THE MINES.

When Cedric reached that country where precious Metals and bright gems, by nature’s cunning Hand are tucked away and hidden in the Rocks or scattered in the sands, he found a Dusky peon—Jose Morales—whom he Had known and trusted, and took him with his Train of donkeys packed with stores; with miner’s Pick and spade and crucible, he bravely Plunged into the wilderness. For many Long and weary days he sought among the Dry Lomitas, sought in vain beneath a Tropic sun, lured on by prospects that proved Valueless. And when at last he found a Vein of quartz that sparkled with the golden Grains, he was compelled to leave it there, to Wait thro’ long decades for other hands to Come with stamp and chemicals to crush the Rock and bear away the millions he had Found. He working, saw the months pass by, but Labored on with Lola ever in his Mind. Anon there crept before his sight A vision of that peaceful shore where first They met,—a cottage home—his Lola with A blue-eyed baby kneeling by her side, White robed, with golden curls, in attitude Of prayer—that evening prayer by mother taught; Then he saw the blessings of the simpler, Holy life; saw that wealth is least of all. One day Morales in quest of water Sent, returned in great excitement, crying “Oro grande, señor! Oro grande!” In a deep arroyo in the sands for Ages washed by floods from mountain storm, Jose had discovered as he said, “much Gold.” In cup-like hollows of the rocks by Falling waters worn away—in yellow Nuggets buried in the sand—he found the Glittering fortune they so long had sought. This he changed for currency of lighter Weight and coin, in that old city where his Forbears died; then to the seaport sped, there Impatient waited for the ship to come And carry him in triumph to his bride.