Port O' Gold

by Louis J. Stellman

  * * * * *

  The Vigilance Committee made two serious mistakes. They fell into theLaw and Order trap by committing an act of technical piracy. From thisDurkee saved them by taking upon himself the legal onus of the seizure.The second error, though a minor one, proved much more serious. Theysent Sterling Hopkins, a vainglorious, witless, overzealous wight, torearrest Maloney. Coleman was not responsible for this; nor were theVigilantes in a larger sense, for a few hotheads in temporary commandissued the order. Hopkins, glorying in the quest, for any errand ofauthority made him big with pride, set out alone to execute it. He foundMaloney in the office of Dr. Richard P. Ashe, United States navalagent. Ashe was companioned by adherents of the Law and Order faction,among them Justice David S. Terry.

  Pushing the doorkeeper rudely aside, Hopkins entered the room. "Comewith me, Reub Maloney," he commanded, "you're under arrest."

  Maloney shrank into a corner. Ashe stepped in the constable's path. "Getout of here!" he thundered. "As a Federal officer I order youto begone!"

  "And I, as a judge and a Southern gentleman, will kick you out, suh."Judge Terry moved menacing forward. His eyes flashed. Several othersjoined him. They took Hopkins by the shoulders and pushed him none toogently out of the room. The door closed. He stood for a moment in thehall, muttering in his outraged dignity. Then he turned and ran towardFort Vigilance.

  "We've scared the dirty peddler," Ashe said, as they watched his flyingfootsteps from a window.

  "He's gone for reinforcements," said another. "Let's get out of here.The Blues' armory is better." There was some argument. Finally, however,armed with pistols, they sought the street, forming a guard aroundMaloney. But they had not proceeded far down Jackson street when Hopkinscame upon them with nine men. Both parties halted, Judge Terry standingin front of the prisoner; Hopkins, who was no coward for all his pompoustactlessness, advanced determinedly. He reached around the Judge andclutched at Maloney's arm. "I arrest you in the name of the Committee."

  "To hell with your Committee!" shouted Terry. He struck Hopkins' armaway and poked a derringer in the policeman's face.

  Hopkins countered; the pistol went flying. Terry staggered back, whileHopkins made another clutch at his intended prisoner.

  Then occurred, with lightning speed, an unexpected thing. Terry,recovering his balance, sprang forward, drew the bowie knife he alwayscarried and plunged it, with a vicious thrust, into Hopkins' neck.

  CHAPTER L

  THE COMMITTEE DISBANDS

  Alice Windham and her little son, named Robert for his grandfather, werepassing Coleman's store, en route to Benito's office; it was a pleasant,quiet afternoon, almost windless. The infant Robert toddled manfullyalong on his five-year legs, holding tightly to his mother's hand.

  Men began to rush by, jostling them in their haste. The child drewcloser to his mother. More men passed. Some of them were carrying guns.Coleman, emerging hurriedly, stopped at sight of Mrs. Windham.

  "Better go inside," he advised, "there's trouble afoot." He picked upthe now frightened child and escorted the mother to his office. "Sitdown," he invited. "It's comfortable here ... and safe."

  Before she could thank him he was off. At the door Miers Truett hailedhim. "Hopkins stabbed," she heard him pant. He had been running. "Maydie ... Terry did it."

  They went off together. Other men stood in the doorway. "By theEternal!" one was saying. "A Judge of the Supreme Court! What willColeman do? They can't arrest Terry."

  There was a silence. Then the Monumental Fire Engine bell began to toll."Come on," the second man spoke with a kind of thrill. "That'sColeman's answer."

  * * * * *

  Terry, Ashe and their companions ran pell mell up Jackson street untilthey reached the armory of the San Francisco Blues. It was rather anornate building, guarded by iron doors. These stood open as thefugitives entered, but were immediately closed and guarded by a posseof pursuing Vigilantes, effectually preventing Law and Orderreinforcements from the outside.

  Meanwhile the wounded Hopkins, screaming that he was murdered, had beencarried into the Pennsylvania Engine House close by. Dr. Beverly Cole,the Vigilante surgeon chief, was summoned and pronounced the wound aserious one. Thereupon the bell was tolled.

  Half an hour later several thousand men under Marshal Doane marched tothe armory. In front of it he drew up his forces and knocked on theinner portal.

  "What d'ye want?" came the heavy bass of David Terry, a little lessarrogant than usual.

  "The committee has ordered the arrest of yourself and your party,"answered Doane. "Will you come quietly?"

  There was excited murmuring; then Terry's heavy tones once more: "Do youmean that you will attack the person of a Supreme Court Justice?" heasked half incredulous.

  "We will arrest all those who commit or attempt murder."

  More whispering.

  "Very well," said Terry. "I will not subject my friends to violence....But I warn you that the consequences will be serious."

  Doane ignored this, waiting quietly until the door was opened. Then hedetailed a guard for the prisoners. At 4 o'clock--an hour after Hopkinshad been wounded--Terry, Ashe and half a dozen others were locked incells at Fort Vigilance. Once more the town was quiet.

  "It is all over," Benito told his wife, whom he found in Coleman'soffice. "We can go home now." Little Robert slept. His mother picked himup gently.

  "What will they do with Judge Terry?" she asked in an excited whisper.

  "If Hopkins dies they'll hang him sure as shooting," said Benito.

  Sterling Hopkins did not die, despite the serious nature of his wound.Had he done so many a different chapter might have been recorded in thehistory of San Francisco. Hopkins lived to pass into inconsequence.Terry was released to wreak once more his violent hatred on a fellowbeing, to perish in a third and final outburst of that savagery whichmarred his whole career.

  Captain Ashe and others taken in the Terry raid were soon released uponparole. The Supreme Court Judge remained a prisoner in Fort Vigilancefor many weeks.

  After days and nights of wrestling with the situation, the Committeejudged the prisoner guilty of assault. As the usual punishment withintheir power to inflict was not applicable in this case, the prisoner wasdischarged. It was pointedly suggested that the best interests of theState demanded his resignation. To this, however, Terry paid no heed.

  Broderick, who had been out of town, campaigning, met Ike Bluxome onMontgomery street.

  "I thought you folks were going to disband," he spoke half-banteringly.And Bluxome answered with, his usual gravity. "We thought so, too ...but Terry jumped into the picture. Now he's boasting that the Committeedidn't dare to hold him longer." Bluxome smiled faintly. "He was meekenough till Hopkins had recovered ... offered to resign and quit theState forever."

  "I believe in Terry," Broderick remarked. "He's quarrelsome, butbrave--and honest as a judge. I spent a lot of money in a newspaperfight to help him through this mess."

  Bluxome eyed him keenly. "Yes, I know you did. I know you were sincere,too, Broderick. That's why we didn't bother you for bribing the editors.But you will get no thanks from Terry. He's against you on the slaveryquestion. He'd kill you tomorrow if he got a chance. You or any otherman that's in his way. Watch out for him."

  "Nonsense," said Broderick, and walked away.

  * * * * *

  On August 18th the Vigilantes paraded for the last time. There were fourartillery batteries with an armament of fifteen cannon. Then came theExecutive Committee followed by two companies of dragoons, each precededby a band; the medical staff of fifty members, the Committee of 1851,some half a hundred strong, and four regiments of infantry.

  San Francisco was ablaze with decorations, vibrant with enthusiasm. Men,women, children, turned out to do the Vigilantes honor. A float symbolicof Fort Gunnybags was wildly cheered.

  Benito Windham, Adrian Stanley and their families stood
at the window ofan office which had "B. Windham, Attorney and Counselor," inscribed uponits door. Benito had but recently passed his law examination and Alicewas accordingly proud.

  Broderick, who stood near her with an arm about young Robert, looked outat the pageant.

  "They have been my enemies," he said, "but I take off my hat to yourCommittee. They have done a wondrous work, Benito lad."

  CHAPTER LI

  SENATOR BRODERICK

  Swept clear of its lesser rascals, San Francisco still, ostensibly, wasruled by Freelon, Scannell, Byrne and other officials of the former citygovernment, who had defied the people's invitation to resign. They didlittle more than mark time, however. Jury-packing was at an end for theCommittee had posted publicly the names of men unfit to judge theirfellows, and the courts had wisely failed to place them on venires.

  "Wait till November," was the watchword. And San Francisco waited. Acommittee of twenty-one was appointed at a mass meeting shortly beforethe city election. By this body were selected candidates for allmunicipal offices. Their ticket was the most diversified, perhaps, thatever was presented to a city's voters, for it included northern andsouthern men, Republicans, Democrats, Know-Nothings, Jews, Catholics andProtestants. Yet there was an extraordinary basic homogeneity aboutthem. All were honest and respected business men, pledged to serve thecity faithfully and selflessly. Former Marshal Doane of Vigilante famewas chosen as chief of police.

  * * * * *

  Broderick was the Windhams' guest at their new home on Powell streetoverlooking the bay when Benito's clerk brought them news ofthe election.

  "Every reform candidate wins by a landslide," cried the youthenthusiastically. "I cast my first vote today, Mr. Windham," he saidproudly, "and I'm glad to know that the ballot-box had no false bottom."He turned to Broderick. "Your men fared mighty well too, sir,considering--" He paused and reddened, but the politician clapped him,laughing, on the shoulder. "That's right, my boy. Be honest,"he declared.

  "It means you'll be our Senator next year," the lad said staunchly,holding out his hand. "They're all saying so down town. Allow me tocongratulate you, sir."

  The keen, half-smiling eyes of Broderick took stock of Herbert Waters.Tall, shy and awkward, with a countenance fresh, unmarked, but eager andalert with clean ideals.

  "Thank you, son," he pressed the lad's hand vigorously. "Perhaps ... ifI should get to Washington, there'll be a place for you. You'll like it,wouldn't you? To see a little of the world?"

  "Would I?" cried the youth, delighted. "Try me." He departed, treadingon air. Alice Windham shook a finger at her guest. "Dave, you mustn'ttrifle with our little protege.... But you did it charmingly. Tell me,will you have to go about now, kissing babies and all that sortof thing?"

  "No doubt," he answered gaily. "So I'll practice on your little Bob." Hecaught the child up in his arms. "Got a kiss for Uncle Dave?" he asked.

  Robert's response was instant and vehement. Laughing, Broderick tookfrom an inner pocket a long and slender parcel, which he unwrapped withtantalizing slowness. It revealed at last a gaily paintedmonkey-on-a-stick which clambered up and down with marvelous agilitywhen Broderick pulled a string.

  "This, my little man," he said half soberly, "is how we play the game ofpolitics." He made the jointed figure race from top to bottom while hiseyes were rather grim. "Here, you try it, Bobbie," he said. "I've playedwith it long enough."

  Broderick came to them aglow with triumph. He was a big man now, anational figure. Only a short time ago he had been a discredited boss ofmunicipal politics. Now he was going to Washington. He had made WilliamGwin, the magnificent, do homage. He had all of the federal patronagefor California. For years it had gone to Southern men. San Francisco'sgovernmental offices had long been known as "The Virginia Poorhouse."Now its plums would be apportioned to the politicians of the North.

  Everywhere one heard the praise of Broderick's astuteness. He had a wayof making loyal friends. A train of them had followed him through yearsof more or less continuous defeat and now they were rejoicing in theprospect of reward.

  He was explaining this to Alice. Trying to at least. "One has to pay hisdebts," he told her. "These men have worked for me as hard as anyfactory slaves. And without any definite certainty of compensation. Doyou remember young Waters who came here last December to congratulateme? Yes, of course, he was Benito's clerk. I'd forgotten that. Well,what did that young rascal do but grow a beard and hire out as a waiterin the Magnolia Hotel. He overheard some plots against me in a corner ofthe dining room. And thus we were prepared to checkmate all themovements of the enemy.... I call that smart. I'll see that he gets agood berth. A senate clerkship. Something of the sort."

  "When do you leave?" asked Alice quickly.

  "Tomorrow.... Gwin is going also. I'll stop over in New York." He smiledat her. "When I left there I told my friends I'd not return until I wasa senator. Eight years ago that was.... And now I'm making good mypromise." He laughed boyishly.

  "You're very happy over it, aren't you, Dave?" she said with a shadow ofwistfulness.

  "Why, yes, to be sure," he answered. His eyes held hers. "I'll missyou, of course.... All of you." He spoke with a touch of restraint.

  "And we'll miss YOU." She said more brightly, "I know you will do usmuch honor ... there in the nation's capital." Her hand went half wayout toward him and drew back. "You'll fight always ... for the rightalone ... Dave Broderick."

  He took a step toward her. "By God! I will promise you that. I'm throughwith ward politics, with tricks and intriguing. I'm going to fight forFreedom ... against Slavery. They're trying to fasten Slavery ontoKansas. President Buchanan is a Pennsylvanian but he's dominated by theSouthern men. Washington is dominated by them. There aren't more thanhalf a dozen who are not afraid of them." He drew himself up. "But I'mone. Douglas of Illinois is another. And Seward of New York. I've heardfrom them. We stand together."

  He laughed a shade bitterly. "It's difficult to fancy, isn't it? DaveBroderick, the son of a stone mason, a former fireman, bartender,ward-boss--fighting for an ideal? Against the Solid South?"

  She came closer. "Dave, you must not say such things." She looked abouther. They were alone in the room, for Benito had gone out with Robert."Dave, we're proud of you.... And I--I shall always see you, standing inthe Senate Chamber, battling, like a Knight of Old...."

  Her face was upturned to his. His hands clenched themselves. With aswift movement he caught up his hat and stick. Fled from the housewithout a good-bye.

  As he went down the hill with long strides, his mind was torn between afierce pride in his proven strength and a heart-wrecked yearning.

  He started the next morning for Washington.

  CHAPTER LII

  A TRIP TO CHINATOWN

  Samuel Brannan brought the first news from Washington. Gwin, who owedhis place to Broderick, had after all betrayed him. The bargained-fordouble patronage was not forthcoming. Broderick was grievouslydisappointed in Buchanan. There had been a clash between them. NoDemocratic Senator, the President had said, could quarrel profitablywith the Administration. Which meant that Broderick must sustain theLecompton Resolution or lose face and favor in the nation's forum.Things were at a bitter pass.

  "What's the Lecompton Resolution?" Alice asked.

  "It's a long story," Brannan answered. "In brief, it means forcingslavery on Kansas, whose people don't want it. And on the LecomptonResolution hinges more or less the balance of power, which will keep us,here, in the free States, or give us, bound and gagged, to the South."

  "And you say Gwin has repudiated his pact?"

  "Either that ... or Buchanan has refused to sanction it. The result isthe same. David doesn't get his patronage."

  "I'm glad! I'm glad!" cried Alice.

  Brannan looked at her astonished. "But ... you don't know what it means.His men, awaiting their political rewards! His organization here ... itwill be weakened. You don't understand, Mrs. Windham."

  "I
don't care," she said. "It leaves him--cleaner--stronger!" She turnedswiftly and left the room. Brannan shrugged his shoulders. "There's nofathoming women," he thought.

  * * * * *

  But Broderick, in far Washington, understood when there came to him aletter. It bore neither signature nor salutation:

  "When one is stripped of weapons--sometimes it is by the will of God!And He does not fail to give us better ones.

  "Truth! Righteousness! Courage to attack all Evil. These are mightierthan the weapons of the World.

  "Oh, my friend, stand fast! You are never alone. The spirit of anotheris forever with you. Watching--waiting--knowing you shall win thevictory which transcends all price."

  He read this letter endlessly while people waited in his ante-room. Thenhe summoned Herbert Waters, now his secretary, and sent them all away.Among them was a leader of the New York money-powers who never forgavethat slight; another was an emissary of the President. Broderick neitherknew nor cared. He put the letter in his pocket; walked for hours in thesnow, on the banks of the frozen Potomac.

  That afternoon he reviewed the situation, was closeted an hour withDouglas of Illinois. The two of them sought Seward of New York, who hadjust arrived. To their conference came Chase and Wade of Ohio, Trumbullof Illinois, Fessenden of Maine, Wilson of Massachusetts, Cameron ofPennsylvania.

  Soon thereafter Volney Howard in San Francisco received an unsignedtelegram, supposedly from Gwin: