,' I fear."

"The mail-rider, Hudson, has seen no signs for a long time."

"So he told me. The excursion would be a big treat to the lads, and,
with a good escort and you in command, Duncan, I think they will be
in no danger. Tell the adjutant to detail a corporal and any twelve
men you may select, and take an ambulance and driver."

"Shall I go by Bill Williams Fork or across the Xuacaxella?"

"The desert route is the shortest, and the courier says there is water
in the Hole-in-the-Plain. There was a rainfall there last week. That
will give you water at the end of each day's drive."

I returned to my rooms and looked over an itinerary of the route, with
a schedule of the distances, and other useful information. After
making myself familiar with all its peculiarities, I told Frank and
Henry that if they desired to do so they might accompany me.

They were overjoyed at the prospect. Henry caught Vic by the forepaws
and began to waltz about the room. Then, sitting down, he held her
head up between his palms and informed her that she was going to bring
back Sancho and Chiquita.

"I do not intend to take Vic, Henry," I said.

"Not take Vic? Why not, sir?"

"The road is long and weary--six days going and six returning, over a
rough and dry region--and she will be in the way and a constant care
to us."

"But how are we going to find our horses without her? She always helps
whenever we are in trouble, and she will be sure to assist us in this
if we take her," said Sergeant Henry, emphatically.

"She need be no care to you, sir," said the elder boy; "Henry and I
will look after her."

"I am sorry to disappoint you, boys, but I cannot take the dog. She
will be left with Captain Bayard."

This decision made the boys somewhat miserable for a time. They
commiserated the dog over her misfortune, and then turned their
attention to preparations for the journey.

"Have you ever been to La Paz?" asked Frank.

"I have never been beyond Date Creek in that direction," I replied.

"Is the Xuacaxella really a desert?"

"Only in the rainless season. Grasses, cacti, and shrubbery not
needing much moisture grow there. One of the geological surveys calls
it Cactus Plain. It is one hundred miles long. There is water in a
fissure of a mountain-spur on one side called the Cisternas Negras,
or Black Tanks, but for the rest of the distance there was formerly no
water except in depressions after a rainfall, a supply that quickly