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Show Nettie, Page 38 conversed about the journey, the new country, and what it was like the planned canal, politics in the United States. When he left them he warned of the high water at Big Wind River. Indians were saying it was impossible to cross and they spoke from years of experience in that area. They came to the crossing within a day or two of the Colonel's visit and the company all pulled to a stop. A consultation between the elders and the company captain, Bro. Taggart, concluded that the Indians were right. They would have to wait for the waters to recede before proceeding. But William Dickson came forward. "Sir, I'd like to try riding my horse across the river to find a safe place." "William, that's a dangerous thing to try." "I'll be careful, sir, and if I'm successful it will save us a lot of time," William persuaded. The logic appeled to Bro. Taggart and he consented. William immediately rode his horse into the swift moving stream. Near the middle, the horse suddenly began swimming, and the strong current toppled horse and rider over into the water. William was swept from the saddle and seemed about to be carried away, but he grabbed desperately for the horse's mane and clung to it. William's mother ran anxiously with others down the river bank while yet another of her children faced a life-or-death situation. Relief flooded her features as William and the horse pulled out safely some distance downstream. Wet, but undaunted, William rode down the stream still looking for a safe place for the wagons to cross. |
