liquor to Indians and that he was liable to be arrested at any time
should a patrol from the fort happen our way. As the Mexican was
frightened now, we took to the road in a hurry and traveled until a
late hour that night. In fact, we did not stop until the cattle were
exhausted.

Hardly had we prepared our camp and were sitting around our fire,
when a horde of Indians appeared, clamoring for whiskey. As they were
armed and threatening, Don Juan became so terrified that he climbed
to the interior of a wagon to comply with the demand of the savages.
When I saw this, I drew my rifle from its place under my bedding and
placed it in readiness. Plainly I saw Don Juan come out of the wagon
with the mischievous stone jug, as this happened in the bright light
of our camp fire. That will never do, thought I, and quickly drawing
my revolver, I persuaded the Don to drop the jug, incidentally
smashing it with a 44 caliber bullet, taking care not to hurt
anybody; and this was easily done, as the jug was a large one, it
held three gallons. Instantaneously I grabbed my Winchester, and with
my back against a wagon stood ready for action. The Indians uttered a
howl of disappointment when they saw the jug collapse and its
precious contents wasted, but were silenced by an exclamation of
their chief. After an excited pow-wow between themselves, they
disappeared among the hills in the shadows of the night.

"Muchas gracias, senor Americana," said Don Juan, "quien sabe?" What
would have happened if the Indians had gotten the liquor, which I
dared not refuse them; but I think this ends our troubles. We passed
a sleepless night, and long before sunrise Don Juan made preparations
for our departure.