The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-11-19
A CALIFORNIA sroRY.

In the early mining days Of California there
stood at the foot Of the hill, not many miles
from Nevada, one Of those rough-Built gaming
houses SO common throughout the mining SEQ
tions of the territory. A description Of this
structure and its surroundings viii convey to
the reader q better idea Of the incident am
about to relate. Tho building contained but
one room, the entrance to which was situated
at one end, with large adobe fireplace on the
other end, nearly opposite to the entrance.
On the largo stone hearth burned wood fire,
giving to the room cheerful appearance.
On the front at the right entrance, was we'll
filed bar, around which were congregated re-
representatives. of different nations some spec
ulating on the success of various mining OPP
erations, while others were discussing the
general topics of the day. Along the rear
side of the room extended row Of tables,
around each of which was seated company
of miners playing poker, and stalking large
sums of gold with as much GOODNESS and APP
parent unconcern as if they were partaking of
their evening meal. A few rude seats occupi-
ed the space around the fireplace, and in the
front portion of the room beyond the bar
The cabins Of the settlers extended some dis
lance to the front of the spot, while the I'M
settled portion of the country lay in the
rear. @
The hill before mentioned rising abruptly
from this position was thickly intespersed
withssage brush and thick brushes, asfordng
a temporary hiding-p place for the fugitive
AS the evening wore on, the patrons of the
saloon became more numerous, while the chill
illness of the atmosphere caused those most in
terested in the games at the table TO gather
around the fire. The conversation, which at
this time was becoming animated, was sud-
denly interrupted by the entrance of tall,
raw-boned Yankee, bearing in his hand a
long rifle. Around his waist he wore belt,
from which was suspended powder-fask
and bullet pouch.
Advancing to the fireplace, he deposited
his rifle in the corner, and after accepting
the seat courteously offered him by one of the
company, he seated himself by the fire rest
ing one elbow on his knee, and dropping his
chin into his hand, he sat gloomily watching
the fire as if some mighty grief was preying
upon him. He mumbled incoherently at
times, and sat without changing his position.
The attention of the company was soon
dawn to the stranger, and an occasional
glance from those at the table was directed
toward the place where he sat. He Mt length
broke out into such lamentations as these
g am tired of life. My claim has failed,
and ! am without friends or money. / have
not even enough to purchase a supper. have
been out all day hunting, and have killed
nothing"
He addressed no one personally, and no
one seemed to sympathize with him in his
disturbed condition. He sat in silence few
minutes then raising his head he .exclaim-
ed
"A man might as well be dead us out of
luck. will take my own ife."
Then taking from his side the flask, he UNI
screwed the cap from the top, and poured
from it into his hand some apparently fine
Hazard POWDER then pouring it carefully
back, he replaced the cap, and screwing it
firmly on, yelled
eyes, die myself, and all, around mo
shall die also.'
He then flung the flask upon the burning
Goals. Tho tumble that followed was indies
cribabe. The rush for the door was almost
simultaneous with the rash act Of the stranger
The windows served as means Of escape to
those who were unable to press q passage
through the door. The Yankee sat calm
spectator till the last occupant of the room
had made his exit, then with the rapidity of
tightening he sprang to the tables and scrap
ed from them the shining piles of gold which
had been left by the gamblers and deposited
them in his hat, escaping through one of the
rear windows. With strides he assembled to
the hill, and jumping upon fallen tree,
turned to survey the multitude below All
were waiting breathlessly, watching the
building, expecting every moment that the
contents Of the heated flask would blow 1t to
atoms, when the shrill voice of our hero rung
out OH the clear night air.
"Don't be afraid, gentlemen. There is
nothing but black sand in the cam"
Then springing from his perch he disap-
peared among the chaparral, completely elud-
ing the pursuit of the gamblers, who re-
turned to the saloon to find the tables ali
cleared Of the last vestige OF their treasure.