ed in the apparently hopeless
search.

By then, also, Mrs. Trent had resigned herself to a quiet acceptance
of the worst, and sat for hours at a time rigidly motionless, with
only her sense of hearing intensely alert, strained to its utmost for
whatever news might come. As each party came back to consult the
others, and for the refreshment that human nature could no longer do
without, it reported to the waiting woman, who received the message in
silence, yet with the courteous bow which acknowledged the other's
effort on her behalf.

Aunt Sally now rose to the occasion as only her great heart could
suggest. All the petty fussiness which had annoyed her neighbors
dropped away from her as she moved softly, keen-eyed and solicitous,
among them all. The steaming bowl of coffee and strengthening
sandwich, ready on the instant for each arrival the unshaken
hopefulness of her eyes, and her wordless control of the awestruck
little boys, were comforts scarcely realized in that dark time; yet
comforts truly. Even Gabriella could not refuse the nourishment so
lovingly pressed upon her, and mechanically drank the cup of broth
which her friend had taken care should be of the strongest. To one
and all this homely ministering angel affirmed, with unshaken
persistence:

"Jessica Trent is safe. Jessica Trent is coming back."

Meanwhile, old Pedro, for the first time in nearly a twelvemonth, had
turned his back upon the mesa which he loved and set out on a toilsome
path. In his hand he carried a curious, notched stick, upon which he
sometimes leaned, but oftener bore upon his shoulder, as it were a
precious possession that he must guard. Old as he was, his staff was
older still. It had come to him when the valley mission had been
abandoned, and the padre who bestowed it upon this, his faithful
servant, had also given into his keeping a valuable secret. This
metal-pointed rod was one thing Pedro never left behind him when he
journeyed from home.

Starting from the east side of the mesa, he dipped into the canyon;
not by the trail over which Jessica had ridden the ostrich on the day
of her eventful meeting with Morris Hale, but by the farther, ragged
wall where it seemed as if feet so old could never make their way. Yet
make it they did, as surely if not as swiftly as in their younger
days. There was not the slightest hesitation in their direction,
though there were indeed, frequent pauses during which the Indian's
keen hearing was