The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-10-21

Jack House was killed, and they had all
gone to see him. In the meantime
saw lights in the distance, and fastened
to reach them. When | came up, |
found the entire company in a circle
around man who seemed lifeless. The
statement was that he had set out for his
home, with his wife behind him on horse
back, buG owing to the festivities of the
occasion he had not been in the best con-
dition to preserve his equilibrium, and in
his descent from the horse, he had, a.
believed, broken his neck. While, how
ever, his young wife was filling the sur
rounding space with wailings, and all
were bending around him to ascertain
if life were indeed extinct, Jack opened
his mouth and uttered an imprecatioD
which, if it had been answered, would
have landed US all in the neither regions.
The supposed anxiety of the multitude
so suddenly and so strangely relieved,
evincod itself by the loudest and widest
vociferations. He and his wife were
again mounted to pursue their homeward-
way, while the rest of the company re-
turned to their amusements.
Next morning | set out on my return
by different route, accompanied by a
gentleman who had for years been accus-
toned to new country life. We were OIL
horseback, and our journey lay through
a region with scarcely any inhabitants,
without distinct road, and seldom trav-
elled. When we reached White river, al
a point supposed to be above the over
flow, we learned that there were still
many miles of the western shore under
water, and were told that our only hope
was to be foated several miles down the
river to point whence it was believed
we might cross. On the second morning
we were landed at the point mentioned.
We found the bank but a few inches
above the surface of the stream. A dim
path which had not been travelled for
many months was pointed out to US. AT
ter proceeding short distance we found
the overflow stretching like sea before
us. The boat, however, was gone beyond
the reach of our voices. Our situation
seemed very critical There was no pos
sibility of crossing the river to the east,
or of being heard. 1t was all uncertain
ty about making our way for miles
through the overflow, as we knew not its
depth. 1t was, however, our only hope.
We could see "blazes on the trees
where the path lay under water. One of
us would sit on horseback by one Of
these, while the other would search for
another mark. Thus we continued to
proceed, not knowing the moment when
we might find.wat beyond our depth
at last we lost our blazes. The afternoon
had overtaken us, and prospects grew
gloomy. Mr.. J., my companion,
raised his voice, which was powerful, and
called loud and long. At length, far off
to the northwest, we heard the joyful
sound of gun. 1t was repeated again
aud again. Mr.. j assured me that
this was signal that his voice was heard.
We made our way cautiously in the di-
rection of the signal. We soon came to
dry land Presently we reached a small
lake. Here we called again. A gun
answered at no great distance, and we
beheld canoe with two men, making
their way to US down the lake. We
placed our saddles in the canoe in which
we seated ourselves, and holding our bri-
die reins in our hands, our horses swan
by our side to the western shore, which
we reached in safety. 1t was now late
in the afternoon. We had been since
morning making only three miles. Our
future route lay across the northern part
Of that great savanna which the old
French travellers appropriately named
Prairie La Grand. We were told that
in consequence Of the flies which would
have endangered the lives Of our horses
by day, we must travel by night. AS
there was then no other path, our only
guide was an occasional stake which had
been placed 10 make a future road, and
when these failed, We were to keep our
eyes on particular stars.
The sun was nearing the western hori
zon when we suddenly emerged from the
dense growth of the lowlands, and cast
our eyes upon the immense expanse Of
prairie which stretched towards the set
ting sun. 1t was the first prairie l haC
ever seen. No prospect that I had ever
witnessed could be compared with it
Towards the west the vision was bounded
only by the horizon. Far off on either
hand was "a dim outline of distant wood
lands. In certain directions also coulC
be traced, in serpentine meanderings
the shaded banks of some small stream
Here and there, at various distances
stood lone tree with low top and spread
ing branches, while the whole surfac,
was clothed with the richest verdure, in
l u,;+b Aowarc Of tha o,oo+oo