182 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



fornian guide now earnestly entreated permission to retrace his 

 steps, saying, that he should lose his life if he attempted to pass 

 the Digger country alone on his return. He pointed to a snow- 

 covered peak, at the foot of which the trail passed ; and leave 

 being accorded, he turned his horse's head toward the Mission of 

 San Fernando. 



Although the cavallada traveled, by this time, with much less 

 confusion than at first, still, from the want of a track to follow, 

 great trouble and exertion were required to keep the proper direc- 

 tion. The bell-mare led the van, carrying Walker, who was bet- 

 ter 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 con- 

 stantly endeavoring to break away to green patches which some- 

 times presented themselves in the plains. Behind the troop, urg- 

 ing them on by dint of loud cries and objurgations, rode six mount- 

 aineers, 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 giv- 

 ing infinite trouble to their drivers, when a loud shout from the 

 advanced guard put them all upon the qui-vive. Old Walker 

 was seen to brandish the rifle over his head and point before him, 

 and presently the cry of '' The trail I the trail I" gladdened all 

 hearts with the anticipation of a respite from the harassing labor 

 of mule-driving. Descending a broken ridge, they at once struck 

 into a distinct and tolerably well-worn track, into which the cav- 

 allada turned as easily and instinctively as if they had all their 

 lives been accustomed to travel on beaten roads. Along this they 

 traveled 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 wliich had preceded them on the 



