Mr. Foley of Salmon, a story of life in a California village

CHAPTER I 1 HE Villagers of SAWYERS BAR DECIDE TO

Engage a Lady Teacher — Mr. Davis Is Sent on a Mission.

IHE arrival of the United States mail at Sawyers Bar, a mining: town of some five hundred

^ inhabitants, situated in Siskiyou County, the most northern county in the g:reat State of California, was an event of more than ordinary interest to the people of that burg: on a Saturday in the month of May ; the major portion of the community was arrayed in holiday attire, or as Mr. Foley remarked, had their “ store clothes ” on.

The cause of this display was the expected coming of a lady school teacher, the first in the history of the town, so the appearance of the mail coach was awaited by a larger concourse than usual. Since the establishment of the District up to the present epoch, a male pedagogue had presided over and taught the young idea how to shoot. The employment of a lady teacher was an innovation that the parents viewed with distrust and failed to see the wisdom of. When the fiat had gone forth that the Trustees had engaged a young lady from San Francisco for the ensuing term, the question of her ability to discipline the pupils had been argued pro and con among all classes. It was the chief topic of conversation, and the concensus of opinion was that no woman was equal to the task, for Sawyers Bar enjoyed the unenviable reputation of being the most difficult school in the county to maiidge. i'he register showed an average attendance of fifty scholars ; among this number were some boys from 14 to 17 years of age, who made the duration of the teacher a bane. An incumbent who succeeded in staying out the term, never applied for a second, so it came to a condition that it was next to impossible to procure a teacher.

Mr. George Davis was one of the Trustees and Clerk of the Board. On this memorable occasion, as the time for opening school approached, he called a meeting of the Trustees and addressed them thus : ‘‘Gentlemen, I must remind you that it is nearing the time when school should begin. You are familiar with these facts, viz: that our school is a hard proposition; of the trouble our predecessors have experienced in securing teachers. From what I can learn, there is no competent instructor in the county who desires the place at any salary; there is no citizen of this District who wants the office of Trustee. You are aware that at the last election the position literally went begging. Affairs have reached a crisis. It’s up to us. What are we going to do about it? Have you a remedy to suggest?”

Mr. Crane suggested they follow the usual custom and try to employ a man. Mr. Knowlton, the third Trustee, said he could see no other alternative.

‘‘Well/’ resumed Mr. Davis, “I propose a change; that is, we hire a lady.”

“A woman teach this school,” exclaimed Mr. Crane, “it’s absurd. Those larger boys would make it intolerant for her, and I doubt if she would remain a month.”

Mr. Knowlton acquiesced in this opinion.

“Listen,” said Mr. Davis, “I have cogitated on this subject; I can see no other solution but to try a lady teacher. I confess it will be an experiment. In the past the men have exhausted all kinds of means ; moral suasion and corporal punishment have availed nothing. Those boys have been suspended and expelled a number of times. On promising to reform, they have been re-instated, only to resume their habits of mischief. Complaints have been lodged with the Trustees, until they have become annoyed and disgusted with the whole business. A lady for teacher I am determined to have; if you do not coincide in this view, I will resign. In a few days I leave for the Bay City. My friends will direct me to select a competent first grade teacher. Give me your consent in this matter and I will assume the responsibility and onus should it result in disaster.”

“We yield to your logic. Go ahead; we will support you. Our school will have everything to gain, and nothing to lose,” replied the other Trustees.

So the vexed question was settled. That evening Mr. Davis conceived the idea that the time was opportune to acquaint the public generally with the information. He sauntered into the leading resort, where were congregated typical representatives of the community. He saluted all affably; exchanged a few pointers on the weather, and discussed the outlook for the mines. Fixing his gaze upon Mr. O’Brien, the father of the most incorrigible boy, he exclaimed: “Did you hear the latest?” Being answered in the negative he continued : “The Trustees have decided to engage a lady to teach this school the coming term.”

“You surely don’t mean it.” “You are springing a joke on us,” were the remarks that greeted his ears.

“Gentlemen, I was never more in earnest in my life.” As he perceived several were about to speak, he raised his hand to command silence. “Hear me out. I can anticipate any objection or argument you are about to make. I have thoroughly canvassed the question, and spent some time pondering over the possibility of success or failure of the venture. I opine that an experienced lady with her gentle ways and mild discipline, will subdue and captivate the pupils. I hope the future will fulfill this prediction. I ask you to reserve your decision until we have given the lady an impartial trial, and place no obstacle in her way. Should it result different from what I have prophesied, I assure you I will come to you and candidly acknowledge I have erred, and my judgment was at fault.”

Mr. Davis was a voluble speaker. His words carried weight and conviction. He was the leading merchant of the town, highly respected by all and an influential man.

“A word with you, Mr. Davis,” spoke Mr. Foley. ‘‘I wish you would secure a good looking single lady, and possibly some of us old bachelors might induce her to take another name and preside over a miner's domicile. I am going to take time by the forelock and announce myself as a candidate for matrimonial honors right now.” This sally evoked laughter, and closed the incident for the time.

Mr. Davis arrived in San Francisco. For many years he had purchased merchandise of a wholesale firm. The senior partner was Mr. Stevens. When Mr. Davis had finished business he made known to Mr. Stevens his commission to employ a teacher. He gave a detailed account of the school, and what he considered it required, and invoked the aid of the city merchant. Mr. Davis paused, and Mr. Stevens made answer: have in mind the identi-

cal lady that will suit you. You will be truly fortunate to secure her services; the more you become acquainted with her the better you will like her. I believe you will be delighted with her. This young lady's name is Miss May Wilton. I have known her since childhood, and I regard her with almost the same affection that I feel toward my own daughter. She is a most estimable lady, and is everything you could desire. She is a first grade teacher, and has been employed in the Public School in Oakland for the past four years. She wishes a change. Only last week she came to me and said, would like a position in some remote place; if you hear of any such, please notify me.’ She has experienced trouble for which she is not responsible. To conclude, she is a frank, honorable young lady.” Mr. Davis replied, I am perfectly satisfied with your recommendation and eulogy of the lady. Arrange a meeting between us, and I guarantee a situation awaits her, and that so far as the Trustees are able, she will be well treated and taken care of.” Said Mr. Stevens, “ I know her address and will send for her. Come here tomorrow at 2 p. m. and I will introduce you.”

On the following day, at the appointed hour, Mr. Davis wended his way to the private office of Mr. Stevens. This gentleman had specially named an hour earlier for Miss Wilton to call at his office, in order to give information and prepare her for the interview. He met Mr. Davis with a cheery, '‘How are you today, sir? You are punctual,” and escorted him to where a lady was seated, evidently awaiting the meeting. As the two men approached she arose to an erect position. Mr. Stevens took the lady by the hand in a fatherly way, saying, “Permit me. Miss Wilton, to introduce to you my friend, Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis, one of my dearest lady friends. Miss Wilton, of whom I spoke to you.” She extended her hand graciously and said, “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Davis.”

This gentleman managed to ejaculate, *T am delighted to meet you, Miss Wilton.” Then he collapsed into silence. An hypnotic spell seized him. He had expected to see an ordinary lady of passable appearance, but was not prepared for the feminine loveliness that burst upon his vision.

She was above the medium in stature. Her avoirdupois was approximately 130 pounds. The superb mass of dark brown hair lay in glossy folds above the perfect brow. The dark eyes glowed with that beauty which comes from a cultured mind. They were orbs that seemed to hold one spell-bound when focused upon them. Her nose would be termed Roman. Her mouth was a small, delicately chiseled aperture of the rosebud order. She was attired in a tailor-made suit of the latest fashion; the fabric revealed the slender, graceful and rounded outlines of symmetry and youth.

Mr. Stevens had given no intimation to Mr. Davis of her beauty, and enjoyed his embarrassment. Mr. Davis was brought to a realization of the present by Mr. Stevens enquiring: '^Are you content with the profile of my friend?” ‘T am most agreeably surprised; you have sprung a sensation on me,” responded Mr. Davis. To Miss Wilton he said, 'Tardon my absent-mindedness, I trust we may become better acquainted and loyal friends,” Mr. Stevens withdrew, leaving them to discuss the business for which they had met.

“Miss Wilton, I presume Mr. Stevens has imparted to you the nature of my errand, and prepared you for what I am about to say/^ She bowed in the affirmative. ‘1 tender you the position of teacher for the Sawyers Bar school. If you accept you will have the distinction of being the first lady to preside as tutor.^’ He was candid, and disclosed the vexatious features. “The Trustees will give you every support in their power. It is no sinecure, but I feel confident you will succeed. I would wager my existence on your mastering those turbulent scholars. Your salary will be $90.00 per month. A term is from 8 to 10 months duration, depending upon the weather. Two days hence I wish to leave for home. If this is satisfactory and you can be ready, I will be pleased to have you accompany me. We wish to commence school. Will you accept? Are you prepared to answer

Not for a moment did she hesitate. Looking him calmly in the face, she replied : “I will be ready. I will go.”

“The train starts from the Oakland mole at 6:30 p. m. Do you prefer that I shall call at your residence, or will you meet me?” inquired Mr. Davis.

“I will be in the waiting room at the appointed time,” answered Miss Wilton.

They exchanged good-byes and separated. The 6:00 p. m. ferry boat across the Bay carried Mr. Davis. On arriving at the mole, he went direct to the waiting room. His eyes were gladdened by a sight of Miss Wilton, arrayed in a gray traveling costume, and ready for the journey. Seizing her 12 hand, he exclaimed, '‘Seeing you here has restored my tranquility. I feared you might reconsider your decision.”

Returning his greeting, she made answer: “As a rule I am not vacillating. I know it is attributed to our sex, but unless there are reasons, I do not alter my mind.”

“Have you a ticket, and how much baggage have you?” he enquired.

“A trunk and hand satchel. I have not purchased a ticket, as I was ignorant of our destination.”

He sought the office; bought two tickets for Montague ; saw that her baggage was checked, and returned to the waiting room. Miss Wilton enquired as to the amount of her ticket and offered to reimburse him, but he assured her that it was part of the agreement between the Trustees that they should defray her expenses to Sawyers Bar. This appeased her. Taking her satchel, he said, “We had better select seats and make ourselves comfortable.”

The north-bound train pulled out on time. As Oakland receded in the distance a wistful expression was perceptible upon the countenance of Miss Wilton. Her thoughts were reminiscent of the many happy years spent there and of the cheerful home, loving relatives and kind friends she was leaving behind. Two tiny tears hovered for an instant, but were obliterated by the speedy use of her handkerchief. Noticing her dejected manner, Mr. Davis sought to divert her mind by entering upon a description of the country they were going to, and the people she would come in contact with. He impressed upon her that the usages in the mines were somewhat at variance from what she had been accustomed to in the city. He gave advice that would benefit her in her vocation. “Whenever you are perplexed or in trouble, come or send for me. I wish you to rely on me and consider me your true friend.’^ “Thank you very much, Mr. Davis. I shall certainly do so if an occasion requires, but I hope for smooth sailing. I shall not borrow trouble nor cross the bridge before it is reached.”

They conversed on different subjects; the beautiful scenery, the luxury and comfort of travel at the present time as compared with the hardships endured by Pioneers some fifty years ago; praised the energy and up-to-date methods of the people of the Golden State, and mutually agreed that nowhere on the face of the universe was there a paradise equal to California. Mr. Davis looked at his watch and found the time to be lo p. m. “I have secured a berth in the Pullman for you. Whenever you wish to retire, I will call the colored attendant.” “I am somewhat fatigued from the labor incident to packing and preparation for this journey, so I will avail myself of your kind thoughtfulness,” said Miss Wilton.

Mr. Davis went in quest of the ebony-hued son of Africa; found him, and returned to Miss Wilton. They bade each other good night. Mr. Davis sought the smoking car to indulge in a soothing weed before seeking his couch. As he watched the smoke from the cigar curl upwards, he was in a reverie. The object of his train of thought was Miss Wilton. He surmised she had a lover who in some manner had gotten into the clutches of the law and was the cause of her leaving home ; that she believed him innocent and was constant to him, Mr. Davis had no doubt. “She is the handsomest young lady I ever met, and will create a surprise at Sawyers Bar. All the unmarried men will be at her feet. It will be a damper on their wooing when they find out she has a lover.” Having settled the problem to his satisfaction, he became conscious of a drowsy feeling, and sought the sleeping car.

The next morning he arose, dressed, performed his ablution, and went into the passenger car. He found Miss Wilton had forestalled him, and was occupied in reading the paper. With a pleasant smile and “Good morning, Mr. Davis, I hope you enjoyed a refreshing sleep,” she made room for him by her side. “Yes, indeed,” he answered, “I must have slept as fast as the car traveled; nothing disturbed my slumbers. You look as bright and fresh as a daisy. Miss Wilton.” “Yes, my looks must be an index to my feelings. I feel revived and ever so much better.” The colored porter announced breakfast.

As Mr. Davis and Miss Wilton entered the dining car, he became cognizant that numerous eyes were directed towards them. He readily divined that his fair companion was the object of their scrutiny. On the preceding evening when they took passage, she was veiled and her features concealed from view. This morning she had removed the covering, and her perfectly lovely physique stood revealed to the fellow passengers. Mr. Davis enjoyed the conspicuous role he was enacting, of associate to the handsome young lady, and the envious glances of the male passengers did not disconcert him during the progress of the meal. Mr. Davis informed Miss Wilton that if the train was on time they would arrive at Montague at 2 130 p. m. ''Can I help you to anything more?” he asked. "No, thank you; in the language of the lady from the hub of the universe, I have allayed the clamorous cravings of a rapacious appetite until an inner sense of justice admonishes me to say I have had an ample sufficiency; any more would be a redundant superfluity.” Back to the passenger car went the lady and gentleman. At dinner time neither felt an inclination for food. The train sped on, also the time. The whistle blew a signal for approaching a town. "This is where we change cars,” said Mr. Davis.

A branch road from Yreka to Montague met the Southern Pacific passenger trains, north and south bound. They secured seats and were conveyed to Yreka, a distance of eight miles, in about 15 minutes. Yreka is the County Seat of Siskiyou. It is a prosperous thriving city of 2,500 inhabitants. Siskiyou County is famed for its gold mines and agricultural resources. A daily stage line connected with the train, and carried passengers and mail to Etna Mills, 32 miles. On this coach Miss Wilton and Mr. Davis embarked. At 6 p. m. Fort Jones was reached, where the stage stopped for supper and to change horses. This is a well-to-do town situated in the center of Scott’s Valley and contiguous to a rich mining section. Our passengers had developed an appetite and sought the nearest hotel where they did justice to the repast. The driver announced “All aboard,” and the journey was continued. He was a taciturn individual who attended strictly to business. He ventured no assertions, but sawed wood.

A cluster of lights were discerned at 8 p. m. “That is Etna Mills,” said Mr. Davis, “where we tarry for the night.” In a brief space of time the coach drew on to the main street and halted before the leading hotel. Mr. Davis sought the landlord and engaged the best suite of rooms for Miss Wilton. The landlady appeared and assured Mr. Davis that the best in the house would be provided for the young lady. As he bade her good-night he remarked, “Tomorrow we complete the stage ride and reach our destination.” He made use of the telephone, sending a message to Sawyers Bar saying the lady teacher and himself would arrive the following day. He procured for the lady and self the outside seats on the coach.

The next morning he entered the parlor, where his companion was waiting. They repaired to the dining-room, where breakfast was served. “So today ends our itineracy. I am pleased ; not but what I have enjoyed the traveling, for you have been very attentive and provided me with every comfort, but I am anxious to see my new home, become acquainted with the people and win the esteem and confidence of the pupils,” said the lady. *'If you accomplish this, you will have done what no masculine pedagogue has ever effected. Now let us prepare for the start,” said Mr. Davis. The coach was ready. He introduced the driver to Miss Wilton, saying: “This is Mr. Foster, he is to be our pilot today. Our lives to a great extent are in his keeping. You need have no fears.”

“I always am on my best behavior when I have lady passengers. I am like the balance of mankind, partial to the society of the gentler sex. As Hauk Monk said to Horace Greely: If you keep your seats, I will get you there on time,” spoke the Jehu.

The lady was assisted to a seat. Mr. Foster gathered the ribbons, swung the whip to the breeze with a resounding whack; the team struck into a trot, and Etna Mills was soon left behind.

Jack Foster was a loquacious person. Before the completion of the railroad from Redding to Portland he was in the employ of the California and Oregon Stage Company for awhile. He drove on a route from Redding to Weaverville. He had been held up twice ; once supposed to be by the Ruggles Brothers, who were afterwards lynched by a throng of indignant citizens for shooting a Wells-Fargo messenger; and once by Black Bart, styled the 18

Prince of Highwaymen. Bart was a polite knight of the road who prefaced his request to throw out the treasure box by remarking: “Sorry to detain you, but I need the contents of that box in my business.” When the box was delivered, Bart would add : “If you see the Chief of Detectives, Mr. Hume, convey to him my kindest regards.”

From Etna Mills to the summit of Salmon Mountain is a gradual ascent of nine miles. The progress of the coach was necessarily slow. It was a magnificent day in spring. The air was redolent with the aroma of wild flowers which grew in profusion along the way side. Birds of many varieties and gorgeous plumage in their native element sang their carols from tree and bush. The driver was in an amiable mood. He regaled the company with many amusing anecdotes. He had a store of interesting information. The road wound around a precipitous incline, which sloped upwards and back hundreds of feet. “Right here,” said he, “is where two men were overtaken by a snow slide and had the life crushed out of them. It was in the winter season, when the trip over this mountain can only be made on Norwegian or Ski snow-shoes. These men were familiar with the mountains and the dangerous places where slides are liable to occur. It was the custom to make a detour and cross to the opposite side of the creek; this was a circuitous and somewhat longer distance than to pass directly under Granite Slide, as this is called.

The mail carrier had passed in advance of them, and had taken the shorter way. It is presumed they were anxious to overtake him, so followed his lead. They had reached this point when an immense body of snow descended and caught them. The mail carrier was aware the men were following. When he reached Etna Mills he reported; after a reasonable time elapsed and they failed to put in an appearance, the citizens feared they had met disaster. A large party started. When they arrived at Granite Slide, a huge avalanche of snow was perceived. They surmised the men were under it, so set to work digging. After uncovering twenty feet in depth, they found the bodies of the two men. Life was extinct.'^

One mile from the summit a cabin was sighted. “That is the mail carrier’s. In it are kept a stove, dry wood and provisions. It has done noble service in the past. A number of men who knew of its presence, and were nearly exhausted, owe the preservation of their lives to its hospitality. It is completely covered by snow in winter. You will notice those trees growing alongside, and the deep cuts in them. These are guides, to show the precise location of the cabin. Wishing to enter, a man digs down, finds the door which opens from the outside, builds a fire, partakes of the food, passes a comfortable night, and the next morning is able to proceed.”

The summit was reached. A halt was made to give the passengers a view of the scenery. To the west, in the direction they were going, could be seen the Salmon River, winding its way through a rugged canyon, gliding onward to the sea. The sun reflecting upon its waters, cast a bright light, dazzling the eyes with its silvery sheen. As the road went, the distance to where this stream was discernible was fourteen miles. To the east could be perceived Mount Shasta, towering in its majestic glory, its apex covered with snow, the boast of the State, the highest mountain in California.

Scott’s Valley could be seen to its best advantage. Nicely laid out farms, thrifty in appearance, greeted the vision. To the north and south as far as the eye could reach mountains and chains of mountains seemed to vie with each other for eminence, their sides covered with growths of splendid timber of different species. Here and there ice cold springs and creeks of limpid water sprang into existence. Could a person be invested with power to transplant one of these sparkling streams in proximity to a great city like New York or San Francisco, he would possess a greater bonanza than the Standard Oil Company or a gold mine. The altitude from which they gazed is some six thousand feet. Miss Wilton went into raptures over the magnificent panorama spread before her. “Never have I beheld such a grand view of nature’s works. My command of language is inadequate to properly portray it. I shall retain a vivid recollection of what I have seen today as long as memory lasts. Some writers have advised to “See Venice and die,” but my advice to them is to see Salmon Mountain and live.”

Having expressed satisfaction with the feast of scenery, the driver inspected the coach, team and harness and found all in good condition. They remounted and began the descent. Glancing towards the lady, Mr. Foster said : “I trust you are not timid. We are a little behind time, having tarried on the summit. Put your faith in Providence, and incidentally in me, and we will make up the deficiency.”

“The assurance given me of your skill would allay any fear I might have,” answered the lady. The manipulator of the reins spoke to the team. They responded with vigor. When a curve was to be rounded, he applied the brake, uttered a caution, “steady there,” and instantly their gait slackened. When the danger spot was passed, he would again address them, “All right, go ahead.” They responded with a faster motion. He regulated their speed by the tone of his voice. He maintained perfect control of the horses. They understood what was required ; he was kind and never abused them ; it was rarely that any of the team felt the lash. Miss Wilton noticed this, and remarked: “Mr. Foster, there seems to be a mutual agreement between you and the animals.” “Yes, we have confidence in each other. I treat them right and they appreciate it.”

Some buildings loomed up in the distance. “That is the Mountain House where we stop for dinner.” The hostelry reached, the passengers alighted. A 22 large watering trough, filled with delicious nectar, ^v/iiuiioaity of the Inn. The horses were anxious to slake their thirst, but were restrained by check reins. ‘'Oh, let them drink, Mr. Foster; it seems cruel to deny them when they seem so thirsty,” spoke Miss Wilton. “We have traveled seven miles in a trifle less than an hour, which is going some when it comes to mountain staging ; they are heated; if I allowed them to drink now of this cold water, it might produce colic or founder them,” answered the Jehu. “Pardon me, I was ignorant of the results, and actuated by kindly motives.” “I took no offense, as I knew you were prompted by mercy,” answered the driver.

They went in to dinner. The meal over, the genial Mr. Foster loosened the checks. The animals buried their muzzles in the refreshing fluid, imbibing large draughts. When their thirst was appeased, the reins were adjusted, the passengers climbed to their seats, and the coach moved along.

They were passing through the rich mining section of Russian Creek, which yielded a vast amount of shining gold. Ever and anon a cabin was seen, the home of some industrious miner striving to increase the circulating medium. “We are verging on the home stretch, and in a short time will arrive at Sawyers Bar. I believe it is time to decorate,” said the driver, as he brought the team to a standstill. From under the seat he produced four American flags, and fastened one in each head stall of the bridle, behind the horses' ears.

Miss Wilton looked in amazement. ''Mr. Foster, I am curious to know what is the occasion for this display?’’ “It is in your honor, and if I mistaKc *xv,c, you will see further evidence when we reach the town,” he made answer. Regaining his seat once more, they moved along, and after an interval swung around a bend and came in sight of the principal street which was a moving mass of humanity.

Chapter II

An Important Event at Sawyers Bar — Arrival of Miss Wilton, the New Teacher.

Mr. Foley Relates Some Interesting Anecdotes and Wins the Admiration OF Miss Wilton.

I N retrospect let me take the reader to the openingchapter of this narrative, when the good people were patiently awaiting the arrival of this particular mail coach.