SCENES--SPANISH BREAKFAST

Ramada, unoccupied, wrecked by log rolling down hill. Was place of
residence of wounded Spaniard, who had died but a few days previously.
Murder near Indian Bar. Innocent and harmless person arrested, said to
answer description of murderer. A humorous situation. A "guard of
honor" from the vigilantes while in custody. Upon release his expenses
all paid. Enjoyed a holiday from hard work. Tendered a present and a
handsome apology. Public opinion in the mines a cruel but fortunately a
fickle thing. Invitation to author to breakfast at Spanish garden. The
journey thereto, along river, with its busy mining scenes. The
wing-dam, and how it differs from the ordinary dam. An involuntary
bath. Drifts, shafts, coyote-holes. How claims are worked. Flumes.
Unskilled workmen. Their former professions or occupations. The best
water in California, but the author is unappreciative. Flavorless, but,
since the Flood, always tastes of sinners. Don Juan's country-seat. The
Spanish breakfast. The eatables and the drinkables. Stronger spirits
for the stronger spirits. Ice, through oversight, the only thing
lacking. Yank's tame cub. Parodic doggerel by the author on her loss of
pets. A miners' dinner-party with but one teaspoon, and that one
borrowed. An unlearned and wearisome blacksmith.

LETTER _the_ TWENTY-FIRST PAGE 297

DISCOMFORTS OF TRIP TO POLITICAL CONVENTION

Visit to the American Valley. Journey thither. Scenes by the way.
Political convention. Delegates from Indian Bar. Arrival at Greenwood's
Rancho, headquarters of Democrats. Overcrowded. Party proceed to the
American Rancho, headquarters of Whigs. Also overcrowded. Tiresome ride
of ladies on horseback. Proceed to house of friend of lady in party. An
inhospitable reception. The author entertains herself. Men of party
return to the American Rancho. Fearful inroad upon the eatables.
Landlord aghast, but pacified by generous orders for drinkables.
California houses not proof against eavesdroppers. Misunderstandings
and explanations overheard by the author. Illness of hostess.
Uncomfortable and miserable night, and worse quarters. Handsome
riding-habit, etc., of the hostess. Table-service, carpeting, chests of
tea, casks of sugar, bags of coffee, etc., "the good people possessed
everything but a house". "The most beautiful spot I ever saw in
California". Owner building house of huge hewn logs. The author returns
to