l looked
very grave for a moment, then glancing up with her large black eyes into
that dear old face, she took courage, and asked, with the earnestness of
an anxious child: "Grandma, can't you keep both of us?"

This simple question provided a home for both until after Hiram Miller
was appointed their guardian. He was intrusted with their money,
obtained from Keseberg and from other sources. The little sisters were
then again separated. Frances had found a home in Mrs. Reed's family.
Georgia was to go with grandpa, who was about to remove to Sonoma.
Eliza went to her eldest sister, who was now married and living on the
Cosumnes River. Here she remained until winter. Then, hearing that Mr.
Brunner's family and Georgia desired her return, she became so homesick
that her sister consented to her going to them. Fortunately, they heard
of two families who were to move to Sonoma in a very short time, and
Eliza was placed in their charge. This journey was marked with many
incidents which seemed marvelous to her child-mind. The one which
impressed itself most forcibly occurred upon their arrival at the bank
of the Sonoma River. She was told that Jacob would meet her here and
take her to grandma's, and was delighted that her journey was so nearly
over. Imagine her disappointment at finding the recent rains had raised
the river until a torrent flowed between her and her anxious friends.
For days Jacob sought the slowly-decreasing flood and called across
the rushing stream to cheer the eager child. Finally, an Indian, who
understood Jacob's wish, offered to carry her safely over for a silver
dollar. Never did silver look brighter than that which Jacob held
between his fingers, above his head, that sunny morning, to satisfy the
Indian that his price would be paid when he and his charge reached the
other bank.

What a picture this scene presents to the mind! There is the Indian
leading his gray pony to the river's side! He examines him carefully,
and puts the blanket on more securely! He waits for the approaching
child. How small she is--not five years old! How she trembles with
dread as the swift current meets her eye! Yet she is anxious to go. One
pleading look in the Indian's face, and she is ready. He mounts; she
is placed behind him; her little arms are stretched tightly around his
dusky form! He presses his elbows to his sides to made her more secure,
and, by signs, warns her against loosening her grasp, or she, like the
pass