good deal like Jessie, here. I
think money's the root of all evil."

"That ain't an original observation, mother, though you do speak as if
it was. Money's the root of a pretty consid'able comfort, too; and I'd
like to know, for one, where in creation all this that's left came
from," returned John.

"There's no doubt in my mind, that it came out of the Trent
pocketbook, every dollar of it!" said Samson. "But how it came into
Ferd's fist is more'n I can guess. Seems if even a half-wit would
steal from his own brother, and it must have passed through Antonio's
hands first."

"Antonio's brother!" cried Marty, incredulously.

"That's the true word. Pedro knew it, and the master knew it. The
'admiral' heard it, first, to-day; along with that other secret about
the copper. Ain't any harm in mentioning it, is there?" said Samson.

The lady laughed, and answered:

"Even if there were the harm is done, herder. But that's right. I wish
no secrets at Sobrante. I like to feel that we are all one family in
interests and affection, as my husband wished. And now remains this
gold. What is to be done with it? Where shall we bestow it that it may
be both safe and ready when needed?"

Aunt Sally immediately went and closed the door and locked it; then
fastened the windows and pulled the shades over them. At which a shout
arose that the old lady heeded not a whit. She clasped her hands over
her breast and her round face turned pale, as she whispered shrilly
enough for all to hear:

"We're undone! We're all undone! We're a passel of fools--and--and----
Oh, suz!"

Down she dropped into a chair, and there was no more laughter. She was
not a timid woman, and her fright was evident. Her son stepped to her
side and laid his hand on her shaking shoulder, demanding:

"What ails you, mother? What did you see? Why did you lock the
doors?"

"I--I----"

"Quit chattering your teeth together. What did you see?"

"Oh, son! I seen a--a--ghost!"

"Trash!"

Her courage began to return, and her anger to rise. She retorted
promptly:

"No trash! A ghost. A spirit! As sure as I'm a-settin' here this
minute; the spirit of--of----"

It aggravated John that she should pause and peep behind her, to be
sure the windows were still covered.

"The spirit of what tomfoolery has possessed you, mother, I'd like to
know? What's the use of scarin' folks half to death? As if we hadn't
had enough things happen without your cuttin' up, too!"

"Hold