Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1880-03-03
CAUGHT IN A QUICKSAND.

Straunng auu lOm OuIino, "eio
hunting with me in the western
part of Texas, just south OF the
famous FL Lano Estacado. We
had gone interior more for sport
than anything else, caring very
little whether we secured more
game than answered for our i'm
mediate wants or not.
Penetrating still further and
further toward the Mexican do
minion, we finally struck a barren,
parched country, upon which we
entered with some hesitation.
"This looks as though we shan't
find any water" remarked, as we
reigned up our horses and took a
survey of the arid plain.
"Does look rather skeery," re-
piled Stradling, taking his short
black pipe from his mouth: "but |
guess well try it. It'll make a
sort of variety to this eternal
tramping."
"But what will we do without
waterl" / 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
turn round and make back tracks.
tn turn rather tough, but it won't
hurt US. My idea," continued 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 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 nor
deer, and more than once / ques-
toned the prudence of the step
but as we were actuated somewhat
by curiosity, l said nothing as 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 an
telope, but they were very shy and
kept at a distance which placed
them beyond all danger from our
guns.
AS we were riding along, and
had come to the conclusion that it
would be impossible to secure any
game, / was sure l decerned a 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
mp the foolish thought.
Twas certain, however, that
had really seen the animal, and as
there was chance to secure some
thing palatable for supper, l as
sured them that / would do so
They told me to go ahead, while
they refined their animals down tc
q walk and pursued their way
more leisurely.
Imay here remark that hunter
often separate for an entire day
first agreeing upon the guides b.
which they shall meet again, and
had no hesitation in doing tn
same. My horse was fresh AM
snuffed the air as though anxiou
to stretch his limbs, so, withou
useless hesitation, / waived them
playful goodbye and started away
aimed directly towards tn
spot where / had discovered tn
object; / judged 1t to be hal
mile distant, but when l reaches
the place it proved to be doubl
that distance, an illusion which Of
ten misleads hunters and travellers
A siugularly formed ridge cross
ed the plain from east to west.
thicket Of cactus grew upon il
summit, and towards the thicket
directed my course.
I dismounted before ascendin
the hill, and cautiously leading m
horse among the cactus bushes,
tied him to one of the limbs.
tied him with slight security, Il
the noble beast did not need an,
thing more. This done, / stealth
lily made my way through I'll
bushes towards the point wbeI
Twas sure had seen the game.
What was my surprise and plea
ure to see not one antelope, br