“He’em N’ Mex’co injun, da’s why,” said Tally.
“How about those of Arizona?” laughed Mr. Gilroy.
“Oh, he’em alla good. Navajo, Zuñi, Hopi—alle heer mos’ good,” explained Tally, conscientiously.
Mr. Vernon remembered an important item as the three men returned to the hotel where the scouts were eagerly waiting to hear the result of the horse-deal.
“The harness and saddle-bags for those mules and burros would have cost us more than we’re going to pay in rent,” said he to Mr. Gilroy.
“That’s what I figured when he named his price. We won’t need mounts nor harness once we are through the outing. Last summer we had to sell the horses and fittings for a song, when we got back to Estes Park. This business arrangement is better all-round for us, and relieves us of any concern when we are through with the animals.
“How about accidents to one of them?” asked Mr. Vernon.
“The trader knows little about insuring his ponies, but I shall do that before we leave Trinidad.”
Hence Mr. Gilroy sought out an insurance agent, and had him insure not only the ponies and the burros for three months against injury and death, but the harness, as well, was insured against loss and damage. These papers were sent to the Indian to keep in case he had to claim damages during the period of insurance.
That evening Tally reported that he and his stores were ready for an early morning start. The scouts had secured the various items they needed for the outing, and the two men said they were ready at any time. The night-clerk in the hotel was told to call the tourists at four the next morning, as they were eager to get away.