a magnificent
view. To the north are the Pinaleno mountains, with towering Mt.
Graham in their midst, that are nearly eleven thousand feet high and
lie dark in the shadows of their dense pine forests. Far to the south
rise the rugged Chiricahuas, and nearby stands bald Dos Cabezas, whose
giant double head of granite can be seen as a conspicuous landmark over
a wide scope of country. The distance across the Pass as the crow
flies is, perhaps, fifty miles. Beyond these peaks other mountains
rise in majestic grandeur and bound the horizon in every direction.

At the time that the ranch was located the Pass country was considered
uninhabitable because of the scarcity of water and the presence of
hostile Indians. No permanent spring nor stream of water was known to
exist in that whole region, but fine gramma grass grew everywhere. Its
suitability as a cattle range was recognized and caused it to be
thoroughly prospected for water, which resulted in the discovery of
several hidden springs. All of the springs found, but one, were
insignificant and either soon went dry or fluctuated with the seasons;
but the big spring, known as Pinaleno, was worth finding, and flows a
constant stream of pure, soft water that fills a four-inch iron pipe.

When the spring was discovered not a drop of water was visible upon the
surface, and a patch of willows was the only indication of concealed
moisture. By sinking a shallow well only a few feet deep among the
willows, water was struck as it flowed through coarse gravel over a
buried ledge of rock that forced the water up nearly to the surface
only to sink again in the sand without being seen. A ditch was dug to
the well from below and an iron pipe laid in the trench, through which
the water is conducted into a reservoir that supplies the water troughs.

Again, when the ranch was opened the Indians were bad in the vicinity
and had been actively hostile for some time. The ranch is on a part of
the old Chiricahua reservation that was once the home and hunting
grounds of the tribe of Chiricahua Apaches, the most bold and warlike
of all the southwest Indians. Cochise was their greatest warrior, but
he was only one among many able Apache chieftains. He was at one time
the friend of the white man, but treachery aroused his hatred and
caused him to seek revenge on every white man that crossed his path.

His favorite haunt was Apache Pass, a convenient spot that was
favorable for conceal