DISAPPOINTMENT. 203 
‘they obtained the water of which all stood so much in 
need. 
On the night of the 23rd of August they encamped at the 
bottom of the cafion, where they found plenty of fuel, and 
grass in abundance for their animals. As they sat around 
the camp fire they lamented their failure in the San Juan 
country, and Strole began to regret that they had undertaken 
the expedition. But Baker, who was a brave, sanguine 
fellow, spoke of placers up the river about which he had 
heard, and promised. his companions that all their hopes 
should be realised, and that they should return to their 
homes to enjoy the gains and laugh at the trials of their trip. 
So glowingly did he picture the future, that his companions 
even speculated as to how they should spend their princely 
H ortunes when they returned to the States. Baker sang songs 
of home and hope, and the others lent their voices to the 
chorus till, far into the night, they sank to sleep unguarded, 
to dream of coming opulence, and to rise refreshed for the 
morrow’s journey. _ 
_ Early next morning they breakfasted, and began the ascent 
‘of the side cafion up the opposite bank to that by which they had 
entered it. Baker was in the advance with his rifle slung at 
his back, gaily springing up the rocks towards the table- 
land above. Behind him came White ; Strole, with the 
ules, brought up the rear. Nothing disturbed the stillness 
f the beautiful summer morning but the tramping of the — 
ules and the short heavy breathing of the climbers. They 
d ascended but half the distance to the top, when stopping 
ra moment to rest, suddenly the war-whoop of a band of 
vages rang out, sounding as if every rock had a demon’s 
Simultaneously with the first whoop a shower of 
ws and bullets was poured into the little party. With 
- 
