The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-04-30
A TEXANS ADVENTURE.


small farm in Texas, with a young
lady whom I had courted for some
time until one morning, soon after my
return, I "plucked up courage
enough to pop the question, which
ended in a very pleasant manner, or,
IN other words, we were married
shortly after. After returning from
my travels, I settled upon the farm
with the determination that I had
travelled enough. resolved to make
this my home.
But, as the time passed away, be-
gan to grow restless, and found the
old love OF adventure gradually get
ting the better Of me. To make mat
tiers worse a few men Of my acquaint-
ance were about starting for the west
ern plains on a grand hunt. For some
time | kept my resolution; but, after
being invited several times to accom-
pany them, 1 at last consented. I
broke the news to my wife; but, to my
surprise, she did not seem to shed so
many tears as Ihad expected, but on
the contrary, heard my story through
without any interruption. The fact
was she had noticed my restless feel
ings, and had steeled her heart against
our separation, which she knew to be
inevitable, for had made several al
lusions about it.
In few days we were ready to start
on the grand hunt; and bidding fare
we'll to my wife, jumped into the
train, and was soon whirling away
from the spot, not knowing that I
should ever see it again. I watched
the house until lost to view, and then
turned to my four companions. At
last, we arrived at the station where
we were to procure our horses, our
rifles and ammunition, and start off
at once. I was surprised to see so
many men making their way towards
a long building close by. Every one
that was stirring seemed to be going
towards it; and we naturally con-
Guided that it was the place we were
looking for to obtain our supply of
goods. Elbowing our way through the
crowd, we reached the entrance, and
were soon inside, surrounded by rifles,
knives, and almost every article used
in the "chase." In a short time we
had got our rifles and other equip
ments: The next day we purchased a
horse for each, and started out upon
our journey. We were favored with a.
cool breeze, a. pleasant morning, and
fine spirits. We rode along conversing
upon various subjects; discussing the
mode OF carrying on the hunt, admir-
ing the beauty ofnature, and speculate
ing upon theprospects Of fair weather.
The next day, as we'll as On the next
few days, nothing occurred to mar
our pleasure. But one night, as we
camped upon a small river we found
that our provisions had been so di-
mlnishedthat our supplyfor a meal was
limited; but we made the best OF it
we could, trusting that on the NOR
row we would be fortunate, and OBJ
tain a supply, although we had not
yet seen any signs Of either animals or
Indians.
The next morning I rose with the
sun, and wandered off alone, with my
rifle, into the woods. The drops of a
recent rain were hanging upon the
bushes and leaves, and under the rays
OF the sun were sparkling like so
many diamonds. AS was travelling
slowly along, unconscious of the dis
lance I was placing between myself
and the "camp," I was somewhat
startled by a bird flying from a bush
at my side. The suddenness OF the
sound caused me to step back; but as
[ perceived the bird flying out Of
sight, I began to realize my position,
and brought my rifle to my shoulder
AS the report rang upon the air, the
bird fell futtering to the ground. 1
rushed forward to seize it, but found
my arm grasped by strong hand
that forced me back. I thought, at
first, it was some of my friends; but a
glance showed to me that it was not
friend by my side, but in it's place
the dusky, grinning face of an Indian.
With a quick movement [ freed my
self, bringing my rifle to my shoulder
with the intention of firing; when the
truth flashed upon me, Ihad just fired
it; but during the confusion, as we'll as
fright, I had entirely forgotten it..
The Indian smiled fendishly as he
brought his rifle to bear upon me; but
was too quick, and lodged behind a
tree, while the bullet whizzed past me.
Perceiving that the Indian had got be-
tween me and the camp, I ran directly
for the river, over the low underbush,
around some trees in my path, or
again leaping some bush that obstruct-
ed my passage. It is possible that the
| tomahawkin the Indians belt induced
me to run faster, but it is certain that
| used my best speed to such an ex-
tent that, catching my foot in some
thing upon the ground, fell fat. 1t
was lucky that did so; for, at this
moment, the tomahawk passed over
my head, while the Indian, being close
! upon my heels, stumbled over me,
sending him also sprawling upon the
ground.
would have stumbled q dozen
times if that would have insured me
OF having the prize l now had, for to
my Joy | saw that Ihad stumbled over
a canoe. In the bottom OF it was a
paddle, ready for use. Dropping my