nt you, mister osten.
wid best wishes, yoors til deth.

"Larry o hale."

"_p.s_.--Plaze give my apologys to yoor muther for forgitin to send my
respeks to her. also to maryan, whos a dasent woman av she wasnt so fond
o' fitein. also to richards an' his beter haf gemima. Shees a good sowl
too av she wasnt aflikted wid too ardint a desir to wair some of her
husbands garmints. so no more at present from L.o.h."

We can add little to the record so graphically penned by Larry O'Hale,
and it were well, perhaps, that, having spun our yarn out to the end, we
should follow his example and write no more. But we feel that it would
be unjust to the memory of our hero were we to dismiss him without a
"few words" as to his subsequent career.

It happens sometimes, though we believe not frequently, that those who
begin life with what may be called a wild burst settle down at last into
quiet domestic men, whose chief delight it is to "fight their battles
o'er again" with sympathetic comrades, and to "wander in dreams." Such
was the case with Will Osten. Flora acted the part of a best-bower
anchor to him all through life, and held him fast; but, if the whole
truth must be told, it is our duty to add that Will did not strain hard
at the cable! He rode easily in the calm harbour of _home_, which was
seldom ruffled with gales--matrimonial or otherwise.

The success of his Californian estate was so great that, besides setting
up in life the most of the comrades who had followed his fortunes, it
placed himself beyond the necessity of working for his daily bread.
Will did not, however, lead an idle life on that account. He recognised
the great truth that he was answerable to his Creator for the management
of his time and talents just as much as the man who has to earn his
bread in the sweat of his brow, and he made it his chief aim in life to
act the part of a faithful steward. That he did not succeed in this to
the full extent of his wishes is certain, nevertheless his success must
have been considerable if we are to believe the opinion of his friends,
who used to say of him, with enthusiasm, that he was a blessing to the
community in the midst of which he dwelt, for, in imitation of the
Master whom he served, he went about continually doing good.

In process of time, several little boats (if we may be allowed the
expression) appeared in the harbour and cast anchor alongside of Will;
or, rather, attached themselves to the anchor