The Sierra citizen. [volume] (Downieville, Calif.) 1854-185?, 1854-12-09
For the Citisen.l
Autobiography
OF . Pike County Boy.
FOUND IN A DESERTED CABIN.

X
Father" said sun-burned boy Of some
nineteen years of age ver-grown, loose
built and 'green'-"will you give me my
time ?" ~ %
The old gentleman laid down the knife
with which he had begun an attack upon
nicely broiled steak, and, with puzzled
air, but very quietly, asked-"how much
time, Ben p
Until I'm of age, l want to get an edu-
cation" said the boy, with an air meant
to be determined, but which would appear
to be sullen.
Tears gather in the blue eyes of the
mother as she looks first at her boy, and
then at his father, wondering what he will
say. A sister rises quietly, and leaves the
table for her chamber. The smaller bro.
theirs look wonderingly all around. The
great boy all this time is working at hot
roll as if the answer of mis- father might
doom him to a long fast.
"Well, Ben, we'll talk about this at the
dinner table," said the old ger tleman at
last, in his quiet, well considered way.
The steak was carved, the coffee poured
out, the morning meal went on. But few
words were spoken, and an air of restraint
seemed to embarrass the whole family.
Thus ] introduce myself as the greea
boy who desired his "time"
The breakfast was over, and with full
heart, ard wondering much what the din
ner time would bring forth, l "geared"
old " Bonny'' to the plough, and worked
as industriously as if had no thought of
leaving home. When the shadows of ia
miliar marks told me that it was high
noon, / loosed the old horse from the
plough and went home.
There was certain silence and reserve
about the table, very different from the
easy intercourse which used to make the
meal times so pleasant at my fathers
house.
The dinner was eaten. My father sat
back at his ease in his chair, slipping, as
was his won't, chocolate from his large
China cup.
"Ben," said he, gravely but pleasantly,
"your mother and I have been thinking
over what you said. We are both pleased
with your desire. You know that we
have both stimulated that desire. have
always hoped to be able to afford you an
education myself" (My honored father,
it must be confessed was slightly Micaw-
berish.) "But small salary, large
family, and approaching age, diminish the
probabilities Of my ever being able to do
SO. So Ben, if you think you can do any
thing for yourself, go and Cod bless youw
Like young fool that I was, / could
not offer word Of thanks, or speak syla-
BILE which could convey to my honored
and beloved parent any Of the gratitude
felt for his kindness and his confidence.
So, after choking and gasping for min
ute, and looking Supremacy green, bolted
from the table, and rushed into the wood
which grew close up to our little farm.
When, after a rapid walk, my emotions
had partly subsidized, l returned to the
house and commenced preparations for
leaving.
When some inquiry was made as to
what step I meant to first take. I said
surprised that they did not already know
Il am going to C, to join class
Of boys who are preparing for college =
No argument could induce me to delay
my departure. Accordingly my trunk
was packed, with my somewhat scanty
wardrobe, and soch books as / claimed
for my own, together with others begged
from my father By the time all these
little arrangements were made it was late
in the evening g, and with my brother and
bedfellow, went to the room which was
to be "my room" no longer.
Ny brother was soon breathing heavily
| in deep sleep, but to me there was nc
possibility Of sleep. Rising quietly, / "a,
by the window and looked out upon ths
field before it.
It was . glorious night. The moor
shone never so brightly. There was tn
young orchard which had plant ed.-nov
just ready to bear fruit. There was tn
bayfield, which | had mown and raIn d.