The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-10-25
PROvlDENTIAL ESCAPE.

A Party of Dependent Tourists Saved by
Following Elk.
In the fall of 1879 party of three
men were sightseeing and hunting in
the Yellowstone National Park, and
having prolonged their stay until late
in October, were ov"rtaken by terri
BILE snow-storm, which completely block
AIDED and obliterated all the trails, and
filled the gulches, canyons and coulees
to such depth that their horses could
not travel over them at all. They had
lain in camp three days waiting for
the storm to abate, but as it continued
to grow in severity, and as the snow
became deeper and deeper, their situa-
ton grew daily and hourly more alarm
ing. Their stock of provisions was
low, troy had no shelter sufficient
to withstand the rigors Of a winter at
that altitude, and it was fast becoming
question whether they should ever be
able to escape beyond the snow-clad
peaks and snow-filled canyons with
which they were hemmed in. Their
only hope of escape was by abandon
ing their horses, and constructing
show-shoes which might keep them
above the snow; but in this case they
could not carry bedding and food
enough to last them throughout the
several days that the journey would
occupy to the nearest ranch, and the
chances of killing game en- route after
the severe weather had set in were ex-
tremely precariOus. They had al
ready set about making snow-shoes
from the skin of an elk which they
had saved. One pair had been COM
pleted, and the storm having abated,
one OF the party set out to lock over the
surrounding country for the most
feasible route by which to get out, and
also to try if possible to find game of
some kind. He had gone about mile to-
ward the northeast when he came upon
the fresh trail of large band of elk
that were moving toward the east. He
followed, and in a short time came up
with them. They were travelling in
single file, led by powerful old bull,
who wallowed through snow, in which
only his head and neck were visible,
with all the patience and perseverance
OF faithful old OK. The others fol-
lowed him-the stronger ones in front
and the weaker ones bringing up the
rear. There were thirty-seven in the
band, and by the time they had all
walked in the same line they left it an
open, well-beaten trail. The hunter
approached within few yards of them.
They were greatly alarmed when they
saw him, and made few bounds in
various directions; but seeing their
struggles were in vain, they meekly
submitted to what seemed their i'm
pending fate, and fell back in rear of
their file-leader. This would have been
the golden opportunity of a skin
hunter, who could and would have
shot them all down in their tracks from
single stand. But such was not the
mission of our friend. He saw in this
noble, struggling band means of
deliverance from what had threatened
to be a wintry grave for him and his
companions. He did not fire q shot.
and did not in any way create unneces-
sary alarm amongst the elk, but hur-
ried back to camp and reported to his
friends what he had seen.
In moment the camp was a scene
of activity and excitement. Tent, bed
ding, provisions, every thing that was
absolutely necessary to their journey,
were hurriedly packed upon their pack
animals; saddles were placed, rifles
were slung to the saddles, and leaving
all surplus baggage, such as trophies
of their hunt, mineral specimens, and
curios of various kinds, for future
corners, they started for the elk trail.
They had slow, tedious and laborious
task breaking way through the deep
snow to reach it, but by walking and
leading their saddle animals ahead, the
pack animals were able to follow
slowly. Finally they reached the trail
of the elk herd, and following this,
after nine days of tedious and painful
travelling, the party arrived at ranch
between the upper falls of the Yellow
stone river aad Yellowstone lake, on
the Sinking liver, which was kept by
'.squaw man" and his wife, where
they were enabled to lodge and re-
cruit themselves and their stock, and
whence they finally reached their
homes in safety. The band of elk
passed down the river, and our tour
lists never saw them again; but they
have doubtless long ere this all fallen
prey to the ruthless war that is con-
stantly being waged against them by
hunters white and redo. o. Shields,
N HGrper's Magazine.