Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-05-15


bowl, lowered to a height of 200 feet or
more; and this we at once recognized Is
the crater of which Winston had spoken.
Dark and forbidding it reared its
mighty shape, like an outcast from the
internal regions; its grim aspect SEEM
ing to accentuate the awful silence that
brooded over the scene.
They say the Apaches, Navajos and
Zunis have 4 superstition about the era
ter whispered Winston, awed into
something like reverence by the sub
| lime picture of desolation spread out
before US. ''They imagine an evil spirit
lives in the little lake at the bottom; an
that he emits thunder an lightnin'
whenever he gets mad at anybody. I've
heard they won't kill even a white man
in the. BASIN"
I'D like to see the place where an
Apache wouldn't kill white man, or a
white woman, either" Human growled.
They'll knock out the brains of
child in its mothers arms, an scalp a
parson in camP-meetin', if they get a
chance. An, for superstitions, I'd
rather trust to my Winchester than to
any superstition, even if it's the best
manufa ctured-'
Guided by Winston, we rode down the
steep trail that led to the bottom of the
little spring that dubbed out of the
rocks opposite to the crater. 1t was the
only fresh water in the vicinity, but
there were no signs to indicate that it
had lately been visited by man or beast
Filling our canteens, and watering the
horses, we were ready to commence the
ascent of the crater.
1t took at least ten minutes to con-
quer the ascent, though we travelled up
n path whose well-worn surface in
Dictated that many others before US had
invaded the precincts of the spirit of
the mound. Perhaps the path was made
by some by-gone race, who toiled up it
with offerings intended to placate the
animosity of the powerful being who
was supposed to dwell in the depths of
the lake.
Arrived at the summit we at once
saw that Winston's description had not
been overdrawn. At our feet yawned
u great funnel-shaped hole, at the bot
tom of which twinkled a miniature lake.
its hue of brightest emerald contrast
ing strangely with the dark scoria of
the crater's sides.
With many turns and twists, and
much unavoidable sliding, we descended
to the shore of the lake, and seating our
selves on fragments of lava, spent half
the presence of such jewel in so in
congruous setting.
They say the water is thick with
salt that a Teller can't sink in it," re-
marked Winston.
did you ever test it ?'' 1 asked.
mo, STREE! You couldn't hire me to
go swimmin' in such a hole as that. I'd
nc afeard that spirit 'ud grab me by the
feet and pull me down. There's never
been no bottom found in the center"
The rest of US had no such scruples,
however, and, doffing our clothes, we
were soon splashing about in the briny
element.
1t gave me grewsome feeling to
swim across the fathomIess abyss in the
center. Its ragged circumference, seen
distinctly many feet below the suface,
suggested the ravenous jaws and gap
ing NAV of a monster of the Cyclopean
world, lying in wait for whatever I'M
wary creature might venture into its
vicinity. 1 caught myself wondering
how 1 should feel if some mighty force
were suddenly to seize and drag me
downward; and 1 had almost succeeded
in working myself into state of genu-
inc fright, when a shout from the rim
of the crater diverted my thoughts into
more sensible channel.
After watching our aquatic sports
for a few minutes Winston had assembled
to the crest of the mound, where 1 now
caught sight of him lying fiat on the
inner edge of the crater and excitedly
gesticulating to us. To scramble into
our clothes was the work of few mo-
rients, and we climbed up the steep to
his side.
He did not wait for us to ask for an ex-
PLANTATION of his call. Pointing to the
bluffs on the northern side of the basin.
he calculated the single word: Look"
leaving us to observe and draw our own
conclusions from what we saw.
'Indiansi-and a big bunch of 'em!"
cried Baker, who was the first to glance
in the indicated direction.
There's just 10 of EN- said Harris.
IF they are hostiles and discover US"
Discover us!" interrupted Human
'How can they help discoverin' us when
they'll strike our sign the minute they
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