the account.

While standing by the bar, waiting for it to be brought, they cast a
glance around the room. At first careless, it soon becomes concentrated
on a group seen at some distance off, near one of the doors leading out,
of which there are several. There are also several other groups; for
the saloon is of large dimensions, besides being the most popular place
of resort in San Francisco. And for San Francisco the hour is not yet
late. Along the line of the drinking-bar, and over the white-sanded
floor, are some scores of people of all qualities and kinds, in almost
every variety of costume; though they who compose the party that has
attracted the attention of the English officers show nothing
particular--that is, to the eye of one unacquainted with them. There
are four of them, two wearing broadcloth cloaks, the other two having
their shoulders shrouded under _serapes_. Nothing in all that. The
night is cold, indeed wet, and they are close to the door, to all
appearance intending soon to step out. They have only paused to
exchange a parting word, as if they designed to separate before issuing
into the street.

Though the spot where they stand is in shadow--a folding screen
separating it from the rest of the saloon--and it is not easy to get
sight of their faces--the difficulty increased by broad-brimmed hats set
slouchingly on their heads, with their cloaks and serapes drawn up
around their throats--Crozier and Cadwallader have not only seen, but
recognised them. A glance at their countenances, caught before the
muffling was made, enabled the young officers to identify three of them
as De Lara, Calderon, and the _ci-devant_ croupier of the Monte bank.
The fourth, whose face they have also seen, is a personage not known to
them; but, judging by his features, a suitable associate for the other
three.

Soon as catching sight of them, which he is the first to do, Crozier
whispers to his companion:

"See, Will! Look yonder! Our friends from the `El Dorado!'"

"By Jove! them, sure enough. Do you think they've been following us?"

"I shouldn't wonder. I was only surprised they didn't do something,
when they had us in their gambling den. After the heavy draw I made on
Mr Lara's bank, I expected no less than that he'd try to renew his
acquaintance with me; all the more from his having been so free of it in
the morning. Instead, he and his friend seemed to studiously avoid
coming near us--not even cas