The herald., 1893-05-21
A KNIFE AND AN AK FOR HIM,
How q San Jacinto Hermit
Frightened a Guest.
The Unpleasant Adventure OF q
Mountain Traveller.
A Dutchman who Is n Recluse but who
Seems to Have Some Peculiar No
tion of His Duties to
His Guests.

Last week James McHaney spent sew
eral days at various points on the San
Jacinto mountains, and while there had
rather a peculiar experience. Mr.. Nc
Haney is usually very reticent, and dis
likes playing the part of hero, but he
related his adventure to friend, and it
eventually reached the Banning Herald.
1t was during the recent rain and
thunder storm, and he was on his way,
on horseback, from Tocwich valley to
Strawberry valley. Rain fell in torrents,
and the thunder and lightning were very
severe-in fact the thunder storm was
one of the heaviest he had ever seen.
Not only were trees struck by lightning,
but the conclusion caused by the thun-
der was sufficient to shake loose from the
trees dry branches, which showering to
the ground were source OF no little
danger to the horse and rider. An elec-
trio storm high in the mountains is of
some consequence, and is as serious and
dangerous as those in some of the east
eTn states.
Under these conditions and being
chilled and wet through he was not
sorry to see dwelling on one side OF
the trail. The cabin, or rather house,
for it had several rooms in it, was stu
ated little to one aide of the road, and
in one of the most lonely parts of the
valley. Mr.. McHaney dismounted, and
rapping on the door was met by man
of whom he asked shelter from the
storm. This was granted, and after
putting his horse in shed he entered
the house. The owner of the building,
Dutchman, presumably, by his ap-
pearance and conversation, was very
talkative and seemed to be slightly de-
mented. He Hospitality showed his
guest over the house, and among
other things brought to view very
large knife, which he himself had
made, and also large hand-ax. Mr..
McHaney made no note OF this at the
time, but remembered it afterward. He
was asked to stay the rest of the after
| noon and spend the night there, to
which he consented. That afternoon
three men rode up who seemed to be
acquainted with the Ilutchman, and
engaged in conversation with him. He
seemed very anxioua that they should
not be aware of McHaney's intention to
spend the night, and informed them that
he, the guest, would shortly leave. They
rode off and preparations were made for
| the night.
Alter supper McHaney was invited
to occupy certain roon which hs
had not been shown, but the actions
OF his host had aroused his suspicions
and he refused, saying that he was ye
dgmg IA ard .bs,, saslld sldat stay hy the fire. anti
blanket near the fire. After some OBJ.
jections the Dutchman consented and
retired into the room himself.
McHaney, whose suspicious were
thoroughly aroused by the queer actions
and speech of the crazy man, deter
mined to keep watch, and not get caught
mapping. So he seated himself by the
fire and began to wait for morning. But
after awhile he became drowsy and Law
down on the blanket, first taking the
precaution to place box against the
door. He fell asleep in a short time,
but was soon awakened by graf
ing sound. He raised up on one
elbow and reached his trusty
six-ehooter, and watched the door
slowly being pushed open, when the
Dutchman, the knife in one hand the
ak in the other, entered the room and
advanced toward the seemingly sleeping
guest. When few feet away McHanev
raised up and bringing his pistol to bear
on mime host" asked him what he
wanted. Receiving no reply he ordered
him back whence he came, which order
was quickly obeyed.
There was no more sleep for him that
night and the next morning he departed,
not. however, before he had his break
fast. He believes the Dutchman in
tended to kill and rob him, and in tell
ing the story remarked that if the man
had taken another step there would
have been dead Dutchman.