Our horses suffered and were well-nigh exhausted when we
finally sighted the coveted stream from a spur of the Mogollon range
which we were then descending. The stream glistened and shone like
gold in the distance, under the hot rays of a noonday sun and my
companions would have made a dash for the coveted goal if their
horses had not been utterly exhausted and footsore. As it was, I had
the greatest trouble to calm them. Arriving at the last and steepest
declivity of the trail, I succeeded in halting the party long enough
to listen to my words. 'Companions,' I said, 'hear me before you rush
on! I shall stay here with this Indian, whom you will first tie to
this mesquite tree. Now you may go, and may the saints deliver you
from your evil passion and folly. Mind you, senores, I claim an equal
share with you in whatever gold you may find. If any one objects, let
him come forth and say so now, man to man. I shall hold the trail for
those among you who would haply choose to return. Forsooth,
companions, I like not the actions of this Indian. Beware the Apache,
senores; remember we are in the Tonto's own country!'
"From my position I witnessed the exciting race to the banks of the
stream, and saw plainly how eagerly my companions worked with pick
and pan.
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