Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-07-03
HONEST MINERS:
Or "A Brave Struggle for Life.
BY W. H. WHITE.


It was a bright Sunday morning in
the month of FEBRUARY, such as is only
seen in California during the dry inter-
walls ofthe rainy season. The month of
January had been unusually wet, but
no rain had fallen for ten days before
this particular morning, consequently
the roads were in good condition.
The air was soft and full of fragrance;
grass, flowers and foliage were displayed
In the most lavish abundance, and of
the brightest hues. Nature beamed
abroad in her gayest and most attractive
aspect.
On the road leading from Suffers
Mills. to Coloma, to the historic town
of observation-disclosures Hangtown-
four miners were making their way, on
foot, toward the latter place. Their
names were Richard Jones. John
Boomer, Stephen Pyne and Joseph
Kicks. Grazing upon the luxuriant
verdure fringing the bank Of the river
the south fork of the American-near
which ran the road, were two plump
mules-loose and untethered. Jones
andR icks, who were somewhat fOotsOre,
eyed these animals enviously, and
Quickly determined to take advantage
of the situation.
"Shank's mare is played out, and a
short trip on mule back will do me q
heap of good" said Jones.
" And wont hurt the beasts a bit. was
the remark of Kicks.
Against the remoustrances Of Bloom
er and Pyne, who were too consclen-
tious even to steal ride, the mules were
secured. The nose ropes of the n.y.
birds served as bride reins; some pieces
Of an old lariat, found under a tree,
were fashioned into stirrups. Jones
and Kicks mounted the animals, and
the four miners pressed forward again
upon their journey.
At the junction of bride path with
the Sacramento road stood a log cabin,
the property of Mr.. Samuel Philips, or
"Old Buckeye"-as he was Familiarity
termed-one Of the pioneers of that
section. The sun was midway between
horizon and zenith when solitary
pedestrian, young man named Viii
liam Prince, stopped at this cabin, and
asked for drink of water, which was
given him by comely damsel, the
daughter or MI. 1nlllIpS.
1.-The sweetest face [ have seen since
[ left Baltimorep' Said Prince to him
self.
A real gentleman, The ikeliest
looking man that ever passed this
house" was the mental comment of
Miss Mary Phillips. The young man
turned away, with a look Of longing in
his bright brown eyes, and again took
his line Of march toward Hangtown.
Shortly afterward, Prince, who was
vigorous walker, overlook the miners
before mentioned. Being socially IN
clined, he accommodated his pace to
theirs, and trudged cheerfully with
them along the dusty road. He, of
course knew nothing about the taking
of the mules, but supposed them to be
the legal property of the miners. They
had reached point some five miles fur
ther on, when a fine looking horse, bear
ing a handsome youth, clad in the
loose-ftting garments of a miner, can
tered past. Prince thought that the
rider bore wonderful resemblance to
the girl he had left behind him, at the
log cabin.
Her brother, no doubt, the likeness
is too close for a chance RESEMBLANCE
perhaps ne and she are twins. But I
shall never see her more, in all proba-
biiity How her face clings to mep he
said to himself, with sigh of regret. as
he tried to dismiss the fair vision from
his memory, and entered again into a
discussion of mining matters with his
new companions.
The sun had passed the meridian
which the outstretching suburbs of
Hangtown were reached. Here the
party halted for rest In the shade of a
pretty little grove of live oaks, through
which meandered the rust-colored road.
The two mules were turned loose, and
started back in the direction of the spot
whence they were taken
Before the animals were out of sight
the clatter of galloping hoofs was heard,
and a score of mounted men came
noisily into view from the dust clouds
kicked up by their mustangs, driving
the two mules before them. mama
Hurrah! The doggoned thieves are
here; We've got 'em!" -s.r-
Boomer, Jones, Kicks, Pyne and
Prince were Immediately surrounded,
secured and taken to the centre of the
town. a call for q meeting of "honest
miners" was made, which met with a
speedy and cheerful response. The
meeting was held upon Preachers Hill,
a commanding eminence, wherein oc-
casional itinerants delivered Sunday
sermons to such as would lend them
ears. .sa-.
The hill was studded with shady oaks
and tall pines, varied with clustering
masses of Mansanita bushes. a grassy
carpet richly yariegated with wild flow
ers clad the long slope. Birds sang
gleefuly upon the tree branches, and
the west wind rustled gently through
the foliage. a Be- faafH e7nt
The sun shone brightly in the arching
sky, which, seemingly, bent itself tc
enclose the earth in a loving embrace
Peace on earth and good will to men,
breathed in the songs of birds, in the