d the day was fine. Francis was a gentleman
and something of a scholar. His face showed refinement, and his hands
were as soft as a gambler's. He was fairly well read, and he could have
told you, when the stage crossed the South Yuba, that "_Uvas_" is
Spanish for "grapes," and that the name "Yuba" is a curious English
abbreviation of "Rio Las Uvas."

When next day he crossed the foot-bridge over the Middle Yuba, where it
tears along in its deep, wild canon below Moore's Flat, he was less
interested in Spanish or in the grandeur of the scenery than he was in
reaching Robert Palmer's. He had not hired a horse at Moore's Flat, as
the livery man might be curious; so he had sauntered along through the
village, greeting old friends and chatting with them now and then until
considerable time had been consumed, but he knew that the old man would
put him up for the night.

It was late in the afternoon before he reached the top of Fillmore Hill.
Old man Palmer, much broken in health, as Francis remarked with a degree
of inward exultation immediately reproved by his conscience, greeted him
affectionately.

"Well, Henry, I almost thought you had forgotten me. But, of course, I
knew better."

"You must remember, Mr. Palmer, that it is quite a ways up here from the
city. The narrow gauge from Colfax is little better than a stage coach.
It means a trip of fifty miles into the mountains to get here."

"Well, I'm mighty glad you've come. As soon as you've rested a bit, I
want to talk business."

Francis argued with his conscience that the old man had invited him. How
could he have refused to answer the summons? Palmer ushered him into the
house, where, seated comfortably in the kitchen and welcomed by dog and
cat, he partook of the old man's hospitality. Palmer was evidently much
wrought up; and, as soon as his guest had rested a little, proceeded to
business.

"You got my letter?"

"Yes, Mr. Palmer."

"Hintzen has informed you that I've named you as one of my executors?"

"Yes."

"And you will be willing to act, I hope?"

"Well, Mr. Palmer, I hope that won't be necessary for many years to
come."

"The Lord only knows how long I have to live. It was rather hard for me
here last winter. But I guess the mountain air was good for me. However,
I'm going to spend next winter at Sherwood's. The Woolsey boys say
they'll take good care of me; and I'm going to deed them my claim."

"Better come to San Francisco. I saw a friend