Weekly Trinity journal., 1861-04-13
How 1 became Rich.
by GEORGE II. POWERS.

| fork of Boulder Creek, was u ranch that went by
the name of the Bloom Falow. An exceedingly
retiring man-surmised to be an Engishman.
called Kent, lived there in great secluson with
his single servant, an old man, who owned-and
that was all you could get him to own to-the
name of Jerry. As to when Kent came there, or
who he was before he came there, or how he
made living-there being no appearance Of
farming or stock raising going on-nobody knew.
! Happening myself however, to become possessed
somewhat singularly of some interesting partcu-
lars on the subject, will lay them before you,
and leave you to form your own conclusions.
had been prospecting in that vicinity for
| several days with Indifferent success ; when one
evening, finding myself near this house, which
had never seen beforehand much preferring
roof over my head if | could have it, walked up
to the door and knocked, determined to ask per-
mission to spread my blankets on the floor tor the
night. | heard u voice within direct Jerry" TO
open the door. Then it was opened and was
admitted by the old man. proilered my request,
but he bent his ear as ii he did not understand.
| repeated it in a louder tone, when man had
not before observed, crouching over low fire,
without turning answered me in the affirmative.
| entered, spread my blankets, took bag con-
tanning gold dust from my pack aud placed it
under my pillow, and then began eating few
biscuits | had with me for supper when a slight
noise against the thin partition at my elbow
made me turn my head suddenly in that direction.
There was u knot hole about two feet from the
floor, and looking through it was an eye as red
and bright as game-cocks. a moment more,
and il was gone.
! heard the subdued sound of retreating foot
steps, and door gently closed.
A little while after, old jerry came In from
outdoors, and sat down by the fire without speak
ing. | ventured few remarks hoping to start
conversation, but receiving no reply, gave up the
attempt, and, rolling myself in my blankets en-
deavored to go TO sleep. There was some siugu-
larity in the conduct of my hosts thought but
then was used to singular people, and as tor
| fear 80 long as my two " colts" were III order
did not know what it was. | troubled myself
but little with these, or any other reflections.
however, and was soon worshiping the drowsy
god" How long | slept | do not know. My
next recollections are of state of half conscious
ness in which | seemed to be struggling violently
to wake, without the power to do SO as II some
indeGnable but imminent danger was near me
that should perish if slept.
Suddenly, | awoke.
think II was the sound of galopng steps of
horse, approaching the dwelling, that caused
me to regain my consciousness; at any rate, that
was the noise which first struck upon my car as
opened my eyes. But did not devote much
time to reflection, can assure you for as did
so, the first object saw was the figure of Old
Jerry bending over me, while the moonlight,
which slanted through the single broken pane
that served as a window, glittered upon the white
steel blade OF huge bowie knife which he held
upllited Just IN the act OF striking.
must own that | considered my life gone, for
there was not even time for me to cock pistol
but, luckily, while the villain had not seen me
wake, the noise outside suddenly called off his
attention. That delay was a renewal OF life to
me, and fatal to him. In an instant more had
covered him with pistol in another, flash, a
report a cloud of smoke, aud he fell dead-shot
through the brain
Almost simultaneously, heard the horse stop
at the door Some one dsmounted and tried to
force the door 1t was immovable. Next heard
efforts at the door in the rear, communicating
with the parttionod apartment have made ref
crcnce to. At last | heard IL give away ana
some one whose tread fanced seemed too light
for mans, enter. There was breathess silence
for n moment during which the seed's restless
champing Of his bit outside, seemed a painful
contrast. Then heard Il singularly sweet voice,
which, however contradictory 1t may appear
had yet with 1t u tone OF Intense ferocty, utter
ing the following with u slightly Spanish accent:
civilian Kent! You are in this house. You
cannot escape by the other door, for have tied
it with my larata.' You cannot pass this for
guard it, | know that you are hearing me |
know that you recognize my voice. | am Juan
ita You entered my fathers house and received
his hospitality. You cruelty murdered him-you
and your vianous cOmpatriot. You hear rtessly
deceived me, his daughter J ou fled with your
booty. You thought you were safe. But you
are mistaken have followed you six hundred
mllc5' nave uccH Ou your bfall ioT tnrec years.
| have found you at last. viii the bloodhound
forego to rend his prey Do you think will
lose my revenge now? Caramba NoW
As she concluded, there was u rush as if some
one had suddenly burst for the door Il sudden
shock, a struggle, sickening swish, as OF keen
metal penetrating flesh, pistol shot, loud cry,
Il heavy, ifeless fall.
did not listen longer but tore away the slight
boards which formed the partition.
The body OF the host-trator as he was and
lovely young Spanish girl, her features terribly
beautiful, with the shadow of her accomplished
purpose still on them, lay on the floor. AS the
mooni ght shone on the face of William Kent,
fancied | saw movement of the lips. | bent
over him, caught the family, dyingly uttered
words" iS--tTue|
Perhaps you think did not spend the remain
der of the night at Bloom Fallow. But | did,
though, and the next morning buried all the bod
! les in one grave.
! may add, that struck crevice after remov-
ing the hearthstones, which payed me SO well
that have never prospeeted since.
Juanita's little California pony is In my stable
Now my wife often rides him. This is the first
time have told any one how obtained him, or
the way u Loiieh became rich!
,Ir,gv rta NUVnIr