The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-08-25
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON c. 49,

Lieut.-Col. Smith, who appealed to the
men not to abandon their companions
who were unable to travel, but stand by
them till we reached another watering
place, when they couidIonce more be re-
freShed, and the mules and horses could
be sent after those who Had fallen out.
This appeal, touching as it was, how
ever was but partially successful till the
sound of my signal gun, reinspired all as
if by magic, and they set out with re-
ncwed hope if not With increased vigor
Some of those who, had thrown them
themselves from their lethargy, and step
ped off at a lively gait in the direction of
the crystal treasure.
Fully convinced that they could not
now miss the spring, the Indian and my
self started out on a hunt. We were both
much refreshed by water and rest, and
we stepped off at a lively pace, and after
wandering about for some time we espied
deer grazing or rather licking salt.
1t was in the midst of an open prairie, so
that it W; ulI be difficult to approach it.
But stealth" around a little to the lee
ward, We kept our eyes fixed steadily
upon it, and advanced rapidly with long
and hasty strides till it gave indications
that it suspected the presence of an en-
envy, when we halted standing upright
and rigidly still After gazing around for
a moment the animal appeared to dis
>.
head again and commenced licking the
salt.
FAT PRIZE.
Once more we began advancing till we
were almost within range when it gave its
tail a nervous twitch, causing us to stop
again. 1t viewed us for a moment but
manifested no alarm and again resumed
it's former position. On we glided and
this time we got within short gunshot
range, and Socie discharged his piece at
the deer, which bounded up in the air
and then starting ran almost directly to-
ward us until l had time to give it an
other rife-ball accompanied by three
buckShot, which brought it down.
We now discovered that Johns bullet
had passed through it's lungs, and that it
had been mortallywourded, though it might
have given us a long chase but for the
contents of my piece.
We now sat down to rest and get cool
after our long tramp, and to devise means
to get our prize to camp. The animal was
large, fat doe, and would weigh at least
100 pounds. AS was the stronger man |
proposed to John that he should carry
my gun and pistols and | would carry
the deer. He had suggested that we leave
half of it, but this ! refused to do when |
recollected the condition of our men, so
he acceded to my proposition and helped
me to shoulder the deer.
AT the spring we lOund all tne men as
sembled who were able to walk, and in
the distance we observed the pack mules
coming in with the stragclers. | never
before saw anyone enjoy anything SO IN
tensely as did these men the prospect OF
a dish of venison. The sight of the dead
carcass called out the widest express
sions of Joy from the famished rangers,
and rot many mimi es tlarsed before the
skin was off and was called upon to dl-
vide the flesh.
Each man was allowed small slice,
the largest and best being reserved for
those who were most nearly famished.
Many a tear of Joy was s.lcd over these
scanty morsels, and mare than one rough,
stalwart ranger rushed forward to en-
brace me and ovcrwheIm me with heart
felt thanks, and not q few poured forth
praise to Heaven for our deliveranee.
We did not leave the place that day
and while sleeping that night the In
dams made another attack upon us, but
no one received injury nor were any OF our
animals stolen. The savages were readily
driven off, and we saw them no more.
ITO he coniinuedJ