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+Project Gutenberg's Dangers of the Trail in 1865, by Charles E  Young
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dangers of the Trail in 1865
+       A Narrative of Actual Events
+
+Author: Charles E  Young
+
+Illustrator: H. DeF. Patterson
+
+Release Date: October 28, 2008 [EBook #27077]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DANGERS OF THE TRAIL IN 1865 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Diane Monico and The Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
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+
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+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: DANGERS OF THE TRAIL--1865]
+
+
+
+
+DANGERS OF THE TRAIL
+
+IN 1865
+
+A Narrative of Actual Events
+
+By CHARLES E. YOUNG
+
+GENEVA, N. Y.
+1912
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1912
+BY CHARLES E. YOUNG
+
+Press of W. F. Humphrey, Geneva, N. Y.
+H. DeF. Patterson, Illustrator, Geneva, N. Y.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+I present this narrative of actual events on a trip across the plains
+to Denver, Colorado, in 1865 and of life in the Far West in the later
+sixties.
+
+An interesting and valuable feature is a map of the country, made in
+1865, by Henry Bowles of Boston, showing the old Platte River and
+Smoky Hill Trails of that day before there was a railroad west of the
+Missouri River.
+
+Everything is told in a plain but truthful manner, and this little
+volume is submitted to the reader for approval or criticism.
+
+                    CHAS. E. YOUNG
+July, 1912
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER I--Young Man, Go West
+
+CHAPTER II--Arrival at Fort Carney
+
+CHAPTER III--An Attack by the Indians
+
+CHAPTER IV--Denver in 1865
+
+CHAPTER V--A Proof of Marksmanship
+
+CHAPTER VI--On to Leavenworth
+
+CHAPTER VII--A Plucky German
+
+[Illustration: (decorative)]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+"YOUNG MAN, GO WEST"
+
+
+[Illustration: E] Early in 1859 gold was discovered in Colorado, and
+Horace Greeley, the well known writer and a power throughout the
+country both before and during the Civil War, made, in the interest of
+the _New York Tribune_, of which he was editor, an overland trip to
+Denver by the first stage line run in that day. He started from
+Leavenworth, Kansas, and with the exception of Mr. Richardson, of the
+_Boston Journal_, was the only passenger in the coach. The trip was
+not all that could be desired, for they met with numerous hardships
+and many narrow escapes, as did hundreds of others who had preceded
+them over that dangerous trail, many never reaching their
+destination--having met death at the hands of the cruel Indians of the
+plains.
+
+During his stay in Denver Mr. Greeley wrote a number of letters to the
+_New York Tribune_, confirming the finding of gold in the territory
+and advising immigration. The people in the East were skeptical in
+regard to its discovery and awaited a written statement from him to
+this effect.
+
+At the close of the war Mr. Greeley's advice to young men, through the
+columns of his paper, was to go West and grow up with the country, and
+it became a byword throughout the State of New York and the Nation,
+"Young man, go West and grow up with the country."
+
+Could Mr. Greeley have foreseen the number of young lives that were to
+be sacrificed through his advice, I think he would have hesitated
+before giving it; yet, it was the most valued utterance of any public
+man of that day for the settlement of the then Far West.
+
+After reading a number of these letters in the _New York Tribune_, I
+became very enthusiastic over the opportunities that the West offered
+for the young man. There was also a loyal friend of mine who became as
+enthusiastic over it as myself. Thus, while we were still so young
+as to be called boys, we made up our minds to follow Mr. Greeley's
+advice, and "Go West and grow up with the country."
+
+[Illustration: _MAP OF TRAILS
+LEADING FROM
+MISSOURI RIVER
+TO DENVER, COLORADO
+1865_]
+
+In making our purchases for the trip we were obliged to make our plans
+known to an acquaintance, who at once expressed a desire to accompany
+us. After consultation, we consented and at the appointed time, the
+fore part of July, 1865, just at the close of the Civil War, we
+boarded a New York Central train at the depot in Geneva, N. Y., with
+no thought of the hardships and dangers we would be called upon to
+meet.
+
+The first night found us at the Falls of Niagara--the most stupendous
+production of nature that the country was known to possess at that
+time. Our time was divided between the American and Canadian sides,
+viewing the grand spectacle at all hours, from the rising to the
+setting of the sun; and, awed by the marvelous masterpiece of
+grandeur, we were held as if fascinated by its beauty, until we were
+forced to leave for the want of food and to replenish our commissary.
+When we boarded the cars to be whirled through the then wilds of Lower
+Canada, we were liberally supplied with the best the country produced.
+
+Upon the fifth day we rolled into Chicago, the cosmopolitan city of
+the West. Two days later we reached Quincy, Ill., where we made
+connection with the old Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad which was to take
+us through Missouri to Atchison, Kansas. Missouri, after the war, was
+not an ideal state for a law abiding citizen, much less for
+inexperienced youths of our age, and we quickly realized that fact.
+Many stations had their quota of what was termed the Missouri
+bushwhacker, or, more plainly speaking, outlaws, who, during the war
+and for some time after, pillaged the state and surrounding country,
+leaving in their wake death and destruction. They had belonged to
+neither side at war, but were a set of villians banded together to
+plunder, burn, ravage and murder young and old alike; as wicked a set
+of villians as the world has ever known. At many stations they would
+nearly fill the car, making it very unpleasant for the passengers.
+Their language and insults caused every one to be guarded in
+conversation. The condition of the road, however, often gave us
+relief, as we were obliged to alight and walk, at times, when arriving
+at a point where ties or rails had to be replaced. Its entire length
+showed the carnage and destruction of war, making travel slow and
+dangerous as well as uncomfortable. On reaching the state of bleeding
+Kansas and the then village of Atchison we were about used up. We at
+once called at the Ben Holiday Stage Office and inquired the price of
+a ticket to Denver, but finding it to be beyond our means, we decided
+to go by ox conveyance.
+
+
+COMMANCHE BILL
+
+We were not long in finding what, in those days, was called a tavern,
+located in the outskirts of the town. Having been chosen spokesman, I
+stepped up to the rough board counter and registered. We were soon
+confronted by the toughest individual we had yet seen. I pleasantly
+bade him good morning but received no immediate recognition, save a
+wild stare from two horrible, bloodshot eyes. I quickly came to the
+conclusion that we were up against the real Western article, nor was I
+mistaken. He didn't keep up waiting long, for he soon roared out an
+oath and wanted to know where we were from. After telling him as near
+as I possibly could, under the circumstances, he again became silent.
+His look and brace of revolvers were not reassuring, to say the least.
+He soon came out of his trance and did not keep us long in suspense,
+for his next act was to pull out both of his life-takers, and, not in
+very choice language, introduce himself as Commanche Bill from
+Arkansas, emphasizing the Arkansas by letting the contents of both of
+his instruments of death pierce the ceiling of his story and a half
+shack. I have wondered many times since that I am alive. We had been
+told by a fellow passenger that Atchison was a little short of Hades,
+and we were fast realizing that our informer was not far out of the
+way; yet, it was a haven in comparison to other places at which we
+were yet to arrive. Commanche William, or whatever his right name
+might have been, was a different person after his forceful
+introduction.
+
+He began to question me. He asked me if we had any money.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Any friends?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Well, then you had better get straight back to them, for if you
+remain in these parts long, they will be unable to recognize you.
+Where are you fellows headed for, anyway?"
+
+"Denver, Colorado."
+
+"By stage?"
+
+"No, sir. By ox or mule conveyance."
+
+"You are too light weight. No freighter will hire you."
+
+"They will or we'll walk."
+
+"You will not walk far for the Indians along the Platte are ugly. By
+the way, do you pards ever take anything?"
+
+Not wishing to offend such a character, I gave my companions the wink
+and we followed him into the bar-room with the full determination of
+making a friend of him. After all had done the sociable act--of course
+gentlemen only drink for sociability sake--I took him to one side
+purposely to draw him into a little private chat, and it was not long
+before his self-conceit had the better of him. He ordered grub--as all
+meals were called in the West in those days--for four, stating he was
+in need of a bite himself. Before the meal had been finished, I became
+convinced that the old fellow had a tender spot in his makeup, like
+all tough outlaws, and, if one had tact enough to discover it, he
+might have great influence over him; otherwise, we would be obliged to
+sleep with both eyes open and each with his right hand on the butt of
+his revolver.
+
+
+THE AMERICAN INDIAN
+
+The following day was passed in taking in the town and Indian
+Reservation, which was but a short distance from the place. There we
+came, for the first time, face to face with the American Indian, the
+sole owner of this vast and fertile continent before the paleface
+landed to dispute his right of ownership. Foot by foot they had been
+driven from East, North and South, until at that time they were
+nearly all west of the great Missouri River, or River of Mud, as the
+Indians called it. At the suggestion of our landlord, we took with us
+an interpreter, a few trinkets, and something to moisten the old
+chief's lips. Upon our arrival we were duly presented to the chief,
+who invited us to sit on the ground upon fur robes made from the pelts
+of different animals, including the antelope and the buffalo, or
+American bison, the monarch of the plains, and each one of us in turn
+took a pull at the pipe of peace. We then made a tour of their lodges.
+When we returned, the chief called his squaws to whom we presented our
+gifts, which pleased them greatly. To the old chief I handed a bottle
+of Atchison's best. As he grasped it, a smile stole over his ugly
+face, and with a healthy grunt and a broad grin, he handed me back the
+empty bottle. Indians love liquor better than they do their squaws. In
+return he gave me a buffalo robe which later became of great service.
+After taking another pull at the pipe of peace, we thanked him and
+took our departure, having no desire to be present when Atchison's
+invigorator commenced to invigorate his Indian brain.
+
+The impression made by that visit to a supposedly friendly tribe, who
+at that time had a peace treaty with the government, was not one of
+confidence. The noble red men, as they were called by the Eastern
+philanthropist, were as treacherous to the whites as an ocean squall
+to the navigator. No pen or picture has or can fully describe the
+cruelty of their nature.
+
+It was dusk when we reached our tavern, and we found it filled with a
+lawless band of degenerates, as repulsive as any that ever invested
+Western plains or canyons of the Rockies. We were at once surrounded
+and by a display of their shooting irons, forced to join in their
+beastly carnival. It was not for long, however, for a sign from the
+landlord brought me to his side. He whispered, "When I let my guns
+loose you fellows pike for the loft." There were no stairs. No sooner
+had he pulled his life-takers than all the others followed his
+example. Bullets flew in every direction. Clouds of smoke filled the
+room, but we had ducked and scaled the ladder to the loft and safety.
+Sleep was out of the question until the early hours of the morning,
+for the night was made hideous by blasphemous language, howls of pain
+and the ring of revolvers. The first call for grub found us ready and
+much in need of a nerve quieter, which the old sinner laughingly
+supplied; but no word from him of the night's bloody work. Taking me
+to one side, he said, "Take no offence, but repeat nothing you hear or
+see in these parts, and strictly mind your own business and a fellow
+like you will get into no trouble." I thanked him and followed his
+advice to the letter during my entire Western life.
+
+
+THE FIRST CAMP
+
+After that night's experience, we decided to pay our bill and become
+acclimated to camp life. We had taken with us a tent, blankets and
+three toy pistols, the latter entirely useless in that country, which
+proved how ignorant we were of Western ways. We were not long in
+finding a suitable camping spot a mile from the town and the same
+distance from the many corrals of the great Western freighters and
+pilgrims, as the immigrants were called. For miles we could see those
+immense, white covered prairie schooners in corral formation. Hundreds
+of oxen and mules were quietly grazing under the watchful eyes of
+their herders in saddle. It was certainly a novel sight to the
+tenderfoot.
+
+We soon had our tent up and leaving one of our number in charge the
+other two went to town for the necessary camp utensils and grub.
+Immediately on our return supper was prepared and the novelty enjoyed.
+After a three days' rest I started out to make the rounds of the
+corrals in search of a driver's berth. All freighters had a wagon boss
+and an assistant who rightfully had the reputation of being tyrants
+when on the trail, using tact and discretion when in camp. A revolver
+settled all disputes. On approaching them they treated me as well as
+their rough natures would permit; but I did not take kindly to any of
+them. They all told me that I was undersized, and too young to stand
+the dangers and hardships of a trip. I returned to camp much
+disappointed but not discouraged.
+
+The following morning we proceeded to the large warehouses on the
+river front, where all Western freighters were to be found. In those
+days all emigrants and oxen and mule trains with freight going to the
+far Western Territories would start from either Council Bluffs, Iowa,
+Leavenworth, Kansas, Atchison or St. Joe, Missouri; Atchison being the
+nearest point, a large majority embarked from there. The freight was
+brought up the Missouri River in flat-bottom steam-boats, propelled by
+a large wheel at the stern, and unloaded on the bank of the river. The
+perishable goods were placed in the large warehouses but the
+unperishable were covered with tarpaulin and left where unloaded. They
+were then transferred to large white covered prairie schooners and
+shipped to their different points of destination in trains of from
+twenty-five to one hundred wagons. The rate for freighting depended on
+the condition of the Indians and ran from ten cents per pound up to
+enormous charges in some cases.
+
+
+SECURING PASSAGE
+
+After making application to several of the freighters and receiving
+the same reply as from the wagon bosses, we went a short distance down
+the river to the last of the warehouses. On our approach we discovered
+a genuine bullwhacker--as all ox drivers were called in that day--in
+conversation with a short, stout-built fellow with red hair and
+whiskers to match. The moment he became disengaged I inquired if he
+was a freighter. He said that he was and that he wanted more men. His
+name was Whitehead, just the opposite to the color of his hair, and as
+I stepped up to him I wondered what kind of a disposition the
+combination made--whitehead, redhead. I at once made application for a
+position for the three of us. In rather a disagreeable voice, he asked
+me if I could drive. I replied that I could.
+
+"Can you handle a gun and revolver?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"How many trips have you made?"
+
+"None."
+
+"Then how the devil do you know you can drive?"
+
+"For the simple reason I am more than anxious to learn, and so are my
+friends." Then I made a clean breast of the position we were in and
+urged him to give us a chance.
+
+"Well," he said, "You seem to be a determined little cuss; are the
+rest of the same timber?"
+
+I told him they were of the same wood but not of the same tree.
+
+After thinking the matter over, he said, "I'll tell you what I will
+do. I will hire the big fellow for driver at one hundred and
+twenty-five dollars per month, and the little fellow for night herder
+at one hundred dollars a month, and yourself for cook for one mess of
+twenty-five men and for driver in case of sickness or death, at one
+hundred and twenty-five dollars a month."
+
+We then gave him our names, and, in return, he gave us a note to Mr.
+Perry, his wagon boss. We at once started for his corral, two miles
+distant, where we found the gentleman. He asked where our traps were.
+We told him, and also assured him that we would report for duty the
+following morning.
+
+When we reached our camp we were completely tired out, but passed the
+remainder of the day in celebrating our success, and feeling assured
+that if we escaped the scalping knife of the Indians, we would reach
+Denver in due time, and, when paid off have a nice sum in dollars.
+
+The following morning we had an early breakfast, broke camp, and
+reported at the corral where each was presented with two revolvers and
+a repeating carbine. I was then taken over to the mess wagon which was
+liberally supplied with bacon (in the rough), flour, beans, cargum (or
+sour molasses), coffee, salt, pepper, baking-powder and dried apples;
+the latter we were allowed three times a week for dessert. There was
+also a skillet for baking bread, which resembled a covered spider
+without a handle.
+
+When the assistant cook, with whom I was favored, had started the fire
+and sufficient coals had accumulated, he would rake them out and
+place the skillet on them. As soon as the dough was prepared, a chunk
+was cut off and put in the skillet, the lid placed and covered with
+coals; in fifteen minutes we would have as nice a looking loaf of
+bread as one could wish to see, browned to a tempting color. When
+eaten warm, it was very palatable, but when cold, only bullwhackers
+could digest it. An old-fashioned iron kettle in which to stew the
+beans and boil the dried apples, or vice versa, coffee pots, frying
+pans, tin plates, cups, iron knives and forks, spoons and a
+combination dish and bread-pan made up the remainder of the cooking
+and eating utensils.
+
+
+EXPERIENCES AMONG THE BUSHWHACKERS
+
+It seemed that my assistant was exempt from bringing water, which
+often had to be carried in kegs for two miles, so he fried the meat
+and washed the dishes. I soon caught on to the cooking, and doing my
+best to please everyone, soon became aware of the fact that I had many
+friends among the toughest individuals on earth, the professional
+bullwhackers, who, according to their own minds, were very important
+personages. Their good qualities were few, and consisted of being a
+sure shot, and expert at lariat and whip-throwing. They would bet a
+tenderfoot a small sum that they could at a distance of twelve feet,
+abstract a small piece from his trousers without disturbing the flesh.
+They could do this trick nine times out of ten. The whips consisted of
+a hickory stalk two feet long, a lash twelve feet in length with buck
+or antelope skin snapper nine inches in length. The stalk was held in
+the left hand, the lash coiled with the right hand and index finger of
+the left. It was then whirled several times around the head, letting
+it shoot straight out and bringing it back with a quick jerk. It would
+strike wherever aimed, raising a dead-head ox nearly off its hind
+quarters and cutting through the hide and into the flesh. When thrown
+into space, it would make a report nearly as loud as a revolver. A
+lariat is a fifty foot line with a running noose at one end and made
+from the hide of various animals. It is coiled up and carried on the
+pommel of the saddle. When used for capturing animals or large game,
+it is whirled several times around the head when the horse is on a
+dead run and fired at the head of the victim. A professional can place
+the loop nearly every time.
+
+During the third day of corral life, the steers arrived, and the hard
+work, mixed with much fun, commenced. A corral is about the shape of
+an egg, closed by the wagons at one end, and left open to admit the
+cattle at the other, then closed by chains.
+
+
+MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
+
+Our wheelers and leaders were docile, old freighters, the others were
+long-horned, wild Texas steers. All of the freighters had their oxen
+branded for identification, using the first letter of his last name
+for the purpose. The brand was made from iron and was about four
+inches in height, attached to a rod three feet in length. A rope was
+placed over the horns of the animal and his head was drawn tight to
+the hub of a heavy laden prairie schooner. A bullwhacker, tightly
+grasping the tail of the beast, would twist him to attention. The man
+with the branding implement heated to a white heat would quickly jab
+the ox on the hind quarter, burning through hair and hide and into the
+flesh. Then, after applying a solution of salt and water, he was left
+to recover as best he could. The brand would remain in evidence more
+than a year unless the steer was captured by cattle thieves, who
+possessed a secret for growing the hair again in six months. When the
+branding was completed, each man was given twelve steers to break to
+yoke, and it was three long weeks before we were in shape to proceed
+on our long Western tramp. The cattle were driven in each morning at
+break of day, the same time as when on trail. Each man with a yoke on
+his left shoulder and a bow in his right hand would go groping about
+in almost total darkness to select his twelve steers. When they were
+all found he would yoke them and hitch them to the wagons; the
+wheelers to the tongue, the leaders in front and the balance to
+section chains. For days we were obliged to lariat the wildest of them
+and draw their heads to the hubs of the heavily laden wagons, before
+being able to adjust the yoke, many times receiving a gentle reminder
+from the hind hoof of one of the critters to be more careful. I went
+into the fray with the full determination of learning the profession
+of driver and at the tenth day I had broken in a team of extras.
+
+
+ON THE SICK LIST
+
+I was then taken sick and for two long weeks kept my bed of earth
+under the mess wagon, with no mother or doctor, and two thousand miles
+from home. You may be able to imagine my feelings, but I doubt it. At
+the end of the second week Mr. Perry came and told me they would make
+a start the next afternoon and, in his judgment, he thought it unwise
+to think of making the trip in my present condition. I knew my
+condition was serious, but I would rather have died on the road, among
+those outlaws, than to have been left in Atchison among entire
+strangers. They were all very kind and did what they could for me, but
+were powerless to check my fast failing strength. I had wasted to less
+than one hundred pounds in weight and was too weak to even lift an
+arm.
+
+I pleaded with Mr. Perry for some time and finally overcame his
+objections. "Well," he said, "Charlie, I will fix a bed in my wagon
+and you can bunk with me." I objected, for I did not wish to
+discommode him in the least and told him a good bed could be fixed in
+the mess wagon. "As you will," he said, and had the boys get some
+straw which together with the Buffalo robe made a very comfortable bed
+when not on the move.
+
+
+A THUNDER STORM
+
+The next day they picked me up and put me in the second or reserve
+mess wagon. Shortly after that the start was made. We had covered less
+than two miles when all of a sudden I heard the rumbling of distant
+thunder. Very soon rain began to patter on the canvas covering of my
+wagon. Then Heaven's artillery broke loose and the water came down in
+torrents. Never in my young life had I witnessed such a storm. It
+seemed as if thunder, lightning and clouds had descended to earth and
+were mad with anger. The racket was deafening. Between the angered
+claps could be heard the cursing of those Missouri bushwhackers, who,
+in their oaths, defied the Almighty to do his worst and hurled
+unspeakable insults at the memory of the mothers who gave them birth.
+I knew they were trying hard to make corral; whether they could do it,
+rested entirely with the wagon boss.
+
+The cattle were crazed with fright and the moment they were loose,
+would certainly stampede. The oxen were finally unyoked and such a
+snorting and bellowing, it would be impossible to describe. As the
+racket died away in their mad race, my thoughts turned to my chum, who
+I knew was with them, and would be trampled beyond recognition by
+their death-dealing hoofs, if he had not gained his proper position in
+the rear.
+
+[Illustration: LOG CABIN IN KANSAS]
+
+
+THE LOG CABIN
+
+At that juncture the front flaps of my wagon were parted and at a
+flash I recognized two of the men, who bore me across the way to the
+"Old Log Cabin" on the extreme edge of the then Western civilization.
+As they laid me down I swooned from sheer exhaustion and fright.
+Before I had become fully conscious I heard that gruff old wagon boss
+telling the good woman of the cabin to spare nothing for my comfort.
+She felt of my pulse, asked me a few questions and assured him that
+she would soon have me on my feet. He bade "God bless me," and passed
+out into the dark and stormy night. The good woman poked up the fire
+and placed an old-fashioned, iron tea-kettle in position to do its
+duty. At that juncture a young miss about my own age came from
+somewhere, as if by magic, and was told by the good mother to prepare
+a chicken, that she might make broth for the sick young man, pointing
+to where I lay. For two hours that good mother worked over me, now and
+then giving me draughts of hot herb tea, while the daughter deftly
+prepared nature's wild bird of the prairie, occasionally shooting
+darts of sympathy from her jet black eyes. When the bird had been
+cooked, the meat and bones were removed leaving only the broth which
+was seasoned to a nicety and given me in small quantities and at short
+intervals until early morning, when I passed into dreamland with the
+mother keeping vigil as though I were her own son. When I awoke I felt
+refreshed and comfortable, and found her still at my side, doing for
+me that which only a mother can.
+
+At daybreak I heard footsteps above; presently the father and son came
+in. The daughter was called and breakfast was prepared. They told me
+that our cattle had stampeded and it might be days before they were
+found. After a three days search my chum and the cattle were overtaken
+miles from camp, but none the worse for their fearful experience. The
+moment he arrived he came to see me. I was sitting up for the first
+time, wrapped in Indian blankets, but very weak. I assured him that I
+would certainly get well, emphasizing the fact, however, that had we
+not run into that fearful storm, making my present haven of care
+possible, I could never have recovered, and believed that the prayers
+of a loving mother at home had been answered.
+
+
+A CATTLE STAMPEDE
+
+He then related his experience with those storm-maddened cattle. The
+first clap of thunder awoke him, and when the rain began he knew he
+was in for a bad night, and had taken every precaution to supply
+himself with all things needful. His description of the storm and mad
+race to keep up with those wild animals, crazed with fright, was
+enough to congeal the blood of a well man, and in my condition it
+nearly unnerved me. But I was delighted to know that he was safe, for
+we were like brothers. His safe arrival, together with the motherly
+care I had received and was receiving, put me rapidly on the gain. Not
+a morning passed that the daughter did not shoulder her trusty rifle
+and go out in search of some refreshment for me, always returning with
+a number of chickens of the prairie. She was a sure shot, as were the
+entire family, for they were all born and brought up on the border,
+moving farther West as the country became settled. From the father I
+learned the treachery of the Indians, their mode of warfare and
+different methods of attack; in fact, I had the devilish traits of the
+noble red men--as history called them--down to a nicety.
+
+When the daughter's day's work was done, she would read to me and
+relate stories of her life, which reminded me of the "Wild Rose" in
+all its purity and strength.
+
+The fifth day after the cattle were found the train broke corral and
+proceeded on its long Western tramp. Before leaving, Mr. Perry made
+arrangements with the old borderman for me to overtake them as soon as
+I was able.
+
+[Illustration: THE MARCH OF DESTINY]
+
+The fourth day after the train had left, I made up my mind that I
+would start the next morning at sunrise and so informed my Western
+friends, whom, I felt, had saved my life. The old borderman expressed
+regret at my leaving and informed me that both he and his son would
+accompany me to camp. I thanked him and assured him that I felt a
+mother could not have done more for her own son than his wife had for
+me--they had all shown me every consideration possible--and that I
+should always remember them, which I have. At this juncture the mother
+spoke up gently, but firmly, and addressing her husband, said, "If you
+have no objection, daughter will accompany Mr. Young. She is a sure
+shot, a good horsewoman, and the horses are fleet of foot. We have not
+heard of any Indians in the neighborhood for some time, and besides
+she wants to go and the ride will do her good."
+
+He replied, "My good woman, you cannot tell where the Indians are,
+they may be miles away today, but here this very night."
+
+"That is true," she said, "but the stage driver told me that he had
+not seen a redskin since crossing the Nebraska line."
+
+"That may be," he replied, "still they may have been in the bluffs, or
+sand hills watching their opportunity to surprise one of the many
+small trains of pilgrims, thinking to overpower them, run off their
+cattle and massacre all."
+
+"Yes, that is all true, but I'll wager they could not catch our girl."
+
+After thinking silently for a few moments, he said, "Well, if you
+wish, she may go; but if anything happens to our little one, you alone
+will be blamed."
+
+That settled it. We talked long after father and brother had bade us
+good night. Mother and daughter finally retired; but, as for myself, I
+was nervous and restless, sleeping little, thinking of home and loved
+ones; not, however, forgetting the little "Wild Rose" that was
+separated from me only by a curtain partition.
+
+The following morning we were up at break of day, and at just 5:30 on
+a lovely August morning the horses were brought to the door and both
+quickly mounted. Her riding habit of buckskin, trimmed with colored
+beads, was the most becoming costume I had ever seen on her during my
+stay, and for the first time I wished that I were not going, but it
+was for a moment only.
+
+
+WITH THE WAGON TRAIN AGAIN
+
+My destination was Denver, and nothing could change my plans except
+death in the natural way, or being cut down by those treacherous
+plains roamers. After a pleasant ride which lasted till noon, we came
+in sight of the corral. When within a quarter of a mile of it, she
+informed me she was going no farther. Both quickly dismounted. Our
+conversation would not interest you. Suffice to say, the parting was
+painful to both. I bade her good-bye and she was off like a flash. I
+walked slowly into camp, now and then turning to watch the fast
+retreating figure of as brave a prairie child as nature ever produced.
+The men appeared glad to see me; the gruff old wagon boss more so than
+any of the others, for he would not let me turn my hand to any kind of
+work until I was able. Then I did my best to repay him for his many
+kindnesses.
+
+At 2 o'clock that afternoon the train broke corral, and for the first
+time I realized the slowness of our progress, and the long trip before
+us. Under the most favorable circumstances we could not make over ten
+miles a day and more often at the beginning three, five and seven.
+
+Our bed was mother earth, a rubber blanket and buffalo robe the
+mattress, two pairs of blankets the covering, Heaven's canopy the
+roof; the stars our silent sentinels. The days were warm, the nights
+cool. We would go into camp at sundown. The cattle were unyoked and
+driven to water. After grub the night herder and one of the drivers
+would take them in charge, and if there were no Indians following,
+would drive them to a good grazing spot over the bluffs.
+
+We passed through Kansas, after crossing the Little and Big Blue
+rivers, and part of Nebraska without seeing another log cabin or
+woods. Every fifteen or twenty miles there was a stage station of the
+Ben Holiday coach line, which ran between Atchison, Kansas, and
+Sacramento, California. At every station would be a relay of six
+horses, and by driving night and day would make one hundred miles
+every twenty-four hours. They were accompanied by a guard of United
+States soldiers on top of coaches and on horseback.
+
+[Illustration: FORT CARNEY, NEBRASKA, 1859]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ARRIVAL AT FORT CARNEY
+
+
+[Illustration: A] Arriving at Fort Carney we struck the Platte River
+trail leading to Denver. We were compelled by United States army
+officers to halt and await the arrival of a train of fifty armed men
+before being allowed to proceed. In a few hours the required number
+came up, together with three wagon loads of pilgrims. No train was
+permitted to pass a Government fort without one hundred well-armed
+men; but once beyond the fort, they would become separated and therein
+lay the danger.
+
+A captain was appointed by the commander of the fort to take charge.
+Here we struck the plains proper, or the great American desert, as it
+was often called, the home of the desperate Indians, degraded
+half-breeds, and the squaw man--white men with Indian wives--who were
+at that time either French or Spanish; also the fearless hunters and
+trappers with nerves of steel, outdoing the bravest Indian in daring
+and the toughest grizzly in endurance. It is a matter of record that
+these men of iron were capable and some did amputate their own limbs.
+A knife sharpened as keen as a razor's edge would cut the flesh;
+another hacked into a saw would separate the bones and sensitive
+marrow; while an iron heated to white heat seared up the arteries and
+the trick was done. There was no anesthetic in those days.
+
+There were also the cattle and mule thieves who lived in the bluffs,
+miles from the trail of white men, a tough lot of desperadoes,
+believing in the adage "Dead men tell no tales."
+
+There were the ranchmen at intervals of twenty, fifty and a hundred
+miles, who sold to the pilgrims supplies, such as canned goods,
+playing cards, whiskey of the vilest type, and traded worn-out cattle,
+doctored to look well for a few days and then give out, thus cheating
+freighters and pilgrims alike.
+
+These adobe ranches were built of sod cut in lengths of from two to
+four feet, four inches in thickness and eighteen inches in width and
+laid grass side down. The side walls were laid either single or
+double, six feet in height, with the end walls tapering upward. A long
+pole was then placed from peak to peak and shorter poles from side
+walls to ridge pole. Four inches of grass covered the poles and the
+same depth of earth completed the structure making the best
+fortifications ever devised; no bullet was able to penetrate their
+sides nor could fire burn them. The poles used for building these
+adobe ranches were in most cases hauled two hundred miles and in some
+cases three hundred miles.
+
+
+WILD ANIMALS OF THE WEST
+
+On a graceful slope roamed immense herds of buffalo, bands of elk,
+thousands of antelope, herds of black-and white-tail deer and the
+large gray wolf. Coyotes about the size of a shepherd dog would
+assemble on the high bluffs or invade the camp and make night hideous
+by their continuous and almost perfect imitation of a human baby's
+cry, making sleep impossible. The prairie dog, the fierce rattlesnake,
+and the beautiful little white burrowing-owl, occupied the same hole
+in the ground, making a queer family combination. Contrary to the
+belief of all dwellers and travelers of the plains in that day,
+Colonel Roosevelt claims it is not a fact that the three mentioned
+animals occupied the same quarters together, and that the story is a
+myth.
+
+The little prairie dogs had their villages the same as the Indians. I
+have frequently seen a prairie dog come out and return into the same
+hole in the ground. I have also seen a beautiful little white owl
+silently perched at the side of the same hole and finally enter it,
+and a few moments later a fierce rattlesnake would crawl into the same
+hole. Whether it was the snake's permanent abode and it went in for a
+much needed rest, or whether it was an enemy to the others and the
+snake went in for a game supper of prairie dog puppies and owl squabs,
+departing by another route, I am unable to say, as I never took the
+trouble to investigate one of the holes to confirm the fact. If I had,
+I would in all probability still be digging. However, in this case, I
+am inclined to give Colonel Roosevelt the benefit of the doubt for the
+reason that if nature had not created an enemy to check their
+increase, the prairie dog would now over-run the country, as they
+multiply faster than any known animal, and are very destructive to the
+farm. The Government, through its agents, have destroyed thousands
+every year in the West by distributing poisoned grain. Last, but not
+least, of the life of the plains was the Pole Cat. Conscious of his
+own ability to protect himself, he would often invade the camps at
+night, making the life of the sleeper miserable.
+
+
+TROUBLE EN ROUTE
+
+After leaving Fort Carney our troubles began. Many of the drivers were
+as treacherous as the Indians and would bear watching. One of them in
+our mess was a former bushwhacker, who bore many scars of his former
+unsavory life, one of which was the loss of an eye, which did not make
+him a very desirable acquaintance, much less a companion. He was of an
+ugly disposition, very seldom speaking to anyone and very few taking
+the trouble to speak to him. At times he acted as if he had been
+taking something stronger than coffee, but as we had not camped near
+any ranch where the poison could be procured, I came to the conclusion
+that he was a dope fiend. In some mysterious manner we had lost one of
+our cups, and at each meal for a week it fell to the lot of this
+particular bushwhacker to get left. He at last broke his long silence,
+and in anger with oaths, vowed he would not eat another meal without a
+cup, and would certainly take one from somebody, if obliged to. As
+soon as the call for grub was heard the next morning, all rushed
+simultaneously for a cup, and Mr. Bushwhacker got left again. Without
+ceremony he proceeded to make good his threat, the second cook being
+his victim.
+
+
+TROUBLE EN ROUTE
+
+For his trouble he received a stinging blow over his good eye, and was
+sent sprawling in the alkali dust. Not being in the least dismayed, he
+rushed for another and received a similar salute on the jaw, doubling
+him up and bringing him to the earth. By this time both messes joined
+in forming a ring and called for fair play. Mr. Perry tried hard to
+stop it, but was finally convinced that it was better, policy to let
+them have it out. How many times the fellow was knocked down, I do not
+remember, but the last round finished him. We carried him to the shady
+side of his wagon, covered him with a blanket and resumed our meal. On
+going into corral, we always took our revolvers off and placed them
+where they could easily be reached. We had been eating but a short
+time, when the report of a gun rang out and each man fairly flew for
+his weapons. Indians seldom made an attack except at early morning,
+when the oxen were being yoked or when we were going into corral at
+night. To the surprise of everyone Mr. Bushwhacker had taken another
+lease of life and with a revolver in each hand was firing at anyone
+his disturbed brain suggested. He was quick of action, firing and
+reloading with rapidity, and soon had the entire camp playing hide and
+seek between, around and under the wagons to keep out of the range of
+his guns, which we succeeded in doing, for not a man was hit. Finally,
+two of the drivers succeeded in getting behind him and overpowered
+him. His brother bushwhackers were in for lynching him on the spot,
+but wiser council prevailed, and his disposal was left to Mr. Perry
+who sentenced him to be escorted back three miles from the corral and
+left to walk the remaining two miles to Fort Carney alone. He covered
+less than a mile when he was captured by the Indians. I was obliged
+then to drive his team. A few evenings later my chum and friend were
+lounging by the side of my wagon smoking, and otherwise passing the
+time away, when finally the conversation turned to the departed driver
+who by that time had undoubtedly been disposed of by the Indians--not
+a very pleasant thought--but we consoled ourselves with the fact that
+no one was to blame but himself. My chum inquired the contents of my
+prairie schooner, and I replied that I did not know, but would
+investigate. Suiting the action to the word I crawled in, struck a
+match, and found a case labeled Hostetters' Bitters. Its ingredients
+were one drop of Bitters and the remainder, poor liquor. I soon found
+a case that had been opened, pulled out a bottle and sampled it. The
+old story came to me about the Irish saloonkeeper and his bartender. I
+called my chum and asked him if Murphy was good for a drink, he
+replied, "Has he got it?" "He has?" "He is then!" and we all were. I
+thought it would be impossible for the secret to be kept, but it was
+until we were on the last leg to Denver. The entire load consisted of
+cases of the Bitters. Fights were of frequent occurrence during the
+remainder of the trip, Mr. Perry being powerless to prevent them.
+
+Arriving at Central City where the Bitters were consigned, the
+consignee reported to the freighter that the load just received
+consisted of one-half Bitters, the remainder Platte river water. Each
+man had twenty dollars deducted from his pay, and a large number of
+the drivers, in addition, bore earmarks of its effect.
+
+The country from Fort Carney for four hundred miles up the Platte
+river valley and back from the high bluffs, that skirted the river on
+either side, was one vast rolling plain with no vegetation except a
+coarse luxuriant growth of grass in the valley near the river and
+beyond the bluffs; in spots that were not bare grew the prickly pear,
+and a short crisp grass of lightish color and of two varieties--the
+bunch and buffalo grasses--which were very nutritious, as the cattle
+thrived and grew fat on them. There was the clear sky and sun by day,
+with an occasional sandstorm; the moon (when out) and stars by night,
+but no rain--a vast thirsty desert. On the small islands of the river
+a few scattered cottonwood trees were to be seen. Their high branches
+embraced a huge bunch of something that resembled the nest of an
+American Eagle, but on close inspection was found to be the corpse of
+a lone Indian a long time dead. This was the mode of burial of some of
+the tribes in the early days, using fur robes or blankets for a
+casket. There was nothing to relieve the monotony in this desert land,
+except desperate Indians, immense herds of animal life, daily
+coaches--when not held back or captured by the Indians or mountain
+highwaymen--returning freight trains, and the following points where
+there were adobe ranches: Dog Town, Plum Creek, Beaver Creek,
+Godfrey's, Moore's, Brever's at Old California Crossing and Jack
+Morrow's at the junction of the north and south Platte, Fort
+Julesburg, Cotton Wood and the Junction, each one hundred miles apart,
+and John Corlew's and William Kirby near O'Fallow's Bluffs. It was
+said of these ranchmen that some were honest and some were not; others
+were in league with the Indians, and cattle and mule thieves, and, as
+a rule, a bad lot. They traded supplies to the Indians for furs of
+every kind. The winter passed in hunting, trapping, drinking, and
+gambling.
+
+
+O'FALLOW'S BLUFFS
+
+O'Fallow's Bluffs was a point where the river ran to the very foot of
+the bluffs making it necessary for all of the trains to cross, then
+again strike Platte river trail at Alkali Creek, the waters of which
+were poisonous to man and beast. The trail over the bluffs was of
+sand, and those heavily ladened, white covered prairie schooners would
+often sink to the hubs, requiring from fifty to seventy-five yoke of
+oxen to haul them across, often being compelled to double the leading
+yoke as far back as the wheelers, then doubling again, would start
+them on a trot, and with all in line and pulling together, would land
+the deeply sunken wheels on solid ground. It took one entire day to
+again reach river trail, which was hard and smooth. O'Fallow's Bluffs
+was a point feared by freighters and emigrants alike. At this point
+many a band of pilgrims met destruction at the hands of the fiendish
+redskins of the plains. Directly upon going into camp at night a party
+of them would ride up, demand coffee, whiskey, or whatever they
+wanted, and having received it, would massacre the men and children,
+reserving the women for a fate a thousand fold worse, as they were
+very seldom rescued by the tardy government, whose agents were
+supplying the Indians with guns, ammunition and whiskey to carry on
+their hellish work unmolested. When captured, which was seldom, were
+they hung as they deserved? No, the chief with a few others, who stood
+high in the councils of the tribe, were taken by stage to Atchison,
+Kansas, there transferred to luxuriantly equipped sleeping cars of
+that day, and whirled on to Washington; and, in war paint and feather
+and with great pomp, were presented to their great white father (the
+President) as they called him.
+
+
+ABUSES OF THE INDIAN DEPARTMENT
+
+They were then taken in charge by Representatives of the Indian
+department of the Government, that in those days was honeycombed with
+corruption from foundation to dome; a disgraceful and blood-stained
+spot in the Nation's history. Day after day and night after night they
+were shown the sights of that great city. The capitol of a free and
+growing Republic whose people respected the Constitution their fathers
+had drafted, signed and fought for. Day after day and night after
+night they were courted, dined, toasted and wined until they had
+become sufficiently mellow to be cajoled into signing another peace
+treaty, and were then given money and loaded down with presents as an
+inducement to be good. They were then returned to the agency at the
+Fort, having been taken from there and back by those red-nosed,
+liquor-bloated Indian Department guardians of the United States
+Government and were freely supplied with whiskey until they were
+willing to part with their cattle, furs, and beaded goods at
+extremely low figures, in exchange for provisions, guns, ammunition,
+and liquor at fabulously high prices. Robbed of their money and
+presents, and in this condition allowed to return to their village,
+where when they become sober, they would quickly awaken to a realizing
+sense of how they had been deceived, swindled and robbed.
+
+What could you expect from those copper-colored savages of the soil
+after such treatment? With no regard for the treaty they had signed,
+they would resume the warpath. Revenge, swift and terrible, was meted
+out to the innocent pilgrims and freighters who had left home,
+comforts and friends. Hundreds sacrificed their lives by horrible
+tortures in their heroic efforts to settle the West, unconscious that
+they were making history for their country and the nation, great.
+
+With no respect for the United States Government, with no respect for
+the flag with its cluster of stars and stripes of red, white and blue
+that fired the heart of every living American soldier to win victory
+at Valley Forge, which gained our independence, Antietam, and San Juan
+Hill, saved the nation, reunited the union of states in lasting
+friendship, lifted the yoke of tyranny from an oppressed people; and,
+as if with one stroke, swept from the high seas two powerful naval
+squadrons--the pride of the Spanish nation.
+
+Washington, Lincoln and McKinley were backed by the old glory that
+electrified every loyal American with patriotism to respond to the
+call of duty for the love of their country and the "Star Spangled
+Banner," that at that time fluttered high above the parapet of every
+Government fort as an emblem of protection to all that were struggling
+on and on over that vast expanse of unbroken and treeless plain; can
+you wonder then that the unspeakable crimes and mistakes of the
+Government of those days still rankle in the breast of every living
+man and woman that in any way participated in the settlement of the
+West? If you do, look on the painting of the terrible annihilation of
+the gallant Custer and his five companies of the Seventh U. S.
+Cavalry with the old chief, Sitting Bull, and his band of Sioux
+Indians on the Big Horn River, June 25, 1876, from which not a man
+escaped to tell the tale, and you may form some conception of the
+hardships, suffering, and cruelties inflicted on the early pioneer. It
+was left for the resourceful Remington to vividly portray life and
+scenes of those days, perpetuating their memory on canvas and bronze
+for all time. The name of Frederick Remington should not only go down
+in history as the greatest living artist of those scenes, but his bust
+in bronze should be given a place in the Hall of Fame as a tribute to
+his life and a recognition of his great worth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+AN ATTACK BY THE INDIANS
+
+
+[Illustration: O] O'Fallow's Bluffs was the most dismal spot on the
+entire trail. Its high walls of earth and over-hanging, jagged rocks,
+with openings to the rolling plain beyond, made it an ideal point for
+the sneaking, cowardly savages to attack the weary pilgrims and
+freighters. The very atmosphere seemed to produce a feeling of gloom
+and approaching disaster. The emigrants had been repeatedly instructed
+by the commander at Fort Carney to corral with one of the trains. Many
+of the bullwhackers were desperate men, so that the poor pilgrims were
+in danger from two sources, and very seldom camped near either corral.
+Our consort was a day's drive in the rear. That evening the emigrants
+camped about a half mile in advance of our train. It was at this
+point, when unyoking our oxen at evening that a large band sneaked
+over the bluffs for the purpose, as we supposed, of stampeding our
+cattle. They did not take us unawares, however, for we never turned
+cattle from corral until the assistant wagon boss surveyed the
+locality in every direction with a field glass, for the tricky redskin
+might be over the next sand hill.
+
+[Illustration: INDIANS ATTACKING CORRAL]
+
+Fifty good men could whip five times their number, especially when
+fortified by those immense white covered prairie schooners in corral
+formation. On they came in single file, their blood-curdling war whoop
+enough to weaken the bravest. Closer they came, bedecked in war-paint
+and feathers, their chief in the lead resembling the devil incarnate
+with all his aids bent on exterminating as brave a band of freighters
+as ever crossed the plains. Nearer they came, their ponies on a dead
+run, the left leg over the back, the right under and interlocking the
+left, firing from the opposite side of them, ducking their heads,
+encircling the camp and yelling like demons. Their racket, together
+with the yelping of their mongrel dogs and the snorting and
+bellowing of the cattle, made it an unspeakable hell. Every man stood
+to his gun, and from between the wagons, at the command of the wagon
+boss, poured forth with lightning rapidity his leaden messengers of
+death. For about an hour they made it very interesting for us. It was
+almost impossible to hit one as they kept circling the camp, drawing
+nearer with each circle made. How many were killed we did not know as
+they carried them off, but from the number of riderless ponies, a
+dozen or more must have been dispatched to their happy hunting
+grounds. During the fight a portion of them bore down on the poor
+pilgrims' camp, in plain sight, and massacred all, running off their
+cattle and such of their outfit as they wanted.
+
+[Illustration: MASSACRE OF EMIGRANTS]
+
+
+SAVAGES IN THEIR GLORY
+
+Mothers with babes at their sides and with uplifted, clasped hands,
+implored the cruel warriors for mercy, but it was like pouring water
+on the desert sands. Crazed by thirst for blood and the scalps of the
+whites, they knew no mercy. The hatchet-like tomahawk glittering in
+the evening twilight, held with a vice-like grip in the hand of a
+cowardly savage, came down at last with such force as to crush through
+skull and brain, and all was over. We were powerless to render
+assistance. The scene was heartrending. The depredations of these
+savages is too revolting to relate, and after completing their hellish
+work, they sneaked back as they came, keeping up their sickening yell
+until distance drowned it entirely. Few days passed that they were not
+seen as evening approached, and after dark we were able to know that
+they were in the vicinity, watching their opportunity to surprise us
+at early morning, by signal arrows of fire shot into the heavens to
+make known their whereabouts to companions. Could these silent bluffs
+of sand but unfold the butchery and unspeakable outrages inflicted on
+innocent men, women and children, could the trail through the valley
+of the Platte, and even more dangerous trail of the Smoky Hill give up
+its secrets, it would reveal a dark page in the history of our
+Government, which was directly responsible for a great deal of it;
+responsible in so far as sending unscrupulous peace commissioners to
+the different agencies to make treaties of peace with tribes of
+Indians, and who kept them just long enough to become liberally
+supplied with provisions, clothing, guns, ammunition and whiskey, then
+ravish and murder in the most diabolical manner pilgrims and
+freighters alike. On both trails many a silent monument of stone was
+all that remained of their cruel depredations. Such was not the
+uncommon work of the fiends, known to readers of fiction as the noble
+red men of the plains. More dastardly cowards never existed. Their
+struggles against destiny have long since been broken, and the
+offspring of those cruel warriors are being educated by a gracious
+government.
+
+The monotony of that lonesome and tedious tramp was enlivened only by
+fights among the men, and an occasional lay-over for a day to set the
+tires of the many wagons, having had no rain to keep them tight
+during the entire trip after leaving Atchison, Kansas.
+
+With many encounters and bearing scars received from warring tribes of
+Indians, we tramped along in moccasin covered feet, now and again
+throwing our long lashed whips with such force as to awaken the
+dead-head ox to life and quicker action.
+
+Day after day the same scenery faced us; yet, it was an experience
+never to be forgotten. We passed Fort Julesburg and Cottonwood with
+the loss of but three men, arriving late at night after a forced drive
+at the junction or division of the two trails leading to Denver. The
+distance to Denver by the "Cut-off" was seventy-five miles; by the
+river route one hundred miles; but as water was to be found only at
+long distances on the former, all cattle trains took the river route.
+
+It was early in November, the nights and mornings were cold and
+frosty, the air exhilarating. We were up the next morning at the usual
+time, and as the sun rose in all its splendor and warmth, one hundred
+miles in the far away distance could be seen with the naked eye, the
+gigantic range of the Rockies whose lofty snow-capped peaks, sparkling
+in the morning sun, seemed to soar and pierce the clouds of delicate
+shades that floated in space about them, attracted, as it were, by a
+heavenly magnet. It was a sight I had not dreamed of, and one that
+made an impression on my young mind to last through life.
+
+
+DENVER AT LAST!
+
+When about ten miles from Denver--so we at least thought, and fearless
+of danger, my chum and myself obtained permission from Mr. Perry to
+walk to the city over the rolling ground. We tramped until the sun was
+well up in the heavens. One would think it but a few miles to those
+mighty and solemn mountains of rocks, so deceptive was the distance,
+yet, they were twenty miles beyond the city. At noon we knew we had
+made ten long miles and were completely tired out. We were on the
+point of taking a rest when I urged my chum to cross the next knoll,
+and if the city did not loom up we would halt. We did so and to our
+surprise and joy were right in the city of Denver, the "Mecca" of
+nearly all Western freighters and distributing point for the far
+Western territories. It seemed to have risen beneath our feet. The
+grand old range of mountains with their sky-soaring pinnacles and
+scenic background of grandeur, together with the surrounding
+landscape, made it the sight of one's life. Our sixteen mile walk and
+previous seventy days' living on a diet of bacon, beans, and dried
+apples, certainly placed us in condition for a civilized meal.
+
+We were directed to a first-class restaurant, both in price and
+quality of food. We were about famished, and to satisfy our hunger
+seemed impossible. We ate and ate, and probably would have been eating
+yet, had not the waiter presented us with a ticket demanding a five
+dollar gold piece from each, when we decided we had better call a
+halt, if we intended to remain in the city over night.
+
+
+AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE
+
+On walking up the street we stepped into the first hotel we came to,
+the old "Planters," registered, paid for our supper, lodging and
+breakfast. When about to leave the hotel, who should walk in but a
+Genevan by name, Michael C. Pembroke, with his arm in a sling. He had
+been propelled across the plains by mules, and one of the ugly brutes
+had broken his right arm with one of his ever active hoofs. I asked
+Michael why the mule kicked him? He replied, "Charlie, I may look
+foolish but was not fool enough to go back and ask him." Never
+approach a Missouri mule from the rear, for there certainly will be
+trouble if you do. He asked if we had any money.
+
+We replied that we would have when paid off.
+
+He advised us to go direct to the Ben Holiday stage office and buy a
+ticket for the States as soon as we received our pay, as Colorado was
+no place for boys.
+
+[Illustration: MICHAEL C. PEMBROKE]
+
+At his suggestion we started out to do the town, and came very near
+being done ourselves. Colorado at this time was a territory with a
+Governor appointed by the President. Law, except as executed by a
+vigilance committee, did not amount to much more than the word. If one
+wished to depart life in full dress, he could be accommodated by
+simply calling another a liar or cheat at gambling. If desirous of
+taking a long rest by being suspended by the neck from a limb of the
+only tree in Denver at that time, which was on the west side of Cherry
+Creek, all he had to do was to appropriate to himself an ox, mule, or
+anything of value, and the vigilance committee would manipulate the
+rope.
+
+The gambling places, which occupied long halls on the ground floor of
+tall buildings--nearly always on the business street of the city--kept
+open until the small hours of morning. There was always a brass band
+in front, and a string band, or orchestra, in the extreme rear, so if
+one wished to dance, he could select a partner of most any
+nationality; dance a set, step up to the bar, pay two bits or
+twenty-five cents for cigars, drinks or both and expend his balance
+on any game known to the profession, which games occupied either side
+of the long room.
+
+We had been in the place less than fifteen minutes when bang went a
+revolver and on the instant the room was in total darkness. I
+mechanically ducked under a table. Where my companions were, I knew
+not; I began to think that Mike's advice was about correct, and before
+emerging wished more than once I was back in my home. When the lights
+were turned on, I discovered my chum occupying a like berth of safety
+on the opposite side of the room.
+
+Mike had evidently followed his own advice and taken his departure,
+for he was nowhere to be found. The band struck up a lively tune; the
+fiddles, a waltz; dancing began, gold and chips commenced to fly, and,
+if I had not passed through the ordeal, I never would have known
+anything had happened. The dead were quickly disposed of, the wounded
+hurried to physicians, and old timers gave it no further thought, as
+it was of frequent occurrence, and one soon became hardened. Denver
+at that time was a hotbed of gambling, with murder and lynch law a
+secondary pastime. Not being deterred by our experience, we continued
+our sightseeing, ending up at the only theatre in the city, afterwards
+called the "Old Languish."
+
+
+JOINING THE CATTLE TRAIN AGAIN
+
+The following afternoon our train reached town and we joined it during
+the evening to be ready for an early start for Golden City, the
+entrance to the mountains leading to Black Hawk and Central City where
+our freight was consigned. The most hazardous part of our trip was
+before us, one that to this day makes me shiver when I think of it.
+The first team entered the canyon at 11 A. M. in a blinding snowstorm.
+The road for nearly the entire distance was hewn from solid rock out
+of the side of steep mountains, gradually ascending to a great height,
+then descending to what seemed a bottomless canyon. We finally arrived
+at Guy Hill, the most dangerous part of the route. It took us one
+entire day to reach its pinnacle, where we camped for the night. The
+road at the top was cut through solid rock at a height of twenty feet,
+seven feet in width and led to a steep precipice. It then made a sharp
+turn to the right and, in a serpent shape drive, continued to the
+canyon below. At this point it was said to be fifteen hundred feet
+straight down, and a number of outfits had previously gone over its
+rocky edge and been hurled to destruction by a slight error of
+judgment on the part of the driver.
+
+The cold and snow, together with summer clothing, made our suffering
+indescribable. The following morning I started in the lead of the
+train with a nine thousand pound boiler, with the rear wheels securely
+locked, and twenty yoke of oxen to haul it to the edge of the
+precipice. Then discarding all but the wheelers and leaders, we began
+the descent. There was not room enough on either side for the driver
+to walk. He generally rode the off ox, but I took my position on the
+rear of the wagon tongue and found it decidedly the safest place in
+case of an accident. By night all wagons were safely in the canyon
+below. The road for nearly the entire distance presented the same
+dangers, taking ten days to reach our destination from Denver, the
+entire trip occupying eighty days.
+
+
+A THRILLING COACH RIDE
+
+On receiving our pay, which was our promised salary less twenty
+dollars for the Hostetter's Bitters, my chum and myself decided to go
+direct to Denver, our friend remaining in the Mountain City. We
+boarded a Concord coach with six snow-white horses to wheel us on a
+dead run over and around steep mountains and through dismal canyons,
+first on four wheels, then three, then two and occasionally one,
+keeping us constantly busy retaining our seats and fearing at every
+turn that we would be dashed into eternity; and yet, it was one of the
+most picturesque and thrilling rides one could take. Being tossed from
+side to side in the roomy coach, now and then grabbing a fellow
+passenger with desperation, gazing down from lofty peaks to yawning
+chasms below, hearing the crack of the long-lashed whip urging the
+noble steeds to faster speed, turning the rough, ragged,
+serpent-shaped drive, thundering through clouds and mist with
+lightning rapidity, and always in constant terror of a breakdown or
+error on the part of the fearless driver, gave one a sensation that
+would nearly make his hair stand on end. During the descent a slight
+error on the part of the horses or driver, would have hurled all to a
+horrible death; but those mountain drivers, strapped to their seats,
+were monarchs of the Rockies and unerring in every move. From among
+the snow-covered glaciers sparkling in the morning sun, emitting the
+many tints of a midday storm-bow and presenting a sight of unsurpassed
+grandeur, we emerged from the mouth of the last canyon and struck the
+smooth rolling trail. All the way from Golden we were going, it
+seemed, on the wings of the wind and were landed in Denver on
+scheduled time.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+DENVER IN 1865
+
+
+[Illustration: I] In that period Denver was appropriately called the
+"City of the Plains." Situated sixteen miles from the base of the
+nearest Rocky Mountain peak, and six hundred and fifty miles from
+Atchison, Kansas, the nearest town to the East; while seven hundred
+miles to the west loomed up as from the very bowels of the earth, the
+beautiful city of the Mormons, Salt Lake City, Utah. The nearest
+forts--two hundred miles distant--were Fort Cottonwood to the
+northeast, Collins to the north and Halleck to the northwest. Its
+northern limits extended to the South fork of the Platte River; Cherry
+Creek running through one-third, dividing it into East and West
+Denver. Its population numbered about five thousand souls. Here was to
+be found the illiterate man--but a grade above the coyote--lawbreakers
+of every kind and from every land, to men of culture and refinement.
+Here it stood, a typical mining town, a monument to the indomitable
+energy of man in his efforts to settle that barren and almost endless
+plain and open to the world the Rocky's unlimited hidden gold. Here
+were brick structures modern for that day, the brick being made from
+the soil of the territory; a United States mint, a church, a school
+house, large warehouses, stores, and the home of the _Rocky Mountain
+Daily News_, which kept one partially in touch with happenings in the
+faraway states. Isolated from the outside world, it was an ideal place
+of refuge for those anxious to escape the outraged law. Knights of the
+green cloth held full sway. Men in every walk in life gambled. A dead
+man for breakfast was not an uncommon heading for the menu card, the
+old tree on the west bank of Cherry Creek furnishing the man. Society
+was just a little exclusive and to gain admission the pass was, "Where
+are you from?" and in some cases, "Your name in the East."
+
+Desperadoes made one attempt to lay the city in ashes and certainly
+would have accomplished their purpose had it not been for the timely
+action of the Vigilance Committee in hanging the ring-leaders. When
+the guilt of a suspect for any crime was in doubt, he was presented
+with a horse or mule and ordered to leave between sun and sun and
+never return. During my four years of residence in Denver there was
+but one Indian scare and it made a lasting impression on the tablet of
+my memory. A church bell pealed forth the warning over the thirsty
+desert of an Indian attack. Business places were closed, the women and
+children were rushed to the mint and warehouses for protection, armed
+men surrounded the city, pickets on horseback were thrown out in every
+direction. Couriers kept thundering back and forth between picket line
+and those in command and others were despatched to the different Forts
+for assistance that never came. A look of determination stood out on
+the face of every one and not a man, from clergyman to desperado,
+within the confines of the city who would not willingly have given up
+his life's blood to protect the honor of the women and lives of the
+little ones. For three weary days and the same number of nights the
+terrible suspense lasted, but no Indian came. It was a false alarm.
+
+Denver, in its early settlement, was never attacked by the Indians
+except in isolated cases. The only reason that I ever heard given for
+their not doing so was that they knew not their strength, for there
+was no time in the sixties that they could not have swooped down on
+the place, massacred all and buried the little mining town in ashes.
+
+
+SECURED WORK AGAIN
+
+For a young man to obtain work other than oxen or mule driving, we
+were told, was simply impossible. Not being deterred, however, by this
+discouraging information we at once started out to secure work. Board
+was twenty-five dollars a week in gold, and you had to furnish your
+own sleeping quarters, so not to secure work at once would quickly
+reduce our wealth. We had called on nearly all of the business
+places, when my chum secured a position with a grocer and freighter.
+As for myself, I received little encouragement but finally called at a
+large restaurant where I was offered work. I told the proprietor it
+was a little out of my line, but he told me that if I could not find a
+position to suit me, I should walk in at any time, pull off my coat
+and go to work, which I did three days later. About the tenth day the
+proprietor told me his lease expired and that the man who owned the
+building was going to conduct the business. He came in that afternoon,
+and I was introduced to him. Before leaving he stepped into the office
+and informed me that he wanted a man next to him; or, in other words,
+an assistant and that the former proprietor had given me a good
+recommend and he thought that I would suit him. He made me a tempting
+offer and I accepted. The restaurant was located on Blake street, one
+of the then principal business streets of the city, and kept open
+until early morning as did the gambling places in the immediate
+vicinity. I soon discovered that the new proprietor could neither read
+or write and that he conducted one of the largest private club rooms
+in the city where gambling was carried on without limit. He paid me a
+large salary and allowed me everything my wild nature craved. I had
+charge of the entire business as well as his bank account.
+
+The restaurant was the headquarters of nearly all oxen and mule
+drivers and also of the miners who came from the mountains in winter,
+and were of the toughest type of men of that day. All professional
+oxen and mule drivers after making one round trip to the river and
+points in the far Western territories were paid off in Denver and many
+of them would deposit with me, for safe keeping, a large share of
+their dangerously and hard earned dollars. They would then start out
+to do the town, now and then taking a chance at one of the many
+gambling games, always returning for more money, which I would give
+them; and this they would continue until all was expended except
+enough to keep them a week, when sober, and a commission for doing the
+business, for which I was careful to look out. An individual who bore
+the name of "One Eye Jack" boarded with us and I could always depend
+upon him in time of trouble. His vocation for a long time was a
+mystery, until one evening, as I was passing down a side street, he
+popped out from an alley and with uplifted blackjack would have felled
+and robbed me had he not recognized the unearthly yell I gave. I
+forgave him, and afterwards he doubled his energies to protect me and
+on more than one occasion saved my life. When in his professional
+clothes he was a tough looking customer and could fight like a bull
+dog. He was always liberally supplied with someone else's money. Yet
+with all his bad traits, his word was as good as his gold; but like
+other similar individuals that infested Denver at that time, he
+finally went to the end of his tether, and was presented by the
+Vigilance Committee with a hemp collar that deprived him of his life.
+
+Before his demise, however, a party of ten tough-looking individuals
+entered the restaurant and, in forceful language, demanded the best
+the country offered in eatables and drink. My friend, or
+would-be-murderer, was in at the time and I noticed a look of cunning
+pleasure steal over his rough countenance. The strangers were dressed
+in corduroy trousers, velveteen coats, slouch hats and black ties.
+Their shirts and collars of red flannel made a conspicuous appearance
+and caused their undoing later. After seeing them well cared for, I
+returned to the office and calling Jack inquired his opinion of the
+gents.
+
+"Well," he replied, "I may be mistaken but I will just bet you a ten
+spot they are road agents." "Yes," I said, "I am inclined to agree
+with you, but keep mum."
+
+You may think it strange I did not give this bold highwayman away; but
+life in those days was sweet and I had no desire to have that young
+life taken so I followed Commanche Bill's advice and strictly minded
+my own business. If I had not, I would not be living today.
+
+[Illustration: ROAD AGENTS HOLDING UP STAGE COACH]
+
+
+HIGHWAYMEN OF THE WEST
+
+Two mornings later on entering for breakfast one of the band had his
+head done up in a bandage. From words he dropped I was satisfied that
+Jack or one of his cronies had been improving their spare time by
+relieving him of his over abundance of gold. The reckless manner in
+which they disposed of their money and their conversation when flushed
+with wine betrayed their true characters and stamped them a murderous
+band of mountain highwaymen who had made their headquarters in the
+fastnesses of the Rockies, near the overland mountain trail and there
+devoted their time to holding up stage coaches, compelling the driver
+with a shot from a carbine to halt, descend, disarm and be quiet. The
+passengers were then ordered to alight and stand in a row, continually
+being covered with guns by a part of the band and by others relieved
+of their personal effects. Then the stage coach was systematically
+gone through together with the Wells Fargo & Co's. safe, which often
+contained gold into the thousands. These hold-ups were not infrequent
+and were the fear of all who were obliged to pass through these
+canyons of robbery and often death. The bunch that we harbored were
+undoubtedly as bold a band of robbers and murderers as ever infested
+the silent caves of the Rockies. Could their dingy walls but talk they
+would reveal crimes unspeakable. I knew there were many strangers in
+town and was almost certain their every movement was watched; nor was
+I mistaken. The seventh day after their arrival a young school teacher
+whom I knew by sight called at the restaurant and inquired by name for
+one of the band. I asked if he knew him. He replied, no more than that
+he had met him in one of the corrals of the city and had been offered
+free passage to the States if he would do their cooking. I told him of
+my suspicions and all I knew about them and advised him not to go with
+them, but like many others he gave no heed. Two days later they were
+missed at meal time. The next morning word came by courier that the
+entire band including the school teacher were dangling by the neck
+from the branches of cottonwood trees twelve miles down the Platte
+River with their pockets inside-out and outfits gone. Thus was meted
+out innocent and guilty alike the Vigilance Committee justice, which
+was not of uncommon occurrence.
+
+[Illustration: VIGILANCE COMMITTEE JUSTICE]
+
+Mr. Pembroke secured a position at Black Hawk, Colorado, in the year
+1865, with the first smelter works erected in the Rocky Mountains. He
+was employed in the separating department where sulphur was freely
+used, and he inhaled much of the fumes emitted therefrom, which was
+the direct cause of a severe illness.
+
+He fought retirement for a long time, but was finally forced to give
+up.
+
+The latter part of February, 1886, he arrived in Denver on his way to
+his home in Geneva, N. Y., but remained with me at the restaurant for
+ten days where he was cared for and given the best of medical aid
+available in those days.
+
+He finally prevailed on a mule freighter to take him as a passenger to
+Atchison, Kansas. Arriving at Fort Carney, Nebraska, he had a relapse
+and was ordered by the Commander of the Fort to be placed in the Army
+Hospital for treatment, where he remained until able to continue his
+journey by stage to Atchison, thence by rail home.
+
+He left Colorado with the full determination of returning on
+recovering his health. A mother's influence, however, changed his
+plans and he finally decided to remain in the East. He purchased a
+grocery business and conducted it with great success until his death,
+March 17th, 1910. By his strict attention to business, square dealing,
+genial disposition and original wit, he gained the confidence and
+respect of his fellow-men. He was buried in St. Patrick's cemetery in
+his home city where a surviving sister has caused to be erected an
+appropriate and costly monument to his memory.
+
+
+NEW EMPLOYMENT
+
+I remained with the restaurant keeper one year, when through the
+assistance of influential men that boarded at the restaurant, I
+secured a position with a grocer. Shortly after entering his employ I
+made the acquaintance of an ex-army officer, a graduate of West Point
+and a well educated man, who afterwards became my boon companion. At
+that time he was an ex-pork merchant from Cincinnati; an eccentric old
+fellow without chick or child, and with plenty of money to loan at 3%
+a month. He owned a large warehouse on Cherry Creek in West Denver
+where he slept and did his own cooking. His evenings were passed at
+the store and many were the nights that we told stories and otherwise
+enjoyed ourselves. He was a silent member of the firm and I was wise
+enough to keep on the right side of him. During that time the head of
+the firm ran for Congress on the Democratic ticket. Such an election I
+never want to see or go through again. Large wagons loaded with
+barrels of all kinds of liquor on tap were driven from poll to poll.
+Many more ballots were cast in each precinct than there were voters
+and by night nearly the entire male portion of the inhabitants were a
+drunken, howling mass. The outcome of the election resulted in the
+Governor giving the Democratic nominee the certificate of election;
+the Secretary of the territory favoring the Republicans. The Governor
+left the city that night and never returned. The contest terminated in
+a Republican Congress seating the Republican candidate, and Andrew
+Johnson--then President of the United States--appointing the
+Democratic candidate Governor of Colorado. A year from that time
+General Grant was inaugurated, and shortly afterwards the Governor's
+head went into the basket and mine fell on the outside.
+
+On another occasion there was to be a prize fight at Golden City,
+sixteen miles from Denver. My friend, the ex-pork merchant, I could
+see was anxious to attend but did not wish to lower his standard of
+dignity by doing so, so the subject was not mentioned save in a casual
+way until the morning of the fight, when he entered the store,
+puffing and blowing, stamping the floor with his hickory cane and
+mopping his crimson brow with an old-fashioned bandana handkerchief,
+said "Charley, let's go to that infernal fight. I don't approve of it,
+but let's go."
+
+"All right," I said. I was in for any kind of sport.
+
+
+AN EXPERIENCE IN MULE RIDING
+
+I left everything, locked the store and started out to procure a rig,
+but found there were none to be had for love or money. The only
+article of propulsion we could hire were saddle mules. Both quickly
+mounted and on a slow trot started for the ring. We had been there
+less than an hour when both of us became thoroughly disgusted and
+started on the return trip. When about seven miles from Denver and
+going at a lively pace--for a mule--the Major's animal stiffened both
+front legs, and placing his hoofs firmly in the sandy road, permitted
+the Major's chunky little body to pass over his head and through space
+for about ten feet, landing, with much force, on his stomach. The
+old fellow was an artist at curse words and the more I laughed the
+more he cursed. He was a sprightly little fellow and on gaining his
+feet grabbed for the bridle, but Mr. Mule shook his head, made a side
+step, and the devil could not have caught him again until he reached
+the barn. I dismounted and with much difficulty my friend scrambled
+into my saddle, with myself on behind. But my long-eared critter
+objected and the fun commenced. He bunted and kicked. All of a sudden
+his hind quarters rose and like lightning his long lanky legs shot
+high into the air. First, I went off, and on gaining a sitting
+position with mouth, ears and eyes full of sand, I witnessed a
+spectacle befitting the clumsiest bareback rider on one of their first
+lessons. The old Major had both arms affectionately entwined around
+the mule's thick neck and was hanging on with desperation. Up and down
+went the hind quarters of that unkind brute, bunting and kicking, the
+Major's little body keeping taps with the ups and downs and every
+time he caught his breath he let out a war whoop that would do credit
+to a Commanche brave. The old mule finally dumped him all in a heap
+and followed his mate to Denver. Such an appearance as both presented,
+each blaming the other for our misfortune and vowing we would never be
+caught at another prize fight. Lame, bruised, and crestfallen, we
+walked the remainder of the way into Denver. Each cautioned the other
+to say nothing of our misfortune; but the two Mauds had carried the
+news ahead, and we were the laughing stock of the town for the next
+nine days.
+
+[Illustration: RETURNING FROM PRIZE FIGHT]
+
+At another time I was attending a performance in the "Old Languish
+Theater," when from the stage I was informed I was wanted in the bar
+room of the building, a necessary adjunct to all western theaters in
+those days. Upon entering I was taken by the hand by one of those
+trusty and warm-hearted stage drivers of the plains and Rockies, and
+told that my chum had been caught in one of those treacherous mountain
+snow storms on the Catchla Purder River two miles above La Port and
+was badly frozen, and, if he didn't receive medical aid at once, could
+not survive. I left the theater at once and commenced preparing plans
+for the trip. I started unaccompanied the following afternoon at 2:30
+o'clock on a one hundred fifty mile ride.
+
+
+A RIDE IN A STORM
+
+My conveyance was a long old-fashioned buggy. The buggy, which was
+well filled with straw, blankets, medicine, grub, and a commissary
+bottle, had two good roadsters hitched in front to wheel me to the
+rescue of my friend or to an ignominious death. I had not only Indians
+to fear, but the treacherous elements. The trail ran close along the
+base of the mountains. It was a lovely May day. I was obliged to make
+thirty-two miles that night to reach cover. Less than half of the
+distance had been traveled when the wind veered suddenly to the north,
+mild at first, then a hurricane of anger, roaring and blowing with
+such force as to nearly upset the buggy. Dark clouds gathered and
+floated around those silent peaks of ages. Lightning darted hither and
+thither among the stalwart pines, which were creaking, bending and
+crashing. Clap after clap of thunder pealed through and from those
+dismal canyons, vibrating between Nature's slopes of granite, quartz
+and rock. The din was fearful, rain fell at first, then turned to
+snow. Just before it became dark I adjusted the front piece of the
+buggy. My compass was useless. I urged my faithful steeds to faster
+speed, and at the same time gave them the rein. As I did so, they left
+the trail. Cold and chilled to the marrow or very bone, I took
+frequent drafts from the commissary bottle, and fought with all my
+power against sleep, but it was useless.
+
+On gaining partial consciousness two squaws were bending over me
+rubbing me with all their Indian strength and a third forcing
+something warm down my throat. Men, rough of dress, were smoking and
+playing cards. Revolvers, chips and gold was in front of each, with
+plenty of the latter in the center of the table. I knew not if they
+were friends or mountain highwaymen. Many claim that horses are dumb
+brutes with no instinct, but that faithful pair on leaving the trail
+avoided a long bend and made straight for the adobe stage ranch,
+sixteen miles away. On reaching it, they ran the buggy-pole through
+the only opening of that mud shack rousing the inmates to action and
+bringing me to safety.
+
+The large Concord coach filled with passengers soon arrived from
+Denver, and owing to the severity of the storm, put up for the night.
+The time was passed in smoking, drinking and playing cards. At six
+o'clock the next morning the coach pulled up at the door. The storm
+was over, but not the wind. The cold was intense. My team soon came
+up, but their ears and noses were badly frost bitten and otherwise
+showed the effects of the storm. I followed the coach but for a short
+distance only, as the snow which was drifting badly obliterated the
+trail. The six black horses on the coach were too much for my two bays
+and soon left me far in the rear. My compass had been lost and by
+noon I was back at the ranch I had previously left, the horses having
+made nearly a complete circle without my knowledge. I secured another
+compass and at nine o'clock that evening rolled into La Port, a city
+of adobe ranches, and stage station, where I put up for the night. (A
+place of two or three houses in those days was called a city.) I was
+informed that my chum was two miles up the river and in bad shape. The
+next morning I was up at day break. After grub I started and found my
+companion quartered in a little old log cabin at the base of the
+mountains, and being cared for by an aged squaw and her daughter--the
+old buck being out caring for the cattle. My chum had encountered the
+same kind of a storm as his rescuer, and unable to find his way was
+obliged to remain out the entire night and only one hundred feet from
+the cabin. Both of his feet were badly frozen. The Indians had done
+everything possible for him. The daughter, for an Indian, was
+extremely pretty, and I soon discovered that she was very much taken
+with my chum. I applied the remedies which I had brought. Then the
+little Indian maiden bundled him up, and with the promise that he
+would return they parted.
+
+We were at once off on the return trip and arrived at the stage ranch,
+where I was cared for the previous night at just six o'clock. On
+driving up to the door of the station all three of the reaches of the
+buggy broke and gently dropped us to the ground. Fortunately there was
+a blacksmith connected with the station and I assisted him through the
+long night, forging reaches and repairing the buggy. At daylight we
+were off, reaching Denver in safety at 3:30 that afternoon and making
+the trip in just three days.
+
+Both of my chum's feet had to be amputated at the insteps. He was very
+grateful and quite conscious of the fact that true friendship still
+existed.
+
+Before leaving the governor's employ, I accompanied a mule train of
+ten wagons with supplies for the Ute tribe of Indians who lived in
+one of the parks of the mountains in the vicinity of Pike's Peak. The
+Utes, at that particular time, were on friendly terms with the white
+men as there was a treaty of peace existing between them and the
+Government.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A PROOF OF MARKSMANSHIP
+
+
+[Illustration: W] We took with us a Mr. Baker, who was conceded to be
+one of the best guides, hunters, trappers and interpreters of that
+day, with a heart as large as an American bison, and as tender as a
+child's. But when his anger was aroused by danger or treachery, the
+very devil seemed to possess him; he had the courage of a lion, and
+was a dead shot. We had been friends for a long time, and on more than
+one occasion he had proved a true one.
+
+The park was an ideal summer resort, an extended plateau with acres of
+fresh green grass, wild flowers, and virgin soil. In the center was a
+beautiful lake, its ice cold water well stocked with the finny tribe
+of speckled mountain trout, the delight of the angler. The park was
+inclosed by mountains of great height and grandeur, their rocky
+slopes were dotted with spruce, pine, and cottonwood, and capped with
+ages of crystal snow, presenting a sight more pleasing to the eye than
+the Falls of Niagara, and a perfect haven for an Indian maiden's love
+dream.
+
+We had been in camp but a few days when Mr. Baker informed me that the
+young bucks, as the men of the tribe were called, wanted us to join in
+shooting at a target. After Mr. Baker and myself had made a few bull's
+eyes, they proposed we two should choose sides, and we did so. The
+teams were very evenly matched, making the game interesting. In the
+meantime, I had been presented to the chief in true Indian fashion and
+in turn was made known by him to his squaw, young bucks and maidens.
+The Indians had their tribal laws and customs as well as the white man
+and were required to live up to them. The maidens were two in number,
+their ages fourteen and seventeen moons respectively; the latter a
+picture of Indian beauty, perfect in every feature, form and carriage,
+a rare model for an artist. They were nearly always found together.
+At first they were quite reserved, but finally we became fast friends;
+we would ramble, hunt, fish from canoes and sail the placid waters of
+the little lake.
+
+Early on the morning of the tenth day Mr. Baker entered my tent with a
+troubled look. I bade him good-morning and inquired the cause. Without
+fencing, he asked me if I wanted to be a squaw man. I asked him what
+the devil he was getting at.
+
+
+AN OFFER OF MATRIMONY
+
+He replied, "All there is to it, the old chief has taken a great
+liking to you, and wants you to marry Weenouah, his oldest daughter.
+He has plenty of money, and his horses and cattle run into four
+figures."
+
+"That is no inducement," I said, "and it could never be."
+
+Mr. Baker asked, "How are you going to get out of it?"
+
+I replied, "I have been in lots of tight places, as you know, and have
+always managed to squeeze through, and I'll get out of this one in
+some way."
+
+Little did either of us dream at that time of the manner, or rather
+the sacrifice, that one of us was doomed to bear, for me to escape the
+wrath of the old chief, when informed I would not marry his daughter.
+Fate decreed he was never to be so informed, but instead, a most cruel
+and unfortunate accident was to provide the means.
+
+That afternoon the young bucks were again anxious to test their skill
+at the target. We all used the same carbine, which contained seven
+cartridges, one in the gun barrel and six in a magazine in the butt of
+the gun. Mr. Baker and I always tossed up a pebble to see who had
+first shot. As Mr. Baker won the first chance, he took aim and pulled
+the trigger and such an explosion as took place will never be
+forgotten. Everyone was stunned by its force. When the smoke had
+cleared, poor Baker's body was found lying on the ground with the
+lower jaw torn from its place. On recovering from the shock the young
+bucks fairly flew for the Indian medicine man. I quickly reached the
+corral and informed the wagon boss of the accident. He at once ordered
+the mules brought up. The light wagon was supplied with straw,
+blankets, commissary bottle and grub. Six of the fastest mules were
+hitched to the wagon and selecting two of the mulewhackers gave
+instruction for his care en route. I took the lines and quickly drove
+to the spot where poor Baker had fallen. Just as soon as the flow of
+blood had been checked and his wounds dressed we raised him gently and
+placed him in the wagon. Without a word I mounted the driver's box and
+drove for all there was in those six mules, reaching Denver late the
+following night. Some who read this narrative may be skeptical, but it
+is a fact, nevertheless, that poor Baker recovered for I saw him a
+year later, but he could partake of liquid food only. The once
+stalwart form of that brave man, now emaciated and wasted to a mere
+skeleton, still stood erect.
+
+
+THE TOLL OF THE PLAINS
+
+My whole heart went out to him who, in years past, had hunted the
+antelope, deer, elk and buffalo; fought the cowardly savages and
+desperadoes on the thirsty plains and amidst the ragged slopes of the
+Rocky Mountains; penetrated the silent recesses of the dismal canyons
+and caves; crossed the snow covered divides; faced danger of every
+conceivable nature; and at last, although maimed for life, was
+grateful that he had escaped death and thankful in the thought that he
+had done his share in the settlement of the then Far West. As I gazed
+into his once keen eyes and beheld that shriveled face, my heart wrung
+with remorse, for I knew he had keenly suffered. Tears filled my eyes
+and trickled down my weather-beaten and sun-tanned boyish face, and I
+knew he accepted it as an emblem of my sorrow for being the innocent
+cause, in a measure, of his cruel misfortune. Thus, by the flip of a
+pebble was my life spared, but at the expense of a true friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+ON TO LEAVENWORTH
+
+
+[Illustration: T] The next summer I was not very well, and so I made a
+trip to Leavenworth, Kansas, by the Southern or Smoky Hill route. We
+made the trip by mule train of twenty wagons with six mules hitched to
+each. The driver rode the nigh mule and with one line guided the team.
+If he wanted the leaders to go to the right he simply jerked fast or
+slow, depending on how quick he wanted to make the turn; if to the
+left, a steady or quick pull. The Indians on this trail were more
+numerous than on the Platte and scarcely a day passed that they were
+not to be seen, and continually trying to drive off our stock. We did
+not receive any great scare until we reached the Big Blue River where
+on the fourth day of July at ten o'clock in the morning a large
+Concord coach filled with passengers and a small guard of the United
+States soldiers, which had previously passed us, were awaiting our
+arrival before daring to proceed. On reaching the crest of the bluff
+leading to the valley of the river we saw hundreds of Sioux Indians,
+in war paint and feathers, camped on the opposite side in the
+underbrush and woods, and in the main trail directly in our path.
+
+We at once went into corral. Thirty men against a horde of savages, if
+they were there to dispute our right of progress, was not a pleasant
+position to be placed in nor a fitting manner in which to celebrate
+the glorious Fourth. Consultations were numerous and all took part.
+The redskins, camped in plain sight, were hurrying to and fro,
+evidently in council like ourselves. To the right of the trail was a
+dense wood close to the river bank; on the left was a high
+perpendicular bluff, its sides unscalable, so our route was a genuine
+death trap, should they attack us. After grub all gathered in a circle
+and with pipes we proceeded with our last council. The situation was
+talked over from every point as to what the Indians might do or might
+not do. We finally arrived to the conclusion that they had the best of
+us whatever move we made. A majority vote decided to proceed with
+every man for himself in case of attack. Our wagons were empty which
+was a little in our favor as we could go on a mule trot or gallop. The
+coach filled with passengers was placed in the lead; and, being the
+youngest of the party, they were considerate enough to let me follow,
+and I did so as closely as possible. On reaching the river bottom, the
+driver of the coach started his horses on a run and the lash was put
+to every mule. We were all yelling like demons and on our approach the
+Indians left the trail and took to the river, thinking that we were a
+hundred or more strong. All passed safely through that valley of what
+might have been a horrible massacre. The unearthly racket we made was
+undoubtedly our salvation, but we were not out of danger by any means
+and continued our flight until eleven P. M. when we went into corral
+for food and rest. At three A. M. we again struck the trail and it is
+well that we did, for those blood-thirsty redskins laid death and
+destruction in their wake and came very near overtaking us a day
+later. Arriving at Leavenworth, I boarded a Missouri River palace for
+St. Louis, thence to New Orleans.
+
+
+A FALSE FRIEND
+
+On returning to St. Louis, I met a Westerner that I knew only by
+sight, and by him was induced to remain over a few days and take in
+the city. I did and was scooped. On the third morning I went through
+my pockets and the bed, piece by piece, dumping its contents in the
+center of the room, but my roll was gone. At once I sought my friend,
+but he was nowhere to be found. Plain case of misplaced confidence. He
+had made a touch. In my desperation, I made a confident of the
+caretaker of the hotel register. Being of a sympathetic nature, he
+consoled me with an invitation to stimulate, which I did. Being
+without a trunk, I was informed on my arrival it was customary to pay
+as you enter; fortunately I had a meal to my credit. I was in good
+condition, having had sufficient victuals to last the day, after which
+I proceeded to the river front and here discovered a boat bound for
+Omaha. I boarded her, sought out the steward, and applied for a
+position. He replied that he did not want any help.
+
+"Well, I suppose you will let a fellow work his way, won't you?"
+
+His answer was "Get off this craft," and without further talk, in not
+a very gentlemanly manner he assisted me.
+
+On landing, I was mad clear through, and made up my mind I was going
+on that boat, and I did go. Just before the gang plank was pulled in I
+walked on board, keeping a sharp lookout for the steward. After I had
+avoided him for an hour and just as I was on the point of
+congratulating myself, I bumped into him.
+
+"You on board?"
+
+"It looks very much as if I were in evidence."
+
+He grabbed me by the coat collar and hustled me before the captain. I
+told a straight story, and he, being a man, told the steward to take
+me up to the kitchen and set me to work. He did, and had his revenge
+in seeing that it was nearly continuous. After supper I worked the
+dish racket until twelve o'clock. At three the next morning he awoke
+me out of a sound sleep and set me to cleaning the woodwork of the
+cabin. Another of my desirable duties was to wash and polish the
+silver, throwing the water over the sides of the boat.
+
+
+AN ALERT STEWARD
+
+After dinner of the second day I proceeded with the tin bucket to the
+side of the boat and overboard went its contents, including three
+silver spoons. The spoons had no sooner left the bucket than I felt
+something of great force come in contact with the seat of my trousers.
+For a moment I thought surely perpetual motion had been discovered.
+Turning I was face to face with that infernal steward. Nor did that
+end my troubles for during the entire trip that particular locality of
+my person was the target for that fellow's boot. With a terrible
+oath, he informed me that my landing would be reached about midnight a
+day later and was called Wood Pile Landing. A short time before
+reaching the place, I was hustled from my bunk by the steward and in
+no gentle manner forced to the bow of the boat. The night was pitch
+dark, and produced a decidedly lonesome feeling in the one that was to
+be put off at a Wood Pile on the edge of an immense forest and
+undoubtedly miles from a dwelling. As the boat reached the bank, not
+even waiting for the gang plank to be shoved out, the old sinner gave
+me a push and at the same time applied the now familiar boot. I
+reached the earth on all fours. My first thought was to present him
+with a rock, but I curbed my temper, for I had no idea of deserting
+the old ship.
+
+In those days the boilers of the boats were fired with cord wood
+purchased of the planters and delivered on the bank of the river. All
+boats plying on the Missouri River at that time were flat bottom with
+paddle wheel at the stern. Two long heavy poles were carried at the
+bow and worked with a windlass, being used to raise the bow of the
+boat when becoming fast on a sand bar. The pilot was obliged to keep a
+continuous lookout for these bars, as the channel was treacherous and
+changed often.
+
+On approaching the river bank one of the deck hands would jump off
+with the bow line and make fast to a stump or tree, then the stern
+line was thrown to him and similarly connected. Then the negro deck
+hands would proceed to carry on the wood on their bare shoulders to
+the tune of a Southern plantation melody. When ready to start the bow
+line was cast off, the paddle wheel was started by the engine, and by
+means of the steering gear the craft was swung out into the stream,
+then the stern line was thrown aship, and the boat was off--but not
+without the steward's victim. No sooner had the colored gentlemen
+reached the deck, than I followed. Waiting until all was quiet aboard,
+I sought my berth. The next morning I proceeded with my work as if
+nothing had happened. I anticipated the steward's next move would be
+to throw me overboard, and in that belief told the cook of what he had
+done the previous night. At that point he came in, and on discovering
+me said, "You here again," his face purple with rage. His right foot
+at once became restless, he made a rush for me, but the cook with
+butcher-knife in hand prevented the action of said foot, and my
+troubles with that gentleman were over.
+
+
+ARRIVAL AT LEAVENWORTH
+
+We soon reached Leavenworth, and I left the boat without regret, but a
+much wiser youth. I went to the First National Bank of Leavenworth,
+drew my money, and after a few days' rest, I again embarked for Denver
+astride a mule. We saw plenty of Indians, but as the train was a long
+one they did not molest us.
+
+On reaching the city of the plains I at once hunted up my old friend,
+the Major, who introduced me to the head of a firm of contractors, who
+were at that time engaged in getting out ties in the "Black Hills,"
+for a portion of the Union Pacific railroad, then under construction.
+He told me that he wanted a man to go there and straighten out a set
+of books that a former employee had left badly mixed. He also took the
+trouble to inform me that the country was alive with Indians, and that
+the man who went there took big chances; and, if I were at all timid,
+I had better not accept the position. My friend gave me a strong
+recommend and I clinched the matter by telling the gentleman that I
+was not afraid of man, ghost or Indian. He replied that I was just the
+man he was in search of, and would give me five hundred dollars in
+gold, a good horse and pay all expenses; that I should get my traps
+and be at the Planter's Hotel for dinner.
+
+He expected his two partners from the east to inspect the camp and
+business, and everything was to be in readiness to depart on their
+arrival. Our conveyance was a full sized Concord coach with six good
+mules to draw it. The boot of the coach contained the best of
+everything to eat and drink--the latter being just as essential in
+that country as gun and ammunition. The partners were detained en
+route, and did not arrive until the second day, when they wished to
+rest and see the western sights, so we did not leave until the fourth
+day. Two Denverites accompanied us, making six in the party.
+
+The first afternoon we made thirty-two miles, and camped near a stage
+station, where they keep, for the weary pilgrims, supplies and the
+rankest kind of corn juice known to the professional drinker.
+
+The following morning we made an early start, and before noon rolled
+into La Port, on the Cachella Pondre River, the only settlement on the
+trail to the hills. We put up at the stage station for the night.
+There we met a drover, and a party of cow boys with one thousand head
+of California bronchos bound for the States. Those cowboys were as
+wild as western life could make them, yet, a jolly good lot.
+
+During the evening, at the suggestion of someone, a poker game was
+started which lasted all night, and in the morning those who had
+indulged in the game were not feeling any too good--especially the
+losers--but, nevertheless, they all strolled over to the large adobe
+corral to see our party off. Mr. A----, the head of the firm of
+contractors, had his large winnings safely concealed in a chamois bag
+placed close to his hide, where all wise men of the West carried their
+money in those days.
+
+The drover had been a heavy but good loser. When about ready to hitch
+up our mules he called out to Mr. A----, "I'll go you six of my best
+bronchos against five hundred dollars that you haven't a man in your
+outfit that can drive the d----d brutes a mile and return."
+
+The contractor approached me and asked if I thought I could do it. I
+told him that I was willing to take the chance.
+
+Without another word he walked over to where the drover was standing
+and informed him that he would take the bet, provided he would have
+his cowpunchers hitch the little devils to the coach.
+
+"Agreed," shouted the old fellow in no uncertain language.
+
+The boys turned to the work with a will; for the fun expected, even if
+I received a broken neck for my daredevil recklessness, excited them
+to the highest pitch.
+
+The reader has undoubtedly seen in the Wild West circuses the
+old-fashioned overland coach hung by heavy springs from front to rear
+axle. One of the most uncomfortable conveyances to ride in ever
+invented, especially for the driver, for, if the coach was not heavily
+loaded, when the front wheels dropped into a hole the old ramshackle
+thing was liable to topple over on the animals; and, if the driver was
+not securely strapped to the seat when the rear wheels reached the
+hole, he would land some distance in the rear. The contractor had the
+old ark properly balanced before starting, so I had no excuse to worry
+from that source.
+
+The cowpunchers selected one broncho each and after a half hour's
+hawling, pulling and coaxing succeeded in hitching them to the coach.
+I climbed to the seat and was securely strapped with a large leather
+apron. Then I gathered up the lines and placed myself solidly for the
+start.
+
+The whip socket contained a hickory stick five feet long with a lash
+twelve feet in length attached to one end. I gave the word to let them
+go, but the little bronchos thought different and balked. The number
+of times they bucked and threw themselves, started and bucked again,
+would be impossible to say. Finally the contractor accused the drover
+of being in collusion with his cowpuncher in order to win the wager by
+holding the bronchos back and a volley of words of not very mild
+character ensued, after which the six cowboys, three on either side of
+the team, stood off six feet. The noise made by the cracking of their
+whips their everlasting yelping made the excitement stronger than
+before, and I was off on the wildest ride I ever took. A hurdle jumper
+would not stand much of a chance with one of those wild bronchos.
+
+
+A DANGEROUS RIDE
+
+It was a lovely June morning and the bracing air of Colorado made me
+feel as wild as the young animals that were fast wheeling me over the
+dangerous trail and possibly into a camp of hostile Indians. I gave no
+thought to danger for I was too busy keeping the fiery little beasts
+to the trail. They were going at breakneck speed with no sign of
+tiring, so I let them go enjoying the sport even more than they. My
+hat went flying with the wind, I looked back, but could not see the
+ranch. How far I had left it behind, or what distance I had covered, I
+knew not.
+
+At last I came to myself and realized for the first time what terrible
+danger I was in. Slowly turning the team to the right, I began a
+circle, hardly perceptible at first, but finally again reaching the
+trail. On the return trip, I plied the long lash to the leading pair.
+They shot forward faster than ever, all steaming with foam and covered
+with lather. At a great distance to the south I could see a party of
+Indians riding in the same direction. This additional danger seemed
+fairly to intoxicate me and I plied the whip with all my strength. The
+corral loomed up and then the stage station. The others, with hands
+in their pockets and mouth agap, were holding their breath; and, as we
+wheeled past them, the cowboys lashing the bronchos, a mighty shout
+went up. I had won the wager and was the lion of the day.
+
+We did not make a start until the following morning. We fastened the
+bronchos together and tied the leader to the rear of the coach, and
+thus resumed our journey to the hills, where we safely arrived two
+days later, but minus four of the treacherous brutes. At night we
+always picketed them with the mules and the four that were lost had
+pulled their picket irons and undoubtedly gone to join the much read
+of "wild horses of the plains."
+
+The camp in the hills consisted of shanties for fifteen hundred men,
+saw mill, and outfit store. The latter included in its stock plenty of
+the best kind of liquor. Each man was allowed three drinks a day and
+no more.
+
+I had the books straightened out in due time and one day the
+contractor discovered he would soon be out of flour, and the nearest
+point at which it could be purchased was La Port, seventy-five miles
+distant. The Indians were troublesome, and each man who was asked
+refused to go, with one exception. The contractor finally made me a
+tempting offer to accompany a driver of a six mule team. I accepted,
+and at break of day the next morning we started. My companion on that
+dangerous trip was a plucky son of the Emerald Isle. We camped that
+night on Lodge Pole Creek. On the opposite side was an adobe ranch,
+and an immense stockade owned by a Frenchman with a Sioux squaw for a
+wife.
+
+In our hurried start we had forgotten our tobacco, and without it my
+companion seemed lost. After grub I mounted my horse, and crossed over
+the creek to procure some. On making my wants known, I was freely
+supplied with tobacco, and was also informed that before we arrived
+they had been fighting the Indians for some time; that one of the
+cowboys had an arm badly shattered; and that they feared another
+attack the next morning. I returned to camp and told my companion of
+our danger.
+
+
+A WELCOME HAVEN
+
+After giving the animals plenty of feed and rest, we again took the
+trail at 4:30 A. M. As the day dawned, with the aid of a field glass,
+I discovered Indians swooping down on the ranch with the stockade at
+breakneck speed, and others coming in our direction. I told Patrick to
+urge the mules to a gallop. He suspected the cause and did so at once.
+Over the rolling ground we flew until the sun was well up in the
+heavens, and as each hour passed the redskins gained on us, until at
+last they could be seen with the naked eye. The harsh and cruel
+war-whoop of those blood-thirsty savages echoed and re-echoed back
+from the distant hills, and over the desolate plains until men and
+beasts were crazed to desperation. The lash was put to the already
+tired mules, and we strained every nerve to reach the crest of the
+next knoll, hoping against hope for succor. On they came, their
+warwhoops for scalps and the white man's blood was now continuous. The
+long feared report of their rifles was at last heard; bullets pierced
+our canvas covered wagon. We made a last desperate effort and reached
+the summit of the bluff. Not a half a mile from its base was a large
+corral of white covered wagons. Down the incline we flew, looking
+neither to the right nor the left, and, on reaching the corral, both
+men and beasts fell into a heap exhausted.
+
+The red devils rode to the top of the hill, and the warwhoop of anger
+they sent up rings in my ears at times to this very day.
+
+That evening we again took the trail and made the remainder of the
+trip by night drives. Reaching La Port the third morning, we secured
+our load and after giving the animals a much needed rest we started on
+the return trip. The fourth morning we arrived at the ranch with the
+stockade. Three mornings after we reached the foot of the hills where
+the company had a log cabin for their hunters and trappers, who, with
+their trusty rifles, furnished antelope, deer and buffalo meat for
+their small army of employees. On entering, a sight met our gaze too
+revolting to pass from memory. Upon the earthy floor lay two of those
+sturdy and warm-hearted dwellers of the plains and rockies, cold in
+death, scalped and mutilated almost beyond recognition--a deed
+committed by those dastardly red fiends of the Far West. Both were
+friends of mine and with uncovered head, in the presence of that
+gritty son of old Ireland, I vowed vengeance.
+
+"At least, Charlie," said Patrick, "Let's give them a decent burial
+and move on."
+
+We did so, reaching camp that evening just as the sun, with its
+beautiful tints of carmine, was bidding plains and hills goodnight, as
+if in memory of those stalwart and brave men who made the settlement
+and civilization of the West possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A PLUCKY GERMAN
+
+
+[Illustration: T] Two weeks later a strapping six-foot German, who was
+in charge of another camp further down the line, came for a visit.
+Shortly after his arrival, he proposed that we should go hunting, to
+which I agreed.
+
+That morning, as usual, the men called for their liquor, and among
+them was a long lanky fellow with red hair and bushy beard. He
+certainly had the appearance of an outlaw. He had received one glass
+of grog and came for the second which I refused him. Without a word I
+was on my back. At that point the German came in and caught him with
+the left hand in the same locality. Suffering with pain and crazed
+with liquor, he left the store, secured his revolvers and returned. I
+was behind the counter at the time with my back to the door. The first
+thing I knew I heard the report of a revolver and a bullet whizzed
+past my ear and buried itself in a can of tomatoes not six inches
+from my head. As I turned around, I saw the fellow being propelled
+through the door by the German's right. At that point the contractor
+came in and after being told of what had happened, he discharged the
+fellow. He wished to retain his revolvers, but his request was not
+granted. He had an old-fashioned army musket and begged to be allowed
+to keep that. I told Mr. A---- not to let him have it for I was
+satisfied from the blow he gave me that he was a bad actor; but Mr.
+A----, being good natured and kind hearted, consented. He ordered four
+days' rations put up for him and he left camp in an ugly mood and was
+given no further thought.
+
+After grub, the German proposed that we flip a coin to see who should
+go for the horses. The visitor losing, he at once started for the
+canyon below where the horses were grazing. Shortly after I heard a
+shot and then many more, but gave it no heed as it was a common
+occurrence there. Half an hour later one of the men came in and told
+me that the German lay dead in the canyon below. I, with the others in
+camp, proceeded to the point indicated, where we found the poor fellow
+lying on his back. A bullet from that villian's musket had pierced his
+heart. His watch, belt of cartridges, revolvers, and repeating carbine
+were gone. After we returned with the body, Mr. A---- had the mill
+whistle blown calling all hands to quarters and for three days and
+nights with little sleep or rest we searched those hills and trails
+leading to Salt Lake and Denver. We picketed men on each trail to
+search all passing trains; but the demon gave us the slip, and cheated
+that maddened crowd of a lynching, or something worse; perhaps a tug
+of war between two wild bronchos, which we had in camp, with that
+man's body as the connecting link.
+
+I can to this day remember just how that poor fellow looked; cold in
+death, far from home and loved ones, with no mother to weep at his
+bier. With uncovered heads we lowered him in earth, in a rough box, at
+the foot of one of the tall sentinels of the hills, and placed a slab
+to mark the spot, that his friends might some day claim all that
+remained of as brave and honest a German as ever lived.
+
+
+A WATCHFUL PROVIDENCE
+
+Thus by the toss of a coin was my life again spared. This last narrow
+escape from death was the fourteenth of which I positively knew, and
+how many more that I did not know of, it is impossible to tell; so I
+made up my mind to get out of the country alive, if possible. I
+informed Mr. A---- of my intentions and the following day closed my
+business and at dusk that evening I started, unaccompanied, on a two
+hundred mile ride over a trail watched by hundreds of blood-thirsty
+Indians. I knew that no Indian pony could overtake my fleet runner,
+and all that was to be feared was a surprise or have my horse shot
+from under me. I camped far from the trail, with lariat fastened to my
+wrist, never closing my eyes until my faithful animal had laid down
+for the day. His first move at dusk awoke me, and, after feed, we
+were off with the wind at breakneck speed.
+
+At the close of the second day, while I lay sleeping on the desert
+sands with the saddle blanket for a pillow, and dreaming of my far
+away home, it seemed as if something of a slimy nature was slowly
+crawling over the calf of my bare leg. On gaining partial
+consciousness, too quickly did I realize that it was a reality and not
+a dream. A rattlesnake's long slimy body was crossing that bridge of
+flesh, squirming along for a couple of inches, then raising its
+repulsive body a foot or more and turning its insignificant head,
+would look straight towards my partly closed eyes and, with its
+hideous mouth agap, would dart its poisonous arrow-like tongue in and
+out like lightning, then lowering itself, it would resume the same
+tactics as before. How many times it repeated this, I shall never
+know. No words have ever been formed that can adequately express the
+feeling that took possession of me. I seemed powerless to move a
+muscle or twitch an eye-lid. The suspense was terrible, expecting
+each time that the slimy body descended the viper would thrust his
+poisonous lance into my leg and all would be over. The horror of it
+all cannot be imagined, and to this day, when I recall the incident,
+it sends a shiver through my entire body. As the coarse rattles of his
+tail left the bare flesh of my leg, my senses seemed to return; but it
+was only for a moment, for through the pant of my right leg I felt
+that same crawling sensation and I knew in an instant that it was a
+mate following the one that had just passed over the bridge of flesh.
+As soon as it reached the bare leg the dirty reptile went through the
+same horrible stunts as the first one. The agony seemed impossible to
+bear and when at last the thing had completed its journey and was at a
+safe distance away, I leaped into the air--how far I shall leave the
+reader to surmise. Crazed with anger and trembling from head to foot,
+I rushed for my revolvers and fired at random. I was considered a good
+shot in those days, but in this excited condition I would not have
+been able to hit a barn. I ran for my Henry Carbine and, grasping it
+by the barrel, made short work of ridding the earth of the cause that
+had produced the most terrifying scare experience during my western
+life.
+
+[Illustration: BILLIE! BILLIE!]
+
+
+THE FAITHFUL HORSE
+
+For the first time during the excitement my thoughts turned to my
+faithful horse, but he was nowhere to be seen. The horror of the
+situation began to dawn upon me and I realized at once that I was lost
+on that desolate plain--one hundred miles from any camp that I knew of
+and apparently alone. I cried out, "My God, what can be done!" The
+thought was enough to drive one crazy. Can I ever forget it? I think
+not; nor could anyone. Even to see or talk to an Indian would have
+been a comfort. Driven to agonizing despair I ran for my field glass
+and scanned the rolling ground in every direction. Buffalo, deer,
+antelope, coyote, and a small party of horsemen were visible, but the
+latter too far away to make out if they were United States Cavalrymen
+or Indians. Looking again, without my glass, I discovered my horse
+standing on a high knoll not more than a half mile away with head and
+tail erect; the breath from his dilated nostrils ascending heavenward
+in the cold October air and presenting a picture for an artist. I
+called loudly, "Billie, Billie," and with outstretched hand walked
+slowly toward him, but he looked not in my direction. All of a sudden
+he made a quick bound and was off. My heart seemed to stop beating. A
+minute seemed an hour; but I kept walking after him and he finally
+stopped, turned around and faced me. That look can never be forgotten.
+With ears thrown back, he came slowly toward me. Again, I called
+"Billie, Billie," and held out both hands and with a whinner he came
+on a gallop, trembling in every muscle, seemingly as frightened as
+myself. I patted his neck, straightened out his rich heavy mane,
+rubbed his face and nose and kissed him. He licked my cheek and hand
+in appreciation of my welcome; moisture gathered in his large eyes and
+I cried with joy--like a child that I was--and then we both felt
+better. I coiled up the lariat and placed my right arm over his
+perfectly formed neck and slowly walked to our little camp. I rubbed
+him down until he was perfectly dry; then curried, brushed and rubbed
+until I could almost see myself in his coat of silky hair. Then I made
+him lay down and did the same thing myself, using his withers and mane
+for a pillow. When I awoke the moon shown full in our faces. I patted
+his neck and soon those large eyes were looking affectionately into
+mine. I sprang to my feet and he did the same. After brushing off the
+side on which he had laid, I placed the saddle blanket, buckled taut
+the saddle, gathered up my small camp kit and fastened it to the rear
+of the saddle, coiled the lariat and hung it on the pommel of the
+saddle, fastened on my spurs--from which he had never felt even the
+slightest touch--threw my field glass over my left shoulder, buckled
+on my cartridge belt and revolvers, swung my canteen and Henry Carbine
+over my right shoulder, and with a leap, landed astride the saddle,
+and was off with the wind in search of the trail two full miles away.
+
+
+THE INDIANS CAPTURE A FRIEND
+
+Early on the morning of the third day, I stopped at a stage station,
+where I met the assistant wagon boss who was with the bull train
+during my first trip across the plains. He was a genuine Missouri
+Bushwacker and a desperate fellow. Like all others of his class he
+wore his hair long, making it a much coveted prize for the Indians.
+After the days visit and relating our experience of western life, he
+told me that he was on his way to the Black Hills. I reluctantly
+volunteered the information to him that I did not think he would ever
+reach there on the old skate he was riding, and that he should not
+venture on the trail until after dark, but he knew it all and started
+at sundown. I was sure the fellow would never reach the Hills, nor was
+I mistaken, for in less than an hour the Salt Lake Coach rolled up to
+the door of the station, and the driver asked if a horseman had put up
+at the place, and being informed that there had, told us the Indians
+had captured him and tied him to one of their own ponies and was
+rapidly going north, leaving his old nag to be picked up by any one
+who would care for it. Not a day passed that the unwelcome savages
+were not to be seen, and we were chased many times, but the faithful
+animal reached Denver in safety.
+
+The Union Pacific railroad had then reached Julesburg and I conceived
+the hazardous idea of reaching that point by navigating the Platte
+River--a distance of three hundred miles--so I at once ordered a flat
+bottomed boat built of material in the rough.
+
+
+A CUNNING SCHEMER
+
+I next went in quest of my aged chum, the ex-pig dealer, who, when
+found, revealed by a twinkle in his eye another dare-devil scheme,
+which he was quite capable of concocting when alone in his warehouse
+den. He exclaimed, with much feeling and a forced tear, that he was
+right down glad to see me safely back and gave me little rest until I
+had related my experiences in the hills. He then unfolded his
+diabolical scheme, whereby both of us could lay a foundation for a
+fortune. I was in need of the latter, without any question, but not by
+this method.
+
+Cheyenne had just been surveyed, mapped and laid out, and the
+proposition was for him to furnish a man, two mule teams, wagons,
+tents, provisions and all other necessities; and this man and myself
+were to go there and squat or take possession of two sections of
+Government land, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres each,
+located just outside the city limits. The offer was promptly rejected,
+and it destroyed the last particle of friendship that had existed
+between us as far as I was concerned. I had just been through that
+part of the country and had narrowly escaped death many times, and for
+us to carry out this scheme, I knew would be impossible, for the
+tricky redskins would be certain to capture us. I cannot recollect the
+exact reply that I made him, but am positive I requested him to go to
+Hades by the shortest possible route. We parted in anger after three
+long years of friendship. The old major's love for the almighty dollar
+was the cause. I never did have a very strong desire to furnish
+material to the cruel savages for one of their home scalp dances, and
+besides my mind was made up to leave Colorado, which I did.
+
+I afterwards made the acquaintance of a young fellow, a college
+graduate who had been unable to secure a position to his liking and
+was anxious to return to the States. After a few days of good
+fellowship, and finding him of the right material, I made my plans
+known to him. He at once fell in with them, and a week later we
+embarked on our perilous journey. We started at full moon drifting
+with a comparatively strong current using paddles to guide our roughly
+constructed craft. We made nightly rides of about fifty miles, and at
+dawn would land on one of the small islands of the river, conceal
+ourselves and the boat in the tall grass from which we were able to
+see all that passed by trail and bluffs, and not be seen ourselves.
+Our greatest danger was in being discovered by the Indians on the high
+bluffs, or a visit from them to the island we occupied. The first
+scare we had was when a party of a dozen or more rode to the bank of
+the river for the purpose, as we supposed, of crossing. They seemed,
+however, undecided as to their course, but finally urged their ponies
+down the bank and into the river. To describe our feelings would be
+impossible. Just then, to us, a minute seemed an hour. Cold beads of
+perspiration stood out on both, not exactly from fear, but a sort of
+yearning to be elsewhere; and I wondered, after all that I had passed
+through, if I was to be cut down on my homeward journey by those
+fiendish red devils. "Saved!" whispered my friend, "they are leaving
+the river." And sure enough those little prairie ponies were climbing
+the bank on a dead run for the bluffs.
+
+[Illustration: HOME RIDE DOWN THE PLATTE RIVER]
+
+The last night of that eventful ride lasted long until after the sun
+was up. The large Concord coach filled with passengers passed close
+to the river bank a short time before, and from the driver we learned
+we were ten miles from Julesburg. We proceeded, keeping close to the
+bank, and with field glass continually swept the valley and bluffs in
+every direction. We were facing a mild and depressing wind. All of a
+sudden dismal sounds reached our ears, and as the noiseless current of
+the river rounded the projecting points in its banks, it bore our
+staunch old craft to a place of safety, or ourselves to a cruel death,
+we knew not which. The sounds became more distinct until both of us
+were satisfied that the Indians had captured the overland coach with
+its load of human freight. As we rounded the next bend the river took
+a straight course, but there was no island in sight.
+
+"No island in sight," said my friend. "Where can we go?" And turning
+around I discovered he was as white as a sheet. As for myself, I was
+hanging to the edge of the bank trying hard to collect my wits and
+recover from a fainting spell. We finally managed to get the boat back
+and around the bend where we lay concealed for some time, suffering
+the torture of Hades. I finally crawled to the top of the bank and
+with field glass surveyed the locality in every direction. No life was
+visible, still the unearthly noise kept up, and the feeling of those
+two lone travelers would be impossible to describe. The thought at
+last came to me that we must be somewhere in the vicinity of the old
+California Crossing. I crawled back to the boat and told my companion
+to go ahead, while I continually used the field glass. After fifteen
+minutes, I discovered a white speck in the eastern horizon. We were
+soon over our fright, and with light hearts were sailing over the
+rippling waters of the old Platte feeling assured that we would soon
+reach a place of safety, as far as the Indians were concerned.
+
+On arriving at the crossing, which it proved to be, we found one of
+those large white covered prairie schooners stalled in the middle of
+the stream, and fifty Greasers, as the Mexican drivers were called,
+and as many yoke of oxen trying to haul it out.
+
+
+FAREWELL TO THE PLAINS
+
+We sailed merrily along and at two P. M. reached Julesburg, the then
+terminus of the Union Pacific railroad and overland shipping point for
+all territory west, north and south. The Union Pacific railroad, when
+under construction, made a terminus every two or three hundred miles.
+The houses were built in sections, so they were easily taken apart,
+loaded on flat freight cars, and taken to the next terminus completely
+deserting the former town, Julesburg was rightfully named "The
+Portable Hell of the Plains." My finer feelings cannot, if words
+could, attempt a description. Suffice to say that during the three
+days we were there four men and women were buried in their street
+costumes. The fourth day we boarded a Union Pacific train and were
+whirled to its Eastern terminus, Omaha, thence home, arriving safely
+after an absence of four years.
+
+The habits formed during those western years were hard to change, and
+the fight of my life to live a semblance of the proper life, required
+a will power as irresistible as the crystal quartz taken from the
+lofty snow capped mountain sides, taking tons of weight to crush it,
+that the good might be separated from the worthless.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+Original spelling has been preserved. Some illustrations have been
+moved to avoid breaking up the text. The following typos have been
+corrected:
+
+Contents: Markmanship changed to Marksmanship:
+  (Chapter V--A Proof of Markmanship)
+
+Page 12: Holliday changed to Holiday:
+  (We at once called at the Ben Holliday Stage Office).
+
+Page 104: ther changed to their:
+  (had ther tribal laws and customs).
+
+Page 106: added closing quotes:
+  (I'll get out of this one in some way.)
+
+Page 128: added comma after Charlie:
+  ("At least, Charlie" said Patrick, "Let's give them a decent).
+
+Page 137: added comma after second Billie:
+  (loudly, "Billie, Billie" and with outstretched hand walked).
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Dangers of the Trail in 1865, by Charles E  Young
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