Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1860-11-10
sTRAN0E ROMANCE.

We have been placed 10 possession Of ih,
outlines OF a strange story, which has simus
too much Munchausen about il to seem true
yet, we ore informed, it is substantially cor
rect. In the summer Of 1863, John Hardwicl
poor mechanic Of Pittsburg, was induced
by the gold excitement then raging, to try
his luck 10 the mines at California. He &C
cordingly left his wife aud two children be
hind and took passage around the horn fol
the III Dorado. On arriving there his money
had given out, and he was obliged to 60 tt
work at mere pittsnce, to Keep from
starving. He made bis way, however. as fast
as he could, and having entered into partner
ship with another man commenced the work
ing ofa claim. Hardwick prospered, and be
| gan to think that, at the end Of the year, be
would be able to go home with large pile oil
dust. Human calculations are sometimes
wrong. Mr.. Hardwicks calculations were
wroDg-for he was taken sick and came near
deaths door.
When be got we'll bis partner had depart.
ed, and taken with him the earnings of both.
The poor man was almost discouraged. He
had been away from home eighteen months,
and bad sent nothing back to his family
tie wrote to his wife, giving her true state
ment OF his condition. She never received
the letter, and consequently be never received
any letters from ber. lIardwick went to
work again, but the times grew hard and he
earned but little. He frequently wrote to
his wife, but she, strange to say, never re-
ceived single line from him. 1t is needless
to go through every particular of his history
suffice it to say, that, hearing nothing from
his wife, he concluded that she was glad TO
get rid Of him, and would not trouble herself
TO write TO him. lie therefore determined to
stay in California till he was rich, and then
return to the Atlantic States. lie set him
self to work assdiously, and made money
His business relations vera such after few
years that be could not leave California, but
stayed and accumulated handsome fortune.
In the meantime. Mrs. llardwck thip hiking
her husband was dead, after three years, mar.
ried another and emigrated to ST. Louis
Her two children, Of whom John Hardwick,
was father, died, and all traces of Ohm were
o6terated except from very remote corner
OF her heart. Mrs. Mathews was good wife
to her second husband, So far as we can learn
and bore him two children. Mathews was lb
the grocery trade, and throve we'll, but abou.
u year ago he was taken sick with fever aud
ded leaving Mis-. Mathews and the childreu
without protector, us she thought but with
d snug income.
John Hardwck, tired of California life,
and tired oi business too, collected together
hs effects, which amounted TO nice fortune,
and started for home by the overland route
lie arrived in this city two weeks ago, and
remained a few days to rest before taking the
cars for Plttsburg.
Que morning while walking through Broad
way market, Mr. Hardwick saw familiar
face. 1t was the first familiar face he had
seen since hs had left San Frapcsco-and
that lace belonged to woman. II quicken.
ed his pace, and Came up TO stall where the
iady was about to purchase u beefsteRk. Mr..
Hafdwick's heart beat wildly beneath his
Taistcoat. Could it be- possible No.
What should Jane be doing in St Louis ?"
thought be- HE was about to turn away,
when the lady raised her head, and their eyes
met John Hardwick, as sure as ! am
living - exclaimed she. Jane, is it you 2"
said John. 1t proved to be Soth of them,
and after mutual explanations, Mr. Hard.
wick accompanied the lady home, carrying
her market basket for her. Two children
met them at the door They were blue.eyed
and rosy heehed-just like those John had
left brh'Gd, aud just as large-but they did
not have teutGres like Johns. "W hat mat
ters Il" thought Car hero-"my two chiloren
are dead, and these are sent TO take their
Places will be father TO them" Mr..
John Ha:dwick was do good as bis word. lie
helped Mrs. Mathews-tormerly Mrs. Hard.
wick, aud destined to be- again to dispose Of
der property then calling clergy ymau, they
had tue matrimonla! link tied again stroug
and fast In two days they started for the
East, where, We hope, in Pittsburg or some
other 6ciightful town. hey are enjoying, at
tue meridian Of life, another honeymson az
pleasant as The fists. Louis Bulletin of
the 10Th.