The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-11-04

not vi we passed the iatter stream ana cleared
the tangled forest which springs from its prolific
bottom and extends for miles westward, that we
struck the extensive prairies of Middle Texas.
Here, far as the eye could reach, it could take in
nothing but green, extended plain, and the blue,
coudless sky above. For days rode through
the grassy waves of that verdant sea- encamping at
night in the little knots of live oaks, where we were
always sure to find gushing spring or standing
water
"But when afterwards heard, from our Mexican
neighbors, of these still wider plains, where for
days and days one might travel out of sight of land
as it were, determined TO join some party of ma
tive traders bound from San Antonio, and from
thence to Matamoras, to behold this wonderful
region.
IL was not long waiting for the coveted opportu-
nifty for 1t about the season for the bufoes To
come down to feed upon the mesquite grass; and
as there was danger of encounterng parties of In
dams out upon their winter hunt, my company was
gladly accepted, as adding one more to their num-
per and so far increasing their means of defence.
1.-The day we passed the Neuces ~ the sky was
overcast with clouds and a norther threatened to
come down upon u.s. we made early camp in the
asst clump of timber to be found for many leagues
west of that portion of the river.
"Whle was in the act of stripping nv horse.
previous to pinning him ont to grass happened to
cast my eyes over the prairie, and detected in the
distance small herd of buf!aloes moving leisureIv
towards the narrow belt of timber which, not faI.
of, marked the course of the river. Their instincts
prompted them to seek the wood for protection
against the chilling breath of the approaching
torn.
81 had never yet killed one of those animals, al
though long ambitious of doing So Therefore,
hastily retightening the girth Of my saddle, re-
mounted, and giving spur to my horse bounded
swiftly the prairie in chase of the herd. They
were moving from the westward, while our camp
was south of their line Of progress So, striking of
Obliquely to the northward l hoped to intercept
them long before they could reach the timber
The weather, as is always the case previous to
winter norther in this region was excessively close
and sultry not breath Of air was stirring, and the
fr0u lIipu lint
occasionally hating to snatch a mouthful Of the
rich mesquite grass as they moved along.
keeping slight swell of the prairie between
them and myself, had come almost upon them be-
fore they caught scent of me. Then prcking
my half breed to his utmost speed dashed in front
OF the now excited animals, and hating for in
Of the herd, fired. The huge animal shook the
leaden pellet from his shaggy brow as if it had
been fly only (for had foolishly aimed at his only
invnnerable parD, and, with maddened roar kept
on his course.
my horse, as much unused to the chase az my
self, now became alarmed, and before could re-
cover the rens, dashed directly across the path Of
the frightened animals Seeing the imminent
danger we were in of being thrown down by the
headlong crowd, and trampled beneath their thun-
dering tread, buried the rowels deep into his
painting tanks hoping to clear the herd, and pass
beyond on the northern side of it. had almost
succeeded in doing this; the leading animals had
rushed past me; but as ! was upon the point OF
congratulatng myself upon my fortunate deliver
ance from fearful death, a sudden turn taken by
the leaders of the herd, followed, of course by
those in the rear, brought huge COW in collision
with my horse
II felt myself dashed headlong from my saddle,
and for an instant borne rapidly along; a crushing
stunning sound filled my ears; have an indistinct
recollection of clinging for moment TO hairy
prominence, and then sensation of flying through
the air, and being dashed breathlessly upon the
ground.
Il know not how many hours lay in this condi-
ton, but was at length aroused To consciousness
by a sensation Of pain, which, dull and heavy at
first began by degrees TO increase in intensity; and
when ! was fairly awakened to the knowledge Of
my situation, IT became excruciating.
Il was alone. Darkness surrounded me- The
skies over me were black with lowering clouds, and
the fierce northcr, which had been threatening us.
now swept in wrath over the wide prairie.
my clothes were saturated with the freezing
rain, and every joint in my body was stifiened by
the cold With painful effort raised myself into
sitting position. Ny left hand, on attempting to
use II, found was helpless the forearm was badly
fractured and swollen. With another effort tried
TO gain my feet, for knew that death was inevta-
BILE If l remained where was upon the damp
ground, exposed TO the merciless norther. The
cold was extreme, and the air was thick with
the wintry sleet. At length after several ine6Eec-
tual trials, stood erect. My limbs, with the ex-
ception Of my broken arm, were uninjurcd by my
fall. l made sling with my handkerchief, in
which found some relief for the fractured men,
ber, and then, turning my back 70 the cutting
WIND, started, as ! supposed, in the direction Of
he camp.
Il ftmtfnDerc0 the course i mad ridden TO inter-
ept the herd and the relative position Of the tim
er where had left my companions and had no
doubt could walk directly 10 the fire.
Il had gone but few yards when stumbled
against something. which gave out metallic sound;
and cropping in the dark, I found my rife. Bot I
was too weak 10 carry il; drove the end Of tho
barrel deep into the wet soil, with the breech up
a little further. and distinguished directly be-
fore me, the outlines Of dark body living upon
the ground. II proved 10 be my poor horse; ho
lnnI d. frll, IA A~l.-
him than with his master. managed u unstrap
my blanket from the saddle. and taking II, with my
water gourd, which still remained attached 70 the
pommel and unbroken. started forward.
~ continued 10 travel painfully along; still keep
ing the storm behind me. But no cheering camp
fire greeted my longingeyes. Could have passed
the little grove in the darkncssy had certainly
travelled far enough 10 reach II. But ! could not
stop now 10 await the light Of day, for the most
rapid motion could make was necessary 10 keep
the blood from congealing in my veins. Hour after
goaded me onward: and II. for q moment, halted
70 rest my aching limbs, still more furious blast
would warn me Of the danger.
"A that hvelonr night I dragged my weary
feet through the seet.sircncd grass; and when, nc
last, the day returned, gloomy and overcast with
clouds, found myself the only living creature
within the circle Of the horizons for all Of animal
life had long since sought the shelter Of the distant
timber. dull, leaden sky hung threateningly
above me: and on either hand stretched the cheer
less, sleet-enveloped prairie; while the relentless
storm-god was yet abroad I'm all his hercencss.
still with my back 10 tho cutting slect, and my
face 10 the south, I kept on The hours Of day
passed heavily away; and still no prospect Of
cessation Of that wild tempest The position Of
the sun could not be detected for the eaden clouds
spread over the sky uniformly impenetrable veil
Ny exhausted limbs could bear me but little
longer. At almost every step fell, measuring
my length In the saturated and partially frozen
grass. The pain Of my fractured arm was cxcru-
ciating In the extreme; and fell with IL under
my body, | could hear the grating of the broken
bones upon each other as they acerated the flesh.
! was about 70 yield TO despair and throw myself
upon the ground, and await the grim messenger.
who could not be far or But one more look in tho
distance before me-and oh joyful. hopcrcv wing
sight!-drectly before me long stretch Of heavy
timber becked mo onward A shipwrecLad rnarf-