f roadhouse, a relay of
horses was taken, and we travelled one more day over a flat country, to
the end of the stage-route. Jack was to meet me. Already from the stage
I had espied the post ambulance and two blue uniforms. Out jumped Major
Ernest and Jack. I remember thinking how straight and how well they
looked. I had forgotten really how army men did look, I had been so long
away.

And now we were to go to Fort Yuma and stay with the Wells' until my
boxes, which had been sent around by water on the steamer "Montana,"
should arrive. I had only the usual thirty pounds allowance of luggage
with me on the stage, and it was made up entirely of my boy's clothing,
and an evening dress I had worn on the last night of my stay in San
Francisco.

Fort Yuma was delightful at this season (December), and after four or
five days spent most enjoyably, we crossed over one morning on the old
rope ferryboat to Yuma City, to inquire at the big country store there
of news from the Gulf. There was no bridge then over the Colorado.

The merchant called Jack to one side and said something to him in a low
tone. I was sure it concerned the steamer, and I said: "what it is?"

Then they told me that news had just been received from below, that the
"Montana" had been burned to the water's edge in Guaymas harbor, and
everything on board destroyed; the passengers had been saved with much
difficulty, as the disaster occurred in the night.

I had lost all the clothes I had in the world--and my precious boxes
were gone. I scarcely knew how to meet the calamity.

Jack said: "Don't mind, Mattie; I'm so thankful you and the boy were not
on board the ship; the things are nothing, no account at all."

"But," said I, "you do not understand. I have no clothes except what I
have on, and a party dress. Oh! what shall I do?" I cried.

The merchant was very sympathetic and kind, and Major Wells said, "Let's
go home and tell Fanny; maybe she can suggest something."

I turned toward the counter, and bought some sewing materials, realizing
that outside of my toilet articles and my party dress all my personal
belongings were swept away. I was in a country where there were no
dressmakers, and no shops; I was, for the time being, a pauper, as far
as clothing was concerned.

When I got back to Mrs. Wells I broke down entirely; she put her arms
around me and said: "I've heard all about it; I know just how you must
feel; now come in my room, and we'll see wha