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Show • 246 PERSONAL ADVENTURES ranchero whom Halliday had first seen, and inquire our way, he having forgotten to do so on the previous evening. Accordingly, we set off across the plain, and 'vere directed to make for Don Jose's ranche, where we should learn further particulars. Don Jose's directions were somewhat peculiar, and did not appear altogether clear to us at the time. However, we replenished our canteens and bottles with some excellent water, and, thanking the Don, resumed our journey, until we reached another plain, at the outertnost verge of which stood a solitary tree-our goal. Towards it we advanced with renewed courage and increased speed; and, having at length come up to it, encamped there for the night. IN CALIFORNIA. 247 CI-IAPTER XII. An unpleasant intrusion-Indian horse-stealers-Cayotes -The road lost sight of-Our dilemma-Unexpected resource- Monsieur Frederic's canvass-bag-The ascent of the mountains-In luck's way-The right road at lastSymptoms of hasty travelling-Pueblos de San Jose-A resolution. Our march next day proved a long one, although 've made little progress in advance, as our route 'vas circuitous, and finally obstructed by an immense lagoon, overgrown with toolies, or bulrushes, and along the borders of which v;re were compelled to proceed up to our knees in mud and water, and sometimes even hiO'her. We came to the 0 end of the marsh at last, but found ourselves • so fatigued that further advance was Impos-sible; we therefore selected a fitting spot, and made the usual preparations for passing the night there. |