forming a vigilance committee was seriously discussed by the citizens. The law seemed petrified; if anything was to be accomplished the people must do it. A reward of $1,500 was offered by the people of Chico, $500 by the Chinese association called the Six Companies of San Francisco, and $1,000 by the governor of the state. By the 27th eleven arrests had been made, one of a man caught mailing an anonymous letter to an officer threatening death if he attempted to arrest the incendiaries. All were members of the workingmen's association, and six were reputed Caucasians.
The first arrest was that of Conway who was detected maihng threatening letters. Shadowed for two days he was finally arrested, and after two days confinement exposed the whole plot. Wright, and the brothers Slaughter, each confessed on being brought to prison. After a preliminary examination at Chico the prisoners were moved to Oroville for trial the 27th of March. An attempt at rescue by the fraternity was feared on the day of removal, and eight men armed with Winchester rifles acted as escort. Four thorough-brace wagons conveyed them from the Chico prison to Oroville. A large throng gathered to witness their departure. The prisoners were in fine spirits. They seemed to feel the sustaining presence of the brotherhood, and that the people were with them. Not one of the five murderers manifested the sllghtest fear of punishment, though by their own confessions guilty of most dastardly villainy and doubly worthy death.
Arrived at Oroville, the prisoners were met by a large concourse of people. Here for the first time they began to show signs of fear. They noticed the change in the atmosphere; there were few admiring or sympathetic glances from that crowd; and the same guard which so lately kept them from their friends, now stood between them and, perhaps, more summary justice. All the Chinese at Oroville gath
