It's more; it's inspiration," responded "Forty-niner,"
enthusiastically. He had already decided to make this journey alone, for
Jessica's sake; but with her as companion he felt that it would be
as sure of success as full of pleasure. A little child working to clear
her father's name of dishonor, and to save her mother's home--what
evil could prevail against this noble effort?

It was like his simplicity and hers that neither thought of providing for
difficulties by the way, or for any delay in finding the men and proofs
they sought, when once they reached the distant city.

Aunt Sally was not so sanguine; yet it was not her part to discourage
any attempt to set wrong matters right, and she merely nodded her head
and remarked:

"It'll bear thinking on. Now, run along and see your mother."

"Has she had her breakfast? Can't I carry it to her?"

"S'pose I'd let that poor lamb go without her dawn-meal late as this?
I heard her stirring the minute I got back into the house, so I fixed
her some broma and poached her an egg, and made her go lie down again.
You'll not find her hungry, child, 'less for a sight of you."

Jessica ran to her mother's room, exclaiming:

"I'm so glad you're resting, dear. Were ever more perfect roses? And
isn't it delightful that Aunt Sally should be here just now to look
after things. Because----"

"Well, my darling? Why do you hesitate?"

"Mother, may Ephraim and I go on that trip to Los Angeles?"

Lady Jess had intended to be very careful and cautious, for once, and
to test her mother's feelings on the subject she made her request. But
frankness was her habit, and the question was out of itself, it seemed,
and she waiting the answer with a beating heart.

"Why just now, daughter? And--has Mr. Hale gone?" she asked, in a
peculiar tone.

"Yes. He has gone. He left rather--rather suddenly, but he sent his
regards to you and his thanks. He said he might come back some time,
but--I don't think he will. He said something to offend the 'boys,'
and they let him take old Dandy. Samson went with him to show him the
way."

Poor little captain, who had never in her short life had one secret
thought from her idolized mother. This first experience did not come
easy to her, and after one glance into the sad, yet amused, eyes watching
her, she tossed secrecy aside and buried her face on her mother's pillow.

"Mother, mother! I am so unhappy. I'm keeping something back from you
that I cannot tell