ELDORADO 307 



company had broken up into small parties, the better 

 to prospect for whatever might be found to sustain 

 life. Some were alarmed at their situation, but there 

 was no use crying ; there was nothing but death behind 

 them ; no hope where they were. Some would have 

 lain down to die, but for the encouragement of the 

 more hopeful. One of the party, being entirely out 

 of water, cut open with a small hatchet he was carry- 

 ing a "turk's head" cactus which was found to be, in 

 the inside, of a pulpy consistence and contained water 

 not unlike that of a watermelon. The only food now 

 to be had was the fruit of the prickly pear. These 

 contained a mucilaginous substance quite nutritious. 

 Some would not eat them, for fear of their being pois- 

 onous, and others because of the thorns. 



About sundown a horse was discovered near the 

 trail. They drove him into a ravine where there was 

 water and shot him. After eating sufficient to satisfy 

 their wants, they cured what was left by roasting on 

 the coals. Finding the old horse saved their dog. for 

 the only reason they had not eaten him before was the 

 great attachment the owner had for him. The night 

 was spent in curing their meat which was to be their 

 only food in the future until more was secured. Some 

 were very voracious, and as a result of this surfeit of 

 horse flesh were taken violently sick. The consequence 

 of this over indulgence was that the party was com- 

 jjelled to leave two or three behind. The others pro- 

 vided for them as well as the circumstances would 

 permit. A little rice was mustered for them, and they 

 were furnished with arms and some ammunition, so 

 that in case they saw anything to shoot they would 

 be prepared. With the understanding that relief would 



