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Show 146 FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. One day on handing him the money he said, " Jones, you're a d d fool." " Why?" I asked. " That money is already accounted for." I did not take the hint as he expected I would, but continued to return the overplus. This remark to me was made in kindness, as the quartermaster was a great friend of mine and wanted me to keep the money for myself, but I did not think it right. It would never have done me any good. When we arrived in Santa Fe, we were paid off in full up to date, and mileage allowed ; but no protec-tion was furnished for our return home. The Navajoes had just broken out and the troops had been ordered to chastise them. The good of the service now required that we get home the best we could. Aside from this we were treated in the best manner possible ; provisions being given us by the quartermaster and some valuable presents by other officers. We knew that our chances were slim for getting back safely. To make things as safe as possible, how-ever, we bought a good wagon and four first class mules ; loaded up with Mexican and Navajo blankets and other goods believing that we would be less liable to get rob-bed of these goods than if we carried our money with us. We were also informed by some friends, who had lately come in from Denver that blankets of this kind were in good demand at that place. There was a great rush for Pike's Peak and miners and prospectors wanted these blankets. |
