28 ELDORADO 



or filtered, on account of the floating sand, which made 

 it impossible to see the bottom even in the shallowest 

 places. The river bed was simply moving sand, and 

 new channels of uncertain depth were constantly be- 

 ing formed by the rapidly flowing water. Long streaks 

 of sand or little islands appeared at one time, and again 

 almost entirely disappeared, making a very dan- 

 gerous stream to cross. At the "lone tree" it was per- 

 haps three-quarters of a mile wide. While we were 

 camped at that point there was also a company of im- 

 migrants in camp on the opposite side of the river. Up 

 to this time, having had no communication with those 

 who came by way of Fort Kearney, we were anxious 

 to learn their condition, with reference to reports of 

 many dying with the cholera on that route. 



It fell to my lot to cross the river and interview 

 them, but first I donned a life-preserver, as the cross- 

 ing was dangerous, both from the wide, rapid channels 

 and the quicksands, in which both men and animals 

 had sometimes lost their lives. We were told of a man 

 who, while out hunting with a well-trained horse, shot 

 some game on a small island while on the main bank 

 of the river, and throwing his bridle over a willow 

 bush went to recover it. On his return, near the shore, 

 he sank in the quicksand and was unable to extricate 

 himself. Realizing his danger, as a last resort he 

 whistled and called to his horse, which seemed in- 

 stinctively to realize that some danger threatened. 

 The horse pulled himself loose from the bush, went 

 quickly to the aid of his master, and was induced to 

 place himself in such a position that the man was able 

 to grasp his tail. By that means the rider was extricated 

 from his perilous position. I cannot vouch for the 



