er gentlemen as is scattered; that we are ready,
Seventy-Four and me, to take and holt that responsibility, now and at
any time, afore every man or men as kin be fetched agin us. We wish to
say that this yer say of ours holds good yer in Californy, or in any
part of these United States."

"Or in Canady," suggested Seventy-Four.

"Or in Canady. We wouldn't agree to cross the water, or go to furrin
parts, unless absolutely necessary. We leaves the chise of weppings to
your principal, ma'am, or being a lady, ma'am, and interested, to
any one you may fetch to act for him. An advertisement in any of the
Sacramento papers, or a playcard or handbill stuck unto a tree near
Deadwood, saying that Seventy-Four or Seventy-Five will communicate with
this yer principal or agent of yours, will fetch us--allers."

Mrs. Rightbody, a little alarmed and desperate, saw her blunder. "I mean
nothing of the kind," she said hastily. "I only expected that you might
have some further details of this interview with Silsbie; that perhaps
you could tell me--" a bold, bright thought crossed Mrs. Rightbody's
mind--"something more about HER."

The two men looked at each other.

"I suppose your society have no objection to giving me information about
HER," said Mrs. Rightbody eagerly.

Another quiet conversation in the corner, and the return of both men.

"We want to say that we've no objection."

Mrs. Rightbody's heart beat high. Her boldness had made her penetration
good. Yet she felt she must not alarm the men heedlessly.

"Will you inform me to what extent Mr. Rightbody, my late husband, was
interested in her?"

This time it seemed an age to Mrs. Rightbody before the men returned
from their solemn consultation in the corner. She could both hear
and feel that their discussion was more animated than their previous
conferences. She was a little mortified, however, when they sat down, to
hear Seventy-Four say slowly,--

"We wish to say that we don't allow to say HOW much."

"Do you not think that the 'sacred compact' between Mr. Rightbody and
Mr. Silsbie referred to her?"

"We reckon it do."

Mrs. Rightbody, flushed and animated, would have given worlds had her
daughter been present to hear this undoubted confirmation of her theory.
Yet she felt a little nervous and uncomfortable even on this threshold
of discovery.

"Is she here now?"

"She's in Tuolumne," said Seventy-Four.

"A little better looked arter than formerly," added Se