A room half the size of the library was in view. Stone mortars were on the floor, and on the shelves. Resting on the brims of the vessels, and caught on the rough sides of the exteriors, were many yellow particles which dully shone in the newly-admitted light. "Why, this is gold! gold!" touching his fingers on the edge of a jar. "These stones must once have held the ransom of a king!" pointing to the interior of one mortar after another. Amidst spider-webs and the accumulated dust of years lay thin streaks of gold-dust tracing the way from rim to bottom. He examined an ancient broom which lay among the receptacles, gold showing among its moldy strands. "Zounds! señora. It is pure gold. I've seen it in its native state the world over." He crossed the room. As he walked tiny nuggets of the metal which had escaped the sweepings of the old-timer grated under his feet. Fingermarks could be seen on the floor where the treasure had been scooped up by the single and double handfuls. "Twenty years ago I was told that California's hills and valleys framed a skeleton of virgin gold. Here may be proof of it. Pray, my lady, what do you know of this? Where did the gold come from?" She indicated some maps hanging on the walls. "These drawings show whence came the gold which once rested here." "Yes--yes--they show--they show a river flowing from high hills--and the direction from Monterey--north of east it is. Here is the scale of miles. Why, it is not a fortnight's journey to the place. Ah!--here are signs--yes, signs--but, perdition! they are hieroglyphics. I can make out nothing more. Señora, how in the name of mystery did you learn of this trick-room?" She had been standing quietly, noting with interest and some little amusement the varied activities and remarks of the Captain. "The secret was made known to me in Spain. The one-time Spanish governor built a palace in Seville, on his home-coming from Monterey, and lived ever after as a prince. These jars supplied the wherewithal. As I heard it, he intended to return some day, on private ship, for yet vaster measure of this golden sifting which lies hidden in the California hills, but alas! too much good living and gout did not permit." "This is wonderful--most wonderful! Somewhere in the hills there is gold, quantities of gold. Likewise, there is gold in these fertile valleys, for they smile in verdure and give promise of rich harvest a week after the drought is over. My lady, the world never dreams of the possibilities of this province." "Clive gave India to England. May we not do even more?" "Just so, señora, just so. Does anyone else know of this room?" "Quite likely no one. Even Colonel Barcelo does not, his own house as it is." "But these maps! Do you not think it singular that the owner did not most carefully preserve these talismanic signs, and take them away with him?" "They were left here with purpose, friend of mine." "And that purpose?"