Two women in the Klondike; the story of a journey to the gold-fields of Alaska

Front matter

WOMEN

IN THE

KLONDHQ

Contents

CHAPTER

I.— Ho for the Land of Gold !

II.— "With Malice Towards None"

Chapter I Ho For The Und Of Gold. 1

OUR magnificent Great Danes, Queen and Ivan, met us near the wharf, which was crowded with such a mass of people that it was no easy task for our coachman to guide his horses to the gangplank of the steamer which was about to make her maiden trip to St. Michaels. Although it was still early, her decks were thronged. We slowly worked our way to our cabins, where we found that our maid, who had preceded us, had carefully arranged such articles as she thought necessary for so adventurous a journey. We were sorry to leave her behind us, but the responsibility of taking a young and pretty girl into such regions as we had planned to explore would have been too great.

In San Francisco our outfitting kept us in one mad rush, so that, during the last week, our rule was twenty hours for work and four for sleep ; but the work had been so interesting, the various projects so exciting, that the four hours were passed in planning, rather than sleeping, as our brains continued to act, and would not be stilled. At half-past five writing and making up accounts began ; then we hurriedly took a cup of coffee while dressing ; rushed to reach the shops as soon as opened, had no time for luncheon, and the stores were closing before we were aware that it was time ; then dinner, with only half an hour to spare for it, and a hasty comparison of notes before starting to listen to "records " for our graphophone, and music for our " criterion " ; to learn to prepare the beautiful acetylene light with which we intended to illuminate our tent. We were taking extreme pleasure also in outfitting a protege, whose stories of life in Dawson, and whose many schemes for making a fortune had greatly interested us. Preparations for the trip were often retarded by dear, kind friends who wrote : " Cannot understand your silence " ; or, " This is my fourth letter, but not a line have you deigned in reply " ; or, " It is hard to believe that you have so changed and have no longer a thought for me." The last night was spent in reassuring those who could not understand.

Thanks be to the Lord ! It is all over now and we have before us at least a fortnight of blissful repose — even seasickness will have no terrors. We are just passing out of the beautiful Golden Gate. As we were leaving the dock, Mr.

W appeared with his machine for taking moving pictures,

shouted a request for us to stand in the bow of the steamer and wave our handkerchiefs. From his smile of satisfaction we judged that the resemblance would be striking and that we should soon be en evidence at some of the vaudeville shows, where " The Departure of the St. Paul tor the Klondike " might be announced in loud tones. Such is fame !

This longing of ours to see one of the few countries unknown to us had created such astonishment among our friends and acquaintances that we were considered quite mad — fit subjects for an insane asylum. The remarks we heard on all sides were also far from flattering or consoling. At each stage of our journey from New York to San Francisco, reporters by the dozen came to interview us. Such questions as these were asked us : " Do 3^ou mean to say that you really intend to give up all the luxuries and comforts of home life to camp out and endure such privations and hardships as we read of? Have you ever climbed mountains ? Tramped through swamps ? Stumbled

Ho for the Land of Gold ! 3

over rocky precipices ? Lived among rough miners ? Do give it up — you have no idea of all the perils that are in store for you. ' '

In Colorado Springs we were charmingly entertained, but not one of our friends there believed that we really would carry out our plans. In Denver a party of us went to visit a famous mine in Georgetown ; we were shown every attention and courtesy, and deep interest was expressed in the success of our plans. " She ought n't to have any future," growled an old miner standing near ; " any lady wot leaves a fine home an' fine friends and luxuries to take up with hardships wot 's hard enough for strong men to bear ought to be locked up in an insane asylum."

The others did not hear. I smiled and thought of the friend who wrote me : ' ' So you are actually going to Dawson and nothing we can say or write will prevent it. Well, wilful woman must have her way ; so I hope you won't regret

it." All these thoughts arose in my mind as K and I

stood on the deck of the steamer, not watching the disappearing land, but looking eagerly, hopefully forward to that which was to come.

It had not been our intention to sail on an Alaska Commercial Company's steamer, as a friend had so highly recommended those of the Empire Line that we engaged passage on the Ohio at once, never having seen her. We were, therefore, filled with annoyance upon receiving a notification that the owners could not keep to the contract made with us, as the Government had chartered the steamer; but when we found that it was to be sent with reinforcements to our hero Dewey, we readily accepted the situation and made our plans to go by the Indiana, belonging to the same company. Again the Government stepped in, and we were obliged to look about for other means of transportation. Upon inquiry, we found that the reputation of the Alaska Commercial Company was so high, their ships so well manned, and their contracts so carefully carried out, that we went to the office to ascertain how soon one of their steamers would be leaving for the desired land. We were informed that the St. Paul had just been finished ; was fitted with all modern conveniences ; that a reception on board was to be given that very evening, and were urged not only to attend but to bring our friends. We did so, were received by one of the courteous owners most charmingly, treated with distinguished consideration, and told to select whichever cabins we pleased, as, although all were engaged, the passengers, being composed mostly of men, would " willingly change in favour of ladies." We were next taken to the dining-room for a champagne supper; after tasting the chef's bouillon and one or two other dishes, we immediately decided that the wants of the inner man would be well cared for and booked our passage at once, so charmed were we with the equipments and many advantages of the St. Paul, to say nothing of the extreme courtesy of her officers.

And now begins a most truthful account of incidents just as they happened, copied from the journal of daily events, in order to show women who feel inclined to make the trip exactly what they may expect.

CHAPTER II "with mauce towards nonk"

Steamer " ST. Paue," Thursday, June 16th.

WAKENED early. Opened the blind, and was sitting up in bed rapidly jotting down a dream-inspired article, when the curtains parted, the head of a man appeared, and a big, hearty voice called out : " Hulloa ! how are you this morning ? Why don't you get up ? I 'm up ! Have a piece of orange ? I 've been seasick for four days. This is my first day out of my cabin. Have been awfully generous. Gave the captain the ocean, and the purser all the land we 've left behind. Did n't think I should ever want either of them again ; but, say — why don't you get up ? " " Because it is so much more comfortable resting here than walking on a wet deck, and so much easier to write." " Writing — do you have to write ? What yer writing about ? Write a letter to me ; I 'm your next-door neighbour. Suppose you don't mind my looking in your room and trying to jolly you up ? " " As for the ' looking in,' one grows accustomed to that on this ship where the cabins open on the promenade deck and kind neighbours feel it a duty to cheer up those

who are supposed to be ill, and Miss V and I intend to

' rough it,' and to live and do just as the people of the country do." " That 's right, and we '11 look after you well. I never expected to go back, but have half a dozen claims at Rampart City, and my partner 's just written for me to come as they 're turning out fine. You don't want to buy any claims, I suppose ? You ought to get off at Rampart — much better than Dawson. House lots selling: there for a thousand dollars apiece. Excuse me a minute." . . . L,ater — same voice : ' ' One o' your dogs is loose. What yer going to do with them when you get to the first landing-place ? I '11 help you look out for 'em and get 'em ashore, while you carry your revolver, as the other dogs will all pounce on 'em and it won' t be a fair fight — twenty against two. What ! you don't know how to use a revolver ? That don't matter. Just fire in the air, and the dogs '11 run. Why, women shoot better than men, anyhow. I did n't know my wife could shoot until I offered her a pair of gloves for each time she hit the bull's-eye. She did it twice before I was sure it was not an accident, and then I cried quits. So-long ; I '11 come and jolly you again by and by."

Second face at the window : " Good-morning ; how are you feeling?" " Good-morning, Mr. Purser." "Well, are you going to get up to-day ? It 's perfectly fine out. Anything I can do for you ? Just call on me in case you want anything."

Third face appears : ' ' I ' ve got some very bad news for you, Madam." " Not the dogs ? " I cried in alarm. " No, Madam. " " Nor the parrot ? " ' ' No, Madam, but one of the canaries is dead. I did all I could for him, and left him two hours ago bright and lively, but returned to find the other mourning his mate, who was lying cold in the bottom of the cage. I 'm very sorry, but as the two dozen pigeons are in perfect health, you must see that I have given great attention to your birds and animals."

Face number one again : ' ' Say ! I ' ve thought of a splendid scheme for you. There 's plenty of old canvas on board. Why don't you hire one of the sailors to sew a tent for your dogs out of it ? On the quiet, of course. You can do anything on the quiet. I '11 get one for you. Here, Bo's'n, this lady wants a tent for her dogs. Look in this window an' you fix it with her, an' she '11 fix it with you afterwards

— that 's all right. Say ! what was your friend [E ]

kicking about this morning ? She looked thundering black at me while she was talking in your window to you. Oh ! she did n't like our talking outside her door ! Wanted to

"With Malice towards None" 7

sleep later ! Well, why the deuce did n't she say so ? You can bet your life we wouldn't 'a' done it if she 'd 'a' said she didn't like it. Well ! so-long ! I '11 come back and jolly you some more if you don't get out soon. I 'm feeling fine ! Your mandolin disturb me last evening ? No! bless your soul ! if I 'd known you had a mandolin I 'd 'a' been in, Next time you play it you can count on me as a sure enough visitor."

June 17th.

I am not enjoying much of the rest to which I so longingly looked forward. Letters home must be written, and my pen is also kept busy in trying to depict in my journal the many novel characters on board, and to write of the warm hearts which show so plainly beneath the rough exterior. I hurried through dinner and went to my cabin for a quiet hour's practice of zither and mandolin. With closed door and spirit far away in the realms of music, I was brought back by hearing : " Ain't that the sweetest music you ever listened to ? " " Kgad! I could stop here forever if she 'd never stop playing." " I say, Missus, do you mind letting us open your cabin door, for we ain't heard no such music as that never ; you won't be too cold, will you ? " and the door was slowly opened even as the appeal was made. Those who had heretofore been able to promenade in single file before the cabins waited, as the passageway was blocked. " No use trying to pass here, old man," someone cried, as a short fellow with a gray beard partially covering a soiled white shirt-front wriggled, finally, to a position from which he could obtain a sight of the instrument, and was chaffed unmercifully. " You '11 get there, Colonel." " Push ahead, ole man." " Get in der front, now, Nanny-Goat. " " What 's she playin' ? " " Why, a zither," and the informant, bolder than the others, worked his way inside of the tiny cabin and seated himself on the wash-stand. Another dropped into the corner of the sofa, while still another seated himself on the door-sill. The old man stood before me, listening intently, with beaming eyes and a smile which never disappeared until the tears rolled down his face as I concluded with the touching strains of Home, Sweet Home. ' ' Why, that 's as fine as my fiddle, ' ' said he. "Do you play the fiddle?" I asked, rising (in order to disperse the crowd) and returning the zither to its case. His eyes sparkled as he eagerly replied, ' ' Yes ; you want to hear it ? Somebody borrowed it, but I '11 find it " ; and, as he hastily disappeared, one of the passengers called out : " Oh , you don't want to hear him ! You '11 ask him for an opera, an' he '11 play Yankee Doodle. You ask for some-

COLONEL B AND HIS FIDDLE.

thing sad — same old thing again ; ask for something lively — same old thing — always just the one tune." Shouts of " A whale ! a whale ! " sent the entire party for'ard, and music and the old man were forgotten as we watched the sport of several monsters of the deep.

June iSth.

"Thought you' d like a flower," a voice shouted early this morning, as the curtains were pushed aside and a rose fell on my bed, stopping my hurrying pencil. " Bet you don't know where I got it from, but I was sure you 'd appreciate it. Still writing ? I say ! you work hard, don't you ?

"With Malice towards None" 9

Why don't you come out and enjoy yourself like the rest of the people ? " and the man who had offered to look out for

the dogs at the first landing-place disappeared, as E

entered to give me the morning news. " Do you know who your friend is, the one who gave you the rose ? ' ' she laughed ;

' ' his name is J , and he keeps a saloon in San Francisco. ' '

" Saloon or no saloon," replied I, "he is much more polite and considerate than your friend, who, representative of an enormously wealthy syndicate though he be, bows to a lady without seeming to remember that he has a hat to touch."

" Oh, he 's absent-minded," said K ; "I 've already

spoken to him about it, though. He and the Judge are wild to know why we are taking such an enormous tent to Dawson. They have spent the entire week in trying to discover for what purpose it is intended, and say that it is the first time that they have ever found a woman who could keep a secret ; so they are waiting to see if they can't prevail upon you to divulge the great mystery." " Let them continue to guess," said I ; " their questions may give us some suggestions of value."

Upon leaving the dinner-table early in order to indulge in music before all the world and his wife should start upon the evening promenade, a refined-looking young man, with delicately cut features, approached, saying : " It 's very dull on board, and I enjoy your music so much that I thought by coming early you might allow me to listen, and may I bring my mandolin and try some duets with you ? " The request was willingly granted, but only for a short time were we permitted to indulge uninterruptedly in practice. The crowd soon discovered us ; the gangway was blocked, while those on the outside suggested that we could give much pleasure by moving into larger quarters — Social Hall, for instance ; but the performers being modest and of retiring natures, the concert came to an end after some of the listeners had managed not only to gain entrance to the cabin, but to ask if I minded smoking. Accustomed to the odour of a good cigar, I made no objection, but oh ! the pipes and vile tobacco ! I had not counted upon them, so laughingly told my unexio Two Women in the Klondike

pected guests that the canary was objecting seriously, put aside the music, and we all went out into the delicious pure air. Had a delightful chat with two modest Italian priests. They had expected to be sent to Dawson, and had made all their plans to that effect, but orders had been changed and they were going to an unknown region. No comment did they make — no unkind criticism at this unexpected news : they were in the Master's service, their only thought to do good and to lead souls unto Him. May they reap a rich reward.

A steward approached, saying, " Madam, would you mind lending your mandolin for a little while ? " As my mandolin is a Vinaccia, and one especially selected for me by my Neapolitan teacher (who, by the way, is instructor to her Majesty, the beautiful and well-beloved Queen of Italy), I felt some reluctance, but asked him to see that it was treated with the greatest care. "Oh, that '11 be all right, Madam," was the response ; " I 'm going to play it myself." We adjourned to the stern of the steamer, where we found about fifty of the passengers gathered — they standing, the waiters all seated ; but those who had appreciated my music rushed to find a chair for me, saying : " You kin bet your bottom dollar we 're a-goin' to look out for you. ' ' There were two mandolins, two guitars, and a banjo, but the centre of the group

was the old fiddler, Colonel B , whose eyes sparkled and

whose expression was one of the keenest delight at having so large an audience. We listened to sweet, pathetic songs, then came a jig from the Colonel's fiddle, and this was followed by several solos to the accompaniment of the guitar and banjo. Faster and faster played the old man, his excitement so great that he stopped to remove his. hat ; he rose, from side to side he swayed, holding the audience spellbound ; the banjoist dropped his banjo, the notes of the guitar were stilled; finally a burst of applause rang on the air as the Colonel dropped into his seat, saying, " I knowed I could play 'em all down." Our evening entertainment on the St. Paul ended with My Country, 'tis of Thee, after which a collection was taken for the stewards who had so well helped

With Malice towards None"

1 1 us to pass an hour, the generous captain heading the contribution. As I was being escorted to the cabin by half a dozen musical acquaintances, my attention was attracted by something to me quite novel : it looked like a search-light coming from the bottom of the ship. On questioning, I was told that instead of irritating the nerves of passengers by the old-fashioned method of hoisting and throwing overboard cinders or ashes, they were washed out in a stream of water. That explained the unusual quiet, so different from the noise endured on my last long voyage.

fpr- ., m f

T

I KNOWED I COULD PLAY 'EM ALL DOWN. 1

Chapter III Land In Sight !

June 19th.

ACOIvD, damp, dark day, and, what with wet decks outside, Social Hall crowded with its usual complement of passengers, some playing cards, some reading, others in a reclining position, thus occupying space intended for three, I felt not inclined towards its stuffy, hermetically sealed quarters, so concluded that the inducement to rise was not sufficiently great, and that reading and writing could be done to much greater advantage in the privacy of my own comfortable cabin amidst the luxury of an abundance of cushions. Air, pure and invigorating, could be obtained through the open window even with drawn curtains. However, interruptions came often from the well-meaning passengers who ventured on deck, and stopped to inquire for my health, as they could not understand any one who failed to care for " three full meals a day." When the Captain made his regular inspection, my hand was aching from hours of steady writing. " Hulloa," said he, "in bed, still? I guess you must be lazy. Want anything ? Just let me know if you don't get all you want."

Towards evening there was a great commotion on board. A head appeared at the window and a voice said : ' ' Pardon me, but land 's in sight, and we shall reach Unalaska before midnight." What a delightful announcement ! Scarcely had the head disappeared ere I was dressing rapidly and soon joined the excited passengers. " Hulloa," was the greeting on all sides, " so the sight ot land has accomplished what no one on board could manage and has brought vou among us once more ! " Oh ! the grandeur of the scene before us ! A long chain of mountains on either side. Snow everywhere, and above the snow the most beautiful blue clouds, not with silver lining, but golden. As we approached the entrance, three islands lying on the left seemed to be surrounded by fishing-boats, and we gazed eagerly ; but, upon drawing near, they proved to be only rocks. Sea-birds flew before the St Paul as though carefully guiding the good ship on her first voyage ; smaller birds flitted to and fro across the bow, while sea-fowl skimmed the water in search of prey. The icy wind was so penetrating that my companions soon sought the warmth of Social Hall, but the inspiring scene chained me to the deck, and my soul was filled with gratitude towards Him who in His infinite mercy had brought us safely across the ocean.

" We shall not make it to-night," I heard at length, so reluctantly sought my cabin. Some natives who were returning to their Alaskan homes came out from Social Hall. " Oh the Priest, the Priest, we have passed the Priest," they cried, pointing to an enormous rock. " We shall soon be there." Shortly after, we were at anchor, and all was quiet.

June 20th.

At seven a.m. I sprang from the bunk, threw back the shutter, and started with surprise and admiration. It was as though our grand Palisades of the Hudson were looking down upon us. Not, however, until one gazed upon the mountain-tops, covered everywhere with snow, could one realise to what a different clime the good ship had brought us. As she swung at her moorings, my first view was of a range of low hills covered with beautiful green grass, a few tents scattered here and there, a partially built river steamer on the ways, a large, two-storied, brick building with highwindowed roof, and in the water before it something that looked like the covered house-boat of Japan. Beyond the row of tents stood a wide, two-storied brick building with five windows, in front of which rode at anchor one of the Alaska Commercial Company's steamers. Then came a range of low buildings, a white edifice with two cupolas or spires, and that was all that could be seen from my cabin window. The whistle of a tugboat next attracts attention, as she comes alongside with a lighter. Two sturdy sailors are rowing three men to the St. Paul. A sailboat also is approaching, its several occupants taking as much apparent interest in us as our passengers are showing in them.

Eve?iing. — Such an exciting day on shore ! A large party of us pushed off in the steam launch, and after all were comfortably placed I took a seat in the doorway to be sheltered and also to enjoy the beautiful view. A young woman, finding it too cold outside, asked if there were room for one more in the cabin. I willingly moved aside to allow her to enter, instead of which she coolly took my place and allowed me to remain standing. We passed a rock completely covered with gulls, which reminded me, I scarcely know why, of a certain rock in China which was pointed out to me as the one on which superfluous girl babies were placed to be disposed of by the birds of the air. On reaching the wharf, great was our dismay at finding it towering high above our heads, necessitating a perpendicular climb on slats which shook under the feet of lighter weights than ours. As we were thinking sadly of turning back, K had a happy inspiration. A rowboat was near, and its occupant hailed. He quickly came to our rescue. We had but to transfer ourselves to his boat, and presto ! we were landed safely on the beach. Several women who had followed our lead dashed on with never so much as a " thank you" to our assistant. We stopped to offer him remuneration but he assured us so cordially of his pleasure in having been able to oblige us, that we thanked him profusely and decided that we were going to like Alaskans.

At the very end of the town we came to a collection of tents. At the entrance was a sign which read, " Laundry by the Lake." We inquired if we might enter and inspect the " Laundry," and the request was readily granted. After

peeping first into one tent and then another E at last said

to the good-looking young woman in charge : " But where is i6 the laundry ? " " Here, ' ' said she, pointing to the tub in which her arm was immersed. " Are you getting rich ? " " Oh, no ! Madam ; I did not come for that. The laundry is only to keep me from feeling lonely while the men are away, as the days would otherwise be too long." " May I take a picture of your laundry ? " said I. " With pleasure, Madam; but may I have the time to put on my red shawl and my cap ? " " By all means, and call some of your

EXTINCT VOLCANO IN UNALASKA.

friends to join in the group." A shout brought a number of men, who entered into the spirit of the thing and posed to make an interesting picture. One threw a bag over his shoulder, another caught up a grip-sack, a third pretended to prepare a mess of porridge in a pail ; while a fourth looked hesitatingly as though to inquire whether he were really wanted. " Come along," cried K , " we are waiting for you ; the picture would never do without so handsome a fellow," and the others laughed at his embarrassment and pleasure. The laundress, who had been searching unsuccessfully for her cap, was obliged to pose without it. After a short chat we asked for an address to which we might send one of the photographs. " Oh, we 're only tenting here," they replied; " we '11 meet you in Dawson, and get it then." One of the men explained that they had bought their tickets to Dawson, with the distinct understanding that the company had river boats waiting for them, so that they should be carried safely and speedily up the Yukon, without delay;

THE CEMETERY.

upon reaching Unalaska, however, they were landed on the beach to make their way as best they could to their destination, and many others had suffered a similar fate. This goes to prove that it is far wiser to travel by a first-class line, even though the cost of transportation be greater.