THE COPPER MINES. 
297 
The stream was now dry, but water was found in the 
spring near at hand. 
June In crossing the ridge of hills which sepa- 
rated us from Las Playas^ the cart took a side lurch 
and broke down, every spoke giving way and the wheel 
crushing to pieces. As the accident was past remedy, 
the contents of the cart were distributed among the 
wagons, and we hastened on, reaching Las Play as at 
noon. Here the grass and water was so good that we 
remained until 4 o’clock, when we pushed on in order 
to accomplish that night as much as possible of the 
long distance of fifty-two miles that lay before us with- 
out water. Kept on till 10 o’clock, p. m., when we 
encamped on the arid plain. 
June The road being excellent, an early 
start and fast driving brought us to Ojo de Vaca, by 
2 o’clock, p. M. There was scarcely grass enough here 
to give our animals a feed, which was accounted for by 
one of our trains having stopped here on its way from 
the Copper Mines to Janos. 
June Vlth. Left at 3 a. m. and rode to Pachetehii, 
nineteen miles, where we gave the animals a little rest, 
and took breakfast. Resuming our j ourney, we pushed 
forward and reached the Copper Mines before noon, 
finding our party much alarmed at our long absence. 
A mail had arrived in the mean time, bringing a 
large budget of letters and newspapers ; but to my 
great disappointment, nothing was heard of Colonel 
Graham. The engineers, with their assistants, were 
still waiting, and could not enter the field until he ar- 
rived. 
June 20^^. Deeming it necessary that some steps 
