Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-24
CHAPTER II.
A CURIOUS AND STARTLING MYsrERYl

CURIOUS AND STARTLING hfsrEhfi
Skirting the Black Hills, forty miles
west of Fort Laramie, party OF horse
men were riding eastward.
They had left Fort Bridger eight days
before, taking the route of the North
Platte. and we're now following the Ore
gon emigrant road, 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
cavalrymen, under lieutenant, who
were returning to Fort Laramie, their
most of duty. They were we'll 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 had seized the oppor-
tunity of crossing the mountains under
military escort Two of these we're emf
grants who had settled near Fort Bird
ger, but who had tired of the great soli-
tude, or been frightened by the Indians,
and were new returning eastward In
search of homes nearer the haunts OF
civilization.
The third civilian was Hubert Earle,
the lover of Miriam Dane, the settlers
daughter, whom we have just left ia such
deadly peril.
He was a splendid specimen Of Ameri-
can manhood, msgui6cently formed,
broad-shouldered, deep chested, as vigor-
GUS 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 rehec-
tions, which were evidently as bright as
the morning itself-the forenoon preced-
ing 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, be ex-
pected, would smile so joyously at his
return.
1.-The dear little soul !" be murmured
aloud. "Where is she now z
his eyes darkened with tender sweet
ness, his lips quivered with the iuefable
love that flooded bis being with hsppi-
ness akin to pain. He pictured their
meeting. the pretty home they would
share together, the years they would
speud in each others society, the tender
mutual love aud care that would bless oil
their coming 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 chsmois money belt OF
sufficient value to support them both in
luxury as long as they might live.
II was not to be wondered at that his
thoughts were pleasant.
Suddenly be was aroused from his
trance like silence, by cries Of delight
from his companions, and oy the fact
that they had checked their speed.
Looking around him quickly, be beheld
the cause Of the unusual excitement. To
the southwark, at no great distance, q
small herd OF buflloes was gazing lszily,
seemingly not at all alarmed by the near
presence Of formidable enemy.
The wind was blowing from them, the
horses were fresh, and, a. be looked at
the tempting game, Hubert felt the spirit
OF the hunter grow strong within him.
Giving rein to bis horse, be galloped
along the line to speak to the lieutenant,
but was met half way by that officer,
whose sparkling eyes aud eager de-
ueanOr sttestei 10 kindling Of Nimrod-
| like zeal.
"What do you say to an hours sport,
! Mr.. Earle2 shouted the lieutenant, ss be
bore down upon his friend, for Hubert
vas a decided fsvoriie with every mem
Der Of the party.
81 think il wcsia he . downright
shame ts tara our backs on such splendid
game" was the quick response. Who
Conclusion on Fourth Page