Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-02-25
From the San Francisco Golden Era.
THE TAMBO URINE GIRL,
TAIF OF sAy FRANCIsCo.


THE TAMBOU URINE GIRL,
TALE OF SAN FRANCISCO.
The rain was falling in torrents, and the wind
drove past the light structures as though it
would root them from their foundations, and
send the slight board tenements a wreck into
the streets, deep with mud. Every spot that
could shelter person was oecupied every
drinking saloon, sleeping house and gambling
table that was available was crowded to excess,
and those that found a dry spot to sleep on in
l1eir stores. considered themselves fortunate,
for the unexpected rains of 1S49 found many
with elated hopes but to plunge into the slough
of dependency at the dismal prospects before
them, held cut by the winter weather. Mer-
camille business, however, did not flag on ac-
count of the rain; but when the weather was
fair, the goods needed no shelter; when it was
foul, repairing could hardly be done, for no one
seemed to care about earning few ounces by
a job In the rain.
Midway between Montgomery and Kearny
streets, on Clay, was large store full of goods,
owned By an Italian, and every effort to secure
the aid of mechanic to roof over the tene-
ment proved Intellectual, and if not repaired
very soon, it seemed as If the heavy rains
would wash store, goods and all from their To-
cation. On the morning in question, the pro-
prietor, his two clerks and porter went at the
job in good earnest, and when night threw its
veil over the heavy atmosphere, the roof was
finished, and dry store was insured against
the weather's inclemency. The store was clos
ed for the night, and warm stove sent out its
i 7 IL
nostrils and awoke the appetite, although the
rcpast had disappeared. The proprietor lean
ed back upon box, his feet raised in an ele-
vated position to keep them from off the damp
floor, while huge volumes of smoke came roll
ling from his mouth, as he dreamily smoked
on. The clerks, the statesmen and the porter
were also making themselves comfortable as
the best they could.
swell, boys" said the proprietor, ''we can
keep dry after this, let it rain as it may and
think we have done good days work, indie
pendent Of the sales we have made.''
To describe the speaker, would be to have
him too readily recognized, and to be the hero
of this sketch would not, perhaps, meet with
his appreciation, as he has not been consulted
in regard to it.
eyes, replied the porter, ''I will bet that
some of our neighbors wish they were as well
protected as we are; board house with Il
tight roof is poor enough, but canvass house
oh, how delightfully."- miserable! ~ and the
thought of wet blankets and wet bed made
his teeth chatter, and the idea was so ludic-
rously conveyed, that ali Joined in laugh.
aWater, what about that tambourine girl %
inquired one of the clerks; ''they say you
played quite the gallant with her on two occa-
sions.''
.'What is that Walt. has been doing 20 in-
quired the proprietor.
ssOh, nothing serious-only making love to
a tambourne girl" he replied. ''An old wo-
man came to town few days ago, bearing on
her back an old-fashoned, gothic hand-organ,
accompanied by tambourine girl. 1t seems
that Walt was at the sTontine, or passing, and
a big, luberly fellow tried to kiss the girl, and
he knocked him down; again, the old woman
got stuck in the mud, and Walt helped her
out, and then returns, lifts the tambourine girl
in his arms and carries her across the street,
losing one of his boots for his pains. Dear
work, that:-boots are worth one hundred
doIlars.''
eyes, rather dear, l should Think" said
the salesman. ssIs she pretty 70
aWalt is very good judge, should say,
for when was Of his age was equally as gal
,ant to the ladies,'' said the proprietor.
..Pretty by the gods, know she is! - said
Walter, enthusiastically. 'EShe is not more
tIian sixteen or seventeen, rather delicate In
form, vet her limbs are full and round, and she
is Of the medium height that SO well becomes
4 woman her hair is dark as jet, and the two
sparkling eyes that are SO finely shaded be-
meath heavy eyelashes, equal her hair in their
ebony light, and"
ssStop!'' interrupted the clerk, cor will
swear you have whole chapter of love non
sense by heart. Let US see if we can md the
beauty that Walt has been so layishingly prais-
ing," he continued, turning to the others; awe
vii! find them about some of the saloons, and
if we do, we will have them come here, and
then VIC can all judge for ourselves"
So saying, they sailed forth into che storm,
pushing their way thion"' '''e mud to Kear-