The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-08-12
CAUGHT IN A QUICKSAND.

Chicago Ledger.
CAUGHT IN A QUICKSAND.
It is now quite q number of years
since two old hunters, Buck Strading
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
~ struck a barren, parched country, up
on which we entered with some hesita-
ton.
"This looks as though We shan't find
any water" I remarked, as we refined up
our horses and took survey Of the arid
plain.
"Does look rather skeery," replied
Stradling, taking his short, black pipe
from his mouth, "but I guess we'll try
it,. It'll make 4 sort of variety to this
eternal tramping."
"But what will we do without water"
l asked.
"Why, you see, there is water four or
five miles back Of us; so we can go
ahead for day, and, if we can't find
anything, why, we can turn round and
make back tracks. It'll 60 rather tough.
but it won't hurt us. My idea," contin.
ued the trapper, growing philosophical,
sis, that We never know what water is
till we've gone two or three days without
it, just as the only way to get good,
sound, refreshing sleep is to sit up for a
couple Of nights
So it was concluded that we should
venture upon this unknown Sahara and,
giving rein to orr horses, We struck off
upon an easy gallop.
We saw nothing Of buffalo OF deer, and
more than once [ questioned the pru-
dence Of the step, but, as we were actu-
ated somewhat by curiosity, said moth
ing, and we pressed forward.
We had an abundance Of dried meat,
which, no doubt, would last lis all the
time necessary. Now and then we
caught sight of All antelope, but they
we're 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
impossible to secure any game, 1 was
sure dscerned 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. I was certain, how
ever, that had really seen the animal,
flprQ tn
something palatable for supper, I as
sured them that I would do so. They told
me to go ahead, while they reined their
animals down to walk and pursued their
way more leisurely.
L 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.
I aimed directly toward the spot where
I had discovered the object; I Judged it
to be half-mile distant. but when I
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 I directed my course. dis
mounted before ascending the hill, and,
cautiously leading my horse among the
cactus bushes, I tied him to one Of the
limbs. I 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 I had
seen the game.
What was my surprise and pleasure to
see not one antelope, but half-a-dozen
grazing beyond! This was a surprise
and pleasure in more than one sense; for,
while We had set this section of the
country down as barren waste, here
was prin1-afacie evidence of our mis-
take. Where there was vegetation, I
argued. there must be water.
However, the antelopes were 1000
feet distant, upon smooth, grassy
slope. There was not the slightest Gov
ering to protect an approach, and I be-
gan to debate with myself upon the best
course to pursue. Should I initiate the
call OF one OF their number in distress
There was something so inhuman in that
that l revolted at the thought, and took
the consolation that no true hunter
would descend to such meanness. Should
tie my red handkerchief upon my ram
rod, and take advantage of their cnrios-
thy? They were too shy.
An an idea struck me. My eye sud-
denly rested upon blush line running
across the prairie, beyond where the ani.
mails were feeding. It was either b,,f-
falo road or the channel of an arroyo;
but, whichever it was. it was the very
cover | wanted, and I determined to take
Immediate advantage of it.
Retreating as stealthily from the
thicket as 1 had entered it, hurried
along the side of the slope toward o point
where had observed that the ridge was
depressed to the level of the plain.
Reaching this, to my still greater sur
prise found myself on the banks of q
broad arroyo, whose water slowly me-
andered over bed of sand and 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, I stepped into
the channel and commenced wading
upward.
This was quite difficult feat. as the
bed of the creek was soft and yielding.
and I was obliged to tread very eau.
tiously and slowly, lest Ishould alarm the
game. The antelope is one of the most
timid of animals, and has wonderfully
acute sense ofhearing- much so, that
none but the most experienced hunters
can approach him.
After creeping along in this wearisome
manner for several hundred yards,
reached small clump of wormwood
bushes growing out of the bank. Think
ing this might be high enough to answer
for cover, I concluded to take advantage
Of it. I slowly raised myself up and
peered through the leaves. I had just
the right place, and, sighting at the
hoo1f 1T tho 4o,1or I ~7,>71a1 thu k~:~,~,o,.