"Same here," Bill said. "I feel as if I was getting part of the horse, and should like to get about on foot for a bit so as to feel that I hadn't quite lost the use of my legs."
Accordingly the next morning they bade good-bye to their comrades of the last two months, and mounting, rode into El Paso.
It was a town of some size, and purely Mexican in its features and appearance. The inhabitants almost all belonged to that nationality, but in the street were a considerable number of red-shirted miners and teamsters. Hugh and his companions rode to one of the principal haciendas, and handed over the three horses to a lounging Mexican.
"They have been fed this morning," Royce said. "We will come in and give them some corn in two hours."
"I will see after Prince," Hugh said, patting his horse's neck. "Don't you be afraid that I am going to leave you to the care of strangers. We have been together too long for that, old boy."
They then went into the hotel, and ordered a room and breakfast.
"I don't care much for this Mexican stuff with its oil and garlic," Royce said as they had finished the meal.
"Don't you? I call it first-rate. After living on fried beef and broiled beef for over a year, it is a comfort to get hold of vegetables. These beans were delicious, and the coffee is a treat."
"It isn't bad for one meal," Royce admitted reluctantly, "but you'll get pretty sick of Mexican cookery after a bit, and long for a chunk of plain beef hot from the fire."
"Perhaps I shall," Hugh laughed, "but I think it will be some little time first. Now let us take a stroll round the town."