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Show 102 PERSONAL ADVENTURES of his den1and without any further discussion, and took away his gun. He wanted to return it on my bands, but, knowing that he was about to start for the mines, where firearms of every description fetched almost fabulous prices, I thought myself justified in refusing to take it back. It was lucky for him that I did so; for, on meeting hirn about six months later, he informed me he had disposed of it for no less a sum than seventy-five dollars. This incident, trivial as it is, is highly illustrative of the then state of the country. In fact, there was nothing like law or justice in Monterey; and I have kno\vn this very individual, (Cullen) when threatened with ar~est by the Alcalde, send a Inessao-e to the effect 0 that he \vould blow out the brains of the first person who attempted to enter his shop for the purpose. The result was, that he remained perfectly undisturbed in his tenement. The fellow had already realized a small fortune by the mines, being the only mechanic in his line in the town, and readily obtaining his own prices for everything he manufactured. IN CALIFORNIA. 103 Sixteen dollars for a pair of spurs, and eight or ten for small picks and crow-bars, were his ordinary charges, so that it .is not to be wondered at that he preferred working at iron in Monterey, to digging for gold at the mines. He was, as he himself had stated, " purty independent," and although also pretty insolent betimes, possessed such great physical strength, and such an overbearing te1nper, that few liked to quarrel with him. The winter in Monterey is felt very severely by the inhabitants. The rain rushing down the hills that overhang the to\vn, and flowing in to.rrents through its streets, renders walking out of doors exceedingly disagreeable, if not altogether impossible. At night, when going home, one experiences countless difficulties and dangers, for there is not a solitary lamp to guide the pedestrian on his way ; and if he should escape falling into a well, he is certain to find himself up to his knees in some of the gullies or streams that meet him in every direction. Those who can do it endeavour to remain at home at this season, but |