164 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 



travel even in broad daylight. Here men were quite often beaten 

 or killed, and even in broad daylight in the heart of the business 

 section stores were robbed, and holdups perpetrated in the streets. 

 Strolling one day along First Avenue, who should Johnson meet 

 but Kendall and James. "Hello, old boy, see you got here at last," 

 said Kendall. "Isn't this a tough town, though?" "You bet it is," 

 Johnson replied, "and I always keep my hands in my pockets, for 

 the other day a fellow brushed up to me and while I was looking, 

 tried to slip his hand into my pocket. I yelled hey-there, and tried 

 to hold him for the police, but he slipped away and politely said, 

 excuse me, brother, I came too close to you that time ; hope I have 

 better luck next trip. Kendall swore that he would not stay another 

 week as he saw so chance in the lumber business. A few days after 

 the meeting, Kendall, thoroughly disgusted, for he said everything 

 was overdone, bought his ticket through to Boston anxious to re- 

 turn to his wife. James, Cowan and Johnson, seeing him off at 

 the Canadian Pacific Railroad, they strolled back to the business 

 section where it seemed every second store was a restaurant, quick 

 lunch or chop house. Certainly the needs of one's appetite were in 

 bountiful supply, although two to one were idle on the streets. The 

 hills were prettilv wooded with pine trees, and while the roses were 

 in bloom in mid-September, the Olympic Chain/ of mountains seen 

 from the hills were covered with snow. To the east could be seen 

 Mount Rainier, one hundred miles away, on which a snow storm 

 often in progress could be seen from Seattle like a misty haze 

 hanging over its summit. They made their way to Lake Washing- 

 ton, a beautiful sheet with crystal-like waters densely wooded with 

 pine and fir, and far off the snow-covered mountain peaks. 



Johnson, what's the word if we all start for 'Frisco and try our 

 luck? I believe that would be a good scheme James, for I have 

 certainly been up against a hard turn, tramping until my feet were 

 sore and every man simply smiled on an honest fellow's tale of 

 woe. 



Cowan said, no one here gives a continental for strangers, but 

 the cold shoulder is shown everywhere. We have all been up 

 against this overboomed town, but, of course, James and I could 

 manage for a while, being mechanics and belonging to unions 

 could get a job through our cards, but you, Johnson, no doubt 

 competent in your profession, it's pretty tough that you can't get 

 some kind of a job. Not long after this talk Johnson started on 

 a voyage to 'Frisco, James and Cowan, both in good positions, wish- 

 ing him success in his new sphere of adventure. 



Let us hear how she goes, Johnson, and if Spreckels' new electric 

 plant is nearly completed let us know and perhaps we will slide 

 down that way. If there is any show, I will write you the particu- 

 lars, Off he made for the wharf where the "Walla Walla," an old 



