Need I confess the emotions with which we realized the service this brave Arizona merchant had done us? Or need I mention that Mr. Gray—God bless him, wherever he may be!—is always remembered with gratitude by me?—for this is no idle incident invented to amuse a reader, but an actual occurrence.
Water!—four barrels!—one hundred and sixty gallons! That meant two gallons for each man and boy, and nearly ten for each animal. It meant rest, speed, safety.
We moved across the ravine and found the four barrels by the road-side. The animals were fastened to the ambulance and the acacia bushes, the heads of the barrels removed, and after each person had satisfied his thirst the camp-kettles were used until horses and mules had drunk the contents of two each. The stock was then turned loose to graze.
We felt exceedingly grateful to our newly made friend for helping us in our distress, and our gratitude found frequent expression while the men prepared breakfast. When the coffee was poured, Private Tom Clary arose, and holding up his tin cup, said to his comrades:
"B'ys, here's a toast to be drunk standing, and for many raysons, which I think nade not be explained to this assimbly, I'm glad to drink it in a decoction whose principal ingraydiant is wather. Here's to Mr. Gray, whose conduct at Soldiers' Holes, at Date Creek, and on the Walkerhalyer has won our admiration. May he never lack for the fluid he has so ginerously dispinsed, nor a soft hand to smooth his last pillow, and plinty of masses for the repose of his sowl!"
Frank and Henry sprang toward the circle of soldiers, raised their cups as Clary finished his sentiment, and joined in the hearty response when he closed.
At one o'clock the animals were caught up, given the remainder of the water and their portion of the grain, and got ready for the road. Once up the slope Marr cracked his whip, the mules started promptly into a trot, the horses of the escort broke into a canter, and amid the cheerful clatter of hoofs and the rattle of wheels we sped on our way as fresh as if we were just leaving Fort Whipple. A ride of twenty miles brought us to Tyson's Wells. These were two in number, sunk at the intersection of several roads to settlements and mines, an accommodation to trains, flocks, and herds, and a profit to the owner.
I learned from Colonel Tyson that immediately upon his arrival Mr. Gray had hired a wagon to take water and grain to us. He had bargained for the driver to go until he met us; but the man being prepaid may account for his not fulfilling his agreement to the letter.
The rest of the day and night was spent at the Wells, the boys and I taking our supper at the "Desert Hotel," kept by the Colonel. At the table Henry asked if we should return the way we came.
"Yes, if I can find a few kegs in La Paz for water," I answered.