I knew there were Indians
near, and we looked about for a hiding-place.
At the head of the ravine I had noticed a cave-like hollow. I signaled
to the two men to follow me, and soon we were snug in a safe
hiding-place. As we were settling down to rest one of the men lit his
pipe. As the cave was illuminated by the glow of the match there was a
wild yell. I thought all the Indians in the world had jumped us. But
the yell had come from my companions.
We were in the exact center of the most grew-some collection of human
skulls and bones I have ever seen. Bones were strewn on the floor of
the cave like driftwood. Skulls were grinning at us from every corner
of the darkness. We had stumbled into a big grave where some of the
Indians had hidden their dead away from the wolves after a battle. It
may be that none of us were superstitious, but we got out of there in a
hurry, and braved the peril of the storm and the Indians as best we
could.
I was a rich boy when I got to Leavenworth. I had nearly a thousand
dollars to turn over to my mother as soon as I should draw my pay.
After a joyful reunion with the family I hitched up a pair of ponies,
and drove her over so that she could witness this pleasing ceremony. As
we were driving home, I heard her sobbing, and was deeply concerned,
for this seemed to me no occasion for tears. I was quick to ask the
reason, and her answer made me serious.
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