CEN TRA L CHIHUA HU A. 135 
bird. The day before leaving was passed 
in assorting all the baggage absolutely 
needed for a long trip by mule-back, and 
in getting together such necessary pro¬ 
visions as we would use. 
I had been told that but little could be 
purchased after leaving the town, and 
then only at three or four times the 
expense of buying and transporting the 
same from Chihuahua. So despite all 
our efforts to cut down our luggage it 
had quite a formidable appearance, and 
I judged that my pack train would be an 
imposing affair, even if the daily bill of 
fare was not. Our traps were piled up 
in the office of the diligence, and orders 
were given to call us quite early, that we 
might be promptly on hand, for we were 
assured the diligence would wait for no 
man. Quite reluctantly I retired early, 
