e he could speak there was a rapid
clattering at the gate and a dismounted vaquero entered excitedly.
Turning to Mrs. Brant he said hurriedly, "Mother of God! the casa is
surrounded by a rabble of mounted men, and there is one among them even
now who demands admittance in the name of the Law."

"This is your work," said Brooks, facing Clarence furiously. "You have
brought them with you, but, by God, they shall not save you!" He
would have clutched Clarence, but the powerful arm of Judge Beeswinger
intervened. Nevertheless, he still struggled to reach Clarence,
appealing to the others: "Are you fools to stand there and let him
triumph! Don't you see the cowardly Yankee trick he's played upon us?"

"He has not," said Mrs. Brant haughtily. "I have no reason to love him
or his friends; but I know he does not lie."

"Gentlemen!--gentlemen!" implored Colonel Starbottle with beaming and
unctuous persuasion, "may I--er--remark--that all this is far from the
question? Are we to be alarmed because an unknown rabble, no matter
whence they come, demand entrance here in the name of the Law? I am not
aware of any law of the State of California that we are infringing. By
all means admit them."

The gate was thrown open. A single thick-set man, apparently unarmed
and dressed like an ordinary traveler, followed by half a dozen other
equally unpretentious-looking men, entered. The leader turned to the
balcony.

"I am the Chief of Police of San Francisco. I have warrants for the
arrest of Colonel Culpepper Starbottle, Joshua Brooks, Captain Pinckney,
Clarence Brant and Alice his wife, and others charged with inciting to
riot and unlawful practice calculated to disturb the peace of the State
of California and its relations with the Federal government," said the
leader, in a dry official voice.

Clarence started. In spite of its monotonous utterance it was the voice
of the red-bearded controversialist of the stage-coach. But where were
his characteristic beard and hair? Involuntarily Clarence glanced at
Judge Beeswinger; that gentleman was quietly regarding the stranger with
an impassive face that betrayed no recognition whatever.

"But the city of San Francisco has no jurisdiction here," said Colonel
Starbottle, turning a bland smile towards his fellow-members. "I
am--er--sorry to inform you that you are simply trespassing, sir."

"I am here also as deputy sheriff," returned the stranger coolly. "We
were unable to locate the preci