126 
QUICKSANDS. 
a simple thing as might be imagined, where the 
bed of the stream was unexplored. Only a trial 
could determine where the dangerous quicksands 
and deep holes lay. They had driven their wagon 
in but a little distance before it began to sink, 
and an exciting time followed getting it back 
to the shore, by means of ropes tied to its rear, 
saddle-horses and men being made to assist the 
regular team. 
“ Let's leave it, and have some sport while 
there’s a chance,” suggested Miss . “ We 
can all go on horseback, and live on crackers 
and buffalo steak ! ” 
“Agreed ! That’s the idea ! ” was the general 
response. There was but one dissenting voice, 
and that was General E ’s, who said aside 
to Mr. Maxwell : 
“Your wife isn't insane enough to think of 
going on, is she ? Of course Miss won’t go 
without her. Why, they might as well commit 
suicide, and done with it, as to attempt this 
stream on horseback! They had better stay 
here — I’ll stay with them, if they are afraid to 
remain alone.” 
There was a twinkle in Mr. Maxwell’s eyes, 
as he replied : 
“ I know my wife a little too well to propose such 
a thing to her. She is constitutionally opposed 
to turning back, and would sooner swim now, 
