walking out with the Sisters and the other scholars, and she didn't
know me--though one of the Sisters did. But they're mum--THEY are,
and don't let on. Why, now I think of it, YOU were down there,
Jack, presiding in big style as Mr. Mayor at the exercises. You
must have noticed her. Little thing, about nine--lot of hair, the
same color as mine, and brown eyes. White and yellow sash. Had a
necklace on of real pearls I gave her. I BOUGHT THEM, you
understand, myself at Tucker's--gave two hundred and fifty dollars
for them--and a big bouquet of white rosebuds and lilacs I sent
her."

"I remember her now on the platform," said the Mayor gravely. "So
that is your child?"

"You bet--no slouch either. But that's neither here nor there.
What I want now is you and Harry to look after her and her property
the same as if I didn't live. More than that, as if I had NEVER
LIVED. I've come to you two boys, because I reckon you're square
men and won't give me away. But I want to fix it even firmer than
that. I want you to take hold of this trust not as Jack
Hammersley, but as the MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO! And when you make
way for a new Mayor, HE takes up the trust by virtue of his office,
you see, so there's a trustee all along. I reckon there'll always
be a San Francisco and always a Mayor--at least till the child's of
age; and it gives her from the start a father, and a pretty big one
too. Of course the new man isn't to know the why and wherefore of
this. It's enough for him to take on that duty with his others,
without asking questions. And he's only got to invest that money
and pay it out as it's wanted, and consult Harry at times."