The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-04-07
A California Story.

HNHE following anecdote, which was told
Il me by an eyewitness, will relate as
can recollect it in his own words.
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 sections of the territory. A de-
scription of this structure and its surround
ings will convey to the reader a better idea
of the incident l am about to relate. The
building contained but one room, the en-
trance to which was situated at one end,
with large adobe fireplace on the other
end, nearly opposite to the entrance. On
the large stone hearth burned wood fire,
giving to the room cheerful appearance.
On the front, at the right of the entrance,
was well-filled bar, around which were
congregated representatives of different ma
tions, some specializing on the success Of
various mining operations, while others
were discussing the general topics of the
day. Along the rear side of the room ex-
tended a row of tables, around each of
|
playing poker, and stalking large sums of
gold with as much GOODNESS and apparent
unconcern as if they were partaking of
their evening meal. A few rude seats oc-
cupied the space around the fireplace, and
in the front portion of the room beyond the
bar, The cabins of the settlers extended
some distance to the front of the spot,
while the unsettled portion of the country
lay in the rear.
The hill before mentioned rising abruptly
from this position was thickly interspersed
with sage brush and thick bushes, affording
q temporary hiding place for the fugitive.
AS the evening wore on, the patrons of the
saloon became more numerous, while the
chilliness of the atmosphere caused those
not interested in the games at the table to
gather round the fire. The conversation,
which at this time was becoming animated
was suddenly interrupted by the entrance
of tall, raw-boned Yankee, bearing in his
hand long rife; around his waist he wore
belt, from which was suspended powder
flask and bullet pouch.
Advancing to the fireplace, he deposited
his rife in the corner, and after accepting
the seat courteously offered him by one of
the company, he seated himself by the fire;
resting 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 in
eoherently at times, and sat without chang
ing his position. The attention of the
company was soon drawn to the stranger,
and an occasional glance from those at the
table was directed toward the place where
he sat. He at length broke out in such
lamentations as these;
am tired Of life. My claim has failed,
and am without friends or money. Ihave
not even enough to purchase a supper
have been out all day hunting, and have
killed nothing"
He addressed no one personally, and nc
one seemed to sympathize with him in his
disturbed condition. He sat in silence a
few minutes, then raising his head ne ex.
claimed,-
mah may aS WoH 10 ueau as Out VI
luck. will take my own life"
Then taking from his side the flask, he
unscrewed the cap from the top, and pour
cd from It into his hand some apparently
fine Hazard powder, then pouring 1t care
fully back, he replaced the cap, and screw
ing IL firmly on, yelled 79b
"Yes, will die myself, and all around
me shall die also' ei