here, dear old Harry Blew
will take care of her--of them both."

Cadwallader's words seem strangely to affect his companion, changing the
expression upon his countenance. It is still shadowed, but the cloud is
of a different kind. From anger it has altered to anxiety!

"You've struck a chord, Will, that, while not soothing the old pain,
gives me a new one. I wasn't thinking of that; my thoughts were all
occupied with the other trouble--you understand?"

"I do. At the same, I think you make too much of the other trouble, as
you call it. I confess it troubles me too a little; though, perhaps,
not as it does you. And luckily less, the more I reflect on it. After
all, there don't seem so much to be bothered about. As you know, Ned,
it's a common thing among Spanish-Americans, whose customs are
altogether unlike our own--to have gamblers going into their best
society. Besides, I can tell you something that may comfort you a
little--a bit of information I had from Inez, as we were _platicando_
along the road on our ride. It was natural she should speak about the
sky-blue fellow and my sticking his horse in the hip."

"What did she say?" asks Crozier, with newly awakened interest.

"That he was a gentleman by birth; but falling fast, and indeed quite
down."

"And De Lara; did she say aught of him?"

"She did; she spoke of him still more disparagingly, though knowing him
less. She said he had been introduced to them by the other, and they
were accustomed to meet him on occasions. But of late they had learned
more of him; and learning this, her aunt--your Carmen--had become very
desirous of cutting his acquaintance, as indeed all of them. And that
they intended doing so--even if they had remained in California. But
now--so soon leaving it, they did not like to humiliate De Lara by
giving him the _conge_ he deserves."

Crozier, with eyes earnestly fixed upon Cadwallader, has listened to the
explanation. At its close he cries out, grasping his comrade's hand:

"Will! you've lifted a load from my heart. I now see daylight where all
seemed darkness; and beholding yonder hill feel the truth of Campbell's
splendid lines:--

"A kiss can consecrate the ground,
Where mated hearts are mutual bound;
The spot, where love's first links are wound,
That ne'er are riven,
Is hallowed down to Earth's profound,
And up to Heaven!"

After repeating the passionate words, he stands gazing on a