The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1890-12-27
BURNT BOOK SPRING.
EY RYE JOHNSON.

- aS1E hkAA3 VI WtAAAE EVNGAEA NNkOb
had for weary weeks been slowly trai
ing its ways toward the setting sun.
Many were the hardships endured
and dangers run by the hardy i'm
grants composing the party. They ha,
been lured from comfortable easter
homes by rose-tinted tales of lant
where natures handiwork made small
exertion necessary Oh the part~of mau
kind. But for weary weeks they hat
Iourneyed on, and the lands fiowins
with milk and honey was still "iust OF
before"
Their provisions were nearly geHe
ammunition was getting scarce, the cattle
and mules seemed on the point Of Civ.
ing ont, and the hearts Of ell were filed
with terrible fear of what the future
might hold for them in suffering Even
sturdy Tom Knox, whom they had
picked up In the Arizona country, aud
who for pity sake consented TO guide
them out Of the sterile alkali region in
which they we're wandering, feared they
could not hold out much longer
he knew n fertile region was near.
aud upon the afternoon OF the day in
question, they came upon a wide stretch
OF green grass covered prairie. With
audible Thanksgiving the leaders urged
the weary beasts along, and presently
reached the bank OF clear, swift flow
ing stream. Ii was with difficulty the
animals were prevented from rushing
into it, wagons and al. but presently ali
had aiaksaa thess 49,
they foYfUwea along its banks north.
ward for few miles.
Then they came TO q spot which to
these poor wanderers looked ike
garden Of Eden.
Before them lay out-spread wide,
long valley, sheltered on three sides by
the foot hill OF al isolated range oi
Jagged looking mountains. Here and
there about the valley were groves Of
trees and shrubs, but Tom Knox would
not halt until the farthest extremity
was reached. There in Q grove OF
gigantic cotton woods whore the camp
was located. Tie half starved mules
and cattle were picketed out 10 feed
upon the lush grass, aud preparation
for heightened stay was begun.
A dozen men Immediately set ont IN
search Of game, IN which Tom Knox
knew these hills abounded. The women,
poor souls. worn and weary by con-
tinuous lolting over the rough country,
where there was never sign OF ond,
flung themselves down upon the
soft sod 10 rest until time to prepare
the evening meal. The children ran
-aieasl IA iosous -abandea, and presently
their loud shouting proclaimed dis
covery, and q few minutes later they
came rnnning into camp with their
arms full Of boxes and tin cana anch "A
fruit and meats arc put up In.
These Tom Knox proclaimed sure
evidence that the grove had been lately
occupied by another party, aud. upon
examination OF the spot, asserted they
had not been, gone above two days
While pursuing this examination he
picked mp, at some little distance from
the camping ground, q richly-bound
blank book, such al men of wealth
carry. On the cover was the name Of
John Owens, and the address, Los
Angeles, Cal.
Upon opening ii most of the leaves
were found burned away. There was
only here aud there part OF some
business entry, and on one leaf the
words @last viii and testament
farther down the same leaf part of
two signatures, -"Shultz and--ke
Hines"
It's having been picked up on the inn
mediate bank Of the beautiful spring
which was the source Of the stream, the
name Burnt Book Spring was at once
conferred upon 1t, aud the queer cog
nomen clings TO the village located
there TO this day. My province as q
faithful ehrpnicler OF passing events Is
to relate 10 you the history Of that
Burnt Book.
Some years ago, II is not necessary to
say how many, there lived In tlia city Of
Los Angeles q very rich merchant
named John Owens. de was hand
some man OF middle age, and from his
courteous, gallant ways was universally
popular among both sexes.
He was supposed to be n bachelor.
and his magnificent home was presided
over BY his sister Mercy, sweet faced,
sad-eyed woman of about 30. II was
limited there was sad story connected
with her past, hut no one IN the city Of
tho angels kney anything about 1t.
There we're two other members OF
the household, both orphan nieces Of
John Owens. The oldest, Nell Ovens,
was the daughter Of his eldest brother,
whom be had sent word 10 join him In
the far Southwest and take a partner
ship in his enormous business, hoping
thus 10 secure q fortEne for both.