eam, followed by a rapid discharge of fire-arms. In the river,
less than a quarter of a mile distant, were several objects making
their way towards the western shore. When near the bank, and in
shoaling water, we saw the objects rise, until three Indians and three
ponies stood revealed. As soon as they reached the shore the men
sprang into their saddles and rode rapidly away.

A shout from our rear caused us to look towards the shore we had just
left, and we saw the post-adjutant sitting on his horse on the
embankment. He said: "Three Navajos have escaped from the guard. Send
word to Captain Bayard to try to recapture them. If they get away they
will rouse their people against you, and your march through their
country will be difficult."

[Illustration: "MOUNTED, THE BOYS PRESENTED A WARLIKE APPEARANCE"]

I wrote a brief message, handed it to Corporal Frank, and when the
boat touched the western landing he dashed off at full speed in the
direction of camp.

The afternoon was well advanced when Henry and I, with the infantry,
entered the first camp of our march. We found Frank awaiting our
arrival, and learned from him that Captain Bayard had sent two
detachments of cavalry in pursuit of the Indians, and that they had
returned after a fruitless attempt to follow the trail.

On our first evening in camp many of the officers and civilians
gathered in groups about the fires for protection against the
mosquitoes, to smoke, to discuss the route, and to relate incidents of
other marches. Captain Bayard took from his baggage a violin, and,
retiring a little apart, sawed desperately at a difficult and
apparently unconquerable exercise. There I found him at the end of a
tour of inspection of train and animals, and obtained his sanction to
a plan for the employment of the boy corporals.

I proceeded to tell the boys what their duties would be. Corporal
Frank was to see to the providing of wood, water, and grass while we
were on the march. He was further instructed that he was to conform
his movements to mine, and act as my messenger between the train, the
main body, and the rear guard. These were to be his regular duties,
but he was to hold himself in readiness for other service, and be on
the alert for any emergency.

The odometer with which to measure the distance to Prescott was placed
in charge of Corporal Henry, and he was told to strap this to the
spokes near the hub of the right hind wheel of the last wagon in the