Year: 1871

Vuitt and uncommunicative, he would
SIT there patiently watching him at his


work until the hour for closing the Office
arrived, when he would M quietly de-
part There was something SO humble
and .unobtrusivc in these visits, that the
editor could not find it In his heart TO
deny them, and accepting them, like the
woodpeckers, as part of his sylvan sur.
roundings, often forgot even his pres
ence. Once or twice, moved by some


beauty of expression in the moist, shy
eyes, he felt like seriously admonishing
his visitor of his idle folly but his glance
falling upon the oiled hair and the gor-
gcous neck-tie, he invariably thought
better of it. The case was evidently
hopeless.


The interview between Mr. Chubbuck
and the California Pet" took place in a
private room Of the Union Hotel pro-
priety Icing respected by the presence
of that -humorist, 'Boston. To
this gentleman We are indebted for the
only true account of the meeting. How
ever reticent Mr.. Chubbuck might have
been in the presence OF his own sex, to-
ward the fairer portion of humanity he
was, like most poets, exceedingly voluble.
Accustomed as the California Pet had
been to excessive compliment, she was
fairly embarrassed by the extravagant
praises of her visitor. Her personation
of boy characters, her dancing Of the
Champion Jig were particularly dwelt
upon with fervid but unmistakable admi-
ration. At last, recovering her audacity
and emboldened by the presence of "Bos-
ton" the California Pet" electrified her
hearers by demanding, half jestingly,
half vicionsly, if it were as boy or girl
that she was the subject of his fattering
admiration.


''That knocked him out O. time" said
the delighted Boston," in his subse-
quent account of the interview. but
do you believe the - fool actually
asked her to take him with her; wanted
to engage in the company.


The plan, as briefly unfolded by 'Bos-
ton" was to prevail upon Mr.. Chubbuck
to make his appearance in costume (al-
ready designed and prepared by the in
ventor) before Sierra Flat audience,
and recite an original poem at the Hall
Immediately on the conclusion of the
California Pets" performance. At a
given signal the audience were to rise
and deliver volley of unsavory articles
previously provided by the originator of
the scheme); then select few were to
rush on the stage, seize the poet, and,
after marching him in triumphal proc as
sion through town, We're to deposit HIM
beyond its uttermost limits, with strict
injunctons never TO enter it again. To
the first part of the plan the poet was
committed, for the latter portion it was
easy enough to find participants.


The eventful night came, and with it
an audience that packed the long narrow
room with one dense mass of human be-
ings. The California Pet" never had
been so iOyous, so reckless. so fascinating
and audacious before. But the applause
was tame and weak compared to the IRON
ical outburst that greeted the second
rising of the curtain and the entrance of
the born poet of Sierra Flat. Then
there was hush of expectancy, and the
poet stepped to the foot-lights and stood
with his manuscript in his hand.


His face was deadly pale. Either
there was some suggestion of his fate in
the faces of his audience, or some myste-
rious instinct told him of his danger. He
attempted to speak, but faltered, tot
tered, and staggered to the wings.


Fearful of losing his prey, Boston"
gave the signal and leaped upon the
stage. But at the same moment light
figure darted from behind the scenes,
and delivering kick that sent the dis
humorists back among the mu-
sicians, cut a pigeon wing, executed
double-shuffle, and then advancing to
the foot lights with that inimitable look,
that audacious swagger and utter obda-
don which had so thrilled and fascinated
them moment before, uttered the char
acteristic speech "Wot are you goin' to
hit man fur, when he's down, s-a-a-y p


The look, the drawl, the action, the
and above all the downright
courage of the little woman, had its eff
feet. A roar of sympathetic applause
followed the act. "Cut and run while
you can,' she whispered hurriedly over
her one shoulder, without altering the
others attitude of pert and saucy def
ance toward the audience. But even as
she spoke the poet tottered and sank
upon the stage. Then she threw
a despairing whisper behind the scenes,
"Ring down the curtain"


There was slight movement of oppo-
sition in the audience, but among them
rose the burly shoulders of Yuba Bill.
the tall, erect figure of Henry York of
Sandy Bar, and the colorless, determined
face of John Oakburst. The curtain
came down.


Behind it knelt the California Pet
beside the PROSTATE poet. Bring me
some water. Run for doctor. Stop ]!
Clear out, all of you y


She had unloosed the gaudy cravat
and opened the shirt-collar of the insen-
sible figure before her. Then she burst
into an hysterical laugh.


"Manuela y


Her tiring woman, a Mexican half
breed, came toward her.


Help me with him to my dressing.
room, quick then stand outside and
wait. If any one questions you, tell
Them he's gone. j you hear? He's
gone"


The old woman did as she was bade.
In few moments the audience had de-
parted. Before morning so also had the
California Pet" Manuela, and-the
poet of Sierra Flat


But, alas with them also had depart
I'd the fair fame of the California Pet"
Only few, and these it is TO be feared
,f not the best moral character them
selves, still had faith in the stainless
honor of their favorits actress. at was
4 mighty foolish thing to do, but it'll all
,ome out right vet" On. the other
hand, a majority gave her full credit and
appreciation for her undoubted pluck
md gallantry, but deplored that she
should have thrown il away upon a