The Maricopa Indians must be included among those whose general appearance seems to invite admiration, however much one may regret the absence of general civilization and education.  These men are for the most part honest, if not hard working, and they are by no means unpleasant neighbors.  Right near them are the homes of smaller Indians, who have reduced peculation to a fine art, and who steal on general principles.  We have all heard of the little boy who prefers to steal poor apples from his neighbor’s tree to picking up good ones in his father’s orchard.  Much the same idea seems to prevail among these Indians.  They will frequently spend several hours and even the greater portion of a day, maneuvering to secure some small article worth but a few cents to any one.

They have a way of ingratiating themselves with white tourists, and offering to act as guides not only to spots of special beauty, but also to mines of great value.  When they succeed in convincing strangers of their reliability, they are happy, and at once proceed to exhibit the peculiar characteristics of their race.  Pocket handkerchiefs, stockings and hats are believed to be the articles after which they seek with the most vigor.  They are, however, not particular as to what they secure, and anything that is left unguarded for but a few hours, or even minutes, is certain to be missed.  The perquisites thus obtained or retained are regarded as treasure trove.  When first charged with having stolen anything, they deny all knowledge of the offense, and protest their innocence in an amusing manner.  When, however, convincing proof is obtained, and the missing article discovered, the convicted thief thinks the matter a good joke, and laughs most heartily at the credulity and carelessness of the white man.

CHAPTER X.

OLD TIME COMMUNISTS.

Houses on Rocks and Sand Hills—­How Many Families Dwelt Together in Unity—­Peculiarities of Costumes—­Pueblo Architecture and Folk Lore—­A Historic Struggle and How it Ended—­Legends Concerning Montezuma—­Curious Religious Ceremonies.

Perhaps the most peculiar people to be found in our native land are the Pueblos, who live in New Mexico between the Grande and Colorado Rivers.  When Coronado, the great explorer, marched through the territory 450 years ago, he found these people in a condition of at least comparative civilization.  They were living in large houses, each capable of accommodating several families, and solidly built.  Although they had wandering bands of robbers for their nearest neighbors, they were able to defend themselves against all comers, and were content and prosperous.  Their weapons, although primitive, were quite scientific, and were handled with much skill as well as bravery.