Year: 1873

In the early mining days of CaliforniG


there stood at the foot of the hill. moi
many miles from Nevada, one of those


rough-built gaming houses so common
throughout the mining sections of the
territory. A description of this struc-
ture and its surroundings will convey
to the reader better idea of the incl
dent l am about to relate. The build
ing contained but, one room, the en-
trance to which was situated at one end,
with large adobe fireplace on the
other end, nearly opposite to the en-
trance. On the large stone hearth
burned a wood fire, giving to the room
a cheerful appearance. On the front
at the right of the entrance, was we'll
filled bar, around which were congre-
gated representatives of different ma
tions, some speculating on the success
of various mining operations, while
others were discussing the general
topics of the day. Along the rear side
of the room extended row Of tables,
around each of which was seated a
company of miners playing poker, and
stalking large sums of gold with rs much
GOODNESS and apparent unconcern as if
they were partaking of their evening
meal. A few rude seats occupied the
space around the REPLACE, and in the
front portion of'the room beyond the
bar. The cabins of the settlers ex-
tended some distance to the front of
the spot, while the unsettled portion of
the country lay in the rear. s....


The hill before mentioned rising alb
ruptly from this position was thickly
interspersed with sage brush and thick
bushes, affording temporary hiding
place for the fugitive. As the evening
wore on, the patrons of the saloon be-
came more numerous, while the chilli
ness OF the atmosphere caused those
most interested in the games at the
table to gather round the fire. The
conversation, which at this time was
becoming animated, was suddenly in
terrupted by the entrance of tall,
raw-boned Yankee, bearing in his hand
long rifle, around his waist he. wore q
belt, from which was suspended pow
der flask and bnllet pouch.


Advancing to the fireplace, he de-
posted his rifle in the corner, and after
accepting the seat courteously offered
him by one of the company, he seated
himself by the fire resting one elbow
on his knee, and dropping his chin into
mis- hand, he sat gloomily watching the
fire as if some mighty grief IS preying
upon him. He mumbled incoherently
at times, and sat without changing his
position. The attention of the company
was soon drawn to the stranger, and an
occasional glance from those at the
table was directed towards the place
where he sat. He at length broke out
into such lamentations as these


81 am tired of life. My claim has
failed, and am without friends or
money. L have not even enough to
purchase supper. / have been out all
day hunting. and have killed nothing"


He addressed no one personally, and
no one seemed to sympathize with him
in his disturbed condition. He sat in
silence few minutes, then raising his
head he exclaimed


"A man may az Well be dead as out
of luck. / will take my own life"


Then taking from his side the flask,
he unscrewed the cap from the top, and
poured from it into his hand some ap-
parently fine Hazard powder, then pour
ing it carefully back, he replaced the
cap, and scrcwing it firmly on, Yelled


Yes, 1 will die myself, and all,
around me shall die also."


He then flung the flask upon the Larn-
ing Goals. The tumult, that followed
was indiscribable. The rush for tine
door was almost simultaneous with the
rash act of the stranger. The windows
served as a means of escape to those
who We're unable to press a passage
through the door. The Yankee sat a
calm spectator till the last occupant of
thereon had made his exite, then with
the rapidity of lightning he sprang to
the tables and scraped from them the
shining piles of gold which had been
left by the gamblers and deposited them
in his hat, escaping through one of the
rear windows. With desperate strides
he assembled to the hill. and jumping
upon fallen tree, turned to survey the
multitude below. All were waiting
breathlessly, watching the building, ex-
pecting every moment that the contents
of the heated flask would blow it to
atoms, when the shrill voice of our
hero rung out on the clear night air.


Don't be afraid. gentlemen, There
is nothing but black sand in the can"


Then springing from his perch he
disappeared among the chaparral, COM
pletely eluding the pursuit of the gam
biers, who returned to the saloon to find
The tables all cleared of the last vestige
of their treasure.