There was water in abundance. A branch of the San Pedro swept past the
walls of the mission. There were yams in the spoliated gardens; there
were grapes, and pomegranates, and quinces, and melons, and pears, and
peaches, and apples; and with all these was our repast garnished.

It was soon over, and videttes were thrown out on the tracks that led to
the ruin. The men were weak and weary with their late fasting, and in a
short while stretched themselves by their saddles and slept.

So much for our first night at the mission of San Pedro.

We were to remain for three days, or until the buffalo meat should be
dried for packing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

They were irksome days to me. Idleness displayed the bad qualities of
my half-savage associates. The ribald jest and fearful oath rang
continually in my ears, until I was fain to wander off to the woods with
the old botanist, who, during these three days, revelled in the happy
excitement of discovery.

I found companionship also in the Maricopa. This strange man had
studied science deeply, and was conversant with almost every noted
author. He was reserved only when I wished him to talk of himself.

Seguin during these days was taciturn and lonely. He took but little
heed of what was going on around him. He seemed to be suffering from
impatience, as every now and then he paid a visit to the tasajo. He
passed many hours upon the adjacent heights, looking anxiously towards
the east: that point whence our spies would come in from the Pinon.

There was an azotea on the ruin. I was in the habit of seeking this
place at evening after the sun had grown less fervid. It afforded a
fine prospect of the valley; but its chief attraction to me lay in the
retirement I could there obtain. The hunters rarely climbed up to it,
and their wild and licenced converse was unheard for the time. I used
to spread my blanket among the crumbling parapets, and stretched upon
it, deliver myself up to the sweet retrospect, or to still sweeter
dreams that my fancy outlined upon the future. There was one object on
my memory: upon that object only did my hopes dwell.

I need not make this declaration; at least to those who have truly
loved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the programme placed before me by Seguin, I had not bargained for
such wanton cruelties as I was now compelled to wit