back to life. 'My child,' said he, placing in my hands a very voluminous
letter, 'this is all I have to give you. Farewell, dear child, I am
going. Farewell, forever.' In a few moments he was no more. I returned
home a prey to the most intense grief, and for several days did not
think of opening the letter I had received from my dying benefactor. It
contained the most precise details of the situation of the opal mine,
and advice as to the best means of reaching it.

''So you see, Mr. Rideau,' she added, after a slight pause, 'the secret
is known only to three persons--Arthur, Pepito, and myself. What, under
the circumstances, would you do?'

''I see but one course, madame--prompt action; by this means only can
you hope to succeed. You should start without a day's delay.'

''And Pepito?'

''Take him with you.'

''Your advice would be excellent were it practicable; but the state of
Mr. Livermore's health will not permit him to travel.'

''Oh! never fear, Adéle; your presence and your care will keep me up. I
shall gain strength by change of air and scene.'

'Adéle was, probably, about to protest against such a proof of his
attachment, when she was interrupted by a knock at the door.

''It is Pepito,' said I. My conjecture proved correct. Opening the door,
the Mexican appeared, dressed in a new suit, and evidently not a little