taken this trail he had possibly over-tasked his strength, and
there was the more reason why he should continue his search, and
render any assistance if required. There was another idea that
occurred to him, which eventually decided him to go on. It was
that both these trails led to the decayed sycamore stump, and that
the older Slinn might have something to do with the mysterious
letter. Quickening his steps through the field, he entered the
hollow, and reached the intersecting trail as he expected. To the
right it lost itself in the dense woods in the direction of the
ominous stump; to the left it descended in nearly a straight line
to the highway, now plainly visible, as was equally the boulder on
which he had last discovered Mamie sitting with young Slinn. If he
were not mistaken, there was a figure sitting there now; it was
surely a man. And by that half-bowed, helpless attitude, the
object of his search!

It did not take him long to descend the track to the highway and
approach the stranger. He was seated with his hands upon his
knees, gazing in a vague, absorbed fashion upon the hillside, now
crowned with the engine-house and chimney that marked the site of
Mulrady's shaft. He started slightly, and looked up, as Don Caesar
paused before him. The young man was surprised to see that the
unfortunate man was not as old as he had expected, and that his
expression was one of quiet and beatified contentment.

"Your daughters told me you were here," said Don Caesar, with
gentle respect. "I am Caesar Alvarado, your not very far neighbor;
very happy to pay his respects to you as he has to them."

"My daughters?" said the old man, vaguely. "Oh, yes! nice little