Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-24
co.o,uaea from rfrst Page.

COulu eat u uiubV.s,A 49, fSs.t
fat buAfaloes SO near us -.
The lieutenant smiled, glanced up 90
-own the line, reading eager longing
the faces of his men, and resolved !
carry out his own and the general desire
All word of command from him, n
marty set off at quick gallop for tn
scene of action. g@ ga
The buffaloes allowed the enemy :
approach quite near, the wind favorin
the hunters, but at length began to snu
the air uneasiy, to shake their heads
and to look for the cause OF their appre
tensions.
A moment later they had beheld tn
enemy, and with frightful bellowings ant
mighty tramp, had begun their wild, mat
flight TO the southwark.
The chase was q long one; and 1t wa
not till the hunters had run the buffaioe'
upon a spur of the Black Hills that they
got q good chance at them. They then
brought down several plump young but
faloes, and dinner speedily became inc
watchword.
ut 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 aoun-
dance"
While this order was being carried into
effect Hubert and several others were
engaged in SUI veying the scene. -.
& A lonely and desolate spot SAID
Hnbert tboughtfully. ut looks as IT
LII x,tatfad ~ "
"And no wonder" returned Brydges.
"since it's FIVE miles off the route.
What could any man want here, unless
he might be in pursuit of buffaloesT
There being no answer TO this ques-
ton. Hubert proceeded to find an excel
lent grazing spot for his horse, tethered
him. and flung himself on the ground in
the shadow of the hill. The lieutenant
and a portion of the men followed his
example.
Plenty of low bushes we're found dry
enough to burn, and several fires we're
soon kindled. The choicest portions OF
the buffaloes we're readily prepared for
cooking. and it was not long before the
odor of burning flesh was diffused on the
air four or five hungry soldiers serving
as cooks.
1t was wild picnic scene on those
lonely wilds, and every man there en-
joyed it with true gypsy zest.
Suddenly shout from one OF the men
who we're strolling around, arrested the
attention of the others.
"Hallo, boys" he cried. I'm blest
il here isn't cave in the hill Come,
see the hole under these bushes. You
never saw anything hidden heater in your
lives"
"Jones thinks nobody ever saw cave
before" said one Of the loungers. For
my part, think more of something to
eat than hole in the ground"
This sentiment was echoed by the
others, but the iuquisitive cave discov-
erer, nothing daunted, approached the
fire, took from it torch, returned to the
butte, parted the bushes, revealing dark
aperture in the face of the rock, and dis
appeared within it, bis light giving back
a yellow glare for second after he had
ceased 10 be seen.
The camp revelry vent on, the cook
ing progressed, the minutes passed, and
Jones did not resppear.
IF that fellow had found q gold mine
in there be wouldn't call one of u.s."
rrowled the loDngsr who had before
spoken. Wonder what Jones has
found. TN jest take 3 look, as dinner
isu ready. /
Re arose lsziiy, distracted a stick Of
burning wood for 3 torch. proceeded TO
the cavern entrance, and disappeared
from view
Probably" said Hubert, there's q
IE-rs cavern under that hall II We had
iin., il might pay to explore il. Uoder
he present Circumstances, | an like
3roEn. and prefer ny dinner to scientific
The meal seemed to be nearly ready,
or The rafting Of tin cups aud dishes
,sgan to be heard; the lieuier ants small
was uBpscked, and the cooks
shouted TO the strollers to come to din
Ter.
Have Jones and Brown came back?'
sked the lieutenant, as he rose to a sit
irg position, and glanced toward the
.svern.
The men replied in the negative.
"Gs after them then, King, and hurry
hem W" said the officer. I'VE must
esume the march after dinner, and can
Tot afford to waste time here" !
King, 6ne young soldier, took torch
md entered the cave.
The dinner was dealt out-hot, savory
teaks and roasts-the coffee measured,
md the meal commenced, but none of the
men who had entered the cave made their
appearance
" How singulsrI calculated Bridges,
estily and inpatiently. What can
Keep those msn2 King has been gone
en- minutes. Here, Sergeant Halsey,
hurry those men up
The sergeant, brown, strong man OF
middle age, hesitated, and ven,ured to
TANNER:
~ bee your pardon, Lieutenant, but
hink there's something wrong inside the
ave. There's three men in there-sll
hungry and knowing that dinner ready.
Surely they come back if they could.
Perhaps there's wild beasts, or some
Itrsnge kind of gas that smothers EN-,
IL"
Nonsense, sergeant" interrupted
he lieutenant, frowning. 81 give you
i've minutes TO bring those men back
Col"
The sergeaut's face paled, but, without
another word, he took up q torch and
entered the cave, disappearing from the
gaze of his friends.
The minutes passed, the lieutenant and
he men ate their dinner mechanically,
awaiting anxiously the expected return
yet none Of the four came back.
The words Of the sergeant had made
leep impression on the minds Of his
hearers. A general gloom fell upon the
camp, and the men cast frequent aud
fearful chances in the direction Of the