The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1869-03-30

Pl atte, and we're now following the Ore
gon emigrant road. among those lone
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
we're returning to Fort Laramie. their
post of duty. They were well mounted,
and had several led horses in their train,
loaded with their provisions and appur-
tenances of travel.
The balance of the party comprised
three civilians, who ha d seized the op
portunity Of crossing the mountains un
der military escort. Two Of these were
emiprants who had settled near Fort
Bridger, but who had tired Of the great
solitude, or been frightened by the 1ndi-
ans. and were now returning eastward
in search of homes nearer the haunts of
civilization.
The third civilian was Hubert Earle,
the lover of Miriam Dane, the settlers S
daughter, whom we have just left in
such deadly peril.
He was splendid specimen of Amer
lean manhood, magniiicently formed,
broad shouldered, deep chested, as Wig
orous as an athlete, and 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 reflec-
tions, which were evidently bright as
the morning itself-the forenoon prece
ding the events we have recorded.
His thoughts were wrapt in the sweet
memory Of Mirism, who had wept SO
bitterly al bis departure, anh who, be
expected, would smile SO joyously at his
return.
The dear little soul!' he mur,nured
aloud. Where is she now?'
His eyes darkened with tender sweet
ness, his lips quivered with the ineffahle
love that flooded his being with happi
ness akin to pain. lie pictured their
meeting, the pretty home they would
share together, the years they would
spend in each other 5 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 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.
1t was not to 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 be
held the cause of the unusual excitement
To the Southwark. at no great dis
tance, small herd of buffaloes was gra
zing lazily, seemingly not ut all alarmed
at the near presence of q Formidable enc
my.
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 10 his horse, he galloped
along the line to speak to the lieutenant,
but was met half way by that officer,
whose sparkling eyes and eager demean-
or attestei to a kiniiing OF Nimrod like
zeal.
sWhat ,lo yol say TO an hours sport,
Mr. Earle?' shouted he lieutenant, as
he bore down upon his friend, for HUI
bert was a decided favorite of every
member of the party.
Il think it would be downright shame
to turn our backs on such sple,.did
game was the quick response.
sWho could eat dinner of salt pork,
with those fat buffaioes so near us!'
The lieutenant smiled, glanced up and
down the line. reading eager longing in
the faces OF his men. and resolved to
carry out his owu AMI the general desire.
At word of command from him. the
party set out at a quick gallon for the
scene of action.
The buffaloes allowed the enemy to
approach quite near, the wind favnring
the hunters; but Mt length be an To snuff
the air uneasiiy, to shake their heads,
and to look for the cause of their aopre-
tensions.
mon: ent later they had belleld the
ene:ay, and, with frightfui heliowngs
and mighty tramp, they had begun their
wild, mad tramp to the southwark
The chase was long one; and it was
not till the hunters had run Tho buffa-
loes upon n spur of the Black Hills that
they got good chance at them. They
then brought d own several plump young
buffaloes. and dinner spec lily became
the watchword
1t is noon, and we'll have dinner
said the lieutenant. observing that the
baggage animals with their drivers were
approaching 'Kindle fire, boys, and
we'll have steaks and roasts in abnnd-
ance'
While this order was being carried
into effect, Hubert and several others
were engaged in surveying the scene.
"A lonely and desolate spot said HUI
bert, thoughttuliy. 1T looks as if man
had never before visited it,
sAnd no wonder returned Bridges.
ssince 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 ques
ton. Hubert proceeded to find an ex-
cellent grazing spot for his horse, teth-
cred him, and flung himself on the
ground in the shadow of the hill. The