"He nodded. 'I knew that,' he said, and was silent for a minute;
then resumed, 'No; he won't be told. We take an interest in that
young man.'

"'Meaning by 'we'?'

"'The citizens of Eucalyptus as a body. My name's William Anderson:
Captain Bill they call me. I was one of the first settlers in
Eucalyptus. I've seen it high, and I've seen it low. And I'm going
to be the last man to quit; that's the captain's place. And when I
say this or that is public opinion in Eucalyptus, it's got to be.
I drink to your health, Doctor.'

"'Thank you,' said I. 'Then I may count on your silence? The poor
chap is so powerfully set on crossing the Rockies and getting to
close quarters with some real wickedness, that to tell him the truth
might shorten the few days he has left.'

"Captain Bill smiled grimly.

"'Wickedness? Lord love you! _He_ couldn't see any. He'd go through
'Frisco, and out at the far end, without so much as guessing the
place had a seamy side to it. His innocence,' pursued the captain,
'is unusual. I guess that's why we're taking so much care of him.
But I must say you've been spry.'

"'Upon my word, I can't at this moment make head or tail of the
business. I met Miss Montmorency on the road--'

"'I guess she was looking like a Montmorency, too. Flyheel Flo is