"Valga me, Dios, Senor!
What an experience was that trip to Arizona! It began and ended with
disappointment and disaster. All the men of our party seemed to have
lost their wits from the greed of gold. They began by hurrying. Those
who had the best mounts rushed on ahead, carrying the Indian along
with them, and strove to leave their companions who were not so well
mounted behind. The first night's camp had of necessity to be made at
a point on the Rio Puerco, distant about thirty-five miles. As the
last men rode into camp, the first comers were already making ready
to leave again. In vain I remonstrated and commanded. There was a
fight, and not until several men were seriously wounded came they to
their senses and obeyed my orders. I threatened to leave them and
return home, for I knew very well that unless our party kept together
we were sure to be ambushed and attacked. I cautioned my companions
as they valued their lives to watch the Navajo and shoot him on the
spot at the first sign of treachery. This devil of an Indian led us
over terrible trails, across the roughest and highest peaks and the
deepest canyons of a wild, broken country. He seemed to be on the
lookout ever for an opportunity to escape, but I did not give him the
chance.
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