The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-09-08

Blue Canon. 1t was sun set when we
reached this place for supper. How strange
it seemed to find such pretty little village
up here 80 high amid such great rough
| forests, beautiful cottages, flower yards,
sparkling fountains of the purest water,
and climate that would bring the rose
tint again upon the pale cheek of many a
weary invalid, could they but soiourn here
awhile. A group of merry little children
are at play on the broad green lawn in
front of one Of the hotels, and we felt al
most wish to bc Il child again. This
place, We learned, is the home of many of
the rail road employees. All aboard and
we are off again. Soon we retire for the
night, are soon asleep, committed to Him
who is above ALL" dashing over the great
OLD forests at rapid speed and awaking
the next morning in Nevada.
To sum all up, We saw tall pines, mighty
water falls, high mountains, wild forests !;
and wilder looking Indians, one buffalo,
many antelope, deer, elk, prairie dogs,
wolves, dreary deserts, Chinese villages,
(way stations where Cinnamon are employ
ed on the road in California and Nevada
many towns, mining districts, rivers, poor
country and rich country between Sacra-
mento and Chicago; and would say for
the information of the reader, if you would
enjoy real treat in going to California by
rail, buy an illustrated guide before leaving
Omaha. 1t will greatly aid you in your
observations, and will help to make the
moments fly.
A MIRAGE OF THE PLAINS.
Had we the inspiration to write, SO as
to enable the reader to see it as we saw
1t, we would tell you eff q scene in Wyo-
ming Territory, on what is known as the
Red Desert 1t was perhaps one hour be-
fore sun set. 1t had been raining, but was
now cleared away again, save some bright
crimson clouds that hung lightly over the
almost setting sun. Just then our train
tnrned almost due north, and looking from
our window to the south west we saw q
sight Of marvellous grandeur.
1t was mirage, so often spoken of by
travellers over these plains. 1t looked like
fairy sea crimsoned by the rays of the
suns reflection on the clouds above. 1t
was observed by every one on the train,
and many were the expressions of admi-
alton and wonder by all. 1t would be
folly to attempt further description. We
could but repeat, how wonderful are thy
works, o God Never do we expect to
see again such combination of rare hues
and colors as we saw in this mystical sea
of shadow. No; not unless we be per-
mitted in the brighter and better world
to see the fullness of His glory" of Him
who is the author of all things Beautiful
even the mystical sea, but how soon were
our CONCENTRATIONS changed from thoughts
ofthings beautiful, to things stern and fear
full.
DANGER AHEAD.
Scarcely had the mantle of night been
thrown over us, and we were seeking our
places of repose, when our train was signal
ed to stop, and we were informed that
there was danger ahead that armed men
were to be placed ON each car for our pro-
lection. Indians on the war path was the
trouble, After the men were placed with
glistening bayonets and shining guns on
our cars, orders were again given that for
fifty miles we were TO be taken with all
possible speed so as to reach and pass a
certain place before the Indians expected
to attack us would be there. And let it be
known we travelled. Everything seemed to
quake before us, and many Of us quaked,
too, Qor fear,) as you would suppose. We
all did what we could at " looking brave"
but We passed the point If danger in due
time to prevent any risk, and being assur
ed OF safety we were soon enjoying our
needed rest,
NEIGHBoRLY TRAVELLERS.
On such long journey by rail, there
soon maniiests itself a feeling of neighbor-
ly kindness among the passengers. 1t is
amusing to see the dignity manifested at
first. Each person on the start wraps him
or herself up in their own mightiness, as
much as to say, l don't know you and
don't want too either. This manner and
feeling survives few hours, perhaps one
day, when as by sudden impulse, some one
more genial than the rest, breaks out into
merry laughter at some trifling NATTER
The ice is broken and we soon learn who
is from Boston, or New York who is
going to the Centennial; who is going
home east for the first time in many long
years, and We put on different air
While delayed for an hour one night in
the wilds of Utah Territory, some one in
our car began the song Home Again" y
We all joined, to while away the moments,
and soon our car was crowded by persons
from the other cars of the train, who as
sisted with will Other songs and hymns
were sung to the praise of Hin on whom
we all depend and we felt it good to be