Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1142) (1903 10)
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pl ie pe ag ae St with great interest about his friends and relations he had left at home. Spikes was not a little flattered by what he deemed this decided prefer@ace, upon the part of the lady, of him over the military offi- cer that bad been endeavoring so hard to enter- tain her. He gave her credit for penetration ugh to detect real merit, when she encoun- it. - While thus occupied, Adrienne felt some one ogtat drawing a portfolio from herlap. Hast- y turning her head, she saw Lieutenant Put- nam’s hand upon it, while his face and tongue the question: ** May I examine the sketches?” She nodded in the affirmative, and actuall winked to him. It was a habit she had wit her schoolmates, when contemplating some mis- \ chief, and she did it unconsciously to the Young ve However, it did the lieutenant an immense r Bae meg ites ay bites eta ra. twinges o oy) t he n eel. So he busied iMisnel? te ekeanining the sketches, all of which were interesting, and some startling from their delicate beauty and skillful execu. The fair artist had probably given her per- for this examinatien, without reflecting what was in there. e young offcer, as he tarned oy mochaas diced came iy a of suspiciously notes, an cards; but as a matter of course, these were not glanced at sufficiently for him to see the super- scrip He felt that he had no business to these, and he found al the nt he d desire in admiring the He did not listen to and cared no- bg = Se? the conversation at his side. Spikes tent. His | ‘*stove-pipe” from lio foretien his allo ow Pec emmy the railing, so as partly to Magoo F oie “etn - Adrienne McHavens, Ww leaning tly forward, conversed wi him in her most animated manner. “Pm traveling really for my health,” re- marked Jabez, in the lofty manner of a million- aire referring to his stock operations. ‘I in- tended to make this tower some years ago, but it was long—a tremendously long time before I arrange my business, so as to permit my Suppose you are overwhelmed with busi- ‘Ginger! I shovld think I was; I am almost witz it. You see, I own a line of steamboats running between Hartford and New York—” “How many compose the line?’ interrupted er. “‘Seventeen—all magnificent first-class steam- ers. They have all crossed the ocean and are seaworthy. Then I had a couple of cotton- mills in Rhode Island that had to be looked after, besides my farm at home, and the bank of _ILam dent, and also—-” “That will do—it really bewilders me to hear of so much business. y did you not bring your wife along?” i “ Wife!” fairly shouted Jabez; “did you ir am en i ‘ie ae Certainly; you are of age, are you no “Oh! yes; bat I could find no girl at hum that suited me. I think I'll have to hunt upa wife on the broad peraries.” _ As Spikes uttered this, he smiled and looked sideways in a very longing and expressive man- ner at Adrienne, who, while understanding the meaning of this, did not permit him to see that OEY mebeaey th have taken a fancy to i , then, you have taken a fancy is the + dakagheers of the forest ’?” “What do you mean by that? These Indian ng a “Thunderation!—excuse me !—gingeration, I mean: I am more particular in ia OO a27 y ves,” replied Jabez, gis Shall “but then, you know, i « Not if ‘ou have been circumspect in your ietwaads- teeta.” “That is what I always endeavor—yes_ en- deavor—to or ae the utmost to be; but then. if a lady _ will fall in love with me, how am to blame/— Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. prevent it, also?’ ‘You can hardly be expected to answer for your attractions.” ‘**T suspect, in many cases,” continued Jabez, ‘that itis partly or mostly my wealth that at- tracts these young ladies.” “Undoubtedly; you should have concealed that’s what I'd like to know, and how am I to our riches from me; then, you see, I would ve nothing but simply yourself to ire.” “Well,” said Spikes, with another of his side- long glances and smiles, ‘‘ I told you, because I knew you had such noble qualities of mind that riches could have no effect upon you.” And thus they conversed, Jabez growing more pointed in his a, Adrienne par- rying them with the ski]l natural to a handsome and well-trained lady. The Yankee was certain- ly smitten, and he edged up so close to her that she was compelled to edge closer to Lieutenant Putnam, who did not seem in the least displeased at this state of affairs. The afternoon wore Spikes became more until there was really reason to fear that he in- tended to a rg Adrienne parried his a proaches, until, to avert the catastrophe, she turned to the lieutenant and drew him into the conversation. ee, away, and Jabez This checkmated the loving Yankee, as the ent in his expressions interposition of a third party is pretty certain to do at any time. By this time it was growing dark, and care- fully replacing the sketches in her portfolio, the officer returned it to the fair young artist, thank- ing her for the pleasure she thus been the means of giving him. Shortly after, a bell was heard ringing below, which Adrienne explained was the signal for supper. The three descended from the upper dane Jabez finding when hé turned to escort Miss gi that the lieutenant-had antici- ted . PeThe little steamer, upon which our friends were journeying, had been constructed purpose- ly for the business upon which it was now en- ts Pm pedro ive eon a many respects, t) rivér-steamers 0: the North. It was quite narrow, with a stern- wheel, as we have pore d stated, an upper deck, surmounted by the pilot-house, where the captain or one of his men was continually stand- ing at the wheel. This deck was inclosed by a railing, which served as a support to the seats that ran around it. Below was a small saloon, in which a table was found spread by our friends, as they descended from above. The cook was a-negro, who had served in that capa- city — a Mississippi steamer, and well r- | stood his business. . The captain joined them at the table, and they spent a half-hour very pl tly. Lieu-: tenant Putnam counted, with no little delight, upon spending several hours upon deck, or in ; ly the small saloon, “in converse with Adrienne. | So did Spikes, none the less confidently. ' Great, therefore, was the disappointment of | each, when she excused herself, and withdrew | to her own apartment, announcing that she would meet them at the breakfast-table in the | morning. “Ginger! I didn’t expect that,” exclaimed | Jabez, as she vanished from view. “No; it is quite a disappointment to both,” | ked Lieutenant Putnam. that, if he could only capture the white buffalo, and take this beautiful young lady home with him as his wife, then in would his triumph over Mary Ann Stiggens and the bar-tender, and ail those who had ridiculed him, be perfect. That was now his scheme, ‘‘revised and cor- | rected up to date.” Lieutenant Putnam chatted with his friend some minutes longer, and then went to the upper deck and to the pilot-house, where Ca tain Bennett was standing at the wheel. The sky was clear, with a gibbous moon, so that both sides of the river could be dimly discovered. As the captain had been far above this point on several occasions before, and recognized the way, he kept running the entire night. When he needed sleep, he took it in the day- time, when it was safe to intrust the helm to an assistant. As there was little for the other hands to do except to attend to the engine, they vee re to ea each eat that. e young officer ste upon the upper deck, the air blew fresh ota yi oe his face, and, somehow or other, there came with it a feeling of oppression—something like a pre- sentiment that some evil was impending. He had intended to hold converse with the captain, for a while, at least; but the mi ressive feeling was so strong, that he tutn is back upon him, and paced back and forth, where he could be alone with his own meditations, - There seemed to be an incubus weighing him down, for which he could not account. Indeed, there was et | reason to feel in exuberant spirits. He made the acquaintance of tne most charming young lady he had ever met, and hope told the flattering tale that she was not displeased with him. And he had her promise that these sunshiny hours should be repeated in the morning, and he should enjoy the bliss of her sweet presence again. “Then why do I feel this way?’ he asked bg with a great sigh, as he paced back and fo He had become accustomed to the wild grand- eur of the solitude through which they were Seach dey so that he could stand sentinel hrough the entire night without going into a poetic frenzy But there was a different feeling that had now come over him. He was sad, and apy re- hensive that some great calamity was close at hand. What its particular c was, he could not say, but the parting words of Waufy still linge: in his ears, he wondered whether they were not the cause, - * At any rate, I am sorry she is on board,” muttered the lieutenant; ‘‘ her society is Para- dise for me, but it was a sad mistake in her coming.” The young officer paced the deck a few min utes longer, when the head of Jabez Spikes slow- rose into view. ‘Don’t be so down in the mouth, leftenant,” he called out, as soon as he saw him; “I am sorry you take it so to heart; but, ginger! I can’t help it, if she falls in love with me!” CHAPTER VIII. ON SHORE, THERE is nothing like golden sunshine to dissipate the gloom from our — When, on the following morning, after enne vigorens health and the ast in her remar’ peel! wer of her ‘* Yes,” replied the Yankee, in his lofty man- | room, she » e her appearance on the upper ner, as he recalled the interest Adrienne had | deck, as rosy and beautiful as the earliest spring manifested in him, “I am quite pleased with | flower, Lieutenant Putnam forgot ull his gluom her, and from what you saw yourself, you will | of the preceding night, in the joy of seeing her adinit—yes, unkesitatingly admit—that it is | again. mutual.”* ** It looks very much that way,” returned the | beautiful a lieutenant; ‘‘ have you relinquished all designs | regret that they had not several thousand miles upon Mary Ann Stiggens?” | before them, before completing their journey. “Mary Ann Stiggens to thunder!” was the | so he remained below in the engine-room ; e was certain he had never encountered sa | lady as she was, and he could only — disgusted exclamation of Jabez; “‘she ain’t a circumstance to Ady.” ‘Whom do you mean by Ady ?” ¢ ‘* Why she; you don’t suppose I call her Miss McHavens, like you? No; we are toointimate for that.” ““ What does she call you ?” -“* Jabe, of course.” ** You are progressing quite rapidly in your acquaintance, x abez Spikes looked loftier than ever, as he | stroked his yellow goatee, and made reply: “*T suppose, lieutenant, you have d of such a thing as electric affinity—I advise you to | read up on that; then:you will understand the | case—yes, understand it thoroughly.” ; Jabez was evidently boggy i. ped imbued with | the idea that Adrienne Mc | avyens was h lessly in love with him; and now he conclu 1 Spikes knew nothing of her appearance op lack, studying the working of the machinery, and wondering whether he was not as competent to take charge.” as the regular engineer. So our hero and heroine were left to themselves for some time. f The air was crisp and cool, but not enouch so to be unpleasant, and they paced back and forth on the deck, side by side, admiring the scenery along *he banks, and- peorteonmn: | @ thousand and one matters, such as natw suggest thera- selves to two young persons who are mutually — at be t into each other's so~ ciety. stretched away almost. in a dead level; on the left was both wood and prairie, while far in the distance the faint outlines of a mass of moun-— tains could be seen, their peaks appearing almust . e it bank was covered with forest, that
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above where the steamer was lying. Lieutenant Putnam had been revolving the fears that Adrienne had expressed regarding the safety of Captain Bennett and his crew, and he had recalled his own ominous forebodings of the night before. . * Tt was these which caused him to say: ‘*Do you remain here untilI return. There tbly may be something wrong at the boat, although I haven’t much apprehension,” Adrienne consented, and her comp: parted. She waited patiently for return, and by and by he made his appearance. She saw at once, from his pale face, that he had something startling to communicate. “ Adrienne,” said he, in a horrified whisper, * Captain Bennett and his crew have been mas- sacred by the Indians, and the boat is swarm- ing with them.” ion de- CHAPTER X. e THE MASSACRE, } ae Ir was a) ene. news indeed, and for a few moments ienne was unable to utter a word, a and Li nant Putnam was scarcely less exci- ted. Then, instead of bewailing her own situa- tion, she exclaimed in a choking voice: “M poor uncle! is he dead , _ *T’do not see how one of them could have es- caped. There seems to be fully a hundred In- dians swarming all over the boat.” ‘But I hear no noise.” “That looks as though they knew of our ab- sence, and were purposely quiet for the purpose 5 cee gi toatl by th palling mis- wn closer er by the ap gm fortune and the awful : r be gots g wat - both, the two young people turn eir bac Na n the Auteed steamer, and stealthily made their way through the woods, conscious that what was once their ‘‘ house of refuge,” was now death itself. — Mae Lieutenant Putnam took the unresisting hand of Adrienne in his own, and when they had gone ah yards or so, he suddenly paused. “Tt may possibly be, dearest,” he said, in a low, affectionate voice, “‘ that all of our friends are not dead.” ‘Do you think my poor uncle or any of the others have been spared?” she asked, her tones and looks showing how deep was her solicitude. pas There seems to me to be a slight chance of it; en will you wait here while I go back and try to i ascertain?” ‘* But suppose they should discover you?” she ' exclaimed, impetuously as she seized his arm. z Her looks and manners thrilled the lieutenant, he and for the time drove all other thoughts out ad of his mind. Looking down on the upturned face, with the yearning tenderness of love he would it occasion you a of regret ‘*Oh! how can you?” wailed, covering her face with her from this spot; I will be back in half an hour, and then we will see what is to be done.” ing her good-by for a short time, Lieu- ; Pere rl away in the direction of the steamer, working his way with the caution and stealth of a man who knows what peril he fee y Eerepens to the of the wood, he saw the Tittle r, lying just as it had been left, and re epee ved. wold ne po SS Bay gtea ; tly was generating iitdateceons raglthy. Baa ‘i There seemed to be Indians everywhere. — the u deck, and he back and forth, but not a sign Ms our hero, as he at “No; there is Jabez as sure as the world!” spoke he saw the Yankee a: on the ek, and walk to the wheel as un- oncernedly as though these were new t he had ssh CneneNe Catching hold of the istle-ror ve 6 Rend sa ae eee all time Seward tis sho perfect- less of the Indians abou his. reached the Yellowstone, at a point considerable ‘of Adrienne, “if it is o and that of Ady, AWAY! The Indians have murdered all but me, and ore waiting your return! That's true as gospel, by ginger! : Lieatenaa Puntass understood the meaning of this. The alarm upon the whistle, and the shouted words, were intended to warn him of a danger. It was an act of true bravery upon the the immediate vengeance of the Indians upon him, and the heart of the officer warmed toward him with admiration and gratitude for the act. ‘* There is something in you worthy of admi- ration,” he muttered, as he still watched the pro- ceedin gs. Jabez Spikes having performed his duty, cast another lingering look at the shore ing for his ba & and then he called out to the mate ton th n those ropes, heads!” Inasmuch as none of the red-skins understood of Spikes, thus to risk bringing down | as if search- | or I'll break all your | or God’s sake KEEP | them, The lieutenant, as a matter of course, a word of English, there was not much risk in | such epithets. The peril in igesenyg tea, his friends was that the savages would under- stand his object, from his manner and actions alone. to warn | So, in the present instance, his gesticulations | were such that his poxrene was comprehended, and several nimble Indians undid the fastenings in a twinkling. As the boat then began to drift down-stream with the current, Spikes quickly fastened the wheel in the proper place, and then hastened below to start the engine, that was al- ready blowing off steam at a fearful rate. A moment later, the wheel began revolving with great velocity, dashing the water in foam. Phe steamer almost instantly stopped floating with the current, remained stationary a mo- ment, and then began be upward with a swift and ever-increasing speed. By this time the dusky dogs had learned the use of the bell’ and whistle, and they kept up a constant c ing with the former, and a most unearthly shrieking with the latter, all the time dancing about the deck like delighted children. Lieutenant Putnam stood wit a sad heart, | and watched the swiftly-receding boat, until | finally, as the shades of night be settling over the river, it disappeared around a bend in the river above, and even when invisible itself the carp Sek and whistling, and screeching of the delighted Indians were borne to him through the woods over the water. Finally he turned about and made all haste to where Adrienne was awaiting him in no little alarm, ive me for remaining away so much longer promised,” said he, as he took her trembling hand in his, and for the first time ven- tured to kiss the pearl-tinted cheek. ‘But I mit EA learn om at was nena am “* And is uncle living?” she eager: ed. He sadly shook his head. J * There is no hope of it; they have spared onl one man, and it is not likely that he will be ‘l- lowed to live much longer. I suppose they have ae bim to teach them how to manage the ob. \ “Mr. Britton, the “No, it is Jabez Cake whom they have elected to that office; although I cannot imagine for what reason; but the fellow did a real brave act in our behalf.” And then Lieutenant Putnam proceeded to re- late every thing that he had seen and learned up hd the time when the steamer vanished from si e important gag now remained as to what they should do. Both were provided with their weapons and a moderate supply ef ammu- nition, but their great deprivation was that neither had a horse, nor was it possible to see any way of sragens one Hikdboet, With usucdling Bes iste hea: eu some grim humor. That will not hurt us, was the ready reply possible to do it., I wonder that some of the Indians did not track us, instead of waiting for us to return.” — ‘I feared that, but I suppose they were too much elated over their prize to bestow any at- tention upon us.” As the steamer, before her capture, had pene- trated a long distance up the Yellowstone, the only course left for our friends to be that of forward, so as to intercept Colo- nel McHavens and his partv. The ce ne- cessary to traverse, in order to do this, was much less than it would be were they to turn —_—— attempt to reach the border settle- men Then the great difficulty remained as to the ion necessary to pursue in order to reach } engineer?” th | ee ee | enn 11> was a total st a4 nger in the country, and without means of guidance. Why not follow the river?’ asked Adri- e. * That's it,” be exclaimed, delightedly. ‘I believe I will let you act as guide; that is all we can do, Shall we press onward now, or wais until morning?’ ‘Let us get as far away from this place as possible,” answered Adrienne, with a shudder. ** We can go many miles before morning.” “* Come on, then.” It was nearly dark, and as the sky was quite cloudy, the night bid fair to be one of intense gloom, so that there was little trating to any great distance after all. “We shal need all our strength,” said our ‘‘ And it will not be wise to tax it too much at the begitning of our journey.” “It will not harm us to walk the night through,” replied Adrienne, “and I cannot sleep in this woods after all this.” ‘There is no telling what you can do,” Our hero and heroine pressed onward until the gloom around them seemed absolutely impene- trable. They could tell they were in the vicinity , of the river, by the sound of its flow, and finally they came to a stand-still, satisfied that it was imprudent to venture further, until they had the light of day to guide them. To their surprise, they found themselves at the base of the butte which they had visited during the afternoon. “We will make our first encampment on top of that,” said Putnam. ‘ We shall not be likely to be disturbed by wild animals up there as down here.” They made their way to the top, and halted on the spot where, a few hours before, they had leoked off over the landscape with such differ- ent emotions as agitated them now. “‘T always carry a match-safe with me,” said the cfficer. “ Shall I kindle a fire for you?” “No; for that would be like inviting cap- ture.” ‘* Very well; I wili leave you to make your- self as comfortable as possible, while I act as sentinel over your slumbers.” me Bidding her good-night, Lieutenant Putnam | --—\ walked part way down the incline, and then paused and arranged his *‘ beat” for the night. As we have intimated, the sky was filled with clouds, and unlit by moon orstar. It was dark- ness in every direction, and the only sound that reached the ears, as he stood and ned, was the mournful sighing of the night-wind through the trees. As he began his pacing back and forth, a heavy, booming sound, that seemed to make the whole air shudder, came to his ears. He paused, and locked up to the 5 ; be in a sed “Tf a storm comes, we sh ‘*We have no blankets with un least, in which they were placed. It was a wearisome tramp, for alth he had the blissful consciousness that he sm a ing watch over his beloved, yet he was d Hour atter hour drdgad slowly be lat aba & our r hour Ow. \ a delight which it would be difficult’ to describe, he saw that it was growing unmistakably light in the east. : As soon as it Me ay, an he bac? Adrienne approaching, and replying er salutations, he Saauired how she spent the night. Idid not close my eyes for an instant in sleep,” she replied, with a light laugh. ) ‘‘ How is that?’ he asked, in amazement. “Twas too much excited, over the dreadful events of yesterday, and too ae pra -and be- t over our own situation: and ‘ sides that, I some branchés upon the pate A I found that I was not a oe a a little tovgd aro tosleep, IfI , only my blanket along, there would © have been no difficulty.” . : “You must not suffer that way again to night.” my “TI can not say that I really suffered: but I was in such a condition of mind and body, that ee ne ee ae a
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rts To _ Bennett—but, you didn’t—and heaven—” - . The words were checked in his his eyes fixed upon the spot, where he knew the steamer was laboring along, he saw a sudden and awful oxpansion of first belching overflow of the crater’s mouth, ' followed by a thunderous boom that reached to the very clouds. There were red, radiating lines from one sun-like focus, shooting far up jm the air, then the sound of bodies dropping in tue water, awful shrieks of agony, and then all was still. The boiler had exploded with icresistible fores, and the steamer was no more. - Fora few moments, Jabez Spikes lay hushed and motionless on his float. Amon he drew a sigh. “. That thoro excursion, considered as a real Square excursion upon the part of Lo, I think be pronounced a failure.” a himself. Unfortunately ee gradually lightened, that he was close to the | gastern bank, and as he wished to reach the west- ern, so as to try Bs nearly the whole breadth o Sere cross before he could accomplish that. na But he was truly thankful for his wonderful ea deliverance, and he set to work with a will; but he made slow progress. The current carried him ‘ rapidly downward, and he approached the west- ern bank at a very tardy rate indeed. ‘*Gmger! what’s up now?’ he suddenly ex- claimed, as in the dim lizht he saw a number of sab bodies moving through the water all about At first he thought he was among a lot of In- Wawa dians, but the next moment discovered that he ~ had drifted down among a number of buffaloes | , that were swimming across the river. ie 6 They were few in number and were from the eastern to the western bank. observed that he could, and\a brilliant idea struck him. He would make one of them tow him! ipping off his raft, he made a grab at the tail of the very last one, and es ah it. The buffalo gave a snort of alarm, partly turned his head, and plunged along at af rate, but Spikes hung fast. i c Go ahead, old fellow! I don’t want to hurt yu. He was towed through the water at a swift rate, but, swift as it was, the trammeled animal could not keep Oy wire his mates, and soon was ‘. left out of sight behind them.' a The river was broad, and it was a long time oe before the buffalo reached land; but, at last, his — , .. large body, i cm with water, rose above the ) Pampa tage’ peed Ww slowly ashore, Jabez still abez G '¥ 4, clinging to his ‘‘ narrative. > ** Ginger !” he exclaimed in breathless amaze- CORR ment, ‘is it ible?’ eo Could he believe his eyes? Yes, the animal Lo! CHAPTER XII. PERILOUS WANDERINGS. To say that Jabez Spikes was pleased would ‘but feebly express his emotions. Such an un- expected piece of good fortune, following close on his great mishap, its natural re- action, and for a time scarcely speak. o “Ginger!” he finally “ ve been hunt- ing teat Phezemenon, aad now the Phenomenon has come to me!” Yes; it was a veritable white buffalo; there was sufficient light in the sky for him to make sure of that. cok gasped, to keep the animal, and what he was todo to hibhe its running away. He now had it by e tail, but how long could he hold it thus? Baden tor ater pes hen oO Was very — ox or, after slowly c ing its y dipping Body out of the Vitec ior @ short iis. tance, was eve peta I yon me its So it ct yen upon the group reathing like an ani that hadn’t strength to do any thing else. cle Jabez, in no little alarm; ‘‘ that would be too bad, after securing him.” A few minutes, however, showed the true _cause of this act, and the Yankee was not a little relieved. f fire and flame, like the | and hunt up his friends, he had | the broad river to | going ey were going much faster than | that had towed him ashore was a WHITE BUFFA- | The great question now was as to how he was" theut paying the least heed to him who | = and Adrienne McHavens standing behind 2) a8 “Ginger! I hope he ain’t going to die,” ex- | for a ride, I have no doubt that Captain . But the great que mouth. With | least, he would be rest@d, | to sleep. | | } ~~ All the other animals had fied, so that man | cluded frém the action of the white buffalo that it showed such extreme exhaustion, undoubted- ly caused by towing him ashore. and beast were left alone together. Jabez con- | it was quite an aged animal, from the fact that | er | concluded the delighted Jabez. It was now time for, Jabez to think about | i he found, as the sky | | breakin; m, as we have said, was kept. By morning, at and very likely would lumber away in pursuit of his companions. What, therefore, was to be done? So great was the anxiety of Jabez on this point that he forgot his own clothes were satu- rated, and the night was quite cool. His only thought was how to prevent the buffalo from es- caping him in the morning. The only method that suggested itsilf was to | tame him, and he began -that at once, although | with very crude ideas as to the proper course to pursue. The buffalo seemed about dropping off Hastily plucking some succulent grass growing near, Spikes placed it to the mouth of | the animal. At first it paid no heed; then it | started, as if about to rise, and then began | munching the food. ‘*He’s hungry—the Phenomenon jis hungry,” ** There’s noth- ing like hunger to tame a phenomenon. That's the way my mother used to tame her little phe- nomenon, Jabez.” The sky grew clearer and brighter each mo- ment, and finally the moon and stars showed themselves. By their a ee he continued gather- ing the , which, fortunately, grew very luxuriantly about him. He gathered food, and the buffalo ate, and it displayed a healthy appetite. The more it ate the hungrier it seemed to grow, until even Jabez began to feel some surprise. ‘** That Phenomenon is hollow, I su , and it looks as though I shall have to f it a week before it gets enough. When J show it through the country, it will take something to keep it in good condition.” Spikes improved his opportunity to the utmdst. Every time he brought a bundle of grass he ventured to pat the monster on the head. It was disposed to resent this familiarity at first; but there really seemed to be a great deal of the magnetic pr cag wer inthe man. He had been noted at home for his wonderful skill in and training the most obdurate and vicious horses, and he now exerted himself to the utmost to conquer this white buffalo. Never be- fore had he such an object in doing as much. Precisely how it was accomplished we cannot say, no more than could the novice explain how it was that the great horse-king was able to lead that equine fiend, Cruiser, by a wisp of straw laced in the mouth that had delighted in human lood more than in his natural food. But when morning dawned Jabez Spikes was the victor. He had subdued the great buf- falo so that it was as pliant in his hands as the obedient child under the discipline of its father. He made himself certain of this by several in- teresting experiments. At his bidding, the buf- falo rose to feet, and followed him round in a circle, and then ata wave of his hand, he lay down upon the und. Its t brown eyes seemed to look at his captor with a real yearn- affection. how the prize was to sun was up, and the day was a clear pleasant one. The clothes of Spikes had dried upon him, and his incessant motion had pre- | vented any bad consequences following his sub- | mergence in the chilly water He was in good spiris but terribly hungry. will have to bea . blamed sight hungrier than I am: now before I- ou, and as carefully reloaded it, so as to be iy for any emergency, and then he debated seriously as tothe next step. His anxiety was to discover Lieutenant Putnam and Adrienne, whe, he knew, must be somewhere in the neigh- thay ia pep nee find ota gin, and wh ’ is ap nice kind ofa girl, and when she finds I’ve ht the Phonsahenee of the West, I guess— Ginger! what's that?’ Something ike a _ struck upon his ear, his head, he saw Lieutenant Put- and turnin: “We are glad to see ou,” said the officer, as he reached out his hand; ‘‘ you have been ex- | tremely fortunate in escaping so well.” “Yes; you should be thankful indeed,” added gt heroine, as she put her delicate white band | in his, “Ginger! this pleases me,” grinned Jabez, at | the warmth of the salutation. “Tell us all about it,” added the lieutenant, in a serious voice. ‘IT was watching the boat | and saw you when you warned us to keep back.” “You heard me, then, did you?” “Yes, plainiy.” ee “ And it was a braveact in you,” added Adri- enne, with glowing eyes, for she really liked the eccentric Yankee. ‘* Wasn’t that massacre awful?’ he exclaimed. ‘Tt makes me shudder all over to think of it.” ** And what a wonderful escape you had.” *« T did, and I thank God for it!” replied Jabez, as he uncovered his head, and looked reverent upward, ‘I didn’t deserve such mercy, and shall never forget it.” ‘* But tell us how it all happened.” ““ Well, P'll begin at the beginning.” Whereupon Jabez proceeded to relate in de- tail what has already been given to the reader. It was a thrilling recital, and hero and heroine listened with rapt attention to its close. The dreadful deaths of Captain Bennett and his crew hung like a pall over them, and oppressed them at times with an unspeakable sadness. But all were young, and a natural reaction re- sulted. There were times when all threw off this incubus, and were their natural selves in. ‘*How extraordinary that you should have captured the very white buffalo, about which you have so, often dreamed, and for which you ve so often sighed.” “Yes, that is queer,” assented Jabez; ‘I made a grab at his tail, as he was passing, and there he is!” The subject of the discourse was standing some distance back of them, quietly browsin the grass, with an indifference of manner tha looked as if he were not aware of the presence of human beings so near him. ** Why doesn’t he run away?” asked Adrienne, with some perplexity. ‘** Because the Phenomenon is tamed.” ‘“‘Tamed already?” asked the lieutenant, in surprise. : Just look; I'll show you. Here, Phenom- enon!’ r Jabez made a chirruping noisé, such as is com- mon when one wishes to hurry a horse, The buffalo instantly raised his head and looked in- uiringly at him. He beckoned with his hand or the bull to approach. It did so, and paused only a foot or two in front of him. tanding motionless, Spikes then began mov- ing in a circle, walking backward, and signaling to the brute to do'the same. It obeyed with a readiness which, to say the least, was extraordi- . He frequently changed his course, when the bull. promptly did the same. Then, at an- other wave of the hand, it lay down like a dog at the word of his trainer. | Finally he dismissed it with another wave of his hand, and it resumed its browsing of the Adrienne clapped her hands with delight. “* How did you do it?” “Ft pe tell,” "5 lied Ja’ . bag ee man- ner, “I su ana mine. “Tt must be, indeed.” “ Now, wait till I get him home! Won’t I be a hero? Won't Mary Ann Stiggens tear all her heed out, blag ~ ae ~ bts cmd into the vil- age, a-sitting on the top x-wagon, With the Phenomenon of the West?” “The only di ity now is to get him no eingetl bh got any thing to eat?” a ger! have you an eat sadden] dann Jabez; dous kefer in me that wants filling up!” ‘“Yes; we have just breakfasted, and ha’ good lunch left,” replied the lieutenant. am glad I can give you something.” **So am I, you bet!” Liettenant Putnam had laid aside what he thought would be an abundance for dinner for himself and companion; but, when Jabez had finished, not a particle was left! ‘Don’t suppose you’ve got any more?’ he asked, with rags eae “Not a bit; perhaps we can shoot another buffalo,” laughed our hero, “‘and you migh? manage to finish your meal off of him—that is, if he were a pretty L prrae: one.” No, thank you, I can wait till noon. I s'pose it’s time we started on our “ And which way shail it be?” The only thing possible to do seemed to be te attempt to reach Colonel MeHavens and his party,as a retreat to the States was out of the question, As near as they could conjecture, three or four more days’ journey would take them to thé neighborhood of the exploring party. There was but one means of counting upon reachin them, and that_was by keeping the gene well | direction of the Yellowstone. There was no little peril fo be encountered in doing this, for the ferocious red-skins were all around them, and they could only hope, through the kindness of Providence and their own unre ’sa tremen-- >”
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He paused, aghast; for at that juncture, he Rincatned on the hill to the north of them the light of a large camp-fire, burning brightly. ‘We have e a sad blunder,” said the lieutenant; ‘‘ there is a party of Indians, and they surely have seen us.” ““Look yonder!’ exclaimed Jabez, catching his arm, and pointing to the southward, where the light of a second fire was seen. ‘ Ginger!, we are surrounded by Indians, as sure as we are living!” ** Let’s put cut our camp-fire,” added Lieuten- ant Putnam, in some consternation; ‘ they wiil be down on us before we know it.” if our fire goes out, they’ll know too, we have taken the and the jig will then be up, * gure.” ‘What shall we do?” ** Not that.” “But we must do something; what shall it be?’ : “Ginger! if I know.” “We must wake Adrienne, and try to steal out of here.” “T don’t believe it can be done.” “ But it will be madness to remain idle,” add-. ed Lieutenant Putnam, almost angrily. The Yankee said nothing, and the alarmed _officer noticed that his eyes were fixed upon the | white buffalo, that was browsing upon the grass in his-usual contented manner. “‘T am trying to think whether the ‘Phenom- enon can’t help us out of this scrape,”’ he finally added, as though he were addressing himself. Lieutenant Putnam began to grow furious. “This is all tomfoolery; there is only one thing we can do, and that is to make our way oo of this infernal valley as quickly as possi- ble. ; And, without waiting to hear the reply of his comrade, he called to Adrienne, who awoke on the instant and joined them. She was speedil : made acquainted with the alarming state of af- fairs, and she reacwnnt | united with her lover in urging that they should try to steal out of the dangerous trap in which they had been unwit- ting! caught. ah he t point seems unprotected,” she added, pointing to the westward, where all was dark; ee let us n in that direction.” : ‘‘The worst thing we could do,” said Spikes, who deemed it high time for him to say some- thing. ‘‘ They’ll expect us to try that, and there is where they will watch for us, No; we'll ‘in this direction,” he remarked, as he pointed hs a little to the left of one of the camp-fires. ~~ * They won’t expect us there, and we'll have the P_.—best chance.” This was wise, and they acted upon the sug- gestion without delay; but they had scarcely started, when a third camp-fire flashed up to view before them! They halted in consternation. Matters were getting ees They were surrounded, be- yond a doubt, and they saw that escape was out of the question. “We may as well give up,” said Adrienne, in _ despair; ‘‘the savages are trifling with us for their own amusement.” ‘* Never,” added Lieutenant Putnam, in a low tone, as he pressed his beloved to him; “‘ we will stand and fall together—” ¢ .. . “You don’t see any chance?” said Spikes, \, looking inquiringly at the two. o> "TE am af if not,” candor compelled the young officer to say. . oe fh “None at all,” added Adrienne, clinging to her lover. : f “Then, by ginger! I'll try the Phenomenon!” he exclaimed. et Be : **Do any thing you choose,” replied the lieu- _ tenant, in despair. ‘‘I offer no objection.” _ _ The stratagem that had entered the head of | _ Jabez Spikes we may as well explain at this int: 4 PE Rayia the iaperesin character of the Missin Tadiann, e determined to act upon it, by mounting astride his ‘‘ Phenomenon?’ with a _ flaming torch in each hand, starting the buffalo | off on a full run, and with him upon his back | _ screeching lik@a panther, dash straight through | _ the Indian camp! ) You'll see them scatter as though I were an | 7 ing bomb-shell—yes, .as though I were | 3 ‘ius, Stromboli aah Etna boiled down and | gover among them! You must follow u nd me, and we'll all get through in | j ® scheme was so desperate that his | ed to follow him. Had Lieutenant alone, he might. have attempted to * would not subject Adrjenne to such 3 f a scene, which he was sure vypould result in no good to her. Jabez , entreated, inxyplored and finally said he would swear, but he was met with the same kind but firm denial. ** No,” said the lieutenant, ‘‘ we thank you for your interest in our behalf. You have proven more than once that you are brave and self- sacrificing, but we can not take part in this business.’ “Tf you see the Indians scatter and leave an opeh path for you, will you follow?” ** Yes, certainly,” replied our hero, smiling at gy, 2 cagpomye > ‘Then, by ginger! it’s a go! dmirable as wile the ereinitig of the buffalo, it required considerable maneuvering before he would permit his owner to take his seat upon his back; but finally he stood still and Jabez took his seat, with a torch in each hand. *“Now be ready to follow!” he called to his friends, who were watching his movements with no liftle interest. Away went the Phenomenon, as though Old Nick was indeed after him. He headed straight toward the camp-fire, which glowed on the hill to the north of them, and galloped up the de- clivity like a charger. About this time Jabez Spikes began yelling, and such yelling! It was fearful, appalling, awful, indescribable! At the same time he swung the torches in the most curious thet as he yelled, and screeched, and yelled. The buffalo was wild with terror, and scarce- ly conscious of what he was doing. He headed straight toward the camp, thundering up the slope at full His rider was powerless to direct him and did not make the attempt. Now he neared the camp, and shadowy forms could be seen leaping aside out of the way of the fearful monster, and still Jabez yelled and swung his torches. When the center of the camp was reached, the. Phenomenon, concluding that danger was pass- ed, made an extra flirt of bis tail, and kicked his hind-legs so high in air, that Jabez Spikes rolled off, and turned several back-summersets before he could check himself. Then leaping to his feet, he attempted to follow the buffalo, but, | at this moment, he was seized and held with a gripe of iron. Escape was impossible! CHAPTER XIV. CONCLUSION. JABEZ Spikes struggled in the grasp of his captor, but he was powerless. ‘What in thunder is the matter?’ demanded the well-known voice of Waufy, “*Can’t you stop and spe. ‘“‘Ginger! is that you?” exclaimed the de- | lighted Yankee. ‘‘I thought you were an In- dian; and are all these’white men?” Take a look at ’em and see for yourself.” The glance showed a dozen or so men grin- and laughing most heartily; and all were of the same race as himself. ‘This must be Colonel McHavens’s party,” exclaimed the delighted Yankee. ‘ ** That is just what it is and nothing else.” ‘* Well, see here,” added Jabez in his hurried manner, ‘‘ Lieutenant Putnam and Adrienne are down there, afraid to come up, thinking ou are Indians. You go down after them, aufy, while I goafter my Phenomenon; he’s too valuable for me to lose.’ And without waiting to ask or answer any mors questions, Jabez dashed away in pursuit of the white buffalo, while Waufy, wondering who “ Adrienne ” could be, went in quest of his young friend the lieutenant. The surprise of Colonel McHavens can scarce- | ly be imagined, when he saw Lieutenant Put- nam escort his own cherished darling Adrienne t> the camp and present her to him. For one moment they looked at each other, as if tomake sure of their identity, and then the brave girl | was inclosed in the arms of her father—the grim, fighting colonel. And then, as his comrades gathered around iy a Putnam, he related what the reader as long since learned—the embarking of the steamboat, the massacre of the crew, the provi- dential escape of our friends, their perilous journey, until they were now safe. And our hero had something else to learn. The guide whom Captain Bennett had sent out to notify Colonel McHavens of the coming of | the steamer, had reached the camp, and they at once set out to intercept it on the upper waters of the Yellowstone, A few. days later, Waufy came in camp with the announcement of the massacre of the escort that had been sent to meet LieutenantsPutnam, and the continued pro of the steamer up 7 . | picture of a rampan | the enjoyment of the Yellowstone. He made no mention of the lady he had seen on the boet+ and almost forgot it Colonel McHavens struck the Yellowstone at a lower point than was originally intended, as he felt confident of reaching it ahead of the steamer, which, had Providence permitted would have ascended to a point fully a hundred miles above, and here he was now awaiting its coming, little dreaming of the terrible fate that had befallen his brother-in-law and his compan- ions, : ‘* What is the meaning of those other camp- fires?” asked our hero, pointing off to where the other lights could be seen shining. ; & They’re all ours; there ain’t a red-skin near em.’ ‘For what purpose are they kindled?” **Tt’s the work of old Bill Zigler an’ me; thar have been a lot of varmints dogging us all day, and Bill kindled them fires, and is watchin’ ’em both himself, while he’s scouting around through there. He thinks by doin’ that he kin bring a lot of the varmints so close that he'll git a chance to take some of us and pepper em. Lieutenant Putnam did not exactly compre hend how this was to accomplish the aeuredl purpose, but he asked no more, “Gee! whoa! haw! there! don’t you mind, Phenomenon ?” Every eye was turned to where Jabez Spikes could be seen astride of his buffalo, and forcing | him to come up to the camp-fire, by which he had dashed in such a fury a few minutes before. The animal was not a little alarmed, but he obeyed, and finally halted a few steps away. He was as docile as a lamb. under the control of his master. A few weeks later Colonel McHavens and his command safely returned to the States, havin ’ successfully accomplished the purpose for whisk they were organized. * With them returned Jabez Spikes and his white buffalo, with which he at once be a tour of the country, having magnanimously re- linguished all claim upon the love of Adrienne McHavens. His natural shrewdness and un- questionable ability made his speculation a suc- : cess in every respect, He taught the buffalo - numerous tricks, which, although very little in themselves, still sounded astounding as they ap- peared upon his flaming posters. e began on a very moderate scale, but as his receipts grew, so did his personnel; and by and by he had his large, red, painted, box-like wagon, with the t white buffalo on the sides, top and bottom, and with a gig-top, in which he sat and held the reins of a span of fine horses, Thus he sat and cracked his whip, one fine spring morning, and with a triumph that scarcely allowed him to keep his seat, he rattled into his native village, where his “agent” had plentifully put up aan ce a few days before. His success astonished even himself. The whole vill seemed to be crowded under his tent, and almost the first person he saw wag MaryAnn Stiggens; but the stunning bar-tender was not with her Hundreds crowded around Jabez to shake hands with and congratulate him, and he was decidedly the hero of the hour. and by he made cautious inquiries about the bar-tender, and was gratified to learn that he was in state- prison, whither he had been sentenced for for-’ gery. maby Ann looked so ew: and so longingly at Jal that his heart relented, and he ventured to cail upon her, after first housing up his Phe- nomenon for a week that he might visit the — ‘old folks,” and his numerous friends. Mary Ann received him warmly, their old love reviv- | ed, and in due time, was consummated by a hap- | PY, marriage. | Jabez continued in the “show business,” for acouple of years, when the celebrated white buffalo died, and having made a moderate com- petence, he returned to his farm, with the pur- pose of remaining there forever x Lieutenant Putnam remained in the military several years longer, being stationed most of the time on the frontier. * All this time, he maintained a correspondence. with Adrie McHavens, with the full appro- val of the er, who had seen enough of the | young officer to appreciate his manly Ver: a and nobleness of heart. ay And the sweet time came, when the beautiful girl uttered the marriage vows, and the happy couple began the journey of life ther, Woo") an unclouded sky and a roseate fu BUG tar” these we now leave thc, Ginger! why &
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*y/ [hits Bufo. “Do you mean ’Lije?” ‘*¥ believe that is the was designated.” ‘Lije went under "bout five years ago,” re- plied Wauty with something like sadness in his voice. “Killed by aboory-gines, I s’pose?” “What kind of pols ie is that?’ ve ‘ec In-jines. ” f ‘Then why don’t you call ’em by thar right names—red-skins, or varmints? 0; we got cotched in a tearin’ big snow-storm, and ’Lije eouldn’t fight it through; he and his hoss both . went under; but I hain’t heerd what you had to tn th first place, di i i n the ce, do you imagine, or su or think that that same identical whi o is still alive?” ‘ _ Jabez was in earnest, and he gesticulated quite excitedly in the face of the hunter, as he spoke, while the latter replied with his usual coo ness. ' “Wal, that’s anuther thing that I couldn’t sw’ar to. He mought be alive, and ef he is, he’s f old and rather stiff in the jints by this dard es e. ‘Tm glad to hear that; it will be all the bet- ter for me.” ‘* What yer drivin’ at?” “See yer, Mr. Waufy,” said Jabez, approach- re Ave closer, and si his voice toa con- fidenitial whisper, ‘I’m out on a speculating tower, and I see here a stupendous fortune.” Waufy’s countenance proved that he still failed to see the point. i _ * Don’t you take? It’s this: I’m going to catch that white buffalo, and take him round the cognomen by which he go! And springing round in his excitement, Spikes drew an ieititgeie pastes cas the wall with his a finger. reading the words as he traced them: : The Phenomenon of the Age! The Wonder from the West! A Genuine Snow-White Buff- alo the Rocky Mountains of the West, now ibitionat ——. Admission $1; Children, ouble price, ete. “What do you think of that?’ demanded : and swinging his hat; ‘‘ won’t that make m fortune? Won’t it run like wildfire? Why shall ride down to the remotest lapse of time, to undying fame, on the back of a white buffalo. By ginger, I'll hang on too; he can’t throw me like he aid you. Yes, sir, that’s the programme. What do you think of that, Mr. Waufy?” The trapper hardly knew what he thought. His breath was fairly taken from him by the burst of excitement in his companion. The “idea of carrying a white buffalo round the coun- - try and charging to see him, was entirely new to hi him. Suddenly he brightened up. “ Why don’t you take a green buffler?” E _ “There ain’t any such thing, is there?” — fs “No; but thar’s plenty gf green paint in the country, ain’t thar? The New lander solemnly shook his head. “That would be a fraud, and J could never engage in any such business. I ht have - made my fortune long ago, if I wold have de- _ seended to such business. And then it wouldn’t - work any way; 4 blue or buffalo is an ? mpossibility, as much as a blue or n-haired man,and I should be discovered and my charac- si “ buffler, on tatst catch hing.” “The ” replied Spikes, jamming his hands Pintrthis’ pockets, and ck and oa Te he'll have to be lassoed.” “at o thunder!” mutteredthetrapper. ‘I'd like to see you or anybody else lasso a buffler.” ree what can you do?” “Pll be way e rest of ’em an away from th d y Nikon ae 7 him aenin Wither ie a you going into rritor: : Ae wen as. the weathee settles, I staru with pene two hosses.” 4 © 3¢What do you want of two?” Ms ‘One to ride, and the other to help bring back Ine to ri 3, well, now, what do you say to my go- h you? ai been expecting this ply, he scrutinized the Yankee from tf and back again. ou ever been on the peraries?” 3 was as fur west in my lifo,.” country asa show. Just think how it would | ”? Jabez, dancing about the floor in his excitement, | eager mag hlior get’ comgh, Nx rive Ag “Mr. Wanfy,” said Jabez, stopping squarely but, before | | you leave off that handle, hoes bro} ce a gl ie nger now. I’ve boen tryin’ my sad at every) thing, and dore only middling well, and I pects were of and here I am.” ‘*Have you got a good hoss?” “A splendid one; a m stupendous pair of pistols. Oh! I’m a for a campaign,” said Jabez, quite proudly. | “‘Thar is other things beside ,bufflers Out there,” said the trapper, a moment afterward. ** What’s them?” ; ““Tnjuns—and the worst kind, too.” “Ob! I know that; I think I'll lasso one of them, too, and have him as the keeper of the white buffalo. How yee do? But what do ou say to my going with you? . “You kin oF . * eet right then; that settles it. Now to As the massive hunter lay in bed, listening to the terrific snoring of Jabez Spikes, he reflect- ed upon what he had done. He had consented to take as his companion upon a most perilous journey, a man who was a complete novice in Ialian ways, and who, for the sake of accom- what might well be regard: y acquiring a suitable fortune, pli ed as an im- possibility, would sacrifice his life. . But the original and eccentric ways of the Yankee pleaser. the hardy old hunter, and not a little to his own surprise, he took quite a liking to him, and he found himself contemplating his companionship with no little pleasure. ag me! but what in blazes makes him snore so!” exclaimed Waufy, looking across the room, in the darkness, toward the point where he knew the man was I . “Ef he keeps on | that way, he'll have the door off the hinges. It } beats all creation!” Suddenly the racket ceased, and a movement ha heard as though the sleeper was turning in ‘*T guess he had his head fast in the bed-post,” muttered the trapper. ‘‘ Now he’ll rest easier. | Hello!” | ——, At that instant he heafd the feet of Jabez up- on the floor; then he moved around the room, fumbled at his pockets, and scraped a match | upon the wall. ‘“‘ What’s the matter?” asked Waufy ; but there was no reply, and looking at the man, he saw that aspe of somnambulism was upon him, and he was unconscious of what he was doing. The trapper watched him with no little interest. Going back to his own bed, he unfastened the cord, tied a loop at one end, and stepping to the other end of the room, swung it over his shoul- der, and hurled it with such precision, that before Waufy knew it, it caught one of his arms, and was instantly jerked tight. : ‘By ginger! I’ve caught the white buffalo!” exclaimed the delighted somnambulist, pulli with such power, that the burly hunter was dragged l . “ Thunderation! I should think ite had!” muttered Waufy, amused in spite of his mishap. ae know how to throw the lasso, that’s sar- At this juncture, just as the hunter caught his knife, and cut the cord, Jabez Spikes, eo, enough, awoke. Of course he-was consi bly | amazed when he discovered what he had done, and he was somewhat chagrined at the figure he cut, ‘Tf you can throw the lasso that way when you are asleep, you orter know something about it when you're awake,” said Waufy. ‘Never tried it before in my life.” You'll ’arn, but-s’pose you stop practicing fur to-night.” | Jabez took ap his with Waufy, and | Soon after bot intoa refreshing sleep, which was undisturbed by any more troublous dreams, and neither awoke until broad daylight. CHAPTER III. THE FATE OF THE ESCORT. - THE morning dawned clear, bright and beau- tiful. The storm had cleared away during the night, and the sun was shining in an unclouded sky. The air was crisp, although not severe, and it was just the weather for a party that con- templated any lengthy journey. “ y ginger! this is what I denominate grandly magnificent!” exclaimed Jabez Spikes, after looking out upon the scene for a few mo- ments. ‘Mr, Waufy—” - jist call me by my right name,” “Well, then, Waufy, how soon will we start” on our hunt for the white buffulo?” e out here to see what the pros- | agnificent rifle, and a | nomenon exists ready | _ ised should be here several days ago, out upon the floor, sprawling full ——— “See yer now,” growled the trapper, ‘“‘s’pose ) others did not indulge in the Don’t mister me, but | they whiled the hours away : | source that’s what you mean, and I’ll help you | sation ensued. es copie tty aul 4 aah : “Wel J don’t start at all.” “You needn’t feel bad; J intended to make you a half-partner all the while.” ‘No, you don’t; I’m goin’ up the Yallerstone ' to hunt. beaver and otters and sich like; not any white buffalo for me.” ‘ ‘* But you are going where that natural phe- ?? demanded Jabez, in consid- erable consternation. ‘‘Sartinly, ’'m goin’ whar that critter was cotch him ef the thing can be done—but then it’s fur you, and not fur me.” “All right,” responded Jabez, as they made their way down-stairs. , At the breakfast-table, Lieutenant Putnam was encountered, and quite a pleasant conver- Wauty seemed quite communi- cative, and Spikes was in the best of spirits. When they had finished, the young officer said: ‘“‘T understand you start to-day for the head- waters of the Yellowstone,” ‘*'That’s the idee.” ‘The escort which Colonel McHgvens prom- not yet agg by aad am almost certain that soaks thing has happened to them. I find, from what you have told me, rag! bbe going very nearl in the same direction that I wish to follow—” ‘* Where is Colonel McHavens?” “He is encamped at the junction of the Black and Thunder rivers, about—” “That’s enough,” interrupted the tra - “ve been thar often ‘nough to know that place. It’s "bout twenty es west of the trail; but, if you’ll go ‘long with us, we'll take you right to the spot.” : ; The lieutenant bowed and expressed his thanks. He hardly expected such an accommodati irit upon the i have felt pa and then, each mounting his horse, with Ww aufy’s carefully forded it, and reaching the opposite side, struck off toward the west. : From this moment it may be said that their Mes real journey began. The time was quite a num- % ber of years ago, before Western Iowa and Mis- Sy Oe soufi were so thickly populated on their w Was ern border, and the marauding Indians C) ‘ down to the very villages and towns. Colonel McHavens’s exploring party consisted of something like forty men, all well armed and | prepared for this expedition, so that it may be caid, 1 that when together, they were in no per- sonal danger, as they were abundantly able to take care of themselves; but, they already lost several stragglers, and they had every proof that they were under the constant surv: ‘ of hordes of vigilant red-skins, who would have been only too glad to have scalped every mem- ber of the poe al : The trio continued riding along at a leisurely oy the clear bracing air \hpattiog a vigor to he frame of each, that made the act of riding a most pleasurable exercise. Jabez Spikes was very loquacious, and Waufy = seemed to be very communicative, and gave experiences that had some most 5 his in the years . vit The prairie was mainly of the rolling kind, interspersed here and there with patches of tim- a ber and wooded streams. Several of the latter aM were quite deep, but the great know of et bd oa led him to easy fords, without any Oe ion. Just at dusk they crossed a small concluded to camp among the trees on the oppo- site side. Before doing so, and while the two were making their preparations, Waufy rode to a hill some distance away, and took an obser- vation. Nothing of “sign” was tible, - and he returned’ with the permission toe: them to kindle a fire. : : “ Build it down as.close to the stream as you _ : kin,” said the trapper, as he came back, “for some of them varmints may be prowlin’ round.” >” They had seen an abundance, of game during the day, but had not taken the trouble to bring . of it down, as they had brought quitea substantial lunch with them, and they now — gathered about the camp-fire to enjoy it. ; Waufy was an inveterate smoker, but the — use of nicotine, and im converse, When it had grown quite late, they turned in for the ht, and all three s without coy wernbeee wa ee b
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he looked _ obediently behind his master. trepidati Dae RO. tofiks , ‘Way. nant, as he coolly examined _ * Dearest vigHance, to make their way throngh yrinth of danger in which they were — So ; party started, taking a eral north- west direction. Spikes, with his uffalo, acted as the advanced while the lieutenant and Adrienne followed close in the rear. The « Phenomenon” did not forget his training, and something like a colossal dog walki _ Their way led through uite a varied country. i of wood, fenists and hills, at every sain which they were liable to encounter inveterate enemies; so, each and all acted as sentinels. a4 bbsespaes eng aba out trees, and on a airie a mile or two in the head, was -on the e other side, when he y paused, aay an instant, and then ‘What is it?’ inquired his friends, in no little of Indians, on horses.” “ oot ct wn Bera out of sight, and then nr ainger! they saw me, and are coming this y. They were going to the west, and made Satie minute ley Saw me.” t me see. Lieutenant Putnam stealthily made his wa coe Bp beg able to peer over the hi r3) g seen. It needed a single glance to see that a. ears were well grounded. Something Bisakg idtghe toward tis very spot on the ; towa: e@ very spot on the pied the whites had halted. ‘Can it be that they have seen us?’ was the question our ‘hero asked himself, “‘or is this co = oe mead — from the direction they ve been follo Knowing the Heianes of the Indians, and their extraordinary keenness of vision, he be- eame eonvinced that they had really descried . ; iy gallop. were coming toward him at a leisure- cf fatow moments they would be on the hill, © and then the case would be desperate, to say the least. Flight was out of the question—they defend themselves. t your gun is ready,” said the lieute- Ss own weapon. f drienne, you will have to retreat a distance, so as to be out of reach of the flying bullets.” TI will See t “No,” said she; ‘‘have [I not a gun. _ stay here by you, and will try to do my part in the battle—” “But, it must not be,” interrupted her lover. SES a stray shot should reach you.” __* Nomore likely than that it might strike you. oo hevedharer tg boob low voice, and with a look ‘of unutterable love in her eyes, ‘‘I shall stay by you; if you fall, I do not to live.” CHAPTER XIII. = THE LAST EXPLOIT OF THE WHITE BUFFALO. -GinGER!” suddenly exclaimed Jabez Spikes, _ what a set of fools we are!” — The two men "were on their faces, with _ Joaded rifles in hand, looking over the crest and wai’ until the Indians came near enough to be fi car rg Adrienne was a few feet below them, with loaded also in hand, and acting, straight on- and were now no more t a quarter of 2 amile distant, when Jabez made his _ exclamation. The lieutenant n roa he inquiringly ad es e nomenon forw and let Fim act Se the advanced guard.” - “T don’t see what good that can do.” ‘*T will soon show you.” The same chirruping noise was made, and ths huge animal‘ost no time in striding up to his master. ra “Go down there and eat the grass,” he com- ded, pointing over. the hill. ute looked bewildered for a moment; The - but when the command was res: he walked no aaa the slope towar the open prairie ‘This may lose our property,” whisper- east And save your lives; isn’t it worth it?” It was a great trial for the Yankee thus to peril the prize upon which he had staked so a 2» Maogea Ox much, but he did it cheerfully. own sake than for that of his friends. . Still, our hero failed to see what good was to be accomplished by this pedceteen and he had little hope of escaping the red-skins who were ing down upon them, unless the first sally should stagger and turn them to flight. Nearer and nearer approached the red-skins, whose faces could now be distinguished as their bodies gracefully rose and sunk with the mo- tion of theirhorses. The lieutenant was alread. aiming his rifle forthe purpose of sending a bul- let among them, when the whole party abrupt- ly halted, like a squad of cavalry at the word of command. Their faces were turned toward the hill, and they were looking intently in that direction. “Do they see us?’ asked the lieutenant. - “No,” was the same whispered reply; ‘‘ they are looking at the Phenomenon.” For a few seconds only did the Indians sit thus atone leper with the same unanimity of movement, the wheeled at right-angles and galloped away. the danger of our friends was , : Neither of the two men moved or spoke un- tilthe Indians were far beyond all danger of returning. Then Jabez rolled over on his back kicked his angular legs in air, and laughed, and net, and laugh ‘*Tt was the Phenomenon that did it,” he finally Ne breath to exclaim; ‘don’t you un- derstand it?” It was finally made clear. The Indians, when at a distance, seen something suspicious on the crest of the hill, and had ridden forward to Saad tre Mey yp Arcsin Sabi i tog wis gin om the glimpse thus obtain t i was some white hunter and his horse making his way toward his trapping-grounds—so they rode forward to pay him their sha re an When a nearer yt ghee rev: to them the white buffalo quietly feeding off the grass, they naturally inferred t no white man could be in the immediate vicinity, and without taking the time to look further, they changed their course and continued onward in the directjon upon which they had originally started, This was quite an exploit indeed, and reflect- ed no little credit upon Jabez Spikes, who, as will be admitted, had displayed a shrewdness more than once such as would hardly be ex- pected from one in his situation. The incident demonstrated in a more impres- sive manner, the never-fleeing danger which constantly hung over our friends. ough a country which abounded with such ferocious red-skins, they were to make their way, in all probability for several days. When the Indians vanished for some time, ey resumed their journey, and eontinu- ed it without further incident wntil past noon. By that time Jabez was hun to look around for something for food. During the afternoon they had seen buffalo and antelope more than once, but had not turn- ed from their course; but when they caught sight of a half-dozen buffalo, browsing near the ellowstone, Jabez told his friends to remain where they were, while he would show them another use to which the Phenomenon could be put. This was soon shown. Walking carefully be- side his animal, he kept his body interposed be- tween himself and the buffaloes on which he was stealing. When about a hundred yards separated the parties, the animals raised their heads and looked at the approaching stranger, as if to inquire his identity; but they had evi- dently seen a white buffalo before, and after staring at him a moment, they resumed their pratt contented to wait until he should join them. again, and began t would answer Nigher and nigher approached the Phenome- non until the right point was reached, when Jabez gave the order in a low tone for the ani- mal to halt. As it did so, he sunk down upon one knee, and took deliberate aim at ae bull, that looked plump and in good condition. He had learned from Waufy at what part to aim, and when he pulled the trigger, the game, with a spasmodic start, pitéhed forward and rolled over in his oct seat while the others, with snorts of terror, thundered away at the top of their s ; abez had made a good selection, and when they came to dress and cook some of the choice steak of the buffalo, they found it rich, juicy, tender, and luscious as the most fastidious epi- cure could ask. Proceeding with the same caution, the night came without any other alarm, and they halted in a piece of dense timber, where they concluded not more for his not to start a fire. The blanket which Adri enne had been furnished with made her very comfortable, while Jabez and the lientenant re- lieved each other through the night, and in this way secured an all-sufficient rest or both. iiiy ct patticdin noe dates Getkee td aa yO i note. Jabez Spikes, as took the lead, while the lieutenant and Adri- enne spent many delicious moments together. The peculiar situation into which both had been thrown, deepened their mutual interest from the beginning, amd the time came when Adri- enne was compelled to acknowledge to herself that her heart went out to him, and that the world looked all dark to her without his pres-. ence by her side. Those moments when the impending danger brought them closer together were sweet and never-to-be-forgotten ones to both. They in- creased the growth of the all-potent ion up- on the part of both, but Lieutenant Putnam was too honorable to take advantage of his position. He felt that, although he could not restrain the affections of his heart, yet his duty to Colonel McHavens forbade that he sho make any are advances before first obtaining his cen- ~ sent, And so, hand in hand, they went along, hap- py, hopeful and trustful in the future. The third day saw the trio well advanced on their way. The Yellowstone was vailed from view by the intervening woods, but they could hear the dull roar of its flow, and knew that they were on the right eourse. On the lefta range of mountains towered far aloft, and as the sun sunk behind them, they had seen their peaks were covered with snow. The wind that came from them was so chilly petig! separiage | that all shivered, and Lieutenant Putiam was apprehensive that they would, be caught in some snow-storm. They had halted in a sort off wooded valley with high hills on every side 6f them, exce é toward the river., This did not shut out the wintry wind, and Adrienne, even with her In- dian blanket bene i oi about her, felt its effects. **T think we have to have a fire,” said the lieutenant, after it had grown fairly dark, and the cold seemed rather to increase than dimin- ‘‘Ginger! I never was so shaky in my life, except when I had the fever and ague!” ex- ciaimed Jabez, his teeth rattling like’tastanets. ** Do you think there will be any great risk in kindling a fire?’ ‘*N-n-no!” he ¢hattered; ‘“‘ we haven’t seen a sign of an Indian to-day. Ill gather the fue), and you get ready.” The Yankee set about it at once, while our hero cleared away a place that was greatly pro- ~ tected by the dense undergrowth, and then pro- duced his match-safe. “*T have but one match left,” said he, to Adri- me, with a laugh, “and suppose that misses “‘T would not kindle a fire then,” she replied. “We may need a fire more to-morrow night than we do now.” ‘*Our case will not be hopeless,” returned the bet : officer, “for we may get it from our gun- w g. So, in his cheery manner, he assisted in the preparations, and, when every thing was ready, drew his match upon his coat-sleeve, carefully inclosing the tiny flame with his hands, so as to protect it from the wind. It flared up brightly, burned freely and then suddenly expired, leaving them in utter dark- ness! All were in dismay. What was to be done? *“Never mind; we'll try the guns,” said our hero, with a zayety which had little reality about it. | “Hold on,” said Spikes. ‘I used to carry matches in my poeket when the night was dark. —_ T had a eng Le, fee to see the way to ary Ann Stiggens’s an again.” § ; He fumbled around for several minutes. ; “T have got a half-dozen Beet he said. * but it will be jist my luck if they haven't any phosphorus—G: ~~ We i One of them suddenly flashed out in the dark- ness. The lieutenant was read minutes after they had a bright, warm fire, vigorously burning. ere was no lack of fuel, and so Hye thse seemed prosperous and pleasant. ienne iy herself up in her warm blanket, and lay down to her her quiet slumber. - “I do not feel sleepy,” said our hero, to | Jabez, ‘‘so I will sit up the first half-night with — you, eg then you can take your slumber—_ and a few prayers, her meditations, and ie
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They slackened steam, and started toward shore, to gain 2 closer view of the hailing party. This seemed satisfactory, and they came on in until they almost touched land. The water was quite deep, and there was no difficulty in approaching close enough, and a rope was en out, and the craft secured, as if it were approaching the docks in St. Louis. ; m board the little side-wheel were Captain Bennett, an old river captain, and three hands. ‘he captain had a slight uaintance with _ Waufy, and invited him and his party to come on board, and go up-stream with them. ‘‘How far are you going?’ inquired Lieuten- ant Putnam. ‘ } ’ “Clear up,” was both the definite and in- definite reply. “May I inquire your purpose?” ? ‘‘We are on our way to take supplies to Colonel McHavens and his men, who are to meet us at the head-waters of the Yellowstone.” ‘What sort of supplies are you carrying?” “ Provisions and ammunition.” The young officer laughed. ‘*T had no idea that they were in want of any- thing. When I left them they were abundantly supplied with ammunition, and the man that can’t secure enough game in this country to live ought to die.” : They can get endtigh, such as it is, I ‘sup- _ -pose,” returned ses tere Bennett; *“but we have ay salt provisions, spirits, tobacco, and the like, * which I never heard tell were lying round loose in this country; but do you belong to that party?” had es: IT am lieutenant, and am on my return tomy company.” __ “Then you will join us and go aboard.” ‘*Thank you, I will.” ’ *Hain’t you got any one fur guide?’ asked bibs 4 “We had old Bill Zigler. You see, we didn’t leave St. Louis till a good while after Colonel McHavens and his party had gone; so he didn’t know we were coming. So Bill come up the river part way with us, and then started across the country, so as to tell the colonel where we would meet; and that’s why he ain’t with us now.” nam, very naturally, concluded to make the rest of the journey by steamer, and Jabez Spikes, who was somewhat frightened from the ‘ - many proofs he had seen of the atrocious dis- Cam of the Indians, agreed to accompany “Tim after the white buffalo, you see,” he it! remarked, by way of explanation to the trap- is Ca per, * but I ain’t likely to see him between here —~. and there, and then I think—between you and r me—the lieutenant is anxious to have me go with him.” ; But Waufy resisted all these importunities. He made various pretexts, and finally gave the ‘ true one. He never liked those ‘‘ infarnal loco- motives on water,” and he wouldn’t put his foot on board if he had a thousand yelling savages Bret at his heels. f a? “Dll go on for the nat or Yallerstone, and T'll git there first, too, and what’s more Tl have ' amy ha’r on my head, and that’s more than some _of you will able to say in a few days,” lied Waufy, shaking his head and speaking with an earnestness that impressed his hearers. _ As there seemed to be no probability of the - horses being needed hs those upon the steamer. _it was arranged Wa should take ali “ four with him, he t if he reached Colonel McHavens’s command ahead of them he that were not his, with the party, to await the : % coming of their owners. i -. This settled, Waufy bade them good-by, the m the tree around which ‘resumed its course up the Yellowstone. , Perhaps it should have been mentioned that Lieutenant leased to the part therein. oth the lieutenant and Spikes observed her 1 i her dark an deat May = , emay add that it is * Quite a scene now ensued. Lieutenant Put- would, as a matter of course, leave the two | The White Buffalo. \ young men her s6ciety was the greatest induce- ment to take pagkage on the boat. The lieutenan§ supposed she was the daughter of Captain Ben@ett, and he was therefore not a little taken aback, when that officer informed ) him that she was, the child of Colonel McHavens, | the commander of the exploring party. ‘* What is she doing here?” was the natural | query of our hero. “She is one of your daring creatures, and a | niece of mine. The colonel and I have long romised her that she should take a trip up the ellowstone with mie, and she~concluded now was a good time to take it.” ‘Then the colonel knows nothing about it?” “No; and the hunter we sent overland to let him know where to meet us, promised that he would keep it a secret from him. It is the wish of Adrienne to give her father a surprise, and I think she'll do it. By and by, at the lieutenant’s request, Cap- tain Bennett introduced him to his fair pass- enger. She ted him in a self- ssed, lady-like manner, and the two seated themselves within a respectful distance of each other, on the upper deck. The education of a cadet at West Point is such as to make him at home in the presence of the a sex, and Lieutenant Putnam had been mown as one of the handsomest and most ‘entertaining of the young ‘‘dogs of war,” while in -attendance at the celebrated military school. And yet, when he found himself tete-a-tete with Adrienne McHavens, and he realized that he was in the presence of alady by nature and education, he felt some natural embarrassment, and was certain that he Le at an irre- coverable disadvantage, while she was as lively and self-possessed as though she was chatting with her own brother. The conversation was without particular point for some time; the young officer making him-. self known as a subordinate under her father, naturally excited some interest upon her part, and he ventured to remark that she incurred no little personal risk in penetrating so far into the Indian country, even though it was on board a swift Steamer, under the guidance of a skillful captain. ' ‘Perhaps I do,” she answered, with one of her winning smiles. ‘‘ At any rate, I have been reminded of it frequently enough eversince I first made the resolve; but, after all, that is the t attraction.” ‘So I supposed; you may have the comfort of believing it perilous, and I trust the good for- tune of proving, in the end, that it has not been 80. . “Father and uncle promised me this trip long ago, and I thought now was a favorable oppor- tunity for the fulfillment of the promise. Mother was,strongly opposed to it, but I won her consent.” “*You have a brother, I believe?” ‘** Fortunately he is in Washington, and it was impossible for him to return in time to prevent my going, as I know he would have done, had he been at home.” 44 by had no lady companions to accompany you?” **No; an old schoolmate promised, but her courage gave out, when it came time to get ready, an eved that she had already made the trip, and had narrowly escaped the most unimaginable horrors.” “Tt will be a great surprise to Colonel Mc- Havens.” Adrienne’s clear laugh rung ouff over the river, and she answered: sf Yes; and he will chide me when but then it will not be the first time. “You do not hold his displeasure in such he sees me, dread as do his soldiers.” ‘None would fear to grieve him more than I,” she replied earnestly. ‘‘ But this will not be grief to him. He will be so glad to see me.” “Do you propose te return by steamer, or with our id “T think I will come back with him. You see it will be rather monotonous coming down | the river after having ascended it, while it will | be all new and strange to come back on land.” | * You certainly are a daring — lady, and worthy of being the daughter of a soldier.’ Adrienne was not displeased at the compli- ment; indeed she accepted it, as a soldier would oe a recognition of his gallantry from a cr. “T hope I am not foolhardy, but this is rare enjoyment to me.” ‘Has it not been tiresome at times, since \ leaving St.. Louis?” ‘ ‘*Never,” was the enthusiastic response. “To have sat here for hours, watching the ever-vary- uli 8 ing scenery along the banks, breathing the pure air that comes from the woods and prairies, un- A til [ have felt that I was enjoying the finest ex- De cursion of my life.” “Have you seen anything of the ‘noble red- man’?” a ‘*Not a great deal; I cannot say that I par- | ticularly admire the ‘varmints,’ as the huntcrs call them. Im their case at least, ‘distance lends enchantment to the view;’a number of = them displayed their horsemanship along the banks, and once or twice, when we stopped to ie et wood, they came down to trade with us. 7 me of them seemed to form quite a good opin- Weak ion of me, due no doubt to the fact that cur ac- theut quaintance was so brief. He presented me with a handsome buffalo-robe, and invited me in un- grammatical English to become his squaw; he bh soe ewan heart-broken, when I declined his offer. re ‘* Poor fellow; perhaps he is now pining awa a with a broken pats & . ae “ ‘*T hope not; I brought along a number of ~ books and papers to ty but I really could not { spare the time. When the night was dark, I % spent an hour or two in my room in that way, 4 but only then. The utmost that I could do, 4 was to make a few sketches of the scenery along 7 the bank.” ‘* When convenient to you, I should be glad to see them.” a Adrienne opened the portfolio which lay yan o\"9 her lap, and ded several sheets to the ey tenant. ro ‘*T had not the patience to finish them.” ** These are admirable, indeed,” he ex: as he examined them with no little t. ay They were little more than outlines, but hire were drawn with the eye and hand of an and our hero was honest in his admiration. ‘* They are not deserving of compliment,” she returned. ‘‘I made them more to please father than any thing else.” ‘* You must make some more of them.” ** There is my favorite one,” she added, as she handed another sheet to him. ‘Iam choice ay of that, as I took extra pains with it.” Ex a, i It was a capital picture of a Cheyenne war- ~~ | rior, with his blanket over his shoulder, while the girdle at his waist aes het enough to show his tomahawk and sealping-knife, his long rifle in hand, and with the feathers and the general make-up of an Indian brave upon the war-path, “That is perfect,” said the lieutenant, as he held it off from him. ‘It could not be improy- ed,’ “That is Way-geeb-wa-ka, or something very : similar,” shelaughed. ‘ I made two sketches of | him, giving him one of them. If the delight he 4 showed continues, there is little fear of dy- | ing of a broken heart. Iam afraid it will ere- ate trouble in his wigwam, if he frames and | hangs it up there.” CHAPTER VIL. RIVALS IN LOVE. est about it, he came upon the r deck, and walked by the laughing, cha‘ * couple several times. They were too absorbed to pay not remain in the back d. Finding that he attracted no attention, he finally paused 2 directly in front of the two, and said: " rd “ Good-aftern lieutenant.” * The young officer looked up in surprise, obsery-_ ing a curious smile upon the face of as he did so, and then answered: en ‘How do you do, Jabez?” ** Tolerable, t you! Ahem!” 4 Putnam took the hint, and introduced the __ Yankee to Miss McHavens. He very potinely . Pherae satel a from his head, with a low bow, scraping his foot upon the deck, and then — e seated himself i oa the other side of the lady, so that it may be said was hed. between the two gentlemen. , Sy 5 RR iyendies * ae pr ea om fairly spark- , as she looked upon the New-Englander, who, while nough ; rey schoot was extremely: verdant. ee more amusing than
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A] ** Go Ina sort of hollow The second day on the prairie was as clear and pleasant as the preceding one. The d Was compact and , and the anim con- tinued on a swinging gallop until noon, when Waufy, who was in the midst of one of his claimed: ‘Skulp me! but thar’s sign, sure.” ** Where?” the others simultaneously asked, as they reined up their horses. He pointed ight ahead, over the level ay tin to where the plain and horizon seemed join. At first nothing could be seen, but they were enabled to after a close scrutiny nts, which detect several dark, flickerin poi _ they had no doubt were the ‘ala ” detected by the trapper. ** You have a most wonderful eyesight,” re- marked the lieutenant, ‘to be eble to identify human oe at such a distance.” + ate os do as well after a little practice,” replied aufy. * Are they afoot?” 1 **No; they’re all on h ridin’ on a walk.” same way with us?” *‘ No; they’re crossin’ our path, and ef we as still, the yi be out he t began long.” & exclaim ikes, still gazing in tac afection of the Indians, ‘‘ but it takes a good eyesight to tell what Veskcg sare’ part of animated creation those crea belong to, I should say, now, that they were ducks engaged in turning summersets on the prairie.” . They remained ene vegan 8 for a few minutes, talking and conversing, when it turned out as Wanfy had predicted. The Indians had van- ished so completely, that not the first indication of them could be ted, and the journey was resumed. An hour or so later, a solitary buffalo was discernible at a distance, and the 3 ake at once gave chase. He was well exhausted from a long run, but it was quite a difficult matter to overtake him. ikes and Lieutenant Put- nam blazed away at several ti with no ptible effect, until a well-aimed shot from Sie kauter caused the mg, bac to tumble forward, and after a few ious struggles to die. “That there riow, is what they denominate a buffalo,” remarked Jabez, as he dismounted and wonderingly contemplated the large crea- ture. 4 “Ef he ain’t that, ’'d like to know what in thunder he is,” replied bagged as he drew his “And a white buffalo is just the same as that, only he ain’t brown.” **That’s just the distinction, a laugh- ed the lieu * and that’s the all-important too, in your case.” “JT don’t see why there shouldn’t be white esos: wo beg well as white horses,” continued Lew Y , as though he were communing with - All this time, Waufy was busy with his knife. He had cut out several tender and delicious steaks, which were intended to last them for several days to come. The animal was found * to be in much better condition than expected, and a most luscious and enjoyable meal was par- taken of by all. — It was early in the afternoon, when they mounted their horses, and struck off toward the north-west. The country was found to be quite broken, in some places in ridges and hi hills, while broad belts of timber were often en- countered, although the streams were not so numerous, They were in this manner, when Waufy, wh. was come distance ahead, rode quite an elevation.’ Lieutenant Put- ram chaise to be looking at him, saw him suddenly pause, with an exclamation of wonder or What is it?” asked the Ppa a vague fear Pane Dee Ae be ee ihe rhim, ~ “The devils have been thar.” * «The Indians?” ‘Yes; come on; you'll see!” ri ‘They did see a sight that froze their blood. y three horses, stretched out broadside—all dead; and, here, there and between them, were stretched the forms of what Lad once been men and soldiers. | “Taey had fought bravely ahd to the last; but ‘they liad been ridden down and overwhelmed by the merciless red-skins, who had scalped, tomahawked, and mangled their bodies, com- - ;aitting the most inconceivable outrages upon them. : ties gpg eer mn stri bodies, and, as they lay in suc : eGetorted postures, the sight was one that held »d from their frightful and the three men speechless for several moments. pith : 1 fs . . Beadle’s HalfDime | - The trapper was the tirst to speak. Turning to Lieutenant Putnam, he asked: ** Have you ever seed ’eim before?’ ** Yes; they are what is left of the escort Colonel McHavens sent to meet me.” ‘- Are you sure of that?” asked the trapper. **T know every one of them better than I do you,” solemnly replied the young officer, as he | wi a tear from his eye. “By ginger! I think we had better git out of this,” remarked Jabez, who was fairly terrified Library. | their four horses at a moderate walk, drew | near a high ridge, that interposed itself directly | across their path, and over which, as a matter | of course, it was necessary to make their way. ) ‘From the top of that ridge,” said Waufy, | “you can see whar the Black and Thunder rivers comes together.” | ‘*And there we shall see the encampment of | Colonel McHavens and his party,” said Lieuten- | ant Putnam, with something like his old anima- | tion of manner, which immediately vanished as at the sight, and who looked up and around, | he added: as though he expected the appearance of a horde of howling demons every minute. **T told you the varmints war all about yer,” responded the trapper, who had seen the work of the red-skins too ee ge te be permanent- | ly affected by the shocking sight. ‘I’ve had to ‘*That there is what I denominate aivful,” | ** Tt will be sad news that I bring them.” | They struck their horses into a gallop, and | speedily ascended the ridge. The top was | covered with a species of scrubby cédar, more abundant further north, but occasionally met with in this latitude. The view, however, was mentioned uni but an expression of amaze- sarcumvent ’em fur the last twenty years.” | a very fine one, and looking about a quarter of | added Jabez, who was pale and qualmish at the sickening sight. ‘* Let’s go away from here.” ‘Ts there no means of giving these poor fel- | lows a decent burial?’ inquired Lieutenant Put- nam. ‘It’s too bad toleave them in this fright- | ful condition. Wauty shook his head: ‘*T'd help you at such a piece of work, but we can’t do it. There ain’t no use to put them fellers under ground, without we put eight feet of airth above ’em, for the wolves and coyotes would scratch ’em out as quick asa wink. We haven’t got nothing but our knives to dig with, | and it would take us a week to do any work that would amount to anything with ’em.” ‘* Were these men married?’ inquired Jabez of the lieutenant. ‘Thank God! they were not; but they had brothers, sisters and friends, whose hearts will be broken when they learn this. Perhaps there are some mementoes left near the bodies, that I may secure,” said the young officer,-as he braced his nerves and made a nearer approach to the bodies. : Waufy assisted him in the search, and despite its dreadful character, they made it thorough; but there was not the least vestige of any gee] like a memento. The inf red-skins robbed them of every thing. So Lieutenant | Putnam stooped down, and with his knife, | tenderly severed a lock of hair from the temple of each victim, which he carefully placed away about his person, with the intention of sending them to their friends upon his return to the United States. ) This was all that could be done, and they walked away from the distressing scene. ‘* How long ago did this happen?’ asked Put- nam of the trapper. : ** Three or four days,” he replied. ** Were they surprised by the Indians?” ‘Wal, pretty much so; they made a short run of it, shooting thar pistols and guns, till the varmints got so close, that they backed up ag’inst thar hosses and blazed away; but what’s the use?’ was the impatient exclamation of | Waufy, as he wheeled a nantly away. ‘‘ That’s the i A the blasted varmints allers manage sich th gS. Ef you | s have anything like a fair show, thar of thar disturbin’ you; chance, and then look out.” | ment esca | start toward the head-waters of the | and its bh | a mile ahead, t yr saw where the two streams the officer, when he discerned nothing of the tents of the party that he ex- pected were there awaiting his return. _ ‘That is singular,” said he. ‘‘ Whasé can it mean?” ‘* Maybe they have been killed; every one of them!” fairly gasped Jabez. **No, they haven’t; they were toe large a eK? or that.” ‘** They’ve changed their camp; we'll soon sée,” said Waufy, as he gave his horse free rein, and went galloping down the ridge toward the point which they had been scrutinising. It was but a short ride, and before they reached the t, it was easy to see that the shy 8 had rightly conjectured the cause of the disappearance of the ane There were the unmistakable signs of a “am having recently been there, and Waufy por they had been gone about two days. ear the center of the ground, a small stake was driven, with the top split, and containing a folded piece of reper directed to Lieutenant Willard Putnam. is was speedily opened by that personage, and read: **T have received information this morning from ~- some friendly Indians who are old acquaintances of our guide, which leads me to break camp at once and under river. You will please follow without delay, and should you not overtake us in the course of a week, you will find us there. My guide informs me that there is little to be apprehended from Indians, if due vigilance be used, so that we shall bave little uneasiness for your safety if a fortnight shall elapse before we see you again. ** ACHILLE McHavens, Con.” Lieutenant Putnam read. the letter aloud, while Wauty attentively listened. “So 0 re rag toward the head-waters of the Thunder, eh? week to reach thar, and they haven’t took the best route, either.” ‘ ** Why not?” “They’re going to keep straight up the river, -waters ain’t more nor 9 day’s ride from the very spot that we’re aimin’ fur on the ut, and walked indig- | Yallerstone.’ **Ts that so?” exclaimed the lieutenant, de- ighted at the announcement; ‘“ then, instead of no danger | following in their trail, I will keep you com- but let ’em have a | : pany.” . rs course: but what in thunder is Colonel The sight of the bodies had a depressing effect | Mickey Havers driving at? Whois he? What’s upon the men, and they rode fora long distance, without exchanging more than a few words. Waufy did not forget his usual caution, and he kept a keen look-out for ‘‘ sign.” Three se te times, he changed the course they were follow- ing, so as to avoid parties of Indians. i'd were at no great distance from the States, but they were in a country & to constant peril, The fate that overtook the doomed escort Was no exceptional one. Single men and small parties of travelers, were the especial objects of | these me ing gr wes, and a single misstep was likely to followed with fatal conse- quences. The tragedy which our friends had witnessed was only the repetition of what had happened | a thousand times before, and we all know that the same thing, often in a greater degree, as in the massacre of Fort Phil Kearney, has ha pened hundreds of times since. The high- spirited Caucasian and the~ sullen * strike fire,” when they encounter, and sad to pay, the indications are that this desperate, un- elenting warfare must go on, until the doomed American disappears from the stage of action, and the Caucasian is left undisputed lord of the soil. CHAPTER IV. . THE CAMP-FIRE. Tue afternoon of a cool, blustering day was drawing to a close, when our three friends, with American | he doin’ out here? What's he after? Who sent him?’ The lieutenant explained: ‘* We are what is termed an exploring party, although we are not directly such, as we are_ ing over a territory which is pretty well own to many.” “ Are you sent out by our glorious govern- ment?’ inquired Jabez Spikes. ‘Not at all; a party of private capitalists in Washington have fitted out the company and laced it under the command of Colonel Me- avens, an old army officer, who has been sta- tioned for many years on the frontier, and is of are wary | to this duty. ere are others, besides myself, who are also on leave of absence, so that we are pretty well provided, and consider that, with an experienced guide, we are able to take care of ourselvés.” “But what are you sent out thar for?” per sisted Waufy, who seemed quite rite deal the narrative. ° This was the question which Lieutenant Paot- - nam dreaded, and which he was not willing to— answer directly. The truth was that Colonel | Jucrative fur-trade through the great North- | west. Enowing the immense profits of ae? Wal, it’ll take ’em a good = « £ now on a six-months’ furlough for the purpose - several McHavens had been sent out by a number of wealthy and enterprising men tosee What the = | prospects were for organizing a giganti¢ and
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; ry + some were seated in-chairs lainous compounds, sound time we introduce to our gp to his very éyes, with a asa lynx’s, tremendous mus- - eular development, and a eased im enormous _high- reaching boots, wiile the upper part of his body was knee,’ while, é €asy a position as possible, i mosh noted trappers of the Borler, and his experience Copyrricut, 1878, By BeapLe & ADAMS. Ocrt., 1903, Published Every Month. No, 1149 The White Buffalo. A TALE OF Strange Adventure in the North-West. BY CHAS. E. LASALLE, AUTHOR OF “BURT BUNKER,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A MARVELOUS YARN. he ‘‘ Travelers’ Rest,” a small tavern that stood at the end of one of the border villages of Missouri; and on this same tempestu- ous night, there was quite an assemblage gathered here, smoking, drinking, chatting, and enjoying themselves the manner character- istic of such assemblages. A fire crackled upon the huge hearth of the fireplace, and the air was thick with smoke of the numerous clay Spee that we ein the mouths the different individuals in the a mt. Some were stretched out upon benches, ti back against the ero w Ge the corpulent landlor was perched behind his bar among his bottles and vil- asleep. There were three men pres- ent, upon this same night, M.S. EVERS & CO., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprixtor), 379 Pearl Street, New York. PRICE 5 CENTS. 50c. a year. Vol. XLVIIL was a man without ang Sheree and as it was | im to be thinking of starting for the beaver-runs again, he had come from somewhere jn the interior to wait at the for the storm to subside before starting on his journey to the Far West. aufy sat a young man, costume, who, during the early part of the evening, had busied him- self in examining some maps and charts in his possession, but who had laid them aside, and was listening to but not joining in the conver- about late enough for ‘‘Travelers Rest ” Nearly opposite to dressed in partly military sation around him. This young man had ridden -up just as it was pt orse he had entered the bar-reom, and asked if any one had dark, and ounting from his been there inquiring for him. ** Who are you ?” asked the landlord, survey- ing him with no little curiosity. “T am Lieutenant Putnam, of Colonel Mc- Havens’s Exploring Party.” ~ with whom we have some- ing to do, and who, at the pon- ; of broad shoui- face scarred and moore EF. wounds and exposure, small, twinkling gray orbs as keen ique that would attract ae thon any where. - He was tipped back in his chair, with one leg thrown over another, and each in- covered with a great-coat made of bear-skin. A coon- skin cap rested upon one assuraing as smoked his short black 4, and amused the com- y with stories of his past Wauty ” was one of the | ; eZ Wes an eventful one He “You are, eh? What are you doing here, vA ( then, when they’ve been gone over a month out j ~ Fr. on the peraries?”’ ‘“‘T was sent as bearer of dispatches to Wash- ington, and am now on my return. An escort was to meet me here, but I see nothing of them.” “There hasn’t been any escort here, nor any one asking for you.” “That settles that point, then,” said the oung officer, as he bowed; “they were to be ere on the eighteenth, and to-day is the hire so that they are two days behind e. ‘* How many of ’em weie there to be?” “Only three, as Colonel McHavens could not spare any more. I will wait herea day or two, and then if they don’t appear I will go it alone.” : And so Lieutenant Willard Putnam made himself as comfortable as possible, and sat quietly listening to the rude and ignorant men apound him, for the simple mason that he could find nothing better to do. The third man wasas differ- ent from the other two, of whom we have spoken,as the were from each other. e also was tipped back in his chair, but he bpintimeie js 3 no ipe or cigar, and was dao S caisilorethe of the talking, although he had not seen one of the company un- til this evening. When standing erect, Ja- bez Spikes was fully six feet in hight, very thin, lank and active, with a peaked nose, clean-shaven face, that was very red, with yellow, sandy hair, and the sharp, wice awake look of the genuine **Yankee.” He was dressed in a long, yellow, buck-sxim coat, cordur pants cut very close to the skin, and wore a very tall b silk hat with a very narrow rim, and with its nap brushed the wrong way, He also had on a flaming red neck-tie, and was one of those men who are at home in any part of the world. Jabez Spikes was a man who, had Queen Victoria offered him her hand to kiss, would have given it a hearty gripe and shaking, end in- quired how she was getti along; who would have slapped * Pius [IX on the shoulder,and asked for a chew of tobacco, and would have left Vesuvius in disgust if it didn’t ‘‘bile over” for his edification. Jabez was at home; he had his jokes and yarns to tell, and became quite a favorite with the company. Even the grave, handsome face of wa - >» ee = Lieutenant Putnam relaxed — f -
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ie ee * eral indians in turn ' his e.caying, and he determined’ thio ‘m.:..v well appall te stoutest heart. ¥ them a st, and this was eaten at ear ‘Now, remain here a few moments, while I bring you a cup of water,” said Putnam, spring- ig is feet and hcrrying away. He thought he knew where a brook was close at hand, and he found it, as he anticipated, but a fewrods away. Carefully filling cup, he started to return, deviating somewhat from his ery as he did so. ; had gone but a short distance, when he — was startled by the sight of a dead Indian | stretched out upon the ground. He paused a moment, and then appreached closer and exam- | ined the body. It was sotorn and mangled that | he knew at once that he had been killed by an encounter with some wild beast. His rifle was broken in several pieces, and scarcely any of the ‘sw remained upon his lacerated body. Undoubtedly he was slain by the very grizziy bear, that, in his turn, had been killed by Adri- enne McHavens. ae Near at hand remained his heavy, finely- worked blanket, the very thing our friends needed. Overcoming his natural repugnance, the lieutenant picked up this useful article of clothing and hastened with it to Adrienne, who. as may be supposed, was not a little surp and delighted. In reply to inquiries, he stated that he had found it hard by, and it had proba- bly belo _tosome Indian, who had no fur- ther use for it. All of which was strictly true. Throwing the blanket over his arm, Lieuten- ant Putnam took the lead, and the two lovers, as we may properly term them, on their iiows and eventful journeyings toward the ead-waters of tue great Yellowstone of the North-west. CHAPTER XI. A FRIGHTFUL AND STRANGE ADVENTURE. Wen the doomed steamer halted tor the of “‘ wooding up,” there were six men in cutting ga ing the fuel. number was included Captain Bennett and Jabez Spikes, who toiled as hard as the and who red with searcely any in- m until quite late in the afternoon. engineer made occasional visits to his en- gine to assure himself that all was right, and pe Ciitnlomivam e. It will be remembered that the New-England- er showed no little interest in the working of the machinery of the boat; and, as he was nat- witted, he : : speedily a knowledge of it sufficient to enabie arg work and ell. over the coals, and threw in a half a cord or so, for the purpose of firing up. pletet tius, and had shut the furnace door, and was about ascending to the enzine-room in, when he was startled by what seemed the dash- ing of a thousand sticks of wood upon the deck, but which he found, after a minute’s listening, was caused by the hurried tramp of nurnerous ‘feet © He pecred from the dark apartment in i stood, and was terrified at seeing sev- im. ring down wu i ds He realized then that the boat was in ef the savages! What was to be done? Simuitaneous with the discover: conviction that there was no earth! came the furnace full of wood, so as to blow him- self and his captors. oP together. Bat, before ne coul upon this resolution, these Indians leaped down in the hold beside him. Having no weapon with which to defend himseli, Jabez caught up a billet of wood, but tne savazes made signs of peace. They appre- ciated usefulness, and indicated their wish that he shouid join them above. Cheered thus by a hope of life, Jabez willingly consented, and accompanied them upon the low- er deck, where there were fully a hundred In- dians. \Witlh their lideous faces daubed with - ocher and paint, and their fiend-like eyes all agieaa with ferocity, with knives and toma- huwks to infinity, they fo an array that Wit He had just com- | chance of | cram the | Their first pr ‘was to dangle the scalps of their five victims in his face, and the poor fel- | low was in such excess of terror that he could | scarcely stand. This proof that the entire crew | was massacred was terribly overwhelming, and | for one instant he felt himself swooning; but a | sense of his own peril roused him, and he put on a face of indifference and bravado, which he was far from feeling. They jabbered and gesticulated to him, but he could not comprehend a word they uttered, and for a time was too scared to get at the mean- ga, be their sg, y and by, Wabi he saw that all this was meant to assure t he was their man, and | that pu wished him to take charge of their | prize. aving caught him near |p e engine, | they naturally supposed that he was the ‘‘ad- _ miral,” and the only one of the crew that could not be dispensed with, The other five men were stark-dead and stiff in the woods on shore, and their scalps dangled at the girdles of their inhu- man murderers. The certainty that the Indians intended to use him, gave Jabez an exalted opinion of his im- portance, and so dispelled his fears that he was able to think with some of his natural shrewd- ness. “They want me to be their engineer, do they?’ he muttered; ‘‘ well, I will, and if I don’t give them the biggest hoist they ever dreamed of, then my name ain’t Jabez Spikes, that’s all!” His thoughts were turned to Lieutenant Put- nam and Adrienne. It was so late in the after- noon that he saw they were liable to return any moment, and he determined to save them from faliing into the hands of the Indians, if such a thing were possible. r So great was the throng around him, and such was the pressure upon his movements, that it was some time before he could reach the upper deck. When he did so, be issued his warning in the unhesitating manner which we have de- scribed, and, satisfying himself that the rudder was so placed that the boat would turn out into the stream, he indulged hi lf in ordering the Indians to obey him, speaking as he would to a lot of dogs, when he hurried below to the engine- room, ** Now, by ginger! clear out the way, ‘all you copper-colored skunks, or I'll kick the heads off you! This was a terrible threat; but the mild face and still miider manner conveyed no idea of its meaning to the recipients. ee ee ress eens ene the engine-room, and’were so thronging around that there was a strong probability of some of them getting hurt, of which he was very glad— for if ever a man had an intense desire to mjure others, he had toslay those merciless miscreants. One of the very dogs who had a scalp dangling at his waist, and who, from his dress and ap- pearance seemed to be the leader of the party, | was just where Jabez “ wanted him.” The boiler was blowing off at a terrible rate, and he turn- ed on afull head of steam. Fortunately the en- | gine had not stopped ‘‘on the center,” and the | next instant the piston-red made a spiteful and | furious throb, and then went to work with a violence that threatened to jerk the engine to pieces. ) The first plunge it made downward, it struck | the same chief on the head, doubling him up in | the very midst of a yell, aud ending his earthly | career forever. ‘ Curiosity may be carried too far,” compla- cently remarked Spikes, as the other Indians | seized hold of the y and hurried out of the | room. “I only wish a few more Indians would | feel some curiosity to know. how the engine works.” ; Thé steamer was now gliding up the Yellow- stone yer swiftly, and Jdbez hurried to the upper d to see that it was following the right direction. A little change of the wheel was all t was necessary, and he returned again to engine. By this time it was growing dark, and would soon be magna so, unning up the river at such speed would asin cola be dangerous, and Jabez determined to make it a great deal more 80. a he had fully resolved to blow up the t , He was not yet prepared to be blown up with it, although, ware the choice between thet and death at the hands of the Indians, he would not | have hesitated for an instant; but his intention was to escape from the boat, before the final catastrophe. So, by gesticulations, he managed to i pao | the red-skins of what he wanted, and at his bid- | ding, although with tome timidity, they assisted Jabez found that the red-skins had } Beadle’s Half- ime Library. errr him in i cramming the over-heated f again furnace with wood, until it really seemed that the heat - would set fire to the boat itself. This done, they made their way to the deck. he engine was working with a tury that caused the boat to throb from stem to stern, and the discharging steam made such an uproar that nothing else could be heard. With his own hands Jabez Spikes fastened down the safety- valve, so that no more clamor could come from: that, and he also disabled the whistle, so that that infernal screeching was stopped forever. “She can stand it about a half-hour longer,” murmured the Yankee, as he walked along on the upper deck, and peered into the gloom to make sure that they were not running in to shore—*‘a half-hour more, and this boat will be blown to atoms, and the best thing I can do, therefore, is to take my departure pretty soon.® This was quite an easy matter, for several reasons. There was no su picion, in the first place, that he contemplated such a proceeding, and consequently he was not watched. He was allowed to pass about the boat unquestioned, the Indians making way for him ‘as though he were a being naturally superior to themselves. In the intense darkness, therefore, he had to do was to make his way to the stern and pag d iy, overboard, ing care to keep clear of the furious little wheel. There was'some howling and moaning. over the chief whose career had been so suddenly cut short by the steam-engine; but the Indians were so occupied with the novelty of their situation that they soon forgot their grief in the new sensation experienced. They were hurrying to and fro, and throng- ing in every part of the boat. They had plun- dered all the rcoms and scattered the pro- visions about them in the mest bewildering con- — fusion, while a large party were constantly huddling about the engine-room, never tiring of watching the operations of the machinery. When the steamer was running at nigi.t under the charge of its proper cfficers, as a matter of course it was plentifulty supplied with lanterns, that were displayéd in every part oi the boat. These lan trimmed; but Jabez Spikes took care that no more then one of them was lit. This was hung in the engine-room, where, under the present regime, it was indispensable. This, with the glare’ from the over-heated boiler, was all the umination on the boat. . _ There was some wonderment among , the Indians that their pet rrr the whistle, was silent, and their only substitute was in clanging the bell, which they swung to and fro, with a never-ceasing vigor. Jabez Spikes knew that the rapidly accumulating steem must soon find some vent besides that afforded by the working of the:machinery, and the explosion was liable to take place at any moment, so he determined to wait no longer.- His first preceeding was to shut off part of ° the steam, but still to leave enough to keep the engine going at a moderate rate of Another matter gave the Yankee no little con- cern. He was Gis an ordinary swimmer, he incurred no little risk in trusting himself to the water, but there was no help for it. Hastily fastening his gun to his back, he seized a large piece of wood, and cautiously made his way to the stern. He encountered rege & of Indians, but no one paid any heed to im in the darkness. He vas but a foot or two above the water, and he Lesitated a mo- ment. Then, with a prayer for prctcction, he wee over. own he went into the cold water, that seem- ed to chill him to the very marrow. Buoyi himself, by means of the ate stick to whi pet had so tenaciously ciung, toward the boat. He could easily tell where it was by the sparks streaming from the smoke-stacks and the clash and clangor that came from on board, “You're happy now—tremendously happy,” muttered Spikes; ‘ but, by ginger! wait aud see how it will be after awhile. So absorbed ‘was Jabez in the scene that he had no thought of himeelf for the tin.e, He lay motionless in the water, with one ley thrown over the huge stick, which easily supported him, listening and looking. e tuinca his gaze Ding, dong, went the bell, and tle whirr of — the foaming wheel, and the wicops and yells of the Indians were the sounds thas reached his ears. “You have murdered innocent and unoffend- ing men,” continved Jabez, in a moody ton “and now you will get your punish ment. If you lad come on board, like white folks, and terns were still on board ard ready- - egan to grow nervous. He erent Tee ee ern ae
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4 ¢] ii S é . a a ' o+ he was scarcely able to kee |. / them, they : ee shoulder, she fired, lodging the \ bide of t Beadle’s HalftDime Library. generally tapered eff into a sort of inclined lane on one side. maaking it ite easy to climb Hello! hurrah!’ ty : He had just made the discovery that this was no exception to the general rule. From the top of the butte a incline, almost entirel free from trees, swept off until it united wi the wood, several hundred feet away. , ‘* That gives us the chance,” exclaimed Adri- e hurried away, so as to make the enne, as aoveted ascent. Lieutenant Putnam followed hard after, but pace with the fair hhuntress. Springing lightly upon the rising she ran like a deer to the top, her merry ughter rh u the air, as she dared hizn to ov e her. He accepted the challenge and strove to his utmost to catch the flitti fairy; but all in vain; he lacked a rod or two o the top, when she clapped her hands and called back to him that he was beaten. a the great Yellowstone for a sgy- agen until except our own. he steamer which they had left but a short time before was concealed from view by the wood that came down to the very edge of the water, where it was gathering its food for its further ascent of the great stream; but, the uliar curvature of the river enabled them to ocate it, and watching closely they managed to detect the faint smoke issuing from its smoke- stack as it lay at rest. Nor was the element of life wanting from this beautiful landscape. Almost at the very foot of the butte, almost perpendicularly beneath distinguished a solitary deer, with antlers raised, as if it were contemplating the sight of a white man and woman for the first time in wonderment. “*T think I can hit him from here,” said the lieutenant; ‘‘ would you like to try your skill apon him?” : ‘* No, and you shall not either,” she warmly replied. “I know I could kill that innocent animal from/ where I stand, and perhaps you could; but it would be a crime to shed its blood at this time.” *T have no doubt the deer will with agree ve Soe gpa our hero. ‘' Shall we descend to v again?” . A few minutes later they were in the woods again, ready for the hunt upon which they had ina. and they found their game ted. They were scarcely - feet in adv suddenl as a tram bane Seen Saas ling and betrayed the approach of some animal. “Shi? he called to Adrienne, raising his hand to keep her quiet, “there is our game; have dates dg Pha ice wo cht ot scarcely ace oe him, poh ago eanght si; of something through the sorubbery, and a moment after a gigantic ay came to view, scarcely a haif-dozen yards from t * Heaven save us!” the lieutenant, as he recoiled a step or two, \“‘ that is more than I e mammoth brute paused for a moment, as if he was naturally surprised at encounter- his solitudes; but he did ; leased at the sight, and after contemplating them for a moment, turned to move away. At this juncture, Adrienne MeHavens con- pate it was berg to = sgl Bom retype er too great a prize to ow pwr their and her rifle to her bullet in the of the animal. * Load .’ admonished the lieutenant, what a mistake had been again, made straight for those who had inflicted the injury. Conscious that they were now in great perso- nal danger, the lieutenant admonished Adrienne to fly, while he dispatched the brute. “You haven't di patched him yet,” was her significant reply, as she began reloading her piece, and bravely held her ground. Our hero waited until the bear was scarcely twenty feet away, when taking a quick aim at its head he fired. At the very instans of his firing, the bear, from some cause or other, slightly ducked his head, so that what otherwise would have been a fatal shot, eal Semeoeeny. wounded him, greatly increasing his fury. He had no time to reload his rifle, and drop- ping it, and drawing his revolver he popped away at it with about as much effect as though he was firing inst an iron-clad monitor. Having emptied his pistol, without checking his advance, as a last resort Lieutenant Putnam drew his knife for the final struggle. He would have fled, but for the presence of Adrienne. , Should he elude its clutches, it would be certain to turn upon her, who had no pistol or knife to assist her, and who, therefore, little chance of escaping its fury. When, therefore, the bear was near enough to strike, he reared himself again, and made a ter- rific blow at_the young officer with one of his great paws. Putnam skillfully dodged the blow, and buried his keen hunting-knife to the hilt in the body of his foe, who, maddened by the eee: pain, turned upon him with a fierceness which would not permit his escape, The two fell to the ground side by side, the lieutenant dashing his hat in the eyes of his frightful foe, so as to confuse him and prevent him closing his by fe are mouth upon his arm or any part of his y, while atithe same time he struggled to the utmost to escape from the grasp of his relentless foe. It is not often that the most powerful and | skillful hunter comes off victor in a hand-to-hand struggle with a beast of such ferocious strength as the grizzly bear, and despite the wounds of the brute on the present occasion, he would have been compelled to succumb, but for the assistance of his fair companion. | There was a moment when man and brute lay motionless for an instant upon the ground each undecided, for the second, what to do. At this critical moment, Adrienne McHavens stepped forward, and placing the muzzle of her | weapon almost against the eye of the brute, sent the et into his brain. At the same moment, the imprisoned man, by a powerful effort, freed himself from the tre- mendous epee the bear and sprung unharmed to his feet. dying bear struggled furiously for a few seconds, clawing the ground and leaves, and flinging them from him, and finally he stretched out in death. ‘* Are you injured badly?’ inquired Adrienne, with no little solicitude, of Lieutenant Putnam, - when she was sure that all further danger was past. : ‘*T do not think I have a scratch,” replied our hero, as he looked over his jperson. “T am not conscious of the least pain. So it proved. By domene his hat in the face of the beast, he so bewildered him for the short time they were snore together, that the youn officer found himse unharmed, the sleeve o his coat being slightly torn by the claws of the ** Thank Heaven! I escaped,” was the fervent exclamation, when he became assured that there was no wound upon his person: ‘‘ and through you, my dear friend, my life was saved.” +: aaa as it was a me that you received | the unpleasant attack, should consider that account about square,” laughed Adrienne; ‘ but what are we going to do with this lovely crea- ture, now that we have secured him? He is | “yal aay! eros a us to carry Ae ee legen su is out of our power to induce walk.” “ e thing like a substitute for his body is hig hide, and I confess my knowledge of ursine ) piracamm ber not sufficient for me to undertake to | secure that trophy for you.” : “Tam no icularly anxious to have that. I think one of those terrible claws of his would | answer better.” ‘*True, such a trophy would be far prefer- able,” replied the lieutenant, as he caught up his knife and speedily severed the frightful wea- pon from one of the feet of the brute. “There,” said he, as he handed them to Adri- enne, “‘if any one should ever express a doubt of you having killed a grizzly bear, just rattle in his 9 F “I think they would make a fine necklace,” a : ; | substances, but | for rest, and lolling lazily u fer, and get out of the w in w knew so much danger impended. e The rustling of the leaves under their f. | water tlirough the trees, and saw that ia Adrienne, as she examined them, “ Bf dusky admirer, ‘* He certainly will rejoice to see them there.” x “‘T will wait and consult Mr. Spikes,” she laughed, as she returned them to her compan- ion. j r The latter looked at them a moment, and then folded them up in a handkerchief. They were fully six inches in length, the ends being considerably worn from abrading against other they were still of sufficient size to attest the great bulk of the grizzly bear, whom they had been so fortunate as to slay. “Do you consider this sufficient for the after- noon’s sport?” asked the lieutenant of Adrienne, | as he placed himself at her a ag ‘Tt ought to be; but it will be several hours before Captain Bennett will expect us; we need not hurry to return tothe boat.” So thought the lieutenant, who would have been glad of a week’s ramble with such a charm- Reagan and, as_ there was no cause for g any particular direction, they sauntered along, waiting until something should present itself for their rifles. By and Wes they reached a small stream of water, which they had not seen when going the other way, and this they followed until they found its source in a large stream of clear, icy- cold water. As it was considerably beyond the hour of noon, and both quite hungry, they selected this as the proper place in which to take their lunch. So Putnam produced the parcel of food, which he had cast aside when egg in the terrific struggle with the bear, an ey seated them- —- upon the leaves beside the sparkling water. F ‘Talk of wine, or whisky, or champagne,” said the lieutenant, as he quaffed the tasteless yet most delicious of all fluids from a cup that Adrienne had_ skillfully made from leaves, “* what is there to equal that?” “Nothing,” honestly responded the girl, as she joined him in the ‘temperance festival.” ‘*T can agree with your sentiments on that.” There was something indescribably'charming in all this to Lieutenant Putnam. The exhaust- ing run up the butte and the fearful trying en- counter with the grizzly bear, made him long n the leaves, hun- gry as a tiger, and eating the well-cooked food, with the bright-eyed, bewitching Adrienne Mc- Havens, why should he not be happy? But the Shadow came, when most unexpect- They had finished their meal, and were chat- ° ting in their usual way, when Adrienne sudden- ly remarked, pointing to the swampy earth a ew feet above the spring: “* There are the foot-prints of some animal person.” ; Lieutenant Putnam sprung up, and carefully examined it, me As sem I ne yraeganr re in a fright- ened undertone, ‘‘it is the print of a mo it and there are more of hewitt Tae or A brief scrutiny of the surrounding ground ~ showed that a large number of Indians had been there mooeney _ ‘*T should think hundreds of them would come every day to such a delicious spring,” repli Adrienne, without, any ap’ ce of **T see nothing singular in that.” ‘Tt may no’ Set earth rotor — Le our hero, as he . furtively about, as if & ing the a pearance of some of a heated bated a would rather encounter a half-dozen grizzly bears than as many Indians.” : _“ Are none of them friendly?’ ‘ ** Not in ryt en $f McHavens, it will be the part est reply. x of prudence to leave this place withoutame rr on raiy.? hes ling that th ; am ready,” she replied, fee t there must be some cause for this alarm. ‘The boat’ itself might be in danger.” ‘ 5 ae “T hardly think that; but we ought to be) there.” - The unalloyed pleasure which 7 had bees theirs) ed alarm. be singular, but it is alarming, of the world,” was the earn- when setting out upon the hunt was now gone, and they were only anxious to reach the stean) the sighing of the wind overhead alarmed and Adrienne found herself frequently behind her, as one does who fears the a of a foe, and wondering at the time it took tl CK at y . bmp |
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they believed there was an inviting opening them, and they were willing to spend a little fortune to ascertain the truth. - There would pete y. be some prejudice a- gainst this interference by the men whose busi- ness would be the most. directly affected there- by, anu Putnam, therefore, was anxious to a- void raising any coldness between himself and the trapper, for whom he had formed quite a Prienitsltty, He therefore made the non-commit- tal reply: 4 **You know that but a very small portion of the country west of the Mississippi is well known and understood in the East. Lewis and Clarke have done something to enlighten them, and Fremont is at it now; but none of these men have me any where near the country that we have Medetritncss to visit.” _ “‘Oh! that’s it, eh?’ returned the trapper, thoroughly satisfied. ‘‘All-I’vye got to say is that them as pay fur it, are blamed fools.” ** Why so?” laughed Putnam, **T s’pect it takes a powerful heap of money to pay you folks, when they might l’arn just as much by axing some of us that have spent near- 7 tyey might ra tdeal fron but ey ‘mi earn a grea’ rom you, bu not all that they wish to know.” ‘*Who’s thar guide?” s Badges. is his name.” “Old Tom Badger?” #8 I believe that is his fullname. Do you know him? | “Know him? I rather guessI do. Him and | ' me used to hunt b’ w nm we war boys, in old Tennessee, and ig bisa our trappin’: busi- ' ness together overtwenty years ago. I rather think we orter be acquainted by this time.” | i oot een ee e to this expedi- - tion ‘*That’s what he is,” was the emphatic re- sponse of the trapper; “thar ain’t a man west | of the Mississippi that is ahead of him, onless it’s Kit Carson. As long as you foller his advice, | there won’t be much trouble. Howsumdever, & we must be gittin’ over the ground faster nor ae brig ha well into the Tndian era they kept up a swinging op for hours at atime. As we have already intimated, they were mounted upon excellent horses, and Jabez Spikes found himself as good a rider as his com- panions. 8 : When the sadness occasioned by the sight of the mangled escort had gradually worn away, he joined in the conversation with as much vim as any of them, but he could talk of very little except the white buffalo. It was that which had brought him into this dangerous country, and, if such a thing were within the range of human possibility, he was determined to take it back = with him. y Visions of the fame and fortune that would follow filled his mind, and he pictured himself riding into his own ge, perched on a high, narrow, box-like ber pes t praags contain the phenomenon, while the prancing ho as - he lay back and at the reins and cracked his whip, and the blazing posters announcing the of ‘Professor Spikes "—ah! now > -wouldn’t that be a triumph for him? Wouldn’t ’ i eir teeth with envy? aa “Wouldn’t the old raise their hands in ad- : miration? and wouldn’t the young ladies i one who had slighted his ardent nf eS wie ; aeenaceel ach for such a Ghattainehle prize es as he would prove himself _ The tour of no conqueror through his own y, as he returned from his victories, could equal the grandeur of what his march was to fi be, Breast sir; that there phenomenon must k go -me,” he soiil as he thought of i this,“ he is Gestinel to thet ts fate, and J’m ‘ * that : When the sun declined in the hori the: iy level Bat far - of timber, tape which, Waufy assured them, ‘ a brook of water ran. ey aimed for for the hunter dislikes a camp in the open where he can throw no screen over his , ce neret ga where the necessity, water, is were pretty well jaded, for they a hs stretch of country; but comprehend what was the object and they pricked up their ears ng, as h they scented ong, ‘night when they drew rein in dismounted, scarcely less tired : tho grove Ameriean and Hudson Bay Fur commpapie’ ne ! a fire was kindl ee ie horses; and aopde! ube an , juicy grass, and cold, spark- ling water; so, after they had governed the an- imals somewhat, as they slaked their thirst, they gave them\the free run of the grove, while in the densest part, and. the Fight ae apap of their trapper superintended the e buffalo-meat still evening meal, made from in their ion. They chatted a long while around the camp- fire, adchig which Waufy stated that they had been very fortunate, in that the afternoon had passed without detecting any sign of an Indian. “‘That ain’t sayin’ there ain’t no varmints in the country,” he tened to add; ‘‘ but it looks powerful strong as though they wa’n’t close enough to scare anybody.’ As it was a physical impossibility that Waufy should act the of sentinel for every suc- ceeding night, he concluded to let one of his companions take that duty during the present evening, especially as he had no apprehension of danger. . When he stated his wishes, both instantly volunteered, but he chose Spikes, as the one who mosi needed initiation into the duties. ** ‘You see you’ve never done any thing of the kind,” he said, by way of apology, ‘‘ and there- fore you’d better been first.” *“You’re tremendously mistaken,” -replied Jabez; ‘‘ this won’t be the first night I’ve set up and kept watch.” “Ah!” replied the lieutenant, who thought there was something worth hearing behind this, . ‘you’ve had some experience in this busi- ness?” “*T have,” was the emphatic mse, ‘I reckon I’ve set up for over forty nights with Mary Ann Stiggens, one of our neighbor’s daughters.” ‘* The entire night?” “Yes, sir; from seven o'clock in the evening till six o’clock next morning.” ‘“* That’s courting with a vengeance,” laughed Putnam. ‘I presume you are engaged to be 5 i this young lad “if ks ** No, inger!” was the dole mse, pikes heaved a t sigh, as though refuc- tant to relate this Siemaad episode in his life. Finally, he added: ‘“*T suppose I may as well relate i's but you must Sggaminigeedl cy it is oe between us, and you mus’n’t ever anybody. I got along very well with Mary Ann for some sens. Her folks were suited and so were mine, and so were we—at least I was, and she seemed to be, till old Speewinks, who kept the tavern, hired a new bar-tender. He had black curly hair, that was frizzled all over his head, and covered with castor-oil and coliene till you could smell it across the street. He had a black mustache, too, that was shiny as silk, and curled up at the en He wore a rufiled shirt-front with a breast-pin as big as a -cake, and a yellow watch-chain that would have done for a yoke of oxen to haul wood with. Then his pants were so tight that he couldn’t sit down without stick- his legs out straight. ‘He was a stunner, ing Moa har Is cd owe village were crazy over him, but I wouldn’t have cared if he hadn’t got after One Sunday night I was waiting outside the church to take her eK, as usual, when my heart give a big jump, as [ saw her and the.bar- tender coming out arm-in-arm; he was gabbling a‘vay, with his head leaned over toward her, and ‘she was grinning and listening, as though she was pleased to death. “ Ginger! wasn’t I mad! I jist stepped up, and croo my elbow, said: ** Come, Ann, let’s hurry home.’ highs | sir, she didn’t look at me, only she ane (pu an the other girls coming out, snickered; and the two walked right on, and left me there alone. ‘‘T walked home alone that night, and made up mind that things looked squally. I wasn’t ready to give Ann up, fur she was a fine irl, and I didn’t know how to head off that -tender. I knew I was better looking than he, so I concluded it must be his appearance that did the business; so I heated the poker and frizzled my hair that iy ey put tallow and lavender on, and got father’s pantaloons on after he went to bed.. Father was twice as thin as me, and when I pulled on his trowsers they were so tight that I couldn’t walk until I had stepped round very carefully for awhile; but I thought they would do, and felt quite proud of them, for they were just as tight as bar- tender’s, “Then I thought, to would step into Speewinks’s, ‘the bar-tender, and try an ° help matters along, I , t to chatting with set him against | bracing myself inst the man sO as oo ee ae oons as much as possible out of sight, ‘this ain’t me (hic), this ain’t Jabez Spikes—it’s that feller’s’ (here I at the grinning bar-tender); ‘he done it—he give me __ a cocktail (hic), and it’s my ‘liberate he put liquor in it!” ‘ od sommpuoly ft aon to: tis horas ented) and so me ir e. me out in the The last ig Mary Ann. He received me very politely, and listened very attentively when I told him i had © something important to tell. I said more than I oat to, but I was considerably worked up. — I told him Mary Ann had made all kinds of fun of him; when she firstsaw him, said she wouldn’t be seen with him, and was only trifling with him; that she and I were en to be married and I advised him asa friend, that if he wished to save himself from ridicule, he had better- withdraw altogether.” “What did he say to that?” asked the lieuten- ant, as Spikes paused for several moments, as though in doubt whether to proceed or not. “He didn’t say any thing at all; he just list- ened and listened, and when I got through, ask- ed me if I wouldn’t take a drink. Nowlama strictly temperance man, but I thought he felt so fad I. wouldn’t make him feel worse by re- fusing, so I swallowed half a tumbler of some- ans that tasted like liquid fire. ‘When I started to go, he urged me to take another drink, and I was fool enough to do it. He didn’t say any ny i but I noticed a queer in_ upon his face, as I started out the door; ut I didn’t think any thing of that till the next morning, when I thought the whole thing over., ** When I got outside, I found the whi cocktails, as he called them, had gotten into my head, and I began tofeel very queer. I started to go off the porch of the tavern, and I stepped up instead of stepping down, and snap) my head back so that I thought I’d cra my neck off. This hat—this very one, by ginger that I’ve got on now—rolled off inthe mud, and when I stooped down to pick it up, I couldn’t get hold of it, so I thought I would stoop down eg aim my head straight, and then make a ve, so as to jam my head in, and then, no matter in what way I picked myself up, I would have the hat secure. “So I took aim, and made a dive forward, just like a bull- when he plumps into the rook; but I the hat, struck my head on the other side of it, and turned a summerset over on my back before I could stop; but By grabbed the hat, and when I got up I had it sure. ‘Well, I started down the and I never xnew how I got to old Stiggens’s, Idon’t believe there was a bother along the road that I didn’t’ ~) >, - tumble over, and sometimes I got to for- ward so fast. bape Bonar gin fre was to fetch against the fence, an agenda ae nia lunge in the stomach that it nearly killed me. ‘*T had an idea that father’s pants were badly torn in more than one place, but, when I turned round to see, I couldn’t see, and kept on turning round, till I fell down just as you have seen a pup do, when he was a fly that had lit on his tail. ‘It was something over an hour after, when I pitched into Sti, ’s gate and rapped the big knocker on the door. ile I was waiting, saw such a light in the parlor, and heard such a laughing and fiddling, that I knew there was a ee there. I ought to have only fired me up to think that do such a thing and not ask me. ‘So, when their Irish girl opened the door, I just pitched in, without saying a word, and as mad as ‘ Hello, Pete, before day!” The fiddle was going, and they were all dancing round the room; and by ginger! the first couple I identi- fied was that bar-tender, with his arm round Mary Ann Stiggens’s waist, as they whirled by me. The sight fired me, and balancing myself against the side of the door, till they came by - , I.made a dive for them, intending to come between them, just like an ax when it splits the wood; but_when I reached them they were not there, and I rolled over on the floor. ‘** Ain't he a brute!’ ‘ He ought to be asham ed! ‘ Why don’t he get his pants mended!’ ‘ Put him out!’ were some of the exclamations I heard around me, and by that time I to realize that I had made a mistake, and t that call - ee ey: Os considered as a call, was a ure. AN adios (hie) and gemm’l’m,’ I stuttered, ne home, but it Ann should “Well, by ginger, next morning, ever) man a {
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LB) ws into a smile more than once, as he listened to his quaint comiealities and ludicrous expe- riences, and hé answered every question put to ope ; th a ready frankness that was pleasing It was easy to see, from the actions of all the parties, that Waufy, the hunter, was a favorite liminaries and badinage, he finally settled down tive: that remember ’Lije Havens, that used to trap with me something like ten year ago.” Quite a number replying in the affirmative, he continued: __ “He was about as tall, and slender, and good- *Jookin’ as that chap with the tall hat, a-settin’ back there by the door. Wal, .me and him hae to teH you about. _ ** We'd been up on the Yallerstone, and had had such good luck that we got ready to start fur the States two or three weeks sooner than usual. Iremember there was poe of snow eM low down on the mountains, and here and there we could find a patch of it on the rairie. Pe We had two hosses loaded down with peltries, besides a powerful heap on the animals ~ “awe war ridin’, so that ef we could only git into Wi or Independence with ’em, we war sartin of makin’ a thing of it. “Wal, we Blackfeet war on the move, goin’ to fight some of the other tribes, and afore we knowed it we had crossed their path. ' Sign got so plenty noitered, and it didn’t take jong that we war in jist the biggest kin ever dreamed of. I see’d there was no chance to find out Itries. We hadn’t time to have to cache the so we rammed ’em in a- dig a reg’lar cache, “as best we could. ‘¢ We jist had time to do that and no more, when, slap-bang went a dozen guns, and ki-yi! screeched a dozen throats, and we war in fur it. I see’d two of our hosses keel over, and the bul- hts sung round our ears powerful peart, now I tell yer. “Lije was built handy for runnin’ and there ae weren't many that could overhaul me, where I | had a fair chance, and the way the dirt flew from our heels was a caution to bufflers. Both | of us got nipped two or three times by their ead, but not ‘nough to stop us, and as there was purty good cover all around, we soon give the slip to the red-skins that were sailin’ down on us the hardest, and got a chance to wink and draw a breath or two. ** As soon as we dafed to speak, we held a council of war, and made up our minds that the best thing we could do was to get out of them rs the quickest way we knowed how, for the varmints war so powerful plenty that there " -wa’n’t much chance of our keepin’ out of their | way fur twenty-four hours’ hard runnin’, ‘'There’s one thing that was good for us; it | was late in the afternoon, and we had only an hour or two's doce to do to get a chance to turn ourselves. e could hear the Blackfeet yelpin’ and signalin’ all "bout us, and I can tell you it was hard work to keep our tracks so coy- ered up as to give us a show for our scalps. . ‘ en it got fairly dark, Lije and me con- eluded that the best thing we could do fur each other was to separate, and each look out fur him- self, as there was a powerful sight more chance that way than by keepin’ together. **So we slid a and I hadn't think of ’Lije, fur the varmints war eve a As I hadn’t any chance of gettin’ awa yarmints without a tea mind to get the skunks off my scent en- tirely, over no time to where. rom the and to lay by till the storm had blowed 3 came down from the mountains, I jist stepped into that and follered it down fur a hundred ' yards or more, fur I knowed there was no fol- erin’ my trail through that stream. It was wedged hard trampin’ through there, pitchin’ oyer stones, droppin’ down kerchug into the - « water up to your middle, when it was ss cold ~~ as get out, too; but when a man is walking fur his sealp, he ain’t noways partig’lar as to the pavement he treads. “ When I was walkin’ down Ihad to Beadle’s HalfDime raconteur with them. After considerable pre- | into the recital of the following singular narra- | ** Boys,” said he, ‘‘ I s’pose there’s some of you | hunted together fur a long time, and it was nigh | onto ten years ago that we got into the scrape I . , and hadn’t got fairly out | from among the mountains, when we found the | yarmints war as thick as fleas all aboutus. It | seemed that nearly all the warriors among the | that we halted and racky- | of a fix you | of gittin’ out with the skins, so I told ’Lije we'd | mong a lot of rocks, where we covered ’em up | animal to ride, I made | cw AL tad a A Ni hr 2 \ i 4 \ was jist gi ready to git out the water, when | you'd better b’lieve I got scared; fur right there | in the water afore me, I see’d the quarest animal | you ever heard tell of.” ‘Please describe him,” called out Jabez | Spikes, the rim of whose hat was so narrow that he could lean his head back against tze wall ‘*T’m quite interested, | without disturbing it. by ginger if I ain’t!” ‘Wal, sir, he looked jist like these picters of oud bears, and that’s what I thought he was at | ‘Couldn’t been that,” interrupted Spikes, | ** that isn’t their native clime.” — ** Nobody said it w ‘“that’s what he looked wled Wanufy; as ” Hibs: ‘ee was a big ani- ? him, swinging ng arms and makin’ a big splash- in’ so as to drive hi ¥- “He never stirred till I was near ’nough to spit amouthful of tobacco-juice in his eye, when he gave a snort, dropped his head, made a heavy gens up the bank, and galloped away, and then see’d what he was.” ‘““What was it?’ asked Lieutenant Putnam, who was absorbed in the narrative. The hunter | turned his head toward the handsome young officer, and answered, y: ) “A white buffler !” “By ginger! I never heerd of such a thing!” exclaimed Jabez Spikes, tipping his chair for- ward, and clapping his hand upon his knee. **You’re sure of that, be ye? Have you ever seen him since?’ | Jist hold on; Lain’t done with the critter yet. I stood still in the stream till the buffler was out of sight, when I picked my way a little | further down and then Fr ope ashore. ‘*T was purty cold and , when I got on dry | land again, fur I tell you there was ice in that water. .I was standin’ on pebbles, where ef | I only moved careful like, I could keep as cl’ar | of leaving a trail as the young fawn. I kept on | these pebbles till I reached a clump of trees, | | when I shinned up: one of ’em, like a squirrel. | | You see I thought Td stay there till there was a | : chance of gettin’ out this muss, so I twisted up | among the limbs, to sit still and listen. ‘‘T knowed the varmints war lookin’ fur me, fur I could hear ’em whistlin’ and signalin’ to | ,each other, and they war all around me. While I sot there, intendin’ to keep awake, I found I was cere, sleepy, and I ha Pee reason fur it, you bet. Two nights afore I hadn’t slept more | _ nor two hours, and the night afore "Lije and me | had been up all night gettin’ the peltries ready, and it wa’n’t no use; cn off to sleep. | “tall went well ’nough fur an hour or two, | when I woke up with a chill, and was so power- _ ful’stiff that I thought I was froze stiff sure; but | | Imanaged to draw my legs out of the limbs | | when, afore I knowed it, 1 tumbled over and | | dro down out the tree. } “As I was goin’ down, I noticed somethin + white under me, and T x gr it was a bank o snow, and I remember I thought there wasn’t | much chance of gettin’ hurt, so I wasn’t scart | | much. ) | Down I come plump—not onto the snow, but | onto the back of the white buffler, that Is’ | Was passing under the tree at the time. al | there! I’ve rid the wildest. mustangs that ever broke a man’s neck, but that was the greatest | ride yet. The moment I struck the, critter I | knowed what it was, and I slung myself ‘round as quick as lightning, got a-straddle of him, and | hung onto his mane. | “The buffler I think was somewhat sur- | prised,” continued Waufy, in his quizzical way; | ‘he stood still a minute, as if to think what | | was best todo. Then he give a big snort, threw | | his head down and his tail up, and away he went ) | like mad. : |. “You'd better b’lieve I hung. on, and the crit- | ter went like chain-lightnin’. I cotched glimpses | | of the varmirits as we whizzed along, and crack, | | bang went their guns as we tore by them, and | . ‘So when I found a little stream of water that | some of the bullets come ruther close; but the somewhat interested in his eccentric compan- a never stopped, but went ahead like a ) ; cane. “‘ Over the stuns and bowlders he went till he got where the perarie was more level, and then | | he let himself out. I doubt whether any of the | varmints chased us; but, if they did, I know it | didn’t do no good, for that buffler went like the | White Horse of the Peraries. ~ ‘“‘T held on as best I could, and I s’pose I rode | | near a mile, when the critter give such an on- | expected shy at somethin’ that I rolled off t’other | at Behe ae a See } . ‘Library. ee red } keep a pian i pepe tay fur the varmints, and I | sido, and laid on the apo deren Aa When | afore I woke.” | bed, so as to hold en easy position, while Ja | paced back and forth across the rooms. I come to, there I was, with no peltries, no hoss, and no gun. It would ’ve gone fait hard with me if ’Lije hadn’t found me’bout noon. He had been smarter nor me, fur he had held fast tohis gun, and had to get hold of an Indian hoss that war a powerful sight better nor both of ours. I got on with him, and we hada purty rough time, but we hung round the neigh- rhood till the varmints had cleared out, when we cotched some more hosses, dug out our cache, and got our furs to the States all right.” oo CHAPTER II. A BRILLIANT SPECULATION, THE hour grew late. The neighbors who had dropped in to the ‘‘ Travelers’ Rest,” Larvae drop’ out again, until, besides the landlord, only the three individuals who have been intro- duced to the reader, remained. _ They became quite sociable and well ac- uainted with each other, and when Jabez ikes made a move for retiring, he was assign- the same room with Waufy the trapper, while ream Putnam was allowed a room to him- self. ‘* This arrangement suits me extensively,” re- marked Spikes, as they prepared to follow the landlord, with his two stumpy candles in hand. “Thave something highly important to say to _ Mr. Wautfy in private. ‘‘Waufy,” looked as if he did not comprehend _ } what his room-mate meant; but he followed along without comment, while Lieutenant Put- nam bade them good-night at the head of the stairs and went to his own apartment. — Spikes waited till he and the hunter were in the room, and the door fastened. Somewhat to the surprise of both, they saw two beds at their disposal,” ‘* Stiggens is puttin’ on airs,” said Waufy, af- ter looking around the room for several minutes. ‘Tm glad he done it, ’cause it might be danger- ous for you to sleep with me.” ‘“Why so?’ asked Jabez, in astonishment. “T git to dreamin’ sometimes; the other night I thought the Blackfeet war comin’ down on _ me sure, and I set up a yell, smashed the head- board, and threw the wash-stand out the window “Do you think you'll go into the wholesale dream business, to-night?’ asked Spikes, in some ‘*No; I feel kinder peaceable; if I should get i in my tantrums and raise the war-whoop, the ~ best thing you kin do is to jump out the win- dow; you'll be apt to land on your legs, while if you take tother way, you'll purty sure to strike head first, and if you have on that stove- pipe it might get bruised:” r ‘Shouldn’t wonder if it would,” replied the New-Englander, as he very carefully removed his head-covering, and as carefully brushed the . nap in the wrong direction, and restored it to his head again. ‘See yer,” said Waufy, ‘‘ you said you had somethin’ to say to me.” oe Yes. ” The trapper took a seat on the side of his own ee Spikes pushed his stove-pipe back Saaened his hands deep down in his “Yes, sir,” he added, as he looked down-at the walked over it. “JT have something hiephy ny ‘tant to edn, verse and consult and advise you upon.” ‘Go ahead,” responded the somewhat impa- - tient trapper. **T jistened with an absorbing interest to the narrative which you recited a while ago, in which a white buffalo played such a conspicu- ous and highly prominent part. I was very mitch interested indeed in it, and now I want to pound an interrogatory, to which I desire a — thful response.” Fr “ Propound away.” . i Spikes stopped short and faced him. Seat ‘*Did you ever see a really white buffalo ?” ** Yes, sir, I have, and so ’ve other hunters.” “That’s honest and true, now?” *s “Tn course it is,” replied Waufy, who seemed — bare floor in front of him, as he ion. “Have you seen that same white buffalosince that first interesting occasion you mentioned?” — “Think I have, but wouldn’t swear to it. — Two years arter, me and ’Lije see’d five bufflers, © one morning, croppin’ grass near the same place, and one of ’em was as white as milk. We both concluded he was the same critter, but we could- n’t be sartin.” : gh é ** What’s become of your conapanion on that _ occasion?” he SET i an
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his : ee stood a moment, Z ‘his hat, and he hurried back ‘to. the _ recover it, cx chabebed ed it ket thakwes this a pay a - and hige ba the village yelled ‘ Cock-tail! at me when I showed myself. ctheir it woul blow over after awhile, but it kept getti worse and worse, until I got mad and left, an here Iam. ing sound!y. F up, so that they gave out light, he saw, with a terror it the two forms of “C ager! what docs it mean?” he fairly ~ od, a3 ho shrunk back into the shadows else near sure.” esitating whether he shot:!d wate his companions or not, but he was of ineurring their ridicule, and he con- cluded to make sure that danger threatened before disturbing them. ‘ “Just then he observed that he was without tree to There cozibe nor staking the spot where he his ¢ stol had also vanished ce GH !” ho fairly as the cold _ sweat over him. _‘* Some stole them - away from me when I was asleep, and who could it be?” question, indeed. Certain it was neither Lieutenant Putnam 7. gor W. the. trapper, for they were sound 4 their eyes down in slumber “a i ss d ‘i ree “if Si band upon his head, and was a ee ol a luxuriance, and he had the comforting assurance ce of his situation, | hand and walked out on | fire had smoldered almost to’ Beadle’s Half:Dime Library. | in grave doubt for an instant whether that | operation had not been so neatly performed | upon him that the pain had not yet begun. | But the yellow hair was still there in all its that his scalp was unharmed. Again a slight sigs Fs a his ear, and Jabez stealthily made his way through the wood, to the edge of the prairie. Could he believe his eyes? In the dim moon- light, he cpa inf saw the figure of a man run- ning away at full speed. ; ‘*Ginger!” he muttered, “what a narrow escape | have had; but what will they say, when they awake in the he sbi and find it out?’ Only a few minutes elapsed, when he saw from the increasing light in the east, that morn- ing was at hand, proof that he had slept a much longer time than he had imagined hitherto. abez racked his brains to see whether he could ee me plausible theory to account for his i mishap; but he could originate nothing, and he wisely concluded to tell the truth. Tell the truth he did, without any prevarica- tion, and, as may be su his story created no little amazement. Lieutenant Putnam was not only astonished but rea perplexed to account for the conduct of the enemy who had | len in bar them and so cleverly outwitted he sentine The four horses were found undisturbed, which gave the incident a still more unaccount- able look. **T can’t understand it,” remarked the officer, as they partook of the morning meal. ‘‘ Why a °F ie Indian should spare a white - | e— Waufy nudged the lieutenant, and remarked in a voice that reached no ears but his for whom they were intended: “*Tt wasn’t a red-skin at all.” Putnam turned upon him, the picture of per- plexity. ** Who then?” ‘Some white hunter or trapper; but don’t let him know it.” ** Do you mean it was a joke?” “Sartinly; we’ll find out what it all means, afore we go very far to-day.” , It was early in the forenoon when the three rode out from the grove, Jabez Spikes wearin his cotton handkerchief bound about his head. bers & headed north-east, and had gone scarcely a half-mile, when, in ing over a small eleva- tion, they encountered two hunters just prepar- og hoe start. e ies stared at each other a moment, parti ‘and then called out. And Waufy rode up and shook both heartily by the hand, while Putnam and Jabez remained in the background, looking on and listening. The three trappers chatted and conversed in their characteristic manner, during which it transpired that ‘‘ Baldy,” and his companion were bound westward to Fort ie, where rey had agreed to meet a caravan and carry it on, * Then they approached closer, and conversed in such low tones that their sentences could not be understood. When they had finishedsBaldy rode up to Ja and, handing him his gun, pistol, and stove-pipe, said: **T give ’em. to you, stranger: with the advice that the next time you undertake to keep watch in an Injin kentry, it ain’t a good plan to git so sound asleep that we kin hear you snore half a mile away.” ae ey tae “ae bvo trappers struck their make any reply, the two struc’ eir horses into a gail and spee disappeared. ‘Ginger! if it ain’t the identical gun and re- volver!” exclaimed Jabez, as he turned the weap- ons over in his hand, ‘‘and the same old hat,” he added, as he pulled it down his head; ‘*now that is what I call extremely fortunate— extremely fortunate.” ‘And then Waufy explained to them how the joke had been perpetrated. Baldy and his comrade had caught the star- like glimmer of the camp-fire, shortly after dar’ and stole forward to learn whether af h Indians or white men for gn tidy Making his way into the grove, he ned to Jabez es’3 story, and suspecting his verdancy, de- termined to play his joke upon him. He patiently waited until the sentinei sat down and went to sleep in the manner describ- ed, when he had no iitle aificulty in taking the articles mentioned him. It was his in- prema ae dong Ale are morrow, and he | would have en Vaufy’s camp than they. anticipated and saved them that uble. ‘“* You oughter made the acquaintance of Bal- dy,” added Waufy. wiah ee I rather think I did,” laughed Ja- ‘* He has seen the buffler!” ‘“ When—how long ago?” demanded the excit- — ed Yankee. ‘* Yesterday.” ‘Where was it?” ‘*Right ahead—toward where we be going.” ‘Now you don’t say so!” added the delighted Jabez; ‘he was alive and well?’ ** Never in better health.” **They didn’t kill him?” ~ ; ‘* No; he israther tooold, and they liked some- thing young and tender a good deal better.” f ! then we’ll be sure to see him.” ‘* It begins to look that way.” i ‘* And catch him too. Ginger! won’t it be a magnificent victory for me? Won’t I sail into the village on the top of my big wagon paint- ed red, with the great phenomenon of the Far West? Won’t Mary Ann Stiggens feel bad, and won’t that bar-tender haul in his horns a little— ( i ** There’s one thing I forgot to tell you,” inter- rupted Wautfy. ‘What's that?” ‘The buffer that Bal iy and Jim seen. wasn’t white, but a dark color.’ CHAPTER VI. THE YELLOWSTONE STEAMER. THROUGH storm and sunshine, cold and heat, danger and safety, our three friends at length struck the great Yellowstone river far iM the North-west, in the center of what is still a wild and dangerous country. . It was on the afternoon of a clear autumr day, that the travelers reined op, ele horses on the margin of the broad, turbid stream, and looked across to where the green woods and prairies were to be seen on the opposite side. “The time will come when that will be tra- versed by shipping and steamers as the Hudson is to-day,” remarked Lieutenant Putnam. “Yas;and if Iain’t powerfully mistook, there’s a steamer this minute,” returned the trapper, pointing down-stream, i ; ; *‘ Tmpossible,” exclaimed his companions sim- ultaneously. : But following the direction of bis finger, they saw a thin, almost horizontal line of smoke dis- sipating into clear air at one end, while it kept wing and advancing at the other. It being Selow a curve in the river, had the a of being directly over the land i water, a delusion all understood. **T didn’t know that any steamers had ever ascended thus far,” remarked the lieutenant, after they had contemplated it several minutes “Yas, there is; there’s: a little purpellyer NM lier) I b’leve you call ’em, that’s been up e Yallerstone several times.” : “ How far?” “ “ Hundreds of miles above here, and if I ain’t powerful mistook that’s the same critter.” “ Ginger! look!” exclaimed Spikes. _ At moment the steamer rounded the bend below, and came in full sight. It could be seen that i¢ was quite small, but it was one evide: ee built for river navigation, for it came throug the foaming water with great by : It was a curious scene, this little p boat, making its way through this vast solitude, the ioneer of the fleets that were to follow it. Y hree sat on their horses, watching it with no little interest, when suddenly Lieutenant Put- nam asked: ane far up do you think that boat is 7 a “Two, three hundred miles at least.” ie * That will so much on our way; let’s aboard and at fe ‘f iA e. The steamer ke ce, of on the c
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ee as blue as the horizon against which they were To add to the picturesqueness of the scene, _three Indian canoes, with half a’ dozen -occu- ants in each, were scc: coming down the Yel- orton close to the cther shore. The two stopped in their walk and stood con- mplating it. “You must sketch this, Miss McHavens, by all means,” enthusiastically exclaimed Lieu- tenant Putnam. ‘‘ Could you havo a better sub- 7 99 i f “Tt is very good,” said she; ‘‘ those peaks in the distance, the prairie and wood between, and those ‘ noble red-men,’ make up a fine Jand- ” d 1 She turned to go to her apartment, her friend escorting her to the door. When they had ce- scended the steps, they came face to face with Jabez Spikes, who was “evidently surprised to see them together. o “ Hello, Ady!” he exclaimed, ‘‘I didn’t know ou had got up yet. I’m glad to see ou, Ady, y, ginger it lain’t! How are you, Ady? “Miss McHavenses my name, if you please,” she answered, bowing rather coldly as she pass- ed on. * Don’t e too much on your acquaint- ance, Jabez,” said Putnam, in a low tone, as they were left alone for a few minutes. He 'y did not wish to see the Yankee rebuked so sharply that his feelings would be touched, and he gave the hint in kindness; but Jabez ! looked lofty and nh Poa i as before. Wiegeces “ Ady aa I understand each other; I know ds well—yes, very well, what she means by that; it is out of respect for your feelings—yes, your feelings, that caused her to speak in that appar- ently acrimonious tone. She doesn’t wish me to address her by her pet name when you are uy “Oh, that’s it,” returned the lieutenant, stroking his handsome mustache to prevent a from seeing his smile. ‘‘ Very well; I Mi not attempt to interfere between you en. ‘ you will not,” returned Jabez, in the y manner; “it’s an unsafe thing to some between roo te 4 and lover's ge I por eig in studying the intricacy of ma- chinery, and will eave yon together for awhile,” he added, as he turned about and walked away. At this Adrienne reappeared, with Ah! Adrienne McHavens, as your beautiful |. hand, with its tiny pencil, glided over the snow- _ white sheet, transferring the beauties of wood, ‘i and river, and prairie, and mountain t» its sur- _ face, your be i gly taper fingers drew an- : athe? reture, i “had it was the picture of your own sweet self, drawn in lines which could never be obliterated, the heart of the lieutenant, who stood so admiringly near you, and bags too bra it was a painting never equaled by the marvelous, ielic faces of old Murillo. Rartenne sketched yery rapidly, and it re- quired but a few minutes for her to finish all the »~ outlines when she “filling in.” She took tic pains with this part of her work, and _ when at last it was completed, the lieutenant declared that it was equal to a steel engraving. “That was drawn by the hand of an artist,” he added, as she handed it to him. She smiled, ; and was pleased at the compliment, for she | knew it was an honest one, intended for no ‘** You are pleased with it then, are you?” “Tam delighted with it.” _ She reached up and took it again from his _hand, and with her pencil rapidly wrote: “‘ View on the Yellowstone. To Lier t Putnam, n A, McH.,” and then handed “#, back to % ‘ The young officer was overjoyed, and bowing are too wr Pence toward ” she re- she closed her olio and allowed it ‘* Have you not been “* Scarcely placed my foot upan dry land, ex- cept for a moment, when we halted to ‘wood up,’ as they call it. Captain Bennett would not allow me to go out of sight, and the men were too busy for any one-to be spared as my es- cort.” : ‘At the very next stopping-place you shall have'a ramble through the woods, if you will permit me to act as your cicerone. ‘Nothing will please me better,’’ she replied. “ Unless—” The lieutenant paused with a significant smile, as if waiting for an invitation to proceed. ‘*Unless what??? ““My friend, Mr. Spikes, takes charge of you. Really, I do not know whether he will permit such assumption on my part.” Adrienne merely smiled. She was too much of a lady to denounce the New-Englander, with whom she had some innocent sport, and the lieutenant intended it only as a piece of pleas- antry. _. “Tf you think he will not consent,” she re- plied, ‘‘we will steal away without his seeing us, and then trust to his forgiveness when we return.” ah don’t suppose you ever indulge in hunt- ? “Tt is only because I do not ds the opportu- nity. Ihave a little rifle—a real beauty, which father pokes me from Washington—with which I would dearly love to kill a buffalo or a grizzly bear or some such pet.” “Yes, it her be quite an exploit. You have fired heat gun ‘* Hundreds of times. I have practiced until 1 consider myself a good mar or marks- woman, and I am certain I can bring downa deer as well as any one else.” “Then we have a little hunt ther, Game is so plenty in this part of the world that we shall be sure to discover something. How long does ee gre Bennett generally wait when wooding up?” “It takes a good half-day, at least; you know the wood is not piled up and waiting for them, asit is along the Mississippi, but it has to be cut, and taken on board, and even with all the men hard at work, this is no slight task.” “*T will ask the captain when he Ls ron to make another halt,” said Lieutenant Putnam, as he walked forward to the pilot-house. “Do you see that bend ahead on the left, about a half-mile distant?’ said Captain Ben- nett, when the question was proposed: “Certainly,” was the reply, ? shall ‘te up till night; in “There’s where we there’s a splendid growth of oak and pine there, on 5: always stop there, going up and coming own. Putnam returned with the tifying infor- mation to Adrienne. fe “Now get your gun and ammunition ready,” he added, ‘‘ for we will spend the whole after- a rs rambling through the woods, if you de- sire it. “I wish to hunt till I get so tired that I can hunt no longer,” was the characteristic reply. Such being the case, she went below to put herself in trim for the expedition. She had pre- pared herself for such a “ contingency,” and ar- rayed herself in a close-fi and becoming dress, of strong material, and so a as to allow a free movement of the limbs, with high, thick, and handsome shoes, and a sort of jockey hat, with her luxuriant hair gathered close to her head and neck, and thus arrayed, she —— like an Indian princess prepared for the chase, “Tf some one would only draw a true + ape of you,” thought the lieutenant, scarcely able to conceal his admiring glance, ‘‘it would take the prize at any exhibition.” ith a woman's thoughtful foresight, she provided a substantial lunch, which she gave in charge of her gallant, while she persisted in car- rying her own gun, ‘ “IT want it for instant use,” she said, as she took it from his ra after he had sufliciently admired the beauty of its workmanship. ‘Sw pose I should step 6n a grizzly bear, and he should jump at me—what would I do, with no w min my hand?’ si tive me the happiness of shooting him for you. ed ~ “ But yor might miss,” she la : = 3 made At this juncture Jabez Spilres his 5 te age upon the scene, “Ginger! where are you going?” he asked, in surprise ; “The boat is to etc rp the rive> to ced some ! i , : . fe a wood,” replied Adrienne, “‘and we are going ta take 4 little hunt in the woods.” “*T guess Til ge along, to take care of you,” he added. “We thank hia Mr. Spikes, but don’t you think we are old enough to take care of our selves?” ““Yes—but, ginger! Iforgct! Ihave an cn- Pie poe and can't go with you. Never mind, on’t grieve, Ady; we'll sit and talk over it to- night,” he added, as he walked away. abez Spikes spoke the truth, when he declar- ed he an engagement. Always ready to turn an honest penny, he had to assist in cutting and carrying wood during the entire afternoon, for the sum of one dollar, and that was why he “Sein not court ipsbe the hunting- y upon the contemplated e ition. Re and by the steamboat turned her prow toward shore, and came to rest at the same “wharf” where she had made it her custom to halt for wood in going up and down the river. It still lacked an hour or two of noon, and as soon as the boat was secure, the men sprung ashore, axes in hand, ready for labor, Jabez Spikes being among them. Captain Renaett had carefully scanned the bank betes down-stream, as they approached shore, but could distinguish no sign of Indians. When they penetrated thus, far north, they were liable to encounter the Indians, who were friendly or hostile, as the whim took them. He had generally managed to conciliate them by a few presents, when they appeared, but he knew there was no little risk ‘in from the treacherous miscreants, every time the oppor- tunity for mischief was in their a The presence of Adrienne McHavens on board, made him moré than usually solicitous, and it was with some misgiving that he saw her plunge into the woods, accompanied only by Lieuten- ant Putnam. He cautioned them against ven- , turing too far away, and they promised to heea his counsel, as she waved him 6 good-by and vanished in the wood. ‘“There is one thing certain,” muttered Can- tain Bennett, as he looked after them, ‘that oung lieutenant is dead in love with her, and 1. view ~ rather fancies him. hed well, pee might be a great many worse couples than the would make,” sf : CHAPTER IX. THE HUNT, AND A FEARFUL DISCOVERY. Berrore our hero and heroine placed foot upon terra firma, the latter called the attention of the former to a sort of ‘‘ butte,” i. e. a round, cylindrical shaped hill, one or two hundred feet in elevation, the top covered with stunted vege- tation, and distant about a mile. Adrienne having expressed a wish to visit it, they immediately turned their steps thither- ward. The luxuriant be ope oar immediately surrounding them’ shut their view for most of the time, but now and then, through the openings in the wood, om caught ee of it, and were thus enabled to keep the right di- rection. It was only a pleasant walk through the fra- grant woods, the gent exercise was found so agreeable, that they kept straight along, chatting and laughing in the same merry- hearted manner as when upon the boat. Adri- enne’s step was the buoyant, elastic spring of youth, vigor and grace, and e re srl as was the lieutenant in athletic exe he found his match in sy og pace with her. “We will first visit that,” said she, referring to the hill, ‘‘and see whether it is possible to ascend it, and thet® we will make our hunt in "aoe ceeal Oy kas teas foli ou oO ave broug r portfolio. sO as to mnake a sketch from thie. topo reptiod’ our hero. “*No, I have no time to trifle now; we have come upon business.” ‘But business which looks very much like sport,” laughed the lieutenant. Just then they crossed a narrow belt of covered with rank, exuberant grass, t rh which they made their way, and entered to woods .. Shortly after they found them- — whee cr of the butte. pro quite an a curiosity, its sides being rough, clayey and rocky, and ae to’ a great hight. From the side where they stood and looked up, it was as nearly perpendicular as possible, so that ascendi ing th tecios Gaus teacnte: ing int was out of the question. rairio, erhaps it may be possible from th nak said the lieutenant, as he mee bekee have seen such elevations before, and they . /