true to his master's commands, hauled them bleeding into the room. The others, unconscious of their danger, in noisy tumult pressed their way to the point of Desmonde's dagger. Another and another received his death at the hands of Desmonde; fifteen lay as they were drag flying servants, as they ran from one room to another, for safety. Desmonde motioned them to descend the narrow stair-way; they descended in the dark, feeling their way, and soon came to a door. Ella, feeling for an opening, accidentally touched a spring; the door flew | open and they were admitted into a room.ged by Wasa on the floor. The blood A wax-candle was dimly burning near a rude chapel; the light was a welcome treasure. Don Desmonde hurriedly descended the stairs. Taking the waxtaper he opened another trap-door, leading to another passage, at the end of which was another room, giving Ella a key to unlock the other room, while he and Wasa remained to ascertain whether the robbers could intrude further. Ella and Lady Dunbar descended a long and narrow passage. At length, coming to a door, she unlocked it; here, to their surprise, a large room with seats, and beds and other furniture met their wandering gaze. ran in thick puddles over the hard ce- All was still. The "This is a singular place, Ella," said obscured its pleasant rays. Examining Lady Dunbar. They were soon aroused by a loud knocking. "Grandfather is coming," shouted Ella. "How they do hammer; I fear they will break the door down." Don Desmonde now entered with his man Wasa, and taking down a fire-board, Wasa touched the candle to some dry sticks, which made a cheerful fire. "Will they not discovor us by the fire, grandfather?" asked Ella, with much concern. "No; we can escape through a secret flue." Crash went a door. Desmonde startled; a yell of triumph was plainly heard; they soon discovered the other trap-door. It was evident the robbers would succed in opening it. Drawing a dagger, Desmonde secreted himself in a place in the wall, while he commanded Wasa to drag the robbers in the room. He took his place in a cavity in the wall, and as they advanced, one by one, his sharp dagger pierced their hearts. Wasa, the room, he saw many dead bodies in all directions, lying cold in death. All the servants that had not been killed had fled. Many of the robbers had been killed in the conflict. After a hasty examination he returned to report the issue of the fight to Desmonde. As Wasa explained to them what he saw, Desmonde looked up. "Wasa," said he, "drag these men in yonder room, where more than one enemy's bones are laid. Wasa obeyed. Opening a door to a dark square room he dragged them one by one throwing them in a promiscuous mass, sweeping the blood after them. Ella approached the door, and, looking in, she saw several skeletons. A feeling of horror crept through her veins. She still gazed on them. "Ella," said the old man, "this is the third time that the devils have tried to rob me, and met my never-erring dagger. My treasures are still safe. They 'Ella, my dear, under this step is gold that I purchased from an Indian. It is in its pure state. I have vainly tried to discover where the Indian found it, but, as yet, have failed. The Indian comes only once a year; last year he failed to make his appearance; I feel that I can survive but a few days, and these are some things to tell you. In the first place, when I die, I wish to be laid in this little room, until such times as it will be prudent for you to remove my bones to Spain, and bury me in our family vault." Suddenly rising he opened a trap door to the step, requesting Lady Dunbar and Ella to look. "Did you ever see so much virgin gold?" The beautiful yellow mettle lay in little piles, all shapes and sizes, just as he had procured it of the Indian. 66 me abundance of this metal. He came at a stated time once a year. Half of this gold belongs to my Sovereign, a fourth to the Church and a fourth to Ella." Shutting the door, Desmonde again locked up his gold. Turning to go back to the other room, they followed him, seating himself again on his bed and taking another drink of wine, he paused; turning to Ella, he handed her a key. Wasa approached his master and prevailed on him to go up stairs, as it would be more pleasant. Desmonde, with difficulty, ascended the stairs or narrow passages that led above. Everything was in confusion; fifteen dead bodies were lying above; Desmonde sent Wasa in search of help to bury the dead; after some delay Wasa found some assistance and buried the dead Mexicans. The robbers were defeated, and most of them killed. Desmonde was quite sick; his strength was fast failing; the fatigue he had endured for the last two days was too much for his old age; it was evident his days were numbered; he awoke from a long sleep quite refreshed. 'Have you any idea of its value?" you to go to England and remove the asked Lady Dunbar. "Near a million. I have been buying of this Indian for near twelve years." 66 'Did the Indian live near here?" "I think not. I accidentally met a party of Indians on a hunting excursion, and observed one Indian with this metal in his ears and pieces pounded flat strung around his neck. I bought several pieces, for which I gave him some clothing. I saw at once it was gold, and endeavored to find out where he procured it, but he would tell me nothing. He promised, if I would bring clothing, some guns and powder, he would procure for bones of your mother and bury them beside me. Divide the treasure as I have told you; here is my will and my wishes that I desire you to perform; you are young and inexperienced — without a protector. I received a letter from your father several years ago, which I never answered. I know your father is in the United States; he fought in the battle of New Orleans; I believe he lives in the State of Kentucky; I saw his name among the generals of Kentucky; I wish you, soon as I am dead, to return to the city of Mexico, and draw money and proceed to America, and search for your father; the business of your estates are in the hands of good agents; let them still retain their offices. Wasa, bring me that cross that Ella held in her hand that drove the Mexicans from their purpose." Wasa presented it to him. Desmonde took it in reverence. 66 you Ella," said he, "swear on this cross that will fulfill my wishes;" he held the cross to her lips while she kissed it in consent. "Ella," said he, "this is a solemn promise you have made on this favored relic; this is the cross on which the Bishop's blessing was performed to the House of San Diego-a promise which has been kept for a century; it was this promise that saved you from the hands of those ruffian murderers." Ella put her hand on her heart and again kissed the revered relic. Desmonde put his hand on Ella's head and blessed her, closed his eyes and fell asleep, from which he never awoke. Ella had him removed to the treasure-room, placing the little favored cross at his head, securing the door with her own hands, according to promise. "Wasa, these underground rooms must be kept secret and sacred. I wish them to be kept shut until I return to open them and carry my grandfather to Spain. Swear to keep this promise, Wasa," said Ella. "I swear," said Wasa, kissing a crucifix. It was now near Christmas, and Lady Dunbar and Ella determined to return to the city of Mexico. The winter rains had already began to fall, and mud had taken the place of dust. Leaving the place with Wasa, Ella procured the services of a priest to accompany them, to insure safety. After a tedious journey they arrived in the city of Mexico. Evident signs of rebellion were visible in the city among the people. Ella and Lady Dunbar had already seen enough of fighting to satisfy them. Leaving the Desmonde property in the city of Mexico to the Bishop, Ella prepared to visit America in search of her father. After a hasty preparation they took passage for America. After a tedious voyage they landed in the city of New Orleans. Ella could scarcely suppress a tear as she gazed upon the place where her father had fought a battle with other brave generals in behalf of liberty. While ruminating over these things Lady Dunbar touched her elbow. "So, this is New Orleans, where my noble friends Packenham and Gibbs lost their lives; but, thank God, Lambert was spared; don't you think, dear Ella, we have much to be thankful for?" Yes, much; but I have gone through so many trials, lately, that I can scarcely believe in my own identity." "No wonder, my dear, when we consider the changes that you have experienced in so short a time." Having their rooms in a good hotel, the ladies had good opportunities to make social acquaintances. Ella's first object was to ascertain where she could find her father. To her many inquiries she could learn nothing but that General Adair was from Kentucky. Ella's anxiety to find her father made her impatient to leave New Orleans; in this Lady Dunbar shared. (Concluded in our next.) Now." Now" is the constant syllable ticking from the clock of time. "Now" "Now" is the watchword of the wise. is on the banner of the prudent. Let us keep this little word always in our mind; and whenever anything presents itself to us in the shape of work, whether mental or physical, we should do it with all our might, remembering that "now " is the only time for us. It is, indeed, a sorry way to get through the world, by putting off till to-morrow, saying, "then" I will do it. No! this will never answer. "Now" is ours; "then" may never be. Says Longfellow: "Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week." POOR AND PROUD. Mother! I weary of toil and care, Say, is there never a rest for me? My brow is white and my hands are fair, I toil that others may whiter be. Why was I born on this beautiful earth Only to gather the thorn that grows? Why does sorrow, instead of mirth, Sadly her visage to me disclose? Poor--am I poor? is there naught but wealth To pander to folly, or foster vice; Lie with my lips while my soul rebels? Stand at the altar all false and cold? Hear the chime of my marriage bells Solemnly utter sold-sold-sold? Nay he has gather'd worldly pelf, Men will honor him by and by; But let him look to his inner selfHis daily life an embodied lie! Seeming virtue varnishes o'er A black and worldly heart within; What should I soil my white robes for? Gold is dross when it glosses sin. Nay, fair hands, lift up your white Tapering fingers to God, and say: Rather labor from morn till night, Flinging the bridal ring away, Than lay yourselves in his heated palm, Fevered with grasping unlawful gain. Mother, see, I am proud and calm Tell him I never will bear his name. All unworthy my heart's high shrine; Gold is the God to whom he bows, Gold shall never be god of mine. Mother, my love his wreath disdains, Than bowing with shame my womanly Better to mourn under Poverty's cloud, Tho' our hearts rebel when the rich go by; Better, Oh, mother! be Poor and Proud, Than stand at the altar and speak a lie! San Francisco, May, '58. H. L. NEALL. GOLD LAKE-AN INDIAN LEGEND. BY ALICE. California can justly boast of as beautiful scenery as any country in the world. Switzerland, with her many crystal lakes and rugged cliffs, and her far-famed snow wreathed Blanc, lose some attraction when viewed beside the wonders of California. Egypt will no longer be the wonder-land when they come to explore our woodland heights rearing their lofty heads heavenward till lost in the morning mist or mingle with the blue clouds that hover beneath the sunlit dome of heaven; and no portion of this, "the garden of the world," will eventually be more attractive than Gold Lake, for the many pleasing associations that cluster around it. This lake of magic beauty lies high up in the mountains, midway between Downieville and Sierra Valley. It is fed by the melting snows that cover the hoary-headed Buttes Tell him that Truth, and Honor, and Right, and other small mountains of minor im Are dearer far than the gold he brings; Say his passion would cast a blight portance. This lake is three miles long Worse than that which to Poverty clings. and a mile and a half wide, deep and Sweetly the beams of the sunshine fall Warming the tiles of our cottage floor, Coldly his shadow would strike the wall, Leaving darkness forever more. Give him again his proffered vows, very clear, and remarkable for its finny tribes that disport themselves in its transparent waters for the angler's jolly sport and pastime. Steep hills to the westward stand out to the water's edge as yearly sentinels, and at the low bank at the southward stands a first-class ho- | them. It is not to be supposed that in tel, kept during the summer season by those days they had drank freely from Mr. Coleman, who has built a sail-boat, which plays upon its broad still bosom like a thing of life, often freighted with the elite and beauty of the mountains, which make the old primitive woods resound with glee and laughter. The lake is the head waters of the south fork of Rio de la Plumas, and also famous in the annals of California history for creating a great excitement and gold panic in 1850 among the miners who flocked thither in hundreds, supposing the bottom to be entirely covered with the glittering oro, pearls and precious stones. Hence the origin of its name-Gold Lake. There is yet another legend in the red man's mythology connected with this spot of beauty worthy of notice, which I learned from Hotakah, an old Pyutt Indian, who has been blind this many a year, and led about by his grandchildren; and the beautiful Indian girl pounding acorns on the hill yonder is Hotakah's grandchild. He has lived more than a century, and the pitiless storms of many a cold, bleak winter have beat upon his faded locks and unprotected head. He keeps the number of years he has lived notched upon a pine stick, which will be handed down from generation to generation as an heir-loom and relic of ancient antiquity. the fountain of science, but they were a more stalwart, brave race of men, than the now degenerated race can ever hope or attain to be. This unbrokon brotherhood and friendship remained the same until a singular circumstance intervened, which made them hostile and deadly enemies forever, and which feeling will exist until the last trace of the red man is obliterated by the hurrying march of civilization. One morning, just before the monarch of day had climbed up over the red battlements of the east, a white man, pale and hungry-looking, came down the mountain side, and asked at Kaywoodtucks-the chief's lodge-for food. They gave the wanderer dried berries and roasted venison, and nursed him until he grew strong. In due time he became reconciled to his fate; and joined in their hunting excursions; and in a few moons learned their language, and readily adopted their crude manners and customs. Whether the pure Castilian or Anglo-Saxon blood coursed in his veins, there were no means of knowing, but certain it is, that the woods never echoed to the foot-fall of a white man before, and from this time, the Pyutts dated their misfortune; and the coming of the pale face was the omen Many, many years ago the Pyutt tribe of ill luck. Still he grew in favor as was a great and powerful nation, and years advanced, and married Kaywoodranged from Humboldt river to Honey | tuck's prettiest daughter, who loved him Lake Valley, and far beyond it. Their with all the affection of her race, and war-horses numbered many thousands; their warriors were numerous, valiant and brave, and in all the valleys of the Sierras they roamed. They were young giants compared to the now puny, halfstarved creatures that prowl around the infant settlements. No feud or animosity then existed between this tribe and the Washoe's. Each hunting ground was the common property of the other, and a friendly relation sprung up between soon became the mother of a little girl, who, as she grew older became the petted one, and because she could dance with a lighter foot than any girl that slumbered in her father's wigwam, took the name of Kahlanno, (a pretty dancer,) and won the love of Mowatoo and Hoochero, the latter belonging to the Washoe tribe, to which she showed a decided preference. Her mother and the rest of her people disapproved of her |