Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-17

FOR TWENTY TEARS.

see, it was more than twenty years ago
that nv twin brother and | sold out our
homestead in New York and went to Cal
ifornia to seek our fortunes. All the rest
of the family were dead, and we were the
more attached to each other for that ,
Well, we tried mining, and we tried
every thing we could think of; but moth
ing seemed to prosper with US; we seemed
to grow poorer and poorer. Finally. we
thought of an 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 re-
gion, and we agreed that one OF US should
90 there and try his luck, while the other
remained in San Francisco and carried on
little business we had started.
OF course everything was in partner
ship. never thought of an interest sep
arate from his, and he, | know, felt the
same. Well, the question arose which OF
us should 90. 1t wasn't very tempting
this mining life-and neither OF US was
anxious for it; and so we drew lots to see
which of us should go. The lot fell on
me.
There was another reason why l dldn I
want to go, besides the uncomfortable life,
but | would not tell Rob, for couh not
drive him off to the mines. and l knew
his generous heart so well that | was sure
he would insist on going. If he knew all:
But-well, the truth is. was in love, and
couldn't bear to leave my dainty Susy to
fight the world alone-she was music
teacher-nor for other fellows to fall IN
love with.
However. of course | submitted to the
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; but, bless you! she no
sooner saw nv face than she knew some
thing was coming. and she braced herself
up to meet it before she asked me ques-
ton. After we had spoken of the weather
and the book | had brought her the day
before, she said quietly:
"Well. Ralph. what is il? | know you
have bad news for me-"
ATS bad for me, Susy," | answered,
land am afraid it will be bad for you,
too though of course you know"
couldn't 60 on, and she spoke again,
brave as she always was.
Ralph. you know I'm used to misfor-
tune Tell me at once"
knew she would-though | was the only
her pupils. But had thought of another
plan to make my going a little easier.
That was to make her my wife before
lett, so as to leave her in the care of Rob,
and relieve her from her hard life.
After some persuasion she consented
to it. So a day or two afterward, we
three-l had told Rob-went into quiet
church. and she was given me to cherish
and protect until death.
Brave little woman! How trustingly
she gave her heart, and how basely |
failed her! How ready was to believe
But let me 90 back. took her to our cosy
boarding place. which was indeed home
to us. installed her as its mistress, made
every provision that love could suggest
for her comfort, enjoyed the bliss of a few
hours honeymoon, and then left her.
| needn't speak of that. 1t was hard,
tell you. All, well I'm an old man now
older by sorrows than by years; but
never shall forget the fresh, dainty look
of my darling as | left her on the steps
that bitter day-a bride in the morning, a
widow at night. And | did not forget ii
seemed as if the memory of it would drive
me mad.
Well. | went to the mines, and tried
faithfully, eagerly, for my heart was
longing to 90 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 toiled, for never thought
of doubt entered my mind. | was only
too glad to have brother to care for her,
and save my darling from all rough con-
tact with the world.
Finding no luck in the mines, deter
mined to push on to the Indian country,
and try little hunting and trapping-tor
that was good business then. | succeeded
little better at that; but wandered on,
and finally came out at Frazer river. where
the fever OF the gold excitement had just
broken out most tiercely.
don't know whether it was months or
years-days and weeks were alike to me
for long time--but at last I was success
full, and got together five thousand dollars
in yellow dust. OF course, my only
thought was of my wife. and seized the
first opportunity to send off the treasure
A miner at home willingly took charge
of my little pile, and soon began to look
for letters. Rob's could easily imagine
noble, manly, like himself. Susy's
thought of and tried to fancy hundreds OF
times, for I'd never had letter from her
knew it would be delicate and pretty
and like my delicate snow-drop.
Well, well, fancies may do very well
but they will not feed a hungry heart
Day after day passed and no letters. My
soul grew sick | made all sorts of ex.
cuses for them. l imagined all sorts OF
delays. But the long, dreary days went
by with leaden feet. and not a word came
to the wanderer from his loved ones.
grew morbid and bitter, and at last
wrote to an acquaintance in San Francis,
co, asking for tidings from my brother
and wife The friend was not so neglect.
full as the wife and brother. Soon-toc
soon-I received reply. can see il
now in letters of fire:
"MY DEAR FELLOW: | have made in
qulries as you requested, about your wife
and brother. and can only find that they
disappeared from here few months ago
telling no one whittier they were going
They seemed at that time to be in posses
sion OF plenty OF money"
What more the letter contained never
knew; that much was burned in my
brain, and at that point | lost myself
They say | was u raving maniac. Per-
haps so; don't know. | only know
l. L