Free Tears of Gold by Laurie McBain Page B

pockets,” Brendan promised, the old look back in his eyes. He lifted a giggling Paddy onto his shoulders where he would have a better view of the harbor. As the other passengers crowded close to get their first glimpse of San Francisco, small launches began to sail out from the docks to meet the ship and carry the newcomers ashore.
    Jamie peered over the railing, shaking her bonneted head as she stared at the crudely built city that straggled in confusion from shoreline to hillside.
    “’Tis an uncivilized place, to be sure, that ye’ve brought us to, Brendan O’Fly—” Jamie began, only to choke on her words. She glanced down into one of the shore boats, staring down wordlessly into the curious eyes of a Chinese boatman. His long braid caught her eye as it swung to and fro in the breeze. Jamie crossed herself and whispered fervently, “May the saints be preservin’ us, for we be enterin’ a heathen place.”

Ah, sad and strange as in dark summer dawns
The earliest pipe of half-awaken’d birds
To dying ears, when unto dying eyes
The casement slowly grows a glimmering square;
So sad, so strange, the days that are no more.
—Tennyson
    Chapter 2
    Mara O’Flynn’s first glimpse of the Rancho Villareale came early in the evening a few days later. They had entered a valley of rolling hills, and nestled at the base was the hacienda , its adobe walls and red-tiled roof bathed in a golden light from the setting sun.
    “The valley is called Valle d’Oro, Valley of Gold,” Don Luís spoke beside Mara, “but not, I fear, because of a richness of gold in our hills,” he explained contemptuously. “Our forebears so named it because of this very sight.”
    He followed Mara’s gaze to the golden hills and vivid sky above. “They saw the beauty of the land, not its value.”
    “But you see the value as well, do you not, Don Luís?” Mara asked softly, her golden brown eyes reflecting the last rays of the sun.
    “ Sí ,” Don Luís admitted, returning her gaze thoughtfully, “and if you are wise, you will see the value in helping me. We can all profit in this valley, Amaya,” he reminded her with an emphasis on the name.
    Mara smiled cynically. “How fortunate I am to have you, Uncle Luís. I am sure you’ll be keeping a fatherly eye upon me.”
    Don Luís returned her smile just as shallowly “A watchful eye, and I would advise you to keep a guarded tongue, for you speak with temper, and that would not be wise,” he warned as he glanced meaningfully at Paddy whose dark head lolled against Mara’s breast as he dozed fitfully.
    “You needn’t fear that my tongue will betray you,” Mara told him shortly before returning her gaze to the colorful sky.
    The turquoise of it was almost too bright against the crimson of the sun-bathed clouds. The colors clashed as the sunset changed hues. As they made their way into the valley, the sun gradually withdrew, leaving the clouds to float like smoldering coals, their bellies tinged with pink, until they became mere puffs of smoke in a faded blue sky.
    “And is this it?” Brendan demanded as he stared out of the coach at the mud walls of the house below. “’Tisn’t much, to be sure,” he added rudely, unimpressed with the beauty of the valley.
    “You think not, Mr. O’Flynn?” Don Luís asked haughtily, eyeing the Irishman with dislike. “The valley, as well as the hacienda, belongs to Don Andres,” he reminded Brendan.
    Brendan’s dark eyes widened. “The whole valley, is it now?”
    “Sí, and beyond even the hills in the distance.”
    “That far? How much land does this Don Andres own?” Brendan asked, unable to conceal his awe.
    Don Luís shrugged carelessly. “Who knows for certain? To the south and the rocks shaped like a falcon’s wing; to the east as far as the grove of oak; to the north and the lake of clear, sweet water. Poco más o menos .” Don Luís smiled at Brendan’s uncomprehending frown. “A little more or less.”
    “But have you