The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-01-25


grizaled beard was mixed with the
golden tresses of his companion, and
both slept the same deep and dream
less slumber.
Had the wandercr remained awake
Tor another half-hour n strange sight
would have met his eyes Far away
ON the extreme verge OF the alkali
plain there rose up little spray of
dust, very slight at first, and hardly to
be distinguished from the mists Of the
distance, but gradually growing
higher and broader until it formed a
solid, well-deilned cloud This cloud
continued to increase in size until it
became evident that 1t could only be
raised by great multitude of moving
creatures. In more fertile spots the
observer would have come to the con-
clusion that one of those great herds
OF bisons which Craze upon the prairie
land was approaching him. This was
obviously impossible in these arid
wilds. As the whirl OF dust drew
nearer to the solitary bluff upon which
the two castaways We're reposing, the
canyas-covered tits of wagons and the
figures of armed horsemen began to
show up through the haze, and the
apparition revealed itself rs being Il
great caravan upon its journey for the
west But what u Caravanl When the
head of IL had reached the base of
the mountains, the rear was not yet
visible on the horizon. Right
across the enormous plain stretched
the struggling array, wagons and
darts, men on horseback and men on
foot. lnnumerable women who stag
gered along under burdens, and chill
dren who toddled beside the wagons
or peeped out from under the white
coverings. This was evidently no or
dinary party of immigrants, but rather
some nomad people who had been com
PEELED from stress of circumstances to
seek themselves Il new country. There
rose through the clear air confused
Gathering and rumbhng from this
great mass OF humanity, with the
creaking of wheels and the neighing
horses. Loud us it was, it was not suf-
ticient to rouse the two tired wayfarers
above them.
At the head of the column there rode
score or more of grave, iron-faced
men, clad in somber, homespun gar
mentS and armed with rifles. On reach
the base of the bluff they halted and
held short council among themselves.
The wells are to the right, my
brothers." said a one, a hard-lipped,
clean-shaven man with grizzly hair.
TO the right of the Sierra Blanco--
so we shall reach the Rio Grande, said
another.
Fear not for water" cried third.
"He who could draw it from the rocks
will not now abandon His own chosen
people"
"Amen! Ameng' responded the whole
party.
They were about to resume their
journey when one of the youngest and
keenest-eyed uttered an exclamation
above them. From it's summit there
Auttered little wisp of pink, showing
up hard and bright against the gray
rocks behind. At the .ight there was
general refining up of horses and uu-
singing of guns, while fresh horsemen
came galloping up to reinforce the
vanguard. The word redskins" was
on every lip.
There can't be any number Of In
juns here said the elderly man who
appeared to be in command. 1--WE
have passed the Pawnees, and there
are no other tribes until we cross the
great mountains"
shall go forward and see, Brother
Stangerson?" asked one of the band
And l." And l." cried a dozen
voices.
Leave your horses below and we
will wait you here, " the elder answered.
In a moment the young fellows had
dismounted, fastened their horses, and
were ascending the precipitous slope
which led up to the object which had
excited their curiosity. They advanced
rapidly and noiselessly, with the con-
fidence and dexterity of practised
scouts. The watchers from the plain
below could see them hit from rock to
rock until their figures stood out
against the skyline The young man
who had first given the alarm was lead
ing them. Suddenly his followers saw
him throw up his hands, as though
overcome with astonishment, and on
joining him they were affected in the
same way by the sight which met their
eyes.
On the little plateau which crowned
the barren hill there stood a single
giant bowlder, and against this bowlder
there lay a tall man, loug-bearded and
hard-fentured, but Of an excessive thin
ness. His placid face and regular
breathing showed that he was fast
asleep. Beside him lay little child,
with her round white arms encircling
his brown, sinewy neck, and her
golden-haired head resting upon the
breast Of his velyeteen tunic Her rosy
lips were parted, showing the regular
line Of snow-white teeth within, and
playful smile played over her iGfantile
features. Her plump little white
legs, terminating in white socks, and
neat shoes with shining buckles,
offered a strange contrast to the long,
shriycled members of her companion.
On the ledge of rock above this strange
couple there stood three solemn buz.
yards, who, at the sight of the new
comers, uttered raucous screams of dis.
appointment and tapped sullenly
away.
The cries Of the foul birds awoke the
two sleepers, who stared about them in
bewilderment The man staggered to
his feet and looked down upon the
plain which had beVn so desolate when
sleep had overtaken him, and which
was now traversed by this enormous
body OF men and of beasts. His face
assumed an expression OF incredulity