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scurrying across the sky as if pursued by some terrible demon, and now and then a vivid flash of lightning would rend the dense blackness and light up the country for miles around, showing the dark, narrow trail stretching out ahead like some great serpent winding its way over the rolling prairies.
At times I thought I could catch a glimpse of a light from some Indian's cabin, and would seem to hear the barking of the dogs, followed by the prolonged yelp—half bark, half howl of the coyote. Now and then the quivering cry of a little prairie owl would come down with the storm, lending an extra solemnity and dolefulness to the whistling of the wind as it blew through the long grass of the prairie.
Then I would think that I must be mistaken about anyone pursuing me, when the wind would lull for a moment, and the sounds of beating hoofs would seem to come more distinctly than ever to my ears. I could stand the suspense no longer, and at last urged my horse into a gallop. He seemed to become frightened as well as myself, and for mile after mile we went racing through the tall grass, which had almost overgrown the trail in places, and would jump over the runs and ditches which came in our path. I let my horse have the reins, for I knew that he could see the trail far better than I could, and would be better able to take the ditches than if I were to try to guide him. On we sped, and all the time the beating of the pursuing hoofs came nearer and nearer, and I thought at times that I could hear the faint cries of my pursuers, sure of their victim.
It was an awful ride. The darkness of the night, the rumbling of the thunder and the swishing of the wind through the tall grass gave a strange supernatural element to the ride, that made it seem doubly horrible; and the faint yet exultant yells of the pursuers made my very flesh creep. I could picture to myself the Indians behind me, riding as if for their lives. I seemed to see their glaring eyes, as they tried to pierce the darkness in order to catch sight of their human game.
hoof beats behind, which were growing more and more distinct, as we left mile after mile behind us.
On and on we went, my poor horse straining every muscle to keep ahead of the horrible
I had become almost wild with listening for the sound behind me, and I thought that I had better turn and face my pursuers, when all at once I heard a quick sharp "Halt." I awoke with a start and jerked my horse back on his haunches. I was at the fort and had been sleeping and dreaming in my saddle for miles.
EXCHANGES.
When scanning the pages of the Baker Beacon we were led to inquire if the students there did anything except talk and play foot-ball. Wesleyan Advance.
An Indian named Man Afraid of Nothing married a white woman and within two weeks applied to the chief of his tribe to have his name changed.—Ex.
Student, (reading Virgil) "and thrice I tried to throw my arms around her." "That was as far as I got, Professor." Professor—"That was quite far enough, sir."-Ex.
Chancellor James H. Canfield of Nebraska University, formerly "our Canfield," enjoys a shiny new "L. L. D." that was conferred upon him by Williams College.-The Industrialist.
I would I were a dainty hat Perched lightly on my lady's brow; For then I know I would be worth A darn site more than I am now.
-Ex.
If this evening's telegram Of victory should tell,
We'll gather round the bonfire,
While together we raise ___
But if the news defeat should be Within that telegram—
We'll crawl off to our downy beds And only murmur "___."
Wisconsin Cardinal.