Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1856-07-03
An Adventure on the Plains.

1AA 1AAbVA IVA Q Va tAO i 4o1u0s
In the year Is, undertook the perous
journey Of crossing the Plaius, Oh my way from
the Atlantic States to California Our coul-
'pany was composed of nine persons Among
the number was Bill Johnson formerly hun
ter and traper Of the West.
AT the close of beautiful day in Nav, we
found ourselves seated around blazing camp
FIRE upon the banks of the Little Blue River
sOme two hundred miles from st. Joseph
Missouri. Some Of the company had spread
blanket upon the grass, aud were busily engaged
in game of cards, while myself and Bill
johnson were eagerly discussing the proprcty
of having an antelope hunt Oh the succeeding
day. We soon came to the conclusion that We
would spend the day in hunting as our train
was going to stop here several days to recruit
our animals. | cannot say that enjoyed
sound sIumber that night, because was anxious
the morning should arrive. for | expected rare
sport On the coming day. The mucll-wishcd
for morning came ut last, and after desputchiny
. hasty breakfast, and informing our comrades
that we would return by sunset, We departed
with our rifles on oar shoulders.
For three hours We travelled in n southerly
direction from the camp, without seeing any
game at all and being somewhat tired and
disappointed We concluded to seek shelter from
the rays ct the burning sun, and take short
rest. Following up rayine u short distance,
We came to sink, or hole some twenty feet
deep the sides, which were of solid rock were
almost perpendicular. Carefully examining this
curious spot, we nj length discovered an exra-
v2tion IN the wall, just large enough TO admit
ssaan with ease. This was soon accompli he'd
and we found ourselves in an apartment about
mine feet square. with walls of solid ro' k This
Nc thought would afford MS the desired shelter.
aud We were just comfortably seated, when my
companion hastily sprung to his feet saying
1" BE silent ! hear rustling in the grass,
which is probably caused 10y IN elk or an all
telope. You stay here and Sc4iug his rife,
he stole cautiously dowa the ravinc.
He was sool lost to view among the shrub
berry which skrte the ravnc, leaving me alone
toaneditate upon the probable cause Of the
noise We had just heard Bat | was soon
startled and surprised by seeing my companion
coiieIunning towards the cave, with anxiety
and alarm plainly depicted upon his countenance
Iujins' he exclaimed, as he rushed into
the cave. .....
Then he commenced blocking up the entrance
with loose stones and fragments OF rock which
lay scattered around. This awakened rue TO a
sense OF the danger We We're in, rs at that
t;lne the Pawnee Indians were known to be
hostile to the whites, butchcrng oil who fell
ipto, their hands TO my inquiries OF how
,iany there were Of our enemies, my companion
replied:
"rherc are two, mounted on feet horses,
armed with rides and bows and arrows, and
MOST hidcouslE painted"
Our enemies were probably aware of our
places Of refuge for instead Of coming up in
front Of the cave, they crcpt cautiously around
tethee edge of the siuk, aud stationed them
selves out OF the reach Of our rifles, but so as
to, command the entrance to our subterraneat
retreat. Their persons were out Of our view
but by their shadows upon the opposite wal
We could note their manevers,
They evidently thought there was but one o
us; but at that they did not deem il prudent
70 make bold attack iu front, for by SO doing
they would expose their person to danger
therefore they chose the less dangerous plan o
Starving us to death, compelling Us to surreudt
q shooting US il we attempted to escape
HAus IN manner we were completely in tn,
powerof these savages. unless by some strata
gem we could manag" TO escape. But 500.
night set in, aud spread her mantle of darkness
oges the land. making our situation more dis
nal than before. My companion took his sta
ton at the entrance, ready to give the savage
warm reception If they made an attack.
was not capable Of enduring such hardship
as my companion, therefore he advised me t
seek that repose SO much needed, while b
watched the manGvcrs Of the enemy. lai
down upon the hard floor of the cavern, an
soon fcll asleep intended to relieve my con
panion in guarding about midnight, but s
sssndly did | Sleep that the dawn Of the da
was just breaking in the east when awoke.
Still at his post stood the old hunter. withou
svisible trace Of fatigue or suffering upon b
manly countenance With the exception I
ths1oac shrek Of the coyote In the distant Hill
alfwas silent without, and I thinking the Goa.
clser. was about to pass out, when my con
panion pulled me back, and in q low whispt
said3 Hssss n" ssa stt f
Do not mons nor d Cur most dangeros
tlme; but I;win foil 'em yet. curse 'cm ~