rangement was perfected, an event occurred which
is indelibly impressed on my memory. The General, after spending a
portion of the afternoon with us, had returned to his home; and about
eleven at night, a messenger begged my immediate attendance on him. He
had been taken suddenly ill; and my husband, who was cognizant of the
paternal affection the General felt for me, urged me to hasten to his
bedside.

''I found him at the point of death; but my presence seemed to call him
back to life. 'My child,' said he, placing in my hands a very voluminous
letter, 'this is all I have to give you. Farewell, dear child, I am
going. Farewell, forever.' In a few moments he was no more. I returned
home a prey to the most intense grief, and for several days did not
think of opening the letter I had received from my dying benefactor. It
contained the most precise details of the situation of the opal mine,
and advice as to the best means of reaching it.

''So you see, Mr. Rideau,' she added, after a slight pause, 'the secret
is known only to three persons--Arthur, Pepito, and myself. What, under
the circumstances, would you do?'

''I see but one course, madame--prompt action; by this means only can
you hope to succeed. You should start without a day's delay.'

''And Pepito?'

''Take him with you.'

''Your advice would be excellent were it practicable; but the state of
Mr. Livermore's health will not permit him to travel.'

''Oh! never fear, Adele; your presence and your care will keep me up. I
shall gain strength by change of air and scene.'

'Adele was, probably, about to protest against such a proof of his
attachment, when she was interrupted by a knock at the door.

''It is Pepito,' said I. My conjecture proved correct. Opening the door,
the Mexican appeared, dressed in a new suit, and evidently not a little
proud of his external improvements. He bowed politely to Mr. Livermore
and myself, and then bending before Adele, took her hand and raised it
with true Mexican grace, to his lips.

''You arrive, Pepito,' said Adele, 'at the very moment we are talking
about you.'

'Pepito again bowed to the lady.

''Senora,' said he, 'to please you I would die; to obey you I would kill
myself.'

'The exaggerated tone of Mexican politeness which prompted this reply
did not surprise Adele, but it brought a smile to her lips.

''I trust my wishes will not lead to such disastrous results,' she
replied. 'The fact is, Senor Pride thinks