Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-06-30
A MIDNIGHT RIDE.

1t was in a new mining district. The re-
puted richness of the mines had attracted a
large number of prospectors, and with the
rush came the "slum" of followers that are
almost inseparable from such excitements.
Our mine was the only one fairly at work,
and the only one whose mill was in operation.
Other mills were in course Of construction,
and the reputation Of the assays in San
Francisco Of our rock had made this-the
first run of our mill--a subject Of universal
interest it the district The cleanup was
made on Saturday, and big reports had
leaked out of its grand result. 1t was only
a weeks run and the mill was a single battery
with limited convenences outside the battery
for amalgamation, etc., bearing about the
same relation to the present style of quartz
mill as jewsharp to a piano. However,
it was big thing for our district, and the
and the result prophesed was one calculated
to throw Washoe (which was then the gen.
eric term for the Nevada Territory mines)
quite into tho shade
OF course it was desirable to get the re-
suit Of this first run to San Francisco as
soon as possible, and, as the condition Of
things was little shaky as to the security Of
the road, etc., it was a serious question how
to solve the problem.
A military express was running from n
neighboring United States Indian post, and
the arrangements were made to have the
yellow bullion carried by their "vidette" to
the nearest express Office but the post was
some twelve miles distant from the mine,
and dangerous road lay between it and our
mill.
Tempted by the madcap ride offered my
services to carry the bullion through by nigh
to the post. The superintendent Of the com.
pany eagerly accepted the offer, and sober
second thought found me saddled with al
errand which threatened q little persona
danger and good deal of personal discom
fort. However, | wouldn't back out or show
my misgivings; SO, about midnight, set ou
on my lovely ride, mounted on white horse
Well-known in the district, with saddle.bag
carefully secured and filled with the bullion
and Colts dragon pistol in the holster.
'elt the excitement that spice Of DANCE
always gives to such undertakings.
After crossing ferry at the start Of tn
journey, the road lay through long stretol
of plain dotted by sage-brush and grease
wood and crossed by two streams on tn
margin of which cottonwood tried to grow
and succeeded so far as to make the roadsld
quite like a chappare.
All was quiet, save the sound of m
horses feet as he went of on q round tro
until after crossing the first creek
Soon after getting out of the first thickt
which the stream encouraged TO grow,
heard the.sound of another horse followin
rapidly. To say was thoroughly alarmed
is probably mild way to put it, HoWeVe
concluded to make it question Of speed
and striking my spurs into old Whitley,
we commenced our race.
"This chap" l thought, "intends to con
up with me, If possible, at the next creel
where the underground is thicker, and
must beat him there" So urged my hor
to his utmost speed.
Away we few through the gloom; but Il
sound of the pursuer come nearer. No u
to look behind. could only see some
teen feet about me, and that but indistinctl
On | went-the perspiration dropplI
from my forehead, and on patting my horst
neck urging him in low voice. found b
too, was feeling the pace.
Still the pursuer gained. From d
break-neck pace at ew which were going the
could be no doubt of his intentions.
The line of shurbbery Of the second ere
could now be seen dimly through the dar
ness, and almost Immediately the stream W
reached Through l dashed-a CLEAN
hope that my pursuer would stop, maxi
me feel little elated.
On regaining the hard road once more