Miss Mary. But why should he be so different from others? Listen.
This very cousin whose offer I refused had a son,--wild, wayward,
by all report the most degraded of men. It was part of my cousin's
reformation to save this son, and, if it were possible, snatch him
from that terrible fate which seemed to be his only inheritance.

Sandy (eagerly). Yes, miss.

Miss Mary. To restore him to a regenerated home. With this idea
he followed his prodigal to California. I, you understand, was
only an after-thought consequent upon his success. He came to
California upon this pilgrimage two years ago. He had no
recollection, so they tell me, by which he could recognize this
erring son; and at first his search was wild, profitless, and
almost hopeless. But by degrees, and with a persistency that
seemed to increase with his hopelessness, he was rewarded by
finding some clew to him at--at--at--

Sandy (excitedly). At Poker Flat?

Miss Mary. Ah, perhaps you know the story,--at Poker Flat. He
traced him to the Mission of San Carmel.

Sandy. Yes, miss: go on.

Miss Mary. He was more successful than he deserved, perhaps. He
found him. I see you know the story.

Sandy. Found him! Found him! Miss, did you say found him?