The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-08-15

WdrG.
contained. Before he had spoken a
word Captain suffers hloof expression
had relaxed
81 beg your pardon for addressing
you so abruptly" Johnny was saying.
'The surprise Of the moment must eX-
cuse me. Ten years ago sir, had the
pleasure Of meeting you mt the time
you visited my father IN Virginia"
"My dear boy!" cried Sutter. you
are of course the son of Colonel Fair
fax. But ten years ago you were a
very young man."
"a small boy. rather laughed
Johnny.
They chatied for n few moments, ex-
changing news, ] suppose, though they
had drawn beyond our earshot In u
few moments we were summoned and
presented, first TO Colonel GUtter, then
to Don Gaspar Martinez. The latter
talked English wen. Yank and |, both
somewhat silent aud embarrassed he
fore all this splendOr OF manner, trail
ed the triumphal progress Ike two
small boys We were glad to trail,
however Captain Sutter took us about.
showing MS IN turn all the many indus
tries of the place
Don Gaspar here excused himself on
the ground of business, promising to
rejoin us later.
We walked back through the inclos
ure. Our companion was greeted on
all sides with the greatest respect and
affection. TO all he responded with
benign but unapproachablc dignity.
From the vUciferatlng group he called
the trader Mcclellan, to whom he In
troduced us, all three, with urbane
fOrmality.
"These young men," he told McClel-
Ian, who listened to him intently, his
brows knit, "are more than acqualnt-
ances; they are very especial friends
of mine. | wish to bespeak your good
Offices for what they may require.
They are on their way to the mines,
And now, gentlemen, l repeat, am
delighted to have had this opportunity.
] wish you the best Of luck, and l sin
cerely hope you may be able to visit
me ut Feather River, where you are
always sure of hearty welcome.
Treat them well, Mcclellan"
"You know, cap'n, friends Of your II
are friends ~ mine," said Mcclellan
briefly.
At the end of half nm hour we found
ourselves In possession of two pack
horses and saddles and load OF pro
visions.
"Look out for boss thieves" advised
Mcclellan. "These yere Greasers will
follow you for days, waltin' for q
chance to git your stock. Don't picket
with rawhide rope, or the coyotes are
likely to gnaw yore animlIes loose
Better buy couple of ha'r ropes from
the nearest Mex. Take care of yore.
selves. Goodby." He was immediate.
ly immersed in his flood of business.
We loaded our pack horses and SET
Off next morning early on the trail up
the American river. At last, II seem.
cd to us, we were really under way
as though our long journeylngs and
many experiences had been but prep
aration for this start. Our spirits were
high, and we laughed ana joked and
sang extravagantly. Even Yank woke
up and acted like frlsky colt Sucl
early wnyfarcrs as we met we hailet
with shouts aud chatting; nor We're We
In the least abashed by an occasiona
surly response, or the not infrequen
attempts to discourage our hopes. Fo
when one man said there was no gol,
another was confident that the dig
, gings were not even scratched.
Yank turned the two horses out int
a grass meadow ana sat, his bac
/ against an oak tree, smoking his pip
= and watching them. Johnny and III
rolled the beds, sorted out the simpl
+ cooking utensils. and started to cool
. Occasional travellers on the road jus
D above us shouted out friendly gree
, ings. They were a miscellaneous 10
Q Most were headed toward the mouI
, tains. These Journeyed In varlou
I ways Some walked afoot and unel
3 numbered, some carried apparently a