Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/322



HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE MARBLE HALLS OF OREGON

By E. J. DAVIDSON, Pro volt, Oregon

I had quite an experience that day and well remember something of the time. As to dates I cannot be quite sure, but I think it was the year 1873, in the month of October. A crowd of six, including myself, planned for a hunt in the Siskiyou mountains. We packed several horses with provisions and our camping outfit, took our way up the middle fork of Williams creek along a dim, brushy trail, then took our course through the open woods, crossing over the divide at the head of the creek, then down to Sucker creek, where we halted for a short time and disposed of a much-needed lunch prepared for the occasion.

After lunch we continued on our way, which was any- thing but a smooth path. With a big mountain staring us in the face, and in many places almost perpendicular and no way around, we trudged on our weary way, trying to reach the top. Not a word was said, not a breath to spare, but all moved on in silence. Early in the evening we came to the Mountain Meadows, directly under the old noted Greyback mountain. And say, I want to tell you, it was an ideal camping place. Our faces soon lost their tired, weary expression and lighted up with pleasure at the thought of tomorrow's hunt. All got busy and very soon we had a comfortable camp everything in readiness for a good night's sleep.

Armed with our muzzle-loading rifles, we started early the next morning for our hunt. Every fellow was to select his own direction in which to follow. Something seemed to tell me to take the course that eventually led to the dis- covery of the caves. Picking up my rifle and taking my famous bear dog, Bruno, I started down the middle fork of Sucker creek and then across to another creek. Know- ing my dog so well, he gave me to understand there was something above. I at once, with the eagerness that only