The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-04-09
CHATTER Ill

alone in his wild hunt for gold.
CHAPTER III.
Frank did not have long time for reflection,
az he must arrange with the Captain for his pas
sage-he was afraid it would bring his funds
fearfully low before they reached the mines.
Happily for them the cook had been taken i'll
during the night, and the Captain gladly ayailed
himself of Uncle Jabe's services, and was well
repaid for he was an excellent cook. Capt.
Max took great fancy to his pr0teSe, toid nm
which were his particular friends-ther plans
when they should reach the gold-lands, their
different dispositions, and cared for HIM az
though he were younger brother.
The day had been exceedingly warm-all had
been trying 10 keep cool-as the sun went down
a refreshing breeze set III toward land, bringing
the lOungers on deck for amusement some with
flutes, others with violins. They were playing
lively waltz. several were on the deck with
flying feet" when Max placed a chair by his
side and motioned Frank to occupy it.
"Do YOU sing? Your voice is as clear as q
flute. Can you stand the noise of the dancers?'
Il sing sometimes ; if You will excuse mo now,
i will engage to sing for you whom we get to
California
This was said hestatingly and with downcast
eyes, and Max saw the color rise to the tips of
his ears.
"why, Frank, you would make a splendid
woman, with your soft eyes, and your blushlng
"He hastily turned away saying: Years of
pain and sickness may not make one feel very
manly-yet / do not regard myself as Miss
Nancy >" Max, thinking he was hurt, placed
his hand kindly on his shoulder and said,
Frank, my boy. love You too well to think or
say one word to add to what you have suffered:
/ do not know what | should be i'll your place.
u know You would be just what you are
now, the best fellow living
Max drew Franks head to his shoulder, and
kissed him lovingly on the mouth. Remember,
l am now your big brother. 1t Is late. | shall
manifest my authority by sending you to your
hammock.
Frank raised his hand to his lips, bowed,
and was gone with no word of goodnight. He
lay thinking for long time. SIS it possible
that he" Frank did not finish the sentence.
''What did he mean by accounting the word now?
Ah why did that kiss still linger with such
strange sweetness? L must do better-lt Will
never do'-and he was in dreamland.
The good ship Coronal sped over the blue wa
tiers Of the gulf like fairy being, and was soon
at Panama. All was hustle and confusion, the
miners that were to be, in getting their traps,
the Captain in discharging his cargo.
MARS Max, can't Mars Frank drive i'll de
wagon
"Wagon? If You will show me anything with
wheels you shall both drive
Good; you step dis way, sah.'
He did as desired, and saw two wheels that
appeared to be rounds sawed from log fast
ened together. with two sticks for shafts, and a
mule fastened with ropes for n harness. Max
whisted manlike.
- How do you expect to manage this new and
wonderful nvention?'
"Why, sab. you see that box you hab left
Just makes dc body and fix a nice seat wild
bundles an blankets, and Mars Frank not get
40 worn ont as riding mulc-back."
"Well, Uncle JADE, if You can manage all
n oil
will be off in another hour
Fortunately for Uncle Jabe his mule was large
and strong, and the road or path toerabe.
Jabe by Franks request. the last to fall IN
TO the ranks. When he did he was greeted with
shouts of merriment
"Hallo. Daddy Where did You get that lille
CANT carriage? When did YOU leave the ark?'
etc. etc. All was good-naturedly received, and
helped to pass the time, that was long and weari-
some 10 the strongest of the party.
They finally reached the Pacific coast without
an adventure or accident, suffering only from
heat and fatigue. 4 vessel was in the harboi
ready TO sail next day for San Francisco. Fa-
tigue was forgotten. Some attempted to con-
verse of the beauties, new and buried, they had
passed hourly on their journey. but the topic
was soon changed. Washing and digging gold
building tents and shanties. and cooking, all
were of absorbing interest. Frank Joined them
as they lounged about, told stories in n shy way,
like the boy except two rough fellows, who had
been admitted to the company simply because
they were strong and good diggers, Ned Baker
and Sam White. They fancied Franks reserve
and timidity was pride, and determined to an
noy him. or have some fun as they termed it.
Frank was quietly gazing into the water when
they commenced joking the boys rather rudey.
Some answered back; others paid no attention.
Suddenly he said to Frank
why didn't you tary at Jherico till youi
beard was grown
The blood flashed to Franks face, but he
looked Baker steadily in the eye for moment
For fear it would be like yours, he an
swercd, quietly.
Bakers HAIR and whiskcrs were of bright
fiery red. The retort cut keenly. as that was
his sensitive point. Fortunately Max, seeing
the crowd around Frank, called to him to come
and take look at the distant mountains now
visible so the scene ended, but was not forgot.
ten by either.
What a cheer rent the air as they passed the
Golden Gate All discomfort, all fatigue was
buried in oblivion. They, yes they themselves
were i'll the land of gold. Max could hardly
prevail on them to stay over night in the city, sc
! eager were they to work. But pack-mules to
carry their tents provisions, etc, must be OBJ
tanned. and they were compelled to wait. Pool
Max if ne could have foreseen the result.