Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-12-21

4
had made discovery of some sort. II
was not wild game, for that he would
have continued to bark at. Lambert
called to him, and the old fellow came
!, running back to meet US, but instantly
wheeled about ia his tracks and returned
| before u.s.
| As we drew near to the spot where he
was standing awaiting our approach, we
were startled, though can scarcely say
surprised, by beholding the dark form OF
man, apparently dead, stretched upon
the snow, within four feet of the edge oi
the stream. His clothes, which had been
completely saturated with water, were
frozen as stiff az o suit of iron. The
poor man had evidently been submerged
in the icy stream, and had barely
strength enough remaining to drag him.
self upon the bank out of reach of the
tide.
Dark as was the night, it required but
brief examination to convince rs, as
we had feared at the instant of discovery,
that it was the body of our poor unfor-
tunate Dick.
Not moment was wasted in useless
regrets, or wondering speculations. We
called to Dillon, who came at once down
to the creek, opposite where we stood.
The sad truth was communicated to him,
followed by request to make certain
necessary preparations at camp for the
reception and treatment of our unfortu-
nate comrade, and then to hasten to our
assistance.
We set to work as if for Che salvation of
our own lives. 1t was herculean task,
indeed, but we thought not Of fatigue and
danger then. There was no choice for US
but to return by the route we had trav'
eled in coming-around the bend of the
creek.
When at length the inanimate form of
our comrade was brought within the in.
Auence of the brightly blazing camp fire,
we removed the frozen garments from the
stifenipg limbs, and energetically sp.
piled all the resources at command to aid
in the restoration of warmth and life if
possible. 1t seemed at first fruitless
struggle, yet soon there we're not wanting
certaia hopeful signs to encourage us in
our efforts. Nothing was neglected that
promised the least assistance in the re-
suscitating process.
Long and patiently we labored before
being repaid by sure indications of re-
turning life. But they appeared at length
the thin pulse huttered feebly, falter-
iugly--the breath came quick and Diff
cult-but consciousness delayed, and for
time spared the sufferer the physical
torture ofreturning animation. Yetthat
could not he long ayerted.
There were a few premonitory twitch-
ings of the muscles, a convulsive move
ment of the limbs, and as we stood OBJ,
servant, we were startled by cry OF
agony that woke the slumbering echoes of
the valley, and filled the air with sound
! of suffering. 1t was the FIRST return OF
ciousness of pain. The poor fellow
writhed in torture, tossing his arms aloft,
and for long time could not be re-
strained. WIZ
At length, however, narcotic, ad-
ministered in the spirits which we con-
tinued to give him, brought ease to body
and mind. As yet the sufferer had not
spoken an articulate word, nor had
seemed to recognize the forms of
those who were bending over him
with ready aid and sympathy. And
as he soon relapsed into o blissiul state
of consciousness, and slept rest
ful sleep, we softly withdrew and left him
thus, thankfully awaiting q, return OF
strength. W WIG .th#F
Worn and weary we three sat down
together before the bright warm fire, and
in hushed voice discussed and specu
| lated on the recent fortunes OF Dick
Armstrong, which had terminated so dis
astrously on that dreary winter night.
Toe first movement on the part OF the
subject of these speculations called us
instantly to his side. He lay quiet, ap-
parently awake, and with look of recog-
nilion in his eyes. raised bis head,
and brought the cup OF hot grog to his
lips. -, ;,
Here, drink this, Dick, old fellow"
said / resssuringly, "iu toast to the hos
pitality of our robber cave. Drink
hearty Of it; it will make you feel
stronger"
"Do you know these ugly cusses
around here, Dick2' asked Charley.
"Ah, Charley Don't you think l
ought to p replied the poor fellow with
emotion. Then after moments pause
be added, II hope, boys, you may all
sometime have the same cause to remem-
Der me as well T. rF
This odd bat well-mesnt remark was
greeted with such hearty burst of
laughter, that be attempted TO explain.
"I meant" he began, but Charley
checked him.
1--WE all know what you meant, Dick,
and We hope the wish may be realized,
as fer as the good will is concerned.
"Yes, that's ell right, but how about
the pet horse you're going to have to
lend, one Of these days 2 asked, jocu-
larly sllnding to his parting words to me
those few days before.
"You shall have him, BY jingol Jack,
even though he were made OF goldF re-
Piled Dick with great emphasis, At the
same time extending TO me bis hand, and
giving my own q hearty grip, which sig
hifed, "Ifs all settled, old fellow.
Our patient had now recovered full
consciousness, and retained very much
more strength than We had even dared
to hope for, considering his recent con-