tion. But in some way the story
leaked out; and long after Jose was gathered to his fathers, his
mysterious encounter formed the theme of thrilling and whispered
narrative. The mountain was generally shunned. It is true that Senor
Joaquin Pedrillo afterward located a grant near the base of the
mountain; but as the Senora Pedrillo was known to be a termagant,
half-breed, the Senor was not supposed to be over-fastidious.

* * * * *

Such is the Legend of Monte del Diablo. As I said before, it may seem to
lack essential corroboration. The discrepancy between the Father's
narrative and the actual climax has given rise to some skepticism on the
part of ingenious quibblers. All such I would simply refer to that part
of the report of Senor Julio Serro, Sub-Prefect of San Pablo, before
whom attest of the above was made. Touching this matter the worthy
Prefect observes,--"That although the body of Father Jose doth show
evidence of grievous conflict in the flesh, yet that is no proof that
the Enemy of Souls, who could assume the figure of a decorous, elderly
_caballero_, could not at the same time transform himself into a bear
for his own vile purposes."

* * * * *

LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE.

At a lyceum, not long since, I felt that the lecturer had chosen a theme
too foreign to himself, and so failed to interest me as much as he might
have done. He described things not in or near to his heart, but toward
his extremities and superficies. There was, in this sense, no truly
central or centralizing thought in the lecture. I would have had him
deal with his privatest experience, as the poet does. The greatest
compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what _I thought_,
and attended to my answer. I am surprised, as well as delighted, when
this happens, it is such a rare use he would make of me, as if he were
acquainted with the tool. Commonly, if men want anything of me, it is
only to know how many acres I make of their land,--since I am a
surveyor,--or, at most, what trivial news I have burdened myself with.
They never will go to law for my meat; they prefer the shell. A man once
came a considerable distance to ask me to lecture on Slavery; but on
conversing with him, I found that he and his clique expected
seven-eighths of the lecture to be theirs, and only one-eighth mine; so
I declined. I take it for granted, when I am invited to lecture
anywhere,--for