Among the many colorful figures who shaped the early American West, few stories are as enduringly humorous and frustrating as Frank Cluggage’s weary walk in Nevada. This tale, originating from the 1891 Reno Evening Gazette, chronicles a memorable journey through the unforgiving Nevada desert, where a respected stage business pioneer learned a humbling lesson about the cunning of a seemingly docile mule.
Frank Cluggage: A Pillar of Nevada’s Stage Business
Frank Cluggage was a prominent figure in the burgeoning stagecoach industry of early Nevada and along the Pacific coast. Widely recognized by the traveling public, he was celebrated for his quiet, unobtrusive demeanor and, more significantly, his unimpeachable financial stability. Rumors suggested Cluggage had amassed considerable wealth early in his career, a fortune he meticulously maintained without ever experiencing a loss. This robust financial standing afforded him immense prestige, enabling him to handpick reliable employees who, in turn, contributed to his sustained success in a challenging and competitive business.
However, Cluggage was equally known for his parsimonious habits. His thrifty nature often led him to adopt economical methods that, at times, resulted in personal inconvenience, a trait that would famously lead to his legendary weary walk in Nevada.
An Economical Detour: Columbus to San Antonio
On one particular occasion, Frank Cluggage sought to optimize his mail route operations. The mail service from Columbus in Esmeralda County to San Antonio in Nye County was only tri-weekly, and Cluggage, ever keen to save time and resources, decided to undertake the journey himself on one of the off days. His chosen mode of transport was a mule, an economical and sturdy beast, a decision that would soon prove to be a test of his patience and endurance.
Setting out from Columbus in the quiet hours of the early morning, Cluggage found himself alone with his long-eared companion. The initial hours of the journey were pleasant enough; the route was, and largely remains, a desolate path devoid of other travelers. Frank Cluggage indulged in a cigar, conversing with his mule, whom he affectionately named Tom, believing he had forged a benevolent rapport with the creature. Tom, for his part, seemed to enjoy the attention, jogging along in a docile and unproblematic manner, exhibiting “no tricks that are vain.” Frank, perhaps, allowed his confidence in his relationship with the animal to overshadow his seasoned judgment.
The Deceptive Oasis: A Fateful Encounter
The road traversed vast stretches of dreary alkali desert, where watering places were few and far between, and human habitation was utterly absent. As Cluggage neared the majority of his journey, approximately 25 miles from San Antonio, he arrived at the last available watering spot. This vital resource was a shallow well situated amidst the desolate landscape, notably lacking a well rope. To facilitate access for travelers, a sloping path had been cut down to the water’s edge, and the stage company thoughtfully maintained a bucket there for watering livestock.
Upon reaching this crucial point at noon, both Frank and Tom the mule were parched. Cluggage dismounted, and finding nothing suitable to hitch the mule to, he left Tom standing at the top of the incline. Descending the path, Frank first quenched his own thirst before retrieving a bucketful of water for Tom.
The Mule’s Cunning and Frank’s Ordeal
Tom, incredibly dry, eagerly drank the first bucketful in rapid succession. Frank, observing the mule’s insatiable thirst, promptly fetched a second bucket, which vanished just as quickly. As he returned for a third, a sudden stumble near the surface startled the mule. With a snort, Tom bolted, heading directly down the road towards San Antonio.
Frank, dropping the bucket, immediately gave chase, attempting to coax the mule with gentle calls of “Who-a Tom, who-a.” But Tom was not to be placated. Keeping a watchful eye on Frank, the mule maintained a precise distance, jogging just out of reach. He meticulously regulated his pace to match Frank’s, whether fast or slow, always remaining a tantalizing few yards ahead. The afternoon sun beat down relentlessly, and Frank soon found himself drenched in perspiration, as if enduring a Turkish bath. The mule, unburdened by a rider, continued his journey with provoking coolness.
The Frustrating Pursuit
Cluggage tried every strategy he could devise, but the mule appeared to possess an almost human intelligence combined with brute cunning. Frank’s kind words, “Who-a Tom who-a now, who-a,” fell on deaf ears. Tom steadfastly refused to come within grasp. Finally, Frank’s patience completely evaporated. With a surge of genuine frustration, he exclaimed, “D—n your pelt, if I ever get hold of you, I’ll break your neck.”
Tom, however, remained unimpressed by the threat. For the entire twenty-five miles that remained of the journey, he maintained his lead, always just a few yards ahead of his fuming owner. As nightfall descended, Tom pricked up his ears, sensing the distant station, and broke into a brisk trot. He quickly disappeared from sight, leaving Frank Cluggage alone on the vast, dark desert, feeling his way through the terrain.
The Long-Kept Secret and Legacy
Fortunately, the station keeper at San Antonio soon caught the runaway mule. Realizing that the rider must be in distress, he promptly returned along the route to search for Frank. He eventually located Cluggage, who, still seething with anger and humiliation, refused to disclose the exact distance he had been forced to walk. This refusal, perhaps, inadvertently spared the mule from further retribution. Frank Cluggage never spoke of his extraordinary desert tramp with a mule leading the way until many years later, once the sting of the incident had faded into anecdote.
Conclusion: A Frontier Anecdote
Frank Cluggage’s weary walk in Nevada stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of frontier life and the often-unforeseen challenges that even the most seasoned pioneers faced. While known for his financial acumen and calm demeanor, this episode revealed a rare glimpse into the personal frustrations that could arise in the raw and untamed landscape of the Old West. It’s a humorous yet poignant reminder that even the most accomplished individuals could be humbled by a stubborn mule and the vast, indifferent desert. This story, passed down through generations, ensures that Frank Cluggage is remembered not just for his business prowess but also for his unforgettable, involuntary trek across the Nevada desert, a true legend of the frontier.
