Port O' Gold

  Benito looked about for King's assailant. He saw a group of men onWashington street, but was unable to distinguish Casey among them,though McGowan's lanky form was visible.

  At Benito's feet lay a pocket-memorandum marked with a splash of red.The young man picked it up and read:

  "Piano for Annie.

  "Crayons for Joe.

  "Candy--"

  A man with a medicine case shouldered his way in. He was Dr. Hammond."Get a basin," he ordered, "some warm water." He unbuttoned the woundedman's coat, looking grave as he saw the spreading red stain onhis shirt.

  "Will he get well, doctor?" shouted a dozen voices.

  "Draw and defend yourself," he said loudly. He shut hiseyes and a little puff of smoke seemed to spring from the end of hisfingers, followed ... by a sharp report.]

  "Can't tell ... 'fraid not," Hammond answered, and a sympatheticsilence followed his announcement.

  Someone cried: "Where's Casey?"

  Word came that Casey was in jail. "He gave himself up," a man said.

  Presently there was a sound of carriage wheels. A white-faced woman madeher way to the express office. The crowd stood with bared heads as itopened a way for her passage. The woman was Mrs. King. They heardher sobbing.

  Gerberding and Nesbitt came and made their exit after a short stay.Tears ran down Nesbitt's cheeks. "I told him so," they heard himmuttering, "I told him so.... He wouldn't listen.... Didn't takehis pistol."

  Last of all came William Coleman, lips pressed tightly together, eyeshard. He remained only a few moments. Benito hailed him as he emergedfrom the express office.

  "Any chance of recovery?"

  "Very little." The tone was grim.

  "I hate to think of what may happen if he dies?" Windham commented.

  "Hell will break loose," Coleman stated with conviction. "Better comealong, Benito. I'm going to find Ike Bluxome. It's time we prepared."

  CHAPTER XLII

  THE COMMITTEE ORGANIZES

  When Benito rode up Montgomery street next morning he saw a litter beingcarried out of the Pacific Express Office. Beside it, were Mrs. King,Dr. Hammond and John Sime. They walked very slowly and the crowd fellback on either side as the litter-bearers progressed.

  Benito's heart stood still a moment. "Is he--?" the question formedreluctantly upon his lips. But David Broderick, standing by,reassured him.

  "No, not dead. Thank Heaven! They're taking him to more comfortablequarters. A room in the Montgomery Block. They've postponed theoperation on the artery; as a last resort."

  "Dave," said Windham, seriously, "do you suppose you'll be blamed forthis?"

  "Good God, man! No," returned the other. "Not even Gwin would dare tolay this at my door. There's no politics in it. At least none of mine."

  "Yet Casey was one of your men. They'll say that."

  "Let them," answered Broderick angrily. "I've no more to do with it thanyou--nor Coleman, who, they tell me, is forming another VigilanceCommittee."

  "Yes," said Windham. "They're to meet at the old Know Nothing Hall onSacramento street. I'm going there now."

  "Well I'm bound for a talk with Will Sherman; he's been appointed headof the militia. Just in time I should say. He'll be needed before orderis restored."

  They shook hands. Benito looked after his friend uneasily. Broderickwas on the wrong side, the young man thought; was taking an unwise tack.But no one could argue with Broderick ... unless it were Alice. Theymust have Dave to dinner again.

  * * * * *

  The street in front of Know Nothing Hall, a long two-story brickbuilding was already crowded. One by one men were admitted--or rejected.Now and then a man would fall out of the line muttering wrathfully.

  "They're taking mighty good care not to let any of Scannell's friendsget in," a man behind Benito confided. "The Sheriff's sent a dozen'plants' this morning but Bluxome weeds them out unfailingly."

  After a time Benito found himself at the wicket, gazing into IsaacBluxome's shrewd eyes. He was passed immediately with a smile of welcomeand found himself in a large room of the "lodge" variety. There was adesk behind which sat William Coleman and Charles Doane.

  About one hundred men moved about talking animatedly in groups and amongthese Benito noted many of his fellows of the '51 committee.

  Presently Coleman spoke.

  "Gentlemen, it has been decided to reorganize the Vigilance Committee.Mr. Bluxome and I have assumed the initiative, without any idea ofplacing ourselves at the head of the organization. Neither of us desiremore than a chance to serve--in whatever capacity you may determine. Wehave prepared a form of oath, which I suggest shall be signed by each ofus with his name and the number of his enrollment. Afterward he shall beknown by that number only."

  He read the oath: "I do solemnly swear to act with the VigilanceCommittee and second and sustain in full all their actions as expressedthrough the executive committee."

  "That's good!" "That's the ticket!" affirmed a score of voices. Colemanheld up a quill pen invitingly, "Who'll be first to sign?"

  "You, Mr. Coleman," said Benito firmly, "you must be our chief."

  A cheer followed. Coleman demurred but in vain. They would have no oneelse. So, at last he put his name upon the paper, adding after it"No. 1."

  Others came up and affixed their signatures: C.J. Dempster, the Postbrothers, Alfred Rix, P.G. Childs and so on. Bluxome, relieved from hispost, was No. 33. It proved in after days a potent numeral for itrepresented the secretarial seal on documents which spelled doom toevildoers; hope, law and order to an outraged populace.

  * * * * *

  Meanwhile, McGowan, Scannell and his clan had not been idle. On thenight of the shooting one hundred men proceeded to the Pacific streetwharf where the Coliah and Seabird were anchored. From each of these, byforce of arms, but with a promise of return, they took a ship's cannonwhich they dragged by means of two long ropes, uphill to the countystronghold.

  * * * * *

  On Thursday morning Mayor Van Ness stalked into Turner, Lucas &Company's bank and button-holed the manager. This was William T.Sherman, late of the United States army.

  "Sherman," said Van Ness excitedly, "is it true that you've beenappointed major-general in charge of the second division of theCalifornia Militia?"

  "It is," retorted Sherman. His calm demeanor as he answered, withouteven looking up from the stock sheets which engrossed him, contrastedsharply with the fuming unrest of Van Ness. The latter now seizedSherman's sleeve.

  "Lay those down and come with me," he urged. "We need you instantly.Armed mobs are organizing to destroy the jail and seize the citygovernment. It's your duty, sir, your manifest duty--"

  "All right, mayor," Sherman said, "I'll go along." He called a clerkand gave some orders. Then he slipped the stock sheets into a drawer andtook his hat from a peg.

  They strode along together, Van Ness gesturing and talking; Sherman'shead slightly bent as if in thought. Now and then he asked acurt question.

  The crowd about the jail had dwindled to a few curiosity seekers. Thecenter of public interest had shifted to Know Nothing Hall whereVigilantes were still enrolling.

  Sherman and Van Ness found Sheriff Scannell, Ned McGowan, Billy Mulliganand the prisoner Casey in vehement consultation. They welcomed thesoldier and mayor with manifest relief.

  "I'm glad you came," said Mulligan, "things look bad. There'll be Hellpoppin'--if that d---- fool dies."

  "If you are referring to Mr. King, speak of him with respect." Sherman'stone was like a whiplash. The soldier turned to Scannell. "How many menhave you? Men on whom you can depend in a crisis?"

  Scannell hesitated. "A hundred maybe ... but," he looked at Shermanhopefully, "there's your militia. Some of them served last night."

  "They've refused further service," said Van Ness. "I'm told that most ofthem have gone over to the Vigilantes ... and taken their arms along."

  Sherm
an stroked his chin. "This place is not impregnable by any means,"he remarked. "The first thing we must do is to secure the buildings oneach side."

  "Too late," groaned Scannell. "I tried to find lodgings for some of myguards at Mrs. Hutchinson's boarding house. She slammed the door in myface. I tried the other side and found that Coleman and Bluxome had anoption on it. They've already sent men to guard both places."

  "Then," Sherman told them, "you cannot defend this jail against a wellplanned attack. Perhaps they'll not resort to force," he addedhopefully. "The Governor's coming down to talk with Coleman."

  CHAPTER XLIII

  GOVERNOR JOHNSON MEDIATES

  On the second day after the shooting, Governor J. Neely Johnson arrivedon the evening boat. Mayor Van Ness had sent him a panicky message,imploring him to drop all else and hasten to San Francisco. The Mayorand William K. Garrison met him at the dock. They almost pushed theGovernor into a carriage which was driven hastily to theInternational Hotel.

  In his room, behind closed doors, the Governor spoke a trifle irritably:"What the devil's all this row about, Van Ness? The town seems quietenough. You spoke of civil war."

  "Coleman's organized another Vigilance Committee," Garrison took it uponhimself to answer. "You know how impulsive San Franciscans are. They'rein for anything. Two thousand have already joined. They've bought allthe arms in town except a few that Sheriff Scannell seized in themilitia armories. Scannell's sent out a hurry call for deputies--"

  "But," broke in the Governor, incredulously, "you say Coleman's doingthis. I can't believe it. Coleman's a good man, a quiet fellow. He's myfriend. I'll go to him at once."

  He rose, but Garrison, the politic, raised his hand. "Let him come toyou. Summon him. The effect is much better."

  "As you say," acceded Johnson with a smile. "Send for Coleman, with mycompliments." He resumed his seat and picked up an Evening Bulletin,shaking his head. "Poor King, I hear he's dying."

  "A dangerous man," remarked Garrison as he left the room.

  "He is a lot less dangerous alive--than dead," the Mayor shivered. "As areformer he'd soon have ceased to interest the public. Nobody intereststhem long. But as a martyr!" he threw up his hands. "God help SanFrancisco!"

  They discussed the dangers of a public outbreak till a knock at the doorinterrupted them.

  It proved to be Garrison, accompanied by the Vigilante chief. "Hello,Coleman," the Governor greeted, cordially. The two shook hands. "What'sthis I hear about your Vigilante recrudescence?" He smote his handstogether with a catechising manner. "What do you people want?"

  "We want peace," responded Coleman.

  "And, to get it, you prepare for war. What do you expect to accomplish?"

  "What the Vigilantes did in '51--"

  Briefly and concisely he outlined the frightful condition of affairs inSan Francisco; the straining of public patience to its presentbreaking point.

  "Now, Governor," he said, impressively, "you've been called on by theMayor and a certain class to bring out the militia and put down thismovement. I assure you it cannot be done. It's not the way to treat thequestion...."

  "What is the way, then?" Johnson asked, aggressively.

  "Allow us to clean our Augean stables without more than a formalopposition from the State. Issue your necessary proclamations tomaintain the dignity of the law. But don't interfere with our work. Weshall get through with it quickly--and be glad to quit, I promise you."

  He rose and Johnson with him. Suddenly the Governor slapped theVigilante chief a rousing whack upon the shoulder. "Go ahead, old boy!But hurry up. There is terrible opposition. Terrific pressure."

  * * * * *

  Turn Verein Hall that evening was a busy place. A dozen companies weredrilling on the big gymnasium floor. Men who had never shouldered gunswere executing orders with an ardor and a concentration which concealedmuch awkwardness of unfamiliarity.

  The garb and condition of recruits were vividly diversified. Doctor,teamster, lawyer, stevedore and banker, they were actuated by a commonspirit, working through the manual of arms together, conscious ofno caste.

  Benito and Adrian, who had come in late, surveyed the drilling. WarrenOlney, big and forceful, gave them cordial welcome. "You're both in mycompany," he informed them. "We've graded all the signers of the rollaccording to their numbers. That is, the first hundred signers make thefirst company, the second hundred another. And so on."

  "How about cavalry and artillery?" Benito questioned.

  "Oh, we'll have both, don't worry," Charles Doane answered them. "Twovessels in the harbor have contributed cannon; we'll mount them on theforeparts of wagons. That's where Olney and his men will come in. Andwe've splendid riders, though the troops are still to be rounded intoshape." He passed on hurriedly to execute some commission. "There's asplendid fellow," Olney said. "He's to be grand marshal of our forces."He took Benito and Adrian by the arm and led them toward a group ofwaiting men. "We must get our battery organized."

  A messenger strode hastily across the room seeking Coleman, whoconferred with Doane in a distant corner. "The Governor's outside," hewhispered as he passed.

  * * * * *

  Coleman, entering the ante-room in answer to a summons, found GovernorJohnson; his brother; W. K. Garrison and William Sherman, head of thesomewhat depleted militia. A subtle change was noticeable in Johnson'smanner. He spoke with brusque official authority, as if no previousinterview had taken place:

  "Mr. Coleman, what are you and your committee plotting? Can't thistrouble be adjusted here and now?"

  Coleman accepted the situation. He saw that opposition forces had beenactive.

  "We are tired of outlawry and assassination, Governor," he answered."We've determined to endure them no longer. Street shooting's gotto stop!"

  "I agree with you," the Governor admitted. "I've come down fromSacramento to aid. But this is a matter for the courts, and not for youto adjust. Our judges are honest. You can't impugn a man like Norton."He lowered his voice. "I'll see that Norton tries the case; that a grandjury indicts Casey. I'll do everything I can to force a trial, aconviction--and a speedy execution.... I've no right to make suchpromises. But I'll do it--to save this city the disgrace of a mob."

  Coleman raised his head. "This is no mob. You know it, Governor," heanswered. "We've no faith in Sheriff Scannell nor his juries." He turnedto Sherman. "This committee is a deliberative body, sir; regularlyorganized with officers and men, an executive council. The best men inthe city are its members...."

  "And you are its Czar," remarked Garrison, tauntingly.

  "I am chairman by their choice--not mine," said Coleman, tartly. "Toshow you that I make no personal decisions, I will call other members ofthe council." He bowed and withdrew, returning in a few moments with thebrothers Arrington, Thomas Smiley, Seymour and Truitt. The two sideswent over the ground a second time. Smiley insisted that Casey bedelivered to the Vigilantes. Johnson suggested that the committeecontinue its labors, but permit the court to try Casey, even in theevent of King's death. An impasse loomed. Finally came Coleman'sultimatum: "If Sheriff Scannell will permit ten of our members to jointhe guard over Casey, this committee will agree to make no overtmove--until our guards are withdrawn and you are notified."

  "Done," agreed the Governor, hastily.

  CHAPTER XLIV

  THE TRUCE IS BROKEN

  On the Garvez ranch, at sunset, the 17th of May, David Broderick found agracious interval of peace. It seemed almost incredible to be dining inthe patio with Benito and Alice against a background of fragranthoneysuckle and early roses. The long sloping mesas were bright withgolden poppies; fleecy white clouds bedecked the azure of a western sky,flushing now with carmine tints. Cowbells tinkled musically faint withdistance and from the vaquero quarters came a herder's song, a woman'slaughter, the tinkle of a guitar.

  "What are you dreaming of, my friend?" asked Alice Windham, gently.

  "It is very like a
dream," he smiled at her, "this place of yours. Sonear the city. Yet so far removed in its enchantment....

  "Down there," he pointed toward the town, where lights were springing upout of the dusk, "a man lies dying ... and a mob plots vengeance."

  "Oh, come," Benito voiced a protest, "we're not a mob, Dave. You knowthat." He laid a hand upon the other's arm. "I understand how hard it'sbeen for you.... You're suffering for the sins of underlings unfit tolace your boots."

  "Against whom you warned me not long since," said Broderick to Alice.

  "Casey, Mulligan. Yes, I remember ... you resented it a little, didn'tyou?"

  "No," he said, his eyes upon her with that eager look, repressed andyearning, which she could not always meet. "No, dear lady; it was notresentment.... But it hurt."

  Alice turned from him to her husband. "Tell me what they've done today,Benito."

  Windham's eyes shone. "You should see Will Coleman. Ah, he's a leaderincomparable. We've got nearly 6,000 men. Infantry, artillery, cavalry.A police force, too, for patrolling the streets day and night."

  "And what is the other side doing?" Alice asked.

  "They've got the Governor wobbling," said Benito. "Sooner or later he'llcall out the militia...."

  "But they've got no ammunition, no guns, I understand," respondedBroderick. "Sherman tried to commandeer those flintlock muskets from theMexican war--several thousand of them--but Coleman got them first."

  "Yes," affirmed Benito. "The Sheriff's seized some scattered arms. Butthat is not what Coleman fears. It's Federal interference. They'retrying to get General Wool to give them rifles from the arsenal atBenicia, perhaps a gunboat from the navy yard."