see 
RETURN TO CHIHUAHUA. 129 
this was —_—- in accordance with his 
orders, and politely tendered me an escort of 
five or six soldiers, who should be placed 
under my command, to strengthen us against 
the Indians, that were known to infest our 
route. Thanking him for his favor, I at once 
started for Chihuahua, leaving the wagons to 
continue slowly on the journey, and the amia- 
ble captain with his band of valientes to re- 
trace their steps at leisure towards the capital. 
Late on the evening of the third day, I 
reached the city, and put up at the American 
Fonda, where I was fortunate enough to meet 
with my friend Artalejo, who at once proposed 
that we should proceed forthwith to the Gov- 
ernor’s house. When we found ourselves in 
the presence of his excellency, my valued 
friend began by remarking that I had returned 
according to orders, and that he would an- 
swer for me with his person and property; and 
then, without even waiting for a reply, he turn- 
ed to me and expressed a hope that I would 
make his house my residence while [ remain- 
ed in the city. I could not, of course, de- 
cline so friendly an invitation, particularly as 
I thought it probable that, being virtually my 
bail, he might prefer to have me near his per- 
son. But, as soon as we reached the street, 
he very promptly removed that suspicion 
from my mind. “I invite you to my house,” 
said he, “as a friend, and not asa prisoner. If 
you have any business to transact, do not hold 
yourself under the least restraint. To-morrow 
I will see the affair satisfactorily settled.” 
