204 NEW TRACKS IN NORTH AMERICA. 
the first fire Baker fell against a rock, but, rallying for a’ 
moment, he unslung his carbine and fired at the Indians, who 
now began to show themselves in large numbers, and then, 
with the blood flowing from his mouth, he fell to the ground 
White, firing at the Indians as he advanced and followed b 
Strole, hurried to the aid of his wounded leader. Baker, with ar 
effort, turned to his comrades and said with his last breath, 
‘“‘ Back, boys, back! save yourselves; I am dying.” To the 
credit of White and Strole be it said, they faced the savages 
and fought till the last tremor of the powerful frame told 
them that Baker was dead. | 
Then slowly they began to retreat, followed by the exultant 
Indians, who, stopping to strip and mutilate the dead body 
in their path, gave the white men a chance to secure their 
animals, and retrace their steps into the side cafion, beyond 
the immediate reach of the Indians’ arrows. Here they held 
a hurried consultation. To the east, for 300 miles, stretched an. 
uninhabited country, over which, if they attempted to escape’ 
in that direction, the Indians, like bloodhounds, would follow 
their track. North, south, and west, was the Colorado with 
its tributaries, all flowing through deep chasms across which 
it would be impossible for men or animals to travel. Their 
deliberations were necessarily short, and resulted in a decision 
to abandon the animals—first securing their arms, a small 
stock of provisions, and the ropes or lariots of the mules. 
Through the descending side cajion they travelled due west 
for four hours, and emerged at last on a low strip of bottom: — 
land on Grand River, above which, for 2,000 feet on either 
bank, the cold grey walls rose to block their path, leaving 
to them but one avenue for escape—the dashing current of 
the river. 
snd found considerable quantities of drift-wood along the 
