had been overtaken and passed by a rushing figure as shadowy as a
phantom horseman, with only the star-like point of a cigarette to
indicate its humanity. It was in one of these fierce recreations
that he was obliged to stop in early morning at the blacksmith's
shop at Rough-and-Ready, to have a loosend horseshoe replaced, and
while waiting picked up a newspaper. Don Caesar seldom read the
papers, but noticing that this was the "Record," he glanced at its
columns. A familiar name suddenly flashed out of the dark type
like a spark from the anvil. With a brain and heart that seemed to
be beating in unison with the blacksmith's sledge, he read as
follows:--

"Our distinguished fellow-townsman, Alvin Mulrady, Esq., left town
day before yesterday to attend an important meeting of directors of
the Red Dog Ditch Company, in San Francisco. Society will regret
to hear that Mrs. Mulrady and her beautiful and accomplished
daughter, who are expecting to depart for Europe at the end of the
month, anticipated the event nearly a fortnight, by taking this
opportunity of accompanying Mr. Mulrady as far as San Francisco, on
their way to the East. Mrs. and Miss Mulrady intend to visit
London, Paris, and Berlin, and will be absent three years. It is
possible that Mr. Mulrady may join them later at one or other of
those capitals. Considerable disappointment is felt that a more
extended leave-taking was not possible, and that, under the
circumstances, no opportunity was offered for a 'send off' suitable
to the condition of the parties and the esteem in which they are
held in Rough-and-Ready."

The paper dropped from his hands. Gone! and without a word! No,
that was impossible! There must be some mistake; she had written;