to
apprehensions for James Harris.

When John was found, and the "specimens" placed in his hands, he was
first incredulous, and then indignant; for it hurts a proud man to be
forced to change an opinion, or forgive an injury. The pressure of
circumstances being too strong for him, he relented so far as to see
Erskine, and talk over the discovery with him. What more the two men
talked of, never transpired; but Miss Edwards concluded that everything
was settled, as her brother gave orders concerning the entertainment of
his former partner, and looked and spoke with unusual vivacity for the
remainder of the day.

Many conjectures were formed concerning the fate of Sandy-haired Jim, by
the men on the ranch, who generally agreed that his horse would not
leave him, and that, if he were alive, he would be found not far from
the spot where Charles Erskine picked up the animal. From Erskine's
account, it appeared that he had been several weeks in the mountains,
prospecting, before he discovered the mine; by which time he was so
reduced in strength, through hardship and insufficient food, that it was
with difficulty he made his way down to the valley. Just at a time when
to proceed further seemed impossible, and when he had been absent two
days from the mine, he fell in with a riding-horse, quietly grazing, at
the foot of the mountain. Catching and mounting him, he rode, first
along the edge of the valley for some distance, to find, if possibly a
party were encamped there; but finding no one, started for his old home,
riding as long as his strength allowed, and dismounting quite often to
rest. In this way, three days and a half had passed, since the discovery
of the mine. Judging from where the horse was found, Harris must have
gone up on the other side of the ridge or spur, in which _el tesoro_ was
located. At all events, it was decided to send a party to look for him,
as, whether or not any accident had befallen him, he was now without the
means of reaching home; and, to provide for any emergencies, John
ordered the light wagon to be taken along, with certain other articles,
so suggestive of possible pain and calamity, that Miss Edwards felt her
blood chilled by the sight of them.

"He will be so disappointed," she said, "not to have been the discoverer
of the mine. John, you must make him a handsome present, and I will see
what I can do, to show my gratitude for his many kindnesses."

And then, happy in the presence of her