They were running a "base line" to the west and had to continue for several days. The burnt prairie did not offer an inviting condition for feed for their horses and mules. But it so transpired that some natural obstruction had broken the progress of the flames at nearly every natural camping place, leaving a spot of unburned prairie. In one place the grass had been flattened down by a herd of cattle that had bedded there for a night, and this did not burn.

Hunting Water Places In the early part of June, 1880, Mr. Harvey and his party were working near the head of Winter creek draw in Sioux county. They had followed the south line of township twenty-five to section 33 in range 54, where they established camp. Near them was a pile of rocks that had been put up by a previously passing party, marking a corner on the edge of a bluff. They needed water, and the notes left by the preceding party said there was a spring threequarters of a mile to the southward. A search failed to reveal its location. About 120 chains south was the head of Winter creek draw, but no water. To the north was a high rocky ridge. They got along with the meagre supply of water on hand, postponing further search until the following day.

The Mirage

In the dawn they witnessed the most remarkable mirage that was ever witnessed in western Nebraska. Two or three hundred miles to the southwest were Long's peak, Pike's peak, and the Mountain of the Holy Cross ; and they were standing out plainly and distinctly visible to the naked eye.