Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-09-27
NechMrtwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday September H. 1885,

I
ture would, have been very dtlercnt-
to ne, at least.
We went to the Wcst-to the Golden
State--and. being but twenty. three, we
were as sanguine Of speedy success as
ever young men. with unbounded conf
dence in their own ability and energy.
No shop-keepng or farming for us,
no long, straight road to wealth by
slow approaches. We would achieve
wealth while we were stillyoung, mar
ry, settle down and enjoy life.
That is what we both often said to
each otter, and yet it seems strange
now that We never expressed. prefer
encc for the woman We should marry.
think the reason for this was that
Clarence was opposed, from principle,
to speaking lightly on the subject. He
was the purest man., N this respect, L
ever met.
Though charrn;ng' singer and a cap
ital story-teller, never knew him TO
utter a. word that could not have been
heard with delight in IL drawing room
and this, though the men with whom
we were thrown in contact looked upon
obscenity as the humorous kernel o6ev-
cry antedotc..
We started to prospect in tile Siereas
and for the first year We had i'll luck,
spending the little means we brought
with us, and seeing but small chance Of
bettering our condition in' the near fu-
turc..
About Ibis time trappcr came to
our camp and told us Of a place far up
the mountains, and near the snow line
where there was gold: and, he thought
in abundance.
Next day we started, made al exam
nation, and, to.ourg great delight, struck
a place about two hundred yards below
the snow that VAS rlch beyond our
dreams.
We moved there at once, keeping
our secret we'll guarded, and within
six months we had gathered over one
hundred thousand dollars worth of
nuggets and dust. Six months more
of such prosperity and we would so
home. To this conclusion we came one
night, as we sat by the fire in our little
cabin.
"And we will marry and settle down
said Clarence, in his earnest way.
"l'hc proper thing to do" | replied.
At that moment Annie Clinton was
dancing in my heart, and her namc on
my lips.
81 have never told you, old friend,
bccause | felt the time hll not come
but now that We are better off, can
open my heart. There is Il little girl
near the old home whom | have ioyed
since she was child, and | have been
vam enough to think she does not
look collIy on me. If she is willing, |
Will make her my wife when | get back.
lie hestated a moment, and swal-
lowing great lump that rose in my
throat, as sked:
"Who is she, Clarence -
iIc did not look up, but went on
slowly drawing figures in the ashes, as
he answered:
"Annie Clinton"
I made no comment pleaded wearl-
ness went bed.
There was meyer so long Il night for
could not sleep. My heart was re.
belling against the man by my side,
would not have cared had the hoarse
wind overturned turned the mountain
buried us both in its ruins.
The next day it was my turn to 60 to
Portcr's store, twelve miles down the
mountain for supplies. AS it was snow
ing, Clarence said he would stay in the
the house during the day and put
things to rights.
I felt, as | started off, an impulse to
run away, and never more to show my
face to Clarence Hulme. The wicked
thought even crossed my mind that
would go back, take my share, and
start for the East before him, to press
my suit. The love that the sword
could not sever was crumbling at the
sound of woman's name.
| got our supplies at the store, and
started back, intending to reach our
cabin at about sunset.
| did not feel my burden, but went
on so fast there vas still two hours Of
daylight when | reached the place
where we had been working. But L
could not recognize it.
A mighty mass of sDow had become
detached from the mountain, and the
cabin and placer were blotted ont.