AMBUSH

Now we were past the most dangerous part of our journey, leaving the
Comanche country and entering the domain of the Ute Indians and other
tribes, who were not as brave as the Arapahoes and Comanches. Here
our caravan-formation was broken up and each outfit traveled
separately at its own risk.

The next day we witnessed a most horrible and distressing sight.
Willingly would I surrender several years of my allotted lifetime on
earth if I could thereby efface forever the awful impression of this
pitiful tragedy from my memory. Alas I that I was fated to behold the
shocking sight! For days thereafter we plodded on, a sad-looking,
sober, downhearted lot of men, grieved to distraction, and there I
left the innocence of boyhood--wiser surely, but not better! We
neared the still smoking ruins of what had once been a happy home. As
I approached to gratify my curiosity, I met several of my companions,
who were returning and who implored me not to go nearer. An old
Mexican, ignorant, rough, and callous as he was, begged me, with
tears streaming down his face, to retrace my steps. Alas, when would
impulsive youth ever listen to wise counsel and take heed! I entered
the ruins and saw a dark telltale pool oozing forth from under the
door of a cellar. Oh, had I but then overcome my morbid curiosity and
fled! But no! I must needs open the door and look in. I saw--I saw a
beautiful whiskey barrel, its belly bursted and its head stove in!

The trip across the plains was a very healthful and pleasant
experience to me. During the greatest heat and while the moon favored
us, we often traveled at night and rested in daytime. By foregoing my
rest, I found opportunity to hunt antelope and smaller game. I was