Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-07-25

A RIDE FOR LIFE.-There was boauti-
ful, clear stream of water named Bluff creek
running through camp, which supplied bath
ing facilities to the officers and men, a priv
ilera which but few allowed to pass unim-
pro. ID. Whether to avoid the publicity at
tending localities near camp, or TO seek Il
point in the bed of the stream where the
water was fresh and undisturbed, or from n
motive different from either of these, two of
our young officers mounted their horses one
day without saddles and rode down the val
ley Of the stream perhaps mile or more. in
search of bathing place. Discovering one
to their taste, they dismounted, secured
their horses, and after disposing of their ap-
parel on the green-sward covering the banks,
were soon floating and foundering in the
water like pair of young porpoises. How
long they had been enjoying this healthy
recreation, or how much longer they might
have remained, is not necessary to the story.
One of them happening to glance toward
their horses observed the latter in a state Of
great trepidation fastening from the
water to the bank, he discovered the cause
of the strange conduct on the part OF the
horses, which was nothing more nor less
than party of about thirty Indian war
riors, mounted, and stealthily making their
way toward the bathing party, evidently
having their eyes on the latter, and intent
upon their capture. Here was condition
OF affairs that was at least as unexpected as
it was unwelcome. Quickly calling ont to
his companion who was still in the water,
unconscious ofapproaching danger, the one
on shore made haste to uniasten their horses
and prepare for flight.
Fortunately the Indians who were now
within few hundred yards Of the two otii-
GERS were coming from direction opposite the
camp, leaving the retreat ofthe officers open.
No sooner did the warriors find that their
approach was discovered than they put their
ponies to their best speed hoping 10 capture
the officers before the latter could have time
to mount and get their horses under head
way. The two officers in the meanwhile
were far from idle; no flesh or bathing
towels were required TO restore healthy
circulation, nor was time wasted in an Idle
attempt to make toilet If they had
sought their bathing grounds from motives
of retirement or deicacy, no such sentiments
We're exhibited now, for catching up their
wardrobe from the ground in one hand, seiz-
ing the bride rein with the other, one leap
and they were on their horses backs and
riding toward camp for dear life. They
were not exactly in the condition Of Flora
McFlimsey with nothing to wear, but to all
intents and purposes might as well have
been 50. Then followed a race which, but
for the risk incurred by two Of the riders,
might well be compared to that OF John tn
pin. Roth Of the officers We're experienced
horsemen, hut what experienced horselnen
would willingly care TO be thrust upon the
bare back ola tiying steed. minus all apparel.
neither boots, nor breeches, nor saddle, not
even the spurs or shirt coliar which are said
to constitute the full uniform Of q Georgia
Colonel, and when 50 disposed Of. to have
three or four score Of hidc0usly painted and
feathered sayage,, well mounted and near at
hand. straining every nerve and urging their
feet-footed war ponies to their highest speed
in order that the scalps Of the experienced
horsemen might be added to the other hu-
man trophies which grace their lodges?
Truly this was one Of the occasions when
personal appearance Is nothing. and a man s
a nan for a that 50 at least thought our
amateur Mazeppas as they came dashins To-
wards camp, ever and anon casting anxious
| elances over their shoulders at their pur-
suers, who, despite every excrtion of the
former, were surely oycF-hauling their Iale
/ faced brothers. To the pursued, camp
seemed long way in the distance, while
/ the shouts Of the warriors. each time seem
| ing nearer than before. warned them - grge
/ their stceds to their fastest pace. In few
moments the occupants OF the camp discov-
cred the approach Of this strangely appear
ing party. 1t was an easy matter to recog-
nize the warriors, but who could name the
two who rode at the front? The pursuing
warriors, seeing that they were not likely tC
oyertake and capture the two knights OF Tho
bath, slackened their PACE and sent their or
rows after them. \ few moments later anC
the two officers were safe inside the lines
where they lost no time in making their va,
to their tents to attend 10 certain matter
relating to their toilet which the sudden ap
pearance Of the duskv visitors had prevent
ed It'was long time before they ceased Z
hear allusions made by their comrades &
the cut and style Of their riding suits
CUsfGr.