es," she answered. "Something is bothering me. I don't know what it
is. I wish we were at Independence though. Day and night this river
fascinates me and almost frightens me. It is so swift, so treacherous,
so changeful. It reminds me of some great cat, slipping through a
jungle; and I can't throw the feeling off. If you don't mind, I'll join
you in your sentry-go, you seem to give me the assurance I lack; but
perhaps I'll interfere with your thoughts?"

"Hardly that," he laughed, thrilling as she took his arm for safety
against stumbles in the dark. "You stimulate them, instead. I really was
pacing off a fit of restlessness; but it's gone now. Look here; I wonder
if you fully realize the certain hardships and probable dangers of the
overland journey you are about to make?"

"Perfectly, Mr. Boyd," she answered, quietly. "You'll find me a
different person on land. I underestimate nothing, but hope for the
best. From little things I've picked up here and there I really believe
that the dangers of the trail will be incidental when compared with
those at the other end--at Santa Fe. I have reason to believe that
father has had a great deal of trouble, along with other Americans, with
Governor Armijo. Why is it that American citizens are insulted with
impunity by Mexican officials? I understand that an Englishman may
safely travel from one end of Mexico to the other, secure from
annoyance, unless it be at the hands of Indians over whom the government
exercises but little control."

"It's a universal complaint along the frontier," he replied. "It seems
to be the policy of this country to avoid hurting the sensibilities of
any vicious officialdom or ignorant populace. We seem to prefer to have
our citizens harassed, insulted, and denied justice, rather than assert
unequivocally that the flag goes in spirit with every one of us so long
as we obey the laws of any country we are in. If it were not for the
banding together of the American traders and merchants in Santa Fe, it
would be very hazardous for an American to remain there. Armijo has had
a few clashes with our people and is beginning to have a little respect
for their determination and ability to defend their rights. Since the
sufferings of the Texans have become known, there are any number of
Americans in frontier garb who would cheerfully choke him to death. It
would be a godsend to the New Mexican people if----"

There came a terrific crash, the boat stopped suddenly