The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-03-31

sand feet distant, upon smooth, grassy
slope. There was not the slightest COW
erlng to protect an approach, and I be-
gan to debate with myself about the hest
course to pursue. Should initiate the
cry OF one of their number in distress2
There was something so inhuman in that
that revolted at the thought, and took
consolation that no true hunter would
descend to such meanness. Should I tie
my red silk handkerchief to my ram1od,
and take advantage of their curiosityS
They were too shy.
An! an idea struck me. Ny eye sud-
denly rested upon blush line running
across the prairie, beyond where the ami
mails were feeding. It was either buff
talo road or the channel of an aoYouo:
but whichever it was, 1t was the yery Gov,
or wanted, and I determined to take
immediate advantage eff 1t.
fetreatlng as stealthily from the thick
ct as had entered it, I hurried along the
side OF the slope toward point where I
nao observed that the ridge was depress
ed to the level of the plain. Reaching
this, to my still greater surprise / found
myself on the banks OF broad nr,ro,1o.
whose water slowly meandered. over a
bed OF sand gypsum. The banks were
two or three feet above the surface of the
stream, except where the ridge came
down upon the stream. Here there was
quite high bluff, and, hurrying around
its base, | stepped into the channel and
commenced wadIng upward
This was quite difficult feat, as the
bed OF the creek was soft and yielding.
and / was obliged to tread very cautious
ly and slowly, lest | should alarm the
game. The antelope is one of the most
tlmld of animals, and has wonderfully
acute sense of hearing-so much so, that
none but the most experienced hunters
can approach him. 2
After creeping along IN this wearisome
manner for several hundred yards, |
reached small clump of wormwood
bushes growing of the bank. Thinking
this might be high enough to answer for
cover, ! concluded to take advantage of
it: I slowly raised myself up and peer
ed the leaves. I had just the right place,
and, sighting at the heart of the buck, /
pulled the trigger. The brute sprang up
and dropped dead. I was on the point
OF running forward to claim the prize,
when saw the doe run up to its fallen
mate and snuff at it, as if bewildered at
the occurrence. Suddenly she seemed
to comprehend Ethe sad truth, and.
throwing back her head, began uttering
the most plaintive and p1teous cries,
while she occasionally ran around the
body, as if totally unable to control her
grief.
At first it was not my intention to kill
the doe, and had dreamed of witnessing
such a painful scene, should not have
done so. How often do we hunters, in
the excitement of the chase, commit
deeds which, in our calmer moments. We
can see as heartless and cruel! But the
deed was done past recall, and where
fore regrets - .rn,.
As watched the mournful actions of
the doe, and heard its piteous cries,
saw that it would be mercy to kill it
and end its misery. Actuated by what
perhaps was questionable humanity,
took a careful aim, pulled the trigger,
and as the smoke cleared away, 1 discov-
cred the doe lying dead with its head
resting upon its departed mate.
ssBOth are out of DISTRESS" was nv
comforting reflection, ''and have secur-
ed a rare supper, with which I will tickle
the palates Of my two friends, and con-
vince them that they are not the only ones
who have knowledge of hunting-but
what is the meaning of this?'
I attempted to move, and found both
feet fast! My first thought was that
had been stricken with paralysis, and
chill ran over me from head to
foot. But, NO; I could feel the
blood coursing to the remotest part of
my system. and I tugged like a giant. 1
tiled to step, twisted to the right and
lett, wrenched my body, but all in vain
I was fast!
Suddenly the truth flashed upon me-
l was sinking in q quicksand! ~'
With this knowledge came fierce re-
solve not to succumb. would wrench my.
self off my feet before I would consent to
die in this dreadful manner. Summoning
all the strength of which was master, I
pulled and twisted with the fury of
madness, and then paused exhausted, and
found that the only result was that I had
sunk several inches deeper in the quick
sand The soft, clinging sand was al
ready at the top OF my boots, and had SO
wedged them around my ankles that it
was impossible to pull them off. All the
time could feel myself sinking slowly
and surely, SIS though some monster, deep
III the bowels OF the earth, bad grasped
me by the feet and was gradually draw
ing me under.
Almost beside myself with terror, [
shouted for help, and then I laugh he'd
wildly at The idea Of my voice
reaching any one. was miles away from
any person. The only living creature
within hearing was my horse, and he an
swered me with neigh, as ifsympathiz-
ing with me in my despair.
And now I tried to think coolly upon
my position. Was there really no posi-
BILE way to extricate myself2 Stay Sup
pose should lay my rifle horizontally
across the sand, would it not prevent nv
sinking2 Perhaps so; at least 1 would
try it.
I looked round for my gun, but moth
ing of it could be seen. That too, alas
had sunk beneath tie surface. Could I
dig my way out9 No; sand streamed in.
to the hollow as often as i tore It out
with my frenzied fingers.
I Could not lie flat on nv hack and