Page:California Inter Pocula.djvu/576



examine his effects. The exhibit of $3,000 in gold and a large package of greenbacks was reported as the result, and the bond accepted. This display of wealth may have had its influence in feeding the fires of violence which followed.

Free again, the Chinamen returned at once to their fio;ht. Their hatred for each other was now tlioroughly aroused; fighting men had been brought from a distance, and to death or any other consequence they had become ravingly indifferent. Renewal of the contest having been anticipated, scarcely were their shots again heard when mounted officers were on the spot attempting new arrests. But the Chinese, infuriated by the interference of law, as well as by their own quarrel, pointed their weapons at the approaching officers, and firing fled to their dens. Spectators coming to the rescue, the officers again advanced, and were again fired upon, this time with more fatal effect. An officer, and a citizen, Robert Thompson, were struck, the latter dying in an hour and a half Others were also wounded. The assailants retiring, the Asiatics for a moment were masters of the field.

Thus far the Chinamen were wront^ and deserved punis:hment, while the officers and the people acted rightly. But now followed one of those outbursts of demoniacal passion but too common in countries where the people are accustomed to tliink and act for themselves. Attracted by the firing, a crowd had gathered. Houses in the neighborhood had been closed, and iron shutters fastened. And now at the sii>ht of blood, quicker than it takes to write it, a chain of men was thrown around the block so that none mioht escape. The evil element of the place, some in hope of plunder, others from love of slaughter, rushed to the front and assumed the offensive. Scores of pistols were drawn, and for a moment the shot rattled briskly against the Chinese tenements; then all was still. But it was the murderous stillness of the monster making ready its death grip. Then low curses