which ascribed some occult feminine influence as the cause was naturally
popular, in a camp given to dubious compliment of the sex. "My word
for it, gentlemen," said Colonel Starbottle, who had been known in
Sacramento as a Gentleman of the Old School, "there's some lovely
creature at the bottom of this." The gallant Colonel then proceeded to
illustrate his theory, by divers sprightly stories, such as Gentlemen of
the Old School are in the habit of repeating, but which, from deference
to the prejudices of gentlemen of a more recent school, I refrain from
transcribing here. But it would appear that even the Colonel's theory
was fallacious. The only woman who personally might have exercised
any influence over the partners was the pretty daughter of "old man
Folinsbee," of Poverty Flat, at whose hospitable house--which exhibited
some comforts and refinements rare in that crude civilization--both York
and Scott were frequent visitors. Yet into this charming retreat York
strode one evening, a month after the quarrel, and, beholding Scott
sitting there, turned to the fair hostess with the abrupt query, "Do you
love this man?" The young woman thus addressed returned that answer--at
once spirited and evasive--which would occur to most of my fair readers
in such an exigency. Without another word, York left the house. "Miss
Jo" heaved the least possible sigh as the door closed on York's curls
and square shoulders, and then, like a good girl, turned to her insulted
guest "But would you believe it, dear?" she afterward related to an
intimate friend, "the other creature, after glowering at me for a
moment, got upon its hind legs, took its hat, and left, too; and that's
the last I've seen of either."
The same hard disregard of all other interests or feelings in the
gratification of their blind rancor characterized all their actions.
When York purchased the land below Scott's new claim, and obliged the
latter, at a great expense, to make a long detour to carry a "tail-race"
around it, Scott retaliated by building a dam that overflowed York's
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