THE PRESIDIO OF JANOS. BITE 
o'clock, and we had come not over thirteen miles. 
But as there was a bright sun, we could not do better 
than devote the remainder of the day to drying our 
tents, blankets, saddles, and every thing that had been 
carried on mules. The packs were therefore over- 
hauled, and their contents, as well as the bedding, 
spread out to dry. The road to-day had been excel- 
lent, as it had for the most part since leaving Santa 
Cruz. | 
Towards evening, an alarm was given by the 
Mexican arrieros that the Apaches were upon us, and 
after our mules, then a mile off. All flew to arms; 
and in two minutes every animal about the camp was 
saddled, mounted, and off in pursuit, or rather to the 
aid of our caballada, which we could see approaching 
at full speed, followed by the herdsmen and arrieros, 
yelling and screaming at the top of their voices to 
keep up the stampede. The mules were evidently as 
much frightened as the Mexicans; and such a state of 
commotion we had not beheld since we left California. 
Far across the plain we could see the supposed enemy 
approaching on horseback, making directly for the 
camp at full speed. Having got my rifle ready and 
cocked, I drew out my telescope to ascertain the 
number of the enemy, now about a mile off. To my 
ereat relief, I perceived that several were clad in dark 
coats, and that all wore hats, some of them black. 
This showed that they were neither Apaches nor Mexi- 
cans; for the former do not wear hats at all, and the 
latter at this season wear white calico shirts, with 
straw hats. In a few minutes the supposed enemies 
were with us, and proved to be a party of American 
