A Knight-Errant Of The Foothills
I.As Father Felipe slowly toiled up the dusty road towards the Ranchoof the Blessed Innocents, he more than once stopped under theshadow of a sycamore to rest his somewhat lazy mule and to composehis own perplexed thoughts by a few snatches from his breviary.For the good padre had some reason to be troubled. The invasion ofGentile Americans that followed the gold discovery of three yearsbefore had not confined itself to the plains of the Sacramento, butstragglers had already found their way to the Santa Cruz Valley,and the seclusion of even the mission itself was threatened. Itwas true that they had not brought their heathen engines todisembowel the earth in search of gold, but it was rumored thatthey had already speculated upon the agricultural productiveness ofthe land, and had espied "the fatness thereof." As he reached thehigher plateau he could see the afternoon sea-fog--presently toobliterate the fair prospect--already pulling through the gaps inthe Coast Range, and on a nearer slope--no less ominously--thesmoke of a recent but more permanently destructive Yankee saw-millwas slowly drifting towards the valley."Get up, beast!" said the father, digging his heels into thecomfortable flanks of his mule with some human impatience, "or artTHOU, too, a lazy renegade? Thinkest thou, besotted one, that theheretic will spare thee more work than the Holy Church."The mule, thus apostrophized in ear and flesh, shook its headobstinately as if the question was by no means clear to its mind,but nevertheless started into a little trot, which presentlybrought it to the low adobe wall of the courtyard of "TheInnocents," and entered the gate. A few lounging peons in theshadow of an archway took off their broad-brimmed hats and made wayfor the padre, and a half dozen equally listless vaqueros helpedhim to alight. Accustomed as he was to the indolence andsuperfluity of his host's retainers, to-day it nevertheless seemedto strike some note of irritation in his breast.A stout, middle-aged woman of ungirt waist and beshawled head andshoulders appeared at the gateway as if awaiting him. After aformal salutation she drew him aside into an inner passage."He is away again, your Reverence," she said."Ah--always the same?""Yes, your Reverence--and this time to 'a meeting' of the hereticsat their pueblo, at Jonesville--where they will ask him of his landfor a road.""At a MEETING?" echoed the priest uneasily."Ah yes! a meeting--where Tiburcio says they shout and spit on theground, your Reverence, and only one has a chair and him they calla 'chairman' because of it, and yet he sits not but shouts andspits even as the others and keeps up a tapping with a hammer likea very pico. And there it is they are ever 'resolving' that whichis not, and consider it even as done.""Then he is still the same," said the priest gloomily, as the womanpaused for breath."Only more so, your Reverence, for he reads nought but thenewspaper of the Americanos that is brought in the ship, the 'NewYork 'errald'--and recites to himself the orations of theirlegislators. Ah! it was an evil day when the shipwrecked Americansailor taught him his uncouth tongue, which, as your Reverenceknows, is only fit for beasts and heathen incantation.""Pray Heaven THAT were all he learned of him," said the priesthastily, "for I have great fear that this sailor was little betterthan an atheist and an emissary from Satan. But where are thesenewspapers and the fantasies of publicita that fill his mind? Iwould see them, my daughter.""You shall, your Reverence, and more too," she replied eagerly,leading the way along the passage to a grated door which openedupon a small cell-like apartment, whose scant light and less aircame through the deeply embayed windows in the outer wall. "Hereis his estudio."In spite of this open invitation, the padre entered with that airof furtive and minute inspection common to his order. His glancefell upon a rude surveyor's plan of the adjacent embryo town ofJonesville hanging on the wall, which he contemplated with a colddisfavor that even included the highly colored vignette of theprojected Jonesville Hotel in the left-hand corner. He then passedto a supervisor's notice hanging near it, which he examined with asuspicion heightened by that uneasiness common to mere worldlyhumanity when opposed to an unknown and unfamiliar language. Butan exclamation broke from his lips when he confronted an electionplacard immediately below it. It was printed in Spanish andEnglish, and Father Felipe had no difficulty in reading theannouncement that "Don Jose Sepulvida would preside at a meeting ofthe Board of Education in Jonesville as one of the trustees.""This is madness," said the padre.Observing that Dona Maria was at the moment preoccupied inexamining the pictorial pages of an illustrated American weeklywhich had hitherto escaped his eyes, he took it gently from herhand."Pardon, your Reverence," she said with slightly acidulousdeprecation, "but thanks to the Blessed Virgin and your Reverence'steaching, the text is but gibberish to me and I did but glance atthe pictures.""Much evil may come in with the eye," said the priestsententiously, "as I will presently show thee. We have here," hecontinued, pointing to an illustration of certain college athleticsports, "a number of youthful cavaliers posturing and capering in apartly nude condition before a number of shameless women, whoemulate the saturnalia of heathen Rome by waving theirhandkerchiefs. We have here a companion picture," he said,indicating an illustration of gymnastic exercises by the studentsof a female academy at "Commencement," "in which, as thou seest,even the aged of both sexes unblushingly assist as spectators withevery expression of immodest satisfaction.""Have they no bull-fights or other seemly recreation that they mustindulge in such wantonness?" asked Dona Maria indignantly, gazing,however, somewhat curiously at the baleful representations."Of all that, my daughter, has their pampered civilization longsince wearied," returned the good padre, "for see, this is whatthey consider a moral and even a religious ceremony." He turned toan illustration of a woman's rights convention; "observe with whatrapt attention the audience of that heathen temple watch theinspired ravings of that elderly priestess on the dais. It is eventhis kind of sacrilegious performance that I am told thy nephew DonJose expounds and defends.""May the blessed saints preserve us; where will it lead to?"murmured the horrified Dona Maria."I will show thee," said Father Felipe, briskly turning the pageswith the same lofty ignoring of the text until he came to arepresentation of a labor procession. "There is one of theirperiodic revolutions unhappily not unknown even in Mexico. Thouperceivest those complacent artisans marching with implements oftheir craft, accompanied by the military, in the presence of theirown stricken masters. Here we see only another instance of theinstability of all communities that are not founded on theprinciples of the Holy Church.""And what is to be done with my nephew?"The good father's brow darkened with the gloomy religious zeal oftwo centuries ago. "We must have a council of the family, thealcalde, and the archbishop, at ONCE," he said ominously. To themere heretical observer the conclusion might have seemed lame andimpotent, but it was as near the Holy inquisition as the year ofgrace 1852 could offer.A few days after this colloquy the unsuspecting subject of it, DonJose Sepulvida, was sitting alone in the same apartment. Thefading glow of the western sky, through the deep embrasuredwindows, lit up his rapt and meditative face. He was a young manof apparently twenty-five, with a colorless satin complexion, darkeyes alternating between melancholy and restless energy, a narrowhigh forehead, long straight hair, and a lightly penciledmoustache. He was said to resemble the well-known portrait of theMarquis of Monterey in the mission church, a face that was allegedto leave a deep and lasting impression upon the observers. It wasundoubtedly owing to this quality during a brief visit of thefamous viceroy to a remote and married ancestress of Don Jose atLeon that the singular resemblance may be attributed.A heavy and hesitating step along the passage stopped before thegrating. Looking up, Don Jose beheld to his astonishment theslightly inflamed face of Roberto, a vagabond American whom he hadlately taken into his employment.Roberto, a polite translation of "Bob the Bucker," cleaned out at amonte-bank in Santa Cruz, penniless and profligate, had sold hismustang to Don Jose and recklessly thrown himself in with thebargain. Touched by the rascal's extravagance, the quality of themare, and observing that Bob's habits had not yet affected his seatin the saddle, but rather lent a demoniac vigor to his chase ofwild cattle, Don Jose had retained rider and horse in his serviceas vaquero.Bucking Bob, observing that his employer was alone, coolly openedthe door without ceremony, shut it softly behind him, and thenclosed the wooden shutter of the grating. Don Jose surveyed himwith mild surprise and dignified composure. The man appearedperfectly sober,--it was a peculiarity of his dissipated habitsthat, when not actually raving with drink, he was singularly shrewdand practical."Look yer, Don Kosay," he began in a brusque but guarded voice,"you and me is pards. When ye picked me and the mare up and set uson our legs again in this yer ranch, I allowed I'd tie to yewhenever you was in trouble--and wanted me. And I reckon that'swhat's the matter now. For from what I see and hear on every side,although you're the boss of this consarn, you're surrounded by agang of spies and traitors. Your comings and goings, your ins andouts, is dogged and followed and blown upon. The folks you trustis playing it on ye. It ain't for me to say why or wherefore--what's their rights and what's yourn--but I've come to tell ye thatif you don't get up and get outer this ranch them d--d priests andyour own flesh and blood--your aunts and your uncles and yourcousins, will have you chucked outer your property, and run into alunatic asylum.""Me--Don Jose Sepulvida--a lunatico! You are yourself crazy ofdrink, friend Roberto.""Yes," said Roberto grimly, "but that kind ain't ILLEGAL, whileyour makin' ducks and drakes of your property and going into'Merikin ideas and 'Merikin speculations they reckon is. Andspeakin' on the square, it ain't NAT'RAL."Don Jose sprang to his feet and began to pace up and down his cell-like study. "Ah, I remember now," he muttered, "I begin tocomprehend: Father Felipe's homilies and discourses! My aunt's tooaffectionate care! My cousin's discreet consideration! The promptattention of my servants! I see it all! And you," he said,suddenly facing Roberto, "why come you to tell me this?""Well, boss," said the American dryly, "I reckoned to stand byyou.""Ah," said Don Jose, visibly affected. "Good Roberto, come hither,child, you may kiss my hand.""If! it's all the same to you, Don Kosay,--THAT kin slide.""Ah, if--yes," said Don Jose, meditatively putting his hand to hisforehead, "miserable that I am!--I remembered not you wereAmericano. Pardon, my friend--embrace me--Conpanero y Amigo."With characteristic gravity he reclined for a moment upon Robert'sastonished breast. Then recovering himself with equal gravity hepaused, lifted his hand with gentle warning, marched to a recess inthe corner, unhooked a rapier hanging from the wall, and turned tohis companion."We will defend ourselves, friend Roberto. It is the sword of theComandante--my ancestor. The blade is of Toledo.""An ordinary six-shooter of Colt's would lay over that," saidRoberto grimly--"but that ain't your game just now, Don Kosay. Youmust get up and get, and at once. You must vamose the ranch aforethey lay hold of you and have you up before the alcalde. Once awayfrom here, they daren't follow you where there's 'Merikin law, andwhen you kin fight 'em in the square.""Good," said Don Jose with melancholy preciseness. "You are wise,friend Roberto. We may fight them later, as you say--on thesquare, or in the open Plaza. And you, camarado, YOU shall go withme--you and your mare."Sincere as the American had been in his offer of service, he wassomewhat staggered at this imperative command. But only for amoment. "Well," he said lazily, "I don't care if I do.""But," said Don Jose with increased gravity, "you SHALL care,friend Roberto. We shall make an alliance, an union. It is true,my brother, you drink of whiskey, and at such times are even as amadman. It has been recounted to me that it was necessary to yourexistence that you are a lunatic three days of the week. Whoknows? I myself, though I drink not of aguardiente, am accused offantasies for all time. Necessary it becomes therefore that weshould go TOGETHER. My fantasies and speculations cannot injureyou, my brother; your whiskey shall not empoison me. We shall gotogether in the great world of your American ideas of which I ammuch inflamed. We shall together breathe as one the spirit ofProgress and Liberty. We shall be even as neophytes making ofourselves Apostles of Truth. I absolve and renounce myselfhenceforth of my family. I shall take to myself the sister and thebrother, the aunt and the uncle, as we proceed. I devote myself tohumanity alone. I devote YOU, my friend, and the mare--thoughhappily she has not a Christian soul--to this glorious mission."The few level last rays of light lit up a faint enthusiasm in theface of Don Jose, but without altering his imperturbable gravity.The vaquero eyed him curiously and half doubtfully."We will go to-morrow," resumed Don Jose with solemn decision, "forit is Wednesday. It was a Sunday that thou didst ride the mare upthe steps of the Fonda and demanded that thy liquor should beserved to thee in a pail. I remember it, for the landlord of theFonda claimed twenty pesos for damage and the kissing of his wife.Therefore, by computation, good Roberto, thou shouldst be soberuntil Friday, and we shall have two clear days to fly before thymadness again seizes thee.""They kin say what they like, Don Kosay, but YOUR head is level,"returned the unabashed American, grasping Don Jose's hand. "Allright, then. Hasta manana, as your folks say.""Hasta manana," repeated Don Jose gravely.At daybreak next morning, while slumber still weighted the lazyeyelids of "the Blessed Innocents," Don Jose Sepulvida and histrusty squire Roberto, otherwise known as "Bucking Bob," rode forthunnoticed from the corral.II.Three days had passed. At the close of the third, Don Jose wasseated in a cosy private apartment of the San Mateo Hotel, wherethey had halted for an arranged interview with his lawyer beforereaching San Francisco. From his window he could see thesurrounding park-like avenues of oaks and the level white highroad, now and then clouded with the dust of passing teams. But hiseyes were persistently fixed upon a small copy of the AmericanConstitution before him. Suddenly there was a quick rap on hisdoor, and before he could reply to it a man brusquely entered.Don Jose raised his head slowly, and recognized the landlord. Butthe intruder, apparently awed by the gentle, grave, and studiousfigure before him, fell back for an instant in an attitude of surlyapology."Enter freely, my good Jenkinson," said Don Jose, with a quietcourtesy that had all the effect of irony. "The apartment, such asit is, is at your disposition. It is even yours, as is the house.""Well, I'm darned if I know as it is," said the landlord,recovering himself roughly, "and that's jest what's the matter.Yer's that man of yours smashing things right and left in the bar-room and chuckin' my waiters through the window.""Softly, softly, good Jenkinson," said Don Jose, putting a mark inthe pages of the volume before him. "It is necessary first that Ishould correct your speech. He is not my 'MAN,' which I comprehendto mean a slave, a hireling, a thing obnoxious to the greatAmerican nation which I admire and to which HE belongs. Therefore,good Jenkinson, say 'friend,' 'companion,' 'guide,' philosopher,'if you will. As to the rest, it is of no doubt as you relate. Imyself have heard the breakings of glass and small dishes as I sithere; three times I have seen your waiters projected into the roadwith much violence and confusion. To myself I have then said, evenas I say to you, good Jenkinson, 'Patience, patience, the end isnot far.' In four hours," continued Don Jose, holding up fourfingers, "he shall make a finish. Until then, not.""Well, I'm d--d," ejaculated Jenkinson, gasping for breath in hisindignation."Nay, excellent Jenkinson, not dam-ned but of a possibility dam-AGED. That I shall repay when he have make a finish.""But, darn it all," broke in the landlord angrily."Ah," said Don Jose gravely, "you would be paid before! Good; forhow much shall you value ALL you have in your bar?"Don Jose's imperturbability evidently shook the landlord's faith inthe soundness of his own position. He looked at his guestcritically and audaciously."It cost me two hundred dollars to fit it up," he said curtly.Don Jose rose, and, taking a buckskin purse from his saddle-bag,counted out four slugs* and handed them to the stupefied Jenkinson.The next moment, however, his host recovered himself, and castingthe slugs back on the little table, brought his fist down with anemphasis that made them dance.* Hexagonal gold pieces valued at $50 each, issued by a privatefirm as coin in the early days."But, look yer--suppose I want this thing stopped--you hear me--STOPPED--now.""That would be interfering with the liberty of the subject, my goodJenkinson--which God forbid!" said Don Jose calmly. "Moreover, itis the custom of the Americanos--a habit of my friend Roberto--anecessity of his existence--and so recognized of his friends.Patience and courage, Senor Jenkinson. Stay--ah, I comprehend! youhave--of a possibility--a wife?""No, I'm a widower," said Jenkinson sharply."Then I congratulate you. My friend Roberto would have kissed her.It is also of his habit. Truly you have escaped much. I embraceyou, Jenkinson."He threw his arms gravely around Jenkinson, in whose astounded faceat last an expression of dry humor faintly dawned. After amoment's survey of Don Jose's impenetrable gravity, he coollygathered up the gold coins, and saying that he would assess thedamages and return the difference, he left the room as abruptly ashe had entered it.But Don Jose was not destined to remain long in peaceful study ofthe American Constitution. He had barely taken up the book againand renewed his serious contemplation of its excellences when therewas another knock at his door. This time, in obedience to hisinvitation to enter, the new visitor approached with moredeliberation and a certain formality.He was a young man of apparently the same age as Don Jose,handsomely dressed, and of a quiet self-possession and gravityalmost equal to his host's."I believe I am addressing Don Jose Sepulvida," he said with afamiliar yet courteous inclination of his handsome head. Don Jose,who had risen in marked contrast to his reception of his formerguest, answered,--"You are truly making to him a great honor.""Well, you're going it blind as far as I'M concerned certainly,"said the young man, with a slight smile, "for you don't know ME.""Pardon, my friend," said Don Jose gently, "in this book, thisgreat Testament of your glorious nation, I have read that you areall equal, one not above, one not below the other. I salute in youthe Nation! It is enough!""Thank you," returned the stranger, with a face that, saving thefaintest twinkle in the corner of his dark eyes, was as immovableas his host's, "but for the purposes of my business I had bettersay I am Jack Hamlin, a gambler, and am just now dealing faro inthe Florida saloon round the corner."He paused carelessly, as if to allow Don Jose the protest he didnot make, and then continued,--"The matter is this. One of your vaqueros, who is, however, anAmerican, was round there an hour ago bucking against faro, and putup and LOST, not only the mare he was riding, but a horse which Ihave just learned is yours. Now we reckon, over there, that we canmake enough money playing a square game, without being obliged totake property from a howling drunkard, to say nothing of it notbelonging to him, and I've come here, Don Jose, to say that ifyou'll send over and bring away your man and your horse, you canhave 'em both.""If I have comprehended, honest Hamlin," said Don Jose slowly,"this Roberto, who was my vaquero and is my brother, has approachedthis faro game by himself unsolicited?""He certainly didn't seem shy of it," said Mr. Hamlin with equalgravity. "To the best of my knowledge he looked as if he'd beenthere before.""And if he had won, excellent Hamlin, you would have given him theequal of his mare and horse?""A hundred dollars for each, yes, certainly.""Then I see not why I should send for the property which is trulyno longer mine, nor for my brother who will amuse himself after thefashion of his country in the company of so honorable a caballeroas yourself? Stay! oh imbecile that I am. I have not remembered.You would possibly say that he has no longer of horses! Play him;play him, admirable yet prudent Hamlin. I have two thousandhorses! Of a surety he cannot exhaust them in four hours.Therefore play him, trust to me for recompensa, and have no fear."A quick flush covered the stranger's cheek, and his eyebrowsmomentarily contracted. He walked carelessly to the window,however, glanced out, and then turned to Don Jose."May I ask, then," he said with almost sepulchral gravity, "isanybody taking care of you?""Truly," returned Don Jose cautiously, "there is my brother andfriend Roberto.""Ah! Roberto, certainly," said Mr. Hamlin profoundly."Why do you ask, considerate friend?""Oh! I only thought, with your kind of opinions, you must oftenfeel lonely in California. Good-bye." He shook Don Jose's handheartily, took up his hat, inclined his head with gracefulseriousness, and passed out of the room. In the hall he met thelandlord."Well," said Jenkinson, with a smile half anxious, halfinsinuating, "you saw him? What do you think of him?"Mr. Hamlin paused and regarded Jenkinson with a calmlycontemplative air, as if he were trying to remember first who hewas, and secondly why he should speak to him at all. "Think ofwhom?" he repeated carelessly."Why him--you know--Don Jose.""I did not see anything the matter with him," returned Hamlin withfrigid simplicity."What? nothing queer?""Well, no--except that he's a guest in YOUR house," said Hamlinwith great cheerfulness. "But then, as you keep a hotel, you can'thelp occasionally admitting a--gentleman."Mr. Jenkinson smiled the uneasy smile of a man who knew that hisinterlocutor's playfulness occasionally extended to the use of aderringer, in which he was singularly prompt and proficient, andMr. Hamlin, equally conscious of that knowledge on the part of hiscompanion, descended the staircase composedly.But the day had darkened gradually into night, and Don Jose was atlast compelled to put aside his volume. The sound of a large bellrung violently along the hall and passages admonished him that theAmerican dinner was ready, and although the viands and the mode ofcooking were not entirely to his fancy, he had, in his graveenthusiasm for the national habits, attended the table d'hoteregularly with Roberto. On reaching the lower hall he was informedthat his henchman had early succumbed to the potency of hislibations, and had already been carried by two men to bed.Receiving this information with his usual stoical composure, heentered the dining-room, but was surprised to find that a separatetable had been prepared for him by the landlord, and that a rudeattempt had been made to serve him with his own native dishes."Senores y Senoritas," said Don Jose, turning from it and withgrave politeness addressing the assembled company, "if I seem to-day to partake alone and in a reserved fashion of certain viandsthat have been prepared for me, it is truly from no lack ofcourtesy to your distinguished company, but rather, I protest, toavoid the appearance of greater discourtesy to our excellentJenkinson, who has taken some pains and trouble to comport hisestablishment to what he conceives to be my desires. Wherefore, myfriends, in God's name fall to, the same as if I were not present,and grace be with you."A few stared at the tall, gentle, melancholy figure with someastonishment; a few whispered to their neighbors; but when, at theconclusion of his repast, Don Jose arose and again saluted thecompany, one or two stood up and smilingly returned the courtesy,and Polly Jenkinson, the landlord's youngest daughter, to the greatdelight of her companions, blew him a kiss.After visiting the vaquero in his room, and with his own handapplying some native ointment to the various contusions andscratches which recorded the late engagements of the unconsciousRoberto, Don Jose placed a gold coin in the hands of the Irishchamber-maid, and bidding her look after the sleeper, he threw hisserape over his shoulders and passed into the road. The loungerson the veranda gazed at him curiously, yet half acknowledged hisusual serious salutation, and made way for him with a certainrespect. Avoiding the few narrow streets of the little town, hepursued his way meditatively along the highroad, returning to thehotel after an hour's ramble, as the evening stage-coach haddeposited its passengers and departed."There's a lady waiting to see you upstairs," said the landlordwith a peculiar smile. "She rather allowed it wasn't the properthing to see you alone, or she wasn't quite ekal to it, I reckon,for she got my Polly to stand by her.""Your Polly, good Jenkinson?" said Don Jose interrogatively."My darter, Don Jose.""Ah, truly! I am twice blessed," said Don Jose, gravely ascendingthe staircase.On entering the room he perceived a tall, large-featured woman withan extraordinary quantity of blond hair parted on one side of herbroad forehead, sitting upon the sofa. Beside her sat PollyJenkinson, her fresh, honest, and rather pretty face beaming withdelighted expectation and mischief. Don Jose saluted them with aformal courtesy, which, however, had no trace of the fact that hereally did not remember anything of them."I called," said the large-featured woman with a voice equallypronounced, "in reference to a request from you, which, thoughperhaps unconventional in the extreme, I have been able to meet bythe intervention of this young lady's company. My name on thiscard may not be familiar to you--but I am 'Dorothy Dewdrop.'"A slight movement of abstraction and surprise passed over DonJose's face, but as quickly vanished as he advanced towards her andgracefully raised the tips of her fingers to his lips. "Have Ithen, at last, the privilege of beholding that most distressed anddeeply injured of women! Or is it but a dream!"It certainly was not, as far as concerned the substantial person ofthe woman before him, who, however, seemed somewhat uneasy underhis words as well as the demure scrutiny of Miss Jenkinson. "Ithought you might have forgotten," she said with slight acerbity,"that you desired an interview with the authoress of"--"Pardon," interrupted Don Jose, standing before her in an attitudeof the deepest sympathizing dejection, "I had not forgotten. It isnow three weeks since I have read in the journal 'Golden Gate' theeloquent and touching poem of your sufferings, and youraspirations, and your miscomprehensions by those you love. Iremember as yesterday that you have said, that cruel fate havelinked you to a soulless state--that--but I speak not well your ownbeautiful language--you are in tears at evenfall 'because that youare not understood of others, and that your soul recoiled from ironbonds, until, as in a dream, you sought succor and release in sometrue Knight of equal plight.'""I am told," said the large-featured woman with some satisfaction,"that the poem to which you allude has been generally admired.""Admired! Senora," said Don Jose, with still darker sympathy, "itis not the word; it is FELT. I have felt it. When I read thosewords of distress, I am touched of compassion! I have said, Thiswoman, so disconsolate, so oppressed, must be relieved, protected!I have wrote to you, at the 'Golden Gate,' to see me here.""And I have come, as you perceive," said the poetess, rising with aslight smile of constraint; "and emboldened by your appreciation, Ihave brought a few trifles thrown off"--"Pardon, unhappy Senora," interrupted Don Jose, lifting his handdeprecatingly without relaxing his melancholy precision, "but to acavalier further evidence is not required--and I have not yet makefinish. I have not content myself to WRITE to you. I have sent mytrusty friend Roberto to inquire at the 'Golden Gate' of yourcondition. I have found there, most unhappy and persecuted friend--that with truly angelic forbearance you have not told ALL--thatyou are MARRIED, and that of a necessity it is your husband that iscold and soulless and unsympathizing--and all that you describe.""Sir!" said the poetess, rising in angry consternation."I have written to him," continued Don Jose, with unheedinggravity; "have appealed to him as a friend, I have conjured him asa caballero, I have threatened him even as a champion of the Right,I have said to him, in effect--that this must not be as it is. Ihave informed him that I have made an appointment with you even atthis house, and I challenged him to meet you here--in this room--even at this instant, and, with God's help, we should make good ourcharges against him. It is yet early; I have allowed time for thelateness of the stage and the fact that he will come by anotherconveyance. Therefore, O Dona Dewdrop, tremble not like thynamesake as it were on the leaf of apprehension and expectancy. I,Don Jose, am here to protect thee. I will take these charges"--gently withdrawing the manuscripts from her astonished grasp--"though even, as I related to thee before, I want them not, yet wewill together confront him with them and make them good againsthim.""Are you mad?" demanded the lady in almost stentorious accents, "oris this an unmanly hoax?" Suddenly she stopped in undeniableconsternation. "Good heavens," she muttered, "if Abner shouldbelieve this. He is SUCH a fool! He has lately been queer andjealous. Oh dear!" she said, turning to Polly Jenkinson with thefirst indication of feminine weakness, "Is he telling the truth? ishe crazy? what shall I do?"Polly Jenkinson, who had witnessed the interview with the intensestenjoyment, now rose equal to the occasion."You have made a mistake," she said, uplifting her demure blue eyesto Don Jose's dark and melancholy gaze. "This lady is a POETESS!The sufferings she depicts, the sorrows she feels, are in theIMAGINATION, in her fancy only.""Ah!" said Don Jose gloomily; "then it is all false.""No," said Polly quickly, "only they are not her OWN, you know.They are somebody elses. She only describes them for another,don't you see?""And who, then, is this unhappy one?" asked the Don quickly."Well--a--friend," stammered Polly, hesitatingly."A friend!" repeated Don Jose. "Ah, I see, of possibility a dearone, even," he continued, gazing with tender melancholy into theuntroubled cerulean depths of Polly's eyes, "even, but no, child,it could not be! THOU art too young.""Ah," said Polly, with an extraordinary gulp and a fierce nudge ofthe poetess, "but it WAS me.""You, Senorita," repeated Don Jose, falling back in an attitude ofmingled admiration and pity. "You, the child of Jenkinson!""Yes, yes," joined in the poetess hurriedly; "but that isn't goingto stop the consequences of your wretched blunder. My husband willbe furious, and will be here at any moment. Good gracious! what isthat?"The violent slamming of a distant door at that instant, the soundsof quick scuffling on the staircase, and the uplifting of an iratevoice had reached her ears and thrown her back in the arms of PollyJenkinson. Even the young girl herself turned an anxious gazetowards the door. Don Jose alone was unmoved."Possess yourselves in peace, Senoritas," he said calmly. "We havehere only the characteristic convalescence of my friend andbrother, the excellent Roberto. He will ever recover himself fromdrink with violence, even as he precipitates himself into it withfury. He has been prematurely awakened. I will discover thecause."With an elaborate bow to the frightened women, he left the room.Scarcely had the door closed when the poetess turned quickly toPolly. "The man's a stark staring lunatic, but, thank Heaven,Abner will see it at once. And now let's get away while we can.To think," she said, snatching up her scattered manuscripts, "thatTHAT was all the beast wanted.""I'm sure he's very gentle and kind," said Polly, recovering herdimples with a demure pout; "but stop, he's coming back."It was indeed Don Jose re-entering the room with the composure of arelieved and self-satisfied mind. "It is even as I said, Senora,"he began, taking the poetess's hand,--"and MORE. You are SAVED!"As the women only stared at each other, he gravely folded his armsand continued: "I will explain. For the instant I have notremember that, in imitation of your own delicacy, I have given toyour husband in my letter, not the name of myself, but, as a mereDon Fulano, the name of my brother Roberto--'Bucking Bob.' Yourhusband have this moment arrive! Penetrating the bedroom of theexcellent Roberto, he has indiscreetly seize him in his bed,without explanation, without introduction, without fear! Theexcellent Roberto, ever ready for such distractions, have respond!In a word, to use the language of the good Jenkinson--our host, ourfather--who was present, he have 'wiped the floor with yourhusband,' and have even carried him down the staircase to thestreet. Believe me, he will not return. You are free!""Fool! Idiot! Crazy beast!" said the poetess, dashing past himand out of the door. "You shall pay for this!"Don Jose did not change his imperturbable and melancholy calm."And now, little one," he said, dropping on one knee before thehalf-frightened Polly, "child of Jenkinson, now that thy perhapstoo excitable sponsor has, in a poet's caprice, abandoned thee forsome newer fantasy, confide in me thy distress, to me, thy Knight,and tell the story of thy sorrows.""But," said Polly, rising to her feet and struggling between alaugh and a cry. "I haven't any sorrows. Oh dear! don't you see,it's only her FANCY to make me seem so. There's nothing the matterwith me.""Nothing the matter," repeated Don Jose slowly. "You have nodistress? You want no succor, no relief, no protector? This,then, is but another delusion!" he said, rising sadly."Yes, no--that is--oh, my gracious goodness!" said Polly,hopelessly divided between a sense of the ridiculous and somestrange attraction in the dark, gentle eyes that were fixed uponher half reproachfully. "You don't understand."Don Jose replied only with a melancholy smile, and then going tothe door, opened it with a bowed head and respectful courtesy. Atthe act, Polly plucked up courage again, and with it a slight dashof her old audacity."I'm sure I'm very sorry that I ain't got any love sorrows," shesaid demurely. "And I suppose it's very dreadful in me not to havebeen raving and broken-hearted over somebody or other as that womanhas said. Only," she waited till she had gained the secure vantageof the threshold, "I never knew a gentleman to OBJECT to itbefore!"With this Parthian arrow from her blue eyes she slipped into thepassage and vanished through the door of the opposite parlor. Foran instant Don Jose remained motionless and reflecting. Then,recovering himself with grave precision, he deliberately picked uphis narrow black gloves from the table, drew them on, took his hatin his hand, and solemnly striding across the passage, entered thedoor that had just closed behind her.III.It must not be supposed that in the meantime the flight of Don Joseand his follower was unattended by any commotion at the rancho ofthe Blessed Innocents. At the end of three hours' deliberation, inwhich the retainers were severally examined, the corral searched,and the well in the courtyard sounded, scouts were dispatched indifferent directions, who returned with the surprising informationthat the fugitives were not in the vicinity. A trustworthymessenger was sent to Monterey for "custom-house paper," on whichto draw up a formal declaration of the affair. The archbishop wassummoned from San Luis, and Don Victor and Don Vincente Sepulvida,with the Donas Carmen and Inez Alvarado, and a former alcalde,gathered at a family council the next day. In this seriousconclave the good Father Felipe once more expounded the alienatedcondition and the dangerous reading of the absent man. In themidst of which the ordinary post brought a letter from Don Jose,calmly inviting the family to dine with him and Roberto at SanMateo on the following Wednesday. The document was passed gravelyfrom hand to hand. Was it a fresh evidence of mental aberration--an audacity of frenzy--or a trick of the vaquero? The archbishopand alcalde shook their heads--it was without doubt a lawless, evena sacrilegious and blasphemous fete. But a certain curiosity ofthe ladies and of Father Felipe carried the day. Without formallyaccepting the invitation it was decided that the family shouldexamine the afflicted man, with a view of taking active measureshereafter. On the day appointed, the traveling carriage of theSepulvidas, an equipage coeval with the beginning of the century,drawn by two white mules gaudily caparisoned, halted before thehotel at San Mateo and disgorged Father Felipe, the Donas Carmenand Inez Alvarado and Maria Sepulvida, while Don Victor and DonVincente Sepulvida, their attendant cavaliers on fiery mustangs,like outriders, drew rein at the same time. A slight thrill ofexcitement, as of the advent of a possible circus, had precededthem through the little town; a faint blending of cigarette smokeand garlic announced their presence on the veranda.Ushered into the parlor of the hotel, apparently set apart fortheir reception, they were embarrassed at not finding their hostpresent. But they were still more disconcerted when a tall full-bearded stranger, with a shrewd amused-looking face, rose from achair by the window, and stepping forward, saluted them in fluentSpanish with a slight American accent."I have to ask you, gentlemen and ladies," he began, with a certaininsinuating ease and frankness that alternately aroused and lulledtheir suspicions, "to pardon the absence of our friend Don JoseSepulvida at this preliminary greeting. For to be perfectly frankwith you, although the ultimate aim and object of our gathering isa social one, you are doubtless aware that certain infelicities andmisunderstandings--common to most families--have occurred, and afree, dispassionate, unprejudiced discussion and disposal of themat the beginning will only tend to augment the goodwill of ourgathering.""The Senor without doubt is"--suggested the padre, with a politeinterrogative pause."Pardon me! I forgot to introduce myself. Colonel Parker--entirely at your service and that of these charming ladies."The ladies referred to allowed their eyes to rest with evidentprepossession on the insinuating stranger. "Ah, a soldier," saidDon Vincente."Formerly," said the American lightly; "at present a lawyer, thecounsel of Don Jose."A sudden rigor of suspicion stiffened the company; the ladieswithdrew their eyes; the priest and the Sepulvidas exchangedglances."Come," said Colonel Parker, with apparent unconsciousness of theeffect of his disclosure, "let us begin frankly. You have, Ibelieve, some anxiety in regard to the mental condition of DonJose.""We believe him to be mad," said Padre Felipe promptly,"irresponsible, possessed!""That is your opinion; good," said the lawyer quietly."And ours too," clamored the party, "without doubt.""Good," returned the lawyer with perfect cheerfulness. "As hisrelations, you have no doubt had superior opportunities forobserving his condition. I understand also that you may think itnecessary to have him legally declared non compos, a proceedingwhich, you are aware, might result in the incarceration of ourdistinguished friend in a mad-house.""Pardon, Senor," interrupted Dona Maria proudly, "you do notcomprehend the family. When a Sepulvida is visited of God we donot ask the Government to confine him like a criminal. We protecthim in his own house from the consequences of his frenzy.""From the machinations of the worldly and heretical," broke in thepriest, "and from the waste and dispersion of inheritedpossessions.""Very true," continued Colonel Parker, with unalterable good-humor;"but I was only about to say that there might be conflictingevidence of his condition. For instance, our friend has been herethree days. In that time he has had three interviews with threeindividuals under singular circumstances." Colonel Parker thenbriefly recounted the episodes of the landlord, the gambler, MissJenkinson and the poetess, as they had been related to him. "Yet,"he continued, "all but one of these individuals are willing toswear that they not only believe Don Jose perfectly sane, butendowed with a singularly sound judgment. In fact, the testimonyof Mr. Hamlin and Miss Jenkinson is remarkably clear on thatsubject."The company exchanged a supercilious smile. "Do you not see, OSenor Advocate," said Don Vincente compassionately, "that this isbut a conspiracy to avail themselves of our relative's weakness.Of a necessity they find him sane who benefits them.""I have thought of that, and am glad to hear you say so," returnedthe lawyer still more cheerfully, "for your prompt opinionemboldens me to be at once perfectly frank with you. Briefly then,Don Jose has summoned me here to make a final disposition of hisproperty. In the carrying out of certain theories of his, which itis not my province to question, he has resolved upon comparativepoverty for himself as best fitted for his purpose, and to employhis wealth solely for others. In fact, of all his vast possessionshe retains for himself only an income sufficient for the barenecessaries of life.""And you have done this?" they asked in one voice."Not yet," said the lawyer."Blessed San Antonio, we have come in time!" ejaculated DonaCarmen. "Another day and it would have been too late; it was aninspiration of the Blessed Innocents themselves," said Dona Maria,crossing herself. "Can you longer doubt that this is the wildestmadness?" said Father Felipe with flashing eyes."Yet," returned the lawyer, caressing his heavy beard with ameditative smile, "the ingenious fellow actually instanced the vowsof YOUR OWN ORDER, reverend sir, as an example in support of histheory. But to be brief. Conceiving, then, that his holding ofproperty was a mere accident of heritage, not admitted by him,unworthy his acceptance, and a relic of superstitious ignorance"--"This is the very sacrilege of Satanic prepossession," broke in thepriest indignantly."He therefore," continued the lawyer composedly, "makes over andreverts the whole of his possessions, with the exceptions I havestated, to his family and the Church."A breathless and stupefying silence fell upon the company. In thedead hush the sound of Polly Jenkinson's piano, played in a distantroom, could be distinctly heard. With their vacant eyes staring athim the speaker continued:"That deed of gift I have drawn up as he dictated it. I don't mindsaying that in the opinion of some he might be declared non composupon the evidence of that alone. I need not say how relieved I amto find that your opinion coincides with my own.""But," gasped Father Felipe hurriedly, with a quick glance at theothers, "it does not follow that it will be necessary to resort tothese legal measures. Care, counsel, persuasion--""The general ministering of kinship--nursing, a woman's care--theinstincts of affection," piped Dona Maria in breathless eagerness."Any light social distraction--a harmless flirtation--a possibleattachment," suggested Dona Carmen shyly."Change of scene--active exercise--experiences--even as those youhave related," broke in Don Vincente."I for one have ever been opposed to LEGAL measures," said DonVictor. "A mere consultation of friends--in fact, a fete like thisis sufficient.""Good friends," said Father Felipe, who had by this time recoveredhimself, taking out his snuff-box portentously, "it would seemtruly, from the document which this discreet caballero has spokenof, that the errors of our dear Don Jose are rather of method thanintent, and that while we may freely accept the one"--"Pardon," interrupted Colonel Parker with bland persistence, "but Imust point out to you that what we call in law 'a consideration' isnecessary to the legality of a conveyance, even though thatconsideration be frivolous and calculated to impair the validity ofthe document.""Truly," returned the good padre insinuatingly; "but if a discreetadvocate were to suggest the substitution of some more pious andreasonable consideration"--"But that would be making it a perfectly sane and gratuitousdocument, not only glaringly inconsistent with your charges, mygood friends, with Don Jose's attitude towards you and his flightfrom home, but open to the gravest suspicion in law. In fact, itsapparent propriety in the face of these facts would imply improperinfluence."The countenances of the company fell. The lawyer's face, however,became still more good-humored and sympathizing. "The case issimply this. If in the opinion of judge and jury Don Jose isdeclared insane, the document is worthless except as a proof ofthat fact or a possible indication of the undue influence of hisrelations, which might compel the court to select his guardians andtrustees elsewhere than among them.""Friend Abogado," said Father Felipe with extraordinarydeliberation, "the document thou hast just described so eloquentlyconvinces me beyond all doubt that Don Jose is not only perfectlysane but endowed with a singular discretion. I consider it as adelicate and high-spirited intimation to us, his friends andkinsmen, of his unalterable and logically just devotion to hisfamily and religion, whatever may seem to be his poetical andimaginative manner of declaring it. I think there is not onehere," continued the padre, looking around him impressively, "whois not entirely satisfied of Don Jose's reason and competency toarrange his own affairs.""Entirely," "truly," "perfectly," eagerly responded the others withaffecting spontaneity."Nay, more. To prevent any misconception, we shall deem it ourduty to take every opportunity of making our belief publiclyknown," added Father Felipe.The padre and Colonel Parker gazed long and gravely into eachother's eyes. It may have been an innocent touch of the sunlightthrough the window, but a faint gleam seemed to steal into thepupil of the affable lawyer at the same moment that, probably fromthe like cause, there was a slight nervous contraction of the lefteyelid of the pious father. But it passed, and the next instantthe door opened to admit Don Jose Sepulvida.He was at once seized and effusively embraced by the entire companywith every protest of affection and respect. not only Mr. Hamlinand Mr. Jenkinson, who accompanied him as invited guests, butRoberto, in a new suit of clothes and guiltless of stain or traceof dissipation, shared in the pronounced friendliness of thekinsmen. Padre Felipe took snuff, Colonel Parker blew his nosegently.Nor were they less demonstrative of their new convictions later atthe banquet. Don Jose, with Jenkinson and the padre on his rightand left, preserved his gentle and half-melancholy dignity in themidst of the noisy fraternization. Even Padre Felipe, in a briefspeech or exhortation proposing the health of their host, lenthimself in his own tongue to this polite congeniality. "We havehad also, my friends and brothers," he said in peroration, "apleasing example of the compliment of imitation shown by ourbeloved Don Jose. No one who has known him during his friendlysojourn in this community but will be struck with the convictionthat he has acquired that most marvelous faculty of your greatAmerican nation, the exhibition of humor and of the practicaljoke."Every eye was turned upon the imperturbable face of Don Jose as heslowly rose to reply. "In bidding you to this fete, my friends andkinsmen," he began calmly, "it was with the intention of formallyembracing the habits, customs, and spirit of American institutionsby certain methods of renunciation of the past, as became acaballero of honor and resolution. Those methods may possibly beknown to some of you." He paused for a moment as if to allow themembers of his family to look unconscious. "Since then, in thewisdom of God, it has occurred to me that my purpose may be ashonorably effected by a discreet blending of the past and thepresent--in a word, by the judicious combination of the interestsof my native people and the American nation. In consideration ofthat purpose, friends and kinsmen, I ask you to join me in drinkingthe good health of my host Senor Jenkinson, my future father-in-law, from whom I have to-day had the honor to demand the hand ofthe peerless Polly, his daughter, as the future mistress of theRancho of the Blessed Innocents."The marriage took place shortly after. Nor was the free will andindependence of Don Jose Sepulvida in the least opposed by hisrelations. Whether they felt they had already committedthemselves, or had hopes in the future, did not transpire. Enoughthat the escapade of a week was tacitly forgotten. The onlyallusion ever made to the bridegroom's peculiarities was drawn fromthe demure lips of the bride herself on her installation at the"Blessed Innocents.""And what, little one, didst thou find in me to admire?" Don Josehad asked tenderly."Oh, you seemed to be so much like that dear old Don Quixote, youknow," she answered demurely."Don Quixote," repeated Don Jose with gentle gravity. "But, mychild, that was only a mere fiction--a romance, of one Cervantes.Believe me, of a truth there never was any such person!"
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