CHAPTER 42
A Century of Literary Gossip
Two strong angels stand by the side of History as heraldic supporters: the angel of research on the left hand, that must read millions of dusty parchments, and of pages blotted with lies; the angel of meditation on the right hand, that must cleanse these lying records with fire, . . . and must quicken them into regenerated life. THOMAS DE QUINCEY.
Joaquin Miller's romantic horseback ride down to Curry County to marry Minnie Myrtle—here in the potpourri of accumulated material for this chapter is something more on that, an addition to his version of it and her niece's version that have already been given:
It was reported that he became acquainted with Miss Myrtle by seeing her verses in print, and in this way commenced corresponding with her before they had seen each other. He called at her home, on Coos Bay. The first time, another gentleman, who was paying his address to Miss M., happened to be in the house, whereupon Hiner introduced himself by drawing a revolver and driving his rival from the room. They were married and went to Eugene to live.
Also, the pioneer stories of Charles Applegate were left undiscovered. Has a continued search turned up anything further on them? Only this from O. C. Applegate at Klamath Falls:
In regard to short stories written by Uncle Charles Apple- gate, I recall that he did write some stories, mainly, I think, of his own reminiscences, a good many years ago, but I do not think I have any of them.
What Frances Fuller Victor thought of Hubert Howe Bancroft has been told at some length. What did he think of her?
The references already made to this writer give evidence oof a rare versatility in heavy as well as light branches of
