“Yes; it is really not more than twenty miles there, is it?”
“Not that far, to be exact,” returned Mr. Balmore, “but your horses have had a tough trail and arduous going from Albuquerque, and I should advise your hiring a couple of teams and driving there. That will give your animals a whole day in which to rest and freshen up again.”
“We had planned to take the train from here to Gallup—not to ride the trail,” explained Mr. Gilroy.
“From observation merely I should say that the horses would need several days’ rest to be able to give you good service in the Navajo Land. Your man could remain with them for the day, and the drivers on the wagons can act as guides and camp-cooks.”
“Gilly, Mr. Balmore is right. We will go up in wagons. Besides, I think it will be more fun for the girls. We need a change from being so much in the saddle,” said Mrs. Vernon.
“The Captain’s wishes are law with us, Mr. Balmore,” chuckled Mr. Gilroy. “I’ll go down with you and arrange for the two wagons. Want to come, Vernon?”
Mr. Vernon had nothing to do and he readily agreed to accompany the two men into Laguna. The teams and their drivers were engaged, and then Mr. Balmore went with his companions to see that they were provided with such food-stuffs as would taste delicious up on the great pueblo of Acoma.
Early the next morning the scouts hurried to the rendezvous where the teams were to be. Tally watched them go, dissatisfaction with the arrangement that left him behind plainly expressed on his face.
“How wonderful that sunrise is in this atmosphere!” exclaimed Mrs. Vernon, as they all stood for a moment after reaching the verge of the bluff where the camp was pitched, and breathed in the wonderful air and gloried in the view.
“The sky is really and truly a turquoise blue, Verny, isn’t it?” asked Betty.