St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1895-06-29


- - f: r: !; :: !: =: :: ::
points on
INT NRRSOn. the journey.
Joined for few DAYS each time by Kit
Cursor.
At this time Carson was in the prime
of llfe-a man rather under the medium
size.
Ours was large. strong and we'll
armed party, consisting of more than
thirty men, and our outfit comprised
six wagons, twelve mules and sixteen
horses, the latter adapted to either
draught or saddle
With the exception Of Carson, each
OF us carried a muzzle-loading rifle and
heavy revolver; while, besides a pair
OF exquisitcly- finished revolvers. he
was armed with one of those ten-cham-
bered repeating rifles. invented, think,
by Col. Colt
Such a man, aside from the prestige
OF MS name. was little army in him
sell, and we were extremely glad of his
company, as in the country where he
last joined us we were every moment
In danger from predatory Indians, two
small bands of which we had, several
days before, beaten of without loss to
ourselves, and now we might look for
reprisals.
Among our crowd were two especial
ly five young fellows, one an English
man named John Moulton, and the
other fiery Virginian called Gerald
Woodville. These two. though singu-
larly alike in disposition, or perhaps
for that very reason. could never agree.
Lately there had been such bad blood
between them that neither would
speak to the other
One afternoon. after striking the old
Spanish trail, we were going slowly
down the Pacific slope of the Windy
mountains. when a large elk broke
cover somewhat out of rifle shot and
trotted leisurely away.
Moulton, an ardent sportsman. was
riding his own horse, an extremely
valuable animal, and now. without con-
sulting anyone, he set of in pursuit of
the elk. just as he was leaving Carson
said:
Remember wer re in hostile coun-
try, young man. Don't go far away,
even if you have to come back without
meat
We went on for about two miles and
finally made camp on a small stream
among the foothills, where was abund-
ance of good grass, while the stream it.
self, Carson informed us, was well
stocked with trout.
After we had corralled the wagons,
picketed the animals ont to Craze and
put everything in shape to repel any
possible attack, we delayed supper for
awhile in the hope that Moulton would
come in. as we had heard one report
from his rifle and had no doubt that he
had killed the elk.
Two hours more passed away with
out bringing sign of the young hunt
er: we now began to feel seriously
alarmed, but, very strangely. no one
appeared so much distressed as did
Gerald Woodville.
what do you think of it. Mr.. Car
SOM" he anxiously inquired. do you |
suppose that Jack has lost himself?'
We glanced significantly at each |
other. for this was the first time we |
had ever heard the Virginian use the |
familiar name by which we usually ad- I
dressed John Moulton.
Il hardly know what to think of it,"
replied Carson. THE young man has |
either become lost among the puzzling |
ravines, Or and the bold scout re-
lapsed into ominous silence.
my God!' feelingly exclaimed Ger
aid, surely you don't think the In
dians have got him; poor Jack!"
Its hard tosay," rejoined Kit: but
there are lots of the Digger tribe wan
dering through the mountains just
now. Their principal village is on a
branch of the Sacramento. about sixty
miles from here. and if stray party Of
killing him on the spot, they'll keep
his horse as a great prize and reserve
him to be tortured to death when they
reach the main band"
..Great heavens! What can we do to
save him?' gasped Woodville.
Nothing until morning" gravely
answered Carson. If Mr.. Moulton
don't come in before daybreak, I'll
start out to look him up, and want
only one man to go with me. more /
would be a hindrance."
That man shall he myself. then"
said the warm-hearted Virginian. "rd
risk my life n hundred times over to
save Jack from such fate"
When the first streak Of dawn ap-
peared Carson and Woodville. after
taking a hasty breakfast and packing
up a days supply of food, mounted
their horses preparatory to setting ont
on their perilous quest.
IF we're not back by this time to-
morrow. boys. you'll know we've gone
UNDER observed Carson as coolly as
though he were going to a picnic.
But | rather think we'll come in.
STAY right here until to-morrow's suns
a. hour high. and if there's no news of
we'll be past help"
1t seems that shortly after leaving
us Moulton had come within range of
and had killed his elk, and was stoop-
ing down to cut off the hind quarters
for bringing to camp. when, before he
could fire another shot. he was
pounced upon by score of Digger
Indians, VINO gagged him and bound
his arms in the twinkling Of an eye
Then, loading the carcass upon his
horse and forcing him to walk along
they set OF on their retreat. travelling
fast until night, when they bivouacked
by 4 spring and had glorious feast.
the prisoner being meautime secured
to tree.
Through the first part Of the night
he was watched by 4 brave who had
picked up q smatter Of English and
who frequently consoled himself by |
Kissing in his ear: I'VE no hurt pale
face. Him make good fire bimeby and |
heap fun" IN oft-repeated assurance |
which. after all. was not 20 very con