boys and myself, augmented later by the vaqueros, a purse of over
fifty dollars was raised and placed in charge of the corporal, to
be expended in a private mass on their return to San Antonio.
Meanwhile the herd and saddle stock had started, and reloading
the wagon, we cast a last glance at the little mound which made a
new landmark on the old trail.

The owner of the cattle was elated over the restoration of order.
My contempt for him, however, had not decreased; the old maxim of
fools rushing in where angels feared to tread had only been again
exemplified. The inferior races may lack in courage and
leadership, but never in cunning and craftiness. This alien
outfit had detected some weakness in the armor of their new
employer, and when the emergency arose, were ready to take
advantage of the situation. Yet under an old patron, these same
men would never dare to mutiny or assert themselves. That there
were possible breakers ahead for this cowman there was no doubt;
for every day that those Mexicans traveled into a strange
country, their Aztec blood would yearn for their Southern home.
And since the unforeseen could not be guarded against, at the
first opportunity I warned the stranger that it was altogether
too soon to shout. To his anxious inquiries I replied that his
very presence with the herd was a menace to its successful
handling by the Mexican outfit. He should throw all
responsibility on the foreman, or take charge himself, which was
impossible now; for an outfit which will sulk and mutiny once
will do so again under less provocation. When my curtain lecture
was ended, the owner authorized me to call his outfit together
and give them such instructions as I saw fit.