The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-03-31
CAUGHT IN A QUlCKSAND.
A Thrilling Sketch.

II is now quite NUMBER OF years since
two old hunters, Buck stradling and Tom
Shuttle, were 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 any
thing else, caring very little whether we
secured more game than answered for our
immediate wants or not.
Penetrating still further and further
toward the Mexican dominion, we finally
struck barren, parched country, upon
which we entered with some hesitation.
''This looks as though we shan't find
any water l remarked, as we reined up
cur horses and took survey of the arid
plain. ~
''Does look rather skeery," replied
Stradllng, taking his short black pipe
from his mouth, "but guess we'll try it.
It'll make sort of variety to this eternal
tramping.'
.But what will we do without water9'
Iaekeds st ss 3l5sS
"Why, you see, there is water four or
five miles back OF us; so we can 90 ahead
for day, and if we can't find anything,
why, we can turn round and make back
tracks. It'll go rather rough, but 1t won't
hurt us. MY idea," continued the trap
per, growing philosophical, els, that we
never know what water is till we've gone
two or three days without it, just as the
only way to get a good, sound refreshing
sleep is to sit up for couple Of nights"
So it was concluded that we should
venture upon this unknown Sahara; and
giving rein to our horses, we struck of
upon an easy gallop. ....s ........
We saw nothing of buffalo nor deer
and more than once I questioned the
prudence of the step, but, as we were ac-
tuated somewhat by curiosity, said
nothing 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 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 i'm
possible to secure any game, was sure
discerned pair Of antlers beyond a
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 however, that I
had really seen the animal, and as there
was chance to secure something palat-
able for supper, I assured them that I
would do so. They told me to 60 ahead
while they reined their animals down to
walk and pursued their way more leis-
urely. -.... ...........
may here remark that hunters often
separate for an entire day, first agreeing
upon the guides by which they shall
meet again, and I 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 hes
itation, l waived them playful good-by
and started away.
7 aimed directly toward the spot where
had discovered the object; judged it
to De half mile distant, but when I had
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 It's summit, and towards
the thicket directed my course. l 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 animal did not need any
thing more. This done. stealthily made
my way through the bushes towards the
point where I was sure I had seen the
game.
What was my surprise and pleasure to
see not one antelope, but halt a-dozen,
grazing beyond! This was, surprise
and pleasure in more than one sense OF
the word for while we had set this sec
ton of the country down as barren waste.
here was the evidence of our mistake.
Where there was vegetation, argued,
there must be water
However. the antelopes were thou