The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1888-02-04

1
years, the government offered re-
ward of $4,000 for his head, but
none of the ranchers at whose house
he called dare to betray or kill him
although as a matter of course they
much disliked to give up their cat.
tie, pigs and poultry whenever he
chose to levy on them nor did
they care to have their homes made
the scenes of the drunken revels o1
his followers when the regulars were
at safe distance, but they had 10
submit to all of Bernal's demands.
The story of his protecting the
ranchers is absurd, for while he
would not allow any others to mo-
lest them, he held them absolutely
subject in person and property to
his caprices.
MURDERS AND oUTRAGEs.
The recent murder of Baldwin
and other outrages of similar char
acter are fresh in the public mind,
and show the dark side of the man. s
character. But there are well-au-
thenticated instances of his gener-
osity.
About four years ago he made a
descent upon the Loretto mine,
situated about ninety miles from
Rasario. This mine was owned by
Messrs. Butler and Jones of this
city, and Mr. Butler was there at
the time. The attack was made in
the evening when Mr.. Butler and
two of his employees were at supper,
and the miners all in their cabins.
Resistance was impossible in the
face of a score or more of Winches-
ters leveled at the three men through
the doors and windows.
Commanding them to sit still,
Bernal entered, introduced himself,
assured them they would not be
harmed and was invited to be seated.
Three of his men Immediately ran
sacked the house to collect al the
arms and ammunition. The object
of his visit was then stated by Ber-
nal in the most polite manner; he
was sorry to disturb the senors, but
being out of funds, requested loan
of $4,000. Upon being informed
that the mine had only just COM
menced to pay, and not to very
large extent, he finally consented
to accept $4,000. The money was
paid, and the chief ordered his men
away, explaining that in addition
to the coin he must also take their
weapons. Mr.. Butler had hand
some revolver, a present from a
friend, which he asked to have re-
stored to him, and Bernal consented,
stating that within an hour it would
be sent back, and within that time
one of his men returned it. On
leaving, Bernal promised not to call
again for long time, and kept his
word up to last accounts.
At very nearly the same time
Jacob Jacobsen, a mining expert |
and prospector of this city, met
handsomely dressed gentleman with
;hree plainly dressed companions
IN the road while on his way from
to the City of Mexico.
They saluted, and after an inter
change of commonplaces the gen.
leman told Jacobsen, who was
raveling alone, that for certain
easons he must turn back and re-
main with him for a short time
there were but three men
With their chief, Jacobsen could not
lecline the invitation. In a short
ime they left the main road and
ntered the forest, and for two days
acobsen was a prisoner. Men were
oming and going all the time con-
eying reports of some nature to
heir commander whom they treated
nth great Difference. Finally a
roop of forty-fve men collected at
he rendezvous. and the following
corning there were evident prepa-
ations for a movement of some
ature.
The chief then informed Jacob
en- that he was at liberty to pro-
eed, and would be escorted to the
lain road, and bade him adieu.
acobsen then inquired the name
his host, and was informed, as
e had surmised from the start,
nat it was the famous bandit chief
lin, Eraclio Bernal, but was also :
I'D that if they ever met again,
acobsen must not recognize him,
Mess he addressed him first.
TREATED WITH GREAT COURTESY.
During the time he was with the
,bber Jacobsen was treated with
le greatest courtesy and lived
On taking his leave
ernal offered him revolver, as he r
as unarmed. Six months later t
3 met Bernal in Rosario dressed P
the ordinary costume of poor n
Incher. They did not speak, and !
lat night Bernal attempted to as a
Issinate the Prefect of the city, n
.ainst whom he bore grudge, r
1T only succeeded in wounding
m. ,
Once, in a close contest with the :
nnlor frnnna the latter were routed X