The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-07-01
CAUGHT In A QUICKSAND.

OhUuDl lIN II QUlJhDhND.
IL is now quite q number of years
since two old hunters, Buck Stradling
and Tom Shuttle we're hunting with me
IN the western part of Texas, Just south
Of the famous Ell Cano Estacado. We
had gone into the interior more for sport
than anything else, caring very little
whether we secured more game than an
swered for our immediate wants or not.
Penetrating still further and further
toward the Mexican dominion, we final
ly struck barren, parched country, up
on which we entered with some hesita-
ton.
"This looks as though we shan't find
any WATER" remarked, as we reined up
our horses and took q survey Of the arid
plain.
"Does look rather skeery," replied
Stradling, taking his short, black pipe
from his mouth, "but guess well try
il. It'll make n sort Of variety to this
eternal tramping."
"But what will we do without water ?"
I asked.
"Why, you see, there is water four or
five miles back of us /; 80 we can go
ahead for a day, and, il we can't find
anything, why, we can turn round and
make back tracks. It'll go rather tough,
but il won't hurt us. My idea," contin-
ned the trapper, growing philosophical,
"is, that we never know what water is
till we've gone two or three days without
IL, Just as the only way to get good,
sound, refreshing sleep is to sit up for a
couple of nights"
so il was concluded that we should
venture upon this unknown Sahara and,
giving rein to our horses, we struck off
upon an easy gallop.
We saw nothing Of buffalo or deer, and
more than once questioned the pru-
dence of the step, but, as we we're actu-
ated somewhat by curiosity, said moth
ing, and we pressed forward
We had an abundance of dried meat,
which, no doubt, would last us all the
time necessary. Now and then we
caught sight of an antelope, but they
were very shy, and kept at n distance
which placed them beyond all danger Of
our guns.
As we were riding along, and had
come TO the conclusion that It would be
impossible to secure any game, was
sure discerned pair of antlers beyond
swell in the prairie, and declared as
much TO my companions, but they only
laughed at me, and told me to give up
the foolish thought. was certain, how
ever, that I had really seen the animal,
and, as there was chance to secure
something palatable for supper, I as
sured them that would do 80. They told
me 10 go ahead, while they reined their
animals down to walk and pursued their
way more leisurely.
may here remark that hunters often
separate for an entire day, first agreeing
upon the guides by which they shall
meet again, and / had no hesitation in
doing the same. My horse was fresh,
and snuffed the air as though anxious to
stretch his limbs so, without useless
hesitation, waved them playful good
by, and started away. I7 E .
aimed directly toward the spot where
had discovered the object I judged it
TO be Q half-mile distant, but when
reached the place, it proved to be double
that distance, an illusion which often
misleads hunters and travellers.
A singularly formed ridge crossed the
plain from east to west. A thicket OF
cactus grew upon its summit, and toward
the thicket directed my course. dis
mounted before ascending the hill, and,
cautiously leading my horse among the
cactus bushes, tied him to one OF the
limbs. / tied him with slight security
for the noble beast did not need any
thing more. This done, I stealthily
made my way through the bushes to-
ward the point where I was sure had
seen the game.
What was my surprise and pleasure 10
see not one antelope, but half-a-dozen,
grazing beyond This was q surpriss
and pleasure IN more than one sense; for,
while we had set this section of the
country down as barren waste, here
was prtnl-dfacie evidence Of our mis-
take. Where there was vegetation,
argued, there must be water.
However, the antelopes were 1000
feet distant, upon n smooth, grassy
slope. There was not the slightest COW
ering TO protect an approach, and be-
gan TO debate with myself upon the best
course TO pursue. Should / initiate the
call Of one of their number in distress
There was something 30 inhuman in that
that / revolted at the thought, and tool
the consolation that no true hunter
would descend to such meanness. Should
I tie my red handkerchief upon my ram
rod, and take advantage of their curios
Hy? They were too shy.
All an idea struck me. My eye sud.
denly rested upon blush line running
across the prairie, beyond where the ami
mails were feeding. It was either buf
falo road or the channel of an arroyo
but, whichever it was. il was the very
cover wanted, and / determined to takt
immediate advantage of it.
Hetreating as stealthily from thu
thicket as I had entered Il, I hurried
along the side Of the slope toward poinf
where had observed that the ridge wa.
depressed TO the level of the plain
Reaching this, TO my still greater sur
prise / found myself on the banks of I
broad arroyo, whose water slowly me
andered over bed Of sand and gypsum
The banks were two or three feet abov
the surface Of the stream, except wher
the ridge came down upon the stream
Here there was quite a high bluff, and
hurrying around its base, stepped int
the channel and commenced wadin
upward.
This was quite n difficult feat, as tn
bed OF the creek was soft and yielding
and was obliged to tread very car
tiously and slowly, lest Ishould alarm th
game. The antelope is one Of the MOI
timid OF animals, and has o wonderfull
acute sense ofhearing-so Of much 20, thi
none but the most experienced hunter
can approach him.