The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-01
LOST IN A TEXAS PASTURE.
FOR 3 DAYS A WESTERN HrNTEh
WALKED ABOUT IN 4 CIRCLE
Couldn't Get Away From One spot-he
Followed n Bucks Tracks iinally 10
Wire Fence and the Wire Took HIN 10 a
Rapch-HaIr starved In His Wanderlnss'

Pr1Rsu1. Tex. Dec. 3i.-Thomas Het-
b,,rn came down here several days ago
from Kansas City, Mo, to 60 deer hunting
on the Crawford ranch. He was accom-
nan, al by two friends from San Antonio
There are about so 900 acres in the pasture
where Mr.. Hetburn and his companions
pitched their camp. The land Is almost
level and is covered with thick growth OF
mesquite and prickly pear, There are no
trees Of any size from which one can Ret
hi. bearings, and all old hunters IN the
region. no matter how long they have been
in the country. never fail to carry n com
PASS or take other precautions which VIII
insure them from getting lost while travel
ling through these big pastures
Mr.. Hetbum thought it would I've easy to
find his way back 10 camp, and started out
hunting the morning after his arrival at
the camping place. He walked ull he be
came hungry and look at his watch told
him II was time for dinner. Then he began
10 retrace his steps and walked in what he
supposed was the direction Of the camp
After walking for about an hour fla
miliar bush attracted his attention Even
then the thought did not occur 10 him that
M, was lost He walked on further and
noticed the imprints Of his shoes in soft
place in the ground He then realized
that he had been travelling in a circle.
The very thought that he was lost seemed
To- crush all reason out OF his mind He
walked on and on In a frantic effort TO go
in what ne took TO he the direction OF has
camp. He invariably continued in acirce
and familiar bushes passed and repassed
before his vision.
Near dusk he became exhausted and lay
down under a mes quite tree. There he
slept all night despite the bowling Of the
coyotes around him and the dangers of an
attack from the wild hogs which roam in
droves over the pasture.
Early next morning he fred his gun saw
eral times. in the hope that 1t would be heard
hv hi. friends In camp and bring them to
him bnt the day wore on and no relief
came He fred his gun at intervals until
DISCRIMINATION wa exhausted
Aga,n and again he started on to get
AWAY from the spot, but each time ms ieet
led him back TO the very tree where no had
uas-rd the night Hunger and thirst were
becoming almost unhoarnble lie alle-
yiatcd his suffering somewhat 10y sucking
the pulp Of the prickly pear leaves
Another tlay passed, and relief seemed
~ he no nearer than at first He passed
restless night under the tree Toward
morning heavy slower OF rain soaked him
f. his skin II chilled him through, and in
hi- deaoeration he started on in the dark
nas, 10 try again to find the camp. He
soon found himself back 70 the same mes
mite tree under the branches Of which he
had passed the preceding two nights. but
the walk started his blood circulating again
and he law down and slept till morning.
In the forenoon Of the second day drove
az wild hogs. led 10y ferocious looking
boar. passed through the bushes n short
Distance away. He could see them plainly,
and for n long time he remained perfectly
Quiet. hardly daring 10 move muscle for
fear that tho animals would find him out
and attack him. He dug some roots ana
ME t1ein and purity quenched his thirst by
partnkinG freely of the juice Of the prlckly
He had about given up hope Of being dis
covered when, Just after noon Of the third
day. a big autlered buck strobe into the
little opening within few yards ot where
he was dejecteily sitting under the tree.
The wind carried the scent the other way,
and the buck had no idea that n human
being was anywhere around. He raised
hs head and surveyed the little cleared
spot.
The eyes Of the animal finally rested on
Mr. Hethurn. but he did not run. Mr..
Hetburn says IL was the prettiest chance
for shot he ever experienced. but he was
out Of ammunition and his gun was useiess'