The Forrest City times., 1894-02-09
building was visible. Shall 1 show

O0s oi uAS "Sik With uSuluK ldCAte and sundry portions of a camping outit, for we were going to explore the length and breadth of this rocky islet, forme,- ly the possession of powerful Indian tribe and the rendezvous of smupgle.s in olden time.
 The latter fact I learned in subse- quent chats with our new-found friend. the Mexican girl Mercedes, who was verse6 in island lore, as her father was born and bred in the place, and Mer- cedes herself had never left it save on rare visits to the mainla nd
 As the days passed and we became more familiar to her. the little maiden lost much of her shyness and constant ly accompanied her brothers, who of ten went with us in our inland expedi- tons.
 From the first she had shown de- cided preference for my society, follow ing me about like a shadow.
 l had found it simple matter to win her childish regard-a handful of shells, picked up during my rambles and added to her store; the gift of gaudy scarf at which she had gazed longing ly as it hung in the window of the sim gle shop the place boasted-these se- cured ready passport to her favor. I afterward had cause to be thankful that did these trifing acts of kindness that made her my friend One morning my wife and nine-year- old daughter, Lillian, arrived unex- pcctedly via the small steamer Falcon, that made occasional trips from San Pedro to the island. What foolish freak brought you to Catalina, my dear?" I asked, as we watched from the hotel veranda the antics of Lily and Mercedes, who were already fast friends.
 Why foolish?" she queried, de- murely
 "A woman's answer, truly! To-mor- row l am to leave these snug quarters and go into camp a dozen miles away; what then is to become of your lady ship?"
 My ladyship will go likewise" she replied, smiling.
 "Remember," I argued, that the burro is the only means of inland trans portation, the trail is dangerous if one is not used to riding, and you will find these cool nights very uncomforta ble in camp" But the spirit of adventure was rife. Lily clamored to go, and I finally gave in.
 During our conversation Mercedes had remained silent, but l noted the wistful look in her eyes.
 ''I think Mercedes would like to go with us,' said I.
 No doubt it would be treat for her, poor girl" my wife responded. "Come here, little one." beckoning the child to seat by her side. Do you never get lonely here by yourself?"
 "Ah, no, sonora! have always this, stretching out her hands with tender gesture toward the sea. It had mur- mured her cradle lullaby, and she knew and loved its varying moods.
 ''Then there are many people here in summer, and often they speak with me; when they come no more l gather my shells and help mend the nets"
 HI ave you no playmates?"
 II had a sister once-she died," softly.
 'I will be your sister, Mercedes" cried Lily, impulsively.
 ''So you shall, dear," said 1. An! there is Pacheco home ward bound with fine string of fish," and waylaying the child's father, I told him our plans respecting Mercedes, to which he gave ready consent.
 There was quite gathering of na- tives about the hotel in the morning to wish us "Buenos dias" as our cavalcade set out, led by Mexican Joe, vener- l able islander, who was to act in the ca pacity of cook and general utility man. We were to make the trip by easy stages, stopping over night at the In- dian mounds, a place I had long con- templated visiting.
 Joe assured me that he knew the mound locality well, and confident that a rich harvest would reward the dili- gent explorer-for stone implements, beads, bits of wampum, and even the skulls and bones of departed warriors had been unearthed by thetislanders- added pick and shovel to our camp ing outfit.
 The trail. following the coast, was ascending and sometimes wound peril ously near the edge of the cliff. Look ing down a hundred feet or more. one could see the foaming breakers dash ing on the rocks below. Everything delighted the children; they laughed and chatted and sang until we caught their merry mood, and gay party we were. indeed
 
 The sun was high in the heavens when we arrived at the mounds. SO. with appetites made keen by the long