The San Francisco call., 1896-12-25

k9 6ieutend1b S2uuieLre6 STOOD at the
4iS window of his Presidio quarters gazing
out at the moonlit hills in very discon-
solate state of mind. He was in love with
charming girl, and the charming girl
was in love with him, but, unfortunately
for them both, the father of the young
lady had interposed what appeared to
Saddletree fatal bar to their union. This
seemed all the more incredible because
Lieutenant Saddletree was regarded bv
maid and matron alike as a most desir-
able partner. Young, handsome, of a
well-known San Francisco family This
father, who was now dead, having been
one OF the earliest settlers), holding an ex-
cellent position in the army, with an in
dependent income, what more could be
asked in a possible husband? Indeed, if
the truth was told, the lieutenant had
gone 10 Mr.. Wesdcott, the father OF his
betrothed, with a confidence that had not
the shadow or misgiving upon it. Like
the lieutenant's father Mr.. Wesucott was
one OF the early settlers OF California, but
being man of reserved habits, the lieu
tenant knew him but slightly, having
derived a general impression from his
visits at the house that he was an old
fashioned, gray-haired, mouse-like man,
who passed most of his time among his
books He had heard that he was much
interested in the early days OF California,
in fact, that it was his hobby. SaddIetree
also vaguely recalled having heard some
thing queer in connection with his hobby,
nothing dishonorable, for every one
agreed that Silas Westicott was the soul
OF honor, but something queer, some old
time feud or misunderstanding with the
Society of Pioneers, something that the
men of those days, no doubt, considered
vastly important, but nothing surely that
need concern him, Saddietree. Indeed,
the lieutenant did not give the matter
second thought, his interest in Mr. Westi-
colt being confined to his being Kate's
father. So without tarrying to become
better acquainted with him ne sought Mr..
Westicott, as has been said, in all conf
dence and asked him for his daughters
hand.
What was his astonishment then, when
Mr.. Westicott received his communica-
tion in spirit of hostility, courteously
expressed to be sure, but none the less
hostility, and after depIoring his blind
ness and negligence in allowing such
state of affairs to come to pass informed
him very emphaticalIy that Mr.. Richard
Saddletree's son could never with his con.
sent marry his daughter.
But whyP' exclaimed the lieutenant,
for the moment almost dumiounded at
this unexpected reception.
For excellent reasons" retorted the
old gentleman, rather seeming to enjoy
his discontinue.
But this is most extraordinary, replied
Saddletree, recovering his voice with
touch of anger. "Am l to understand
that it is on my fathers account that you
refuse me your daughter? B cause, If so,
. anything that concerns my dead fathers
name has precedence over all affairs of
mine, no matter how vital to my happi-
ness. Therefore, setting aside for the mo-
ment the errand that brought me here, l
. have the right to ask you to explain your
unfriendly allusion to him."
You certainly have the right, sir," re-
piled Mr.. Westicott; 81 do not deny it. 1
am only surprised that you are ignorant
of the events to which 1 refer. 1t is sore
matter with me, nevertheless. l will try
10 spare you any expression of my own
feeling and give you the facts as briefly as
possible"
Then the old gentlema an sat for a moment
tapping his library desk with pencil
while his face took on grim look as his
thoughts went back into the past. mo
doubt" he said finally, with an evident
effort, ''you have heard some rumors of
my first arrival in San Francisco. Such
little tattIe often outlives lifetime of
honest endeavor. Indeed, there are men
in this City to-day, old residents, who con-
slider ME a little bit crazy on that point.
They will tell you that | came to this City
February 10, 1850, whereas, as matter Of
fact, l came here the day before Christ
mas, 1849. do not refer to those gentle
men forming the Society of California
Pioneers, who have denied to so many
men as we'll qualified as themselves the
right to join their society on the ground
that they did not arrive in California prior
to date arbitrarily set by themselves;
who claim that if q mans foot touched
these shores five minutes after midnight
OF Decemb=r 81, 1S49 he was no
pioneer. Thank God l can rest easily in
nv grave without having them trooplng
after my coffin. But there are men whom
l respect and who respect me, men of '49
whom 1 have the right ana title to meet
timent you will say. but it is sentiment
that makes life worth the living-and L
cannot induce these men to believe that
1. too, am 'forty-niner.' And who. do
YOU think, robbed me of this privilege?"
The old gentleman, whose face and voice
denoted increasing excitement, now shook
his finger impressively at his perpiexed
listener, and said: ''Your father, sir,
your fatherl Wait!" he added quickly,
raising his hand as Saddletree was about
to speak, 81 have not finished" Leaning
back in his chair he resumed in tone OF
forced calmness: "On October 20. 1849,
left my home in Boston on the ship Silver
Moon. We dropped anchor as | tell you
In San Francisco harbor or Yerba Buena,
as it was then called, December "a 1S49.
With me brought letters of Introduction
TO certain gentlemen, but principally to
Richard saddletree from whom l was as
snred would receive every consideration.
Moreover was the bearer of sum OF