The morning call., 1893-04-30
ARTIST AND POET.
Edmund Russell and Our
Own Miller Run a Race.
The Bard of the Sierras and the Ex-
ponent of DeIsartism Both
Get There.

It is said an Oaklander may be recognized
by the EXPRESSION of anxious care that rests
perpetually upon his visage, and by the far
away look in his eyes that comes from con-
stantly seeking to discover the approaching
train and make the next boat"
Edmund Russell and Joaquin Miller our
own joaquin, got an insight the other day
into why it is that Oaklandcrs grow prema-
turely gray. and acquire that billarG-b ball
asl ect of the superior Uranium that has es-
tablished for the dweller in the Pacific
Coast Athens a high reputation for early
piety. THIS soulful twain were inseparable
during the Desartean's stay among us.
Joaquin WAS loud in his declaration that
Edmund was just lovely, while Edmund
voiced everywhere his firm conviction that
in the matter of household decoration the
poet of the Sierras is a little ahead of any
one else on this coast. So the pair were
much together, and in truth Miler's mighty
masculine frame and tawny hair and heard
formed an admirable foil Tor Russell's
sleek rOtuudity, his smoothly ShaVen face
and adorable wig. Seeing them together
ones mental vision was irresistibly
assailed by the picture Of mastiff and
q pug.
day or two before the Delsartean's de-
parture from among us he and the poet
went TO call upon a lady-a mutual friend
in Oakland. They had TO return by a GER
tain train, but the disci pie OF expression got
deelaiming Joaqun's poetry aud time
slipped by. all unaware, until presently
tie train-their train, was heard approach
ing. Not 4 moment was to lie lost. Hastily
the poet grabbed his sOmbrerO and thrust
his arms into the sleeves of his nVeTcoat
With graceful deXterity Edmund Rlided into
his tau-cnlOred coVeIt-cOat, claSped his eX-
pressiye fingers about his big. big stick, and
adjusted his neat derby upon his w-nut-
brown locks. Together they sailed forth
and essayed the gate. But for some reason
or other it did not open readily. They sim
ultane0usly pushed, but the gate resisted
their pressure. They stepped hack and
with one accord threw their manly weight
against the obstacle to their progress. The
barrier was stanch and held fast.
We'll miss that train" gasred Edmund.
Fact" said the poet I'VE can't fool
with this condemned gate any longer. here
goes" and with n bound he had cleared the
topmost rail. Come on, Edmund" he
cried. and with a mighty effort Edmund
raised himself by his hands, pivoted for an
instant on the next to the last button of his
GETAWAY, then swung round aud regained
his feet upon the other side Then the poet
and the artist started IN tho streef, Joaquin
with giant strides, Edmund insinuating
himself over the sidewalk with true Del.
sartean grace. Louder and louder sounded
the bell. The danger OF being left grew
imminent. A terrible fear grew in the Del
sartean's mind, and at last he gave vent
TO II.
"Joaquin." he whispered, Pm afraid-I
shall have-to-r-u-u for itw
run then" lacOnically, and the poet
suited the action to the word. His stride
qulckened aud heightened. His feet flew
faster than did ever the dainty feet OF his
smoothly running verse. His coat-tails
stood out straight behind, and his tawny
curls foaled free upon the breeze. As for
Edmund, his speed was as the speed of the
dear gaZelle. albeit years and many good
dinners have destroyed the likeness that
once may have existed between his form
and gazelle's. His derby canted 10 one
side, his stick waved cOnYusively, his slip
pered feet went pitter-patter on the cement
walk. There could be no doubt about it,
Edmund was getting there.
They broke the neigh bOrhood record for
that distance and reached the train Just in
time to fling themselves aboard. AS they
we're carried swiftly through the city Russell
finally found breath to murmur:
Joaquin"
Yes. Edmund"
'Pve Just remembered That gate opens
inward"
Yes" said the poet, 81 thought Of that
minute ago"