102 MOJAVE VALLEY TO BIG CANON—DEPARTURE OF IRETEBA. 
miles through a difficult and intricate maze of ravines, and then climbed a side hill, and in a 
most unexpected place pointed out a little spring. There was a sufficiency of water, and 
tolerable grass near by. The second Hualpais came back during the evening, and seemed also 
to be astonished that we should have had trouble in finding what to him was so familiar. They 
both professed a determination to accompany the train, and Ireteba told me that it was time 
for himself and companions to return. 
This morning the Mojaves left us. I gave them three mules, and a large part of the 
remaining stock of Indian goods. Ireteba in particular was loaded with presents, every one 
being desirous to give him something. He is the best Indian that I have ever known. He is 
perfectly unobtrusive, and is the only one that has never begged for anything. He has proved 
to me, as he did to Lieutenant Whipple, a faithful guide. He seemed sorry to separate from 
us, but informed me, in a confidential way, that the Hualpais were great scoundrels, and that 
it would not be safe for himself and friends to go further from their own tribe. He said that 
they would certainly be watched during their return; and if not vigilant, would lose both their 
presents and their lives, and that they were going to travel, for two days, without rest or 
sleep. I gave them a bag of provisions and some cooking utensils, and packing all of 
their presents upon the mules they departed, much gratified with the termination of their 
expedition. 
The Hualpais spring was upon one of the hills that form the southwestern boundary of the 
great plateau through which the Colorado and its tributaries flow. In these hills the side 
cafions head, and their course can be traced for a long distance, as they bury themselves deeper 
and deeper in the bowels of the mesa. 
A bluff nearly a thousand feet high had to be ascended in order to reach the summit of the 
plateau. It was so steep that some of the mules gave out, and had to have their packs 
removed, and all were so much exhausted that we were compelled to stop when only an hour’s 
journey from a camp where the Hualpais told us we would find water. 
Since attaining the summit the road has been good, and has traversed a slightly undulating 
park, covered with luxuriant grass, and interspersed with cedar groves, where deer, antelope, 
and hare have been startled by the approach of the train from their shady coverts. The whole 
system of cafions has again been visible, extending in immense perspective to the north and 
east. , 
