The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1869-03-26

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left in such deadly peril.
He was a splendid specimen of
American manhood, magnifcentlY
formed, broad shouldered, deep
chested, as vigorous as an athlete, |
and rode his horse, q fiery Mexican |
steed, with the grace and ease of a |
Centaur.
At the moment of his introduction |
to the reader, he was riding in the |
rear of the little train, busy with his |
own reflections, which were evidently
as bright as the morning itself-the
forenoon preceding the events we
have recorded.
His thoughts were wrapt in the
sweet memory of Miriam, who had
wept so bitterly at his departure, and
who, he expected, would smile so
joyously at his return.
= The dear little SOUL" he muir
INJURED aloud. Where is she now?"
His eyes darkened with tender
sweetness, his lips quivered with the
ineffable love that flooded his being
with a happiness akin to pain. He
pictured their meeting, the pretty
home they would share together, the
years they would spend in each
others society. the tender mutual
love and care that would bless all
their coming days.
He had left her a poor adventurer,
to seek his fortune among the mines
of Idaho. He was returning to her a
more than moderately rich man, with
bills of exchange in his channels
money belt of sufficient value to sup
port them both in luxury as long as
they might live.
1t was not to be wondered at that
his thoughts were pleasant.
Suddenly he was aroused from his
trance like silence, by cries of delight
from his companions, and by the fact
that they had checked their speed.
Looking around him quickly, he
| beheld the cause of the unusual ex
element. To the southwark. at no
great distance, small herd Of buffa-
loes was grazing lazily. seemingly not
at all alarmed by the near presence
of formidable enemy.
The wind was blowing from them,
the horses were fresh, and as he looked
at the tempting game, Hubert felt the
spirit of the hunter grow strong
within him.
Giving rein to his horse, he galloped
along the line to speak to the Lieu
tenant, but was met half way By that
officer, whose sparkling eyes and eager
demeanor atteBted to q kindling OF
Nimrod- like zeal.
"What DO you say to an hour 5
sport, Mr.. Earlier" shouted the lieu
tenant, as he bore down upon his
friend, for Hubert was a decided fav-
orite with every member of the party.
L think it would be downright
shame to turn our backs on such
-splendid game" was the quick re-
Spouse. "Who could eat a dinner OF
salt pork, with those fat buffaloes so
near us?"
The lieutenant smiled, glanced up
and down the line, reading the eager
longing faces of his men, and resolved
to carry out his own and the general
desire.
At a word of command from him
the party set out at quick gailop foI
the scene Of action.
The buffaloes allowed the enemy to
approach quite near, the wind favor
ing the hunters; but at length began
to snuff the air uneasily, to shake
their heads, and to look for the cause
| Vi bn6lI
A moment later they had beheld
the enemy, and with frightful below
ings and mighty tramp, had begun
their wild, mad flight to the south
ward.
The chase was a long one; and il
was not until the hunters had run the
buffaloes upon a spur Of the Black
Hills that they got a good chance al
| Al. H. H., I,.1,rcrhk
eral plump young bufaloes, and din
ner became the watchword.
1T is noon, aud we'll have din
ner," said the Lieutenant, observing
that the baggage animals with their
drivers were approaching. Klndle a
fire, boys, and we'll have steaks and
roasts in abundance"
While this order was being carried
into effect, Hubert and several Others
were engaged in surveying the scene.
A lonely aud desolate spot" said
Hubert, thoughtfully. " 1t looks as
If man had never visited 1t"
And no wonder" returned
Bridges, since it's five miles off the
route. What could any man want
here, unless he might be in pursuit OF
buffalOes?"
There being no answer to this
question. Hubert proceeded to find
an excellent grazing spot for his
horse, tethered him, and flung him
self on the ground in the shadow of
the hill. The Lieutenant aud a por-
ton of the men followed his ex-
ample.
Plenty of low bushes were found
dry enough to burn, and several fires
were soon kindled. The choicest por-
tons of the buffalOes were readily
prepared for cooking, and it was not
long before the oder of burning flesh
was diffused on the air; four or five
hungry soldiers serving as cooks.
1t was wild picnic scene on those
lonely wilds, and every man there en-
joyel it with true gypsy zest.
Suddenly shout from one of the
men who were strolling around, ar
rested the attention of the others.
Halo, boysr" he cried, . m
blest if here isn't cave in the hill
Come. see the hole under these bush
es. You never saw anything hidden
neater in your lives.
Jones thinks nobody ever saw a
cave BEFORE" said one of the loung
ers. For my part, | think more of
something to eat sban of hole in the
ground"
This sentiment was echoed by the
others, but the in0uisitige cave dis
coverer, nothing daunted, approached
the fire, took from it torch, returned
to the butte, parted the bushes, re-
vealing dark aperture in the face of
the rock, and disappeared within
it, his light givisg back yellow glare
for a second after he had cased to be
seen.
The camp revelry went on, the
cooking progressed, the minutes
passed, and Jones did not reappear.
ttTP fbo4 FoIlor- l. i