart's/NNP gray/JJ head/NN disappeared/VBD and/CC a/DT minute/NN later/RB sparks/RB were/VBD flying/VBG up/IN the/DT chimney,/NN the/DT while/NN the/DT ex-surgeon/NN of/IN H./NNP M./NNP S./NNP Invincible/NNP proceeded/VBD to/TO the/DT task/NN ever/RB closest/JJS to/TO his/PRP$ heart./NN IT/PRP was/VBD spring/NN in/IN the/DT foot-hills/NNS of/IN the/DT Sierras--that/JJ unforgetable/JJ spring/NN of/IN '49./PRP$ Beyond/NNP timber-line/NN the/DT snow/NN still/RB lay/VBD and/CC would/MD lie/VB until/IN well/RB into/IN the/DT summer;/NN on/IN the/DT sky-line/NN far/RB beyond,/IN Mt./NNP Shasta/NNP and/CC Mt./NNP Lassen/NNP lifted/VBD their/PRP$ heads,/NN hoary/NN with/IN the/DT snow/NN that/WDT never/RB melts./VBZ But/CC the/DT rains/NNS were/VBD over/IN and/CC while/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP still/RB ran/VBD channel-full,/NN from/IN the/DT melting/VBG snows/NNS at/IN higher/JJR elevations,/NN it/PRP no/DT longer/RB ran/VBD bank-full./, The/DT sand-bars/NNS already/RB were/VBD half/JJ exposed;/NNS each/DT day/NN saw/VBD a/DT few/JJ inches/NNS more/JJR of/IN the/DT auriferous/JJ gravel/NN rising/VBG from/IN the/DT singing/NN stream,/NN and/CC the/DT dwellers/NNS in/IN Happy/JJ Camp,/NNP following/VBG months/NNS of/IN arduous/JJ labor/NN in/IN the/DT timber,/NN were/VBD now/RB busy/JJ making/VBG their/PRP$ dam/NN to/TO divert/VB a/DT stream/NN from/IN the/DT main/JJ channel/NN down/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN their/PRP$ claims./NN Since/IN the/DT pack/NN master/NN and/CC his/PRP$ muleteers/NNS had/VBD departed,/VBN none/NN of/IN the/DT members/NNS of/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy's/NNP company/NN had/VBD seen/VBN or/CC spoken/VBN to/TO anyone/NN outside/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ circle./NN One/CD worry/NN assailed/VBN them,/, or/CC rather/RB it/PRP assailed/VBD D'Arcy--for/JJ his/PRP$ companions/NNS seldom/RB spoke/VBD of/IN it--and/PRP$ that/WDT was/VBD the/DT unaccountable/JJ absence/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP Many/JJ times/NNS during/IN the/DT winter/NN the/DT waters/NNS of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP had/VBD been/VBN low/JJ enough/RB to/TO permit/VB fording;/JJ consequently,/NN D'Arcy/NNP knew/VBD that/IN no/DT natural/JJ obstacles/NNS had/VBD prevented/VBN Bejabers/NNP from/IN rejoining/VBG them./PRP Hence,/RB as/IN spring/NN advanced,/NN he/PRP decided/VBD that/IN Bejabers/NNP had/VBD gone/VBN the/DT way/NN of/IN all/DT flesh,/NN and/CC he/PRP grieved/VBD accordingly./DT Not/RB once/RB during/IN the/DT winter/NN had/VBD D'Arcy/NNP again/RB visited/VBD the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP He/PRP could/MD not/RB force/VB his/PRP$ attentions/NNS on/IN a/DT woman/NN who/WP resented/VBD them;/PRP whereforethe/DT wisest/JJS plan/NN was/VBD to/TO wait/VB patiently/RB for/IN time/NN to/TO soften/VB her/PRP$ attitude/NN toward/IN him./PRP His/PRP$ action,/NN in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN her/PRP$ worthless/JJ brother,/NN had/VBD been/VBN born/VBN of/IN his/PRP$ Celtic/NNP impulsiveness/NN and/CC a/DT natural/JJ disinclination/NN to/TO compromise/VB with/IN a/DT scoundrel,/NN whether/IN of/IN high/JJ or/CC low/JJ degree./NN He/PRP had/VBD desired/VBN the/DT death/NN of/IN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP as/RB one/CD desires/VBZ the/DT death/NN of/IN a/DT mad/JJ dog,/NN yet/CC he/PRP had/VBD shrunk/VBN from/IN killing/VBG the/DT fellow./NN Many/JJ a/DT night/NN during/IN that/DT long/JJ and/CC silent/JJ winter/NN he/PRP cursed/VBD himself/PRP for/IN yielding/VBG to/TO a/DT weakness/NN not/RB at/IN all/DT uncommon/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ race./NN For/IN the/DT first/JJ time/NN in/IN his/PRP$ life/NN he/PRP realized/VBD that/IN the/DT bearer/NN of/IN unwelcome/JJ news/NN hath/NN but/CC a/DT losing/VBG office./NN It/PRP is/VBZ human/JJ nature/NN to/TO resent/VB unpleasant/JJ tidings/NNS and/CC to/TO seek/VB an/DT ulterior/JJ motive/NN in/IN the/DT bearer/NN thereof./, D'Arcy/NNP knew/VBD now/RB that/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD not/RB resented/VBN his/PRP$ action/NN because/IN of/IN its/PRP$ effect/NN on/IN her,/PRP$ but/CC because/IN of/IN its/PRP$ effect/NN on/IN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP She/PRP was/VBD beyond/IN grieving/VBG at/IN any/DT misfortune/NN that/WDT might/MD overtake/VB Romauldo,/NNP but/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD not./DT D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD protested/VBN his/PRP$ love/NN for/IN her./PRP Why,/IN then,/DT had/VBD he/PRP not/RB given/VBN proof/NN of/IN that/DT love/NN by/IN magnanimously/RB protecting/VBG her/PRP$ father/NN from/IN shame/NN and/CC disgrace?/NN That/DT was/VBD the/DT question/NN she/PRP had/VBD asked/VBN herself,/PRP and/CC her/PRP$ instant/NN and/CC cold/JJ dismissal/NN of/IN her/PRP$ suitor/NN had/VBD been/VBN the/DT answer./NN Womanlike,/IN she/PRP had/VBD reasoned/VBN with/IN her/PRP$ heart/NN rather/RB than/IN her/PRP$ head,/NN while/IN his/PRP$ reasoning/NN had/VBD taken/VBN a/DT course/NN diametrically/RB opposite./VBD He/PRP had/VBD been/VBN too/RB sure/JJ of/IN himself,/PRP too/RB sure/JJ of/IN her./PRP He/PRP had/VBD ridden/VBN roughshod/JJ over/IN her/PRP$ high/JJ pride,/NN and/CC whether/IN such/JJ an/DT act/NN be/VB justified/VBN or/CC not,/RB few/JJ women/NNS would/MD have/VB paused/VBN to/TO consider/VB that/DT aspect/NN of/IN the/DT case./NN Too/RB late/RB he/PRP was/VBD experiencing/VBG the/DT truth/NN of/IN the/DT old/JJ adage/NN that/IN absence/NN makes/VBZ the/DT heart/NN grow/VB fonder--in/JJ his/PRP$ case,/NN at/IN least./JJS Never/RB a/DT day/NN passed/VBD that/IN his/PRP$ glancedid/NN not/RB wander/VB to/TO Pathfinder,/NNP grazing/VBG in/IN the/DT meadow;/NN yet/RB each/DT time/NN he/PRP gazed/VBD he/PRP throttled/VBD the/DT yearning/NN to/TO mount/VB the/DT horse,/NN ride/NN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP explain/VBP himself/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ motives/NNS and/CC exculpate/JJ himself,/NN if/IN possible,/NN from/IN the/DT charges/NNS the/DT girl/NN had/VBD heaped/VBN upon/IN him./PRP But/CC the/DT memory/NN of/IN the/DT contempt/NN in/IN her/PRP$ blazing/VBG eyes/NNS always/RB deterred/VBD him;/PRP he/PRP told/VBD himself/PRP that/IN such/PDT a/DT journey/NN would/MD be/VB without/IN profit,/NN for/IN the/DT reason/NN that/IN the/DT girl/NN would/MD decline/VB to/TO receive/VB him./PRP By/IN day/NN he/PRP found/VBD surcease/NN from/IN his/PRP$ searing/NN thoughts/NNS in/IN the/DT Herculean/NNP task/NN of/IN whipsawing/VBG lumber/NN for/IN the/DT flume,/NN in/IN designing/VBG and/CC constructing/VBG a/DT "riffle"/JJ for/IN saving/VBG the/DT gold./NNP But/CC with/IN the/DT night/NN the/DT old/JJ longings,/, the/DT poignant/JJ sense/NN of/IN irreparable/JJ loss,/NNS returned/VBD to/TO plague/VB him./PRP Since/IN the/DT residents/NNS of/IN Happy/JJ Camp/NNP were/VBD without/IN lights,/JJ other/JJ than/IN those/DT cast/VBN by/IN the/DT flames/NNS in/IN their/PRP$ mud-and-stone/NN fireplace,/NN it/PRP followed/VBD that,/DT like/IN the/DT birds,/NN they/PRP retired/VBD at/IN twilight--a/DT condition/NN which/WDT added/VBD many/JJ hours/NNS to/TO his/PRP$ mental/JJ distress/NN before/IN sleep/NN claimed/VBD him./PRP Eventually,/RB what/WP with/IN long/JJ brooding,/JJ his/PRP$ thoughts/NNS became/VBD an/DT obsession,/JJ blotting/NN out/IN even/RB the/DT most/RBS remote/JJ speculation/NN as/IN to/TO the/DT inexplicable/JJ absence/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP And/CC then/RB one/CD day/NN Bejabers/NNP suddenly/RB walked/VBD into/IN camp./DT He/PRP was/VBD thinner/JJR than/IN when/WRB they/PRP had/VBD seen/VBN him/PRP last;/RB he/PRP was/VBD ragged/JJ and/CC carried/VBD his/PRP$ earthly/JJ possessions/NNS in/IN a/DT battered/JJ old/JJ knapsack/NN on/IN his/PRP$ back./NN But/CC he/PRP was/VBD pathetically/RB happy/JJ to/TO be/VB back,/RB as/IN his/PRP$ cheerful/JJ whoop,/, while/IN yet/RB he/PRP was/VBD some/DT distance/NN from/IN camp,/NN amply/RB attested./VBN D'Arcy/NNP ran/VBD down/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO welcome/VB him./PRP "You/VB dirty/JJ little/JJ divil!"/NN he/PRP cried/VBD joyously./NNP "Where/RB under/IN the/DT canopy/NN have/VBP you/PRP been?"Bejabers/NNS embraced/VBD him,/PRP thumped/VBD him/PRP furiously/RB between/IN the/DT shoulder-blades/NNS and/CC showered/VBD upon/IN himunique/NN and/CC affectionate/JJ vituperation./NN "I'm/IN starving,"/NN he/PRP protested./VBD "Give/VB me/PRP food/NN and/CC drink/NN and/CC I'll/NNP tell/VBP you/PRP a/DT wonderful/JJ story."Back/NN at/IN the/DT cabin,/NN in/IN anticipation/NN of/IN a/DT golden/JJ opportunity,/NN the/DT Bart/NNP already/RB had/VBD filled/VBN the/DT kettle/NN and/CC swung/VBD it/PRP on/IN the/DT crane/NN over/IN the/DT fireplace./NN "Nothing/NN like/IN a/DT good/JJ stiff/JJ hot/JJ toddy/NN to/TO put/VB the/DT stuffings/NNS back/RB in/IN a/DT man,"/NN he/PRP declared,/VBD after/IN the/DT party/NN had/VBD welcomed/VBN the/DT prodigal./NN "Dermod,/IN me/PRP lad,/RB shouldn't/MD we/PRP have/VB a/DT drop/NN o'/IN the/DT craythure?'"Whisky/NN is/VBZ much/RB too/RB commonplace,/JJ Sir/NNP Humphrey,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP replied,/NN and/CC for/IN the/DT first/JJ time/NN in/IN months/NNS his/PRP$ companions/NNS saw/VBD the/DT old,/JJ cheerful,/NN happy/JJ light/NN in/IN his/PRP$ eyes./NN "We/NN didn't/NN have/VBP a/DT calendar,/NN Bejabers,/IN he/PRP went/VBD on/IN to/TO explain,/VB "so/IN we/PRP never/RB knew/VBD when/WRB Thanksgiving,/NNP Christmas,/NNP and/CC New/NNP Year/NN arrived./VBN And/CC we/PRP wouldn't/MD drink/VB that/IN champagne/NN until/IN your/PRP$ return./NN I've/NN had/VBD it/PRP buried/VBN in/IN a/DT little/JJ stream/NN up/IN yonder./NNP The/DT snow-water's/JJ been/VBN running/VBG over/IN it/PRP all/DT winter/NN and/CC it's/VBD cold/JJ enough/RB to/TO be/VB served/VBN now."He/RB ran/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT cabin,/NN to/TO return/VB presently/RB with/IN the/DT case/NN of/IN champagne./NN Bejabers/NNP knocked/VBD the/DT neck/NN off/IN a/DT bottle;/NN the/DT others,/JJ even/RB Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP followed/VBD suit,/NNS and/CC they/PRP drank/VBD to/TO a/DT happy/JJ reunion./NN "I've/NN been/VBN in/IN jail,"/NN Bejabers/NNP announced/VBD calmly,/JJ as/IN he/PRP tossed/VBD the/DT empty/JJ bottle/NN through/IN the/DT cabin/NN door/NN and/CC out/IN into/IN the/DT field./NN "When/RB I/PRP finally/RB got/VBD back/RB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC turned/VBD the/DT black/JJ Maria/NNP and/CC the/DT team/NN over/IN to/TO the/DT sheriff,/NN he/PRP wanted/VBD to/TO know/VB what/WP I'd/NNP done/VBN with/IN the/DT tools/NNS I'd/CC helped/VBD myself/PRP to./, I/PRP thought/VBD that/DT was/VBD dog-gone/JJ small/JJ o'/IN him/PRP and/CC told/VBD him/PRP so;/RB one/CD word/NN borrowed/VBD another/DT and/CC we/PRP had/VBD a/DT fight,/NN with/IN the/DT result/NN that/IN he/PRP busted/VBD me/PRP over/IN the/DT head/NN with/IN his/PRP$ gun/NN and/CC threw/VBD me/PRP into/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ jail./NN "Then/RB the/DT alcalde/NN tried/VBD me,/NNS and/CC I/PRP hope/VBP I/PRP may/MD neversee/VB the/DT back/NN o'/IN my/PRP$ neck/NN if/IN he/PRP didn't/VBD give/VB me/PRP three/CD months/NNS in/IN the/DT mill/NN and/CC fine/VB me/PRP all/PDT the/DT gold-dust/NN they/PRP found/VBD in/IN my/PRP$ possession./NN When/WRB I/PRP got/VBD out/IN I/PRP had/VBD to/TO get/VB a/DT job/NN or/CC starve/VB to/TO death,/VB so/RB I/PRP worked/VBD unloading/VBG ships/NNS at/IN twenty/CD dollars/NNS a/DT day./NN It/PRP took/VBD ten/CD o'/IN that/IN to/TO house/VB me/PRP and/CC feed/VB me,/NNS but/CC by/IN the/DT first/JJ o'/IN March/NNP I/PRP had/VBD a/DT hundred/CD and/CC fifty/CD dollars/NNS saved/VBN up,/IN so/IN I/PRP bought/VBD a/DT burro/NN and/CC some/DT grub/NN and/CC started/VBD back/RB for/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP "I/NNP been/VBN on/IN the/DT road/NN ever/RB since;/IN I/PRP was/VBD broke/JJ and/CC my/PRP$ grub/NN give/VB out/RP the/DT day/NN after/IN I/PRP passed/VBD Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP Then/RB the/DT dog-goned/JJ burro/NN up/RB and/CC died/VBD on/IN me,/NN so/IN I/PRP hoofed/VBD it/PRP on/IN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP figurin'/NN to/TO get/VB a/DT couple/NN o'/IN square/NN meals,/NNS a/DT night's/NN lodgin'/NN and/CC the/DT loan/NN of/IN a/DT horse/NN and/CC saddle/NN for/IN the/DT rest/NN o'/IN the/DT journey."/NNS He/PRP paused/VBD and/CC glanced/VBD significantly/RB at/IN D'Arcy./NNP "Well?"/IN the/DT latter/JJ queried./NN "They/PRP wouldn't/MD let/VB me/PRP in,/VB and/CC old/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP tried/VBD to/TO sick/JJ his/PRP$ hound/NN dogs/NNS on/IN to/TO me./PRP$ I/PRP was/VBD as/RB welcome/JJ as/IN the/DT flowers/NNS in/IN spring/NN until/IN I/PRP told/VBD 'em/PRP I/PRP was/VBD your/PRP$ pardner--and/NN inmediatamente/IN the/DT big/JJ freeze/NN came/VBD on.""So/IN you/PRP had/VBD to/TO pull/VB out/RP as/RB hungry/JJ as/IN when/WRB you/PRP pulled/VBD in?"/RB D'Arcy/NNP asked./POS "I/NNP sure/JJ did,"/VBD the/DT little/JJ man/NN replied./VBN "Somehow,/IN they/PRP got/VBD me/PRP connected/VBN up/RP with/IN the/DT hangin'/NN o'/IN that/DT vaquero/NN at/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP I/PRP explained/VBD all/DT about/IN that/DT and/CC how/WRB hard/RB I/PRP tried/VBD to/TO save/VB the/DT boy,/NN but/CC they/PRP wouldn't/MD hear/VB to/TO it/PRP nohow,/, and/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP give/VBP me/PRP five/CD minutes/NNS to/TO make/VB myself/PRP scarce./RB Then/RB he/PRP went/VBD back/RB on/IN his/PRP$ word,/NN because/IN I/PRP wasn't/VBD more'n/RB a/DT hundred/CD yards/NNS from/IN the/DT house/NN when/WRB he/PRP took/VBD a/DT shot/NN at/IN me./PRP That/DT bein'/NN teetotally/RB ag'in'/JJ law/NN and/CC order,/NN I/PRP went/VBD back/RB and/CC I/PRP went/VBD a-smokin',/VBG a/DT revolver/NN in/IN each/DT hand./NN I/PRP reckon/VBP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD all/DT out/IN of/IN ammunition/NN or/CC else/RB I/PRP bluffed/VBD him/PRP good/JJ and/CC plenty,/JJ for/IN him/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ gang/NN lit/VBD out/RP for/IN the/DT back/NN country/NN muy/NN pronto.""The/VBG girl/NN stuck,"/VBD D'Arcy/NNP predicted/VBD confidently./NN "You're/IN right./NNP It/PRP requires/VBZ a/DT lot/NN to/TO stampede/VB that/IN damsel./NN Findin'/NNP myself/PRP alone/RB with/IN her,/PRP$ I/PRP put/VBD up/RP my/PRP$ weepons/NNS and/CC bowed/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ real/JJ polite./NN 'What/WP you-all/JJ mean/JJ by/IN such/JJ actions?'/NNS I/PRP says./VBP 'You'd/JJ drive/NN a/DT desperate/JJ man/NN to/TO murder./MD What's/IN a/DT mess/NN o'/IN dried/JJ beef/NN and/CC beans/NNS and/CC coffee/NN and/CC some/DT tortillas/NNS between/IN enemies,/NN anyhow?/RB If/IN you/PRP want/VBP me/PRP to/TO light/VB out/RP o'/IN here/RB under/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ power,/NN rustle/VB me/PRP some/DT grub/NN and/CC I'll/NNP go/VBP peaceable./NN I/PRP was/VBD goin'/VBG anyhow/RB when/WRB war/NN was/VBD declared.'"She/VBG smiled/VBD at/IN that/DT and/CC says:/JJ 'Very/JJ well,/NN gringo./VBD There/EX is/VBZ reason/NN in/IN what/WP you/PRP say/VBP and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ true/JJ my/PRP$ father/NN should/MD not/RB have/VB shot/VBN at/IN you./PRP For/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP I/PRP will/MD give/VB you/PRP food.'"[sic]Never/IN mind/NN him,/, se$orita,'/VBD I/PRP says./VBD 'I'm/VBN a/DT good/JJ man/NN myself,/, in/IN my/PRP$ way,/NN so/RB give/VB me/PRP my/PRP$ rations/NNS for/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ sake./NN You/PRP got/VBD any/DT message/NN to/TO send/VB to/TO my/PRP$ pardner?'"'Yes,'/'' says/VBZ she,/RP after/IN yellin'/NN for/IN the/DT cook/NN to/TO come/VB me/PRP back/RB in/IN and/CC serve/VB me./RP 'You/PRP tell/VB Don/NNP Dermod/NNP to/TO remember/VB he/PRP is/VBZ not/RB welcome/JJ here./. It/PRP would/MD be/VB like/IN that/DT fellow/NN to/TO return/VB some/DT day,/NN electing/VBG to/TO forget/VB that/IN all/DT is/VBZ not/RB as/IN it/PRP should/MD be./VB Tell/VB him/PRP he/PRP risks/VBZ his/PRP$ life/NN to/TO come/VB to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC that/IN I/PRP have/VBP no/DT desire/NN to/TO see/VB him/PRP until/IN I/PRP feel/VBP that/IN I/PRP may/MD invite/VB him/PRP here/RB with/IN the/DT same/JJ feeling/NN of/IN hospitality/NN as/IN heretofore.'"So/RB I/PRP promised/VBD I'd/NNP tell/VB you,/PRP and/CC she/PRP fed/VBD me./PRP Then/RB she/PRP let/VB me/PRP have/VB a/DT horse,/NN tellin'/IN me/PRP to/TO turn/VB him/PRP loose/RB at/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC he'd/VBD come/VBN home/NN by/IN himself./PRP As/IN I/PRP was/VBD ridin'/VBN off,/IN she/PRP said:/VBD 'I/PRP do/VBP not/RB think/VB you/PRP are/VBP a/DT bad/JJ man./NN One/CD as/IN brave/JJ as/IN you/PRP would/MD not/RB be/VB likely/JJ to/TO hang/VB an/DT innocent/JJ man.'"'Which/JJ I/PRP don't/VBP believe/VB that/IN vaquero/NN was/VBD innocent,'/IN I/PRP says./VBD 'I/PRP think/VB he/PRP was/VBD as/RB crooked/VBN as/IN a/DT bed-spring,/NN butI/NN couldn't/MD prove/VB it/PRP and/CC far/RB be/VB it/PRP from/IN me/PRP to/TO hang/VB any/DT man/NN without/IN proof./NN Me,/NNP I'm/NNP for/IN law/NN and/CC order,/NNS every/DT time.'/NNS Then/RB I/PRP rode/VBD off/RB and/CC here/RB I/PRP am.""You're/VBP a/DT welcome/JJ sight,/NN Bejabers./NNP What's/IN the/DT news/NN from/IN down/IN below?"Bejabers/NNS knocked/VBD the/DT head/NN off/IN another/DT bottle/NN of/IN champagne./NN "The/DT news/NN comes/VBZ so/RB fast/RB in/IN Frisco/NNP town,/, Dermod,/NNP that,/, in/IN a/DT manner/NN o'/IN speakin',/VBG it/PRP telescopes/VBZ itself./PRP There/EX ain't/VBP no/DT room/NN for/IN little/JJ triflin'/JJ items,/NN like/IN that/DT about/IN some/DT feller/NN stealin'/VBD my/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC saddle/NN while/IN I/PRP was/VBD in/IN the/DT juzgado./NNP Gentlemen,/NNP that/IN city's/VBG a/DT madhouse./JJ And/CC when/WRB I/PRP say/VBP city/NN I/PRP mean/VBP city./VBG Two/CD years/NNS ago/IN she/PRP was/VBD a/DT camp./NN Last/JJ summer/NN she/PRP was/VBD an/DT overgrown/JJ village,/NN but/CC today/NN she's/IN a/DT city/NN and/CC there/RB to/TO stay./VB A/DT feller's/JJ lucky/JJ to/TO get/VB a/DT meal/NN and/CC a/DT place/NN to/TO sleep./VB "She's/IN a/DT rip-roarin',/JJ up-and-comin',/JJ bran-new/JJ constellation/NN in/IN the/DT galaxy/NN o'/IN star/NN performances./. She/PRP don't/VBD give/VB back/RP no/DT change./NN About/IN four-fifths/NNS of/IN the/DT folks/NNS that/WDT went/VBD to/TO the/DT diggin's/NNS after/IN the/DT discovery/NN came/VBD back/RB to/TO town/NN for/IN the/DT winter,/NN but/CC about/IN now/RB they're/DT headed/VBN into/IN the/DT hills/NNS again./WP I/PRP see/VBP in/IN the/DT Californian/JJ that/IN there/EX was/VBD supposed/VBN to/TO be/VB about/IN four/CD thousand/CD miners/NNS in/IN the/DT hills/NNS by/IN the/DT fall/NN o'/IN 1848,/CD but/CC you/PRP take/VBP my/PRP$ word/NN for/IN it,/PRP there'll/MD be/VB forty/CD thousand/CD there/EX before/IN the/DT Fourth/JJ o'/IN July/NNP this/DT year./NN Man,/IN the/DT flight/NN o'/IN the/DT Hebrews/NNP into/IN Egypt/NNP ain't/IN goin'/NN to/TO be/VB a/DT marker/NN compared/VBN with/IN the/DT flight/NN o'/IN the/DT Gentiles/NNP into/IN California./NNP "Here,/NNP last/JJ May,/NNP the/DT Californian/NNP had/VBD to/TO suspend/VB publication/NN because/IN everybody/NN had/VBD gone/VBN to/TO the/DT diggin's./NN Now/RB she's/DT bein'/NN published/VBN ag'in/IN bigger/JJR and/CC better./JJR All/PDT the/DT men/NNS you/PRP meet/VBP are/VBP spendin'/VBN their/PRP$ dust/NN with/IN both/DT hands--just/JJ a-rollin'/NN from/IN one/CD saloon/NN and/CC gamblin'-house/NN to/TO the/DT other./NNP There/EX ain't/VBP no/DT American/JJ women/NNS yet,/, but/CC we/PRP got/VBD a/DT right/RB smart/JJ smatterin'/NN o'/IN Mexicans,Chilenos/NNP and/CC Kanakas./NNP Ships/NNP are/VBP arrivin'/VBN daily,/JJ in/IN bunches,/NN from/IN the/DT Sandwich/NNP Islands,/NNP Mexico,/NNP Chile/NNP and/CC Peru,/NNP and/CC just/RB before/IN I/PRP left/VBD town/NN a/DT lot/NN o'/IN wuthless/JJ characters/NNS arrived/VBD from/IN Australia.""Why/NNP do/VBP you/PRP call/VB them/PRP worthless?"/VB the/DT Bart/NNP queried./NN "Australians/NNS are/VBP worthy/JJ British/JJ subjects.""Because/NN right/NN off/IN we/PRP have/VBP a/DT series/NN o'/IN murders/NNS and/CC robberies.""What/NN are/VBP the/DT police/NN doing/VBG about/IN it?"Man,/PRP there/RB ain't/VBP no/DT law/NN or/CC order./NN While/IN Mason,/NNP who/WP was/VBD app'inted/VBN governor/NN by/IN President/NNP Polk,/NNP is/VBZ issuin'/RB solemn/JJ pronouncements/NNS and/CC staggerin'/NN along/IN with/IN a/DT private/JJ government/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ at/IN Monterey,/NNP nobody's/NN payin'/NN any/DT attention/NN to/TO him./PRP A/DT killin'/NN don't/RB mean/VBP anything;/RB it/PRP don't/VBD even/RB excite/JJ comment,/NN provided/VBD it's/PRP pulled/VBD fair./. 'Tain't/VBN no/DT unusual/JJ sight/NN to/TO see/VB a/DT pair/NN o'/IN gents/NNS step/VB out/RP on/IN the/DT sidewalk,/JJ stand/NN back/RB to/TO back,/VB walk/VB an/DT agreed/VBN number/NN o'/IN paces,/NN turn/NN and/CC commence/NN shootin'./NN Nobody/NN thinks/VBZ o'/IN askin'/VBG the/DT survivor/NN how/WRB come/VBN he/PRP takes/VBZ the/DT law/NN into/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ hands./. And/CC there/EX ain't/VBP no/DT money/NN in/IN circulation/NN to/TO speak/VB of.""Gold-dust,/NNP I/PRP suppose,"/VBP D'Arcy/NNP ventured./VBN "At/RB sixteen/CD dollars/NNS an/DT ounce./NN A/DT drink's/NN a/DT pinch/NN o'/IN dust/NN out/IN o'/IN your/PRP$ poke,/NN and/CC the/DT barkeeps/NNS that/WDT do/VBP the/DT pinchin'/NN got/VBD the/DT most/RBS amazin'/JJ big/JJ thumbs/NNS and/CC forefingers/NNS I/PRP ever/RB did/VBD see./DT Common/JJ labor/NN is/VBZ mighty/JJ scarce,/NN and/CC them/PRP that/DT labors/NNS only/RB do/VBP it/PRP long/RB enough/RB to/TO get/VB a/DT stake/NN so/IN they/PRP can/MD start/VB for/IN the/DT diggin's,/NN while/IN them/PRP that/DT has/VBZ any/DT dust/NN left/VBN scorns/NNS labor/NN until/IN they're,/NN broke./VBD The/DT easiest/JJS job/NN to/TO get/VB is/VBZ unloadin'/JJ ships/NNS in/IN the/DT harbor./NN As/RB soon/RB as/IN the/DT anchor's/NNS down,/IN the/DT sailors/NNS desert/NN to/TO go/VB minin',/NN and/CC the/DT harbor's/NNS filled/VBN with/IN ships,/NN loaded/VBN and/CC empty,/NNS and/CC most/JJS of/IN them/PRP abandoned./. For/IN every/DT dollar/NN that's/WDT made/VBD in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP somebody/NN else/JJ loses/VBZ two.""Is/JJ food/NN plentiful?""Plentiful,/NN but/CC prices/NNS are/VBP sky-high./. And/CC they'll/RB be/VB higher/JJR than/IN ever/RB about/IN now,/NNS on/IN account/NN o'/IN so/RB many/JJ men/NNS startin'/NN for/IN the/DT mines.""How/NN about/IN health/NN conditions?"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP queried./VBZ "Pretty/RB fair/JJ in/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP considerin',/NN but/CC not/RB so/RB good/JJ in/IN the/DT camps,/NN from/IN what/WP I/PRP hear./VBD They've/PRP had/VBD smallpox/JJ and/CC scurvy,/NNS and/CC I/PRP hear/VBP that/DT starvation's/NNS pretty/RB rife/JJ among/IN some/DT that/IN elected/VBN to/TO winter/NN in/IN the/DT hills.""Did/NN you/PRP meet/VBP any/DT prospectors/NNS on/IN your/PRP$ way/NN up/IN the/DT valley?""Dermod,/NN I/PRP passed/VBD a/DT plenty/NN o'/IN them./PRP$ I/PRP reckon/VBP it/PRP won't/VBD be/VB long/JJ before/IN this/DT here/RB stream/NN is/VBZ overrun./NNP By/IN fall/NN I/PRP wouldn't/MD be/VB surprised/VBN to/TO see/VB a/DT hundred/CD thousand/CD people/NNS in/IN California."/NNP "Then,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP decided,/, "that/DT means/VBZ that/IN we/PRP Californians/NNPS must/MD promptly/RB set/VB up/RP a/DT government/NN of/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ and/CC not/RB wait/VB for/IN the/DT politicians/NNS at/IN Washington/NNP to/TO do/VB it/PRP for/IN us./NNP With/IN a/DT hundred/CD thousand/CD inhabitants/NNS in/IN California,/NNP this/DT territory/NN will/MD enter/VB the/DT Union/NNP as/IN a/DT state/NN in/IN 1850."Bejabers/DT nodded./VBG "A/NNP hundred/CD thousand/CD will/MD be/VB easy,/RB Dermod./. The/DT whole/JJ world's/JJ rushin'/NN to/TO California,/NNP as/RB near/IN as/IN I/PRP can/MD figger/VB out./RP Last/JJ year/NN when/WRB we/PRP passed/VBD through/IN Frisco/NNP most/JJS o'/IN the/DT stores/NNS was/VBD abandoned/VBN and/CC the/DT price/NN o'/IN real/JJ estate/NN had/VBD gone/VBN to/TO nothin'./DT Now/RB the/DT stores/NNS are/VBP all/DT open/JJ and/CC doin'/VBG a/DT rushin'/NN business,/NN real/JJ estate/NN is/VBZ boomin'/NN and/CC some/DT folks/NNS are/VBP figgerin'/NNS there's/RB bigger/JJR fortunes/NNS to/TO be/VB made/VBN in/IN trade/NN than'll/, ever/RB be/VB took/VBD out/RP of/IN any/DT creek.""Undoubtedly,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP acquiesced./VBD "These/DT golden/JJ hills/NNS are/VBP God's/NNP harvest/NN to/TO the/DT plain/JJ man/NN accustomed/VBN to/TO toil.""And/NN when/WRB the/DT harvest/NN has/VBZ been/VBN gathered?""Some/DT will/MD have/VB golden/JJ grain,/NN but/CC by/IN far/RB the/DT great/JJ majority/NN will/MD have/VB weeds/NNS and/CC tares,/NN D'Arcy.""Easy/NNP come,/VBD easy/JJ go./NN That's/NNP my/PRP$ motto,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP declared./VBD "So!"/NNP Bejabers/NNP cried./VBD "Dermod,/IN you/PRP been/VBN lettin'/VBG the/DT Bart/NNP here/RB take/VBP life/NN easy?""I've/NN never/RB worked/VBD so/RB hard/RB in/IN my/PRP$ life,"/NN her/PRP Britannic/JJ Majesty's/NNP late/JJ servant/NN protested./VBN "However,/NNP there's/POS an/DT end/NN to/TO all/DT things,/NNS and/CC once/RB I've/NN made/VBD my/PRP$ fortune/NN I'll/NN take/VB my/PRP$ ease.""Hum-m!/NN I/PRP bet/VBP you/PRP will./MD Dermod,/VB what/WP you/PRP boys/NNS been/VBN doin'/RB since/IN I/PRP been/VBN gone?""We've/NN got/VBD our/PRP$ wing-dam/NN in/IN and/CC about/IN a/DT quarter/NN of/IN a/DT mile/NN of/IN fluming/VBG constructed/VBN and/CC laid./VBN This/DT gives/VBZ us/PRP a/DT fine/JJ swift/JJ head/NN of/IN water/NN for/IN our/PRP$ sluicing/VBG operations,/NN our/PRP$ riffle/NN box/NN is/VBZ made/VBN and/CC tomorrow/NN morning/NN we/PRP commence/NN mining/NN under/IN new/JJ and/CC improved/JJ methods."Jim/NN Toy/NNP set/VBD food/NN before/IN the/DT famished/JJ Bejabers./NNP "Lot/NNP o'/IN newspapers/NNS in/IN that/DT pack/NN o'/IN mine,"/NN he/PRP announced,/VBD and/CC fell/VBD to/TO the/DT victuals/NNS while/IN the/DT remainder/NN of/IN the/DT company/NN eagerly/RB fell/VBD upon/IN the/DT pack./NN His/PRP$ meal/NN finished,/NN Bejabers/NNP sought/VBD his/PRP$ bunk,/NN but/CC until/IN late/JJ in/IN the/DT night/NN D'Arcy/NNP crouched/VBD before/IN the/DT fireplace,/NN by/IN its/PRP$ flickering/VBG light/NN reading/VBG aloud/RB to/TO the/DT company/NN every/DT scrap/NN of/IN news/NN contained/VBN in/IN the/DT two/CD dozen/NN old/JJ newspapers/NNS the/DT thoughtful/JJ Bejabers/NNP had/VBD packed/VBN in./RP The/DT arrival/NN of/IN every/DT ship/NN in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP Bay/NNP had/VBD been/VBN duly/RB chronicled,/RB together/RB with/IN the/DT passenger/NN lists./VBD The/DT columns/NNS teemed/VBD with/IN "Notices/NNS of/IN Arrivals/NNS of/IN Goods"--and/NNP such/JJ goods!/JJ Foodstuffs,/NNP dress-goods,/NN pianos,/NN organs,/NNS gold-mining/JJ contraptions,/NN jewelry,/NN wines,/NN liquors,/NN cigars,/NN pistols,/NN knives,/NN rifles,/NN blasting/VBG powder,/NN needles/NNS and/CC pins./DT The/DT shrewd/JJ traders/NNS of/IN New/NNP England/NNP already/RB were/VBD finding/VBG a/DT new/JJ market/NN for/IN their/PRP$ wares!/NN This/DT first/JJ remote/JJ touch/NN with/IN the/DT outside/JJ world/NN in/IN nearly/RB seven/CD months/NNS was/VBD almost/RB awe-inspiring/JJ to/TO themen/PRP$ of/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP D'Arcy's/NNP swift/JJ computation/NN of/IN the/DT number/NN of/IN ships/NNS and/CC emigrants/NNS arriving/VBG in/IN them/PRP during/IN the/DT twenty-four/CD days/NNS of/IN which/WDT the/DT Californian/NNP had/VBD brought/VBN them/PRP the/DT record/NN amazed/VBN and/CC disturbed/VBN them;/, for/IN the/DT first/JJ time/NN they/PRP gleaned/VBD an/DT idea/NN of/IN the/DT tremendous/JJ multitude/NN that,/IN in/IN ship/NN and/CC covered/VBN wagon,/NN was/VBD bound/VBN for/IN California./NNP "We/NNP got/VBD to/TO clean/VB up/RP our/PRP$ claims/NNS an'/IN stake/NN new/JJ ones/NNS before/IN the/DT big/JJ rush/NN arrives,"/IN McCready/JJ decided./VBN "There/RB ain't/IN goin'/NN to/TO be/VB gold/JJ enough/RB for/IN half/PDT the/DT people/NNS that's/IN comin'.""And/JJ four-fifths/NNS of/IN them/PRP will/MD not/RB know/VB how/WRB to/TO mine/PRP it,"/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP decided./VBD "Well,/NNP thank/VB heaven,/PRP we're/VB on/IN the/DT ground/NN first./, I/PRP know/VBP what/WP I'm/PRP going/VBG to/TO do/VB with/IN my/PRP$ share/NN of/IN it?""Git/DT drunk,/NN I/PRP suppose,"/VBP Bejabers/NNP suggested/VBD sleepily/RB from/IN his/PRP$ bunk./NN "That/IN remark/NN is/VBZ unworthy/JJ of/IN you,/JJ Brother/NNP Harmon./NNP I/PRP came/VBD West/NNP to/TO make/VB a/DT new/JJ start./NN As/IN a/DT minister/NN of/IN the/DT gospel,/NNS I/PRP admit/VBP I/PRP was/VBD cast/VBN in/IN the/DT wrong/JJ r$le,/NN but/CC in/IN this/DT new/JJ environment/NN it/PRP would/MD be/VB strange,/JJ indeed,/NN if/IN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB succeed/VB in/IN establishing/VBG myself/PRP in/IN a/DT line/NN of/IN endeavor/NN to/TO which/WDT I/PRP am/VBP naturally/RB suited."/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP sighed./VBD "There's/IN a/DT girl/NN back/RB home/NN waiting/VBG for/IN me/PRP to/TO make/VB good,"/NNS he/PRP continued./VBD "She/PRP stuck/VBD to/TO me/PRP after/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ family/NN had/VBD given/VBN me/PRP up/RP in/IN despair./NN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB worthy/JJ of/IN this/DT fine/JJ woman,/NN but--I/CC hope/NN to/TO be./MD And/CC when/WRB it/PRP seems/VBZ I/PRP have/VBP conquered/VBN the/DT devil/NN in/IN me,/NNS I'm/IN going/VBG to/TO send/VB for/IN Martha./NNP She's/NNP the/DT one/CD human/NN being/NN in/IN this/DT world/NN who/WP will/MD always/RB give/VB me/PRP another/DT chance./NN Ah,/RB what/WP a/DT wonderful/JJ thing/NN is/VBZ faith!""What/IN a/DT foolish/JJ thing/NN it/PRP is!"/VBZ Bejabers/NNP retorted./NNP "If/IN you/PRP got/VBD any/DT conscience/NN left,/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP you'll/MD let/VB the/DT company/NN here/RB be/VB the/DT jedge/NN o'/IN whether/IN or/CC not/RB you're/JJ to/TO be/VB trusted/VBN with/IN an/DT innercent/JJ and/CC confidin'/NN female.""But,/NNS dear/JJ chap,"/NN the/DT amiable/JJ Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP interjected,/, "Poppy/JJ hasn't/TO been/VBN drunk/JJ since/IN we/PRP left/VBD San/NNP Francisco.""That's/NNP because/IN he/PRP ain't/RB had/VBD a/DT chance,/NN Bart./NNP It's/NNP a/DT mite/NN too/RB early/RB for/IN you/PRP and/CC him/PRP to/TO start/VB pinnin'/NN crowns/NNS o'/IN glory/NN on/IN yourselves./PRP$ One/CD night/NN in/IN Frisco/NNP town'd/NN knock/NN all/DT your/PRP$ good/JJ resolutions/NNS to/TO pieces./NN You/PRP two/CD just/RB couldn't/JJ stand/VBP the/DT pressure.""You/NNS clap/VBP a/DT stopper/NN on/IN your/PRP$ jaw/NN tackle!"/VB the/DT Bart/NNP cried/VBD furiously./RB "Permit/VB me/PRP to/TO remind/VB you,/JJ Mr./NNP Harmon,/NNP that/IN this/DT was/VBD a/DT happy/JJ and/CC contented/JJ company/NN during/IN your/PRP$ absence./NN For/IN my/PRP$ part/NN I/PRP wish/VBP you/PRP had/VBD not/RB returned./VBN I/PRP consider/VBP you/PRP owe/VBP both/DT of/IN us/PRP an/DT apology,/NN sir.""Dermod,"/IN the/DT straight-thinking/JJ little/JJ man/NN urged,/VBD "tomorrow/NN you/PRP leave/VBP all/DT our/PRP$ stock/NN o'/IN liquor/NN out/IN in/IN plain/JJ sight/NN where/WRB anybody/NN can/MD help/VB himself/PRP to/TO a/DT drink/NN whenever/WRB he/PRP wants/VBZ it./PRP If/IN the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Poppy/NNP don't/VBD git/JJ away/RB with/IN more'n/JJR their/PRP$ fair/JJ share/NN inside/IN a/DT week,/NN I'll/NN 'pologize/VBP to/TO both/DT of/IN 'em.""Within/JJ a/DT week,/NN sir,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP replied/VBD severely,/JJ "I/RB shall/MD call/VB upon/IN you/PRP for/IN that/DT apology./NN Failing/VBG to/TO secure/VB it/PRP I/PRP shall/MD have/VB no/DT hesitancy/NN in/IN challenging/VBG you/PRP to/TO a/DT duel,/JJ sir./NN I/PRP will/MD have/VB you/PRP understand/VB that/IN no/DT commonplace/JJ person/NN can,/NN with/IN immunity,/JJ cast/NN aspersions/NNS upon/IN a/DT gentleman."Bejabers/NNS sighed./. "I/NN wouldn't/MD have/VB cast/VBN no/DT aspersions,"/NN he/PRP explained,/VBD "if/IN you/PRP and/CC Poppy,/NNP thinkin'/NN I/PRP was/VBD sound/JJ asleep/RB and/CC takin'/VB advantage/NN o'/IN the/DT interest/NN o'/IN the/DT rest/NN o'/IN the/DT company/NN in/IN what/WP Dermod/NNP was/VBD readin'/VBN from/IN the/DT newspaper,/NN hadn't/VBD each/DT quietly/RB hid/VBN a/DT quart/NN o'/IN champagne/NN in/IN your/PRP$ bunks./NN You/PRP two/CD pipe/NN down/RP and/CC instead/RB o'/IN gittin'/NN on/IN your/PRP$ high/JJ horse/NN be/VB grateful/JJ I/PRP don't/VBP call/VB a/DT meetin'/NN o'/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Mining/NNP District/NNP and/CC read/VBD you/PRP both/DT out/RP o'/IN the/DT party.""Peace,/NN peace!"/NN D'Arcy/NNP urged./VBD "Everybody/NN to/TO bed/NN before/IN we/PRP have/VBP a/DT real/JJ quarrel."/NN He/PRP rose/VBD and/CC laid/VBD a/DT hand/NN fraternally/RB on/IN Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP shoulder./MD "You/RB stick/VB by/IN your/PRP$ good/JJ resolution,/NN domine,"/NN he/PRP urged./VBD "If/IN there's/TO a/DT spark/NN of/IN good/JJ in/IN any/DT man,/NN a/DT good/JJ woman/NN can/MD fan/VB it/PRP to/TO a/DT flame./NN I/PRP suppose/VBP your/PRP$ girl's/NNS a/DT good/JJ woman?""She's/NNS a/DT saint,"/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP replied,/VBD with/IN a/DT catch/NN in/IN his/PRP$ voice./NN "I/JJ miss/NN her./PRP I'm/VBP lonesome/JJ for/IN her./PRP She/PRP can't/MD write/VB to/TO me/PRP because/IN she/PRP doesn't/RB know/VBP where/WRB I/PRP am,/VBP and/CC I/PRP can't/MD write/VB to/TO her/PRP because/IN there/EX are/VBP no/DT post-offices/NNS in/IN this/DT horrible/JJ country."/NN Suddenly/RB he/PRP leaned/VBD on/IN the/DT table/NN and/CC buried/VBD his/PRP$ face/NN in/IN his/PRP$ arm./NN Sobs/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ spare/JJ frame,/NN and/CC an/DT embarrassing/JJ silence/NN descended/VBD upon/IN the/DT company./NN "Homesick,"/IN McCready/NNP murmured./VBD "I'll/RB be/VB charitable,"/VBN Bejabers/IN agreed./VBN "He's/NNP homesick."Jim/NN Toy/NNP eyed/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP owlishly./NNP "Him/NNP dlunk,"/, he/PRP announced./VBD "Him/PRP no/DT good,/JJ anyhow./DT Him/NNP heap/NN lazy./, Him/PRP no/DT b'long/JJ hard/JJ workee./NN Him/PRP lie/VBP down/IN 'lon'side!""You/PRP shut/VBD up,/VBN Jim/NNP Toy,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP warned/VBD the/DT Chinaman./NNP He/PRP ruffled/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP head./, "You/PRP take/VBP a/DT day/NN off/RB and/CC write/VB her/PRP a/DT long/JJ letter,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy,"/NNP he/PRP advised,/VBD "and/CC when/WRB we/PRP go/VBP out/RP with/IN the/DT pack-train/NN for/IN a/DT new/JJ supply/NN of/IN provisions/NNS I'll/RB find/VBP a/DT way/NN to/TO mail/VB your/PRP$ letter/NN at/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP Pay/NN no/DT attention/NN to/TO Bejabers./NNP He's/NNP tired/JJ and/CC irritable/JJ and/CC perhaps/RB the/DT champagne/NN is/VBZ talking./VBG Come,/NNP now./. Roll/NNP into/IN your/PRP$ blankets/NNS and/CC tomorrow/NN the/DT world/NN will/MD be/VB bright/JJ and/CC sunny/JJ again."The/IN Bart/NNP assisted/VBD D'Arcy/NNP in/IN rolling/VBG the/DT broken-hearted/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP into/IN his/PRP$ blankets./NN Then/RB the/DT others/NNS turned/VBD in/IN and/CC silence/NN descended/VBD over/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP THE/DT vanguard/NN of/IN the/DT greater/JJR gold-rush/NN reached/VBD them/PRP two/CD weeks/NNS later./, Up/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP one/CD afternoon/NN marched/VBD a/DT company/NN of/IN ten/CD men,/NNS although/IN at/IN first/JJ glance/NN one/NN might/MD have/VB been/VBN pardoned/VBN for/IN suspecting/VBG that/IN they/PRP were/VBD pack-mules,/NNS for/IN their/PRP$ worldly/JJ possessions/NNS were/VBD carried/VBN in/IN knapsacks/NNS on/IN their/PRP$ backs./NN On/IN their/PRP$ shoulders/NNS they/PRP carried/VBD rifles,/JJ picks,/NN and/CC shovels;/NN from/IN the/DT belt/NN of/IN each/DT a/DT gold-pan/NN depended;/IN each/DT carried/VBD a/DT knife/NN and/CC a/DT six-shooter./JJ As/IN they/PRP turned/VBD the/DT bend/NN in/IN the/DT stream/NN and/CC caught/VBD sight/NN of/IN the/DT mining/NN operations/NNS of/IN the/DT D'Arcy/NNP party,/NN they/PRP cheered/VBD lustily/RB and/CC broke/VBD into/IN a/DT run./NN The/DT men/NNS of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP ceased/VBD shoveling/VBG gravel/NN into/IN the/DT long/JJ flume/NN and/CC awaited/VBD their/PRP$ arrival./NN The/DT first/JJ man/NN to/TO reach/VB them/PRP was/VBD Alvah/NNP Cannon./NNP Recognizing/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP he/PRP paused/VBD in/IN momentary/JJ embarrassment,/NNS then/RB his/PRP$ natural/JJ aggressiveness/NN asserted/VBD itself./PRP "Well,/IN here/RB we/PRP are,/VBP D'Arcy,"/NNP he/PRP announced./VBD "What're/NNP ye/PRP goin'/NNS to/TO do/VB about/IN it?""Nothing--while/RB you/PRP behave/VB yourself,/JJ Cannon./NNP You/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ party/NN have/VB as/RB much/RB right/RB here/RB as/IN mine./PRP There's/DT plenty/NN of/IN rich/JJ ground/VBN up/RB the/DT creek,/NN and/CC I/PRP suggest/VBP that/IN you/PRP stake/NN your/PRP$ claims./NN Before/IN doing/VBG so,/RB however,/RB permit/VB me/PRP to/TO remind/VB you/PRP that/IN you/PRP have/VBP arrived/VBN in/IN what/WP is/VBZ known/VBN as/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Mining/NNP District./NNP The/DT district/NN has/VBZ certain/JJ written/VBN and/CC ratified/VBN rules/NNS and/CC regulations/NNS covering/VBG mining/NN on/IN this/DT creek,/NN and/CC we/PRP will/MD expect/VB you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ friends/NNS to/TO sign/VB the/DT book/NN and/CC abide/NN by/IN the/DT local/JJ laws.''Cannon/NN considered/VBN this./DT "What/RB right/RB have/VBP you/PRP to/TO make/VB laws?"/NNS he/PRP demanded./VBD "This/DT is/VBZ a/DT free/JJ country.""The/NN majority/NN rules,/NN Cannon./NNP Law/NNP has/VBZ its/PRP$ genesis/NN in/IN the/DT voluntary/JJ association/NN of/IN free/JJ men/NNS for/IN mutual/JJ protection/NN and/CC justice./RB Since/IN we/PRP were/VBD the/DT first/JJ here,/, we/PRP have/VBP elected/VBN to/TO plant/VB the/DT seeds/NNS of/IN law/NN and/CC order/NN and/CC we/PRP have/VBP endeavored/VBN to/TO be/VB just.""Hum-m-m!/JJ Don't/NNP look/NN to/TO me/PRP like/IN you/PRP was/VBD in/IN the/DT majority./NN How/WRB big/JJ a/DT claim/NN does/VBZ your/PRP$ private/JJ law/NN allow/VBP a/DT feller?"D'Arcy/NN informed/VBN him./NN "'Tain't/RB big/JJ enough,"/RB the/DT newcomer/NN decided./VBN "Very/RB well,/JJ Cannon./NNP Take/VB as/IN much/RB ground/NN as/IN you/PRP please--until/VBP we/PRP have/VBP more/JJR miners/NNS in/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP Then/RB you'll/JJ conform/VBP to/TO our/PRP$ mining/NN regulations/NNS or/CC get/VB out./NNP I'm/NNP not/RB ready/JJ for/IN a/DT quarrel/NN with/IN you/PRP yet.""Any/RB place/VB to/TO buy/VB grub/NN around/IN here?""No./PRP I/PRP imagine/VBP you'll/JJ have/VBP to/TO freight/VB it/PRP in/IN from/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry."Cannon,/NNP with/IN a/DT jerk/NN of/IN his/PRP$ shaggy/JJ head,/NN ordered/VBD his/PRP$ party/NN forward/RB and/CC they/PRP disappeared/VBD up/IN the/DT arroyo./NN The/DT following/VBG day/NN three/CD men,/NNS afoot/RB but/CC leading/VBG three/CD heavily/RB laden/JJ burros,/NN came/VBD down/RB over/IN the/DT ridge/NN to/TO the/DT south./NN They/PRP accosted/VBD D'Arcy/NNP politely,/, inquired/VBD as/IN to/TO the/DT desirability/NN of/IN staking/VBG claims/NNS on/IN the/DT stream/NN and/CC were/VBD encouraged/VBN by/IN him/PRP to/TO do/VB so./DT There/EX were/VBD just/RB three/CD claims/NNS lying/VBG above/IN those/DT staked/VBN by/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party,/NN and/CC across/IN these/DT the/DT flume/NN ran./VBD "We/PRP can't/MD use/VB that/DT flume,/NN so/IN it/PRP would/MD be/VB in/IN our/PRP$ way,"/NN one/NN of/IN the/DT newcomers/NNS suggested,/VBP "and/CC we/PRP would/MD be/VB in/IN your/PRP$ way./NN We'll/CC try/VB the/DT stream/NN farther/RB up./. Got/VBD any/DT rules/NNS and/CC regulations/NNS here?/VBP If/IN so,/JJ we'd/NN like/IN to/TO read/VB them,/, and/CC if/IN they're/DT just,/RB we'll/JJ sign/NN them/PRP and/CC play/VB fair."They/PRP signed/VBD them/PRP and/CC erected/VBD a/DT small/JJ tent/NN in/IN the/DT meadow/NN close/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp;/NNP at/IN D'Arcy's/NNP invitationthey/NN turned/VBD their/PRP$ burros/NNS loose/RB in/IN the/DT meadow./NN The/DT following/VBG day/NN they/PRP staked/VBD claims/NNS up/IN the/DT stream/NN around/IN the/DT bend;/NN the/DT day/NN after,/IN five/CD more/JJR fortune-hunters/NNS arrived/VBD afoot,/JJ and/CC from/IN them/PRP D'Arcy/NNP learned/VBD that/IN men/NNS were/VBD wandering/VBG by/IN the/DT hundreds/NNS through/IN the/DT hills,/NN prospecting/VBG every/DT stream/NN they/PRP came/VBD to./TO These/DT latest/JJS newcomers/NNS were/VBD orderly/JJ men,/NNS accustomed/VBN to/TO discipline,/VB and/CC well/RB armed./VBN Cheerfully/NNP they/PRP subscribed/VBD to/TO the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP mining/NN regulations/NNS and/CC staked/NN claims/NNS up/IN the/DT stream./NN Then/RB they/PRP borrowed/VBD axes/NNS and/CC whipsaws/NNS from/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC in/IN an/DT incredibly/RB short/JJ space/NN of/IN time/NN had/VBD erected/VBN a/DT small/JJ log/NN cabin./NN Thus/RB a/DT town/NN was/VBD founded./VBN They/PRP had/VBD very/RB little/JJ food,/NN so/RB D'Arcy,/NNP with/IN the/DT large/JJ hospitality/NN of/IN that/DT day/NN and/CC generation,/NN supplied/VBN their/PRP$ wants/NNS on/IN credit./NN The/DT result/NN of/IN their/PRP$ labors/NNS the/DT first/JJ week/NN paid/VBN the/DT score;/NN whereupon/IN one/CD of/IN them/PRP rented/VBN Francisco's/NNP mustang/, and/CC rode/VBD down/RB to/TO Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP When/WRB he/PRP returned/VBD it/PRP was/VBD with/IN a/DT pack-train,/NN heavily/RB laden./VB About/IN the/DT first/JJ of/IN May/NNP a/DT pack-train/NN of/IN twenty/CD mules/NNS came/VBD up/RP the/DT arroyo,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT meadow/NN back/RB of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP a/DT large/JJ tent/NN was/VBD erected/VBN and/CC a/DT general/JJ store/NN opened./NN For/IN a/DT mile/NN up/RB and/CC down/IN the/DT stream/NN from/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP hundreds/NNS of/IN men/NNS now/RB toiled/VBN in/IN the/DT gravel/NN bars;/NN there/RB was/VBD constant/JJ migration./. Men/NNP came,/VBD worked/VBN a/DT week/NN or/CC two,/NNS failed/VBD to/TO find/VB the/DT ground/NN as/RB rich/JJ as/IN their/PRP$ expectations/NNS and/CC departed./VBG Others/NNS promptly/RB took/VBD over/RP their/PRP$ claims./NN The/DT three/CD horse-thieves,/NN Ord,/NNP Lundy/NNP and/CC Sargent,/NNP and/CC the/DT cockney/NN ex-sailor/NN Pye/NNP caught/VBD the/DT fever/NN of/IN migration/NN about/IN this/DT time,/NN and/CC to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP gratification/NN sold/VBD out/RP to/TO the/DT others./NNP Meanwhile,/NNP D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD seen/VBN Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN but/CC once/RB and/CC that/IN on/IN a/DT day/NN when/WRB the/DT former/JJ called/VBN to/TO inform/VB Cannon/NNP that/IN he/PRP was/VBD decidedly/RB in/IN the/DT minority/NN along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Thereupon/NNP D'Arcyand/NNP the/DT deputation/NN with/IN him/PRP measured/VBN and/CC restaked/VBN the/DT claims/NNS of/IN the/DT Cannon/NNP party/NN and/CC presented/VBN to/TO them/PRP the/DT book/NN of/IN regulations/NNS for/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Mining/NNP District./NNP "Sign,"/NNP he/PRP commanded./RP In/IN silence/NN Cannon's/NNP party/NN signed./VBD At/IN first/JJ the/DT general/JJ store/NN sold/VBN provisions/NNS only,/RB but/CC when/WRB the/DT storekeeper's/NNS long/RB pack-train/RB again/RB wound/VBD its/PRP$ way/NN up/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP fully/RB half/PDT the/DT cargo/NN it/PRP carried/VBD was/VBD whisky./DT Another/DT tent/NN went/VBD up,/RB and/CC a/DT heavy/JJ whipsawed/JJ plank/NN laid/VBN across/IN two/CD five-foot/JJ sections/NNS of/IN logs,/JJ upended,/NNS did/VBD duty/NN for/IN a/DT bar./NN Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP brought/VBD news/NN of/IN this/DT additional/JJ evidence/NN of/IN civilization/NN to/TO his/PRP$ fellows./NN "That/IN storekeeper's/NNS buyin'/NN gold-dust,/NN too,"/, he/PRP added./VBD "Sixteen/VBN dollars,/NNS in/IN coin/NN or/CC goods,/NN for/IN an/DT ounce/NN of/IN gold./NN Whisky's/IN a/DT dollar/NN a/DT drink.""Good/NN whisky?"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP queried./NNP "Rotgut./NNP Leave/VB it/PRP alone,/RB Bart.""I'm/NNP old/JJ enough/JJ to/TO know/VB my/PRP$ way/NN about."/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP was/VBD a/DT bit/NN acidulous./NN Bejabers/NNS winked/VBD at/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC continued:/NN "A/NNS feller/VBD come/VBN up/IN the/DT creek/NN this/DT morning/NN with/IN a/DT wagon/NN and/CC an/DT eight-horse/CD team./NN He's/NNP got/VBD a/DT little/JJ portable/JJ sawmill/NN and/CC aims/VBZ to/TO go/VB into/IN the/DT lumber/NN business./NN He/PRP tells/VBZ me/PRP he's/JJ sold/VBD a/DT bill/NN o'/IN lumber/NN already./. Feller's/NNP comin'/NN in/IN here/RB to/TO establish/VB a/DT dance-hall.""Where's/NN he/PRP going/VBG to/TO get/VB the/DT girls?""They'll/NN turn/NN up/RB from/IN somewhere,/NN like/IN the/DT gamblers./NN They/PRP follow/VBP the/DT law/NN o'/IN supply/NN and/CC demand."Mr./NN Poppy/NNP pricked/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ ears,/NNS so/RB to/TO speak./RP "The/DT daughters/NNS of/IN Shiloh,"/NNP he/PRP murmured./VBD "God/NNP have/VBP pity/NN on/IN them.""Well,/PRP I'm/IN here/RB to/TO say/VB they'll/RB be/VB a/DT welcome/JJ note/NN in/IN my/PRP$ humdrum/NN life,"/NN Bejabers/NNP confessed./VBD "I'm/PRP out/RP tohave/VB a/DT good/JJ time/NN while/IN I'm/NNP young./NNP Let/VB other/JJ people/NNS look/VBP after/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ souls,/NN and/CC never/RB worry/VB yourself/PRP about/IN yours./PRP That's/DT my/PRP$ policy."To/NN D'Arcy,/NNP as/IN they/PRP walked/VBD together/RB down/IN to/TO the/DT claims/NNS after/IN the/DT midday/NN meal,/NN Bejabers/NNP made/VBD a/DT prophecy./NN "We'll/RB soon/RB come/VB to/TO the/DT partin'/NN o'/IN the/DT ways/NNS with/IN Poppy/NNP and/CC the/DT Bart./NNP The/DT world,/NN the/DT flesh,/NN and/CC the/DT devil's/NNS too/RB much/RB for/IN them./PRP Poppy/JJ can't/IN stand/NN temptation/NN and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP can,/NN but/CC won't./VBD We'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO give/VB 'em/PRP their/PRP$ share/NN o'/IN the/DT swag/NN and/CC make/VB 'em/PRP turn/VB over/RP their/PRP$ claims/NNS to/TO us./NNP Then/RB we'll/MD hire/VB labor/NN and/CC work/NN 'em.""If/IN the/DT parting/NN is/VBZ to/TO come,/VB I/PRP hope/VBP it/PRP comes/VBZ soon,/RB Bejabers./NNP We've/NNP made/VBD good/JJ money/NN to/TO date,/NNS but/CC I/PRP have/VBP a/DT suspicion/NN that/IN after/IN we've/NN cleaned/VBD up/RP the/DT gravel/NN bars/NNS and/CC diverted/VBN the/DT channel/NN of/IN the/DT stream/NN to/TO the/DT south/JJ bank,/NN we'll/MD make/VB a/DT fortune/NN in/IN the/DT present/JJ bed/NN of/IN the/DT stream./NN Our/PRP$ two/CD friends/NNS handle/VBP fully/RB two-thirds/NNS less/JJR gravel/NN than/IN any/DT of/IN us,/NN yet/CC they/PRP have/VBP an/DT equal/JJ share/NN in/IN the/DT profits./NN However,/IN they/PRP know/VBP the/DT agreement/NN between/IN us,/NN and/CC if/IN they/PRP break/VBP it--""Seen/DT anything/NN of/IN Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ gang/NN lately?"D'Arcy/RB shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "I/RB avoid/VB him,/PRP Bejabers.""How/VB much/JJ dust/NN we/PRP got/VBD in/IN the/DT kitty?""Perhaps/NN fifty/CD thousand/CD dollars'/NNS worth./, So/RB much,/RB in/IN fact,/NN that/IN I'm/NNP worried/VBD about/IN it./PRP I/PRP wish/VBP I/PRP had/VBD a/DT safe/JJ place/NN to/TO store/VB it.""Shucks,/IN this/DT is/VBZ an/DT honest/JJ community,/NN Dermod.""It/NNP is--remarkably/, honest./. But/CC then,/JJ Bejabers,/NNP that/WDT is/VBZ a/DT somewhat/RB unnatural/JJ condition./NN Each/DT man/NN is/VBZ so/RB helpless/JJ to/TO guard/VB his/PRP$ treasure/NN and/CC so/RB dependent/JJ upon/IN his/PRP$ neighbor's/NNS honesty/NN that/IN honesty/NN has/VBZ become/VBN a/DT virtue/NN each/DT man/NN enforces/VBZ upon/IN himself./PRP If/IN there/EX are/VBP dishonest/JJ men/NNS in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP they/PRP are/VBP afraid/JJ to/TO reveal/VB their/PRP$ weakness./NN A/DT thief/NN would/MD be/VB hanged/VBN within/IN anhour/NN after/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN his/PRP$ crime,/NN and/CC the/DT laws/NNS of/IN evidence/NN would/MD be/VB apt/JJ to/TO receive/VB a/DT stretching,/NN too./. "I/PRP hear/VBP that/IN two/CD men/NNS named/VBD Wells/NNP and/CC Fargo/NNP have/VBP established/VBN an/DT express/JJ company/NN and/CC are/VBP going/VBG to/TO put/VB in/IN a/DT system/NN of/IN stage-coaches/NNS from/IN all/PDT the/DT principal/JJ mining/NN centers/NNS to/TO Sacramento/NNP and/CC that/DT new/JJ camp,/NN Stockton./NNP The/DT stages/NNS will/MD carry/VB passengers/NNS and/CC treasure,/NN with/IN a/DT messenger/NN to/TO guard/VB it/PRP en/IN route./NN Once/RB the/DT company/NN takes/VBZ over/IN the/DT gold/NN it/PRP will/MD be/VB responsible/JJ for/IN its/PRP$ safe/JJ delivery./NN There/EX is/VBZ a/DT crying/VBG necessity/NN for/IN such/JJ a/DT service.""Where're/NN we/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO send/VB our/PRP$ gold?""I'm/NN going/VBG to/TO send/VB mine,/NN by/IN ship,/NN to/TO the/DT United/NNP States/NNP Mint/NNP at/IN Philadelphia./NNP The/DT gold/NN on/IN Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP will/MD run/VB about/RB nineteen/CD dollars/NNS fine,/, and/CC I/PRP do/VBP not/RB intend/VB to/TO lose/VB three/CD dollars/NNS an/DT ounce/NN by/IN selling/VBG it/PRP to/TO local/JJ speculators.""The/NNS dog-gone/, ship/NN might/MD sink.""That's/VB a/DT risk/NN I'll/NN have/VBP to/TO take./VB A/DT company/NN calling/VBG itself/PRP the/DT Pacific/NNP Mail/NNP Steamship/NNP Company/NNP is/VBZ now/RB building/VBG a/DT fleet/NN of/IN large/JJ steamers./NN They/PRP will/MD ply/RB between/IN New/NNP York/NNP and/CC Aspinwall,/NNP Panama./NNP The/DT passengers/NNS will/MD transship/VB at/IN Aspinwall/NNP and/CC be/VB carried/VBN across/IN the/DT isthmus/NN in/IN canoes/NNS to/TO the/DT Pacific/NNP side,/NN via/IN the/DT Chagres/NNP River,/NNP where/WRB other/JJ steamers/NNS of/IN the/DT fleet/NN will/MD transport/VB them/PRP to/TO San/NNP Francisco./NNP Those/DT steamers/NNS should/MD be/VB rather/RB safe."Bejabers/NNS looked/VBD up/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP On/IN every/DT claim/NN men/NNS toiled/VBD in/IN the/DT summer/NN sun--a/NN ragged,/NN bearded,/NN red-shirted/JJ crew./NN Recent/JJ arrivals/NNS trudged/VBD along/IN asking/VBG questions,/NN seeking/VBG unstaked/JJ ground,/NN bargaining/NN with/IN some/DT faint-hearted/JJ fortune-hunter/NN for/IN the/DT claim/NN he/PRP already/RB had/VBD staked/VBN and/CC was/VBD as/RB quickly/RB growing/VBG weary/JJ of./NN From/IN the/DT whisky/NN shop/NN in/IN the/DT meadow/NN came/VBD the/DT sound/NN of/IN drunken/JJ singing/NN and/CC the/DT firing/NN of/IN pistols./DT "She's/NNP gettin'/NN to/TO be/VB a/DT bedlam,"/NN Bejabers/IN sighed./NN "And/CC at/IN that/IN she/PRP ain't/VBP really/RB started./VBN Them/NNP two/CD fellers,/VBD Wells/NNP and/CC Fargo,/NNP had/VBD ought/MD to/TO be/VB told/VBN about/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP There's/DT big/JJ business/NN awaitin'/NN 'em/PRP here."They/PRP have/VBP an/DT office/NN in/IN Sacramento,/NNP Bejabers./NNP I'm/NNP going/VBG to/TO mount/VB Pathfinder,/NNP ride/VB down/RB there/RB and/CC induce/VB them/PRP to/TO extend/VB their/PRP$ service/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP decided/VBD suddenly./RB "Somebody's/NNP got/VBD to/TO do/VB a/DT public/JJ service/NN for/IN the/DT district,/NN because/IN everybody's/NN too/RB busy/JJ at/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ affairs."He/NN turned/VBD abruptly,/RB caught/VBN up/RP his/PRP$ horse,/NN saddled,/NN mounted/VBD and/CC rode/VBD away/RB into/IN the/DT south./NN A/DT well-beaten/JJ trail/NN now/RB led/VBD down/IN the/DT valley/NN of/IN the/DT Sacramento,/NNP and/CC along/IN this/DT trail/NN a/DT motley/NN company/NN proceeded/VBD in/IN both/DT directions./NN A/DT majority/NN of/IN them/PRP were/VBD afoot,/IN carrying/VBG packs;/VBN some/DT rode/VBD horses/NNS and/CC mules,/NNS and/CC the/DT more/RBR fortunate/JJ drove/VBD packed/VBN burros/NNS before/IN them./PRP Here/RB and/CC there/EX men/NNS far/RB beyond/IN the/DT prime/JJ of/IN life/NN fought/VBD their/PRP$ way/NN through/IN the/DT rout/NN of/IN fortune-hunters,/JJ but/CC there/EX were/VBD few/JJ of/IN these./DT A/DT fever/NN of/IN excitement,/NNS of/IN rare/JJ good/JJ nature/NN born/VBN of/IN high/JJ hopes,/NN pervaded/VBD them/PRP all,/RB and/CC D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP could/MD be/VB brother/NN to/TO all/DT men,/NNS found/VBD his/PRP$ fellow/NN travelers/NNS eagerly/RB communicative./. He/PRP listened/VBD to/TO all/DT of/IN the/DT latest/JJS gossip/NN of/IN the/DT now/RB widely/RB scattered/VBN diggings,/NN to/TO tales/NNS of/IN unbelievably/JJ rich/JJ strikes,/NN of/IN sorry/JJ failures,/NN of/IN disillusionment/NN and/CC disappointment./VBD He/PRP learned,/VBD for/IN the/DT first/JJ time,/NN some/DT of/IN the/DT details/NNS of/IN the/DT almost/RB unbelievable/JJ emigration/NN to/TO California,/NNP not/RB only/RB from/IN the/DT Atlantic/NNP seaboard/NN and/CC the/DT still/JJ sparsely/JJ settled/VBN country/NN east/RB of/IN the/DT Mississippi,/NNP but/CC also/RB from/IN Europe,/NNP Mexico,/NNP South/NNP America,/NNP and/CC Australia./NNP He/PRP had/VBD made/VBN that/IN journey/NN himself/PRP and/CC he/PRP knew/VBD the/DT terror/NN of/IN it/PRP for/IN grown/VBN men;/NNS yet,/RB if/IN what/WP he/PRP heard,/VBD were/VBD true,/JJ women/NNS and/CC children/NNS were/VBD risking/VBG it/PRP now./. He/PRP passed/VBD the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP glistening/VBG whitely/NN among/IN the/DT oaks,/JJ and/CC at/IN sight/NN of/IN it/PRP the/DT old/JJ ache,/NN the/DT old/JJ unstilled/JJ longing/NN came/VBD back/RB to/TO him./PRP He/PRP had/VBD thought/VBN that/IN the/DT excitement/NN and/CC romantic/JJ lure/NN of/IN life/NN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP had/VBD stilled/VBN it/PRP at/IN last,/JJ but/CC he/PRP knew/VBD now/RB that/IN it/PRP had/VBD not./NN From/IN the/DT hacienda/NN he/PRP saw/VBD five/CD persons,/JJ mounted,/NN ride/NN out/RB across/IN the/DT plain,/NN making/VBG for/IN the/DT road/NN to/TO Sacramento,/NNP and/CC while/IN he/PRP was/VBD still/RB too,/RB distant/JJ to/TO recognize/VB them,/, he/PRP saw/VBD that/IN two/CD of/IN them/PRP were/VBD women./VBG He/PRP pulled/VBD Pathfinder/NNP down/IN to/TO a/DT walk/NN to/TO permit/VB the/DT party/NN to/TO reach/VB the/DT road/NN ahead/RB of/IN him;/NN when/WRB he/PRP saw/VBD that/IN they/PRP had/VBD turned/VBN south/RB he/PRP urged/VBD Pathfinder/NNP into/IN an/DT easy/JJ trot/NN and/CC gradually/RB overtook/VBD them,/, whereupon/IN he/PRP recognized/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN riding/VBG ahead,/RB while/IN an/DT older/JJR woman,/NN a/DT relative/JJ probably,/NN with/IN two/CD vaqueros,/NNS followed/VBD behind./VBN D'Arcy/NNP lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN as/IN he/PRP passed/VBD them,/, but/CC he/PRP did/VBD not/RB look/VB at/IN them/PRP nor/CC did/VBD he/PRP speak./VBZ He/PRP knew/VBD they/PRP would/MD recognize/VB his/PRP$ horse,/NN if/IN they/PRP failed/VBD to/TO catch/VB a/DT glimpse/NN of/IN his/PRP$ face./NN Very/RB well,/RB then./DT If/IN they/PRP cared/VBD to/TO speak/VB to/TO him,/VB they/PRP would/MD do/VB so./DT If/IN they/PRP did/VBD not/RB speak,/VB it/PRP would/MD be/VB evident/JJ they/PRP did/VBD not/RB wish/VB to./TO "Good/NNP day,/, Don/NNP Dermod!"Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP hearty/NN voice/NN was/VBD hailing/VBG him./PRP He/PRP pulled/VBD up,/RB swung/VBN his/PRP$ horse,/NN faced/VBD them/PRP and/CC again/RB gravely/RB lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC bowed/VBD low/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ saddle./NN "Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil!/NN You/PRP are/VBP a/DT true/JJ gringo./NN You/PRP hurry!/VBP It/PRP is/VBZ long/RB since/IN we/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN you/PRP and/CC the/DT country/NN is/VBZ overrun/VBN with/IN maniacs./NN Since/IN you/PRP travel/VBP our/PRP$ way,/NNS why/WRB not/RB share/VB the/DT road/NN with/IN us?""You/PRP are/VBP very/RB kind,/JJ Don/NNP Jos$--kinder,/NNP in/IN fact,"/NN he/PRP added/VBD with/IN a/DT searching/VBG glance/NN at/IN Josepha,/NNP "than/IN I/PRP have/VBP any/DT right/JJ to/TO expect.""You,/VB at/IN least,/JJS are/VBP sane./DT Don/NNP Dermod/NNP is/VBZ welcome,/RB is/VBZ he/PRP not,/RB Josepha?""The/NNP highroad/NN is/VBZ free/JJ to/TO all/DT who/WP choose/VBP to/TO travel/VB it,/IN my/PRP$ father."/NN There/EX was/VBD no/DT sign/NN of/IN friendliness,/NN of/IN pleasure,/NN at/IN this/DT chance/NN meeting,/NN showing/VBG in/IN the/DT girl's/NN proud/JJ face./NN She/PRP pulled/VBD her/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC fell/VBD back/RB alongside/IN her/PRP$ duenna,/JJ and/CC D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD that/IN the/DT action/NN of/IN her/PRP$ good-natured/JJ and/CC mercurial/JJ father/NN had/VBD piqued/VBN her./PRP A/DT light/NN of/IN devilish/JJ mirth/NN danced/VBD in/IN D'Arcy's/NNP black/JJ eyes/NNS as/IN they/PRP roved/VBD hungrily/RB over/IN her./PRP$ "Thank/NNP you,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$./NNP Since/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ my/PRP$ life,/NN for/IN the/DT present,/NN is/VBZ not/RB threatened,/IN I/PRP shall/MD be/VB delighted/VBN to/TO ride/VB with/IN you./PRP I/PRP trust/VBP that/IN all/DT is/VBZ well/RB with/IN you/PRP and/CC yours?"Don/NNP Jos$/NNP shrugged,/VBD as/IN if/IN to/TO reply/VB that/IN most/JJS decidedly/RB all/DT was/VBD not/RB well,/JJ but/CC why/WRB complain/VBP about/IN it?/PRP "You/RB ride/VB from/IN where,/DT Don/NNP Dermod?""From/NNP up/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP I/PRP am/VBP engaged/VBN in/IN mining/NN there.""So!/DT And/CC are/VBP your/PRP$ activities/NNS amply/RB rewarded?""I/VB cannot,/NNS with/IN justice,/JJ complain.""You/NNS grow/VBP rich,/JJR perhaps?"/NN D'Arcy/NNP shrugged/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ turn./NN "I/NNS have/VBP heard/VBN of/IN your/PRP$ activities,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP went/VBD on/IN with/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN passive/JJ insistence./NN "I/NN sent/VBD a/DT man/NN up/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO investigate,/VB and/CC it/PRP seems/VBZ you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ friends/NNS take/VBP gold/NN from/IN my/PRP$ land,/NN and/CC without/IN my/PRP$ permission.""I/NN was/VBD not/RB aware/JJ that/IN your/PRP$ grant/NN ran/VBD so/RB far/RB up/IN into/IN the/DT hills./NN Moreover,/IN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP it/PRP appears/VBZ not/RB to/TO be/VB the/DT custom/NN to/TO ask/VB permission/NN of/IN landowners./JJR It/PRP is/VBZ felt/VBN that/IN the/DT right/NN to/TO mine/PRP is/VBZ one/CD paramount/JJ to/TO that/DT of/IN the/DT mere/JJ landholder.""I/NN would/MD not/RB descend/VB to/TO argue/VB with/IN such/JJ fellows,"/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP replied/VBD with/IN dignity,/JJ "but/CC in/IN the/DT case/NN of/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP is,/VBZ so/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ to/TO me,/VB a/DT man/NN of/IN honor,/NN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB deemed/VBN an/DT argument/NN necessary./, Surely,/JJ as/IN the/DT owner/NN of/IN this/DT gold-bearing/NN ground,am/NN entitled/VBN to/TO a/DT reasonable/JJ royalty/NN which/WDT no/DT reasonable/JJ man/NN will/MD withhold./NNPS In/IN fact,/NN I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN expecting/VBG you/PRP to/TO call/VB at/IN my/PRP$ hacienda/NN with/IN my/PRP$ share./NN Evil/NN days/NNS are/VBP upon/IN us,/NNS and/CC it/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT convenience/NN if/IN you/PRP could/MD settle/VB the/DT matter/NN at/IN an/DT early/JJ date."D'Arcy/NN glanced/VBD over/IN his/PRP$ shoulder/NN and/CC met/VBD Josepha/NNP Guerrero's/NNP glance./VBD She/PRP was/VBD flushing/VBG painfully./NN "I/NNS have/VBP been/VBN too/RB busy/JJ to/TO call/VB upon/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$,"/NNP he/PRP explained/VBD lightly./. And,/NNP moreover,/, the/DT last/JJ time/NN I/PRP called/VBD I/PRP was/VBD not/RB welcome/JJ and/CC was/VBD apprized/VBN of/IN that/DT fact.""But/NN this/DT is/VBZ an/DT affair/NN of/IN business.""Quite/NN so./. And/CC since/IN it/PRP is/VBZ an/DT affair/NN of/IN business/NN I/PRP must/MD first/RB discuss/VB the/DT matter/NN with/IN my/PRP$ associates/NNS and/CC verity/RB your/PRP$ statement/NN that/IN we/PRP are/VBP taking/VBG gold/NN from/IN your/PRP$ land./NN "You/IN dispute/NN my/PRP$ word?"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP grew/VBD haughty./PRP "By/IN no/DT means,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP but/CC I/PRP would/MD verify/RB it,/RB since/IN no/DT man/NN is/VBZ infallible./NN I/PRP would/MD look/VB at/IN the/DT record/NN of/IN the/DT title/NN to/TO your/PRP$ lands/NNS and/CC verify/VB the/DT eastern/JJ boundaries./NN That/DT matter/NN settled,/VBD an/DT answer/NN to/TO your/PRP$ demand/NN will/MD be/VB promptly/RB forthcoming."Don/IN Jos$/NNP nodded/VBD assent./NN Matters/NNS appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB going/VBG more/RBR smoothly/RB than/IN he/PRP had/VBD anticipated,/VBN so/IN he/PRP was/VBD content/JJ to/TO be/VB patient./DT "How/NN is/VBZ the/DT cattle/NNS business?"/NN D'Arcy/NNP pursued./, "It/NNP has/VBZ gone/VBN to/TO the/DT devil,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP These/DT wandering/VBG gringos/NNS help/VBP themselves/PRP to/TO my/PRP$ cattle,/NNS whose/WP$ carcasses/NNS dot/VBP the/DT plain,/NN and/CC there/EX is/VBZ no/DT law/NN and/CC no/DT relief./NN The/DT scoundrels/NNS have/VBP driven/VBN me/PRP to/TO the/DT verge/NN of/IN insolvency./VBG Indeed,/IN I/PRP ride/VBP today/RB to/TO call/VB upon/IN Johann/NNP Sutter/NNP for/IN the/DT purpose/NN of/IN negotiating/VBG a/DT loan/NN upon/IN my/PRP$ lands./NN He/PRP will/MD drive/VB a/DT hard/JJ bargain.""If/NN it/PRP is/VBZ permitted/VBN to/TO ask/VB the/DT question,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP what/WP is/VBZ the/DT amount/NN of/IN this/DT loan/NN you/PRP seek?""Ten/VBP thousand/CD dollars.""And/CC the/DT security?""A/NN first/JJ mortgage/NN upon/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Land/NNP is/VBZ worth/JJ fifty/CD cents/NNS an/DT acre,/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP eight/CD square/JJ leagues./NN A/DT loan/NN of/IN ten/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS is/VBZ not/RB unreasonable.""How/JJ do/VB you/PRP purpose/NN repaying/VBG the/DT loan?"Apparently/RB that/IN aspect/NN of/IN the/DT matter/NN had/VBD not/RB occurred/VBN to/TO Don/NNP Jos$./NNP He/PRP pondered/VBD the/DT situation/NN now./RB "In/IN a/DT few/JJ years/NNS my/PRP$ lands/NNS will/MD be/VB worth/JJ a/DT dollar/NN an/DT acre,"/NN he/PRP suggested,/VBD "possibly/RB more./JJR I/PRP will/MD then/RB make/VB a/DT new/JJ mortgage/NN for/IN more/JJR money/NN and/CC repay/VB the/DT first/JJ loan."D'Arcy/NN rode/VBD on/IN in/IN silence/NN for/IN several/JJ minutes;/NNS from/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP shot/VBD sharp,/RB penetrating/JJ glances/NNS at/IN him./PRP Then:"Perhaps/RB Don/NNP Dermod/NNP seeks/VBZ a/DT sound/NN investment/NN for/IN his/PRP$ gold./NN For/IN the/DT present/NN I/PRP hear/VBP that/IN too/RB much/JJ gold/NN is/VBZ an/DT embarrassment./NN It/PRP may/MD be/VB stolen./DT But/CC he/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT strong/JJ fellow/NN who/WP carried/VBD away/RB the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico!""I/NNP will/MD investigate/VB your/PRP$ title,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP and/CC if/IN it/PRP appears/VBZ to/TO be/VB sound,/JJ I/PRP will/MD make/VB you/PRP the/DT loan./NN Under/IN the/DT Treaty/NNP of/IN Guadalupe/NNP Hidalgo/NNP the/DT government/NN of/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNP is/VBZ pledged/VBN to/TO guarantee/VB all/DT legitimate/JJ land/NN titles/NNS given/VBN during/IN the/DT Spanish/JJ and/CC Mexican/JJ r$gimes.""There/RB are/VBP some/DT spurious/JJ titles,/NN I/PRP admit,/VBP Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP winked;/, and/CC with/IN his/PRP$ tobacco-stained/JJ fingers/NNS made/VBD a/DT movement/NN as/IN of/IN one/CD who/WP counts/VBZ money./JJ "Since/IN the/DT land/NN had/VBD no/DT value,/NN the/DT gobernadores/NNS often/RB gave/VBD it/PRP to/TO their/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC favorites/NNS without/IN troubling/VBG to/TO have/VB the/DT home/NN governments/NNS certify/VBP the/DT grants./NNP But/CC I/PRP was/VBD careful./VBG Politics/NNS are/VBP productive/JJ of/IN enemies,/NN so/IN I/PRP had/VBD my/PRP$ title/NN certified/JJ and/CC duly/RB recorded.""I/JJ suppose/VBP I/PRP would/MD have/VB to/TO proceed/VB to/TO the/DT capitol/NN at/IN Monterey/NNP to/TO examine/VB the/DT archives.""You/NNS have/VBP a/DT good/JJ horse,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP You/PRP could/MD make/VB the/DT journey/NN and/CC return/NN in/IN two/CD weeks.""What/JJ rate/NN of/IN interest/NN is/VBZ customary/JJ on/IN such/JJ loans?"Don/NN Jos$/NNP threw/VBD up/RP both/DT hands/NNS in/IN an/DT attitude/NN of/IN indifference./NN It/PRP was/VBD beneath/IN his/PRP$ dignity/NN to/TO descend/VB to/TO such/JJ sordid/JJ details/NNS of/IN barter/NN and/CC trade./NN "If/IN I/PRP make/VBP the/DT loan,/NN I/PRP will/MD charge/VB you/PRP seven/CD percent.''"I/NNS am/VBP not/RB a/DT miser,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP The/DT Californian/NNP pulled/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ horse./NN "It/NN is/VBZ fortunate/JJ that/IN we/PRP met,"/VBD he/PRP declared/VBD grandiosely./VBG "Since/IN I/PRP know/VBP the/DT title/NN is/VBZ sound,/JJ I/PRP know/VBP also/RB that/IN you/PRP will/MD make/VB the/DT loan./NN You/PRP are/VBP not/RB a/DT man/NN to/TO make/VB idle/JJ promises./NN I/PRP will,/MD therefore,/RB return/VB to/TO my/PRP$ hacienda,/NN since/IN there/EX is/VBZ no/DT further/JJ reason/NN for/IN continuing/VBG my/PRP$ journey."/NN He/PRP considered/VBD the/DT matter/NN a/DT moment/NN longer./, "A/NNP favor/NN accepted/VBN is/VBZ a/DT favor/NN to/TO be/VB repaid./VBN We/PRP will/MD say/VB no/DT more/JJR of/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN which/WDT I/PRP first/RB spoke--that/DT of/IN a/DT royalty/NN on/IN the/DT gold/NN you/PRP have/VBP extracted/VBN from/IN my/PRP$ lands.""Thank/NN you./, I/PRP shall/MD have/VB the/DT mortgage/NN prepared/VBN in/IN Monterey/NNP and/CC within/IN a/DT month/NN I/PRP shall/MD call/VB at/IN your/PRP$ rancho/NN for/IN your/PRP$ signature/NN to/TO the/DT mortgage/NN and/CC the/DT promissory/JJ note,/NN and/CC deliver/VB to/TO you/PRP the/DT ten/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold.""I/JJ thank/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP did/VBD not/RB offer/VB to/TO shake/VB hands,/NN but/CC lifted/VBD his/PRP$ sombrero/NN with/IN all/PDT the/DT grace/NN of/IN the/DT born/VBN cavalier,/NNS wheeled/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC proceeded/VBD to/TO retrace/VB his/PRP$ steps./NN But/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN sat/VBD her/PRP$ horse,/NN facing/VBG D'Arcy,/NNP and/CC in/IN her/PRP$ eyes/NNS he/PRP saw/VBD a/DT helpless,/NN fury./NN "Yes,/IN gringo,/VBG you/PRP are/VBP cunning./RB You/PRP play/VBP your/PRP$ cards/NNS well/RB and/CC well/RB do/VB you/PRP read/VB the/DT weakness,/NN the/DT lack/NN of/IN business/NN acumen/NNS in/IN our/PRP$ people./NNS Some/DT day/NN you/PRP willown/MD the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP and/CC it/PRP will/MD have/VB cost/NN you/PRP ten/CD thousand/CD dollars./, Thou/NNP bandit!"His/. face/NN flamed/VBN scarlet./NN "Once,/IN it/PRP seems,/VBD I/PRP brought/VBD pain/NN to/TO your/PRP$ excellent/JJ father./NN I/PRP would/MD erase/VB the/DT memory/NN of/IN that/DT act/NN by/IN favoring/VBG him/PRP now.""I/RB know/VBP the/DT reason/NN for/IN this/DT kindness./NN It/PRP is/VBZ land--land!/JJ Your/PRP$ kind/NN are/VBP mad/JJ for/IN it./PRP You/PRP are/VBP brilliant/JJ and/CC prudent./JJ You/PRP look/VBP into/IN the/DT future/NN and/CC see/VB clearly,/JJ but/CC my/PRP$ father/NN looks/VBZ only/RB into/IN the/DT past./NN To/TO him/PRP tomorrow/NN is/VBZ always/RB another/DT day./NN You/PRP take/VBP advantage/NN of/IN his/PRP$ distress--and/NN when/WRB he/PRP cannot/MD pay/VB you,/IN you/PRP will/MD dispossess/VB him./NN That/DT is/VBZ the/DT reason/NN behind/IN this/DT magnificence./NN "That/NN is/VBZ not/RB true,/JJ Josepha./NNP I/PRP do/VBP this/DT thing/NN because/IN I/PRP love/VBP you!"Her/PRP lovely/JJ lips/NNS curled/VBN in/IN scorn./NN "You/PRP would/MD buy/VB your/PRP$ way/NN back/RB into/IN my/PRP$ good/JJ graces./NN So?""You/PRP are/VBP quite/RB wrong,/JJ but/CC there/EX shall/MD be/VB no/DT argument./NN It/PRP is/VBZ much/RB easier/JJR for/IN me/PRP to/TO find/VB the/DT title/NN to/TO your/PRP$ father's/NN rancho/NN defective./NN As/IN for/IN the/DT gold/NN I/PRP planned/VBD to/TO lend/VB him,/PRP know/VB that/IN to/TO earn/VB it/PRP I/PRP have/VBP done/VBN what/WP no/DT Californian/NNP has/VBZ ever/RB done./, I/PRP have/VBP labored/VBN for/IN it./PRP I/PRP have/VBP won/VBN it/PRP in/IN blinding/JJ sweat/NN and/CC weary/JJ muscles,/NNS in/IN coarse/JJ food,/NN in/IN heat/NN and/CC snowfall,/NN and/CC when/WRB at/IN night/NN I/PRP seek/VBP my/PRP$ rest/NN I/PRP find/VBP it/PRP on/IN a/DT bed/NN as/RB hard/RB as/IN your/PRP$ indictment./NN Since/IN you/PRP bade/VB me/PRP begone,/IN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB sought/VBN your/PRP$ favor./NN Nor/CC shall/MD I,/NNP for/IN I,/NNP too,/, come/VBN of/IN a/DT prideful/JJ race./NN From/IN those/DT we/PRP esteem/VBP our/PRP$ enemies,/NN we/PRP solicit/VB no/DT favors./NN I/PRP tell/VBP you/PRP I/PRP have/VBP labored--and/NN I/PRP planned/VBD a/DT labor/NN of/IN love.""I/NN am/VBP not/RB to/TO be/VB bought,/VBN like/IN a/DT steer/NN in/IN the/DT marketplace!/NN If/IN my/PRP$ harassed/JJ and/CC worried/JJ father/NN is/VBZ weak,/IN I/PRP am/VBP not./DT Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP will/MD lend/VB us/PRP the/DT money./NN His/PRP$ father/NN will/MD gladly/RB furnish/VB it!""If/IN you/PRP ask/VBP him,/PRP yes./. But/CC there/EX will/MD be/VB a/DT string/NN to/TO the/DT favor/NN he/PRP grants./VBD You/PRP will/MD marry/VB him!""Well?""I/PRP thought/VBD you/PRP were/VBD not/RB for/IN sale!"/NNS He/PRP lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat,/NN whirled/VBD Pathfinder/NNP and/CC rode/VBD from/IN her/PRP at/IN a/DT furious/JJ gallop./NN "Don/IN Dermod!"/NNP she/PRP called,/VB but/CC the/DT thud/NN of/IN hoofs,/NNS the/DT wild,/JJ rageful/JJ beating/NN of/IN the/DT blood/NN in/IN his/PRP$ brain,/NN stilled/VBD that/IN pleading/VBG call./NN So/IN she/PRP drew/VBD her/PRP rebozo/VB over/IN her/PRP$ face/NN to/TO hide/VB its/PRP$ pallor/NN and/CC the/DT tears/NNS that/IN flooded/VBD her/PRP$ eyes,/NN and/CC rejoined/VBD her/PRP$ father./NN "That/NN is/VBZ an/DT excellent/JJ fellow,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP observed/VBD sagely./JJ "It/NN is/VBZ true/JJ that/IN I/PRP was/VBD incensed/VBN with/IN him,/NN following/VBG that/DT affair/NN with/IN Romauldo/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ clandestine/JJ meeting/NN with/IN you,/JJ but--the/NN devil/NN drives./VBD One/PRP must/MD not/RB expect/VB too/RB much/JJ of/IN these/DT gringos./NNP They/PRP are/VBP here/RB and/CC we/PRP must/MD make/VB the/DT best/JJS of/IN their/PRP$ presence./NN Soon/RB they/PRP will/MD overrun/VB the/DT land/NN and/CC make/VB laws/NNS which/WDT we/PRP Californians/NNPS must/MD abide/VB by./DT Resentments/NNS will/MD profit/VB us/PRP nothing.""I/RB do/VBP not/RB like/VB him,/PRP my/PRP$ father."/VB Josepha's/NNP trembling/VBG tones/NNS belied/VBD her/PRP$ statement,/NN but/CC Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP never/RB given/VBN to/TO profound/JJ thought,/NNS waved/VBD her/PRP$ objection/NN aside./RB "We/PRP must/MD treat/VB him/PRP with/IN courtesy,/NN my/PRP$ daughter./NN He/PRP who/WP accepts/VBZ a/DT favor/NN must/MD be/VB prepared/VBN to/TO grant/VB one,/NNS and/CC the/DT grant/NN of/IN courtesy/NN is/VBZ a/DT small/JJ price/NN to/TO pay."/VB AS/IN D'ARCY/NNP rode/VBD south/RB and/CC night/RB overtook/VBD him,/RB more/RBR striking/JJ evidence/NN of/IN the/DT extent/NN of/IN the/DT gold-rush/NN presented/VBD itself./PRP Along/IN the/DT trail/NN leading/VBG into/IN the/DT north/NN the/DT gold-seekers/NNS were/VBD encamped/VBN so/RB thickly/RB that/IN D'Arcy/NNP often/RB rode/VBD for/IN miles/NNS in/IN the/DT steady/JJ light/NN cast/VBN by/IN their/PRP$ camp-fires./NN The/DT report/NN of/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN at/IN Shasta/NNP had/VBD within/IN a/DT few/JJ hours/NNS started/VBD a/DT new/JJ hegira./NN Men/NNS hailed/VBD him/PRP cheerily/RB and/CC besought/VBD news/NN of/IN the/DT new/JJ diggings;/NN around/IN the/DT camp-fires/NNS others/NNS cooked,/VBP lolled/VBN in/IN their/PRP$ blankets,/NN sang/VBD or/CC played/VBD harmonicas/NN and/CC concertinas./NN At/IN one/CD such/JJ jolly/JJ camp/NN D'Arcy/NNP halted/VBD for/IN the/DT night,/NN and/CC was/VBD invited/VBN to/TO share/VB a/DT rude/JJ meal;/NN while/IN Pathfinder,/NNP hobbled,/NNS grazed/VBD close/RB by,/IN his/PRP$ master/NN rolled/VBD himself/PRP in/IN the/DT saddle-blanket/NN and/CC slept/VBD out/RP under/IN the/DT stars./VBG He/PRP was/VBD in/IN Sacramento/NNP the/DT following/VBG afternoon/NN and/CC was/VBD amazed/VBN to/TO discover/VB that/IN it/PRP was/VBD now/RB a/DT city/NN of/IN several/JJ thousand/CD inhabitants./JJR A/DT rough-and-ready/JJ attempt/NN had/VBD been/VBN made/VBN to/TO lay/VB out/RP streets;/NN there/RB was/VBD an/DT alleged/JJ hotel/NN or/CC two/CD and/CC several/JJ large/JJ general/JJ stores,/NN but/CC of/IN churches,/JJ schools/NNS or/CC jail,/NN the/DT indispensable/JJ adjuncts/NNS of/IN civilization,/NNS there/EX were/VBD none./DT Men's/NNP minds/NNS were/VBD upon/IN material,/NNS not/RB spiritual/JJ matters;/NN there/EX were/VBD no/DT children,/NN and/CC life/NN was/VBD being/VBG lived/VBD much/RB too/RB swiftly/RB to/TO bother/VB with/IN guarding/VBG criminals/NNS or/CC to/TO pander/VB to/TO the/DT orderly/JJ processes/NNS of/IN the/DT law's/NN delay,/NN even/RB had/VBD there/RB been/VBN any/DT law./NN Saloons/NNS and/CC gambling-houses--the/DT latter/JJ combinedwith/NN dance-halls/NNS in/IN which/WDT a/DT few/JJ haggard/JJ Kanaka,/NNP Chilean/NNP and/CC native/JJ Californian/NNP girls/NNS sought/VBD further/JJ to/TO enliven/VB the/DT already/RB lively/JJ existence/NN of/IN the/DT miners--pre-dominated./NN Concord/NNP stage-coaches/NNS and/CC three-seated/JJ spring/NN wagons/NNS arrived/VBD from/IN or/CC departed/VBN to/TO the/DT principal/NN centers/NNS within/IN a/DT radius/NN of/IN a/DT hundred/CD miles./CD There/EX were/VBD short/JJ stretches/NNS of/IN wooden/JJ sidewalk/NN in/IN front/NN of/IN the/DT more/JJR pretentious/JJ establishments,/NN but/CC in/IN general/JJ men/NNS trudged/VBD ankle-deep/JJ in/IN the/DT dusty/JJ streets./NN Along/IN the/DT river-bank/NN barges,/RB small/JJ schooners,/NN sailing/NN launches,/NN and/CC paddle-wheel/NN steamers/NNS lay/VBD disgorging/VBG cargo,/IN their/PRP$ masters/NNS driven/VBN to/TO desperation/NN in/IN their/PRP$ efforts/NNS to/TO secure/VB labor./NN Convoys/NNS of/IN every/DT conceivable/JJ nature/NN continuously/RB were/VBD arriving/VBG and/CC departing;/NNS from/IN the/DT gambling-houses/NNS came/VBD the/DT never-ceasing/NN monotone/NN of/IN rattling/VBG poker/NN chips,/VBG the/DT hum/NN of/IN roulette/NN balls,/NN low/JJ voices,/NN drunken/JJ shouts,/NNS insane/JJ laughter,/NN feminine/NN squeals,/NN and/CC an/DT occasional/JJ pistol-shot./NN In/IN short,/VBG a/DT scene/NN of/IN confusion/NN and/CC joyous/JJ disorder/NN in/IN which/WDT a/DT curious/JJ sort/NN of/IN order/NN was/VBD apparent./DT After/IN putting/VBG Pathfinder/NNP up/RP in/IN a/DT feed/NN corral/NN and/CC paying/VBG heavily/RB for/IN his/PRP$ care/NN and/CC fodder/NN in/IN advance,/NN D'Arcy/NNP repaired/VBD to/TO the/DT principal/NN hotel./NN In/IN the/DT rude/JJ lobby/NN stood/VBD a/DT huge/JJ packing-case/NN with/IN a/DT slot/NN in/IN the/DT top,/JJ labeled/VBN on/IN the/DT side,/NN in/IN huge/JJ scrawling/NN letters:/NN "Post/NN Office."/NNP Through/IN the/DT slot/NN he/PRP dropped/VBD a/DT letter/NN which/WDT Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD entrusted/VBN to/TO him,/PRP then/RB breasted/VBD the/DT hotel/NN bar/NN at/IN the/DT earnest/NN solicitation/NN of/IN a/DT number/NN of/IN bearded,/NNS booted,/VBN red-shirted,/JJ armed/JJ miners/NNS he/PRP had/VBD never/RB met/VBN before,/IN and/CC had/VBD a/DT few/JJ drinks./NN From/IN this/DT excited/VBN company/NN he/PRP presently/RB ascertained/VBD the/DT location/NN of/IN the/DT agent/NN of/IN Wells/NNP Fargo/NNP &/CC Co.,/NNP and/CC called/VBD upon/IN him./PRP "Happy/JJ Camp?"/IN the/DT agent/NN queried./NNP "Yes,/NNP I've/NNP heard/VBD of/IN that/DT place./NN Rich,/NNP eh?/VBD How/WRB about/IN the/DT trails?""As/NNS good/JJ as/IN any/DT in/IN the/DT country/NN as/RB far/RB as/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP You/PRP can/MD travel/VB up-stream/RB along/IN the/DT sand-bars/NNS until/IN the/DT first/JJ rains./NN I/PRP purpose,/VBP however,/RB proposing/VBG to/TO all/DT the/DT miners/NNS in/IN the/DT district/NN that/IN we/PRP cease/VBP mining/VBG for/IN a/DT week/NN and/CC build/VB a/DT bridge/NN across/IN the/DT creek/NN at/IN a/DT spot/NN I/PRP have/VBP selected,/VBN and/CC then/RB cut/VB out/RP a/DT wagon/NN road/NN along/IN the/DT north/NN bank/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp./NNP We/PRP have/VBP a/DT growing/VBG population,/NN we/PRP are/VBP taking/VBG out/RP a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN gold/NN and/CC we/PRP require/VBP an/DT express/JJ and/CC stage/NN service.""I/NNS haven't/VBP got/VBD the/DT service/NN here/RB organized/VBN yet,"/IN the/DT agent/NN replied./NNP "And/CC none/NN of/IN the/DT camps/NNS are/VBP helping/VBG to/TO improve/VB the/DT rough/JJ trails./NN You're/IN the/DT first/JJ man/NN I've/NN met/VBD with/IN sufficient/JJ public/JJ spirit/NN to/TO pause/NN in/IN his/PRP$ fortune-hunting/JJ long/JJ enough/JJ to/TO do/VB a/DT public/JJ service./NN Get/VB your/PRP$ bridge/NN and/CC road/NN in,/NN and/CC we'll/NN establish/VBP the/DT service./NN The/DT camps/NNS are/VBP spreading/VBG northward/RB very/RB rapidly,/JJ and/CC it's/RB merely/RB a/DT question/NN of/IN time/NN and/CC money/NN until/IN we'll/NN have/VBP the/DT country/NN covered.""Meanwhile,/NN we/PRP have/VBP no/DT place/NN to/TO store/VB our/PRP$ gold,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP persisted./, "Better/NN melt/VB it/PRP into/IN ingots/NNS and/CC bring/VB it/PRP to/TO Sacramento./NNP I/PRP can/MD handle/VB it/PRP here/RB for/IN the/DT present.""It/NN will/MD have/VB to/TO be/VB protected/VBN from/IN the/DT gentlemen/NNS of/IN the/DT road.''The/NN agent/NN waved/VBD that/DT argument/NN aside./RB "There/RB aren't/RB any,/IN my/PRP$ friend./NN Justice/NN is/VBZ too/RB swift/JJ and/CC terrible./JJ The/DT unprotected/JJ state/NN of/IN the/DT miners/NNS makes/VBZ them/PRP a/DT unit/NN against/IN the/DT few/JJ wastrels/NNS who/WP might/MD consider/VB pillaging/VBG them/PRP should/MD opportunity/NN offer./NN Besides,/IN the/DT migration/NN from/IN the/DT underworld/NN has/VBZ not/RB yet/RB set/VBN in./NN I/PRP believe/VBP it/PRP would/MD be/VB impossible/JJ to/TO find/VB a/DT finer,/JJ cleaner,/NNS more/RBR honest/JJ type/NN of/IN human/JJ being/NN than/IN the/DT men/NNS in/IN the/DT California/NNP gold-fields/NNS today./, Even/RB the/DT gamblers/NNS play/VBP fair./, Of/IN course/NN the/DT others/NNS will/MD come,/VB but/CC by/IN that/DT time/NN our/PRP$ service/NN will/MD be/VB organized/VBN to/TO contend/VB with/IN them./PRP Armed/VBN men/NNS who/WP are/VBP expert/JJ shots/NNS will/MD guard/VB the/DT treasure/NN we/PRP engage/VBP to/TO deliver./VB Prepare/NNP the/DT road/NN for/IN us,/VBG my/PRP$ friend,/NN and/CC presently/RB we/PRP will/MD be/VB serving/VBG you."From/IN the/DT agent's/NN office/NN D'Arcy/NNP drifted/VBD from/IN one/CD saloon/NN and/CC gambling-house/NN to/TO the/DT other,/JJ fraternizing/NN with/IN whomsoever/WDT he/PRP met,/VBD gleaning/VBG news/NN of/IN new/JJ discoveries/NNS and/CC new/JJ methods/NNS of/IN mining./NN Piled/VBN along/IN the/DT river-bank/NN in/IN sad/JJ abandonment,/NN he/PRP found/VBD hundreds/NNS of/IN alleged/JJ gold-washing/NN machines,/VBD the/DT inventions,/NN for/IN the/DT most/JJS part,/NN of/IN Eastern/NNP geniuses/NNS who/WP had/VBD never/RB seen/VBN a/DT mine,/NN or/CC gold/NN in/IN its/PRP$ raw/JJ state./NN From/IN a/DT schooner/NN captain/NN he/PRP learned/VBD that/IN the/DT water-front/NN of/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP was/VBD littered/VBN with/IN similar/JJ impractical/JJ contraptions,/NN and/CC after/IN dinner/NN his/PRP$ backing/NN was/VBD sought/VBN by/IN an/DT old/JJ man/NN with/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN a/DT visionary/NN who/WP exhibited/VBD to/TO him/PRP a/DT weird/JJ combination/NN of/IN dials/NNS and/CC magnets/NNS which,/WDT when/WRB held/VBN pointed/VBD toward/IN the/DT ground/NN and/CC used/VBN in/IN conjunction/NN with/IN certain/JJ necromantic/JJ incantations,/NN upon/IN occasions/NNS controlled/VBN by/IN the/DT sun,/NN moon/NN and/CC stars,/NNS would/MD report/VB infallibly/RB the/DT presence/NN or/CC non-presence/NN of/IN gold/NN in/IN any/DT formation./NN Another/DT genius/NN was/VBD loudly/RB proclaiming/VBG ability/NN to/TO detect/VB gold/NN by/IN means/NNS of/IN a/DT forked/JJ hazel/NN stick/NN resembling/VBG an/DT isosceles/NNS triangle,/IN the/DT forks/NNS to/TO be/VB held/VBN in/IN each/DT hand,/NN horizontally,/NN with/IN the/DT point/NN of/IN the/DT triangle/NN to/TO the/DT front./NN The/DT spending/NN of/IN the/DT miners/NNS was/VBD prodigal/JJ beyond/IN D'Arcy's/NNP imagination./NN A/DT pinch/NN of/IN gold-dust/NN was/VBD popularly/RB assumed/VBN to/TO be/VB worth/JJ a/DT dollar,/NN a/DT small/JJ whisky-glassful/NN was/VBD worth/JJ ten/CD dollars,/NNS a/DT tumblerful/JJ a/DT hundred./VBN Since/IN the/DT majority/NN of/IN the/DT miners/NNS were/VBD ignorant/JJ of/IN the/DT fact/NN that/IN gold/NN is/VBZ measured/VBN by/IN troy/NN weight/NN and/CC not/RB avoirdupois,/VB the/DT latter/JJ measure/NN of/IN weight/NN predominated/VBN to/TO the/DT greater/JJR profit/NN of/IN the/DT astute/NN purchasers./VBD In/IN a/DT gambling-house/NN he/PRP saw/VBD Romauldo/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS seated/VBN on/IN a/DT box/NN and/CC hunched/VBD over/IN a/DT table,/NN dealingMexican/NN monte./NN On/IN a/DT tin/NN plate/NN before/IN him/PRP lay/VBD a/DT pile/NN of/IN dull,/NNS yellow,/JJ coarse/JJ gold,/NN worth/NN perhaps/RB a/DT thousand/CD dollars./, Romauldo/NNP never/RB lifted/VBD his/PRP$ glance/NN from/IN the/DT table,/NN so/IN D'Arcy/NNP watched/VBD his/PRP$ enemy/NN for/IN two/CD hours,/NNS while/IN the/DT pile/NN of/IN gold/NN before/IN him/PRP grew/VBD perceptibly./RB At/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN that/DT time/NN D'Arcy/NNP decided,/, after/IN making/VBG careful/JJ mental/JJ computation,/NN that/IN Romauldo/NNP won/VBD seventy-five/CD percent/NN of/IN the/DT time./NN Evidently/RB a/DT similar/JJ realization/NN of/IN his/PRP$ opponent's/JJ luck/NN had/VBD begun/VBN to/TO percolate/VB through/IN the/DT alcoholic/JJ haze/NN in/IN the/DT brain/NN of/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT players,/NN for/IN suddenly,/JJ as/IN Romauldo/NNP shuffled/VBD the/DT cards/NNS to/TO deal/VB them/PRP again,/RB this/DT man/NN reached/VBD forth/RB and/CC plucked/VBD the/DT deck/NN from/IN the/DT dealer's/NNS hand./VBN Instantly/RB Romauldo/NNP rose,/VBD scooped/VBN the/DT plate/NN of/IN gold-dust/NN into/IN a/DT canvas/NN bag/NN that/WDT lay/VBD across/IN his/PRP$ knees,/NN bowed/VBD politely,/NNS and/CC said:/VBD "Buenos/NNS noches,/RB se$ores.""Spera!/RB "/'' the/DT miner/NN commanded./VBN "Un/RB minute!/JJ "/'' He/PRP was/VBD dealing/VBG the/DT deck/NN to/TO himself/PRP rapidly./RB "Here,/IN you/PRP scoundrel!/VBP There's/DT one/CD ace/NN missing."He/NN lurched/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ feet,/NNS reaching/VBG for/IN his/PRP$ pistol;/NN there/EX was/VBD a/DT crashing/VBG roar/NN from/IN Romauldo's/NNP pistol/NN and/CC the/DT miner/NN sagged/VBD back/RB again,/IN swayed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ chair/NN and/CC slipped/VBD to/TO the/DT floor,/NN while/IN Romauldo's/NNS weapon/NN swept/VBD the/DT circle/NN of/IN players/NNS in/IN a/DT menacing/NN arc./NN Then/RB he/PRP recovered/VBD the/DT deck/NN of/IN cards,/NN thrust/VBD the/DT bag/NN of/IN gold/NN inside/IN his/PRP$ shirt,/NN drew/VBD another/DT pistol/NN and/CC backed/VBD swiftly/RB out/IN of/IN the/DT house,/NN covering/VBG everybody/NN as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so./. And/CC then,/JJ for/IN the/DT first/JJ time,/NN he/PRP saw/VBD D'Arcy,/NNP and/CC flashed/VBD his/PRP$ white/JJ teeth/NNS in/IN an/DT evil/JJ smile./NN D'Arcy's/NNP eyes/NNS held/VBD his./PRP Suddenly/RB Romauldo's/NNP savoir-faire/NN broke;/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN came/VBD up/RB and/CC as/IN D'Arcy/NNP threw/VBD himself/PRP flat/JJ on/IN the/DT floor/NN a/DT bullet/NN sang/VBD by/IN his/PRP$ cheek./NN But/CC he/PRP was/VBD behind/IN the/DT table/NN now,/, the/DT other/JJ players/NNS shielding/VBG him/PRP from/IN sight,/NN so,/NN between/IN the/DT legs/NNS of/IN the/DT table/NN and/CC the/DT legs/NNS of/IN one/CD of/IN these/DT men,/NNS he/PRP fired/VBD twice/RB as/IN Romauldo/NNP backedout/NN of/IN the/DT door./NN He/PRP saw/VBD one/CD of/IN Romauldo's/NNP legs/NNS buckle/NN under/IN him/PRP for/IN an/DT instant;/NN then/RB the/DT door/NN closed./VBD D'Arcy/NNP rose/VBD to/TO follow,/VB but/CC the/DT players/NNS seized/VBD him./PRP "Don't,"/IN they/PRP implored./VBZ "That/IN greaser'll/RB get/VB you/PRP the/DT minute/NN you/PRP open/RP the/DT door./NN Try/VB the/DT back/NN way."/NN They/PRP indicated/VBD a/DT side/NN door/NN to/TO him./PRP He/PRP leaped/VBD for/IN it,/PRP emerged/VBD in/IN a/DT vacant/JJ lot/NN and/CC ran/VBD around/RB toward/IN the/DT front./NN Half/NN a/DT block/NN down/IN the/DT street/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero,/NNP mounted,/NN was/VBD galloping/VBG furiously,/JJ while/IN men/NNS scurried/VBD out/IN of/IN his/PRP$ way./NN "Too/RB late,"/RB D'Arcy/NNP muttered./, "If/IN I/PRP miss/VBP him/PRP I/PRP may/MD kill/VB some/DT innocent/JJ man."/NN He/PRP walked/VBD to/TO the/DT front/JJ door/NN and/CC from/IN there/RB followed/VBD a/DT trail/NN of/IN blood/NN to/TO a/DT point/NN where/WRB he/PRP had/VBD observed/VBN a/DT horse/NN standing/VBG earlier/RB in/IN the/DT evening./NN "Well,/NN I've/NN put/VBD my/PRP$ mark/NN on/IN the/DT scoundrel,/NN at/IN any/DT rate,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD and/CC returned/VBD to/TO the/DT gambling/NN table./NN Romauldo's/NNP victim/NN was/VBD dead./VBN Nobody/NN knew/VBD him/PRP and/CC nobody/NN was/VBD interested/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ demise,/NN beyond/IN expressing/VBG a/DT few/JJ perfunctory/JJ regrets/NNS at/IN the/DT suddenness/NN of/IN its/PRP$ arrival./NN The/DT barkeeper/NN and/CC a/DT miner/NN who/WP volunteered/VBD to/TO help/VB him/PRP removed/VBN the/DT body/NN to/TO the/DT vacant/JJ lot/NN outside/IN and/CC laid/VBD it/PRP on/IN the/DT grass,/NN while/IN inside/IN men/NNS discussed/VBD the/DT affray./NN D'Arcy/NNP said/VBD nothing./DT He/PRP was/VBD suddenly/RB ill,/JJ depressed/VBN by/IN a/DT feeling/NN that,/IN because/IN once/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN weak/JJ enough/RB to/TO permit/VB the/DT killer/NN to/TO survive,/NN he/PRP was/VBD morally/RB responsible/JJ now/RB for/IN the/DT death/NN of/IN this/DT unknown/JJ miner./NN He/PRP left/VBD the/DT gambling-house/NN and/CC returned/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ room/NN at/IN the/DT hotel,/NN where/WRB he/PRP slept/VBD on/IN the/DT floor/NN in/IN company/NN with/IN half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN others./NNP In/IN the/DT morning/NN he/PRP purchased/VBD several/JJ flasks/NNS of/IN quicksilver/NN and/CC departed/VBD for/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP At/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP he/PRP paused/VBD long/RB enough/JJ to/TO buy/VB half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN stiff,/JJ dry,/NN cattle/NNS hides,/, which/WDT Don/NNP Jos$/NNP engagedto/VBD deliver/VB to/TO him/PRP by/IN pack-horse/NN next/JJ day,/NN and/CC then,/DT declining,/NN Don/NNP Jane's/NNP invitation/NN to/TO remain/VB for/IN luncheon,/NN rode/VBD away./RB He/PRP had/VBD not/RB seen/VBN Josepha/NNP during/IN his/PRP$ visit,/NN nor/CC had/VBD he/PRP begged/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP to/TO present/VB his/PRP$ compliments/NNS to/TO her./PRP$ He/PRP was/VBD greeted/VBN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP by/IN Bejabers,/NNP it/PRP being/VBG his/PRP$ day/NN at/IN housekeeping./NN "Glad/NN you're/PRP back,/RB Dermod,"/NNP he/PRP announced./VBD "We/PRP got/VBD to/TO have/VB a/DT meetin'/NN of/IN our/PRP$ company/NN tomorrow/NN mornin'/NN and/CC try/VB the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP for/IN malfeasance/NN in/IN office,/NN rebellion,/NN layin'/VBD off/RP work/NN and/CC bein'/NN drunk/NN and/CC disorderly./NN I/PRP knew/VBD that/DT whisky/NN pedler/NN would/MD bust/VB up/RP our/PRP$ happy/JJ home."D'Arcy/NN looked/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ friend/NN in/IN whimsical/JJ interrogation./NN "The/DT minute/NN they/PRP found/VBD out/IN you/PRP was/VBD gone,"/VBN Bejabers/NNP continued,/NN "them/IN two/CD declared/VBD for/IN a/DT vacation./NN As/IN next/JJ in/IN command,/NN they/PRP asked/VBD me/PRP to/TO declare/VB a/DT dividend/NN on/IN the/DT company's/NN gold./NN You/PRP know/VBP what/WP I/PRP told/VBD 'em!/PRP So/IN they/PRP cussed/VBD a/DT little/JJ and/CC went/VBD over/IN to/TO that/DT grog/NN shop/NN to/TO wash/VB down/IN their/PRP$ sorrows./NN When/WRB they/PRP didn't/VBD come/VBN in/IN for/IN dinner,/NN I/PRP went/VBD over/RP to/TO investigate/VB and/CC found/VB them/PRP treatin'/VB all/DT hands/NNS and/CC payin'/NN for/IN it/PRP in/IN coarse/JJ gold./NN "While/IN I'm/PRP there/EX they/PRP spend/VBP a/DT hundred/CD dollars/NNS if/IN they/PRP spend/VBP a/DT cent,/NN and/CC as/IN I'm/NNP naturally/RB curious/JJ to/TO know/VB how/WRB come/VBN they/PRP got/VBD that/IN much/JJ gold/NN in/IN their/PRP$ possession,/NN I/PRP wait/VBP until/IN they're/DT mighty/JJ drunk/JJ and/CC ask/VB 'em./PRP So/RB they/PRP tell/VBP me/PRP they/PRP found/VBD a/DT pocket/NN on/IN the/DT Bart's/NNP claim./NN This/DT they/PRP panned/VBD special,/JJ neglectin'/NN to/TO throw/VB that/DT rich/JJ dirt/NN into/IN the/DT flume,/NN as/IN per/IN agreement./NN They/PRP been/VBN holdin'/VBG out/RP on/IN their/PRP$ pardners,/NNS that's/IN what.""What/WP have/VBP you/PRP done/VBN about/IN it/PRP thus/RB far,/RB Bejabers?""I've/VB hove/VBP 'em/PRP out/IN of/IN the/DT nest/NN and/CC refused/VBD to/TO feed/VB 'em./PRP No/DT workee/NN no/DT eatee,/NN as/IN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP says./VBZ So/RB they/PRP been/VBN buyin'/NN canned/VBN goods/NNS and/CC hardtack/NN at/IN the/DT generalstore,/NN although/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP they/PRP don't/VBP take/VB any/DT time/NN off/RP to/TO speak/VB of/IN in/IN order/NN to/TO eat./DT Liquid/NN nourishment's/VBD their/PRP$ long/JJ suit.""'Where/NN do/VBP they/PRP sleep?""'Where/VB their/PRP$ legs/NNS fail/VBP 'em.""What/. got/VBD them/PRP started/VBN on/IN the/DT road/NN to/TO ruin?"Bejabers/NNS scratched/VBN his/PRP$ ingenious/JJ head./NN "Well,/IN I/PRP got/VBD to/TO admit/VB they/PRP had/VBD a/DT sound/JJ reason/NN for/IN startin'./VBG This/DT here/RB feller/VBN with/IN the/DT portable/JJ sawmill's/NNS been/VBN sawin'/JJ lumber/NN day/NN and/CC night,/NN and/CC as/RB fast/RB as/IN he/PRP saws/VBZ it/PRP the/DT feller/NN that/WDT aims/VBZ to/TO open/VB the/DT dance-hall's/NNS been/VBN knockin'/IN the/DT dance-hall/NN together./. The/DT night/NN after/IN you/PRP left/VBD we/PRP had/VBD the/DT grand/JJ openin'/NN and/CC for/IN that/DT first/JJ night/NN all/DT drinks/NNS was/VBD on/IN the/DT house.""Who/NN did/VBD the/DT dancing?/NN Are/VBP there/RB girls/NNS in/IN camp?""Nary/NN gal./NN We/PRP started/VBD off/RP with/IN hornpipes/NNS and/CC jigs;/RB then/RB somebody/NN yelled/VBD for/IN a/DT Virginia/NNP reel,/NN so/IN a/DT lot/NN o'/IN fellers/NNS tied/VBN red/JJ sashes/NNS around/IN their/PRP$ middles/NNS and/CC acted/VBD as/IN ladies,/NNS and/CC we/PRP cut/VBD her/PRP loose./, I/PRP was/VBD one/CD o'/IN the/DT ladies,/NN and/CC Poppy/NNP and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP was,/VBD too./TO Of/IN course,/NN after/IN every/DT dance/NN the/DT gents/NNS had/VBD to/TO treat/VB the/DT ladies---and/NN while/IN I/PRP kept/VBD a/DT grip/NN on/IN myself/PRP and/CC tried/VBD to/TO keep/VB the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP within/IN bounds,/NN they/PRP got/VBD away/RB from/IN me."/NNS Bejabers/NNP sighed/VBD at/IN the/DT sad/JJ recollection./NN "Are/IN they/PRP still/RB on/IN their/PRP$ spree?""No,/NN they're/DT busted/JJ and/CC sober,/JJ but/CC too/RB shaky/JJ to/TO work,/VB even/RB if/IN I'd/NNP let/VB 'em,/, which/WDT I/PRP wouldn't./MD Last/RB night,/VB this/DT mornin'/NN and/CC at/IN noon/NN today/NN I/PRP made/VBD 'em/PRP eat/VB outside/RB on/IN a/DT stump,/NN like/IN a/DT pair/NN o'/IN tramps./VBG The/DT Bart's/NNP cussin'/NN and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP cryin',/, but/CC if/IN we're/NN to/TO have/VB law/NN and/CC order/NN while/IN I'm/NNP the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/JJ Camp,/NNP we/PRP got/VBD to/TO maintain/VB it.""Very/DT well,/NNS we'll/MD dissolve/VB partnership/NN with/IN those/DT two/CD in/IN the/DT morning."The/NN disgraced/VBN ones/NNS were/VBD not/RB permitted/VBN to/TO occupy/VB thecabin/RB that/IN night/NN and/CC were/VBD forced/VBN to/TO build/VB a/DT fire/NN and/CC sleep/NN in/IN the/DT open./NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP solemnly/RB set/VBD their/PRP$ dinner/NN and/CC breakfast/NN outside/NN on/IN a/DT tree/NN stump/NN and/CC later/RB delivered/VBN to/TO them/PRP a/DT letter/NN from/IN D'Arcy,/NNP summoning/VBG them/PRP to/TO a/DT meeting/NN of/IN the/DT company/NN immediately/RB after/IN breakfast./NN It/PRP was/VBD a/DT weary,/JJ unhappy,/JJ and/CC bleary/JJ duo/NN that/WDT faced/VBD the/DT jury/NN of/IN their/PRP$ peers./VBP D'Arcy/NNP read/VBD the/DT indictment,/NN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD drawn/VBN up/IN the/DT night/NN before/IN and/CC which/WDT the/DT witnesses/NNS had/VBD signed./VBN "Do/IN you/PRP plead/VB guilty/JJ or/CC not/RB guilty?"/NN he/PRP demanded/VBD of/IN them./DT They/PRP pleaded/VBD guilty,/JJ but/CC advanced/JJ extenuating/NN circumstances/NNS for/IN their/PRP$ lapse/NN to/TO inebriety./DT "You're/NN not/RB being/VBG tried/VBN for/IN that,"/DT D'Arcy/NNP reminded/VBD them./PRP "This/DT is/VBZ a/DT cooperative/JJ company/NN and/CC you/PRP two/CD have/VBP operated/VBN on/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ to/TO the/DT tune/NN of/IN several/JJ hundred/CD dollars'/NNS worth/JJ of/IN community/NN gold.""We'll/NN not/RB do/VB it/PRP again,/RB Dermod,/NNP me/PRP boy,"/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP promised/VBD lightly./NN "Deduct/NN it/PRP from/IN our/PRP$ share/NN of/IN the/DT gold/NN we/PRP are/VBP justly/RB entitled/VBN to,"/TO Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP suggested./VBZ But/CC D'Arcy/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "You've/NN violated/VBD your/PRP$ contract/NN with/IN those/DT who/WP have/VBP befriended/VBN you/PRP and/CC fed/VBD you/PRP and/CC housed/VBD you/PRP and/CC placed/VBD you/PRP in/IN the/DT way/NN of/IN making/VBG an/DT independent/JJ fortune./NN Therefore,/RB you/PRP must/MD withdraw/VB from/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP I/PRP have/VBP weighed/VBN our/PRP$ gold,/NN cast/VBD up/RP our/PRP$ accounts,/NN and/CC arrived/VBD at/IN a/DT balance./NN The/DT record/NN is/VBZ open/JJ for/IN your/PRP$ inspection.""To/NN the/DT devil/NN with/IN it!"/PRP$ the/DT Bart/NNP cried/VBD in/IN agony./DT "My/JJ people/NNS have/VBP known/VBN your/PRP$ people/NNS for/IN centuries,/NN and/CC there/EX was/VBD never/RB a/DT dishonest/NN D'Arcy."Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP said/VBD he/PRP knew/VBD nothing/NN of/IN accounting/NN and/CC was/VBD willing/JJ to/TO accept/VB D'Arcy's/NNP figures./POS "Here/EX is/VBZ your/PRP$ share/NN of/IN the/DT gold,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP replied,/NN and/CC handed/VBD each/DT of/IN them/PRP a/DT bag/NN of/IN it./DT "You/NNS may,/MD ofcourse,/RB continue/VB to/TO work/VB your/PRP$ claims,/NN but/CC I/PRP warn/VBP you/PRP not/RB to/TO use/VB our/PRP$ flume.""Then,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP suggested/VBD humbly,/RB "why/VB not/RB remove/VB it/PRP from/IN our/PRP$ claims?/NN It/PRP runs/VBZ across/IN them.""Perhaps/PRP$ you/PRP two'd/MD better/RB sell/VB out/RP to/TO us/PRP before/IN I/PRP kill/VBP two/CD or/CC three/CD of/IN you,"/PRP$ the/DT killer/NN McCready/JJ suggested/VBD in/IN a/DT flat/JJ level/NN tone./NN "That's/RB good/JJ logic,"/NN the/DT other/JJ killer,/NN Judson,/NNP suggested./VBD "In/JJ case/NN of/IN a/DT showdown/NN I/PRP want/VBP this/DT here/RB renegade/NN preacher/NN for/IN my/PRP$ victim."There/EX was/VBD no/DT further/JJ argument./NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP said/VBD he/PRP thought/VBD each/DT of/IN their/PRP$ claims/NNS was/VBD worth/JJ a/DT thousand/CD dollars;/NNS the/DT Bart/NNP agreed./VBD D'Arcy/NNP weighed/VBD out/RP the/DT gold,/NN and/CC the/DT pair/NN departed/VBD for/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Dance-Hall,/NNP after/IN giving/VBG a/DT bill/NN of/IN sale/NN for/IN their/PRP$ claims./NN "Now,/IN then,"/DT D'Arcy/NNP announced/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ fellows,/NN "it's/NNS against/IN the/DT regulations/NNS of/IN the/DT district/NN for/IN one/CD man/NN or/CC one/CD company/NN to/TO own/VB more/JJR than/IN one/CD claim/NN per/IN man./NN Therefore,/IN we/PRP shall/MD all/DT abandon/VB our/PRP$ claims/NNS and/CC concentrate/NN on/IN the/DT claims/NNS of/IN the/DT dear/JJ departed./NN No/DT man/NN may/MD jump/VB our/PRP$ abandoned/VBN claims/NNS until/IN after/IN the/DT expiration/NN of/IN thirty/CD days,/NN and/CC before/IN the/DT expiration/NN of/IN that/DT period/NN we/PRP will/MD restore/VB our/PRP$ title/NN by/IN commencing/VBG work/NN on/IN them/PRP again.""You/RB mean/VBP we/PRP got/VBD to/TO make/VB the/DT dirt/NN fly/VBP and/CC clean/JJ up/IN them/PRP two/CD claims/NNS in/IN thirty/CD days?""If/NN possible,/NN Bejabers,/IN we/PRP must/MD clean/VB up/RP the/DT sand-bar./NN Later,/RB when/WRB we/PRP turn/VB the/DT channel/NN of/IN the/DT stream,/NN we'll/NN mine/NN that/IN portion/NN of/IN the/DT claims/NNS that/WDT lies/VBZ submerged./VBN And,/NNP by/IN the/DT way,/NN while/IN I/PRP was/VBD in/IN Sacramento/NNP I/PRP learned/VBD of/IN some/DT improved/VBN methods/NNS of/IN mining/NN this/DT tough,/JJ blue/JJ auriferous/JJ clay/NN that/WDT lies/VBZ on/IN bed-rock/NN beneath/IN the/DT gravel./JJS We/PRP must/MD work/VB fast,/RB hence/RB we/PRP must/MD employ/VB advanced/VBN methods./RP I'll/NNP build/VBP new/JJ equipment/NN today."He/VBN did./RP From/IN the/DT local/JJ sawmill/NN man/NN he/PRP purchased/VBD lumber/NN and/CC built/VBD what/WP was/VBD known/VBN in/IN those/DT days/NNS as/IN a/DT "Long/NNP Tom."/NNP This/DT consisted/VBD of/IN a/DT shallow/JJ trough/NN about/IN eighteen/CD inches/NNS wide/JJ and/CC increasing/VBG in/IN width/NN toward/IN the/DT end./VBN This/DT Long/NNP Tom/NNP he/PRP set/VBD under/IN the/DT flow/NN of/IN water/NN from/IN his/PRP$ flume,/NN so/RB that/IN a/DT continuous/JJ stream,/NN flowing/VBG swiftly,/RB passed/VBN over/IN it/PRP and/CC through/IN a/DT screen/NN at/IN the/DT lower/JJR end./VBN This/DT screen/NN D'Arcy/NNP made/VBD from/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT dried/JJ bullock/NN hides,/NNS which/WDT a/DT vaquero/NN from/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP delivered/VBD late/RB that/IN day,/NN by/IN punching/VBG half-inch/JJ holes/NNS in/IN it./PRP$ A/NNP shallow/NN box/NN placed/VBN below/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT Long/NNP Tom/NNP had/VBD wooden/JJ cleats,/RB evenly/RB spaced,/JJ nailed/VBN across/IN it,/, and/CC was/VBD open/JJ at/IN its/PRP$ lower/JJR end./NN In/IN these/DT cleats/NNS or/CC riffles,/JJ D'Arcy/NNP placed/VBD quicksilver/NN to/TO catch/VB the/DT fine/JJ gold/NN which/WDT otherwise/RB would/MD have/VB been/VBN lost./VBN When/WRB the/DT men/NNS of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP made/VBD their/PRP$ first/JJ clean-up/JJ at/IN sunset/NN of/IN that/DT first/JJ day's/NNS operations,/VBP the/DT wisdom/NN of/IN the/DT new/JJ method/NN was/VBD manifest./VBG In/IN addition/NN to/TO more/JJR coarse/JJ gold/NN and/CC tiny/JJ nuggets/NNS than/IN they/PRP had/VBD recovered/VBN in/IN a/DT week/NN of/IN their/PRP$ previous/JJ operations,/NN they/PRP had/VBD a/DT double/JJ handful/NN of/IN a/DT grayish,/JJ puttylike/JJ amalgam./NN D'Arcy/NNP heated/VBN this/DT in/IN a/DT tiny/JJ retort/NN borrowed/VBN from/IN a/DT neighbor,/NN whereupon/IN the/DT quicksilver/NN evaporated/VBD into/IN a/DT water-cooled/JJ coil/NN and/CC was/VBD condensed/VBN for/IN use/NN again/RB next/IN day./NN The/DT residue/NN was/VBD virgin/JJ gold./NN From/IN daylight/NN until/IN twilight/VBG the/DT partners/NNS toiled,/VBP begrudging/VBG the/DT brief/JJ periods/NNS they/PRP allowed/VBD themselves/PRP for/IN meals./PRP Returning/VBG from/IN their/PRP$ labors/NNS at/IN night,/NN it/PRP was/VBD their/PRP$ custom/NN to/TO drop/VB in/IN at/IN the/DT local/JJ dance-hall/NN and/CC saloon/NN for/IN a/DT few/JJ drinks/NNS and/CC the/DT exchange/NN of/IN the/DT creek/NN gossip/NN with/IN neighbors/NNS as/RB weary/JJ as/IN themselves./PRP At/IN such/JJ meetings/NNS D'Arcy/NNP seized/VBD the/DT opportunity/NN to/TO tell/VB the/DT miners/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ conversation/NN with/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP agent/NN of/IN Wells/NNP Fargo/NNP &/CC Company./NNP He/PRP impressedupon/VBZ them/PRP the/DT necessity/NN for/IN contact/NN with/IN the/DT outside/JJ world,/NN of/IN an/DT express/JJ service/NN that/WDT would/MD insure/VB the/DT safe/JJ and/CC regular/JJ delivery/NN of/IN their/PRP$ gold/NN to/TO market./NN By/IN degrees/NNS his/PRP$ propaganda/NN commenced/VBD to/TO take/VB effect;/NN eventually/RB he/PRP secured/VBD promises/NNS from/IN every/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT creek/NN to/TO cease/VB mining/NN on/IN the/DT first/JJ day/NN of/IN October/NNP and/CC turn/VB his/PRP$ efforts/NNS to/TO road-/NNS and/CC bridge-building./JJ The/DT prospect/NN of/IN a/DT much/RB more/RBR regular/JJ delivery/NN of/IN mail/NN when/WRB the/DT road/NN into/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP should/MD be/VB completed/VBN was/VBD the/DT principal/JJ incentive/NN of/IN the/DT miners/NNS to/TO cooperate./NN From/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN found/VBD Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ fellows/NNS at/IN the/DT dance-hall,/NN but/CC since/IN the/DT D'Arcy/NNP party/NN avoided/VBD them,/, the/DT former/JJ were/VBD without/IN news/NN of/IN the/DT Cannon/NNP activities./NN Indeed,/IN it/PRP was/VBD difficult/JJ to/TO keep/VB track/NN of/IN anybody,/NN for/IN the/DT ferment/NN of/IN unrest/NN was/VBD very/RB active./JJ Men/NN whose/WP$ claims/NNS along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP were/VBD yielding/VBG them/PRP rich/JJ returns/NNS sold/VBD them/PRP if/IN they/PRP could/MD or/CC casually/RB abandoned/VBN there/RB at/IN the/DT first/JJ whisper/NN of/IN richer/JJR ground/NN elsewhere./RB There/EX was/VBD no/DT claim-jumping/NN while/IN the/DT Goddess/NNP of/IN Fortune/NNP continued/VBD to/TO smile;/VB envy,/NN jealousy,/NN and/CC greed/NN were/VBD not;/JJ men/NNS rejoiced/VBD in/IN the/DT good/JJ luck/NN of/IN a/DT neighbor/NN and/CC gathered/VBD renewed/VBN confidence/NN in/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ luck/NN because/IN of/IN it./DT Presently/RB D'Arcy/NNP heard/VBD that/IN Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ men/NNS had/VBD pulled/VBN out/RP for/IN the/DT Shasta/NNP country/NN and/CC was/VBD relieved/VBN to/TO hear/VB it,/VBN for/IN while/IN Cannon/NNP remained/VBD on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP he/PRP could/MD not/RB divest/VB himself/PRP of/IN a/DT feeling/NN that/IN sooner/RBR or/CC later/RB a/DT decisive/JJ clash/NN would/MD occur/VB between/IN them./PRP On/IN the/DT twenty-ninth/JJ day/NN of/IN their/PRP$ operations/NNS on/IN the/DT claims/NNS of/IN the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP the/DT company/NN ceased/VBD work/NN on/IN them/PRP and/CC returned/VBD to/TO the/DT operation/NN of/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ claims./NN Other/JJ miners,/NNS observing/VBG the/DT abandoned/VBN claims,/NN jumped/VBD to/TO the/DT conclusion/NN that/IN they/PRP had/VBD been/VBN worked/VBN out/RB and/CC paid/VBD no/DT further/JJ attention/NN to/TO them./PRP That/DT day/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP labored/VBD until/IN past/JJ midnight/NN melting/VBG their/PRP$ gold/NN in/IN a/DT crucible/JJ and/CC pouring/VBG it/PRP into/IN ingots/NNS by/IN the/DT simple/JJ process/NN of/IN emptying/VBG the/DT molten/JJ metal/NN into/IN a/DT bucket/NN of/IN cold/JJ water./NN Then/RB they/PRP borrowed/VBD the/DT storekeeper's/NNS scales/NNS and/CC weighed/VBD their/PRP$ treasure./NN There/EX were/VBD no/DT debts/NNS owing/VBG by/IN the/DT company/NN except/IN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP for/IN his/PRP$ original/JJ financing,/NN and/CC this/DT sum/NN he/PRP now/RB deducted/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ calculations/NNS as/IN to/TO the/DT total/JJ value/NN of/IN the/DT gold/NN on/IN hand./NN When/WRB he/PRP had/VBD concluded/VBN his/PRP$ figuring/VBG he/PRP looked/VBD up/RP at/IN Bejabers./NNP "About/IN twenty-five/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS each--and/DT we/PRP haven't/VBP scratched/VBN our/PRP$ claims,"/NN he/PRP exulted./VBD "That's/NNP our/PRP$ reward/NN for/IN remaining/VBG on/IN our/PRP$ claims/NNS and/CC not/RB wandering/VBG around/RB like/IN the/DT lost/VBN tribes/NNS of/IN Israel,/NNP as/IN our/PRP$ neighbors/NNS do./VBP Bejabers,/IN if/IN we/PRP stick/VBP to/TO our/PRP$ program/NN the/DT finish/NN of/IN the/DT gold-rush/NN will/MD find/VB us/PRP all/DT rich,/JJ whereas/IN ninety/CD percent/NN of/IN the/DT gold-hunters/NNS will/MD retire/VB in/IN disillusion/NN and/CC disappointment."Bejabers/NNS nodded./VBD "Two/CD o'clock/RB in/IN the/DT mornin',"/NN he/PRP replied,/VBD "and/CC just/RB listen/VB to/TO the/DT racket/NN goin'/NN on/IN in/IN that/DT dance-hall!/NN Why,/IN it/PRP can't/MD take/VB care/NN o'/IN the/DT trade,/NN and/CC I/PRP hear/VBP two/CD more/JJR are/VBP comin'./DT We/PRP got/VBD four/CD more/JJR saloons/NNS and/CC nine/CD gamblin'-houses,/NNS and/CC all/DT that's/DT needed/VBN now/RB is/VBZ some/DT good-lookin'/JJ white/JJ women/NNS to/TO clean/VB up/RP the/DT rest/NN o'/IN the/DT gold/NN on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico."/NNP He/PRP glanced/VBD seriously/RB at/IN D'Arcy./NNP "Durn/NNP it,/, I/PRP wish/VBP they'd/DT come/VBN in/IN a/DT hurry,/NN Dermod./NNP I'm/NNP sure/JJ lonesome./RBR I/PRP hear/VBP there's/RB a/DT white/JJ woman/NN over/IN to/TO Rough/NNP and/CC Ready./NNP She's/NNP runnin'/NN a/DT hotel/NN there./DT The/DT first/JJ chance/NN I/PRP get/VBP I/PRP aim/VBP to/TO go/VB over/IN there/RB and/CC visit/VB with/IN her."D'Arcy/PRP disregarded/VBD his/PRP$ partner's/NNS vain/JJ repinings./, "The/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Poppy/NNP have/VBP pulled/VBN out,"/RP he/PRP said./VBD "They/PRP won't/MD go/VB far,/RB after/IN bein'/NN drunk/NN for/IN a/DT month./NN I/PRP hear/VBP Poppy/NNP had/VBD the/DT snakes/NNS last/JJ week./NN I/PRP reckon/VBP they're/DT both/DT broke/JJ by/IN now.""If/JJ Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP would/MD build/VB a/DT cabin,/NN stock/NN it/PRP up/RP with/IN a/DT few/JJ simple/JJ remedies/NNS and/CC surgical/JJ instruments/NNS and/CC hang/VB out/RP his/PRP$ shingle,/NN he'd/NN make/VBP a/DT fortune,/JJ Bejabers.""Nobody/NNP can/MD reform/VB a/DT fool./NN Dermod,/NNP what're/WP we/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO do/VB with/IN all/PDT this/DT gold?/NN A/DT few/JJ months/NNS ago/IN I/PRP wouldn't/MD have/VB worried/VBN about/IN leavin'/NN it/PRP in/IN the/DT cabin,/NN but/CC from/IN all/DT I/PRP hear/VBP 'tain't/PRP safe/JJ to/TO trust/VB strangers/NNS no/DT more./RBR I/PRP hear/VBP there's/RB a/DT regular/JJ organized/JJ gang/NN o'/IN cutthroats/NNS ridin'/VBN around/IN among/IN the/DT camps,/NN robbing/VBG returning/VBG miners/NNS and/CC stages,/NN shootin'/NN up/IN gamblin'-houses/NNS and/CC what-all./WP They/PRP tell/VBP me/PRP there's/TO a/DT young/JJ greaser/NN at/IN the/DT head/NN o'/IN this/DT gang.""Who/NN was/VBD telling/VBG you?""Feller/NNP that/IN come/VB up/RB from/IN Sacramento/NNP yesterday./NNP He's/NNP passin'/VBD the/DT word/NN to/TO look/VB out/RP for/IN this/DT outfit./NN The/DT greaser/JJR can/MD ride/VB and/CC shoot/VB one/CD hundred/CD percent/NN perfect/JJ and'll/CC take/VB a/DT chance/NN at/IN anything./DT He's/NNP got/VBD one/CD game/NN leg./. That/DT sounds/VBZ like/IN our/PRP$ young/JJ friend/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero./NNP You/PRP busted/VBD him/PRP in/IN the/DT leg/NN at/IN Sacramento,/NNP didn't/VBD you?""Yes,/PRP I'm/IN a/DT miserable/JJ shot./NN However,/RB to/TO get/VB back/RB to/TO business./DT Tomorrow/NN you,/, Judson,/NNP McCready/NNP and/CC I/PRP will/MD mount/VB our/PRP$ horses,/NNS take/VBP some/DT pack-mules/NNS and/CC go/VB down/RB to/TO Sacramento/NNP with/IN this/DT gold,/NN where/WRB we'll/JJ turn/NN it/PRP over/RP to/TO Wells/NNP Fargo/NNP &/CC Co./NNP to/TO be/VB sent/VBN to/TO the/DT United/NNP States/NNP Mint/NNP at/IN Philadelphia;/NNP that/IN is,/VBZ all/DT but/CC about/IN ten/CD thousand/CD dollars'/NNS worth/JJ I'm/IN going/VBG to/TO use/VB locally.""An/JJ investment?"D'Arcy/NN nodded./VBD Bejabers,/NNP looked/VBD curious,/RB but/CC it/PRP was/VBD alien/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ nature/NN to/TO ask/VB personal/JJ questions,/NN so/IN he/PRP was/VBD silent/JJ until/IN D'Arcy,/NNP unable/JJ longer/JJR to/TO bear/VB the/DT little/JJ man's/NN sufferings,/NN told/VBD him/PRP of/IN his/PRP$ plan/NN to/TO lend/VB ten/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS to/TO Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS to/TO be/VB secured/VBN by/IN a/DT mortgage/NN on/IN the/DT letter's/NNS ranch./NN "He'll/NNP never/RB pay/VBP it/PRP back,"/RB Bejabers/. protested./VBN He/PRP was/VBD scandalized./VBN "His/NNS kind/NN are/VBP honest/JJ enough./NN They'll/DT never/RB repudiate/VBP a/DT debt,/NN but/CC they'll/MD never/RB pay/VB it/PRP if/IN they/PRP can/MD renew/VB it/PRP and/CC keep/VB on/IN payin'/NN interest./NN Dermod,/NNP I/PRP don't/VBP regard/NN that/IN as/IN a/DT good/JJ investment.""The/NN best/RB investment/NN in/IN the/DT world,/NN my/PRP$ dear/JJ Bejabers./NNP When/WRB I'm/PRP through/IN mining/NN I'll/NN turn/NN my/PRP$ eye/NN to/TO other/JJ riches./JJR They/PRP lie/VBP down/RB in/IN the/DT valley./NN Why,/IN man,/NN in/IN days/NNS to/TO come,/VB the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP will/MD be/VB worth/JJ millions.""But/VBN you/PRP can't/MD foreclose/VB on/IN the/DT old/JJ man,/NN son./NN You're/RB in/IN love/NN with/IN his/PRP$ daughter./NN I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP are,/VBP son./NN I've/NN seen/VBN it/PRP in/IN your/PRP$ eyes.""There/NN is/VBZ no/DT sentiment/NN in/IN business,/NN Bejabers.""I/IN know/VBP it,/, but/CC there's/DT sentiment/NN in/IN you,/NNP so/IN you/PRP can't/MD do/VB business/NN that/IN way./DT You/PRP just/RB couldn't.""Well,/IN the/DT girl's/NNS given/VBN me/PRP the/DT mitten,/NN hasn't/IN she?""I/PRP reckon/VBP so,/JJ from/IN what/WP she/PRP said/VBD to/TO me,/VB but/CC even/RB if/IN she/PRP has/VBZ you/PRP ain't/IN the/DT sort/NN o'/IN man/NN to/TO make/VB war/NN on/IN a/DT woman.''"Well,/NN the/DT old/JJ man/NN wants/VBZ the/DT money/NN and/CC I'm/NN going/VBG to/TO oblige/VB him./PRP If/IN woe/NN results,/NN on/IN his/PRP$ head/NN be/VB it.""How/RB do/VB you/PRP know/VB his/PRP$ title's/NNS good?""I/JJ haven't/IN time/NN to/TO investigate/VB it,/IN Bejabers./NNP I'm/NNP going/VBG to/TO take/VB a/DT chance/NN that/IN it's/PRP good./VBZ The/DT old/JJ don/NN says/VBZ he/PRP had/VBD it/PRP recorded/VBD and/CC certified/JJ by/IN the/DT Mexican/NNP government,/NN which/WDT is/VBZ more/JJR than/IN can/MD be/VB said/VBN for/IN a/DT lot/NN of/IN these/DT old/JJ California/NNP land/NN grants,/NN if/IN half/NN I/PRP hear/VBP be/VB true./VBG Your/PRP$ native/JJ Californian/NNP is/VBZ not/RB a/DT very/RB thorough/JJ business/NN man.""What's/NNS Don/NNP Jos$/NNP goin'/NN to/TO do/VB with/IN the/DT ten/CD thousand?""Gamble/NN with/IN it,/PRP buy/VBP some/DT good/JJ wines/NNS and/CC liqueurs/NNS and,/CC perhaps,/RB get/VB himself/PRP a/DT black/JJ velvet/NN cloak/NN with/IN scarlet/JJ silk/NN lining./NN He'll/NNP probably/RB get/VB Josepha/NNP somenew/NN clothes,/NN too./. Then/RB he'll/RB ride/VB south/RB to/TO visit/VB his/PRP$ kin/NN and/CC dazzle/VB them/PRP with/IN a/DT display/NN of/IN wealth.""Ever/NN since/IN that/DT old/JJ razorback/NN shot/NN at/IN me/PRP I/PRP don't/VBP like/IN him,"/PRP Bejabers/. protested./. "I/PRP hate/VBP to/TO see/VB him/PRP enjoy/VB my/PRP$ pardner's/NNS money.""In/JJ days/NNS to/TO come/VB your/PRP$ partner/NN will/MD enjoy/VB his/PRP$ rancho./NN I'm/IN a/DT bucolic/JJ person,/NN Bejabers.""Whatever/IN that/DT means,/NN I/PRP hadn't/VBP noticed/VBN it.""I/PRP like/IN country/NN life./NN I'd/NN like/IN to/TO be/VB a/DT ranchero;/NN raise/NN fine/JJ cattle/NNS and/CC horses/NNS and/CC make/VB two/CD blades/NNS of/IN grass/NN grow/VBP where/WRB none/NN grew/VBD before./. Don/NNP Jos$/NNP owns/VBZ fifty/CD thousand/CD acres/NNS of/IN rich/JJ river-bottom/NN land./NN I/PRP covet/VBP it,/RB so/RB I/PRP have/VBP concluded/VBN to/TO get/VB my/PRP$ hands/NNS on/IN it/PRP before/IN he/PRP dissipates/VBZ it/PRP for/IN less/JJR money/NN to/TO somebody/NN else.""He's/RB bound/VBD to/TO go/VB under./NNP All/DT his/PRP$ people/NNS are./. The/DT American/NNP invasion'll/NN smother/NN them/PRP all./DT They/PRP ain't/VBP got/VBN enough/JJ business/NN sense/NN to/TO pound/VB sand/NN in/IN a/DT hole!""I/NN do/VBP not/RB care/VB to/TO see/VB it/PRP smother/VB Josepha./NNP I/PRP look/VBP into/IN the/DT future/NN and/CC see/VB the/DT shadow/NN of/IN misfortune/NN hovering/VBG over/IN her,/PRP$ Bejabers.""Oh!"/'' A/DT long/JJ silence./NN Then:/DT "You/NNS figure/VBP if/IN you/PRP get/VBP the/DT ranch/NN you/PRP can/MD induce/VB her/PRP to/TO marry/VB you?""I/PRP shall/MD never/RB ask/VB her./PRP She/PRP is/VBZ not/RB a/DT woman/NN to/TO be/VB bought/VBN like/IN a/DT fat/JJ steer."Bejabers/NNS disliked/VBD mysteries./PRP "Let's/RB turn/VB in,"/IN he/PRP suggested./VBD "What/RB with/IN the/DT burden/NN of/IN all/PDT this/DT here/RB wealth,/JJ I'm/NNP wore/VBD out."/RB FOR/IN a/DT week/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD been/VBN scratching/VBG his/PRP$ head/NN in/IN profound/JJ perplexity./NN His/PRP$ perturbation/NN had/VBD its/PRP$ genesis/NN in/IN the/DT receipt,/NN via/IN the/DT hand/NN of/IN a/DT mounted/VBD messenger,/NN of/IN a/DT letter/NN from/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa./NNP Nothing/NNP irritated/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP more/RBR than/IN the/DT receipt/NN of/IN a/DT letter,/NN for/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP like/IN many/JJ another/DT proud/JJ Hispano-Californian/JJ of/IN that/DT day/NN could/MD neither/RB read/VB nor/CC write;/VB and/CC when/WRB his/PRP$ friends,/NN who/WP were/VBD perfectly/RB well/RB aware/JJ of/IN this,/DT sent/VBN him/PRP a/DT letter,/NN he/PRP considered/VBD them/PRP a/DT little/JJ unkind,/JJ for/IN equally/RB well/RB they/PRP knew/VBD he/PRP must/MD ask/VB his/PRP$ daughter/NN to/TO read/VB the/DT letter/NN for/IN him--and/NN upon/IN occasion/NN there/RB are/VBP matters/NNS one/CD does/VBZ not/RB care/VB to/TO confide/VB in/IN one's/NNP daughter./NN For/IN a/DT week,/NN therefore,/, he/PRP suffered/VBD agonies/NNS of/IN apprehension,/NN carrying/VBG the/DT letter/NN about/IN with/IN him;/JJ then,/, with/IN the/DT fatalism/NN characteristic/NN of/IN his/PRP$ race,/NN suddenly/RB he/PRP handed/VBD it/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ daughter/NN and/CC bade/VB her/PRP acquaint/VB him/PRP with/IN its/PRP$ contents./NN It/PRP was/VBD a/DT courteous/JJ letter,/NN almost/RB ornate/JJ in/IN its/PRP$ expressions/NNS of/IN affection/NN and/CC solicitude,/VBD the/DT letter/NN of/IN a/DT diplomat./NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP said/VBD that/IN his/PRP$ son/NN Tomas/NNP was/VBD in/IN an/DT uncertain/JJ mental/JJ and/CC physical/JJ condition/NN due/JJ to/TO the/DT lax/JJ manner/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT arrangements/NNS for/IN his/PRP$ betrothal/JJ and/CC marriage/NN to/TO Josepha/NNP were/VBD being/VBG handled./VBN In/IN a/DT word,/NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP let/VBD it/PRP be/VB known/VBN that/IN he/PRP too/RB was/VBD weary/JJ of/IN the/DT inexplicable/JJ and/CC unnecessary/JJ delay,/NN and/CC unless/IN his/PRP$ messenger/NN could/MD bring/VB him/PRP Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP assurance/NN that/IN the/DT matter/NN would/MD move/VB forward/RB immediately,he,/JJ Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP must/MD reluctantly/RB decline/VB to/TO proceed/VB further/RB in/IN the/DT negotiations,/NN which/WDT once/RB abandoned/VBN could/MD not/RB be/VB resumed./VBN "It/RB is/VBZ your/PRP$ stubbornness,/NN your/PRP$ lack/NN of/IN obedience/NN to/TO the/DT lawful/JJ wishes/NNS of/IN your/PRP$ father,/NN that/WDT has/VBZ brought/VBN this/DT unpleasant/JJ demand/NN upon/IN me,"/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP complained/VBD to/TO Josepha./NNP "What/IN else/RB does/VBZ Don/NNP Emilio/NNP say?""He/NN says,"/VBZ the/DT girl/NN read/VBD calmly/RB on,/, "that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ aware/JJ that/IN affairs/NNS with/IN the/DT rancheros/NNS of/IN California/NNP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN going/VBG well/RB the/DT past/JJ few/JJ years/NNS due/JJ to/TO political/JJ disturbances,/NN and/CC for/IN that/DT reason/NN he/PRP is/VBZ willing/JJ that/IN the/DT subject/NN of/IN a/DT wedding-dowry/NN should/MD not/RB be/VB discussed./VBN He/PRP is/VBZ quite/RB agreeable/JJ to/TO any/DT sum/NN you/PRP may/MD mention.""Our/VB family/NN pride/NN could/MD not/RB possibly/RB permit/VB me/PRP to/TO consider/VB a/DT centavo/NN less/RBR than/IN ten/CD thousand/CD dollars."/NNS He/PRP pondered/VBD a/DT minute./NN "It/NN is/VBZ past/IN the/DT time/NN when/WRB Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP should/MD come/VB to/TO consummate/VB the/DT loan/NN I/PRP arranged/VBD with/IN him./PRP Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil!/NN His/PRP$ delay/NN embarrasses/NNS me.""He/PRP will/MD not/RB come,"/VB the/DT girl/NN informed/VBD her/PRP$ father/NN confidently./VBD "He/PRP has/VBZ changed/VBN his/PRP$ mind.""If/NN he/PRP has/VBZ he/PRP should/MD notify/VB me."/JJ Don/NNP Jos$/NNP was/VBD disturbed./VBN "I/NNP have/VBP had/VBN all/DT things/NNS prepared/VBD and/CC await/VB now/RB but/CC the/DT receipt/NN of/IN the/DT money./NN My/PRP$ daughter,/NN we/PRP can/MD no/RB longer/RB delay/VB your/PRP$ marriage./NN To/TO do/VB so/RB would/MD be/VB fatal.""I/JJ shall/MD not/RB wed/VBN with/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa."Don/NNP Jos$/NNP raised/VBD heavy/JJ eyes/NNS to/TO hers./RP His/PRP$ face/NN was/VBD cold/JJ and/CC a/DT bit/NN cruel./, "You/PRP will/MD obey/VB your/PRP$ father,"/NN he/PRP said,/VBD and/CC stalked/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT room./NNP To/TO disobey/VB was/VBD simply/RB not/RB done/VBN among/IN well-bred/JJ ladies;/NNS hence,/RB he/PRP considered/VBD that/IN by/IN morning/NN his/PRP$ daughter/NN would/MD have/VB considered/VBN from/IN every/DT angle/NN the/DT advantages/NNS of/IN an/DT alliance/NN with/IN the/DT heir/NN to/TO the/DT Espinosa/NNP acres/NNS and/CC be/VB in/IN a/DT tractable/JJ frame/NN of/IN mind./NN Alas,/NNP morning/NN found/VBD her/PRP as/IN recalcitrant/NN as/IN ever!/DT "I/NN will/MD give/VB you/PRP one/CD week/NN to/TO conform/VB to/TO my/PRP$ desires,"/NN her/PRP father/NN informed/VBD her/PRP furiously./RB "If/IN then/RB you/PRP are/VBP still/RB wilful/JJ you/PRP shall/MD be/VB locked/VBN up/RP until/IN you/PRP change/VBP your/PRP$ mind./NN Your/PRP$ father/NN knows/VBZ where/WRB your/PRP$ best/JJS interests/NNS lie./VBD Blood/NN of/IN the/DT devil!/NN Would/MD you/PRP be/VB an/DT old/JJ maid?""Rather/NN than/IN marry/VB Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP I/PRP would/MD enter/VB some/DT religious/JJ order./NN I/PRP would/MD wed/VBN myself/PRP to/TO our/PRP$ holy/JJ religion.""Bah!"/NN her/PRP father/NN replied/VBD rudely,/JJ and/CC fell/VBD to/TO thinking./DT "You/PRP love/VBP the/DT gringo,/NN D'Arcy?"'/NNP he/PRP challenged/VBD suddenly./RB "He/NNP has/VBZ told/VBN me/PRP that/IN he/PRP loves/VBZ me;/NN he/PRP has/VBZ asked/VBN me/PRP to/TO marry/VB him,/PRP but/CC mentioned/VBN no/DT particular/JJ time./NN I/PRP refused/VBD him./RP His/PRP$ nature/NN is/VBZ such/JJ that,/IN although/IN my/PRP$ heart/NN went/VBD out/RB to/TO him/PRP at/IN our/PRP$ first/JJ meeting,/NN I/PRP realize/VBP that/DT were/VBD I/PRP to/TO marry/VB him/PRP my/PRP$ love/NN in/IN time/NN would/MD perish."Don/RB Jos$/NNP took/VBD his/PRP$ daughter/NN in/IN his/PRP$ arms/NNS and/CC kissed/VBD her./PRP "You/RB have/VBP relieved/VBN me/PRP of/IN a/DT great/JJ worry;"/NN he/PRP declared./VBD "It/PRP is/VBZ high/JJ time/NN that/IN D'Arcy/NNP should/MD have/VB returned/VBN from/IN Monterey,/NNP whither/, he/PRP suggested/VBD going/VBG to/TO examine/VB into/IN the/DT title/NN to/TO the/DT rancho./NN Today/NN I/PRP shall/MD ride/VB to/TO his/PRP$ camp/NN on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO discuss/VB the/DT matter/NN again./RB Will/MD you/PRP ride/VB with/IN me,/JJ little/JJ dove?"Most/NN certainly,/IN my/PRP$ father./NN For/IN a/DT long/JJ time/NN I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN consumed/VBN with/IN curiosity/NN to/TO see/VB these/DT gringos/NNS at/IN their/PRP$ mining/NN operations."With/NN a/DT light/NN heart/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP summoned/VBD Patricio/NNP and/CC bade/JJ him/PRP prepare/VBP horses/NNS for/IN the/DT journey/NN immediately./VBD The/DT midday/NN meal/NN had/VBD been/VBN consumed/VBN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ partners/NNS were/VBD seated/VBN on/IN the/DT long/JJ bench/NN outside/IN their/PRP$ cabin/NN door/NN smoking,/NN when/WRB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter,/NN with/IN two/CD vaqueros/NNS following,/IN rode/VBD up./RP Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP rose/VBD on/IN the/DT instant./NN "Guess/IN we/PRP can/MD all/PDT finish/VB our/PRP$ noon-hour/NN rest/NN down/IN at/IN our/PRP$ claims,"/NN he/PRP suggested./VBD "Dermod's/NNP got/VBD company/NN comin'."/IN He/PRP walked/VBD away/RB followed/VBN by/IN the/DT others,/JJ and/CC D'Arcy/NNP rose/VBD to/TO greet/VB the/DT Guerreros,/NNP lifting/VBG his/PRP$ shabby/JJ hat/NN in/IN grave/JJ salutation./NN Since/IN she/PRP wanted/VBD nothing/NN that/IN he/PRP possessed/VBD Josepha/NNP favored/VBD him/PRP with/IN a/DT cool/JJ nod./NN He/PRP father's/VBD greeting,/JJ however,/, was/VBD more/RBR expansive./RBR "Ah,"/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP boomed/VBD unctuously./NNP "It/NNP is/VBZ a/DT pleasure/NN to/TO my/PRP$ old/JJ eyes/NNS to/TO behold/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP thought/VBD perhaps/RB you/PRP might/MD have/VB returned/VBN from/IN Monterey."/NNP He/PRP proffered/VBD his/PRP$ hand,/NN which/WDT D'Arcy/NNP received/VBD grimly./RBR "I/JJ trust,"/IN the/DT latter/JJ mumbled/VBN embarrassedly,/NNS "that/IN your/PRP$ daughter/NN enjoys/VBZ the/DT best/JJS of/IN health/NN and/CC spirits."The/DT lady/NN favored/VBD him/PRP with/IN a/DT wintry/NN affirmative/JJ nod,/NN although/IN D'Arcy/NNP thought/VBD her/PRP$ glance/NN somewhat/RB less/RBR belligerent/JJ than/IN when/WRB they/PRP had/VBD last/JJ met./NN "I/IN am/VBP in/IN excellent/JJ health/NN myself,"/NN he/PRP added/VBD lamely./, "Will/RB you/PRP not/RB alight/JJ and/CC rest/NN awhile/RB in/IN our/PRP$ poor/JJ house?/NN It/PRP is/VBZ past/IN the/DT luncheon/NN hour,/NN but/CC if/IN you/PRP will/MD have/VB a/DT little/JJ patience/NN I/PRP will/MD have/VB a/DT meal/NN served.""You/PRP are/VBP very/RB kind,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP Without/IN hesitation/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP dismounted,/, while/IN D'Arcy/NNP advanced/VBD to/TO assist/VB Josepha/NNP to/TO do/VB likewise./. But/CC her/PRP little/RB feet/NNS had/VBD touched/VBN the/DT ground/NN before/IN he/PRP could/MD reach/VB her;/IN she/PRP drew/VBD the/DT reins/NNS over/IN her/PRP$ horse's/NNS head/NN and/CC dropped/VBD them./, "It/NNP is/VBZ pleasant/JJ here/RB in/IN the/DT sunshine,"/NN she/PRP murmured,/VBD and/CC seated/VBN herself/PRP on/IN the/DT bench;/NN with/IN a/DT satisfied/JJ sigh/NN her/PRP father/NN sat/VBD down/RB beside/IN her,/PRP while/IN D'Arcy/NNP entered/VBD to/TO ask/VB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP to/TO prepare/VB a/DT meal./NN "Well,/IN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP began,/VBD as/RB soon/RB as/IN his/PRP$ host/NN had/VBD rejoined/VBN them,/, "you/PRP are/VBP still/RB of/IN the/DT same/JJ mind/NN regarding/VBG the/DT mortgage/NN loan/NN which/WDT we/PRP discussed/VBD on/IN the/DT road/NN recently?"D'Arcy's/JJ glance/NN flickered/VBD to/TO Josepha's,/NNP and/CC her/PRP$ eyes/NNS pleaded/VBD with/IN him/PRP to/TO say/VB no./DT Instead/RB he/PRP answered,/VBD "Business/NNP called/VBD me/PRP back/RP here,/RB Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP before/IN I/PRP had/VBD time/NN to/TO ride/VB to/TO Monterey/NNP and/CC investigate/VB your/PRP$ title.""Ah,/NN that/WDT is/VBZ most/RBS unfortunate--for/JJ me!"/NN For/IN a/DT moment/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB profoundly/RB depressed./VBN But/CC only/RB for/IN a/DT moment./NN "I/NN have/VBP brought/VBN with/IN me/PRP the/DT grant/NN given/VBN me/PRP by/IN the/DT Mexican/NNP government,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Perhaps/RB you/PRP would/MD care/VB to/TO read/VB it,/RB no?"From/IN a/DT capacious/JJ inner/JJ pocket/NN he/PRP brought/VBD it/PRP forth--a/DT yellowish/JJ parchment./NN D'Arcy/NNP read/VBD it/PRP carefully,/RB noting/VBG the/DT boundaries/NNS of/IN the/DT grant,/NN the/DT date/NN of/IN issue,/NN the/DT signature/NN of/IN the/DT gobernador/NN of/IN that/DT period/NN and/CC the/DT seal/NN of/IN his/PRP$ office;/NN noting,/NN too,/, the/DT fact/NN that/IN the/DT reverse/NN of/IN the/DT document/NN bore/VBD the/DT notation/NN of/IN the/DT recording/NN officer/NN at/IN Monterey,/NNP as/RB well/RB as/IN an/DT official/JJ certification/NN and/CC the/DT Great/JJ Seat/NNP of/IN the/DT Republic/NNP of/IN Mexico./NNP Certainly/RB Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP title/NN appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB genuine/JJ enough.""'I/RB am/VBP quite/RB satisfied/JJ your/PRP$ title/NN is/VBZ good,/JJ Don/NNP Jos$,"/NNP he/PRP told/VBD the/DT don/VBP presently./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP bowed/VBD is/VBZ acknowledgment/NN of/IN the/DT compliment/NN implied./VBN "Then/RB you/PRP are/VBP still/RB willing/JJ to/TO make/VB the/DT loan?""Yes,/NN but/CC I/PRP have/VBP no/DT money./NN All/DT I/PRP have,/VBP Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP is/VBZ virgin/JJ gold."/NN Again/RB his/PRP$ glance/NN flickered/VBD for/IN a/DT split/JJ second/JJ to/TO the/DT girl's./NN "The/IN raw/JJ gold/NN will/MD not/RB do,/VB Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP murmured./VBD "One/PRP must/MD have/VB minted/VBN gold.""I/NN am/VBP not/RB one/CD to/TO stand/VB on/IN trifles,/JJ my/PRP$ daughter."/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP looked/VBD at/IN the/DT girl/NN with/IN a/DT glance/NN faintly/RB hostile./. "You/PRP have/VBP scales,/VBN have/VBP you/PRP not,/RB Don/NNP Dermod?/NNP And/CC the/DT rate/NN of/IN exchange/NN is,/IN I/PRP believe,/VBP sixteen/CD dollars/NNS to/TO the/DT ounce.""But/NN my/PRP$ gold/NN is/VBZ worth/JJ nineteen/CD dollars/NNS to/TO the/DT ounce,/NN Don/NNP Jos$.""Not/NNP in/IN California,/NNP my/PRP$ boy./NN However,/RB men/NNS like/IN ourselves/PRP never/RB argue/VBP over/IN trifles."/JJ He/PRP laid/VBD his/PRP$ great/JJ hand/NN affectionately/RB upon/IN D'Arcy's/NNP knee./VBD "Let/JJ us/PRP say/VBP that/IN the/DT rate/NN of/IN exchange/NN shall/MD be/VB seventeen/CD and/CC a/DT half.""That/NN is/VBZ acceptable,/VBN Don/NNP Jos$.""Thank/NNP you./, I/PRP lack/VBP words/NNS to/TO express/VB my/PRP$ appreciation/NN of/IN such/JJ noble/JJ acquiescence./NN I/PRP have/VBP had/VBD an/DT American/JJ attorney/NN in/IN Sacramento/NNP prepare/VBP the/DT mortgage/NN and/CC the/DT note;/NN already/RB I/PRP have/VBP attested/VBN my/PRP$ signature/NN before/IN the/DT alcalde/NN there./. Here,/. read,/VBD my/PRP$ boy."/NNS He/PRP thrust/VBD the/DT documents/NNS into/IN D'Arcy's/NNP hands./, D'Arcy/NNP read/VBD them/PRP carefully/RB and/CC deliberately,/VB comparing/VBG the/DT legal/JJ description/NN of/IN the/DT lands/NNS mortgaged/VBD with/IN that/DT in/IN the/DT old/JJ grant./NN Everything/NN appeared/VBD to/TO be/VB in/IN perfect/JJ order,/NN including/VBG the/DT barely/RB decipherable/JJ signature/NN of/IN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP "You/. are/VBP satisfied,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod?""Yes,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$.""Is/NNP it/PRP permitted/VBD to/TO inquire/VB if/IN you/PRP have/VBP the/DT gold/NN on/IN hand?""I/NNS have/VBP it,/VBN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP I/PRP can/MD weigh/VB it/PRP for/IN you/PRP immediately?""If/IN you/PRP will/MD be/VB so/RB kind."As/JJ D'Arcy/NNP departed/VBD he/PRP caught/VBD in/IN Josepha's/NNP eyes/NNS a/DT look/NN of/IN dumb/JJ helplessness,/NN of/IN misery,/NN of/IN anger/NN and/CC cold/JJ contempt./NN "You/NNS will/MD persist/VB in/IN doing/VBG this/DT when/WRB I/PRP have/VBP told/VBN you/PRP I/PRP object?""It/VBP is/VBZ business,"/NN he/PRP pleaded./VBD "You/PRP say/VBP you/PRP love/VBP me?"He/PRP nodded./VBD "I/PRP do/VBP not/RB understand/VB such/JJ love./NN I/PRP reject/VBP it."Don/PRP Jos$,/NNP following/VBG D'Arcy,/NNP growled/VBD to/TO her/PRP a/DT warning/NN to/TO be/VB silent./NN On/IN the/DT cabin/NN table/NN D'Arcy/NNP weighed/VBD out/RP the/DT requisite/JJ amount/NN of/IN gold,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP signed/VBD the/DT note,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP placed/VBD the/DT gold/NN in/IN a/DT number/NN of/IN stout/JJ canvas/NN bags/NNS and/CC tied/VBD the/DT mouths/NNS securely./. "I/NN will/MD lend/VB you/PRP a/DT pack-mule/NN to/TO carry/VB this/DT treasure,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,"/NNP he/PRP suggested./VBD "Ten/RB thousand/CD thanks./, I/PRP will/MD have/VB him/PRP returned/VBN to/TO you/PRP tomorrow."Jim/NN Toy/NNP removed/VBD the/DT scales,/NN spread/VBD a/DT newspaper/NN across/IN one/CD end/NN of/IN the/DT table/NN and/CC placed/VBD thereon/DT tin/NN plates,/NN a/DT tureen/NN of/IN venison/NN stew,/NN soda-biscuits/NNS and/CC coffee./NN D'Arcy/NNP stepped/VBD outside./RP "If/IN you/PRP will/MD now/RB enter,"/VB he/PRP suggested,/VBD "you/PRP may/MD find/VB it/PRP possible/JJ to/TO partake/VB of/IN our/PRP$ coarse/JJ fare./NN I/PRP am/VBP sorry/JJ it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB worthy/JJ of/IN you.""I/PRP do/VBP not/RB break/VB bread/NN with/IN my/PRP$ enemy,"/NN Josepha/NNP replied,/, and/CC there/EX was/VBD a/DT catch/NN in/IN her/PRP$ voice./NN "I/NN came/VBD here/RB today,/VBN hoping/VBG you/PRP would/MD change/VB your/PRP$ mind/NN and/CC refuse/VB to/TO let/VB my/PRP$ father/NN walk/VB into/IN your/PRP$ snare,/NN as/IN a/DT poor/JJ fly/NN calls/VBZ upon/IN the/DT spider./NN You/PRP think,/VBP by/IN control/NN of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP some/DT day/NN you/PRP will/MD control/VB me--is/NNS that/IN so?"He/NN nodded/VBD affirmation./NN "God/NNP of/IN my/PRP$ soul,"/NN she/PRP almost/RB hissed,/NNS "he/, boasts/VBZ of/IN it!/PRP So/IN you/PRP would/MD marry/VB Josepha/NNP Guerrero,/NNP no?""To/RB marry/VBP you/PRP is/VBZ the/DT dearest/NN wish/NN of/IN my/PRP$ heart.""Then/NN listen,/NN gringo."/NNS She/PRP drew/VBD him/PRP aside./RB "You/RB may/MD perhaps/RB wonder/VB why/WRB my/PRP$ father/NN is/VBZ so/RB anxious/JJ to/TO borrow/VB this/DT money/NN that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ mortgaged/VBN his/PRP$ rancho./NN It/PRP is/VBZ because/IN he/PRP feels/VBZ a/DT great/JJ shame/NN that/IN when/WRB his/PRP$ daughter/NN weds/NNS with/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP it/PRP may/MD be/VB said/VBN that/IN she/PRP came/VBD to/TO her/PRP$ husband/NN with/IN but/CC the/DT shirt/NN on/IN her/PRP$ back./NN "Fool/NN of/IN a/DT gringo,/NN that/IN gold/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ dowry./NN You/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB our/PRP$ people./NNS The/DT word/NN of/IN the/DT men--it/NN is/VBZ the/DT law./NN So/RB now/RB I/PRP go/VBP to/TO Tomas./NNP Once/RB that/IN thought--ah,/, it/PRP hurt/VBD after/IN I/PRP had/VBD met/VBN you./PRP But/CC now--well,/JJ it/PRP doesnot/RB hurt/VBD so/RB much./JJ One/CD has/VBZ pleasure/NN that/IN one/NN has/VBZ escaped/VBN marriage/NN with/IN a/DT fool/NN and/CC a/DT rogue,/NN a/DT babbler/NN of/IN empty,/JJ meaningless/JJ words.""I/NNS am/VBP sorry/JJ I/PRP am/VBP not/RB to/TO have/VB the/DT pleasure/NN of/IN entertaining/VBG you,"/IN he/PRP replied,/VBD and/CC left/VBD her/PRP to/TO report/VB to/TO Don/NNP Jos$/NNP that/IN his/PRP$ daughter/NN was/VBD not/RB hungry./JJ While/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP ate,/IN D'Arcy/NNP caught/VBD up/RP a/DT mule/NN and/CC cinched/VBD a/DT pack-saddle/NN with/IN heavy/JJ canvas/NN kyacks/NNS on/IN the/DT animal./NN Into/IN these/DT kyacks/NNS later/RB he/PRP helped/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP transfer/NN the/DT gold./NN As/IN the/DT don/NN and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN mounted/VBD and/CC prepared/VBD to/TO depart,/VB D'Arcy/NNP laid/VBD a/DT hand/NN on/IN the/DT girl's/NN horse's/NNS bridle./. "Your/NN half-brother,"/NN he/PRP murmured,/VBD "is/IN an/DT outlaw./NN It/PRP is/VBZ said/VBD that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ committed,/VBN together/RB with/IN certain/JJ companions,/NN many/JJ murders/NNS and/CC robberies.""Until/NN that/WDT has/VBZ been/VBN proved,"/VBN she/PRP answered/VBD coldly,/JJ "his/IN people/NNS prefer/VBP not/RB to/TO talk/VB about/IN him.""It/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN proved,/VBN Josepha./NNP I/PRP saw/VBD him/PRP kill/VB one/CD man/NN and/CC he/PRP has/VBZ tried/VBN to/TO kill/VB me/PRP twice./RB Some/DT day/NN the/DT rascal/NN will/MD be/VB hanged."She/VBG glanced/VBD down/RB at/IN him/PRP scornfully./VBD "When/RB that/IN happens,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP you/PRP will/MD perhaps/RB be/VB so/RB good/JJ as/IN to/TO bring/VB his/PRP$ body/NN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico?/NNP We/PRP have/VBP the/DT family/NN cemetery.""If/NN he/PRP is/VBZ hanged/VBN where/WRB I/PRP can/MD gain/VB possession/NN of/IN his/PRP$ body/NN I/PRP shall/MD most/RBS certainly/RB deliver/VB it/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ family."/NN He/PRP favored/VBD her/PRP with/IN a/DT little/JJ impudent/NN grin./VBD "So/IN you/PRP are/VBP going/VBG to/TO marry/VB that/DT boy,/NN Tomas,/NNP after/IN all?""I/PRP will/MD marry/VB him/PRP now--for/JJ a/DT reason.""A/NN woman's/NN reason./NN One/CD may/MD not/RB question/VB that./DT Well,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP this/DT to/TO say,/VB my/PRP$ proud/JJ Castilian/NNP beauty./. You/PRP will/MD never/RB marry/VB Tomas/NNP Espinosa;/NNP no,/, not/RB even/RB if/IN I/PRP supply/VBP the/DT wedding-dowry.""No?/NN You/PRP make/VBP me/PRP laugh./VB Why/WRB shall/MD I/PRP not/RB marry/VB him?""Because/IN you/PRP love/VBP me.""Fool./PRP I/PRP say--well,/VBP once/RB I/PRP liked/VBD you/PRP very/RB much,/RB because/IN I/PRP thought/VBD to/TO myself,/VB Josepha,/NNP this/DT gringo/NN is/VBZ different./VBG But/CC no./DT All/DT the/DT gringos/NNS are/VBP the/DT same--like/JJ beans./NN You/PRP are/VBP not/RB simp$tico./RB You/PRP have/VBP the/DT big/JJ head/NN when/WRB you/PRP think/VBP of/IN women./NN You/PRP think:/VBP 'This/. woman/NN will/MD come/VB to/TO me/PRP when/WRB I/PRP say/VBP come.'/IN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB one/CD of/IN those/DT women.""That/JJ is/VBZ why/WRB I/PRP love/VBP you,/IN you/PRP darlin'./VBD As/IN for/IN this/DT gold/NN I/PRP have/VBP lent/VBN your/PRP$ father,/NN know/VBP you/PRP that/IN I/PRP do/VBP it/PRP for/IN your/PRP$ protection./NN But/CC to/TO get/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT question/NN of/IN your/PRP$ rascally/RB half-brother./JJ When/WRB that/DT boy/NN and/CC I/PRP meet/VBP again/RB one/CD of/IN us/PRP will/MD die./VB Is/VBZ that/IN understood?"Her/JJ eyes/NNS widened/VBD in/IN fright./NN "You/PRP must/MD not/RB fight,"/VB she/PRP quavered./VBN "He/PRP is/VBZ quick/JJ with/IN the/DT pistol."Despite/NN the/DT obvious/JJ displeasure/NN manifested/VBD in/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP glance,/IN D'Arcy/NNP came/VBD close/RB to/TO her./PRP "I/RB want/VBP you/PRP so/RB much/RB my/PRP$ heart/NN aches/VBZ for/IN you,"/PRP$ he/PRP confessed,/VBD ignoring/VBG her/PRP$ warning./NN "At/IN night/NN I/PRP lie/VBP awake/RB and/CC dream/VB of/IN you./PRP$ I/PRP work/VBP for/IN you,/PRP I/PRP fight/VBP nature/NN for/IN you,/PRP$ I/PRP endure/VBP privations/NNS for/IN you./PRP But/CC I/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB a/DT weak/JJ man/NN for/IN the/DT finest/JJS woman/NN in/IN the/DT world./NN First,/IN I/PRP will/MD be/VB a/DT man/NN and/CC then,/RB if/IN God/NNP is/VBZ good,/JJ I/PRP may/MD be/VB your/PRP$ husband./NN And/CC I/PRP tell/VBP you/PRP again/RB you/PRP will/MD not/RB marry/VB the/DT boy/NN Tomas.""Why/NNP do/VBP you/PRP think/VB that?""Because,"/IN he/PRP replied/VBD with/IN the/DT charming/JJ egotism/NN of/IN his/PRP$ race,/NN "you/NNS are/VBP too/RB much/RB of/IN a/DT woman/NN to/TO be/VB satisfied/VBN with/IN half/PDT a/DT man--now/NN that/IN you/PRP have/VBP met/VBN a/DT full-grown/JJ man./NN Once/RB you/PRP came/VBD to/TO me/PRP when/WRB stupidly,/JJ I/PRP confess,/VBP I/PRP attempted/VBD to/TO play/VB the/DT Latin/NNP lover./NN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB forgotten/VBN and/CC neither/RB have/VBP you./PRP Some/DT day/NN you/PRP will/MD send/VB for/IN me/PRP and/CC when/WRB you/PRP do,/VBP I/PRP will/MD come./VB And/CC you/PRP will/MD not/RB then/RB send/VB me/PRP away."/RB Before/IN she/PRP could/MD realize/VB his/PRP$ intention/NN he/PRP seized/VBD her/PRP$ little/JJ hand/NN and/CC kissed/VBD it/PRP gallantly./VBD "I/PRP have/VBP little/JJ time/NN for/IN love-making,/JJ light/NN ofmy/IN life,"/NN he/PRP reminded/VBD her,/PRP "but,/RB by/IN the/DT powers,/NN I/PRP can/MD love/VB when/WRB I/PRP have/VBP opportunity."Don/NN Jos$/NNP spurred/VBD up./RP "We/RB thank/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP he/PRP said/VBD coolly./, "Pepita,/`` we/PRP go."D'Arcy/NNP watched/VBD them/PRP ride/VB along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP pausing/VBG from/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN to/TO gaze/VB curiously/RB at/IN the/DT mining/NN operations;/NN then/RB he/PRP went/VBD down/RB to/TO Bejabers's/NNP claim/NN to/TO tell/VB him/PRP the/DT object/NN of/IN the/DT don's/NNS visit./VBD "That/IN wasn't/IN a/DT loan,"/NN the/DT astute/NN Bejabers/NNP declared./VBD "It/PRP was/VBD a/DT bet!"D'Arcy/NN chuckled./VBN Bejabers/NNP had/VBD a/DT way/NN of/IN going,/NNS with/IN unerring/JJ certainty,/JJ to/TO the/DT heart/NN of/IN things./DT "Well,/NN I/PRP wouldn't/MD be/VB surprised/VBN if/IN you/PRP win/VBP your/PRP$ bet,"/NN Bejabers/IN ruminated,/NN and/CC flipped/VBD a/DT shovelful/JJ of/IN gravel/NN into/IN the/DT sluice./NN "But/IN you/PRP should/MD have/VB made/VBN him/PRP give/VB you/PRP twenty/CD dollars/NNS an/DT ounce./NN He'd/PRP have/VBP done/VBN it/PRP if/IN you'd/PRP insisted,/VBP because/IN all/DT them/PRP people/NNS ever/RB want/VBP is/VBZ cash/NN money./NN Still,/RB if/IN you/PRP figger/VBP on/IN loanin'/NNS him/PRP any/DT more,/JJR better/JJR have/VBP the/DT title/NN searched./VBD If/IN it's/DT good/JJ I'd/NNP loan/NN him/PRP another/DT ten/CD thousand/CD because/IN the/DT ranch/NN will/MD be/VB worth/JJ it,/IN if/IN not/RB now,/RB a/DT few/JJ years/NNS from/IN now./DT And/CC if/IN you're/PRP figurin'/NN on/IN ownin'/NN that/IN ranch/NN some/DT day/NN you/PRP might/MD as/RB well/RB get/VB him/PRP as/IN deep/JJ in/IN the/DT money-mire/NN as/IN you/PRP can.""I/MD suppose/VB so."/NN D'Arcy's/NNP mind/NN was/VBD not/RB on/IN business/NN affairs./NN For/IN that/DT matter,/NN neither/CC was/VBD Bejabers's./NNP "What/IN you/PRP quarrelin'/NN with/IN that/DT girl/NN for?"/IN he/PRP complained./MD "You/RB give/VB her/PRP$ her/PRP$ own/JJ way/NN and/CC she'll/NN came/VBD flutterin'/NN into/IN your/PRP$ hand/NN no/DT matter/NN what/WP her/PRP$ family/NN says.""She'll/NN respect/VB me/PRP more/RBR in/IN the/DT long/JJ run/NN for/IN being/VBG my/PRP$ own/JJ man,/NN not/RB hers,/PRP me/PRP lad.""I/JJ hope/NN so./NN All/DT I/PRP got/VBD to/TO say/VB is/VBZ that/IN if/IN you/PRP two/CD ever/RB marry,/NN I/PRP want/VBP to/TO be/VB on/IN hand/NN to/TO see/VB what/WP the/DT harvest's/NN goin'/NN to/TO be./VB You're/PRP both/DT so/RB dog-gone/JJ proud/JJ I/PRP expect/VBP you'll/JJ breed/VBP a/DT race/NN of/IN peacocks."/JJ BEFORE/NNP retiring/VBG that/DT night/NN D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD a/DT dipper/NN from/IN the/DT wall/NN and/CC stepped/VBD out/IN into/IN the/DT night./NN He/PRP was/VBD bound/VBN for/IN a/DT drink/NN at/IN the/DT little/JJ creek/NN which/WDT ran/VBD through/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC emptied/VBN into/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Having/VBG slaked/VBN his/PRP$ thirst,/NN he/PRP stood/VBD for/IN a/DT little/JJ while/IN screened/VBN by/IN the/DT darkness,/NN which/WDT in/IN the/DT shadow/NN of/IN the/DT towering/VBG sugar-pines/NNS was/VBD profound,/JJ and/CC gazed/VBD across/IN the/DT meadow/NN at/IN the/DT dance-hall./NN Late/RB as/RB was/VBD the/DT hour,/NN Bacchus/NN and/CC Terpsichore/NNP still/RB held/VBD revel/NN under/IN the/DT swinging/VBG hurricane-lamps,/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT rancid/JJ odor/NN of/IN burning/VBG whale-oil/NN dominated/VBD the/DT air/NN that/IN for/IN ages/NNS had/VBD been/VBN fragrant/JJ with/IN the/DT pungent/JJ aroma/NN of/IN trees,/NN sweet/JJ grasses,/NN and/CC earth/NN undefiled./VBN Through/IN the/DT open/JJ door/NN D'Arcy/NNP could/MD see/VB a/DT gaily/NN clad/VBN Chilean/NNP girl/NN dancing/VBG with/IN a/DT drunken,/JJ gray-haired/JJ man./NN Miners,/NNP dancing/NN together,/RB clumped/VBD noisily/RB over/IN the/DT puncheon/NN floor,/NN and/CC all/DT to/TO the/DT music/NN of/IN a/DT guitar/NN and/CC a/DT flute./NN At/IN the/DT bar/NN other/JJ men/NNS argued/VBD noisily,/RP fighting/VBG good-naturedly/RB with/IN each/DT other,/JJ beginning/VBG a/DT habit/NN that/WDT was/VBD to/TO become/VB peculiar/JJ to/TO California--the/DT habit/NN of/IN "treating"/NNP everybody/NN in/IN sight./NN Rough/IN laughter,/NN shouts,/NN shrill/JJ feminine/JJ cries/NNS of/IN spurious/JJ delight/NN punctuated/VBD the/DT night./NN These/DT men/NNS had/VBD toiled/VBN from/IN morn/NN to/TO eve/NN for/IN the/DT gold/NN they/PRP now/RB tossed/VBD away/RB for/IN a/DT few/JJ hours'/NNS forgetfulness/IN of/IN the/DT travail/NN of/IN their/PRP$ unrestrained/JJ Odyssey./NNP "Curse/NNP them/PRP and/CC their/PRP$ mad/JJ confusion,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP growled./NNP "There/RB are/VBP tired/JJ miners/NNS in/IN all/DT these/DT cabins/NNS and/CC tent/NN houses/NNS hereabout./. I'd/NN offer/NN no/DT objection/NN if/IN that/DT devil's/NN hole/NN kept/VBD open/JJ until/IN nine/CD o'clock/RB on/IN week-days/NNS and/CC midnight/NN on/IN Saturdays./NNP But/CC their/PRP$ all-night/JJ riots/NNS are/VBP robbing/VBG Happy/NNP Camp/NNP of/IN its/PRP$ rest./NN We're/. not/RB all/DT drunkards/NNS and/CC gamblers."He/NN dipped/VBD into/IN the/DT little/JJ stream/NN and/CC took/VBD another/DT sip/NN of/IN water,/NN then/RB paused/VBD at/IN attention/NN with/IN the/DT dipper/NN at/IN his/PRP$ lips./NN From/IN up/IN the/DT little/JJ meadow/NN came/VBD the/DT sound/NN of/IN galloping/VBG hoofs./NN "Something/NN or/CC somebody/NN milling/NN the/DT horses/NNS and/CC mules/NNS around,"/IN he/PRP decided./VBD "What/IN for?/IN Steal/NNP one/CD of/IN them,/PRP$ perhaps."He/NN ran/VBD to/TO the/DT cabin,/NN informed/VBD Bejabers/NNP of/IN his/PRP$ suspicions/NNS and/CC buckled/VBN on/IN his/PRP$ two/CD long-barreled/JJ pistols./NN Bejabers/NNP had/VBD similarly/RB armed/VBN himself./PRP Together/RB they/PRP left/VBD the/DT cabin,/NN closing/VBG the/DT door/NN behind/IN them,/PRP and/CC started/VBD up/IN the/DT meadow/NN taking/VBG care/NN to/TO walk/VB in/IN the/DT shadows/NNS of/IN the/DT fringe/NN of/IN woods,/NN for/IN stars/NNS dimly/RB lighted/VBD the/DT open./NN Presently/RB a/DT number/NN of/IN horses,/NN mules/NNS and/CC burros/NNS galloped/VBD past/IN them,/PRP pulled/VBD up/RP in/IN time/NN to/TO avoid/VB crashing/VBG the/DT fence/NN just/RB back/RB of/IN the/DT dance-hall,/NN then/RB turned/VBD and/CC retreated/VBD up/IN the/DT opposite/JJ side/NN of/IN the/DT meadow./NN Two/CD men/NNS on/IN horseback/NN were/VBD following/VBG and/CC one/CD was/VBD swinging/VBG a/DT rope./NN Suddenly/RB the/DT moon/NN came/VBD out/RP from/IN behind/IN a/DT cloud,/NN and/CC the/DT rider/NN made/VBD his/PRP$ cast./NN "Very/RB well,"/RB he/PRP called/VBD softly/RB to/TO his/PRP$ companion./NN "I/NNS think/VBP this/DT is/VBZ the/DT horse./NN You/PRP have/VBP already/RB delivered/VBN the/DT black/JJ mare/NN to/TO El/NNP Diablo./NNP Is/VBZ he/PRP satisfied?""For/JJ tonight,/NN yes./. He/PRP will/MD have/VB this/DT stallion/NN in/IN the/DT morning.""Good./NN Then/RB I/PRP shall/MD ride/VB him/PRP tonight./. That/DT rat/NN of/IN mine/NN is/VBZ leg-weary./JJ We/PRP will/MD drive/VB all/DT of/IN these/DT horses/NNS and/CC mules/NNS out/IN of/IN the/DT meadow/NN at/IN the/DT upper/JJ end/NN and/CC scatter/NN them./, Those/DT are/VBP El/NNP Diablo's/NNP instructions--and/CC wise/JJ ones,/NNS too,/RB in/IN the/DT event/NN of/IN a/DT pursuit."They/NN jogged/VBD away/RB in/IN the/DT darkness,/NN hazing/VBG the/DT accumulated/VBN animals/NNS of/IN the/DT district/NN ahead/RB of/IN them./PRP "Quick,/. Dermod,"/NNP Bejabers/NNP charged./, "You/PRP heard/VBD him/PRP speak/VB of/IN El/NNP Diablo?/NNP That's/NNP what/WP they/PRP call/VBP this/DT greaser/NN bandit/NN that's/IN sprung/VBN up/IN lately./RB He's/NNP goin'/NN to/TO put/VB over/RP a/DT raid/NN on/IN Happy/JJ Camp/NNP tonight./NN Never/RB mind/VB your/PRP$ horse./NN They'll/. come/VB back/RB here/RB with/IN him/PRP to/TO do/VB their/PRP$ job/NN and/CC we'll/NN recapture/NN him./PRP Stay/VB here/RB and/CC watch/VB developments,/NN while/IN I/PRP rouse/VBD out/IN the/DT boys/NNS at/IN our/PRP$ cabin.""Have/NN Mac/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP guard/NN our/PRP$ cabin./NN We/PRP have/VBP too/RB much/JJ gold/NN there/RB to/TO be/VB careless,"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP cried/VBD after/IN him./PRP "Of/IN course/NN they'll/DT tackle/NN the/DT dance-hall,/NN too,/, but/CC you/PRP and/CC I/PRP can/MD handle/VB them/PRP there/RB if/IN they/PRP are/VBP not/RB too/RB many./JJ Hurry/NNP back!"Bejabers/NNS returned/VBD in/IN five/CD minutes/NNS accompanied/VBN by/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP and/CC together/RB the/DT trio/NN waited./VBD Presently/RB six/CD men/NNS rode/VBD down/IN the/DT meadow/NN with/IN a/DT led/VBN horse;/NN they/PRP let/VBD down/RP the/DT rude/JJ bars/NNS that/IN formed/VBN an/DT exit/NN from/IN the/DT field/NN and/CC with/IN creak/NN of/IN leather/NN and/CC jingle/NN of/IN spur/NN rode/VBD straight/RB to/TO the/DT roaring/NN dance-hall./, Here/RB five/CD dismounted/VBD and/CC handed/VBD their/PRP$ reins/NNS to/TO one/CD who/WP remained/VBD as/IN horse-holder./NN "There's/NNS but/CC one/CD way/NN to/TO get/VB out/IN of/IN that/DT dance-hall/NN and/CC that/DT is/VBZ the/DT way/NN they/PRP went/VBD in,"/RB D'Arcy/NNP told/VBD Bejabers/NNP grimly./NNP "Come/NNP with/IN me./PRP I'll/RB do/VBP for/IN the/DT laddybuck/NN on/IN the/DT horse;/NN then/RB you/PRP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP lead/VBP their/PRP$ horses/NNS quickly/RB off/IN into/IN the/DT darkness/NN of/IN the/DT meadow./NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP will/MD hold/VB them/PRP there/RB whilst/IN you/PRP run/VBP back/RB and/CC join/VB me/PRP outside/IN the/DT door./NN I'll/NNP hold/VBP them/PRP within,/IN never/RB fear,/JJ but/CC I/PRP might/MD need/VB help/VB if/IN reinforcements/NNS come/VBP from/IN the/DT outside."The/NNP trio/NN walked/VBD boldly/RB toward/IN the/DT door,/NN making/VBG no/DT attempt/NN to/TO conceal/VB their/PRP$ approach/NN from/IN the/DT horse-holder,/NN who,/, regarding/VBG them/PRP as/IN three/CD more/JJR potential/JJ victims/NNS the/DT moment/NN they/PRP entered/VBD the/DT dance-hall,/NN gazed/VBD at/IN them/PRP idly./VBD "Good/JJ evening,/RB my/PRP$ friend,"/NNS 'D'Arcy/. hailed/VBD him./PRP "Will/VB you/PRP oblige/VB me/PRP with/IN a/DT cigarette?""With/NN pleasure,"/VBG the/DT fellow/NN replied,/NN and/CC reached/VBD for/IN the/DT packet/NN in/IN the/DT breast/NN pocket/NN of/IN his/PRP$ shirt./NN As/IN he/PRP reached/VBD to/TO hand/VB it,/PRP D'Arcy/NNP seized/VBD his/PRP$ wrist/NN and/CC jerked/VBD him/PRP toward/IN him;/PRP simultaneously/RB his/PRP$ pistol/NN descended/VBD upon/IN the/DT fellow's/JJ skull/NN before/IN he/PRP could/MD cry/VB out./RP He/PRP slid/VBD down/IN into/IN D'Arcy's/NNP arms/NNS and/CC was/VBD carried/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT band/NN of/IN light/NN that/WDT came/VBD through/IN the/DT dance-hall/NN door,/NN and/CC there/EX dropped./VBD D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD a/DT peep/NN at/IN the/DT five/CD men/NNS lined/VBD up/RP at/IN the/DT rude/JJ bar./NN Meanwhile/RB Bejabers/NNP had/VBD gathered/VBN the/DT reins/NNS of/IN the/DT horses/NNS together/RB and/CC handed/VBD them/PRP to/TO Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP who/WP led/VBD them/PRP quietly/RB away./VBD "They/PRP scattered/VBN our/PRP$ transportation,"/NN Bejabers/NNP whispered/VBD exultantly,/JJ "and/CC now/RB we/PRP have/VBP theirs./DT What're/IN they/PRP waitin'/VBD for?/IN A/DT signal?""I/JJ think/NN so./NN Ah,/IN there/RB it/PRP goes!"From/IN the/DT direction/NN of/IN their/PRP$ cabin/NN came/VBD a/DT fusillade/NN of/IN pistol-shots./NN Instantly/RB shooting/VBG commenced/VBN in/IN the/DT dance-hall./NN "A/IN volley/NN to/TO make/VB 'em/PRP listen/VB to/TO reason,"/VB Bejabers/NNP suggested./VBP "Don't/RB reckon/VBP they/PRP aim/VBP to/TO hurt/VB anybody,/NN so/RB let's/VBD not/RB interfere./WP We'll/NNP fix/VBP their/PRP$ clocks/NNS as/IN they/PRP come/VBP out."The/RB shooting/VBG within/IN the/DT dance-hall/NN ceased,/RB and/CC a/DT sinister/JJ silence/NN fell./VBD Then/RB a/DT voice/NN said/VBD in/IN English:/NNP "You/NNP will/MD behave/VB yourselves,/JJ gentlemen,/NNS while/IN my/PRP$ friends/NNS relieve/VB you/PRP of/IN your/PRP$ gold-dust./NN The/DT man/NN who/WP makes/VBZ one/CD little/JJ move/NN dies."Followed/VBD the/DT soft/JJ thud/NN of/IN footfalls/NNS and/CC the/DT jingling/NN of/IN spurs/NNS as/IN the/DT bandits/NNS went/VBD from/IN gaming-table/JJ to/TO gaming-table/JJ and/CC patron/NN to/TO patron,/VB collecting/VBG the/DT pokes/NNS of/IN gold-dust./NN Presently/RB a/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ stepped/VBD out/IN the/DT door./NN In/IN the/DT hollow/NN of/IN his/PRP$ left/JJ arm/NN he/PRP carried/VBD a/DT num-ber/NN of/IN bags/NNS of/IN gold-dust;/JJ his/PRP$ right/JJ hand/NN held/VBD a/DT cocked/VBN pistol./NN From/IN the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT door/NN D'Arcy/NNP struck/VBD him/PRP down,/RB seized/VBD him/PRP as/IN he/PRP sagged/VBD and/CC threw/VBD him/PRP to/TO the/DT ground/NN beside/IN him./PRP The/DT man/NN lay/VBD quite/RB still./RB Almost/RB immediately/RB two/CD more/JJR men/NNS appeared,/IN an/DT American/NNP and/CC a/DT Hispano-Californian,/JJ backing/NN out,/IN their/PRP$ pistols/NNS at/IN the/DT ready./NNP D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD the/DT fellow/NN on/IN his/PRP$ side,/NN while/IN Bejabers/NNP helped/VBD himself/PRP to/TO the/DT other./NNP "That's/NNP four/CD of/IN the/DT brave/JJ lads/NNS accounted/VBD for,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP murmured/VBD across/IN the/DT beam/NN of/IN light/NN to/TO his/PRP$ partner./NN "I'm/IN thinking/VBG the/DT other/JJ two/CD will/MD take/VB it/PRP on/IN the/DT run./NN One/CD did./VBN He/PRP appeared/VBD so/RB suddenly,/RB clearing/VBG the/DT door/NN with/IN a/DT magnificent/JJ leap,/NN that/IN there/EX was/VBD no/DT chance/NN to/TO strike/VB him/PRP down./RP D'Arcy's/NNP pistol/NN barked/VBD once,/RB and/CC the/DT man/NN slid/VBD forward/RB on/IN his/PRP$ face./NN Then/RB the/DT last/JJ man/NN came/VBD through/IN on/IN the/DT jump,/NN and/CC Bejabers/NNP leaped/VBD upon/IN him/PRP with/IN tigerish/JJ ferocity,/NN hurled/VBD him/PRP violently/RB to/TO the/DT ground/NN and/CC disarmed/VBD him./PRP D'Arcy/NNP looked/VBD into/IN the/DT dance-hall./NN "If/IN anybody/NN here/RB is/VBZ sober/JJ enough/RB to/TO do/VB it,/RB come/VB out/RB and/CC help/VB with/IN these/DT prisoners,"/NNS he/PRP commanded./VBD From/IN behind/IN the/DT rough/JJ bar,/NN from/IN behind/IN cases/NNS and/CC barrels/NNS of/IN liquor,/NN heads/NNS appeared./VBN "They've/NN killed/VBD both/DT barkeeps,"/NN somebody/NN complained,/NN "an'/NN wounded/VBN two/CD miners."Bejabers/NNS shoved/VBD his/PRP$ latest/JJS victim/NN back/RB into/IN the/DT dance-hall./NN "Drag/NN all/DT the/DT prisoners/NNS inside,"/RB he/PRP commanded,/VB "and/CC guard/VB them/PRP well./. There's/. another/DT robbery/NN bein'/NN attempted/VBD at/IN our/PRP$ cabin,/NN but/CC I/PRP imagine/VBP that/DT situation's/NN well/RB in/IN hand.""Seguro,/NN se$or,"/VBD a/DT voice/NN answered/VBD him,/, and/CC the/DT Texan,/NNP Judson,/NNP strolled/VBD in./DT "McCready/JJ and/CC I/PRP put/VBD the/DT kibosh/NN on/IN that/DT deal.""How?""It/NN was/VBD too/RB easy./JJR They/PRP come/VBP up/RB to/TO the/DT cabin,/NN afoot--five/NN of/IN 'em./PRP One/CD man/NN laid/VBD back/RB with/IN the/DT horses./NN The/DT five/CD pushed/VBD the/DT cabin/NN door/NN open/JJ quiet-like,/NN lit/VBD a/DT big/JJ bundle/NN of/IN straw/NN they/PRP carried,/VBD an'/RB tossed/VBN it/PRP inside/RB to/TO give/VB 'em/PRP shootin'/NN light./NN I/PRP reckon/VBP they/PRP figgered/VBD on/IN killin'/NN us/PRP all/DT as/IN we/PRP lay/VBD asleep/RB to/TO save/VB trouble,/NN because/IN the/DT light/NN from/IN that/DT burnin'/NN straw/NN wouldn't/MD have/VB lasted/VBN long/RB enough/RB for/IN them/PRP to/TO work/VB quiet/JJ an'/NN orderly--one/NN gang/NN searchin'/NN while/IN the/DT rest/NN held/VBD their/PRP$ guns/NNS on/IN us./PRP "They/PRP never/RB suspected/VBD us/PRP waitin'/VB off/RP in/IN the/DT dark,/NN so/IN me/PRP an'/IN Mac/NNP crept/VBD up/RB to/TO take/VB quick/JJ advantage/NN o'/IN the/DT good/JJ shootin'/NN light/NN while/IN Vilmont/NNP went/VBD after/IN the/DT horse-holder./NN It/PRP was/VBD fast/RB shootin',/VBN but/CC me/PRP an'/RB Mac/NNP don't/VBD ever/RB figger/VB to/TO be/VB careless/JJ in/IN a/DT pinch/NN an'/NN we/PRP wasn't/VBD then./DT Vilmont/NNP an'/IN the/DT horse-holder/NN exchanged/VBD shots,/VBN an'/IN the/DT Frenchman/NNP got/VBD one/CD through/IN the/DT arm./NN The/DT horse-holder/NN mounted/VBD an'/NN galloped/VBD off/RP down/IN the/DT arroyo.""I'll/NN get/VB him,"/PRP D'Arcy/NNP promised,/NN and/CC ran/VBD to/TO where/WRB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP stood/VBD with/IN the/DT outlaws'/JJ horses--the/NN recaptured/VBD Pathfinder/NNP among/IN them./PRP At/IN his/PRP$ call/NN the/DT intelligent/JJ animal/NN trotted/VBD up/RP to/TO him;/VB D'Arcy/NNP ran/VBD with/IN him/PRP to/TO the/DT cabin,/NN found/VBD his/PRP$ saddle/NN and/CC bridle/NN and/CC swiftly/RB placed/VBD them/PRP on/IN his/PRP$ horse./NN The/DT empty/JJ saddle-holster/NN he/PRP filled/VBD with/IN a/DT loaded/JJ pistol/NN from/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT bodies/NNS lying/VBG in/IN the/DT doorway,/NN mounted/VBD and/CC rode/VBD down/IN the/DT arroyo./NN It/PRP was/VBD an/DT overcast/NN night,/NN and/CC the/DT light/NN from/IN a/DT moon/NN in/IN the/DT last/JJ quarter/NN was/VBD dim/JJ and/CC intermittent,/JJ so/IN D'Arcy/NNP held/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO the/DT waters/NNS of/IN the/DT arroyo,/NN which/WDT formed/VBD a/DT faint/JJ silvery/NN trail./NN He/PRP proceeded/VBD confidently/RB at/IN a/DT trot,/NN for/IN the/DT water/NN was/VBD but/CC a/DT few/JJ inches/NNS deep/RB along/IN the/DT south/JJ bank,/NN and/CC he/PRP knew/VBD the/DT bottom/NN to/TO be/VB of/IN gravel,/JJ offering/NN fairly/RB firm/JJ and/CC certain/JJ footing./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB natural/JJ for/IN the/DT escaped/VBN desperado/NN to/TO assume,/VB D'Arcy/NNP reflected,/VBP that/IN if/IN a/DT pursuit/NN was/VBD organized/VBN it/PRP would/MD take/VB the/DT form/NN of/IN a/DT posse,/NN and/CC requirehours/NNS to/TO organize./NNP Moreover,/IN a/DT posse/NN would/MD wait/VB for/IN daylight/NN in/IN order/NN to/TO trail/VB him./PRP "Ah,/RB Pathfinder,/NNP me/PRP darlin',"/JJ he,/NN crooned/VBD to/TO the/DT noble/JJ animal,/NN "'tis/VBZ the/DT unexpected/JJ that/IN always/RB puts/VBZ out/RP the/DT well-laid/JJ plans/NNS of/IN men/NNS and/CC mice./NNS The/DT scoundrel/NN will/MD act/VB with/IN discretion,/NN no/DT doubt,/NN which/WDT means/VBZ he/PRP will/MD ride/VB as/IN I/PRP do;/VBP hence/RB the/DT sound/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ splashing/NN will/MD drown/VB the/DT sound/NN of/IN mine."Two/NN miles/NNS down/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP he/PRP left/VBD the/DT timber-line/NN and/CC jogged/VBD between/IN willows/NNS on/IN both/DT shores./NN Here,/RB too,/, the/DT stream/NN widened/VBD and/CC offered/VBD opportunities/NNS for/IN greater/JJR speed/NN and/CC more/JJR certain/JJ footing./. But/CC D'Arcy/NNP did/VBD not/RB urge/VB his/PRP$ mount./NN He/PRP knew/VBD that/IN the/DT horse's/NNS long/RB easy/JJ trot/NN could/MD be/VB maintained/VBN mile/NN after/IN mile,/NNS covering/VBG the/DT ground/NN with/IN a/DT speed/NN and/CC ease/NN not/RB possible/JJ to/TO a/DT cold-blooded/JJ horse./NN Once/IN the/DT sky/NN cleared,/JJ and/CC in/IN the/DT increased/VBN radiance/NN he/PRP saw/VBD the/DT hoof-marks/NNS of/IN a/DT single/JJ horse/NN across/IN a/DT small/JJ sand-bar./NN He/PRP dismounted,/VBD struck/VBN a/DT match/NN and/CC examined/VBD them./PRP$ They/PRP were/VBD made/VBN by/IN an/DT unshod/JJ horse,/NN fast/RB ridden,/, and/CC were/VBD extraordinarily/RB recent;/JJ he/PRP observed/VBD that/IN the/DT left/JJ hind/NN hoof/NN had/VBD not/RB made/VBN as/IN deep/JJ an/DT impression/NN in/IN the/DT sand/NN as/IN the/DT others;/NNS also/RB that/IN this/DT hoof/NN scuffed/VBD the/DT sand/NN a/DT little,/JJ as/IN if/IN the/DT animal/NN favored/VBD it/PRP somewhat./RB "Wonder/IN if/IN the/DT beast/NN received/VBD a/DT bullet/NN while/IN Vilmont/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ man/NN were/VBD exchanging/VBG shots,"/NNS D'Arcy/NNP pondered,/NN and/CC lighted/VBD more/JJR matches./NN Sure/RB enough/RB he/PRP found/VBD a/DT small/JJ splotch/NN of/IN blood/NN on/IN a/DT little/JJ stone./NN It/PRP had/VBD not/RB yet/RB congealed!/JJ "Easy/NN now,"/RB he/PRP thought./VBD "We'll/NNP walk/VB a/DT bit,/JJ Pathfinder./NNP He'll/NNP not/RB be/VB apt/JJ to/TO suspect/VB a/DT single/JJ man/NN overtaking/VBG him/PRP if/IN we're/NN not/RB in/IN a/DT tearing/VBG hurry."He/NN knew/VBD there/EX was/VBD but/CC one/CD practical/JJ ascent/NN out/IN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC that/DT was/VBD the/DT one/CD he/PRP and/CC hispartners/NNS had/VBD picked/VBN down/RP the/DT banks/NNS the/DT year/NN before./IN It/PRP had/VBD since/IN become/VBN a/DT common/JJ crossing./NN D'Arcy/NNP reached/VBD it/PRP at/IN four/CD o'clock,/RB for/IN he/PRP was/VBD taking/VBG his/PRP$ time/NN now/RB and/CC saving/VBG his/PRP$ horse/NN for/IN the/DT furious/JJ pursuit/NN he/PRP felt/VBD awaited/VBD him./PRP In/IN the/DT gray/JJ dawnlight/NN at/IN the/DT crossing/NN he/PRP found/VBD the/DT trail/NN again;/RB when/WRB he/PRP climbed/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP he/PRP saw,/VBD in/IN the/DT grassy/JJ plain/JJ half/NN a/DT mile/NN in/IN front/NN of/IN him/PRP and/CC an/DT equal/JJ distance/NN off/IN the/DT main-traveled/JJ trail,/NN a/DT man/NN riding/VBG a/DT tired/JJ horse./NN In/IN the/DT uncertain/JJ light/NN they/PRP bulked/VBD indistinctly./, D'Arcy/NNP kept/VBD to/TO the/DT main-traveled/JJ trail,/NN paralleling/VBG the/DT other's/JJ southward/JJ course,/NN and/CC rode/VBD at/IN a/DT comfortable/JJ little/JJ jog./NNP And/CC now/RB as/IN the/DT dawnlight/NN slowly/RB flooded/VBD the/DT sky/NN D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD that/IN the/DT man/NN he/PRP followed/VBD was/VBD a/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ mounted/VBN on/IN a/DT black/JJ horse/NN that/IN limped/VBD slightly/RB at/IN every/DT step./NN He/PRP was/VBD interested/JJ to/TO observe/VB that/IN when/WRB the/DT man/NN became/VBD aware/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ presence/NN on/IN the/DT plain/NN he/PRP pulled/VBD up/RP and/CC studied/VBD D'Arcy/NNP closely;/RB then,/, evidently/RB disturbed,/VBN turned/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN west,/NN apparently/RB not/RB only/RB with/IN the/DT desire/NN to/TO put/VB more/JJR distance/NN between/IN them/PRP but/CC to/TO lose/VB himself/PRP in/IN the/DT heavy/JJ growth/NN of/IN oaks/NNS and/CC willows/NNS along/IN the/DT river-bank./NN "Well,/IN Pathfinder,/NNP we/PRP might/MD as/RB well/RB get/VB this/DT gossoon,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP observed/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ horse,/NN touched/VBD him/PRP with/IN the/DT spur,/NN and/CC headed/VBD him/PRP at/IN the/DT fugitive./NN As/IN the/DT animal/NN broke/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ easy/JJ lope,/NN the/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT black/JJ horse/NN urged/VBD his/PRP$ animal/NN to/TO a/DT similar/JJ pace--and/NN the/DT race/NN was/VBD on./NNP D'Arcy/NNP called/VBD upon/IN Pathfinder/NNP for/IN all/DT that/IN the/DT gallant/NN animal/NN had,/NN and/CC to/TO his/PRP$ surprise/NN the/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT black/JJ horse/NN pulled/VBD up,/RB faced/VBN toward/IN him/PRP and/CC drew/VBD a/DT carbine/NN from/IN a/DT boot/NN swung/VBD along/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN under/IN the/DT sweat-leather./NN Instantly/RB D'Arcy,/NNP realizing/VBG the/DT man's/JJ intention,/NN swung/VBD wide/JJ out/IN of/IN rifle/NN range/NN and/CC pulled/VBD up./RP "He'd/NNP put/VBD a/DT ball/NN in/IN you,/NNP Pathfinder,/NNP my/PRP$ boy,/NN and/CC set/VBD me/PRP afoot;/IN then/RB he'd/PRP put/VBD another/DT ball/NN in/IN me/PRP at/IN his/PRP$ leisure./NN We/PRP must/MD find/VB another/DT way/NN to/TO come/VB to/TO grips/NNS with/IN that/DT laddybuck,/NN so/IN we/PRP must."The/. two/CD men/NNS studied/VBD each/DT other;/JJ then/RB the/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ turned/VBD carelessly/RB and/CC moved/VBD off/RP at/IN a/DT walk,/NN his/PRP$ head/NN half/NN turned/VBD to/TO note/VB D'Arcy's/NNP movements./, D'Arcy/NNP followed/VBD him/PRP at/IN the/DT same/JJ pace,/NN cursing/VBG himself/PRP for/IN failure/NN to/TO have/VB brought/VBN his/PRP$ own/JJ carbine./NN Thus/RB for/IN two/CD hours/NNS the/DT strange/JJ pair/NN went/VBD forward,/IN the/DT pursued/JJ frequently/RB striving/NN to/TO elude/VB his/PRP$ pursuer,/NN but/CC never/RB succeeding./VBZ D'Arcy's/NNP pursuit/NN was/VBD slow,/JJ patient,/NN dogged./VBN It/PRP was/VBD apparent/JJ that/IN the/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT black/JJ horse/NN was/VBD saving/VBG his/PRP$ animal,/NN which,/, as/IN the/DT slow/JJ miles/NNS dropped/VBD behind/IN them,/PRP began/VBD to/TO show/VB more/JJR and/CC more/JJR the/DT evidences/NNS of/IN fatigue/NN and/CC a/DT greater/JJR lameness./JJR The/DT shiny/JJ black/JJ head/NN was/VBD drooping/VBG now,/RB and/CC from/IN time/NN to/TO time/NN the/DT jaded/JJ beast/NN halted,/NN only/RB to/TO be/VB driven/VBN forward/RB again/RB with/IN spur/NN and/CC quirt./NN "He'll/NN have/VBP to/TO have/VB a/DT fresh/JJ horse/NN within/IN the/DT hour,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP thought./VBD "Now,/NN where/WRB will/MD he/PRP get/VB the/DT animal?/NN At/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP of/IN course./NN And,/NNP by/IN the/DT powers,/NN there's/POS the/DT hacienda/NN gleaming/VBG white/JJ through/IN the/DT oaks./NN Pathfinder,/NNP me/PRP jewel,/IN the/DT chase/NN ends/VBZ here,/RB for/IN we/PRP must/MD have/VB breakfast,/NN and/CC if/IN that/DT rascal/JJ gets/VBZ to/TO friends/NNS he's/NNS lost/VBD to/TO us."He/PRP was/VBD again/RB the/DT cavalry/NN captain/NN charging/VBG with/IN raised/VBN pistol./NN On/IN the/DT instant/NN he/PRP started/VBD the/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ raised/VBD his/PRP$ rifle/NN and/CC took/VBD deliberate/JJ aim./. But/CC something/NN happened./VBZ The/DT weapon/NN was/VBD not/RB fired,/VBN and/CC D'Arcy's/NNP enemy/NN dropped/VBD the/DT rifle,/NN whirled/VBD his/PRP$ tired/JJ horse/NN and/CC fled/VBD widely/RB through/IN the/DT oaks,/JJ firing/NN with/IN his/PRP$ pistol/NN as/IN he/PRP did/VBD so./DT D'Arcy/NNP felt/VBD Pathfinder/NNP flinch/VB under/IN him/PRP and/CC knew/VBD the/DT horse/NN had/VBD been/VBN struck./VBG For/IN a/DT moment/NN he/PRP faltered,then/VBZ with/IN the/DT high/JJ courage/NN of/IN his/PRP$ royal/JJ blood,/NN leaped/VBD forward/RB again./RB But/CC the/DT other/JJ man's/JJ pistol/NN was/VBD empty/JJ now,/RB and/CC every/DT stride/NN was/VBD carrying/VBG D'Arcy/NNP closer/RBR to/TO his/PRP$ prey./NN It/PRP came/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ mind/NN to/TO take/VB this/DT man/NN alive,/RB to/TO bring/VB him/PRP back/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP there/RB to/TO be/VB hanged/VBN with/IN his/PRP$ companions./NN His/PRP$ voice/NN rose/VBD in/IN a/DT wild/JJ Gaelic/NNP hunting/NN cry/NN as/IN they/PRP broke/VBD from/IN the/DT cover/NN of/IN oak-trees/NNS and/CC raced/VBD straight/RB for/IN the/DT main/JJ portal/NN of/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP hacienda./VBD Fifty/CD yards/NNS from/IN it/PRP Pathfinder/NNP was/VBD at/IN the/DT black/JJ horse's/NNS tail;/NN thirty,/, and/CC he/PRP was/VBD at/IN the/DT black/JJ horse's/NN saddle-girth./NN The/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ leaned/VBD over,/IN drew/VBD his/PRP$ long/JJ knife/NN from/IN his/PRP$ bota,/NN turned/VBD in/IN the/DT saddle/NN and/CC slashed/VBD at/IN D'Arcy--and/NNP in/IN that/DT moment/NN the/DT latter/NN recognized/VBD Romauldo/NNP Guerrero!/NNPS His/PRP$ pistol/NN barrel/NN fell/VBD swiftly/RB on/IN the/DT wastrel's/NN wrist,/NN and/CC the/DT knife/NN clattered/VBD to/TO the/DT ground,/NN as/IN the/DT black/JJ horse/NN faltered,/NN staggered,/NN and/CC went/VBD to/TO its/PRP$ knees./NN Straight/NNP over/IN its/PRP$ neck/NN Romauldo/NNP slid/VBD and/CC turned/VBD a/DT somersault/NN in/IN front/NN of/IN his/PRP$ mount;/NN as/IN he/PRP struggled/VBD to/TO rise/VB D'Arcy/NNP pulled/VBD Pathfinder/NNP up/RP on/IN the/DT animal's/NNS hind/VBN legs/NNS and/CC shot/VBD out/RB of/IN the/DT saddle,/NN landing/NN on/IN his/PRP$ feet/NNS some/DT fifteen/CD feet/NNS in/IN advance/NN of/IN Romauldo./NNP His/PRP$ pistol/NN covered/VBD Guerrero,/NNPS whose/WP$ hands/NNS automatically/RB went/VBD upward./RB Romauldo,/NNP curiously/RB enough,/RB was/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ knees,/NNS his/PRP$ attitude/NN now/RB one/CD of/IN supplication./NN Around/IN the/DT pair/NN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP dogs/VBZ raced,/JJ baying/NN furiously,/NNS arousing/VBG the/DT household/NN to/TO the/DT extraordinary/JJ events/NNS taking/VBG place/NN in/IN the/DT front/NN yard./NN "If/IN you/PRP move/VBP from/IN that/DT position/NN I/PRP will/MD kill/VB you,"/PRP D'Arcy/NNP warned./VBD Romauldo's/NNP horse/NN lay/VBD outstretched,/RB too/RB badly/RB dazed/VBN by/IN the/DT fall/NN to/TO attempt/VB to/TO rise./NN From/IN the/DT saddle/NN D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD the/DT riata,/NN passed/VBD the/DT loop/NN over/IN his/PRP$ prisoner's/NNS torso,/, imprisoning/VBG his/PRP$ arms,/NN and/CC then/RB made/VBD several/JJ half-hitches/NNS around/IN the/DT man/NN to/TO secure/VB him./PRP "You/PRP may/MD stand/VB up,"/IN he/PRP said./VBD With/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT riata/NN in/IN hand/NN he/PRP examined/VBD Romauldo's/NNP horse./NN It/PRP was/VBD the/DT mare/NN Kitty,/NNP stolen/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT meadow/NN at/IN Happy/JJ Camp!/NNP So/IN that/WDT accounted/VBD for/IN the/DT royal/JJ race/NN Romauldo/NNP had/VBD given/VBN him!/PRP He/PRP looked/VBD at/IN Pathfinder./NNP The/DT big/JJ stallion/NN stood/VBD panting/VBG heavily,/JJ dripping/VBG perspiration/NN from/IN every/DT pore,/NN and/CC blood/NN from/IN a/DT pistol/NN wound/NN through/IN the/DT muscle/NN of/IN his/PRP$ off/JJ leg,/NNS high/JJ up/RB near/IN the/DT shoulder./NN Another/DT bullet/NN had/VBD notched/VBN one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ ears,/NNS and/CC blood/NN was/VBD running/VBG down/IN his/PRP$ blazed/JJ face./NN The/DT door/NN of/IN the/DT hacienda/NN opened,/NN and/CC Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN stood/VBD in/IN the/DT entrance./NN "Hah!/NN Romauldo!"/IN the/DT old/JJ don/IN cried./NN "A/IN prisoner,/NN eh?/NN Thou/NNP graceless/NNP one./. What/WP hast/PRP thou/VBD been/VBN doing/VBG now--God/JJ of/IN my/PRP$ soul,/NN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy!""Your/NNP son/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ prisoner,/NN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP I/PRP have/VBP but/CC this/DT moment/NN captured/VBN him./PRP He/PRP has/VBZ given/VBN me/PRP a/DT long/JJ race./NN Had/VBD I/PRP been/VBN able/JJ to/TO come/VB up/RP with/IN him/PRP off/RB in/IN the/DT valley/NN yonder/IN I/PRP would/MD not/RB have/VB subjected/VBN you/PRP and/CC Se$orita/NNP Josepha/NNP to/TO this/DT humiliating/JJ scene./NN At/IN your/PRP$ very/RB doorway/NN his/PRP$ horse/NN fell."Father/NN and/CC daughter/NN advanced/VBD and/CC looked/VBD Romauldo/NNP over/IN in/IN agonized/JJ silence./NN Josepha/NNP was/VBD the/DT first/JJ to/TO speak./VB "But/IN this/DT is/VBZ not/RB Romauldo's/JJ horse,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP This/DT is/VBZ the/DT mare/NN Kitty./NNP Unless/IN it/PRP be/VB that/IN you/PRP have/VBP sold/VBN the/DT mare/NN to/TO my/PRP$ brother--""I/NN did/VBD not/RB sell/VB him/PRP the/DT mare,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP replied/VBD hotly./RB "He/RB stole/VBD her/PRP from/IN me./NN I/PRP have/VBP pursued/VBN him/PRP half/PDT the/DT night/NN from/IN my/PRP$ camp/NN on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico.""Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP lies,"/, Romauldo/NNP replied/VBD coolly./. "He/PRP sold/VBD me/PRP the/DT mare./NN He/PRP cannot/MD prove/VB that/IN I/PRP was/VBD on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP last/JJ night.""He/NN cannot/MD prove/VB where/WRB it/PRP was/VBD I/PRP sold/VBD Kitty/NNP to/TO him,/VB Don/NNP Jos$./NNP Not/RB only/RB was/VBD he/PRP there,/, but/CC I/PRP have/VBP trailedhim/VBN from/IN there./DT He/PRP was/VBD a/DT member/NN of/IN a/DT band/NN of/IN twelve/CD robbers/NNS and/CC murderers/NNS who/WP raided/VBD the/DT camp."/NNS And/CC D'Arcy/NNP told/VBD in/IN detail/NN the/DT story/NN of/IN the/DT fight./NN "Behold,"/IN he/PRP added,/VBD "this/DT liar/NN is/VBZ lame./JJ He/PRP has/VBZ a/DT pistol/NN wound/NN in/IN his/PRP$ leg./NN In/IN Sacramento/NNP recently/RB he/PRP killed/VBD a/DT man/NN who/WP caught/VBD him/PRP cheating/VBG at/IN cards./NN I/PRP was/VBD standing/VBG by/IN and/CC he/PRP tried/VBD to/TO kill/VB me./PRP I/PRP returned/VBD the/DT fire/NN as/IN he/PRP retreated/VBD and/CC shot/VBD him/PRP in/IN the/DT thigh.""Ah!/NN So/IN you/PRP figured/VBD in/IN that/DT affair,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP have/VBP heard/VBN of/IN the/DT occurrence,/NN but/CC you/PRP are/VBP the/DT first/JJ to/TO tell/VB me/PRP that/IN my/PRP$ son/NN was/VBD a/DT principal/NN in/IN it.""I/PRP speak/VBP the/DT truth,/NN Don/NNP Jos$./NNP On/IN my/PRP$ honor/NN as/IN a/DT gentleman."The/NN don's/NNS face/NN was/VBD a/DT wilderness/NN of/IN conflicting/VBG emotions./NN In/IN his/PRP$ heart/NN of/IN hearts/NNS he/PRP knew/VBD his/PRP$ son/NN for/IN the/DT scoundrel/NN the/DT boy/NN was,/VBD yet--he/, was/VBD a/DT father./NN Also,/IN he/PRP was--Don/WRB Jos$/NNP Guerrero./NNP He/PRP could/MD not/RB afford/VB to/TO side/NN with/IN a/DT gringo/NN against/IN the/DT blood/NN of/IN his/PRP$ blood./NN "Did/VBD my/PRP$ son/NN kill/VB or/CC rob/VB anyone/NN at/IN your/PRP$ camp?"/NN he/PRP inquired/VBD in/IN a/DT rather/RB small/JJ choked/VBD voice./NN "He/NN was/VBD an/DT accomplice/NN of/IN those/DT who/WP killed,/VBP and/CC as/RB such,/JJ as/IN guilty/JJ as/IN they./DT And/CC he/PRP has/VBZ robbed/VBN me/PRP of/IN a/DT horse.""In/NN the/DT matter/NN of/IN the/DT man/NN you/PRP say/VBP my/PRP$ son/NN killed/VBD in/IN the/DT gambling-house/NN at/IN Sacramento,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP it/PRP on/IN good/JJ authority/NN that/IN Romauldo/NNP killed/VBD to/TO avoid/VB being/VBG killed.""That/NN is/VBZ probably/RB true,/JJ but--he/, drew/VBD first/JJ and/CC fired/VBN first./. He/PRP knew/VBD the/DT penalty/NN in/IN that/DT company/NN for/IN cheating/VBG in/IN a/DT monte/NN game.""There/NN is/VBZ much/JJ to/TO be/VB said/VBN on/IN both/DT sides,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP and/CC naturally/RB I/PRP cannot/MD side/VB with/IN strangers/NNS against/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ flesh/NN and/CC blood./NN Be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO unloose/VB my/PRP$ son."But/NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP only/RB shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "He/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ prisoner/NN and/CC as/IN my/PRP$ prisoner/NN he/PRP shall/MD accompany/VB meback/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC there/RB stand/VB a/DT fair/JJ trial/NN for/IN his/PRP$ misdeeds.""In/NNS your/PRP$ camp,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP Josepha/NNP said/VBD quietly,/JJ "this/IN foolish/JJ boy/NN will/MD be/VB without/IN friends./NN In/IN your/PRP$ camp/NN you/PRP will/MD hang/VB him.""I/PRP hope/VB so!"/RB The/DT words/NNS came/VBD angrily/RB and/CC fiercely./RB "For/IN my/PRP$ sake,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP would/MD you/PRP elect/VB to/TO go/VB back/RB to/TO your/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC say/VB nothing/NN of/IN this/DT incident?""I/NN would/MD not/RB do/VB that/IN even/RB for/IN you,/JJ Josepha./NNP To/TO be/VB faithful/JJ to/TO you/PRP I/PRP would/MD have/VB to/TO be/VB faithless/JJ to/TO society,/VB to/TO my/PRP$ friends,/NN to/TO the/DT law.""There/NN is/VBZ no/DT law,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP reminded/VBD him/PRP fiercely./RB "This/DT boy/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ son,/NN and/CC from/IN the/DT very/JJ shadow/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ home/NN he/PRP shall/MD not/RB be/VB taken/VBN to/TO satisfy/VB your/PRP$ desire/NN for/IN vengeance.""There/RB is/VBZ a/DT law./NN True,/IN it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB as/RB yet/RB here,/, but--it/CC comes."/VB He/PRP pointed/VBD toward/IN the/DT dim/JJ blue/JJ sky-line/NN of/IN the/DT Sierras./NNP "Until/IN it/PRP comes/VBZ in/IN all/DT its/PRP$ cold/JJ majesty/NN and/CC in/IN its/PRP$ various/JJ forms,/NNS attended/VBN by/IN its/PRP$ accredited/VBN servants,/NN the/DT laws/NNS on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP are/VBP but/CC two/CD in/IN number:/NN Thou/NNP shalt/MD not/RB steal./VBG Thou/PRP shalt/MD not/RB kill.""At/VB the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,"/NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP reminded/VBD him,/PRP "I/RB am/VBP the/DT law."/NN He/PRP commenced/VBD lifting/VBG the/DT half-hitches/NNS of/IN the/DT riata/NNP over/IN Romauldo's/NNP shoulders,/NNS but/CC D'Arcy/NNP with/IN a/DT savage/JJ jerk/NN drew/VBD the/DT riata/NN tight/JJ again./NN "You/PRP will/MD force/VB me/PRP to/TO have/VB my/PRP$ servants/NNS take/VB my/PRP$ boy/NN from/IN you,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP The/DT old/JJ man/NN was/VBD striving/VBG to/TO the/DT last/JJ to/TO be/VB courteous./DT "If/IN you/PRP resist/VBP them/PRP I/PRP shall/MD not/RB be/VB responsible/JJ for/IN what/WP may/MD happen/VB to/TO you."D'Arcy/NNP mounted/VBD Pathfinder,/NNP tied/VBD the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT riata/NN to/TO his/PRP$ saddle,/NN lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat,/NN and/CC turned/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN in/IN the/DT direction/NN he/PRP had/VBD come./VBN As/IN the/DT rope/NN drew/VBD taut/JJ Romauldo/NNP was/VBD jerked/VBN along;/RB in/IN order/NN to/TO avoid/VB being/VBG dragged/VBN on/IN his/PRP$ face/NN he/PRP had/VBD to/TO walk/VB behind/IN Pathfinder./NNP "I/NNP give/VBP the/DT mare,/NN Kitty,/NN to/TO you/PRP again,/RB se$orita,"/VBD D'Arcy/NNP called/VBD to/TO Josepha./NNP "She/NNP may/MD still/RB be/VB worth/JJ saving,/JJ but/CC I/PRP do/VBP not/RB want/VB her./PRP She/PRP reminds/VBZ me/PRP of/IN that/DT which/WDT today/NN I/PRP lost/VBD forever."Swiftly/RB the/DT girl/NN ran/VBD to/TO him/PRP and/CC laid/VBD a/DT detaining/VBG hand/NN on/IN the/DT reins./NN "That/IN which/WDT you/PRP have/VBP lost/VBN may/MD be/VB regained,"/RB she/PRP whispered./MD He/PRP understood/VBD perfectly./DT "I/NNP would/MD give/VB this/DT young/JJ animal/NN to/TO his/PRP$ people,"/NNS he/PRP assured/VBD her,/PRP "did/VBD not/RB the/DT sorry/JJ gift/NN carry/NN with/IN it/PRP the/DT lives/NNS of/IN other/JJ men./NN Already/RB my/PRP$ weakness/NN for/IN you/PRP has/VBZ cost/VBN the/DT life/NN of/IN one/CD man,/NN but/CC today/NN this/DT scurvy/NN dog/NN shall/MD not/RB escape/VB to/TO kill/VB again.""I/RB know,"/VB she/PRP pleaded./VBD "For/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ sake/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB ask,/VB but/CC for/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN my/PRP$ father,/NN for/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN our/PRP$ family/NN pride,/NN I/PRP ask/VBP it./PRP I/PRP shall/MD pray/VB for/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod./NNP I/PRP shall/MD ask/VB the/DT Virgin/NNP and/CC all/DT the/DT saints/NNS to/TO guard/VB you/PRP and/CC bless/VB your/PRP$ enterprises,/NN if/IN you/PRP will/MD but/CC spare/VB my/PRP$ father/NN this/DT disgrace./NN And/CC I/PRP will/MD not/RB wed/VBN with/IN Tomas/NNP Espinosa."He/NNP removed/VBD her/PRP$ hands/NNS from/IN the/DT reins/NNS and/CC with/IN a/DT gentle/JJ sweep/NN of/IN his/PRP$ powerful/JJ arm/NN thrust/VBD her/PRP$ aside/RB and/CC rode/VBD on,/RB with/IN his/PRP$ prisoner/NN trudging/VBG at/IN Pathfinder's/NNP heels./, Behind/IN him/PRP he/PRP heard/VBD the/DT hue/NN and/CC cry/NN as/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP sought/VBD to/TO rouse/VB his/PRP$ retainers,/NN so/IN he/PRP drew/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC began/VBD to/TO reload/VB the/DT empty/JJ chambers./NN Suddenly/RB he/PRP felt/VBD the/DT riata/NN slacken./VBD He/PRP looked/VBD back./RB Josepha/NNP had/VBD found/VBN the/DT knife/NN her/PRP half-brother/NN had/VBD dropped/VBN a/DT few/JJ yards/NNS before/IN the/DT mare/NN had/VBD fallen/VBN with/IN him;/NN she/PRP had/VBD cut/VBN the/DT riata,/NN and/CC Romauldo/NNP was/VBD running/VBG for/IN the/DT house/NN at/IN his/PRP$ best/JJS speed./VBN D'Arcy/NNP overtook/VBD him/PRP with/IN ease,/NN leaned/VBD from/IN the/DT saddle,/NN swept/VBD Romauldo/NNP up/RB and/CC across/IN Pathfinder's/NNP neck,/NN whirled/VBD again/RB and/CC galloped/VBD away./RP He/PRP had/VBD a/DT brief/JJ vision/NN of/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP standing/VBG in/IN the/DT dusty/JJ tarweed,/NN her/PRP lovely/JJ face/NN deathly/RB white,/IN her/PRP$ eyes/NNS brimming/VBG with/IN tears./DT But/CC the/DT surpris-ing/JJ thing/NN was/VBD that/IN she/PRP was/VBD not/RB beside/IN herself/PRP with/IN baffled/JJ rage./NN He/PRP pulled/VBD up./RP "I/DT would/MD die/VB for/IN you,"/JJ he/PRP called/VBD to/TO her,/RP "but/IN I/PRP will/MD not/RB be/VB weak/JJ for/IN you.""When/PRP you/PRP have/VBP finished/VBN with/IN his/PRP$ poor/JJ body,"/NN she/PRP sobbed/VBD in/IN English,/NNP "bring/VBG it/PRP back/RB to/TO us,/VB please./NN Adios,/IN hermano/PRP mio!/MD Vaya/NNP usted/JJ con/NN Dios!/NNP "Into/NNP D'Arcy's/NNP thigh/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP sunk/VBN his/PRP$ sharp/JJ white/JJ teeth./NNS He/PRP was/VBD a/DT fighter/NN to/TO the/DT last/JJ and/CC scorned/VBD no/DT weapons./NN D'Arcy/NNP brought/VBD the/DT barrel/NN of/IN his/PRP$ pistol/NN down/RB on/IN the/DT defenseless/JJ head,/NN and/CC Romauldo/NNP loosened/VBD his/PRP$ hold./NN Pathfinder,/NNP despite/IN his/PRP$ wound,/NNS swung/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ fast/JJ canter,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP headed/VBD him/PRP north/RB for/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP A/DT mile/NN out/RB in/IN the/DT plain/NN he/PRP looked/VBD back./RB Half/RB a/DT dozen/NN horsemen/NNS were/VBD just/RB emerging/VBG from/IN the/DT fringe/NN of/IN oaks/NNS and/CC in/IN their/PRP$ leader/NN D'Arcy/NNP recognized/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero./NNP "If/IN I/PRP can/MD but/CC reach/VB the/DT trail/NN the/DT miners/NNS travel,/NN surely/RB there/EX will/MD be/VB men/NNS there/RB to/TO protect/VB and/CC help/VB me/PRP preserve/VB justice,"/RB he/PRP thought,/VBD and/CC headed/VBD that/IN way./DT The/DT road/NN was/VBD deserted/VBN when/WRB he/PRP reached/VBD it,/RB but/CC far/RB up/IN the/DT trail/NN he/PRP saw/VBD three/CD horsemen/NNS coming/VBG toward/IN him/PRP and/CC rode/VBD to/TO meet/VB them./PRP To/TO his/PRP$ relief/NN the/DT approaching/VBG horsemen/NNS suddenly/RB broke/VBD into/IN a/DT hard/JJ gallop./NN Behind/IN him/PRP pistols/NNS and/CC rifles/NNS spoke,/NN and/CC bullets/NNS whined/VBD over/IN him/PRP or/CC threw/VBD dust/NN up/RP in/IN the/DT road/NN in/IN front/NN of/IN him./PRP Then/RB he/PRP was/VBD passing/VBG the/DT horsemen/NNS who/WP swerved/VBD to/TO let/VB him/PRP by,/VB and/CC his/PRP$ heart/NN leaped/VBD to/TO hear/VB Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP shout:"Crack/NN on,/IN Dermod./NNP We'll/NNP take/VBP care/NN of/IN the/DT greasers.""Don't/JJ hurt/NN the/DT old/JJ man!"/NN D'Arcy/NNP cried/VBD back,/RB and/CC pulled/VBD up./RP Straight/NNP at/IN the/DT advancing/VBG Californians/NNPS rode/VBD Bejabers,/NNP Judson/NNP and/CC McCready--three/NNP armed/JJ men/NNS against/IN six/CD who/WP had/VBD already/RB foolishly/RB emptied/VBN theirweapons./DT As/IN one/CD man/NN the/DT Californians/NNPS turned/VBD and/CC fled/VBD before/IN that/DT furious/JJ charge./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP alone/RB hesitated,/, but/CC a/DT volley/NN of/IN bullets/NNS whistling/VBG over/IN his/PRP$ head/NN decided/VBD him;/RB he/PRP too/RB turned/VBD and/CC fled/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ men./NN "If/IN they/PRP load/VB up/RP and/CC tackle/VB us/PRP again,"/IN Bejabers/NNP warned/VBD as/IN he/PRP rejoined/VBD D'Arcy,/NNP "they're/NNP bigger/JJR fools/NNS than/IN I/PRP think/VBP they/PRP are./VBP Who/WP you/PRP got/VBD there,/DT son?""The/NN horse-holder/NN who/WP shot/VBD Vilmont/NNP and/CC escaped./VBN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero./NNP I/PRP trailed/VBD him/PRP and/CC we/PRP had/VBD a/DT running/VBG fight.""His/NN family/NN know/VBP you/PRP got/VBD him--and/JJ why?""I/NN told/VBD them.""I'll/NN spell/NN you/PRP a/DT few/JJ miles/NNS with/IN the/DT prisoner,"/NN Judson/NNP suggested/VBD and/CC lifted/VBD Romauldo/NNP across/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ saddle./NN "Your/NN horse/NN is/VBZ well-nigh/JJ spent."Bejabers/NNS grinned/VBD into/IN D'Arcy's/NNP pale,/, tortured/VBD face./NN "The/IN Lord/NNP moves/VBZ in/IN mysterious/JJ ways/NNS His/PRP$ wonders/NNS to/TO perform./VB When/WRB I/PRP found/VBD you'd/JJ gone/VBN trailing/VBG this/DT wolf/NN I/PRP give/VBP orders/NNS to/TO the/DT boys/NNS to/TO hold/VB the/DT prisoners/NNS we/PRP had/VBD until/IN I/PRP could/MD see/VB if/IN we'd/PRP get/VBP enough/RB for/IN a/DT mess./NN I/PRP was/VBD afeared/VBN something/NN might/MD happen/VB to/TO you,/VB so/IN me/PRP and/CC Mac/NNP and/CC Jud/NNP saddled/VBD up/RB and/CC lit/VBD out/RP after/IN you./PRP We/PRP followed/VBD that/DT bloody/JJ trail,/NN too./, I/PRP knew/VBD you'd/PRP get/VB your/PRP$ man/NN if/IN you/PRP had/VBD to/TO foller/VB him/PRP to/TO Mexico."McCready/NNP rode/VBD up/RP beside/IN Bejabers/NNP and/CC nudged/VBD him./PRP "Drop/VB back,/RB you/PRP born/VBN eediot,"/NN he/PRP hissed./MD "Can't/RB you/PRP see/VBP the/DT chief's/JJ cryin'?"/NN LATE/RB in/IN the/DT afternoon/NN the/DT four/CD partners,/NNS with/IN their/PRP$ prisoner,/NN arrived/VBD at/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP No/DT work/NN had/VBD been/VBN done/VBN on/IN the/DT stream/NN that/IN day,/NN and/CC every/DT miner/NN and/CC hanger-on/NN in/IN the/DT district/NN was/VBD eagerly/RB awaiting/VBG their/PRP$ return./NN Bejabers,/CC who/WP now/RB carried/VBD the/DT prisoner/NN behind/IN him,/PRP rode/VBD up/RP to/TO the/DT dance-hall/NN door/NN and/CC threw/VBD Romauldo/NNP roughly/RB off./, Then/RB he/PRP leaned/VBD from/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC with/IN the/DT butt/NN of/IN his/PRP$ revolver/NN hammered/VBN on/IN the/DT dance-hall/NN wall./NN "Comp'ny!/CC 'Tenshun!/JJ "/'' he/PRP shouted,/VBD in/IN that/DT dramatic/JJ moment/NN reverting/VBG to/TO type/NN and/CC becoming/VBG again/RB that/IN which/WDT he/PRP once/RB was--an/VBD old/JJ Marine/NNP Corps/NNP sergeant./NN "When/NNP me/PRP and/CC my/PRP$ pardners/NNS first/RB discovered/VBD these/DT diggin's/NNS we/PRP formed/VBD the/DT district/NN and/CC put/VBD in/IN a/DT few/JJ simple/JJ rules/NNS and/CC regulations/NNS for/IN business/NN and/CC social/JJ guidance,/NNS as/IN decent/JJ men/NNS should./MD Also,/RB my/PRP$ pardners/NNS unanimously/RB elected/VBD me/PRP alcalde/VB o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP "This/NNP is/VBZ to/TO be/VB the/DT first/JJ trial/NN where/WRB Alcalde/NNP Harmon/NNP presides/VBZ and,/RB by/IN the/DT holy/JJ poker,/NN he's/VBD goin'/NNS to/TO be/VB a/DT presidin'/NN officer./NN Don't/NNP let/VBD me/PRP hear/VB no/DT interruptions/NNS or/CC loose,/JJ undignified/JJ talk./NN Everythin'/NN about/IN this/DT here/RB trial's/VBZ goin'/NN to/TO be/VB done/VBN regular,/JJ and/CC if/IN any/DT gent/JJ present/JJ thinks/VBZ he's/NNS equipped/VBN with/IN better/JJR notions/NNS o'/IN law/NN and/CC order/NN than/IN the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP he'd/VBD better/JJR make/VB his/PRP$ will/NN here/RB and/CC now!/RB "Hear/JJ ye,/NNS hear/VBP ye,/NNS hear/VBP ye!/JJ This/DT honorable/JJ court/NN is/VBZ now/RB in/IN session./NN Draw/NNP near/IN and/CC pay/VB strict/JJ attention./NN I/PRP app'int/VBP Judson/NNP and/CC McCready/NNP sergeants-at-arms/NNS and/CC direct/JJ them/PRP to/TO produce/VB the/DT prisoners/NNS immediately./RB Iapp'int/NNP as/IN prosecutin'/NN attorney/NN Henry/NNP Whittell./NNP I/PRP app'int/VBP as/IN defense/NN attorney/NN Joe/NNP Murphy./NNP I/PRP app'int/VBP as/IN clerk/NN o'/IN the/DT court,/NN with/IN power/NN to/TO administer/VB oaths,/NN Orson/NNP Watson./NNP I/PRP app'int/VBP as/IN interpreter/NN for/IN them/PRP prisoners/NNS that/WDT mebbe/VBD can't/NN speak/VBP English,/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP and/CC I/PRP app'int/VBP the/DT men/NNS o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Minin'/NNP District/NNP the/DT gentlemen/NNS o'/IN the/DT jury."The/NNP prisoners/NNS emerged/VBD from/IN the/DT dance-hall--propelled/JJ somewhat/RB violently,/IN it/PRP must/MD be/VB confessed,/VBN by/IN the/DT willing/JJ sergeants-at-arms./NN Bejabers/NNP eyed/VBD them/PRP coldly/RB and/CC one/CD by/IN one/CD asked/VBD them/PRP if/IN they/PRP spoke/VBD and/CC understood/VBD English./NNP Three/CD admitted/VBD they/PRP did./VBD "Are/RB you/PRP guilty/JJ or/CC not/RB guilty/JJ o'/IN the/DT crime/NN herein/RB charged:/VB to/TO wit,/VB murder/NN and/CC robbery/NN under/IN arms,/NN committed/VBN here/RB shortly/RB after/IN midnight/NN this/DT mornin'?"D'Arcy/NN repeated/VBD the/DT question/NN in/IN Spanish/NNP to/TO the/DT others,/JJ and/CC all/DT six/CD pleaded/VBD not/RB guilty./NN "The/DT clerk/NN has/VBZ a/DT list/NN o'/IN witnesses/NNS to/TO the/DT hold-up/NN in/IN this/DT here/RB dance-hall./, Call/VB the/DT witnesses/NNS and/CC swear/VB 'em."The/PRP witnesses/NNS stepped/VBD forward/RB promptly,/VBN told/VBD their/PRP$ stories/NNS in/IN brief/JJ terse/JJ sentences/NNS and/CC identified/VBN all/DT the/DT prisoners./NN Joe/NNP Murphy,/NNP the/DT defense/NN attorney,/NN who/WP had/VBD once/RB practiced/VBN law/NN in/IN Ohio,/NNP endeavored/VBD adroitly/RB to/TO shake/VB their/PRP$ testimony/NN but/CC failed;/RB as/IN prosecuting/VBG attorney,/NN Henry/NNP Whittell/NNP merely/RB asked/VBD a/DT few/JJ questions./NNS He,/IN Bejabers,/NNP and/CC Francisco/NNP were/VBD the/DT last/JJ to/TO testify./DT Again/RB Bejabers/NNP rapped/VBD the/DT dance-hall/JJ wall/NN with/IN the/DT butt/NN of/IN his/PRP$ pistol./NN "There/RB bein'/IN no/DT further/JJ nominations/NNS I/PRP hereby/RB declare/VBP nominations/NNS closed./VBN Joe,/IN you/PRP got/VBD anything/NN to/TO say?""What/VB the/DT devil/NN can/MD I/PRP say?"/VB Murphy/NNP replied/VBD disgustedly./NN Bejabers's/NNP bleak/JJ glance/NN roved/VBD over/IN D'Arcy,/NNP who/WP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "Somebody/NN make/VBP a/DT motion,"/NN Bejabers/IN pleaded./VBN "I/NNS move/VBP that/IN they/PRP be/VB found/VBN guilty/JJ an'/NN sentenced/VBN to/TO git/VB hung!"/IN a/DT voice/NN in/IN the/DT crowd/NN cried./VBD "Any/JJ second/JJ to/TO that/DT motion?"/NN Bejabers,/IN it/PRP appeared,/VBD had/VBD once/RB in/IN his/PRP$ mixed/JJ past/JJ studied/JJ rules/NNS of/IN order./NNP There/EX was/VBD a/DT vociferous/JJ second/NN from/IN twenty/CD men./NN "It/NN has/VBZ been/VBN regularly/RB moved/VBN and/CC seconded/VBN that/IN these/DT here/RB skunks/VBZ be/VB found/VBN guilty/JJ and/CC stretch/NN hemp./NN All/DT in/IN favor/NN o'/IN the/DT motion/NN signify/RB by/IN raisin'/VBG their/PRP$ right/JJ arms."Three/NNS hundred/CD right/JJ arms/NNS were/VBD upthrust./NNP "Contrary-minded?"/CC the/DT alcalde/NN shouted./MD The/DT forest/NN of/IN arms/NNS descended;/IN the/DT crowd/NN remained/VBD motionless./PRP "Carried/JJ unanimous,"/JJ Bejabers/NNS announced./VBN "The/RB alcalde/RB desires/VBZ to/TO express/VB his/PRP$ thanks/NNS and/CC the/DT thanks/NNS o'/IN the/DT community/NN to/TO the/DT jury./NN Also,/RB as/IN presidin'/NN officer/NN o'/IN this/DT court,"/NN he/PRP added,/VBD turning/VBG to/TO the/DT prisoners,/NN "it/NN becomes/VBZ my/PRP$ solemn/JJ duty/NN to/TO sentence/NN you/PRP fellers/VBD to/TO git/VB hung./PRP Desirin'/NN to/TO temper/VB justice/NN with/IN mercy,/NN I/PRP hereby/RB announce/VBP that/IN the/DT necktie/NN party'll/NN take/VB place/NN in/IN one/CD hour,/NN in/IN order/NN to/TO give/VB you/PRP condemned,/VB no-good,/RB worthless/JJ coyotes/NNS a/DT chance/NN to/TO make/VB your/PRP$ peace/NN with/IN God/NNP and/CC write/VB any/DT loved/VBN ones/NNS you/PRP figger/VBP would/MD be/VB glad/JJ to/TO have/VB final/JJ news/NN from/IN their/PRP$ wanderin'/NN boys./VBD The/DT prisoners/NNS are/VBP remanded/VBN in/IN the/DT custody/NN o'/IN the/DT sergeants-at-arms,/NN who/WP will/MD produce/VB 'em/PRP in/IN that/DT grove/NN o'/IN sugar-pines/NNS yonder/IN at/IN my/PRP$ order./NN If/IN there's/DT a/DT preacher/NN in/IN this/DT camp/NN he/PRP might/MD step/VB forward./RP The/DT details/NNS o'/IN the/DT execution'll/NN be/VB arranged/VBN by/IN me/PRP later/RB on.""Curses,/RB what's/IN the/DT use/NN delayin'/NN matters?"/NN a/DT miner/NN growled./VBN "Let's/NNP swing/VBP 'em/PRP an'/RB git/VBP back/RB to/TO work."Without/VB an/DT instant's/JJ hesitation/NN Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP dismounted,/VBD walked/VBN to/TO that/DT man/NN and/CC knocked/VBD him/PRP down,/RP removed/VBD the/DT man's/JJ pistol/NN and/CC knife/NN and/CC walked/VBD back/RB to/TO his/PRP$ horse./NN "I/RB am/VBP the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp,"/NNP he/PRP announced/VBD quietly./NNP "The/DT first/JJ man/NN that/IN lays/NNS violent/JJ hands/NNS on/IN them/PRP prisoners/NNS until/IN I/PRP give/VBP the/DT words/NNS gits/NNS shot."/VBP He/PRP gazed/VBD around/IN him/PRP until/IN his/PRP$ glance/NN rested/VBD on/IN the/DT clerk/NN of/IN the/DT court./NN He/PRP raised/VBD his/PRP$ horny/JJ hand/NN in/IN a/DT military/JJ salute./NN Once/RB more/RBR he/PRP reverted/VBD to/TO type./DT "The/NNP first/RB sergeant,"/VBD he/PRP announced/VBD absently,/JJ "will/NN dismiss/VBP the/DT company.""Hear/NN ye,/NNS hear/VBP ye,/NNS hear/VBP ye!"/IN the/DT clerk/NN yelled./VBD "Court's/NNP over.""Grave-diggers,/JJ front/NN and/CC center,"/NN Bejabers/NNS commanded./VBN "All/PDT hands/NNS fall/VB in/IN with/IN picks/NNS and/CC shovels/NNS and/CC follow/VB me,/NNS but/CC before/IN we/PRP do,/VBP lemme/NN say/VBP this:/DT As/IN the/DT presidin'/NN magistrate/NN o'/IN this/DT district,/NN the/DT assets/NNS o'/IN the/DT late/JJ proprietor/NN o'/IN this/DT here/RB dance-hall/NN are/VBP in/IN my/PRP$ jurisdiction./NN Does/VBZ anybody/NN here/RB know/VB who/WP his/PRP$ heirs/NNS are?"Nobody/RB appeared/VBD to/TO know./DT Bejabers/NNP talked/VBD on./NNP "This/VBZ appears/VBZ to/TO be/VB a/DT job/NN for/IN the/DT public/JJ administrator,/NN which/WDT I'm/NNP him./VBD Consequently/RB the/DT probate/NN o'/IN the/DT estate--at/NN least/JJS all/PDT that/DT portion/NN o'/IN the/DT estate/NN that's/IN liquid,/NN will/MD be/VB distributed/VBN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP right/NN after/IN the/DT obsequies./NNP The/DT gold/NN will/MD be/VB held/VBN by/IN this/DT honorable/JJ court/NN until/IN an/DT heir/NN shows/VBZ up./RP No/DT heir/NN showin'/VBD up/RP at/IN the/DT end/NN o'/IN one/CD year,/NN said/VBD gold/NN will/MD be/VB given/VBN to/TO any/DT public/JJ charity/NN that/IN raises/VBZ its/PRP$ head./NN Any/DT objections/NNS to/TO that/DT program?"A/NN round/RB of/IN cheers/NNS appearing/VBG to/TO indicate/VB unanimous/JJ approval,/NN Bejabers/NNP formed/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ grave-diggers/NNS and/CC led/VBD them/PRP to/TO the/DT extreme/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP meadow,/, where/WRB already/RB a/DT few/JJ graves/NNS formed/VBD the/DT nucleus/NN for/IN a/DT cemetery./NN Bejabers/NNP indicated/VBD an/DT area/NN some/DT two/CD hundred/CD yards/NNS from/IN these/DT original/JJ inhabitants./NN "This'll/NN be/VB the/DT Potter's/NNP Field,"/NNP he/PRP announced./VBD "No/IN plantin'/NN o'/IN cattle/NNS like/IN this/DT with/IN honest/JJ miners/NNS while/IN I'm/NNP the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp.""How/NNP about/IN coffins?"/NN someone/NN suggested./VBZ "We'll/DT roll/NN 'em/PRP in/IN their/PRP$ saddle-blankets."Truly,/NN Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP had/VBD been/VBN born/VBN to/TO leadership./VB The/DT execution/NN of/IN the/DT survivors/NNS of/IN the/DT raid/NN on/IN Happy/JJ Camp/NNP was/VBD accomplished/VBN silently/RB and/CC expeditiously./VBD Each/DT was/VBD mounted/VBN bareback/NN on/IN a/DT mule,/NN the/DT hangman's/NNS knot/NN adjusted/VBN under/IN his/PRP$ ear,/NN and/CC the/DT other/JJ end/NN of/IN the/DT rope/NN fastened/VBN to/TO a/DT stout/NN limb./NN None/NN of/IN the/DT doomed/VBN men/NNS weakened/VBD at/IN the/DT finish,/NN and/CC with/IN the/DT nonchalance/NN typical/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ mixed/JJ blood/NN Romauldo/NNP Guerrero/NNP calmly/RB smoked/VBD a/DT cigarette/NN while/IN the/DT rope/NN was/VBD being/VBG adjusted./VBN Bejabers/IN looked/VBN around/RB at/IN the/DT mules,/NN held/VBN by/IN his/PRP$ helpers,/NN standing/VBG calmly/RB under/IN their/PRP$ respective/JJ trees./NN "Are/IN you/PRP all/DT set?"/NN he/PRP shouted./MD "Ready!"Romauldo/VB spat/VBD out/RP his/PRP$ cigarette--his/WRB hands/NNS were/VBD tied/VBN behind/IN him./PRP "Adios,/RB se$ores,"/VBD he/PRP shouted/VBD grandly./NNP "I/NNP forgive/VBP you/PRP all.""Will/VB you/PRP listen/VB at/IN that/DT hoss-thief,/JJ tin-horn,/NN and/CC killer,"/NN Bejabers/NNP cried/VBD in/IN huge/JJ disgust,/NN "a-tryin'/NN with/IN his/PRP$ last/JJ breath/NN to/TO intimate/VB that/IN everythin'/NN hasn't/VBP been/VBN done/VBN in/IN a/DT lawful/JJ and/CC orderly/JJ manner./NN Mule-holders!/NNP 'Tenshun!/. Hands/NNS off/IN the/DT head-stalls!/JJ Ring-masters!/NNP 'Tenshun!/. Raise/NNP whips!/. Yow-w-w-w!"The/. men/NNS laid/VBD the/DT willow/JJ gads/NNS smartly/RB across/IN the/DT rumps/NNS of/IN the/DT mules;/JJ the/DT frightened/JJ animals/NNS sprang/VBD forward;/IN the/DT ropes/NNS tautened/VBN with/IN a/DT savage/JJ jerk/NN as/IN the/DT condemned/VBN men/NNS slid,/VBD kicking,/VBN over/IN the/DT mules'/JJ rumps/NNS and/CC dropped/VBD with/IN a/DT thud./NN They/PRP twisted/VBD spasmodically/RB two/CD or/CC three/CD times,/NNS then/RB their/PRP$ legs/NNS straightened/VBD and/CC they/PRP swung/VBD gently/RB in/IN the/DT night/NN breeze/NN that/IN blew/VBD down/RP the/DT ca$on./NN Out/IN in/IN the/DT meadow/NN the/DT mules/NNS paused,/VBP turned/VBN and/CC snorted,/NN but/CC save/VB for/IN this/DT and/CC the/DT rustle/NN of/IN the/DT pines/NNS the/DT silence/NN of/IN death/NN lay/VBD over/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP broke/VBD that/IN silence./NN "All/NN hands/NNS down/RB to/TO the/DT dance-hall/NN where,/, as/IN public/JJ administrator,/NN I/PRP purpose/NN distributin'/NN the/DT liquid/JJ assets/NNS of/IN our/PRP$ late/JJ feller/NN citizen,/NN whose/WP$ murderer/NN has/VBZ just/RB paid/VBN the/DT penalty/NN of/IN his/PRP$ crime/NN in/IN a/DT highly/RB legal/JJ and/CC technical/JJ manner."The/NNS crowd/NN followed/VBD him/PRP silently/RB away./RB As/IN it/PRP passed/VBD the/DT cabin/NN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC company,/NN Bejabers/NNP looked/VBD in/IN at/IN D'Arcy/NNP seated/VBN before/IN the/DT fireplace,/NN his/PRP$ chin/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hands./NN "Wasn't/RB you/PRP to/TO the/DT party,/NN ol'-timer?"/, he/PRP queried"No,/VBZ Bejabers.""Well,/IN you/PRP missed/VBD a/DT good/JJ hangin'./NN Everythin'/NN went/VBD off/RP as/RB slick/JJ as/IN a/DT new/JJ red/JJ buggy,/NN and/CC that/DT saddle-colored/JJ Romauldo/NNP said/VBD he/PRP forgave/VBD to/TO all./DT You/PRP feelin'/VBZ a/DT mite/NN disturbed/VBN below/IN decks,/VBN son?""My/NN heart's/NNS broken,/VBD Bejabers./NNP I/PRP traded/VBD love/NN and/CC happiness/NN with/IN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP for/IN law/NN and/CC order/NN and/CC the/DT body/NN of/IN her/PRP$ half-brother.""Stood/NN between/IN your/PRP$ love/NN and/CC dooty,/NN eh?/NN Well,/IN the/DT luck/NN runs/VBZ that/DT way/NN for/IN a/DT while/NN and/CC then/RB it/PRP gits/VBZ worse,/JJ don't/NN it?"/IN He/PRP eyed/VBD his/PRP$ partner/NN sympathetically./NN "What/IN you/PRP need/VBP is/VBZ a/DT drink!"/NN he/PRP suggested./VBD D'Arcy/NNP ignored/VBD the/DT suggestion./NN "I/NN promised/VBD her/PRP I'd/NNP bring/VB the/DT body/NN back/RB to/TO the/DT rancho/NN for/IN an/DT interment/NN in/IN their/PRP$ little/JJ family/NN cemetery,/NN Bejabers./NNP Will/MD you/PRP help/VB me?""Have/VB I/PRP got/VBD to/TO go/VB traipsin'/NN around/IN the/DT country/NN with/IN that/DT feller's/NNS carcass?"/VBD the/DT little/JJ man/NN complained./VBN "He's/NNP as/IN big/JJ a/DT nuisance/NN dead/JJ as/IN he/PRP was/VBD alive.""I/RB promised/VBN the/DT girl.""Well,/NN I/PRP reckon/VBP you/PRP got/VBD to/TO make/VB good/JJ on/IN your/PRP$ promise./NN I'll/. help/VB you./PRP But/CC we/PRP got/VBD to/TO wait/VB till/IN mornin'./RBR Our/PRP$ horses/NNS got/VBD to/TO have/VB a/DT rest./NN Dog-gone/NNP it,/, if/IN we/PRP could/MD only/RB start/VB while/IN he's/PRP limber,/VBP it/PRP wouldn't/MD be/VB no/DT trick/NN at/IN all/DT to/TO drape/VB him/PRP over/IN a/DT mule.""We'll/NN make/VB a/DT sort/NN of/IN stretcher/NN with/IN blankets/NNS tied/VBN between/IN two/CD long/JJ stout/NN lodge/NN poles;/NN then/RB we'll/VBD swing/NN this/DT stretcher/NN between/IN two/CD mules,/JJ fore/NN and/CC aft,/NN and/CC thus/RB make/VB shift/NN to/TO deliver/VB Romauldo."Bejabers/NNS scratched/VBN his/PRP$ ingenious/JJ head./NN "I/IN reckon/VBP I'd/JJ better/JJR not/RB let/VB him/PRP hang/VB more'n/NN an/DT hour,/NN or/CC he'll/RB be/VB hard/JJ to/TO lay/VB out/RP and/CC make/VB look/VB pretty./RB Won't/IN you/PRP come/VBP along/RB and/CC help/VB celebrate/VB the/DT biggest/JJS day/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp?"But/NNP D'Arcy/NNP declined,/VBD so/IN Bejabers/NNP departed/VBD to/TO manage/VB the/DT distributing/NN of/IN the/DT estate./NN Two/CD hours/NNS later/RB he/PRP came/VBD in,/RB and/CC D'Arcy/NNP noticed/VBD he/PRP was/VBD a/DT little/JJ drunk./NN "Had/VBD to/TO work/VB myself/PRP up/RP to/TO it,/DT son,"/NN he/PRP apologized./VBD "The/DT fellers/NNS are/VBP holdin'/VBG a/DT grand/JJ wake/NN over/IN Romauldo--in/NNP the/DT dance-hall./NN After/IN the/DT hard/JJ work/NN I/PRP done/VBD on/IN him/PRP I'm/IN layin'/NN you/PRP ten/CD to/TO one/CD he/PRP looks/VBZ ca'm/VBN and/CC beautiful/JJ when/WRB we/PRP hand/NN him/PRP over."D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD touched./VBN "Thank/NNP you,/, Bejabers,"/IN he/PRP murmured./MD "You're/VB a/DT thoughtful/JJ little/JJ man,/NN so/IN you/PRP are.""Ain't/VBP no/DT sense/NN inflictin'/IN needless/JJ shocks/NNS ter/IN the/DT innercent,/JJ son./NN Woops!/NNP Cracky,/NNP I'm/NNP tight./JJS Prove/VB the/DT love/NN of/IN a/DT pardner/NN fer/IN his/PRP$ pardner--and/NN snake/NN off/IN my/PRP$ boots!"D'Arcy/NN undressed/VBD him/PRP and/CC tucked/VBD him/PRP in/IN his/PRP$ bunk./NN "Law/NN an'/NN order's/NNS established,"/VBN Bejabers/NNP cried/VBD drowsily./VBG "We/RB set/VBN a/DT precedent./NN Only/RB regret/NN I/PRP got--dug/VBD one/CD grave/NN too/RB many--love's/JJ labor/NN lost!/VBN Whoops,/JJ I'm/NNP tight./JJS Had/VBD to/TO do/VB it,/DT son./NN Dirty/NNP work,/, sober--because/NN I/PRP ain't/VBP no/DT undertaker!"/IN His/PRP$ mind/NN now/RB took/VBD a/DT legal/JJ turn./NN "Lordy,"/IN he/PRP murmured,/VBD "how/IN I/PRP do/VBP hate/VB to/TO monkey/VB with/IN a/DT corpus/JJ delicti!"After/IN breakfast/NN next/JJ morning/NN the/DT pack-mules/NNS were/VBD rounded/VBN up/RP together/RB with/IN four/CD saddle-horses./. The/DT gold/NN was/VBD packed/VBN in/IN the/DT kyacks;/NN then/RB the/DT rude/JJ cacolet,containing/NN Romauldo's/NNP body,/NN was/VBD swung/VBN between/IN two/CD of/IN the/DT mules/NNS and/CC D'Arcy,/NNP Bejabers,/NNP Judson/NNP and/CC McCready,/NNP fully/RB armed,/VBP mounted/VBD their/PRP$ horses/NNS and/CC rode/VBD for/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Pathfinder/NNP was/VBD left/VBN at/IN home/NN this/DT time./NN His/PRP$ wound,/NNS like/IN Vilmont's,/NNP proved/VBD to/TO be/VB superficial/JJ and/CC D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD dressed/VBN the/DT wounds/NNS of/IN man/NN and/CC beast/NN by/IN washing/VBG them/PRP with/IN raw/JJ whisky/NN and/CC binding/NN them/PRP up/RP with/IN the/DT tails/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ last/JJ two/CD fine/JJ linen/NN shirts./NN Bejabers,/CC watching/VBG both/DT operations,/NNS cursed/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP for/IN not/RB being/VBG on/IN hand/NN to/TO do/VB the/DT dressings/NNS in/IN a/DT workmanlike/JJ manner./NN "Which/IN I/PRP hear,"/VBD he/PRP added,/VBD "that/IN him/PRP and/CC Poppy's/NNP struck/VBD some/DT good/JJ ground/NN on/IN a/DT little/JJ creek/NN about/IN ten/CD mile/NN from/IN here,/PRP$ off/JJ yonder/NN on/IN the/DT north/NN fork./, Consequently,/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP we'll/RB be/VB seein'/VBG them/PRP two/CD useless/JJ citizens/NNS about/IN as/RB often/RB as/IN they/PRP make/VBP a/DT clean-up."The/JJ long/JJ march/NN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP was/VBD a/DT silent/JJ one./NNP In/IN midafternoon/NN they/PRP came/VBD again/RB to/TO the/DT hacienda/NN and/CC again/RB the/DT chorus/NN of/IN yelps/NNS from/IN the/DT dogs/NNS brought/VBD the/DT household/NN to/TO the/DT front/NN door./NN Behind/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP stalwart/JJ shoulder/NN D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD the/DT pale/JJ lovely/JJ face/NN of/IN his/PRP$ daughter./NN He/PRP bowed/VBD low/JJ in/IN his/PRP$ saddle./NN "Don/IN Jos$,"/NNP he/PRP announced,/VBD "in/IN conformity/NN with/IN the/DT promise/NN I/PRP made/VBD your/PRP$ daughter--"But/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD seen/VBN the/DT cacolet/NN and/CC knew/VBD what/WP it/PRP contained./VBD "In/IN heaven's/JJ name,/NN depart/NN with/IN that/DT which/WDT you/PRP bring!"/VBP he/PRP cried/VBD hoarsely./RB "To/IN the/DT grove/NN yonder,/IN I/PRP beg/VBP of/IN you./PRP$ I/PRP will/MD meet/VB you/PRP there./DT There/RB is/VBZ a/DT reason!/NN Quickly,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod.""About/NNP face!/IN Forward!/NNP March!"/NNP Bejabers/NNP gave/VBD the/DT commands./NN "Better/NN fightin'/NN ground/NN among/IN the/DT oaks/NNS than/IN here/RB in/IN the/DT open,"/NN he/PRP suggested./VBD "What/IN d'ye/NN suppose/VBP has/VBZ run/VBN up/RP the/DT old/JJ man's/NNS back?""He/RB may/MD have/VB company,/VBN Bejabers."In/IN the/DT grove/NN of/IN oaks/NNS two/CD hundred/CD yards/NNS beyond/IN thehouse/NN the/DT little/JJ cavalcade/NN halted./VBN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP procured/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC walked/VBD out/RB to/TO meet/VB them./PRP "You/RB have/VBP the/DT body/NN of/IN my/PRP$ son?"/NN he/PRP queried/VBD in/IN a/DT husky/JJ voice./NN D'Arcy/NNP nodded./, Don/NNP Jos$/NNP leaned/VBD against/IN the/DT trunk/NN of/IN an/DT oak/NN and/CC buried/VBD his/PRP$ face/NN in/IN his/PRP$ arms./NN "He/NN was/VBD tried/VBN regular,/JJ found/VBD guilty/JJ by/IN a/DT jury/NN of/IN his/PRP$ peers,/NN and/CC hung,"/VBD Bejabers/NNP declared/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ barbarous/JJ Spanish./NNP Then/RB to/TO D'Arcy':/NNP "Poor/NNP old/JJ chap,/NN I/PRP hate/VBP to/TO rasp/VB his/PRP$ feelin's/NNS but/CC it/PRP can't/MD be/VB helped.""I/VBN cannot/IN receive/VB the/DT body,"/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP cried/VBD sobbingly./RB "Don/JJ Emilio/NNP Espinosa/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son,/NN Tomas,/NNP are/VBP here/RB to/TO arrange/VB the/DT details/NNS of/IN my/PRP$ daughter's/NNS marriage./, Fortunately/RB they/PRP were/VBD not/RB aroused/VBN from/IN the/DT siesta/NN when/WRB you/PRP approached,/VBP but/CC my/PRP$ daughter/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP not/RB slept./NN We/PRP have/VBP been/VBN expecting/VBG you--"He/JJ broke/VBD down/RP completely,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ party/NN waited/VBD patiently/RB until/IN he/PRP could/MD control/VB himself./PRP "You/PRP have/VBP met/VBN Don/NNP Emilio,"/NNP he/PRP charged./VBD "You/PRP know/VBP that/IN he/PRP is/VBZ a/DT proud/JJ man,/JJ jealous/JJ of/IN the/DT honor/NN of/IN his/PRP$ house./NN Rather/RB than/IN ally/VB his/PRP$ family/NN with/IN one/CD that/WDT has/VBZ bred/VBN an/DT outlaw/NN he/PRP would/MD thrust/VB his/PRP$ right/JJ hand/NN into/IN a/DT fire./NN He/PRP must/MD not/RB know/VB of/IN this./DT I/PRP beseech/VBP you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP protect/VBP me/PRP and/CC the/DT honor/NN of/IN my/PRP$ house.""How?"/NNS The/DT practical/JJ Bejabers/NNP had/VBD spoken./NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP ignored/VBD him./PRP "Ah,/RB no,"/RB he/PRP wailed/VBD piteously,/VBN "not/RB this/DT disgrace./NN I/PRP cannot/MD bear/VB it./DT You/PRP must/MD keep/VB our/PRP$ horrible/JJ secret,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Tell/VB me,/PRP my/PRP$ friend,/NN you/PRP will/MD not/RB bring/VB sorrow/NN and/CC humiliation/NN upon/IN a/DT man/NN of/IN my/PRP$ years./NN I/PRP am/VBP old,/JJ I/PRP have/VBP not/RB long/JJ to/TO live;/VB I/PRP would/MD see/VB Pepita/NNP safely/RB settled/VBD in/IN life/NN before/IN I/PRP die."D'Arcy's/VBD heart/NN bled/VBD for/IN the/DT don./NN "I/NN will/MD keep/VB your/PRP$ secret,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP but/CC others/NNS will/MD not./DT Five/CD of/IN his/PRP$ companions/NNS were/VBD hanged/VBN with/IN Romauldo,/NNP and/CC six/CD others/NNS were/VBD killed/VBN in/IN the/DT attempted/JJ robbery./NN This/DT newscannot/RB be/VB stifled./VBN The/DT identity/NN of/IN your/PRP$ son/NN is/VBZ known;/VBN this/DT affair/NN will/MD be/VB told/VBN in/IN every/DT mining-camp/NN in/IN California/NNP within/IN a/DT month.""Within/NN a/DT month--yes./FW But/CC not/RB now./RB Tomorrow/RB I/PRP ride/VBP with/IN my/PRP$ daughter,/NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP and/CC Tomas/NNP to/TO San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP there/RB to/TO consummate/VB the/DT marriage./NN It/PRP is/VBZ possible/JJ to/TO forestall/VB this/DT news,/NN for/IN we/PRP ride/VBP before/IN it,/PRP and/CC since/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son/NN do/VBP not/RB speak/VB English/NNP and/CC are/VBP not/RB in/IN the/DT habit/NN of/IN conversing/VBG with/IN gringos,/VBG it/PRP may/MD be/VB long/RB before/IN it/PRP comes/VBZ to/TO them.""But/PRP when/WRB Don/NNP Emilio/NNP learns/VBZ the/DT truth--""It/NN will/MD then/RB be/VB too/RB late./, The/DT marriage/NN will/MD already/RB have/VB been/VBN accomplished/VBN and/CC there/EX is/VBZ no/DT divorce/NN among/IN our/PRP$ people./NNS The/DT Espinosas/NNP will/MD rage/VB for/IN a/DT period,/NN then/RB make/VB the/DT best/JJS of/IN the/DT sad/JJ affair."Bejabers/NNS cocked/VBD his/PRP$ short/JJ leg/NN over/IN the/DT pommel/NN of/IN his/PRP$ saddle/NN and/CC eyed/VBD Don/NNP Jos$/NNP disapprovingly./VBD "'If/IN you're/PRP so/RB anxious/JJ to/TO see/VB your/PRP$ daughter/NN settled/VBD in/IN life,"/NN he/PRP demanded,/VBD "why/RB don't/VBN you/PRP marry/VB her/PRP to/TO Don/NNP Dermod?/NNP He's/IN a/DT gentleman./NN His/PRP$ people/NNS was/VBD fraternizin'/NN with/IN kings/NNS centuries/NNS before/IN your/PRP$ people/NNS had/VBD quit/VBN bein'/NN sheep-herders./. He's/. rich,/JJR good-lookin'/NN and/CC don't/RB believe/VB in/IN divorce./NN If/IN you/PRP got/VBD to/TO get/VB rid/JJ o'/IN the/DT girl,/NN why/WRB don't/RB you/PRP saw/VBD her/PRP off/RP on/IN a/DT life-sized/JJ man?""Hush,/NN Bejabers,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP protested./, "He/NN cannot/IN understand/VB your/PRP$ logic.""My/NN daughter/NN loves/VBZ not/RB Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,"/IN the/DT old/JJ man/NN reminded/VBD them/PRP both./DT "She/NN loves/VBZ not/RB young/JJ Tomas/NNP Espinosa,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP charged./, "You/PRP would/MD break/VB her/PRP$ heart,/NN Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP by/IN this/DT enforced/VBN marriage"/NN [sic]"She/PRP will/MD think/VB better/JJR of/IN the/DT matter/NN later,/RB for/IN look/NN you,/IN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP she/PRP must/MD accept./VB No/DT Californian/JJ gentleman/NN will/MD seek/VB her/PRP$ hand/NN in/IN marriage/NN after/IN this/DT news/NN gets/VBZ abroad/RB in/IN the/DT land."Bejabers/NNS sighed./VBD "Reckon/IN the/DT old/JJ codger's/NN right,/NN Dermod./NNP You/PRP don't/VBP stand/VB no/DT show/NN on/IN earth/NN with/IN the/DT girl/NN now,/RB after/IN disgracin'/NN the/DT family/NN the/DT way/NN you've/JJ done."/NNS Then/RB to/TO Don/NNP Jos$:/NNP "Well,/IN what/WP about/IN this."/DT He/PRP pointed/VBD to/TO the/DT thing/NN swung/VBD between/IN the/DT mules./NN "Bury/IN it/PRP far/RB from/IN here,"/PRP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP pleaded./, "It/NNP seems/VBZ Don/NNP Emilio/NNP has/VBZ heard/VBN whispers/NNS of/IN my/PRP$ son's/NNS rascality;/VBD that/DT is/VBZ why/WRB suddenly/RB he/PRP decided/VBD to/TO come/VB in/IN person/NN to/TO investigate/VB the/DT desirability/NN of/IN considering/VBG this/DT alliance/NN further./, He/PRP has/VBZ questioned/VBN me/PRP about/IN Romauldo,/NNP and/CC I/PRP have/VBP assured/VBN him/PRP otherwise/RB on/IN my/PRP$ word/NN of/IN honor./NN I/PRP have/VBP shown/VBN him/PRP the/DT dowry;/NN I/PRP have/VBP pressed/VBN for/IN an/DT immediate/JJ marriage./NN And/CC now,/RB if/IN you/PRP betray/VBP me,/, I/PRP am/VBP lost.""You/VBN should/MD have/VB thought/VBN of/IN that,/DT Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP when/WRB you/PRP and/CC your/PRP$ men/NNS shot/VBD at/IN him/PRP yesterday,"/RB Bejabers/NNP retorted./VBD "However,/NNP pardner,"/, he/PRP added/VBD in/IN English/NNP to/TO D'Arcy,/NNP "the/NNP matter's/VBZ up/RP to/TO you.""Very/NNP well,/, Don/NNP Jos$./NNP I/PRP will/MD do/VB as/IN you/PRP desire,/VBP although/IN it/PRP is/VBZ hard/JJ for/IN me/PRP to/TO stay/VB my/PRP$ hand/NN when/WRB it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT winning/VBG one./NN Has/VBZ it/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO you,/NNP Don/NNP Jos$,/NNP that/IN Tomas/NNP will/MD accept/VB this/DT deplorable/JJ situation/NN when/WRB he/PRP discovers/VBD it?""Before/IN marriage/NN the/DT news/NN would/MD be/VB fatal./DT Tomas/NNP is/VBZ proud/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ blood/NN and/CC would/MD immediately/RB break/VB the/DT betrothal./JJR But/CC after/IN the/DT marriage--well,/NN he/PRP would/MD pretend/VB it/PRP was/VBD but/CC the/DT idle/JJ gossip/NN of/IN fools.""Then/NN he's/IN what/WP I/PRP suspect/VBP him/PRP to/TO be/VB at/IN heart--a/JJ cad./NN However,/RB I'm/NNP out/IN of/IN the/DT race./NN I/PRP realize/VBP that."/IN He/PRP glanced/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ partners./NN "Well,/IN let's/NNS play/VBP the/DT game,/NN gentlemen.""You/PRP mean/VBP you/PRP want/VBP us/PRP to/TO dig/VB a/DT grave/NN somewhere/RB without/IN tools,"/DT Bejabers/NNP roared./NNP "Dang/NNP you,/, son,/NN you/PRP got/VBD a/DT heart/NN like/IN a/DT child./NN Sometimes/RB I/PRP swear/VBP I/PRP grow/VBP plumb/RB weary/JJ o'/IN humorin'/NN you.""I/PRP have/VBP a/DT plan,/NN Bejabers./NNP We/PRP will/MD carry/VB the/DT body/NN to/TO the/DT river/NN and/CC throw/VB it/PRP in./. Then/RB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP can/MD arrange/VB to/TO have/VB one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ men/NNS find/VBP it./DT It/PRP will/MD appear/VB to/TO be/VB a/DT clear/JJ case/NN of/IN murder--a/NN situation,/NN at/IN any/DT rate,/NN that/WDT will/MD enable/VB Don/NNP Jos$/NNP to/TO cast/VB grave/JJ doubt/NN upon/IN the/DT story/NN that/IN his/PRP$ son/NN was/VBD hanged/VBN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP The/DT body/NN must/MD be/VB recovered/VBN from/IN the/DT river/NN while/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ son/NN are/VBP here./RB Then/RB it/PRP can/MD be/VB buried/VBN decently,/NN and/CC the/DT suspicions/NNS of/IN the/DT Espinosas/NNP will/MD have/VB been/VBN thoroughly/RB lulled."He/NN turned/VBD to/TO Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC explained/VBD his/PRP$ plan./NN Eagerly/RB the/DT old/JJ don/IN accepted/VBN it;/IN indeed,/JJ tears/NNS of/IN gratitude/NN welled/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ eyes,/NN and/CC he/PRP departed/VBD at/IN once/RB to/TO arrange/VB with/IN one/CD of/IN his/PRP$ faithful/NN retainers/NNS to/TO find/VB the/DT body./NN Presently/RB a/DT vaquero/NN rode/VBD out/RB and/CC joined/VBD D'Arcy's/NNP party,/, which/WDT then/RB moved/VBD off,/RB skirting/VBG the/DT hacienda/NN in/IN a/DT wide/JJ circle/NN and/CC heading/VBG west/RB for/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP River./NNP At/IN the/DT bank/NN the/DT body/NN was/VBD removed/VBN from/IN the/DT cacolet,/NN Bejabers/NNP put/VBD a/DT bullet/NN through/IN its/PRP$ chest,/NN the/DT vaquero/NN fastened/VBD his/PRP$ rawhide/NN riata/NN to/TO it,/PRP and/CC McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP tossed/VBD it/PRP out/RP into/IN the/DT water./NN Solemnly/RB the/DT vaquero/NN towed/VBD it/PRP down-stream/RB a/DT little/JJ way,/NN then/RB hauled/VBD it/PRP into/IN the/DT soft/JJ mud/NN close/NN to/TO the/DT bank/NN and/CC secured/VBN the/DT other/JJ end/NN of/IN his/PRP$ riata/NN to/TO a/DT tree,/NN after/IN which/WDT he/PRP galloped/VBD off/RP to/TO the/DT hacienda,/NN there/RB excitedly/RB to/TO report/VB to/TO Don/NNP Jos$/NNP the/DT finding/NN of/IN his/PRP$ son's/NNS body/NN in/IN the/DT river./NNP The/DT cacolet/NN Bejabers/NNP threw/VBD into/IN the/DT river/NN and/CC stood/VBD for/IN a/DT moment/NN watching/VBG it/PRP float/VB away./RB "Well,/IN that/DT job's/NNS done,"/VBP he/PRP growled,/VB "and/NNP as/RB long/RB as/IN I/PRP live/VBP I/PRP ain't/VBP never/RB goin'/VBN to/TO feel/VB the/DT same./JJ This/DT here/RB job's/VBZ sort/NN o'/RB like/IN body-snatchin'./DT Let's/NNP wash/VBP our/PRP$ hands."They/NN camped/VBD on/IN the/DT trail/NN that/WDT night,/VBP their/PRP$ camp-fire/NN twinkling/NN in/IN the/DT long/JJ line/NN with/IN those/DT of/IN other/JJ miners/NNS bound/VBN to/TO the/DT new/JJ diggings/NNS farther/RB north./RB At/IN Sacramento/NNP next/JJ day/NN they/PRP deposited/VBD their/PRP$ gold/NN with/IN the/DT agent/NN of/IN Wells/NNP Fargo/NNP &/CC Co./NNP for/IN shipment/NN to/TO the/DT Philadelphia/NNP mint,/NN retaining/VBG only/RB sufficient/JJ to/TO purchase/VB a/DT supply/NN of/IN provisions./NN Then,/RB following/VBG a/DT night/NN of/IN the/DT sort/NN of/IN gaiety/NN peculiar/JJ to/TO the/DT masculine/JJ population/NN of/IN Sacramento,/NNP they/PRP packed/VBD their/PRP$ provisions/NNS on/IN the/DT mules/NNS and/CC returned/VBD to/TO Happy/NNP Camp./NNP ./. ./. ./. As/IN they/PRP rode/VBD north/RB they/PRP met/VBD on/IN the/DT trail,/NN a/DT few/JJ miles/NNS south/RB of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa,/NNP his/PRP$ son/NN Tomas/NNP and/CC a/DT body-guard/NN of/IN six/CD vaqueros/NNS riding/VBG south./NN Without/IN an/DT instant's/JJ hesitation/NN D'Arcy/NNP made/VBD himself/PRP known/VBN to/TO them./POS "Hah!/NNP Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy."/NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP feigned/VBD a/DT heartiness/NN he/PRP was/VBD far/RB from/IN feeling/NN and/CC proffered/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO his/PRP$ quondam/NN guest./NN Tomas/NNP merely/RB bowed/VBD and/CC raised/VBD his/PRP$ hat./NN "What/RB do/VBP you/PRP in/IN this/DT country,/NN my/PRP$ friend?""With/IN my/PRP$ friends/NNS here/RB I/PRP am/VBP engaged/VBN in/IN mining,/JJ Don/NNP Emilio!""You/NNP prosper?""Exceedingly./'' But/CC the/DT labor/NN is/VBZ very/RB great./JJR And/CC you?/PRP What,/WP if/IN I/PRP may/MD ask,/RB brings/VBZ you/PRP into/IN Alta/NNP California?""We/NNP have/VBP been/VBN visiting/VBG with/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP Guerrero,/NNPS but/CC departed/VBD sooner/RB than/IN we/PRP had/VBD anticipated./VBN You/PRP have/VBP heard/VBN of/IN the/DT murder/NN of/IN his/PRP$ son/NN Romauldo?""One/NNP never/RB hears/VBZ of/IN the/DT tragedies/NNS in/IN the/DT Californian/JJ families/NNS hereabouts,"/, D'Arcy/NNP replied/VBD guardedly./NN "You/PRP say/VBP the/DT boy/NN has/VBZ been/VBN murdered?""Murdered/VBN and/CC his/PRP$ body/NN cast/VBD into/IN the/DT river./NNP One/CD of/IN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP vaqueros,/IN working/VBG cattle/NNS along/IN the/DT river,/NN found/VBD it./PRP The/DT boy/NN had/VBD been/VBN dead/JJ perhaps/RB two/CD days./NN Shot/VBN through/IN the/DT chest./NN We/PRP remained/VBD only/RB long/JJ enough/RB to/TO attend/VB the/DT funeral/NN and/CC then/RB departed,/VB leaving/VBG our/PRP$ poor/JJ friend/NN immersed/VBD in/IN grief./NN It/PRP is/VBZ very/RB sad.""I/JJ grieve/NN for/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter./NN I/PRP remember/VBP meeting/VBG the/DT dead/JJ boy/NN not/RB long/RB after/IN I/PRP had/VBD the/DT good/JJ fortune/NN to/TO be/VB your/PRP$ guest/NN last/JJ year/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista./NNP If/IN I/PRP remember/VBP aright,"/IN he/PRP added,/VBD turning/VBG graciously/RB to/TO Tomas,/NNP "your/IN estimable/JJ son/NN was/VBD spoken/VBN of/IN at/IN that/DT time/NN as/IN betrothed/JJ to/TO Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP beautiful/JJ daughter./NN What/WP a/DT fortunate/JJ fellow/NN you/PRP are,/VBP Tomas!""The/DT marriage/NN must,/NN of/IN necessity,/NNS be/VB delayed/VBN in/IN view/NN of/IN her/PRP$ brother's/NNS death,"/IN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP replied/VBD for/IN his/PRP$ son./NN "A/NNP due/JJ period/NN for/IN mourning--""How/NN very/RB unfortunate."/JJ D'Arcy/NNP held/VBD out/RP his/PRP$ hand/NN to/TO Tomas,/NNP who/WP appeared/VBD not/RB to/TO see/VB it./PRP "Well,/IN we/PRP ride/VBP far/RB today/NN and/CC must/MD be/VB moving/VBG on./DT It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT signal/NN pleasure/NN to/TO renew/VB our/PRP$ happy/JJ acquaintance,/NN Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP even/RB for/IN so/RB brief/JJ a/DT period./VBN And/CC I/PRP am/VBP glad/JJ to/TO have/VB this/DT early/JJ news/NN of/IN the/DT sorrow/NN which/WDT has/VBZ descended/VBN upon/IN the/DT Guerrero/NNP family./NN I/PRP must/MD call/VB upon/IN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP as/IN I/PRP ride/VBP past/IN his/PRP$ hacienda,/NN and/CC express/VB to/TO him/PRP and/CC his/PRP$ daughter/NN my/PRP$ profound/JJ sympathy.""That/NN would/MD be/VB very/RB gracious/JJ of/IN you,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP Don/NNP Emilio/NNP raised/VBD his/PRP$ red/JJ vicu$a/NN sombrero/NN and/CC they/PRP parted./MD "Who're/VB those/DT two/CD hombres?"'/NNS Bejabers/IN wanted/VBD to/TO know./DT D'Arcy/NNP told/VBD him/PRP and/CC related/VBD the/DT gist/NN of/IN their/PRP$ conversation./NN "You're/IN a/DT two-faced/JJ sort/NN of/IN cuss,/JJ Dermod.""I/NNP am/VBP not./RB I'm/IN a/DT diplomat.""Well,/NN you/PRP got/VBD a/DT stay/NN o'/IN judgment/NN with/IN the/DT gal,/NN anyhow.""I/RB knew/VBD I/PRP would/MD have/VB that/IN when/WRB I/PRP planned/VBD to/TO make/VB a/DT soft/JJ bed/NN for/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNS to/TO lie/VB on./NNP Don/NNP Jos$/NNP chose/VBD the/DT lesser/JJR of/IN two/CD evils,/JJ as/IN I/PRP expected/VBD he/PRP would,/MD my/PRP$ boy./NN He/PRP must/MD have/VB realized/VBN that/IN a/DT death/NN in/IN the/DT family/NN would/MD of/IN necessity/NN delay/NN the/DT marriage,/NN but/CC that/DT was/VBD to/TO bepreferred/VBN to/TO the/DT disgrace/NN that/IN impended./VBN It/PRP would/MD be/VB very/RB improper/JJ for/IN the/DT girl/NN to/TO marry/VB immediately/RB after/IN her/PRP$ brother's/NN death./NN According/VBG to/TO the/DT code/NN she/PRP should/MD have/VB at/IN least/JJS six/CD months/NNS to/TO mourn/VB him./PRP And/CC in/IN six/CD months/NNS many/JJ things/NNS may/MD happen.""You're/VB cuter'n/JJ ary/JJ fox,/NN son./NN Mebbe/NNP in/IN six/CD months/NNS the/DT old/JJ don/NN gets/VBZ tempted/VBN beyond/IN his/PRP$ strength/NN on/IN a/DT horse-race/NN or/CC a/DT cock-fight/NN and/CC spends/VBZ the/DT weddin'-dowry.""That/NN means/VBZ he'll/RB be/VB back/RB for/IN another/DT loan,/NN doesn't/NN it?""I'd/PRP take/VBP a/DT bet/NN on/IN it.""Well?""Cuter'n/IN ary/JJ fox,/NN pardner,/NN that's/IN what/WP you/PRP are./VBP If/IN a/DT feller/NN didn't/RB know/VBP you/PRP he'd/VBD most/RBS likely/JJ think/VB you/PRP was/VBD hard-hearted.""My/JJ heart/NN aches/VBZ for/IN Josepha,/NNP Bejabers./NNP An/DT English/JJ soul/NN in/IN Hispano-Californian/JJ surroundings./NN How/WRB she/PRP must/MD suffer!"/VB He/PRP rode/VBD boot/NN to/TO boot/VB with/IN Bejabers/NNP and/CC laid/VBD his/PRP$ hand/NN affectionately/RB on/IN the/DT little/JJ man's/JJ arm./NN "We/NN are/VBP at/IN the/DT threshold/NN of/IN new/JJ destinies,/NN Bejabers./NNP The/DT old/JJ order/NN changeth/NNS and/CC changeth/NNS fast;/IN the/DT Guerreros/NNPS and/CC Espinosas/NNP cannot/IN compete./NN They/PRP have/VBP never/RB had/VBD to/TO compete/VB and/CC they/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB how./WRB Somewhere/RB beyond/IN those/DT mountains/NNS to/TO the/DT east/JJ are/VBP advancing/VBG the/DT men/NNS who/WP will/MD shoulder/VB the/DT native/JJ incompetents/NNS aside--so/RB I/PRP am/VBP wishful/JJ to/TO protect/VB these/DT helpless/JJ Guerreros./NNPS The/DT old/JJ man's/NNS a/DT fool,/NN a/DT mercurial/JJ old/JJ jackass,/NN saddled/VBD with/IN illusions/NNS and/CC worn-out/JJ customs./NN Also,/RB he's/VBD a/DT child,/NN and/CC his/PRP$ patrimony/NN will/MD slip/VB through/IN his/PRP$ fingers/NNS if/IN he/PRP is/VBZ given/VBN a/DT free/JJ hand."Bejabers/NNS stared/VBD at/IN his/PRP$ partner,/NN amazed./VBN "A/NNP feller'd/VBD think,"/IN he/PRP retorted,/VBD "that/IN you/PRP was/VBD still/RB figurin'/VBN on/IN marryin'/NN his/PRP$ daughter.""I/NN have/VBP never/RB planned/VBN for/IN anything/NN else./RB Of/IN courseI've/NN run/VBN into/IN some/DT hard/JJ luck,/NN but--I/CC know/VB what/WP I/PRP am/VBP doing."He/RB got/VBD out/RP his/PRP$ old/JJ tin/NN flute/NN and/CC commenced/VBD playing/VBG a/DT merry,/JJ lilting/JJ little/JJ Celtic/NNP ballad,/NN for/IN the/DT first/JJ time/NN in/IN nearly/RB a/DT year./NN Evidently/RB he/PRP did/VBD know/VB what/WP he/PRP was/VBD doing!/VBG IN/IN JULY,/NNP 1849,/CD every/DT foot/NN of/IN ground/NN along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC its/PRP$ tributaries/NNS was/VBD being/VBG worked./VBN The/DT mining/NN population/NN was/VBD in/IN a/DT state/NN of/IN constant/JJ flux;/JJ men/NNS came,/VBD worked/VBN a/DT week/NN or/CC two,/CD became/VBD dissatisfied/JJ because/IN the/DT return/NN was/VBD not/RB immediate/JJ and,/NNS lured/VBD to/TO other/JJ fields/NNS by/IN rumors/NNS of/IN richer/JJR ground,/NNS abandoned/VBD their/PRP$ claims;/NNS these/DT were/VBD immediately/RB occupied/VBN by/IN newcomers,/NN who,/, in/IN turn,/NN harkened/VBN to/TO the/DT whispers/NNS of/IN greater/JJR fortune/NN which/WDT every/DT vagrant/NN breeze/NN that/IN blew/VBD down/IN the/DT canyon/NN seemed/VBD to/TO carry./VB A/DT road/NN had/VBD been/VBN built/VBN in/IN to/TO the/DT uproarious/JJ settlement;/NN a/DT postal/JJ system/NN had/VBD been/VBN established./VBN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP had/VBD a/DT post-office,/JJ a/DT stage/NN station,/NN a/DT "hotel,"/NN an/DT express/NN office,/NN a/DT butcher/NN shop,/NN two/CD blacksmith/IN shops,/NN three/CD general/JJ stores/NNS and/CC many/JJ saloons,/NNS gambling-houses,/NN and/CC dance-halls./NN Each/DT day/NN a/DT great/JJ Concord/NNP coach,/NN drawn/VBN by/IN eight/CD mules,/NNS rolled/VBD into/IN the/DT camp,/NN the/DT driver/NN whooping/VBG in/IN the/DT sheer/JJ exuberance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ new/JJ and/CC untrammeled/JJ life,/IN his/PRP$ long/JJ whip/NN cracking/VBG like/IN pistol-shots,/JJ his/PRP$ teams/NNS stretched/VBD to/TO a/DT gallop./NN Beside/IN him/PRP on/IN the/DT box/NN sat/VBD the/DT express/JJ company's/NN guard--or/NN rather/RB "messenger"/JJ as,/NN for/IN some/DT obscure/JJ reason,/NN he/PRP was/VBD most/RBS commonly/RB called--a/JJ sawed-off/JJ shotgun/NN loaded/VBN with/IN buckshot/NN across/IN his/PRP$ knees,/NNS a/DT pistol/NN at/IN each/DT hip,/NN a/DT cigar/NN tilted/VBN confidently/RB from/IN the/DT angle/NN of/IN his/PRP$ mouth./NN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP grew/VBD rapidly,/RB despite/IN the/DT fact/NN that/IN its/PRP$ mining/NN population/NN toward/IN the/DT close/NN of/IN the/DT year/NN dwindled/VBD considerably,/VBN for/IN the/DT mushroom/NN town/NN had/VBD becomea/DT trading/NN center/NN for/IN the/DT numerous/JJ isolated/JJ camps/NNS that/WDT were/VBD springing/VBG up/RP daily/RB in/IN the/DT country/NN to/TO the/DT north/NN and/CC east./DT Lumbering/NNP freight/NN wagons,/NN mostly/RB ox-drawn,/JJ delivered/VBN goods/NNS unloaded/VBN by/IN the/DT three/CD little/JJ steamers/NNS that/WDT now/RB regularly/RB plied/VBN from/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP as/RB far/RB up/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP River/NNP as/IN Marysville,/NNP the/DT new/JJ name/NN for/IN Nye's/NNP Ferry./NNP Long/NNP pack-mule/NN trains/NNS wound/VBD up/RP the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP from/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC disappeared/VBD along/IN narrow/JJ trails/NNS over/IN the/DT ridges/NNS to/TO the/DT north/NN and/CC south,/RB the/DT east/JJ and/CC the/DT west,/JJ distributing/NN these/DT supplies/NNS and/CC the/DT mail/NN to/TO points/NNS where/WRB wagon/NN roads/NNS were/VBD not/RB to/TO be/VB for/IN years/NNS to/TO come./MD The/DT camp/NN presented/VBD for/IN twenty-four/CD hours/NNS daily/RB a/DT scene/NN of/IN unparalleled/JJ activity./NN The/DT rush/NN of/IN gold-hunters/NNS was/VBD truly/RB tremendous./. As/IN autumn/NN advanced/VBD the/DT caravans/NNS of/IN covered/VBN wagons/NNS commenced/VBD to/TO debouch/VB over/IN Sonora/NNP Pass/NNP and/CC down/RB into/IN the/DT great/JJ central/JJ valleys/NNS of/IN California./NNP The/DT three/CD steamers/NNS of/IN the/DT Pacific/NNP Mail/NNP Steamship/NNP Company/NNP were/VBD plying/VBG regularly/RB between/IN Panama/NNP and/CC San/NNP Francisco./NNP Sailing/NNP vessels,/, chartered/VBD or/CC purchased/VBN by/IN syndicates/NNS of/IN gold-seekers/NNS organized/VBN along/IN the/DT Atlantic/NNP seaboard,/NN were/VBD arriving/VBG in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP daily/RB by/IN the/DT dozens,/NN to/TO be/VB deserted/VBN almost/RB as/RB soon/RB as/IN the/DT anchors/NNS were/VBD down,/RB and/CC there/RB to/TO lie/VB through/IN the/DT years/NNS and/CC rot./NN Sacramento,/NNS a/DT town-site/NN laid/VBN out/RP by/IN Johann/NNP Sutter/NNP few/JJ months/NNS after/IN the/DT first/JJ discovery/NN of/IN gold,/NN was/VBD now/RB city/NN of/IN ten/CD thousand/CD 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slave;/NN ancient/JJ social/JJ distinctions/NNS were/VBD obliterated/VBN and/CC a/DT great/JJ leveling/NN principle/NN was/VBD at/IN work./NN As/IN a/DT result/NN the/DT common/JJ man/NN was/VBD elevated,/CD at/IN least/JJS in/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ estimation./NN Horse-power/NNP and/CC not/RB brain-power/NN was/VBD the/DT gage/NN of/IN superiority./NN Worldly/JJ pride/NN and/CC the/DT aristocracy/NN of/IN employment/NN were/VBD not./RB Every/DT man/NN worked/VBD with/IN his/PRP$ hands,/NN and/CC it/PRP mattered/VBD not/RB at/IN all/DT what/WDT sort/NN of/IN work/NN he/PRP accomplished,/VBZ provided/VBN it/PRP was/VBD in/IN demand./NN Indeed,/IN if/IN one/CD aspired/VBD to/TO any/DT standing/NN in/IN a/DT community/NN he/PRP must/MD labor/VB with/IN his/PRP$ hands;/NN hence/RB labor/NN became/VBD dignified/JJ and/CC honorable./NN Few/JJ men/NNS pretended/VBD to/TO be/VB what/WP they/PRP were/VBD not;/RB social/JJ intercourse/NN was/VBD free/JJ and/CC unreserved;/JJ men/NNS sloughed/VBD off/RP the/DT hypocrisy/NN of/IN an/DT older/JJR social/JJ order/NN as/IN a/DT snake/NN sloughs/VBZ off/RP its/PRP$ skin/NN in/IN August./NNP Lacking/NNP social/JJ and/CC legal/JJ restraint,/NN men/NNS applied/VBD for/IN their/PRP$ protection/NN the/DT doctrine/NN of/IN personal/JJ responsibility;/NN hence/RB honor,/JJ kindness,/NN chivalry,/NN and/CC mutual/JJ helpfulness/NN were/VBD everywhere/RB manifested./VBN A/DT democracy/NN of/IN hardship/NN and/CC misery,/NN D'Arcy/NNP decided,/, had/VBD brought/VBN men/NNS closer/RBR together,/RB had/VBD developed/VBN in/IN them/PRP all/DT the/DT latent/JJ nobility/NN of/IN their/PRP$ natures./NN Until/IN late/JJ in/IN '49/CD crime/NN was/VBD practically/RB non-existent/JJ among/IN the/DT mining-camps./NN The/DT fact/NN that/IN each/DT miner/NN was/VBD armed/VBN with/IN pistol/NN and/CC bowie-knife/NN was,/VBD doubtless,/RB responsible/JJ for/IN this,/DT although/IN in/IN a/DT greater/JJR measure/NN a/DT sense/NN of/IN mutual/JJ helplessness/NN against/IN a/DT marauder/NN and/CC the/DT knowledge/NN of/IN swift/JJ and/CC terrible/JJ punishment/NN at/IN the/DT hands/NNS of/IN a/DT miners'/JJ jury/NN had/VBD a/DT deterrent/JJ effect/NN upon/IN the/DT weak/JJ and/CC cowardly./NN News/NN of/IN the/DT summary/NN execution/NN of/IN El/NNP Diablo/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ bandits/NNS by/IN the/DT men/NNS of/IN HappyCamp/NNP had/VBD filtered/VBN into/IN every/DT mining/NN community,/NN but/CC it/PRP was/VBD not/RB until/IN late/JJ in/IN the/DT year/NN that/IN men/NNS discovered/VBD it/PRP was/VBD no/DT longer/RB safe/JJ to/TO leave/VB their/PRP$ pokes/NNS of/IN gold-dust/NN unguarded/VBN in/IN tent/NN and/CC cabin./NN A/DT demand/NN for/IN transportation,/NN far/RB in/IN excess/NN of/IN the/DT immediate/JJ supply,/NN made/VBD saddle-horses/NNS and/CC pack-mules/NNS the/DT cynosure/NN of/IN all/DT covetous/JJ eyes;/NNS in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP an/DT organization/NN of/IN criminals,/NN mostly/RB from/IN the/DT penal/JJ colonies/NNS of/IN Australia/NNP and/CC calling/VBG themselves/PRP the/DT Hounds,/NNP created/VBD a/DT brief/JJ reign/NN of/IN terror/NN until/IN public/JJ opinion,/NN aroused/VBN by/IN their/PRP$ depredations,/JJ dealt/VBN with/IN them/PRP summarily./. The/DT state--for/NN already/RB men/NNS were/VBD alluding/VBG to/TO it/PRP as/IN such--was/JJ filling/VBG up/RP so/RB fast/RB that/IN some/DT sort/NN of/IN government/NN was/VBD imperative./NN From/IN 1846/CD to/TO the/DT signing/NN of/IN the/DT Treaty/NNP of/IN Guadalupe/NNP Hidalgo,/NNP California/NNP had/VBD been/VBN held/VBN as/IN a/DT conquest;/NN thereafter/RB it/PRP had/VBD been/VBN ruled/VBN by/IN a/DT military/JJ governor/NN of/IN whose/WP$ legal/JJ status/NN there/EX has/VBZ always/RB been/VBN a/DT reasonable/JJ doubt./NN Congress,/NNP immersed/VBD in/IN the/DT slave/NN question/NN which/WDT was/VBD even/RB then/RB beginning/VBG to/TO foreshadow/VB the/DT War/NNP of/IN Secession,/NNP made/VBD no/DT provision/NN for/IN a/DT government/NN in/IN the/DT new/JJ territory/NN in/IN 1848,/CD and/CC when/WRB on/IN April/NNP 12,/CD 1849,/CD Bennet/NNP Riley/NNP arrived/VBD by/IN steamer/NN to/TO relieve/VB Governor/NNP Mason,/NNP he/PRP found/VBD the/DT citizens/NNS of/IN the/DT new/JJ territory/NN in/IN no/DT mood/NN to/TO await/VB longer/RB the/DT action/NN of/IN a/DT lethargic/NN Congress./NNP The/DT vital/JJ necessity/NN for/IN a/DT form/NN of/IN government/NN suitable/JJ to/TO the/DT temper/NN of/IN the/DT people/NNS was/VBD apparent./RB Under/IN the/DT de/FW facto/FW form/NN of/IN government/NN then/RB in/IN force,/IN the/DT old/JJ Hispano-Californian/JJ laws/NNS prevailed./VBN A/DT study/NN of/IN the/DT situation/NN soon/RB convinced/VBD Governor/NNP Riley/NNP that/IN the/DT aspirations/NNS of/IN the/DT people/NNS were/VBD sane/JJ and/CC logical;/JJ that/IN they/PRP would/MD not/RB much/RB longer/RB continue/VBP to/TO support/VB the/DT de/FW facto/FW government/NN in/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN glaring/VBG congressional/JJ neglect,/NN and/CC accordingly,/NN on/IN June/NNP 3,/CD 1849,/CD heissued/VBD a/DT proclamation/NN calling/VBG for/IN the/DT election/NN of/IN thirty-seven/CD delegates/NNS to/TO a/DT state/NN convention./NN On/IN August/NNP 1/CD this/DT election/NN was/VBD held/VBN and/CC on/IN September/NNP 1,/CD 1849,/CD the/DT convention/NN met/VBD in/IN Colton/NNP Hall,/NNP at/IN Monterey,/NNP and/CC proceeded/VBD to/TO draft/VB a/DT constitution/NN and/CC select/VB a/DT design/NN for/IN the/DT Great/JJ Seal/NNP of/IN the/DT State/NNP of/IN California./NNP On/IN October/NNP 13,/CD 1849,/IN the/DT convention/NN adjourned,/VBZ its/PRP$ labors/NNS completed;/NNS on/IN November/NNP 13/CD the/DT people/NNS unanimously/RB ratified/VBD the/DT constitution,/NN which,/IN although/IN hastily/RB drawn,/VBN was/VBD one/CD of/IN the/DT best/JJS of/IN the/DT thirty-one/JJ state/NN constitutions/NNS then/RB existing./VBD At/IN this/DT election/NN Peter/NNP H./NNP Burnett/NNP was/VBD elected/VBN governor,/NN John/NNP McDougal/NNP lieutenant-governor,/, and/CC Edward/NNP Gilbert/NNP and/CC George/NNP W./NNP Wright/NNP representatives/NNS to/TO Congress./NNP At/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN there/EX were/VBD elected/VBN in/IN the/DT various/JJ districts,/NN as/IN apportioned/VBN under/IN constitutional/JJ schedule,/NN sixteen/CD senators/NNS and/CC thirty-six/CD members/NNS of/IN assembly/NN to/TO constitute/VB the/DT first/JJ state/NN legislature./NN By/IN December/NNP 10,/CD the/DT election/NN returns/NNS had/VBD been/VBN submitted/VBN to/TO the/DT prefects,/JJ subprefects/NNS and/CC judges/NNS of/IN first/JJ instance/NN in/IN the/DT respective/JJ districts,/JJ duly/JJ canvassed/NN and/CC by/IN them/PRP transmitted/VBN to/TO the/DT secretary/NN of/IN state/NN of/IN the/DT de/FW facto/FW government;/JJ whereupon/IN Governor/NNP Riley/NNP issued/VBD a/DT proclamation/NN decreeing/VBG that/IN the/DT constitution/NN be/VB ordained/VBN and/CC established/VBN as/IN the/DT Constitution/NNP of/IN the/DT State/NNP of/IN California./NNP When/WRB this/DT proclamation/NN reached/VBD Happy/NNP Camp/NNP the/DT happiest/JJS man/NN to/TO read/VB it/PRP was/VBD Bejabers/NNP Harmon./NNP "A/NNP state!"/NN he/PRP shouted./MD "No/VB swaddling/VBG clothes/NNS for/IN our/PRP$ baby,/NN eh,/NN gentlemen?/NN Why,/NNP we've/NN never/RB even/RB been/VBN a/DT territory!/JJ Congress/NNP didn't/VBD give/VB us/PRP what/WP we/PRP wanted,/VBP so/RB we/PRP went/VBD and/CC took/VBD it/PRP without/IN askin'./VBG That's/NNP the/DT ticket!/NN Now/RB we'll/MD get/VB our/PRP$ legal/JJ machinery/NN workin'/NN at/IN a/DT penal/JJ code/NN and/CC a/DT civil/JJ code;/NN and/CC law/NN and/CC order'll/NN be/VB one/CD job/NN and/CC minin'/NN another./DT Dog-gone/NNP it,/, I/PRP reckonI'll/VBP soon/RB lose/VB my/PRP$ office/NN as/IN alcalde,/RB seein'/VBN as/IN how/WRB I/PRP sort/RB o'/RB helped/VBD myself/PRP to/TO it/PRP without/IN legal/JJ authority!"On/NN December/NNP 20,/CD the/DT newly/RB elected/VBN legislature/NN convened/VBN and/CC subscribed/VBN to/TO the/DT oath/NN of/IN office./NN On/IN the/DT same/JJ day,/NN as/RB soon/RB as/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN officially/RB advised/VBN that/IN Governor/NNP Burnett/NNP had/VBD taken/VBN the/DT oath/NN of/IN office,/NN Bennet/NNP Riley/NNP issued/VBD a/DT proclamation/NN to/TO the/DT effect/NN that/IN since/IN a/DT new/JJ executive/NN had/VBD been/VBN duly/RB elected/VBN and/CC installed/VBN into/IN office/NN in/IN accordance/NN with/IN the/DT state/NN constitution,/NN there/RB was/VBD no/DT reason/NN for/IN his/PRP$ continued/JJ official/JJ existence,/NN and/CC accordingly/RB he/PRP resigned--an/JJ act/NN which/WDT brought/VBD more/JJR cheers/NNS from/IN the/DT exuberant/JJ Bejabers./NNP "He/NNP was/VBD appointed/VBN by/IN the/DT President/NNP o'/IN the/DT United/NNP States,/NNP but/CC he/PRP resigned/VBD to/TO the/DT people/NNS o'/IN California!/NNP Well,/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP there's/RB some/DT as/RB will/MD hoot/VB at/IN the/DT legality/NN o'/IN this/DT here/RB move,/, but/CC I'm/NNP for/IN it./DT It's/NNP common/JJ sense."On/NN the/DT very/JJ day/NN it/PRP convened/VBD officially,/IN the/DT new/JJ legislature/NN elected/VBD two/CD United/NNP States/NNPS Senators,/NNP Fr$mont/NNP and/CC Gwin./NNP On/IN December/NNP 22/CD all/DT of/IN the/DT state/NN officers/NNS were/VBD appointed,/VBN and/CC thereafter,/RB until/IN its/PRP$ final/JJ adjournment/NN on/IN April/NNP 22,/CD 1850,/IN the/DT legislature/NN worked/VBD unceasingly/RB in/IN the/DT erection/NN of/IN the/DT state's/JJ legal/JJ machinery./NN Throughout/IN the/DT remainder/NN of/IN 1849,/CD however,/, Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP by/IN common/JJ consent/NN was/VBD continued/VBN in/IN office/NN as/IN alcalde/NN of/IN Happy/JJ Camp./NNP He/PRP had/VBD no/DT courthouse/NN and/CC acted/VBD as/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ clerk/NN and/CC bailiff./NN He/PRP kept/VBD no/DT docket./NN He/PRP was/VBD opposed/VBN to/TO jury/NN trials,/NN except/IN in/IN major/JJ causes,/NN and/CC he/PRP held/VBD court/NN wherever/WRB and/CC whenever/WRB the/DT case/NN overtook/VBD him;/IN he/PRP administered/VBN oaths/NNS with/IN a/DT fine/JJ nonchalance/NN and/CC rendered/VBD his/PRP$ decisions/NNS orally/RB and/CC without/IN an/DT instant's/NN hesitation./NN In/IN front/NN of/IN the/DT post-office/NN he/PRP had/VBD tried/VBN the/DT case/NN of/IN a/DT Mexican/JJ dance-hall/NN girl/NN who/WP had/VBD knifed/VBN a/DT miner,/NN wounding/VBG him/PRP slightly./VBD After/IN listening/VBG to/TO the/DT evidence/NN Alcalde/NNP Harmon/NNP had/VBD delivered/VBN himself/PRP of/IN this/DT decision:"This/. honorable/JJ court/NN finds/VBZ that/IN the/DT defendant's/NNS more/RBR to/TO be/VB pitied/VBN than/IN censored/VBN and/CC that/IN the/DT skunk/NN she/PRP stabbed/VBD didn't/RB get/VB more'n/RB a/DT quarter/NN o'/IN what/WP was/VBD comin'/VBN to/TO him./PRP The/DT fact/NN that/IN the/DT lady/NN ain't/NN really/RB a/DT lady/NN ain't/NN no/DT sound/JJ reason/NN why/WRB she/PRP shouldn't/MD be/VB treated/VBN like/IN one./NNP In/IN her/PRP$ laudable/JJ attempt/NN to/TO abate/VB a/DT public/JJ nuisance/NN in/IN the/DT person/NN o'/IN this/DT here/RB Chico/NNP Dan/NNP person,/, she/PRP has/VBZ the/DT unqualified/JJ approval/NN o'/IN this/DT honorable/JJ court."/NN At/IN this/DT juncture/NN Bejabers/NNP removed/VBD his/PRP$ battered/VBN hat/NN and/CC bowed/VBD low/JJ to/TO the/DT defendant./NN "However,/NN taken'/NN the/DT law/NN into/IN one's/NNS own/JJ hands/NNS ain't/VBP to/TO be/VB tolerated/VBN where/WRB I'm/PRP the/DT alcalde./NN If/IN the/DT lady/NN had/VBD took/VBD her/PRP trouble/NN to/TO me/PRP in/IN the/DT first/JJ place/NN I'd/NNP have/VBP made/VBN Chico/NNP Dan/NNP hard/JJ to/TO catch,/VB as/IN a/DT matter/NN o'/IN public/JJ policy,/NN but/CC when/WRB she/PRP slips/VBZ her/PRP dirk/NN into/IN him/PRP I/PRP got/VBD to/TO rise/VB in/IN my/PRP$ place/NN and/CC protest/NN said/VBD action/NN as/IN savorin'/NNS of/IN the/DT assumption/NN o'/IN judicial/JJ rights/NNS vested/VBN only/RB in/IN me./NN I/PRP therefore/RB sentence/NN this/DT lady/NN to/TO chuck/VB her/PRP$ dirk/NN into/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC I/PRP further/RB fine/VB her/PRP$ an/DT ounce/NN of/IN gold."The/DT defendant/NN thereupon/RB protested/VBD that/IN she/PRP did/VBD not/RB possess/VB the/DT required/JJ ounce/NN of/IN gold"Then/NN you/PRP git/VBP busy/JJ and/CC act/NN as/IN the/DT alcalde's/NNS laundress,"/VBD his/PRP$ Honor/NNP thundered./, "I/NNP got/VBD six/CD shirts/NNS in/IN the/DT wash/NN and/CC no/DT time/NN to/TO monkey/VB with/IN 'em/PRP myself.""Si,/PRP se$or,"/VBD the/DT defendant/NN murmured,/NN and/CC proceeded/VBD meekly/RB to/TO her/PRP$ punishment./NN "As/NNS for/IN you,/JJ Chico/NNP Dan,/NNP the/DT alcalde/NN continued,/NN "you're/VBD a/DT tin-horn/NN and/CC a/DT perpetual/JJ drunk/NN and/CC no/DT good/JJ in/IN other/JJ ways./NN I/PRP fine/VB you/PRP five/CD ounces.""I/JJ appeal/NN from/IN the/DT verdict/NN o'/IN the/DT court,"/NN the/DT unhappy/JJ Chico/NNP Dan/NNP replied/VBD belligerently./PRP "I/RB fine/VB you/PRP another/DT two/CD ounces/NNS for/IN contempt/NN o'/IN court/NN by/IN darin'/NN to/TO appeal/VB from/IN my/PRP$ decision./NN Come/VB through/RP with/IN seven/CD ounces,/NNS muy/RB pronto,/VBD amigo.""I/IN ain't/NN got/VBD nary/JJ ounce,/NN jedge.""Then/RB go/VB to/TO work/VB on/RP my/PRP$ claim/NN and/CC earn/VB it."Thereupon/IN Chico/NNP Dan/NNP was/VBD led/VBN away/RB to/TO his/PRP$ labors/NNS by/IN the/DT honorable/NN court./NN In/IN addition/NN to/TO being/VBG the/DT alcalde,/NN Bejabers/NNP was/VBD not/RB the/DT least/JJS loath/JJ to/TO carry/VB out/RP the/DT sentences/NNS he/PRP imposed./VBD On/IN one/CD occasion/NN a/DT resolute/NN individual,/NN sentenced/VBN to/TO banishment/VB for/IN a/DT particularly/RB flagrant/JJ case/NN of/IN claim-jumping,/NN refused/VBD to/TO heed/VB the/DT sentence/NN of/IN the/DT court,/NN adding/VBG that/IN Bejabers/NNP hadn't/VBD any/DT more/RBR legal/JJ authority/NN than/IN a/DT chipmunk/NN and/CC that,/IN in/IN the/DT event/NN of/IN further/JJ unwarranted/JJ attempt/NN at/IN legal/JJ interference/NN in/IN his/PRP$ sovereign/JJ rights/NNS as/IN an/DT American/JJ citizen,/NN Bejabers/NNP might/MD confidently/RB expect/VB to/TO be/VB numbered/VBN with/IN the/DT angels./NN It/PRP was/VBD an/DT embarrassing/JJ moment./NN At/IN least/JJS it/PRP would/MD have/VB been/VBN an/DT embarrassing/JJ moment/NN for/IN anybody/NN except/IN Bejabers/IN Harmon./NNP He/PRP scratched/VBD his/PRP$ ingenious/JJ head/NN for/IN a/DT moment/NN and/CC then/RB solved/VBD the/DT problem./NN "All/NN right,/RB pardner,"/VBD he/PRP announced./VBD "We'll/RB assume/VB I/PRP ain't/VBP got/VBD any/DT legal/JJ authority/NN to/TO enforce/VB law/NN and/CC order/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP I/PRP could/MD appeal/VB to/TO public/JJ opinion/NN and/CC have/VBP you/PRP strung/VBG up/RP in/IN jig/JJ time/NN or/CC flogged,/NN but/CC here/RB ag'in/IN I'd/NNP be/VB runnin'/VBN counter/RB to/TO your/PRP$ notions/NNS o'/IN law/NN and/CC order./NN So/RB we'll/RB assume/VB I/PRP ain't/IN the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP but/CC jest/VB a/DT plain/JJ citizen/NN about/IN to/TO invoke/VB the/DT doctrine/NN o'/IN personal/JJ responsibility./NN You're/RB personally/RB responsible/JJ for/IN whatever/WDT you/PRP do,/VBP I/PRP reckon?""I/VBP certainly/RB am.""You're/VBP challenged/VBN to/TO a/DT duel,/JJ pardner."/NN Without/IN waiting/VBG for/IN an/DT acceptance,/NN Bejabers/IN scuffed/VBN a/DT line/NN in/IN the/DT dusty/JJ street,/NN marched/VBD thirty/CD paces/NNS and/CC scuffed/VBD another/DT line./NN "Here's/IN your/PRP$ position,"/NN he/PRP announced./VBD "Stand/NNP with/IN your/PRP$ back/NN toward/IN me./PRP I'll/VBP stand/VB here/RB with/IN my/PRP$ back/NN toward/IN you./PRP It's/RB now/RB a/DT minute/NN of/IN twelve./NN When/WRB the/DT Chinee/NNP cook/NN at/IN the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP starts/VBZ ringin'/NN the/DT dinner-bell,/NN we/PRP turn/VBP and/CC fire/NN and/CC continuefirin'/NN until/IN our/PRP$ guns/NNS are/VBP empty./VBG And/CC the/DT survivor's/NNS the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp."The/NNP challenged/VBD man/NN gazed/VBD into/IN the/DT stern,/NN unsympathetic/JJ faces/NNS of/IN the/DT men/NNS on/IN the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP porch./NN "I/NNP guess/NN you're/IN the/DT alcalde,/NN Harmon,"/IN he/PRP admitted/VBD huskily./VBG "I'll/NNP obey/VB the/DT order/NN of/IN the/DT court.""I/NNS find/VBP you/PRP guilty/JJ o'/IN contempt/NN o'/IN court,"/NN Bejabers/NNP flung/VBD back/RB at/IN him./PRP$ "You're/NN fined/VBN whatever/WDT dust/NN you/PRP got/VBD on/IN your/PRP$ person./NN Fork/. her/PRP over."Silently/RB the/DT man/NN tossed/VBD his/PRP$ poke/NN to/TO Bejabers/NNP and/CC walked/VBD away/RB down/IN the/DT creek./NN Bejabers/NNP entered/VBD the/DT Stage/NN Drivers'/NNP Retreat,/NNP as/IN the/DT hotel/NN bar/NN was/VBD called,/VBN and/CC cast/VBN the/DT poke/NN upon/IN the/DT bar./NN "Drinks/VBZ for/IN the/DT camp/NN while/IN it/PRP lasts!"'/VBZ he/PRP roared./VBD It/PRP was/VBD his/PRP$ humor/NN never/RB to/TO retain/VB for/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ use/NN and/CC benefit/VB the/DT fines/NNS he/PRP collected./VBD All/DT offenses,/NN he/PRP argued,/MD were/VBD against/IN the/DT community;/NN hence/RB the/DT community/NN should/MD share/VB in/IN the/DT fines/NNS assessed/VBN against/IN all/DT offenders,/NN and/CC the/DT most/RBS equitable/JJ method/NN of/IN doing/VBG this/DT was/VBD by/IN "settin'/NN up/IN the/DT drinks."The/NN winter/NN of/IN 1849-50/CD was/VBD an/DT unusually/RB severe/JJ one./NNP On/IN account/NN of/IN its/PRP$ low/JJ altitude/NN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD not/RB buried/VBN in/IN snow,/NN and/CC the/DT stage/NN road/NN into/IN camp/NN remained/VBD open/JJ all/DT winter./NN Among/IN the/DT diggings/NNS far/RB up/RB in/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP foot-hills,/NN however,/IN the/DT first/JJ snowfall/NN early/RB in/IN November/NNP caused/VBD a/DT cessation/NN of/IN all/DT mining/NN operations./NN Succeeding/VBG snowfalls,/NN at/IN short/JJ intervals,/NN soon/RB blocked/VBD the/DT trails/NNS along/IN which/WDT the/DT pack-trains/NNS from/IN below/RB were/VBD wont/JJ to/TO freight/VB in/IN supplies,/NN and/CC by/IN Christmas/NNP there/EX was/VBD a/DT general/JJ exodus/NN of/IN miners/NNS from/IN the/DT higher/JJR altitudes/NNS because/IN of/IN a/DT scarcity/NN of/IN food./DT The/DT majority/NN were/VBD bound/VBN to/TO San/NNP Francisco,/NNP there/RB to/TO spend/VB the/DT winter,/NN or/CC at/IN least/JJS as/IN much/JJ of/IN the/DT winter/NN as/IN their/PRP$ luck/NN and/CC prodigal/NN natures/NNS would/MD permit./VB Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD their/PRP$ first/JJ stop/NN on/IN the/DT way/NN out;/IN hence/RB HappyCamp/NNP buzzed/VBD with/IN excitement/NN and/CC lavish/JJ spending./NN It/PRP was/VBD a/DT paradise/NN for/IN the/DT gamblers/NNS there/RB installed./RB The/DT day/NN before/IN Christmas,/NNP in/IN the/DT van/NN of/IN this/DT outward-bound/JJ hegira,/, the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP arrived./. They/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT cabin/NN of/IN D'Arcy's/NNP company/NN as/IN it/PRP was/VBD seated/VBN at/IN dinner./NN "God/NNP bless/VBD all/DT here,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP boomed/VBD jovially./NNP Immediately/RB he/PRP hung/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ hat/NN and/CC coat,/NN slid/VBD into/IN a/DT vacant/JJ space/NN on/IN the/DT dinner/NN bench/NN and/CC eyed/VBD Jim/NNP Toy/NNP benevolently./, Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP did/VBD likewise./. Said/NNP he,/, quoting/VBG from/IN St./NNP Luke:/NNP "Blessed/CC are/VBP ye,/NNS when/WRB men/NNS shall/MD hate/VB you/PRP and/CC when/WRB they/PRP shall/MD separate/VB you/PRP from/IN their/PRP$ company,/NN and/CC shall/MD reproach/VB you,/PRP and/CC cast/VBD out/RP your/PRP$ name/NN as/IN evil,/NN for/IN the/DT Son/NN of/IN man's/NN sake.""Shet/NN up,/IN you/PRP blitherin'/RB sky-pilot,"/JJ Bejabers/NNP roared./NNP "Merry/NNP Christmas/NNP and/CC see/VB how/WRB you/PRP like/VBP it.""I/PRP can/MD quote/VB a/DT little/JJ Scripture/NNP myself,"/, D'Arcy/NNP laughed./VBD 'Blessed/VBN are/VBP ye/PRP that/IN hunger/NN now;/NNS for/IN ye/PRP shall/MD be/VB filled./VBN Blessed/CC are/VBP ye/PRP that/IN weep/NN now;/NNS for/IN ye/PRP shall/MD laugh.'/VB Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP feed/NN these/DT prodigals.""Ah,/NNS Dermod,/VBP ye're/RB a/DT true/JJ son/NN of/IN your/PRP$ father./NN Divil/NNP a/DT man/NN ever/RB turned/VBD hungry/JJ from/IN his/PRP$ door--or/NN thirsty,/NN for/IN that/DT matter./NN What/WP the/DT divil's/NNS come/VBN over/IN this/DT house?/NN Have/VBP ye/PRP nothing/NN to/TO welcome/VB a/DT man/NN with?""'Wine/NN is/VBZ a/DT mocker/NN and/CC strong/JJ drink/NN is/VBZ ragin'--'"/JJ Bejabers/NNP began,/, but/CC a/DT weary,/JJ pathetic/JJ look/NN in/IN Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP eyes/NNS halted/VBD his/PRP$ quotation./NN "Mr./NNP Poppy,"/NNP he/PRP said/VBD with/IN rough/JJ tenderness,/NN "ain't/IN you/PRP well?""I'm/RB worried,"/VB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP admitted./VBD "Which/IN the/DT same/JJ is/VBZ no/DT proper/JJ state/NN to/TO be/VB in/IN at/IN this/DT season/NN o'/IN the/DT year./NN Nothin'/NN like/IN a/DT scuttle/VB o'/IN hot/JJ grog/NN to/TO drown/VB worry./DT Bart,/NNP the/DT whisky/NN jug's/NNS over/IN in/IN the/DT same/JJ ol'/JJ corner,/NN and/CC if/IN your/PRP$ hand/NN ain't/NN lost/VBD its/PRP$ cunnin'/NN you/PRP might/MD git/VB busy/JJ and/CC brew/VB a/DT Yuletide/NNP noggin/NN for/IN the/DT gentlemen./NN Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP got/VBD hot/JJ water/NN in/IN the/DT kettle."The/NN Bart/NNP stood/VBD up./RP There/EX was/VBD a/DT mist/NN of/IN emotion/NN in/IN his/PRP$ eyes./NN "We/NN have/VBP marched/VBN thirty/CD miles/NNS through/IN the/DT snow/NN and/CC without/IN food,/NN boys,"/NNS he/PRP said,/VBD "and/NNP for/IN a/DT week/NN before/IN that/IN we/PRP have/VBP lived/VBN on/IN short/JJ rations./NN I/PRP need/VBP scarcely/RB say/VB how/WRB deeply/RB this/DT welcome/JJ affects/VBZ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC me./VBD As/IN we/PRP approached/VBD the/DT old/JJ homestead,/NN where/WRB together/RB we/PRP spent/VBD so/RB many/JJ happy/JJ hours/NNS last/JJ year,/NN it/PRP was/VBD our/PRP$ first/JJ intention/NN to/TO avoid/VB contact/NN with/IN you./PRP But/CC upon/IN further/JJ consideration--""You/NNS talk/VBP too/RB much,/RB Sir/NNP Humphrey,/NNP at/IN a/DT time/NN when/WRB action/NN is/VBZ required,"/VBN D'Arcy/NNP interrupted/VBD good-naturedly./NN Mix/NNP the/DT nepenthe,/NN and/CC then/RB tell/VB us/PRP what/WP you/PRP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP have/VBP been/VBN doing.""We/JJ haven't/RB been/VBN doing/VBG much,/RB Brother/JJ D'Arcy,"/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP admitted/VBD sorrowfully./. "I/VBN fear/NN God/NNP did/VBD not/RB intend/VB my/PRP$ partner/NN and/CC me/PRP for/IN miners./PRP We/PRP have/VBP lacked/VBN equipment/NN and/CC supplies.""Likewise/VB guts/NNS an'/VBN enterprise,"/RB Judson/NNP suggested./VBD "What/IN you/PRP two/CD weaklin's/JJ been/VBN doin'?""We/RB have/VBP a/DT claim/NN on/IN Hot/JJ Creek--so/NNP called/VBN by/IN some/DT idiot/NN who/WP fell/VBD into/IN it/PRP while/IN drunk/JJ and/CC almost/RB froze/VBD to/TO death./RP We/PRP believe/VBP it/PRP to/TO be/VB a/DT very/RB rich/JJ claim,/NN but--er--ah--""How/NN long/RB have/VBP you/PRP panned/VBN on/IN your/PRP$ claim?""Five/NN months,/NN Bejabers.""Well,/IN you/PRP must/MD have/VB a/DT healthy/JJ poke/NN by/IN now.""Alas/NNS for/IN human/JJ frailty,/NN no!/NN Permit/NNP me/PRP to/TO explain./VB Hot/JJ Creek/NNP lies/VBZ in/IN a/DT deep/JJ ca$on/NN and/CC flows/VBZ from/IN northeast/RB to/TO southwest/RB into/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP near/IN the/DT headwaters/NNS of/IN the/DT latter/NN stream./VBD In/IN coming/VBG from/IN our/PRP$ claim/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP however,/, one/CD does/VBZ not/RB follow/VB down/RP Hot/NNP Creek/NNP to/TO the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC thence/DT down/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO Happy/NNP Camp./NNP There/RB is/VBZ too/RB much/JJ timber/NN along/IN both/DT streams,/NNS and/CC the/DT stream/NN bed,/NN which/WDT is/VBZ the/DT only/RB open/JJ path,/NN is/VBZ not/RB passable./VB Not/RB even,I/RB might/MD say,/VB jackass-able!/JJ The/DT alternative/NN route/NN is/VBZ straight/RB up/IN a/DT three-thousand-foot/JJ hill/NN to/TO the/DT summit/NN of/IN the/DT ridge;/NN then/RB one/CD follows/VBZ along/IN the/DT ridge/NN through/IN the/DT open/JJ timber/NN on/IN a/DT mule/NN trail/NN which/WDT gradually/RB winds/VBZ down/RP to/TO Happy/NNP Camp.""What's/NNP all/DT this/DT got/VBD to/TO do/VB with/IN makin'/NN a/DT livin'?""Nothing,/NN my/PRP$ dear/JJ Brother/NNP Harmon,/NNP nothing;/NN but/CC a/DT great/JJ deal/NN to/TO do/VB with/IN hanging/VBG on/IN to/TO one's/NNS living/VBG after/IN one/NN has/VBZ acquired/VBN it./DT On/IN the/DT summit/NN of/IN the/DT ridge/NN a/DT godless/JJ wretch/NN has/VBZ erected/VBN a/DT rest/NN station,/NN where,/, at/IN usurious/JJ rates,/NN he/PRP dispenses/VBZ liquor/NN to/TO wayfarers./DT Twice/RB since/IN leaving/VBG Happy/NNP Camp/NNP Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP and/CC I/PRP have/VBP essayed/VBN to/TO run/VB the/DT gantlet/NN of/IN this/DT deadfall/NN with/IN our/PRP$ full/JJ pokes,/NN but/CC each/DT time--"/NN He/PRP sighed./VBD "Tempted/VBN beyond/IN your/PRP$ strengt',/NN eh?""Even/RB so,/RB my/PRP$ good/JJ Bejabers,/NNP even/RB so.""Was/VBD this/DT here/RB saloon/NN in/IN runnin'/NN order/NN when/WRB you/PRP two/CD passed/VBD it/PRP recently?"Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP nodded./, Bejabers/NNP stared/VBD around/RB at/IN the/DT company./NN "Seems/VBZ like/IN we/PRP got/VBD a/DT pair/NN o'/IN paupers/NNS on/IN our/PRP$ hands,"/NN he/PRP said/VBD sadly./. And/CC then/RB the/DT little/JJ man/NN threw/VBD back/RB his/PRP$ head/NN and/CC laughed./VBD "As/IN the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp,"/NNP he/PRP cried,/VBD "I/JJ charge/NN these/DT two/CD human/JJ misfits/NNS with/IN vagrancy./DT Bart,/NNP are/VBP you/PRP guilty/JJ or/CC not/RB guilty?""Guilty,/JJ I/PRP very/RB much/RB fear,"/VB the/DT Bart/NNP replied/VBD amiably./DT He/PRP was/VBD not/RB a/DT whit/JJ abashed./NN "Then/RB listen/VB to/TO the/DT sentence/NN o'/IN this/DT honorable/JJ court,"/NN Bejabers/IN continued,/NN and/CC banged/VBD the/DT table/NN with/IN his/PRP$ fist./NN "What/IN this/DT camp/NN needs/NNS is/VBZ a/DT doctor/NN and/CC a/DT preacher./NN We/PRP had/VBD a/DT doctor,/NN and/CC a/DT good/JJ one,/NN with/IN all/DT his/PRP$ tools/NNS o'/IN trade/NN and/CC an/DT assortment/NN o'/IN drugs/NNS and/CC what-all/DT that'd/DT 'a'/JJR done/VBN credit/NN to/TO a/DT city/NN apothecary/JJ shop,/NN but/CC the/DT durned/JJ fool/NN can't/MD stand/VB prosperity./RBR He/PRP wants/VBZ to/TO sell/VB out/RP his/PRP$ practice/NN and/CC go/VB down/RB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP for/IN the/DT winter./NN "D'Arcy/NN and/CC company'll/NN buy/VBP him/PRP out,/RB clothe/VBD you/PRP in/IN fine/JJ raiment,/NN Bart,/NNP and/CC install/VB you/PRP as/IN the/DT local/JJ medico./NN I'll/NN arrange/VB the/DT schedule/NN o'/IN fees/NNS and/CC we'll/MD give/VB you/PRP board/NN and/CC lodgin'/NN here./, Your/PRP$ old/JJ bunk/NN ain't/VBD been/VBN slept/VBN in/IN since/IN you/PRP left./VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP we/PRP sets/VBZ up/RP in/IN business/NN as/IN a/DT regular/JJ parson,/NN holdin'/NN services/NNS in/IN the/DT local/JJ dance-hall/NN every/DT Sunday,/NNP which/WDT the/DT Sunflower/NNP Kid/NNP plays/VBZ the/DT pianner/NN and/CC sings/NNS tenor/NN something/NN beautiful./VBD I'll/RB pass/VB the/DT contribution/NN plate/NN and/CC we/PRP make/VBP this/DT a/DT profitable/JJ enterprise;/NN between/IN the/DT doc's/NN fees/NNS and/CC your/PRP$ collections/NNS we/PRP reimburse/VB ourselves/PRP for/IN setting/VBG you/PRP two/CD up/RB in/IN business/NN as/IN comfort/NN dispensers./VBD How/WRB about/IN it?""I/PRP should/MD feel/VB hypocritical,"/VBN the/DT honest/JJ Poppy/NNP admitted./NN "Who/NNP cares/VBZ a/DT hoot/NN how/WRB you/PRP feel!/VBP The/DT idea/NN is/VBZ to/TO git/VB you/PRP settled/VBN for/IN the/DT winter/NN and/CC have/VBP you/PRP earn/VB your/PRP$ keep./NN No/DT back/NN talk/NN to/TO the/DT alcalde/NN o'/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP or/CC I'll/NNP find/VBP you/PRP guilty/JJ o'/IN contempt/NN of/IN court/NN and/CC make/VB you/PRP wash/VB the/DT dinner/NN dishes./NN However,/RB I/PRP wouldn't/MD deceive/VB even/RB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN a/DT job./NN There's/RB a/DT ketch/NN in/IN this/DT one/CD for/IN you/PRP and/CC the/DT Bart./NNP No/NN drinkin'!/NN In/IN the/DT case/NN o'/IN the/DT Bart/NNP it'd/VBD be/VB highly/RB dangerous,/JJ and/CC in/IN your/PRP$ case,/NN Poppy,/NNP it'd/VBD be/VB unethical/JJ and/CC subversive/JJ o'/IN public/JJ morals.""Not/NN '/POS a/DT single,/JJ solitary/JJ little/JJ nip?"/NNS The/DT Bart/NNP was/VBD disturbed./VBN "Only/RB under/IN my/PRP$ supervision./NN I/PRP ain't/VBP no/DT killjoy.''"I/NN accept,/NN Bejabers.""So/. do/VB I,"/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP promised,/, but/CC without/IN enthusiasm./DT Bejabers/NNP glanced/VBD at/IN D'Arcy./NNP "This/. here/RB camp's/VBZ beginnin'/NN to/TO take/VB her/PRP$ place/NN in/IN the/DT galaxy/NN o'/IN fair/JJ cities,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD with/IN all/PDT the/DT vast/JJ enthusiasm/NN of/IN one/NN who/WP has/VBZ labored/VBN long/RB and/CC brought/VBD forth/RB a/DT work/NN of/IN beauty,/NN a/DT thing/NN of/IN worth./NN FROM/NNP the/DT day/NN he/PRP had/VBD attempted/VBN to/TO deliver/VB the/DT body/NN of/IN Romauldo,/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD not/RB seen/VBN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP or/CC his/PRP$ daughter,/NN nor/CC had/VBD he/PRP heard/VBD from/IN them/PRP directly/RB or/CC indirectly./VB With/IN the/DT establishment/NN of/IN the/DT express/JJ office/NN and/CC a/DT trading/NN store/NN at/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP he/PRP had/VBD not/RB had/VBN any/DT excuse/NN to/TO leave/VB the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP He/PRP had/VBD given/VBN all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ time/NN and/CC energy/NN to/TO mining,/VB and/CC with/IN highly/RB gratifying/VBG results./DT Nor/CC did/VBD he/PRP care/VB to/TO leave/VB Happy/NNP Camp/NNP even/RB though/IN an/DT urgent/JJ reason/NN presented/VBD itself,/RP for/IN despite/IN the/DT exceedingly/RB desirable/JJ quality/NN of/IN their/PRP$ claims,/NN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready,/NNP born/VBN nomads/NNS and/CC gamblers,/NN were/VBD with/IN difficulty/NN restrained/VBN by/IN D'Arcy's/NNP sound/JJ arguments/NNS from/IN yielding/VBG to/TO the/DT gold-fever/NN and/CC wandering/VBG off/RB to/TO new--and/JJ according/VBG to/TO unverified/JJ report--amazingly/JJ rich/JJ fields./NN They/PRP were/VBD good/JJ men,/NNS honest,/JJ fearless,/NN and/CC wholly/RB dependable/JJ in/IN a/DT fight,/NN and/CC he/PRP did/VBD not/RB wish/VB to/TO lose/VB them./PRP$ He/PRP had/VBD another/DT very/RB vital/JJ reason/NN for/IN holding/VBG his/PRP$ little/JJ company/NN together./RP In/IN the/DT autumn/NN the/DT first/JJ wave/NN of/IN antiforeign/JJ sentiment/NN reached/VBD Happy/JJ Camp--a/NNP sentiment/NN that/WDT had/VBD its/PRP$ genesis/NN in/IN the/DT tendency/NN on/IN the/DT part/NN of/IN American/NNP emigrants/NNS to/TO regard/VB themselves/PRP as/IN the/DT kings/NNS of/IN earth,/NN the/DT natural/JJ heirs/NNS by/IN right/NN of/IN conquest/NN to/TO this/DT heritage/NN of/IN the/DT ages./NN With/IN the/DT customary/JJ arrogance/NN and/CC greed/VBD of/IN the/DT Anglo-Saxon/NNP they/PRP had/VBD no/DT hesitation,/NN once/RB they/PRP found/VBD themselves/PRP well/RB in/IN the/DT ascendency/NN in/IN point/NN of/IN numbers,/NN to/TO bully,/NN harass,/NNS and/CC overpower/IN the/DT Kanakas,/NNP Negroes,/NNP Indians,/NNP Mexicans,/NNP Chileans,/NNP Peruvians,/NNP and/CC in/IN fact/NN all/DT Latin-Americans./NNP The/DT French,/NNP also,/RB fell/VBD under/IN the/DT ban/NN of/IN their/PRP$ selfishness/NN and/CC displeasure,/NN and/CC they/PRP unhesitatingly/RB classed/VBD as/IN "foreigners"/IN the/DT Hispano-Californians,/JJ who/WP by/IN virtue/NN of/IN the/DT Treaty/NNP of/IN Guadalupe/NNP Hidalgo/NNP were/VBD now/RB American/JJ citizens./NNS There/EX had/VBD been/VBN threats,/VBN beatings,/IN a/DT few/JJ killings/NNS and/CC uncounted/JJ dispossessions/NNS in/IN several/JJ districts,/NNS and/CC as/IN a/DT result/NN the/DT Latins/NNPS in/IN self-defense/NN had/VBD migrated/VBN to/TO the/DT southern/JJ mines/NNS and/CC were/VBD largely/RB congregated/VBN in/IN the/DT vicinity/NN of/IN Sonora./NNP The/DT first/JJ intimation/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS had/VBD of/IN the/DT state/NN of/IN public/JJ feeling/NN on/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP came/VBD one/CD morning/NN in/IN January/NNP when/WRB a/DT party/NN of/IN thirty/CD miners/NNS called/VBD at/IN the/DT cabin./NN They/PRP were/VBD led/VBN by/IN a/DT hairy-breasted,/JJ red-skirted,/JJ ignorant,/NN and/CC thoroughly/RB intoxicated/JJ exile/NN of/IN Erin,/NNP who/WP brandished/VBD a/DT pick-handle/NN and/CC made/VBD loud/JJ and/CC profane/JJ demand/NN for/IN the/DT persons/NNS of/IN the/DT Frenchman/NNP Vilmont/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy./NNP "We're/NNP a/DT committ-ay/NN to/TO dhrive/VB all/PDT the/DT furriners/NNS out/IN av/IN the/DT disthrict,"/NN he/PRP explained./VBD "Thim/PRP that/IN don't/RB go/VB whilst/IN they/PRP have/VBP the/DT chanct/NN will/MD shtay/VB here/RB for/IN good,"/NN he/PRP added./VBD Dermod,/NNP amused,/IN glanced/VBD at/IN Bejabers,/NNP who/WP looked/VBD around/RB at/IN the/DT company,/NN saw/VBD that/IN none/NN of/IN them/PRP were/VBD at/IN all/DT impressed/VBN at/IN sight/NN of/IN the/DT clamorous/JJ mob,/NN and/CC decided/VBD instantly/RB to/TO move/VB into/IN action./NN A/DT bucket/NN of/IN greasy/JJ dish-water,/NN in/IN which/WDT the/DT breakfast/NN dishes/NNS had/VBD just/RB been/VBN washed,/VBN stood/VBD on/IN the/DT cabin/NN table./NN Bejabers/NNP reached/VBD for/IN it,/RB but/CC D'Arcy/NNP was/VBD quicker./NNP He/PRP deluged/VBD the/DT spokesman/NN with/IN the/DT unsavory/JJ fluid./NN "Clear/NN out,/IN you/PRP scum,"/VBD he/PRP ordered./VBD "How/RB dare/VB you/PRP hold/VB yourself/PRP the/DT mental,/NN moral,/NN or/CC social/JJ superior/NN of/IN Jim/NNP Toy?/NNP Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP a/DT Chinese/JJ gentleman/NN while/IN you're/PRP a/DT bestial,/RB bog-trotting,/JJ ignorant/JJ Irish/JJ hoodlum.""Hah!/NN So/RB you're/JJ Irish,/NNS are/VBP you?"/IN the/DT surprised/JJ and/CC befuddled/VBN spokesman/NN yelled./VBN "Not/IN your/PRP$ kind!"/NN the/DT Bart,/NNP appearing/VBG around/IN the/DT corner/NN of/IN the/DT cabin,/NN made/VBD the/DT answer./NN "And/CC here's/PRP$ another/DT Irishman./NNPS Not/RB much/RB of/IN a/DT credit/NN to/TO the/DT dear/JJ green/JJ land,/NN but/CC loyal/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC partners/NNS in/IN a/DT fight./NN Guard/NNP me/PRP back,/RB Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ boy,"/NN he/PRP begged,/VBD and/CC launched/VBD his/PRP$ old/JJ body/NN at/IN the/DT mob/NN leader./NN In/IN an/DT instant/NN the/DT antiforeigners/NNS were/VBD on/IN top/NN of/IN him/PRP like/IN a/DT pack/NN of/IN angry,/JJ snarling/NN dogs./VBZ "My/RB partner!"/VB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP screamed/VBD hysterically./PRP "They're/RB killing/VBG my/PRP$ partner./NN I'm/IN a/DT man/NN of/IN peace,/NN but/CC if/IN I/PRP must/MD kill,/VB why--""Don't/JJ talk./NN Kill!"/NNP Bejabers/NNP urged,/NN and/CC leaped/VBD into/IN the/DT fray,/JJ pistol/NN in/IN hand./JJR The/DT pick-handle,/NN knocked/VBD from/IN the/DT hand/NN of/IN the/DT mob/NN leader,/NN protruded/VBD from/IN the/DT midst/NN of/IN the/DT riot,/NN and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP grasped/VBD it./PRP Uttering/VBG wild,/NN almost/RB feminine/JJ screams,/NN he/PRP waded/VBD into/IN the/DT conflict;/NN D'Arcy,/NNP Judson,/NNP McCready,/NNP and/CC Vilmont,/NNP armed/VBN with/IN pistols/NNS and/CC pick-handles,/NNS followed/VBD him,/PRP while/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP a/DT cleaver/NN in/IN hand,/NN flirted/VBD around/IN the/DT fringes/NNS of/IN the/DT conflict,/JJ intent/NN on/IN lopping/VBG off/RP as/IN many/JJ antiforeign/JJ heads/NNS as/IN possible./NN From/IN somewhere/RB in/IN the/DT center/NN of/IN the/DT scrimmage/NN the/DT late/JJ surgeon/NN of/IN the/DT British/JJ Navy/NNP was/VBD shouting/VBG a/DT Celtic/NNP war-cry:/NN "Faugh-a-ballagh!/NN Faugh-a-ballagh!"For/CC the/DT space/NN of/IN a/DT minute/JJ pistols/NNS and/CC pick-handles/NNS rose/VBD and/CC fell;/VBD attackers/NNS and/CC defenders/NNS were/VBD so/RB inextricably/RB mingled/VBD that/IN shooting/NN was/VBD impossible/JJ nor/CC could/MD Jim/NNP Toy/NNP find/VBP opportunity/NN to/TO smite/VB with/IN any/DT assurance/NN that/IN be/VB would/MD not/RB be/VB smiting/VBG a/DT friend/NN and/CC partner./NN Suddenly/RB from/IN the/DT antiforeign/JJ reserves/NNS crowding/VBG up/RP from/IN the/DT rear/NN a/DT man/NN shouted:/MD "No/VB fightin'!/NN A/DT lady!/NN A/DT white/JJ woman!/NN Stop/VB it!/RP The/DT first/JJ American/JJ woman/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp!"The/NNP effect/NN was/VBD magical./RB One/CD by/IN one/CD D'Arcy/NNP and/CC company/NN backed/VBD and/CC twisted/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT fray/NN and/CC re-treated/JJ to/TO their/PRP$ cabin./NN In/IN the/DT foreground/NN a/DT dozen/NN men/NNS were/VBD down,/RB some/DT quite/RB out/IN of/IN action,/JJ others/NNS on/IN their/PRP$ hands/NNS and/CC knees/NNS weakly/RB striving/VBG to/TO rise./NNP Beyond/IN them,/PRP$ the/DT reserve/NN of/IN the/DT antiforeign/JJ element/NN stood/VBD gawking/VBG at/IN the/DT stage,/NN on/IN the/DT front/JJ seat/NN of/IN which,/NN between/IN the/DT express/NN messenger/NN and/CC the/DT driver,/NN sat/VBD a/DT gorgeously/NN dressed/VBN female,/JJ obviously/RB of/IN Nordic/NNP antecedents./. Over/IN her/PRP$ head/NN she/PRP held/VBD a/DT little/JJ parasol,/NN the/DT while/NN she/PRP gazed/VBD with/IN cool/JJ interest/NN upon/IN the/DT men/NNS of/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP "No/NNP fightin'/NN in/IN the/DT lady's/NN presence,"/NN somebody/NN warned./VBZ The/DT stage/NN driver/NN reined/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ mules,/NN and/CC the/DT express/NN messenger/NN casually/RB "threw"/VBD his/PRP$ sawed-off/NN shotgun/NN down/RB on/IN the/DT men/NNS still/RB standing/VBG in/IN the/DT open./NN "Is/NN this/DT a/DT private/JJ fight,/NN or/CC can/MD anybody/NN get/VB into/IN it?"/IN he/PRP demanded/VBD raucously./RB "For/IN shame!"/VBG the/DT lady/NN cried./VBN "Three/CD dozen/NN to/TO a/DT half-dozen./NN You/PRP cowards!"The/RB Bart/NNP picked/VBD himself/PRP up/RP on/IN hands/NNS and/CC knees/NNS from/IN among/IN the/DT fallen/VBN and/CC scuttled/VBN like/IN a/DT gigantic/JJ land-crab/NN to/TO the/DT shelter/NN of/IN the/DT cabin./NN "A/IN grand/JJ battle,"/NN he/PRP croaked./VBD "What/IN a/DT pity/NN to/TO stop/VB it!"D'Arcy/PRP stepped/VBD outside/IN again./DT "You/NNS vagabonds/NNS disperse,"/VBD he/PRP ordered./VBD "You/PRP cannot/MD have/VB Vilmont/NNP and/CC the/DT Chinaman/NNP except/IN by/IN killing/VBG us/PRP first--and/JJ by/IN the/DT time/NN that's/IN accomplished/VBN the/DT local/JJ cemetery/NN will/MD have/VB grown/VBN amazingly."/JJ He/PRP strolled/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT stage-coach/NN and/CC lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat./NN "Welcome/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP madame--or/JJ mademoiselle,/, as/IN the/DT case/NN may/MD be./VB For/IN this/DT unseemly/JJ brawl/NN in/IN your/PRP$ presence/NN the/DT entire/JJ camp/NN desires/VBZ to/TO apologize."A/VB pair/NN of/IN humorous/JJ brown/JJ eyes/NNS appraised/VBD him/PRP approvingly./VBD "The/DT apology/NN is/VBZ accepted,/VBN sir."Bejabers/NNS Harmon/IN now/RB stepped/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT cabin./NN "Three/IN cheers/NNS for/IN the/DT lady!"/NN he/PRP shouted./MD The/DT cheerswere/NN given/VBN with/IN a/DT will,/JJ and/CC immediately/RB thereafter/RB there/RB came/VBD a/DT tremendous/JJ fusillade/NN of/IN pistol-shots,/JJ Bejabers/NNP setting/VBG the/DT example/NN by/IN tossing/VBG his/PRP$ ragged/JJ old/JJ hat/NN into/IN the/DT air/NN and/CC putting/VBG three/CD shots/NNS through/IN it/PRP before/IN it/PRP came/VBD down./RP "Shall/DT mere/JJ mules/NNS drag/VBP this/DT angel/NN into/IN Happy/NNP Camp?"/NNP he/PRP demanded./VBD Cries/NNS of/IN "No!/NNP No!/NNP Never!"/NNP answered/VBD him,/PRP and/CC on/IN the/DT instant/NN the/DT late/JJ combatants/NNS made/VBD a/DT rush/NN for/IN the/DT stage./NN In/IN a/DT twinkling/VBG the/DT mules/NNS were/VBD unharnessed/VBN and/CC led/VBN to/TO one/CD side;/NN whereupon/IN four/CD miners/NNS seized/VBD each/DT whippletree,/NN and/CC while/IN others/NNS toiled/VBD at/IN the/DT wheels/NNS and/CC pushed/VBD in/IN the/DT rear/NN the/DT stage/NN rolled/VBD up/RP into/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP discharged/VBD its/PRP$ mail/NN and/CC with/IN whoop/NN and/CC cheer/NN proceeded/VBD to/TO the/DT express/JJ office/NN and/CC thence/NN to/TO the/DT Mansion/NNP House./NNP Here/RB another/DT bloody/JJ battle/NN was/VBD almost/RB precipitated/VBN in/IN the/DT general/JJ rush/NN to/TO see/VB which/WDT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP male/NN should/MD have/VB the/DT honor/NN of/IN assisting/VBG the/DT fair/JJ passenger/NN to/TO alight./DT Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP with/IN his/PRP$ customary/JJ incisiveness,/NN settled/VBD the/DT argument./NN "The/DT honor's/NN mine!/NN Stand/NNP back,/, you/PRP scalawags/NNS and/CC pot-wallopers./NN I'm/IN the/DT alcalde/NN and/CC what/WP I/PRP say/VBP goes./DT I'll/NNP fine/NN any/DT man/NN an/DT ounce/NN for/IN interferin'."/JJ He/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT near/JJ front/NN wheel/NN and/CC looked/VBD at/IN the/DT vision/NN with/IN wide-eyed/JJ admiration./NN "May/NN I/PRP have/VBP the/DT honor?"/NN he/PRP pleaded./VBD "The/DT honor/NN is/VBZ mine,"/JJ she/PRP replied/VBD gallantly,/JJ and/CC fluttered/VBD down/RB into/IN his/PRP$ arms./NN Instantly/RB be/VB lifted/VBN her/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ shoulder/NN and/CC bore/VBD her/PRP$ in/IN triumph/NN into/IN the/DT Stage/NNP Drivers'/NNP Retreat,/NNP where/WRB he/PRP set/VBD her/PRP carefully/RB on/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT bar./NN Then/RB he/PRP pounded/VBD on/IN the/DT bar/NN for/IN silence./NN "Gentlemen,/IN this/DT is/VBZ indeed/RB an/DT occasion./NN Happy/NNP Camp's/NNP been/VBN honored/VBN by/IN a/DT visit/NN from/IN a/DT lady,/NN a/DT lady/NN of/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ kind,/NNS a/DT lady/NN fair/JJ and/CC beautiful./JJ To/TO us/PRP whofor/IN a/DT year/NN and/CC mebbe/RB longer/RB ain't/VB feasted/VBN our/PRP$ eyes/NNS on/IN a/DT single/JJ solitary/JJ reminder/NN o'/IN all/DT that's/DT sweet/JJ and/CC fine/JJ and/CC noble/JJ in/IN this/DT dog-gone/JJ world,/NN the/DT arrival/NN of/IN this/DT here/RB charmin'/JJ person/NN in/IN our/PRP$ midst/NN is/VBZ as/IN soothing/VBG and/CC comforting/VBG as/IN the/DT first/JJ blossomin'/NN of/IN the/DT dogwoods/NNS along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico."He/NNP turned/VBD again/RB to/TO the/DT unexpected/JJ guest./NN "I/RB ask/VB you,/PRP fair/JJ lady,/NN to/TO forgive/VB my/PRP$ bad/JJ manners/NNS in/IN bringin'/NN you/PRP into/IN a/DT saloon./NN I/PRP figger/VBP you'll/JJ grant/NN it/PRP graciously/RB when/WRB I/PRP inform/VB you/PRP that/IN upon/IN all/DT notorious/JJ occasions/NNS in/IN Happy/NNP Camp--and/NNP I/PRP assure/VBP you,/PRP ma'am,/VB the/DT present/JJ overtops/NNS 'em/PRP all/DT like/IN Mt./NNP Shasta/NNP overtops/VBZ the/DT world--it's/JJ the/DT custom/NN to/TO celebrate./VB With/IN your/PRP$ gracious/JJ permission/NN the/DT men/NNS of/IN Happy/NNP Camp'll/NNP drink,/NN in/IN champagne,/NN a/DT miner's/JJ welcome/JJ to/TO you."The/DT lady,/NN blushing,/, but/CC unembarrassed/JJ and/CC seemingly/RB resolved/VBN to/TO enter/VB into/IN the/DT spirit/NN of/IN the/DT occasion,/NN nodded/VBD acquiescence./NN They/PRP drank/VBD to/TO her,/PRP silently,/JJ reverently,/NN respectfully;/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT eyes/NNS of/IN many/JJ a/DT sentimental/JJ ruffian/JJ tears/NNS welled/VBN unrestrained./VBG News/NNP of/IN the/DT tremendous/JJ event/NN percolated/VBN through/IN the/DT camp/NN and/CC along/IN the/DT creek;/JJ new/JJ contingents/NNS of/IN miners,/JJ dog-dirty/JJ and/CC excited,/JJ crowded/VBD the/DT Stage/NNP Drivers'/NNP Retreat/NNP to/TO feast/VB their/PRP$ longing/VBG eyes/NNS upon/IN the/DT unaccustomed/JJ spectacle./NN For/IN an/DT hour/NN the/DT lady/NN remained/VBD perched/VBN on/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT bar,/NN while/IN corks/NNS popped/VBD about/IN her/PRP and/CC hard,/VB soiled/VBD hands/NNS were/VBD upthrust/JJ to/TO hers./PRP Then/RB amidst/IN wild/JJ cheering/NN she/PRP was/VBD permitted/VBN to/TO depart/VB for/IN the/DT room/NN which/WDT the/DT proprietor/NN of/IN the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP insisted/VBD upon/IN placing/VBG at/IN her/PRP$ disposal/NN without/IN cost./NN Gradually/RB Happy/NNP Camp/NNP returned/VBD to/TO normalcy./DT The/DT antiforeign/JJ sentiment/NN had/VBD died,/VBN as/IN Bejabers/NNP expressed/VBD it,/IN "a-bornin',"/NN effectually/RB stifled/VBN by/IN this/DT amazing/JJ new/JJ interest./NN About/IN nine/CD o'clock/RB that/DT night/NN Bejabers/NNP returned/VBD from/IN a/DT round/NN of/IN the/DT local/JJ halls/NNS of/IN Not/RB a/DT Chance/NNP and/CC awakened/VBD his/PRP$ partners./NN "I/NN got/VBD a/DT horrible/JJ announcement/NN to/TO make,"/NN he/PRP said/VBD tragically./NN "That/IN there/RB rose/VBD of/IN a/DT white/JJ woman/NN we/PRP welcomed/VBD to/TO camp/NN today/NN ain't/IN a/DT lady./NN She's/IN the/DT imported/VBN consort/NN o'/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry--him/NNP that/IN deals/NNS faro-bank/NN at/IN the/DT Sluice-Box./NNP I'm/NNP dogged/VBD if/IN she/PRP didn't/VBD go/VB on/IN shift/NN at/IN eight/CD o'clock./NNP Yes,/NNP sir,/RB right/RB now/RB she's/PRP a-settin'/NN up/RP on/IN the/DT dais/NN actin'/NN as/IN lookout/NN on/IN his/PRP$ game./NN And/CC nary/JJ a/DT weddin'-ring!""Oh,/NN my/PRP$ heavens!"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP moaned./VBD Bejabers/NNP sat/VBD down/RB and/CC kicked/VBD off/RP his/PRP$ boots./NN "I/NN never/RB was/VBD so/RB deceived/VBN in/IN my/PRP$ born/VBN life,"/NN he/PRP lamented./VBD "Us/NNP a-buyin'/NN champagne/NN for/IN her/PRP and/CC a-draggin'/NN of/IN her/PRP around/IN the/DT camp/NN by/IN hand/NN in/IN the/DT stage-coach!/JJ I'll/NNP never/RB git/VBP over/IN this./DT Everybody's/NNP a-blamin'/NN me/PRP for/IN it,/DT too,/NN on/IN account/NN o'/IN me/PRP sort/VB o'/RB puttin'/JJ myself/PRP forward./RB It's/. hurt/VB my/PRP$ standin'/NN as/IN alcalde./DT Didn't/NNP all/DT o'/IN you/PRP boys/NNS think/VB she/PRP was/VBD a/DT lady?""I/NN thought/VBD she/PRP was/VBD wearing/VBG too/RB many/JJ diamonds,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP replied,/NN "but/CC at/IN the/DT time/NN of/IN gazing/VBG upon/IN the/DT lady/NN I/PRP was/VBD seeing/VBG so/RB many/JJ stars,/NNS due/JJ to/TO a/DT blow/NN on/IN the/DT head,/NN that/IN I/PRP gave/VBD the/DT dear/NN colleen/IN the/DT benefit/NN of/IN the/DT doubt,/NN but/CC refrained/VBD from/IN attending/VBG the/DT soir$e/NN in/IN her/PRP$ honor.""Nor/NN did/VBD I,/NNP Bejabers,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP added./VBD I/PRP realized/VBD instantly/RB she/PRP was/VBD not/RB a/DT lady.""Why/NN didn't/NN you/PRP tell/VBP me?/PRP You're/JJ a/DT hell/NN of/IN a/DT pardner.""I/NN was/VBD too/RB busy/JJ thanking/IN our/PRP$ lucky/JJ stars/NNS she/PRP had/VBD appeared/VBN on/IN the/DT scene/NN in/IN time/NN to/TO avert/VB a/DT massacre;/NN when/WRB I/PRP realized/VBD you/PRP were/VBD starting/VBG a/DT diversion/NN that/WDT would/MD cool/VB a/DT great/JJ deal/NN of/IN hot/JJ blood,/NN I/PRP permitted/VBD you/PRP to/TO proceed.""Too/VB many/JJ diamonds,/NN eh?/NN Is/VBZ that/IN a/DT sign,/NN Bart?""In/IN daylight--yes."Bejabers/NNS groaned./VBN "And/CC I'm/IN one/CD o'/IN the/DT fools/NNS that/IN wept/VBD jest/NN to/TO look/VB at/IN her./PRP When/WRB I/PRP think/VBP o'/IN wastin'/NN my/PRP$ sweetest/JJS sentiments/NNS like/IN that/IN I/PRP could/MD drownd/VB myself/PRP in/IN the/DT creek.""I/NN have/VBP heard/VBN some/DT gossip/NN to/TO the/DT effect/NN that/IN not/RB less/JJR than/IN half/PDT a/DT dozen/NN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP citizens/NNS proposed/VBD marriage/NN to/TO the--ah--lady/JJ before/IN supper./NN Were/VBD you/PRP one/CD of/IN them,/PRP$ Mr./NNP Harmon?"/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP inquired./VBD "The/DT dee-bate's/JJ closed,"/NN Bejabers/NNP replied/VBD doggedly./. "That/WDT settles/VBZ it./RP You/PRP proposed/VBD to/TO her.""Undoubtedly,"/PRP$ the/DT Bart/NNP agreed./VBD Bejabers/NNP remained/VBD silent./JJ He/PRP was/VBD too/RB honest/JJ to/TO tell/VB a/DT lie,/NN too/RB ashamed/JJ to/TO admit/VB his/PRP$ guilt./NN D'Arcy/NNP intervened./, "You/PRP lovable/JJ simpleton,/RB go/VB to/TO bed/NN and/CC get/VB your/PRP$ rest.""I/NN suppose/VB mebbe/PRP I'd/NNP better,/IN son./NN I/PRP got/VBD to/TO fight/VB a/DT duel/NN in/IN the/DT mornin'./NN Your/PRP$ old/JJ friend/NN Alvah/NNP Cannon's/NNP in/IN town/NN ag'in./NN He/PRP was/VBD with/IN that/DT mob/NN that/WDT called/VBD this/DT mornin'./NN That/DT feller's/NN too/RB frequent,/RB so/RB tonight/RB up/IN at/IN the/DT Sluice-Box/NNP I/PRP label/VBP him/PRP publicly/RB as/IN an/DT undesirable/JJ character/NN and/CC as/IN alcalde/NN I/PRP give/VBP him/PRP notice/NN to/TO quit/VB the/DT camp/NN for/IN the/DT greater/JJR good/JJ o'/IN the/DT camp/NN and/CC not/RB linger/NN pickin'/NN wild/JJ flowers/NNS on/IN his/PRP$ way/NN out./, I'm/NNP informed/VBD on/IN reliable/JJ authority/NN he's/IN the/DT feller/NN sicked/VBN that/IN mob/NN on/IN us/PRP and/CC worked/VBD up/RP the/DT sentiment/NN ag'in/IN Vilmont/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy./NNP I/PRP reckon/VBP he/PRP was/VBD a-figgerin'/NN to/TO jump/VB Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP claim,/, because/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ all/PDT the/DT other/JJ fellers/NNS in/IN the/DT mob/NN got/VBD good/JJ claims/NNS o'/IN their/PRP$ own./NN I/PRP figger/VBP this/DT feller/NN Cannon's/IN a/DT disturbin'/JJ character/NN and/CC if/IN I/PRP let/VBD him/PRP linger/VB around/IN he'll/RB come/VBN to/TO a/DT bad/JJ end.""He/NN refused/VBD to/TO take/VB your/PRP$ hint,/NN eh?""Sure/NN did./VBD So/RB I/PRP insult/VB him/PRP all/DT I/PRP can/MD and/CC challenge/VB him/PRP to/TO shoot/VB it/PRP out/RP tomorrow/NN mornin'./NN He/PRP accepts/VBZ and/CC I'm/NNP satisfied./VBD I'm/PRP expectin'/VB you/PRP to/TO be/VB my/PRP$ second,/JJ Dermod.""You're/NNP not/RB going/VBG to/TO fight/VB him/PRP on/IN your/PRP$ own/JJ account/NN or/CC for/IN the/DT sake/NN of/IN society/NN in/IN general,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP charged./VBD "You've/NN challenged/VBD him/PRP to/TO make/VB certain/JJ Cannon/NNP and/CC D'Arcy/NNP do/VBP not/RB meet/VB sometime/RB later--perhaps/RB with/IN disastrous/JJ results/NNS to/TO our/PRP$ side.""Well,/NN ain't/NN I/PRP a/DT better/JJR shot/NN than/IN Dermod?"/NNP The/DT na$ve/JJ simplicity/NN of/IN the/DT man/NN brought/VBD a/DT lump/NN to/TO D'Arcy's/NNP throat./, "Anybody/NN that/WDT threatens/VBZ one/CD o'/IN my/PRP$ pardners--and/JJ Cannon/NNP threatened/VBD tonight/RB to/TO kill/VB Dermod/NNP on/IN sight--has/NN got/VBD to/TO face/VB me./PRP If/IN I/PRP ain't/VBP been/VBN present/JJ when/WRB this/DT skunk/NN makes/VBZ his/PRP$ brag/NN I'd/VBN sure/JJ accord/NN Dermod/NNP the/DT right/NN to/TO kill/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ snakes,/NN but/CC me/PRP bein'/IN present/NN I/PRP got/VBD to/TO take/VB his/PRP$ remarks/NNS as/IN an/DT insult/NN and/CC challenge/VB him/PRP in/IN public./NN So/IN there/EX ain't/VBP nothin'/NN to/TO it/PRP but/CC a/DT duel.""To/JJ sleep,/NN everybody,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP ordered./NNP "Sleep/NN before/IN a/DT fight/NN is/VBZ a/DT vital/JJ necessity./NN I'll/MD be/VB your/PRP$ second,/JJ Bejabers,/NNP and/CC if/IN he/PRP downs/VBZ you/PRP he'll/MD have/VB to/TO fight/VB me/PRP next.""True/JJ words."/NN Judson/NNP had/VBD spoken./NN "We/PRP need/VBP our/PRP$ sleep.""Them's/NNS my/PRP$ sentiments,/NN gentlemen."/NN This/DT from/IN McCready./NNP "Good/NNP night,/NN everybody,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP faltered./VBD Bejabers/NNP rolled/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ bunk,/NN and/CC silence/NN descended/VBD upon/IN the/DT cabin./NN D'Arcy/NNP waited/VBD until/IN the/DT sound/NN of/IN deep/JJ breathing/NN convinced/VBD him/PRP that/IN all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ partners/NNS slept/VBD soundly;/RB then/RB he/PRP dressed/VBD silently,/JJ buckled/JJ on/IN his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC started/VBD for/IN the/DT Sluice-Box./NNP Here/RB he/PRP found/VBD Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP engrossed/VBD in/IN faro,/NNS with/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP dealing,/NN while/IN the/DT latter's/JJ light-o'-love/NN watched,/NN from/IN the/DT dais,/NNS the/DT cards/NNS and/CC cases./DT D'Arcy/NNP tapped/VBD Cannon/NNP on/IN the/DT shoulder./NN "May/NN I/PRP speak/VBP privately/RB with/IN you,/JJ Cannon?"/NNP he/PRP asked./VBD "If/IN you/PRP got/VBD anything/NN to/TO say/VB to/TO me,/VB say/VB it/PRP here,"Cannon/IN retorted/JJ belligerently./NN He/PRP had/VBD been/VBN drinking/VBG and/CC was/VBD filled/VBN with/IN false/JJ courage./NN "I/NNS understand/VBP you/PRP are/VBP going/VBG to/TO fight/VB a/DT duel/NN with/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP in/IN the/DT morning."/NN Cannon/NNP nodded./VBD "I/PRP just/RB wanted/VBD you/PRP to/TO know/VB that/IN if/IN and/CC when/WRB you/PRP have/VBP polished/VBN off/RP Bejabers/IN you/PRP have/VBP an/DT engagement/NN to/TO fight/VB another/DT duel/NN with/IN me./PRP Good/JJ night."He/NN backed/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT room/NN and/CC returned/VBD to/TO the/DT cabin./NN En/NNP route/NN a/DT figure/NN passed/VBN him;/IN he/PRP thought/VBD he/PRP recognized/VBD McCready,/NNP but/CC did/VBD not/RB hail/NN him./PRP He/PRP had/VBD just/RB retired/VBN again,/RB when/WRB he/PRP heard/VBD somebody/NN enter/VB the/DT cabin/NN and/CC climb/VB into/IN bed./NN A/DT little/JJ later,/JJ another/DT partner/NN stole/VBD softly/RB out/IN into/IN the/DT night,/NN returning/VBG in/IN about/IN ten/CD minutes,/NNS and/CC no/RB sooner/RBR did/VBD this/DT one's/JJ breathing/NN indicate/VBP he/PRP was/VBD asleep/RB than/IN the/DT Bart/NNP fared/VBD forth./DT Scarcely/NNP was/VBD he/PRP gone/VBN when/WRB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP dressed/VBD and/CC followed;/VBD and/CC then/RB Jim/NNP Toy/NNP followed/VBD the/DT two./NN D'Arcy/NNP decided/VBD that/IN Vilmont,/NNP who/WP understood/VBD very/RB little/JJ English--not/NNP a/DT quarter/NN as/RB much/RB as/IN the/DT Chinaman--would/NNP not/RB go;/JJ and/CC in/IN this/DT assumption/NN he/PRP was/VBD right./RB Immediately/RB after/IN breakfast/NN Bejabers/NNP made/VBD his/PRP$ will,/JJ bequeathing/NN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP all/DT his/PRP$ worldly/JJ goods/NNS and/CC chattels./VBD The/DT Bart/NNP wrote/VBD it/PRP for/IN him./PRP "Now,/RB then,"/, the/DT little/JJ man/NN announced,/IN "we're/NN ready./VBD Cannon/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS are/VBP to/TO meet/VB us/PRP up/RP by/IN the/DT cemetery./NN You/PRP fellers/VBD comin'/NN to/TO the/DT show?"For/NN reasons/NNS best/RB known/VBN to/TO themselves,/POS his/PRP$ partners/NNS informed/VBD him/PRP that/IN they/PRP would/MD accompany/VB him,/PRP so/RB Bejabers/NNP strode/VBD ahead./RB Just/RB outside/IN the/DT door/NN a/DT miner/NN accosted/VBN him./PRP "I'm/IN one/CD of/IN Cannon's/NNP seconds,/NNS alcalde,"/RB he/PRP announced/VBD respectfully./NNP "My/NN principal/NN has/VBZ decided/VBN not/RB to/TO fight/VB you/PRP with/IN pistols./PRP He/PRP remembers/VBZ seeing/VBG you/PRP throw/VB your/PRP$ hat/NN in/IN the/DT air/NN yesterday/NN and/CC put/VBD three/CD holes/NNS through/IN it/PRP before/IN it/PRP came/VBD down./RP It/PRP seems/VBZ that/IN as/IN thechallenged/DT party/NN he/PRP has/VBZ the/DT right/JJ to/TO choose/VB the/DT weapons.""Whatever/NN he/PRP wants/VBZ goes/VBZ with/IN me.""He/NN wants/VBZ to/TO fight/VB you/PRP in/IN the/DT old/JJ Spanish-Californian/JJ style./NN You/PRP will/MD be/VB handcuffed/VBN together/RB by/IN your/PRP$ left/JJ wrists,/NN given/VBN a/DT bowie-knife/NN and/CC locked/VBN in/IN a/DT cabin./NN The/DT man/NN who/WP comes/VBZ out/RP wins.""Bring/VBG on/IN your/PRP$ handcuffs/NNS and/CC bowie-knives,"/NN the/DT alcalde/NN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP responded/VBD promptly./VBG "The/DT doctor,"/NN the/DT other/JJ suggested,/NN with/IN a/DT glance/NN at/IN the/DT Bart,/NNP "will/NNP doubtless/RB be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO attend/VB in/IN his/PRP$ professional/JJ capacity?""I/NN am/VBP the/DT private/JJ surgeon/NN of/IN Bejabers/NNP Harmon,"/NNP Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP replied/VBD vigorously./. "I/PRP will/MD attend/VB as/IN a/DT belligerent/NN should/MD Bejabers/NNPS die/VBP and/CC Cannon/NNP survive/VBP unhurt./JJ I've/NN challenged/VBD the/DT dog/NN myself./PRP By/IN the/DT powers,/NN I/PRP never/RB thought/VBD I'd/PRP live/VB to/TO see/VB the/DT day/NN I'd/NNP fight/NN with/IN a/DT ruffian,/NN but--other/NN times,/NN other/JJ customs.""We/NN won't/NN need/VBP no/DT doctor,"/NN Bejabers/IN complained./VBN "If/IN anything/NN we'll/MD need/VB a/DT coroner/NN and/CC an/DT undertaker./NNP Lead/NNP me/PRP to/TO the/DT cabin/NN we/PRP fight/VBP in."Cannon's/JJ seconds/NNS pointed/VBD it/PRP out/IN and/CC departed/VBD to/TO bear/VB to/TO Cannon/NNP the/DT news/NN of/IN the/DT acceptance/NN of/IN his/PRP$ terms/NNS by/IN Bejabers./NNP A/DT little/JJ later,/JJ while/IN they/PRP waited,/VBD the/DT outgoing/JJ stage/NN swung/VBD down/IN the/DT main/JJ street/NN and/CC pulled/VBD in/IN at/IN the/DT express/JJ office./NN Suddenly/RB Alvah/NNP Cannon/NNP came/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT Sluice-Box/NNP and/CC climbed/VBD into/IN the/DT coach/NN as/IN it/PRP rattled/VBD away!/RB D'Arcy,/NNP McCready,/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP Judson,/NNP the/DT Bart,/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP commenced/VBD to/TO snicker./VB "What/IN you/PRP snickerin'/VBD about?"/IN Bejabers/NNP demanded/VBD irritably./RB "Last/JJ night/NN after/IN you/PRP had/VBD retired/VBN we/PRP all/DT arose,/IN one/CD by/IN one,/NNP went/VBD to/TO the/DT gambling-hall/NN and/CC challenged/VBD Cannon./NNP Honor/NNP forbade/VBD the/DT withdrawal/NN of/IN your/PRP$ challenge,/NN but/CC did/VBD not/RB prohibit/VB additional/JJ challenges./NN I/PRP imaginewe/VBP each/DT decided/VBD that/IN with/IN such/JJ an/DT accumulation/NN of/IN trade/NN our/PRP$ friend/NN Cannon/NNP would/MD decide/VB he/PRP couldn't/MD handle/VB it/PRP all/DT and/CC would/MD go/VB out/IN of/IN business!/NN He/PRP doesn't/RB lack/VBP a/DT certain/JJ courage;/NN he'd/NN have/VBP taken/VBN a/DT chance/NN on/IN you,/DT perhaps,/NN but/CC it/PRP was/VBD sure/JJ death/NN to/TO take/VB on/RP all/DT your/PRP$ partners."Mr./NN Poppy/NNP threw/VBD a/DT lank/NN arm/NN around/IN Bejabers./NNP "You/RB little/JJ fire-eater,"/NN '/'' he/PRP said,/VBD "we/IN all/DT love/NN you./PRP We/PRP couldn't/MD bear/VB to/TO see/VB you/PRP leave/VB us.""Did/PRP you/PRP challenge/VBP him,/IN Mr./NNP Poppy?"/NNP Bejabers/NNP was/VBD incredulous./VBG "I/NNP did--and/CC shook/VBD in/IN my/PRP$ boots/NNS while/IN doing/VBG so.""Why,/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP how/WRB could/MD you?/PRP You're/VB a/DT man/NN o'/IN God.""I/NNP am/VBP a/DT child/NN of/IN the/DT devil,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP answered/VBD grimly./RBR "When/RB one/CD finds/VBZ himself/PRP bound/VBN on/IN the/DT wheel/NN of/IN circumstance/NN one/CD is/VBZ helpless./VBG When/WRB in/IN Rome/NNP do/VBP as/IN the/DT Romans/NNPS do."Bejabers/NNS was/VBD profoundly/RB affected./VBN The/DT action/NN of/IN the/DT others/NNS was/VBD to/TO be/VB expected;/VBN they/PRP were/VBD fighting/VBG men,/NNS but/CC Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP he/PRP knew,/VBD must/MD have/VB fought/VBN a/DT terrible/JJ fight/NN with/IN his/PRP$ conscience,/NN must/MD have/VB suffered/VBN ten/CD thousand/CD deaths/NNS before/IN screwing/VBG up/RP his/PRP$ courage/NN to/TO the/DT point/NN of/IN issuing/VBG his/PRP$ challenge./NN "You're--you're/NN a/DT square/NN pardner,"/NN Bejabers/IN mumbled./VBN "I--ain't/NNP never/RB goin'/VBD to/TO criticize/VB you/PRP no/DT more.""He's/RB the/DT noblest/JJS Roman/NNP of/IN us/PRP all,"/DT D'Arcy/NNP added,/NN and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP blushed/VBD pleasurably/RB under/IN their/PRP$ earnest/JJ commendation./NN As/IN they/PRP were/VBD passing/VBG the/DT post-office/NN en/IN route/NN to/TO their/PRP$ cabin,/NN the/DT postmaster,/NN who/WP was/VBD also/RB the/DT proprietor/NN of/IN a/DT general/JJ store,/NN stopped/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP "I/. been/VBN wonderin'/VBN if/IN this/DT letter/NN ain't/NN for/IN you,/JJ reverend,"/NN he/PRP said/VBD and/CC handed/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP a/DT letter/NN for/IN his/PRP$ inspection./NN "Yes,/. thank/VB you,/PRP it's/RB for/IN me.""It's/NNS been/VBN here/RB three/CD months./NN I/PRP figgered/VBD if/IN you/PRP was/VBD in/IN camp/NN you'd/JJ call/NN for/IN your/PRP$ mail--and/NN when/WRB you/PRP didn't,/VBD I/PRP stuck/VBD it/PRP away/RB with/IN a/DT lot/NN of/IN other/JJ mail/NN that/IN don't/RB seem/VB to/TO have/VB no/DT owners./NNP Just/RB happened/VBD to/TO think/VB of/IN it.""I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN away/RB from/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP several/JJ months./NN I/PRP left/VBD before/IN the/DT postal/JJ system/NN was/VBD established/VBN and/CC neglected/VBN to/TO leave/VB a/DT forwarding/JJ address./NN Thank/VB you."He/PRP excused/VBN himself/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC commenced/VBD a/DT perusal/NN of/IN the/DT letter;/NN after/IN reading/VBG a/DT little/JJ while/IN he/PRP turned/VBD his/PRP$ back/NN upon/IN them./PRP$ "Come/NN away,"/RB D'Arcy/NNP whispered./, "It's/NNP from/IN his/PRP$ girl/NN back/RB East."When/RB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP rejoined/VBD them/PRP at/IN the/DT cabin/NN it/PRP was/VBD apparent/JJ that/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN weeping./DT The/DT Bart/NNP placed/VBD an/DT arm/NN around/IN the/DT derelict/NN but/CC said/VBD nothing./DT "Well,/NNP Mr./NNP Poppy,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP suggested/VBD presently,/NN "it/NN seems/VBZ you're/JJ in/IN trouble./NN We'll/. do/VB anything/NN humanly/RB possible/JJ to/TO get/VB you/PRP out/IN of/IN it,/PRP if/IN you/PRP care/VBP to/TO confide/VB in/IN us.""The/DT letter/NN was/VBD from/IN a/DT girl/NN back/RB East./NNP I--I/NNP think/VBP I/PRP told/VBD you/PRP something/NN about/IN her/PRP once.""You/RB did./VBD What/WP about/IN Martha?""She/NNP was/VBD due/JJ to/TO arrive/VB in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP a/DT month/NN ago./. Her/PRP$ parents/NNS have/VBP passed/VBN away--they/NN objected/VBN strongly/RB to/TO me,/VB you/PRP will/MD understand--and/VB as/IN Martha/NNP had/VBD no/DT human/NN being/NN to/TO consider/VB save/IN herself,/PRP she/PRP sold/VBD the/DT few/JJ effects/NNS they/PRP left/VBD her,/PRP and/CC with/IN a/DT few/JJ hundred/CD dollars/NNS thus/RB derived,/RB purchased/VBN a/DT ticket/NN to/TO San/NNP Francisco,/NNP to/TO join/VB me./PRP She/PRP wrote/VBD me/PRP two/CD months/NNS before/IN the/DT date/NN she/PRP was/VBD to/TO sail/VB from/IN New/NNP York,/NNP in/IN order/NN to/TO guard/VB against/IN any/DT reasonable/JJ delay/NN in/IN the/DT delivery/NN of/IN the/DT letter./NN She/PRP asked/VBD me/PRP to/TO meet/VB her/PRP$ in/IN San/NNP Francisco--we/NNP were/VBD engaged,/VBN you/PRP know./VBP She/PRP had/VBD an/DT idea/NN we'd/VBD both/DT be/VB better/JJR off/IN if/IN we/PRP got/VBD married./VBN ./. ./. ./. She/PRP didn'thave/VBD much/JJ money--and/NN if/IN she's/NNS been/VBN in/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP waiting/VBG for/IN me/PRP the/DT past/JJ month/NN or/CC more/JJR the/DT Almighty/NNP only/RB knows/VBZ to/TO what/WP extremes/NNS she/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN driven.""You'll/RB have/VBP to/TO go/VB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP immediately,/, Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP and/CC search/NN for/IN her."Bejabers,/PRP$ McCready,/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP nodded/VBD owlishly./, "I/PRP am/VBP destitute,"/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP faltered./VBZ "You/PRP shall/MD have/VB sufficient/JJ gold/NN for/IN your/PRP$ needs,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP I/PRP will/MD advance/VB it/PRP personally--""You/DT won't/NN nuther,"/NN Bejabers/IN interrupted./DT "We'll/JJ charge/NN that/IN item/NN to/TO expense."D'Arcy/NN smiled/VBD at/IN him/PRP and/CC continued./VBN "We/NN will/MD therefore/RB send/VB you/PRP down/RB on/IN the/DT stage/NN to/TO Marysville/NNP tomorrow/NN morning./NN You/PRP will/MD take/VB passage/NN on/IN a/DT river/NN steamer/NN from/IN there."/DT He/PRP weighed/VBD out/RP two/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold,/NN placed/VBD it/PRP in/IN a/DT buckskin/NN poke/NN and/CC handed/VBD it/PRP to/TO Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP "You/. may/MD repay/VB this/DT when/WRB and/CC if/IN you/PRP desire./VBD No/DT thanks/NNS are/VBP necessary./JJ We/PRP all/DT hope/VBP you/PRP can/MD manage/VB to/TO pull/VB yourself/PRP together/RB and/CC play/VB the/DT game/NN with/IN this/DT girl/NN who/WP trusts/VBZ you/PRP so."/RB WHEN/WRB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP "went/VBD below"/IN next/JJ day/NN the/DT Bart/NNP rode/VBD down/IN the/DT trail/NN a/DT couple/NN of/IN miles/NNS with/IN him,/NN giving/VBG him/PRP sound/JJ advice/NN and/CC heartening/NN the/DT poor/JJ devil/NN for/IN the/DT uncertain/JJ future/NN that/WDT lay/VBD before/IN him./PRP Returning/VBG to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP the/DT ex-surgeon/NN of/IN the/DT British/JJ Navy/NNP was/VBD met/VBN in/IN front/NN of/IN the/DT Stage/NNP Drivers'/NNP Retreat/NNP by/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry's/NNP recently/RB arrived/VBD light/JJ o'/IN love,/NN who/WP accosted/VBD him./PRP "Are/VBP you/PRP the/DT doctor?""I/NN am.""Will/NN you/PRP call/VBP and/CC see/VBP Henry?/NNP He/PRP was/VBD taken/VBN very/RB ill/JJ about/IN three/CD o'clock/RB this/DT morning/NN and/CC has/VBZ been/VBN growing/VBG worse/JJR steadily./NN He/PRP is/VBZ really/RB a/DT very/RB sick/JJ man./NN He/PRP tells/VBZ me/PRP he/PRP hasn't/RB been/VBN feeling/VBG well/RB for/IN three/CD days."The/NN Bart/NNP accompanied/VBD her/PRP to/TO the/DT cabin/NN where/WRB her/PRP consort/NN lay/VBD tossing/VBG in/IN his/PRP$ blankets./NN It/PRP was/VBD not/RB at/IN all/DT a/DT difficult/JJ case/NN to/TO diagnose./VB Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP complained/VBD of/IN having/VBG been/VBN seized/VBN with/IN a/DT severe/JJ chill/NN twenty-four/CD hours/NNS previous;/RB since/IN then/RB he/PRP had/VBD suffered/VBN from/IN an/DT intense/JJ headache/NN and/CC pains/NNS in/IN the/DT back/NN and/CC limbs;/NN he/PRP had/VBD a/DT high/JJ fever/NN and/CC his/PRP$ tongue/NN was/VBD furred./VBN The/DT Bart/NNP examined/VBD the/DT palms/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ hands,/NN the/DT soles/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ feet,/NNS and/CC his/PRP$ abdomen,/NN and/CC found/VBD a/DT rash./NN "I'll/RB know/VBP more/RBR about/IN him/PRP tomorrow,"/RB he/PRP informed/VBD the/DT woman./NN "I/IN know/VBP now,/RB of/IN course,/NN that/IN he/PRP has/VBZ smallpox./JJR If/IN it's/DT varioloid/JJ we'll/NN not/RB worry/VB particularly,/NN but/CC if/IN it's/DT confluent/JJ or/CC hemorrhagic/JJ and/CC the/DT infection/NN spreads,/NN then/RB heaven/NN help/NN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP There/RB isn't/RB anything/NN much/JJ I/PRP can/MD do/VB for/IN him,/PRP except/IN give/VB him/PRP alittle/JJ opium/NN to/TO relieve/VB the/DT pains/NNS in/IN his/PRP$ head/NN and/CC back,/NN and/CC a/DT little/JJ whisky/NN to/TO keep/VB his/PRP$ heart-action/NN up/RP during/IN the/DT high/JJ fever./NN "Ye've/NN been/VBN so/RB generally/RB exposed/VBN to/TO the/DT infection/NN that/WDT ye'll/MD have/VB to/TO remain/VB in/IN this/DT cabin,/NN otherwise/RB ye'll/RB spread/VBD the/DT infection./NN So/IN I/PRP suppose/VBP ye'll/NN nurse/NN him./VBD Keep/VB him/PRP clean/JJ and/CC give/VB him/PRP lots/NNS of/IN cold/JJ water/NN to/TO drink./VB Have/VBP ye/PRP ever/RB been/VBN vaccinated?"The/DT girl/NN shook/VBD her/PRP head;/NN she/PRP had/VBD grown/VBN pale,/JJ and/CC fright/JJ shone/NN in/IN her/PRP$ eyes./NN "What's/IN your/PRP$ name,/NN my/PRP$ dear?"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP queried/VBD paternally./DT "Madge./NNP Madge/NNP Minturn.""What's/NNP Henry's/NNP full/JJ name?""Henry/NN Paul/NNP Thompson.""Any/NNP people--I/NNS mean,/NN is/VBZ there/RB somebody/NN ye'd/JJ care/NN to/TO have/VB me/PRP write/VB to?/RB Of/IN course/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB mean/VB to/TO be/VB an/DT alarmist,/JJ but--Henry/NN is/VBZ a/DT very/RB sick/JJ man/NN and/CC ye/PRP may/MD soon/RB be/VB a/DT very/RB sick/JJ woman.""Nobody,"/NNS she/PRP answered/VBD dully./RBR "Henry/JJ and/CC I/PRP have/VBP taken/VBN our/PRP$ lives/NNS in/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ hands./NN We/PRP are/VBP outlawed/VBN among/IN our/PRP$ people.""I'll/NNS see/VBP if/IN my/PRP$ predecessor/NN in/IN this/DT camp/NN left/VBD any/DT vaccine/NN among/IN his/PRP$ stock/NN of/IN medicines,/NNS Madge,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP suggested./VBD "If/IN he/PRP has/VBZ I'll/JJ vaccinate/NN ye/PRP and/CC if/IN we/PRP get/VBP a/DT quick/JJ 'take'/JJ we'll/JJ all/DT feel/VBP very/RB much/RB happier/JJR about/IN the/DT situation."He/NN hurried/VBD away/RB to/TO his/PRP$ little/JJ combination/NN office/NN and/CC drug/NN store,/NNS there/RB to/TO search/VB around/IN in/IN his/PRP$ pitifully/JJ inadequate/JJ supply/NN of/IN medicine,/NNS for/IN vaccine./VBG To/TO his/PRP$ great/JJ joy/NN he/PRP found/VBD some--sufficient/NN to/TO vaccinate/VB seven/CD persons./NNS Immediately/RB he/PRP vaccinated/VBD the/DT girl/NN Madge;/IN then/RB promptly/RB repaired/VBD to/TO the/DT cabin/NN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC company,/NN to/TO whom/WP he/PRP explained/VBD the/DT situation/NN confronting/VBG the/DT camp./NN "We/NN have/VBP all/DT been/VBN exposed/VBN to/TO infection,"/NN he/PRP went/VBD on,/RB "because/IN we/PRP all/DT called/VBD upon/IN Cannon/NNP while/IN he/PRP was/VBD playing/VBG faro/NN at/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry's/NNP table/NN last/JJ night./NN Henry/NNP told/VBD me/PRP then/RB that/IN he/PRP had/VBD a/DT fever/NN and/CC a/DT headache,/NN and/CC I/PRP felt/VBD his/PRP$ pulse./NN So,/RB now/RB then,/. me/PRP lads,/, I/PRP have/VBP a/DT small/JJ supply/NN of/IN vaccine/NN here./. Come/VB over/RB to/TO my/PRP$ office/NN and/CC I'll/NNP vaccinate/VBP all/DT of/IN ye,/NN with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP who/WP has/VBZ had/VBN smallpox/JJ and/CC is/VBZ now/RB immune."He/JJ vaccinated/VBD the/DT company./NN "How/NN about/IN you,/PRP Bart?"/NNP Bejabers/NNP queried,/NN "You/IN immune,/JJ too?""Goodness/NN knows./, Time/NNP will/MD tell.""Have/VB you/PRP vaccinated/VBD yourself?""Divil/NNP a/DT hair.""You/NNS old/JJ idiot!/NN Vaccinate/NNP yourself,/NNP Sir/NNP Humphrey,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP urged./NNP "We/NNP cannot/MD run/VB the/DT risk/NN of/IN losing/VBG you/PRP now./RB You're/VB the/DT most/RBS important/JJ man/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp.""'Tis/NNP an/DT honor/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB deserve."/VB He/PRP smiled/VBD brightly/RB at/IN his/PRP$ friends./NN "I/IN haven't/VBG any/DT more/JJR vaccine,/IN me/PRP dear/RB children--and/CC how/WRB the/DT divil/NN my/PRP$ predecessor/NN ever/RB thought/VBD of/IN stocking/VBG up/RP with/IN the/DT little/JJ I/PRP found/VBD is/VBZ a/DT grand/JJ mystery./NN I/PRP hope/VBP the/DT stuff's/NNS good./VBN If/IN it/PRP isn't--why,/, ye're/RB just/RB as/RB well/RB off/IN as/IN I/PRP am."/VBP He/PRP sat/VBD down/RB and/CC lighted/VBD his,/PRP pipe./VBD "There/RB isn't/RB much/JJ that/IN a/DT doctor/NN can/MD do,"/VB he/PRP went/VBD on,/RB "and/CC that/DT little/JJ an/DT instructed/VBN layman/NN can/MD do./PDT Of/IN course/NN there'll/MD be/VB a/DT panic/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP when/WRB this/DT news/NN leaks/NNS out,/, and/CC in/IN time/NN of/IN trouble/NN 'twill/RB be/VB a/DT comfort/NN to/TO have/VB you/PRP lads/NNS at/IN my/PRP$ back./RP God/NNP grant/VB your/PRP$ arms/NNS may/MD be/VB killing/VBG ye/PRP three/CD days/NNS hence./RB ./. ./. ./. "Well,/RB go/VB back/RB to/TO the/DT cabin/NN now/RB and/CC remain/VB there/RB two/CD weeks./NN If/IN none/NN of/IN ye/PRP come/VBP down/RP with/IN smallpox/JJ in/IN that/DT period--and/NN the/DT vaccination/NN should/MD take/VB in/IN the/DT meantime--'tis/NN the/DT happy/JJ man/NN I'll/NNP be.""It/IN looks,"/VBG Bejabers/NNP murmured/VBD thoughtfully,/IN "likea/NNP hard/JJ winter./NN I'd/NNP just/RB as/RB soon/RB pull/VB out/IN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP till/IN spring,/RB if/IN it/PRP wasn't/VBD for/IN sort/NN o'/IN goin'/NN back/RB on/IN the/DT community./NN When/WRB a/DT feller's/VBD the/DT alcalde/NN he's/NN got/VBD to/TO set/VB an/DT example--"D'Arcy/NN laughed--a/NN short/JJ and/CC slightly/RB bitter/JJ laugh./NN "We/JJ haven't/IN sufficient/JJ gold/NN on/IN hand/NN to/TO support/VB ourselves/PRP in/IN Sacramento/NNP or/CC San/NNP Francisco/NNP until/IN spring,"/NN he/PRP reminded/VBD Bejabers./NNP "That/IN gold/NN we/PRP gave/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP left/VBD us/PRP a/DT little/JJ bit/NN short./VBD I/PRP shipped/VBD all/DT but/CC enough/JJ to/TO carry/VB us/PRP through/IN the/DT winter,/NN and/CC we/PRP cannot/MD get/VB more/JJR until/IN we/PRP resume/VBP mining/VBG in/IN the/DT spring."They/NN found/VBD a/DT deserted/JJ cabin/NN and/CC moved/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP into/IN it,/DT supplying/VBG them/PRP with/IN blankets,/JJ food,/NN and/CC a/DT few/JJ cooking/NN utensils/NNS from/IN their/PRP$ own/JJ stock./NN "Mind/CC what/WP I/PRP tell/VBP you,"/PRP the/DT Bart/NNP warned/VBD at/IN parting./NN "Put/IN a/DT quarantine/NN on/IN yourselves/PRP and/CC stay/VB in/IN your/PRP$ cabin;/NN don't/RB let/VB anybody/NN in."Two/IN days/NNS later/RB the/DT prisoners/NNS heard/VBD a/DT rock/NN bounce/NN off/IN their/PRP$ cabin/NN door./NN D'Arcy/NNP opened/VBD it/PRP a/DT few/JJ inches/NNS and/CC peered/VBD out./RB Standing/VBG down/RP wind/NN from/IN him/PRP was/VBD the/DT Bart./NNP "Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP has/VBZ just/RB blinked/VBD out,/RB lad!"/, the/DT surgeon/NN shouted./MD "It's/NNP confluent/JJ smallpox,/NN God/NNP help/VB us./PRP I'm/IN going/VBG to/TO pile/VB pitch-pine/JJ cord-wood/NN in/IN his/PRP$ cabin,/NN lay/VBD him/PRP on/IN top/NN of/IN it,/RB soak/VB the/DT lot/NN with/IN coal-oil/NN and/CC burn/VBP the/DT cabin./NN Set/VB a/DT can/NN of/IN oil/NN outside/IN your/PRP$ door./NN I/PRP can't/MD go/VB to/TO the/DT store/NN for/IN it.""You'll/DT burn/NN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP Sir/NNP Humphrey.""I/NNP think/VBP not./PRP All/PDT the/DT cabins/NNS are/VBP built/VBN of/IN green/JJ timber/NN and/CC are/VBP wet/JJ with/IN the/DT melting/VBG snow./NN To/TO burn/VB the/DT cabin/NN with/IN the/DT corpse/NN in/IN it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT best/JJS way/NN to/TO stamp/VB out/RP the/DT disease,/NN although/IN I/PRP have/VBP four/CD new/JJ patients/NNS and/CC three/CD more/JJR coming/VBG down/RP with/IN it,/DT I'm/NN afraid./VBN How/WRB are/VBP ye/PRP boys?""Fit/NN as/IN fiddles,/NN Sir/NN Humphrey./NNP Our/PRP$ vaccinations/NNS are/VBP all/DT very/RB itchy/JJ and/CC feverish.""Hurroo!"/JJ The/DT Bart/NNP tossed/VBD his/PRP$ battered/JJ old/JJ hat/NN in/IN the/DT air/NN and/CC caught/VBD it/PRP again/RB as/IN it/PRP came/VBD down./RP "They're/NN taking!/NN Glory/NN be/VB to/TO God!/NNP Madge/NNP has/VBZ an/DT arm/NN on/IN her,/PRP$ too./NN By/IN the/DT way,/NN I'm/NNP worried/VBD to/TO know/VB what/WP to/TO do/VB with/IN the/DT woman./NN I/PRP can't/MD send/VB her/PRP to/TO the/DT Mansion/NNP House--they'd/NNP shoot/VB me/PRP if/IN I/PRP did--and/VBD I/PRP can't/MD induce/VB her/PRP to/TO remain/VB longer/RB in/IN my/PRP$ cabin,/NN for/IN the/DT silly/JJ wench/NN has/VBZ no/DT confidence/NN in/IN Jim/NNP Toy./NNP Could/MD I/PRP send/VB her/PRP over/IN here?""Desperate/JJ circumstances/NNS require/VBP desperate/JJ measures,/NNS my/PRP$ friend./NN If/IN she'll/JJ come/VBN she'll/RB be/VB welcome,/JJ and/CC we'll/JJ treat/NN her/PRP as/IN we/PRP would/MD a/DT sister."A/NN groan/NN burst/NN from/IN Bejabers./NNP "And/CC that/IN isn't/RB the/DT worst/JJS news/NN I/PRP have/VBP for/IN ye,/NN either,"/CC the/DT Bart/NNP went/VBD on/IN mercilessly./NN "There's/IN a/DT dashing/VBG young/JJ Hispano-Californian/JJ woman,/NNS attended/VBN by/IN a/DT vaquero,/NN waiting/VBG to/TO see/VB you,/PRP Dermod./. She/PRP arrived/VBD a/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS ago."It/RB was/VBD now/RB D'Arcy's/NNP turn/NN to/TO suffer./RP "Send/VB her/PRP away!"/RB he/PRP shouted./MD "In/VB pity's/NNS name,/VBN send/VB her/PRP$ away.""That,"/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP replied,/VBD "is/NNP impossible./, We're/NNP in/IN a/DT great/JJ fix,/NN lad./VBN A/DT man/NN has/VBZ just/RB ridden/VBN into/IN camp/NN to/TO inform/VB us/PRP that/IN he/PRP represents/VBZ the/DT people/NNS down/IN country./NN It/PRP seems/VBZ that/IN animal/NN Cannon/NNP was/VBD taken/VBN off/RP the/DT stage/NN at/IN Marysville/NNP very/RB ill,/JJ and/CC the/DT local/JJ doctor/NN has/VBZ diagnosed/VBN his/PRP$ case/NN as/IN confluent/JJ smallpox./NN Cannon/NNP informed/VBD them/PRP he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP for/IN three/CD weeks/NNS prior/RB to/TO coming/VBG to/TO Marysville,/NNP and/CC as/IN it/PRP requires/VBZ from/IN ten/CD to/TO twelve/CD days/NNS for/IN the/DT disease/NN to/TO incubate,/VB a/DT fool/NN would/MD realize/VB he/PRP contracted/VBD the/DT disease/NN here./PRP "There's/VBZ a/DT guard/NN on/IN the/DT hills/NNS to/TO the/DT north/NN and/CC the/DT south/NN of/IN us,/NNP and/CC on/IN the/DT trail/NN down/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Nobody/NN can/MD escape/VB to/TO the/DT high/JJ country/NN east/RB of/IN us/PRP and/CC circle/VB down/RB to/TO the/DT valley/NN again,/RB because/IN the/DT snow/NN is/VBZ twenty/CD feet/NNS deep/JJ there./, Begob,/IN we/PRP have/VBP our/PRP$ orders./NN Nobody/NN can/MD leave/VB this/DT camp/NN until/IN the/DT epidemic/NN has/VBZ run/VBN its/PRP$ course./NN The/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ girl/NN arrived/VBD just/RB in/IN advance/NN of/IN the/DT guard--and/NN now/RB she/PRP can't/MD go/VB out!/JJ The/DT guards/NNS will/MD challenge/VB at/IN a/DT hundred/CD yards,/NN and/CC if/IN the/DT challenged/VBN party/NN doesn't/RB turn/VB back/RP they'll/DT shoot/NN to/TO kill.""Send/VB that/DT messenger/NN and/CC Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP over/IN here,"/PRP Bejabers/NNP called/VBD to/TO the/DT Bart./NNP "Dermod/NNP will/MD talk/VB to/TO her/PRP$ if/IN she'll/NN forgive/VB his/PRP$ bad/JJ manners/NNS talkin'/NN through/IN a/DT crack/NN in/IN the/DT door./NN And/CC I'll/NNP argy/VBP a/DT little/JJ with/IN that/IN there/EX messenger/NN from/IN the/DT folks/NNS below./IN Send/NNP the/DT girl/NN first."The/RB Bart/NNP departed,/NN and/CC in/IN a/DT little/JJ while/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP came/VBD into/IN view,/NN riding/VBG the/DT black/JJ mare/NN Kitty./NNP "Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP called./VBD "I/RB am/VBP here,/RB Josepha."/NNP He/PRP opened/VBD the/DT door/NN wide./VBD "My/JJ father/NN is/VBZ dead,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod./NNP A/DT week/NN ago,/RB while/IN riding/VBG a/DT colt,/NN the/DT animal/NN reared/VBD and/CC fell/VBD backward/RB with/IN him./PRP I/PRP have/VBP called/VBN to/TO return/VB to/TO you/PRP the/DT gold/NN you/PRP lent/VBD him./PRP There/EX will/MD be/VB no/DT need/NN of/IN it/PRP now./, As/IN for/IN the/DT interest,/NN I/PRP shall/MD sell/VB some/DT cattle/NNS to/TO the/DT Americans/NNPS at/IN Sacramento/NNP or/CC Marysville/NNP and/CC pay/VB that/DT later./, I/PRP would/MD have/VB the/DT mortgage/NN returned/VBD to/TO me/PRP then.""You/PRP shall/MD have/VB it/PRP returned/VBD to/TO you/PRP now./DT It/PRP has/VBZ never/RB been/VBN recorded,/VBN nor/CC did/VBD I/PRP ever/RB intend/VB to/TO record/VB it,/RP even/RB though/IN such/JJ record/NN might/MD have/VB been/VBN made/VBN with/IN the/DT secretary/NN of/IN state,/NN under/IN the/DT old/JJ government,/NN at/IN San/NNP Jos$./NNP As/IN for/IN the/DT interest,/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB want/VB it."The/DT girl/NN rode/VBD a/DT little/JJ closer/JJR to/TO the/DT door/NN and/CC flung/VBD bag/NN after/IN bag/NN of/IN gold/NN at/IN the/DT threshold./NN "You/PRP shall/MD have/VB your/PRP$ interest,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP assured/VBD him./PRP "I/PRP would/MD not/RB be/VB under/IN a/DT debt/NN to/TO you.""As/VB you/PRP will./MD I/PRP am/VBP sorry/JJ for/IN your/PRP$ father's/NN death./NN I/PRP grieve/VBP for/IN you,/JJ Josepha./NNP If/IN you/PRP will/MD wait/VB a/DT moment/NN I/PRP will/MD get/VB the/DT mortgage."/JJ He/PRP thrust/VBD it,/RB opened,/JJ throughthe/IN door./NN "Observe/NN it,"/IN he/PRP commanded./MD "Do/VB you/PRP recognize/VB this/DT document?/NN Come/VB close/RB enough/RB to/TO see,/VB but/CC not/RB too/RB close.""It/RB is/VBZ the/DT mortgage/NN my/PRP$ father/NN gave/VBD you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod.""You/NNP may/MD not/RB touch/VB it,/DT Josepha."/NNP He/PRP turned/VBD the/DT pages/NNS slowly,/VBD one/CD by/IN one./NNP "You/NNS observe/VBP it/PRP has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN recorded?/VBN It/PRP is/VBZ as/IN your/PRP$ father/NN gave/VBD it/PRP to/TO me,/VB is/VBZ it/PRP not?""It/RB is,/VBZ Don/NNP Dermod."He/NNP struck/VBD a/DT lucifer-match/NN and/CC touched/VBD the/DT tiny/JJ flame/NN to/TO the/DT document,/NN holding/VBG it/PRP until/IN but/CC a/DT corner/NN of/IN it/PRP remained/VBD unconsumed,/JJ and/CC this/DT he/PRP tossed/VBD away./RP "You/NNS have/VBP destroyed/VBN the/DT evidence/NN of/IN indebtedness/NN before/IN weighing/VBG the/DT gold/NN I/PRP have/VBP returned,"/VBN the/DT girl/NN chid/VBD him/PRP gently./, "Occasionally/RB you/PRP will/MD meet/VB a/DT gringo/NN who/WP does/VBZ not/RB doubt/VB a/DT lady's/NN word./. And/CC now/RB that/IN our/PRP$ business/NN has/VBZ been/VBN consummated,/IN I/PRP must/MD tell/VB you/PRP that/IN there/EX is/VBZ in/IN this/DT camp/NN a/DT violent/JJ and/CC very/RB fatal/JJ epidemic/NN of/IN smallpox./JJR The/DT doctor/NN who/WP brought/VBD you/PRP here/RB has/VBZ explained/VBN the/DT situation/NN to/TO you,/NNP has/VBZ he/PRP not?""A/RB very/RB little./. He/PRP speaks/VBZ English/NNP very/RB fast/RB and/CC with/IN a/DT certain/JJ accent./NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB understand/VB him/PRP well.""Then/RB I/PRP will/MD explain,"/VB and/CC D'Arcy/NNP proceeded/VBD to/TO do/VB so./DT "So!/NN I/PRP may/MD not,/RB then,/RB return/VB to/TO my/PRP$ home?/NN This/DT is/VBZ not/RB pleasant."/VB Her/PRP$ pale/JJ features/NNS predicated/VBN fright./DT "Accommodations/NNS of/IN a/DT sort/NN may/MD be/VB had/VBN at/IN the/DT hotel./NN I/PRP am/VBP sorry/JJ for/IN this/DT quarantine,/NN but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ a/DT just/RB measure/NN and/CC very/RB necessary.""It/JJ is/VBZ better/RB that/IN a/DT few/JJ should/MD die/VB than/IN that/IN the/DT country/NN should/MD be/VB swept/VBN by/IN this/DT scourge,/NN Don/NNP Dermod."/NNP And/CC that/DT was/VBD her/PRP$ sole/JJ comment/NN in/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN her/PRP$ truly/RB desperate/JJ situation./NN "The/DT guards/NNS on/IN the/DT road/NN will,/MD per-<illustration></illustration>haps,/RB be/VB good/JJ enough/RB to/TO send/VB to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP the/DT news/NN of/IN my/PRP$ enforced/VBN stay/NN here;/RB otherwise/RB my/PRP$ poor/JJ people/NNS will/MD be/VB sadly/RB worried./VBN The/DT majordomo/NN will/MD care/VB for/IN the/DT rancho,/NN of/IN course./NN He/PRP knows/VBZ no/DT other/JJ home,/NN no/DT other/JJ loyalty./NN But/CC I/PRP talk/VBP too/RB much/RB of/IN myself,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Are/VBP you/PRP ill?/JJ Have/VBP you/PRP been/VBN ill?""No,/JJ thank/VB you./PRP I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN vaccinated/VBN and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ now/RB improbable/JJ that/IN I/PRP shall/MD have/VB smallpox;/JJ if/IN so,/NN it/PRP will/MD be/VB a/DT very/RB light/JJ case./. But/CC I/PRP shall/MD be/VB very/RB distressed/JJ until/IN I/PRP know/VBP you/PRP have/VBP escaped/VBN contagion."She/PRP threw/VBD her/PRP$ little,/JJ hand/NN up/IN in/IN a/DT gesture/NN suggestive/NN of/IN fatalism./NN "It/IN matters/NNS little/RB now/RB what/WP becomes/VBZ of/IN me./PRP The/DT covered/VBN wagons/NNS of/IN the/DT emigrants/NNS crowd/VBP the/DT highways;/NNS they/PRP camp/NN on/IN the/DT rancho;/NN they/PRP help/VBP themselves/PRP to/TO our/PRP$ cattle./NNS Some,/RB even,/RB attracted/VBN by/IN the/DT land,/NN have/VBP built/VBN habitations/NNS upon/IN it/PRP and/CC are/VBP tilling/VBG it./DT It/PRP will/MD require/VB time,/NN money,/NN and/CC the/DT law,/NN to/TO rid/VB myself/PRP of/IN these/DT people./NNS They/PRP defy/VBP my/PRP$ majordomo;/NN soon/RB they/PRP will/MD impoverish/VB me./PRP I--I--cannot/NNP dwell/VBP in/IN poverty.""When/NN I/PRP am/VBP free/JJ to/TO leave/VB Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP Josepha,/NNP I/PRP will/MD rid/VB you/PRP of/IN these/DT unwelcome/JJ visitors./NN They/PRP are/VBP called/VBN squatters,/RB and/CC in/IN the/DT absence/NN of/IN government/NN they/PRP have/VBP elected/VBN to/TO ignore/VB all/DT land/NN titles./. But/CC soon/RB we/PRP shall/MD have/VB a/DT government/NN functioning;/NN even/RB now/RB it/PRP is/VBZ in/IN the/DT making./NN But,/CC as/IN you/PRP say,/VBP it/PRP will/MD require/VB time/NN and/CC money/NN to/TO protect/VB your/PRP$ interests.""I/NN will/MD not/RB trouble/VB you,/PRP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP to/TO risk/VB your/PRP$ life,/NN your/PRP$ time,/NN or/CC your/PRP$ money/NN in/IN my/PRP$ behalf.""I/NN shall/MD require/VB no/DT reward,"/NN he/PRP replied/VBD coldly./, "You/PRP are/VBP no/RB longer/RB in/IN my/PRP$ debt;/NN I/PRP hope/VBP you/PRP will/MD not/RB again/RB be/VB indebted/JJ to/TO me,/VB but/CC I/PRP should/MD like/VB to/TO be/VB indebted/JJ to/TO you/PRP for/IN permission/NN to/TO serve/VB you.""But/IN your/PRP$ pride--"/NN she/PRP began./VBD "I/IN guard/NN it/PRP well./MD No/DT woman/NN shall/MD ever/RB trample/VB upon/IN it,/PRP$ I/PRP assure/VBP you./PRP It/PRP is/VBZ that/IN I/PRP have/VBP a/DT code./NN No/DT man/NN maytrample/NN upon/IN the/DT rights/NNS of/IN the/DT unfortunate/JJ and/CC the/DT helpless/JJ while/IN I/PRP turn/VBP a/DT deaf/JJ ear/NN and/CC an/DT unseeing/JJ eye/NN to/TO such/JJ oppression./NN For/IN that/IN I/PRP seek/VBP no/DT reward/NN save/IN the/DT delight/NN of/IN knowing/VBG I/PRP have/VBP played/VBN the/DT man's/JJ part.""Perhaps,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP you/PRP will/MD expect/VB a/DT reward.""In/JJ that/IN event/NN I/PRP shall/MD not/RB reveal/VB my/PRP$ expectations./NN I/PRP have/VBP told/VBN you/PRP that/IN no/DT woman/NN may/MD trample/VB on/IN my/PRP$ pride./NN I/PRP shall/MD hope/VB to/TO have/VB the/DT honor/NN of/IN serving/VBG you,/JJ and/CC when/WRB my/PRP$ service/NN is/VBZ done/VBN I/PRP shall/MD ride/VB away,/RB nor/CC seek/VB to/TO remind/VB you/PRP of/IN it.""You/PRP are/VBP a/DT strange/JJ gringo,/NN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Sometimes/RB I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP am/VBP close/RB to/TO an/DT understanding/NN of/IN you./NNP ./. ./. ./. Well,/NNP we/PRP are/VBP prisoners/NNS together,/RB it/PRP seems./VBD I/PRP will/MD pray/VB for/IN your/PRP$ liberty."/NN She/PRP waved/VBD her/PRP$ gauntleted/JJ glove/NN at/IN him/PRP and/CC rode/VBD up/RB into/IN the/DT heart/NN of/IN the/DT camp./NN Presently/RB the/DT messenger/NN from/IN the/DT quarantine/NN guard/NN rode/VBD up./NNP Bejabers/NNP Harmon/NNP strode/VBD out/RP to/TO meet/VB him./PRP "The/DT doctor/NN tells/VBZ me/PRP you/PRP fellers/VBD want/VB to/TO see/VB me,"/, the/DT messenger/NN shouted./MD "Don't/RB be/VB afraid/JJ to/TO come/VB close/RB to/TO me./RP I've/NN had/VBD smallpox,/JJ and/CC it/PRP ain't/RB so/RB ketchin'/NN with/IN me./PRP If/IN I/PRP get/VBP it/PRP I'll/RB get/VB over/IN it./PRP What/WP do/VBP you/PRP boys/NNS want?""I'm/VB the/DT alcalde,"/NN Bejabers/NNP informed/VBD him/PRP with/IN great/JJ dignity./NN "As/IN the/DT representative/NN of/IN law/NN and/CC order/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP I/PRP received/VBD your/PRP$ message./NN It's/IN a/DT fair/JJ message/NN and/CC the/DT sensible/JJ thing/NN to/TO do;/VB I'll/NNP spread/VBD the/DT news/NN and/CC do/VB my/PRP$ best/JJS to/TO see/VB to/TO it/PRP that/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP respects/VBZ the/DT wishes/NNS o'/IN the/DT majority./NN Caramba,/NNP stranger,/NN but/CC you're/PRP certainly/RB pockmarked./VBD I/PRP suppose/VBP that's/IN why/WRB you/PRP got/VBD elected/VBN to/TO carry/VB the/DT message/NN to/TO us,/VB ain't/RB it?""You've/PRP guessed/VBD it.""Welcome/PRP to/TO Happy/NNP Camp./NNP She's/NNP a/DT mite/NN depressed/VBD now,/RB I/PRP admit,/VBP but/CC ordinarily/RB she's/PRP a/DT hummer./NN You're/IN the/DT guest/NN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP from/IN now/RB until/IN I/PRP let/VBP you/PRP go,/VB mister./. If/IN none/NN o'/IN the/DT rest/NN of/IN us/PRP can/MD go/VB out,/JJ 'twouldn't/RB be/VB fair/JJ to/TO make/VB an/DT exception/NN in/IN your/PRP$ favor.""But/NN I/PRP must/MD rejoin/VB my/PRP$ friends,/JJ to/TO report/VB to/TO them/PRP the/DT delivery/NN of/IN their/PRP$ ultimatum--""Sho,/JJ boy./NN Pull,/NNP up./NNP You're/NNP tryin'/VBD to/TO back/VB out/RP o'/IN the/DT saddle./NN How/WRB do/VBP you/PRP know/VB the/DT wind/NN ain't/VB blown/VBN some/DT smallpox/JJ germs/NNS on/IN you?/JJ And/CC yet,/RB here/RB you/PRP are/VBP a-fixin'/NN to/TO carry/VB 'em/PRP back/RB to/TO your/PRP$ friends."/NNS He/PRP came/VBD closer/RBR to/TO the/DT pockmarked/VBN man./NN "Git/NN off'n/IN that/DT horse/NN and/CC make/VB yourself/PRP to/TO home/NN the/DT best/RBS you/PRP can,/MD stranger./VB I'm/NNP goin'/NNS to/TO put/VB a/DT guard/NN of/IN our/PRP$ own/JJ on/IN that/DT trail/NN with/IN orders/NNS to/TO kill/VB the/DT first/JJ man/NN that/IN tries/VBZ to/TO break/VB quarantine./NN Your/PRP$ people/NNS can/MD halt/VB them/PRP that's/IN tryin'/NN to/TO get/VB into/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP but/CC Happy/NNP Camp'll/NNP 'tend/PRP to/TO them/PRP as/IN tries/VBZ to/TO get/VB out./RP 'Tain't/. often/RB we/PRP get/VBP sick/JJ a/DT pockmarked/VBD visitor,"/NN he/PRP added/VBD with/IN grim/JJ irony,/NN "and/CC when/WRB we/PRP git/VBP one,/IN particularly/RB at/IN this/DT season/NN o'/IN the/DT year,/NN we/PRP certainly/RB do/VBP cherish/JJ him./PRP Seems/VBZ like/IN it's/PRP awful/RB hard/JJ to/TO git/VB male/JJ nurses/NNS here/RB lately."The/RB stranger/NN laughed./VBD "You/PRP win,"/IN he/PRP replied./VBD 'Your/PRP$ argument's/NNS fair./VBD I/PRP wasn't/VBD figuring/VBG on/IN spending/VBG the/DT winter/NN in/IN this/DT hell-hole,/NN but/CC since/IN you/PRP insist,/VBP why,/PRP have/VBP it/PRP your/PRP$ way."Each/NN day/NN the/DT Bart/NNP threw/VBD a/DT rock/NN at/IN their/PRP$ door;/NN when/WRB they/PRP opened/VBD it/PRP he/PRP gave/VBD them/PRP news/NN of/IN the/DT progress/NN of/IN his/PRP$ battle./NN Each/DT day/NN saw/VBD from/IN one/CD to/TO five/CD persons/NNS stricken;/RB each/DT day/NN a/DT cabin/NN or/CC two/CD became/VBD a/DT funeral/NN pyre./VBG The/DT Bart/NNP was/VBD unshaven,/VBN unkempt,/JJ unwashed,/JJ and/CC ragged;/JJ his/PRP$ eyes/NNS were/VBD sunken,/JJ ringed/VBN with/IN worry,/JJ work,/NN and/CC sleeplessness;/NN he/PRP walked/VBD with/IN a/DT laggard/JJ step/NN and/CC his/PRP$ old-time/JJ cheerfulness/NN was/VBD gone./VBG He/PRP wanted/VBD a/DT drink/NN and/CC he/PRP would/MD not/RB take/VB it./PRP He/PRP did/VBD not/RB spare/VB himself,/PRP for/IN he/PRP was/VBD again/RB a/DT knight--a/NN knight/NN of/IN Hippocrates,/NNP faithful/NN to/TO his/PRP$ oath./NN If/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN a/DT delightful,/NN brilliant/JJ waster/NN and/CC prodigal/JJ most/JJS of/IN his/PRP$ days,/NN he/PRP was/VBD atoning/VBG for/IN it/PRP now./, The/DT relict/NN of/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP did/VBD not/RB demur/VB at/IN taking/VBG up/RP her/PRP$ residence/NN in/IN the/DT D'Arcy/NNP cabin./NN Fortunately,/IN she/PRP was/VBD of/IN that/DT type/NN of/IN femininity/NN which/WDT is/VBZ never/RB at/IN ease/NN with/IN women/NNS but/CC ever/RB at/IN ease/NN with/IN men./NN Her/PRP$ hosts/NNS stretched/VBD a/DT blanket/NN across/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT cabin,/NN thus/RB insuring/VBG her/PRP a/DT measure/NN of/IN privacy;/NN she/PRP slept/VBD in/IN Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP bunk/NN and/CC for/IN the/DT first/JJ two/CD days/NNS of/IN her/PRP$ sojourn/NN remained/VBD incomunicado,/JJ weeping/VBG violently/RB for/IN the/DT late/JJ Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry./NNP Her/PRP$ sobs/NNS and/CC the/DT knowledge/NN that/IN they/PRP could/MD do/VB nothing/NN to/TO alleviate/VB her/PRP$ suffering,/NN weighed/VBD heavily/RB on/IN her/PRP hosts;/IN they/PRP were/VBD plunged/VBN in/IN an/DT abyss/NN of/IN melancholy/NN and/CC irritation,/NN for/IN her/PRP$ presence/NN inhibited/VBD their/PRP$ free/JJ and/CC easy/JJ social/JJ intercourse,/NN particularly/RB in/IN the/DT matter/NN of/IN colorful/JJ metaphor/NN and/CC affectionate/JJ abuse./NN On/IN the/DT third/JJ day,/NN however,/RB Madge/NNP reacted/VBD from/IN her/PRP$ grief/NN and/CC commenced/VBD taking/VBG an/DT interest/NN in/IN life./NN "You/IN men/NNS are/VBP too/RB nice,"/JJ she/PRP chid/VBD them./PRP "I'm/VB used/VBN to/TO men/NNS that/WDT are/VBP free/JJ and/CC easy./RB Swear/NN all/DT you/PRP want./VBD I'm/IN no/DT sweet,/NN drooping/VBG little/JJ snowflower./NN I'm/IN no/DT more/JJR pleased/JJ to/TO be/VB here/RB than/IN you/PRP are/VBP to/TO have/VB me,/NNS but/CC we're/VBD afloat/RB in/IN a/DT sinking/VBG boat/NN and/CC might/NN as/RB well/RB be/VB cheerful/JJ about/IN it./PRP I'm/VBP not/RB going/VBG to/TO cry/VB any/DT more./JJR It/PRP depresses/VBZ you/PRP boys.""I/NNS reckon/VBP that's/IN because/IN you're/PRP all/DT cried/VBD out,"/RB the/DT philosophical/JJ Bejabers/NNP commented./NN "How'd/CC you/PRP like/VBP to/TO take/VB a/DT hand/NN in/IN a/DT poker/NN game?/NN Draw-poker,/NNP the/DT game/NN of/IN skill./VBG We/PRP bet/VBP I./NN O./NNP U.'s/NNP payable/JJ after/IN our/PRP$ next/JJ dividend,/NN and/CC you/PRP can/MD bet/VB 'em/PRP as/RB high/JJ as/IN a/DT hound's/NN back."Madge/NN was/VBD agreeable/JJ to/TO this/DT suggestion;/NN when/WRB she/PRP wearied/VBD of/IN poker/NN they/PRP conversed./VBD D'Arcy/NNP found/VBD her/PRP mentally/RB alert,/JJ fairly/RB well/RB educated,/VBN and,/NNS for/IN a/DT woman,/NN exceedingly/RB democratic/JJ and/CC tolerant./VBD To/TO employ/VB the/DT idiom/NN of/IN a/DT later/RB day,/, Madge/NNP was/VBD always/RB herself./PRP Shehad/VBD a/DT temper/NN and/CC was/VBD belligerent/NN for/IN cause,/NN but/CC she/PRP subsided/VBD quickly;/RB she/PRP had/VBD a/DT masculine/JJ sense/NN of/IN humor/NN and/CC as/IN the/DT days/NNS passed/VBD she/PRP slipped/VBD insensibly/RB into/IN the/DT perfect/JJ comradeship/NN of/IN the/DT miners./NN In/IN this/DT day/NN and/CC generation/NN Madge/NNP would/MD have/VB been/VBN termed/VBN a/DT "kidder."/NN With/IN the/DT moot/NN exception/NN of/IN her/PRP$ unconventional/JJ association/NN with/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry,/NNP she/PRP had/VBD a/DT splendid/JJ sense/NN of/IN sportsmanship/NN and/CC honor/NN as/IN men/NNS know/VBP it;/IN she/PRP was/VBD neither/DT depraved/VBN nor/CC vulgar,/JJ she/PRP was/VBD good/JJ to/TO look/VB upon/IN and/CC she/PRP hadn't/VBD a/DT lazy/JJ bone/NN in/IN her/PRP$ body./NN A/DT self-sufficient/JJ young/JJ person,/NNS indeed,/IN one/CD with/IN an/DT amazing/JJ courage/NN and/CC optimism./NN She/PRP had/VBD been/VBN married,/VBN and/CC with/IN her/PRP$ husband/NN had/VBD arrived/VBN in/IN California/NNP late/RB in/IN '48/CD from/IN Australia./NNP In/IN San/NNP Francisco/NNP her/PRP$ husband/NN had/VBD disappeared,/VBN to/TO be/VB discovered/VBN a/DT few/JJ days/NNS later/RB lying/VBG in/IN the/DT wash/NN of/IN the/DT surf/NN in/IN Yerba/NNP Buena/NNP cove,/, his/PRP$ head/NN crushed/VBN in/IN and/CC his/PRP$ pockets/NNS turned/VBD inside/RB out./JJ Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry,/NNP who/WP was/VBD dealing/VBG faro/NN in/IN the/DT Bella/NNP Union/NNP at/IN the/DT time,/NN had/VBD at/IN first/JJ been/VBN disinterestedly/RB kind/NN to/TO her./PRP He/PRP had/VBD been/VBN careful/JJ to/TO explain/VB that/IN he/PRP was/VBD not/RB a/DT marrying/VBG man./NN Of/IN course/NN there/EX had/VBD not/RB been/VBN lacking/VBG any/DT number/NN of/IN lusty/JJ males/NNS eager/JJ and/CC willing/JJ to/TO relieve/VB her/PRP$ of/IN the/DT worries/NNS incident/NN to/TO her/PRP$ penniless/JJ station,/NN but--as/NN she/PRP explained/VBD to/TO D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ friends--a/NNS certain/JJ respect/NN for/IN the/DT memory/NN of/IN Minturn/NNP had/VBD indicated/VBN that/IN she/PRP should/MD not/RB marry/VB too/RB precipitately./, Subsequently/VBG she/PRP had/VBD forgathered/VBN with/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP and/CC had/VBD been/VBN very/RB happy/JJ with/IN him./PRP After/IN he/PRP left/VBD her/PRP to/TO go/VB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP she/PRP had/VBD followed/VBN as/RB soon/RB as/IN he/PRP had/VBD become/VBN settled/VBN there./. Madge/NNP cooked/VBD for/IN them,/PRP mended/VBD their/PRP$ clothes,/NNS so/RB sadly/RB in/IN need/NN of/IN her/PRP$ womanly/NN attentions,/NN scolded/VBD them/PRP for/IN their/PRP$ disorder,/NN treated/VBD them/PRP like/IN so/RB many/JJ small/JJ boys./NN It/PRP was/VBD impossible/JJ not/RB to/TO like/VB her--and/PRP$ little/JJ bylittle/NN the/DT thought/NN found/VBD haven/NN in/IN Bejabers's/NNP brain/NN that/IN Madge/NNP really/RB was/VBD a/DT lady,/NN provided/VBN one/NN did/VBD not/RB draw/VB the/DT lines/NNS too/RB fine./VB When/WRB a/DT week/NN had/VBD passed/VBN he/PRP ventured/VBD the/DT opinion/NN to/TO D'Arcy/NNP that/IN their/PRP$ guest/NN was/VBD a/DT fine/JJ woman/NN and/CC would/MD never/RB have/VB stubbed/VBN her/PRP$ toe/NN socially/RB if/IN she/PRP had/VBD had/VBD the/DT right/JJ sort/NN of/IN husband/NN in/IN the/DT first/JJ place,/NN and/CC had/VBD not/RB been/VBN left/VBN at/IN the/DT mercy/NN of/IN a/DT masculine/JJ world./JJ D'Arcy/NNP observed/VBD that/IN when/WRB Madge/NNP renewed/VBD the/DT dressing/VBG on/IN Bejabers's/NNP inflamed/VBD arm/NN a/DT look,/NN bordering/VBG on/IN beatitude,/NN appeared/VBD in/IN Mr./NNP Harmon's/NNP none/NN too/RB lovely/JJ orbs;/NNS from/IN which/WDT he/PRP surmised/VBD that/IN the/DT scandalously/NN naked/JJ little/JJ cherub/NN with/IN the/DT bow/NN and/CC arrow/NN was/VBD stalking/VBG the/DT alcalde/NN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP When,/NNP at/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN eight/CD days,/NN none/NN of/IN the/DT vaccinated/JJ men/NNS had/VBD developed/VBN symptoms/NNS of/IN smallpox/JJ infection,/NN the/DT Bart/NNP came/VBD to/TO a/DT decision./NN "Ye'll/NN have/VBP to/TO help/VB me/PRP now,"/RB he/PRP informed/VBD them./PRP "I've/NN done/VBN the/DT best/RBS I/PRP can/MD for/IN you;/PRP now/RB ye'll/RB have/VBP to/TO stand/VB shoulder/NN to/TO shoulder/VB with/IN me/PRP and/CC do/VB the/DT best/JJS ye/PRP can/MD by/IN your/PRP$ fellow/NN man./NN There/RB are/VBP twenty/CD cases/NNS up/IN the/DT arroyo,/NN scattered/VBN over/IN a/DT distance/NN of/IN three/CD miles./, I/PRP need/VBP more/RBR nurses;/JJ this/DT devilish/JJ scourge/NN is/VBZ getting/VBG away/RB from/IN me/PRP fast./RB The/DT miners/NNS are/VBP in/IN a/DT grand/JJ funk/NN and/CC will/MD no/RB longer/RBR come/VB near/IN the/DT afflicted./NN Everybody's/NNP staying/VBG indoors;/JJ like/IN you/PRP lads,/VBP they/PRP only/RB venture/VB out/RP to/TO get/VB water/NN and/CC fuel,/NN or/CC stand/VB by/IN outside/IN their/PRP$ cabins/NNS with/IN buckets/NNS of/IN water/NN when/WRB I'm/PRP burning/VBG the/DT cabins/NNS of/IN the/DT dead.""Come/NN in,/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP Don't/NNP stand/VBP out/IN there/RB shouting/VBG at/IN us.""So/RB I/PRP am,/VBP so/RB I/PRP am./VBP That's/DT how/WRB a/DT habit/NN grows/VBZ on/IN a/DT man."/NN He/PRP entered/VBD and/CC sat/VBD down./RP Silently/RB Bejabers/NNP handed/VBD him/PRP a/DT brimming/NN bumper/NN of/IN whisky./DT The/DT Bart/NNP eyed/VBD it/PRP tragically/RB but/CC shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "My/IN nerves/NNS aregone,/VBP me/PRP dear/JJ Bejabers./NNP If/IN I/PRP took/VBD one/CD drop/NN now/RB I'd/NNP kill/VB the/DT man/NN that'd/MD keep/VB me/PRP away/RB from/IN a/DT gallon/NN of/IN it./PRP Pay/VB attention/NN to/TO me/PRP now,/RB all/DT o'/IN ye./NNP The/DT quarantine/NN on/IN this/DT cabin/NN is/VBZ lifted/VBN and/CC the/DT fight's/NNS really/RB begun./VBD Listen/VB to/TO my/PRP$ lecture/NN on/IN the/DT care/NN of/IN smallpox/NN patients/NNS and/CC remember/VB what/WP I/PRP tell/VBP ye."He/PRP lectured/VBN to/TO them/PRP briefly;/IN then/RB led/VBD them/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ patients,/NN one/NN by/IN one,/NNP assigning/VBG a/DT certain/JJ number/NN of/IN sick/JJ to/TO each./DT "Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP the/DT pockmarked/VBN man,/NN and/CC I/PRP are/VBP exhausted./VBN We/PRP must/MD have/VB a/DT night/NN of/IN complete/JJ rest,''/NNS he/PRP reminded/VBD them./, "Dermod,/NNP and/CC ye,/NNP Bejabers,/NNP will/MD take/VB charge/NN of/IN the/DT patients/NNS up/IN the/DT creek./NN Look/VB for/IN them/PRP yourselves./. I'm/PRP too/RB tired/JJ to/TO show/VB you/PRP the/DT way."In/NN the/DT terrible/JJ situation/NN which/WDT faced/VBD him,/IN the/DT Bart/NNP had/VBD accomplished/VBN miracles./NN Upon/IN the/DT death/NN of/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry/NNP he/PRP had/VBD commandeered/VBN the/DT entire/JJ stock/NN of/IN lumber/NN on/IN hand/NN at/IN the/DT little/JJ portable/JJ sawmill;/NN then/RB he/PRP had/VBD organized/VBN the/DT men/NNS of/IN the/DT camp/NN and/CC proceeded/VBD swiftly/RB to/TO the/DT erection/NN of/IN an/DT isolation/NN hospital,/NN in/IN an/DT adjacent/JJ ca$on,/NN from/IN which/WDT the/DT prevailing/JJ winds/NNS could/MD not/RB blow/VB the/DT germs/NNS back/RB upon/IN Happy/JJ Camp./NNP He/PRP had/VBD commandeered/VBN blankets/NNS for/IN the/DT rough/JJ board/NN bunks/NNS and/CC issued/VBD an/DT order/NN that/IN any/DT man/NN feeling/VBG ill,/JJ and/CC particularly/RB with/IN a/DT mounting/VBG fever,/NN a/DT severe/JJ headache,/NN and/CC pains/NNS in/IN the/DT back/NN and/CC legs,/NN was/VBD to/TO walk/VB to/TO this/DT isolation/NN camp/NN and/CC remain/VB until/IN permitted/VBD to/TO return./VB In/IN the/DT face/NN of/IN a/DT pitiful/JJ scarcity/NN of/IN even/RB the/DT most/RBS rudimentary/JJ means/NNS of/IN combating/VBG the/DT epidemic,/NN the/DT Bart/NNP had/VBD taken/VBN the/DT sole/JJ means/NNS left/VBN to/TO him,/VB that/IN of/IN isolation/NN and/CC prompt/JJ destruction/NN by/IN fire/NN of/IN every/DT cabin/NN in/IN which/WDT a/DT smallpox/JJ case/NN originated./VBN He/PRP had/VBD had/VBN dug/VBN a/DT short/JJ distance/NN from/IN the/DT isolation/NN camp/NN a/DT long/JJ trench,/NN to/TO which/WDT he/PRP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP and/CC the/DT pockmarked/JJ man/NN had/VBD been/VBN carrying/VBG the/DT dead/JJ and/CC covering/VBG them/PRP with/IN about/IN eighteen/CD inches/NNS of/IN dirt./NN "I/NNS have/VBP one/CD complete/JJ layer/NN down/IN the/DT full/JJ length/NN of/IN the/DT trench,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD D'Arcy/NNP and/CC company./NN "We'll/RB start/VB a/DT layer/NN on/IN top/JJ of/IN that/DT today./NN I/PRP have/VBP forty/CD cases/NNS now;/RB we've/NN had/VBD twenty-seven/CD deaths,/NN and/CC a/DT census/NN of/IN the/DT camp/NN reveals/VBZ a/DT hundred/CD and/CC eighty-two/CD people/NNS not/RB yet/RB affected./VBN A/DT man/NN tried/VBD to/TO run/VB the/DT guard/NN last/JJ night./NN He/PRP got/VBD by/IN our/PRP$ men/NNS but/CC the/DT down-country/NN guard/NN killed/VBD him./PRP 'Twill/MD be/VB a/DT lesson/NN to/TO the/DT weaklings.""Who/NN was/VBD the/DT man?""The/JJ Indian/NNP vaquero/NN who/WP accompanied/VBD Se$orita/NNP Guerrero.""Have/VBP you/PRP seen/VBN the/DT se$orita/NN lately?/RB Is/VBZ she/PRP well?""She/RB isn't/RB in/IN my/PRP$ isolation/NN camp,/NN Dermod./NNP I/PRP have/VBP no/DT time/NN for/IN social/JJ diversions.""Have/NN there/RB been/VBN any/DT cases/NNS taken/VBN out/IN of/IN the/DT Mansion/NNP House?""The/NNP only/RB cases/NNS taken/VBN out/RP have/VB been/VBN cases/NNS of/IN whisky./DT I've/NN commandeered/VBD it/PRP all/DT for/IN my/PRP$ patients./NN Nothing/NN like/IN a/DT drop/NN o'/IN the/DT craythure/NN to/TO keep/VB up/RP the/DT heart-action."/NN He/PRP turned/VBD to/TO Madge./NNP "Ye're/NNP chief/NN nurse,/NN lass,"/NN he/PRP informed/VBD her,/PRP "and/CC the/DT others/NNS will/MD take/VB orders/NNS from/IN you/PRP in/IN my/PRP$ absence.""You're/NN a/DT rare/JJ old/JJ sport,"/NNS Madge/NNP replied,/VBD and/CC kissed/VBD him./PRP "We'll/RB not/RB let/VB you/PRP down./RP Go/VB pound/VB your/PRP$ tired/JJ old/JJ head./VBN My/PRP$ word,/NN that/IN little/JJ Chinaman/NNP looks/VBZ like/IN a/DT wraith./NN Somebody/NN give/VB the/DT poor/JJ heathen/NN a/DT drink.""And/NN there/EX were/VBD men/NNS in/IN this/DT camp/NN who/WP would/MD have/VB deported/VBN him,"/PRP D'Arcy/NNP reflected./NNP He/PRP rumpled/VBD Jim/NNP Toy's/NNP black/JJ head./NN "Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP you/PRP heap/NN velly/RB fine/JJ boy.""You/NNS heap/NN velly/RB fine/JJ boss,"/NN Jim/NNP Toy/NNP replied,/NN and/CC staggered/VBD away/RB to/TO the/DT cabin/NN with/IN the/DT Bart./NNP Sometime/RB during/IN the/DT night,/NN as/IN Madge/NNP was/VBD sponging/VBG a/DT delirious/JJ patient/NN with/IN snow-water,/JJ the/DT Bart/NNP came/VBD into/IN the/DT isolation/NN hospital./NN "Anyone/NN blink/NN out/IN while/IN I/PRP was/VBD gone,/VBN lass?"/RB he/PRP queried./VBZ The/DT girl/NN pointed/VBD to/TO a/DT bunk,/NN and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP staggered/VBD over/RB and/CC looked/VBD down/RB into/IN the/DT horrible,/JJ swollen/JJ face/NN of/IN the/DT dead/JJ man./NN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready/NNP joined/VBD him./PRP "He/RB just/RB died,/VBD doc,"/NN Judson/NNP volunteered./, "Me/NNP an'/JJS Mac'll/NNP carry/VB him/PRP out/RP at/IN daylight."Sir/NN Humphrey/NNP nodded,/, sat/VBD down/RP on/IN a/DT bench/NN and/CC leaned/VBD back/RB against/IN the/DT wall./NN He/PRP closed/VBD his/PRP$ eyes/NNS and/CC appeared/VBD to/TO sleep,/VB but/CC at/IN daylight/NN when/WRB Judson/NNP and/CC McCready/NNP carried/VBD out/RP to/TO the/DT trench/NN the/DT last/JJ to/TO die,/VB he/PRP came/VBD awake./RB Madge,/NNP alannah!""Yes,/. doc./-RRB- What/WP is/VBZ it?""I've/PRP got/VBD it,/VBN darlin'./NN For/IN two/CD days/NNS I've/NN suspected/VBD I/PRP had/VBD it./DT The/DT initial/JJ rash/NN is/VBZ coming/VBG out/RP now."/RB He/PRP held/VBD his/PRP$ hands/NNS before/IN her,/PRP palms/NNS up./WDT "If/VBP ye/PRP please,/VBP I/PRP think/VBP I--might/JJ dare--to/NN take/VB a/DT drink/NN now./, I'm/IN a/DT bit/NN wobbly./NN ./. ./. ./. Ye're/NN a/DT fine/JJ brave/JJ girl,/NN Madge,/NNP me/PRP dear./, Ye'll/RB do/VBP the/DT best/JJS ye/PRP can/MD by/IN me,/NN I/PRP know,/VBP but--don't/CC bother/VBP too/RB much./RB There's/DT others/NNS that'll/MD be/VB more/JJR of/IN a/DT loss/NN to/TO the/DT world/NN than/IN ould/DT me!/NN Give/VB me/PRP a/DT long/JJ drink/NN of/IN cold/JJ water/NN now,/NNS Madge,/VBP ye/PRP poor/JJ innocent,/JJ and/CC go/VB back/RB to/TO your/PRP$ patients./NN Remember/VB what/WP I/PRP told/VBD ye,/NNS there's/TO a/DT good/JJ girl./NN Keep/VB their/PRP$ eyes/NNS sponged/VBN out./RP Don't/NNP let/VB the/DT secretions/NNS gather/VBP in/IN them,/PRP$ else,/NN should/MD they/PRP survive,/VB 'tis/PRP blind/JJ they/PRP may/MD be!"He/VB drank/VBD the/DT tin/NN cup/NN of/IN snow-water/NN she/PRP held/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ hot/JJ lips/NNS and/CC lay/VBD back/RB against/IN the/DT wall,/NN but/CC he/PRP was/VBD not/RB cold./VBN Madge/NNP spread/VBD a/DT pair/NN of/IN clean/JJ blankets/NNS in/IN the/DT bunk/NN so/RB recently/RB vacated,/VBN led/VBD him/PRP to/TO it/PRP and/CC tucked/VBD him/PRP in./, "What/IN a/DT pity/NN to/TO Spoil/VB these/DT fine/JJ blankets,"/NN he/PRP murmured/VBD humbly,/RB "when/VBN some/DT better/JJR man'll/NN soon/RB be/VB needing/VBG them."He/PRP slept./VBD When/WRB he/PRP awakened/VBD a/DT woman/NN was/VBD leaning/VBG over/IN him,/PRP wiping/VBG his/PRP$ hot/JJ brow/NN with/IN a/DT cold/JJ towel./NN TheBart/NNP gazed/VBD at/IN her/PRP a/DT little/JJ bewildered,/NN for/IN his/PRP$ fever/NN was/VBD very/RB high./JJR "Ye're/NN not/RB Madge,"/IN he/PRP charged/VBD weakly./. "No,/VBN se$or/NN doctor,/NN I/PRP am/VBP Josepha/NNP Guerrero./NNP I/PRP am/VBP weary/JJ of/IN that/DT hotel./NN It/PRP is/VBZ lonely.""Ye/JJ shouldn't/NN have/VBP come/VBN here!/RB Ye're/RB not/RB sick,/JJ are/VBP ye?""Gracias/NNS a/DT Dios,/NNP no,/NN se$or/NN doctor./, But/CC it/PRP is/VBZ not/RB the/DT part/NN of/IN a/DT woman/NN to/TO hide/VB like/IN the/DT rat/NN in/IN his/PRP$ hole/NN while/IN brave/JJ men/NNS do/VBP the/DT woman's/NNS work./, I/PRP have/VBP seen/VBN from/IN the/DT window/NN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS come/VBP out/RP from/IN their/PRP$ little/JJ house./NN 'Ah,'/'' I/PRP say/VBP to/TO myself,/VB 'these/PRP men/NNS do/VBP the/DT big/JJ thing,/NN the/DT brave/JJ thing./NN I/PRP must/MD help,/VB too.'/RB Well,/IN I/PRP am/VBP here,/RB se$or/JJ doctor."The/NN Bart/NNP had/VBD no/DT answer./NN He/PRP closed/VBD his/PRP$ eyes/NNS and/CC sighed/VBD deeply./RB Then,/DT quite/RB suddenly,/JJ he/PRP commenced/VBD to/TO weep./DT Perhaps/RB he/PRP was/VBD thinking/VBG of/IN his/PRP$ wasted/VBN life./NN D'ARCY/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP having/VBG prepared/VBN a/DT funeral/NN pyre/NN within/IN an/DT isolated/VBN cabin,/NN were/VBD cremating/VBG its/PRP$ late/JJ occupant,/NN when/WRB McCready/NNP came/VBD up/IN the/DT creek/NN and/CC joined/VBD them./PRP "Madge/NN sent/VBD me/PRP up,"/IN he/PRP explained,/VBD "to/TO relieve/VB you/PRP an'/IN Bejabers/NNS long/RB enough/RB for/IN you/PRP to/TO go/VB down/RB to/TO the/DT pest-house/NN an'/NN say/VBP good-by/UH to/TO the/DT Bart./NNP He's/NNP down/IN with/IN it/PRP at/IN last."Bejabers/NNS grimaced/VBD in/IN distress./NN "That's/IN the/DT price/NN he/PRP pays/VBZ for/IN bein'/NN a/DT gentleman,/JJ Mac./NNP He/PRP could/MD have/VB been/VBN selfish/JJ and/CC vaccinated/JJ himself,/NN but--he/, wouldn't./MD Preferred/VBN to/TO save/VB his/PRP$ friends--the/JJ danged/JJ ol'/RB worthless/JJ skunk!/NN I'm/IN sure/JJ goin'/NN to/TO give/VB him/PRP the/DT devil!"/NN Together/RB D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP reported/VBD to/TO Madge,/NNP who/WP led/VBD them/PRP at/IN once/RB to/TO the/DT bunk/NN where/WRB the/DT Bart/NNP lay/VBD quietly/RB gazing/VBG at/IN the/DT ceiling./NN Bejabers/NNP ran/VBD a/DT hand/NN over/IN the/DT noble/JJ old/JJ brow,/NN already/RB disfigured/VBN with/IN the/DT telltale/NN rash./NN "Bart,"/'' he/PRP said/VBD huskily,/NN "when/RB you/PRP git/VBP well/RB I'm/IN a-goin'/NN to/TO call/VB a/DT meetin'/NN of/IN the/DT company/NN and/CC have/VBP you/PRP read/VB out/RP o'/IN the/DT party./NN You/PRP just/RB ain't/RB got/VBD good/JJ sense./NN D'ye/. think/VB anybody'd/CC done/VBN for/IN you/PRP what/WP you/PRP done/VBN for/IN them?/NN How/WRB many/JJ lives/NNS you/PRP got/VBD to/TO live/VB to/TO know/VB it/PRP don't/RB pay/VB to/TO take/VB the/DT short/JJ end/NN o'/IN the/DT deal/NN when/WRB you/PRP can/MD just/RB as/RB well/RB take/VB the/DT long/JJ end?/NN You/PRP ornery,/JJ worthless,/NN good-for-nothing/JJ old/JJ he-angel,/NN what/WP d'you/VBP mean/JJ by/IN gittin'/NN sick,/JJ eh?"The/RB Bart/NNP kept/VBD his/PRP$ eyes/NNS closed/VBD but/CC smiled/VBD a/DT thin/JJ ghost/NN of/IN his/PRP$ old/JJ waggish/NN leer./VBD "Dear,/JJ honest,/NN brave,/NN primitive/JJ Bejabers!''/IN he/PRP murmured./VBD "What/IN a/DT fraud/NN ye/PRP are!/VBP I'm/IN so--sorry/JJ now--I/JJ didn't/NNS try/VBP harder/JJR to/TO be/VB a--goodpartner./DT I've/NN just/RB discovered--what/, the/DT word/NN means--I--I--""You/. shet/VB up,"/RB Bejabers/IN commanded,/NN and/CC then/RB choked/VBD and/CC turned/VBD away/RB that/IN his/PRP$ friends/NNS might/MD not/RB see/VB how/WRB weak/JJ he/PRP was./VBD D'Arcy/NNP took/VBD the/DT Bart's/NNP hot/JJ hand/NN in/IN his./PRP$ "I'm/NNP here,/, Sir/NNP Humphrey.""Aye,/NNP lad,/NN I/PRP sent/VBD for/IN you./NNP Well,/NNP Dermod,/NNP the/DT old/JJ ship/NN is/VBZ hit/VBN below/IN the/DT water-line;/JJ she's/NNS sinking/VBG fast,/IN me/PRP boy./. The/DT day/NN the/DT first/JJ case/NN developed/VBN I---sent/JJ a/DT man/NN below/IN to/TO get/VB vaccine./NN There/EX is/VBZ none./DT Every/DT blessed/VBN article/NN under/IN heaven/NN comes/VBZ to,/TO us/PRP in/IN ships,/NN but--no/, vaccine./NN If/IN we/PRP could/MD find/VB a/DT healthy/JJ young/JJ heifer/NN with/IN a/DT good/JJ case/NN of/IN cowpox/NN we/PRP could/MD inoculate/VB with/IN lymph/NN from/IN the/DT vesicles/NNS on/IN her/PRP abdomen--but/CC the/DT cursed/VBN cows/NNS of/IN California/NNP are/VBP without/IN cowpox!/NN So/IN the/DT disease/NN must/MD run/VB its/PRP$ course./NN "Ye've/NN been/VBN vaccinated/VBN successfully;/JJ ye'll/NN not/RB be/VB liable/JJ to/TO contract/VB the/DT disease,/NN lad,/VBD so/RB promise/VB me/PRP ye'll/JJ stick/NN by/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP These/DT miners/NNS are/VBP ignorant/JJ men/NNS and/CC badly/RB frightened,/JJ but/CC soon/RB they'll/MD be/VB ashamed/JJ of/IN their/PRP$ fright/NN and/CC there/EX will/MD not/RB be/VB lacking/VBG men/NNS to/TO help/VB ye./NNP Keep/VB them/PRP away,/RB however,/RB while/IN ye/PRP and/CC Madge/NNP and/CC the/DT boys/NNS can/MD handle/VB the/DT situation/NN alone./RB Poor/NNP Happy/NNP Camp!/NNP 'Tis/. Camp/NNP Sorrowful/NNP now,/RB begob!""Together/IN we/PRP established/VBD Happy/JJ Camp,/NNP Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP I/PRP shall/MD not/RB abandon/VB it/PRP in/IN its/PRP$ extremity.""Good/JJ lad./NN Ye/NN weren't/VBD born/VBN a/DT D'Arcy/NNP for/IN nothing./NN Ye'll/RB make/VBP yer/NN pile,/NN lad,/NN and/CC some/DT day/NN yell/NN be/VB going/VBG home./RB I've/. been/VBN coming/VBG home/NN from/IN sea/NN forty/CD years,/NNS but--I'll/CC not/RB see/VB Kinsale/NNP Head/NNP again./VBD To/TO be/VB sure/JJ I'm/NN in/IN the/DT black/JJ book/NN with/IN my/PRP$ people/NNS for/IN deserting/VBG the/DT country's/NNS service--I/NN who/WP was/VBD decorated/VBN for--but/CC no/DT matter./NN "Ye'll/RB be/VB calling/VBG on/IN them,/PRP no/DT doubt--the/JJ D'Arcys/NNP were/VBD always/RB welcome/JJ at/IN Galtee/NNP Manor./NNP 'Tis/. possible/JJ they/PRP may/MD not/RB mention/VB me,/NNS Dermod,/NNP but/CC if/IN they/PRP should--tell/VBP them/PRP I/PRP finished/VBD like/IN a/DT decent/JJ man,/NN for/IN all/DT the/DT roving,/NN devil-may-care/NN vagabond/NN I've/NN been./, The/DT navy/NN was/VBD no/DT place/NN for/IN the/DT like/JJ o'/IN me./NN I/PRP never/RB could/MD stand/VB discipline./NN ./. ./. ./. "When/RB poor/JJ Poppy/NNP comes/VBZ back/RB be/VB kind/NN to/TO him,/VB lad./VBN He's/IN a/DT poor,/JJ lost,/NN lonely/JJ divil/NN that/WDT needs/VBZ a/DT strong/JJ hand/NN on/IN his/PRP$ elbow./NN To/TO men/NNS like/IN Poppy/NNP and/CC me/PRP the/DT game/NN would/MD ever/RB be/VB a/DT joy/NN but/CC the/DT gold's/NN a/DT curse./NN 'Twill/MD prove/VB a/DT curse/NN to/TO the/DT majority./NN "I've/NN been/VBN lying/VBG here/RB thinking,/IN lad,/NN and/CC this/DT thought/VBD came/VBD to/TO me:/VB The/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN in/IN California/NNP is/VBZ but/CC a/DT trifling/JJ uncovering/NN of/IN her/PRP$ riches./NNP Gold/NNP will/MD not/RB breed/VB gold/JJ in/IN these/DT lovely/JJ hills,/NN but/CC it/PRP will,/MD lad,/RB farther/RB down/RB in/IN the/DT valleys,/NN beside/IN the/DT harbors/NNS and/CC on/IN the/DT brown/JJ hills/NNS where/WRB the/DT wild/JJ cattle/NNS roam./VBD "Don't/RB take/VB your/PRP$ fortune/NN back/RB to/TO the/DT ould/NNP green/JJ isle/NN and/CC buckle/VB down/RP to/TO the/DT life/NN of/IN a/DT country/NN squire./VBD 'Tis/. deadening./JJS Here/RB is/VBZ a/DT new/JJ empire/NN with/IN opportunity/NN for/IN a/DT brave,/JJ clean/JJ young/JJ man/NN like/IN you/PRP to/TO play/VB an/DT emperor's/JJ part./NN Ah,/IN California,/NNP 'tis/VBZ the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT rainbow/NN ye/PRP are,/VBP acushla./NN ./. ./. ./. "Yere/RB hand,/JJR son/NN of/IN my/PRP$ boyhood's/NNS friend./. Ye've/NN been/VBN a/DT dear/JJ lad/NN to/TO a/DT very/RB trying/VBG old/JJ scalawag./NN I'm/IN leaving/VBG my/PRP$ poor/JJ people/NNS to/TO you--ye'll/VB do/VB your/PRP$ best,/'' I/PRP know--poor/VBP helpless/JJ souls/NNS ./. ./. ./. And/CC the/DT Spanish/NNP girl!/NN My/PRP$ word,/NN Dermod,/NNP there's/POS a/DT woman!/NN Ye/NN could/MD go/VB farther/RB and/CC fare/NN worse./. "Tell/'' Bejabers/NNP I've/NNP loved/VBD him./PRP Parting/NNP is/VBZ at/IN best,/RB as/IN the/DT French/JJ say,/NNS a/DT little/JJ bit/NN of/IN dying,/VBG so/RB I'll/JJ not/RB say/VB good-by./JJ Remember,/NNS if/IN my/PRP$ people/NNS should/MD mention/VB me--""Yes,/JJ Yes,/NN I/PRP shall/MD remember,/VB Sir/NNP Humphrey.""Caid/NNP mille/, faltha!/VBG A/DT bottle/NN of/IN the/DT best,/JJS Michael,/NNP lad./VBD 'Tis/. not/RB often/RB I'm/IN home,/NN more's/VBD the/DT pity,/NN to/TO offer/VB a/DT sup/NN and/CC a/DT bite/NN to/TO my/PRP$ friends./NN ./. ./. ./. Dermod,/NNP lad,/, where/WRB was/VBD I?/NNP Not/RB home,/RB surely./VBD Ah,/NNP yes,/, I/PRP remember./VBD That/DT Spanish-Californian/JJ girl--worth/NN a/DT king's/NN ransom./NN Don't/NNP be/VB a/DT fool./NN If/IN she/PRP lives/VBZ ./. ./. ./. Ah,/NN to/TO end/VB my/PRP$ days/NNS in/IN that/DT cool/JJ white/JJ hacienda/NN among/IN the/DT valley/NN oaks/NNS ./. ./. ."The/DT delirium/NN claimed/VBD him/PRP again./RB D'Arcy/NNP tucked/VBD the/DT blanket/NN up/RP around/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey's/NNP neck;/NN and/CC because/IN he/PRP knew/VBD better/RBR than/IN any/DT man/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP would/MD ever/RB know/VB something/NN of/IN the/DT tragedy/NN of/IN the/DT Bart's/NNP life,/VBD his/PRP$ tears/NNS splashed/VBN on/IN the/DT hot,/NN puffed,/NNS scarlet/JJ old/JJ face/NN even/RB now/RB wreathed/VBN in/IN the/DT benignant/JJ smile/NN of/IN a/DT gentleman/NN once/RB more/RBR playing/VBG the/DT host/NN at/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ ancestral/JJ board./NN A/DT hand/NN rested/VBD lightly/RB on/IN his/PRP$ arm;/NN he/PRP turned/VBD and/CC through/IN a/DT mist/NN beheld/VBD Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP standing/VBG beside/IN him./PRP "You--here!"/'' he/PRP cried/VBD harshly./RB "How/JJ dare/VBP you/PRP risk/VB yourself?/PRP Have/VBP you/PRP been/VBN vaccinated?""No,/NNS Don/NNP Dermod.""Oh,/NNP my/PRP$ dear,/NN my/PRP$ dear,/NN why/WRB did/VBD you/PRP do/VB it?/RB Why/WRB did/VBD you/PRP come/VB here?/RB Only/RB a/DT miracle/NN can/MD save/VB you/PRP now!""These/RB poor/JJ men,"/NNS she/PRP replied/VBD steadily,/RB "require/JJ nursing/NN by/IN a/DT woman./NN They/PRP are/VBP helpless./VBG Too/RB long/JJ I/PRP played/VBD the/DT coward's/JJ part./NN I/PRP could/MD not/RB remain/VB in/IN the/DT hotel/NN longer./, If/IN I/PRP die--well,/VBP that/DT will/MD not/RB be/VB a/DT matter/NN of/IN importance./VBG But/CC what/WP is/VBZ important/JJ is/VBZ that/IN while/IN I/PRP live/VBP it/PRP may/MD not/RB be/VB said/VBN of/IN me/PRP that/IN I/PRP cowered/VBD behind/IN the/DT skirts/NNS of/IN another/DT woman--and/NN a/DT woman/NN not/RB of/IN my/PRP$ class!/NN I/PRP have/VBP permitted/VBN the/DT man/NN I/PRP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN pleased/VBN with/IN to/TO wrestle/VB with/IN death/NN that/IN I/PRP might/MD live./VB So,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP here."His/PRP$ heart/NN was/VBD filled/VBN to/TO overflowing./RP "I/RB am/VBP gratefulfor/VBG your/PRP$ unselfish/JJ help./, And/CC the/DT survivors/NNS of/IN these/DT helpless/JJ ones/NNS will/MD be/VB grateful,/RB too.""Remember,"/RB she/PRP assured/VBD him,/PRP "all/VB do/VBP not/RB die/VB of/IN this/DT sickness."He/JJ thought/NN of/IN that/DT delicate,/NN lovely/JJ proud/JJ face/NN ravaged/VBN and/CC pitted,/NN and/CC a/DT great/JJ pity/NN for/IN her/PRP$ surged/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ heart./NN Evidently/RB she/PRP knew/VBD what/WP he/PRP was/VBD thinking,/JJ for/IN she/PRP shrugged/VBD slightly--a/JJ little/JJ shrug/NN indicative/NN of/IN fatalism./NN "You/PRP would/MD no/DT longer,/JJ in/IN that/DT case,/NN protest/VB your/PRP$ love,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP for/IN love/NN cannot/IN lodge/NN with/IN ugliness./NNP Well,/NNP already/RB I/PRP am/VBP an/DT old/JJ maid,/NN and/CC for/IN other/JJ reasons/NNS it/PRP does/VBZ not/RB matter./VB ./. ./. ./. Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP you,/, look/VBP hurt.""You/PRP do/VBP not/RB understand,"/VB he/PRP said./VBD "Well,/IN I/PRP have/VBP my/PRP$ work/NN awaiting/VBG me/PRP far/RB up/RP the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico;/IN we/PRP shall/MD not/RB meet/VB often/RB until/IN this/DT scourge/NN is/VBZ stamped/VBN out./RP I/PRP am/VBP very/RB proud/JJ of/IN you,/JJ Pepita,/NNP and/CC I/PRP am,/VBP too,/RB very/RB proud/JJ of/IN myself./PRP I/PRP am/VBP a/DT discerning/NN fellow,/NN for/IN long/RB ago/IN I/PRP said/VBD to/TO myself,/PRP gazing/VBG at/IN you:/JJ 'This/. woman/NN shall/MD be/VB the/DT mother/NN of/IN my/PRP$ son.'/NNS One/CD would/MD not/RB have/VB his/PRP$ son/NN born/VBN of/IN ignoble/JJ blood."The/NN same/JJ lambent/JJ glow/NN that/WDT had/VBD been/VBN in/IN the/DT glance/NN she/PRP had/VBD bestowed/VBN upon/IN him/PRP that/DT night/NN so/RB long/RB ago,/RB when/WRB with/IN young/JJ Tomas/NNP Espinosa/NNP she/PRP danced/VBD beneath/IN the/DT torchlight/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista,/NNP was/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ eyes/NNS now./. And/CC there/EX was/VBD approval/NN of/IN him/PRP in/IN them,/PRP$ confidence/NN in/IN him,/NN friendliness/NN for/IN him./PRP She/PRP was/VBD glad/JJ he/PRP had/VBD wasted/VBN no/DT time/NN in/IN futile/JJ words;/NN he/PRP was,/VBD with/IN all/DT his/PRP$ faults,/NNS a/DT man/NN of/IN deeds,/NN not/RB of/IN words--a/DT masculine/JJ type/NN she/PRP had/VBD not/RB hitherto/VBN encountered./VBN Suddenly/RB her/PRP$ Anglo-Saxon/NNP blood/NN brought/VBD to/TO her/PRP a/DT faint/JJ glimmer/NN of/IN understanding/NN of/IN this/DT perplexing/JJ adventurer./NN Perhaps/RB he/PRP did/VBD love/VB her!/PRP Latin/JJ lovers,/NN she/PRP knew,/VBD never/RB concealed/VBN their/PRP$ love;/NN without/IN hesitationthey/PRP proclaimed/VBD it/PRP passionately;/VBD they/PRP cited/VBD it/PRP as/IN an/DT excuse/NN for/IN any/DT silly/JJ resentment/NN or/CC reprisal/VB their/PRP$ quickly/RB aroused/VBN jealousy/NN might/MD lead/VB them/PRP into./RP The/DT little/JJ shallow/NN streams/NNS babbled/VBD as/IN they/PRP tumbled/VBD down/RB from/IN the/DT Sierra,/NNPS but/CC the/DT broad/JJ deep/JJ Sacramento/NNP flowed/VBD silently/RB to/TO the/DT sea!/NN Could/MD it/PRP be/VB that/IN this/DT man,/NN because/IN of/IN racial/JJ pride,/NN modesty,/NN shyness,/NN or/CC a/DT queer/JJ belligerency/NN would/MD not/RB proclaim/VB himself/PRP a/DT woman's/NN captive?/NN Was/VBD he/PRP one/CD to/TO hide/VB his/PRP$ love,/NN making/VBG a/DT shrine/NN for/IN it/PRP in/IN some/DT deeply/RB hidden/JJ recess/NN of/IN his/PRP$ nature?/NN She/PRP wondered--and,/JJ wondering,/NNS said:/VBD "It/PRP is/VBZ good/JJ to/TO think/VB at/IN last/JJ we/PRP fight/VBP side/NN by/IN side/NN against/IN the/DT common/JJ enemy/NN and/CC not/RB between/IN ourselves,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod."She/NNP saw/VBD him/PRP gulp/VB slightly;/RB his/PRP$ slow/JJ glance/NN was/VBD one/CD of/IN suffering/NN and/CC pity./NN "It/NN was/VBD a/DT bitter/JJ day/NN for/IN you--that/JJ day/NN you/PRP met/VBD me,"/, he/PRP murmured/VBD tragically./NN "You/PRP asked/VBD me/PRP to/TO spare/VB Romauldo--and/NNP I/PRP did/VBD not/RB do/VB it./PRP I/PRP realized/VBD that/DT moment/NN the/DT price/NN I/PRP had/VBD to/TO pay/VB for/IN the/DT refusal./NN Ah,/IN 'twas/PRP a/DT bitter/JJ day/NN for/IN both/DT of/IN us--that/JJ day/NN we/PRP met./VBD Now,/RB because/IN of/IN me,/NN you/PRP are/VBP here,/RB trapped,/VBN walking/VBG with/IN a/DT dreadful/JJ death--and/NN if/IN death/NN spares/NNS you,/VBP doomed/VBN to/TO disfigurement.""I/NNS should/MD not,/RB in/IN that/DT case,/NN be/VB pleasant/JJ to/TO look/VB upon/IN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ not/RB the/DT nature/NN of/IN men/NNS to/TO seek/VB marriage/NN with/IN ugly/JJ women./NN You/PRP would/MD then/RB forget/VB me/PRP readily.""I/NNS should/MD always/RB remember/VB your/PRP$ face/NN as/IN it/PRP is/VBZ now,"/RB he/PRP said/VBD with/IN a/DT curious/JJ dispassionate/JJ calmness./NN "And/CC when/WRB I/PRP gazed/VBD upon/IN the/DT record/NN of/IN your/PRP$ sacrifice,/NN I/PRP should/MD see/VB beyond/IN the/DT record/NN your/PRP$ shining,/VBP beautiful/JJ soul;/NN I/PRP should/MD want/VB to/TO kneel/VB and/CC kiss/VB the/DT hem/NN of/IN your/PRP$ garment,/NN that/IN I/PRP too/RB might/MD be/VB ennobled./VBN Dear/JJ little/JJ saint,/NN you/PRP shame/NN me!/, I/PRP waited/VBD until/IN the/DT vaccinationhad/NN taken/VBN effect./NN I/PRP should/MD have/VB been/VBN braver--brave/JJ enough/RB to/TO disobey/VB that/DT old/JJ martyr/NN lying/VBG yonder--and/JJ come/VBN sooner/RB to/TO the/DT aid/NN of/IN these/DT afflicted/VBN ones."She/PRP appeared/VBD to/TO disregard/VB this/DT speech./NN "If/IN you/PRP stood/VBD this/DT moment/NN where/WRB you/PRP stood/VBD that/DT day/NN I/PRP begged/VBD you/PRP for/IN Romauldo's/NNP life,/NN would/MD you/PRP grant/VB my/PRP$ desire?"He/NN shook/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN in/IN negation./NN "I/NN was/VBD ever/RB the/DT leader/NN here--and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT fate/NN of/IN leaders/NNS to/TO be/VB born/VBN to/TO circumstances/NNS far/RB less/RBR fortuitous/JJ than/IN they/PRP would/MD order/VB for/IN themselves,/PRP had/VBD they/PRP that/DT power./NN I/PRP would/MD not/RB sell/VB myself/PRP for/IN a/DT woman's/NN smile.""That/NN is/VBZ bravely/RB spoken./NN Why/WRB did/VBD you/PRP lend/VB my/PRP$ father/NN the/DT gold?""For/NN your/PRP$ sake./NN Your/PRP$ good/JJ father/NN knew/VBD not/RB the/DT value/NN of/IN money./NN I/PRP desired/VBD to/TO get/VB him/PRP into/IN my/PRP$ power;/NN to/TO plunge/VB him/PRP deeper/RBR into/IN my/PRP$ debt,/NN that/IN others/NNS might/MD not/RB have/VB opportunity/NN to/TO accord/VB him/PRP less/RBR consideration/NN on/IN the/DT day/NN of/IN settlement/NN than/IN I/PRP would/MD have/VB accorded/VBN him./PRP I/PRP feared/VBD he/PRP would/MD waste/VB your/PRP$ birthright,/NN not/RB realizing/VBG he/PRP was/VBD wasting/VBG it--and/CC when/WRB you/PRP read/VBD another/DT motive/NN in/IN my/PRP$ action/NN it/PRP pleased/VBD me/PRP not/RB to/TO protest/VB against/IN the/DT injustice/NN of/IN your/PRP$ thought./NN It/PRP was/VBD necessary/JJ to/TO my/PRP$ plan/NN that/IN you/PRP should/MD not/RB dissuade/VB me.""It/PRP is/VBZ true/JJ that/IN in/IN my/PRP$ resentment/NN that/IN day/NN we/PRP met/VBD you/PRP on/IN the/DT road/NN I/PRP did/VBD not/RB tell/VB you/PRP why/WRB my/PRP$ father/NN desired/VBD the/DT loan.""I/NNS understand/VBP your/PRP$ reason./NN A/DT proper/JJ womanly/NN pride/NN forbade/VBD that/IN you/PRP should/MD warn/VB me/PRP that/IN by/IN my/PRP$ action/NN I/PRP risked/VBD losing/VBG you./NNP You/PRP would/MD not/RB plead/VB with/IN me/PRP to/TO save/VB you/PRP for/IN myself.""And/PRP yet,/RB on/IN the/DT day/NN my/PRP$ father/NN called/VBD here/RB to/TO see/VB you/PRP and/CC you/PRP gave/VBD him/PRP the/DT loan/NN he/PRP sought,/VBD did/VBD I/PRP not/RB warn/VB you?/PRP And/CC did/VBD you/PRP not/RB turn/VB a/DT deaf/JJ ear/NN to/TO my/PRP$ pleading?""I/NN had/VBD passed/VBN my/PRP$ word/NN to/TO your/PRP$ father./NN I/PRP could/MD notwith/RB honor/VB repudiate/VBN my/PRP$ promise./NN I/PRP could/MD only/RB trust/VB to/TO you/PRP to/TO refuse/VB to/TO marry/VB Tomas/NNP Espinosa./NNP Curiously/RB enough,/RB I/PRP had/VBD a/DT profound/JJ faith/NN that/IN you/PRP would/MD not/RB sacrifice/VB yourself--or/PRP$ me.""But/NN if/IN I/PRP had?""I/VBP would/MD have/VB sent/VBN you/PRP that/IN unrecorded/JJ mortgage/NN for/IN a/DT wedding/NN gift."Her/NN eyes/NNS opened/VBD widely./DT "To/RB break/VBP my/PRP$ heart/NN on/IN my/PRP$ wedding-day,/NN Don/NNP Dermod?"/NNP she/PRP queried/VBD softly./DT "It/NN would/MD already/RB have/VB been/VBN broken,"/VBN he/PRP reminded/VBD her./PRP "Well,/IN I/PRP refused/VBD to/TO marry/VB him./PRP I/PRP loved/VBD him/PRP not./. And/CC now/RB there/EX is/VBZ no/DT one/NN to/TO advocate/NN his/PRP$ cause,/NN unless/IN it/PRP be/VB that/IN Don/NNP Emilio,/NNP when/WRB he/PRP learns/VBZ of/IN my/PRP$ father's/NN death,/NN will/MD ride/VB north/RB to/TO urge/VB that/IN I/PRP return/VBP with/IN him/PRP to/TO dwell/VB with/IN his/PRP$ family/NN until,/IN the/DT period/NN of/IN mourning/VBG over,/IN I/PRP marry/VBP his/PRP$ son.""And/NN if/IN he/PRP does?""I/VBZ shall/MD refuse./VB I/PRP shall/MD remain/VB at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico--alone,/NNP and/CC manage/VB it/PRP as/IN best/RB I/PRP can./MD But/CC tell/VB me,/PRP my/PRP$ friend./NN How/WRB much/JJ gold/NN would/MD you/PRP have/VB lent/VBN my/PRP$ father/NN with/IN the/DT rancho/NN as/IN security?""I/NNS would/MD have/VB lent/VBN him/PRP fifty/CD thousand/CD dollars--a/NNS dollar/NN an/DT acre--and/NN no/DT land/NN in/IN California/NNP is/VBZ worth/JJ that/IN as/IN yet./NNP But/CC in/IN the/DT days/NNS to/TO come/VB that/IN fifty/CD thousand/CD acres/NNS will/MD be/VB worth/JJ a/DT great/JJ fortune;/NN it/PRP was/VBD well/RB to/TO plan/VB to/TO have/VB it/PRP slip/VB through/IN your/PRP$ father's/JJ fingers/NNS into/IN my/PRP$ outstretched/JJ hand./NN In/IN the/DT fulness/NN of/IN time/NN I/PRP would/MD have/VB foreclosed.""And/VBN the/DT Guerreros--penniless,/NNP left/VBD to/TO the/DT cold/JJ mercy/NN of/IN the/DT gringo!""I/NNS did/VBD not/RB plan/NN for/IN that./DT I/PRP hoped/VBD you/PRP would/MD marry/VB me--""I/JJ told/VBD you/PRP I/PRP was/VBD not/RB to/TO be/VB bought/VBN like/IN a/DT steer.""I/JJ understood/VBN that,/IN thoroughly./DT When/WRB the/DT RanchoArroyo/NNP Chico/NNP should/MD have/VB come/VBN into/IN my/PRP$ possession,/NN it/PRP would/MD have/VB represented/VBN the/DT fruits/NNS of/IN my/PRP$ labor,/NN would/MD it/PRP not?/RB Surely,/RB you/PRP realize/VBP how/WRB I/PRP toil/VBP for/IN the/DT gold/NN I/PRP planned/VBD to/TO pay/VB for/IN it?""Yes,/IN I/PRP suppose/VBP that/DT is/VBZ true,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod!""It/NNP seemed/VBD to/TO me,/VB in/IN that/DT event,/NN I/PRP might/MD have/VB the/DT poor/JJ privilege/NN of/IN having/VBG toiled/VBN for/IN you./PRP Josepha,/IN I/PRP have/VBP dreamed/VBN such/JJ dreams./NN I/PRP have/VBP looked/VBN into/IN the/DT future/NN and/CC found/VBD it/PRP a/DT future/JJ rosy/JJ for/IN the/DT conqueror/NN but/CC drab/NN and/CC unlovely/RB for/IN the/DT conquered./NN Even/RB now/RB the/DT ruthless/JJ invaders/NNS occupy/VBP your/PRP$ heritage,/NN fattening/NN upon/IN it,/DT planning/NN to/TO deprive/VB you/PRP of/IN it./DT "You/NNS will/MD have/VB to/TO defend/VB your/PRP$ title/NN against/IN every/DT trick/NN of/IN legislation,/NN the/DT law's/NN delay,/NN and/CC scheming/NN lawyers/NNS who/WP will/MD betray/VB you./PRP Without/IN the/DT funds/NNS necessary/JJ for/IN battle,/NN you/PRP will/MD be/VB forced/VBN to/TO give/VB to/TO these/DT defenders/NNS half/NN or/CC more/JJR of/IN what/WP you/PRP have/VBP in/IN order/NN to/TO preserve/VB the/DT remainder./NNP When/WRB the/DT streams/NNS have/VBP been/VBN looted/VBN of/IN their/PRP$ treasure/NN this/DT new/JJ tide/NN of/IN empire/NN that/WDT flows/VBZ in/RP covered/VBN wagons/NNS across/IN the/DT passes/NNS of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP will/MD recede/VB to/TO the/DT fertile/JJ valleys/NNS where/WRB the/DT Hispano-Californians/NNPS have/VBP dwelt/VBN for/IN two/CD centuries/NNS in/IN peace./NN "In/IN his/PRP$ pursuit/NN of/IN territory/NN the/DT Anglo-Saxon/NNP is/VBZ ruthless,/JJ Josepha,/NNP justifying/, his/PRP$ ruthlessness/NN on/IN the/DT ground/NN of/IN greater/JJR efficiency,/NN the/DT taking,/NN by/IN force/NN if/IN necessary,/NNS from/IN the/DT few/JJ for/IN the/DT greater/JJR good/NN of/IN the/DT greatest/JJS number./NN When/WRB that/DT day/NN comes/VBZ to/TO you,/PRP darling,/RB come/VBP to/TO me/PRP and/CC I/PRP will/MD protect/VB you--without/JJ price,/NN without/IN hope/NN of/IN reward/NN other/JJ than/IN the/DT joy/NN and/CC pride/NN I/PRP shall/MD have/VB in/IN serving/VBG you--and/JJ yours./NNP "I/NNP will/MD lend/VB you/PRP money--without/JJ security;/NNS and/CC when/WRB the/DT title/NN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP shall/MD at/IN length/NN be/VB certified/VBN by/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNP of/IN America/NNP and/CC a/DT patent/NN issued/VBN for/IN it,/PRP$ you/PRP will/MD have/VB no/DT difficulty/NN selling/VBG a/DT little/JJ part/NN of/IN it/PRP and/CC repaying/VBG me./PRP "I/IN love/NN you;/IN I/PRP adore/VB you;/PRP my/PRP$ life/NN will/MD be/VB desolate/JJ without/IN you,/JJ but--I/CC would/MD not/RB have/VB you/PRP save/VB for/IN love/NN and/CC with/IN love./JJ And/CC circumstances/NNS have/VBP rendered/VBN that/IN impossible./DT The/DT ghost/NN of/IN Romauldo/NNP and/CC the/DT resentment/NN against/IN the/DT gringo/NN will/MD always/RB forbid/VB it."She/PRP nodded./, "Even/RB if/IN it/PRP did/VBD not,/RB the/DT present/NN is/VBZ a/DT poor/JJ time/NN to/TO consider/VB it,/IN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Still,/IN I/PRP am/VBP glad/JJ to/TO have/VB had/VBN this/DT understanding./NN I/PRP think,/VBP perhaps,/RB I/PRP shall/MD never/RB know/VB a/DT more/RBR noble/JJ gringo,/NN or/CC a/DT more/JJR foolish/JJ one,/NN or/CC one/CD more/JJR undiplomatic/JJ and/CC belligerent./NN ./. ./. .Well,/NN that/IN which/WDT is/VBZ to/TO be/VB will/MD be,/VB thou/DT childish/JJ one./NNP Go,/NNP with/IN thy/DT strange/JJ dreams,/NN to/TO the/DT dreadful/JJ tasks/NNS that/WDT call/VBP to/TO thee--and/DT I/PRP will/MD pray/VB that/IN the/DT good/JJ God/NNP will/MD give/VB to/TO thee/PRP all/DT that/IN thou/DT dost/NN desire."Abruptly/RB she/PRP turned/VBD from/IN him,/PRP took/VBD up/RP a/DT bucket/NN and/CC departed/VBD with/IN it/PRP for/IN a/DT distant/JJ spring./NN Across/IN the/DT room,/NN he/PRP saw/VBD Bejabers/NNP engaged/VBD in/IN low-voiced/JJ earnest/JJ conversation/NN with/IN the/DT girl/NN Madge./NNP The/DT Bart,/NNP still/RB immersed/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ delirium,/NN was/VBD watching/VBG a/DT horse-race/NN at/IN the/DT Curragh/NNP of/IN Kildare./NNP In/IN the/DT long,/JJ drafty,/NNS hastily/RB constructed/VBD ward/NN men/NNS moaned/VBD and/CC cursed/VBD and/CC wept,/VBD or/CC were/VBD silent,/JJ according/VBG to/TO their/PRP$ natures./NN He/PRP stepped/VBD outside/JJ and/CC gazed/VBD down/IN the/DT little/JJ ca$on/NN at/IN the/DT yellow/JJ flood/NN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP roaring/NN by/IN on/IN its/PRP$ way/NN to/TO the/DT sea/NN via/IN the/DT Rio/NNP Sacramento;/NNP at/IN the/DT encompassing/NN forest,/IN sparkling/VBG with/IN snow-crystals,/NN at/IN the/DT gray/JJ forbidding/VBG sky,/NN at/IN the/DT white/JJ lonely/JJ crest/NN of/IN the/DT Sierra/NNP peaks/NNS far/RB to/TO the/DT east./NN He/PRP smelled/VBD the/DT aroma/NN of/IN damp/JJ earth,/NN the/DT balsam/NN of/IN fir/NN and/CC pine/NN and/CC hemlock/NN and/CC bay-tree,/NN the/DT odor/NN of/IN wood-smoke/NN coming/VBG from/IN at/IN funeral/NN pyre./NN ./. ./. ./. Bejabers/NNP came/VBD out/IN of/IN the/DT house/NN of/IN death,/NN glanced/VBD at/IN him/PRP once/RB and/CC locked/VBD an/DT arm/NN in/IN his./PRP$ "Now,/NN sonny!"/NN he/PRP remonstrated/VBD gently./NNP "Now,/NNP sonny!/NN We've/NN got/VBD a/DT big/JJ job/NN to/TO do/VB and/CC all/DT winter/NN to/TO do/VB it/PRP in./. Let's/NNP git/VBP goin'."/VBG SPRING/NNP of/IN 1850./DT Along/IN the/DT streams/NNS the/DT gaunt/NN willows/VBZ had/VBN put/VBN forth/RB their/PRP$ buds;/NNS bears,/IN released/VBN from/IN their/PRP$ winter/NN sleep,/NN prowled/VBD among/IN them,/PRP biting/VBG off/IN the/DT tender/JJ green/JJ shoots;/NN deer/NNS coughed/VBD in/IN the/DT timber,/NN and/CC in/IN the/DT valley/NN of/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP calves/VBZ protested/VBN mournfully/RB to/TO their/PRP$ wild/JJ mothers,/NN intent/NN on/IN the/DT spring/NN migration/NN to/TO the/DT foot-hills./NN Along/IN the/DT trail/NN up/IN the/DT valley/NN caravan/NN after/IN caravan/NN of/IN covered/VBN wagons/NNS crawled,/VBD northbound/RB to/TO some/DT fancied/JJ El/NNP Dorado,/NNP after/IN having/VBG passed/VBN the/DT winter/NN in/IN the/DT lowlands./NN Everywhere/RB one/CD heard/VBD the/DT bellowing/NN of/IN oxen,/NNS the/DT ring/NN of/IN axes/NNS and/CC the/DT eager/JJ queries/NNS of/IN new/JJ arrivals,/NN the/DT greetings/NNS between/IN former/JJ friends/NNS and/CC neighbors./DT One/CD smelled/VBD the/DT wood-smoke/NN of/IN a/DT thousand/CD camp-fires,/NN one/CD sensed/VBD spring/NN in/IN his/PRP$ heart/NN even/RB as/IN he/PRP sensed/VBD it/PRP in/IN this/DT new/JJ fat/JJ land./NN But/CC it/PRP was/VBD not/RB spring/NN in/IN the/DT heart/NN of/IN Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP It/PRP was/VBD winter./VBG On/IN a/DT day/NN in/IN April,/NNP after/IN a/DT march/NN from/IN Stockton/NN during/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD earned/VBN his/PRP$ meals/NNS and/CC the/DT use/NN of/IN a/DT blanket/NN o'/IN nights/NNS by/IN prodding/VBG six/CD yoke/NN of/IN oxen/NNS hitched/VBN to/TO a/DT prairie/NN schooner,/NN he/PRP halted/VBD his/PRP$ teams/NNS at/IN the/DT crossing/NN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC handed/VBD his/PRP$ ox-goad/NN to/TO the/DT Illinois/NNP farmer/NN who/WP had/VBD engaged/VBN him/PRP in/IN the/DT dual/JJ capacity/NN of/IN bull-whacker/NN and/CC guide./NN "Here's/NNS where/WRB we/PRP part,"/NN said/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP "I'm/NNP headed/VBD for/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP up/IN the/DT creek.""Wait/NN a/DT minute,"/NN the/DT argonaut/NN suggested./VBN "Read/RB that/IN there/EX sign."Beside/RB the/DT trail/NN that/IN branched/VBD off/RP to/TO Happy/NNP CampMr./NNP Poppy/NNP saw/VBD a/DT sign,/NN with/IN a/DT crudely/RB drawn/VBN finger/NN pointing/VBG up/RP the/DT arroyo./NN He/PRP read:The/VBD Illinois/NNP farmer/NN grinned/VBD and/CC made/VBD as/IN if/IN to/TO hand/VB the/DT ox-goad/NN back/RB to/TO Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP But/CC he/PRP waved/VBD it/PRP aside./RP "I/PRP have/VBP friends/NNS in/IN Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP and/CC whether/IN they/PRP are/VBP dead/JJ or/CC alive,/JJ I'm/NN going/VBG to/TO call/VB on/IN them./DT Smallpox/NNP or/CC ravening/NN tigers,/NN it's/IN all/PDT the/DT same/JJ to/TO me./PRP I'm/IN going/VBG home./RP Good-by/NNP and/CC good/JJ luck/NN to/TO you."He/PRP turned/VBD into/IN the/DT trail,/NN but/CC suddenly,/RB discovering/VBG a/DT curious/JJ weakness/NN stealing/VBG over/IN him,/PRP sat/VBD down/RB on/IN the/DT low/JJ cut-bank/NN to/TO rest/VB and/CC watch/VB the/DT endless/JJ tide/NN of/IN new/JJ destinies/NNS flowing/VBG across/IN the/DT ford/NN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP For/IN an/DT hour/NN he/PRP sat/VBD there,/, but/CC no/DT man/NN turned/VBD east/RB up/IN the/DT trail/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP nor/CC did/VBD any/DT man/NN come/VB down./RP In/IN fact,/NN as/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP presently/RB discovered,/VBD no/DT traffic/NN of/IN any/DT kind/NN had/VBD passed/VBN over/IN the/DT Happy/NNP Camp/NNP road/NN for/IN several/JJ days,/NN and/CC this/DT knowledge/NN added/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ perturbation/NN and/CC unhappiness./NNP He/PRP felt/VBD fey/JJ with/IN tragedy,/NN weak/JJ with/IN a/DT premonition/NN of/IN approaching/VBG doom./NN So/RB presently/RB he/PRP had/VBD recourse/NN to/TO the/DT last/JJ comfort/NN left/VBD to/TO him--prayer./PRP$ He/PRP prayed/VBD for/IN strength,/NN moral/JJ and/CC physical,/NN he/PRP prayed/VBD for/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC he/PRP sent/VBD forth/RB a/DT special/JJ prayer/NN for/IN his/PRP$ friends/NNS there./, Then,/DT his/PRP$ weakness/NN passing,/NN he/PRP rose/VBD and/CC swung/VBD away/RB up/IN the/DT deserted/VBN road,/NN his/PRP$ long/JJ legs/NNS stretched/VBD in/IN a/DT strenuous/JJ stride./NN As/IN he/PRP came/VBD up/RB from/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP to/TO the/DT littlemeadow/JJ where/WRB Happy/NNP Camp/NNP had/VBD once/RB sprawled/VBN in/IN joyous/JJ disorder,/NN he/PRP was/VBD appalled/VBN by/IN a/DT fear/NN that/IN it/PRP was/VBD deserted./VBN The/DT camp/NN had/VBD shriveled/VBN to/TO a/DT quarter/NN of/IN its/PRP$ former/JJ size,/NN the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP porch/NN was/VBD deserted,/IN the/DT door/NN of/IN the/DT Stage/NNP Drivers'/NNP Retreat/NNP was/VBD closed,/RB and/CC not/RB a/DT soul/NN walked/VBD the/DT single/JJ winding/VBG street./NN Smoke/NNP rose/VBD from/IN but/CC one/CD cabin/NN chimney,/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT thrill/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP realized/VBD that/IN this/DT was/VBD the/DT cabin/NN he/PRP called/VBD home./RP He/PRP broke/VBD into/IN a/DT dog-trot,/JJ shouting/NN as/IN he/PRP came/VBD the/DT names/NNS of/IN all/DT of/IN his/PRP$ friends/NNS and/CC wondering/VBG in/IN a/DT bewildered,/JJ terrified/JJ way/NN how/WRB many/JJ of/IN them/PRP would/MD answer/VB him./PRP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP came/VBD to/TO the/DT door./NN "You/IN good/JJ old/JJ human/NN scarecrow!"/NN he/PRP yelled,/VBD and/CC ran/VBD out/IN to/TO clasp/VB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP in/IN his/PRP$ young/JJ arms/NNS and/CC give/VB him/PRP a/DT bearlike/JJ hug./, "So/IN you/PRP came/VBD back/RB to/TO us!/VB Couldn't/NNP scare/VBP you/PRP away,/RB could/MD they?""O/PRP God,/VB I/PRP thank/VB thee!"/TO Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD drifted/VBN far/RB from/IN his/PRP$ ecclesiastical/JJ youth,/NN but,/, like/IN most/JJS sinners,/JJ in/IN moments/NNS of/IN stress/NN he/PRP remembered/VBD his/PRP$ old/JJ allegiance/NN and/CC gave/VBD thanks/NNS where/WRB it/PRP belonged./VBD He/PRP was/VBD shaken/VBN with/IN emotion,/RB not/RB only/RB to/TO see/VB D'Arcy/NNP again/RB but/CC to/TO receive/VB such/JJ an/DT enthusiastic/JJ welcome./NN "The/IN rest/NN of/IN the/DT boys,"/NN he/PRP pleaded./VBD "Where/RB are/VBP they?""All/DT safe/JJ and/CC sound,/JJ with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN the/DT Bart./NNP He's/NNP with/IN us/PRP but--he's/. blind./. Do/VB not/RB appear/VB to/TO notice/VB it,/IN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP and/CC whatever/WDT you/PRP do,/VBP don't/RB sympathize/VB with/IN him./PRP He/PRP can/MD stand/VB anything/NN but/CC that./DT Don't/NNP permit/VB his/PRP$ appearance/NN to/TO shock/NN you."Together/IN they/PRP entered/VBD the/DT cabin/NN and/CC found/VBD the/DT company/NN at/IN the/DT midday/NN meal./VBD Two/CD women/NNS sat/VBD with/IN them./PRP Bejabers/IN relieved/VBN himself/PRP of/IN a/DT hearty/NN piece/NN of/IN profanity,/NN McCready/JJ and/CC Judson/NNP yelled/VBD lustily/RB and/CC Vilmont/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP grinned/VBD at/IN him/PRP like/IN a/DT pair/NN of/IN gargoyles,/NN before/IN falling/VBG upon/IN the/DT prodigal/NN to/TO grasp/VB his/PRP$ hand/NN andshower/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ thin/JJ back/RB many/JJ a/DT hearty/NN thump/NN and/CC slap./VBD "Dermod,/IN you/PRP interduce/VBP him/PRP to/TO the/DT ladies,/NN while/IN I/PRP rustle/VBP up/RP a/DT plate/NN and/CC some/DT grub/NN for/IN our/PRP$ wanderin'/NN boy,"/NN Bejabers/NNP ordered./NNP "Hell's/NNP fire,/NN dominie,/VBD you/PRP look/VBP like/IN you/PRP been/VBN rustlin'/NNS around/IN with/IN the/DT husks/NNS and/CC the/DT swine.""I/NNS have/VBP been,/VBN Bejabers."/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP bowed/VBD as/IN D'Arcy/NNP introduced/VBD him/PRP to/TO Madge/NNP and/CC Josepha/NNP Guerrero./NNP "Where's/NNP the/DT Bart?"/NNP he/PRP demanded./VBD "I'm/NNP over/IN here,"/PRP$ Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP cried/VBD from/IN the/DT shadows/NNS at/IN the/DT rear/NN of/IN the/DT cabin./NN "I/IN eat/VBP alone/RB these/DT days./NN While/IN I/PRP haven't/VBP seen/VBN myself/PRP I've/VB seen/VBN enough/RB others/NNS in/IN my/PRP$ fix/VBP to/TO know/VB what/WP I/PRP look/VBP like./PRP Far/RB be/VB it/PRP from/IN me/PRP to/TO spoil/VB the/DT appetites/NNS of/IN my/PRP$ friends.""You/NNS blithering/VBG old/JJ picture/NN of/IN misfortune,/NN you/PRP look/VBP good/JJ to/TO me!"/VB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP yelled,/, and/CC fell/VBD upon/IN his/PRP$ partner./NN "Bless/IN your/PRP$ heart,/NN I'm/IN glad/JJ to/TO see/VB you/PRP again,/RB Sir/NNP Humphrey.""Same/NNP here,"/, the/DT Bart/NNP replied/VBD with/IN grim/JJ irony,/NN and/CC hugged/VBD his/PRP$ friend./NN "Where's/NNP Martha?""I--I/NNP couldn't/MD find/VB her,"/PRP$ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP quavered./NNP "I/NNP spent/VBD all/PDT the/DT gold/NN the/DT boys/NNS gave/VBD me/PRP seeking/VBG her./PRP On/IN my/PRP$ word/NN of/IN honor,/NN I/PRP have/VBP behaved/VBN myself.""Ye're/PRP the/DT unluckiest/JJS lad/NN I've/NN ever/RB known./VBZ I'm/PRP sorry,/JJ partner."/NNS The/DT Bart/NNP patted/VBD the/DT thin/JJ shoulder/NN paternally./NN "But/IN this/DT is/VBZ no/DT time/NN for/IN discussion./NN Ye're/NN hungry./VBD Fall/NNP to/TO it."During/EX the/DT meal/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP listened/VBD to/TO the/DT story/NN of/IN the/DT dreadful/JJ happenings/NNS of/IN the/DT last/JJ winter,/NN and/CC then/RB related/VBD the/DT brief/JJ tale/NN of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ adventures./NN He/PRP had/VBD got/VBN track/NN of/IN Martha/NNP at/IN a/DT cheap/JJ hotel/NN in/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP from/IN which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD departed/VBN three/CD weeks/NNS prior/RB to/TO his/PRP$ arrival/NN in/IN that/DT city,/NN leaving/VBG no/DT forwarding/JJ address./NN He/PRP had/VBD searched/VBN San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC followed/VBD faint/JJ clues/NNS to/TO Stockton,/NNP Sacramento,/NNP and/CC Marysville;/NNP he/PRP had/VBD beenas/RB far/RB south/RB as/IN Sonora,/NNP and/CC he/PRP had/VBD returned/VBN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP broken/VBN in/IN purse/NN and/CC spirit./NN "I/NNS had/VBD a/DT faint/JJ hope/NN she/PRP might/MD be/VB here,"/RB he/PRP quavered,/VBD "so/IN I/PRP came/VBD back./RB Is/VBZ she/PRP here?""We/PRP have/VBP not/RB seen/VBN her,"/PRP D'Arcy/NNP replied./VBD "She/PRP would/MD not/RB be/VB likely/JJ to/TO come/VB here/RB on/IN account/NN of/IN the/DT smallpox./JJR However,/IN she/PRP may/MD come/VB later/RB when/WRB it/PRP becomes/VBZ known/VBN that/IN the/DT disease/NN is/VBZ apparently/RB wiped/VBN out./RP We/PRP haven't/VBP had/VBD a/DT new/JJ case/NN in/IN a/DT month---and/NN last/JJ week,/NN when/WRB the/DT quarantine/NN was/VBD lifted,/VBN every/DT man/NN and/CC woman/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP pulled/VBD out./RP They/PRP were/VBD afraid/JJ of/IN the/DT place,/NN afraid/JJ of/IN a/DT recurrence/NN of/IN the/DT disease.""The/NN camp/NN does/VBZ look/VB rather/RB haunted,/JJ Dermod./NNP When/WRB are/VBP you/PRP boys/NNS pulling/VBG out?""When/RB the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP is/VBZ bare/JJ of/IN gold,/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP Why/WRB should/MD we/PRP abandon/VB Happy/JJ Camp?/NNP We've/NNP been/VBN down/RB into/IN the/DT Valley/NNP of/IN Death/NNP with/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP and/CC have/VB emerged/VBD unscathed,/JJ with/IN the/DT exception/NN of/IN the/DT Bart--and/NNP he's/VBD a/DT sacrifice/NN to/TO his/PRP$ own/JJ nobility/NN of/IN soul,/NN his/PRP$ own/JJ monumental/JJ unselfishness./NNP The/DT winter/NN was/VBD a/DT nightmare,/NN the/DT apotheosis/NN of/IN all/DT that/DT is/VBZ hideous./, And/CC these/DT two/CD women/NNS fought/VBD the/DT fight/NN shoulder/NN to/TO shoulder/VB with/IN us,/PRP never/RB whimpering,/RB never/RB flinching,/VB attending/VBG the/DT sick,/JJ dragging/VBG out/IN the/DT dead,/NN cooking,/NN washing,/VBD comforting/VBG and/CC cheering./VBG Two-thirds/NNS of/IN the/DT population/NN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP died/VBD of/IN smallpox;/JJ perhaps/RB not/RB more/JJR than/IN a/DT dozen/NN who/WP had/VBD it/PRP survived.""The/RB Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP will/MD not/RB be/VB overrun/VBN with/IN miners/NNS this/DT year,"/NN Bejabers/IN prophesied./VBN "They'll/NN all/DT be/VB scared/VBN the/DT disease'll/NN bust/NN out/IN ag'in./DT Better/NNP stake/NN yourself/PRP a/DT claim,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP and/CC git/VB busy./PRP The/DT water'll/NN soon/RB be/VB down/RB to/TO normal,/RB and/CC if/IN you/PRP work/VBP hard/JJ you'll/NN forgit/VB your/PRP$ misfortune."But/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "The/IN Bart/NNP and/CC I/PRP each/DT have/VBP a/DT better/JJR claim/NN off/IN yonder/NN in/IN the/DT hills./NN Thegold's/NNP coarser,/, more/RBR plentiful,/RB and/CC easier/JJR to/TO get/VB at./DT I'd/NNP rather/RB operate/VBP there,/, my/PRP$ friends./NN It's/. lonelier,/RBR but/CC the/DT temptations/NNS are/VBP not/RB so/RB numerous.""Mebbe/JJ somebody's/NN jumped/VBD your/PRP$ claim?""Not/NN probable,/NN Bejabers./NNP It's/. been/VBN twenty/CD feet/NNS under/IN the/DT snow/NN all/DT winter./NN We/PRP have/VBP a/DT cabin/NN of/IN sorts/NNS there/RB and/CC if/IN I/PRP could/MD get/VB in/IN a/DT jag/NN of/IN provisions,/VBG some/DT new/JJ tools,/NNS and/CC blankets/NNS I'd/CC settle/VB down/RB and/CC soon/RB get/VB out/RP enough/RB gold/JJ to/TO reimburse/VB you/PRP boys/NNS for/IN your/PRP$ loan.""To/NN hell/NN with/IN the/DT loan./NN It/PRP was/VBD a/DT gift."/NN Thus/RB McCready./NNP But/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP ignored/VBD him./PRP "I'm/IN all/DT through/IN with/IN being/VBG the/DT man/NN I/PRP was./VBD From/IN now/RB on/IN I'm/PRP going/VBG to/TO stand/VB on/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ feet/NNS and/CC not/RB lean/VB on/IN my/PRP$ friends./NN Sir/NNP Humphrey,/NNP would/MD you/PRP care/VB to/TO go/VB back/RB on/IN Hot/JJ Creek/NNP with/IN me?/NN You're/NNP still/RB my/PRP$ partner/NN and/CC I'm/NN going/VBG to/TO need/VB you/PRP so--if/JJ only/RB to/TO remind/VB me/PRP of/IN my/PRP$ responsibility/NN toward/IN life./NN I'll/CC take/VB care/NN of/IN you,/PRP$ partner./NN Generous/NNP and/CC charitable/JJ as/IN our/PRP$ friends/NNS here/RB have/VBP been/VBN to/TO us,/VB I/PRP would/MD rather/RB not/RB impose/VB on/IN them/PRP further./, Life's/NNP a/DT battle--and/NN to/TO date/NN I/PRP haven't/VBP fought/VBN the/DT good/JJ fight./NN Some/DT day/NN I/PRP may/MD meet/VB Martha--and/NNP when/WRB I/PRP do/VBP I/PRP want/VB her/PRP to/TO meet/VB a/DT man/NN who/WP is/VBZ as/RB good/JJ as/IN the/DT next--a/JJ man/NN who's/WP fighting--and/CC winning."The/DT company/NN looked/VBD around/RB at/IN the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC he,/PRP$ poor/JJ sightless,/NN helpless/JJ man,/NN realized/VBN this./DT "I'll/NN go/VB with/IN Obie,"/NNP he/PRP answered./VBD "Together/IN we/PRP got/VBD into/IN the/DT mining/NN excitement/NN and/CC together/RB we'll/VB stick./JJR At/IN least,/VBN by/IN my/PRP$ presence/NN and/CC with/IN a/DT little/JJ futile/JJ puttering/VBG around/IN it,/IN I/PRP can/MD hold/VB my/PRP$ claim/NN until/IN his/PRP$ is/VBZ cleaned/VBN out;/RB then/RB he/PRP can/MD work/VB on/IN mine./NN After/IN that--""Don't/DT borrow/VB trouble,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP interrupted./, "I/NN admire/NN you/PRP for/IN your/PRP$ splendid/JJ intentions,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP and/CC your/PRP$ friends/NNS here/RB will/MD see/VB you/PRP to/TO your/PRP$ old/JJ claim,/NN pack/NN in/IN provisions/NNS for/IN you/PRP and/CC build/VB you/PRP a/DT cabin./NN Ithink/PRP perhaps/RB Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP will/MD prefer/VB to/TO be/VB his/PRP$ own/JJ man/NN again,/RB even/RB in/IN a/DT limited/JJ sense./NN He/PRP can/MD no/RB longer/RB be/VB the/DT doctor/NN of/IN Happy/NNP Camp--and/NNP he/PRP has/VBZ a/DT fondness/NN for/IN theological/JJ argument./NN You're/IN a/DT queerly/JJ assorted/JJ pair,/NN but--you're/, partners./. If/IN Martha/NNP should/MD ever/RB come/VB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP seeking/VBG you,/PRP I'll/JJ send/VB word/NN up/IN to/TO you/PRP to/TO come/VB down/RB to/TO her.""Thank/VB you,/PRP Dermod,/NNP me/PRP boy,"/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP murmured./VBD "Ye've/NN a/DT deal/NN of/IN understanding/NN in/IN that/DT wild/JJ Irish/JJ head./NN I/PRP know/VBP we're/PRP both/DT welcome/JJ here,/, but--dear/JJ old/JJ Poppy/NNP should/MD not/RB be/VB hindered/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ laudable/JJ intentions./, And/CC I/PRP would/MD prefer/VB the/DT solitude/NN of/IN a/DT higher/JJR altitude."There/NN was/VBD no/DT further/JJ argument./NN When/WRB the/DT meal/NN was/VBD finished/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP went/VBD with/IN Bejabers,/NNP McCready/NNP and/CC Judson,/NNP Vilmont/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP for/IN a/DT stroll/NN about/IN the/DT camp,/NN leaving/VBG D'Arcy/NNP with/IN the/DT others./NNP Presently/RB D'Arcy/NNP turned/VBD to/TO Madge/NNP Minturn./NNP "Well,/NNP Madge,/IN it/PRP appears/VBZ we/PRP have/VBP completed/VBN the/DT vicious/JJ circle,/NN and/CC from/IN thoughts/NNS of/IN misery/NN and/CC death/NN we/PRP must/MD now/RB turn/VB to/TO thoughts/NNS of/IN happiness/NN and/CC life./NN Have/VBP you/PRP any/DT plans/NNS for/IN the/DT future,/NNS and/CC do/VBP you/PRP object/VB to/TO discussing/VBG them/PRP with/IN me?"There/PRP was/VBD a/DT touch/NN of/IN grimness/NN in/IN the/DT girl's/NNS smile./VBD "I/NNP fell/VBD into/IN a/DT small/JJ fortune/NN when/WRB Henry/NNP died,"/VBD she/PRP replied./VBD "I'm/NNP not/RB his/PRP$ legal/JJ heir,/NN but/CC I/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB who/WP is--and/CC I/PRP suppose/VBP I'm/PRP entitled/VBN to/TO his/PRP$ gold./NN After/IN all,/DT I/PRP did/VBD the/DT best/RBS I/PRP could/MD by/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry./NNP When/WRB you're/PRP taking/VBG Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP back/RB to/TO her,/PRP$ ranch/NN you/PRP might/MD lend/VB me/PRP a/DT mule/NN and/CC I'll/NN go/VBP below/IN with/IN you./PRP I'll/RB just/RB be/VB moving/VBG on.""Well,/RB wherever/WRB you/PRP wander,/VBP Madge,/NNP never/RB forget/VB that/DT you're/NN near/IN to/TO us/PRP and/CC dear/JJ to/TO us;/VB if/IN the/DT world/NN should/MD ever/RB hear/VB heavily/RB upon/IN you,/PRP come/VBP back/RB to/TO your/PRP$ comrades/NNS of/IN the/DT dark/JJ days./NN We'll/MD see/VB you/PRP over/IN the/DT rough/JJ part/NN of/IN the/DT trail."Josepha/NN Guerrero's/NNP glance/NN rested/VBD upon/IN him/PRP like/IN a/DT benediction/NN as/IN her/PRP$ hand/NN sought/VBD that/IN of/IN the/DT lady/NN who/WP was/VBD not/RB quite/RB a/DT lady./NN "At/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP Madge,/NNP there/RB always/RB will/MD be/VB a/DT welcome/JJ for/IN you./PRP I/PRP shall/MD be/VB lonesome/JJ for/IN you/PRP who/WP have/VBP lived/VBN a/DT full/JJ life,/NN but--it/NN is/VBZ always/RB one/CD place/NN where/WRB you/PRP can/MD come/VB to/TO rest/VB and/CC think:/VB 'Well,/JJ now,/RB what/WP do/VBP I/PRP do/VB next?'/RB And/CC what/WP you/PRP do/VBP next/JJ is/VBZ no/DT business/NN of/IN mine."Madge/NN laughed--a/. little/RB harshly./JJR "Thank/NN you,/, dearie,/NN but/CC I/PRP think/VBP I'd/PRP better/RBR not/RB disgrace/VB you/PRP by/IN accepting./VBG You're/PRP a/DT sweet/JJ thing/NN to/TO ask/VB me,/PRP though.""I/IN am/VBP already/RB disgraced,"/JJ Josepha/NNP protested./NN "I/NNS have/VBP lived/VBN here/RB all/DT winter/NN with/IN these/DT gringos./VBG All/PDT my/PRP$ people/NNS will/MD say;/VB 'Ah,/VBN this/DT girl/NN is/VBZ spoiled./VBN She/PRP has/VBZ lost/VBN her/PRP$ reputation."/NN [sic]"If/IN I/PRP was/VBD you,/JJ honey,"/NN Madge/NNP suggested/VBD in/IN her/PRP$ blunt/JJ and/CC worldly/RB fashion,/JJ "I'd/'' tell/VBP 'em/PRP all/PDT to/TO go/VB to/TO blazes./DT Who/WP cares/VBZ what/WP they/PRP think?/VBP You/PRP have/VBP your/PRP$ gringo/NN friends,/IN haven't/RB you?/JJ And/CC if/IN you/PRP ask/VBP me,/RP I'll/RB tell/VB you/PRP there/RB ain't/VBP a/DT woman/NN in/IN California/NNP too/RB good/JJ for/IN any/DT of/IN them--and/PRP$ that/WDT bet/VBP goes/VBZ for/IN the/DT little/JJ Chink,/NNP too./VBD "You/PRP listen/VB to/TO me,/VB dearie./NN I've/NN been/VBN about/IN this/DT world/NN at/IN least/JJS a/DT dog-watch/NN and/CC I/PRP know/VBP men./PRP When/WRB you/PRP find/VBP a/DT man/NN what/WP plays/VBZ the/DT game/NN on/IN the/DT level/NN you/PRP tie/VB to/TO him;/NNS but/CC pass/NN by/IN them/PRP that/IN feels/VBZ sorry/JJ for/IN themselves,/PRP the/DT kind/NN that's/RB got/VBD a/DT thousand/CD excuses/NNS for/IN every/DT cold/JJ hand/NN they/PRP deal/VBP you./PRP "Take/VB for/IN instance/NN the/DT young/JJ California/NNP fellers/NNS you/PRP been/VBN brought/VBN up/RP with./DT They/PRP won't/VBD work/NN and/CC they/PRP don't/RB want/VBP to/TO learn./VB They're/DT peacocks,/NN that's/IN what/WP they/PRP are./VBP While/IN they're/DT trying/VBG to/TO win/VB a/DT girl/NN they'll/MD roll/VB around/RB at/IN her/PRP$ feet/NNS like/IN a/DT poodle/NN pup,/NN do/VBP anything/NN she/PRP asks/VBZ them/PRP to/TO do/VB and/CC tell/VB her/PRP$ their/PRP$ love/NN is/VBZ so/RB great/JJ they/PRP can't/MD refuse./VB They're/PRP all/DT for/IN love./NN "But/IN the/DT day/NN after/IN you/PRP marry/VBP one/CD o'/IN them/PRP you/PRP findout/RB who's/. boss./. You/PRP been/VBN walking/VBG a/DT chalk-line/NN for/IN men/NNS all/DT your/PRP$ life,/NN dearie,/NN but/CC I/PRP haven't./VBD I'm/NNP free./. But/CC I/PRP don't/VBP like/IN it,/DT dearie./NN All/DT I'm/NNP hoping/VBG is/VBZ that/IN some/DT day/NN I/PRP can/MD surrender/VB my/PRP$ freedom/NN to/TO some/DT brute/NN of/IN a/DT man/NN that's/IN all/DT man/NN and/CC never/RB pretends/VBZ I'm/PRP going/VBG to/TO be/VB the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT house./NN "You/PRP take/VBP my/PRP$ tip,/NN dearie,/NN and/CC marry/VB the/DT man/NN that/WDT tells/VBZ you,/PRP in/IN the/DT same/JJ breath/NN he/PRP asks/VBZ you/PRP to/TO marry/VB him,/NN that/IN he/PRP intends/VBZ to/TO run/VB the/DT partnership/NN for/IN the/DT best/JJS interests/NNS of/IN the/DT partnership/NN and/CC not/RB merely/RB to/TO hold/VB onto/IN your/PRP$ love./NN Love/NN that's/WDT got/VBD to/TO be/VB held/VBN onto/IN ain't/NN worth/JJ holding./. Them's/. my/PRP$ sentiments."Josepha/NN stared/VBD at/IN her,/PRP torn/VBN between/IN bewilderment/NN and/CC a/DT desire/NN to/TO laugh./NN "Which/NNP reminds/VBZ me/PRP of/IN another/DT piece/NN of/IN advice/NN I'll/CC give/VB you,/PRP Se$orita/NNP Guerrero,"/NNPS Madge/NNP finished./VBD "Don't/RB you/PRP never/RB marry/VB a/DT man/NN that/WDT can/MD throw/VB your/PRP$ past/NN up/RP to/TO you./PRP Keep/VB your/PRP$ independence.""You/NNS chattering/VBG magpie,/NN she/PRP hasn't/VBP any/DT past,"/NN the/DT Bart/NNP roared./NNP "And/CC you're/VB talking/VBG revolution/NN and/CC treason."/NN He/PRP turned/VBD to/TO Josepha./NNP "Will/VB you/PRP take/VB me/PRP out/RP for/IN a/DT little/JJ walk,/NN my/PRP$ dear?/NN If/IN I/PRP stay/VBP here/RB listening/VBG to/TO this/DT hussy,/NN Madge,/NNP I'll/NNP not/RB be/VB responsible/JJ for/IN what/WP I/PRP say.""Surely,/VBP se$or/JJ doctor."/NN Josepha/NNP took/VBD his/PRP$ arm/NN and/CC led/VBD him/PRP out/IN into/IN the/DT sunlight,/NN leaving/VBG D'Arcy/NNP alone/RB with/IN Madge./NNP "Do/IN you/PRP think/VBP the/DT Bart/NNP really/RB wants/VBZ to/TO go/VB up/RP to/TO his/PRP$ old/JJ claim/NN with/IN Mr./NNP Poppy?''/NNP Madge/NNP asked/VBD him./PRP "Yes,/IN I/PRP do./VBD There's/RB a/DT queer/JJ friendship/NN existing/VBG between/IN those/DT two--the/JJ sort/NN of/IN friendship/NN that/IN men/NNS of/IN opposite/JJ mental/JJ habits/NNS sometimes/RB have/VBP for/IN each/DT other./NNP Deep/NNP down/RB in/IN Poppy's/NNP shredded/VBD soul/NN the/DT spirit/NN of/IN self-sacrifice/NN is/VBZ burgeoning;/VBG he/PRP feels/VBZ it/PRP his/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO care/VB for/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP And/CC Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP knows/VBZ it,/VBN knowsthat/IN his/PRP$ presence/NN will/MD have/VB a/DT beneficial/JJ effect/NN on/IN Mr./NNP Poppy--hold/NNP him/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ true/JJ course,/NN as/IN it/PRP were./VBD Of/IN course,/NN whatever/WDT happens,/VB I/PRP shall/MD see/VB to/TO it/PRP that/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP wants/VBZ for/IN nothing./DT And/CC I/PRP shall/MD not/RB be/VB giving/VBG charity./DT The/DT Bart/NNP has/VBZ paid/VBN his/PRP$ way./NN I/PRP have/VBP met/VBN some/DT men/NNS in/IN my/PRP$ time/NN but/CC never/RB a/DT man/NN like/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP And,"/NNP he/PRP added,/VBD "never/RB two/CD women/NNS like/IN you/PRP and/CC Se$orita/NNP Guerrero./NNP How/WRB she/PRP escaped/VBD contagion/NN is/VBZ a/DT miracle.""God/NN looks/VBZ after/IN her/PRP$ kind,/NN Dermod./NNP Did/VBD you/PRP know/VB she/PRP is/VBZ in/IN love/NN with/IN you?""Do/PRP you/PRP think/VBP so?"/RB he/PRP replied/VBD guardedly./VBG "That's/RB interesting.""Don't/RB try/VB to/TO dissemble/VB with/IN me,"/NNS the/DT worldling/NN charged/VBD sharply./RP "No/DT man/NN can/MD fool/VB an/DT intelligent/JJ woman./NN You're/RB in/IN love/NN with/IN her,/PRP too.""Not/RB to/TO love/VB her/PRP would/MD border/NN on/IN sacrilege.""Not/NN to/TO marry/VB her/PRP would/MD be/VB a/DT crime,/NN Brother/IN Dermod.""I/NNP am/VBP not/RB yet/RB ready/JJ to/TO marry/VB and/CC neither/DT is/VBZ she./DT We'll/NNP leave/VBP that/DT matter/NN in/IN the/DT lap/NN of/IN the/DT gods,/NN if/IN you/PRP please,/VBP Madge.""Oh,/NNP I/PRP didn't/VBD intend/VB to/TO be/VB presuming./, I/PRP thought/VBD perhaps/RB you/PRP might/MD not/RB know/VB how/WRB she/PRP feels/VBZ about/IN it.""How/PRP do/VBP you/PRP know/VB how/WRB she/PRP feels/VBZ about/IN it?/PRP Has/VBZ she/PRP given/VBN you/PRP her/PRP$ confidence?""Lord/JJ love/NN you,/NNP no!/, What/WP a/DT silly/JJ boy/NN you/PRP are!/VBP I've/NN seen/VBN her/PRP looking/VBG at/IN you/PRP when/WRB your/PRP$ back/NN was/VBD turned.""Oh!"Madge/NN saw/VBD that/IN he/PRP was/VBD not/RB disposed/VBN to/TO pursue/VB the/DT subject/NN further/RB and,/RB womanlike,/VB the/DT knowledge/NN irritated/VBD her./PRP "You're/VB a/DT fine/JJ lad,/NN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP but/CC you're/NNP cold,"/JJS she/PRP accused./VBZ "Yes,/IN you/PRP are./VBP You're/PRP cold.""I'm/JJ not./NN I've/NN asked/VBD Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP to/TO marry/VB me,/NN and/CC the/DT suggestion/NN has/VBZ not/RB been/VBN pleasing/VBG to/TO her--for/POS a/DT number/NN of/IN reasons/NNS of/IN which/WDT I/PRP am/VBP aware/JJ and/CC with/IN which/WDT I/PRP can/MD sympathize.""Ah,/VB so/RB that's/IN the/DT way/NN the/DT wind/NN blows./VBD Well,/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP let/VB me/PRP tell/VB you/PRP something./RB I/PRP know/VBP men./PRP I'm/IN a/DT woman/NN of/IN the/DT world/NN and/CC I/PRP know/VBP women,/NNS too./TO Don't/NNP listen/VB to/TO her./PRP Rush/IN her/PRP off/RP her/PRP$ feet./NN She's/NNP dying/VBG to/TO be/VB rushed.""All/JJ in/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ time,/NN my/PRP$ dear.""Bah!/JJ You're/NNP positively/RB disgusting.""Well,/JJ I'm/NN riding/VBG home/NN with/IN her/PRP$ tomorrow,/NN am/VBP I/PRP not?""So/RB I/PRP understand./VBD Well,/PRP see/VB to/TO it/PRP that/IN you/PRP return/VBP an/DT engaged/VBN man.""And/NN if/IN I/PRP do/VBP not?""I'll/RB be/VB tempted/VBN to/TO poison/NN you!"He/PRP smiled/VBD at/IN her/PRP$ mischievously./NN "Did/VBD you/PRP know/VBP that/IN Mr./NNP B./NNP Jabez/NNP Harmon/NNP is/VBZ head/NN over/IN heels/NNS in/IN love/NN with/IN you?""Lord,/NNP no!/RB The/DT poor/JJ silly!/NN How/WRB do/VBP you/PRP know?""I've/VB seen/VBN him/PRP looking/VBG at/IN you/PRP when/WRB your/PRP$ back/NN was/VBD turned.""Of/IN all/DT things!/NNS Well,/NNP Bejabers/NNP is/VBZ a/DT dear/JJ man,/NN but/CC when/WRB it/PRP comes/VBZ to/TO picking/VBG a/DT wife/NN he's/NN not/RB the/DT sort/NN of/IN man/NN to/TO choose/VB the/DT like/JJ o'/IN me.""You/PRP think,/VBP then,/, that/IN Bejabers's/NNP wife/NN must/MD be/VB like/IN Caesar's--above/JJ suspicion?/NN Well,/NNP perhaps!/. But/CC somehow,/RB knowing/VBG Bejabers/NNP as/IN I/PRP know/VBP him,/PRP I/PRP have/VBP a/DT suspicion/NN he/PRP thinks/VBZ you/PRP are/VBP above/IN suspicion./NN Rather/RB an/DT understanding/NN person,/NN Bejabers!/IN What/WP do/VBP you/PRP think/VB of/IN him,/NN Madge?""He's/NNP all/DT man./NN He'd/. be/VB faithful.""Well,/RB he's/JJ dying/VBG to/TO be/VB rushed/VBN off/RP his/PRP$ feet./NN Hasn't/IN he/PRP asked/VBD you/PRP to/TO marry/VB him?""He/PRP did--the/. first/JJ day/NN I/PRP arrived/VBD in/IN camp./NN Then,/RB when/WRB he/PRP learned/VBD about/IN Feather/NNP River/NNP Henry--he/NNP changed/VBD his/PRP$ mind."/NNS The/DT girl's/NNS face/NN flushed/VBN painfully/RB and/CC in/IN her/PRP$ friendly/JJ eyes/NNS D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD a/DT hint/NN of/IN deep/JJ emotion./NN "I/NN could/MD be/VB a/DT good/JJ wife/NN to/TO Bejabers,"/NNP she/PRP admitted/VBD presently,/NNS "but/CC I'll/NNP not/RB marry/VB him./PRP It/PRP wouldn't/MD be/VB fair/JJ to/TO him./PRP Somebody/NN would/MD always/RB be/VB remembering/VBG me--and/JJ Bejabers/NNS would/MD not/RB be/VB likely/JJ to/TO forget./VB I/PRP shouldn't/MD like/VB any/DT man/NN to/TO take/VB me/PRP on/IN probation."D'Arcy's/NNS hand/NN closed/VBD over/IN hers./PRP "Madge,/IN I'd/NNP rather/RB have/VBP a/DT woman/NN like/IN you/PRP to/TO wife/NN than/IN any/DT number/NN of/IN fine/JJ women/NNS with/IN a/DT clean/JJ but/CC untried/JJ past./NN Whatever/WDT sin/NN you/PRP have/VBP committed/VBN against/IN puritanic/JJ society/NN is/VBZ a/DT small/JJ thing/NN compared/VBN with/IN what/WP you/PRP have/VBP done/VBN for/IN that/DT same/JJ society./NN And/CC Bejabers/NNP is/VBZ no/DT angel./NN He's/. as/IN free/JJ of/IN religious/JJ sentiment/NN as/IN a/DT wild/JJ horse,/NN but/CC he/PRP has/VBZ a/DT man's/JJ code./NN He's/IN no/DT mealy-mouthed/JJ hypocrite/NN and/CC he/PRP uses/VBZ his/PRP$ head/NN entirely/RB for/IN thinking./DT I'd/NNP consider/VBP him/PRP very/RB seriously/RB if/IN I/PRP were/VBD you,/JJ Madge.""I/NNP wouldn't/MD encourage/VB him/PRP for/IN all/DT the/DT gold/NN in/IN California.""Well,/NNP have/VBP it/PRP your/PRP$ own/JJ way./NN I/PRP thought/VBD I/PRP should/MD mention/VB the/DT matter,/NN however,/RB because/IN on/IN occasion/NN I/PRP have/VBP surprised/VBN something/NN in/IN your/PRP$ eyes/NNS when/WRB you/PRP looked/VBD at/IN Bejabers.""Bejabers/NNP is/VBZ your/PRP$ friend/NN and/CC partner./NN Would/MD you/PRP be/VB glad/JJ to/TO see/VB him/PRP married/VBN to/TO me?""Of/PRP course/NN I/PRP would./MD You're/VB one/CD of/IN the/DT two/CD finest/JJS women/NNS in/IN the/DT world.""You/NNS really/RB mean/VBP that,/DT Dermod?"He/NNP came/VBD over/IN to/TO her,/PRP put/VBD his/PRP$ arm/NN around/IN her/PRP and/CC kissed/VBD her./PRP "Dear/JJ sister/NN o'/IN mine,"/PRP he/PRP whispered,/MD "you/RB have/VB a/DT right/JJ to/TO happiness./VB Take/VB it!"And/CC then/RB he/PRP took/VBD a/DT can/NN of/IN coal-oil,/NN walked/VBD over/IN to/TO the/DT old/JJ isolation/NN camp,/NN drenched/VBD the/DT walls/NNS and/CC set/VBN itafire./PRP Presently/RB Bejabers/NNP joined/VBD him./PRP The/DT little/JJ man/NN was/VBD in/IN a/DT solemn/JJ mood./NN "I/NN looked/VBD in/IN at/IN the/DT cabin/NN a/DT few/JJ minutes/NNS ago,/RB and/CC Madge/NNP was/VBD a-settin'/NN there/RB cryin'./VBD I/PRP wonder/VBP what's/WP up,/RB Dermod.""She/NNP thinks/VBZ you/PRP dislike/VBP her.""Ain't/PRP that/IN just/RB like/IN a/DT woman?/NN Why,/IN boy,/NN I/PRP ain't/VBP fit/VBN to/TO set/VB at/IN the/DT same/JJ table/NN with/IN her!/PRP How/WRB do/VBP you/PRP know/VB she/PRP thinks/VBZ I/PRP don't/VBP like/IN her?""She/PRP mentioned/VBD something/NN to/TO that/DT effect/NN to/TO me/PRP recently./, I/PRP assured/VBD her/PRP$ she/PRP was/VBD mistaken;/VBN that/IN not/RB only/RB did/VBD you/PRP like/IN her/PRP but/CC that/IN you/PRP loved/VBD her./PRP I/PRP gave/VBD her/PRP to/TO understand/VB we/PRP all/DT loved/VBD her/PRP like/IN a/DT sister.""Well,/NN you/PRP were/VBD wrong/JJ as/RB far/RB as/IN I'm/NNP concerned./VBD This/DT sister/JJ love/NN don't/VBN go/VB in/IN the/DT Harmon/NNP family./NN Me,/IN I/PRP think/VBP Madge/NNP comes/VBZ dog-gone/RB close/JJ to/TO bein'/VB a/DT hundred/CD and/CC fifty/CD percent/NN fine.""And/NN yet,/RB three/CD months/NNS ago,/IN you/PRP got/VBD drunk/JJ to/TO hide/VB your/PRP$ grief/NN when/WRB you/PRP discovered/VBD your/PRP$ idol/NN had/VBD feet/NNS of/IN clay./NN I/PRP remember/VBP how/WRB you/PRP came/VBD rolling/VBG in/IN one/CD night/NN and/CC told/VBD us/PRP all/DT she/PRP wasn't/VBD a/DT lady."Bejabers/NNS squirmed,/RB mentally/RB and/CC physically./RB "But/IN you/PRP got/VBD to/TO admit/VB I/PRP also/RB said/VBD she'd/PRP been/VBN a/DT lady/NN oncet,"/IN he/PRP protested./VBD "And/NNP that's/IN a/DT good/JJ sound/NN reason/NN why/WRB she/PRP can/MD be/VB a/DT lady/NN ag'in,/IN ain't/NN it?""I/PRP have/VBP never/RB decried/VBN the/DT lady's/NN character,/NN Bejabers."Bejabers/NNP sat/VBD down/RP on/IN an/DT adjacent/JJ stump./NN "Dog/NNP my/PRP$ cats,"/NN he/PRP confessed,/VBD "a/DT feller/NN might/MD do/VB worse/JJR than/IN marry/VB Madge.""If/NNP he/PRP wasn't/VBD afraid/JJ that/IN in/IN days/NNS to/TO come/VB some/DT low/JJ brute/NN of/IN a/DT man/NN who/WP knew/VBD her/PRP here/RB three/CD months/NNS ago/RB would/MD have/VB a/DT good/JJ time/NN telling/VBG your/PRP$ friends/NNS about/IN her.""Who/PRP said/VBD I/PRP was/VBD goin'/VBG to/TO marry/VB her?/PRP I/PRP said/VBD a/DT feller.""You're/NN a/DT dear/JJ jackass,/NN Bejabers.""Now/NNP look/NN here,/RB son./. You're/PRP closer'n/VB a/DT brother/NN to/TO me./PRP Would/MD it/PRP sort/VB o'/RB cramp/VB your/PRP$ friendship/NN for/IN me/PRP if/IN I/PRP was/VBD to/TO proposition/NN Madge?""I/NNP refuse/NN to/TO answer/VB that/DT question./NN Ask/VB Madge/NNP to/TO answer/VB it,/RB and/CC whatever/WDT she/PRP tells/VBZ you/PRP will/MD be/VB the/DT right/JJ answer.''"Oh,/NN I/PRP ain't/VBP in/IN no/DT particular/JJ hurry,/NN Dermod.""Then/NNP McCready/NNP or/CC Judson/NNP are/VBP both/DT liable/JJ to/TO propose/VB to/TO her./PRP She/PRP has/VBZ the/DT utmost/JJ respect/NN for/IN them,/NN and/CC you/PRP know/VBP how/WRB it/PRP is/VBZ in/IN California/NNP these/DT days./NN Almost/RB any/DT kind/NN of/IN woman/NN can/MD have/VB almost/RB any/DT kind/NN of/IN man/NN for/IN the/DT taking./NN I/PRP wouldn't/MD delay/VB if/IN I/PRP were/VBD you."Bejabers/NNP was/VBD nothing/NN if/IN not/RB a/DT man/NN of/IN action./NN He/PRP rose/VBD from/IN the/DT stump/NN and/CC hurried/VBD down/RB to/TO the/DT cabin./NN In/IN about/RB half/PDT an/DT hour/NN he/PRP returned/VBD and/CC found/VBD D'Arcy/NNP still/RB watching/VBG the/DT embers/NNS of/IN the/DT fire./NN Without/IN a/DT word/NN he/PRP walked/VBD up/RB to/TO his/PRP$ friend/NN and/CC thrust/VB out/RP a/DT horny/NN hand./VBN In/IN equal/JJ silence/NN D'Arcy/NNP shook/VBD it,/, and/CC Bejabers/NNP resumed/VBD his/PRP$ seat/NN on/IN the/DT stump./NN Presently/RB he/PRP said:"Sort/VBD o'/IN looks/NNS like/IN we'd/NN ought/MD to/TO be/VB able/JJ to/TO start/VB minin'/NN ag'in/NN in/IN a/DT few/JJ days."/NNS He/PRP glanced/VBD around/IN him,/PRP and/CC added:/VB "The/DT spring's/NNS sure/JJ pretty,/NN Dermod--more/NNP particular/JJ after/IN the/DT sort/NN o'/IN winter/NN we/PRP been/VBN through./DT Today's/NNP the/DT first/JJ time/NN I've/NN felt/VBD I/PRP ain't/VBP been/VBN camped/VBN in/IN a/DT graveyard./NN Yah-yah-yah--ya-hooooooooo!/NN I'm/IN the/DT Queen/NNP of/IN the/DT May./NNP Me/NNP and/CC Madge/NNP is/VBZ off/RB to/TO Sacramento/NNP in/IN the/DT morning/NN to/TO git/VB hitched,/NN and/CC I/PRP hope/VBP to/TO tell/VB you,/PRP boy,/NN we're/VBD sure/JJ goin'/NN to/TO roll/VB 'em/PRP high,/RB wide/JJ and/CC handsome/JJ on/IN our/PRP$ honeymoon!""On/NN your/PRP$ way/NN down/IN to/TO Sacramento/NNP tomorrow/NN with/IN Madge"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP suggested,/VBD "you/PRP might/MD escort/VB Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP home./NN You'll/RB be/VB putting/VBG up/RP for/IN the/DT night/NN there,/, anyhow.""Hell's/RB bells!/IN Madge/NNP expects/VBZ her/PRP to/TO be/VB the/DT bridesmaid/NN and/CC I/PRP was/VBD figgerin'/VBN on/IN havin'/NN you/PRP for/IN best/JJS man.""Thanks./JJ That/DT suggestion/NN does/VBZ credit/NN to/TO your/PRP$ sentiment,/NN Bejabers,/CC but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ scarcely/RB practical./NN I/PRP suggest/VBP that/IN you/PRP be/VB married/VBN quietly/RB and/CC go/VB away/RB on/IN your/PRP$ honeymoon,/NN while/IN I/PRP remain/VBP here/RB to/TO build/VB you/PRP a/DT home/NN and/CC have/VBP it/PRP furnished/VBN and/CC quite/RB ready/JJ for/IN you/PRP and/CC Madge/NNP to/TO occupy/VB upon/IN your/PRP$ return./NN "I'm/NN going/VBG to/TO burn/VB all/PDT the/DT buildings/NNS still/RB standing/VBG in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP tomorrow,/, together/RB with/IN their/PRP$ contents./NN The/DT sunlight/NN is/VBZ nature's/JJ great/JJ disinfectant/NN but/CC the/DT Bart/NNP tells/VBZ me/PRP germs/NNS will/MD live/VB indefinitely/RB in/IN dark,/NN damp/JJ corners/NNS of/IN rooms,/NN so/RB in/IN order/NN to/TO provide/VB against/IN a/DT recrudescence/NN of/IN smallpox/JJ Happy/NNP Camp/NNP must/MD be/VB destroyed/VBN and/CC rebuilt./VBG "Then,/RB too,/, I/PRP have/VBP the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP to/TO get/VB settled/VBN on/IN their/PRP$ claims./NN You/PRP understand,/VBP do/VB you/PRP not,/RB Bejabers?/NNP Please/RB be/VB married/VBN quietly,/RB without/IN the/DT usual/JJ trimmings./NN I'll/NN swim/NN a/DT bloody/JJ river/NN for/IN you/PRP but/CC I'll/NNP not/RB be/VB in/IN attendance/NN at/IN your/PRP$ wedding/NN with/IN Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP present./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB embarrassing/VBG to/TO us/PRP both.""All/DT right./NN You/PRP win,/VBP son./. But/CC what/WP gravels/VBZ me/PRP is/VBZ this:/DT ain't/NN you/PRP figurin'/NN on/IN ever/RB makin'/VBN any/DT headway/NN with/IN that/DT Guerrero/NNP girl?""The/NNP answer/NN to/TO your/PRP$ question/NN is:/IN I/PRP traded/VBD her/PRP$ love/NN and/CC her/PRP$ voluntary/JJ surrender/NN to/TO me/PRP for/IN the/DT privilege/NN of/IN hanging/VBG her/PRP$ scoundrel/NN of/IN a/DT half-brother./JJ And/CC the/DT day/NN I/PRP did/VBD that/IN I/PRP cast/VBD my/PRP$ bright/JJ day-dreams/NNS behind/IN me."Bejabers's/JJ simple/NN and/CC direct/JJ soul/NN was/VBD still/RB in/IN a/DT state/NN of/IN bewilderment./VBG "But/IN how/WRB could/MD you/PRP give/VB her/PRP up,/IN son,/NN after/IN seeing/VBG the/DT way/NN she/PRP played/VBD the/DT game/NN with/IN us?/NNP With/IN nary/PDT a/DT vaccination/NN and/CC with/IN no/DT more/JJR chance/NN for/IN her/PRP$ life/NN than/IN a/DT one-legged/JJ white/JJ man/NN at/IN an/DT Indian/JJ war-dance,/NN she/PRP puts/VBZ her/PRP$ shoulder/NN to/TO the/DT wheel/NN and/CC asks/VBZ no/DT odds/NNS of/IN anybody./DT However,/NNP it's/POS your/PRP$ business,/NN son./NN You/PRP got/VBD that/DT old/JJ tin/NN flute/NN yet?""It's/RB down/RB at/IN the/DT cabin.""Then/NN let's/NNS go/VBP down/RB to/TO the/DT cabin./NN I/PRP want/VBP you/PRP to/TO play/VB me/PRP something/NN sort/RB o'/IN soft/JJ and/CC sad/JJ and/CC wailin'-like./JJ Seems/NNS as/IN if/IN this/DT here/RB spring's/VBZ made/VBN me/PRP feel/VB more/RBR meller/NN than/IN usual."/JJ IN/IN the/DT morning/NN D'Arcy/NNP groomed/NNP and/CC saddled/VBD the/DT mare/NN Kitty,/NNP now/RB thin/JJ and/CC long/JJ of/IN coat/NN following/VBG a/DT winter/NN of/IN short/JJ feed/NN and/CC enforced/VBN neglect./NN When/WRB he/PRP mounted/VBD her/PRP and/CC rode/VBD her/PRP around/IN the/DT camp,/NN she/PRP was/VBD no/RB longer/RB the/DT airy/JJ prancing/NN horse/NN of/IN other/JJ days,/NN and/CC D'Arcy/NNP concluded/VBD Josepha/NNP might/MD be/VB trusted/VBN to/TO ride/VB the/DT mare/NN home/NN in/IN safety./NN So/IN he/PRP rode/VBD Kitty/NNP around/IN to/TO the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP where/WRB Madge/NNP and/CC Josepha/NNP dwelt,/VBP guests/NNS without/IN a/DT host,/NN and/CC here/RB he/PRP found/VBD Bejabers/NNP loading/VBG a/DT pack-mule/NN with/IN baggage,/NN while/IN two/CD saddled/JJ horses/NNS were/VBD tied/VBN to/TO the/DT hitching-rack/NN in/IN front./DT Josepha/NNP came/VBD out/RP first./RB Throughout/IN her/PRP$ stay/NN in/IN camp/NN she/PRP had/VBD worn/VBN clothing/NN supplied/VBN by/IN Madge/NNP from/IN her/PRP$ own/JJ generous/JJ stock,/NN but/CC this/DT morning/NN she/PRP had/VBD donned/VBN again/RB the/DT black/JJ velvet/NN riding-habit/NN and/CC the/DT wide-brimmed/JJ red/JJ vicugna-wool/NN hat/NN she/PRP had/VBD worn/VBN on/IN that/DT dreadful/JJ day/NN when/WRB the/DT quarantine/NN closed/VBD in/IN behind/RB her./PRP She/PRP wore/VBD beautiful/JJ black/JJ calfskin/NN boots,/NN on/IN the/DT heels/NNS of/IN which/WDT little/JJ silver/NN spurs/VBZ tinkled/VBN as/IN she/PRP walked;/VBD tucked/VBN in/IN her/PRP$ belt/NN was/VBD a/DT pair/NN of/IN white/JJ fringed/JJ buckskin/NN gauntlets/NNS of/IN Indian/NNP workmanship./VBD She/PRP had/VBD grown/VBN very/RB thin/JJ under/IN the/DT strain/NN to/TO which/WDT she/PRP had/VBD so/RB gallantly/RB subjected/VBN herself;/PRP D'Arcy/NNP noted/VBD the/DT deep/JJ shadows/NNS under/IN her/PRP eyes,/RB the/DT ivory/NN paleness/NN of/IN her/PRP$ face,/NN and/CC the/DT consequently/RB enhanced/JJ brilliance/NN of/IN her/PRP$ eyes./NN He/PRP lifted/VBD his/PRP$ battered/JJ old/JJ hat./NN "I/NNS have/VBP brought/VBN Kitty/NNP to/TO you,"/VB he/PRP informed/VBD her./PRP "She,/RB like/IN yourself,/PRP is/VBZ thin/JJ and/CC worn/JJ and/CC tired./VBN She/PRP should/MD be/VB given/VBN grain/NN when/WRB you/PRP reach/VBP home./NN Bejabers/NNS and/CC Madge/NNP will/MD ridewith/VB you,/JJ Josepha,/NNP and/CC see/VB you/PRP safely/RB to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico.""You/NNP do/VBP not/RB ride/VB with/IN us,/NNS Don/NNP Dermod?""No,/NNP I/PRP have/VBP much/RB to/TO do/VB here."She/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT side/NN of/IN the/DT mare/NN and/CC placed/VBD her/PRP$ little/JJ left/JJ foot/NN in/IN the/DT hand/NN he/PRP proffered./VBD He/PRP lifted/VBD her/PRP gently/RB into/IN the/DT side/NN saddle,/NN and/CC when/WRB she/PRP had/VBD arranged/VBN her/PRP skirts,/NN she/PRP sat/VBD looking/VBG gravely/RB down/IN at/IN him./PRP "You/PRP will/MD be/VB happy/JJ to/TO leave/VB this/DT dreary,/NN dreadful/NN spot,"/NN he/PRP suggested,/VBD to/TO bridge/VB an/DT embarrassing/JJ silence./NN "I/NNS have/VBP not/RB been/VBN unhappy/JJ here./PRP Never/RB before/RB had/VBD I/PRP worked,/VBD never/RB had/VBD I/PRP been/VBN called/VBN upon/IN to/TO give/VB thought/VBN to/TO the/DT sufferings/NNS of/IN others--so/JJ the/DT unusual/JJ experience/NN was/VBD a/DT novelty./NN Never/RB had/VBD I/PRP met/VBD or/CC lived/VBD on/IN terms/NNS of/IN intimacy/NN and/CC comradeship/NN with/IN a/DT woman/NN like/IN Madge;/NNP in/IN all/PDT the/DT world/NN there/RB could/MD not/RB exist/VB one/CD so/RB noble,/JJ so/IN uncomplaining/JJ and/CC so/RB brave/JJ as/IN that/DT Irish/JJ doctor;/NN while/IN his/PRP$ affliction/NN saddens/VBZ me,/JJ his/PRP$ mighty/JJ humor/NN makes/VBZ me/PRP forget/VB I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN saddened/VBN by/IN him./NN I/PRP have/VBP learned/VBN much/RB about/IN the/DT gringo/NN that/WDT is/VBZ a/DT closed/JJ book/NN to/TO my/PRP$ people/NNS and/CC I/PRP am/VBP pleased/VBN with/IN what/WP I/PRP have/VBP learned.""That/NN is/VBZ comforting./, I/PRP know/VBP of/IN one/CD gringo/NN who/WP values/VBZ your/PRP$ good/JJ opinion/NN greatly./, Perhaps/RB you/PRP will/MD tell/VB him/PRP which/WDT of/IN our/PRP$ strange/JJ characteristics/NNS impressed/VBD you/PRP most.""The/RB gringo/VBP you/PRP refer/VBP to/TO is/VBZ ruthless./NNP He/PRP takes/VBZ what/WP he/PRP can/MD and/CC holds/VBZ it/PRP while/IN he/PRP may./VBD But/CC he/PRP is,/VBZ most/RBS of/IN all,/DT ruthless/JJ with/IN himself./PRP In/IN him/PRP there/RB is/VBZ no/DT self-pity/NN but/CC a/DT very/RB great/JJ pity/NN for/IN the/DT helpless./NN He/PRP has/VBZ a/DT vast/JJ pride/NN in/IN the/DT correct/JJ consummation/NN of/IN great/JJ things;/JJ little/JJ things/NNS he/PRP scorns/VBZ and/CC despises./VBZ He/PRP seasons/NNS his/PRP$ life/NN with/IN victory/NN as/IN one/CD seasons/NNS a/DT steak/NN with/IN salt./NN "He/NN can/MD feel/VB deeply--love/JJ deeply--but/CC he/PRP hides,/VBD as/RB bashful/JJ as/IN a/DT nun,/NN behind/IN his/PRP$ finer/NN feelings./VBD And/CC he/PRP does/VBZ not/RB run/VB from/IN the/DT fight,/NN preferring/VBG honorable/JJ de-feat/NN to/TO dishonorable/JJ flight./NN ./. ./. ./. Yes,/RB I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP know/VBP that/IN gringo/NN better/RB than/IN I/PRP did/VBD before/IN I/PRP came/VBD to/TO Happy/NNP Camp."He/NNP gazed/VBD up/RP at/IN her/PRP$ with/IN boyish/NN eagerness./, "Do/RB you/PRP like/VBP this/DT particular/JJ gringo/NN more/RBR than/IN you/PRP once/RB did?"She/RB shook/VBD her/PRP$ head./NN "That/NN would/MD be/VB impossible,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod./NNP But/CC I/PRP have/VBP great/JJ respect/NN for/IN him./PRP He/PRP has/VBZ faults,/JJ but/CC they/PRP are/VBP not/RB the/DT faults/NNS of/IN a/DT weak/JJ man./NN It/PRP is/VBZ too/RB bad/JJ he/PRP hanged/VBD my/PRP$ brother,/NN Don/NNP Dermod.""I/NNP have/VBP no/DT regret/NN for/IN that/DT act,"/NN he/PRP retorted/VBD fiercely./, "You/PRP should/MD be/VB grateful/JJ to/TO me/PRP for/IN ridding/VBG the/DT world/NN of/IN a/DT venomous/JJ reptile,/NN for/IN ridding/VBG you/PRP of/IN a/DT relative/JJ who,/NN had/VBD he/PRP lived,/VB would/MD even/RB now/RB be/VB busy/JJ gambling/NN with/IN your/PRP$ patrimony.""If/NN today/NN were/VBD that/DT day/NN you/PRP rode/VBD from/IN my/PRP$ father's/NN door/NN with/IN the/DT body/NN of/IN Romauldo/NNP across/IN your/PRP$ saddle,/NN and/CC if/IN today/NN you/PRP could/MD listen/VB again/RB to/TO the/DT offer/NN I/PRP made/VBD you/PRP in/IN return/NN for/IN the/DT surrender/NN of/IN that/DT misguided/JJ boy--would/NN you/PRP listen/VBP to/TO me,/VB Don/NNP Dermod?""No!"/NNP He/PRP spoke/VBD the/DT word/NN almost/RB savagely./VBD "I/JJ place/NN my/PRP$ duty/NN to/TO society/NN far/RB above/IN my/PRP$ own/JJ happiness.""But/NN have/VBP you/PRP not/RB been/VBN unhappy/JJ since?""Sacrifices/NNS that/WDT involve/VBP a/DT man's/JJ happiness/NN are/VBP not/RB lightly/RB made/VBN or/CC lightly/RB forgotten./, I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN unhappy,/JJ but--I/CC shall/MD in/IN time/NN recover.""And/NN forget?""No,/IN I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP shall/MD always/RB remember.""And/VB regret--ah,/NN just/RB a/DT little,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod?""A/NNP very/RB great/JJ deal./NN I/PRP am/VBP human,/JJ Josepha./NNP But/CC I/PRP shall/MD never/RB be/VB sorry/JJ for/IN myself,/PRP never/RB regret/VBP that/IN I/PRP ruined/VBN my/PRP$ own/JJ happiness,/NN because/IN I/PRP would/MD rather/RB be/VB an/DT unhappy/JJ man/NN than/IN a/DT weak/JJ one./, I/PRP shall/MD always/RB grieve/VB in/IN the/DT knowledge/NN that/IN I/PRP have/VBP lost/VBN you.""You/PRP will/MD come/VB again,/RB in/IN time,/NN to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico?"He/NNP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "You/PRP will/MD not/RB come,/VB even/RB if/IN I/PRP send/VBP for/IN you?"/NNP she/PRP pleaded./VBD "I/PRP will/MD come/VB from/IN the/DT ends/NNS of/IN the/DT earth/NN to/TO do/VB you/PRP a/DT service.""You/NNS love/NN me,/NN then,/, Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy?""God/NNP help/NN me,/, I/PRP do.""Let/VBP us,/VBN then,/TO be/VB friends./JJR Yonder/IN come/VBN the/DT blind/JJ doctor/NN and/CC the/DT others./NNP They/PRP come,/VBP I/PRP think,/VBP to/TO bid/VB me/PRP farewell."They/RB did./VBD One/CD by/IN one/CD they/PRP shook/VBD her/PRP$ hand,/NN thanked/VBD her/PRP in/IN their/PRP$ curious/JJ restrained/JJ way,/NN wished/VBD her/PRP$ luck./NN Only/RB the/DT two/CD killers,/NNS McCready/JJ and/CC Judson,/NNP went/VBD a/DT step/NN further./RBR "If/IN you/PRP ever/RB want/VBP some/DT skunk/NN dry-gulched,"/JJ Judson/NNP assured/VBD her/PRP earnestly,/MD "just/RB send/VB for/IN me.""You'll/NN split/NN that/IN contract/NN with/IN me,/JJ Jud,"/NNP McCready/NNP warned/VBD him/PRP jealously./VBG "What/RB do/VBP you/PRP mean--to/, dry-gulch/JJ a/DT skunk?"/NN Josepha/NNP queried./VBZ "Busted/VBN wide/JJ open--killed./NN Your/PRP$ enemies/NNS are/VBP ours,/JJ ma'am,"/JJ McCready/JJ explained./NN "Ah,/IN the/DT fierce/JJ ones!/NNS But/CC I/PRP understand/VBP and/CC I/PRP am/VBP very/RB grateful./JJR One/CD always/RB has/VBZ need/NN of/IN good/JJ friends--and/NN we/PRP have/VBP been/VBN a/DT sad/JJ big/JJ family/NN in/IN this/DT great/JJ misery./NN So/IN I/PRP love/VBP you/PRP all,/DT amigos/NNS m$os."/VBP To/TO Judson,/NNP Vilmont,/NNP and/CC McCready/NNP she/PRP administered/VBN a/DT gentle/JJ slap/NN on/IN each/DT leathery/NN cheek;/NN to/TO Jim/NNP Toy/NNP she/PRP gave/VBD a/DT friendly/JJ little/JJ tug/NN at/IN the/DT pigtail./NN "And/CC now,/RB thou/IN sweet,/JJ unselfish,/JJ uncomplaining/NN one,"/IN she/PRP continued,/VBP turning/VBG to/TO Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP and/CC addressing/VBG him/PRP in/IN Spanish,/NNP "come/NNP thou/VBD to/TO me."D'Arcy/PRP translated/VBN and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP moved/VBD toward/IN her,/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS outstretched/VBN before/IN him,/PRP his/PRP$ feet/NNS lifted/VBD unnaturally/RB high/JJ at/IN every/DT step,/NN after/IN the/DT manner/NN of/IN thenewly/RB blind./VBN Josepha/NNP leaned/VBD from/IN her/PRP$ saddle/NN and/CC took/VBD the/DT leonine/JJ old/JJ head/NN to/TO her/PRP$ breast;/NN thrice/NN she/PRP kissed/VBD the/DT sightless/JJ eyes/NNS and/CC murmured,/VB "Vaya/NNP usted/VBN con/RB Dios"--"Go/JJ you/PRP with/IN God!"/NNP Then/RB she/PRP straightened/VBD in/IN the/DT saddle/NN and/CC touched/VBD heel/NN to/TO her/PRP$ mare's/NNS flank./. But/CC Dermod/NNP D'Arcy's/NNP left/VBD hand/NN was/VBD on/IN her/PRP$ bridle/NN reins,/VBD his/PRP$ right/JJ upthrust/NN to/TO her./PRP$ "At/NN least,"/, he/PRP pleaded,/VBD "you/PRP might/MD say/VB farewell/NN to/TO a/DT friend."She/NN looked/VBD down/RB at/IN him/PRP through/IN eyes/NNS that/IN brimmed/VBN with/IN tears./DT "Ah,/RB thou/VBN stubborn/JJ one!/IN Thou/DT doer/NN of/IN deeds!/NN Thou/NNP leader/NN of/IN men!"/NNS He/PRP thrilled/VBD at/IN her/PRP$ use/NN of/IN the/DT solemn/JJ style,/NN in/IN Spanish/NNP so/IN variable/JJ in/IN its/PRP$ implications,/NNS so/RB strangely/RB beautiful/JJ when/WRB employed/VBN in/IN the/DT affectionate/JJ sense,/NN so/IN redolent/NN of/IN contempt/NN when/WRB employed/VBN toward/IN an/DT enemy./NN "Thou/RB too/RB art/NN blind,/RB even/RB as/IN this/DT poor/JJ one!"She/NNP extended/VBD her/PRP$ hand/NN and/CC he/PRP kissed/VBD it./PRP Then/RB Bejabers/NNP and/CC Madge/NNP mounted/VBD and/CC the/DT trio/NN rode/VBD off/RP down/IN the/DT trail./NN WHEN/WRB Bejabers/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ bride/NN returned/VBD to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP they/PRP discovered/VBD that/IN every/DT original/JJ building/NN had/VBD been/VBN burned,/VBN including/VBG the/DT cabin/NN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS had/VBD built/VBN in/IN the/DT summer/NN of/IN '48./PRP$ But/CC on/IN its/PRP$ ashes/NNS a/DT newer/JJR and/CC larger/JJR cabin/NN had/VBD been/VBN erected,/JJ and/CC hard/JJ by/IN it/PRP a/DT three-room/NN shanty/NN for/IN the/DT first/JJ married/JJ couple/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp./NNP The/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP were/VBD gone,/VBN having/VBG been/VBN helped/VBN over/IN the/DT trail/NN to/TO their/PRP$ claim/NN on/IN Hot/JJ Creek/NNP by/IN Judson/NNP and/CC McCready,/NNP who/WP had/VBD remained/VBN with/IN them/PRP a/DT week/NN to/TO erect/VB for/IN them/PRP a/DT suitable/JJ summer/NN camp./NN D'Arcy,/NNP Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP Vilmont,/NNP and/CC Francisco/NNP were/VBD again/RB busy/JJ washing/VBG the/DT auriferous/JJ gravel/NN through/IN the/DT long/JJ sluice./NN Bejabers/NNP brought/VBD with/IN him/PRP all/DT the/DT latest/JJS political/JJ news./NN The/DT legislature/NN was/VBD in/IN session,/NN order/NN was/VBD rapidly/RB coming/VBG out/IN of/IN chaos,/NN and/CC in/IN Sacramento/NNP there/EX had/VBD been/VBN some/DT squatter/NN troubles./NN Crime/NN was/VBD rampant;/JJ Bejabers/NNP told/VBD tales/NNS of/IN many/JJ hangings/NNS in/IN many/JJ camps./, But/CC the/DT ship/NN of/IN state/NN was/VBD going/VBG ahead/RB under/IN full/JJ sail/NN and/CC Bejabers/NNP was/VBD filled/VBN with/IN optimism/NN for/IN the/DT future./NN He/PRP and/CC Madge/NNP had/VBD had/VBN a/DT glorious/JJ honeymoon/NN and/CC had/VBD spent/VBN five/CD thousand/CD dollars./, Madge/NNP had/VBD a/DT diamond/NN engagement/NN ring,/NN and/CC Bejabers/NNP had/VBD brought/VBN back/RB with/IN him/PRP three/CD complete/JJ outfits/NNS of/IN clothing;/NN the/DT pair/NN were/VBD deliriously/RB happy./VBG For/IN a/DT month/NN they/PRP were/VBD alone/RB in/IN Happy/NNP Camp;/NNP then/RB a/DT few/JJ of/IN the/DT old-timers/NNS drifted/VBD back,/RB appropriated/VBN the/DT little/JJ deserted/JJ portable/JJ sawmill/NN and/CC commenced/JJ gettingout/IN lumber/NN for/IN new/JJ shanties./NN Soon/RB a/DT dozen/NN strangers/NNS came/VBD up/IN the/DT trail/NN from/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP Valley,/NNP and/CC the/DT sibilant/NN whine/NN of/IN the/DT sawmill/NN resounded/VBN through/IN the/DT ca$on/NN from/IN daylight/NN till/IN dark./RB Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD being/VBG born/VBN again./RB Each/DT day/NN saw/VBD the/DT old/JJ half-worked/JJ and/CC abandoned/VBN claims/NNS along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP restaked/VBD by/IN the/DT men/NNS who/WP came/VBD in/IN the/DT covered/JJ wagons./NN By/IN the/DT first/JJ of/IN June/NNP Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD again/RB the/DT same/JJ old/JJ center/NN of/IN mining/NN activity/NN and/CC distribution;/JJ mail/NN and/CC express/JJ service/NN had/VBD been/VBN resumed,/VBG a/DT new/JJ Mansion/NNP House/NNP had/VBD arisen/VBN on/IN the/DT ashes/NNS of/IN the/DT old,/NNS a/DT new/JJ Stage/NN Drivers'/NNP Retreat/NNP catered/VBD to/TO the/DT parched/VBN throats/NNS of/IN the/DT daily/JJ arrivals./NN New/NNP dance-halls/NNS and/CC gambling-halls/NNS and/CC saloons/NNS on/IN a/DT grander/NN scale/NN flanked/VBD the/DT Mansion/NNP House;/NNP the/DT winding/VBG street/NN echoed/VBD again/RB to/TO the/DT thud/NN of/IN dancing/VBG miners'/NNS boots,/VBD the/DT whine/NN of/IN fiddles,/NN the/DT plunk/NN of/IN guitars,/VBG the/DT rattle/NN of/IN poker/NN chips,/NN dice,/NNS and/CC roulette/NN balls,/NN the/DT popping/VBG of/IN corks,/NN a/DT few/JJ pistol-shots,/NN the/DT whoops/NNS of/IN intoxicated/JJ men,/NNS and/CC the/DT spurious/JJ laughter/NN of/IN the/DT imported/JJ daughters/NNS of/IN joy./NNP Nothing/NNP had/VBD really/RB changed./VBN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD the/DT same/JJ old/JJ riotous/JJ ruinous/JJ route/NN of/IN fortune./NN On/IN their/PRP$ claims/NNS D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ partners/NNS labored/VBD from/IN dawn/NN till/IN dark./RB By/IN the/DT first/JJ of/IN July/NNP they/PRP had/VBD sluiced/VBN all/DT but/CC the/DT very/RB fine/JJ flour-gold/NN from/IN the/DT gravel/NN on/IN the/DT ancient/JJ bars./NN Having/VBG put/VBN in/IN their/PRP$ wing-dam,/NN they/PRP altered/VBD the/DT course/NN of/IN the/DT stream/NN until/IN it/PRP flowed/VBD down/RB across/IN the/DT denuded/VBN bar/NN and/CC along/IN the/DT opposite/JJ bank;/NN then/RB they/PRP fell/VBD to/TO work/VB upon/IN the/DT former/JJ bed/NN of/IN the/DT stream./NN As/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD predicted,/VBN it/PRP proved/VBD to/TO be/VB immensely/RB rich./JJR There/EX was/VBD no/DT scarcity/NN of/IN labor/NN now,/NNS for/IN the/DT land/NN was/VBD filled/VBN with/IN men/NNS who/WP preferred/VBD the/DT certainty/NN of/IN incredibly/RB high/JJ wages/NNS and/CC steady/JJ employment/NN to/TO the/DT mad/JJ competition/NN and/CC a/DT will-o'-the/JJ wisp/NN career/NN seeking/VBG goldfor/NN themselves./, D'Arcy/NNP and/CC his/PRP$ partners/NNS built/VBD a/DT huge/JJ bunk-house/NN and/CC dining-hall/NN for/IN the/DT fifty/CD men/NNS they/PRP employed./MD When/WRB their/PRP$ claims/NNS had/VBD been/VBN cleaned/VBN up/RB and/CC they/PRP realized/VBD there/EX was/VBD no/DT more/JJR ground/NN along/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP worth/IN their/PRP$ attention,/NN they/PRP found/VBD themselves,/PRP on/IN a/DT day/NN in/IN mid-December,/NN no/RB longer/RB gold-miners./, Bejabers/NNP was/VBD still/RB the/DT alcalde,/NN but/CC a/DT regularly/RB elected/VBN one/CD now./DT Also,/RB since/IN he/PRP was/VBD the/DT most/RBS sociable,/JJ and/CC gregarious/JJ of/IN men,/NNS his/PRP$ marriage/NN to/TO Madge/NNP had/VBD not/RB operated/VBN to/TO halt/VB his/PRP$ peregrinations/NNS around/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP at/IN night./NN He/PRP knew/VBD everybody;/RB no/DT figment/NN of/IN gossip/NN escaped/VBD him,/RB and/CC as/RB fast/RB as/IN he/PRP gathered/VBD it/PRP he/PRP called/VBD at/IN the/DT cabin/NN of/IN his/PRP$ partners/NNS to/TO retail/VB it./PRP The/DT day/NN after/IN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD paid/VBN off/RP his/PRP$ men/NNS and/CC was/VBD making/VBG plans/NNS for/IN his/PRP$ future,/JJ Bejabers/NNP bounced/VBD into/IN the/DT cabin/NN in/IN a/DT state/NN of/IN wild/JJ excitement./NN "Martha's/NNS here,"/IN he/PRP announced./VBD "Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP gal/NN has/VBZ got/VBN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP at/IN last."D'Arcy/PRP was/VBD profoundly/RB interested./VBN "How/RB do/VBP you/PRP know?""Met/VB up/RP with/IN her/PRP$ casual-like/JJ about/IN a/DT week/NN ago/RB and/CC I/PRP been/VBN seein'/VBG her/PRP every/DT night/NN since./. Well,/UH son,/. every/DT time/NN I/PRP look/VBP at/IN that/DT gal/JJ something/NN tells/VBZ me/PRP I've/NN seen/VBN her/PRP before;/IN her/PRP$ face/NN is/VBZ sure/JJ familiar,/NN but/CC I/PRP can't/MD place/VB her/PRP until/IN about/IN half/PDT an/DT hour/NN ago/IN I/PRP meet/VBP her/PRP at/IN the/DT post-office/NN and/CC then/RB something/NN clicks/VBZ in/IN my/PRP$ fool/NN head/NN and/CC I/PRP have/VBP her/PRP spotted./VBN You/PRP remember/VBP that/DT photograph/NN of/IN her/PRP$ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had?/VBD Mebbe/NNP he/PRP never/RB showed/VBD it/PRP to/TO you./NNP But/CC he/PRP showed/VBD it/PRP to/TO me/PRP one/CD night/NN when/WRB he/PRP was/VBD drunk./JJR "Well,/IN I/PRP ups/RB and/CC says/VBZ to/TO this/DT damsel:/NN 'Excuse/. me,/. miss,/NN but/CC aren't/RB you/PRP Martha?'/NNP She/PRP admits/VBZ she/PRP is,/RB and/CC I/PRP says:/VBP 'Be/VBN you/PRP lookin'/VB for/IN Mr./NNP Poppy?'/NNP She/PRP turns/VBZ white/JJ as/IN milk/NN at/IN that/WDT and/CC says:/VBD 'Is/. he/PRP livin'?'/VBD I/PRP tell/VB her/PRP the/DT general/JJ impression/NN among/IN his/PRP$ friends/NNS is/VBZ thathe's/DT minin'/NN over/IN to/TO Hot/JJ Creek,/NNP and/CC then/RB I/PRP relate/VBP how/WRB he/PRP went/VBD down/RB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP lookin'/NN for/IN her/PRP and/CC couldn't/MD find/VB her/PRP and/CC come/VB back/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP all/DT broke/VBD in/IN heart/NN and/CC pocket./NN Which/WDT Martha/NNP then/RB cries/VBZ quite/RB a/DT bit/NN and/CC begs/VBZ me/PRP not/RB to/TO mention/VB to/TO Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP I've/NNP met/VBD her./PRP Which/WDT I/PRP promise/VBP her/PRP I/PRP won't,/VBD but/CC that's/IN no/DT reason/NN why/WRB some/DT other/JJ friend/NN of/IN Poppy's/NNP can't/MD tell/VB him.""Where/PRP is/VBZ Martha/NNP staying,/NN Bejabers?"The/IN little/JJ man/NN scratched/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "Well,/NN I/PRP hate/VBP to/TO tell/VB you,/PRP son,/NN but/CC I/PRP reckon/VBP this/DT here/RB gold-fever/JJ has/VBZ sort/NN o'/RB turned/VBD Martha's/NNP head./, She's/NNP up/RP in/IN the/DT Bird/NNP Cage.""Oh,/NNP Bejabers!/NNP The/DT poor/JJ thing!/NN How/WRB did/VBD that/DT happen?""Busted/VBN in/IN a/DT strange/JJ land--couldn't/NN meet/VBP up/RP with/IN Mr./NNP Poppy--and/NNP the/DT pressure/NN got/VBD pretty/RB strong,/JJR I/PRP reckon./VBP Anyhow,/DT she's/NNS workin'/NN with/IN the/DT rest/NN o'/IN the/DT girls/NNS up/IN to/TO the/DT Bird/NNP Cage.""It/NNP would/MD probably/RB be/VB a/DT favor/NN to/TO Poppy/NNP not/RB to/TO tell/VB him,/PRP Bejabers,"/IN D'Arcy/NNP suggested./VBD "Since/IN it/PRP seems/VBZ his/PRP$ romance/NN has/VBZ gone/VBN on/IN the/DT rocks,/NN he/PRP will/MD be/VB happier/JJR if/IN he/PRP never/RB knows/VBZ of/IN Martha's/NNP tragedy.""Seems/NNS like/IN she/PRP figgered/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP kicked/VBD the/DT bucket,/NN and/CC havin'/VBD no/DT friends,/NN no/DT money/NN and/CC nobody/NN to/TO care,/VB she/PRP sort/VB o'/RB drifted./VBN But/CC she's/NNS still/RB in/IN love/NN with/IN that/DT weak/JJ vessel--at/NN least,/NNS enough/RB to/TO want/VB to/TO spare/VB him/PRP the/DT news/NN of/IN her/PRP$ downfall."The/NN partners/NNS sat/VBD looking/VBG at/IN each/DT other,/JJ distressed/JJ at/IN this/DT crisis/NN in/IN the/DT affairs/NNS of/IN the/DT weakling/NN for/IN whom/WP they/PRP had,/VBD despite/IN his/PRP$ faults,/NN a/DT genuine/JJ affection./NN "Martha's/IN a/DT right/JJ nice-lookin'/JJ girl,/NN too,"/NN Bejabers/NNP resumed/VBD presently./NN "Raised/JJ strict--never/NN had/VBD no/DT leeway/NN in/IN her/PRP$ home/NN life,/NN so/RB when/WRB she/PRP lands/NNS in/IN California/NNP and/CC finds/VBZ herself/PRP on/IN the/DT loose/JJ I/PRP reckon/VBP she/PRP says/VBZ toherself,/, when/WRB the/DT goin'/NN got/VBD hard/JJ and/CC slippery:/JJ 'Oh,/JJ what's/NNS the/DT use?/NN I'll/NN clean/VB up/RP a/DT fortune/NN in/IN quick/JJ money,/NNS go/VBP back/RB East/NNP and/CC nobody/NN will/MD ever/RB know/VB the/DT difference./NN I/PRP been/VBN poor/JJ all/PDT my/PRP$ life/NN and/CC now/RB I'm/NNP goin'/NN to/TO have/VB it/PRP easy/JJ in/IN my/PRP$ old/JJ age,/NN even/RB if/IN I/PRP pay/VBP a/DT high/JJ price/NN for/IN it/PRP in/IN my/PRP$ youth.'/JJ So/CC she's/POS been/VBN driftin'/NN around/IN to/TO all/PDT the/DT rich/JJ strikes./NN She/PRP sings/VBZ right/JJ sweet/JJ when/WRB somebody/NN plays/VBZ the/DT pianner/NN for/IN her."D'Arcy's/PRP$ fist/NN came/VBD down/RB on/IN the/DT table./NN "Bejabers,/IN I'm/NNP through.""Through/IN what?"'"Mining./DT It's/NNP time/NN to/TO quit./NNP It's/IN a/DT mad,/JJ sad,/NN sordid/VBD scramble;/JJ men/NNS go/VBP insane/JJ with/IN suddenly/RB acquired/VBN wealth/NN and/CC toss/VB it/PRP away/RB in/IN calm/JJ confidence/NN that/IN they/PRP can/MD gather/VB new/JJ fortunes/NNS indefinitely./, I'm/IN weary/JJ of/IN the/DT atmosphere/NN of/IN drunkenness/NN and/CC depravity/NN in/IN which/WDT a/DT miner/NN has/VBZ to/TO operate./DT The/DT jackals/NNS follow/VBP the/DT tiger--and/NN the/DT placers/NNS are/VBP already/RB showing/VBG signs/NNS of/IN petering/VBG out,/JJ leaving/VBG the/DT tiger's/JJ kill/NN in/IN the/DT maw/NN of/IN the/DT jackals./NN "As/IN many/JJ people/NNS as/IN enter/VBP California/NNP by/IN steamer/NN now/RB leave/VBP it;/RB there/RB is/VBZ disillusionment,/JJ despair,/NN and/CC unhappiness./NNP The/DT gold/NN is/VBZ a/DT curse/NN to/TO most/JJS of/IN the/DT men/NNS who/WP have/VBP sought/VBN it;/IN it/PRP has/VBZ sapped/VBN their/PRP$ vitality,/NNS bred/VBD a/DT new/JJ race/NN of/IN scoundrels,/NN first/JJ exalting/JJ men/NNS and/CC then/RB dropping/VBG them/PRP to/TO the/DT depths/NNS of/IN despair./JJ The/DT state/NN is/VBZ swarming/VBG with/IN men/NNS who/WP call/VBP themselves/PRP miners/NNS and/CC yet/RB know/VB nothing/NN of/IN mining./NN Good/JJ ground/NN is/VBZ becoming/VBG increasingly/RB hard/JJ to/TO find;/VB more/JJR time/NN is/VBZ required/VBN for/IN exploration/NN than/IN can/MD be/VB profitably/RB expended/VBN in/IN mining/NN before/IN the/DT snows/NNS drive/VBP men/NNS out/IN of/IN the/DT Sierras./NNP "On/IN the/DT ninth/JJ day/NN of/IN last/JJ September/NNP California/NNP was/VBD admitted/VBN into/IN the/DT Union/NNP and/CC now/RB the/DT politicians/NNS are/VBP gathering/VBG for/IN their/PRP$ harvest./NN There/EX was/VBD a/DT man/NN around/IN yesterday/NN trying/VBG to/TO collect/VB an/DT infamous/JJ and/CC excessive/JJ mining/NN tax/NN from/IN Vilmont/NNP and/CC Jim/NNP Toy,/NNP because/IN theyare/DT foreigners./NN I'm/IN a/DT foreigner/NN too,/NN for/IN that/DT matter,/NN but/CC they/PRP know/VBP better/JJR than/IN to/TO try/VB such/JJ extortion/NN on/IN me/PRP even/RB if/IN the/DT legislature/NN has/VBZ authorized/VBN it./DT "We/NNP were/VBD on/IN the/DT job/NN first,/RB we/PRP have/VBP skimmed/VBN the/DT cream/NN of/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP and/CC because/IN we/PRP stuck/VBD to/TO our/PRP$ claims,/NN refusing/VBG to/TO waste/VB our/PRP$ time/NN and/CC our/PRP$ strength/NN wandering/VBG in/IN search/NN of/IN something/NN better,/IN every/DT man/NN in/IN our/PRP$ company/NN is/VBZ now/RB independently/RB rich./JJR Bejabers,/NNP tomorrow/NN we're/NN going/VBG to/TO dissolve/VB partnership/NN and/CC divide/VB the/DT spoils.""How/NN much/RB spoils/IN we/PRP got/VBD to/TO divide?"/VB Strangely/RB enough/RB it/PRP had/VBD never/RB occurred/VBN to/TO Bejabers/NNP to/TO ask/VB before,/IN nor/CC had/VBD he/PRP even/RB evinced/VBD a/DT desire/NN to/TO look/VB over/IN the/DT company's/NNS books./. "More/NN than/IN a/DT quarter/NN of/IN a/DT million/CD dollars/NNS each.""Jumpin'/DT Judas!/NNP Am/VBP I/PRP that/IN rich?""You/PRP certainly/RB are,/VBP Bejabers./NNP And/CC we/PRP owe/VBP not/RB a/DT cent/NN in/IN the/DT world.""What/NN you/PRP goin'/VBD to/TO do/VB with/IN yours?"D'Arcy/NNP smiled/VBD brightly./. "A/VBN commission/NN has/VBZ been/VBN appointed/VBN by/IN the/DT President/NNP of/IN the/DT United/NNP States/NNP to/TO investigate,/VB report/NN upon,/IN certify/JJ or/CC reject/VB the/DT titles/NNS to/TO all/PDT the/DT old/JJ Spanish/JJ and/CC Mexican/JJ land/NN grants/NNS in/IN California./NNP All/DT of/IN the/DT holders/NNS of/IN such/JJ grants/NNS are/VBP required/VBN to/TO present/VB their/PRP$ claims,/NNS with/IN proofs/NNS of/IN title,/NN to/TO this/DT commission/NN within/IN six/CD months/NNS after/IN its/PRP$ first/JJ sitting;/NN if/IN they/PRP fail/VBP to/TO do/VB that/IN their/PRP$ titles/NNS may/MD not/RB later/RB be/VB certified./VBN There'll/RB be/VB unexcelled/JJ opportunities/NNS for/IN the/DT crowd/NN of/IN spoilers/NNS this/DT situation/NN will/MD attract;/VB swindling/VBG the/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ will/MD be/VB raised/VBN from/IN an/DT industry/NN to/TO the/DT realm/NN of/IN high/JJ art./NN Well,/NNP Josepha/NNP Guerrero's/NNPS down/RP at/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP waiting/VBG for/IN me/PRP to/TO come/VB down/RB and/CC help/VB her/PRP in/IN this/DT emergency--""So/NN she/PRP finally/RB sent/VBD for/IN you,/JJ eh?/NN Boy,/NNS you/PRP keep/VBP up/RP that/IN gait/NN and/CC you'll/JJ win/VBP her/PRP$ yet./NN Of/IN course,/NN whilethe/IN old/JJ man/NN lived/VBD he'd/PRP talk/VB her/PRP$ out/IN of/IN it,/PRP$ but/CC with/IN him/PRP gone/VBN she/PRP just/RB can't/MD keep/VB up/RP the/DT old/JJ resentment.""She/NN has/VBZ not/RB sent/VBN for/IN me,/NN Bejabers./NNP And/CC I/PRP doubt/VBP if/IN she/PRP ever/RB will./MD I/PRP doubt/VB if/IN she/PRP realizes/VBZ she/PRP is/VBZ in/IN danger/NN of/IN losing/VBG her/PRP$ ranch/NN if/IN she/PRP delays/VBZ action./. She/PRP needs/VBZ a/DT gringo/NN on/IN this/DT job--and/NN a/DT gringo/NN who/WP will/MD play/VB her/PRP$ fair./NN So/IN I/PRP thought/VBD I'd/PRP take/VB over/RP her/PRP$ battles.""And/NN then--what?""I/DT don't/NN know,/VBN Bejabers./NNP Probably/RB I/PRP shall/MD go/VB to/TO San/NNP Francisco/NNP and/CC get/VB into/IN some/DT sort/NN of/IN business./NN If/IN I/PRP employ/VBP my/PRP$ capital/NN shrewdly/NN I/PRP imagine/VBP I/PRP can/MD make/VB a/DT far/RB larger/JJR fortune/NN in/IN trade/NN than/IN will/MD ever/RB be/VB made/VBN in/IN a/DT placer-mine./NN What/WP are/VBP your/PRP$ plans,/NN Bejabers?/IN Want/JJ to/TO throw/VB in/RP with/IN me?""I'd/JJ love/NN to,/, son,/NN but/CC I/PRP never/RB did/VBD have/VB no/DT head/NN for/IN business./NN I/PRP like/VBP public/JJ life,/NN Dermod./NNP I'm/NNP pretty/RB well/RB known/VBN and/CC I/PRP figger/VBP on/IN runnin'/NN for/IN sheriff./PRP I've/NN had/VBD practical/JJ experience/NN as/IN a/DT jailer,/NN I'm/IN strong/JJ for/IN discipline,/NN quick/JJ on/IN the/DT trigger/NN and/CC just/RB naturally/RB hell-bent/JJ on/IN law/NN and/CC order./NN Thanks,/IN Dermod,/NNP but/CC I/PRP reckon/VBP I'll/JJ stay/NN here."That/IN night/NN D'Arcy/NNP cast/VBD up/RP the/DT company's/NN accounts/NNS and/CC divided/VBN the/DT product/NN of/IN their/PRP$ incredible/JJ toil/NN and/CC privation./NN They/PRP had/VBD some/DT fifty/CD thousand/CD dollars/NNS in/IN gold/NN on/IN hand,/NN and/CC he/PRP issued/VBD checks/NNS on/IN a/DT New/NNP York/NNP bank/NN for/IN the/DT remainder,/NNS each/DT partner/NN signing/VBG the/DT checks./NN None/NN of/IN his/PRP$ associates/NNS accepted/VBD his/PRP$ invitation/NN to/TO inspect/VB the/DT books;/NN indeed,/NN McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP were/VBD slightly/RB hurt/VBN at/IN his/PRP$ suggestion/NN that/IN they/PRP do/VBP so./DT The/DT next/JJ day/NN they/PRP parted./VBD Jim/NNP Toy/NNP accepted/VBD one/CD of/IN the/DT pack-mules/NNS and/CC departed/VBD into/IN the/DT north/NN to/TO seek/VB a/DT new/JJ claim,/NN while/IN Vilmont/NNP departed/VBD via/IN the/DT stage-coach./NN He/PRP was/VBD seeing/VBG a/DT vision/NN of/IN a/DT vineyard/NN and/CC winery/NN in/IN some/DT fertile/JJ interior/NN valley./NN McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP dreamed/VBD of/IN a/DT cattle/NNS ranch,/NN forin/IN the/DT beginning/NN they/PRP had/VBD been/VBN cow-men/NNS in/IN the/DT Southwest/NNP and/CC it/PRP is/VBZ written/VBN in/IN the/DT Book/NNP of/IN Things/NNS that/IN a/DT cow-man/NN shall/MD return/VB to/TO his/PRP$ cows./NN Francisco/NNP had/VBD no/DT plans/NNS beyond/IN the/DT purchase/NN of/IN a/DT thoroughbred/JJ horse/NN which/WDT he/PRP might/MD bedeck/VB with/IN a/DT silver-mounted/JJ saddle/NN and/CC bridle;/VBD a/DT few/JJ excellent/JJ game-cocks/NNS and/CC a/DT pleasantly/RB situated/VBN adobe/IN casa/NN where,/, while/IN his/PRP$ money/NN lasted,/, he/PRP could/MD live/VB the/DT life/NN of/IN a/DT Hispano-Californian/JJ gentleman./NN AS/IN D'Arcy/NNP rode/VBD south/RB with/IN McCready,/NNP Judson,/NNP and/CC Francisco,/NNP he/PRP realized/VBD the/DT truth/NN of/IN what/WP he/PRP had/VBD so/RB often/RB prophesied:/VBN that/IN the/DT discovery/NN of/IN gold/NN in/IN California/NNP was/VBD but/CC a/DT prelude/NN to/TO the/DT discovery/NN of/IN California./NNP On/IN the/DT fat/JJ lands/NNS of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP the/DT wild/JJ cattle/NNS which/WDT once/RB could/MD have/VB been/VBN counted/VBN by/IN the/DT thousands/NNS were/VBD now/RB numbered/VBN in/IN the/DT hundreds;/NNS evidently,/VBP to/TO forestall/VB wholesale/JJ appropriation,/NN Josepha/NNP was/VBD rounding/VBG up/RP and/CC disposing/VBG of/IN her/PRP$ cattle/NNS as/RB fast/RB as/IN she/PRP could/MD at/IN whatever/WDT price/NN was/VBD obtainable./VBG Squatters/NNP had/VBD settled/VBN upon/IN her/PRP$ land/NN and/CC thousands/NNS of/IN acres/NNS of/IN grain/NN were/VBD being/VBG planted;/VBN the/DT shanties/NNS of/IN the/DT homesteaders/NNS dotted/VBN the/DT plain/JJ and/CC before/IN their/PRP$ axes/NNS the/DT lovely/JJ valley/NN oaks/NNP were/VBD fast/RB disappearing./, D'Arcy/NNP engaged/VBD several/JJ squatters/NNS in/IN conversation/NN as/IN he/PRP rode/VBD through/IN and/CC was/VBD enabled/VBN to/TO glean/VB a/DT knowledge/NN of/IN their/PRP$ peculiar/JJ viewpoint./NN Because/IN the/DT wish/NN was/VBD father/NN to/TO the/DT thought/NN they/PRP elected/VBD to/TO believe/VB that/IN all/DT Spanish/JJ and/CC Mexican/JJ grants/NNS were/VBD of/IN fraudulent/JJ title;/NN the/DT gobernadores/NNS had/VBD given/VBN away/RP the/DT land/NN to/TO whosoever/WP$ had/VBD asked/VBN for/IN it;/RB and/CC since/IN lands/NNS belong/VBP to/TO the/DT people/NNS as/IN a/DT whole,/NN they/PRP were/VBD not/RB the/DT gobernadores'/JJ to/TO give./VB Some/DT appeared/VBN quite/RB genuine/JJ in/IN their/PRP$ belief/NN that/IN the/DT conquest/NN had/VBD nullified/VBN all/DT previously/RB existing/VBG titles;/NN hence/RB all/DT lands/NNS were/VBD public/JJ lands/NNS and/CC subject/NN to/TO preemption./NN Pending/NNP the/DT operation/NN of/IN land/NN laws/NNS they/PRP considered/VBD it/PRP a/DT wise/JJ move/NN to/TO take/VB possession,/JJ since/IN suchpossession/NN might/MD tend/VB to/TO establish/VB the/DT priority/NN of/IN their/PRP$ claims/NNS over/IN those/DT of/IN their/PRP$ competitors./NN Seemingly,/NNS they/PRP operated/VBD under/IN the/DT ancient/JJ principle/NN that/IN possession/NN is/VBZ nine/CD points/NNS of/IN the/DT law./NN D'Arcy/NNP smiled/VBD sadly./NN "There'll/RB be/VB work/NN here/RB for/IN Bejabers/NNP when/WRB he's/PRP elected/VBD sheriff,"/NN he/PRP decided./VBD "These/DT ruthless/JJ people/NNS will/MD not/RB be/VB dispossessed/VBN without/IN battle./VBG The/DT gold-lust/NN has/VBZ given/VBN way/NN to/TO the/DT land-hunger."Frequently/RB they/PRP passed/VBD the/DT carcasses/NNS of/IN cattle,/NNS and/CC McCready/JJ hazarded/VBN the/DT opinion/NN that/IN they/PRP had/VBD died/VBN of/IN disease/NN carried/VBD into/IN the/DT state/NN by/IN the/DT oxen/NNS that/IN drew/VBD the/DT covered/JJ wagons./NN "Poor/NNP Josepha,"/NNP D'Arcy/NNP reflected./NNP "She/NNP is,/, indeed,/RB sadly/RB beset."He/IN realized/VBN that,/IN despite/IN their/PRP$ ruthlessness,/NNS their/PRP$ ignorance/NN and/CC arrogance,/VB their/PRP$ lack/NN of/IN education/NN and/CC refinement,/NN these/DT squatters/NNS were/VBD of/IN the/DT same/JJ hardy/JJ breed/NN that,/IN for/IN two/CD centuries,/NNS had/VBD been/VBN pressing/VBG back/RB the/DT outposts/NNS of/IN civilization/NN along/IN the/DT Atlantic/NNP seaboard,/NN until,/IN now,/RB at/IN last,/JJ they/PRP had/VBD reached/VBN the/DT Pacific./NNP Sons/NNPS of/IN the/DT soil,/NN these--proud,/, fiercely/RB independent,/JJ reckless,/NN courageous,/NN curious,/NN adventurous,/NNS eager/JJ for/IN the/DT battle/NN with/IN the/DT wilderness./NN It/PRP was/VBD obvious/JJ that/IN they/PRP constituted/VBD a/DT horde/NN of/IN Nature's/NNP own/JJ selective/JJ breeding,/NN for/IN in/IN the/DT battle/NN to/TO win/VB the/DT West/NNP the/DT cowards/NNS had/VBD never/RB started/VBN and/CC the/DT weaklings/NNS had/VBD died/VBN on/IN the/DT way;/NN in/IN these/DT survivors/NNS Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP saw/VBD glorious/JJ seed/NN for/IN this/DT new/JJ land/NN at/IN the/DT setting/NN sun./NN Evidently/RB thoughts/NNS similar/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ were/VBD animating/VBG McCready,/NNP for/IN presently/RB he/PRP said:"We'd/VBD better,/RB not/RB delay/VB locatin'/VBN our/PRP$ cattle/NNS range,/VBD Jud./NNP The/DT way/NN this/DT state's/NN fillin'/NN up/IN the/DT price/NN o'/IN land/NN will/MD soon/RB start/VB climbin'./VBG Hello!/NNP There's/NNP some/DT of/IN our/PRP$ little/JJ gal's/NN vaqueros/NNS workin'/NN cattle."D'Arcy's/NNS glance/NN followed/VBD his/PRP$ pointing/VBG finger./NN "Thosearen't/IN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero's/NNPS cholos,/NN Mac,"/IN he/PRP decided./VBD "They're/NNP Americans."Judson/NNP arched/VBD his/PRP$ eyebrows/NNS comically./VBP "You/IN don't/RB suppose/VB Americans/NNPS would/MD do/VB anything/NN like/IN that,/DT do/VBP you,/JJ Dermod?"''Americans/NNS have/VBP no/DT monopoly/NN on/IN virtue,/NN my/PRP$ friend./NN It/PRP would/MD seem/VB to/TO me/PRP that/IN those/DT cattle/NNS should/MD wear/VB the/DT Guerrero/NNP brand,/NN for/IN I/PRP have/VBP never/RB seen/VBN any/DT other/JJ brand/NN on/IN the/DT rancho./NN Also,/RB if/IN Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNP had/VBD sold/VBN them/PRP would/MD she/PRP not/RB have/VB her/PRP$ own/JJ vaqueros/NNS gather/VBP and/CC deliver/VBP them?"They/PRP pulled/VBD up/RP to/TO consider/VB the/DT situation./NN McCready/JJ and/CC Judson,/NNP shrewd/JJ judges/NNS of/IN cattle/NNS in/IN bulk,/NN estimated/VBN that/IN the/DT herd/NN contained/VBD not/RB less/JJR than/IN two/CD hundred/CD head./VBN "They're/RB worth/JJ twenty/CD dollars/NNS in/IN Sacramento,"/NNP McCready/NNP added,/NN "which/WDT means/VBZ that/IN if/IN them/PRP fellers/VBD yonder/NN are/VBP rustlers/NNS our/PRP$ little/JJ lady/NN stands/VBZ to/TO lose/VB about/IN four/CD thousand/CD dollars.""Sort/NN o'/IN looks/VBZ like/IN we're/NN a/DT committee/NN of/IN investigation,"/JJ Judson/NNP answered/VBD laconically./. "That/IN girl's/JJ fights/NNS are/VBP my/PRP$ fights./NN Dermod,/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP you're/PRP still/RB our/PRP$ leader./NN Explain/VBZ the/DT layout/NN to/TO Francisco/NNP and/CC ask/VB him/PRP if/IN we/PRP can/MD depend/VB on/IN him/PRP in/IN a/DT fight."Francisco,/NN apprized/VBN of/IN the/DT situation,/NN nodded/VBD with/IN mixed/JJ Indian/NNP and/CC Castilian/NNP gravity./NNP D'Arcy/NNP studied/VBD the/DT herd./NN "Two/IN men/NNS riding/VBG in/IN the/DT rear,/NN one/CD on/IN each/DT flank/NN and/CC two/CD on/IN point./NN We'll/NNP ride/NN across/IN the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT herd,/NN and/CC if/IN the/DT brand/NN is/VBZ a/DT 'G'/JJ on/IN the/DT right/JJ side,/NN with/IN a/DT swallowtail/NN in/IN the/DT left/JJ ear/NN and/CC the/DT top/NN of/IN the/DT right/JJ ear/NN cut/NN clean/JJ off,/NN we'll/NN ask/VBP the/DT leaders/NNS to/TO show/VB a/DT bill/NN of/IN sale./NN If/IN they/PRP can't/MD do/VB that/DT we'll/NN have/VBP an/DT argument,/NN I/PRP dare/MD say./VB Forward!"They/PRP rode/VBD at/IN a/DT walk/NN across/IN the/DT plain./NN When/WRB they/PRP were/VBD within/IN two/CD hundred/CD yards/NNS of/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT herd/NN the/DT nearest/JJS vaquero/NN reined/VBN in/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC shouted/VBD atthem,/NN at/IN the/DT same/JJ time/NN raising/VBG his/PRP$ hand/NN in/IN the/DT gesture/NN that/IN means,/NN "Halt!"The/IN four/CD declined/VBD to/TO halt./VB "What/RB do/VBP you/PRP want?"/VB the/DT vaquero/NN shouted./MD "None/VB of/IN your/PRP$ business?"/NN D'Arcy/NNP shouted/VBD back./NN "Who/RB are/VBP you/PRP to/TO ask/VB questions?"/NNP To/TO his/PRP$ companions/NNS he/PRP said:/VBD "Suspicious/JJ already./. I'm/PRP certain/JJ they're/NN rustlers."Instantly/RB the/DT rider/NN on/IN the/DT near/JJ flank/NN of/IN the/DT herd/NN closed/VBD up/RP on/IN the/DT man/NN riding/VBG point,/NN while/IN the/DT two/CD riders/NNS in/IN the/DT same/JJ positions/NNS on/IN the/DT other/JJ flank/NN started/VBD galloping/VBG around/IN the/DT head/NN of/IN the/DT herd/NN to/TO reinforce/VB their/PRP$ companions./NN Meanwhile/RB the/DT man/NN who/WP had/VBD halted/VBN them/PRP drew/VBD a/DT rifle/NN from/IN a/DT bucket/NN slung/NN along/IN the/DT side/NN of/IN his/PRP$ stock-saddle./NN "If/IN you/PRP come/VB closer/RBR I'll/JJ fire,"/NN he/PRP warned./VBD "I/PRP never/RB knew/VBD a/DT man/NN who/WP could/MD shoot/VB accurately/RB from/IN the/DT back/NN of/IN a/DT nervous/JJ horse,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP called/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ companions,/NN and/CC drove/VBD straight/RB at/IN the/DT fellow./NN The/DT vaquero/NN fired/VBD and/CC the/DT bullet/NN ripped/VBD along/IN D'Arcy's/NNP side,/NN searing/VBG him/PRP like/IN a/DT branding-iron./NN But/CC the/DT enemy's/NN rifle/NN was/VBD empty/JJ now/RB and/CC he/PRP had/VBD no/DT time/NN to/TO reload/VB it;/IN he/PRP thrust/VBD it/PRP back/RB in/IN the/DT bucket/NN and/CC drew/VBD a/DT pistol./NN D'Arcy/NNP pulled/VBD up/RB and/CC his/PRP$ friends/NNS did/VBD the/DT same./JJS "That/IN man's/NNS fair/JJ game/NN for/IN us/PRP now/RB and/CC he/PRP can't/MD hit/VB me/PRP with/IN his/PRP$ pistol/NN at/IN this/DT range,"/NN he/PRP explained,/VBD and/CC slid/VBD off/IN Pathfinder./NNP He/PRP drew/VBD his/PRP$ rifle./NN Instantly/RB the/DT other/JJ man/NN spurred/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN to/TO get/VB out/IN of/IN range,/NN but/CC D'Arcy's/NNP bullet/NN brought/VBD the/DT horse/NN crashing/VBG to/TO earth,/VB precipitating/VBG his/PRP$ rider/NN over/IN his/PRP$ head/NN in/IN the/DT fall./NN The/DT man/NN lay/VBD still,/RB evidently/RB stunned./VBN The/DT fellow/NN who/WP was/VBD galloping/VBG to/TO his/PRP$ aid/NN now/RB fired/VBD and/CC missed;/NNS before/IN he/PRP could/MD return/VB his/PRP$ empty/JJ rifle/NN to/TO the/DT bucket/NN McCready/NNP had/VBD tumbled/VBN him/PRP out/IN of/IN his/PRP$ saddle./NN "That/IN evens/NNS the/DT odds,/NNS Dermod,"/IN he/PRP cried/VBD grimly./RB "Rustlers/NNS or/CC honest/JJ men,/NNS they've/NN fired/VBD on/IN us/PRP and/CC now/RB it's/IN a/DT fight/NN to/TO a/DT finish./NN Mount/NNP up./NNP The/DT cattle/NNS are/VBP stampeding,/NNS and/CC the/DT two/CD riders/NNS on/IN the/DT flank/NN can't/NN run/VBP fast/RB enough/RB to/TO get/VB around/IN the/DT front/NN of/IN the/DT herd/NN at/IN us;/NNS they'll/MD be/VB overrun/VBN if/IN they/PRP don't/VBP watch/NN out.""To/IN the/DT rear,"/NN D'Arcy/NNP ordered./NNP "You/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP take/VBP care/NN of/IN the/DT two/CD riders/NNS there./DT Francisco,/NNP follow/VBP me./PRP The/DT herd,/NN crazed/VBN by/IN the/DT sudden/JJ firing,/NN had,/VBD indeed,/RB stampeded./VBN Realizing/VBG that/IN they/PRP had/VBD now/RB nothing/NN left/VBD to/TO fight/VB for,/NNS since/IN the/DT cattle/NNS would/MD run/VB miles/NNS and/CC scatter/NN widely,/IN the/DT two/CD men/NNS riding/VBG in/IN the/DT rear/NN decided/VBD there/EX could/MD be/VB no/DT profit/NN for/IN them/PRP in/IN a/DT fight./NN They/PRP fled,/VBD galloping/VBG toward/IN the/DT river/NN where/WRB a/DT heavy/JJ oak/NN and/CC willow/NN growth/NN offered/VBD protection./. But/CC their/PRP$ horses/NNS were/VBD weary;/IN the/DT task/NN of/IN gathering/VBG those/DT wild/JJ cattle/NNS had/VBD taken/VBN the/DT edge/NN off/IN their/PRP$ stamina/NN and/CC the/DT fresher/NN mounts/NNS of/IN McCready/JJ and/CC Judson/NNP gained/VBD rapidly/RB upon/IN them./PRP "We're/VBP goin'/NNS to/TO cut/VB 'em/PRP off/RP from/IN the/DT river,/NN Mac,"/NNP Judson/NNP warned./VBD "They'll/RB fight/VB if/IN they/PRP have/VBP to--an'/JJ they're/DT goin'/NN to/TO have/VB to./DT Their/PRP$ best/JJS chance/NN is/VBZ to/TO turn/VB an'/DT charge/NN us./PRP If/IN they/PRP do,/VBP lay/VBD along/IN the/DT side/NN o'/IN your/PRP$ horse,/NN presenting/VBG a/DT small/JJ target,/NN then/RB they'll/MD do/VB the/DT sensible/NN thing--shoot/NN our/PRP$ horses,/NN hopin'/NN the/DT horses/NNS an'/IN us'll/JJ roll/NN together--while/RB they/PRP pass/VBP us/PRP in/IN the/DT confusion,/NN savin'/NN their/PRP$ ammunition/NN an'/NN ridin'/NN to/TO help/VB them/PRP other/JJ two/CD Dermod/NNP an'/NN Francisco/NNP are/VBP after./VBG If/IN they/PRP can/MD put/VB us/PRP out/RP o'/IN the/DT runnin'/NN they/PRP won't/VBD wait/VB to/TO kill/VB us.""Seguro,"/PRP McCready/JJ replied./NN "An'/NN here/RB they/PRP come."/VBP He/PRP waited/VBD until/IN he/PRP saw/VBD the/DT man/NN who/WP must/MD attack/VB him/PRP raise/VB his/PRP$ pistol;/NN then/RB he/PRP whirled/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN across/IN the/DT advancing/VBG man's/NNS front/RB and/CC swung/VBD low/RB on/IN the/DT opposite/JJ side/NN of/IN the/DT animal,/NN after/IN the/DT fashion/NN of/IN one/CD who/WP stoops/VBZ to/TO pick/VB up/RP some/DT object/NN from/IN the/DT ground./VBN He/PRP heard/VBD a/DT pistol-shot/NN and/CC felt/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN flinch;/VB instantly/RB he/PRP rolledout/NN of/IN the/DT saddle,/NN landing/NN on/IN his/PRP$ feet./NN As/IN the/DT galloping/NN rustler/NN flashed/VBD by,/RP McCready's/JJ pistol/NN lifted/VBD him/PRP out/IN of/IN the/DT saddle;/NNS a/DT second/JJ later/RB the/DT other/JJ assailant,/NN having/VBG downed/JJ Judson's/NNP horse,/NN fled/VBD past/IN McCready./NNP Their/PRP$ pistols/NNS barked/VBD in/IN an/DT exchange/NN of/IN shots,/NN but/CC McCready/NNP was/VBD prone/JJ in/IN the/DT grass/NN now,/, presenting/VBG a/DT negligible/JJ target/NN to/TO the/DT galloping/NN horseman./NN He/PRP fired/VBD upward/RB twice/RB and/CC saw/VBD his/PRP$ enemy/NN pitch/NN forward/RB on/IN his/PRP$ horse's/NNS neck,/RB cling/VBP there/RB for/IN some/DT fifty/CD yards/NNS and/CC then/RB slide/VB helplessly/RB off./, "You/PRP hit,/VBD Jud?"/NNP McCready/NNP called./VBD Judson/NNP was/VBD picking/VBG himself/PRP up/RP off/IN his/PRP$ hands/NNS and/CC knees./VBD He/PRP held/VBD up/RP his/PRP$ right/JJ hand/NN and/CC showed/VBD a/DT shattered/VBN index/NN finger./, "Good/JJ thing/NN you/PRP got/VBD my/PRP$ man,/NN Mac,"/IN he/PRP answered/VBD cheerfully./. "The/PRP skunk's/VBD ruined/VBN my/PRP$ trigger/NN finger--for/NN keeps,/, I/PRP reckon./VBD Cripes,/NNP I'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO behave/VB from/IN now/RB on!"McCready/JJ paid/VBN no/RB further/JJ attention/NN to/TO his/PRP$ friend./NN A/DT few/JJ feet/NNS away/RB his/PRP$ horse/NN stood,/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN hanging/VBG low,/RB for/IN he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN shot/VBN through/IN the/DT neck./NN "You'll/NN last/JJ a/DT little/JJ while,"/NN the/DT killer/NN murmured/VBD sympathetically,/NN and/CC caressed/VBD the/DT poor/JJ brute's/NNS nose./VBG Then/RB he/PRP swung/VBD into/IN the/DT saddle,/NN uncoiled/VBD his/PRP$ riata/NN and/CC trotted/VBD away/RB on/IN the/DT enemy's/NN trail;/NN when/WRB he/PRP had/VBD lassoed/JJ one/CD of/IN the/DT thieves'/NNS horses,/NN he/PRP mounted/VBD it/PRP and/CC roped/VBD the/DT other./NNP Meanwhile/RB Judson,/IN his/PRP$ pistol/NN in/IN his/PRP$ left/JJ hand,/NN had/VBD made/VBN a/DT swift/JJ reconnaissance/NN of/IN the/DT fallen./NN "Good/NN clean/JJ shootin',/NN Mac,"/IN he/PRP complimented/VBD his/PRP$ friend./NN "Unhorsed,/IN horsed,/NN an'/NN on/IN our/PRP$ way/NN again."/IN He/PRP mounted/VBD the/DT other/JJ captive/NN horse;/NNS they/PRP paused/VBD long/RB enough/RB to/TO put/VB their/PRP$ own/JJ wounded/VBN horses/NNS out/IN of/IN their/PRP$ misery,/NN and/CC galloped/VBD away/RB on/IN the/DT trail/NN of/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Francisco./NNP They/PRP retraced/VBD their/PRP$ steps/NNS a/DT half-mile/JJ and/CC came/VBD upon/IN Francisco/NNP sitting/VBG his/PRP$ horse/NN quietly/RB under/IN an/DT oak-tree./NN His/PRP$ white/JJ teeth/NNS illumined/VBD his/PRP$ swarthy/JJ face/NN as/IN he/PRP met/VBD them/PRP with/IN a/DT smile./NN "The/DT man/NN who/WP went/VBD down/RB first/RB lies/VBZ where/WRB he/PRP fell./VBD He/PRP moves,/, but/CC I/PRP have/VBP not/RB been/VBN near/IN him./NN When/WRB the/DT tail/NN of/IN the/DT herd/NN went/VBD by/IN us/PRP Don/NNP Dermod/NNP and/CC I/PRP rode/VBD to/TO the/DT opposite/JJ flank/NN and/CC pursued/VBD the/DT two/CD there./, They/PRP emptied/VBD their/PRP$ pistols/NNS at/IN us./NNP There/EX is/VBZ a/DT hole/NN in/IN my/PRP$ sombrero/NN and/CC another/DT in/IN my/PRP$ leg./NN I/PRP think,/VBP too,/RB Don/NNP Dermod/NNP was/VBD hit,/VBN for/IN I/PRP saw/VBD him/PRP sway/VB in/IN the/DT saddle./NN But/CC he/PRP did/VBD not/RB pull/VB up./RP He/PRP picked/VBD for/IN himself/PRP the/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT roan/NN horse,/NN who/WP fled./VBD That/DT roan/NN can/MD run./VB For/IN myself,/PRP my/PRP$ pistol/NN being/VBG empty,/JJ I/PRP continued/VBD to/TO pursue/VB the/DT man/NN allotted/VBN to/TO me./PRP Caramba!/IN I/PRP roped/VBD that/DT fine/JJ fellow/NN and/CC dragged/VBD him/PRP for/IN half/NN a/DT mile./NN By/IN that/DT time/NN he/PRP was/VBD dead/JJ and/CC I/PRP came/VBD to/TO the/DT shade/NN to/TO rest./NNP Oblige/NNP me,/, my/PRP$ friends,/NN and/CC remove/VB my/PRP$ riata/NN from/IN the/DT animal/NN who/WP lies/VBZ yonder./NNP It/PRP is/VBZ a/DT good/JJ riata/NN and/CC I/PRP would/MD not/RB lose/VB it./, I/PRP regret/VBP I/PRP may/MD not/RB dismount/VB in/IN my/PRP$ present/JJ condition./NN It/PRP would/MD be/VB difficult/JJ to/TO mount/VB again./RB I/PRP bleed/VBP but/CC not/RB too/RB much./, I/PRP will/MD ride/VB to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP for/IN aid./DT You/PRP would/MD do/VB well/RB to/TO fallow/VB on/IN the/DT trail/NN of/IN Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP my/PRP$ friends."/JJ He/PRP lifted/VBD his/PRP$ hat/NN politely/RB and/CC rode/VBD away/RB through/IN the/DT oaks./NNP McCready/NNP and/CC Judson/NNP loped/VBD away/RB in/IN a/DT general/JJ southerly/JJ direction./NN Presently/RB they/PRP came/VBD to/TO a/DT stretch/NN of/IN grassy/JJ plain,/NN with/IN only/RB an/DT occasional/JJ oak,/NN and/CC at/IN the/DT distance/NN of/IN a/DT mile/NN they/PRP descried/VBD a/DT saddled/JJ horse/NN grazing;/NN as/IN they/PRP came/VBD closer/RBR they/PRP saw/VBD it/PRP was/VBD Pathfinder./NNP They/PRP were/VBD free/JJ of/IN the/DT stampeded/JJ herd/NN now/RB and/CC could/MD follow/VB the/DT trail/NN of/IN the/DT pursuit/NN through/IN the/DT luxuriant/NN grass./VBD And/CC in/IN this/DT trail/NN presently/RB they/PRP came/VBD upon/IN the/DT body/NN of/IN Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,/NNP lying/VBG face/NN down./NN Judson/NNP rolled/VBD him/PRP over/IN tenderly./DT "He's/NNP alive,/NN but/CC not/RB very/RB much,/JJ Mac,"/IN he/PRP decided./VBD "The/DT man/NN on/IN the/DT roan/NN horse/NN downed/VBD him,/PRP Jud./NNP Well,/NNP you/PRP take/VBP care/NN of/IN him./NN I/PRP got/VBD other/JJ business."/NNS He/PRP caught/VBD up/RP Pathfinder,/NNP and/CC was/VBD rejoiced/VBN to/TO note/VB that/IN that/DT horse/NN was/VBD unhurt./RB Then/RB he/PRP loaded/VBD his/PRP$ pistol/NN and/CC rifle,/NN mounted/VBD Pathfinder/NNP and/CC galloped/VBD away/RB on/IN the/DT trail/NN of/IN the/DT rustler,/NN which/WDT showed/VBD plainly./NN For/IN an/DT hour/NN he/PRP followed/VBD it/PRP through/IN open/JJ country/NN without/IN catching/VBG sight/NN of/IN his/PRP$ quarry,/NN although/IN from/IN certain/JJ signs/NNS he/PRP knew/VBD his/PRP$ man/NN could/MD not/RB now/RB be/VB more/RBR than/IN ten/CD minutes/NNS ahead/RB of/IN him./PRP When/WRB the/DT trail/NN entered/VBD a/DT district/NN studded/VBN with/IN oaks,/JJ McCready/JJ did/VBD not/RB follow,/VB but/CC rode/VBD around/RB it,/, bearing/VBG gradually/RB toward/IN the/DT Sacramento/NNP River./NNP "His/NNP horse'll/NN need/NN water,"/NN he/PRP decided,/VBD "and/CC the/DT Sacramento/NNP is/VBZ the/DT nearest/JJS water./NN And/CC if/IN he's/PRP smart/JJ he'll/NN swim/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN across/IN and/CC lose/VB his/PRP$ trail./NN I'd/NNP do/VBP that./DT Let's/NNP see/VBP if/IN he's/PRP done/VBD it."Three/DT hundred/CD yards/NNS down/IN the/DT river-bank/NN from/IN the/DT point/NN where/WRB he/PRP emerged/VBD he/PRP caught/VBD sight/NN of/IN his/PRP$ quarry./NN Instantly/RB he/PRP drew/VBD back/RB into/IN the/DT shelter/NN of/IN the/DT oaks/NNS again./RB The/DT rustler/NN was/VBD resting/VBG his/PRP$ horse;/NN he/PRP stood/VBD beside/IN the/DT heaving/JJ animal,/NN from/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD stripped/VBN the/DT heavy/JJ stock-saddle,/NN and/CC with/IN wisps/NNS of/IN dry/JJ grass/NN was/VBD grooming/VBG the/DT tired/JJ brute./NN "He'll/RB camp/NN there/EX tonight,"/RB McCready/JJ decided./NN "He/NN has/VBZ to./DT His/PRP$ horse/NN is/VBZ done/VBN in./RP He'll/NNP watch/VB his/PRP$ trail,/NN he/PRP won't/VBD be/VB expecting/VBG me/PRP down/IN the/DT river-bank."He/NN tied/VBN Pathfinder/NNP and/CC pistol/NN in/IN hand/NN proceeded/VBD to/TO stalk/VB his/PRP$ quarry./NN From/IN oak/NN to/TO oak/NN he/PRP glided/VBD with/IN the/DT stealth/NN of/IN an/DT Indian,/NNPS watching/VBG where/WRB he/PRP set/VBD his/PRP$ feet,/NNS in/IN order/NN that/IN no/DT dry/JJ twig/NN might/MD snap/VB under/IN him./PRP$ He/PRP was/VBD a/DT half-hour/NN negotiating/VBG that/IN three/CD hundred/CD yards./NNP By/IN that/DT time/NN the/DT rustler/NN had/VBD cooled/VBN out/IN his/PRP$ horse/NN and/CC decided/VBD to/TO let/VB the/DT thirsty/JJ animal/NN drink./NN As/IN he/PRP stood/VBD on/IN a/DT little/JJ sand-bar,/NN with/IN the/DT halter-shank/NN in/IN hand/NN McCready/JJ stepped/VBD out/IN into/IN the/DT open./NN "Hands/NNS up,"/IN he/PRP commanded./VBD "Stand/NNP right/RB where/WRB you/PRP are/VBP and/CC do/VBP not/RB turn/VB around."/IN He/PRP walked/VBD up/RB and/CC relieved/VBD his/PRP$ prisoner/NN of/IN his/PRP$ pistol./NN "Now/RB then,"/, he/PRP continued,/VBD "turn/VBN around/RB and/CC let/VB me/PRP have/VB a/DT look/NN at/IN you."The/DT man/NN turned,/VBD and/CC McCready/NNP looked/VBD into/IN a/DT face/NN terribly/RB disfigured/VBN from/IN a/DT not/RB very/RB distant/JJ attack/NN of/IN smallpox./NN For/IN nearly/RB a/DT minute/NN the/DT two/CD men/NNS stared/VBD at/IN each/DT other;/JJ then/RB in/IN McCready's/NNP agile/JJ brain/NN a/DT chord/NN of/IN memory/NN twanged./DT "You're/NNP Cannon,/NNP aren't/RB you?"/VBP His/PRP$ prisoner/NN nodded./VBD "I/PRP might/MD have/VB knowed/VBN you'd/PRP come/VB to/TO a/DT bad/JJ end./NN McCready's/NNP voice/NN was/VBD husky/JJ with/IN a/DT sad/JJ disappointment./NN "Well,/IN saddle/NN your/PRP$ horse,"/NN he/PRP commanded,/MD "mount/VB up/RP and/CC let's/NNS get/VBP goin'.""Where?"/NNS Cannon,/IN demanded./NN "To/IN a/DT hangin',/NN you/PRP skunk./VBD Where/WRB d'ye/VBP s'pose?/VBN A/DT grand/JJ ball?""I've/NN done/VBN nothing./NN You/PRP haven't/VBP an/DT evidence/NN on/IN me,/NNS mister,"/NNS Cannon/NNP blustered./VBD "I/PRP think/VBP I/PRP have./VBD Saddle/NNP up."Cannon/NNP saddled/VBD up,/NNP and/CC leading/VBG his/PRP$ leg-weary/JJ roan/NN walked/VBD up/IN the/DT river-bank/NN to/TO where/WRB Pathfinder/NNP was/VBD tied./VBN McCready/JJ mounted/VBD the/DT stallion./NN "The/IN next/JJ time/NN you/PRP make/VBP a/DT run/NN for/IN it/PRP see/VB that/IN you/PRP have/VBP a/DT thoroughbred,"/NN he/PRP suggested./VBD "These/DT cold-blooded/JJ cayuses/NNS are/VBP good,/JJ but/CC about/IN the/DT time/NN they're/, quittin',/RB a/DT thoroughbred/NN is/VBZ just/RB beginning/VBG to/TO warm/VB up./RP Mount/NNP up/IN an'/NN ride/NN your/PRP$ back-trail."He/JJ looped/JJ his/PRP$ riata/NN around/IN Cannon's/NNP torso/NN and/CC made/VBD a/DT half-hitch;/NN the/DT other/JJ end/NN he/PRP tied/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ pommel/NN and/CC followed/VBD behind/IN the/DT prisoner./NN About/IN sunset/NN he/PRP rejoined/VBD Judson,/NNP of/IN whom/WP his/PRP$ somber/NN eyes/NNS asked/VBD a/DT question./NN Francisco/NNP made/VBD it/PRP to/TO the/DT rancho,"/NN Judson/NNP answered/VBD the/DT unspoken/JJ query./NN "He/NN told/VBD Se$orita/NNP Guerrero/NNPS about/IN our/PRP$ little/JJ ruckus,/NN so/IN she/PRP had/VBD a/DT team/NN hitched/VBN to/TO an/DT oldfamily/RB carriage,/NN and/CC after/IN she'd/PRP had/VBD Francisco's/NNP leg/NN bandaged/VBN he/PRP led/VBD her/PRP on/IN our/PRP$ trail./NN She's/NNP taken/VBN D'Arcy/NNP back/RB to/TO the/DT hacienda./NN He's/NNP got/VBD a/DT rip/NN along/IN his/PRP$ ribs/NNS and/CC a/DT bullet/NN through/IN his/PRP$ right/JJ lung./NN He/PRP was/VBD conscious/JJ when/WRB the/DT girl/NN took/VBD him/PRP away./RB Me,/RB I/PRP wasn't/VBD any/DT more/JJR use,/NN so/IN I/PRP waited/VBD here/RB for/IN you./NNP I/PRP had/VBD an/DT idea/NN you'd/IN git/JJ your/PRP$ man/NN an'/RB be/VB back.""I'd/RB have/VB been/VBN back/RB sooner/RBR if/IN I'd/NNP followed/VBD my/PRP$ natural/JJ inclination,/NN which/WDT was/VBD to/TO shoot/VB this/DT skunk/NN the/DT minute/NN I/PRP sighted/VBD him./PRP But/CC I/PRP hadn't/VBP the/DT heart/NN to/TO deprive/VB you/PRP of/IN a/DT whole/JJ lot/NN o'/IN pleasure/NN you/PRP got/VBD comin'/NN to/TO you,/VB Jud./NNP This/DT here's/VBZ Cannon,/IN the/DT great,/JJR big,/JJ chief/NN thief/NN of/IN them/PRP all,/IN I/PRP reckon./VBP I/PRP suppose/VBP there/EX ain't/VBP no/DT doubt/NN about/IN them/PRP cows/NNS belongin'/VB to/TO Se$orita/NNP Guerrero?""Nary/NNP doubt./VBD She/PRP tells/VBZ me/PRP somebody's/RB been/VBN rustlin'/NNS her/PRP cattle/NNS for/IN months,/NN so/IN I/PRP reckon/VBP it's/IN this/DT feller./VBD Let's/NNP string/NN him/PRP up,/RB Mac./NNP There's/. another/DT riata/NN on/IN your/PRP$ saddle."He/NN passed/VBD the/DT loop/NN around/IN Cannon's/NNP throat/NN and/CC drew/VBD it/PRP taut./VBD Then/RB be/VB climbed/VBN an/DT adjacent/JJ oak,/NN passed/VBD the/DT other/JJ end/NN over/IN a/DT high,/JJ stout/NN limb,/NN drew/VBD it/PRP down/RB and/CC fastened/VBD it/PRP to/TO Judson's/NNP pommel./, Cannon/NNP commenced/VBD to/TO plead/VB for/IN mercy;/NN he/PRP threw/VBD himself/PRP from/IN the/DT roan's/NNS back/RB and/CC groveled/VBD on/IN his/PRP$ knees;/NN he/PRP wept,/VBD and/CC when/WRB he/PRP saw/VBD that/IN mercy/NN was/VBD as/IN alien/JJ to/TO his/PRP$ captors/NNS as/IN it/PRP is/VBZ to/TO a/DT hungry/JJ tiger,/NN he/PRP commenced/VBD to/TO shriek./VB "I/PRP never/RB knew/VBD a/DT bluff/NN an'/IN a/DT bully/NN an'/IN a/DT sneakin'/NN dirty/JJ dog/NN that/IN knew/VBD how/WRB to/TO die/VB well,"/RB McCready/JJ told/VBD him/PRP disgustedly./, "You're/RB a/DT natural/JJ thief/NN an'/NN murderer,/NN an'/NN there's/RB too/RB many/JJ o'/IN your/PRP$ kind/NN clutterin'/NN up/IN the/DT state/NN anyhow./. We/PRP know/VBP your/PRP$ record./VBN All/DT right,/JJ Jud,/NNP lead/NN out."Judson/NN led/VBD his/PRP$ horse/NN out/RB from/IN under/IN the/DT tree/NN and/CC Cannon/NNP rose,/VBD shrieking/VBG in/IN horrible/JJ terror,/NN to/TO his/PRP$ feet;/NNS he/PRP ran/VBD along/IN four/CD or/CC five/CD steps,/NNS then/RB his/PRP$ chin,/NN tiltedand/VB his/PRP$ cries/NNS became/VBD a/DT momentary/JJ gurgle;/NN his/PRP$ toes/NNS scuffed/VBN the/DT grass/NN tops;/RB slowly,/JJ inexorably/RB he/PRP rose/VBD until/IN he/PRP dangled/VBD six/CD feet/NNS from/IN the/DT ground./NNP McCready/NNP grasped/VBD the/DT riata./NN "Come/NN in,/IN Jud,"/NNP he/PRP ordered./VBD Judson/NNP backed/VBD the/DT horse/NN and/CC cast/VBD the/DT riata/NN off/IN the/DT pommel,/NN while/IN McCready/NNP held/VBD the/DT body/NN suspended;/VBD then/RB Judson/NNP passed/VBD the/DT riata/NN securely/RB around/IN the/DT bole/NN of/IN the/DT tree/NN and/CC tied/VBD it/PRP there./DT They/PRP mounted./MD "Man/VB born/VBN o'/IN woman,"/NN McCready/NNP murmured/VBD sententiously,/VBN "is/PRP$ mighty/JJ small/JJ potatoes/NNS an'/IN few/JJ in/IN a/DT hill."They/NN rode/VBD away/RB on/IN the/DT back-trail./NN At/IN the/DT scene/NN of/IN the/DT battle/NN they/PRP found/VBD the/DT man/NN whose/WP$ horse/NN D'Arcy/NNP had/VBD shot/VBN from/IN under/IN him./PRP He/PRP had/VBD a/DT broken/JJ leg./NN So/CC they/PRP took/VBD the/DT riata/NN from/IN the/DT saddle/NN on/IN his/PRP$ dead/JJ horse/NN and/CC hanged/VBD him/PRP with/IN it,/RB after/IN which,/DT feeling/NN extremely/RB virtuous,/JJ they/PRP rode/VBD to/TO the/DT hacienda/NN of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP for/IN supper/NN and/CC a/DT bed/NN they/PRP very/RB much/RB needed./VBN AN/DT INDIAN/NNP had/VBD told/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP that/IN it/PRP was/VBD going/VBG to/TO be/VB an/DT open/JJ winter,/NN and/CC since/IN he/PRP had/VBD always/RB heard/VBN that/IN Indians/NNPS had/VBD infallible/JJ methods/NNS of/IN weather/NN prognostication/NN unknown/JJ to/TO white/JJ men,/NNS Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP believed/VBD him./PRP Nevertheless,/RB even/RB though/IN no/DT snow/NN had/VBD fallen/VBN by/IN the/DT first/JJ of/IN December,/NNP he/PRP became/VBD anxious./DT Such/JJ little/JJ practical/JJ common/JJ sense/NN as/IN he/PRP possessed/VBD warned/VBN him/PRP that/IN he/PRP and/CC the/DT Bart/NNP should/MD go/VB down/RB to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP before/IN the/DT snow/NN flew;/VBD that/IN delays/NNS were/VBD dangerous./VBG But/CC the/DT Bart/NNP had/VBD gout/NN and/CC was/VBD unable/JJ to/TO make/VB the/DT journey/NN afoot,/RB so/IN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP pinning/VBG his/PRP$ faith/NN in/IN the/DT Indian's/NNP prophecy,/NN decided/VBD to/TO wait/VB until/IN the/DT fifteenth/NN of/IN December/NNP for/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP to/TO recover/VB sufficiently/RB to/TO make/VB the/DT long/JJ march,/NN nor/CC considered,/NN in/IN his/PRP$ innocence,/NN that/IN while/IN the/DT keg/NN of/IN whisky/NN the/DT last/JJ pack-train/NN of/IN the/DT season/NN had/VBD deposited/VBN at/IN their/PRP$ camp/NN lasted,/, the/DT Bart/NNP would/MD retain/VB his/PRP$ gout./NN On/IN the/DT fifteenth/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP decided/VBD he/PRP could/MD not/RB afford/VB further/JJ risk./NN If/IN the/DT mountain/NN would/MD not/RB come/VB to/TO Mahomet,/NNP then/RB Mahomet/NNP must/MD come/VB to/TO the/DT mountain;/NN he/PRP must/MD go/VB down/RP to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP secure/VBP a/DT saddle-horse/NN or/CC a/DT mule/NN and/CC return/NN for/IN Sir/NNP Humphrey./NNP The/DT Bart/NNP agreeing/VBG to/TO that/DT plan,/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP cooked/VBD him/PRP four/CD days'/NNS rations/NNS and/CC fled/VBD down/IN the/DT trail/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP where/WRB he/PRP arrived/VBD late/JJ that/IN night,/DT cold/JJ and/CC hungry,/JJ and/CC pounded/VBD on/IN the/DT door/NN of/IN the/DT only/JJ domicile/NN on/IN earth/NN he/PRP could/MD call/VB home./PRP But/CC no/DT response/NN came/VBD to/TO his/PRP$ summons./NN He/PRP did/VBD not/RB know/VB that/IN D'Arcy/NNP and/CC Company/NNP had/VBD dissolved/VBN partner-ship/NN and/CC departed./VBN He/PRP concluded/VBD they/PRP must/MD all/PDT be/VB uptown./DT So/RB to/TO the/DT principal/JJ dance-hall/NN and/CC saloon/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP wended/VBD his/PRP$ way,/NN for/IN he/PRP needed/VBD a/DT drink/NN very/RB badly./RB Just/RB one/CD drink--well,/NN perhaps/RB two,/, but/CC not/RB more/JJR than/IN that;/IN he/PRP would/MD then/RB return/VB to/TO his/PRP$ friends'/NNS cabin/NN and/CC Jim/NNP Toy/NNP would/MD shake/VB him/PRP up/RP a/DT meal./NN He/PRP was/VBD certain/JJ of/IN a/DT welcome./NN As/IN he/PRP entered/VBD the/DT Bird/NNP Cage/NNP he/PRP presented/VBD an/DT incongruous/JJ figure./NN He/PRP was/VBD dog-dirty/JJ and/CC ragged,/JJ his/PRP$ hair/NN hung/VBD down/RB on/IN his/PRP$ shoulders;/NNS his/PRP$ whiskers/NNS were/VBD long/JJ and/CC unkempt,/JJ he/PRP was/VBD red-shirted,/JJ jack-booted/JJ and/CC brown/JJ as/IN the/DT trunk/NN of/IN a/DT madro$a-tree./JJ Hence,/IN the/DT sirens/NNS of/IN the/DT Bird/NNP Cage/NNP knew/VBD instantly/RB that/IN here/RB was/VBD one/CD but/CC this/DT moment/NN returned/VBD to/TO the/DT flesh-pots/NNS after/IN a/DT long/JJ absence/NN in/IN the/DT wilderness--a/JJ man,/NN forsooth,/IN likely/JJ to/TO have/VB in/IN his/PRP$ possession/NN a/DT poke/NN well/RB filled/VBN with/IN dust/NN and/CC nuggets./NN From/IN across/IN the/DT huge/JJ roam/NN they/PRP called/VBD to/TO him/PRP and/CC waved/VBD enticingly,/NN but/CC resolutely/RB he/PRP turned/VBD his/PRP$ back/NN upon/IN their/PRP$ spurious/JJ blandishments/NNS and/CC headed/VBD for/IN the/DT long/JJ bar./NN A/DT hand/NN slipped/VBD into/IN the/DT crook/NN of/IN his/PRP$ elbow,/POS his/PRP$ progress/NN was/VBD checked./VBN "Hello,/NNP darling,"/NN a/DT feminine/JJ voice/NN cooed./VBD "Welcome/VBN to/TO Happy/JJ Camp./NNP You/PRP certainly/RB look/VBP like/IN a/DT man/NN that/WDT needs/VBZ a/DT drink./NN Suppose/VB we/PRP have/VBP a/DT quart/NN of/IN champagne/NN together/RB and/CC then/RB a/DT little/JJ dance?/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP shook/VBD her/PRP$ roughly/RB off./NN "You/NNS Jezebel,"/IN he/PRP growled./VBD "Now,/NNP that's/IN no/DT way/NN to/TO address/VB a/DT lady,"/NN the/DT girl/NN protested/VBD good-naturedly./DT "Suppose/NN I/PRP buy/VBP you/PRP a/DT drink/NN of/IN Angelica/NNP and/CC make/VB you/PRP sweet?""A/VB lady!"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP tones/NNS were/VBD icy/JJ with/IN contempt./NN "A/NN lady!"/NN He/PRP was/VBD so/RB disgusted/VBN he/PRP turned/VBD to/TO wither/VB the/DT importunate/JJ female/NN with/IN his/PRP$ most/JJS virtuous/JJ glance./NN He/PRP failed./VBD Instead/RB his/PRP$ eyes/NNS popped/VBD with/IN hor-ror,/JJ his/PRP$ mouth/NN sagged/VBD loosely,/RB and/CC a/DT great/JJ trembling/VBG seized/VBN him./RB When/WRB he/PRP could/MD speak/VB he/PRP croaked:"Oh,/VB Martha,/NNP Martha!/NNP You!/NNP Oh,/NNP my/PRP$ God!""Obadiah!/NNP I--didn't/NNP think--I--Bejabers/NNS Harmon/NNP told/VBD me/PRP of/IN your/PRP$ search--before/NN that/IN I/PRP thought/VBD you/PRP dead./, I--I/NNP was/VBD going/VBG away/RB soon--so/RB I/PRP wouldn't/MD meet/VB you--/DT Oh,/NNP my/PRP$ dear,/NN my/PRP$ dear,/NN I/PRP didn't/VBD want/VB to/TO hurt/VB you!"/PRP She/PRP commenced/VBD to/TO sob./VB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP laid/VBD a/DT dirty/JJ paw/NN on/IN her/PRP$ silken/JJ shoulder./NN "Come/NN away/RB from/IN this/DT place,"/NN he/PRP commanded,/VBD and/CC almost/RB thrust/VBD her/PRP out/IN the/DT door/NN into/IN the/DT frozen/JJ night./NN "She/PRP ain't/VBP dressed/VBN for/IN an/DT open-air/JJ conference,"/NN a/DT familiar/JJ voice/NN warned/VBD him./PRP Bejabers/IN Harmon/NNP stood/VBD in/IN the/DT entrance./NN He/PRP removed/VBD his/PRP$ overcoat,/JJ and/CC Martha/NNP slipped/VBD into/IN it./PRP "Our/RB old/JJ cabin's/NN deserted,/NN Poppy,"/NNP he/PRP explained./VBD "Come/VBN over/IN to/TO my/PRP$ house./NN Madge'll/NNP turn/VB the/DT front/JJ room/NN over/IN to/TO you/PRP and/CC we'll/MD leave/VB you/PRP two/CD alone/RB to/TO talk/VB it/PRP all/DT over/IN quiet-like."/JJ He/PRP glared/VBD meaningly/RB at/IN Mr./NNP Poppy./NNP "A/RB little/RB Christian/JJ charity/NN mebbe/NN goes/VBZ a/DT long/JJ way/NN tonight,"/RB he/PRP whispered,/MD "and/VB you/PRP got/VBD to/TO remember/VB you/PRP ain't/VBP no/DT sweet-smellin'/JJ vi'let/NN yourself."In/IN the/DT privacy/NN of/IN the/DT Harmons'/NNP "front/NN room,"/NN while/IN Bejabers/NNP and/CC Madge/NNP retired/VBD to/TO the/DT Mansion/NNP House/NNP parlor,/, Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC Martha/NNP faced/VBD each/DT other./JJ It/PRP was/VBD a/DT terrible/JJ moment--terrible/JJ because/IN of/IN the/DT silence./NN Then/RB Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP spoke:"I/. suppose/VB there/EX was/VBD nothing/NN else/RB for/IN you/PRP to/TO do,/VB Martha?""I/NNP have/VBP no/DT explanation,/NN Obadiah./. It--it/. happened.""It's/VBD what/WP I/PRP deserve,/VBP not/RB you,/JJ Martha./NNP I/PRP have/VBP a/DT half-interest/NN in/IN a/DT rich/JJ claim./NN I'm/NN not/RB worthy/JJ of/IN you,/JJ but/CC if/IN you'll/NNP marry/VBP me/PRP I'll/. go/VB straight./RB Oh,/IN my/PRP$ God,/NNP I/PRP know/VBP I/PRP will!/MD I'll/RB have/VB to--for/JJ both/DT our/PRP$ sakes."Martha's/JJ tones/NNS were/VBD tipped/VBN with/IN contempt./NN "Tomake/IN an/DT honest/JJ woman/NN of/IN me?/NN I/PRP am/VBP not/RB low/JJ enough/RB for/IN that,/DT my/PRP$ dear./RP There/EX is/VBZ no/DT necessity/NN for/IN you/PRP to/TO think/VB you/PRP are/VBP called/VBN upon/IN to/TO sacrifice/VB yourself./PRP And/CC I'll/NNP make/VBP no/DT explanations,/NNS present/VB no/DT apologies./NN What/WP I've/NN done/VBN I've/NN done/VBN deliberately./NN I/PRP could/MD have/VB protected/VBN my/PRP$ virtue/NN by/IN marriage/NN long/JJ ago.""I/IN love/NN you,"/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP replied/VBD with/IN sad/JJ simplicity./NN "The/IN finest,/NNS the/DT loveliest/NN impulses/NNS of/IN my/PRP$ worthless/JJ life/NN I/PRP owe/VBP to/TO you./PRP I'm/IN a/DT fool/NN and/CC a/DT sham/NN and/CC a/DT weakling;/NN the/DT only/RB sincere/JJ thing/NN in/IN my/PRP$ heart/NN has/VBZ been/VBN my/PRP$ love/NN for/IN you./PRP$ I/PRP used/VBD to/TO think/VB I/PRP knew/VBD all/DT there/EX was/VBD to/TO be/VB known/VBN about/IN virtue--that/JJ is,/, the/DT sort/NN of/IN virtue/NN that/WDT is/VBZ the/DT product/NN of/IN a/DT fear/NN of/IN hell-fire./NN I--I/CC think--I/JJ want/VBP to/TO be/VB a/DT human/JJ being/NN now./, I/PRP don't/VBP care/NN for/IN anything/NN or/CC anybody./DT I/PRP want/VBP you/PRP because/IN I/PRP love/VBP you,/PRP because/IN what/WP you/PRP are/VBP I've/NNP made/VBD you./PRP I/PRP want/VBP my/PRP$ own./NN "Once/IN you/PRP had/VBD me/PRP upon/IN a/DT pedestal./NN The/DT man/NN of/IN God!/NNP And/CC all/PDT the/DT time/NN I/PRP was/VBD a/DT child/NN of/IN the/DT devil./NN ./. ./. ./. What/WP did/VBD I/PRP know/VB of/IN humankind?/NN What/WP did/VBD I/PRP know/VB of/IN the/DT trials/NNS and/CC temptations/NNS of/IN this/DT world,/NN when,/, with/IN a/DT forked/JJ tongue,/NN I/PRP thundered/VBD in/IN a/DT pulpit/NN my/PRP$ denunciation/NN of/IN sin?/JJ Martha,/NNP will/MD you/PRP marry/VB me--as/. an/DT act/NN of/IN sweet/JJ charity?/NN I/PRP need/VBP you/PRP so--and/JJ perhaps,/NNS after/IN all,/DT you/PRP need/VBP me./PRP If/IN there's/EX a/DT human/JJ being/NN who/WP can/MD help/VB me/PRP upward/RB and/CC onward,/RB it's/IN you,/PRP$ dear/JJ heart./, And/CC I/PRP don't/RB want/VBP any/DT explanations./NN Can't/IN we/PRP start/VBP all/DT over/IN again--together--now?""You're--not--ashamed/JJ of/IN me?"/NNS the/DT girl/NN cried/VBD incredulously./RB He/PRP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "The/DT world/NN I/PRP knew/VBD is/VBZ very/RB distant/JJ now,/, Martha./NNP One/CD gets/VBZ very/RB close/JJ to/TO the/DT sublimates/NNS of/IN life/NN in/IN California./NNP A/DT new/JJ land/NN with/IN new/JJ aspirations,/JJ new/JJ ideals/NNS and/CC a/DT kindlier,/RB broader/JJR outlook./NN That/DT is/VBZ one/CD of/IN the/DT blessings/NNS of/IN the/DT gold;/NN we/PRP will/MD not/RB discuss/VB its/PRP$ curses./NN I'm/IN waiting/VBG for/IN my/PRP$ answer,/NN Martha."She/NNP crept/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ arms,/NN took/VBD his/PRP$ shaggy/JJ head/NN in/IN both/DT hands/NNS and/CC drew/VBD the/DT long/RB sad/JJ face/NN down/IN to/TO her/PRP$ carmined/JJ lips./NN "Oh,/IN sweetheart,"/NN she/PRP assured/VBD him,/PRP "it's/VBZ been/VBN worth/JJ it/PRP all/DT to/TO know,/VB beyond/IN a/DT doubt,/NN that/IN you're/PRP really/RB the/DT man/NN I/PRP loved--that/VBD you/PRP really/RB have/VBP in/IN you/PRP the/DT quality/NN for/IN which/WDT I/PRP loved/VBD you./PRP Take/VB me,/PRP Obadiah,/RB oh,/RB take/VB me/PRP away,/RB take/VB me/PRP away."He/RB held/VBD her/PRP close/RB and/CC in/IN the/DT silence/NN the/DT clock/NN on/IN Bejabers's/NNP mantel/NN ticked/VBN like/IN thunder./DT No,/NN they/PRP had/VBD nothing/NN more/JJR to/TO say/VB to/TO each/DT other./JJ They/PRP could/MD only/RB feel./VB They/PRP were/VBD married/VBN in/IN the/DT morning/NN in/IN the/DT parlor/NN of/IN the/DT Mansion/NNP House,/NNP with/IN Madge/NNP and/CC Bejabers/NNP for/IN witnesses./DT The/DT weather/NN was/VBD still/RB clear,/JJ the/DT sky/NN not/RB overcast;/IN beyond/IN a/DT doubt/NN that/IN Indian/NNP was/VBD an/DT excellent/JJ weather/NN prophet./NN Within/IN an/DT hour/NN after/IN their/PRP$ marriage/NN the/DT Poppys,/NNP mounted/VBD on/IN horses/NNS supplied/VBN by/IN Bejabers,/NNP and/CC leading/VBG another/DT horse/NN for/IN the/DT Bart,/NNP were/VBD bound/VBN up/IN the/DT trail/NN for/IN Hot/NNP Creek./NNP And/CC as/IN they/PRP rode,/VBD a/DT leaden/JJ hue/NN suffused/VBD the/DT sky/NN and/CC an/DT icy/JJ wind/NN blew/VBD down/RP out/IN of/IN the/DT north;/JJ presently/RB a/DT snowflake/NN fluttered/VBD against/IN Mr./NNP Poppy's/NNP cheek./VBD "We'll/RB have/VB to/TO hurry,"/VB he/PRP said./VBD Softly,/NNP slowly/RB the/DT snow/NN commenced/VBD to/TO fall;/VB by/IN the/DT time/NN they/PRP reached/VBD the/DT cabin/NN it/PRP was/VBD whirling/VBG viciously./RB The/DT Bart/NNP welcomed/VBD them,/, and/CC realizing/VBG that/IN here,/PRP$ indeed,/NN was/VBD an/DT auspicious/JJ occasion,/NN one/NN which/WDT required/VBD due/JJ celebration,/NN he/PRP begged/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP to/TO brew/VB a/DT pot/NN of/IN "the/DT craythure."/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP obeyed,/, but/CC it/PRP was/VBD an/DT empty/JJ glass/NN he/PRP hoisted/VBD in/IN response/NN to/TO Sir/NNP Humphrey's/NNP ornate/JJ toast/NN to/TO the/DT long/JJ life,/NN happiness/NN and/CC prosperity/NN of/IN his/PRP$ partners,/NN for/IN with/IN that/DT large/JJ prodigality/NN of/IN his/PRP$ he/PRP had/VBD instantly/RB included/VBN Martha/NNP in/IN the/DT partnership./NN When/WRB Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP was/VBD comfortably/RB intoxicated/VBN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP put/VBD him/PRP to/TO bed/NN and/CC returning/VBG to/TO the/DT fire/NN satbeside/VBD it/PRP with/IN Martha/NNP and/CC planned/JJ with/IN her/PRP for/IN their/PRP$ future./NN When/WRB he/PRP ventured/VBD out/RP in/IN the/DT morning/NN he/PRP found/VBD the/DT cabin/NN half/NN buried/VBN in/IN snowdrifts,/NN with/IN the/DT snow/NN falling/VBG so/RB thickly/RB that/IN it/PRP was/VBD with/IN extreme/JJ difficulty/NN he/PRP found/VBD his/PRP$ way/NN to/TO the/DT little/JJ grove/NN of/IN pines/NNS in/IN which/WDT he/PRP had/VBD tethered/VBN the/DT horses/NNS the/DT night/NN previous./'' This/DT grove/NN constituted/VBD the/DT only/JJ possible/JJ shelter,/NN and/CC although/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD tied/VBN the/DT saddle-blankets/NNS on/IN them/PRP the/DT horses/NNS were/VBD almost/RB frozen./. He/PRP would/MD have/VB lighted/VBN a/DT couple/NN of/IN bonfires/NNS to/TO warm/VB them,/, but/CC he/PRP could/MD not/RB find/VB any/DT dry/JJ wood;/NN the/DT best/JJS he/PRP could/MD do/VB was/VBD to/TO melt/VB snow/NN and/CC water/NN them--a/, long/RB and/CC tedious/JJ process./NN He/PRP had/VBD three/CD feeds/VBZ of/IN grain/NN with/IN him/PRP and/CC this/DT he/PRP divided/VBD into/IN six/CD feeds/VBZ and/CC gave/VBD one/CD to/TO the/DT famished/JJ beasts./NN He/PRP returned/VBD to/TO the/DT frail/JJ cabin/NN half/NN frozen,/, but/CC when/WRB Martha/NNP suggested/VBD that/IN he/PRP take/VB a/DT drink/NN of/IN whisky/NN to/TO revive/VB himself/PRP he/PRP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head./NN "I'm/NN done/VBN with/IN that,"/DT he/PRP told/VBD her./PRP "Whisky/NN is/VBZ my/PRP$ old/JJ lost/VBN love--and/NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB want/VB it/PRP back."It/RB snowed/VBD for/IN a/DT week/NN without/IN cessation./DT The/DT tiniest/JJS vestige/NN of/IN the/DT trail/NN to/TO Happy/NNP Camp/NNP was/VBD obliterated,/JJ and/CC on/IN the/DT third/JJ day/NN the/DT horses/NNS perished./VBN The/DT snow/NN was/VBD twenty/CD feet/NNS deep/JJ and/CC completely/RB covered/VBN the/DT cabin,/NN and/CC when/WRB a/DT lack/NN of/IN fuel/NN made/VBD a/DT sortie/NN necessary/JJ Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD to/TO dig/VB a/DT tunnel/NN to/TO the/DT surface./NN Laboriously/RB he/PRP shoveled/VBD the/DT snow/NN off/IN the/DT carcasses/NNS of/IN the/DT horses/NNS and/CC disemboweled/VBD them;/, then/RB he/PRP shoveled/VBD the/DT snow/NN back/RB on/IN them/PRP and/CC packed/VBD it/PRP down/RP with/IN his/PRP$ feet./NN For/IN it/PRP had/VBD occurred/VBN to/TO him/PRP that/IN they/PRP were/VBD snowed/VBN in/IN for/IN the/DT winter/NN and/CC that/IN a/DT supply/NN of/IN frozen/JJ horse-meat/NN might/MD avert/VB starvation/NN when/WRB their/PRP$ other/JJ rations/NNS should/MD be/VB gone./VBG It/PRP occurred/VBD to/TO him,/PRP too,/RB that/IN Bejabers/NNP would/MD lead/VB a/DT rescue/NN party/NN to/TO them/PRP on/IN snow-shoes,/NN so/IN he/PRP shoveled/VBD the/DT snow/NN off/IN the/DT cabin/NN roof/NN in/IN order/NN that/IN they/PRP might/MD see/VB it./PRP But/CC that/DT same/JJ night/NN it/PRP commenced/VBD snowing/VBG again,/RB nor/CC did/VBD it/PRP cease/VB for/IN another/DT week./NN When/WRB it/PRP did,/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP made/VBD a/DT sortie/NN to/TO the/DT grove,/NN cut/VBD a/DT large/JJ patch/NN of/IN hide/NN and/CC a/DT piece/NN of/IN meat/NN from/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT martyred/JJ horses/NNS and/CC returned/VBD to/TO the/DT cabin./NN Here/RB with/IN yew/JJ wood/NN and/CC strips/NNS of/IN green/JJ horse-hide/NN he/PRP fashioned/VBD snow-shoes/NNS for/IN Martha/NNP and/CC himself;/JJ then,/, with/IN infinite/JJ labor/NN he/PRP made/VBD a/DT sleigh,/NN with/IN runners/NNS of/IN hard/JJ Valparaiso/NNP live-oak,/, padded/VBD it/PRP with/IN a/DT mattress/NN rudely/RB fashioned/VBN of/IN pine/NN needles/NNS laboriously/WP dug/VBD from/IN under/IN the/DT snow/NN about/IN the/DT roots/NNS of/IN the/DT towering/VBG pines,/NN and/CC made/VBD a/DT harness/NN for/IN himself/PRP from/IN the/DT l$tigo/NN on/IN one/CD of/IN the/DT saddles/NNS and/CC the/DT bridle-reins./NN Then/RB he/PRP fried/JJ sufficient/JJ horse-meat/NN to/TO last/JJ three/CD days/NNS and/CC announced/VBD his/PRP$ plan./NN "We've/NN got/VBD to/TO get/VB out,"/IN he/PRP declared./VBD "We/PRP must/MD take/VB a/DT gambler's/NN chance./NN I/PRP doubt/VBP if/IN anybody/NN in/IN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP is/VBZ familiar/JJ with/IN the/DT trail/NN up/IN here,/RB even/RB if/IN they/PRP could/MD find/VB it,/IN which/WDT they/PRP cannot./MD I/PRP have/VBP given/VBN up/RP hope/NN of/IN a/DT rescue/NN party./NN My/PRP$ plan/NN is/VBZ to/TO put/VB Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP on/IN this/DT sleigh,/JJ wrap/NN him/PRP in/IN blankets/NNS and/CC start/VB down/RP Hot/JJ Creek/NNP ca$on/NN to/TO the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Hot/NNP Creek/NNP will/MD be/VB frozen/VBN over,/JJ and/CC there/EX will/MD be/VB several/JJ feet/NNS of/IN hard/JJ snow/NN over/IN the/DT ice./NN That/IN route/NN isn't/RB passable/JJ in/IN summer/NN but/CC I'll/NNP have/VBP to/TO chance/VB it/PRP is/VBZ passable/JJ in/IN winter./NN I/PRP know/VBP in/IN what/WP general/JJ direction/NN Happy/NNP Camp/NNP lies,/, but/CC I/PRP am/VBP not/RB certain/JJ I/PRP can/MD orient/VB myself/PRP if/IN we/PRP go/VBP straight/RB over/IN the/DT mountains./NN But/CC if/IN we/PRP can/MD get/VB down/RB to/TO the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP we'll/MD be/VB safe./JJR The/DT junction/NN of/IN Hot/JJ Creek/NNP with/IN the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP is/VBZ only/RB ten/CD miles/NNS above/IN Happy/NNP Camp;/NNP I/PRP can/MD walk/VB that/IN far/RB and/CC get/VB help."Sir/NN Humphrey/NNP spoke/VBD up/RP with/IN delightful/JJ cheerfulness./NN "My/IN dear/JJ Poppy,/NNP you're/, a/DT loving/JJ and/CC loyal/JJ ass./NN Of/IN what/WP manner/NN of/IN use/NN am/VBP I/PRP in/IN the/DT scheme/NN of/IN life?/JJ Leave/VB me/PRP here/RB to/TO Providence/NNP and/CC go/VB on/IN without/IN me./NN I'll/CC only/RB hinder/VB your/PRP$ chances/NNS of/IN escape.""You're/VBG my/PRP$ partner,"/NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP replied/VBD doggedly./. "You'd/NNP never/RB desert/VB me./PRP What's/WP your/PRP$ idea/NN of/IN the/DT situation,/NN Martha?""We'll/NNP stick/NN by/IN our/PRP$ partner,"/NN the/DT girl/NN replied./VBD At/IN daylight/NN next/JJ morning/NN they/PRP started./VBD Such/JJ timber/NN as/IN grew/VBD in/IN the/DT frozen/JJ bed/NN of/IN Hot/JJ Creek/NNP was/VBD sufficiently/RB sparse/JJ for/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC Martha/NNP to/TO haul/VB the/DT sleigh/NN between/IN it,/DT and,/NNS as/IN Poppy/NNP had/VBD suspected,/VBN thirty/CD feet/NNS of/IN snow/NN covered/VBD the/DT frozen/JJ rapids,/JJ pot-holes,/NN boulders,/NN and/CC waterfalls/NNS in/IN the/DT creek/NN bed./, But/CC the/DT weather/NN had/VBD turned/VBN warm,/RBR for/IN which/WDT they/PRP were/VBD grateful./VBG At/IN midday/NN they/PRP halted/VBD for/IN a/DT meal/NN of/IN tea/NN and/CC cold/JJ fried/JJ horse-meat./NN Martha/NNP was/VBD just/RB filling/VBG the/DT Bart's/NNP pipe/NN for/IN him/PRP when/WRB from/IN far/RB up/IN the/DT ca$on/NN of/IN Hot/NNP Creek/NNP a/DT thunderous/JJ roar/NN came/VBD to/TO them./PRP "What/IN the/DT devil's/NNS that?"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP cried/VBD sharply./. "A/'' windfall,"/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP answered./. "Trees,/NNP top-heavy/JJ with/IN snow,/NN crashing/VBG to/TO earth/NN through/IN other/JJ trees.""Too/NN many/JJ trees/NNS falling,/VBP I'm/NNP thinking,"/IN the/DT Bart/NNP replied./VBD "Are/IN you/PRP certain/JJ it/PRP isn't/IN an/DT avalanche?"Far/JJ up/IN Hot/JJ Creek/NNP ca$on/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP could/MD see/VB a/DT cloud/NN that/IN looked/VBD like/IN spray/NN thrown/VBN up/IN when/WRB giant/JJ waves/NNS hurl/VBP themselves/PRP upon/IN a/DT rocky/JJ coast./NN Martha/NNP crept/VBD into/IN his/PRP$ arms./NN "What/NN is/VBZ it,/RB Obadiah?"/RB she/PRP whispered./MD "It/VB frightens/NNS me./, "Hush'"/'' he/PRP warned/VBD her./PRP "Don't/RB let/VB Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP hear/VBP you./PRP Thank/VB God,/NNP he's/POS blind,/NNS and/CC cannot/MD see/VB it./PRP It's/IN an/DT avalanche,/JJ sweetheart--hundreds/NNS of/IN thousands/NNS of/IN tons/NNS of/IN frozen/JJ snow/NN from/IN the/DT mountains/NNS miles/NNS above/IN us./DT This/DT hot/JJ spell/NN has/VBZ thawed/VBN it,/IN I/PRP reckon--or/VBP perhaps/RB a/DT landslide/NN started/VBD it."/IN He/PRP drew/VBD her/PRP to/TO his/PRP$ heart./NN "It's/NNP coming,"/, he/PRP whispered,/VBD "coming/VBG down/IN the/DT ca$on--a/JJ wall/NN of/IN it/PRP a/DT hundred/CD feet/NNS high.""Are/VBP we/PRP going/VBG to/TO die,/VB Obadiah?"He/NNP nodded./, "We're/NNP down/RB in/IN the/DT ca$on./NN We/PRP cannot/MD escape.""I'm/VB not/RB afraid,"/IN the/DT girl/NN whispered,/, "not/RB with/IN you.""Poppy,/PRP my/PRP$ dear/NN boy,"/VBD the/DT Bart/NNP boomed,/NN "it/NN occurs/VBZ to/TO me/PRP we're/RB in/IN the/DT divil's/JJ own/JJ fix./NN It's/IN an/DT avalanche/NN and/CC it/PRP travels/VBZ fast./RBR I'm/IN thinking/VBG it's/PRP coming/VBG down/IN the/DT ca$on.""It/NN is,"/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP quavered./NNP "Indeed!/NNP What/WP a/DT damnable/JJ misfortune/NN to/TO be/VB deprived/VBN of/IN the/DT sight/NN of/IN such/DT a/DT magnificent/JJ spectacle!/NN Holy/NNP Moses,/NNP what/WP a/DT racket!/NN It's/IN sweeping/VBG the/DT timber/NN before/IN it./PRP Are/VBP we/PRP in/IN for/IN it,/DT lad?""We/NN will,"/, said/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP "be/VBD dead/JJ in/IN sixty/CD seconds.""I'm/JJ sorry/JJ for/IN you/PRP and/CC Martha./NNP Your/PRP$ hand,/NN partner./NN You've/NNP been/VBN faithful/JJ and/CC true,/JJ and/CC I/PRP was/VBD never/RB aught/VBN but/CC a/DT vagabond/NN and/CC not/RB worth/JJ saving./. God/NNP have/VB mercy/NN on/IN us./NNP Well,/NNP I/PRP came/VBD for/IN adventure/NN and/CC I've/NN had/VBD it/PRP and/CC I'm/NNP not/RB repinin'."Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP wrung/VBD his/PRP$ partner's/JJ hand/NN and/CC Martha/NNP bent/VBD and/CC kissed/VBD the/DT scarred/JJ red/JJ cheek/NN before/IN seeking/VBG again/RB the/DT comforting/VBG haven/NN of/IN her/PRP$ husband's/NNS arms./. "Ah,/NN love,"/NN she/PRP whispered,/, and/CC closed/VBD her/PRP$ eyes,/NN waiting./VBD In/IN that/DT supreme/JJ moment/NN Mr./NNP Poppy,/NNP strangely/RB enough,/RB did/VBD not/RB pray./DT He/PRP did/VBD not/RB even/RB think/VB of/IN God/NNP or/CC his/PRP$ soul/NN or/CC hell/NN or/CC heaven;/NN rather/RB he/PRP was/VBD sensible/JJ of/IN a/DT subtle/JJ peace/NN in/IN the/DT knowledge/NN that/IN at/IN last/JJ he/PRP was/VBD face/NN to/TO face/VB with/IN an/DT issue/NN which/WDT required/VBD no/DT wrench/NN upon/IN his/PRP$ will-power/NN to/TO decide./VB He/PRP glanced/VBD down/RB at/IN the/DT Bart,/NNP calmly/RB puffing/VBG his/PRP$ pipe./NN Whatever/WDT Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP was,/VBD whatever/WDT he/PRP had/VBD been,/VBN he/PRP had/VBD always/RB had/VBN in/IN full/JJ measure/NN that/IN quality/NN of/IN virtue/NN which/WDT Plato/NNP exalted--the/DT virtue/NN of/IN intelligence/NN and/CC courage./NN In/IN supreme/JJ moments/NNS he/PRP could/MD not/RB be/VB common;/VBN he/PRP did/VBD not/RB have/VB toremind/VBN himself,/PRP even,/RB that/IN once/RB he/PRP had/VBD been/VBN a/DT gentleman./NN His/PRP$ calm/JJ fascinated/VBD Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP and/CC drew/VBD his/PRP$ mind/NN from/IN thoughts/NNS of/IN his/PRP$ own/JJ imminent/JJ dissolution./NN "It's/IN the/DT end/NN of/IN the/DT trail,/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey,"/NNP he/PRP shouted/VBD above/IN the/DT rumbling/JJ roar/NN of/IN the/DT avalanche./NN "God/NN is/VBZ good/JJ and/CC the/DT divil/NN not/RB half/DT bad--when/RB you're/RBR acquainted/VBN with/IN him,"/NN Sir/NNP Humphrey/NNP replied/VBD blithely--and/JJ winked/VBD a/DT sightless/JJ eye./NN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP looked/VBD up/IN the/DT ca$on,/NN from/IN which/WDT there/EX was/VBD no/DT escape/NN because/IN of/IN its/PRP$ precipitous/JJ walls./NN A/DT great/JJ flurry/NN of/IN fine/JJ snow/NN rose/VBD a/DT hundred/CD yards/NNS in/IN the/DT still/RB air;/VBP a/DT wall/NN of/IN solid/JJ snow,/NN rolling,/NN billowing,/NN tumbling/VBG down/RP upon/IN him,/PRP bearing/VBG a/DT fringe/NN of/IN boulders,/NN timber,/NN and/CC earth/NN before/IN it,/PRP was/VBD fifty/CD yards/NNS distant./. He/PRP shook/VBD his/PRP$ head/NN and/CC looked/VBD down/RB into/IN the/DT sweet,/JJ pale/JJ but/CC untroubled/JJ face/NN of/IN his/PRP$ Mary/NNP Magdalen;/NNP he/PRP bent/VBD and/CC kissed/VBD the/DT closed/JJ eyes--and/NN waited/VBD in/IN a/DT sort/NN of/IN holy/JJ ecstasy,/NN holding/VBG her/PRP close/JJ to/TO him,/RP unafraid,/JJ defiant,/NN unrepentant,/IN a/DT free/JJ soul/NN at/IN last--a/JJ man!/NN In/IN April/NNP the/DT snow/NN melted/VBN and/CC the/DT freshet/NN carried/VBD them/PRP down/IN Hot/NNP Creek/NNP to/TO the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP and/CC the/DT Arroyo/NNP Chico,/NNP taking/VBG up/RP the/DT sad/JJ burden,/NN carried/VBD it/PRP ten/CD miles/NNS and/CC deposited/VBD it/PRP on/IN the/DT bar/NN where,/, in/IN the/DT summer/NN of/IN '48,/PRP$ the/DT Bart/NNP and/CC Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP had/VBD both/DT staked/JJ claims./NN Thus/RB the/DT poor/JJ little/JJ ones--el/JJ pobrecitos--came/JJ home/NN at/IN last/JJ to/TO Happy/NNP Camp,/NNP where/WRB Bejabers/NNP Harmon,/NNP now/RB coroner/NN and/CC sheriff,/NN staked/VBD for/IN all/DT three/CD a/DT claim/NN six/CD feet/NNS by/IN six/CD feet/NNS by/IN three/CD feet,/NNS and/CC left/VBD them/PRP alone/RB under/IN the/DT murmuring/VBG pines,/NN with/IN the/DT God/NNP that/IN Mr./NNP Poppy/NNP discovered/VBD at/IN the/DT last--the/JJ God/NNP of/IN gentleness/NN and/CC mercy/NN and/CC understanding!/JJ SPRING/NNP again--spring/NN of/IN '51./PRP In/IN the/DT lush/JJ lands/NNS of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP the/DT last/JJ few/JJ cows/NNS left/VBD to/TO Josepha/NNP Guerrero/NNP nursed/VBD their/PRP$ new-born/JJ calves./NN Down/IN by/IN the/DT mighty/JJ Sacramento,/NNP running/VBG bank-full/JJ now/RB with/IN the/DT melting/VBG snow-water/NN of/IN the/DT high/JJ Sierras,/NNPS the/DT whistles/NNS of/IN sprig/NN and/CC teal,/VB the/DT plaintive/JJ whimper/NN of/IN trumpeter/NN swan,/NNS and/CC the/DT persistent/JJ honking/NN of/IN geese/NN filled/VBN the/DT land/NN with/IN sound,/NN for/IN the/DT waterfowl/NN were/VBD northbound/RB for/IN the/DT summer./NN The/DT land/NN was/VBD golden/JJ again/RB with/IN buttercups/NNS and/CC eschscholtzia./VBD But/CC it/PRP was/VBD no/RB longer/RB a/DT lonely/JJ land/NN nor/CC riotous/JJ with/IN the/DT clamor/NN of/IN the/DT adventurers;/NN it/PRP would/MD never/RB be/VB lonely/JJ again./TO At/IN least/JJS Dermod/NNP D'Arcy/NNP thought/VBD so,/RB as/IN he/PRP marked/VBD the/DT grain/NN fields/NNS planted/VBN by/IN the/DT squatters/NNS and/CC noted/VBD the/DT rude/JJ fences/NNS around/IN the/DT farms/NNS they/PRP had/VBD preempted./VBN For/IN four/CD months/NNS he/PRP had/VBD lain/VBN in/IN a/DT rude/JJ hospital/NN at/IN Sacramento,/NNP recovering/VBG from/IN the/DT wounds/NNS received/VBD in/IN his/PRP$ foray/NN with/IN the/DT cattle-thieves,/NNS but/CC now,/RB restored/VBN to/TO his/PRP$ old/JJ vigor/NN and/CC mounted/VBD on/IN Pathfinder,/NNP he/PRP was/VBD returning/VBG to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP And/CC he/PRP rode/VBD alone./RB Arrived/VBN at/IN the/DT hacienda/NN Don/NNP Jos$'s/NNP mongrel/NN hounds/NNS rose/VBD up/RB from/IN their/PRP$ place/NN on/IN the/DT veranda/NN and/CC bayed/VBD furiously/RB at/IN him./PRP$ He/PRP swung/VBD down/RB from/IN Pathfinder,/NNP as/IN Patricio,/NNP opening/VBG the/DT front/NN door,/NN glared/VBD darkly/RB out/IN at/IN him./PRP "Ah,/IN Don/NNP Dermod/NNP D'Arcy,"/NNP he/PRP murmured/VBD without/IN enthusiasm./NN "You/PRP didn't/VBD expect/VB to/TO see/VB me/PRP here/RB again,/RB did/VBD you?"/JJ D'Arcy/NNP greeted/VBD him/PRP with/IN malevolent/JJ cheerfulness./NN "Well,/IN I'm/PRP back/RB again,/RB like/IN a/DT bad/JJ penny./NN Is/VBZ your/PRP$ mistress/NN at/IN home?"Patricio/NN nodded/VBD and/CC emerged/VBD to/TO take/VB charge/NN of/IN the/DT guest's/NNS horse,/NN for/IN however/RB unwelcome/JJ this/DT gringo/NN might/MD be/VB to/TO him,/VB the/DT laws/NNS of/IN hospitality/NN were/VBD ever/RB sacred./VBN D'Arcy/NNP strode/VBD into/IN the/DT house./NN "Josepha!"/IN he/PRP called./MD She/PRP came/VBD to/TO him/PRP from/IN the/DT lean-to/JJ kitchen/NN where/WRB she/PRP had/VBD been/VBN giving/VBG some/DT orders/NNS to/TO the/DT cook./NN "You/PRP have/VBP been/VBN long/JJ coming,/NN Don/NNP Dermod,"/NNP she/PRP chid/VBD him,/PRP and/CC proffered/VBD him/PRP both/DT little/JJ hands./NN "I/NN had/VBD thought/VBN you/PRP had/VBD forgotten./DT Since/IN that/DT evil/JJ day/NN when/WRB the/DT terrible/JJ ones/NNS bore/VBD you/PRP away/RB to/TO Sacramento/NNP I/PRP have/VBP had/VBN daily/JJ news/NN of/IN you;/NN I/PRP thought/VBD perhaps/RB you/PRP might/MD come/VB a/DT week/NN ago."He/IN beamed/VBN down/RP at/IN her./PRP "Indeed!/IN And/CC who/WP bore/VBD you/PRP tidings/NNS of/IN me?"Each/JJ day/NN a/DT vaquero/NN has/VBZ left/VBN the/DT rancho/NN to/TO glean/VB news/NN of'/IN your/PRP$ condition/NN at/IN the/DT hospital;/NN each/DT day/NN a/DT vaquero/NN has/VBZ returned/VBN with/IN it./PRP You/PRP have/VBP been/VBN very/RB close/RB to/TO death,/NNS Don/NNP Dermod."He/NNP nodded/VBD and/CC led/VBD her/PRP to/TO a/DT seat./NN "And/CC I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN desolated,"/VBN Josepha/NNP continued,/NN "with/IN the/DT thought/NN that/IN you/PRP were/VBD to/TO die/VB in/IN my/PRP$ service.""I/NN couldn't/MD afford/VB to/TO die./VB You/PRP needed/VBN me./PRP Moreover,/RB we/PRP gringos/NNS do/VBP not/RB die/VB too/RB readily.""You/PRP are/VBP very/RB welcome,/JJ Don/NNP Dermod,/NNP if/IN only/RB for/IN a/DT little/JJ while./NN Whither/NNP are/VBP you/PRP bound/VBN now?""Sweetheart,"/RB he/PRP replied,/VBD "here/RB is/VBZ the/DT end/NN of/IN my/PRP$ journeying./NN A/DT long/JJ time/NN ago/RB did/VBD I/PRP not/RB tell/VB you/PRP that/IN I/PRP would/MD come/VB back/RB when/WRB my/PRP$ work/NN was/VBD finished?/RB I/PRP could/MD not/RB come/VB before,"/IN he/PRP added/VBD as/IN an/DT afterthought./NN "Once/NN I/PRP was/VBD a/DT penniless/JJ wanderer--""Ah,/JJ yes,/NN you/PRP were/VBD ever/RB prideful,/VBN Don/NNP Dermod./NNP Why/WRB have/VBP you/PRP not/RB returned/VBD sooner,/RB I/PRP ask?""I/RB have/VBP been/VBN in/IN San/NNP Francisco,/NNP dear/NN one./, I/PRP read/VBD in/IN the/DT paper/NN that/IN you/PRP had/VBD filed/VBN with/IN the/DT Federal/NNP Commis-sion/NNP on/IN Land/NNP Titles/NNP your/PRP$ claims/NNS to/TO the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico--so/NNP I/PRP have/VBP been/VBN looking/VBG into/IN the/DT matter/NN and/CC speeding/VBG a/DT decision./NN It/PRP has/VBZ been/VBN duly/RB investigated,/, and/CC a/DT decision/NN was/VBD handed/VBN down/RP five/CD days/NNS ago/RB by/IN the/DT commissioners.""I/NNS have/VBP not/RB been/VBN advised,/IN Don/NNP Dermod.""Well,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP advising/VBG you/PRP now./RP Your/PRP$ claim/NN has/VBZ been/VBN rejected,/VBN Josepha./NNP There/EX is/VBZ no/DT record/NN in/IN the/DT old/JJ archives/NNS to/TO substantiate/VB it./PRP Of/IN course/NN you/PRP can/MD appeal/VB to/TO the/DT courts,/NN but/CC I/PRP fear/VBP that/DT will/MD be/VB of/IN no/DT avail./NN I/PRP think/VBP the/DT commissioners/NNS have/VBP rendered/VBN an/DT honest/JJ decision./NN They/PRP had/VBD no/DT other/JJ alternative./NN Personally,/NNP I/PRP am/VBP delighted/JJ to/TO know/VB you/PRP are/VBP no/RB longer/RB the/DT mistress/NN of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico."She/NNP looked/VBD up/RB at/IN him/PRP with/IN brimming/VBG eyes./NN "Why/RB do/VBP you/PRP say/VB this/DT thing?"/NN she/PRP demanded./VBD "You/PRP rejoice/VB that/IN I/PRP am/VBP what/WP the/DT gringos/NNS call/VBP go/VB bust?"He/NN nodded./. That/DT decision/NN gives/VBZ me/PRP the/DT right/JJ to/TO demand/VB that/IN hereafter/IN all/DT of/IN your/PRP$ worries/NNS shall/MD be/VB mine./NN Josepha,/IN I/PRP love/VBP you./PRP Surely/RB you/PRP must/MD know/VB that./DT I've/NN loved/VBD you/PRP since/IN that/DT day/NN I/PRP rode/VBD away/RB from/IN you/PRP at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista./NNP I/PRP have/VBP labored/VBN for/IN you./PRP All/DT my/PRP$ life/NN I/PRP must/MD adore/VB you./PRP Ah,/DT sweetheart,/NN will/MD you/PRP not/RB marry/VB me/PRP now?/RB I/PRP have/VBP enough/RB for/IN both--enough/JJ to/TO last/VB us/PRP all/DT our/PRP$ days/NNS together--enough/RB for/IN happiness.""You/PRP are/VBP sure/JJ you/PRP love/VBP me--for/JJ myself?""More/NN than/IN ever--now/NN that/IN you/PRP are/VBP helpless/JJ and/CC alone/RB in/IN the/DT world.""I/JJ believe/VBP you,"/IN she/PRP answered/VBD slowly,/RB "and/CC believing,/VB I/PRP will/MD not/RB reject/VB the/DT labor/NN of/IN your/PRP$ love./NN Ah,/IN thou/DT gringo,/VBG thou/IN dominant/JJ one!/NNS Always/RB have/VBP I/PRP loved/VBD thee--and/DT oh,/NN how/WRB that/DT love/NN has/VBZ hurt,/VBN because/IN of/IN the/DT sad/JJ obstacles/NNS to/TO our/PRP$ loving!"He/NN put/VBD his/PRP$ strong/JJ arms/NNS around/IN her/PRP and/CC drew/VBD her/PRP$ to/TO him./PRP "Pobrecita,"/IN he/PRP murmured,/MD "rest/VB always/RB on/IN thisheart./DT I/PRP never/RB wanted/VBD you/PRP with/IN a/DT dowry,/NN for/IN it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT way/NN of/IN the/DT gringo/NN to/TO provide/VB his/PRP$ own.""Ah,"/JJ she/PRP murmured/VBD happily/RB when/WRB free/JJ at/IN last/JJ of/IN his/PRP$ caresses,/NN "but/IN you/PRP shall/MD have/VB a/DT dowry--the/JJ Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico./NNP Dear/NNP one,/, you/PRP do/VBP not/RB marry/VB a/DT fool,/NN but/CC you/PRP do/VBP marry/VB a/DT woman/NN who/WP has/VBZ much/RB curiosity./DT Always/RB I/PRP loved/VBD you,/PRP yet/RB I/PRP was/VBD resolved/VBN not/RB to/TO marry/VB you./PRP The/DT reasons?/NN Well,/IN you/PRP know/VBP them./. Once/RB they/PRP seemed/VBD very/RB good/JJ reasons,/NN but/CC who/WP can/MD argue/VB with/IN love?/JJ "I/NN knew/VBD that/IN some/DT day/NN you/PRP would/MD come/VB for/IN me;/NN I/PRP feared/VBD if/IN you/PRP did/VBD not/RB I/PRP would/MD come/VB to/TO you./PRP But/CC deep/RB in/IN my/PRP$ heart/NN I/PRP had/VBD a/DT great/JJ desire/NN to/TO know/VB that/IN you/PRP loved/VBD me/PRP because/IN I/PRP am/VBP your/PRP$ Pepita/NNP and/CC not/RB for/IN the/DT lands/NNS my/PRP$ father/NN left/VBD me./PRP For/IN it/PRP has/VBZ seemed/VBN to/TO me,/VB my/PRP$ lover,/NN that/IN the/DT gringo/NN is/VBZ too/RB eager/JJ for/IN land--and/NN I/PRP would/MD make/VB certain./JJ So/RB when/WRB I/PRP presented/VBD my/PRP$ claim/NN to/TO the/DT commission/NN I/PRP attached/VBD only/RB the/DT original/JJ grant./NN I/PRP knew/VBD the/DT claim/NN would/MD be/VB rejected,/VBN because/IN I/PRP knew/VBD that/IN in/IN the/DT archives/NNS at/IN Monterey/NNP there/EX was/VBD no/DT record/NN to/TO substantiate/VB it."She/PRP laughed/VBD merrily/RB at/IN her/PRP$ gigantic/JJ jest/NN and/CC went/VBD to/TO an/DT ancient/JJ iron/NN treasure-chest/NN wherein,/, in/IN happier/JJR days,/NN Don/NNP Jos$/NNP had/VBD been/VBN wont/JJ to/TO store/VB his/PRP$ money./NN She/PRP removed/VBD a/DT bundle/NN of/IN documents/NNS and/CC handed/VBD them/PRP to/TO him./PRP "Read,"/IN she/PRP commanded./MD He/PRP obeyed./VBZ "There/RB must/MD have/VB been/VBN somebody/NN with/IN brains/NNS and/CC forethought/NN on/IN this/DT ranch/NN once,"/RB he/PRP told/VBD her/PRP presently./NN "Somebody/NN who/WP did/VBD not/RB do/VB things/NNS in/IN the/DT casual,/JJ helter-skelter/JJ manner/NN of/IN your/PRP$ Spanish/NNP progenitors./NNPS The/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP has/VBZ been/VBN surveyed,/VBN its/PRP$ boundaries/NNS carefully/RB designated/VBN by/IN natural/JJ landmarks,/NN and/CC these/DT boundaries/NNS set/VBD forth/RB meticulously/RB in/IN the/DT deed/NN of/IN grant./NN This/DT obviates/VBZ the/DT possibility/NN of/IN a/DT claim/NN which/WDT is/VBZ arising/VBG in/IN numerous/JJ instances/NNS withothers--to/, wit,/IN that/IN the/DT grant/NN is/VBZ not/RB legally/RB or/CC specifically/RB delimited/JJ and/CC lies/VBZ within/IN unlimited/JJ outside/JJ domain.""My/NN mother/NN was/VBD half/DT English,/NNP Don/NNP Dermod./NNP She/PRP it/PRP was/VBD who/WP refused/VBD to/TO be/VB casual./DT She/PRP had/VBD vision./DT She/PRP felt/VBD that/IN one/CD day/NN the/DT order/NN of/IN things/NNS might/MD change,/VB that/IN unless/IN the/DT boundaries/NNS of/IN the/DT grant/NN were/VBD specifically/RB outlined/VBN there/EX would/MD be/VB an/DT opportunity,/NN not/RB in/IN her/PRP$ day,/NN perhaps,/NN but/CC in/IN the/DT time/NN of/IN her/PRP$ grandchildren,/NN for/IN covetous/JJ ones/NNS to/TO advance/VB claims/NNS to/TO that/DT land/NN contrary/NN to/TO ours./NNP So/IN she/PRP induced/VBD my/PRP$ father/NN to/TO make/VB definite/JJ surveys,/NN to/TO erect/JJ monuments/NNS and/CC to/TO run/VB the/DT boundary/NN lines/NNS between/IN natural/JJ landmarks.""Yours/NNS is/VBZ a/DT Mexican/JJ grant./NN It/PRP bears/VBZ the/DT seal/NN and/CC signature/NN of/IN the/DT secretary/NN of/IN state/NN at/IN Mexico/NNP City,/NNP as/RB well/RB as/IN the/DT signature/NN and/CC seal/NN of/IN the/DT California/NNP gobernador/NN who/WP approved/VBD the/DT grant/NN and/CC issued/VBD the/DT patent.""That,/NN too,/NN was/VBD my/PRP$ mother's/NN desire./NN Ah,/IN those/DT lazy,/JJ careless/JJ ones/NNS at/IN Monterey!/NNP They/PRP thought/VBD so/RB much/RB of/IN pleasure/NN they/PRP paid/VBD but/CC scant/JJ attention/NN to/TO keeping/VBG the/DT archives/NNS of/IN the/DT government/NN in/IN orderly/JJ fashion./NN This/DT my/PRP$ mother/NN noticed./, Often/RB have/VBP I/PRP heard/VBD her/PRP relate/VB the/DT story/NN of/IN her/PRP$ visit/NN to/TO Monterey/NNP to/TO make/VB certain/JJ that/IN the/DT record/NN of/IN the/DT grant/NN to/TO my/PRP$ father/NN was/VBD duly/RB entered/VBN in/IN the/DT big/JJ book/NN there/RB and/CC not/RB permitted/VBN to/TO remain/VB on/IN loose/JJ leaves,/NN stuffed/VBN in/IN desks/NNS here/RB and/CC there./DT She/PRP even/RB saw/VBD to/TO it/PRP that/IN my/PRP$ father's/JJ application/NN for/IN the/DT grant/NN and/CC the/DT record/NN of/IN its/PRP$ consideration/NN and/CC favorable/JJ action/NN by/IN the/DT gobernador/NN was/VBD duly/RB recorded/VBN in/IN the/DT big/JJ book/NN and/CC a/DT notation/NN made/VBN on/IN the/DT daily/JJ record/NN of/IN the/DT gobernador's/NN procedure.""But/NN here/RB are/VBP the/DT records/NNS essential/JJ to/TO proving/VBG the/DT legality/NN of/IN your/PRP$ grant,"/NN he/PRP protested/VBD in/IN amazement./DT "Why/NN are/VBP they/PRP in/IN your/PRP$ possession/NN rather/RB than/IN in/IN the/DT official/JJ archives/NNS at/IN Monterey?""Ah,/NNP you/PRP do/VBP not/RB know/VB those/DT politicians/NNS at/IN Monterey./NNP Always/RB there/EX was/VBD strife/NN between/IN them./NN A/DT new/JJ gobernador/NN would/MD come/VB from/IN Mexico/NNP and/CC demand/VB the/DT archives./NN The/DT retiring/VBG gobernador/NN would/MD refuse/VB to/TO recognize/VB the/DT authority/NN of/IN the/DT new/JJ arrival,/NN and/CC when,/IN eventually,/NN he/PRP was/VBD forced/VBN to,/TO the/DT new/JJ gobernador/NN might/MD retain/VB the/DT seat/NN of/IN government/NN at/IN Monterey,/NNP or/CC if/IN he/PRP had/VBD friends/NNS in/IN Santa/NNP Barbara/NNP or/CC Los/NNP Angeles/NNP or/CC San/NNP Diego,/NNP he/PRP would/MD issue/VB a/DT pronunciamento/JJ and/CC remove/VB the/DT seat/NN of/IN government,/NN taking/VBG the/DT archives/NNS with/IN him./PRP$ There/EX was/VBD much/JJ jolting/NN of/IN those/DT archives/NNS up/RB and/CC down/IN the/DT coast/NN in/IN carretas./NN "My/NN mother/NN said:/VBD 'Those/JJ villains/NNS will/MD lose/VB the/DT record/NN of/IN our/PRP$ holdings.'/NNS So/RB when/WRB at/IN last/JJ it/PRP seemed/VBD this/DT foolish/JJ quarreling/VBG was/VBD over/IN and/CC the/DT seat/NN of/IN government/NN firmly/RB established/VBN at/IN Monterey,/NNP my/PRP$ father/NN and/CC mother/NN rode/VBD there/RB to/TO make/VB certain/JJ that/IN the/DT record/NN of/IN the/DT grant/NN of/IN the/DT Rancho/NNP Arroyo/NNP Chico/NNP was/VBD intact,/IN although/IN my/PRP$ father/NN laughed/VBD at/IN my/PRP$ mother's/NNS fears./VBD "He/NNP cared/VBD not/RB whether/IN the/DT record/NN was/VBD there/RB or/CC not./RB 'Assuredly,'/. he/PRP said,/VBD 'no/VBN one/CD will/MD ever/RB disturb/VB us.'/IN But/CC my/PRP$ mother--ah,/NN she/PRP looked/VBD into/IN the/DT future./NN She/PRP trusted/VBD no/DT man/NN in/IN California--not/NNP even/RB my/PRP$ father./NN When/WRB dying/VBG she/PRP warned/VBD me/PRP against/IN him./PRP 'Pepita,/. your/PRP$ father/NN is/VBZ a/DT lovable/JJ old/JJ fool./NN Watch,/NNP over/IN him."'"Your/PRP$ mother/NN was/VBD a/DT remarkable/JJ woman./NN Was,/IN she/PRP not/RB also/RB a/DT remarkable/JJ thief?"Josepha/NN laughed./VBN "Ah/RB yes!/RB She/PRP thought/VBD those/DT records/NNS would/MD be/VB safer/JJR in/IN my/PRP$ father's/NN strong/JJ box,/NN so/RB while/IN my/PRP$ father/NN talked/VBD with/IN the/DT secretary/NN of/IN the/DT gobernador/NN she/PRP removed/VBD them./. See,/VBN these/DT pages/NNS have/VBP been/VBN torn/VBN from/IN the/DT binding./NN They/PRP are/VBP numbered;/NNS they/PRP are/VBP in/IN the/DT handwriting/NN of/IN the/DT secretary/NN to/TO the/DT gobernador;/NN there/EX will/MD be/VB no/DT trouble/NN to/TO prove/VB my/PRP$ claim/NN after/IN I/PRP appeal/VBP it.""This/DT is,/NN indeed,/NN extraordinary,/NN Josepha.""Under/IN the/DT old/JJ r$gime/NN in/IN California/NNP nothing/NN was/VBD extraordinary./RB My/PRP$ kinsman,/NN Don/NNP Emilio/NNP Espinosa,/NNP has/VBZ at/IN his/PRP$ hacienda/NN a/DT carreta-load/NN of/IN official/JJ archives./NN When/WRB the/DT seat/NN of/IN government/NN was/VBD being/VBG moved/VBN from/IN the/DT pueblo/NN of/IN Los/NNP Angeles/NNP back/NN to/TO Monterey/NNP the/DT carreta/NN broke/VBD down/RB and/CC as/IN the/DT gobernador/NN spent/VBD that/DT night/NN at/IN San/NNP Juan/NNP Bautista/NNP he/PRP asked/VBD Don/NNP Emilio/NNP to/TO lend/VB him/PRP another/DT to/TO continue/VB the/DT journey./NNP But/CC Don/NNP Emilio's/NNP carretas/NNS were/VBD busy/JJ on/IN other/JJ work,/NNS so/RB he/PRP promised/VBD when/WRB he/PRP could/MD spare/VB one/CD and/CC a/DT guard,/NN to/TO send/VB the/DT archives/NNS forward./, Thereupon/IN the/DT gobernador/NN left/VBD them/PRP with/IN him./PRP Always/RB Don/NNP Emilio/NNP was/VBD going/VBG to/TO deliver/VB them/PRP to/TO Monterey,/NNP but/CC it/PRP is/VBZ the/DT nature/NN of/IN my/PRP$ people/NNS to/TO do/VB tomorrow/NN that/IN which/WDT should/MD be/VB done/VBN today!"D'Arcy/RB burst/VBN out/IN laughing./NN "You/PRP are/VBP as/RB tricky/JJ as/IN your/PRP$ mother,"/NN he/PRP declared./VBD "But/RB then/RB I/PRP can/MD understand/VB your/PRP$ mother./NN She/PRP was/VBD half/DT English./NNP We/PRP Irish/NNP can/MD always/RB understand/VB the/DT English."Followed/NNP a/DT little/JJ silence,/NN while/IN the/DT girl's/JJ fingers/NNS crept/VBD through/IN his/PRP$ wavy/NN raven/NN hair./VBZ "And/JJ so,/NN dear/NN heart,"/NN she/PRP murmured/VBD presently,/NN "you/PRP will/MD be/VB a/DT California/NNP ranchero,/NN no?/NN In/IN the/DT fulness/NN of/IN time/NN you/PRP will/MD eject/VB these/DT Americans/NNPS who/WP plow/VBP our/PRP$ pastures/NNS and/CC cut/VB down/RP our/PRP$ trees/NNS and/CC dig/VB canals/NNS from/IN the/DT river/NN to/TO irrigate/VB their/PRP$ crops./NN I/PRP do/VBP not/RB like/IN them./PRP They/PRP have/VBP not/RB manners.""No,/JJ they/PRP are/VBP not/RB of/IN the/DT gente/NNP de/IN raz$n,/NNP I'll/NNP admit,/NN darling,/NN but/CC they'll/MD make/VB a/DT state/NN out/IN of/IN California./NNP Yes,/NNP I'll/NNP eject/NN them/PRP when/WRB the/DT time/NN comes/VBZ and/CC I'll/NNP be/VB a/DT ranchero/NN and/CC revive/VB all/DT the/DT ancient/JJ glory/NN of/IN both/DT our/PRP$ clans./NN "And/CC tomorrow,/NN thou/IN great/JJ bully?""Tomorrow/NN we/PRP ride/VBP to/TO Sacramento/NNP to/TO be/VB married/VBN and/CC live/VBP happily/RB ever/RB afterward."THE/JJ END/.