I was ready to skim through this and discard it, thinking that I didn't really like Bret Harte's writing from a couple of other stories of his I have read. Also, the first story would trigger any modern, sensitive reader who couldn't tolerate the views of races and genders from another century. However, it wasn't very long before I was pulled into the stories by Mr. Harte's sly humor and beautifully descriptive writing. He draws the landscape and his characters with a master's touch. When I read about a storm, or the sky and weather in California referred to as "earthquake weather" I was there, drenched in rain, or feeling the heaviness of the atmosphere. His was not the over-blown flowery language of many Nineteenth century writers, it was sharp and delightful. I consumed each story like a bonbon, tasting the differences, appreciating the sweetness unique to itself. I believe that I enjoy Harte's writing and humor as much as, or more than Mark Twain. There isn't the bitter edge to Harte's outlook on the world. He sees mankind's foibles without seeming to hate mankind.

The stories do not all take place in California, but my favorite two at the end, "The Mystery at the Hacienda" and "Chu-Chu" do. They are written to be in the time of California when the Americans from the east began to arrive and mingle with the Spanish Dons.

For my taste, this is a perfect short-story collection. Variety, light-hearted, not every tale ends happily but the ending seems just or reasonable. None leave you feeling that the writer got tired of the story and didn't know how to end it. ( )