ELDORADO 105 



the libaility to a seismic disturbance was confirmed by 

 numerous hot springs, reached during the afternoon 

 march. A number of miles before they were reached 

 a large volume of steam was seen arising in the direc- 

 tion we were traveling and the wonder increased to 

 learn the cause. Upon approaching the spot, we dis- 

 covered a large number of bubbling, boiling hot springs 

 distributed over from one to two acres of ground. 

 They were indeed a remarkable curiosity. They were 

 in the form of natural wells, from five to six feet 

 across, and ten to twenty feet deep, the water perfectly 

 clear and strongly impregnated with sulphur. While 

 they came to the surface, there was no overflow. 



On the third day of our march to the south we ar- 

 rived opposite what was evidently a feasible passage 

 through the mountains, which was a welcome sight. 

 Turning squarely to the right we ascended by a not 

 very difficult passage several miles to the summit of the 

 pass and went into camp for the night. There was 

 plenty of fuel but no water. Our canteens supplied our 

 present needs, and the animals would not suffer until 

 morning, when we were hopeful water would be found 

 at no great distance. 



At daybreak two of the boys started to prospect, tak- 

 ing canteens and one of the horses. About a mile from 

 camp they discovered a spring, and while stooping in 

 the act of filling their canteens they were fired upon 

 by a party of Indians that had undoubtedly passed the 

 night in that vicinity and saw the boys as they ap- 

 proached the spring. One of them immediately mount- 

 ed his horse and attempted to make his escape, where- 

 upon a shower of arrows was discharged at him. While 

 the attention of the savages was directed to the horse 



