THE ENCHANTED MESA 



281 



The reconnaissance of the eastern rim was continued north- 

 ward and of the western edge sovithward, but no further evi- 

 dences of aboriginal occupancy were observed. The sun was 

 lowering, so that we were compelled to suspend the investigation 

 in order to make preparation for our night's camp. After sup- 

 per, Mr Vroman and Mr Hayt built a huge fire, for the evening 

 air at this altitude is very chilly. We passed the night in ques- 

 tionable comfort and were out of our blankets at dawn. After 

 a hasty breakfast, we immediately began a survey of the mesa 



-THE ENCHANTED MESA FROM THE SOUTHEAST 



rim, and while thus engaged were somewhat surprised to find 

 three Acomas among us. They were scarcely friendly at first; 

 indeed, according to the story of our two Lagunas, who had 

 spent the night in the camp below, they had seen our fire and 

 had come with the avowed intention of compelling us to de- 

 scend, even if they had to threaten to cut down our ladder. A 

 little explanation, however, coupled with the information that 

 Ave kept our coffee and sugar in a crevice beyond the camp fire, 

 soon appeased any wrath that may have been concealed in their 

 bosoms and induced communicativeness. 

 These three natives were Luciano Cristoval, teniente of the 



