The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-04-01

CURIOUS AND STARTLING MYSTERY.
Skirting the Black Hills, forty miles
west of Fort Laramie,a party ofhorse-
men 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 road, among
those long ridges, beds of rivers, and
sterile plains, by which the region of
the Black Hills is distinguished.
The bulk of the party consisted of
/ ten CaYalrymen, under a 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 pro-
visions and appurtenances 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, but who had tired of
the great solitude, or been frightened
by the Indians, and were now return
ing eastward in search of homes near
er the haunts of civilization.
The third civilian was Hubert Earle,
the lover of Miriam Dane, the settlers
daughter, whom we have Just left in
such deadly peril.
lie was a splendid specimen of
American manhood, magnificently
formed, road-shOuldered, deep-ches-
ted, as vigorous as an athlete, and
rode his horse, fiery Mexican steed.
with the grace and ease of 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 recorded.
His thoughts were wrapt in the
sweet memory of Miriam. who had
wept so bitterly at his departure, and
who, he expected, would smile so Joy.
ously at hts return.
THE dear little soul - he murmured
aloud. Where is she now ?"
His eyes darkened with tender
sweetness, his lips quivered with the
ineffable love that flooded his being
with a happiness akin to pain. He
pictured their meeting, the pretty
home they would share together. the
years they would spend in each 9TH
er's 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
a more than moderately rich man,
with bills of exchange in his channels
money-belt of sufficient value to sup
port them both in luxury as long as
they might live.
1t 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 ex-
element. To the southwark at no
great distance, . small herd of buffa-
loes was grazing laZily, 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 strong
within him.
Giving rein to his horse, he galloped
along the line 20 speak to the lieuten-
ant. but was met half way by that
officer, whose sparkling eyes and ca
ger demeanor attested to kindlinv
of Ninrod-like zeal.
what do you say to an hours sport,
Mr.. EarleY" shouted the lieutenant.
as he bore down upon his friend. for
Hubert was a decided IA orite with
every member of the party.
Il think it would be a downright
shame to turn our backs on such
splendid game was the quick re-
Spouse. Who could eat a dinner of
salt pork. with those lat buffaloes so
near use''
The lieutenant smiled. glanced up |
and down the line, reading eager long,
ing in the faces of his men. and re-
solved 10 carry out his own and the
general desire.
At word of command from him.
the party set out at quick gallon for
the scene OF action.
The buffaloes allowed the enar,,- to |
approach quite near. the wind fayor
ing 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 |
enemy, and, with frightful bellowinus
and mighty tramp, had begun their I
wild, mad fight to the southwark.
The chase was n long one: and II |
was not till the hunters had run the |
butfaloes upon spur of the Black |
Hills that they got a good chance M /
them. They then brought down sew |
eral plump young buffaloes, and din
ner speedily became the watchword. |
Its noon, and wen have dinner"
said the lieutenant, observing that the |
baggage animals with their drivers.
were approaching. "Kindle a fire
boys, and we'll have steaks and roasts
in abundance
While this order was being carried
into effect, Hubert and several others
were engaged in surveying the scene.
A lonely and desolate spotn said