But he would not travel, for the
reason, as was suspected, that he wished to remain behind for the
purpose of obtaining the property and money of the dead." Keseberg's
statement continues:
"When we reached the lake, we lost our road, and owing to the depth of
the snow on the mountains; were compelled to abandon our wagons, and
pack our goods upon oxen. The cattle, unused to such burdens, caused
great delay by 'bucking' and wallowing in the snow. There was also much
confusion as to what articles should be taken and what abandoned. One
wanted a box of tobacco carried along; another, a bale of calico, and
some thing and some another. But for this delay we would have passed the
summit and pressed forward to California. Owing to my lameness, I was
placed on horseback, and my foot was tied up to the saddle in a sort of
sling. Near evening we were close to the top of the dividing ridge. It
was cold and chilly, and everybody was tired with the severe exertions
of the day. Some of the emigrants sat down to rest, and declared they
could go no further. I begged them for God's sake to get over the ridge
before halting. Some one, however, set fire to a pitchy pine tree, and
the flames soon ascended to its topmost branches. The women and children
gathered about this fire to warm themselves.
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