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diff --git a/5191-h/5191-h.htm b/5191-h/5191-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ebceef0 --- /dev/null +++ b/5191-h/5191-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1742 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Case of Summerfield, by William Henry Rhodes + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Case of Summerfield, by William Henry Rhodes + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Case of Summerfield + +Author: William Henry Rhodes + +Release Date: March 25, 2009 [EBook #5191] +Last Updated: February 7, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD *** + + + + +Produced by David A. Schwan, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By William Henry Rhodes + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + With an Introduction by Geraldine Bonner + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> THE INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD</b> </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + THE INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + The greatest master of the short story our country has known found his + inspiration and produced his best work in California. It is now nearly + forty years since "The Luck of Roaring Camp" appeared, and a line of + successors, more or less worthy, have been following along the trail + blazed by Bret Harte. They have given us matter of many kinds, realistic, + romantic, tragic, humorous, weird. In this mass of material much that was + good has been lost. The columns of newspapers swallowed some; weeklies, + that lived for a brief day, carried others to the grave with them. Now and + then chance or design interposed, and some fragment of value was not + allowed to perish. It is matter for congratulation that the story in this + volume was one of those saved from oblivion. + </p> + <p> + In 1871 a San Francisco paper published a tale entitled The Case of + Summerfield. The author concealed himself under the name of "Caxton," a + pseudonym unknown at the time. The story made an immediate impression, and + the remote little world by the Golden Gate was shaken into startled and + enquiring astonishment. Wherever people met, The Case of Summerfield was + on men's tongues. Was Caxton's contention possible? Was it true that, by + the use of potassium, water could be set on fire, and that any one + possessing this baneful secret could destroy the world? The plausibility + with which the idea was presented, the bare directness of the style, added + to its convincing power. It sounded too real to be invention, was told + with too frank a simplicity to be all imagination. People could not decide + where truth and fiction blended, and the name of Caxton leaped into local + fame. + </p> + <p> + The author of the tale was a lawyer, W. H. Rhodes, a man of standing and + ability, interested in scientific research. He had written little; what + time he had been able to spare from his work, had been given to studies in + chemistry whence he had drawn the inspiration for such stories as The Case + of Summerfield. With him the writing of fiction was a pastime, not a + profession. He wrote because he wanted to, from the urgence of an idea + pressing for utterance, not from the more imperious necessity of keeping + the pot boiling and of there being a roof against the rain. Literary + creation was to him a rest, a matter of holiday in the daily round of a + man's labor to provide for his own. + </p> + <p> + His output was small. One slender volume contains all he wrote: a few + poems, half a dozen stories. In all of these we can feel the spell + exercised over him by the uncanny, the terrible, the weirdly grotesque. + His imagination played round those subjects of fantastic horror which had + so potent an attraction for Fitz James O'Brien, the writer whom he most + resembles. There was something of Poe's cold pleasure in dissecting the + abnormally horrible in "The Story of John Pollexfen," the photographer, + who, in order to discover a certain kind of lens, experimented with living + eyes. His cat and dog each lost an eye, and finally a young girl was found + willing to sell one of hers that she might have money to help her lover. + But none of the other stories shows the originality and impressively + realistic tone which distinguish The Case of Summerfield. In this he + achieved the successful combination of audacity of theme with a fitting + incisiveness of style. It alone rises above the level of the merely + ingenious and clever; it alone of his work was worth preserving. + </p> + <p> + Scattered through the ranks of writers, part of whose profession is a + continuous, unflagging output, are these "one story men," who, in some + propitious moment, when the powers of brain and heart are intensified by a + rare and happy alchemy, produce a single masterpiece. The vision and the + dream have once been theirs, and, though they may never again return, the + product of the glowing moment is ours to rejoice in and wonder at. + Unfortunately the value of these accidental triumphs is not always seen. + They go their way and are submerged in the flood of fiction that the + presses pour upon a defenseless country. Now and then one unexpectedly + hears of them, their unfamiliar titles rise to the surface when writers + gather round the table. An investigator in the forgotten files of + magazinedom has found one, and tells of his treasure trove as the diver of + his newly discovered pearl. Then comes a publisher, who, diligent and + patient, draws them from their hiding-places, shakes off the dust, and + gives them to a public which once applauded and has since forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Such has been the fate of The Case of Summerfield. Thirty-five years ago, + in the town that clustered along the edge of San Francisco Bay, it had its + brief award of attention. But the San Francisco of that day was very + distant—a gleam on the horizon against the blue line of the Pacific. + It took a mighty impetus to carry its decisions and opinions across the + wall of the Sierra and over the desert to the East. Fame and reputation, + unless the greatest, had not vitality for so long a flight. So the strange + and fantastic story should come as a discovery, the one remarkable + achievement of an unknown author, who, unfortunately, is no longer here to + enjoy an Indian summer of popularity. + </p> + <p> + Geraldine Bonner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD + </h2> + <p> + The following manuscript was found among the effects of the late Leonidas + Parker, in relation to one Gregory Summerfield, or, as he was called at + the time those singular events first attracted public notice, "The Man + with a Secret." Parker was an eminent lawyer, a man of firm will, fond of + dabbling in the occult sciences, but never allowing this tendency to + interfere with the earnest practice of his profession. This astounding + narrative is prefaced by the annexed clipping from the Auburn Messenger of + November 1, 1870: + </p> + <p> + A few days since, we called public attention to the singular conduct of + James G. Wilkins, justice of the peace for the "Cape Horn" district, in + this county, in discharging without trial a man named Parker, who was, as + we still think, seriously implicated in the mysterious death of an old man + named Summerfield, who, our readers will probably remember, met so + tragical an end on the line of the Central Pacific Railroad, in the month + of October last. We have now to record another bold outrage on public + justice, in connection with the same affair. The grand jury of Placer + County has just adjourned, without finding any bill against the person + named above. Not only did they refuse to find a true bill, or to make any + presentment, but they went one step further toward the exoneration of the + offender; they specially ignored the indictment which our district + attorney deemed it his duty to present. The main facts in relation to the + arrest and subsequent discharge of Parker may be summed up in few words: + </p> + <p> + It appears that, about the last of October, one Gregory Summerfield, an + old man nearly seventy years of age, in company with Parker, took passage + for Chicago, via the Pacific Railroad, and about the middle of the + afternoon reached the neighborhood of Cape Horn, in this county. Nothing + of any special importance seems to have attracted the attention of any of + the passengers toward these persons until a few moments before passing the + dangerous curve in the track, overlooking the North Fork of the American + River, at the place called Cape Horn. As our readers are aware, the road + at this point skirts a precipice, with rocky perpendicular sides, + extending to the bed of the stream, nearly seventeen hundred feet below. + Before passing the curve, Parker was heard to comment upon the sublimity + of the scenery they were approaching, and finally requested the old man to + leave the car and stand upon the open platform, in order to obtain a + better view of the tremendous chasm and the mountains just beyond. The two + men left the car, and a moment afterward a cry of horror was heard by all + the passengers, and the old man was observed to fall at least one thousand + feet upon the crags below. The train was stopped for a few moments, but, + fearful of a collision if any considerable length of time should be lost + in an unavailing search for the mangled remains, it soon moved on again, + and proceeded as swiftly as possible to the next station. There the + miscreant Parker was arrested, and conveyed to the office of the nearest + justice of the peace for examination. We understand that he refused to + give any detailed account of the transaction, only that "the deceased + either fell or was thrown from the moving train." + </p> + <p> + The examination was postponed until the arrival of Parker's counsel, + O'Connell & Kilpatrick, of Grass Valley, and after they reached Cape + Horn not a single word could be extracted from the prisoner. It is said + that the inquisition was a mere farce; there being no witnesses present + except one lady passenger, who, with commendable spirit, volunteered to + lay over one day, to give in her testimony. We also learn that, after the + trial, the justice, together with the prisoner and his counsel, were + closeted in secret session for more than two hours; at the expiration of + which time the judge resumed his seat upon the bench, and discharged the + prisoner! + </p> + <p> + Now, we have no desire to do injustice toward any of the parties to this + singular transaction, much less to arm public sentiment against an + innocent man. But we do affirm that there is, there must be, some profound + mystery at the bottom of this affair, and we shall do our utmost to fathom + the secret. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there is a secret and mystery connected with the disappearance of + Summerfield, and the sole object of this communication is to clear it up, + and place myself right in the public estimation. But, in order to do so, + it becomes essentially necessary to relate all the circumstances connected + with my first and subsequent acquaintance with Summerfield. To do this + intelligibly, I shall have to go back twenty-two years. + </p> + <p> + It is well known amongst my intimate friends that I resided in the late + Republic of Texas for many years antecedent to my immigration to this + State. During the year 1847, whilst but a boy, and residing on the + sea-beach some three or four miles from the city of Galveston, Judge + Wheeler, at that time Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, paid us + a visit, and brought with him a gentleman, whom he had known several years + previously on the Sabine River, in the eastern part of that State. This + gentleman was introduced to us by the name of Summerfield. At that time he + was past the prime of life, slightly gray, and inclined to corpulency. He + was of medium height, and walked proudly erect, as though conscious of + superior mental attainments. His face was one of those which, once seen, + can never be forgotten. The forehead was broad, high, and protuberant. It + was, besides, deeply graven with wrinkles, and altogether was the most + intellectual that I had ever seen. It bore some resemblance to that of Sir + Isaac Newton, but still more to Humboldt or Webster. The eyes were large, + deep-set, and lustrous with a light that seemed kindled in their own + depths. In color they were gray, and whilst in conversation absolutely + blazed with intellect. His mouth was large, but cut with all the precision + of a sculptor's chiseling. He was rather pale, but, when excited, his + complexion lit up with a sudden rush of ruddy flushes, that added + something like beauty to his half-sad and half-sardonic expression. A word + and a glance told me at once, this is a most extraordinary man. + </p> + <p> + Judge Wheeler knew but little of the antecedents of Summerfield. He was of + Northern birth, but of what State it is impossible to say definitely. + Early in life he removed to the frontier of Arkansas, and pursued for some + years the avocation of village schoolmaster. It was the suggestion of + Judge Wheeler that induced him to read law. In six months' time he had + mastered Story's Equity, and gained an important suit, based upon one of + its most recondite principles. But his heart was not in the legal + profession, and he made almost constant sallies into the fields of + science, literature and art. He was a natural mathematician and was the + most profound and original arithmetician in the Southwest. He frequently + computed the astronomical tables for the almanacs of New Orleans, + Pensacola and Mobile, and calculated eclipse, transit and observations + with ease and perfect accuracy. He was also deeply read in metaphysics, + and wrote and published, in the old Democratic Review for 1846, an article + on the "Natural Proof of the Existence of a Deity," that for beauty of + language, depth of reasoning, versatility of illustration, and compactness + of logic, has never been equaled. The only other publication which at that + period he had made, was a book that astonished all of his friends, both in + title and execution. It was called "The Desperadoes of the West," and + purported to give minute details of the lives of some of the most noted + duelists and bloodstained villains in the Western States. But the book + belied its title. It is full of splendid description and original thought. + No volume in the language contains so many eloquent passages and such + gorgeous imagery, in the same space. His plea for immortality, on + beholding the execution of one of the most noted culprits of Arkansas, has + no parallel in any living language for beauty of diction and power of + thought. As my sole object in this communication is to defend myself, some + acquaintance with the mental resources of Summerfield is absolutely + indispensable; for his death was the immediate consequence of his splendid + attainments. Of chemistry he was a complete master. He describes it in his + article on a Deity, above alluded to, as the "Youngest Daughter of the + Sciences, born amid flames, and cradled in rollers of fire." If there were + any one science to which he was more specially devoted than to any and all + others, it was chemistry. But he really seemed an adept in all, and shone + about everywhere with equal lustre. + </p> + <p> + Many of these characteristics were mentioned by Judge Wheeler at the time + of Summerfield's visit to Galveston, but others subsequently came to my + knowledge, after his retreat to Brownsville, on the banks of the Rio + Grande. There he filled the position of Judge of the District Court, and + such was his position just previous to his arrival in this city in the + month of September of the past year. + </p> + <p> + One day, toward the close of last September, an old man rapped at my + office door, and on invitation came in, and advancing, called me by name. + Perceiving that I did not at first recognize him, he introduced himself as + Gregory Summerfield. After inviting him to a seat, I scrutinized his + features more closely, and quickly identified him as the same person whom + I had met twenty-two years before. He was greatly altered in appearance, + but the lofty forehead and the gray eye were still there, unchanged and + unchangeable. He was not quite so stout, but more ruddy in complexion, and + exhibited some symptoms, as I then thought, of intemperate drinking. Still + there was the old charm of intellectual superiority in his conversation, + and I welcomed him to California as an important addition to her mental + wealth. + </p> + <p> + It was not many minutes before he requested a private interview. He + followed me into my back office, carefully closed the door after him and + locked it. We had scarcely seated ourselves before he inquired of me if I + had noticed any recent articles in the newspapers respecting the discovery + of the art of decomposing water so as to fit it for use as a fuel for + ordinary purposes? + </p> + <p> + I replied that I had observed nothing new upon that subject since the + experiments of Agassiz and Professor Henry, and added that, in my opinion, + the expensive mode of reduction would always prevent its use. + </p> + <p> + In a few words he then informed me that he had made the discovery that the + art was extremely simple, and the expense attending the decomposition so + slight as to be insignificant. + </p> + <p> + Presuming then that the object of his visit to me was to procure the + necessary forms to get out a patent for the right, I congratulated him + upon his good fortune, and was about to branch forth with a description of + some of the great benefits that must ensue to the community, when he + suddenly and somewhat uncivilly requested me to "be silent," and listen to + what he had to say. + </p> + <p> + He began with some general remarks about the inequality of fortune amongst + mankind, and instanced himself as a striking example of the fate of those + men, who, according to all the rules of right, ought to be near the top, + instead of at the foot of the ladder of fortune. "But," said he, springing + to his feet with impulsive energy, "I have now the means at my command of + rising superior to fate, or of inflicting incalculable ills upon the whole + human race." + </p> + <p> + Looking at him more closely, I thought I could detect in his eye the gleam + of madness; but I remained silent and awaited further developments. But my + scrutiny, stolen as it was, had been detected, and he replied at once to + the expression of my face: "No, sir; I am neither drunk nor a maniac; I am + in deep earnest in all that I say; and I am fully prepared, by actual + experiment, to demonstrate beyond all doubt the truth of all I claim." + </p> + <p> + For the first time I noticed that he carried a small portmanteau in his + hand; this he placed upon the table, unlocked it, and took out two or + three small volumes, a pamphlet or two, and a small, square, wide-mouthed + vial, hermetically sealed. + </p> + <p> + I watched him with profound curiosity, and took note of his slightest + movements. Having arranged his books to suit him, and placed the vial in a + conspicuous position, he drew up his chair very closely to my own, and + uttered in a half-hissing tone: "I demand one million dollars for the + contents of that bottle; and you must raise it for me in the city of San + Francisco within one month, or scenes too terrible even for the + imagination to conceive, will surely be witnessed by every living human + being on the face of the globe." + </p> + <p> + The tone, the manner, and the absurd extravagance of the demand, excited a + faint smile upon my lips, which he observed, but disdained to notice. + </p> + <p> + My mind was fully made up that I had a maniac to deal with, and I prepared + to act accordingly. But I ascertained at once that my inmost thoughts were + read by the remarkable man before me, and seemed to be anticipated by him + in advance of their expression. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," said I, "Mr. Summerfield, you would oblige me by informing me + fully of the grounds of your claim, and the nature of your discovery." + </p> + <p> + "That is the object of my visit," he replied. "I claim to have discovered + the key which unlocks the constituent gases of water, and frees each from + the embrace of the other, at a single touch." + </p> + <p> + "You mean to assert," I rejoined, "that you can make water burn itself + up?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing more nor less," he responded, "except this: to insist upon the + consequences of the secret, if my demand be not at once complied with." + </p> + <p> + Then, without pausing for a moment to allow me to make a suggestion, as I + once or twice attempted to do, he proceeded in a clear and deliberate + manner, in these words: "I need not inform you, sir, that when this earth + was created, it consisted almost wholly of vapor, which, by condensation, + finally became water. The oceans now occupy more than two-thirds of the + entire surface of the globe. The continents are mere islands in the midst + of the seas. They are everywhere oceanbound, and the hyperborean north is + hemmed in by open polar seas. Such is my first proposition. My second + embraces the constituent elements of water. What is that thing which we + call water? Chemistry, that royal queen of all the sciences, answers + readily: 'Water is but the combination of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen, + and in the proportion of eight to one.' In other words, in order to form + water, take eight parts of oxygen and one of hydrogen, mix them together, + and the result or product is water. You smile, sir, because, as you very + properly think, these are the elementary principles of science, and are + familiar to the minds of every schoolboy twelve years of age. Yes! but + what next? Suppose you take these same gases and mix them in any other + proportion, I care not what, and the instantaneous result is heat, flame, + combustion of the intensest description. The famous Drummond Light, that a + few years ago astonished Europe what is that but the ignited flame of a + mixture of oxygen and hydrogen projected against a small piece of lime? + What was harmless as water, becomes the most destructive of all known + objects when decomposed and mixed in any other proportion. + </p> + <p> + "Now, suppose I fling the contents of this small vial into the Pacific + Ocean, what would be the result? Dare you contemplate it for an instant? I + do not assert that the entire surface of the sea would instantaneously + bubble up into insufferable flames; no, but from the nucleus of a circle, + of which this vial would be the center, lurid radii of flames would + gradually shoot outward, until the blazing circumference would roll in + vast billows of fire, upon the uttermost shores. Not all the dripping + clouds of the deluge could extinguish it. Not all the tears of saints and + angels could for an instant check its progress. On and onward it would + sweep, with the steady gait of destiny, until the continents would melt + with fervent heat, the atmosphere glare with the ominous conflagration, + and all living creatures, in land and sea and air, perish in one universal + catastrophe." + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly starting to his feet, he drew himself up to his full height, + and murmured solemnly, "I feel like a God! and I recognize my fellow-men + but as pygmies that I spurn beneath my feet." + </p> + <p> + "Summerfield," said I calmly, "there must be some strange error in all + this. You are self-deluded. The weapon which you claim to wield is one + that a good God and a beneficent Creator would never intrust to the + keeping of a mere creature. What, sir! create a world as grand and + beautiful as this, and hide within its bosom a principle that at any + moment might inwrap it in flames, and sink all life in death? I'll not + believe it; 't were blasphemy to entertain the thought!" + </p> + <p> + "And yet," cried he passionately, "your Bible prophesies the same + irreverence. Look at your text in 2d Peter, third chapter, seventh and + twelfth verses. Are not the elements to melt with fervent heat? Are not + the 'heavens to be folded together like a scroll?' Are not 'the rocks to + melt, the stars to fall, and the moon to be turned into blood?' Is not + fire the next grand cyclic consummation of all things here below? But I + come fully prepared to answer such objections. Your argument betrays a + narrow mind, circumscribed in its orbit, and shallow in its depth. 'Tis + the common thought of mediocrity. You have read books too much, and + studied nature too little. Let me give you a lesson today in the workshop + of Omnipotence. Take a stroll with me into the limitless confines of + space, and let us observe together some of the scenes transpiring at this + very instant around us. A moment ago you spoke of the moon: what is she + but an extinguished world? You spoke of the sun: what is he but a globe of + flame? But here is the Cosmos of Humboldt. Read this paragraph." + </p> + <p> + As he said this he placed before me the Cosmos of Humboldt, and I read as + follows: + </p> + <p> + Nor do the Heavens themselves teach unchangeable permanency in the works + of creation. Change is observable there quite as rapid and complete as in + the confines of our solar system. In the year 1752, one of the small stars + in the constellation Cassiopeia blazed up suddenly into an orb of the + first magnitude, gradually decreased in brilliancy, and finally + disappeared from the skies. Nor has it ever been visible since that period + for a single moment, either to the eye or to the telescope. It burned up + and was lost in space. + </p> + <p> + "Humboldt," he added, "has not told us who set that world on fire!" + </p> + <p> + "But," resumed he, "I have still clearer proofs." + </p> + <p> + Saying this, he thrust into my hands the last London Quarterly, and on + opening the book at an article headed "The Language of Light," I read with + a feeling akin to awe, the following passage: + </p> + <p> + Further, some stars exhibit changes of complexion in themselves. Sirius, + as before stated, was once a ruddy, or rather a fiery-faced orb, but has + now forgotten to blush, and looks down upon us with a pure, brilliant + smile, in which there is no trace either of anger or of shame. On the + countenances of others, still more varied traits have rippled, within a + much briefer period of time. May not these be due to some physiological + revolutions, general or convulsive, which are in progress in the + particular orb, and which, by affecting the constitution of its + atmosphere, compel the absorption or promote the transmission of + particular rays? The supposition appears by no means improbable, + especially if we call to mind the hydrogen volcanoes which have been + discovered on the photosphere of the sun. Indeed, there are a few small + stars which afford a spectrum of bright lines instead of dark ones, and + this we know denotes a gaseous or vaporized state of things, from which it + maybe inferred that such orbs are in a different condition from most of + their relations. + </p> + <p> + And, as if for the very purpose of throwing light upon this interesting + question, an event of the most striking character occurred in the heavens, + almost as soon as the spectroscopists were prepared to interpret it + correctly. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of May, 1866, a great conflagration, infinitely larger than + that of London or Moscow, was announced. To use the expression of a + distinguished astronomer, a world was found to be on fire! A star, which + till then had shone weakly and unobtrusively in the corona borealis, + suddenly blazed up into a luminary of the second magnitude. In the course + of three days from its discovery in this new character, by Birmingham, at + Tuam, it had declined to the third or fourth order of brilliancy. In + twelve days, dating from its first apparition in the Irish heavens, it had + sunk to the eighth rank, and it went on waning until the 26th of June, + when it ceased to be discernible except through the medium of the + telescope. This was a remarkable, though certainly not an unprecedented + proceeding on the part of a star; but one singular circumstance in its + behavior was that, after the lapse of nearly two months, it began to blaze + up again, though not with equal ardor, and after maintaining its glow for + a few weeks, and passing through sundry phases of color, it gradually + paled its fires, and returned to its former insignificance. How many years + had elapsed since this awful conflagration actually took place, it would + be presumptuous to guess; but it must be remembered that news from the + heavens, though carried by the fleetest of messengers, light, reaches us + long after the event has transpired, and that the same celestial carrier + is still dropping the tidings at each station it reaches in space, until + it sinks exhausted by the length of its flight. + </p> + <p> + As the star had suddenly flamed up, was it not a natural supposition that + it had become inwrapped in burning hydrogen, which in consequence of some + great convulsion had been liberated in prodigious quantities, and then + combining with other elements, had set this hapless world on fire? In such + a fierce conflagration, the combustible gas would soon be consumed, and + the glow would therefore begin to decline, subject, as in this case, to a + second eruption, which occasioned the renewed outburst of light on the + 20th of August. + </p> + <p> + By such a catastrophe, it is not wholly impossible that our own globe may + some time be ravaged; for if a word from the Almighty were to unloose for + a few moments the bonds of affinity which unite the elements of water, a + single spark would bring them together with a fury that would kindle the + funeral pyre of the human race, and be fatal to the planet and all the + works that are thereon. + </p> + <p> + "Your argument," he then instantly added, "is by no means a good one. What + do we know of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, or of his designs? He + builds up worlds, and he pulls them down; he kindles suns and he + extinguishes them. He inflames the comet, in one portion of its orbit, + with a heat that no human imagination can conceive of; and in another, + subjects the same blazing orb to a cold intenser than that which invests + forever the antarctic pole. All that we know of Him we gather through His + works. I have shown you that He burns other worlds, why not this? The + habitable parts of our globe are surrounded by water, and water you know + is fire in possibility." + </p> + <p> + "But all this," I rejoined, "is pure, baseless, profitless speculation." + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast," he answered. And then rising, he seized the small vial, and + handing it to me, requested me to open it. + </p> + <p> + I confess I did so with some trepidation. + </p> + <p> + "Now smell it." + </p> + <p> + I did so. + </p> + <p> + "What odor do you perceive?" + </p> + <p> + "Potassium," I replied. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," he added, "you are familiar with the chief characteristic of + that substance. It ignites instantly when brought in contact with water. + Within that little globule of potassium, I have imbedded a pill of my own + composition and discovery. The moment it is liberated from the potassium, + it commences the work of decomposing the fluid on which it floats. The + potassium at once ignites the liberated oxygen, and the conflagration of + this mighty globe is begun." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said I, "begun, if you please, but your little pill soon evaporates + or sinks, or melts in the surrounding seas, and your conflagration ends + just where it began." + </p> + <p> + "My reply to that suggestion could be made at once by simply testing the + experiment on a small scale, or a large one, either. But I prefer at + present to refute your proposition by an argument drawn from nature + herself. If you correctly remember, the first time I had the pleasure of + seeing you was on the island of Galveston, many years ago. Do you remember + relating to me at that time an incident concerning the effects of a + prairie on fire, that you had yourself witnessed but a few days + previously, near the town of Matagorde? If I recollect correctly, you + stated that on your return journey from that place, you passed on the way + the charred remains of two wagon-loads of cotton, and three human beings, + that the night before had perished in the flames; that three slaves, the + property of a Mr. Horton, had started a few days before to carry to market + a shipment of cotton; that a norther overtook them on a treeless prairie, + and a few minutes afterward they were surprised by beholding a line of + rushing fire, surging, roaring and advancing like the resistless billows + of an ocean swept by a gale; that there was no time for escape, and they + perished terribly in fighting the devouring element?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I recollect the event." + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, I wish a reply to the simple question: Did the single spark, + that kindled the conflagration, consume the negroes and their charge? No? + But what did? You reply, of course, that the spark set the entire prairie + on fire; that each spear of grass added fuel to the flame, and kindled by + degrees a conflagration that continued to burn so long as it could feed on + fresh material. The pilule in that vial is the little spark, the oceans + are the prairies, and the oxygen the fuel upon which the fire is to feed + until the globe perishes in inextinguishable flames. The elementary + substances in that small vial recreate themselves; they are + self-generating, and when once fairly under way must necessarily sweep + onward, until the waters in all the seas are exhausted. There is, however, + one great difference between the burning of a prairie and the combustion + of an ocean: the fire in the first spreads slowly, for the fuel is + difficult to ignite; in the last, it flies with the rapidity of the wind, + for the substance consumed is oxygen, the most inflammable agent in + nature." + </p> + <p> + Rising from my seat, I went to the washstand in the corner of the + apartment, and drawing a bowl half full of Spring Valley water, I turned + to Summerfield, and remarked, "Words are empty, theories are ideal—but + facts are things." + </p> + <p> + "I take you at your word." So saying, he approached the bowl, emptied it + of nine-tenths of its contents, and silently dropped the potassium-coated + pill into the liquid. The potassium danced around the edges of the vessel, + fuming, hissing, and blazing, as it always does, and seemed on the point + of expiring—when, to my astonishment and alarm, a sharp explosion + took place, and in a second of time the water was blazing in a red, lurid + column, half way to the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake," I cried, "extinguish the flames, or we shall set the + building on fire!" + </p> + <p> + "Had I dropped the potassium into the bowl as you prepared it," he quietly + remarked, "the building would indeed have been consumed." + </p> + <p> + Lower and lower fell the flickering flames, paler and paler grew the + blaze, until finally the fire went out, and I rushed up to see the effects + of the combustion. + </p> + <p> + Not a drop of water remained in the vessel! Astonished beyond measure at + what I had witnessed, and terrified almost to the verge of insanity, I + approached Summerfield, and tremblingly inquired, "To whom, sir, is this + tremendous secret known?" "To myself alone," he responded; "and now answer + me a question: is it worth the money?" + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + It is entirely unnecessary to relate in detail the subsequent events + connected with this transaction. I will only add a general statement, + showing the results of my negotiations. Having fully satisfied myself that + Summerfield actually held in his hands the fate of the whole world, with + its millions of human beings, and by experiment having tested the + combustion of sea-water, with equal facility as fresh, I next deemed it my + duty to call the attention of a few of the principal men in San Francisco + to the extreme importance of Summerfield's discovery. + </p> + <p> + A leading banker, a bishop, a chemist, two State university professors, a + physician, a judge, and two Protestant divines, were selected by me to + witness the experiment on a large scale. This was done at a small + sand-hill lake, near the seashore, but separated from it by a ridge of + lofty mountains, distant not more than ten miles from San Francisco. Every + single drop of water in the pool was burnt up in less than fifteen + minutes. We next did all that we could to pacify Summerfield, and + endeavored to induce him to lower his price and bring it within the bounds + of a reasonable possibility. But without avail. He began to grow urgent in + his demands, and his brow would cloud like a tempest-ridden sky whenever + we approached him on the subject. Finally, ascertaining that no persuasion + could soften his heart or touch his feelings, a sub-committee was + appointed, to endeavor, if possible, to raise the money by subscription. + Before taking that step, however, we ascertained beyond all question that + Summerfield was the sole custodian of his dread secret, and that he kept + no written memorial of the formula of his prescription. He even went so + far as to offer us a penal bond that his secret should perish with him in + case we complied with his demands. + </p> + <p> + The sub-committee soon commenced work amongst the wealthiest citizens of + San Francisco, and by appealing to the terrors of a few, and the + sympathies of all, succeeded in raising one-half the amount within the + prescribed period. I shall never forget the woe-begone faces of California + Street during the month of October. The outside world and the newspapers + spoke most learnedly of a money panic—a pressure in business, and + the disturbances in the New York gold-room. But to the initiated, there + was an easier solution of the enigma. The pale spectre of Death looked + down upon them all, and pointed with its bony finger to the fiery tomb of + the whole race, already looming up in the distance before them. Day after + day, I could see the dreadful ravages of this secret horror; doubly + terrible, since they dared not divulge it. Still, do all that we could, + the money could not be obtained. The day preceding the last one given, + Summerfield was summoned before the committee, and full information given + him of the state of affairs. Obdurate, hard and cruel, he still continued. + Finally, a proposition was started, that an attempt should be made to + raise the other half of the money in the city of New York. To this + proposal Summerfield ultimately yielded, but with extreme reluctance. It + was agreed in committee that I should accompany him thither, and take with + me, in my own possession, evidences of the sums subscribed here; that a + proper appeal should be made to the leading capitalists, scholars and + clergymen of that metropolis, and that, when the whole amount was raised, + it should be paid over to Summerfield, and a bond taken from him never to + divulge his awful secret to any human being. + </p> + <p> + With this, he seemed to be satisfied, and left us to prepare for his going + the next morning. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he left the apartment, the bishop rose, and deprecated the + action that had been taken, and characterized it as childish and absurd. + He declared that no man was safe one moment whilst "that diabolical + wretch" still lived; that the only security for us all was in his + immediate extirpation from the face of the earth, and that no amount of + money could seal his lips, or close his hands. It would be no crime, he + said, to deprive him of the means of assassinating the whole human family, + and that as for himself he was for dooming him to immediate death. + </p> + <p> + With a unanimity that was extraordinary, the entire committee coincided. + </p> + <p> + A great many plans were proposed, discussed and rejected, having in view + the extermination of Summerfield. In them all there was the want of that + proper caution which would lull the apprehensions of an enemy; for should + he for an instant suspect treachery, we knew his nature well enough to be + satisfied, that he would waive all ceremonies and carry his threats into + immediate execution. + </p> + <p> + It was finally resolved that the trip to New York should not be abandoned, + apparently. But that we were to start out in accordance with the original + program; that during the journey, some proper means should be resorted to + by me to carry out the final intentions of the committee, and that + whatever I did would be sanctioned by them all, and full protection, both + in law and conscience, afforded me in any stage of the proceeding. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was wanting but my own consent; but this was difficult to secure. + </p> + <p> + At the first view, it seemed to be a most horrible and unwarrantable crime + to deprive a fellow-being of life, under any circumstances; but especially + so where, in meeting his fate, no opportunity was to be afforded him for + preparation or repentance. It was a long time before I could disassociate, + in my mind, the two ideas of act and intent. My studies had long ago made + me perfectly familiar with the doctrine of the civil law, that in order to + constitute guilt, there must be a union of action and intention. Taking + the property of another is not theft, unless, as the lawyers term it, + there is the animus furandi. So, in homicide, life may be lawfully taken + in some instances, whilst the deed may be excused in others. The sheriff + hangs the felon and deprives him of existence; yet nobody thinks of + accusing the officer of murder. The soldier slays his enemy, still the act + is considered heroical. It does not therefore follow that human life is + too sacred to be taken away under all circumstances. The point to be + considered was thus narrowed down into one grand inquiry, whether + Summerfield was properly to be regarded as hostis humani generis, the + enemy of the human race, or not. If he should justly be so considered, + then it would not only be not a crime to kill him, but an act worthy of + the highest commendation. Who blamed McKenzie for hanging Spencer to the + yard-arm? Yet in his case, the lives of only a small ship's crew were in + jeopardy. Who condemned Pompey for exterminating the pirates from the + Adriatic? Yet, in his case, only a small portion of the Roman Republic was + liable to devastation. Who accuses Charlotte Corday of assassination for + stabbing Marat in his bath? Still, her arm only saved the lives of a few + thousands of revolutionary Frenchmen. And to come down to our own times, + who heaps accusation upon the heads of Lincoln, Thomas or Sheridan, or + even Grant, though in marching to victory over a crushed rebellion, they + deemed it necessary to wade through seas of human gore? If society has the + right to defend itself from the assaults of criminals, who, at best, can + only destroy a few of its members, why should I hesitate when it was + apparent that the destiny of the globe itself hung in the balance? If + Summerfield should live and carry out his threats, the whole world would + feel the shock; his death was the only path to perfect safety. + </p> + <p> + I asked the privilege of meditation for one hour, at the hands of the + committee, before I would render a decision either way. During that recess + the above argumentation occupied my thoughts. The time expired, and I + again presented myself before them. I did not deem it requisite to state + the grounds of my decision; I briefly signified my assent, and made + instant preparation to carry the plan into execution. + </p> + <p> + Having passed on the line of the Pacific Railway more than once, I was + perfectly familiar with all of its windings, gorges and precipices. + </p> + <p> + I selected Cape Horn as the best adapted to the purpose, and... the public + knows the rest. + </p> + <p> + Having been fully acquitted by two tribunals of the law, I make this final + appeal to my fellowmen throughout the State, and ask them confidently not + to reverse the judgments already pronounced. + </p> + <p> + I am conscious of no guilt; I feel no remorse; I need no repentance. For + me justice has no terrors, and conscience no sting. Let me be judged + solely by the motives which actuated me, and the importance of the end + accomplished, and I shall pass, unscathed, both temporal and eternal + tribunals. + </p> + <p> + Leonidas Parker. + </p> + <p> + Additional Particulars + </p> + <p> + The following additional particulars, as sequel to the Summerfield + homicide, have been furnished by an Auburn correspondent: + </p> + <p> + Mr. Editor: The remarkable confession of the late Leonidas Parker, which + appeared in your issue of the 13th ultimo, has given rise to a series of + disturbances in this neighborhood, which, for romantic interest and + downright depravity, have seldom been surpassed, even in California. + Before proceeding to relate in detail the late transactions, allow me to + remark that the wonderful narrative of Parker excited throughout this + county sentiments of the most profound and contradictory character. I, for + one, halted between two opinions—horror and incredulity; and nothing + but subsequent events could have fully satisfied me of the unquestionable + veracity of your San Francisco correspondent, and the scientific + authenticity of the facts related. + </p> + <p> + The doubt with which the story was at first received in this community—and + which found utterance in a burlesque article in an obscure country + journal, the Stars and Stripes, of Auburn—has finally been + dispelled, and we find ourselves forced to admit that we stand even now in + the presence of the most alarming fate. Too much credit cannot be awarded + to our worthy coroner for the promptitude of his action, and we trust that + the Governor of the State will not be less efficient in the discharge of + his duty. + </p> + <p> + [Since the above letter was written the following proclamation has been + issued.—P. J.] + </p> + <p> + Proclamation of the Governor. + </p> + <p> + $10,000 Reward. + </p> + <p> + Department of State. + </p> + <p> + By virtue of the authority in me vested, I do hereby offer the above + reward of ten thousand dollars, in gold coin of the United States, for the + arrest of Bartholomew Graham, familiarly known as "Black Bart." Said + Graham is accused of the murder of C. P. Gillson, late of Auburn, county + of Placer, on the 14th ultimo. He is five feet ten inches and a half in + height, thick set, has a mustache sprinkled with gray, grizzled hair, + clear blue eyes, walks stooping, and served in the late civil war, under + Price and Quantrell, in the Confederate army. He may be lurking in some of + the mining-camps near the foot-hills, as he was a Washoe teamster during + the Comstock excitement. The above reward will be paid for him, dead or + alive, as he possessed himself of an important secret by robbing the body + of the late Gregory Summerfield. + </p> + <p> + By the Governor: H. G. Nicholson, + </p> + <p> + Secretary of State. + </p> + <p> + Given at Sacramento, this the fifth day of June, 1871. + </p> + <p> + Our correspondent continues: + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that Sheriff Higgins has not been so active in the + discharge of his duty as the urgency of the case required, but he is + perhaps excusable on account of the criminal interference of the editor + above alluded to. But I am detaining you from more important matters. Your + Saturday's paper reached here at 4 o'clock Saturday,13th May, and, as it + now appears from the evidence taken before the coroner, several persons + left Auburn on the same errand, but without any previous conference. Two + of these were named respectively Charles P. Gillson and Bartholomew + Graham, or, as he was usually called, "Black Bart." Gillson kept a saloon + at the corner of Prickly Ash Street and the Old Spring Road; and Black + Bart was in the employ of Conrad & Co., keepers of the Norfolk Livery + Stable. Gillson was a son-in-law of ex-Governor Roberts, of Iowa, and + leaves a wife and two children to mourn his untimely end. As for Graham, + nothing certain is known of his antecedents. It is said that he was + engaged in the late robbery of Wells & Fargo's express at Grizzly + Bend, and that he was an habitual gambler. Only one thing about him is + certainly well known: he was a lieutenant in the Confederate army, and + served under General Price and the outlaw Quantrell. He was a man + originally of fine education, plausible manners and good family, but + strong drink seems early in life to have overmastered him, and left him + but a wreck of himself. But he was not incapable of generous or, rather, + romantic acts; for, during the burning of the Putnam House in this town + last summer, he rescued two ladies from the flames. In so doing he + scorched his left hand so seriously as to contract the tendons of two + fingers, and this very scar may lead to his apprehension. There is no + doubt about his utter desperation of character, and, if taken at all, it + will probably be not alive. + </p> + <p> + So much for the persons concerned in the tragedy at the Flat. + </p> + <p> + Herewith I inclose copies of the testimony of the witnesses examined + before the coroner's jury, together with the statement of Gillson, taken + in articulo mortis: + </p> + <p> + Deposition of Dollie Adams. + </p> + <p> + State of California, } County of Placer. } ss. + </p> + <p> + Said witness, being duly sworn, deposes as follows, to wit: My name is + Dolly Adams, my age forty-seven years; I am the wife of Frank G. Adams, of + this township, and reside on the North Fork of the American River, below + Cape Horn, on Thompson's Flat. About one o'clock p. m., May 14, 1871, I + left the cabin to gather wood to cook dinner for my husband and the hands + at work for him on the claim. The trees are mostly cut away from the + bottom, and I had to climb some distance up the mountainside before I + could get enough to kindle the fire. I had gone about five hundred yards + from the cabin, and was searching for small sticks of fallen timber, when + I thought I heard some one groan, as if in pain. I paused and listened; + the groaning became more distinct, and I started at once for the place + whence the sounds proceeded; about ten steps off I discovered the man + whose remains lie there (pointing to the deceased), sitting up, with his + back against a big rock. He looked so pale that I thought him already + dead, but he continued to moan until I reached his side. Hearing me + approach, he opened his eyes, and begged me, "For God's sake, give me a + drop of water!" I asked him, "What is the matter?" He replied, "I am shot + in the back." "Dangerously?" I demanded. "Fatally!" he faltered. Without + waiting to question him further, I returned to the cabin, told Zenie, my + daughter, what I had seen, and sent her off on a run for the men. Taking + with me a gourd of water, some milk and bread—for I thought the poor + gentleman might be hungry and weak, as well as wounded—I hurried + back to his side, where I remained until "father"—as we all call my + husband—came with the men. We removed him as gently as we could to + the cabin; then sent for Dr. Liebner, and nursed him until he died, + yesterday, just at sunset. + </p> + <p> + Question by the Coroner: Did you hear his statement, taken down by the + Assistant District-Attorney?—A. I did. + </p> + <p> + Q. Did you see him sign it?—A. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + Q. Is this your signature thereto as witness?—A. It is, sir. + </p> + <p> + (Signed) Dollie Adams. + </p> + <p> + Deposition of Miss X. V. Adams. + </p> + <p> + Being first duly sworn, witness testified as follows: My name is Xixenia + Volumnia Adams; I am the daughter of Frank G. Adams and the last witness; + I reside with them on the Flat, and my age is eighteen years. A little + past one o'clock on Sunday last my mother came running into the house and + informed me that a man was dying on the side-hill, from a wound, and that + I must go for father and the boys immediately. I ran as fast as my legs + would carry me to where they were "cleaning up," for they never cleaned up + week-days on the Flat, and told the news; we all came back together and + proceeded to the spot where the wounded man lay weltering in his blood; he + was cautiously removed to the cabin, where he lingered until yesterday + sundown, when he died. + </p> + <p> + Question. Did he speak after he reached the cabin?—A. He did + frequently; at first with great pain, but afterward more audibly and + intelligibly. + </p> + <p> + Q. What did he say?—A. First, to send for Squire Jacobs, the + Assistant District-Attorney, as he had a statement to make; and some time + afterward, to send for his wife; but we first of all sent for the doctor. + </p> + <p> + Q. Who was present when he died?—A. Only myself; he had appeared a + great deal easier, and his wife had lain down to take a short nap, and my + mother had gone to the spring and left me alone to watch. Suddenly he + lifted himself spasmodically in bed, glared around wildly and muttered + something inaudible; seeing me, he cried out, "Run! run! run! He has it! + Black Bart has got the vial! Quick! or he'll set the world afire! See, he + opens it! O my God! Look! look! look! Hold his hands! tie him! chain him + down! Too late! too late! oh, the flames! Fire! fire! fire!" His tone of + voice gradually strengthened until the end of his raving; when he cried + "fire!" his eyeballs glared, his mouth quivered, his body convulsed, and + before Mrs. Gillson could reach his bedside he fell back stone dead. + (Signed) X. V. Adams. + </p> + <p> + The testimony of Adams corroborated in every particular that of his wife + and daughter, but set forth more fully the particulars of his demoniac + ravings. He would taste nothing from a glass or bottle, but shuddered + whenever any article of that sort met his eyes. In fact, they had to + remove from the room the cups, tumblers, and even the castors. At times he + spoke rationally, but after the second day only in momentary flashes of + sanity. + </p> + <p> + The deposition of the attending physician, after giving the general facts + with regard to the sickness of the patient and his subsequent demise, + proceeded thus: + </p> + <p> + I found the patient weak, and suffering from loss of blood and rest, and + want of nourishment; occasionally sane, but for the most part flighty and + in a comatose condition. The wound was an ordinary gunshot wound, produced + most probably by the ball of a navy revolver, fired at the distance of ten + paces. It entered the back near the left clavicle, beneath the scapula, + close to the vertebrae between the intercostal spaces of the fifth and + sixth ribs; grazing the pericardium it traversed the mediastinum, barely + touching the oesophagus, and vena azygos, but completely severing the + thoracic duct, and lodging in the xiphoid portion of the sternum. + Necessarily fatal, there was no reason, however, why the patient could not + linger for a week or more; but it is no less certain that from the effect + of the wound he ultimately died. I witnessed the execution of the paper + shown to me—as the statement of deceased—at his request; and + at the time of signing the same he was in his perfect senses. It was taken + down in my presence by Jacobs, the Assistant District-Attorney of Placer + County, and read over to the deceased before he affixed his signature. I + was not present when he breathed his last, having been called away by my + patients in the town of Auburn, but I reached his bedside shortly + afterward. In my judgment, no amount of care or medical attention could + have prolonged his life more than a few days. + </p> + <p> + (Signed) Karl Liebner, M. D. + </p> + <p> + The statement of the deceased was then introduced to the jury as follows: + </p> + <p> + People of the State of California, } vs. } Bartholomew Graham. } + </p> + <p> + Statement and Dying Confession of Charles P. Gillson, taken in articulo + mortis by George Simpson, Notary Public. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of Sunday, the 14th day of May, 1871, I left Auburn alone + in search of the body of the late Gregory Summerfield, who was reported to + have been pushed from the cars at Cape Horn, in this county, by one + Leonidas Parker, since deceased. It was not fully light when I reached the + track of the Central Pacific Railroad. Having mined at an early day on + Thompson's Flat, at the foot of the rocky promontory now called Cape Horn, + I was familiar with the zigzag paths leading down that steep precipice. + One was generally used as a descent, the other as an ascent from the caņon + below. I chose the latter, as being the freest from the chance of + observation. It required the greatest caution to thread the narrow gorge; + but I finally reached the rocky bench, about one thousand feet below the + grade of the railroad. It was now broad daylight, and I commenced + cautiously the search for Summerfield's body. There is quite a dense + undergrowth of shrubs thereabouts, lining the interstices of the granite + rocks so as to obscure the vision even at a short distance. Brushing aside + a thick manzanita bush, I beheld the dead man at the same instant of time + that another person arrived like an apparition upon the spot. It was + Bartholomew Graham, known as "Black Bart." We suddenly confronted each + other, the skeleton of Summerfield lying exactly between us. Our + recognition was mutual. Graham advanced, and I did the same; he stretched + out his hand and we greeted one another across the prostrate corpse. + </p> + <p> + Before releasing my hand, Black Bart exclaimed in a hoarse whisper, + "Swear, Gillson, in the presence of the dead, that you will forever be + faithful, never betray me, and do exactly as I bid you, as long as you + live!" + </p> + <p> + I looked him full in the eye. Fate sat there, cold and remorseless as + stone. I hesitated; with his left hand he slightly raised the lapels of + his coat, and grasped the handle of a navy revolver. + </p> + <p> + "Swear!" again he cried. + </p> + <p> + As I gazed, his eyeballs assumed a greenish tint, and his brow darkened + into a scowl. "As your confederate," I answered, "never as your slave." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so!" was his only reply. + </p> + <p> + The body was lying upon its back, with the face upwards. The vultures had + despoiled the countenance of every vestige of flesh, and left the sockets + of the eyes empty. Snow and ice and rain had done their work effectually + upon the exposed surfaces of his clothing, and the eagles had feasted upon + the entrails. But underneath, the thick beaver cloth had served to protect + the flesh, and there were some decaying shreds left of what had once been + the terrible but accomplished Gregory Summerfield. A glance told us all + these things. But they did not interest me so much as another spectacle, + that almost froze my blood. In the skeleton gripe of the right hand, + interlaced within the clenched bones, gleamed the wide-mouthed vial which + was the object of our mutual visit. Graham fell upon his knees, and + attempted to withdraw the prize from the grasp of its dead possessor. But + the bones were firm, and when he finally succeeded in securing the bottle, + by a sudden wrench, I heard the skeleton fingers snap like pipe-stems. + </p> + <p> + "Hold this a moment, whilst I search the pockets," he commanded. + </p> + <p> + I did as directed. + </p> + <p> + He then turned over the corpse, and thrusting his hand into the inner + breast-pocket, dragged out a roll of MSS., matted closely together and + stained by the winter's rains. A further search eventuated in finding a + roll of small gold coin, a set of derringer pistols, a rusted double-edged + dirk, and a pair of silver-mounted spectacles. Hastily covering over the + body with leaves and branches cut from the embowering shrubs, we + shudderingly left the spot. + </p> + <p> + We slowly descended the gorge toward the banks of the American River, + until we arrived in a small but sequestered thicket, where we threw + ourselves upon the ground. Neither had spoken a word since we left the + scene above described. Graham was the first to break the silence which to + me had become oppressive. + </p> + <p> + "Let us examine the vial and see if the contents are safe." + </p> + <p> + I drew it from my pocket and handed it to him. + </p> + <p> + "Sealed hermetically, and perfectly secure," he added. Saying this, he + deliberately wrapped it up in a handkerchief and placed it in his bosom. + </p> + <p> + "What shall we do with our prize?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Our prize?" As he said this he laughed derisively, and cast a most + scornful and threatening glance toward me. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I rejoined firmly; "our prize!" + </p> + <p> + "Gillson," retorted Graham, "you must regard me as a consummate simpleton, + or yourself a Goliath. This bottle is mine, and mine only. It is a great + fortune for one, but of less value than a toadstool for two. I am willing + to divide fairly. This secret would be of no service to a coward. He would + not dare to use it. Your share of the robbery of the body shall be these + MSS.; you can sell them to some poor devil of a printer, and pay yourself + for your day's work." + </p> + <p> + Saying this he threw the bundle of MSS. at my feet; but I disdained to + touch them. Observing this, he gathered them up safely and replaced them + in his pocket. "As you are unarmed," he said, "it would not be safe for + you to be seen in this neighborhood during daylight. We will both spend + the night here, and just before morning return to Auburn. I will accompany + you part of the distance." + </p> + <p> + With the sangfroid of a perfect desperado, he then stretched himself out + in the shadow of a small tree, drank deeply from a whiskey flagon which he + produced, and pulling his hat over his eyes, was soon asleep and snoring. + It was a long time before I could believe the evidence of my own senses. + Finally, I approached the ruffian, and placed my hand on his shoulder. He + did not stir a muscle. I listened; I heard only the deep, slow breathing + of profound slumber. Resolved not to be balked and defrauded by such a + scoundrel, I stealthily withdrew the vial from his pocket and sprang to my + feet, just in time to hear the click of a revolver behind me. I was + betrayed! I remember only a flash and an explosion—a deathly + sensation, a whirl of the rocks and trees about me, a hideous imprecation + from the lips of my murderer, and I fell senseless to the earth. When I + awoke to consciousness it was past midnight. I looked up at the stars, and + recognized Lyra shining full in my face. That constellation, I knew, + passed the meridian at this season of the year after twelve o'clock, and + its slow march told me that many weary hours would intervene before + daylight. My right arm was paralyzed, but I put forth my left, and it + rested in a pool of my own blood. "Oh, for one drop of water!" I + exclaimed, faintly; but only the low sighing of the night blast responded. + Again I fainted. Shortly after daylight I revived, and crawled to the spot + where I was discovered on the next day by the kind mistress of this cabin. + You know the rest. I accuse Bartholomew Graham of my assassination. I do + this in the perfect possession of my senses, and with a full sense of my + responsibility to Almighty God. (Signed) C. P. Gillson. + </p> + <p> + George Simpson, Notary Public. Chris. Jacobs, Assistant District-Attorney. + Dollie Adams, } Witnesses. Karl Liebner, } + </p> + <p> + The following is a copy of the verdict of the coroner's jury: + </p> + <p> + County of Placer, } Cape Horn Township. } + </p> + <p> + In re C. P. Gillson, late of said county deceased. + </p> + <p> + We, the undersigned, coroner's jury, summoned in the foregoing case to + examine into the causes of the death of said Gillson, do find that he came + to his death at the hands of Bartholomew Graham, usually called "Black + Bart," on Wednesday, the 17th May, 1871. And we further find said Graham + guilty of murder in the first degree, and recommend his immediate + apprehension. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +(Signed) John Quillan, Peter McIntyre, + Abel George, + Alex. Scriber, +(Correct:) Wm. A. Thompson. +</pre> + <p> + Thos. J. Alwyn, Coroner. + </p> + <p> + The above documents constitute the papers introduced before the coroner. + Should anything of further interest occur, I will keep you fully advised. + Powhattan Jones. + </p> + <p> + Since the above was in type we have received from our esteemed San + Francisco correspondent the following letter: + </p> + <p> + San Francisco, June 8, 1871. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Editor: On entering my office this morning I found a bundle of MSS. + which had been thrown in at the transom over the door, labeled, "The + Summerfield MSS." Attached to them was an unsealed note from one + Bartholomew Graham, in these words: + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir: These are yours; you have earned them. I commend to your + especial notice the one styled, "De Mundo Comburendo." At a future time + you may hear again from + </p> + <p> + Bartholomew Graham. + </p> + <p> + A casual glance at the papers convinces me that they are of great literary + value. Summerfield's fame never burned so brightly as it does over his + grave. Will you publish the MSS.? + </p> + <p> + Here ends No. Two Western Classics Containing The Case of Summerfield by + W. H. Rhodes an Introduction by Geraldine Bonner and a Frontispiece After + a Painting by Galen J. Perrett the Typography Designed by J. H. Nash of + this First Edition One Thousand Copies Have Been Issued Printed on + Fabriano Handmade Paper Published by Paul Elder and Company and Done into + a Book for them at the Tomoye Press in the City of New York MCMVII. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Case of Summerfield, by William Henry Rhodes + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE OF SUMMERFIELD *** + +***** This file should be named 5191-h.htm or 5191-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/9/5191/ + +Produced by David A. 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