The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-22
CHI A PIT Err II.
A CURIOUS AND STARTLING MYSTERY!

A CURIOUS AND STARTLING MYSTERY!
Skirting the Black Hills, forty miles west of
Fort Laramie, party OF horsemen were riding
eastward
They had left Fort Bridger eight days before,
taking the route of the North Platte and were
now following the Oregon emigrant roads
among those long ridges, dry beds of rivers,
and sterile plains by which the region of the
Black Hills is distinguished.
The bulk of the party consisted of ten cavalry
men, under lieutenant, who were returning 10
Fort Laramie, their post of duty. They were
well mounted, and had several led horses In
their train, loaded with their provisions and
appurteuances OF travel.
The balance of the party comprised three
civilians, who had seized the opportunity of
crossing the mountains under military escort.
Two of these were emtgrants who had settled
near Fort Bridger, but who had tired OF the
great solitude, or been frightened by the
Indians, and were now returning eastward in
search of homes nearer the haunts of civlllaa.
ton.
The third civilian was Hubert Earle, the
lover of Miriam Dane, the settlers daughter,
whom we have just lett in such deadly peril.
He was splendid specimen of American
manhood magnifcently formed, broad-shoul-
dered, deep chested as vigorous as an athlete,
ana rode his horse, 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 re-
corded.
His thoughts were wrapt in the sweet memory
of Miriam, who had wept so bitterly at his de-
partule, and who, he expected, would smile SO
oyously at his return.
5.The dear little soul!" he murmured aloud.
"Where is she noWW
His eyes darkened with tender sweetness, his
lips qulvered with the ineffabe 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 society, the tender mutual
hot oil thnr
| days.
He had left her. poor adventurer, TO seek his
| fortune among the mines OF Idaho. He was
returning to her more than moderately 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.
| IT was not to be wondered at that his thoughts
| were pleasant.
Suddenly he was aroused from his trance.Iike
| 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 excitement. To the south
ward, at no great distance, a small herd of
bufaoes was grazing lazly, 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
Giving rein to his horse, he galloped along
the line TO speak to the lieutenant, but was met
halt way by that officer, whose sparkling eyes
and eager demeanor attested to a kindling of
Nimrod.ike zeal.
what do you say 10 an hours sport, Mr..
| Earle" shouted the lieutenant, as he bore do Wn
upon his friend, for Hubert was decided fayo +.
! lie with every member OF the party.
81 think it would be a downright shame to
turn our backs on such splendid game" was
the quick response. who could eat a dinner
Of salt pork with those tat bufaloes SO near
! u.s.
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 party
set out on quick gallop for the scene o.
| action.
The bufaloes allowed the enemy TO approach
quite scar, tue wind tavoTiug the hunters; bu
| an length began to snuff the air uneasily, tC
shake their heads, and TO look for the cause o
their apprehentions.
A moment later they had beheld the enemy
and, with frightlul bellowlngs and mighty
tramp, had begun their wild, mad flight to thu
sopthWard. -,
The chase was long one; and 1t was not I'll
the hunters had run the bufaloes upon spul
of the Black Hills that they got good chance
| at them. They then brought down seyera
plump young buealoes, and dinner speedily
| became the Watchword. -
at is noon, and Well have dinner" said TN
lieutenant, observing that the baggage animal
with their divers were approaching, "Klndl