“Oh, no,” replied Jim, hastily, “it will probably not be necessary, and my friend, Toppy, here, who is an exceptionally good nurse, can give me all the attention I require. Be assured, sir, that you shall be called in again if anything unfavorable arises. There’s something healing in the California air. The bullet is out and as I can rest quietly in Toppy’s cabin, there will be no further trouble, I am sure. I have been there before, Doctor,” and he smiled grimly. “Very well then,” I said, “if you insist on assuming the responsibility of your own case, I suppose I have no right to protest. Remember your promise, however, and call me at the slightest intimation of trouble. I will learn how you are, from time to time, through Toppy, and if I should at any time hear an unfavorable report, I might be discourteous enough to call without an invitation.” “I think we understand each other, Doctor,” replied Jim, “and now I believe I’ll take a nap; sleep has been a scarce commodity with me for a few days past.” As I left the cabin I could not rid myself of the impression that there was something strangely familiar about my patient. My first acquaintance with him was certainly the night of the affair at the Palace in San Francisco, and yet, he impressed me differently from what might have been expected in meeting an entire stranger. I had an ill defined impression that Jim had been a factor in my life before. But when, and where? My mind was a blank upon this point, nor was I likely to become enlightened, considering the lack of encouragement with which inquiries into the personal histories of the early California citizen were usually met. When we arrived at the bank of the river on our return to the town, Toppy safely secured his little boat to the overhanging willows and insisted on escorting me back to the hotel. Although this was unnecessary, I was very glad to have the kind-hearted fellow’s company, the more especially as I desired to learn something of my new and interesting patient. Arriving at the Tuolumne House, I said--“Toppy, you have furnished me the opportunity of losing my sleep, and I propose to get even. It is almost daylight, and we may as well make a full night of it. I want to know more of your friend Jim. I don’t know why, but he greatly interests me. Not but that I am always interested in my patients, but my feeling toward your friend is rather a peculiar one. Suppose we find a quiet seat somewhere and talk a little about him?” Toppy acquiesced, and having declined the cigar I proffered him, in favor of a stubby black pipe that he produced and lighted, we seated ourselves upon an old stump, a little way from the hotel. “Well, Doc, I don’t s’pose it’s ness’ary fer me ter tell y’u that Jim’s my best friend. He’s the best I ever hed, since--well, since I come from the States. I’ve got good reasons fer likin’ him, ez you’ll obsarve.