104 NEW TRACKS IN NORTH AMERICA. 
Van Alstine’s old charger had by this time broken down 
_ completely. He could, in fact, go no further ; but we spied a 
very fat and docile-looking mule disporting himself near the 
mill. Now, amongst the gentlemén of Tucson who were most, 
ready to assist me on my trip, and who gave me introduc- 
tions which I found most useful, none was more kind than 
Dr. Lord. Not only had Dr. Lord all the practice of he 
place, but he seemed to have monopolised most of the busi- 
ness also; and so active a mind found no difficulty in com- 
bining the professions of general merchant and physician with 
great ease and profit. He was also superintendent of this 
defunct mining company, and owned the mule of which ve 
stood so much in need. I therefore persuaded his servant 
to lend us the mule for the trip, to be returned by Van 
Alstine some time within the space of three ménths. It has 
without it—so I hope that, as books nowadays travel evel 
further than those who write them, this expression of the 
deep obligation I am under to him will some day reach him, 
even at Tucson. 7 
The account given us of the country ahead by the man i ; 
charge of the mill led us to change our course. The trail 
leading to the head of the Altar River crossed a divide quite” 
impassable for any railroad, but we heard from him that” 
through the wide valley which lay to the east of the Babo- | 
quivari Peak, an almost level pass led into Sonora, and that aq 
trail to Altar went that way. This route was generally, 1 
may say, impracticable for travellers, from scarcity of water; 
but, as luck would have it, we had heavy showers three days _ 
in succession, so we concluded to take this latter route, at 
