The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1886-12-04

A M0ldering Relic Of the Fran.
clNcnn Fathers.
San Francisco Examiner.

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About two and half years since
there arrived in the city Of San
Louis Obispo a stranger whose ap-
pearance indicated a severe and
prolonged struggle with the tickle
goddess. Out Of a shock of matted
hair peered two eyes of remarkable
sharpness, and a face of wonderful
shrewdness formed rare picture
for the framework Of tawny locks.
The finances of this vARA AVIS were
doubtless in condition similar to
the appearance of his wardrobe.
Instead, therefore, Of soliciting en-
tertainment at one of the numerous
hostelries for which that city is ia
nous, this social conundrum wisely
concluded to maintain his inde-
pendence by following strictly the
rules of the wondering fraternity,
of which he appeared most exem-
plary member. He sought the ST.
lent shadows of the outrageous
oak, and under its whispering TO-
liage consumed the substantial
provender he had automatically
seduced from the back door of
convenient farmhouse. His pecu-
liar appearance and oUTRE costume
created comment among those who
observed him, and many were the
surmises as to his previous condi
ton of servitude and present inten-
tiOns.
He remained in the vicinity of
the city for several days and then
took up his residence at Avila, a
small hamlet on the seashore, some
NINE MILES FROM SAN LUIS oBIsPO.
While here the major portion of his
time was spent in the examination
of old charts of the coast line, from
Point Conception northward. These
were kept in a strong
leathern pouch, which he guarded
with the utmost vigilance. One
day he appeared at a neighboring
lumber yard and purchased suffi-
cient material for the construction
of small skiff. This, he informed
the curious, was for the purpose of
enabling him to engage in the oc-
cupation of a fisherman. The di-
minutive craft was soon completed,
but instead Of embarking in his
avocation, he spent the
hours of daylight in exploring the
small bays and indentations of the
coast. On being asked the motives
for these explorations he was more
than usually reticent. At length
he gratified the curiosity of his in
quisitors by informing them that he
was in search of a convenient spot
suitable for the location of a fish
drying establishment. This expla-
nation was accepted by many, but
the knowing ones regarded it as
a subterfuge. At length
the regular disappearance of the
stranger in one certain direction
convinced the observant that the
desired location had at last been
selected. One morning he un-
moored his skiff as usual, and de-
parted for the scene of his labors.
For several days he was not seen
in any of his old haunts, and those
who had watched his regular de-
parture and return grew alarmed,
and determined to organize an ex-
petition to inquire into the cause
Of his prolonged absence. One of
the residents of Avila, however, as
serted that he had seen the stranger
beach his boat regularly every
evening several miles below the ac-
customed landing place. 1t was
also asserted by this gentleman that
NE stranger, upon landing, always
disappeared in a neighboring can
yon, bearing upon his shoulders
some apparently heavy substance
CONCEALED IN A SACK.
This information, while it relieved
The apprehension regarding the
safety of the tramp, aroused the
curiosity of many, who determined
10 at least pay a visit of inspection
10 the strangers rendezvous. Pre-
parations for the visit were nearly |
when the object of their
,olicitude made his reappearance
them. After expressing his
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