LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 159 



carrying Walker, who was better acquainted with the 

 country than the others ; another hunter of considerable 

 distinction in the band, on a large mule, rode by his side. 

 Then followed the cavallada, jumping and frisking with 

 each other, stopping whenever a blade of grass showed, 

 and constantly endeavouring to break away to green 

 patches which sometimes presented themselves in the 

 plains. Behind the troop, urging them on by dint of loud 

 cries and objurgations, rode six mountaineers, keeping as 

 much as possible in a line. Two others were on each flank 

 to repress all attempts to wander, and keep the herd in a 

 compact body. In this order the caravan had been crossing 

 a broken country, up and down ridges, all day, the animals 

 giving infinite trouble to their drivers, when a loud shout 

 from the advanced guard put them all upon the gui-vive. 

 Old Walker was seen to brandish the rifle over his head 

 and point before him, and presently the cry of " The trail ! 

 the trail !" gladdened all hearts with the anticipation of 

 a respite from the harassing labour of mule-driving. De- 

 scending 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. 



