448 
ILLNESS AND 
the trail of the robbers ; and about midnight, on reach- 
ing the top of a hill which overlooked a valley, they 
discovered the enemy below them, lying asleep around 
their camp fires ; while at a short distance, their herd 
of stolen animals were grazing. A small party sent 
down the hill to reconnoitre ascertained that the Indi- 
ans were but twelve in number. It was then proposed 
by the American, that he, with such others as would 
venture with him, should approach as near as possible, 
and each pick off his man ; which should be a signal 
for the rest to rush forward and overwhelm them. The 
plan was agreed to, but only two Mexicans and one 
Opate boy, would venture to accompany the Ameri- 
can. 
The four crept quietly to within fifteen paces of the 
Indian camp, and took their position behind some 
bushes for concealment. Just as they were preparing 
to fire, a tremendous shout was heard, with a confused 
discharge of fire-arms from the party left on the hill. 
The Indians sprang at once to their feet and ran some 
paces back, leaving their bows and lances ; but finding 
they were not pursued, they soon ran back and secured 
them. The small party of four, who were thus placed 
in an awkward predicament, endeavored to make good 
their retreal, dodging behind rocks and bushes, and 
occasionally discharging their guns at their pursuers, 
who were armed only with bows, arrows, and lances. 
On reaching the summit of the hill, their surprise was 
great to find that the cowardly crew left there, had 
abandoned their post and were in full retreat, driving 
some of the stolen animals, which they had managed to 
secure, before them. 
