The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-06-24

ward.
 contained. Before he had spoken word Captain Sutter's aloof expression had relaxed.
 q beg your pardon for addressing you so abruptly" Johnny was saying. 'H'rhe surprise of the moment must ex- cuse me. Ten years ago, sir, had the pleasure of meeting you at the time you visited my father in Virginia"
 My dear boyv' cried Sutter. "You are of course the son of Colonel Fair fax. But ten years ago you were very young man."
 "A small boy, rather" laughed Johnny.
 They chatted for a few moments, ex- changing news, l suppose, though they had drawn beyond our earshot. In few moments we were summoned and presented, first to Colonel Sutter, then to Don Gaspar Martinez. The latter talked English well. Yank and I, both somewhat silent and embarrassed be- fore all this splendor of manner, trail ed the triumphal progress like two small boys. We were glad to trail, however. Captain Sutter took US about, showing us 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 fnclos- ure. Our companion was greeted on all sides with the greatest respect and affection. To all he responded with benign but unapproachable dignity. From the vociferating 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 acquaint- 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, repeat, I am delighted to have had this opportunity. 1 wish you the best of luck, and, I sin cerely hope you may be able to visit me at Feather River, where you are always sure of a hearty welcome. Treat them well, Mcclellan"
 You know, cap'n, friends of your n are friends of mine,'' said Mcclellan briefly.
 At the end of half an hour we found ourselves in possession of two pack
 
 visions.
 ''Look out for hoss thieves,'' advised Mcclellan. These yere Creasers will follow you for days, waitin' for a chance to git your stock. Don't picket with rawhi>-e rope, or the coyotes are likely to gnaw yore animiles loose. Better buy couple of haF ropes from the nearest Mex. Take care of yore- selves. Goodby.'' He was immediate ly immersed in his food of business.
 We loaded our pack horses and set off next morning early on the trail up the American river. At last, 1t seem ed to us, we were really under way; as though our long journeyings and many experiences had been but prep aration for this start. Our spirits were high, and we laughed and joked and sang extravagantly. Even Tank woke up and acted like a frisl1y colt. Such early wayfarers as we met we hailed with shouts and chafhng; nor were we in the least abashed by an occasional sur1y response, or the not infreQuent attempts to discourage our hopes. For when one man said there was no gold another was confident that the dig g1ngs were not even scratched.
 Yank turned the two horses out into a grass meadow and sat, his back against an oak tree, smoking his pipe and watching them. Johnny and I un- rolled the beds, sorted out the simple cooking utensils, and started to cook. Occasional travellers on the road just above US shouted out friendly greet ings. They were a miscellaneous lot. Most were headed toward the noun tains. These journeyed in various ways. Some walked afoot and unen- cumbered, some carried apparently all their belongings on their backs; one outfit comprising three men had three saddle horses and four packS-a princely caravan.
 Gro Be Contfnued.)