The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1905-03-09

sentries on the nearer posts. Then we
heard the corporal running towards
No. 3, and at the same time number
of excited voices yelling and making
noise enough to rouse the far.famed
seven sleepers. At the same moment
we discerned amidst all the racket
sound like the hoof beats of horse.
Then came the stentorian tones of our
German sergeant, Weisenheimer, who
was sergeant of the guard. In his ex-
citement he forgot the words pre-
scribed by "Regulations" for such
occasions so gave us version of his
own. Grouse NIT der guard! He
comesl He comesW
By this time every man Was outside
the tents and in one voice exclaimed
"Sooners." The racket continued but
owing to the pitchy darkness nothing
could be seen. Soon, however, its cause
came within range of the light from
our camp fires and alarm was turned
into uproarious laughter. First came a
plump yearling steer to the caudal
appendage of which hung our friends
Private Firkin and "Rusty" Duckett,
then followed half dozen others try
ing to get near enough to the critter to
get hold. The frightened animal
darted into an open tent which proved
to be our lieutenant's. Seeing no exit
ahead he turned to depart whence he
came, but that way was closed by his
pursuers. Trying again he dashed
blindly at the end of the tent, struck
the upright and Knocked it aside. The
end of the tent gave way before his
violence like tissue paper and he was
again in the open. But he had in his
blind dash for liberty ran afoul of a
camp wash-stand. This proved to be
his undoing for half dozen eager
hands found hold on the stand and
down he went. In moment he was
hog-tied as neatly as could be done by
any cowboy and the struggle was over.
Our lieutenant then had the cul-
prits arraigned before him and asked
by what right they had taken pos
session of the animal "Rusty" ex-
planned that the several men connected
had gone up the river few miles and
had found bull-boat that had either
been abandoned by some Indians or
had floated down stream on the rising
water. Now, a bull-boat is made from
alarge beef hide stretched over round
frame of willows. 1t is light, draws
but few inches of water and to the
uninitiated is as easy to handle as tub
An Indian, with few stones for bal
last, can navigate bull-boat as rapid
ly and safely as an expert oarsmar
can the best built skiff. But to re-
sumo "Rusty's" explanation. He anG
another managed to cross the river ir
this erratic craft and soon found {
ranch. They stated our want of fresf
meat to the rancher and by making {
, joint "promise to pay" persuaded hin
to let them have the animal they ha(
brought to camp. The rancher, who's,
name certainly must have been Mark
also helped them lead their purchas
. into their cruiser and cheerful,
pushed it into the bounding pillows
Just before their arrival at camp tn
, lively little steer had, by a backwar,
, jerk, slipped the rope by which he wa
lead from the hands of his leader an,
made dash for the welcome light
Two managed to get a tail-hold an
the rest of the tale we all know.
: This satisfied our commander VIII
I undoubtedly was as anxious to tast
f juicy steak as any of us. Next da
q we slaughtered our prize, had thre
square meals of fresh beef and wer
: ready for the next meal. sDid it tast
J. good?" Ask Rusty" 1179.