"For more than a year I tried to get sight o' that report. Then I tried to find the Mission or the Presidio that the relief party started from, and may be see some of that party. But then kem the gold excitement, and the Americans took possession of the Missions and Presidios, and when I got to San--San--San----" "Geronimo," interrupted Ramirez, hastily. "Did I tell?" asked Gabriel, simply; "I don't remember that." Ramirez showed all his teeth in quick assent, and motioned him with his finger to go on. "When I got to San Geronimo, there was nobody, and no records left. Then I put a notiss in the San Francisco paper for Philip Ashley--that was the man as helped her away--to communicate with me. But thar weren't no answer." Ramirez rose. "You are not rich, friend Gabriel?" "No," said Gabriel. "But you expect--ah--you expect?" "Well, I reckon some day to make a strike like the rest." "Anywhere, my friend?" "Anywhere," repeated Gabriel, smiling. "_Adios_," said the stranger, going to the door. "_Adios_," repeated Gabriel. "Must you go to-night? What's your hurry? You're sure you feel better now?" "Better?" answered Ramirez, with a singular smile. "Better! Look, I am so strong!" He stretched out his arms, and expanded his chest, and walked erect to the door. "You have cured my rheumatism, friend Gabriel. Good night." The door closed behind him. In another moment he was in the saddle, and speeding so swiftly that, in spite of mud and darkness, in two hours he had reached the mining town where the Wingdam and Sacramento stage-coach changed horses. The next morning, while Olly and Gabriel were eating breakfast, Mr. Victor Ramirez stepped briskly from the stage that drew up at Marysville Hotel, and entered the hotel office. As the clerk looked up inquiringly, Mr. Ramirez handed him a card-- "Send that, if you please, to Miss Grace Conroy." CHAPTER II. MADAME DEVARGES.