The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-11-02
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9 Miles to Eagle Creek.

ascending this steep mountain for about
three miles we reached the head waters Of
what we supposed was Eagle creek. The
weather was not the fairest yet by stretching
q wagon sheet we were shielded from the
rain. forgot to mention that we had been
travelling through snow on the mountains
before reaching this point. The next morn
ing we saddled up our ponies and again
started upon our journey. At this juncture
TROUBLE BEGAN,
for no sooner had we started than we became
convinced that work was In store for US.
Nothing daunted, however, we pushed on,
cutting our way through fallen timber and
edging along the craggy mountain sides as
best we could. After an all day struggle and
not going over one mile and half, 1t was
decided that the animals could 60 no further.
A halt was called and the four poor misera-
Bile creatures beswamped in that frightful
canon held conference as to the best course
to pursue. After an exchange of opinions 1t
was plainly perceivable that three of the four
were in favor Of backing out and returning.
Your correspondent alone advocated further
effort. While thus parleying, two men came
up with packs on their backs and seemed
glad to meet with company. They were
handicapped with heavy wet blankets and
were no little fatigued. The writer hereof at
once informed them of the condition of af-
fairs and asked permission to travel in their
COMPANY This of course was freely grant
ed, as on. Of them said: "Catch on; more the
merrier" At this point my old comrades
with horses
DIVIDED GRUB AND BLANKETS
with me and we separated after q shake
hands all round with goodbye, old boy"
From here we travelled down that rough and
precipitous canon some Ave or six miles and
camped. The rain came down in torrents,
and all night long we lay In our blankets,
being drenched from above and below. The
next morning we arose and built up a big
fire, but partook Of cold breakfast. Our
boots were shrunk and we had hard time to
get them on even without socks. We again
struck out, down the painless and rugged
canon, and after ten or twelve hours of to-
dious journey we brought up ut the camp Of
about twenty-five poor footsore and WORKOUT
travellers who had proceeded US, and who had
about become convinced that all hands were
lost. At this place large tree was blazed,
upon which was written with pencil,
LOST, IL MEN,
OCT. 2aD, WITHOUT PROVISIONS.
No names were signed, but sufficient was
CLEANED from this to cause the most hardy
cheeks to pale. Here, away off in the noun
tains. without provisions, and many Of Us
barefooted, rs it were, and the rain and snow
coming down alternately, 1t was enough to
cause the stoutest heart to falter. Yet not .
murmur was heard; every man had q right to
q voice and was listened TO attentiyely. At
ter q free interchange Of views 1t was decided
that we had better make back while we had
strength to travel. With this resolve we
broke camp and started TO reascend the pre-
cipitous canon we had descended. In two
days and q half we succeeded in reaching the
trail cutters camp.
LIGHT BREAKFAST.
The last day ali your correspondent had
for breakfast, after Nesting down In the
snow beside tree over night with blanket
WTappcu aTOuuu was u IVA VI S&tuiuCo
divided between himself and companion,
without bread or water. Reaching the trail
cutters, every comfort they had was offered
US. And you can rest assured the bacon and
beans and the rudsly made bread tasted sweet
enough. After resting here awhile We again
started for Heron Siding. Reaching the
sEvES-MILE HousF,
kept by Jim Pardee, formerly of Philipsburg
and we'll known hereabopts, we halted for
the night. Jim took In the situation at q
glance and soon had prepared asuperb meal,
to say nothing about anything stronger
which he keeps in good quantity and quality.
We Jared sumptpously here, aud next morn
ing. althongh ppr feet had sWollen Va hnge
proportion. We weFa able N walk into
Hefan Siding.
The plight Of onr arrival at Heron
ALL TIE PATKFIxpFRs
9at In, leaying the trail barren at 4 single