ncer, and a good fiddler. Besides, he had already
accustomed himself to the Mexican manners and language, and in a horse
or buffalo hunt none were more successful. He would tell long stories
to the old women about the wonders of Erin, the miracles of St. Patrick,
and about the stone at Blarney. In fact, he was a favourite with every
one, and would have become rich and happy could he have settled.
Unfortunately for him, his wild spirit of adventure did not allow him to
enjoy the quiet of a Montereyan life, and hearing that there was a
perspective of getting his head broken in the "Settlement of the
Grandees," he asked permission to join my party.

I consented that Roche should accompany me: with my servant and the
Indians, we embarked on board of the schooner. Many were the presents I
received from the good people; what with pistols, powder, horses,
fusils, knives, and swords, I could have armed a whole legion. The
Governor, his daughters, and all those that could get room in the boats,
accompanied me as far as the northern part of the bay, and it was with a
swelling heart that I bade my farewell to them all.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

Nothing could have been more fortunate than our proceeding by sea. On
the fourth day we were lying to, at a quarter of a mile from the shore,
exactly under the parallel of 39 degrees north latitude, and at the
southern point of a mountain called the Crooked Back-bone. The Indians
first landed in a small canoe we had provided ourselves with, to see if
the coast was clear; and in the evening the schooner was far on her way
back, while we were digging a cachette to conceal the baggage which we
could not carry. Even my saddle was wrapped up in a piece of canvas,
and deposited in a deep bed of shale. Among other things presented to
me in Monterey, were two large boxes covered with tin, and containing
English fire-works, which, in the course of events, performed prodigies,
and saved many scalps when all hope of succour had been entirely given
up. The Montereyans are amazingly fond of these fire-works, and every
vessel employed in the California trade for hides has always a large
supply of them.

When all our effects were concealed, we proceeded, first in an easterly,
and next in a north-westerly direction, in the hope of coming across
some of the horses belonging to the tribe. We had reckoned right. At
the break of day we entered a natural pasture of clover, in which
hundreds of them w