The Press., 1892-07-14

cropping out of the prairie many miles from the foothills of the Rocky noun tains, it is the first startling guideboard to the great range. For many years-at least half century-it was known as one of the most dangerous points on the plains. Almost within its shadow the Santa Fe Trail crosses the route of the Indian tribes that travelled both north and south after buffalo. Probably for hundreds of years before the Santa Fe Trail was used by white traders and trappers this great north and south trail was followed by the hunters of the prai- rie tribes.
 But few miles away from the rock the Pawnee river empties into the Ar kansas, and the banks of both streams afforded fine camping grounds. The grazing was good in the valleys and the rock afforded protection from foes and shelter from wind and fire. Whoever first gained its summit was almost i'm pregnably fortified against enemies so long as supplies of food and water and arrows or ammunition lasted. Many men whose names are now conspicuous in the history of this country have spent anxious days and nights on Pawnea rock, and but few years ago many names could be read upon its scared face. In eighteen hundred and tifty-one hundreds of them, cut ill the soft stone by hands that showed all degrees of civilization and semibarbarity, were graven in the base of this old landmark. The camp site was selected just beyond rife shot from the rock. The wagons were formed into corral, and after the cattle had been watered at the river and herded on the banks in the grass during the long twilight, they were driven into the inclosure for the night. Captain Jose cast his searching over the plains many times before night at last shut them out, but his glance always came la ok satisfied.
 "I calkilatc you kin turn in and sleep tonight boys" said one of the American wagon masters, from the way the old captain looks. Nary red devil in sight, nor sign of one."
 "Yes," said another. Init looks like fair sailin, but reckon we'll all sleep better if we hev a good strong picket line out. These hyer is mighty danger ous parts, pardner. I've seed the time when thought nothin couldn't tempt me back hyer agin."
 "Well, don't tell us about it tonight. | said third, "we've got soldiers with us and we've had a long pull today; lets have good night of it and take thai yarn another time-it might give us bad dreams, you know, old chap"
 Those who had never heard the story of the plainsman's adventure at Pawnet rock were disappointed to have it shu off i'll this summary manner by one wht had listened to it on numerous previous trips, but all were weary from the day march, and when the pickets wer, stationed for the first watch every mal lay down with restful sense O security. Nothing but the stars lighted the great plains and the little group o tired sleepers in the corral,
 The fires had been put out or coveret up before dark, and there was scarcel, sound even to betray the presence o the camp. Occasionally an OK moved clumsy foot. or driver in his heav sleep called out q lusty Two haw, Buck, but the sentinels heard little, save tn scampering of the night animals in tn grass and now and then the far off bar of coyote.
 It must have been two hours afte midnight. The watch" had given plac to the ''relief' and all was still again Suddenly one of the ponies whinnied loud and clear, and two or three of hi mates sniffed sharply and rose upon thei feet. The noise did not waken many o the sleepers, but Captain Jose was up il an instant and making the rounds of tn pickets.
 They had heard nothing nothing the little half tanned broncho had star
 led them with sudden sniff of the al