The National tribune., 1901-05-02
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By WILL LISENBEE.

We were on our way to Santa Fe, and
1t was the third day after our train had
quilted the Arkansas River and started
on the long journey across the dreaded
desert lying beyond the Great Bend that
we encamped on the banks of Sage Creek.
1t was stream in name only. fer there
was no water save few brackish pools
along its course.
The night settled black and threaten
ing, ard an hour after nightfall fierce
wind-storm-rainless, with flying clouds,
from which the lightning leaped with aw-
full glare-swept down upon us, sending
our cattle scurrying before it in mad
stampede. They scattered as the black
night swallowed them up, and it was use
less TO search for them while the storm
lasted.
Durkin, the train boss, flew into a rage
and swore vengeance against the drivers
because they had permitted the cattle to
escape. He was a bully, and, Ike most
of his kind. was a coward at heart. l
was the youngest driver with the train
scarcely out OF my teens-and not of very
muscular build. and ! think he would have
struck me with a whip, i'll his rage, had
not Joe Higgins, an old plainsman, who
was making his fourth trip across the
plains, interposed. The two did not GENE
Higgins to realize that he was no match
for the old plainsman. But the boss was
beside himself with rage, and seeing no
other way in which he could revenge him
self. he resorted to his authority to ac-
complish his purpose.
Leave the train, both Of your he said,
with a bitter oath, land / shall be glad
to find that the wolves have picked your
bones when / get back"
He went to the wagons, threw out our
clothes, and told us to leave the camp
at once. We had no alternative but TO
obey, for as the boss of the train his au-
thority was not to be disputed.
Our situation was not a pleasant one,
TO be thus cast adrift hundreds of miles
from the nearest settlement. But, much
to my relief Higgins accepted the situa-
ton cheerfully.
Were not going to fatten any wolves,
by long sight" he said. hopefully, as we
gathered up our luggage, which had been
thrown from the wagon. 81 have good
revolver. and there is plenty of game in
this locality, so we shall not starve till q
train passes"
The next morning the train pulled out
on its way and left us, but nOtwithstand-
ing that orders had been given By the
boss that no part Of the trains provisions
should be left with US, some of the men
managed to drop a sack half filed with
grub, little -four, some bacon, salt, and
about a pound of coffee.
About a hundred yards down the
stream, in q little grove of cottonwoods,
stood a dilapidated cabin, and at Hig-
gins's suggestion we took up our abode
In it. There was fireplace in the build
ing, and having gathered some wood, we
kindled a fire and cooked our breakfast,
and as we ate we discussed our plans fer
the future. There was nothing left for
us but to try to make our way back to
Council Grove, but as neither of US had
any money, and as there was little chance
of our obtaining work there, our prospects
were gloomy enough.
That night, as we sat before the small
fire we had kindled in the freplace-for
the air was chill, despite the fac. that it
was May-Higgins lighted his pipe, and
reclining on our blankets smoked his pipe
for some time in silence.
Il shall never forget the last night I
spent in this cabin" he said.
''Then you have stopped here before"
asked.
Yes; for, as you know, this is not my
first trip across the plains he replied.
"Who built the cabin no one seems to
know, and there are some strange stories
afioat to the effect that it is haunted, and
that it was once the scene of dark