The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1869-03-30
& II A p r Z r | |.

CURIOUS AND STARTLING NYsTERf.
Skirting the Black Hills, forty miles
west of Fort Laramie, a party Of horse
men were riding eastward.
They had left Fort Bridger eight days
before, taking the route Of the North
Platte, and were now following the OreI
gon emigrant road. among those long rid'
ges, dry beds, and sterile plains, by which
the regions of the Black Hills is distin-
gushed.
The bulk Of the party consisted of ten
cavslrymen, under lieutenant, who were
returning to Fort Iarmie, their post of
duty. They were we'll mounted, and had
several led horses in their train, loaded
with their provisions and appurtenances
of travel.
The balance Of the party comprised
three civilians, who had seized the oppori
tunty of crossing the mountains under
military escort. Two Of these were EN-,
,granta who had settled neat Fort Brid-
ger. but who had tired Of the great soils
tude, CT been frightened away by the
Indians, and were nowreturning eastward
in search OF homes nearer the haunt. Of
civilization.
The third civilian WAS Hubert Earle,
the lover cf Miriam Dane, the settler 4
daughter, whom we have just left in sucl,
deadly peril.
lie was t;:lendil specimen of Ameri-
can manhood, magnifcentiy formed,
broad shouldered, lcep. chcsted vigorous
as an athlete, and rode his horse, a fiery
Mexican stecd, with the grace. and ease
of Centaur.
At the moment OF his introduction 10
the reader, he was riding in the rear Of
the little train, busy with his own rehec-
tions, which were evidently as bright us
the morning tself--the forenoon preceed'
ing the events we have recorded
Ills thoughts were wrapt in the sweet
memory OF Miriam, who had wept so bit
tery at his departure, and who, he er'
pected, would smile so joyously Mt hi
return.
The dear little soul = he murmured
aloud Where is she now
His eyes iarkened with tender sweet
mesa, his lips qulvered with the inetiable
love that flooded lii being with happi
ness akin 10 pain He pictured theil
meeting, the pretty home they would
share together, the ears they would spend
in each others society, the tender mutual
love and care that would bless all theil
coming days.
He had left her poor adventurer, tc
seek his fortune among the mines OF Ida
no. lie was returning to her IA more
than moderately rich man, with bills q
exchange in his chamois money-belt o
sufficient value to support them both il
luxury as long as they might live.
1t was not to be wondered at that hi
thoughts were pleasant.
Suddenly he was aroused from hi
trance>like silence, by cries Of delight from
his companions, and by the fact that thsy
had checked their speed.
Looking around him quickly, he behel'
the cause Of the unusual excitement. i,
the southwark, at no great distance,
small herd of buffaloes was grazing lazily
seemingly not at all alarmed by the nea
presence of formidable enemy.
The wind was blowing from them, III
horses were fresh, and, as he looked a
the tempting game, Hubert felt the spiri
of the hunter grew strong within him.
Giving rein to his horse, he gallope
along the line to speak to the lieutenant
but was met half way by that officer
whose sparkling eyes and eager demeano
atiested 10 a kindling of Nimrod.like yea
What do you say to an hours sport
Mr.. Earle = shouted the lieutenant, q
he bore down upon his friend, for Huber
was decided favorite with every membe
of the party.
i think il would be downright sham
to turn our backs on such splendid game
was the quick response. Who could e'
dinner Of salt pork, with those fat buff
loes so near US
The lieutenant smiled, glanced up nm
down the line. reading eager longing
lHt idCtS VI hto iucuj anu teSotfcu w 'h' '
out his own and the general desire.
At n word Of command from him, II
; party set out a, a quick sallop for II
scene Of action.
The buffaloes allowed the enemy
approach quite near, the wind isvoriu
' the hunters, but at length began TO snu
J. the air uneasily, to shake their heads, a,
! to look for the cause of their apprehe
J. sions.
A moment later they had bebeld 4
e enemy, and, with frightful bellowings al
" mighty tramp had began their wild M
! fight to the southwark.
The chase was a long one and il W
not till the hunters had run the buffalo
At upon q spur Of the Black Hills that th
N got good chance at them. They th