upon which life might still
remain a bitter one. However, it was--life! And to Antonio, at that
present moment, that was all he craved.

"We must make a litter or stretcher and take him to the valley. He
will need the closest care and watching. He couldn't stay up here, and
have a single chance of recovery. Let's see, there are five men of us,
counting the dwarf. We'll have to walk with the stretcher, and he
shall lead the horses, all but Buster, whom Jessica can ride. One at a
time he'll 'spell' us, and the one released will take his place at the
beasts," was the doctor's decision.

So it was done. A blanket was speedily fastened about two poles drawn
from the corral, and over these Pedro's hard mattress was laid; and
thus, placed as comfortably upon it as might be, Antonio was once more
conveyed to his old home at Sobrante.

And there, that Sunday night, was wild rejoicing and much speculation
concerning the outcome of his confession.

"Sharp's the man to put the thing in trim. He's the very chap! He
knows all about minerals, and he says that this copper we've struck is
the very purest article he ever saw! Hurray! Hurray! Three cheers and
a tiger for the Sobrante Copper Mine!" shouted the hilarious Marty.

Meanwhile, there had been short but heated discussion among her loyal
henchmen as to whether Mrs. Trent should be forced to receive and care
for, under her immediate roof, a man who had done her so much injury;
and the decision had been unanimous: "No!"

Even John, who had helped to bring him thither, joined his voice to
this assertion; and to the next question propounded, as to who would
attend him and where, had as loudly answered: "I don't know."

Temporarily, the senor was resting in the household sitting-room, but
it was evident should not long remain there.

"Where then? Hate him as we may, we can't let him die on our hands,"
said Samson, looking as black as he could.

"Don't you fret yourselves, 'boys,'" said a cheerful voice near the
group. "Mr. Ma'sh and me, or me and Mr. Ma'sh--for I had to put it to
him pretty plain, 'fore he'd seed it right--me and him will take that
misguided creatur' into our hands, and----"

"May the Lord have mercy on his soul!" ejaculated Marty, fervently.

"Me and Ephraim will 'tend him, turn and turn about," continued Mrs.
Benton, ignorant of Marty's irreverent remark. "He's to be put into
Mr. Ma'sh's room at the quarters, and I'll take this first night's
job. I shal