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LEGENDS AND TALES

by Bret Harte




CONTENTS


THE LEGEND OF MONTE DEL DIABLO

THE ADVENTURE OF PADRE VICENTIO

THE LEGEND OF DEVIL'S POINT

THE DEVIL AND THE BROKER

THE OGRESS OF SILVER LAND

THE RUINS OF SAN FRANCISCO

A NIGHT AT WINGDAM




LEGENDS AND TALES.


THE LEGEND OF MONTE DEL DIABLO.


The cautious reader will detect a lack of authenticity in the
following pages. I am not a cautious reader myself, yet I confess
with some concern to the absence of much documentary evidence in
support of the singular incident I am about to relate. Disjointed
memoranda, the proceedings of ayuntamientos and early departmental
juntas, with other records of a primitive and superstitious people,
have been my inadequate authorities. It is but just to state,
however, that though this particular story lacks corroboration, in
ransacking the Spanish archives of Upper California I have met with
many more surprising and incredible stories, attested and supported
to a degree that would have placed this legend beyond a cavil or
doubt. I have, also, never lost faith in the legend myself, and in
so doing have profited much from the examples of divers grant-
claimants, who have often jostled me in their more practical
researches, and who have my sincere sympathy at the scepticism of a
modern hard-headed and practical world.