Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-02-17

"My dear boyr 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 chatted for few moments, ex-
changing news, suppose, though they
had drawn beyond our earshot. In a
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 inclos-
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. 1 wish to bespeak your good
offices for what they may require.
They are on their way to the mines.
And now, gentlemen, repeat, l am
delighted to have had this opportunity.
I wish you the best of luck, and sin
cerely hope you may be ablS to visit
me at Feather River, where you are
always sure of a hearty welcome.
Treat them well, Mcclellan"
You know, eap'n, friends Of your'n
are friends Of mine," said Mcclellan
briefly.
At the end OF half an hour we found
ourselves in possessionsof two pack
horses and saddles and load of pro-
visions.
Look out for hoss thieves" advised
Mcclellan. "These yere Greasers will
follow you for days, waitin' for a
chance to git your stock. Don't picket
with rawhide rope, or the coyotes are
likely to gnaw yore animiles loose.
Better buy a couple of har 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, it 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 Yank woke
up and acted like n frisky colt. Such
early wayfarers as we met we hailed
with shouts and chatting; nor were we
in the least abashed by an occasional
surly 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
gings 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 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-
numbered, some carried apparently all
their belongings on their backs; one
outfit comprising three men had three
saddle horses and four packs-a
princely caravan.
Near sundown two horsemen turned
off the trail and rode down to our lit
tie trickle of water. When they drew
Don Gaspar Martinez. He wore still
his gorgeous apparel Of the day before,
with only the addition of q pair of
heavy silver ornamented spurs on his
heels and brace of pistols in his sash.
His horse, a magnificent chestnut, was
harnessed in equal gorgeousness, with
silvered broad bit, silver chains jan
Cling therefrom, plated rawhide bri-
die and reins, carved leather, high
pommelled saddle, also silver orna-
mented, and bright colored, woven
saddle blanket beneath. The animal
stepped daintily and proudly, lifting
his little feet and planting them among
the stones as though fastidiously. The
man who rode with Don Gaspar was
evidently of a lower class. He was,
however, straight, handsome young
fellow enough, with dark clear COM
plexion, small mustache and a pleas
ant smile. His dress and accoutre-
ments were on the same general order
as those of Don Gaspar, but of quieter
color and more serviceable material.
His horse. however, was of the same
high bred type. A third animal fol-
lowed, unled, packed with two cow
hide boxes.
The Spaniard rode up to US and sa-
luted courteously; then his eye lit with
recognition.