A slight knowledge of English verse of a select character, unfortunately, did not assist her in the interpretation of the young man's speech, nor relieve her from the momentary feeling that he was at times deficient in intellect.

She preferred, however, to take a personal view of the question, and expressed her sarcastic regret that she had not known before that she had been indebted to the great flume and ditch at Excelsior for the pleasure of his acquaintance.

This pert remark occasioned some explanation, which ended in the girl's accepting a kiss in lieu of more logical argument.

Nevertheless, she was still conscious of an inward irritation--always distinct from her singular and perfectly material passion--which found vent as the difficulties of their undeviating progress through the underbrush increased.

At last she lost her shoe again, and stopped short.