The Lubbock avalanche. (Lubbock, Tex.) 1909-1922, 1919-04-03
Early Times in Texas 9 4o HHz

one foot wild EN-" said Guido, "da kin jos
kill me fust' But YOU mustn't let EN- do
that, said l. you must fight 'em as long as
YOU can shoot" "l'll do dat. sartin." said he
only glib me gun, en- I'll pop at 'ern tell dc
cows come home | amt giving wild nobody
dat eats peoples foot and hand
Two DAYS after Uncle Seth came over to
Frontier Hall, we were ready 10 start on the
trip, the tent was finished. the pack saddle
rugged, and all our provisions slowed away in
the haversacks.
The morning afterwards. we saddled our
horses packed our provisions and camp equi-
page on a big stout mule. and bidding good
by 20 the folks at Frontier Hall, we mounted
and started of on our long talked of "Explor-
ing expedition Uncle Seth had spoken so
confidently about making the trip safely, that
he had succeeded In great measure in quiet
ing Mrs. Rivers fears and she didn't take
on as Willie said. as much as | expected she
would when We left
/ really felt sorry for Cousin Sophia, for |
knew very well after Mr.. Pitts departure
there would be no one TO listen willingly 70
the langing Of the old piano, and 10 excaim
al the conclusion Of every song or piece OF
music how beautiful" etc. But | am sure the
rascal had listened and exclaimed TO some
purpose. for Just as we were about TO start |
saw Cousin Sophia syly hand him a small par
eel. which / suspected was a billet doux," |
afterwards ascertained it was only some senti-
mental farewell verses.
Don't you fret about u.s. ma" said Willie
he gave his mother parting kiss. well
al get back safe, YOU may be certain, and then
III study my books as ! promised pa, for a
whole year. Won't il be a drag though" said
he 70 me, as we rode Off only think, Mr.
Dobell, of a fellows having TO study grammar
z geography, rlthmetc and all that tiresome
stuff for twelve months at a stretch It's
enough to make a fellow sick just to think of
1t. 1t amt half as good fun AS scramperng
over the praries on my pony"
IL suppose not" said l. but then am sure
you do not wish to grow up an ignoramus,
which you certainly will do If you do nothing
but scamper over the prairies on your pony"
yes, | know that" replied Willie. "and I'm
going TO study hard when | come back-but
I'll have one good blow out before | begin.
anyhow"
AS we rode off from the house our little
party made quite formidable and warlike
appearance, with our guns across our should
ers and our butcher knives and pistols stuck
in our belts. Uncle Seth led the van. Mr.
Pitt, Lawrence, Henry and myself composed
the main body Cudjo leading the pack mule
was the rear guard, whilst Willie scampering
here and there sometimes in front sometimes
on the TANKS, served as a kind Of vidette or
lookout for the whole party Guido was mount.
ed on hall-breed horse (hs dam being a
full blooded mustang) and he took after his
mother, not only In appearance, but in quail
ties, for he had Roman nose white eyes and
protuberant stomach, and was a most expert
pitcher whenever he wanted 10 get rid Of
his rider Guido had short double barrel
shot gun sung across his shoulders and from
his saddle bow danged his shot pouch, To
which was attached powder horn of such
huge dimensions, that Willie az once ehrialor-
ed Il "the magazine" These together with
ether traps tied 70 the thongs of hla saddle,
gave him quite the look of duaky hrlgand.
returning from successful lnray
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