romptly sank in a capacious heap on the floor and fell
to weeping with the same vigor that she applied to all things.
Jessica, too, began to cry softly, at intervals, with such shuddering
bursts of sobs, that the mother's tears, also, were soon dimming the
eyes to which they had been denied during all the past anxiety.
However, this simultaneous downpour was infinite relief to all; and
presently the mother rose and with the strength happiness gave to her
slight figure, carried her child away to rest.

"You are safe. You are here. I see that you have suffered no hurt, and
bed is the place for you. When you have slept and rested you must tell
us all. Oh! my darling! Many hearts have ached for you, and I thought
my own was broken. But, thank God! thank God!"

Aunt Sally followed them, and, as if she had been a new-born baby, the
two women washed and made ready for a long sleep the precious child
that had been given back to them from the grave. Then the mother sat
down to watch while Aunt Sally hurried to ring the ancient mission
bell, whose harsh clanging had been agreed upon among the searchers as
the signal of good news.

They all came flocking back, singly or in groups, from wherever the
summons, which could be heard for miles in that clear air, chanced to
find them. Impatience was natural enough, too, on their part, since to
their eager questions Mrs. Benton could not give answer beyond the
simple statement:

"Yes, she's back, safe and sound. Says she's been in a cave, though
where it is or whether she's just flighty in her head, land knows.
She's sleepin' now, and it won't be healthy for any you lumberin' men
to be makin' a noise round the house before she wakes up, of her own
accord."

Nor when Pedro and the subdued dwarf came slowly over the road would
they make any further explanation. Indeed, they were both utterly
silent; the Indian forcing his captive before him into the deserted
office where he intrenched himself, with his basket and staff, until
such time as it should be his mistress' pleasure to receive him.

Thus, with time on her hands and nothing else to do, Aunt Sally
collared Wun Lung and withdrew to her kitchen, whence, presently,
there arose such various and appetizing odors that the weary ranchmen
scented a feast, and sought repose for themselves till it was ready.
Samson and John, however, were called upon for aid, and, whereas they
were ordered to "dress six of the plumpest fowl in the henner