New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1881-03-30

The mercy that il warm and true
Must lend helping hand,
For those that tall, yet fail to do,
But "build upon the sand"
ONE NIGHI"S RIDE.
There was large party of men in the
Eagle saloon, Of Denver, all interested
and talking loudly concerning the COM
ing pigeon-shooting Of the following day.
The prize to be awarded to the victor in
the match was to Ike no less than 81, 900,
sufficient payment for days work, in
the opinion of every one. Much did I
wjsh that I was a skilled shot; 81 would
have been a prize for me. I was, in
the phrase current in that country,
"strapped, fiat on my back-dead
broke" Twas even hungry, and knew
not where to turn for q meal. As I was
gloomily meditating upon my future, a
remark Of newcomers miner ap-
parently- struck my ear.
"Td give $40 if I had my rifle here
that Tn used tot I can't do much with
this"
Isprang to my feet in an instant.
"Ten dollars, did you say2" I e1-
claimed. It'll bring It'll Where is it "
"You can't do it. I shall want it early
tomorrow morning."
"Where is it?"
"Down in the camp, at Silver gulch,
thirty miles from here"
"Thirty miles Give me full meal,
good horse, and you shall have your
gun at the time you WISH"
A hearty laugh greeted my proposal.
The miner good-naturedly surveyed me
from head to foot. Famished as was,
I looked young, healthy and strong.
"Wel, you shall have square meal,
at any rate"
I insisted that I could accomplish the
feat, although the sun was then setting,
and soon after was given full directions
and horse, which I selected myself, a
why and fiery mustang. Sixty miles to
be Travelled before 8 O'Clock on the fol-
lowing morning. I had set myself a
painful task, but the $40 I was to re-
ceive would enable me to look about me
for ten days, and something might then,
or before, turn up.
1 had come to Denver in hope Of en-
ployment, which my education as a
civil engineer might grant me. I had
found five surveyors ready to offer their
services where one was wanted. I had
gradually run out Of funds. I had chos-
on my mustang well as regarded his en-
durance. trusted to my horaemanship
to conquer hin wildness. His wicked
eye was proved not to belle his spirit.
As soon as I mounted, disregarding any
attempt Of mine to guide him, he gal
loped on Is though possessed by de.
mon. He was proceeding in direction
but little divergent from that which
wished. Twas half content, and soon,
upon reaching an open plain, I forced
him to acknowledge his master. Va
were now alone in an ocean Of prairie
grass. The moon shone out bright and
full, and I guided myself by the stars.
Although I was in arather lawless dis
trict, I entertained no fears Of bodily
harm from any passer I might zencoun-
tes. Indians and other maraudine
bands had well-nigh disappeared from
to ueighborhood. There had been talk
Of . gang Of Mexican bandits month
before, but nothing had been heard 81
them since. I felt even ecstatic as ~
3oeged onward at the easy trot into
!. which my pony had fallen after his first
burst Of speed The atmosphere was
delightful q gentle breeze famed my
cheek. I experienced q sense Of free
dom, Of Independence, Of loneliness, as
I looked about me over the vast plain.
Ny pony showed no signs Of WEAKNESS,
when We must have advanced full
twenty miles, maintaining an easy pace.
Il was not until lights cleaned in the
distance that he dropped into walk.
and, rs he drew nearer them, he again
voluntarily broke into . gal]op.
We reached our destinstion about II
o'clock, having travelled thirty Eve rather
than thirty miles, in five hours. I soon
found my employers partner, although
he had to be vigorously shaken before
he could be awakened II fancy whisky
had something to do With his profound
slumbers-stated my business, and pre-
sented . written missive. I obtained
the rifle, breech-loader Of magnificent
construction, valued at $500. Isecured,
- we'll, some refreshment for myself
and horse, and, after an hours delay,
started on my return trip.
Ny mustang appeared to think he
had done his duty for the night, and I
found il difficult to urge him from the
camp. At the expiration Il two miles
indeed, when my hand relaxed its
pull on the rein-his head would slowly
return 70 the camp, and but for watch-
fulness onmy part would have found
myself there again. I was now IN =
quite drowsy oopdition, and would easily