第6章

XIII

ThePresident’stravellingcarriagewasadouble-seateddiligence，coveredwithheavyhoodsandwithplacesontheboxfortwomen。

Onlyoneofthecoachmen，thesamemanwhohaddriventheState，carriagefromthereview，hadremainedatthestables。Ashe，knewtheroadstoLosBocos，Clayorderedhimuptothedriver’s，seat，andMacWilliamsclimbedintotheplacebesidehimafter，firststoringthreeriflesunderthelap-robe。

Hopepulledopentheleathercurtainsofthecarriageandfound，MadameAlvarezwherethemenhadlaidheruponthecushions，weak，andhysterical。Thegirlcreptinbesideher，andliftingherin，herarms，restedtheolderwoman’sheadagainsthershoulder，and，soothedandcomfortedherwithtendernessandsympathy。

Claystoppedwithhisfootinthestirrupandlookedupanxiously，atLanghamwhowasalreadyinthesaddle。

``IstherenopossiblewayofgettingHopeoutofthisandback，tothePalms？’’heasked。

``No，it’stoolate。Thisistheonlywaynow。’’，Hopeopened，theleathercurtainsandlookingoutshookherheadimpatiently，atClay。``Iwouldn’tgonowiftherewereanotherway，’’she，said。``Icouldn’tleaveherlikethis。’’

``You’redelayingthegame，Clay，’’criedLangham，warningly，as，hestuckhisspursintohispony’sside。

Thepeopleinthediligencelurchedforwardasthehorsesfelt，thelashofthewhipandstrainedagainsttheharness，andthen，plungedaheadatagallopontheirlongracetothesea。Asthey，spedthroughthegardens，thestablesandthetreeshidthemfrom，thesightofthoseinthepalace，andtheturf，uponwhichthe，driverhadturnedthehorsesforgreatersafety，deadenedthe，soundoftheirflight。

Theyfoundthegatesofthebotanicalgardensalreadyopened，and，Clay，inthestreetoutside，beckoningthemon。Withoutwaiting，fortheothersthetwooutridersgallopedaheadtothefirst，crossstreet，lookedupanddownitslength，andthen，inevident，concernatwhattheysawinthedistance，motionedthedriverto，greaterspeed，andcrossingthestreetsignalledhimtofollow，them。AtthenextcornerClayflunghimselfoffhispony，and，throwingthebridletoLangham，ranaheadintothecrossstreet，onfoot，andafteraquickglancepointeddownitslength，awayfromtheheartofthecitytothemountains。

ThedriverturnedasClaydirectedhim，andwhenthemanfound，thathisfacewasfairlysettowardthegoalhelashedhishorses，recklesslythroughthenarrowstreet，sothatthemurmurofthe，mobbehindthemgrewperceptiblyfainterateachleapforward。

Thenoiseofthegallopinghoofsbroughtwomenandchildrento，thebarredwindowsofthehouses，butnomensteppedintothe，roadtostoptheirprogress，andthosefewtheymetrunningin，thedirectionofthepalacehastenedtogetoutoftheirway，and，stoodwiththeirbackspressedagainstthewallsofthenarrow，thoroughfarelookingafterthemwithwonder。

Eventhosewhosuspectedtheirerrandwerehelplesstodetain，them，forsoonerthantheycouldraisethehueandcryor，formulateaplanofaction，thecarriagehadpassedandwas，disappearinginthedistance，rockingfromwheeltowheellikea，shipinagale。Twomenwhoweresoboldastostarttofollow，stoppedabruptlywhentheysawtheoutridersdrawreinandturn，intheirsaddlesasthoughtoawaittheircoming。

Clay’smindwastornwithdoubts，andhisnervesweredrawntaut，likethestringsofaviolin。Personaldangerexhilaratedhim，butthischanceofharmtootherswhowerehelpless，except，forhim，depressedhisspiritwithanxiety。Heexperiencedin，hisownmindallthenervousfearsofathiefwhoseesanofficer，ineverypassingcitizen，andatonemomenthewarnedthedriver，tomovemorecircumspectly，andsoavertsuspicion，andthenext，urgedhimintomoredesperateburstsofspeed。Inhisfancy，everycrossstreetthreatenedanambush，andashecanterednow，beforeandnowbehindthecarriage，hewishedthathewasa，multitudeofmenwhocouldencompassitentirelyandhideit。

Butthesolidstreetssoongavewaytoopenplaces，andlowmud，cabins，wherethehorses’hoofsbeatonasun-bakedroad，and，wheretheinhabitantssatlazilybeforethedoorinthefading，light，withnoknowledgeofthechangesthatthedayhadwrought，inthecity，andwithonlyamoment’scuriousinterestinthe，hoodedcarriage，andthegrim，white-facedforeignerswhoguarded，it。

ClayturnedhisponyintoatrotatLangham’sside。Hisfacewas，paleanddrawn。

Asthedangerofimmediatepursuitandcapturegrewless，the，carriagehadslackeneditspace，andforsomeminutesthe，outridersgallopedontogethersidebysideinsilence。Butthe，samethoughtwasinthemindofeach，andwhenLanghamspoke，itwasasthoughhewerecontinuingwherehehadbutjustbeen，interrupted。

HelaidhishandgentlyonClay’sarm。Hedidnotturnhisface，towardhim，andhiseyeswerestillpeeringintotheshadows，beforethem。``Tellme？’’heasked。

``Hewascomingupthestairs，’’Clayanswered。Hespokeinso，lowavoicethatLanghamhadtoleanfromhissaddletohearhim。

``Theywereclosebehind;butwhentheysawhertheystoppedand，refusedtogofarther。Icalledtohimtocomeaway，buthe，wouldnotunderstand。Theykilledhimbeforehereally，understoodwhattheymeanttodo。HewasdeadalmostbeforeI

reachedhim。Hediedinmyarms。’’，Therewasalongpause。``I

wonderifheknowsthat？’’Claysaid。

Langhamsaterectinthesaddleagainanddrewashortbreath。

``Iwishhecouldhaveknownhowhehelpedme，’’hewhispered，``howmuchjustknowinghimhelpedme。’’

Claybowedhisheadtotheboyasthoughhewerethankinghim。

``HiswasthegentlestsoulIeverknew，’’hesaid。

``That’swhatIwantedtosay，’’Langhamanswered。``Wewilllet，thatbehisepitaph，’’andtouchinghisspurtohishorsehe，gallopedonaheadandleftClayridingalone。

Langhamhadproceededfornearlyamilewhenhesawtheforest，openingbeforethem，andatthesighthegaveashoutofrelief，butalmostatthesameinstanthepulledhisponybackonhis，haunchesandwhirlinghimabout，sprangbacktothecarriagewith，acryofwarning。

``Therearesoldiersaheadofus，’’hecried。``Didyouknow，it？’’hedemandedofthedriver。``Didyoulietome？，Turn，back。’’

``Hecan’tturnback，’’MacWilliamsanswered。``Theyhaveseen，us。Theyareonlythecustomofficersatthecitylimits。They，knownothing。Goon。’’，Hereachedforwardandcatchingthe，reinsdraggedthehorsesdownintoawalk。Thenhehandedthe，reinsbacktothedriverwithashakeofthehead。

``Ifyouknowtheseroadsaswellasyousayyoudo，youwantto，keepusoutofthewayofsoldiers，’’hesaid。``Ifwefallinto，atrapyou’llbethefirstmanshotoneitherside。’’

Asentrystrolledlazilyoutintotheroaddragginghisgunafter，himbythebayonet，andraisedhishandforthemtohalt。His，captainfollowedhimfromthepost-housethrowingawaya，cigaretteashecame，andsalutedMacWilliamsontheboxand，bowedtothetworidersinthebackground。Inhisrighthandhe，heldoneofthelongironrodswithwhichthecollectorsofthe，city’staxeswerewonttopiercethebundlesandpacks，and，eventhecarriagecushionsofthosewhoenteredthecitylimits，fromthecoast，andwhomightbesuspectedofsmuggling。

``Whosecarriageisthis，andwhereisitgoing？’’heasked。

Asthespeedofthediligenceslackened，Hopeputherheadoutof，thecurtains，andasshesurveyedthesoldierwithapparent，surprise，sheturnedtoherbrother。

``Whatdoesthismean？’’sheasked。``Whatarewewaitingfor？’’

``WearegoingtotheHaciendaofSenorPalacio，’’

MacWilliamssaid，inanswertotheofficer。``Thedriverthinks，thatthisistheroad，butIsayweshouldhavetakentheoneto，theright。’’

``No，thisistheroadtoSenorPalacio’splantation，’’the，officeranswered，``butyoucannotleavethecitywithoutapass，signedbyGeneralMendoza。Thatistheorderwereceivedthis，morning。Haveyousuchapass？’’

``Certainlynot，’’Clayanswered，warmly。``Thisisthecarriage，ofanAmerican，thepresidentofthemines。Hisdaughtersare，insideandontheirwaytovisittheresidenceofSenor，Palacio。Theyareforeigners——Americans。Weareall，foreigners，andwehaveaperfectrighttoleavethecity，whenwechoose。Youcanonlystopuswhenweenterit。’’

TheofficerlookeduncertainlyfromClaytoHopeandupatthe，driveronthebox。Hiseyesfellupontheheavybrassmountings，oftheharness。TheyborethearmsofOlancho。Hewheeled，sharplyandcalledtohismeninsidethepost-house，andthey，steppedoutfromtheverandaandspreadthemselvesleisurely，acrosstheroad。

``Ridehimdown，Clay，’’Langhammuttered，inawhisper。The，officerdidnotunderstandthewords，buthesawClaygatherthe，reinstighterinhishandsandhesteppedbackquicklytothe，safetyoftheporch，andfromthatgroundofvantagesmiled，pleasantly。

``Pardon，’’hesaid，``thereisnoneedforblowswhenoneis，richenoughtopay。Alittlesomethingformyselfandadrink，formybravefellows，andyoucangowhereyouplease。’’

``Damnedbrigands，’’growledLangham，savagely。

``Notatall，’’Clayanswered。``Heisanofficeranda，gentleman。Ihavenomoneywithme，’’hesaid，inSpanish，addressingtheofficer，``butbetweencaballerosawordofhonor，issufficient。Ishallbereturningthiswayto-morrowmorning，andIwillbringafewhundredsolsfromSenorPalacio，foryouandyourmen;butifwearefollowedyouwillget，nothing，andyoumusthaveforgotteninthemeantimethatyou，haveseenuspass。’’

Therewasamurmurinsidethecarriage，andHope’sface，disappearedfrombetweenthecurtainstoreappearagain，almostimmediately。Shebeckonedtotheofficerwithherhand，andthemensawthatsheheldbetweenherthumbandlittlefinger，adiamondringofsizeandbrilliancy。Shemoveditsothatit，flashedinthelightoftheguardlanternabovethepost-house。

``Mysistertellsmeyoushallbegiventhistomorrowmorning，’’

Hopesaid，``ifwearenotfollowed。’’

Theman’seyeslaughedwithpleasure。Heswepthissombreroto，theground。

``Iamyourservant，Senorita，’’hesaid。``Gentlemen，’’he，cried，gayly，turningtoClay，``ifyouwishit，Iwillaccompany，youwithmymen。Yes，IwillleavewordthatIhavegoneinthe，suddenpursuitofsmugglers;orIwillremainhereasyouwish，andsendthosewhomayfollowbackagain。’’

``Youaremostgracious，sir，’’saidClay。``Itisalwaysa，pleasuretomeetwithagentlemanandaphilosopher。Weprefer，totravelwithoutanescort，andremember，youhaveseennothing，andheardnothing。’’，Heleanedfromthesaddle，andtouched，theofficeronthebreast。``Thatringisworthaking’s，ransom。’’

``Orapresident’s，’’mutteredtheman，smiling。``Letthe，Americanladiespass，’’hecommanded。

Thesoldiersscatteredasthewhipfell，andthehorsesoncemore，leapedforward，andasthecarriageenteredtheforest，Clay，lookedbackandsawtheofficerexhalingthesmokeofafresh，cigarette，withthesatisfactionofonewhoenjoysaclean，conscienceandasenseofdutywellperformed。

Theroadthroughtheforestwasnarrowanduneven，andasthe，horsesfellintoatrotthemenonhorsebackcloseduptogether，behindthecarriage。

``Doyouthinkthatroad-agentwillkeephisword？’’Langham，asked。

``Yes;hehasnothingtowinbytellingthetruth，’’Clay，answered。``Hecansayhesawapartyofforeigners，Americans，drivinginthedirectionofPalacio’scoffeeplantation。That，letshimout，andinthemorningheknowshecanlevyonusfor，thegatemoney。IamnotsomuchafraidofbeingovertakenasI

amthatKingmaymakeamistakeandnotgettoBocosontime。We，oughttoreachthere，ifthecarriageholdstogether，byeleven。

Kingshouldbetherebyeighto’clock，andtheyachtoughtto，maketheruntoTruxillointhreehours。Butweshallnot，beabletogetbacktothecitybeforefiveto-morrowmorning。I

supposeyourfamilywillbewildaboutHope。Wedidn’tknow，whereshewaswhenwesentthegroombacktoKing。’’

``Doyouthinkthatdriveristakingustherightway？’’Langham，asked，afterapause。

``He’dbetter。Heknowsitwellenough。Hewasthroughthelast，revolution，andcarriedmessagesfromLosBocostothecityon，footfortwomonths。Hehascoveredeverytrailontheway，and，ifhegoeswrongheknowswhatwillhappentohim。’’

``AndLosBocos——itisavillage，isn’tit，andthelandingmust，beinsightoftheCustom-house？’’

``Thevillageliessomedistancebackfromtheshore，andthe，onlyhouseonthebeachistheCustom-houseitself;buteveryone，willbeasleepbythetimewegetthere，anditwilltakeusonly，aminutetohandherintothelaunch。Ifthereshouldbeaguard，there，Kingwillhavefixedthemonewayoranotherbythetime，wearrive。Anyhow，thereisnoneedoflookingfortroublethat，farahead。Thereisenoughtoworryaboutinbetween。We，haven’tgotthereyet。’’

Themoonrosegrandlyafewminuteslater，andfloodedtheforest，withlightsothattheopenplaceswereasclearasday。It，threwstrangeshadowsacrossthetrail，andturnedtherocks，andfallentreesintofiguresofmencrouchingorstanding，uprightwithupliftedarms。TheyweresoliketothemthatClay，andLanghamflungtheircarbinestotheirshouldersagainand，again，andpointedthematsomeblackobjectthatturnedasthey，advancedintowoodorstone。Fromtheforesttheycametolittle，streamsandbroadshallowriverswheretherocksinthefording，placeschurnedthewaterintowhitemassesoffoam，andthe，horseskickedupshowersofsprayastheymadetheirway，slippingandstumbling，againstthecurrent。Itwasasilent，pilgrimage，andneverforamomentdidthestrainslackenorthe，mendrawrein。Sometimes，astheyhurriedacrossabroad，tableland，orskirtedtheedgeofaprecipiceandlookeddown，hundredsoffeetbelowattheshiningwaterstheyhadjust，forded，orupattherockypointsofthemountainsbeforethem，thebeautyofthenightovercamethemandmadethemforgetthe，significanceoftheirjourney。

Theywerenotalwaysalone，fortheypassedatintervalsthrough，sleepingvillagesofmudhutswiththatchedroofs，wherethedogs，ranyelpingouttobarkatthem，andwherethepine-knots，blazingontheclayovens，burnedcheerilyinthemoonlight。In，thelowlandswherethefeverlay，themistroseabovethelevel，oftheirheadsandenshroudedtheminacurtainoffog，andthe，dewfellheavily，penetratingtheirclothingandchilling，theirheatedbodiessothatthesweatinghorsesmovedinalather，ofsteam。

Theyhadsettleddownintoasteadygallopnow，andtenor，fifteenmileshadbeenleftbehindthem。

``Wearemakingexcellenttime，’’saidClay。``Thevillageof，SanLorenzoshouldliebeyondthatridge。’’，Hedroveupbeside，thedriverandpointedwithhiswhip。``IsnotthatSan，Lorenzo？’’heasked。

``Yes，senor，’’themananswered，``butImeantodrivearound，itbytheoldwagontrail。Itisalargetown，andpeoplemaybe，awake。Youwillbeabletoseeitfromthetopofthenext，hill。’’

Thecavalcadestoppedatthesummitoftheridgeandthemen，lookeddownintothesilentvillage。Itwasliketheothersthey，hadpassed，withafewhousesbuiltroundasquareofgrassthat，couldhardlyberecognizedasaplaza，exceptforthechurchon，itsoneside，andthehugewoodencrossplantedinitscentre。

Fromthetopofthehilltheycouldseethatthegreaternumber，ofthehouseswereindarkness，butinalargebuildingoftwo，storieslightswereshiningfromeverywindow。

``Thatisthecomandancia，’’saidthedriver，shakinghis，head。``Theyarestillawake。Itisatelegraphstation。’’

``GreatScott！’’exclaimedMacWilliams。``Weforgotthe，telegraph。Theymayhavesentwordtoheadusoffalready。’’

``Nineo’clockisnotsoverylate，’’saidClay。``Itmaymean，nothing。’’

``Wehadbettermakesure，though，’’MacWilliamsanswered，jumpingtotheground。``Lendmeyourpony，Ted，andtakemy，place。I’llruninthereanddustaroundandseewhat’sup。

I’lljoinyouontheothersideofthetownafteryougetbackto，themainroad。’’

``Waitaminute，’’saidClay。``Whatdoyoumeantodo？’’

``Ican’ttelltillIgetthere，butI’lltrytofindouthow，muchtheyknow。Don’tyoubeafraid。I’llrunfastenoughif，there’sanysignoftrouble。Andifyoucomeacrossatelegraph，wire，cutit。Themessagemaynothavegoneoveryet。’’

Thetwowomeninthecarriagehadpartedtheflapsofthehoods，andweretryingtohearwhatwasbeingsaid，butcouldnot，understand，andLanghamexplainedtothemthattheywereaboutto，makeaslightdetourtoavoidSanLorenzowhileMacWilliamswas，goingintoittoreconnoitre。Heaskediftheywerecomfortable，andassuredthemthatthegreaterpartoftheridewasover，andthattherewasagoodroadfromSanLorenzotothesea。

MacWilliamsrodedownintothevillagealongthemaintrail，and，threwhisreinsoverapostinfrontofthecomandancia。He，mountedboldlytothesecondfloorofthebuildingandstoppedat，theheadofthestairs，infrontofanopendoor。Therewere，threemenintheroombeforehim，oneanelderlyman，whomhe，rightlyguessedwasthecomandante，andtwoyoungermenwho，werestandingbehindarailingandbendingoveratelegraph，instrumentonatable。Ashestampedintotheroom，theylooked，upandstaredathiminsurprise;theirfacesshowedthathehad，interruptedthematamomentofunusualinterest。

MacWilliamssalutedthethreemencivilly，and，accordingtothe，nativecustom，apologizedforappearingbeforetheminhisspurs。

HehadbeenridingfromLosBocostothecapital，hesaid，and，hishorsehadgonelame。Couldtheytellhimifthere，wasanyoneinthevillagefromwhomhecouldhireamule，ashe，mustpushontothecapitalthatnight？

Thecomandantesurveyedhimforamoment，asthoughstill，disturbedbytheinterruption，andthenshookhishead，impatiently。``YoucanhireamulefromonePulidoPaul，atthe，corneroftheplaza，’’hesaid。AndasMacWilliamsstill，stooduncertainly，headded，``Yousayyouhavecomefrom，LosBocos。Didyoumeetanyoneonyourway？’’

Thetwoyoungermenlookedupathimanxiously，butbeforehe，couldanswer，theinstrumentbegantotickoutthesignal，and，theyturnedtheireyestoitagain，andoneofthembegantotake，itsmessagedownonpaper。

TheinstrumentspoketoMacWilliamsalso，forhewasusedto，sendingtelegramsdailyfromtheofficetothemines，andcould，makeittalkforhimineitherEnglishorSpanish。So，inhis，efforttohearwhatitmightsay，hestammeredandglancedatit，involuntarily，andthecomandante，withoutsuspectinghis，reasonfordoingso，turnedalsoandpeeredovertheshoulderof，themanwhowasreceivingthemessage。Exceptfortheclicking，oftheinstrument，theroomwasabsolutelystill;thethreemen，bentsilentlyoverthetable，whileMacWilliamsstoodgazingat，theceilingandturninghishatinhishands。Themessage，MacWilliamsreadfromtheinstrumentwasthis：，``Theyare，reportedtohaveleftthecitybythesouth，sotheyaregoingto，Para，orSanPedro，ortoLosBocos。Shemustbestopped——take，anarmedforceandguardtheroads。Ifnecessary，killher。She，hasinthecarriageorhiddenonherperson，draftsforfive，millionsols。Youwillbeheldresponsibleforeveryoneof，them。Repeatthismessagetoshowyouunderstand，andrelayit，toLosBocos。Ifyoufail——’’

MacWilliamscouldnotwaittohearmore;hegaveacurtnodto，themenandstartedtowardthestairs。``Wait，’’the，comandantecalledafterhim。

MacWilliamspausedwithonehandontopofthebanisters，balancinghimselfinreadinessforinstantflight。

``Youhavenotansweredme。Didyoumeetwithanyoneonyour，rideherefromLosBocos？’’

``Imetseveralmenonfoot，andthemailcarrierpassedmea，leagueoutfromthecoast，andoh，yes，Imetacarriageatthe，crossroads，andthedriveraskedmethewayofSanPedroSula。’’

``Acarriage？——yes——andwhatdidyoutellhim？’’

``ItoldhimhewasontheroadtoLosBocos，andheturnedback，and——’’

``Youaresureheturnedback？’’

``Certainly，sir。Irodebehindhimforsomedistance。He，turnedfinallytotherightintothetrailtoSanPedroSula。’’

Themanflunghimselfacrosstherailing。

``Quick，’’hecommanded，``telegraphtoMorales，Comandante，SanPedroSula——’’

HehadturnedhisbackonMacWilliams，andastheyoungerman，bentovertheinstrument，MacWilliamssteppedsoftlydownthe，stairs，andmountinghisponyrodeslowlyoffinthedirectionof，thecapital。Assoonashehadreachedtheoutskirtsofthe，town，heturnedandgallopedrounditandthenrodefastwithhis，headinair，glancingupatthetelegraphwirethatsaggedfrom，tree-trunktotree-trunkalongthetrail。Atapointwherehe，thoughthecoulddismountinsafetyandteardownthewire，he，cameacrossitdanglingfromthebranchesandhegaveashoutof，relief。Hecaughtthelooseendanddraggeditfreefromits，support，andthenlayingitacrossarockpoundedthebladeof，hisknifeuponitwithastone，untilhehadhackedoffapiece，somefiftyfeetinlength。Takingthisinhishandhe，mountedagainandrodeoffwithit，draggingthewirein，theroadbehindhim。HehelditupasherejoinedClay，and，laughedtriumphantly。``They’llhavesometroublesplicingthat，circuit，’’hesaid，``youonlyhalfdidthework。Whatwouldn’t，wegivetoknowallthislittlepieceofcopperknows，eh？’’

``DoyoumeanyouthinktheyhavetelegraphedtoLosBocos，already？’’

``IknowthattheyweretelegraphingtoSanPedroSulaasIleft，andtoallthecoasttowns。Butwhetheryoucutthisdown，beforeorafteriswhatIshouldliketoknow。’’

``Weshallprobablylearnthatlater，’’saidClay，grimly。

Thelastthreemilesofthejourneylayoverahard，smoothroad，wideenoughtoallowthecarriageanditsescorttorideabreast。

Itwasinsuchcontrasttothetortuouspathstheyhadjust，followed，thatthehorsesgainedafreshimpetusandgalloped，forwardasfreelyasthoughtheracehadbutjustbegun。

MadameAlvarezstoppedthecarriageatoneplaceandaskedthe，mentolowerthehoodatthebackthatshemightfeelthefresh，airandseeabouther，andwhenthishadbeendone，thewomen，seatedthemselveswiththeirbackstothehorseswheretheycould，lookoutatthemoonlitroadasitunrolledbehindthem。

Hopefeltselfishlyandwickedlyhappy。Theexcitementhadkept，herspiritsatthehighestpoint，andtheknowledgethatClaywas，guardingandprotectingherwasinitselfapleasure。Sheleaned，backonthecushionsandputherarmaroundtheolderwoman’s，waist，andlistenedtothelightbeatofhispony’shoofs，outside，nowrunningahead，nowscramblingandslippingupsome，steepplace，andagaincomingtoahaltasLanghamorMacWilliams，called，``Looktotheright，behindthosetrees，’’or，``Aheadthere！，Don’tyouseewhatImean，somethingcrouching？’’

Shedidnotknowwhenthefalsealarmswouldturnintoagenuine，attack，butshewasconfidentthatwhenthetimecamehewould，takecareofher，andshewelcomedthedangerbecauseitbrought，thatsolacewithit。

MadameAlvarezsatatherside，rigid，silent，andbeyondthe，helpofcomfort。Shetorturedherselfwiththoughtsofthe，ambitionsshehadheld，andwhichhadbeensocruellymockedthat，verymorning;ofthechivalriclovethathadbeenhers，ofthe，lifeeventhathadbeenhers，andwhichhadbeengivenupforher，sotragically。Whenshespokeatall，itwastomurmurher，sorrowthatHopehadexposedherselftodangeronherpoor，account，andthatherlife，asfarasshelovedit，wasatan，end。Onlyonceafterthemenhadpartedthecurtainsandasked，concerninghercomfortwithgravesolicitudedidshegivewayto，tears。

``Whyaretheysogoodtome？’’shemoaned。``Whyareyouso，goodtome？Iamawicked，vainwoman，Ihavebroughtanationto，warandIhavekilledtheonlymanIevertrusted。’’

Hopetouchedhergentlywithherhandandfeltguiltilyhow，selfishsheherselfmustbenottofeelthewoman’sgrief，but，shecouldnot。Sheonlysawinitacontrasttoherown，happiness，ablackbackgroundbeforewhichthefigureofClayand，hissolicitudeforhershoneout，theonlyfactintheworldthat，wasofvalue。

Herthoughtswereinterruptedbythecarriagecomingtoahalt，andasignificantmovementuponthepartofthemen。MacWilliams，haddescendedfromthebox-seatandsteppingintothecarriage，tooktheplacethewomenhadjustleft。

Hehadacarbineinhishand，andafterhewasseatedLangham，handedhimanotherwhichhelaidacrosshisknees。

``TheythoughtIwastooconspicuousontheboxtodoanygood，there，’’heexplainedinaconfidentialwhisper。``Incasethere，isanyfiringnow，youladieswanttogetdownonyourkneeshere，atmyfeet，andhideyourheadsinthecushions。Weareentering，LosBocos。’’

LanghamandClaywereridingfarinadvance，scoutingtothe，rightandleft，andthecarriagemovednoiselesslybehindthem，throughtheemptystreets。Therewasnolightinanyofthe，windows，andnotevenadogbarked，oracockcrowed。Thewomen，saterect，listeningforthefirstsignalofanattack，each，holdingtheother’shandandlookingatMacWilliams，whosatwith，histhumbonthetriggerofhiscarbine，glancingtotheright，andleftandbreathingquickly。Hiseyestwinkled，like，thoseofalittlefoxterrier。Themendroppedback，anddrewup，onalevelwiththecarriage。

``Weareallright，sofar，’’Claywhispered。``Thebeachslopes，downfromtheothersideofthatlineoftrees。Whatisthe，matterwithyou？’’hedemanded，suddenly，lookingupatthe，driver，``areyouafraid？’’

``No，’’themananswered，hurriedly，hisvoiceshaking;``it’s，thecold。’’

Langhamhadgallopedonaheadandashepassedthroughthetrees，andcameoutuponthebeach，hesawabroadstretchofmoonlit，waterandthelightsfromtheyachtshiningfromapointa，quarterofamileoffshore。Amongtherocksontheedgeofthe，beachwasthe``Vesta’s’’longboatandhercrewseatedinitor，standingaboutonthebeach。Thecarriagehadstoppedunderthe，protectingshadowofthetrees，andheracedbacktowardit。

``Theyachtishere，’’hecried。``Thelong-boatiswaitingand，thereisnotasignoflightabouttheCustom-house。Comeon，’’

hecried。``Wehavebeatenthemafterall。’’

Asailor，whohadbeenactingaslookoutontherocks，sprangto，hisfullheight，andshoutedtothegrouparoundthelong-boat，andKingcameupthebeachtowardthemrunningheavilythrough，thedeepsand。

MadameAlvarezsteppeddownfromthecarriage，andasHopehanded，herherjewelcaseinsilence，themendrapedhercloakabouther，shoulders。Sheputoutherhandtothem，andasClaytookitin，his，shebentherheadquicklyandkissedhishand。``Youwere，hisfriend，’’shemurmured。

SheheldHopeinherarmsforaninstant，andkissedher，and，thengaveherhandinturntoLanghamandtoMacWilliams。

``IdonotknowwhetherIshalleverseeyouagain，’’shesaid，lookingslowlyfromonetotheother，``butIwillprayforyou，everyday，andGodwillrewardyouforsavingaworthlesslife。’’

AsshefinishedspeakingKingcameuptothegroup，followedby，threeofhismen。

``IsHopewithyou，isshesafe？’’heasked。

``Yes，sheiswithme，’’MadameAlvarezanswered。

``ThankGod，’’Kingexclaimed，breathlessly。``Thenwewill，startatonce，Madame。Whereisshe？，Shemustcomewithus！’’

``Ofcourse，’’Clay-assented，eagerly，``shewillbemuchsafer，ontheyacht。’’

ButHopeprotested。``Imustgetbacktofather，’’shesaid。

``Theyachtwillnotarriveuntillateto-morrow，andthe，carriagecantakemetohimfivehoursearlier。Thefamilyhave，worriedtoolongaboutmeasitis，and，besides，Iwillnot，leaveTed。IamgoingbackasIcame。’’

``Itismostunsafe，’’Kingurged。

``Onthecontrary，itisperfectlysafenow，’’Hopeanswered。

``Itwasnotoneofustheywanted。’’

``Youmayberight，’’Kingsaid。``Theydon’tknowwhathas，happenedtoyou，andperhapsafterallitwouldbebetterifyou，wentbackthequickerway。’’，HegavehisarmtoMadameAlvarez，andwalkedwithhertowardtheshore。Asthemensurroundedher，oneverysideandmovedaway，ClayglancedbackatHopeandsaw，herstandinguprightinthecarriagelookingafterthem。

``Wewillbewithyouinaminute，’’hecalled，asthoughin，apologyforleavingherforeventhatbriefspace。Andthenthe，shadowofthetreesshutherandthecarriagefromhissight。

Hisfootstepsmadenosoundinthesoftsand，andexceptforthe，whisperingofthepalmsandthesleepywashofthewavesasthey，ranupthepebblybeachandsankagain，theplacewasaspeaceful，andsilentasadesertedisland，thoughthemoonmadeitaslight，asday。

Thelong-boathadbeendrawnupwithhersterntotheshore，and，themenwerealreadyintheirplaces，somestandingwaitingfor，theordertoshoveoff，andothersseatedbalancingtheir，oars。

Kinghadarrangedtofirearocketwhenthelaunchleftthe，shore，inorderthatthecaptainoftheyachtmightrunincloser，topickthemup。Ashehurrieddownthebeach，hecalledtohis，boatswaintogivethesignal，andthemanansweredthathe，understoodandstoopedtolightamatch。Kinghadjumpedinto，thesternandliftedMadameAlvarezafterhim，leavingherlate，escortstandingwithuncoveredheadsonthebeachbehindher，whentherocketshotupintothecalmwhiteair，witharoarand，arushandasuddenflashofcolor。Atthesameinstant，as，thoughinanswertoitschallenge，thewoodsbackofthemburst，intoanirregularlineofflame，avolleyofrifleshots，shatteredthesilence，andascoreofbulletssplashedinthe，waterandontherocksaboutthem。

Theboatswaininthebowofthelong-boattosseduphisarmsand，pitchedforwardbetweenthethwarts。

``Giveway，’’heshoutedashefell。

``Pull，’’Clayyelled，``pull，allofyou。’’

Hethrewhimselfagainstthesternoftheboat，andLanghamand，MacWilliamsclutcheditssides，andwiththeirshouldersagainst，itandtheirbodieshalfsunkinthewater，shoveditoff，free，oftheshore。

Theshotscontinuedfiercely，andtwoofthecrewcriedout，andfellbackupontheoarsofthemenbehindthem。

MadameAlvarezsprangtoherfeetandstoodswayingunsteadilyas，theboatleapedforward。

``Takemeback。Stop，Icommandyou，’’shecried，``Iwillnot，leavethosemen。Doyouhear？’’

Kingcaughtherbythewaistanddraggedherdown，butshe，struggledtofreeherself。``Iwillnotleavethemtobe，murdered，’’shecried。``Youcowards，putmeback。’’

``Holdher，King，’’Clayshouted。``We’reallright。They’re，notfiringatus。’’

Hisvoicewasdrownedinthenoiseoftheoarsbeatinginthe，rowlocks，andthereportsoftherifles。Theboatdisappearedin，amistofsprayandmoonlight，andClayturnedandfacedabout，him。LanghamandMacWilliamswerecrouchingbehindarockand，firingattheflashesinthewoods。

``Youcan’tstaythere，’’Claycried。``Wemustgetbackto，Hope。’’

Heranforward，dodgingfromsidetosideandfiringasheran。

Heheardshotsfromthewater，andlookingbacksawthatthemen，inthelongboathadceasedrowing，andwerereturningthefire，fromtheshore。

``Comeback，Hopeisallright，’’herbrothercalledtohim。``I

haven’tseenashotwithinahundredyardsofheryet，they’re，firingfromtheCustom-houseandbelow。IthinkMac’shit。’’

``I’mnot，’’MacWilliams’svoiceansweredfrombehindarock，``butI’dliketoseesomethingtoshootat。’’

AhottremorofragesweptoverClayatthethoughtofapossibly，fatalterminationtothenight’sadventure。Hegroanedatthe，mockeryofhavingfoundhislifeonlytoloseitnow，whenitwas，moreprecioustohimthanithadeverbeen，andtoloseitina，sillybrawlwithsemi-savages。Hecursedhimselfimpotentlyand，rebelliouslyforasenselessfool。

``Keepback，can’tyou？’’heheardLanghamcallingtohimfrom，theshore。``You’reonlydrawingthefiretowardHope。She’s，gotawaybynow。Shehadboththehorses。’’

LanghamandMacWilliamsstartedforwardtoClay’sside，butthe，instanttheylefttheshadowoftherock，thebulletsthrewup，thesandattheirfeetandtheystoppedirresolutely。Themoon，showedthethreemenoutlinedagainstthewhitesandofthebeach，asclearlyasthoughasearchlighthadbeenturneduponthem，evenwhileitsshadowsshelteredandprotectedtheirassailants。

Attheirbackstheopenseacutoffretreat，andthelineoffire，infrontheldthemincheck。Theywereashelplessaschessmen，uponaboard。

``I’mnotgoingtostandstilltobeshotat，’’cried，MacWilliams。``Let’shideorlet’srun。Thisisn’tdoing，anybodyanygood。’’，Butnoonemoved。Theycouldhearthe，singingofthebulletsastheypassedthemwhiningintheair，likeabanjo-stringthatisbeingtightened，andtheyknewthey，wereinequaldangerfromthosewhowerefiringfromtheboat。

``They’reshootingbetter，’’saidMacWilliams。``They’llreach，usinaminute。’’

``They’vereachedmealready，Ithink，’’Langhamanswered，with，suppressedsatisfaction，``intheshoulder。It’snothing。’’，His，unconcernwasquitesincere;toayoungmanwhohadgalloped，throughtwolonghalvesofafootballmatchonastrainedtendon，ascratchedshoulderwasnotimportant，exceptasanunsought，honor。

ButitwasofthemostimportancetoMacWilliams。Heraisedhis，voiceagainstthemeninthewoodsinimpotentfury。``Comeout，youcowards，wherewecanseeyou，’’hecried。``Comeoutwhere，Icanshootyourblackheadsoff。’’

Clayhadfiredthelastcartridgeinhisrifle，andthrowingit，awaydrewhisrevolver。

``Wemusteitherswimorhide，’’hesaid。``Putyourheadsdown，andrun。’’

Butashespoke，theysawthecarriageplungingoutoftheshadow，ofthewoodsandthehorsesgallopingtowardthemdownthe，beach。MacWilliamsgaveacheerofwelcome。``Hurrah！’’he，shouted，``it’sJose’comingforus。He’sagoodman。Well，done，Jose’！’’hecalled。

``That’snotJose’，’’Langhamcried，doubtfully，peering，throughthemoonlight。``GoodGod！，It’sHope，’’heexclaimed。

Hewavedhishandsfranticallyabovehishead。``Goback，Hope，’’hecried，``goback！’’

Butthecarriagedidnotswerveonitswaytowardthem。Theyall，sawhernowdistinctly。Shewasonthedriver’sboxandalone，leaningforwardandlashingthehorses’backswiththewhipand，reins，andbendingovertoavoidthebulletsthatpassedabove，herhead。Asshecamedownuponthem，shestoodup，herwoman’s，figureoutlinedclearlyintheridinghabitshestillwore。

``JumpinwhenIturn，’’shecried。``I’mgoingtoturnslowly，runandjumpin。’’

Shebentforwardagainandpulledthehorsestotheright，andas，theyobeyedher，plungingandtuggingattheirbits，asthough，theyknewthedangertheywerein，thementhrewthemselvesat，thecarriage。Claycaughtthehoodattheback，swunghimself，up，andscrambledoverthecushionsanduptotheboxseat。He，droppeddownbehindHope，andreachinghisarmsaroundhertook，thereinsinonehand，andwiththeotherforcedherdownto，herkneesuponthefootboard，sothat，assheknelt，hisarmsand，bodyprotectedherfromthebulletssentafterthem。Langham，followedClay，andtumbledintothecarriageoverthehoodatthe，back，butMacWilliamsendeavoredtovaultinfromthestep，and，missinghisfootingfellunderthehindwheel，sothattheweight，ofthecarriagepassedoverhim，andhisheadwasburiedforan，instantinthesand。Buthewasonhisfeetagainbeforethey，hadnoticedthathewasdown，andashejumpedforthehood，Langhamcaughthimbythecollarofhiscoatanddraggedhiminto，theseat，pantingandgasping，andrubbingthesandfromhis，mouthandnostrils。Clayturnedthecarriageatarightangle，throughtheheavysand，andstillstandingwithHopecrouchedat，hisknees，heracedbacktothewoodsintothefaceofthe，firing，withtheboysbehindhimansweringitfromeachsideof，thecarriage，sothatthehorsesleapedforwardinafrenzyof，terror，anddashingthroughthewoods，passedintothefirstroad，thatopenedbeforethem。

Theroadintowhichtheyhadturnedwasnarrow，butlevel，and，ranthroughaforestofbananapalmsthatbentandswayedabove，them。LanghamandMacWilliamsstillkneltintherearseatof，thecarriage，watchingtheroadonthechanceofpossible，pursuit。

``Givemesomecartridges，’’saidLangham。``Mybeltisempty。

Whatroadisthis？’’

``Itisaprivateroad，Ishouldsay，throughsomebody’sbanana，plantation。Butitmustcrossthemainroadsomewhere。It，doesn’tmatter，we’reallrightnow。Imeantotakeiteasy。’’

MacWilliamsturnedonhisbackandstretchedouthislegsonthe，seatopposite。

``Wheredoyousupposethosemensprangfrom？，Werethey，followingusallthetime？’’

``Perhaps，orelsethatmessagegotoverthewirebeforewecut，it，andthey’vebeenlyinginwaitforus。Theywereprobably，watchingKingandhissailorsforthelasthourorso，butthey，didn’twanthim。Theywantedherandthemoney。Itwaspretty，exciting，wasn’tit？，How’syourshoulder？’’

``It’salittlestiff，thankyou，’’saidLangham。Hestoodup，andbypeeringoverthehoodcouldjustseethetopofClay’s，sombrerorisingaboveitwherehesatonthebackseat。

``YouandHopeallrightupthere，Clay？’’heasked。

Thetopofthesombreromovedslightly，andLanghamtookitasa，signthatallwaswell。Hedroppedbackintohisseatbeside，MacWilliams，andtheybothbreathedalongsighofreliefand，content。Langham’swoundedarmwastheonenearest，MacWilliams，andthelatterpartedthetornsleeveandexamined，thefurrowacrosstheshoulderwithunconcealedenvy。

``Iamafraiditwon’tleaveascar，’’hesaid，sympathetically。

``Won’tit？’’askedLangham，insomeconcern。

Thehorseshaddroppedintoawalk，andthebeautyofthemoonlit，nightputitsspelluponthetwoboys，andtherustlingofthe，greatleavesabovetheirheadsstilledandquietedthemsothat，theyunconsciouslyspokeinwhispers。

Clayhadnotmovedsincethehorsesturnedoftheirownaccord，intothevalleyofthepalms。Henolongerfearedpursuitnor，anyinterruptiontotheirfurtherprogress。Hisonlysensation，wasoneofutterthankfulnessthattheywereallwelloutofit，andthatHopehadbeentheonewhohadhelpedthemintheir，trouble，andhisdearestthoughtwasthat，whethershewishedor，not，heowedhissafety，andpossiblyhislife，toher。

Shestillcrouchedbetweenhiskneesuponthebroadfootboard，withherhandsclaspedinfrontofher，andlookingaheadinto，thevistaofsoftmysteriouslightsanddarkshadowsthatthe，mooncastupontheroad。Neitherofthemspoke，andasthe，silencecontinuedunbroken，ittookaweightiersignificance，and，ateachaddedsecondoftimebecamemorefullofmeaning。

Thehorseshaddroppedintoatiredwalk，anddrewthemsmoothly，overthewhiteroad;frombehindthehoodcamebrokensnatchesof，theboys’talk，andabovetheirheadstheheavyleavesofthe，palmsbentandbowedasthoughinbenediction。Awarmbreeze，fromthelandfilledtheairwiththeodorofripeningfruitand，pungentsmells，andthesilenceseemedtoenvelopthemandmark，themastheonlylivingcreaturesawakeinthebrillianttropical，night。

Hopesankslowlyback，andasshedidso，hershouldertouched，foraninstantagainstClay’sknee;shestraightenedherselfand，madeamovementasthoughtorise。Hernearnesstohimand，somethinginherattitudeathisfeetheldClayinaspell。He，bentforwardandlaidhishandfearfullyuponhershoulder，and，thetouchseemedtostopthebloodinhisveinsandhushedthe，wordsuponhislips。Hoperaisedherheadslowlyasthoughwith，agreateffort，andlookedintohiseyes。Itseemedtohimthat，hehadbeenlookingintothosesameeyesforcenturies，asthough，hehadalwaysknownthem，andthesoulthatlookedoutofthem，intohis。Hebenthisheadlower，andstretchingouthisarms，drewhertohim，andtheeyesdidnotwaver。Heraisedher，andheldhercloseagainsthisbreast。Hereyesfalteredand，closed。

``Hope，’’hewhispered，``Hope。’’，Hestoopedlowerandkissed，her，andhislipstoldherwhattheycouldnotspeak——andthey，werequitealone。

XIV

AnhourlaterLanghamrosewithaprotestingsighandshookthe，hoodviolently。

``Isay！’’hecalled。``Areyouasleepupthere。We’llnever，gethomeatthisrate。Doesn’tHopewanttocomebackhereand，gotosleep？

Thecarriagestopped，andtheboystumbledoutandwalkedaround，infrontofit。Hopesatsmilingonthebox-seat。Shewas，apparentlyfarfromsleepy，andshewasquitecontentedwhereshe，was，shetoldhim。

``Doyouknowwehaven’thadanythingtoeatsinceyesterdayat，breakfast？’’askedLangham。``MacWilliamsandIarefainting。

Wemovethatwestopatthenextshackwecometo，andwakenthe，peopleupandmakethemgiveussomesupper。’’

HopelookedasideatClayandlaughedsoftly。``Supper？’’she，said。``Theywantsupper！’’

TheirsufferingdidnotseemtoimpressClaydeeply。Hesat，snappinghiswhipatthepalm-treesabovehim，andsmiledhappily，inaninconsequentandirritatingmanneratnothing。

``Seehere！，Doyouknowthatwearelost？’’demandedLangham，indignantly，``andstarving？，Haveyouanyideaatallwhereyou，are？’’

``Ihavenot，’’saidClay，cheerfully。``AllIknowisthata，longtimeagotherewasarevolutionandawomanwithjewels，who，escapedinanopenboat，andIrecollectplayingthatIwasa，targetandstandinguptobeshotatinabrightlight。After，thatIwokeuptothereallyimportantthingsoflife——among，whichsupperisnotone。’’

LanghamandMacWilliamslookedateachotherdoubtfully，and，Langhamshookhishead。

``Getdownoffthatbox，’’hecommanded。``IfyouandHopethink，thisismerelyapleasantmoonlightdrive，wedon’t。Youtwocan，sitinthecarriagenow，andwe’lltakeaturnatdriving，and，we’llguaranteetogetyoutosomeplacesoon。’’

ClayandHopedescendedmeeklyandseatedthemselvesunderthe，hood，wheretheycouldlookoutuponthemoonlitroadasit，unrolledbehindthem。Buttheywerenolongertoenjoytheir，formerleisurelyprogress。Thenewwhiplashedhishorsesintoa，gallop，andthetreesflewpastthemoneitherhand。

``Doyourememberthatchapinthe`LastRideTogether’？’’said，Clay。

``Iandmymistress，sidebyside，Shallbetogether——foreverride，AndsoonemoredayamIdeified。

Whoknows——theworldmayendto-night。’’

Hopelaughedtriumphantly，andthrewoutherarmsasthoughshe，wouldembracethewholebeautifulworldthatstretchedaround，them。

``Oh，no，’’shelaughed。``To-nighttheworldhasjustbegun。’’

Thecarriagestopped，andtherewasaconfusionofvoicesonthe，box-seat，andthenagreatbarkingofdogs，andtheybeheld，MacWilliamsbeatingandkickingatthedoorofahut。Thedoor，openedforaninch，andtherewasalongdebateinSpanish，and，finallythedoorwasclosedagain，andalightappearedthrough，thewindows。Afewminuteslateramanandwomancameoutofthe，hut，shiveringandyawning，andmadeafireinthesun-bakedoven，atthesideofthehouse。HopeandClayremainedseatedinthe，carriage，andwatchedtheflamesspringingupfromtheoily，fagots，andtheboysmovingaboutwithflaringtorchesofpine，pullingdownbundlesoffodderforthehorsesfromtheroofof，thekitchen，whiletwosleepygirlsdisappearedtowardamountain，stream，onecarryingajaronhershoulder，andtheother，lightingthewaywithatorch。Hopesatwithherchinonher，hand，watchingtheblackfigurespassingbetweenthemand，thefire，andstandingaboveitwithitslightontheirfaces，shadingtheireyesfromtheheatwithonehand，andstirring，somethinginasmokingcaldronwiththeother。Hopefeltan，overflowingsenseofgratitudetothesesimplestrangersforthe，troubletheyweretaking。Shefelthowgoodeveryonewas，and，howwonderfullykindandgenerouswastheworldthatshelived，in。

Herbrothercameovertothecarriageandbowedwithmock，courtesy。

``Itrust，nowthatwehavedoneallthework，’’hesaid，``that，yourexcellencieswillcondescendtoshareourfrugalfare，or，mustwebringittoyouhere？’’

Theclayovenstoodinthemiddleofahutoflacedtwigs，throughwhichthesmokedriftedfreely。Therewasarowof，woodenbenchesaroundit，andtheyallseatedthemselvesandate，ravenouslyofriceandfriedplantains，whilethewomanpatted，andtossedtortillasbetweenherhands，eyeingherguests，curiously。HerglancefelluponLangham’sshoulder，andrested，thereforsolongthatHopefollowedthedirectionofhereyes。

Sheleapedtoherfeetwithacryoffearandreproach，andran，towardherbrother。

``Ted！’’shecried，``youarehurt！youarewounded，andyou，nevertoldme！，Whatisit？，Isitverybad？’’Clay，crossedthefloorinastride，hisfacefullofconcern。

``Leavemealone！’’criedthesternbrother，backingawayand，wardingthemoffwiththecoffeepot。``It’sonlyscratched。

You’llspillthecoffee。’’

ButatthesightofthebloodHopehadturnedverywhite，and，throwingherarmsaroundherbrother’sneck，hidhereyesonhis，othershoulderandbegantocry。

``Iamsoselfish，’’shesobbed。``Ihavebeensohappyandyou，weresufferingallthetime。’’

Herbrotherstaredattheothersindismay。``Whatnonsense，’’

hesaid，pattingherontheshoulder。``You’reabittired，and，youneedrest。That’swhatyouneed。Theideaofmysister，goingoffinhystericsafterbehavinglikesuchasport——and，beforetheseyoungladies，too。Aren’tyouashamed？’’

``Ishouldthinkthey’dbeashamed，’’saidMacWilliams，severely，ashecontinuedplacidlywithhissupper。``Theyhaven’tgot，enoughclotheson。’’

LanghamlookedoverHope’sshoulderatClayandnodded，significantly。``She’sbeenonagooddealofastrain，’’he，explainedapologetically，``andnowonder;it’sbeenratheran，unusualnightforher。’’

Hoperaisedherheadandsmiledathimthroughhertears。Then，sheturnedandmovedtowardClay。Shebrushedhereyeswiththe，backofherhandandlaughed。``Ithasbeenanunusualnight，’’

shesaid。``ShallItellhim？’’sheasked。

Claystraightenedhimselfunconsciously，andsteppedbesideher，andtookherhand;MacWilliamsquicklyloweredtothebenchthe，dishfromwhichhewaseating，andstoodup，too。Thepeopleof，thehousestaredatthegroupinthefirelightwithpuzzled，interest，atthebeautifulyounggirl，andatthetall，sunburned，youngmanatherside。LanghamlookedfromhissistertoClay，andbackagain，andlaugheduneasily。

``Langham，Ihavebeenverybold，’’saidClay。``Ihaveasked，yoursistertomarryme——andshehassaidthatshewould。’’

Langhamflushedasredashissister。Hefelthimselfata，disadvantageinthepresenceofaloveasgreatandstrongashe，knewthismustbe。Itmadehimseemstrangelyyoungand，inadequate。Hecrossedovertohissisterawkwardlyandkissed，her，andthentookClay’shand，andthethreestoodtogetherand，lookedatoneanother，andtherewasnosignofdoubtorquestion，inthefaceofanyoneofthem。Theystoodsoforsomelittle，time，smilingandexclaimingtogether，andutterlyunconsciousof，anythingbuttheirowndelightandhappiness。MacWilliams，watchedthem，hisfacepuckeredintooddwrinklesandhiseyes，half-closed。Hopesuddenlybrokeawayfromtheothersandturned，towardhimwithherhandsheldout。

``Haveyounothingtosaytome，Mr。MacWilliams？’’sheasked。

MacWilliamslookeddoubtfullyatClay，asthoughfromforceof，habithemustaskadvicefromhischieffirst，andthentookthe，handsthatsheheldouttohimandshookthemupanddown。His，usualconfidenceseemedtohaveforsakenhim，andhestood，shiftingfromonefoottotheother，smilingandabashed。

``Well，Ialwayssaidtheydidn’tmakethemanybetterthan，you，’’hegaspedatlast。``Iwasalwaystellinghimthat，wasn’tI？’’，HenoddedenergeticallyatClay。``Andthat’sso;

theydon’tmake’emanybetterthanyou。’’

HedroppedherhandsandcrossedovertoClay，andstood，surveyinghimwithasmileofwonderandadmiration。

``How’dyoudoit？’’hedemanded。``Howdidyoudoit？，I

supposeyouknow，’’heaskedsternly，``thatyou’renotgood，enoughforMissHope？，Youknowthat，don’tyou？’’

``OfcourseIknowthat，’’saidClay。

MacWilliamswalkedtowardthedoorandstoodinitfora，second，lookingbackatthemoverhisshoulder。``Theydon’t，makethemanybetterthanthat，’’hereiteratedgravely，and，disappearedinthedirectionofthehorses，shakinghisheadand，mutteringhisastonishmentanddelight。

``Pleasegivemesomemoney，’’HopesaidtoClay。``Allthe，moneyyouhave，’’sheadded，smilingatherpresumptionof，authorityoverhim，``andyou，too，Ted。’’，Themenemptiedtheir，pockets，andHopepouredthemassofsilverintothehandsofthe，women，whogazedatituncomprehendingly。

``Thankyouforyourtroubleandyourgoodsupper，’’Hopesaidin，Spanish，``andmaynoevilcometoyourhouse。’’

Thewomanandherdaughtersfollowedhertothecarriage，bowing，andutteringgoodwishesintheextravagantmetaphoroftheir，country;andastheydroveaway，Hopewavedherhandtothemas，shesankcloseragainstClay’sshoulder。

``Theworldisfullofsuchkindandgentlesouls，’’shesaid。

Inanhourtheyhadregainedthemainroad，andalittlelater，thestarsgrewdimandthemoonlightfaded，andtreesandbushes，androcksbegantotakesubstanceandtogrowintoformand，outline。Theysawbythecool，graylightofthemorningthe，familiarhillsaroundthecapital，andatacryfromthe，boysonthebox-seat，theylookedaheadandbeheldtheharborof，Valenciaattheirfeet，lyingasplacidandundisturbedasthe，waterinabath-tub。Astheyturnedupthehillintotheroad，thatledtothePalms，theysawthesleepingcapitallikeacity，ofthedeadbelowthem，itswhitebuildingsreddenedwiththe，lightoftherisingsun。Fromthreeplacesindifferentpartsof，thecity，thickcolumnsofsmokeroselazilytothesky。

``Ihadforgotten！’’saidClay;``theyhavebeenhavinga，revolutionhere。Itseemssolongago。’’

Byfiveo’clocktheyhadreachedthegateofthePalms，andtheir，appearancestartledthesentryonpostintoastateof，undisciplinedjoy。Ariderlesspony，theoneuponwhichJose’

hadmadehisescapewhenthefiringbegan，hadcreptintothe，stableanhourprevious，stiffandbruisedandweary，andhadled，thepeopleatthePalmstofeartheworst。

Mr。Langhamandhisdaughterwerestandingontheverandaasthe，horsescamegallopinguptheavenue。Theyhadbeenawakeallthe，night，andthefaceofeachwaswhiteanddrawnwithanxietyand，lossofsleep。Mr。LanghamcaughtHopeinhisarmsandheldher，faceclosetohisinsilence。

``Wherehaveyoubeen？’’hesaidatlast。``Whydidyou，treatmelikethis？，YouknewhowIwouldsuffer。’’

``Icouldnothelpit，’’Hopecried。``IhadtogowithMadame，Alvarez。’’

HersisterhadsufferedasacutelyashadMr。Langhamhimself，as，longasshewasinignoranceofHope’swhereabouts。Butnowthat，shesawHopeinthefleshagain，shefeltareactionagainsther，fortheanxietyanddistressshehadcausedthem。

``MydearHope，’’shesaid，``iseveryonetobesacrificedfor，MadameAlvarez？，Whatpossibleusecouldyoubetoheratsucha，time？，Itwasnotthetimenortheplaceforayounggirl。You，wereonlyanotherresponsibilityforthemen。’’

``Clayseemedwillingtoaccepttheresponsibility，’’said，Langham，withoutasmile。``And，besides，’’headded，``ifHope，hadnotbeenwithuswemightneverhavereachedhomealive。’’

Butitwasonlyaftermuchearnestprotestandmanyexplanations，thatMr。Langhamwaspacified，andfeltassuredthathisson’s，woundwasnotdangerous，andthathisdaughterwasquitesafe。