not the slightest
hospitality in his heart. He has discovered that his English guest is
"dead broke," drawing his deductions from the two days' board, and as
many nights' bed, remaining unpaid.

There is a notice conspicuously posted above the bar that "scores must
be settled daily." And Harry having disregarded this, has received
private, but positive, notice of another kind; to the effect that he is
forthwith to discontinue taking a seat at the _table-d'hote_, as also to
surrender up his share of the bed he has been occupying, for he has not
had a complete couch to himself. At this the discharged man-o'-war's
man has shown no anger, nor does he feel in any way affronted. He has
that correct sense common to sailors, with most others trained by travel
in strange lands, and knows that when cash is not forthcoming, credit
cannot be expected. In California, as elsewhere, such is the universal
and rigorous custom, to which man must resign himself. The English
sailor is only a bit sorry to think he has expended his cash so freely;
a little repentant at having done it so foolishly; and, on the whole, a
good deal downhearted.

But there is a silver lining to the cloud. The _Crusader_ is still in
port, and not expected to sail for some days. He may once more place
his name upon the frigate's books, and rejoin her. He knows he will not
only be received back by her commander, but welcomed by all his old
officers and shipmates. A word spoken to the first boat coming ashore,
and all will be well. Shall he speak such word? That has become the
question. For in this, as every other step in life, there is a _pro_
and _contra_. Humiliating the thought of going back to service on the
ship, after taking leave of everybody aboard; returning to a dingy
forecastle hard, and the handling of tarry ropes, after the bright
dreams he had been indulging in; to forego the gathering of gold-dust,
and the exchanging it for doubloons or dollars; in short, turning his
back upon fortune--the prospect of a life competence, perhaps plenitude
of wealth, with its resulting ease and idleness--and once more facing
stormy seas, with only hard knocks and laborious work in store for him
the remainder of his life!

While the sovereigns were still clinking in his pockets, this was the
dark side of the picture--towards Sacramento, the bright one. Now that
the pockets are empty, everything seems changed, and the golden sheen
lies on the side of th