isement, and we knew it would be some time before they
could muster force enough to take our trail. Still we lost not a
moment, but travelled as fast as the ganados could be pushed forward.

In five days we reached the Barranca del Oro, and passed the old mine,
the scene of our bloody conflict. During our halt among the ruined
ranches, I strayed away from the rest, impelled by a painful curiosity
to see if aught remained of my late follower or his fellow-victim. I
went to the spot where I had last seen their bodies. Yes; two skeletons
lay in front of the shaft, as cleanly picked by the wolves as if they
had been dressed for the studio of an anatomist. It was all that
remained of the unfortunate men.

After leaving the Barranca del Oro, we struck the head waters of the Rio
Mimbres; and, keeping on the banks of that stream, followed it down to
the Del Norte. Next day we entered the pueblo of El Paso.

A scene of singular interest greeted us on our arrival. As we neared
the town, the whole population flocked out to meet us. Some had come
forth from curiosity, some to welcome us and take part in the ceremony
that hailed our triumphant return, but not a few impelled by far
different motives. We had brought with us a large number of rescued
captives--nearly fifty in all--and these were soon surrounded by a crowd
of citizens. In that crowd were yearning mothers and fond sisters,
lovers newly awakened from despair, and husbands who had not yet ceased
to mourn. There were hurried inquiries, and quick glances, that
betokened keen anxiety. There were "scenes" and shouts of joy, as each
one recognised some long-lost object of a dear affection. But there
were other scenes of a diverse character, scenes of woe and wailing; for
of many of those who had gone forth, but a few days before, in the pride
of health and the panoply of war, many came not back.

I was particularly struck with one episode--a painful one to witness.
Two women of the poblana class had laid hold upon one of the captives, a
girl of, I should think, about ten years of age. Each claimed the girl
for her daughter, and each of them held one of her arms, not rudely, but
to hinder the other from carrying her off. A crowd had encircled them,
and both the women were urging their claims in loud and plaintive voice.

One stated the age of the girl, hastily narrated the history of her
capture by the savages, and pointed to certain marks upon her person, to