The weekly North-Carolina standard., 1869-03-31

At the moment of his introduction to the
reader, he was riding in the rear of the lit
tie train, busy with his own reflections,
which were evidently as bright as the morn
ing itself-the forenoon preceding the events
we have recorded
His thoughts were wrapt in the sweet
memory of Miriam, who had wept so bit
teily at his departure, and who, he expect
ed, would smile so joyously at his return.
"The dear littlesoul !" he murmured aloud,
"where is she now p"
His eyes darkened with tender sweetness,
his lips quivered with the ineffable love
that flooded his being with happiness akin
to pain. He pictured their meeting, the
pretty home they would share together, the
years they would spend in each others So
ciety, the tender mutual love and care that
would bless all their coming days.
He had left her poor adventurer, to seek
bis fortune among the minds of Idaho. He
was returning to her a more than mader,
ately rich man, with bills of exchange in
his chamois money belt.of sufficient value
to support them both in luxury as long as
they might live. .a-i
1t it is not to be wondered ut that his
thoughts were pleasant.
Suddenly lie was aroused from his trance
like silence by cries of delight from his CON-
panions and 10y the fact that they had
checked their speed.
Looking around him quickly, he beheld
the cause of the unusual excitement To the
southward, at no great distance, small
herd of butfaloes was grazing lazly, SEEM
iDgly not at all alarmed bv the near presence
of formidable enemy. sl aur
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 lieutenant, but was
met halt way by that officer, whose spark
ling eyes and eager demeanOr attested to q
kindling of Nimrodlike zeal. ,1 A
"What do you say to an hours sport,
Mr.. Earle ?" shouted the lieutenant, as he
bore down upon his friend. for Hubert was
u decided fayorite with every member of
the party. zloG q
81 think it would be downright shame
to turn our backs on such splendid game"
was the quick response. "Who could eat a
dinner of salt pork with these fat buffaloes
so near us Z" yH aa ae
The lieutenant smiled, glanced up and
down the line, reading eager longing in the
faces of his men, and resolved to carry out
his own and the general desire
AT word of command from him the par
ty set out at quick gallop for the scene of
action. 1a h
The buffaloes allowed the enemy to ap-
proach quite near, the wind favoring the
hunters but at length began to snuff the
| oir IL, 20 eb,ly <l,n., op1 to
look for the cause of their apprehensions.
A moment later they had beheld the ene-
my. and with frightful bellow;ngs and
mighty tramp, had begun their wild, mad
flight to the southwark.
The chase was long one; and it was
not till the hunters had run the buffaloes
upon spur of the Black Hills that they
got good chance at them. They then
brought down several plump young buff
faloes, and dinner speedily became the watch
word.
ut is noon. and we'll have dinner" said
the lieutenant, observing that the baggage
animals with their drivers were approach
ing. "Kindle fire, boys, and we have
steaks and roasts in abundance" H
While this order was being carried into
effect, Hubert several others were engaged
in surveying the scene.
"a lonely and desclate spot" said Hu-
bert. thoughtfully, ut looks as if man
had never before visited it." t"
"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 2"
There being no answer to this question
Hubert proceeded to find an excellent gra.
zing spot for his horse, tethered him, and
flung himself on the ground in the shadow
of the hill. The lieutenant and portion o1
of the men followed his example.
Plenty of low bushes were found dry
enough to burn, and several fires were soor
kindled. The choicest portions of the buf
faloes were readily prepared for cooking
and it was not long before the odor of burn
ing flesh was diffused on the air; four or fiv,
hungry soldier serving as cooks.
1t was wild picnic scene on those lonely
wilds, and every man there enjoyed it will
true gipsy zest. saf
Suntlenly shout from one of the men
who weee strolling around, arrested the at
tention of the Others. sia -s3-
"Hallo, boys !" he cried, "rm blest if here
isn'ta cave in the hill! Come see the hole
under these bushes. You never saw any
thing SO neatly hidden in your lives. .7a
'-Jones thinks no one never saw hill be-
fore" said one of the loungers. For my
part, think more of something to eat, thar
ola hole in the ground" .5
This sentiment was echoed by others, but
the inqulstive cave tliscoverer, nothing
daunted, approached the fire, took from it 9
torch, returned to the butte, parted the
bushes, revealing dark aperture in the fact
of the rock, and disappeared within 1t, his
, light giving back yellow glare for a Sc.
cond alter he had ceased to be seen. q 5a
The camp rcvelry went on, and the cook
ing progressed, the minutes passed, and
Jones did not reappear. la d 'aa
''If that fellow had found gold mine il
there he wouldn't call one of u.s." growlet
the lounger who had before spoken. &c
wonder what Jones has found. I'll jest talk
a look, as dinner isn't ready"
He arose lazily. abstracted stick of burn
ing wood for torch, proceeded to the cav
ern entrance, and disappeared from view.
"Probahly," said Hubert. ..''there's large
cavern under that hill If we had time, j
might pay to explore it. Under the presen
circumstances, l am like Brown. and prefe
my dinner to scientific explorations" -.
The meal seemed tn be nearly ready, 70
the rattling of tin cups and dishes began t.
be heard; the licuteuant's small camp -ches
was unpacked, and the cooks shouted to til