"At the battle of Molino del Rey, where both were distinguished for heroic daring, Clarence was badly wounded; and, after our army entered the City of Mexico, he was in the hospital for several months, and was tenderly nursed by Harry until he recovered. When peace was concluded, and the army was about to march back to Vera Cruz, they resigned their commissions and proceeded to the port of Acapulco on the Pacific coast. Since then there have been no tidings of them." "Look yonder!" said the Professor. "Are they going to California?" Toney's eyes followed the direction indicated by the Professor's finger, and beheld what seemed like a procession of giants. In front towered Mrs. Foot by the side of her tremendous husband; while behind them walked the three stupendous sisters, followed by Hercules, who brought up the rear. "A fine morning, Mrs. Foot," said Toney. "How do you do, Mr. Belton?" said the towering lady. "Have you seen Mr. Love?" "He has gone to the city to embark for California," said Toney. "He has!" exclaimed Mrs. Foot. "And Dove? And Bliss?" "Gone with Mr. Love," said Toney. "I told you so!" said Gideon Foot, looking around at the young giantess in his rear. "Going to California--are they?" cried Mrs. Foot. "Yes, madam," said Toney. "If I catch Dove I'll wring his neck!" said the gigantic Gideon. "Oh, father!" exclaimed Theodosia. "Come!" said Gideon, gruffly. "Yonder is the train!" The harsh scream of a steam whistle was heard, and a train of cars thundered up to the platform. Gideon Foot and his family went on board, and were followed by Toney and the Professor, who found Tom Seddon, seated in a car, looking pale and melancholy. After an exchange of salutations, poor Tom relapsed into silence, for he was thinking of Ida. Toney was also extremely taciturn, and hardly uttered a word until they reached the depot in the suburbs of the city. Here they took a carriage, and were driven directly to where the ship lay at the wharf, and went on board,--their arrangements having been made on a former visit to this beautiful metropolis of Maryland. Mrs. Foot and her three daughters proceeded to the residence of her sister, who lived in the city, and was the wife of a Mr. Sampson. Gideon and Hercules went in search of Love, Dove, and Bliss. In about an hour they encountered these three adventurous gold-hunters daintily dressed, with nice silk hats on their heads, and polished French leather on their lower extremities. Each had white kid gloves on his hands, and carried a slender cane, with which he occasionally tapped the toe of his boot. They looked like little bridegrooms going to be married. "Good-morning, Mr. Love," said Gideon, blandly. "I am glad to see you, Mr. Foot," said Love. And he and his two companions shook hands with Gideon and Hercules. "You seem to be in a hurry," said Gideon. "The ship sails to-day, and we must be aboard," said Love. "Going to California?" said Gideon.