Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1870-06-24

nv course and keeping as near as l could
to styaight' line by ranging along trees.
/ hope to fall in with some water-course
and follow that to the river, but my evil
genius brought me again upon my own
track. followed it to the team, where,
seated upon the sled, again held counsel
with myself did not think | could live
to follow my track back to the river and
reach. home By its bank.I was so loaded
down with snow and ice and weakened by
exertion. To attempt to ford the river again
and seek my neighbors camp was utterly
hopeless. These were the only chances,
and dispaired of either. While sitting
their heard what supposed was the re.
port of pistol, and supposed 1t might be
a signal from home for me. 4 afterwards
learned. that was in an opposite direction,
and the sound was doubtless some tree
cracking with the frost. But that did
not know. sdI tiss saF
Certain death lay in longer delay. and |
again set out, leaving the oxen chained to
a tree, with lively fears that they would
make a meal for the grey serenaders who
were then sounding their notes in the
stormy air. The report of the supposed
pistol had inspired me with something
like hope, and I started in the direction of
the sound, trying to keep a straight course
| had gone bat short distance when |
struck small water course or swail at
nearly right angles, and though it turned
directly off my path, thought it the surest
guide and commenced following it. In
many places the thick underbush made
the bank almost impossible; but my
clothes in their iron-clad condition, were
an excellent protection against thorns,
prickly ash, and other like disagreeable
impediments, and was struggling for life
worked through places where nothing
close following death could have driven me.
/ traced the course Of the stream with
difficulty, after having to trample down
the snow into the water and then throw
in piece of ice, to discover which way
the current ran, so as to avoid side streams
- length I came to the river near where
I had crossed with the team and again
found my tracks. :.
| now was SO weak that / knew | could
not cross the river. By following the
bank had a sure guide home, but i was
three or four miles distant, and knew 2
considerable part Of the distance. was COW
cred with thick underbrush and other
obstructisas. Being now so very faint
and chilled, ] did not think it possible to
reach home that way. In straight line,
however, the distance was rot more than
one mile and a half Could keep a
straight course, I might reach home in
safety should wander again would be
lost. But it was my only practicable
chance. I started as near as could guess
the course, leaving the river, determined
to keep IN direct line. / came across
thickets through which T could not see,
but my last hope lay in maintaining a
straight course, and did not swerve. !
had strength to 90 but few rods at a
time then would rest moment, and then
start anew Ifelt no particular pain, but
oh. so faint and weary and sleepy.
In dream, horrible nightmare it serm-
ed to ME, struggled and scrambled on amid
the snow and chilling wind until reached
the banks of the river near our log house,
having kept my course remarkably. |
recognized the place some forty rods from
the house, but there was yet some danger
that my strength might fail me even with
in sight Of deliverance. By this time |
was so we'll to walk that could not go
more than two or three rods without rest
ing. But the sight of home gave me
strength, and at last crawled to the door.
too benusnbed and exhausted to get up to
open it or to call loud enough to be heard
inside. | tried to rattle my stiffencd
hands against the door. No one heard.
/ thought my last hour had come, and fell
, against the door. One Of the inmates
thought he heard something, came to see
what it was, found me there helplsss and
speechless, and took me in, restored to
life and warmth after night of agony
sneh as | have suffered neither before nor
since. ia t...g.-s..e s- g.s 4
This ended my night in the snow, al
though my frozen feet kept me reminded
Of the experience for some time to come.
The men who went after the cattle the
next morning brought them in safe about
noon. They said that in daylight they
would not have attempted to get through
many Of the places penetrated in follow
ing the creek. with death close upon my
heels and darkness around me. I go;
= gel 80 to endure many more hard.
around ssur 1, n TINS I'm in old settled countries
Moscow. Iowa o., Wis, March rs, 81,
$500 > az fs- Z