I learned from Colonel Tyson that immediately upon his arrival Mr. Gray had hired a wagon to take water and corn to us.  He had bargained for the driver to go until he met us, but the man being prepaid may account for his not fulfilling his agreement to the letter.

The rest of the day and night was spent at the Wells, the boys and I taking our supper at the Desert Hotel, kept by the colonel.  At the table, Henry, in a tone of evident anxiety, asked if we should return the way we came.

“Yes, if we can find a few kegs in La Paz that will hold water,” I answered.

“But we cannot haul kegs enough in the ambulance to supply the animals.”

“It will not be difficult.  We will follow the army custom in such cases, and I will promise you that there will be no suffering from thirst when we cross the desert again.”

Just as we were preparing for bed Mr. Hudson arrived from La Paz.  He informed me that Texas Dick and Jumping Jack were there and in possession of the ponies; that there was to be a horse-race the day after to-morrow, and the ponies had been entered.  At this news the boy sergeants became much excited, and proposed a dozen impracticable ways of going on at once and seizing their property.

Hudson said he had talked the matter over with Mr. Gray, and the merchant had advised that we give out a report in La Paz that we were there on the transportation and storehouse business only, and make no immediate attempt to capture the ponies.  He said the town was full of the friends of the horse-thieves, and that our movements would be closely watched and reported to them.  If they became alarmed they would probably run across the Mexican boundary at once.

“But why cannot we attend the race with the escort, as spectators, and seize them?” asked Frank.

“That is a move they will be sure to be looking for.  If any of you go to the race, I believe neither of those men nor the ponies will be there.”

I told Hudson to return to La Paz before daylight and circulate the report that I was coming for the purpose he had mentioned.  I also requested him to watch Jack and Dick, and if he saw them making preparations for flight to come and meet me.  We were met on the outskirts of the town by Mr. Gray, who told us we were to be his guests during our stay, and that his corral and store-rooms were at the service of my men and stock.

Going directly to the house of the hospitable trader, we found it to consist of well-furnished bachelor quarters, with several spare rooms for guests.  The boys were assigned a room by themselves, and I one adjoining them, in which we found ample evidence that our host had looked forward with pleasure to our visit and had fully understood boyish needs and desires.

Henry, after exchanging his travelling-dress for a neat uniform, appeared upon the veranda with glowing face and shining hair.

“Mr. Gray, how pleasant you have made our room for us!  Have you any boys of your own?” he asked.