Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 29, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 17 January 1874 — Page 6

THE END OF IT ALL.

ft} la la tbe end of it all—of the love I fondly deem'd Would prove a sweet fruition of tbe prioeletta thing It seem'd

Only a walk in the starlight—a stroll by the moonlit river— JL» angry word—a low "Good-night," that meant *Good-by forever.'* "Good-night!*' Your pale lips who'd the cold words* o' my own A chilling eluxp or yonr flngf-r-, and I stood there alone Alone bytn* (r.rating widow—alone with my b»ofc«'ii drwun Alone wt:iii «*gho»t «»f a dead love, in tbe

Sonuee

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eeviueut

|xi)«*n In a mo•liuancv, and left

'Only a w»*d bur '»tvtt m»-nl O* A won tha.' fudrtl |..v«V oa Itemetn'ry a «t*ni. 'Only a walk In th* sllcn sfc-eping river— .AB angry word—H.low 'Good-nIgbt."but it meant ••Jood-by forever."

vtroii bv the

fScribner'a Monthly.]

How Old Man Plunkett Went Home.

BRET HARTE'S LAST STORY

I think we all loved him. Even after he mismanaged the affairs of tbe Amity Ditch Company, we all commiserated him, though almost all of us were stockholders and lost heavily. I remember that tbe blacksmith went so

88 a

far as to nay that 'Tbem chaps as put 4»at responsibility on tbo old man ougbter le lynched.' Ilat tbe blacksnntb was not a stockholder and tbe expression wax looked upon as tbe exCWMW« extravagance of a large, oymfMtbising Batnre, that, when combined witb a power!a 1 frame, was unworthy of notiee. At least that was tbe way tbey put H. Vet I think there was a

general feeling of regret that tbis uniswould interfere with the old man's long cherished plan of 'going home.'

Indeed, for tbe l*st ten years he had feO*n 'going borne.' He was going home after a six months sojourn at Monte Flat. He

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pasture on Dow's Flat,

wben tbe Amity Company .paid its first dividend, wben tbe election was over, when be bad received »n answer from bis wile. And so the years rolled by, tbe spring rains

CHUIO

pay dirt and *wanped its owner, tbe first dividends of the Amity Company were made from the assessments of stockholders, there were new county offloere at Monte Flat, his wile's answer bad changed into a persistent question, and still old man Plunkett remained.

It Hi onl fair to say that he had made several distinct essays towards going. Five years before he" had bidden goodbye to Monte Hill with much effusion aud b'lnd-sh.tktng. But ho never got Any further than the next town. Merc he was induced to trade the sorrel colt he was riding for a b.iy tin re—a transaction tb*t at once opened bis lively fanoy vhto of vast mid successful future" speoa afi.tr. A few days after, Abaer Dean, of Angel's, received a letter from him stilting that he

going

to Visrtlia to buy horses. 'lam satislied,' wrote Plunkett, with that elevated rbetorlo for which his correspondence was remarkable, 'I aiti satisfied that we are at last developing the real resources of Oilitornlii. The world will yet look to Dow's Flat

the great stock-raising

center. In view of tho interests involved, I defer my departure for month." It was two before he again returned to us, pennils8s. Mix months later he was agfeln enabled to start for tbe Eastern States, and this time got as for as San Francisco. I have before me a letter whlob I give an extract: 'You know, my dear boy, that I have always believed that gambling,

it is absurd

ly called, is still in its infancy (California. 1 have always maintained that a perfect system niight le mtde to •i«kl a certain per rentage to the Intel Iigent player. I am not at liberty at present to disclose tbo system, but be fore leaving this city I Intend to per feet It.' He seems to hxv« done so and returned to Monte Fiat with two dollars and thirty-seven cents, the ab solute remainder of his capital after •nob perfection.

It was not till 1888 that he appeared to bare finally sucueuded in going home, He left us by the overland route—a roate which he declared would give great opportunity for tbe discovery of undeveloped resources, 11 i* last letter was dated Virginia City. Ho was ab seat three years. At the close of a very feotdav in midsummer be alighted from tbe vVingdam stage witb hair and beard powdered witb dust and age There was a certain shyness about his greeting, quite different from bis usnal frank volubility that did not, however, impreft* us as aiiy accession of character. For some days be was reserved regarding his recent visit, contenting himself with more or lees aggressive ness, that be bad always said he was go ing home and now be bad been there, foter he grew more communicAtive^ and spoke freely and critically of the manners and custom* of New York and Boston, commented on tho social cbaugee in the years ol his absence ,and I remember, was very hard upon what be deemed the follies incident to a high state of civih* tiion. Still later, be darkly alluded to the moral laxity ot tbe higher planes of Kisiern society, but it was not long before he completely tore away- tbe veil and revealed tbe naked wickedness of New York social life in a way I even now shudder to null Vinous intoxication, it appetrted, was a common habit of the first ladies of tbe city immoralities which be scare ly dared name were daily practiced by the refined of both sexes niggardliness and greed were tbe common vices of tbe rich. 'I have always asserted,' he coo tinned, 'that corruption must exist where luxury and riches are rampant, and capital It not used to develop tbe natural reeouives of the country. Thank you—I will take mine without sugar.'

It in possible that, some of these painfa) details crept into tbe local journals. I remember an editorial in tbe Monte Fist Monitor, entitled 'Effete Bast,* in which the fatal decadence of New York end New England was elaborately stated, sad California ottered as means of natural salvation 'Perhaps, said the Monitor, 'we might add that Calaveras county offers superior in daeementa to tbo E» stern visitor with •oscltal.'

Later ho spoke ol His family. The daughter be had left 4 «Md had grown intoDoautiful wowauboi tbe son was already taller and larger than bta father, and In a plavffcl trial of strength, 'the young rascal.' added Plnnkett with a voioe broken with paternal pride and hamorool objection, bad twiee thrown his doting parent to the ground. But It was of his daughter he chiefly spoke. Perhaps emboldened

LUUJREAI WOICD DIMVU-

Hoe Moote Flat held in feminine beauty

be expatiated at some length on her various charms snd accomplishment, and finally produced btr pbotogaph— that of a very pretty girl—to their infinite peril. But bis account of bis first meeting witb ber wssso peculiar that I most fain give it after bis own methods which were, perhaps, some sbsdes less precise and elegant than his written style

Yon see, boy's it's always been my opinion that a man ougbter be able to tell his own flesh and blood by instinct. It's ten years since I'd seen my Melindy, and sbe was then only seven aud about so high. So, when I went to New York, what did I do? Did I go straight to my bouse and ask lor my wife and daughter, like other folks No sir rigged myself up as a peddler,

peddler, and. I rung tbe bell When tbe servant came to the door, wanted—aon't you see—to show the ladies some trinkets. Then there was voice over the bannister, says: 'Don want anything—send him away 'Some nice laces, ma'am, smuggled, says, looking up. 'Get out, you wretch says she. 1 knew the voice, boys, was my wife, sure asagun—tbar wasu any instinct tbar. 'May be the young ladies went sometbin" I said, 'Did you hear me!' says she. and with that sbe jnmps forward, and I left. It's ten years, boys, since I've seeu tbe old wo man, but somehow, wben sbe fetched that leap, I naturally left.'

He bad been standing beside the bar —bis usual attitude—wben be made tbis speech, but st tbis point be h"li faced bis auditors witb a look that was very effective. Indeed, a few who bad exhibited some sigus of skepticism and lack of interest, at once assumed an an pearance of intense gratification as be went on

Well, by hangin' round there for a day or two, I found out at last it was to be Melindy's birthday next week, and that sbe was goin' to have a big party I tell ye what boys, it weren't no slouch of a reception. The whole bouse was bloomin' with flowers, and blazin with lights, and there was no end ot servants and plate and refreshments and tixin's—,

Uncle Joe.'

Well?'

going hnrne when

he bad cut tbe tirnbor on Buckeye Hill, when there

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Where did tbey get the money Plunkett faced bis iuterlocutor with a severe glance. 'Ialways said,' he re

P'd

and went, the

woods of Buckeye UiU were level witb ibe ground, thn'pas'ure on Dow's Flat rew sore and dry, Kureka Ilill yielded

lied slowly' 'that when I went borne send on ahead of me a draft for $10,000. I always said that, didn't I Eh And I said I was goin' home—and I've bwm home—haven't I Well

Either there was something irresist ibly conclusive in tbis logic, or else tbe desire to hear tbe remainder of Plunkett's was stronger but there was no more interruption. His ready good hu mor qiuckly returned,and,with a slight chuckle, he went on: 'I went to tho biggest jewelry shop in town, and I bought a pair ol diamond ear-rings aud put them in my pocket, and went to tbe bouse. 'What name? says the chap who opened tbe door, and he looked like across between a restaurant waiter and a parson. 'Skeesicks,' said I. He takes ine in, and pretty soon my wife comes sailin'into the parlor and says: 'Excuse me, but I don't think I recoguize the name.' Sho waSjtnlghty polite, for I had on a red wig and side whiskers. 'A frieml of your husband's from California ma'am, with a present lor your daughter, Miss and I made as I had forgot tbe name. But of a sudden a voice said, 'That's too thin,' and in walked Melindy. -It's playin' it too low down father, to pretend you don't know your daughter's name—ain't it, now How are you, old man.' And with that she tears off my wig and whiskers, and throws her arms around my neck—instinct, sir, pure instinct!'

Emboldened by the laughter which followed his description of the filial utterances of Melinda, he again repeated ber speech, with more or less elaboration, joining in witb, and indeed often leading the hilarity that accompanied it, and returning to it witb more or less iucoherency several times during tbe evening.

Aud so at various times, and at various places—but chiefly in bar-rooms-did this Ulysses of Monte Flat recount the story of bis wanderings. There were sometimes considerable prolixity of detail, there was occasional change of character and scenery, there was once or twice an absolute change in the denouement, but always the fact of bis having visited his wife and children remained. Of course in a skeptical communiky like that of Monte Flat—a community wherein, to use the local dialect, 'tbey got the color and struck hardpan,' more frequently than any other mining camp—in such a community the fullest credence was not given to old man Plunkett's facts. There was only one exception to the general unbelief—Henry York, of Saudy Bar. It waa always be who wa- an attentive listener It was his scant purse that bad often furnished Plunkett witb means to pursue bis unprofltabe speculations it was to him that Ibe charms of Melinda were more frequently rehearsed It was be that had borrowed ber photograph— and it was be that, sitting alone In bis cabih one night kissed tbat photograph until his honest handsome face glowed again In tbe firelight.

It was dusty in Monte Flat. The ruins ot the long, dry season were crumbling everywhere everywhere tbe dying summer had strewn its red ashes a loot deep or exhaled its last, breath in a red cloud above the troubled highways. The alders and cotton wand that marke«i tbe line of tbe water* courses were grimy with dost, and looked as if tbey might have taken root in the open air the gleaming stones of tbe parched water-courses themselves were as dry bones in the valley of death. 1 he dusty snnset at times painted the flanks of tbe distant bills a dull coppery hue on other days then* wa« an odd, indefinable earthquake hollow on the volcanic cooes of the further coast spurs again an acrid, resinous smoke rrotn tbe burning wood on Heavy-tree Hill, smarted tbe eyes and choked the tree breath tf Monte Flat, or a fierce wind drifiPf everything—including shriveled summer like a curled l« af— before it, swrp*. down tbo flanks of tbe Sierras and chitted the inhabitants to tbe doors of their cabins, and shook its red fist in at tbeir windows. And on such a night as this—tbe dust having in some way. choked the wheels of material progress In Monte Flat—most of tbe inhabitants were gdthemi listlessly in the gilded bar-room of tbe Moquelutnue hotel, spitting silently st tbe red-hot stove that tempered she mountain winds to tbe shorn lambs of Monte Flat, and waiting tor the rain

Every method known to tho Flat, of begu'Hng the time until the advent of this i' Hg looked-for phenomenon had been trod. It is troe the methods were not many—being Halted chiefly tu that form of popular facetiae known as practical Joking snd even this had •seamed tbe sertoosness of a business pursnit. Twnmy Roy, wfeo had spent two hoar* in digging a ditch In front of bis own door—into which a few friends dropped daring the evening—looked annoyed and dissatisfied the fonr prominent citizens, who, disguised as foot-

I've got something better than tbat —you know old man Plnnkett Everybody simultaneously spat at tbe stove and nodded bis head.

You know he went home three years ago?' Two or three changed tbe position of their legs from the backs of different cbairs, and one man said

Yes.' Had a great time home?' Everybody looked cautiously at tbe man who bad said ',yes,' and be, ac cepting tbe responsibility with a fainthearted smile, said 'yes,' again, aud breathed hard. 'Saw his wilo and child—pretty gal said Abner cau tiously.

Yes,' answered tbe man, doggedly.

Saw ber photograph, perhaps con tinued Abner Dean, quietly. Tbe man looked hopelessly around for support. Two or three wbo had been sitting near him and evidently encouraging bim with a look of interest, now shamelessly abandoned him and looked another way. Henry York flushed a little and veiled his brown eyes. Tbe man hesitated, and tben witb a sickly smile tbat was intended to convey the fact that he was perfectly aware of the object of this questioning, he was only humoring it from abstract good feeling, returned "yes," again.

Sent home—let's see—$10,000. wasn't it?" Abner Dean went on. "Yes," reiterated tbe man, with tbe same smile "Well, I thought so," said Abner quietly, "but the fact is, you see, that be never went home at all—nary time.'

Everybody stared at Abner in genu-

ine surprise and interest, as with pro-

nrvlfi^n A 1 tVI nAA« Vt hn I f. IU9(T mOft. I voking'calmnes8 and a half-lazy man ner he went on:

You see tbar was a man down in Frisco as knowed him and saw bim in Simora during tho whole of the three years. He was herding sheep or tending cattle, or spekilating all that time, and hadn't a red cent. Well it 'mounts to this—that 'ar Plunkett ain't been east of the Rock-y mountains since 49.'

The laugh which Abner Dean bad tho rigbt to confidently expect came, but it was bitter and sardonic. I think in-

dignation was apparent in the minds

of bis hearers. It was felt, for the first

time, that there was a limit to practical joking/ A deception carried on for year comprising the sagacity of Monte Flat was deserving the severest reprobation. Of course, nobody bad believed Plunkett—but then tbe supposition that it might be believed in ad jacent camps tbat they had believed him, was gall and bitterness. The lawyer thought that an indictment for ob taining money under false pretenses

He bad changed pitifully in the last six months. His hair was a dusty yellowish gray, like the chimisal on the flanks of Heavytree Hill bis face was waxen white and blue and puffs under the eyes bis clothes were soiled and shabby—streaked in front with the stains of hurried luncheons eaten standing, and fluffy behind witb the wool and hair of hurriedly extemporized oouches. In obedience to tbat old law that the more seedy and soiled a man's garments become tbe less does

essential. Plunkett clothes had you

gradually taken on the appearance of

a kind of bark or an outgrowth from

within for which tbeir possessor was not entirely responsiV ie. Howbeit as be eutered the room tie attempted to button his coat over a dirty shirt and passed hia fingers, after tbe manner of some animal, over bin crackeratrewn beard—In recognition «f a cleanly public sentiment. But even as be did so the weak smile faded from bis lips,and bis band, after fumi ling aimlessly around after a button, dropped helplessly at bia side. r, aa be leaned his beck against tbe bar and faced the group, be for tbo first time became aware tbat every eye but one was fixed upon him. His quick nervous apprehension at once leaped to tbe truth.

Hia miserable secret was out and abroad in tbe venr air about him. As a last resort he glanced dispairingly at Henry York, but bis flushed faoe was turned toward tbe window.

No word waa spoken. As tbe barkeeper silently swung a decanter and a glass before bim, be took a cracker from a dish and mumbeid It with affected unconcern. He lingered over his liqoor until its potency stiffened his relaxed sinews, and dulled the nervous edge of bis apprehension, and tben he sadden ly faced around. It don't look as If we were goin. to hev any rain ranch afore Christmas,' be said, with defiant ease.

No one made any reply. 'Just like tbis in '32 and again ia *00. It's always been my opinion tbat these dry seasons «noe reg'lar. I've said It atore. I say It again. It's jfst as I said about going home, yon know he added.

Thar's a *man,' said Abner Dean, lazily, ez ees yon never went home. Tbar's a man ex sex yoo've been three years in Sonora. Thar's a manes sea yon hav'nt seen yonr wife and daughter since *40. Thar's a man e* ees yon've been playin' this camp for the last six months,'

There was a dead alienee. Then a voice said, quite as quietly: "That man lies.' ft wae not the old man's mdes, Everybody turned as Henry York slowly roec, stretching out his six feet of length, and, brushing away the ashes tbat had fallen from hia pipe upon his breast, deliberately placed himself beside Plamket, and fered the others.

Tbat man ain't here,* continued Abner Dean, with list lees Indiffereaos of voioe and a gentle pre-oee«pation of

KATTiHbAY EVENING MAIk JANUARY 17. 1874.

pads, had Mopped the county treasurer manner as be carelessly allowed bis on the Wingdam road, were jaded from rigbt band to rest on bis bip near bis tbeir playful eflorts next morning: th» revolver.

principal physician and lawyer of I'm called upon to make good what he Monte Flat, who bad entered into an says, why I'm on band.' unbollowed conspiracy to compel tbe I Alt rose as tbe two men—perhaps tbe sheriff of Calsverss and bis posse to least externally agitated of tbem all—serve a writ of ejectment on a grizzly spproscbed each other. Tbe lawyer bear, feebly disguised nndor tbe name stepped in between tbem of 'one Major Ursus,' who haunted the I 'Perhaps there's some mistake. York, groves of Heavy-tree Hill, wore an ex- do you know tbat tbe old man has been pression of resigned weariness. Even|bocne?~

That man ain't here, but if

Yes.'

the editor of tbe Monte Flat Monitor, wbo bad that morning written a glowing account of a battle with tbeWipneck Indians for tbe benefit of Eastern readers—even he looked grave and worn. Wben, at last Abner Dean, ofl gated lie of bis life^ Angel's, wbo bad been on a visit to San

How do you know it York turned his clear, honest, frank eyee on bis qnestfoner, and without a tremor told tbe only direct and unmitl-

Because I've seen bim there.'

Francisco, walked into tbe room, be] Tbe answer was conclusive. It was was, of course, victimized in the usual I known that York bad been visiting in way by one or two apparently honest I the East during tbe old man's absence, questions which ended in bis answer- The colloquy bad diverted attention. ing tbem, and then falling into the trap of asking another to his utter and complete shame and mortificationhut tbat was all. Nobody laughed, and Abner, although a victim, did not lose bis good humor. He turned quietly on bis tormentors and said:

frotn Plunkett, wbo, pale and breathless was staring at^bis unexpected deliverer. As be turned again towards bis tormentors there was something in the expression of his eye that caused those that were nearest to him to fall back, and seut a strange indefinable thrill though tbe boldest and most reckless. As be made a step forward tbe physician almost unconsciously raised his hand with a warning gesture, and old man Plunkett, wiih his eyes fixed upon the red-hot stove, and an odd smile playing about bis moutb, began:

Yes, bf course you did. Who says youdid'nt? I said I was goin' lionie and I've been home—haven't I? My God! I have. Who says I've been lyiu'? Wbo says I'm dreamin'? It is true—why don't you speak It is true after all. You say yon saw me tberel why don't you speak again? Say!— Is it true It's going now, O, my "(rod —it's going again. It's going now— save me!' and with a fierce cry, he fell forward in a fit upon the floor.

When the old man regained his sens, he fouud himself in York's cabin, flickering fire of pine boughs lit up the rude rafters and tell upon a photograph tastefully framed with fir cones and hung above tbe brush whereon he lav. It was tbe portrait ot a young girl. It was the first object to meet tho old man's gaze, and it brought with it flushoi such painful consciousness, that be started and glanced quiokly around But bis eyes only encountered those of York—clear, gray, critieal aud patient aud tbey fell again.

Tell me, old man,' said York, not unkindly, but with tbe same cold,clear tone in his voice that bis eye betrayed a moment ago,

4tell

cj10c|ije an(j

ousiy

might oe found, the physician had long sonora?—warn't it good as the min suspected bim of Insanity, and was not certain but that he ought to be confined The four prominent merchants thought tbat the business interests of Monte Flat demanded tbat something should be done. In the midst nf an excited and angry discussion, the door slowly opened, and old man Plunkett staggered into tbe room

me, old man, is that

a lie too and be pointed to the pic ture. Tbe old man closed his eyes and did

not

repiy...

Two hours before, the ques

tion would have stung bim into some evasion of bravado. But the rovela tion contained in the question, as well as the tone of York's voice, was to him, hi his pitiable condition, a relief. It was plain even to his confused brain that York had lied wben he bad endorsed bis story in the bar-room it was clear to him now that be had not been home—that be was not, as be bad begun to fear, going mad. It was such a relief that witb characteristic weak ness his former recklessness and extravagance returned. He began to I u«V(t|(aui/r ict/ui iiuu. tin ur^tiu IU

finally to laugh unroari-

York, with his eyes still fixed on the old man,withdrew bis band with which be bad taken bis.

Didn't we fool 'eni nlccly, eli, Yorky? He, he! Tbe biggfst thing ever yet played in this camp! I always said I'd play 'etn all some day, and I have played 'em for six months. Ain't it rich—ain't it the richest thing yon ever seen? Did you see Abner's lace when be spoke 'bout that man as seed me in

Mtrels? O it's too much and striking his leg with the palm of bis hand he almost threw bimself from the bed in a paroxysm of laughter—a paroxysm that nevertheless appeared to be half real and half affected.

Is tbat photograph tier's?' said York, ia a low voice, alter a slight pause.

Her's? No! It's one of tbe San Francisco aotresses, he, he' Didn't you see? I bought it for two bits in one of tbo book stores. I never thought they'd swallar that too! but tbey did! Oi, but tbe old man played 'eni this time, didn't he?' and he peered curiously in York's face.

Yes, and he played me too,' said York, looking steadily in tbe old man's eye.

Yn«, of course^' interposed Plunkett, hastily, but, you know, Yorky, you

be seem inclined to part with tbem, ouYofit well. You've sold'em too, even during tbat portion of the twenty-

four hours when they re deemed least

We,ve

,em

on gtrlnR now

vou and infrlgot

to stick together now

dld lt

well, Yorky, you did it well

Whv when yoa

Yorfc'Clty

of it nin Cr%i» nintoh net tviaeAMiAii i»aa .. .r

8eed me in

/Jf

dldn-

Didn't what?' said York,gently, for the old man bad stopped with a pale face and wondering eye,

Oh!'

You say when I said I had seen you In New York, you thought——1'

You lie said tbe old msn, fiercely, I didn't say I thought anything What are you trying to go back en me for? Eh His hands were trembling as be rose muttering from tbe bed and made his wsy toward the hearth

Gimme some whisky,' be said pres ently,

and dry op. You ought to

treat anyway, Tbem fellows ougbter treated last night. By hookey I'd made 'em—only I fell sick.'

York placed tbe liquor and a tin cup on tbe table beside him, and going to the door turned his bsck upon bis guest, snd looked out on the night. Although it was clear moonlight tbe familiar prospeet never to him seemed so dreary. Tbe daad waste of tbe broad Wingdam -bigbwav never seemed so monotonous—so like tbe days that bad

fike

iassed and were to come to bim—so the old man in its suggestion of going sometime and never getting there He turned, and going up to Plunkett put bis band upon his shoulder sod said.

want to ask yoa one question, fairly and squsrely.' The liqoor seamed to hsve warmed tbe torpid blood in the old man's veins and softened bin acerbity, for tbe face he turned op to York wss mellowed In Its rugged outline,and more thoughtful in Its expression, as be said: do on, my bey.'

You have a wife and—and—a daughter?' BeforeGod I have!*

The two men were silent for a moment both gazing at the fire. Tben old Plunkett negau, rubbing his knees •lowly:

Tbe wife, If ft has come to that, ain't much,' he began, cautiously, being a little oa the shoulder, yon know, and wantin', so toi*pe*k,a liberal California education—which makes, you know, a bad combination. It's always been my opinion that there ain't any worse. Wbyf she's as ready with ber tongue as Abner Dean Is with his revolver, only with tbe difference tbat sbe aboota from principal, as shecslls it, and tbe eonseqnenee is, she's always layin' for you.

and me what we are. I don't mind her havin* 'em if she don't shoot. But havin' tbat propensity, them principles oughtn't to be lyin' round loose no naore'n firearms.'

But yonr daughter The old man's bands went to his eyes here, and tben both bands and head dropped forward on tbe table. 'Don't Bay anything 'bont her: don't ask me now

Witb one hand concealing bis eyes, he fumbled about witb tbe other in his pockets for his handkerchief— but vainly. Perhaps it was owing to tbis fact that be repressed his tears, for when be removed bis bands from bis eyes, tbey were quite dry. Tben be found his voioe. 'She's a beautiful girl, beautiful— though I say it, and you shall see her, my boy, you shall see ber. sure. I've got things about fixed now. I "ball have my plan for reducin' ores perfected in a day or two, and I've got pro-

Eere,'(here

osals from all tbe smelting works he hastily produced a bundle of papers tbat fell upon tbe floor,)

and I'm goin'to send for 'em. I've got the papers here tbat will give me $10,000 in tbe next month,' be added, as be strove to collect tbe valuable docu ments again.

I'll have 'eui here by

Christmas, if I live, aud you shall eat christinss dinner with me, York, my boy—you shall, sure.'

Witb his tongue now fairly loosened by tbe liquor and tbe suggestive vastBess of his propects, he rambled on uioito or less iucoberently, elaborating and amplifying his plans—occasionally even speaking of tbem as already accomplished—until the moou rode high in the heavens, and York led him again to his couch. Here he lay for some time, muttering to himself, until at last he sank into a hoavy sleep. When York had satisfied himself of the fact, he gently took down the picture and frame, and, going to tbe bearth, tossed them on the dyingembers.and sat down to see them burn.

The fir cones leaped instantly into flames then the features that bad entranced San Francisco audiences nightly, flashed up and passed away—as such things are apt to pass—aud even tbe cynical smile on York's lip faded too. And then there came a supplemental and unexpected flash, as the embers fell together, and by Us light York saw a paper upon tbe floor. It was one tbat had fallen from tbe old man's pocket. As he picked it up listlessly, a photograph slipped from tho folds. It was a photograph of a young girl, and on tbe reverse was written, in a scrawling hand, 'Melinda to father.'

It was at best a cheap picture but ah me! I fear even tbe deft graciousness of the highest art could not have softened the rigid angularities of that youthful figure, its self-complacent vulgarity, its cheap finery, its expressionless ill-favor. York did not look at it the second lime. Ho turned to tbe letter for relief.

It was mis-spelled, it was unpunctuated, it was almost illegible, it was fretful in tone and selfish in sentiment. It was not, I fear, even original in the story of its woes. It was tbe harsh recital of poverty, of Auspicious, of mean makesbilts and compromises, of low pains and low longiugs, of sorrows that were degrading, «f a grief that was pitiable. Yet it was sincere in a certain sind of vague yearning for the presence or the degraded man to whom it was written an affection tbat was more like a 'confused instinct than a sentiment.

York folded it ''gain carefully and placed it beneath the old man's pillow. Then he returned to his Beat by the fire. A smile that had been playing upon his face, deepening tbe curves behind bis moustache ana gradually over running bis clear brown eyes, presently faded away. It was last to go from hN eyes, and it left there—oddly enough those who did not know him—a

to tear.

He sat there for along time, leaning forward, bis bead upon bis hands. The wind tbat bod been striving witb the canvass roof, all at once llfted*its edges and a moonbeam slipped suddenly in, and lay for a moment like a shining blade upon biSBboulder. And knighted bv its touch, straightway plain Hen ry York arose—sustained, high-pur posed and self-reliant.

The raitw had come at last. There was already a visible greenness on the slopes of Heavytree Hill, and the long, white track of'the Wingdam road was lost in the outlaying pools and ponds hundred rods from Monte Flat. Tbe spent water-courses, whose white bones bad been sinuously trailed over tbe flat, like tbe vertebras of some forgot ten Saurian, were full again tbe dry bones moved once more ni tbe valley and there was joy in the ditches, and pardonable extravagance in the col umna of tbe Monte Fiat Monitor. 'Never before in tbe history of the country has the yield been so satisfac tory. Our contemporary of tbe Hillside Beacon, who yesterday facetiously alluded to the fact (?1 that our citizens were leaving town in

dug-outs,' on

account of tbe flood, will oe glad to hear tbat oar distinguished fellow townsman. Harry York, now on a visit to bis relatives in tbe Raat. lately took witb bim, in bis 'dug-out,' the modest sum of (50,000, tbe result of one Week's clean-up. We can imagine,' continued the sprightly journal,

that no snch

misfortune likely to overtake Hillside tbis season. And yet we believe tbe Beacon man wants a railroad." A San Francisco journal lapsed into noble verse, thinly disguised as editorial proae: 'fUgoice, the gentle rain has come, tbe bright and pearly rain,which scatters blessings on the hills, and sifts tbem e'er tbe plain. Rejoice,' etc. Indeed there waa only one to whom tbe rain had not brought blessing, and tbat was Plunkett. In some mysterious and darksome way it bad interfered with tbe perfection of bis new method of reducing ores, snd thrown tbe advent ef tbat invention back another season. It bsj brought him te an habitual seat in tbe bar-room, where, to needless and inattentive ears, he sat and discoursed of tbe East and bis Ikmily.

No one disturbed bim. Indeed, it was rumored tbat some funds had been lodged with tbe landlord, by a person or persons unknown, whereby his few wants were provided for. His mania— fort hat was tbe charitable construction which Monte Flat pat upon his conduct—was indulged even to the extent of Moote Flat's accepting bis Invitation to dine with his family on Christmas Day—ao invitation extended frankly to every one with whom the old man drank or talked. Bat one day, to everybody's astonishment, be burs* into the bar-room, holding an open letter ia hie hand. It read as follows:

Be ready to meet yonr family at tbe new cottage on Heavytree Hill, on Christmas Day, Invite what friends you choose. HBHRY YOKE.'

The letter waa banded round in aileoee. The old man. with a hawk alternately between hope sad fear, cased in tbe faces of the group. The doctor

fit tbe eflete East, ay hoy, that's ma- looked up significantly, and said, after ain* ber—it's tbem ideaa abe gets ia I psoss: New York sad Boston that's made her' It's a forgery, evidently he's cua-

ning enough to conceive it—tbev always are-but you'll find he'll tall in executing it Watch bis face! Old man,' he said, suddenly, in a kud peremptory voice, 'this is a trick—a forgery—and you know it. Answer me squarely, and look me in the eve Isn't it so?'

Tbe eyee of Plumkett stared a moment, and tben dropped weakly Then with a feebler smile he said: "You're too many for me boys. The Doc.'s right. The little game's up. You can t'ike tbe old man's hat and so, tottering, trembling and chucklisg, he dropped into silence and bis accustomed seat. But tbe next day be had forgotteu tbis little episode, and talked as glibly as ever of the approaching festivity.

And so the days and weeks passed until Ctiristmas-^-a bright, clear day, warmed with south wiuds, and joyous with the resurrection of springing gr«sse8—broke upon Monte Flat. And tben tnere was a sudden commotion in the bar room, aud tben Abner Dean stood beside the old man's chair, and *^k him out of his slumbor to his

Rouse up, old man. York is hero with your wife and daughter, at tho cottage on Heavytree. Come, old man. Here, boys, give bin. a lift 'and in another moment dozen strong aud willing hands had raised the old man and bore him in triumph to the street, up the steep grade of Heavytree Hill, aud deposited bim. struggling and confused, in the poich or a little cottage. At the same moment, two women rushed forward, but #ere restrained by a gesture from Henry York. The old mau was struggling to bis leet. With an effort, at last, he stood erect, trembling, bis eye fixed, a gray pallor on bis cheek, and a deed resonanco in his voioe:

It's all a trick and a lie! They ain't no llesh and blood nor kin o' mine. It ain't my wife.nor child. My daughter's a beautiful girl—a beautiful girl—d'ye bear? She's in New York, with her mother, aud I'm going to fetch her here. 1 said I'd go home, snd I've been homo—d'ye hear me?—I've been home! It's a mean trick you're playin' on tho old man. Letmego—d'ye bear? Keep tbem women off me! l^et me go! I'm going—I'm going homo

His bauds were thrown up convulsively in the air, and, half turning round, he fell sideways on the porch, and so to the ground. They picked him up hurriedly but too late. Ho had gone home.

THE WINTER FIRESIDE. Harper's Bazir draws the pleasant picture of many a home firoside these long winter evenings: "And having this health, where can we find a scene of more apparent happiness than at tbe fireside of moat of our homes on these winter eveutugs? Outside, tbe keen winds blow, the world ia all a crisp ot sparkling stars and sparkling snows, or else the great storms lire whirling on their flying drills. Hut inside, with a glow, what comfort, what seclusion, what cheer! Tho curtains hut shutout the shadows, the warm-tinted furnishing, tho books, the prints, tbe beaming fanes—it is all picture to delight the parents who sit with their treasure about thern, to delight the visitor wbo, out of storm aud wind, comes in upon the cheerful neone, to delight the memory when scenes less happy lire about us. Perhaps tbe father teads to himself the ntws of the great world, hobnobbiug by the magic of tbe evening Journals with rulers and judges and statesmen, and leaving their society now aud then to glauco over tbe edge of tbe sheet and see his wife on the other side of the hearth telling fairy stories to the little ones in an undertone to see tho rapt and rosy faces of her listeners to see other bright heals bont together over a book to see thesweet face of the old grandma, her head silvered with the aureole of heaven's upproachingljght,assbe dozes in her corner, or knits, or placidly surveys the group—and he thinks, perhaps, that as It takes calamity to teach man tbe value of his blessings, so it takes this bitter weather to cluster one's most precious possessions at the same moment round the heart, and develop all the best sido of family life. By-ana-by the heavy hand of sleep sweeps the babies away to bed. Then the guests drop in, some neighbor with pleasant gossip, or some traveler at home again to tell bis never-tiring tales. Perhaps there is a game, perhaps a song. There are plenty of red-choeked apples,plenty of livery words, of jests ana merriment, which the 9 o'clock bell—that remnant of tbe old tvranny of tbe curfew not yet entirely banished from our villages —no more pretends to put an end to than It pretends to order tho ashes raked oyer tbe fire. And at last, when all are scattered to their several pillows, there is a heartier gratitude felt toward tbe protecting care tbat furnishes warmth and shelter than any common experience of summer Is a|'t to call forth. Nor is this pieasurableness dependent upon tbe extrinsic ctrcumstanoes of luxurious surroundings. Tbe poor man finds the same dear charm in bis cotfage tbat tbe rich man does in his ball It is that under the conditions of winter the presiding genius of home Is more plainly to be seen. And though there are tboso wbo will maintain tbat tbo introduction of bot-air furnaces and registers, of steam radiators and valves, destroys tbis winter enchantment, and tbat all tbe old felicity staggers, and isaeen no more,

Down tbat dark hole in the floor.. For our own part, we believe that it is neither the blaze of the fire, the warmth of a curtain, nor the beauty of a room that makes it, but tbe near neighborhood of the bodies sad souls tbat are dear to us, tbe electric chair of ersonal interest, tbe close contact of oving hearts.

PROVERB*.

sit

Do yonr master's bidding and down with bim at bis table. He that bays sad lies shall find the lie left in his parse behind*

Show me wbom tbuu art witb, aud 1 will tell tbee what tbou art. A sparrow In the band is worth more than a bozetrd on the wing.

Wben death knocks at tbe door be tarns a deaf ear to all excuses. Tbe beginning of a care consists in the knowledge of tbe distemper.

Nothing becomes man so well as tbe employment be was bora for. In tbe grave we must puck close together whether we like it or not.

Afire is discovered by its own light, so is virtue by Its own excellence. What to give •tid what to keep, requires a bead-piece wide snd deep.

Whoever publish*# a book to tbe world exposes himself to Imminent peril*

Riches sre of bat little avail in many of tbe calamities to which mankind are liable

Tbe mountains breed learned msn, and the hats of shepherds contain pbitoaojfrbers.

Blood is Inherited, bat virtue is com moo property, and may be aoq aired by all.