diff options
Diffstat (limited to '1614-h/1614-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 1614-h/1614-h.htm | 4381 |
1 files changed, 4381 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/1614-h/1614-h.htm b/1614-h/1614-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..798ce9c --- /dev/null +++ b/1614-h/1614-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4381 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Golden Fleece, by Julian Hawthorne + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Golden Fleece, by Julian Hawthorne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Golden Fleece + +Author: Julian Hawthorne + +Release Date: October 5, 2008 [EBook #1614] +Last Updated: November 8, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN FLEECE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE GOLDEN FLEECE + </h1> + <h2> + A Romance + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Julian Hawthorne + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + The professor crossed one long, lean leg over the other, and punched down + the ashes in his pipe-bowl with the square tip of his middle finger. The + thermometer on the shady veranda marked eighty-seven degrees of heat, and + nature wooed the soul to languor and revery; but nothing could abate the + energy of this bony sage. + </p> + <p> + “They talk about their Atlantises,—their submerged continents!” he + exclaimed, with a sniff through his wide, hairy nostrils. “Why, Trednoke, + do you realize that we are living literally at the bottom of a Mesozoic—at + any rate, Cenozoic—sea?” + </p> + <p> + The gentleman thus indignantly addressed contemplated his questioner with + the serenity of one conscious of freedom from geologic responsibility. He + was a man of about the professor’s age,—say, sixty years,—but + not like him in appearance. His figure was stately and massive,—that + of one who in his youth must have possessed vast physical strength, + rigidly developed and disciplined. Well set upon his broad shoulders was a + noble head, crowned with gray, wavy hair; the eyes and eyebrows were black + and powerful, but the expression was kindly and humorous. His moustache + and the Roman convexity of his chin would have confirmed your conviction + that he was a retired warrior; in which you would have been correct, for + General Trednoke always appeared what he was, both outwardly and inwardly. + His great frame, clad in white linen, was comfortably disposed in a + Japanese straw arm-chair; yet there was a soldierly poise in his attitude. + He was smoking a large and excellent cigar; and a cup of coffee, with a + tiny glass of cognac beside it, stood on a mahogany stand at his elbow. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember, Meschines, the time I licked you at school?” he + inquired, in a tone of pleasant reminiscence. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t say I do. What’s more, I venture to challenge your statement. And + though you are a hundred pounds the better of me in weight, and a West + Point graduate, I will wager my pipe (which is worth its weight in + diamonds) against that old woollen shirt of Montezuma’s that you showed me + yesterday, that I can lick you to-day, and forget all about it before + bedtime!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess you could,” returned the general, with a little chuckle, + “even if I hadn’t that Mexican bullet in my leg. But you couldn’t, + forty-five years ago, though you tried, and though I was a year younger + than you, and weighed five pounds less. Come, now: you don’t mean to say + you’ve forgotten Susan Brown!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh—ah—hah! Susan Brown! Well, I declare! And what brought her + into your head, I should like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, after breaking your heart first, and then mine, I lost sight of her, + and I don’t think I have seen her since. But it appears she was married to + a fellow named Parsloe.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t fancy that name!” observed the professor, wagging his head and + frowning. “Has a mean sound to it. But what of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she died,—rest her soul!—and Parsloe too. But they had + a daughter, and she survives them.” + </p> + <p> + “And resembles her mother, eh?—No, Trednoke, the time for that sort + of thing has gone by with me. Susan might have had me, five-and-forty + years ago; but I can’t undertake to revive my passion for the benefit of + Mrs. Parsloe’s daughter. Besides, I’m too busy to think of marriage, and + not—not old enough!” + </p> + <p> + At this tour de force, the general laughed softly, and finished his + coffee. An old Indian, somewhat remarkable in appearance, with shaggy + white hair hanging down on his shoulders, stepped forward from the room + where he had been waiting, and removed the cup. + </p> + <p> + “No letters yet, Kamaiakan?” asked the general, in Spanish. + </p> + <p> + “In a few minutes, general,” the other replied. “Pablo has just come in + sight over the hill. There were several errands.” + </p> + <p> + “Muy buen!—I was going to say, Meschines, her father and mother left + the girl poor, and she, being, apparently, clever and energetic, took to——” + </p> + <p> + “I know!” the professor interrupted. “They all do it, when they are clever + and energetic, and that’s the end of them!—School-teaching!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” returned General Trednoke. “She entered a dry-goods store.” + </p> + <p> + “Entered a dry-goods store! Well, there’s nothing so extraordinary in + that. I’ve seen quantities of women do it, of all ages, colors, and + degrees. What did she buy there?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a fiddlestick!” exclaimed the general. “Why don’t you keep quiet and + listen to my story? I say, she went into a great dry-goods store in New + York, as sales-woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul! You don’t mean a shop-girl?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I said, isn’t it? And why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well!—but, shade of Susan Brown! Ichabod!—what is the + feminine of Ichabod, by the way, Trednoke? But, seriously, it’s too bad. + Susan may have been fickle, but she was always aristocratic. And now her + daughter is a shop-girl. You and I are avenged!” + </p> + <p> + “You are just as ridiculous, Meschines, as you were thirty or fifty years + ago,” said the general, tranquilly. “You declaim for the sake of hearing + your own voice. Besides, what you say is un-American. Grace Parsloe, as I + was saying, got a place as shop-girl in one of the great New York stores. + I don’t say she mightn’t have done worse: what I say is, I doubt whether + she could have done better. That house—I know one of its founders, + and I know what I’m talking about—is like an enormous family, where + children are born, year after year, grow up, and take their places in life + according to their quality and merit. What I mean is, that the boy who + drives a wagon for them to-day, at three dollars a week, may control one + of their chief departments, or even become a partner, before they’re done + with him; and, mutatis mutandis, the same with the girls. When these girls + marry, it’s apt to be into a higher rank of life than they were born in; + and that fact, I take it, is a good indication that their shop-girl + experience has been an education and an improvement. They are given work + to do, suited to their capacity, be it small or great; they are in the way + of learning something of the great economic laws; they learn + self-restraint, courtesy, and——” + </p> + <p> + “And human nature! Yes, poor things: they see the American buying-woman, + and that is a discipline more trying than any you West Pointers know + about! Oh, yes, I see your point. If the fathers of the big family ARE + fathers, and the children ARE children to them... All the same, I fancy + the young ladies, when they marry into the higher social circles, as you + say they do, don’t, as a rule, make their shop girl days a topic of + conversation at five-o’clock teas, or put ‘Ex-shop-girl to So-and-so’ at + the bottom of their visiting-cards.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe, after all, you’re a snob, Meschines,” said the general, + pensively. “But, as I was about to say, when you interrupted me ten + minutes ago, Grace Parsloe is coming on here to make us a visit. She fell + ill, and her employers, after doing what could be done for her in the way + of medical attendance, made up their minds to give her a change of + climate. Now, you know, as she had originally gone to them with a letter + from me, and as I live out here, on the borders of the Southern desert, in + a climate that has no equal, they naturally thought of writing to me about + it. And of course I said I’d be delighted to have her here, for a month, + or a year, or whatever time it may be. She will be a pleasure to me, and a + friend for Miriam, and she may find a husband somewhere up or down the + coast, who will give her a fortune, and think all the better of her + because she, like him, had the ability and the pluck to make her own way + in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! When do you expect her?” + </p> + <p> + “She may turn up any day. She is coming round by way of the Isthmus. From + what I hear, she is really a very fine, clever girl. She held a + responsible position in the shop, and——” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us sink the shop, and get back to the rational and instructive + conversation that we—or, to be more accurate, that I was engaged in + when this digression began. I presume you are aware that all the + indications are lacustrine?” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon, a hammock, suspended near the talkers, and filled with what + appeared to be a bundle of lace and silken shawls, became agitated, and + developed at one end a slender arched foot in an open-work silk stocking + and sandal-slipper, and at the other end a dark, youthful, oval face, with + glorious eyes and dull black hair. A voice of music asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What is lacustrine, papa?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so you are awake again, Senorita Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven’t been asleep. What is lacustrine?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask the professor.” + </p> + <p> + “Lacus, you know, my dear,” said the latter, “means fresh-water + indications as against salt.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how does Great Salt Lake——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, for that matter, the whole ocean was fresh originally. Moisture, + evaporation, precipitation. Water is a great solvent: earthquakes break + the crust, and there you are!” + </p> + <p> + “Then, before the earthquakes, the Salt Lakes were fresh?” rejoined the + hammock. + </p> + <p> + “There was fresh water west of the Rockies and south of—— + Why,” cried the professor, interrupting himself, “when I was in Wyoming + and around there, this spring, in what they call the Bad Lands,—cliffs + and buttes of indurated yellow clay and sandstone, worn and carved out by + floods long before the Aztecs started to move out of Canada,—I saw + fossil bones sticking out of the cliffs, the least of which would make the + fortune of a museum. That was between the Rockies and the Wahsatch.” + </p> + <p> + “People’s bones?” asked the hammock, agitating itself again, and showing a + glimpse of a smooth throat and a slender ankle. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul! If there were people in those days they must have had an + anxious time of it!” returned the sage. “No, no, my dear. There was + brontosaurus, and atlantosaurus, and hydrosaurus, and iguanodon,—lizards, + you know, not like these little black fellows that run about in the + pulverized feldspar here, but chaps eighty or a hundred feet long, and + twenty or thirty high; and turtles, as big as a house.” + </p> + <p> + “How did they get there?” + </p> + <p> + “Got mired while they were feeding, perhaps; or the water drained off and + left them high and dry.” + </p> + <p> + “But where did the water go to?” + </p> + <p> + The general chuckled at this juncture, and lit another cigar. “She knows + more questions than you do the answers to them,” quoth he. “But I wouldn’t + mind hearing where the water went to, myself. I should like to see some of + it back again.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask the earthquakes, and the sun. There’s a hundred and thirty degrees of + heat in some of these valleys,—abysses, rather, three or four + hundred feet below sea-level. The earth is very thin-skinned in this + region, too, and whatever water wasn’t evaporated from above would be + likely to come to grief underneath.” + </p> + <p> + “But, professor,” said the musical voice, “I thought there was a law that + water always seeks its own level. So how can there be empty places below + sea-level?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the fault of the aneroid barometer, my dear. We were very + comfortable and commonplace until that came along and revealed anomalies. + The secret lies, I suppose, in the trend of the strata, which is generally + north and south. You see the ridges cropping out all through the desert; + and there’s a good deal of lava oozing over them, too. They probably act + as walls, to prevent the sea getting in from the west, or the Colorado + leaking in from the east.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” remarked the general, “a little more seismic disturbance + might produce a change.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have to be more than a little, I suspect,” returned Meschines. + </p> + <p> + “Kamaiakan told me that the Indians have a prophecy that a great lake will + come back and make the desert fruitful, and that there are some who know + the very place where the water will begin to flow.” And here the hammock, + with a final convulsion, gave birth to a beautiful young woman, in a + diaphanous silk dress and a white lace mantilla. She crossed the veranda, + and seated herself on the broad arm of her father’s chair. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s important!” said the general, arching his brows. “I wonder if + Kamaiakan is one of those who know the place? If so, it might be worth his + while to let me into the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you couldn’t go there! It’s enchanted, and people who go near it die. + There are bones all about there, now.” + </p> + <p> + “This Kamaiakan appears to be a remarkable personage: where did you pick + him up?” inquired the professor. + </p> + <p> + “It was rather the other way,” Trednoke replied, taking one of his + daughter’s hands in his, and caressing it. “We are appendages to + Kamaiakan. You look so natural, sitting there, Meschines, that I forget + it’s thirty years since we met, and that all the significant events of my + life have happened in that time,—the Mexican war, my marriage, and + the rest of it! I have been a widower ten years.” + </p> + <p> + “And I’ve been a bachelor for over sixty!” said Meschines, with a queer + expression. “Your wife was Spanish, was she not?” + </p> + <p> + “Her father was a Mexican of Andalusian descent. But her mother was + descended from the race of Azatlan: there are records and relics + indicating that her ancestors were princes in Tenochtitlan before Cortez + made trouble there.” + </p> + <p> + “And I’ve been losing my heart to a princess, and never realized my + audacity!” exclaimed the professor, laying his hand on his waistcoat and + making an obeisance to Miriam. + </p> + <p> + She tossed her free foot, and played with the fringe of her reboso. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell my maid to look for it,” she said; “but I think you must have + left it in papa’s curiosity-room.” + </p> + <p> + “No: I’m an Aztec sacrifice!” cried the professor; and they all laughed. + “One would hardly have anticipated,” he resumed after a pause, addressing + Trednoke, “that you would have made a double conquest,—first of the + men, and then of the woman!” + </p> + <p> + “The woman conquered me, without trying or wishing to, and then, because + she was a woman, took compassion on me. Whether my country has benefited + much by the Mexican annexation, I can’t say; but I know Inez—made a + heaven on earth for me,” concluded the general, in a low voice. His + countenance, at this moment, wore a solemn and humble expression, + beautiful to see; and Miriam bent and laid her cheek against his. + Meschines knocked the ashes out of his pipe, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “No woman ever took compassion on me,” he remarked, “and you see the + result,—ashes!” + </p> + <p> + “Ashes,—with their wonted fires living in them,” said Trednoke. + </p> + <p> + “We were talking about this Indian of yours,” said Meschines. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, to be sure. Well, he was attached to Inez’s family when I first knew + them. It was a peculiar relation; not like that of a servant. One finds + such things in Mexico. The conquered race were of as good strain as their + conquerors; the blood of Montezuma was as blue as the best of the + Castilian. There were many intermarriages; and there are many instances of + the survival of traditions and records; though the records are often + symbolic, and would have no meaning to persons not initiated. But they + have been sufficient to perpetuate ties of a personal nature through + generation after generation; and the alliance between Kamaiakan and Inez + was of this kind. His forefathers, I imagine, were priests, and priests + were a mighty power in Tenochtitlan. For aught I know, indeed Kamaiakan + may be an original priest of Montezuma’s; no one knows his age, but he + does not look an hour older, to-day, than when I first saw him, over + twenty years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “He must be!” said Miriam, with some positiveness. “He has told me of + seeing and doing things hundreds of years ago. And he says——” + She paused. + </p> + <p> + “What does he say, Nina adorada?” asked her father. + </p> + <p> + “It was about the treasure, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear. The professor is one of us.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s one of our traditions that my mother’s ancestors, at the time of + Cortez, were very rich people,” continued Miriam, glancing at Meschines, + and then letting her eyes wander across the garden, blooming with roses + and fragrant with orange-trees, and so across the trellised vines towards + the soft outline of the mountains eastward. “A great part of their wealth + was in the form of jewels and precious stones. When Cortez took the city, + one of the priests, who was a relative of our family, put the jewels in a + box, and hid them in a certain place in the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “And does Kamaiakan know where the place is?” asked the general. + </p> + <p> + “He can know, when the time comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Which will be, perhaps, when you are ready for your dowry,” observed the + professor, genially. + </p> + <p> + “A spell was put upon the spot,” Miriam went on, with a certain + imaginative seriousness; for she loved romance and mystery so well, and + was of a temperament so poetical, that the wildest fairy-tales had a sort + of reality for her. “No one can find the treasure while the spell remains. + But Kamaiakan understands the spell, and the conjuration which dissolves + it; and when he dissolves it, the treasure will be found.” + </p> + <p> + “And, between ourselves,” added the general, “Kamaiakan is himself the + priestly relative by whom the spell was wrought. He bears an enchanted + life, which cannot cease until he has restored the jewels to Miriam’s + hands.” + </p> + <p> + “There might be something in it, you know,” said Meschines, after a pause. + “The treasures of Montezuma have never been found. Is there no old chart + or writing, in your collection of curiosities and relics, that might throw + light on it?” + </p> + <p> + “The scriptures of Anahuac were of the hieroglyphic type,—picture-writing,” + replied the other. “No, I fear there is nothing to the purpose; and if + there were, I shouldn’t know how to decipher it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, papa, the tunic!” exclaimed Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! has the tunic anything to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Is that the queer woollen garment with the gold embroidery?” inquired the + professor, becoming more interested. “I took a fancy to that, you + remember. Has it a story?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is a kind of an anomaly, I believe,” the general answered, + looking up at his daughter with a smile. “The Aztecs, you are aware, + dressed chiefly in cotton. Even their defensive armor was of cotton, + thickly quilted. Their ornaments were feathers, and embroidery of gold and + precious stones. But wool, for some reason, they didn’t wear; and yet this + garment, as you can see for yourself, is pure wool; and that it is also + pure Aztecan is beyond question.” + </p> + <p> + “Admitting that, what clue does it give to the treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “You must ask Kamaiakan,” said Miriam: “only, he wouldn’t tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly,” the professor suggested, “the place where the treasure is + hidden is the place whence the water is to flow out; and the water is the + treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Seriously, do you suppose that such a phenomenon as the return of an + inland sea is physically practicable?” asked Trednoke. + </p> + <p> + “No phenomenon, in this part of the world, would surprise me,” returned + Meschines. “The Colorado might break its barriers; or it is conceivable + that some huge stream, taking its rise in the heights hundreds of miles + north and east of us, may be flowing through subterranean passages into + the sea, emerging from the sea-bottom hundreds of miles to the westward. + Now, if a rattling good earthquake were to happen along, you might awake + in the morning to find yourself on an island, or even under water.” + </p> + <p> + “A moderate Mediterranean would satisfy me,” the general said. “I wouldn’t + exchange the certainty of it for the treasures of Montezuma.” + </p> + <p> + “The thirst for gold and for water are synonymous in your case?” + </p> + <p> + “Give this section a moist climate, and I needn’t tell you that the Great + American Desert would literally blossom as the rose. Even as it is, I + expect a great deal of it will be redeemed by scientific irrigation. The + soil only needs water to become inexhaustibly productive. Our desert, as + you know, is not sand, like parts of the Sahara; it has all the + ingredients that go to nourish plants, only their present powdery + condition makes them unavailable. Now, I can, to-day, buy a hundred square + miles of desert for a few dollars. You see the point, don’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “And all you want is expert opinion as to the likelihood of finding + water?” + </p> + <p> + “The man who solves that question for me in the affirmative is welcome to + half my share of the results that would ensue from it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you engage some expert to investigate?” + </p> + <p> + “One can’t always trust an expert. I don’t mean as to his expertness only, + but as to his good faith. He might prefer to sell the idea to somebody who + could pay cash,—which I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you seem to have given this thing a good deal of thought, Trednoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes: it has been my hobby for a year past; and I have made some + investigations myself. But this is the first time I have spoken of it to + any one.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand. And what of the investigations?” + </p> + <p> + “I can say that I found enough to interest me. I’ll tell you about it some + time. I should be glad to leave Miriam something to make her independent.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say that her Creator had already done that!” said Meschines. “By + the way, I know a young fellow—if he were only here—who is + just the man you want, and can be trusted. He’s a civil engineer,—Harvey + Freeman: the Lord only knows in what part of the world he is at this + speaking. He has made a special study of these subterranean matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you remember, papa, Coleridge’s poem of Kubla Khan?— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Where Alph, the sacred river, ran + Through caverns measureless to man + Down to a sunless sea!” + </pre> + <p> + “Our sacred river, when we find it, shall be named Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “It ought to be Kamaiakan,” she rejoined; “for, if anybody finds it, it + will be he.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I hear the wings of the angel of whom we have been speaking,” + said the general. “Yes, here he is; and he has got the letters. Let us + see! One for you Meschines. And this, I see, is from our friend Miss + Parsloe, postmarked Santa Barbara. Why, she’ll be here to-morrow, at that + rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a queer coincidence!” exclaimed the professor, who had meanwhile + opened his envelope and glanced through the contents. “The very man I was + speaking of,—Harvey Freeman! Says he is in this neighborhood, has + heard I’m here, and is coming down to pay me a visit. Methinks I hear the + rolling of the sacred river!” + </p> + <p> + “But you won’t mention it to him, until——” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! Of course not. I’ll bring him over here, in the course of human + events, and you can take a look at him, and act on your own intuitions. I + won’t say on Princess Miriam’s, for Harvey is a very fine-looking fellow, + and her intuitions might get confused.” + </p> + <p> + “A civil engineer!” said Miriam, with an intonation worthy of the daughter + of a West-Pointer and the descendant of an Aztec prince. + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan (who spoke only Spanish) had been gathering up some cushions + that had fallen out of the hammock. Having replaced them, and cast a quick + glance at Meschines, he withdrew. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The Southern Pacific Railway passes, today, not far from the site of + General Trednoke’s ranch. But the events now to be narrated occurred some + years before the era of transcontinental railroads: they were in the air, + but not yet bolted down to the earth. The general, therefore, was a + pioneer, and was by no means overrun with friends from the East in search + of an agreeable winter climate. The easiest way to reach him—if you + were not pressed for time—was round the cape which forms the + southernmost point of South America and sticks its sharp snout inquiringly + into the Antarctic solitudes, as if it scented something questionable + there. The speediest route, though open to strange discomforts, was by way + of the Isthmus; and then there were always the saddle, the wagon, and the + stage, with the accompaniments of road-agents, tornadoes, deserts, and + starvation. + </p> + <p> + Miss Grace Parsloe came via the Isthmus; and the latter part of her + journey had been alleviated by the society of a young gentleman from New + York, Freeman by name. There were other passengers on the vessel; but + these two discovered sympathies of origin and education which made + companionship natural. They sat together at table, leaned side by side + over the taffrail, discussed their fellow-travellers, and investigated + each other. As he lolled on the bench with folded arms and straw hat + tilted back from his forehead she, glancing side-long, as her manner was, + saw a sunburnt aquiline nose, a moustache of a lighter brown than the + visage which it decorated, a lean, strong jaw, and a muscular neck. His + forehead, square and impending, was as white as ivory in comparison with + the face below; his hair, in accordance with the fashion introduced by the + late war, was cropped close. But what especially moved Miss Grace were + those long, lazy blue eyes, which seemed to tolerate everything, but to be + interested in nothing,—hardly even in her. Now, Grace could not help + knowing she was a pretty girl, and it was somewhat of a novelty to her + that Freeman should appear so indifferent. It would have been difficult to + devise a better opportunity than this to monopolize masculine admiration, + and she fell to speculating as to what sort of an experience Mr. Freeman + must have had, so to panoply him against her magic. On the other hand, she + was the recipient of whatever attentions he could bring himself to detach + from the horizon-line, or from his own thoughts (which appeared to amount, + practically, to about the same thing). She had no other rivals; and a + woman will submit amiably to a good deal of indifference, provided she be + assured that no other woman is enjoying what she lacks. + </p> + <p> + Freeman, for his part, had nothing to complain of. Grace Parsloe was a + singularly pretty girl. Singular properly qualifies her. She was not like + the others,—by which phrase he epitomized the numerous comely young + women whom he had, at various times and in several countries, attended, + teased, and kissed. Both physically and mentally, she was very + fine-wrought. Her bones were small; her body and limbs were slender, but + beautifully fashioned. She was supple and vigorous. Grace is a product of + brain as well as an effect of bodily symmetry: Grace had the quality on + both counts. She answered to one’s conception of Mahomet’s houris, + assuming that the conception is not of a fat person. Her head was small, + but well proportioned,—compact as to the forehead, rather broad + across the cheek-bones, thence tapering to the chin. Her eyes were blue, + but of an Eastern strangeness of shape and setting; they were subject to + great and sudden changes of expression, depending, apparently, on the + varying state of her emotions, and betraying an intensity more akin to the + Oriental temperament than to ours. There was in her something subtle and + fierce; yet overlaying it, like a smooth and silken skin, were the + conventional polish and bearing of an American school graduate. She was, + in deed, noticeably artificial and self-conscious in manner and in the + intonations of her speech; though it was an aesthetic delight to see her + move or pose, and the quality of her voice was music’s self. But Freeman, + after due meditation, came to the conclusion that this was the outcome of + her recognition of her own singularity: in trying to be like other people, + she fell into caricature. Freeman, somehow, liked her the better for it. + Like most men of brain and pith, who have seen and thought much, he was + thankful for a new thing, because, so far as it went, it renewed him. It + pleased him to imagine that he could, with a word or a look, cause this + veil of artifice to be thrown aside, and the primitive passion and + fierceness behind it to start forth. He allowed himself to imagine, with a + certain satisfaction, that were he to make this young woman jealous she + would think nothing of thrusting a dagger between his ribs. Reality,—what + a delight it is! The actual touch and feeling of the spontaneous natural + creature have been so buried beneath centuries of hypocrisy and humbug + that we have ceased to believe in them save as a metaphysical abstraction. + But even as water, long depressed under-ground in perverse channels, + surges up to the surface, and above it, at last, in a fountain of relief, + so Nature, after enduring ages of outrage and banishment, leaps back to + her rightful domain in some individual whom we call extraordinary because + he or she is natural. Grace Parsloe did not seem (regarded as to her + temperament and quality) to belong where she was: therefore she was a + delightful incident there. Had she been met with in the days of the Old + Testament, or in the depths of Persia or India at the present time, even, + she might have appeared commonplace. But here she was in conventional + costume, with conventional manners. And, just as the nautch-girls, and + other Oriental dancers and posturers, wear a costume which suggests nature + more effectively than does nature itself, so did Grace’s conventionality + suggest to Freeman the essential absence of conventionality more forcibly + than if he had seen her clad in a turban and translucent caftan, dancing + off John the Baptist’s head, or driving a nail into that of Sisera. Grace + certainly owed much of her importance to her situation, which rendered her + foreign and piquante. But, then, everything, in this world, is relative. + </p> + <p> + Racial types seem to be a failure: when they become very marked, the race + deteriorates or vanishes. In the counties of England, after only a + thousand years, the women you meet in the rural districts and country + towns all look like sisters. The Asiatics, of course, are much more sunk + in type than the Anglo-Saxons; and they show us the way we would be going. + Only, there is hope in rapid transit and the cosmopolitan spirit, and + especially in these United States, which bring together the ends of the + earth, and place side by side a descendant of the Puritans like Freeman, + and a daughter of Irak-Ajemi. + </p> + <p> + “What are you coming to California for, Mr. Freeman?” + </p> + <p> + Freeman had already told her what he had been in the Isthmus for,—to + paddle in miasmatic swamps with a view to the possibility of a canal in + the remote, speculative future. He had given her a graphic and + entertaining picture of the hideous and inconceivable life he had led + there for six months, from which he had emerged the only member of a party + of nineteen (whites, blacks, and yellows) who was not either dead by + disease, by violence, or by misadventure, or had barely escaped with life + and a shattered constitution. Freeman, after emerging from the miasmatic + hell and lake of Gehenna, had taken a succession of baths, with soap and + friction, had been attended by a barber and a tailor, and had himself + attended the best table to be found for love or money in the charming town + of Panama. He had also spent more than half of the week of his sojourn + there in sleep; and he was now in the best possible condition, physical + and mental,—though not, he admitted, pecuniary. As to morals, they + had not reached that discussion yet. But, in all that he did say, Freeman + exhibited perfect unreserve and frankness, answering without hesitation or + embarrassment any question she chose to ask (and she asked some curious + ones). + </p> + <p> + But when she asked him such an innocent thing as what he was after in + California—an inquiry, by the way, put more in idleness than out of + curiosity—Freeman stroked his yellow moustache with the thumb of the + hand that held his Cuban cigarette, gazed with narrowed eyelids at the + horizon, and for some time made no reply at all. Finally he said that + California was a place he had never visited, and that it would be a pity + to have been so near it and yet not have improved the opportunity of + taking a look at it. + </p> + <p> + Grace instantly scented a mystery, and was not less promptly resolved to + fathom it. And what must be the nature of a mystery attaching to a + handsome man, unmarried, and evidently no stranger to the gentler sex? Of + course there must be a woman in it! Her eyes glowed with azure fire. + </p> + <p> + “You have some acquaintances in California, I suppose?” she said, with an + air of laborious indifference. + </p> + <p> + “Well,—yes; I believe I have,” Freeman admitted. + </p> + <p> + “Have they lived there long?” + </p> + <p> + “No; not over a few months. I accidentally heard from a person in Panama. + I dropped a line to say I might turn up.” + </p> + <p> + “She——you haven’t had time to get an answer, then?” + </p> + <p> + Freeman inhaled a deep breath through his cigarette, tilted his head back, + and allowed the smoke to escape slowly through his nostrils. In this + manner, familiar to his deep-designing sex, he concealed a smile. Grace + was, in some respects, as transparent as she was subtle. So long as the + matter in hand did not touch her emotions, she had no difficulty in + maintaining a deceptive surface; but emotion she could not disguise, + though she was probably not aware of the fact; for emotion has a tendency + to shut one’s own eyes and open what they can no longer see in one’s self + to the gaze of outsiders. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, when he had recovered his composure. “But that won’t make + any difference. We are on rather intimate terms, you see.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Is it long since you have met?” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty long; at least it seems so to me.” + </p> + <p> + Grace turned, and looked full at her companion. He did not meet her + glance, but kept his profile steadily opposed, and went on smoking with a + dreamy air, as if lost in memories and anticipations, sad, yet sweet. + </p> + <p> + “Really, Mr. Freeman, I hardly thought—you have always seemed to + care so little about anything—I didn’t suspect you of so much + sentiment.” + </p> + <p> + “I am like other men,” he returned, with a sigh. “My affections are not + given indiscriminately; but when they are given,—you understand,—I——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I understand: pray don’t think it necessary to explain. I’m sure I’m + very far from wishing to listen to confidences about another,—to——” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I like to talk about it,” interposed Freeman, earnestly. “I + haven’t had a chance to open my heart, you know, for at least six months. + And though you and I haven’t known each other long, I believe you to be + capable of appreciating what a man feels when he is on his way to meet + some one who——” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! You are most considerate! But I shall be additionally obliged + if you would tell me in what respect I can have so far forgotten myself as + to lead you to think me likely to appreciate anything of the kind. I + assure you, Mr. Freeman, I have never cared for any one; and nothing I + have seen since I left home makes it probable that I shall begin now.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear that,” said Freeman, slowly drawing another cigarette + out of his bundle, and beginning to re-roll it with a dejected air. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes: the fact is, I had hoped that you had begun to have a little + friendly feeling for me. I am more than ready to reciprocate.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will spare me any insults, sir. I have no one to protect me, + but——” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, I mean no insult. You cannot help knowing that I think you + as beautiful and fascinating a woman as I have ever met; but of course you + can’t help being beautiful and fascinating. Do I insult you by having + eyes? If so, I am sorry, but you will have to make the best of it.” + </p> + <p> + With this, he turned in his seat, and calmly confronted her. Beautiful she + certainly was, at that moment; but it was the beauty of an angry serpent. + She had a pencil in her hand, with which, a little while before, she had + been sketching heads of some of the passengers in her little notebook. She + was now handling this inoffensive object in such a way as to justify the + fancy that, had it been charged with a deadly poison in its point, instead + of with a bit of plumbago of the HH quality, she would have driven it into + Freeman’s heart then and there. + </p> + <p> + “Is it no insult,” said she, in a sibilant voice, “to talk to me as you + are doing, when you have just told me that you love another woman, and are + going to meet her?” + </p> + <p> + Freeman’s brows gradually knitted themselves in a frown of apparent + perplexity. “I must say I don’t understand you,” he observed, at length. + “I am quite sure I have said nothing of the sort. How could I?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to quibble about words, perhaps not. But was not that your + meaning?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it wasn’t. You are the only woman who has been in my thoughts + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Freeman!” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “You have intimated very clearly that you are engaged—married, for + aught I know—to a woman whom you are now on your way to meet——” + </p> + <p> + At this point she stopped. Freeman had interrupted her with a shout of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + She had been very pale. She now flushed all over her face, and jumped to + her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down,” he said, laying a hand on her dress and (aided by a lurch of + the vessel) pulling her into her seat again, “and listen to me. And then I + shall insist upon an apology. This is too much!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall ask the captain——” + </p> + <p> + “You will not, I promise you. Look here! When I was in Panama, I met there + a fellow I used to know in New York. He told me that he had recently + crossed the continent with Professor Meschines, who used to teach geology + and botany at Yale College, when he and I were students there. The + professor had come over partly for the fun of the thing, and partly to + look for specimens in the line of his profession. My friend parted from + him at San Francisco: the professor was going farther south.” + </p> + <p> + “What has all this to do with the woman who——” + </p> + <p> + “It has this to do with it,—that the professor is the woman! He is + over sixty years old, and has always been a good friend of mine; but I am + not going to marry him. I am not engaged to him, he is not beautiful, nor + even fascinating, except in the way of an elderly man of science. And he + is the only human being, besides yourself, that I know or have ever heard + of on the Pacific coast. Now for your apology!” + </p> + <p> + Grace emitted a long breath, and sank back in her seat, with her hands + clasped in her lap. She raised her hands and covered her face with them. + She removed them, sat erect, and bent an open-eyed, intent gaze upon her + companion. + </p> + <p> + After this pantomime, she exclaimed, in the lowest and most musical of + tones, “Oh! how hateful you are!” Then she cried out with animation, “I + believe you did it on purpose!” Finally, she sank back again, with a soft + laugh and sparkling eyes, at the same time stretching out her right arm + towards him and placing her hand on his, with a whispered, “There, then!” + </p> + <p> + Freeman, accepting the hand for the apology, kissed it, and continued to + hold it afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Am I not a little goose?” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + “You certainly are,” replied Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “You mustn’t hold my hand any more.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to withdraw your apology?” + </p> + <p> + “N—no; but it doesn’t follow that——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, it does. Besides, when a man receives such a delicate, refined, + graceful, exquisite apology as this,”—here he lifted the hand, + looked at it critically, and bestowed another kiss upon it,—“he + would be a fool not to make the most of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I’m afraid you’re dangerous. You are well named—Freeman!” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Harvey: won’t you call me by it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I can’t!” + </p> + <p> + “Try! Would it make it easier if I were to call you by yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Mine is Miss Parsloe.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! How can that be your name which you are going to change so soon? + When I look at you, I see your name; when I think of you, I say it to + myself,—Grace!” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know I am going to change my name soon—or ever?” + </p> + <p> + “Whom are you talking to?” + </p> + <p> + “To you,—Harvey! Oh!” She snatched her hand away and pressed it over + her lips. + </p> + <p> + “How do I know you are beautiful, Grace, and—irresistible?” + </p> + <p> + “But I’m not! You’re making fun of me! Besides, I’m twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “How many times have you been engaged?” + </p> + <p> + “Never. Nobody wants to be engaged to a poor girl. Oh me!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what you are made of, Grace? Fire and flowers! Few men in the + world are men enough to be a match for you. But what have you been doing + with yourself all this time? Why do you come to a place like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe I had a presentiment that... What nonsense we are talking! But what + you said reminds me. It’s the strangest coincidence!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Professor Meschines——” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, he is a most matter-of-fact old gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “Do be quiet, and listen to me! When my mamma was a girl in school, there + were two boys there,—it was a boy-and-girls’ school,—and they + were great friends. But they both fell in love with my mamma——” + </p> + <p> + “I can understand that,” put in Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know I am like my mamma? Well, as I was saying, they both fell + in love with her, and quarrelled with each other, and had a fight. The boy + that won the fight is the man to whose house I am going.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he didn’t marry your mamma?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; that was only a childish affair, and she married another man.” + </p> + <p> + “The one who got thrashed?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not. But the one who got thrashed is your Professor Meschines.” + </p> + <p> + “I see! The poor old professor! And he has remained a bachelor all his + life.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma has often told me the story, and that the Trednoke boy went to West + Point, and distinguished himself in the Mexican war, and married a Mexican + woman, and the Meschines boy became a professor in Yale College. And now I + am going to see one of them, and you to see the other. Isn’t that a + coincidence?” + </p> + <p> + “The first of a long series, I trust. Is this West-Pointer a permanent + settler here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for ever so long,—twenty years. He’s a widower, but he has a + daughter—— Oh, I know you’ll fall in love with her!” + </p> + <p> + “Is she like you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. I’ve never seen her, or General Trednoke either.” + </p> + <p> + “Come to think of it, though, nobody is like you, Grace. Now, will you be + so good as to apologize again?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think you’re rather exacting, Harvey?” + </p> + <p> + However, the apology was finally repeated, and continued, more or less, + during the rest of the voyage; and Grace quite forgot that she had never + made Harvey tell what was really the cause of his coming to California. + But she, on her side, had a secret. She never allowed him to suspect that + the past eighteen months of her life had been passed as employee in a New + York dry-goods store. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + General Trednoke’s house was built by Spanish missionaries in the + sixteenth century; and in its main features it was little altered in three + hundred years. In a climate where there is no frost, walls of adobe last + as long as granite. The house consisted, practically, of but one story; + for although there were rooms under the roof, they were used only for + storage; no one slept in them. The plan of the building was not unlike + that of a train of railway-cars,—or, it might be more appropriate to + say, of emigrant-wagons. There was a series of rooms, ranged in a line, + access to them being had from a narrow corridor, which opened on the rear + veranda. Several of the rooms also communicated directly with each other, + and, through low windows, gave on the veranda in front; for the house was + merely a comparatively narrow array of apartments between two broad + verandas, where most of the living, including much of the sleeping, was + done. + </p> + <p> + Logically, there can be nothing uglier than a Spanish-American dwelling of + this type. But, as a matter of fact, they appear seductively beautiful. + The thick white walls acquire a certain softness of tone; the surface + scales off here and there, and cracks and crevices appear. In a damp + country, like England, they would soon become covered with moss; but moss + is not to be had in this region, though one were to offer for it the price + of the silk velvet, triple ply, which so much resembles it. Nevertheless, + there are compensations. The soil is inexhaustibly fertile, and its + fertility expresses itself in the most inveterate beauty. Such colors and + varieties of flowers exist nowhere else, and they continue all the year + round. Climbing vines storm the walls, and toss their green ladders all + over it, for beauty to walk up and down. Huge jars, standing on the + verandas, emit volcanoes of lovely blossoms; and vases swung from the roof + drip and overflow with others, as if water had turned to flowers. In the + garden, which extends over several acres at the front of the house, and, + as it were, makes it an island in a gorgeous sea of petals, there are + roses, almonds, oranges, vines, pomegranates, and a hundred rivals whose + names are unknown to the present historian, marching joyfully and + triumphantly through the seasons, as the symphony moves through changes + along its central theme. + </p> + <p> + Everything that is not an animal or a mineral seems to be a flower. There + are too many flowers,—or, rather, there is not enough of anything + else. The faculty of appreciation wearies, and at last ceases to take + note. It is like conversing with a person whose every word is an epigram. + The senses have their limitations, and imagination and expectation are + half of beauty and delight, and the better half; otherwise we should have + no souls. A single violet, discovered by chance in the by-ways of an April + forest in New England, gives a pleasure as poignant as, and more spiritual + than, the miles upon miles of Californian splendors. + </p> + <p> + Monotony is the ruling characteristic,—monotony of beauty, monotony + of desolation, monotony even of variety. The glorious blue overhead is + monotonous: as for the thermometer, it paces up and down within the + narrowest limits, like a prisoner in his cell, or a meadow-lark hopping to + and fro in a seven-inch cage. The plan and aspect of the buildings are + monotonous, and so is the way of life of those who inhabit them. + Fortunately, the sun does rise and set in Southern California: otherwise + life there would be at an absolute stand-still, with no past and no + future. But, as it is, one can look forward to morning, and remember the + evening. + </p> + <p> + Then, there are the not infrequent but seldom very destructive + earthquakes; the occasional cloud-bursts and tornadoes, sudden and violent + as a gunpowder-explosion; and, finally, the astounding contrast between + the fertile regions and the desert. There are places where you can stand + with one foot planted in everlasting sterility and the other in immortal + verdure. In the midst of an arid and hopeless waste, you come suddenly + upon the brink of a narrow ravine, sharply defined as if cut out with an + axe, and packed to the brim with enchanting and voluptuous fertility. Or + you will come upon mountains which sweep upward out of burning death into + sumptuous life. When the monotony of life meets the monotony of death, + Southern California becomes a land of contrasts; and the contrasts + themselves become monotonous. + </p> + <p> + General Trednoke’s ranch was very near the borders of these two mighty + forces. An hour’s easy ride would carry him to a region as barren and + apparently as irreclaimable as that through which Childe Roland journeyed + in quest of the Dark Tower; lying, too, in a temperature so fiery that it + coagulated the blood in the veins, and stopped the beating of the heart. + Underfoot were fine dust, and whitened bones; the air was prismatic and + magical, ever conjuring up phantom pictures, whose characteristic was that + they were at the farthest remove from any possible reality. The azure sky + descended and became a lake; the pulsations of the atmosphere translated + themselves into the rhythmic lapse of waves; spikes of sage-brush and + blades of cactus became sylvan glades, and hamlets cheerful with + inhabitants. Only, all was silent; and as you drew near, the scene + trembled, altered, and was gone! + </p> + <p> + Hideous black lizards and horned toads crawl and hop amid this desolation; + and the deadly little sidewinder rattlesnake lies basking in the blaze of + sunshine, which it distils into venom. Sometimes the level plain is broken + up into savage ridges and awful canons, along whose arid bottoms no water + streams. As you stagger through their chaotic bottoms, you see vast + boulders poised overhead, tottering to a fall; a shiver of earthquake, a + breath of hurricane, and they come crashing and splintering in destruction + down. Along the sides of these acclivities extend long, level lines and + furrows, marks of where the ocean flowed ages ago. But sometimes the hills + are but accumulations of desert dust, which shift slowly from place to + place under the action of the wind, melting away here to be re-erected + yonder; mounding themselves, perhaps, above a living and struggling human + being, to move forward, anon, leaving where he was a little heap of + withered bones. A fearful place is this broad abyss, where once murmured + the waters of a prehistoric sea. Let us return to the cool and fragrant + security of the general’s ranch. + </p> + <p> + At right angles to the main body of the house extend two wings, thus + forming three sides of a square, the interior of which is the court-yard. + Here the business of the establishment is conducted. It is the liveliest + spot on the premises; though it is liveliness of a very indolent sort. The + veranda built around these sides is twenty feet in breadth, paved with + tiles that have been worn into hollows by innumerable lazy footsteps, + mostly shoeless, for this side of the house is frequented chiefly by the + servants of the place, who are Mexican Indians. Ancient wooden settles are + bolted to the walls; from hooks hang Indian baskets of bright colors; in + one corner are stretched raw hides, which serve as beds. Small brown + children, half naked, trot, clamber, and crawl about. Black-haired, + swarthy women squat on the tiled floor, pursuing their vocations, or, + often, doing nothing at all beyond continuing a placid organic existence. + Boys and men saunter in and out of the court-yard, chatting or calling in + their musical patois; once in a while there is a thud and clatter of + hoofs, a rider arriving or departing. It is an entertaining scene, + charming in its monotony of small changes and evolutions; you can sit + watching it in a half-doze for twenty years at a stretch, and it may seem + only as many minutes, or vice versa. + </p> + <p> + Most of the rooms in the wings are used for the kitchens and other + servants’ quarters; but one large chamber is devoted to a special purpose + of the general’s own: it is a museum; the Curiosity-Room, he calls it. It + is lighted by two windows opening on opposite sides, one on the + court-yard, the other on an orange grove at the south end of the house. + Besides being, in itself, a cool and pleasant spot, it is full of interest + to any one who cares about the relics and antiquities of an ancient and + vanishing race, concerning whom little is or ever will be known. There are + two students in it at this moment; though whether they are studying + antiquities is another matter. Let us give ear to their discourse and be + instructed. + </p> + <p> + “But this was made for you to wear, Miss Trednoke. Try it. It fits you + perfectly, you see. There can be no doubt about your being a princess, + now!” + </p> + <p> + “I sometimes feel it,—here!” she said, putting her hand on her + bosom. She was looking at him as she said it, but her eyes, instead of any + longer meeting his, seemed to turn their regard inward, and to traverse + strange regions, not of this world. “I see some one who is myself, though + I can never have been she: she is surrounded with brightness, and people + not like ours; she thinks of things that I have never known. It is the + memory of a dream, I suppose,” she added, in another tone. + </p> + <p> + “Heredity is a queer thing. You may be Aztecan over again, in mind and + temperament; and every one knows how impressions are transmitted. If + features and traits of character, why not particular thoughts and + feelings?” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is better not to try to explain these things,” said she, with + the unconscious haughtiness which maidens acquire who have not seen the + world and are adored by their family. “They are great mysteries,—or + else nothing.” She now removed from her head the curious cap or helmet, + ornamented with gold and with the green feathers of the humming-bird, + which her companion had crowned her with, and hung it on its nail in the + cabinet. “Perhaps the thoughts came with the cap,” she remarked, smiling + slightly. “I don’t feel that way any more. I ought not to have spoken of + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope the time will come when you will feel that you may trust me.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem easy to know, Mr. Freeman,” she replied, looking at him + contemplatively as she spoke, “and yet you are not. There is one of you + that thinks, and another that speaks. And you are not the same to my + father, or to Professor Meschines, that you are to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the use of human beings except to take one out of one’s self?” + </p> + <p> + “But it is not your real self that comes out,” said Miriam, after a little + pause. She never spoke hurriedly, or until after the coming speech had + passed into her face. + </p> + <p> + Freeman laughed. “Well,” he said, “if I’m a hypocrite, I’m one of those + who are made and not born. As a boy, I was frank enough. But a good part + of my life has been spent with people who couldn’t be trusted; and perhaps + the habit of protecting myself against them has grown upon me. If I could + only live here for a while it would be different.—Here’s an + odd-looking thing. What do you call that?” + </p> + <p> + “We call it the Golden Fleece.” + </p> + <p> + “The Golden Fleece! I can imagine a Medea; but where is the Dragon?” + </p> + <p> + “If Jason came, the Dragon might appear.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember reading somewhere that the Dragon was less to be feared than + Medea’s eyes. But this fleece seems to have lost most of its gold. There + is only a little gold embroidery.” + </p> + <p> + “It shows where the gold is hidden.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s you that are concealing something now, Miss Trednoke. How can a + woollen garment be a talisman?” + </p> + <p> + “The secret might be woven into it, perhaps,” replied Miriam, passing her + fingers caressingly over the soft tunic. “Then, when the right person puts + it on, it would——But you don’t believe in these things.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know: you don’t give me a chance. But who is the right person? + The thing seems rather small. I’m sure I couldn’t get it on.” + </p> + <p> + “It can fit only the one it was made for,” said Miriam, gravely. “And if + you wanted to find the gold, you would trust to your science, rather than + to this.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gold-hunting is not in my line, at present. Every nugget has been + paid for more than once, before it is found. Besides, there is something + better than gold in Southern California,—something worth any labor + to get.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Miriam, turning her tranquil regard upon him. + </p> + <p> + Harvey Freeman had never been deficient in audacity. But, standing in the + dark radiance of this maiden’s eyes, his self-assurance dwindled, and he + could not bring himself to say to her what he would have said to any other + pretty woman he had ever met. For he felt that great pride and passion + were concealed beneath that tranquil surface: it was a nature that might + give everything to love, and would never pardon any frivolous parody + thereof. Freeman had been acquainted with Miriam scarcely two days, but he + had already begun to perceive the main indications of a character which a + lifetime might not be long enough wholly to explore. Marriage had never + been among the enterprises he had, in the course of his career, proposed + to himself: he did not propose it now: yet he dared not risk the utterance + of a word that would lead Miriam to look at him with an offended or + contemptuous glance. It was not that she was, from the merely physical + point of view, transcendently beautiful. His first impression of her, + indeed, had been that she was merely an unusually good example of a type + by no means rare in that region. But ere long he became sensible of a + spiritual quality in her which lifted her to a level far above that which + can be attained by mere harmony of features and proportions. Beneath the + outward aspect lay a profound depth of being, glimpses of which were + occasionally discernible through her eyes, in the tones of her voice, in + her smile, in unconscious movements of her hands and limbs. Demonstrative + she could never be; but she could, at will, feel with tropical intensity, + and act with the swiftness and energy of a fanatic. + </p> + <p> + In Miriam’s company, Freeman forgot every one save her,—even + himself,—though she certainly made no effort to attract him or + (beyond the commonplaces of courtesy) to interest him. Consequently he had + become entirely oblivious of the existence of such a person as Grace + Parsloe, when, much to his irritation, he heard the voice of that young + lady, mingled with others, approaching along the veranda. At the same + moment he experienced acute regret at the whim of fortune which had made + himself and that sprightly young lady fellow-passengers from Panama, and + at the idle impulse which had prompted him to flirt with her. + </p> + <p> + But the past was beyond remedy: it was his concern to deal with the + present. In a few seconds, Grace entered the curiosity-room, followed by + Professor Meschines, and by a dashing young Mexican senor, whom Freeman + had met the previous evening, and who was called Don Miguel de Mendoza. + The senor, to judge from his manner, had already fallen violently in love + with Grace, and was almost dislocating his organs of speech in the effort + to pay her romantic compliments in English. Freeman observed this with + unalloyed satisfaction. But the look which Grace bent upon him and Miriam, + on entering, and the ominous change which passed over her mobile + countenance, went far to counteract this agreeable impression. + </p> + <p> + One story is good until another is told. Freeman had really thought Grace + a fascinating girl, until he saw Miriam. There was no harm in that: the + trouble was, he had allowed Grace to perceive his admiration. He had + already remarked that she was a creature of violent extremes, tempered, + but not improved, by a thin polish of subtlety. She was now about to give + an illustration of the passion of jealousy. But it was not her jealousy + that Freeman minded: it was the prospect of Miriam’s scorn when she should + surmise that he had given Grace cause to be jealous. Miriam was not the + sort of character to enter into a competition with any other woman about a + lover. He would lose her before he had a chance to try to win her. + </p> + <p> + But fortune proved rather more favorable than Freeman expected, or, + perhaps, than he deserved. Grace’s attack was too impetuous. She stopped + just inside the threshold, and said, in an imperious tone, “Come here, Mr. + Freeman: I wish to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” he replied, resolving at once to widen the breach to the + utmost extent possible, “I am otherwise engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” observed the professor, with a chuckle, “you’re no + diplomatist, Harvey! What are you two about here? Investigating + antiquities?” + </p> + <p> + “The remains of ancient Mexico are more interesting than some of her + recent products,” returned Freeman, who wished to quarrel with somebody, + and had promptly decided that Senor Don Miguel de Mendoza was the most + available person. He bowed to the latter as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You—a—spoken to me?” said the senor, stepping forward with a + polite grimace. “I no to quite comprehend——” + </p> + <p> + “Pray don’t exert yourself to converse with me out of your own language, + senor,” interrupted Freeman, in Spanish. “I was just remarking that the + Spaniards seem to have degenerated greatly since they colonized Mexico.” + </p> + <p> + “Senor!” exclaimed Don Miguel, stiffening and staring. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” added Freeman, smiling benevolently upon him, “I judge only + from such specimens of the modern Mexican as I happen to meet with.” + </p> + <p> + Don Miguel’s sallow countenance turned greenish white. But, before he + could make a reply, Meschines, who scented mischief in the air, and + divined that the gentler sex must somehow be at the bottom of it, struck + in. + </p> + <p> + “You may consider yourself lucky, Harvey, in making the acquaintance of a + gentleman like Senor de Mendoza, who exemplifies the undimmed virtues of + Cortez and Torquemada. For my part, I brought him here in the hope that he + might be able to throw some light on the mystery of this embroidered + garment, which I see you’ve been examining. What do you say, Don Miguel? + Have these designs any significance beyond mere ornament? Anything in the + nature of hieroglyphics?” + </p> + <p> + The senor was obliged to examine, and to enter into a discussion, though, + of course, his ignorance of the subject in dispute was as the depths of + that abyss which has no bottom. Miriam, who was not fond of Don Miguel, + but who felt constrained to exceptional courtesy in view of Freeman’s + unwarrantable attack upon him, stood beside him and the Professor; and + Freeman and Grace were thus left to fight it out with each other. + </p> + <p> + But Grace had drawn her own conclusions from what had passed. Freeman had + insulted Don Miguel. Wherefore? Obviously, it could only be because he + thought that she was flirting with him. In other words, Freeman was + jealous; and to be jealous is to love. Now, Grace was so constituted that, + though she did not like to play second fiddle herself, yet she had no + objection to monopolizing all the members of the male species who might + happen, at a given moment, to be in sight. + </p> + <p> + She had, consequently, already forgiven Freeman for his apparent + unfaithfulness to her, by reason of his manifest jealousy of Don Miguel. + As a matter of fact, he was not jealous, and he was unfaithful; but fate + had decreed that there should be, for the moment, a game of + cross-purposes; and the decrees of fate are incorrigible. + </p> + <p> + “I had no idea you were so savage,” she said, softly. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not savage,” replied Freeman. “I am bored.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t know as I can blame you,” said Grace, still more softly: + she fancied he was referring to Miriam. “I don’t much like Spanish + mixtures myself.” + </p> + <p> + “One has to take what one can get,” said Freeman, referring to Don Miguel. + </p> + <p> + “But it’s all right now,” rejoined she, meaning that Freeman and herself + were reconciled after their quarrel. + </p> + <p> + “If you are satisfied, I am,” observed Freeman, too indifferent to care + what she meant. + </p> + <p> + “Only, you mustn’t take that poor young man too seriously,” she went on: + “these Mexicans are absurdly demonstrative, but they don’t mean anything.” + </p> + <p> + “He won’t, if he values his skin,” said Freeman, meaning that if Don + Miguel attempted to interfere between himself and Miriam he would wring + his neck. + </p> + <p> + “He won’t, I promise you,” said Grace, sparkling with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t quite see how you can help it,” returned Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “I should hope I could manage a creature like that!” murmured she, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Freeman, after a pause,—for Grace’s seeming change of + attitude puzzled him a little,—“I’m glad you look at it that way. I + don’t wish to be meddled with; that’s all.” + </p> + <p> + “You shan’t be,” she whispered; and then, just when they were approaching + the point where their eyes might have been opened, in came General + Trednoke. The group round the Golden Fleece broke up. + </p> + <p> + The general wore his riding-dress, and his bearing was animated, though he + was covered with dust. + </p> + <p> + “I was wondering what had become of you all,” he said, as the others + gathered about him. “I have been taking a canter to the eastward. + Kamaiakan said this morning that one of the boys had brought news of a + cloud-burst in that direction. I rode far enough to ascertain that there + has really been something of the kind, and I think it has affected the + arroyo on the farther side of the little sierra. Now, I don’t know how you + gentlemen feel, but it occurred to me that it might be interesting to make + up a little party of exploration to-morrow. Would you like to try it, + Meschines?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I should!” the professor replied. “I imagine I can stand as + much of the desert as you can! And I want to catch a sidewinder.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! And you, Mr. Freeman?” + </p> + <p> + “It would suit me exactly,” said the latter. “In fact, I had been + intending to gratify my curiosity by making some such expedition on my own + account.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the general, eying him with some intentness. “Well, we may be + able to show you something more curious than you anticipate.—And + now, Senor de Mendoza, there is only you left. May we count on your + company into the desert?” + </p> + <p> + But the Mexican, with a bow and a grimace, excused himself. Scientific + curiosity was an unknown emotion to him; but he foresaw an opportunity to + have Grace all to himself, and he meant to improve it. He also wished + leisure to think over some plan for getting rid of Senor Freeman, in whom + he scented a rival, and who, whether a rival or not, had behaved to him + with a lack of consideration in the presence of ladies. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + General Trednoke’s household went early to bed. As there was more + accommodation in the old house than sufficed for its present inhabitants, + it followed that each of them had a regal allowance of rooms. And when + Grace Parsloe became one of the occupants, she was allotted two commodious + apartments at the extremity of the left wing. They communicated, through + long windows, with the veranda in front, and by means of doors with the + passage, or hall, traversing the house from end to end. If, therefore, she + happened to be sleepless, she might issue forth into the garden, and + wander about there without let or hinderance until she was ready to accept + the wooing of the god of dreams; or, if supernatural terrors daunted her, + she could in a few seconds transfer herself and her fears to Miriam’s + chamber, which occupied the same position in the right wing that hers did + in the left. + </p> + <p> + The night, as is customary in that climate, where the atmosphere is pure + and evaporation rapid, was cool and still. By ten o’clock there was no + sound to indicate that any person was awake; though, to an acute ear, the + rise and fall of regular breathing, or even an occasional snore, might + have given evidence of slumber. At the back of the house, the Indian + retainers were lapped in silence. They were a harmless people,—somewhat + disposed, perhaps, to small pilferings, in an amiable and loyal way, but + incapable of anything seriously criminal. There were no locks on the + doors, and most of them stood ajar. Tramps and burglars were unknown. + </p> + <p> + Miriam, having put on her night-dress, stood a few minutes at her window, + gazing out on the soft darkness of the garden. All there was peacefulness + and fragrance. The leaves of the plants hung motionless; the blossoms + seemed to hush themselves to the enjoyment of their own sweetness. The sky + was clear, but there was no moon. A beautiful planet, however, bright + enough to cast a shadow, hung in the southwestern sky, and its mysterious + light touched Miriam’s face, and cast a dim rectangle of radiance on the + white matting that carpeted the floor of her room. It was the planet + Venus,—the star of love. Miriam thought it would be a pleasant place + to live in. But one need not journey to Venus to find a world where love + is the ruling passion. Circumstances over which she has no control may + cause such a world to come into existence in a girl’s heart. + </p> + <p> + She left the window at last, and got into bed, where she soon presented an + image of perfect repose. Meanwhile, in a dark corner of the court-yard at + the rear, a dark, pyramidal object abode without motion. It might have + been taken for a heap of blankets piled up there. But if you examined it + more narrowly you would have detected in it the vague outlines of a human + figure, squatting on its haunches, with its head resting on its knees, and + its arms clasped round them,—somewhat as figures sit in Egyptian + hieroglyphics, or like Aztecan mummies in the tomb. So still was it, it + might itself have been a mummy. But ever and anon a blinking of the narrow + eyes in the bronze countenance told that it was no mummy, but a living + creature. In fact, it was none other than the aged and austere Kamaiakan, + who, for reasons best known to himself, chose to spend the hours usually + devoted to rest in an attitude that no European or white American could + have maintained with comfort longer than five minutes. + </p> + <p> + An hour—two hours—passed away. Then Kamaiakan noiselessly + arose, peered about him cautiously for a few moments, and passed out of + the court-yard through the open gate. He turned to the left, and, stealing + beneath Miriam’s windows, paused there for an instant and made certain + gestures with his arms. Anon he continued his way to the garden, and was + soon concealed by the thick shrubbery. + </p> + <p> + History requires us to follow him. The garden extended westward, and was + quite a spacious enclosure: one not familiar with its winding paths might + easily lose himself there on a dark night. But Kamaiakan knew where he was + going, and the way thither. He now stalked along more swiftly, taking one + turn after another, brushing aside the low-hanging boughs, and passing the + loveliest flowers without a glance. He was as one preoccupied with + momentous business. Presently he arrived at a small open space, remote and + secluded. It was completely surrounded by tall shrubbery. In the centre + was a basin of stone, evidently very ancient, filled to the brim with the + clear water of a spring, which bubbled up from the bottom, and, + overflowing by way of a gap in the edge, became a small rivulet, which + stole away in the direction of the sea. Across the slightly undulating + surface of the basin trembled the radiance of the star. + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan knelt down beside it, and, bending over, gazed intently into the + water. Presently he dipped his hands in it, and sprinkled shining drops + over his own gaunt person, and over the ground in the vicinity of the + spring. He made strange movements with his arms, bowed his head and + erected it again, and traced curious figures on the ground with his + finger. It appeared as if the venerable Indian had solemnly lost his + senses and had sought out this lonely spot to indulge the vagaries of his + insanity. If so, his silence and deliberation afforded an example worthy + of consideration by other lunatics. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he ceased his performance, and held himself in a listening + attitude. A light, measured sound was audible, accompanied by the rustling + of leaves. It came nearer. There was a glimpse of whiteness through the + interstices of the surrounding foliage, and then a slender figure, clad in + close-fitting raiment, entered the little circle. It wore a sort of tunic, + reaching half-way to the knees, and leggings of the same soft, + grayish-white material. The head was covered with a sort of hood, which + left only the face exposed; and this too might be covered by a species of + veil or mask, which, however, was now fastened back on the headpiece, + after the manner of a visor. The front of the tunic was embroidered with + fantastic devices in gold thread, brightened here and there with precious + stones; and other devices appeared on the hood. The face of this figure + was pale and calm, with great dark eyes beneath black brows. The stature + was no greater than that of a lad of fifteen, but the bearing was composed + and dignified. The contours of the figure, however, even as seen by that + dim light, were those of neither a boy nor a man. The wearer of the tunic + was a girl, just rounding into womanhood, and the face was the face of + Miriam. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was not by this name that Kamaiakan addressed her. After making a + deep obeisance, touching his hand to her foot and then to his own forehead + and breast, he said, in a language that was neither Spanish nor such as + the modern Indians of Mexico use,— + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, Semitzin! May this night be the beginning of high things!” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” replied the other, in a soft and low voice, but with a + certain stateliness of utterance unlike the usual manner of General + Trednoke’s daughter: “I was glad to hear you call, and to see again the + stars and the earth. Have you anything to tell?” + </p> + <p> + “There are events which may turn to our harm, most revered princess. The + master of this house——” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not call him my father, Kamaiakan?” interposed the other. “He + is indeed the father of this mortal body which I wear, which (as you tell + me) bears the name of Miriam. Besides, are not Miriam and I united by the + thread of descent?” + </p> + <p> + “Something of the spirit that is you dwells in her also,” said the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “And does she know of it?” + </p> + <p> + “At times, my princess; but only as one remembers a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I might converse with her and instruct her in the truth,” said the + princess. “And she, in turn, might speak to me of things that perplex me. + I live and move in this mortal world, and yet (you tell me) three + centuries have passed since what is called my death. To me it seems as if + I had but slept through a night, and were awake again. Nor can I tell what + has happened—what my life and thoughts have been—during this + long lapse of time. Yet it must be that I live another life: I cannot rest + in extinction. Three times you have called me forth; yet whence I come + hither, or whither I return, is unknown to me.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a memory of the spirit,” replied Kamaiakan, “and a memory of the + body. They are separate, and cannot communicate with each other. Such is + the law.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I remember, as if it were yesterday, the things that were done when + Montezuma was king. And well do I remember you, Kamaiakan!” + </p> + <p> + “It is true I live again, princess, though not in the flesh and bones that + died with you in the past. But in the old days I was acquainted with + mysteries, and learned the secrets of the world of spirits; and this + science still remained with me after the change, so that I was able to + know that I was I, and that you could be recalled to speak with me through + the tongue of Miriam. But there are some things that I do not know; and it + is for that I have been bold to summon you.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I tell you that can be of use to you in this present life, + Kamaiakan, when all whom we knew and loved are gone?” + </p> + <p> + “To you only, Semitzin, is known the place of concealment of the treasure + which, in the old times, you and I hid in the desert. I indeed remember + the event, and somewhat of the region of the hiding; but I cannot put my + hand upon the very spot. I have tried to discover it; but when I approach + it my mind becomes confused between the present and the past, and I am + lost.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember it well,” said Semitzin. “We rode across the desert, carrying + the treasure on mules. The air was still, and the heat very heavy. The + desert descended in a great hollow: you told me it was where, in former + days, the ocean had been. At last there were rocky hills before us; we + rode towards a great rock shaped like the pyramid on which the sacrifices + were held in Tenochtitlan. We passed round its base, and entered a deep + and narrow valley, that seemed to have been ploughed out of the heart of + the earth and to descend into it. Then—— But what is it you + wish to do with this treasure, Kamaiakan?” + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to your race, princess, and was hidden that the murderers of + Montezuma might not seize it. I was bound by an oath, after the peril was + past, to restore it to the rightful owners. But our country remained under + the rule of the conquerors; and my life went out. But now the conquerors + have been conquered in their turn, and Miriam is the last inheritor of + your blood. When I have delivered to her this trust, my work will be done, + and I can return to the world which you inhabit. The time is come; and + only by your help can the restitution be made.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there, then, a time fixed?” + </p> + <p> + “The stars tell me so. And other events make it certain that there must be + no delay. The general has it in mind to discover the gates through which + the waters under-ground may arise and again form the sea which flowed + hereabouts in the ancient times. Now, this sea will fill the ravine in + which the treasure lies, and make it forever unattainable. A youth has + also come here who is skilled in the sciences, and whom the general will + ask to help him in the thing he is to attempt.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this youth?” asked Semitzin. + </p> + <p> + “He is of the new people who inherit this land: his name is Freeman.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something in me—I know not what—that seems to tell + me I have been near such a one. Can it be so?” + </p> + <p> + “The other self, who now sleeps, knows of him,” replied the ancient + Indian. “He is a well-looking youth, and I think he has a desire towards + her we call Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “And does she love him?” inquired the princess. + </p> + <p> + “A maiden’s heart is a riddle, even to herself,” said Kamaiakan. + </p> + <p> + “But there is a sympathy that makes me feel her heart in my own,” rejoined + Semitzin. “Love is a thing that pierces through time, and through barriers + which separate the mind and memory of the past from the present. I—as + you know, Kamaiakan—was never wedded; the fate of our people, and my + early end, kept that from me. But the thought of that youth is here,”—she + put her hand on her bosom,—“and it seems to me that, were we to + meet, I should know him. Perhaps, were that to be, Miriam and I might thus + come to be aware of each other, and live henceforth one life.” + </p> + <p> + “Such matters are beyond my knowledge,” said the Indian, shaking his head. + “The gods know what will be. It is for us, now, to regain the treasure. + Are you willing, my princess, to accompany me thither?” + </p> + <p> + “I am ready. Shall it be now?” + </p> + <p> + “Not now, but soon. I will call you when the moment comes. The place is + but a ride of two or three hours from here. None must know of our + departure, for there are some here whom I do not trust. We must go by + night. You will wear the garments you now have on, without which all might + miscarry.” + </p> + <p> + “How can the garments affect the result, Kamaiakan?” + </p> + <p> + “A powerful spell is laid upon them, princess. Moreover, the characters + wrought upon them, with gold thread and jewels, are mystical, and the + substance of the garment itself has a virtue to preserve the wearer from + evil. It is the same that was worn by you when the treasure was hidden; + and it may be, Semitzin, that without its magic aid your spirit could not + know itself in this world as now it can.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the last words, a low sound, wandering and muttering with an + inward note, came palpitating on their ears through the night air. It + seemed to approach from no direction that could be identified, yet it was + at first remote, and then came nearer, and in a moment trembled around + them, and shivered in the solid earth beneath their feet; and in another + instant it had passed on, and was subdued slowly into silence in the + shadowy distance. No one who has once heard that sound can mistake it for + any other, or ever can forget it. The air had suddenly become close and + tense; and now a long breeze swept like a sigh through the garden, dying + away in a long-drawn wail; and out of the west came a hollow murmur, like + that of a mighty wave breaking upon the shore of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + “The earthquake!” whispered Kamaiakan, rising to his feet. And then he + pointed to the stone basin. “Look! the spring!” + </p> + <p> + “It is gone!” exclaimed Semitzin. + </p> + <p> + And, in truth, the water, with a strange, sucking noise, disappeared + through the bottom of the basin, leaving the glistening cavity which had + held it, green with slimy water-weed, empty. + </p> + <p> + “The time is near, indeed!” muttered the Indian. “The second shock may + cause the waters from which this spring came to rise as no living man has + seen them rise, and make the sea return, and the treasure be lost. In a + few days all may be over. But you, princess, must vanish: though the shock + was but slight, some one might be awakened; and were you to be discovered, + our plans might go wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Must I depart so soon?” said Semitzin, regretfully. “The earth is + beautiful, Kamaiakan: the smell of the flowers is sweet, and the stars in + the sky are bright. To feel myself alive, to breathe, to walk, to see, are + sweet. Perhaps I have no other conscious life than this. I would like to + remain as I am: I would like to see the sun shine, and to hear the birds + sing, and to see the men and women who live in this age. Is there no way + of keeping me here?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell; it may be,—but it must not be now, Semitzin,” the + old man replied, with a troubled look. “The ways of the gods are not our + ways. She whose body you inhabit—she has her life to live.” + </p> + <p> + “But is that girl more worthy to live than I? You have called me into + being again: you have made me know how pleasant this world is. Miriam + sleeps: she need never know; she need never awake again. You were faithful + to me in the old time: have you more care for her than for me? I feel all + the power and thirst of youth in me: the gods did not let me live out my + life: may they not intend that I shall take it up again now? Besides, I + wear Miriam’s body: could I not seem to others to be Miriam indeed? How + could they guess the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “I will think of what you say, princess,” said Kamaiakan. “Something may + perhaps be done; but it must be done gradually: you would need much + instruction in the ways of the new world before you could safely enter + into its life. Leave that to me. I am loyal as ever: is it not to fulfil + the oath made to you that I am here? and what would Miriam be to me, were + she not your inheritor? Be satisfied for the present: in a few days we + will meet and speak again.” + </p> + <p> + “The power is yours, Kamaiakan: it is well to argue, when with a word you + can banish me forever! Yet what if I were to say that, unless you consent + to the thing I desire, I will not show you where the treasure lies?” + </p> + <p> + “Princess Semitzin!” exclaimed the Indian, “remember that it is not + against me, but against the gods, that you would contend. The gods know + that I have no care for treasure. But they will not forgive a broken oath; + and they will not hold that one guiltless through whom it is brought to + naught?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we shall meet again,” answered Semitzin, after a pause. “But do you + remember that you, too, are not free from responsibility in this matter. + You have called me back: see to it that you do me justice.” She waved her + hands with a gesture of adieu, turned, and left the enclosure. Kamaiakan + sank down again beside the empty bowl of the fountain. + </p> + <p> + Semitzin returned along the path by which she had come, towards the house. + As she turned round one of the corners, she saw a man’s figure before her, + strolling slowly along in the same direction in which she was going. In a + few moments he heard her light footfall, and, facing about, confronted + her. She continued to advance until she was within arm’s reach of him: + then she paused, and gazed steadfastly in his face. He was the first human + being, save Kamaiakan, that she had seen since her eyes closed upon the + world of Tenochtitlan, three hundred years before. + </p> + <p> + The young man looked upon her with manifest surprise. It was too dark to + distinguish anything clearly, but it did not take him long to surmise that + the figure was that of a woman, and her countenance, though changed in + aspect by the head-dress she were, yet had features which, he knew, he had + seen before. But could it be Miriam Trednoke who was abroad at such an + hour and in such a costume? He did not recognize the Golden Fleece, but it + was evident enough that she was clad as women are not. + </p> + <p> + Before he could think of anything to say to her, she smiled, and uttered + some words in a soft, flowing language with which he was entirely + unacquainted. The next moment she had glided past him, and was out of + sight round the curve of the path, leaving him in a state of perplexity + not altogether gratifying. + </p> + <p> + “What the deuce can it mean?” he muttered to himself. “I can’t be mistaken + about its being Miriam. And yet she didn’t look at me as if she recognized + me. What can she be doing out here at midnight? I suppose it’s none of my + business: in fact, she might very reasonably ask the same question of me. + And if I were to tell her that I had only ridden over to spend a + sentimental hour beneath her window, what would she say? If she answered + in the same lingo she used just now, I should be as wise as before. After + all, it may have been somebody else. The image in my mind projected itself + on her countenance. I certainly must be in love! I almost wish I’d never + come here. This complication about the general’s irrigating scheme makes + it awkward. I’m bound not to explain things to him; and yet, if I don’t, + and he discovers (as he can’t help doing) what I am here for, nothing will + persuade him that I haven’t been playing a double game; and that would not + be a promising preliminary towards becoming a member of his family. If + Miriam were only Grace, now, it would be plain sailing. Hello! who’s this? + Senor Don Miguel, as I’m a sinner! What is he up to, pray? Can this be the + explanation of Miriam’s escapade? I have a strong desire to blow a hole + through that fellow!—Buenas noches, Senor de Mendoza! I am enchanted + to have the unexpected honor of meeting you.” + </p> + <p> + Senor de Mendoza turned round, disagreeably startled. It is only fair to + explain that he had not come hither with any lover-like designs towards + Miriam. Grace was the magnet that had drawn his steps to the Trednokes’ + garden, and the truth is that that enterprising young lady was not without + a suspicion that he might turn up. Could this information have been + imparted to Freeman, it would have saved much trouble; but, as it was, not + only did he jump to the conclusion that Don Miguel was his rival (and, + seemingly, a not unsuccessful one), but a similar misgiving as to + Freeman’s purposes towards Grace found its way into the heart of the + Spaniard. It was a most perverse trick of fate. + </p> + <p> + The two men contemplated each other, each after his own fashion: Don + Miguel pale, glaring, bristling; Freeman smiling, insolent, hectoring. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you here, senor?” demanded the former, at length. + </p> + <p> + “Partly, senor, because such is my pleasure. Partly, to inform you that + your presence here offends me, and to humbly request you to be off.” + </p> + <p> + “Senor, this is an impertinence.” + </p> + <p> + “Senor, one is not impertinent to prowling greasers. One admonishes them, + and, if they do not obey, one chastises them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you talk of chastising Don Miguel de Mendoza? Senor, I will wash out + that insult with your blood!” + </p> + <p> + “Excellent! It is at your service for the taking. But, lest we disturb the + repose of our friends yonder, let us seek a more convenient spot. I + noticed a very pretty little glade on the right as I rode over here. You + are armed? Good! we will have this little affair adjusted within half an + hour. Yonder star—the planet of love, senor—shall see fair + play. Andamos!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Having mounted their steeds, the two sanguinary young gentlemen rode + onwards, side by side, but in silence; for the souls of those who have + resolved to slay each other find small delight in vain conversation. + Moreover, there is that in the conscious proximity of death which + stimulates to thought much more than to speech. But Freeman preserved an + outward demeanor of complacent calm, as one who doubts not, nor dreads, + the issue; and, indeed, this was not the first time by many that he had + taken his life in his hand and brought it unscathed through dangers. Don + Miguel, on the other hand, was troubled in spirit, and uneasy in the + flesh. He was one soon hot and soon cold; and this long ride to the + decisive event went much against his stomach. If the conflict had taken + place there in the garden, while the fire of the insult was yet scorching + him, he could have fought it out with good will; but now the night air + seemed chiller and chiller, and its frigidity crept into his nerves: he + doubted of the steadiness of his aim, bethought himself that the darkness + was detrimental to accurate shooting, and wondered whether Senor Freeman + would think it necessary to fight across a handkerchief. He could not help + regretting, too, that the quarrel had not been occasioned by some more + definite and satisfactory provocation,—something which merely to + think of would steel the heart to irrevocable murderousness. But no blow + had passed; even the words, though bitter to swallow, had been wrapt in + the phrases of courtesy; and perhaps the whole affair was the result of + some misapprehension. He stole a look at the face of his companion; and + the latter’s air of confident and cheerful serenity made him feel worse + than ever. Was he being brought out here to be butchered for nothing,—he, + Don Miguel de Mendoza, who had looked forward to many pleasures in this + life? It was too bad. It was true, the fortune of war might turn the other + way; but Don Miguel was aware of a sensation in his bones which made this + hope weak. + </p> + <p> + At length Freeman drew rein and glanced around him. They were in a lonely + and—Don Miguel thought—a most desolate and unattractive spot. + An open space of about half an acre was bounded on one side by a growth of + wild mustard, whose slender stalks rose to more than the height of a man’s + head. On the other side was a grove of live-oak; and in front, the ground + fell away in a rugged, bush-grown declivity. + </p> + <p> + “It strikes me that this is just about what we want,” remarked Freeman, in + his full, cheerful tones. “We are half a mile from the road; the ground is + fairly level; and there’s no possibility of our being disturbed. I was + thinking, this afternoon, as I passed through here, what an ideal spot it + was for just such a little affair as you and I are bent on. But I didn’t + venture to anticipate such speedy good fortune as your obliging + condescension has brought to pass, Don Miguel.” + </p> + <p> + “Caramba!” muttered the senor, shivering. He might have said more, but was + unwilling to trust his voice, or to waste nervous energy. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Freeman had dismounted, and was tethering his horse. It + occurred to the senor that it would be easy to pull his gun, send a bullet + through his companion, and gallop away. He did not yield to this + temptation, partly from traditional feeling that it would not be suitable + conduct for a De Mendoza, partly because he might miss the shot or only + inflict a wound, and partly because such deeds demand a nerve which, at + that moment, was not altogether at his command. Instead, he slowly + dismounted himself, and wondered whether it would ever be vouchsafed him + to sit in that saddle again. + </p> + <p> + Freeman now produced his revolver, a handsome, silver-mounted weapon, that + looked business-like. “What sort of a machine is yours?” he inquired, + pleasantly. “You can take your choice. I’m not particular, but I can + recommend this as a sure thing, if you would like to try it. It never + misses at twenty paces.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty paces?” repeated Don Miguel, with a faint gleam of hope. + </p> + <p> + “Of course we won’t have any twenty paces to-night,” added Freeman, with a + laugh. “I thought it might be a good plan to start at, say, fifteen, and + advance firing. In that way, one or other of us will be certain to do + something sooner or later. Would that arrangement be agreeable to Senor de + Mendoza?” + </p> + <p> + “Valga me Dios! I am content,” said the latter, fetching a deep breath, + and setting his teeth. “I will keep my weapon.” + </p> + <p> + “Muy buen,” returned the American. “So now let us take our ground: that + is, if you are quite ready?” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they selected their stations, facing respectively about north + and south, with the planet of love between them, as it were. “Oblige me by + giving the word, senor,” said Freeman, cocking his weapon. + </p> + <p> + But Don Miguel was staring with perturbed visage at something behind his + antagonist. “Santa Maria!” he faltered, “what is yonder? It is a spirit!” + </p> + <p> + Freeman had his wits about him, and perhaps entertained a not too high + opinion of Mexican fair play. So, before turning round, he advanced till + he was alongside his companion. Then he looked, and saw something which + was certainly enigmatic. + </p> + <p> + Among the wild-mustard plants there appeared a moving luminosity, having + an irregular, dancing motion, as of a will-o’-the-wisp singularly + agitated. Sometimes it uplifted itself on high, then plunged downwards, + and again jerked itself from side to side; occasionally it would quite + vanish for an instant. Accompanying this manifestation there was a clawing + and reaching of shadowy arms: altogether, it was as if some titanic + spectral grasshopper, with a heart of fire, were writhing and kicking in + convulsions of phantom agony. Such an apparition, in an hour and a place + so lonely, might stagger a less superstitious soul than that of Don Miguel + de Mendoza. + </p> + <p> + Freeman gazed at it for a moment in silence. It mystified him, and then + irritated him. When one is bent heart and soul upon an important + enterprise, any interruption is an annoyance. Perhaps there was in the + young American’s nature just enough remains of belief in witches and + hobgoblins to make him feel warranted in resorting to extreme measures. At + any rate, he lifted his revolver, and fired. + </p> + <p> + It was a long shot for a revolver: nevertheless it took effect. The + luminous object disappeared with a faint explosive sound, followed by a + shout unmistakably human. The long stems of the wild mustard swayed and + parted, and out sprang a figure, which ran straight towards the two young + men. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon, Don Miguel, hissing out an appeal to the Virgin and the saints, + turned and fled. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the mysterious figure continued its onward career; and Freeman + once more levelled his weapon,—when a voice, which gave him such a + start of surprise as well-nigh caused him to pull the trigger for sheer + lack of self-command, called out, “Why, you abominable young villain! What + the mischief do you mean? Do you want to be hanged?” + </p> + <p> + “Professor Meschines!” faltered Freeman. + </p> + <p> + It was indeed that worthy personage, and he was on fire with wrath. He + held in one hand a shattered lantern mounted on the end of a pole, and in + the other a long-handled net of gauze, such as entomologists use to catch + moths withal. Under his left arm was slung a brown japanned case, in which + he presumably deposited the spoils of his skill. Freeman’s shot had not + only smashed and extinguished the lantern which served as bait for the + game, but had also given the professor a disagreeable reminder that the + tenure of human life is as precarious as that of the silly moth which + allows itself to be lured to destruction by shining promises of bliss. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my soul, professor, I am very sorry,” said Freeman. “You have no + idea how formidable you looked; and you could hardly expect me to imagine + that you would be abroad at such an hour——” + </p> + <p> + “And why not, I should like to know?” shouted the professor, towering with + indignation. “Was I doing anything to be ashamed of? And what are you + doing here, pray, with loaded revolvers in your hands?—Hallo! who’s + this?” he exclaimed, as Don Miguel advanced doubtfully out of the gloom. + “Senor de Mendoza, as I’m a sinner! and armed, too! Well, really! Are you + two out on a murdering expedition?—Oho!” he went on, in a changed + tone, glancing keenly from one to another: “methinks I see the bottom of + this mystery. You have ridden forth, like the champions of romance, to do + doughty deeds upon each other!—Is it not so, Don Miguel?” he + demanded, turning his fierce spectacles suddenly on that young man. + </p> + <p> + Don Miguel, ignoring a secret gesture from Freeman, admitted that he had + been on the point of expunging the latter from this mortal sphere. + </p> + <p> + The professor chuckled sarcastically. “I see! Blood! Wounded honor! The + code!—But, by the way, I don’t see your seconds! Where are your + seconds?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” said Freeman, “I assure you it’s all a mistake. We just + happened to meet at the gen—er—happened to meet, and were + riding home together——” + </p> + <p> + “Now, listen to me, Harvey,” the professor interrupted, holding up an + expository finger. “You have known me since some ten years, I think; and I + have known you. You were a clever boy in your studies; but it was your + foible to fancy yourself cleverer than you were. Acting under that + delusion, you pitted yourself against me on one or two occasions; and I + leave it to your candid recollection whether you or I had the best of the + encounter. You call yourself a man, now; but I make bold to say that the—discrepancy, + let us call it—between you and me remains as conspicuous as ever it + was. I see through you, sir, much more clearly than, by this light, I can + see you. I am fond of you, Harvey; but I feel nothing but contempt for + your present attitude. In the first place, conscious as you are of your + skill with that weapon, you know that this affair—even had seconds + been present—would have been, not a duel, but an assassination. You + acted like a coward!—I say it, sir, like a coward!—and I hope + you may live to be as much ashamed of yourself as I am now ashamed for + you. Secondly, your conduct, considered in its relations to—to + certain persons whom I will not name, is that of a boor and a blackguard. + Suppose you had accomplished the cowardly murder—the cowardly + murder, I said, sir—that you were bent upon to-night. Do you think + that would be a grateful and acceptable return for the courtesy and + confidence that have been shown you in that house?—a house, sir, to + which I myself introduced you, under the mistaken belief that you were a + gentleman, or, at least, could feign gentlemanly behavior! But I won’t—my + feelings won’t allow me to enlarge further upon this point. But allow me + to add, in the third place, that you have shown yourself a purblind + donkey. Actually, you haven’t sense enough to know the difference between + those who pull with you and those who pull against you. Now, I happen to + know—to know, do you hear?—that had you succeeded in what you + were just about to attempt, you would have removed your surest ally,—the + surest, because his interests prompt him to favor yours. You pick out the + one man who was doing his best to clear the obstacle out of your path, and + what do you do?—Thank him?—Not you! You plot to kill him! But + even had he been, as you in your stupidity imagined, your rival, do you + think the course you adopted would have promoted your advantage? Let me + tell you, sir, that you don’t know the kind of people you are dealing + with. You would never have been permitted to cross their threshold again. + And you may take my word for it, if ever you venture to recur to any such + folly, I will see to it that you receive your deserts.—Well, I think + we understand each other, now?” + </p> + <p> + Freeman’s emotions had undergone several variations during the course of + the mighty professor’s harangue. But he had ended by admitting the force + of the argument; and the reminiscences of college lecturings aroused by + the incident had tickled his sense of humor and quenched his anger. He + looked at the professor with a sparkle of laughter in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I have done very wrong, sir,” he said, “and I’m very sorry for it. If you + won’t give me any bad marks this time, I’ll promise to be good in future.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! very smooth! To begin with, suppose you ask pardon of Senor Don + Miguel de Mendoza for the affront you have put upon him.” + </p> + <p> + To a soul really fearless, even an apology has no terrors. Moreover, + Freeman’s night ride with Don Miguel, though brief in time, had sufficed + to give him the measure of the Mexican’s character; and he respected it so + little that he could no longer take the man seriously, or be sincerely + angry with him. The professor’s assurance as to Don Miguel’s + inoffensiveness had also its weight; and it was therefore with a quite + royal gesture of amicable condescension that Freeman turned upon his late + antagonist and held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Senor Don Miguel de Mendoza,” said he, “I humbly tender you my apologies + and crave your pardon. My conduct has been inexcusable; I beg you to + excuse it. I deserve your reprobation; I entreat the favor of your + friendship. Senor, between men of honor, a misunderstanding is a + misunderstanding, and an apology is an apology. I lament the existence of + the first; the professor, here, is witness that I lay the second at your + feet. May I hope to receive your hand as a pledge that you restore me to + the privilege of your good will?” + </p> + <p> + Now, Don Miguel’s soul had been grievously exercised that night: he had + been insulted, he had shivered beneath the shadow of death, he had been a + prey to superstitious terrors, and he had been utterly perplexed by the + professor’s eloquent address, whereof (as it was delivered in good + American, and with a rapidity of utterance born of strong feeling) he had + comprehended not a word, and the unexpected effect of which upon his late + adversary he was at a loss to understand. Although, therefore, he had no + stomach for battle, he was oppressed by a misgiving lest the whole + transaction had been in some way planned to expose him to ridicule; and + for this reason he was disposed to treat Freeman’s peaceful overtures with + suspicion. His heart did not respond to those overtures, but neither was + it stout enough to enable him to reject them explicitly. Accordingly, he + adopted that middle course which, in spite of the proverb, is not seldom + the least expedient. He disregarded the proffered hand, bowed very + stiffly, and, saying, “Senor, I am satisfied,” stalked off with all the + rigidity of one in whose veins flows the sangre azul of Old Castile. + Freeman smiled superior upon his retreat, and then, producing a + cigar-case, proceeded to light up with the professor. In this fragrant and + friendly cloud we will leave them, and return for a few minutes to the + house of General Trednoke. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that something was said of Grace being privy to the + nocturnal advances of Senor de Mendoza. We are not to suppose that this + implies in her anything worse than an aptness to indulge in romantic + adventure: the young lady enjoyed the mystery of romance, and knew that + serenades, and whisperings over star-lit balconies, were proper to this + latitude. It may be open to question whether she really was much + interested in De Mendoza, save as he was a type of the adoring Spaniard. + That the scene required: she could imagine him (for the time-being) to be + the Cid of ancient legend, and she herself would enact a role of + corresponding elevation. Grace would doubtless have prospered better had + she been content with one adorer at a time; but, while turning to a new + love, she was by no means disposed to loosen the chains of a former one; + and, though herself as jealous as is a tiger-cat of her young, she could + never recognize the propriety of a similar passion on the part of her + victims. She had been indignant at Freeman’s apparent infidelity with + Miriam; but when she had (as she imagined) discovered her mistake, she had + listened with a heart at ease to the protestations of Don Miguel. She had + parted from him that evening with a half expressed understanding that he + was to reappear beneath her window before day-light; and she had pictured + to herself a charming balcony-scene, such as she had beheld in Italian + opera. Accordingly, she had attired herself in a becoming negligee, and + had spent the fore part of the night somewhat restlessly, occasionally + emerging on the veranda and gazing down into the perfumed gloom of the + garden. At length she fancied that she heard footsteps. Whose could they + be, unless Don Miguel’s? Grace retreated within her window to await + developments. Don Miguel did not appear; but presently she descried a + phantom-like figure ascending the flight of steps to the veranda. Could + that be he? If so, he was bolder in his wooing than Grace had been + prepared for. But surely that was a strange costume that he wore; nor did + the unconscious harmony of the gait at all resemble the senor’s + self-conscious strut. And whither was he going? + </p> + <p> + It was but too evident that he was going straight to the room occupied by + Miriam! + </p> + <p> + This was too much for Grace’s equanimity. She stepped out of her window, + and flitted with noiseless step along the veranda. The figure that she + pursued entered the door of the house, and passed into the corridor + traversing the wing. Grace was in time to see it cross the threshold of + Miriam’s door, which stood ajar. She stole to the door, and peeped in. + There was the figure; but of Miriam there was no trace. + </p> + <p> + The figure slowly unfastened and threw back the hood which covered its + head, at the same time turning round, so that its countenance was + revealed. A torrent of black hair fell down over its shoulders. Grace + uttered an involuntary exclamation. It was Miriam herself! + </p> + <p> + The two gazed at each other a moment in silence. “Goodness me, dear!” said + Grace at last, in a faint voice, “how you have frightened me! I saw you go + in, in that dress, and I thought you were a man! How my heart beats! What + is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “This is strange!” murmured the other, after a pause. “I never heard such + words; and yet I seem to understand, and even to speak them. It must be a + dream. What are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Miriam, dear! don’t you know Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you think me Miriam. No; not yet!” She raised her hands, and pressed + her fingers against her temples. “But I feel her—I feel her coming! + Not yet, Kamaiakan! not so soon!—Do you know him?” she suddenly + asked, throwing back her hair, and fixing an eager gaze on Grace. + </p> + <p> + “Know who? Kamaiakan? Why, yes——” + </p> + <p> + “No, not him! The youth,—the blue-eyed,—the fair beard above + his lips——” + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking about? Not Harvey Freeman!” + </p> + <p> + “Harvey Freeman! Ah, how sweet a name! Harvey Freeman! I shall know it + now!—Tell him,” she went on, laying her hand majestically upon + Grace’s shoulder, and speaking with an impressive earnestness, “that + Semitzin loves him!” + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin?” repeated Grace, puzzled, and beginning to feel scared. + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin!” the other said, pointing to her own heart. “She loves him: not + as the child Miriam loves, but with the heart and soul of a mighty + princess. When he knows Semitzin, he will think of Miriam no more.” + </p> + <p> + “But who is Semitzin?” inquired Grace, with a fearful curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “The Princess of Tenochtitlan, and the guardian of the great treasure,” + was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious! what treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “The treasure of gold and precious stones hidden in the gorge of the + desert hills. None knows the place of it but I; and I will give it to none + but him I love.” + </p> + <p> + “But you said that... Really, my dear, I don’t understand a bit! As for + Mr. Freeman, he may care for Semitzin, for aught I know; but, I must + confess, I think you’re mistaken in supposing he’s in love with you,—if + that is what you mean. I met him before you did, you know; and if I were + to tell you all that we——” + </p> + <p> + “What are you or Miriam to me?—Ah! she comes!—The treasure—by + the turning of the white pyramid—six hundred paces—on the + right—the arch——” Her voice died away. She covered her + face with her hands, and trembled violently. Slowly she let them fall, and + stared around her. “Grace, is it you? Has anything happened? How came I + like this? What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you don’t know, I’m afraid I can’t tell you. I had begun to + think you had gone mad. It must be either that or somnambulism. Who is + Semitzin?” + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin? I never heard of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn’t a man: it’s a princess. And the treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “Am I asleep or awake? What are you saying?” + </p> + <p> + “The white pyramid, you know——” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t make game of me, Grace. If I have done anything——” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, don’t ask me! I tell you frankly, I’m nonplussed. You were + somebody else a minute ago.... The truth is, of course, you’ve been + dreaming awake. Has any one else seen you beside me?” + </p> + <p> + “Have I been out of my room?” asked Miriam, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “You must have been, I should think, to get that costume. Well, the best + plan will be, I suppose, to say nothing about it to anybody. It shall be + our secret, dear. If I were you, I would have one of the women sleep in + your room, in case you got restless again. It’s just an attack of + nervousness, probably,—having so many strangers in the house, all of + a sudden. Now you must go to bed and get to sleep: it’s awfully late, and + there’ll be ever so much going on to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Grace herself slept little that night. She could not decide what to make + of this adventure. Nowadays we are provided with a name for the peculiar + psychical state which Miriam was undergoing, and with abundant instances + and illustrations; but we perhaps know what it is no more than we did + twenty-five or thirty years ago. Grace’s first idea had been that Miriam + was demented; then she thought she was playing a part; then she did not + know what to think; and finally she came to the conclusion that it was + best to quietly await further developments. She would keep an eye on + Freeman as well as on Miriam; something, too, might be gathered from Don + Miguel; and then there was that talk about a treasure. Was that all the + fabric of a dream, or was there truth at the bottom of it? She had heard + something said about a treasure in the course of the general conversation + the day before. If there really was a treasure, why might not she have a + hand in the discovery of it? Miriam, in her abnormal state, had let fall + some topographical hints that might prove useful. Well, she would work out + the problem, sooner or later. To-morrow, when the others had gone off on + their expedition, she would have ample leisure to sound Don Miguel, and, + if he proved communicative and available, who could tell what might + happen? But how very odd it all was! Who was Semitzin? + </p> + <p> + While asking herself this question, Grace fell asleep; and by the time the + summons to breakfast came, she had passed through thrilling adventures + enough to occupy a new Scheherazade at least three years in the telling of + them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + By nine o’clock in the morning, Professor Meschines and Harvey Freeman had + ridden up to the general’s ranch, equipped for the expedition. The + general’s preparations were not yet quite completed. A couple of mules + were being loaded with the necessary outfit. It was proposed to be out two + days, camping in the open during the intervening night. It was necessary + to take water as well as solid provisions. Leaving their horses in the + care of a couple of stable-boys, Meschines and Freeman mounted the + veranda, and were there greeted by General Trednoke. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid we’ll have a hot ride of it,” he observed. “The atmosphere is + rather oppressive. Kamaiakan tells me there was a touch of earthquake last + night.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I noticed some disturbance,——” returned the + professor, with a stealthy side-glance at Freeman,—“something in the + nature of an explosion.” + </p> + <p> + “Earthquakes are common in this region, aren’t they?” Freeman said. + </p> + <p> + “They have made it what it is, and may unmake it again,” replied the + general. “The earthquake is the father of the desert, as the Indians say; + and it may some day become the father of a more genial offspring. + Veremos!” + </p> + <p> + “How are the young ladies?” inquired Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam has a little headache, I believe; and I thought Miss Parsloe was + looking a trifle pale this morning. But you must see for yourself. Here + they come.” + </p> + <p> + Grace, who was a little taller than Miriam, had thrown one arm round that + young lady’s waist, with a view, perhaps, to forming a picture in which + she should not be the secondary figure. In fact, they were both of them + very pretty; but Freeman had become blind to any beauty but Miriam’s. + Moreover, he was resolved to have some private conversation with her + during the few minutes that were available. A conversation with the + professor, and some meditations of his own, had suggested to him a line of + attack upon Grace. + </p> + <p> + “I’m afraid you were disturbed by the earthquake last night?” he said to + her. + </p> + <p> + “An earthquake? Why should you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “You look as if you had passed a restless night. I saw Senor de Mendoza + this morning. He seems to have had a restless time of it, too. But he is a + romantic person, and probably, if an earthquake did not make him + sleepless, something else might.” He looked at her a moment, and then + added, with a smile, “But perhaps this is not news to you?” + </p> + <p> + “He didn’t come—I didn’t see him,” returned Grace, wishing, ere the + words had left her lips, that she had kept her mouth shut. Freeman + continued to smile. How much did he know? She felt that it might be + inexpedient to continue the conversation. Casting about for a pretext for + retreat, her eyes fell upon Meschines. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there’s the dear professor! I must speak to him a moment,” she + exclaimed, vivaciously; and she slipped her arm from Miriam’s waist, and + was off, leaving Freeman in possession of the field, and of the monopoly + of Miriam’s society. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Trednoke,” said he, gravely, “I have something to tell you, in order + to clear myself from a possible misunderstanding. It may happen that I + shall need your vindication with your father. Will you give it?” + </p> + <p> + “What vindication do you need, that I can give?” asked she, opening her + dark eyes upon him questioningly. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I wish to explain. I am in a difficult position. Would you + mind stepping down into the garden? It won’t take a minute.” + </p> + <p> + Curiosity, if not especially feminine, is at least human. Miriam descended + the steps, Freeman beside her. They strolled down the path, amidst the + flowers. + </p> + <p> + “You said, yesterday,” he began, “that I would say one thing and be + another. Now I am going to tell you what I am. And afterwards I’ll tell + you why I tell it. In the first place, you know, I’m a civil engineer, and + that includes, in my case, a good deal of knowledge about geology and + things of that sort. I have sometimes been commissioned to make geological + surveys for Eastern capitalists. Lately I’ve been canal-digging on the + Isthmus; but the other day I got a notification from some men in Boston + and New York to come out here on a secret mission.” + </p> + <p> + “Secret, Mr. Freeman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes: you will understand directly. These men had heard enough about the + desert valleys of this region to lead them to think that it might be + reclaimed and so be made very valuable. Such lands can be bought now for + next to nothing; but, if the theories that control these capitalists are + correct, they could afterwards be sold at a profit of thousands per cent. + So it’s indispensable that the object of my being here should remain + unknown; otherwise, other persons might step in and anticipate the designs + of this company.” + </p> + <p> + “If those are your orders, why do you speak to me?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a reason for doing it that outweighs the reasons against it. I + trust you with the secret: yet I don’t mean to bind you to secrecy. You + will have a perfect right to tell it: the only result would be that I + should be discredited with my employers; and there is nothing to warrant + me in supposing that you would be deterred by that.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t ask to know your secret: I think you had better say no more.” + </p> + <p> + Freeman shook his head. “I must speak,” said he. “I don’t care what + becomes of me, so long as I stand right in your opinion,—your + father’s and yours. I am here to find out whether this desert can be + flooded,—irrigated,—whether it’s possible, by any means, to + bring water upon it. If my report is favorable, the company will purchase + hundreds, or thousands, of square miles, and, incidentally, my own fortune + will be made.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s the very thing——” She stopped. + </p> + <p> + “The very thing your father had thought of! Yes, so I imagined, though he + has not told me so in so many words. So I’m in the position of + surreptitiously taking away the prospective fortune of a man whom I + respect and honor, and who treats me as a friend.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam walked on some steps in silence. “It is no fault of yours,” she + said at last. “You owe us nothing. You must carry out your orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but what is to prevent your father from thinking that I stole his + idea and then used it against him?” + </p> + <p> + “You can tell him the truth: he could not complain; and why should you + care if he did? I know that men separate business from—from other + things.” + </p> + <p> + They had now come to the little enclosed space where the fountain basin + was; and by tacit consent they seated themselves upon it. Miriam gave an + exclamation of surprise. “The water is gone!” she said. “How strange!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it has gone to meet us at our rendezvous in the desert.—No: + if I tell your father, I should be unfaithful to my employers. But there’s + another alternative: I can resign my appointment, and let my place be + taken by another.” + </p> + <p> + “And give up your chance of a fortune? You mustn’t do that.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it to you what becomes of me?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish nothing but good to come to you,” said she, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “I have never wanted to have a fortune until now. And I must tell you the + reason of that, too. A man without a fortune does very well by himself. He + can knock about, and live from hand to mouth. But when he wants to live + for somebody else,—even if he has only a very faint hope of getting + the opportunity of doing it,—then he must have some settled means of + livelihood to justify him. So I say I am in a difficult position. For if I + give this up, I must go away; and if I go away, I must give up even the + little hope I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t go away,” said Miriam, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what you are saying?” He hesitated a moment, looking at her + as she looked down at the empty basin. “My hope was that you might love + me; for I love you, to be my wife.” + </p> + <p> + The color slowly rose in Miriam’s face: at length she hid it in her hands. + “Oh, what is it?” she said, almost in a whisper. “I have known you only + three days. But it seems as if I must have known you before. There is + something in me that is not like myself. But it is the deepest thing in + me; and it loves you: yes, I love you!” + </p> + <p> + Her hands left her face, and there was a light in her eyes which made + Freeman, in the midst of his rejoicing, feel humble and unworthy. He felt + himself in contact with something pure and sacred. At the same moment, the + recollection recurred to him of the figure he had seen the night before, + with the features of Miriam. Was it she indeed? Was this she? To doubt the + identity of the individual is to lose one’s footing on the solid earth. + For the first time it occurred to him that this doubt might affect Miriam + herself. Was she obscurely conscious of two states of being in herself, + and did she therefore fear to trust her own impulses? But, again, love is + the master-passion; its fire fuses all things, and gives them unity. Would + not this love that they confessed for each other burn away all that was + abnormal and enigmatic, and leave only the unerring human heart, that + knows its own and takes it? These reflections passed through Freeman’s + mind in an instant of time. But he was no metaphysician, and he obeyed the + sane and wholesome instinct which has ever been man’s surest and safest + guide through the mysteries and bewilderments of existence. He took the + beautiful woman in his arms and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “This is real and right, if anything is,” said he. “If there are ghosts + about, you and I, at any rate, are flesh and blood, and where we belong. + As to the irrigation scrape, there must be some way out of it: if not, no + matter! You and I love each other, and the world begins from this moment!” + </p> + <p> + “My father must know to-morrow,” said Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt we shall all know more to-morrow than we do to-day,” returned + her lover, not knowing how abundantly his prophecy would be fulfilled: he + was over-flowing with the fearless and enormous joy of a young man who has + attained at one bound the summit of his desire. “There! they are calling + for me. Good-by, my darling. Be yourself, and think of nothing but me.” + </p> + <p> + A short ride brought the little cavalcade to the borders of the desert. + Here, by common consent, a halt was made, to draw breath, as it were, + before taking the final plunge into the fiery furnace. + </p> + <p> + “Before we go farther,” said General Trednoke, approaching Freeman, as he + was tightening his girths, “I must tell you what is the object of this + expedition.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary, general,” replied the young man, straightening + himself and looking the other in the face; “for from this point our paths + lie apart.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” demanded the general, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” exclaimed Meschines, coming up, and adjusting his + spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not at liberty, at present, to explain,” Freeman answered. “All I can + say is that I don’t feel justified in assisting you in your affair, and I + am not able to confide my own to you. I wish you to put the least + uncharitable construction you can on my conduct. To-morrow, if we all + live, I may say more; now, the most I can tell you is that I am not + entirely a free agent. Meantime—Hasta luego.” + </p> + <p> + Against this unexpected resolve the general cordially protested and the + professor scoffed and contended; but Freeman stayed firm. He had with him + provisions enough to last him three days, and a supply of water; and in a + small case he carried a compact assortment of instruments for scientific + observation. “Take your departure in whatever direction you like,” said + he, “and I will take mine at an angle of not less than fifteen degrees + from it. If I am not back in three days, you may conclude something has + happened.” + </p> + <p> + It was certainly very hot. Freeman had been accustomed to torrid suns in + the Isthmus; but this was a sun indefinitely multiplied by reflections + from the dusty surface underfoot. Nor was it the fine, ethereal fire of + the Sahara: the atmosphere was dead and heavy; for the rider was already + far below the level of the Pacific, whose cool blue waves rolled and + rippled many leagues to the westward, as, aeons ago, they had rolled and + rippled here. There was not a breath of air. Freeman could hear his heart + beat, and the veins in his temples and wrists throbbed. The sweat rose on + the surface of his body, but without cooling it. The pony which he + bestrode, a bony and sinewy beast of the toughest description, trod + onwards doggedly, but with little animation. Freeman had no desire to push + him. Were the little animal to overdo itself, nothing in the future could + be more certain than that his master would never see the Trednoke ranch + again. It seemed unusually hot, even for that region. + </p> + <p> + There was little in the way of outward incident to relieve the monotony of + the journey. Now and then a short, thick rattlesnake, with horns on its + ugly head, wriggled out of his path. Now and then his horse’s hoof almost + trod upon a hideous, flat lizard, also horned. Here and there the uncouth + projections of a cactus pushed upwards out of the dust; some of these the + mustang nibbled at, for the sake of their juice. Freeman wondered where + the juice came from. The floor of the desert seemed for the most part + level, though there was a gradual dip towards the east and northeast, and + occasionally mounds and ridges of wind-swept dust, sometimes upwards of + fifty feet in height, broke the uniformity. The soil was largely composed + of powdered feldspar; but there were also tracts of gravel shingle, of + yellow loam, and of alkaline dust. In some places there appeared a salt + efflorescence, sprouting up in a sort of ghastly vegetation, as if death + itself had acquired a sinister life. Elsewhere, the ground quaked and + yielded underfoot, and it became necessary to make detours to avoid these + arid bogs. Once or twice, too, Freeman turned aside lest he should trample + upon some dry bones that protruded in his path,—bones that were + their own monument, and told their own story of struggle, agony, + exhaustion, and despair. + </p> + <p> + None of these things had any depressing effect on Freeman’s spirit. His + heart was singing with joy. To a mind logically disposed, there was + nothing but trouble in sight, whether he succeeded or failed in his + present mission. In the former case, he would find himself in a hostile + position as regarded the man he most desired to conciliate; in the latter, + he would remain the mere rolling stone that he was before, and love itself + would forbid him to ask the woman he loved to share his uncertain + existence. But Freeman was not logical: he was happy, and he could not + help it. He had kissed Miriam, and she loved him. + </p> + <p> + His course lay a few degrees north of east. Far across the plain, dancing + and turning somersaults in the fantastic atmosphere, were the summits of a + range of abrupt hills, the borders of a valley or ravine which he wished + to explore. Gradually, as he rode, his shadow lengthened before him. It + was his only companion; and yet he felt no sense of loneliness. Miriam was + in his heart, and kept it fresh and bold. Even hunger and thirst he + scarcely felt. Who can estimate the therapeutic and hygienic effects of + love? + </p> + <p> + The mustang could not share his rider’s source of content, but he may have + been conscious, through animal instincts whereof we know nothing, of an + uplifting and encouraging spirit. At all events, he kept up his steady + lope without faltering or apparent effort, and seemed to require nothing + more than the occasional wetting which Freeman administered to his nose. + There would probably be some vegetation, and perhaps water, on the hills; + and that prospect may likewise have helped him along. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, man and beast may well have welcomed the hour when the + craggy acclivities of that lonely range became so near that they seemed to + loom above their heads. Freeman directed his steps towards the southern + extremity, where a huge, pallid mass, of almost regular pyramidal form, + reared itself aloft like a monument. He skirted the base of the pyramid, + and there opened on his view a narrow, winding valley, scarcely half a + mile in apparent breadth, and of a very wild and savage aspect. Its + general direction was nearly north and south, and it declined downwards, + as if seeking the interior of the earth. In fact, it looked not unlike + those imaginative pictures of the road to the infernal regions described + by the ancient poets. One could picture Pluto in his chariot, with + Proserpine beside him, thundering downwards behind his black horses, on + the way to those sombre and magnificent regions which are hollowed out + beneath the surface of the planet. + </p> + <p> + Freeman, however, presently saw a sight which, if less spectacularly + impressive, was far more agreeable to his eyes. On a shelf or cup of the + declivity was a little clump of vegetation, and in the midst of it welled + up a thin stream of water. The mustang scrambled eagerly towards it, and, + before Freeman had had time to throw himself out of the saddle, he had + plunged his muzzle into the rivulet. He sucked it down with such + satisfaction that it was evident the water was not salt. Freeman laid + himself prone upon the brink, and followed his steed’s example. The + draught was cool and pure. + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t know how much I wanted it!” said he to himself. “It must come + from a good way down. If I could only bring the parent stream to the + surface, my mission would be on a fair road to success.” + </p> + <p> + An examination of the spring revealed the fact that it could not have been + long in existence. Indeed, there were no traces whatever of long + continuance. The aperture in the rock through which it trickled bore the + appearance of having been recently opened; fragments were lying near it + that seemed to have been just broken off. The bed of the little stream was + entirely free from moss or weeds; and after proceeding a short distance it + dwindled and disappeared, either sucked up in vapor by the torrid air, or + absorbed into the dusty soil. Manifestly, it was a recent creation. + </p> + <p> + “And, to be sure, why not?” ejaculated Freeman. “There was an earthquake + last night, which swallowed up the spring in the Trednokes’ garden: + probably that same earthquake brought this stream to light. It vanished + there, to reappear here. Well, the loss is not important to them, but the + gain is very important to me. It is as if Miriam had come with a cup of + water to refresh her lover in the desert. God bless her! She has refreshed + me indeed, soul and body!” + </p> + <p> + He removed the saddle from the mustang, and turned him loose to make the + best of such scanty herbage as he could find. Then he unpacked his own + provisions, and made a comfortable meal; after which he rolled a cigarette + and reclined on the spot most available, to rest and recuperate. The + valley, or gorge, lay before him in the afternoon light. It was a strange + and savage spectacle. Had it been torn asunder by some stupendous + explosion, it could not have presented a rougher or more chaotic aspect. + To look at it was like beholding the secret places of the earth. The rocky + walls were of different colors, yellow, blue, and red, in many shades and + gradations. They towered ruggedly upwards, sharply shadowed and brightly + lighted, mounting in regular pinnacles, parting in black crevices; here + and there vast masses hung poised on bases seemingly insufficient, ready + to topple over on the unwary passer beneath. A short distance to the + northward the ravine had a turn, and a projecting promontory hid its + further extreme from sight. Freeman made up his mind to follow it up on + foot, after the descending sun should have thrown a shadow over it. The + indications, in his judgment, were not without promise that a system of + judiciously-applied blastings might open up a source of water that would + transform this dreadful barrenness into something quite different. + </p> + <p> + The shade of the great pyramid fell upon him as he lay, but the tumultuous + wall opposite was brilliantly illuminated: the sky, over it, was of a + peculiar brassy hue, but entirely cloudless. The radiations from the baked + surface, ascending vertically, made the rocky bastion seem to quiver, as + if it were a reflection cast on undulating water. The wreaths of + tobacco-smoke that emanated from Freeman’s mouth also ascended, until they + touched the slant of sunlight overhead. As the young man’s eyes followed + these, something happened that caused him to utter an exclamation and + raise himself on one arm. + </p> + <p> + All at once, in the vacant air diagonally above him, a sort of shadowy + shimmer seemed to concentrate itself, which was rapidly resolved into + color and form. It was much as if some unseen artist had swept a mass of + mingled hues on a canvas and then had worked them with magical speed into + a picture. There appeared a breadth of rolling country, covered with + verdure, and in the midst of it the white walls and long, shadowed veranda + of an adobe house. Freeman saw the vines clambering over the eaves and + roof, the vases of earthenware suspended between the pillars and + overflowing with flowers, the long windows, the steps descending into the + garden. Now a figure clad in white emerged from the door and advanced + slowly to the end of the veranda. He recognized the gait and bearing: he + could almost fancy he discerned the beloved features. She stood there for + a moment, gazing, as it seemed, directly at him. She raised her hands, and + pressed them to her lips, then threw them outwards, with a gesture + eloquent of innocent and tender passion. Freeman’s heart leaped: + involuntarily he stretched out his arms, and murmured, “Miriam!” The next + moment, a tall, dark figure, with white hair, wrapped in a blanket, came + stalking behind her, and made a beckoning movement. Miriam did not turn, + but her bearing changed; her hands fell to her sides; she seemed + bewildered. Freeman sprang angrily to his feet: the picture became + blurred; it flowed into streaks of vague color; it was gone. There were + only the brassy sky, and the painted crags quivering in the heat. + </p> + <p> + “That was not a mirage: it was a miracle,” muttered the young man to + himself. “Forty miles at least, and it seemed scarcely three hundred + yards! What does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + The sun sank behind the hills, and a transparent shadow filled the gorge. + Freeman, uneasy in mind, and unable to remain inactive, filled his canteen + at the spring, and descended to the rugged trail at the bottom. Clambering + over boulders, leaping across narrow chasms, letting himself down from + ledges, his preoccupation soon left him, and physical exertion took the + precedence. Half an hour’s work brought him to the out-jutting promontory + which had concealed the further reaches of the valley. These now lay + before him, merging imperceptibly into indistinctness. + </p> + <p> + “This atmosphere is unbearable,” said Freeman. “I must get a little higher + up.” He turned to the right, and saw a natural archway, of no great + height, formed in the rock. The arch itself was white; the super-incumbent + stone was of a dull red hue. On the left flank of the arch were a series + of inscribed characters, which might have been cut by a human hand, or + might have been a mere natural freak. They looked like some rude system of + hieroglyphics, and bore no meaning to Freeman’s mind. + </p> + <p> + A sort of crypt or deep recess was hollowed out beneath the arch, the full + extent of which Freeman was unable to discern. The floor of it descended + in ridges, like a rough staircase. He stood for a few moments peering into + the gloom, tempted by curiosity to advance, but restrained partly by the + gathering darkness, and partly by the oppressiveness of the atmosphere, + which produced a sensation of giddiness. Something white gleamed on the + threshold of the crypt. He picked it up. It was a human skull; but even as + he lifted it it came apart in his hands and crumbled into fragments. + Freeman’s nerves were strong, but he shuddered slightly. The loneliness, + the silence, the mystery, and the strange light-headedness that was coming + over him combined to make him hesitate. “I’ll come back to-morrow morning + early,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + As if in answer, a deep, appalling roar broke forth apparently under his + feet, and went rolling and reverberating up and down the canon. It died + away, but was immediately followed by another yet more loud, and the + ground shook and swayed beneath his feet. A gigantic boulder, poised high + up on the other side of the canon, was unseated, and fell with a terrific + crash. A hot wind swept sighing through the valley, and the air rapidly + became dark. Again came the sigh, rising to a shriek, with roarings and + thunderings that seemed to proceed both from the heavens and from the + earth. + </p> + <p> + A dazzling flash of lightning split the air, bathing it for an instant in + the brightness of day: in that instant Freeman saw the bolt strike the + great white pyramid and splinter its crest into fragments, while the whole + surface of the gorge heaved and undulated like a stormy sea. He had been + staggering as best he might to a higher part of the ravine; but now he + felt a stunning blow on his head: he fell, and knew no more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Two horsemen, one of whom led a third horse, carrying a pack-saddle, had + reached the borders of the desert just as the earthquake began. When the + first shock came, they were riding past a grove of live-oaks: they + immediately dismounted, made fast their horses, and lay down beside some + bushes that skirted the grove. Neither the earthquake nor the storm was so + severe as was the case farther eastward. In an hour all was over, and they + remounted and continued their journey, guiding their course by the stars. + </p> + <p> + “It was thus that we rode before, Kamaiakan,” remarked the younger of the + two travellers. “Yonder bright star stood as it does now, and the hour of + the night was the same. But this shaking of the earth makes me fear for + the safety of that youth. The sands of the desert may have swept over him; + or he may have perished in the hills.” + </p> + <p> + “The purposes of the gods cannot be altered, Semitzin,” replied the old + Indian, who perhaps would not have much regretted such a calamity as she + suggested: it would be a simple solution of difficulties which might + otherwise prove embarrassing. “It is my prayer, at all events, that the + entrance to the treasure may not be closed.” + </p> + <p> + “I care nothing for the treasure, unless I may share it with him,” she + returned. “Since we spoke together beside the fountain, I have seen him. + He looked upon me doubtfully, being, perhaps, perplexed because of these + features of the child Miriam, which I am compelled to wear.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, princess, what is he, that you should think of him?” muttered + Kamaiakan. + </p> + <p> + “He satisfies my heart,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “And I am resolved never again to give up this mortal habitation to her + you call its rightful owner. I will never again leave this world, which I + enjoy, for the unknown darkness out of which you called me.” + </p> + <p> + “Princess, the gods do not permit such dealings. They may, indeed, suffer + you to live again; but you must return as an infant, in flesh and bones of + your own.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods have permitted me to return as I have returned; and you well + know, Kamaiakan, that, except you use your art to banish me and restore + Miriam, there is nothing else that can work a change.” + </p> + <p> + “Murder is not lawful, Semitzin; and to do as you desire would be an act + not different from murder.” + </p> + <p> + “On my head be it, then!” exclaimed the princess. “Would it be less a + murder to send me back to nothingness than to let her remain there? Mine + is the stronger spirit, and has therefore the better right to live. I ask + of you only to do nothing. None need ever know that Miriam has vanished + and that Semitzin lives in her place. I wear her body and her features, + and I am content to wear her name also, if it must be so.” + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan was silent. He may well be pardoned for feeling troubled in the + presence of a situation which had perhaps never before confronted a human + being. Two women, both tenants of the same body, both in love with the + same man, and therefore rivals of each other, and each claiming a right to + existence: it was a difficult problem. The old Indian heartily wished that + a separate tenement might be provided for each of these two souls, that + they might fight out their quarrel in the ordinary way. But his magic arts + did not extend to the creation of flesh and blood. At the same time, he + could not but feel to blame for having brought this strenuous spirit of + Semitzin once more into the world, and he was fain to admit that her claim + was not without justification. His motives had been excellent, but he had + not foreseen the consequences in which the act was to land him. Yet he + more shrank from wronging Miriam than from disappointing Semitzin. + </p> + <p> + But the latter was not to be put off by silence. + </p> + <p> + “There has been a change since you and I last spoke together,” she said. + “I am aware of it, though I know not how; but, in some manner, the things + which Miriam has done are perceptible to me. When I was here before, she + did but lean towards this youth; now she has given herself to him. She + means to be united to him; and, if I again should vanish, I should never + again find my way back. But it shall not be so; and there is a way, + Kamaiakan, by which I can surely prevent it, even though you refuse to aid + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, princess, I think you mistake regarding the love of Miriam for + this young man; they have seen little of each other; and it may be, as you + yourself said, that he has perished in the wilderness.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe he lives,” she answered: “I should know it, were it otherwise. + But if I cannot have him, neither shall she. I have told you already that, + unless you swear to me not to put forth your power upon me to dismiss me, + I will not lead you to the treasure. But that is not enough; for men + deceive, and you are a man. But if at any time hereafter I feel within me + those pangs that tell me you are about to separate me from this world, at + that moment, Kamaiakan, I will drive this knife through the heart of + Miriam! If I cannot keep her body, at least it shall be but a corpse when + I leave it. You know Semitzin; and you know that she will keep her word!” + </p> + <p> + She reined in her horse, as she spoke, and sat gazing upon her companion + with flashing eyes. The Indian, after a pause, made a gesture of gloomy + resignation. “It shall be as you say, then, Semitzin; and upon your head + be it! Henceforth, Miriam is no more. But do you beware of the vengeance + of the gods, whose laws you have defied.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the gods deal with me as they will,” replied the Aztecan. “A day of + happiness with the man I love is worth an age of punishment.” + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan made no answer, and the two rode forward in silence. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, and a bright star, nearly in the zenith, seemed to hang + precisely above the summit of the great white pyramid at the mouth of the + gorge. + </p> + <p> + “It was here that we stopped,” observed Semitzin. “We tied our horses + among the shrubbery round yonder point. Thence we must go on foot. Follow + me.” + </p> + <p> + She struck her heels against her horse’s sides, and went forward. The long + ride seemed to have wearied her not a whit. The lean and wiry Indian had + already betrayed symptoms of fatigue; but the young princess appeared as + fresh as when she started. Not once had she even taken a draught from her + canteen; and yet she was closely clad, from head to foot, in the doublet + and leggings of the Golden Fleece. One might have thought it had some + magic virtue to preserve its wearer’s vitality; and possibly, as is + sometimes seen in trance, the energy and concentration of the spirit + reacted upon the body. + </p> + <p> + She turned the corner of the pyramid, but had not ridden far when an + object lying in her path caused her to halt and spring from the saddle. + Kamaiakan also dismounted and came forward. + </p> + <p> + The dead body of a mustang lay on the ground, crushed beneath the weight + of a fragment of rock, which had evidently fallen upon it from a height. + He had apparently been dead for some hours. He was without either saddle + or bridle. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” demanded Semitzin. + </p> + <p> + “It is Diego,” replied Kamaiakan. “I know him by the white star on his + muzzle. He was ridden by the Senor Freeman. They must have come here + before the earthquake. And there lie the saddle and the bridle. But where + is Senor Freeman?” + </p> + <p> + “He can be nowhere else than in this valley,” said Semitzin, confidently. + “I knew that I should find him here. Through all the centuries, and across + all spaces, we were destined to meet. His horse was killed, but he has + escaped. I shall save him. Could Miriam have done this? Is he not mine by + right?” + </p> + <p> + “It is at least certain, princess,” responded the old man rather dryly, + “that had it not been for Miriam you would never have met the Senor + Freeman at all.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank her for so much; and some time, perhaps, I will reward her by + permitting her to have a glimpse of him for an hour,—or, at least, a + minute. But not now, Kamaiakan,—not till I am well assured that no + thought but of me can ever find its way into his heart. Come, let us go + forward. We will find the treasure, and I will give it to my lord and + lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we bring the pack-horse with us?” asked the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if he can find his way among these rocks. The earthquake has made + changes here. See how the water pours from this spring! It has already + made a stream down the valley. It shall guide us whither we are going.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving their own horses, they advanced with the mule. But the trail, + rough enough at best, was now well-nigh impassable. Masses of rock had + fallen from above; large fissures and crevasses had been formed in the + floor of the gorge, from some of which steaming vapors escaped, while + others gave forth streams of water. The darkness added to the difficulties + of the way, for, although the sky was now clear, the gloom was deceptive, + and things distant seemed near. Occasionally a heavy, irregular sound + would break the stillness, as some projection of a cliff became loosened + and tumbled down the steep declivity. + </p> + <p> + Semitzin, however, held on her way fearlessly and without hesitation, and + the Indian, with the pack-horse, followed as best he might, now and then + losing sight for a moment of the slight, grayish figure in front of him. + At length she disappeared behind the jutting profile of a great promontory + which formed a main angle of the gorge. When he came up with her, she was + kneeling beside the prostrate form of a man, supporting his head upon her + knee. + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan approached, and looked at the face of the man, which was pale; + the eyes were closed. A streak of blood, from a wound on the head, + descended over the right side of the forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Is he dead?” the Indian asked. + </p> + <p> + “He is not dead,” replied Semitzin. “A flying stone has struck him; but + his heart beats: he will be well again.” She poured some water from her + canteen over his face, and bent her ear over his lips. “He breathes,” she + said. Slipping one arm beneath his neck, she loosened the shirt at his + throat and then stooped and kissed him. “Be alive for me, love,” she + murmured. “My life is yours.” + </p> + <p> + This exhortation seemed to have some effect. The man stirred slightly, and + emitted a sigh. Presently he muttered, “I can—lick him—yet!” + </p> + <p> + “He will live, princess,” remarked Kamaiakan. “But where is the treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “My treasure is here!” was her reply; and again she bent to kiss the + half-conscious man, who knew not of his good fortune. After an interval + she added, “It is in the hollow beneath that archway. Go down three paces: + on the wall at the left you will feel a ring. Pull it outwards, and the + stone will give way. Behind it lies the chest in which the jewels are. But + remember your promise!” + </p> + <p> + Kamaiakan peered into the hollow, shook his head as one who loves not his + errand, and stepped in. The black shadow swallowed him up. Semitzin paid + no further attention to him, but was absorbed in ministering to her + patient, whose strength was every moment being augmented, though he was + not yet aware of his position. But all at once a choking sound came from + within the cave, and in a few moments Kamaiakan staggered up out of the + shadow, and sank down across the threshold of the arch. + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin,” he gasped, in a faint voice, “the curse of the gods is upon + the spot! The air within is poisonous. It withers the limbs and stops the + breath. No one may touch the treasure and live. Let us go!” + </p> + <p> + “The gods do not love those who fear,” replied the princess, + contemptuously. “But the treasure is mine, and it may well be that no + other hand may touch it. Fold that blanket, and lay it beneath his head. I + will bring the jewels.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not attempt it: it will be death!” exclaimed the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Shall a princess come to her lover empty-handed? Do you watch beside him + while I go. Ah, if your Miriam were here, I would not fear to have him + choose between us!” + </p> + <p> + With these words, Semitzin stepped across the threshold of the crypt, and + vanished in its depths. The Indian, still dizzy and faint, knelt on the + rock without, bowed down by sinister forebodings. + </p> + <p> + Several minutes passed. “She has perished!” muttered Kamaiakan. + </p> + <p> + Freeman raised himself on one elbow, and gazed giddily about him. “What + the deuce has happened?” he demanded, in a sluggish voice. “Is that you, + professor?” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, a rending and rushing sound burst from the cave. Following it, + Semitzin appeared at the entrance, dragging a heavy metal box, which she + grasped by a handle at one end. Immediately in her steps broke forth a + great volume of water, boiling up as if from a caldron. It filled the + cave, and poured like a cataract into the gorge. The foundations of the + great deep seemed to be let loose. + </p> + <p> + Semitzin lifted from her face the woollen mask, or visor, which she had + closed on entering the cave. She was panting from exertion, but neither + her physical nor her mental faculties were abated. She spoke sharply and + imperiously: + </p> + <p> + “Bring up the mule, and help me fasten the chest upon him. We must reach + higher ground before the waters overtake us. And now——” She + turned to Freeman, who by this time was sitting up and regarding her with + stupefaction. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam!” was all he could utter. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, and smiled. “I am she who loves you, and whom you will + love. I give you life, and fortune, and myself. But come: can you mount + and ride?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t make this out,” he said, struggling, with her assistance, to his + feet. “I have read fairy-tales, but this... Kamaiakan, too!” + </p> + <p> + Semitzin, meanwhile, brought him to the mule, and half mechanically he + scrambled into the saddle, the chest being made fast to the crupper. + Semitzin seized the bridle, and started up the gorge, Kamaiakan bringing + up the rear. The lower levels were already filling with water, which came + pouring out through the archway in a full flood, seemingly inexhaustible. + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is,” mumbled Freeman, half to himself. “The earthquake—I + remember! I got hit somehow. They came from the ranch to hunt me up. But + where are the general and Professor Meschines? How long ago was it? And + how came Miriam... Could the mirage have had anything to do with it?—Here, + let me walk,” he called out to her, “and you get up and ride.” + </p> + <p> + She turned her head, smiling again, but hurried on without speaking. The + roar of the torrent followed them. Once or twice the mule came near losing + his footing. Freeman, whose head was swimming, and his brains buzzing like + a hive of bees, had all he could do to maintain his equilibrium in the + saddle. He was excruciatingly thirsty, and the gurgling of waters round + about made him wish he might dismount and plunge into them. But he lacked + power to form a decided purpose, and permitted the more energetic will to + control him. It might have been minutes, or it might have been hours, for + all he knew: at last they halted, near the base of the white pyramid. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are safe,” said Semitzin, coming to his side. “Lean on me, my + love, and I will lift you down.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m not quite so bad as that, you know,” said Freeman, with a feeble + laugh; and, to prove it, he blundered off the saddle, and came down on the + ground with a thwack. He picked himself up, however, and recollecting that + he had a flask with brandy in it, he felt for it, found it intact, and, + with an inarticulate murmur of apology, raised it to his lips. It was like + the veritable elixir of life: never in his life before had Freeman quaffed + so deep a draught of the fiery spirit. It was just what he wanted. + </p> + <p> + But he felt oddly embarrassed. He did not know what to make of Miriam. It + was not her strange costume merely, but she seemed to have put on—or + put off—something with it that made a difference in her. She was + assertive, imperious; as loving, certainly, as lover could wish, but not + in the manner of the Miriam he knew. He might have liked the new Miriam + better, had he not previously fallen in love with the former one. He could + not make advances to her: he had no opportunity to do so: she was making + advances to him! + </p> + <p> + “My love,” she said, standing before him, “I have come back to the world + for your sake. Before Semitzin first saw you, her heart was yours. And I + come to you, not poor, but with the riches and power of the princes of + Tenochtitlan. You shall see them: they are yours!—Kamaiakan, take + down the chest.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s that about Semitzin?” inquired Freeman. “I’m not aware that I knew + any such person.” + </p> + <p> + “Kamaiakan!” repeated the other, raising her voice, and not hearing + Freeman’s last words. Kamaiakan was nowhere to be seen. Both Freeman and + she had supposed that he was following on behind the mule; but he had + either dropped behind, or had withdrawn somewhere. “O Kamaiakan!” shouted + Freeman, as loud as he could. + </p> + <p> + A distant hail, from the direction of the desert, seemed to reply. + </p> + <p> + “That can’t be he,” said Freeman. “It was at least a quarter of a mile + off, and the wrong direction, too. He’s in the gorge, if he’s anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said Semitzin. + </p> + <p> + They listened, and detected a low murmur, this time from the gorge. + </p> + <p> + “He’s fallen down and hurt himself,” said Freeman. “Let’s go after him.” + </p> + <p> + In a few moments they stumbled upon the old Indian, reclining with his + shoulders against a rock, and gasping heavily. + </p> + <p> + “My princess,” he whispered, as she bent over him, “I am dying. The + poisonous air in the cave was fatal to me, though the spell that is upon + the Golden Fleece protected you. I have done what the gods commanded. I am + absolved of my vow. The treasure is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! you’re all right!” exclaimed Freeman. “Here, take a pull at + this flask. It did me all the good in the world!” + </p> + <p> + But the old man put it aside, with a feeble gesture of the hand. “My time + is come,——” said he.—“Semitzin, I have been faithful.” + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin, again!” muttered Freeman. “What does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + “But what is this?” cried the girl, suddenly starting to her feet. “I feel + the sleep coming on me again! I feel Miriam returning! Kamaiakan, have you + betrayed me at the last?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, princess, I have done nothing,” said he, in a voice scarcely + audible. “But, with death, the strength of my will goes from me, and I can + no longer keep you in this world. The spirit of Miriam claims her rightful + body, and you must struggle against her alone. The gods will not be + defied: it is the law!” + </p> + <p> + His voice sank away into nothing, and his beard drooped upon his breast. + </p> + <p> + “He’s dying, sure enough, poor old chap,” said Freeman. “But what is all + this about? I never heard anything like this language you two talk + together.” + </p> + <p> + Semitzin turned towards him, and her eyes were blazing. + </p> + <p> + “She shall not have you!” she cried. “I have won you—I have saved + you—you are mine! What is Miriam? Can she be to you what I could be?—You + shall never have him!” she continued, seeming to address some presence + invisible to all eyes but hers. “If I must go, you shall go with me!” She + fumbled in her belt, caught the handle of a knife there, and drew it. She + lifted it against her heart; but even then there was an uncertainty in her + movement, as if her mind were divided against itself, or had failed fully + to retain the thread of its purpose. But Freeman, who had passed rapidly + from one degree of bewilderment to another, was actually relieved to see, + at last, something that he could understand. Miriam—for some reason + best known to herself—was about to do herself a mischief. He leaped + forward, caught her in his arms, and snatched the knife from her grasp. + </p> + <p> + For a few moments she struggled like a young tiger. And it was marvellous + and appalling to hear two voices come from her, in alternation, or + confusedly mingled. One said, “Let me kill her! I will not go! Keep back, + you pale-faced girl!” and then a lower, troubled voice, “Do not let her + come! Her face is terrible! What are those strange creatures with her? + Harvey, where are you?” + </p> + <p> + At last, with a fierce cry, that died away in a shuddering sigh, the form + of flesh and blood, so mysteriously possessed, ceased to struggle, and + sank back in Freeman’s arms. His own strength was well-nigh at an end. He + laid her on the ground, and, sitting beside her, drew her head on his + knee. He had been in the land of spirits, contending with unknown powers, + and he was faint in mind and body. + </p> + <p> + Yet he was conscious of the approaching tread of horses’ feet, and + recollected the hail that had come from the desert. Soon loomed up the + shadowy figures of mounted men, and they came so near that he was + constrained to call out, “Mind where you’re going! You’ll be over us!” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” said a voice, which sounded like that of General Trednoke, + as they reined up. + </p> + <p> + “There’s Kamaiakan, who’s dead; and Miriam Trednoke, who has been out of + her mind, but she’s got over it now, I guess; and I,—Harvey + Freeman.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter!” exclaimed General Trednoke. + </p> + <p> + “My boy!” cried Professor Meschines. “Well, thank God we’ve found you, and + that some of you are alive, at any rate!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + As it was still some hours before dawn, and Freeman was too weak to + travel, it was decided to encamp beside the pyramid till the following + evening, and then make the trip across the desert in the comparative + coolness of starlight. Meanwhile, there was something to be done, and much + to be explained. + </p> + <p> + The spirit of Kamaiakan had passed away, apparently at the same moment + that the peculiar case of “possession” under which Miriam had suffered + came to an end. They determined to bury him at the foot of the great + pyramid, which would form a fitting monument of his antique character and + virtues. + </p> + <p> + Miriam, after her struggle, had lapsed into a state of partial lethargy, + from which she was aroused gradually. It was then found that she could + give no account what ever of how or why she came there. The last thing she + distinctly remembered was standing on the veranda at the ranch and looking + towards the east. She was under the impression that Kamaiakan had + approached and spoken with her, but of that she was not certain. The next + fact in her consciousness was that she was held in Freeman’s arms, with a + feeling that she had barely escaped from some great peril. She could + recall nothing of the journey down the gorge, of the adventure at the + bottom of it, or of the return. It was only by degrees that some partial + light was thrown upon this matter. Freeman knew that he was at the + entrance of the cave when the earthquake began, and he remembered + receiving a blow on the head. Consequently it must have been at that spot + that Miriam and the Indian found him. He had, too, a vague impression of + seeing Miriam coming out of the cave, dragging the chest; and there, sure + enough, was a metal box, strapped to the saddle of the pack-mule. But the + mystery remained very dense. And although the reader is in a position to + analyze events more closely than the actors themselves could do, it may be + doubted whether the essential mystery is much clearer to him than it was + to them. + </p> + <p> + “We know that the ancient Aztecan priests were adepts in magic,” observed + the professor, “and it’s natural that some of their learning should have + descended to their posterity. We have been clever in giving names to such + phenomena, but we know perhaps even less about their esoteric meaning than + the Aztecans did. I should judge that Miriam would be what is called a + good ‘subject.’ Kamaiakan discovered that fact; and as for what followed, + we can only infer it from the results. I was always an admirer of + Kamaiakan; but I must say I am the better resigned to his departure, from + the reflection that Miriam will henceforth be undisturbed in the + possession of her own individuality.” + </p> + <p> + “As near as I could make out, she called herself Semitzin,” put in + Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “Semitzin?” repeated the general. “Why, if I’m not mistaken, there are + accounts of an Aztecan princess of that name, an ancestress of my wife’s + family, in some old documents that I have in a box, at home.” + </p> + <p> + “That would only add the marvel of heredity to the other marvels,” said + Meschines. “Suppose we leave the things we can’t understand, and come to + those we can?” + </p> + <p> + “I have something to say, General Trednoke,” said Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “I think I have already guessed what it may be, Mr. Freeman,” returned the + general, gravely. “Old people have eyes, and hearts too, as well as young + ones.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Trednoke,” interposed the professor, with a chuckle, “your eyes + might not have seen so much, if I hadn’t held the lantern.” + </p> + <p> + “I love your daughter, and I told her so yesterday morning,” went on + Freeman, after a pause. “I meant to tell you on my return. I know I don’t + appear desirable as a son-in-law. But I came here on a commission——” + </p> + <p> + “Meschines and I have talked it all over,” the general said. “When an old + West-Pointer and a professor of physics get together, they are sometimes + able to put two and two together. And, to tell the truth, I received a + letter from a member of your syndicate, who is also an acquaintance of + mine, which explained your position. Under the circumstances, I consider + your course to have been honorable. You and I were both in search of the + same thing, and now, as it appears, nature has sent an earthquake to do + our affair for us. No operations of ours could have achieved such a result + as last night’s disturbance did; and if that do not prove effective, + nothing else will.” + </p> + <p> + “If it turns out well, I was promised a share in the benefits,” said + Freeman, “and that would put me in a rather better condition, from a + worldly point of view.” + </p> + <p> + “After all,” interrupted Meschines, “you found your way to the spot from + which the waters broke forth, and may fairly be entitled to the credit of + the discovery.—Eh, Trednoke? At any rate, we found nothing.—Yes, + I think they’ll have to admit you to partnership, Harvey: and Miriam too,—who, + by the way, seems to be the only one who actually penetrated into this + cave you speak of. Maybe the removal of the chest pulled the plug out of + the bung-hole, as it were: the escape of confined air through such a vent + would be apt to draw water along with it. By the way, let’s have a look at + this same chest: it looks solid enough to hold something valuable.” + </p> + <p> + “I would like, in the first place, to hear what General Trednoke has to + say about what I have told him,” said Freeman, clearing his throat. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam,” said the general, “do you wish to be married to this young man?” + </p> + <p> + The old soldier was sitting with her hand in his, and he turned to her as + he spoke. She threw her arms round his neck, and pressed her face against + his shoulder. “He is to me what you were to mamma,” she said, so that only + he could hear. + </p> + <p> + “Then be to him what she was to me,” answered the general, kissing her. + “Ah me, little girl! I am old, but perhaps this is the right way for me to + grow young again. Well, if you are of the same mind six months hence——” + </p> + <p> + “Worse; it will be much worse, then,” murmured the professor. “Better make + it three.” + </p> + <p> + The chest was made of some alloy of steel and nickel, impervious to rust, + and very hard. It resisted all gentle methods of attack, and it was + finally found necessary to force the lock with a charge of powder. Within + was found another case, which was pried open with the point of the + general’s bowie-knife. + </p> + <p> + It was filled to the brim with precious stones, most of them removed from + their settings. But such of the gold-work as remained showed the jewels to + be of ancient Aztecan origin. There was value enough in the box to buy and + stock a dozen ranches as big as the general’s, and leave heirlooms enough + to decorate a family larger than that of the most fruitful of the ancient + patriarchs. + </p> + <p> + “I call that quite a respectable dowry,” remarked Meschines. “Upon my + soul, Miriam, if I had known what you had up your sleeve, I should have + thought twice before allowing a ‘civil engineer’—do you remember?—to + run off with you so easily.” + </p> + <p> + At dawn, they prepared the body of old Kamaiakan for its interment. In + doing this, the professor noted the peculiar appearance of the corpse. + </p> + <p> + “The flesh is absolutely withered,” said he, “especially those parts which + were uncovered. It must have been subjected to the action of some + destructive vapor or gas, fatal not only to breathe, but to come in + contact with. I have heard of poisonous emanations proceeding from the + ground in these regions, but I never saw an instance of their effects + before. That skull that you say you found, Harvey, was probably that of a + victim of the same cause. But it is strange that Miriam, who must have + remained some time in the very midst of it, should have escaped without a + mark, or even any inconvenience.” + </p> + <p> + “Kamaiakan ascribed it to the magic of the Golden Fleece,” said Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” rejoined the other, “he may have been right; but, for my part, the + only magic that I can find in it lies in the fact that it is made of pure + wool, which undoubtedly possesses remarkable sanative properties; or maybe + the fiery soul of Semitzin was powerful enough to repel all harmful + influences. The poor old fellow himself, being clad in cotton, and with no + soul but his own, was destroyed. Let us wrap him in his blanket, and bid + him farewell—and with him, I hope, to all that is uncanny and + abnormal in the lives of you young folks!” + </p> + <p> + The last rites having been paid to the dead, the party mounted their + horses and rode out of the gorge on to the long levels of the desert. + </p> + <p> + “Who come yonder?” said Freeman. + </p> + <p> + “A couple of Mexicans, I think,” said the general. + </p> + <p> + “One of them is a woman,” said Meschines. + </p> + <p> + “They look very weary,” remarked Freeman. + </p> + <p> + Miriam fixed her eyes on the approaching pair for a moment, and then said, + “They are Senor de Mendoza and Grace Parsloe.” + </p> + <p> + And so, indeed, they were; and thus, in this lonely spot, all the dramatis + personae of this history found themselves united. + </p> + <p> + In answer to the obvious question, how Grace and De Mendoza happened to be + there, it transpired that, left to their own devices, they had undertaken + no less an enterprise than to discover the hidden treasure. Grace had + communicated to the Mexican such bits of information as she had picked up + and such surmises as she had formed, and he had been able to supplement + her knowledge to an extent that seemed to justify them in attempting the + adventure,—not to mention the fact that Don Miguel (such was the + ardor of his sentiment for Grace) would, had she desired it, have gone + with her into a fiery furnace or a den of lions. Grace, who was ambitious + as well as romantic, and who longed for the power and independence that + wealth would give, was all alight with the idea of capturing the hoard of + Montezuma: her social position would be altered at a stroke, and the world + would be at her feet. Whether she would then have rewarded Don Miguel for + his devotion, is possibly open to doubt: the sudden acquisition of + boundless wealth has been known to turn larger heads than hers. + Fortunately, however, this temptation was withheld from her: so far from + finding the treasure, she and Don Miguel very soon lost themselves in the + desert, and had been wandering about ever since, dolely uncomfortable, and + in no small danger of losing their lives. They were already at the end of + their last resource when they happened to encounter the other party, as we + have seen; and immeasurable was their joy at the unlooked-for deliverance. + So there was another halt, to enable them to rest and recuperate; and it + was not until the evening of that day that the journey was finally + resumed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Grace had time to think over all that happened, and to arrive + at certain conclusions. She was at bottom a good girl, though liable to be + led away by her imagination, her vanity, and her temperament. Don Miguel’s + best qualities had revealed themselves to her in the desert: he had always + thought of her before himself, had done all that in him lay to save her + from fatigue and suffering, and had stuck to her faithfully when he might + perhaps have increased his own chances of escape by abandoning her. Did + not such a man deserve to be rewarded?—especially as he was a + handsome fellow, of good family, and possessed of quite a respectable + income. Moreover, Harvey Freeman was now beyond her reach: he was going to + marry Miriam, and she had realized that her own brief infatuation for him + had had no very deep root after all. Accordingly, she smiled encouragingly + upon Don Miguel, and before they set out on their homeward ride she had + vouchsafed him the bliss of knowing that he might call her his. + </p> + <p> + The general, as her guardian, did not withhold his approval; but when + Grace drew him aside and besought him never to reveal to her intended the + fact that she had once been a shop-girl, the old warrior smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You can depend upon me to keep your secret, if you wish it, my dear,” + said he; “but I warn you that such concealments between husband and wife + are not wise. He loves you and would only love you the more for your + frankness in confessing what you seem to consider a discreditable episode: + though I for my part am free to tell you that you will be lucky if your + future life affords you the opportunity of doing anything else so much to + your credit. But the chances are that he will find it out sooner or later; + and that may not be so agreeable, either to him or to you. Better tell him + all now.” + </p> + <p> + But Grace pictured to herself the aristocratic pride of an hidalgo shocked + by the suggestion of the plebeianism of trade; and she would not consent + to the revelation. But the general’s prediction was fulfilled sooner than + might have been expected. + </p> + <p> + For, after they were married, Don Miguel decided to visit the Atlantic + coast on the wedding journey; and one of the first notable places they + reached was, of course, New York. Don Miguel was delighted, and was never + weary of strolling up Fifth Avenue and down Broadway, with his beautiful + wife on his arm. He marvelled at the vast white pile of the Fifth Avenue + Hotel; he frowned at the Worth Monument; he stared inexhaustibly into the + shop-windows; he exclaimed with admiration at the stupendous piles of + masonry which contained the goods of New York’s merchant princes. It + seemed to be his opinion that the possessors of so much palpable wealth + must be the true aristocracy of the country. + </p> + <p> + And one afternoon it happened that as they were strolling along Broadway, + between Twenty-third Street and Union Square, and were crossing one of the + side-streets, a horse belonging to one of Lord and Taylor’s + delivery-wagons became frightened, and bolted round the corner. One of the + hind wheels of the vehicle came in contact with Grace’s shoulder, and + knocked her down. The blow and the fall stunned her. Don Miguel’s grief + and indignation were expressed with tropical energy; and a by-stander + said, “Better carry her into the store, mister; it’s their wagon run her + down, and they can’t do less than look after her.” + </p> + <p> + The counsel seemed reasonable, and Don Miguel, with the assistance of a + policeman, lifted his wife and bore her into the stately shop. One of the + floor-walkers met them at the door; he cast a glance at their burden, and + exclaimed, “Why, it’s Miss Parsloe!” And immediately a number of the + employees gathered round, all regarding her with interest and sympathy, + all anxious to help, and—which was what mystified Don Miguel—all + calling her by name! How came they to know Grace Parsloe? Nay, they even + glanced at Don Miguel, as if to ask what was HIS business with the + beautiful unconscious one! + </p> + <p> + “This lady are my wife,” he said, with dignity. “She not any more Miss + Parsloe.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Grace has got married!” exclaimed the young ladies, one to another; + and then an elderly man, evidently in authority, came forward and said, “I + suppose you are aware, sir, that Miss Parsloe was formerly one of our + girls here; and a very clever and useful girl she was. I need not say how + sorry we are for this accident: I have sent for the physician: but I + cannot but be glad that the misfortune has at least given me the + opportunity of telling you how highly your wife was valued and respected + here.” + </p> + <p> + At this juncture, Grace opened her eyes: she looked from one face to + another, and knew that fate had brought the truth to light. But the + physical shock tempered the severity of the mental one: besides, she could + not help being pleased at the sight of so many well-remembered and + friendly faces; and, finally, her husband did not look by any means so + angry and scandalized as she had feared he would. Indeed, he appeared + almost gratified. The truth probably was, he was flattered to see his wife + the centre of so much interest and attention, and at the discovery that + she had been in some way an honored appanage of so imposing an + establishment. So, by the time Grace was well enough to be driven back to + her hotel, the senor was prattling cheerfully and familiarly with all and + sundry, and was promising to bring his wife back there the next day, to + talk over old times with her former associates. + </p> + <p> + Such was Grace’s punishment: it was not very severe; but then her fault + had been a venial one; and the episode was of much moral benefit to her. + She liked her husband all the better for having nothing more to conceal + from him; her vanity was rebuked, and her false pride chastened; and when, + in after-years, her pretty daughters and black-haired sons gathered about + her knees, she was wont to warn them sagely against the un-American + absurdity of fearing to work for their living, or being ashamed to have it + known. + </p> + <p> + But the married life of Miriam and Harvey Freeman was characteristically + American in its happiness. The representatives of the oldest and of the + latest inhabitants of this continent, their union seemed to produce the + flower of what was best in both. Their wedding is still remembered in that + region, as being everything that a Southern Californian wedding should be; + and the bride, as she stood at the altar, looked what she was,—one + of those women who, more than anything else in this world, are fitted to + bring back to earth the gentle splendors of the Garden of Eden. In her + dark eyes, as she fixed them upon Freeman, there was a mystic light, + telling of fathomless depths of tenderness and intelligence: it seemed to + her husband that love had expanded and uplifted her; or perhaps that other + spirit in her, which had battled with her own, had now become reconciled, + and therefore yielded up whatever it had of good and noble to aggrandize + the gentle victory of its conqueror. Somehow, somewhere, in Miriam’s + nature, Semitzin lived; and, as a symbol of the peace and atonement that + were the issue of her strange interior story, her husband preserves with + reverence and affection the mysterious garment called the Golden Fleece. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Golden Fleece, by Julian Hawthorne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLDEN FLEECE *** + +***** This file should be named 1614-h.htm or 1614-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/1/1614/ + +Produced by Charles Keller, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> |