The weekly Butte record., 1861-05-18
Walking the Plank.

I lOD, through lne great WliatFneSS OF tle DOrln-
west. Having provided ourselves with what
we thought actually necessary, and nothing
more, we started upon our perilous journey !;
for that it was perilous we were fully aware,
and every reader will admit.
After encountering innumerable hardships
and many dangers, we found ourselves in the
widest kind Of region, many miles distant
| from the haunts of civilization. Already we
had passed through enough to have discour-
aged most of men, but we were not easily
frightened. This was particularly the case
with my companion, whose name was Andrew
Huff.
Both of US were healthy, as strong as iron
and considerably experienced in the use of such
articles as rifles, pistols, aud bowie-knives. In
all these respects we could hold our own with
the best had it been otherwise We should
never have lived to reach the point at which
we finally arrived.
Just about dark one evening, in the latter
part of July, after hard day tramp, we halt
ed for the night A darker, deeper, lonlier
solitude than that which surrounded us, would
be hard to imagine. Silently we built little
fire and made supper; silently we ate it
Worn out, and for the time being, slightly
dispirited, we were in no humor for conversa-
ton. For some time we sat by our campfire
without uttering single word, and almost
without moving. | was thinking of home and
absent friends, and it is only reasonable to sup
pose that Huff was similarly occupied. After
the lapse of some time, our fire burnt low, and
| rose to replenish it. The bark of wolf
startled me, and [ involuntarily addressed my
companion.
Huff did not answer me, however; but with
out noticing the circumstance, I threw a
quantity of laggots on the fire, and said
Take few hours rest, Andy, and LII keep
watch, and after that you can do the same by
me-"
Still got no answer, and then began to
notice my companions unusual taciturnity.
"Anylhing the matter, Andy ?" said 1, re-
garding him closely.
No answer yet.
"That's little strange" muttcred, moving
toward my companion.
Huff was setting facing the fire, with his
head bent upon his knees. I shook him with
out arousing him. Finally, 1 raised his head,
and at once became conscious that he was
soundly, deeply asleep.
Laughing off the fears which had for a few
moments oppressed me, left Huff to enjoy
his nap, and settled h;msoiT down as comforta-
bly, as the circumstances would permit.
was dreadful drowsy, and despite our per-
ilous situation, could not entirely resist the
overpowering influence of sleep. Occasionally
| started up suddenly, and found that | had
been doing. The last time | was aroused,
was awoke by fierce animalnot dozen PAGES
distant, his ravenous eyes glaring upon me from
the darkness. Selling trebrand | flung it
at the rapacous monster with all my strength.
1t struck him full in the face, and with ter
rble howl he darted off into the forest. Huff
did not awake, did not even stir, so sound was
his repose. After that I did not feel inclined
to sleep, though nothing was to be seen or
heard. | examined my rifles and pistols, piled
more faggots on the fire, and kept my eyes and
ears open for any more nocturnal visitors.
Some time passed quietly, and l began to
grow insuherabIy weary. Every muscle relax
ed, and drowsy torpor gradually stole over
me. My eyes closed uncousciously, my knees
bent beneath me, and [ was suddenly aroused
by the sound of a mans voice:
4" Halloa, feers, how dye do ?" were the
words which fell upon my ears and aroused me
to perfect consciousness.
| looked around in bewilderment; our little
camping ground was encirced by dozen or
more fierce looking, brawny desperadoes. Il
was complete surprise, and on the spur of the
moment l yelled out
candy, Andy, wake up"
Yes, wake up, Andy" echoed the outlaws,
loudly and derisvely.
Aroused at last, my comrade sprang to his
feet, and the next moment was standing by my
side
A dozen or more rifles were leyeled at us
with deadly aim.
Yer amt goin' to show fight are yer?"
demanded one Of the outlaws, brutal looking
wretch, and the leader Of the band, as it after
wards appeared.
"That depends upon circumstances, replied
Andy, unhesitatingly. Z" We are two good
men, afraid of neither man nor beast-and if
your intentions are hostile, as they appear to
be, you may depend upon it we will give you
all the trouble we can"
Yer won't now, viii yer q responded the
desperado, tauntingly. Guess yell have yer
hands full, if yer try that sort Of a game"
Well what do you want anyhow p I de-
manded, boldly fully satisfed in my own mind
that if we got out of our present scrape we
would have to fight out.
"What do we want?" was the rapid reply,
al guess the forests as free to US as It's to
anybody. Don't kalkerIate yer boss here, do
yer stranger"
"No," was Andys reply, and he took the