XXI.
Dubb and Mark Stanley set out for San Francisco at the very moment when Mary, opening her eyes, had found herself in the arms of Walter Morris.
Mark demurred a little against leaving Red Mountain without a few words with Mary.
"Can't help it," said Dubb; "she am all kinder mixed up by this new idea, an' she don't jest exactly feel like seein' any one, an' so you've got ter wait."
"It's very strange," whined Mark, who had had his own way so long that he did not relish being dictated to; "it certainly is very strange. You said last night that she seemed delighted; and to-day you say she is nervous and excited and does not wish to be seen. I don't like the look of it."
"Look here, Don Altanner," returned Dubb; "she am mine yet, an' I ain't goin' ter have her bothered. Ye needn't marry her ef yer don't want ter; they ain't nobody what's holdin' ye ter yer bargain. She ain't dead in love with yer; she ain't that kin'. I make no doubt they be lots o' women what 'ould jump at the chance o' marryin' you, but Mary ain't none o' them. Ye don't like things as they am, an' that be your right; she don't want ter see nobody ter-day, an' that be her right; ef yer can't bide by her right, ye can put the hull thing outen yer head, an' let 'er alone. 'Twon't bother me, an' 'twon't bother her; an' ef ye wants ter grin' 'er down now, afore ye gits 'er at all, ye don't love 'er so much that it'll bother you."
"Oh, Señor Dubb, Señor Dubb, I beg ten thousand pardons," cried Mark, excitedly. "You have administered to me a very just rebuke. I richly deserved it. You shall certainly have your own way. It was my lover's haste and anxiety to see her—the queen of my heart—which made me seem dictatorial. It was not, believe me, any desire to assume authority or to enforce my will against hers. What she says shall always prevail. While I shall be her ever-watchful, ever-solicitous husband, I shall ever, also, be her obedient slave. Do not misunderstand me; do not feel offended with me."
"It am all right," answered Dubb: "we understan's each other now."
The journey to San Francisco was made in good time, and without incident. Mark was smiling, generous, and cordial, and showed Dubb every possible attention, in seeming penance for his brusquerie concerning Mary.
They arrived in San Francisco in the forenoon, and Mark was anxious to make over at once half of his property to Mary.
"Wait till you 'n' she be married," said Dubb: "that'll be time 'nough."
"As you will, Señor Dubb. I'll tell you how we will fix it. You say that there is something concerning her mother, which it is necessary for me to know, so that my wife may be defended against some danger which you seem to think threatens her. Very good. You shall tell me all about it the morning after your daughter becomes mv wife. At
