distinct individuality we only learned later. It seems that in 1853 he
left Poker Flat to go to San Francisco, ostensibly to procure a wife.
He never got any farther than Stockton. At that place he was attracted
by a young person who waited upon the table at the hotel where he took
his meals. One morning he said something to her which caused her to
smile not unkindly, to somewhat coquettishly break a plate of toast
over his upturned, serious, simple face, and to retreat to the
kitchen. He followed her, and emerged a few moments later, covered
with more toast and victory. That day week they were married by a
justice of the peace, and returned to Poker Flat. I am aware that
something more might be made of this episode, but I prefer to tell it
as it was current at Sandy Bar,--in the gulches and bar-rooms,--where
all sentiment was modified by a strong sense of humor.

Of their married felicity but little is known, perhaps for the reason
that Tennessee, then living with his partner, one day took occasion to
say something to the bride on his own account, at which, it is said,
she smiled not unkindly and chastely retreated,--this time as far as
Marysville, where Tennessee followed her, and where they went to
housekeeping without the aid of a justice of the peace. Tennessee's
Partner took the loss of his wife simply and seriously, as was his
fashion. But to everybody's surprise, when Tennessee one day returned
from Marysville, without his partner's wife,--she having smiled and
retreated with somebody else,--Tennessee's Partner was the first man
to shake his hand and greet him with affection. The boys who had
gathered in the canon to see the shooting were naturally indignant.
Their indignation might have found vent in sarcasm but for a certain
look in Tennessee's Partner's eye that indicated a lack of humorous
appreciation. In fact, he was a grave man, with a steady application
to practical detail which was unpleasant in a difficulty.