Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-11-11
MIscELiAAEo,us. s..
a CALIFoRNIA STORY.

ESN the early mlnlng days OF California thare
3 stood at the foot Of the hill, not many
milessfrom Nevada, one of those rough built
gaming houses SO common throughout the
mining sections of the territory. A descrip-
tion of this structure and its surroundings
will convey to the reader better idea of the
incident am about to relate. The building
contained. but eoue room, the entrance to
which was situated at one end, with large
adobe fireplace on the other end, nearly op>
posite to the entrance. On the large stone
hearth burned a wood fire, giving to the room
. cheerful appearance. On the front at
the right of the entrance, was we'll.
filled bar, around which were congregated
representatives. of different nations, some
spsculsting on the successssof various mining
operations, while others we're discussing the
general topics of the day. Along the rear
side of the room extended arrow of tables,
around each of which was seated o company
of miners. playing poker, aud stalking large
sums OF gold with as much coolness and ap>
parent unconcern as if they were paftaking
of their evening meal. A few rude seats oc-
cupisd tho space around the Fireplace, and in
the frost portion Of the room beyond the bar.
The cabins of the settlers extended some dis
tance to the front Of the spot; while the uu-
settled portion Of the country lay in the rear.
The hill'before mentioned rising abruptly
from this position Was thickly Ein.erspersed
with sage brush and thick bushes, affording
temporary hiding place for the fugitive
as the evening wore on, the patrons of the
saloon became more numerous, while the chil>
illness of the atmosphere caused those most
interested in the games at the table to gather
round 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 long
rife, around his waist be wore belt, from
which was suspended a powder flask and bull
let pouch.
Advancing to the fire. place, he deposited
his rife in the corner, and after accepting the
seat courteously offered him by one of the
company, BIO seated himself by the fire rest.
ing one elbow on his knee, and dropping his
chin ie.o his hand, be sa. gloomily Watching
the. e.6re e.. if someamigh.y grief vasspreying
upon him. He mumblcd inooheren,ly at
lines, sand sas..vitkout changing his position.
The attention of the company was soon drawn
to the stranger, and an occasional glance from
those at the table was directed towards the
place where he sat. He Mt length broke out
into such hnsn,ations AS ssshess:
81 am tired Of life. My claim has failed,
aad I am without friends or money. I have
not even enough to purchase supper. I
have been out ell day hunting, and have
killed nothing
He addressed no one personally, and no ono
seemed to sympathize with him in his dis
turbed condition. He sat in silence few
minutes, then raising his head he exclaimed
ga man may as well be dead as out of luck.
will take my own life"
Then taking from his side the flask, he un-
screwed he cap from the top, and poured
from it into his hand sone.gapparentlyssfne
Hazard powder, then pouring it carefully
back, he. replaced Gap, and screwing i. firmly
on, yelled,
Eyes, I will die myself, and all, around,me
shall die also"
He then flung the fask..upon the burning
Goals. The tumult, that followed was indis-
cribable. The rush for the door was almost
simultaneous with the rash act of the stranger.
The windows served as a 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
lightning he sprang to the tables and scraped
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 desperate strides he as
cended 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 it to
atoms. when the shrill voice of our hero rupg
out on the clear night air.
Don't be afraid, gentlemen. There is
nothing but black sand in the can"
Then springipg from his perch he dissp-
peared among the chaparrsl, completely elud-
ing the pursuit of the gamblers, who returned
to the saloon to find the tables all cleared of
the last ves.fge of their treasure.
1t is necessary to be very precise 10 our
directions to the servants, miscalled help,
which come over from Ireland for our special