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Juan Francisco Dana (1838-1936) http://tinyurl.com/JFDana

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Bravado

From The Blond Ranchero, 1960.

Reader: Daniel Maloney

In early days, Californians were ruled more by custom and manners then by government authority and its representatives, just the circumstance for enterprising highway bandits.

As a young man, Juan Francisco Dana—cousin of writer Richard Henry Dana—witnessed the confusing transition in California from Mexican to American authority, a time when flamboyant bandits were confronted by determined vigilance committees.

I remember one desperado who was hanged in San Luis Obispo. I was on guard duty at the time to protect him from mob violence. While the hangman was adjusting the rope around the fellow's neck, a priest asked him if he had any last minute messages.

"Si padre," he replied. Then in a loud voice he said: "Adios muchachas bonitas. Siento mucho dejarlas!" (Goodby pretty girls. I am very sorry to leave you.) He waved them a lost farewell and went to his death with a sneer on his lips. I have always remembered his bravado.

Juan Francisco Dana died in 1936, at the age of 98. The Blond Ranchero collects Dana's stories originally published in newspapers and magazines.