The strange deed which we have just related did not prevent Joaquin from coming to the city from time to time under different disguises, in order to learn for himself whatever it interested him to know. Joaquin was informed one night that at the hour of full tide a small schooner would leave Stockton for San Francisco. There were two miners on board, from Camp Seco, Calaveras County, who were going to sail, well provided with money or its equivalent in gold dust. Joaquin took three of his men who were inspecting the city, and with the aid of a small boat, they hid themselves on one of the banks of the river, covered with underbrush. The mosquitoes discommoded them so much that they were thinking of abandoning their undertaking; but the prospect of a good business made them reflect and persevere in their first idea. Murrieta regretted that he had not brought some matches with him, for with them he could have made a bonfire and let the smoke drive away the impertinent and bothersome mosquitoes; but the idea that perseverance always has its reward consoled him and he waited three mortal hours for the ship to appear.
The schooner finally came in sight. When it was opposite the bank, Joaquin and his companions directed their boat toward it, and laying hold of the side of the ship, jumped on deck and without saying a word, fired at the crew, which was composed of only two men. The poor fellows did not even have time to seize their rifles.
At the first shot they fell dead. The two miners, hearing the shooting, ran quickly to their comrades, firearms in their hands, and tried to defend themselves, but the sides were unequal. Bandits and miners shot at the same time.
Two of Joaquin’s men fell dead on the deck. The two miners had the same luck. Joaquin and the comrade who was left took possession of the bags, which contained the entire fortune of the miners, then using some matches they found in the cabin, they set fire to the
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