discord and ruin. The ignorant and impressible women whose principles have been shaken by this insidious propaganda, become the easy prey of the first plausible scoundrel who can persuade them of his sympathy. A school which is capable of preparing so baleful a harvest of foulness and misery, cannot claim the immunity of being considered respectable. CHAPTER XIII. HELEN JOSEPHINE MANSFIELD. Biographical sketch of "Fisk's Woman"-Who she is-Where she came from-Her early life-Education-Training-Associates-From Boston to San Francisco-Marriage in California-Divorce in New York-Introduction to Fisk-Fares sumptuously every day-Her home in Twenty-third street-Who went there-How she entertained Fisk's company-The presentation of Edward S. Stokes-That correspondence-The result-The fruits of sin-Quarrel among the debauchees Jealousy-Rejection-Revenge-Death. MISS MANSFIELD was born in Boston, in the year 1840. The early part of her life was spent in that city; there she received her education, in the public schools, and is still held in the memory of her young associates. She is described as having been an exceedingly attractive girl, remarkably stylish in figure, and giving promise of developing into a slight, graceful and elegant woman. The surroundings of her youth were such as to admirably fit her for her subsequent career. She lived in publicity, and was entirely without the guardianship of prudent counsellors. Her family moved to California in 1852, and settled in Stockton, San Joaquin county. Joseph Mansfield, her father, was a practical printer. He served his apprenticeship in the office of the Boston Journal. Shortly after his arrival in California he went to work as a compositor on the Stockton Journal, at that time (331) edited and published by William Bliven, a brother of Rasey Bliven, who was with General Crabb at the Cavorca massacre. In the early part of 1854 the Journal passed into the hands of John Tabor, who edited it as an organ of the Whig party. Mansfield at this time started the San Joaquin Republican as a Democratic journal. It was in this year that the celebrated contest between John Bigler and George S. Waldo, for the governorship of this State, drew out the full strength of both parties. The most rancorous partisan feeling was exhibited on both sides. Tabor espoused the cause of Waldo, and Mansfield was an equally strong advocate of the claims of Bigler. The columns of these papers daily teemed with abuse of the two candidates, and finally the editors began to abuse one another. A challenge to mortal combat followed. On the morning of August 6th, 1854, Tabor and Mansfield, with their seconds, went across the Mormon slough. They selected a plot of ground about three hundred yards back of the State Lunatic Asylum. Colt's revolvers were the weapons. They were to stand ten paces apart, and after the first shots had been exchanged at that distance, they were to advance and fire at will and without the word of command. first shots proved harmless. The two then advanced on each other. Mansfield was excited, and hence his aim was uncertain. On the other hand, his antagonist was cool and collected. At the third round Mansfield suddenly threw up both arms, his pistol dropped, and he fell backward on the sod. The sur The |