The National tribune., 1898-07-28
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Here and there, too was an unluck.
rider, who had been thrown from his
horse by accident-perhaps the breaking
of rein or the parting of girth; and If
the meantime their stecdS were flying
about, neighing for their company, o.
lying down gasping for breath. few
junlucky ones were in the melee badly
gored by the infuriated bulls, and il be
came necessary to lead them back Il
camp; while a few fOotmcn were seen
moving around, pistols in hand, dispatch
ing some doughty, but badly-woundeo
animal.
The killed and wounded amounted tt
more than 500; and when we had fairly
rallied, we commenced in earnest to save
the meat. We took nothing but the
humps and a few tongues, leaving the
| remainder as a feast for wolves. Those
who had lost their horses mounted cap
tured ones, and we were soon off once
more for Fort Belknap.
| A DANGEROUS MISSION.
On our arrival we found the remainder
| of the regiment assembled except one
company, commanded by Capt. Ed. Burle-
| son, and which had been in the service
for some time, and was at point $50 miles
away, without an intervening settlement.
| This wild region we well knew to be q
favOrIte resort for Comanche and KiOwa
hunters, and, therefore, very dangerous
for travellers; yet across il it became
necessary to carry a dispatch to Capt
Burleson, ordering him to report to Col.
Johnston for duty. | volunteered for the
service, and taking five days rations of
bread and bacon, | commenced my lonely
journey, and on the first day made so
miles.
During the day l passed over good
deal OF fresh sign. There had been
shower OF rain in the forenoon, and /
crossed trails where the fresh dust was
turned up from under the damp soil on
the top; but 1 saw no Indians. | en-
camped early, as it was a cloudy night
and | could not see to travel. | ate my
supper, rested awhile, and then moved to
a place about a mile from the road and
made my bed in d new place. This is a
common practice among both Indians ard
Rangers. Feeling perfectly secure,
slept till morning.
was day and a night getting to Camp
Colorado, where | called upon Lieut. Lee.
/ had yet % miles to ride before reached
Home Creek, where il was supposed
would find Burleson. The route was
easily found to the crossing of the creek,
but when once there which way to turn l
did not know.
About II miles from Camp Colorado, l
came To considerable mountain, called
Santa Ana's Peak. Stalking my pony SO
that he could Craze, | climbed to the
w tsthS IL view vi tffc
and see If | could discover smoke
a camp. From this point | had
a full view OF Home Creek, from its source
to a point nearly as far down as its mouth,
on the Pecan Bayou.
AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER.
While leisurely surveying the Landscape
before me, / was startled by a slight
sound like the breaking OF twig. Know
ng stood upon dangerous ground | held
my pistol in my hand, and to cock il was
but the work OF Il moment; and turning |
around, Judge my establishment at seeing |
before me stalwart negro, and distant |
only about &c steps, with rife drawn |
and nearly ready to fire. There was no |
his intention. His eye was a |
perfect index to his thoughts and his |
Quick as thought leveled on him, but
before could speak he addressed me in a
very quiet tone:
Master, don't shoot me-" !
Put down your gun, then" replied.
utterly astonished at his coolness and
and slowly he let the hammer
fall and lowered his piece
Master he said piteously, you ism
gwine to kill me, is yer
What were you about to do to me2"
demanded. Were you not in the act OF
me-"
Master" he replied, Use a poor black
man; my life amt worth nothin' TO you,
nohow; so ies' please let me live little
onger; please don't shoot me-"