The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1885-12-10

then he turned to watch tho fire which
wo had overlooked in tho greater dan-
ger that menaced us. 1t was fast over
hauling us, but it was not tho inky
cloud with ats low line of yellow glare
that caused him to start and listen SO
eagerly. There camo sound which
we had noticed before--a confused
squcaling-minglod with tho same
rumble Of many feet made by the buffa-
loes, and q dark moving mass was in
advance of the fire. ! looked to Joe to
solve the mystery.
"Wild horser' he cried, as he drove
tho spurs into his mustang. "Dey ncv-
or turns out-Devil's' run five mile
mebbo six"
Shall J. ever forget that ride? On
We went, tho fire momentarily draw
ing nonrer, the pillows of smoke each
instant growing denser. and the heat
more sutfocating; while tho frightened
squeals of tho coming wild horses min
glcd in horrid chorus with tho roar
of tho wind and fire.
One mile-two-ando our ponies held
their ground bravcly, mover halting.
never stumbling, they kept their even
strides neck to neck, but foam fecks
covered their steaming sides. and thoy
felt sorely the burden upon thoir backs.
Like promise of safety the stubby
trees near Devils run bcckoned to us
in the distance. Can wo make it,
Joe?' shouted rs l thought l read
hope In his sWarthy face. .'hebbo So"
he answered with Indian luconicism,
but he bowed low upon his horses
neck and drove the spurs into his recl-
ing sides,
Threc-four miles were passed.
Could our gallant mustangs cover tho
lfth and lastP There was now but a
confused medley of sounds behind us,
the roaring, squealing, noighing, and
rumbling-all mingled in ono horrid
din. The smoke -wreaths whirled
around us, and we could not see how
near tho wild horses we're NV eyes
seemed to be starting from thcir sock
cts from the Smarting heat. and nv
horses breath was quick and l%borod
AS he staggered bravely on. Joe rode
straight for tho tording- place. Frank,
and George, and l gave Il cheer as tho
cool watcr sp!asheG in our faces, and
If ever mortal man WAS thankful we
were thankful then. But the danger
was not over. Although :hc wild
horses, mad with terror, did not know,
perhaps, of tho nearness of water, they
were bllndly rushing the right way.
Come! commanded the half-brccd,
rs he turned up the stream. We were
stlll IN sight OF the ford when tho
horses reachc:l it. Even in that mo-
neht Oh perm felt Keen regret and
covetouSncss, us l gazcd upon their
proud beauty.
Wo drew under tho overhanrinp
bank and waited in brcathlcss anxiety
to sec whether thoy would choose to
60 up the stream or down, knowing
that instinct would teach them to keep
to the water. One magnificent fellow
tossed his silken name in tho air rs ho
espled us. and stood there Il second or
TWO, the perfect picture Of equine beau
", then with L snort of surprise and
alarm dashed down the stream, follow
ell ny his comrades. Joe uttered an
exclamation OF thankfu!neSs us they
disappeared. Tncu there came Il roar
and rush like that of 4 tornado, tho
long, rch 1lames orcrhung tho bank,
almost rouchinT Us as they drew back
toiled of their prey, little puifs of smoke
started on the other side, and soon tho
banks of Devils run werc covered with
blackencd. smoking cindcrs, willie tho
lire, Springing up anew. swept on in
It's work OF destruction. Saved! 1t
was an hour or moro before we retrac-
cd our steps to the ford, and climbed
the bank 10 the open prairie. rs far
rs the eye could sec. tho brown Lowell
was changed to black, and, away over
rise OF ground, we could see tho bill
lows of smoke rs the fire rushed on.
Camp burned now-grass gone
buffalo gonc.' said Joe, and he turned
his horses head toward the settlement.
We reached it before another day.
was hungry, tired, and sore, but still
mourning the loss of my buffalo robe.
Joe could not be induced to try again.
but would answer, rs ho pulled away
at his old black pipe, and lazly watch
cd the smoke curling above his head,
''No grass-no buffalo. Come next
year. ."-frcd SmoH, U., in Chicago
Times.