and myself, augmented later by the
vaqueros, a purse of over fifty dollars was raised and placed in charge
of the corporal, to be expended in a private mass on their return to San
Antonio. Meanwhile the herd and saddle stock had started, and reloading
the wagon, we cast a last glance at the little mound which made a new
landmark on the old trail.

The owner of the cattle was elated over the restoration of order. My
contempt for him, however, had not decreased; the old maxim of fools
rushing in where angels feared to tread had only been again exemplified.
The inferior races may lack in courage and leadership, but never in
cunning and craftiness. This alien outfit had detected some weakness
in the armor of their new employer, and when the emergency arose, were
ready to take advantage of the situation. Yet under an old patron, these
same men would never dare to mutiny or assert themselves. That there
were possible breakers ahead for this cowman there was no doubt; for
every day that those Mexicans traveled into a strange country,
their Aztec blood would yearn for their Southern home. And since the
unforeseen could not be guarded against, at the first opportunity I
warned the stranger that it was altogether too soon to shout. To his
anxious inquiries I replied that his very presence with the herd was a
menace to its successful handling by the Mexican outfit. He should throw
all responsibility on the foreman, or take charge himself, which was
impossible now; for an outfit which will sulk and mutiny once will do
so again under less provocation. When my curtain lecture was ended,
the owner authorized me to call his outfit together and give them such
instructions as I saw fit.

We sighted our cattle but once during the afternoon. On locating the
herd, two of my boys left us to return, hearing the message that the
rest of us might not put in an appearance before morning. All during
the evening, I made it a point to cultivate the acquaintance of several
vaqueros, and learned the names of their master and rancho. Taking my
cue from the general information gathered, when we encamped for the
night and all hands, with the exception of those on herd, had
finished catching horses, I attracted their attention by returning the
six-shooter taken from their corporal at noontime. Commanding attention,
in their mother tongue I addressed myself to the Mexican foreman.

"Felipe Esquibil," said I, looking him boldly in the face, "you were
fo