The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-06-03
EIighwaymen in Texas
The Robbery Of a Collector.
DASHED TO PIECES,

Ihe Yellowstone River-The Whole Party
Meet with Instant Death
A correspondent of the Helena (MontaEa
Territory Herald, writing from the Old Militia
Camp, on the Yellowstone river, under date Of
May II, tells the following terrible story
party composed of Jules Farrar, Pierre
Bernard, Ike Hedges, George Henden, a Crow
indian, and the undersigned, left this place on
the 18th of March, for q trip to the almost
unknown falls OF the Yellowstone.
On the I'd of APRIL about 10 A. NJ, we halted
at the base of some foothills, there being some
signs of gold, and commenced sinking hole.
We had not proceeded long with our work be-
fore we were startled by seeing our Crow Indian
running swiftly towards US. He reported u
small band of Indians, known as Sheep-eaters
distant about four miles above, and in the same
canon. We felt Lo great uneasiness, however,
knowing full well that with our improved fire.
arms, we would be enabled to overcome fifty of
the sneaking red devils.
The same night our pack-horses three in
number, were run off by the ''Sheep-eaters" we
started in pursuit before daylight and the sun
was not more than fifteen minutes high when
we struch their trail. From the appearance of
the same, it was evident that they had at least
four hours the start of us. Upon questioning
our guide we ascertained that the valley we
were in, and which their trail followed, was
bordered on both sides by precpitous noun
tains, and there was no possible mode of egress
save by the upper end of the valley, which
opened to the Yellowstone but q short distance
above one of the falls.
No sooner was this information elected than
away we sped in pursuit. After nearly three
hours sharp riding we came upon the band and
in such manner as to cause us some SURPRISE
about midway in the stream, where could be
seen q hastily constructed raft, composed of
driftwood joined together by thongs made of
buckskin and buffalo robes. Upon this strange
craft were seen in the centre thirteen braves
while five squaws were essaying to paddle the
unWieldy craft to the opposite shore, with pieces
of bark as substitutes for paddles. Our pack
i'm no nj a nj lsnI ha Inni
ponies. -Four of the latter reached the opposite
shore.
This strange sight bursting upon our view
rendered us, for the time being, incapable of
action. At a glance we could see that they
were gradually going down stream, despite the
efforts Of the squaws, and although our senses
for the moment forsook us, the sharp crack of a
rifle and the yell of "Sheep-eater' told that the
equanimity of our Crow guide was well pre-,
served. At this iuncture Pierre Bernard shouted
out, ''For Gods sake, boys, don't murder them;
they are bound to 90 over the falls" We
looked and sight met our gaze which was
fearfuly impressive.
The raft having been caught in an eddy, not
yestige of it was to be seen, it having sunk
several inches below the surface, and the
Indians seemed to be like so many weird spirits
floating on the rushing waters. One of the
Indians rose, and bending his bow shot our
Crow through the arm. The shot was returned,
and again yell of pain was heard proceeding
from ''Sheep-eater." Bernard then told the
Grow, in his own dialect, to stop firing, but he
paid no attention to the command. Again he
raised his rifle, but lariat skilfully thrown by
Pierre held him fast. The scene now presented
was one which those who witnessed will not for
get to their dying day.
The mid-channel in which they were now
swiftly gliding down seemed to be clear of OBJ
structions, while on either side jagged rocks
peered out from the foaming water. When
about fifty yards below where we were standing,
an old Indian arose and stood erect in the centre
of circle OF braves He spoke a few words,
turned his face towards the sun, and seemingly
bade it farewell; then, wrapping his robe around
him, he sat down. The squaws Immediately
flung their pieces of bark into the river, threw
themselves on the submerged raft, and COM
menced pulling out their long tresses, in the
meanwhile screaming and bowling more like
demons than human beings.
Indians seated in the circle shook hands, and
then commenced wailing their always mourn
full death-song. Nearer, nearer they approached
the fearful abyss; still not movement was per-
eeptible on the part of the braves. They sat as
immoyable as statues, and did not quake with
fear at the near approach of the King of Terrors.
As they shot swiftly down the stream, our party
inst1ncsively raised our hats while looking at
them, and doubt If there was one except the
Crow, who did not show signs of visible emo
tion.
How singular, was it not 4? Before us were
eur enemies, who but a short time ago we would
have gladly killed in fight, but now whose
near approach to death touches our very hearts
with mingled feelings of tenderness, sorrow,
and pity. A few moments, and wonderful to
state, the raft, without losing a single piece,
goes intact with its freight of life, over the
awful brink and into the mouth of death.
We turn from the spot with indescribable
feelings. AS we take our last look at the
treacherous stream, where eighteen mortals
passed from life to death, we discern lowering
over the fatal precipice two large eagles whose
screams resound above the noise of the waters
The roar of the cataract and the eagles screams
what fit requiem for these departed red chill
dTen!