Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-10-26
FOR TWENTY YEARS.

tell, although 1t was tough one &c
live. You see, it was more than TWEEN
ty years ago that my twin brother and
| sold out our homestead in New York
and went 70 California to seek our
fortunes. All the rest of the family
were dead, and we were the more AZ
tached to each other for that
Well, we tried mining, and we tried
everything that we could think Of; but
nothing seemed to prosper with us; we
only grew poorer and poorer. Family,
we thought Of the idea OF separating,
so as to work two fields at once, before
the last of our capital was gone. There
was great talk Just then about some
new gold region aud we agreed that
one OF us should go there and try his
luck, while the therremained in SAn
Francisco and carried on little bnsi-
ness we had started.
Ofcourse everything was in partner
ship. never thought OF an interest
separate from his, and he, know, felt
the same. Well, the question arose
which OF us should go. 1t wasn't very
tempting, the mining life, and neither
of US was anxious for it, and so we drew
lots to sec which Of us should CO. The
lot fell on me.
There was another reason why
didn't want to go beside the uncomforI-
able life, but would not tell Rob, fer
| could not drive him of to the mines,
and knew his generous heart so we'll
that WAS sure he would insist on GO
ing if he knew all. But--well, the truth
is, in a word, / was in love and
couldn't bear 10 leave my dainty Susy
to fight the world alone-she was q
music.teacher-no for other fellows to
fall In love with.
However, of cour C l submitted to lot
and made my preparations to go. 1t
was sad heart that | bore around to
Susy's rooms that night, and | could
not bear to tell her; hut, bless you! she
no sooner saw my face than she knew
something was coming, and she braced
herself up to meet II before she asked
me a question. After we had spoken OF
the weather aud the book had brought
her the day before, she said quietly, =
"Well, Ralph, what is it? know you
have bad news for me-"
cts bad for me, Susy," | answered
"and / am afraid it will be bad for you
too; though of course you know"
couldn't 90 on, and she spoke
again, brave as she always was.
"Ralph, you know Pm used to rnis.
fortune. Tell me at onc3."
SO | told her, and she pore it nobly
as l knew she would-though l WAS tn,
only friend she had in San Francisco
except her pupils. But | lad thought
of another plan TO make my going q
little easier. That was to make her my
wife before left, 80 as to leave her il
the care of Rob, and relieve her from
her hard life.
After some persuasion she consented
TO it. SO day or two aiterward, W.
three-I had told Rob--went into 6
Quiet church, and she was given me t
cherish and project until death.
Brave little womanl How trustingly
she gave me her heart, and how bAsely
| failed her How ready was to be
lieye-But let me go back. took hel
to our coy boarding place, which wal
indeed home TO us, installed her rs
its mistress, made every provision tina
love CGull suggest lor hef OOuloEt, Ell
joyed the bliss OF a few hours honey
moon, and then lett her.
needn't speak of that. / WAS hard
tell you. All, WELL I'm an old mar
now--older by sorrow than by years
but never st Ii forget the fresh, daint,
look of ms darling as | left her on tn,
steps that bitter day--a bride in tn,
morning, widow at night. And die
not forget 1t through all the BLACK
years, though 1t seemed rs if the mem
DRY Oft would drive me mad.
Well, | went to the mines, and
tried faithfully, eagerly, for my hear
was longing to go back to her. But
could not succeed.
Mails were not then established, so
did not hear from my two dear ones
but all the harder | toiied, for never ;
thought of doubt entered my mind.
was only too glad to have brother t,
care for her, and save my darling from
all rough contact with the world.
Finding no luck;in the mines, l deter
mined to push on to the Indian countr,
and try n little hunting and trapping
for there was good business then.
succeeded little better at that; bu