He returned in seven days, and in the midst of the plain there were three houses and a mill and many people.

And why was it?
Ah! Mother of God! one had picked up in the creek where he drank that much of gold;" and the muleteer tapped one of the silver coins that fringed his jacket sleeves in place of buttons.
"And they are washing the sands for gold there now," said Antonio, eagerly pointing to some men gathered round a machine like an enormous cradle.

"Let us hasten on." Father Pedro's momentary interest had passed.

The words of his companions fell dull and meaningless upon his dreaming ears.

He was conscious only that the child was more a stranger to him as an outcome of this hard, bustling life, than when he believed her borne to him over the mysterious sea.