“Yes, I heard Don Mariano say to my father: ‘I am sure I am to be legislated into a rancheria, as there is no poor-house in San Diego to put me into,’ he said it smiling, but his smile was very sad. However, when the appeal is dismissed and he is rid of squatters, he will recuperate, provided, of course, there be a Texas Pacific to make San Diego lands valuable. Without it the prospect is gloomy indeed, I may well say dead.”
“That's it; it all depends upon that railroad, I am sorry to say, when we are so powerless to counteract hostile influences.”
“We must hope and wait.”
CHAPTER XV.—Journeying Overland.
The crashing and thundering of Yosemite's falls plunging from dizzy heights, in splendor of furious avalanches, had been left behind.
George and his three companions had given the last lingering look towards the glorious rainbows and myriads of dazzling gems glittering in the sun's rays, which pierced the vertical streams and played through the spray and mist enveloping them.
The memory of the mirror lakes, with their gorgeous borders of green, their rich bouquets of fragrant azaleas and pond lilies, as well as the towering cliffs, the overpowering heights of that wonderful valley, all made a picture to remain forevermore a cherished souvenir.
But alas, for the fatality of human joys, all is evanescent in this world of ours; the moment of parting at last came for the lovers.
The west-bound train would pass the station first, so Clarence must be the one to leave his friends.
“Write to us soon, won't you?” George said.