14 SADDLE AND CAMP 



come and entertainment for the night, with one 

 other guest, a Mr. Searle, a young geologist 

 making scientific studies in the vicinity, with 

 a view to the location of underground water 

 supplies that might be utilized for irrigation. 



Shortly after our arrival, John Lewis, my 

 guide, appeared. He had arranged with a 

 nearby ranchman to bring horses to the village 

 the next morning for our inspection, but when 

 at the appointed time this ranchman and an- 

 other came in with animals, the prices asked 

 were so exorbitant that Lewis declined to con- 

 sider them. The men had learned of my com- 

 ing and my need and had decided to take ad- 

 vantage of the opportunity to reap a harvest 

 from a tenderfoot. 



Fortunately I had secured "Button," and as 

 Lewis had a fine young saddle horse of his own, 

 we required but one other as a pack animal ; for 

 our entire outfit, including tent, bedding, and 

 food, did not much exceed one hundred pounds 

 in weight. A consultation was held, and it was 

 decided to retreat to Taylor in the hope of se- 

 curing a suitable pony in that more populous 

 settlement. 



It was past noon when Taylor was reached. 

 A canvass of the town was made, and presently 

 a clownish little white pony was offered us at 



