The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-04-14
SINGING RIVER.

decided to return eastward over the trail
already known to us rather than try to
reach the Pacific over an entirely I'M
known route, beset with extraordinary
danger and hitherto almost untraveled.
Our party was fairly well organized,
considering the fact that we were mere
ly on a prospecting trip, led out by many
stories of fabulous strikes and rich dig
gings.
We were as sorely disappointed a lot
as ever started on a back trail. Not
even a decent color did we find on the
weary way. Seated about the amp
fire that evening, Bill Upper, our guide,
finally broke the silence, which had
lasted for over half an hour, as every
man felt too keenly the disappointment
of returning empty handed.
s.See here, boys" said Bill, .shere We
sit mopin and mopin, night after night,
over matters as can't be helped. It's
hundreds of miles back yonder to the
diggins in Alder gulch, which is es far
es We kin git this season, barrin no mis-
hap. Thar amt no use stayin heer,
and if we don't be moyin soon, snow
will ketch MS in the hills afore we kin
| get across
The force of the argument struck
home. 1t aroused us all from the usual
after supper lethargy which we were
accustomed to drop into. To be caught
on the main range of the Rockies in
midwinter was a prospect SO horrible
and uninviting that we determined 10
lose no time in getting started for home.
We concluded to devote one day to
hunting and supplying the party with
fresh meat, to prepare a lot for the "trip,
and then be off. Game was plentiful in
that uncanny region and we found no
trouble in getting all that we wanted.
On the following day we started early,
and after a wearisome march reached
the summit of the continental divide
safely.
Early fall had set in when we began
the ascent. We had taken the lower
route, the one used by Lewis and Clarke
in their expedition to the Columbia, and
now known as Mullan pass. This would
bring Is to the neighborhood OF Last
Chance, which was in its primeval in
fancy when we left the far off settle
ments.
Our stock OF breadstuffs was running
low, and it was necessary to reach some
camp as early as possible.
The scenes we passed through for
beauty and sublimity beggared all de-
scription. Occasionally q scared bird
would rise hastily into space as our col
m came winding down the trail,
which wa SO narrow as to compel us to
ride Indian fashion-one behind the 9TH
er-with the pack animals in group be-
tween us, thus making conversation
during the progress of the journeys i'm
possible.
1t is doubtful If any of the others paid
heed to the attractions of the country.
Silently the cavalcade wendell it's way
down the steep trail. The whole looked
SO u~ninviting and dangerous that invol-
UNFAIRLY each man looked to his fire.
arms and all drew as close together as
possible while we rode on, and many q
| pipe was slowed away in the pocket Of
its owner. It stood us in hand to be
careful, as the Indian did not look with
great favor upon the inroads the white
men were making upon his hitherto nm
disputed domain. Many a venturesome
prospector had left the settlements be-
fore us and had never returned, leaving
his bones to bleach in the sun and rain,
until found later, If ever, by others fol-
lowing in his footsteps. Danger lurked
ever in the closest proximity Of the set
Elements, and the unwary could never
tell when the blow might fall. Eternal
vigilance was the price Of life.
The sun was setting. It became evil
dent that we could not reach Last
Chance before dark, although we could
see the smoke of the camp, as we were
ON much higher ground. We were now
lefsurely following the course Of a small
stream unknown to us. Arriving at q
small tableland. we decided 10 pitch
camp there for the night, for we were
tired and hungry. Camp was soon
ready and preparations for a hearty
supper were quickly under way. No
accident had befallen US thus far, and
while consuming the meal with raven
ous appetite the boys soon found their
old time humor, and many a good story
was dished mp for dessert. After sop
per the animals were picketed in a clump
of bushes near by. The evening was
perfect.
The boys were idling about the tents.
A few were playing cards; others were
stretched out in the luxuriant grass,
busy with sky gazing, perhaps thinking
Of home and friends q good many miles
away.
Bill Upper had wandered away to-
wards the stream, and we could see him
in the twilight, seated on q huge bowl.
der, near the waters edge. listening In
tently to something. Then he walked
up the stream, and returning walked
down the stream. At times he halted,
and once he stopped and placed his ea1
to the ground. Suddenly the sound Of
horses hoofs vas plainly audible, and
while Bin was running back to camp,
revolver In hand, a stranger came dash
ing up, looking dead than alive.