In the old countries it was not so, and it may be that some are living even now at “dear Bingen on the Rhine,” who remember tenderly the handsome young couple who left their home to seek the alluring treasures of the Gold Land in “the early days.”
They were honest peasants in the Father land, but over the waters had floated the marvelous story, how, in the glorious El Dorado, any one might become a lord of the soil or a rich miner prince.
This it was that fired the heart of the father; and as the mother looked upon their boy, she too was ready to go out into the great world, though her heart lay fondly to the beloved Fatherland.
They had little money, but the thrifty good-man managed to work for one and another on the passage, till, when he arrived at the young city of tents within the Golden Gate, he had cash enough to make a beginning in life.
They were soon domesticated in a little shanty, and in a short time had prepared a fine garden, which became the good-man’s pride. Every morning dame Waltenburger went to the market, where she had a stall, and sold fruit and vegetables for gold dust, for that was the currency of the country in “the early days.”
The little son was ten years old, and a real delight to the mother’s heart.
He was well formed, with fine features, golden brown hair, and wonderfully expressive eyes. When he was calm and happy they were of a soft looming blue, but if excited or angry, they grew dark and fierce, flashing like balls of fire.
It pleased him above all things, to assist the dear mother at the market, and very soon he displayed great taste in the arrangements of the fruits and vegetables.
With maternal pride, the mother often told the neighbors “it would be impossible to do without Paul,” for really he was the greatest help to her.
When the flowers were in blossom, the boy always made them into bouquets and garlands, while his pretty ways brought many a purchaser.