Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 1151 — page 5: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

--. a rovwO080O0060—@™M0—080_€00EEEEEEeeoOo—O>ol—>— = — — SSS ee ee a -—— -_-- - . - -_--~ —_-_- -—— . Bill Biddon, Trapper. sure that they would be at no great distance, I now | mals, Running back, I overtook Biddon, who was commenced searching for a suitable place for rest, and af last hit upon a small depressionin the prairie, where a atons was imbedded in the earth on one side, which served to protect me from the chill- ing wind. As I nestled down beside this, such a feel- ing of warmth and comfort came over me that I con- grectlntan myself upon what had seemed a misfor- une. Lying thus, just on the verge of sleep, my nerves paint alive to the slightest sound, I suddenly felt a trembling of the ground, At first it seemed a cream; but, as I became fully awake, 1 started in terror and listened. I raised my head, ‘but heard no sound, and still in the most perplexing wonder sunk dewn again, hoping it would shortly cease. But there was a steady, regular increase, and presently I dis- tinguished millions of faint tremblings, like the dis- tant mutterings of thunder, Gradually these w plainer and more distinct, and finally I could distinguish sounds like the tread of innumerable feet upon the prairie. Every second the jor of the earth became more perceptible. Sud- denly the truth flashed upon me—a herd of buffaloes Wad approaching. Terror for an instant held me dumb, My first re- solve was to rush forth and warn Nat and Biddon; but I reflected that they must have been awakened, ere this, and that I could do nothing to ward off the ril which threatened all alike. Springing to my ect, I paused a second to collect my tumultuous tieotahts. Could I reach the timber, I could ascend a tree and be beyond danger; but I knew not what direction to take, and there was no time to spare. To remain was to be trampled to death; to rush away could save me but a few moments longer. God of heaven! what a death! Louder and louder grew the thundering tread of the animals, and I stood like a madman, the cold sweat pouring off me, tormented by a thousand agonizing though and expecting death each mo- ment! Reares and nearer came the rattle of the chimping hoofs, and I stood rooted to the t! Sinki on my knees, Il implored mercy of the One who could give it in this moment of dire necessity; and while on my knees the means of preservation presented itself. “ Strange!’ I exclaimed, breathing deeply, ‘ that! did not think of it before.” I have said that I was in a sort of depression or hollow in the earth, and that a large stone was im- bedded on one side. Nowa safer and more secure shelter could not have been found in this emergency, Wrapping my blanked around me, I crept as far be- neath it as I could, and was saved! A few minutes later a dark body plunged headlong over me with the rapidity of lightning, followed in- stanily by‘another and another, and I knew the herd were thundering past. For a long time I lay there beneath those thousands of feet, one of which would have been sufficient to kill me, e incessant crack- ling of their hoofs, and rattling of their horns, sound- ed like the discharge of musketry, Once a ponder- ous body tumbled over the rock which sheltered me, and I caught sight of a dark, Age bellowi mass, and the next instant it regained ts feet anc cisappeared. It must have been an hour that I lay here, ere the last animal Jeaped over me. Then I looked up and saw the stars shining overhead. My joy at the sight of those glittering orbs cannot be expressed. I arose to my feet, and looked about me, It was too dark to discern objects, yet I could hear the rapidly re- treating footfalls of the herd in the distance, bdink- to the earth, I offered a sincere prayer of grati- ule to the Almighty for His miraculous preserva- tion of my life! CHAPTER IV. THE TRAPPING-GROUNDS, Iwas eably st ; rised a ive WARIS, SO be ae within a few feet, holding two horses by the bridle. “Which one will you choose?’ he asked, with a broad smile. “How did you come by them?” asked I. “Ts'pose it must have been about the time you left us last night that Biddon woke me and told me to follow him, as there was a poweryul chance to get acouple of horses for you and me. I asked him where you could be, and he said he s’posed you'd ne further up-stream to sleep by yourself, though Ee hadn't seen yougo. Howsumever, we wasn't wor- ried, as we thought you were old enough to take care f yourself, so we started down the of the stream. Wa went about half a mile, when Biddon showed wie a small camp-fire, burned down to a few coals and ashes; but there was enough light to show us two horses picketed a few yards away, and we seen the fect of a couple of fed-skins turned ‘toward the fre. Biddon said as how they was a couple of hunt- ers, sound asleop, and we might Jorrow their horses, tf 1 didn’t make too much noise. He told me to stand. still, and keep my gun pointed at them, and the minute one stirred to shoot him, and then rush in and dispatch the other. I promised to do so, and he stole round to the hosses on his hands and knees. He had cut both the lariats and was leading them away, when oue of the Indians raised his head and jooked around, and as soon as he seen the hosses mov off give a grunt and Jumped up and run to- wed thems: I remembered it was my duty to shoo and as the Indian was running purty fast, I aime about ten feet ahead of him, supposing, of course, the villain would git there as soon as the bullet did; I'll be ha if he wasn’t mean enough to step anc fet the bullet be wasted. My gun kicked like blazes, and the Indians, I epee, thought a whole tribe was nm them; for setting "tp a great howl, they scooted m the Saeede “leaving as alone with the ani: riding along as if nothing had happened. He asked meé to ride, and of course I jumped on, and here I am. But which hoss do you want?” ‘I do not see as there is much room for choice,” I replied; ‘both are splendid animals, and a most opportune blessing.” “If it’s all the same to you, this gentleman is mine; and handing the bridle of one to me, he vault- ed upon the other. The latter was a magnificent Indian pony, of a deep. bay color, probably captured when very young, and high-spirited and fiery. Both manifested considerable uneasiness, know- ing they were in the hands of strangers, and Nat's made one or two efforts to dislodge him; but he was a good horseman and maintained his piace with ap- parent ease despite the struggles, which were frantic and desperate at first, Mine was somewhat larger, of a coal-black color, with as much spirit and fire as the other, but in a few moments we had them under perfcet control. Besides these two animals, we gained two, fine In- dian saddles, and were now as well mounted as we could wish. Nat remarked, that when the buffaloes thundered by he felt some apprehension, for me, but the trapper expressed none, saying that I would be found right in the morning. As soon as there was light, Nat commenced searching the bed of the stream for me, and failing in this, be climbed a tree and took a survey of the prairie on both sides, From his elevation he discovered what he believed to be my dead body; and accompanied by Biddon and the horses, hastened toward me. Upon reaching me, they understood instantly the whole matter, and it was their loud laughter that had aroused me. We were now pretty far to the north-west of Ne- braska Territory, The face of the country was ma- terially different, and I began to notice a change of temperature. é summer had just closed, and the early autumn was like the approach of winter. The nights were cool and chilling, and the days generally mild at noon, but often keen and exhilarating. The rairie was mostly of the rolling kind, but belts of imber were more common, and the vegetation richer and more exuberant. It was plain, too, that we werein a section where the foot of civilization had not been, The vast, undulating swell of the prairie, the mighty flelds of verdure and the broad streams, bore only the marks of the red-man and wild beast. Toward noon, Nat descried a solitary antelope far ahead, It was near a grove, from which it had just wandered, and stood gazing wonderingly at our ap- roach. We rode on in silence for some time, when iddon raised his hand. ** Jes’ hold on,”*’ he said, as he dismounted. He made a circuit, skirting the prairie, so as to reach the grove mentioned upon the opposite side from theantelope. I still was ata loss to understand his intention, as the aninial was too distant from the timber to be brought down with a rifle-shot from that point, On the outer edge of the grove, next to the ante- lope, I saw him emerge, holding a stick over his head, to which was affixed a handkerchief or rag. He walked a short distance, and then lay down flatupon the prairie, pores concealed in the grass. The rag was visible fluttering above him. I now watched the motions. of the antelope, He stood gazing at us, until the trapper came into view, when, with a star- tied glance at him, he wheeled and ran. In a mo- ment, however, he paused and turned quickly around. His looks were now fixed upon the fluttering signal, He stood motionless a moment, and then cautiously lifting his foot, made a step toward it. Thus he con- tinued to approach, step by step, with ap arent fear, yet evidently impelled by an ungovernable curiosity, until he was scarce a hundred yards distant from the prostrate form of the trapper. Still he was movi stealthily onward, when suddenly the sharp crac of Biddon's rifle reached us, We saw the antelope ive a wild leap into the air, and bounding forwan, all to the ground. The trapper sprung Lo his feet and hastened to the fallen animal. Saten us ride to him,” said I, walking my horse on- ward. We had ridden a short distance when Nat asked: * What’s got into Biddon? Just look at him!” I did look, and for a moment believed him crazy. He had seen us, approaching, and was now making furious gesticulations. I watched him a momen, and then remarked: ee is either signaling for us to come on or to “Op.” S ae means us to wait, I guess, and we had better alt. We reined in our horses and watched him. Appa- rently satisfied with our stopping, he stooped and commenced working at the animal, In a few mo- ments he arose, and slinging a huge piece on his shoulder, made his way into the grove, From this he emerged in due time, and made his way toward us, motioning, meanwhile, for us to remain in our places. _ “Why didn’t you wish us to approach?” I asked, as soon as he came within speaking distance. He made no answer, but throwing his meat upon the ground, hastily mounted his horse. Then he spoke in a deep whisper: ‘* Boys, did you spose there’s over twenty red-skins among them trees?’ ‘‘ Heavens! it isn’t possible!’ I exclaimed. “It’s 80; I seed ‘em, and thar eyes are on us this minute, They're waitin’ for us to go on, an’ they’ give us thunder.”’ * What’s to be done?” queried Nat, ‘* Jes’ keep still, an’ don't kick up, or they'll see it. We've got to make aran for it. Keep close to me, ' and when I start, let your horses went.”’ ! * But the meat?’ ) nurriedly asked, 4 Can't take it. We may have a long run, an’ our horses won't want to carry no extra load, I didn’ zon thar animals, but I guess they ain’t mouiil. eady.”’ With this, Biddon wheeled his horse, and vanisues) from his place with the speed of lightning, while ouw almost simultancously shot ahead Jikean arrow. A’y instant after, I heard the faint disc of guns, and looking back, saw a host. of savage forms pow ing gman from the timber. No need of hurrying. They are not mounted,” £ called out to Nat, who was hurrying his horse to the utmost, ‘I don’t believe it,” he exclaimed, speeding furé sap on, ay fo it, Todd! you'll fetch up at Laramie,” yelled qaaon, . _ The latter drew his horse into a steady canter, and indulged in several loud laughs at the fugitive, Nat continued on in his mad eareer, but, s¢eing how far behind he had left us, he reined up and awaited our rare aan in the ti hurryi © savages, in meéan time, were ng om in pursuit, I know not what led them to expect any suceess in this chase, for, as remarked, not one wag mounted. They may have had little faith in the speed or bottom of our horses, and trusted they would be able to run us down, Biddon half tu in his scat, and looking back a moment, asked: “Do you see that red, rvs like all mad off on — - —— ~ a te ——. one side? The one as is trying to surround us?” ony back and answered in the affirmative. you want to see a red drop in purty style?”’ I I answered again in the affirmative. Wal], jis’ keep yer poeper on him,”’ So saying, he his rifle, without checking the speed of , took a quiek alm ite long barrel and . Teo my os as ba nay uttered a wild shriek, an ringi v fell to the eairt ae ; ‘He's. done for," remarked the trapper, quickly. ae I fodder my iron, s’posen you try your and,”’ { raised mine to my shoukder, and pointing it toward a suspicious savage, pulled the trigger. As might be expected, I came about as near to him as I did to Nat, in front. “It will take a long time for me to accomplish that feat,’ said I. ‘* Wal, yer goes agin.” And again was the fata] rifle discharged, and again did a savage bite the dust, Still the pursuers maintained their ground, seem. ingly determined to overtake us at allhazards, They were separating and scatter over the prairie with the evident intention of mming us in, At this moment we came up to Nat. e Why don’t you run?” he asked, impatiently. “ They'll shoot us all afore we know it,” He had scarcely finished his words, when the pur suers did fire, and with an uncomfortable effect, too. The bullets were peaenly heard whistling through tie air beside us, and one actually cut its py ge apc the mpper part of Nat's hat, some eight or inche@ from the crewn of his head. He podges nervously, and jerking the hat off his head, held it Ww to view. * Just look there!" he exclaimed, ndignant*» putting his finger through the orifice, ‘** What of it?’ peasy asked Biddon, “That's a ty question to ask, I should think! I swow I won't stand any su» work as this,”’ aane giving his horse th sin, he shot rapidly “I guess we mought as wel), remarked Biddon, letting his horse have free rein. The race was now decided, At such speed as we went, of course the pursuers were soon left behing, ami in an hour not one was visible, all of them being either distaneed, or having voluntarily, withdrawn. at is not n to give the particulars of ew journey to the north-west. We continued reveling onward for six days, when we reached the reg where it was intended we should remain until sping. ; This was much further northward than I suspecte in fact, it was but a few miles distant from the Hud- son Bay Territory, and upon one of the remote trib- utaries of the ouri, We had entered a climate that, even now, was like the winter of the one we had left. We had entered a mighty wilderness, where, ere we left it, we were doomed to pass through strange experiences, Beaver sigus were detected at several streams which we crossed during the last day or two of our journey, but Biddon pein no attention to them until about the middls of the afternoon, when we reached a mnall river flowing nearly due south, passing through the Hudson Bay tory in its course. When upon the opposite side, he remarked. ‘“‘ Yer’s the spot whar we're gotn’ to squat." It is Per neps worth remarking that the section was a wooded country. We had over no clear rairie during the day, and were in the midst of a eep wood. The trees were of nearly every conceiv- able kind—cottonwood predominating, with oak, elm, ash, walnut, etc, After crossing, the trapper headed directly wp- stream for a short ¢ ce, when he turned to the left and descended into a valley. Here he dis mounted, : ’ * Take yer fixin’s,’’ said he, ‘and turn the hosses loose. ‘* Won't they wander away,” I asked, “* Yourn may, but mine won't. Got to take your chances. ‘Tam't likely they'll be 'sturbed, ‘cept by grizzlies and reds.”’ ty was a broad bottom of rich grass inclosed by thick walls of undergrowth, Here we'left our horses, and, taking our saddles and trappings, moved away. ‘* Have you ever been here before?” WE staid yer last season, but didn't 'spect. to coma om 900KS.com