,
enormously long ears, and small hoofs) and led him away, Charley
proudly holding the rope.

"You are lucky, my friends," spoke Captain Sutter; "one other animal
there was, which I found for those friends of yours who came through
the day before yesterday."

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Adams, sharply. "Who were they?"

"A rather small, dark man with a very long nose, sir, and two
companions. They came by trail, from San Francisco, they said, and
wanted a pack animal. They told me of my friend Grigsby, who had
recommended them to me if they saw me, and of course I was happy to
oblige them."

"Great thunder!" muttered Mr. Grigsby, as he and Mr. Adams stared at
one another. But he quickly added, as if not to hurt the honest
captain's feelings: "Very good, captain. When did they leave? Going
up the American?"

"They left immediately, and I think they spoke of the American,"
answered the captain. "Yes," he continued, placidly, "it was a large
bay mule, with one ear under-bitten--a notch taken out of it. I was of
course happy to oblige them; but this burro I saved for you."

No, there was no use in telling the captain of his mistake, and making
him feel bad; and Mr. Adams shook his head warningly at Charley. But
what nerve, on the part of the long-nosed man! However, Mr. Adams only
said:

"We'd better set right out, then, Grigsby."

"Can I do anything more for you, gentlemen?" inquired Captain Sutter.

"No, thank you, captain. We're fixed nicely. Now we'll pack up and
leave at once. Time is precious, you know, to us gold seekers. Where
is Jim Marshall? Up at the saw-mill?"

"Yes, at Coloma, but the saw-mill is not running. We have nobody to
run it. Ah," mused the captain, "everyone is in a great hurry, like
you. They see nothing but gold, much gold. It was not so in the old
days. Well," he added, extending his hand, "good-bye, gentlemen, and
good luck. Maybe we shall meet again."

They shook hands with him, thanked him once more for his kindness, and
he trotted off--evidently as "hurried" as other people.

XVIII

THE TRAIL OF THE ENEMY

"Evidently we have to do with a very cunning gang of rascals," remarked
Mr. Adams, as with the burro they hastened back for the levee and their
baggage. "How did they know enough to trade on your name, Grigsby?"

Mr. Grigsby smiled grimly.

"They probably saw I was a Fremont man--may have heard us talking; and
they took the chance. Naturally enough