Connecticut western news., 1880-01-28
Caught in 8 Quicksand.

----=----zsss--r--- at Caught in a Quicksand.
 It is now quite number of years eipce two old hunt terss Buck Stradlng and Tom Surfls, were hunting with me in the western part of Texas, just south of the famous El Lano Estacado. We had agene into the interior more for sport than anything else, caring very little whether we secured more game than answered for our ihm 6 ediate wants or not, VT ...-..,.. .,..--. -.N
 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," I remarked, as we refined up our horses and took survey of the afid plain. ~ '.. sss.Does look rather skeery," replied Sfadhpg. taking his short, black pipe from his mouth "but guess we'll try 1t. It'll make sort of variety to this, eternal tramping." a~nsrsa. sr
 -HBut what will we do without waterg", t asked. bsS~aso ats5 .,-s ir a"' sa"Whys you see, there is water four or dlve' miles back of us, 20 we can go ahead for day, and if we can't find anything, why we can turn round and make back tracks. It'll go rather tough, but it won't hurt us. My idea" continued the trspper, growing philosophical "is, that we never know what water is till we've gone two or three days without it, just ss the only way to get c good, sound, refreshing sleep is to sit up fora couple of nights.
 So it was concluded that we should venture upon this unknown Sahara :; and, giving rein to our horses, we struck oil upon an easy gallop. -''-
 We saw nothing of buffalo nor deer, and more than once I questioned the prudence of the step; but ss Va were actuated somewhat by curiosity, said nothing, and we pressed forward. ''. a.
 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 from our guns. ~
 As we were riding along, and had come to the conclusion that it would be impossible to secure any game, I 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. ,s--
 l was certain, however, that I had really seen the animal, and as there was a chance to secure something palatable for supper, I assur ed them that would do SO. They told me to go ahead, while they refined their animals down to a walk nd pursued their way more leisurely. .-..-.
 may here remark that hunters often separate for an entire day. first agree. ing 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, I waived them playful good-by and started away. - aimed directly towards the epoi where I had discovered the object: I judged it to be half-mile distant. but when reached the place it proved to be double that distance. an. illusion which often misleads hunters and tray. . elers. @.,7....-'-..-'0' A singularly formed ridge crossed the plain from east to west. A thicket oi cactus grew upon it's summit, and towards the thicket I directed my course.
 l dismounted before ascending the hill, and cautiously leading my horse among the cactus bushes, I tied him to onee of the limbs. I tied him with g slight security, for the noble beast did not need anything more. This done, l stealthily made by way through the bushes towards the point where was sure l had seen the game. "a
 What was my surprise and pleasure tc see not one antelope, but half dozen grazing beyond This was surprise and pleasure in more than one sense TOT while we had set this section of the . country down as a barren waste, here was primo facie evidence of our mis. take. Where there was vegetation l argued there must be water.
 g However, the antelopes were a thou sand feet distant, upon smooth grassy slope. There was not the slightest GOV. ering to protect an approach, and ] began to debate with myself upon the best course to pursue. Should I imi. tate the call of one of their number ir distressp There was something so in human in that, that I revolted at tho thought, and took the consolation that n true hunter would descend to suct meanness.
 should tie my red handkerchief up onmy ramrod and take advantage o thsirs curiosity? They were too shy.
 Ah. an idea struck me. My eye sud. denly rested upon bluish line running across the prairie beyond where the ani malls were feeding. It was either