220 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



Descending a broken ridge, they at once struck into a 

 distinct and tolerably well-worn track, into which the 

 cavallada turned as easily and instinctively as if they 

 had all their lives been accustomed to travel on beaten 

 roads. Along this they travelled merrily their delight 

 being, however, alloyed by frequent indications that 

 hunger and thirst had done their work on the mules 

 and horses of the caravans which had preceded them on 

 the trail. They happened to strike it in the centre of 

 a long stretch of desert, extending sixty miles without 

 either water or pasture ; and many animals had 

 perished here, leaving their bones to bleach upon the 

 plain. The soil was sandy, but rocks and stones 

 covered the surface, disabling the feet of many of the 

 young horses and mules ; several of which, at this early 

 stage of the journey, were already abandoned. .Traces 

 of the wretched Diggers became very frequent ; these 

 abject creatures resorting to the sandy plains for the 

 purpose of feeding upon the lizards which there abound. 

 As yet they did not show ; only at night they prowled 

 around the camp, waiting a favourable opportunity to 

 run the animals. In the present instance, however, 

 many of the horses having been left on the road, the 

 Diggers found so plentiful a supply of meat as to render 

 unnecessary any attack upon the formidable moun- 

 taineers. 



One evening the Americans had encamped, earlier 

 than usual, on a creek well-timbered with willow and 

 quaking-ash, and affording tolerable pasture ; and 

 although it was still rather early, they determined to 



