r had brought; and
having paid the men, he dismissed them, and mounted his horse.

"Now, Heliogabalus, follow me; and see that none of the baggage falls
off, you black villain," said the doctor.

The black, having examined the thongs which secured the baggage, climbed
up on the back of one of the animals, and followed us as we rode on.

"I sometimes call him Heliogabalus," said the doctor; "but he is
generally known by the name of Gab, which is a more convenient
appellation for ordinary use. I picked him up on the road to Santa Fe.
I have no great faith in his honesty; but as I wanted an attendant, I
engaged him--though I strongly suspect he is a runaway, and very likely
may be reclaimed by his owner."

"I don't admire him for his beauty," I answered. "Now tell me, doctor,
to what happy circumstance are we indebted for the pleasure of seeing
you so soon?"

"Simply because I found it dangerous to remain longer in Santa Fe," he
answered. "I got no practice,--or rather no payment from my patients;
and I thought it very probable that I should be led out and shot by the
Spaniards on suspicion of being a Liberal, as was the case with many
unfortunate people while I was there. I determined, therefore, to
continue my journey through the country, and gain a further knowledge of
its natural history and productions,--keeping, if possible, out of the
way of the combatants. I should have preferred travelling in more
peaceable times; but, as life is short, I might not have an opportunity
were I to defer my travels till the Spaniards are driven out of the
country and peace is restored."

Of course I told him that, under any circumstances, we were very glad to
see him; and it at once occurred to me, that should our captive Indian
be still alive, the doctor might by his superior skill assist to cure
him.

"I have a grand remedy, which, if he has still some breath in his body,
is almost sure to succeed," he answered.

"What is it?" I asked.

"To let nature take its course," he replied. "Perhaps your friends have
been doctoring him overmuch; but I shall judge when I see him."

It was late when we reached our house, and my father, to whom I had
before described the doctor, gave him a hearty welcome.

I was thankful to hear that the Indian was still alive, though in a very
weak state; so the doctor was at once taken in to see him. Having
examined his wound and felt his pulse, he observed,--"I see all about
it. We will