earing before
some magistrate, with eyes blind as those of Justice herself--blinded by
the gold-dust of California!

Notwithstanding all this, Don Gregorio need have no fear for his ladies.
Their sojourn at the hotel may be somewhat irksome, and uncongenial;
still they are safe. Rough-looking and boisterous as are some of their
fellow-guests, they are yet in no way rude. The most refined or
sensitive lady need not fear moving in their midst. A word or gesture
of insult to her would call forth instant chastisement.

It is not on their account he continues anxious, but because of his
unprotected treasure. Though secreted aboard the _Condor_, it is still
unsafe. Should its whereabouts get whispered abroad, there are robbers
bold enough, not only to take it from the Chilian skipper, but set fire
to his ship, himself in her, and cover their crime by burning everything
up.

Aware of all this, the ex-haciendado, with the help of friendly
Silvestre, has half-a-dozen trusty men placed aboard of her--there to
stay till a crew can be engaged. It is a costly matter, but money may
save money, and now is not the time to cavil at expenses.

As yet, not a sailor has presented himself. None seem caring to ship
"for Valparaiso and intermediate ports," even at the double wages
offered in the _Diario_. The _Condor's_ forecastle remains untenanted,
except by the six longshore men, who temporarily occupy it, without
exactly knowing why they are there; but contented to make no inquiry, so
long as they are receiving their ten dollars a day. Of crew, there is
only the captain himself, his first officer, and the cook. The orangs
do not count.

Day by day, Don Gregorio grows more impatient, and is in constant
communication with Silvestre.

"Offer higher wages," he says. "Engage sailors at any price."

The shipping-agent yields assent; inserts a second _aviso_ in the
Spanish paper, addressed to _marineros_ of all nations. Triple wages to
those who will take service on a well-appointed ship. In addition, all
the usual allowances, the best of grub and grog. Surely this should get
the _Condor_ a crew.

And at length it does. Within twenty-four hours after the advertisement
has appeared, sailors begin to show on her decks. They come singly, or
in twos and threes; and keep coming till as many as half-a-score have
presented themselves. They belong to different nationalities, speaking
several tongues--among them English, French