The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-24

garb OF everlasting green with so much
stateliness. Will wa catch the whispers,
wonder, If we go softly into the shadows to
listen? or will the jealous leaves rustic SC
loudly the merry imps will take flight?
A little way from Miles we pass the Old
| Mission San Jose, where still stand some Of
the old adobe houses, built more than hun
dred years ago by the padres Of the Catho-
lie Church, and many Of the vines which
now almost cover the sloping hillsides. must
haYe been planted by the same hands. We're
our visit in autumn, We could see the work
Of the wine watts where the grapes are crushe d
for wine.
In one OF the little adobe buildings there
still lives man who came there years ago
when tie gold fever ran high and nearly
every man wfnt to the diggings. He had
no fancy foresuch work and remained be-
hind and baked bread, His capital was only
a few dollars, but his industry and patience
made good stock in trade, and his little
shop. standing directly in the way of the mi
ners, found many of them glad to exchan re
their gold dust for his toothsome bread
Many of his patrons have died poor and
friendless; the baker has grown gray and
rich, and can count his treasures DER and
find them good one hundred thousand in
Understanding bonds.
In California one never knows when they
may run afoul Of romance or tragedy
found, hero in this lovely valley,a romance
which was born OF tragedy and dates back
to the days when men left their wives and
sweethearts to come West in search of
fortune. Many man who came for sin
gle year never returned sand was given up
as dead by the friends he left behind him
others sent for their families ; and now and
then, some brave girl consented to follow
the fortunes of the lover who could not
come for her, and made the trip over two
oceans to wed him. One of these loving,
faithful women found herself alone in San
Francisco. after the weary, three months
voyage. She had expected her lover to meet
her on the steamers arrival, but he failed to
do so. With anxious heart she waited day
after day, her money fast dwindling away
and her agony growing more than she could
bear. In those days California had few
houses, few women to reach out a kind
hand to one in distress. At last she knew
she was deserted. What way was there open
for her, where could she hide her broken
heart? have no words black enough with
which to describe the one who TEN pts soul |
to its death. Fortunate, indeed, is it that |
there yet remain men and women brave |
enough to reach out helping hand to those
who stand upon the margin Of the stream
of sin. And SO say all praise to the man
who, walking the streets Of San Francisco
at night saw this friendless. hopeless girl,
who felt herself already in the tempter's !
toll. Her sweet sad face attracted him, and
stopping hel he asked, ''what fate sent her
upon the streets?' She told him her sad |
story and it touched the mans honest heart.
He forgot what the world might say, forgot
that he knew nothing Of this girl, but what
he had heard from her own lips, and look
ing in her eyes, he said: 81 am only mi
ner, but I've got gold enough for two. If
you will be a good and loyal wife to me. I
will marry you tomorrow, and we viii
make a little home together
Strange courtship, but these were strange
times. II you will come with me to pretty !
cottage In this valley, where the honeysuc-
kle and the clematis and the roses struggle |
for supremacy, will show you the man who
has never regretted the generous, prompt
kindness which saved soul-a wo-
man, who is brave, true, faithful wife and
christian mother.
Before reaching San Jose the courteous
conductor, Jefferson Davis, by name, (but
not
The Jefferson D.
Who never did see