llower metal than
this"--holding up the bit of copper--"'twould do us proud to give
the first pick to Sobrante's fortune! Lads, what say?"

"Ay, and right off! That's what we say!" cried somebody, but Mrs.
Trent lifted her hand, and they were silent.

She had become as interested now as any of the others; far more,
indeed, since if this amazing tale of Pedro's proved true she would be
able, at last, to fulfill her husband's interrupted life-work, and
make Sobrante a power for good in the world.

"What does Elsa say? Will she lend us this money?"

[B] Christmas box or gift.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE FACE AT THE WINDOW

All waited breathlessly for Elsa's answer. They knew her greed, or,
rather, why she hoarded her money so closely, and were not so
surprised, after all, when it came.

"No, I cannot."

"Can't? I should like to know why you can't?" demanded John Benton,
indignantly, though Mrs. Trent protested against his urgency by a nod
of her head.

"It is for the little one. It is mine. I want it already."

The ranch mistress at once extended the basket, but it was now the
carpenter's turn to object.

"Please, 'admiral,' not so fast. Let her tell us, first, how much
money she lost."

Elsa caught her breath. To save her life she could not have stated in
exact figures the sum, because, though she had known to a dime before
the robbery, at, and after that time, she had recklessly tossed aside
the little that remained. This wasted portion belonged with the whole
amount, and being as truthful as she was penurious, she hesitated. Her
color came and went, as she looked anxiously into John's face,
realizing that he had laid a trap for her and caught her in it.

But the mistress confronted her, saying:

"Never mind that, Elsa. I do not blame you for refusing to try
experiments with what you have so hardly earned and so nearly lost.
These are certainly your own little money bags, as I judge from their
knitted covers; but it is just possible there may have been other
money added to that was taken from you. So, tell me as nearly as you
can, what you had, and we will examine them all together."

This was wise, and commended itself even to the eager Elsa, who stated
promptly and proudly:

"Three t'ousand of the dollars it was. All gold. Big gold and littles
ones. In them bags was lost entirely. In the others--I don't know. Oh!
I don't know. It was much, much!"

It was Wolfgang's turn to interpose, and he d