C 
 
 H 
 
 /- , 
 
LEWEY AND I, 
 
 OR, 
 
 SAILOR BOYS' WANDERINGS 
 
 A SEQUEL TO "ON LAND AND SEA." 
 
 ~>1 
 
 BY WM. H. THOME S, /></-/< 
 
 Author of "The Gold Hunters?' '-Running the Blockade? "The Belle of 
 
 Australia; or, Who Am If" "On Land and Sea; 
 
 or, California in the Years 1843, 
 
 '44 and '45, etc., etc. 
 
 [CORRECTED AND RBVISBD FROM BALLOU'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE.] 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY W. P. HOOPER, OF NEW YORK. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 DEWOLFE, FISKE & COMPANY, 
 
 365 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 1885. 
 
COPYRIGHT, 1884, BY WM. H. THOMBS. 
 
Bcroh Ubnatf 
 
 To WORSHIPFUL BROTHER 
 CAPTAIN ALBERT A. FOLSOM, 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BOSTON AND PROVIDENCE RAILROAD, 
 
 THIS BOOK OF ADVENTURES IN CALIFORNIA, DURING THE MEXICAN 
 
 WAR, IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. WITH FRATERNAL 
 
 GREETING, BY THE AUTHOR, 
 
 WM. II. THOMES. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 SAN DIEGO IN 1846. AN OLD SEAMAN'S PROTEST. DON ANTONIO 
 SANCHOS, OF SAN FRANCISCO, AND HIS SCARRED HAND. A FORE- 
 NOON'S SPORT. OUR DOG JACK AND THE TURTLE. CAPTAIN FITCH 
 EXPRESSES HIS OPINION IN FORCIBLE TERMS. A MYSTERIOUS SHOT. 
 
 THE EXHIBITION, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 DON ANTONIO SANCHOS CREATES A SENSATION. HE CHARGES ME 
 WITH BEING A SPY, AND AN ENEMY OF CALIFORNIA. AN APPEAL 
 TO THE ALCALDA. SCOTCH JACK IS FULL OF FIGHT AND AGUAR- 
 DIENTE. THE CALABOZO. A LITTLE LOVE-MAKING. AN OATH OF 
 ALLEGIANCE. THE BLOW, AND SANCHOS THREATS. A PLAN FOR 
 ESCAPE. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 LEWEY MAKES LOVE, AND QUITE SUCCESSFULLY. DON SANCHOS PAYS 
 US A VISIT, AND IS CAUGHT IN A TRAP. A GALLANT FIGHT IN 
 WHICH OUR DOG TAKES PART. ESCAPE FROM THE CALABOZO. A 
 VISIT TO THE HIDE-HOUSE BY THE MEXICANS. AN ATTACK, AND A 
 DEFEAT. THE SOIREE WHICH JACK GAVE. INDIGNANT SAILORS 
 AND KANAKAS. THE FIRE. A RETROSPECTION. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PREPARATIONS FOR A LONG JOURNEY. FAREWELL TO SAN DIEGO. 
 EN ROUTE TO RANCHE REFUGI j. A VAQUERO AND BULL. THE 
 LONELY ADOBE HOUSE, AND A PRAIRIE-FLOWER. THE MOUNTAIN 
 LION. LEWEY IS AGAIN IN LOVE. AN INTERRUPTION TO A MID- 
 NIGHT COURTSHIP. THE THREAT. WILD INDIANS ON THE TRAIL. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE APACHE ATTACK. PAINTED WARRIORS, AND THEIR CHARGE. 
 DEATH TO THE INDIANS. RETURN TO THE RANCHE. THE GOVERN- 
 MENT COURIER. A HORSE TRADE. OUR JOURNEY RESUMED. THE 
 FEAST OF THE BUZZARDS AND COYOTES. TROUT FISHING. RANCHE 
 VALLECITO. A PROPOSITION. THE NIGHT CAMP, AND A STARTLING 
 APPARITION. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A SURPRISED GREETING. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR. AN ANGRY BEAR. 
 AN OWL'S HOOT. A BAND OF WARRIORS, THE CHIEF'S COMMANDS. 
 
 ESCAPING WITH OUR SCALPS. THE SULPHUR SPRING AND BATH. 
 
 THE RANCHERO'S FEARS. THE NIGHT CAMP AT THE FOOT OF THE 
 MOUNTAINS. THE PROWLING LION. HOMESICKNESS. A STRANGE 
 MEETING. THE LONELY CANYON, LOS ANGELES. DON SANCHOS 
 APPEARS. 
 
Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 DON ANTONIO SANCHOS MAKES IT UNPLEASANT, AND ACCUSES US OF 
 MURDERING THE GOVERNMENT COURIER. TO THE CALABOZO. AN 
 EXAMINATION, AND SURPRISE. HEROES OF THE DAY. WANTED FOR 
 THE ARMY. -^X)FF FOR SANTA BARBARA, AND INCIDENTS ON THE 
 WAY. THE CAVALRY, AND ITS HURRIED MARCH. SANTA BARBARA, 
 AND SOME OLD ACQUAINTANCES. RANCHE REFUGIO, AND OUR REECP- 
 TION BY A STRONG-MINDED WOMAN. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A MUTUAL AGREEMENT. AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. THE RANCHE. A 
 FANDANGO, AND AN UNEXPECTED MEETING, A GRAND SURPRISE TO 
 ALL. DON ANTONIO SANCHOS PUTS IN AN APPEARANCE, A STRUG- 
 GLE FOR LIFE. A DISAPPOINTED GREASER. ON THE MARCH. A 
 SWIFT EXECUTION. A LADY'S GRATITUDE. A NEW PROGRAMME. 
 THE ESCORT AND ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A BRUSH WITH LADRONES. A YOUNG LADY'S MODE OF EXPRESSING 
 THANKS. THE PEON'S MURDER. A LONG CONFESSION ON THE 
 MOUNTAIN SIDE. THE TRAPPERS. MONTEREY ONCE MORE. DON 
 SANCHOS RECEIVES A BLOW. THE AMERICAN CONSUL EXPRESSES AN 
 OPINION. AGREEABLE QUARTERS. AN EARTHQUAKE, AND A TU- 
 MULT. AN INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL CASTRO. ANTONIO AND 
 CARLOS SANCHOS ARE SNUBBED. A DANGEROUS MISSION TO CAP- 
 TAIN FREMONT. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CAPTAIN FREMONT'S CAMP. THE MESSAGES AND DESPATCHES. A 
 NIGHT SCENE AROUND A FIRE. THE COYOTES' CALL. THE LETTERS 
 
 FOR GENERAL CASTRO AND MR. LARKIN. INSTRUCTIONS. ON THE 
 TRAIL. THE INDIAN WOMAN. THE CAVALRY SQUAD. THE SEARCH 
 FOR LETTERS. GENERAL CASTRO IS SURPRISED. LEWEY TELLS 
 SOME STORIES. STORMING THE CAMP. FISHING IN A FOG. THE 
 AMERICAN FRIGATE. SPIES ON ALL SIDES. A FRIENDLY WARNING 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE ATTACK ON THE HOUSE AND ITS REPULSE. EDWARDO SANCHOS 
 MEETS A JUST FATE. THE RESCUING PARTY FROM THE FRIGATE 
 CUMBERLAND. A WINDFALL OF GOLD. THE BREAKFAST. A PRE- 
 DICTION. HOISTING THE AMERICAN FLAG AT MONTEREY. A LAST 
 VIEW OF THE TOWN. ON THE MARCH. TERRIBLE DEATH OF TWO 
 WOMEN AND A tiPEEDY EXECUTION. A NIGHT SCENE ON THE BEACH. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 I BID SENORA COSTELLO FAREWELL, AND HAVE NO COMMENTS TO MAKE. 
 -THE MARCH TO LOS ANGELES. THE BATTLE AND ITS RESULTS. 
 ON THE ROUTE TO SAN DIEGO. A LUCKY FIND OF GOLD. A DIS- 
 APPOINTMENT ALL ROUND. SAN DIEGO. SCOTCH JACK GIVES US A 
 RECEPTION. A UNITED STATES FLEET. OFF FOR MAZATLAND. 
 HOME AT LAST. LEWEY'S BEAUTIFUL SISTER. A HAPPY LIFE AND 
 A DARK CLOUD. THE END. 
 
V 
 
 ^ Kr 
 
 LEWEY MD I; 
 
 OR, 
 
 SAILOR BOYS' WANDERINGS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 SAN DIEGO IN 1846. AN OLD SEAMAN'S PROTEST. DON ANTONIO 
 SANCHOS, OF SAN FRANCISCO, AND HIS SCARRED HAND. A FORE- 
 NOON'S SPORT. OUR DOG JACK AND THE TURTLE. CAPTAIN FITCH 
 EXPRESSES HIS OPINION IN FORCIBLE TERMS. A MYSTERIOUS SHOT. 
 THE EXHIBITION, AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. 
 
 IT will he remembered that the ship Admittance had sailed from San 
 Diego, California, for Boston, in January, 1846, and left the French lad, 
 Lewey, and myself at the hide-house, on the beach, having been discharged, 
 and paid off, by Captain Peterson, at our own request. We had simulated 
 severe sickness, in the shape of smallpox, so successfully, that even the 
 quack doctor of the town had been deceived, as well as the officers of the 
 vessel. In my previous work, " ON LAND AND SEA," I have fully pictured 
 Lewey's unhappiness, as -veil as my own, when we saw the old ship leave 
 the harbor, and pile on studding-sails, alow and aloft, as she passed Point 
 Loma, and shaped her course about south by west for Cape Horn and 
 home. For a long time T refused to be comforted, and even Lewey's sun- 
 ny nature, encouraging words, cheerful smiles, and glowing pictures of the 
 happy lives we should lead as free, roving rancheros, husbands of Engracia 
 and Anita, could not lift the weight of sorrow from my heart, as T thought 
 of home, relatives, and what a fool T had made of myself in remainingat San 
 Diego, with strangers for friends, and no one to care for our future welfare 
 except an old shipmate, Scotch Jack, who had charge of the hide- 
 
Lewev and I. 
 
 house, and Captain Fitch, a merchant of the town, our treasurer and guar- 
 dian f r the time being, a very clever man, but who had cares enough of his 
 own to attend to without bestowing much thought on two comparatively 
 unknown sailor boys, who were not supposed to have position or influence 
 at home, and were classed with the usual run of beach-combers, we sup- 
 posed, for I did not know at the time that my old master had made a very 
 pronounced report to Mr. Fitch in my behalf, and, perhaps, gave me a 
 better reputation than I had reason to expect, or deserved. Of Lewey he 
 knew nothing, and so had merely stated that the French boy was smart, 
 active, and impudent, at times, and likely to lead a good lad, like myself, 
 into trouble, unless a little advice was given me at stated periods, when 
 it was supposed I should need it most. 
 
 Had I been Lewey's brother he could not have treated me more tenderly, 
 or done more to make me forget the unfortunate position in which I was 
 placed, through his skillful inducements and persuasions to remain in Cali- 
 fornia, and link our fortunes with those of two dark-haired, dark eyed young 
 females, who were not even on a level with the sailor boys, which we 
 chanced to be, as neither of the girls had the slightest claims to an educa- 
 tion, and could not read nor write even a word of the musical language 
 which they spoke so rapidly, if not grammatically. But they were hand- 
 some, and had the most willowy and graceful forms of any girls of their 
 class on the coast, and we loved them with all of a boy's ardor and passion- 
 ate nature, and were willing to forsake homes and relatives for the sake of 
 enjoying their companionship, to be with them, and pass our days in idle- 
 ness, riding horseback over ranches, and rounding in our cattle, in imagi- 
 nation, when we wanted a little pleasant excitement, aside from fandangos 
 and cock-fighting. 
 
 Lewey saw that he had made a mistake, but he did not let it appear, 
 either on his face or in his conversation. To me he represented every- 
 thing as rose colored, and that there was no occasion for anxiety, or care 
 for the future. There were brilliant prospects before us, he said, love, hap-, 
 piness, and wealth, and what more could we wish on our part ? We were 
 now our own masters, and could do as we pleased, go where we desired, 
 and need care for no one, as long as we remained honest, and treated all 
 with respect, and consideration befitting their rank. 
 
 Notwithstanding all of Lewey's eagerness to make my position a pleas- 
 ant one, I could not prevent tears from flowing every time I was alone, or 
 after I had turned into my bunk for the night, and many a hearty crying 
 spell did T indulge in during the long and dreary hours of the rainy sea- 
 
Lewey and /. 
 
 son, when the floods descended upon the roof of the hide-house, and the 
 wind swept in mournful cadence over the solitary bay, as there was no ves- 
 sel at anchor in the harbor, all having left the port for the northern part of 
 the coast, in search of hides and tallow. 
 
 More than a dozen times did I find Lewey on the beach, all alone, smok- 
 ing his short black pipe, and looking toward the ocean, as though watching 
 for the old ship, hoping that something had happened to her, and thus 
 cause her return for repairs. But the French lad, as soon as he saw that I 
 noted his dejection, would brighten up, and let a smile pass over his hand- 
 some face, as though he were the happiest boy in the country, and cared 
 nothing for home or friends. He would fling at me a gay jeu d'esprit, or 
 witty saying, and ask me what I thought Engracia or Anita might do when 
 they saw us at their home, with our pockets full of dollars, and love and ad- 
 miration in our hearts. But I knew that Lewey suffered in his mind as 
 well as myself, only he concealed his emotions better than I could, and was 
 not so faint-hearted under adverse circumstances. He strove to cheer me 
 when he needed words of encouragement himself, poor fellow, and I have 
 no doubt but that his pillow was wet with tears as often as my own, only 
 he was too manly to confess his weakness, or make me a confidant of 
 his anxiety. 
 
 One forenoon, about a week after th --. Admittance had sailed for home, 
 and when we had exhausted the resources of the hide-houses, by borrowing 
 all the books, and reading them, to be found on the beach, time hung 
 heavily on our hands, as we did not want to start on our long journey by 
 land for Ranche Refugio, on account of the severe rains at that season of 
 the year, rendering travel extremely unpleasant, Lewey and I sat down to 
 breakfast, in company with Scotch Jack and a kanaka, the others having 
 been discharged when the ship sailed, as there was no work for them, only 
 about one thousand hides being in the house, and two men could cure 
 them in time for shipment, during the spells of sunshine, which did come 
 once in a while in the wet season. 
 
 " Boys," said Tack, as he helped himself to a bountiful supply of beef- 
 steak, and then to a pot of coffee, " what plans have you made for the fu- 
 ture ? You don't mean to remain anchored in this bloody hole all your 
 lives, do you ? " 
 
 " Are you tired of our company, Jack ? " and, with a faint suspicion that 
 such might be the case, I asked the question a little eagerly. 
 
 " No, boys," was the ready answer. " I don't tire of good company so 
 easily. Besides, the old man left orders to keep you just as long as you de- 
 
8 Lewcy and I. 
 
 sired to remain. But you had some object in leaving the ship, and I wants 
 to know what it is." 
 
 " We mean to get married, and settle down on a ranche," I answered, and 
 then a sniff of deep contempt passed over the weather-beaten, rugged face 
 of the old salt, and he uttered a strong expletive, and said, 
 
 "Well, of all the young greenhorns and fools that I ever seed, you is the 
 wusser ! " 
 
 " Vy ? " asked Lewey, as he filled his pipe, preparatory for a smoke, and 
 glanced at my face, to see how the announcement affected me. 
 
 " 'Cos, how does you think your people would like it if you married a 
 bloody greaser ? " and the master of the hide-house uttered a deep sniff of 
 disgust as he looked at us and a half-caste Indian woman, who was wander- 
 ing along the beach, seeking to attract the notice of some kanakas who 
 were at work on hides in the premises adjoining our own. " They is all 
 alike," Jack continued, when he noticed that the female had retraced her 
 steps toward the town, followed by the hooting yells of the natives of the 
 Sandwich Islands. " Would I marry a greaser? " he asked, quite severely. 
 
 As we did not know we remained discreetly silent. 
 
 " Look at me," Jack said. " I 'm an old, battered sailor-man, but there 's 
 Scotch blood in my veins, and a true son of old Scotland never disgraces 
 his name." 
 
 Considering that Jack got drunk as often as he had a chance, we thought 
 this boasting a little premature, although the man was as honest a person 
 as there was in California at the time. 
 
 " Look at my face," the old sailor said, "and tell me what for should I 
 want a wife ? " 
 
 It was a hard-looking face, all seamed and blackened by exposure to hot 
 suns and heavy gales and we did not imagine for a moment that a woman 
 would be likely to fall in love with it, unless there was wealth to back it, and 
 Jack was not rich in worldly goods, as he was dependent upon his fifteen 
 dollars per month for support, and a shot in the locker for old age. 
 
 " No," the sailor continued, as soon as he had got his pipe well under 
 way, " a man is best off without a wife, for what could I do with one if I 
 was disposed to marry? Take my advice, and keep single, like me, and 
 when you come to my years and wisdom, splice a white woman, and one of 
 your kind, and see to it that she has a little property to fall back upon, 
 when you takes a short vip^e for the sake of peace and quietness, which you 
 can't always have at home if you is married. But no greaser for me, boys, 
 and none for you, if my advice is followed." 
 
Lewcy and I. 
 
 " But ve loves de girls," pleaded Lewey. " Dey is sich nice ones, and 
 dey loves us so much dat dey vould die for us if ve vanted dem to." 
 
 " Bah ! " was the contemptuous expression. " Don't you believes yerself. 
 They all say that, and then sell you out at the first chance they gets. 
 Think of your friends, and of your future, and let the women alone, if you 
 knows what is good for yerself." 
 
 This was kind advice, and worthy of a man of better position than 
 Scotch Jack, and we should have done well to have heeded it, but boys in 
 love never think that their advisers and elders know anything, so of course 
 we did not change our opinion on the subject that was nearest our hearts. 
 
 " If I supposed for a moment that you lads was goin' to make fools of 
 yerselves, blank me if I would n't clap you in irons, and keep you on bread 
 and water till I 'd starved the nonsense all out of you, that 's what I VI do " 
 
 We laughed at the words, for Jack did not possess the power to carry his 
 threat into execution, as there were no irons on the beach, and I doubt if 
 there were handcuffs at San Diego, as lashings of rawhide were employed 
 to bind refractory Indians, or thieving Mexicans of the lower class, if one 
 should be arrested accidentally, and held for trial. 
 
 As Jack uttered the last ominous words, our dog, the lively little fellow 
 we had bought and trained a year or two before, and kept on board the Ad- 
 mittance until we were removed to the shore, with pretended symptoms of 
 the smallpox, uttered several ominous growls, got up from under the table, 
 and walked toward the door, sniffing and barking. 
 
 " Some greaser is near the house," said the Scotchman. " You can al- 
 ways tell by Jack's movements. He do so hate a Mexican; one of the 
 thieving class." 
 
 Our dog Jack, ever since the noted fight with the vaquero's mastiff, had a 
 great antipathy to the poorer class of Mexicans, and never allowed one to 
 venture near the hide-house until he had uttered a protest. 
 
 As we drew back from the table, for the purpose of going to the door, and 
 seeing who approached our premises, a tall, lank, swarthy Mexican, with 
 serape around liis shoulders, and broad-brimmed sombrero on his head, 
 covering a shock of thick black hair that nad never known brush or comb, 
 darkened the entrance of our house, and stood fcr a moment at the thresh- 
 hold, gazing at us and the dog, as though he did not know which was the 
 most dangerous, for Jack was sniffing at his heels, and had not quite made 
 up his mind from what part cf the greaser's body he should take a mouthful, 
 and the Mexican seemed disposed to kick the dog, or else assail him with 
 the long knife that he carried in a sheath in his leggings. 
 
io Lcwey and I. 
 
 " Come here, Jack," I said in a stern tone, and the little bull-dog obeyed, 
 but did so reluctantly, and, while retreating to his quaners, under the table, 
 uttered indignant protests, in thi shape of savage growls. 
 
 " Buenos dias, caballeros," the new-comer said, doffing his heavy hat, 
 with a stately grace that even the poorest Mexican beggar can assume, 
 when it suits his purpose to be polite and courteous to those whom he 
 meets, even if he hates them with an undying hatred, and the fellow who 
 stood at the door had occasion to dislike Lewey and myself, as we afterward 
 discovered, to our sorrow. 
 
 " Buenos dias, senor," Lewey responded, in a careless manner. " Be 
 pleased to enter, and take a seat." 
 
 The Mexican did not respond to the invitation for some reason, but stood 
 in the doorway, and looked at Lewey and myself as though he was endeav- 
 oring to recall our faces to his mind, 
 
 "You do not remember me," the Mexican said, in a pleasant tone. " I 
 have met you two young caballeros quite often in San Francisco. Do you 
 know me, senors ? " 
 
 Yes, we recollected him quite well, now that he spoke, and smiled on us 
 in such a friendly manner. It was Antonio Sanchos, of Yerba Buena, one 
 of three brothers, and greater scoundrels, and more cruel, blood-thirsty 
 monsters never existed in the country, previous to its annexation. They 
 were named respectively Antonio, Carlos, and Edwardo, and were ugly and 
 treacherous in the order mentioned, the first being the eldest, and considered 
 the leader of the gang. They would steal and. murder all who were thrown 
 in their way, unless the intended victim was well armed, and then they 
 were too crafty to make an open attack. 
 
 " We remember you," said Lewey, speaking in Spanish. " You are Don 
 Antonio Sanchos," giving the fellow his full title as a compliment, knowing 
 it would please him. 
 
 The Mexican bowed, and a smile passed over his dark, hairy face, as he 
 liked the designation of don, to which he was not entitled, the same as 
 some people Jike to be called " : honorable," or " general," in this part of 
 the world, un$4r the impression that no one will discover the deception, 
 and that thtfy will be elevated in a social scale by the aid of a handle to 
 their names. 
 
 ^Corne and have a drop of coffee," T said, for the fellow did not move 
 from his position, but still stood near the door, smiling, and rubbing his 
 
 " Ah, senor, a thousand thanks for your kind offer," the Mexican re- 
 
Lewey and I. \ \ 
 
 plied. " In your invitation I see the generous hospitality of los Ameri- 
 canos. They never refuse a hungry man a bite or a drink." 
 
 He moved toward the table, and the dog growled ominously, as though 
 to warn us that there was danger in the smiling, sneaking scoundrel who 
 was about to partake of our breakfast. 
 
 " Will the dog bite, senors ? " the fellow asked, drawing back a little 
 from the vicinity of Jack's teeth. 
 
 " Not unless he is told to do so," I said. " Be quiet, Jack. The Mexi- 
 can is our guest." 
 
 Even this did not seem to assure Jack that all was right, for he walked 
 across the room, still growling, and showing his teeth, laid down in a cor- 
 ner, and watched the greaser with his fierce, wicked-looking eyes, as 
 though longing for an encouraging word, so that he could spring, and bite 
 one whom he considered an enemy to us and our surroundings. 
 
 "Thanks, caballeros," Don Sanchos said, as he raised a pot of coffee to 
 his lips. " I 'm glad to meet my American friends once more. It is a 
 great pleasure, I assure you." 
 
 " I 'm no American," Lewey cried, in his usual thoughtless manner. 
 " I 'm a Frenchman, and would not change my flag for all the nations of the 
 world. Wherever you see fun and frolic, there you will find one of my 
 countrymen. Where the fight is the thickest, there you will meet my peo- 
 ple leading the van. Yes, I 'm French, and next to the belle nation comes 
 the Americano." 
 
 Luckily Scotch Jack did not understand half a dozen words that Lewey 
 uttered, as he was speaking in Spanish, so there was no occasion for a 
 quarrel, as the old sailor, although he had sailed for years in the American 
 merchant marine, was a little tenacious on the subject of Scottish rights, 
 and great deeds, as he had reason to be from the records of his country. 
 
 " This caballero is also French ? " asked the Mexican, pointing to me, 
 and smiling, as he sipped his coffee. 
 
 "No," said Lewey, "he boasts of being a full-blooded American, and 
 thinks that his people can lick all the world with one hand tied, and a foot 
 thrown out of gear. He is Yankee all over, as any one can see ; but he is 
 good enough for a Frenchman though." 
 
 " Ah, yes, he one nice Americano," and the greaser looked for a mo- 
 ment as though he did not like me, and then set his pot of hot coffee on 
 the table, and slowly rubbed his right hand over his left, where a livid scar 
 was to be seen, an inch and a half long. 
 
 I knew that scar, and how he had received it, and the sight made me feel 
 
12 Lewey and /. 
 
 a little uncomfortable for a moment, as I thought of all the circumstances oi 
 the past, and why the fellow had been injured. Then I looked up, and 
 saw that Lewey's eyes had followed my own, and we exchanged glances 
 that were full of significant meaning, and once more we began to think that 
 we had made a deep mistake in remaining in California instead of going 
 home on the Admittance. 
 
 The greaser noted the expression that was on both of our faces, and I 
 thought I detected a flash of his sinister eyes that did not speak of good 
 intentions, but he betrayed no further irritation, even if he did continue to 
 rub the scar that showed so vividly on his dark, dirty hand. 
 
 There was something fascinating in the Mexican's movements, and I sat 
 and looked at him and the old wound, and recalled all the circumstances of 
 how it was given, nearly a year before. 
 
 We were at Yerba Buena, and one day Antonio Sanchos had been on 
 board the ship to do a little trading, or stealing, just as the occasion served. 
 He did not buy much, and when we set him on shore, in company with 
 three ladies, he had crowded one of them so much, in a rude and vulgar 
 manner, in the stern-sheets of the boat, that she complained to me about 
 the incivility of the greaser. I asked him to give the ladies more room, 
 and to take a seat on a vacant thwart, but, instead of doing so, consigned 
 me and the women to a pLce much warmer than San Diego in the sum- 
 mer-time. As I knew the greaser was cowardly at heart, and more coward- 
 ly than ever on the water, for fear that he would get wet, I dropped the 
 yoke-lines, by which I was steering the boat, told the boys to stop rowing, 
 caught the fellow by the long hair of his head, gave him a sudden jerk, 
 and threw him under a thwart, and then Lewey put his foot on the man's 
 neck, and held him captive until we beached the boat, when the ladies 
 landed, and thanked me for the protection which I had granted them. 
 
 The Mexican did not dare vent his spite on the women, as they were 
 members of influential families, with fathers and husbands, brothers and 
 cousins, who would have revenged a premeditated insult with instant death, 
 or have set a hundred wild Indians on the whole race of Sanchos, and ex- 
 terminated them from the face of the earth, consequently Antonio, as soon 
 as Lewey removed his foot frora the prostrate neck, sprang to his feel, 
 drew a long knife from his legging, and made a lunge at the French lad 
 that would have ended his adventurous career then and there, and the 
 Gaulic nation might have lost a good and brave admiral, who is now serv- 
 ing his country with honor, in great hopes of sometime making it as 
 grand and warlike as before the disasters in front of the German hosts. 
 
Lewey and I. 13 
 
 At this time I happened to have the boat-hook in my hand, for the purpose 
 of pushing the boat further on the beach, and, as I noted the greaser's 
 threatened move, struck at the weapon, and Levvey was saved. Then, as 
 Sanchos stooped to pick up the knife, with deep curses on his lips, I saw 
 that he meant more mischief, so just jabbed his hand with the point of the 
 boat-hook, and the result was a yell, more imprecations, and a bad wound 
 that caused him to carry his hand in a sling for many a day, and to forego 
 all thoughts o killing any one on the beach. The wound had healed, but 
 the scar remained, and so did the memory of the injury, as I could tell by 
 the man's face, for this was the first time I had seen him since the fracas. 
 The incidents had almost passed from my mind, as I did not consider 
 them cf sufficient consequence to remember, we had so many adventures 
 while hide-droghing, and Lewey was constantly in hot water, on some ac- 
 count or other. 
 
 "Do you I: low," said Lewey, speaking in French, " I really believe this 
 thief of the world recollects that punch of the boat-hook, which you gave 
 him at San Francisco, at the time he cut at me with his knife, and you 
 saved my life " 
 
 " If such is the case, what brings him here ? He seems friendly enough 
 at the present time," I answered. 
 
 The greaser listened attentively, but he could not comprehend a word 
 that we uttered, neither did he know anything of the PInglish tongue, but 
 we feared he might. 
 
 " This fellow is like a woman," the irrepressible Lewey said. ' He is 
 smiling and rubbing his wound at the same time. No one does that but a 
 female who desires revenge for some fancied injuries, and so abides her 
 time before she is ready to show her claws, and scratch. Thorn, we must 
 watch this man, and be on our guard. He means mischief, I believe." 
 
 " Nonsense ! Do you think he would come to us, when it might be just 
 as easy to keep at a distance, and remain unknown ? I think he has for- 
 given and forgotten all about the jab of the boat-hook." 
 
 " Don't you believe it. A greaser's memory is long, and his revenge is a 
 family trait, born in the blood, and never eradicated until death. I have a 
 great mind to shoot the cur as he sits here at the table, and so end his ca- 
 reer, and ensure our safety at the same time," Lewey said. 
 
 " Bosh ! don't talk like a bravo. You are incapable of killing one of the 
 numerous geese that is flying over the bay, without shedding tears and de- 
 livering a funeral oration over the remains. You have not got down to a 
 level with a murderer just yet, and talk to keep your tongue going." 
 
14 Lewey and I. 
 
 Lewey smiled, as though he could not deny the charge, and then Scotch 
 Jack and the kanaka left the room to look after some hides in the vats, as 
 they did not find the French or Spanish languages particularly pleasant, 
 not being able to understand them. 
 
 Sanchos, while we were conversing, looked from Lewey's face to my 
 own, as if to read our thoughts, as he could not comprehend our words. 
 Then he quietly rubbed his old wound, as if to quicken his ideas and 're- 
 membrances of the past. 
 
 "Is the master of the house an American ? " asked Sanchos, as the old 
 sailor disappeared. 
 
 " No ; he is a Scotchman, and a good fellow in the bargain," I said. 
 
 " Bueno," was ihe response. 
 
 " What is good ? " asked the French lad, i'n an abrupt tone. 
 
 " The man. The maestre de casa. He is a Scotchman. We like the 
 Scotch." 
 
 " And the French ? " asked Lewey. 
 
 " Oh, we adore the French," was the answer, in a sneering tone. 
 
 " And the Americanos ? " I said. 
 
 " Ah, what friends we are ! No one can adore the Yankees as the Mexi- 
 cans do. They come here and trade, and marry our women, get rich, and 
 lead such lazy lives. We envy them for their enterprise and desire to make 
 money. Oh, yes, we all love the gringoes. They are so good." 
 
 Here he rubbed his scar, and smiled on us, but it was not a pleasant 
 smile. 
 
 " We think of marrying in a few weeks," Lewey said, in a careless tone, 
 as though it was an every day occurrence on our part. 
 
 " May I ask the names of the fortunate senoritas? " demanded the Mexi- 
 can, with a grin that did not become his dark, dirty face. 
 
 " Oh, yes. They are called Anita and Engracia, and reside at Ranche 
 Refugio. We have been acquainted with them for many months," said the 
 impulsive and frank-spoken Lewey, who always made a confidant of every 
 one about his love affairs. 
 
 " Anita and Engracia," repeated the greaser, and once more rubbed his 
 scar. " I shall remember those names for a long time, and hope to wish 
 you joy on your bridal day. It will be very pleasant." 
 
 Here the dog uttered an ominous growl, and walked toward the Mexican, 
 and sniffed at his feet, as though anxious for a bite of his flesh. 
 
 " You left the ship for the sake of the senoritas? " demanded the greaser, 
 as soon as we had called off the brute. 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 " Oh, yes, we like California, the people, and the filles," Lewey remarked. 
 " Especially the latter." 
 
 " Then you have applied for matriculador papers ? " the greaser inquired, 
 as he finished his coffee. 
 
 " What are matriculador papers ? " I asked, for I had never before heard 
 of such documents. In fact, matriculador was a new Spanish word, and we 
 wjre anxious to learn its meaning. 
 
 " Matriculador," responded the greaser, " means to register before the 
 alcalda of a town that you intend to take up your residence in the country, 
 and in time becorre a citizen of California, after being naturalized, and tak- 
 ing an oath of allegiance to Mexico. It is an important step toward secur- 
 ing the protection and good will of the people." 
 
 " Then it is necessary that we should be registered?" we asked, a little 
 dismayed, for we had never before heard of the regulation, and there was 
 no reason why we should, as it was a matter that did not seem to concern 
 us. We supposed that California was a free country, where one could 
 come and go at pleasure, but we were mistaken. 
 
 ' Certainly it is important," the Mexican remarked, as he arose from the 
 table. " But if you ship on board some American vessel there will be no 
 occasion for papers. I suppose that you know your own minds, and what 
 you intend to do." 
 
 " Certainly. We mean to marry, and purchase a ranche," Lewey and I 
 responded. 
 
 " Ah, well, there is no hurry. Take your time about it. You have 
 treated me so well that perhaps I may be able to help you in a way that is 
 quite unexpected," and then the Mexican smiled, and rubbed the livid scar 
 on his right hand, and, to speak frankly, we did not like his grin, or the 
 way in which he constantly irritated the old wound, inflicted when we little 
 thought that the greaser would become involved in our insignificant fortunes. 
 
 " Muchos gracious," we both exclaimed, and we thought the fellow was 
 not as bad as we supposed him to be when we first met him at Yerba 
 Buena. He spoke fairly enough. 
 
 Sanchos grinned, and walked toward the door, followed by Lewey and 
 myself, and Jack, the dog. The brute did not seem to lose any of his ani- 
 mosity by the departure of the greaser, for he continued to growl, and show 
 signs of a desire to fasten on one of the Mexican's legs, and we had to 
 speak sharply to induce the animal to keep at a distance. 
 
 " A nice dog," the Mexican said, but there was an evil look in his dark, 
 fU.-Miing eyes as he uttered the words. " He is not like his masters, for he 
 
1 6 Lewey and I. 
 
 does not know a friend from an enemy. Well, adios. I must re mm to 
 San Diego, as I have business there." 
 
 We thought it singular that a greaser should have business of any kind, 
 except stealing cattle, but said nothing, as we did not care to detain him, 
 being rather glad to get rid of the man for the time being. 
 
 " By the way," asked Lewey, as the fellow was about to mount his horse, 
 " when did you leave the bay of San Francisco ? " 
 
 " Three weeks since," was the reply, as the man swung his lithe form 
 into the saddle, and headed his horse for the town. 
 
 "Was there much news of importance?" we questioned. Not that we 
 thought there could be any of moment. 
 
 " There are great events happening up North," was the response. " An 
 American named Fremont is on the Sacramento River, with a band of la- 
 drones, and General Castro has left Monterey to drive him over the moun- 
 tains to his wretched home, or kill all who oppose him." 
 
 We laughed at the idea of Castro putting Fremont and his Rocky- 
 iMountain trappers to flight, and the Mexican seemed to resent it, for he said, 
 
 "There is more news of an important nature. The United States has 
 annexed Texas, and war has been declared between the two countries. 
 There will be bloody battles and hot work before long." 
 
 " And why did you leave San Francisco if fighting was to take place so 
 soon ? " Lewey asked, in a sneering tone. 
 
 " I am the bearer of despatches, and the courier and agent of General 
 Castro," was the prompt answer. " I have left orders at every town on the 
 coast, and am now on my way to San Diego." 
 
 "It is lucky we have you as a friend," I said. " Without some one to 
 speak for us, and protect us, we fear that we should never be able to estab- 
 lish a ranche, and marry the girls we love." 
 
 "Yes," grinned the greaser, as he gathered up his reins, " it is very lucky 
 that we met at the bay some months ago, so that I can vouch for you as 
 two bueno machachos, who would harm no one. Oh, yes, you are all right. 
 Adios, senors," and, striking the horse with his long, heavy spurs, he 
 dashed over the road that led along the bay toward San Diego. 
 
 Lewey and I looked at each other's faces when the greaser had disap- 
 peared from sight. We did not see much to encourage either of us in our 
 respective countenances. 
 
 " Well," I said at length, " I wish that I was on board of the old Admit- 
 tance once more. We are in a confounded mess, and no mistake." 
 
 "So do I," responded Lewey, "but ve is here on de beach, and no 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 amount of vishin' can put us on de ship. Ve must make de best of it. Ve 
 vill be vhat you call neutral, and let de udders do de fightin'. Dat vill suit 
 us better den hard knocks." 
 
 "But what do you think of the greaser, Sanchos?" I asked. "Is he 
 honest ? Does he mean what he says ? Will he be a friend or enemy ? " 
 
 " Did you ebber know a half-caste Mexican to forget one injury ? " de- 
 manded the French lad, with a touch of scorn, which he made no effort to 
 conceal. " He rubs 'um hand to keep alive de thought of de punch you gib 
 him vid de boat-hook. I no trust a greaser fudder den I can throw a tail by 
 de bull." 
 
 Lewey had rather mixed the familiar quotation, but I was too troubled in 
 mind to set him right. War between the United States and Mexico might 
 be a serious business for us, and unsettle all of our plans. To be sure, we 
 could ship on board some vessel, and thus escape all serious trouble, but we 
 did not want any more surf experiences, or to pull and haul ropes, furl sails, 
 and brace yards. We had anticipated a more pleasant life, and could not 
 imagine one that suited our ideas better than living with the girls we loved. 
 There was no use to borrow trouble just at present, we thought, but re- 
 solved to see Captain Fitch, our treasurer and guardian, and consult him at 
 the first convenient opportunity, and abide by his advice. He was a man 
 of influence in the country, and the Mexicans had great confidence in his 
 judgment. Besides, they always borrowed his money when they were haid 
 up, and paid him good interest for the same, and the principal when God 
 was willing, and not before. 
 
 " Jack," we said, as we wandered down to t!<e vats where the Scotchman 
 and the kanaka were stirring up some hides, " that greaser says the United 
 States and Mexico have gone to war." 
 
 " What bloody fools," was the response of the old sailor, as he stopped 
 work to light his pipe, and listen to our communication. " Well," he con- 
 tinued, after a moment's pause, " may the best man win," having an idea 
 that it was something after the fashion of a prize-fight, involving bottle- 
 holders and a ring. 
 
 " But we fear the trouble will injure our prospects," I suggested. 
 
 " No one is goin' to injure you two chicks while you is on the beach, and 
 under my protection," responded the sturdy old Scotchman. " If the 
 bloody greasers come foolin' around here I '11 blow 'em out of the water, 
 now you jist believe me." 
 
 " But dey von't come by de vater," remarked Lewey, who could not re- 
 main serious for any length of time. 
 
1 8 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Never you mind where they comes from, they '11 get their heads broke 
 jist the same if they puts a hand on any old shipmate of mine, now I tells 
 you." 
 
 " How could you defend us and the hide-house at the same time ? " I 
 
 asked. 
 
 "With the two old ship-muskets the skipper left me when he sailed. 
 They is over my bunk, and lots of powder and shot stowed away in my 
 chest. I could hold out agin a hundred greasers for a week," and Jack 
 sucked away at his pipe in perfect contentment, and I have no doubt really 
 believed wha'. he uttered. 
 
 He was about to renew his work when the current of his thoughts was 
 changed by an enormous flock of wild geese that flew along the shore, and 
 honked to each other, as they looked out for a place to alight and feed, on 
 the shoals and muddy banks of the bay, and all along Spanish Bight. The 
 tide was half ebb, and the ducks and other fowl were coming in from all di- 
 rections to feast on the insects and fiddler-crabs that had been left by the 
 receding waters. 
 
 " Tell you what it is, shipmates," Jack said, " I have n't had a goose or 
 duck this season. I feel a longing for something different from fresh meat. 
 Come, you boys has nothin' to do. Take the two old guns, and the skiff, 
 and see if you can't shoot a little game. The trip will do you good, and 
 occupy your time. I don't like to have boys mope. 'T a'n't a good sign. 
 Now if you drank aguardiente we could go to town and have a mighty 
 good spree, but there a'n't no sense getting drunk all alone. Besides, the 
 old man told me to set you a good example, and I s'pose I must." 
 
 " Do you think there is any danger of the guns bursting ? " I asked, for 
 I had had some experience with the weapons up North. 
 
 " Not if you is careful, and don't put in too much of a load. Good Lord, 
 any one can kill geese and ducks here in the bay. They is never hunted, 
 and you can get close on 'em. Come, go along with you, and be back by 
 supper-time. I 've got my work to do, and don't want to stand here spin- 
 nin' yarns all day, and that kanaka settin' on the sand, and never carin' if 1 
 don't turn him too. Bee. :ful, and not shoot each other, and bring back 
 some geese and ducks/' 
 
 As we needed a little recreation, to keep our thoughts from dwelling on 
 the possibilities of the future, we jumped at the proposal to go after ducks 
 and geese. We hunted up the old muskets, flint-locks and enormous 
 bores, heavy and clumsy, cleaned them from rust and dirt, took enough 
 powder and shot for a dozen or twenty discharges, whistled for Jack, the 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 dog, entered the small skiff that belonged to our hide-house, pushed off, 
 and drifted over to Spanish Bight, where the shore was alive with fowl. 
 
 There was no need of approaching them with caution, for they merely 
 looked up from feeding, honked a few times, and then paid us no further 
 attention. 
 
 Lewey, who was inclined to be a little selfish when sport was on the tapis, 
 thought that I had better scull the boat toward the geese and ducks, and 
 let him do the shooting, as he claimed that he was the better marksman. I 
 had no particular objection, although I cautioned the French lad against 
 loading the gun with too heavy a charge, but he sniffed at me for the ad- 
 vice, and intimated that he had handled fire-arms before I was born, which 
 was not true, and he knew it, as he was only eighteen months older than 
 myself, but much more experienced in the affairs of the world. 
 
 " You vill seed me knock 'em ober," Lewey remarked, as he loaded up, 
 and was not over-particular how much powder and shot he put in. " I vas 
 alvays a great gunner in mine own country. Ah, many is de sparrow vot I 
 has killed, and made in de nice pie." 
 
 Right before us was a mob of black brant, a bird that must be rather 
 scarce at this time on the shores of San Diego bay, as the flesh is so good 
 that the hunters of modern days would not give it much rest, but in 1846 
 there were thousands to be seen at every low tide, unsuspicious of guns and 
 death-traps, killed only by the Indians when they were hungry, and could 
 get nothing better to eat than game. Beside the brant there were white 
 geese, curlews, waders, willets, dowitchers, and snipe, a variety that would, 
 at the present time, make an Eastern sportsman crazy with delight at the 
 prospect before him. 
 
 We were within ten fathoms of the fowl when the brant and geese looked 
 up, suspending their feeding operations for the purpose of inspecting us, 
 and seeing what we were like, and desired. 
 
 "Now, Lewey," I whispered, "give it to them. There is a good 
 chance." 
 
 The lad steadied his elbow on one of the thwarts, knelt down on his right 
 knee, turned a little pale, and uttered a short prayer to his patron saint, as 
 he thought of the danger he was wilfully incurring. I never knew the 
 name of his patron saint, and should not have supposed that he had one, if 
 he had n't stated that such was the fact more than a dozen times during 
 his adventures in company with myself. Of course I had to believe him, 
 as he appeared to be sincere in his assertion that he was religious. 
 
 " Why don't you fire ? " 1 asked, holding the boat in place with one 
 
2O Lewey and I. 
 
 hand, and the lively little Jack with the other, for the dog seemed possessed 
 with the idea that the expedition was gotten up on his own account, and 
 that he was privileged to make as much noise as he pleased, jump over- 
 board, swim to the game, and attack it single-handed. 
 
 " My dear ami," said the French lad, removing the gun from his shoul- 
 der, and looking at me, as though doubtful how the confession would be re- 
 ceived, " I is afraid of dis old musket. You fires him if you vill. I is just 
 and ginerous." 
 
 " Give me the gun," I cried, in a firm tone. " I will show you how to kill 
 game." 
 
 This boasting irritated my friend, for he said, 
 
 " Niver. I takes de risk all on mineself. I can shoot 'em as well as you. 
 Now seed me." 
 
 Once again he raised the musket, took a good aim at the unsuspecting 
 game, shut both eyes, and then there was a roar, a flash, and a sheet of 
 flame issued from the old musket, and the next moment Lewey was lying 
 under one of the thwarts, and the gun went overboard, in two feet of water. 
 There was a flutter among the geese and fowl, feathers flew in all di- 
 rections, and a dozen dead and wounded brant and ducks were lying on the 
 sand and mud, while the uninjured, with cackles and honks of astonishment, 
 flew to other feeding grounds, where they could fill up undisturbed. 
 
 Jack, with loud barks of astonishment and delight, bounded out of the 
 boat into the water, and made for the shore, to finish the work of destruction, 
 biting the fluttering ducks, and fighting the hissing geese as if fearful that, 
 he would not do his share unless an immense amount of activity was dis 
 played on his part. 
 
 I dropped the oar, by which I was sculling the skiff, and went to the aid 
 of my friend. 
 
 "Lewey," I said, as I pulled him out from under the thwart, "are you 
 dead, or only injured ? " 
 
 " I is not dead," was the answer, "but I is most killed vid my shoulder. 
 Did you seed how I hits 'em ? Ah, vot one could beat dat shot ? I slays 
 dousands of "em." 
 
 He sat up, rubbed his head, and looked around in a dazed sort of way, as 
 if not realizing where he was, or what had knocked him over. 
 
 I feared that he had dislocated his shoulder-blade, but, as he could move 
 his aim quite freely, knew that he would soon be all right, although he 
 might suffer from a bad bruise for a day or two. 
 
 " De next time you fires him yournself," the French boy said. " I has 
 
Lewey and /. 21 
 
 killed mine share for one day. Ah, vot a shot vos dat, and how much it re- 
 minds me of dear old France." 
 
 ' Do all the guns in France kick like this ? " I asked. 
 
 <; Ah, by gar, much vusser ! Dese guns is nothin' like mine country's," 
 and, if such was the case, I mentally pitied the hunters and sportsmen of 
 la belle nation. But I think he was boasting, 01 lying. 
 
 Finding that the boy's injuries were not so serious as I supposed, we 
 paddled the skiff back to the place where the old musket was quietly repos- 
 ing on the bottom of the bay, managed to secure it, and then landed on the 
 beach, where Jack was impatiently awaiting us, all the wounded ducks and 
 brant killed, and piled up in a heap, awaiting inspection and approval. 
 
 There were seven brant, two gray geese, six ducks, and three snipe. Not 
 a bad shot, but then the old musket was overcharged, and scattered fearful- 
 ly at long range. 
 
 Lewey was delighted at his success, and declared that no one could excel 
 him as a marksman, and I have no doubt but that his gunning experience 
 still furnishes him a fruitful theme for conversation when he has company 
 at his dinners on shore and sea. How his listeners must quietly wink at 
 each other, as he talks, and wonder that a man should always manage to 
 lie when talking about hunting and fishing. The last time I saw my friend 
 he appealed to me to corroberate his statement, and, when I did so, noted 
 certain expressions on the faces of those present that showed how polite 
 the gentlemen were, for, although they did not doubt our words, it was evi- 
 dent they had never seen wild fowl as plentiful as we had on the shores of 
 San Diego bay, near Ballast Point, Point Loma, and Spanish Bight. 
 
 We gathered up the spoil, and once more paddled around the bay, in 
 search of game. We saw large numbers of geese and ducks near Ballast 
 Point, and headed for them, the boat moving along quietly so as not to dis- 
 turb the fowl. This time Lewey thought that I should have a shot, and, al- 
 though I was not enthusiastic, after his experience, I did not show the 
 white feather, for fear of exciting his ridicule. But I loaded the gun with a 
 small quantity of powder and shot, and hoped for the best. 
 
 When we were in shoal water, and within ten fathoms of the game, the 
 ducks and geese raised their heads and looked at us, but did not offer to 
 move from their feeding igrounds. 
 
 " Now you gib dem fits," whispered Lewey, and just then Jack, who 
 thought that it was a command for him to show his usefulness, jumped out 
 of the boat, and made for the shore. 
 
 The ducks and geese were alarmed at the plunge, took to their wings 
 
22 Lewey and /. 
 
 with noisy honks and quackings, and, just as they arose, I aimed at the 
 thickest flock, my gun went off, and down tumbled a dozen geese, brant, 
 and ducks, some killed outright, and others with broken wings and legs. 
 
 " Veil done ! I could n't mineself have improved on dat ! I vould n't hab 
 believed dat you could do so veil ! " shouted Lewey, who wanted to give me 
 as much praise as he could, consistent with his own ideas of what was just 
 and proper, and not detract from his accidental yet lucky shot, of which he 
 was so proud. 
 
 I did feel a little elated, and appreciated my friend's praise, and, when we 
 landed, and gathered up the spoils, by the exertions of Jack, who did not 
 allow a single -bird to escape, we found that we had enough game for one 
 day, and it seemed wicked to slaughter wild fowl unless we could make use 
 of them. We began to like the sport, and agreed to do a little gunning 
 every week. 
 
 We now turned our attention to crawfish, secured a dozen or more, and, 
 while we were searching for them among the rocks, Lewey gave a yell, and 
 shouted, 
 
 " Oh, by gar ! do come here, and see de valkin' snuffbox ! Ah, now ve 
 shall hab de fun ! " 
 
 I ran to where he was, on a piece pf sandy beach, and found the boy 
 jumping up and down, dancing around a hundred-pound turtle, and scream- 
 ing in French and broken English as though he had found a prize of a thou- 
 sand dollars, and did not know how he should spend it. 
 
 " See de old valkin' snuffbox ! I finds him all by mineself ! Oh, de nice 
 soup he vill make ! Ah, vould you ? " as the turtle showed a disposition to 
 seek the water, and then Lewey showered down stones on the animal's 
 protruding head. 
 
 " We must turn it over on its back," I said, and the impulsive Lewey 
 rushed forward to accomplish the job, but, as he approached, the turtle 
 commenced using its flippers, and threw clouds of sand and gravel in the 
 air, striking the face of the boy, and for a moment blinding him, so that he 
 had to cover his eyes to save them from the fury of the storm. 
 
 I ran ahead of the turtle, and, when the sand cloud was less dense, turned 
 the prize on its back, and thus had it secure, and at our mercy. 
 
 " Nebber seed anyding like dat afore," Lewey remarked, as he brushed 
 the gravel-stones from his eyes and hair. " He fight all behind like de 
 sting-ray. But now ve has him, and de good soup at de same time. Ah, 
 vot fortunate boys ve is. Ve alvays comes on our feet ven dere is much 
 danger." 
 
Lewey and I. 25 
 
 That was all true, but how were we to get the turtle in the boat, and es- 
 cape some serious bites from the ponderous jaws, that seemed powerful 
 enough to crush a piece of iron ? We could not cut off its head, for, when- 
 ever we made the attempt, it would draw it in beneath the shell. After all 
 other expedients had failed we obtained some spun-yarn from the boat, made 
 a slip-noose, dropped it over the turtle's neck, and, with the aid of an oar, 
 prepared to carry the prize to the skiff. It was n't pleasant for the turtle, 
 and neither would it have been agreeable to us had the powerful jaws 
 closed on one of our limbs. 
 
 Jack wan* t d to take a hand in the entertainment, and once or twice 
 sniffed around the turtle as though wondering if there was any fight in it, 
 for he had never seen such an animal before, and seemed inclined to the 
 opinion that he could lick it in a fair combat, and, when he turned to ask 
 our advice on the matter, allowed his tail to get within biting distance of 
 the prize. There was a snap, a yell, and the most surprised dog in the bay 
 of San Die^o. With a shrill " Ki-yi ! " Jack turned to run, but he could not 
 draw a load of a hundred pounds, so pawed sand and gravel until the air 
 was full of small particles of dirt, resembling the shower which the turtle 
 had thrown at Lewey. 
 
 " Did you ebber seed sich a fool in all your born days ? " asked the 
 French lad. " Vot de debil vill ve do now ? Cut de dog's tail off, or de 
 head of de turtle ? By gar! dis beats eberyding dat I has seen in my long 
 and eventful life." 
 
 But, while Lewey was talking, the dog was suffering, and yelping like a 
 wild Indian making an attack on a defenceless party of emigrants. We out 
 with our claspknives, and hacked away at the turtle's neck, but for a long 
 while did not seem to make any impression, or cause the jaws to let go 
 their terrible grip. But blood commenced to flow, and our stabs grew 
 fiercer as we thought of Jack's sufferings. At last the jaws were relaxed, 
 the tail was free, and then if that plucky little bulldog did n't turn around, 
 and make a grab at one of his enemy's flippers, and bite as though to be 
 avenged for what he had suffered. It was a long time before we could get 
 the brute to relax his hold, for he was as tenacious as his antagonist when 
 he fastened his grip 0.1 an opponent. 
 
 Jack's tail was lacerated a little, but it soon got well, as we put some 
 warm tar on it, thus protecting the wound from the flies and fleas which 
 were very abundant on the beach, and at the hide-house. 
 
 We rowed back to our quarters, or, rather, drifted, for the tide was flood, 
 and, when we struck the beach, Scotch Jack and the kanaka came down to 
 
26 Lewey and I. 
 
 meet us, and see what luck we had had. Their amazement and commenda- 
 tions were great when they saw the result of our forenoon's work. The tur- 
 tle they were a little suspicious of, and Jack said that it was no good for hu- 
 mans to eat, but, after Lewey had eulogized the beautiful soup that it would 
 produce, although he frankly acknowledged that he did not know how to 
 make it, the old sailor said that we had better land the turtle, and stow it 
 away in the hide-house until such time as he could study up on the subject, 
 and see how it would be proper to prepare the soup. 
 
 The game found welcome customers among the people on the beach, but 
 after we had supplied all who wanted a goose or duck, found that we had 
 half a dozen brant and geese left for our own consumption. 
 
 But the Scotchman mourned for the wet, rusty musket, and refused to be 
 comforted until we had taken the gun all to pieces, and oiled it in a 
 thorough manner. Then he was satisfied, and said that we could go gun- 
 ning again the next morning, or as often as we wished, but we never had 
 another day's sport on the shores of the bay of San Diego, having 
 other and more important business to attend to. We often thought of 
 Jack, the hide-house, and the ducks and geese of Spanish Bight, and I 
 sometimes wonder, o. late years, if sportsmen of Southern California take 
 the trouble to indulge in hunting, and for a time forget the cares of busi- 
 ness life. For those fond of the gun and rod there never was a place like 
 San Diego, and its vicinity, many years ago. Then no skill or tact was re- 
 quired to fill a boat with fish or fowl in a short time. 
 
 We took a swim, dined, had the usual afternoon's siesta, and roused up, 
 lighted our pipes, and wondered what we should do for an evening's enter- 
 tainment, as new books were very scarce, when who should enter the hide- 
 house but our friend and guardian, Captain Fitch, of San Diego. 
 
 " Well, lads," he asked, " are you all right? No more smallpox, hey ? 
 Symptoms all gone ? Did you play a prank on Peterson, or, honest and 
 true, were you ill ?' 
 
 " We were very sick," stammered I, and Lewey re-echoed my words with 
 a deep sigh, as though he 1'elt that he had met with a hard line of luck in 
 being left on shore. 
 
 " All right then. I '11 allow you were sick. Now, what do you mean to 
 do with yourselves ? You don't intend to stay here, do you ? " 
 
 " No, sir. We think of buying a ranche, and getting married," I made 
 bold to answer, knowing that the ice had got to be broken at some time, 
 and the quicker the better. 
 
 "What?" howled the old gentleman, in a regular quarter-deck tone of 
 
Lewev and I. 27 
 
 voice, and he jumped from his chair, and came toward us, as though about 
 to lay hands on our sacred persons. 
 
 " Ve is in love vid two booful young ladies," Lewey said, thinking to 
 smooth the matter over in a speedy manner. 
 
 " In fiddlestick !" the captain cried. " Look ahere, if you go to make 
 fools of yourselves, by the Lord Harry I '11 spank both of you until your 
 noses bleed. I never heard of such ridiculous foolishness in all my life. 
 Good Lord, how I wish that I could get word to Peterson. Would n't he 
 take the nonsense out of you with a rope's-end." 
 
 " Can't a man get married in this country if he is in love ? " I asked. 
 
 " A man, yes. A boy, no. Don't talk to me. I '11 clap you both in irons 
 if you say another word," and then, as he paced the room in which the con- 
 versation was held, suddenly stopped, and asked, " Who are the females ? 
 Black or white ? Where do they live ? Lord ! don't I wish Peterson was 
 here. How he would pound you if such a proposition was broached to him. 
 I 'm too easy, too good-natured with boys. Why the devil don't you tell 
 me what the girls are like ? " 
 
 " Dey is booful," said Lewey, with a smack of his lips. 
 
 " Bah ! I never heard of such nonsense," was the fierce rejoinder. 
 " White or black ? " 
 
 " A little dark, off-colored," I ventured to remark. 
 
 " Greasers ! by the Lord Harry," was the contemptuous exclamation. 
 " To think that boys who have been well brought up, and have a little edu- 
 cation, should lower their record by taking half-caste girls for wives. I 
 never heard of such greenness." 
 
 " A voman is a voman, no matter vot is de color ob de face," remarked 
 Lewey. 
 
 " I know better," cried the frank Captain. " A greaser woman is no mate 
 for a nice white man. Do you stop to think what you are doing ? Do you 
 consider for a moment what a dark-colored Mexican mother-in-law 
 is like?" 
 
 " She vould help keep de house in order, and vip all de shildrens," 
 the frank-spoken Lewey said, with a far-away look in his eyes, as though 
 his thoughts were of the future, and he could picture an elderly lady boss- 
 ing the infants, and making life pleasant for the husband. 
 
 " You don't know what you are talking about," snarled Captain Fitch. 
 " She would scold your heads off, she would yarn you blind in less than a 
 month, and give all no peace unless you went to confession once a week." 
 
 " You seem to know something of California married life," I suggested, 
 
28 Lewey and /. 
 
 and, at the words, the captain turned on me to see if there was any hidden 
 meaning in my words, but, seeing that I was not inclined to be sarcastic, 
 for his matrimonial existence was said to be a very happy one, he only an- 
 swered, 
 
 " I know what I know, and you don't. But let us drop the subject, for I 
 have more important duties to attend to. There is a rumor in town that 
 war has been declared between Mexico and the United States. At any 
 rate the latter country has annexed Texas, and, if there is no war now, 
 there soon will be. This will make the positions of unnaturalized citizens 
 in California a little precarious, for the greasers may be terribly excited 
 against the gringos, and perhaps resort to acts of violence which we can- 
 not prevent, do the best we can to shield our countrymen, I have some 
 power in this part of the State, and will do what I can for you, providing 
 you give up this idea of marrying, settle on a ranche, and raise cattle, in- 
 stead of children. But, to do all this you must take out a matriculador, and 
 then declare your intention of becoming a naturalized citizen. I hold four 
 hundred dollars of your money, left in trust by Captain Peterson, and with 
 that you can do much in the way of a start. Will you think of what I have 
 said, and let me know your decision in the course of a few days ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir, but our minds are all made up on the subject of getting mar- 
 ried. We have pledged our words, and they should be sacred," I said, and 
 Lewey nodded an acquiescence of my sentiments. 
 
 " My boys," the captain remarked, in a low tone, " there is nothing sacred 
 here in California, when one's interest runs counter to his anticipations. 
 You be guided by me, and all will come out right, and I may see you rich 
 and prosperous rancheros before many years. But keep away from the 
 girls, and by and by, when the proper time comes along, I '11 see if I can't 
 find you two decent young women as companions for life. Leave all to 
 me, and don't be blanked fools." 
 
 We did not desire to argue the point any more, and so held our tongues, 
 hut perhaps it would have been as well if we had taken his advice, for he 
 meant well by us, and really desired to better our fortunes, and the 'course 
 he pointed out was the proper one to take. But we were infatuated, and, 
 when such is the case, reason and prudence are thrown aside by beardless 
 boys. 
 
 We told the captain of our gunning expedition, the capture of the turtle, 
 and killing of the geese and ducks, and the old gentleman rubbed his hands, 
 as he said, 
 
 " I 'm going to have some swell Mexicans at my house tomorrow even- 
 
Leivey and I. 29 
 
 ing, and I will give them a bit of supper, and a little entertainment. I '11 
 buy the turtle and some of the game. They are just what I want. How 
 much shall I pay you for all? Say two geese, a pair of bi ant, and the 
 turtle." 
 
 We assured the captain that he was welcome to all he wanted, and that 
 we could not think of taking a medio from him. 
 
 " Nonsense ! I don't want your property without paying for it. Here 's 
 five dollars. Is that enough ? " and the captain threw on the table live 
 Mexican dollars, and refused to return them to his pocket, even after we 
 had disclaimed all intention of selling the products of our excursion on the 
 shores of the bay. 
 
 " It is all right, boys," the captain said, in a cheery tone. " I '11 send a 
 peon and cart down tonight, after I return home, for the turtle and geese, 
 and tomorrow night they shall grace my table." Then he hesitated a mo- 
 ment, as though there was something on his mind, and finally said, " By the 
 way, Peterson told me that you two lads once gave an entertainment before 
 some of the best people of Monterey, and that there were lots of fun con- 
 nected with it. I have forgotten now just what it was, but would you like 
 to oblige me by repeating it at my house tomorrow evening ? Of course I 
 can't ask you to sit down with my guests, for they are as proud as Lucifer, 
 and might not like it, but I will give you a good supper, a fair bed, a bottle 
 of wine, and a dollar each for your trouble." 
 
 " If you will withdraw the offer of money, and let us volunteer our ser- 
 vices, we should be pleased to oblige you," and Lewey nodded an acquies- 
 cence, and smiled, as he thought of the exhibition at Monterey, the firey 
 serpent, the yells of the old women, squeals of the young girls, and the 
 hoarse blanks of the aged caballeros. 
 
 " Well, just as you please. I won't offer you money, but you shan't lose 
 by it if you will come, and amuse my guests. They never saw any sleight- 
 of-hand, and it will surprise them. I '11 send some horses down to the 
 hide-house at dark, and you can ride up to town, and remain all night." 
 
 " Yes, but what 's to become of me ? " Scotch Jack asked, having en- 
 tered the room, and heard the last part of the conversation. " It 's blanked 
 lonesome nights without the boys. I 've got used to their company, and 
 don't want them to bunk outside of the house. Can't I come up and look 
 on, and see the fun ? " 
 
 Captain Fitch hesitated for a moment, and then said, 
 
 " Where can I stow you, Jack ? " 
 
 "Oh, just where you pleases, sir. I a'n't quarter-deck company, I 
 
30 Lewey and I. 
 
 know. Put me on the forecastle, and let me tend the head sheets, and I '11 
 be all right." 
 
 "A gentleman's parlor is not like a ship's deck, Jack," the captain re- 
 marked. 
 
 " I know all that, sir, but I 'm one of the kind what can do duty any- 
 where. I can help the cook, pass the grub, or turn my hand to anything." 
 Jack said. 
 
 "Even to drinking more than your share of aguardiente, Jack ?" the cap- 
 tain hinted, in a bantering tone. 
 
 " Well, sir, I never yet had my full share, and don't think that I ever 
 shall. But, all the same, I ? d like to see the lads give their great 
 exhibition." 
 
 " Will you promise to keep sober, Jack?" demanded Captain Fitch, and 
 now he was speaking seriously, for the Scotchman was a terror when he 
 got full of native rum, and willing to fight half a dozen greasers at the 
 same time, or any one who defied him. 
 
 " Lord, sir, a judge could n't keep more sober than me, when I gives my 
 word for it. I '11 only drink when you axes me to, and I hope it will be as 
 often as you thinks is all right and proper. Say about one tot to each bell 
 all the evening. That won't be much, sir, for an able seaman, what knows 
 his duty, alow and aloft, on land and water." 
 
 As Jack could be relied on, when he pledged his word, the captain 
 smiled, and said that he might come, but he must keep in the background, 
 and pretend to be one of the mass of helpers, for the grandees who were to 
 partake of his hospitality would not tolerate a sailorman in their company, 
 unless he was an officer, and master of a ship, at that. 
 
 So it was all settled quite satisfactorily to every one, and during supper, 
 in the evening, Jack was enthusiastic over the good time he was to have, 
 and how Providence seemed to have interfered in his behalf, when such 
 nice boys were left to console him in his solitude, and to share his 
 quarters. 
 
 The next day we got out the wooden balls and sticks, and practiced for 
 two hours, or until Lewey could spin the plates without letting them fall, 
 and all the time we were thus occupied Jack and the kanaka watched our 
 movements with the most absorbing interest, praising and criticising very 
 freely when things did not go to suit us, or them. At last the son of the 
 Sandwich Islands could no longer repress his admiration, and he ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 " Me like much. Me want to go too, and see de fun." 
 
Lewey and I. 31 
 
 " Don't you know it is a place for gentlemen ? " demanded Scotch Jack, 
 in an indignant tone. " The likes of you is not admitted where we is goin'. 
 Keep your place, and not try to force yourself into good company. It 's 
 white men what mixes with white men, and not with blacks. You can't go, 
 so there 's no more to be said on the subject. What would the greasers 
 think? 5 ' 
 
 The kanaka uttered a doleful sigh, as he thought of the great gulf that 
 separated him from the sailor, and boss, but made no further efforts to 
 force his presence upon us. He was a meek little fellow, and looked up to 
 Jack as a being who could pass muster most anywhere. First, as an able 
 seaman, and second, as the master of the hide-house, a position of great 
 responsibility and trust, in those days, when much valuable property was 
 left on shore by the ships belonging to our owners. 
 
 We had too much to look after for a gunning expedition that day, but 
 took our usual afternoon siesta, and then dressed in our neat sailor cos- 
 tumes, nice stockings, low shoes, and silk handkerchiefs. Jack did not 
 look so bad when he had shaved, and changed his clothes, but persisted in 
 wearing a white duck jumper over his shirt, as he thought it gave tone and 
 rather an aristocratic appearance to his tout ensemble, or general make up. 
 This, in connection with a tarpaulin hat, that was so heavy and hard it 
 seemed capable of crushing the man's skull, caused the Scotchman to as- 
 sume rather a jaunty expression, and to glance at his little shaving-glass 
 several times with peculiar satisfaction, as though he had found something 
 new to admire in his weather-beaten face. Once I asked him if he expected 
 to make a conquest of some woman in the course of the evening. To this 
 he answered that the female did not Jive to whom he would give his hand, 
 and when I inquired what he would say to her if she was backed with lots 
 of money and cattle, with a distillery for making native rum, he wisely 
 shook his head, and said he would wait until such a paragon made her ap- 
 pearance, and showed her good sense by wanting him very much. He was 
 in no hurry. 
 
 At six o'clock the horses were brought to the door by a peon, and then 
 we almost broke our dog's heart by tying him up so that he could not fol- 
 low us. He howled his disgust as we mounted, but we had not gone more 
 than a mile, at a gentle lope, when we were overtaken by our pet, and he 
 capered around the feet of our horses as he barked his delight at being 
 free. Jack had slipped the rope from around his neck, or else the kanaka 
 had let him loose, and he followed us as fast as his active, muscular little 
 legs could carry him. 
 
32 Lewey and I. 
 
 We did not care to send Jack back, so spoke a few words of kindness to 
 him, and that satisfied the brute he was all right, and could go with us. 
 
 We had to ride slowly, on account of Scotch Jack, who was not much of 
 a cavalier, but, just as twilight was closing in around us, rendering objects 
 a little indistinct, we were surprised to hear the report of a rifle in a thick 
 copse of willows, or bushes, on the left of the road, and then the old sailor's 
 stiff tarpaulin fell into the mud, and Jack was swearing with all the energy 
 of his rugged nature at the disaster. 
 
 For a moment we could not realize what had happened, but the 
 Scotchman dismounted, saying as he did so, 
 
 " That was a narrow squeak, boys. An inch or two nearer, and old Jack 
 would have been laid away forever." 
 
 " Do you mean to tell us that a ball struck your hat ? " Lewey and I de- 
 manded, both speaking at once. 
 
 "That's what I intended to convey," the sailor said. " See here," and 
 he thrust one of his fingers through a hole near the rim of the hat. 
 
 " Go for him, Jack ! " I shouted to the dog, who was looking at us in 
 wonderment, and waiting for orders. 
 
 The animal gave an angry growl, and dashed toward the copse of bush- 
 es. The next instant Lewey and I were heading our horses in the same 
 direction, heedless of the Scotchman's cries to come back, as it was no use 
 to give chase, for a stern one is a long one, and we did not know the coun- 
 try any too well. 
 
 We plunged through the green bush, and then heard the clatter of horse's 
 feet in the distance, and saw a vaquero, mounted on a powerful mustang, 
 fleeing toward the open country, and turning in his saddle to see if he was 
 pursued. 
 
 Jack was racing after the fellow, but we saw at a glance that the latter 
 had a long start, and owned a faster horse than the ones we were 
 riding. 
 
 " It vas no use to go arter him," Lewey said. " He vill get avay from 
 us. Call back de dog." 
 
 We whistled to Jack to return, and the plucky little animal gave up the 
 pursuit, but, when he joined us, we could see disgust on his expressive face, 
 because he had not been more successful in the chase. 
 
 We returned to the old sailor, and wondered what the shot meant, and 
 if the rifle bullet was an accident, or the result of a deliberate plan to rid 
 the Scotchman of the cares of the world, or to show contempt for his hat, 
 in which he took so much pride. 
 
Lewey and I. 33 
 
 " Well, old man, : ' we said, "what do you make of this? " 
 
 " I don't make much of it," he answered, " except that I nearly lost the 
 number of my mess. The cuss came pretty near the old man's head. An 
 inch lower and he would have had me. " 
 
 " Have you an enemy in San Diego ? " I inquired. 
 
 " Not that I knows of. To be sure, a fellow can't get drunk, and clean 
 out a town of greasers, without some person getting hurted, but I did n't 
 think any one held a grudge agin me since I allers healed all the wounds 
 with a drink at my expense." 
 
 " You has not to some voman made de love, and den vhat you call de- 
 serted her, has you ? " asked Lewey. 
 
 " No," was the prompt reply. " I don't bothers with female greasers like 
 some people." 
 
 As there was no solution to the problem, we rode on toward the captain's 
 house, and arrived there just at dark, when we met peons ready to look af- 
 ter our horses, and then Mr. Fitch came out, and made us welcome, and led 
 us to a small room that overlooked the garden, where we found some fruit, 
 and were told to make ourselves as comfortable as possible until the proper 
 time for our appearance before the company. 
 
 The house was lighted in every part, and we could smell the odor of 
 cooked viands, and hear the shrill voices of the servants, as they called to 
 each other to perform certain duties. We could note the company as it ar- 
 rived, and the cheery tones of the captain, as he welcomed his guests. 
 Then there was the usual strumming of harps, and" the twanging of guitars, 
 and an occasional song from some sweet-voiced doncellita, who sang of 
 love and romance. At last there was a hush, and Captain Fitch, his face 
 flushed with hospitality and wine,. came to the room, and said that the audi- 
 ence was all ready for us. 
 
 " Do the best you can, boys," our host remarked. " The alcalda, and all 
 the great people of the town are present, and count on much amusement at 
 your hands." 
 
 We took our dishes, balls, and sticks, and followed the captain to the 
 principal room of the house, where we found a hundred ladies and gentle- 
 men assembled, and, as we entered the apartment, there was a low murmur 
 of applause, and the girls smiled on us, and waved their fans in token of 
 recognition, for all of them had seen us many times when we were members 
 of the crew of the Admittance, and the little beauties came to the ship for 
 the purpose of buying their usual stock of finery, in the shape of silks and 
 cottons, laces and shoes. Most of the people present did not know that 
 
34 Lewey and I. 
 
 we had been left on shore when the ship sailed, so there was a hum of as- 
 tonishment from the men, and loud whispers on the part of the elderly 
 ladies. 
 
 Captain Fitch introduced us to the audience in a little speech, that was 
 rather embarrassing to us, even if it was frank and truthful, and, while he 
 was making his address, Lewey and I were compelled to listen in modest 
 silence. 
 
 " Ladies and gentlemen," said the candid captain, " these two lads have 
 chosen to remain on shore, to be discharged from the ship, for a certain 
 purpose. Now I do not believe that there is a person present who can 
 guess what their motive is in staying here, instead of returning to their 
 friends." 
 
 The girls giggled and whispered to each other, while the old women 
 looked as though they did not care about the matter at all. The men 
 lighted cigarettes, and seemed to wonder when the eating would begin. 
 
 "These lads," continued the captain, after a pause, "prefer to remain in 
 California because they wmt to get married, and are in love with two dark- 
 eyed girts of Ranche Refugio." 
 
 There was a sensation among the girls. They smiled on us, showed 
 their white teeth, and looked as though they did not consider it a crime to 
 be in love, or to want to marry. They rather approved of the plan, if we 
 could judge by their eyes, while the men groaned, and muttered that we 
 were locos, or crazy. Lewey and I blushed, and thought that this was more 
 embarrassing than the night at Monterey, when we electrified the audience 
 with our wonderful serpent. 
 
 " I have tried to talk this nonsense out of their heads," continued the 
 captain, " as it is not for their good." 
 
 Here there were some hisses on the part of the young girls, and looks of 
 indignation directed toward the captain. The married men applauded, as 
 a matter of course, and, when I glanced at their wives, I did not blame 
 them. 
 
 " However," continued Mr. Fitch, " the question now is for our entertain- 
 ment, and not for that of the lads. As they grow older they will know bet- 
 ter, I have no doubt." 
 
 Cries of "shame " from the senoritas, and grins of approval from the 
 men. 
 
 " Without further delay," the captain went on, " I have the pleasure of 
 presenting to you the young lads who are anxious to give an exhibition of 
 legerdemain for your amusement. Step this way, boys." 
 
Lewev and I. 35 
 
 It was rather embarrassing to go forward under such a battery of bright 
 eyes, for all the girls were looking at us, and our neat clothes, and more 
 than one remarked that the French lad was quite handsome, which rather 
 encouraged Lewey, for he was apt to be conceited where women were con- 
 cerned, and I felt a little envious on account of the attention which his 
 good-looking face inspired. 
 
 We took our places at the extreme end of the room, where the lights 
 were the most powerful, and then Lewey balanced a plate on a stick, 
 whirled it around, let the support rest on his chin, head, and face, and, when 
 he had three plates, all moving at once, the applause was liberal, and the 
 girls said that it was the most wonderful thing they had ever seen, and no 
 doubt they were correct, for many of them had never been beyond the con- 
 fines of San Diego in their short and uneventful lives. 
 
 Scotch Jack, who was standing in the doorway, in company with the ser 
 vants, shouted for " three cheers." Some one had given him a drink of 
 aguardiente, and it was having its usual effect on a susceptible disposition. 
 A look from the captain, however, silenced the sailor, but Jack, our dog, 
 showed that he appreciated the call by uttering several energetic barks, and 
 then came to the place where we stood, and laid down, facing the audience, 
 and examined each person present, as though he had but little respect for 
 any one except those to whom he owed allegiance. 
 
 As soon as the plate trick was exhausted, I handed Lewey the balls, and 
 he kept them in motion around his head, all in a circle, and that delighted 
 the audience, for they uttered murmurs of surprise, and Lewey's heart 
 swelled with pride, as he thought of the impression he was making, and, as 
 I watched the pretty girls before me, I wondered if we had not better wait 
 a little while before marrying, and see if we could n't get a few cattle and 
 hides as well as brides ? 
 
 The next incident was batting the sticks, and this was also approved, and 
 then we gave them the handkerchief trick, as we had saved the remnants of 
 the two pannelos which we used in Monterey While we were employed 
 in putting the pieces in a hat, we noticed a stir at the door, and heard a 
 few loud words, and then Jack, the dog, started to his feet, and would have 
 made a rush to the entrance had I not caught him by the collar, and stifled 
 his barks, by pressing his jaws together so that he could not utter a sound. 
 
 The ladies looked toward the door in surprise, as if debating in their 
 minds what the noise was all about, and then I saw Scotch Jack, with his 
 white jumper on, pushing some one, as if to prevent him from entering the 
 apartment. 
 
36 Lewey and L 
 
 " What is the meaning of the noise at the door ? " demanded Captain 
 Fitch, in a stern tone, for he thought that some of his servants had been 
 drinking a little more of the country wine than was good for their faithful 
 attention to household duties. He spoke in Spanish, but the old Scotch- 
 man knew enough of the language to understand the question, and he 
 answered, 
 
 " A lot of blanked greasers want to come in, and mix with the ladies and 
 gentlemen, and I 'm keepin' 'em out." 
 
 " But we are coming in at all hazard," a familiar voice said, and then 
 Don Antonio Sanchos, of San Francisco, followed by half a dozen villain- 
 ous-looking Mexicans, pushed aside the servants, and entered the room. 
 
 " Sorry to disturb the company," Sanchos said, in a sneering tone, "but 
 I want that American boy. I arrest him as a suspect, a sospechoso, 
 an enemy to the State and to Mexico. He is my prisoner, in the name of 
 the law.' 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 DON ANTONIO SANCHOS CREATES A SENSATION. HE CHARGES ME 
 WITH BEING A SPY, AND AN ENEMY OF CALIFORNIA. AN APPEAL 
 TO THE ALCALDA. SCOTCH JACK IS FULL OF FIGHT AND AGUAR- 
 DIENTE. THE CALABOZO. A LITTLE LOVE-MAKING. AN OATH OF 
 ALLEGIANCE. THE BLOW, AND SANCHOS THREATS. A PLAN FOR 
 ESCAPE. 
 
 FOR a moment there was a death-like silence, even Captain Fitch seem- 
 ing to be too much surprised to speak, and the ladies and gentlemen 
 mutely gazed at each other, at Sanchos, and myself. I had been pronounced 
 a sospechoso by the biggest scoundrel in California, and for what reason 
 was beyond my comprehension, although I knew enough to be aware that 
 such an accusation, by an unscrupulous man. was not intended to do me 
 any good at that particular time, when national feeling was raging quite 
 lively, and Americans were not in great favor with the people of the 
 State. 
 
 Captain Fitch, as master of the house, was the first to recover speech, 
 and he showed the anger that was raging within him by his red face and 
 flashing eyes. 
 
 " You blanked scoundrel," the captain asked, " what do you mean by en- 
 tering the house without an invitation, and disturbing my company in this 
 way ? " 
 
 " Gently, senor," the Mexican said, as he rubb'd the scar on the back of 
 his right hand, and glanced around the room, " Let us have no harsh 
 words here, for I am one to command tonight, and not to be commanded. 
 I am here to arrest that American boy, and shall take him into custody, and 
 land him in the calabozo. Let no man stand in my way at his peril." 
 
 " Dog of a greaser " shouted Captain Fitch, " if you lay a hand on that 
 
38 Lewey and /. 
 
 American lad I '11 have you flogged through the town at the tail of a cart. 
 The alcalda is here in the room, and will give the order. Get you gone, 
 and the cut throats that you have brought with you. This is no place for 
 you and your companions. Depart, or I '11 command my servants to pun- 
 ish you." 
 
 " Have a moment's patience, O renegade of a Yankee," Don Sanchos 
 said, in a sneering tone, but, before he could utter another word, Scotch 
 Jack, who had in some mysterious manner put out of sight two glasses of 
 aguardiente, and was fast getting into a fighting mood, when he would stop 
 at nothing that stood before him, raised one of his hardened, ponderous 
 fists, and struck the foul-mouthed greaser under the ear, and he tumbled to 
 the floor as though felled by the axe of an abattoir butcher, and then our 
 dog, thinking that he saw a good chance to put in a little work on his own 
 account, made a spring for the fallen man, and would have seized him by 
 the throat, if Lewey had not run up, and dragged him away just in time to 
 prevent serious injuries to the prostrate fellow's windpipe. 
 
 The ladies were a little excited, and arose from their seats, perhaps the 
 better to see the battle, while the men regarded the whole thing as some- 
 thing gotten up for their especial benefit, and would not have cared if there 
 had been more fighting, only with the proviso that knives should be drawn, 
 and blood shed, for the sake of variety. A Mexican can endure a large 
 amount of cruelty if there is a liberal flow of blood thrown in, to give it 
 spice, although, as a general thing, he don't care to spill his own vital fluid 
 nearly as well as his neighbors'. 
 
 The several Mexicans who had accompanied Don Sanchos to the house 
 seemed a little disconcerted at the fall of their leader, and two of them laid 
 their hands on the hilts of large cuchillos, as if with the intention of using 
 them, and, had they carried out their intention, the Scotchman would have 
 been cut to pieces, as he was unarmed, before his friends could go to his 
 assistance. 
 
 " Is there another greaser what wants to stand afore me ? " demanded the 
 old sailor, the native rum beginning to work. " If there is, just set him 
 foul of me. I can lick a dozen of 'em, and not half try." 
 
 " Be quiet, Jack," commanded Captain Fitch. " You will make a bad 
 matter worse by your hasty action. This is something that can't be set- 
 tled by a rough-and-tumble fight. The law will reach the fellow who came 
 here and insulted us as he has done. The alcalda must attend to him.'' 
 
 " Yes," said the chief magistrate of the town, " I will look after him to- 
 morrow. No one can be arrested in San Diego without my warrant. The 
 
Lewey and I. 39 
 
 American lad shall not be disturbed. He is a good boy, and has done 
 nothing that makes him a sospechoso." 
 
 The young girls murmured their approval of this edict, but, while they 
 were thus expressing their satisfaction at the alcalda's assurances, Don 
 Sanchos slowly arose from the floor, shook his head, as if to be assured 
 that it was on his shoulders, rubbed the scar on his hand, scowled at Lewey 
 and myself, at Captain Fitch and Scotch Jack, and, when he could collect 
 his scattered senses, thus addressed the company : 
 
 " I have been struck by a gringo, but a brave Mexican gentleman knows 
 how to avenge his honor without the aid of law. I will look after the mari- 
 naro some time when he will not expect a visit from me. Now I have 
 other work. Senor Alcalda, I demand the arrest of the Americano mucha- 
 cho as a sospechoso and spy." 
 
 " Bosh !" returned the official, or something equivalent to it. " Of what 
 do you suspect the boy ? " 
 
 " Of being a spy, left here to note the actions of the brave Califor- 
 nians." 
 
 There was a little sensation at these words, for Sanchos had hit the 
 weak side of the Mexican character, suspicion of all foreigners, and 
 readiness to believe evil of them. 
 
 " The boy was left on shore with his companion because they had the 
 smallpox, and it was thought they would die if taken to sea. I am their 
 guardian, and will be security for their good behaviour," the captain said, 
 addressing the alcalda, and the gentlemen present. 
 
 "That is good! That is enough," was the muttered exclamation, for 
 Captain Fitch had lived many years in San Diego, and was well liked by 
 all parties. 
 
 " It is not enough," cried the Mexican greaser, with a savage growl. 
 " I demand the arrest of the Americano." 
 
 "You may demand until you are tired and thirsty," the alcalda said in a 
 stern tone. " The boy shall not be arrested or molested. I have said it, 
 and a Mexican gentleman never violates his word." 
 
 This so amused Lewey that he actually turned and winked at me, and 
 then smiled in a subdued manner at the eager-looking senoritas who were 
 before him. 
 
 " Then see what effect this will have on you," Don Sanchos cried, as he 
 took from his bosom a paper, sealed with sealing wax, held it over his head, 
 waved it in triumph, and continued, " The United States and Mexico are 
 now at war. That is the report at San Francisco. Our land is already in- 
 
4O Lewey and I. 
 
 vaded by a horde of robbers, under one Fremont, who refuses to leave our 
 borders. Every one who is not for us is against us. Senor Alcalda, read 
 this document, and see if I have authority to act as I do," and Don San- 
 chos handed the paper to the town official, and then gave me a glance that 
 showed some of the hate burning in his breast, and which had been smoth- 
 ered for a time, when he supposed there was no opportunity to revenge his 
 fancied wrongs. 
 
 He touched the scar on his hand as he looked at me, and I saw that he 
 was likely to prove a bitter enemy if he could have his own way in regard to 
 my treatment. 
 
 The alcalda took the document, and, as he slowly opened it, Sanchos 
 said, 
 
 " You will see that General Castro, the commander-in-chief of the Mexi- 
 can forces in this State, has appointed me as his courier and secret agent, 
 with power to arrest all sospechosos in California. That document is also 
 endorsed by the governor, and by Pio Pico, and his brother, Andreus Pico, 
 the second in command. Let no one interfere with me, or cross me in my 
 line of duty. I am supreme." 
 
 " But not in my house," cried the hot-headed Captain Fitch. " You and 
 Castro may be blanked for all that I care, but you can't enter my premises, 
 and arrest a boy on your absurd suspicions. Leave the place, or I '11 kick 
 you and your gang of thieves out of the room." 
 
 There was a murmur of assent to this threat from the gentlemen present, 
 and the impulsive Lewey called out for three cheers for the host, but no 
 one responded except Scotch Jack, who gave a yell that made even Sanchos 
 turn toward the door, in the expectation of seeing a rescuing party near at 
 hand. 
 
 The alcalda was a very cautious man, and rather conservative. He knew 
 the power that devolved upon him as a law officer, and would take no risks. 
 He did not propose to butt his head against the military and civic officers of 
 the State, when the only question was a boy, a beach-comber, who was of 
 no account in the affairs of California. Therefore the magistrate did not 
 hasten his movements as he read the official document before him. The 
 young girls were in an agony of impatience as usual, and asked him to hur- 
 ry up, so that they could learn the final decision. The announcement 
 which Captain Fitch had made early in the evening, that we were in love 
 and wanted to get married, had great influence in swaying their judgment, 
 and, to a girl, they were with us, as far as sympathy was concerned. 
 
 " The poor boy," one young creature said, looking at me with tearful 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 eyes. " Only think what a misfortune it would be for him if he should not 
 obtain a wife after all." 
 
 I tried to maintain my composure during the whole of the tumult, but did 
 not feel any too comfortable when I thought of my future, or what was to 
 become of me in case the villain Sanchos once had it in his power to do as 
 he pleased, and to pay off old scores for the unfortunate blow of the boat- 
 hook. Lewey gave me an encouraging glance once in a while, as if to as- 
 sure me that he would stand by my side in adversity, and Jack, the dog, 
 crouched at my feet, and showed his white, sharp-pointed teeth every time 
 the San Francisco ruffian spoke. 
 
 " The document," said the alcalda at last, " is perfectly correct. Don 
 Antonio Sanchos claims nothing that this paper does not impower him to 
 do. He can arrest any sospechoso that he pleases, and I must lend him 
 my aid if he requires it. But there is no one here tonight who believes 
 that the boy is a spy, or a suspicious person, and he can prove that very 
 easily. He is a native of the United States, but that does not make him an 
 enemy at the present time. Until we have received from Mexico an official 
 notice that war is declared, we are bound to protect him, and shall do so 
 until further orders." 
 
 " Three cheers for de alcalda of San Diego," cried Lewey in English, 
 and Scotch Jack joined in the howl with much spirit, for he had got hold of 
 another glass of aguardiente, in some mysterious manner, and it was telling 
 on him by actions and words. He already began to weary of standing idle, 
 and wanted to fight some one for the love of it. He had already forgotten 
 his promises. 
 
 " Keep quiet, my lad," Captain Fitch said, in a mild tone. "You make 
 too much noise for a small boy," addressing Lewey. 
 
 " But jist dink of de occasion, sir," was the French lad's response. " It 
 is not de often time dat one friend of mine is nabbed by a willain as 'a sos- 
 pechoso. He is good. He is noble. For him I die." 
 
 " Well, you won't have to do that just at present," the captain said. " I 
 will stand by him and you as long as I have a shot in the locker, and it will 
 go hard unless we get the boy out of this scrape." 
 
 The alcalda waited until the conversation ceased. He was not a man to 
 do anything in a hurry. He even lighted a cigarette, one that his wife 
 rolled for him, and had all ready by the time he finished reading Sanchos' 
 document. 
 
 " Now," said the chief official of the town, as he took a whiff, and let the 
 smoke escape from his nostrils in two streams, like the spout of a right 
 
42 Lewey and I. 
 
 whale, " the boy is an American. That he admits. He does not belong to 
 any ship. That also is admitted," turning to Captain Fitch. 
 
 The old gentleman bowed an acquiescence to the statement. 
 
 " Very well. He probably has a full discharge in regular form," the 
 alcalda continued. 
 
 " I demand to see it," Don Sanchos cried in an impatient tone, for mat- 
 ters did not move along as fast as he thought they should. 
 
 " Wait until the proper time arrives," the official said quite calmly. 
 
 " I have the discharge of both boys locked up in my safe, with their 
 scanty hoard of dollars," the captain interrupted. 
 
 " We will come to that presently," the alcalda remarked. " As far as I 
 am concerned your word is sufficient." 
 
 " But not for me," Sanchos growled, like a beast, hungry for its prey. 
 
 " Oh, may the saints have me in their keeping, but at what time are we 
 going to have supper?" yawned an elderly lady, who cared nothing for 
 law, or any pleasures, except those of the table. She had come for a feast, 
 and feared that it would be cold before the tables were spread, and the 
 company called in. 
 
 " Peace, amigo," the alcalda remarked to the Mexican half-caste, and 
 paying no attention to the female's moans. " There is but one thing to be 
 decided upon at the present time, and that we can arrive at very quickly." 
 
 The old fellow beamed on us boys, and then said, as he folded up the 
 official document, 
 
 " Now let the lads produce their protections, and all will be well. They 
 can rely on them to show that the American government has spread its 
 arms over the sailors, and is able to take care of all who can boast of 
 United States birth. The protections will prove that, even if the boys are 
 enemies of the great and glorious Republic of Mexico, they can be held as 
 prisoners o r war only, and are thus entitled to that kind and humane treat- 
 ment which our country always bestows upon those who fall into its 
 power." 
 
 Lewey looked at me in consternation. Our protections were on board 
 the Admittance. Mine in my own name, and Lewey's under some alias, 
 picked up by an unscrupulous shipping-master, and sent to the Boston 
 custom house a few days before we sailed, to prove that two-thirds of the 
 crew were natives of America, as the laws of Congress required, but which 
 every ship-captain and owner violated week after week, because not 
 enough United-States residents could be induced to turn their attention to 
 the sea, starve, and be ill-treated on ship-board. Alas, the Admittance was 
 
Lewey and I. A? 
 
 more than a thousand miles from San Diego, on her passage home. Cap- 
 tain Peterson had gone away and left us without giving our protections a 
 single thought. We had not seen the documents from the time we gave 
 them in charge of the captain, some three years before, in Boston. 
 
 " Now, lads," cried Captain Fitch, " just tell me where the protections 
 are, and when they can be seen, and then we will have a bit of supper, and 
 turn these vagabonds out of the house." 
 
 We made no reply, and could not. We saw tht we were in a disagreea- 
 ble predicament, and did not feel like crushing the captain by our confes- 
 sion that we had no protections to show the alcalda. 
 
 " Why do the boys hesitate ? " sneered Sanchos, and held the vivid scar 
 up to view, striking it gently with his left hand. 
 
 The scoundrel, quick-witted and unscrupulous, suspected the true state 
 of the case, and there was a fierce light in his black, evil eyes, as he 
 continued, 
 
 " The French lad will go unharmed, even if he has no protection. I owe 
 him no ill-will, if he did insult me one day at Yerba Buena. He is a native 
 of a friendly country, at the present time, so let him pass. It is the Yan- 
 kee gringo whom I want to settle with. He once struck me with a boat- 
 hook, and here is the wound," holding up the black and dirty hand on 
 which the scar was deeply imprinted. 
 
 "You needed the blow," I said, as I saw the audience disposed to sym- 
 pathize with the fellow. "You insulted a relative of General M. G. Vallejo. 
 She complained to me, and I punished you as you deserved. I would have 
 done the same thing had one of these young ladies or their mothers been 
 forced to blush at the rudeness of an impolite man like you." 
 
 There was a ripple of applause, and the ladies seemed to change sides 
 once more, to range themselves among my friends. Sanchos saw this, and 
 quickly endeavored to counteract it. 
 
 " We have talked enough for one evening," he said. " The point is not 
 what I or the muchachos did, for those are old accounts. The question 
 now is, has the boy a protection, or is he a matriculador? The records 
 have been searched, and he has not applied for registry. Now let him fur- 
 nish the alcalda with his protection." 
 
 " That is just," some of the men said, looking at each other. 
 
 " The saints defend us, but will the men never cease talking so that we 
 can have some supper," cried two or three of the old women. 
 
 " Yes, tell us of your protection," the alcalda cried, turning to me. 
 
 " Lie a little about it," whispered Lewey. " Anyding for a delay of a few 
 
44 Lewey and I. 
 
 hours, so ve can hire some von to knock de greaser in de head, and put him 
 out of de vay. Lie, if you never did afore such a ding do." 
 
 But I disliked to take the advice, for I thought the question might as 
 well be met one time as another. I did not believe that the Mexicans 
 would dare to injure a good boy, one who had never made himself conspicu- 
 ous except in ducking the old ladies and men in the surf at the other ports. 
 But the people of San Diego could never have heard of such misfortunes, 
 and would not have paid much attention to them if they had, supposing 
 they were accidents of the ordinary nature. 
 
 " No, Lewey," I said, turning to the boy, and speaking in English, " I 
 will not lie to shield myself from harm." 
 
 " More de fool yous be," he stuttered in his eagerness. ** I lie for any 
 one, and to save mine friend, much more den vot is good for me. Do not 
 much de truth speak now." 
 
 " Senor Alcalda," I said, " I throw myself upon your generosity. I had 
 a protection, but it is now on board the ship Admittance. I forgot that I 
 should need any on shore. I am an American, but not a dangerous 
 one." 
 
 " No, I '11 swear to that," Captain Fitch remarked. " You are one of the 
 nicest boys I ever saw," which was complimentary, if not exactly true. 
 
 " Then you admit, Mr. Alcalda, that I have the power to arrest the gringo 
 as a sospechoso ? " asked Sanchos. 
 
 "I do not deny that you are authorized to imprison him if you see prop- 
 er. I shall not assist in the act, nor prevent you. But I should advise 
 you to let him alone, and become a matriculaclor in proper form." 
 
 " Never," was the surly answer. " He is my prey, and the pain and hu- 
 miliation of this wound shall be repaid by his punishment." 
 
 " I will go security for the lad's appearance at any place, at any time, and 
 before any court," said Captain Fitch. " Name the sum desired, and I '11 
 be responsible for it to the last peso." 
 
 " It is in vain you plead," was the defiant answer. " There are no longer 
 any courts in California," shouted Sanchos, with a devilish leer of triumph 
 on his black, hairy face. 
 
 " What do you mean ? " asked half a dozen of the most prominent men, 
 among them the alcalda. 
 
 " This is what I mean," cried the vindictive scamp, as he pulled a second 
 paper from his bosom. " All the civil and criminal courts of California are 
 closed by the order of General Castro and Pio Pico. Martial law has been 
 proclaimed from the north to the south. Here is the pronunciamento 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 signed by the gentlemen named. War is now raging, and the soldier steps 
 to the front." 
 
 The alcalda read the paper in his usual calm manner, while the Mexicans 
 in the room looked at each other in mute surprise. They saw forced loans, 
 seizure of cattle and horses, and no law but a tyrant's will, or the caprice of 
 some pompous officer placed over them. 
 
 *' Dios gracios, will the feast never be served ? " muttered the hungry old 
 ladies. " It is talk, talk, talk, and the food is spoiling, we know." 
 
 " I must bow to the will of the general and his advisers," the alcalda 
 said, rather reluctantly, as I imagined, after a moment's thought. " The 
 lad is in the custody of the agent of the government, and he can do with 
 him as he pleases, but I shall immediately write to General Castro, stating 
 all the facts of the case, and offering to be personally responsible for the 
 boy as long as he remains under my jurisdiction. I will send the letter by 
 a special courier, with orders to ride day and night until .the general is 
 found. He is probably in Monterey, so I can hope to get an answer in ten 
 or fifteen days at most. And in the mean time the" lad shall have good 
 treatment, but he must remain in the custody of Don Sanchos, and I hope 
 that he will be considerate and careful of his welfare." 
 
 " Oh, I will be very tender with the boy," sneered the Mexican scoundrel. 
 " But, to prevent all mistakes, shall lodge him in the calabozo until I re- 
 ceive further instructions." 
 
 " You will not dare to commit him to prison ! " cried Captain Fitch, 
 speaking English in his excitement. 
 
 " Send one of my shipmates to the calabozo ! " roared Scotch Jack. 
 " Blank me if I stands that, you know. Here 's one who will make a fight 
 over it, no matter what you white-livered Mexicans may do about the 
 matter." 
 
 He raised his ponderous right fist, and let it fall upon the face of the 
 nearest follower of Don Sanchos, and the fellow dropped to the floor, with 
 blood gushing from his nose. 
 
 Half a dozen knives were drawn, and flashed in the lamp-light, and Jack's 
 days would have been numbered had not the mayordomo of Captain Fitch's 
 establishment struck up the arms of the nearest ladrones, gave Jack a vio- 
 lent push, that sent him reeling from the room, and then hastily closed the 
 door, and prevented the angry men from wreaking their vengeance on the 
 sailor. We heard a loud altercation in the entry, and theri all was hushed. 
 Scotch Jack had been hustled out of the way, and perhaps pacified with a 
 glass of grog, or the promise of one. 
 
46 Lewey and L 
 
 In the mean time Lewey and I had remained passive spectators of the 
 scene, for we knew that we could not hope for success in a contest with 
 men who would have liked the job of cutting us to pieces at the bidding of 
 their leader. Had we been armed with rifles and pistols we could have 
 driven the crowd of robbers out of the house in confusion, for they were 
 not the men to stand before cold lead and good marksmen. But we had 
 only our pocket-knives, and they were useless in the presence of half- 
 breeds, who knew how to handle long and keen cuchillos from their child- 
 hood. 
 
 Under these circumstances we concluded that it was best to submit to 
 the inevitable, although it cost Lewey a groan as he ranged alongside of 
 me, and whispered, 
 
 " Ve can't fight much now, and you go must, but don't fear. I stick you 
 by, and nebber leave mine dear ami," and Mr. Fitch also took occasion to 
 say, in a low tone, 
 
 " Make no resistance, Thorn. The scamps have got us in their power 
 and can do as they please, but no one shall harm you at present. I am well 
 acquainted with General Castro, and will write to him all the facts of the 
 case, and secure your liberation. He will soon want some money, and not 
 a dollar shall he get from me unless he complies with my request." 
 
 "Senor Alcalda," asked Sanchos, during a moment's pause, "is the boy 
 my prisoner?" 
 
 " Yes, if you choose to take him," was the answer. " But I had much 
 rather you let him go. I assure that you that he is harmless. He is 
 known to all of us." 
 
 " Of that I am the best judge," was the sullen reply, and then the fellow 
 rubbed the scar on his hand, and motioned for his followers to approach. 
 " Seize that boy, and tie his hands so that he can't use them.," was the or- 
 der given. 
 
 The ruffians were only too glad to obey. They approached, with several 
 narrow strips of rawhide in their hands, but, just as they were about to 
 bind me, Jack, the dog, thought that things had gone far enough, and that 
 he would interfere. As one of the men attempted to secure my arms, the 
 animal made a powerful leap, and, with an angry growl, fastened his sharp 
 teeth in the neck of the ruffian, and held on as though my life depended on 
 the power of his jaws. 
 
 " Maldito perro de presa ! " was the exclamation, and the vaquero reached 
 for his long knife, but, before he could lay his hands on it, Lewey sprang 
 forward, grasped Jack by the neck, and choked him until he released his 
 
Lewey and I. 49 
 
 hold, and then the French lad held the struggling animal in his arms so 
 that none of the injured man's friends could get at him with a knife, and 
 end his earthly career. 
 
 " On with the lashings," shouted Sanchos. " It is one more charge 
 against the sospechoso. You shall be revenged for this, as well as I for 
 my injuries." 
 
 " Pobrecita muchacho," murmured the young ladies present, and I have 
 no doubt but that they did pity me, for their faces showed it, and more 
 than one shed tears at the cruel treatment I was receiving. 
 
 Two men grasped my arms, and held them behind my back, while a third 
 under Sanchos' inspection, tied my hands in such shape that .1 could not 
 move them. The lashings cut into the flesh, and were very painful, but I 
 did not permit my enemies to see that I was suffering, for I would not let 
 them enjoy such a triumph as they counted upon. 
 
 Lewey said it was a shame, and that he would like to punch the heads of 
 the men wno surrounded me, but, as Captain Fitch warned him to keep 
 quiet, he was forced to be content, and grumble in French his deep dis- 
 pleasure. 
 
 " Leave everything to me," the captain said. " I know these scoundrels 
 better than you do, and can manage them after a fashion. I will see you 
 in the morning, at the calabozo, and you shall find a good breakfast at your 
 disposal." 
 
 " Where to ? " asked one of the vaqueros, turning to Sanchos for 
 instructions. 
 
 " The calabozo," was the reply. " Lead the prisoner along, and see that 
 he does not escape." 
 
 " Me go too," Lewey said, " I no lose sight of mine friend." 
 
 " We will go together," Captain Fitch remarked. " I shall not leave the 
 lad until he is under lock and key." 
 
 He turned to his guests, and said simply, 
 
 " I shall be absent but a short time." 
 
 Here the old ladies uttered a dismal groan, and looked the consternation 
 they felt as they thought of the feast. 
 
 " But," continued the captain, " I shall order the supper to be placed 
 upon the tables immediately, and request my friend, the alcalda, to preside, 
 and act as host, in my absence." 
 
 "Bueno,"was the general exclamation, and the old ladies looked as 
 though they wanted to s:ive three cheers, while the men muttered a compli- 
 ment at the captain's consideration for their hunger. 
 
5 Lewey and I. 
 
 Two of the dirty greasers took my arms so that I could not bolt and 
 make a run for it, and, with the triumphant Sanchos leading the way, and a 
 flank guard of four or five men, Captain Fitch and Lewey following in my 
 wake, we left the house where we had expected so much pleasure, and 
 passed into the street. A dozen or twenty Indians and low, half-breed 
 Mexicans were hovering near the door, waiting for the feast to be over so 
 that the remnants would be turned over to them. They only stared at us, 
 and asked the captain how much longer they would have to hunger for the 
 cold viands, the scent of which they were patiently sniffing, at the open 
 windows and doors ? 
 
 The captain encouraged them to be quiet for a little while longer, and 
 assured all that there would be no lack of food, and so passed on. He was 
 very pleasant to the crowd, and it was policy on his part to be civil, for he 
 wanted friends just then, and as few enemies as possible. 
 
 The streets were dark, but the houses were lighted, and in some of them 
 fandangos were going on. We could hear the twanging of guitars, the 
 notes of an occasional harp, and once in a while the shrill yell of some fe- 
 male as she tried to amuse her auditory by a song of sentiment and 
 love. 
 
 I knew where the calabozo was situated for I had seen it many times 
 when in town, the temporary residence of some unfortunate sailor, who had 
 attempted to clean out the village, when under the powerful influence of 
 aguardiente, and, as a result of his spree, found himself in prison, and com- 
 pelled to pay a fine of five or ten dollars, just according to the amount of 
 damage he had committed. 
 
 Sanchos strode along, his bright-colored serape thrown over his shoul- 
 ders, and whispering to a minion who appeared to be in his confidence. 
 This fellow, as I afterward learned, was Sanchos' brother Carlos, the next 
 wickedest ladrone in California. They were concocting some scheme be- 
 tween them, but what it was I could not even guess. But I suspected that 
 it boded me no good, if the villains had their own way. 
 
 When we arrived at the prison the keeper was absent, and the only 
 signs of life about the premises were the howls and yells of two or three 
 drunken Indians, who had been arrested for disturbing the peace, and the 
 next day would be flogged, fined, or set to work on the road, just according 
 to their pecuniary standing, or that of their friends. 
 
 Some of the men were despatched in various directions to find the keep- 
 er, who, m company with his daughter, was attending a fandango, or other 
 entertainment, and it was half an hour before the old fellow and girl could 
 
Lewey and I. 51 
 
 be hunted up. When he did come he growled at being disturbed, but 
 changed his complaints to compliments after he saw Captain Fitch, for the 
 American was the richest person in San Diego, and was quite free with his 
 money, when he had a point to carry. 
 
 " To the devil with you," the old Mexican said to those who had dis- 
 covered his whereabouts. " Why did you not state that the Senor Fitch 
 was inquiring for me ? I cry your mercy, good sir, for keeping you waiting. 
 Take the "key, girl, and open the door. Whom do you wish to lock up ? 
 and what is his crime ? Not murder, I hope." 
 
 " Worse than that," reported Sanchos. " It is for being an enemy of our 
 glorious republic. He is a traitor to Mexico, and his doom certain death, 
 if the charge is proved before a drum-head court-martial." 
 
 " So may all the enemies of Mexico perish," the old jailor said. 
 
 He had formerly served in the army, and entertained a great opinion of 
 the republic, and the responsiblity of his charge. 
 
 The young girl, his only child, opened the heavy door, and I was pushed 
 into the building, while the keeper struck a light with flint and steel. An 
 oil lamp was then found, the wick picked up until it smoked vilely, and by 
 its aid the keeper took a square look at me, and his astonishment was ex- 
 pressed on his face. 
 
 " What the devil do you bring this boy here for ? " he demanded, " I 
 have seen him a hundred times during the past few years. I have visited 
 his ship, and once he gave me some dinner, because I was not cabin com- 
 pany. He is no enemy to Mexico. If we are at war with the United States 
 our great republic does not measure weapons with a mere muchacho like 
 this. Take him away, and God go with you." 
 
 4f Peace, you old fool," Sanchos said, in a stern tone. " I am an agent of 
 General Castro, and my word here is law. The alcalda has examined my 
 papers, and pronounced them correct. There is no power in San Diego 
 but such as I choose to exercise. Lock the boy up, and your life shall an- 
 swer if he escape." 
 
 "Is this true, Senor Fitch?" the jailor asked, turning to the American, 
 or, rather, the man who was formerly an American, for he had become a 
 naturalized citizen of California, for the benefit of business interests, which 
 were of some magnitude. 
 
 " I regret to state that it is true," was the quiet response. 
 
 "Then the more shame for Castro and California/' exclaimed the jailor's 
 daughter, rather a pretty girl, to whom Lewey had been paying a little at- 
 tention, regardless of my situation. I thought that I detected him squeez- 
 
52 Lewey and I. 
 
 ing her hand, when no one was looking, thus taking a mean advantage of 
 me, knowing, as he did, that I could not rebuke him before the crowd. 
 
 " Hold your tongue, girl," growled Sanchos. " General Castro is a sol- 
 dier, a patriot, and knows what he is doing, and what is for the best inter- 
 ests of California. We want no spies 'or traitors here. Long live the re- 
 public, and no mercy to los gringos," the fellow shouted, and his followers 
 took up the cry, and the drunken Indians in the prison, thinking that death 
 was staring them in the face, uttered howls of fear, and begged for 
 pardon. 
 
 " If the military authorities order me to keep a poor boy confined, I sup- 
 pose that I must obey, but it is a maldito shame," and the jailor cut the 
 lashings that bound my arms, and then led the way to a small room, with 
 grated window, and, for a wonder, tolerably clean. At least it was well 
 ventilated, and there was not such a bad smell as many Mexican prisons 
 can boast of. 
 
 " Not in there," cried Sanchos, seeing that I was to have an apartment to 
 myself. " Let the sospechoso share the calabozo with the rest of the in- 
 mates. He must receive no favor at your hands." 
 
 " But the prisoners are only Indians, and they are drunk," pleaded the 
 jailor. 
 
 " So much the better. Put the spy with them, and keep him there until 
 I call for him. On your head be his care," and once more he gently rubbed 
 his scar, and motioned for me to enter an apartment that was hot and dirty, 
 and reeking with a stench that almost made me sick. The drunken Indi- 
 ans were wandering around the room, and howling at intervals, for the pur- 
 pose of expressing their sense of grief at the punishment they were likely 
 to have doled out to them on the morrow, when arraigned before the alcalda 
 for justice. All of them were naked, except breech-cloths, and, with their 
 long, coarse hair hanging over their shoulders, and wild, black eyes, they 
 did not look fit company for even the most desperate of white criminals, much 
 less a boy who had been reared with some regard for Christian principles, 
 and felt degraded to have to associate with such scum as was now before 
 him. 
 
 " O senor," cried the young girl, who began to take more of an interest 
 in me, all owing to Lewey's interference, and soft pressure of the hand, 
 " you will not insist that the muchacho shall occupy the same room as 
 these wild beasts ? " and she looked at Sanchos beseechingly, but the 
 Mexican was blind to her blandishments, and deaf to her entreaties. He 
 had resolved that I should suffer all the humiliations it was in his power to 
 
Lewey and 1. 53 
 
 inflict, to pay for the jab of the boat-hook, and nothing seemed to move his 
 pity. 
 
 " I have not offered you money," Captain Fitch now said, addressing 
 Sanchos, "for the reason that I know a high-toned and honest Mexican 
 can neither be bribed nor bought." 
 
 A groan of contempt and doubt from Lewey, a sniff from the young girl, 
 and a toss of her head, as though she knew that Captain Fitch was stating 
 what he did not believe, just for the purpose of accomplishing his ends. 
 
 " But," continued the captain, still speaking to Sanchos, " I will do this 
 much on my own account. Let the boy occupy the vacant room, and I will 
 give you fifty dollars tomorrow morning." 
 
 " No, senor, he herds with the Indians," was the firm rejoinder; but this 
 was a little more than Don Carlos Sanchos and his fellows could endure. 
 They had come to San Diego to make money, under the leadership of 
 Don Antonio, and here was the first chance they had seen to obtain a peso 
 at the expense of the residents. They did not like it, and expressed them- 
 selves in decided terms on the subject. They wanted vengeance, but dol- 
 lars more, and plenty of them, and, now that the silver stream was ready to 
 play, and lead to their pockets, the chief of the villains seemed determined 
 to turn it aside. They growled, and Sanchos saw that he had made a mis- 
 take. His power lay in the hold which he had on the men. He wanted 
 money, yet desired revenge much more, but thought, after a moment's 
 hesitation, that he could obtain both. So he spoke in a conciliatory tone 
 as he said, 
 
 " I have no desire to offend so good a friend to California as Senor Fitch. 
 Let him give us the fifty dollars, and the boy can remain a prisoner in the 
 single room. Is it a bargain? Have I spoken well?" turning to his 
 followers. 
 
 " It is bueno," was the unanimous growl, and Lewey once more squeezed 
 the girl's hand, and she looked pleased at his attentions, and even smiled on 
 him. He had a handsome face, and that went a great way in winning her 
 favor. She was not the only girl who had been captivated by his good 
 looks, and pursuasive tongue, for, French man -like, he could make love even 
 when he did not feel it. 
 
 " The money shall be paid tomorrow," Captain Fitch said, in reply to 
 Sanchos' question. " Come to my house and obtain the pesos after break- 
 fast." 
 
 I could only thank the captain for his consideration and kindness, and 
 then, as the Indians continued to howl forth their complaints and fears, 
 
54 Lewey and I. 
 
 the jailor gave the lamp in keeping of his daughter, took the end of a stout 
 lariat, which must have been used for such cruel purposes, rushed into the 
 cell, and began to thrash the inmates over every part of their bodies that 
 was most convenient, heads or haunches, it did not matter much to the 
 Mexican. He wanted a quiet life, and was determined to have it, unless 
 his strength gave out. 
 
 The Indians dodged from side to side, but all of them received a liberal 
 allowance of blows, and, when silence was at length commanded, bleeding 
 and bruised, the miserable brutes retreated to a corner, glowered at the 
 jailor, and were told to keep quiet for the rest of the night, or there would 
 be another raid in their midst, and more stripes. 
 
 The Mexicans looked on, and laughed at the exhibition. They rather 
 enjoyed it, for they had no pity for Indians, or any one else, and, when 
 peace was restored, and Lewey had squeezed the girl for the last time, prom- 
 ising that he would come and see me in the morning, a coarse blanket 
 was thrown into my cell by the jailor, a pillow of straw by the young girl, 
 the door was locked on me, and I was left to my own reflections, with a 
 pipe, tobacco, and a few matches. I filled the pipe, lighted it, curled down 
 on the blanket, and in the darkness thought of my desperate situation, and 
 wondered how I was to escape from it. Again did I reproach myself for 
 leaving the ship, and casting my lot amid strangers, but all through the 
 night, when I was awake, I did not utter a murmur against Lewey who had 
 induced me to do so, and fell asleep at last in defiance of the fleas. 
 
 When I awoke it was sunrise, the Indians were quiet, and I could hear 
 the sweet voice of the jailor's daughter, as she moved about the premises, 
 singing a love song, and probably thinking of Lewey, his hand-squeezing 
 and tender glances. 
 
 No one came to me until nearly seven o'clock, and then the girl unlocked 
 the door, and looked into my prison. 
 
 " Caro chico," I said, " have my friends been here to see me this 
 morning ? " 
 
 " Not yet, muchacho," she answered. "There is time enough for 'them, 
 What can I do for you this fine day ? " 
 
 " Could you give me enough water to wash in, and some to drink ? " I 
 asked. 
 
 " Yes ; but if I should bring it into your cell, will you swear by the holy 
 saints not to kiss me ? " 
 
 As I had no thought of such an outrage the question set me to thinking, 
 and I resolved to be firm, and promise nothing that would in the least com- 
 
Lewey and I. 55 
 
 promise me. Besides, I remembered the previous evening's work, and 
 how Lewey had obtained an advantage over me, because I was a prisoner, 
 with secured hands, and he was free. 
 
 " Senorita," I said, " the saints put temptation in our way so that man- 
 kind can be tested, and made good for a great future. Alas, I am a Protes- 
 tant, and a heretic, but a just one, so must not disdain the nice and beauti- 
 ful things of this world. Do not make me pledge my word, as I fear that I 
 shall break it if you come near me, sweetest "of. Mexican girls." 
 
 She tossed her head in a coquettish manner, and smilingly showed her 
 white, even teeth, but, as she did so managed to ask, 
 
 " At least you will promise me one thing if I enter your cell with the 
 water ? " 
 
 " Name it, senorita," I cried. 
 
 "You will take no more than a single kiss. Say that you will not, and I 
 shall enter without fear. Ah, if you were as nice as your friend I should 
 have no doubt. He is so honest and good." 
 
 I could only groan, and then answered, 
 
 " I will not lie, even to a beautiful lady like yourself. I fear that the 
 saints would never forgive me for such a crime. I will promise nothing." 
 
 " But surely two kisses will content you ? My padre has gone for the 
 breakfast, and will not be back for half an hour. If he should return, and 
 find me being kissed by a heretic, and a prisoner, he would be very angry. 
 Be a good boy, and content yourself with two, or at the most three. But if 
 you are quick, and do not dwell too long upon my lips, four. I am firm at the 
 last number. I feel sure that your companion, who was here last night, is 
 a much more modest boy than you, and not nearly as greedy. He would 
 be contented with one, and think himself fortunate. But you I do rot 
 know what to make of you," 
 
 " Bring the water, dulce," I cried, and, before she could turn to obey, I 
 had slipped my arm around her waist, and stobn half a dozen kisses. Then 
 she broke away from my embrace, and pretended the indignation she did 
 not feel. 
 
 " I am ashamed of you," she cried, while her dark eyes sparkled with the 
 fun she was having, and her bruno cheeks showed the warm blood as it 
 leaped through her veins, and dyed neck and shoulders with a deep crim- 
 son. Then she ran away, as if in anger. 
 
 But after a few moments' delay she returned with an earthen jug of water, 
 a calabash to wash in, a towel, such as it was, for it looked as if cut from a 
 second-hand grain bag, and a cracked cup to drink from. Then she left 
 
5 6 Lewey and I. 
 
 me alone for a while, to make my toilet, and, even before I had completed 
 it, the young lady came to my room to shake up the blankets, and to tell 
 me that coffee would be served in a little while, and, if I wanted anything 
 more substantial, I would have to wait until Captain Fitch sent food from 
 his house, for her breakfast would consist of tortillas and fruit, and she 
 supposed I was not accustomed to such slender repasts, 
 
 "If you will let me drink my coffee in company with yourself and father I 
 should not care for much else," I whispered, as she accidentally passed 
 near me. 
 
 " Look here," the girl cried, as she suffered my arm to remain around her 
 waist, and gazed steadily into my eyes, " I am afraid that you are a bold, 
 bad young man, and I do not feel safe with you in the calabozo all 
 alone." 
 
 " You forget the Indians," I remarked. " There are three of them in the 
 large room." 
 
 " They are asleep, and the door is locked," was the prompt reply. 
 
 " There is no fear. Your padre will soon arrive," I urged. 
 
 " Not for fifteen minutes as yet, and if I should scream who could hear 
 me ? The saints protect me, but it is a fearful thing to be in the house all 
 alone with a heretic, a man who does not believe in the church, the holy 
 Virgin, and a candid confession," 
 
 " You can lock me up in the cell. I swear to you that I will not resist if 
 you are disposed to do so. I am a good lad, and mean no harm to any 
 one," I asserted, in a positive manner, for I did not know but that she 
 might be a little timid, on account of the treatment she had received, and 
 yet I had kissed her but six times, in the most innocent manner possible. 
 
 " No," she said, in a determined tone, " I will not turn the key on you. 
 I think you bad, but I remember that a prisoner is always entitled to pity, 
 and so I can keep you at arm's length, and expend some of my sympathy on 
 your unhappy condition at the same time, for, do you know, I think Don 
 Sanchos means to have you shot, and, if you should be killed, I declare to 
 the saints that I would cry my eyes out. I heard the miserable tell his 
 companions that if you escaped the gallows a bullet would end your career. 
 He is a bad man, also, but ever so much worse than you. There is no tell- 
 ing how quick you will be led to death, and, as such may be the case today 
 or tomorrow, you can kiss me just once for friendship's sake." 
 
 She put up her pretty lips for the kiss, but failed to rebuke me when I 
 captured four or five. I could not stop to count them. 
 
 "Now I know that you are bad," the jailor's daughter remarked, but she 
 
Lewey and I. 57 
 
 did not make an effort to break away from my arms, although I could see 
 that she had one ear toward the door, as though on the watch for the foot- 
 steps of her father. " Oh, what a miserable life I should lead if you were 
 my husband," the girl remarked suddenly. 
 
 This was coming to close quarters, and getting a little more sympathetic 
 than I bargained for. I had not thought of the little girl as a wife. In fact 
 I had never spoken to her until the night previous. She -seemed disposed 
 to push matters to a crisis, and win me in an off-handed manner, if it was 
 possible. 
 
 " Why do you think I should not make a good husband ? " I asked, a lit- 
 tle nettled at the insinuation. 
 
 She blushed a rosy red, and held down her head, as she quietly 
 answered, 
 
 " Because you want to kiss me all the time, and, if we were married you 
 might pay too much attention to other girls instead of your wife, whom the 
 blessed saints gave you, sanctioned by the priest. Oh, I am afraid when I 
 think you would break my heart, for I know that you could not be true. 
 Men never are. They don't care to kiss their loving little mates, but wo- 
 men who are not their wives." 
 
 It seemed to me that the girl was doing the wooing, and that I should 
 find myself engaged before I knew it, unless I was very cautious. 
 
 "Americans," I said, as soon as I could think of something to say, 
 " make the best husbands in the world. They are constant, always true, 
 and loving. It is rarely they flirt." 
 
 " Then," the eager girl cried, as she put up her lips to be kissed, " I will 
 marry no one but an Amerigan, and you are one." 
 
 This was a little more than I had expected, and I did not know how I 
 was to extricate myself from the difficult position in which I found myself 
 placed, for, as a general thing, I would not advise prisoners in a foreign 
 country to make an enemy of the jailor's daughter, if it is possible to retain 
 her as a friend. There are many chances for her to make your lot an un- 
 comfortable one if so disposed. All this I knew, so did not feel like wound- 
 ing the girl's self-respect, or her maidenly pride, if I could avoid it. But 
 marriage was out of the question, for, if I was to wed any one, I must take 
 little Anita, of Ranch e Refugio, to whom I had pledged my heart and hand 
 months before. But the young lady who was now standing by my side did 
 not know it, and I was well satisfied to keep her in ignorance of the fact, or 
 until I left my prison a free man, or was removed to some other. While I 
 was framing some masculine story in my mind, so as to keep the girl good- 
 
58 Lewey and I. 
 
 tempered and friendly, I heard heavy footsteps on the street, near the 
 calabozo. 
 
 " Go in your cell," the young lady whispered. " It may be Don Sanchos, 
 and if he should see you free would not like it. He might think that I had 
 allowed you to make love to me, and that is always injurious to a poor girl's 
 reputation." 
 
 She pushed me into the cell, locked the door, and then unfastened the 
 outer one, and threw it open. I heard a person enter the prison, and soon 
 distinguished the sound of Don Sanchos' voice, asking in gruff tones about 
 the manner in which I had passed the night, and if I was safely confined in 
 the calabozo. 
 
 " How should I know ? " answered the girl. " I have much to do with- 
 out attending to the prisoners. The boy may escape for all that I care. I 
 am sure that he will give us enough trouble before he is discharged. 
 Here, take the key, and look in at him if you want to, but see that he does 
 not rush past you, and go clear." 
 
 " No fear of that," was the confident answer. " He is unarmed, and I 
 have my knife, and can cut him to pieces before he gains the door." 
 
 This was good news for me, for I had thought for a moment of making a 
 bold strike for liberty, but now I concluded that I had better remain where 
 I was, and take no risks. 
 
 The ruffian took the key from the girl's hand, unlocked the door, and. rs 
 I looked up from my reclining position, pretending to be just awakened, I 
 saw the evil face of Sanchos, and in his right hand he held a long knife, as 
 if prepared to use it in case I threatened violence. 
 
 I believe that the scamp would have rejoiced had I shown fight just at 
 that moment, for he could have killed me easily, but I remained motionless, 
 and did not speak, as he regarded me with savage joy in his dark eyes. 
 
 "You are still here," he said. 
 
 I did not speak. 
 
 " Caramba ! am I an oso, that I should not be spoken to ? " was the 
 fierce exclamation. " Dog of a Yankee, do you know who I am ? " 
 
 Still no answer from my lips, for I knew that if I spoke I should say 
 something to enrage him much more than if I kept silent. 
 
 The ruffian took one step into the cell, and Heaven knows what his in- 
 tentions were. He might have thought how pleasant it would be to drive 
 his long knife into my heart, and so end his plan for revenge at once and 
 forever, or he may have desired to test me, and see if I was game enough 
 to stand his wild threats. But, before Sanchos could further insult and 
 
Lewey and I. 59 
 
 threaten me, the old jailor returned, and, as he entered the room, his daugh- 
 ter sprang forward, laid her hand on Sanchos' shoulder, and pulled him 
 back. 
 
 " You have no right in this cell," she said. " All prisoners must be in- 
 terviewed in the presence of a witness, and in the main room. My father 
 will tell you that such is the law." 
 
 Sanchos allowed himself to be pushed from the cell, but I doubt if he 
 would have moved had not the old jailor put in an appearance, and sup- 
 ported his daughter's position. 
 
 The door of my prison was closed and locked, but, as the keyhole was as 
 large as a baby's fist, I could look through it, and see all that was going on 
 in the living-room of the jail. The Mexican held a whispered conversation 
 with the keeper, and pointed in my direction several times, as though to 
 charge upon the man the importance of being vigilant, and seeing that I did 
 not escape. Then he took his departure, and the girl and her father sat 
 down to a scanty breakfast of coffee, bread, and fruit. 
 
 " Hullo," I shouted through the keyhole. " Am I not to have anything 
 to eat this morning ? Am I to be left to starve while you feast on all the 
 luxuries of the town ? " 
 
 "Patience," said the old man. "Your breakfast is to come from the 
 kitchen of the Senor Fitch. The cooks of his house were up late last 
 night, and the lazy ladrones have not stirred themselves as yet. All in 
 good time, muchacho. My girl here will not let you suffer. She has a 
 warm heart for all good-looking prisoners, especially when they are white 
 gringos." 
 
 "Just as though I cared for the enemies of Mexico," cried the girl, with 
 a toss of her head. " I love my country, and not those who seek to destroy 
 it." 
 
 This I thought was rather refreshing, considering all that had passed be- 
 tween us since the girl was stirring, but, as I supposed she knew her own 
 business best, did not not think it prudent to cavil at her words, or to re- 
 mind her of having hinted she would like me for a husband. So I returned 
 to my blankets and pipe, and wondered at the duplicity of women, especial- 
 ly Mexican women, when holding confidential relations with a father, and a 
 lover hearing all that was said. 
 
 The old jailor finished his breakfast, lighted a cigarette, smoked it quite 
 calmly, and with a certain dignity, then unlocked the door of the cell where 
 the Indians were confined, stirred them out of their profound slumbers, 
 with the aid of a piece of reata, striking to the right and left, I judged by 
 
60 Lewey and I. 
 
 the sound of blows, and at last the whole gang of vagabonds were driven 
 into the street, and from thence to some court, where the alcalda, I presume, 
 passed sentence on the lot, for they did not return to the calabozo, so the 
 place was free from their yells and stench the rest of the day. 
 
 The young lady removed the few dishes, and was singing a little for her 
 own amusement, and provoking me to wish that I was with her, when I 
 heard a well-known bark, and into the room bounded Jack, and following 
 him was Lewey, but he did not have in his hands the breakfast that I stood 
 so much in need of. 
 
 " You here ? " asked the girl, as Lewey entered the room. " I was in 
 hopes that I should never again see you. Look at my hand. Gracias dios, 
 but last night I thought you would squeeze it all out of shape, and the po- 
 brecita muchacho, the sospechoso, looking at us all the time. You are a 
 maldito hombre, and I believe you to be bad, very bad." 
 
 Confound the girl. She had used the same words to me. Did she have 
 a regular formula for all the young men she flirted with ? 
 
 " Ah, caro mio," that bad friend of mine exclaimed, " how could I help 
 pressing the smallest and most delicate hand in all San Diego ? " 
 
 And then the impudent lad put an arm around her well-developed waist, 
 bent his head, and kissed her lips a dozen times or more, before he stopped 
 to take breath. 
 
 This was a little more than I could endure. It was bad enough to be a 
 prisoner, but to be confined in a cell, and peek through a large keyhole, and 
 see your best friend kissing a pretty girl, one whom you thought a little 
 spoony on yourself, was altogether too much. I kicked at the door, and 
 yelled like one of the drunken Indians the night before. 
 
 " Wretch," I shouted indignantly, " is that the way you show your friend- 
 ship ? For shame ! Or are you lost to all sense of honor ? " 
 
 Instead of replying, and desisting from his detestable exhibition, the 
 French lad simply winked one of his blue eyes in my direction, and then re- 
 newed the kissing, and, confound the girl, she seemed to like it, for I heard 
 her murmur in very low tones, 
 
 " I am afraid you are a bad man. I don't believe your friend would be 
 guilty of such improprieties." 
 
 Confound the little coquette. She was repeating the very words to 
 Lewey that she had used to me only an hour before. 
 
 " Ah, he is not a good man like me," the most perfidious of friends said. 
 " He is not the same devoted lover I would be. He kisses a girl, and soon 
 forgets her. I never forget the sweet face of a women I love," and then 
 
Lewey and I. 61 
 
 he kissed her some more, and the sight nearly drove me frantic. Once 
 more I kicked at the door, and yelled out a strong protest. 
 
 " Vile son of France," I cried, "let me out of this so that I can punch 
 your head. Is this the friendship that you profess for me ? " 
 
 I spoke in English, so the girl did not understand me, but, even if I had 
 addressed her in the native tongue, I don't believe that she would have paid 
 any attention to me, for the lady only clung the closer to Lewey, and man- 
 aged to lisp y 
 
 " I should be fearful if you were my husband. I don't believe that you 
 would be true and constant. You might flirt with other women, and break 
 my heart." 
 
 This was a little too much for human endurance. I wondered how many 
 more men she had spoken to in the same way, and with the like tokens of 
 affection. I gave the heavy oak door, studded with spike-heads, a desper- 
 ate kick, and said, in a tone of deep contempt, 
 
 " Oh, bah ! don't you believe a word she says, Lewey." 
 
 " I 'm attendin' to dis ding," was the consoling reply. " You attends to 
 your business, and I look arter mine. You keeps cool, and goes to sleep, 
 and not roar like von calf vot is hungry," and then the wretch took another 
 kiss, and squeezed the girl a little more energetically. 
 
 " I am one of those men," said the scamp, speaking to the girl in Span- 
 ish, " that loves once and forever. With such a little beauty as you for a 
 wife what more could a man desire ? I should not care to look on any wo- 
 man but you, to kiss no one but you, and thus we could go through life, 
 hand in hand, and never a word of dissention between us." 
 
 I could not repress a groan at hearing such heartless lying from a young 
 man who had French blood in his veins, and, consequently, thought it gal- 
 lant and becoming to make love to every pretty face that crossed his path. 
 He was so different from me that I wondered why he had not learned a 
 more correct course of conduct. 
 
 " O you wretch," I cried through the keyhole, "stop your yarns and love- 
 making. You make me sick with such stupid lies," while the young girl 
 seemed to place full confidence in all he said, and actually put up her lips for 
 an extra kiss, as a reward for the pretty words he had uttered. 
 
 "Yes," she said, " I could love you much better than your friend. He is 
 so cold and distant, and pays no attention to the young girls that he 
 meets." 
 
 This was good. The woman was as big a story-teller as the Frenchman. 
 I thought the pair well matched. 
 
62 Lewey and /. 
 
 " He is an Americano," Lewey said in a tender tone. " He belongs to a 
 country dat is cold as its religion. The Americanos are like ice, which 
 you never saw, and can form no idea of. Vhen dey talk of love a fire is 
 needed to heat their words or they would freeze. But a Frenchman is as 
 de sun at noonday, and as such he alvays remains." ' 
 
 " If you keep on that way much longer I shall need no breakfast," I 
 exclaimed. " As it is, I 'm sick at my stomach hearing such trash as you 
 utter. Let up on the love-making business, and get me out so that I can 
 have a share." 
 
 " Mine friend," asked Lewey, " do you dink I 'm doing all dis to please 
 mineself?" 
 
 " Well, it looks confoundedly like it as far as I can judge," I answered. 
 " At least you might have the decency to get out of the range of the key- 
 hole, so that I cannot see all that is going on before me. Now I under- 
 stand the value of your friendship. It is to kiss pretty girls, and keep me 
 locked up, so that I can't have a show. For shame on you. I would not 
 treat you in such a scurvy manner." 
 
 " If you dinks I puts mineself to all dis trouble for de sake of de fille you 
 is mistaken much," Lewey said. " It is for your good dat I does all dese 
 mean dings," and then he kissed the girl again, because she expected it, 
 and the fellow did not seem to shrink from the task, as though it was a 
 disagreeable one. 
 
 " How is kissing the girl going to help me ? " I asked. 
 
 "You vill vait and see. All in good time. I does much for mine ami, 
 and I gets no danks for it, so it appears." 
 
 Just at this moment two peons appeared with a basket that contained a 
 pot of hot coffee, some bread, and cold meats, all sent from the kitchen of 
 Captain Fitch. The lovers separated, and the girl took the key of my 
 door, and unlocked it, and then Lewey threw his arms around my neck, and 
 embraced me. 
 
 " I vork as hard as ebber I can for you," he said. " Ah, vot vould not I 
 do for you ? " 
 
 I did not feel good-natured, so failed to respond to his greeting as readily 
 as I might have done. I had seen too much. Besides, the girl was dis- 
 tant and cold, and seemed like a different person from the one I had joked 
 with in the morning. She treated me more like a prisoner, as though re- 
 joiced to show her power. 
 
 " Now eat your breakfast," my friend said, "and den ve vill smoke our 
 pipes, and talk of de dings dat vill interest us. You is in a bad vay, but ve 
 
Lewey and I. 63 
 
 hopes for de best. De dog of a Sanchos is a vile man, and vants your life, 
 but de Cap'en Fitch send a courier off dis bery mornin', and he vite to Gen- 
 eral Castro, and de alcalda do de same. But drink your coffee, and not 
 talk all de time." 
 
 I had not spoken a word, except to the dog Jack. The animal was so de- 
 lighted to see me that I had bestowed more attention on him than Lewey. 
 However, as I was hungry, and the breakfast was a good one, I soon fin- 
 ished it, then lighted my pipe, and prepared for a long talk. 
 
 " The Americano must go into his cell again," the girl said, as soon as 
 the peons had departed with the basket and dishes. " It is" against the 
 rules of the prison for any one to be here, except the keepers and 
 visitors." 
 
 Lewey winked, and whispered, 
 
 " Leave her to me. I understand vomen, and you don't. You believes 
 all dat dey tells you. But me, bah ! I discounts ninety per cent, and den 
 makes a little profit." 
 
 He turned to the girl, and put on a sweet smile, as he said, 
 
 " If my friend must go into de cell, I shall follow, for I have much to tell 
 him. Think, caro mio, of locking us both up, vhen ve can be more com- 
 fortable here, and we swear dat no effort shall be made to escape." 
 
 The young jailor saw that there was no chance for a further tete-a-tete 
 with Lewey, and, as she could exchange a few words with him while in the 
 reception-room, but none if locked up, readily consented to break the rules, 
 only stipulating that if any one should come to the door I could run to my 
 cell, have the key turned, and was not to come out until all danger was 
 passed. This suited us, and we readily agreed to it, for we did not know 
 when Sanchos would again drop in to see how I was enjoying my imprison- 
 ment. 
 
 " Now," said Lewey, after our pipes were lighted, " you vill understand 
 vy I makes love to de girl." 
 
 " I understand nothing of the kind," I answered, a little testily. 
 
 " Veil, you vill, if you listens to me in patience, and not scowl like a pi- 
 rate. In de fust place, you is here." 
 
 " Confound you, I know that well enough without being told of it." 
 
 " Dat is right. Dar are some peoples dat has to be told many times, and 
 den dey no understand much. Now out of dis you is to go, and dis bery 
 night." 
 
 " I can understand all that. But how is it to be accomplished ? " I 
 asked eagerly. 
 
64 Lewey and L 
 
 " Ah, here comes in de finesse of de vise man. You may have noticed 
 dat I make a little love to de fille ? " 
 
 An indignant puff of smoke from my pipe was the only answer. 
 
 " Veil, it vas all for you dat I does it. She now dinks dat I vants to mar- 
 ry her. I let her dink so ebber so much, but I is no fou. I is a French- 
 man, and knows bery veil vot* 1 talks about. Tonight dar is one big fandan- 
 go in de town, and de jailor go see it, and dance. All de old men do dat, 
 and de older dey am de more dey like it, if dey has a bonne fille to squeeze 
 for de partner. He no hab vife, and he sure to go. I tell de daughter to 
 stay at home, and I come see her, and court her much. Den I promise her 
 eberyding if she let mine friend out, and she vill. I knows de vomen, and 
 just vot dey vill do. If she no consent, I take de key, and unlock de door, 
 and avay ve goes." 
 
 " But how shall we get away from the town ? " I asked. 
 
 " Nebber you minds. I take cares of all dat. Vonce out of dis place, 
 and Sanchos and his gang no lookin' on, I find de vay for escape. You 
 leaves all to me, and no hint to de s^irl dat I am not a good boy, and means 
 all dat I says. Ah, mon ami, I does much for your sake, and many disa- 
 greeable dings. 
 
 " Does Captain Fitch know of your designs ? " I asked. 
 
 " Yes. He talk vid me all dis mornin' on de subject, and he laugh and 
 approve. Nice man dat, and see great vay ahead." 
 
 " But where are we to go if I make my escape ? " I questioned. 
 
 " To de hide-house." 
 
 " Why, that is the very place they would seek for us," I remonstrated. 
 
 " Yes, I know, and Captain Fitch know," was the confident answer. 
 "But in dat hide-house Sanchos and his men no dare to come if ve say 
 stand off." 
 
 " And Scotch Jack, what will he have to offer on the subject ? " I asked, 
 for it was important that the'master of the hide-house should be with us, and 
 help protect us. 
 
 " He all right. Dis mornin' he vake up all sober, and den ve gives him 
 one big drink of aguardiente, and tell him to go to de beach, and get all 
 ready for us tonight, and he swear dat he vill blow de head off de greaser 
 dat comes near him. De government is bound by de treaty, you know, to 
 protect de property of all foreigners in case of var, and dar is vhere ve vill 
 hab 'em." 
 
 " Is that true ? or is it a bit of imagination on your part, Lewey ? " 
 
 " Captain Fitch say dat, and not me. He know eberyding, so I s'pose it 
 
Lewey and /. 65 
 
 is true. But dar is one ding more, De alcalda say ve must be matricula- 
 dored if ve stay here in de country, and dat he has sent vord to General 
 Castro dat ve has announced our determination to become citizens of de 
 State. Dat is bad, but one oath dat you no intend to keep much no hurt 
 any one, much less you and me. Ve forget him in a little vhile, if ve vants 
 to." 
 
 'What does Captain Fitch advise on the subject ? " I asked. 
 
 " He vink one eye, and say it is good for us ; much better dan bein' shot 
 as a spy by de rascal Sanchos, and his men. De alcalda come here dis 
 arternoon, and make you take de oath, and sign de paper. Only dink, in a 
 little vile ve can be full-grown greasers. Yes, ve must take de swear, and 
 do de best ve can." 
 
 " The oath you mean, Lewey." 
 
 " Veil, it is de same ding, I s'pose. I swear all de day if dey vant me. 
 Alvays do, mine friend, as de party vot is strongest vants you to, and den 
 you vill hab no trouble." 
 
 I thought the matter over for a while, and at last concluded to be regis- 
 tered, as the preliminary for full citizenship, which could be accomplished 
 in the course of time if we were persistent in our demands for the precious 
 boon. 
 
 At the same time there was one advantage in being matriculadored. We 
 could exhibit our certificates in any part of California, and take up a section 
 of land, five miles square, if we desired as much, and settle on it, and, after 
 the lapse of time, receive a clear title from the Mexican government. The 
 only stipulations made were the usual ones, actual settlement on the 
 property, and the raising of grain and cattle. California, at the time, was 
 the most liberal country in its grants to foreigners that the sun ever shone 
 on, and the acres given away were the best in the world, near lar<;e rivers, 
 like the Sacramento or the American, with tablelands that extended for 
 miles in all directions, and with not a stone on thousands of rods that was 
 as large as a filbert. The soil was a dark loam, that extended downward 
 for many feet, and the only disagreeable feature was the occasional over- 
 flow in the rainy season. But there were higher lands, just as good, and 
 not subject to inundations, and those were usually selected, but the United 
 States government made short labor with some of the claims, when the 
 American Commission got to work on titles, and the just had to surfer with 
 the unjust. Old families were ruined, for they had not always taken out 
 deeds in a proper form, hardly thinking it worth their trouble, as land was 
 of no value before annexation to the United States. Then the speculators 
 
66 Lewey and L 
 
 hungered fcv farms which did not belong to them, and they scooped in all 
 that they could lay their hands on, and proved by forgery and perjury that 
 they possessed old Mexican grants, and sometimes the commissions passed 
 them. 
 
 All of these things, or, rather, the advantages, passed through my mind, 
 and I said that I would matriculador, or sign what the alcalda required. I 
 had hardly given my consent, when we heard some one at the door, and I 
 darted into my cell, and the girl locked me up, and then gave Lewey a kiss 
 before she admitted the new-comer, who was no less a person than the al- 
 calda, accompanied by Don Sanchos, the latter to see that I took the oath 
 of allegiance in proper form, and signed my name to the same. 
 
 Lewey exchanged a few words with the new-comers, and then the official 
 ordered the young girl to unlock my cell, and conduct me to his presence. 
 Sanchos scowled at me as I entered the room, and looked the disappoint- 
 ment that he appeared to feel, for he had not supposed I would take the 
 steps I did to secure myself from his persecution. To be sure, he could 
 keep me imprisoned until General Castro was heard from, but he had no 
 power to have me shot or hanged, without a formal trial, and that he was 
 not disposed to do, as he knew nothing could be proved against me, and his 
 charge of my being a spy must fall to the ground. 
 
 " Well, muchacho," the alcalda said, " I understand that you desire to 
 matriculador. The Senor Fitch thinks you had better do so, and I can see 
 no objections." 
 
 " Let him understand one thing," interrupted Sanchos, with an evil 
 glance. " If he registers he will be liable to military duty, and have to 
 serve with the Mexican army if called upon, or be treated as a traitor to the 
 State." 
 
 " Will I have to act against the forces of my own country ? " I asked, a 
 little staggered by the information. 
 
 "Yes, just as freely as a Mexican-born citizen," was the alcalda's 
 answer. 
 
 "Vot care you?" whispered Lewey, in English "You no shoot veil 
 enough to harm any one. Me ! Oh, I swear to anyding ven it suits me to 
 do. Let us get out of dis, and trust to de good luck for de next time. You 
 hear me make de love to de girl, and dell her strange dings ? Veil, dat is 
 vorse much dan takin' one stupid oath, vot no one cares for." 
 
 "What are you saying?" asked Sanchos, speaking to the free-thinking 
 French boy, suspicious of words which he could not understand. 
 
 " I tell him dat I vill take de oath at de same time," was the prompt an- 
 
Lewey and /. 67 
 
 swer. " Vot care I ? A Mexican is as brave and good as a Frenchman or 
 Yankee any time." 
 
 Sanchos was not quite satisfied with the explanation, but he grunted his 
 approval of the sentiment, while the alcalda smiled, as if he could testify in 
 any court of justice that the words were correct, and such as would meet 
 with approval in any part of the world. 
 
 " I will take the oath," J said, but resolved to make a mental reservation 
 that none of my people should be injured by the course which I was obliged 
 to pursue to save my life. 
 
 The alcalda produced his papers, and then Lewey and I raised our right 
 hands, swore that we would bear allegiance to Mexico, and do all that we 
 could to confound her enemies. 
 
 " Now sign the papers, and the deed is done," the official said. 
 
 The jailor's daughter produced pen and ink, after some little trouble, 
 showing that they were seldom used at the calabozo to record the titles of 
 committed or discharged prisoners, and then the alcalda arose, and held 
 out his hand to the new candidates for citizenship, or as soon as we had 
 signed our names to the document he did so. 
 
 "May you defend the honor of Mexico as readily as you would that of 
 the countries to which you formerly belonged," the official said, and we 
 shook hands on it, but did not do so with much gusto. Lewey looked upon 
 the whole matter as a good joke, and even smiled and winked at the girl, 
 when he thought no one was watching him. 
 
 " Have you concluded, Senor Alcalda ? " asked Sanchos, as soon as the 
 official had finished his pretty little speech. 
 
 " Yes, senor," with a wave of his thin, dark hand. 
 
 " Then let me say a few words, for they are important," and the scoundrel 
 laughed in my face, and then caressed the scar on the back of his hand, 
 with a zeal that was full of meaning. " The boys have announced their in- 
 tention of becoming citizens of Mexico. They have signed matriculadors. 
 They are now registered under the laws of the State and country." 
 
 "Yes, certainly, senor. But what then?" demanded ^the alcalda, look- 
 ing the surprise he felt. 
 
 " Only this, Senor Alcalda. Read one more paper that I had the honor 
 to receive from the hands of General Castro and Pio Pico, I did not deem 
 it prudent to present it last night, when I gave you the others, for certain 
 reasons best known to myself. I suspected just what has taken place, and 
 wished for the result." 
 
 The alcalda opened the document, and from it we learned that the trusty 
 
68 Lewey and I. 
 
 and beloved Don Antonio Sanchos was empowered to raise, impress, and 
 gather together all the able-bodied Mexicans he might deem proper to se- 
 lect, enroll them in the army, and forward them to Monterey as soon as 
 possible, to act against the treacherous los Americanos. 
 
 This was a stunner. We saw the trap into which we had fallen, but it 
 was too late for retreat. The fellow had drawn us along for his own pur- 
 poses, and now we were in his power more than ever, for the State was un- 
 der martial law, and Sanchos was its representative in San Diego, all civil 
 courts being set aside for the time being. 
 
 " You would not take the boys away from this place, would you ? " the 
 alcalda asked, as he returned the paper to its owner. 
 
 "Is this document correct?" Sanchos cried, not heeding the question, 
 and tapping the paper with the fingers of his maimed hand. 
 
 "It is," was the quiet answer. 
 
 " And you acknowledge the power that it gives me ? " the scoundrel 
 demanded. 
 
 " Yes, senor. I dare throw no impediments in your course. You are su- 
 preme here, under martial law. I must obey, or resign my office," the 
 alcalda said. 
 
 " That you will not do, for I forbid it, and, if you should persist, I will 
 arrest you as an enemy of the State, and forward you to Monterey for trial. 
 Better be with me than against me." 
 
 The official was silent. He saw that he had an unscrupulous villain to 
 deal with, and desired to save his own life, and that of his friends. Be- 
 sides, the alcalda was a rich man, and knew what it was to be squeezed by 
 the leading men of his State. He did not desire to lose anything he held 
 most dear just for the sake of two gringo boys. He would have helped us 
 if he could without danger to himself, just because he was naturally kind- 
 hearted, and desired to oblige Captain Fitch, who really had an interest in us. 
 
 At this instant the old jailor returned to his charge, having been gossip- 
 ping all the morning with the neighbors, and to him the military agent ad- 
 dressed himself. 
 
 " Lock these boys up, and see that they do not escape. I shall hold you 
 responsible for their safe keeping," Sanchos said, pointing to Lewey and 
 myself. 
 
 " Do you mean to imprison me ? " the French lad asked, a little anxious 
 for the first time during the day. 
 
 " Yes. You and your friend are conscripted for the Mexican army. In 
 a few days I shall have the pleasure of forwarding you to headquarters, at 
 
Lewey and I. 69 
 
 Monterey, in company with such others as I shall select. My brother Car- 
 los will have charge of the squad, and he is not a person to be trifled with. 
 Lock the lads up." 
 
 "You are the meanest, blankest cur in all California," Lewey cried, in a 
 paroxysm of rage, speaking in Spanish, but the Mexican only smiled, and 
 rubbed his scarred hand. 
 
 " Did you think that you were to escape all revenge for the injury you in- 
 flicted upon me at San Francisco ? " asked Sanchos. " Do you remember 
 how you pulled my hair, and banged my head, in the boat? " 
 
 " Yes, and I wish that I had been ten times more rude," was the frank 
 exclamation of the French lad. " We let you off too easily that time. If 
 we have another chance you shall not escape so lightly." 
 
 " Do you threaten me, you French dog ? " asked Sanchos, and, as he 
 spoke, raised his hand, and aimed a blow at the flushed face of my friend, 
 but Lewey dodged, and countered on the dark visage of the Mexican, and 
 then blood flowed from his nose in large drops, and the fellow reeled, and 
 would have fallen had he not caught at the table for support. 
 
 But in an instant the Mexican had recovered himself. He reached for 
 the long knife that he carried in the legging of his right leg, drew it, and 
 would have stabbed my friend to the heart if the young girl had not sprang 
 forward. She knew what her countryman was capable of, and, as she 
 threw her arms around his form, so that he could not use his hands, she 
 shrieked to her father, 
 
 " For the love of God lock the muchacho in his cell, and put the key in 
 your pocket. If you do not there will be murder committed here." 
 
 The father understood the situation, and so did the alcalda and myself. 
 We all seized the struggling, wild, maddened Frenchman, and dragged him 
 to the cell, and then the jailor turned the great key, and we were safe for 
 the time being, but could hear Sanchos uttering fearful oaths of what he 
 would do to us when the proper time arrived, and thus cursing left the cala- 
 bozo to consult with his associates. 
 
 " He is a big coward," Lewey said, as the fellow left the prison, in com- 
 pany with the alcalda. " I could vip him vid one hand, if he no use de 
 knife. You know it vas his brudder Carlos dat fire at us last night, vile ve 
 is on de vay to San Diego. I hear 'em talk it ober, and dat Sanchos scold 
 'cos he no shoot better. Dey is a bad lot, and it vould hab been much bet- 
 ter if ve had stuck to de old ship, and let de girls go to dunder." 
 
 I thought so also, yet did not express my sentiments in the same 
 manner. 
 
70 Lewey and I. 
 
 " But you trust to me," the confident Lewey exclaimed. " I do much for 
 you. I eben make love to de girl, and you see how I succeed ven I com- 
 mences. Oh, yes, I throws mineself avay for you," and the boy sighed, 
 then lighted his pipe, and we had a good smoke, and went to sleep for an 
 hour or two. 
 
 During the afternoon Captain Fitch called to see us, and advised us to 
 be patient, for he had great hopes of buying our discharge from military 
 service, and, when Lewey hinted to him that we intended to effect our es- 
 cape that very night, and make the best of our way to the hide-house, he 
 did not offer any objections, except to say that he could not furnish us with 
 horses, as such an act would be equivalent to bringing down the wrath of 
 Sanchos and his gang on his head. We would have to travel on foot, and 
 then he recommended that we get on board an American vessel, and leave 
 the coast as soon as possible. He would forward our money to any point 
 we might designate, or give it to us in doubloons at the hide-house, pro- 
 vided we succeeded in reaching the place in safety. 
 
 This we agreed to, and then the gentleman promised us some dinner at 
 five o'clock, and left us. He sent the food, as agreed upon, and, after he 
 had partaken of all we wanted, we lighted our pipes, and waited for 
 darkness. 
 
 We could hear the old jailor dressing for the fandango, and urging his 
 daughter to go with him, but she complained of a dolor de cabeza, and so 
 excused herself. Then, with directions to keep an eye on the prisoners, 
 the old fellow ambled off, and the young girl commenced singing, to show 
 that she had her own thoughts for company, and did not desire anything 
 better. 
 
 " Now, mine ami, you shall see de sacrifices dat I makes for you," and, 
 putting his mouth to the keyhole, Lewey commenced sighing forth the most 
 ardent protestations of love that the young girl had ever listened to in her 
 short and uneventful existence, and, confound the fellow, he put so much 
 life in his prayers that I believe he rather liked it, and thought it not such 
 disagreeable work as he pretended. 
 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 LEWEY MAKES LOVE, AND QUITE SUCCESSFULLY. DON SANCHOS PAYS 
 US A VISIT, AND IS CAUGHT IN A TRAP. A GALLANT FIGHT IN 
 WHICH OUR DOG TAKES PART. ESCAPE FROM THE CALABOZO. A 
 VISIT TO THE HIDE-HOUSE BY THE MEXICANS. AN ATTACK, AND A 
 DEFEAT. THE SOIREE WHICH JACK GAVE. INDIGNANT SAILORS 
 AND KANAKAS. THE FIRE. A RETROSPECTION. 
 
 ' A /IT little darling," sighed Lewey through the keyhole, " does she hear 
 ** me ? does she still think of the young sailor who loved her from 
 the first time he let his eyes fall upon her beautiful face ? " 
 
 Then the lad turned to me, and said, 
 
 " All dis I does for your sake. It is no pleasure for me to lie so to any 
 voman." 
 
 " Go on," I remarked. " Lying comes to you so naturally that there is 
 no fear of your injuring yourself in my estimation. Say anything that you 
 please. Perhaps the girl can be induced to believe you. But I do not see 
 how it is to benefit us." 
 
 "You vait and see, mine friend. Dat girl vill let us out of dis place, or 
 know nothin' I of de female heart." 
 
 Once more he whispered through the keyhole, and said, 
 
 " Caro chico, are you listening to me ? " 
 
 ** Yes," she answered. " I hear all that you say, but no words that you 
 utter can induce me to unlock the door of your cell. My father has forbid- 
 den it." 
 
 " Ah, beautiful one, what is a father to a devoted lover ? I burn to once 
 more kiss your hand, to smooth the tresses of your luxuriant hair, to look 
 into your eyes, so black and brilliant, to feel your sweet breath on my face," 
 and then Lewey turned to me, and asked in a low tone, 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 " How is dat for puttin' on de tenderness ? " 
 
 " You are doing nicely," I rejoined ; " but think of your soul." 
 
 " Nebber mind de soul now. It am de bodies dat I am dinkin' of most, :> 
 and once more Lewey turned his attention to the girl, who still hovered 
 near the door, as though there was a certain fascination in its vicinity. 
 
 " I thought that I should never marry," Lewey continued, still speaking 
 in Spanish, and whispering through the keyhole, " but now I have changed 
 my mind, and I can never be happy unless in your presence. Ah, dulce, if 
 you would but unlock the door so that I could be with you for a 
 moment." 
 
 " I dare not," the girl replied. 
 
 " What do you fear, O best of women ? " was the next question. " I love 
 you. My friend is asleep, and hears me not. He knows nothing of the 
 words I am addressing you. Let me press your hand but for a moment, and 
 then I shall sleep in peace. Your heart is not like stone to withstand my 
 prayers." 
 
 " If I should let you out will you return to the cell when I bid you do 
 so?" the girl asked, and I knew that the smooth-tongued hypocrite was 
 about to conquer, for 1 heard the girl remove the key of the cell from its 
 accustomed place. 
 
 " I promise everything to one so beautiful as you," was the response. 
 " Only let me remain in your presence as long as possible, for all is dark 
 and dreary when absent from your side." 
 
 " Of all the liars that 1 ever heard you are the worst," I managed to whis- 
 per, as the key was put into the lock by the deluded girl. 
 
 " You shut up, and pretend to snore, for no girl like love to her be made 
 if annuder one listen to de pretty talk," my friend remarked, and, agreeable 
 to his advice, I gave vent to some unmusical-like sounds as the door was 
 thrown open. 
 
 " Come out, kiss me just once, and then return to the cell," the girl 
 whispered. 
 
 There was no second invitation needed. Lewey rushed to her, enfolded 
 the lady in his arms, then I heard some vigorous salutes, and but few strug- 
 gles to prevent them. 
 
 " Hush," cried the girl. " Your companion will awaken, and what will 
 he think?" 
 
 " He sleeps," answered the boy. "He is a cold-blooded American, and 
 cares nothing for the beautiful girls of your nation. Do not fear. All the 
 kissing in the world would not awaken him." 
 
Lewey and T. 
 
 " Still, I thought him very nice this forenoon. He is not bold and for- 
 ward like you. I think he would marry me if he had the chance," I heard 
 the girl say, as soon as she could recover her breath. 
 
 " Why should you desire to marry a man like him, when you can obtain 
 me? " was the next question Lewey asked, showing the conceit of the boy. 
 I wanted to get up and kick him, I felt so indignant. 
 
 " Perhaps you would not desire me as a wife if you knew me better," the 
 girl remarked, in a coquettish tone, and, I supposed, toss of her head. 
 
 " Can you doubt me ? I am a Frenchman, and a son of France never de 
 ceives the fair sex." 
 
 " But when should you want to marry ? " asked the girl, who was a prac- 
 tical young lady, and desired some tangible pledge before she was ready to 
 believe all that was poured into her willing ears. 
 
 " Just as soon as you please," was the prompt answer, and a kiss that 
 made me gasp with envy. 
 
 " Would next w~ek be too soon ? " the lady asked. 
 
 For a moment there was an ominous pause, as though even the impul- 
 sive Lewey was a little daunted at the shortness of time that was allowed 
 him to make his peace with the world, and a father confessor. 
 
 " You hesitate," the girl said. " You do not love me." 
 
 " If I did not answer it was because I regretted you should make the 
 time so long before my happiness arrived. A whole week must I wait for 
 you, dulce. Ah, why do you act thus coldly toward me ? " 
 
 " Then we will say in four days," and the girl was rewarded with a kiss 
 for her compliance to the French lad's pleadings. 
 
 " Now that all is settled you must do me a favor," Lewey said, after a lit- 
 tle exchange of billing and cooing. 
 
 Then I knew that the crisis had arrived, and I paid much attention to 
 what followed. 
 
 "Whatever you ask of me shall be granted, if it is right and proper," the 
 prudent girl remarked. 
 
 " Do you think that I would demand anything not just and correct?" in 
 a reproachful tone. " No, I am a Frenchman, and honorable, like all of 
 my countrymen. We die for those we adore." 
 
 I could not repress a groan. This was a little too much for a listener, 
 one who knew Lewey as well as I did. My stomach almost revolted at the 
 nonsense he was pouring into that girl's ears. They both heard my excla- 
 mation, and the lady whispered, 
 
 " Your friend has awakened. Do not speak so loud." 
 
74 Lewey and /. 
 
 " Do not fear him," the lad cried. " He is always a sound sleeper. I 
 have known him to slumber during the most terrible gales. Nothing would 
 awaken him but a call for breakfast or dinner. When food was ready the 
 slightest whisper was enough to bring him to his feet.' : 
 
 I determined to quarrel with Lewey if I ever got out of prison, But I 
 would not punish him as he deserved, simply let his conscience do that, 
 provided he had such a thing, and I really began to doubt it more than 
 ever. 
 
 " Now," said Lewey, " as we are to be married you must let my friend 
 escape from the prison. Take that big key from your pocket, and open the 
 outer door." 
 
 " Gracias dios ! but I dare not do that," was the reply. " My father 
 would kill me for violating my trust." 
 
 " Listen to me, caro dulce," pleaded the boy. " We must both escape 
 tonight or we shall soon be separated forever. Did you not hear Don San- 
 chos say that we were to be impressed for the Mexican army ? Our cour- 
 age is so great we should be killed by the gringos in the very first battle, 
 and then you could not marry a dead man, for he would be of no use. In 
 a few days Sanchos will leave this part of the State for Pueblo los Angeles, 
 or Santa Barbara. Then I can come from my place of concealment after 
 all danger is passed, and no one can prevent our marriage." 
 
 Even our dog, which had been perfectly quiet during all the conversation 
 here arose, shook himself, and uttered a subdued howl. He must have un- 
 derstood my friend, and become disgusted at his strong statements, one 
 portion utterly devoid of truth. 
 
 " I dare not," sobbed the girl, and now I began to pity her, for who can 
 withstand a woman's tears ? 
 
 Even Lewey seemed a little contrite, for his voice lost some of its assur- 
 ance, and he was more considerate, as he said, 
 
 " Chico, we must leave this prison tonight, and with your aid. You can 
 say we took the key from you by force. That you let us out of the cell for 
 a moment, to get a bit of supper, and we rushed upon you, and made our 
 escape. That is the story you are to tell, and no one will disbelieve 
 you." 
 
 " But where will you go ? There is no place that is safe from Sanchos. 
 He will hunt for you in every directon, and, if he finds you, death will be 
 your lot," and the young girl showed her anxiety by her tears. 
 
 " Fear not for us, little one. Once beyond these walls we can take care 
 of ourselves. You will aid us, O sweetest of San Diego maidens ? " 
 
Leivey and I. 
 
 " Yes, you shall go." 
 
 I heard a shower of kisses on the girl's lips, which so disgusted Jack he 
 uttered another growl of contempt, and I did not blame him, for it was 
 enough to make a human being sick. 
 
 " Thorn," cried Lewey, calling to me, de noble-hearted Mexican girl 
 vill release us. Ve is free. Avake, and let us be off, for ve hab no time to 
 lose, and I has vorked harder tonight dan eber did I afore. Lying does 
 not easy to me come. But, O mine friend, much does I do for you. May 
 you nebber be called upon to act as I hab dis night." 
 
 I did not expend many sympathetic words upon the boy, for I thought 
 they would be useless, not believing that he suffered as much as he pre- 
 tended. 
 
 The girl had just taken the key from her pocket, and handed it to my 
 friend, when we heard a footstep at the door, and then the harsh voice of 
 Sanchos. 
 
 " Open, in the name of the law," he said. 
 
 " Quick, enter your cell," exclaimed the young assistant jailor. " He 
 will kill me if you are seen in this room. Do not delay a moment ; vamous 
 muy presto." 
 
 " You will not lock the door ? " asked Lewey in a low tone, as though he 
 had a suspicion that she would do so, and I saw a shade pass over his face, 
 as if he had been suddenly inspired with some new idea, that was of 
 importance. 
 
 " Open the door," repeated Sanchos. " Caramba! do you intend to keep 
 me here all night ? " 
 
 " Go in your cell," the girl said, her face showing the terror that she felt 
 at the sudden appearance of the agent of General Castro. " Do not delay 
 a moment. I will not lock you in," and then, to show how sincere she was, 
 added hastily, " Take the key, and lock yourselves in. I will tell the man 
 that father has carried it with him to the fandango, in case he asks for it. 
 Go," and she pushed Lewey into the cell, and thrust the key into my 
 friend's hand. 
 
 He did not delay a moment, but entered the room, locked the door, and 
 then the girl yawned, as if just awakened from a deep sleep, and admitted 
 the Mexican. 
 
 " Did you not hear me call to you ? " Sanchos asked. " For dios, but I 
 thought you were deaf." 
 
 " I was sleeping soundly, senor," the lady answered. " Last night I had 
 but little rest on account of the drunken Indians, and today I have been 
 
76 Lewey and /. 
 
 busy with your prisoners. I did not expect any one here tonight, and fell 
 into a doze. What is the hour, senor ? " 
 
 She yawned, and Sanchos was deceived by her actions and words. 
 
 " I wish to see the prisoners," the Mexican muttered. " I desire to be 
 sure that they are safe. In a day or two I shall start them toward Monte- 
 rey, in company with Indians, and perhaps they will arrive there in safety. 
 Quen sabe." 
 
 " The prisoners are all right," the girl said. " Look in the cell, and see 
 for yourself. Try the door, and you will find that it is locked. The key 
 my padre has in his pocket. He feared to leave it at home." 
 
 "Americano," Sanchos cried, as he endeavored to get a view of me 
 through the keyhole. 
 
 " Go to the devil," I retorted. "We wish to sleep." 
 
 " You are not polite," laughed the Mexican. " I shall teach you to be 
 more complimentary in the course of time. Kick that Frenchman into life, 
 and let us see what he has to say for himself." 
 
 " Go to the devil," was the response from Lewey, in the same tone and 
 words I had used. 
 
 " Not until I have sent you two boys to see him, and prepared a reception 
 in my behalf. Would you like to come out ? " 
 
 No response on our part, but Lewey grasped my arm, and whispered 
 eagerly, 
 
 " Is you game to dings do ? Vill you lend me a hand ? and in dis place 
 he comes, and ve lock de door on him." 
 
 I squeezed back a willing response, and then we inserted the huge key in 
 its proper place, and waited for our opportunity, when we could make a 
 rush, and turn the tables on our enemy. 
 
 " I shall see you in the morning, and mind you have more civil tongues 
 in your heads, or the worse for you. A few dozen blows with the end of a 
 reata, on your bare backs, will be apt to improve your tempers and man- 
 ners. Remember, I am master here just at present, and my word is law to 
 all whom I address." 
 
 We wanted to punch the scoundrel's head for his insolence, but restrained 
 ourselves. 
 
 " Stand ready," whispered Lewey. " You take de man's arms. I vill 
 look out for his neck, and Jack him much vill bite about de legs. Be care- 
 ful dat he does not de knife get hold of. If he do, cut vill he, and ve may 
 come second best off." 
 
 We heard the Mexican move away from us to speak to the girl, and, at 
 
Lewey and /. 
 
 this moment, Lewey used the key, flung open the door of the cell, and we 
 sprang out, and toward Sanchos, Jack at our heels. 
 
 The Mexican turned at the noise we made, and, when he saw us, his sur- 
 prise was so great that for a moment he forgot to reach for his long, sharp 
 knife, 
 
 " Go for him, Jack," I yelled, and then Lewey and myself threw our arms 
 around the man, the French boy at his throat, while I seized the elbows, 
 and pinned them at his side, and the dog did some beautiful tearing in the 
 neighborhood of his ankles. 
 
 " Diablo ! help ! " yelled Sanchos. " Give the alarm, girl. The prison- 
 ers will escape. A thousand curses on you." 
 
 He struggled fearfully,, but we had the strength and muscle to cope with 
 him. Besides, we had been trained to hard work for three years, pulling 
 and hauling ropes, furling sails, and rowing, and were not easily exhausted, 
 while the Mexican had led an indolent life, the only exercise he was accus- 
 tomed to was riding horseback. I will give the scamp the credit of being 
 a good equestrian, and he could throw a lariat with the precision of a rifle- 
 ball. 
 
 " Down him," cried Lewey, as the fellow continued to yell, and we feared 
 that he would alarm the neighborhood, while the girl was in a corner, 
 wringing her hands, and almost frantic with terror. 
 
 We tripped the greaser up, and let him fall with a heavy thud, his head 
 striking first, and it rather confused his senses for a moment, but the instant 
 he recovered breath a yell issued from his mouth that must have been 
 heard in the street, had any one been listening. 
 
 In the mean time Jack had torn off the Mexican's leggings, and was now 
 down to hard pan, every bite telling, as we could judge by the fellow's kicks, 
 for he was moving his legs quite lively, and sometimes the dog was in the 
 air, and then on the floor, but at no period did he release his firm grip of 
 flesh and clothes. Jack knew his business, and was attending to it with 
 promptness and despatch. 
 
 " Call off your blanked dog," gasped the Mexican, but, as he opened his 
 mouth to speak, Lewey jammed a piece of the leggings in between his 
 teeth, and gagged the greaser effectually, so that he could no longer shout 
 for help. To prevent being bitten by the desperate man my friend used 
 the iron key with much force and happy results; then I reached down and 
 seized the long knife, which had fallen from its sheath, and put the point to 
 the owner's throat. 
 
 " Be quiet, or I '11 kill you as you lie on the floor," I said, and Sanchos 
 
8o Lewey and I. 
 
 saw that I was in earnest, for he made a motion that he had yielded, and 
 would make no more resistance. 
 
 " Turn him ober," cried Lewey. " Ve must his hands and arms lash to 
 keep all quiet," and over on his stomach we rolled the man, and then took 
 the sash he wore around his waist, and tied his elbows together so that he 
 could no longer assail us, had he been so disposed. 
 
 We drove Jack from his sport, dragged the greaser to the cell we had re- 
 cently occupied, threw him in, and then said,. 
 
 " For the present we are quits. We won't kill you, as you deserve for 
 your treachery, but hereafter let us alone, and we will be satisfied." 
 
 We could not see the man's face in the darkness, but it must have been 
 expressive, as he lay on the floor powerless. He moved his legs, however, 
 and kicked at us, but we were beyond his reach. Then, wishing the Mexi- 
 can good-night, we passed out of the cell, and locked the door. 
 
 " Caro," said Lewey, to the frightened girl, " here is the key. Better run 
 with it to your father, and tell him to swear that it has not left his posses- 
 sion for even a moment. Sanchos will think the gringos made one like it, 
 so shall you and yours escape all harm for what has occurred." 
 
 " But you still love me ? " sobbed the girl. 
 
 " Of course. Have I not said so r " 
 
 " And you will marry me very soon ? " pleaded the woman, and she looked 
 hard at Lewey, a little suspicious of his intentions. 
 
 " You must wait with patience until I return," the French lad said. " We 
 are surrounded by danger, and this is no time to talk of matrimony." 
 
 We were moving toward the door, which was unlocked, when the young 
 lady sprang toward us, and laid her hand on my friend's arm, thus detain- 
 ing him for a moment. 
 
 " You are two bad men," she cried, " and I do not believe that either of 
 you ever thought of marrying me. I have got to lose my prisoners, and a 
 husband at the same time." 
 
 " But think of the kisses that you have received. Don't those count for 
 something, little darling ? " asked the hard-hearted French boy, as he con- 
 tinued to move toward the door. 
 
 " Ladrone of the devil," she yelled, "you have cheated and deceived me. 
 You have no love for me," and, by Jove, she made a grab for the boy's 
 thick head of hair, fastened both hands in it with a firm grip, and screamed 
 like "an enraged panther when deprived of its young. 
 
 " Take de blessed lunatic off," cried Lewey. " She vill mine head pull 
 from de neck. Sacre, vot a little fire-spit." 
 
Lewey and I, 81 
 
 I feared the girl would attract attention from some one passing the cala- 
 bozo, and, although convulsed with laughter, strove to disengage her fin- 
 gers, and at last succeeded, but, as she let go her hold, the girl turned, and 
 fetched me a blow on the face that made me see quite a number of stars, 
 and for a moment I thought I was in the presence of a prize-fighter. 
 
 " That will teach you better than to interfere in my affairs again," were 
 the last words we heard from the girl, for she immediately tumbled to the 
 floor, and kicked her heels on the planks until the noise sounded like the 
 tatoo of a drum. 
 
 " By gar, vot a vife she vould make for a nice young man like me," was 
 all the comment Lewey made as we darted out of the door, followed by 
 Jack, and closing it after us. 
 
 As we ran down the dark street we could hear the hysterical screams of 
 the disappointed candidate for matrimony until we turned a corner, and 
 'then the sounds of a harp and guitar came from an adobe house, showing 
 that a fandango was in full blast near us. 
 
 " I must hab one leetle look," the French boy said. " I vish to see de 
 ladies, God bless 'em, and to note if dey is booful. A Frenchman nebber 
 miss a chance to pay his respects to de softer sex." 
 
 I rubbed my face, and wondered if all the girls of San Diego had hands 
 like the jailor's daughter, and then attempted to point out to my friend the 
 danger of stopping, even for a moment. But he was deaf to my prayers, 
 and was not going to walk five miles to the hide-house until he had re- 
 freshed his eyes with a glance at the girls, and he had his way, for argu- 
 ment was lost on him, being so impulsive and reckless. 
 
 The door of the house stood open, and there was sound of scuffling r eet, 
 as the ladies and men waltzed. We kept in the shadow of the building, and 
 looked in. There was a roomful of dark-faced greasers, and brilliant-eyed 
 women, and in the corner, near a sort of bar, we saw bottles of wine and 
 aguardiente, and a scamp we did not care to meet, it being Carlos Sanchos, 
 brother of the fellow we had placed in our cell, and the same person we had 
 good reason to suspect of firing on us the evening we made our way toward 
 San Diego. Carlos was drinking aguardiente, with several of his gang 
 near him each having a glass in hand, and a half-breed girl in close proxim- 
 ity to the party. 
 
 " I 'd like to fetch him a crack ober de head," muttered Lewey, as he 
 watched the movements of the greaser, and just at that moment a woman 
 came to the door to get a breath of fresh air. Before we could dart away 
 she had caught a glimpse of us, and, with Mexican courtesy, said, 
 
82 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Entrer, muchachos." 
 
 We heard a stir in the room, and dropping of glasses, but did not halt 
 for further demonstrations. We ran down a street, turned a corner, and 
 saw before us the house of Captain Fitch, with a light burning in the din- 
 ing-room. We did not stop to let the gentleman know we were out of pris- 
 on, but kept on, as we heard the sound of footsteps behind us. We knew 
 that we could outrun any greaser in the town, but were not disposed to give 
 the fellows a chance to try conclusions, as we feared pursuit on horseback, 
 and from several directions, which might be fatal to our fortunes and 
 hopes. 
 
 As we passed Captain Fitch's premises we saw a low adobe wall, not 
 more than five feet high, and enclosing a garden, the residence of a rich 
 Mexican, who was collector of customs, or something of the sort. 
 
 " Ober ve goes here." panted Lewey, and he made a spring, vaulted on 
 the wall, and then jumped to the ground, on the other side. 
 
 I caught up Jack, who seemed to think that the race was gotten up for 
 his especial benefit, pitched him over the wall, and then followed the ani- 
 mal, and, just as I landed, a whole troop of greasers came down the street, 
 followed by all the dogs in the neighborhood. Luckily for us the latter 
 were worthless curs, and without the power to follow a trail, unless it was 
 fresh and broad, like that of a wild animal. Man they had never been, 
 taught to hunt, although a few of them could track an Indian, if encouraged 
 to do so by their owners. 
 
 As the greasers passed down the street we could hear them panting from 
 the unusual exercise. Then they stopped near us, and all talked at once, 
 like a group of school-girls, who expect an invitation to a party. We had 
 to keep a firm hold of Jack's mouth, for he made considerable exertion to 
 free his mind by the way of growls and angry barks. 
 
 " They did not come this way," one Bellow said. " They turned to the 
 right. I know they did, for I caught a glimpse of them." 
 
 " Who were they ? " asked Carlos. " Does any one know ? " 
 " They were the two boys confined in the calabozo," a greaser said. I 
 caught a glimpse of them as they ran from the door of the house." 
 
 Diablo, impossible," cried Carlos. " They are in the calabozo, safe 
 under lock and key. You must be mistaken." 
 
 " I know that I am not," was the positive reply. I remember the boys 
 very well. I have often seen them when they belonged to a ship that was 
 on the coast." 
 " How could they have made their escape, if such is the case ? " demand- 
 
Lewey and /. 83 
 
 ed Carlos, but, as no one seemed able to answer the question, a man sud- 
 denly asked, 
 
 " Where is Don Sanchos, your brother ? He should be here, and advise 
 us." , 
 
 No one could say where the chief scoundrel was located just at that mo- 
 ment, although I heard several of the greasers laugh, as though it would not 
 answer to tell all that they knew about the fellow's movements in the night- 
 time. 
 
 " I will wager a medio peso that the boys are at this moment in Don 
 Fitch's house. They would naturally go there for protection and advice," a 
 Mexican said, one who had not before spoken, and whose head seemed 
 clearer than the others. 
 
 " Well thought of," was the exclamation of Carlos. " We will go and ask 
 the senor if he is sheltering suspicious persons." 
 
 The fellows moved off in the direction of Mr. Fitch's premises, not more 
 than one hundred feet from our place of concealment. Under the shadow 
 of a fig-tree we watched the crowd hovering around the adobe house of the 
 American, and we wondered what their reception would be like by the 
 sturdy ex- whaleman. 
 
 " Now is de time for us to cut de stick," Lewey whispered, and we stole 
 through the garden grounds, still holding on to Jack, to prevent his giving 
 an alarm, passed to the other side of the premises, and climbed the wall, 
 dropped once more into the street, and struck out for the hide-house. 
 
 " By gar," Lewey said, as we walked along at a rapid gait, " ve sheats 'em 
 booful." 
 
 " Yes, but we should have had no occasion to cheat them had you not 
 been so obstinate," I remarked. " When will you learn a little prudence, 
 you hot-headed Frenchman ? " 
 
 " Bah, I runs more risk den dat to see de booful girls. A true French- 
 man nebber dinks of danger vhen de softer sex is concerned. He risk all, 
 eben his honor, for one sight of a nice face, one dat he can make love to. 
 Me true Frenchman." 
 
 " Yes, I believe it," I sighed ; " and, confound you, that tongue of yours, 
 and desire to make love to everything that wears a petticoat, will cost you 
 dearly some day. Oh, why will you not imitate me, and keep out of all 
 danger?" 
 
 The boy passed an arm around my neck, as we walked, and then 
 whispered, 
 
 "You is here now, in dis place, all 'cos I talks to one female dat like to 
 
84 Leivey and I. 
 
 be made love to. Don't you say on 2 vord about de prudence, and all dat. 
 as I knows you kiss de girl afore I comes to your help. Deny it can you not." 
 
 I did not reply, for just at that moment we heard a roar from the mob 
 in the town, and we suspected that Mr. Fitch was having his hands full in 
 explaining to his visitors that no one was in his house, except those who 
 had a just right to be there. 
 
 In fact, we afterward learned that the sturdy old captain had explained 
 that he knew nothing of our whereabouts, and advised the Mexicans to go 
 to the calabozo, and find out if we had made our escape from the prison. 
 This the greasers did, and, when they released Don Sanchos from the cell, 
 and his lashings, the profanity of the man was shocking, and he swore that 
 he would yet have revenge for all of his injuries. In the mean time, in 
 spite of his imprecations, Antonio did not lose his head. He directed that 
 horses should be mounted, and search made for us on all the roads, and 
 along the beach, thinking that we might secure a boat, and paddle to the 
 hide-house by water, the safest way if we had been sure of finding a skiff 
 on the flats. But we did not dare to run the risk, and so continued our 
 course by the road, and soon left the town behind us. 
 
 It was near ten o'clock, we judged by the stars, and just cool enough to 
 make walking agreeable. We had jogged on for half an hour or so, when 
 we heard the galloping of horses in our rear, and suspected that our Mex- 
 ican friends were in pursuit of us. We left the highway, and entered the 
 bushes, waiting for the greasers to pass. We had to hold our dog very 
 hard as the horsemen clattered by, at a full gallop, and, as they disappeared 
 in the darkness, we continued our journey, knowing that we could do so 
 with safety, as a Mexican never walks if he can ride, and we thought that 
 the noise that the animals might make, if they returned to town, would give 
 us ample time for concealment. 
 
 And so we pushed along, looking sharply on either side of the road for 
 an ambush, and by eleven o'clock we were warned that the Mexicans had 
 started on their way back to town. They had been to the hide-house, and 
 seemed satisfied that we were not there, and supposed that we had not left 
 the limits of the village. We once more secreted ourselves in the scrub, 
 and waited until the cavalcade had passed. There were four men, and 
 they discussed the probability of overhauling us, while one greaser, who 
 seemed to have a little more humor than the rest of his companions, actual- 
 ly laughed as he related the finding of Don Sanchos, bound and gagged, in 
 the cell. He even complimented us by saying that we were smart boys 
 and had played a sharp Yankee trick on the agent of the government. 
 
Lewey and I. 85 
 
 When the Mexicans were out of sight we resumed our journey, and 
 were soon at the entrance of the hide-house. All was dark within, and 
 there was not a light on the whole beach. Every one had retired except 
 the dogs, and they came toward us with a rush and roar, then saw Jack, 
 and recognized us as friends, and so left us to seek their usual sleeping 
 quarters, or bark defiance at the coyotes on the sand-hills in the rear of the 
 houses. 
 
 I pounded on the door of the premises to awaken Scotch Jack, the keep- 
 er, but he seemed disposed to pay no attention to the summons, even if he 
 heard us, and it was not until we had beaten arappel with two sticks for 
 ten minutes that the old man condescended to move, and then he uttered a 
 choice assortment of oaths, as he yelled out, 
 
 " Go away from this, you blanked greasers, or you will get hurt. The 
 boys are not here. I wish they were. You would n't get 'em, now I tell 
 you." 
 
 "Jack, old fellow," I said, " don't you know us? It is Lewey and Thorn. 
 Let us in, for we are tired and hungry." 
 
 "You don't mean to tell me it 's you two boys?" the old sailor said. 
 " Well, this beats the Dutch." 
 
 He unlocked the door, and the next instant the old Scotch salt was shak- 
 ing our hands, and petting us, as if he had not seen us for a year. 
 
 " Come in, lads," he cried, " and let me close the door. The bloody 
 greasers stopped here a short time ago, and insisted that you were in the 
 building. I told 'em you were not, and, when they was too perlite in their 
 attentions, I jist drew on 'em with one of the old muskets, and they left in a 
 hurry. The gun was n't loaded, but they did n't know it, so it was jist as 
 good as if it had been. Now tell me all about it, and how you got clear of 
 the swabs ? " 
 
 We soon satisfied the Scotchman's curiosity, and then he roused out the 
 kanaka, set him to work making a fire and a cup of coffee and, after we 
 had eaten enough to satisfy our hunger, all hands lighted pipes, and held a 
 council of war as to the best method to be adopted to protect ourselves in 
 case an attack should be made the next morning, for we did not for a mo- 
 ment suppose that the Mexicans would let us escape without further 
 molestation. 
 
 "We '11 fight 'em," the old salt said. " They can't take you as long as 
 I 'm alive. I can whip a dozen greasers when I 'm mad, and has done it 
 time and time agin." 
 
 He meant when he had a cargo of aguardiente on board, but we thought 
 
86 
 
 Lewey and I. 
 
 it not prudent to hint such a thing at that time, as we did not care to les- 
 sen his enthusiasm in our behalf. 
 
 " In the fust place," Jack said, as he knocked the ashes from his black, 
 strong pipe, " we must load up the old muskets, and get 'em ready for ac- 
 tion. No takin' us by surprise, boys, in the mornin'. The greasers will 
 come agin, and we '11 be prepared for 'em. Some of the men at the other 
 hide-houses can lend us a hand if we want 'em to, I 'm sure. I '11 jist put 
 the American flag over the door, and blank the cuss that dares to pass un- 
 der it when I tells him not to. Don't you be afeard, boys. I 'm on deck, 
 and commands this craft, and knows what I 'm about every watch." 
 
 We loaded the two old muskets with heavy charges of powder and small 
 shot, and Jack got out a rusty cutlass, which he knew how to handle, and 
 then we put out the lights, and turned in, tired and sleepy with the exciting 
 incidents of the day and evening. 
 
 We were not disturbed during the night, and awoke refreshed, and feel- 
 ing able to cope with any disagreeable incidents that might occur during 
 the day. When we turned out the kanaka was preparing breakfast, and 
 Scotch Jack was absent from the house, and did not return for some time. 
 When he came back we noticed that the old cutlass was at his side, held in 
 place by a stout leather strap, which served the double purpose of keeping 
 his trousers around his hips, and as a sword belt. He appeared as proud 
 of the weapon as a captain of a man-of-war in full uniform, and assumed the 
 airs of one. He seemed to run away with the idea that the greasers, if they 
 came to the beach in the course of the day, would be impressed with his 
 war-like appearance, and make a hasty retreat. 
 
 " I have been around to the other hide-houses, and tipped the crews the 
 word as to what we might expect, and the boys will lend us a helping hand, 
 if we wants 'em to," the old sailor remarked, as he took his seat at the ta- 
 ble, and laid the cutlass on a spare chair, with all the dignity and precau- 
 tions of a military chieftain. " I hopes the greasers will keep away from 
 us, 'cos I don' t want no row, but if one comes the hardest must fend off. 
 Blank the man what won't fight for a messmate, say I." 
 
 We certainly hoped the Mexicans would give us no more trouble, but 
 had our doubts on the subject, as we expected the Sanchos family would 
 not relinquish all thoughts of revenge so readily. They were vindictive 
 scamps, and had the power to make it uncomfortable for us, at least for a 
 time. 
 
 The day was pleasant, as no rain fell, but the sky was overcast, and the 
 wind light from the southerd. The air was delicious, pure and invigorat- 
 
Lewey and I. 87 
 
 ing. Great flocks of brant and ducks, geese and snipe, filled the flats of 
 the harbor, and made lively music with their quacking and honks, while 
 the waters of the bay were covered with gulls and pelicans. We looked at 
 the fowl as they fed at low tide, and longed to make an expedition against 
 them, but when we hinted as much to the Scotchman he repudiated the 
 idea with scorn. 
 
 " You jist stay where you is," he said. " Keep in the house, and have an 
 eye on me. I 'm skipper of this craft, and mean to command it. No liber- 
 ty today for any one," and we did not care to disobey the order, knowing 
 how much we were dependant on the old sailor for protection. 
 
 About ten o'clock some one on the beach shouted " Sail oh," and we 
 rushed to the door, thinking that a ship had entered the harbor, but the 
 alarm was false, as it alluded to a party of horsemen who were galloping 
 along the road leading from the town. We counted twelve Mexicans, and 
 thought that we could recognize the two Sanchos at the head of the caval- 
 cade. 
 
 " Stand by for stays," cried Jack, and took up his leather belt one more 
 hole, and laid his hand hard on the hilt of the cutlass. " Get the guns all 
 ready, and don't fire till I gives the word of command. I 'm goin' to have 
 a little talk with 'em." 
 
 As Jack's Spanish was rather limited we did not see how it was to be 
 done with satisfaction on either side, but made no objections. 
 
 The horsemen dashed up to the door of the hide-house, and we saw the 
 evil faces of Antonio Sanchos and his brother Carlos among the greasers. 
 They did not dismount, but sat on their horses for the first half hour, and 
 talked, as if reluctant to come to blows. 
 
 " Senor maestro de la casa," cried Antonio, addressing the Scotchman, 
 " you have two fugitives from justice under your protection. We want 
 them. Will you surrender the lads to us, or shall we take them by force ? " 
 
 " Go to the devil," roared the Scotchman, who understood only the first 
 few words spoken by Sanchos. " Jabber English, you blanked fools, if you 
 desire to palaver with a gentleman like me. I don't know your hog Latin, 
 and don't want to, but I can patter the John Bull tongue, or the Gaelic of 
 old Scotland, with any able seaman of my weight." 
 
 " We do not comprehend a word that you say," replied Sanchos, who 
 had listened attentively, in the hope of catching a sentence or two of the 
 old sailor's meaning, but had to give up in despair. " Let the young men 
 interpret for us. They at least know what we say, even if their Spanish is 
 faulty." 
 
88 Lewey and I. 
 
 "Hear de cheek," muttered Lewey, "and he know I speak de lingo 
 booful." 
 
 " What do the greasers say ? " asked Jack, turning to us. " I don't get 
 the hang of their habler." 
 
 We informed the Scotchman of the Mexican's wishes, and, although 
 Jack wanted to do all the talking, he grumblingly allowed us to take a hand 
 in the palaver. 
 
 " Tell the greasers," the old sailor said, " that they had better tack ship, 
 and head for the town once more, for it 's no good for 'em to remain here. 
 They won't get you without a fight, and some one will lose the number of 
 his mess. Let them put that in their pipes, and smoke it, if they will." 
 
 We translated the speech, not exactly in the form in which it was deliv- 
 ered, but as near as we could, so as to convey a firm defiance, and, after 
 Antonio Sanchos had heard us to the end, very patiently, I will admit, he 
 said, 
 
 " War has been declared between Mexico and the United States, and we 
 have the right to destroy all the houses on the beach, and arrest every per- 
 son who has sailed under the American flag. We do not desire to proceed 
 to extremities, but we will have you two boys, by force if necessary." 
 
 "That yarn is as long as the mainto'-bowlin'," muttered Jack, as the 
 Mexican ceased speaking. " It takes a sight of words from a greaser to 
 say a little thing what has no meanin'." 
 
 We related to the old sailor all that the man uttered, and Jack assumed 
 the dignity of an officer, as he handled his cutlass, and replied, 
 
 " Tell 'em that they may go to the warmest place they can think of, and 
 stay there forever, and then I won't give you up." 
 
 As soon as the words were conveyed to the Mexicans Sanchos seemed 
 inclined to be angry, for he gave an order, and all of his companions dis- 
 mounted, drew keen, long knives, unbuckl d the heavy spurs from their 
 heels, waved them in their left hands as weapons of attack, and then ad- 
 vanced toward us, thinking that they could carry our stronghold with a 
 rush, but, as they came on, Lewey and I brought the old muskets to our 
 shoulders, and covered the crowd, while Jack brandished his cutlass in a 
 defiant manner, and the kanaka cook whirled a hatchet around his head, 
 something after the style of an Indian's tomahawk. 
 
 The Mexicans took six steps forward, but, noting the warlike display that 
 was prepared for their reception, halted in an irresolute manner, and once 
 more opened a parley. 
 
 "We wish to spare the shedding of blood," Don Antonio Sanchos said 
 
Lewey and I. 89 
 
 " because, if we make an attack, some brave men will have to die. This 
 we desire to avoid. Let us decide the question in a just manner. Come 
 back with us to the town, go to the calabozo, and remain there until General 
 Castro is heard from. After that we will see what can be done for you." 
 
 Now this might have been just and fair, except for the reason that we 
 knew Sanchos would never forgive us for what we had done, could chain 
 us to a gang of pressed recruits, and hurry us toward the headquarters of 
 the army, and then conveniently murder us on the way. He and his broth- 
 ers were none too good for just such treachery, so we determined to keep 
 out of their power, if possible, and accept of no compromise. 
 
 "Come on, you black-hearted scoundrels, and feel the weight of a 
 Scotchman's arm," Jack yelled, seeing the Mexicans halt, and fearing that 
 there would be no fight after all. He did not wait until we had translated 
 the greaser's speech. It was enough for the old sailor that there was a de- 
 cided tendency to indulge in words, not blows, and he preferred the latter 
 when his blood was up. The property in the hide house, the house itself, 
 might be destroyed during the melee, but there was a great principle at 
 stake, and he was not going to lose sight of it for a moment. 
 
 "Tell 'em to hold on for a moment," the old sailor cried, and entered the 
 hide-house, took a small American flag from his chest, wrapped the end 
 around his left arm, and then boldly shook the banner in the eyes of the 
 greasers, and, as he did so, shouted, 
 
 " Blank you for worthless, cowardly curs. Do you see what I have in 
 my hand ? It is the American stars and stripes. I 've served under 'em 
 for twenty years, and blank me if I won't die under 'em afore I stirs hand 
 or foot from double your numbers. Now come on, and remember that 
 every knife aimed at me is a blow at the nation this flag represents. Some- 
 body will get hurt if this fooling continues much longer." 
 
 If the Mexicans had understood him they might have been deeply im- 
 pressed by his words, but, as they did not, there were several broad grins 
 on the faces of the greasers, for they cared no more for the flag of our 
 country, at that time, than a United-States ship did for the Mexican bande- 
 ra, which waved occasionally over the presidios along the coast, and had 
 but little power to back it. 
 
 " Blank 'em, if they a'n't laughin' at me," cried the indignant Scotchman. 
 " I '11 give 'em somethin' to laugh at afore long, unless they minds their 
 eye. They don't know me yet," and Jack put on some more quarter-deck 
 airs, and swelled up, just as he had seen certain captains of ships do, when 
 their dignity was called in question. 
 
9 Lewey and I. 
 
 " We can't stand here talking all day," the elder Sanchos cried, as soon 
 as he and his gang had allowed the grins to pass from their faces. " We 
 care no more for your Yankee flag than we do for the green banner of the 
 false prophet. Once more, will you give up the boys ? " 
 
 " What does he say ? " demanded Jack. 
 
 " He say," cried Lewey, with a little stretch of imagination, " dat he 
 care no more for de American flag dan he do for all de Scotchmen in de 
 vorld, and dat he can lick us vid one hand." 
 
 " Hold hard," muttered the indignant sailor. " He slights a true-blooded 
 son of old Scotland, does he ? Why, blank that greaser's eyes, I could eat 
 a dozen like him." 
 
 The Mexicans seemed to think the time for argument had expired, and 
 that a good chance for an attack now presented itself. They came forward 
 with a rush, but dreaded the sight of the two old muskets, and Jack's for- 
 midable cutlass. Once more they halted, and seemed disposed for another 
 palaver, but just then a new idea struck the elder Sanchos. 
 
 " Compadres," he said, " we will burn the coyotes out of their holes. 
 Let us set fire to the building, and destroy it, and the nest of the enemies 
 of the State." 
 
 This was a scheme I had feared would enter their minds, and it was one 
 fraught with danger to every person on the beach, for, if one hide-house 
 was fired, the others would surely go, as they were close together, and built 
 of rough boards, a little damp on account of the recent rains, but still in- 
 flammable, and easily destroyed. 
 
 We hastily told Jack of the threat, and, as the words passed our lips, he 
 snatched the musket from my hand, took a hasty aim, and fired at the 
 greasers. I do not think that he intended to hit any particular person, but, 
 as luck was on his side, planted the charge just where it would do the most 
 good, for Don Antonio Sanchos had turned for the moment back to us, for 
 the purpose of giving some instructions to his men. The light shot entered 
 below his sash, and the fellow clapped his hands on the seat of his panta- 
 loons, uttered a yell that set our dog to howling, jumped more than two 
 feet in the air, and then came down on the soft sand, and blasphemed like a 
 pirate. 
 
 His compadres drew back in surprise and consternation as they wit- 
 nessed the antics of the wounded man. None of them wished to be injured 
 m a cause that was not likely to bring them pesos. It was money they de- 
 sired more than glory or hard blows. Shooting was all very well as long as 
 they were not the recipients of the shot, and, while they were willing to do 
 
Lewey and I. 91 
 
 a little fighting, and much thieving, did not see that they were particularly 
 interested in making an attack on a hide-house, that was barren of all treas- 
 ure except a few hundred queros, and those were of no use to men who 
 were traveling around the country, restless and anxious. 
 
 " Gringo of the devil," yelled Sanchos, as soon as he could recover his 
 breath, and found that no vital part was injured, "you have insulted the 
 State in my person. You shall suffer for this." 
 
 " You and your State be blanked," retorted the Scotchman. " I made a 
 good line shot, and can do the same any day," then, as he noticed that the 
 Mexicans still looked dissatisfied with the treatment their leader had re- 
 ceived, and fearing that the greisers would carry out their threats to burn 
 the building, the Scotchman put his hands to his mouth, speaking-trumpet 
 fashion, and yelled, 
 
 " All hands ahoy. Tumble up here, and help douse sail." 
 
 The cry was heard all over the beach, and understood. The masters and 
 gangs of the several hide-houses had resolved to come to our assistance, in 
 case of necessity, but not to make their appearance unless they were called 
 upon in earnest. As the sailors and kanakas poured out of the buildings, 
 armed with hide-hooks, clubs, and muskets, they presented a formidable 
 appearance to men who were only provided with knives and spurs. 
 
 " Away, boarders, away," howled Jack, who somehow had the impression 
 that he was on the deck of a frigate, alongside of an enemy, and been or- 
 dered to head a boarding party. As he uttered the words the Scotchman 
 flourished his cutlass, struck at an imaginary enemy with a one, two, three 
 motion, and dashed at the bewildered greasers, while Lewey the kanaka 
 and myself followed our leader, clubbing the muskets, and prepared to do 
 frightful execution on the heads of our enemies. 
 
 The Mexicans saw the formidable crowd advancing in their rear and 
 front, and, alas for Don Sanchos' adherents, they were not capable of 
 standing before such a charge. For only a moment did they hesitate, then, 
 turning, fled for their horses, but even those could not be reached with 
 safety, as the crews of the other hide-houses cut off their retreat, so there 
 was but one resource, and that was to run, and they did scamper along the 
 road toward San Diego, using their legs as they never had been used be- 
 fore, the infuriated Scotchman following close in the rear, with our dog far 
 in advance, and snapping at every heel that was convenient for a nip from 
 his well-armed jaws. 
 
 We were all mixed up in the chase. The guns were so heavy that Lewey 
 and I could not make much headway, and, therefore, were glad when the 
 
9 2 Lewey and I. 
 
 old sailor, panting with his unusual exertions, the perspiration streaming 
 down his rugged face, called a halt, and ordered a retreat to the hide- 
 houses, as he had won glory enough for one day, in his own estimation. 
 
 We saw the greasers making the best of their way toward the town, and 
 stopped for a while to see if they were disposed to return, and renew the 
 fight, but, as they did not do so, we retraced our steps homeward, and then 
 Scotch Jack delivered a short address, in which he said that the battle we 
 had engaged in was equal to that of Waterloo, and, with such men as had 
 backed him that day, he could overrun the whole country. We cheered 
 our shipmate's speech, and all the rest joined in. 
 
 Then Jack said if he had a bottle of aguardiente he would treat the 
 crowd, but was rather disconcerted when an old fellow wanted to know how 
 far he thought one bottle of rum would go in such a collection of warriors, 
 who had n't had a drop of spirits for a week ? 
 
 However, Lewey and I saw a chance for popularity, and said that if a 
 messenger was found we would send up to town for a gallon of spirits, and 
 pay for it out of our own money, and three cheers were given for the propo- 
 sition and the proposers, and a kanaka volunteered to start immediately for 
 the village, armed with a one-gallon jug, which Jack owned, and kept for 
 just such service. 
 
 We did not suppose that any one would harm the kanaka, as he was a 
 quiet man, and never interfered with other people unless imposed upon. 
 The result justified our expectations, for the native of the Sandwich Islands 
 went to the town, and, when questioned by Sanchos' gang, said that every 
 hide-curer had a musket, and plenty of powder and balls, and were deter- 
 mined to kill all who visited the beach in a war-like manner. This was a 
 slight flight of imagination on the part of the kanaka, but his word was be- 
 lieved, and, as Don Sanchos was busy having fine shot picked out of his 
 person, it was thought best to let us alone for a while, or until a surprise 
 could be effected, and no danger incurred. 
 
 We turned the horses loose, those that had been left behind by the 
 visiting Mexicans, and they galloped back to town riderless, and were 
 probably secured by their respective owners. 
 
 The kanaka returned with the aguardiente about four o'clock in the after- 
 noon, and, from his appearance, we judged that he had sampled the liquor 
 on the way down to the beach, for he was the silliest man we had seen for 
 some time. He could do nothing but grin in an imbecile manner, and stag- 
 ger along, first on one side o the road, and then the other, arid say, 
 
 Me fighte greaser any day he like. Blank all Mexicans, and love good 
 
Lewey and I. 93 
 
 boys from Boston," which was complimentary to my nativity and to me, but 
 was purchased at the expense of several drinks. 
 
 Scotch Jack was so indignant he wanted to try the messenger by court- 
 martial, and sentence him to the chain-gang, but when some one asked him 
 where he found his authority for doing so, the blunt, tough eld sailor 
 replied, 
 
 " By the authority of right and might. A man what steals a shipmate's 
 rum is too mean to live. See, that black scamp has taken half a dozen tots 
 out of the jug, and what good has it done him? To appreciate liquor the 
 drinker must be white." 
 
 " And a Scotchman," shouted some person in the crowd, but no one 
 knew who uttered the words, for everybody laughed, and that made Jack so 
 mad he wanted to fight his best friends. 
 
 " I 've shot one man this morning, and can lick half a dozen this after- 
 noon, and not feel tired," he said. "Who slung that insult at my 
 head ? " 
 
 There was a deep silence. No one cared to answer, for Jack was a hard 
 man when aroused, and could do his share of fighting on land or sea, as I 
 had good reason to know, when he knocked Charley, the Dane, out of time 
 and authority in the forecastle, one morning in the Admittance. 
 
 " I 'm a square man," the Scotchman said, finding that no one responded 
 to his challenge, " and I 'm a charitable man. I 'm not going to drink all of 
 this rum myself." 
 
 " Oh, no," in mocking tones from the crowd, who appeared to have their 
 doubts on that point. But Jack went on, 
 
 " Although my shipmates paid for the aguardiente I 'm no hog. They 
 are good lads, and lets me do what I pleases with it." 
 
 We did not remember saying anything of the kind, but deemed it not 
 prudent to contradict such a general statement, for reasons which were per- 
 fectly satisfactory. We owed him a debt of gratitude, and were glad to pay 
 some portion of it. 
 
 "I has been thinking what is the best way to dispose of the rum," Jack 
 continued, after a moment's profound thought. 
 
 " I '11 bet you have concluded to drink it yourself," one old fellow re- 
 sponded, and then every one laughed. 
 
 Jack wanted to get mad, but thought better of it, as the speaker had 
 charge of a rival hide-house, and the two men were on good terms. 
 
 " Now, boys, what does you say to a good tub of punch this evening ? " 
 the Scotchman asked. 
 
94 Lewey and I. 
 
 " But who will mix it? " some one demanded. 
 
 " I will," was the old sailor's dignified reply. 
 
 " Then the saints help us, for no one else will get a smell," a man re- 
 marked, and every one laughed. 
 
 " I can lick you in two minutes," Jack cried indignantly. 
 
 " Well, you won't, for, if you did, I should n't feel like having any of that 
 punch. Let 's take the rum first, and the lickin' arterwards, if you please," 
 persisted the sailor, whose head seemed to be clear on that point. 
 
 " I '11 let my two shipmates, the lads, help me do the mixing," Jack said 
 at length, and this decision seemed to please every one, so it was agreed 
 that seven o'clock was the proper hour for the drinking to commence, and, 
 with this understanding, the hide-house people separated, while Lewey took 
 charge of the jug of rum, and, to prevent a great shrinkage before the prop- 
 er time arrived, locked it up in his chest, and put the key in his pocket. 
 
 After supper we procured some limes, brown sugar, and water, a pan 
 that had done duty for various purposes, but was clean as the kanaka cook 
 could make it, and concocted a punch, and, after Jack had sampled it sever- 
 al times, he said it was as good as anything could be that had so much wa- 
 ter in it, and yet taste of rum. As far as he was concerned he did not like 
 to have his liquor sweetened. Pure aguardiente was the best for him, and 
 for every one, but, as there was not enough to go around, he must do the 
 best he could by the aid of water. 
 
 Our friends came trooping in at the appointed time, and each man 
 brought a tin pot and a chair, as our establishment could not boast of glasses 
 or seats sufficient for all hands. Scotch Jack did the honors, and wel- 
 comed every one with that quiet geniality which he could so well assume 
 when good-natured. 
 
 " I have axed you all here," he said, as soon as the company was seat- 
 ed around the room, ;t to take a drink in honor of the way we licked the 
 greasers, and to say that I thanks you for the hand you lent me in sendin' 
 'em off to the town in a hurry. I could have whacked 'em alone, single- 
 handed, but I a'n't mean, and wanted to give all a chance." 
 
 Here he took a tin pot, bailed out a liberal supply of the punch, threw 
 back his head, and allowed the liquor to course down his throat in a tantal- 
 izing manner to the observers. 
 
 " II: you keeps on that way there won't be much chance for us at the 
 punch, at any rate," one of the rival hide-house keepers muttered, and 
 there was a murmur of assent all around the room from men whose mouths 
 were watering for a taste of the mixture. 
 
Lewey and I. 95 
 
 " Don't you be in such a blanked hurry," cried the Scotchman. " I 
 knows what politeness is, and how the quality does the business when ship- 
 mates meet for a social glass. We is going to have toasts and sich like. 
 I now gives you the first regular one. Here it is. Confusion to all 
 greasers." 
 
 He put the tin pot to his mouth, and took a long pull, and there were 
 deep groans from all the company present, for no one was invited to second 
 the toast, or to drink to it. 
 
 Jack did not appear to heed the ominous growls. His thoughts seemed 
 to be on other and more interesting matters. He looked around the room, 
 his weather-beaten face all aglow with the hospitality which he was dis- 
 pensing in so liberal a manner. But he paid no attention to the imploring 
 looks and deep frowns of his audience. 
 
 " I '11 now give you the second regular toast," the Scotchman continued, 
 after he had regained his breath, and then dipped his tin pot into the 
 punch once more, not owning a ladle, and this time every one supposed the 
 liquor was to be passed around, and their eyes were full of anticipation, and 
 their mouths of tobacco. 
 
 " We has all heard," Jack continued, " that the United States and Mexi- 
 co is at war. We don't know if it is true. If it is true, we will drink to the 
 best man, and may he win." 
 
 He swallowed a liberal allowance of the punch, and, as the pot left his 
 lips, gazed around at the mourners, and remarked, in a mild and encourag- 
 ing manner, 
 
 " We'll now give three cheers for the States." 
 
 No one responded to the call. The company were too indignant to 
 cheer anything, or any one, but more than a dozen old salts breathed hard, 
 and looked the fight which they felt. As for the kanakas, they chattered in 
 their musical tongue, and wondered what kind of a party the white sailor 
 had invited them to, where one man did the drinking, and all the 
 talking. 
 
 " You don't seem to like that toast," Jack said, after a moment's reflection. 
 " You act a little backward in cheerin' for the flag under which you have 
 sailed for so many years, and eaten the bread and beef when it has been 
 doled out to you in full rations, and no minister's faces to make weight." 
 
 " Blank yer yarnin' and chinin'," growled a sailor. " Give us a chance 
 at the grog-tub, and then we '11 cheer fast enough. It 's blanked dry work 
 seem' a shipmate do all the swillin', and we as dry as an old hulk, what is 
 laid up in ordinary." 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 Jack appeared a little surprised at the complaint. In an absent-minded 
 manner he dipped his tin pot into the punch, tasted it, to see if it was to 
 his satisfaction, yet did not seem quite suited, as he muttered, 
 
 " I told the lads that they was puttin' in too much water. Ii allers spiles 
 punch to add water." 
 
 " Give us a chance to see what it is like," one man said, but Jack did not 
 choose to hear him. He was so well satisfied with himself and position 
 that he appeared not to catch all the complimentary remarks which were 
 addressed to him by the company. Neither did he seem to care for the 
 ominous growls of discontent that were heard on all sides If he did notice 
 them he probably imagined that they were laudatory for the able manner 
 in which he was presiding at the feast. Lewey and I were anxious to in- 
 terfere, and distribute the contents of the grog-tub in a fair and impartial 
 manner, but knew that if we interposed Jack would become angry at our 
 intrusion, and use hot words. We needed him as a friend just at that time, 
 and had no wish to provoke his quick temper, which we expected to see 
 break out before the evening's festivities closed. 
 
 " I '11 now give you the third regular toast," the Scotchman said, as he 
 filled his tin pot, " and I 'm sure all will jine me in it without bein' taken 
 aback." 
 
 " We might all be taken aback, and get starn-way on us, if you should ax 
 us to take a drop of that 'ere blessed punch," growled the master of the 
 rival hide-house. 
 
 " Patience, mate," Jack remarked, " All in good time. Don't hurry me, 
 and I '11 do more work than if I had an officer at my heels all day. The 
 next toast what I offers you is " 
 
 " Blank yer toasts. Give us the drink, and keep the toasts to yerself," 
 was the universal growl, but the Scotchman did not notice the interruption. 
 He continued, 
 
 " I gives our own noble selves, and with three cheers. Now, one," Jack 
 yelled, but no one present responded. 
 
 He went through the programme, and then dipped out another liberal 
 supply of punch, and his hand was unsteady as he performed the difficult 
 job. 
 
 " I will now sing you a song," the Scotchman cried, with drunken gravity, 
 as he looked around the row of scowling faces. " It is one of Bobby Burns' 
 songs. Ah, what a poet he was. Does any one here dare to say that Bob- 
 by Burns was not the greatest poet what ever lived ? " 
 
 As but few present had any acquaintance with the Scotch bard, or, in 
 
Lewey and /. 97 
 
 fact, knew what a poet was, there was no response to the question, al- 
 though an old sailor said that he knew the ship well, and had sailed in her 
 from Glasgow to Hong Kong, one voyage, and a very wet vessel she was 
 for'ard when there was a chop-sea on, and a stiff breeze blowing. 
 
 Jack did not correct the misunderstanding, even if he heard it. He took 
 a sip of punch to clear his throat, and then, to my amusement, commenced 
 to sing, 
 
 " Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes." 
 
 As his voice was cracked, and none too melodious, the long-suffering pa- 
 tience of his audience was exhausted. What between a refusal to allow 
 them a chance at the grog-tub, a call for three cheers every few minutes, 
 when they did not feel like yelling, harangues that interested them not, it 
 is no wonder that the company sprang to their feet, as one man, and, just 
 as the Scotchman's voice gave token of breaking all to pieces, while his 
 eyes were closed, to give full effect to his song, and he was waving the tin 
 pot in his hand for the purpose of emphasizing the tune to which the lines 
 should be sung, many hands grabbed him, he was lifted up bodily, hustled 
 from the room, and pitched on the sand in front of the door, where he re- 
 mained for a few minutes, too astonished to make a remark, or to compre- 
 hend the method employed to get him out of the house. 
 
 Then, like a pack of hungry coyotes, the residents of the beach swooped 
 down on the grog-tub, and in one minute there was not a spoonful of the 
 punch left, and all the company filed out of the hide-house, homeward bound, 
 while Lewey and I looked at each other in amused consternation at the 
 scene that had taken place before us, and changed so quickly. 
 
 From our wonderment we were aroused by hearing; Jack's voice, and in- 
 to the house he crawled, on all fours. As the light of the candles struck 
 his head, he sat up, looked around, and asked, with a thick tongue, and 
 drunken grin, 
 
 "Boys, was there a hearthquake just now, or what was the matter ?" 
 
 We helped the man up, laid him away in his bunk, and the kanaka turned 
 in, and both were soon snoring, but the room was so warm that we did not 
 feel like retiring just at that moment. We doused the lights, filled our 
 pipes, and went outside to have a quiet smoke, and to talk over our future 
 prospects, for they did not look any too bright just then, and once more we 
 wished ourselves on board the Admittance, and homeward bound. 
 
 We sat on a spar, near the hide-house, in the deep shadow of the build- 
 
98 Lewey and I. 
 
 ing, and talked for a long time, and, just as we had knocked the ashes from 
 our pipes, and thought of retiring to our bunks, two dark forms stole out 
 of the chapparel, and came toward us. They did not notice us where we 
 sat, so we kept perfectly still, and waited to see what the visitors desired, 
 as they had come from the direction of the town. Jack, our dog, was in 
 the house, fast asleep, or he would have given an alarm, and the rest of the 
 canines were off on the hills, making lively music for the benefit of a coy- 
 ote that had ventured too near the beach, for the purpose of getting a sup 
 per of refuse fat and scraps of hide. 
 
 We said nothing, but waited. The men stopped, and listened for a mo- 
 ment, but, hearing no sound, went to the corner of the house, knelt down, 
 and we could see them pile some dry material, which they had brought with 
 them, against the boards, and then there was the scratching of a match, 
 but it did not ignite readily, and a second attempt was made. 
 
 " Dey am about to set on fire de buildin','' whispered Lewey. " Vot 
 skall vedo?" 
 
 " Bang them over the head with a club," I answered, and the proposition 
 just suited Lewey. 
 
 At our feet was a lot of fire-wood, which had been cut at odd intervals, 
 when there was no work to be done on hides. We selected heavy sticks, 
 crawled on our hands and knees toward the visitors, for we suspected they 
 belonged to the Sanchos' gang, and were to secure revenge for the treat- 
 ment they had received during the forenoon. 
 
 The Mexicans were too much occupied in experimenting with matches to 
 notice us. In fact, one of them uttered a strong " caramba " at the failure 
 of the lucifer to blaze up, owing to the fact that the boards of the house 
 were a little damp from the late rains. 
 
 " Make haste," one of the Mexicans said in a half whisper. " The dogs 
 will return in a short time, and bark their heads off if they see us, and then 
 the whole colony will turn out, and give us a lively chase all along the 
 road." 
 
 " No fear," responded the other. " The gringos are asleep, and nothing- 
 will disturb them until morning. If we knew where the boys slept we 
 would make short work of them with our knives." 
 
 " The risk would be too great," the other answered. " We might stum- 
 ble on that accursed Scotchman. His fist is like a stone, and his strength 
 is that of a bull. We will burn the shelter of the accursed heretics, and 
 then they will be at our mercy. We can clean out the whole gang after the 
 houses are gone." 
 
Lewey and /. 99 
 
 Another match was lighted, flared up, and we saw by its blaze the dark 
 faces of Carlos Sanchos and another greaser, whom we did not know. The 
 kindling stuff was ignited, and, just as the men arose to beat a hasty retreat, 
 we sprang to our feet, and struck the fellows two heavy blows on the sides 
 of their heads, and they fell as i~ lightning had hit them, and did not move, 
 except their feet, which kicked convulsively. 
 
 " I am afraid that we have killed them," I whispered to Lewey, rather 
 awed at the crime we had committed. 
 
 " So much de better," was the cheerful response. " Two of our enemies 
 out of de vay, at any rate," and then we stamped out the fire, bent down and 
 examined the bodies of the insensible men, removed their long knives from 
 the sheaths, and went to arouse Jack, and tell him what had happened. 
 
 But the punch had such an influence over the Scotchman, that all he 
 could say in response to our appeals was that he " would sing just one more 
 song, and then take a drink," and, pull as we might, there was no getting 
 him to realize the sense of danger that the hide-house had been in, so we 
 gave it up as a bad job, and went back for the injured greasers, but they had 
 disappeared in some mysterious manner, and left no traces behind. They 
 had recovered from the blows, which were not as bad as we thought, and 
 left the premises. We called our dog, and put him on the trail, and he fol- 
 lowed it, Lewey and I close to his heels, until he came to a lot of scrub oak, 
 and there we saw that our nocturnal visitors had taken their horses, tied to 
 the trees, and gone in the direction of San Diego. It was useless to at- 
 tempt to follow them, so we called off our dog, and went back to the hide- 
 house, thinking the fellows' heads were aching too badly for a second at- 
 tempt to fire our building that night, and we were correct in our surmise, 
 for no one disturbed us, but we took the precautions to lock the outer door, 
 for fear some villain might wander in, and use a knife on our persons, re- 
 membering what one of the greasers had said on the subject. 
 
 The next morning Jack had but a hazy remembrance of the previous 
 night's doings. He knew that he had enjoyed himself, and supposed that 
 every one had done the same. We did not remind him of his scant hospi- 
 tality, his attempts to sing, or even of the indignant rush of the suffering 
 people, who pitched him on the sand, and then attacked the punch. It 
 would have done no good to recall such matters, but we did point out the 
 place where the Mexicans had attempted to fire the building, and showed 
 the long, sharp knives, as proof of our assertion, and that all was not a 
 dream. 
 
 This set Jack to thinking, and he called around at the various hide- 
 
ioo Lewey and I. 
 
 houses, and proposed that an anchor watch should be established hereafter, 
 to guard the property, and the project was adopted, until all danger was 
 passed, and then the men had every night in, as usual. 
 
 We did not hear from the Sanchos gang for several days, and, in the 
 meantime, took care not to wander from the protection of the beach, or 
 even to go gunning, for fear of a surprise. But one morning Captain Fitch 
 rode down to see us, and stated that he and the alcalda had received papers 
 from General Castro, and that the military chieftain sent us permits to re- 
 main in the country, and do as we pleased, as long as we did not take up 
 arms against the State. This so disgusted Sanchos and his gang that all 
 had gone to the Pueblo los Angeles, and taken forty or fifty military re- 
 cruits. We were now' free, for the time being, from any molestation on his 
 part, but we were advised to keep at a distance from the man, as he was 
 dangerous, and might prove more troublesome in the future. 
 
 " My advice to you now is to ship on board of some American vessel that 
 is on the coast, and get away from here as soon as possible. In time of 
 war no one will be safe on the land. Even I have been molested several 
 times by bands of greasers calling at my house, and asking for money. 
 There is a girl, the jailor's daughter, who gives me no peace, she is so 
 eager to know where you two boys are located. She says one or both of 
 you promised to marry her. It is wrong to trifle with the affections of 
 young ladies," and he grinned as he spoke, as though knowing more of our 
 doings in the calabozo than he was disposed to tell. 
 
 Lewey blushed, something he was capable of doing once in a while, as 
 he said, 
 
 " You no tell her ve here. She is one good girl, but ve has trouble 
 enough vidout vomen boderin' us just now." 
 
 " Except the girls you desire to marry ? " hinted the captain. 
 
 " Oh, yes, dem ve skall dink of all de time," my friend said. 
 
 " Well, think of them as much as you please, but don't marry if you know 
 what is good for your future welfare," then the captain, seeing no signs of 
 approval on our faces, continued, " I suppose that I am only wasting my 
 time in talking to you on a subject that you have set your minds on. I 
 give you the best advice that I am capable of administering, and you refuse 
 to take it. Some day you will think of all that I have said, and regret that 
 you had not acted a little more sensibly. However, go your way, and re- 
 member that, if you get in a hard box, you have a friend in me at all times, 
 and don't forget to appeal for my aid if necessary. Here are the papers 
 from General Castro. Take good care of them, for they may be of service 
 
Lewey and I. 101 
 
 to you, in case some Mexican is disposed to make trouble, as armed men 
 are riding about the country. But your safest place is on board ship, for 
 the vessels on the coast will not be molested, so I am given to understand." 
 
 Then Captain Fitch produced a small bag of gold, and counted out 
 fifteen doubloons for Lewey, and the like amount for myself, the wages 
 which had been left in his hands by Captain Peterson, when we were dis- 
 charged from the Admittance. The sum looked like a small fortune to us, 
 and we thought that we could see many months of happiness and idleness 
 before us on the strength of the amount. 
 
 " I need not tell you .that it is just as well you should keep secret the fact 
 that you possess this money. Give out that you have not a peso in the 
 world, for there are lots of greasers who would cut your throats for a tenth 
 part of a gold piece, and think they had committed no crime. If you go 
 through the country beg your way, and return courtesies with profuse 
 thanks, but give no silver in exchange, so shall you escape some of the dan- 
 gers of California. I am talking to you now just as though you were my 
 own boys, for I know that each of you must have relatives and friends at 
 home who would thank me for my advice, if they knew you needed it as 
 badly as you do just at present." 
 
 We were quite affected at his words, and I was more than half inclined 
 to promise all that the gentleman desired, but a glance at Lewey's face pre- 
 vented me. He had made up his mind to carry out the programme marked 
 down months before, and I was weak enough to acquiesce in his decision. 
 
 It would have been better for both of us if we had listened with more at- 
 tention, and weighed well his words, and let the girls we thought we loved 
 so well go in search of other husbands. The captain was a man of experi- 
 ence in the little world in which he lived, and knew the Mexican character 
 most thoroughly. He was familiar with their good qualities, and all of 
 their bad ones, and so moved along in the society in which he was thrown 
 almost without a jar, making money out of those who desired to borrow, 
 and taking his interest of twelve per cent, and sometimes a little more, 
 when the security was doubtful, with charming frankness and good-nature, 
 as men who loan money generally do. The principal was never paid, as a 
 matter of course, for the fascinating game of monte was more attractive to 
 the average Mexican than the payment of debts, and so, as years rolled on, 
 the captain grew richer, and the natives of the State poorer, and the more 
 poverty-stricken the latter became the greater their pride and arrogance, 
 and the more urgent their entreaties for fresh loans, on estates already en- 
 cumbered with mortgages. 
 
102 Lewey and I. 
 
 " I will send you a few notes of introduction to various parties on the 
 coast, and in the interior," the captain said, after he had waited for us to 
 digest his words, -and saw that he had not produced the effect intended. 
 " They may be of use to you. At any rate they can do no harm. In them 
 I shall state the reason why you were discharged from your ship, and your 
 desire to become rancheros, or cattle-raisers. Without such papers the 
 Americans at the Pueblo, Santa Barbara, and other places might think you 
 were deserters, and so turn the cold shoulder to you when there was need 
 of their assistance. You must not expect that every American or English- 
 man on the coast will receive you with open arms, for they won't. If you 
 are asked to dine with them, it may be in the kitchen where your food will 
 be served, and not in the best room in the house, for we have an aristocra- 
 cy here as well as in other countries, and the line is drawn at sailors. 
 I know," the captain added hastily, seeing that we wera inclined to inter- 
 rupt him, " what you would say. I have not the slightest doubt but that 
 you are as good, and belong to as respectable families as any on the coast, 
 but you have served as sailor boys on vessels, and that cuts you off from 
 all acquaintance with the better classes of the State." 
 
 " But if ve skall rise up, and become rich. Den vot vill dey say to us ? " 
 asked Lewey. 
 
 " When you arrive at that position you will be able to answer the ques- 
 tion to your entire satisfaction, and need no help from me," was the gentle- 
 man's reply. 
 
 Some years after, a French corvette, of thirty guns, anchored in San 
 Diego harbor, and all the officers were welcomed and made much of by the 
 elite of the town. Among those who strove to make the French gentlemen 
 content was Captain Fitch. He gave a grand soiree at his house to the 
 commander of the corvette and the officers, and, while drinking toasts, took 
 occasion to compliment the master of the man-of-war on his excellent Eng- 
 lish. The latter smiled, as he turned to the host and said, in our 
 tongue, 
 
 "Do you dink dat I could be admitted to any of de houses in dis country 
 on a perfect equality you know ? " 
 
 " Most certainly. Why should you not be ? Your rank will cause all to 
 pay the most marked respect to a gentleman like yourself," Mr. Fitch 
 answered. 
 
 "But s'pose I should inform you dat at one time I vas only a sailor boy 
 on a vessel under de American flag ? " the captain of the French ship-of-war 
 continued. 
 
Lewey and /. 103 
 
 " That would make no difference to us in this State," Mr. Fitch respond- 
 ed. "We judge a man by his merits alone." 
 
 " But if I should further inform you dat I vos vonce a prisoner in your 
 calabozo, den vot vould you say ? " asked the French gentleman, with a 
 smile, as he thought of other days, and glanced around the room in which 
 he was seated, surrounded by all the handsome ladies of San Diego, and 
 influential gentlemen. 
 
 " I should think that your excellency was joking with me for some pur- 
 pose," Captain Fitch replied. 
 
 " But I is not joking. I is very serious. I comes in dis port jist to see 
 de old place some more. Vill you believes me vhen I tells you dat in dis 
 bery room I vonce, in company vid a bery bad American boy, mine fast 
 friend den, my best of friends now, gives vhat ve calls a performance of 
 legerdemain, for de amusement of you and your guests ?" 
 
 " Impossible," Captain Fitch cried. " I do not recollect the circum- 
 stance. You must be poking fun at me, for some purpose or other." 
 
 " Listen to me," the French gentleman remarked, in a calm tone. " One 
 day, some years ago, vhen mine friend and mineself vas at de hide-house, 
 on de beach, you ask us to gib de performance for de fun of your friends, 
 and you tells us ve can hab de supper in one room by ourselves, but ve can- 
 not eat at de same table vid your guests. Dat did not hurt our feelings, 
 'cos ve cared more for de viands dan ve did for de company. Ven de per- 
 formance vas about vot you call ober, von Mexican greaser, named San- 
 chos, entered de apartment, and arrest mine friend Thorn, and take him to 
 de calabozo, on de charge of being a spy. You no recollect de ding 
 now ? " 
 
 Captain Fitch was astonished, and well he might be, at the singular tide 
 of fortune that had carried Lewey from a hide-house to the quarter-deck 
 of a French ship-of-war. The circumstance all came back to the gentle- 
 man, and for a moment there was much astonishment to see the Frenchman 
 and the former American rise from their places at the table, shake hands 
 with great eagerness and cordiality, and then stand and look at each other 
 for a long time, their hearts too full for the words that wanted to flow, but 
 did not, on account of gladness and surprise. The two men could not real- 
 ize the great change that had occurred in their positions in life, and the^cap- 
 tain of the ship-of war, as he wiped away the moisture from his eyes, was 
 heard to mutter, 
 
 " I 'd gib one dousand dollars if Thorn vas here on dis occasion to take 
 part in it, and I knows dat he vould gib anuder dousand for de chance." 
 
IO4 Lewey and I. 
 
 Then Captain Fitch, when he could recover his breath, and get over his 
 astonishment, told the wonderful story of our experiences in San Diego, to 
 his Mexican and American friends present, and Lewey, in the French lan- 
 guage, related his exploits as a legerdemainist, not only at Captain Fitch's 
 but at Monterey, and, to judge from the laughter of the naval officers, my 
 old friend must have said some funny things, but I hope he told the truth 
 about me, and took his share of the blame, where the latter came in, espec- 
 ially all that related to the firey serpent. 
 
 I have since been told by the French naval officer, and those who were 
 with him on that memorable day, that there was more champagne drunk at 
 the feast than was ever known before or since, and, when all hands were as 
 full as possible, Captain Fitch proposed that the whole company should 
 march through the streets, and visit the calabozo, a suggestion that was re- 
 ceived with cheers, and, arm in arm, Mexican and Frenchman, ladies and 
 caballeros, the party passed along the calles, and visited the prison, and the 
 only unpleasant incident that occurred was when a dry, black, wrinkled 
 woman threw herself into the French captain's arms, and called him her 
 treasure, and a bad man at the same time. It was the jailor's daughter, 
 married, and the mother of six children. The host had privately sent her 
 a dollar, and instructions what to do, and the right time to make the dem- 
 onstration, the most laughable episode of the day, for even the ladies pres- 
 ent screamed with delight at the spectacle of a naval captain, in full uni- 
 form, being embraced by a half-naked Mexican woman. Justice to Lewey 
 compels me to state that he treated the whole matter as a good joke, al- 
 though he swore by all the saints in the calender, that he had never seen 
 the woman before, made love to her, or promised to marry her, and that 
 she had mistaken him for some other person, and meanly hinted that I was 
 the man, but no one believed him, I hope. 
 
 Lewey gave the female, after he had extricated himself from her embrace, 
 a twenty-dollar gold piece, sent her from the ship some jewelry, a few 
 gaudy shawls and handkerchiefs, but never sought a second interview. 
 Thus do the loves of our younger days pass from our minds, and lie buried 
 in the grave of youthful fancies, and, when I think of the matter, I am in- 
 clined to the opinion that Lewey's graveyard of affairs of the heart must be 
 well stocked with broken hopes and forgotten protestations of eternal fideli- 
 ty on his part. 
 
 But all this is foreign to the fact that we were seated at a table in our 
 hide-house, and listening to the kind words of Captain Fitch, who promised 
 us letters of recommendation to his friends, and, when he had taken his 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 leave, we made up our minds to make the journey overland to Ranche 
 Refugio, where we hoped to join Anita and Engracia, and with them we 
 thought our trials and troubles might cease, and that happiness would 
 shine on our heads every day of our lives, or as long as we resided in Cal- 
 ifornia, which might be for years, or only a few months. How much we 
 were mistaken in the life we were to lead will be revealed as this yarn 
 progresses, for who could have imagined the trying scenes through which 
 we must pass, the hardships we were to endure, the dangers to be encoun- 
 tered, the cruel enemies we must face and defeat, the warm friends we 
 were to meet, who protected and sheltered us so that at last we escaped with 
 our lives, and thus lived to rejoin our relatives at some distant day, older, 
 wiser, and better young men. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PREPARATIONS FOR A LONG JOURNEY. FAREWELL TO SAN DIEGO. 
 EN ROUTE TO RANCHE REFUGI ). A VAQUERO AND BULL. THE 
 LONELY ADOBE HOUSE, AND A PRAIRIE-FLOWER. THE MOUNTAIN 
 LION. LEWEY IS AGAIN IN LOVE. AN INTERRUPTION TO A MID- 
 NIGHT COURTSHIP. THE THREAT. WILD INDIANS ON THE TRAIL. 
 
 WE were in no hurry to start on our long and dangerous journey to 
 Ranche Refugio, for it was the winter season, and sometimes the 
 rain fell in torrents, so we knew the streams would be swollen, and danger- 
 ous to cross. We had thought of obtaining passage in a sailing vessel 
 bound up the coast, but none entered the harbor for several weeks, most of 
 the ships being at San Francisco, lying there for security, while the north- 
 west and southwest gales prevailed. One bark, the Don Quixote, came to 
 an anchor at San Diego, and loaded with tallow for Callao. We could have 
 shipped on board of her, and were urged to do so by the master, but Lewey 
 had set his heart on being married, and I could not bear to disappoint his 
 sanguine anticipations, and so the chance passed away. 
 
 At one time we thought of taking an otter -hunter's boat, and skirt along 
 the coast, landing at night for shelter, but the people to whom 
 we spoke on the subject, men who knew just what we would have to en- 
 counter, protested against the scheme as being too dangerous and impracti- 
 cable in the winter season, when gales were frequent, and the surf fearful. 
 They said we might be capsized, or driven to sea, in a sudden squall, before 
 we could make a landing, and that no boat could live in such waves as 
 were prevalent between San Diego and Santa Barbara. 
 
 Jack was in no hurry for us to leave the shelter of the hide-house. He was 
 accustomed to our society, and knew that he would miss us when we took 
 our departure for good. He talked to us with all the seriousness of a 
 
Lewey and I. 107 
 
 father on the unwise course we had marked out, and declared that no good 
 would come of it, he was sure. We were welcome to remain with him as 
 long as we desired, and do no work unless it suited us. But all his argu- 
 ments were lost, and at last he spared his breath, as he saw that no im- 
 pression was made on our plans. 
 
 It was rarely that we heard from the North. Once in a while a courier 
 would arrive with despatches for the alcalda, but no battles were reported, 
 excepting a few slight skirmishes with Captain Fremont and his explorers, 
 on the shores of San Francisco Bay, or the banks of the Sacramento River. 
 But it was stated that General Castro had the Americans just where he 
 wanted them, and that the whole gang of invaders would soon be captured. 
 We did not think there was much probability of a long struggle, as we 
 hoped the Californians would remain neutral during the war, as Captain 
 Graham, of Santa Cruz, advised, and so we went on with our preparations 
 for departure, just as though the country was at peace. 
 
 We had much to do before we commenced our journey, and many things 
 to pick up. We found at one of the hide-houses two light rifles, which 
 some trappers had left there years before, and never called for. They were 
 in good order, and needed only a little oil to work perfectly. With them 
 were bullet moulds and powder flasks. There was no trouble in securing 
 caps and ammunition at the town, so that in this respect our equipment was 
 complete. We purchased the rifles for the sum of ten dollars, and the sell- 
 er thought he got a good price for the guns, as he never used them, prefer- 
 ring the old-fashioned ship's musket to any other firearm that was ever in- 
 vented. Then we hunted up, by the aid of friends at San Diego, two pairs 
 of small pistols, not of much use, except at close quarters, but, as they 
 were light, we thought it desirable to possess them. We made straps to 
 sling our rifles over our shoulders when traveling, some strong belts to 
 wear around our waists, for the purpose of securing our gold pieces, and 
 bags of canvas to hold our discharge papers, the permits from General 
 Castro, and letters of recommendation of Captain Fitch, addressed to peo- 
 ple along the route. 
 
 Our next business was to seek to purchase two mustangs and saddles, and 
 this we were enabled to do, yet horses were cheap, and saddles dear. But 
 our friend, the captain, had some old second-hand equipments, which he 
 had taken for debts from drunken greasers, years before, and he let us 
 have them at a cheap rate, lariats and all. We exercised our animals 
 every day, after we obtained possession, and thus got accustomed to their 
 ways, and enured ourselves to the use of the saddle. At night we would 
 
io8 Lewey and I. 
 
 let our horses feed on the grass near the hide-houses, or, rather, just back 
 of them, for the country was then brilliant with a green covering, and the 
 flowers were in full bloom in every direction, or where the sand was not too 
 dense for them to obtain a little nourishment. 
 
 We were in high spirits over our anticipated excursion, as we thought of 
 the pleasures of riding through the country, and seeing its wonders, camp- 
 ing when we pleased, and moving on when it suited our convenience, our 
 own masters, and under no one's control. But Scotch Jack was dissatisfied 
 with all of our arrangements, and uttered ominous growls of warning as to 
 the hardships we might have to encounter, f or he had a much greater ap- 
 preciation of the difficulties of the journey than we did. 
 
 It was near the first of April when all of our arrangements were com- 
 pleted, and we were ready for the journey. The steady, heavy rains had 
 ceased, but there were occasional showers night and morning. The whole 
 country was verdant, and filled with the perfume of thousands of strange 
 and brilliant-hued flowers. The gales had degenerated into soft breezes, 
 that came from the north and west, invigorating and healthy. The lungs 
 seemed to expand under their influence, and we could bathe in the morning 
 in the salt waters of the bay, stand on the soft sand, and inhale the delic- 
 ious atmosphere, then go back to the hide-house, and create consternation 
 in the mind of the kanaka cook at our desperate attack on the fried beef- 
 steaks and coffee. 
 
 The night before we were to leave, in consideration of the kindness we 
 had received from every one on the beach, we resolved to give a farewell 
 party to our old friends. We readily obtained Jack's consent to the pro- 
 ject, only stipulating that, as we were to be the hosts, it was necessary he 
 should not boss operations, as he had done on one memorable occasion, 
 and drank nearly all the punch before the indignant guests rose up, and 
 smote him to the right and left, and then deposited him on the cool sand, 
 as a warning against further exhibitions of selfishness. 
 
 It was some time before we could get the Scotchman to promise that he 
 would not interfere, but we had to consent to his petition for permission to 
 make a speech, and sing one of Burns' songs. When this was arranged all 
 the rest was clear work. We went around to the hide-houses, and person- 
 ally invited the sailors and kanakas. All reluctantly agreed to come, al- 
 though the keeper of the rival establishment said he 'd be blanked if he was 
 going to any more shindies where one man did all the talking and drinking, 
 and gave no one else a chance at the grog-tub. 
 
 " But this time," we pleaded, "Jack will not have the serving out of the 
 
Lewey and I. 109 
 
 punch. He will be anchored in a chair like the rest of you, and we '11 see 
 that you have your full share when the mainbrace is spliced, if you will 
 only come." 
 
 "You don't know that Scotchman as well as me," the hide-house keeper 
 said. " When it comes to drinkin' and fightin' he wants more than his 
 share. Howsomever, bein' as it is you, and 'cos you is about to up anchor, 
 and sail away for foreign parts, I don't mind if I comes over for a little 
 while this evenin', just to see the boys, and help along the fun." 
 
 We sent up to San Diego for two gallons of aguardiente and some lem- 
 ons, but took the precaution of despatching a different messenger from the 
 kanaka we had previously entrusted with such a delicate duty, but it made 
 no difference, the English sailor, who was called upon to go, getting more 
 than half drunk on the way to the beach, so our package suffered a little de- 
 pletion on its passage to the owners. 
 
 Jack was indignant at such rank treachery, and swore tha.t there was not 
 a person on the shore who was fit to be trusted with rum, excepting him- 
 self, and that the next time an entertainment was given he would do the 
 errand, and then all could depend upon him. 
 
 When Lewey heard this remark he winked very seriously, but uttered 
 never a word, for we knew that Jack had no fear of rum, and would attack 
 it every time there was a chance for an encounter, and yet he was thrown 
 by his enemy just as often as they came to close quarters. But the Scotch- 
 man never knew when he was vanquished, and still fought on, against des- 
 perate odds. 
 
 We made a nice punch, arid at seven o'clock our friends had all assem- 
 bled at the hide-house, bringing tin pots and chairs. Their eyes glistened as 
 they fell upon the grog-tub, but all were patient, even if uneasy glances 
 were cast upon Jack, as if fearful that he might disappoint them at the last 
 moment, and go in for more than his share of punch. 
 
 But Jack behaved very well, all things considered, and, after we had 
 given each person a liberal supply of liquor, and all had tasted and ap- 
 proved, lighted their pipes, and prepared to listen, I stepped to the table, 
 and made a short speech. 
 
 " Messmates and shipmates," I said, " we are about to break ground, up 
 anchor, and sail for other parts. Before we square away, and shape our 
 course, let me, in behalf of Lewey and myself, return thanks for the sailor- 
 like treatment we have received at your hands." 
 
 "Three cheers for the lads," roared Jack, and they were given with a 
 will, and then all held out their tin pots for a further supply of punch. 
 
no Lewey and I. 
 
 We complied with the mute, but significant appeal, and I continued my 
 address. 
 
 " When we were threatened with arrest by a gang of land-lubber greasers 
 you stepped to the front, and drove the scoundrels to their dens. We shall 
 never forget it, and hope some day to again see you, and to once more fill 
 the grog tub at our expense. " 
 
 There was a roar of applause, and, at its conclusion, Jack sprang to his 
 feet, and replied to my speech. 
 
 He said that he was an old man, and had knocked about the world for 
 fifty-five years. He had served in line-of-battle ships, frigates, and in mer- 
 chantmen, and he wanted it understood that better shipmates he had never 
 fell in with than Lewey and myself. We reminded him of one of Burns' 
 songs, which he could not remember very well, but would try and sing it 
 for the gratification of the company present, if any one desired him, and 
 forthwith, without waiting for a vote on the subject, commenced howling 
 the old song, 
 
 " A man 's a man for a* that," 
 
 but the noise and confusion was so great that we could not see the con- 
 nection between the song and ourselves, and, after Jack had yelled himself 
 into an intense state of perspiration and thirst, there were loud calls for 
 more punch, and thunders of applause for the song. 
 
 We did not drink any of the mixture except once, in response to a toast 
 honorable to ourselves, and to show that we were not too proud to share in 
 the fun of the people on the beach. Had we refused fo partake of a glass, 
 in company with our guests, there would have been strong mutterings of 
 discontent, and this we desired to avoid, wishing to leave a good impres- 
 sion behind after we were gone. 
 
 At nine o'clock the punch was entirely consumed, and wistful glances 
 cast around the room for more. No person was intoxicated, but all had 
 enough for one evening at least, and, when some of the kanakas commenced 
 to yawn, and Jack proposed to sing another song, the people stole quietly 
 out of the room, and sought the seclusion of their own quarters for the 
 night. 
 
 The Scotchman looked around in a dazed sort of manner, as though won- 
 dering why men should be so lacking in good taste, then blanked some 
 one's eyes to his heart's content, and went to bed, while we cleared up the 
 room, gave it a good airing, and turned in also, thinking of what kind of a 
 place we should find to sleep in the next night, when on our journey. 
 
Lewey and I. 1 1 1 
 
 The following day was bright and pleasant. We were up at an early 
 hour, had a good swim, fed our horses with a little barley, packed our blan- 
 kets, dressed in full suits of Mexican clothes, sombrero and leggings, 
 spurs and knives, and, after breakfast, saddled our animals, and then pre- 
 pared to take leave of our old shipmate. 
 
 " You know, boys," the Scotchman said, as his voice grew husky, and 
 his eye s moist, " that I is agin the whole thing. But you is bound to go, 
 and so that 's the end of it. But if you wants to come back your old bunks 
 is ready for you at any time, and you will always find a friend in Scotch 
 Jack." 
 
 " We know it, old shipmate," we answered, " and perhaps we may return 
 sooner than you expect. We shall leave all of our effects here, chests 
 and bedding, and if you never hear from us consider the property your 
 own. Use it just as you please. We make you our heir-at-law." 
 
 " I don't care so much for the dunnage, lads, as I do for you," was the 
 answer. " Come back to me, and the chests may go to blankation. But," 
 and here the thoughtfulness and prudence of the Scot came in play, " jist 
 you put them sentiments of yours in writin', and then everythin' will be 
 shipshape in case anythin' should happen to you." 
 
 We readily complied with the request. We drew up papers, stating that 
 Jack was to inherit all of our property, in case of death, and called in the 
 master of the rival hide-house to witness our signatures, and, after that duty 
 was performed, the question arose, for the first time, what we should do 
 with our dog Jack. The animal knew that we were making preparations 
 for departure, and he was restless and anxious, for fear he would be left be- 
 hind. He moved about the house, around it, and then returned and looked 
 in our faces, as if he desired to speak, and express his sentiments, if he 
 was to be deserted. In this respect he was almost human, and his bright 
 black eyes pleaded for consideration at our hands, as dog never did before, 
 it seemed to us. 
 
 " Vot skall ve do vid him ?" Lewey asked. " Vill ve takes him, or leaves 
 him here vid our friend ?" 
 
 " I '11 look arter him, lads, if you desire me to do so," the Scotchman 
 said, but the dog did not notice the kindness expressed. He whined, and 
 gazed at us in a pitiful way, and almost barked his head off, as I re- 
 marked, 
 
 " He will be lots of company for us, and a good lookout nights, when we 
 camp out. Yes, let us take old Jack with us." 
 
 The dog uttered a series of joyful yelps, and made frantic efforts to reach 
 
1 12 Lewey and I. 
 
 my face, so that he could slobber kisses upon it, and, when he found that I 
 was not inclined for such demonstrations of affection, turned his attention 
 to Lewey, and the French lad received his full share of Jack's expressions 
 of delight. 
 
 So it was settled, and then we packed up in a bag a stock ol pilot bread, 
 some sugar and coffee, tin pots, salt, and a huge piece of old junk, all 
 boiled, and ready for consumption, in case we should not encounter a 
 ranche during a day's journey After we had stowed all the articles on our 
 horses, the members of the various hide-houses gathered around, and in- 
 sisted upon shaking hands, and, as soon as we had done so, the Scotchman 
 called out for three cheers, and they were given with a will, and then we 
 mounted our impatient mustangs, ambled down the road, and the last words 
 we heard from the people was the fatherly advice of the master of the rival 
 hide-house, as he yelled out, 
 
 " Boys, don't you marry no greasers, or have anything to do with 'em. 
 They is pizen." 
 
 We waved back a recognition of the intended kindness, and then we were 
 loping along at a slow gait, and the dog was nearly crazy at the prospect of 
 a journey. If he had known all he was to encounter it is quite probable he 
 might have been disposed to remain on the beach, and live in idleness, the 
 king of the whole tribe of dogs, being the best fighter of the lot, and there 
 were some good ones. 
 
 We knew something of the trail that led to Los Angeles, as we had made 
 careful inquiries of couriers and vaqueros who had crossed the plains and 
 mountains in summer and winter, and they had told us how to proceed by 
 the shortest possible route. They said that the passage through the can- 
 yons of the Sierra Madre Mountains was the worst part of the journey, and 
 that in some places we would have to dismount, and lead our horses, as the 
 trail was too difficult to ride. We were also advised to keep a sharp look- 
 out for grisly bears, and mountain lions, and to shun both if possible, as a 
 fight with either would not add to our renown in case of defeat. Of game 
 there was an abundance, such as rabbits, deer, and quail, with an occasion- 
 al rattlesnake thrown in, by the way of variety. We needed no words on 
 the part of the couriers to avoid the latter on all occasions. We had seen 
 quite enough to satisfy our curiosity while in California. There was no 
 danger of starving if we could shoot with some degree of accuracy, or had 
 hooks for catching fish, as all the streams were filled with trout, and no one 
 but the Indians ever molested them. 
 
 This last information had been timely enough to enable us to provide 
 
Lewey and /. 113 
 
 lines and hooks, in case we should find occasion to use them on the jour- 
 ney, and we hoped that such would be the case, for we did not mean to 
 travel rapidly, as time was no object with us, thinking that our fiancees could 
 wait a few days, more or less, for us, and not be rendered uncomfortable, 
 as wedding trousseaux, with girls of their position in society, were not ex- 
 tensive or costly. An overskirt and one under-garment being all that was 
 required, as a general thing. 
 
 " Dis," said Lewey, as we struck the trail, and headed North, leaving the 
 sleepy little town of San Diego in the rear, " is de sublimest of happiness 
 Now ve is free, and de vorld is afore us. Ve is our own masters. I could 
 shout vid joy." 
 
 I did n't feel so excited, for, the truth was, I saw the dangers and trials of 
 our journey much more vividly before us than my friend, whose happy na- 
 ture was like mercury in a glass, constantly going up and down, and rare- 
 ly stationary for any length of time. 
 
 " If we should meet with a grisly bear, Lewey," I asked, " you would not 
 attack it, I hope ? " 
 
 " Vould n't I ? " was the indignant answer. " Vy, Jack and me 
 could knock de vust bear in California end for end, and dink nothin' 
 of it." 
 
 I harbored doubts on ;he subject, but did not express them, as I knew 
 that Lewey had made up his mind what he could do, and only reality would 
 convince him to the contrary, and so we loped along the narrow trail, in- 
 dulging in conversation when in the mood, and walking our horses as soon 
 as they showed the slightest signs of warmth. 
 
 We left the last hacienda, a farm-house, where there were ten thousand 
 cattle grazing near, all looking up at us in a strange, wild manner, and so 
 threatening were their movements, because Jack had invaded their retreat, 
 they did not like his looks, thinking he was a strolling coyote, that to 
 save him from violence, and ourselves from a desperate charge, I dis- 
 mounted, and took the dog on the pummel of my saddle, where he clung 
 quite contentedly, as if he was aware of my kindness, and could appreciate it. 
 
 The cattle were too much accustomed to horsemen to care for us, yet 
 they knew we were strangers to that part of the country, and one lordly old 
 bull, that had seen many a conflict, and beaten the young males time and 
 time again, uttered an angry bellow, and moved slowly toward us, as if on 
 an investigation. 
 
 "Ve must quicken de pace," said Lewey, "or de blanked bull vill be 
 afoul of us, and carry avay our spars." 
 
ii4 Lewey and I. 
 
 This was his nautical manner of expressing fear that the bull would 
 knock us over, in case he should use his horns in desperate earnestness. 
 
 Just as we were about to touch our horses with the spurs, out from the 
 high chapparel and tall grass, on the side of the trail, burst a wild-looking 
 ranchero, with long black hair, two-thirds Indian and the balance poor 
 Mexican blood, mounted on a splendid mustang, that was quivering with 
 life and excitement, under the stimulant of a pair of cart-wheel spurs, which 
 jingled as the fellow rode toward us, circling a lariat around his head, and 
 uttering fiendish shouts, whether of welcome or defiance we could not 
 tell. 
 
 ' Prenez garde," whispered Lewey, forgetting his English for the mo- 
 ment, and we would have halted, and awaited the approach of the vaquero, 
 to see what his intentions were, but that confounded bull was near the 
 heels of our horses, and we did not care to encounter the horns of the 
 animal. 
 
 We unslung our rifles, and laid them across our saddles, all ready for use, 
 in case there was danger in that whirling lariat, but, whether the half-breed 
 saw the motion, or did not intend any demonstrations except those of a 
 friendly nature, he swept past us like a whirlwind, and brought the reata 
 down upon the rump of the angry bull, beating him until he changed his 
 course, and was glad to seek shelter among the members of his harem. 
 
 It was all done so quickly, and so easily, that we could not prevent a loud 
 exclamation of approval. 
 
 " Bueno, senor," we shouted, and the fellow grinned, and curled up his 
 lariat on the pommel of his saddle, then removed his sombrero, and saluted 
 us with the grace and politeness of a prince of the royal blood of most any 
 kingdom you might happen to think of. 
 
 " Buenos dias, senors," the ranchero said, as he advanced, and reined up 
 alongside of us. " The bull is apt to be troublesome to strangers, but a 
 few blows on his flanks are enough to teach him a lesson for a short time. 
 If it had not been for your dog he would have failed to notice you." 
 
 We returned his salutation, and re-slung our rifles over our shoulders, 
 as we saw that he had no evil intentions respecting ourselves. We also 
 thanked the man for his services, not that there was much danger, for we 
 could have easily kept out of the animal's way by spurring our steeds to 
 full speed. 
 
 "Where are you from? and what is the latest news?" the stranger 
 asked. 
 
 " We left San Diego thi^ morning, and are bound for Los Angeles," 
 
Lewey and I. 115 
 
 was our answer. "There is no news in town, except that queros are a lit- 
 tle dearer, and tallow is firmer," giving him news that we hoped would 
 please him. 
 
 ' That is good," he said. " I shall kill many cattle this spring, and I 'd 
 like to get much money for the hides and tallow. Is there any news of the 
 war ? I hear that there is trouble between Mexico and the States. Do 
 you know anything of the matter ? " 
 
 " Only rumors," was our ready answer. " We trust the cloud will soon 
 blow over. Mexico is a great nation, and her people are very brave. She 
 can afford to be magnanimous toward the United States." 
 
 " Si, senor, it is true," and the man's face was expressive of pleasure at 
 the compliment. " Is either of you senors an Americano ? " 
 
 " Oh, no," was Lewey's ready response. " We are both French, and like 
 California so well that we expect to remain here all of our days." 
 
 " That is bueno," the ranchero said.* " But, as you are traveling through 
 the country, of course you have papers from the authorities permitting you 
 to do so. If not too much trouble I should like to see your documents. I 
 have been told to be on the lookout for all who journey to and fro." 
 
 "There is a paper from the alcalda of San Diego," Lewey remarked, 
 " asking aid for us in case we need it. Read, if you please," and the doc- 
 ument was handed to the ranchero, who looked it all over, even to the seal 
 of the official, but, as he could not comprehend a word that was written on 
 the paper, it was passed back to us in a grand and dignified manner, just as 
 if the half-breed was an intelligent scholar. Any piece of writing would 
 have answered as well, as far as the vaquero was concerned. A written 
 document was a mystery in his eyes, and yet he would not let us know that 
 he was incapable of understanding all that passed his examination. 
 
 "The paper is correct, senors,'* the Mexican said. " Pardon me for ask- 
 ing for it. I wish that you had time to go to the casa, and partake of 
 refreshments." 
 
 We shook our heads, and intimated that we had not the time, and hoped 
 to see him some other day. 
 
 " Then perhaps the senors have a piece of tobacco that they can spare ? " 
 asked the ranchero, in a polite tone, and with a profound bow. 
 
 We had a good stock on hand for our pipes, but did not let the fellow see 
 all that we possessed, as we feared it might excite his cupidity, so we cut a 
 large piece from a hand, and the man was just as well satisfied as if we had 
 given him a. pound. 
 
 We asked about our route, and were told to follow the trail, that we 
 
n6 Lewey and I. 
 
 should find an abundance of water at the various springs, at the foot of the 
 mountains, and were advised to avoid large herds of cattle, if possible, or 
 else keep our dog out of sight, as the animals did not like perros, as a gen- 
 eral thing. Then we waved our hands, and said " Adios," and separated, 
 first depositing Jack on the ground, to his great delight, as the bullocks 
 were some distance from us, and no longer paying the least attention to 
 our party. 
 
 "A very courteous ranchero," I said, as we rode along, and, looking 
 back, waved our sombreros at the stranger, who returned the salute, and 
 then disappeared in the chapparel. 
 
 " So courteous dat de scamp vould hab cut our throats for de tobacco vot 
 ve hab vid us, if ve had not been armed," Lewey remarked, with a sneer at 
 my estimation of character. "You don't know de greasers yet, and you 
 von't till you is dead." 
 
 " At least it was lucky that we had our papers to show him," I 
 remarked. 
 
 " Vot good did dat do ? " was the question. " He cannot read or vite, 
 and anyding vid de letters on 'em answer for him. If he had vanted to 
 fight I was all prepared for him," which was quite true, but still I 
 was glad that Lewey's great readiness in killing people was not 
 tested, for I did not think it pleasant to shoot Mexicans, and ride off 
 laughing at the feat. 
 
 " You noticed," said my friend, " dat I stated ve vas both French. I 
 does dat 'cos de Americanos is not in de good oder jist at dis time. But de 
 Frenchman, he respected eberywhere, for de France is a great nation, and 
 all love him." 
 
 As his impudence was so sublime I let it go unchecked, but readily 
 agreed that I would pass as a countryman of his where we deemed it ad- 
 visable to conceal my nationality. 
 
 About twelve o'clock we came to a spring of running water located near 
 some trees, at the foot of a high hill, where the pasturage was good. Here 
 we determined to halt foi a time, eat our dinners, and feed our horses. We 
 unsaddled the beasts, and piquetted them by the aid of lariats, so they could 
 not return to the town, and then built a fire, made a pot of coffee, and ate 
 some of the salt beef and pilot bread we had brought with us. Not a house 
 or a human being was in sight. We were in one of the wilds of California, 
 yet better land, or a finer location for a farm, could not have been found in 
 the whole State, as the grass was rich and luxuriant, and the water supply 
 ample, at that season of the year. I suppose all that portion of territory is 
 
Lewey and I. 117 
 
 now cultivated, and covered with fields of grain, and orchards of oranges, 
 fi^s, and lemons, and vineyards of grapes. But the solitude was oppressive 
 at that time, and, after we had smoked our pipes, and rested, we were glad 
 to once more resume our journey in search of pleasanter places. 
 
 As we rode away, still following the trail, we saw a number of deer on 
 one of the hills, and seemingly indifferent to our presence. Lewey wanted 
 to have a shot at one of them, but I coaxed him to let them alone, as we 
 did not need food, and could not very well carry a carcass to our next halt- 
 ing place. I told him we should have plenty of chances to get all the deer 
 we desired, if he would only have patience, and, for a wonder, he acquiesced 
 in my views, and saved his powder and shot. 
 
 The sun was warm, but a fresh breeze was blowing from the high moun- 
 tains, seen in the far distance, and we loped on at an easy pace, so that we 
 would not tire our horses and Jack, although the latter displayed no sign of 
 fatigue, but bounded along cheerfully, smelling of every suspicious bush, or 
 high chapparel, always on the watch for game, or something that wanted a 
 little brush, in the shape of a fight. He looked upon the journey as a pic- 
 nic, gotten up for his especial benefit, and, when we drew rein, and walked 
 our horses, glanced up at us, his eyes expressing the fun that he was hav- 
 ing in our company. Once in a while he saw a sneaking coyote or deer, 
 and, ambitious of renown, started off in chase, as if confident of overtaking 
 all that he pursued, but a sharp whistle or word brought him back, wagging 
 his tail, as if to tell us that it was only his fun, and he did not mean any- 
 thing by it. He seemed aware that it was wrong, and would do so no more, 
 yet forgot his good resolutions in ten minutes, and would rush with angry 
 growls for something that was more fleet of foot than himself. 
 
 As the day declined we began to look for a place to camp for the night, 
 where there was water and wood, but, when we had climbed a hill, and 
 gazed down in the valley below, saw an adobe house, and smoke in front of 
 it, and a woman bending over a fire. 
 
 " Dere am de blessed signs of civilization," said Lewey " A voman and 
 a petticoat. De one goes vid de udder. Alons, mon ami, ve is in de luck 
 all de time. Ve skall hab a place to stop for de night. Let me speak to 
 her de fust, 'cos you has not de perlite vays of de great French nation, you 
 know." 
 
 We descended the hill at a walk, as we did not wish to be too abrupt in 
 calling on strangers, and, as we approached the house, the woman heard 
 the footsteps of our horses, looked up, and then darted into the building, 
 and banged too the door, as she happened to own one. That was a sure 
 
n8 Lewey and I. 
 
 signal she was afraid of us, or doubted the honesty of our intentions in thus 
 intruding on her privacy. 
 
 A cur came bounding around the corner of the house, a cross between 
 a coyote and a sheep-dog, and made a dash at Jack, but our game little 
 animal uttered a growl of defiance, seized the canine by his neck, gave 
 him one rough shake, and then the stranger uttered a howl of regret that he 
 had made such an attack, put his tail between his legs, and ran away, and, 
 when at a safe distance, stopped and barked at us. He imagined for a mo- 
 ment that a mountain lion had been encountered by mistake. 
 
 We dismounted from our horses, tied them to a post near the doorway, 
 and then Lewey opened a conversation with the female of the house, en- 
 deavoring, in his usual seductive way, to assure her that we had no evil 
 intentions. 
 
 " Senorita," he cried, as he pounded on the door, " we are amigos. You 
 need not fear us. We intend no harm. We are strangers, and have lost 
 our way." 
 
 There was no response to this touching appeal, and Lewey looked a little 
 discouraged, but still did not relinquish all hope that he might induce the 
 woman to communicate with him. * " 
 
 " Will you not speak to us ? " the French lad exclaimed. " We are trav- 
 elers, and the best of Catholics, and respect women next to the saints," and 
 still the lady of the house showed no signs of relenting, and, just as my 
 friend was about to tempt her with some more pretty words, we heard the 
 sharp click of a gun-lock, and, glancing around, saw that we were covered 
 by a musket, enormous in its proportions, as far as length and bore were 
 concerned, and at the stock of the gun was a villainous-looking face, and 
 the uncombed, long hair of a dark, dirty, tall, lank, wrinkled, half-breed 
 greaser. 
 
 " Vamous," said the owner of the gun, a flint-lock concern, that would 
 carry about half a pound of buckshot, and powder in proportion, and, con- 
 found the fellow, he held the musket perfectly steady, and covered us in 
 such a manner that one of us would have been blown all to pieces had the 
 man fired in our direction. 
 
 Jack made a motion to rush on the Mexican, and give him a sample of 
 his jaws, but we called to the dog, and forced him to lie down, and wait for 
 fresh negotiations. 
 
 " Amigo," said Lewey, who would not show the slightest fear, although I 
 have no doubt he felt a little tribulation in the presence of that awful blun- 
 derbuss, "put up your gun, and join us in a friendly smoke. We have some 
 
Lewey and I. 119 
 
 nice cigarettes, and know that a caballero like yourself will enjoy 
 them." 
 
 " Who are you ? " asked the greaser, apparently willing to listen to rea- 
 son, for he removed the gun from his shoulder, and the scowl left his 
 face. 
 
 " We are travelers on our way to Los Angeles, and would stop here to- 
 night, if it please you and the lady of the house." 
 
 " You are not agents of the government then ? You do not come here to 
 spy out my possessions so that a tax can be laid on them " asked the 
 Mexican. 
 
 " No ; we are gringos, and you have nothing to fear from us," was Lew- 
 ey 's ready answer. 
 
 " What country do you belong to ? You are not Mexicans. That I can 
 tell by your words," the half-breed said, as he grounded the stock ot his for- 
 midable gun, and took a step forward. 
 
 " We are Francia marineros, and traveling through the country for the 
 sake of seeing it. We have no money, but a little tobacco, and a gentle- 
 man like yourself shall share it." 
 
 " Where is Francia? " asked the greaser. " I have heard of Americano 
 and Inglaterra, but no other country, except Mexico, the powerful." 
 
 " France," cried the indignant Lewey, " is the greatest country in the 
 world, and has more soldiers and ships than there are cattle upon your 
 plains. It is the land of the great Napoleon." 
 
 " Never heard of him," was the reply. " Was he a ranchero ? Did he 
 own many horses and cattle ? " 
 
 For a moment Lewey was speechless with astonishment and disgust. 
 He had to lean against the hitching-post for support, and his breathing was 
 laborious, as he looked at me in a mute appeal for help to find words where- 
 in he couid express his consternation that there lived a man, forty years of 
 age, or more, who had never heard of the deeds and battles of the " Great 
 Napoleon." 
 
 " Napoleon," I said, coming to the relief of my friend, in a timely man- 
 ner, " owned many horses and mules, and, when the latter turned on him, 
 the great man vamoused the ranche." 
 
 " Now you dink dat is funny, don't you ? " asked my French friend, in a 
 low tone, for we did not care to let the Mexican hear us speak English. 
 
 I did not answer the question, for the owner of the premises laid his gun 
 one side, touched his broad, stiff-brimmed sombrero, and said, with the 
 grace which even a beggar of Spanish descent can assume, 
 
120 Lewey and I. 
 
 " You are welcome, senors. Such as the house affords is at your dispos- 
 al. All that 1 possess is yours, to do with as you please. Stay as long as 
 you wish, and return when you desire. The door will always be open for 
 my friends. And now I will try one of your cigarettes, if you have no 
 objections." 
 
 We gave him several. He lighted one, and smoked away with evident 
 relish, while we proceeded to unsaddle our horses, and to stow our blankets 
 and traps in an adobe store-room, where there was barley in bags, hens and 
 hides, and such odds and ends as a man who is isolated from all civilization 
 would be likely to accumulate in the course of many years. The Mexican 
 did not offer to lend us a helping hand. It was none of his business how 
 guests arrived or departed. He furnished shelter, and such food as he was 
 able to procure, but the labor of removing saddles, or putting them on 
 horses, was something he did not care to incur. It was not the custom of 
 the country, unless the host kept half a dozen vaqueros in his employ, to 
 look after cattle, and perform odd jobs of work. 
 
 We piquetted our mustangs where the grass was good, and then returned 
 to the Mexican, still squatting near the fire, and throwing his whole soul 
 into th^ enjoyment of smoking, so it was evident he had not tasted tobacco 
 for many a day. 
 
 " Senor," I said, as we joined him, " do you not think that you had better 
 allay the fears of the lady of the house ? We noticed that she fled at our 
 approach, and perhaps she will be pleased to learn that we are friends and 
 not enemies. Her anxiety must be intense." 
 
 "Diablo," he answered. "I had forgotten the women. They passed 
 from my mind like the smoke from my nostrils. I will call them," and then 
 he raised his voice, and shouted, so that all could hear him, " Senora 
 Juana, Senorita Florencia, come forth. We have friends here who will be 
 glad to see you." 
 
 The door was unbarred, after a moment's hesitation, and then a dirty- 
 looking, half-breed woman, without shoes, feet that were hard and dry, and 
 stiff with dirt, clothed in a skirt and under-garment, came out of the house, 
 and saluted us with a half-shy, half-sullen glance, as though she was not 
 prepared to welcome or repudiate us until better acquainted. 
 
 We knew the customs of the country, also the weaknesses of its women, 
 and, when we saw that we were not greatly admired, I arose, removed my 
 hat, and proffered the senora a bunch of cigarettes, with the request that 
 she would take them as a token of our appreciation and respect. 
 
 The frown left her brow, and a more agreeable expression took its place. 
 
Lewey and I. 121 
 
 She lighted one of the cigars, and joined us in a quiet smoke, but the eyes 
 of her husband were fixed on that bunch of cigarettes like a hungry animal's 
 on food that is beyond its reach, and we feared he would take it by force 
 and violence. 
 
 " Where is Florencia? " asked the Mexican. " Why comes she not out 
 f o welcome our distinguished guests ? " 
 
 " She is timid," was the answer. " She fears to meet the eyes of 
 strangers." 
 
 " The senors are good caballeros, and will harm no one," the husband 
 said. "Go and tell her that a Mexican gentleman has offered shelter to 
 travelers, and that his family should second the proffer of hospitality.' 1 
 
 Lewey winked at me as we heard this grandiloquent address. I glanced 
 at the surroundings, and mentally calculated that everything within sight 
 was not worth one hundred dollars, and yet the greaser was assuming the 
 airs of a grandee of Spain, with millions at his command. 
 
 The woman finished her cigarette in a cool, contented manner, then arose, 
 and entered the house. We could hear a little struggle, a few shrill whis- 
 pers, and at last the wife dragged forward a young girl, who held back, and 
 averted her face, as if ashamed of being picked to pieces by two men she 
 had never met before. We were a little amused at the scene, and did not 
 take much notice of the girl until she turned her head to steal a look at us, 
 half in surprise and half in fear. Then we leaped to our feet, removed our 
 hats, and bowed low before the prettiest little half-caste specimen of femi- 
 ninity that we had seen for many a day, as she was dazzling in her beauty, 
 with the most luscious black eyes, large and liquid, and veiled by lashes 
 that were wonderful in their length and thickness. Her form, what we 
 could see of it, and she was scantily dressed, seemed the very perfection of 
 a sculptor's dream, and, although her feet were bare, and soiled by constant 
 contact with the eanh, yet they were small and exquisitely shaped, and her 
 ankles were worthy of the face. We could not have been more surprised 
 had an elegantly dressed lady stepped out of that miserable adobe hut, and 
 saluted us in the choicest of French expressions. 
 
 The girl, not more than thirteen years of age, was born and reared in 
 that out-of-the-way place, and probably had never seen her sweet face in a 
 looking-glass during all of her short life, and did not know that she was as 
 handsome as some of the rarest flowers that blossomed around her parents' 
 ranchc. I never saw such a piece of rustic beauty in my life as that little 
 girl, whose name, her mother informed us, was Florencia, a fitting appella- 
 tion for one so rare in beauty of face and form. 
 
122 Lewey and I. 
 
 Lewey, always on the lookout for a handsome countenance, and desirous 
 of making an impression, sprang forward, hat in hand, to salute the little 
 lady, and, as he poured forth a torrent of compliments, the irl looked up 
 full in his face, and, for the first time, seemed to awaken to the fact that a 
 nice young man was addressing her with more respect and politeness in his 
 tones than she had ever heard in her uneventful life, or could hope for 
 again. The look of timidity passed from her classical features, and her 
 glorious black eyes appeared more brilliant than ever. 
 
 " Confound the fellow," I thought. " He will play the mischief with that 
 girl's heart unless I interfere, and save her," and, for that laudable purpose, 
 stepped forward, and made a few remarks that I thought quite 
 appropriate. 
 
 With all the coquetry of a girl's nature the little lady turned her attention 
 to me, and actually smiled at my endeavors to speak Spanish as fluently as 
 my friend. She thought that heaven was near, for here were two white 
 young men paying her marked attention, and treating her with a deference 
 she had never before experienced, so she gave us each a word of good- 
 nature, and then drew the inner garment of her dress a little more tightly 
 over her shoulders, so that a finely formed bust should not be exposed to 
 our rude gaze. 
 
 " Confound you, what did you come and poke your nose in this mess 
 for ? " asked Lewey, in French. 
 
 " To keep you out of mischief, you bad boy," I answered. " I know you, 
 what you are capable of, and what you are thinking of. For once in your 
 life please not to exert the power of your fascinations. This little girl does 
 not know the meaning of love, and, if you continue as you have begun, we 
 shall leave behind us a sad heart tomorrow." 
 
 "But why should we leave tomorrow ? " my friend asked. "We are in 
 no hurry. Time is no object with us. If we do not start for a week no 
 one will blame us for delay on the route," still speaking French. 
 
 " I shall go tomorrow even if I have to travel alone," was my response. 
 " I will not let you play havoc with the girl's peace, just to gratify your con- 
 founded vanity. You are already half in love with her, and in a day or two 
 there will be promises of marriage, and you never would fulfill them. The 
 girl is no match for you. Let her alone, and treat her coldly as I do," and 
 then, when the little lady asked me what I was saying in a strange tongue, 
 I had to lie a bit, and say that we were complimenting her eyes and face, 
 and she tossed her head and smiled in a manner that showed how much of 
 
Lewey and I. 123 
 
 a woman she was in feeling, in spite of the disadvantages under which she 
 had labored all her life. 
 
 The mother and father looked on, and smoked, in quiet enjoyment. They 
 did not understand the dangerous position of the daughter, for love had 
 long since died out of their hearts, and they would have laughed at such a 
 sentiment. I think that if either of us had asked the padre to bestow his 
 daughter's hand in marriage, he would have consented without a thought 
 of the future, only stipulating that the husband should be a good Catholic. 
 That would have been the only proviso he cared to make on such a solemn 
 occasion, so fraught with the future welfare of a girl. 
 
 At last the smoking was concluded, and then the mother and daughter 
 commenced preparations for supper. The stone for cooking tortillas was 
 heated, the corn soaked in the usual way among Mexicans, an earthern pot 
 was put on the fire, filled with bits of meat, peppers, and some vegetables, 
 then Lewey went with the girl to a spring, and brought fresh water in a 
 calabash. He was making himself useful, but if the daughter had not been 
 pretty he never would have cared to do the labor that he did on that 
 occasion. 
 
 " Ve vill contribute toward the supper from our own stores," whispered 
 the French lad. " Ve vill not be mean here, not one bit." 
 
 " Especially since there is a pretty girl to share in the feast," I suggest- 
 ed, but Lewey would admit nothing that was detrimental to himself. 
 
 " I is a Frenchman," he said proudly, " and one of dat nation alvays ad- 
 mire de booful. Get out de coffee, de sugar, de bread, and say no more 
 about it, or, by gar, I dink you jealous of your old ami, and love de girl 
 yourself." 
 
 We surprised the people with our contributions, and what pleased them 
 more than words can express was the taste of coffee, well sweetened with 
 sugar, and a few cakes of pilot bread, something they had seldom seen 
 before, except when a visit was occasionally made to San Diego, and even 
 then the mother and daughter were not invited to make the journey only at 
 rare intervals. 
 
 It was not such a bad supper, for we were hungry, and had good appe- 
 tites for sauce. There was a lack of spoons, knives, and x>rks, but fingers 
 were convenient, even if not clean as soap and water could make them. 
 Lewey loaned his spoon to the young girl, and she was pleased with it, 
 while the father and mother were content with such as they had carvH 
 from wood, neither small nor graceful, but large enough to hold about a gill 
 
124 Lewey and I. 
 
 of liquid, so the owners could fill up quite rapidly when hungry, and had a 
 hot olia before them. 
 
 While we ate our meal the Mexican told us all of his history. He liked 
 the country where he was located, as he had unlimited quantities of land, 
 and no neighbors to interfere with his rights. He owned a few thousand 
 head of cattle, and one or two hundred horses, but the latter were of little 
 value, and nearly wild. The only disagreeable incidents of his life were 
 when the Indians made a raid through the country, from what is now called 
 the southern part of Arizona, crossing the mountains through deep canyons, 
 the existence of which was known only to themselves, as the Mexicans had 
 never organized, or dared to follow the lawless bands, or punish them for 
 driving off stock, and capturing prisoners. More than two years had now 
 elapsed since the Indians put in an appearance, and the father seemed to 
 think that they would trouble him no more. He once scattered a band that 
 approached his house by firing a broadside from his formidable old musket, 
 and in that one discharge killed two painted warriors, and wounded as 
 many more, and it seemed to satisfy the Indians that the vicinity of the 
 adobe building was a dangerous place, so they left him, but made fearful 
 work with his stock, driving off nearly half that he owned, and more than 
 fifty horses. The latter he cared nothing about, arid the savages were wel- 
 come to them. 
 
 " Think," said Lewey, " how dangerous it is for your wife and daughter 
 to reside in such an exposed place. What if the Indians should make a 
 raid, and capture them some day, when you were absent from home ? " 
 
 The greaser shrugged his shoulders as he answered, 
 
 "It would be the will of God. But the Indian who laid a hand on my 
 wife might never forget it," and the Mexican smiled in a significant manner, 
 and glanced at the tough, boney hands of his spouse, as if he had some ex- 
 periences in domestic affairs that were valuable. 
 
 " But the daughter ? Surely you would feel badly if anything happened 
 to one so young and beautiful ? " Lewey said. 
 
 " She can see an Indian, or signs of them, better than a hawk. Her eyes 
 are like eagles, and her speed, when she runs, is only equaled by that of a 
 deer. Florencia can take care of herself when I am absent from home, and 
 if she was in distress Tobias would come to her relief like the wind, with 
 his fleet steed and sturdy lariat." 
 
 I stole a quick look at the girl's face, and so did Lewey, but no blood 
 rushed to her cheeks and dyed them with a deep crimson. She continued 
 to pick at the pilot bread as unconcerned as if she had not heard the name 
 
Lewey and /. 12 
 
 of the nearest ranchero, the one we had met in the morning. It was evi- 
 dent that her heart had not been touched by his bold horsemanship and 
 wild-looking eyes. 
 
 Darkness gathered, and settled down upon the distant mountains and 
 prairie, and already the coyotes were abroad, and calling to each other from 
 neighboring hills. The fire was fast dying out, only occasionally flickering 
 as a faint breeze swept through the palio, and stirred the embers into life. 
 The husband and wife smoked our cigarettes with great relish, and the 
 pretty daughter, with a serape over her shoulders to keep off the heavy 
 dew and cold night air, neither looked at us, nor moved from her position, 
 but gazed at the dying embers, as if she was endeavoring to read her future 
 in the hot ashes, and then, as. I glanced at her sweet face, so sad and yet 
 so beautiful, just as the last flame leaped up, and expired with a faint crack- 
 le, I saw Lewey's blanket move, pulled a little carelessly over his left 
 hip, and knew that under cover of that useful article he was holding and 
 squeezing one of the girl's dark but well-formed hands, and that, for the 
 first time in her life, she was drinking in all the bliss that a young woman 
 can imagine when half inclined to be in love with a good-looking man. 
 
 " For shame, Lewey," 1 said in English, but he made no reply, neither 
 did he remove his hand, and, just as I was about to rise, and terminate the 
 scene, we heard a shrill scream, a yell, so loud and terrible, that I sprang 
 up, and only had time to seize Jack, who had been sleeping by my side, and 
 prevent him from darting forth into the darkness, and investigating the 
 noise, for his hair was standing erect with the rage that possessed his 
 great heart. He struggled to free himself from my hold, and growled an- 
 grily at all interference in his movements. 
 
 Lewey also jumped up, dropping the girl's hand, but the rest of the group 
 did not move or manifest any great amount of agitation or fear. 
 
 Again that shrill, fierce scream fell upon our ears, but this time nearer, 
 and in the direction of our horses, which were piquetted near the court- 
 yard. We could hear them snort and paw the ground in their fear and de- 
 sire to break away from the stout reatas that held them fast. 
 
 " What is it ? " we asked, as we sprang for our rifles, which were leaning 
 against the house, all loaded, and ready for use. 
 
 " It is a mountain lion," answered the Mexican, puffing at a cigarette 
 with admirable nonchalance. " He will not venture near us as long as 
 there is fire among the ashes. But you had better bring your horses nearer 
 the buildings. The beast may be hungry, and, if he is, there is no knowing 
 how quickly he will leap on one, and make a hearty supper. This thief of 
 
126 Lewey and I. 
 
 the devil has been on the ranche for the past two weeks, and some night I 
 shall have to kill him. Quien sabe ? " 
 
 We took our rifles, and, as we did so, the greaser's dog came creeping to 
 the fire, his tail between his legs, and ears drooping, trembling all over. 
 He looked at every one in a pitiful sort of manner, as if ready to protest in 
 case he was kicked out from his safe position into the darkness. 
 
 " Down, Jack," I said, as sternly as I could, when releasing my hold of 
 the dog, for he showed no sign of fear, and wanted to dart off in pursuit of 
 the strange beast, and I have no doubt but that he would have tackled the 
 brute if he had been encouraged to do so. There was nothing he feared 
 except an unkind word from his masters. 
 
 Jack obeyed, but uttered an angry protest, and growled defiance at the 
 prowling foe. If we had allowed the game little fellow to follow his in- 
 clinations it would have been his last night on earth, for the mountain lion 
 could have crushed him with a blow of his powerful paw, strong as that of 
 a leopard (an animal of a similar species), then thrown the dog over his 
 shoulder, and strolled off toward the mountains to feast at his leisure. 
 
 When the savage beast uttered his shrill scream, the coyotes on the 
 hills ceased their sharp barks, and seemed to listen so that they could de 
 note the presence of their fearful foe, and not disclose their own position 
 in the darkness. 
 
 " Take care that he does not spring on you," the Mexican father said, 
 as he threw on a few more fagots of wood, and kindled up the fire, just as 
 we were ready to go the rescue of the horses, who were struggling and 
 straining at the reatas, and shaking with terror. 
 
 The host did not seem inclined to lend us a helping hand, which we 
 thought strange, and a little impolite, but the man supposed we were just 
 as much accustomed to the ways of that vast solitude as he was, and that 
 no assistance was required on his part. In this he was mistaken, but to 
 preserve his respect it was necessary to show no fear. Just as we were 
 moving off the young girl arose, threw off her serape, and said, 
 
 " The senors are strangers, father. They may not know the ways of a 
 frightened horse, or the cunning of a mountain lion. I will go with them, 
 and speak to the caballos. They always respect a woman's voice, or the 
 touch of her hand, because it is more gentle than that of a man, and in- 
 spires them with courage. Come, senors, I am ready." 
 
 But we held back. We did not desire to involve the little girl in any 
 danger, and waited for the father and mother to utter a remonstrance, but 
 none was spoken by them. They seemed to think that the offer on the 
 
Lewey and L 127 
 
 young lady's part was a natural one, and not worthy of remark or protest. 
 By Jove, what courage the little beauty possessed. She was not one to 
 squeal at the sight of a mouse, or to go into spasms if a spider alighted on 
 her dress, or a grasshopper tickled her ankle. I could not help admiring 
 her as she stood near us, her well-formed head thrown back, and her bright 
 eyes sparkling like the stars above. I was enabled to note her pose and 
 flashing orbs by the aid of the fire, that was now burning up brightly, re- 
 vealing the girl's form, long black hair, and scant dress. How little did I 
 think that it was on Lewey's account she was anxious to go, and, if possi- 
 ble, save him from all harm. 
 
 " No, no, you remain by the fire," the French lad said. " We need not 
 your help. The wild beast is terrible in his rage, and we fear for your 
 safety if he should make a spring." 
 
 " Have no fear for me," was the response. " I can take care of myself. 
 Come ; the horses are again uneasy. The lion is near once more." 
 
 As she spoke there arose another shrill yell, and then, in the rear of the 
 animals, we saw two firey eyes, large as silver dollars,, it seemed to us, and, 
 before we could utter a word, the young girl bounded toward the savage 
 beast, and uttered but two words. 
 
 " Vamous, maldito," she cried, and the lion disappeared in the darkness, 
 uttering sullen growls of protest as it slunk away. 
 
 We followed her, and found that she was stroking the horses with her 
 little hands, and talking to them in a soft, soothing tone, and they seemed 
 to comprehend her, for they ceased to tremble, and put their velvet noses 
 on her rounded neck, and uttered the peculiar cry that mustangs use when 
 pleased, or are favored with the presence of one they like. 
 
 Although the night was cool the animals were reeking with perspiration, 
 through fear, but, when we unfastened the reatas, and led the beasts to- 
 ward the house, their expressions of joy were quite human. 
 
 "Fasten them near the out-building, Florencia," the father said, "and 
 give them a mess of barley on the ground. One of us will have to sit up 
 all night to keep the fire going, and the lion at a distance, otherwise the 
 horses would not be safe, unless let loose." 
 
 " How do the caballos and cattle on the plains escape the ravages of the 
 savage beasts?" I asked, as we secured our animals, and the girl emptied 
 a measure of barley on the ground before them, for which they appeared 
 quite grateful, as they fed readily. 
 
 "It is only the weak calves or colts that the lion attacks and devours; 
 those which have been separated from the herds," was the answer. " The 
 
128 Lewey and L 
 
 stallions and the bulls form a line of defence, and kick and toss anything 
 that dares approach the mares or cows, night or day. Even a grisly bear 
 is cautious how he plays around a mob of cattle, for there is death in a 
 stud's heels, and gaping wounds from the quick play of a lively bull's horns. 
 Let a horse or bullock be secured by the head, or hobbled, and a mountain 
 lion will pull it down, and devour it in a short time. There is the diablo 
 again, prowling around, and seeking a supper. He must be hungry to act 
 so bold. Florencia, throw a brand toward the brute, and then go to bed. 
 It is time your eyes were closed for the night. The senors will excuse 
 you." 
 
 " I will sit by the fire, and keep it burning," she said, without look- 
 ing up. 
 
 " No, it is useless," was the response. " The strangers can do that by 
 taking turns. They have guns, and can shoot the beast if it approaches 
 too near." 
 
 "Why can't we do that now?" Lewey asked. "We have rifles, and 
 know how to use them." 
 
 "The mountain lion is a hard beast to kill," the Mexican remarked. 
 " You can test your guns if you wish, but, to prevent mistakes, think I 
 will have my old escopeta at hand. Bring it to me, girl, also the machete. 
 It may come in play if the beast makes a spring." 
 
 The girl arose without a word, and brought from the house the old mus- 
 ket, and also' the machete, or heavy chopping-knife, such as the Mexicans 
 used for cutting down brush, or thick chapparel. She placed them in his 
 hands, and once more sat down by the fire, and did not speak a word, al- 
 though, when she seated herself, I noticed that she took a different position 
 from the first one she assumed, that is, she was between Lewey and the 
 prowling mountain lion, and if a spring was made by the ferocious beast 
 she would be more likely to receive the encounter than my French friend. 
 Was it an accident or intentional that she thus placed herself in so much 
 danger ? No one could tell by the expression of her face what was her 
 thought, for it betrayed neither emotion nor fear. 
 
 " The women will enter the house," the father said. " It is safer for 
 them. Men only should fight lions." 
 
 The mother lighted a fresh cigarette, and entered the building. The 
 daughter did not stir. 
 
 " I will remain, and help the strangers," she said, and displayed a second 
 machete, which she had concealed in the skirts of her dress. 
 
 " She is not afraid," the father said, and nodded toward his child. " She 
 
Lewev and I. 129 
 
 has faced many dangers, and never yet quailed. She is a true daughter of 
 Mexico, and I am her father." 
 
 We were about to utter some complimentary remark, but once more the 
 wandering lion uttered a shrill yell, and this time not more than five or six 
 fathoms from us. We could see his firey eyes as he surveyed us, and hear 
 his jaws when brought together with a snap, as he gave expression to his 
 disappointment in not obtaining an early supper. 
 
 " Now," whispered Lewey, and up went the rifles to our shoulders, and 
 they were both discharged the same moment, full at the great, burning eyes, 
 that looked so savage and threatening. 
 
 There was a yell, a roar, and then we could hear the beast rolling on the 
 ground, scratching and tearing at the grass, and snapping its jaws in sav- 
 age fury. 
 
 " By all the saints, but I believe you have hit the diablo," the Mexican 
 said, as though surprised at the accuracy of our aim. " Girl, throw a brand 
 in the direction of the beast, and let your father see if another shot is 
 necessary." 
 
 " No, no," cried Lewey, stopping her as she was about to obey the com- 
 mand. " It is dangerous for the senorita to do so. Let me incur all risks." 
 
 He snatched the burning fagot from her hand, and threw it with all his 
 strength in the direction of the wounded beast, and, for a moment, by the 
 light of the flaming brand, we could see a body rolling over and over, and 
 tearing and biting at wounds on the head and shoulders. 
 
 I had lost no time in ramming down another bullet in my rifle, thinking 
 that it would be needed, but, before I was ready to fire, the Mexican brought 
 his heavy escopeta to his shoulder. There was a blinding flash, a dull, 
 uncertain roar, and the greaser was kicked across the courtyard, and 
 against the adobe house, and for a moment I feared that the man was badly 
 injured, but he picked himself up, and muttered, 
 
 " Bueno, I know I have finished him," and he was nearly correct in his 
 supposition, for the struggles of the lion ceased, and, when I told Jack to 
 go for him, the dog uttered a shrill bark of delight, and bounded out into 
 the darkness, and the Mexican's cur followed. Then we heard some angry 
 snaps and snarls, and our dog came back to us after a moment's delay, and 
 wagged his tail, as much as to say, " I have finished our mutual enemy, so 
 there is nothing to fear." 
 
 We stirred up the fire, and sent one more brand in the direction of the 
 lion. He was lying quiet, and the cur was lapping some blood that flowed 
 from the wounds. 
 
130 Lewey and I. 
 
 The girl lighted a fagot, and walked toward the dead beast without sign 
 of fear. 
 
 "He is muerto," she said, and held the flame of the stick so near the 
 lion's mouth that she singed the long whiskers around his nose. 
 
 14 We have done well," the Mexican cried. " See, here are three wounds. 
 .But my shot did the business after all." 
 
 And so it appeared, for the charge from the escopeta had made a most 
 hideous hole in the lion near the right shoulder, while the balls from our 
 rifles had lodged in the head and neck, either of which would have caused 
 death in time, but not immediate dissolution. At any rate, if he had 
 charged on us we might have been injured, and perhaps the little girl 
 maimed for life, before we despatched the brute. 
 
 " A good night's work, senors," said the Mexican. " The lion has been 
 roaming over the plains and hills for the last few weeks, and worried the 
 cattle. Caramba, but he can do no more damage. Tomorrow I will skin 
 him, and sell the quero the next time I visit San Diego. Senors, accept 
 mil gracias for the part you have performed. It was a lucky moment when 
 you made my house your home for the night, and as much longer as you 
 please to stay." 
 
 The girl said nothing. I was inclined to doubt the truth of the man's 
 assertion. I was afraid that it would be the most unprofitable incident for 
 the senorita that she had ever experienced in her young life, for I imag- 
 ined that she had looked upon my friend's face, and lost her heart and 
 peace of mind at the same time, as I knew Lewey well enough to know that 
 no inducement on earth could prevail upon him to remain and marry the 
 girl, thus burying himself from all society and civilization. He was a flirt, 
 and it was born in him, and no experiences on his part, no dangers that he 
 encountered, were sufficient to restrain his roving propensities, or keep him 
 from pouring compliments into willing ears. I doubt if age has even yet 
 dulled his interest in a sweet face and graceful form, married man that he 
 is, and the father of a family, small, but as large as French customs will al- 
 low at the present time among the aristocracy of his country. 
 
 "Shall we have one more cigarette before we retire for the night?" 
 asked the Mexican, and the girl seemed to second the request, for she 
 stole a quick look at Lewey, and then dropped her eyes. 
 
 " By all means," cried my friend, and out came his pipe and tobacco, but 
 I put a veto on the measure. 
 
 " The senor I know will excuse us," I said. " We have traveled far to- 
 day, and under a warm sun. Tomorrow we must start early, and make a 
 
Lewey and /. 133 
 
 good journey toward Los Angeles. We need rest, and will now retire if 
 you have no objections." 
 
 " You is alvays spilin' de fan," Lewey grumbled in English. " Vy can't 
 you keep still, be good, and not see dings ? Vot a particular boy you is. 
 If a young girl like you I say not one vord, but vink at it all de time." 
 
 But on account of that pretty little child of nature I was firm, and re- 
 solved that the lad should no longer trifle with her affections, if I could 
 prevent it. His blue eyes had done damage enough aheady, and I feared 
 that it would be a long time before the senorita forgot him or his jaunty 
 ways, his soft words and warm looks, so well calculated to move a girl's 
 heart, especially such a child as Florencia. 
 
 "Well, senors," the host said, when he found that I was firm, "the best 
 place that I can offer you for sleeping quarters is the shed. There is noth- 
 ing in it but some barley, hens, fifty hides, and a few other necessary arti- 
 cles, which will not interfere with your slumbers. Pleasant dreams to you, 
 and may the saints have you in their keeping now and forever. Go to bed, 
 girl. Why do you remain up until this late hour, when it is your custom 
 to lie down with the sun ? Your mother has been asleep for half an hour. 
 May the saints pardon me for being profane, but, caramba, note her snor- 
 ing, and she will keep it up all night, and in the morning vow her sleep is 
 like an infant's. Santa iMaria, but hear her go it. I wonder she does not 
 strangle." 
 
 " Let me help arrange the room in which the senors will sleep, padre ? " 
 pleaded the young lady. 
 
 " Nonsense. The senors are travelers, and need not be particular in this 
 part of the country. Good-night, caballeros. You need not fear for your 
 horses now, as there will be nothing but coyotes prowling near, and no one 
 cares for them. They will be sure to keep at a distance from the heels of 
 the caballos," and, with these words, the father motioned the girl to enter 
 the house, and then followed her, but did not close the door, as we expected 
 he would do. 
 
 " Cool it is," muttered Lewey ; " but den it am de custom of de country, 
 so ve vill not complain." 
 
 By the aid of a burning fagot we cleared a space where we could spread 
 our blankets, and, with our saddles for pillows, lay down. If we had not 
 been impervious to flea bites we should have been eaten up before morn- 
 ing, for the insects swarmed over us by millions, and must have enjoyed 
 the rare treat of sucking fresh blood to fill their hungry bodies. 
 
 But, troubled as we were, I dropped off to sleep, and could have had but 
 
134 Leivey and I. 
 
 a short nap, for I was awakened by an unusually loud bark of a venture- 
 some coyote, and looking out upon .he courtyard saw a large, lank animal 
 near the door of the house, as though engaged in reconnoitering, to see if it 
 was safe for him to enter, and hunt for a supper. I threw a club at the in- 
 truder, and told Jack to keep quiet, for the dog was restless, having been 
 tied to a beam, to keep him out of danger while we slept, and then turned 
 over, and, to my surprise, found that I was alone, Lewey having disappeared 
 while I slept. 
 
 In an instant I was wide awake, and on my feet. I understood the mat- 
 ter as plainly as if I had been informed of all that had transpired while I 
 slept. Out of the building I went, and walked away from the house some 
 little distance, but saw no one. Then I turned, and strolled in the direc- 
 tion of the dead mountain lion, which the coyotes gave a wide berth, for 
 fear it might not be as defunct as it appeared. Near the animal I heard 
 low voices, and one of them was that of Florencia, and the other my friend 
 Lewey's. 
 
 " I swear to you," the French lad was saying, " that I loved you the first 
 moment my eyes rested on your face. It is beautiful ; more charming than 
 the fairest girl in San -Diego. Give me but one kiss to prove you do not 
 dislike me, and let me hope that when I am gone from here you will not for- 
 get me in a day, or a week. Assure me of that, and I will think of you so 
 often, until I return, that even your warm nature will rejoice." 
 
 " Take the kiss," the girl answered. " It is not much to give one like 
 you. But as for thinking of me when you are in another part of the State, 
 I do not believe it. I wish that I could, for then I should be happy even 
 if I am separated from you." 
 
 The wretch put his arms around the form of the girl, and took not only 
 one kiss but a dozen, and she did not seem to shrink from his embrace, as 
 she should, and would have done, had she known the French lad as well as 
 I did. 
 
 I thought it time to interfere. I was resolved that the artless little girl 
 should not further commit herself, even if Lewey's assertions were sincere, 
 and I had good reasons to doubt them, for although he could fall in love 
 with much rapidity, it was also certain that he got over his passion just as 
 swiftly, and without a particle of heartache. He was a true Frenchman in 
 this respect, and did not believe in moping when it was possible to be 
 
 gay. 
 
 As I advanced the girl sprang from my friend's arms and muttered, 
 " Santa Maria, I thought it was my padre. If he should find me here it 
 
Lewey and I. 135 
 
 would be death to both of us. He would chop us to pieces with his mache- 
 te, and laugh at our prayers for mercy." 
 
 " Fear nothing, Florencia, it is my amigo. He will not lisp a word," 
 Lewey said, in a hasty tone, and then, turning to me, asked in English, 
 
 " Vot in de devil's name did you come here for to spoil de fun ? " 
 
 " Fun for you, but death to the girl. For shame, Lewey, to make love to 
 such a little wild blossom," I answered. " Let the girl alone, so that she 
 can return to the house, and talk no more of love to her, for I do not think 
 it desirable to break her heart, and you know that marriage is an impossi- 
 ble thing at the present time. Confound it, you miserable flirt, how many 
 girls do you desire to be engaged to at the same time ? " 
 
 " I do vish dat you vould mind your own business, and let me all alone 
 to mineself," my friend said, in a petulant tone. " I interferes vid you neb- 
 ber. Vy, you might de love make to all de females of California, and not 
 one vord say I vould. Go back to your blankets, and let alone me. Seed 
 nothin'." 
 
 The girl stood listening to the conversation, carried on in low tones, so 
 that the terribli padre would not be awakened, and with her head bent 
 down. She could not understand a word that we uttered, but she must 
 have known that we were conversing about her, for once in a while she 
 would raise her face to Lewey's, and ask, 
 
 " What are you talking about? Speak in Spanish, if you please, so I 
 may know all that is going on." 
 
 " Lewey," I said, in a calm tone, " I will not take offence at your words, 
 for we have been friends for many years, and never had but one quarrel 
 during all that time. I now appeal to your better nature as a man, a young 
 one to be sure, to let the girl enter the house, and promise to see her no 
 more tonight." 
 
 " And if I does not," he asked, in a sullen tone, " vot den ? " 
 
 " Simply this. As soon as daylight comes I shall saddle. my horse, and 
 return to San Diego alone. We part forever." 
 
 " But I loves de girl," he pleaded, after a moment's pause. 
 
 " Nonsense. You think so, but in a day or two you will acknowledge 
 your mistake. If you love her so much, remain here, and marry her. I 
 will give you all the gold I possess to start you in life, and try and make you 
 happy on this solitary ranche, so far out of the world. Come, be a man, 
 and tell me if you will take the little child for your wife without delay, for I 
 would not trust you an hour." 
 
 " I vill do as you vish," was the answer. " I am not de kind of man to 
 
136 Lewey and I. 
 
 make dis girl happy, and yet I vish dat I could, for she is booful, and I do 
 love de booful faces." 
 
 " Go into the house, senorita," I said. " Your father might awaken, and 
 then there would be trouble. Do not stir out again this night." 
 
 The girl looked at Lewey for advice. He pretended not to see the plead- 
 ing face, but was watching the stealthy movements of a sneaking coyote 
 very attentively. For a moment she hesitated, then, receiving no word 
 from my friend, turned toward the house, but, as she did so, suddenly 
 rushed forward, and seized my hand, pressed it to her lips in a hurried 
 manner, and whispered, 
 
 " Senor, I know not what you have said, but mil gracias for your words 
 and presence here tonight. May you both be happy will ever be the pray- 
 er of pobrecita Florencia," and she was gone. 
 
 I heard a sob, and saw Lewey brush away some dampness that had gath- 
 ered in his eyes. 
 
 " You poor boy," I said, as I sprang forward, and threw my arms around 
 his neck, " are you as hard hit as this denotes ? Do you really love the 
 girl ? " 
 
 " Yes, I dink I does," was the answer. " But I skall get ober it in a lit- 
 tle dime. I is a fou vare de vomen is concerned." 
 
 " How many do you think you could love at one time ? " I asked. 
 
 " I knows not, but I skall like to try. I dink dat I could vorship a mil- 
 lion if dey vas all booful, and did not plague me vid der jealousy. Now, 
 mine ami, I is all right vonce more, and ve vill sleep to go till de 
 morrow." 
 
 There was no other incident during the night. Lewey slept, and, per- 
 haps, dreamed of the object of his worship, but he did not move out of the 
 shed until I called him a little after. daylight, just as the people in the house 
 were stirring. Then we arose, packed our blankets and traps, piquelted 
 our horses out to graze, filled a large calabash with water, and had a good 
 wash, a proceeding that made the greaser look on, and wonder, and the 
 wife to smile in a sarcastic manner, as though she could not see the need 
 of such useless proceedings, while Florencia wet her face and hands at the 
 spring, and dried them on a cloth that must have been in the family many 
 years, and had never been what the women call " boiled out/ r 
 
 The senora started the fire, and mixed the usual dish of torti'las, and 
 prepared an olia, which she was to cook in a black earthen pot, one that 
 had been licked by a coyote the night before, and, to prevent our stomachs 
 from being turned, Lewey snatched the crock up, and went to the spring, 
 
Lewey and I. 137 
 
 giving the utensil as thorough a cleaning as it was possible without soap, 
 sand, and hot water. 
 
 The wife did not seem in the least offended at my officious friend's pro- 
 ceedings, but the rich blood mounted the dark cheeks of Florencia, as she 
 witnessed the act, and she felt the shame that did not find vent in words. 
 I have no doubt she contrasted her surroundings with what she imagined 
 were ours when at home, and lamented her fate more bitterly than ever 
 before. 
 
 Again we contributed our share to the breakfast, a little coffee and su- 
 gar, and, after a hearty meal, smoked until the sun arose, and warned us 
 to be on our way. Then we saddled our animals, packed our traps on 
 them, and were ready for our long journey over the trail, and towards the 
 mountains. 
 
 " Adios," we cried, as we swung ourselves into the saddles. " May God 
 be with you," and we touched our sombreros, and the Mexican repeated the 
 salutation. The wife smiled on us, and bade us come again, as she would 
 be glad to see us at any time. 
 
 We glanced around to bid Florencia farewell, but the girl was not in 
 sight. She had disappeared when we put the saddles on the animals. 
 
 " Give our regards to the senorita," I said, then we ambled out of the 
 courtyard, and took the trail, Jack at the horses' heels, glad to be once more 
 in motion. 
 
 Lewey did not utter a word, but he often looked back to see if he could 
 get a glimpse of the young lady. For ten minutes or more we galloped 
 along, and then, suddenly, just ahead of us, the chapparel parted, and Flor- 
 encia sprang on the trail, and stood in our path. I uttered a groan of dis- 
 may, but Lewey paid no attention to me. He spurred on his steed, and, 
 when he neared the girl, jumped from the saddle to the ground, and threw 
 his arms around her, and kissed her several times without any remonstrance 
 on her part or mine. 
 
 " I could not let you leave me without saying one word of farewell," she 
 said, "and I did not wish my padre to notice, our parting. Now go, and 
 God be with you." 
 
 The French boy took one of the girl's little dark hands, and kissed it very 
 gently, as he said, in a voice meant to be sincere and tender, 
 
 k I swear to come back," and, as he uttered the words, there was an angry 
 growl from the dog, and he rose up from his resting-place, and sniffed the 
 air in a suspicious manner, and then, just about fifty fathoms from us, 
 across the trail, four horsemen dashed from the thick chapparel on each 
 
138 Lewey and I. 
 
 side of us, and uttered a shrill yell of triumph, and brandished long lances, 
 CD which were hung locks of human hair and feathers, and it did not take 
 a second glance to reveal to us that the strangers were wild Indians, admi- 
 rably mounted on hardy mustangs, and sitting the animals without the aid 
 of saddles or stirrups, bridles or head gear of any kind to guide their 
 horses, as untamed as the riders. All this we saw, and then realized that 
 we were in the presence of a roving band of Indians from the other side of 
 the mountains, scouring the plains in the hope of securing plunder, in the 
 shape of cattle and women, scalps and horses, and, in the days of which I 
 write, the savages did a large business in the southern part of California, 
 crossing the mountains when they pleased, for there was no one to make 
 them afraid, or drive them back to what is now known as Arizona, then a 
 wilderness, and the home of the fierce, treacherous Apache Indians, and 
 members of this tribe were now before us calculating on an easy 
 conquest. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE APACHE ATTACK. PAINTED WARRIORS, AND THEIR CHARGE. 
 DEATH TO THE INDIANS. RETURN TO THE RANCHE. THE GOVERN- 
 MENT COURIER. A HORSE TRADE. OUR JOURNEY RESUMED. THE 
 FEAST OF THE BUZZARDS AND COYOTES. TROUT FISHING. RANCHE 
 VALLECITO. A PROPOSITION. THE NIGHT CAMP, AND A STARTLING 
 APPARITION. 
 
 THE only Indians we had ever before seen were those met at the mis- 
 sions and ranches of California, and were called tame, because they 
 had received some enlightenment by the aid of priests, whose willing ser- 
 vants the peons were, receiving only food and a shirt for the labor which 
 they performed, not very arduous at any time. The tame bucks we had al- 
 ways looked upon with perfect contempt, as not possessing the feelings or 
 courage of a warrior, but here, just ahead of us, was something different 
 from what we had been accustomed to, for the half-naked visitors sat their 
 horses like centaurs, and there did not appear to be much tameness about 
 them, for they uttered a yell that denoted triumph, and shook their lances 
 in our direction, and then, seeing there were but three of us, counting the 
 girl, and leaving out the dog, prepared to charge down the trail. 
 
 ** Holy Virgin, mother of Jesus/' Florencia cried. " Fly to the ranche 
 for your lives. The Apache Indians are on us, and will take your scalps. 
 Turn your horses, and escape if possible." 
 
 " And what will you do ? " asked Lewey, who felt more anxious for the 
 safety of the girl than for his own. I will give him the credit of saying that 
 his first thought was for the little beauty, and not personal preservation. 
 
 Even if we had turned, and spurred our horses to their utmost speed, we 
 could not have reached the ranche in time to escape a spear thrust, as the 
 
140 Lewey and I. 
 
 Indians were better mounted and far more expert horsemen than we could 
 ever hope to be, even if we had spent a life in taking lessons from the best 
 ranchero in California. Consequently, in our surprise, we did the very 
 best thing that was possible under the circumstances. We did not fly as 
 the Indians expected we would do when they first sighted us, and this 
 made them a little suspicious of an ambush, which the rascals dreaded 
 above all things. They feared that there might be Mexicans hidden in the 
 high chapparel, on each side of the trail, and for that reason hesitated to 
 bear down, and crush us at a blow. 
 
 " Never mind me," Florencia cried, in answer to Lewey's appeal. " The 
 saints will have me in their keeping. Ride for your lives, or you are dead 
 men. Those warriors know no fear, and have no mercy on all they capture. 
 There are* four of them, and only two of you. Be warned in time," and the 
 young girl knelt at my friend's feet, and raised her hands in supplication, 
 so that he would be moved by her appeals. 
 
 " Never will I leave you like a coward," Lewey exclaimed. " I would 
 have acted a treacherous part toward you, but may the devil fly away with 
 me, as I suppose he will some day, if I don't make it warm for the savages 
 before they take you prisoner." 
 
 He snatched up his rifle as he spoke, and then glanced at me, and, as his 
 eyes met mine, I thought that he was not the worst boy in the world, even 
 if he did like to flirt with pretty girls, and tease them, when he should have 
 been honest and frank. 
 
 " You vill stick by me, old friend ? " the lad asked. He spoke in Eng- 
 lish, and hurriedly, for there was no time to lose, as the Indiana showed 
 signs of charging toward us, seeming to divine that we were without sup- 
 ports. 
 
 " As long as I have life," was my answer, and the French boy's face 
 lighted up with the joy he felt at the words. 
 
 " I knowed it," he cried. " Dismount, and let de;girl hold de horses, so 
 dat avay dey vill not run. Ve can much better shoot on de foot den in de 
 saddle." 
 
 Down I dropped to the ground, and threw the bridle of my horse to the 
 girl. She understood the meaning o c the action as well as though we had 
 explained the matter by half a hundred words. Florencia 'tarted the ani- 
 . mals along the trail that led to her home, and when the Indians saw the 
 movement, and understood that there was a prospect of the girl's escaping, 
 a prize that they coveted more than a dozen head of cattle, they ut- 
 tered a fierce yell, lowered their long lances, and dashed toward us, sway- 
 
Lewey and I. 141 
 
 ing their bodies from side to side as they advanced, so that our aim would 
 be disturbed, in case we fired on them. I think they did not expect a vol- 
 ley, as all the Mexicans they had encountered on the raid, it is very proba- 
 ble, had fled at the first glimpse of the painted fiends, terror-stricken at the 
 thought of being scalped, and hacked to pieces. 
 
 " Take de von on de starboard side," my French friend said in a whisper, 
 " and I vill de >von on de larboard side look arter, and den pistols to 'em 
 take as fast as possible, and no mistake make." 
 
 Even in that moment of peril Lewey did not forget that his nautical ex- 
 pressions conveyed more meaning to my ears than if he had used the words 
 of a land-lubber. I nodded, and by this time the Apaches were not more 
 than ten fathoms from us, riding like a whirlwind, and looking hideous in 
 their paint and feathers, yelling in concert, and shaking their lances. 
 
 " Now," said Lewey, and at the word we discharged our rifles, and then 
 jumped as far as we could into the chapparel. on each side of the trail, 
 dropping the rifles as we did so, and drawing our pistols. 
 
 It was well we made the leaps we did, for in another second we should 
 have been spitted on the lances of the two uninjured warriors. Our aim 
 had been true, for a wonder, and both the Indians we had singled out, a 
 litth in advance of the others, tumbled from their horses, and the trained 
 steeds instantly stopped, arid waited for the owners to remount, but they 
 did not seem to be in a hurry, for good and sufficient reasons, as we after- 
 ward discovered, both painted brutes having small bullet holes in their 
 breasts. The pellets of lead had gone completely through the bodies, and 
 out near the shoulder blades, a dose sufficient to settle their accounts for all 
 time, and yet the wounded Apaches did not lie still even after touching the 
 earth, but rolled into a thick clump of chapparel, and with their last strength 
 sought concealment in the long grass, so that in death they could preserve 
 their scalps from enemies. 
 
 As I have said, we dropped our rifles, and drew our pistol?, and, as we 
 landed in the rushes and grass, nearly as high as our heads, we turned and 
 fired them at the pursuing Indians, when they were not more than three 
 fathoms from us. The ball from my pistol struck the knee joint of the 
 Apache nearest my side of the trail, then glanced from the bone, and en- 
 tered the spine of the mustang he was riding. The beast dropped as if 
 struck by lightning, throning the Indian to the ground, nearly at my feet, 
 and, had not Jack come to my assistance, the warrior might have given me 
 an ugly jab with his spear, for, in spite of his injuries, and the pain he en- 
 dured, the savage was about to make a lunge at my stomach, as I was too 
 
i4 2 Lewey and I. 
 
 astonished to get out of the way, or discharge my remaining pistol full at 
 his head, as I might have done, had I possessed proper presence of mind 
 at the time to consider my danger. 
 
 The Apache had raised his spear, as I was looking at his hideous face, 
 streaked with thick layers of paint, and thinking how fortunate it was he 
 had managed to dismount so suddenly, when Jack thought that the time 
 had arrived for him to take a hand, and show what he could do to prove 
 that he was a dog of courage and resources. He did not need to be told to 
 pitch in, for instinct prompted him to make a sudden attack, and, while the 
 warrior was just on the point of giving me a thrust, Jack made a mighty 
 bound, and landed full on the back of the Apache's neck, and commenced 
 chawing at the flesh and muscles, as if desirous of securing a little lunch of 
 Indian meat, justUo see how it would taste. 
 
 The savage was not prepared for this demonstration. His lance's point 
 fell, as he turned to meet the new enemy. He reached for the long knife in 
 his leggings, and, if he could have secured it at the first attempt, Jack's 
 life might have ended then and there, but the angry snaps that the dog 
 gave disconcerted the savage, and, muttering some malediction in the 
 Apache tongue, he made a second attempt, but by this time I had come to 
 my senses, no longer fascinated and dazed by that terrible face. He had 
 exerted over my senses some such spell as the rattlesnake is supposed to 
 have over human beings, birds, and animals. 
 
 As the savage again reached for his knife, feeling the pain of Jack's long 
 and sharp teeth tearing at the flesh in a fury of rage and desperation, I 
 sprang forward, tore the long lance from the hand that held it, and then 
 plunged it through the body of the prostrate Indian. He uttered one -cry 
 of rage and defiance, the hand fell to his side, the eyes grew dim, a shudder 
 ran through the body, and the warrior was dead, and the instant life ceased 
 Jack relinquished his attack, and uttered a howl, as though to bark a re- 
 quiem for the spirit that had gone to its happy hunting-grounds. 
 
 Then, for the first time, I had a chance to turn my attention to Lewey, and 
 see what had become of the boy. He missed the Indian that was on his 
 side of the trail, because his pistol hung fire. It had failed him just at the 
 wrong moment, and, before he could cock the second one, the Apache 
 dashed on in pursuit of the girl and horses. Lewey had followed as rapid- 
 ly as possible, thinking of the safety of Florencia, and supposing that I had 
 fatally wounded the savage who had tumbled from his horse, and fell at my 
 feet. He imagined that I was more than a match for a dismounted, half- 
 dead Apache, but he was much mistaken. I afterward warned him to be 
 
Lewey and I. *45 
 
 more careful the next time, and see that I was doing well before he left me 
 to aid strangers. 
 
 I noticed Lewey tearing along the trail as fast as his legs could carry 
 him, and I would have taken one of the two mustangs that were standing 
 near me, all riderless, and waiting for the word of command from their own- 
 ers, and followed in pursuit, but did not care to mount a horse that had nei- 
 ther saddle nor bridle, for fear it might take me to a part of the country I 
 had no desire to visit, perhaps in the midst of the rest of the raiding tribe, 
 which I imagined was not far off. 
 
 I picked up my rifle, and Lewey's also, for he had left it behind, in his 
 eagerness of pursuit, and then slung one of them over my shoulder, and 
 loaded the other as I trotted after my friend. I did not know how many 
 Indians were near, but was determined to be prepared in case there was 
 another attack. 
 
 I had not run more than fifty fathoms before I heard a roaring report. 
 It sounded like the Mexican's musket, for there was no other weapon near 
 us that could make so much noise, it appeared to me. 
 
 In a few seconds there was a shout of triumph, not from Lewey, but the 
 ranchero, and I surmised that the old fellow had done some damage with 
 his blunderbuss, perhaps killed the fleeing Apache, and such was the case, 
 for on the ground, when I arrived at the spot, was the body of the dead 
 Indian, the whole side of his head blown away, and presenting a disgusting 
 sight to those not accustomed to such wounds. 
 
 And that Mexican was as proud as a peacock over his deed, and pointed 
 with much gusto to the wounds, and then to the large muzzle of his 
 musket. 
 
 Florencia was safe, and was in the yard with our horses. The old Mex- 
 ican had heard the firing soon after we had left his house, and, thinking 
 there might be Indians near, as his wolfish dog was uneasy, and sniffed and 
 growled, a sure sign that danger of some kind was abroad, he had gone 
 through the chapparel, and remained in ambush until the Indian came along 
 in pursuit of his daughter. Then he understood the whole matter at a 
 glance. The girl was allowed to pass, and, when the Apache hove in sight, 
 a handful of shot was lodged in his head, the very best place it could have 
 been deposited, just at that time. 
 
 There were mutual congratulations indulged in, and then the Mexican 
 insisted upon our returning to the spot where we had been first attacked, so 
 that he could see if the rest of the Apaches were dead, or only wounded. 
 The Mexican did not think that there were any more savages in the vicini- 
 
146 Lewey and I. 
 
 ty, as he said that they were apt to break up into small bands, and scour 
 the country in every direction, meet at some spot near the mountains with 
 all the plunder and prisoners, and then depart through a secret canyon for 
 the southern portion of Arizona, from whence they came. This was the 
 rirst time in two years, as he again told us, the Apaches had made a raid, 
 and he rather suspected the Indians, that is the main body, had gone in the 
 direction of San Diego, where there were more cattle and females for pris- 
 oners. At any rate, it would not be safe for us to continue our journey for 
 a day or two, as we might fall into the hands of the prowling ladrones, and 
 lose the number of our mess, although he did not express himself in such 
 nautical language. 
 
 As we returned to the scene of the charge, the two dogs followed at our 
 heels, a common feeling of danger seeming to make them fast friends, for 
 the time being, as they did not snap or growl at each other like the night 
 before, and in the morning. Indeed, the animals appeared to express to 
 each other a feeling of satisfaction that they had done so well when hard 
 blows were called for. 
 
 As we neared the spot we saw the two horses standing motionless, wait- 
 ing for their masters who would never mount them again, The Mexican 
 looked at the brands on the flanks of the mustangs, and knew them as well 
 as if they had been printed matter. Much better, in fact, for he could not 
 read a word of Spanish. 
 
 " They are from the Ranche Vallecito," he said, and pointed toward the 
 north, in the direction of the trail. " They must have been stolen two years 
 ago, when the great raid was made, for it takes an Indian a year to break 
 in a mustang, and teach him all the tricks necessary to be an Apache's best 
 friend, something that can be trusted night and day, will come at his call, 
 and stand until told to go. I will let them mingle with my herd, if I have 
 any left, and in a few weeks' time they will forget some of their wild train- 
 ing, and not sniff at a white man, as you see these do." 
 
 As he finished speaking the Mexican attempted to lay his hand on the 
 nearest mustang, but the horse reared, and struck at the greaser with his 
 fore feet, and then bit at the man in a vicious manner. The Mexican did 
 not seem surprised at the attack. He easily avoided it, and then hit 
 the brute over the flank with a stick, and the animal loped along the trail 
 for a few fathoms, then stopped suddenly, and glanced back, as if he had 
 forgotten something, and could not tell what it was. 
 
 " He is looking for his savage master," the Mexican remarked. " It is 
 curious that the mustang should love one who treats him as ill as an 
 
Lewey and L 147 
 
 Apache warrior. The more abuse, the longer the journey, the greater re- 
 gard. It is singular, but true. Now let us find the bodies of the dead, if 
 they are dead. Here is blood on the grass. You must have hit them hard 
 to make them fall from the backs of their horses. Ready with your guns, 
 and be on the watch, for there is no knowing what the diablos may be up 
 to in the tall grass. If they are not dead they can do us mischief. Be very 
 careful." 
 
 We sent the dogs into the chapparel, and then followed them very cau- 
 tiously, our rifles all ready for action. We did not have far to go, as the 
 trail of the wounded savages was quite distinct, and well denned by drops 
 of blood. In a clump of grass one Apache was lying, still alive, but in the 
 agonies of death. He looked at us with a scowl of hate on his painted face, 
 and then commenced to chant his dying song, for he knew that there was 
 no mercy in the dark, swarthy face of the Mexican. 
 
 " Ladrone of the devil," the greaser cried, "your time has come. Go to 
 the fiend who created you," and, before we could interfere, he had seized 
 the warrior's lance, and drove it through the red man's body. 
 
 " So perish all the enemies of Mexico," the greaser shouted, and re- 
 peated the blow. 
 
 The Apache gave a gasp, and was dead. 
 
 " It was a cruel deed," Lewey remarked, and turned away with a 
 shudder. 
 
 " If you knew the painted devils as well as I do you would not think so," 
 was the reply, " They will torture the life out of you, and laugh at your 
 groans. They spare neither women nor children. Should I save him from 
 the death he so well merits? Let the buzzards feast on his flesh, and 
 the coyotes pick his bones, for his race has ended forever." 
 
 We sent the dogs on the other trail, and found the body of the Indian, 
 but there was no life in his hideous carcass. He must have been a petty 
 chief, for his lance was ornamented with several long locks of hair, looking 
 like a woman's, and his leggings were embroidered with the quills of a por- 
 cupine, the work of some squaw he had left at home to mourn for his ab- 
 sence, or rejoice at his death, just according to his domestic relations, for I 
 suppose Indian females are like their white sisters in this respect at least, 
 and judge of a husband by his treatment. 
 
 We left the bodies where we had found them, the horses waiting patient- 
 ly for their masters, and returned to the ranche, where the Mexican wife re- 
 ceived us with a smile of approval. Our animals were safe, and Florencia 
 had taken the precaution to remove the saddles, and piquette the beasts 
 
148 Lewey and f. 
 
 near the house, where the ,grass was abundant and fresh. She evidently 
 did not intend that we should resume our journey immediately, and her fa- 
 ther was of the same opinion, for he said, 
 
 "You must wait until tomorrow before you start. There may be more 
 Apaches on the trail, and if you should meet them perhaps they would be 
 better prepared for a fight than those who have fallen. This is the safest 
 place for you for a short time at least." v 
 
 The young girl's face showed some of the pleasure she felt at her father's 
 words, but she did not raise her eyes from the ground, or appear to hear 
 her parent's advice. Lewey stole a look at me to see how I received the 
 announcement. I was a little perplexed. There was danger in advancing, 
 or in remaining where we were, but my friend, in a tone of great sincerity, 
 remarked, 
 
 " You can trust me, Thorn. I swear to you by our friendship dat I vill 
 not say one vord to de girl I should not be villing for you to hear." 
 
 I had confidence in his word, trusted him, and agreed to remain where we 
 were until the next morning. 
 
 ** By the way," said the father, as he lighted a cigarette, an example 
 which his wife followed, as soon as we had passed them a package, and he 
 looked at his daughter a little suspiciously, " what were you doing so far 
 from the house this morning? and why did you not remain to bid our 
 guests God speed ? " 
 
 " I did not think they would care for my good wishes," was the reply, 
 thus showing that a Mexican girl can equal an American maiden in equivo- 
 cating when there is occasion to deceive a father, and keep secret her 
 love. 
 
 " But you were a long way from the house," the Mexican said. " Had it 
 not been for these senors you would now be a prisoner in the hands of the 
 Apaches. You must be more careful in the future how you take solitary 
 rambles." 
 
 " I was in search of quail's eggs. I know where there is a covy in the 
 chapparel," the girl answered, and a blush mantled her dark cheeks as she 
 spoke. 
 
 The reply seemed to satisfy the father that her errand from home was a 
 legitimate one, so he did not deem further explanation necessary. He 
 again thanked us for saving the child from the hands of the Indians, and in 
 this the mother joined most heartily, and, to prove that she was sincere, 
 made ample preparations for a dinner, and an olia that should surpass all of 
 her previous efforts. 
 
Lewey and /. 149 
 
 The sun came out hot. We lounged in the courtyard, our rifles and 
 pistols all ready in case more Indians should make their appearance, and 
 \ve did not know but a few of the tribe might put in an appearance, search- 
 ing for their lost comrades. We neither saw nor heard any suspicious 
 movements, however, until about eleven o'clock, when both dogs grew un- 
 easy, and uttered short yelps of anger. 
 
 The Mexican, as he noticed the movements of the animals, dropped on 
 his knees, placed one of his ears close to the ground, and listened long and 
 attentively. 
 
 " A horseman is approaching us on a swift lope," he said. " He is not 
 an Indian, and the beast is guided by bit and bridle. To prevent mistakes, 
 however, let us be prepared to give- the stranger a warm reception." 
 
 We could hear nothing, but in a minute or more the swift beat of a 
 horse's feet were noticed, and along the trail, from the direction of Los An- 
 geles, came a Mexican half-breed, superbly mounted on a showy mustang, 
 his scrape streaming over his shoulders as he dashed along, his broad som- 
 brero on the back of his head, and his long, black, coarse hair fluttering in 
 the wind. 
 
 " It is Pedro," the Mexican said, as he dropped the butt of his heavy 
 musket. 
 
 " And who is Pedro ? " I asked, as the horseman approached. 
 
 " The government courier. He rides between San Diego and Los Ange- 
 les with despatches. It is a lonely journey for him, and full of danger, but 
 the man is well paid, and likes his work. There is no better horseman in 
 California than Pedro," and our host prepared to give the new-comer a 
 warm welcome, for it was evident he intended to stop, as he waved a hand 
 in our direction, and shouted out a Mexican salutation and greeting. 
 
 Pedro, who was about twenty-five years of age, thin and muscular, short, 
 but graceful in the saddle, threw his horse on Its haunches when within a 
 short distance of us, stopping him so suddenly that the feet ploughed up 
 the dirt and grass for some distance. Then the vaquero sprang from his 
 saddle, and, as he touched the ground, saluted all present by removing his 
 sombrero, and said, 
 
 "Buenos dias senora, senorita, y senors," and, leaving his steaming 
 horse where he had halted, tiptoed to the fire, lighted a cigarette, and took 
 a survey of the company present. 
 
 He was a smart-looking fellow, with eyes as black and keen as a hawk's, 
 just the kind of a man who would do a little fighting if there was any occa- 
 sion for it, or running, if that was better and safer than rough work. 
 
150 Lewey and /. 
 
 He unbuckled the huge spurs from his heels, laid aside the light carbine 
 which he carried slung over his shoulder, placed the long, sharp knife and 
 pistols with the gun, and then asked, 
 
 " Who are these senors ? " and motioned toward Lewey and myself. 
 
 " Two French caballeros, on their way up the coast," our host 
 answered. 
 
 " Bueno," was the response. " I feared they were Americanos." 
 
 " Why should you fear they were Americanos ? " asked our host. 
 
 " Because war is declared between the United States and Mexico, and 
 we cannot be too careful of all sospechosos." 
 
 " It matters but little what country a man comes from if he helps me at 
 a pinch, as these young caballeros have done this morning," our Mexican 
 host answered. " American or French, they have my thanks." 
 
 " Ah, you have had a brush with the wild Indians ? " asked the courier. 
 " I saw a dead horse on the trail, and flocks of buzzards hovering over the 
 chapparel, as if they were about to make an attack on a corpse or injured 
 bullock. Did you kill any of the ladrones ? " 
 
 " Four of them have gone to their happy hunting-grounds, three by the 
 hands of these young senors, and one by the aid of my old musket, which 
 you always laugh at." 
 
 " I will laugh at it no more, amigo, if you have sent an Indian to the in- 
 fernal regions where they belong. What were they ? Apaches ? " asked 
 the courier. 
 
 " Yes, and on a raid for cattle and prisoners. These senors saved my 
 daughter this morning, and shot those beasts who would have captured her. 
 Think how much I owe them, and why I should not stop to ask where their 
 country is located," and the Mexican looked some of the gratification he 
 felt 
 
 " Diablo," the courier said, as he removed his sombrero, and extended 
 his hand, "it was a deed worthy of a Mexican. Frenchmen or Americans 
 should be proud of killing an Indian, and doubly grand when it is an ac- 
 cursed Apache, whom the saints may consign to the eternal region of fire 
 for al[ I care. Senors, I am pleased to shake hands with such bueno hom- 
 bres. Hereafter command me in everything." 
 
 We shook hands with great heartiness, and offered the courier a fresh 
 cigarette, which he accepted with a profusion of thanks. 
 
 "You ride fast today, Senor Pedro," the Mexican host said, after the 
 ceremony had been performed. "Is there such pressing news that you 
 must scour the earth with your horse's feet ? " 
 
Lewey and I. 151 
 
 "Santa Maria, I should say so. The American gringos are mustering at the 
 North, and General Castro has shaken them up, and is preparing to drive 
 the accursed heretics into the mountains, where they can starve. A war 
 ship is at San Pedro, and the people of Los Angeles fear that the marine- 
 ros will march by land, and attack the town. I have despatches to the al- 
 calda of San Diego, praying him to put in order the presidio, at the entrance 
 of the harbor, and to give the heretics a warm reception, in case they 
 should dare to venture near in one of their ships. Our people are aroused, 
 and will fight for California until the last drop of blood is shed." 
 
 Considering that the presidio at San Diego had but two brass pieces, and 
 those were spiked and useless by neglect, we did not think our ships would 
 suffer much while rounding Ballast Point, and could not believe that all the 
 greasers of the State were prepared to die for the Mexican flag just at pres- 
 ent. The news did not alarm us in the least, as we had heard just such 
 rumors before. We thought that Captain Fremont and his men could take 
 care of themselves, and not get much hurt, and the result justified our 
 crude opinions. 
 
 " This is indeed news," our host said. " You must rest here, and eat, so 
 that you can go on in the afternoon. I will give you a fresh horse when 
 ready to start, and you can take yours when returning, if the accursed In- 
 dians do not run it off with the rest of the stock." 
 
 This was a common practice, and excited no expression of gratitude. I 
 looked with admiration at the courier's steed, for it was a noble animal, and 
 gentle as it was fast. 
 
 " Let me exchange with you," I said to Pedro. " I like your horse. 
 Mine is fresh, and can carry a man to San Diego by midnight. I will give 
 you a dollar, for, although I am poor, I have that amount of money, 
 in addition to my caballo, for yours." 
 
 " Senor," said the courier. " the horse is no longer mine. May you be 
 happy with him. He is a noble brute, and true as gold," and the man held 
 out his hand for the eight-real piece, took it, tested it with his teeth, to see 
 that it was not counterfeit, and seemed satisfied with his bargain, for he 
 grinned. 
 
 This may seem a cheap price, but our host would have been glad to have 
 disposed of all the horses on the ranche for a dollar each, and thought him- 
 self well paid. 
 
 " Courage, amigo," the Mexican said, as he noticed Lewey's face, a little 
 downcast at the thought of my being better mounted than himself. " You 
 shall have a caballo equally as good, and it sha'n't cost you anything either. 
 
152 Lewey and I. 
 
 Florencia, can you find the bay bronco, the one I have ridden so often, and 
 drive him to the corral this afternoon ? " 
 
 " Yes, padre," was the ready answer. " I know where he is feeding when 
 the sun goes down." and a flush of pleasure passed over her handsome 
 face, as she thought of the happiness she was to render her lover. 
 
 Pedro looked at the girl with the admiration he did not attempt to con- 
 ceal, and I thought that I could account for the rest he was taking at the 
 lonely ranche, even if his despatches were urgent. He was in love, like my 
 friend, but was a more suitable match for the girl than Lewey, and I won- 
 dered she did not fancy the dark-eyed vaquero, who had all the brilliant 
 qualities calculated to win a doncellito in her station of life. But she pre- 
 ferred a white face and blue eyes, as the contrast was more striking than a 
 dark skin such as she possessed. 
 
 I went to my purchase, stripped the saddle from his back, and then pi- 
 quetted him where the feed was good, rubbed the perspiration from his 
 flanks and back, and the brute seemed to like the attention, for he put his 
 nose against my shoulder, and uttered a whinny of delight at such treat- 
 ment, something he had never experienced at the hands of his former 
 owner. 
 
 Our Mexican host and the courier laughed at the exhibition I was mak- 
 ing, and even the wife smiled in a sarcastic manner, but Florencia seemed 
 to approve of my doings, for she gave me a glance from her expressive 
 black eyes that would have made Pedro happy for a day, had he been the 
 recipient of the great favor. 
 
 Not content with my ministration, I led the horse to the spring for a 
 drink of fresh water, but he did not seem to care for it, as it was not his 
 usual time for drinking, morning and evening being the hours in which he 
 was accustomed to quench his thirst, when water was convenient, and his 
 master not too indolent to turn him toward a river or pond. Then I pro- 
 cured a couple of quarts of barley, and had the satisfaction of seeing the 
 animal feed as if he liked the grain, and appreciated the attention. 
 
 " You would spoil a mustang in two weeks," Pedro said, as I returned to 
 the group sitting in the shade of the house, and awaiting with patience for 
 the olia which the wife was tending. " Our horses are hardy and do not 
 need any care. They can pick up a living on the plains, and think them- 
 selves fortunate if they do not have to lope a hundred miles on an empty 
 stomach. The more you pet a broncho the less reliable he is," and the 
 h >st nodded confirmation of the words, but I loved animals, and did not 
 like to see them suffer, or be abused, and in this instance my kindness was 
 
Lewey and /. 153 
 
 well repaid by the mustang I bought that day for a dollar and a poor speci- 
 men of horse-flesh thrown in to boot. 
 
 " Did you hear or see anything of the Indians on your way?" asked our 
 host, as we gathered around the olia, which the wife pronounced ready. 
 It was made of cheque, barley, onions, red peppers (rather more of the lat- 
 ter than we relished), potatoes, and a few herbs to give it taste and 
 seasoning. 
 
 We once more produced our stock of coffee and sugar, and gladdened the 
 heart of the courier by giving him a strong concoction, in which grounds 
 and dulce struggled for supremacy. It was as nectar to him and the others, 
 GO no one found any fault. 
 
 ' "I left the Ranche Vallecito last night," Pedro said, in answer to the 
 question of our host. " There were no signs of Indians at the time in that 
 vicinity, and I saw no one on the trail. I think the band you killed were 
 out of their usual course, and that nothing more will be seen of the ladrones 
 between here and San Diego, unless they strike Francia's ranche, and, if 
 they do, will hurry the captured cattle towards the canyons of the moun- 
 tains, and so escape all pursuit, even if our people were prepared to give 
 chase, which 1 don't think they will be. The Mexican is brave, but he 
 loves not the yell of wild Indians," and I did not blame him if all the 
 Apaches screamed like those we had encountered in the morning. 
 
 The courier then gave us some valuable information concerning the 
 route, what streams we would have to ford, and canyons to pass through, 
 mentioning especially the Seco Canyon as being dangerous, dark, and 
 dreary, with high and rugged mountains on either side, and a little stream 
 of clear, sparkling water meandering down the course, and emptying into 
 the Pacific Ocean, at some distant point. In fact, we found the journey we 
 had before us was more difficult than we had contemplated, but we were de- 
 termined not to give up the undertaking, but to push on, and hope for suc- 
 cess as we advanced. 
 
 We hinted that we should like to wait at some point on the way until the 
 courier made his return journey, but Pedro did not seem to favor the 
 plan. 
 
 " In the first place," he said, " I do not know when I shall again pass this 
 way. It will depend upon the alcalda of San Diego. He may desire that I 
 remain for important information, and when I do start I shall spare neither 
 horse-flesh nor myself. You could not keep up with me for ten hours with- 
 out tumbling from your saddles with fatigue. Better go on alone, and fol- 
 low the trail as well as you can. Stop at the few ranches you may see, rest, 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 and inquire your way, and may the saints have you in their keeping," and 
 then the courier, with his great appetite satisfied, threw himself upon the 
 ground, under the shadow of the adobj house, and in an instant was fast 
 asleep, resting himself for the work before him that afternoon and evening, 
 on his lonely ride to San Diego, the trail of which he was not certain was 
 clear of Indians. 
 
 Our Mexican host, seeing no more signs of Apaches, skinned the dead 
 mountain lion, and then sent out his daughter on a spare horse to drive in 
 the bay broncho which he had promised to present Lewey. The young girl 
 accepted the mission as one of no particular danger or importance. She 
 sprang into the saddle as light as a cat, and did not assume the position that 
 ladies usually do, for her feet were thrust in the stirrups on either side of 
 the animal. In fact, she rode like a man, and did not think it unbecoming 
 to her modesty to do so, as she had never been taught that her style was un- 
 womanly. She was right, for a side saddle would have been out of place in 
 that wilderness. 
 
 Florencia sat her horse as gracefully and easy as a trained caballero, and, 
 as she struck the animal on the flank with the end of a reata, coiled up on 
 the pommel of her saddle, and darted out of the courtyard, Lewey could not 
 help expressing his admiration in warm words of praise, for he turned to 
 me, and said, 
 
 " Dat is de most booful sight dat I have seed for many a day. Ah, mon 
 ami, she is grand on de foot, but in de saddle she is von bonne fille, and I 
 adore her." 
 
 " Has your love for Engracia vanished so soon ? " I asked. 
 
 " No," was the hesitating reply; " but den dis girl is somehow so differ- 
 ent, and a real Frenchman can love many times, and many dings, and be 
 none de vusser for it." 
 
 " Remember your promise," I said. " That courier Pedro loves the girl, 
 and would cut you into mince-meat if he thought you had the slightest af- 
 fection for the senorita. A Mexican's jealousy is only equaled by the in- 
 tensity of his love. A sharp-pointed knife has put many a rival under the 
 sod, and out of the way. Be warned in time, my friend, and keep your feel- 
 ings to yourself." 
 
 " She loves him not," was the answer, with a doleful sigh. " She has 
 told me dat she likes me, and I believes her/' 
 
 She must have made the confession the night before, when I interrupted 
 the tete-a-tete, showing that love sometimes makes quick work with young 
 and susceptible hearts. 
 
Lewey and /. 155 
 
 In an hour's time Florencia returned with the promised bay, a horse of 
 great beauty and power, but not so handsome, I thought, as my own. She 
 drove him into the corral, and then secured the rather wild steed, shifting 
 the saddle from the mustang which she had ridden, to the animal which she 
 had brought in. 
 
 " Why do you do that ? " asked her father, for we had gathered around 
 to see the new-comer. 
 
 " The beast is wild, and needs discipline," she said. " He has not been 
 ridden for a month, and the senor to whom you have given him is a 
 stranger to all of a mustang's unruly movements. I will tame him by a 
 short ride, and then tomorrow he will carry the visitor away from us like 
 the wind, and perhaps we shall never see either again." 
 
 It is probable that the girl meant more than her father comprehended, 
 for he made no reply, but allowed his daughter to carry out her designs. 
 Alone she put on the thick sweat-cloth and heavy saddle, thrust the cruel 
 curb into his mouth, even if the broncho did resist, adjusted the bridle, 
 vaulted into her seat, and dashed from the corral as if pursued by a pack 
 of hungry coyotes, and, as her graceful form swayed with every motion of 
 the fiery beast, and her long black hair streamed in the air, like a thousand 
 tiny pennants, bare headed, without shoes or stockings, her position on the 
 horse revealing a generous view of little ankles, and well formed legs, I 
 could not help feeling enamoured with this child of nature, who knew how 
 to love, but did not understand many of the refinements of civilized 
 society. 
 
 "Ah, she grows more booful every moment," Lewey muttered, and I 
 mentally cursed the Apaches, and our luck in being detained another night 
 at the ranche, as I feared for my friend and the girl, and that Lewey 's ad- 
 miration would overpower his reason. 
 
 Florencia returned after an hour's ride, her horse covered with foam, but 
 quite subdued, and ready to obey the slightest wish of his rider. The girl 
 did not think she deserved any particular praise for what she had done, 
 and seemed surprised at our compliments. She had been accustomed to 
 cattle and horses from the time of her birth, and for many years had helped 
 her parent round in his stock, when it was necessary to do so for the sake 
 of branding the calves and yearlings. 
 
 The girl reported that she had met with no signs of Indians, and that 
 her father's stock appeared to be undistrubed, so we arrived at the conclu- 
 sion that the courier's supposition was correct, and that the Apaches we 
 had killed were but a portion of the band, and had wandered our way in 
 
156 Lewey and I. 
 
 the hope of securing new fields for plunder, and had met with a just 
 fate. 
 
 By this time it was four o'clock, and Pedro was awake, and ready to re- 
 sume his journey. He saddled the horse I had traded with him, and did 
 not seem to think that I had cheated the government official very badly, 
 and I came to the same conclusion as soon as Pedro mounted the mustang, 
 for the animal appeared to be a different beast when the skillful vaquero 
 was in the saddle, as he knew how to manage him much better than my- 
 self. He did not spare the spurs, or the heavy curb, and, \\hen he raised 
 his sombrero to Florencia, and waved his hand to us, and said, " Adios, 
 senors," dashed away at a rate of speed that I thought impossible in the 
 broncho, and I imagined my new acquisition would have had some trouble 
 in keeping in line. 
 
 Florencia had given Pedro a little smile in return for his salutation. It 
 was not much, but the best-the poor fellow could obtain, and I wondered, 
 as I saw him press his steed up the steep trail, and then glance back to the 
 house for a final salutation, if he felt encouraged by what he had received. 
 The next moment he was on the other side of the miniature mountain, and 
 that was the last we saw of him for some days, and then he made his ap- 
 pearance at a most important moment, as far as our destinies were con- 
 cerned, and the good he rendered us was not forgotten. 
 
 The afternoon and evening wore away in a listless manner. Lewey kept 
 at a distance from Florencia, and she rather avoided him, I thought, so I 
 had nothing to worry about, and, when the time arrived for us to retire, 
 the Mexican advised us to have our rifles handy for immediate use, as he 
 did not know but a marauding party of Indians might visit us. He kept no 
 watch, however, as he said that his dog would give us all the notice we 
 needed, in case there were prowlers near, as he could scent the Apaches 
 for a long distance. 
 
 To prevent Jack from getting into trouble with prowling coyotes, or ad- 
 venturous Indians, we tied him in the out- building, close to where we slept, 
 and, after a smoke by the fire, turned in, and slept all night, and I do not 
 think that Lewey moved, or even rolled over, until daylight, thus showing 
 he was a lad of his word, and was honest in what he said when we returned 
 to the house after the fight with the Indians. 
 
 We fed and watered our horses, and they seemed in perfect order for the 
 journey, and then the wife had our breakfast all ready, and, just about an 
 hour after sunrise, we prepared to depart. This time Florencia did not dis- 
 appear from the house. She sat in the doorway, and watched our proceed- 
 
Lewev and I. 157 
 
 ings with a listless look, and not a word did she exchange with us until we 
 were ready to mount and away. Then, hat in hand, I went to her, and said 
 good-by, took her dark little hand in mine, gave it a gentle squeeze, and ut- 
 tered a few words of civility. 
 
 " You are very kind, senor," she said. " I hope you will come back to us 
 some day not far distant. 
 
 I stood aside, and let Lewey take my place. He spoke in a low tone, so 
 I could not hear what he said, even if I had cared to listen, but I noticed 
 there were tears in Florencia's eyes as she arose, and passed into the 
 house, and that was the last we saw of her for some months. 
 
 We shook hands with the Mexican and his wife, mounted our impatient 
 mustangs, and were off, the woman asking the saints to protect us during 
 our journey, and to come again when we desired. 
 
 As we loped along, not speaking a word, we came to the scene of the en- 
 counter the day before. The bones of dead the horse were picked nearly 
 clean by coyotes and buzzards, while in the chapparel, where the Indians 
 had died, were large numbers of the bird scavengers, gorging themselves 
 with their disgusting feast, and striving with the sly coyote for a full share 
 of flesh and bones. They did not move as we approached, except the lat- 
 ter, and they simply hid in the tall rushes, and returned as soon as we had 
 passed on our way, shuddering as we thought what might have been our 
 fate had the battle gone against us. 
 
 We pressed on during the forenoon, and about twelve o'clock stopped 
 near a small stream that came from the mountains on our right, high and 
 rugged, the tops appearing to be covered with snow, but we were so far 
 from them that we could not be positive on that point, and for a while im- 
 agined that what we supposed was snow were marble ledges. 
 
 On the banks of the little brook, near where there was a ford, across 
 which the trail was well defined, we halted for rest and luncheon. There 
 were no signs of Indians, but the footprints of the courier's horse were dis- 
 tinct in the soft ground, and there were no others near, showing that he had 
 not been followed by the Apaches. 
 
 We piquetted our horses, after removing the saddles, and they found 
 plenty of feed near the stream. Then, while Lewey was gathering dry 
 grass and fagots to start a fire, I took a fish-line, a bit of salt meat for bait, 
 and tried my luck in the little brook. Lewey said that he would eat all the 
 trout I caught, as he had but little faith in the experiment. The hook, how- 
 ever, had hardly touched the water when there was a rise, a rush, and I had 
 on my line a two-pound trout, and was compelled to haul him in hand over 
 
158 Lewey and I. 
 
 hand, as I had neglected to cut a pole, and could not play the prize as I 
 should like to have done. 
 
 I held the spotted fish up after it was landed, and uttered a yell of 
 triumph. My French friend gave one look, and ran toward me. 
 
 " Dat is good, by gar," he said. " Let me de next one catch, and ebber 
 so much obliged I to you vill be. I knows how de fish to take." 
 
 As a general thing all Frenchmen think they are great sportsmen and 
 fishermen, and my friend was no exception to the general rule. I readily 
 let him have the use of the line, for he would have humored me under simi- 
 lar circumstances. 
 
 " Now I vill you show," he said, and threw the hook into the water. 
 There was another rush, a bigger trout, an anxious boy, a struggle, and 
 then over the bank went Lewey, for, in his eagerness, he had not noticed 
 where he stepped, and tumbled in the stream. 
 
 " Hold on to the fish, Lewey," I shouted, as soon as I could do so, for I 
 laughed so heartily that I did not speak for a moment. Really it \\as 
 very funny to see the French boy blowing the mud and water from his 
 mouth, uttering not the choicest of Spanish and English expressions, yet 
 retaining his hold of the line, and the trout at the same time. 
 
 As the brook was but little more than four feet deep, not much damage 
 was done, except to the boy's clothes, and, when he had frightened the life 
 out of the fish, or drowned it by his pulling and hauling on the line, we laid 
 the prize on the bank of the stream, and then Lewey uttered a mighty shout 
 of triumph. 
 
 " Did you ebber seed such fishin' as dat ? " he asked, as soon as his 
 transports moderated. 
 
 " Never," was my answer. " Do you usually fish that way in France ? " 
 
 " Alvays. Ven ve gets a big von on de hook ve goes overboard arter 
 him," which I have good reason to believe was a lie, but, as I had never 
 seen a Frenchman fish before, I was compelled to accept his statement as 
 a fact at the time. 
 
 We had all the trout we needed for our dinner. We could have caught 
 hundreds in the same rapid manner, but did not desire to destroy that 
 which we could not consume, thus proving that we were not genuine 
 sportsmen, but the veriest amateurs. 
 
 Lewey stripped off some portions of his clothing, and dried them in the 
 warm sun and gentle breeze, while I dressed the fish, wrapped them in 
 leaves, and laid them among the hot ashes and coals, and when they were 
 done we had a feast that epicures might have envied, so delicious was the 
 
Lewey and /. 159 
 
 flesh of the trout. Even Jack signified his approval by eating all that we 
 could not dispose of, and looked a little disappointed when the last bones 
 were picked clean, to think that there was no more for his consumption. 
 
 We lighted our pipes, and remained under the shade of a tree until nearly 
 two o'clock, taking a little siesta in the meantime, then saddled our rested 
 horses, and resumed our journey, crossing a ford where the water was 
 not more than a foot deep, an embankment thrown up by some great flood 
 of the rainy season. 
 
 As we galloped along the trail, looking sharply to the right and 
 left for signs of Indians or wild beasts, we again admired the action of our 
 steeds, as they moved along like perfect machinery. The only trouble was 
 their desire to go faster than we wished. They had been accustomed to 
 being ridden by men who spared neither spurs nor horseflesh when in a 
 hurry, and we had to coax and pat our caballos to restrain their impatience, 
 and keep them down to ten miles an hour, instead of fifteen or more. 
 
 They understood our wishes at last, and kept side by side, but if one 
 poked his nose an inch in advance the other was not happy until he had 
 made up the deficiency. 
 
 It was a magnificent country we passed through that afternoon, as all the 
 land was good for raising cattle, the grass being rank and plentiful, with 
 hera and there a spring or a water-course. I suppose that the whole of 
 that region is now covered with fields of grain, and vast herds of bullocks, 
 with houses and orchards all along the route we crossed. Once in a while 
 we would come to a sterile district, where the sand was heavy, and hardly a 
 shrub was to be seen for miles, and- on several occasions we saw great rat- 
 tlesnakes in our path, too indolent to move out of the way, and all ready to 
 strike if we approached them, which we had no great desire to do. At first 
 we had some little trouble with Jack, as the dog wanted to go in pursuit of 
 everything that he scented, and a rattlesnake he thought was something 
 like an eel, to be well shaken, and then devoured. But a few warning cries, 
 and some gentle blows with the end of a reata, brought our pet to a sense 
 of his danger, and then he gave snakes a wide berth, following directly in 
 the wake of our horses' heels, so that he would be sure and make no 
 mistake. 
 
 Once the mustangs shied out of the trail with a sudden leap, and both of 
 us reeled in our saddles. If they had not been of California construction 
 deep, and high in front and rear we would have had a narrow escape 
 of falling to the ground, and near two large rattlesnakes, basking in the sun, 
 on a strip of hot sand. The fright made Lewey so angry that he checked 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 his horse, and swore that he would go back, and kill the reptiles. As his 
 blood was up I held his mustang until he could accomplish the job. 
 
 My friend, armed with a lot of stones, retraced his steps, followed by 
 Jack, and then vented his rage on the snakes. Even where I sat I could 
 hear the rattles, as the taila were waved in defiance, but Lewey hurled stone 
 after stone at the vermin, and first one head was lowered, and then the 
 other, and a club soon beat the life out of their ill smelling bodies, for they 
 gave out a peculiar odor when excited that was powerful and pungent. 
 
 " Dar," said Lewey, as he returned from the attack, " dey von't unship 
 any more men in dis vorld, and for de vorld to come peoples must take care 
 of demselves, for I can't look out for eberybody,'' and that reasoning 
 seemed to satisfy and restore him to a good-humor, for he smiled and 
 laughed all the rest of the afternoon, and did not even allude to Florencia, 
 so I hoped the magic of love was disappearing from his mind, and that, 
 with his usual consistency, he was forgetting her. Once I had said, in a 
 musing sort of tone, 
 
 " What do you think Engracia and Anita are doing at the present time ? " 
 and he answered, 
 
 " Eatin' de frijoles, I s'pose, if dey has nothin' else to do," and then I 
 knew that his love for the woman he was engaged to was wavering, as men 
 do not like to think that the girls they admire have occasion to eat any- 
 thing but the daintiest of food, expecting them to turn with disgust from 
 the sustaining and nutricious bean. 
 
 I said no more, but thought of the boy's protestations and devotion, and 
 how he had led me along, and finally prevailed upon me to leave the ship, 
 so that we could be married to the young ladies of our choice, and I won- 
 dered if he would jilt Engracia when the proper time arrived for him to say 
 yes or no. I was firm in my determination to make a wife of Anita, but I 
 wanted Lewey to wed as well as myself, for the sake of company. I hoped 
 he would do so, and supposed that he ultimately might consent, if we en- 
 countered no more pretty faces on our route. 
 
 A little after five o'clock we crossed a small mountain, and at the top 
 looked down upon a pleasant valley, and there spread before us were herds 
 of cattle and horses, and a large adobe house and out-buildings, with a cor- 
 ral in which were a dozen animals, all ready for use, in case the owners de- 
 sired to saddle them for a little gentle exercise over their vast pos- 
 sessions. 
 
 Our approach was the signal for some little excitement among the in- 
 mates of the house. We could see two women beat a hasty retreat into the 
 
Lewey and I. 161 
 
 building, while three vaqueros made their appearance with huge escopetas, 
 and watched with interest for the first hostile demonstration that we were 
 disposed to make. 
 
 Three or four dogs bounded toward us, and Jack was all ready to make 
 friends, or be enemies, as they should elect, but the Mexicans called the 
 curs back, and so we were enabled to approach the house without a col- 
 lision, as we feared would be the case. 
 
 " Que quiere usted?" one of the vaqueros shouted, and brought his 
 escopeta so that it would cover us. 
 
 " Comida y dormir," we answered, meaning that we desired food and 
 rest. 
 
 " Usted amigos ? " was asked, a little more pleasantly, and the musket 
 was lowered. 
 
 " Si, senor, todas amigos," was our prompt answer, intimating that we 
 were friends. 
 
 " Come along then," the Mexicans said, and, as we advanced, they saw that 
 we were not Indians in disguise, so the guns were put aside, and we 
 were welcomed with looks of surprise, and words of deep courtesy from the 
 three men. 
 
 This was the Ranche Vallecito we had heard the courier speak of, and 
 the people knew his horse at once, for, as I dismounted, one of the vaque- 
 ros looked at the brand on my steed's flanks, and said, 
 
 " We have seen that mustang before. It is the courier Pedro's horse. 
 He was here yesterday." 
 
 The Mexicans glanced a little suspiciously at me, as the words were 
 spoken, but I answered carelessly, 
 
 "Yes, Pedro is now at San Diego. We exchanged bronchos yesterday 
 afternoon at Tobias's ranche. I gave my mustang and an eight-real piece 
 for this animal, and made a good trade." 
 
 Then all three men laughed in unison, and one of them said, 
 
 ' Pedro is smart. When he makes an exchange he always gets the best 
 of the bargain. We have a hundred horses that we will sell you for eight 
 reals each, and ask no caballo in addition." 
 
 " Gracias," I answered, with a laugh, to show that I was not offended, 
 "this animal pleases me, and I want no other." 
 
 As we knew the customs of the country we did not wait for an urgent ap- 
 peal to remain, but proceeded to unsaddle our mustangs, and by this time 
 one of the Mexicans, a young man about our age, offered to aid us. Jack, 
 by his resolute demeanor, had inspired the greasers' dogs with a wholesome 
 
1 62 Lewey and I. 
 
 respect so they did not molest him, but kept at a distance, and looked the 
 the astonishment which they felt at seeing a stranger in their midst. 
 
 We piled our saddles, blankets, and equipments in an out-building like 
 that at the last ranche, and then turned the horses into the corral, where 
 they would not escape during the night, unless the gate was thrown 
 open. 
 
 "What is the news from Tobias's ranche ? " the father of the family 
 asked, as we returned from the corral, having rubbed the perspiration from 
 the horses' backs, much to the amusement of the Mexican muchacho, who 
 had never seen such pains taken with animals in all his life. 
 
 " We had an exciting brush with the wild Indians yesterday morning, 
 just before Pedro arrived," I answered, quite indifferently, as though it was 
 something that I had been accustomed to all my life. 
 
 " Gracias Dios, you don't mean to tell me that the Apaches are on a 
 raid ? " asked the aged Mexican. 
 
 " Yes ; there were four came near the house, and tried to capture Senor- 
 ita Florencia." 
 
 " The saints have us in their keeping, but they did not succeed, I hope," 
 cried the two sons, thus showing that the girl's charms were known even in 
 that part of the country, and had produced their usual effect on the young 
 men. 
 
 "No, we beat them off, and saved the girl," I said, in a complacent 
 manner. 
 
 " And killed three of the savages, while Senor Tobias blew off the head 
 of another," the impulsive Lewey exclaimed. 
 
 " Glory to God the highest," the old Mexican cried. " Four Apaches 
 slain by your hands. My house and all that it contains are at your 
 service." 
 
 He called to his women folks, the wife and daughter, and bade them 
 prepare a feast that would reflect honor on the establishment. The girl 
 was not remarkable for her beauty, so Lewey did not make love to her, as 
 he would have done under other circumstances. The mother was dark, 
 smoke-dried, and wrinkled, with hands that were none too clean, but she 
 made us welcome, and called us heroes, because we had saved the life and 
 honor of a girl, as though we deserved credit for such a just deed. 
 
 The Mexicans were very particular that we should give them a minute 
 account of the fight and death of the wild Indians, and felt a little fearful 
 that the Apaches might make a raid in their direction. So much impor- 
 tance did the father attach to our communication that he compelled the 
 
Lewey and I. 163 
 
 youngest of his children to saddle a fleet mustang, and scour the country in 
 several directions, to see if there were any signs of the savages. But the 
 boy returned at dark, and said that he could see nothing of a suspicious na- 
 ture, and so the stock was considered safe for the night. 
 
 We helped ourselves to a measure of barley, and fed our horses, ate our 
 supper with a relish that a long day's journey had given us, and, after a lib- 
 eral distribution of cigarettes, and a pipe of tobacco for ourselves, retired to 
 the out-building, spread our blankets for a bed, and prepared to sleep, 
 and just then the rain descended in torrents, and we felt thankful that we 
 were under shelter for the night. 
 
 The fleas were as voracious as usual, and full as numerous, but their 
 feeding did not disturb us, and, when we awoke at daybreak, the storm had 
 passed away, and there were promises of a pleasant day. The air was fra- 
 grant with the perfume of flowers and herbs. The quails called to each 
 other from the chapparel, and wild pigeons passed over the fields in count- 
 less flocks, while on the little mountain we had descended the night before 
 stood a herd of deer, watching the movements of life at the house, and car- 
 ing nothing for our presence, so tame did they appear. The leader of the 
 drove was a large buck, with monstrous antlers. I was more than half 
 tempted to give him a shot, and secure them as a prize, but, when I re- 
 flected that I could not carry them with me, I gave up the idea, and let the 
 graceful animal live, and depart in peace. 
 
 We piquetted our horses where the grass was fresh and sweet, and let 
 them feed while we washed, and smoothed our hair, a proceeding that 
 caused a quiet smile to pass over the faces of our hosts, for they thought 
 that it denoted a weakness of mind on our part, but it had its reward, for, 
 while I stood watching our mustangs feed, and quite ready for the break- 
 fast that was cooking on the fire, the father drew near, and suddenly 
 asked, 
 
 " To what country do you belong, senor ? You do not speak Spanish 
 well enough to be a Mexican, and your skin is white, not dark like mine." 
 
 I remembered in time not to declare my nationality, and answered, 
 
 " I am French. My companion and I are brothers, and we are traveling 
 through the country just to see what it is like. We are bound for Los An- 
 geles, and have papers of protection from General Castro. Would you like 
 to see them?" 
 
 " No," was the short answer. " They would be of no use to me. I can't 
 read or write, neither can my children. But are you a good Catholic ?" 
 
 " A most excellent one," I replied, not thinking of the meaning of my 
 
164 Lewey and /. 
 
 words, only knowing that Protestants were not loved or respected by the 
 bigoted greasers. 
 
 " It is good," he said, with a smile, as I thought, of relief. " Now I have 
 a proposition to make you. Look around, and see land and cattle on either 
 hand. All are mine. Is there a more lovely place than this ? " 
 
 I was forced to admit that the region was a paradise, under tl.at cool, 
 spring breeze, with the sun just rising from the mountains, and tinging with 
 a golden hue the distant hilltops, and the Sierras, covered with snow, while 
 the air was filled with humming bees, seeking in the numerous flowers an 
 early harvest of honey. It is a little singular, but I have recently been in- 
 formed that this region, at the present day, produces more honey, through 
 domestic attention and protection, than all the other parts of the State 
 combined. 
 
 "You like the place?" asked the Mexican, waiting until I had taken in 
 all the surroundings before he spoke. 
 
 " Yes. Who can help admiring nature in her solitude and grandeur ? " I 
 answered, willing to please the Mexican, and make myself agreeable. 
 
 " It is well," the man said. " You can remain here all your days if you 
 wish. If you desire to ride, there are hundreds of horses at your disposal. 
 If you love hunting, the mountains and plains abound with deer, and game 
 ot all kinds. If you prefer work, cattle are to be rounded in once a year, 
 and branded, or barley to sow, and be gathered. In many ways you can 
 make yourself useful." 
 
 What did the Mexican mean by his broad hint ? Was he disposed to 
 keep me a prisoner in that wilderness, where a traveler or stranger was 
 rarely seen, and the only recreation was such as he had described ? No 
 books or papers were in the house, and when the people were tired they 
 went to sleep, and when hungry ate their coarse fare, and thanked the saints 
 it was no worse. 
 
 "Why do you thus tempt me?" I asked, resolved to learn all his 
 thoughts by a direct question. 
 
 For a moment the Mexican hesitated, and then said, speaking very slowly 
 and distinctly, 
 
 " You noticed my daughter did you not ? I saw you look at her with ad- 
 miration in your eyes, or I am mistaken." 
 
 I began to feel warm and uncomfortable, for I feared the conversation 
 was taking a serious turn, and one dangerous to myself. 
 
 " Yes, senor, I admired the lady. She is muy hermoso," I answered. 
 
 " She is beautiful," the host repeated, with all of a parent's pride, for, as 
 
Lewey and I. 165 
 
 a general thing, fathers think their daughters perfection, even if they are 
 far from it. " I am glad you admire her," the Mexican continued, " for the 
 feeling is mutual. She likes your appearance, and will marry you." 
 
 I almost staggered under the sudden announcement of my comtemplated 
 happiness, but I was in a dangerous position, and knew it. The least of- 
 fensive word, or contemptuous gesture, would be the last that I should 
 ever make in this world. A sharp knife, and a ready one, could reach my 
 heart, even if the dark eyes of the senorita failed to do the business. 
 
 " Do you mean to tell me that your daughter is willing to marry me ? " I 
 asked, as soon as I could recover from my daze, and speak plainly. 
 
 " She has admitted to me and her mother that such is the case. Say the 
 the word, and I '11 send to San Mateo for a priest, and in a few days the 
 knot can be tied." 
 
 This was unexpected happiness, but I had to keep my head clear, and 
 think rapidly, for there was no chance to fool away time and words with the 
 determined greaser at my side. 
 
 " Ah, great is my misery," I said, on the spur of the moment. " Why 
 did I not dream of such happiness before I pledged my word to an- 
 other ? " 
 
 " You are then engaged to some woman ? " he asked, a little dis- 
 appointed. 
 
 " Woe is me, but I am. How could I think that such a beautiful senori- 
 ta as your daughter would lift her eyes to me, a poor man ?" 
 
 " But you can read and write ?" 
 
 " Yes, senor." 
 
 " Then you are not poor, and raised to an equality with my child. She is 
 rich in land and cattle, but has no education. Take her, and the saints 
 bless you." 
 
 " How gladly would I do so, if I could only be free of the girl who is ex- 
 pecting me, and seeks to be my wife." 
 
 " Shake her off," was the advice, in a sullen tone. 
 
 " Tell me," I said, laying a hand on the angry father's arm, " what would 
 you do if a man should seek your daughter's heart, agree to marry her, and 
 then desert her at the last moment ? " 
 
 " My knife would find a place between his ribs before he had enjoyed 
 his honeymoon," was the savage answer. 
 
 "And serve him ri^ht," I exclaimed, in apparent frankness. "The fa- 
 ther and brother of the girl I am about to marry would treat me in the 
 same manner. They, like you, are Mexican caballeros, and ready to re- 
 
1 66 Lewey and 7. 
 
 venge an insult to their relative with death. Let the matter rest just as it 
 is for the present. I am a man of honor, like yourself. I will seek my be- 
 trothed, and tell her all. Perhaps she is already married. I hope that she 
 is. I have not seen or heard from her for months. If she is untrue, or 
 gives me back my freedom, I shall hasten to your ranche, and then proudly 
 demand the hand of your beautiful and innocent daughter." 
 
 This was not exactly true, but I was not going to infuriate a man when 
 he had the power to do me a serious injury, and perhaps take my life, as 
 readily as he would have slaughtered one of his lively bullocks. 
 
 I could see that the greaser did not like the idea of relinquishing his hold 
 on me. He knew when he had come across a prize for his daughter, even 
 if other people did not, and the lady was a girl of most excellent taste and 
 judgment, as I admitted at the time, and have always thought that she was 
 inspired when she selected me for a husband. She must have been a won- 
 derful character reader, for one so young and unaccustomed to the world, 
 and when she did obtain a partner, how striking the contrast must have 
 been in her eyes, and how bitterly she probably regretted that she had not 
 married her first love. I have often spoken of the unexpected proposal 
 that I received at the Ranche Vallecito, and what an honor it was for one 
 so young and tender, and sometimes regrets have been expressed by those 
 who should take an interest in my fate that I did not yield to such solicita- 
 tions, marry, and settle in the wilderness, where my genius could have 
 found full scope in fighting fleas, Apaches, and a very dark and wrinkled 
 mother-in-law, with hands none too clean for mixing tortillas, and other 
 fancy dishes. 
 
 For a few minutes the Mexican father, who was so anxious for an advan- 
 tageous match for his daughter, and saw the prize slipping from his fingers, 
 remained silent, watching the bees and the herd of deer, revolving in his 
 mind what course to pursue to make two young hearts happy. 
 
 " Let us understand each other," he said. " If you find the senorita you 
 are expected to marry unfaithful, or can get out of the engagement with 
 honor, you will do so, and return here ? " 
 
 " Can you doubt it ? I should fly as fast as horse-flesh could carry me," 
 but I did not say in what direction. 
 
 " That is enough. I will tell my daughter all, so that she will not think 
 her love is slighted. You do not mean to express contempt for her 
 wishes ? " and the host's hand rested on the hilt of his long knife in a care- 
 less manner, and his eyes showed some of the fire of an untamed 
 ranchero. 
 
Lewey and /. 167 
 
 "The saints forgive me," and I crossed myself, "but if I was free you 
 would see how quickly I should welcome the priest, and be proud of such a 
 wife as the senorita will make. Ah, she is lovely and gentle. Happy will 
 the man be who wins her." 
 
 All the time I was speaking I kept my eyes on that long knife, for I 
 feared its sharp point, and the owner. I was determined to get out of a bad 
 position the best way possible. 
 
 " I have a great mind to detain you," my host said, with a wistful eye, 
 " and defy the family of your intended. If they should come here for the 
 purpose of making complaint, we could ambush the whole party, and put 
 them out of the way with but little trouble." 
 
 I almost shuddered at the free expressions of my would-be father in-law, 
 and longed for the hour when I could mount my horse, and escape from 
 such a dangerous locality. 
 
 " The plan that I have laid out is the best," I remarked. " Let us sepa- 
 rate with that understanding." 
 
 " Bueno," the Mexican responded. " We will shake hands on it," and 
 we did, then and there. " When you leave today, if you must resume your 
 journey, I desire you to salute my daughter with a kiss. It will prove to 
 her that you are anxious for more. Be careful that you do not forget it." 
 
 I promised compliance with his wishes, although the task was not one 
 that I felt anxious for, as the girl was far from being handsome, and I had 
 not seen her wash her hands or face since she got out of bed. But I had 
 promised, and meant to carry out the programme, and so escape a cut or 
 stab from that long knife. 
 
 " Vot vas you and de greaser talkin' about so long ? " asked Lewey, when 
 the Mexican and I separated. 
 
 " He desires me to marry his daughter," I answered proudly. Perhaps 
 there was a little more pride than there was any occasion for, but it was the 
 first proposal that I had ever received in that line, and young men are apt 
 to be vain of their conquests. 
 
 " Does de girl vant you ? " asked Lewey, his eyes opened to their widest 
 in astonishment. 
 
 " So I have been given to understand," was my reply, in a complacent 
 tone. 
 
 " Parbleu, de girl is crazy to pick you ven dar is me. Nebber heard of 
 sich foolishness in all my life. Hope you said no." 
 
 " Well, yes, I did plead that a previous engagement would prevent me 
 from accepting the offer, and I suggested that you might do." 
 
1 68 Lewey and /. 
 
 " And vot did de greaser say to dat ? " demanded my friend. 
 
 " Oh, not much. He thought that he would prefer a sedate, stable man 
 to a fickle boy as a husband for his child, and so declined to take you into 
 account. I quite agreed with him." 
 
 " It is von lie," roared the French lad. " He say no sich ding, and I 
 don't believe he ax you to marry de girl." 
 
 " You will see when we get ready to leave. I shall then kiss the girl a 
 good-by, and if you attempt it some one will get a boxed ear." 
 
 " I vould not kiss her for von million dollars," with an expression of dis- 
 gust, and then I knew that our host's daughter must be very plain to repulse 
 such a boy as my French friend, who was not over scrupulous as to what he 
 kissed, and where he kissed, as long as it was a woman, and young. 
 
 We had a very good breakfast, and, after it was finished, saddled our 
 horses, the young Mexican lending us a helping hand, and expressing re- 
 grets that he could not go with us, and see the world. He thought that 
 everything great and beautiful were centered at Los Angeles, which he had 
 heard so much about, and yet had never visited, for the ranche was his 
 home from the day of his birth, and he supposed he should have to remain 
 there until his death. 
 
 Just as I was about to mount my horse, I caught the glare of the Mexi- 
 can father's eyes. He was reminding me of a certain contract which the 
 bustle of departure had made me forget for the time. But, as soon as I saw 
 a hand go to the hilt of his knife, I knew what he meant. Off went my 
 hat, and thus uncovered I approached the young girl, who really did look a 
 little regretful at our departure. 
 
 " Senorita," I said, "in a few weeks I hope to have the happiness of 
 again seeing you. Until then will you allow me to salute you?" 
 
 She put up her lips just as though she had been instructed what to do, 
 and I kissed her as fervently as I could under the circumstances, and that 
 bad Lewey, who forgot his bold words, sprang forward, and offered to sa- 
 lute the girl in the same manner that I had done. But she drew back, and 
 gave the boy a haughty look that delighted me. I desired to laugh, but did 
 not dare to in the presence of a man who wanted to ambush families, and 
 put them out of the world, in case it suited his convenience. 
 
 Lewey covered his confusion and defeat by asking a few words about our 
 route and stopping-places, and this our host was kind enough to give. 
 
 " Push on," he said, " and you will reach San Felipe Creek by noon. 
 After this late rain you may have to camp on the bank of the stream for a 
 few hours, or even a day, until the water recedes, and the ford is passible. 
 
Lewey and I. 169 
 
 If the creek is low you can be at San Mateo by night, where you will find a 
 ranche, and comfortable quarters ; and now the saints above have you in 
 their keeping. Adios." 
 
 He waved his hand, the women did the same, and the sons shouted out a 
 hearty farewell, and, with Jack at our heels, delighted to escape from the 
 companionship of curs of low degree, we gave free rein to our impatient 
 mustangs, and were off, following the trail that led to the North. 
 
 The morning air was delightful, for the rain of the night before had fresh- 
 ened the grass, and revived the flowers, and the atmosphere was impreg- 
 nated with perfume. The bees hummed around us, and the whistling 
 quails sprang up "all along the narrow trail, and flew in large coveys for 
 shelter among the thick chapparel and short grass. Wild pigeons winged 
 their way in immense flocks toward the mountains, and honking geese 
 headed for the shores of the ocean, or some large lake north of us that sup- 
 plied the waters of the San Felipe Creek, and then emptied into the Pacific. 
 Ducks quacked as they rose from the marshes on our left hand, and their 
 variegated plumage shone like gold, silver, and bronze, as the strong sun- 
 light fell upon their feathers and wide-spreading pinions. Coyotes crossed 
 our path, and looked with hungry eyes at Jack, but the dog was obedient, 
 and did not stray from the trail in pursuit of game of any kind. A dozen 
 deer were roused out of thickets by the noise of our horses' feet, but they 
 only gazed at us in wondering amazement, and did not turn and fly, as 
 if they knew man, and what he was capable of doing. It is probable the 
 bucks and does had never heard the crack of a rifle in that vast solitude, 
 and at most were only occisionally hunted by Indians, when bullocks were 
 not convenient. Once a black bear crossed our path, and sat up on his 
 haunches, and looked a little surprised to see such early visitors, growled 
 angrily at the dog, was answered by a savage bark from Jack, and then 
 the game little fellow looked in our faces, as if he wanted permission to 
 make an attack, and show what he could do with an animal ten times 
 larger than himself. 
 
 But a shake of the head was enough to restrain the little bulldog, and he 
 winked one of his eyes, as much as to say, " I was only fooling you, and 
 had no intention of going near that monster. When I fight it is to win." 
 
 Our horses scented the bear, and were a little uneasy for a few moments, 
 but, when they saw that we were not disposed to make an attack, settled 
 down to their work, and soon we were some distance from such a danger- 
 ous neighbor, and when we came to a spring Lewey checked his horse, and 
 dismounted for a drink of the clear, pure water. 
 
170 Lewey and /. 
 
 "You had better get off, and vash your face," my friend remarked. 
 " Dat greaser girl vas none too clean, and she might have left some dirt on 
 your cheeks, 'cos you has enough of dat for both of us," and then, when he 
 saw that I was not pleased with the words, his sunny nature broke out. 
 " Did you dink dat I vas in great earnest, O mon ami ? Little much care 
 do I for de girls vot you kiss. Do you dink dat I let von nice boy like you 
 marry a fille same as dat ? I take her mineself fust," and that is the way 
 he would have proved his devoted friendship, and could man do more ? 
 
 And so the cordial relations between us were resumed, and there was 
 sunshine on Lewey's face for the rest of the day. 
 
 We stopped at what is now called Julian City, I belie've, or near it, and 
 ate our lunch, fed our hoises, smoked a pipe of tobacco, took a few winks 
 of sleep, and resumed our journey, but not always at a gallop, as the trail 
 was so indistinct that at times we had some trouble in keeping it, conse- 
 quently \\e were late when we reached the banks of a small stream, which 
 we supposed was San Felipe Creek. We hunted for a place to ford, but 
 the water was pouring down at so lively a rate that we did not dare to ven- 
 ture, for Tear of losing our horses and stores, so at last concluded that 
 we would have to remain where we were, and camp for the night. 
 
 There was plenty of good grass and wood near at hand, and water in 
 abundance, but the place was lonely, and we did not feel quite at our ease, 
 as we thought of the long night before us. But we could not go on until 
 the stream had fallen, and we expected that it would by morning, as the 
 landmarks showed a decrease had taken place in the course of the day. 
 
 We looked all around us, toward the mountains, and in the direction of 
 the ocean, although we could not see it, but the position of the sun showed 
 where it ought to be, and not a human being, except ourselves, was in sight. 
 We even failed to get a glimpse of smoke from some distant ranche, and 
 then, after we found that camping was inevitable, removed the saddles 
 from our horses' backs, piquetted them where the feed was good, and, while 
 thus engaged, I saw, near a clump of alder-bushes, a solitary doe looking 
 at us with great, wondering eyes. 
 
 For the first time during our journey we needed meat, as our salt junk 
 was all gone, so there was no reason why we should not have venison for 
 supper, if we could get it. Lewey held Jack, while I took my rifle, and 
 stole around in the rear of the doe, and, when within thirty yards, fired, and 
 had the satisfaction of seeing the deer bound away for a few rods, and then 
 drop, badly wounded. Another shot put an end to its suffering, and 
 when I carried my prize to the camp was quite proud of my achievment. 
 
Lewey and I. 171 
 
 We dressed the deer, and cut off such steaks as we needed for supper, 
 and then hung the balance on the bough of a tree, to use for breakfast. By 
 the aid of a roaring fire we soon had some nice chops on the coals, with 
 coffee boiling in a tin pot, and our pilot bread spread out all ready, and 
 Jack was just quivering with anticipation for the good things to come, as 
 the perfume of the burning flesh was grateful to our hungry stomachs, and 
 we had no doubt but our dog was as eager for a meal as ourselves. 
 
 " Dis is not so bad," my friend said, as the sun disappeared, and dark- 
 ness gathered around us. " Ve vill much eat, and den de morn come all 
 de quicker vid de stomach full. Ah, by gar, de coffee am made, de meat 
 am done, and Vot de devil am dat ? " 
 
 I did not wonder that the French boy asked the question, for Jack gave 
 a sudden yelp of rage, and made a dive at a tall, dark, but rather handsome 
 Indian, a young fellow not more than twenty years of age, and a great chief, 
 that we could tell by his dress and ornaments, as he stood leaning on 
 a long lance, near our fire, and looking at u> in a cold, defiant manner, ex- 
 pressive of contempt, we thought. We had met a wild Apache Indian we 
 imagined, and the sight was not an agreeable one, for we suddenly remem- 
 bered our bold deeds in slaying some of his tribe, and how proud we were 
 of the fact, but now it seemed to us that such matters were not to our credit, 
 and that our scalps were in danger of being raised to pay for our temerity. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A SURPRISED GREETING. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR. AN ANGRY BEAR. 
 AN OWL'S TOOT. A BAND OF WARRIORS, THE CHIEF'S COMMANDS. 
 
 ESCAPING WITH OUR SCALPS. THE SULPHUR SPRING AND BATH. 
 
 THE RANCHERO'S FEARS. THE NIGHT CAMP AT THE FOOT OF THE 
 MOUNTAINS. THE PROWLING LION. HOMESICKNESS. A STRANGE 
 MEETING. THE LONELY CANYON. LOS ANGELES. DON SANCHOS 
 APPEARS. 
 
 T7OR one moment we gazed on the savage without speaking, after Lew- 
 -* ey's exclamation. No wonder my friend thought that our visitor was 
 the devil, for he did look diabolical, as the flames lighted up his dark, 
 painted face and hair, the latter ornamented with eagle's feathers, while the 
 handle of his lance was decorated with human locks and long strips of red 
 flannel, probably taken from the shirts of dead Mexicans or trappers, whom 
 the warrior had encountered during his raid from the southern part of 
 Arizona, and through lower California. 
 
 All this we had time to note, as Jack made a bound for the unwelcome 
 and unexpected visitor, but we were not prepared to see our dog, just as 
 he was within a short distance of the Apache chief, receive a kick that sent 
 him end over end, and finally la ded the little fellow in my lap, where I 
 held him fast, quivering with rage and disappointment, as I wanted to see 
 how many companions the Indian had, and if his visit was peace or war, 
 before proceeding to extremities. Our rifles were some distance from us, 
 and out of reach, and, had we jumped to our feet, and ran to obtain pos- 
 session of them, the savage could have thrust his lance through and through 
 us, and hardly stirred from his tracks. 
 
 " How?" asked the Apache, as he held up one hand, the palm turned to- 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 ward us, which must have signified good will, for he made no effort to use 
 his weapon, or move toward us. 
 
 " How? " we both exclaimed, and imitated his example, still retaining our 
 seats, and that probably saved our lives, as the savage saw that we had no 
 hostile intentions. 
 
 " Mexicano?" demanded the Indian, with a sharp look from his bright 
 eyes, as he asked the question. 
 
 " No," we both answered with one accord, as we supposed the chief had 
 no love for people of that race. 
 
 " Quien r " our visitor demanded in Spanish, showing that he knew some- 
 thing of the language. 
 
 " Americano," Lewey replied, at a venture. 
 
 The face of the Apache lighted up at once, lost some of its sternness, 
 and a slight smile passed over his rather good-looking countenance, even if 
 it was fierce. 
 
 " Speakie you de Yankee ? " asked the warrior, to our great surprise. 
 
 "Yes. Where did you learn to talk English ? " I demanded. 
 
 The savage extended his hand, and came forward, dropping his lance as 
 he did so, to show that his intentions were peaceable. 
 
 We shook hands with the visitor, and motioned him to take a seat by the 
 fire, while I released the struggling Jack, who smelledof the Apache, and 
 no longer threatened the savage who had saluted him with an unceremoni- 
 ous kick. But it was evident our pet remembered the rough treatment, for 
 he looked at us as much as to say, " Just let me try that dodge over again, 
 and you will see if I don't do better." 
 
 " Me speakie good Yankee," the Apache said. " Me learn of white trap- 
 per away off," and he pointed toward the mountains. 
 
 " Is the chief hungry ? " I asked. 
 
 " Yes, me eat." 
 
 We cut off some steaks of venison, and threw them on the coals, and 
 then handed a pot of coffee to the Indian. He drank all that there was, 
 smacked his lips, and said " Good," then proceeded to rake the burning 
 flesh from the fire, and to eat as though a long ride had given him a sharp 
 appetite. 
 
 We handed him a cake of pilot bread, and a pinch of saJt, and then the 
 chief must have thought that we were not bad friends, for he no longer 
 glanced around, and peered in the darkness, stopping his mastication every 
 few seconds to listen for unusual noises, or to note if strangers were lurk- 
 ing near. 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 In half an hour that savage disposed of large quantities of half cooked 
 meat, not minding the few ashes that adhered to the chops, and at last, 
 when his appetite was satisfied, he drew back from the fire, and 
 murmured, 
 
 " Tobac." 
 
 We handed him a dozen cigarettes, and he lighted one, took a long whiff , 
 swallowed the smoke, seemed to relish it, then asked, 
 
 "What do here?" 
 
 " On the way to Los Angeles." 
 
 " Hum ! Heap big town. Me know. There," and he pointed in the di- 
 rection of the place. 
 
 " And what are you doing here ? " I asked. 
 
 " Steal cattle, 1 ' was the candid answer, and he looked a little proud, as he 
 uttered the words. 
 
 " Where are your warriors ? A big chief like you should have many 
 companions," I remarked, thinking to flatter the savage. 
 
 " Me chief. Warriors all around here. Me call, they come. No call, 
 no come." 
 
 I thought the Indian was lying, but pretended to believe him, as it is not 
 just the thing to doubt a man's word, when you are in his power, or he has 
 influential friends to back him up in all he asserts. 
 
 " How far have you traveled today ? " I asked. 
 
 " Oh, heap. Me come from the mountains this morn, when the sun rise. 
 Tomorrow me go there get much cattle. Mexican no fight. They run 
 when they hear the Apache's war-cry." 
 
 He pointed in the direction of the Vallecito Ranche, and I pitied my 
 would-be father-in law, if they took him by surprise, and wished that I could 
 give him warning of the intended raid, for I had no ill feeling against him, 
 even if he did want me to marry his only daughter, a girl not remarkable for 
 beauty or cleanliness. 
 
 We hoped that our visitor had not learned of the death of four of his peo 
 pie, and that \ve were concerned in their early decease, for if such was the 
 case, it was probable that he might desire to avenge their great loss to the 
 world and his tribe. We mentally resolved to make no boasts of our deeds 
 in the killing line until we were beyond the haunts of the Apaches, for just 
 then we were not ambitious to shine as heroes. We would wait before 
 boasting. 
 
 '* We met none of your warriors on the road today," I said. " We have 
 traveled many miles, and seen no trail." 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 " You is much lucky," was the quiet answer. " Apache see you today, 
 kill you, and take scalp." 
 
 " What if they should see us tomorrow ? " I asked. 
 
 " No hurt the white Yankees. Me give you pass. Apache know it, and 
 let you go, if see you." 
 
 We had our doubts on the subject, but at the same time concluded not to 
 express them in a defiant manner. We thought it best to be on good terms 
 with the savage. 
 
 " For dree years me live with white trapper over de mountains," the 
 chief said, as he puffed away at his cigarette. " He show me how to shoot, 
 to speak de Yankee tongue, and to be a big warrior. He and de Apache 
 great friends. We love each other. S'pose you Mexican, me not stay here 
 and eat at your fire. Me kill you, and take scalp." 
 
 " Why did you not wait until we were asleep, and then kill us ? " I 
 asked. 
 
 The young savage smiled, and a cunning look passed over his face, as 
 he answered, 
 
 " Me trail you all de arternoon. Me see you camp, and kill de deer, and 
 me crawl up, and listen. Den me hear you speak de Yankee lingo, and I 
 know you no Mexicans. We friends," and he held out his stained paw 
 for another shake of our hands. 
 
 We thought that the chief could be trusted, but were not sure of it. 
 However, we sat and talked with him for an hour or more, and then got up, 
 and looked to our horses, and, as they had fed enough for the night, we 
 changed their location to a tree close to the camp-fire. 
 
 " Chief no steal our horses ? " I said, as we secured the animals by strong 
 reatas so that they could not break away. 
 
 The young fellow smiled, as much as a warrior who is on a trail dares to 
 look pleased, and shook his head. 
 
 " Me good Indian now. No steal friends' horse. Take Mexican's all I 
 want. See me bring in my mustang for de night." 
 
 He put his fingers in his mouth, and uttered a shrill whistle, and then a 
 wild broncho dashed out of the rhapparel, and galloped toward the savage, 
 stopped when within a few feet of its owner, and waited for further com- 
 mands. 
 
 Our horses uttered dissatisfied snorts, and manifested symptoms of unea- 
 siness at the approach of the half-tamed and half-wild mustang, but we 
 quieted them by words, and then the Indian hobbled his steed, tying the 
 fore legs together, and turned it loose, to feed as it might during the night. 
 
178 Lewey and I. 
 
 We gave the chief our horse-blankets to lie on, examined the caps on the 
 rifles, to see that they were all correct, and then lay down, the Indian with 
 his feet to the fire, and his lance by his side. He might have been playing 
 'possom, for it seemed to us that no sooner was his head on the ground 
 than he fell asleep. 
 
 " Lewey," I whispered, as we pulled the blankets over our shoulders, 
 " is the cuss honest ? " 
 
 " By gar, Thorn, dat is somethin' dat I can't answer much mineself. Ve 
 vill put our trust in de saints, and hope to avake in de mornin' vid de hair 
 on our booful heads. If he moves eber so little in de night, and mine eyes 
 is open, den I shoot him like a coyote, you see." 
 
 And, even as the French lad spoke, his voice grew a little indistinct, and 
 he uttered a snort, that sounded like snoring, but, as Lewey always vowed 
 that he never snored in all his life, I supposed that I must believe him. 
 
 In a few minutes I should have followed his example, except the nasal 
 sounds, but kept my eyes open by a powerful effort, and watched the 
 flickering fire, saw the embers grow dim, and heard the loud calls of the 
 numerous coyotes, as they summoned their clans for an inspection of our 
 camp. The horses were not easy, and seemed to fret at their confinement, 
 while Jack uttered a few low growls, then curled up under the blankets, and 
 went to sleep, for the poor little fellow was as tired as the rest of us, and 
 needed repose. 
 
 By and by I dropped off to sleep, and was half awakened by feeling some- 
 thing snorting at my ear. I imagined that it was Lewey trying to get more 
 than his share of the blankets, so spoke sharply to him, and said, 
 
 " Lie still, you Frenchman, and let me sleep," and then something hit me a 
 clip alongside of the head, that was far from pleasant, and I gave my compan- 
 ion a kick on his body that made him utter a choice expression in his na- 
 tive tongue, and roll over, and then Jack darted out from under the blan- 
 kets, gave some shrill barks, and when I looked up over me stood a huge, 
 hairy animal, with glowering eyes, and a monstrous paw, that was raised 
 to let fall on my face. By the faint blaze I saw that my nocturnal visitor 
 was a bear, and not a small one, even if he was of the common black variety. 
 
 " A bear! a bear ! " I yelled, and rolled out of the reach of the heavy 
 paw, and grabbed my rifle. 
 
 " A bear ! Vare ? " yelled Lewey, and, as he struggled to his feet, he felt 
 where, for the visitor laid a paw on the seat of his trousers, and I heard 
 above the uproar the sharp tearing of cloth and buckskin, and then the 
 shrill voice of my friend, as he exclaimed, 
 
Lewey and I. 1 79 
 
 " By gar, clat hurts." 
 
 As I jumped across the fire I looked for the Indian, but he had gone as 
 suddenly as he appeared. I snatched up a burning brand, and dashed it in 
 the tace of the bear, which was snorting around the camp, causing our 
 horses to be nearly frantic with terror. But the brand stopped pursuit 
 for a moment, and thus I was enabled to seize my rifle, and send a ball into 
 his body. That only rendered the beast more furious, and, with a savage 
 roar, he charged on me, but I jumped aside, and escaped the deadly em- 
 brace. Then Lewey fired, and, as he did so, a dark form bounded forward, 
 and thrust a lance into the beast, near the fore shoulder, and, before the 
 brute could snatch at the weapon, and break it, the Indian had retreated a 
 few paces, and waited to see if there was occasion for another prod, while 
 Lewey and I got behind a neighboring tree, loaded our rifles, as well as the 
 darkness would permit, and little Jack made music and work as he tugged 
 at the rear of the savage beast, yet kept out of harm's way by his agility and 
 carefulness. 
 
 The flre leaped up, stirred into life by the tumult that was raging, and 
 then we saw the young Apache chief once more leap forward, and thrust 
 his long lance into the body of the bear, and this time his stroke touched 
 the heart, for the animal uttered a faint roar, and tumbled over, bit at the 
 grass and ground, and was dead. 
 
 " Hum," said the chief. "Big feast tomorrow. Good meat for warrior. 
 Make brave heart for Indian on the trail." 
 
 We piled on the wood, and lighted up the surroundings, so that we could 
 see our prize. It was a black bear, not one of the ferocious, fighting, grisly 
 kind, but a beast formidable enough to weigh about five hundred pounds. 
 We did not care to encounter many during our journey, especially in the 
 night. 
 
 It was a long time before we could calm our horses, or get Jack to settle 
 down in peace and quietness. As he labored under the impression that he 
 had done most of the killing, he required us to pat and praise him a dozen 
 times before he could be induced to curl up, and go to sleep, and even then 
 he would dream of the battle, and growl himself awake, dart to the carcass, 
 and sniff at it to see if there was any life existing. Satisfied that there was 
 none, he would retire for another nap, and repeat the performance in the 
 course of half an hour. 
 
 " Yankees heap brave men," the Indian said. " No run all the same 
 Mexicans. We friends now more than ever," anrl he extended his paw, 
 and we again shook hands. He seemed to think that there was some spec- 
 
180 Lewey and I. 
 
 ial significance in this ceremony, which he had learned from his white trap- 
 per friend. 
 
 We piled up some wood on the fire, to keep the coyotes from gnawing 
 the carcass of the bear, and once more went to sleep, and this time we were 
 not disturbed, for we did not awake until after daylight, and then only by 
 the loud honking of thousands of geese on the borders of the stream 
 
 The young Indian had disappeared, but his blood-stained lance was lean- 
 ing against a tree, and his hobbled horse was near our own, making ad- 
 vances that were scornfully received and rejected by our animals, as they 
 kicked and bit at the mustang every time it approached to exchange morn- 
 ing salutations. 
 
 We wondered where the Apache chief had gone, but did not suppose that 
 he was far off, and our surmises were correct, for the Indian came into 
 camp, bearing on his back eight fat geese, which he had shot with his bow 
 and arrows, and with hardly an effort. 
 
 "Cook goose," the Indian said, and, drawing his knife, cut off neck and 
 legs, then run the blade across the breast, stripped skin and feathers from 
 the carcass at one grand pull, and there was the flesh and fat before us, 
 clean and tempting looking. 
 
 The chiel did not seem to think that it was necessary to remove the crop 
 and entrails, and smiled in a disdainful manner when we performed the of- 
 fice before laying the fowl upon the coals. However, he offered no ob- 
 jections, and watched the cooking with the concern of a hungry man, and, 
 when the goose was done, and the coffee made, we fell to, and there were 
 only bones left for Jack to pick, but he satisfied his hunger on broiled veni- 
 son. Then we lighted our pipes, and, while we were smoking, heard at a 
 distance, the gruff hoot of an owl. The Indian listened for a moment very 
 attentively, then put his hands to his mouth and repeated the cry. Five 
 minutes later a dozen painted Apache warriors burst through the chapparel, 
 and dashed toward us, shaking their long, ornamented lances in an ominous 
 manner. 
 
 " White friends no move," was the chief's command, as we were about to 
 spring for our rifles, as we thought our time had come. " Hold dog fast," 
 the Indian continued, noticing that Jack was struggling to escape from my 
 arms, and make a rush toward the visitors, to investigate them, and see if 
 he could not defeat them single handed. " Keep still. Me friend yours. 
 No hurt Yankees, if you no hurt them." 
 
 We sat still, but were a little apprehensive of trouble. We could not do 
 much in the way of defeating twelve well-mounted Apaches, and escape was 
 
Lewey and I. 181 
 
 not to be thought of, as our horses were neither saddled nor bridled, and 
 fastened to a tree. 
 
 As the Indians charged toward us, with yells that. were far from cheerful, 
 the young chief held up one of his hands, and t'ten the visitors checked 
 their steeds, and remained motionless, looking at us with no friendly feel- 
 ing in their wicked eyes, and probably wondering why they were not per- 
 mitted to tear the scalps from our heads, as is the pleasant custom of the 
 fierce devils, when on the war path. 
 
 The chief very deliberately emptied a tin pot of the last drops of coffee, 
 lighted a cigarette, puffed out volumes of smoke from his nostrils, then 
 calmly arose, and went toward his companions. There was an interchange 
 of gutterals and grunts, and we knew the conversation was concerning our 
 welfare, for the young Indian pointed toward us, and then to the dead bear, 
 as if inviting his warriors to a feast. They needed no second invitation, 
 but sprang from their horses, whipped out their knives, and commenced 
 skinning the animal, while some gathered firewood, and made a roaring 
 blaze, but, even while the Apaches were thus engaged, they did not fail to 
 glance at us with fierce eyes, as though longing for the time when we should 
 be given up to torture and the scalping-knife. 
 
 " I vish," whispered Lewey, " dat I vas on board de old ship Admittance, 
 and poundin' de chain-cable, or even lushin' down de masts. Anyding but 
 dis." 
 
 I also had the same desire, but we sat still, smoked our pipes, and 
 watched the painted scamps as they moved about the camp, preparing their 
 breakfast, for we saw they intended to have a feast of bear meat, before 
 moving on a raid. 
 
 Presently one of the warriors, who seemed to have nothing to do, strode 
 toward our horses, appeared to admire them, and then laid a hand on the 
 reatas, as though to cast them off, and appropriate our property to his own 
 use. 
 
 We made a movement as if to start up, and prevent the fellow from steal- 
 ing our animals, but the young chief noticed the act, and said, rather 
 sternly, 
 
 " Yankees quiet keep. Me big chief, and take care of friends." 
 
 He spoke in his native tongue to the Apache, the one who was making 
 free with our mustangs, and, while the fellow seemed to hesitate for a mo- 
 ment, he did not relinquish his grasp of the reatas, as though the tempta- 
 tion to steal was too strong to be overcome. 
 
 Again the chief spoke, and this time a little more impatiently. The war 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 rior retained his hold of the horses, in spite of their plunging, for they 
 smelled the savage, and did not like his odor or wild looks. Then the 
 Apache thief muttered some words which must have been impudent, or 
 " back answers," as we used to say on ship-board, for the eyes of the young 
 Indian flashed like those of an enraged mountain lion. He bounded to his 
 feet, snatched his long lance, that leaned against a tree, poised it for a mo- 
 ment, and only for a moment, and then sent it whizzing through the air ap- 
 parently without aim. 
 
 But it was aimed true, and .vent with the force of a tornado. The warri- 
 or tried to dodge the flying lance by ducking his head, but the barbed point 
 struck him on the shoulder, and down he went. 
 
 The warriors suspended their labors on the bear tor a moment, and 
 looked at their wounded companion, but no one offered to resent the 
 injury. 
 
 The chief muttered some angry words, and waved his hand. It was an 
 order to one of the Indians to return his lance, and the youngest of the gang 
 sprang forward, tore the weapon from the shoulder of the prostrate Apache, 
 regardless of his injuries, and then handed the instrument to the chief with 
 every mark of respect, and the latter received the spear without even a 
 word of thanks, or a cold nod of recognition. He seemed to be accustomed 
 to having his commands obeyed, and no wonder, for he was the eldest son 
 of the most powerful and popular chie in Southern Arizona, the celebrated 
 Plomo, or lead, a savage now forgotten, but a well known character forty 
 years ago. 
 
 The wounded savage staggered to his feet, and disappeared in the chappa- 
 rel, where I have no doubt his injuries were dressed by a comrade, but no 
 one sought to avenge the honor of the disgraced Apache, or took any fur- 
 ther notice of the incident. 
 
 " Now ready you get," the young Indian chief said, as soon as he had shown 
 his authority. " Me show you place to cross de river. Ride hard, and no 
 say nothin' about Apaches to Mexicans. Me spoken, you hear ? " 
 
 We nodded, and lost no time in preparing for our journey. We 
 thought it was best to put some miles between us and the painted savages. 
 Our horses were in good order for a long gallop, and we mentally agreed 
 not to halt until we had gained the shelter of the ranch"; at San Mateo, 
 where we hoped to pass the night. 
 
 As we gathered up our blankets and stores, the Indians piled on the fire 
 huge lumps of bear and deer meat, and hardly allowed them to be warmed 
 through before they were pulled from the ashes, and devoured, the grease 
 
Lewey and I. 183 
 
 and blood running down each side of their ugly and dirty mouths, and from 
 thence trickling to their naked, painted breasts. 
 
 As we put the saddles on the horses, many a wild, savage look was di- 
 rected to our blankets and stores, but not a word was uttered, or a hand 
 raised to help or restrain us from leaving. Our rifles seemed to excite ad- 
 miration, but no one ventured to lay a finger on our guns, much as they 
 wanted to. The chief appeared to keep his eyes on his followers, and his 
 lance was near at hand. 
 
 In half an hour's time we were ready to depart, and looked anxious!}* 
 toward the chief for permission to move on. He spoke a few words to a 
 warrior, and the latter went in search of the mustang that had been hobbled 
 the night before. It was not far off. Without saddle or bridle the young 
 Indian sprang on its back, and motioned for us to follow him. 
 
 " Good-by, red men of de mountains and plains," said Lewey, turning to 
 the Indians, for he could not resist the temptation to say a few words, like 
 a woman who is mad all over, and desires the last expression of her opinion. 
 " May ve nebber meet agin in dis vorld, or de vorld to come, but of dat ve 
 has no fear. A long farewell to all of you now and forebber, amen. Now I 
 lay me down to sleep," and here the boy forgot the rest of the petition, and 
 did not wait for the gruff exclamation of astonishment from the savages, 
 who were not aware of the benedictions he was calling down on their heads 
 in so serious a strain. 
 
 " How," the Apaches said, and waved their soiled hands in token of fare- 
 well. 
 
 Jack gave a final bark of disgust at the painted devils, and then trotted 
 on ahead, glad to get out of such disreputable company, and even our mus- 
 tangs tossed their heads, and manifested pleasure at being free of such dirty 
 society as they had been forced to consort with for the past few hours. 
 
 We followed the young chief along the bank of the stream for a mile, or 
 less, and then saw a place where his band had forded that morning. The 
 water was not more than two feet deep, we judged, and we could see the 
 trail that led to it for a long distance, sharply defined through the grass 
 and high chapparel. 
 
 " Here cross you," the chief said, with a significant wave of his hand. 
 " Now part we, and nebber meet each other agin. If you see more Indians 
 of my band show 'em this, and no hurt." 
 
 He tore off a feather from his headdress, notched it in a peculiar manner 
 with his knife, and handed it to us. 
 
 We thanked him for his kindness, and then I offered to bestow a hand of 
 
1 84 Lewey and I. 
 
 tobacco, as some sort of recompense for his protection. He took it, nodded, 
 and once more pointed to the ford, as if impatient for us to go without 
 delay. 
 
 We shook hands, started our horses, and crossed the creek in safety, and, 
 when we reached dry ground, turned in our saddles, and saw the Apache 
 still standing where we had left him, -watching our movements. We waved 
 our hands once more, touched our mustangs with spurs, and hurried from 
 the scene as fast as possible, and that was the last we saw of the young 
 chief. 
 
 " I vonder," asked Lewey, "if he did not much regret, ven he seed us 
 goin' from him and his dirty gang, dat he no keep us ? " 
 
 " To be sure on that point let us hasten our steps,'"' I answered, and away 
 we went at a lively lope, and did not check our horses until we saw that 
 Jack was suffering at the pace, and needed a breathing spell. Then we 
 walked our steeds, and talked of the lucky escape we had made, and how 
 thankful we should be that we had claimed America as our home instead of 
 Mexico or California. Nevertheless, we still resolved to call ourselves 
 Frenchmen at the next stopping-place, unless it was occupied by Indians. 
 For the sake of our lives we determined to be anything and everything, 
 Yankee, gringo, greaser, Mexican, or French. It did not matter. .to us as 
 long as we saved our persons and scalps, for we thought more of them than 
 country. 
 
 As the hour was early and cool, we got over considerable ground before 
 noon. The trail was at times a little indistinct, but we pointed our 
 heads toward the north, and could tell by the sun in which direction we 
 were traveling. About twelve o'clock we saw a spring bubbling up from a 
 little sand-hill, and thought it a good place to stop and rest. Jack went for 
 the water, took a lap, then uttered a yell, rubbed his mouth, and backed off, 
 disgusted. 
 
 " Vot is de niitter vid de dog ? " asked Lewey, and took his tin pot, dip- 
 ped up some of the water, and put it to his lips. 
 
 Then he uttered a strong exclamation, such as he had learned on ship- 
 board, spat the water from his mouth, and said, 
 
 " It is hot as de infernal regions, and taste just like de place you go to 
 ven you dies." 
 
 It was a hot sulphur spring, bubbling cut of the earth, and killing all 
 vegetation where its waters flowed, and mingled with the ground. In these 
 days such a place would attract thousands of visitors, for the sake of bath- 
 ing and drinking, and I have often wondered if that spring has ever been 
 
Lewey and /. 185 
 
 utilized in the present modern times, or if an earthquake has directed the 
 source of its flow to any other quarter. 
 
 We hunted around for cold water, and found some in the immediate vi- 
 cinity. It was heavily charged with iron, but sweet and pure. There were 
 no signs of Indians or bears near us, so we thought it would be safe to un- 
 saddle our horses, and give them a good feed and rest. The grass was 
 plentiful, and we could screen ourselves from the hot sun under some trees, 
 if disposed to take a few winks of sleep after our lunch. Then, for the first 
 time we realized that we had nothing to eat except bread and coffee. We 
 had left the carcass of the deer with the Indians, glad enough to get away 
 from them without claiming our property. There was a prospect of being 
 hungry, but just then I happened to hear some cooing in a distant tree, and 
 on going to it, found that there were thousands of wild pigeons roosting in 
 its branches, sheltering themselves from the noonday heat. Here was food 
 before us, and in abundance. Besides, there were plenty of small stones 
 and clubs lying near, so that we could kill all the birds we needed, and not 
 waste a shot, sending some lurking Apache to our retreat, in case he should 
 hear the report of a rifle. 
 
 It seemed cruel to kill the gentle, pretty little things, so innocent of any 
 contemplated wrong on our part, for they did not offer to fly even when I 
 was under the tree. But we were hungry, and the stomach stifles con- 
 science and generous resolutions. I picked up a club, and threw it with all 
 the strength of my arm. The weapon struck a thick covy, and down tum- 
 bled eight birds. The uninjured ones just cooed a little louder than usual 
 but did not offer to fly. 
 
 I gathered up my spoil, and, as we had all that we could eat for one meal, 
 left the birds without further destruction. 
 
 Lewey was rejoiced when he saw what I had secured. He started the 
 fire, and then we plucked the pigeons, cooked them over the coals, and 
 there was enough for us. including Jack, who had a whole one, beside the 
 bones we tossed to him, which his looks gravely assured us were wel- 
 come. 
 
 A few whiffs from our pipes, a short nap, and we were ready to resume 
 our journey, but Lewey proposed that we should have a hot sulphur bath 
 before we started, thinking that it would invigorate us for a long ride in the 
 afternoon. The project was a good one, and, with towels in hand, we went 
 to the hot spring, but the waters were so warm that we could not bathe, so 
 contented ourselves with filling tin pots, and throwing the contents over cur 
 persons, when sufficiently cool. In this way we had quite a little wash, 
 
1 86 Lewey and I. 
 
 and felt much better for it, although Lewey said that the sulphur bit sor^e 
 portions of his skin, where the hear had hit him the night before, and 
 which riding horseback had not improved to any great extent, to judge by 
 the way the French lad danced around on one foot, and uttered startling 
 exclamations in several different tongues, and seemed inclined to be indig- 
 nant because I laughed at him, as I felt not his smarts. It is easy to 
 laugh at another's woes. 
 
 We started on our journey about three o'clock, our bodies and horses re- 
 freshed for the ride to San Mateo, where we expected to find a ranche, and 
 quarters for the night. As we left our camping ground, which is now a 
 railroad station, and called Vista, we almost regretted that we could not 
 pass the night in such a pleasant place. But the fear of Indians was on 
 our minds, and we did not dare to tarry any longer in such a lonely 
 place. 
 
 The trail for the afternoon led us over rough hills and sandy plains, and 
 toward sundown we looked on a pleasant valley, and saw an adobe house 
 and out-buildings, and more than a thousand head of cattle grazing on the 
 rich grass. Two rancheros, mounted on strong mustangs, were dashing 
 over the plain, but as soon as they saw us, uttered a loud Mexican yell, and 
 spurred their horses toward the houses, as though to seek shelter from 
 suspicious visitors. 
 
 We did not quicken our pace, but moved along slowly, so that the people 
 could get over their scare, and receive us as Christians, and not as Apache 
 warriors, as they probably thought we were. 
 
 We rode up to the corral, and then waited for some one to make an ap- 
 pearance. Two dogs were in the dooryard, but they only barked at us, and 
 did not venture near, for reasons best known to themselves. 
 
 Presently we saw the door of the adobe house cautiously opened, and a 
 wild looking greaser's head thrust out, and a long, big-bored escopeta was 
 pointed in our direction. 
 
 " Who in the devil's name are you ? " was asked in Spanish. 
 
 " We are friends," was our response, "on the way to Los Angeles. We 
 crave shelter for the night, and God will reward you for your kindness, as 
 we can't, being poor." 
 
 " Where do you come from ? " and the door was opened a little further, 
 so that a more distinct view could be obtained of our persons, and honest- 
 looking faces. 
 
 "San Diego, and we are French boys, traveling through the country for 
 pleasure." 
 
Lewey and I. 187 
 
 " Have you papers granting you permission for the journey ? " was next 
 demanded. 
 
 " Lots of them. Come and read them if you will," was our response. 
 
 " No one in this house can read," was the answer. 
 
 We had expected the reply, so were not disappointed. 
 
 " Then come and look at us. You have nothing to fear. We have ridden 
 hard to escape the Apaches, whom we met this morning," I shouted. 
 
 " Santa Maria, do you mean that you have seen wild Indians near us? '' 
 and the greaser threw open his door, came toward us, gun in hand, followed 
 by a son, also anned, and ready to shoot at the first provocation. 
 
 " Yes " was our answer, as the men drew near and looked more friendly, 
 seeing that we were not formidable appearing. " A party of Apache Indi- 
 ans is at San Felipe Creek. We escaped by hard riding, but, as they did 
 not cross the stream, it is probable that they have gone south on a raid." 
 
 " Thank the saints for that," and both men crossed themselves. " Dis- 
 mount, senors. Our house and all that it contains are at i , our service." 
 
 We did not require further urging. Our saddles were taken from the 
 horses and stored in a shed, where we knew the night would have to be 
 passed, for it was the guest chamber for strangers, and then we piquetted 
 our animals where the feed was good, and by this time Jack had licked the 
 greaser's dogs into respectful treatment ; consequently he was happy, and 
 made himself quite at home. 
 
 When we returned to the house two women had made their appearance, 
 one the wife of the old Mexican, and the other the spouse of the son. 
 Neither was very clean, nor handsome so Lewey had to content himself 
 with grumbling because they lacked beaut}*, and there was no chance for 
 him to flirt and utter soft nonsense, as was his usual custom, when he had 
 nothing better to do. The ladies of the htmse were a little diffident, and 
 hardly raised their eyes to our faces, for the presence of strangers was em- 
 barrassing, they saw so few in that lonely location. But they commenced 
 the usual deliberate preparations for supper, and soon the smell of tortillas 
 arose on the air, and the mysterious olia was simmering on the fire. 
 
 We had to relate all of our experiences with the Indians, but did not 
 deem it best to confine ourselves strictly to truth in so doing. We said 
 that as we were about to cross the stream, a band of Apaches had appeared 
 in our rear, arid uttered yells and threats, but did not pursue us, and that 
 the last we saw of the savages they were headed south. We did not deem 
 it best to boast of our friendship for the young chief, for it might have 
 made the Mexicans suspicious. Neither did we hint that we had killed 
 
1 88 Lewey and I. 
 
 three Indians in the vicinity of the lonely ranche, and thus saved the life of 
 a very sweet young girl. We did not care to have the information reach 
 the ears of the Apaches, as we might desire to cross over the trail at some 
 distant day, and perhaps meet the savages a second time. 
 
 *' Why did not the Indians pursue you ? " asked the old Mexican, as soon 
 as we had concluded our yarn. 
 
 " Because we were better mounted than themselves, and had rifles," was 
 our answer. " They feared our guns, and sure aim," making it appear that 
 we were dead shots, and terrible fellows. 
 
 " Your horses are two of the best in the country. One of them we know 
 weJI. It has been ridden by the government courier Pedro. He passed by 
 here but a few days ago," the old greaser remarked, and there was a tinge 
 of suspicion in his tones. 
 
 " Yes," I said, in an indifferent manner, " we met him at Tobias's ranche, 
 and there made a good trade, our horse and eight reals for his." 
 
 The son laughed, and the old man grinned. 
 
 " Pedro is sharp and bright," the former said. " Holy Virgin, but he will 
 be a rich man one of these days, unless he is killed by the Apaches. Only 
 think of the rogue making such a bargain. Ah, to gain money one must 
 mingle with the world. How often I have said it, padre, and desired to go 
 to Los Angeles in search of fortune. There silver is to be picked up by 
 the handfuls, and all the people are rich." 
 
 But the old man frowned upon such wild statements, and said many years 
 before he had seen the wonders of the town, and pesos were as scarce as 
 on the ranche, and food much dearer. None but a loco would want to live 
 there, for the people were proud, and every door was not open to the stran- 
 ger. So the son was silenced, but not convinced, in this respect resembling 
 the farmers' children of our State, who tire of the homesteads, and want to 
 see more of life than a little village can sho v. In the young man's eyes 
 Los Angeles was like the capital of the world, teeming with wealth and 
 opportunities to become suddenly rich. He had never read a page of a 
 book, because he could not, and what he knew about life in other parts was 
 gained from the courageous priests, who once in a while made a circuit of 
 the sparsely inhabited districts, for the purpose of christening, marrying, 
 hearing confessions, and celebrating mass, when there were a dozen or even 
 less people brought together for the purpose of enjoying such religious con- 
 solation. 
 
 We produced our stock of tobacco after supper, and sat around the fire, 
 and smoked cigarettes and pipes, until the cries of the neighboring coyotes 
 
Leivey and I. 189 
 
 warned us that it was near eight o'clock, and time to retire. The ranchero 
 was not quite satisfied that the Indians would not swarm down upon him in 
 the course of the night, so laid his huge escopetas where they would be 
 convenient, and asked us if we would assist in case an attack was made, 
 and to this we readily consented. He stated that he relied more on his 
 dogs to give warning than his own watchfulness, as they hated the sight or 
 smell of an Indian, and would make noise enough to wake us up in case the 
 Apaches approached. The curs did not return the yelps of the coyotes, as 
 they had become so accustomed to their barks that no notice was taken of 
 the noisy pests. Nothing but the wild scream of a mountain lion, or the 
 peregrinations of a hungry black bear could disturb the sleep of a greaser's 
 dog, except the peculiar perfume of a savage Indian, and that the curs 
 seemed to detect, even if the Apaches were at a great distance. They may 
 have learned in some way that the Indians were partial to baked dog, and 
 considered it a staple dish when at home, or in camp for any length of 
 time. 
 
 To be on the safe side we secured our horses in the corral for the night, 
 and then went to sleep, tired with our long ride, and the disturbed slumbers 
 of the night before. We had as bed-fellows the usual number of fleas and 
 bugs, but were now quite tough, could endure a large amount of biting and 
 scratching, still remain quite comfortable, and not awaken to curse the ob- 
 noxious insects, as many bad men would have done, with less tender skins 
 than our own. 
 
 The night passed without an alarm. We were up soon after daylight, 
 and astonished the people of the house by washing our hands and faces, a 
 proceeding that they thought savored of weak minds. The son showed us 
 his paws and rather dark countenance, and stated in the most candid man- 
 ner, that he had not used water on either for some weeks, and yet, he urged, 
 they were not soiled. We did not dare to dispute the point with him, but 
 took precious good care that he did not handle our food. The women's 
 work we had to endure, but shut our eyes, and hoped for the best, as we 
 lifted tortillas to our mouths, and wondered if we should die after eating a 
 peck of dirt. If the proverb held good we feared that t\\o m'ce young men 
 would be taken off very early in their career of usefulness, for filth was 
 cheap. 
 
 After breakfast we rewarded our host and son with half a hand of tobac- 
 co, to pay for our entertainment, fed our horses with a measure of barley, 
 gave them a little grazing, and then made a few enquiries regarding our 
 journey, and the trail. The old Mexican had been over it, and directed us 
 
190 Lewey and I. 
 
 as well as he was able, but did not speak in the most encouraging manner 
 of the mountain goiges and canyons, while crossing the Sierra Madre, yet 
 he wound up with declaring that the view from the summit of the most ele- 
 vated portion of our route was something wonderful, and long to be remem- 
 bered. He also gave us the cheering information that we might have to 
 camp at the foot of the mountains that night, it being dangerous to attempt 
 the canyons in the darkness, as a mis-step would cause us to fall hundreds 
 of feet, upon the water-courses and rocks below. We were advised to keep 
 a good fire burning, to frighten off the mountain lions and bears, and i.ot to 
 sleep both at the same time, unless we could rely on our dog to give us 
 warning of the approach of wild beasts. 
 
 We thanked the Mexican for his advice, saddled our horses, and then 
 bid farewell to the family, with a parting warning to keep their eyes open for 
 the Apaches. The son whispered that he wished he was going wiih us, 
 and we should have liked his company, provided he had washed his hands 
 previous to starting on the journey, and continued the practice as long as 
 he was in our society, and handled our food 
 
 We touched our hats to the ladies, said " Adios, senors," to the men, and 
 were off, loping along at a moderate pace, to our own joy, and that of 
 Jack, who was glad to be clear of the companionship of dogs covered with 
 fleas, and who spent most of their time biting and scratching at the hungry 
 insects. 
 
 The day was pleasant, with a warm sun overhead, and we had no fear of 
 Indians in that part of the country, so rode on as unconcerned as men could 
 who were not too well acquainted with the trail. Lewey was unusually 
 cheerful, and confided to me how anxious he was to see Engracia, and that 
 he would have been a fool to marry Florencia, and buried himself in a 
 wilderness for the sake of any woman, no matter how handsome she might 
 be, and when I said that he was as fickle as a spring morning, the boy only 
 laughed, and intimated that he could not help it. He was born so, and 
 could never change. 
 
 We passed through what is now called Aluchiola and Santa Ana, stopped 
 for a brief space at a spring, where we had some more wild pigeons for 
 lunch, obtained by the primitive method of knocking them from the branch- 
 es of trees by the aid of clubs, and, for fear we should not fare well at sup- 
 per time, killed two dozen of the birds, and packed them in a bag, where 
 we carried some of our useful articles. Then, rested and refreshed, we 
 pushed on for the mountains, and the long canyon that was to lead us to 
 Los Angeles Valley, and the town of that name. 
 
Lewey and I. 191 
 
 The un was already near the ocean when we drew up, and concluded to 
 camp for the night, for before us were rough and threatening canyons and 
 dense gorges. We needed bright sunlight to lead us on our way over the 
 Madre Mountains, the dangers of which we did not underrate. We found a 
 stream of pure water, but it was not more than two feet deep, and easily 
 forded. The source was from the snow-capped hills, extending as far as the 
 eye could see, north and south, rough and shaggy. 
 
 We unsaddled our horses near the stream, where the grass was nutri- 
 tious, and firewood abundant, washed down from the mountains during the 
 floods of the rainy season, or when the snow was melted by the hot sun of 
 the summer months. We found a huge pine-tree, under the branches of 
 which we resolved to build our fire and sleep. To the trunk we could se- 
 cure our horses for the night, having them within the protecting light of the 
 flames, and so keep mountain lions and bears at a distance. We had been 
 given to understand that it was not the common black bear that would be 
 likely to molest us on the mountains, but the savage old grisly or a cinna- 
 mon oso, the latter full as dangerous as the bigger animal, and a more ac- 
 tive beast when wounded, for he never knows when he is whipped. 
 
 As there was still considerable daylight remaining, I took my fish-line, 
 and tried my luck in the stream, while Lewey started a fire, and boiled the 
 coffee. At first I did not get a bite, but near a dam, that might have been 
 erected by beavers, I had a beautiful rise, and landed a pound trout, and out 
 of one prolific hole I caught six handsome fish, enough for supper and 
 breakfast, in connection with the pigeons, no mean help, when two hungry 
 men sit down to a feast, and a dog is watching every mouthful they eat, and 
 looks a little abused if they do not throw him a substantial chunk of flesh 
 or fish every minute or two, and reminds them that they are neglecting cer- 
 tain duties by laying a paw on their arms every time he thinks he is not 
 properly served with some choice bits. 
 
 But there was enough for all of us, and even Jack turned away in disdain 
 from a pigeon's wing, or the tail of a trout, after he had eaten to repletion, 
 and looked in our faces, as much as to say, " Do you think I am a glutton 
 to endure all that you desire me to eat ? " 
 
 We sat around the fire until the flames cast strange and fantastic shapes 
 on the ground, and on the huge, rugged rocks, and, when we had smoke 1 
 our pipes, darkness warned us that it was time to look after our horses, and 
 get them near the blaze, and out of the way of the sudden spring of wild an- 
 imals. Already the mustangs were impatient for our companionship, as 
 they uttered soft whinnys, as if pleading for our presence, and the sound of 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 our voices. It was indeed a lonely scene, and we could not help glancing 
 over our shoulders as we sat on the ground, always expecting to see some- 
 thing uncanny coming out from the darkness, and giving us no room for a 
 shot. 
 
 We looked to our rifles and pistols, tried the edges of our long knives, 
 and, guns in hands, went to our horses, and brought them under the pine- 
 tree's sheltering branches. We had just got them secured for the night 
 when a shrill scream came from a canyon up the mountain, and we knew 
 that a fierce lion was our neighbor, and likely to trouble us for some hours, 
 unless we could dispose of him in a satisfactory manner. Our horses trem- 
 bled, and even Jack did not deem it advisable to leave the vicinity of the 
 fire, and seek an encounter with the beast. 
 
 We piled more wood on the flames, and watched for the mountain lion to 
 show himself, but he did not seem disposed to venture near us for some 
 time. We could hear him jump from rock to rock, and growl, and every 
 few minutes utter a yell that made us quake with fear, but we did not. go in 
 pursuit, and so sat there for an hour or more, until at last the beast grew 
 bolder, and came sneaking near the horses. Then we got a fair glimpse of 
 his wicked eyes, and determined to test the effect of rifle-balls, and see if 
 we could not kill or disable him, as the hungry savage was liable to make a 
 spring at any moment, either on us or the mustangs. 
 
 " Aim at de eyes," whispered Lewey, and, as he spoke, we drew up our 
 rifles, and fired. 
 
 The shots must have taken effect, for there were shrill screams of pain 
 and rage, and then a huge, tawny-colored body, dimly seen by the flickering 
 flames, bounded toward us, and landed directly in the rear of the horses, 
 the worst place the lion could have chosen, for the now thoroughly mad- 
 dened animals launched out their heels in spiteful fury, struck the wild 
 beast square on the ribs and shoulder, sent it rolling over the ground, and 
 in our direction. Before the brute could recover from its surprise we 
 emptied the contents of our pistols in its body, but even then it tried to re- 
 gain its feet, and renew the fight for life. Our dog now thought it time to 
 show his spirit, and with a growl dashed at the hind-quarters of the animal, 
 and nipped it near its tail, but the beast turned and struck at Jack so fierce 
 a blow with its fore paw, that our pet's life would have ended then and 
 there had the claws touched him. Luckily, the dog was so nimble he 
 avoided the stroke, and, before the lion could make another demonstration, 
 we seized two large stones, and dashed them on the head of the tough beast. 
 This last assault seemed to finish it, but to make sure work we continued 
 
Lewey and /. 193 
 
 to pound the prostrate savage until no signs of life remained, and then 
 Jack ventured near the body, and sniffed at it with perfect freedom. 
 
 " Dat vos veil done," Lewey remarked, as soon as we could take a 
 breathing spell. " De brute vas vusser den de Injuns or de bear. Now ve 
 vill get ready for de next von." 
 
 We loaded our rifles and pistols, dragged the dead beast some distance 
 from our horses, so that they could not see it, or smell the blood, then pet- 
 ted the mustangs until they quieted down and no longer showed signs of 
 fear. It was wonderful to note the actions of our steeds, how they craved 
 our company and kind words, and seemed to have confidence in our pres- 
 ence and power to keep them from all harm. 
 
 Both of us did not dare to sleep at the same time after this dramatic 
 episode, so we collected some fresh fuel, and then Lewey lay down and 
 took a nap, while I kept the fire going, and watched at the same time. It 
 was terribly lonely that dark night, lying as we were under the shadow of 
 the mountains, with not a human being within twenty miles of us, as far as 
 we knew. The air was filled with strange sounds, and the wind sighed 
 mournfully through the canyons and gorges of the dark, rugged hills. The 
 coyotes uttered sharp barks in the valleys, and called to each other for in- 
 formation as to the strange lights they saw, but did not venture mar us, 
 and we should not have cared much for them if they had, as we were accus- 
 tomed to their ways, and knew their cowardly nature too well to fear their 
 presence. 
 
 While I watched, and kept the fire going, I heard the gruff growls of a 
 bear coming through one of the canyons, but he seemed so surprised at the 
 flames, that he uttered his displeasure in angry sniffs, and then waddled off 
 in another direction, not venturing near us, for which I was very thankful, 
 as I had encountered all the adventures I desired for one night, and could 
 not repress a sigh as I thought of my loneliness, and how uncertain was 
 the future. Perhaps there were tears in my eyes for a moment, for I know 
 that the stars seemed to suddenly become dim, and some of the constella- 
 tions disappeared from sight. My head drooped to my breast, and a sob 
 startled me so much that I brushed the moisture from my eyes. I knew 
 that repining would not restore me to my old ship, now near home, so 
 hummed a sea-song, to keep up my spirits, and the unusual noise awoke 
 Lewey. 
 
 " How goes it? " he asked, as he sat up, and looked around. 
 
 " Smoothly," I answered, but the lad must have noticed a change in my 
 voice, for he sprang to his feet, and came toward me. 
 
194 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Thorn, mon cher ami, you has been tear sheddin'," he said. "You deny 
 it not. Unhappy is you." 
 
 " It is a trifle," I answered. " A little lonesome, nothing more, old 
 boy." 
 
 " You lies down, and much sleep take," the generous-hearted fellow said. 
 " De vatch vill I keep till daylight. You is tired, and the night has been a 
 hard von for you. But, oh, vot booful times ve is habin'. Did you ebber 
 seed anyding like dem ? So much better den bein' on von old ship, dat 
 smell of tar and vater bilge." 
 
 " Do you think so, Lewey ? " 
 
 " Do I dink so ? Vy, look here, ve is our own masters. Ve sees de 
 country. Ve meets de nice adventures all de time. Von girl falls in love 
 vid you today, tomorrow anuder von shins up to me, and so ve goes on, and 
 has de fun all to ourselves. Ah, ve is habin' much good times, and you 
 don't know it. Vy, I vould n't exchange dis life for anyding dat you can 
 dink of. Now you lie down and sleep, as 1 has had de booful nap, and 
 no more sighin', 'cos ve skall come out on top alvays." 
 
 He words inspired and made me forget the realities of my position. The 
 tears were brushed from my eyes, and the stars and constellations looked 
 bright and hopeful as I laid my head on a saddle, drew a couple of blankets 
 over my shoulders, and the last thing I heard, aside from the hooting owls 
 and the yelps of the coyotes, was the stirring hymn of the Marseillaise, as 
 Lewey hummed it in his native tongue, between puffs of tobacco smoke. 
 
 I slept late. When I awoke the horses were already piquetted, a pot of 
 coffee was steaming on the coals, and six beautiful trout were all ready for 
 baking in the hot ashes. My friend had been hard at work since daylight 
 in preparing breakfast, and getting ready for an early start. He pointed 
 with pride to the fish, and said that he was a natural-born fisherman, but 
 a child could have taken trout from that stream, there were so many of 
 them in the deep hole I had fished the night before. 
 
 " Is you a 1 ! ri^ht dis nice rnornin 1 ?" my friend asked, as I got up, and 
 packed the blankets, preparatory to a good wash in the clear stream. " No 
 more nostalgic, de bad homesickness." 
 
 " All right now," was my answer, in a cheery tone. 
 
 " Dat is bon. Today ve vill hab a booful time ridin' ober de mountain, 
 and seein' de valley and de country, oh, for so many miles. Ve skall be 
 above de clouds at some places, and can vash our faces in de dew if ve 
 vants to, and de ladies say dat is nic? for de complexion." 
 
 And so the lad chatted on, with the idea that I was dispirited, but the 
 
Lewey and I. 195 
 
 daylight had brought renewed hope to my heart, and I was no longer un- 
 happy. The air was so exhilarating that it acted on the nerves like a stimu- 
 lant or a glass of wine, and when the sun showed its warm and cheerful 
 face, fresh from the base of the mountains, I \vould not have exchanged 
 places with the whole crew of the old ship, captain and all. 
 
 As we picked the bones of the trout and pigeons Lewey related to me 
 the incidents of his lonely watch, but there was nothing of a startling na- 
 ture to tell. Our friend, the bear, had come near him once, and then gone 
 away as soon as fresh fuel was piled on the flames, and once or twice ven- 
 turesome coyotes had stolen near the mountain lion, and licked the blood 
 that flowed from the dead brute's wounds. 
 
 We had just finished our breakfast, and were lighting our pipes, when 
 we were startled to see a cavalcade of horsemen issue from the canyon on 
 our right, and head in our direction. There were ten of them, well mount- 
 ed, and all armed with carbines and sabres. They looked like military peo- 
 ple, but if they had uniforms on they were concealed by bright-colored se- 
 rapes, and we could only judge of the strangers by their sombreros, and gilt 
 bands, which looked like those we had seen worn by the Mexican army in 
 California. 
 
 The horsemen did not notice us for the first few minutes after leaving 
 the canyon, and were only awakened to our presence by the sudden barking 
 of Jack. Then the visitors looked up, saw that two young men were sit- 
 ting near a fire, smoking, and very much surprised to see strangers in that 
 part of the country, and we nearly choked with laughter when the cavalcade 
 turned, as if on a pivot, and dashed back toward the mountain gorge. 
 
 The strangers, all Mexicans, as we could see by their faces, supposed 
 that we were Indians on a raid, and that there was no hope for those who 
 fell into their hands, so a rapid flight was made for shelter, where a good 
 defence could be undertaken if necessary. 
 
 When near the entrance of the canyon the Mexicans turned, and checked 
 their horses, seeing that the wild Apaches were not in hot pursuit, as they 
 supposed. This <rave us a chance to act, and Lewey sprang to his feet, 
 waved a blanket, and yelled at the top of his voice, 
 
 "Ami^os, ami^os, senors." 
 
 Still the Mexicans did not put <rreat faith in the protestation, but unslung 
 their carbines, and pointed them in our direction. Even this act of daring 
 did not frighten us as much as it mi'jht, for we knew a greaser could not 
 hit a mountain with one of the uns he carried, as they were made for show 
 and not use by the manufacturers. But we did f ear a stray ball would 
 
196 Lewey and I. 
 
 reach one of our horses, so peacefully grazing, and that was something to 
 guard against, consequently, when the Mexicans assumed a beligerent atti- 
 tude, and looked fight, both of us, without our rifles, showed ourselves, and 
 renewed the shout of, 
 
 " Amigos, senors, amigos." 
 
 Then one horseman, who seemed to be a guide, advanced a few paces, 
 and said, 
 
 "If you are friends come toward us without weapons. If you attempt 
 any trick we will shoot you down like dogs." 
 
 We thought this a pretty lively threat, considering the whole party were 
 quaking with terror, for fear of their lives, and that, if we had been so dis- 
 posed, by the aid of our rifles we could have driven all hands through the 
 gorge, pell-mell, and the devil take the hindmost, for they would have 
 sniffed Apaches in the air, and that was enough to startle a whole company 
 of soldiers, make them break ranks, and take shelter under cover of the 
 nearest rocks. 
 
 " We are unarmed," we responded. " Have no fear. There are only 
 two of us and a dog, and the latter will not bite." 
 
 " A Mexican fears nothing," the spokesman said, a little proudly. " He 
 dislikes an ambushed foe, but can contend with one if there is need to risk 
 so much. Who are you, and what do you here in this lonely place ?" 
 
 " We are young men journeying to Los Angeles, and enjoying the coun- 
 try through which we pass There are no Indians near, we think, so you 
 need take no precautions. Come and cook your breakfast by our fire, as 
 we shall soon start over the trail." 
 
 The guide returned, and reported to the leader of the troop, and at last 
 all seemed disposed to believe our assertion that we were not warlike. But 
 they approached very cautiously, still holding their carbines in their hands, 
 and ready to use them if we raised a finger to some hidden foe. When, 
 however, the party were within a few fathoms of us we recognized several 
 persons we had known while .members of the crew of the Admittance, and 
 among them General Michaeltoreno, at one time governor of the State, and 
 the person in whose honor an elegant fete had been given at Monterey, at 
 which Lewey and I officiated in a grand act of legerdemain, and then let off 
 a most wonderful fiery serpent, that astonished all who beheld it, and dis- 
 gusted some. 
 
 " What are you young men doing here ? " asked the general a little stern- 
 ly. " The country is at war with the United States, and we are suspicious 
 of all people who cannot give an account of themselves." 
 
Lewey and I. 197 
 
 " Look at that dead mountain lion, senor," Lewey said. " We killed him 
 last night while prowling around our camp. That is one good mark in our 
 favor." 
 
 All the party seemed to think so, for they dismounted, and examined the 
 beast, their horses refusing to approach it. 
 
 " Well, what else have you done ? " demanded the general, after he had 
 satisfied his curiosity about the lion. 
 
 " We have met a party of Apaches on the trail, and killed several of them 
 near Tobias's ranche," my French friend replied, quite proudly. 
 
 " What ! " cried every one. " You have encountered the wild Indians, 
 and slain some of them? You speak the truth, we hope." 
 
 " A Frenchman never lies, senors,'' was the dignified answer, and a look 
 such as a great general put on at one time when asked to surrender at the 
 battle of Waterloo. 
 
 But the statement seemed so remarkable that we could see glances of 
 disbelief on the faces of the Mexicans. That two young men, mere boys, 
 should kill Apache warriors, and then escape their vengeance, was to be 
 taken cum grano salis, the effect of lively imagination and not reality. 
 
 " Why do you seek to deceive us by such a story ? " the general asked. 
 " The Apaches are cunning Indians, and do not allow muchachos to kill 
 and destroy without resistance." 
 
 "The savag s are no match for bold men with rifles in their hands. 
 We met a party, and destroyed it, and you will learn the truth when you 
 make enquiries at the ranche. We are not braggarts, but honest lads," my 
 friend said, in such a confident tone that the Mexicans began to think 
 there was some foundation for his story. 
 
 " Why are you traveling through the State in these troublesome times ? " 
 demanded the general. " You may be American spies for all that we know 
 to the contrary." 
 
 " We are on our way to the Ranche Refugio to be married," Lewey an- 
 swered,, quite promptly, and then ever)' Mexican just opened his mouth to 
 its widest extent, and laughed so heartily that we were indignant at their 
 levity over so serious a matter. 
 
 " Have you papers granting you permission to travel ? " the general 
 demanded. 
 
 "Yes, senor. We have one from General Castro," and here the late 
 governor's face darkened, for he did not like his successor, "and also a pa- 
 per from the alcalda of San Diego, recommending us to the good wishes of 
 the people of Los Angeles. In addition we have letters from Captain Fitch 
 
198 Lewey and I. 
 
 to his friends, the Senors Temple and Stearns, of the Pueblo, so you see 
 we are not sospechosos," and as Lewey spoke he produced all the docu- 
 ments from the bag which held them. 
 
 The general glanced over the letters and recommendations of the alcalda, 
 and uttered a snort of contempt when Castro's pass was examined. He 
 handed all back to us, and then asked, 
 " Why did you leave your ship ? " 
 
 " We were attacked by the smallpox, and compelled to remain at San 
 Diego for fear of contagion to the rest of the people on board the vessel," 
 Lewey remarked. 
 
 " But the disease did not leave any marks on your face," the general 
 said. 
 
 " No, senor, the saints be praised, our beauty was spared," and Lewey 
 uttered the words as though he believed what he stated, and once more the 
 Mexicans roared with laughter at the impudence of the boy, he was so calm 
 and cool. 
 
 During all this time I had permitted my friend to carry on the conversa- 
 tion as he spoke better Spanish than I could, and showed what he claimed 
 to be, a Frenchman, while I was fear ul the Mexicans would recognize 
 me as an American unless I held my tongue. 
 
 "General," Lewey said, as soon as the laughter had subsided, " we have 
 met you many times in Monterey, and yet you do not appear to recognize 
 us. When you first took the office of governor we had the honor of giving 
 a performance in your presence, and the same night let loose a fiery ser- 
 pent that was much admired." 
 
 The ex-governor and his friends took a square look at us, and then 
 seemed to recognize our faces, for all grinned, as the general remarked, 
 
 " Santa Maria, now I know you. What a fright you did give the people 
 of the town that night. I hope your captain punished you as you deserved, 
 for the joke you played us. Why, you bad boys, even I had to dodge my 
 head to escape being singed." 
 
 " And I tumbled over a chair and nearly broke my neck," one of the 
 officers said. 
 
 But the information we had imparted did not cause any ill feeling, and in 
 a few minutes all the group were seated around the fire, and cooking break- 
 fast, the materials for which were unloaded from a pack-horse. We were 
 invited to partake, but declined, as we had eaten all we needed before the 
 party arrived. 
 
 We gave the general all the information we were able about the route, 
 
Lewey and /. 199 
 
 and the Indians, and, while some of the people were anxious to retrace 
 their steps to the Pueblo, others were in favor of pushing on as fast as 
 possible for San Diego, from which place they were to travel overland to 
 the Mexican ports of the Gulf ot California, if such a thing was practicable. 
 They had heard that the journey over the desert plains was one of great 
 difficulty and danger, with but few residents, and those mostly degraded In- 
 dians cf the sand hills and seashore, with scanty stores of water, inclined 
 to be brackish. But, as business was pressing, the attempt must be made, 
 no Mexican vessel daring to sail lor Mazatland for fear of capture by shi^s 
 of the United-States Navy, which were swarming on the coast, and in the 
 Pacific, ready to overhaul any craft that appeared in sight. 
 
 Then the officers gave us directions how to pass through the canyons of 
 the mountains, and, with mutual congratulations, we saddled our horses, 
 and bade each other farewell. Whether the party ever succeeded in reach- 
 ing the Gulf of California I never knew. It is a journey I should not care 
 to make even at this late day, for the danger of starvation and thirst 
 is too great to be undertaken without caches of water and provisions at 
 stated intervals. 
 
 As we entered the dark and cold canyon of the mountains we waved our 
 hands, lifted our hats, and were lost to view of each other. The sun did 
 not penetrate the deep gorge, and on either side of us arose the bare and 
 rugged rocks, with living rills trickling from the seams, and in some 
 places beneath us were running streams, which we had no doubt contained 
 trout, or other fish, for they were deep and cool enough for a preserve. 
 For a mile or more we did not see an animal, so we expected to escape all 
 conflict with wild beasts, as we could not imagine what a lion or bear would 
 find to eat in such a vast and sublime solitude, where a loud word reverber- 
 ated from arch to arch, from crag to crag, and gorge to gorge, like distant 
 thunder, and then rolled hack and forth until the cries were repeated near 
 our heads, just as we had recently uttered them, sharp and distinct. High 
 over us, three thousand feet at least, sailed back and forth several huge ea- 
 gles, looking for a breakfast on the surface of the snow or the hard rocks, 
 ready to pounce on a rabbit o- a dead coyote, and uttering screams of rage 
 as a switt-winged hawk darted near them, and then sailed away with a 
 croak of delight at the anger of the kings and queens of the air and moun- 
 tains. A few green lizards clung to the walls of rock, or on the trunks of 
 stunted pines, but they did not move as we passed, waiting for the sun to 
 penetrate the canyon, am! vr.vm them into life and activity. 
 
 Some places we found \\ :c so steep, and the trail so narrow, we had to 
 
2OO Lewey and /. 
 
 dismount and lead our horses, fearful they would slip, and fall into the 
 gorges below. The mustangs clung to the walls, but showed no signs of 
 fear as long as we walked near their heads, and had a hand on their bridles. 
 It was the most wonderful pass that I ever saw, and even then I calculated 
 how a few men could hold it against an army of brave soldiers, for a num- 
 ber of stones hurled down the sides of the mountain would have created a 
 panic and rapid retreat. 
 
 Once we heard a movement on the right of the canyon, and a rock rolled 
 into the stream below. We stopped to see what had caused the bowlder to 
 become dislodged, and saw an immense bear perched on a craig, and look- 
 ing' at us with wistful eyes, and probably mentally calculating how many 
 square meals we could furnish. When he saw that our attention was at- 
 tracted he picked up another stone and sent it after the first one, and opened 
 his capacious mouth, and actually grinned at the fun he was having, for the 
 brute looked down the wall Of rock, saw the missile strike the water, throw- 
 ing the spray high in the air, and then glanced at us, as if to ask approval 
 of the sport. We shouted back our applause, and the brute put his shaggy 
 head one side, and listened until the reverberations died away, then growled 
 out his thanks for our attention, and tried another stone. We were tempted 
 to use our rifles on the beast, but the exhibition he had afforded us was too 
 good to be interrupted by a useless infliction of pain, and so we let him 
 alone. When we turned an angle of the canyon the bear was still on the 
 spur of the wall, and gazing after us as though regretful at losing such 
 charming spectators. For all of his friendly expressions we were rather 
 glad that he was on the opposite side of the trail, and could not dispute our 
 course over the mountain. 
 
 It was after twelve o'clock when we emerged from the canyon, stood on 
 the summit of the mountain, and looked at the landscape beneath us. Far 
 off on our left were the bright blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, ruffled by 
 the strong morning breeze, with miniature white caps all along the shore, 
 and some thirty miles distant we could see the rough island of Cataline, 
 and also the miserable port of San Pedro, where we had carried many a 
 hide on our heads in days past, toiling up the steep hill with heavy boxes 
 and lumber, and cursing the men who compelled us to do such hard work 
 for six dollars a month. I would n't do it now for two hundred. Almost 
 at our feet were fine level lands, green with the spring rains, and one loca- 
 tion particularly pleased me, for I had never seen a more beautiful spot. 
 As near as I can understand it, the place that I thought so charming is 
 now the prosperous little town of Pasadena, celebrated for its fruits and 
 
Lewey and /. 201 
 
 flowers, and intelligent inhabitants. But in the days I speak of not a house 
 was to be seen on the mesa, although thousands of head of cattle were 
 roaming over the plains, fattening on the rich pasturage, for the dry season 
 had not commenced, and everything was fresh and verdant, not withered 
 and seared by the hot sun. Then there was the San Gabriel Valley, which 
 I could have purchased for a song in 1846, now representing millions of 
 money. Some few miles from Los Angeles was the old mission, and its 
 adobe walls, many years old, and at one time representing eighty thousand 
 head of cattle. Then the priests were a power in the land, and commanded 
 the services of thousands of peons, for their food and a shirt a year. But 
 the Mexican government confiscated the property, and the Indians were 
 dispersed, and the bullocks sold by some rapacious administrador, who fat- 
 tened on the misfortunes of the holy fathers. The latter damned the of- 
 ficials, but the seizures went on just the same, for the Mexican authorities 
 said that if they could get the money they would risk all chances in the 
 next world. We shall probably never know who got the best of the matter 
 unless we can summon spirits to testify on one side or the other, or wait 
 for death. 
 
 The scene was so charming that Lewey proposed we remain where we 
 were and cook our dinner, but we had nothing except coffee and hard tack 
 to eat. There was plenty of sweet grass for the horses, and water near at 
 hand, with a trout stream close by, so we gladly unsaddled our steeds, piq- 
 uetted them in the bright sunshine, and, while Lewey started a fire, and 
 put on the water for coffee, I took the fish-line, and went in search of trout 
 in a brook that was rolling and foaming in its course toward the San 
 Gabriel Valley. 
 
 I had nothing for bait but a little piece of pigeon wing, and this was 
 enough, as good as the most gaudy fly, for the simple fish jumped at it with 
 charming frankness, and were pulled from their native element in such haste 
 that in half an hour's time I had secured eight trout, and they would aver- 
 age at least a pound each, enough for two hungry young men, and a dog 
 that could eat more than both of us. It was a good lunch, and a glorious 
 place to partake of it. 
 
 We put the fish on the coals, roasted them to perfection, and then sat and 
 ate our dinners, and admired the landscape and view of the ocean. For 
 dessert we had an abundance of ripe blackberries, the bushes being loaded 
 down with them, large and delicious fruit, and we did not stir out of our 
 tracks to obtain all that we wanted. Even Jack seemed to like them, yet 
 would not take the trouble to forage for himself, on account of the briars 
 
2O2 Lewey and I. 
 
 on the bushes, but waited until we had gathered a handful, and then barked 
 for them until his demands were complied with. 
 
 After the feast of berries, we lighted our pipes, and smoked, again ad- 
 mired the country, and then the enthusiastic Lewey, who was a lover of na- 
 ture, could not restrai.i his happiness, as he thought of the dangers we had 
 passed through, and that now all was plain sailing before us. 
 
 " Veil," he asked, " vot does you dink of dis \ No more sick for de home 
 sane last night ? Look all around you. Did you eber see anyding like it 
 afore ? Ah, how happy ve should be dat ve is here and not on board a 
 mean old ship. I could smile and jump in de air I feels so good, in a few 
 days ve skall see Anita and Engracia, and how glad dey be to meet us. 
 Den all de trouble ve forgets, and ve lives and dies in a pot of grease, as de 
 story books all say." 
 
 1 suppose that it was the air which inspired us, for we did feel happy and 
 contented, although we had not the least idea where we were going to stop 
 when we reached the Pueblo. But we expected something would turn up, 
 and did not despond. 
 
 Toward two o'clock \ve saddled our horses, and resumed our journey, 
 Lping through the valley, past herds of cattle, and once in a while saw a 
 vaquero, who was looking after the animals, seeing that they did not \\an- 
 der off oo far from the usual runs. Those we met did not pay us any par- 
 ticular attention, but when we drew near the mission of San Gabriel we 
 noticed that some stro g glances were cast toward us, and we thought the 
 people \vere struck by our distinguished appearance, and were disposed to 
 give us a hospitable welcome after our long and dangerous journey over the 
 mountains. 
 
 As we neared Los Angeles- two horsemen, evidently caballeros, rode 
 alongside of us, and looked our mustangs all over, as if admiring them, as 
 well they might, for they were unexcelled for speed and beauty. 
 
 " Where do you come from, strangers ? " they asked. 
 
 " San Diego, senors," was our reply. 
 
 " Did you meet many people on the road ? " they demanded. 
 
 " Yes ; this morning we encountered General Michaeltoreno and his suite, 
 on the other side of the mountains." 
 
 "Who else, senors?" the caballeros demanded. 
 
 " Several bands of Apaches, who were raiding the country, and stealing 
 cattle." 
 
 " Santa Maria, and you escaped from them ?" and here the gentlemen 
 crossed themselves. 
 
Lewey and I. 203 
 
 " Yes, senors, but we had to fight them, or be killed," for we thought it 
 would not be a sin to boast a little, now that we were beyond the reach of 
 the savages. 
 
 "Did you meet the government courier Pedro on the way?" was the 
 next question. 
 
 "Yes, senors. We saw him at Tobias's ranche, and he was well, and 
 hoped to get through the raiding parties, but who can tell his fate ? " 
 
 " We see that one of you is mounted on his favorite horse. How did you 
 happen to possess it ? " 
 
 " By a trade and purchase, senors," we answered. 
 
 The gentlemen exchanged glances, but said no more, and just then we 
 thought that we would ask a few questions in return. 
 
 " Can you tell us, senors, where we can find the Senor Abel Stearns's 
 residence ? We have a letter for him from a gentleman of San Diego," we 
 said. 
 
 " Certainly," was the gracious reply, and we galloped along the main 
 street, hundreds of people looking at us as we moved along, as the cavalcade 
 seemed unusual. 
 
 At last we halted in front of a pretentious house, and saw a gentleman on 
 the veranda, smoking cigarettes, and several ladies near. We knew him at 
 once, and also two of the young senoras, for they had been on board of the 
 Admittance several times while we were lying at San Pedro, at different 
 periods. 
 
 We thanked the caballeros, and they galloped off, after touching their 
 broad sombreros to the ladies, and making their horses perform wonderful 
 capering for the benefit of the fair sex. 
 
 I dismounted and approached the gentleman. He looked at me with 
 some degree of wonderment, for he did not recollect my face, and neither 
 did the young ladies. 
 
 " I have a letter for you, sir," I said, as I removed my hat, and bowed to 
 the young ladies. 
 
 I spoke in English, and that seemed to astonish my hearers, for I was 
 dressed in Mexican costume, and burned black enough for a greaser, or 
 half-breed. 
 
 " Why, man alive, you are an American," said Mr. Stearns, stili staring 
 at me. " Where did you come from ? " 
 
 " Overland from San Diego, sir. We have just arrived, and want you to 
 direct us to a place where we can remain for a few days' rest. We have 
 
204 Lewey and /. 
 
 had a rough journey, and feel tired, for we have fought Apaches, mountain 
 lions, and bears, and think we deserve a few days of leisure." 
 
 " The devil, I should think so," was the frank exclamation, and then he 
 turned to the ladies, and explained in Spanish what I had related. The 
 story seemed to excite general interest, for the women all uttered the 
 words, 
 
 " Pobrecita muchachos," and crossed themselves at the name of the 
 Apaches. 
 
 Mr. Stearns read the letter from Captain Fitch, and then looked at us, 
 more puzzled than ever, as he said, 
 
 " So you two young men were on board the Admittance, were you ? I 
 recollect you now. But what fools you are to stop in this country just as a 
 war is raging, and every American is hated, except the old residents. And 
 you think of getting married, my friend writes me. Well, well, this is a 
 little too rich, upon my word," and the gentleman laughed until the tears 
 came into his eyes, and then very correctly translated my story, and the 
 contents of the letter. 
 
 But the ladies did not laugh. They thought it was a little too romantic 
 for anything, as they expressed it in a terse way, and warm words of ap- 
 proval of our course were uttered. A woman always sympathizes with par- 
 ties about to wed, and the poorer the match the more congratulations they 
 bestow. So as soon as the young women heard that we were in love, and 
 wanted wives, their hearts were in a flutter. 
 
 " Let them remain with us," they cried with one accord. " We will teach 
 them Spanish so that they can converse with their future mates. It must 
 be awful not to understand what a lover says." 
 
 I did not utter a word of the tongue they were conversing in, not wishing 
 to break the spell of a good impression. 
 
 " Well, have it your way," the gentleman said. " They are not our kind 
 of company, but we will take care of them in some manner, and give them 
 enough to eat." 
 
 Then he called a peon to take our horses, and, as we removed our pack- 
 ages to the rear of the house, I looked down the street, and saw the dark 
 face of Don Antonio Sanchos, our worst enemy in all California, and the 
 last person we desired to see at that time, as we supposed he was in Mon- 
 terey, and could no longer trouble us. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 DON ANTONIO SANCHOS MAKES IT UNPLEASANT, AND ACCUSES US OF 
 MURDERING THE GOVERNMENT COURIER. TO THE CALABOZO. AN 
 EXAMINATION, AND SURPRISE. HEROES OF THE DAY. WANTED FOR 
 THE ARMY. OFF FOR SANTA BARBARA, AND INCIDENTS ON THE 
 WAY. THE CAVALRY, AND ITS HURRIED MARCH. SANTA BARBARA, 
 AND SOME OLD ACQUAINTANCES. RANCHE REFUGIO, AND OUR RECEP- 
 TION BY A STRONG-MINDED WOMAN. 
 
 I MUST confess that I did not feel comfortable when I saw the dark, re- 
 vengeful-looking face of Don Antonio Sanchos, the man who had per- 
 secuted us so intensely at San Diego, and by whose orders we had been 
 confined in the calabozo, and forced to sign matriculador papers, and de- 
 clare our intention of becoming Mexican citizens. We thought the greaser 
 was at Monterey, with his disreputable brothers and followers, where we 
 had understood there was some prospect of a fight between the State forces 
 and the command under Fremont. But the scoundrel was at Los Angeles, 
 and saw us at the same time we noticed him. We would have avoided the 
 man if possible, but it was too late, so were not surprised when the fellow 
 halted in front of Mr. Steam's house, and addressed the proprietor. 
 
 " Senor," he said, " two young men, one of them French and the other 
 American, have just arrived in town from San Diego, and are on your 
 premises." 
 
 " Well, what of it ? " asked Mr. Stearns, with scant civility, for he did not 
 appear to be on the most familiar terms with the visitor. 
 
 " Simply this, senor. I want those young men as my prisoners. I claim 
 them under the law of California as sospechosos, as enemies of the repub- 
 lic," the greaser remarked, and there was a wail from the ladies at the 
 
206 Lewey and I. 
 
 words, as they thought of a wedding being postponed, and happiness de- 
 stroyed. 
 
 " Nonsense," was the reply of our host. "The boys are all right, and I 
 will vouch for them. I have known them for years, and they never had the 
 slightest intention of injuring the republic. Go your way, Don Sanchos, 
 and let them alone." 
 
 "The senor is not aware perhaps that I am the agent of the government, 
 and have the power of making arrests when I will ? " the Mexican 
 asked. 
 
 " Yes, I know all that, but don't abuse those powers, Don Sanchos, for 
 the same party that made can quickly unmake you, and I have a little in- 
 fluenc'e at Monterey with the governor and Don Pio Pico," Mr. Stearns 
 remarked. 
 
 " I know the senor is powerful, and that his wealth is great, but all that 
 will not prevail when it is known that I, the representative of the State, 
 have been ill-treated by the muchachos, imprisoned by their means, shot at 
 and wounded by a gun which they fired at me, and that my brother Carlos 
 had his head split open by the desperados. Think of the wrongs I have 
 suffered, and then imagine if I can forgive them." 
 
 "How is this?" asked our host, and the ladies looked at us in wonder, 
 thinking that we were a little worse than the wild Apaches they had heard 
 so much about, while at the same time they were disposed to admire us for 
 all that we had done, as women like bold deeds, even if they are not quite 
 high-toned and honorable. 
 
 As Mr. Stearns seemed disposed to demand an explanation, Lewey, as 
 the most fluent talker, stepped forward, removed his hat, bowed with 
 French politeness to the ladies, smiled one of his most fascinating smiles, 
 such as he knew would touch the female heart, and commenced the story of 
 our wrongs at the hands of Don Sanchos, and in good Spanish, so that all 
 could comprehend what he said. 
 
 " We were in love," he began, and at the words the ladies beamed on 
 him, " and when we were discharged from our ship, sick with a disease that 
 we feared would terminate our young and innocent lives " (Lewey was an aw- 
 ful falsifier when disposed to shirk the truth, and had an object in view), 
 " our only regret was that we could not live, and marry the two girls we 
 had become attached to at Ranche Refugio." 
 
 Here two pretty girls sobbed, and wiped the tears from their eyes. The 
 romance was affecting them. 
 
 " But the good saints, under whose watchful care we recovered," and 
 
Lewey and I. 207 
 
 here the lad crossed himself in true Catholic style, " willed that our time 
 had not arrived, and so we lived, and were happy in thoughts of the future, 
 how we were to pass our lives as devoted husbands, and in a land that 
 can show more beautiful ladies than any quarter of the globe. Even 
 France, my native country, must yield the palm to California in that re- 
 spect, and my American friend here, Thorn, says that the United States has 
 no such handsome girls as this portion of the republic of Mexico can 
 produce." 
 
 The young ladies' faces glowed like a garden of roses after a summer 
 rain, and Lewey glanced at me in a manner that I understood, for I nodded 
 an acquiescence to all that he had stated. 
 
 The elderly women smiled as they thought of their early days, and the 
 beauty which they had possessed, and was now represented in their chil- 
 dren. They looked at each other, and seemed to come to the conclusion 
 that we were young men of discernment and good taste. 
 
 " Under such circumstances it is no wonder we desired to remain here," 
 my friend continued, " but, while we were making preparations to join 
 those whom we so dearly love, this man, Don Sanchos, appeared at San 
 Diego, and caused our arrest as sospechosos." 
 
 " I was serving the State," interrupted the greaser. " It was my 
 duty." 
 
 " He did this," continued Lewey, not noticing the remark, " because at 
 one time we had injured him for insulting two ladies at San Francisco." 
 
 " Muy bravo muchachos," murmured the girls, and glanced at us with 
 flashing eyes, showing where their sympathies were. 
 
 Don Sanchos held up his right hand, where the vivid scar was distinctly 
 seen, made by the point of a boat-hook, as he said, 
 
 " This is the kind of treatment that I received at the hands of the grin- 
 gos, and for nothing. I have cause to remember it, and always shall." 
 
 " This man caused our imprisonment in the calabozo, but we made our 
 escape," Lewey remarked. 
 
 "By professing love for the jailor's daughter, and swearing to her undy- 
 ing devotion," snarled Sanchos, 
 
 The ladies looked a little shocked, as though they had never heard of 
 such depravity. The case was going against us, and Lewey saw it, but was 
 not in the least dismayed. He remained cool, and was careful to take ad- 
 vantage of all the best points. 
 
 "We confided in the keeper's daughter, and told her that we were to be 
 married, that our hearts were true to those we loved, but scorned to tell a 
 
208 Lewey and I, 
 
 woman that we fancied her when such was not the case," my friend went 
 on, and Sanchos smiled in an incredulous manner, just as though he could 
 not believe it. " The young lady did not let us out of our cell, but when we 
 were in the ante-room escape was possible." 
 
 My friend was determined to shield the girl, even at the expense of truth, 
 for he feared she might suffer for what she had done in our behalf. 
 
 " And before the ladrones escaped they bound, gagged, and threw me in 
 the cell which they had occupied. Besides that their confounded dog bit 
 my legs," snarled Sanchos, and the ladies did not seem to feel much pity 
 for his misfortunes. In fact, the man commenced stripping up the bottoms 
 of his slashed trousers to show where Jack had fastened his teeth, but sud- 
 denly recollected that the ladies would not be interested in old scars, so 
 wisely refrained. 
 
 " Boys, that was wrong," Mr. Stearns said, but he looked as though he 
 did not grieve very deeply for the part we had played. " The senor is an 
 agent of the government, and should have been treated with respect. How- 
 ever, that is all settled now, I hope. I will be security for the young men's 
 appearance and good behaviour as long as they remain at Los Angeles." 
 
 We bowed our thanks, and looked our gratitude. 
 
 "By the way," Mr. Stearns asked, "did n't I hear something about one 
 of you lads being offered a commission as midshipman on the sloop-of-war 
 Ceynne ? " 
 
 " It was my friend, Thorn, sir," answered Lewey, before I could deny the 
 report, " He is rich, and has lots of money, but loves California more than 
 his home." 
 
 Lewey was the most wonderful boy I ever met for ready answers, and 
 some of them were not always true, I regret to say. But he never blushed 
 when telling an untruth, as he looked honest and confiding, with the light 
 of sincerity shining from his blue eyes. 
 
 The ladies were delighted with the answer. In their estimation I was no 
 longer a common sailor, but a caballero, a gentleman of means, and their 
 interest in me increased, although they might have had some secret 
 thoughts that I was throwing myself away on a poor girl when there were 
 so many rich ones who desired husbands, and wealth at the same time. 
 
 "Now, Don Sanchos, go your way," Mr. Stearns said. " I will see that 
 these two young men are looked after, and taken care of. Let us have no 
 more trouble. They have come to me highly recommended, and I under- 
 stand that they also have a letter for Mr. Temple from my old friend Cap- 
 tain Fitch." 
 
Lewey and /. 209 
 
 But Don Sanchos did not seem disposed to move off with this assurance. 
 He smiled in a sardonic manner, as he rubbed his maimed hand, and 
 said, 
 
 " Your assertions are quite cheerful, and would be satisfactory, but as 
 the agent of the government I have a more serious charge to make against 
 the young men, and even you, senor, will not uphold them in what they have 
 done." 
 
 We wondered what the greaser referred to, and on what track he was 
 standing. 
 
 " Come, come, don't let us have any more charges," Mr. Stearns cried. 
 " We have heard enough for one day at least," and the ladies all smiled an 
 unanimous amen to the words. 
 
 " I regret, senor, that I cannot yield to your wishes," Sanchos said, and 
 as he spoke waved his hand in a peculiar manner, and up the street we 
 saw a dozen horsemen moving, and in the crowd we recognized Carlos San- 
 chos, almost as great a scoundrel as his brother. 
 
 Mr. Stearns looked the astonishment he felt. 
 
 " I arrest these young men," the greaser said, as he stepped forward, 
 " for the crime of murder." 
 
 There was an exclamation of horror from the ladies, and wonder and sur- 
 prise from us. What did the fellow mean ? Was this some new dodge to 
 get us in his power, and punish us ? 
 
 " Explain yourself, senor," Mr. Stearns cried. " These are serious words. 
 Be careful how you trifle with them." 
 
 " This is no light matter, senor," the greaser remarked, in a cool, deter- 
 mined way. " One of these young men has in his possession the favorite 
 horse of Pedro the courier. He was due here yesterday, yet no word have 
 we heard of him. It is rumored in town that the ranchero has been mur- 
 dered on his way from San Diego, and that these boys committed the deed, 
 and then took possession of the horse. Look at the brands on the animal's 
 haunches, and you will see that they are Pedro's. There is no doubt of it. 
 A dozen men can swear to them. They know the caballo well. Now what mo- 
 tive could these men have for making way with the courier except to steal 
 his despatches, and give them to the enemies of the government? There- 
 fore, in the name of the law, and by the power invested in me as an agent 
 of the State of California, I do arrest these young men as sospechosos." 
 
 There was a flood of tears from the young ladies, and an angry denial on 
 our part and when there was silence Mr. Stearns said, 
 
 " Explain this whole matter, boys, so that we can understand it." 
 
210 Lewey and I. 
 
 I did so, but spoke in English, as my Spanish failed me in my eagerness 
 to show all the circumstances of the case. 
 
 " When we were at Tobias's ranche," I said, " after we had killed three 
 invading Apaches " (here Sanchos smiled, as much as to say that was a 
 gringo's lie, for he understood a little English) "the courier arrived with 
 despatches for the alcalda of San Diego. He was pleaded with our bravery, 
 and commended us in warm terms, and, because I admired his horse, he 
 was glad to make an exchange with me, I paying him eight reals in addi- 
 tion for the animal. Senor Tobias, the owner of the ranche, for the grati- 
 tude he felt because we had saved the life of his daughter, made my friend 
 Lewey a present of the caballo he rode. You can see the man's brand, a 
 large T in a circle. This is our defence, and is the truth, so help me 
 God." 
 
 "I. believe you," Mr. Stearns said, in all sincerity, and then he related 
 the story T had told to Sanchos and the ladies, and the generous females 
 were delighted when he came to that part whereby a girl was saved from 
 the Indians. 
 
 " It is the lie of a gringo," the greaser remarked. " It will not do for 
 me. The young men stand charged with murder. Until they can prove 
 that Pedro is alive they must be kept in prison. Let no man keep in my 
 way, or the worse for him. In the name of the law I arrest them." 
 
 The ladies uttered a series of shrill screams, but after they had been si- 
 lenced Mr. Stearns asked, 
 
 " Will you accept security for the appearance of the young men tomor- 
 row before the alcalda ? " 
 
 " No, senor.' To the calabozo they must go., and await certain events," 
 was the answer. 
 
 " You see, boys, I have done all that I can for you," our host said. 
 " The man has the power to arrest you. The charge is a serious one, but I 
 hope it will be disproved. I will be present before the court tomorrow, 
 and, in company with Mr. Temple, do what I can to confound your ene- 
 mies. Yield as gracefully as possible, and look for the best results. Be 
 assured you sha'n't starve while in prison." 
 
 <; Will you permit us to leave our property here until we are acquitted or 
 sentenced ? " I asked. " Our rifles, knives, and pistols, horses and blan- 
 kets are valuable, and we should find it hard work to replace them." 
 
 " Give yourself no uneasiness on that point," our host said. " I will see 
 that all are taken care of, and restored to you as soon as free, which I hope 
 vill be in a few days." 
 
Lewey and I. 211 
 
 "And our dog, sir," I remarked. " It is not probable that the prison of- 
 ficials will permit him to go with us. Will you also feed him as well as the 
 horses?" 
 
 " Oh, yes, but the animal will not remain with me." 
 
 " He will if we command him to do so. He is a knowing dog, and is al- 
 ready aware that soni; misfortune has overtaken us. You can tell that by 
 his looks. Jack, old boy," I said, addressing the animal, " you must remain 
 here until we return. Do you hear ? " 
 
 He did hear, but a look of deep dejection passed over his expressive eyes, 
 and he seemed to ask that we would rescind the order. But when he found 
 that it was not forthcoming he lay down, and did not offer to stir until we 
 moved from the house, escorted by the bodyguard of the agent of the 
 State. Then he raised his head, and uttered a prolonged howl, but sub- 
 sided when one of the ladies patted his head, and waved a farewell at the 
 same time. 
 
 Our passage through the main street was quite an event for the sleepy 
 little town. All the people had awakened from their usual afternoon sies- 
 tas, and were refreshing themselves by yawning at the doors and on the 
 verandas. The crime of which we were accused was repeated from mouth 
 to mouth, and, as all had not heard our defence, we were generally sup- 
 posed to be guilty, and there was some talk of hanging or shooting us with- 
 out delay ; and I really believe that Don Sanchos would have been only 
 too delighted had such action occurred on the part of the populace, the 
 majority of whom were none too good for such lawlessness, but the best 
 people were just. 
 
 However, when we were half way to the calabozo, Messrs. Stearns and 
 Temple appeared on the scene, and their presence seemed to have a bene- 
 ficial effect on our fortunes, for the people kept at a distance, while the 
 better-disposed women said that we were " pobrecitas," and hoped the 
 saints would pardon us. 
 
 1 wonder if that old calabozo is still in existence in Los Angeles ? Prob- 
 ably the march of improvement lias been the means of erecting a stately 
 stone prison instead of an adobe one, where refractory Indians were con- 
 fined, and foreigners were locked up after an extensive acquaintance with 
 native rum, or aguardiente. 
 
 My friend Lewey told me, the last time I saw him at Cherbourg, some 
 years ago, that he visited Los Angeles in 1854, his ship anchoring at San 
 Pedro, and that he saw the same place in which we were confined, and en> 
 tered the room where we were kept as prisoners, and that all remained as 
 
212 Lewey and I. 
 
 of old, but no one would believe that the polite naval officer had ever been 
 under lock and key in the Pueblo, even Messrs. Stearns and Temple re- 
 fusing to recognize the captain as the poor boy who had claimed their pro- 
 tection some years before, and he had to mention many particulars of cer- 
 tain transactions before he was credited with being one and the same 
 person. 
 
 We were escorted to the calabozo with as much ceremony as was con- 
 sistent with men who would like to have sold us our freedom for a small 
 sum, provided Don Sanchos was willing. But, as he cared more for ven- 
 geance than money just at that time, his gang did not dare to make any op- 
 position to his wishes. 
 
 Luckily for us there was no inmates of the prison at the time, so we had 
 all the fleas and odors to ourselves, and, after the keeper had turned the 
 key on us, and then went home to get his supper, we had an opportunity to 
 do a little talking and consulting. Lewey's confidence never left him. He 
 was as jaunty and self-possessed as a man who could command instant lib- 
 eration in case he desired it. I think that much of the e*lan was put on for the 
 sake of making me feel more comfortable and at ease. 
 
 We were about to light our pipes, and have a quiet smoke, when the 
 keeper of the prison returned to us in hot haste, and brought some food, 
 coffee, and fruit, and said that we were to be made comfortable regardless 
 of expense, and forthwith he produced half a dozen blankets, a light, and 
 blocks of wood for pillows, and when we inquired who had been so kind, he 
 grinned, and showed us a Mexican dollar, which proved that some one had 
 bribed him to look after our welfare. We had no doubt but that Mr. 
 Stearns and his family were acting with energy in our behalf, and did not 
 intend that we should starve or suffer if they could prevent it. 
 
 We talked of our situation, and confessed that it was net a comfortable 
 one in case Pedro did not turn up, or was found murdered on the trail, and 
 then fell asleep, and dreamed of the Admittance, surf, hide-droghin^, 
 and handsome women, and when we awoke the jailor brought us a cala- 
 bash of fresh water for our toilets, and then followed a nice breakfast, sent 
 from the house of our friends. 
 
 By eleven o'clock Don Sanchos came to the calabozo to escort us to the 
 presence of the alcalda, and when we were arraigned in the hall of justice a 
 crowd of men and women were there to gaze on us, and speculate on the 
 crime we had committed. 
 
 Among the spectators were the handsome ladies we had seen the day be- 
 fore, and each of them gave us a smile, while Messrs. Stearns and Temple 
 
Lewey and I. 213 
 
 came to us, and exchanged a r ew words of greeting. They said that they 
 intended to ask for a continuation of the case until another day, in hope 
 that something would turn up regarding the welfare of Pedro. 
 
 As soon as the alcalda had taken his seat, a lawyer, who seemed to act 
 for the government, stated the case in very clear terms, related the enormi- 
 ty of the crime, and then Mr. Temple put in a few words in our behalf. 
 He had known us, he said, as honest, hard-working boys, and ridiculed the 
 idea that we would commit murder. One of us was an American citizen, 
 and the other a native of France, different from the usual run ot sailors on 
 the coast, left without a ship to call their home. 
 
 At this point Don Antonio Sanchos whispered a few words to the attor- 
 ney for the government, and the latter said, 
 
 " These young men are no longer citizens of France and the perfidious 
 United States. They are subjects of Mexico, for they have signed matricu- 
 ladors, thus taking the first steps to be naturalized. We must deal with 
 them as with our own countrymen." 
 
 " Is this true ? " asked Mr. Stearns, turning to us. 
 
 " Yes, sir," was our prompt answer. 
 
 " What in the devil's name did you do that for ? " was the next 
 question. 
 
 " Because we were in love, and wanted to get married," we answered, 
 quite innocently. 
 
 " Oh, what fools," was the cheerful response. " Did n't you know any 
 better?" 
 
 " No, sir. We supposed it was all right." 
 
 " Well, it 's all wrong, and now we must trust to luck, and get you out of 
 the trouble the best way we can," and then turning to the alcalda Mr. 
 Stearns said, " We acknowledge that the young men have signed matricu- 
 ladors, but that only goes to show the honesty and good intentions of the 
 lads. They were anxious to become citizens of the State for certain rea 
 sons which will appeal to the judgment and good sense of every lady and 
 man present." 
 
 " What were the reasons, senor ? " demanded the alcalda, and he smiled 
 as he asked the question, although I really believe he knew all about the 
 matter at the time. 
 
 " Well, it seems the young men want to be married, and they supposed 
 the ceremony could not be performed unless naturalized, or that they gave 
 notice of their intentions to be." 
 
 At this explanation there was a general laugh from the male portion of 
 
214 Lewey and I. 
 
 the audience, and smiles and blushes on the part of the ladies. The latter 
 looked as though they thought our ambition a notable one, something that 
 should be commended, instead of ridiculed. 
 
 " We shall have to ask for a continuation of the case," Mr. Stearns said. 
 " Let the matter lay over for a few days, and perhaps the courier will turn 
 up all right." 
 
 " We can settle the subject at the present time just as well as though we 
 waited a week," the advocate for the government said. " California now 
 needs soldiers. Monterey is threatened by the United States. Already a 
 horde of robbers and murderers has invaded the territory. We must drive 
 them back to the mountains, or polute our soil with their graves. Let the 
 young men volunteer for the army, and the case will be instantly closed." 
 
 " But the lads did not matriculador for any such purpose," Mr. Stearns 
 remarked. " If there is any fighting to be done they prefer to do it after 
 they are married," which candid remark produced a laugh from the men, 
 and a pout from the women, the unmarried ones looking quite spiteful. 
 
 " Let the prisoners decide the question," the alcalda said. " They are 
 old enough to choose between imprisonment, or freedom, and the gayety of 
 a soldier's life." 
 
 " Vot skall ve do ? " whispered Lewey, but, before I could answer the 
 question by an indignant refusal, there were murmurs of astonishment, and 
 then came a chorus of voices, and the cry of, 
 
 "El correo, el correo," and pushing through the crowd we saw the mus- 
 cular form and handsome face of Pedro, the government courier, the man 
 we had met at Tobias's ranche, and with whom I had exchanged horses, 
 and paid a little to boot. 
 
 Don Antonio Sanchos did not look happy when he saw Pedro's well- 
 known face, and his eyes showed some of the disappointment he felt as the 
 courier sauntered forward, and stood in front of the alcalda. Every one in 
 the room knew the ranchero, and all were glad to welcome his return except 
 our enemies. 
 
 Mr. Temple, a smile on his face, sprang to his feet, and addressed the 
 alcalda. 
 
 " Senor," he said, " here is the caballero who was supposed dead, and 
 whom these young men were accused of murdering. Let him be put on 
 the stand, and questioned. You and I and every one present know him 
 well, and are sure of his truthful character." 
 
 " Si, si," was heard all over the room. " Let the correo speak, and tell 
 us what he knows of the young men." 
 
Lewey and /. 215 
 
 But Pedro did not seem to take heed of the murmurs. He looked 
 around upon the audience as though he did not quite understand what the 
 tumult was all about, and, as his eyes roamed here arid there, they suddenly 
 fell on our faces, and a smile lighted up his countenance and black eyes, as 
 he sprang toward us, and seized our hands, giving us a grip that almost 
 made the tears start, and then patting us on the backs with both hands 
 shouted, 
 
 " Amigos, amigos, como se va ? " or in English, " Friends, friends, how 
 do you do ? " 
 
 There was a great shout from the audience, and the young ladies looked 
 as though they wanted to kiss us, and we felt so pleased that we would 
 have willingly cast aside our timid modesty for the time being, and con- 
 sented to the embrace. 
 
 " Do you know these young men ? " asked the alcalda, as soon as the 
 noise had in some degree subsided. 
 
 " Si, senor," Pedro replied, in a loud tone so that all could hear. 
 
 " State what you know about them," was the command. 
 
 " One moment, senor. I am a government correo, and must deliver my 
 despatches before I answer any questions, or talk on matters that do not 
 concern the public welfare. Here are papers and letters from the alcalda 
 of San Diego. I have just arrived from that town, and come to your court 
 to deliver my messages. I was not aware that my two friends were under 
 arrest. I know not for what." 
 
 The courier placed in the alcalda's hand a bag containing the documents, 
 and the official glanced over the papers, but made no comment as he read 
 them, yet the news was important as it announced plans for the war, and 
 preparations for a vigorous defence. 
 
 " Now, senor correo," said the alcalda with a sigh, as he read the news, 
 and realized what the result might be, " you will please take the stand, and 
 tell us what you know about these young men." 
 
 " We have no desire to hear the correo, senor," the government attorney 
 cried. " We are satisfied that no murder has been committed, and with- 
 draw the charge." 
 
 " No, no," came from all parts of the room. " Let the correo speak at 
 once." 
 
 " It is necessary for the reputation of these young men that the correo 
 should be heard," Mr. Stearns cried. " They have told their story. Now 
 let Pedro tell his, and we shall see if they agree in their account of the 
 meeting." 
 
216 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Go on, Pedro," ordered the alcalda. " You have met the young men 
 before today ? " 
 
 " Yes, senor." 
 
 " Where did you first encounter them ? " 
 
 " At the ranche of Tobias, fifteen miles or more from San Diego, where 
 they had remained over night." 
 
 " You are friendly to the young men ? " was the next question. 
 
 " Gracias Dios, I should think so. They saved my life, and that of a 
 young girl, Florencia, the daughter of the ranchero." 
 
 " In what manner ? " and all the people in the room leaned forward to 
 catch every word that Pedro uttered, as he answered the question. 
 
 " The senors had started on their journey for this place, but met on the 
 road the Senorita Florencia, who was looking for the eggs of quails. While 
 exchanging salutations with her on the trail, a band of four Apache warri- 
 ors burst from the chapparel, and rode toward them, with the intention of 
 making a prisoner of the girl and killing the caballeros." 
 
 At this stage of the story the young girls uttered sobs, and the elderly 
 ladies crossed themselves, and said short prayers. 
 
 " Some men would have turned their horses' heads and fled," the correo 
 continued, " but not so my friends. They said to each other, * We will 
 save the young girl, or die for her.' " 
 
 Here there were ripples of applause, and the ladies flashed bright glances 
 at us, as though we were real heroes, and for a moment forgot their 
 tears. 
 
 " Go on, and tell us what was the result," the alcalda commanded. 
 
 " As the murdering devils of Apaches charged on the young men, they 
 dismounted, told the girl to make her escape with their horses, and stood 
 their ground, and fired." 
 
 " Yes, yes," cried a dozen voices. " Go on and tell us the balance of the 
 story." 
 
 " Two of the cruel thieves fell, and the third was also shot as he ad- 
 vanced. The fourth Apache was killed by Tobias, just as he was about to 
 overtake Florencia. None of the wild Indians were alive when I arrived 
 at the scene a few hours after the battle." 
 
 " Bueno," was the verdict of the people. 
 
 " But how do you make it that the young men saved your life ? " 
 asked the alcalda. 
 
 " In this way, senor. The Indians were raiding the district of San 
 Diego. If the young men had not been present they would have killed me, 
 
Lewey and I. 217 
 
 the girl, and Tobias. They were concealed in the chapparel, and awaiting 
 all who passed. I could not have protected myself against the sudden at- 
 tack. For this reason I say that I am indebted for my life to the senors. 
 I owe them muchos gracias." 
 
 The audience gave expression to their joy by a loud clapping of hands, 
 and the ladies waved rich fans, and looked pleased at the result, so unex- 
 pected to all. 
 
 " How did you happen to let the young men possess your horse ? " the 
 alcalda asked, as soon as the confusion had subsided. 
 
 Pedro blushed a little, and looked abashed for a moment. Then he ral- 
 lied, and said. 
 
 " My caballo was tired, and I needed a fresh and fast horse to run the 
 gauntlet of the wild Indians. The senor liked my animal. I favored his, 
 as I knew that it could travel faster than mine, when properly managed. I 
 made the exchange, and received eight reals to boot. It was a good bar- 
 gain for me, but if the senor is dissatisfied I will return him the money," 
 and at this point the audience laughed, and nodded to each other, as much 
 as to say Pedro was a sharp one, and no mistake. 
 
 " The horse is government property, and the correo had no right to ex- 
 change it," the attorney for the State cried, inspired by Don Sanchos. 
 
 Pedro grinned at the advocate, as he said, 
 
 " If the senor will look at my instructions he will see that I have full 
 power to buy, exchange, or take horses where and when I please. It 
 pleased me to exchange my steed for another, and I did so. But I will 
 give him back to my friend, for I fear I cheated him." 
 
 Then the people once more smiled, and, when I shook my head, and 
 said that I thought I had the best of the bargain, there was a general roar, 
 and even the alcalda joined in the mirth. 
 
 " The case is dismissed," said the magistrate. " The young men are 
 discharged." 
 
 Messrs. Temple and Stearns came to us and shook our hands, and con- 
 gratulated us upon our escape. But just then Don Sanchos made his voice 
 heard. 
 
 " I claim these young men for the army of California," he said. " We 
 need just such people. As matriculadors they must serve when called up- 
 on. Let them be enrolled at once, and sent to headquarters immediately." 
 
 This was not a pleasant termination of our trials. We did not like the 
 idea of being enrolled as Mexican soldiers, and compelled to fight against 
 the United States, but the alcalda reassured us, as he said, 
 
218 Lewey and I. 
 
 " The young men can be enlisted among the brave defenders of the 
 State, but they have the privilege of receiving a month's notice before 
 being called upon to serve. This is the law." 
 
 " Then, in conformity to the law, I give the matriculadors one month's 
 warning," Don Sanchos said, and he gave us a look that showed he would 
 not forget the exact time. But we answered his glances with a gesture of 
 contempt, for we had beaten him three times, and hoped to be enabled to 
 do so again, if the occasion served. 
 
 The alcalda arose, bowed to all present, and retired, and then we 
 found ourselves surrounded by the foreign residents, and congratulated on 
 the victory which we had gained. One lady, an aged dame, kissed us on 
 both cheeks, and called us blessed. She was a widow, and wanted a 
 second husband, and probably thought we might answer, but she smelled of 
 garlic, and her teeth were bad, so was out of the question as long as there 
 were young girls ready to take us for partners. 
 
 We did not get to Mr. Stearns's house till near three o'clock. Pedro 
 went with us, and told us how he had escaped the Indians on the route, and 
 that it was thought the savages had returned to the southern part of Ari- 
 zona. At all the ranches he had heard only praises of our conduct, and a 
 fervent hope that we would return some time. We sent our compliments 
 to Florencia and the other ladies, and Pedro said that he would deliver 
 them when he again passed over the trail, which might not be for a week or 
 ten days, just according to the news from Monterey. 
 
 Our dog Jack was frantic with delight when he saw us, and could not do 
 enough to show his pleasure. He had been very good, and only manifested 
 his loneliness by whining "once in a while, and looking down the street to 
 see if we were coming. 
 
 Our host gave us a very good dinner, and in the evening Lewey and I en- 
 tertained the company with an exhibition of legerdemain that pleased the 
 young ladies, and caused them to marvel at our skill. 
 
 The next day Sanchos and his gang left the Pueblo, and every one was 
 glad that he and his followers were gone, and it was hoped would never re- 
 turn. 
 
 We remained six days at Los Angeles, and then announced our in- 
 tended departure for Ranche Refugio. We were requested to stay, and 
 none were more urgent than the ladies of the household, but we pleaded 
 that honor and duty called us to go, and so one morning saddled our 
 horses, packed our baggage, and were ready to start, but as we bade all a 
 kind farewell, Mr. Stearns said, 
 
Lewey and L 219 
 
 " My lads, there are several American ships on the coast. Get on board 
 one of them, and stay there. Do not come on shore if you can help it. 
 Let the girls alone, and some day you will thank me for my advice, for it is 
 the best that I can give you." 
 
 We promised to think of the matter, and then saluted all who were pres- 
 ent to see us off, and trotted down the street, Jack barking himself hoarse 
 with delight at the prospect of meeting more adventures, and once in a 
 while, to vary the monotony, dashing at some greaser's dog, and sending 
 him scampering homeward, his stub tail between his legs with every evi- 
 dence of fear. 
 
 Pedro rode with us for ten miles or more, just as an act of courtesy. He 
 gave us directions as to our route and halting places, and the most feasible 
 way of crossing the coast range of mountains, between Los Angeles and 
 Santa Barbara, and when he had commended us to his patron saint, said 
 that God would watch over us, shook hands, and dashed back to the town 
 like a whirlwind, Lewey and I pursued our journey all alone. 
 
 " I dink," remarked my friend, as we loped over the trail, " dat ve made 
 von great mistake. Ve should have married two of de sweet little girls of 
 Los Angeles, and settled dar." 
 
 "And let our wives starve ? " I asked. 
 
 " Veil, ve skall starve vid dem, so de ding is equal,. Ve might as veil 
 take life easy in von place as anudder. Besides, I dink dem Pueblo senor- 
 itas has more money dan de udders." 
 
 " And keep away from Anita and Engracia ? " I asked, a little re- 
 proachfully. 
 
 " Veil, ve could hab gone and seed 'em vonce in a vhile," and then the 
 bad young man gave me a wink that was suggestive of an easy conscience 
 regarding the marriage relation. 
 
 But as I refused to encourage the ideas which he entertained the French 
 boy dropped the subject, and we rode on in silence for an hour or more. 
 It was quite evident to me that Lewey did not love the girl he had sworn to 
 honor and remember as strongly as he might have done, or he would not 
 have been attracted by the pretty faces we had seen since leaving San 
 Diego. I feared that there would be some difficulty in getting him to give 
 his hand unless his heart went with it. However, I trusted that the sight 
 of Engracia's sweet features might produce the usual results on his fickle 
 mind, and determined not to argue with him on the subject, as such a 
 course would make him more obstinate. 
 
 By twelve o'clock we had climbed the summit of the coast range of moun- 
 
22O Lewey and I. 
 
 tains, and looked once more on the Pacific, and the islands that extend 
 along the coast from Santa Barbara to San Pedro. The view was a mag- 
 nificent one, and, while we halted to partake of a slight luncheon, and rest 
 our horses, a Mexican ranchero rode toward us from a trail that led down 
 into the valley, in the direction of Buenaventura. He was a young fellow* 
 dark, and not prepossessing, and there was something in his face that re- 
 sembled the features of Don Sanchos and his brother Carlos, bold and 
 brutal. 
 
 The ranchero rode up and saluted us in a frank manner, asked where we 
 were going, and the news at Los Angeles, and, when we had answered all 
 of his questions in a satisfactory manner, intimated that he had a ranche a 
 short distance from where we were resting, and would be glad to welcome 
 us to his house and all that it contained, if we would honor him with a 
 visit. 
 
 Lewey, in his usual impulsive manner, sprang up, and proposed that we 
 should accept at once, but I felt such a repugnance to our visitor that I 
 firmly declined, pleading the need of haste to reach the end of our 
 journey. 
 
 " Vot a feller you is," Lewey remarked, in English. " Ve can go and see 
 his home, and perhaps he has a booful sister dar." 
 
 But I was firm, and at last the visitor looked the disappointment he felt 
 in not securing our presence at his ranche, and then in a sullen manner 
 mounted his horse, and, as he did so, asked, 
 
 " Are your rifles loaded, amigos ? " 
 
 I do not know why, but I made a prompt response that was not exactly 
 truthful, as I said, in a careless manner, 
 
 " Oh, no, we did not think it worth while, as the mountains are safe, we 
 have been told." 
 
 " You are sure ? " was the next question. 
 
 * Yes, quite." 
 
 The fellow instantly put a hand to his mouth, and uttered a peculiar cry, 
 and out of the bushes sprang three horsemen, all with long lariats in their 
 hands, and swinging them as they dashed toward us. 
 
 " Surrender, you gringos," cried the man who had wanted us to visit his 
 ranche, and accept of his hospitality. 
 
 We jumped to our feet, and laid hands on the rifles that were near, sur- 
 prised but not dismayed by the advance and sudden appearance of the 
 greasers. We saw at once that there was a plot and trick of some kind to 
 capture us, but for what reason we could not divine, as it was unknown 
 
v w:^ 
 
 *' 
 
Lewey and I. 223 
 
 that we had money on our persons, not having revealed the secret to a sin- 
 gle person, since we had been paid the doubloons by Captain Fitch, at San 
 Diego. 
 
 "What does this mean ? " asked Lewey in Spanish of the greaser. 
 
 " It means that you are my prisoners," was the ready answer. " Surren- 
 der, or we will drag you down the side of the mountain at the end of our 
 lariats." 
 
 " Keep off," we cried, as we backed against a pine-tree, the branches of 
 which would shield us from the whirl of the unerring lariats. " If you dare 
 to molest us we will kill you as we would a mad dog," and we raised our 
 rifles in a threatening manner. 
 
 " Bah, we do not care for your escopetas," was the cry, as the horsemen 
 formed in a line, and looked for a chance to ensnare us with their reatas, 
 but the tree afforded shelter, and they could not touch us or our horses, as 
 the branches extended for a long distance, and our backs were against the 
 trunk of the stout pine, or red wood, I have forgotten which. 
 
 The new-comers seemed to fear the muzzles of our guns, and rather held 
 back, until the owner of the ranche, and leader of the gang shouted, 
 
 " You need not care. Their rifles are empty. Ride them down, if the 
 gringos dare not come out and have a fair fight." 
 
 This was cool, even for a Mexican greaser. Four mounted, expert 
 horsemen daring two young man to leave the shelter of a tree, and trust to 
 their quickness in dodging the deadly reatas, which once over our forms 
 was certain death, or maimed for life. 
 
 " Keep away from us," we cried, in a calm tone. " We warn you that 
 there is death for two of you if an attack is made on us. Our rifles are 
 loaded, and we know how to use them. Ladrones of the devil, leave us in 
 peace, and we will not harm you." 
 
 The greasers laughed at the advice. They thought we were sure to be 
 captured sooner or later, and while we were speaking the men dismounted 
 to act to better advantage in approaching us, and then I noticed one of the 
 Mexicans reached down, and drew a long knife from his leggings. I knew 
 the meaning of the action as well as if the fellow had told me what he in- 
 tended to do. He would poise the cuchillo for a moment, and then let it 
 fly through the air, and it probably might hit within a few inches of the spot 
 he aimed at. I had seen the trick performed many times, and was not un- 
 prepared for it. 
 
 "Lewey," I whispered, "the greaser is about to throw his knife at us. 
 Take care." 
 
224 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Den throw a little lead at him afore he has de chance," was the 
 reply. 
 
 The Mexican raised his long, sharp knife, and the next moment it would 
 have penetrated one of our bodies, but I stopped his pleasant little pastime, 
 for, just as he was ready to throw, I aimed my rifle and fired. The ball 
 struck the greaser's shoulder, and, with a yell of pain, the knife was drop- 
 ped to the ground, and the fellow nearly tumbled over backward, so great 
 was his astonishment. 
 
 As if in response to the report of the rifle, far down the mountain side, 
 toward Santa Barbara, was heard the fan-fan of trumpets, the loud, shrill 
 blast of cavalry music, such as the California troops were accustomed to 
 march by. 
 
 The greasers listened eagerly for a moment, then mounted, and dashed 
 spurs in their horses' sides, and disappeared down one of the narrow trails 
 that led we knew not where. 
 
 "Dey got a stomach full dat time/' Lewey cried, as the last of the Mexi- 
 cans disappeared from sight, only the lad did not use quite such polite lan- 
 guage as I have written. " You gib von of dem somethin' dat he vill re- 
 member for many and many a long day, and de pain vill keep him avake for 
 some nights sure. Ah, to dink dat I vanted to go vid dat greaser, and felt 
 cross 'cos you vould not consent. You vill forgib me, bon compagnon ? " 
 and the French boy extended his hand. He was always ready to be for- 
 given when he had done anything more foolish than usual. 
 
 Up the side of the mountain we heard the shrill blast of the trumpets, 
 the sound re-echoing from peak to peak, and at last we saw a troop of Mex- 
 ican cavalry winding about the narrow trail at a slow pace, for the ascent 
 was difficult and dangerous, and at the head of the column were several of- 
 ficers in showy uniforms, with heavy sabres at their sides. There were 
 about one hundred men in all, but the fellows were slight and lacked 
 strength, yet they made excellent horsemen and capital scouts, quick and 
 accurate in the information they obtained of an enemy's position and 
 movements, as we afterward learned. 
 
 " Had ve better vait and see de sojers, or cut and run for it ? " asked 
 Lewey. 
 
 As the troops had already seen us, and were commenting on our unex- 
 pected presence in that part of the country, I thought that we had better 
 remain where we were, and have an interview, but just as I spoke the 
 squadron was halted, and a couple of scouts thrown out to see if there was 
 a force back of us, and what it was composed of. It is probable that the 
 
Lewey and I. 225 
 
 commander imagined the wicked Americans were stealing a march on the 
 Mexicans, and crossing the mountains to take Santa Barbara in flank and 
 rear, as could have been done very easily, if so disposed, but as there was 
 nothing to prevent an attack from the front or water side of the town, our 
 government did not deem it expedient to compel men to march ninety 
 miles instead of one. In fact, during the war, a midshipman from the frig- 
 ate Congress or Savannah, with twelve men-, held the pleasant town for 
 several weeks, and then marched out of the rude stockade they had erected 
 with all the honors of war, after being threatened by some hundred greasers, 
 who should have eaten them up before breakfast, as a little lunch to sharp- 
 en their appetites fora more substantial meal. 
 
 The scouts came on very cautiously, halting their mustangs every few 
 paces so that a good look could be obtained of us, but, when we rose up, 
 and showed our powerful forms, the soldiers dashed into the bushes to get 
 out of sight, for fear a shot might whistle around their ears. To prevent 
 further complications, and not provoke the men, we waved a serape in 
 token of peace, and then the scouts came toward us, and looked with as- 
 tonishment at our persons. 
 
 " Remember you is a Frenchman for dis day at least," Lewey said, as the 
 cavalry advanced up the mountain, and halted near our resting place. 
 
 "Who are you?" asked the officer commanding, "and what are you do- 
 ing here ? " 
 
 " We are French lads," answered Lewey, " and on our way to get 
 mairied." 
 
 Then men and officers laughed and shouted at the information. It was a 
 little singular that people always smiled and joked us when we stated that we 
 were about to be married, just as though there was something to make mer- 
 ry over in the announcement. We thought it was rather a serious piece of 
 business, and most folks find it so before they die. 
 
 " When did you leave Los Angeles ? " asked the commander, as soon as 
 the laughter had subsided. 
 
 We told him, and also said there was no news of importance at the 
 Pueblo. The colonel and men were going to the town to look after the 
 Americans who might land at San Pedro, and march to Los Angeles, as 
 they afterward did, and got licked by the greasers in an out and out man- 
 ner, about the only victory the Mexicans gained over the United States 
 forces, composed of sailors and marines, and not a field piece to offset the 
 only one the Californians owned. 
 
 "Have you papers permitting you to travel through the country?" 
 
226 Lewey and I. 
 
 asked the officer, after we had given him all the information we thought 
 desirable. 
 
 " Certainly, senor," was our answer. " We have a pass from General 
 Castro. Shall we produce it ? " 
 
 " Yes, let me see it." 
 
 We handed the paper to him. He read it carefully, and then returned it 
 to us. 
 
 " That is all right," and then his eyes fell on our rifles. The pistols we 
 had put out of sight, as we feared the soldiers would be tempted to take 
 them. 
 
 " I heard a shot as I came up the mountain," the colonel said. " What 
 were you firing at ? " 
 
 " A deer, senor," as we did not deem it advisable to tell him all that we 
 knew. 
 
 " And you missed ? " with a laugh. 
 
 " Yes, senor ; the deer was a long distance from us.'' 
 
 " Let me see your rifles," was the next command. 
 
 Lewey promptly stepped forward, and held them up for his inspection. 
 
 " These are good weapons. I need them for my men to fight the Ameri- 
 cans," the officer remarked in a very cool tone. " I will keep them." 
 
 " Is there anything else you would like that belongs to us ? " Lewey 
 asked in a sarcastic manner. 
 
 ; ' Yes, your horses. They look like good ones, and well broken to the 
 saddle. We will take them." 
 
 "And also the saddles? " demanded my friend, keeping down the rage 
 that wanted to find vent. 
 
 " Yes, the saddles also." 
 
 " Perhaps you need our blankets ? " Lewey inquired, with a sneer. 
 
 " We can use them," was the prompt reply. 
 
 " I '11 be hanged if you do," my friend cried in Spanish, and then threw 
 up his arms, looked down the side of the mountain, and shouted wildly, 
 while he seized the two rifles from the officer's hands, tossed them to me, 
 and continued, 
 
 " Gracias Dios, here comes Fremont and his desperate gang of trappers 
 and wild Indians. We shall all be murdered in cold blood if we are cap- 
 tured. Save me some one." 
 
 " Adelante," yelled the commander of the cavalry, not stopping to see if 
 the report was true. "Vamous, muy presto," and with a yell the whole 
 body of men struck their spurs into the horses' sides, and went on with a 
 
Leivey and I. 227 
 
 rush and a dash so charming to see that Lewey just laid down on one of 
 the most convenient flat rocks, and roared until the tears blinded his eyes. 
 The last we saw of the troop the colonel was a little ahead of his men, but 
 not much, and leading the officers were the two trumpeters, their instru- 
 ments over their backs, and pounding their spines at every jump of the mus- 
 tangs on which they were mounted. 
 
 We did not lose any time in saddling our horses, gathering up our traps, 
 and descending the mountain trail, only to ascend another that seemed 
 higher than the one we left, and so we pushed on until near night, when we 
 came to a lonely ranche in a valley, and craved permission to pass the night 
 under the shelter of an out-building. The owner and wife were a little 
 dazed, as they had been visited by the Mexican cavalry in the morning, and 
 the bold warriors consumed everything they could lay their hands on, be- 
 sides helping themselves to horses and two bullocks, the latter eaten for 
 breakfast, only the choicest bits being taken by the dainty soldiers, and the 
 rest thrown to the dogs. 
 
 While Lewey was looking after the horses, and piquetting them where 
 the grass was good, I took my rifle, and sauntered along to the edge of 
 some trees, and managed to stumble on a fat doe, which I shot, and carried 
 to the house. We dressed the carcass, and had some nice venison steaks, 
 and then the ranchero and his wife regaled us with a few interesting ac- 
 counts of the treatment they had received at the hands of their country- 
 men, and, when the lady said that the soldiers had insulted her by offering 
 to salute her chaste lips, we thought that the depravity of the cavalry was 
 something to be deplored, or their stomachs of unbounded strength, for 
 Lewey stated that there was not enough money in all California to tempt 
 him to do such a thing, which is sufficient proof that the senora was very 
 plain, and smelled of garlic. 
 
 We were not disturbed during the night, except by the yelping of coy- 
 otes, and the usual terrific attack of fleas. But as we were accustomed to 
 both nuisances we managed to have a fair quantity of sleep, and were ready 
 for breakfast at sunrise, and on our way by eight o'clock, the host and wife 
 requesting us to call and see them if we ever traveled that way again. 
 
 It was a beautiful morning, cool and crisp, and the heavy dew of the 
 night had freshened the grass and flowers, and filled the air with perfume. 
 Our hearts and spirits were light as we galloped along the valleys, or 
 walked our horses slowly up the steep mountains, keeping to the trail, so 
 blind in some places we had to pick our way to be sure that we were on the 
 right road, and it was not until late in the afternoon that we stood on the 
 
228 Lewey and I. 
 
 last hill that overlooked Santa Barbara, sleeping quietly in the valley, with 
 the white mission church, the bells of which were clanging for some unusu- 
 al service for the pious. There, in front of the town, was the long, sandy 
 beach, with the surf breaking white upon the shore, where we had landed 
 so many times, got ducked so often, and passed so many happy hours while 
 on board the ship Admittance, only at that period we did not know that we 
 were enjoying life, but thought ourselves miserable and over-worked. The 
 place seemed like a home to us, it looked so familiar, calm and content un- 
 der the warm afternoon sun. Just inside the kelp was anchored a large ship, 
 and we imagined it to be the Sterling, a Boston vessel, after hides, flying 
 the American flag at the peak, in defiance of the Mexicans and the war that 
 was supposed to be raging at the time, only Santa Barbara had not seen 
 any bloodshed thus far, and the people were not holding meetings, and ad- 
 vising ev.ery one to go to the scene of strife, and die like heroes for their 
 country. The male portion of the inhabitants at that time only wanted to 
 be let alone, and allowed to sleep and eat their meals in peace. 
 
 For an hour we sat there on the summit of that hill, and looked at the 
 town and the ocean, and enjoyed the prospect before us. Eighteen miles 
 beyond us, to the .north, was Ranche Refugio, the end of our journey, and 
 Lewey's face glowed as he suddenly remembered the object of our trip, 
 and some of his young love seemed to revive as he pointed toward the 
 place, and said, 
 
 " Dar is vare ve vill see de girls. Tomorrow ve vill clasp dem in our 
 arms, and de next day ve vill talk ober vedder it is best to be married or 
 remain single. Come on, mon ami," and we descended the hill, and rode 
 toward the town, people staring at us, and wondering who we were, and 
 whether we were Mexicans or foreigners. 
 
 We knew every public man and house in town, but did not feel like call- 
 ing on our acquaintances and requesting hospitality, so concluded that we 
 would pull up at some greaser's place, and pay our way, thus being inde- 
 pendant of every one. We supposed the rich men of the town, the Robin- 
 sons and Noriegos, would be offended at our course, and desire us as guests, 
 but we imagined that our explanations would prevent any hard feelings on 
 their part, and thus break up the friendship that had existed so long be- 
 tween us. Beside, we did not really think the above-named parties would 
 be likely to recognize us in case we made them a friendly call, and claimed 
 bed and board for a few nights. 
 
 While we were speculating on these things, little thinking that my com- 
 panion, in the course of a few years, would be escorted through the same 
 
Lewey and I. 229 
 
 dusty streets, the guest of the best people of Santa Barbara, and represent- 
 ing the French nation as the captain of a man-of-war, whom should we see 
 walking along, in a brown study, as though calculating the price of hides 
 and tallow, silks and cotton fabrics, but Mr. H. F. Teschemacher, our for- 
 mer assistant supercargo, and some years later mayor of San Francisco. 
 
 We looked at him quite hard, but he did not recognize us, and at last 
 spoke to him, and even then it was some time before he could realize that 
 the two browned, sun-burned boys were the same parties who had been on 
 the Admittance for three years. To be sure our costumes were a little 
 travel-stained, and in some places ragged, and we would not have passed as 
 caballeros of the first class, or been considered good ornaments for a draw- 
 ing-room, but our hearts and principles were first-class, as could have been 
 detected by those who made a study of humanity under all sorts of guises. 
 
 " Where did you boys come from ? " asked the astonished supercargo, as 
 soon as he could realize who we were. 
 
 We told him all about our discharge, and travel by land from San Diego, 
 and the object of our journey, and when we alluded to the expected wed- 
 ding the gentleman smiled. 
 
 " Well, of all the fools I ever met you two boys are the greatest," was the 
 candid remark, and we did not take offence as we had got accustomed to 
 that kind of talk, and considered it complimentary to be men of our words. 
 " Don't you know that the country is turned upside down by the war be- 
 tween Mexico and the United States ? " Mr. Teschemacher continued. 
 " The ship Sterling is in the harbor. Tomorrow I will get you berths on 
 board of her, and in a short time you can return home." 
 
 " Thank you, but we are not anxious to ship just at present," I said. 
 " We intend to settle down, and be residents of the country, raise cattle, 
 and get rich like other people." 
 
 " What nonsense," was the response. " You do not know the danger 
 you are in. Have you any money ? " 
 
 " Not a cent," was that blessed, untruthful Lewey's response, and the 
 lad winked at me as he spoke. 
 
 " Here," said the supercargo, putting his hand in his pocket, and pulling 
 out two Mexican dollars. " Take these, and tomorrow I will see about 
 shipping you on the Sterling. You can find a place to sleep at most any of 
 these houses, I have no doubt." 
 
 " Mil gracias," laughed Lewey, as he refused the coins. " Ve is not 
 traveling beggars jist yet. Ve danks you jist de same though as if ve vas 
 in vant." 
 
230 Lewey and I. 
 
 While we were thus expressing our appreciation of the gentleman's kind- 
 ness another party drew near, and we saw that the new-comer was Mr. Rob- 
 inson, whom we had met many times at Santa Barbara, the same gentleman 
 who was at one time supercargo of the ship Alert and brig Pilgrim. Mr. 
 Dana did not like him very well for some reason, but I had no fault to find 
 with his conduct on the coast toward sailors, or any one else, as he seemed 
 kind and considerate. 
 
 " Did you ever see these young men before, Mr. Robinson ? " Mr. 
 Teschemacher asked, as the former gentleman took a good square look at 
 us. 
 
 " Not to my knowledge," was the answer. " Who are thsy ? " 
 
 " Two of Peterson's boys. They were discharged at San Diego, and 
 now want to marry, and grow up with the country." 
 
 " What fools," was the usual rejoinder, and then Mr. Robinson laughed, 
 just as though he had said something funny, but we did not see anything to 
 be merry about. It was rather serious business with us. 
 
 "Where do you intend to stop tonight?" asked the ex-supercargo. 
 
 We said that we did not know. We were looking for a place to rest and 
 refresh ourselves. 
 
 " Well, go to that house near the mission, and you will find shelter for 
 the night. Tell the ranchero to charge the bill to me." 
 
 " Thanks," I remarked, " but as my friend Lewey so forcibly puts it we 
 are not tramping beggars just at present." 
 
 At this moment Jack, who wanted his supper, and was impatient at the 
 long conference, uttered a doleful bark. 
 
 " Nice dog that of yours, boys," Mr. Robinson said. " Will you sell 
 him?" 
 
 " No, sir. He is not for sale," was our prompt response. 
 
 " I will give you five dollars for him," the gentleman urged, a large sum 
 considering that every house in Santa Barbara had from four to ten curs 
 lying about the court-yards, and yelping at all hours of the night. 
 
 Perhaps he thought our poverty could be relieved in the way of trade, 
 but if such was the case he was mistaken, for Lewey spoke hotly and in- 
 dignantly. 
 
 " Not for five hundred dollars vould ve sell de dog vot has been vid us 
 in trouble and in pleasure, loves all de same vot ve loves, him dot has stood 
 by us ven ve vanted friends, and nebber turned his back on us ven an en- 
 emy appeared. He is part of us, and in good fortune or in bad, if ve has a 
 bone or a crust, poor little Jack skall share it vid us, and receive de biggest 
 
Lewey and I. 231 
 
 part even if ve is starvin'. Dat is de kind of boys ve is, vot has a dog ve 
 vill not sell for money, nor love, nor friendship. Five dollars," the indig- 
 nant Lewey repeated. " No, not for five dousand vould ve take for de ani- 
 mile, and dat is our answer, now and foreber, amen." 
 
 The gentlemen laughed at the French lad's enthusiasm, but it was not a 
 smiling matter for us, so I nodded assent to Lewey's impassioned speech, 
 and believed all that he uitered, and agreed to it. 
 
 "How about the horses?" asked the ex -supercargo. "They are nice 
 animals, and I will buy them if you have the power to sell." 
 
 " The mustangs are ours," I answered. " We came by them in a fair 
 and honorable manner, but where we go they will also go, and no sum that you 
 can offer will purchase them. The horses and dog are the only friends we 
 have in California, and those we will keep as long as we have the power to 
 claim them," and off we rode, leaving the two gentlemen to speculate as to 
 the temper of the boys they had encountered, lads who would not sell what 
 they owned, a new idea for California, where money had its purchasing 
 power among all classes of officials. 
 
 We did not notice the adobe house that was pointed out to us, but found 
 another where we saw a ranchero standing in the doorway, a man whom we 
 had seen many times on our ship, and whom we had laughed and joked 
 with when he brought hides to the beach for the rich ranche owners. He 
 was glad to see us, and offered to give us some supper and breakfast, a 
 feed of barley for our horses, and shelter for the night, all for a small sum, 
 if we had money enough to pay, if not we were welcome to everything with- 
 out cost. 
 
 We intimated that we could find a few spare dollars, and then piquetted 
 our horses, fed them, had the usual supper, tortillas and an olia, and 
 after it was finished strolled about the town, past Don Noriego's house, 
 where I saw his young and handsome daughter sitting on the veranda of 
 her residence, and playing some soft, low notes on a guitar. I stood lean- 
 ing on the wall of the court-yard, near where I had eaten my first dinner in 
 Santa Barbara, and listened to her performance for more than an hour, but 
 she never noticed me, probably supposing that I was a ranchero visiting 
 the town, and attracted by the music, as there were a dozen other people 
 present as well as Lewey and myself, and we attracted no attention in the 
 twilight, being in Mexican costume, and broad sombreros drawn well over 
 our faces. We smoked two or three pipes of tobacco while waiting, and at 
 last the moon came up, and its silvery wealth of light shone on the people 
 who were close to the veranda. I noted the old don and family, and won- 
 
232 Lewey and I. 
 
 dered if they would recognize me if I went forward, spoke to them, and told 
 them who I was. 
 
 But I was fearful of a repulse, and to be mortified in the presence of a 
 beautiful woman is a terrible disgrace in the eyes of a boy, and so, with a 
 sigh, I turned away from the court-yard, and we shaped our course toward 
 the beach, and, because I was silent and reflective. Lewey also assumed a 
 sad expression, and at last turned to me, and asked, 
 
 " Thorn, mon bon ami, is you still spoons on de gal? " just as though I 
 was in love with the lady we had heard playing on the guitar, and Lewey's 
 warm heart went out of its way to meet and sympathize with me in my lone- 
 liness. 
 
 - " Thorn," the French boy asked, " does you love her more den you does 
 me? :> 
 
 And he put out his hand in a beseeching, half-timid manner, and there, 
 near the beach of Santa Barbara, with the full moon shining down upon our 
 heads, and Jack at our feet, wondering at the quietness of our proceedings, 
 we shook hands, looked into each other's eyes, and then, without a word 
 being spoken, resumed our walk, and presently sat down on the damp sand, 
 and gazed at the white surf, as it rolled and tumbled on the beach, and 
 roared mildly in a language that we could understand, for it told of gales at 
 sea, and reefed topsails, wet jackets, and hard work. 
 
 While we sat there the Sterling's boat came on shore for the captain, and 
 we watched the boys as they landed through the rollers, and contrasted 
 their labor with our own, when we had the same duties to perform. The 
 lads came toward us, but we did not speak to them, and, as they supposed 
 we were greasers, who could not understand English, they paid no attention 
 to us, but tumbled around the beach, and blanked the master for being so 
 late in coming down from the town. 
 
 But he made his appearance at last, and the boat was pulled through the 
 surf to the ship, and then we heard the men hoist the gig up, and over the 
 water came the ringing, clear tones of the bell, as it struck half-past nine, 
 or three bells, in nautical parlance. 
 
 We strolled back to the town, past the houses where fandangos were 
 flourishing, to our quarters, saw that our horses were resting quietly, and 
 then lay down on our blankets, and, with saddles for pillows, went to sleep, 
 Jack nestling close to our heads, and occasionally dreaming of fighting 
 mountain lions or coyotes, but only a sharp word was necessary to awaken 
 him to the fact that he had made a mistake. Then he would sigh to think 
 that all was not real, scratch or bite a flea, and go to sleep again, sometimes 
 
Lewey and I. 233 
 
 snoring like a human being, he was so tired with his long journey through 
 the day. 
 
 Our host returned from a fandango about twelve o'clock, and did us the 
 honor of stumbling over us in his course to a rude bed, where his wife had 
 been slumbering for some hours, as he had not thought it necessary to in- 
 vite her to accompany him on his tour of pleasure, acting like many hus- 
 bands of modern times, outside of California. 
 
 At sunrise we were aroused, even the sleepy ranchero being stirred up by 
 the shrill-voiced spouse, who scolded in the choicest of Spanish for the 
 man's misdeeds of the night before, all of which he received with an im- 
 becile grin, as though long custom had taught him the folly of replying to 
 her sharp tongue. 
 
 The lady was kind enough to prepare our breakfast, and then, as this 
 was the last day of our long journey, we took a little more pains with our 
 costumes, washed some of the accumulated dirt and dust from our persons, 
 put on a fresh flannel shirt, and at eight o'clock were ready for our gallop 
 to Ranche Refugio. 
 
 " How much shall we pay you for our entertainment ? " we asked the 
 host, but the man shook his head, and said, as he glanced anxiously toward 
 his partner, 
 
 " Not a medio. You are welcome," and then added, in a whisper, " The 
 wife is a little loco this morning, because she thinks I danced with the girls 
 last night. If you desire to make her a present I shall have no objections. 
 Anything to keep peace in the family." 
 
 I gave the woman a four-real piece, and she was satisfied, for her face 
 lost some of its sternness, and she even asked us to come and remain an- 
 other night when we were disposed, a request that her husband 
 seconded. 
 
 We rode slowly down the main street to the beach, and took one more 
 look at the calm, beautiful bay, and the roaring surf. A boat was on 
 shore from the Sterling, taking off hides, the men up to their hips in water, 
 none too warm at that season of the year, and we could hear the sailors 
 blank California every time there was an unusually large roller, which al- 
 most lifted the persons who held the boat's bow in place off their feet. 
 This sounded so natural that we could not help snickering, for it reminded 
 us of other days, when we performed the same kind of work, and indulged 
 in the same strong expletives. 
 
 The sailors heard us laugh, and one of the men said, with a growl and 
 an oath, 
 
234 Lewey and I. 
 
 " You bloody greasers, we wish you had to do this job. Then you would 
 grin out of the other side of your mouths." 
 
 " Gently on the oaths, shipmate," I remarked in a quiet tone. " We did 
 that kind of labor for most three years, and had our share of surf and 
 duckings." 
 
 " Who in the bloody thunder are you anyhow ? " the man asked, for he 
 did not recollect our faces, although he had seen us often on board the Ad- 
 mittance when the Sterling first came on the coast. 
 
 Our Mexican costumes had so changed our appearance that even mess- 
 mates would not have recognized us very readily. Besides, a little soft 
 down had began to appear on our upper lips, and we were very particular 
 to cultivate it for all that it was worth, as it made us look a little more man- 
 ly, relieving us of the green, boyish appearance we had assumed for so 
 many years. 
 
 As all the shore party were attracted by the conversation, I thought it 
 only right that the sailor should have an answer, so said, in a dignified 
 tone, 
 
 " This gentleman," pointing to Lewey, " is the governor of the State, 
 while I am only the commander of the army, and have the title of 
 general." 
 
 " It is a blanked lie," roared the old salt. " You are two bloody beach- 
 combers, and run away from some whale ship. I can tell by the cut of your 
 jibs." 
 
 We thought it was not worth while to continue the conversation as we 
 were getting the worst of it. The man had not come far from the truth, 
 so, with a laugh at the sailor's remark, we turned from the hard sand of the 
 beach, and struck the trail that led to the ranche, our route being on and 
 near the seashore the whole distance. 
 
 It was a delightful ride that morning, for the ocean was on our left, and 
 the coast range of mountains on our right, and a gentle breeze from the 
 northwest ruffled the surface of the water, cool and bracing. A late show- 
 er had laid the dust, and revived the drooping grass and flowers. There 
 was no mud to splash through, as would have been the case in the early 
 part of the wet season, when water sometimes falls in torrents for several 
 days. 
 
 We were seemingly all impatience to see the girls for whose sakes we 
 had made such sacrifices, and wondered how they would receive us, if with 
 joy or coldness. Yet we dreaded to reach the goal of our hopes, and soon 
 after passing Point Arena let our horses walk for half an hour, each of us 
 
Lewey and f. 235 
 
 busy with his own thoughts. When Lewey looked up, and saw that I was 
 watching his face, the lad laughed, and said, 
 
 " I dink de same ding dat you does. Ve has been fools, and now ve 
 must go on and be bigger vons, hey ? " 
 " I still love Anita," I sighed. 
 
 " Dat is not so, and you knows it," was the candid remark. " If you vas 
 von caballero grand you vould not take de girl for a vife, but look in some 
 udder quarter, vare you vould not ashamed be. Dat know I quite plain. 
 But ve has pledged our vord, and a Frenchman nebber go back on dat 
 nebber. His honor is at stake." 
 
 " Especially when you made love to Florencia at the lonely ranche," I 
 remarked. 
 
 " Veil, dat vas von exception," was the candid reply. " I lose my head 
 dar, but now de honor of a Frenchman all come back, and he remember his 
 vord and his vows." Then he hesitated for a moment, and continued, 
 " But I vish dat dey had uttered been nebber, and if de girls is married cry 
 shall not I." 
 
 Perhaps he expressed my sentiments in a measure, for it must be remem- 
 bered that we had not seen the objects of our affection for several months, 
 and a boy's love is not supposed to last forever when separated from the 
 one he thinks so beautiful. 
 
 After a while we loped along, and by twelve o'clock were near the gulch 
 that led to the ranche, where we had landed so many times in the surf. 
 We walked our horses up the ravine to the house where the pretty sisters 
 resided, and with whom Lewey and I had waltzed one afternoon. How the 
 old days came back to us as we recognized familiar scenes and sights. My 
 heart was beating so strongly that I could hear its motion, and felt nervous 
 and weak, so much so that I dismounted, and went to the young ladies' 
 house, and asked for a drink of water. 
 
 Both of the senoritas were at home, and readily complied with my re- 
 quest. Then they politely asked us to partake of some fruit, and sent a 
 peon for it when we did not decline the offer. They saw that we were 
 foreigners and travelers, and tried to make our rest agreeable. They did 
 not recognize us until we made ourselves known, and then expressed aston- 
 ishment at our being where we were, as they supposed we had arrived home 
 long ago, even if the matter had been considered for a moment by young 
 ladies who had no special interest in us or our ship. 
 
 We did not inform the girls that we were on a matrimonial errand, as 
 Lewey, in his usual careful manner, thought that it was just as well not to, 
 
236 Lewey and I, 
 
 the beauty of the ladies beginning to make an impression on his suscepti- 
 ble heart, and he said that it was always best to have an anchor to the 
 windward, meaning, I suppose, that if we did not find Anita and Engracia 
 all we desired, we could repudiate them, and fall back upon the sisters, in 
 the hope that they might be induced to smile on us, but they were far above 
 us in rank and fortune, and could look higher in every respect for a matri- 
 monial market. 
 
 We did not offer to leave the house of the pretty sisters until we had 
 controlled our agitation. Then we bade farewell to the senoritas, mounted 
 our horses, and went to the well-remembered adobe hut where Anita and 
 Engracia resided. With flushed faces and beating hearts we dismounted 
 and approached the door, which stood wide open, with a fire in front of the 
 premises, and an olia simmering on the coals, showing that dinner was 
 nearly ready. 
 
 The noise we made attracted attention, and an old woman came to the 
 door, and looked at us in wonderment and surprise. 
 
 " Engracia," Lewey asked. " Where is she ? " and to have judged by 
 the lad's face one would have thought that on his question hung a matter of 
 life and death. 
 
 " Anita," I said. " Tell me where she is, and that she is well." 
 
 Still the old woman looked at us, and did not answer a word. A feeling 
 of gloom took possession of our minds. The girls were dead or ill, we 
 thought. 
 
 " Who are you? " the woman asked at last. 
 
 " Do you not recollect us ? We are the boys who used to give you 
 bread and tobacco. The same ones who made love to your daughters, and 
 presented them with stockings, money, and other things," we both cried 
 eagerly. 
 
 The old woman advanced toward us in a hurried manner, and a look of 
 peculiar determination on her face. Ah, she recognized us at last, was all 
 ready to give us a kind, mother-in-law embrace, and call down blessings 
 and prayers for happiness on our heads, and we were willing to fall upon 
 our knees, and receive the orisons that were to ascend to heaven in our 
 behalf. 
 
 " Mother," cried Lewey, with a sob, " for such we must now call you, 
 speak to us of those we esteem so much. Let us see them, so that we can 
 feast our eyes on their beauty, and tell them that we have never ceased to 
 think, even for a moment, of those we adore, and have loved so many 
 
Lewey and I. 237 
 
 months. But now our reward is to come, and with joyful hearts we will 
 greet your beautiful daughters." 
 
 " Will you ? " asked the old woman, in a tone that was intended to be 
 sarcastic. " Ladrones of the devil, what sent you here to an honest wo- 
 man's house ? Get you gone, or there will be trouble." 
 
 Did we hear aright? Were those peppery remarks directed to us, to 
 boys who had supplied the old woman with pounds and pounds of pilot 
 bread and tobacco, who had been encouraged to call at all times, and never 
 a word said against our engagements ? No, there was some mistake, or 
 else it was all a dream, and we should at last awaken from it, and laugh at 
 our fears and strange fancies. 
 
 " My good madre," began Lewey, in a soothing tone, " you do not recog- 
 nize us. Look at us well, and see your future sons-in-law, who will be 
 proud to labor for your welfare," and then the lad added in English, " I kick 
 her de house out de fust day I is spliced. I nebber live vid her near me, 
 no nebber, by gar." 
 
 " Mai vagabondos," the old woman remarked, " I know both of you, and 
 have heard enough. Get you gone from here, or I '11 scald the life out of 
 your heretic carcasses, as sure as I have a patron saint." 
 
 " Veil, dis beats me," my French friend said. " I vould rudder face a 
 mountain lion dan dat dreadful voman at any dime. Is dis de veddin' feast 
 to invited vich ve are ? " 
 
 I could only look on, and wonder what had changed the sentiments of the 
 mother. Had we come all the way from San Diego to listen to such abuse ? 
 To be called thieves and vagabonds ? To be grossly insulted by an old hag, 
 who had eaten our bread, and smoked our tobacco, and glad enough to get 
 them? 
 
 This was putting our love to a severe test, but one thing I was resolved 
 upon. Never should that old woman live in the house with me and mine. 
 I had heard enough of her tongue to last a life time, and what could I ex- 
 pect if she was always near me ? 
 
 " What shall we do ? " I asked Lewey, who was inclined to stand his 
 ground, like the boy on the burning deck from whence all had fled. 
 
 " I vill nebber run from a voman," he answered. " A Frenchman is 
 brave, and can fight, but he nebber runs, no nebber," and as he spoke the 
 woman raised an earthen jar from the fire, and the way that lad walked 
 backward to get out of her reach was suggestive of a panic if she had but 
 pursued. 
 
 " Don't be afraid of her, Lewey," I said. " She is harmless." 
 
238 Lewey and I. 
 
 And just as I uttered the words the old lady snatched up a burning 
 brand, and was about to hurl it at my head, when Jack thought that he 
 would take a hand, and show what he could do as a peacemaker, as he 
 feared some desperate assault was about to be made on his best and most 
 loved friends. 
 
 As the senora raised the burning fagot, having dropped the vessel of hot 
 water, it being too cumbersome to use with facility, Jack supposed that an 
 attack was to commence in earnest. He uttered a short, savage bark, and 
 went for her bare eet and ankles, and perhaps a little above the latter, for 
 he must have nipped the flesh, as the woman uttered a scream like that of 
 an enraged mountain lion. Then she gave a jump in the air, and when she 
 came down lost her balance and sat on the olia that was preparing for din- 
 ner. It was warm and liquid, and the soup must have burned her, for she 
 clapped her hands to the after part of her thin and nearly the only garment 
 she wore, and said some things that should not have been uttered by a 
 woman who had prospective sons-in-law within hearing. 
 
 Her yells brought to the scene some of the neighbors, who came to sym- 
 pathize and console her, and, as the people seemed to think we were to 
 blame, Lewey motioned to our horses, so we mounted and rode swiftly 
 away, not caring where as long as we were clear of that woman and her 
 dreadful words and imprecations. 
 
 When we were out of sight of the home of our beloved girls we halted, 
 and looked at each other in wonderment. 
 
 " Veil," said Lewey, " ebery von has said ve vos fools, and now vot does 
 dink you on de subject? " a question hard to answer, for we did not know 
 what we should do, or where we should go for even a night's lodging or a 
 late dinner. Our love affairs wore a decidedly gloomy look, we thought, 
 and what was to be our next move was a most important question, and one 
 not easily answered. We had suffered and endured privations for the sake 
 of two dark-eyed girls, and now we were thrown aside as useless lumbc>r. 
 But we had one satisfaction, we felt as though our hearts were not quiie 
 broken even if we were jilted. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A MUTUAL AGREEMENT. AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. THE RANCHE. A 
 FANDANGO, AND AN UNEXPECTED MEETING, A GRAND SURPRISE TO 
 ALL. DON ANTONIO SANCHOS PUTS IN AN APPEARANCE. A STRUG- 
 GLE FOR LIFE. A DISAPPOINTED GREASER. ON THE MARCH. A 
 SWIFT EXECUTION. A LADY'S GRATITUDE. A NEW PROGRAMME. 
 THE ESCORT AND ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 MY French friend's question was an important one, and I took some 
 time to answer it. We had not been received in a very hospitable 
 manner, it was true, by the mother of the young girls we had hoped to 
 marry, and our flight from the scene of her home was more like a panic than 
 an orderly retreat. We had seen the old lady, and heard her in tones we 
 could not fail to understand, but had obtained no glimpse of the daughters, 
 and I wondered if they approved of such conduct on the part of their par- 
 ent. We had not found plain sailing thus far, and what to do next was a 
 question I could not answer, but did say in a frank manner, 
 
 "Yes, Lewey, we have made fools of ourselves. Now what shall 
 we do ? " 
 
 " I tells you," he answered. "Ve vill go back tode pretty sisters, and 
 makes love to dem." 
 
 Ah, what a boy he was for resources. Always ready with some plan to 
 make life happy, and never casting a thought to the disagreeable part. He 
 could turn from one girl to another without a sigh of regret for the failure 
 of his projects, or a thought of the vows he had uttered. 
 
 The proposition he advanced was a tempting one, and I should not have 
 hesitated to embrace it, except that my colder, northern blood convinced 
 me that the plan was not a feasible one, for I doubted if the young ladies 
 would be ready to listen to the ardent protestations of two penniless young 
 
240 Lewey and I. 
 
 men, wandering vagabonds, as the old woman had called us in her blind 
 rage. 
 
 " But vot can ve do ? " my friend asked, after I had refused to listen to 
 his advice. 
 
 " We can return to Santa Barbara, and ship on board the Sterling, or 
 some other vessel," I said. 
 
 " Nebber," was the candid reply. " I does no more vork afore de mast 
 unless I is starvin'. Somethin' vill turn up for us. You see if speaks de 
 truth do not I." 
 
 And, as he finished his indignant protest, a ranchero hove in sight, lop- 
 ing along a trail that led toward the mountains. The Mexican drew up 
 when he saw two strangers, seated on horseback, as if undecided where to 
 go and what to do, passed the usual salutations, and touched his 
 sombrero. 
 
 " Buenos dias, senors," he said. " What can I do for you ? " 
 
 He was a young fellow, not more than twenty years of age, and his face 
 seemed familiar. We were confident that we had seen him before, but 
 where was the question. All at once I recollected the boy who had es- 
 corted us to a fandango at San Luis Obispo, when we had been sent on 
 shore to watch some hides at the Cave, while one-half of the number was 
 stolen during our absence at the dance. 
 
 " Do you not remember us ? " I as*ked , as soon as I was assured of the 
 fact that we had met before. 
 
 " No, senors, I think not," was his answer. 
 
 We then recalled to his mind the night at the Cave, and the fandango, 
 and the young fellow's face showed that he was pleased at seeing his old 
 friends. At the same time I always suspected that he had a share in the 
 purloined queros, or at least knew where they went, and who took them. 
 But we were willing to forgive him, as we needed friends, and hoped we 
 had found one in the person of the ranchero, whose name, he told us, was 
 Alberto. 
 
 " What are you doing here ? " the y.oung fellow asked. " You are riding 
 around the country like gallant Mexican caballeros while I supposed you 
 were on board of your ship." 
 
 " We came here to be married," Lewey said, " but the girls we were to 
 wed have disappeared, and their mother gave us such a warm reception that 
 we were forced to cut and run for it." 
 
 When we told him the name of the girls his dark face and eyes were 
 lighted up with merriment. 
 
Ballon 's Monthly Magazine. 241 
 
 ** You did well to escape with whole bones, for the old woman 
 has the worst tongue of any person at the ranche. Her daugh- 
 ters are near, I know, for I saw them a day or two since as I rode past the 
 house. Some one has poisoned the mother's mind against you, for she 
 would marry the girls to the devil for the sake of getting them off her 
 hands. No one dares to take them for fear of such a mother-in-law, as she 
 would command the house." 
 
 This was not cheerful news to us, for men do not want wives who are 
 thrown at their heads by ambitious mothers, anxious for a good match for 
 their daughters. However, the woman had offered to pitch at us something 
 more ardent than a spouse, and we thought she must be prejudiced against 
 us, supposing we were fortune hunters, in search of heiresses, although the 
 passionate parent was not worth fifty dollars, house and all, and we could 
 command more than that sum in ready money. 
 
 " Come home with me," the young ranchero said, after the gravity of our 
 situation had been explained to him. " I have recently obtained a ranche, 
 and am stocking it with cattle. It is only a mile or two from here. I have 
 an old Indian woman to cook, so you will not starve. Remain as long as 
 you please. The deer are abundant, and once in a while a bear is seen. 
 Come with me, and we will have lots of fun. There is a fandango near 
 me once a week, and you will see the girls at some of them, I am sure." 
 
 This was a fair and unexpected offer, and we readily accepted it, because 
 there was nothing better to do. So we thanked the young fellow, and rode 
 along with him, giving full details of our adventures on the route from San 
 Diego, but when we mentioned that we had encountered and killed Apaches 
 his wonder and admiration knew no bounds. He thought we were first- 
 class heroes, and deserved to be immortalized and made saints, for he had 
 heard the most wonderful stories of the savage and cunning warriors, and 
 thought that no white man could stand before them. 
 
 Then the young ranchero gave us a full history of himself. He had been 
 left a fortune of five hundred dollars by an uncle, and with a hundred more 
 which he had saved, bought a ranche, and a few head of cattle. His haci- 
 enda consisted of five thousand acres of good valley land, and he could 
 have as much more as he desired for the asking. Lewey looked at me, and 
 winked. Here, he thought, was the chance we had so long sought and de- 
 sired. We determined to enter into partnership with Alberto, if he would 
 take us, and become cattle raisers in earnest. But there was time enough 
 to talk of such matters after we had seen the ranche, the stock, and its ac- 
 commodations. With the Mexican's knowledge, and our business tact, we 
 
242 Lewey and I. 
 
 thought success would be an assured thing. We could hunt and fish, ride 
 and play, and do but little work, except at the season for rounding in and 
 branding. This was the life for us, and one we had depicted many times. 
 If fortune crowned our efforts, in a few years we could become grandees of 
 the country, men whom captains and supercargoes would look up to and re- 
 spect for their wealth. 
 
 We found Alberto's adobe house not much in the way of pretention, yet 
 it had two rooms and an out-building, where the usual stock of odds and 
 ends had accumulated, old saddles, hides, fleas, barley, tallow in quero 
 bags, and a hammock for the Indian woman to sleep in. The furniture in 
 the house was composed of two chairs, home made, with strips of hide for 
 seats, a rude bedstead of red wood, a rough table, some cheap prints of va- 
 rious saints plastered on the walls, a crucifix, and four dogs, the latter dis- 
 posed to resent Jack's intrusion, and then suddenly left our animal to his 
 own meditations, when he showed a disposition to lick the Mexican's curs, 
 without waiting for the formality of an introduction. 
 
 Don Alberto welcomed us to his home with all the grace and airs of a 
 grandee. He made us at ease, helped us piquette our horses where the 
 grass was freshest, stirred up his cook to get dinner, and, after we had 
 dined on an olia that was not so bad as some we had eaten, mounted our 
 horses, and rode over the hacienda, which we found well watered from 
 mountain springs. The cattle looked fat and healthy, while there were 
 about fifty horses on the place, which we did not count of much value, as 
 there were more than enough for every man, woman, and child in California 
 scattered about the various ranches of the State. 
 
 We were pleased with all that we saw, and retired that night with the 
 firm intention of buying two-thirds interest in the ranche if we could come 
 to terms with the owner. 
 
 The next day we took our rifles and went after deer, saw quite a number, 
 so that there was no trouble in securing one for immediate want, and that 
 evening, as we sat around the fire and smoked our pipes and cigarettes, 
 proposed a partnership with our host. He was a little surprised at the 
 thought, as he had not considered such a project possible. We pointed out 
 how we could be of use in many respects, that the stock might be increased, 
 and money made in the course of a few years, if there was no disease or 
 drought. We urged him to name a price, and he said that he would think 
 of the matter, and let us know the next day. 
 
 But the next day came, and Don Alberto had not made up his mind, like 
 all Mexicans. He wanted more time to think of the project, and desired 
 
Lewey and f. 243 
 
 the advice of some friends. We made no objections to the delay, but went 
 on just as though we were interested in the farm. Lewey and I made a 
 bedstead _of some red wood, a nice table, chairs of deers' horns, kept the 
 larder well supplied with game, and even gained the good will of the sullen 
 Indian cook, who rarely smiled, but seemed to be ever looking for that 
 great liberator who was to free the peons from bondage and the hard toil of 
 the country. 
 
 It must not be supposed for a moment that we informed Don Alberto of 
 the fact of our having some gold on our persons, enough to buy an interest 
 in the ranche. We were too well acquainted with the Mexican character 
 to do any such thing. The fact would have been noised abroad, spread 
 from mouth to mouth, and some day we might have found a knife at our 
 throats, or one in our sides, and the belts of gold gone, never to return, or 
 life either, for that matter. 
 
 No, we simply said that a foreigner at Santa Barbara would let us have 
 all the money we wanted, when the proper time arrived, and that yarn was 
 as good as any, for it left the impression that we were without money on 
 our persons, and so escaped the avaricious attentions of the ladrones, who 
 did no work, and considered gringos lawful plunder. 
 
 In our distant retreat we heard no word of the war, or how it was pro- 
 gressing. It was a rare thing for any one to come near us, and we did not 
 venture in the direction of Ranche Refugio, for fear the spiteful mother 
 would again give us a piece of her mind. The girls sent no word, and we 
 supposed they had forgotten us, and turned their attention to men in their 
 own class in life. 
 
 About a week after our arrival a neighboring ranchero rode up one morn- 
 ing, and said that he was to have a fandango at his house, and wanted Don 
 Alberto and his guests to come over and enjoy the festivities. There were 
 to be lots of pretty girls, and nice dancers, and no end of fun. We thought 
 it possible that we might meet Anita and Engracia there, so said that we 
 would go, but were so much disappointed in the conduct of the girls that 
 we really did not care whether we went or remained at home. We consid- 
 ered that they had treated us badly, after all our endeavors to please 
 them. 
 
 At eight o'clock we started for the house where the fandango was to take 
 place. As it was not more than a mile from our quarters, and the moon 
 was bright, we concluded to walk the distance instead of riding, as was cus- 
 tomary in the country. 
 
 As we turned down the trail, we noticed a dozen or twenty mounted men 
 
244 Lewey and I. 
 
 gallop along the path, and disappear in the chapparel on one side of the 
 road, but paid no attention to them, as we supposed they were some of the 
 invited guests, and were crossing the country so that they could save time 
 and distance. To be sure Alberto said, 
 
 " The fandango will be a great success, for all the caballeros for miles in 
 extent may be there, to judge by the horsemen who have gone on ahead of 
 us. I wonder who they can be ? I did not seem to recognize any of 
 them." 
 
 We did not pay much attention to his words, but trudged on, and soon 
 came to the adobe building where the dance was to be held. It was lucky 
 we had left Jack at the house, for there were enough dogs present to have 
 made him unhappy, every visitor bringing one or more, and they fought and 
 quarreled in a lively manner, and when seven or eight had a roaring, com- 
 bined fight the ends of reatas were applied to all alike to make them realize 
 that no one was to come to blows except their masters. 
 
 When we entered the house there were twenty men and thirty women and 
 ladies present. A guitar and harp furnished the music, and already the fan- 
 dango was going on. We glanced around the place, but did not see the 
 girls we were so anxious to meet. Every one received us pleasantly, and 
 many a bright eye was cast toward us, in hope that we would ask for a 
 waltz. We looked on for a few minutes, and then, finding the room warm, 
 and the air uncomfortable, went outside, and, as we did so, saw some horse- 
 men moving away to the right and left, in the shadow of the trees, as 
 though to gain the rear of the house undetected. 
 
 We wondered, but paid no attention to the matter, for just then a soft 
 hand was laid on my arm, and a sweet voice spoke my name. I turned, and 
 there before me stood Anita and Engracia, looking more lovely than we had 
 ever seen them. 
 
 Lewey held out his arms, and pronounced the name of the girl he had 
 professed to love so deeply, and with a bound she was enclosed in them, 
 and tender kisses were rained down on her face and neck, and he was call- 
 ing her all the little angels he could think of in English, French, and Span- 
 ish, a jumble of everything, for he could not speak fast enough to satisfy 
 his hungry heart. 
 
 " Will you let my sister be devoured, while I stand here idle ? " asked 
 Anita, for the girls' sudden appearance had deprived me of motion and 
 speech, and I could only look at her in wonder, and imagine I was 
 dreaming. 
 
 But her tender words recalled me to myself. I put an arm around her 
 
Lewey and I. 2 45 
 
 waist, drew her gently to my breast, and kissed the willing lips that were 
 raised for the greeting. For five minutes I did not speak I was so occupied 
 with looking at the girl's dark eyes and handsome face, but when I found 
 my voice asked, 
 
 " My little dear, did you know that we were near you ? " 
 
 " Yes," she answered very softly. 
 
 " And you remained away from us all this time, although you must have 
 known we were anxious to see you ? " I said in a reproachful tone. 
 
 " Do not upbraid us," Anita remarked. " If you but knew how much we 
 have suffered on your account you would forgive us." 
 
 " Tell me all," I said, as I kissed the lips that were so near my own, and 
 glanced toward the French lad to see if he was similarly inclined, and it is 
 useless to say that he was too busy to pay the slightest attention to me or 
 the girl I held in my arms. 
 
 Anita hesitated for a moment, as though to recall the past, and said, 
 
 " Some days since a strange man called at the house, and had a long con- 
 versation with our mother. He went away, and we did not see him again, 
 but a few hours after he had departed the good priest of the parish came to 
 the place, heard our confessions, and then talked with our parent. We do 
 not know what he said, but after the holy father had gone we were told that 
 you were vagabonds, ladrones, and no better than runaway sailors, unable 
 to support wives, or to be true to them, and, oh, worse than all, you were 
 denounced as heretics, and a curse and excomunion were threatened us 
 if we dared to listen to you, or speak with you again. It was frightful, was 
 it not ? " 
 
 I thought that it was, at the same time I did not blame the padre, for he 
 was right in looking alter the welfare of his flock, and seeing that no harm 
 came to its members if he could prevent it. 
 
 " We were told that you and your friend were on the way to the ranche," 
 Anita continued, "but that it was probable you would never live to 
 arrive." 
 
 I thought of the encounter on the mountain top, and saw that a trap had 
 been laid for us, but by whom I could not just divine. 
 
 "For several days," the little girl went on, "our mother kept a strict 
 watch on the trail that led to Santa Barbara, while we were imprisoned in a 
 room in the house, and told not to stir from the premises, and when you 
 were discovered approaching our mother alone received you." 
 
 " I should think she did," I remarked. " I remember the reception very 
 well." 
 
246 Lewey and I. 
 
 " We did not dare to speak to you, and say that we were near and true," 
 the little girl continued, " but it was very painful to hear you called all man- 
 ner of hard names, and when mother fell into the pot containing the olia 
 you did not laugh, did you, dear ? " 
 
 " No, love, but we desired to." 
 
 " Well, she says that you did, and that made her more angry than any- 
 thing else. Mother has a sharp tongue and a bad one, so you can imagine 
 what we had to endure after you were gone." 
 
 " Can you describe the man who came to your house and warned your 
 mother and the priest against us ? " I asked. 
 
 " Yes, I think that I can. He was an evil-looking person, tall and thin, 
 and on his right hand was a vivid scar. I remember it well, for when he 
 smiled he rubbed it with his left fingers. His frown was more agreeable 
 than a smile. I hated him the moment I saw him, for his presence was 
 evil." 
 
 I had no difficulty in recognizing the portrait. It was that of Don Anto- 
 nio Sanchos, whom we supposed we had got rid of forever. But it seemed 
 not. He had laid a little trap on the mountains, and it fell through, and 
 one of his gang had got badly bitten by a ball from my rifle, while the rest 
 fled at the approach of the cavalry. Sanchos had sought to destroy us by 
 an easy method, but for fear of some miscarriage of his plans had hurried 
 on to Ranche Refugio, and warned the mother and the priest of our com 
 ing, poisoned their minds, and thus defeated a happy reunion. 
 
 " Anita," I said, as soon as the girl had concluded her story, " the man 
 who visited your mother is our most determined enemy. He has perse 
 cuted us several times during the last few months, but we have thus far de 
 feated him. He now takes a mean revenge by seeking to separate us. Do 
 you think we could change your mother's will by calling on her and ex- 
 plaining our honorable intentions in regard to yourselves ? " 
 
 " No," answered the girl quite promptly. " She hates, and would not 
 hesitate to scald you if there was hot water on the fire at the time you 
 appeared." 
 
 I shuddered as I imagined such a woman for a mother-in-law. I thought 
 I loved the daughter, but did not like hot water, so resolved to give the old 
 lady a wide berth, and not cross her hawse if I could prevent it. 
 
 " If I should see the priest, Anita, do you think he would listen to me ? " 
 I asked. 
 
 The little girl shook her head, as she nestled still closer to me, and put up 
 her lips for some more kisses, as though she was hungry for them. 
 
Lewey and /. 
 
 "He says that you are a cursed heretic," she whispered, "and, oh, I wish 
 you were not." 
 
 " But my friend Lewey is a Catholic," I remarked. " The priest can 
 have no objection to him." 
 
 " Yes, he says that the Frenchman is worse than the Yankee, because 
 while the latter has no particular religion the former pretends to believe in 
 the saints, yet never calls upon them, goes not to confession, and eats meat 
 Fridays like a sinner. Is he as bad as all that ? " 
 
 Now here was an excellent chance to follow the example of the world 
 and blast the reputation of a friend, but I did nothing of the kind, for al- 
 though Lewey was far from being a pious young man he was not as bad as 
 some people would have believed him to be. 
 
 " My friend," I said, " eats meat on Friday because he does not keep the 
 run of the days. He has not confessed for the simple reason that priests 
 are scarce, and time is too precious for him to hunt them up. After he is 
 married you will be surprised at his goodness." 
 
 " I hope I shall," she sighed. " If you had only half of his religion I 
 should be satisfied." 
 
 I did not feel complimented, and was about to declare that I was a model 
 of goodness, when the faint blast of a trumpet was heard in the woods at 
 the rear of the adobe house, and then a dozen horsemen showed them- 
 selves, and seemed to hold a conference. I thought it strange that the 
 rancheros should act in such a mysterious manner, but supposed it was a 
 peculiar method they had of enjoying themselves, and surprising their 
 friends. The dance was going on in full force, and no one paid any atten- 
 tion to the bugle call, even Engracia and Lewey not noticing it, but it 
 might have been because they were so occupied with their own affairs, 
 much more interesting than the galloping of horsemen. 
 
 " Before I can marry you," Anita whispered, "you must become a good 
 Catholic. Will you do so ? " 
 
 " Even if I consent, my dear, the priest will not bless our union," I re- 
 marked. " What shall we do in that case ? " 
 
 For a moment she dropped her head, and appeared to think of the mat- 
 ter, then looked up with love and confidence beaming from her dark eyes 
 and blushing face. 
 
 "If the good father will not bless us, then take me as I am, without his 
 sanction," she cried, and put her arms around my neck, and tears fell from 
 her eyes as she thought of the deep significance of her words. 
 
 " Do you intend it, Anita ? " I asked, for I knew that it meant ostracism 
 
248 Lewey and I. 
 
 from her church and home, from relatives and friends, a moral death for one 
 so young, and all for love of a gringo. 
 
 " I mean all that I say," was the firm reply. " Take me when you will, 
 and let us hope that the saints will pardon us, and the good father act just- 
 ly when he sees that we are firm in our loves." 
 
 This was a denouement that I had not expected in so sudden a manner. 
 I liked the girl and was willing to marry her, but I did not wish to subject 
 her to unjust remarks and suspicions, or cause her a moment's unhappiness. 
 No wonder I hesitated, and considered what I should do, but my thoughts 
 were interrupted by Lewey exclaiming in a tone of triumph, 
 
 " Thorn, old boy, love has conquered at last, as it alvays vill ven urged by 
 firmness and sincerity. Engracia has said she come to me vill vidout de 
 blessin' of de holy fadder. Thus is my long and steady devotion revarded 
 to be." 
 
 To have heard his rapturous exclamations one would have supposed he 
 was a lover whose constancy had never been questioned, or whose thoughts 
 had remained true to the one object of his adoration. 
 
 Before I could answer the young man there was another faint blast from 
 a bugle, this time in front of the building, and a trumpet in the rear of us 
 repeated the note. Then we saw horsemen closing in around the house, 
 and by the moonlight we judged there were twenty or more caballeros near 
 us. 
 
 Anita and Engracia caught the sounds, looked up, and then exclaimed 
 hastily, 
 
 "Enter the house, in the name of the saints. Oh, what is there in 
 store for us at the present time ? " 
 
 A lively fandango was going on, and we could see the performers posing 
 and moving to the sounds of the guitar and harp. No one was outside ex- 
 cept our own party. The dogs uttered some unmelodious sounds in re- 
 sponse to the trumpets, but as they were always yelping no one paid any 
 attention to them. 
 
 The girls dragged us into the house, and before we asked for an expla- 
 nation we could hear the military command of, 
 
 " Halt. Let no one pass. Shoot all who attempt to escape." 
 
 The words were uttered so loud that even the dancers heard them, and 
 suspended their gyrations, while the musicians' fingers no longer struck the 
 strings of their instruments. The Mexicans looked at each other in sur- 
 prise, while the women gathered in one corner of the room, and showed a 
 disposition to give us the usual specimen of female hysterics, All but An- 
 
Lewey and I. 249 
 
 ita and Engracia. They remained by our sides, and seemed calm in com- 
 parison with the rest of their sex. 
 
 We heard the clank of sabres, and the clinking of carbine locks, as 
 though guns were got ready for execution, and in a minute more three men 
 entered the room, and it needed no second glance to recognize two of them 
 as Don Antonio Sanchos and his brother Carlos, while the third was an of- 
 ficer of the Mexican cavalry, dressed in uniform, and rather a good-looking 
 young fellow. We imagined that we had seen him before, at Monterey, 
 when we gave an exhibition before the elite of the town. 
 
 " Let no one attempt to escape," cried the elder Sanchos. " The door is 
 guarded, and the man who crosses the threshold without consent will surely 
 die." 
 
 The women uttered shrill screams, and the men looked at each other in 
 wonderment, and felt for the long knives in their leggings and sashes. 
 Sanchos noticed the movement, and said, 
 
 " The ranchero who draws a cuchillo, and attempts to use it, dies like a 
 dog. Keep your hands quiet. We come here in the name of the law." 
 
 The Mexican officer leaned on his sabre, and looked on. He did not 
 speak, or appear to appreciate the part he was playing. 
 
 " Enganchadors," was heard all over the room, and it seemed as if 
 Sanchos was not regarded with favor by the rancheros. 
 
 " No, we are not enganchados," Don Antonio said. " We are not crimps, 
 as you call us, but Mexicans, loyal to our country and State, and anxious 
 for its welfare. We have the warrant of General Castro for the enrollment 
 of men for military duty, and we now call for volunteers. Monterey is in 
 danger. The heretic Fremont, and his band of robbers, is on the way from 
 the Sacramento River to the town of our devotion. He must be driven 
 back, or captured. To do this we need brave men. No others are wanted. 
 I will now enroll the names of all who wish to serve the State. Let each 
 man step forward who desires to volunteer." 
 
 Not one moved. f They did not see the fun of leaving their ranches, and 
 fighting for a State government that paid no money for services. 
 
 " Come," grinned Sanchos. "Who speaks first? Who desires the hon- 
 or of being the premier volunteer? What, no one comes forward ? In a 
 few minutes I shall select those I want, and when I name a man he will go. 
 Think of promotion, and glory to be gained in conquering the gringos." 
 
 The rancheros were not impressed with the scoundrel's eloquence. The 
 gringos might go to blazes for all that they cared. They did not want any 
 of the fight that was going on. 
 
250 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Perhaps these young men will volunteer ? " Don Sanchos asked, and 
 then turned full upon us, and his smile was not sweet. " I know they an- 
 ticipate a life of happiness and ease as husbands of the girls whose hands 
 they hold, but let them think how much more pleasant it will be for their 
 prospects when they return to this place all covered with glory and honor. 
 Shall I have the happiness of taking your names, muchachos ? " and the 
 fellow gave us a look that did not betoken a friendly feeling. 
 
 " No," answered Lewey, " we have no desire to fight against the United 
 States. We shall remain here." 
 
 " I think not. You will go with us," was the stern reply. 
 
 " Do you dare to force a Frenchman and an American into your army? " 
 Lewey asked, forgetting that we had registered. 
 
 " We dare to take any one who has signed a matriculador. You are sub- 
 jects of Mexico, having thrown off your allegiance to France and the 
 United States. You were allowed a month's notice before being drafted in 
 the army. That month has nearly passed. Tonight you go with us, and 
 tomorrow you will be on the way to Monterey. You have baffled me once 
 or twice, but now my time has come. I coaxed the mother of the girls to 
 let them visit this fandango, for I knew you were near here, and would 
 probably attend. Fools, did you think that I was asleep, or had forgotten 
 the indignities heaped upon me? There was only one thing I feared, and 
 that was you might be induced to ship on board of some vessel as you have 
 been advised to do. Then I might have lost you and my revenge. But 
 love drove you here. I had prepared the way for your arrival. The re- 
 ception was a warm one, was it not ? I should like to have witnessed it. 
 You gringo dogs, my hour of triumph has arrived. Every one in this 
 room might escape, but you I shall hold on to." 
 
 " You will believe us," Engracia cried, as she clung to Lewey, " that we 
 had no hand in this plot. We did not know that you were to be here, and 
 were surprised when our madre told us we might venture to the dance. 
 This is the man who visited our mother, and poisoned Jier mind, and that 
 of the good priest. To him are we indebted for all of our misfortunes, for 
 all of the unhappiness that has befallen us. Spy of the devil, we hope you 
 will be punished some day for your crimes." 
 
 The man bowed, as if complimented. If we had been armed we might 
 have defied him, but our pistols and rifles were at the ranche, and we were 
 powerless to do our will on the dark-faced scoundrel. 
 
 "Shame on a government that employs such men," cried a voice, but the 
 other rancheros present were cowed, and did not dare to express their 
 
Lewey and /. 251 
 
 minds. Each wanted to escape military duty if possible regardless of the 
 others. 
 
 " Once more, will you sign for service ? " demanded Sanchos. 
 
 " No, we '11 see you blanked first," shouted Lewey, and took a step to- 
 ward our persecutor, Engracia clinging to him. 
 
 The pimp and spy raised one of his hands as a signal, and through the 
 open door flew a reata. It encircled the French lad's head and arms, and 
 in an instant he was prostrate on the floor, struggling and powerless. But, 
 oh, the profusion of words he uttered in his native tongue, Spanish, and 
 English, was enough to shock the sensibilities of an old salt, had he been 
 present to have heard them. 
 
 I broke from the embrace of Anita, who strove to hold me back, and 
 rushed to my friend's assistance, and as I did so I heard a number of 
 voices shout, 
 
 " Quedo," or " take care," but paid no attention to them. I saw that 
 Lewey was a prisoner, and knew that I should do what I could to release 
 him, or share his fate. 
 
 Before I could gain his side another lariat flew through the air, dropped 
 over my head, and I was jerked to the floor, a prisoner, pinioned so secure- 
 ly that I could not move my arms, although my feet were free, and I kicked 
 at Sanchos' shins, and did him some damage, I hope, for he stooped down 
 and rubbed them, and blanked me in choice Spanish for the pain I caused 
 him. 
 
 Anita and Engracia knelt by our sides, and tried to tear the reatas from 
 our persons, but they made no progress in the undertaking, while Don 
 Sanchos smiled at the girls for their devotion. The Mexican military gen- 
 tleman lighted a cigarette, and looked as though rather amused at the sight 
 before him. It was something novel, to say the least, or perhaps reminded 
 him of the method of impressing the Indians when wanted for some 
 drudgery, such as clearing the roads, or pulling guns through the mud. 
 
 " Listen to me," said Sanchos, as soon as the confusion had subsided. 
 " As sospechosos I can doom you to an instant death. I have that power. 
 But I want you, for my own purposes, to serve against the United States. 
 That shall complete my revenge, and benefit Mexico at the same time. 
 Will you do so?" 
 
 " See you blanked first," was our ready answer. " Do your worst, you 
 black-faced son of a sea-cook." 
 
 He understood English enough to know that we had refused his offer. 
 He motioned with his hand, and a greaser entered the room, bearing a re- 
 
252 Lewey and L 
 
 ata made from the tails and manes of horses. It was rough and strong. A 
 knot was formed, and thrown over my neck. Another Mexican stepped 
 forward with a similar rope, and placed it around my friend's windpipe, and 
 then the blood of the French lad showed its fiery heat. 
 
 " Ladrones and perros," he said, "do you know that this rope feels un- 
 comfortable? That a woman's arm is to be preferred to a reata ? Unbind 
 my limbs and I will agree to fight any three of you greasers all at once, or 
 first one and then the other." 
 
 He spoke in Spanish so that all could understand him. The Mexican 
 officer smiled, and lighted a fresh cigarette. He was taking matters coolly, 
 at all events. 
 
 " Tighten the ropes,'* said Sanchos, and, by Jove, they did, and the feel- 
 ing was not comfortable, for the rough reatas cut into our flesh, and breath- 
 ing became difficult. Anita and Engracia were on their knees beside us, 
 uttering the most doleful of cries, and wringing their hands. 
 
 " Will you sign ? " shouted Sanchos, watching the strain of the 
 reatas. 
 
 We were nearly insensible, and made a movement of assent. 
 
 " Loosen the ropes," was the order, and we felt them taken from our 
 necks. We were some minutes in recovering our respiration, and then 
 Lewey said in English, 
 
 " Country is all veil enough, I s'pose, but I is too young to die vid many 
 sins on my head, and some day ve skall get a crack at dat greaser, and, oh, 
 von't ve make him jump if ve does. Ve vill sign, and don't you be afeared. 
 Ve skall not hurt de Americans by all de fightin' dat ve does. You jist be 
 governed by me in dis ding, and ve comes out all right. Besides, vot kind 
 of husbands vould two cold dead mens make ? No girls have us vould. 
 Dey like live husbands, and blame them not I. Yes, ve vill sign anyding 
 dat dey vants us to, and I vish I vas on board de old ship vonce more." 
 
 "Are you satisfied?" asked Sanchos, as soon as we were able to look 
 around. 
 
 " Yes, we are satisfied that you can strangle us. What more do you 
 want ? " we demanded. 
 
 " Your signatures to this paper. I know that you can write. Sign," and 
 he ordered our arms to be released, and thrust a pen into our hands. 
 
 We did not stop to read the whole document. We saw that it was an en- 
 rollment in the service of the State of California for the space of five years, 
 unless sooner discharged, subject to all the pains of military discipline. 
 That was enough for us. We signed, and the instant we had done so the 
 
Lewey and I. 253 
 
 Mexican officer stepped forward, and told us to hold up our right hands. 
 There was nothing to do but comply. He mumbled over some words, and 
 then we were soldiers of Mexico, and the next instant Anita and Engracia 
 were in our arms. 
 
 " Tear the fools apart," yelled Don Antonio. " The Mexican soldier has 
 other business beside love-making." 
 
 Two men started to comply with the order. Then the Mexican officer 
 came forward, sabre in his hand. 
 
 " Let the lovers alone," he said. " It is but a short time they will have 
 for such trifling. They surely can enjoy themselves while they have the 
 chance." 
 
 " But I order them to be separated," Sanrhos thundered, "and my word 
 is law here." 
 
 " Not quite," was the answer. " The men are now soldiers of Mexico, 
 and as such they will obey me, not you. Your power ceased when they 
 passed from civil life to that of a military career. Now the men are under 
 my charge. Interfere with them at your peril." 
 
 Don Sanchos turned on the young officer as if to assault him, but the 
 military man raised his sabre, and it would have fallen on the head of the 
 scoundrel if he had advanced a step. 
 
 " I shall report you to General Castro," Sanchos muttered. " He will see 
 that you are punished for daring to defy me." 
 
 " Caramba, you must suit yourself in that respect. I know my duty and 
 you do not. I am no enganchador, or pimp, like you," and the young fellow 
 showed the contempt that he felt for the man who had caused him such dis- 
 agreeable duty. Then he turned to us, and said, 
 
 " I recognize both of you young men. I was in Monterey the night you 
 gave the exhibition. Diablo, how much I did laugh. I was told that you 
 were matriculadors, and liable to serve . in the army. Had I known all I 
 would have remained away, and let you enjoy the company of the girls 
 until you tired of them. Don Sanchos seems to have some spite against 
 you. The best way to defeat it, and set him at defiance, is to go with me. 
 I am a captain in the army, and you shall serve in my company. I promise 
 you kind treatment, and plenty of work. Had you not signed that con- 
 founded matriculador I would let you go free. But it is too late. You 
 must make the best of it, and be faithful to Mexico. Long life to the re- 
 public, and confusion to its enemies." 
 
 No one took up the cry and repeated it. The captain said that his name 
 was Fernando, and that he was endeavoring to fill up his company, and 
 
254 Lewey and I. 
 
 should repair to Monterey as soon as possible to meet an expected attack 
 by Fremont, his trappers and Indians. 
 
 " I know you have been sailors," the captain said, while Sanchos stood 
 glowering at us, " for I have seen you on ship board many times while on 
 the coast. You can ride quite fairly, but before you have been in the caval- 
 ry a year you will sit your horses like real rancheros. I noticed you in 
 Santa Barbara the other day. You were well mounted, and looked like 
 brave young fellows. I hope you will prove so. Serve the State faithfully, 
 and when the war is over come here and marry the girls, and with them you 
 can receive a grant of land that it will take you all day to ride over." 
 
 " Can we marry before we are forced to march ? " I demanded. 
 
 " No. I want no new bridegrooms in my company. All thoughts of love 
 must be thrown aside until the war is over." 
 
 The girls uttered a loud, wailing cry as they heard the command, and 
 saw that their anticipated happiness was to be postponed to some indefinite 
 period. 
 
 " I knows lots of girls in Monterey," Lewey whispered. " It von't be so 
 bad as it seems. As soldiers of Mexico dey vill smile on us much more 
 den eber." 
 
 No misfortune dampened that boy's courage or anticipations. He was 
 always looking forward to something bright and pleasant, and did not pro- 
 pose to die with a broken heart, if he could help it. The girls would not 
 have felt flattered had they understood my friend's comments on the situa- 
 tion, but luckily he spoke in English, so they were ignorant of his 
 Aeaning. 
 
 " It is useless to keep up that howling," the captain remarked, as the 
 girls stopped their cries to take breath, and then began again. " Go out- 
 doors and do your spooning there. We have some serious work to do here 
 yet." 
 
 " Are you not afraid to trust us so far away from your presence ? " I 
 asked. 
 
 " No, for the place is surrounded by my men, and any attempt to escape 
 would be disastrous to you. Give me your word that you will report here 
 tomorrow morning, with your horses and equipments, and you may see the 
 girls home, and take a long farewell of them." 
 
 We looked at Don Sanchos and his brother Carlos, and the captain un- 
 derstood the meaning of the glances. 
 
 " You need not fear the enganchadors," the officer said, in a careless 
 tone. " I shall keep them with me. The person who dares to raise a hand 
 
Leivey and I. 255 
 
 against a regular Mexican soldier would have but a few days to live. Do 
 you promise ? " 
 
 " Yes, senor, we promise," was our ready answer, for we saw that Don 
 Antonio did not approve of the project, and we wanted to annoy him. 
 
 " Sergeant, pass these men and the girls outside of the line. Let them go 
 where they please, and see that they are not annoyed," was the captain's 
 command, but just as we were leaving the room our friend Alberto rushed 
 forward. 
 
 " You will release me, senor captain ? " he cried. " To serve in the army 
 might ruin me. My cattle would go astray and my ranche overrun during 
 my absence. Please let me return to my home, and I will donate twenty 
 horses for the use of the government." 
 
 " The proposition is accepted," Don Sanchos cried. " As the agent of 
 the State I have the power to grant release of services for a consideration. 
 You can go," and Alberto left the room with us, and, confound him, he did 
 not, or would not, take a hint, but walked all the way home with us and the 
 girls, and stood staring like a born idiot while we talked, and kissed the 
 young ladies. We told him to return to his ranche, and that we would join 
 him in the course of an hour, but he said that fears for our safety prompted 
 him to remain near us. We had a strong desire to strangle the young man, 
 but finally concluded to let him live, then kissed the girls a sad farewell, and 
 left them, promising to return as soon as possible. 
 
 " This is the end of all our hopes and ambitions, Lewey," I said, as we 
 retraced our steps toward the ranche. " It is the saddest blow we have yet 
 received." 
 
 " Don't you be cast down," my friend remarked. " De United States 
 vill knock de Mexicans higher dan a kite in a leetle vile. Ve skall not hab 
 much fightin' to do, and ven it is all ober den ve vill be married in earnest. 
 I sees much fun in de life of a sojer. And, arter all, it is not good for a 
 man to tie himself down ven he is young, and not seen much of de vorld. 
 S'pose ve should meet some von ve liked better dan de girls ven it vas too 
 late ? By gar, dat vould be bad for us. All is for de best. I skall shed no 
 tears. Ah, here comes de cavalry. Let us step into de chapparel, and 
 vait for 'em to pass, for dey might make a mistake, and fire at de wrong 
 parties." 
 
 We dodged out of the road, hid in the long grass, and counted forty 
 horsemen, and eight impressed rancheros, who were on foot, and uttering 
 doleful complaints because they had no money or personal property to 
 bribe Don Sanchos and his brother. 
 
256 Lewey and I. 
 
 After the cavalcade had passed we resumed our course, and soon arrived 
 at the ranche. We did not feel like sleeping with the prospect before us, 
 so made a fire, and prepared a pot of coffee, and then sat and smoked 
 for an hour or more, not too well pleased with our evening's entertainment, 
 for, although we had been to a fandango, we had danced to very discordant 
 music. 
 
 At last, tired with speculations on the future, we went to sleep, and when 
 we awoke the Indian woman had prepared a nice bea \-fast in honor of our 
 departure. We brought in our horses, rubbed them down, and made all 
 preparations for going to the rendezvous agreed upon. Alberto was sorry 
 for us, and regretted that we must part, but was too glad at his own escape 
 from military duties to shed many tears over our fate. He rounded in his 
 mustangs in the corral, selected the poorest lot that he owned, and was all 
 ready to drive them to the house where the fandango had occurred, as soon 
 as we were prepared to leave. 
 
 At first we did not know what to do about Jack. He would be in the 
 way if we took him, and might break his heart with grief should I leave him 
 behind. The poor animal sat and looked at us while the discussion was 
 going on, and I believe that he understood every word that we said, for all 
 at once he threw back his head, and uttered a prolonged howl, and tears 
 poured out of his eyes like those of a human being who has suffered some 
 great disaster. 
 
 " By gar, ve vill take him," Lewey cried. " Jack can look arter himself 
 as veil as ve can. He knows more dan a greaser, I dink," and the dog 
 showed his appreciation of the words by attempting to kiss our faces. 
 
 At nine o'clock we slung our rifles over our shoulders, said good-by to 
 the cook, mounted our horses, and helped Alberto drive his mustangs to the 
 rendezvous. We found Captain Fernando and his men waiting to receive 
 us, and the military gentleman said with a laugh that Don Sanchos was so 
 much occupied at Ranche Refugio he could not be present to watch our 
 departure. We knew that the scoundrel was determined the girls should 
 not see us again, and was the means of their being housed until we were 
 many miles on our course. 
 
 Our captain was not a bad-hearted fellow, and I have no doubt would 
 willingly have consented to our discharge had he not feared the evil influ- 
 ence of the spy at head-quarters. He was quite civil, and appointed us cor- 
 porals on the spot, our badge of office being a strip of yellow cotton cloth 
 pinned on the left arm of our jackets. I think we were thus promoted on 
 account of our carrying rifles and pistols, which appeared to produce a pro- 
 
Lewey and I. 257 
 
 found impression on the minds of our companions, for they evidently took 
 us for desperate warriors, and when we shot a turkey buzzard at a distance 
 of fifty yards even the commander of the company said that we were won- 
 ders, and would kill a lot of gringos before the war was ended, and those 
 greasers, who could handle a knife but not a gun, were ready to obey us in 
 all things. 
 
 We had not the slightest knowledge of cavalry movements, and did not 
 need any on the march. The captain was to ride in advance, and all were 
 ordered not to crowd too closely on him. Then came the two trumpeters, 
 and the rest of us as we pleased. Lewey and I took our places somewhere 
 near the rear of the horsemen, so that Jack could see us, and thereby re- 
 joice. The captain had given his consent to the arrangement, and said that 
 he did not care if there were fifty perros so long as they did not bother 
 him. 
 
 The impressed men were mounted on Alberto's horses, and shed tears of 
 regret at the idea of leaving places where they had been living idle lives for 
 so many years. In fact, Lewey and I were so rejoiced to see other people 
 suffering more than ourselves that we actually brightened up, and when the 
 captain rode to the rear, to see that his troop of fifty men were all right, 
 and looked warlike, my friend asked, 
 
 " Senor Capitan, how much per month is the pay of a first-class cavalry- 
 man like myself ? " 
 
 " Eight dollars and found," was the answer. 
 
 " Where shall we find the eight dollars when it is due ? " Lewey 
 demanded. 
 
 " Quien sabe," was the answer and a suggestive shrug of the shoulders. 
 " The saints are kind, but they will not tell us that much. You may have 
 to take your pay in land. It is very cheap, and there is enough of it. By 
 my patron saint, I believe that I have the best company in the State. 
 Adelante," and we commenced our journey to Monterey, and all the girls of 
 Ranche Refugio, except Anita and Engracia, turned out to see us off, and 
 would have waved their handkerchiefs for our benefit if they had owned any. 
 As they did not, a shake of their skirts was the next best thing. Even the 
 two pretty sisters came near us, and Lewey raised his sombrero, and 
 seemed to feel a little proud that he was a soldier, as the young ladies 
 smiled on him, and called him a defender of the honor of Mexico, and the 
 French lad winked at me as he heard the words. 
 
 " I should n't vonder," my friend remarked, as he replaced the hat on his 
 head, "dat if I should come back here a hofficer von of dem girls vould be 
 
258 Lewey and I. 
 
 glad to jump at me as a husband, and it vould n't be a bad match. You 
 take von and I de udder." 
 
 " Adelante, muy presto," was the command, and we rode away from the 
 fascinating faces, and in a little while my friend had forgotten the pretty 
 sisters, and was thinking of other matters, probably where he should find 
 senoritas capable of holding his attention for a week at least. 
 
 We followed the trail that led to San Luis Obispo, but when the after- 
 noon's sun was hot we halted near a ranche, unsaddled and piquetted our 
 horses, and then there were orders to capture a bullock, and kill it. The 
 owner of the property came toward us, and called the men all the vile names 
 he could think of, but our captain only laughed at him, and smoked cigar- 
 ettes in his face. The ranchero went over a hill at a dashing pace as if to 
 summon help, and Lewey and I walked toward the adobe house to see if 
 there were any terrified females who needed assurances of protection from 
 the officers of the Mexican army. We supposed there were ladies at home, 
 but they had shut and bolted the doors, and we could not get a view of 
 them. They seemed to fear us, I judged from appearances, and I did not 
 wonder at it. 
 
 While searching one of the out-buildings we came across a barrel that 
 attracted our attention. We knocked out the bung, smelled of the contents, 
 and it seemed to us to be aguardiente. We inserted a straw, and tasted. 
 It was rum, and no mistake, and old at that. We saw a fine chance for re- 
 freshing and cheering our comrades. One of them was near us, seeking 
 what he could steal and carry away. We pointed to the barrel, and men- 
 tioned the word aguardiente. It was enough. In an instant the greaser 
 was on his knees, and filling himself with the fiery liquor. We left him at 
 his work, and strolled back to the camp, and there encountered a little rat- 
 eyed sergeant, the only man who knew anything of military duty in the 
 command, aside from the captain. 
 
 " Sergeant," I said, " one of our men is filling himself with rum at the 
 house. There is a barrel of it, old and good." 
 
 " Holy Virgin, do you mean it ? " the old fellow asked, and made a 
 straight course for the house. 
 
 We hinted the same information to the rest of the men, and in ten min- 
 utes there was no one in camp but the captain and ourselves. The former 
 was smoking cigarettes, as usual, and reclining under a tree, his head on a 
 saddle. 
 
 " Cabo de esquadra ? " asked our commander, " where have all the men 
 gone ? " 
 
Lewey and L 259 
 
 " Senor Capitan," Lewey answered, " I think they have found some- 
 thing worth stealing at the house. They are inclined that way." 
 
 " All right," was the careless answer. " But be sure and not let them 
 load down the horses," and then the young fellow took his usual siesta, and 
 he must have slept half an hour when he was awakened by a noise that 
 proved the rum was operating. 
 
 With howls and yells the gallant soldiers issued from the building, some 
 rolling the barrel, and others struggling to stop its progress, so that more 
 drink could be obtained. At one moment half a dozen of the greasers 
 would be piled up on top of each other, and the person who was nearest the 
 bung-hole dragged away to give place to another man, perhaps a trifle more 
 drunk than the rest. 
 
 "Caramba," cried the captain, "what is the meaning of all this, 
 corporals ? " 
 
 " It looks to me as though the gallant heroes were drunk," Lewey 
 remarked. 
 
 " I think you are right," our superior said. " Keep the dogs away from 
 me, and when they get sober we will boot and saddle." 
 
 One of the wild-eyed warriors came toward us with a calabash of aguar- 
 diente in his hand. 
 
 " Drink to the success of Mexico, and confusion to her enemies," he said, 
 and, just as he was handing the liquor to us, stepped on Jack's tail. The 
 indignant dog responded by a grab at the seat of the greaser's trousers, and 
 tore out a mouthful of cloth, such as it was, while the man uttered several 
 emphatic oaths, whirled around rapidly, tumbled to the ground, spilling the 
 rum, and immediately went to sleep. 
 
 "I must stop this debauch," Captain Fernando remarked, as he arose, 
 and buckled on his sabre. "Take your rifles, and come with me, 
 corporals." 
 
 It was a job we did not care for, but, as the young fellow was full of 
 pluck, we could do no less than follow him, and see how he would subdue 
 the noisy brawlers. 
 
 The captain marched up to the barrel, pushed aside the men who were 
 struggling to get at its contents, and said, 
 
 "Turn that barrel so the rum will run out. We have had drinking 
 enough for one day." 
 
 " Let the aguardiente alone," one ferocious Mexican said. " It is ours 
 and no one shall deprive us of it." 
 
 The young officer raised his sabre, and dealt the speaker a blow with the 
 
260 Lewey and /. 
 
 flat of the blade, full oft his dark, ugly face. He was one of the rancheros 
 who was impressed the night before, and did not quite comprehend military 
 duty and respect to a superior. 
 
 The greaser was hot-tempered and quick. Like a flash he drew his long, 
 sharp knife, and made a bound for the captain. He was drunk, but not so 
 intoxicated as to prevent his hand being firm. The blow would have struck 
 the young officer full upon the breast, if we had not noted the act, and 
 raised the butt of our rifles. With a crash we let the breach of our guns 
 fall upon the Mexican's arm, and it fell to his side, and the cuchillo dropped 
 to the ground. 
 
 " You did well," the officer remarked in a cool, unconcerned manner, as he 
 noticed our act. " I won't forget this, be assured." 
 
 The regular soldiers appeared frightened at what had occurred, while the 
 would-be assassin moaned with pain. Some of the men began to move 
 away, as though they had partaken of all the fun they desired. 
 
 " Sergeant," said the captain, lighting a cigarette, " find a reata, and 
 bring it here." 
 
 He spoke to the fierce little Mexican, the only person who seemed to 
 know much about military duties, except his superior and one or two 
 others. 
 
 The fellow with the broken arm turned as if to move away. 
 
 " Halt," thundered the captain. " Remain as you were. Move a step, 
 and I '11 cut you down like a dog." 
 
 The greaser obeyed. The sergeant came toward us with a lariat, saluted, 
 and awaited orders. 
 
 " Put that reata around the dog's neck, and hang him to the nearest tree," 
 the captain said. 
 
 The sergeant coolly proceeded to do the bidding, but when the criminal 
 struggled and resisted, the captain turned to Lewey and myself. 
 
 " Corporals, aid the sergeant," he said, " in hanging that scoundrel." 
 
 "Captain," we both exclaimed, "we do not relish that kind of work. 
 Will you please detail some one else to do it ? A hangman's position is 
 one not to be desired by young men of our class." 
 
 " Oh, yes. No need of making excuses. Here, you two, come and help 
 hang this man," speaking to some of his regulars. 
 
 The fellows did not hesitate. They fell upon the wretch, who no longer 
 struggled, put the reata around his neck, and dragged him to a tree. No 
 one dared to remonstrate, even if all were drunk, or under the influence of 
 liquor, as half of the men were asleep, and knew not what was going on. 
 
Lewey and I. 263 
 
 The captain lighted a fresh cigarette, and appeared the most unconcerned 
 man in the camp. 
 
 " Captain," I said, " is there no mercy for the greaser ? " 
 
 " No. Why do you ask ? " was the short answer. 
 
 " To see if there was any hope of pardon. His crime is great, but his 
 punishment is terrible." 
 
 " He dies," was all the answer the young fellow made, and turned his 
 back on us, returned to the tree and resumed his horizontal position, car- 
 ing no more for the life of his countryman than that of a sick dog, if quite 
 as much. 
 
 " Lewey," I said, as we avoided looking at the scene of the hanging, " the 
 next time we find a barrel of aguardiente we will spill the contents on the 
 ground. Our joke has not been a success thus far." 
 
 And the French lad crossed himself, like a good Catholic, and muttered a 
 prayer for the dead, as, when he ventured to steal a look at the tree, dang- 
 ling from a limb was the lifeless body of the greaser. 
 
 I do not know if the execution was an example of Mexican military se- 
 verity, and legal or illegal. At any rate, the young officer took upon him- 
 self the responsibility of hanging a man for an attempted murder. There 
 was no court-martial held, and no one asked for an explanation at Monte- 
 rey, when we arrived there. This may have been Mexican law, but, if it 
 was, some changes were needed, it seemed to me at the time. 
 
 At four o'clock the trumpets sounded to saddle, and the men, with aching 
 heads, were awakened, kicked and cuffed into motion, and at last got in line 
 for inspection. The body of the dead still dangled from the tree, no orders 
 having been issued to cut it down. 
 
 " Soldiers," said the young captain, " you have witnessed a slight exam- 
 ple of punishment for military insubordination. Let it be a warning to you 
 in the future. The good and brave will be rewarded. The cowardly pun- 
 ished. Corporals Thorn and Lewey are promoted to the rank of sergeants 
 for saving my life. Hereafter they will ride near me, at the head of the 
 troop, as my body-guard. Long live Mexico and the republic. Death to 
 her enemies." 
 
 "Veil, dis is a go," whispered Lewey. " All dings is for de best, arte,' 
 all. Ve keeps on, and soon ve skall be ginerals, and den vot von knows 
 but ve can marry de pretty sisters." 
 
 "And forget Anita and Engracia?" I asked, in tones of reproach. 
 
 " As ginerals ve should hab to look higher. Our stations in life vould be 
 so different dat ve vould be fools to gib our hands unless dar vas some 
 
264 Lewev and 7. 
 
 money comin' to us by de operation. You leaves all to me, for I knows 
 de vorld and de peoples better much dan you do." 
 
 Somehow I could not help wishing that the French lad was a little more 
 firm in his love affairs, and not so worldly in hopes and aspirations. The 
 last pretty face was sufficient to set him wild, and make him forget all past 
 vows and protestations. The only thing in which he was constant was his 
 friendship for me. That never wavered or grew cold, and he was ready to 
 fight for me, or die for me, if necessary. But with women it was so differ- 
 ent, I could only sigh and hope he would improve with age and experience. 
 At the same time there was much sense in the lad's suggestion. The sis- 
 ters were pretty, and had money, two desirable things in a woman. 
 
 There was no cheering when the announcement was made of our promo- 
 tion, not that the men were envious, for all knew the manner in which we 
 had been impressed, but because their heads were dazed by the debauch of 
 the day. We wheeled in sections of fours, and went on our way, to the 
 great relief of the women of the ranche, it is probable, and the indignation 
 of the owner. He must have been surprised when he returned to see what 
 kind of fruit one of his trees bore, for we left the Mexican where he had 
 been hanged. 
 
 We camped at San Luis Obispo the next morning, and went through the 
 town like a flock of hungry wolves. Nothing was safe from the hands of 
 the soldiers. Chickens and pigs were taken wherever found, and for a 
 while Lewey and I seemed to catch the infection, and were half disposed to 
 plunder all whom we encountered. For a time we were separated. I had 
 ridden up to a large adobe house, where I thought a good breakfast could 
 be obtained, dismounted, pushed open the door, and went in. Lewey had 
 thought food looked more promising in another direction. 
 
 " What do you want ? " demanded an elderly lady, and she was one, I 
 could tell that by the first glance at her face and gray hair. 
 
 " Breakfast," I answered. " I have traveled all night, and am famished," 
 and off came my hat, and I made a low bow to the only inmate of the 
 room. 
 
 " Are you a Mexican soldier ? " she demanded in a haughty tone. " You 
 do not speak like one." 
 
 " I am not a Mexican, but at present a soldier. A poor one, I am sorry 
 to say. We have marched all night, and the men are looking for rations. 
 If I disturb you pray let me retire, and find that which I seek in some 
 other place," and, bowing, would have left the premises, but she stopped 
 me with a gesture. 
 
Lewey and I. 265 
 
 " Remain," she said. " You shall be served with the best the house 
 affords." 
 
 Just at this moment four of our men opened the door of the casa, and 
 dashed into the room. They had seen my horse in the corral, and sup- 
 posed that I had struck a bonanza in the shape of feed. 
 
 The old lady looked the indignation she felt. 
 
 " Leave the house, you unmannerly ruffians," she said to the new- 
 comers. 
 
 " Go to the devil," was the curt answer of the cavalrymen. " We want 
 to eat, and mean to pillage the house." 
 
 At this moment a door opened, and a pretty little woman entered, lead- 
 ing a child by the hand. She looked some of the fear she felt, for the lady 
 trembled, and the little one was whimpering, and clinging to its mother's 
 skirts. 
 
 " Here goes for the first kiss," cried one of my men, and he jumped to- 
 ward the prize, and threw his arms around her. She uttered a shrill scream 
 of terror, and her child repeated the cry, and covered its face with the 
 mother's dress. 
 
 " I want only a dozen warm ones," a second man said, and he too made a 
 bound for a share of the kisses. 
 
 I clubbed my rifle, and let it fall upon the fellow's head, the one who 
 had first proposed the kissing game. He dropped to the floor half stunned, 
 and then I hit the second scoundrel a blow that laid him low. 
 
 " Go," I cried, and pointed to the door. 
 
 The two uninjured greasers hesitated for a moment, and their eyes looked 
 knifeish, but just then Lewey entered the room, in search of me, and to 
 say that he had found lushings of feed. 
 
 " Vot is de row ? " he asked. 
 
 " Some of our men have insulted these ladies," I answered. 
 
 " Vot ? Insult de ladies ? No Frenchman stand by and see dat. Ve 
 vill love dem, and ve vill die for dem, but, by gar, no von skall insult dem 
 vhile I has de strength to strike a blow. Get out of dis, you black-hearted 
 scoundrels, vot don't know enough a kiss to vin by fair means," and he 
 raised his foot and kicked the two greasers from the room, and by this 
 time the injured soldiers had gained their feet and slunk out of the way, 
 with not a word of remonstrance, for they did not dare to face us, knowing 
 that we were non-commissioned officers, and therefore had a little more 
 power than the privates. 
 
 "Senors," said the elderly lady, "we owe you thanks for what you have 
 
266 Lewey and I. 
 
 done. Your good action shall not go unrewarded. My husband, General 
 Castro, shall be informed of this at an early day, and he too will be pleased 
 to compliment you." 
 
 This was a surprise to us, but we could only bow, and bless our stars that 
 we had behaved in a decent manner, and not like ruffians. But there was 
 greater astonishment yet in store for us. 
 
 "This caballero appears to have forgotten me," said the pretty little 
 mother, as soon as she had quieted her child, and, as she came forward, 
 placed a small hand in mine. " I fear that I am not so attractive as before 
 my marriage, if a boy forgets me thus quickly." 
 
 She was the nice little girl who one day had given me a kiss at Monterey, 
 just out of fun and a spirit of mischief, and the lady who had promised me 
 a dozen of the same kind at the time she supposed the town was attacked 
 by wild Indians, and then refused to complete the bargain, saying that I 
 was a fool not to take them when I had a chance. I never thought that she 
 treated me well, on that account, but now that she stood before me, a pret- 
 ty little wife, with a child by her side, I forgave all, and would have kissed 
 her willingly, if I supposed she cared about it. 
 
 " How handsome you are," I remarked, wanting to say something light 
 and graceful, that would prove acceptable, and not too abrupt, kind of a 
 delicate compliment. 
 
 " Do you think so ? " she asked, and smiled. 
 
 " I am certain that I never saw any one so beautiful as you," was my re- 
 sponse, and I heard Lewey groan, as though he doubted the truth of the 
 statement. 
 
 " You always was a good boy, and I now think you a nice young man," 
 the little wife exclaimed, and then Lewey acted as though he was sick. I 
 wanted to kick him he was so rude. " You may take one kiss for this 
 morning's kindness," the pretty little woman said, and p'ut up her lips. 
 
 " It sick makes me to see so much slobberin' goin' on," my friend re- 
 marked with a groan. 
 
 He wanted a chance himself, but the mother knew goodness when she 
 saw it, and kept the French lad at a distance. 
 
 The Senora Castro did not even frown as I bent down and saluted the 
 red lips and small mouth held up for the kiss. I had just finished the 
 agreeable duty when the door opened, and in walked our captain, looking 
 very much astonished at seeing his two sergeants present, and talking to 
 the ladies in a very free yet courteous manner. 
 
 " Hello," he said, " what the devil are you doing here ? " and then, to our 
 
Lewey and I. 267 
 
 surprise, the pretty little wife threw herself into his arms, and kissed the 
 officer a dozen times, which made Lewey so discontented that he wanted to 
 kick Jack, but thought better of it, and only muttered about being aggra- 
 vated when so many good things were thrown away on the undeserving. 
 
 " O ! Fernando," cried the little wife, as soon as she could take breath, 
 " how surprised and delighted I am to see you. I did not know you were 
 near me.- I supposed you were still at Santa Barbara, recruiting for your 
 company." 
 
 " My company is nearly full, and I am on my way to Monterey. We ar- 
 rived here this morning, and march tonight," the captain answered. 
 
 " For the sake of the saints go sooner," Senora Castro exclaimed. " I 
 think, from what I have seen, that your men must be the worst in Califor- 
 nia. They have grossly insulted us already." 
 
 " In what way ? " Captain Fernando demanded, and put his hand on his 
 sabre, and gave us a look that did not speak well for our future promotion. 
 
 "Four of your men attempted to kiss me," the young wife said, " and 
 were otherwise violent," and here she sobbed, but did not say a word about 
 the salute she had given me. 
 
 "You blanked ladrones," howled the captain, and would have fully drawn 
 his sabre, but the young wife held him so tightly in her arms that he could 
 not move until an explanation had been made. 
 
 " Be quiet, Fernando," the elderly lady remarked. " You misjudge these 
 caballeros. They are gentlemen, if they are common soldiers. To them 
 are we indebted for protection. They drove off the bad ladrones who 
 would have assaulted us, and at some risk to their own lives." 
 
 " Yes, yes," the young wife cried eagerly, " your men would have kissed 
 and maltreated me had not these young gentlemen knocked two of them 
 down, and kicked the others out of the house. They are heroes, 
 Fernando." 
 
 The young officer's face lost its flush of anger. He released his hold of 
 the sabre, and held out his hand for us to shake, and forgive him. 
 
 " Pardon me," he said. " I should have known that the men who saved 
 my life would not insult unprotected ladies. This is my sister, the Senora 
 Costello, and this lady is the Senora Castro, the wife of the governor, the 
 commander-in-chief of the California army, and my uncle," and, as he intro- 
 duced us the ladies bowed, and we assured them that we were delighted to 
 make their acquaintance, as is customary in polite society, and it does not 
 matter if you do utter a falsehood at the time the assertion is made. It is 
 only a white lie. 
 
268 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Aunt," the young captain said, " these young men were impressed into 
 my company through the machinations of that scoundrel, Don Antonio 
 Sanchos, whom uncle will keep in the pay of the State, as a spy and engan- 
 chador. They were green enough to matriculador, and so we claimed them 
 for military duty, as we had a right to. The foolish young fellows were in 
 love, and wanted to marry two girls at Ranche Refugio." 
 
 " A very laudable desire," both ladies remarked. " It was a mean act to 
 take them away from those they admire. We are sure they would make ex- 
 cellent and faithful husbands." 
 
 " Yes, senoras, we should, be assured of that," the unblushing Lewey re- 
 marked, and from that moment my French friend grew in favor with the 
 ladies. 
 
 " Now, I have a plan that requires your help, my good aunt," the captain 
 said. " I owe the young men a debt of gratitude as well as yourself. 
 Write a letter to the general, detailing all the circumstances of this morn- 
 ing's outrage. Paint glowingly the service the senors have rendered you 
 and Sister Costello. The army is no place for them. Before they have 
 been in it a month they will be murdered by their companions, just as sure 
 as they are now alive. To save them I shall not even ask the names of the 
 ladrones who assailed you, for, if the scoundrels were pointed out and 
 properly punished, their comrades would avenge the act on the first dark 
 night, by the thrust of a knife. I could let them desert, and welcome, but 
 Sanchos would set his hounds on their trail, run them down, and then shoot 
 them. There would be a volley, and two dead matriculadors. The best 
 plan is for General Castro to grant a formal discharge from the army, with 
 a promise on the lads' part not to serve against California or Mexico. 
 How would this suit you, senors ? " the young captain asked, turning to 
 us. 
 
 I expressed my joy at the prospect of a speedy release, but Lewey did not 
 respond so readily. The fact of it was the French lad had really begun to 
 like the life we were leading. There was excitement and activity in it, and 
 some fun. He could order the greasers about, and began to feel all the de- 
 lights of one who is in authority, and can show his power. Besides, had 
 not our men stolen everything that they could lay their hands on, or else de- 
 stroyed what they could not carry away? There is something fascinating 
 in a piedatory life after all, especially when you have no property of your 
 own, so that retaliation can be made by the sufferers, and this was our 
 case. 
 
 " Before I answer the question, let me ask one, capitan," Lewey said. 
 
Lewey and I. 269 
 
 " Is there any chance for us to become generals or colonels in the 
 army?" 
 
 " Not the slightest, amigo," was the ready answer. " We have more of- 
 ficers than soldiers and more generals than companit-s. You can hope to 
 rise no higher, for jealousy of foreigners would be a bar to your 
 promotion." 
 
 " Then," said Lewey with a sigh, " I am ready to be mustered out. It 
 seems as though fate, or the saints, was against us all the time. We can 
 neither get married nor stay in the army. All doors are closed on us." 
 
 The Mexican laughed, and then the ladies caused an excellent breakfast 
 to be prepared for us, and the captain did not hesitate to invite us to sit at 
 the table and eat with him. 
 
 While the meal was being got ready Lewey and I went in search of some 
 of the male peons of the estate, swore at them in true trooper style, to im- 
 press upon their simple minds that we were men not to be trifled with, made 
 them remove our saddles, groom our horses, and the one the captain rode, 
 feed the animals with barley, and give them plenty of water, and, while this 
 was being done, heaven only knows where the rest of our men were, or 
 what they were doing. We could hear a yell once in a while, and a shrill 
 scream, as though some Indian woman was being kissed against her will, 
 but, as we were not responsible for the morals of the greasers, we did not 
 rush around, knocking on the head the disorderly ones, for our lives were 
 of some value to us, and worth all the Mexicans in the country. 
 
 Sometimes a straggler would roam near the house, where the captain was 
 taking his ease, but we had only to point in a different direction, and off the 
 fellow would go, and leave us in peace. 
 
 After breakfast we lay down under the shade of a tree, and went to sleep, 
 Jack keeping watch over our persons. We slept until four o'clock, and 
 were then awakened by the loud blasts of our trumpets, calling in the strag- 
 glers, and as a signal to get ready to march. 
 
 We were rolling up our blankets, and strapping them, when Captain 
 Fernando called us into the house. 
 
 " Sergeants," he said, " I shall leave you two here tonight, and tomorrow 
 you will start, and act as escort to my sister and aunt. They go to Monte- 
 rey. They have had enough of San Luis Obispo, and prefer the former 
 and death to life and this place. Their husbands have sent for them, and 
 they are willing enough to start. Do you think you can look after their 
 welfare on the route ? They will ride in a rough volante, drawn by two 
 mules, the same that brought them here a few weeks since. A peon will 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 act as postilion, and you must protect the ladies from insults, if any are 
 offered. The senoras prefer you to their own countrymen, which is a great 
 compliment." 
 
 We said that we should like the job very much, and I thought of the 
 pleasant little chats I could have with the young wife while on the way. 
 
 " Then that is settled. To tell you the truth, I fear some of my men may 
 not like broken heads from gringos. Now here is a paper requiring all the 
 people on your route to grant you protection, shelter, and assistance, under 
 pains and penalties of martial law. Do not hurry over the country, for it 
 is rough, and be careful in descending the mountains, and crossing the riv- 
 ers and streams. See that no harm happens to the senoras or the mucha- 
 cho. On this duty will depend, in a measure, your discharge. And now 
 adios. I must get my ladrones in line, and march." 
 
 He sprang into the saddle, threw a kiss to his sister and aunt, and dashed 
 down to the plaza, where the men were mustering to the shrill blasts of the 
 trumpets, and the fierce carambas of the orderly sergeant. 
 
 All the cavalry men reported for duty, and we stood near the road, and 
 saw the heroes depart, and, as they filed by, they hurled questions at our 
 heads as to our absence from the ranks, and swore that there was not a 
 thing left in all San Luis Obispo worth stealing. 
 
 We said that we were ordered on a scouting expedition over the moun- 
 tains, to look after Fremont and his men, and then the greasers crossed 
 themselves, and closed up their ranks, as if fearful of an attack. The two 
 ruffians, whose heads I had injured in the morning, did not look pleased at 
 the thought of our being left behind, and I imagined that I read murder in 
 their eyes as they passed us. 
 
 We had a delightful evening at the house. Senora Costello and her aunt 
 played on guitars and sang for us, just as though we were on an equality. 
 As soon as they learned we had some education, could read and write, had 
 attended schools in our own countries, they dropped all reserve, and acted 
 like friends more than distinguished ladies of rank, with rich fathers and 
 husbands. 
 
 That night we slept in the house, with our rifles beside us, and Jack on 
 the watch, for we feared some of the bold soldier boys might return in an 
 unexpected manner, and not only put us out of the way but injure the ladies. 
 "But nothing happened to disturb us, and early in the morning we mounted 
 our horses, and rode to the house where we had danced with Anita and 
 Engracia the night we were sent on shore to watch hides at the Cave. 
 Then we pushed on, went to the landing, and the stream of fresh water, 
 
Lewey and f. 271 
 
 where we stopped, and had a most delicious bath, with plenty of California 
 hard white soap to start the dust and perspiration, the accumulation of 
 weeks of travel. 
 
 The Cave had not changed. The surf beat lightly on the shoal shore, 
 and not a vessel was at anchor in the open roadstead. We laughed as we 
 thought of the stolen hides, the dead coyote, and the bear story, and then 
 rode back to the house, refreshed and clean, even if we were a little ragged. 
 The ladies assured us that we would be ill from exposure to the cold water, 
 but we pacified and tried to convince them that there was no danger. They 
 did not believe in such rude attempts at cleanliness, and, when we stated 
 that our countrywomen were extravagantly fond of bathing, our Mexican 
 friends held up their hands in speechless horror, and thought they must be 
 very untidy to require so much washing. 
 
 As soon as breakfast was finished the volante was brought to the door, 
 our horses were saddled, and in nice condition for a start, the ladies were 
 helped into the vehicle, with a good supply of provisions for the journey, 
 the pretty little wife smiled on me as I covered her feet and child with a 
 scrape, to keep off the keen morning air, and my face glowed with pride 
 and pleasure as the handsome lady said, 
 
 " To the saints and to you we commit ourselves. Do not disappoint our 
 anticipations, and when we arrive at Monterey, if you are real good, you 
 shall be rewarded by a kiss." 
 
 " For such a prize I would do and dare anything," was my gallant re- 
 sponse, and Lewey asked in English, in a sneering tone, 
 
 " How many vomen de same has you said dat to ?" just as though I was 
 accustomed to flatter the fair sex, imitating his free-love ways. 
 
 The postilion cracked his whip, we slung our loaded rifles over our 
 shoulders, whistled to Jack, who was creating a disturbance with a neigh - 
 bering cat, and did not like to leave until he had worried her a little more, 
 threw ourselves into the saddles, and were off, following the trail that led 
 along the base of the mountains, and over which a carriage could journey, 
 if the driver was careful, and avoided the rocks and ruts, for the govern- 
 ment had paid some attention to the road, a chain gang being engaged in 
 clearing it for many years, and yet did not make such marked improvement 
 as one would naturally expect. 
 
 The morning was so bright, the air so pure and bracing, our condition 
 was so changed from the experiences of the day before, that we actually 
 felt quite content with our lot, and Lewey hummed a French love song, 
 and wanted me to join in the chorus, and when I refused said that I was 
 
272 Lewey and /. 
 
 spoons on some one, and I did n't know what he meant at first, until he 
 nodded toward the volante, and smiled, while I blushed, and repudiated the 
 idea. 
 
 We rode ahead of the vehicle, the better to observe the best portion of 
 the trail, and, when the hour of noon arrived, thinking the women were 
 tired, we halted on the borders of a little stream that descended from the 
 mountains, assisted the ladies to dismount, and, while Lewey and the peon 
 looked after the animals, turning them loose for feed on the rich grass, I 
 took my fish line, and caught a nice lot of trout, and baked them on some 
 coals, and while we were eating our dinners, the meal was interrupted by 
 the sudden appearance of four evil-looking rancheros descending the moun- 
 tain, and advancing toward us on a lope. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A BRUSH WITH LADRONES. A YOUNG LADY'S MODE OP EXPRESSING 
 THANKS. THE PEON'S MURDER. A LONG CONFESSION. ON THE 
 MOUNTAIN SIDE. THE TRAPPERS. MONTEREY ONCE MORE. DON 
 SANCHOS RECEIVES A BLOW. THE AMERICAN CONSUL EXPRESSES AN 
 OPINION. AGREEABLE QUARTERS. AN EARTHQUAKE, AND A TU- 
 MULT. AN INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL CASTRO. ANTONIO AND 
 CARLOS SANCHOS ARE SNUBBED. A DANGEROUS MISSION TO CAP- 
 TAIN FREMONT. 
 
 T T TE were eating our dinners of baked trout and cold chicken, and rath- 
 * * er stale frijoles as an adjunct, the ladies were expressing the pleas- 
 ure they derived from the journey, and the happiness they anticipated in 
 soon seeing their husbands, when the four horsemen appeared in sight, hav- 
 ing crept down the mountain side in such a stealthy manner that we should 
 not have noticed them until they were close upon us had not Jack uttered a 
 significant growl, and thus caused us to look up, just as the strangers be- 
 gan to lope their horses toward us. 
 
 " Ladrones," suddenly exclaimed the peon, and made a backward leap, 
 and landed in some bushes, out of sight. 
 
 The rancheros did look like thieves, and we were suspicious that they 
 were of that grade of humanity, for the fellows had their long lariats in their 
 hands all ready for a throw. In a few minutes more we should have been 
 entangled in their coils had not the dog given us warning. The ladies Ut- 
 tered subdued exclamations, and then repeated the first prayer they could 
 think of, and it sounded in Spanish something like our English version of 
 " Now I lay me down to sleep." 
 
 " Que quiere usted ? " Lewey challenged. 
 
 " Amigos," was the ready response, but we doubted their being friends, 
 
274 Lewey and I. 
 
 for their movements were far from being friendly in that wild, deserted part 
 of the country. 
 
 " Keep off," my comrade cried. " Do not advance. We want none of 
 your company." 
 
 " You will like us better after a short acquaintance," the rancheros re- 
 sponded. " We are poor men, and mean no injury." 
 
 " In the name of the Virgin do not let the ladrones harm us," Senora 
 Costello cried, as she clasped her child in her arms, and her face, so beauti- 
 ful and pure, showed the fear she experienced, while Senora Castro, like 
 the wife of a warrior, looked the courage she felt, and regarded the new- 
 comers with haughty defiance. 
 
 " Senors," I said, as soon as the little wife had made her appeal, and it 
 was not a vain one, for I resolved to defend her with my life, " this lady is 
 the wife of General Castro, the governor of the State. We desire that she 
 shall not be annoyed. Your presence troubles her. Will you, like gallant 
 men, retire and no longer give her anxiety ? " 
 
 The fellows whispered together for a moment, and we thought they would 
 comply with our request, but instead of galloping off they drew nearer, and 
 one of them said, 
 
 " We are poor men, our ranches have been despoiled by the forces of the 
 government, and we own not a peso. Give us all the money you have, 
 your guns and powder, and we will let you pass without further molesta- 
 tion. What say you, is it a bargain ? " 
 
 " Give them nothing," was the stern command of the elderly lady. 
 " They would not spare us if you did." 
 
 As we supposed she understood the nature of her countrymen better than 
 we did, her words inspired us to show fight and save those committed to 
 our charge. We did not fear the ladrones if we could keep them at a dis- 
 tance, and our necks from the encircling influence of the terrible lariats. 
 If they threw them, and we were caught, death was certain, for they would 
 gallop over the plain, and drag us at their horses' heels until life was 
 extinct. 
 
 " Ladies," I said, " the safest place for you is the volante. Go to it 
 quietly, but as speedily as possible, and leave us to deal with these men. 
 We will not desert you, but fight to the last." 
 
 The senoras arose and obeyed us without a word. As the rancheros 
 saw the movement, and understood its significance, they prepared for a 
 charge. Now they never would have thought of such an act if they had 
 understood the power of rifles. They supposed that we were armed with 
 
Lewey and I. 2 75 
 
 the old-fashioned Mexican musket, that did not carry a ball within three 
 fathoms of the point aimed at, and a regiment of soldiers, equipped with 
 that weapon, have been known to fire all day in a pitched battle, and not 
 kill more than fifty men, and wound but a few additional enemies. 
 
 " Let us to them gib it," Lewey muttered, as the ladrones dashed toward 
 us. 
 
 We waited until the fellows were within fifty feet and then aimed at the 
 two foremost ones, those who were a little in advance of the others. With 
 the crack of our rifles the men singled out reeled in their saddles, and then 
 leaned forward and clutched their horses' manes. They did not seem to 
 take much interest in the rest of the fight, for their animals, frightened at 
 the report of the guns, dashed across the plain toward the mountains, and 
 disappeared in the thick chapparel, the riders having no control over 
 them. 
 
 As we discharged our guns we ran as fast as possible to the shelter of 
 the volante, and threw ourselves flat upon the ground, with arms extended, 
 and it was well that we did so, for two lariats flew through the air, alighted 
 on our persons, and, as they touched our heads, we raised our hands and 
 pitched them some distance from us, and so saved our lives by that simple 
 manoeuvre. 
 
 The rancheros dashed on, bafHed but not defeated. They knew that we 
 could not have time to re-load our rifles, so supposed that we were sure to 
 be captured at the next charge. With a light touch of the heavy curb they 
 threw their horses on their haunches, wheeled them like a well-drilled sol- 
 dier, and once more came toward us, determined to ride us down if the lari- 
 ats failed. 
 
 " De pistols to dem gib," whispered Lewey, who always spoke bad Eng- 
 lish when excited. 
 
 We rolled over, close to the wheels of the volante, where the women 
 were praying for our success, drew our pistols, which the ladrones did not 
 suspect we had on our persons, and, when the Mexicans were close upon 
 us, fired, just as the lariats were thrown. The mustangs swerved in their 
 course, and thus disconcerted the aim of the men. The reatas flew wide 
 of their mark, grazed one of the wheels of the volante, slipped to the ground, 
 and, as the horsemen passed us, we gave them a second broadside from the 
 other pistols, and had the satisfaction of hearing one fellow utter a yell of 
 pain, and then both mustangs pitched to the ground, and the Mexicans 
 went with them, one with a broken leg, and the other with a bullet in his 
 shoulder. 
 
276 Lewey and L 
 
 " Don't mind 'em, cried Lewey. " Let de blanked scoundrels suffer as 
 much as dey can. Load de guns and de pistols. Dar may be udders of 
 'em not far off." 
 
 The advice was too good to be rejected. We let the injured ladrones 
 lie on the ground, one of them with a leg under the wounded mustang, and 
 grinding the fellow's flesh into the saddle and earth at every movement of 
 the animal. 
 
 " Bueno," cried the two ladies, as they clapped their hands. " Brave 
 men. A thousand thanks. Kill the ladrones." 
 
 When a Mexican woman has her blood up she does not stand for trifles. 
 She can be as cruel as one of the male members of her race. The senoras 
 smelled blood, and there was no mercy in their hearts. 
 
 We did not feel that way. We had conquered in the fight, and were sat- 
 isfied with what we had done. We did not propose to despatch our prison- 
 ers, but let them get well the best way they could. While we were re-load- 
 ing our rifles and pistols, however, the black, savage peon, who had run 
 away at the first sign of danger, glided out of the chapparel, and went to- 
 ward the injured men. We did not note his movements very closely, think- 
 ing that curiosity alone drew him to the spot. But suddenly we heard a 
 yell for mercy, and then a sickening crunch, and, on running to the spot, 
 saw that the cowardly savage had killed both ladrones where they lay on 
 the ground with well-directed blows of his machete, or heavy knife, sharp 
 and thick. 
 
 " Dog," we asked, " why did you do this ? " 
 
 " So that they will no longer trouble honest people," was the prompt re- 
 ply. " They have gone to the devil who created them." 
 
 "Do not scold the peon," cried the ladies. "He did right. The la- 
 drones would have maltreated us. They missed their game, arid had to suf- 
 fer the consequences." 
 
 We were not so hardened as that, but were guiltless of the murders, 
 thank God. We should have spared the injured rancheros, and let them 
 escape. But what could we say or do ? The peon was not under our com- 
 mand, and did as he pleased, regardless of our wishes. The ladies gave 
 him orders, and he obeyed. If we had pleaded for mercy a smile of con- 
 tempt from the savage would have been all the reply he might vouchsafe. 
 So we held our tongues, and left the fellow to pillage the bodies, and se- 
 cure such articles as he thought valuable. 
 
 " Now we will finish our dinners and coffee," the elderly lady said, as we 
 assisted her to alight from the carnage. 
 
Lewey and L 277 
 
 " By gar," cried Lewey, when he heard the words, " this is cool. Some 
 nerve has I, but de ladies beat it all out of sight." 
 
 "And I," said the little wife "will now reward my gallant preserver with 
 as many kisses as he will take. My life, my honor, my child has he saved. 
 May the saints bless him." 
 
 I could not refuse the polite invitation, so saluted the fair lady with two 
 kisses, but somehow there was not that vim and sweetness in them that I 
 experienced at Monterey previous to her marriage, or before the time of 
 the tragedy that had been enacted before our eyes. We look for gentleness 
 and tenderness, mercy and forgiveness in women, and when we do not find 
 them masculine admiration does not become an instinct, and so it was in 
 my case. The beautiful woman was before me, but she had shown no pity 
 t6ward the vanquished, and I did not think she was so pretty as when I saw 
 her the day before, asking for protection from the rude assaults of the 
 soldiers. 
 
 "Vare does my share of de kissin' come in?" asked the envious 
 Lewey. 
 
 The Senora Castro must have divined the question, for she held out her 
 hand, a very well formed one even if it was a little dark. 
 
 * You," she said, " for your bravery on this occasion shall be permitted 
 to kiss my hand." 
 
 " I vill do it," cried Lewey, " but I is not hungry for such dings," and he 
 pressed his lips very respectfully on the lady's fingers, and then he winked 
 at me. 
 
 As he spoke in English the senora's feelings were not hurt, as she could 
 not understand a word he uttered. He looked eagerly at the thin lips of 
 the young wife, but she did not take the hint, although both ladies praised 
 us in no stinted manner for the part we had performed. 
 
 We made a fresh pot of coffee, smoked a few cigarettes, in which the 
 ladies did not disdain to join us, and at two o'clock were once more on our 
 way, leaving the dead men and injured horses where they had fallen, food 
 for the coyotes and mountain lions, unless there were companions to look 
 after the remains. 
 
 We passed through a beautiful section of the country, with the high coast 
 range of mountains on our right hand and the seashore on our left. Some- 
 times, from our elevated position, we could catch a glimpse of the ocean, 
 solitary and deserted, with no sail in sight to break the monotony. We 
 could not travel fast, as the trail was rugged, so were not sorry to catch 
 sight of the adobe walls of a ranche house just as the sun was sinking, and 
 
278 Lewey and L 
 
 the chill air of the coming night swept through the valley, fresh from the 
 waters and snow-crowned mountains of the northern sierras. 
 
 The owner of the ranche, an aged Mexican, and a priest, came out to 
 meet us and make us welcome. Captain Fernando had passed that way 
 the day before, and stated who would follow him, so that there was no sur- 
 prise expressed as we drove up. The holy father belonged to the. Mission 
 Carmel, four miles from Monterey, was on a tour of confession and chris- 
 tening, and ready to marry such as desired to enter the holy bands of 
 matrimony. 
 
 " Welcome, daughters, to such as the house affords," the padre said, as 
 he came forward and assisted the women to alight, while the aged Mexican 
 stood uncovered, out of respect to the rank of the ladies. " We could have 
 wished," the priest continued, "that your reception and entertainment were 
 more regal, but the government troops were here last night, and they did 
 not leave much of any value behind," and here the good man smiled, and 
 glanced at the sister of the captain of the cavalry company, but the Senora 
 Costello did not seem to think that any apology was needed for the conduct 
 of the men, for she simply said, 
 
 " Holy father, I suppose soldiers must live the same as priests." 
 
 "Yes, child, but they need not steal what they can't eat. But God be 
 with you, daughters. Enter the house, and supper shall be served 
 immediately." 
 
 As we were not invited we piquetted our horses, found them a mess of 
 barley, and made preparations for spending the night. As we knew that 
 we should not be permitted to sleep in the house we cleared out a place in 
 the out-building, and then waited for such portion of supper as the ladies 
 might be disposed to send us, and I am glad to state, for the honor of the 
 sex, that- we were not forgotten, as we had a bountiful supply of frijoles and 
 tortillas, and some coffee, the latter none too good, as the cook had not set- 
 tled it, in his haste to serve the distinguished visitors. 
 
 While we were disposing of the food the priest came toward us, and 
 raised his hands over our heads. We saw what was coming, arose, and 
 stood uncovered before him. 
 
 " Soldiers," he said, " the ladies have told me of your bravery. Al- 
 though you are foreigners and heretics take an old man's blessing. It nev- 
 er yet harmed any one." 
 
 " Holy father," said Lewey, " I am a Catholic, but not a good one." 
 
 Here I nodded an assent, and my friend continued, 
 
 " I do not make love to every pretty face that I see, like some gringos I 
 
Lewey and I. 279 
 
 could mention, yet I have not confessed for many months. Will it please 
 you to hear me if you have the time and patience ? " 
 
 " Holy father," I remarked, " if he makes a full confession you will have 
 no sleep tonight. Better take him by installments. Two or three hours 
 this evening, and the rest early in the morning." 
 
 The good priest did not smile at the words. He simply said, 
 
 " As a servant of the church I will give your friend all the time he re- 
 quires," and the two walked to a secluded spot, and Lewey must have had 
 a long catalogue of sins to answer for, as he was gone an hour or more, and 
 when he returned said that he was all right for a year at least. 
 
 The ladies came out in the court yard and sat for a while, their shoulders 
 covered with scrapes to keep off the heavy dew and cold night air. They 
 were very pleasant, and spoke more than once of the service we had ren- 
 dered them, and how grateful they felt for our exertions in their behalf. 
 Then Senora Costello complained of fatigue, and gave me her hand as she 
 bade me a quiet good-night, and a hope that I might sleep well. 
 
 We were not disturbed by the cries of the coyotes, and got up and washed 
 long before the ladies were dressed and ready to show themselves. We 
 fed our horses, had breakfast, and by eight o'clock once more resumed our 
 way, and nothing happened of interest until we were ten miles from the 
 Carmel Mission, then, while climbing a mountain, at a snail's pace, for the 
 trail was rugged, four men stepped from the bushes, rifles in hand, huge 
 knives in their belts, and pepper-pot revolvers on their hips. 
 
 " The saints preserve us," the ladies exclaimed, " here are more ladrones, 
 and no retreat." 
 
 We could not turn the volante, and if we had it would have been of no 
 use, for the strangers might shoot the mules from where they stood, and 
 not half try. 
 
 I knew from the dress and appearance of the men that we had not fallen 
 in with another party of Mexican ladrones, but four American trappers, and 
 what they could want of us was a mystery. 
 
 "Put up your rifle, Lewey," I said, as my friend began to unsling the 
 weapon from his back. " Here we will find better marksmen than our- 
 selves, and before we could fire they would riddle our bodies with bullets. 
 Let me deal with these people, for fighting is of no use with such odds 
 against us. If they are Americans I can manage better with them than you." 
 " Senors," cried the two ladies, thrusting their heads out of the side of 
 the volante, and looking a little alarmed, while Senora Costello clasped her 
 child close to her breast, " we hope there is no danger to you and us." 
 
2 g o Lewey and I. 
 
 " I trust not, ladies," I answered, " but we must hope for the best. Re- 
 main calm and quiet while I go forward to meet the strangers, and question 
 them." 
 
 Followed by Jack I rode slowly forward, the trappers still remaining near 
 the centre of the trail, their rifles carelessly thrown across the bend of their 
 arms, and right hands on the locks of their guns. They looked at me with 
 as much curiosity as I manifested, and, when I was within a few paces of 
 the men, they motioned for me to halt, and I obeyed the mandate without 
 delay. They were tall, brawny, muscular fellows, wearing red shirts and 
 slouched hats, and on their feet they had Indian moccasins, trimmed with 
 beads and porcupine quills. Their eyes were bright and very alert, and 
 seemed ever watchful, as though expecting an enemy to appear near them 
 at any. moment. 
 
 " Tip the greaser a little Mexican lingo, Bill," one of the trappers said to 
 a comrade, who was supposed to be the linguist of the party, and, thus 
 urged, the man who was addressed as Bill took a step forward, and 
 said, 
 
 " Buenos days, saynor ? " 
 
 I laughed as I answered, 
 
 " I think we had better palaver in English, gentlemen. We shall under- 
 stand each other better." 
 
 " Blank me, the fellow a'n't no greaser," Bill remarked. " Mexicans 
 don't speak like that 'ere." 
 
 " No, gentlemen, I am an American like yourselves," I said. 
 
 " Then what is yer doin' on here ? " was the next question. " Ride up 
 and let 's take a squint at yer close to." 
 
 I rode near the men, and they looked me all over, and seemed a little puz- 
 zled at my Mexican costume. 
 
 " Whar did yer come from, pard?" one of the trappers asked. 
 
 " Santa Barbara." 
 
 " Will, jist tumble off that 'ere hoss for a minute. We wants to talk 
 with yer for a while," and I obeyed the request, as I knew it would not do 
 me any good to refuse the polite command. 
 
 " Sot yerself down on that stump, stranger," one of the men said, the 
 person who seemed to be the leader of the party. 
 
 I obeyed, pulled out my pipe, lighted it, and smoked with apparent un- 
 concern. The men imitated my example in the pipe line. 
 
 " Keep yer eyes peeled for the greasers, Bill," the leader said. " There 
 may be some scoutin' round here, although T think not. We don't want 
 
Lewey and I. 283 
 
 to be took by surpiise nohow, jist at this time," and then the man turned to 
 me and resumed his questioning. 
 
 " Who is you anyway, stranger ? " he asked. 
 
 " I have told you. I am an American, formerly a sailor, but left my ship 
 at the end of the voyage for the purpose of marrying and living in the 
 country." 
 
 As I mentioned the word " marrying " all of the men laughed, but in a 
 subdued manner, as though they were not accustomed to make any noise 
 when giving expression to their mirth. 
 
 " What ship was you on, stranger?" demanded the leader. 
 
 " The Admittance, of Boston," was my prompt "answer. 
 
 One of the men gave me a sharp look, and asked, 
 
 " What was the name of the skipper of that ; ere ship ? " 
 
 " Captain Peterson." 
 
 " Korrect," was the ejaculation. " Now one thing more. That 'ere ship 
 was at Santa Barbara one time, and a party of trappers was aboard of her. 
 Now, stranger, what did them 'ere men do while they was thar ? " 
 
 " In the first place," I said " they all had a tot of aguardiente, and then 
 fired at champagne bottles hung from the yard-arm." 
 
 " Korrect to a hair,' ' was the complacent expression of the questioner. 
 " I was thar, mate, and knowed all about it." 
 
 " You bet, especially the rum part," one of the trappers cried, and a sub- 
 dued chuckle passed around the group. 
 
 I did not remember the man, but had no doubt he was on board the Ad- 
 mittance at the time, as we were often visited by trappers for the purpose 
 of buying powder and lead. 
 
 " Now one thing more, pard," the questioner asked. " What else did we 
 do?" 
 
 " You desired to borrow one of our boats so that you could hunt otter in 
 the kelp," I said. " The captain refused to let you have the gig as he feared 
 trouble from the greasers." 
 
 " That 's gospel truth. Yer was thar, stranger, as sure as yer are alive. 
 There 's no make up in that yarn. Yer Yankee fast enough." 
 
 " That ? s all very well," the leader remarked, " but we wants some other 
 things jist now. Whar is yer goin' ? and who has yer with yer ? " 
 
 " I am on my way to Monterey, and my shipmate and myself are escort- 
 ing two ladies to that town to join their husbands," was my prompt 
 reply. 
 
 " Who is the women ? " 
 
;P>4 Lewey and I. 
 
 " I have told you, ladies." 
 
 " Well, all women is ladies, a'n't they ? " 
 
 " Not in every case. These are real ladies under our protection, and we 
 mean to see them safely to their homes." 
 
 " That is all right, stranger," was the gruff reply. " We don't object to 
 that by any means. What we want to know is this, has yer seen any- 
 thing of the greaser soldiers about here ? " 
 
 " We heard that a troop of cavalry was just ahead of us," I answered, for 
 I thought the men would realize the fact as well as ourselves if they were 
 out on a scout. 
 
 " That 's the truth. Now yer know that the United States and Mexico 
 is at war, don't yer ? " the leader asked. 
 
 " I have heard so." 
 
 " Well, it 's a fact. Now which side does you take in the fight ? " 
 
 " Can you doubt ? " I asked, and the answer seemed to satisfy the man, 
 for he said, 
 
 " That 's all right. Now we wants you to go with us and see the 
 cap'en." 
 
 " What captain ? " 
 
 " Fremont. He 's not far from here, and might like to question yer on 
 some pints we has neglected to call up." 
 
 " You must excuse me this time," I said. " I hope to see him here- 
 after." 
 
 " Could n't we persuade yer to go ? " the leader asked with a smile, a 
 very significant one. 
 
 " Certainly, for you are in force, and we are weak, but I trust American 
 trappers will respect the ladies and their escort." 
 
 " What 's the use, Jim ? " the man who had been on board the Admit- 
 tance remarked. " The Yank is all right. Let him and the women folks 
 go." 
 
 Most of the men nodded an assent. 
 
 " I a'n't no objections. You can travel, and mind yer don't mention hav- 
 in' met us on the trail," and the leader motioned for me to continue my 
 journey with the volante and ladies. 
 
 " By the way," I asked, as I mounted my horse, and prepared to join my 
 anxious friends, "is Captain Fremont encamped near here ?" 
 
 " Never yer mind whether he is or not," was the short answer. 
 
 " How many men has he under his command ? " I asked. 
 
 " None of yer business." 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 " Is he on the war path ? " I ventured to question. 
 
 "Will yer git, yer everlastin' poll parrot?" the trapper remarked, and 
 threw up his lifle in an ominous manner, and I feared he meant business. 
 I touched my hat, and galloped back to the ladies. When I reached them 
 1 glanced along the trail, but not a single person except our party was in 
 sight. The scouts had vanished as suddenly as they appeared, and left no 
 sign of the direction in which they had gone, yet I had no doubt they were 
 watching our movements from the midst of some thicket, and hearing all of 
 our conversation. 
 
 "Who were the men?" asked Senora Castro, as soon as I was within 
 speaking distance. 
 
 " Some trappers who were uncertain about visiting Monterey, fearing the 
 trouble would cause them to be held as prisoners. They will soon cross 
 the mountains, and go back to their hunting grounds." 
 
 The ladies were satisfied with the explanation, and Senora Costello 
 flashed me a warm look of thanks from her bright eyes, and make a motion 
 with her lips as though she owed me a kiss. 
 
 " Dat is von big lie," Lewey said in English, as we resumed our snail- 
 like pace up the side of the mountain. " Dem men vas scouts, and you 
 knows it. Vas it a tight squeeze to git us by dem ? " 
 
 " You had better believe it was. Captain Fremont is encamped near 
 here I think, and that means bad luck for the greasers. Those trappers 
 are some of his scouts, and are keeping a sharp watch over the trails. If 
 they had suspected that one of our ladies was the wife of General Castro 
 they might have held her as a hostage, although our countrymen do not 
 make war on women. Remember, Lewey, we know nothing of the object 
 of these men. They were only trappers, you recollect." 
 
 " All right," was the cheery answer, for my French friend took the hint 
 without delay. 
 
 When we had crawled to the top of the mountain a magnificent sight 
 met our view. The mules were so tired we concluded to remain where we 
 were and eat our luncheon, having no fear of further molestation, as the 
 town of Monterey was in sight, although at some distance, yet it seemed to 
 be almost beneath our feet. The bright blue waters of the bay were rip- 
 pling and dancing under a gentle southwest wind, and all along the exten- 
 sive, crescent-shaped beach the white surf was rolling and tumbling, re- 
 minding us of hide-droghing days, when we were wet from morning until 
 night, yet happy and careless of the future. Across the bay we could see 
 the sand hills of Santa Cruz, and nearer, the black rocks of the Point of 
 
286 Lewey and I. 
 
 Pines, and the dark, sombre trees in their rear. Close by was the Mission 
 Carmel, the walls falling to decay, and affording shelter for but few priests, 
 the owners of not many cattle, as the Mexican government had seized on 
 all that was valuable, and converted them into money for the benefit of ad- 
 ministradors and other speculators. 
 
 The ladies were delighted with the view. Even husbands were forgotten 
 for a moment, as the senoras sat on a rock and looked off toward the town 
 and bay. There was but one vessel in the roadstead, and that we sup- 
 posed was the war-like schooner California, Captain Cooper, and I shud- 
 dered at the fate of our national ships, should any enter the harbor and en- 
 gage the terror in battle, with its crew of kanakas, and old Queen Anne 
 muskets for cannon. 
 
 We found a spring of sparkling water, but had nothing to eat except a 
 few hard-boiled eggs. I was about to take my rifle to try and find a deer 
 when a strange-looking Indian appeared on the scene, with a hind-quarter 
 of venison on his shoulder. 
 
 He did not resemble the California native in feature or color, dress or 
 appearance. He carried a li^'ht rifle in his hand, and showed no fear, as he 
 approached us quite boldly, with a firm step and upright form, and eyes of 
 fire. 
 
 I spoke to him in Spanish, but the Indian shook his head as though he 
 did not understand. 
 
 " You speak English ? " I said, and the stranger nodded. 
 
 " Will you give us a portion of your meat ?" I asked. 
 
 " Yes; take what you want." 
 
 He threw the venison on the stones, and Lewey cut off what we needed 
 for broiling on the coals. 
 
 " Who are you ? " I asked, as I gave the man a piece of tobacco in pay- 
 ment for the meat. 
 
 " Me Delaware Indian," was the proud response. 
 
 " Who is with you ? " 
 
 " Fremont." 
 
 " Where is he ? " I asked. 
 
 "How should I know?" was the guarded reply. " He here today, to- 
 morrow he gone. Who knows where he goes ? The wind will not tell the 
 secret. Delaware Indian no talk too much. No good." 
 
 He rose up and took his venison, disappearing in the forest, and that was 
 the last we saw of him. ' He was one of Fremont's celebrated Indian scouts, 
 and followed his commander from the Missouri clear across the continent 
 
Lewey and L 287 
 
 suffering hunger and thirst, danger and almost death for the sake of being 
 on a trail, or hunting expedition. 
 
 I was not sorry when the Indian disappeared from sight, for I did n't 
 know but he might be on the war path. He had been scouting through the 
 country, killed a deer during his wanderings, and was now returning to 
 camp, wherever it was located. 
 
 The ladies asked about the Delaware, and I told them he belonged to the 
 trappers we had met, and they were satisfied, but Lewey put a finger to his 
 head, and drew an imaginary knife around his brow, as though he thought 
 the Indian was after scalps, but I think my friend was wrong. 
 
 As soon as we had finished our plain repast we once more resumed our 
 journey. Then we had to lock the wheels of the volante, for our course was 
 down the steep side of the mountain, and the mules were to slide as well as 
 hold back. I thought the danger so great that I begged Senora Costello to 
 ride my horse anji let me lead him, and Lewey made the same proffer to 
 Senora Castro. Both ladies were wise enough to accept the offer, and, with 
 the child resting in its mother's lap and arms, my gallant mustang carefully 
 picked his way down the mountain, as though proud of the beauty on his 
 back, and rather liked the change of riders. 
 
 We reached the base of the mountains in safety, even the carriage suffer- 
 ing no damage, and then once more the ladies resumed their proper places 
 in the vehicle, and we dashed past the old mission toward the town. 
 
 As we drew near the village we heard the braying of trumpets, and saw 
 our gallant companions-in-arms on the plaza, undergoing review by rich- 
 ly-dressed officers. The scamps did not present a very military aspect, and 
 the line was not as straight as some mathematical demonstrations. Captain 
 Fernando was at the head of his corps, and the fierce little sergeant was 
 awful in his profanity as he damned every one who did not sit his horse 
 and act like a cavalryman. 
 
 Our arrival attracted much attention, for it was not often that a volante 
 was seen in the streets of Monterey. General Castro saw his wife, dis- 
 missed the inspection in all haste, and galloped toward us. There was an 
 affectionate embrace, and then the husband of the pretty little wife came 
 forward, and I envied him the kisses he received, for she did not seem to 
 remember those which had been bestowed on me during the journey. 
 
 Captain Fernando left his fiery sergeant to get his men back to the bar- 
 racks, and then exchanged a few words with his sister. She must have 
 told him how boldly we had acted, for he thanked us, and then turned to 
 the general, 
 
288 Lewey and I. 
 
 "These are the men I spoke about to your excellency," the young cap- 
 tain said. " They have added another chain of gratitude by repulsing a 
 party of ladrones who made an attack on them. Your wife will give you 
 the particulars at her leisure." 
 
 "I can relate some of them now," the lady said. "To these gallant 
 young men are we indebted for our lives and honor. General, you must do 
 something for them. Discharge both from the army, and let them return 
 and marry the girls they love." 
 
 Of course Castro laughed. We expected he would do so, and were not 
 disappointed. 
 
 "Any request that you make, my dear, I shall comply with," was the sat- 
 isfactory answer, but just at that moment a familiar voice was heard near 
 us, and, turning, we saw the sardonic face of Don Antonio Sanchos. The 
 scoundrel had pressed forward, and listened to the conversation. Then he 
 put in his oar, just as we expected he would. 
 
 " I trust that your excellency will give me a hearing before you comply 
 with the lady's request," he said. " I can show you good evidence that the 
 gringos are dangerous sospechosos, and have been acting as spies for the 
 Americanos." 
 
 " You are a lying dog," cried the fiery Captain Fernando. " You mean 
 enganchador, how dare you come near ladies and gentlemen when they are 
 conversing ? " 
 
 He raised his right hand, and struck Sanchos a ringing blow on the 
 face, a blow so severe that the villain staggered back, and blood flowed 
 from his nose. 
 
 Don Sanchos' first impulse was to put his hand on the hilt of his long 
 knife. Then he thought better of it, for the young officer said, in a tone of 
 scorn, 
 
 " Oh, draw your cuchillo if you desire to, but the instant you raise a hand 
 I '11 run my sword through your body. General, it is a disgrace to keep 
 such scoundrels in the service of the State. Instead of being a benefit he 
 is an injury. I have some of his doings to report to you at the first conven- 
 ient opportunity." 
 
 " I wish," cried Senora Costello, clapping her little hands, " that you 
 would hit the scamp one more good blow for me, O brother mine. I should 
 like it so much if you would." 
 
 But Don Sanchos had slunk away in the crowd, and the perplexed gener- 
 al, who was distracted with the thoughts of Fremont, the war, and the re- 
 turn of his wife, said that he would do justice, and ordered the volante to 
 
Lewey and I. 289 
 
 move on to his official residence, where the governors usually resided, near 
 the hall where Lewey and I gave our celebrated exhibition of legerde- 
 main. 
 
 " I have quartered you and your friend at my sister's residence," Captain 
 Fernando said, as the carriage rolled away. " She will make you comforta- 
 ble, and be sure that you protect her, and look after her welfare in case 
 some rambling soldier invades the premises. You will have no other duty 
 for the present. And now listen to me for a moment. Keep in the house 
 nights. Sanchos has not forgotten or forgiven you. He carries a sharp 
 knife, and knows how to use it." 
 
 " Do you not fear him ? " I asked. 
 
 "No. The villain is a coward, and dare not strike at me. If he did his 
 fate would be no uncertain one. It is people like you who feel his rage. 
 But go to the house and rest. I must look after my men, for they are in- 
 clined to steal here as well as at San Luis Obispo." 
 
 We rode through the crowded streets, for there were some five hundred 
 soldiers in town, getting ready to make an attack on Captain Fremont and 
 his men, and, as we passed the house of the American consul, Mr. Thomas 
 O. Larkin, we saw the gentleman sitting on the veranda of his residence, 
 talking with his half-brother, Captain Cooper, the commander of the schoon- 
 er California, the only Mexican man-of-war on the coast, and she carried 
 but four men and an old musket. 
 
 Neither of the gentlemen recollected us until I dismounted, went toward 
 them, and spoke. Then they were astonished, for they supposed we were 
 at home. 
 
 " What in heaven's name possessed you to leave your vessel at such a 
 time as this ? " asked Mr. Larkin, his right hand to his ear, so that he 
 could hear my reply, as he pretended to be a little deaf at times, or perhaps 
 he was hard of hearing. 
 
 " We were in love, and wanted to get married," I answered, and knew 
 what would follow, for of course both laughed, and Captain Cooper made a 
 savage bite at his maimed hand, and kindly said, 
 
 " What blanked fools." 
 
 " What are you doing here ? " Mr. Larkin asked, as soon as he could re- 
 cover his composure. 
 
 " We have just arrived as the escort of Senoras Castro and Costello. 
 The fact of it is we were impressed in the Mexican army at Ranche Rufugio 
 just as we were about to be married, and forced to march or die. We 
 preferred the former." 
 
290 Lewey and /. 
 
 " Good for the Mexicans," Captain Cooper cried. " You will live to 
 bless them some day for doing you a service." 
 
 " I will soon set you free from the army," the American consul remarked. 
 " Tomorrow I will speak to General Castro on the subject. They have no 
 right to impress an American or a Frenchman. Perhaps I can make the 
 government pay you damages." 
 
 " But we are matriculadors," I said. 
 
 " The devil you are ! That alters the case. What fools boys do make of 
 themselves. But I '11 get you discharged just the same, or know the reason 
 why," and the representative of American honor scowled at a greaser sol- 
 dier who passed just at that moment, and shouted, 
 
 " Down with the Americano gringos and their representative," meaning 
 that the warrior wanted to share in the sacking of the consul's house, and 
 steal a few of the dollars he had on the premises. The fellow paid no at- 
 tention to us, for he supposed we were Mexicans, being dressed in the 
 national costume. 
 
 "Just wait a little while, you miserable dog," Mr. Larkin muttered, and 
 then in a whisper, speaking to me, " In a few weeks the frigates Congress, 
 Independence, and Cumberland will be in the harbor, and then we will see 
 who can talk the loudest. But keep this to yourself for the present, for it 
 is not generally known that the ships are on their way to this port." 
 
 " If this is the case perhaps it would be advisable to move the schooner 
 California to safer quarters," I said, addressing Captain Cooper, the com- 
 mander, but the old salt took a ferocious nip at his hand, and declared that 
 he would fight the whole Yankee fleet, and sink it in the bay if it dared to 
 venture near him. 
 
 As we did not believe the captain was in earnest we laughed at him and 
 his threat, and moved off to find the house of Senora Costello, where we 
 were to be quartered. We knew the place very well. It was a pretentious 
 adobe building, a little off the main street, yet near the plaza. Attached to 
 the premises was a corral for horses, and a shed for the storing of rubbish, 
 saddles and the Indian servants. 
 
 I entered the house, and announced to the mistress of the place that we 
 were detailed to protect herself and family, and she did not seem in the 
 least surprised. In fact, I think the arrangement wa^ one she had made 
 with her brother, as she put more confidence in us than in her countrymen, 
 just at that time, when so much lawlessness prevailed all over the State. 
 Her husband was at the government house, being an officer of some kind, 
 so was not at home to welcome us in proper shape, but as the lady was the 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 smarter of the two it did not matter much. She told us what to do. We 
 were to turn our horses loose in the corral, we could find some barley in 
 the shed, our saddles might be stowed away anywhere, and we were to 
 sleep in the house, on our own blankets, and eat when we got a chance, 
 which was quite satisfactory, as we were accustomed to Mexican irregulari- 
 ties on the food question. 
 
 The peons looked on in wondering surprise, and did not seem disposed 
 to regard us with favor, but Senora Costello told them we were the most 
 wonderful killers of Apache Indians e^ver known, and then they changed 
 their tone, and seemed disposed to do all they could to keep us in good 
 humor, fearing for their scalps. 
 
 As soon as our traps were disposed of we fed our horses, and then went 
 in search of some new or clean clothes, for those we had on were not as 
 fresh as they might have been, having worn them all the way from San 
 Diego without a change, and I regret to say that our trousers were decided- 
 ly dilapidated on seats and legs, and a little off color, through dust and 
 perspiration. 
 
 We passed along, and saw Cook sitting in the door of his pulperia, his 
 nose a little redder than usual, and a general air of dejection seeming to 
 pervade the man and his place. He did not recollect us at first, and, when 
 he did recall our faces, sighed deeply as he thought of flush times when men- 
 of-war were in port, and sailors buying aguardiente at a real a glass, and 
 getting fighting drunk before sundown. 
 
 " Ah, but these are awful times," the old fellow sighed. " There 's a 
 crowd of people here in the streets, but not one has a real in his pockets. 
 They are the poorest lot of greasers ever known in the town. Why, I 
 could sell a barrel of rum a day, at two reals a glass, if I wanted to give 
 credit. But come in and have a drop of somethin' for the sake of old 
 times." 
 
 We declined his invitation to drink, as we were not in want of stimulants, 
 but did enter the old shanty, close to the custom house, a well-Tcnown land- 
 mark for many years to those familiar with the coast. 
 
 We saw a lot of shirts and clothes piled up on his shelves, which he had 
 taken for rum from man-of-wars' men and Mexicans. We looked the stock 
 over, found it was new and in good order, and just what we needed for 
 wear. 
 
 Now if we had said we wanted to buy the goods, the old fellow would have 
 put on a fictitious price, and made a big profit, but, as we did not speak of 
 purchasing, he thought a sale could be effected by a little plain talk. 
 
Lewey and L 
 
 " Fit yourselves out with a suit," he said. " I '11 sell dog cheap. There 
 are some Mexican costumes I bought of a tailor. He got drunk and pawned 
 them. All good cloth and nice bell buttons, imitation of silver. The blue 
 shirts came from a man-of-war, just out of the slop-chest. Take two for a 
 dollar each. It 's less than they cost me in the way of trade. Say a whole 
 suit for five dollars. You won't ? Well, take it for four, and not a medio 
 less, if I starve." 
 
 As the price was low we bought two complete suits, returned to the 
 house, found some soap and watet, had a good wash, and donned our new 
 garments, feeling all the better for being clean once more, even forcing 
 Senora Costello to utter a few words of commendation on our changed 
 appearance. 
 
 When the husband came home he was profuse in his thanks for the care 
 we had taken of his wife, and said that the house was ours, which we knew 
 did not mean anything, for we had heard the same thing many times be- 
 fore. However, he gave us some supper, and then we remained under 
 cover all the evening, as we remembered the warning Captain Fernando 
 had given us. 
 
 We slept in the room that was usually reserved for the reception of 
 guests, and for taking such hasty meals as were provided by the cooks when 
 they felt like it. I do not know what hour of the night I was awakened 
 from a heavy sleep by the movement of the house, which was rolling and 
 pitching like a ship in a light sea, and for a moment thought that I was 
 on board the old Admittance. Lewey was snoring by my side, and not dis- 
 turbed by the tumult. 
 
 I started up, and listened, and then from the plaza heard the loud clang- 
 ing of the church bells, the yells of people in the streets, as though some- 
 thing extraordinary had occurred. 
 
 " Lewey," I said, giving my French friend a kick, " there 's a tornado or 
 a new revolution, 1 do not know which, but if we remain here we '11 be 
 buried alive." 
 
 "Let her rip," was the half-awakened reply, and, turning over, he was 
 about to compose himself to sleep again, for the young man was tired as 
 well as myself. 
 
 " El torremoto ! el torremoto ! " I heard half a dozen voices yell in the 
 court-yard, and then far off in the distance the same cry was repeated, and 
 the church bells clanged louder than ever, as though to awaken the faithful, 
 and bid them come to the ark of safety if they desired to live until 
 morning. 
 
Lewey and I. 293 
 
 " Lewey," I said, as soon as I could collect my scattered senses, " there 's 
 a devil of an earthquake raging." 
 
 " Shoot it," was the drowsy reply, and then some one pounded on the 
 swaying door of the house, and yelled loudly, 
 " El torremoto ! el torremoto ! " 
 
 " Save me," cried Senor Costello, and made a bound from the room where 
 he slept, forgetting for the time being that he was a married man and a fa- 
 ther. " The earthquake will be the death of us. The saints have me in 
 their keeping. I am going to the church to pray," and out of the trembling, 
 shaking house he went at a bound, regardless of his costume, which was 
 light and airy for that time of the year, and not quite suited for church ser- 
 vices, especially if ladies were present. 
 
 "Veil," muttered Lewey, as he sat up on the floor, and pulled on his 
 trousers, "if I has to die here I '11 cover up my booful legs," an act I was 
 not slow to imitate. 
 
 For a moment there was a cessation of the rocking and trembling of the 
 house and the earth, and the cries ceased in the streets. The first shock 
 had lasted a minute, I judged, but I could not be sure, for time passes slow- 
 ly when you are expecting a building to fall on yoti every second. If it had 
 not been of adobe, and the walls very thick and elastic, we should have 
 been buried the first few seconds of the shock. As it was the tiles fell from 
 the roof, and crashed to the ground, and the dogs uttered loud howls, and 
 seemed frantic with terror. But Jack showed more courage, although the 
 poor brute trembled, and uttered a low whine, as though he realized the 
 danger, and feared that more trouble was to come. 
 
 Again the earth moved, and the building swayed. I had just buckled my 
 pistols and knife around my waist, and, as I did so, staggered like a drunk- 
 en man, and even felt sick at my stomach, and a strong inclination to vom- 
 it, so greatly was I affected, and Lewey, who was similarly afflicted, said, 
 " Dis is vusser dan a glass of old Cook's aguardiente, and a bottle of na- 
 tive vine on top of it." 
 
 " Save me ; O amigo, and mi muchacho," I heard Senora Costello moan, 
 and then suddenly recollected that her husband had run for his life at the 
 first shock. 
 
 " Look to the child, Lewey," I cried, and ran as fast as possible to the 
 room where the lady had been sleeping. 
 
 She was still in bed, not daring to rise, and in dishabille, but women do 
 not stand on ceremony when an earthquake is raging, and the roof is likely 
 to fall at any moment. A lamp was burning in her apartment, and from its 
 
294 Lewey and I. 
 
 feeble flame I could see the look of terror on the handsome face of the 
 young wife, while the boy was sleeping by the side of her bed, and had not 
 even awakened during all of the tumult. 
 
 " Where is my husband ? " demanded the lady, as soon as she could 
 s )eak, for terror had for a moment made her dumb. 
 
 " He has gone for help," I answered, wishing to excuse his absence as 
 well as I could, for I did not want to make the man contemptible in such 
 bright eyes as the lady possessed. 
 
 " It is a lie," she retorted. " He has fled to save his own worthless life, 
 and left me and the child to die." 
 
 " No, no, not to die," I answered. " I will take you in my arms, and 
 carry you to a place of safety," ignoring the word lie for the time being. 
 
 Even as I spoke the building rocked wildly, the church bells resumed 
 their clamor, the people in the streets howled in terror, called on the saints 
 and Virgin to save them, and vowed they would lead better lives in the fu- 
 ture if the request was complied with. Of course this was forgotten in less 
 than twenty-four hours after all danger was passed, but the scare showed 
 that the Mexicans were a deeply religious people in periods of earthquakes 
 and other calamities, and could do more promising in a given time than any 
 men on the face of the earth, except the Spaniards. 
 
 " If stand here you do all de night, and talk and talk, de shanty vill our 
 heads fall on. Grab de voman and get out of dis, and I vill take de boy. 
 But you allers did go for de best dings, and leave me de vusser. S'pose I 
 take de vife, and you de young von, and see how dat do ? " 
 
 Lewey could do some hard grumbling when, occasionally, I crossed his 
 path, but I knew his disposition too well to pay marked attention to it. I 
 covered the petite form of the wife with several blankets, raised her in my 
 arms, and, just as I thought we should be buried in the ruins of the house, 
 passed out of the door, Lewey near me bearing the still sleeping child, and 
 Jack following at our heels, subdued, and not disposed to fight the meanest 
 cur that was near the building yelping with terror. 
 
 For a moment I stopped near the corral where our horses were snorting 
 with fear, disposed to leap the walls, and break away for the high lands. 
 But they recognized our voices, and came toward us, trembling in every 
 limb, and reeking with perspiration. We petted and soothed them, and, as 
 the earth continued to show signs of mutinous conduct, we did not believe 
 that we could find a safer place for the depositing of our burdens than the 
 open space at the rear of the house, in the corral where the horses were 
 confined. 
 
Lewey and /. 295 
 
 The streets were full of people, the soldiers praying at one moment and 
 plundering the next, or as soon as there was a cessation of shocks. We 
 saw a crowd of our cavalry company rush toward Cook's pulperia, and we 
 calculated that his stock of aguardiente would suffer to some extent, with 
 no money paid in by the customers. 
 
 High over our heads the turkey buzzards flew, and croaked like ill-omened 
 spirits, and once in a while the fierce cry of eagles, as if protesting against 
 being disturbed in the night. Cattle were bellowing and charging through 
 the town, seeking the companionship of man for protection, and above the 
 clamoring, discordant bells could be heard the mournful booming of the 
 surf as it dashed on the shore with unusual spitefulness, covering the sandy 
 beach with feathery white foam, and, strangest of all, a huge black bear 
 came near us, growling and grumbling, yet not daring to attack any one 
 that crossed its path, man or dog. It had come down from the mountains 
 in the hope of finding less of a tumult than fallen trees and rocks torn from 
 the sides of the hills where it made its home. We could have killed the 
 wild beast from where we stood, but had no desire to make an attack on 
 such a night, when death threatened us on all sides. 
 
 As soon as our horses were quieted I deposited my fair burden in a cor- 
 ner o! the corral, and laid her sleeping boy by her side. We covered both 
 with blankets to protect them from the cool, damp air, and then Senora 
 Costello put one of her well-formed arms around my neck, drew my head 
 toward her face, and kissed me. 
 
 " You will not leave me ? " she asked. 
 
 " No, I shall remain by your side until all danger is passed. Do not 
 fear. I think you are safe here." 
 
 " If you had been my husband would you have left me on such a night 
 as this ? " she asked. 
 
 " No, I would have remained, and lived or died with you," was my an- 
 swer, and I meant every word I uttered. 
 
 She sighed, and then encircled her boy in her arms, and closed hei large, 
 black, glc rious eyes. I hoped she would ask for another kiss, but there 
 was no such luck. Then Lewey returned to the house and secured our ri- 
 fles, for we did not know but the demoralized soldiers might visit the place, 
 and offer violence to the lady. The peons had fled at the first shock, and 
 did not return home until long after daylight, and some of them looked and 
 acted as though they had tasted Cook's aguardiente, or some other strong 
 drink. 
 
 The rumblings of the earthquake grew fainter and fainter, and at last en- 
 
296 Lewey and I. 
 
 tirely ceased. We could hear the priest in the church offering up prayers 
 for the safety of his flock, and then the sudden blasts of trumpets showed 
 that the officers of the soldiers had recovered their senses, and were calling 
 in their men from pillage. 
 
 In the course of an hour Senor Costello returned to look after his wife 
 and child. He did not seem to think that he had been derelict in his duty, 
 but said that he had prayed for the safety of his dear ones, and was glad 
 the saints had listened to his prayers, which was very kind on their part, 
 all things considered. 
 
 Then Captain Fernando made his sister a visit, and, when he had heard 
 all the particulars of the night, paid Lewey and me a compliment, and gave 
 his brother-in-law a few words of condemnation which he did not fail to 
 understand. 
 
 We removed to the house as soon as all danger was passed, and once 
 more the wife returned to her bed, and the boy to his crib, the little fellow 
 not even awakening through all the noise and tumult. Squads of infantry 
 were in the streets, with fixed bayonets and loaded muskets, looking for 
 those who did not respond to the trumpet's call, and with orders to shoot 
 all who had not ceased pillaging the better class of houses. 
 
 As it was not yet daylight I laid down on my blankets by the side of 
 Lewey in the hope of getting a little sleep, and the last thing I heard was 
 the complaint of my friend, as he said, 
 
 " I is tired of dis sort of ding. I does de hard vork and you gets all de 
 kisses. By gar, I no stand it much longer," but in the morning the French 
 lad had forgotten his growling, and was as happy and careless as ever. 
 
 The sun came up warm and clear, with a gentle south wind. The air 
 was no longer impregnated with the smell of sulphur, the fumes of which 
 came from the rents in the earth. The cattle were quietly feeding, and had 
 forgotten the perils of the night. The bear had waddled back to his quar- 
 ters in the mountains, and probably was dreaming of the commotion that 
 had sent him to the village in such a hurry. Cook was sitting on an empty 
 barrel damning all kinds of greasers, high and low, counting up his losses, 
 and calculating how much he would have to water his next stock of rum to 
 make the account good. 
 
 The soldiers were sleeping off the fatigues of the night, and not until 
 seven o'clock did the blasts of the trumpets awaken them to activity and a 
 short drill before breakfast. Householders were taking an account of 
 stock, and wondering if the articles stolen from their premises would ever 
 be recovered, while the alcalda issued a proclamation recommending a day 
 
Lewey and I. 297 
 
 of feasting for the miraculous escape of the people from death, and, as all 
 danger was passed, it met the approval of the church and the citizens at 
 large. A bull-fight was proposed, but as no one dared to scour the country 
 in search of a fierce toro, on account of Fremont and his men being near, 
 the plan was given up, and a magnificent cock-fight substituted late in the 
 afternoon, and those who lost their money said that they preferred an earth- 
 quake to such wicked sports. 
 
 About eleven o'clock Captain Fernando, in full uniform, came to see us, 
 and stated that General Castro would receive and hear us immediately in 
 regard to our enlistment. When we were ready to go to the government 
 house Senora Costello threw a dark mantilla over her pretty head, and 
 stated her intention of accompanying us to the presence of the general. 
 Her brother remonstrated, but the lady was firm. 
 
 " The young gentlemen," she said, " aided me last night when I was de- 
 serted by my husband. I was in danger, and they stayed by my side. I 
 am grateful, and if I can do them any good by my presence they .shall see 
 that kindness is not thrown away on me. I can go and tell uncle all the 
 particulars, and he must have a hard heart to refuse my prayers." 
 
 Captain Fernando made no further opposition. We walked across the 
 plaza to the lesidence of the general, the sentry presented arms as his su- 
 perior passed him, and crossing a hall entered a room where Castro was 
 seated, smoking cigarettes, and dictating despatches to a secretary. 
 
 " General," said Captain Fernando, " these are the two young men I 
 spoke to you about. They saved the lives of your wife and my sister while 
 escorting them from San Luis Obispo to this place. Last night they de- 
 voted themselves to Senora Costello while the earthquake was raging and 
 her husband visiting the church to pray, instead of helping first and pray- 
 ing afterward." 
 
 * Prayer is good for all of us," said a mild, gentle voice, and a priest en- 
 tered the room. " It is seemly at all times, but still I think it is better to 
 return thanks after your wife and child are in a safe place than trust them 
 entirely to the saints, for the latter can't look after all during an earthquake. 
 I will bless the young men for saving so good a daughter as Senora 
 Costello." 
 
 He raised his hands, and we bowed our heads, and when I again looked 
 up saw that the padre was the one I had met at Santa Cruz so many times, 
 and who had let me feast on the strawberry beds of the old Mission, when 
 a sailor boy on the Admittance. He recognized me at once, and a smile 
 passed over his calm face as he said, 
 
298 Lewey and I. 
 
 " I am glad to see you once more, my son. I did not expect to meet you 
 here. I supposed you were home long since." 
 
 " Do you know the young man, holy father ? " asked Castro. 
 
 " Oh, yes, and a good boy he is. I will answer for him," and the padre 
 patted me on the cheek, in his old familiar manner. 
 
 " Can't you vouch for me also, holy father ? " asked Lewey. " I am a 
 Catholic, and my friend here is only a Protestant. According to our creed 
 I should be much better than he." 
 
 " My lad," smiled the good priest, " religion does not stamp a man so 
 that he can pass current as a Christian. But I will take the risk, and say 
 that I think you are no worse than hundreds of others whom I meet in my 
 daily life. The Senora Castro has given me excellent accounts of both of 
 you, and now my daughter here is fully as enthusiastic in your praise." 
 
 "But that is only faint commendation for me, holy father," remarked 
 Lewey, with his usual impudence. 
 
 " Let it suffice until we can learn more of your worth which you seem to 
 think is not suspected. Remember, I have not met you as many times as I 
 have your friend, therefore must be a little cautious in my remarks," and 
 just then the general's wife entered the room, and the priest gave Lewey a 
 smile that showed he could appreciate a joke as well as the French lad. 
 
 I placed a chair for the lady near her husband, and then drew back and 
 resumed my position by the side of Lewey, for we were not requested to sit 
 down in the presence of so much dignity, not being on an equality with 
 those present. 
 
 " We were speaking of these young men," the padre said, as soon as 
 Senora Castro had taken a seat, and given us a smile of welcome. " After 
 all that I have heard I do not see how the general can refuse to grant them 
 a discharge. Had they been Mexican soldiers they could not have done 
 more to protect the ladies." 
 
 "They were worth a dozen Mexicans when the ladrones attacked us," re- 
 marked the pretty little wife, and her eyes flashed as she spoke ; but the 
 general did not like the speech, as he put great faith in his country's 
 soldiery. 
 
 " The question is this," the general's wife cried, in a tone that proved 
 she could make her presence felt when desired, and I noticed that all 
 were hushed while she was speaking, '"are the young men to be discharged 
 from the army or not ? " 
 
 " Certainly, my dear," the general cried, in a tone that showed he wanted 
 to conciliate her. 
 
Lewey and I. 399 
 
 " Will you please to give me a chance to speak without being inter- 
 rupted ? " the wife asked impatiently. 
 
 " Certainly, dear. Go on. We are listening to you with much eagerness 
 I am sure. I told you last night that I would do just as you wished in re- 
 gard to these men," and the general rubbed his hands, and looked at the 
 priest as if asking his protection. 
 
 " General," Mrs. Castro remarked, with a withering smile, " if you could 
 fight as hard as you talk Fremont and his band of ladrones would all be 
 dead long before this." 
 
 " Yes, my dear," the warrior muttered, and then yielded the floor to the 
 lady. It was evident she meant to have her own way and the last word at 
 the same time. 
 
 " The young men have been tricked and deceived," Senora Castro said. 
 " They were persuaded to matriculador, and did not understand the mean- 
 ing of the word. They wanted to get married, and they did n't get 
 married." 
 
 Here the general sighed. He did not seem to think that was a great ca- 
 lamity, as near as I could judge by his face. In fact, I rather thought he 
 wanted to congratulate us on our lucky escape. 
 
 " The reason the young men were not married was because one of your 
 agents stepped in and spoiled the matter, and then threatened to hang the 
 senors if they did not enlist. Is that the way to build up the State, and in- 
 crease the population ? " Senora Castro asked with a frown, and her lord 
 scratched his head, and said that he was satisfied such a plan would result 
 in a dead failure to build up any State. 
 
 " I am glad to hear you admit so much," the lady exclaimed. " Now I 
 have taken the liberty to summon to your presence the State agents, Anto- 
 nio and Carlos Sanchos. The youngest brother, Edwardo, is wounded. 
 He was shot in the mountains of Sierra Monica, and may die, as he de- 
 serves, for he attempted to murder the young men present, as they were 
 crossing from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. The scoundrel was injured, 
 and is still in a bad way. I have learned this morning, through a compan- 
 ion of your agents, that Antonio had some grudge against the young men, 
 and took this means to obtain revenge. You must investigate, and then re- 
 voke the commissions of the ladrones. You second me in this, do you not, 
 holy father ? " 
 
 The padre bowed as he replied in his gentle way, with a smile at the 
 domestic scene. 
 
 " If the men are unworthy the general can't do better than to dismiss 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 them from his service. California is too noble a State to harbor villains for 
 officials." 
 
 " Let me say one word," Captain Fernando said, as soon as the padre 
 had concluded. " If I had known all I would never have enlisted the 
 young men under the circumstances. I was told that they were matricula- 
 dors and sospechosos, and that it. would be a good thing to keep them un- 
 der our eyes. The first day from Ranche Refugio they saved my life from 
 the attack of a drunken soldier. I hanged the fellow on the limb of a 
 tree." 
 
 General Castro nodded as though he rather approved of such summary 
 treatment. One drunken Mexican was of little account in his estimation. 
 
 " At San Luis Obispo these same young men saved your wife and my 
 sister from insult, and would not inform on the parties who committed the 
 assault, for fear I would hang the guilty scoundrels." 
 
 " Do give me a chance to utter a thought," the Senora Castro said, and 
 Lewey winked at me as much as to say, " Dis is berry funny." " I have 
 said but a word since I entered the room." 
 
 The general sighed, and seemed to wish that he was far away, on the trail 
 of Fremont and his men, or traveling through the country. 
 
 " When I tell you, general, that these young men have killed Apache 
 warriors you will be surprised," Mrs. Castro cried, and her husband, sup- 
 posing that he must show astonishment, ejaculated. 
 
 " The saints preserve us ! You don't mean it r " and then lighted a 
 cigarette. 
 
 ** Senor Larkin," a servant cried, and threw open the door, and the 
 American consul entered the room, and seemed a little astonished at the 
 number of people present. 
 
 " I have called, your excellency," Mr. Larkin cried, " to demand the dis- 
 charge of these two young men." 
 
 "The Senors Antonia and Carlos Sanchos," the servant roared, and the 
 two agents of the State entered the apartment, and were more surprised 
 than Mr. Larkin on seeing the company* 
 
 " Look here," the general cried, " you two scoundrels have persecuted 
 these young men. My wife would be angry if she was n't an angel," (he was 
 not emphatic when he said this) " the holy father is indignant, and the 
 American consul is about to threaten us with the vengeance of the United 
 States, but that we do not fear. Mexico can take care of herself, and 
 against a hundred foes, but Mr. Larkin is a good man, and we like to oblige 
 him. Captain Fernando and his sister are not feeling as though the sail- 
 
Lewey and I. 3 QI 
 
 ors were* well treated, and I think the former struck you last evening in 
 consequence. Speak up, and give me an explanation of your doings." 
 
 " The blow of the captain is still seen on my face/' Antonio said, his 
 voice showing some of his hatred for Lewey and myself, and the young 
 captain. " I have labored for the welfare of California, and thought that I 
 had done good service. I was told to arrest all sospechosos, and impress 
 matricuiadors for the army. My orders state this in positive terms. I met 
 the young men at San Diego. I suspected them of giving information to 
 the enemy. In fact, they were left behind for that purpose," 
 
 " That is a lie," responded Mr. Larkin. "The boys were discharged ill 
 with the smallpox. I have the certificates of the captain of the ship, and 
 also of the agent, to that effect. Here they are." 
 
 Don Antonio looked a little abashed at this information, for he had not 
 expected such testimony from the American consul, and before any one 
 could speak I stepped forward. 
 
 " Senora Castro," I said, speaking to the wife, for I knew that if I en- 
 listed her aid I should have that of her husband, "let me explain the cause 
 of this man's enmity. One day in San Francisco he insulted the daughter 
 of General Vallejo, and my friend and I punished him for his cowardly act. 
 He drew a knife to cut us, and in the struggle I jabbed the back of his 
 hand with a boat-hook. You can see the scar if the fellow will hold up his 
 arm." 
 
 Antonio did not seem disposed to do this, so I continued, 
 " When the man found that we were left on shore, through our unfortu- 
 nate sickness " (here Lewey winked with both eyes), "he determined to per- 
 secute us, and has continued to do so until we were fortunate enough to be 
 placed as escort to two ladies, and they were so kind to us that it was a 
 pleasure to defend them from the attacks of ladrones, or any one else. 
 They owe us nothing. We owe them everything for their kindness." 
 
 "I could n't do better mineself," Lewey said in English, in a half whis- 
 per, so low that even Mr. Larkin could not catch the words, as he was a lit- 
 tle deaf. " By gar, but you did rub it on ; and dat voman vill s waller ebery 
 vord of it, and believe all dat you say. De Yanks beat de French at de 
 blarney." 
 
 "Did you ever hear a more manly little marinero muchacho?" asked 
 Senora Castro of her husband, and the general said that he thought I stood 
 away up to the head, as far as he could see, and Senora Costello murmured 
 some words that sounded very sweet, and I thought she compared me to 
 an angel. 
 
3 2 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Now," said the wife of the governor, " do an act of justice. You have 
 heard both sides. Issue the order for the young men's discharge and with- 
 draw their matriculadors, so that they will no longer owe al'egiance to 
 Mexico and California." 
 
 " It shall be done. Make out the papers immediately," the general said 
 to his secretary. " Revoke the matriculadors, and give the young men 
 documents allowing them to remain and travel in the State, where they 
 please and when they please. All that I require of them is that they will 
 swear not to take up arms against us or Mexico." 
 
 " We will do it," the impulsive Lewey exclaimed. " We love the people 
 too well to raise our arms against them," and that seemed to satisfy all par- 
 ties except the captain. 
 
 " I ask, general, that you will now revoke the commissions of these two 
 enganchadors," pointing to Antonio and Carlos. " They are not such men 
 as you need for the work. Dishonorably discharge them, and without 
 delay." 
 
 " One moment," cried Antonio. " Let me say a word." 
 
 " How dare you speak without permission ? " asked the general's 
 wife. 
 
 " Yes, how dare you open )7our mouth until I have given consent ? " 
 thundered the general. 
 
 " He 's dished," muttered Lewey in English. " Nothin' can save him 
 now. Ve has de vind aft all de time." 
 
 "Give up your commissions this moment," shouted the general, "and 
 leave the town without delay, or I '11 have you shot before sundown." 
 
 " My own dear husband," cried Senora Castro, and threw her arms 
 around the general's neck, and kissed him on the nose, the most convenient 
 place. 
 
 " My own kind uncle," Senora Costello exclaimed, and around his neck 
 went her arms. 
 
 Antonio and Carlos drew their commissions from their breasts, and laid 
 them on the table, by the side of the secretary, and then bowing, left the 
 room, glad to escape without further injury. 
 
 " How can we thank your excellency for this kindness ? " I said. 
 
 The general, as soon as he could escape from the embraces of the women, 
 seemed to think the matter over, and finally said, 
 
 " You speak good English, do you not ? " 
 
 " Yes, general. It is my native tongue." 
 
 " Then repay my kindness by doing me a favor. I want to send a mes- 
 
Lewey and I. 303 
 
 senger to Captain Fremont's camp. Will you take a letter to him from 
 me ? " 
 
 Mr. Larkin motioned with his lips to say "yes," for some reason or 
 other, and I stated that I would go provided I could be accompanied by 
 Lewey. 
 
 " I have no objections," the general remarked. " In fact, I will give you 
 an escort of ten mounted men if you desire it." 
 
 " I do not require it," was my answer. " I think that if I am to hunt 
 for Captain Fremont in the mountains it would be much better to go unat- 
 tended. Of course you do not wish me to play the part of spy on his 
 movements ? That I will not consent to do." 
 
 " No," was the reply, in a hesitating tone. " I should like to know the 
 strength of his force and what he means to do, but you need not play the 
 part of a spy. None of my scouts seem able to get information, and all 
 have returned to the town baffled, afraid of this American and his 
 trappers." 
 
 " On those conditions I will undertake the task," I said. " When do 
 you require us to start ? " 
 
 "Tomorrow morning. By that time I will have your instructions all 
 ready. You must return as soon as possible," and the general bowed to 
 show that the interview was terminated. 
 
 As I left the governor's residence Mr. Larkin walked along the plaza by 
 my side. 
 
 " Tonight," the consul said, " I will send you a sealed package by a 
 trusty messenger. Do not let any one see it, or allow the fact to be known. 
 The paper you must place in Captain Fremont's own hand, and bring to 
 me his reply in an equally careful manner. I have been endeavoring to 
 communicate with him for a week or more, but failed time and time again 
 through the fear of my couriers. Your appointment as messenger by Gen- 
 eral Castro is a wonderful piece of good luck for the United States govern- 
 ment and myself. Be careful and discreet, and when you return report not 
 more than half what you see. Be faithful and you shall reap a rich reward. 
 Ask your French friend to keep a close mouth. You can trust him, I 
 suppose ? " 
 
 " With my life," was the fervent answer. 
 
 " That is well. Still, do not tell him more of my business than you can 
 help. We are surrounded by spies, and even now men are watching us. 
 We must be seen together no longer. Do not come near me again, or 
 speak to ma if we should meet. I will see that a paper is slipped into your 
 
304 Lewey and I. 
 
 hand this evening, and that the letter you bring me from Captain Fremont 
 is asked for outside the limits of the town. It may be an Indian woman 
 who will give you my despatch and take the one you bring. If such is the case 
 she will meet you on the trail, near the Mission Carmel, hold out her hand, 
 and utter but one word, and that one will be 'papel.' It will be of no use 
 to question her, for she will not respond. As soon as you hand her the pa- 
 per she will plunge into the chapparel and disappear, and you will see her 
 no more. If any one should be near pretend that she asked for charity, 
 but drop the letter in the bushes. She will see your action, and secure the 
 document. Do you understand all this quite plainly ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Then good-by, and success to your mission," and the American consul 
 walked off, and left me to the pleasing reflection that I was involved in a 
 delicate piece of business, and might meet with trouble before I ended, for 
 it looked to me as though I had got to serve two masters, and I might fail 
 in pleasing them both. 
 
 Lewey, when I joined him, was delighted with the thought of undertak- 
 ing the excursion. There was just enough danger in it to suit him. He 
 wanted to be stirring, and meeting with adventures, and dreaded a life that 
 was not full of excitement. 
 
 I did not think it advisable to go to the mountains in the costume of a 
 Mexican ranchero, for I feared some of the trappers might make a mistake 
 and pick me off by accident, or on purpose, so once more paid a visit to 
 Cook and his sacked pulperia. The old man was disconsolate over the 
 events of the past night, and had drunk more of his remaining stock of 
 aguardiente than was good for his health, or his understanding. We told 
 him that we now required complete outfits of sailor's costumes, and he had 
 just what we wanted, hats, trousers, and blue flannel shirts. The only 
 change required being the removal of the word " Ceynne " from the bands 
 on the sinnet sombreros, the men who had pawned them for rum not taking 
 the trouble to conceal the name of the national ship from which they had 
 come. 
 
 Our new additional suits did not cost us more than three dollars, and, as 
 we paid cash for the articles, Cook was so much moved by the trade that 
 he offered to treat us to a glass of liquor, and when we declined the tots 
 said that he would drink them himself, and did so. Luckily, they were well 
 watered so not much harm was done. 
 
 We passed the day in looking over the town, and in calling on our com- 
 rades of the cavalry. They professed great joy in seeing us, and learning 
 
Lewey and /. 35 
 
 that we were discharged from the service. Two ordinary greasers had been 
 appointed sergeants in our place, and very proud they were of their new 
 positions. I am sorry to state that Lewey and I never received a cent for 
 the time we were in the Mexican army, and, in fact, we were so glad to be 
 discharged that we did not think it prudent to put in a claim for pay, but if 
 ever the Mexican government rewards its veterans for services rendered I 
 shall ask for a grant of land, as I did as much duty for California as some 
 of our soldiers who are on the United-States pension list, and in the same 
 war, but under the American flag. 
 
 We remained on the plaza and saw our company drill in the afternoon. 
 The horsemanship was magnificent, but the evolutions were wonderful to 
 contemplate, and yet in less than six months that same body of men, under 
 Captain Fernando, lent its aid in giving our people a severe thrashing, 
 while on the march from San Pedro to Los Angeles, composed as the 
 Americans were of good sailors and steady marines, five hundred of them 
 in all, and not as many Mexicans, but the latter had a field-piece, and that 
 decided the day against us, for the United-States forces were in such a 
 hurry that they left their ships without artillery. It was supposed that an 
 advance was equivalent to a victory, but it was not so in this case. The les- 
 son was a dear one for our naval officers and it was not forgotten while on 
 the coast, as when Commodore Stockton started his expedition from San 
 Diego for the Pueblo Los Angeles, with five hundred men and sixty United- 
 States dragoons, he took six pieces of artillery, and won a big victory at 
 San Gabriel, entered the rity of orange-trees and grapes in triumph, and 
 held it during the remainder of the war. 
 
 In our rambles during the day we did not encounter Antonio or Carlos 
 Sanchos, and were told that they had left town for San Francisco. We 
 hoped that such was the case, but afterward learned that the scoundrels 
 had gone in another direction, and we were destined to again meet them in 
 an unexpected manner. 
 
 We went to the beach, and sat down on the^veranda of the old custom 
 house, and looked off on the quiet bay, and recalled the circumstances of 
 our early days, and thought how quickly the years had fled. All of our 
 hardships on board the vessel were forgotten, and our duckings in the surf 
 were things to be smiled at, and not commented on in an unfavorable man- 
 ner. We saw some of the crew of the schooner California, the first lieuten- 
 ant, or mate, Mr. Willard, of Salem, Ma'ss., and his tattooed kanakas, but 
 the war did not seem to trouble them any, and they ate and slept as much 
 as ever, when they could draw rations from the government. They did not 
 
306 Lewey and I. 
 
 think that any of our national ships would venture to attack the schooner, 
 and in this we agreed with them, for who would venture near that old 
 Queen Anne musket, backed by a kanaka ? 
 
 We wondered where the Admittance was, and our shipmates, and thought 
 how surprised they would be to see us, and learn about the adventures we 
 had passed through since we separated, 
 
 Donna Costello was as pleased as ourselves at our release from the Mex- 
 ican service, and for the first time insisted that we should sit and dine at 
 her own table. As her husband ventured to offer an objection she asked 
 him why he disappeared so suddenly the night before when the earth- 
 quake was raging. That silenced the man, and he made no more 
 remonstrance. 
 
 During the evening, while Lewey and I sat in the front yard, smoking 
 and talking over the business of the next day, an Indian woman staggered 
 toward us, and, as she neared me, fell almost in my lap. I uttered an em* 
 phatic exclamation, and was about to push her from me, when I felt a paper 
 thrust into my hand. Recollecting Mr. Larkin's instructions I put the 
 document in the bosom of my shirt, and the woman regained her feet, and 
 wandered off, staggering and muttering drunken curses on all mankind, and 
 the white race in particular. Lewey did not notice the act, and I said 
 nothing to enlighten him on the subject. 
 
 The night passed off without disturbance of any serious kind. The sol- 
 diers yelled themselves hoarse, but we were accustomed to the noise and 
 paid no attention to it, sleeping until sunrise. Then we had a good wash, 
 and donned our sailor suits, fed our horses with a measure of barley, ate 
 our breakfast, and waited for the orders and letter from General Castro. 
 Captain Fernando brought both at eight o'clock, and in a few minutes we 
 had saddled our horses, taken leave of Donna Costello, who looked a little 
 sad as she bade us good-by, whistled to the delighted Jack, and dashed out 
 of town toward the Mission Carmel. 
 
 We did not meet even a ranchero on the road, or trail, and as we as- 
 cended the mountains made as much noise as possible, and even Lewey 
 sang a French song in a shrill tone, as if desirous of attracting some 
 attention. 
 
 When on the summit of the range, and near the place where we had met 
 the scouts a few days before, one long, agonizing note from Lewey appeared 
 to have the desired effect of awakening life in that vast solitude, for two 
 rough, well-armed men stepped from a thicket of bushes in front of us, and 
 looking back we saw others in our rear, with rifles all ready for use. 
 
Lewey and /. 307 
 
 " Halt," was the order, and we obeyed. 
 
 " Who are yer ? " was the next question, and we saw that two of the 
 men were the same persons we had encountered once before on the 
 mountains. 
 
 " I am an American," I said, " as I told you day before yesterday. 
 
 " Well, what do yer want here ? " was the stern question. 
 
 " To see Captain Fremont. We have despatches for him from General 
 Castro." 
 
 " Why did n't the gineral come with them himself ? " asked the leader of 
 the scouts. 
 
 " He is particularly engaged in counting his money and drilling his men," 
 I answered. 
 
 " How much money has he, and how many men ? " was the gruff 
 question. 
 
 " That we do not know. He would not trust us with his plata, and we 
 were not interested in the greasers under his command. We agreed to 
 carry a letter to Captain Fremont, and expect to be paid for it. Show us 
 your leader, and our duty is ended." 
 
 " Yes, and yer lives too, if you play any of yer monkey shine.s on us. 
 Give me the letter, and I will see that the captain gits it," and the scout 
 held out his hand. 
 
 " Gently, my friend," I remarked. " I must see the captain in person. I 
 have a duty to perform or I get no pay, and you would n't take the bread 
 out of the mouths of two hard-working sailors, would you ? " 
 
 " Blast yer, were n't yer in greasers' costume the other day ? " 
 
 " Yes, and today we are in our national dress, such as we delighted to 
 wear under the stars and stripes." 
 
 The men consulted together, and then the leader said, 
 
 " Come along with me. I '11 take yer to the camp, and if yer prove 
 traitors we '11 put some bullets in yer carcasses so quick yer won't know 
 what hurted yer." 
 
 The leader of the party and another man motioned for us to follow them. 
 We left the trail, and they led us to a clearing where fire had raged some- 
 time. Near the place were half a dozen horses hitched to trees. The men 
 mounted, and rode through the chapparel and bushes for an hour or two, 
 and when we were near Hawk's Peak, some thirty miles from Monterey, a 
 halt was called for rest and consultation, and we imagined that we were 
 near Fremont's quarters, and should soon see the explorer and his 
 command. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 CAPTAIN FREMONT'S CAMP. THE MESSAGES AND DESPATCHES. A 
 NIGHT SCENE AROUND A FIRE. THE COYOTES' CALL. THE LETTERS 
 FOR GENERAL CASTRO AND MR. LARKIN. INSTRUCTIONS. ON THE 
 TRAIL. THE INDIAN WOMAN. THE CAVALRY SQUAD. THE SEARCH 
 FOR LETTERS. GENERAL CASTRO IS SURPRISED. LEWEY TELLS 
 SOME STORIES. STORMING THE CAMP. FISHING IN A FOG. THE 
 AMERICAN FRIGATE. SPIES ON ALL SIDES. A FRIENDLY WARNING 
 A NIGHT OF TERROR. A GLAD SIGHT. 
 
 A S soon as our guides called a halt on the summit of the mountain, a 
 *^ place that some people call San Juan and others Hawk's Peak, al- 
 though I think the latter name is the recognized authority, we knew that 
 we were near the camp of the invader. 
 
 " Strangers," said the trapper, "yer can't go no further on this trail until 
 yer is blindfolded. Yer may be all right, and I hope yer is, but we is used 
 to Injun ways, and don't trust no one till he is proved honest. We '11 just 
 slip a serape over yer heads, and then lead the hosses, and yer won't 
 know much of our place arter yer leaves it. Now hold still, and keep 
 quiet. We won't be rough unless yer is." 
 
 " Go ahead," we said. " Only don't fool with the dog as he is dangerous 
 to strangers. Let him see all that he can, and we '11 go it blind." 
 
 " Them 'ere is good poker words, stranger," was the grim rejoinder, al- 
 though we were not aware of it at the time. " Now hold still. I reckon 
 yer won't see much, and if yer comes near smotherin' jist sing out and 
 we '11 give yer a little air to save yer lives." 
 
 As the blankets were put over our heads one of the scouts uttered a cry 
 like the bark of a coyote, and after a moment's silence the sound was re- 
 
Lcwey and I. 309 
 
 peated far off in the distance, but in what direction we could not tell, owing 
 to our heads being muffled in such a disagreeable manner. 
 
 " All right, come along," the scouts said. " The trail is clear." 
 
 They seized our horses' bridles, and led them over rocky places, through 
 groves of trees, up hill and down, for half an hour or more. Then the ani- 
 mals were halted, we heard voices expressing surprise at our appearance, 
 the blankets were pulled from pur heads, and we found ourselves sur- 
 rounded by forty or fifty rough and tough looking trappers, dressed in vari- 
 ous kinds of hunting costume, and armed with rifles, revolvers, and knives. 
 We looked at the men as earnestly as they regarded us, and then one person 
 asked, 
 
 " Is them 'ere Castro's scouts ? They seem fitted more for salt water 
 than land service." 
 
 " Hold yer yop," our guide said. " Let the lads get their wind afore 
 yer talks to 'em. Where is the cap'en ? The young fellers has some pa- 
 pers for him. I 'spect Castro has sent us an invitation to dinner, and I 
 a'n't got no biled shirt to put on to meet the Mexican senoras." 
 
 "You is handsome enough without," was the response, and then his com- 
 panions laughed, and while the rough jokes were cracked fast and furious, 
 Lewey and I dismounted, secured our horses, and waited for the appear- 
 ance of the commander of the forces, a man we had heard of but never 
 seen all the time we were on the coast. 
 
 "Why don't yer go and speak to the cap'en ? " our guide asked, while 
 we were looking around the camp, puzzled at all we saw, and bewildered by 
 the remarks that met us on every hand, some of them none too polite. 
 
 " Where is he ? " I demanded. 
 
 " Over thar, settin' on a stump. He 's waitin' for yer." 
 
 Now we had expected to see a man of commanding presence, with glitter- 
 ing uniform, and sword by his side, plumes in his hat, and a general air of 
 daintiness and neatness, but the person pointed out as Captain Fremont 
 was not up to our expectations, as far as show was concerned. He was 
 slight in figure, wore a hunting shirt of dressed deer-skin, leggings and 
 moccasins, and around his temples was a common cotton handkerchief, 
 with bright colors, forming a singular-looking head gear, but such as the 
 poorer class of Mexicans sometimes wore beneath their broad sombreros. 
 The ends of the panuelo hung down the wearer's back, and were knotted as 
 if containing small pieces of silver, the safest place to carry and have them 
 convenient for use. There was no sword, no knife, not even a pistol in 
 the captain's belt. He was the last person in the camp we should have se- 
 
3io Lewcy and I. 
 
 lected for an important command, as, if the truth must be told, he was 
 dressed a little worse than his companions, and perhaps a trifle dirtier. 
 But his face and eyes were attractive, and showed power and endurance, 
 and when he spoke there was something in his tones that denoted will and 
 courage. 
 
 We were so astonished at the appearance of the man that we could only 
 stare at him for a few minutes, unable to speak. Perhaps Fremont realized 
 the feelings he inspired, and let us gaze without interrupting our medita- 
 tions, but, after he supposed we had looked him over long enough, sudden- 
 ly said, 
 
 " Well, lads, who are you and what do you want ? " 
 
 He did not speak in an impatient tone, or as though he was angry, but 
 just as a business man does when he tells one of his clerks to fill an order 
 and waste no time about it if he knows what is good for himself. 
 
 " Is you de celebrated Captain Fremont? " asked Lewey, who was anx- 
 ious to make a good impression, " and does you speak de French ? " 
 
 " I am Captain Fremont, but never mind about the French as long as you 
 speak English," was the reply, and a cold, chilly smile accompanied the 
 words, as if the speaker did not care for joking. 
 
 " Captain," I said, " this young man is a native of France, and I am an 
 American. We were formerly sailors in the same ship, but were discharged 
 on account of sickness. We thought of marrying, and settling down in the 
 country, but have been disappointed." 
 
 At this stage of the story the captain grinned, as I supposed he would. 
 Our pathetic love story always made both thoughtless and serious laugh, just 
 as though two boys could not be stricken with the tender passion, and de- 
 sire to wed. 
 
 " Come to the point," the captain remarked, as soon as the smile disap- 
 peared. "You wish to join my force since there is no chance for matrimo- 
 ny. Is that the case ? " 
 
 " No, sir, far from it. We have had all the soldiering we desire for the 
 balance of our lives," and 1 rapidly related our experience in the cavalry. 
 
 He was kind enough to listen without a word of comment, and when I 
 had concluded asked abruptly, 
 
 " How many men are there in that company of cavalry, and who com- 
 mands it ? " 
 
 If he expected to get any information from us he was mistaken, even if 
 he did take us by surprise in asking the question. 
 
 " Pardon me, captain," I said, " we are not here as spies or tale-bearers, 
 
Lewey and /. 311 
 
 so please ask us no questions that would not be honorable in us to answer. 
 We came here as messengers for General Castro simply because we were 
 available, and can speak English. He discharged us from the Mexican 
 service, recalled our matriculadors, and is to give us a pass to reside or 
 travel in any part of the State. We perform this duty as a debt of gratitude 
 to him, and with the understanding that we should not be required to state 
 what we saw here, or heard, your strength or intentions. The general's 
 despatches will tell you all that you require to know about his business." 
 
 He looked at us calmly, seemed to weigh each word that I uttered, as if 
 to determine my sincerity, and, while the captain and I were thus occupied, 
 Lewey put in his oar. 
 
 " Ve has been unfortunate in not bein' married, but at de same time ve 
 is bery honest young men," just as though that was going to help us. 
 
 As Lewey uttered the words the captain looked at him, and so steadily 
 that my friend dropped his eyes, for the first time a little abashed at his 
 temerity in speaking. 
 
 " You need say nothing about the forces under General Castro," Captain 
 Fremont said, after a pause, " if you think such a course compromises you 
 in the least. I know as well as you do how many men he can muster, in- 
 fantry and cavalry, and that the latter are not of much account just at pres- 
 ent. I saw some of them pass over the mountains the other day, and the 
 sight was not inspiring to a warrior. Give me the letter from the general, 
 I will read it, and send an answer tomorrow. It is too late today for you 
 to return to town. We shall have to keep you in camp all night. The 
 passes are difficult, and my scouts might tumble on you in the canyons, or 
 on the trails, and make a mistake, perhaps a fatal one. We will do all that 
 we can to see that you are comfortable, and do not get hungry." 
 
 He nodded to a Delaware Indian, exchanged a few words with him in a 
 low tone, and then said, 
 
 " This man will look after your horses, and see that they are piquetted 
 and fed. They will be safe in the morning, never fear, although both are 
 nice-looking animals, and the temptation to steal them is great on the part 
 of my men. The Delaware will watch over and guard the mustangs as if 
 they were his own, or what is more, as if they had become my property." 
 
 I approached and put General Castro's letter in the commander's hand, 
 and as I did so gave him Mr. Larkin's document at the same time. 
 
 " One is from the American consul," I said. " He is anxious to commu- 
 nicate with you for some reason best known to himself. I will take your an- 
 swer, and see that he gets it safely. I do this for the honor of my country and 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 not for gain. I act as messenger for General Castro, and not Mr. Larkin, 
 but the latter will keep the matter to himself, and I hope you will also. 
 My safety depends upon it." 
 
 He nodded, drew aside his hunting dress, and put the papers in his bosom, 
 and as he did so I saw that instead of wearing white linen next to his skin 
 he had a red flannel shirt like the rest of his men, and not a particle clean- 
 er, as far as I could judge by a hasty glance. 
 
 I never fully knevv the contents of either despatch, but I surmised that 
 the Mexican general stated to Captain Fremont his firm intention of kick- 
 ing him out of the State in shoit order unless he took his departure in a 
 given time. Mr. Larkin's letter, I was afterward partially informed, con- 
 tained the important announcement that the Columbus, Independence, and 
 Congress were near the coast, and might be expected in Monterey harbor 
 at any time. Fremont was advised to risk no general engagement, as the 
 Mexicans were in strong force, and if they conquered the result would be 
 disastrous for American interests. This was sound and good advice, and 
 I have always taken credit to myself for carrying such valuable information 
 to one who was hemmed in by mountains and an unfriendly and revengeful 
 people. If the United States government is disposed to grant me a pension 
 for my services on the occasion, 'dating from 1846, I shall not refuse it, for 
 money is always valuable to people who write books for a living. But, as 
 republics are ungrateful, I fear the government will never do justice, and 
 vote me the money. 
 
 The commander of the forces retired to the shade of a tree to read his 
 despatches, while ilewey and 1 wandered around the enclosure, which the 
 men had fortified by felling trees, forming a complete abatis, the branches 
 extending outward, making the storming of the place one of extreme diffi- 
 culty, especially when the inner circle was defended by sixty-five men who 
 were accustomed to the use of rifles all their lives, and dead shots at one 
 hundred yards or more. 
 
 When dinner was ready we were requested to take our share with the men. 
 The food consisted of venison, and not much else, but as there was enough 
 of it no one went hungry. Every hour a trapper would drop in, and make 
 a report, and another one depart for some secret service. It was evident 
 that nothing went on outside of the lines that the commander did not know, 
 and a surprise by the Mexicans was out of the question. 
 
 We were treated very kindly by the trappers. They saw that~Captain 
 Fremont had received us without suspicion, and while they asked us for 
 news they did not insist upon knowing too much of what was going on in 
 
Lewey and I. 315 
 
 town. One of them inquired if we were shaken up by the earthquake, and 
 asked how Cook felt at the loss of his aguardiente ? Then some of the 
 men laughed, and one brawny fellow said, 
 
 " 1 should like to have been thar, and got a whack at that rum. It seems 
 to me, Jim, yer could have made away with a bottle or two outside of yer 
 skin, darn yer eyes," and Jim responded by saying in a significant tone, 
 
 " I had somethin' else to think of jistat that time, with a hundred fright- 
 ened greasers around me, and any one of 'em ready to cut my wizzen at the 
 first sign I give of bein' a Yank." 
 
 This was proof to me that one of the trappers had visited Monterey on 
 the night of the earthquake, in disguise, and seen all that transpired, and 
 taken note of the Mexican forces and surroundings. The mission was a 
 dangerous one, and if he had been discovered his life would have paid the 
 penalty of his rashness. But as Jim spoke some Spanish he probably 
 moved through the crowd unnoticed and undetected. 
 
 That evening we sat around the camp fire, smoked our pipes, and listened 
 to the tough yarns of the trappers and guides. They told of bold encoun- 
 ters with Indians, grisly bears, and other animals, and seemed as careless 
 of the future as school boys. They did not know the plans of their com- 
 mander, and appeared regardless what they were, as long as he led them, 
 confident that he would cut his way through all obstacles, though the 
 Mexicans numbered ten to one. They had come from the banks of the 
 Sacramento River, marched by easy stages to their present camp, and 
 would leave when they got ready, and not before. I think that they were 
 the most indifferent, careless set of men that I ever saw in an enemy's 
 country, considering their number, and with no hope for relief in case they 
 were cut off in their line of retreat. 
 
 The commander rolled himself up in his blankets under a tree, a saddle 
 for a pillow, and went to sleep, six Delaware Indians his devoted body 
 guard lyin.dc on the ground near him, ready to start into life and activity 
 at a moment's notice, with rifles at their sides, and long knives ready to 
 grasp. 
 
 It was a strange and weird scene, that night in camp, as we sat near the 
 fire, with stout bearded men all around us, the wind sighing through the 
 trees, the stars shining brightly overhead, and the mysterious noises of the 
 forests coming up from the valleys and sides of the mountain. Once in a 
 while the sharp bark of a coyote was heard, and then the trappers listened 
 very attentively, and after the noise was repeated would mutter, 
 
 " That 's a real brute arter a supper," or else some one growled out, 
 
316 Lewey and I. 
 
 " What 's the matter with Jake that he 's makin' all that fuss ? " showing 
 that these men of the wilderness could tell the false from the true, although 
 to my ears both yelps sounded alike, and I could not distinguish the human 
 imitation from the real snapping and snarling of the brutes. 
 
 One by one the hunters dropped off to sleep, and then Lewey and I and 
 Jack rolled ourselves up in our blankets, and with saddles for pillows went 
 to sleep, and we heard no more noise until daylight, when the men got up, 
 yawned and stretched themselves, and some prepared breakfast, while 
 others shouldered their rifles, and departed upon secret service, uttering no 
 word, and receiving no orders. 
 
 " The cap'en wants yer lads," growled the trapper who had led us into 
 camp, soon after breakfast, and we removed the pipes from our mouths, and 
 went to the commander, who had resumed his seat on the stump of a tree, 
 and looked just as he did the day before, handkerchief "and all, calm and 
 contented, apparently without a thought of what the day would bring 
 forth. 
 
 " Have you eaten your breakfast ? " Captain Fremont asked as we stood 
 before him. 
 
 " Yes, sir/' 
 
 " Then you can return to town immediately I suppose ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir, if you desire us to go," was our prompt answer. 
 
 " I do," and then turning to a Delaware who stood near, ever watchful, 
 for fear of treachery, Captain Fremont said, 
 
 " Saddle these young men's animals immediately, so that they can 
 depart." 
 
 The Delaware went on his mission, and then the commander took two 
 documents from his pocket, and handed them to me. 
 
 " One of these," he said, " is for Mr. Larkin and the other for General 
 Castro. You will see that both safely reach their destination. I have re- 
 quested permission of the governor to make my way to Santa Barbara by 
 land. He has refused compliance, and now I shall have to go without con- 
 sulting him, and in defiance of his army." 
 
 ''The task is a dangerous one, captain," I could not resist saying. 
 " Twice your number of men could not accomplish it." 
 
 A faint smile passed over the bronzed face that looked 30 hard and stern, 
 and then the great explorer remarked, 
 
 " I know all the dangers of the route, younsf man, as well as you, perhaps 
 a little better. But impress upon General Castro's mind, if he should ques- 
 tion you, that my mind is made up, and go I will." 
 
Lewey and I. 3 1 / 
 
 "I shall give him no information on that point," I cried hastily. " I did 
 not come here as a spy, and refuse to act the part of one." 
 
 " Young man," the captain said in a stern tone, and with a look on his 
 face that showed he was weighing his words very carefully, " I want you to 
 benefit your country and me at the same time. You must volunteer to 
 guide General Castro and his army to this camp." 
 
 " Never," I said very emphatically, and looked the indignation that I felt 
 at the suggestion. 
 
 "Nebber," muttered Lewey. "Ve is not mouchers, by von blanked 
 sight." 
 
 The explorer waited until our indignation had subsided, and then spoke 
 quite as calmly as before, as though he did not feel discouraged by our 
 refusal. 
 
 " Understand me*, young men. No harm can happen to my command if 
 you do as I request. I have a motive in making it. Listen to me atten- 
 tively, and I speak thus plainly because I think you honest and trust- 
 worthy. If you were not I should withhold my confidence. General Cas- 
 tro must be led here, and given the impression that I am weak in point of 
 numbers and intrenchment. I want him to charge the camp, and capture 
 it." 
 
 " That would involve the shedding of much blood, and our own lives 
 would be sacrificed by the defeated Mexicans. No, captain, you must think 
 of some other scheme. We will not take part in the one you propose," I 
 said. 
 
 " You silly boys," was the reply, " did I not say the camp was to be cap- 
 tured by the Mexicans ? " 
 
 " Then you and the men will lose your lives. The Mexicans are preju- 
 diced against you, and will spare not if they succeed in getting you in their 
 power. Better fight and fall, than be captured and shot by the enraged 
 greasers." 
 
 " Very wise counsel, young man," was the calm reply, " but I do not pro- 
 pose to be captured or shot if I can prevent it. All that I ask for is time, 
 and time I must have. Listen to me, and pay particular attention to what 
 I have to say, for it is important, and I will trust you. We have but ten 
 rounds of ammunition for each man, and that is not enough for a siege. 
 The sloop-of-war Portsmouth, I have just learned by a courier, is at San 
 Francisco, and from her we can get all the powder and lead we desire. I 
 expected some here, but my agents have been cut off. I thought I should 
 find the frigate Congress in Monterey harbor, or at Santa Barbara, but she 
 
5 lS Lewey and I. 
 
 has not arrived at either place. General Castro is preparing to throw a 
 force between me and the latter port. He has a regiment of cavalry at 
 Santa Cruz to cut off my retreat to Yerba Buena. Tomorrow five compa- 
 nies will occupy the canyons between here and Santa Barbara. I could 
 whip either force if I had plenty of ammunition. But as I have not I must 
 do the best I can, and avoid giving or accepting battle. If Castro will with- 
 draw his men from Santa Cruz, and concentrate them in front of me, under 
 the impression that I am determined to go to Santa Barbara, all would 
 be well. You can manage this by reporting that I am fierce for a forward 
 movement, and will make one at all hazards, say by the day after tomorrow. 
 Do you understand me ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir. When the camp is charged on there will be no one here to 
 capture," I remarked. 
 
 "That is about the whole story," was the careless reply, with a faint 
 smile. 
 
 " I can do it," Lewey said. " If my friend no vant to speak on account 
 of his country me do it for him. I does not vant to tell a lie, but I vill for 
 vonce. Dat is, I let fall de hint." 
 
 The captain nodded, and waved his hand to intimate that the interview 
 was terminated, and also for the Delaware to bring up the horses all 
 saddled. 
 
 " You will not be blindfolded in returning to town," Captain Fremont 
 said, as we mounted our mustangs and called the dog. " Keep your eyes 
 open, and note the trails and canyons. You may want to find your way 
 back in case of necessity," and, just as we were about to bid the explorer 
 adieu, who should enter the camp, in charge of two scouts, but Antonio and 
 Carlos Sanchos. 
 
 We could not divine their errand, for it was evident they were willing 
 captives, and then it suddenly struck me that the greasers were Fremont s 
 spies, and in his pay, or else were desirous of selling their services to him in 
 revenge for their treatment by General Castro. 
 
 " Captain," I cried, as the Mexicans moved toward him, their dark faces 
 showing some of the hate they felt for us, yet surprised at the meeting in 
 an enemy's camp, " these two ruffians are the worst scoundrels in Califor- 
 nia. They will sell you for an ounce of gold. Do not put any faith in 
 them. They will lie and steal from all parties." 
 
 " I know them," was the quiet response. 
 
 " And, cap'en," cried the irrepressible Lewey, " please keep de throat- 
 cutters in de camp till ve is clear of de trails and de canyons. Ve does not 
 
Lewey and I. 319 
 
 care to meet sich peoples in de vilderness unless ve has de fust shot. Au 
 revoir." 
 
 We touched the horses, and passed out of the only entrance that was 
 clear of fallen trees, and as we did so saw the two Mexican greasers gazing 
 after us, hate stamped on their ugly faces, yet baffled because they did not 
 understand a word we had uttered, not comprehending our English, yet 
 suspecting we had given Fremont a hint. 
 
 The rude trappers joked us as we passed them, and intimated that they 
 would soon see us again. 
 
 " We shall be in Monterey in a little while," they said. " Tell old Cook 
 to get in a fresh stock of rum, and not to water it. We want ours 
 strong." 
 
 Outside of the abatis a Delaware Indian on foot joined us, and said that 
 he was to act as guide to the main trail. 
 
 " Follow me, and keep still and close," he said, and then moved along 
 the mountain side, down the valley, through a narrow gorge, and finally 
 struck the main trail that led to Monterey. 
 
 "You go dat way," the Indian said, and pointed in the direction of the 
 town, and without another word he turned and plunged into the forest, and 
 was lost to sight, and we could not even hear his footsteps over the dry 
 leaves and fagots so careful was the red man in picking his way back to 
 camp. We noticed that he did not return the same route that he followed 
 when acting as our escort. 
 
 We had seen no one since leaving Hawk's Peak, and yet I had no doubt 
 but that watchful eyes noted our movements, and kept the run of our course, 
 and was the more convinced of this because, as we turned toward the town, 
 we heard far up the side of the mountain the hoarse cawing of a crow, yet 
 not a bird of that species was in sight. Then further along there was an- 
 other "caw," "caw," and suddenly the wild scream of an eagle, and then 
 all was quiet, and the forest seemed deprived of life, for not so much as 
 a deer bounded across the trail as we loped along on our way to 
 Monterey. 
 
 Just before we got to the Mission Carmel we noticed an Indian woman 
 picking berries by the side of the road. She was so much occupied that 
 she did not even look toward us, but continued her work, with head bent 
 down and busy fingers. 
 
 " What luck, old lady ? " asked Lewey, as we walked our horses past 
 her. 
 
320 Lewey and I. 
 
 She did not glance at us, but simply uttered one single word, and that 
 was, 
 
 " Papel." 
 
 Remembering Mr. Larkin's instructions, I dropped the letter which I 
 had received for him from Captain Fremont into a clump of bushes, and 
 passed on, but as I glanced back the Indian woman was working her way 
 toward the place where the missive was concealed, and when we turned a 
 bend in the trail, and took one more look, she had disappeared from sight, 
 and I saw no more of her, but it was lucky she met us just as she did, for 
 as we turned we ran plump into a squad of Mexican cavalry, who were 
 drawn across the road, on the watch for stragglers and foreign scouts, and 
 rather careless in the handling of their carbines, for four or five were 
 pointed at us, all of them loaded and cocked, and the sergeant of the force 
 yelled out in a fierce tone, 
 
 " Parada." 
 
 Of course we stopped. It is always best to obey orders when you can't 
 help yourself, and to have green soldiers fooling with loaded guns in your 
 presence is not suggestive of a long and happy life. 
 
 " Who are you ? " the sergeant demanded, as he rode up to take a look 
 at us. The fellow knew us very well, but pretended that he did not, for 
 some reason we could not divine. 
 
 " We are couriers in the employ of General Castro," Lewey answered. 
 " We have despatches for his excellency." 
 
 " Let me see them," was the next order. 
 
 The paper was shown to him, but as he could not read it did not help 
 matters much. 
 
 " Dismount, and let me search you," the petty officer commanded. 
 
 " What for? " demanded Lewey. " We do not wish to waste time. We 
 have no papers on our persons except this one from Captain Fremont to 
 the governor." 
 
 " You have seen the robber, have you ? " asked the non-commissioned of- 
 ficer, and his men listened with eager looks. 
 
 "We left Captain Fremont only a few hours ago," was our cautious 
 reply. 
 
 " How many men has he under his command ? " the soldier asked. 
 
 " Pardon me," I cried, " these are matters for the general, and not for 
 you. If we are detained much longer it is probable you will hear of it in 
 some forcible manner. His excellency is not a patient man when he is 
 waiting for news." 
 
Lewey and I. 321 
 
 " He must wait this time," was the answer, "for I am going to search 
 both of you. Such are my orders, I am sorry to say." 
 
 " Do you not recollect us ? " I asked. " You must have seen us yester- 
 day morning when we departed from Monterey." 
 
 " Yes, and when you came with the volante, as escort for the general's 
 wife and Captain Fernando's sister. We know you quite well, but for all 
 that we must search you. It is orders." 
 
 The cunning Castro, or some one else, had feared and suspected we 
 would have a package for Mr. Larkin, and if that was obtained the true 
 condition of Captain Fremont and his force would be known. The Ameri- 
 can consul knew the peculiarities of Mexican character, however, and had 
 posted the Indian woman where she would be apt to encounter us before 
 the soldiers were stumbled upon. The latter never thought the industrious 
 berry-picker was waiting for a paper that the Mexican government was anx- 
 ious to get hold of, and so she passed on her way, and the document was 
 duly received that same evening by Mr. Larkin, and I may as well state 
 that we were awarded the sum of twenty dollars for our services, more than 
 enough to pay for our sailor suits. I trust the United States reimbursed 
 the consul for the outlay, but fear not. 
 
 We dismounted, and the sergeant went through our clothing like an ex- 
 pert pick-pocket. He found nothing, however, but was a little curious over 
 our money belts, where our doubloons were secreted. Lewey told the 
 man that they were charms for keeping off evil spirits, and so our gold was 
 not disturbed, as we feared it would be, for there was enough to tempt a 
 whole company of cavalry to commit murder. 
 
 " Go on," said the sergeant, as soon as the examination was concluded. 
 " You are all right. We are satisfied that you have told the truth. Now 
 ride fast, for General Castro is expecting you, and anxious for your 
 appearance." 
 
 We did not waste any time, but remounted our horses, and dashed to- 
 ward the town, arriving about three o'clock in the afternoon. We went 
 directly to the government house, but the general was taking a hort siesta, 
 and could not be disturbed, so waited an hour before he awoke and re- 
 ceived us. 
 
 " Well, senors," he asked, as we were ushered into his presence, " how 
 did you find Captain Fremont and his band of plunderers ? " 
 
 " The captain is well, general, and sends you this despatch for your in- 
 formation," and I handed the governor the letter I had received from the 
 explorer. 
 
322 Lewey and I. 
 
 The general opened it, looked at the writing, and .then said, in a tone of 
 scorn, 
 
 ** It is in English. I do not read that language. Translate for me, and 
 let us hear what he says." 
 
 I took the document, and by Lewey's aid made out that the captain was 
 defiant, and intended to march to Santa Barbara at all hazards, and at an 
 early day. He declared that his intentions were peaceable, but he should 
 use force against force if necessary, and kill all who opposed his 
 progress. 
 
 The governor was indignant, as he had a right to be. He swore a little 
 in choice Spanish, and then turned to us and asked, 
 
 " How many men has this Fremont under his command ? " 
 
 " General," I said, "you know you promised we should not be used as 
 spies. Please spare us the pain of refusing your request for information." 
 
 The general frowned, and Lewey saw that the answer was not agreeable. 
 He tried to blunt the point of my speech by shoving in an oar in his usual 
 impressive manner. 
 
 " My friend," he said, " is an American, and proud of his country. He 
 thinks that it would be treason to give reports that might damage his na- 
 tion. But I am a Frenchman, and can do as I please. Question me, gen- 
 eral, and I will answer like a truthful man." 
 
 I gave Lewey a look that should have made him quiver, but he did not 
 appear to notice it. He seemed hardened, and lost to all shame. 
 
 " Well, my friend," asked Castro, " how many men has Fremont under 
 his command ? " 
 
 "Two hundred," was the prompt response. "I counted them all, and 
 know Every hunter is a dead shot with his rifle, and say that they 
 can march all over the country, and no one dare to dispute their way." 
 
 1 looked at the lad with admiration. He could lie magnificently when he 
 was disposed to let himself out, and it was evident he was going to do jus- 
 tice to his reputation during the interview. 
 
 " I thought," cried the surprised governor, " that there were not more 
 than one hundred los Americanos." 
 
 " A mistake, I assure your excellency. The captain is so strong that he 
 thinks of sending part of his force to Santa Cruz, and capturing the regi- 
 ment that is there. I heard the plan discussed," the wicked boy ex- 
 claimed. 
 
 " Diablo, is that so ? We must look to it at once. My men have no 
 idea of such an intention. I will send an aid to recall all the cavalry this 
 
Lewey and I. 323 
 
 very night. The saints preserve me, but what a lucky escape. Ah, you 
 are a wonderful boy. You have your eyes open all the time." 
 
 The modest Lewey blushed at the compliment, and bowed very profound 
 ly, while I gazed at my friend in wonder. 
 
 " Did you hear," insinuated the general, " at what time the Americans 
 intended to take up their line of march for Santa Barbara ? " 
 
 " The time was not definitely fixed," replied the youth, " but I suspect 
 that they will move about the day after tomorrow." 
 
 " Then we will be ready for them. Not a man shall escape us," and the 
 general rubbed his hands, as he thought of the surprise in store for Captain 
 Fremont. 
 
 He nodded his head that the interview was ended, and we retired from 
 the presence of the general, Lewey well satisfied with the part he had 
 played, and grinning from ear to ear. 
 
 " How could you lie so outrageously ? " I asked my friend, as we mounted 
 our horses to ride to the house of Donna Costello. 
 
 " Dat is all right," the lad replied. " He vill lie to us to suit his pleas- 
 ure, and ve must meet cheat vid cheat. I is a Frenchman, and vas born 
 for de diplomacy. Had I de chance a future great vould be before me. 
 Even de magnificent Napoleon could tell some hard yarns ven him it 
 suited, and vy should not I foliar his example ? " 
 
 There was no use replying to such an argument, so I remained silent, 
 but as we walked our horses across the plaza hundreds of people turned 
 out to see us pass, for the rumor had gone forth that we had been on a 
 mission to Captain Fremont, and returned alive, a wonder to every one. 
 
 We saw Mr. Larkin sitting on his veranda, but he paid no more attention 
 to us than if we had been greasers of the lower order. He did not bow, or 
 seem to care if he never saw us again, and yet the consul was devoured 
 with anxiety to learn all the particulars of our trip, and if a certain letter 
 would be placed in his hands before many hours, so that he could be in- 
 formed of coming events. There were many watchful eyes on us, however, 
 and on Mr. Larkin, and the least sign would be reported to headquarters, 
 and luckily we were aware of the fact. And so we passed the old gentle- 
 man in pretended ignorance of his presence, and when we were at Donna 
 Costello's house the lady received us with much affection, as though we 
 had been her brothers, returning from a journey of several months' du- 
 ration. 
 
 We turned our horses into the corral, gave them a feed of barley, and 
 then listened to the questions of our sweet hostess, who was as full of interro- 
 
324 Lewey and I. 
 
 gations as a school-girl. She supposed that Captain Fremont and his men 
 were nearly akin to Apache Indians, black, with long hair, and half naked, 
 savage and untamable, feasting on raw meat, drinking blood as a simple 
 tonic, and murdering all who crossed their path or fell into their hands. 
 
 It was useless to reason with the lady, or convince her that she had 
 formed erroneous impressions of my countrymen. She had been told by 
 her people the most extravagant stories, and really credited them. In the 
 year 1846 such yarns were generally believed, and women of superior edu- 
 cation, far above that which most received in the country, declared they 
 should prefer death to falling into Fremont's hands. The most absurd 
 canards were reported by the government officials for the sake of firing the 
 hearts of the people, and destroying the explorer and his men. I do not 
 mean to intimate that the latter were angels when on a scout, or foraging 
 expedition, but they were not near so bad as the Mexicans in their treat- 
 ment of men and women at lonely ranches. 
 
 So Donna Costello, in defiance of her regard for me, would not be con- 
 vinced, and I gave up the attempt, and let Captain Fremont take care of 
 his own reputation, as I supposed he was capable of doing without any as. 
 sistance on my part. 
 
 Captain Fernando called to see his sister in the evening, and had a long 
 talk with us. From hints which he dropped we knew that General Castro 
 was massing his troops for an attack in the course of a day or two. We 
 told the young officer that we had seen Antonio and Carlos Sanchos in the 
 camp of Fremont, and that it looked to us as though they had gone there 
 willingly, and for the purpose of selling the secrets of the government to 
 an enemy. He was much surprised at the news, and immediately repaired 
 to the governor to impart the information, and the next day we had the 
 pleasure of reading a proclamation in which all three of the brothers were 
 declared enemies of the republic, and therefore outlaws, and a price set on 
 their heads, dead or alive. This was something of a change from being the 
 unscrupulous secret agents of the State, and we rejoiced that we had aided 
 in their downfall, for they had persecuted us, and nearly wrecked our lives 
 by their plots. 
 
 The next day being Friday, and having nothing to do, we borrowed the 
 schooner California's boat, and went off the Point of Pines fishing, and 
 great success rewarded our undertaking. We caught over a hundred 
 pounds of red fish, and some other varieties, in the course of a few hours, 
 and then distributed the catch among such families as our little hostess 
 designated, the governor being made happy by the present of about twenty 
 
Lewey and I. 3 2 5 
 
 pounds, and Donna Augusta coming in for a share. This suggested to us 
 a new field of industry and pleasure combined, for, with the bay full of fish, 
 there was not a fisherman in the town, or a spare boat to navigate the wa- 
 ters. Sometime afterward Lewey and I made a profitable living in supply- 
 * ing the market with such fish as we caught, and sold to the people who had 
 funds to buy. Quite a number would state in quiet and polite tones, when 
 picking out a fish, that the money would be forthcoming some other day, or 
 manana. I suppose the principal and interest of sums owed us in Monte- 
 ' rey would pay for several months' board at the best hotel in the place, at 
 the present time and present rates. 
 
 That evening Captain Fernando paid his accustomed visit to his sister, 
 and, while we sat smoking, intimated that a movement would be made on 
 Captain Fremont the next day, and asked if we would like to go with him, 
 and see the fun. I did not know how to answer the question, and required 
 time to think it over, while Lewey said that he would go at any rate. While 
 the young captain was urging me to accept the invitation an Indian woman 
 staggered along the court-yard, and fell nearly in my lap, but as she strug- 
 gled to her feet I felt a little piece of paper pushed into my hand, and un- 
 derstood the meaning quite plainly, so said not a word, but concealed the 
 slip in my pocket until I should be alone, and have time to look at it by the 
 aid of a lamp. 
 
 "Get out of this, you drunken old hag," roared our friend, but the wo- 
 man uttered some words in her native dialect, and staggered off, disappear- 
 ing in the crowd. 
 
 I made an excuse that I wanted to fill my pipe, entered the kitchen, 
 where a few coals were still alive in the little circle that answered for 
 stove and range, lighted a sliver, and read on the paper the single word, 
 
 " Go." 
 
 Then I burned the scrap of writing, for I knew where it came from, and 
 rejoined the young captain and his sister. 
 
 " You will accompany my brother, will you not ? " Donna Costello asked. 
 " I should feel so much easier in my mind if you and your friend were near 
 him in the hour of battle. He is so rash, and the Americans are so deadly 
 with their rifles. Say that you will go." 
 
 Of course I could not withstand such special pleading just after I had re- 
 ceived almost a direct command from the consul, so said that I would do 
 so, but that I must not be required to take part in any skirmish or fight 
 against my countrymen. This was readily agreed to, and the same provis- 
 ion was made regarding Lewey. 
 
326 Lewey and /. 
 
 " General Castro is to take command," the young captain said, " so we 
 may expect hot and bloody work," and for the life of me I did not know 
 if the officer was sarcastic or serious in his remark. 
 
 " The bugles will sound at five o'clock," Fernando said, as he prepared to 
 leave us. " By six o'clock we shall be in the saddle. Better put on your 
 Mexican costumes to prevent mistakes on the part of our men." 
 
 He kissed his sister good-by, and in a few minutes the house was quiet, 
 and we slept until the loud notes of the bugles awakened us in the morning. 
 We looked out, and saw men forming on the plaza, and heard the rum- 
 bling of three pieces of light artillery, as it made its way out of town, fol- 
 lowed by a squad of cavalry, and then half a dozen companies of infantry 
 trotted along, looking none too satisfied with the job before them. 
 
 We fed our horses, tied Jack up, as he was not wanted on such an expe- 
 dition, had a cup ot coffee and breakfast of tortillas and frijoles, the cooks 
 and servants looking at us with wonderment, thinking we were heroes, and 
 then, in defiance of all military rules, lighted our pipes, and rode over to 
 where Captain Fernando was hard at work getting his men in line, prepar- 
 atory to acting as escort for General Castro. 
 
 As we took our places at the head of the column, special aids to the 
 young captain, I looked across the plaza, and saw Mr. Larkin, as usual 
 seated on the veranda of his house, and apparently quite indifferent to all 
 that was going on around him. He did not even salute Lewey and myself, 
 and appeared not to see us. 
 
 Our old comrades grinned when they saw us, and uttered joking remarks 
 about our desire to smell gunpowder, and then there was a hush along the 
 line as General Castro and a brilliant staff rode by and trotted out of the 
 town. 
 
 " By fours," shouted Captain Fernando, and the men obeyed the order, 
 and we were off at a lope, the women waving their hands, the boys cheer- 
 ing, and the Indians looking on in sullen apathy, not caring who licked, or 
 if we never returned. 
 
 Just as we got about a mile from the town, and had settled down to a 
 walk, having overtaken the advance, who should heave in sight but old 
 Cook, mounted on a horse that he had picked up somewhere. We won- 
 dered to see him, as he was not a fighting man, but his errand was soon 
 made known. Out of the fullness of his heart he had brought two large 
 flasks of aguardiente, and gave them to Lewey and myself, on the ground 
 that we had shown him many acts of kindness in the past, and bought all 
 of our clothes from his store. 
 
Leivey and I. 327 
 
 " It is for snake bites," the old fellow said, with a wink of his watery 
 eyes. " Lots of rattlers in the woods, and one might nip you. Don't be 
 too bold for the sake of the greaser. He 'd let you do all the fighting if 
 you wanted to," and Cook returned to the town, reopened his shop, and 
 hoped for the time when ships-of-war would enter the harbor, sailors crave 
 rum, and have the cash to pay for it. 
 
 We marched until late in the afternoon, and then camped for" the night, 
 strong squads of infantry and cavalry being thrown out in all directions to 
 see if a foe lurked near. But no one of a suspicious nature was met, so 
 we cooked our suppers, and ate them in peace, yet all that night, when 
 awake, I could hear the fierce barks of coyotes on the sides of the moun- 
 tains, and the solemn hoots of owls, or the shrill screams of eagles, and 
 I wondered if Fremont's men were engaged signaling to their leader our 
 position and numbers, or if the noises were natural ones. 
 
 At daylight we were under way again, and in the advance. We saw no 
 sign of scouts, and not a shot was fired all day. The artillery was dragged 
 over some rough places, and finally placed in position just at sundown, and 
 the men cooked their suppers within sight of Fremont's camp-fires, and 
 looked glum as they thought of the next day. 
 
 "Lewey," I said, after we had eaten a portion of Captain Fernando's ra- 
 tions, and lighted our pipes, " let us give the young fellow a lift, and a rep- 
 utation for dash and courage." 
 
 "How?" the French lad asked. " I is reddyfor anydin'." 
 "You know as well as T do," I continued, "that Fremont and his men 
 are not in their camp at the present time. Their fires are burning but they 
 have gone toward San Francisco, and will travel all night, and in the morn- 
 ing pursuit will be useless on the part of the Mexicans." 
 " Veil, votof dat?" 
 
 " Only this. Suppose we pursuade Captain Fernando to lead a charge 
 at daybreak. He will dash toward the deserted camp, capture it, and his 
 name will be mentioned for gallantry, and then promotion is sure." 
 
 " I do it," my friend exclaimed, and the next moment he was deeply en- 
 gaged in an earnest conversation with the young captain, and the result 
 was a hasty visit to the headquarters of General Castro, and when the offi- 
 cer returned he said that his request had been granted, and wanted to 
 know if we would accompany him in the charge, and as there was no dan- 
 ger we agreed to do so. 
 
 The men were informed of theii honorable position, but did not seem 
 particularly pleased at the prospect before them. There was no retreat 
 
328 Lewey and L 
 
 however, and just as the sky showed signs of light in the morning the dis- 
 mounted cavalry was formed in line, a few hasty orders issued, and then 
 came the word, 
 
 " Adelante," or " forward." 
 
 We dashed over rocks and fallen trees, not a shot being fired, and with a 
 cheer charged over tfre abatis, and the camp was in possession of the Mexi- 
 cans. Not a single defender was in sight. All had vanished during the 
 night, and left their fires burning, the embers still smoking. All the prop- 
 erty had been removed except some old saddles and blankets not worth 
 taking away. But the stronghold was captured, and Fremont had retreated. 
 That was glory enough, and for a while the air was vocal with cheers and 
 congratulations. Captain Fernando shook hands with us, and declared that 
 his fortune was now made. 
 
 The cheers reassured General Castro. Up the mountain side he came 
 on the run, his horse jumping over trees and stones, and when he was ^iih- 
 in the circle of the camp, and saw that the victory was complete, his joy 
 knew no bounds. 
 
 " Glory to the saints," he cried. " Long live Mexico and the republic. 
 The victory is ours. Give me a piece of paper." 
 
 Captain Fernando handed the governor a slip of paper, and then the gen- 
 eral wrote a despatch for the people of Monterey. Instead of ink he used 
 gunpowder, dissolved in a little water. 
 
 " On the field of battle," he wrote, " I pen this despatch. Our troops 
 have achieved a great victory. The daring robber and his men have been 
 driven at every point, and are in rapid flight. I shall pursue, and not leave 
 a man alive to pollute our soil. To the saints belong the glory of this great 
 triumph. I shall send all the spoil captured to Monterey. Let the bells 
 ring, and the people rejoice. I proclaim a day of feasting for this 
 success." 
 
 " Colonel," the governor said, turning to our young friend. 
 
 " Captain, your excellency," young Fernando responded, in a modest 
 tone. 
 
 " No, sir, colonel, from this time forth. You have won the title, and 
 shall wear it. For your bravery on this trying occasion take this despatch 
 to Monterey, and lose not a moment. I will push on, and overtake the 
 robbers." 
 
 It was with much difficulty that Lewey could prevent a shout of laughter 
 escaping from his throat, and thus incurring the deadly enmity of the gov- 
 ernor. He gave me a look, but did not dare glance at the newly-made 
 
Lewey and L 329 
 
 colonel. The effort would have been too much for both of them. Fernando 
 had won promotion and renown by our advice, and I hoped would prove 
 grateful. 
 
 " General," said the young colonel, " I will hasten to the town, and carry 
 the glad news, and if you have no objections these two young men shall ac- 
 company me." 
 
 " Take them if you wish. They have behaved as gallantly as Mexican 
 soldiers, and I should like to promote them if they were in the army." 
 
 We were not sorry to leave the general and his enthusiastic followers. 
 Descending the mountain we found our horses, mounted, and galloped to- 
 ward Monterey, where the good news was received with shouts of rejoicing. 
 The alcalda called a meeting of the inhabitants, and it was resolved to en- 
 tertain the governor when he returned with a bull and bear fight, such as 
 had never been witnessed in the village. The programme was carried out 
 to the letter, for in a few days the troops made a triumphant entrance, Fre- 
 mont having escaped all pursuit, as we knew he would. 
 
 First came General Castro and his staff, then the trumpeters, and following 
 them were two pack-horses with the captured materials, consisting of old 
 saddles and cloths, and a blouse which some one had forgotten. As it had 
 United States buttons the soldiers swore that it was Fremont's uniform, 
 and for several weeks it was on exhibition at the government house, among 
 the trophies, and created the wildest enthusiasm. A Te Deum was cele- 
 brated in the church, and the bull-fight was a great success, only one Indi- 
 an being killed, and four horses injured. 
 
 Colonel Fernando assumed the duties of his high position, and drilled 
 his men until they were very proficient in their evolutions. He and his sis- 
 ter were so grateful to Lewey and myself that we were invited to continue 
 to make Donna Costello's house our home, as a protection to her and the 
 child. We accepted, after some faint urging, and then turned our attention 
 to fishing in the bay, for the sake of passing away the time, and making a 
 little money. We were free to do as we pleased, and could have gone to 
 Ranche Refugio at any moment, had it not been so dangerous to travel by 
 land, the whole country being infested with ladrones and wandering bands 
 of rancheros, determined to steal, and kill all who opposed them. So we 
 waited until a cavalry escort was ready, and in the meantime built a red- 
 cedar flat-boat, large enough to hold four or five persons, and several hun- 
 dred-weight of fish. In this we went to the Point of Pines every morning, 
 caught all that we could before dinner, and sold what we did not give away. 
 Our expenses were light, for Donna Costello would not accept any remu- 
 
330 Lewey and I. 
 
 neration for board, so we kept her table supplied with fish, and such friends 
 as she designated. We were thus enabled to save a few dollars each week, 
 and were very pleasantly situated. My evenings I devoted to teaching the 
 pretty little wife English, and while she did not make much progress, the 
 gratitude she expressed was more than enough to recompense me for my 
 trouble. 
 
 One morning, in the early part of July, 1846, we were fishing off the 
 Point of Pines, anchored near the black rocks, in a dense fog, with a light 
 southerly breeze. The sport was good, and we were rapidly completing our 
 fare, when suddenly we heard the flapping of sails, and rattling of blocks, 
 and then the shrill notes of a boatswain's whistle, at the same time the mo- 
 notonous tones of a leadsman, as he chanted, 
 
 " By the deep nine," showing the ship was in nine fathoms of water. 
 
 " By gar," said Lewey, " von man-of-war near us. Hear dat quartermas- 
 ter in de chains takin' de soundin's." 
 
 " By the mark eight," we heard from the ship, and we supposed she was 
 feeling her way into port, but was too near the rocks, we judged, to be safe 
 and prudent, if she would escape disaster, as there was a sunken ledge that 
 run some distance from the shore. The fog was so thick we could not see 
 the vessel, but we imagined her to be a man-of-war by the sound of the 
 pipes of the boatswain's mates, and the regular chants of the leadsmen, 
 one on each side of the craft, calling the depth of water every half 
 minute. 
 
 " Ship ahoy," I hailed. 
 
 " Well, what is it ? " responded a stern voice from the unknown vessel. 
 
 " Better starboard your helm a little, and keep off a point or two. You 
 are near a reef." 
 
 We heard the order given to starboard, for the sailing-master must have 
 known that the advice was good, and then we were hailed in return. 
 
 " Boat ahoy," came in ringing tones from the ship, as she fanned her way 
 along, under the light breeze, just enough for steerage way. 
 
 " Well," was our answer. 
 
 " Who are you ? " was demanded from the ship. 
 
 " Fishermen of Monterey," and Lewey grinned as I answered. 
 
 " Please come alongside," was the next command. 
 
 " Thank you," I replied, " we are very comfortable where we are." 
 
 " If you do not drop alongside we will send a shot in your direction," was 
 the next threat. 
 
 " And waste your powder and lead. You could not hit a barn-door in 
 
Lewey and I. 331 
 
 this fog," and then the French boy laughed so heartily that he fell on the 
 bottom of the boat, and nearly crushed the life out of our dog, who uttered 
 a yelp, and then barked defiance at the strangers. 
 
 " Marine, give those impudent fellows a shot from the starboard gang- 
 way," we heard some one from the quarter deck exclaim, and, hang me, if 
 the man did n't think the order was a serious one, for the report of a mus- 
 ket was heard, and a ball struck the water not more than three fathoms from 
 our boat, and Lewey uttered a yell as though he had been hit, and groaned 
 in the most pitiful manner, while Jack howled in sympathy. 
 
 " Boat ahoy," cried some officer from the ship-of-war. 
 
 " We have n't life enough left to answer you," I replied. 
 
 "Are you badly hurt, poor fellows ? " and there was a tone of pity in the 
 officer's voice, at the same time we heard a cutter lowered by the run. 
 
 "Hurt ? ' ; echoed Lewey. " Ve tells you dat you could not hitde side of 
 de barn of de door, and now ve knows it." 
 
 " You impudent vagabonds. If we only lay hands on you we will show 
 what we can do," came in threatening tones across the water, and I had no 
 doubt the speaker was sincere in what he said. 
 
 " Keep quiet," I whispered to Lewey. "One of the cutters is in the water, 
 and pulling in search of us." 
 
 We jumped to our anchor, and run it up, but just at that moment Jack 
 commenced barking, and before we could quiet him our position was re- 
 vealed. A boat dashed alongside, a midshipman and ten men looked us all 
 over, and appeared much astonished at what they saw. 
 
 " Who in the devil's name are you ? " the officer asked. 
 
 " No entender," we answered in Spanish, meaning that we did not under- 
 stand him. 
 
 "Oh, belay all that," was the midshipman's comment, "You are no 
 Mexicans, I know." 
 
 " Parlez vous Francais ? " asked Lewey, with an innocent smile. 
 
 " I '11 break your heads with a stretcher, if you don't stow all that," was 
 the next threat, and then I looked at the young officer a second time, and 
 saw that he was an old schoolmate, the same one I had met when he was 
 attached to the Ceynne, and on the coast years before. 
 
 " Why, Bob, old fellow, how goes it ? " I asked, as I recognized the 
 midshipman, now grown to be a manly youngster, with a little down on his 
 upper lip and chin. 
 
 He stared in amazement at my impertinence, and the next instant we 
 were shaking hands, like good friends as we were. 
 
332 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Why, Thorn, old boy, who in the deuse would have thought of seeing 
 you here ? " he demanded. " So you are the one who has been playing 
 pranks on the old frigate Cumberland and Commodore Sloat ? Won't he 
 dress you down when he sees you ? Oh, no, I guess not." 
 
 " Let us slip out of this, Bob ? " I pleaded. 
 
 " Can't do it. You must go on board and face the music. Out with the 
 oars, men, and take the boat in tow. Well, well, to think we should meet 
 here, in this dense fog, is one of the marvels of the age." 
 
 " Bob," I asked, " are you very anxious for the safety of your sturdy 
 ship?" 
 
 "Yes, she is a staunch old craft, my home, and I love her like a 
 mother." 
 
 " Then you had better hail, and tell the skipper to come to anchor, or he 
 will be in trouble with this flood tide and light wind." 
 
 The midshipman looked horrified at the idea of my calling his captain 
 a " skipper," but he waited until the leadsman called out, 
 
 " Quarter less seven, and then hailed, 
 
 "Cumberland ahoy." 
 
 " Cutter ahoy," came back in ringing tones from the frigate. 
 
 " The fishermen are Americans, and recommend that you anchor until 
 the fog clears up. They know the harbor well, and think the tide is setting 
 the ship too* far in shore, and it is not safe to find the anchorage until the 
 weather is clear." 
 
 " Ay, ay. Bring the fellows on board, and let us have a look at them," 
 came from the frigate. 
 
 " Fellers," muttered Lewey. " Your skipper has de politeness not much. 
 Ve is gentlemen of de leisure, and fish for de fun of de ding, and vot plata 
 ve gits." 
 
 There was the piping of boatswains' whistles, it was clew up and clew 
 down, and then a stern voice called out, 
 
 " Stand by the anchor." 
 
 " Put your helm hard to larboard," was the next command. (If nautical 
 men are inclined to find fault with the term "larboard," they will please to 
 recollect that the word " port " was not officially introduced into the navy 
 until Bancroft was secretary, when it was used to prevent confusion. This 
 was about 1847, when Polk was president of the United States.) 
 
 " Let go the anchor," was the next order, and the huge piece of iron 
 plunged to the bottom, and the chain rattled out, and the people on shore 
 knew that a ship had arrived near the town, while Mr, Larkin sat on his 
 
Lewey and L 333 
 
 veranda, and wondered if the naval vessels had come at last, and if it was 
 his turn to laugh and become defiant r 
 
 " For gracious sake, Thorn,'' cried the midshipman, " what prompted you 
 to remain in this country ? " 
 
 He asked the question while the cutter was towing our boat alongside, 
 and after the frigate had anchored. 
 
 " Well, you see my French friend here and myself thought of marrying 
 and settling down," and of course the midshipman had to laugh, as a mat- 
 ter of course, and the man-of-war's men all grinned, as though I had uttered 
 a joke. 
 
 " You always was singular in your tastes," the midshipman muttered, 
 " nnd I suppose you desired to be plural in your habits," but that remark 
 was so profound no one smiled, as it was not understood, consequently my 
 friend, Mr. Bob, hurled an adjective at the head of the midship oarsman, 
 ;md told him to keep stroke, and mind his eye. 
 
 The huge proportions of the frigate loomed up through the fog, and, as 
 \ve shot alongside, I saw that she carried two tiers of guns, in all about 
 sixty, some of them very heavy ones for those days, and her complement of 
 men was six hundred, as the middy informed us. 
 
 " Now your fun commences," whispered the officer. " Commodore Sloat 
 will give you a dose of peppery remarks, you see if he does not. Keep 
 cool, and be civil. A commodore is a great man in these waters, although 
 he does not amount to much at home. Here we go. In bow. Way 
 enough." 
 
 We slipped alongside, and many wondering eyes were on us as Lewey 
 and I passed over the steps, the French lad with an expression on his face 
 that seemed to say, " I ennui with all this attention, good people." 
 
 " Pass aft. The commodore desires to see you," a midshipman said, and 
 then Satan seemed to possess that friend of mine, for he ran back to the 
 gangway, looked down at our boat, and yelled out to the midshipman who 
 had brought us on board, 
 
 " De poisson ! Do not if you please de men let steal him. Ve vork hard 
 to catch, .and no afford to lose. Ve sell all for four cents de pound, cash, 
 and no trust, vid de big von for de commodore at half price, for trade allow- 
 in' us to do." 
 
 There was horror depicted on the faces of the officers of the quarterdeck, 
 and I feared that my French friend would be put under arrest, and fed on 
 bread and water for a week. But he looked so simple and innocent, just as 
 though he had no idea of offending, and cared for no one, that he was only 
 
334 Lewey and I. 
 
 pulled away from the rail by gentle pressure, and told in a hoarse whisper 
 to stop his noise, and go aft. 
 
 " Ah, cap'en," the enthusiastic French lad cried to a third lieutenant, 
 who blushed at being so saluted, " you vill our fish vatch ober for us, and 
 if you sell him you vill de moneys all gib to me, and I skall be so much 
 obliged as eber vas, for I is a poor boy, and far avay from mine native 
 land." 
 
 " Will you go aft, you blanked fool ? " whispered one of the lieutenants, 
 " and if you do not stop talking until you are spoken to we '11 pitch you 
 overboard with a round shot tied to your feet." 
 
 " Qu'est ce que vous voulez ? " demanded the unblushing Lewey, but the 
 lieutenant only shook his head, and pushed the French lad toward the 
 commodore, who was all swelled up with offended dignity, having been 
 kept waiting two or three minutes, owing to Lewey's desire for fun and 
 frolic at the expense of the United States naval officers. 
 
 " Take off your hats," some one whispered, but my friend pretended not 
 to hear, so his sombrero was removed from his head by an officer, and just 
 as the commodore was about to open his mouth that wild boy went off on 
 another tack. 
 
 " O capitan," he cried, " mine dog in de boat is. Vill you tells de mens 
 not to steal him, as much value he is." 
 
 " Well, I 'm blanked," muttered the commodore. " Who in the devil's 
 name are you? and where do you come from?" 
 
 " Me poor French boy," was the reply. " Me leaves home for de fortune 
 to seek. Speak you de booful French, capitan ? " 
 
 There was a negative shake of the head from the commodore. 
 
 " Ah, you like him so much. Skall I speak some for you ? " 
 
 "Take this parrot away," roared the commodore. ; ' He will drive me 
 crazy with his lingo. Come here, you other boy. Let me see if you can 
 answer questions in a ship-shape manner." 
 
 I stood before the commodore, not in awe, for I had seen bigger men, 
 but determined to no longer provoke the officer, for his patience had been 
 already tried quite severely. 
 
 " Who are you, sir ? " asked the autocrat of the quarter-deck. 
 
 " I am an American, and at present a fisherman of Monterey, sir." 
 
 " That is to say a beach-comber," was the retort. 
 
 " I did not state so, sir, and fear that I am not up to the standard of a 
 person who passes his time on the beach, in search of a ship and a job, and 
 hopes never to find either," I said. 
 
Lewey and I. 335 
 
 " Well how came you here, if you are an American?" demanded the 
 commodore. 
 
 " I was honorably discharged from my ship, and expected to marry and 
 grow up with the country," was my candid answer. 
 
 Of course I knew that all the officers would laugh. They saw the com- 
 modore smile, and followed suit. It was the usual custom. 
 
 " You are a fool," were the next blunt words, just because I had stated 
 my intention of being married. 
 
 " Perhaps I am, sir, but a fool would not have asked you to anchor when 
 you had six fathoms of water under your bows, and shoaling every moment, 
 with a dense fog all around you." 
 
 " Are you the one who hailed the frigate for that purpose ? " growled the 
 commodore. 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " Why did you insult us and provoke a shot ? " 
 
 " My French friend is a little loco, and not responsible for his words. 
 He does not know what he is doing half the time." 
 
 " Blank me if I did n't think so," was the exclamation. " I can always 
 tell a crazy man. He is as mad as a march hare," and the officers nodded 
 confirmation of the words. 
 
 " Now," said the commodore, and he looked profound and serious, " what 
 do you know of affairs on shore ? In what part of the country is Captain 
 Fremont ? " 
 
 " He was near Monterey a few weeks since, but left for San Francisco 
 when he found that an attack was to be made on his position, which he was 
 not strong enough to resist." 
 
 " What is the force of the Mexicans on shore ? " 
 
 " That is something I cannot answer you, commodore. We are neutrals, 
 and must remain such, or violate an oath." 
 
 " Nonsense. I will give both of you positions on the ship, so there is no 
 danger. Tell all you know. How many guns does the presidio com- 
 mand ? " 
 
 " Not many, but you will have to find out by an attack. General Castro 
 and the American consul have been expecting you for weeks, and perhaps 
 are prepared for your reception." 
 
 "Can you take a note on shore for Mr. Larkin from me?" the officer 
 asked. 
 
 " Yes, sir, but it would not be prudent on our part. We should lose the 
 number of our mess if we did so." 
 
336 Lewey and I. 
 
 " My guns can protect you," was the assured statement. 
 
 " They could not keep the point of a sharp knife out of our ribs the first 
 dark night," I answered. 
 
 " Perhaps not, but we could avenge your deaths." 
 
 " That would do us no good. We prefer life to revenge, sir." 
 
 " May be you are right, but it seems to me that an American should aid 
 his country in every way possible." 
 
 " What aid can a boy afford to a large frigate like this, full of men, and 
 capable of reducing every fort on the coast? No, sir, we have promised to 
 remain neutral, and we desire to keep- our words. Even now, if it was 
 known we had boarded your vessel, we should be looked upon as sospecho- 
 sos, and treated badly. Let us go on shore, please, before the fog lifts, so 
 we shall be safe and undiscovered." 
 
 " You can go," the officer said, and waved his hand. " But if Mr. Larkin 
 should learn the Cumberland is near we should not feel ungrateful. Do 
 you understand ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir. He will hear of the event, it is quite probable, before sun- 
 set," and touching my hat I left the quarter-deck, and joined Lewey. 
 
 The French lad had negotiated the sale of all of our fish to the purser for 
 the ward-room officers, and received four dollars for the catch. We took 
 the bearings by the compass, entered our boat, and pushed off for the 
 Point of Pines, and guided by the roaring of the surf made our way to the 
 usual landing. As we hauled up our boat we saw Mr. Larkin sitting on a 
 rock, near the gully by the presidio, and apparently quite content to wait 
 until the fog had lifted and revealed the beauties of the bay. 
 
 " Well, boys, what luck ? " he asked, as he came toward us and looked 
 into the empty boat. 
 
 " Not much today, sir. The fish did not bite very lively," we answered. 
 
 " Perhaps the ship that recently anchored in the bay scared them away," 
 the American consul remarked, as he examined the boat, and saw the debris 
 of a good catch. 
 
 " Should n't wonder if such was the case, sir," and we turned the boat 
 over, and washed all evidence of fish from the bottom and thwarts. 
 
 "Look here, boys," the consul said, in a low, confidential tone, so that 
 no lurking spy could overhear his words, " what ship is that which recently 
 anchored off the Point of Pines and is still obscured by the fog ? " 
 
 We glanced around. No one was 1 near us except a soldier of the presi- 
 dio, who was on duty, and watching the fog and our proceedings at the 
 same time. 
 
Lewey and I, 337 
 
 " It is the frigate Cumberland, sir, Commodore Sloat." 
 
 " And you have been on board of her ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir. We were requested to do so, and the polite command was 
 backed by a cutter and eleven men." 
 
 " And von musket shot dat came near us," interrupted the irrepressible 
 Lewey. 
 
 " Under the circumstances we went on board," I continued. 
 
 " And ve sells all our fish for four dollar," my friend remarked. 
 
 " A good price," Mr. Larkin said. " I am glad that you did so well. Now 
 tell me, lads, did you not bring on shore a letter from the commodore ? " 
 
 " No, sir, we did not dare to, for fear of suspicion. But you will hear 
 from the ship in the morning, or as soon as the fog lifts." 
 
 " It is quite probable," was the short answer, and Mr. Larkin walked to- 
 ward his house, near the plaza, and once more took his accustomed seat on 
 the veranda, and looked off toward the bay and the fog, and even hummed 
 a tune of a light and jolly character, when no one was near him. 
 
 The sentinel shouldered his gun, and resumed his monotonous rounds, 
 as the consul disappeared, and two Mexicans came out from a little sand 
 cave near the beach, and moved toward the custom house, on the rocky 
 bluff. They had seen no exchange of packages, and therefore were a little 
 disappoiated. We had noticed the men when we landed, and knew they 
 were spying on our actions, but they did not make much by the operation. 
 
 We had no fish for our regular customers that day, and some of them 
 were a little disappointed, as it was the Lenten season, and meat was for- 
 bidden by the priests for the time being. We pleaded that the finny 
 tribe were driven off by the fog and a shark, and the answer satisfied them. 
 However, we promised an abundance for the next day. 
 
 When we reached our home for the time being, and inquired of Donna 
 Costello the whereabouts of her brother, the colonel, we regretted to learn 
 that he had ridden over to Santa Cruz to review some cavalry, and would 
 not be back until the next day. We wanted to do the officer a good turn, 
 get him out of harm's way, and perhaps capture, for we knew the town 
 would have to surrender as soon as the Cumberland anchored near the 
 presidio, and brought her guns to bear on the place. There was no force 
 to stand before the ship, as the cannon of the fort did not amount to much, 
 except in the way of ornament. But one thing remained for us to do if we 
 would repay all the colonel's acts of kindness, and that was to give him 
 warning at once to keep away from Monterey, or move his men out of 
 harm's way. 
 
338 Lewey and I. 
 
 We had not ridden our mustangs for several days. They were in the 
 corral, and impatient for a run. Telling the pretty little wife we were going 
 for a gallop along the beach, and should not return until late at night, we 
 saddled our horses, slung our rifles over our shoulders, and started for 
 Santa Cruz. 
 
 As we struck the hard, white sand the tide was fast ebbing, and there 
 was a clear course after passing the remnants of a wreck about a mile from 
 the custom house. We halted for a moment near the landing, and looked 
 off upon the water, still covered with a dense fog. There was no sign of 
 the Cumberland, and not even the creaking of blocks or spars, or the pipes 
 of the boatswain's whistles were heard. All was silent, and no one would - 
 have suspected that a ship with six hundred men was so near us. This 
 quietness was maintained through the strict discipline of the crew. The 
 order had passed for repose, and it was obeyed to the letter. Even the 
 sails were not furled, as they might be needed as soon as a little air should 
 come along, and blow the fog away. A surprise was intended for General 
 Castro and his troops, and it would have been successful had we not fa- 
 vored a friend, and the latter saved his countrymen from shot and shell, and 
 a surrender. 
 
 " Alons," said Lewey, and just as we were ready to start our horses into 
 a long and untiring lope four cavalrymen broke through the fog, and rode 
 toward us, lariats in their hands. 
 
 " Parada," they said, and we halted on the instant, for we had no occasion 
 to run away, and there was no show for us with those reatas ready to be 
 thrown with deadly precision. 
 
 " What is wanted, amigos ? " we asked as the men came toward us and 
 looked us over. 
 
 " The general is anxious to know^where you are going," one of th'e men 
 said. " He noticed today you caught no fish, that you had a long conversa- 
 tion on the beach with Mr. Larkin, and he does not understand your move- 
 ments. He dislikes to think that you are sospechosos, for he has a high 
 opinion of your good qualities and bravery. But these are troublesome 
 times, and we must be guarded." 
 
 " Tell the general and may he live a thousand years, and enjoy the best 
 of health that we are taking a ride to Santa Cruz, just to see our friend 
 Colonel Fernando, and to exercise our horses." 
 
 "You are sure, amigos?" asked the non-commissioned officer of the 
 squad. 
 
 " Quite sure, comrade," was our positive answer. 
 
Lewey and I. 339 
 
 " Then you will have no objections to company, O friends of my child- 
 hood, and bravest of marineros ? " the officer asked. 
 
 "No; will you and your associates go with us?" we demanded, and 
 we knew they would at any rate, as they had been sent to watch our move- 
 ments, and spy out what we intended to do. 
 
 " With much pleasure shall we join you. We have nothing else for duty, 
 and a long gallop will do us good. Vamos, senors." 
 
 They put up their lariats, coiling them on the pommels of their saddles, 
 and away we went over the hard sand as fast as we dared to in the fog, al- 
 though it was not so dense at the edge of the water as in the bay. 
 
 Our horses were so much superior to the cavalrymen's that we could 
 have run away from them, but did not care to do so. We had no desire to 
 pass as sospechosos, for our lives might have been endangered, and we had 
 no place to fly to where we would have been safe, just at that time. So we 
 did not hurry the pace, and therefore were two hours in reaching Santa 
 Cruz. As we passed the old mission I saw my friend the padre, and 
 stopped to exchange a few words with him and the 'housekeeper, the latter 
 giving me a grin of delight at the meeting. 
 
 The priest told us where we could find Colonel Fernando, and on riding 
 to the spot indicated found him inspecting a company of raw recruits. He 
 was much surprised to see us, and also to find that we had an escort. 
 
 " Colonel," we said, " we have ridden this way to see you personally, but 
 these gentlemen did not believe us, so came along to note if we spoke the 
 truth." 
 
 As the men belonged to the colonel's regiment they did not hesitate 
 when he said in a stern tone, 
 
 " These senors are my friends. I will be responsible for them and their 
 actions. . Return immediately to Monterey, and report to General Castro 
 my words." 
 
 The soldiers saluted, wheeled their horses, and were off, not even looking 
 back to see if we were noting their movements. 
 
 " Now, senors, what is the news? " asked the colonel. " Something of 
 importance has happened, or you would not seek me here. Is it my wel- 
 fare or that of my sister which you have at heart? " 
 
 "Colonel," I said, "it is for your good that we have come. But what we 
 communicate must be a secret between us. This you will promise ? " 
 
 " Yes, quite readily." 
 
 " Look off upon the bay, colonel, and you will see a dense fog." ( 
 
 He glanced toward the ocean, and nodded his head. 
 
34O Lewey and I. 
 
 " Under that fog, colonel, and near the Point of Pines, is a huge Yankee 
 frigate. As soon as the mist rises she will be in position to threaten the 
 town, and compel its surrender. We want to save you and your dear sister. 
 There is no time to lose if we would do so." 
 
 ' " Diablo, I should think not. Our presidio will not stand a broadside, 
 and my regiment might be made prisoners-of-war ; and just as I had ot it in 
 good order, and feel my position and importance. Senors, you must return 
 with me to Monterey. My soldiers will march tonight. To you can be 
 entrusted the care of Donna Costello. Her husband does not know enough 
 to have charge of a pretty wife in such doubtful times as these. I shall go 
 into camp near the Mission Carmel. Your Yankee friends will not dare to 
 follow me there. I only wish they would. I 'd cut them off root and 
 branch. There, don't be angry at my words. Our nations are at war but 
 we are not. Let not the sound of strife destroy our friendship," and the 
 gallant young man held out his hand. "And you came all this distance to 
 give me warning, did you ?" the colonel asked, "and General Castro sus- 
 pected you of some treasonable design ? He would doubt his own mother 
 in war time. A little impulsive is the general, but he means well, and can 
 fight hard with pronunciamentos. In fact, he can flog the whole of your 
 nation with a dozen. But let the horses have a breathing spell, and we will 
 return to town." 
 
 We went to .the mission and had a bit of bread and an olia, fed our 
 horses with a little barley and at four o'clock were on the road to Monte- 
 rey, the good padre blessing us as we rode away from his house. I never 
 saw him again. 
 
 The fog still hung about the bay, but no sound was heard from the frig- 
 ate as we dashed along the beach. The colonel was to go immediately to 
 headquarters, and as he turned to do so I said in a warning tone, 
 
 " You will not mention the source of your information, amigo ? Remem- 
 ber I am an Americano." 
 
 " Rest assured of me. I shall set you right in the general's estimation. 
 He must not remain under the impression that you are a sospechoso. You 
 have been good friends to me, and I shall prove so to you." 
 
 We went to our quarters prepared to pass an uneasy night, but did not 
 tell Donna Costello that a foe was near. At nine o'clock there was a 
 movement of the troops, and we saw the young colonel at the head of his 
 regiment, marching out of the town, without sound of drum or trumpets, 
 and with him went General Castro and the government officials. Old Cook 
 rubbed his eyes, and wondered what the matter was, and Mr. Larkin sat on 
 
Leivey and I. 341 
 
 his veranda and looked across the bay as far as the fog would permit, and 
 hoped the mist would rise. 
 
 As Senor Costello went with the governor the protection of the wife and 
 child devolved upon us, and the duties were willingly assumed, for we had 
 no doubt but that we should look after her in a satisfactory manner, and 
 she had implicit trust in our ability and courage to defend her against out- 
 rage. The peons and Indians were more to be dreaded than the Ameri- 
 can sailors, as we had no doubt the captors of the town would respect all 
 those who did not bear arms, and offer to fight for the glory of Mexico. 
 
 At ten o'clock it was known to the worst class of the community that 
 the soldiers and officials had gone, and left the place defenceless. Then 
 stores were entered, and liquor sought in all directions. Old Cook hastily 
 concealed what he had, and shut up shop. Mr. Larkin disappeared from 
 the veranda of his house, and no longer looked across the bay. Lewey and 
 I loaded our pistols and rifles, and sat near the door of Donna Costello's 
 house, in the dark, and heard the howls of the drunken brutes and the 
 screams of women, and waited for dawn, but before that came we had to 
 shed blood to save from outrage the pretty little wife who had been left in 
 our charge, and the life of her only child, the sweetest boy in the State. It 
 was the most anxious night we had ever passed, and we thanked God when 
 light came, and the fog was gone, and out in the harbor rode two large 
 frigates at anchor, the Cumberland and Independence, with the American 
 flags at their peaks, and the rising sun kissing the stars and stripes as 
 they floated in the light northerly breeze. And Mr. Larkin once more sat 
 on the veranda of his house and looked across the bay, and hummed a tune 
 all to himself, for no one was near him except an Indian woman, who had 
 the reputation of being a drunkard. But we had to meet rough work before 
 the sun rose, and the flags were seen to gladden our hearts and grant us 
 safety. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE ATTACK ON THE HOUSE AND ITS REPULSE. EDWARDO SANCHOS 
 MEETS A JUST FATE. THE RESCUING PARTY FROM THE FRIGATE 
 CUMBERLAND. A WINDFALL OF GOLD. - THE BREAKFAST. A PRE- 
 DICTION. HOISTING THE AMERICAN FLAG AT MONTEREY. A LAST 
 VIEW OF THE TOWN. ON THE MARCH. TERRIBLE DEATH OF TWO 
 WOMEN AND A GPEEDY EXECUTION. A NIGHT SCENE ON THE BEACH. 
 A SURPRISE, AND AN ESCAPE. STRAY SHOTS. 
 
 IT was fully ten o'clock before pandemonium in its worst form broke out 
 in the little town of Monterey. Then the native rum began to exert its 
 full force, and the peons and half-breed Mexicans rushed through the 
 streets in search of plunder and outrage. All of Donna Costello's servants 
 had fled from the premises, and no one but Lewey and T were left to pro- 
 tect the house and its precious inmates. We closed and barred the door, 
 put out the lights, and sat near the entrance, with our firearms all ready for 
 use, dreading an attack, yet not disposed to shirk one should an assault be 
 made. At one time we were inclined to put the lady on a horse, and escape 
 to the mountains, but the sight of the crowd of drunken wretches, as they 
 yelled and howled around us, showed that it was not feasible, and we deter- 
 mined to remain, and do the best we could, the little wife half the time on 
 her knees praying to the saints for protection, and begging we would not 
 leave herself and child to a shocking fate. 
 
 Luckily the boy slept through the tumult, and did not realize his danger, 
 while I consoled the senora the best way that I could, and promised no 
 harm should come to her if I could prevent it. A dozen times did the lady 
 put her arms around my neck in the dark, when the noise was the loudest, 
 and press her cheek to my face, tremble, and shed tears of terror, but she 
 thought no more of the act than if I had been her brother, and I did not 
 
Lewey and I. 343 
 
 even strive to kiss away the moisture that flowed from her dark, glorious 
 eyes. I imagined it would be sacrilege to do aught but comfort her, and 
 hope for the best. 
 
 It was near twelve o'clock, we judged, when a crowd of drunken peons 
 stopped in front of the house, shouting and yelling, while some of them en- 
 tered the patio in search of plunder. They went through the cook-house 
 like a tornado, but found nothing of value, as we had removed all the prop- 
 erty that was worth anything to safer quarters. The scoundrels manifested 
 their displeasure by a series of groans, and then some one, who seemed to 
 be in authority, or the leader of the gang, came to the door, and pounded 
 on it in a threatening manner. 
 
 " Cobardes, Americanos," he yelled, " come out of the house, so that we 
 can see your white faces, and feel of your throats. We want you for a par- 
 ticular purpose." 
 
 Jack uttered an angry growl, as though he scented danger, but we quieted 
 him with a word, and attempted to reassure the frightened lady, who was now 
 certain that outrage was near. We made no reply to the demand, and it 
 was repeated in more emphatic tones, and slill we remained silent. 
 
 " Will you show your white faces ? " the fellow said, " or must we break 
 in the door ? " 
 
 We hoped the gang would suppose we had made our escape to the moun- 
 tains, so declined to answer, but the fellows evidently knew we were in the 
 house, for the speaker again cried out, 
 
 " Bring a piece of timber. We will batter down the door, and hang the 
 Americanos, and then do what we please with the woman." 
 
 I could feel Senora Costello shudder at the words, and she clung still 
 closer to my neck, but I removed her arms, and whispered, 
 
 " Go into your room, and be with the child. You must not hamper me 
 with tears and entreaties just now. There is to be a struggle, and a deadly 
 one, but we hope it will result in our favor. Be bold, and pray for our 
 success." 
 
 She kissed my hand, and left me. Then we heard fresh shouts in the 
 patio, and knew that a piece of timber had been found, large enough to bat- 
 ter down the door. 
 
 " De Lord help de fust von vot enters dis room," muttered Lewey, and I 
 heard the ominous click of the lock of his rifle, the re-arrangement of his 
 pistols and long knife, as though he meant every shot to tell. 
 
 "Will you come out ? " asked the leader of the peons, as soon as he had 
 the piece of timber all ready to use as a battering-ram. 
 
344 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Listen to us for a moment," my French friend said, in a determined 
 tone. " We are well armed, and the first one who attempts to enter this 
 room will die like a dog. Go away and leave us, or the worse for you. We 
 shall defend the premises with our lives." 
 
 " You will find it different here from shooting unarmed men on the sum- 
 mit of the Sierra Santa Monica," the leader said, and then we knew whom 
 we had to deal with. 
 
 " It is Edwardo Sanchos, the younger brother of Antonio, and the scamp 
 who attempted to ambush us when we crossed the mountains, on our jour- 
 ney from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara," I whispered. " You remember, 
 I hit him on the hand or shoulder with a rifle bullet, when he was attempt- 
 ing to throw his knife. Now he thinks his time has come to punish us." 
 
 " It has if he crosses de threshold of de door," Lewey muttered in a reso- 
 lute tone. 
 
 " Do you yield ? " asked Sanchos, after a moment's cessation of 
 hostilities. 
 
 " No, we will die first," was our defiant answer. 
 
 " Down with the puerta," was the command, and the timber was raised, 
 and dashed against the portal. 
 
 The slight door was torn from its hinges, but we stepped aside, and 
 escaped the crash, and the next instant a dozen men sprang forward to 
 enter the apartment. 
 
 " Gib dem de debil," roared Lewey, and bang went both of our rifles, and 
 two peons staggered back, and fell into the arms of those who were just be- 
 hind them, and we held the ruffians in check for a moment, and but for a 
 moment. 
 
 " Adelante," yelled Sanchos, the battle is won." 
 
 As the crowd surged forward, in obedience to orders, Jack seemed to rec- 
 ognize the voice and presence of a bitter foe, and sprang full at the throat 
 of the speaker, for we could see the ladrones standing between us and the 
 light, while they did not note us very well with our backs to the adobe 
 wall. 
 
 It would have been short work with our dog, for Sanchos could have cut 
 his heart out easily if we had not interfered. I raised a pistol and aimed at 
 the greaser's head, and let drive. The ball struck the fellow near the right 
 eye, and he tumbled over backward, and hardly moved afterward, while 
 Jack, satisfied that there was no more fight in his late antagonist, deserted 
 him and went for the seat of a half-breed's trousers, and tore out whole 
 mouthfuls of cloth and flesh, and the fellow's yells were as fearful as the 
 
Lewey and I. 347 
 
 screams of the peons in the patio, who were furious for vengeance now that 
 they smelled blood. 
 
 " Here goes for anuder von," cried Lewey, and as he fired there was a 
 fall and a howl of agony. Then we poured in our two remaining shots, 
 clubbed our rifles, dashed at the heads of the nearest enemy, and crushed 
 the skulls of all who were close to us. There was much hot work for a few 
 minutes, and the result would have been fatal for us, overpowered by num- 
 bers as we were, and confronted with greasers inspired with artificial cour- 
 age, crazed with rum and a desire to be revenged on us for the death of 
 friends, and also the thought that Donna Costello had money and jewels in 
 the house. 
 
 One fellow made a hack at us with his heavy machete, but missed his 
 aim, as we could see his motions, and he did not observe ours on account 
 of facing the light. The next instant the stocks of our lifles descended 
 on the Mexican's right arm, the terrible weapon was dropped, and a yell of 
 agony told that the limb was broken near the hand. 
 
 We could not retreat. Our backs were to the wall, and half a hundred 
 enraged scoundrels were confronting us in the room and the patio, and just 
 as we were almost ready to despair of beating back the crowd of fiends, we 
 heard a loud cheer in the street, and then the shout of, 
 
 " Away, boarders, away. Give the greasers a touch oi steel, boys. Down 
 with the blanked scoundrels. Let 'em have hail Columbia." 
 
 We answered that sailor-like command with a yell of delight, put in a few 
 fresh blows with our rifle-stocks, and then there was a rush from the patio, 
 the greasers tumbled out of the house in headlong haste, only to be struck 
 down with boarding-pikes and cutlasses, and in ten minutes after the first 
 cheer from the relief party there was no one present in the court-yard ex- 
 cept the dead and wounded, and half a hundred blue-jackets making merry 
 and cracking jokes over the expeditious manner in which they had scattered 
 the blood-thirsty mob, and not lost a man in return. 
 
 We struck a glim as soon as possible, and then spoke to the officer in 
 command, who proved to be my old schoolmate Bob, a midshipman of the 
 frigate Cumberland. 
 
 " Well, old fellow," he asked, " was it a tight squeeze this time ? " 
 
 " The stiffest little breeze we ever saw," I answered. " A few minutes 
 more and we should have been finished for good. Never did we hear a 
 more joyful cry than ' Away, boarders,' in the English lingo." 
 
 " I thought that would fetch 'em," chuckled the officer. " If I had said 
 
 charge ' the boys would not have understood me. Stand still, you rascals. 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 Don't leave the ranks and hunt for aguardiente. There is none in the 
 town." This was addressed to the sailors, who were getting restless for 
 further adventures. 
 
 "Tell that to the marines," some blue-jacket cried. 
 
 " Who said that ? " demanded the middy, but no one responded to the 
 polite interrogation for reasons of his own. 
 
 " How did you happen to be on- shore at this time of night ? " I asked the 
 middy. 
 
 "The simplest thing in the world. About six bells Mr. Larkin, the 
 American consul, sent a despatch on board stating that the town was given 
 up to pillage, and asking the commodore to land a party, and restore order 
 if possible. There are two hundred of us scattered about the village, and 
 we have kept the greasers on the run ever since we touched the beach. 
 All the soldiers marched off at dark we had been given to understand, so 
 there was not much of a chance for a fight after all, and perhaps it is just as 
 well. Stand steady, you villains, or I '11 break your necks as sure as you 
 live. There is not a drop of rum in the place I tell you." 
 
 "We is anxious for water, Mr. Bob," a veteran said. " We is parched 
 for a drink." 
 
 " Yes, of fire-water, but you won't get it, now I tell you. Stand still un- 
 til the marines come up, and show 'em how steady you are on land." 
 
 " The sojers be blanked," was growled out, and then I whispered to the 
 midshipman, 
 
 " We have a few bottles of aguardiente in the house. Let one of your 
 best men deal it out in gentle tots to the lads." 
 
 " All right. Here, Williams, you act as purser's clerk, and serve out a 
 tot of grog to each man, and mind your eye while you are about it No 
 double splices if you please. I shall look after you, be assured." 
 
 The cheer that followed this announcement could have been heard on 
 board the frigate, and away up the mountains. 
 
 We furnished a lot of tin pots, the liquor, and a light. The men were re- 
 freshed after their fight, and then wanted another scrimmage, in hope of 
 getting more rum. 
 
 "By the way," asked Bob, "what are you doing here? Is this your 
 home ? " 
 
 " Yes, for the present. We were trying to save from outrage a lady who 
 has been very kind to us." 
 
 " Is she pretty ? " 
 
 " Very." 
 
Lewey and I. 349 
 
 " Let me get a glimpse of her. I have not seen a petticoat for months, 
 and long for the sight of a sweet face." 
 
 " Not tonight. There are too many dead bodies lying around loose to be 
 agreeable to a young woman. Come in the morning, and you shall have an 
 introduction, if the lady does not object to seeing a Yankee officer." 
 
 " She ought not to, after all of our efforts to save the place. But, by 
 George, there goes the 'bugles. We are signaled to form on the plaza. 
 Will call on you as soon as possible. Come, muster in line, men, and pre- 
 pare to repel boarders. Away you go to the starboard. Stamp along live- 
 ly. Keep a good lookout for breakers, and the greasers at the same time. 
 Show the marines that you know how to march as well as the best of 'em," 
 and away went the jolly blue-jackets, joking and roaring with laughter, as 
 they pricked some drunken half-breed with their boarding-pikes, or an Indi- 
 an who was a little too obtrusive. 
 
 As soon as the sailors had departed I pushed open the door and entered 
 the room where Donna Costello and her child were concealed. The lady 
 was on her knees, praising the saints in thanksgiving for her escape from 
 death and outrage, and the little boy was sleeping quietly, not having 
 awakened during the night, through all the tumult of the fight and riot. 
 
 " Senora," I said, " all danger has passed. The Yankees, whom you pro- 
 fess to despise so much, came to our assistance just in time, and put the 
 ladrones to flight." 
 
 She arose and put her hands in mine, and then asked, 
 
 " How should I have fared if you and your friend had not defended the 
 house before they came ? " 
 
 " We did the best we could, dear lady, until relief arrived," and as I 
 spoke she put up her lips and kissed me, so great was her gratitude. 
 
 I begged her to lie down and sleep, and she promised to comply with my 
 request. Then I left her. and joined Lewey, who, with the aid of a lamp, 
 was examining the bodies of the dead. 
 
 " Dis blanked villain vill nebber harm us more," he said, as he showed 
 me the dark face of Edwardo Sanchos, a pistol ball having passed through 
 his temple, and ended his career of crime. 
 
 He moved the body as he spoke, and a clink of gold was heard. 
 
 Lewey knelt down and tore open the breast of the dead man's shirt. A 
 belt was revealed that passed completely around the body. With a cut of 
 his knife the lad severed the buckskin, and when it was loosened a number 
 of Spanish doubloons dropped to the floor. 
 
 " Dis vill us pay for dis night's vork," the French boy remarked, and 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 counting the coin we found that there were just one hundred gold pieces, 
 representing a value of about seventeen hundred dollars. This was a great 
 surprise. 
 
 " Him heirs vill see dis not," Lewey said. " Ve vill keep it to remember 
 de dead," and then we put the money out of sight, thrust the bodies of the 
 peons and Mexicans into the patio, rigged up the broken door, spread our 
 blankets, and lay down for a little rest before daylight, as the town was now 
 quiet, and the sailors and marines had full possession of the place, the 
 peons and ladrones having fled to the mountains, following in the wake of 
 the army. 
 
 It was not a refreshing slumber that we courted, but we did get a few 
 winks of sleep before sunrise. When we arose and looked out on the 
 plaza we saw the sailors and marines lying down on blankets, and sentinels 
 pacing back and forth, and a boat-gun in the centre of the parade, all ready 
 for execution, while on the veranda of his house sat Mr. Larkin, looking 
 across the bay at the frigates Cumberland and Independence, the latter 
 having arrived during the night, and at the peaks of both ships floated the 
 American flags, and at the main of the first-named vessel was the broad 
 pennant of a commodore. 
 
 I fancied that I could hear the American consul, as he welcomed the 
 sight so dear to his heart, hum a light and agreeable song, and thank God 
 that the days of anxiety were passed, never to return as far as Monterey 
 was concerned. 
 
 We hunted up several peons, and compelled them to remove and bury 
 the dead, then found one of Donna Costello's cooks, and made him prepare 
 breakfast, the best that could be obtained, and when all was ready I went in 
 search of my midshipman friend, and invited him and several officers to 
 come to the house, and satisfy their hunger and thirst with an olia and a cup 
 of coffee. Very glad were they to accept the offer, but Donna Costello 
 would not meet them, as she was too patriotic to break bread with the ene- 
 mies of her country, even if they had saved her life the night before. She 
 was a true descendant of the Spanish race, and could neither forgive nor 
 forget when all danger was passed. 
 
 The naval officers were very polite, and made no unpleasant remarks 
 about the lady's absence. They asked us to give their regards, and say 
 how pleased they should have been to meet so beautiful a woman, and 
 treated Lewey and myself as equals, for my friend Bob, the middy, had en- 
 lightened his messmates as to the French lad's position, and my own, and 
 they looked upon us as two cracked-brained young men, who were seeing 
 
Lewey and I. 35 T 
 
 life, and finding adventures which others more sensible would have 
 avoided. 
 
 The town was now quiet enough. A guard was placed near the residence 
 of the American consul, but no further disturbance was anticipated, and at 
 nine o'clock the sailors and marines were withdrawn from the plaza, and re- 
 turned to the Cumberland, and from the quarter-deck of the frigate was 
 heard th.e sound of martial music, and the stirring notes of the " Star Span- 
 gled Banner," attracting hundreds of people to the beach and custom house. 
 But the better class of Mexicans did not show themselves, and the pretty 
 senoritas kept within doors, and seemed to care nothing for the band or the 
 officers. 
 
 During the day Senora Costello received notes from her brother and hus- 
 band. They had heard of the tumult in the town the night before, and con- 
 sidered the place no longer safe for a young, unprotected woman. They 
 advised her to join them at or near the Mission Carmel as soon as possible, 
 and our friend the colonel made a personal request that Lewey and I would 
 take charge of her, and see that she reached the lines of the Mexican army 
 in safety. We could not refuse compliance with such a delicate demand, 
 and passed the day in getting ready for the journey. We hunted all 
 through the town for a carriage, but not one was to be obtained. The 
 volante had been taken by Senora Castro the night before, when her hus- 
 band made his escape, and was miles away, so the only thing we could sug- 
 gest was to place the lady on horseback, and thus travel to the mountains, 
 for one so gentle could not walk over the rough roads with a child in her 
 arms, or by her side. 
 
 Our sweet friend did not object to the arrangement, but as there was no 
 side saddle in the country it was a little doubtful how we could manage, es- 
 pecially as the lady declined to adopt man's usual style of occupying a 
 position on a horse. We talked the whole thing over, and at last found a 
 pack saddle, broad and strong, which Mr. Larkin let us have as a gift, 
 when he learned our purpose. We covered it with some cheap cloth, rig- 
 ged a stirrup for the lady's foot, 'found a bridle that was strong and service- 
 able, put a strap on the forward part of the saddle for a pommel, and 
 thought the thing would answer the purpose very well, and when we exhib- 
 ited our work to Senora Costello she was so pleased with the whole ar- 
 rangement that she had no misgivings as to her ability to cling on while as- 
 cending or descending the mountains. 
 
 Then we hunted around and found a stately, sure-footed old mule, one 
 that would not be likely to play any unruly pranks, and could walk all day 
 
35- Lewey and 1. 
 
 without a bray of discontent. As we did not know who owned the borrico 
 we confiscated him in the name of the government, and were never prose- 
 cuted for mule stealing, as General Castro and Colonel Fernando gave us 
 immediate absolution, as soon as they learned all the circumstances of the 
 case. Thus prepared we looked after our horses the night before we were 
 to start, and at sundown wandered to the bsach, sat on the rocks near the 
 custom house, heard the bands on the frigates play national airs until nine 
 o'clock, and, as I listened to the music stealing across the waters of the 
 bay, a feeling of homesickness came over me, which my friend was not 
 slow to perceive, for he said, 
 
 " Come, let us back go, and sleep good for de night. All de best fun of 
 our lives is soon afore us to be. Ve skall see Anita and Engracia, and tell 
 dem vot ve has passed through for dere sakes, and dey vill pity us and love 
 us de more." 
 
 " Do you know, Lewey," I cried, as we rose to go, " I begin to think that 
 fate is against us, and that we shall never marry those half-breed Mexican 
 girls." 
 
 " Darn if I care it ve don't," the fickle-minded French lad replied. " I 
 begins to dink dat dey is not our equals in de life." 
 
 " And you would break your pledged word ? " I demanded, quite 
 sternly. 
 
 " Vy not ? Dey vould do dame dings us for." 
 
 " Never," I answered. " They love us too well for that. They would re- 
 main true for years for our sakes." 
 
 " How little know you vomen about," Lewey said. " Dey throw ober us 
 for better and richer men in von minute and a half. Do dink you, mon 
 ami, dat ve has much moneys now. Ve has two dousand dollars, all in de 
 gold, and dat is not bad for two young men to life commence vith. Be- 
 sides, vot does ve vant of vives anyvay ? Ve is free now, and goes vare ve 
 pleases, and stays as long as ve vants to, and vot more does vant you ? " 
 
 " At least you will go to the girls, and tell them that you have changed 
 your mind ? " I inquired. 
 
 " Oh, I don't know vot I vill do. Dare is time enough for all dat ven ve 
 comes to it. Don't trouble let us borror. Alons, ve has a big future afore 
 us," and just then we came across Captain Cooper, of the schooner 
 California. 
 
 " I see that the Yankees have captured your war-vessel, captain," I re- 
 marked. " The crew did not make a vigorous defence I am afraid." 
 
 " The odds were too great against us," was the reply, with a vicious bite 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 of his maimed hand. " Man to man we could have licked them, but the big 
 guns did the business. However, the vessel is private property. I seized 
 her several days since for debt. She will be restored to me, I think," and 
 she .was, by the commodore's orders. 
 
 The old salt passed on, grumbling, and we returned home, and slept for 
 the last time in the house that had sheltered us for so many weeks, and 
 where we had passed some very happy hours, and many anxious ones. 
 
 We were up bright and early, got breakfast for Senora Costello and her 
 child, and also for ourselves, packed what clothes the lady needed, made her 
 put on a broad bri rimed straw sombrero to protect her head from the hot 
 sun, fastened up the house by the aid of hammers and nails, and at nine 
 o'clock were ready for our journey, then ambled out across the plaza, 
 passed the house of the American consul, where Mr. Lai kin was seated on 
 his veranda, as usual, gazing off across the bay, and at the two heavy frig- 
 ates, and as we bade him good-morning the old gentleman asked, 
 *' Boys, do you think of coming back to Monterey ? " 
 
 " It is impossible to tell, sir. We do not know where we shall go, or 
 what we may do." 
 
 " The Mexicans owe you a debt of gratitude for your heroic services the 
 other night. I have sent a note to General Castro, and detailed them 
 among other things. The American government is also indebted to you for 
 what you have done, but I fear that the reward will be light." 
 
 This verbal testimony is all I have to offer the United States for the part 
 Lewey and I performed in those trying times, and if a pension is offered 
 me on the strength of it, I wish there would be no delay about its being 
 made available in dollars and cents, or else the government should order 
 twenty thousand copies of this book, and pay for them, as a slight recom- 
 pense for my sufferings during the war in California. 
 
 We thanked the consul for his kind wishes, and were about to move off, 
 as a crowd was collecting to see the novel picture of a lady with a straw 
 sombrero on her head, riding a led mule, and with a child in her arms. It 
 was a wonderful spectacle, and caused Senora Costello to blush at her awk- 
 ward position. 
 
 " One moment, boys," Mr. Larkin said, and we held up to hear his words. 
 " Do you know what day of the month it is ? " 
 " No, sir. We have lost the run of such things." 
 
 " The seventh day of July, 1846. Remember it, for it will live in history 
 for many years." 
 " Why so, sir ? " 
 
354 Lewey and I. 
 
 " Because in a few hours Commodore Sloat will hoist the American flag 
 near the custom house, and take formal possession of California, and after 
 the flag is raised this State is lost forever to Mexico. The stars and stripes 
 will not be succeeded by the buzzard, and if you live long enough you may 
 see this great territory teeming with life and industry, with wealth and con- 
 tentment, prosperity and happiness, and so it will grow until people wonder 
 at the enterprise and intelligence of its inhabitants, and from all parts of the 
 world will commerce come to us, our harbors teem with life, and grain 
 grow on every hill and in all the rich valleys. Then will California be 
 blessed, and may I live long enough to see it." 
 
 " He is crazy,'' muttered Lewey, as we resumed our way, but I thought 
 there was method in his madness, and his prophecy came true sooner than 
 he anticipated, but he lived long enough to realize some of his predictions, 
 if not all, for he did not dream of the great railroad and steamship lines in 
 those days, or the overland cars, and immense hotels, where all was once 
 wild and desolate. 
 
 As we turned from the plaza, and struck the trail that led to the Mission 
 Carmel, I glanced back and saw the old gentleman still on his veranda, 
 looking across the bay and dreaming of the prosperous days to come. I 
 never saw him again, but if his re nains are buried near Monterey I hope to 
 have the melancholy satisfaction of placing a garland of flowers on his 
 tomb some day in the near future. 
 
 "What was he talking about?" asked Senora Costello, as we left the 
 village, much to the delight of Jack, who commenced sniffing game in every 
 bush, and was glad to be once more in the woods and among the 
 chapparel. 
 
 " Of the future of California, lady," I answered. 
 
 " There 's no future for the State," she said, as a tear dropped from her 
 bright eyes. " Under the rule of Americans life will not be worth much to 
 the Mexican people," and she expressed the sentiments of all the better 
 class of her race, and perhaps even years have not removed the impression 
 that the Yankees are intruders upon the soil. 
 
 As we gained the elevation near where now stands the Hotel del Monte, 
 we heard a gun fired from one of the frigates. We checked our animals, 
 and looked over the village at our feet. There were barges being rowed to 
 the shore, and in the boats were glittering uniforms and many men. We 
 saw a crowd of people assemble near the custom house, a band played some 
 national airs, the American flag was raised hi:h above the heads of the 
 spectators, and then the war- ships thundered forth a salute, and the State 
 
Lewey and I. 355 
 
 of California was annexed to the Union in deed if not in act, for our people 
 had been striving to get possession too many years to give up the prize af- 
 ter peace was declared, and it is worth some of the sacrifices of the Mexi- 
 can war, for its future will be as great as its past has been wonderful. 
 
 " I hate the Americans," said Senora Costello as she watched the scene, 
 and the tears fell from her eyes. 
 
 " And I am an American, lady," I remarked with a smile. 
 
 " But I do not hate you," was the response, and she extended her hand, 
 and I pressed it reverentially to my lips. 
 
 We turned away from the sight as the last gun was fired, and I saw Mon- 
 terey no more, although we heard from the place quite often while we re- 
 mained on the coast. 
 
 We pushed our way over the trail, the sun shining hot upon our heads, 
 and before we were two miles from the village stumbled upon some outlying 
 pickets, who challenged us, and then rode forward to ask the news. Most 
 of the soldiers knew who we were, and did not express surprise at seeing us, 
 for they expected their colonel's sister would not remain in Monterey, and 
 run the risk of being insulted by the conquerers. They did not think that 
 a lady was safer under the protection of American officers than the Mexi- 
 cans of the lower order. 
 
 We were hurried forward to headquarters, and then conducted to the 
 presence of General Castro, while Senora Costello was taken possession of 
 by her husband and brother, and made comfortable in the hut of the 
 latter. 
 
 The Mexican governor was anxious to learn if there was a chance for an 
 attack on the town, and beating the Yankees, but when I told him that the 
 frigates would interfere with his plans he gave up all idea of re-conquering 
 Monterey, and determined to turn his steps to the southern part of the 
 State. He was in no haste to go, as the Americans were not disposed to 
 attack him, and so we remained near the Mission for several days, and then 
 marched for Santa Barbara. 
 
 In the meantime Colonel Fernando and the husband had learned of our 
 valuable services, and we were thanked in a sincere manner. The former 
 gave us quarters near his own, and made us honorary members of his staff, 
 with very light duties and still lighter pay, for we grot not a dollar for all 
 that we did for the people, but had one advantage, could steal all we de- 
 sired of other men's pronertv. and no one dared to siv that w were rrn'vFt. 
 as we were clothed with full authority to take horses and cattle when 
 needed. 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 Our position enabled us to perform a kind action for some friends of ours, 
 however, when we were encamped near the Salines River. One morning 
 while we were riding about the country, we noticed a commotion in a clump 
 of trees on the banks of the stream, and heard loud curses in the English 
 tongue, and hearty carambas in Spanish. When we rode up to the place 
 we were much surprised to find our former supercargo, Mr. H. F. Teschem- 
 acher, and Messrs. William Wolfskill and William Howard, gentlemen well 
 known on the coast, engaged in an angry and exciting discussion with some 
 of our cavalrymen, the latter having seized the former's horses, and were 
 about to lead them off, all animals being confiscated by the order of Gener- 
 al Castro. We soon put a stop to the hot words, and ordered the Mexicans 
 to release the animals and restore them to their owners. Very reluctantly 
 they obeyed, and then we escorted the gentlemen past the camp by a blind 
 trail, and saw them safely on their way to Monterey. They thanked us for 
 the service rendered, but we saw them no more while in the country. No 
 doubt Mr. Teschemacher will remember the incident even at this late day, 
 the only witness I have to prove my claim for a pension from both countries. 
 I hope he will live until 1 get it, and if he does the oldest man spoken of in 
 the Bible will be a mere infant in arms in comparison to the age of my 
 friend when he dies. 
 
 We moved in short marches to Santa Barbara. No one was in a hurry, 
 for there was nothing to be gained by haste. A report reached us at San 
 Luis Obispo that some kind of a Bear Party, composed of foreigners, had 
 met near San Francisco, and elected Captain Fremont governor of the 
 State, but Castro laughed at the idea, and so did all the Mexicans, and it 
 was soon forgotten. 
 
 Every day that we traveled I showed Senora Costello some polite atten- 
 tion, and looked after all her wants. She found the mule and saddle so 
 much more comfortable than a volante or ox-cart that she clung to the con- 
 veyance until Santa Barbara was reached, where she remained during the 
 war. 
 
 We passed the ranches we had stopped at on our way to Monterey, and 
 to the indignation of the rancheros levied on their stock to feed the men. 
 When at San Luis Obispo we once more visited the fresh water creek near 
 the Cave, and had a most glorious wash, the first for some weeks, owing to 
 the want of time and facilities. We went to the house where we had seen 
 the fandango during our sailor boys' career, and laughed as we thought of 
 the fun we had enjoyed that night. 
 
 On the eighth day after leaving Monterey we reached Santa Barbara, and 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 the people turned out and gave us a reception. As we rode by the house 
 of Don Noriego I saw his daughter on the veranda waving a scarf as a wel- 
 come to the gallant soldiers. As I was just in the rear of Colonel Fernan- 
 do, and at the head of the column, 1 did not deem it out of place to take 
 some part of the enthusiasm to myself, and when the handsome young lady 
 smiled and bowed to us I raised my hat, and did all that I could to attract 
 her attention, and she seemed amused at my persistency for there was a 
 glow on her face, and Lewey growled out, 
 
 " I s'pose you dink dat is for you, but it is n't. She is lookin' right at me 
 all de time," which was a lie, as it was no such thing, but my French friend 
 always was jealous of the lady for some reason or other, fearing perhaps 
 that she would have the first place in my mind instead of himself. 
 
 As there were no ships-of-war in the harbor, and none had made their ap- 
 pearance thus far, it was proposed to remain several days at Santa Barbara, 
 to recruit the men, and see what was best to be done, and where to go in 
 case fighting was called for. We saw Mr. Robinson, and spoke with hi in 
 for a few minutes, and very much astonished he was at the importance we 
 had attained in so short a time, for Senora Costello did not hesitate to ex- 
 press her opinion as to our conduct, and praise us more than we deserved. 
 Her brother also was very particular in his commendations, and thus, in the 
 course of a day or two, I was formally presented to the Senorita Noriego, 
 but she never knew me as the sailor boy who had admired her so much 
 when he was connected with the Admittance, and in fact she acted just as 
 though she had never seen my face before, which was a great triumph for 
 Lewey, as he said, 
 
 " I tells you so. No voman look at you twice ven I is near." 
 
 He did not mean to be personal, for he was as proud of my success as 1 
 was of his, only he was a little jealous that I would like some one he disap- 
 proved of. 
 
 The third day after our arrival at Santa Barbara, and when we had found 
 very good quarters, we thought it about time to visit Ranche Refugio, and 
 take a look at the girls we had left under such distressing circumstances. 
 We did not exchange a word with each other about marriage, avoiding the 
 topic by mutual consent, for somehow, as we mixed with the people, and 
 saw ladies and gentlemen of good position, we thought it was best to reflect 
 on what we were going to do before it was too late. 
 
 "Colonel," we said one morning, " we should like leave of absence for a 
 day or two, if you think you can run the regiment without us." 
 
 He smiled as he said, 
 
358 Lewey and I. 
 
 "You are going to Ranche Refugio to see the girls ? " 
 
 " Yes, colonel, such is our intention," 
 
 " You will not obtain leave of absence from me unless you promise one 
 thing," our superior said. 
 
 " Oh, we agree to it," Lewey remarked, thinking that it was some trifling 
 request. 
 
 ** Very well. Then promise me you will not marry those half-breed girls 
 until you have thought the matter all over, and consulted my sister and 
 myself." 
 
 " We promise," Lewey cried, with remarkable promptness, and then we 
 were told to take our rifles and go, but to be very particular to avoid all 
 bands of wandering ladrones, as some of them were known to be in the 
 neighborhood, and might attempt to injure us. 
 
 We directed our peon servant to prepare our horses, and about nine 
 o'clock, during dne of the most beautiful days of July, rode down to the 
 beach, saw the old familiar surf, and then shaped our course for the Ranche, 
 from which we were forcibly taken only a few months before. Somehow 
 we were not so eager to reach the place as lovers usually are, and we loi- 
 tered on the trail, to the great delight of Jack, so that it was near twelve 
 o'clock when we stopped at the residence of the two pretty sisters, and 
 begged for a cup of water. They did not recognize the smartly-dressed 
 boys as their old friends, and we had to explain matters before we could 
 make them comprehend who we were, and what fortunes we had met with 
 since we saw them last. We claimed to be officers in the army, and were, 
 in fact, but the positions were merely honorary, and given just to afford us 
 protection while in the country. 
 
 We were invited ro remain and dine, but pleaded want of time, left the 
 young ladies, and went toward the residence of Anita and Engracia. It 
 would be unjust to say that we were not a little agitated as we drew near 
 the poor adobe house we had visited so many times. We smiled as we 
 thought of our previous reception by the mother of the girls, when we were 
 eager for an interview, and how she had abused us for calling. We won- 
 dered if such a torrent of words would again fall upon our ears, and the 
 question appeared to be promptly answered, for before a scant fire, but un- 
 der the hot sun, sat the very old woman we had been thinking of, the moth- 
 er of Anita and Engracia, and she was engaged in preparing an olia for her 
 midday meal. 
 
 The woman looked up as we checked our horses, and seeing two caballe- 
 ros before her uttered some rude words of welcome, but we declined to dis- 
 
Lewey and I. 359 
 
 mount until we had some assurances as to the whereabouts of the girls, and 
 the pacific disposition of the mother. 
 
 " Where are your daughters, senora ? " asked Lewey, in a bland and 
 mild tone. 
 
 " With their husbands to be sure," was the blunt reply, and at the words 
 we both uttered exclamations of surprise, and put our hands to our heads 
 to endeavor to collect our scattered senses, for the shock was a great 
 one. 
 
 " Veil, I 'm blanked," the French lad said, in a dazed sort of manner, 
 and then he looked at me, and a sickly smile passed over his face, as he did 
 not know what to say next. 
 
 " This is woman's constancy," I moaned, and yet to tell the truth neither 
 of us felt like raving wildly over the matter. 
 
 " How long have the girls been married ? " Lewey asked, after a moment's 
 pause. 
 
 " Just a month," was the prompt answer. 
 
 " And whom did they marry ? " I managed to inquire. 
 
 " Antonio and Carlos Sanchos," was the reply, and then we were indig- 
 nant, for our fiancees had united their fortunes to the men who had 
 persecuted us during our residence in California, and completed our humili- 
 ation by taking as husbands two of the worst scamps in the country. This 
 was not flattering to us, ?.nd Lewey ground his teeth together as he thought 
 of the disgrace of being superseded by a couple of dark-faced, elderly ruf- 
 fians, old enough to be th? fathers of their wives. 
 
 " Are you sure the girls are married ?" I ventured to inquire. 
 
 " What does this look like ? " the woman asked, as she dropped the 
 sleeve of her chemise, and showed some terrible looking bruises on her 
 poor old wrinkled bosom. "And what do you call this?" bending her 
 head forward, and revealing a cut an inch and a half long on the back of 
 her neck, looking angry and swollen. 
 
 " It seems as though some one had ill-treated you, you poor old thing," 
 Lewey said in a tone of pity, all his former resentment gone at the sight of 
 the injuries. 
 
 " It looks as though my daughters were married, does it not ?." the wo- 
 man asked in a sarcastic manner. " These blows were inflicted by my sons- 
 in-law." 
 
 " The saints preserve me," muttered Lewey, " but the Sanchos have 
 more courage than I supposed. How did they dare to attack her in such a 
 reckless manner ? " 
 
360 Lewey and I. 
 
 " You see that not much was made in driving us away from your house," 
 I said, and then the old woman glanced up, brushed the coarse hair from 
 her face, and looked at us. 
 
 " The saints forgive me, but are you the two nice young gringos who 
 wanted to marry the girls some time last spring ? " 
 
 " We are the same persons," was our prompt reply. 
 
 " And I spoke a little hastily, did I not?" 
 
 " Well, we should think you did. You called us hard names in 
 profusion." 
 
 "Ah, how sorry I am that I wronged you. Had you married my daugh- 
 ters I should have ruled your households. Now, curses on the ladrones, 
 they rule me, and pound me if the food is not ready. How little did I 
 know what was good for myself. I had better have let the souls take care 
 of themselves, and looked after the bodies. But come in the house, and I 
 will tell you all about it." 
 
 We entered the building, and prepared to listen to the old woman's story. 
 It was to the effect that Don Antonio Sanchos had visited her one day, 
 before we had put in an appearance, or while we were journeying from San 
 Diego to Santa Barbara, and made such preposterous statements regard- 
 ing us, as heretics and ladrones, that the woman got frightened. Then 
 Sanchos played upon the feelings of the priest, and he put a veto on the 
 match, not knowing us or our condition, and it was not until the priest of 
 Santa Cruz wrote to the padre of Ranche Refugio that matters were ex- 
 plained. It was then too late. The girls had been married through the 
 urging of their mother and father confessor, under the supposition that the 
 candidates for matrimony had plenty of money, and a high official position, 
 when, in fact, they were outlaws, and atter being dismissed by General 
 Castrc, instead of going to San Francisco, hurried to the Ranche in the 
 hope of further injuring us by taking away our intended wives. 
 
 " De saints be praised, it am all for de best," muttered Lewey as the 
 story was finished. " Dings vork in de most mysterious vay, as some von 
 has said. I know not von. Ve has preserved de honor of our names, and 
 it am all right," and just as he spoke Anita and Engracia entered the room 
 to see who had arrived. 
 
 They uttered wild shrieks when they saw us, and threw up their 
 hands. 
 
 " Do not come near us. Keep at a distance, for we dare not speak or 
 touch you," they cried, and then, woman-like, rushed toward us, put their 
 arms around our necks, and kissed us as in days of old. 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 " Oh, why did you come here when you know that we are married ? 
 Leave us at once before our husbands find you in the house, and kill you, 
 as they will do," both girls exclaimed. 
 
 We were not so much afraid of the husbands as the girls seemed to 
 think, although we did put our old loves aside, and unwound their arms 
 from our necks. 
 
 " You have been untrue to us," we said, " but we forgive you. Your pun- 
 ishment will be great. You had an opportunity to marry two of the most 
 promising young men in California. That chance you have thrown away 
 in a cool and deliberate manner. You can recall it to mind when you hear 
 of our i'ame in years to come." 
 
 This was not modest, but we wanted a slight revenge for our 
 humiliation. 
 
 The young girls, or wives, were awe-stricken at our words. We had im- 
 pressed upon their minds that we were a little above their grade in life, and 
 that generally causes a woman to submit to all sorts of indignities for the 
 sake of position, but even while we wera thus engaged we heard the sound 
 of horses' feet, and the next moment Antonio and Carlos Sanchos burst 
 into the room, and the first thing the former did was to knock down the old 
 woman, as a slight relief for his over-charged feelings, and when she was 
 lying on the floor the curses she uttered against her amiable son-in-law were 
 the most wonderful specimens of the Spanish tongue that it was ever my 
 misfortune to hear. 
 
 " What are you doing with our wives ? " the outlaws asked, as they laid 
 their hands on their knives, and drew them. 
 
 "These are old friends of ours," the ladies said in a pleading tone. 
 " They have only called for a visit, and will soon go." 
 
 " We spoke to the ladrones, the mean gringos," was the reply. " Let 
 them answer us." 
 
 " We have no answer to make to your insolent demands," Lewey cried. 
 " We know both of you scoundrels. There is a price set on your heads, so 
 oeware of capture. If the soldiers get on your trail there will be blood 
 spilled, and you the victims." 
 
 "We will commence right here if there is blood to be shed," the men an- 
 swered, and raised their knives to throw them at us, but the girls covered 
 our bodies with their own, and when the weapons whizzed through the air 
 we did not have a chance to draw our pistols, or use our rifles in self 
 defence, or even push the women aside, and save them at the expense of 
 our own lives. Anita and Engracia clung to us, and when the knives sped 
 
362 Lewey and I. 
 
 on their way they struck the girls near their shoulder-blades, the steel 
 penetrating to the lungs, and the poor things fell to the floor of the cabin, 
 the blood flowing in torrents from their wounds. 
 
 " Dogs of Mexicans, you have murdered your wives," we shouted, while 
 the old woman made the house ring with her yells of horror and anguish at 
 the scene before her. 
 
 The brutes appeared dazed at the sight of the innocent blood that met 
 their view. They made a rush toward us, but we struck them on the sides 
 of their heads with the barrels of our pistols, and down they tumbled, and 
 as we were about to follow up the victory in a sure manner, we heard the 
 loud blast of a trumpet, and stayed our hands, and the shots that would 
 have ended the career of two noted villains were not fired, for in the door- 
 way we saw the form of Colonel Fernando, and back of him six of his 
 men. 
 
 " What is the trouble here ? " asked the young officer. " Two women 
 bleeding to death, and the Sanchos brothers on the ground with broken 
 heads, and my friends uninjured. Well, this is a lucky day even if it is 
 Friday. The saints be praised, I am Justin time to take an active part in 
 this tragedy. Stop your howling, old woman. It will not prevent the flow 
 of blood. Send the sergeant here. He knows something of knife wounds, 
 for he has hacked people and been hacked more times than he has years 
 over his head. Let him look at the girls' injuries. Secure those ladrones, 
 and take them outside. They have just fifteen minutes to live, so one of 
 you had better go for the priest. The girls will want some of his consola- 
 tion before a great while, or I am no judge of the near approach of death." 
 
 We could not realize that the colonel was in earnest, but some of the 
 cavalry commenced binding the limbs of the Sanchos brothers with reatas, 
 and in the meantime we bent over the bodies of the dying girls, certain that 
 they could live but a short time, as a change had already taken place in 
 their faces, the sure precursor of death. 
 
 " You forgive us for our unfaithfulness ? " whispered Anita. "We meant 
 to be true and good, but were pursuaded to marry against our wishes. We 
 thought that we should never see you again. Every one said you were bad 
 and heretics. But it won't matter in the next world, will it, what religion 
 we profess ? We shall be near each other in spite of ties on earth, and 
 no one will part us. It is better as it is. You would have been ashamed 
 of your dark-skinned wife, and wished her dead, or might have left her to 
 mourn for your lost love. You will kiss me, and say that you forgive me for 
 the past, and if you live long think of the many pleasant hours we had to- 
 
Lewey and I. 3 6 3 
 
 gether, before there were troubles in the country, and men did not persecute 
 you ? " 
 
 I kissed her dark face. She - closed her eyes, and seemed to sail down 
 the river very fast, for she did not again look at me or speak. Her breath 
 grew shorter and shorter, and then a shudder passed through her slight 
 form, and she was gone to the great unknown world, and when she died her 
 sister's spirit also fled at the same moment, so that in death as in life they 
 were not divided. 
 
 We covered the faces of the dead, and went out-of-doors, and as we 
 ciossed the threshold of the building the priest was just entering to admin- 
 ister the last rites of the church. He went to the bodies, knelt down and 
 prayed long and earnestly for the repose of the souls of the young girls, 
 and when he came out of the house Colonel Fernando was seated on a log, 
 smoking cigarettes, as calm as the summer day overhead. 
 
 " Holy father," the officer said, " administer the last sacrament to those 
 two men. As soon as you have finished they die." 
 
 " You will not dare to commit such an outrage," the padre cried. " They 
 have had no trial, and are not yet proved guilty." 
 
 " Do your duty, holy father. In ten minutes they die, law or no law," was 
 the stern command. 
 
 The priest bowed his head, and made no further remonstrance. He knew 
 what military duties were, and how despotic commanders sometimes acted 
 during martial law. 
 
 " Would it be of any use for me to plead for the ladrones ? " asked 
 Lewey. 
 
 " Not the slightest," and the colonel lighted a fresh cigarette. 
 
 " I have no intention of asking for the lives of the scoundrels," Lewey 
 said. " I only spoke for information," and the colonel smiled, and puffed 
 out volumes of smoke through his nostrils, and playfully blew rings in 
 the air from his lips. 
 
 The padre went to the condemned and knelt by their sides, for they were 
 lying on the ground securely bound, the hot July sun beating down upon 
 their dark, swarthy faces, and with every expression of terror in their treach- 
 erous eyes. 
 
 " Colonel," the priest said, after he had heard the last confession the fel- 
 lows were ever to make, "the poor men have a favor to ask of you. It is 
 not a great one, and should be granted it seems to me." 
 
 " Name it," and the young officer scanned the heavens to see how low 
 the sun was, and to judge of the time of day, and how much light he would 
 
Lewey and f, 
 
 have to get back to Santa Barbara. He was the most unconcerned person 
 present, for Lewey and I and the soldiers were more agitated than he. 
 
 " These men who are about to die," the priest said, " desire to be spared 
 so that they can have time to attend the funerals of their dear departed 
 wives, whose deaths were so sudden and unexpected." 
 
 " Diablo/' laughed the colonel, " but I must tell this to General Castro 
 when I see him. He is just the kind of man to enjoy such a joke. Here 
 are two ladrones, who steal away these gentlemen's intended wives by 
 falsehood and deception (I will admit that I am glad of it), and at last mur- 
 der them in cold blood, and now wish to attend the funeral of their victims. 
 Well, this is u good specimen of impudence. It is the coolest thing I ever 
 heard of. Sergeant, place the scoundrels in position against yonder trees, 
 and give a volley to each, I have no more time to waste on them." 
 
 The condemned uttered a howl of terror, and the cries of the men, the 
 wailing of the mother and other women, were enough to unnerve us, but the 
 cavalry leader did not lose his composure for a moment. He smoked ci- 
 garettes in numberless quantities, and paid no attention to the shrieks that 
 were going on around him. 
 
 The fierce little sergeant pounced upon the men, as though he rather 
 liked the job he had undertaken. He dragged the ladrones to the trees in- 
 dicated, lashed them in an upright position, for the fellows did not seem 
 capable of standing without help, so weak were they in their knees, tore 
 away the dark shirts and jackets, exposing the hairy breasts, then stepped 
 back and surveyed his work with great satisfaction, just as though he \\as 
 looking at a picture he much admired, yet did not quite approve of the 
 shading. 
 
 "Pull his head up a little," the petty officer said to one of his subordi- 
 nates. " He droops somewhat, and I fear the men's aim will be destroyed. 
 Ah, that is better. Now slue him around so that he will show a fair front. 
 Punch him in the ribs if he don't move fast enough. Well that. It could 
 not be better for a sharp volley. Don't, howl that way, you loco. It looks 
 to me as though you had no confidence in the saints or a blissful hereafter. 
 In the city of Mexico I have seen ten men shot before breakfast, and all of 
 them put together did not make as much of a row as you are doing. Con- 
 found you, shut up that groaning and lamenting. It is enough to make me 
 :.ick. You don't seem to appreciate the honor of being shot by some of the 
 best cavalrymen in California. What do you say ? Tell us all to go to the 
 hot place. Why, you ungrateful scoundrels, now I don't care if my men do 
 mangle you. Five of you form in line, and take the fellow on the right, and 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 five of you hit the one on the left. Now then, are you pretty comfortable ? 
 You a'n't ? Well, whose fault is it ? " 
 
 For the life of me I could not keep my eyes off the execution, although I 
 dreaded to see it, and at the same time was amused at the coolness and 
 composure of the sergeant, who seemed to be enjoying himself at the ex- 
 pense of others. The colonel still sat on a stump, smoked cigarettes, and 
 did not betray any impatience at the delay. The scene reminded me of the 
 time when Fernando was simply a captain, and hanged a man on the route 
 from San Luis Obispo to Monterey for attempted murder. 
 
 " All ready, colonel," said the fierce little sergeant, turning and saluting 
 his commander, with an eager look on his face. 
 
 ' ; Go on with your execution," remarked the young officer, and lighted a 
 fresh cigarette. 
 
 The sergeant threw a piece of blanket over the condemned men's heads, 
 stepped one side, removed his hat, and said, 
 
 " When I drop my sombrero fire, and don't throw away a shot like a 
 gringo." 
 
 I turned my head, and looked at the priest, who was on his knees pray- 
 ing for those who were dead and about to die. 
 
 There was an irregular volley, for the crack cavalrymen could not fire 
 with precision and regularity, some terrible groans, and then all was still. 
 The good padre prayed silently for the dead, and the enemies of the dead, 
 while the women fainted, and tumbled down in all directions, and Jack, our 
 dog, sat on his haunches, lifted up his head, and howled as though mourn- 
 ing for the flight of two evil spirits to the gates of eternity, to trouble us no 
 more. 
 
 Lewey watched the scene to the last. It seemed to have a strange fasci- 
 nation for him, and the last time I saw him, just after the Prussian war, -he 
 recalled the circumstances of the military execution at Ranche Refugio, and 
 said that while some communists in Paris were being shot, his thoughts went 
 back to his early days, and strangely enough the deaths of the two Mex- 
 icans were uppermost in his mind, for some of the victims of his loyal sail- 
 ors were swarthy as Spaniards, and resembled the two Sanchos in features 
 and height and vindictiveness of disposition. 
 
 " Dead, colonel," reported the little black sergeant, with a wave of his 
 hand, as though he had done a good thing, and was proud of it. 
 
 " All right. Dig two graves and bundle them in. Or stay. One hole 
 will be enough for both. Senors, let us mount, and ride down to pay a visit 
 to some pretty young ladies who live near here. Our escort can join us 
 
366 Lewey and I. 
 
 there. I am tired of hearing these women yell and scream so loud," and 
 the colonel motioned to his orderly to bring up the horses. 
 
 " Holy father," I saiJ, as the: colonel rode away, while Lewey and I lin- 
 gered behind to take a farewell look at the faces of the dead girls, " if we 
 had known each other better all this might have been avoided, and the wo- 
 men would now be alive and happy.'' 
 
 "It is the will of God, my son, and destined to happen. We cannot 
 escape the fixed rules of the universe, strive as we may. I am sorry, my 
 son, for the past. Let us be more wise in the future. I wish that I had 
 known you better. I should have been less prejudiced against you, I think, 
 from what I have this day seen. Take my blessing and go." 
 
 He raised his hands over us, and then was about to turn away, but I de- 
 tained him for a moment. 
 
 " Father," I said, " the mother of the girls is poor, is she not ? " 
 
 " She is poverty itself, my son." 
 
 " Then take these two golden ounces, see that the women are decently 
 interred, pay for a mass for the repose of their souls, and donate the bal- 
 ance of the money to the parent. If you will do this we shall feel as though 
 we had made some atonement for the past." 
 
 " The atonement for the past is in God's own hands, my son, and to him 
 must all application for pardon be made. You and your friend should pray 
 for forgiveness, confess, and strive to be better in the future. Go, my son, 
 and thank the saints it is no worse. I may riot speak of things which the 
 confessional holds as sacred, but of this be assured, the poor children 
 loved both of you devotedly, and it was wrong on your part to win their 
 affections." 
 
 " But we were honorable in our intended marriage, holy father." 
 
 " Perhaps you were, but the poor girls would soon have suffered from 
 your neglect. Desertion follows incompatability. The wise and the igno- 
 rant should not mate. You can read and write. The girls who are now 
 lying dead could do neither. They knew not the meaning of a single letter, 
 and had no accomplishments except that of the dance." 
 
 " But we could have taught them, holy father, as much as we know our- 
 selves." * 
 
 "Vain delusion, my son. Such things are not to ba in this world. As 
 lovers you are devoted, and exercise all due patience with each other. As 
 husband and wife the teaching becomes a bore, and there are sharp an- 
 swers instead of explanations for the purpose of unfolding the mind. If a 
 lover is to be a teacher he must be kept in the position of a lover, and not 
 
Lewey and /. 
 
 a favored one at that. All interest ceases at marriage, and blessed is the 
 woman who can retain the heart and devotion of a man six months after 
 a union. The laws of my church forbid a priest to wed. The provision is 
 a wise one, for if we had family matters to look after there would not be 
 much time for parochial affairs. But we see with open eyes all the domes- 
 tic relations of life, and so judge as we look, regretting, yet unable to apply 
 any remedies except the best of advice, and that is rarely taken by either 
 party. Yes, it was a cruel thing for two young senors like you to win the 
 love of those girls. But go, and God go with you." 
 
 He again extended his arms, and we uncovered our heads, and were 
 blessed, and then mounting our patient horses rode toward the 
 house of the pretty sisters, and as we passed on our way saw a number of 
 peons throwing dirt into a shallow grave, and the fierce little sergeant was 
 sitiing under the shade of an apple-tree damning them in no measured 
 terms, and smoking cigarettes. We looked back and saw the good priest 
 watching our departure, and when he saw us turn in our saddles waved his 
 hand in token of farewell, and that was the last we ever saw of the padre or 
 of Ranche Refugio. 
 
 We found our colonel enjoying himself in the company of the two pretty 
 sisters. One of the latter was thumbing a guitar, and singing a love song, 
 while their military visitor did not seem in the least dismayed by the trage- 
 dies he had witnessed during the afternoon. 
 
 " Come in, caballeros," he said when we stopped opposite the door, and 
 as we entered the commodious adobe house were formally presented to the 
 young ladies, and very gracious they were to us. We did not allude to the 
 murders back of the vineyards, so there was no occasion for a cloud to 
 cover the handsome faces of the girls. The colonel seemed to have for- 
 gotten all about the circumstance, if we could judge by the laughter he in- 
 dulged in. 
 
 The young ladies put some bottles of cheap native wine on the table, a 
 lot of dark bread, and nice fruit, and after we had partaken of the refresh- 
 ments the colonel waltzed with one of the girls, and the other played on a 
 guitar. The young officer was a very good dancer, and entered into the 
 spirit of the movements with a zest that did him credit, but we were not in- 
 clined to be lively, and so declined the invitation to once more hold the 
 girls in our arms as of yore. We thought it was a little too soon to throw 
 our grief to the winds, and forget the deaths of poor Anita and Engracia, 
 who might have been our wives if circumstances had been favorable for 
 the union. 
 
Leivey and I. 
 
 Presently the tramp of horses' feet and the clanging of sabres showed 
 that our escort was at the door. We drank a glass of wine to the health 
 and happiness of the pretty sisters, kissed their hands in gallant style, 
 mounted our horses, and left the place, and as we filed out of the ravine 
 the ladies stood at the door of their house, waved their scarfs, and smiled a 
 sweet smile at the colonel, whose handsome face had touched their hearts, 
 I have no doubt, for he married one of the girls some months later, when 
 peace was declared, and had a bride that any man could be proud of. What 
 became of the elder sister I never knew. I hoped she fared as well. We 
 never saw them or the place again. 
 
 " Colonel," I said, as we gained the mesa land, "how did you happen to 
 be present just as we needed you most ? " 
 
 " Senors," he replied, with a blush and a laugh, " you are not the only 
 persons in California who have had love affairs on their hands. Soon after 
 you left Santa Barbara this morning I learned from one of our spies that 
 the Sanchos brothers were here, and had married your girls. I feared that 
 you would meet with trouble at their hands, so determined to kill two birds 
 with one stone, do a little love-making on my own account, and bring to 
 justice the most notorious scoundrels in the country. General Castro au- 
 thorized me to seize the fellows wherever found, and shoot them on sight. 
 I have attended to my duty, and now go back to camp with the thought 
 that justice has been done." 
 
 "And your conscience does not reproach you for the shooting?" I 
 asked. 
 
 The colonel smiled. 
 
 " Senors, a soldier should be destitute of such a thing. He must obey 
 orders no matter what they are. Vamos," and striking his horse with his 
 heavy spurs we dashed forward along the road that wound about the beach, 
 and drew rein just at sundown, and as we dismounted Senora Costello came 
 toward us. 
 
 " You have returned unmarried ? " she asked, as she smiled on us. 
 
 " Our intended brides are dead," Lewey remarked in a loxv, sad tone. 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," was the careless comment, and as the lady spoke 
 she laid a hand on my arm, and said, 
 
 " Did you love her very much, my friend ? " 
 
 " I thought so," was my response. 
 
 "And now? " 
 
 " Perhaps I have seen one whom I love better," and I sighed as the hana 
 was withdrawn, and the sigh was re-echood as the lady gathered her dark 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 mantilla around face and shoulders, and entered the house, and I saw her 
 no more that night. 
 
 " In de name of de saints," Lewey exclaimed, " do not make de love to 
 dat lady. She is a married voman, and our admiration bring de ruin and 
 disaster on all dat ve meet. Let but de sign be seen dat you is sweet on 
 her and de life you nas von't be voith much. Serve her if you vill, but 
 keep de varmth for some von else. Imitate me, and be cold and distant." 
 
 I looked at the young man with admiration for his impudence, and then 
 without a word of explanation we gave our mustangs to a peon servant, for 
 Colonel Fernando had detailed an Indian to look after our horses, and just 
 as we entered the house where we were quartered the trumpets rang out a 
 blast for evening parade, and the young ladies of the town hastened to the 
 plaza, to get a glimpse of the graceful commander of the cavalry, and to 
 strive to attract his attention by many a fan flirtation and flash of dark 
 eyes. 
 
 We ate our suppers in silence, then wrapped scrapes around our shoul- 
 ders, lighted pipes, and strolled down to the beach. Jack started to go with 
 us, then thought of the long run that he had during the day, gave us an ap- 
 pealing glance, hesitated for a moment, and returned to the house, 
 curled himself up on the horse-blankets, and went to sleep. We did not 
 blame him for refusing to accompany us, but it was the first time such a 
 thing had occurred. 
 
 We halted opposite Don Noriego's house, where- many of the officers 
 were congregated, enjoying the usual evening's teU-a-tete and music, and 
 then pushed on, for we did not care to join the company, our thoughts 
 were too sorrowful for useless ciiatter, and when we reached the beach sat 
 down on the damp sand and looked off upon the bay and the rolling surf, 
 and our minds once more went back to our hide-droghing days and boating 
 duty. Neither of us spoke, and I have no doubt that Lewey's thoughts 
 were like my own with the past, and all the strange, wild life we had wit- 
 nessed since we left our ship. 
 
 From this reverie we were aroused by rough hands being placed upon 
 our necks and arms, and then the cold muzzles of pistols were pointed at 
 our heads, and a stern-voiced man said in poor Spanish, 
 
 " If you make the least noise I '11 blow your brains out. Answer me a 
 few questions, and ou shall not be harmed/' 
 
 " My friend," I said, in the coolest tone I could assume, and glancing 
 around saw that we were .surrounded by half a dozen Yankee man-of-war 
 sailors, and that an officer was holding cne of the pistols in close proximity 
 
37 Lewey and I. 
 
 to my head, and a middy was paying the same attention to Lewey, who, in 
 spite of the surprise, was still puffing away at his pipe in cool contempt of 
 all danger, "do you not think that it would be better to converse in Eng- 
 lish. We should understand each other a little better." 
 
 "The devil," the officer said, and lowered his pistol, "do you speak 
 English ? " 
 
 " Well, sir, it comes more convenient than Spanish, as a general thing, 
 for we make awful botches of the latter tongue sometimes, unless it is all 
 plain sailing." 
 
 " I thought you were greasers," the commander of the squad said. " You 
 are dressed in Mexican costume." 
 
 "That proves nothing. We supposed the navy was officered by gentle- 
 men, and that they were not inclined to offer rudeness to people minding 
 their own business. We were both mistaken, that is all." 
 
 " Don't be impudent," the officer remarked. " We must take life and 
 prisoners as we find them. We want your company for a few hours on 
 board our vessel." 
 
 *' Indeed, and for what purpose ? " 
 
 " Information which I think you can give. I suspect that you are an 
 American," the officer said. 
 
 " You have not mis-stayed this time. I am an American, and this gentle- 
 man, my friend, is French. Now what do you desire to know? We do not 
 intend to leave the shore tonight to visit any vessel." 
 
 " Do not be too sure of that, my friend," the officer said with a laugh. 
 " We are strong enough to take you, and shall." 
 
 " You are over-confident, sir. One word from us and you could not move 
 two fathoms from the beach without being surrounded by cavalry. Even 
 now you are hemmed in on all sides except the water, and cannot escape 
 unless you have the countersign. You can shoot us as we sit here, but 
 that is not customary among civilized nations. Murder it would be called 
 before a court-martial." 
 
 " But we can knock you on the head, and then take you," was the sullen 
 rejoinder, "and I am not sure but we shall do it if you continue to give me 
 any more lip." 
 
 " De lip is not all on von side, sir," Lewey remarked, speaking for the 
 first time, although he had manifested a strong desire to break in for some 
 minutes past. " Ve is gentlemen, and in no vay liable to answer questions. 
 I am, sir, de French consul for California, and dis is de American consul. 
 Mr. Larkin." 
 
Lewey and I. 37 r 
 
 I was speechless with amazement at the audacity of the lad. The night 
 was dark, and the naval officer could not well see our youthful faces, hidden 
 as they were by the scrapes, so the story was liable to be believed. 
 
 " Say not a word," Lewey whispered in French. " Let me manage this 
 for you. Impudence must tell here, or we will be on board of a frigate in 
 less than an hour, and then the saints only know what will become of us." 
 
 " Paidon me, gentlemen," the naval officer said, as he stepped back, 
 raised his cap, and replaced his pistol in a belt. " I did not know your of- 
 ficial positions or I should have spoken in a different tone. But in the first 
 place I thought that Mr. Larkin, our consul, was at Monterey, his usual 
 station." 
 
 " So I was, sir, but a few days since. Official business called me here, 
 and the French consul, Monsieur Lewey, who has just been landed from a 
 line-of-battle ship, wanted to see the country, so came to this place in my 
 company." 
 
 The mention of a line-of-battle ship has a great influence on a naval of- 
 ficer. The stranger bowed lower than ever, as he said, 
 
 " I have heard of Mr. Larkin. but this is the first time I was ever notified 
 of a French consul being stationed on the coast. I suppose it is on ac- 
 count of our war with Mexico." 
 
 " Yes, on dat account entirely," hastily remarked Lewey. "My king tell 
 me so hisself." 
 
 This was pretty strong, and I wondered the officer did not discover the 
 lie, but he might not have been up in court etiquette. Perhaps he really 
 thought King Louis Philippe of France held personal interviews with his 
 foreign representatives, and gave them instructions. 
 
 "Now, sir," I said, as the officer recovered his composure, "you will 
 please tell me what you are doing ashore at this time of night, and in a hos- 
 tile country ? Do you know that if discovered your life would not be worth 
 a medio ? " 
 
 " We have taken the chances, sir." was the answer. " My men are well 
 armed, and will sell their lives very dearly, or would resist capture to the 
 last. Our commodore is desirous of learning a little about the present state 
 of affairs here, and so sent us on shore after dark. Our boat is anchored 
 just outside of the rollers, off Point Arena, and will wait there until we re- 
 turn with what information we can pick up. Had you been greasers we 
 should have taken you to the frigate, and obtained all the news we desired 
 by the aid of money and judicious squeezing. Now we hope you will en- 
 lighten us as soon as possible." 
 
3/2 Lewey and /. 
 
 "What is the name of your frigate, and who is your commodore ?" I 
 asked. 
 
 " The frigate Congress, Commodore Stockton, who is ordered to the su- 
 preme command of the squadron and the country," was the answer. " The 
 ship is lying about four miles from shore, bound to Monterey. We en- 
 tered the canal this afternoon, and hope to be well on our way at day- 
 light." 
 
 "And may I ask your official position, sir? " I demanded, with a careless 
 indifference that I by no means felt, for if the man discovered the imposi- 
 tion he would have made it lively for us. 
 
 "I am the third lieutenant of the Congress, sir," was the answer, " and 
 this is Mr. Hapgood, one of our midshipmen." 
 
 We bowed to the middy, and then I said, 
 
 " Give Mr. Larkin's regards to the commodore, and say how pleased he 
 will be to meet him at Monterey when he returns. Report that the frigates 
 Cumberland and Independence are in port, and that California has been for- 
 mally taken possession of by Commodore Sloat. You can also mention the 
 fact that Captain Fremont is in the North, and that there will not be much 
 fighting on the land, and none at sea. That is all the information we can 
 impart with the exception that General Castro is here in Santa Barbara, 
 and has some good men under his command. Now get back to your boat 
 as soon as possible, for if the patrol should find you here it would be bad 
 for us and you also." 
 
 Just as I finished speaking we could hear the loud, ringing blasts of 
 trumpets, and through the darkness saw a party of horsemen coming along 
 the beach from the direction of Buenaventura. 
 
 " Run for your lives," Lewey and I whispered. " Here comes the patrol. 
 If they see you there will be a devil of a row and no mis'ake." 
 
 The naval officer and his men did not stop for further advice. They ran 
 along the shore toward Point Arena, while Lewey and I darted for the 
 town, then threw ourselves in the tall, salt grass that fringed the beach, and 
 remained concealed until the cavalry passed by. We heard some words 
 of challenge, a few shots, a shrill yell, as if some one was wounded, and 
 then left the shelter of the chapparel, and ran in the direction of the mis- 
 sion on the hill, so that people would not suspect we came from the visual 
 landing-place if we met any one before gaining the town. 
 
 Just as we came to a post where some of our men were quartered the 
 long roll was beaten, half a dozen trumpets sounded to arms, and then off 
 Point Arena, more than three miles from land, we saw a blue light burned, 
 
Lewey and I. 373 
 
 and into the air leaped a rocket, which exploded, and revealed red white and 
 blue stars. It was a signal of recall for the boat and crew, but we feared 
 that some of the latter would never reach the ship if the Mexicans were 
 aroused and cut off their retreat. We had not cared to remain and help the 
 sailors, for if we had been discovered holding communication with an ene- 
 my a short prayer and a sharp volley would have settled our part of the 
 programme at daylight the next morning. General Castro did not allow 
 any trifling with the Americans by his friends. 
 
 Just as we gained our quarters the colonel was mounting his horse to get 
 the men in line. 
 
 " I wish you two would go to the beach and see what the trouble is all 
 about," the colonel said. " I can't trust some of these fellows. They re- 
 port that a thousand men have landed on the shore, and are marching to- 
 ward the town. Take as many men as you desire, and scout all along the 
 beach, and let me know what is up." 
 
 We thought that here was a chance to distinguish ourselves, as no par- 
 ties were better qualified for the expedition than Lewey and I, as we knew 
 just what to expect, where to look for a foe, and how strong it was. We 
 promised compliance with the request, and no one in the ranks suspected 
 for a moment that we had been holding a conference with the enemy. 
 
 We mounted our horses, called for a dozen men, and then galloped to- 
 ward the beach. As we passed through the town men and women were al- 
 ready on their way to the mountains so as to escape all danger from a 
 blood thirsty enemy. There was hasty packing of jewels ard good clothing 
 for transportation to some safe place where the Yankees could not find and 
 appropriate them as their own. Once or twice I heard the name of Fre- 
 mont, as if he and his trappers had made a descent on the village, but this 
 was not generally believed, for our men stood firm, and did not strike for 
 the mountains, as they might have done had the report been true. 
 
 We dashed to the usual landing-place, where we knew we should find no 
 one, and then hearing a commotion near Point Arena went there, and saw 
 that the Americans were just embarking in their boat through the surf, and 
 the Mexicans were making it warm for them by firing volleys from their 
 carbines. As the horses were a little unsteady, owing to the discharge of 
 fire-arms, no good aim could be taken, consequently my countrymen were 
 not much injured. But there was danger of the cutter being capsized in 
 the surf, and if such was the case all hands would be captured, and dealt 
 with in a severe manner, 
 
 " Amigos," I said as I rode up, "let us not waste our time here with this 
 
374 Lewey and I. 
 
 one boat when there are so many others about to land and capture the town. 
 Besides, if the ship should fire one of her heavy guns in our direction 
 many of us might be killed, as this point is an exposed place." 
 
 Luck was on my side just then, for the Congress let drive a shot at the 
 land, where the scene was lighted up by the flash of carbines, and a ball 
 passed over our heads, so close that we were nearly knocked down by the 
 windage, and our hats flew in all directions, so great was the current. 
 
 The attention of the officers of the frigate had been attracted by the fir- 
 ing on shore, and fearing the crew of the cutter were in danger a chance 
 shot was hurled toward the land, with an elevation sufficient to clear the 
 water, and not injure the sailors. It came just right, and at the proper 
 time. 
 
 " Down to the beach," Lewey and I shouted. " The next shot may be a 
 shell, and kill the whole of us. Let these men go while we look after the 
 others." 
 
 There was a general compliance with the order, and no grumbling. As 
 we turned to leave the seaman to get through the surf the best way they 
 could another solid shot was discharged, struck the sand-hill, and threw 
 more than a cart-load of gravel all over us, some of it lodging in the men's 
 eyes, causing much needless profanity. 
 
 We did not wait for a third discharge, but got off that high bluff as soon 
 as possible, and rode along the beach, and as we did so the Yankees in the 
 boat gave three cheers, and then had the impudence to yell out, 
 
 " Come on, you bloody greasers. We can lick a million of you," and 
 with the words they went through the surf, and were out of harm's way in 
 a short time, for how could we accept the challenge to " come on " when we 
 had no boat, and could not walk the water ? 
 
 For a mile along the beach we went looking for imaginary enemies, but 
 found none, as a matter of course, and then, after seeing the frigate burn a 
 blue light to show her position to the cutter's crew, we went back to town, 
 and reported to the colonel that our men had beaten off a large number of 
 enemies, and performed such feats of valor that Homer would have de- 
 lighted to record them had he been alive at the time, and capable of grasp- 
 ing the situation. 
 
 Of course this pleased all who were engaged in the attack, officers and 
 men, and General Castro issued an order thanking us for the energy and 
 bravery we had displayed, and the young girls smiled on us, and sang their 
 most fascinating songs for our entertainment. One crazy-headed, long- 
 haired poet wrote some lines for the cavalry on the strength of the night's 
 
Lewey and I. 375 
 
 doings, and I remember it was very popular at the time. A translation 
 reads something like this, 
 
 " See the heroes crushing, rushing, 
 See their swords for blood are thirsting. 
 Now the gringos they must run, 
 For the Mexican with his gun 
 Shoots all who on our soil do land, 
 And for Yankees care not a caramba." 
 
 This is as near as I can come to the original. The poet is not alive at 
 the present day, but some of his descendants are, and flourish not only in 
 this part of the world but in California. The race never dies out, more is 
 the pity. 
 
 The next day Pedro, our old friend the correo, arrived with important 
 despatches from Los Angeles, and then came an order for the cavalry to 
 move immediately on the town, take possession, and hold the place against 
 all comers. 
 
 Colonel Fernando was detailed to go, and General Flores was to assume 
 supreme command of all the forces assembled. We were invited to move 
 with the rest of the valiant warriors, and as we had nothing better to rio 
 consented to march with our young friend, and look after his weHare. 
 But before we started I had a short interview with Senora Costello, and a 
 painful one it was on both sides, something never to be forgotten on my 
 part, and remembered for many years by the lady I suppose, although I 
 never heard from her or her secret thoughts after I left the coast. But if 
 she is alive I should like to meet her once more, and talk over old times 
 and old adventures. It would be worth a trip to California to speak with 
 her but for a moment. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 I BID SENORA COSTELLO FAREWELL, AND HAVE NO COMMENTS TO MAKE. 
 THE MARCH TO LOS ANGELES. THE BATTLE AND ITS RESULTS. 
 ON THE ROUTE TO SAN DIEGO. A LUCKY FIND OF GOLD. A DIS- 
 APPOINTMENT ALL ROUND. SAN DIEGO. SCOTCH JACK GIVES US A 
 RECEPTION. A UNITED STATES FLEET. OFF FOR MAZATLAND. 
 HOME AT LAST. LEWEY'S BEAUTIFUL SISTER. A HAPPY LIFE AND 
 A DARK CLOUD. THE END. 
 
 TT was Colonel Fernando who informed me that his pretty little sister, 
 * Senora Costello, desired to see me before we left Santa Barbara for Los 
 Angeles, and although I had no wish for the interview, and would have 
 avoided it, there was no reason why I should act impolitely and decline the 
 invitation to call and exchange a few parting words with one who had 
 always treated me with so much respect and consideration for several 
 months. I did not dare to analyze my feelings to.vard the lady, for she was 
 a married woman, a devoted mother, and her relatives were high in the con- 
 fidence of the government, rich and influential, proud and despotic. 
 
 "Now," said Lewey, as I started on the way, "do not a fool you make of 
 yernself. Be like me, cold and distant, and remember dat ve has de repu- 
 tation to keep up." 
 
 I took no notice of the impudent young man, but went to the house 
 where the lady was lesiding with her husband. She received me in a cor- 
 dial manner, invited me to take a seat by her side, as she was all alone, 
 and said, 
 
 " Do you leave today with the regiment ? " 
 
 " Yes, senora, in a few hours we shall be on our way." 
 
 " And when do you expect to return to Santa Barbara ? " 
 
 " Perhaps never. We think of going to San Diego, and from there take 
 
Lewey and I. 377 
 
 the first vessel for home. Our life in this country has been one series of 
 disappointments. We are tired of fighting against fate and without 
 hope/' 
 
 " I am glad you are going, and trust you will never return. Today we 
 see each other for the last time on earth, I sincerely hope. I speak plainly, 
 do I not ? " 
 
 " Yes, senora," but I trembled, and felt hurt at her words. I knew not 
 why. 
 
 " You have been like a brother to me," the lady whispered, as she raised 
 her dark eyes and gave me a glance I did not dare to meet. " Have you 
 always thought of me as a sister? " 
 
 " Yes, lady, as a very dear sister." 
 
 " Could you at all times trust yourself with me as a relative? " she asked, 
 a little nervously I thought. 
 
 " Yes, senora, as a man of honor I should never fail to treat you as your 
 high position requires." 
 
 " Do you realize that I am married and love my husband? " the lady de- 
 manded imperiously. 
 
 ' Yes, senora, I comprehend all that." 
 
 " And if I was single, what then ? " 
 
 " I should hope, and remain in the country, lady." 
 
 " What do you mean by those words ? " 
 
 " They express my feelings, and are very plain." 
 
 ' Good-by," she said, and held out her little hand. 
 
 I bent down and kissed it, and turned to leave her with a stifling sensa- 
 tion in my throat, and eyes that were dim with moisture. 
 
 " Stay," she said in an impetuous manner. " One word more, senor." 
 
 I remained to listen, with head bowed low, not daring to raise it to look 
 at her handsome, glowing face, and flashing eyes. 
 
 " Do you remember," the lady cried, " the night we supposed the Indians 
 were to attack Monterey, some years ago ? " 
 
 " Yes, senora." 
 
 " And you carried me in your arms to the boat, and were mean enough 
 to demand kisses for your labor?" 
 
 " It was no labor, lady. It was a pleasure to serve you. I would have 
 done much more to aid you had I the power at the time." 
 
 " And do you dare to deny from that night you loved me ? " 
 
 I did not answer her, but watched the flickering sunlight as it entered the 
 windows and danced around the room, tinging with gold the dress and form 
 
378 Lewey and 1. 
 
 of the majestic little woman before me, who was playing with her victim 
 like a tigeress with a stricken animal, too weak to make its escape, and too 
 timid to die willingly. 
 
 " Why do you not deny my words ? " Senora Costello asked, and stamped 
 her little, well-formed foot, the toes of which were enclosed by a slipper 
 without sides. 
 
 " There is no occasion for words from me, senora. I am but a humble 
 young man, poor, and dependent upon favor for fortune. If I was a gentle- 
 man I could have spoken some years ago. Now it is too late. Let me go 
 I entreat you. This interview is very painful to me, and can do you no 
 good." 
 
 " Do you remember," she asked in a more gentle tone, " how you saved 
 me from insult at San Luis Obispo ? " 
 
 " Yes, lady." 
 
 " And defended me from ladrones on the journey to Monterey ? " 
 
 " I remember all, lady. The earthquake and uprising after the troops 
 had left the town. I would gladly do the same again and again for your 
 sake, and think that 1 was repaid for my trouble if your safety was 
 secured." 
 
 " How dare you talk to me, a married lady, in such a manner ? Do you 
 know your position and mine? Do you realize who you are and what you 
 are ? Do you recollect that a few months ago you gladly herded with girls 
 of the peon class, and felt honored at their notice, and would have married 
 one if she had not tired of waiting for you, and chose another more to her 
 taste ? " 
 
 "Why do you remind me of all this?" I asked, with a weary sigh, as I 
 raised my head and looked at the flashing eyes of the lady. 
 
 " To show you the difference in our positions. I am of a rich family, 
 and the daughter of a gentleman," she said with the haughty pride of the 
 Spanish race. 
 
 " What constitutes a gentleman, lady ? " I asked. 
 
 " Wealth, sir," was the answer. 
 
 " Then I can lay no claim to gentility. Let me go. I shall never see 
 you more after today," and moved toward the door as I spoke. 
 
 " Remain where you are, sir, for the present," Senora Costello said, as 
 though I was her peon and slave, u and answer me a few questions. You 
 can read and write, and have an education, a better one than I ever could 
 hope for. There is not a caballero in Santa Barbara who can speak Eng- 
 lish, Spanish and French, and write those languages. There is not one \vho 
 
Lewey and I. 
 
 has traveled so extensively as you have, who is so bold and devoted, and 
 yet with all these wonderful qualities I hate you, scorn and loathe you, and 
 would kill you if I dared/' 
 
 " For what reason, lady ? " I asked, astonished at this burst of uncalled- 
 for rage from the pretty little woman. 
 
 " Wretch," she cried, as though she would like to fall afoul of me, and 
 tear my hair out in great handfuls, " did you not kneel by the side of that 
 dying, peon girl, and kiss her lips, and shed tears, as though you mourned 
 for her justly-deserved death ? " 
 
 " I admit the accusation, lady." 
 
 She seemed inclined to make a spring at me, and scratch my face, and I 
 wondered what the deuse was the matter with one usually so gentle and 
 kind. 
 
 " Go," she said. " Your presence here polutes the air. You are dead to 
 shame and all noble feeling. You are the meanest young man I ever met 
 in my life." 
 
 I bowed in silence, and turned away. I thought she was a little out of 
 her head, and had no idea why she should treat me in such a curt manner. 
 Surely I had been very polite to her all through our acquaintance, and nev- 
 er spoke a rude, impatient word, or cherished an improper thought. If I 
 had kissed her it was as a brother and not as a lover, and now that she was 
 driving me from her presence with a scornful gesture and bitter words I 
 bowed my head, and with tears in my eyes passed out of the room, and did 
 not even look back to see if she waved me a farewell. 
 
 But as I reached the veranda a little hand was laid on my shoulder very 
 lightly, and a soft voice whispered, 
 
 " You will not leave me in anger, will you ? " 
 
 " No, in sorrow more than anger, sweet lady." 
 
 "Forget all the harsh things that I have uttered, senor," the lady said. 
 " In your departure remember me as one who could have loved if she had 
 had the chance, and fates were propitious. But do not speak to me, or I 
 shall again hate you, as I think of that dead peon girl, ^nd you bending 
 over her. There was another who should have been shot beside the San- 
 chos. Here, take this ring. Wear it sometimes for my sake, and then 
 think of me as kindly as you can. But do not return to Santa Barbara, or 
 remain in the country, for you might sometime marry, and then I should 
 kill you and your wife. I know I could not help doing so." 
 
 " For what reason, senora? '' I asked in innocent surprise. 
 
 " You are a bobo," was the sharp reply, and when I look back to that in- 
 
380 Lewey and I. 
 
 terview I think that I must have been what she called me, a fool, for 
 I did not buspect for a moment why she hated all whom I loved. 
 
 She thrust a ring into my hand, and re-entered the house, and I walked 
 slowly along the hot, dusty streets. As I did so I glanced at the trinket, 
 and saw that it was a valuable diamond, a large, brilliant stone, of a delicate 
 straw color, yet flashing in the sunlight like a star on a winter night in high 
 latitudes. 
 
 I own that valuable gem at the present time, set in a rich masonic jewel, 
 and when I wear it my thoughts go back to Senora Costello, and I wonder 
 i_~ she is still alive, and remembers her boy lover, and his modest diffidence 
 and misunderstanding of a woman's heart and whims. 
 
 The trumpets were sounding cheerfully as I regained my quarters, and 
 found the horses saddled, and waiting my return to join the head of the 
 regiment, which was drawn up for the march over the mountains. 
 
 Lewey was sitting on the door-step, smoking his pipe, all equipped for 
 the journey. He looked at me long and earnestly, and then said, 
 
 " Before I my hand gives to you tell me dat as a man of honor has you 
 acted." 
 
 " As a man of honor, my friend, I assure you." 
 
 " Den I takes you to mine heart. I knew dat trust you I could. Alons, 
 let us go, or de trumpeters vill deir heads blow off. I is glad to see dat 
 my example is good for von foolish boy like you. Imitate me, and all vill 
 be veil." 
 
 I could not give the French lad a piece of my mind, for I was in no con- 
 dition for badinage. We whistled for Jack, mounted our horses, and rode 
 to the head of the column just as the order was given for "fours right," 
 and with a shrill blast from the trumpets we filed through the streets, and 
 were admired by the ladies as usual. Senora Costello was on the veranda 
 of her house, and although she threw a greeting to her brother, never 
 looked at me, or noticed my profound bow, and so we passed out of sight, 
 and I never saw the pretty little mother again, but I did not forget her, 
 and shall not as long as I live. 
 
 We toiled up the side of the mountain, and on the crest I halted my 
 horse, and looked at the sleepy, picturesque little town, the surf and beach, 
 the old mission, and then turned and resumed my journey, and that was the 
 last view I ever had of Santa Barbara, the scene of so many hours of pleas- 
 ure and pain. 
 
 We swept through the district like a swarm of locusts, eating and de- 
 stroying all that came in our way. Some of the rancheros were so un- 
 
Lewey and I. 381 
 
 patriotic as to declare that the Yankees were to be preferred to the Mexi- 
 cans, but we always supposed they were a little prejudiced against the cav- 
 alry on account of its freedom and bravery in attacking herds of cattle, and 
 running off such horses as we needed for our men, many of them breaking 
 down a good animal in twenty-four hours, through racing and skylarking 
 over rough ground. 
 
 We were three days on our tramp to Los Angeles, and then swept through 
 the town like a whirlwind, and drove all the Americans out of the place, ex- 
 cept those who had become naturalized Mexicans, and married into the in- 
 fluential families. Here we were able to repay some of the former kindness 
 of Messrs. Stearns and Temple, for we had a guard placed over the store 
 of the former, while Lewey and I took up our quarters at the house of the 
 latter. In this way we were enabled to save both gentlemen much annoy- 
 ance, and keep their property intact, something worth considering when 
 one thinks that there were about eight hundred restless men in town, and 
 many of them would not distinguish between right and wrong where plun- 
 der was concerned. 
 
 We should have been very pleasantly located at Los Angeles, as far as 
 quarters were concerned, if Mr. Temple had not insisted upon our sitting 
 up late at night and drinking strong punch and playing monte. We gener- 
 ally made an excuse and escaped all damage, but the temptation was 
 strong, and we had much difficulty in getting away by pretending military 
 and staff duties. 
 
 Lewey and I were quite popular in Los Angeles, our persecuters were 
 well remembered, and the young ladies never tired of asking after the fate 
 of the girls we were supposed to have desired to marry. The friendly man- 
 ner in which Colonel Fernando and his officers treated us was another evi- 
 dence that we were capable of obtaining anything we desired in the way of 
 preferment had we been disposed to ask it. We were invited to some very 
 nice houses, and had no duty to perform except at the dress parades, when 
 it was desirable that the regiment should show as many men in line as pos- 
 sible. To be sure, for this arduous duty we received no pay, but were told 
 that we could have all the land we desired, even ten leagues square if we 
 would signify our wish for as much. 
 
 At one time we thought that we would take a grant, and settle down for 
 life, but the feeling for home in Lewey's breast and my own grew stronger 
 and stronger, and at last we concluded that we had seen enough of Califor- 
 nia, and a sight of our friends' faces would be desirable. We were not 
 quite penniless, yet far from rich, and if we wished for wealth it was to 
 
382 Lewey and I. 
 
 show that four years of our lives had not been wasted in reckless adven- 
 tures. 
 
 It was while we entertained such feelings that the rumors of war became 
 more numerous. We learned that Fremont had been appointed by Com- 
 modore Stockton governor of the State, and also lieutenant-colonel ol a 
 mounted regiment of rifles, and that he was threatening the whole of North- 
 ern California, and had, in fact, subjected it to his control, and was march- 
 ing toward Santa Barbara. Then came a despatch stating that five hun- 
 dred marines and sailors were being disembarked at San Pedro from the 
 frigates lying there, the Savannah being the principal vessel. 
 
 Our scouts learned enough to know that the force was intended for Los 
 Angeles, and this set General Flores in motion, with about four hundred 
 men (all well mounted, and under the command of Colonel Fernando), and 
 one little light six-pounder, which the Mexicans picked up somewhere, and 
 had prepared about twenty-five rounds of ammunition for the same. I never 
 knew where the powder or shot came from. It was a mystery to most 
 every one except Flores. 
 
 Lewey and I were invited to go and see the battle, and as we were 
 mounted on fast horses had no objection, thinking we could keep out of 
 the way of the American warriors should the attack become a serious one, 
 which we did not anticipate for a moment, as we imagined our Mexican 
 friends would stand one volley, and then retreat as soon as possible, gain- 
 ing the tops of the neighboring mountains, and from thence carry on an 
 irregular warfare for months to come, with safety to themselves and danger 
 to the enemy. 
 
 It was a lovely morning when we galloped out of Los Angeles, and took 
 the road for San Pedro, but as the sun got up the heat became intense on 
 the mesa lands, as there was not a breath of air stirring. The little brass 
 field-piece was drawn by two large mules, staid old beasts, that required 
 much pounding to get into a run, and so keep up with the horsemen. 
 
 When about ten miles from the town we sighted the advance guard of 
 the Americans, all on foot, sailors and marines, stretched along the road as 
 though going to a picnic, and caring no more for us than if we had been so 
 many women. In fact we were despised, and yet it is not good generalship 
 to laugh at any force that may be sent against you, for fortune is a fickle 
 jade, and sometimes deserts the best of generals, men who count on their' 
 stars and not on the resolution of a foe, like Napoleon at Waterloo. 
 
 General Flores called a halt, and sent a few scouts forward to recon- 
 noitre. The rancheros were superbly mounted, and some of the best 
 
Lewey and I. 383 
 
 horsemen in the country. It was a beautiful exhibition of dash and care- 
 fulness to see them hovering around the Americans, sometimes on the 
 flank, rear, and in front, and yet out of musket shot all the time, for not a 
 ball touched them. They irritated the invaders like vicious flies in the 
 summer-time around bald-headed men, for occasionally we could see a dozen 
 Jack-tars start off on the run to get a little nearer the fleet enemy ; and then 
 the Mexicans would laugh and make insulting gestures, in the hope of in- 
 ducing the Yankees to continue the pursuit, and be cut off from the main 
 body. 
 
 The rancheros were like sparrows on the wing, now here and there, and 
 away on the run when there was a chance to distract the attention of the 
 enemy, or throw a lariat around a sailor just out of bounds. 
 
 " Thorn," said my friend Lewey, after we had sat and watched the enemy 
 for half an hour or more, " your countryman like a fool acts. I see disas- 
 ter to him unless he keeps in line and not fret ven de Mexican is near. 
 Now at dat look." 
 
 I did look, and could only groan at the manner in which my friends were 
 acting. They seemed to think that the Mexicans were a set of vagabonds 
 and destitute of courage or skill, and that an American could walk away 
 with a dozen of them on foot or horseback, forgetting for the moment that 
 the rancheros were as expert riders as could be found in the world, and not 
 devoid of a certain amount of desperate pluck, when well led by men in 
 whom they had confidence. 
 
 Suddenly the sailors gave three cheers, and rushed toward us, not in the 
 best of formation, but a rollicking sort of way, as though expecting us to 
 scatter and run. There was a magnificent chance for a charge of cavalry, 
 and I expected General Flores would give the order to move forward. 
 Even Colonel Fernando drew his sabre, and, smiling, told me to 
 get out of line unless I desired to ride over my own countrymen. If the 
 dash had been made with boldness not a hundred Americans would have 
 escaped. But the order was not given, for Flores had other plans, and was 
 afraid of defeat, yet victory was certain if a little earnestness had been 
 shown by the Mexicans. 
 
 Up to the front came the two mules with the field-piece, and it was 
 pointed at the invaders when they were not more than half a mile distant. 
 There was a ringing discharge, and down fell a dozen or more sailors and 
 marines, killed and wounded. 
 
 " Tocar a lar retirada," sounded the trumpets, and I was in hopes the 
 Mexicans were about to fall back to the town, without more fighting, but 
 
384 Lewey and I. 
 
 the wounding of the Americans seemed to enrage the sailors, as they ut- 
 tered a yell and came for us as fast as they could run. 
 
 " Fuego," shouted Flores with a smile on his face, as he saw the imbecil- 
 ity of his opponents. 
 
 The mules once more came to the front, there was a roaring discharge, 
 and down tumbled many men who should have been spared such a cruel 
 fate. The marines gave us a volley, but no one was injured, for their mus- 
 kets, old-fashioned ones at that, did not carry a ball like the breach -loader 
 of modern days, when it is possible to kill at a distance of over a mile. 
 Had our people been armed with such weapons at that time the Mexicans 
 would have been defeated with great loss. But they were not, and so had 
 to suffer. 
 
 As the Americans advanced the Mexicins retreated, slowly, yet fast 
 enough to keep beyond the reach of the invaders, and when a chance pre- 
 sented, the field piece was brought into use, and at every discharge men fell. 
 There were shouts of rage and pain from one party, and yells of triumph 
 from the other, but at last it was reported that there was only one round of 
 ammunition left for the brass gun, and I was glad to hear it, although I did 
 not dare to express my joy at the news, for if I had my life would not have 
 been worth a real. In fact but few in the regiment knew that I was an 
 American, as it was not considered desirable to parade my nationality be- 
 fore every one, by the advice of Colonel Fernando, who was a good friend 
 to us as long as we were with him. 
 
 The invaders did not pursue the Mexicans any further. They gathered 
 up their dead and wounded and retired to their ships at San Pedro, sadder 
 and wiser men, while the cavalry went back to Los Angeles flushed with 
 triumph, and received an ovation so flattering no wonder the heads of all 
 the officers were turned for the time being, and proclamations were as 
 plentiful as oranges in modern days. 
 
 Americans became decidedly unpopular in the town, as the soldiers were 
 clamorous to be again led against the Yankees, and while this feeling pre- 
 vailed Colonel Fernando one day sent for Lewey and myself, and spoke to 
 us very seriously and calmly. 
 
 " This is now no place for you," he said. " Our people are growing 
 more excited every day against foreigners. At the present time you stand 
 well, but still there are murmurs that you are Americans in disguise, and 
 acting as spies for the United States. It is useless to state I do not be- 
 lieve a word that is whispered against you. Still I can't entirely shut the 
 mouths of those who are clamorous for fame in the hope of obtaining an 
 
Lewey and I. 385 
 
 office and wealth. If we had not met with an accidental victory the other 
 day matters would have been different, and you could remain secure. Bet- 
 ter leave us and the country while there is time, and your lives are 
 safe." 
 
 We believed that there was much wisdom in the advice, and agreed to ac- 
 cept it. We had noticed cold looks for several days, and the senoritas did 
 hot smile on us as formerly, for some reason which we did not compre- 
 hend. 
 
 " Go to San Diego," the colonel said, " and take refuge in your old hide- 
 house. That is neutral ground, and you will not be disturbed there. I can 
 get you passes all through the lower part of the State, so that no one will 
 molest or detain you on the way, or at San Diego. I have already a docu- 
 ment from General Castro in your behalf, and today I will obtain another 
 from General Flores. It shall be reported in the town that you have gone 
 on a scouting expedition over the mountains, and it is not likely you will 
 meet with any one to interfere with your affairs. I dislike to part with 
 such dear friends, but it is for the best. I am only studying your interests, 
 believe me." 
 
 " Colonel," I asked, " what is the prospect of Mexico retaining posses- 
 sion of the State ? " 
 
 " None," the officer answered with a sigh. " We shall ultimately be 
 ground to powder, extinguished and exterminated. There is no hope for 
 us. The United States have been endeavoring for years to get a foothold 
 here, and there is not a stream, a pass, a canyon, or a trail that is not down 
 on some of their maps. Exploring parties have been through the country 
 under the guise of trappers and hunters, and noted everything of interest, 
 and it will be turned to good advantage. Already Fremont has raised a 
 regiment of mounted rifles, and who can stand before his men ? General 
 Kearney is headed for San Diego, on an overland trail, as we learn from 
 couriers. Commodore Stockton and the general will join forces and march 
 on Los Angeles in such strength that we shall be defeated if we offer battle. 
 Hemmed in on all sides what hope is there for us, especially when you rec- 
 ollect that not one-tenth part of the male population has come forward and 
 offered to assist us ? We could keep up a guerrilla war for years by taking 
 to the mountains, but what use would it be ? Should we ultimately secure 
 our independence ? , No, a price would be placed on our heads, and the In- 
 dians might hnnt for us like cattle, and one by one we should fall. I see 
 the end, and it is not far off. Deserted by the national government, with- 
 out guns, ammunition, or money, what can we hope for against a powerful 
 
386 Lewey and I. 
 
 nation ? It commands our ports, and soon will occupy the land, fight as 
 hard as we may to preserve it." 
 
 I saw tears in the gallant young man's eyes as he spoke. He turned to 
 the window for a moment to hide his emotion, and then once again faced 
 us. 
 
 " You, senors, have been to me like brothers for the past few months. 
 You have saved my life, and that of my sister and her child on several oc- 
 casions. Let me make some return for all your kindness before we part. 
 Here are two bags. Each contains in doubloons the sum of one thousand 
 dollars. Oblige me by accepting the same as some recompense for your 
 interest in my behalf. The amount is small, and I wish that it was ten times 
 larger, but it is all that I can afford just now." 
 
 " Colonel," I said, " we thank you for your many acts of kindness, and 
 wish that we could remain with you until peace is declared. We have 
 long felt that we occupied a peculiar position, and discussed the prospects of 
 getting h:>me. Your words have only hastened our action. We cannot 
 serve against the United States, and we have taken an oath not to raise a 
 hand in opposition to Mexico, What can we do but retire from the State, 
 or else espouse one side or the other to prevent suspicion being attached 
 to our actions. Keep your money, for we want none of it." 
 
 " You need it more than I do," the colonel said, " I can do nothing with 
 so much gold at the present time, unless I bury it, and then if killed who is 
 to benefit by it ? My wealth is all in land and cattle. The cattle may dis- 
 appear, but the land will remain and yield me a home some time or other I 
 hope, even if it is under the stars and stripes. Don't be afraid of the mon- 
 ey. I won it last night from Senor Temple on the turning o f a card. He 
 won't feel it, for he has plenty more somewhere. I made the stake in the 
 hope of reaping a rich harvest so that I could be generous to you." 
 "And if you had lost, Senor Colonel ? " I asked. 
 
 should have given him a township in the Valley of San 
 Gabriel," was the answer. " I own half a county there I believe, although 
 I have never seen much of it. With one hundred thousand acres on the 
 Sacramento River, and one or two hundred thousand near Monterey, and 
 what I have here, I am pretty well provided for. Take the gold, senors. 
 Unless you do I shall feel that you do not think the sum is enough." 
 
 Under the circumstances we did not again refuse the generous gift. We 
 left the presence of the young officer feeling the highest respect for a man 
 who would risk a principality for the purpose of winning a lot of gold for the 
 use of his friends. 
 
Lewey and I. 387 
 
 The same day we quietly commenced our preparations for departure. 
 We did not intend it should be generally known that we were going, so 
 confided the secret to Messrs. Temple and Stearns only. They approved 
 of the step we were about to take, and thought it a judicious one. We de- 
 termined to use our peon servant, as he was a smart, active fellow, and very 
 trustworthy if rum was kept out of his way. He had looked after our 
 horses for some months, knew our ways, and was eager to go on a scouting 
 expedition, or anywhere else, provided he was paid a few dollars a month, 
 which he was certain to lose at monte in less than two hours after receiv- 
 ing the money. 
 
 We told him to pick out two good, safe pack-mules from those belonging 
 to the army, with saddles and reatas, also the mustang he was accustomed 
 to ride on the march. This he did, and Colonel Fernando gave them to 
 us without price. To be sure the animals did not cost the Mexican govern- 
 ment a cent, as they were taken when needed, and from whomsoever hap- 
 pened to have a stock, no money being passed during the transaction. 
 
 We gathered a supply of tobacco, matches, dried beef, coffee and sugar, 
 pilot bread, and a fresh lot of fishing lines and hooks, besides a coffee pot, 
 and skillet to fry what we could not broil. Then we collected a lot of am- 
 munition for our rifles and pistols, and while we were buying the latter Mr. 
 Stearns made us a present of a spade, the last thing we should have thought 
 of taking with us, but we were assured that it would be useful to dig worms 
 when we went after trout. We did find it useful, but not for the purpose 
 indicated. 
 
 As soon as all our purchases were collected, and stowed away in thick 
 canvas bags, ready for packing on the mules, we went around and bade good- 
 by to our most intimate friends, and the next morning long before daylight 
 we had eaten our breakfast, and were in the saddle. Just before we started 
 Colonel Fernando came to us and shook hands, wishing us all kinds of 
 good luck, and then as the first streaks of daylight touched the faces of the 
 rugged mountains, to the delight of Jack we filed out of town, halted every 
 few minutes with the sharp cry of, 
 
 " Que quiere usted ? Parada." 
 
 " Amigos," was the answer, and then the password of " Castro " was next 
 in order, and thus running the gauntlet of challenges we were soon outside 
 the limits of the town, and near the Mission of San Gabriel, driving our 
 mules before us, or, rather, our Indian did, in the usual style of rancheros, 
 and just as we had passed the last sentinel Lewey checked his horse, and 
 said, 
 
388 Lewey and I. 
 
 " De saints hab me in deir keepin', but I has forgotten von ding dat is 
 important." 
 
 " And what is that ? " a little startled at the thought that it might be our 
 money. 
 
 " Vy, vot skall ve tell de daughters of de rancheros on de vay ? To von 
 Florencia I promised much. To de fadder of de udder you say many 
 foolish dings. But de question now is vot skall ve do and libe ? Ve can't 
 ved." 
 
 " Do not let us borrow trouble until the time arrives for it," I remarked. 
 " Perhaps the girls are married, and out of the way by this time, so all diffi- 
 culty will be avoided." 
 
 " I dink not. Ven a girl say she love me it is for life. But, alons, We 
 can swear dat ve is de bearer of despatches and has no time for de matri- 
 mony." 
 
 With this consoling thought we pushed on after Juan, the Indian peon, 
 and at sunrise were on the spur of one of the mountains of the Sierra 
 Madre, and looking off toward Los Angeles, the mission, and the lovely 
 Valley of San Gabriel, while away to the west sparkled the blue waters of 
 the Pacific Ocean, and the white Cataline Island, lying off the coast, ren- 
 dered more distinct by the gleams of the sun, just starting on its daily 
 course through a cloudless sky. 
 
 The scene was too beautiful to part from in a hurry. We called to Juan 
 to unload the mules, and start a fire. Lewey and I prepared a pot of cof- 
 fee, brought forth some bread and cold meat for an early breakfast, and 
 while we ate and drank our animals fed on the dry grasses and wild oats of 
 the district. 
 
 Jack was delighted with the change. He scented game in every copse, 
 and through the bushes roamed in constant expectation of meeting some- 
 thing he could punish and worry. Juan was satisfied with our unlimited 
 supply of cigarettes and tobacco, and the hope of earning a few dollars so 
 that he could have the pleasure of losing the same at monte, just as soon as 
 we struck the town of San Diego. 
 
 For an hour we sat on the mountain spur, smoking and looking at the 
 beautiful scenery beneath us, enjoying every moment of the time, and 
 thinking how we had rested in the same place but a few months before, on 
 our journey toward Ranche Refugio, with high hopes of matrimony and 
 love, only to be disappointed. And yet we could not bear to turn our backs 
 on the place that had sheltered us for so many weeks, and where we found 
 warm friends when we needed them. 
 
Lewey and I. 389 
 
 " Load up, Juan," we said. " We will push through the canyons and 
 camp on the other side of the mountains for the night." 
 
 The peon obeyed, and was soon hurrying his pack-mules over the trail, 
 while we mo'unted our horse?, took one last look at the surrounding coun- 
 try, and then resumed our journey, but we agreed that in all the 
 world there could no* be a more beautiful spot for a home, and since then 
 thousands of people have come to the same conclusion, for the San Gabriel 
 Valley is now teeming with life and industry, and vineyards and grain have 
 taken the place of cattle ranches, and where the coyote once roamed in a 
 wilderness now school children are seen on their way for instruction. The 
 store-keeper has forced the ranchero from his stronghold, and left only a 
 tradition of his former power, and expertness on horseback, and with the 
 lariat in his dark, sinuous hands, that never knew the meaning or use of 
 soap, even in a long and savory career of cattle tending. A new world has 
 opened for the attraction of industrious men and women, but it has one 
 great fault, for who would want to die when once comfortably settled in 
 such a paradise ? 
 
 We went through the canyon in a careful, leisurely manner, ?aw the same 
 eagles overhead, the same hawks and buzzards, and at last came to the 
 point where we had witnessed the exploits of the bear in pitching rocks in- 
 to the stream beneath him, for the purpose of seeing the water splash up- 
 ward, and, strange as it may seem, there was a bear at the very spot, and 
 engaged in the same monotonous sport. It mi^ht have been the one we 
 saw when we went through before, or a companion, but the circumstance 
 was a singular one to say the least, and when we stopped and looked at the 
 old fellow, and shouted to him across the ravine, he sat up on his haunches 
 and actually beckoned us to come over, and have a close and confidential 
 chat. Lewey vowed that he saw the brute wink one eye, but then the 
 French lad was not inclined to always confine himself to facts, and wan- 
 dered a little in his great desire to imagine things which really did not 
 exist. 
 
 The brute was so cool and independent that we did not desire to disturb 
 its happiness. We left it pitching down stones, and felt as though we had 
 seen an old friend for the last time. Juan said that bears always hunted in 
 couples when after fish. That one would take a position over a brook, and 
 hurl bowlders into the water hoping to kill a fe'v trout, while a confederate 
 might be stationed down stream to secure all that floated along without 
 life. The peon related the yarn with a grave face, as though it was true, 
 and I give it for what it is worth, just as it was told to me many years ago. 
 
3QO Lewey and L 
 
 I had no time verify the matter by actual experience. If the bears of Cali- 
 fornia fished in that way it certainly denoted an amount of instinct and in- 
 telligence that they never had credit for. I should like to have investi- 
 gated and found out how many stones had to be thrown to kill one fish, for 
 although trout were very plentiful, it seemed to me that the noise of falling 
 rocks must have frightened the finny tribe, but perhaps they were attracted 
 and not repelled by the stones, no one ever fishing the streams in those 
 days, so trout were not as timid as at the present time, when every one is 
 anxious for a big string. 
 
 It was near three o'clock in the afternoon before we reached our old camp- 
 ing-ground, where we had shot the prowling mountain lion. Our horses 
 recollected the spot as well as ourselves, for they snorted and sniffed, and 
 were uneasy for some time, evidently looking for another attack. 
 
 We concluded to camp on the same spot as of old, and as Juan was piq- 
 uetting the mules and horses where the grass was greenest, by the side of 
 a small stream, Lewey and I took our fish lines, and wandered along the 
 banks of the brook, and soon had a nice mess of handsome trout, and while 
 we were thus engaged there occurred one of the greatest surprises that we 
 had encountered in California. I had taken the spade along for the pur- 
 pose of digging some worms for bait, and while I was replenishing my ex- 
 hausted stock so that we could do a little fishing early in the morning my 
 shovel struck a hard substance, and I threw it one side thinking it a stone, 
 but the color attracted my attention, so I picked up what I thought was a 
 peculiar piece of quartz, as large as a man's hand, and so heavy that I was 
 astonished at the weight. 
 
 "Lewey," I said, calling to my friend who was some distance from me, 
 " what kind of stone is this ? It looks like gold." 
 
 The French lad ran toward me, and as I tossed him the nugget his eyes 
 expressed the astonishment he felt. He looked it all over, balanced it in 
 his hands, from one to the other, and then cried, 
 
 "Mon dieu, man alive, dat is gold, and de best of its kind." 
 
 " Are you sure ? " I asked, almost dazed at his words. 
 
 " Sure, veil I should dink I am sure. I vonce studied de mineralogy, and 
 I knows about de dings of de earth. Vy, old ami, dat little piece of de 
 precious stuff is vorth all of two dousand dollars. By gracious me, but ve 
 has found a gold mine, and ve is rich for eber and eber. Gib me de spade. 
 Let us see if dar is much like him round here." 
 
 He went to work with a vim, and threw the loose earth far from the 
 place where I had dug for worms. In a few minutes he was rewarded for 
 
Lewey and I. 391 
 
 his labor, as another nugget came to light about as large as the first one, 
 and then darkness put a stop to our operations for the night. We gathered 
 up our gold and fish, and returned to camp, but considered it not expedient 
 to inform Juan of our good fortune, as we did not know but he might be 
 induced to murder us while we slept, as so much wealth was a great temp- 
 tation to a poor peon. We concealed the treasure among our clothes in 
 the bags, using the latter for pillows at night. 
 
 As one might suppose we were too excited to eat or sleep much that 
 night, but we smoked many pipes of tobacco in the evening, talked over 
 our plans, and how we would remain where we were until we had collected 
 a fortune, if the gold held out. When we did slumber we started up at 
 every unusual sound, and even the barking of the coyotes seemed threaten- 
 ing. But Juan slept on undisturbed, and dreamed of being at last lucky at 
 monte. 
 
 At daylight we were again at work. One of us dug over the gravel down 
 to a ledge, and the other fished, but no more nuggets were found, which we 
 thought hard luck. Juan wanted to know why we used the spade so much, 
 and we told him that we had come across some peculiar-looking quartz 
 which we were anxious to take home as curiosities, showing him a lot of 
 pebbles at the same time. He though it a simple kind of mania, and only 
 laughed at our ideas of what was valuable. To get rid of him we let him 
 take one of our rifles, and set out in search of deer, as soon as breakfast 
 was over, while we went to work in earnest, and found several small nug- 
 gets of gold in the course of the forenoon, but they were not larger than 
 English walnuts. 
 
 Juan came back in the afternoon with a small deer over his shoulder, and 
 very proud of his exploit. We had venison for supper, and did not think 
 we were likely to starve for the want of food as long as game and fish in 
 abundance, and easily obtained, were close at hand. 
 
 For two weeks we worked our bonanza, and then seemed to have ex- 
 hausted the pocket, although much fine, scale gold was obtained. We 
 could only estimate the value of the prize, but thought that there could not 
 be less than two hundred pounds in weight, all pure and free from quartz. 
 But we continued to dig day after day in the hope of finding more wealth, 
 and when we were disappointed packed up our traps and moved onward, 
 happy in the thought that we were rich even beyond our dreams. 
 
 It was near four o'clock in the afternoon when we reached the ranche 
 owned by the man who was anxious I should marry his daughter at the 
 time we passed the night there, on our journey to Los Angeles. The place 
 
392 Lewey and /. 
 
 was unchanged, and we had the usual gauntlet of questions to answer, the 
 same escopeta to dodge as of old. But when the Mexican and his son at 
 last recognized us we were made welcome, and offered the best in the 
 house. I saw the girl who was so anxious for a husband, and she gave me 
 a pleasant smile of greeting, but did not rush to my arms, and call me 
 blessed, as is the custom now-a-days. Besides, there was a strange ranch e- 
 ro there, a fellow we had never before seen, and he seemed a little familiar 
 with the lady, more so than good taste would warrant, I thought. But then 
 Lewey laughed at the idea, and said that I was jealous. 
 
 While Juan was looking to the mules and horses, and after we had carried 
 our bags of treasure to the shed, the Mexican father said that he desired 
 a few minutes' conversation with me. 
 
 "You know," he said, " I wished you to marry my daughter?" 
 
 " Yes, there was some talk on the subject," I answered meekly. 
 
 " And you have come all this way to carry out the plan ? " 
 
 " I have thought of the matter many times since we parted," was my 
 evasive reply. 
 
 The Mexican appeared a little embarassed, but at length freed his mind 
 in this manner, 
 
 " The fact of the matter is," he remarked, after a pause, " my daughter 
 has done better than if she waited for you. She is already married, and 
 that ranchero is her husband. I am sorry for your disappointment, but 
 you should have come sooner." 
 
 I tried to look the dejection that I did not feel, and said that it was un- 
 fortunate, but undoubtedly all for the best, and the man was glad 1 did not 
 upbraid him for his bad faith. 
 
 I told Lewey of my narrow escape, and he said I might have expected as 
 much. No woman would care, he thought, to wait for me any length of 
 time. 
 
 " You skall see how faithful my little Florencia is. She go not back on 
 me, neber," and I said that I would wait and test his confidence in woman- 
 hood. It appeared to me that we were having hard times with our love af- 
 fairs in California. All of our ventures were destined to end in disappoint- 
 ment and disaster. 
 
 The next morning we resumed our journey, crossed the low range of 
 mountains, forded the San Felipe Creek, then camped in the very place 
 where we had encountered the Apache chief and his warriors. There were 
 no signs of savages in the vicinity, and the only troublesome guests we had 
 were the coyotes, and they made unwelcome music all night, but did not 
 
Lewey and I. 393 
 
 venture near enough to steal from our larder, fearing the fire which we kept 
 burning to keep bears at a distance. 
 
 The evening of the fourth day from our gold mine we galloped up to the 
 lonely ranche, where we had stopped the first night from San Diego. The 
 owner was sitting in his patio when we arrived, and near him were his 
 handsome daughter and faded wife. The Mexican was much surprised to 
 see us, and gave us a cordial welcome, but the girl, as soon as she saw 
 Lewey, entered the house in a hurry, and did not again appear all the even- 
 ing. The meeting with one who had professed to love her a few months 
 before was evidently too much for the young lady's nerves and presence of 
 mind. I could see that the reception nettled my friend, but I said not a 
 word, and when supper was served, to which we contributed coffee and su- 
 gar, the father grew confidential to his visitors. 
 
 " Florencia," he said, " is a little modest about appearing before men just 
 now. She was married a few months since to our neighboring ranchero, 
 Tobias, the same one you met the first few hours out from San Diego. He 
 is a brave man, and will make her a good husband. Better than either of 
 you. She is home on a visit, or you might have missed seeing her. For 
 some weeks after you were gone she could talk only of the brave gringos, 
 but the sighs of the ranchero became warm, and the result was a wedding. 
 They are very happy together. He bears the same name as myself, and 
 for some months we have looked upon him as one of out family, as now 
 he is in reality." 
 
 Lewey uttered a suppressed groan, and said that he could not eat much 
 supper, but smoked a good deal, and we went to bed early. 
 
 " Lewey," I said, as we rolled ourselves up in our blankets, " what was it 
 you said about a certain girl being ever constant for your sake? " 
 
 " Oh, let me to sleep go," was the answer in a pettish tone. " You dink 
 you is funny, don't you ? " 
 
 " We have had hard luck with our loves, and perhaps it is just as well, 
 old fellow. If we had married we should never have found a fortune with 
 our wives as we have in mother earth," I remarked. 
 
 The only answer was a snore and a kick, and I let my French friend and 
 his injured vanity rest for the night. 
 
 We were off at an early hour in the morning, even before the sun was up. 
 As we rode out of the patio I caught a brief glimpse of Florencia in the 
 doorway, and I wondered if she thought of her flirtation with my friend, 
 and how I had interrupted it, the night before we fought the Indians and 
 defeated them. 
 
394 Lewey and /. 
 
 As we stood on the summit of the hill that overlooked the valley, and 
 glanced at the lonely adobe ranche, Lewey relieved his pent-up feelings by 
 asking, 
 
 " I vonder if dar is von voman in all dis vorld dat true is to man? " 
 
 " There is still one more chance, my friend," I said. " You can now fall 
 back on the jailor's daughter. If she has forgotten you then I am willing 
 to believe all that your thoughts imply." 
 
 He uttered an exclamation of disgust, and we resumed our journey, and 
 all that forenoon we galloped over the mesa lands, the arid sands, and at 
 four o'clock sighted the sleepy little town of San Diego, just as the people 
 were awakening from their usual siesta. The first person we saw whom we 
 knew was Captain Fitch. He could hardly realize that the two bronzed 
 boys in Mexican costume were the ones he had aided some months before, 
 and had returned in safety, and able by their papers to pass all over the 
 country without question, standing high in the estimation of General Castro 
 and his officers, and also in the esteem of the Americans with whom we had 
 been brought in contact. 
 
 He insisted that we should take up our residence at his house, free of all 
 expense, until a vessel sailed from the port, but we had to decline the offer 
 on account of Scotch Jack, whose feelings we feared would be hurt if we 
 neglected him and his hide-house. But we promised to visit San Diego 
 often, and then requested the captain to place in his safe for secure keeping 
 the gold coin and nuggets we owned. If he was surprised before, the sight 
 of so much wealth was a greater wonder to him. He was anxious to learn 
 where the bonanza was located, but we preferred to keep the place a secret, 
 as we thought that we could sell out our rights for a handsome sum, and we 
 did, for Captain Fitch formed a company, and purchased our interest for 
 ten thousand dollars in gold, and the organization prospered for some years 
 after peace was declared. It is a singular fact that General Kearney and 
 Commodore Stockton, with their combined forces, marched from San Diego 
 to Los Angeles, and camped for a day at the foot of the mountains where 
 we found the nuggets, yet never saw so much as the color of gold. One 
 reason is they never looked for it, or supposed that the precious ore was in 
 the earth beneath their feet. 
 
 We saw our treasure packed away in safety, took a receipt for the same, 
 and then promising to call and dine the next day, mounted our horses to 
 ride to the beach. 
 
 Just as we were moving off the jolly red face of Captain Fitch was lighted 
 up with a smile as he shouted after us, 
 
Lewey and I. 395 
 
 " Boys, you need not be afraid to come up to the town at any time. The 
 jailor's daughter is married, and out of the market." 
 
 " Anuder von," muttered Lewey. "Shall ve eber hear de end of 'em? 
 O voman, voman, thy name is forgetfulness of all de holy feelin's of de na- 
 ture," and then his head was bent for a moment upon his breast, and when 
 he looked up there was a smile on his face as he said, 
 
 " I is glad of it. The fate of hand is ever ober us. Vot is deir gain is 
 our loss. Alons, ve vill do better in France." 
 
 It was about six o'clock when we reached the hide-house. The harbor 
 was entirely clear of shipping, and the bay looked peaceful and sleepy un- 
 der the summer's sun. There was no work going on ashore, and Scotch 
 Jack sat on the doorstep of his hide-house smoking a black pipe, the same 
 one he had used for a year or more. As we drew up, the old sailor merely 
 glanced at us, and asked, 
 
 " What in bloody thunder does you greasers want here ? " 
 
 We asked him a question in Spanish, but he waved us off with majestic 
 dignity. 
 
 " Go away from here," he said. " We can't gam together, and you 
 knows it." 
 
 " Jack, old boy, don't you recollect our hail? " we asked, and then the 
 ancient salt gave a yell that was heard all over the beach, and he came to- 
 ward us with outstretched hands, his hard face lighted up with joy at our 
 unexpected return. 
 
 For a few minutes he could not speak he was so excited, but as soon as 
 we had dismounted and entered the old house his feelings found vent, and 
 he went to the door and gave a yell that brought all the members of the 
 beach gang to the door to see what the matter was. 
 
 " We will have a reception tonight, lads," Jack cried. " Here, you kana- 
 ka, take this dollar, and trot up to the town and get the money's worth of 
 aguardiente. We '11 have a roarin' punch by and by, and every one shall 
 get a fair share." 
 
 " But, Jack," we said, " we have returned poor, and can't repay the 
 money." 
 
 " It makes no hodds, lads. I has some pesos, and you shall share with 
 me to the last real. Here is your home, and here you is welcome. Blank 
 that kanaka, why don't he move ? And I wants a drink so bad.'' 
 
 There had been but few changes at the beach, and work was not very 
 brisk. We were gladly welcomed back, and required to tell all the news, 
 but after we had taken possession of our bunks, and stowed our traps away, 
 
396 Lewey and I. 
 
 secured and fed our horses, supper was prepared, and over our pipes we 
 told .0 an admiring crowd all our adventures. I am sorry to state that the 
 kanaka did not return with the rum that evening, as he sampled it on the 
 way, and got very drunk, for which we should have rejoiced, as we were 
 very tired, and needed rest more than a reception, had not Jack been so 
 disappointed in his attempts at hospitality. 
 
 We found our chests and clothes undisturbed. Our shipmate had taken 
 good care of them, even if he had not expected to see us again. The war 
 had not troubled the people at the hide-house, and the few vessels on the 
 coast, engaged in collecting queros, came and went undisturbed by the 
 Mexican authorities. Some parties had spiked the guns in the little presi- 
 dio at Ballast Point, and the damages had never been repaired, so there 
 was clear sailing in and out of the handsome bay. 
 
 At breakfast Jack was very anxious to know if we were married, and 
 when informed that our love venture had not been a success his gratifica- 
 tion was great, and he begged us to remember the advice he had given 
 some time before. 
 
 In the afternoon we mustered enough good clothes to dress in proper 
 costume, and rode to town to dine with Captain Fitch. Here we met the 
 old alcalda, submitted to him our papers from General Castro, and he was 
 pleased to say that we had nothing to fear from any one. It was after din- 
 ner that we made a bargain with our host and some other Americans, 
 whereby we sold our bonanza to them for the neat little sum of ten thousand 
 dollars, all in gold doubloons , which added to the amount we had on hand, 
 made quite a respectable fortune for us. Ours was the first prolific mine 
 ever discovered in California, but the find was kept secret for years, for 
 fear of robbery and violence. Only a few men worked the placer, and those 
 at odd spells to escape observation. A large amount of gold, coarse and 
 nuggets, was taken out, and Captain Fitch was made very rich by the mine, 
 as well as those who joined him in the enterprise. 
 
 After dinner we walked to the calabozo, and looked over the place where 
 we were imprisoned for a day or two. We saw the jailor's daughter, and 
 although she was not overpowered with joy at the sight of our faces, she 
 did manage to blush a little as she presented us to her husband. We gave 
 her an ounce of gold, and the act won her thanks even if it did not her 
 heart. 
 
 We kept Juan in our employ to look after the horses and wait upon us, 
 and one day we disclosed to Jack that we were not as poor as we seemed, 
 and the old salt was rejoiced at the information, but when we proposed to 
 
Lewey and /. 397 
 
 give a feast to all of our old friends on the beach, and made our shipmate 
 president of the day, with orders to ge^ up the best dinner that money 
 could buy, Jack was in paradise. He calculated that half a barrel of aguar- 
 diente might fill the bill, and that very little meat and pilot bread would be 
 sufficient for a regular blow-out, such as sailors enjoy. But we vowed that 
 we would not have any drunken rioting going on, and Jack was forced to 
 submit to cold punch, and not very strong at that. 
 
 The dinner was served in our hide-house, all the tables and tin ware on 
 the beach being pressed into use for the occasion, and every cook volun- 
 teered his services. We bought all the luxuries we could at San Diego, 
 fruit and fresh meats, and invited Captain Fitch, the alcalda, and all the 
 foreign residents to come down and share in the feast. They accepted the 
 invitation, and it was something worth seeing to notice Jack, with Lewey 
 and I on his right and left, presiding. He made a speech, and it was a re- 
 markable one. He hoped the greasers would get licked in the war, which 
 was not in good taste, as Mexicans were present, but as they did not un- 
 derstand a word that was said it did not matter much. Lewey and I re- 
 sponded to the toasts complimentary to ourselves, and just as the fun grew 
 fast and a little uproarious we heard the sound of a heavy gun off Point 
 Loma, and rushing out to see what it was all about, beheld a fleet of 
 United States ships entering the harbor, one of them flying the pennant of 
 a commodore. 
 
 " Diablo," muttered the Mexicans, and mounting their horses rode for 
 San Diego as fast as spurs could urge their steeds, while Scotch Jack 
 loaded up the old muskets, and fired volley after volley as a welcome to the 
 visitors. Then feeling tired with his exertions went back to the feast, and 
 with the aid of companions finished the punch, stretched himself on a chest, 
 fell asleep, and did not awaken until the next morning, so thirsty that there 
 was fear of a water famine for a day or two. 
 
 The ships came to anchor in a grand and seaman-like manner, and then 
 a cutter was sent on shore to learn the news. Lewey and I walked down 
 to the beach, and encountered a lieutenant, and as we were dressed in civil- 
 ian's clothes, and no longer wore the garb of sailors, we were treated very 
 politely, and requested to go on board and submit to an interview on the 
 part of Commodore Stockton, who was anxious to see us, or any one else, 
 if information could be obtained. 
 
 We had no objection, and found the commodore a pleasant man, a little 
 bit on his dignity, as one would naturally suppose. He was quite pleased 
 when he learned that we had just arrived from Los Angeles, and was par- 
 
398 Lewey and I. 
 
 ticular in his inquiries as to the route, and whether artillery could be trans- 
 ported through the canyons and^gorges, over the mountains and sandy 
 plains. We said that there were no very formidable obstacles to overcome, 
 and then he hinted that he would give us commissions as acting midship- 
 men if we would join his vessel, and serve as guides over the trails to the 
 Pueblo. But this we positively declined, on the ground that we had taken 
 an oath of neutrality, and would not violate our vows, relating the circum- 
 stances of our enlisting in the Mexican army. He listened very attentive- 
 ly to all we had to say, and of course smiled when we mentioned our hopes 
 of marriage. However, we recommended Juan as a guide, and the peon 
 was engaged at once, at a salary so large that he played monte for a week 
 before his first month's wages were exhausted. 
 
 The commodore was here joined by General Kearney and a company of 
 United States dragoons, having marched overland. Then commenced the 
 formation of a force that was destined to end the war in California. The 
 navy furnished five hundred sailors and marines, and six pieces of artillery, 
 for an advance on Los Angeles, and let me here state that the Americans 
 met the Mexicans at the Rio San Gabriel, about one hundred and twenty 
 miles from San Diego, on the nth of January, 1847, won a battle, and en- 
 tered the Pueblo in triumph. General Flores and his cavalry fled, fell into 
 the hands of Colonel Fremont, near San Fernando, and that was the end 
 of the struggle, but not of the controversy between the naval commodores, 
 General Kearney and Colonel Fremont. There were constant quarrels, 
 uncalled for and unseemly, but that is a matter of history on record, and 
 does not concern my yarn, so I shall not espouse either side, for it would 
 help no one at this late day. 
 
 While the expedition was fitting out there was such a demand for good 
 horses that Commodore Stockton offered us three hundred dollars each for 
 our animals and equipments. .It cost us a bitter pang to part from two 
 such noble mustangs, but we could not use them any longer, or carry them 
 with us, so accepted the money, and Juan was continued in charge of the 
 steeds until Los Angeles was reached. 
 
 While the preparations were going on the schooner California drifted in- 
 to the harbor, on her way to Mazatland, with a few Mexicans who had ob- 
 tained permission to leave the country, and stop at the latter port, then in 
 possession of the Americans. Captain Cooper was flying the United States 
 flag, and had a pass from the commodore to exempt his vessel from capture, 
 in case some of our national ships might overhaul him on the ocean. We 
 suggested to Captain Cooper that we should like to take passage with him, 
 

 Lewey and I. 399 
 
 thinking that we could get home from Mazatland quicker than from Califor- 
 nia, as no vessel was reidy to load for Boston, or any other port. The old 
 gentleman bit his hand, and then said he should be delighted to have us 
 for company, and would not charge us a real if we would stand his watch, 
 . for he was a hard sleeper, and could not keep awake nights. But he added 
 that we would have to obtain a pass from Commodore Stockton, as he was 
 running matters to suit himself in all things appertaining to California and 
 the schooner. We waited on the naval officer, and stated what we desired, 
 and he did not hesitate a moment to grant our request, at the same time 
 did not fail to hint that we should do much better by remaining with him, 
 and accepting positions that he thought the secretary of the navy would 
 confirm upon his recommendations. But we once more declined the tempt- 
 ing offer, at the same time thanking the commodore for his kindness. 
 
 We had some small boxes made, marked them " minerals," and packed 
 away all our nuggets, no one but Captain Fitch knowing their true value, 
 for gold was almost unknown in its native state, except a little dust at Los 
 Angeles, in those days. The boxes we shipped on board the schooner, put 
 them in the run out of sight, and the day the armed expedition started the 
 old California sailed for the lower part of the coast. 
 
 There were only six Mexican passengers, ladies and gentlemen, so that 
 we were pleasantly located. We took a kind farewell of all our friends, 
 left in Captain Fitch's hands the sum of one thousand dollars for the benefit 
 of Scotch Jack, and when we told him what we had done the honest old tar 
 shed tears, and swore that he would not take the money, but thought better 
 of it after a while, accepted the present, and much good it did him in his 
 old age, we hope, when he needed a shot in the locker. 
 
 As the California drifted out past Ballast Point Jack and some of the peo- 
 ple on the beach fired muskets as a salute, and Lewey and I, and dear old 
 faithful Jack, our dog, acknowledged the compliment by three cheers and a 
 series of barks, and the last we saw of San Diego Bay the sailors and ma- 
 rines were on their march, the hide-house people were drinking our health 
 in native wine, and the Scotchman was straining his eyes to get the last 
 glance he ever had of his two young shipmates to whom he had acted a 
 friendly part for so many months. 
 
 " Now, gentlemen," said Captain Cooper, as we cleared Point Loma and 
 the thick kelp, with a strong northwest wind, " I did n't sleep well last 
 night. Keep the old craft moving on about a southwest by south course, 
 and I gue;s she '11 clear everything all right. If she don't, luff up a little 
 until she does. I '11 turn in for a nap. Call me if there is anything strange 
 
400 Lewey and I. 
 
 and new, and not unless there is. There are some islands off the coast, 
 and our course brings us near them. Keep your eyes peeled, and don't run 
 over them, for there is room enough for all of us." 
 
 And the old gentleman tumbled into his berth, all standing, and did not 
 wake up until the next forenoon, when he declared that he felt like a uew 
 man after twenty-four hours of solid sleep. 
 
 I do not think that in all California there was a kinder hearted man than 
 Captain Cooper, the Mexicanized American. It was related of him that at 
 one time he employed a greaser to look after one of his ranches, and the 
 fellow sold most of the cattle, and put the money on the wrong card at 
 monte. Captain Cooper had the Mexican arrested, he was tried and con- 
 victed, and sentenced to six months in a chain-gang. When his time ex- 
 pired he called upon his old employer and asked for aid, with all the assur- 
 ance of a beggar. 
 
 " Not a real," roared the admiral. 
 
 " I am poor, and in need of clothes," pleaded the Mexican greaser, and 
 if Cooper did n't take the rascal home, fit him out with a complete dress, 
 gave him five silver dollars, and ended by once more putting the half-breed 
 back on the farm, where he again stole cattle, as a matter of course. 
 This is but a sample of the generosity of the old salt, and yet I think he 
 died quite well off in the State of his adoption some years since. 
 
 Lewey and I stood watch and watch, for there were no first or second of- 
 ficers on board, and the sailors obeyed our orders if they felt like it, and re- 
 fused if they did not. However, we hit on a plan that secured respect and 
 prompt obedience. There were several casks of aguardiente among the 
 cargo, and we pumped out one or two buckets full a week, bottled it, and 
 then promised the men liberal tots of grog at the end of the watch if they 
 would keep a good lookout ahead, and make and take in sail quickly. The 
 temptation was so great that we had no more trouble on the voyage, the 
 fear of not getting the liquor prompting the sailors to be active and 
 vigilant. 
 
 We kept dead reckoning all the way, yet once in a while the captain 
 would take a noon observation, then eat his dinner, and have a siesta, again 
 retiring quietly at eight bells in the evening, and although the wind might 
 blow, and the vessel roll, and the sails slap, the old man never lost an hour's 
 sleep, for there was no waking him up until morning. 
 
 In the meantime Lewey and I enjoyed ourselves with the lady and gentle- 
 men passengers as soon as they got on their sea-legs. We would sit and 
 hear them converse for an hour at a time, and while they were patriotic 
 
Lewey and I. 401 
 
 enough to dislike those who had overrun their country, they had the man- 
 liness to admit that California would be a great and flourishing State under 
 American rule, and increase in population much faster than the Mexicans 
 could hope for. 
 
 We were three weeks running down to Mazatland, and without a serious 
 disaster. There were several of our national ships lying there, the town 
 being in possession of the Americans. We were boarded before we 
 dropped anchor, but the pass of Commodore Stockton was respected, so 
 we entered the inner harbor, where we were secure from south westers, and 
 found ourselves close to the town, and the United States flag floating over 
 all the public buildings and presidio. 
 
 The next day Lewey and I went on shore for a visit, but there were so 
 many men-of-war's men and marines encountered, none too sober, JLhat we 
 did not care to remain but a short time. We learned that there was an 
 English clipper bark, the Helena, of London, Captain Henry Thornton, 
 lying in the outer harbor, all loaded, and ready to sail in a few day^s for 
 England. By some means the vessel was permitted by the Laval authori- 
 ties to take in a cargo of logwood in spite of Mazatland being blockaded. 
 How it was accomplished I never knew, but suppose through favor. 
 
 Just as we were ready to return to our vessel Captain Thornton, a 
 large, fine-looking, gentlemanly person came to the landing, in company 
 with the master of the schooner California. We were introduced, and re- 
 quested the privilege of taking passage in the Helena for London, the most 
 expeditious manner of returning home for Lewey and myself. Captain 
 Thornton invited us to go on board with him, and see what accommoda- 
 tions he had, and whether they would suit us. We did so, Captain Cooper 
 making one of the party. While being pulled to the vessel by four ap- 
 prentices of the bark, Captain Cooper was pleased to say so many kind 
 words in our behalf that Captain Thornton became quite affable, and 
 stated we could certainly go with him if we were satisfied with such state- 
 rooms as he was able to place at our disposal, and even consented to take 
 jack, the dog, without extra charge, as he liked animals as well as our- 
 selves. Bancroft Ubr*** 
 
 The Helena was only about six hundred tons burden, and as handsome 
 a model as the Admittance, but she carried more men, a crew of thorough 
 sailors, and four apprentices, one of the latter being the only son of the 
 owner of the vessel, yet he was treated just like the rest of the lads, no 
 better and no worse, and did not presume to put on airs to his messmates 
 on account of his parent's wealth. 
 
402 Lewey and I. 
 
 We found that there were two large, vacant staterooms, much better than 
 we hoped for, and while supping with Captain Thornton, agreed to his 
 terms for passage, only two hundred dollars each, which was quite reason- 
 able, and we thought ourselves lucky to secure such quarters. We had 
 money enough to afford luxuries, and had no idea of doing seaman's duty 
 while homeward bound. 
 
 The next day we transferred our luggage and boxes of minerals to the 
 Helena, stowed everything out of sight so as not to excite comment, went 
 on shore and paid our passage money to the consignees, purchased a sup- 
 ply of cigars, tobacco, and other luxuries that would prove acceptable, and 
 the following day the Helena up anchor, and we stood to the southerd, with 
 a fresh breeze from the northwest, and the best wishes of all the naval of- 
 ficers we had met. Captain Cooper remained on board until the last mo- 
 ment, and then bit his maimed hand, and bade us good-by. We never saw 
 the gallant old gentleman again. He died in California some years ago, 
 respected and loved by all who knew him. 
 
 I have not the space to relate many incidents of our voyage home. It 
 was a lazy life Lewey and I led, with nothing to do, able to sleep at night, 
 and not obliged to turn out to reef topsails or furl them. We had a good 
 crew, nice mates, and a very dignified and jolly captain. That is, he 
 was clever and kind, but knew his position and maintained it, except on 
 Saturday nights, when he threw off his reserve, and over a bowl of punch 
 told stories, sang songs, toasted sweethearts and wives, and poked fun at 
 Lewey and myself because we were French and Yankee. We did not 
 drink as much as suited his ideas of a jolly time, but the master could take 
 our portion and never grumble, so we got along very well. On this vessel 
 grog was served out to the men at eight bells (noon) every day, and a stiff 
 tot was also given every time topsails were reefed. To keep from rusting 
 once in a while Lewey and I would lend a hand in taking in sail off Cape 
 Horn, and then insist that we were entitled to splice the mainbrace like the 
 rest. The steward always allowed our claim, and we would pass the liquor 
 over to some of the old men-of-war's men, much to their delight. 
 
 On the whole it was a pleasant passage. We had the usual amount of 
 rough and cold weather off Cape Horn, but there was always a fire in the 
 cabin, so we did not mind it much. Our vessel was fast, the winds favora- 
 ble, and we soon left the Pacific Ocean, entered the Atlantic, and headed 
 north, and on the first day of June we sighted Land's End, took a pilot, and 
 arrived at the entrance gate of London Dock three days afterward. 
 
 Lewey and I found modest but convenient lodgings near Mile End, and 
 
Lewey and I. 403 
 
 as soon as we were settled sold our gold for just ten thousand five hundred 
 pounds, and when we came to exchange all of our funds for English money 
 we were worth about thirty-two thousand dollars each, not a bad fortune 
 for two adventurous boys, who had started in life, with but little money they 
 could call their own, at San Diego. 
 
 Then came up a serious question. We had tried not to think of the sub- 
 ject, and as just often as it disturbed our minds we had pushed the phan- 
 tom one side. It was this how soon before Lewey and I must part ? We 
 knew that we had got to separate, but each dreaded to allude to the matter, 
 and so we would think of past adventures, sigh, and go and take a long 
 walk, enjoying the sights of London, which we saw for the first time, and 
 under favorable auspices, for Captain Thornton was our guide and council- 
 lor in all things, and it was by his advice that we deposited our money in a 
 safe bank, so that we could not be deprived of it by robbery. 
 
 " Lewey," I asked one day, " when are you going home ? " 
 
 " Ven you goes vid me, not afore," was the answer, and question him all 
 that I might that was the only reply I received. 
 
 I reasoned with my friend, I talked to him earnestly, but go he would not 
 unless I went with him, and so at last I consented to pay a visit to Havre- 
 de-Grace, and see his father and mother. Then I wrote a long letter to my 
 guardian and friends in Boston, the first for more than a year, and one 
 morning Lewey and I took the steamer, and landed on French soil. 
 
 Lewey was not enthusiastic as he stepped on shore. He seemed a little 
 dazed, dejected, and I think wished himself once more in California, care- 
 less and free. Sailors have such feelings, especially those who wander all 
 over the face of the globe, and come home for a welcome, yet dread to 
 meet it for some unaccountable reason, and the sense of isolation and de- 
 jection does not wear off for several days. 
 
 " Thorn," said Lewey, as we walked up the dock toward a coffee-house, 
 " if ve eber part dink of me as ve vere ven boys together, full of vigor and 
 de true friendship vot skall neber die in mine heart. Remember de night 
 at de foot of de mountains, ven you vas homesick and shed de tears, and I 
 takes your votch, and hums de song to make you dink I vas happy, but I 
 vas vusser den you, and now I is more like de crying den on dat dark night, 
 and I vish ve vas back agin, and if you say de vord ve vill go, and mine 
 friends vill know me no more." 
 
 We went into a cafe* and called for some coffee and a bottle of vin 
 ordinaire, and there I talked to my friend for an hour or more on the folly 
 of returning to California, and by the time I had concluded we were both in 
 
404 Lewey and I. 
 
 tears, and Lewey had made up his mind to go and see his parents. They 
 lived a short distance outside of the city, and calling a voiture he left me, 
 promising to return as soon as possible. 
 
 I waited for him until nearly dark, passing the time the best way that I 
 could, for it was dull work for me. Then he came in company with a tall, 
 white-haired gentleman, who by his looks I knew was Lewey's father. 
 
 "I vas a surprise," my friend said, "and nearly kill de mudder and de 
 sister, sich a pretty girl, and vill do just for you, and if you vill fall in love 
 and marry her, I happy can be." 
 
 " Speak French, Louis," said the father. " Remember I am not an Eng- 
 lish scholar like you and your companion." 
 
 I was glad the gentleman did not understand my friend, for his speech 
 made me blush, it being the first intimation I had received from Lewey that 
 he owned a sister. In fact she was so small when he left home for a wan- 
 dering life that he had not considered her of the slightest consequence, but 
 now, when he returned, and saw what a beautiful girl she was, he began to 
 feel proud of her: 
 
 General Artenato, my friend's father, a soldier who commanded one of 
 the forts of the city, gave me a cordial welcome, and an invitation to take 
 up my residence at his chateau, three miles from the town, and on a bluff 
 that overlooked the ocean and English Channel. As the request was not 
 one of courtesy alone, but sincere in every respect, I complied. Jack and 
 I entered the carriage, a porter looking after our luggage, and we were 
 soon at the house, one of the most imposing and costly chateaus that I saw 
 on the road. 
 
 General Artenato had so many questions to ask the son about his travels, 
 that I did not interrupt their conversation. It was evident that the wan- 
 dering sailor boy had been forgiven, and eccentricities forgotten. He had 
 suffered enough hardships without now being taken to task for his folly. 
 Lewey had spoken of me in terms of praise, I could see that by the defer- 
 ence with which his father treated me, and his desire that I should feel 
 quite at my ease in his dignified presence, but when I was presented to the 
 mother and daughter, and the former put her arms around my neck and 
 kissed me, I knew that she was laboring under the impression that I had 
 acted the part of guardian angel to her boy, and brought him home safe and 
 good through my example. This was very flattering to me, and I did not 
 deem it wise to undeceive her, since a very pretty little girl, just seventeen 
 years of age, recently returned from a convent school, gave me her hand in 
 the most confiding manner, and then blushed at her boldness, but still she 
 
Lewey and I. 405 
 
 did not fail to steal a timid look at my face to see what kind of man her 
 brother's friend was like, and as she raised her dark eyes they met my 
 glance of admiration, and then I flushed, and acted more like a school-boy 
 than a person who had seen so much of the world. This exhibition of 
 modesty on my part so delighted Lewey that he laughed, and said, just to 
 give me confidence, speaking to his relatives in French, 
 
 " I have seen my American friend under all kinds of difficulties, as he 
 danced with Mexican senoritas, when he pretended to save the lives of 
 young girls, and demanded kisses in return for his trouble, but this is the 
 first time that I ever knew him to blush," and then he laughed, and his 
 mother chided him for his rudeness, while the young lady walked to the 
 window and looked out upon the sea, and probably wondered why sailors 
 were so careless of their reputations, and bold toward women. The gener- 
 al did not appear to think that a few kisses were of much account, for like 
 a real Frenchman he asked, 
 
 " Are the young ladies of California very beautiful? " 
 
 " Beautiful ? " echoed Lewey. " They are the handsomest women in the 
 world, always excepting my mother and sister. Why, we were near marry- 
 ing two young ladies, whose eyes were black as midnight, and hair trailed 
 on the ground when they walked, and they loved us very dearly too, but a 
 wish to return home kept us free." 
 
 Lewey's sister appeared to have heard all that she desired, for she 
 left the apartment, and I was glad of it, if my friend was to continue the 
 conversation in the same strain. 
 
 I was shown to my room, made some changes in my dress, and while I 
 was thus engaged Lewey joined me. 
 
 " Thorn, old friend," he asked, " vot does you dink of dat sister of 
 mine ? " 
 
 He always spoke English to me when we were alone, because it was 
 more convenient, and he really thought that his Anglo Saxon speech was 
 better than his French. 
 
 "She is very handsome," I said, and that appeared to give him much 
 pleasure. 
 
 " I dink dat she is good as she is booful. Now if you von't act like a 
 great fool you can marry her, and den vot a nice time ve could hab here. 
 No more vanderin's, no more sea life, and vid money enough to lib on, vot 
 more could you desire ? " 
 
 But just at this moment the dinner-bell rang, and we went down-stairs, 
 and I had the honor of escorting Mademoiselle Rose to the salle-a-manger, 
 
406 Lewey and I. 
 
 and sat by her side all through the dinner. She was a little shy of me at 
 first, but when she did find courage the questions came from her mouth 
 quite as fast as I could answer them. I told her all about Lewey's friend- 
 ship, how we had clung to each other for more than four years, our adven- 
 tures in California, the persecutions we had endured at the hands of Anto- 
 nio Sanchos and his brothers, the battles we had witnessed and participated 
 in, the wild Indians we had killed, the ladies whose lives we had saved at 
 the risk of our own, but not one word of the love-making or kissing her 
 brother had alluded to. 
 
 In fact I became so eloquent under the influence of a single glass of 
 champagne that I forgot there was any one present to listen to me except 
 the young lady, and when I happened to look up, and saw that father, moth- 
 er, son, and daughter were paying strict attention to what I said, broke 
 down, and suddenly ceased speaking, too much embarrassed to finish 
 my narrative in bad French, which no one had the impoliteness to laugh 
 at. 
 
 " Please continue, monsieur," the young lady pleaded, but I had said 
 enough for one night. 
 
 " You will relate some more adventures to me tomorrow ? " mademoiselle 
 asked, as we arose from the table, and she gave me a most fascinating 
 smile. 
 
 " With great pleasure," I answered, " if your kind mother does not 
 object." 
 
 " She will never refuse as long as you continue to praise my brother. 
 He has always been her pet in spite of his wildness," and then we sepa- 
 rated for the night, and I dreamed of Anita and Engracia, the Ranche 
 Refugio, and the dead girls' faces appeared to reproach me for forgetting 
 them so soon. 
 
 But the living and not the dead were in my mind the next morning 
 when I awoke. For a long time after I had bathed and dressed I stood at 
 the window of my chamber, and looked out upon the sea, and thought of 
 the future, and asked myself a serious question, but the answer was not 
 ready for some weeks. I struggled and fought against the ebb tide that 
 was setting me toward a dangerous shoal, but the time came when I could 
 no longer resist, and then the flood came, and drifted me into the harbor of 
 happiness, to the entire satisfaction of Lewey, his parents, and dear little 
 sister. 
 
 I do not know how it came about. Perhaps Rose loved me, like Desde- 
 mona, for the dangers through which I had passed, or because of the at- 
 
Lewey and I. 407 
 
 tachment of her brother, and his desire that I should be a brother in name 
 as well as feeling. I only realized that one day she placed her hand in 
 mine, and said that she was happy in the love of an honest man, and then 
 there was a year of paradise, and such bliss as rarely falls to the lot of us 
 poor mortals. 
 
 Then there came a black cloud, and I saw a pale, wan face, a faint smile, 
 felt a little kiss on my lips, and knew no more for many weeks, for there 
 was a blank in my life. When reason returned the first person I saw was 
 Lewey, seated at my bedside, holding one of my hands, and showing the 
 compassion he felt in his expressive eyes, while Jack was lying on the 
 floor and regarding me with mute looks of pity, such as only a faithful dog 
 can show for one it loves. 
 
 " Thorn, my brudder," Lewey whispered, "you vill be a man now dat 
 you is most veil ? " 
 
 I could not reply, but turned my face to the wall, and tears fell from my 
 eyes in torrents as my thoughts went back to the past. 
 
 " Do you remember de old times in California," Lewey said, very softly, 
 " ven ve vas free from care, always in de mischief, and inclined to dink dat 
 dings vas rough for us ? Yet ve alvays come out on de top, because de good 
 God directed all for de best. He has done so in dis case. It is hard for 
 you, and de rest of us, but He ordered it, and ve must not repine." 
 
 Some weeks afterward I was enabled to leave my chamber, a premature- 
 ly old young man, bent and weak with grief. Every one was very patient 
 with me and kind, but I could no longer remain where so many things re- 
 minded me of my lost wife and child. I returned to Boston, settled up af- 
 fairs with my guardian, and for eight years traveled in every part of the 
 globe. The wound healed at last, but the scar remains . 
 
 In one corner of the cemetery at Havre is a small, white marble monu- 
 ment, bearing the simple inscription, " ROSE AND HER SON." It tells its 
 own story more eloquently than words. Kind hands on each anniversary 
 of death place upon the cold marble a wreath of lilies, emblematical of the 
 life of the dead when living. God must have been merciful to her, she was 
 so good. 
 
A