Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-03-26
CHAPTER II.


Skirting the Black Hills, forty miles west
of Fort Laramie, party Of horsemen were
riding eastward.
They bad left Fort Bridger eight days
before, taking the route of the North
Platte, and were now following the Oregon
emigrant road, among those long ridges,
dry beds of rivers, and sterile plains, by
which the region of tho Black Hills is dis
tinguished.
The bulk of the party consisted of ten
cavalrymen, under lieutenant, who were
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 appurteDances 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 emigrants who
had settled near Fort Bridger, bat who had
tired of the great solitude, OF been fright
ened by the Indians, and were now return
ing eastward in search of homes nearer the
haunts of civilization.
The third civilian was Hubert Earle, the
lover Of Miriam Dane. the settlers daugh-
ter, whom we have Just left in sUch deadly
peril.
He was a splendid specimen of Ameri-
can manhood, magnifcently formed, broad
shouldered, deep-chested, as vigorous as an
athlete, and rode his horse, fiery Mexi,
can steed with tie grace and ease OF a Cen
taur.
At the moment Of his introduction to the
reader, he was riding in the rear Of the lit
tie train, busy with his own reflections,
which were evidently as bright as the morn
ing itself-the forenoon preceding the
events we have recorded
His thoughts were wrapt Ia the sweet
memory OF Miriam, who had wept so bit
terly at his departure, and who, lie expect
ed, would smile so Joy ouSly at his return.
"The dear little soul = he murmured
aloud. Where is she now p
His eyes darkened with tender sweet
ness, his lips quivered with the ineffable
love that flooded Lis being with a happi-
ness akin to pain. He pictured their meet
ing, the pretty home they would share to-
gether, the years they would spend in each
others society. the tender mutual love aud
care that would bless all their coming
days.
He had left her poor adventurer, to
seek his fortune among the mines of Ida
no. He WAS returning to her more than
moderately rich man, with bills of ex-
change i'll Lis chamois moneybelt of sutfi-
cient 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
like 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 southwark. at no great distance. &
small herd of buffaloes was grazing lazily,
seemingly not at all alarmed by the near
presence of formidable enemy.
The wind vas 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 to 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 demeanor attest
ed to kindling of Nimrod- like zeal.
What do you say to an hours sport,
Mr.. Earle ?" shouted the lieutenant, as he
bore down upon his friend, for Hubert was
decided favorite with every member of
the party.
81 think it would be a downright shame
to turn our backs on such q splendid
game" was the quick response. " Who
could eat dinner of salt pork, with those
fat butfaloes SO near us p
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 at quick gallop for the scene
of action.
The buffaloes allowed the enemy to ap-
proach quite near, the wind favoring the
hunters but at length began to snuff the
air uneasily, to shake their heads, and to
look for the cause of their apprehensions.
A moment later they had beheld the en-
envy, and, with frightful bellowings and
mighty tramp, had begun their wild, mad
flight to the southwark.
The chase was long one and it was
not till the hunters had run the buffaloes
upon spur of the Black Hills that they
got good chance at them. They then
brought down several plump young buffa-
loes, and dinner speedily became the
watchword.
eft is noon, and we'll have dinner"
said the lieutenant, observing that the bag
gage animals with their drivers were ap-
preaching " Kindle fire, boys, and wei
have steaks and roasts in abundance
While this order was being carried into
effect, Hubert and several others were en-
gagged in surveying the scene.
"a lonely and desolate spot" said Hub
ert, thoughtfully. 1T looks as if man had
never before visited it,
''And no WONDER" returned Bridges,
" since 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 question,
Hubert proceeded to find an excellent
grazing spot for his horse, tethered him,
and flung himself On the ground in the
shadow of the hill. The lieutenant and
portion of the men followed his example.
Plenty of low bushes were found dry
enough to burn, and several fires were the
soon kindled. The choicest portions of
bufaloes were readily prepared for cook
ing, and it was not long before the odor
of burning flesh was diffused ON the air
four or five hungry soldiers serving as
cooks.
Tt was wild picnic scene on those lone