The true Democrat., 1857-03-17

IttuTlcu IAIIIOTHlah. A Race with the Wolves.


 California. l had no special destination in view, but was determined to cast myself on the tide of circumstances, and take things as they came. Several years of close confinement had we'll prepared me to enjoy, to the fullest extent, the free and active life before me; and enter ed into 1t with the most determined zest, and a resolve to see the Elephant" in all it's proportions, let the cost be what it might.
 The heavy flood of emigration which swept from the States during that year was already lar advanced on the journey, and we encoun- tered but few save the straggers, whose pro- gress had been impeded by one ur mere of the many obstacles incident to the trip. Disease was the most Frequent cause of detention and occurring, as It did, attended by the most unfa- V0rabe circumstances, 1t was characterized by a terrible fatality. Thousands had fallen by the way side, while the numerous hiliocks which every where met the eve, told, in thrill. ling language, story of unparalleled suffering and death. Even among the few that remain ed behind, the destroyer was dong his work; and l was often called to witness scenes of distress which no pen can faithfully depict.- It was while returning from visit to one of these sufferers that met with the adventure l am about to relate.
 There Is, on the route over the Plains, spot which Is most likely well remembered by every emlgrant who chanced to stop, as it DOS scsses many attractions, and all the advantages peculiar to good camp-ground Timber for fuel in abundance, several streams of good water and excellent grazing, render it a most desirable spot. It is the last large valley throu3h h which you pass previous to reaching the Old Ford of the North Fork of the Nebras- ka distant about seventeen miles, From this point started one evening ill August, to over- haul my company, which was encamped near the Ford. The sun was yet high when start ed on my journey, and judging that 1 had ample time to reach my destination before night, cast the relns from my hands, and, per hitting my mare to choose her own gait, gave myself up to train of fancies. How long my daydreams lasted 1 cannot tell, but 1 was reused suddenly by a roll of distant thunder, and saw, in an instant, that had to encounter one oi the fierce storms peculiar to the Platte region.
 The sun was low in the west and just on the eve of dipping behind bank of clouds, which were piled up thick black and ominous. Ex- perience had taught me the terrific nature of these storms, and it was my desire to have as little spree as possible between myself and camp ere 1 should be mixed up with the war of
 
 my spurs set forward at brisk trot, feeling but little apprehension, although not aware of the exact distance 1 had to travel. Armed in the usual manner, with knife and pistols, and feeling certain that the Indians would keep close quarters during the storm, I concluded the worst that could beial me would be a soli- tary bivouac, and thorough drenching Half an hours time sufficed to alter the face of things materially. The sun was completely hidden from view, and the shadows of night were gathering thick and fast. By certain land marks which l now recognized, knew that had ten miles to ride before the camp could be reached. The distance was much greater than l had thought, and the chances for obtaining shelter considerably eSSened. My mare, up on whose tathfunesS and sagacitv 1 had firm reliance, began to show evident signs of excite lnent she soon communicated to me, and Tor the urSt time l felt a peculiar creeping SenSa ton m my back, and considerable disturbance about the roots of my hair. 1 had imagined for some time that was not without compa- ny, although the exact nature of 1t 1 knew not as the darkness sufficient to render objects invisible at hall dozen paces. Summing up all my courage, 1 came to the determination not to be frightened sooner than was necessary and, glNlng the relns shake which my mare Willingly obeyed, we measured of the distance at rapid rate. There was no rain as yet, and but little wind, although the lightning blazed almost necessarily, and 1t up the Heavens and earth with phantasmal glare, which, while rendering objects more distinct for moment produced an exceedingly painful sensation in my eyes, and added to the intensity of the succeeding darkness. It was during one of these flashes that became almost convinced that 1 had an escort of one or more animals. and although l tried to bolster up my courage, which, like Bob Acres, was seeking an exit at my finger ends, by atuibutng what I saw to the effect of my imagination; yet I at the same tune determined that the first good opportunity would lind me putting to the test those quall- ties Iii Bet, which had so often been my boast. At this tune l had reached the base of hill. around which the road wounl to the pof the bluH, and feeling certain that 1 Knew every foot of the way to camp, thought that this was the chance to put the speed of the mare in competition with that ot my "cumpany." whether real or imaginary. having arrived at the level ground at the summit of the ridge 1 came to halt, ln order to take view of at- lalrS and allow my horse breathing spell pre- paratory to the work had lad out for her. The storm had not yet burst but from the continuous roll of thunder and incessant blaze oi lightning, 1t seemed as if the king of ele- ments was concentrating all his mighty powers for one grahd display. There Was something terribly sublime iu the scene while the clrcum- stances which surrounded me were calculated to render 1t deeply impressive In contem- plating its grandeur could have forgotten all else had not the impatient animal under me given warning by her fierce champing of the blt, and ceaseless paving, that delay was dan gerous. The distance yet to ride was but little over seven miles, and l made preparation for quick work Balancing myself in the saddle, and pressing my feet In the stirrups with just sulhclent force to preserve my equilibrium, 1 gathered the reins in both hands, and was pausing until q flash would enable me to see my way clear for a start, when suddenly there came up, apparently from beneath my horses feet. one of those long, deep, sepulchral howls which issue from no other throat than that of a wolf. It is vilainous sound, and under any circumstances is well calculated to produce un pleasant feelings, but situated as I was, the ef tects were indescrbable. It seemed to pebe- trate through my whole system, curd de the very fountain of life, and paralyze every fibre in me- The animal beneath me shook like an aspen, and appeared incapable of making an effort It was but for moment however. for scarce had the sound died away, and the an- swers to the signal begun to be heard from all quarters when with a snort of terror she bound ed forward with the speed of the wind, until the fierce yelS which greeted our departure had begun to grow faint in the distance.
 The excitement of the ride started my blood again in active motion and took from my heart the heavy load which pressed upon it. With the relief came thOuuh ht and Enowinn that if l was impossible for the mare to endure the ex- er,ion she was making for any length of time, l checked her up and commenced calculating the chances for and against an escape The falacy of the hope in which had ndulged, that my puisuers might be thrown out of the race by the speed of my horse, was made man. ifest by the howlings heard far behind, and which were increasing every moment, not only in strennlh hut vnlnme Nnarar s.l