It was not for the first time that Belcher Kay thought of these things—it was not the first time that they had drawn a sigh from his breast; but, now at that distance of space from the scenes which he visited in thought, the tide of memory rolled over his brain with redoubled volume and force. A melancholy pleasure might have been experienced in travelling over in thought the scenes of his youth, but for the reflection that between the past and the present rose darkly and frowningly one of those barriers of crime and folly, which such men build up with far more perseverance than they would exert to acquire a fame that would endure as long as truth and virtue command respect and admiration. Such a barrier had Belcher Kay raised with a diligence and energy which he had never displayed in aught worthy of praise, and from it he now looked back upon the Eden which he had abandoned, with such feelings as may be imagined. He was still sitting in the position which has been described when Blodget entered the room, and, coming up to him, clapped his hand upon his shoulder. Kay started, but looking up, he was reassured by the recognition of his fellow criminal, and extended his hand, which Blodget grasped with friendly fervor. ‘Come!’ exclaimed Blodget. ‘I have been seeking you everywhere. Let us get away from this.’ ‘I am ready,’ responded Kay, rising.—‘What’s in the wind now, mate?’ Blodget made no reply, but led the way into the street, followed by Kay. In a few minutes they had left the city behind them, and could hear the hoarse roar of the sea as its waves, after chasing one another over the wild expanse of the Pacific ocean, broke upon the shell strewn beach, and the sighing of the night wind among the bushes. The moon was sinking, and the shadows prevailed over the lights, but it was principally the land which lay in shade, while the ocean spread out like an illimitable sheet of silver. After crossing the hills which surmount the city the two men gave a loud shrill whistle which in a few moments brought three more desperadoes to assist them in their scheme. This was no other than an attack upon the mansion of Senor de Castro with the intention of making themselves masters of the money and plate to be found on the premises, and for another purpose which will appear in the course of the narrative. When the five robbers arrived in the vicinity of the house Blodget proceeded towards it, for the purpose of carrying their plot into execution, while the rest of the party lay closely concealed ready to hasten to the assistance of their associate the moment such service should be required. ‘Yes, there is the window; I wonder, now, if she will look out to night?’ said Blodget to himself as he cautiously drew near the house. Blodget took a good look at the window and then slowly glided away under the shadow of a wall. With great tact, Blodget as he did so glided along, kept the little window with the balcony in sight.