fering, of
course, in degree--to govern twenty men that it does to rule a million;
and although the Squire is sufficiently intelligent, and the
kindest-hearted creature in the world, he evidently does _not_ possess
that peculiar tact, talent, gift, or whatever it is called, which makes
Napoleons, Mahomets, and Cromwells, and which is absolutely necessary
to keep in order such a strangely amalgamated community, representing
as it does the four quarters of the globe, as congregates upon this
river.

However, I suppose that we must take the goods the gods provide,
satisfied that if our King Log does no good, he is too sincerely
desirous of fulfilling his duty to do any harm. But I really feel sorry
for this mere young Daniel come to judgment when I think of the
gauntlet which the wicked wits will make him run when he tries his
first cause.

However, the Squire may, after all, succeed. As yet he has had no
opportunity of making use of his credentials in putting down miners'
law, which is, of course, the famous code of Judge Lynch. In the mean
time we all sincerely pray that he may be successful in his laudable
undertaking, for justice in the hands of a mob, however respectable,
is, at best, a fearful thing.

LETTER _the_ NINTH

[_The_ PIONEER, _October_, 1854]

THEFT _of_ GOLD-DUST--TRIAL _and_ PUNISHMENT

SYNOPSIS

The "Squire's" first opportunity to exercise his judicial power.
Holding court in a barroom. The jury "treated" by the Squire. Theft of
gold-dust, and arrest of suspect. A miners' meeting. Fear that they
would hang the prisoner. Regular trial decided upon, at the Empire,
Rich Bar, where the gold-dust was stolen. A suggestion of thrift.
Landlords to profit by trial, wherever held. Mock respect of the miners
for the Squire. Elect a president at the trial. The Squire allowed to
play at judge. Lay counsel for prosecution and defense. Ingenious
defense of the accused. Verdict of guilty. Light sentence, on account
of previous popularity and inoffensive conduct. Thirty-nine lashes, and
to leave the river. Owner of gold-dust indemnified by transfer of
thief's interest in a mine. A visit to Smith's Bar. Crossing the river
on log bridges. Missouri Bar. Smith's a sunny camp, unlike Indian.
Frenchman's Bar, another sunny spot. "Yank," the owner of a log-cabin
store. Shrewdness and simplicity. Hopeless ambition to be "cute and
smart". The "Indiana girl" impossible to Yank. "A superior and splendid
woman, b