calls for
certain formalities, among them some _swearing_. Those who embark in it
must be bound by a solemn oath; and when we all get together, that shall
be done. Time enough then for you to know what I'm aiming at. Now, I
only say, that if the scheme succeed, two things are sure, and both
concern yourself, Faustino Calderon."

"What are they? You can trust me with that much, I suppose?"

"Certainly I can, and shall. The first is, that you'll be a richer man
than you've ever been in your life, or at least since I've had the
honour of your acquaintance. The second, that Don Gregorio Montijo will
not leave California--that is, not quite so soon, nor altogether in the
way he was wishing. You may have plenty of time yet, with
opportunities, to press your suit with the fair Inez."

"_Carramba_! Secure me that, and I swear--"

"You needn't set about swearing yet. You can do that when the occasion
calls for it; and, I promise, you shall have the opportunity soon. Till
then I'll take your word. With one in love, as you believe yourself,
that should be binding as any oath; especially when it promises such a
rich reward."

"You're sure about Diaz and Rocas?"

"Quite so. With them there won't be need for any prolonged conference.
When a man sees the chance of getting sixty thousand dollars in a lump
lot, he's pretty certain to act promptly, and without being particular
as to what that action is."

"Sixty thousand dollars! That's to be the share of each?"

"That, and more, maybe."

"It makes one crazy--even to think of such a sum!"

"Don't go crazed till you've got it; then you may."

"If I do, it won't be with grief."

"It shouldn't; since it will give you a fresh lease of sweet life; and
renew your hopes of having the wife you want. But come; we must get
away if we wish to avoid being taken away--though, I fancy, there's
nothing to apprehend for some hours yet. The _gringos_ have gone on
board their ship, and are not likely to come on shore again before
breakfast. What with their last night's revelry, it'll take them some
time to clear the cobwebs out of their eyes after waking up. Besides,
if they should make it a law matter, there'll be all the business of
looking up warrants, and the like. They do such things rather slowly in
San Francisco. Then there's the ten miles out here; even if they strike
our trail straight. No; we needn't be in a hurry so far as that goes.
But the other's a thing th