第5章

Thesymptomsweresuchasamedicalmanwouldpronounce’choleraic。’

IsayWOULDhavepronounced；for，onexamination，thesurgeonwasalsofoundtobe——er——inpain，and，Iregrettosay，expressinghimselfinlanguageunbecomingtheoccasion。Hisimpressionwas，thatsomepowerfuldrughadbeenadministered。OnreferringthequestiontoMr。Hawkins，herememberedthatthebottleofwhiskeypartakenbythemcontainedamedicinewhichhehadbeeninthehabitoftaking，butwhich，havingfailedtoactuponhim，hehadconcludedtobegenerallyineffective，andhadforgotten。Hisperfectwillingnesstoholdhimselfpersonallyresponsibletoeachoftheparties，hisgenuineconcernatthedisastrouseffectofthemistake，mingledwithhisownalarmatthestateofhissystem，which——er——failedto——er——respondtothepeculiarqualitiesofthemedicine，wasmostbecomingtohimasamanofhonorandagentleman。Afteranhour’sdelay，bothprincipalsbeingcompletelyexhausted，andabandonedbythesurgeon，whowasunreasonablyalarmedathisowncondition，Mr。HawkinsandIagreedtoremoveourmentoMarkleville。There，afterafurtherconsultationwithMr。

Hawkins，anamicableadjustmentofalldifficulties，honorabletobothparties，andgovernedbyprofoundsecrecy，wasarranged。I

believe，"addedthecolonel，lookingaround，andsettingdownhisglass，"nogentlemanhasyetexpressedhimselfotherthansatisfiedwiththeresult。"

Perhapsitwasthecolonel’smanner；but，whateverwastheopinionofFiveForksregardingtheintellectualdisplayofMr。Hawkinsinthisaffair，therewasverylittleoutspokencriticismatthemoment。Inafewweeksthewholethingwasforgotten，exceptaspartofthenecessaryrecordofHawkins’sblunders，whichwasalreadyaprettyfullone。Again，somelaterfolliesconspiredtoobliteratethepast，until，ayearlater，avaluableleadwasdiscoveredinthe"BlazingStar"tunnel，inthehillwherehelived；andalargesumwasofferedhimforaportionofhislandonthehilltop。AccustomedasFiveForkshadbecometotheexhibitionofhisfolly，itwaswithastonishmentthattheylearnedthatheresolutelyanddecidedlyrefusedtheoffer。Thereasonthathegavewasstillmoreastounding，——hewasabouttobuild。

Tobuildahouseuponpropertyavailableformining-purposeswaspreposterous；tobuildatall，witharoofalreadycoveringhim，wasanactofextravagance；tobuildahouseofthestyleheproposedwassimplymadness。

Yetherewerefacts。Theplansweremade，andthelumberforthenewbuildingwasalreadyontheground，whiletheshaftofthe"BlazingStar"wasbeingsunkbelow。Thesitewas，inreality，averypicturesqueone，thebuildingitselfofastyleandqualityhithertounknowninFiveForks。Thecitizens，atfirstsceptical，duringtheirmomentsofrecreationandidlenessgathereddoubtinglyaboutthelocality。Daybyday，inthatclimateofrapidgrowths，thebuilding，pleasantlyknownintheslangofFiveForksasthe"IdiotAsylum，"rosebesidethegreenoaksandclusteringfirsofHawkinsHill，asifitwerepartofthenaturalphenomena。Atlastitwascompleted。ThenMr。Hawkinsproceededtofurnishitwithanexpensivenessandextravaganceofoutlayquiteinkeepingwithhisformeridiocy。Carpets，sofas，mirrors，andfinallyapiano，——theonlyoneknowninthecounty，andbroughtatgreatexpensefromSacramento，——keptcuriosityatafever-heat。Morethanthat，therewerearticlesandornamentswhichafewmarriedexpertsdeclaredonlyfitforwomen。Whenthefurnishingofthehousewascomplete，——ithadoccupiedtwomonthsofthespeculativeandcuriousattentionofthecamp，——Mr。Hawkinslockedthefront-door，putthekeyinhispocket，andquietlyretiredtohismorehumbleroof，loweronthehillside。

IhavenotdeemeditnecessarytoindicatetotheintelligentreaderallofthetheorieswhichobtainedinFiveForksduringtheerectionofthebuilding。Someofthemmaybereadilyimagined。

Thatthe"Hag"had，byartfulcoynessandsystematicreticence，atlastcompletelysubjugatedthe"Fool，"andthatthenewhousewasintendedforthenuptialbowerofthe（predestined）unhappypair，was，ofcourse，theprevailingopinion。Butwhen，afterareasonabletimehadelapsed，andthehousestillremaineduntenanted，themoreexasperatingconvictionforceditselfuponthegeneralmind，thatthe"Fool"hadbeenforthethirdtimeimposedupon；whentwomonthshadelapsed，andthereseemednoprospectofamistressforthenewhouse，——Ithinkpublicindignationbecamesostrong，that，hadthe"Hag"arrived，themarriagewouldhavebeenpubliclyprevented。Butnooneappearedthatseemedtoanswertothisideaofanavailabletenant；andallinquiryofMr。Hawkinsastohisintentioninbuildingahouse，andnotrentingit，oroccupyingit，failedtoelicitanyfurtherinformation。Thereasonsthathegavewerefelttobevague，evasive，andunsatisfactory。Hewasinnohurrytomove，hesaid。WhenheWAS

ready，itsurelywasnotstrangethatheshouldliketohavehishouseallreadytoreceivehim。Hewasoftenseenupontheveranda，ofasummerevening，smokingacigar。Itisreportedthatonenightthehousewasobservedtobebrilliantlylightedfromgarrettobasement；thataneighbor，observingthis，crepttowardtheopenparlor-window，and，lookingin，espiedthe"Fool"

accuratelydressedineveningcostume，lounginguponasofainthedrawing-room，withtheeasyairofsociallyentertainingalargeparty。Notwithstandingthis，thehousewasunmistakablyvacantthatevening，saveforthepresenceoftheowner，asthewitnessafterwardtestified。Whenthisstorywasfirstrelated，afewpracticalmensuggestedthetheorythatMr。Hawkinswassimplydrillinghimselfintheelaboratedutiesofhospitalityagainstaprobableeventinhishistory。Afewventuredthebeliefthatthehousewashaunted。TheimaginativeeditoroftheFiveForks"Record"evolvedfromthedepthsofhisprofessionalconsciousnessastorythatHawkins’ssweethearthaddied，andthatheregularlyentertainedherspiritinthisbeautifullyfurnishedmausoleum。

TheoccasionalspectacleofHawkins’stallfigurepacingtheverandaonmoonlightnightslentsomecredencetothistheory，untilanunlooked-forincidentdivertedallspeculationintoanotherchannel。

Itwasaboutthistimethatacertainwild，rudevalley，intheneighborhoodofFiveForks，hadbecomefamousasapicturesqueresort。Travellershadvisitedit，anddeclaredthatthereweremorecubicyardsofroughstonecliff，andawaterfallofgreaterheight，thananytheyhadvisited。Correspondentshadwrittenitupwithextravagantrhetoricandinordinatepoeticalquotation。

Menandwomenwhohadneverenjoyedasunset，atree，oraflower，whohadneverappreciatedthegraciousnessormeaningoftheyellowsunlightthatfleckedtheirhomelydoorways，orthetendernessofamidsummer’snight，towhosemoonlighttheybaredtheirshirt-

sleevesortheirtulledresses，camefromthousandsofmilesawaytocalculatetheheightofthisrock，toobservethedepthofthischasm，toremarkupontheenormoussizeofthisunsightlytree，andtobelievewithineffableself-complacencythattheyreallyadmiredNature。Andsoitcametopass，that，inaccordancewiththetastesorweaknessesoftheindividual，themoreprominentandsalientpointsofthevalleywerechristened；andtherewasa"LaceHandkerchiefFall，"andthe"TearsofSympathyCataract，"andonedistinguishedorator’s"Peak，"andseveral"Mounts"ofvariousnotedpeople，livingordead，andan"Exclamation-Point，"anda"ValleyofSilentAdoration。"And，incourseoftime，emptysoda-

waterbottleswerefoundatthebaseofthecataract，andgreasynewspapers，andfragmentsofham-sandwiches，layatthedustyrootsofgianttrees。Withthis，therewerefrequentirruptionsofclosely-shavenandtightly-cravatedmen，anddelicate，flower-facedwomen，intheonelongstreetofFiveForks，andascamperingofmules，andanoccasionalprocessionofdustybrown-linencavalry。

Ayearafter"Hawkins’sIdiotAsylum"wascompleted，onedaytheredriftedintothevalleyariotouscavalcadeof"school-marms，"

teachersoftheSanFranciscopublicschools，outforaholiday。

Notseverely-spectacledMinervas，andchastelyarmedandmailedPallases，but，Ifear，forthesecurityofFiveForks，veryhuman，charming，andmischievousyoungwomen。Atleast，sothementhought，workingintheditches，andtunnellingonthehillside；

andwhen，intheinterestsofscience，andthementaladvancementofjuvenileposterity，itwasfinallysettledthattheyshouldstayinFiveForkstwoorthreedaysforthesakeofvisitingthevariousmines，andparticularlythe"BlazingStar"tunnel，therewassomeflutterofmasculineanxiety。Therewasaconsiderableinquiryfor"store-clothes，"ahopelessoverhaulingofoldanddisusedraiment，andageneraldemandfox"boiledshirts"andthebarber。

Meanwhile，withthatsupremeaudacityandimpudenthardihoodofthesexwhengregarious，theschool-marmsrodethroughthetown，admiringopenlythehandsomefacesandmanlyfiguresthatlookedupfromtheditches，orrosebehindthecarsoforeatthemouthsoftunnels。Indeed，itisallegedthatJennyForester，backedandsupportedbysevenotherequallyshamelessyoungwomen，hadopenlyandpubliclywavedherhandkerchieftothefloridHerculesofFiveForks，oneTomFlynn，formerlyofVirginia，leavingthatgood-

naturedbutnotover-brightgiantpullinghisblondemustachesinbashfulamazement。

ItwasapleasantJuneafternoonthatMissMillyArnot，principaloftheprimarydepartmentofoneofthepublicschoolsofSanFrancisco，havingevadedhercompanions，resolvedtoputintooperationaplanwhichhadlatelysprungupinhercourageousandmischief-lovingfancy。Withthatwonderfulandmysteriousinstinctofhersex，fromwhomnosecretsoftheaffectionsarehid，andtowhomallheartsarelaidopen，shehadheardthestoryofHawkins’sfolly，andtheexistenceofthe"IdiotAsylum。"Alone，onHawkinsHill，shehaddeterminedtopenetrateitsseclusion。Skirtingtheunderbrushatthefootofthehill，shemanagedtokeeptheheaviesttimberbetweenherselfandthe"BlazingStar"tunnelatitsbase，aswellasthecabinofHawkins，half-wayuptheascent，until，byacircuitousroute，atlastshereached，unobserved，thesummit。Beforeherrose，silent，darkened，andmotionless，theobjectofhersearch。Herehercouragefailedher，withallthecharacteristicinconsequenceofhersex。Asuddenfearofallthedangersshehadsafelypassed——bears，tarantulas，drunkenmen，andlizards——cameuponher。Foramoment，assheafterwardexpressedit，"shethoughtsheshoulddie。"Withthisbelief，probably，shegatheredthreelargestones，whichshecouldhardlylift，forthepurposeofthrowingagreatdistance；puttwohair-pinsinhermouth；andcarefullyre-adjustedwithbothhandstwostraybraidsofherlovelyblue-blackmane，whichhadfalleningatheringthestones。Thenshefeltinthepocketsofherlinendusterforhercard-case，handkerchief，pocketbook，andsmelling-bottle，and，findingthemintact，suddenlyassumedanairofeasy，ladylikeunconcern，wentupthestepsoftheveranda，anddemurelypulledthefrontdoorbell，whichsheknewwouldnotbeanswered。Afteradecentpause，shewalkedaroundtheencompassingveranda，examiningtheclosedshuttersoftheFrenchwindowsuntilshefoundonethatyieldedtohertouch。Hereshepausedagaintoadjusthercoquettishhatbythemirror-likesurfaceofthelongsash-window，thatreflectedthefulllengthofherprettyfigure。Andthensheopenedthewindow，andenteredtheroom。

Althoughlongclosed，thehousehadasmellofnewnessandoffreshpaint，thatwasquiteunlikethemouldinessoftheconventionalhauntedhouse。Thebrightcarpets，thecheerfulwalls，theglisteningoil-cloths，werequiteinconsistentwiththeideaofaghost。Withchildishcuriosity，shebegantoexplorethesilenthouse，atfirsttimidly，——openingthedoorswithaviolentpush，andthensteppingbackfromthethresholdtomakegoodapossibleretreat，——andthenmoreboldly，asshebecameconvincedofhersecurityandabsoluteloneliness。Inoneofthechambers——thelargest——therewerefreshflowersinavase，evidentlygatheredthatmorning；and，whatseemedstillmoreremarkable，thepitchersandewerswerefreshlyfilledwithwater。ThisobligedMissMillytonoticeanothersingularfact，namely，thatthehousewasfreefromdust，theonemostobtrusiveandpenetratingvisitorofFiveForks。Thefloorsandcarpetshadbeenrecentlyswept，thechairsandfurniturecarefullywipedanddusted。IfthehouseWAS

haunted，itwaspossessedbyaspiritwhohadnoneoftheusualindifferencetodecayandmould。Andyetthebedshadevidentlyneverbeensleptin，theveryspringsofthechairinwhichshesatcreakedstifflyatthenovelty；thecloset-doorsopenedwiththereluctanceoffreshpaintandvarnish；andinspiteofthewarmth，cleanliness，andcheerfulnessoffurnitureanddecoration，therewasnoneoftheeaseoftenancyandoccupation。AsMissMillyafterwardconfessed，shelongedto"tumblethingsaround；"and，whenshereachedtheparlorordrawing-roomagain，shecouldhardlyresistthedesire。Particularlywasshetemptedbyaclosedpiano，thatstoodmutelyagainstthewall。Shethoughtshewouldopenitjusttoseewhowasthemaker。Thatdone，itwouldbenoharmtotryitstone。Shedidso，withonelittlefootonthesoftpedal。

ButMissMillywastoogoodaplayer，andtooenthusiasticamusician，tostopathalf-measures。Shetrieditagain，thistimesosincerely，thatthewholehouseseemedtospringintovoice。

Thenshestoppedandlistened。Therewasnoresponse：theemptyroomsseemedtohaverelapsedintotheiroldstillness。Shesteppedoutontheveranda。Awoodpeckerrecommencedhistappingonanadjacenttree：therattleofacartintherockygulchbelowthehillcamefaintlyup。Noonewastobeseenfarornear。MissMilly，re-assured，returned。Sheagainranherfingersoverthekeys，stopped，caughtatamelodyrunninginhermind，halfplayedit，andthenthrewawayallcaution。Beforefiveminuteshadelapsed，shehadentirelyforgottenherself，andwithherlinendusterthrownaside，herstrawhatflungonthepiano，herwhitehandsbared，andablackloopofherbraidedhairhanginguponhershoulder，wasfairlyembarkeduponaflowingseaofmusicalrecollection。

Shehadplayed，perhaps，halfanhour，whenhavingjustfinishedanelaboratesymphony，andrestingherhandsonthekeys，sheheardverydistinctlyandunmistakablythesoundofapplausefromwithout。Inaninstantthefiresofshameandindignationleapedintohercheeks；andsherosefromtheinstrument，andrantothewindow，onlyintimetocatchsightofadozenfiguresinblueandredflannelshirtsvanishinghurriedlythroughthetreesbelow。

MissMilly’smindwasinstantlymadeup。IthinkIhavealreadyintimated，that，underthestimulusofexcitement，shewasnotwantingincourage；andasshequietlyresumedhergloves，hat，andduster，shewasnot，perhaps，exactlytheyoungpersonthatitwouldbeentirelysafeforthetimid，embarrassed，orinexperiencedofmysextomeetalone。Sheshutdownthepiano；andhavingcarefullyreclosedallthewindowsanddoors，andrestoredthehousetoitsformerdesolatecondition，shesteppedfromtheveranda，andproceededdirectlytothecabinoftheunintellectualHawkins，thatreareditsadobechimneyabovetheumbrageaquarterofamilebelow。

Thedooropenedinstantlytoherimpulsiveknock，andthe"FoolofFiveForks"stoodbeforeher。MissMillyhadneverbeforeseenthemandesignatedbythisinfelicitoustitle；andashesteppedbackward，inhalfcourtesyandhalfastonishment，shewas，forthemoment，disconcerted。Hewastall，finelyformed，anddark-

bearded。Abovecheeksalittlehollowedbycareandill-healthshoneapairofhazeleyes，verylarge，verygentle，butinexpressiblysadandmournful。ThiswascertainlynotthekindofmanMissMillyhadexpectedtosee；yet，afterherfirstembarrassmenthadpassed，theverycircumstance，oddlyenough，addedtoherindignation，andstungherwoundedpridestillmoredeeply。Nevertheless，thearchhypocriteinstantlychangedhertacticswiththeswiftintuitionofhersex。

"Ihavecome，"shesaidwithadazzlingsmile，infinitelymoredangerousthanherformerdignifiedseverity，——"IhavecometoaskyourpardonforagreatlibertyIhavejusttaken。Ibelievethenewhouseaboveusonthehillisyours。Iwassomuchpleasedwithitsexterior，thatIleftmyfriendsforamomentbelowhere，"

shecontinuedartfully，withaslightwaveofthehand，asifindicatingabandoffearlessAmazonswithout，andwaitingtoavengeanypossibleinsultofferedtooneoftheirnumber，"andventuredtoenterit。Findingitunoccupied，asIhadbeentold，I

amafraidIhadtheaudacitytositdownandamusemyselfforafewmomentsatthepiano，whilewaitingformyfriends。"

Hawkinsraisedhisbeautifuleyestohers。Hesawaveryprettygirl，withfrankgrayeyesglisteningwithexcitement，withtwored，slightlyfreckledcheeksglowingalittleunderhiseyes，withashortscarletupper-lipturnedback，likearose-leaf，overalittlelineofwhiteteeth，asshebreathedsomewhathurriedlyinhernervousexcitement。Hesawallthiscalmly，quietly，and，saveforthenaturaluneasinessofashy，reticentman，Ifearwithoutaquickeningofhispulse。

"Iknowedit，"hesaidsimply。"IheerdyeasIkemup。"

MissMillywasfuriousathisgrammar，hisdialect，hiscoolness，and，stillmore，atthesuspicionthathewasanactivememberofherinvisibleelaque。

"Ah！"shesaid，stillsmiling。"ThenIthinkIheardYOU"——

"Ireckonnot，"heinterruptedgravely。"Ididn’tstaylong。I

foundtheboyshangingroundthehouse，andIallowedatfirstI’dgoinandkinderwarnyou；buttheypromisedtokeepstill：andyoulookedsocomfortable，andwrappedupinyourmusic，thatIhadn’tthehearttodisturbyou，andkemaway。Ihope，"headdedearnestly，"theydidn’tletoneztheyheerdyou。Theyain’tabadlot，——themBlazin’Starboys——thoughthey’realittlehardattimes。Butthey’dnomorehurtyethentheywoulda——a——acat！"

continuedMr。Hawkins，blushingwithafaintapprehensionoftheineleganceofhissimile。

"No，no！"saidMissMilly，feelingsuddenlyveryangrywithherself，the"Fool，"andtheentiremalepopulationofFiveForks。

"No！Ihavebehavedfoolishly，Isuppose——and，iftheyHAD，itwouldhaveservedmeright。ButIonlywantedtoapologizetoyou。

You’llfindeverythingasyouleftit。Good-day！"

Sheturnedtogo。Mr。Hawkinsbegantofeelembarrassed。"I’dhaveaskedyetositdown，"hesaidfinally，"ifithedbeenaplacefitforalady。Ioughterdoneso，ennyway。Idon’tknowwhatkeptmefromit。ButIain’twell，miss。TimesIgetasorto’dumbager，——it’stheditches，Ithink，miss，——andIdon’tseemtohevmywitsaboutme。"

InstantlyMissArnotwasallsympathy：herquickwoman’sheartwastouched。

"CanI——cananythingbedone？"sheaskedmoretimidlythanshehadbeforespoken。

"No——notonlessyeremembersuthin’aboutthesepills。"Heexhibitedaboxcontainingabouthalfadozen。"Iforgetthedirection——Idon’tseemtoremembermuch，anyway，thesetimes。

They’re’Jones’sVegetableCompound。’Ifye’veevertook’em，ye’llrememberwhetherthereg’lardoseiseight。Theyain’tbutsixhere。Butperhapsyenevertukany，"headdeddeprecatingly。

"No，"saidMissMillycurtly。Shehadusuallyakeensenseoftheludicrous；butsomehowMr。Hawkins’seccentricityonlypainedher。

"Willyouletmeseeyoutothefootofthehill？"hesaidagain，afteranotherembarrassingpause。

MissArnotfeltinstantlythatsuchanactwouldcondonehertrespassintheeyesoftheworld。Shemightmeetsomeofherinvisibleadmirers，orevenhercompanions；and，withallhererraticimpulses，shewas，nevertheless，awoman，anddidnotentirelydespisetheverdictofconventionality。Shesmiledsweetly，andassented；andinanothermomentthetwowerelostintheshadowsofthewood。

Likemanyotherapparentlytrivialactsinanuneventfullife，itwasdecisive。Assheexpected，shemettwoorthreeofherlateapplauders，whom，shefancied，lookedsheepishandembarrassed；shemet，also，hercompanionslookingforherinsomealarm，whoreallyappearedastonishedatherescort，and，shefancied，atrifleenviousofherevidentsuccess。IfearthatMissArnot，inresponsetotheiranxiousinquiries，didnotstateentirelythetruth，but，withoutactualassertion，ledthemtobelievethatshehad，ataveryearlystageoftheproceeding，completelysubjugatedthisweak-mindedgiant，andhadbroughthimtriumphantlytoherfeet。Fromtellingthisstorytwoorthreetimes，shegotfinallytobelievingthatshehadsomefoundationforit，thentoavaguesortofdesirethatitwouldeventuallyprovetobetrue，andthentoanequallyvagueyearningtohastenthatconsummation。Thatitwouldredoundtoanysatisfactionofthe"Fool"shedidnotstoptodoubt。Thatitwouldcurehimofhisfollyshewasquiteconfident。

Indeed，thereareveryfewofus，menorwomen，whodonotbelievethatevenahopelessloveforourselvesismoreconducivetothesalvationoftheloverthanarequitedaffectionforanother。

ThecriticismofFiveForkswas，asthereadermayimagine，swiftandconclusive。WhenitwasfoundoutthatMissArnotwasnotthe"Hag"masqueradingasayoungandprettygirl，totheultimatedeceptionofFiveForksingeneral，andthe"Fool"inparticular，itwasatoncedecidedthatnothingbutthespeedyunionofthe"Fool"andthe"prettyschool-marm"wasconsistentwithordinarycommonsense。Thesingulargood-fortuneofHawkinswasquiteinaccordancewiththetheoryofhisluckaspropoundedbythecamp。

That，afterthe"Hag"failedtomakeherappearance，heshould"strikealead"inhisownhouse，withoutthetroubleof"prospectin’，"seemedtothesecasuistsasawonderfulbutinevitablelaw。Toaddtothesefatefulprobabilities，MissArnotfell，andsprainedherankle，intheascentofMountLincoln，andwasconfinedforsomeweekstothehotelafterhercompanionshaddeparted。Duringthisperiod，Hawkinswascivillybutgrotesquelyattentive。When，afterareasonabletimehadelapsed，therestillappearedtobenoimmediateprospectoftheoccupancyofthenewhouse，publicopinionexperiencedasingularchangeinregardtoitstheoriesofMr。Hawkins’sconduct。The"Hag"waslookeduponasasaint-likeandlong-sufferingmartyrtotheweaknessesandinconsistencyofthe"Fool。"That，aftererectingthisnewhouseatherrequest，hehadsuddenly"goneback"onher；thathiscelibacywastheresultofalonghabitofweakproposalandsubsequentshamelessrejection；andthathewasnowtryinghishandonthehelplessschoolmarm，wasperfectlyplaintoFiveForks。

Thatheshouldbefrustratedinhisattemptsatanycostwasequallyplain。MissMillysuddenlyfoundherselfinvestedwitharudechivalrythatwouldhavebeenamusing，haditnotbeenattimesembarrassing；thatwouldhavebeenimpertinent，butforthealmostsuperstitiousrespectwithwhichitwasproffered。EverydaysomebodyfromFiveForksrodeouttoinquirethehealthofthefairpatient。"HezHawkinsbinoveryerto-day？"queriedTomFlynn，withartfuleaseandindifference，asheleanedoverMissMilly’seasy-chairontheveranda。MissMilly，withafaintpinkflushonhercheek，wasconstrainedtoanswer，"No。""Well，hesortersprainedhisfootaginarockyesterday，"continuedFlynnwithshamelessuntruthfulness。"Youmus’n’tthinkanythingo’

that，MissArnot。He’llbeoveryerto-morrer；andmeantimehetoldmetohandthisyerbookaywithhisre-gards，andthisyerspecimen。"AndMr。Flynnlaiddowntheflowershehadpickedenrouteagainstsuchanemergency，andpresentedrespectfullyapieceofquartzandgold，whichhehadtakenthatmorningfromhisownsluice-box。"Youmus’n’tmindHawkins’sways，MissMilly，"saidanothersympathizingminer。"Thereain’tabettermanincampthanthattheerCyHawkins——buthedon’tunderstandthewayso’theworldwithwimen。Hehasn’tmixedasmuchwithsocietyastherestofus，"headded，withanelaborateChesterfieldianeaseofmanner；

"buthemeanswell。"MeanwhileafewothersympathetictunnelmenwereimpressinguponMr。Hawkinsthenecessityofthegreatestattentiontotheinvalid。"Itwon’tdo，Hawkins，"theyexplained，"toletthattheregalgobacktoSanFranciscoandsay，that，whenshewassickandalone，theonlymaninFiveForksunderwhoseroofshehadrested，andatwhosetableshehadsat"（thiswasconsideredanaturalbutpardonableexaggerationofrhetoric）"everthrewoffonher；anditsha’n’tbedone。Itain’tthesquarethingtoFiveForks。"Andthenthe"Fool"wouldrushawaytothevalley，andbereceivedbyMissMillywithacertainreserveofmannerthatfinallydisappearedinaflushofcolor，someincreasedvivacity，andapardonablecoquetry。Andsothedayspassed。MissMillygrewbetterinhealth，andmoretroubledinmind；andMr。

Hawkinsbecamemoreandmoreembarrassed；andFiveForkssmiled，andrubbeditshands，andwaitedfortheapproachingdenoument。

Andthenitcame——butnot，perhaps，inthemannerthatFiveForkshadimagined。

ItwasalovelyafternooninJulythatapartyofEasterntouristsrodeintoFiveForks。Theyhadjust"done"theValleyofBigThings；and，therebeingoneortwoEasterncapitalistsamongtheparty，itwasdeemedadvisablethataproperknowledgeofthepracticalmining-resourcesofCaliforniashouldbeaddedtotheirexperienceofthemerelypicturesqueinNature。Thusfareverythinghadbeensatisfactory；theamountofwaterwhichpassedovertheFallwaslarge，owingtoabackwardseason；somesnowstillremainedinthecanyonsnearthehighestpeaks；theyhadriddenroundoneofthebiggesttrees，andthroughtheprostratetrunkofanother。Tosaythattheyweredelightedistoexpressfeeblytheenthusiasmoftheseladiesandgentlemen，drunkwiththechampagnyhospitalityoftheirentertainers，theutternoveltyofscene，andthedry，exhilaratingairofthevalley。Oneortwohadalreadyexpressedthemselvesreadytoliveanddiethere；anotherhadwrittenaglowingaccounttotheEasternpress，depreciatingallothersceneryinEuropeandAmerica；and，underthesecircumstances，itwasreasonablyexpectedthatFiveForkswoulddoitsduty，andequallyimpressthestrangerafteritsownfashion。

LetterstothiseffectweresentfromSanFranciscobyprominentcapitaliststhere；and，undertheablesuperintendenceofoneoftheiragents，thevisitorsweretakeninhand，shown"whatwastobeseen，"carefullyrestrainedfromobservingwhatoughtnottobevisible，andsokeptinablissfulandenthusiasticcondition。AndsothegraveyardofFiveForks，inwhichbuttwooftheoccupantshaddiednaturaldeaths；thedreary，raggedcabinsonthehillsides，withtheirsad-eyed，cynical，broken-spiritedoccupants，toilingondaybydayforamiserablepittance，andafarethataself-respectingEasternmechanicwouldhavescornfullyrejected，——

werenotapartoftheEasternvisitors’recollection。Butthehoistingworksandmachineryofthe"BlazingStarTunnelCompany"

was，——theBlazingStarTunnelCompany，whose"gentlemanlysuperintendent"hadreceivedprivateinformationfromSanFranciscotodothe"properthing"fortheparty。Whereforethevaluableheapsoforeinthecompany’sworkswereshown；theoblongbarsofgold，readyforshipment，wereplayfullyofferedtotheladieswhocouldliftandcarrythemawayunaided；andeventhetunnelitself，gloomy，fateful，andpeculiar，wasshownaspartoftheexperience；

and，inthenoblelanguageofonecorrespondent，"ThewealthofFiveForks，andthepeculiarinducementsthatitofferedtoEasterncapitalists，"wereestablishedbeyondadoubt。Andthenoccurredalittleincident，which，asanunbiassedspectator，Iamfreetosayofferednoinducementstoanybodywhatever，butwhich，foritsbearinguponthecentralfigureofthisveraciouschronicle，I

cannotpassover。

Ithadbecomeapparenttooneortwomorepracticalandsober-

mindedintheparty，thatcertainportionsofthe"BlazingStar"

tunnel（owing，perhaps，totheexigenciesofaflatteringannualdividend）wereeconomicallyandimperfectly"shored"andsupported，andwere，consequently，unsafe，insecure，andtobeavoided。

Nevertheless，atatimewhenchampagnecorkswerepoppingindarkcorners，andenthusiasticvoicesandhappylaughterrangthroughthehalf-lightedlevelsandgalleries，therecameasuddenandmysterioussilence。Afewlightsdashedswiftlybyinthedirectionofadistantpartofthegallery，andthentherewasasuddensharpissuingoforders，andadull，ominousrumble。Someofthevisitorsturnedpale：onewomanfainted。

Somethinghadhappened。What？"Nothing"（thespeakerisfluent，butuneasy）——"oneofthegentlemen，intryingtodislodgea’specimen’fromthewall，hadknockedawayasupport。Therehadbeena’cave’——thegentlemanwascaught，andburiedbelowhisshoulders。Itwasallright，they’dgethimoutinamoment——onlyitrequiredgreatcaretokeepfromextendingthe’cave。’Didn’tknowhisname。Itwasthatlittleman，thehusbandofthatlivelyladywiththeblackeyes。Eh！Hullo，there！Stopher！ForGod’ssake！Notthatway！She’llfallfromthatshaft。She’llbekilled！"

Butthelivelyladywasalreadygone。Withstaringblackeyes，imploringlytryingtopiercethegloom，withhandsandfeetthatsoughttobatterandbreakdownthethickdarkness，withincoherentcriesandsupplicationsfollowingthemovingofignisfatuuslightsahead，sheran，andranswiftly！——ranovertreacherousfoundations，ranbyyawninggulfs，ranpastbranchinggalleriesandarches，ranwildly，randespairingly，ranblindly，andatlastranintothearmsofthe"FoolofFiveForks。"

Inaninstantshecaughtathishand。"Oh，savehim！"shecried。

"Youbelonghere；youknowthisdreadfulplace：bringmetohim。

Tellmewheretogo，andwhattodo，Iimploreyou！Quick，heisdying！Come！"

Heraisedhiseyestohers，andthen，withasuddencry，droppedtheropeandcrowbarhewascarrying，andreeledagainstthewall。

"Annie！"hegaspedslowly。"Isityou？"

Shecaughtatbothhishands，broughtherfacetohiswithstaringeyes，murmured，"GoodGod，Cyrus！"andsankuponherkneesbeforehim。

Hetriedtodisengagethehandthatshewrungwithpassionateentreaty。

"No，no！Cyrus，youwillforgiveme——youwillforgetthepast！

Godhassentyouhereto-day。Youwillcomewithme。Youwill——

youmust——savehim！"

"Savewho？"criedCyrushoarsely。

"Myhusband！"

Theblowwassodirect，sostrongandoverwhelming，that，eventhroughherownstrongerandmoreselfishabsorption，shesawitinthefaceoftheman，andpitiedhim。

"Ithought——you——knew——it，"shefaltered。

Hedidnotspeak，butlookedatherwithfixed，dumbeyes。Andthenthesoundofdistantvoicesandhurryingfeetstartedheragainintopassionatelife。Sheoncemorecaughthishand。

"OCyrus，hearme！Ifyouhavelovedmethroughalltheseyears，youwillnotfailmenow。Youmustsavehim！Youcan！Youarebraveandstrong——youalwayswere，Cyrus。Youwillsavehim，Cyrus，formysake，forthesakeofyourloveforme！Youwill——

Iknowit。Godblessyou！"

Sheroseasiftofollowhim，but，atagestureofcommand，shestoodstill。Hepickeduptheropeandcrowbarslowly，andinadazed，blindedway，that，inheragonyofimpatienceandalarm，seemedprotractedtocruelinfinity。Thenheturned，and，raisingherhandtohislips，kisseditslowly，lookedatheragain，andthenextmomentwasgone。

Hedidnotreturn；forattheendofthenexthalf-hour，whentheylaidbeforeherthehalf-conscious，breathingbodyofherhusband，safeandunharmed，butforexhaustionandsomeslightbruises，shelearnedthattheworstfearsoftheworkmenhadbeenrealized。Inreleasinghim，asecondcavehadtakenplace。Theyhadbarelytimetosnatchawaythehelplessbodyofherhusband，beforethestrongframeofhisrescuer，CyrusHawkins，wasstruckandsmittendowninhisplace。

Fortwohourshelaythere，crushedandbroken-limbed，withaheavybeamlyingacrosshisbreast，insightofall，consciousandpatient。Fortwohourstheyhadlaboredaroundhim，wildly，despairingly，hopefully，withthewillsofgodsandthestrengthofgiants；andattheendofthattimetheycametoanuprighttimber，whichresteditsbaseuponthebeam。Therewasacryforaxes，andonewasalreadyswingingintheair，whenthedyingmancalledtothemfeebly，——

"Don’tcutthatupright！"

"Why？"

"Itwillbringdownthewholegallerywithit。"

"How？"

"It’soneofthefoundationsofmyhouse。"

Theaxefellfromtheworkman’shand，andwithablanchedfaceheturnedtohisfellows。Itwastootrue。Theywereintheuppermostgallery；andthe"cave"hadtakenplacedirectlybelowthenewhouse。Afterapause，the"Fool"spokeagainmorefeebly。

"Thelady——quick！"

Theybroughther，——awretched，faintingcreature，withpallidfaceandstreamingeyes，——andfellbackasshebentherfaceabovehim。

"Itwasbuiltforyou，Anniedarling，"hesaidinahurriedwhisper，"andhasbeenwaitingupthereforyouandmealltheselongdays。it’sdeededtoyou，Annie；andyoumust——livethere——

withHIM！HewillnotmindthatIshallbealwaysnearyou；foritstandsabove——mygrave。"

Andhewasright。Inafewminuteslater，whenhehadpassedaway，theydidnotmovehim，butsatbyhisbodyallnightwithatorchathisfeetandhead。Andthenextdaytheywalledupthegalleryasavault；buttheyputnomarkoranysignthereon，trusting，rather，tothemonument，that，brightandcheerful，roseabovehiminthesunlightofthehill。Andthosewhoheardthestorysaid，"Thisisnotanevidenceofdeathandgloomandsorrow，asareothermonuments，butisasignoflifeandlightandhope，whereforeshallallknowthathewholiesunderitiswhatmencall——"afool。"

BABYSYLVESTER。

Itwasatalittlemining-campintheCaliforniaSierrasthathefirstdawneduponmeinallhisgrotesquesweetness。

Ihadarrivedearlyinthemorning，butnotintimetointerceptthefriendwhowastheobjectofmyvisit。Hehadgone"prospecting，"——sotheytoldmeontheriver，——andwouldnotprobablyreturnuntillateintheafternoon。Theycouldnotsaywhatdirectionhehadtaken；theycouldnotsuggestthatIwouldbelikelytofindhimifIfollowed。ButitwasthegeneralopinionthatIhadbetterwait。

Ilookedaroundme。Iwasstandinguponthebankoftheriver；

andapparentlytheonlyotherhumanbeingsintheworldweremyinterlocutors，whowereeventhenjustdisappearingfrommyhorizon，downthesteepbank，towardtheriver’sdrybed。I

approachedtheedgeofthebank。

WherecouldIwait？

Oh！anywhere，——downwiththemontheriver-bar，wheretheywereworking，ifIliked。OrIcouldmakemyselfathomeinanyofthosecabinsthatIfoundlyingroundloose。Orperhapsitwouldbecoolerandpleasanterformeinmyfriend’scabinonthehill。

DidIseethosethreelargesugar-pines，and，alittletotheright，acanvasroofandchimney，overthebushes？Well，thatwasmyfriend’s，——thatwasDickSylvester’scabin。Icouldstakemyhorseinthatlittlehollow，andjusthangroundtheretillhecame。Iwouldfindsomebooksintheshanty。IcouldamusemyselfwiththemorIcouldplaywiththebaby。

Dowhat？

Buttheyhadalreadygone。Ileanedoverthebank，andcalledaftertheirvanishingfigures，——"WhatdidyousayIcoulddo？"Theanswerfloatedslowlyuponthehot，sluggishair，——

"Pla-a-ywiththeba-by。"

Thelazyechoestookitup，andtosseditlanguidlyfromhilltohill，untilBaldMountainoppositemadesomeincoherentremarkaboutthebaby；andthenallwasstill。

Imusthavebeenmistaken。Myfriendwasnotamanoffamily；

therewasnotawomanwithinfortymilesoftherivercamp；heneverwassopassionatelydevotedtochildrenastoimportaluxurysoexpensive。Imusthavebeenmistaken。

Iturnedmyhorse’sheadtowardthehill。Asweslowlyclimbedthenarrowtrail，thelittlesettlementmighthavebeensomeexhumedPompeiiansuburb，sodesertedandsilentwereitshabitations。Theopendoorsplainlydisclosedeachrudely-furnishedinterior，——theroughpinetable，withthescantequipageofthemorningmealstillstanding；thewoodenbunk，withitstumbledanddishevelledblankets。Agoldenlizard，theverygeniusofdesolatestillness，hadstoppedbreathlessuponthethresholdofonecabin；asquirrelpeepedimpudentlyintothewindowofanother；awoodpecker，withthegeneralflavorofundertakingwhichdistinguishesthatbird，withheldhissepulchralhammerfromthecoffin-lidoftheroofonwhichhewasprofessionallyengaged，aswepassed。ForamomentI

halfregrettedthatIhadnotacceptedtheinvitationtotheriver-

bed；but，thenextmoment，abreezesweptupthelong，darkcanyon，andthewaitingfilesofthepinesbeyondbenttowardmeinsalutation。Ithinkmyhorseunderstood，aswellasmyself，thatitwasthecabinsthatmadethesolitudehuman，andthereforeunbearable；forhequickenedhispace，andwithagentletrotbroughtmetotheedgeofthewood，andthethreepinesthatstoodlikevedettesbeforetheSylvesteroutpost。

Unsaddlingmyhorseinthelittlehollow，Iunslungthelongriatafromthesaddle-bow，and，tetheringhimtoayoungsapling，turnedtowardthecabin。ButIhadgoneonlyafewsteps，whenIheardaquicktrotbehindme；andpoorPomposo，witheveryfibretinglingwithfear，wasatmyheels。Ilookedhurriedlyaround。Thebreezehaddiedaway；andonlyanoccasionalbreathfromthedeep-chestedwoods，morelikealongsighthananyarticulatesound，orthedrysingingofacicalaintheheatedcanyon，weretobeheard。I

examinedthegroundcarefullyforrattlesnakes，butinvain。YetherewasPompososhiveringfromhisarchednecktohissensitivehaunches，hisveryflankspulsatingwithterror。IsoothedhimaswellasIcould，andthenwalkedtotheedgeofthewood，andpeeredintoitsdarkrecesses。Thebrightflashofabird’swing，orthequickdartofasquirrel，wasallIsaw。IconfessitwaswithsomethingofsuperstitiousexpectationthatIagainturnedtowardsthecabin。Afairy-child，attendedbyTitaniaandhertrain，lyinginanexpensivecradle，wouldnothavesurprisedme：aSleepingBeauty，whoseawakeningwouldhaverepeopledthesesolitudeswithlifeandenergy，IamafraidIbegantoconfidentlylookfor，andwouldhavekissedwithouthesitation。

ButIfoundnoneofthese。Herewastheevidenceofmyfriend’stasteandrefinement，inthehearthsweptscrupulouslyclean，inthepicturesquearrangementofthefur-skinsthatcoveredthefloorandfurniture，andthestripedserapelyingonthewoodencouch。

Herewerethewallsfancifullypaperedwithillustrationsfrom"TheLondonNews；"herewasthewoodcutportraitofMr。Emersonoverthechimney，quaintlyframedwithblue-jays’wings；herewerehisfewfavoritebooksontheswinging-shelf；andhere，lyinguponthecouch，thelatestcopyof"Punch。"DearDick！Theflour-sackwassometimesempty；butthegentlesatiristseldommissedhisweeklyvisit。

Ithrewmyselfonthecouch，andtriedtoread。ButIsoonexhaustedmyinterestinmyfriend’slibrary，andlaytherestaringthroughtheopendooronthegreenhillsidebeyond。Thebreezeagainsprangup；andadeliciouscoolness，mixedwiththerareincenseofthewoods，stolethroughthecabin。Theslumbrousdroningofbumblebeesoutsidethecanvasroof，thefaintcawingofrooksontheoppositemountain，andthefatigueofmymorningride，begantodroopmyeyelids。Ipulledtheserapeoverme，asaprecautionagainstthefresheningmountainbreeze，andinafewmomentswasasleep。

IdonotrememberhowlongIslept。Imusthavebeenconscious，however，duringmyslumber，ofmyinabilitytokeepmyselfcoveredbytheserape；forIawokeonceortwice，clutchingitwithadespairinghandasitwasdisappearingoverthefootofthecouch。

ThenIbecamesuddenlyarousedtothefactthatmyeffortstoretainitwereresistedbysomeequallypersistentforce；and，lettingitgo，Iwashorrifiedatseeingitswiftlydrawnunderthecouch。AtthispointIsatup，completelyawake；forimmediatelyafter，whatseemedtobeanexaggeratedmuffbegantoemergefromunderthecouch。Presentlyitappearedfully，draggingtheserapeafterit。Therewasnomistakingitnow：itwasababy-bear，——ameresuckling，itwastrue，ahelplessrolloffatandfur，butunmistakablyagrizzlycub！

Icannotrecallanythingmoreirresistiblyludicrousthanitsaspectasitslowlyraiseditssmall，wonderingeyestomine。Itwassomuchtalleronitshaunchesthanitsshoulders，itsforelegsweresodisproportionatelysmall，that，inwalking，itshind-feetinvariablytookprecedence。Itwasperpetuallypitchingforwardoveritspointed，inoffensivenose，andrecoveringitselfalways，aftertheseinvoluntarysomersaultswiththegravestastonishment。

Toaddtoitspreposterousappearance，oneofitshind-feetwasadornedbyashoeofSylvester’s，intowhichithadaccidentallyandinextricablystepped。Asthissomewhatimpededitsfirstimpulsetofly，itturnedtome；andthen，possiblyrecognizinginthestrangerthesamespeciesasitsmaster，itpaused。Presentlyitslowlyraiseditselfonitshind-legs，andvaguelyanddeprecatinglywavedababy-paw，fringedwithlittlehooksofsteel。

Itookthepaw，andshookitgravely。Fromthatmomentwewerefriends。Thelittleaffairoftheserapewasforgotten。

Nevertheless，Iwaswiseenoughtocementourfriendshipbyanactofdelicatecourtesy。Followingthedirectionofhiseyes，Ihadnodifficultyinfindingonashelfneartheridge-polethesugar-

boxandthesquarelumpsofwhitesugarthateventhepoorestminerisneverwithout。Whilehewaseatingthem，Ihadtimetoexaminehimmoreclosely。Hisbodywasasilky，dark，butexquisitely-

modulatedgray，deepeningtoblackinhispawsandmuzzle。Hisfurwasexcessivelylong，thick，andsoftaseider-down；thecushionsoffleshbeneathperfectlyinfantineintheirtextureandcontour。

Hewassoveryyoung，thatthepalmsofhishalf-humanfeetwerestilltenderasababy’s。Exceptforthebrightblue，steelyhooks，halfsheathedinhislittletoes，therewasnotasingleharshoutlineordetailinhisplumpfigure。HewasasfreefromanglesasoneofLeda’soffspring。Yourcaressinghandsankawayinhisfurwithdreamylanguor。Tolookathimlongwasanintoxicationofthesenses；topathimwasawilddelirium；toembracehim，anutterdemoralizationoftheintellectualfaculties。

Whenhehadfinishedthesugar，herolledoutofthedoorwithahalf-diffident，half-invitinglookinhiseyesasifheexpectedmetofollow。Ididso；butthesniffingandsnortingofthekeen-

scentedPomposointhehollownotonlyrevealedthecauseofhisformerterror，butdecidedmetotakeanotherdirection。Afteramoment’shesitation，heconcludedtogowithme，althoughIamsatisfied，fromacertainimpishlookinhiseye，thathefullyunderstoodandratherenjoyedthefrightofPomposo。Asherolledalongatmyside，withagaitnotunlikeadrunkensailor，I

discoveredthathislonghairconcealedaleathercollararoundhisneck，whichboreforitslegendthesingleword"Baby！"Irecalledthemysterioussuggestionofthetwominers。This，then，wasthe"baby"withwhomIwasto"play。"

Howwe"played；"howBabyallowedmetorollhimdownhill，crawlingandpuffingupagaineachtimewithperfectgood-humor；

howheclimbedayoungsaplingaftermyPanamahat，whichIhad"shied"intooneofthetopmostbranches；how，aftergettingit，herefusedtodescenduntilitsuitedhispleasure；how，whenhedidcomedown，hepersistedinwalkingaboutonthreelegs，carryingmyhat，acrushedandshapelessmass，claspedtohisbreastwiththeremainingone；howImissedhimatlast，andfinallydiscoveredhimseatedonatableinoneofthetenantlesscabins，withabottleofsirupbetweenhispaws，vainlyendeavoringtoextractitscontents，——theseandotherdetailsofthateventfuldayIshallnotwearythereaderwithnow。Enoughthat，whenDickSylvesterreturned，Iwasprettywellfaggedout，andthebabywasrolledup，animmensebolster，atthefootofthecouch，asleep。Sylvester’sfirstwordsafterourgreetingwere，——

"Isn’thedelicious？"

"Perfectly。Wheredidyougethim？"

"Lyingunderhisdeadmother，fivemilesfromhere，"saidDick，lightinghispipe。"Knockedheroveratfiftyyards：perfectlycleanshot；nevermovedafterwards。Babycrawledout，scared，butunhurt。Shemusthavebeencarryinghiminhermouth，anddroppedhimwhenshefacedme；forhewasn’tmorethanthreedaysold，andnotsteadyonhispins。Hetakestheonlymilkthatcomestothesettlement，broughtupbyAdamsExpressatseveno’clockeverymorning。Theysayhelookslikeme。Doyouthinkso？"askedDickwithperfectgravity，strokinghishay-coloredmustachios，andevidentlyassuminghisbestexpression。

ItookleaveofthebabyearlythenextmorninginSylvester’scabin，and，outofrespecttoPomposo’sfeelings，rodebywithoutanypostscriptofexpression。ButthenightbeforeIhadmadeSylvestersolemnlyswear，that，intheeventofanyseparationbetweenhimselfandBaby，itshouldreverttome。"Atthesametime，"hehadadded，"it’sonlyfairtosaythatIdon’tthinkofdyingjustyet，oldfellow；andIdon’tknowofanythingelsethatwouldpartthecubandme。"

Twomonthsafterthisconversation，asIwasturningoverthemorning’smailatmyofficeinSanFrancisco，InoticedaletterbearingSylvester’sfamiliarhand。Butitwaspost-marked"Stockton，"andIopeneditwithsomeanxietyatonce。Itscontentswereasfollows：——

"OFRANK！——Don’tyourememberwhatweagreeduponanentthebaby？

Well，considermeasdeadforthenextsixmonths，orgonewherecubscan’tfollowme，——East。Iknowyoulovethebaby；butdoyouthink，dearboy，——now，really，doyouthinkyouCOULDbeafathertoit？Considerthiswell。Youareyoung，thoughtless，well-

meaningenough；butdareyoutakeuponyourselfthefunctionsofguide，genius，orguardiantoonesoyoungandguileless？CouldyoubetheMentortothisTelemachus？Thinkofthetemptationsofametropolis。Lookatthequestionwell，andletmeknowspeedily；

forI’vegothimasfarasthisplace，andhe’skickingupanawfulrowinthehotel-yard，andrattlinghischainlikeamaniac。Letmeknowbytelegraphatonce。