LOST AMONG THE CHOCTAWS
whisky being a contraband article in the Territory. I therefore followed the
jug. A few miles of leisurely Indian gallop brought us to the river, on the
Texas side of which was a grocery, the point at which my friend with the
empty jug was aiming. For a small consideration a friendly Choctaw swam
my horse over and another paddled me across in a dug-out.
On my return trip I fared but little better, being taken sick in the wilder-
ness and nearly losing my life. For three days I was unconscious, but the
timely assistance of Dr. M., of Fort Smith, by the Divine blessing, enabled
me to recover. My overtasked horse never got over the effects of the journey;
he dwindled away and afterward died. Never have I seen more affection
exhibited by an irrational brute. He recognized me, and would distinguish
me from others to the last, walking to me and lying his head on my shoulder
as if imploring help. The thought that I was recovering, and that this com-
panion of my perils and fatigues must die, was a most painful trial. Poor
Platol he has gone to his rest.
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