IN THE OLD WEST 155 



right bank of the stream, during which period 

 they lost one of their number, shot with an ar- 

 row whilst lying asleep within a few feet of the 

 camp-fire. 



The Navajos continually prowl along that por- 

 tion of the river which runs through the settle- 

 ments of New MexicQ, preying upon the cowardly 

 inhabitants, and running off with their cattle 

 whenever they are exposed in sufficient numbers to 

 tempt them. Whilst ascending the river, the trap- 

 pers met a party of these Indians returning to 

 their mountain homes with a large band of mules 

 and horses, which they had taken from one of the 

 Mexican towns, besides several women and chil- 

 dren, whom they had captured as slaves. The 

 main body of the trappers halting, ten of the 

 band followed and charged upon the Indians who 

 numbered at least sixty, killed seven of them, and 

 retook the prisoners and the whole cavallada of 

 horses and mules. Great were the rejoicings 

 when they entered Socorro, the town whence the 

 women and children had been taken, and as loud 

 the remonstrances when, handing them over to 

 their families, the trappers rode on, driving fifty 

 of the best of the rescued animals before them, 

 which they retained as payment for their services. 

 Messengers were sent on to Albuquerque with in- 

 telligence of the proceeding; and as troops were 

 stationed there, the commandant was applied to, 

 to chastise the insolent whites. 



