pass
it with that number."

And without appearing to notice the scowling looks of his followers, he
proceeded, in company with Rube and several others, to execute the
command he had given.

The indignation of the hunters now showed itself in open mutiny. Fierce
looks were exchanged, and threats uttered aloud.

"By Heaven!" cried one, "I'll have my gal along, or her scalp."

"Vaya!" exclaimed another, in Spanish; "why take any of them? They're
not worth the trouble, after all. There's not one of them worth the
price of her own hair."

"Take the har then, and leave the niggurs!" suggested a third.

"I say so too."

"And I."

"I vote with you, hoss."

"Comrades!" said Seguin, turning to the mutineers, and speaking in a
tone of extreme mildness, "remember your promise. Count the prisoners,
as we agreed. I will answer for the payment of all."

"Can ye pay for them now?" asked a voice.

"You know that that would be impossible."

"Pay for them now! Pay for them now!" shouted several.

"Cash or scalps, says I."

"Carrajo! where is the captain to get the money when we reach El Paso
more than here? He's neither a Jew nor a banker; and it's news to me if
he's grown so rich. Where, then, is all the money to some from?"

"Not from the Cabildo, unless the scalps are forthcoming; I'll warrant
that."

"True, Jose! They'll give no money to him, more than to us; and we can
get it ourselves if we show the skins for it. That we can."

"Wagh! what cares he for us, now that he has got what he wanted?"

"Not a niggur's scalp. He wouldn't let us go by the Prieto, when we kud
'a gathered the shining stuff in chunks."

"Now he wants us to throw away this chance too. We'd be green fools to
do it, I say."

It struck me at this moment that I might interfere, with success. Money
seemed to be what the mutineers wanted; at least it was their alleged
grievance; and rather than witness the fearful drama which appeared to
be on the eve of enactment, I would have sacrificed my fortune.

"Men!" cried I, speaking so that I could be heard above the din, "if you
deem my word worth listening to, it is this: I have sent a cargo to
Chihuahua with the last caravan. By the time we get back to El Paso the
traders will have returned, and I shall be placed in possession of funds
double what you demand. If you will accept my promise, I shall see that
you be paid."

"Wagh! that talk's all very well, but what do we know of you