It was quite three weeks since the rattlesnake incident, and he was wandering moodily over Casket Ridge. He was near the Casket, that abrupt upheaval of quartz and gneiss, shaped like a coffer, from which the mountain took its name. It was a favorite haunt of Leonidas, one of whose boyish superstitions was that it contained a treasure of gold, and one of whose brightest dreams had been that he should yet discover it. This he did not do to-day, but looking up from the rocks that he was listlessly examining, he made the almost as thrilling discovery that near him on the trail was a distinguished-looking stranger.
He was bestriding a shapely mustang, which well became his handsome face and slight, elegant figure, and he was looking at Leonidas with an amused curiosity and a certain easy assurance that were difficult to withstand. It was with the same fascinating self-confidence of smile, voice, and manner that he rode up to the boy, and leaning lightly over his saddle, said with exaggerated politeness: I believe I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Leonidas Boone?
The rising color in Leonidass face was apparently a sufficient answer to the stranger, for he continued smilingly, Then permit me to introduce myself as Mr. James Belcher. As you perceive, I have grown considerably since you last saw me. In fact, Ive done nothing else. Its surprising what a fellow can do when he sets his mind on one thing. And then, you know, theyre always telling you that San Francisco is a growing place. That accounts for it!
Leonidas, dazed, dazzled, but delighted, showed all his white teeth in a shy laugh. At which the enchanting stranger leaped from his horse like a very boy, drew his arm through the rein, and going up to Leonidas, lifted the boys straw hat from his head and ran his fingers through his curls. There was nothing original in thateverybody did that to him as a preliminary to conversation. But when this ingenuous fine gentleman put his own Panama hat on Leonidass head, and clapped Leonidass torn straw on his own, and, passing his arm through the boys, began to walk on with him, Leonidass simple heart went out to him at once.
And now, Leon, said the delightful stranger, lets you and me have a talk. Theres a nice cool spot under these laurels; Ill stake out Pepita, and well just lie off there and gab, and not care if school keeps or not.
But you know you aint really Jim Belcher, said the boy shyly.
Im as good a man as he is any day, whoever I am, said the stranger, with humorous defiance, and can lick him out of his boots, whoever HE is. That ought to satisfy you. But if you want my certificate, heres your own letter, old man, he said, producing Leonidass last scrawl from his pocket.
And HERS? said the boy cautiously.
The strangers face changed a little. And HERS, he repeated gravely, showing a little pink note which Leonidas recognized as one of Mrs. Burroughss inclosures. The boy was silent until they reached the laurels, where the stranger tethered his horse and then threw himself in an easy attitude beneath the tree, with the back of his head upon his clasped hands. Leonidas could see his curved brown mustaches and silky lashes that were almost as long, and thought him the handsomest man he had ever beheld.
Well, Leon, said the stranger, stretching himself out comfortably and pulling the boy down beside him, how are things going on the Casket? All serene, eh?
The inquiry so dismally recalled Leonidass late feelings that his face clouded, and he involuntarily sighed. The stranger instantly shifted his head and gazed curiously at him. Then he took the boys sunburnt hand in his own, and held it a moment. Well, go on, he said.
Well, Mr.Mr.I cant go onI wont! said Leonidas, with a sudden fit of obstinacy. I dont know what to call you.
Call me JackJack Hamlin when youre not in a hurry. Ever heard of me before? he added, suddenly turning his head towards Leonidas.
The boy shook his head. No.
Mr. Jack Hamlin lifted his lashes in affected expostulation to the skies. And this is Fame! he murmured audibly.
But this Leonidas did not comprehend. Nor could he understand why the stranger, who clearly must have come to see HER, should not ask about her, should not rush to seek her, but should lie back there all the while so contentedly on the grass. HE wouldnt. He half resented it, and then it occurred to him that this fine gentleman was like himselfshy. Who could help being so before such an angel? HE would help him on.
And so, shyly at first, but bit by bit emboldened by a word or two from Jack, he began to talk of herof her beautyof her kindnessof his own unworthinessof what she had said and doneuntil, finding in this gracious stranger the vent his pent-up feelings so long had sought, he sang then and there the little idyl of his boyish life. He told of his decline in her affections after his unpardonable sin in keeping her waiting while he went for the trout, and added the miserable mistake of the rattlesnake episode. For it was a mistake, Mr. Hamlin. I oughtnt to have let a lady like that know anything about snakesjust because I happen to know them.
It WAS an awful slump, Lee, said Hamlin gravely. Get a woman and a snake togetherand where are you? Think of Adam and Eve and the serpent, you know.
But it wasnt that way, said the boy earnestly. And I want to tell you something else thats just makin me sick, Mr. Hamlin. You know I told you William Henry lives down at the bottom of Burroughss garden, and how I showed Mrs. Burroughs his tricks! Well, only two days ago I was down there looking for him, and couldnt find him anywhere. Theres a sort of narrow trail from the garden to the hill, a short cut up to the Ridge, instead o going by their gate. Its just the trail any one would take in a hurry, or if they didnt want to be seen from the road. Well! I was looking this way and that for William Henry, and whistlin for him, when I slipped on to the trail. There, in the middle of it, was an old bucket turned upside downjust the thing a man would kick away or a woman lift up. Well, Mr. Hamlin, I kicked it away, andthe boy stopped, with rounded eyes and bated breath, and addedI just had time to give one jump and save myself! For under that pail, cramped down so he couldnt get out, and just bilin over with rage, and chockful of pizen, was William Henry! If it had been anybody else less spry, theyd have got bitten,and thats just what the sneak who put it there knew.
Mr. Hamlin uttered an exclamation under his breath, and rose to his feet.
What did you say? asked the boy quickly.
Nothing, said Mr. Hamlin.
But it had sounded to Leonidas like an oath.
Mr. Hamlin walked a few steps, as if stretching his limbs, and then said: And you think Burroughs would have been bitten?
Why, no! said Leonidas in astonished indignation; of course notnot BURROUGHS. It would have been poor MRS. Burroughs. For, of course, HE set that trap for herdont you see? Who else would do it?
Of course, of course! Certainly, said Mr. Hamlin coolly. Of course, as you say, HE set the trapyesyou just hang on to that idea.
But something in Mr. Hamlins manner, and a peculiar look in his eye, did not satisfy Leonidas. Are you going to see her now? he said eagerly. I can show you the house, and then run in and tell her youre outside in the laurels.
Not just yet, said Mr. Hamlin, laying his hand on the boys head after having restored his own hat. You see, I thought of giving her a surprise. A big surprise! he added slowly. After a pause, he went on: Did you tell her what you had seen?