The distance to the first camp beyond Fort Wingate where we were sure
to find water was twenty-two miles; and it being impossible for us to
leave the post before three o'clock in the afternoon, we determined to
make a dry camp five and a half miles out.
When Frank and Henry learned that the start was not to be an early one
they rode out to the Arnold camp with the information, and the former
was duly presented to Miss Brenda. Gypsy was brought into the fort and
shod, and returned to her mistress in season for the march.
The evening was well advanced when we pitched our tents at the dry
camp. Horses and mules were turned out to graze for the first time
without water, and although in this mountain region the grass was
abundant, they did not cease to whinny and bray their discontent
throughout the night.
The sun dropped behind the mountain spurs, and we drew nearer and
nearer the fires, adding a thicker garment as the twilight deepened
into night. Frank expressed the trend of thought by asking, "We now
march into the heart of the Navajo country, do we not, sir?"
"Not precisely through the heart, but along its southern border.
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