The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1883-10-11
THE GOLD NUGGET.
A Thrilling Remluiscencc by q California
| Pioneer.

.-rr- GlOl.CCEs
Yes, I knew Juan. He was Mexi.
can, who kept a corral on Rincon
Point. in 1876. He supplied the
whalers and hide-droghers with fresh
beef. When Marshall turned the
world askew by unearthing that
talismanic nugget at Suffers Mill,
Juan sold out and Joined the rush
northward. He was lucky at the start,
if unlucky at the end. The first pick
he sank brought up one Of the biggest
specimens struck in California. Eight
thousand dollars was offered for it
right away, but Juan wouldn't sell.
He thought he could make more by
putting it up at rattle. Eight thou
sand shares at $40 share was the
order. The enterprise was successful.
The central point Of attraction was
White Mans Bar. Crowds from every
camp within tramping distance came
to look at the nugget and take shares
in the lottery. Juan was in high
feather. He was the big pin Of the
occasion and, Cast:lian-like, put on a
mint of frills. he was a tall, lank
man, saturnine in the countenance,
with a retreating jaw and baboonish
forehead. He wore red bandana
round his head and carried a long
novaja (knife) in his sash. He always
wore the costume Of vaquero and,
Judging from his looks, was tough
customer; yet more harmless fellow
never breathed. He was fond of
money, though, and would sooner lose
an ounce of blood than a dollar any
day. To guard the nugget he en-
ployed eight of his countrymen. Four
Of these were armed with pistols and
macheteS. They were surly-looking
gang; and seemed able to whip any
thing Of their size but when it came
to the scratch were completely sub
dued by the "malditos Americanos."
The nugget was placed under glass
case on the center Of a table in the
Modo Verde saloon, where yellow
faced girl from Sonora took the names
of subscribers. Among those who
came to see the nugget was Jimmy
from-town," one Of the noted despera-
does of that day, and as smart rogue
as ever went unhanged. He was at
tended by two of his principal pals
Joe Bell and Micky Free. After taking
in the situation Jimmy concluded the
plant could be raised, and so informed
his lieutenants. "Too risky" said Joe,
"these greasers are well armed, have
grit, and will make fight"
Every likely" answered Jimmy,
"but we can double haul 'em. You'll
ret the chunk if you do what I say"
"Go ahead" said Micly.
"Beat up all the boys you can and
get me a 'broncho.' I'll teach the
animal to kick and I'll show you how
to corral the nugget. See if you can't
lift me before tomorrow night"
Jimmy's two gillies followed his di-
rections. Twenty hard nuts reported
for duty within forty-eight hours. The
"broncho" was also on hand, paid for
with the money of colored man, whom
Micky knocked on the head. The ami
NAL was Immediately placed in train.
ing.
Jimmy had been circus rider, ana
was sharp in horse flesh. He soon
had the "broncho ready for business.
Meantime the rattle bowled along. The
lists were nearly full, and as the hour
for drawing approached the excite
ment increased. The saloon was abso-
ately packed; the monte-dealers could
carcely handle their cards, while the
guard around the nugget had to use
force to k ep the crowd from over
turning the table. Now was the time
for Jimmy. He appeared in front OF
she saloon mounted on his broncho;'
ois pals were already mingling. with
The crowd inside, ready to seize the
Lugget at signal from their leader.
Jimmy worried the animal sufficiently
to make it restive. 1t began to back
Into the saloon. The crowd shouted,
cursed and struggled. Int gave: way.
In spite of all Jimmy appeared tn-de.-
the animal kept backing, and gradually
approached the center-table. Juan
saw the danger which threatened his
treasure, and springing forward, seized
The reins Of the "broncho." Jimmy
struck him with a sandclub, which
laid him senseless. At the same time
he backed the animal against the table
and shouted: "Hey Rube !"
"Hey Rube" is the circusman's
battle-cry, and was the signal for
Jimmy's pals to look out for the mug
get. AS they re-echoel the cry Jimmy
dug the spurs into the broncho." 1t
kicked. Over went the table; smash
went the glass case, and away. went
the nugget twenty feet from where it
laid. As it fell there was a wild rush
for it's possession. The Mexicans, led
by Juan, who had recovered from the
blow, made desperate eXertions to re-
tain the precious specimen, but were
quickly overcome by the fercer efforts
and keener activity Of the white-faced
rogues. 1t was Gringo against
Greaser, and Gringo won.. Micky Free
finally grabbed the nugget and passed
it to Jimmy, who deyterously placed it
In leather bag swung from his pum-
mel. lie then urged his "broncho"
through the crowd, riding over all in
his way, and, reaching the street. gal
loped at full speed for a rendezvous in
the mountains. AS he rode off the
Mexicans gave him salute from their
pepper-trees, one ball grazing his shin.
His pals followed. l was sheriff of
the county, raised posse and pursued
the scoundrels. We had brush with
them in the canon, where Joe Bell was!
shot. He told the whole story Of the,
robbery before he died, and is my au-
thority for this narrative. Jimmy
rode on, however, and never stopped
till he reached a cave in the noun
tains, where he was afterwarl found
by his pals, less five laid out In the
melee. None Of these, except Joe
Bell, were mortally injured, but get
ling into the hands Of "lndignant
.itizens," "wereunceremonionsly treated
10 hempen collars.-SGn Francisco
BuUetin.
A M0n0ton0us Occupation.