he wagon up the hill. After
reloading no difficulty was experienced in making a fresh start on a
down grade, but a little farther on a second and larger hill was
encountered, when the failure to scale its summit was even greater than
the first. No amount of coaxing or urging budged the horses an inch.
They simply were stubborn and would not pull.

Night was approaching and camp was yet some distance ahead. The driver
suggested that the best thing to do under the circumstances was for the
rest of us to take the led horses and ride on to camp, while he would
remain with the wagon and, if necessary, camp out all night. We
reluctantly took his advice, mounted our horses and finished our
journey in the twilight. Aaron, who was housekeeper at the ranch, gave
us a hearty welcome and invited us to sit down to a bountiful supper
which he had prepared in anticipation of our coming. Feeling weary
after our ride we retired early and were soon sound asleep. The only
thing that disturbed our slumbers during the night was a coyote concert
which, as a "concord of sweet sounds was a dismal failure" but as a
medley of discordant sounds was a decided success. The bark of the
coyote is particularly shrill and sharp and a single coyote when in
full cry sounds like a chorus of howling curs.

We were all up and out early the next morning to witness the birth of a
new day. The sunrise was glorious, and bright colors in many hues
flashed across the sky. The valley echoed with the cheerful notes of
the mocking bird and the soft air was filled with the fragrance of wild
flowers. The scene was grandly inspiring and sent a thrill of pleasure
through every nerve.

While thus absorbed by the beauties of nature we heard an halloo, and
looking down the road in the direction of the driver's bivouac we saw
him coming swinging his hat in the air and driving at a rapid pace that
soon brought him to the ranch house. In answer to our inquiries as to
how he had spent the night he reported that the horses stood quietly in
their tracks all night long, while he slept comfortably in the wagon.
In the morning the horses started without undue urging as if tired of
inaction and glad to go in the direction of provender. They were
completely broken by their fast and after that gave no further trouble.

After a stay of four weeks, learning something of the ways of ranch
life and experiencing not a few exciting adventures, I returned home
feeling well