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Show 190 THE CALIFORNIA AND OREGON TRAIL. At the end of that time I was weaker than before, but the disorder seemed shaken in its strong-hold, and very gradually· I began to resume a less rigid diet. No sooner had I done so than the same detested symptoms revisited me; my old enemy resumed his pertinacious assaults, yet not with his former violence or constancy, and though before I regained any fair portion of my ordinary strength weeks had elapsed, and months passed before the disorder left me, yet thanks to old habits of activity, and a merciful Providence, I was able to sustain myself against it. I used to lie languid and dreamy before our tent, and muse on the past and the future, and when most overcome with lassitude, my eyes turned always toward the distant Black Hills. There is a spirit of energy and vigor in mountains, and they impart it to all who approach their presence. At that time I did not know how many dark superstitions and gloomy legends are associated with those mountains in the minds of the Indians, but I felt an eager desire to penetrate their hidden recesses, to explore the awful chasms and precipices, the black torrents, the silent forests that I fancied were concealed there. CHAPTER XII. ILL-LUCK. 11 One touch to her hand, and one word in her ear, When they reach'd the llall-door, and the charger stood near; So light to the croupe tl1e fair lady he swung, So light to the saddle before her he sprung I 'She is won! we are gone, over bank, bush, and scaur; They'll have fleet steeds that follow,' quoth young Lock in var." MARMION. A CANADIAN came from Fort Laramie, and brought a curious piece of intelligence. A trapper, fresh from the mountains, had become enamoured of a Missouri damsel belonging to a family who with other emigrants had been for some days encamped in the neighborhood of the fort. If bravery be the most potent charm to win the favor of the fair, then no wooer could be more irresistible than a Rocky Mountain trapper. In the present instance, the suit was not urged in vain. The lovers concerted a scheme, which they proceeded to carry into effect with all possible dispatch. The emigrant party left the fort, and on the next succeeding night but one encamped as usual, and placed a guard. A little after midnight, the enamoured trapper drew near, mounted on a strong horse, and leading another by the bridle. Fastening both animals to a |