Therefore they could afford to be distant, and even peremptory toward their neighbors.

One of the traditions of Carson Valley illustrates the condition of things that prevailed at the time I speak of.

The hired girl of one of the American families was Irish, and a Catholic; yet it was noted with surprise that she was the only person outside of the Mormon ring who could get favors from the Mormons.

She asked kindnesses of them often, and always got them.

It was a mystery to everybody.