The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-06-18

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/ Iy urges Us to send some one 10 him ID whom
we have confidence, to wind up his accounts
and to receive from him some deposit Of which
he speaks in terms of considerable ambiguity
| have e.mined to acquiesce in his wishes
and if you have no objection, | should desire
you, Mr.. Bruce, to be the agent for this pur-
pose"
"YOu wish me to go to California;" said
Bruce quietly.
EXACTLY. Frankly, we have every reason
to be pleased with you, and know none Of our
young men to whom should confide this task
with SO much pleasure"
81 am exceedingly grateful for your good
opinion, Mr.. Morris, and am quite ready to
start at the earliest opportunity"
The merchant seemed much pleased at this
prompt decision, and entered at once into fuller
details with regard to his mission. He was to
journey by land to Mazatlan, thence by ira
ding schooner to San Francisco Bay, and after
settling the affairs Of the counter to leave there
one Jacob Willis, plodding old clerk, who
was selected to replace the Mexican.
Three days later, Walter Bruce, furnished
with credentials, with money, and accompanied
by Jacob Willis, took his place in the stage
bound for Mexico city, The journey was in
teresting and delightful, and the young man
began his progress with feelings Of extreme de-
| light. He was Of romantic and impression
able nature; travelling was with him passion,
and the ground over which he had to travel,
though now well known to the reading public,
was to him new and full Of charms. The splen-
dor of Orizaba peak, the delights Of Jalapa, the
plains Of Perota, PopOcatupel, the grand and
sublime scenery Of the country in general, its
varied phases Of soft and fertile nature filled
with satisfaction, and created source Of endless
reflection for the future. And then Mexico
city and its wondrous and vast valley, its laket
and hills, its curious manners and primitive
people, were all ever-renewed subjects Of OBJ
servation. But he stayed not by the way
His orders were to proceed with the utmost ra
pidity. His companion and himself were vel
armed, for they had to go through the rObbel
region, itself fertile source OF excitement; bu
at last dangers and difficulties were past and
they arrived at Mazatlan, glad to rest theil
weary limbs in the hOsitable house Of MIR. Reflex,
the agent Of that part one of the most pictur-
esque on the Pacific, and reminded one OF the
East aud of Spain, with its cream colored
houses its heavy -arched entrances and cool court
yards Within its massive corniCes and large bal
cOnied windows. ....
Walter Bruce took few days to rest and re-
fresh himself after his journey, the more readily
that the schooner which was to convey him to
San Francisco Bay was not yet quite loaded
with its varied freight. Besides, it was neces-
sary that Jacob Willis should receive some in
sight into the nature of the constant transac-
tions which took place between Mazatlan and
the agent in California. At length, however,
all was ready, and the young man and his old
associate went on the schooner, bound for Cal.
ifOrnia. The journey presented the usual va
risties, but nothing worthy Of particular notice;
and at the end Of somewhat wearisome voyage,
during which the young man rather astonished
the skipper and crew by his nautical experience,
they entered the magnificent bay Of California,
and anchored short distance from the land.
This is not the place to enter into any miu.
ute description Of localities. My friend had
little to do on the coast. The counter managed
by the old Mexican, was up the country, and
thither he Immediately prepared to journey
The distance was not great, but it had to be per-
formed on horseback, with an Indian for guide,
while train Of mules were to take up the sup
ply of goods which were to replenish the store.
Bruce made his preparations with the utmost
rapidity. During his long journey his curiosity
had become much excited, and he was anxious
to see the man about whom Mr.. Morris had told
him enough to let him see that he was an orig
inal and singular character.
1t was fine summer morning In autumn
when Walter Bruce and his little caravan start
ed towards the foot hills Of the Sierra Nevada,
where was situated the little settlement Of Pab-
10 Rittera, the name Of the Mexican in question.
The weather without being very warm was dry
and pleasant; and as the Indian guide knew
the road well, the way presented little diff
Guilty. The first night the tent was pitched IN
a grove of evergreen oaks, which formed an
agreeable shelter. Walter Bruce, after supper
got into conversation with the Indian, who was
communicative and we'll informed. At length
he asked him questions about Pablo. The In
dian looked uneasily around as if he feared to be
overheard and then muttered few words scarce
ly ineligible.
anxiety.
eyes; Pablo medicine man-great maytery-
not much good talk about him." -,
"Indeedl lam very anxious to knew himF.
"Him Gold man, he know all the secrets Of
the hill-Fich, like ten chiefs.
"Gold manl'' cried Walter, still more excited
"who gave him that namef'
"Indiaus. White man laugh; but Indian
know hills full Of gOld-no use to poor Indian,
but white man god, and Pablo know all about
it,"
"Has Pablo found any gold, thenq"
"He no want gold. He medicine man-liVe
without work-live without money"
"He seems to bea regular California magl1-
clan, unused Walter, but this ideaOf the Indian
is absurd. man who has discovered gold
would not have remained up here 50 quiet
suppose the eccentric old fellow has frightened
the Indians for fear Of their proving trouble
some. 'Does he live alOne7' asked he, once
more addressing the guide.
"He got plenty servants, asd one glri bright
as sun and moon, two eyes like stars-great
beautyl"
"Ah, shl" cried Walter 'this doubtless is the
precious deposit Of which he speaks, and which
II shall have to escort back to Vera Cruz.