tip with less show of gratitude than a London waiter
would give for a fourpenny piece--little as that may be.

Turning to take departure, the young officers again look across the
saloon, to learn how the hostile party has disposed itself. To their
surprise, the gamblers are gone; having disappeared while the account
was being paid.

"I don't like the look of it," says Crozier, in a whisper. "Less now
than ever. No doubt we'll find them outside. Well; we can't stay here
all night. If they attack us, we must do our best. Take a firm grip of
your pistol, with your finger close to the trigger; and if any of them
shows sign of shooting, see that you fire first. Follow me; and keep
close!"

On the instant of delivering these injunctions, he starts towards the
door, Cadwallader following as directed.

Both step out, and for a short while stand gazing interrogatively around
them. People they see in numbers, some lounging by the hotel porch,
others passing along the street. But none in cloaks or _serapes_. The
gamblers must have gone clear away.

"After all, we may have been wronging them," remarks Urozier, as in his
nature, giving way to a generous impulse. "I can hardly think that a
fellow who's shown such courage would play the assassin. Maybe they
were but putting their heads together about challenging us? If that's
it, we may expect to hear from them in the morning. It looks all right.
Anyhow, we can't stay dallying here. If we're not aboard by eight
bells, old Bracebridge 'll masthead us. Let's heave along, my hearty!"

So saying, he leads off, Cadwallader close on his quarter--both a little
unsteady in their steps, partly from being loaded with the spoils of "El
Dorado," and partly from the effects of the _Parker House_ wines, and
punches _a la Romaine_.

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE.

HARRY BLEW HOMELESS.

While the exciting scene described as taking place in the saloon "El
Dorado" was at its height, Harry Blew went past the door. Could the
sailor have seen through walls, he would have entered the Hell. The
sight of His former officers would have attracted him inside; there to
remain, for more reasons than one.

Of one he had already thought. Conjecturing that the young gentleman
might be going on a bit of spree, and knowing the dangers of such in San
Francisco, it had occurred to him to accompany, or keep close after
them--in order that he might be at hand, should they come into collision
wi