New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-10-10
Rescued.
4 Renaipescemce of the Pyos7se.

4 Renai7aesce7scs of the Pr0s7ae.
Continued from precious dssue.
In spite of our misadventure and the
fact that our expedition had proved an
utter failure. both of us, now that we
felt comparatively safe from our enc
mics, congratulated ourselves on hav-
ing gotten over enough territory since
Cardon's capture, to give us hopes that
we might meet with an early aid from
the fort. According to Ben's estimate,
who had been in this same region sever
al times before, the Minnesota river
was distant only about twenty miles,
and as we pursued a course directly in
line with the fort, we calculated to be
there about noon the next day.
It was growing dark by this time, and
we were spurning our ponies along at a
good rate anxious to reach sod d-house
situated in this vicinity on the bleak
prairie. It had been the home Of a
solitary half-breed, who had formerly
occupied himself in catching mink and
musk-rats in the surrounding sloughs.
We came upon the miserable abode
just as the last ray Of light fad
ed on the western sky, and lonesome
indeed was the scene presented to our
view. There stood the heap Of piled
sod, scarcely as high as our heads, and
around it on the barren ground lay the
bleached bones of deer and other large
game, while a huge pair of antlers, fas-
tened over the entrance into the hut,
was the only proof that man must have
created this bed of desolation in the
midst Of the wild prairie. We regard
ed the scene in quiet brooding, hesita-
ting to approach on the first instant,
till Ben silently passed me the reins of
his bride and crept into the hut.
looked around for a place to tie the
horses but discovered no cover of any
sort and was forced to drive stake, to
which / securely fastened both. Ny
partner emerged out Of the uninvitin g
retreat, covered with cobwebs and dust,
and pronounced it altogether unfit for
occupancy. This of course disappoint-
ed me, inasmuch as the nights were al
ready chilly and very uncomfortable for
an open air bivouac, but necessarily we
prepared ourselves to rest again under
the open sky. We lit a fire to warm
ourselves somewhat, and preceiYing
that all lay in sombre silence and appa-
rent safety, | wrapped myself in my
blanket and with my weapons beside me,
fell asleep, leaving the first watch for
Ben, who volunteered to keep it till he
was tired out. The days hard travel
ing had made me sound slumberer
and not till a heavy hand shook me by
the arm, did open my eyes again.
Then in an instant, seeing Ben crouch
to the ground, his rifle to his cheek, ]
sprang to my feet just as the report Of
my partners gun echoed across the
midnight stiffness of the vast plain.
Then as though thousand fends
were bent on splitting our ears with the
most discordant of sounds, broke loose
cry Of rage and derision, recognized
as the battle-cry of our foes. Quick as
thought we fled into the sod house, Just
in time to escape the following bullets
that buried themselves without effect in
the earth around. Itwas dark within
the narrow abode, in which we had SO
fortunately a chance to seek shelter,
but nevertheless We made the best Of it,
and were indeed glad that the only as
sailable side of our retreat, the door.
looked out upon the fire which still was
burning brightly from the refuse OF
grass and debris that Ben had fed il
with. shortly before the attack We
were thus enabled to guard the en-.
trance but as we contemplated our sit.
uatiou, but little encouragement came
to our hearts. and / could not help pass.
ing my hand toward Ben and press his
outstretched palm heartily and as 8
brother.