Year: 1873

Creek, as observed through the silver grey at
mosphere which encirced the town on the
morning of the 10Th of March, 1852, indicated
that something unusual was on the tapas
Red shirted men, whose faces were covered
with shaggy boards, whose hair fell in tangled
disorder over their shoulders, and who wore
their pantaloons stuffed into the top of their
boots, who carried revolvers and huge bowie,
knives in their belts, and constantly putted
volumes of smoke from their lips, were to be
seen going from one saloon to another, OF
stopping for moment on the only street OF
which the town could boast, for the purpose
of shaking hands with some old acquaintance
or exchanging a few words. The very atmos:
phere seemed to impress even the most casual
observer that something more than the usual
dull routine of a mining camp life, was about
to transpire.


Four long, weary months had dragged
themselves by since the snow came down upon
Rabbit Creek canyon and put an end to all
outdoor operations of the miners. For four
months the little town had been cut off from
all communication with its neighbors. The
earth was buried deep beneath the white
shroud which had so silently fallen upon it.
The creek was bound in fetters of ice, and the
piercing blast from the trumpet of the rude
Boreas, who sat amongst the crags high up
the Sierras, had come down through the cam
yons and gulches with keenness that made
them cut like razor, and kept everybody
within doors. Four months had elapsed since
the mail had been received, and during all
that time the inhabitants Of the camp had
eaten their food, made snow.shoes, and waited
patiently for news from the outer world.


A slight thaw, then followed by a severe
cold snap, occurring a few days before the
opening of nv sketch, had formed a thick
crust upon the snow. This crust being suffi-
ciently strong to support the heaviest man, its
advent was hailed with universal delight, be-
cause it enabled the miners to 60 abroad.
The reader may rest assured that after having
been held in snowy fetters so long, the resi-
dents were only too glad to visit the town,
where they could spend few hours in drink
ing saloons and stores, in talking over the
prospects of the coming season, or visiting the
gambling houses and indulge their passion for
gaming-a passion that existed in the breast
of nearly every miner in California during
the five years following the advent Of the
mining population.


The gamblers, those who dealt in faro, monte
and other games of chance, and who followed
no other occupation, were delighted with the
change. For weeks it had been "dog eat
dog" with them, and now the prospect of
having few outsiders to fleece, was source
of great qualification. In order to celebrate
the event, they had dubbed together, raised a
purse of 81, 900, and offered it as prize to
the person who could make the quickest time
on snow-shoes over track to be designated
by committee The contest was to be free
to all who chose to engage in it; and it was
to witness this race that so many of the hardy
sons of toll came into La Porte, and their ar
rival in the village had caused the hustle al
luded to in the opening paragraph.


La Porte, at the time of which we write,
consisted of half dozen saloons, where liquor
was sold and games of chance played, two or
three stores, where groceries, mining tools,
etc., were kept on hand, couple Of black
smith shops, shoe shop and hotel. 1t was
as fourishing a camp as could be found in the
mines and the miners on Rabbit Creek were
as industrious as any in California.


The miners as they came into the town on
the morning referred to, would drop into a
saloon, exchange few words with the in
mates, take drink or two and then 60 to
another saloon, where the proceedings would
be repeated. Upon the counteuance of every
one could be observed a look which indicated
relief from confinement, determination to
enjoy the day, and a sort Of l-don 't-care-for-
anything appearance generally.


The attention of group Of persons stand
ing in front of the hotel was attracted to a
man who was descending the hill, at the foot
of which the town was built. He was tall,
raw-boned man of about thirty years of age,
although his stopped shoulders and swinging
gait gave him the appearance of being much
smaller than he really was.


There was something in the movement OF
the man to attract attention and as he drew
nearer, and better view Of his features were
obtained, the broad, high forehead and pierre
ing, nut-brown eyes, indicated that he WAS a
man equal to any emergency, and one who
could, upon occasion, WELD powerful force
for good or evil amongst his acquaintance.


Gabe Husker-for such was the name of
the person who had become the centre of at
traction-was the owner of valuable mine a
couple of miles above the town. 1t was gen.
orally thought he had large amount of gold
dust hidden away and this belief being shared
by the gamblers, they had made numberess
efforts to induce him to play, but so far with
out success, In fact, Gabe had no love for
gaming, nor liking for those who managed
games of chance. He regarded all gamblers
as thieves, and was no way bashful in speak
ing his sentiments The gamesters however,
refused to be insulted by him, because they
hoped, ultimately, to be able to succeed in
their designs, when they would be avenged
for all the insults he had ever given them.


"Times are right peart on Rabbit Creek,
ain'tthey?" asked Gabe, as he entered one of
the saloons, where number of persons were
standing in front of long counter, waiting
for drinks that were being prepared by the
bar-keeper.


"HelIow, Gabe, is that you?' "I'm dern
glad to see you? "How's things out in the
hill?" "Many of the boys coming down to-
day?' "By jingo! you look sorter blue round
the gills; come up and name your ruin" ex
claimed number of voices, and as many
hands were extended to welcome the new ar
rival.


Amongst those welcoming Gabe was Harry
Seymour, the owner of one Of the most valu
able claims on the creek-a good-natured fel
low, whose worst enemy was his appetite
who never visited the town without getting
drunk, and when in that condition, and un6
for any business, visiting the gambling house:
and loosing heavily. He had been one of the
first to arrive on the morning alluded to, anc
had Immediately commenced drinking.


"Thank yer b'lieve will wet my soter
grass with mite of Kaintuck wine. 1t: