The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-07-24

NOs )4s
to the limits Of New California On the left
thick grove Of dwarf cypress covered de-
clivity which you would have taken, at dis
lance, to be vineyard On tho right the
mountain rose to- peak, its rocky side COW
cred with thick carpet Of strawberry plants,
dried by the western wind
s'The cold increased, but the preparation
now ran down from our brows, 50 rough was
the activity. The sun bscomiag redder, de-
clined toward the horizon.
"'This road is harder than that to Paradise,
grumbled Benoit
1.-THE day had sensibly declined when we
reached the first plateau, covered with enow.
"By reason of the icy breath Of the north
western winds, the level Of snow Is much low
er in the California, sierra than in the two
grand chains of the Rocky mountains
"Since we left the hut Of the Irishman,
with his good beef, we had met with no ha-
man trace. This plateau, On the other hand,
furnished Us With numerous traces. It was
there according to all appearances, that bat
! tie had taken place between the Golden Dag
gers and the Mexican Veefnos
1.-TWO huts which had been fred, and one
Of which was yet smoking, made two large
black marks in the middle of the white snow.
All around the trampled snow were traces Of
blood.
"There were prints Of four human bodies
in the snow.
"Beyond the plateau was little valley, COW
cred with stunted pines. Then the mountain
continued, dry and white, presenting the form
Of cone.
1--WE did not see any huts in this valley,
but several columns Of smoke were rising
from it.
"What especially attracted our attention in
this place weretwo rocks in 'front.' They pre-
scented the appearance of two level platforms,
and the thought occurred to usthat they look
ed like two pcdestals awaiting, each ons, /.
colossal statue.
Gas we were going to enter the valley Be-
mott stopped and seized me suddenly by tho
arm. p
II followed the direction Of his eye, which
peered among the black trunks of the pines.
| saw, in the obscurity 1.-TWO red aud brilliant
eyes, like burning Goals.
IL seized my carbine believing at 6rst il
was deer.
There was gutteral noise which reached
us. At the same time human form bound
ed among the trees. We soon lost sight Of
it, bat I recognized the bloody and curiously
tattooed face as that Of an Indian.
.sIf Monsieur Wishes said Benoit, calmly,
we will go back over the plateau. There is
time yet. We can creep along, and get into
the gorge before this rascally redskin has had
time to give warning.
"Benoit was mistaken. A hoarse voice is
sued from the thicket, and spoke to " in
pure American.
"'Who goes theref'
"'A French gentleman, answered, in the
same language.
French gentleman, welcome 60 on "
"There was no further hesitation. Benoit
took his carbine under his arm, like an UNI
brella, and whistled the Cachuoa.
eve met no one in the thicket, and no one
at the foot of the mountain
II must acknowledge that the arrival Of =
French gentleman in the camp of the Gold
en- Daggers did not seem to produce the least
effect
Tin proportion as we advanced, the sound
Of human voices became more distinct. They
were talking and singing. When the wind
blew in our direction We heard the sound Of
violin.
I'VE were two or three hundred steps from
the two symmetrical rocks of which I have
spoken, when we were suddenly witnesses Of
pspectacle which struck us with astonish-
mcnt.
"The gigantic pedestals had each statue
"There was a man upon each platforMi
! "Both were armed with carbines!
Gone had naked legs, and carried short
Mexican cloak, perhaps..a trophy OF the last
battle. The other wore the pantloons Of
sailor, and linen coat.
Between the two rocks there was third
parsonage.
g 4 stake my cloak against the pantaloons
of Tony said the man with the naked lesa,
in voice firm and distinct.
"sI stake my pantaloons against the cloak
4 Of SAM replied the sailor.
| s.He pulled of his pantaloons, which hs
threw to the bottom Of the rock. Sua did
the same with his cloak.
"The person who was between the two took
up the stakes and asked:
'a.Is this in good faith?
asIt is in good faith answered Tony and
| Sam at the same time.
"sPrOceed, said the witness.
..Sam and Tony took their positions. I've
reports were heard at once.
1"Sam remained standing.
"Tony fell, head foremost, to the body Of
the rock. Theball from Sans gun had struck
him in the forehead.
"sam descended quietly and put on the
pantaloons."
There was here a distinct and general MUIR
muir Of incredulity among the auditors Of NJ.
de Villiers
aHush /! hush p said the marchioness.
ssFor pair Of pantaloons ?" said the WIS.,
countess.
uTo kill man ?" added second yiscoun-
| tess.
"This happened in tbe Sierra Nevada, la
dies" said the old General O'Brien. 'Neth-
ing is SO truthful as the adventures Of travel!
If you doubt, I recommend that you 60 and
sec"
aGood !" cried Henri de Yilliers. "Here
1 I am now accused Of deceiying you"
"But, after all" replied the marchioness